Saturday, July 4, 2009

Mariner of the Seas Ship Review

The Promenade...a collection of pubs, champagne bar, coffee shop, boutiques, and popular food franchises (Ben and Jerry's and Johnny Rockets) in a street setting that makes this one of the most enjoyable and unique experiences on the ship. There were also nightly parades consisting of costumed entertainers and dancers.

And then there's the Ice Skating rink with ice shows! I had never been to an ice show...I only saw them on TV. However, to be up so close, you can experience the grace and power of these incredible athletes... but get there early, at least 45 minutes early, for a good seat.

For entertainment, the Savoy Theatre was spacious, very comfortable, had great sight lines, and consisted of an impressive musical production (Music from the 80's) with equally impressive performances from the singers/dancers (one of the two female singers could have won American Idol!) and a very talented comedian/singer/impersonator.

The dining room was elegant, the menu first-rate, and the service was excellent. The buffet was considerable and included daily, a number of ethic choices including Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisine.

The fitness center was roomy and included all of the latest cardio and weight training machines. However, bring your iPod because the TV's were too small to see from across the room and there was no audio input jack. Needless to say, one still could work out and enjoy ocean views from nearly any direction.

The pool deck of course had a pool, a number of Jacuzzis, and an abundance of lounge chairs. The music and pool bars kept the excitement at a high level all of the time. Although I'm no longer a jogger, there was also a jogging track on the highest deck.

The room we stayed in was an inside cabin. However, it overlooked the Promenade, which gave you the feeling of apartment living... looking out onto a busy, exciting neighborhood. Room service offered a much more extensive menu than I experienced on other cruise lines. The bed was very comfortable and there was a mini-fridge, but no flat screen HD TV yet.

Last, don't forget to enjoy the 24 hour soft-serve yogurt machine on the pool deck!

Luxury Cruise Deals - 3 Things You Must Know to Get the Best Deal!

Searching for the most romantic luxury cruise deals vacation for your coming honeymoon? Wondering how to plan or which destination to go for a perfect ultimate getaway?

Okay...your wedding was a dream. The flowers were perfect, your wedding dress was exquisite, and the music created the most romantic atmosphere you could have ever imagined. You and your groom shared the most magical wedding night and have been in a glowing daze ever since.

When you realize you cannot think of anything truly unique, you seek the opinion of your best girlfriends. One of them suggests romantic luxury cruise deals to the Hawaiian Islands where she and her husband had rekindled their love on their last anniversary.

With the implementation of a few simple but clever tips in your search for the most romantic luxury cruise deals, you'll be kissing in the romantic moonlight aboard a gorgeous ship before you know it!
Finding affordable yet enjoyable deals requires quite some planning. However, if you go into the search knowing what you want, the process can be exceedingly simpler.

First of all, since there are literally hundreds of different kinds of luxury cruise deals, you (the planner) should decide what which kind you and your significant other would enjoy most. Cruises have various locations, themes, activities, and accommodations.

Popular destinations include Jamaica, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, and the Hawaiian Islands. There are glamour- themed cruises, well equipped to service the queen of England. These cruises truly reflect and deserve the title 'luxury cruise deals.'

They provide genuine gourmet cuisine, decks of balconied, spacious, suit-like staterooms, and gorgeous interiors. At the other end of the spectrum, there are casually elegant luxury cruise deals, geared towards people who aim for simple relaxation done in style.

Consider your personality and that of your significant other. Are you geared towards a simpler, mode of relaxation or do you thrive on fancy accommodations?

Your decision regarding the most suitable luxury cruise deals can be made a lot easier with the help of a travel agent. Seek one whom only books cruise vacations; that way, you'll have an industry expert on your side, working to provide you the most affordable, enjoyable cruise possible.

You can also benefit from the fax reductions - little discounts travel agents agencies receive from luxury cruises lines regularly. After you have picked a destination and theme, utilize the Internet and your travel agent to begin researching these cruises.

Also, look for ports close to where you live, reachable by car or by train. This will cut down on the costs a little bit. After all, you want to put your money in the cruise, not in the transportation. Once you have found the luxury cruise deals that you really like, inquire about packages and early bird discounts.
Make sure to book as early as possible, since luxury cruise deals are a popular vacation idea that many people are seizing.

I guarantee these tips will bring you the most romantic yet most affordable luxury cruise deals. You'll surely celebrate the anniversary of your wedding, rekindle the passion between you, and re-pledge your undying love for the rest of your lives!

Three P&O Cruises Under a Grand

If you are planning your holiday in early summer, there is every reason to hurry up and compare three fantastic options from P&O Cruises. Each of these Mediterranean cruises costs less than a thousand pounds, offering an amazing range of on board facilities and entertainment, and taking you to the not-too-distant places in Europe in 14 to 16 days.

P&O Cruises are renowned for making your holiday unique. They pride on their impeccable service, a dedicated welcome pack for children, and catering for your every need without you ever noticing. Departing from Southampton, their exquisitely decorated and equipped liners take you to both popular and undiscovered destinations in Europe, the Atlantic, and worldwide.

The Mediterranean trips offered by P&O Cruises all take you from Southampton via Spanish ports to either Italy or Greece. Returning via Cadiz or Gibraltar after two weeks at sea, you can surely say that you have had the best holiday yet! The cruises are served by three ocean liners that share some of the common features, like Internet access and a range of sport activities and beauty treatments on board, while also boasting something extraordinary. The sport facilities include indoor and outdoor pools; golf nets; deck football and cricket; table tennis; and sometimes, basketball.

Choosing a Mediterranean cruise on Oriana will see you travelling via Praia de Rocha in Portugal, Barcelona in Spain, Villefranche in France, Genoa and Civitavecchia in Italy, and Palau on Sardinia, before returning to England via Gibraltar. In a fortnight for a price of 899 pounds you will sample four different countries, each with an array of experiences. The capital of Catalonia is sure to dazzle you with its nightlife and Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, and Villefranche offers a quick access to Nice and Monte Carlo. Genoa and Rome will show the different sides of Italy, from a trading city republic to the Eternal City. Palau is a family-friendly resort, and Gibraltar boasts the most famous mountain in the world, from where you can see over to Africa. On board of Oriana you will be offered a wide range of restaurants, bistros, and bars. Decorated in art deco style, the ship has an art gallery and library for those who like a quiet and cultured rest; a range of beauty treatments; and a number of activities for the biggest sport enthusiasts out there.

Another P&O Cruises liner, Oceana, will take you to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence, Pisa and Rome, Ibiza, and Cartagena, returning again via Gibraltar. This is certainly the option for those with the taste for high life and art. Twice on your two-week journey will you get the chance to sample the glitz and style of party life: first, in Monte Carlo, then on Ibiza. The Uffizi gallery in Florence, the Falling Tower of Pisa, and Rome's Coliseum will add culture to your entertainment, which will not stop on board. In addition to sport activities, beauty treatments, and many a restaurant and bar, you will find glaciers and Lido on Oceana, again at 899 pounds.

Finally, a children-friendly Aurora will take you to the Dalmatian towns of Dubrovnik and Korcula, as well as Italian Venice, and the Greek island of Corfu. Boasting an eclectic style that combines a classic British design, the French chic and the Moorish elegance, Aurora takes you on a Mediterranean cruise for 999 pounds for 16 days. On board you will find not only a number of sport activities, an art gallery, and a Mayfair quarter, but also a beautiful atrium; an array of beauty treatments and exercises, including men packages, body composition, and yoga; and two tier penthouses. Here you can do cloud walking and attend a masquerade, between coming ashore in medieval Dubrovnik or strolling the Venetian canals in gondolas.

Croatia Gulet - 3 Things You Must Know Before Booking a Cruise

If you have decided to go on Gulet cruising, congratulations - it will probably be one of the most joyful cruises you ever took.

I am booking one week each summer with my family. I've tried both Turkey coast and Adriatic one. Adriatic sea is by far more beautiful... magnificent.

I'll share with you some tips you should know when preparing for your blue voyage.

1) Take only your closest friends. The Gulet is small environment where you'll spend your week or two. If you are on that small space with people you don't like or with troubleseekers, it can ruin your whole vacation. I know. We have been once with our friends and their friends. One guy was such a pain that he has almost ruined our entire vacation.

2) As always on cruising, there is a captain. It is person of authority and command when you are on sea. Although he is there to make your cruise joyful, while traveling, you must listen to captain's commands. The reason for that is mostly your safety and safety of the yacht itself. As always, there could be a bad whether and captain usually knows the forecast and when you should stay in the marine and when it is good to go. Forcing your captain to set sails and go to another destination when a bad whether is forecast could cause you unpleasant time with big waves. If you are in Adriatic sea and with skillful captain, it isn't dangerous, but it could look scary if you haven't experienced bad weather on the sea before.

3) Sex in the cabins. Well, as it is attractive and must-have experience on such voyages, be forewarned. If you are loud at all, it will be heard by all. Gulet is a wooden boat and you are on the water... it transfers sound like crazy. The same advice applies for talking about someone behind his back. Extra careful.

These are my three tips you usually won't find in brochures and other resources, but are absolute must-know for pleasant and joyful vacation.

By the way... if you are considering a gulet cruise in Croatia, I absolutely recommend it. It is relaxing, tasteful experience you'll never forget.

Luxury Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean - 5 Top Tips For a Mediterranean Charters

A luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean is a wonderful way to enjoy the best of the coastline.Any Mediterranean charters will take you to wide sandy beaches, hidden coves, sparkling blue waters, glorious multicoloured marine life, national parks, secluded bays and onshore, to exotic ports with thrilling nightlife.

Tip 1 - Choose a reputable yacht charter broker who is able to provide professional and impartial advice.

Tip 2 - Your broker should be familiar with the yachts, the crews, the destinations and the local sailing conditions.

Tip 3 - Your broker should use a trust (escrow) account, to protect the payment of your luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean.

Tip 4 - Check and double check your flight times as you do not want to miss the boat! Most Mediterranean Charters will arrange this for you if you prefer.

Tip 5 - Choose the best time of year. The best sailing conditions for luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean are from May to September.

If you are a seasoned sailor you may want plan and prepare your Mediterranean charter with the help of a local broker. A local respected broker will help you find the best prices and ensure your plans run as smoothly as possible.

If on the other hand, you prefer the idea of a total luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean then you are bound to opt for a skippered and crewed charter yacht. With all the planning, cooking, cleaning and total itinerary laid out all you need to do is lie back and be pampered.

Follow the 5 top tips for Mediterranean charters above and once on board with a competent skipper, a happy crew, a luxury yacht and a fair wind you are bound to have the time of your life.

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A Luxury Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean is simply a world apart.



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Turkish Yacht Cruises - 7 Nights to Cruise Around Turkey

Many popular Turkish yacht cruises leave from the principal resort and port city of Antalya. This important tourist destination makes a perfect jumping off point to enjoy a cruise around the craggy coastline and shimmering islands off Turkey.

Day 1 - After arriving at the Marina in Antalya you will board the yacht and enjoy dinner before leaving for the ancient city of Phaselis.

Day 2 - Phaselis, once renowned for its perfume trade, is where you can have lunch and relax before heading off to old pirate lair of Oympos. The yacht docks at Adrasan Cavus Bay overnight.

Day 3 - Your Turkish yacht cruises into Denre today. The church of St. Nicholas is here and there is a chance to visit Myra, famous for its rock tombs.

Day 4 - Your cruise around Turkey continues on to Kekova Island. You will sail over an ancient city that sunk after earthquakes during the Byzantine era.The yacht moors overnight in Kas Harbour.

Day 5 - The return journey to Antalya starts after breakfast with lunchtime in Ucagiz Bay before visiting Simena and the next stop will be at Finike Harbour.

Day 6 - Departing from Finike, your Turkish yacht cruises to Genoise Bay and onto Kemer's Moonlight Bay. Kemer Island is a wonder to explore.

Day 7 - The yacht leaves Moonlight Bay in the morning heading for Calticak Bay and Sican Island before finally arriving home in Antalya Marina.

Enjoy your last dinner on board or ashore before bidding your captain and crew farewell after breakfast on day 8. The tour ends back at the marina in Antalya where you may reflect on the pleasures of the previous 7 nights.

Recover your land legs with a stroll among the shady, palm lined boulevards and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici with the Three Arched Hadrian Gate.

Luxury Cruises in the Caribbean - 7 Reasons For Sailing in Style

I expect you could think of more than seven reasons for taking luxury cruises in the Caribbean but lets keep it simple. For many of us, particularly from the northern areas, we crave the warmer weather. To get away from the daily grind and feel free upon a clear blue ocean is the epitome of luxury. The warm climate of course attracts so many of us. The year round average temperature hovers around 80 degrees which is perfect for most people. Even the rains in the spring and autumn are warm.

Our Ports of Call of course vary from cruise to cruise. Generally we will take in 4 or 5 ports where the style of the former colonists runs from French, British, Dutch and Spanish.

The Caribbean hosts thousands of beaches which we enjoy at our leisure. Whatever your pleasure, sipping glorious fruit cocktails, scuba diving or merely daydreaming there is a beach for you.

Caribbean ports have an abundance of shopping opportunities. There is more than enough choice to suit everyone and much of it is duty free. No need to say more.

The clear blue seas of the Caribbean are treasured in the memories of all who love sailing in style. The myriad of multicolored fish shimmering in a bottomless sea is a wonder to behold.

There is a relaxing social atmosphere on luxury cruises in the Caribbean. Everyone and anyone mixes freely with whom they choose and often make new friends for life.

Families are able to enjoy their vacation together without the responsibilities and duties associated with other vacations. Freedom to be with each other in the peace of the Caribbean is pure bliss.

To experience the colors, sounds and smells of different cultures lived out daily by joyous people on far away islands is to be invigorated. To relax with loved ones as the sun sinks from a seamless sky is sublime. This is merely a prologue to what is in store for those of us who love to take luxury cruises in the Caribbean.