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Showing posts from July, 2013

The Delights of Small Ship Cruising

When you choose a cruise, remember to include the size of the ship in your decision. Ship size determines not only the number of fellow passengers, but the amount and style of dining spots, entertainment choices, and even the cost of your vacation. Cruise ships of all sizes offer the same wonderful ease of planning, budgeting and sailing between ports: but, small ships deliver a unique kind of cruise experience. While big ships provide an amazing, resort-style vacation that’s memorable even if you never step off the ship, small ships tend to focus on the destination as the main vacation experience. The per-passenger cost for a small ship cruise is usually higher than on a big ship: however, extras such as alcoholic beverages, gratuities, shore excursions and even airfare may be included. While some small ships welcome families, there is often limited or no special programming for children, and some ships are unapologetically “adults only.” Most small ships offer luxurious comfort, w...

Celebrate Independence at Sea

A cruise vacation is all about independence from the daily routine and the freedom to do what you like: sail to new places, stay up late, nap in the afternoon, and enjoy everything your ship and ports of call have to offer. Cruises that sail during the United States’ Independence Day holiday often place extra emphasis on independence and appreciation of the freedom. Fourth of July observances vary by cruise line and ship, but you’re likely to find public spaces festooned with American flags and other decorations of red, white and blue. There may be organized games on the sports deck, with classic contests like tug-of-war, sack races and water balloon tosses. You’re likely to be invited to a patriotic deck party, too, so be sure to bring some red, white and blue to wear. Some ships celebrate through the day’s menus, offering all-American favorites – think grilled hot dogs and burgers with all the fixings, potato salad and coleslaw, watermelon and brownies. The elegant dining spots on bo...

Cruise the Diversity of South America

  The long Atlantic and Pacific coastlines of South America stretch from equatorial rainforests to the sub-Antarctic: frankly, they are simply too long to take in on a single cruise, so you’ll have a choice of itineraries. It’s possible to embark from the U.S.: some ships sail from Florida across the Caribbean to Manaus, Brazil, a gateway to the Amazon region. But, if you have two weeks or less, look at itineraries that include flying to and from South America.   One popular itinerary sails the Atlantic Coast between Manaus and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ports may include: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has a spectacular setting of beaches, forests and mountains. Take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain or a funicular railway up Corcovado Mountain to the feet of the statue of Christ the Redeemer.   Montevideo, Uruguay, has a relaxed urban atmosphere, with lovely public squares, an 18th-century old town, and gorgeous leather goods and artisan crafts. ...
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Cruising Africa

Surrounded by the Mediterranean and Red Seas and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, Africa is a natural cruise destination. The coastlines are dotted with ports that are ready to welcome cruisers who want a destination that’s out of the ordinary. Here’s a quick look at some of the places where cruise ships call. On Africa’s Mediterranean coast, Tunis, Tunisia’s capital, lies just beyond the port of La Goulette. The souk (market) is the city’s cultural and social center: sip mint tea while bargaining for antiques, rugs and silver jewelry. Just outside Tunis are the remnants of the ancient city of Carthage, center of the Carthaginian Empire. Cairo, Egypt, is served by the ports of Alexandria and Port Said. This is the gateway to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, but Cairo itself offers the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, overflowing with artifacts such as treasures from King Tut’s tomb; and the Citadel fortress, which offers more museums and magnificent views. Located on th...

Cruise on a Europe-Based Cruise Line

If you would love to see Europe via cruise, consider enhancing the experience by choosing a cruise line based in Europe, such as MSC Cruises or Silversea. In fact, the latest industry report from Cruise Industry News says that Europe-based lines are set to add passenger capacity during the next few years: by 2020, Europe-based cruise lines are expected to increase passenger capacity 23 percent. This will provide more opportunity for North Americans to enjoy European flair on board and centuries of European history and tradition on shore. MSC Cruises is part of Mediterranean Shipping Company, an Italian company based in Geneva, Switzerland, that operates cruise ships built in the shipyards of St. Nazaire, France.   MSC’s focus is affordable cruises on ships that carry about 1,500 to 3,300 passengers. MSC attracts passengers from across Europe as well as North America, so expect the daily announcements to be read in Italian, French, Spanish, German and English. The line’s mai...