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Showing posts from December, 2024

Lots to Do on Grand Cayman

If your Western Caribbean cruise itinerary includes a call on Grand Cayman, you’re in for a treat. This low-lying island is only 76 square miles but offers a lot to see and do. It begins with the beauty of Grand Cayman’s white sand beaches, including the one at Smith Cove, near the tender boat docks. Seven Mile Beach, Governor’s Beach, Spott’s Beach, Cayman Kai Beach, and Rum Point Beach are popular with residents and visitors. In addition to sunning and swimming, many beaches offer water sports like kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and fishing. Grand Cayman is also popular with snorkel and dive fans. The island has hundreds of dive sites, including beautiful coral reefs, steep drop-offs, and sunken vessels like the USS Kittiwake . Some snorkel and dive excursions include a stop at Stingray City, where friendly stingrays gather around a shallow sandbar for gentle interaction with visitors. You can also get close to green sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Conservation Center; go birdw...

New Options in River Cruising

Fans of river cruising are always interested in new and different ships and destinations, and we’re happy to report that river cruise lines are providing some exciting new options. With a new ship, the Alegria , Avalon Waterways has begun cruising Portugal’s Douro River. The eight-day voyage visits vineyards and villages perched on the hillsides of the scenic Douro Valley and includes an exploration of the historic city of Porto. Passengers can discover Douro Valley treasures like port wine, olive oil, and cork. Viking River Cruises is expanding its presence on Egypt’s storied Nile River. A new ship, the Viking Hathor , debuted in August; another, the Viking Sobek , will be introduced in 2025. Their 12-day itineraries include the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the temples of Luxor, and stops in Aswan, Kom Ombo, and Edfu. Uniworld was the first river cruise line to offer a world cruise – something common among ocean-going cruise lines, but rare in river cruising. The Rivers of...

Workcation Cruising

Now that many people are able to work remotely, there’s a new word in the working world: “workcation.” The combination of “work” and “vacation” means doing your job from a vacation venue, such as a cruise ship. A top requirement for a workcation is access to a reliable internet connection, and cruise ships have been improving theirs. Many now use satellite internet, an improvement over trying to connect to towers on land. Still, shipboard internet access can be a bit spotty or a bit slower than what you’re used to, and there’s often a charge to connect. Your professional travel advisor can help you with details about internet access on ships and itineraries you’re interested in. Another requirement for a workcation is a comfortable space to work in. Many, but not all, cruise ship cabins are equipped with a desk area and a chair, so be sure to check on the furnishings. Some ships also have libraries, quiet lounges, business centers, or other areas where you can work productively. ...

When it’s Wise to Book a Cruise Early

Waiting to book a cruise until just before the departure date might yield a last-minute bargain, but there are situations in which it’s wise to book your cruise early. Consider early booking when you want to be sure you can lock in an attractive fare, secure a favorite cabin, sail at a peak time of year, or visit a destination with a short cruise season. Often, fares for a cruise are lowest when that cruise first opens for reservations, which can be as long as 18 to 24 months in advance. There are always exceptions, but it’s typical for fares to start low, and then rise as the ship begins to fill. Many cruise lines also offer attractive incentives for early booking, such as complimentary airfare to and from the ship, free cabin upgrades or beverage packages, onboard credits, and more. And, you may need to provide only a small initial deposit to hold your reservation; it may be refundable if your plans change. Your professional travel advisor will have all the details about early book...

Celebrate the Bride or Groom at Sea

A cruise is a special travel experience, and a cruise ship is a terrific venue for all kinds of celebrations – including a pre-wedding bachelor or bachelorette party. Some of the best things about cruising fit beautifully with the goals of a bachelor or bachelorette getaway. Here are a few examples: It’s a brief, but exciting getaway. A three-day cruise from a U.S. port lends itself well to a bachelor or bachelorette party schedule. It’s enough time to relax and enjoy yourselves without taking too much time away from work and wedding preparations at home. Itineraries to consider include: ·          Three-day cruises to the Bahamas from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. These are offered by several popular cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. Some Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries include a day on their private islands in the Bahamas, which are a treat to visit. · ...