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Showing posts from April, 2018

Try a Theme Cruise in 2018

Your enjoyment of a relaxing, fresh-air cruise can be enhanced when the cruise has a theme that interests you. Each year, cruises lines offer selected sailings with special themes, ranging from yoga, to craft beer, to popular television shows. Some theme cruises give passengers the opportunity to meet famous musicians, authors or athletes, too. Here’s a sample of themed cruises scheduled for 2018: Meet the Winemaker Various dates and itineraries in 2018 Norwegian Cruise Line Through a partnership with the Mondavi wine family, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a special "Meet the Winemaker" experience. All passengers can enjoy complimentary Q&A sessions and meet-and-greets with wine experts, or purchase passes to exclusive events like a five-course, wine-paired dinner. Doctor Who Sci-Fi Cruise September 21 – 28, 2018 Royal Caribbean, Explorer of the Seas Cruise with stars from the popular, long-running Dr. Who TV show. While the full lineup and list of activities are ...

Best Cruise Destinations for Culture

If you’re cruising for relaxation or a change of pace, your choice of destination may be secondary to your choice of ship. But, if you’re looking to experience a different culture in an authentic way, your choice of destination becomes more important. What are the best destinations for cultural experiences? Here are some ideas to consider. Brazilian Amazon:  Shore excursions from Manaus, the largest city on the Amazon River, will take you deep into the majestic rainforest. You can get close to the amazing flora and fauna of the Amazon Basin, from huge trees and giant water lilies to piranhas and pink river dolphins. Some tours visit native families who tend to manioc (cassava) or rubber plantations. South Africa: The rich cultural mix of South Africa is reflected in the country’s 11 official languages, which include Zulu. From Durban, take a tour through the Valley of 1000 Hills, where many Zulu reside. Visit a Zulu village for a hands-on look at their daily life. If you...

Cruising the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea is truly an ideal place to cruise. There are so many places of beauty and historical interest that most itineraries focus on either the Eastern or Western Mediterranean (with some overlap: Italian ports are often included in both). You really can’t go wrong with your choice of eastern or western itineraries: both are port-intensive, with outstanding cultural sites. Rome is a common starting point for week-long cruises of the Eastern or Western Mediterranean. This point of embarkation simply begs for a pre-launch stay to tour the Eternal City. You’ll board your ship in Civitavecchia, which has served as Rome’s seaport since the 13 th century. A western itinerary that begins in Rome would visit ports in western Italy, France and Spain, and perhaps touch a bit of British soil in Gibraltar. Popular port calls include: ·          Livorno, Italy, a gateway to Tuscany and the cities of Florence and Pisa. ·  ...

How to Stay Healthy on a Cruise

Most people have heard stories, in the news or from people they know, about how illness can spread on a cruise ship. Be assured that cruise lines follow strict sanitation guidelines to guard against the spread of any bugs that come on board. And, there are simple steps you can take to help yourself stay well. Wash Your Hands . Whether you’re at home or at sea, regular hand washing is the best way to protect yourself from illness. Also, take advantage of the hand sanitizers you’ll find strategically placed all around the ship. Stay Hydrated . You can purchase bottled water, or use the water station at the buffet; many ships will allow you to fill your own reusable water bottle there, too. Take water with you when you go onshore and sip often, especially in hot and dry locations. Pace Your Alcoholic Drinks . It’s delightful to relax with a refreshing cocktail or craft beer around the pool or at the piano bar. But, don’t drink to the point that you become disoriented or si...

When Is the Best Time to Take a Cruise?

It’s a common question from cruise travelers, ranging from first-timers to experienced passengers: When is the best time of year to cruise? The simple answer is that it’s always a good time to cruise somewhere on the globe. But, many cruise destinations have definite seasons for cruising; even year-round destinations have certain times that are better than others in terms of weather or cost. So, here’s a roundup of the best times to sail in some popular cruise regions: Alaska The 49 th state offers its warmest and driest weather, as well as long hours of sunlight, during June and July. If you’re looking for the best deals, look to the beginning (late May) and the end (early September) of the brief Alaskan cruise season. Australia and New Zealand In these southern hemisphere destinations, the weather is at it’s very best – warm and dry – during December and January. Fares are usually stable from November through mid-March, although they are higher during the November a...