Kerala Houseboat Cruises

Kerala is a state in South India. A lot of tourists to India restrict themselves to New Delhi, Agra for the Taj Mahal, Hampi and Goa. Some of them even go to Varanasi and Rajasthan. But if you are after a truly unique experience, then you should head south of Goa, to Kerala.

There are lots of attractions in this Indian state. There are fantastic beaches, hills, virgin forests, and the rich Indian culture. But topping everything is the backwaters. The best way to see the backwaters of Kerala is by going on an extended cruise.

A 3-night/4-day cruise in air-conditioned luxury houseboats along the serene backwaters of Kerala can be the most cherished holiday reverie for tourists visiting India. The backwaters and the palm fringed waterways will give you all the peace and tranquility you want. But there’s a lot to see. You can witness village life up-close in a completely unique way. The boats provide all the comforts of a modern lifestyle.

The Backwaters of Kerala

The largest backwater body (Vembanad Lake) passes through the Alleppey and Kottayam districts of Kerala before opening out into the Arabian Sea near Kochi (Kochin). Numerous lagoons, natural lakes, canals, estuaries and a huge network of rivers make up the 900 kilometer backwater of Kerala, covering many other districts of the state.

Those who intend to take the cruise would be met at the Cochin International Airport by appointed travel agents who will arrange for their transfer to their respective houseboat (this is a 2 hours journey). Most Kerala air-conditioned houseboats are provided with large glass enclosed bedrooms that are fitted with contemporary furniture, while the attached bathrooms have the usual WC, wash basin and shower. Some are equipped with geyser too, although the weather in Kerala remains warm throughout the year. There’s the Kerala Ayurvedic message too for those who want to stay fit on their holidays.

The houseboat crew generally consists of a cook, an oarsman and the captain who oversees all activities relating to the boat.

You will get all principal meals, snacks and tea or coffee. There’s a bar too if you want to enjoy a drink on your cruise. Packed lunches are provided if you want to spend a day on shore, visiting the local inhabitants and interacting with them. Here’s a tip for you. Try one of the churches here. There are some amazing churches along your Kerala cruise vacation.

The food served is mostly organic, made palatable by the use of right condiments and is healthful. Since fresh fish is available aplenty, assorted fish dishes compliment both lunch and dinner routinely.

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing on your Kerala houseboat cruise as Kerala is usually hot and humid almost through the year. A graphic printed t-shirt would be perfect for the state. It would keep you nice and comfortable , so you can enjoy your cruise holiday.

Nile River Cruise

Take a Slow Boat Through the Nile to Meet the Sphinx

Whenever you think of a cruise holiday, it invariably involves visions of the mighty ocean viewed from the high deck of a fabulous five star floating hotel where all your material wishes are fulfilled. But there’s a catch here. The fact is that, till your mammoth cruise ship calls at any port en route to your destination, you are unable to fathom how people at the other end of our lonely planet live. In other words, you don’t have the faintest idea about how the people in the banks live. You can’t really see their culture, way of life or relics that have been left by their ancestors.

However, if you take a river cruise, you may sample most of these. Take, for instance, a cruise through the River Nile in the land of the Pharaohs. But before booking your Nile cruise, you should know that the river cruise ships on the Nile stand nowhere in comparison with the seagoing 1.30,000 ton leviathans. The main reason for this is that, these ships need to be narrow because obviously the river here is narrow. And that’s why they cannot accommodate most of the modern-day facilities and amenities that we have come to expect in larger sea-going cruise liners. But having said this, these Nile river cruises are still fantastic in many ways.

And the best part of the whole thing involves identifying yourself with the world’s famous ancient sites while the enchanting Egyptian scenery passes by. Tourist attractions along the Nile include the incredible Pyramids, the legendary Sphinx, the controversial tomb of Tutenkhamun, temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings and many other stunning time-worn monuments and obelisks. At times you may feel as if you are travelling in a time-machine that has brought you face to face with Queen Cleopatra’s Egypt. Isn’t that an incredible experience?

As for your creature comforts, most of these vessels boast luxurious cabins and princely suites on both decks. You do not have to make any compromises there. Egyptian and continental cuisine are served to all passengers. Apart from classical furniture adorning most of the cabins and suites, air conditioning is a standard feature for all cabins. But you might not need it in the evenings when you relax on the deck, taking in the river breeze.

You may board the cruise ship in Luxor for a 5-day cruise, touching at Esna, Edfou, KomOmbo and Assouan. You will be able to visit all the prime archaeological sites of Upper Egypt. There are both shorter and longer tours. Most Nile river cruises are between 3 and 7 days. In fact, there are some cruises that go to as far as Sudan. There are guided excursions in almost all of them. Egyptologists will tell you about the history of the place, highlighting on the more interesting tales. There are wonderful leisure activities every evening.

Here are some attractions you will see.

• Abu Simbel – stunning statues of Rameses II, guarding the entrance to the temples.
• Karnak – Located at Luxor city, you will definitely not want to miss the Great Hypostyle Hall. It will not just impress you, the hall will actually leave you spellbound.
• Valley of the Kings – This is where you can see the last resting place of 60 pharaohs. All the tombs are underground. The most famous tomb is of Tutankhamun or King Tut.
• Edfu – This is the 2nd largest temple in the country after Karnak. It is also the best preserved.
• Esna – This is a sanctuary from the Ptolomaic era.
• Hapshepsut – See the tomb of the greatest female pharaoh of Egypt.
• Kom Ombo – There are two temples here. One for Sobek and the other is for Horus.
• Luxor – A grand structure beside the Karnak Temple.

Cruises from England

Are you thinking of visiting London for the Summer Games or the Olympics? It could certainly be a fantastic experience. But we would recommend that while you are there, you should also plan a cruise vacation. That’s because, there really are plenty of very good cruising options from the UK. You could select from all types of cruises. There are long and short ones. Luxury cruises and more basic options to choose from. Of course, you might like to choose the cruise depending on where the ship is going – the destination. Then there is also the Thames river cruise. But that is a very short one. We recommend that you try one of the longer cruises, a cruise that lasts for at least 3-4 days.

Here are some of the sea ports in the UK – Southampton, Dover, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leith, Harwich, Tilbury, Greenock and Portsmouth.

Before going any further, it is essential to understand here that most England cruises are those that reach different ports of calls in European cities or Northern Africa. Yes, there are a few cruises that will take you to far-off places such as America and even Australia. But those are meant for the more adventurous people. People who have the time to spend up to a month or more on the ship and those who have it in them to spend so much time floating on water.

So where do the cruises from the British ports go? Most British cruises would go to Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Marseilles, Genoa, Naples, and a few North African and East European cities.

Destinations Covered

Cruises from England can certainly take you to some great destinations. You could go to the British Isles, and see the scenery there apart from experiencing British culture. If you love the sun, then you should choose a cruise that is sailing the Adriatic or the Med. Or you can go to the beautiful sand dunes in the Canary Isles.

If you are interested in culture, then what you need is a Baltic cruise. Visit places such as Copenhagen, Stockholm and St. Petersburg. For sunny cities, you should get on board a cruise that is touching at least a few of the following ports – Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice, Genoa, Naples, and Venice among others.

There’s a lot of city life and history to be seen in these cities. These are exciting places with an active night life. You will certainly enjoy the shore excursions. We are sure about it.

Or are you somebody who would rather go on a cruise that shows you awesome scenic beauty? If you are, then a Norwegian cruise is the right choice for you. Select a cruise that travels to the amazing fjords of Norway. But do ensure that it is visiting Svalbard. You do not want to miss this out. A Norwegian cruise is a fantastic experience that you will never forget. You are sure to enjoy the incredible coastline, and places such as Geiranger and Svalbard.

So go ahead. Enjoy the Summer Games at London, and choose a cruise carefully, one that matches your preferences. Do not miss the cruising experience while you are in London. There are some amazing destinations and on-board activities. Some of the world's leading cruise liners touch the British ports. There are indeed some amazing options to choose from. You will definitely enjoy your British cruise or England cruise experience.

Danube River Cruise

Europe’s second-longest river Danube originates from Germany’s Black Forest region and flows through many countries such as Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania before meeting the Black Sea.

The river has been used for transportation for many centuries. In the last few decades, we have seen the emergence and popularity of river cruising holidays. Today, there are many cruise ships that will take you cruising over the Danube. It’s an unique way of traveling through some of the most picturesque parts of Europe. You can relax on deck and see the country changing along the way. There are shore excursions and day trips you can go on. It is certainly a thrilling experience for somebody who wants to see Europe and understand the lives of people living here, particularly on the banks.

Incidentally, the river cruise ships that ply on the Danube now are nothing short of floating five star luxury resorts. So you can expect complete luxury on board. Of course, there are cheaper alternatives too.

For visitors to Europe (either starting or ending the trip) a Vienna to Budapest 3-night/4-day Danube cruise could be perfect. Here is a typical itinerary you could try.

Day 1 – Embarkation and reception on board the ship.

Day 2 – Arrival at the romantic Waachau Valley. Go on a guided tour that covers the famed Benedictine Abbey. Towards evening when the ship sets sail again, you can lounge on the ship’s Sky Deck with a glass of white wine and enjoy the scenery.

Day 3 – Arrival at Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Try a tour to the old town, which is situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.

Day 4 – Arrival at Budapest and disembarkation. Hire a local guide for visiting the famous bridge/bridges that connect the old Buda on the right bank of the river with Pest on the left.

All meals including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as also snacks, tea/coffee is served complimentary on board the ship. Plus, you will also get the best quality wines produced by the finest wine makers of Europe. It is served with dinner every night to the passengers.

Of course, there are bigger itineraries as well that takes you all the way through the Danube. You can try these longer Danube cruises as well.

Amazon River Cruise

Think of exploring the world’s largest tropical Rain Forest aboard the air conditioned luxury boat, Aria. The all-inclusive Amazon cruise filled with adventure, excitement and fun will be a life-time experience for you and your companion. Glide through the mysterious Amazon River to view the native wildlife that includes the Red Howler monkeys and the jaguar. Nevertheless, a brief tour itinerary is given below for your guidance. Book a cruise today and enjoy a holiday like never before. Incidentally, your departure point will be Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta (Iquitos) International Airport at Peru. 

   

Day 1: Friday

Upon arrival at the Iquitos International Airport, you'll be met by a representative who will take you by air-conditioned coach to the main wharf in Iquitos. Here, you'll board the Aria and embark on the Amazon journey of a lifetime! 

After you getting settled into your room, go through a brief safety training with the staff . Then, enjoy a delicious onboard dinner prepared with local products, including fruit, fish and wine. Meet your naturalist guides and the cruise director while enjoying the beautiful views of the Amazon Rainforest from the upper deck of the boat.

Day 2: Saturday 

Wake up early and catch a glimpse of the majestic sunrise over the Amazon River. Then, enjoy a healthy breakfast before starting your day.

With your local guide, explore the Yacapana Isles, home to many species of iguanas and other wildlife. As you cruise down the Amazon River, you'll have excellent photo opportunities of the native flora and fauna along the riverbanks. You can also learn how to fish for piranhas in the Amazon with your naturalist guide! 

Enjoy time to rest before lunch on board the Aria. Then, head to the Yarapa River, where you'll have the opportunity to see the famous pink freshwater dolphins. As nightfall approaches, keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife including frogs and bats before returning to the Aria. 

Back on board, enjoy a pisco sour before dinner on the roof deck. 

Day 3: Sunday 

Early in the morning, go on an optional excursion, if you wish, to see the wildlife along the Ucayali River. Then, enjoy breakfast on board in the dining room before a jungle hike.

Hike through the Amazon Rainforest to the small village of Magdalena. Interact with locals, and then head further into the rainforest with your guide and make your way to a beautiful lake, home to the famous giant water lilies. Then head back to the Aria for lunch and time to rest. 

After lunch, set off on foot along the Ucayali River with your guide to spot pink dolphins, monkeys, birds and other wildlife native to the Amazon. As you walk through the rainforest, keep an eye out for colorful macaws and howler monkeys. 

When you’re back on board the Aria, enjoy the beautiful sunset before dinner. 

Day 4: Monday 

Wake up early for a spectacular visit to the headwaters of the Amazon basin. After breakfast, the Aria will cruise along the edges of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, the largest protected area in Peru. Hear birds chirp and see other wildlife along the riverbanks as you glide along the Amazon. 

Later, hop in a small boat for a ride to the native village of Puerto Prado, where you'll meet Cocama Indians. Learn about the culture and customs of this village while admiring their native art and crafts. Then, make your way back to the Aria for one last lunch on board before disembarking for the ride to the airport. 

Dining on Board Explorer of the Seas

“Explorer of the Seas” from Royal Caribbean, offers some fantastic dining options. The formal dining room here is spread out over three levels. It also offers one of the most affordable dining options across all cruise ships. It looks stunning too. There is the grand staircase, the gold-leaf columns, the ceiling dome through which the sun’s rays bursts through. The golden velvet curtains add to the charms as well. You can sit in any level you want – they are all decorated to the theme of a legendary explorer – Da Gama, Christopher Columbus and Magellan. You will find mosaics on the walls that depict their legendary journeys.

Dining Room

Royal Caribbean is not a gourmet dining cruise, but the food you will find here is still extremely well prepared. There are plenty of healthy options for you to choose from, such as the grilled sea bass dipped in ginger lemon sauce, and there are vegetarian preparations as well like the veggie chili. You will also find Indian veggie dishes in the menu. There is also the black angus top sirloin, chicken breast, Atlantic cod and more.

You are sure to love the salad bar. The chef, will custom make your salad according to your preferences. You may choose from all types of cheese, meats and vegetables. Of course, a lot of attention is given to keep everything fresh. You may go for the Brasserie30 option as well, where you can select from two menu options. It is a quickie before you head off to the pool or some other activity on board the Explorer of the Seas.

Schooner Bar

The Windjammer Café is the buffet restaurant here that serves lunch and breakfast. You will want to check out the egg station here during the breakfast. The Windjammer serves excellent baked items too. The Euro-Italian Portofino restaurant that sits 88 people is an intimate affair. Both the cuisine and the service are quite exceptional here. Go through the Italian delicacies, the pastas and the Caprese salad here. But remember, you must book early, as this is a reservation preferred restaurant. However, on the first night of the cruise, you might still find a few seats if you walk-in. It tends to get busier later. The peak hours are usually between 7 and 8:30 in the evening. If you don’t book early, you might have to dine later or earlier. Portofino will charge you a $20 surcharge.

Here’s something you should never miss. Check out Johnny Rocket, which has been decorated to the theme of the 1950’s. Most people on board prefer to have their lunch here. You will love the onion rings and the burgers they serve. There is a song-and-dance performance as well.

Windjammer Cafe

Explorer of the Seas offers 24-hour room service as well. So, you can order from a variety of sandwiches or snacks from your suite or cabin. There is no room service charge between 5 in the morning to midnight. But, you are expected to pay the tip. For late night orders, you have to pay a fee of $3.95.

You do not have to miss out on the big game, just because you are cruising. Just head to the Weekend Warrior Sports Bar. Get a beer and watch all the action at the sports bar.

You will certainly appreciate a nautical themed décor when you are on the sea. Explorer of the Seas offers the Schooner Bar. This is a signature bar, and a great favorite among the guests. There’s piano singing every evening too.

Cruising with Kids

A cruise vacation is a fantastic option, no matter how you want to do it. But, it could be particularly special if you are sailing with kids. You can be sure that the kids are going to love you for taking them on the ship. They will be all excited and run along the decks, as you just sit back in the recliner, take a dip into the pool or head to the gym. The cruise vacation will remain in their memory for a really long time, perhaps, for ever. I went on my first cruise when I was just 12 years old, and still have those fond memories of standing on the deck and watching the blue waters of the sea, and the fish swim by the ship. I remember my father as he stood by me, with his hand on my shoulder. It was fantastic!

But, do remember a few things when you are selecting a cruise where you want to take your kids along. Remember, not all cruises are good for kids. For instance, you cannot of course take your child or infant on a ship that travels all the way to Antarctica – it might simply be too cold. And, if you are going on a month-long cruise, it might be a better idea to leave them back with the granny. A full month away from home and their friends might be too much for most kids.

And remember one more thing. Kids get bored easily, and so, no matter how beautiful it is, they cannot just look at the sea at all times. So, the ship you select should offer some interesting activities too. The kids are definitely going to love them. There are so many activities and shows to choose from that your little one can never get bored. Remember, there are hardly any activities or shows on cruises that travels the Nile River in Egypt. These ships must be narrow, as two of them must pass each other through the channel. With the cabins, restaurants and the machine rooms, these ships simply cannot include them.

So, what is the Right Cruise for a Kid?

Select a cruise that is anything between 7 and 10 days, 2 weeks maximum. If you are located in the United States, then you can pick one that travels to the Caribbean islands. The islands here are close to each other, and so, the travel time is never long. The beauty is stunning, and there are plenty of shore excursions. Some of the most modern vessels travel to the Caribbean waters. You can thus expect to find all the amenities and facilities on board.

If you are in Europe, then you can try one of the Mediterranean cruises. Your ship may touch various ports, such as, Barcelona, Marseilles, Naples, Malta, Monaco, the ports of Greece, and even those in Northern Africa. Or, you can also travel to Turkey and Crete.

If you are a history buff, then one popular option might be to combine Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and a little bit of cruising, as you travel from one destination to the next. But, such a program will take at least 3 weeks. So, it is best to leave it for the future, when your kids have grown up a little.

Unexplained Mysteries of Ghost Ships

Here are some really eerie stories of the most famous ghost ships. The fact is, no one really knows what happened to these ships. But the circumstances are truly strange. Happy reading.

Mary Celeste (last sighting in November 1872)

The ship was carrying its shipment of alcohol to Italy, and was missing for a month. There was a lot of talk in town as everybody wondered what happened to it. Then all of a sudden it was discovered drifting away on its own in perfect condition with the cargo, and even the personal belongings of the crew to the last detail. But not a single person was on board, dead or alive.

Further investigations revealed some uncanny facts. It was discovered that the ship’s original name was Amazon, and the name was changed because everybody thought that it was haunted.

Over the years, as many as three captains have died while they were on board, and two others had made unexplainable errors that led to serious consequences. When it was in the shipyard, it suddenly for no apparent reason caught fire. There were many other near-disasters too, and so, it was sold off and renamed.

The owner became desperate to destroy the ship. Several attempts were made to sink it – but Mary Celeste simply refused to sink.

Carroll A. Deering (last sighting in January 1921)

The captain of the ship, William H. Merritt, suddenly fell ill and disembarked, and was replaced by Wormell. McLellan became the first mate. But unfortunately, the new first mate and the captain had a big fight and the first mate had to be arrested. The crew turned against the captain.

The ships destination was Norfolk, but it never reached there. It was found just off the coast of North Carolina at Cape Hstteras without any crew, lifeboats or personal belongings. It seemed a simple case of mutiny. Some people however also suggested piracy or hurricanes.

The US government felt uncomfortable because several ships or their crew have disappeared without good reasons in this area that came to be known as the Bermuda Triangle. There are far too many instances to ignore, and in most of them, the traditional causes could not offer proper explanations.

As many as five investigations were initiated by the US government, but the government for some reason, never made public any of the findings.

MV Joyita (last sighting in October 1955)

Joyita was first used as a private yacht, and then in the World War II. It never had any problems. In the middle of the 1950’s, the ship began to be used as a cargo vessel to transport dried coconut in the islands of the South Pacific.

On this fateful journey, it was supposed to reach the Tokelau Islands, but it never reached there. Instead, Joyita was found 600 miles away – it was not supposed to be anywhere close to where it was found. The hull looked completely empty. There was just a break in the cable – that was the only sign of any destruction. Suspiciously, somebody had concealed this break by painting it.

Strangely, there were some medical equipment in a bag on the upper deck, and there were a few rags dipped in blood too. But there were no lifeboats.

There was a lot of speculation about what happened to the crew as not a single person was ever seen again, dead or alive. There was no explanation about why they left, even if there was an emergency, because a floating vessel was always more safe than a lifeboat. Some people said that there might have been piracy or a mutiny. But then, there were no bodies.

Baychimo (last sighting in 1969)

This one is really strange, and it seems that the ship has a mind of its own.

It was doomed from the very beginning, as several times, it was thought that the ship was not sea-worthy. However, each time, the ship proved the crew wrong. In 1931 it was stuck in ice, and the crew left the ship because it was supposed to be sinking. However magically, it somehow, on its own, wriggled out of the ice and started floating again. So the crew boarded it again.

On the same trip, it again got stuck in ice. Two incidents in the same trip are extremely rare. Half of the crew had to be airlifted, but the others stayed back, because they were certain about the ship’s magical abilities.

A few days later the ship was spotted with not a sign of life on board. The cargo was intact, but the remaining crew members had all mysteriously vanished. Till this day, there is no explanation.

The Baychimo was boarded many times after this, but each time, without exception, the crew had to leave because of sudden equipment failure, bad weather or other reasons.

Ultimately, the owners just decided to let the ship go. It was left empty at sea. But fantastically, the ship survived. It managed to somehow float on its own without any equipment on board, and withstood all the gales, ice, and rocks, and kept floating for an incredible 38 years.

It was last seen in 1969. There is no news of its destruction yet. No wrecks have ever been found. No modern navigation technology has been able to pick it up on the radar. So presumably, it is still drifting somewhere out there, all on its own.

Adventure of the Seas Photos

Here are some fantastic photos of "Adventure of the Seas" from Royal Caribbean. Enjoy!

Superior Balcony Ocean-view Stateroom

Adventure Theater

Pool Bar - for a drink and a dip!

Titanic Walking Tour

RMS Titanic, the most famous cruise ship of all times, might have sunk on April 15th 1912, but the liner remains alive in the memories of thousands and millions of people from across the world. The wrecks were discovered in 1985, and the subsequent James Cameron classic “Titanic” has certainly kept the liner alive in public memory.

Titanic was launched on May 31st 1911, and this year, we are celebrating or marking 100 years of this event. The event is being marked all over the world, but at the very place where it was built, there is a memorial walking tour that takes people across the dock and gives them an insight into how this great liner was manufactured from scratch, a 100 years in the past.

Titanic Walking Tour – The Details

It is an easy walk, where the guide will take you through the flat ground at a leisurely pace. The tour lasts for 2 hours, and in between, there is the additional café break at the Pump House café for 30 minutes. Your guide will take you through Queens Island in Belfast, Ireland, where the Titanic and its sister ships were constructed. This is no ordinary walk. You can know in person how a legend was born.

What You Will See

• You can see the famous drawing offices where Thomas Andrews designed the Britannic, Olympic and the Titanic.
• You can see the building that houses the biggest attraction of Titanic. Valued at more than £97 million, as many as 500,000 tourists are expected to see this in 2012. See it before they do.
• Take a stroll on the slipways where the ship was constructed and launched. See the exact spot where the ship first touched water. You can compare the pictures of then and now.
• View the HMS Caroline, which is the last remaining World War I ship. It is in the dock and is still in service.
• View the pump house and the dock. If you have seen the movie, then you will surely remember the ship sailing off. This is the exact dock from which it sailed into the ocean. The dock has remained unchanged ever since those days of 1911. You will definitely appreciate the massive size of the ship. At the pumping house you can see the original tool shops, and the huge pumping engines of the Titanic. There is an audio visual program here too.

The walking tour costs £12 for adults, for kids between 10 and 16 years it is £8. The cost is £5 for those who are under 10 years of age, and kids under 5 go free. Family ticket for 2 kids and 2 adults cost £30. Call up Colin at +447904 350339, or you can also visit www.titanicwalk.com.

Cruise Dining – Are You Being Taken For A Ride?

It is a fact that a majority of the cruise liners of today have a plethora of specialty restaurants on board. Of course, there are many individuals, who would love a salad bar, an eatery that specializes on Thai cuisine or the choicest of Turkish delicacies, or an eating joint just for the tastiest kebabs. But there are those who are criticizing the cruisers for neglecting the regular dining operations. They say that this is being done smartly to entice the passengers to try out the fee-based establishments.

However, this charge is being vehemently opposed by the cruise lines themselves. The Associated VP, F&B of Celebrity Cruises, Scott Steenrod said, “Our main dining rooms are the heart of our dining operation, and we would never do anything to undermine that”. Though many passengers are critics are not convinced, but the cruise industry in general is agreeing with what Scott says. Explaining their position, they say that the experience of a specialty restaurant cannot really be duplicated in the large dining room. For instance, a steakhouse will always offer more choices than what will be there in a dining room.

This justification certainly sounds logical, but there is a key difference. When you are in the shore, you always have plenty of regular dining options, and could thus go to another eatery if you are not satisfied with one. But out on sea, with water all around you, the passenger has to accept what is being offered – no choices here.

Perhaps in response to such criticisms, many cruise lines have now stopped charging extra for the specialty dining experience. In Regent Seven Seas for instance, you do not have to pay more to dine at their two specialty eateries. However, you must still make an advance booking. So, no spur of the moment decisions please. In Crystal Cruises, there is no charge for the Italian or the Asian restaurant, however, you must pay $180 to dine and wine at the Vintage Room.

Impact of Tsunami on the Cruising World

I have always wanted to find out what impact tsunamis have on the cruising world. Yes, truly huge tsunamis like the one that happened in Asia are quite rare. But the fact remains that, smaller tsunamis happen all the time, and the cumulative effect of all this could really be quite devastating for the cruise liners. After all, who would like to sail on a vessel and stay exposed to the risks?

So what is the impact? Are fewer people booking or asking about a cruise vacation now? What are the cruise liners doing to allay the fears of the general public? Can the ships really do anything at all? And what about the bottom-line? Has there been any major impact there?

I was really keen to find this out, and started doing the research. I reached out to a few major liners, and asked them the critical questions. I visited the office of the Cruise Lines International Association to get their side of the story. I consulted various travel agents to find out whether there has been any major drop in the bookings or enquiries. I even went on a cruise myself, to find out what the on-board passengers felt.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason for taking the cruise. I really love cruising, and can sail the ocean absolutely anytime. You just have to mention the word “cruise” to me, and off I go. LOL.

And here’s what I discovered.

Luckily, there has been little impact. Those who love to cruise would go anyway. Of course, they are concerned about their safety, but it seems that most people have retained their confidence in the ability of the companies to take timely action in case of such eventualities. And it seems that there is certainly a lot of logic here.

With the forecasting systems much better today than they were before, it is possible to know about an earthquake or a tsunami hours in advance. Since the ship is always wired or connected, call what you like, the captain can take timely decision and change the course to avert a crisis. Sure enough, you will miss a few ports-of-call, but then, your life will be saved. And certainly, that is all that matters. Doesn’t it.

Certainly the liners are all on a perennial red alert, ever since the big one in Asia, and the other smaller ones. They are always tuned in, listening particularly to such signals, and that’s precisely why there hasn’t been an incident in the last few years.

In fact, according to the Cruise Lines International Association, those who are on a cruise during the tsunami are always safe. This is what Lanie Fagan the spokeswoman of the Cruise Lines International Association said, “because a tsunami causes a rise in the height of the sea, a ship at sea is one of the safest places to be. It is when a tsunami approaches the coast that it causes damages as the wave builds in height and causes widespread flooding.”

That is certainly an interesting take. Who am I to challenge that?

Brilliance of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean has done it again. Their 90,000 ton cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas with its multi-hued entertainment icons, images and venues is enthralling even the most seasoned voyager, many of whom are admitting that they have rarely seen such brilliance in a single enclave anywhere, be it on the land or sea. Take for instance, the ship’s elaborate Indian Raj- themed Solarium that displays three, 16-feet tall elephants that are dressed in royal brocade, posing in front of a cascading waterfall. Though sounding incredible, it sure depicts the fantasy and opulence that once formed a part of British rule in the Indian subcontinent. The contemporary American passenger in this vessel is sure to get bewildered at the awe inspiring sight just to commemorate the magnificent scene.

Or think of the 9-story glass constructed Centrum with its flashy bars, lounges and duty-free shops that sell the finest cognac at less than half the original price. Add to it the state-of-the-art technology that conducts this 962-foot floating elegance with 2510 passengers at a cruising speed of 25 knots over the rolling seas, and what you have is an awesome experience.

Brilliance of the Seas travels to these locations,

• Canary Islands and Morocco
• Dubai and adjoining areas
• Egypt and the Mediterranean coast
• European cruise regions

Here are some of the amenities that you will find in this ship,

• Minstrel Dining Room is the ship’s prime elegant dining area that is featured with a cascading waterfall while providing numerous gastronomic fantasies.
• Pacific Theater is where the passenger gets to see the Broadway or Las Vegas productions, while cruising on high seas.
• The Art Gallery on board allows the cruisers to attend an auction, and buy the choicest paintings.
• The Portofino restaurant is the pride of the Brilliance of the Seas. This is where the cruiser can get a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.
• The Chops Grille serves as the rendezvous for the hungry seafarer who is in search of the perfect steak, late at night.
• Champagne Bar is located at one of the convenient decks that serve as the ideal place to savor a glass or two of the sparkling beverage.
• The Schooner Bar is for the seafaring guest who feels happy about hobnobbing with the ship’s navigational gears and components, while sipping a mellowed scotch.

With themed dining rooms and lounges, casinos, swimming pools, solariums, centrums and even a miniature golf course on the Brilliance of the Seas, the Radiance family of cruise ships offers something to excite for everyone.

Book a voyage online today, and look for the best time of your life now.

Cruise ship Aurora

Cruising is now considered to be one of the most popular and quick growing sectors in the tourism industry. There are no issues of non-availability of connecting airlines, there are hassles of selecting the right place to stay, or the food to eat in an alien country, and above all, there is uncertainty about expenses to be incurred on a tour. On payment of a certain amount when you book the cruise, a traveler is assured of everything, and can wake up each morning to view a new country, a new port of call, and there’s the assurance of a comfortable cabin to relax, and there’s excellent food and beverage whenever needed. There is a lot of entertainment option too.

People running the P&O cruises since 1932 are well aware of these, and have left no stone unturned to see to it that their cruise passengers get the best of everything. In that respect, the P&O Aurora may be considered to be a world-class liner that is abundantly appointed with contemporary style and fitments. The impressive as well as diverse options in accommodation, dining and entertainment on board the Aurora are in keeping with the age-old British tradition that guides the cruise from start to finish.

As sea voyages are known to whet the appetite more, the Café Bordeaux, which is an inviting multi-cuisine bistro is kept open all the twenty-four hours on board the ship. Care and privilege is written large in every aspect of P&O management. For instance, a sliding crystal canopy protects one of the three on-deck pools from the vagaries of nature.

The ship can accommodate 1,878 passengers, occupying 939 cabins. Most of them are located outside, which means that, most passengers can always look out at the sea.

Here is Aurora’s total breakdown of onboard accommodation.

• 10 suits can accommodate 20 passengers
• 20 deluxe cabins can accommodate 40 passengers
• 96 staterooms can comfortably provide accommodation for 192 passengers
• 272 outside cabins with balcony can have 544 passengers
• 239 outside cabins without balcony can accommodate 478 passengers
• 280 inside cabins will take 560 passengers while
• 22 Disabled cabins are meant for disabled persons needing wheelchair

A total of 936 officers and crew members on board the ship look after the needs and whims of all the passengers in a round-the-clock manner. Also, as it is a British ship that is run by P&O, most of the on-board venues appear in British or colonial style as displayed under.

• The Dining Rooms Medina and the Alexandria are both located on Deck 6, and can accommodate 550 and 520 diners respectively.
• The Champion’s Sports Bar on Deck 7 can serve drinks to 120 guests at a time.
• The Anderson’s Bar can serve 130 guests.
• Charlie’s Champagne Bar with its grand piano can take care of 150 people easily.

Aurora is a family friendly mid-sized vessel that has certainly been rated very highly.

Adventure of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean 138,000 ton cruise ship Adventure of the Seas is not just a fashionable floating city all by itself, but is also a modern engineering marvel, even to the last detail. It can accommodate a staggering 3,000 odd passengers and a crew that numbers more than 1100 skilled hands at any time. It boasts of a 125 feet in-line skating rink, the adventure dunes 9-hole mini golf course, and a rock climbing wall at one of its 14 decks. There’s the Casino Royale too, which is a hot favorite among a lot of cruisers aboard this wonderful vessel. There is a full-size basketball court too.

It is a super quality Voyager class ship that offers the highest space-per-guest accommodation, huge state rooms, expanded dining areas, and out-of-the-world recreational facilities. Adventures of the Seas sails the Southern Caribbean itinerary.

Here are some of the exclusive features on board the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas,

• Fully equipped Fitness Center with state-0f-the-art gym and aerobics room accentuated by daily changing health and fitness programs.
• Shopping galleria with duty free shops, jewelry boutique, all-purpose stores and logo stores.
• Beauty salon with exclusive treatments.
• Sauna/ steam rooms; full service spa with massage.
• Royal Promenade lined with fabulous bars offering the best of liquors.
• Especial deck that provides area for basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard and jogging track.
• 3 outdoor pools with swim up bar and 6 whirlpool spa.
• Shore excursions plus trip advise
• Active Ice skating rink with regular performances
• 900-seat studio-cum-auditorium.

Late night entertainment on board the Adventure of the Seas include,

• Viking Crown Lounge where there are 5 separate lounges for cocktails with friends.
• Imperial Lounge offers dancing and cabaret shows.
• Casino Royale offers blackjack, roulette, Electronic Slot machines and Video Poker.
• Connoisseur Club Cigar Club provides finest cigars and cognacs.
• Jester’s Night Club has DJ and whole night dancing.
• Schooner Bar is the right place to meet friends and enjoy a late night drinking session.

So, wait no longer. Book the cruise today – it’s available online too.

Celebrity Xpedition

Though you might have already sailed in a large cruise ship that carries a mammoth crowd of vacationers, where the keyword is fun and frolic, a Celebrity Xpedetion cruise, can be quite a unique experience. You are sure to love a trip on this amazing liner. You can visit the timeless Galapagos Islands in a much smaller 2,842-ton ship, and because of its size, it can be an intense experience.

Yes, on the Xpedition, you can visit the famous Galapagos Islands, the place that inspired the legendary British naturalist, Charles Darwin to come up with his Theory of Evolution is bound to create exhilaration, so rarely experienced in any other fun-only cruise. You are sure to make friend, exchange views and discuss Darwin and his findings with your co-passengers as you cruise through and take in the beauty of the Galapagos waters. The ship can hold 92 guests at the maximum. Because of the smaller size, you can be sure to receive the personal attention that you deserve at all times.

To make the cruise enjoyable and at the same time exciting, Celebrity Xpedition provides valued service of expert naturalists who will not only accompany you to most locations throughout the Galapagos, but will also take part in nightly discussions on the subject aboard the ship.

The ship sails at 17 knots into the enchanted waters of the Galapagos. As it sails, you are likely to be surprised at the array of amenities available in the small ship – you will find hot tub, sauna and fitness equipment, massage, immaculate room service and restaurants commemorating Charles Darwin (DARWIN’S) and the Beagle Grill, memorializing the name of the ship that carried the naturalist to the Galapagos.

As for recreation and leisure, the Blue Finch Bar and the Discovery Lounge on board the ship provides just the ideal setting.

The Celebrity Xpedition staterooms include Penthouse suits that have two convertible lower beds, a sitting area with convertible full size sofa beds along with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that leads to the balcony. All suits are provided with the following amenities/ privileges…

• Complimentary sparkling wine
• Two lower beds, convertible to queen (except as noted)
• Dual voltage 110/220 AC
• Complimentary beach towel
• Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
• Laundry service
• Room service
• Luggage delivery at boarding
• Duvet pillow-top mattress
• Hair dryer
• Complimentary use of premium Frette® bathrobes
• Quality binoculars for use and available for purchase
• Flat-screen TVs with DVD players
• Direct-dial telephone
• Individual safe
• Desk
• Thermostat-controlled air-conditioning
• Private refrigerator
• Mp3 docking station

Crown Princess

Owned and operated by Princess Cruises, the cruise ship Crown Princess is not only considered as a Grand Class ship, but it is also regarded as the gemstone of the Princess fleet. The 113,000 ton, 951 feet long floating city having accommodation facility for 3080 passengers sails the Caribbean during the winter season, and Europe for the rest of the year. So no matter which cruise you choose, you are sure to enjoy an amazing cruise ship vacation.

The awe-inspiring luxury liner is loaded with features that are quite amazing among the many cruise ships that sail the seas. Its superb piazza-style Atrium housing the International Café and Vines wine and seafood bar are acclaimed as the most striking extravaganza ever created in a contemporary sea-going vessel. Also, the innovative dining arrangement provided in the Crown Princess goes beyond the customary food venues like its Crown GrillSM or Sabatini’s SM, reaching the passenger’s own private balcony, being part of the ship’s ultimate balcony dining.

Here is what the Crown Princess provides for its valued guests.

• Art auctions for buying paintings made by renowned artists
• Scholarship@Sea® courses for brilliant students
• Movies Under the Stars® on deck movie theater
• Wedding-at-sea event officiated by the ship’s captain
• Nine-hole putting course and golf simulators
• 4 pools that include one that provides ‘swim-against-current’.
• Wrap-around Promenade Deck
• Sports Court and jogging track
• Asian-themed Lotus Spa® with ocean-view gym
• One of the decks dedicated to mini-suits
• Around 900 staterooms having private balconies
• Conference room with wireless Internet connectivity, PC with all peripheries and part time secretarial service
• Caribbean-themed Café Caribe specializing in local delicacies
• Two Specialty Restaurants – an extended Sabatini’s and the newly established Crown Grill famed for steak and seafood.
• One of the most lavishly appointed casinos afloat
• Skywalker’s Night Club-cum-Observatory

Carnival Legend

If you feel tired, worn-out and exhausted, it is time to take a 7-day roundtrip Caribbean cruise on board the legendary cruise ship Carnival Legend and forget about everything else.

The 88,500-ton luxury liner sails from Tampa in Florida, and visits the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Isla Roatan and Honduras before bringing you back to Florida. But by the time you are back home, you have regained all your vitality and verve – thanks to the exotic food served in the ship, and the relaxing environment provided onboard the fabulous ocean liner. Take, for example, the Carnival Legend’s Atlantis Lounge, an ideal setting for meeting co-passengers who may turn out to be equally eager to meet you. And as for creature comforts, its luxury galore! There are five different styles of rooms to choose from while the options include Ocean view, Interior, Balcony, Jr. Ocean & vista suits and, of course, the majestic Grand Suite, complete with deep pile wall to wall carpeting and swanky décor.

Feeling lucky? Why not try your hand at blackjack, poker, roulette and many more exciting games at the Carnival Legend’s Club Merlin Casino for a change? Chances are that you may win. Or check out the ship’s Piano Bar for ultimate relaxation. Sit back and do nothing but listen to the live music, request a song or else hum a tune that you like most.

And when you feel hungry, stroll around to any of the ship’s elegant dining rooms. Flexible time dining routine for which is the ship is famous for, will not disappoint you. Explore the special quality food menu that ranges from sushi to chicken cream sandwiches. As for ice creams, there are endless varieties and tastes. By the way, there is also an excellent steak house on board the Carnival Legend. Order your steak as you like – Done, well-done or under-done.

On board the Carnival Legend the central theme revolves round the great legends of the world. This spirit is carried out throughout the ship’s 16 Lounges, 12 Passenger Decks as well as the indoor and outdoor promenades. The Spirit-Class “Fun Ship” also has a 9-deck high Atrium, duty-free shopping mall, on board golf program, video arcade and an amazing 1,800 square feet children’s play area.

Enchantment Of The Seas

From Victor Hugo’s Toilers of the Sea to more contemporary Con Tiki expedition, people appear to have always been fascinated by sea voyages, especially when it is more oriented to fun than real life adventures. In the case of Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment Of The Seas however, the passengers can probably savor both. As a person enters the Enchantment, he/she is immediately confronted with the Centrum, a soaring seven-deck atrium that is studded with priceless art collections – a rare display for a cruise ship solely devoted to pleasure and pastime.

The Enchantment cabins, particularly the low-end ones measuring around 150 sq. ft. promise reasonable creature comfort, featuring a TV run through intra-ship channels mostly showing professionally produced promotional videos, a telephone, safe and toiletries. Hair dryers have recently been added for the benefit of the ladies. Storage space within the cabin is more or less OK while robes are provided to certain category of cabins only. Almost half of the ‘outside’ cabins of the Enchantment have balconies at different decks. As the liner travels through the open ocean, sitting in one of these balconies is sure to be an amazing feeling.

Breakfast and lunch is served in the ship’s Windjammer Café that also serves as an alternate casual dinner place - no reservation is compulsory. 24 hour room service can also be ordered by passengers. But there is a limited menu in this. The ship’s Solarium is famed for its hot dog and hamburger grill. The Royal Caribbean, nevertheless, prepares Ship Shape selection lists every night for the next day’s lunch and dinner menu which includes special items for the veggies.

The Enchantment’s prime enchantment venue is centered round its Orpheum Theater-Show Lounge which happens to be the most functional and intelligently designed structure ever created by the RCI. Since the seating arrangement is of the fixed type, adequate space has been left for enter and exit rows. The lounge also looks more neat and compact since peg tables have been replaced by beautifully designed peg holders inbuilt within the arm rests. In course of a week-long cruise, passengers are likely to view at least one show performed by a renowned entertainer, a couple of production shows, several evening time variety acts and, of course, a farewell feat.