NEWSLETTERS

How about an upgrade? Better cabins, discounted certificates, 10-40% savings off advertised prices all offered by your cruise line through their respective newsletters.
I recommend you subscribe to the online newsletter from several cruise lines to get these bargain offers. They sometimes announce fantastic ‘sweepstakes’ for free cruises, too. You can always unsubscribe at anytime.

EARLY BIRDS

The early bird still gets the cruise, just like with the airlines. If you’re good at long-range planning you can save mucho dinero. The earlier you book your cruise the more you save. Typically 10-40%. It’s funny, but on the converse side, last minute deals can also set you free to save much money. So, be early or really, really late and save.

CONNECTIONS

If you belong to an association, organization, if you have a wedding party, family reunion, belong to a church group or are planning a corporate outing you can get hefty group discounts. As always, don’t be afraid to ask! Here’s the idea: let’s say you and you significant other are planning a cruise to the Bahamas. Why not post your plans in the company, church or association newsletter or bullitin board, inviting others to join you. You’d be surprised how much of a discount you can arrange by inviting others along.

STAND BY!

Yes, it happens with cruise ships, too. Typically you’re notified three weeks prior to departure if there is space. Late notice like this means you get a nice discount fare.If you employ this strategy, it helps to be on a floating vacation schedule with your employer. If you’re self-employed, you’d be a fool not to use this trick. The more flexible your schedule the more money you save.

BONUS: Paupers Secret Confessions #14

The four ideas above are standard issue tricks of the trade.They work very well for booking a cruise. But what about an idea to save money once you’re already on board? Here is one you may not have considered before. One of the biggest expenses on a cruise ship are those delicious cocktails!Who doesn’t like to embibe a sparkling beverage of choice while soaking in the sun on deck? Buy liqour onshore or at the cruise line liquor store. Drink in your room or poolside. Get a steward to bring ice and mixers. Our Pauper hates to spend $10. for a glass of wine. If you add up the price of a drink or two for two people over a 7-day cruise—ouch!

Victor K. Pryles is the author of: “Travel Cheap- Travel Well”!- Confessions Of A Traveling Pauper. His website offers an e-course: “The Top 100 Travel Planning Websites”, articles, a forum and much more. Visit him at [http://www.paupertravel.com].

Author: Victor Pryles
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Tips & Tricks To Save On Your Next Cruise is a post from: Cruise Vistas

The Best Deal for a Caribbean Cruise

The best deal on any of the Royal Caribbean cruises should fits one’s budget – whether it’s a romantic get-away for two or a family of four. Current rates for a seven-day cruise vary; regular ship runs are way cheaper than luxury liners but if you plan for a cruise that’s worth the queen’s crown, planning and saving ahead can get you the best deal.

However, most cruises offer slashed cruise deals during off-season that is when it is hurricane season and that’s from June to November. The rest of the year will be sunny with drizzles; but should this stop you from looking into Royal Caribbean cruises to these amazing islands because the weather is soggy?

Here is good news; the Caribbean islands don’t share a uniform weather. When it’s rainy in one, the sun is shining in another, so check the islands’ weather before settling on a specific island destination. The best time though to visit is during mid-December until mid-April when the weather is perfect for an island holiday.

Time that booking nearest to the date of departure so keep tabs of the different scheduled runs. The nearest to the date of departure you get a booking, the better your chances to get discounted prices.

Travel Off-Season

Stretch your budget further but travel in style and enjoy the pampering holiday-makers get from the cruise’s crew, even on those off-season runs. The best service is available, great wine and food, plus top-notch entertainment for all ages goes non-stop for a seven nights’ cruise. On land, hotels compete for your business with slashed hotel rates without diminishing the quality of service. So get a booking now for May or April and start saving for the good times ahead.

Check your Airline

Airlines offer lower rates if you get a booking for the point of departure; they also offer a cruise package that includes your cruise fare at discounted rates. Check the nearest airline booking office for these money-saving deals.

Book Online

Online booking for Royal Caribbean cruises gives you an edge money-wise. Schedules for a Caribbean cruise are available all year round and discounts are given on some particular dates of departure.

Choose Smaller Cabins

The larger the cabin with a panoramic view of sea and sky, the pricier it is. Since you won’t be cooped up days and nights inside the cabin choose smaller rooms that would accommodate a couple or a family of four. The fun is not in the cabin but on the deck, at the game centers, spas, shopping malls, dinner dances, and the movies. Before you back off, here’s the clincher – the rooms are ultra clean and the beds are soft and inviting.

With your budget stretched further, you can get a dose of those fun activities to the max on any of those Royal Caribbean cruises. It will be the best cruise you will experience on a budget.

Kathy is an avid cruise vacationer and loves to share tips to help other people find the best deals around. Her site is RoyalCaribbeanShips.net and you can find a lot of good information there.

Book your Royal Caribbean Cruise today!

Author: Kathy Swanson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Royal Caribbean Cruise – How to Find the Best Deals is a post from: Cruise Vistas

Here are my 7 favorite tips:

1. Gather ideas on what you want to see and do in Alaska

Before you make your plans, read up on Alaska and research the most important things you want to see and do. This is a critical element, and will make planning the rest of your trip much easier. Alaska is so vast and filled with opportunities it is very important to familiarize yourself with the possibilities and then narrow them down – BEFORE YOU GO!

2. Decide on the Ports-of-Call that are most important to you

The typical ports where the cruise ships dock are: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. However these three stops are not always the only stops available. Other ports include Prince Rupert, Hoonah (Icy Straits), Sitka, Wrangell, Haines, Valdez, Seward & Whittier. Every port has its own heritage, charm and shore excursions. Once you have a clear picture of which towns you want on your itinerary, then narrowing down the right cruise becomes a clear choice.

3. Check for the amount of time you will have in each port

You would be amazed at how many times people want to schedule a certain tour in a particular port only to be disappointed that there is either not enough time for the tour they wanted ~ or not enough time for the two tours they had their hearts set on. It is imperative to know the times your cruise ship is going to be in port. Allow yourself not only the most possible hours in port, but try to schedule arriving in the morning and not the afternoon. When you arrive in the morning you have more choices throughout the day to schedule independent shore excursions and time for sightseeing and shopping. Check the cruise line’s arrival and departure time. A site where you can get this information is Northwest Cruise Ship Association

4. Book your shore excursions in advance

It used to be that you could book tours when you arrive in port. After 9/11 the regulations are more strict with tour operators being able to sell at the port. Many do not allow it at all. My answer to this is always – book in advance – know what you are doing before you go. Many of the most popular tours are booked way in advance. These are ones such as flightseeing, helicopter tours, dog sledding, rafting, kayaking, whale watching, fishing. Although there may be exceptions, you really don’t want to spend your precious time in port running around trying to find a tour. Nor do you want to be disappointed when you can’t get on the one you wanted. When you plan in advance you aren’t rushed, you know what you are doing and in the long run you have more time to “vacation”.

5. Learn about the history of Alaska

Read all you can about Alaska. It’s history is captivating. Each town has its own heritage and story. The more you learn the more fascinated you will become.

6. Know the best time of year to visit

I’m continually asked questions about the best time of year to visit Alaska. The answer to this is totally subjective and depends on your priorities. If it’s wildlife you want to see, then make sure you know the optimum time for viewing the species you are looking for. If you want the best weather – then probably don’t risk a late August or September trip. What about the best fishing – well, what do you want to catch and where are you going to be? You see, there are lots of reasons to pick certain months. The best time to come to Alaska is when you and your family can take time off of work and see this majestic state.

7. Ask Questions!

It is so important to ask questions of people who know Alaska and the ports where you will be visiting. The big thing to remember is that other people’s views are extremely subjective. One person’s dream tour could be another one’s nightmare. I’ve talked to 2 families who have done exactly the same tour at the same time and one thought it was the best trip in Alaska and the other complained because it was not what they expected. Make sure you ask the right questions and ask someone who can give you straight answers.

Jane Button has lived, worked and traveled extensively in Alaska. She’s the owner and President of Dolly Varden Tours, a company focused on Shore Excursions for Cruise Ship Passengers & Independent Travelers in Alaska. Jane’s expertise is helping people to see Alaska away from the crowds in smaller groups with local tour operators. You can find more information about Alaska on Dolly Varden Tours website http://dollyvardenalaska.com

Author: Jane Button
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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How to Plan Your Alaska Tours & Shore Excursions is a post from: Cruise Vistas

Before you go on your trip you need to make sure that you have taken care of different things. You need to pick the place you are going to because it will be the most memorable trip of your life. Depending on the place you go, you will need a passport. Make sure you attain your passport well in advance because it takes a long time to receive new passports and even visas. You will also need to make sure that you do not feel sea sick because that is a real problem. There are lots of over the counter drugs that you can purchase to prevent such an illness.

When you are on the royal Caribbean ship you need to enjoy and relax. Not everything is paid for, but you are on a vacation. Relax. There are lots of places you can go and lots of things you can do. Royal Caribbean Ships have casinos, water parks, pools, tennis courts, bars and much much more. It really is a place for the whole family and you will not regret making the decision to go on the trip. You can not carry alcohol onto the ship and so you will have to purchase it on board.

When you get to your destination be careful with your items. It is very important to keep a good track of everything and know where your cruise crew are at all times. Going to a new place is very challenging and getting lost would be even worse. Royal Caribbean Ships offer different tourism packages that you can go on to see the destination properly. It is a good idea to take these so that you stay with the company and you know that everything will be completely safe. Make sure to have lots of fun though, because you will be going back to your life refreshed and alive again!

Planning a vacation on one of the Royal Caribbean Ships? If so, Read our reviews and tips for enjoying your vacation on Royal Caribbean Ships.

Author: Alvaro Buckley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Fly on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship is a post from: Cruise Vistas

What Cruise line should my family go on? is a post from: Cruise Vistas

NEWSLETTERS

How about an upgrade? Better cabins, discounted certificates, 10-40% savings off advertised prices all offered by your cruise line through their respective newsletters.
I recommend you subscribe to the online newsletter from several cruise lines to get these bargain offers. They sometimes announce fantastic ‘sweepstakes’ for free cruises, too. You can always unsubscribe at anytime.

EARLY BIRDS

The early bird still gets the cruise, just like with the airlines. If you’re good at long-range planning you can save mucho dinero. The earlier you book your cruise the more you save. Typically 10-40%. It’s funny, but on the converse side, last minute deals can also set you free to save much money. So, be early or really, really late and save.

CONNECTIONS

If you belong to an association, organization, if you have a wedding party, family reunion, belong to a church group or are planning a corporate outing you can get hefty group discounts. As always, don’t be afraid to ask! Here’s the idea: let’s say you and you significant other are planning a cruise to the Bahamas. Why not post your plans in the company, church or association newsletter or bullitin board, inviting others to join you. You’d be surprised how much of a discount you can arrange by inviting others along.

STAND BY!

Yes, it happens with cruise ships, too. Typically you’re notified three weeks prior to departure if there is space. Late notice like this means you get a nice discount fare.If you employ this strategy, it helps to be on a floating vacation schedule with your employer. If you’re self-employed, you’d be a fool not to use this trick. The more flexible your schedule the more money you save.

BONUS: Paupers Secret Confessions #14

The four ideas above are standard issue tricks of the trade.They work very well for booking a cruise. But what about an idea to save money once you’re already on board? Here is one you may not have considered before. One of the biggest expenses on a cruise ship are those delicious cocktails!Who doesn’t like to embibe a sparkling beverage of choice while soaking in the sun on deck? Buy liqour onshore or at the cruise line liquor store. Drink in your room or poolside. Get a steward to bring ice and mixers. Our Pauper hates to spend $10. for a glass of wine. If you add up the price of a drink or two for two people over a 7-day cruise—ouch!

Victor K. Pryles is the author of: “Travel Cheap- Travel Well”!- Confessions Of A Traveling Pauper. His website offers an e-course: “The Top 100 Travel Planning Websites”, articles, a forum and much more. Visit him at [http://www.paupertravel.com].

Author: Victor Pryles
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Tips & Tricks To Save On Your Next Cruise is a post from: Cruise Vistas

What is the best hotel to stay in before a cruise leaving Tampa? is a post from: Cruise Vistas

Lets just see shall we? I’ll show you the best family cruise vacations to go on this year with very attractive itineraries you must know about.

Thanksgiving Cruise: it’s not too late to jump onboard this “7 Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise,” fabulous itinerary. Unlike thanksgivings in your past, you will experience this holiday unlike any other. This Cruise sails from Puerto Rico, where you’ll find a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards, lively cafes, highly regarded galleries and designer boutiques to keep you thrilled with excitement.

Then it gets better! St. Thomas, the land of buried treasures has just been dugged up for you to enjoy! No one ever complains about St, Thomas’s wealth of attraction, jewelry and history; in fact, their only problem is that they couldn’t stay longer. With another destination for this thanksgiving cruise, Dominican Republic, tops it off. White sandy beaches and plenty of golf courses to relax your ever spinning mind is the remedy. Plus, it’s more than meets the eye adventures once you see everything this trip offers you.

Christmas cruise vacation: What better way to spend the Christmas Holidays, still under a tree, but at multiple islands, different countries, and still enjoying the holidays relaxing. This Christmas cruise vacation itinerary, starts at Key West: a festive island of colorful bars and equally colorful characters in what may as well be the tropics.

Then it gets really exciting sailing to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, where you can snorkel with stingrays, go scuba diving, sail a catamaran, take in some sport fishing, or just mellow out along the powder-soft sand of the magnificent Seven Mile Beach. And just when you thought it couldn’t get even better during this Christmas cruise vacation, The ship’s final destination takes you to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where partying is your 9 to 5. However, if you’re burnt out from Cayman Islands, then Dunn’s River Falls, a 600-foot natural staircase of cascading water, which is the most famous attraction in Ocho Rios, just might be the scenery of guaranteed relaxation for you.

Wow, it just doesn’t get any better than this. Fall’s best cruise vacations deals for 2008, is just a mouse click away for you to have. These affordable cruise ship vacations are bargains you can never negotiate. And it’s even more destinations listed inside for this Fall.

If you want to find the best cheap cruise vacations, fun family vacations for the remainder of this year, then do yourself a huge favor and read the next paragraph now.

Download this awesome Free Ebook Titled “The Top 10 Best Cruises for 2008-09,” which features the amazing Christmas and thanksgiving cruise you want to go on. These multiple cruises are already put together , so all you have to do is just pick, click and go. How easy is that? Download it now before this offer expires at: http://millenniumfortunes.com/brad/TopCruises.html

Author: Brad Addo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Netbook, Tablets and Mobile Computing

2 Fantastic Affordable Family Cruise Deals to Die For This Fall of 2008 is a post from: Cruise Vistas

NEWSLETTERS

How about an upgrade? Better cabins, discounted certificates, 10-40% savings off advertised prices all offered by your cruise line through their respective newsletters.
I recommend you subscribe to the online newsletter from several cruise lines to get these bargain offers. They sometimes announce fantastic ‘sweepstakes’ for free cruises, too. You can always unsubscribe at anytime.

EARLY BIRDS

The early bird still gets the cruise, just like with the airlines. If you’re good at long-range planning you can save mucho dinero. The earlier you book your cruise the more you save. Typically 10-40%. It’s funny, but on the converse side, last minute deals can also set you free to save much money. So, be early or really, really late and save.

CONNECTIONS

If you belong to an association, organization, if you have a wedding party, family reunion, belong to a church group or are planning a corporate outing you can get hefty group discounts. As always, don’t be afraid to ask! Here’s the idea: let’s say you and you significant other are planning a cruise to the Bahamas. Why not post your plans in the company, church or association newsletter or bullitin board, inviting others to join you. You’d be surprised how much of a discount you can arrange by inviting others along.

STAND BY!

Yes, it happens with cruise ships, too. Typically you’re notified three weeks prior to departure if there is space. Late notice like this means you get a nice discount fare.If you employ this strategy, it helps to be on a floating vacation schedule with your employer. If you’re self-employed, you’d be a fool not to use this trick. The more flexible your schedule the more money you save.

BONUS: Paupers Secret Confessions #14

The four ideas above are standard issue tricks of the trade.They work very well for booking a cruise. But what about an idea to save money once you’re already on board? Here is one you may not have considered before. One of the biggest expenses on a cruise ship are those delicious cocktails!Who doesn’t like to embibe a sparkling beverage of choice while soaking in the sun on deck? Buy liqour onshore or at the cruise line liquor store. Drink in your room or poolside. Get a steward to bring ice and mixers. Our Pauper hates to spend $10. for a glass of wine. If you add up the price of a drink or two for two people over a 7-day cruise—ouch!

Victor K. Pryles is the author of: “Travel Cheap- Travel Well”!- Confessions Of A Traveling Pauper. His website offers an e-course: “The Top 100 Travel Planning Websites”, articles, a forum and much more. Visit him at [http://www.paupertravel.com].

Author: Victor Pryles
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Tips & Tricks To Save On Your Next Cruise is a post from: Cruise Vistas

If you were to put Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Holland America in a big bowl and mix them all together, you’d come up with Princess Cruises’ megas. The Coral, Island, Diamond, and Sapphire Princesses, its latest creations, are less glitzy and frenzied than the ships of, say, Carnival and Royal Caribbean; not quite as cutting-edge as Celebrity’s Infinity and Summit; and more exciting, youthful, and entertaining than Holland America’s near megas.

The Princess fleet appeals to a wider cross section of cruisers by offering loads of choices and activities, plus touches of big ship glamour, along with plenty of the private balconies, quiet nooks, and calm spaces that characterize smaller, more intimate size vessels.

Pros

- Good service.

- The warm-hearted Italian, British, and Filipino service crew do a great job.

- Crew makes passengers feel welcome without being overly familiar.

- Private verandas. Virtually all of the line’s Alaska ships have scads and scads of verandas, some of them in as many as 75% of the cabins.

Cons

- Average food. The ships’ cuisine is perfectly fine if you’re not a gourmet, but if you are, you’ll find it’s pretty banquet hall is not as good as, say, Crystal’s or Celebrity’s.

Princess offers an array of land packages this year that can be used in more than 50 different cruise tour itineraries in Alaska in conjunction with its Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage voyages (not to mention another dozen or so options in the Canadian Rockies). Virtually every part of the state is covered, from the Kenai Peninsula to the Interior to the Far North. The land portions come in 4- to 7-night segments, all combinable with a 7-night cruise.

For more information visit Alaska Cruise Vacation

Author: Victor Anicama
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Princess Cruise Alaska is a post from: Cruise Vistas