For your meals you can dine at any place, even have room service, for free. There are specialty restaurants that you can choose to experience at an extra charge. It is usually one or two restaurants that you can choose to dine at with a different menu and a specialty selection.

Another thing that you may be charged for are specialty drinks. All alcohol, of any kind is an extra charge. Soda is not free with any meals. If you drink a lot of soda look into buying a soda package which will allow you to have unlimited sodas during the entire trip. During breakfast, apple and orange juice is provided at no extra charge. Drinks that you can have at all times, for free, include: water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Massages, nail salons, and hair treatments are not included. Bring extra cash for the casino, shopping on the ship and at your ports, any excursions you might be interested in, and art auctions.

During the formal night of the trip there will be photographers taking pictures everywhere. Pictures will be taken on most nights during dinner and when you are leaving to explore at the ports. Those pictures are developed and can be purchased at the end of the trip.

Seattle Coffee is on board this ship. If you would like any other specialty coffee drinks you can also make purchases. There is a huge selection of coffee drinks available to choose from.

An internet connection is not available without a fee. If you need to go online, you will need to pre-pay for your minutes. The minutes used will automatically be deducted each time you log on.

Be prepared to pay for some things on the trip. However there are many things that you don’t have to pay a cent to use because it is already included during your vacation.

Interested in taking a cruise? Visit http://www.CruiseShipReviewer.com/ today and learn more about vacationing on a Disney cruise ship.

Author: Amy L. Moore
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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What is Not Included in an All Inclusive Trip on Royal Caribbean? is a post from: Cruise Vistas

When it comes to saving money, the best strategy is to book early or book at the last minute. The best deals happen when you book well in advance, also resulting in the best accommodations aboard ship, but if you really want the ultimate best deal, settle for a smaller cabin and book at the very last minute. Cruise companies cannot stand to leave port with empty berths and the deepest discounts can be had when booking less than a week in advance of the cruise. In conjunction with low cruise fares, last minute airline deals to ports of call can also be extremely cheap.

That said, it is highly recommended that you enlist the help of a cruise specialist. Travel agents do not cost you; they are paid by the cruise company, and when it comes to knowing some of the finer details, like what the different cabin categories are and which cabins are closest to the noisiest parts of the ship and how to request a special diet or how to reserve seating for the dining room, a specialist will know all of these answers and guide you in the right direction. Travel agents will also be the most savvy when it comes to booking your trip from beginning to end. They will know every single deal being offered and can often give you a choice of more than one option. Experienced agents are often even rewarded by the cruise lines with access to special discounts that other, less experienced agents might not have. So, explore your options and if you decide to take this on yourself, at least talk to some people that have been on a cruise before or seek out blogs online for the various cruise lines and cruises that you are considering. Bloggers tend to be very honest and forthright and most would love to help a novice cruiser navigate through their first adventure.

You also might consider driving rather than flying to the port. Being cognizant of the high cost of airfare and the state of the economy, many cruise lines have repositioned ships that are within driving distance of most regions of the U.S. Investigate all the ports that may be available to you and compare the costs of driving as opposed to flying. It might also benefit you to check with rental car agencies. Some of the bigger ones also have package deals with cruise lines and you won’t have to pay for long-term parking or worry about your vehicle while out cruising the seas.

One other cruise strategy that is on the rise is ‘group cruising’. Most cruise lines will offer a volume discount. For some, the discount may occur at ten, while others may happen at 15. Call the various cruise lines to find out what their policies are, and then get together with friends, family or extended family to plan a cruise together. You can plan well in advance, know ahead of time what each person will have to spend and go cruising with a group of people that you are guaranteed to love being shipmates with. Even family groups are on the rise when it comes to taking a cruise and many of the cruise lines will discount the children if staying in the same cabin with their parents. Many cruise lines also offer kid-friendly activities and sitting services so that parents can have some quality ‘me’ or ‘us’ time. Other freebies might also be available, such as a private cocktail party for large groups or other onboard amenities pertinent to the people in your group. Don’t be afraid to ask and don’t be afraid to negotiate. You may have to contact the cruise line directly, but the benefits will most assuredly be worth the little bit of extra trouble. In fact, if you have someone who seems to be particularly good at organizing activities, offer to take him or her along for free, in exchange for doing all the phone and foot work prior to departure and continuing to insure smooth sailing during the trip. One point of contact for the group can accomplish wonderful things.

And beware of the additional charges. Don’t be afraid to have this spelled out up front. Most cruise lines will tell you that the price is ‘all-inclusive’ but plan to bring extra cash or have money in your account for extras that will be presented for your cruising enjoyment. For example, most cruise lines will charge additional for alcoholic beverages served at dinner or around the pool. Even specialty restaurants onboard ships can charge a surcharge of $10-$25 per person. Photographers may roam through the ship snapping photos, but there will be a cost associated with obtaining them. Some ships are more like floating malls than cruise ships, so be aware of the shopping opportunities onboard and decide ahead of time if your budget will allow your shopping onboard. Also remember that towards the end of the cruise, most onboard shops will have a sale.

And finally, be aware that one of the largest additional expenses is for shore excursions. Ask ahead of time which of these excursions cost and what that cost is. A bus excursion may cost as little as $25 per person, but a helicopter ride could cost $300 each. Ask if it is possible for your party to explore ports on their own rather than taking an excursion. Some tours are well worth the price while others will be time-consuming and definitely not worth it. Again, you can rely on bloggers here, or a well-versed travel agent. The best agent will share all of these little-known tidbits with you, hoping that you will use his or her services for your next planned vacation. It is not in their best interest to keep things from you. After all, you are most likely going to tell your friends and neighbors if this was a positive or a negative experience and why. The agent certainly doesn’t want to be on the negative side of your comments.

So, you are forewarned and forearmed. Go forth and cruise!

Along with traveling, Joseph enjoys working in his flower and vegetable gardens. Garden Harvest Supply is one of his favorite gardening web sites for buying strawberry plants. They also offer asparagus crowns for sale.

Author: Joseph Stutzman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Tidbits For First-Time Cruisers is a post from: Cruise Vistas

The opportunity to vacation is within the reach of most anyone’s budget. The vacation traveler is one of a highly sought after group of individuals. Companies offer discounts, all inclusive packages, and specific dollar amount of credit to spend at their facility. Each organization has its own “hook” to bring the traveler into their sales department.

Cruise line operators are no different than any other vacation planning enterprise. Each cruise line offers discounted fares and travel packages. You will be enticed with the phrase your ship board activities and meals are included. I am writing this to point out that a discounted fare is not the true cost of your cruise vacation. Consider these often overlooked expenses and fees that you will have to pay over and above that discounted ticket.

The first thing is you have to get to the departure city. It does not matter which mode of transportation you choose there will be a cost.

Should you choose to drive your personal vehicle to the port you will find convenient, secured parking right at the dock. Parking rates vary from port to port. I have sailed from four different ports. Parking fees ranged from $11 per day to $15 per day, payable in advance.

Now consider the porter that helps get your luggage from your car or taxi to the loading area to be put on board. This person is not usually an employee of the cruise line and is there working for your tips.

Here is another cost that experienced cruisers know will come at the end of the cruise; a tip for the ship staff that serves you during your time on board. This charge is often a surprise for first time cruisers. Depending on your cruise line this tip can be as high as $15 per day, added to your final bill before you disembark.

Understand this fact; your cruise line is a business and must earn a profit. That company does not generate the income necessary by fares alone. While the industry boast of the food and entertainment that they include in the fare, they have revenue producers to entice you once you are on board. Notice, you are told that food is included, but not drinks. If you care to drink anything other than water or tea with your meal you will incur an additional charge.

Almost from the moment that your feet hit the deck you will be approached by crew members ready to take your order for adult beverages. Each beverage that you order comes with a charge to your account. Not only will you see the price for the drink, there will be an amount added to every purchase for a tip.

The on board casino is a big income magnet for the cruise line. As with any land based casino, you can lose big bucks before you realize how deep that you are in. Some cruise lines have even eliminated the need for you to stop and go to the cashiers’ cage to replenish your cash. They have set up the slot machines to accept your ship board account card. What a convenience, you can sit there just pulling that handle. Along with the slots you will find card tables, dice tables, and roulette wheels. Anyone with the desire to gamble will find something to please.

You will be offered an opportunity to dine in a specialty restaurant. The menu is different than the main dining room. Just like any other fine dining restaurant, you must make a reservation. Oh, did I mention, food in this restaurant is not included in your ticket price. Expect the up charge along with the customary tip to appear on your bill.

My advice to anyone thinking about taking that cruise vacation is to prepare financially by recognizing that your fare is not the only fixed cost. You must know about the extra charges so you can consider them as part of the cost for this vacation. If your funds are limited you must control yourself because the cruise line has made it so easy to spend money while you are on board. Set a specific amount of money that you are willing to spend for drinks, souvenirs, and shore excursions. Monitor your account to be sure that you do not exceed your pre-set limit.

Surprises on the day that you disembark tend to diminish the fun that you had on your vacation.

I am Edmund Stolzenberg, a seasoned traveller and an avid over eater. I am called Chubby Cook and I post on the website chubbycook.com As I stated, I love to eat, so a cruise vacation is just the ticket for me.

Author: Edmund Stolzenberg
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Newbie Surprise is a post from: Cruise Vistas

These negative points are definitely something that you should consider, but there are so many good points that you’ll probably end up thinking they outweigh the bad ones. For example, isn’t it nice that you don’t have to drive the whole time you’re online? You have to worry about paying for gas, you have to worry about driving safe, then you have to worry about driving late or even getting lost. The best part is probably the fact that you will never have to worry about parking, either. Another great thing is the fact that all the meals are taken care of. You have to spend all your time searching for a nice place and then have to shell out a lot of money for it.

Those are two of the easiest examples to think of. However, you can’t forget things like the entertainment. Most cruises offer different sorts of performances in entertainment and gains that you can partake in. All day these types of things are available and you can come and go and do them at your leisure. It’s really a great option for everyone, because you can do them whenever you want and you don’t have to be in a completely different area than your friends if they don’t want to do the same thing.

Another great option is that you can meet a lot of interesting people. Because you’re in such close quarters and you see the same people the whole time, you might start to develop friendships or even relationships. You’ll meet people of like interests and you’ll meet people of all ages. You can make connections and have fun with strangers that you never even knew or never even thought he would meet. So it’s a pretty good value overall.

The best benefit that you’ll probably find is the fact that they are very affordable. If you want to save money one of the best things you can do is go on a cruise in a cold time of the year. The reason you do this is because not many people are buying in that time and set up ticket prices go way down. This is not a budget vacation at its finest and you’ll have a blast doing it to.

Mark J Sinclair writes about space saving hangers and he knows a lot about plastic clothing hangers.

Author: Mark J Sinclair
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: DIY Wind Power

Some Excellent Reasons to Take a Cruise For Vacation is a post from: Cruise Vistas

Two very distinct rivers to explore are the Mississippi in the USA and the Nile in Egypt.

Huckleberry Finn knew a thing or two about river cruising, albeit from a raft rather than a boat, possibly because Huck’s creator Mark Twain, was in fact a riverboat captain. The Mississippi is synonymous with a particular style of riverboat due mainly to the shallowness of the waters.

The boats with either 2 or 3 decks containing cabins and spectacular public rooms and overly decorated with sumptuous interiors live up to the name ‘showboats’. They really provide a great look inside the yesteryear of riverboat travel.

Many of the riverboat cruises on the Mississippi are themed – gamblers cruise, battlefields cruise quilters cruise so no matter what your interest there is probably a cruise for you.

Across the other side of the world you will find the magnificent river Nile and plying their trade, taking thousands of people annually on exciting adventures are another kind of river boat.

Still modelled on the grand Scottish built ‘steamers’ there are now a number of very modern vessels taking tourists to the many points of interest along the river. All creature comforts are provided and many boats now have as part of their ‘crew’ guest archaeologists and historians.

For the more adventurous you can also explore the Nile on board a felucca or a dahabiya (native houseboat). Not quite the ‘grand tour’ atmosphere of the larger river boats but certainly a great way to experience first hand the culture along the Nile.

For more information about tours of amazing destinations visit http://www.tours-of.info

Author: Anne Bain
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Tours of Two Very Different Rivers by Boat is a post from: Cruise Vistas

Constructed in the 17th century, the canal’s main purpose was to serve as a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, enabling sea voyagers to not only cut short their days at sea but also to avoid the dangerous waters of Spain and risk being the victim of Barbary pirates.

The Canal du Midi, made up of 175 miles of traversable waterways, starts at the Port de l’Embouchure in Toulouse and ends at the Thau lagoon by Sete. The canal itself traverses right through the center of the Languedoc-Roussillon, giving travelers an excellent view of the region’s breathtaking vineyards, landscape and reservoirs. And as if the geographic views are not enough, you will also be able to see more than 350 structures such as various bridges, underground passageways, aqueducts, and more.

The Canal du Midi truly offers any traveler a great opportunity to sample all the best things the region has to offer. Consider the following:

See Carcassonne and its popular ancient walled city.
Visit Trebes and Castelnaudary, which is the home of the cassoulet.
Go wine-tasting Homps, Fanjeaux and Montreal.
Visit the spectacular city of Narbonne and the ever popular series of nine locks (les neuf ecluses de Fontserannes) at Beziers.
Gape at the ancient city of Agde and enjoy the simply life of its fishing villages.

The Best Ways to Enjoy Your Canal du Midi Vacation

Since the region has much to offer, it’s best to travel by car along village roads near the Canal rather than to take the designated motorways. But if you REALLY want to take your time and truly see things up close, then why not go for a biking holiday?

Sheltered towpaths are available to cyclists and walking enthusiasts and are closed off to vehicles. Taking this option, you’ll cover the Canal du Midi in 5-7 days. There are plenty of travel guides you can purchase to help you on this route. Do you feel that a week of traveling is too long? Well, if you think about it, what’s the rush? Enjoy the best that the region has to offer!

But of course, the best way to travel the Canal du Midi is by boat.

For day trips, there many operators along the canal that offer such an excursion. Such a trip takes 1-2 hours and the boat will be commandeered by the operator. Rates are 6-10 Euros per person, with a slight discount for kids.

If you’d rather go alone, this option is available too and you only need present an ‘A’ class (tourist automobile) license. You’ll get a quick training on how to use the boat and you can be off before you know it!

Lastly, if you want to cruise along the Canal du Midi longer without a care in the world, then you’ll be glad to note that there are boat and barge hotels also available.

Since the Languedoc-Roussillon’s climate is pretty mild all year round, you can take your trip anytime you wish. However, do note that boat locks are closed November to mid-December. Peak season is from July to September so do book in advance if you want to take your trip during this time.

Author: Benjamin Davies
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Canal Du Midi – The Boat Trip of a Lifetime is a post from: Cruise Vistas

1. Board the ship way before you set sail. Although everybody knows that you have to be on the ship 30 minutes before sailing not everybody knows that you can board it quite some time before you sail. Take advantage of all the ships amenities before you even set sail. Eat, drink, and play. You could even have a sleep in your cabin. Why sit around for hours in the port where there is usually very little to do.

2. Eat in the dining room rather than the buffet. It can sometimes feel a bit like feeding time at the zoo. The dining room is a welcome break from standing in line for your food. There is not as much choice but it can be a lot more civilized and the food will be of just the same high standard and you will be waited on for a change.

3. The popular classes will have a surcharge that you may not be prepared for but there are plenty of ways to keep in shape aboard the ship. The ship is huge, even covering these large distances on foot can burn a few hundred calories. For the more enthusiastic passenger there may be a running track around the top deck which provides lovely ocean views while you have a run or a brisk walk.

4. Most ships have a great social scene. Take advantage of it and try to join in wherever you can. Everything from art auctions to chess to wine tasting events will be on offer. The ship is specifically designed to be a sociable environment so even if you are traveling alone there is no need to be alone, get out of your cabin and have some fun! If non of that seems great then there’s always the ship spa.

5. Be prepared to tip. The average ship worker gets paid peanuts and they do rely on their tips to survive. Tip anybody who gives you a service. This includes everyone, waiters, room service etc.

6. There are usually additional charges for soft drinks and alcohol but the juice stations and soft serve ice cream machines are included. Take advantage of the limitless juice stations, it will save you dollars.

7. You r daily bulletin will show the days drinks specials, these can be a great deal but only if you don’t also order the souvenir that usually comes with it.

8. Room service is available 24 hrs a day. There will not be an extra charge for it but remember to tip!

9. There is more than one pool on the ship. If your pool is too busy, the other ones will be the opposite. Hunt the ship for a pool that is the right level for you. You want to be able to relax.

10. Making telephone calls on board is very expensive. It is much cheaper to use the Internet caf and email your friends and family….Even cheaper is to wait until you are in port and find an Internet caf.

11. Try to book your shore excursions before you leave home, it will be much cheaper.

Use these tips to get the most out of your cruise and make it much cheaper.

Author: Steven Kirby
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker

11 Tips For the First Time Cruiser is a post from: Cruise Vistas

1. Book early or late

You will get better deal by booking well in advance of your sailing date or at the last minute. Booking early in advance can save you between 15 to 50 percent and also lock in the cabin category of your choice. If you rather wait to book at the last minute, you will even get a better discount on a ships unsold cabin. But of course you will not be able to choose the cabin that you like, whatever is left is available.

2. Drive rather than fly

You could save a lot if you just drive to the nearest port in the city rather than you fly. Nowadays there are more cruises than ever before departing from close-to home ports such as Boston, New York, Bayonne (New Jersey), Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco and Seattle.

3. Take a short cruise first

If you are a first-timer cruiser, it is better for you to take short-cruise 3 to 4 days on the weekend. In this case, you will be able to test the water before you jump-in to the real cruise. There is a good selection of ships sailing on short cruises to various destinations in the Caribbean, as well as along the Mexican Riviera and to New England/Canada.

4. Beware of added charges

You have to be prepared for added charges when you are on a cruise. Expenses such as playing in the casinos, alcoholic beverages to photos snapped by the ships ubiquitous are not included in your cruise fare. So, travel-smart by preparing your budget in advance when you are going on a cruise. If you must buy something, wait until the final day of the cruisemost of the stores will throw a sale then.

5. From ship to shore- savings on excursions

Perhaps the largest additional cost are escorted shore excursions offered in every port of call ranging in price from $25 per person for a tour by motor coach to as much as $300 for helicopter flight-seeing. For two couples, it is less expensive to hire a cab or rent a car for a day than for each person to join an organized excursion. Also there is no requirement to leave the ship when in port. Some passengers prefer to relax on board and lounge by the pool as the ship is much less crowded after most people have gone ashore. Shore excursions make the most sense when few attractions are within walking distance and local means of transportation are scarce.

Hope that this tip will be helpful for those first-timer cruiser. Bon Voyage!!

Author: Yochention Saritoh
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Interesting 5 Tips that First-Timer Cruisers Need to Know is a post from: Cruise Vistas

Things you have to know before you go on a cruise trip

For first time cruisers, it is mandatory that you have to be aware of the following factors:

The methods of preventing sickness at sea

The amount of money you should bring on the trip

Type of luggage required for the cruise

Proper planning for shore excursions

First time cruisers often get too excited before their trips, and they may even forget their travel schedules. It is important that you remember the schedule of flight, train or other transportation that you will be taking to catch the cruise. Before you go on your trip, make sure you have everything you need with you.

Essential things that first time cruisers should bring

It is best that you bring a hand luggage to carry your essential things, such as bathing suits, medications, cameras, sunscreen lotions and necessary toiletries. It is indeed necessary that you have a clear idea about the dress code that is required for your cruise. You should check whether the cruise requires casual or formal wear. If casual wear applies, it is wise to bring a jacket and a pair of pants. It may be essential that you have your travel document with you as well, depending on the destination of the cruise.

What to do when you are onboard the cruise boat?

After getting into the boat, it is necessary to explore the cruise boat, so that you will know the locations of all the facilities in the boat. This way, you will know what facilities and activities are available for your convenience and entertainment.

Seasickness can be a major problem, but instead of letting it ruin your vacation, it is advisable to use sea bands and acupressure wristbands. You should also carry some medications for emergency purposes. Though first aid facilities are usually available on cruise boats, it is better to bring some essential medicines of your own too.

Cruises usually have laundry facilities, but you should still ask your cruise provider to confirm. Babysitting facilities are also available in most cruise boats, and you should check the cruise line policies if you want to avail of these facilities.

Finding the right cruise vacation

To enjoy the ultimate cruise vacation, it is advisable that you do some research on the cruise packages that are available. Many of the cruise lines offer toll free customer care numbers, and you can contact the customer care executives to get some information about the cruises they offer. These executives can give you a very comprehensive explanation on the different types of cruises they have. It is also possible to find information about cruises on the internet. Online articles and journals on cruises provide many tips that you may find helpful. For first time cruisers, it is wise to go for a more affordable cruise trip first. If you find that you enjoy the Toronto Cruise for example, you can go for longer ones later.

Author: Amy Nutt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Tips for First Time Cruisers is a post from: Cruise Vistas

Cruise ships are like floating cities. They are large and complex with several levels and many public spaces. They include many facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, bowling alleys, restaurants and shopping facilities. Like visiting a new city, it can be easy to get lost.

To get your orientation, first study the map of the ship. Figure out where your cabin is located and mark it on the map. Make a mental note of large structures that will help you get your orientation if you get lost such as pools and restaurants. Wonder around the ship and discover the facilities that are available to the guests. This may encourage you to participate in activities that you wouldnt normally get involved. Check out the various restaurants; there is usually a 24 hour buffet so you can fill your craving for food no matter what time of day. Locate the pubic restrooms and convenience stores.

There are several information desks so dont worry if you get lost. In fact, crew members are very familiar with the ship so dont be afraid to ask if you get lost. Theyll be happy to suggest activities and tell you how to find them.

Take a look at the cruise ships newsletter. It will be full of suggestions for activities while youre on the ship. There are suggestions for activities for children and things to keep the adults occupied while the kids are at the pool.

Make a list of the things youd like to see and do while youre on the ship. If you like to see shows then make sure you plan for them. Arrive in plenty of time to get a good seat.

There will be a mandatory lifeboat drill. With all of the advanced technology on ships, the chances of abandoning ship are almost zero. Even though boat travel is very safe, make sure you pay attention.

Almost everything on the ship is included in the price of the cruise but a few things are not. One of the biggest expenses on the cruise is the alcohol. Make sure you know how much something costs before you order it. Remember that you are not one a Alicante discount flight, so make a budget for yourself and stick to it.

Your first cruise will no doubt be an experience that you wont forget. Orientate yourself with the ships facilities and activities and youre sure to have an enjoyable holiday.

Author: Robert J. Carlton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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First Timer Cruise Tips is a post from: Cruise Vistas