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Cruising Fiji

If you’ve never been to Fiji, it may be on your list of places to go; if you’ve been there, you probably can’t wait to return. And, the best way to experience Fiji is by cruise ship. That’s because Fiji is not one island; it’s an archipelago of about 330 islands, and hundreds more small islets. The main islands of Viti Levu and Vauna Levu have been settled since at least the second millennium BC, but Fiji was also a British colony for about 100 years. So, the culture is a wonderful mix of ancient indigenous tradition with a touch of European flavor. Still, the main attraction of Fiji is its stunning tropical beauty.  These volcanic islands have mountain peaks of up to 4,000 feet, the slopes covered with green tropical forest. The white sand beaches, lined with coconut palms, are lapped by water of the deepest blue. And, it’s always warm – even the “cool season,” May to October, averages 72 degrees. Your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert can help you select a cruis...

Debunking the Myth: Cruising is Expensive

The world of cruising changes all the time, as cruise lines work hard to accommodate passengers’ changing tastes and offer new experiences. As a result, some widely held beliefs about cruising become outdated and inaccurate. One example is the belief that cruising is too expensive. In the early days of leisure cruising it was something only the wealthy could afford, but today it’s easy to find a cruise to fit just about any vacation budget. And, the fare includes much more than your stateroom – food, entertainment, top-notch service, use of the ship’s amenities and more. In sort, cruising is a terrific vacation value. Still, cruising isn’t free, unless you’re lucky enough to receive a cruise as a gift! Here are some tips for keeping it affordable: Select a cruise that fits your budget . The basic fare for a cruise depends on several factors, including the style and amenities of the ship, the point of embarkation, and where and how far the ship will sail. For example, ...

Trends in Onboard Cruise Ship Technology

Some people board cruise ships so they can power down their electronic devices and relax on an Internet-free vacation. Others won’t agree to step on a cruise ship until they know that they’ll be able to connect to the Internet while at sea. Whether they need to check in with work, with people at home, or just want to keep up their social media presence, more cruise passengers are looking for better, stronger, more reliable Wi-Fi on the waves. Fortunately for them, ship-to-shore communications have come a long way in the past few years. Most cruise ships are now fully equipped for wireless communications, with onboard Internet cafes, Wi-Fi hot spots and cell phone service. Connecting isn’t free, but cruise lines have been working to make connectivity more affordable for passengers and provide a choice of plans so you can buy only as much access as you need. Cruise ships are applying new technology in other ways that enhance the onboard experience. One of the most spectacular ex...

Visiting St. Kitts

Mountainous, beautiful St. Kitts (that’s actually a nickname – the island’s original name is St. Christopher) welcomes Caribbean cruise ships large and small, thanks to the modern facilities at Port Zante, just a five-minute walk from the island’s capital, Basseterre. St. Kitts’ central spine of mountains – dormant volcanoes and all – is high and rugged, cloaked by dense rainforests. On the west side of the island are the broad fields that until recently were used to raise sugar cane. It’s only in the past 20 years that St. Kitt’s has become a popular destination for cruise ships and other tourism, so the island still has unspoiled Caribbean beauty and character. Here are some of the things you can do on a day in St. Kitt’s:  Basseterre is small, but worth touring. Visit the roundabout known as the Circus, a nod to London’s Picadilly Circus, and take a photo of the clock tower in the center (but watch for cars and roaming chickens). There are stately Georgian homes aro...

What You Should Know About Seasickness

Just about everyone who has been on a cruise can give you advice about seasickness, whether they have suffered from it or not. But, how do you know which advice is good advice? Read on as we deal with some myths and realities about seasickness and how you can cope if it visits you. Seasickness is a type of motion sickness, caused by conflicting signals from different senses. Your eyes tell you that your surroundings are still, but the equilibrium sensors in your ears say your surroundings are moving. For some people, the brain and body try to deal with this conflict by shutting down some activities – like digestion, which leads to nausea. History is full of creative solutions for seasickness, such as: 1.       Gently slap the face of the captain with a flounder (do this three times) 2.       Drink a glass of ice water while standing on one leg 3.       Down a shot of rum before bed on the night...

Sailing from New York

New York, New York, is the city so nice they named it twice – and gave it three cruise ship ports. The Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and the Cape Liberty Cruise Port ensure that there are lots of choices for cruises that sail from this vibrant city. You can catch a ship to the Caribbean at any time of year; there are also seasonal cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England and Canada. The Manhattan Cruise Terminal, located in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, used to be the only port in the New York area where ocean-going cruise ships could dock. Three ships at a time can dock in the piers on the Hudson River, just steps from Hell’s Kitchen and close to all the attractions of Manhattan. Ships from Cunard Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and more dock here. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at Red Hook, located on the Buttermilk Channel, is a former freight terminal re-opened in 2006 to provide more dock space for large cru...

Cruise Trends for 2017

The cruise industry is always evolving to meet the needs and interests of loyal passengers and attract new ones. What can you look forward to in cruising during 2017? Expect to hear more about river cruising, expedition cruising and themed cruising. River cruising, already a major trend, looks like it will continue to be the big story in 2017. European river cruising is now a regular feature on lists of “top five” cruise destinations; and, river cruise operators are set to expand their list of destinations. Soon, it will be possible to sail a river cruise ship into the heart of Borneo’s rainforest, along Africa’s Chobe and Zambezi rivers, and to the Delta of the Danube (south of Budapest, Hungary). In addition, river cruises are offering more active options for days in port. In addition to walking and coach tours, passengers on more ships will be able to borrow bikes for touring or kayaks for exploring the riverbanks. Avalon Waterways already offers an itinerary on the Danub...