2008 is an exciting year for cruising with the addition of 8 new cruise ships to the booming market.

o April – P&O’s Ventura , MSC Poeisa

o May – Independence of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

o July – Carnival Splendor, Ms Eurodam (Holland America)

o Nov – Ruby Princess, MSC Fantasia

o Dec – Celebrity Solstice

Each ship is being built on the promise that it will be bigger and better than its current sailing rivals, with a heavy focus on innovations at sea. Already we have ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, F1 simulators, self leveling pool tables, boxing rings, bowling alleys and 4 deck high water slides. So the big question everyone’s asking is; what could possibly be coming next?

Well, the answer is grass. Real growing green grass.

Celebrity Cruises have proudly announced that their latest fleet addition, the Solstice, will feature a grassed lawn area where guests may “enjoy bocce ball and croquet, practice their putting, picnic with a basket of wine and cheese, or simply feel the grass between their toes, while sailing the oceans of the world”. And, if all the grass isn’t too much excitement, you can go and watch the hot glass show, another industry first.

Clever, or just plain dull?

Is this really the best they can come up with? Or, are they taking a brave step outside of the current innovation trend box? In reality, the ice skating rinks are a little on the small side, the bowling alleys only have 4 lanes, and does anyone really want to go boxing?
It seems the cruise companies are measuring their success on the uniqueness of their ship innovations, but I wonder if that’s what today’s typical cruise passenger is really looking for.

Pre 1960′s cruising was all about the destination, the ship simply providing comfortable accommodation. Then came more emphasis on the actual voyage itself, with the onboard experience becoming as important as the destination. It seems we may now be facing a u-turn, with more and more cruisers wanting to explore new, “undiscovered” places which offer a more intimate cruise experience which the mega liners just can’t offer.

In spite of this, the cruise industry seems to be confidently striving forward with their bigger is better approach with Royal Caribbean’s mind blowing Genesis project on the horizon. Building by far the largest ships at sea, 2009 will see a vessel that has a capacity of over 5000 passengers with a gross tonnage in excess of 220,000 tonnes, compared to the current largest, the Queen Mary 2 at a mere 160,000 tonnes, it’s a pretty outstanding figure.

Surely there must be concerns over the damage a ship that large may cause. For a long time, cruise ship damage seems to have been ignored, when, in reality, they are one of the world’s largest, uncontrolled sources of air pollution, and surprisingly, more damaging than flying. Sewage, oil contamination and coral reef damage are all becoming increasing concerns.

Royal Caribbean have recognized this and have stated that one of the most important priorities for the new ships is energy efficiency and the minimisation of waste to make the ship as environmentally friendly as possible.

What they can’t control is annoying disembarkation queues, port over crowding and inaccessible ports. But, at least there is a boxing ring to let out all those frustrations, if it’s not already been booked up…

As far as sailing destinations go, Gippsland Lakes is just terrific. It’s just a few hours easy drive from Melbourne. This makes it a perfect long weekend sailing destination and the opportunities for diverse interests are absolutely wonderful.

Hiring a yacht or cruiser from Riviera Nautic at Metung is a breeze. Friday night on board is free so it’s well worth making the effort to leave as soon as the week is over and settling in before bedtime. By Saturday morning you feel like you’ve already had half a weekend relaxation at one of my favorite sailing destinations.

The pre-departure briefing is excellent and tailored to meet your particular desires. Whether you want action or nature, or anything in between, the shore crew will ensure you know exactly where to go. You’re then set free to revel, relax & recharge in your own way, peacefully alone or with a few friends. The on-board charts are excellent and a little navigation is required if you wish to avoid running aground.

For a bit of activity, Paynesville is a leisurely day’s sail away and an excellent sailing destination. Tucked in between the mainland & Raymond Island this makes for a perfectly protected mooring and berthing is easy to find. The town is quite quaint & has everything you could want including a jetty-side restaurant which serves a great meal or a pint so you can unwind as you watch the passing parade. If you time it right, you’ll be there for the jazz festival – meander from venue to venue and savor not only the talent but the local wines too. It’s a terrific spot to hole up after a day’s sailing.

For those who prefer a more nature-based adventure, head south to one of the several jetties, take an easy stroll over the sand dunes and experience the most beautiful, deserted, unending Ninety Mile Beach. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re the only person on earth as you eye runs as far as it can see along the untouched beauty of the deserted seascape.
One cannot help but be awestruck by the amazing bird life here. Two national parks border the lakes. One of the few mainland-based Pelican rookeries is quite easily accessed and so close you can virtually pull their tail feathers. The variety of bird life is extremely wide so you’ll never be bored, constantly finding another of the 140 species in the area. You’ll also find kangaroos, koalas and other native animals if you look hard enough.

If you’re just after peace & tranquility, well, there’s nothing much to beat one of the many tiny, secluded, romantic bays like Boxes Creek or Duck Arm. When the day is done, you can’t help but soak up the fresh air and refresh your soul.

For anyone who has a bit more time to spare, Gippsland Lakes is definitely one of the most restful and interesting places to spend a sailing vacation. With more time you’ll be able to visit Johnsonville & Swan Reach and explore further west beyond McLennan’s Strait. The marina crew will advise you on suggested itineraries for up to 7 glorious days.

No matter what you like to fill your weekend with, Gippsland Lakes will definitely delight. Awake from a perfectly calm night’s sleep in a sheltered cove to amazing bird life or arise to a hot shower at the marina after a great night out ashore – the choice is yours and it’s all here. Gippsland Lakes is certainly a gem.

Do you want to tour Europe’s coastline but feel exhausted about the daunting task of packing and unpacking many times? The perfect solution is to take a cruise along Europe’s coastline. There are numerous cruises offered for the Mediterranean, the North Sea, the Baltic and other coastlines of Europe. The cruise ships that ply those waters can range from 100 to 3000 passengers. All of the newer ships cruising Europe’s coastline, while very large, offer more amenities, like private balconies. All of the cruise ships will have pools, spas and entertainment.

There are alternative ways to cruise Europe. You could for instance take a river cruise on the Danube or perhaps the Rhine. These luxurious cruise ships will gently ply the rivers passing beautiful scenery. They will stop at many ports so the passengers can get off and explore. These cruise ships are not tall like other cruise ships because they are designed to fit under the many bridges that span the rivers. They do not carry the mega amount of passengers, usually 50 to 200.

Another choice would be a barge cruise. Many small barges have been converted to luxury cruise ships. These ships can maneuver in the smaller rivers and canals. Since they carry very few passengers (6-12) they are a more intimate experience. You will need time for cruises such as these. They travel slowly and make overnight stops in small villages.

Then there is a Yacht cruise which appeals to the heart of all want to be yachtsmen. These too are much smaller and you will experience amore intimate cruise.

But let’s go with the traditional cruise that visits lots of ports during the cruise. Since you have invested a lot of time and money to get to Europe you will want to choose a cruise that visits lots of ports in many countries. Go for a 12 to 14 day itinerary visiting countries that interest you. Review the tours offered before you leave so you know which ones you want to book when you arrive at your cruise ship. Usually the cruise ship will stop in a port during the day traveling to the next port during the night. Occasionally, a ship will overnight in a port giving you more time to tour.

A typical day aboard a cruise ship in Europe starts with breakfast being delivered to your room and placed on your balcony so you can watch as you gently glide into port. If you don’t have anything planned for that day go the restaurant deck and enjoy a hearty meal.

If you have a tour booked, head for the meeting area that has been designated by the cruise line. In most cases the tours are four to five hours long giving you the rest of the day to explore more fully. If you have planned it right you can do your tour, then return to the ship for lunch, then go out in the afternoon to hit the spots you have chosen to see.

Most cruise lines set sail for the next port in the early evening around 5 or 6 o’clock. After you have watched the sail away, you have time to get cleaned up, have a drink and then have a leisurely dinner. There is always entertainment after dinner to enjoy. The casino and the bars will be opened to the late hours but remember you have an early start the next day.

If there are a couple of days where you are not in port the cruise ship will provide plenty of activities that you can join. They have art auctions, trivia, bridge, lectures, fitness classes and much more. And don’t forget the spa. Make your spa appointments early since the sea days tend to be booked solid.

So if you have decided to cruise the coasts of Europe you need to consider a few things.
There are many destinations to choose from with the Mediterranean being the most popular. But you can opt to do the Baltic, Scandinavia or the British Isles.

Now you have to pick a cruise line that sails in to your chosen itinerary. Some of the cruise lines, like Radisson, SilverSea, and Windstar are small and intimate. These cruise lines emphasis luxury and service. The other main stream cruise lines, Princess, Celebrity or Holland America, to name a few, carry thousands of passengers, from 1500 to 3000. They are really floating resorts. Of course the costs should be considered too.

If you can afford it choose to sail on a luxury cruise line. Now you have to compare the amenities of each luxury cruise line. The cabins on a luxury cruise ship tend to be the size of a suite on the mega cruise lines. Check the cruise lines brochure for square footage.

Find out what is included on the different luxury cruise lines. Some include drinks and wine with dinner. Others require no tipping. Some include the airfare. These are all things to consider when you choosing which luxury cruise line to sail on. Spa and beauty treatments will always be paid for by you. In some cases the tours are included and in other they are not. Do your homework to get the best deal.

Talk to an experienced cruise travel agent. They will help you get all the information you need. Many times by booking early you can see substantial savings. You can save a little money if you have frequent flyer miles, so request a cruise only fare. Most of the luxury cruise lines will not allow you to book a cruise except through a travel agent.

On a European cruise be aware that you will not have time to do any in-depth studies of the ports you visit. You will get a “taste” of each port that will whet your appetite to visit the destination again at another time and stay longer. You may want to choose a cruise line that overnights in a port or you could buy one of their pr or post packages in a port of call.

Go check out what cruising Europe’s coastline has to offer. A cruise may be just right for you because it is a cross between a resort vacation and a holiday in Europe.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

For many years, taking a cruise for a family vacation was considered an expensive luxury that few people could afford. Most people hardly ever considered a vacation cruise as an option for themselves. Times have changed, though, as more and more people are discovering that cruising is a great value for a family vacation.

1. What you get
The price you pay for your cruise includes a huge number of things. It covers your accommodations (cabin) for the duration of the cruise, all of the food you can eat, and a huge variety of shipboard amenities and activities. A good way to see the value of what you get for yourself is to compare the direct costs of a cruise with the direct costs of a typical vacation. Add up the cost of comparable travel, hotel, food, and activities, you will quickly see that the price of a cruise is indeed a bargain when you take into consideration everything that you get.

2. Shipboard amenities
Modern cruise ships have an amazing array of amenities. Nearly all ships have the expected swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and other common attractions. More and more, though, cruise ships offer other amenities that may surprise you. These may include:

o Wine, cigar and specialty bars
o Ice skating rink
o Rock climbing wall
o Luxury spa
o Modern fitness facility
o Jogging track
o Game room
o Broadway entertainment
o Multi-room staterooms
o Specialty facilities for special needs
o Miniature golf

Each ship is different, so find out the amenities on whatever ship you are considering and select the one that best matches your wants and needs.

3. Shipboard activities
Activities abound on a cruise ship, and it is the rare person indeed who can manage to take part in all of them. There is literally something for everyone to do on a cruise ship, so you can be assured you will always be occupied and entertained.

The list of shipboard activities will vary, but these items are some typical examples:

o Dance lessons
o Swimming pool games
o Shuffleboard
o Ping pong
o Skeet shooting
o Lectures and workshops
o History and culture of ports of call
o Arts and crafts
o Photography classes
o Sports and game competitions
o Scavenger hunts
o Discussion groups
o Mix and mingle hour
o Wine tasting
o Painting lessons
o Clay and pottery lessons

The list goes on and on, and changes regularly. Some cruises are even considered “theme” cruises, where activities are designed around a particular topic or special interest.

4. Ports of call
Being on a cruise ship is like being at a fine resort with great food, lots of fun, and exceptional facilities. In addition to all of this, though, a cruise also takes you to one or more ports of call. At each stop, you can experience the culture of a location, explore the area, go on a special excursion, and then return to the comfort of your floating hotel.

Some cruises visit only a handful of locations, while others stop at four, five, or even more places. You can choose a cruise that goes to as many or as few ports of call as you like. Many cruise aficionados say that cruising is a great way to see a wide variety of places and determine which ones they would like to go back and visit for a more extended stay.

5. Choices
A cruise is a great value because it offers so many choices. You can do as much or as little as you like, and be very spontaneous about participating in activities. You have the freedom to relax and do nothing or spend your time being busy – it’s all up to you.

One thing is for certain – when you go on a cruise, you will seldom be bored. Some people return from their cruise saying they want to do it again because they didn’t have time to do all of the activities they wanted, while others return and want to do it again because they had a great time doing absolutely nothing. Cruising truly does offer something for everyone.

Fun Celebrity Cruises! Contrary to popular belief, it does not have to take a long time in order to enjoy what a location has to offer. With the proper guidance and the right planning, it can even be done in as little as three hours. The perfect examples of this feat are some tours offered by Celebrity Cruise in Canada and New England. It is here that vacationers are given the opportunity to see what the areas have to offer without spending too much time.

One of the ways to get the most experience from the trip is by narrowing down the sites to be visited. Depending on what you are interested in, you should only go see the locations that suit your style. For example, you can opt to take a tour which takes you to the Opera Bistro, a place featured on many television shows, and sample some of their renowned wine.

If a modern twist to a traditional experience is what you are looking for, then this is the excursion for you. On the other hand, romantics can choose to go to Quebec for the charming flair of this old city. Horse-drawn buggies and classic architecture completes the sweet nostalgia of this Celebrity Cruise offering. Choosing to the itinerary which most interests you saves you from wasting precious minutes on the things that are not suited for you.

Another way to guarantee a good vacation is by paying attention to the details provided by the guides employed by Celebrity Cruise. They often have tidbits of information that no guide book can offer. Through their narrations, they can give amazing insight on the history and lifestyle that the particular area has to offer. More than just giving tips on where to shop, these guides are your connection with the culture of the place you are visiting. Failing to listen to them means missing out on the full vacation experience.

Celebrity Cruise provides its passengers with a list of guidelines to follow while on the trip. One of the most important is the information regarding safety and precautionary measures. For example, take note of the age for drinking before taking a sip of wine. Before heading out, make sure that you pay attention to these rules to make sure that no time is wasted on mishaps.

Do your kids complain about every vacation you take them on? Does it seem as if you can’t find a vacation on which you can all have fun? Well I found an answer! Take your family on a Cruise. From the luxurious casinos to the Olympic sized swimming pool, there are 5 star ships with something for everyone to enjoy! All the outside rooms are very nice and complete with cable television, a hi-fi digital stereo system, wireless internet and a view of the ocean. Each ship has it’s own dedicated maids, butlers, crew and entertainers who make sure the stay is as comfortable as possible. The five star buffets are always open and include a wide range of delicacies, everything from Asian to Italian and even better, it’s all included in the cruise price! But if buffets aren’t your thing they have 5 star restaurants that serve only the finest foods, and if you’re a wine connoisseur you’ll want to sample some of the fine wines and champagnes imported right from France. But if eating at all these fine restaurants just isn’t for you can have the same food delivered right to your room. The ships usually contain 4 to 5 different nightclubs where you can dance the night away from everything from meringue to country. And for the high rollers they have casinos on board, complete with bars, tables and slot machines. (unfortunately no one under 21 allowed.)

For the kids there’s a videogame room, complete with the latest videogame systems, Sony Plasma flat screen televisions. There is also a large indoor playground where the dedicated staff will make sure your children have fun in a safe environment. For younger children there is a nursery where parents can drop their children off for the day. And so that you don’t get cabin fever being trapped up on a boat all day the ships stop at various ports throughout such places as Mexico, The Bahamas, San Salvador and Bermuda. You will be dropped off in certain hotspots where you can explore and experience the cultures of these foreign places. Ships leave at sundown from the port and continue onward. The cruises also go to places such as Alaska, Europe, Asia and Africa. (Ships leave from Miami on a daily basis.) Now you think to yourself, “great I’ve got the perfect vacation but how am I going to pay for it all?” Not to worry! Most packages come at cheap and affordable prices! All you have to do is get on the Internet, order direct from one of the cruise lines or pick up your phone and call your local travel agent.

You know what you want to pack as far as your wardrobe for your cruise vacation, but here are the little essentials that you might not think about.

One very important thing to pack is a Wall Mount Power Outlet with 3 Outlets. Electrical Outlets in the cruise cabins are very stingy and if you want to dry your hair while your curlers are heating up you will have a problem.

When I pack, I put all of my clothes in Dry Cleaners plastic bags. These will keep your clothes from wrinkling. Pack anything that can spill in zip lock bags. An international power converter and a currency converter will be needed for European Cruises. Some people pack a night light for the bathroom. I have found if you leave the bathroom light on and close the door it is sufficient to guide you there in the middle of the night.

We pack a portable CD player with 20 CD’s and an alarm clock. We pack “two way” radios so we can communicate when we are in different parts of the ship. I like to sleep in when we go to the Caribbean and John likes to get up and have breakfast. He quietly lets himself out of the cabin, and when I get up I call him to let him know its “safe” to come back to the room.

In colder climates you will need a jacket and some long sleeve shirts. I always pack sturdy hiking boots if we go to Europe or Alaska. (Most of the time I wear them on the airplane with slacks since they take up so much room in the suitcase). They come in very handy when touring Europe’s sometimes centuries old cobblestone streets. When you go to Europe you will probably visit churches, and other religious buildings and proper attire must be worn-no sleeveless tops, no shorts and in some places a head covering. In Thailand it was necessary to remove our shoes before entering their holy places. You are in some else’s country and must abide by their rules. No matter where you are headed remember that cabins are small and have little closets and drawers. This is an important fact to know when you are packing.

Bring all of your toiletries, film, in-cabin wine, lotions, medications and dental care products from home. They will be quite pricey on the ship. If you have an on going medical problem have your doctor write a brief medical history so you can supply it to the ships doctor if a problem should arise. You should also pack things like, Alka Seltzer, constipation relief, cough drops, aspirin and band aids. Make up a little first aid kit that suits your needs. Don’t laugh, you will probably be trying new foods, eating more than usual, and you never know how you will react. Those items mentioned above are expensive on the ship.

A few things that are handy are clothes pins for weighing down the shower curtain (the showers are small and the curtain will stick to you when your wet. This really gives me the creeps). A highlighter is great for highlighting the activities on your daily cruise sheet. The night before highlight the events you want to participate in and all you have to do is glance at the sheet to know where you want to be and when. Tell your room steward on the first day to leave you two daily cruise sheets so each of you will have one. This way if one of you wants to go to the wine tasting and the other wants to join in the art auction you both know where and when. Then when it’s over, call each other on the two way radios and meet up for a drink or lunch or whatever. Another valuable little item is “post it notes” if you don’t have the two way radios. Just write on the post it where you are going and at what time and then stick on the outside of the cabin door. Presto your traveling partner knows where you are and when to expect you back. This is great for parents traveling with children.

Cruise Tip: Pack business cards with your email address on them. You meet all kinds of interesting people that you will want to stay in touch with. Some of our best friends are people we met on cruises, friends we continue to cruise with. I like to pack computer generated address labels to make it easy to send postcards.

I read this tip in several cruise reviews. Send a postcard to yourself. I have postcards from all over the world with the local stamps that I have sent to our home during each of our exotic cruises. I have a stamp from the CCCP – that was the USSR- years ago. Its fun and you will always get a chuckle when the post card catches up to you after you are home.

It is a smart thing to bring along your cell phone (which means the charger too). If you incur delays you can call your Travel Agent and have her call the cruise lines. You can make phone calls while you’re leaving port on the ship, and in some islands. The islands I have found to be cell phone friendly are the Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Grand Cayman. It’s great for phoning for a cab to the airport, or getting in touch with friends when you disembark. On the islands that do provide service you won’t have to wait in long lines (pay phones on the islands is where the crew keeps in touch with home). It’s just a handy thing to do and would be invaluable in an emergency.

Please don’t forget a good sunscreen if you are going to the Caribbean. If you are from the colder climes and have not seen the sun in awhile you will NEED it. Even in Alaska you have to wear a sunscreen.

Lastly, don’t forget your camera. Put this in your carry on, do not pack it. I have a friend that went to Hawaii and video taped a wedding, packed the camera in her luggage and it was stolen on the way home. If it is digital camera take extra memory cards since you will be taking lots of pictures and the cards are more expensive once you leave home.

Follow this advice and you will have a very enjoyable and comfortable cruise.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

A lot of us are now turning to the helping hand of a cruise when it comes to where we choose to go on holiday. They are growing increasingly popular due to how much they have to offer and the more popular they get the more competition that arises with cruise ship companies. There are now more cruise lines operating than in the past, which means you have to make the decision of which cruise line to go with; one of these lines is Princess Cruises.

Princess Cruises began life back in 1965 when it started operating with a single cruise ship going to Mexico. Since then this fleet has grown and now stands as one of the premiere cruise lines in the world. In our day and age it now carries more than a million passengers each year to numerous worldwide destinations; it does so more than any other major line and is considered to be one of the most recognised lines in the world.

Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Mexico, New Zealand and Canada as well as the South Pacific are just some of the destinations that Princess Cruises cater for; on top of these destinations they also specialise in Alaska cruises and tours. This is because Alaska is recognised as being unlike any place on earth. It is a landscape made up of snow encrusted mountains, glaciers and an incredible diversity of wildlife. So we can understand why so many people wish to travel to places such as Alaska but why do so many people wish to do so using Princess Cruises?

There is a lot of appeal connected to a cruise line such as this. One example is the décor that you are presented with. The interior décor is stunning while being elegant. It represents a throwback to the décor that was present on the liners of the 1920′s and 1930′s. The décor includes ceiling cornices, both real and faux wrought-iron staircase railings and leather- and cherry wood panelled walls as well as rich carpeting in hallways with an Oriental rug-look centre section. The general feel that is connected to it is an old-world country club. The one aspect however that stands out for most people however is the staircase as it resembles the one seen within the movie Titanic.

One of the main reasons however is that travellers are able to become involved in learning new skills. They have led the way with what is known as the ScholarShip @ Sea program. This program is what passengers can take part in on board the ship. During this program passengers can take part in wine tasting, ice carving, digital photography, cookery demonstrations and ceramic painting as well as computer skills. Princess cruise lines do also cater for families as they have a number of activities for children including special games and gathering for teenagers such as movies and sports. The entertainment on board the ships doesn’t however stop in the daytime; they go through to the evening, where you can find an array of events to suit a range of tastes.

Broadway-style shows, theme parties, dancing, karaoke, comedy and bars & Lounges as well as casinos are the main forms of entertainment on offer during the evening. You can basically take part in as much or as little of the entertainment on offer so what you do is completely up to you, remember this is your holiday.

One last important aspect when it comes to cruise lines is the food that is on offer. A good line needs good dining. With Princess Cruises the one thing that you get a lot of is choice. You have the option of a five-star formal dinner or you can have a casual meal in the ships specialty restaurants; you could even opt to dine in your stateroom. This gives you complete personal choice again.

The flexibility and freedom associated with Princess Cruises is another reason as to why they are so popular. As you can see from the above this cruise line allows you to tailor every aspect of the cruise experience to your personal choice, thus giving you your perfect holiday, can’t really ask for better than that.

The Seabourn Legend

Has 98 Suites and 6 Veranda Cabins, 1 Swimming Pool, 3 Jacuzzi’s, 3 Bars a Modern Gym, Spa, Self – Service Laundry and Boutique Shops.

Amenities

French champagne upon arrival, in suite stocked bar (daily) with complimentary wines, spirits, bottled water, and soft drinks, personalized stationary, fresh fruit and flowers daily, terry cotton towels, robe & slippers designer toiletries & soaps and crisp Frette Linens and Plush Duvets covers.

Accommodations

Owners Suites: Ocean view windows and these suites are located at the front of the ship, each has a separate bedroom with queen size bed, 2 alcove closets, marble clad bathroom with tub and separate shower, and bedroom has French doors that open into a large living area with a semi – circular sofa. Each Owners suite is equipped with an in – suite bar stocked with soda, bottled water, wines & spirits, accommodations also have a dining area, guest bathroom w/vanity, desk, satellite TV, Bose sound system, CD/Radio with stereo safe and hair dryer, and 24 hour room service is always available.

Balcony Suite: Separate bedroom with doors that open onto a private mini balcony to catch the fresh morning sea breeze, living area, bathroom with tub and shower, walk – in closets, TV/VCR, vanity and a safe.

Classic Suite: living area, queen size bed ( or 2 twins ) bathroom with tub and shower, large picture window, spacious closets, TV, French doors from bedroom to living area

Double Suite: Two suites combined to make one very large one and adds an extra bedroom larger living & dining area space, French doors open onto balcony, large picture window with a classic view, 2 bathrooms w/tub and showers, vanity, stocked bar, satellite TV, extra closet space

Dining

On Board dining has only sitting with open seating, Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner

The Restaurant serves delicious meals three times a day

Breakfast:

Fresh fruits and freshly baked rolls, muffins, a variety of breads and Danish, made to order omelets, a selection of hot or cold cereals and beverages, bacon, ham and sausages grace the menu at breakfast.

Lunch:

Select from fresh salads, fruits, vegetables, seafood, shellfish, burgers, steaks or chops, freshly baked breads & rolls, yogurts and desserts, whatever you choose complimentary wine is served with lunch and dinner.

Dinner:

Enjoy a deliciously prepared meal made with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection by the well trained and highly skilled chefs of the Seabourn Line. Only the freshest herbs and spices are used for seasonings in these culinary masterpieces. Make your selection from grilled to perfection steaks, chops or seafood, fresh vegetables, fruits, freshly baked breads and desserts, freshly brewed coffee and teas and ice cold beverages, make for a dining pleasure.

In suite dining is also available during regular dining hours and may be able to be served course by course if you wish.

Veranda Café: for alternative dining.

Nightlife

Casino:

Gaming tables of roulette, blackjack, video poker and a few slots

The club:

For dancing the night away

Lounges:

Constellation

Magellan’s

Amundsen

King Olav

Sky Bar

Midnight Sun

Horizons

Daytime Activities:

Duty free shopping in Boutique Shop

Card Room

Library

Swimming Pool

Spa

Full equipped gym

Beauty Salon.

Many people still believe that cruising is a pricy holiday choice, but when you consider everything that’s included, it really can work out to be excellent value for money.
Along with comfortable serviced accommodation, the cost also includes your meals which are available around the clock, evening entertainment plus use of modern ship facilities such as the gym. So does that cover everything? Not quite.

It’s sometimes easy to forget the “extras” you will be paying in addition to the cruise fare. Shore excursions, drinks, gratuities, port transfers not to mention your spending money are all going to up the bill and need to be considered.

The majority of cruise lines sell their cruises on a full board basis, i.e. all meals included, but do not include drinks. There are a few exceptions, such as Island Cruises and Thomson Cruises. These 3-4* cruise lines offer a number of free upgrades to an all inclusive tariff on selected sailings. Places are very limited, and once the free places have sold, they will charge to upgrade to this option, if it is still available.

But wouldn’t it be nice if everything was included, I’m talking gratuities, unlimited drinks from fancy cocktails to champagne, a complimentary mini bar in your cabin and all shore excursions.
You may be surprised to find out that this option is almost a reality.

Ultra luxury cruise line Silversea offers the closest you can get to a fully inclusive cruise package.
Their fleet offers 4 beautiful ships each carrying no more than 400 passengers for an intimate experience. When you sail with Silversea all gratuities and drinks are included, but in addition, transportation to and from the ports to the main attractions are complimentary.

Obviously, sailing in a suite onboard an all inclusive luxury ship is going to cost more than your regular cruise, but, if you usually travel in a suite on a 4* ship, surprisingly, this option may work out to be better value. For around £3400 per person you could enjoy an all inclusive, 7 night Mediterranean cruise, in a suite with balcony onboard a 6* luxury ship. If you don’t require a balcony, this cost can drop to around £2500 per person. In comparison, a similar cruise with a 4* cruise line based on a top suite could roll in at as much as £3800 per person.

If you still like the idea of an all inclusive board basis (and who wouldn’t) but have a budget that won’t quite stretch, there are still options out there for you.

Royal Caribbean for example offer their cruises on a full board basis, but, teas, coffee, lemonade, iced tea and fruit juices with breakfast are complimentary. Furthermore, soda packages can be purchased which enables both kids and adults to enjoy unlimited brand soft drinks at a very reasonable daily rate, plus, for those who enjoy a bottle of wine with their meal, they sell various packages which will also save you a few pounds.
For daytime cocktails – you are on holiday after all – look out for the cocktail of the day which will be on offer at a reduced price. However, in addition to this cost of course, you still have a service charge of 15% to pay on top of each bar bill, plus gratuities.

So, what really is better value? To work this out you need to calculate how much you are likely to be spending on drinks, the accommodation you want to travel in, and the gratuities you will need to pay. Then you can work out the difference in cost and decide if you want to pay the extra to experience an ultra luxury cruise.