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Archive for October, 2009

The Top 10 Myths About Alaskan Cruises

There are certainly quite a few myths out there about Alaskan cruises and during my time working in the travel industry I heard all of them. So in order to set the record straight I have put together this list of the top 10 myths about Alaskan cruises.

When you take an Alaskan cruise the experience is unforgettable the shore trips range from fascinating to thrilling the towns along the route are wonderfully quaint and the scenery is simply spectacular. As far as I am concerned it is the most amazing scenery anywhere in the world.

An Alaska vacation is one you will remember for the rest of your life. Alaska will no doubt defy many of your preconceived notions. It is a place that exceeds all expectations.

So without further ado let’s move right to the myth busting.

1. You’ll see the Aurora Borealis

There is a chance that you could catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights at some point along your cruise but the odds are definitely against it. You can increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights by including an inland tour that stops in Fairbanks or by scheduling your cruise at the very beginning or end of the season.

2. The weather in September and May is too cold

The Inside Passage actually has a relatively mild and moderate marine climate more like that of Seattle than of northern Alaska. The temperature along the Inside Passage only varies about ten degrees from the coolest part of the cruise season in May and late September to the warmest time of the summer when it can get up to the high 60’s.

3. Passports are not needed for an Alaska cruise

As of 2009 passports will be required for all passengers on Alaskan cruises. In fact anyone who flies in or out of Vancouver from the U.S. has been required to have a passport for a number of years. So do yourself a favor and get your passport early.

4. It rains constantly

It definitely does rain quite a bit in southern coastal Alaska. In fact without the rain there would be no lush rainforest vegetation or breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers. But still it is very likely you will experience a mix of rain and sunshine during your cruise.

5. It is always less expensive if you cruise from Seattle

It is definitely often less expensive to fly to Seattle than it is to fly to Anchorage or Vancouver. However the money you save on flights can be eaten up by higher cruise fares since sailings from Seattle often cost a bit more.

6. The front section of the boat is better for those with motion sickness

Neither the bow front section nor the top floors of the ship are your best bet if you suffer from sea sickness. Instead people who are concerned about sea sickness might want to consider booking cabins on the lower floors of the ship where there is less motion.

7. It is possible to make cell phone calls on an Alaska cruise

It’s true that you should be able to use your cell phone in some of the port towns especially in Juneau. However there is little chance your phone will get a signal in some of the more remote segments of the cruise.

8. The left or right side of the ship is better

Many people planning Alaska cruises seem to be under the impression that the right side of the boat is far better on a northbound Gulf of Alaska cruise and that the left side is superior on a southbound cruise. There is indeed a period of about 12 days when your ship is out at sea in the Gulf of Alaska assuming you have booked a oneway cruise. On those days if the coastline is not shrouded in clouds as it frequently is you would have a better view from the rooms facing the coast. But for the remainder of the cruise the views from both sides of the ship are often equally wonderful.

9. You can save big bucks by booking last minute

Through those buying lastminute might get great deals on cruises of the Caribbean the same does not really hold true for Alaska cruises. Alaskan ships often sell out far in advance for cruises in the months of July and August. If you are really looking for a lastsecond deal you might be able to find one in May or September though you could have to settle for an inside cabin.

10. You can see polar bears on the cruise

While there are many incredible sights that you will see on an Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska cruise you won’t see any Polar bears. These massive bears live almost exclusively on arctic ice flows in the far northern region of Alaska. The cruise route focuses on southern and central Alaska. However you might well see grizzly bears on your cruise for they are very common in lower Alaska and are an incredible sight.

About the writer:  Scott Russell is a writer consultant frequent traveler and editor of the Alaska Cruise Advisor a guide to Alaska cruise vacations and inland Alaska tours.

The Definitive Guide To Going On The Perfect Cruise Part 3

So we are still on a cruise on our way to some enchanted land. It is a great weather today and the air is warm and so are everyones smiles. Heres more of what you can expect in a ship cruise.

Onboard Activities
All in all its virtually impossible to be bored on a cruise ship. There are ongoing activities throughout the day which are usually free of charge. Contests games bingo clay shooting dance Tai Chi and golf lessons karaoke and singalongs etc. Swimming or relaxing in a spa or hot tub.

Children and Young Teenagers on Board
All mainstream cruise ships offer organized programmes that cater to the entire family. These programmes are usually categorized by age which include ageappropriate activities.

Not Inclue in Cruises Fees

Tips
Beverages
Spa Treatments
Hairdressers
Dry cleaning
Laundry services
Shore Excursions

Guidelines to Extra Expenses

When paying for your cruise the tips will NOT be included although you can prepay your tips if the cruise liner will agree to it. Some cruise lines automatically add the recommended tip amount to your account at the time of sailing. You can decide to adjust this amount based on the service received.

The onboard hospitality crew and general staffing crew earn much of their money in tips. Make no mistake they do EARN IT their shifts are long and they will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and welllooked after on your holiday. You wont find better waiters stewards bartenders and cabin staff anywhere.

Most cruise lines have recommended tipping rates that can start at 10.00 per day per guest. These tips are then distributed among the personnel that service your every need for the included cruise items such as stateroom stewards waiters bartenders and general cabin staff.

Spa Treatments
All cruise ships offer excellent technicians for spa treatments such as massage facials waxing manicure and pedicures. Hairdressers are available as well. Of course all of these are extra but are they worth it and youll always look your best without much effort. Another tip book in as soon as you get on board for your first service and you can book ongoing services easily or youll miss out. These services fill up very quickly.

Shore Excursions
Unfortunately shore excursions are not included. There are dozens of things to do when your ship docks at the beautiful exotic destinations. Dont let your next holiday turn into a fiasco. Cruise lines make it extremely easy for you to book excursions online even before you board the ship. If you prefer you can book shore excursions once you board.

The Best Hints to Remember

Budget for your on board expenses and include the spending money for any on shore shopping excursions.
Keep track of your spending by retaining all receipts
Check your account balance each day.
Book your shore excursions ahead of time so you wont be disappointed.
Take care when going on tour alone. Even though most people on shore rely on tourists for their income its easy to become prey to misadventure.
Dont purchase any foodstuffs that are suspicious. Rather be safe than sorry.
Dont buy any food that cannot be consumed before you reach your departure port.
Dont buy anything on shore if you believe it may be confiscated by customs once you are home.

The best tip to remember is to check everything with your travel agent before paying for your cruise. If you need to find a travel agent in a hurry just browse free online classifieds and do some shopping around for the best prices. Ask questions and then ask some more. They are there to assist you to have a really good holiday. If your travel agent doesnt know much about the cruise line then it may be better to find another agent otherwise you can get in touch directly with the cruise line. Bon voyage!

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Need the Perfect Getaway Vacation?

Come to OzFreeOnline first Australia leading free online classifieds for absolutely anything you want to buy and sell. Browse our free classifieds do some research plan your holiday vacation find the perfect travel agent book a ship cruise and finally pack your bagsall in one goat OzFreeOnline.

The Best Caribbean Cruise Line

There are many reasons that Royal Caribbean is the best Caribbean cruise line in the world. From their history to their current execution of the products they offer Royal Caribbean has everything you would expect from the best Caribbean cruise line in the world. The have cruises running all over the world and each brings something new and different to what the company has to offer.

What Make Royal Caribbean the Best Caribbean Cruise Line

In 1968 three Norwegian shipping companies came together and formed what was to become the best Caribbean cruise line in the world today. The then commissioned the Song of Norway the first ship in the fledgling companys fleet. It was completed and entered service in 1970. The second ship the Nordic Prince entered service in 1971 strengthening the already blossoming company. With this ship Royal Caribbean pioneers the concept of air/sea cruises by including air fare to Miami where the cruises began. In 1972 another ship the Sun Viking enters service. This establishes Royal Caribbean as a power house in cruise world with three world class ships offering seven and fourteen day cruises throughout the Caribbean.

The company was growing so rapidly that Royal decided to stretch the Sun Viking by placing an 85 foot section in the middle. This increased the capacity of the ship from 700 to 1000 people and was the first time this was ever attempted on a ship this large. In 1980 the same thing was done to the Nordic Prince. In 1982 the Song of America enters service. It is twice the size of the Sun Viking and can hold up to 2000 passengers.

In 1986 Royal Caribbean firmly establishes itself as the best Caribbean cruise line in the Caribbean by founding and building its own tourist destination Labadee. Royal continued to grow and expand opening cruises that went all around the world. They still however continue to be very dedicated to where the cruise line was started in the Caribbean Islands making it the top Caribbean cruise in the world.

From humble beginnings Royal now boasts some of the top chefs in the entire world. Complimenting this is some of the most opulent and plus accommodations you could ever wish to have. On top of this the list of exclusive stops you can choose from with Royal is unmatched throughout the world. You can search but you will not find a cruise line company that offers as many different cruises with as many amazing amenities that you can not find anywhere in the world.

About the writer:  Visit here for: Tips about Caribbean Cruises and Travel Tips