Showing posts with label cruise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruise. Show all posts

Friday, November 20, 2009

Celebrity Cruise Tips For the Flightseer - 3 Hours in Australia & New Zealand

Author: Ronald Rougeaux

Source: ezinearticles.com



Flight seeing on Celebrity Cruises offers you a breathtaking perspective of the massive landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. If you have three hours or less to spare for an aerial trip, you can go for short flights on helicopters organized by Celebrity Cruise staff that will take you to the more famous parts of the region.

Celebrity Cruise will make the arrangements for you to book helicopter trips while you are on dock either in Australia or New Zealand. You can opt for private flights or go on group deals. A designated tour guide will accompany you on your flightseeing so you will be sure not to miss any significant spots while looking over from the helicopter.

While gliding over Australia, you will be able to view the spectacular colors of the Great Barrier Reef. There is no better way of appreciating the beauty of this region than to view it from above. You will be able to experience the totality of its splendor as you view it thousands of feet from the top.

The region of Queenstown in Australia is also a famous spot for flightseeing. You have to travel to the northwest airport of the town in order to board your helicopter. Queenstown offers a breathtaking landscape view from the air so the effort in going there will definitely be worth it.

Just like Australia, flightseeing has always been considered as one of the best ways to get a panoramic view of the scenic terrain of New Zealand. This country is blessed with a beautiful mix of mountains, rivers, lakes, glaciers and fiords. Thus, you can better appreciate the beauty of the country if you will be viewing it as a whole. Celebrity Cruise can arrange for an aerial flightseeing tour over New Zealand while your luxury vessel is docked on its port.

New Zealand's popular tourist resort towns each have helipads designed to take you on a flightseeing tour across the region. Even if your outing is unplanned, there is a good chance you will be able to book a flight at the last minute since there are a number of trips available at any given day.

Over the South Island of New Zealand, you can see Mt. Cook and the Westland National Parks which both offer a stunning view from the air. It will be best to travel around the region during winter so you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped summits of Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman.

Flightseeing is a must for every traveler who wants to experience Australia and New Zealand from a unique perspective. Celebrity Cruise will make this possible for you and will take you from your ocean adventure into your flightseeing trip where you will enjoy the view and the blue skies.





The best of cruising to Australia and New Zealand!If you want something unique and adventurous in a world with los of excitement... choose one of many Australian Celebrity cruises. This cruise line allows you to focus on the fun. During a New Zealand Celebrity cruise, visitors can experience sheltering in an ice cave, braving an Antarctic storm, icy slopes, and many more fun activities. Click the above links for more information.




Friday, October 30, 2009

Vacation on Mexicos Caribbean Coast

Author: StephanieLarkin1

Source: articlerich.com



As you are exploring Caribbean vacation options, do not look just at the islands and cruises traveling between them. Mexico has a beautiful Caribbean coast, complete with paradise beaches, unique cultural destinations, and luxurious resorts. A Caribbean vacation to Mexico might be perfect for you the next time you plan a getaway.

When planning a tropical trip to Mexico, look at locations on the Yucatan Peninsula. This peninsula is made up of Mexico's Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo states, as well as parts of Belize and Guatemala. As found in much of the Caribbean, the climate in this part of Mexico ranges from sunny and warm to extremely stormy. This region is in the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, which means it is susceptible to wind damage and flooding. Typically, hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 every year. Late August to the end of November is considered the off-season and rates to Mexico are usually lower. At all times of the year, however, you can visit some of the famous tourist destinations in this area.

If you like to dive, Valladolid in Yucatan is your ideal destination. This town is the site of a number of sinkholes, which are connected via underground streams and caves. In some of the safe spots, you can swim, as well as dive into these underground caves with a tour guide. This is a unique opportunity for any diver, as you can see locations different from the typical ocean dive.

The Yucatan peninsula is also famous for its Mayan sites, which you can find in archaeological zones such as Kabah and Labna. One of the most famous of these is the ceremonial Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes an observatory, a ball court, and pyramids where they put on shows. A number of the Mayan sites offer guided tours, while at some you can also explore on your own if you want.

If you are more interested in what the coast has to offer, you can check out any of Mexico's beaches in this area. Cancun is an extremely popular destination for international tourists, as it has a number of resorts and hotels with direct access to the beach. Along with sunbathing, you can try snorkeling, diving, fishing, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, and a number of other marine activities. The great thing about the weather in this area is that, with the exception of hurricane season, rain usually clears rather quickly, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beach.

Are you planning an upcoming trip to Mexico's Caribbean Coast? If so, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:

•Apply for your passport early. Yes, United States citizens need a passport to get into Mexico and back home, even if you travel there via boat. You should apply for your passport at least three months prior to your date of travel, and it is better to apply about six month in advance if you can. Keep your passport in a safe place while on vacation, such as in your hotel safe.



•Do not drink the water.
This is not an urban legend. When you are in Mexico, ask for bottled water, because the tap water contains bacteria that could make you sick. Locals have built up a tolerance, but as a tourist, you can become sick.


•Make sure you check customs laws. Without proper paperwork, there are certain items that you should declare when you come back into the United States. If you are going to shop while on vacation in Mexico, make sure you can keep your items! This can save much frustration and stress because by checking customs laws you know what can be brought back into the country.

You have a number of booking options when looking for a place to stay in Mexico. First, you can look for a hotel and plan your own activities. The cheapest options are inland, away from the coast, but remember that you may have to pay for beach access whereas hotels on the beach often give guests free access. You can also look at all-inclusive resort options. These can be very affordable and they give you more options with less time spent planning.

Even if you do not want to spend your entire Caribbean vacation in Mexico, you can use this as a starting point to for a cruise. Many Caribbean cruise lines spend time in Mexican waters before moving on to some of the islands you can find in this part of the world. Most people do not realize that Mexico is a prime location for a Caribbean vacation. This location should not be overlooked because along with unique cultural opportunities, Mexico can be more affordable than other island vacation options.



Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics and tips involving the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific subjects such as hotels and cheap flights.


Saturday, October 24, 2009

5 Things to Avoid When Book a Yangtze River Cruise

Author: Michael Song Wu

Source: ezinearticles.com



Yangtze River Cruises are actual accepted in China. If you accept absitively to try a Yangtze River cruise, remember: don't discount these tips if you do the planning.

There accept been a actor web pages cogent you Yangtze River cruise is a "must-do" if you biking China? And there are aswell lots of agitation about on whether or not to do a Yangtze River cruise. If you are awash the idea, and are planning a Yangtze cruise as an absolute traveler, accede the afterward tips:

#1 Avoid a bounded bear

Chinese bounded ferries are bargain from 500 RMB to "First-Class" berth 1200RMB per person, but even you are paying a "First-Class" ticket, you will apprehend annihilation but disappointment. There are a few risks about demography a bounded ferry:

No English speaking agents = you will never apperceive what is traveling to happen, and what you are searching at You accept to pay afresh for aliment and bank excursions = a lot of hidden charges, even some boats allegation you a fee for traveling on the sundeck, ridiculous! Some cartage even address they accept bugs as their bedfellow in the berth and no on lath advantage or action at all. Because the air-conditioning is poor, it could be acutely hot in summer and arctic cipher in winter.

#2 Avoid searching for cruise in the endure minute

Try to analysis on line, try Three Gorges Cruise in Google, or added keywords. You will acquisition a amount of agents who action Yangtze River cruises. It is recommended that you attending in advance, and analyze the assorted ships, and prices. Booking the endure minute may not get the best deal, sometimes the address could accept been awash out, and you end up on added address that may not be your aboriginal choice.

#3 Avoid amiss cartage affiliation There is no flight from Yichang to Guilin, or Hong Kong. And flights from Yichang to Xi'an is aswell limited. So if you are planning a cruise with Guilin, Hong Kong or Xian, you accept to do some austere planning. It is recommended that you fly to Chongqing, area you alpha a cruise down the Yangtze River and end in Yichang

#4 Avoid non able agent

There are lots of websites alms Yangtze River cruise ships. However, acquisition a acclaimed biking agency, like China International Biking Service (CITS) - the Chinese government sponsored biking agency. Aswell try to book anon with biking bureau who are based in Chongqing or Yichang, because these agents accept on-site knowledge. For example, a Yichang based biking abettor will acquaint you absolutely how continued it takes from Yichang sanxia airport to the cruise ship.

#5 Avoid aiguille season

April, May, September and October are the best months to cruise the Yangtze River, because acclimate are nice during these times. However cruise prices will be aswell expensive. If you are searching for a cheaper option, amuse book cruise during off season.

Happy Yangtze river cruising!





About the author: Michael Wu has specialized in Yangtze River cruise for the past 6 years and has produced this tip that make sure you get the best out of your Yangtze River Cruise. Michael is the manager of CITS Yichang, a travel agency based in Yichang China. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.




Wednesday, October 7, 2009

I'm Thinking about Taking a Luxury Cruise: Early Planning

Author: John T Jones, Ph.D.

Source: articleage.com



I'm Thinking about Taking a Luxury Cruise: Early Planning
I've been on four cruises so far.
They were sponsored by the United States Army.
I was paid $169.00 each month while on these cruises. (Now days my rank of Sergeant First Class, E-6, would make 14 times that much.)
Also, the cruises were free. You can't beat that.
Now, I'm thinking of taking one of those luxury cruises like you see on television.
First, I'll give you a rundown on each Army-sponsored cruise. I know you are hanging on the edge of your seat to hear about them. I'll be brief.
Cruise I: The Orient. It's every bit as exotic and enchanting as you imagine it to be.
We steamed from San Francisco to Yokohama, Japan on what is called the Great Circle Route up along the Aleutian Islands where the Seventh Division fought the Japanese during World War II. I didn't know it then, but I was about to join that very division in Korea.
This cruise featured rough seas, the waves breaking over the bow of our ship for 14 days, flying fishes, garbage-eating fishes, albatrosses and other sea birds, endless sea sickness for some, endless poker for others, the exhilaration of the ship's prop spending most of it's time spinning in the air, bean soup for every meal, and an occasional movie from an abandoned Hollywood warehouse. The previous crossing has featured whale bashing but we didn't see any whales nor did we steam into one. Our cruise guide blasted throughout each day: "All Troops off the Bow! This trip featured a train ride from Tokyo to Sasebo, Japan.
Cruise II: Korea. The Land of the Morning Calm (which was good after fighting all night.)
This was on the Japanese luxury liner the Congo Maru. (The ship sunk on a latter crossing but was salvaged.) The cruise featured an overnight steam from Sasebo, Japan to Pusan Korea, bamboo mats on the deck to sleep on out under the stars, choppy seas that make everybody want to puke, intimate contact with fellow travelers featuring a bayonet in one ear and a boot in the other. This cruise also featured a train ride in box cars with boards to sleep on and one stop to grab a couple of apples from quaint along-the-track vendors.
Cruise III: Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun
This was like Cruise II but in a more favorable direction.
Cruise III Leg I: Hawaii. Trade winds and tropics set a romantic mood in the Hawaiian Islands and South Pacific.
This trip featured fog for 23 days. We saw the sun only on the day we spent in Hawaii as we unloaded the coffins of dead GIs to no fanfare.
I was sergeant of the guard so I did not see the Island at that time, but I did see how drunk the GIs could get in Hawaii and that not one of them had taken time to see what I wanted to see, the island.
Cruise III Leg II: Seattle. Sail across Puget Sound in the fog.
This cruise featured a bus ride to Fort Lewis which terrorized all the GIs because the driver was going almost 30 miles an hour. That was way too fast for a bunch of ground-pounders who had walked the hills and fields of Korea.
At Fort Lewis we were given a steak that was so tough that not even we fighting men could chew it.
Let's Prepare for that Luxury Cruise
Ah, yes! Cruising the seven seas and the zillion food tables on a luxury liner will be a blast.
But wait! We have an alternative. We can cruise the world or any part of it by freighter. You can cruise for $90 to $130 a day which includes three meals, walks on the deck, visits to the bridge, chats with officers and crew members, video movies, swimming if you are fast and can keep up with the ship (I'm only kidding; they have swimming pools-at least some of them), studying wildlife (but no night life), and talking to your navel (belly button). You won't need your tux on a freighter cruise. You also won't be shoulder to shoulder with a zillion other passengers. Take a copy of War and Peace. Learn more at http://www.freighterworld.com
What, you are ready to face the crowds on a Luxury ship?
For general information on luxury cruises including accommodations and activities try: http://tinyurl.com/ots5g and http://www.freetraveltips.com/Cruises/
Documents
You many need a passport or other documentation for your cruise. For information go to: http://www.freetraveltips.com/Cruises/Cruises13.htm#70
Insurance
If you are taking a cruise, you will need insurance.
What if you can't go because of an illness or a family problem? Don't think you will get your money back.
What if you get sick on the ship? Don't think your regular insurance will pay the medical bills.
What if you have your wallet stolen in port? Don't think you will get it back.
No, you must have insurance. You can get it from a reliable firm like CSA Travel online and you will be able to chat with an agent. Go to: http://www.csatravelprotection.com/
What do I need to pack?
That depends on how and to where you are traveling. For complete information go to: http://www.freetraveltips.com/Cruises/Cruises14.htm#00top and to the site of your cruise line.
Health Considerations
Plan ahead for the area you plan to visit. A good place to do this is at: http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/departments/travelwell/patient_info/patient_guide.html
Possible Hazards
The probability of a something unfortunate happening on your cruise are about the same as if you stayed at home in a big city. Crimes occur, fires occur, and accidents occur. Before you go, see what the Department of State says about safety abroad: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
With good planning, you can have a great trip to that place you've always wanted to visit. You will gain new friends and fond memories.
Have fun!
Watch for me!
I'll be on the fantail looking at the garbage-eating fish.
The End
Cruise, freighter, vacation, travel, information, packing, documents, insurance, ships, liners, luxury, hazards, fish, State Department, health, activities
copyrightฉ2006 John T. Jones, Ph.D.
John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com, a retired VP of R&D for Lenox China, is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering, humor), poetry, etc. Former editor of Ceramic Industry Magazine. He is Executive Representative of IWS sellers of Tyler Hicks wealth-success books and kits. He also sells TopFlight flagpoles. He calls himself "Taylor Jones, the hack writer."
More info: http://www.tjbooks.com
Business web site: http://www.aaaflagpoles.com






Monday, October 5, 2009

5 Steps To A Great Vacation

Author: hllywd2738

Source: articledashboard.com



Taking a breather from your daily routines can be good for you. There are a few things you can do to make your trip more pleasurable and unforgettable. 1)Search for people who have actually been where you are wanting to go. You can do that by speaking with friends or family or even by going to the Internet and looking at different travel forums. You can find all kinds of helpful tips that make your trip more cost effective and hassle free.2)Plan and be prepared. Schedule your ahead of time and make sure that you have all of your travel documents i.e. passports and copy of your birth certificates. Be flexible allow for conflicts in schedule delays or extension in stay and make sure that your travel documents are valid for the length of your trip.3)Prepare your wallet. Traveling especially to other countries can get costly. Even though you may have a set budget, you may have to extend it a little bit. Exchange your money at a bank for the currency used in the country you are in. Stretch your cash by looking for discounts or season specials.4)Pack light but smart. Make sure you bring some necessities, money, documents, clothing and personal hygiene items. You can buy travel packs or small bottles of shampoo at your local discount store. Also don't forget to pack a jacket for those cold nights.5)Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Don't wonder in foreign places alone, keep a good eye on your personal property and don't show off your cash, camera or anything else of value. Be aware of the cultural traditions of the locals and try not to offend them. And finally, be careful when your dealing with strangers.These simple steps will almost always insure a great vacation. Happy Travels!!








Wednesday, September 23, 2009

It's Okay to Sail the Cheap Cruise

Author: Christopher Luck

Source: articleage.com



One of the most popular tourist destinations these days can only be labeled as no place at all. People are lining up at docks all over the world to spend their vacation on a cruise ship. The features of the ship itself are, seemingly, far more important to most travelers then the places the boat actually docks. Depending on a lot of variables these cruises can be pretty expensive, but they don't have to be. Play your cards right and you can get on a really cheap cruise and end up with a lot of vacation money left over for other things.The best thing about a cruise ship vacation is that you get something completely different. While a lot of vacations turn into nothing but shopping in a different country, cruise lines offer something unique. Travelers get to be trapped in a fun filled environment they'll never want to leave. It's true. If you get on a ship that offers the activities you enjoy or would like to try, you end up in a very social environment that offers you a chance to lay back and relax or spend your day playing games, watching shows and hanging out with energetic crowds.For the inexperienced vacationer this all sounds expensive. The happy fact is that an average cruise can cost the same or less then equal time in a hotel. The better news is that a cheap cruise is by no means a bad cruise. Really, offers of cheap cruises are most often just better prices on the exact same trip everyone else spent a fortune on.Getting the good deals isn't at all hard. It does, however, require a less then picky taste. Also, like any other vacation, it leaves you traveling in the off season.The first thing you can do to get a cheap cruise vacation is worry less about where the ship goes. If, for instance, you like the events, layout, and activities offered by a certain cruise line and you aren't picky about which destination you wind up on, then you can get away with not planning ahead. Much like people who get cheap airfare by buying last minute tickets, you can get deals on a cruise the same way. Like any other transportation these cruises want to be full. When the ship is scheduled to leave no matter what, then selling a cheap ticket is better then selling no ticket at all. Further, the enjoyment of their guests depends on a populated boat.This is the same reason why traveling in non-peak seasons can get you cheap cruise tickets. It also comes down to simple supply and demand. A holiday season brings with it millions of people fighting for tickets to any given place. In turn, the price goes up because it can. Going on vacation at a time when most other people are staying home can mean the difference between a five hundred dollar cruise and a fifteen hundred dollar cruise.If all this fails and you find that a cheap cruise still isn't cheap enough then there's still one other way to get on the boat. These guys are always hiring.Christopher M. Luck has an extensive background in working exclusively with cheap cruises and is now offering his free cheap cruise advice to the public. If you are at all interested in Christopher's personal cruise advice, tips, or secrets, you can visit his cruise blog