Researching Your Cruise Ship Options

Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to book a cruise getaway.  When it comes to vacationing aboard a cruise ship, you are presented with an unlimited number of options.  There are a large number of cruise lines that operate numerous cruise ships.  In fact, there are so many cruise ships available that many individuals, maybe even yourself included, do not know where to start. Please contact us and we will be happy to help you find the cruise that is perfect for you.

The first step in planning a cruise vacation is making the decision to take one.  Traveling aboard a cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience, but it is not for everyone.  Most cruise ship cabins are not as large as small hotel rooms.  You will need to decide what type of cruise cabin is right for you.  If the first thing you do when you wake up is to open your curtains and look out your window, then you will want to make sure you have, at least, an outside cabin which has a window.  If you like to sit on your patio in the morning and have your coffee or juice before you get dressed, a balcony cabin is what you would want.  However, if you wake up in the morning, get dressed right away and never go back to your room and you need to watch your budget then an inside cabin which will not have a window would be perfect for you.  For those of you that like a nice spacious room, you will want to look into the mini suites and full size suites which will have a separate sitting room and normally more amenities.
If you have already decided that a cruise ship vacation is what you want, you will need to find a cruise ship that interests you. This is where many individuals develop a problem.  As previously mentioned, there are a number of different cruise lines. Each of these cruises lines operates a number of different cruise ships.  Each cruise ship is likely to travel to different destinations and offer different activities, services, and facilities.

When searching for the perfect cruise ship, you have numerous options.  Many travelers automatically start searching for the cruise ship of their dreams. Searching for a cruise ship is, in a way, different than searching for a cruise line.  If you do not have a preference as to which cruise ship line you’d like to travel with, it may be easier to search for cruises based on themes, destinations, or onboard activities.
Popular cruise lines, include Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruse Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and much more.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a great variety for families as well as couple.  Some of theri ships have rock climing walls, ice skating rinks and many other activities.  Just a few of their many cruise ships include Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas and the new Oasis of the Seas. With more than twenty-one cruise ships, you are sure to find what you are looking for with Royal Caribbean. You can go to http://besttraveltipsexpert.com/travel-booking to view their cruise itineraries.
Researching each cruise line and cruise ships, individually, may take time.  If you are pressed for time you can seek our assistance which  is the best way to find the perfect cruise ship for you and your family.

Last of Mediterranean Itinerary Trip

One of my favorite pictures that I have of our trip was of my husband and a friend we made on the cruise. They were standing at a corner, looking at a map trying to determine which way we should go. That summed up the days we set out on our own, we were always lost, wondering which way to go and stumbling upon the most fascinating places that we would have never found if we knew our way.

I hope to get back to this area one day, but if I don’t I have many wonderful memories and lots of pictures of beautiful ceiling of churches all over the Mediterranean.

More Mediterranean Itinerary Trip

In Venice the cruise stayed the night and it was still not enough time. Venice is indeed a one of a kind city, like a fantasy world you have never seen before. No cars, you walk everywhere or travel on the canals in a vaporetto (water bus) or if you want to feel special, take a gondola. We splurged and took a gondola ride and were even serenaded. The unique shops have local crafts like glass and lace or you can go to the island of Murano to visit the glass crafters in action or Burano where the ladies are making their lace creations. There is so much to see; the Grand Canal, St. Marks Square, Doge’s Palace, Accademia-just to name a few. I hated to leave Venice with so much more to see.
Dubrovnik, Croatia is a medieval fortress with stone walls up to twenty feet thick and these walls encircle the old town. There is only pedestrian traffic in this fascinating city. You can climb many steps to the top of the wall and walk around the entire city, which we did. The views from the wall were amazing, one way overlooking the ocean and the other way the city. We walked through the cobble stoned streets and marble-paved squares while seeing fountains and sculptures and beautiful churches.

Mediterranean Trip 1

Mediterranean Trip -
We started our trip with 2 wonderful days in Rome. We walked from our hotel to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. It was like being in a movie. Both were so marvelous that we didn’t even mind the crowds of people, especially at night with the lights that made it look doubly spectacular. The Colosseum was so impressive-for its elegant, enduring bulk, and its disturbing former function as a theater of slaughter. And one wonders how all of this was built A.D 72-80; how amazing. Of all we saw, the Pantheon, Roman Forum, Vatican; St Peter’s Basilica was by far the most impressive to me. The marble and gold that cover every surface and the masterpieces of Michaelangelo and others were breathtaking. I was kidded for taking so many pictures of ceilings, but it was so beautiful I couldn’t stop.

After we left Rome we boarded the Carnival Freedom for a 12 day cruise. It was wonderful to be able to see so many different areas and not have to pack and unpack every day-our bedroom just moved with us.

Our first stop was Naples where we had a tour guide who took us through one of the most scenic drives in the Mediterranean, with its cliff-clinging roads and spectacular views, the Amalfi coast. The seaside towns of Sorrento and Positano lie along this enchanting stretch of coast and we were able to stop and visit each of these. Sometimes we would gasp as we went around another curve just on the edge overlooking the bay and little towns below. After some shopping in these quaint little towns we arrived at Pompeii. Everyone reads and sees pictures of Pompeii, but being there is indescribable. We spent 2 very short hours there with a guide who had an unbelievable knowledge of every detail.
More to come on our trip…

Essential Things to Know for the 2010 Olympics

Essential Things to Know for the 2010 Olympics
Three cities are the heart of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Vancouver, British. Columbia, Canada is the main city for the Olympics. Richmond will have Olympic venues and Whistler is where the mountain venues will be held.
Two major improvements for visitors to be able to get around easier in the area are the Olympics the SkyTrain Transit system, which now provides service from the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond to the heart of downtown Vancouver, and upgrades to the Sea to Sky Highway, a major artery to Whistler.
Vancouver. The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, during the Olympics; the stadium will be a hub for celebration. In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies, the downtown venue will hold nightly victory ceremonies.
Curling is one of Canada’s favorite sports and the brand-new Vancouver Olympic/Paralympics’ Centre, built for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics’ Winter Games, is a 108,000-square-foot arena that will host the men’s and women’s curling tournament, as well as wheelchair curling during the Paralympics’ Games. Other existing Vancouver venues will host events during the Games. At the core of these venues is the Pacific Coliseum at Hastings Park, which will host figure skating and short-track speed skating events.
Cypress Mountain, which is bordering West Vancouver, will play host to freestyle skiing and snowboarding events during the Games.
Richmond. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Richmond’s Sea Island. About 25 minutes from Downtown Vancouver. Richmond is an official Venue City for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics’ Winter Games. Richmond will be home to the long track speed skating competition during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
The speed skating competition will be held at the new Richmond Olympic Oval, which officially opened on December 12, 2008. Twelve medal events will be held at the Oval over a 14-day period from February 13 to 27, 2010 with 36 medals to be awarded.
During the Games, the City will be transformed into an amalgamation of Olympic spirit, community pride, art, excitement and fun. Every inch of the City will be alive with activity, as international visitors join the citizens and volunteers in celebrating the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Whistler. The newly redone Sea to Sky Highway makes getting to Whistler easier than ever. The resort of Whistler, which grew with the hopes that the resort would one day host the Winter Olympic Games, will see its dreams come true. Whistler is home to three Olympic venues — the new Whistler Sliding Center, which will host the bobsled, luge and skeleton events; Whistler Creekside at Whistler Blackcomb, which will be used for men’s and women’s alpine skiing events including downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super-G and super combined; and the Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympics’ Park is the site for the biathlon and cross-country skiing.

With the Olympics fast approaching, a mini hotel boom has also taken place in Vancouver. Luxury options such as the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and the Sutton Place Hotel have now been joined by some prestigious new properties. The Loden Vancouver opened in 2008, followed by the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver in January. In the fall, the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel will open its doors and, in 2010, just before the Games, a new Fairmont, the Fairmont Pacific Rim, will debut.
An Olympic Visit
The one thing that tourism officials are emphasizing is that Vancouver is not only going to be one of the most accessible cities during the Olympics, but all sectors of tourism throughout the province are encouraging people to visit before and after the Games, as well.
At Cypress Mountain, only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, clients can ski and snowboard like an Olympian. Runs like Fork (on which a new Olympic event, the snowboard cross, will take place) and Trumpeter (which runs down what will become the snowboard parallel and giant slalom) will be available to visitors.
During the Games, celebrations will take place throughout the city. Nightly celebrations will occur at BC Place. The Robson Square – GE Ice Plaza outdoor ice rink will be open during the Olympic Games. In Yaletown, the David Lam Park Live Site will feature giant screens for event viewing, as well as a nightly laser light show and a water show. The park will also link to the new Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line for easy access. Larwill Park will be another live site and will feature giant screens, live performances and sponsor activities. The Francophone community is expected to make Granville Island a central gathering place. Bombardier, a Canadian aeronautical company, will offer a streetcar to shuttle visitors from the Olympic Village station on the Canada Line to the island.
One can expand their Olympic experience at the Cultural Olympiad’s many festivals and events. From Jan. 22 to March 21, you can see some of the best artists in the world in Vancouver. Canadian and international artists will take over the city showcasing a variety of artistic talent that will stretch the imagination. More than 600 free and ticketed performances will take place during 60 days of programming that will include world premieres and one-of-a-kind events.
Vancouver2010.com, the official Web site for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is a hub of information. The Web site serves as one of the best resources for information on ticketing, torch relays, the Cultural Olympiad, education programs and more. Tickets for all Olympic events can be purchased through the site.

Scenic Drives on Oahu

One of the problems with going on vacation is that the days are so action packed that you don’t have any time to rest and recharge your batteries. This is usually the case for those who head to the islands of Hawaii. Hawaii’s visitors often spend so much time soaking up paradise that they wear themselves out! The best way to combat this problem without wasting a day in paradise by spending it in your hotel is to take a scenic drive.

One exceptional drive located near popular Waikiki is the ten-mile drive up Mount Tantalus. This is a drive you’ll want to take slowly so that you don’t miss any of the scenery. If you travel too quickly, you will miss the many pull offs that give you a chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the island. Do not be surprised if you get caught in a quick tropical storm and witness a rainbow emerge from the rain! Almost at the top of the mountain, you’ll find Pu’u Ualaka’a State Park, which gives you a panoramic view of Oahu, including popular locations like Diamond Head and Waikiki. Make sure your camera batteries are charged!

The next drive you might want to consider is around the Oahu’s Hawaiian coast on the Kamehameha Highway. Enter the highway through the town of Wahiawa, and head towards the North Shore. You will pass the famous Dole Plantation, so be sure to roll down the windows to enjoy the smell of fresh pineapple fields. To the left you will see towering mountains while the turquoise ocean will be on the right. As you continue your drive, you will find that you are driving right along the Pacific Ocean. The water is so close that you can literally touch it from your car!

A trip down Interstate H-3 in Oahu is something you should not miss. This interstate does not leave Hawaii, but was paid for by our tax dollars, thus earning it the name of an interstate. It towers high above Oahu, giving you a bird’s eye view of the island without the need to pay for a helicopter tour. The road travels along the Ko’olau Mountain Range, offering breathtaking views. There is even a tunnel through the heart of the mountain!

For a shorter drive, head to the eastern end of the island, and drive from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay. This drive will start at Kalakaua Avenue and head towards Kapiolani Park. This is a good place to get out of the car for a few minutes to enjoy some sights, particularly if you are traveling with small children. When you are finsihed at the park, head to Diamond Head, where you will enjoy the view from Diamond Head Beach. Continue following the road through the richest neighbourhoods of Oahu. The road will end at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where you will want to turn onto Kealaolu Avenue and then head towards the Kalanianaole Highway. Take the Lunalilo Home Road to Hanauma Bay, where you can again get out and enjoy some snorkeling.

Taking a scenic drive is one of the best ways to relax on your Hawaiian vacation. Be sure to pack plenty of cold water and lots of film or batteries for your camera! You will love the pictures you get while on your drive, and the day after your road trip, you can head back to the beach, rested and ready to play!

Alaska Vacation

Want to find a different place to vacation this summer? Why not plan an Alaskan vacation? You’ll be able to enjoy sports, culture, and all the great benefits that come with spending time in the city–or renting a cabin in the country. Here are some things you’ll want to consider when you’re organizing your vacation.

One of the first things you should do is decide which type of Alaskan vacation you want to take. You can fly to the state with Alaska Airlines, or you can take a cruise to the state that will allow you to see all the great features of each of the cities while enjoying the entertainment and quality meals that are available to you on a cruise ship. Cruises offer an affordable price and allows you to participate in as many on-board activities as possible. Most of the cruises will cater to people of all ages as well, so you won’t have to worry about finding something for your children to do, or about entertaining older family members if you would like to make it a multi-generational trip.
Of course, there are a number of places on land that you’ll want to visit during your Alaskan vacation as well. The city of Anchorage, which is known for its beautiful mountain ranges, is an ideal vacation spot for nature lovers. The capital city Juneau is rich in history, and you’ll be able to learn a lot about the people and history of the state while you’re there. You can also participate in the helicopter dog sled tour while you’re in Juneau which will allow you to see what glaciers look like from the air, and the helicopter ride is followed by a real dog sled ride on top of one of the glaciers. Trips to areas like Ketchikan, home of the Misty Fjords National Monument is a great trip to take with family.

When you’re planning your Alaskan vacation, you’ll need to find a great place to stay as well. There are plenty of places to camp in the state, but you can also find a great bed and breakfast that will serve quality fare. You can also rent a cabin for your Alaskan vacation, where you find riverfront lodging and take advantage of guided fishing.

Skiing Vacations– Red River

Red River Ski Vacations

Red River, New Mexico is home to one of the most
popular ski resorts in the United States, and has
been for many decades. The resort offers six chair
lifts and one surface lift, and the trails are equally
divided for beginners, intermediates, and experts.

Top elevation at Red River is 10354 feet, and the
vertical drop down the face of the mountain is 1601 feet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t snow much, and about 85% of the powder is man made. There are 58 trails scattered over 247 acres. Red River is called the ‘ski town of the Southwest.’

The resort has three restaurants, all of which offer
fabulous fare. Lodging can be obtained in cabins,
chalets, inns, or private condominiums in the area,
and many lodging packages, as well as ski packages are available.
Red River also offers snow pass rates which allow
children to ski for free, and teens to ski at reduced
rates. This is a great way to save money on your
family ski vacation.

Red River also has a ski school, and group lessons
and private lessons are available. Even if you’ve never skied before, you will quickly be on the slopes after your lessons. There are even lessons for snowboarders, who are welcome on the Red River slopes. You can also rent all of your ski and
snowboarding equipment for very reasonable rates.

The nightlife in Red River is also great. After a day
on the slopes, you can kick back and relax at the
lodge, or visit one of the taverns in the area. For the younger crowd, there is a great game room located right in the center of the town. One of the great things about Red River is that everything is within walking distance of the lodging areas, and shuttles are provided for transportation to and from the slopes.

You can also enjoy taking scenic chairlift rides,
hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping,
snow-mobiling, and hunting. You can even take one
of the jeep tours to go see the abandoned gold mines in the area. So, even if you don’t ski, there is still plenty of fun to be had at Red River Ski Resort.

Childcare is available while you spend your day on
the slopes. Your child will be well tended at the Li’l
Buckaroos Child Care Facility, and the center
provides lunch for your child as well. At Red River,
everything has been thought of and taken care of to ensure that your ski vacation is as enjoyable as
possible.

Skiing Vacations– Solitude Ski Resort, Utah

Ski Vacations at Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah

If you are looking for the ultimate Utah ski vacation,
Solitude Mountain Resort has everything that you
could want or need. During the early 1900’s, the
area was full of silver miners, who gave the area its
famous name. Today, the area is covered with
skiers – but the crowds are rather light.

The area became a skier’s paradise in 1957. It was
developed by Robert Barrett, who made his fortune
as a uranium miner. He basically started developing
the resort because he was denied restroom privileges at the ski area in Alta – because he was not a guest.

Now owned by a different family, the resort features 1200 acres of 63 runs for beginners, intermediate skiers, and experts. There are eight lifts, including seven chair lifts and one surface lift. The top elevation at Solitude Mountain is 10036 feet, with a vertical drop of 2048 feet.

There are five lodging options for guests, and
activities and events take place all throughout the
year. The resort looks like a Tom Kincaide painting,
and one can’t help but wonder if this is where some
of his inspiration came from!

Skiing Vacations– Big Sky Ski Resort

Big Sky Ski Vacations

With all that Big Sky, Montana has to offer skiers, it is amazing that so few know about its existence!
Known for its wide open slopes and short lift lines,
Big Sky Ski Resort has one of the largest lift served
vertical drops in the United States. Over 5300 acres of ski slopes and trails await skiers, with over 33 feet of snowfall each season.

Big Sky Ski Resort features twenty three lifts, 220
trails, and a 4350 foot vertical drop. The top elevation is 11154 feet. Along with the ski lifts, there are also two cable car lines available. While there are beginner slopes, most of the slopes are geared toward intermediate and expert skiers.

There are many places to lodge in Big Sky Resorts
Mountain Village, which rests at the foot of the
impressive Lone Peak mountain. Enjoy Sleigh Ride
dinners, ice skating, parties, snowmobile tours, and
a variety of community events. At Big Sky, there are no strangers. Big Sky, Montana is one of the highest rated Ski Resorts in the United States, and there is something here for everyone.

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