Placed on the Caribbean plate, this region houses more than seven thousand islands most of them enclosing the sea and there are some special tourist attractions like the National Park in Curacao, the El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico, the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel and the list goes on! While planning a Caribbean cruise vacation travelers are often in a dilemma as to which way to sail – western Caribbean or eastern Caribbean. The fact is, both the itineraries are equally gorgeous! All you need to do is to decide and book the right ship; however, a research of the ports of call is definitely required before that. Although equally exquisite, the two most popular Caribbean cruise itineraries have their own attraction points to welcome their visitors, let us explore!

Cruise vacations have become extremely popular in the last decade or so and today there are some very popular cruise liners. Disney cruise ships are a favorite among those who love cruising. From the Caribbean to the Bahamas and the European cruises, Disney takes you to many places. The best time to plan a Disney Cruise vacation is during the spring and summer breaks and an advance booking will always necessary.

Here are two luxury vacations on the Disney that you can probably never forget.

Disney Cruise: the marvelous Nassau port in Bahamas

The port of Nassau is in the Bahamas, where you can go for sightseeing and enjoy some unforgettable shore excursions from your Disney Cruise. Nassau, located on the New Providence Island is the capital city of the Bahamas. Beside the New Providence Island is the Paradise Island. Besides relaxing and soaking up the sun at the beautiful beaches in Nassau you can add a dash of adventure to your Disney Cruise vacation by going parasailing, renting a watercraft or even waterskiing. Well, that’s an undeniable fact about the wonderful Disney cruise. Or you may simply want to sit at the deck and relax and watch the sea go by in your luxury vacation.

And while you are sailing on Disney cruise ships, you will of course want to check out the on board entertainment that include live shows, night clubs and the movies. There are also health clubs, libraries, game rooms and pools to entertain you in your cruise holiday.

If you are a history buff, then the Bahamas is going to charm you with its rich historical resources like the elegant fortresses, charming churches and beautiful houses. The port of Nassau has amusement potencies for the shopaholics too! A short walk takes you to the city center where there are huge malls are awaiting your pleasured sashay. And the neighborhood Paradise Island is just a joyride away from here, taxi are always at your service here. Booking an excursion would be the best bet for the passionate tourists.

As you arrive at the Nassau port, you are welcomed with a red carpet that houses a number of merchandise where you have the liberty of bargaining to get the best deal. And if you are too shy to bargain, there is a shopping center where you can be on your own and pick up whatever you like at a reasonable rate. The best thing is that Nassau is just not too big to be covered. You can at ease execute your excursion within the time span that the hip halts here for.

You can even spice up your tour by a treasured visit to the Blue Lagoon beach and taking a Historical Harbor tour that will truly enhance your Disney cruise vacation to the fullest.

Disney Cruise vacation: the colorful Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay an island where you will find a new you while biking and swimming in the fizzing blue waters! It is the soothing getaway for the peace loving tourists who can enjoy their solitudes in this serene ambience. The pristine beach flaunts lounge chairs with a central colorful umbrella and the hammocks scattered here and there invite you a well deserved respite. There is a beach for the adult guests above eighteen called the Serenity Beach and one for the teens too. There are open air massage cabanas as well.

Castaway Cay is a world full of expeditions where you have a whole lot of options to choose from. Like you can splash the water right after stepping off the ship, you can go snorkeling, you can book an excursion for the Stingray adventure, or you can simply sit and watch the crystal clear water that is sheltered to minimize the tide effects. This private island of Disney is a great place for the foodies. You can enjoy a barbeque festival including chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs and potato salads that pamper your taste buds and you pamper your sweet tooth with a yummy beach dessert. There is an exotic buffet lunch arranged with fantastic tropical drinks, “Konk Kooler” being the hot favorite of the Disney Cruise devotees.

After all the fun you have to board your ship back which is rather the worst part of a Disney Cruise vacation. But that’s how all the good things in life come to us! But you can always explore the splendors of Disney on another voyage another vacation. The picture perfect romantic weather assures you to welcome next time with equal zest!

Disney cruise lines offer many more wonderful vacation plans as well that range from 3 nights to 14 night plans. There are 2 transatlantic plans too on Disney cruise ships that you are surely going to love if you have the time. But before booking your cruise holiday do check the Disney cruise price of the plan that you want to opt for.

Let us begin at the end. Yes, cruising is the best vacation value for a number of reasons that are listed below. And now for the front end – cruising is affordable if a vacation is affordable to any person. After all, it is a fact that almost nowhere else you are entitled to a stateroom from the beginning of the cruise till it ends at your port of entry plus all your stately meals, routine on-board activities including contemporary movies in plush theater halls and transportation from port to port. In short, you feel like a state dignitary for the price of one ticket to board the ship. What is more, it lets you know beforehand what your vacation will end up costing you. This is never possible in any other mode of vacation available under the sun.

Let us now come to the question of affordability that partly depends on the type of cruise selected. A shorter cruise will obviously prove more cost-effective as compared to a longer one stretching up to a month or so. In fact, affordability itself is such a stretchable expression that means so many things to different individuals. While thousand dollars a night may seem affordable to a tycoon, it may sound exorbitant to many. They may prefer affordable cruising instead. There are many cruise discount plans too foe their benefit. You need to check out the discounted cruise liner packages – and there are quite a few of them too. Though they are termed as ‘discounted’, but the experience in these ships are also highly enjoyable for most tourists.

Those in search of a vacation value may look for these deals. The following cost analysis may throw some light on the point of is cruising affordable and a good vacation value.

Items	Typical cruise vacation	Typical land-based vacation
Cruise Fare	$	Vacation Fare: $
Room	included	$
Transportation	included	$
Ground Transfers	included	$
Daily Breakfast	included	$
Daily Lunch	included	$
Dinners	included	$
Midnight Buffet	included	$
Sports activities	included	$
Entertainment	included	$
Onboard Parties	included	$
Onboard Disco	included	$
	Total	$

It needs to be mentioned here that there are standard cruise vacation packages where there are many inclusions and exclusions. While the standards are included (such as pre-decided menu and tickets to some shows), the extras are not (such as your preference for alcohol). You need to of course pay extra for them in your cruise vacation because most cruise vacation deals will not have them included.

Checking and comparing the overall cruise fare with the total cost of land-based vacation may at once convince anyone that a standard cruise vacation costs much less than a standard land-based vacation taken on the same level as a cruise.

Besides, cruise ships are unique floating resorts complete with their sauna and gym, dance and disco along with various entertainment facilities for people of all ages. But what sets them apart from any other land-based resort is their ability to move from one port of call to another every other day to savor the culture and tradition of a multitude of people and races. This may have an outstanding vacation value that none can offer or provide with.

Cruising offers a great vacation value by providing three basic things necessary in terms of (a) Relaxation, and (b) Adventure. As far as relaxation is concerned, the cruise crew is specially trained to pamper the gusts literally towards spoiling them forever. Choice food and beverages keep on coming 24 hours for the guests irrespective of their age and sex, turning them into gastronomes right from the beginning. As for adventure, every port of call beckons a trip inland to see and savor the unknown. Of course, the ship’s security system provides all the necessary safety measures associated with such tours.

Most cruise lines strive to turn their cruise ships into floating dreamlands, complete with all the luxuries available under the sun and the guest is provided with so many options and choices that one is apt to become overwhelmed with so many worthwhile offerings. Compared to a car trip with motels or a trip to a land-based resort, a cruise ship is several resorts grouped together with all the amenities and services reserved at one place. This may surely be called as an example of good vacation value.

Despite all the additional charges that are collected from a guest for drinks, shore excursions, photographs, wireless internet usage, etc, a cruise ship vacation is by far the best value for the guest’s hard earned greenbacks which he or she happily spends for the fun enjoyed during the cruise. None perhaps has left a cruise ship with a grudging mind so far.

Congratulations for planning a cruise since you are in for the trip of a lifetime. But it is important to plan your first cruise up to the minutest detail for making the trip memorable. And it has to be done much ahead of your joining the ship.

The first consideration when you are planning your first cruise is obviously where to go and which cruise plan to select. There are so many destinations to select from such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, the Scandinavian countries, Mediterranean and Alaskan cruises and even those that cross the Atlantic that it can become confusing. Then there are cruise specials that are announced from time to time – you may want to check them out as well when you are vacation planning.

But that is not all. You will have to know a lot more about your cruise holiday, particularly what to expect on the cruise ships, particularly when you are trying to board them. Take for example, the necessity of keeping ID cards handy since you will have to provide ID for each member of your family at the time of embarkation and any deviation from the set rule will disqualify the person from entering into the ship. Also significant is the use of credit cards or cash deposits prior to embarkation. This is a very usual practice since most cruise liners are cashless. Money is also needed for payment of gratuity that goes around $10 per person per day or $70 per week. So, for a family of four, this comes to $280 per week.

Packing for a cruising holiday is of no less importance. First time cruisers may carry some extra hangers and clothespins to keep the curtains tightly shut on sunny days. Check in advance if the power outlet provides the usual 110 volt AC or 220 volt DC that is popular with some Mediterranean countries. You may pack your electric razor and a spare nightlight if the power outlet suits them. Also, carry a water-tight zip-loc bag for keeping your passport and other relevant travel documents. Carry sunscreens and UV protected sunglasses and an extension chord for using electrical appliances. Carry diapers, baby food and children’s medications if your infant child happens to be a cruiser, too. Pack snorkeling equipments or golf-kit only if you feel that the ship’s rental policies are rather stiff. A hair drier may form the last item in your packing list. Planning your cruise should include all of these.

Since most cruise lines offer facilities for shore tours, it may be preferable to book the tours beforehand since the popular ones are usually sold out early. But some of them may come with your cruise vacation plan itself. Check with the cruise line’s website to see if online booking is available with them or phone them up and do the booking over the phone. In order to save cost, people often arrange shore visits on their own, but first time cruise passengers are advised not to take the risk. There have been instances when passengers were left stranded in an alien island as they had failed to reach the ship in time. Of course, one could also book the tours onboard through the ship’s shore excursion desk, provided they are available for the day.

Yet another advice for the first time cruise passenger urges them to grab some lunch in the ship’s buffet restaurant as soon as they embark and explore the ship to get thoroughly aware of the vessel. Incidentally, the first time cruise passenger may also check with the cruise line’s policies that control the quantity of alcohol one is allowed. Usually a bottle or two of Champaign or wine is permitted to be carried by each passenger embarking the boat.

Planning your first cruise may also include one’s familiarity with foreign currency. While US dollars are well accepted in most Caribbean countries, Euro money is more popular in most European cities. Asian countries of course have their own currency systems. However, the ship’s front office usually provides currency exchange services up to certain limits. Such services are also often brought onboard once the ship docks at the port. First time cruisers carrying international Debit Cards can also obtain foreign currency from ATMs located at different port of calls if they care to visit any of the nearest ATMs. Some amount of local currency becomes helpful while paying for taxi fares or buying cut flowers for decorating the cabin. Though it is a regular practice with some Asian countries to provide unauthorized local currency against US dollars   at a slightly higher rate, this should never be encouraged for national interest.

Cruising can be a great fun provided you are planning a cruise correctly. So do some research before you are going on that cruise vacation.

In the olden days, when doctors failed to cure a person of his or her ailment, they recommended a cruise vacation. Sea voyage or a cruise, people believed, helped recover many diseases that were otherwise incurable. Why people go on cruise vacations have changed now and in fact, such vacations have become much more popular than they were before.

Now, let us examine how a cruise vacation compares with other forms of vacation. On a driving vacation, people invariably end up somewhere that has already been visited for the simple reason that they know the destination is full of scenic beauty, has adequate accommodation and food and drink are available at a reasonable cost. But the fact remains that it has become clichéd with so many past visits and there is nothing new to see or enjoy there. Plus the tedium of visiting eating houses that serve the same food day in and day out is a regular feature with such sundry ‘tourist spots’. They simply reek of appalling nostalgia.

If, on the other hand, you take a chartered flight along with a group of 50 or so ‘tourists’ on a “point-to-point hectic tour, you are instantly transformed into a precious cargo, to be shipped from one destination to the other, irrespective of the time or weather conditions. No wonder many people complain that they need another vacation to cure them of the effects of the earlier vacation.

On a cruise vacation, you are the king of all you see. 

A new port of call arrives in front of you every morning on your cruise holiday with its unique and colorful lifestyle that you sample from the safety of the cruise ship’s deck wile sipping fresh Californian orange juice. As your giant luxury cruise liner wades through the blue sea and an alien sun sends it penetrating rays into every pore of your hungry body, order for a bottle of beer and plunge into the ship’s exclusive swimming pool to enact the role of a 007 agent for a while. Hey, this doesn’t cost you a copper, save and except the “coolant” which you buy from the cruise ship’s well-appointed bar. That is the fun of a cruise vacation package.

Since all meals are included in the price of the luxury cruise vacation, order for a Las Vegas type lunch or breakfast on the first day out on the sea. Go for a change of menu for following days. Restaurants are mostly open for meals for extended hours while buffets are regular features that are open all day and well into the night. Some cruise ships offer midnight buffets on full moon nights too. Yes you will truly enjoy your cruise ship vacation.

Dinners are fairly important events on most cruise travel vacation, a tradition dating back to late 18th century when cruising on luxury yachts were reserved for the aristocrats and the privileged few who were entertained with caviar and Champaign. Today’s cruise ship dinners are as lavish as could be imagined, offering ‘world class cuisine’ and ‘gourmet meals’ with ‘impeccable service’ to anyone on board the ship. Some cruises also provide optional formal dinners for the privilege of retired naval commanders or high ranking civilians used to ceremonial banquets. But there are cheap cruise vacations and family cruise vacations too who cannot spend that kind of money and yet want to enjoy the experience of cruising. There are so many things that you can do on the cruise liner – there are dance classes, bars, libraries and video parlors, shows, game rooms, gym and health clubs and beauty clinics too. But you may also want to do just nothing and just relax by sitting at the deck and watching the see.

People who are often plagued with the question of why cruise vacation would do well to know that most cruise lines offer a wide variety of shore excursions. While Caribbean cruises offer snorkeling and other forms of beach excursions, Alaskan cruises provide helicopter rides or real-life husky drawn sled rides.

Here are a few plus points as to why cruise vacation is such an enjoyable experience for many people and so they come back for more

• A cruise is equally interesting to adults, children, honeymooners and singles since there are amusements galore for each one of them.
• A cruise provides additional adventure tours for those who seek exciting activities.
• Get anchored at a distant location and get to know different cultures.
• It is a unique way of seeing the world from a deck-chair, where the world comes near to.
• It lets you feel that you are someone special who has to be pampered all the while till you disembark finally and the lasting impression lingers till your dying days.

A passport is essentially a document issued by a national government that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder for the purpose of international travel. So when you are traveling on a cruise holiday you will need to carry your passport with you is that is you are entering another country, which is mostly the case in most cruises.

Here is the recent passport regulation for international passengers. Most recently the Department of Homeland Security has passed the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) act which strengthens the border security and facilitates the entry into the United States for US citizens and legalizes foreign visitors by providing secure, reliable and standardized documentation. This will allow the Department of Homeland Security to identify a traveler quickly, accurately and reliably. Also with effect from January 1, 2008 every single person including the US citizen who travels between the U.S, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, or the Bermuda through land or sea would be required to present a valid passport.

The answer to the question, ‘do I need a passport on the cruise’ is a definite ‘yes’. The fact is, any international cruise ship will check your identification before you board it. The identification proofs are usually a driver’s license and an international passport and mind it, both are equally mandatory. In case you show up without a passport, absolutely nothing could be done to help you. Yes, such stringent is the requirement of a valid passport on a cruise. So do remember that cruise passport requirements are mandatory and so include this in your cruise essentials list. The requirement of a passport does not really depend on the length of your cruise or your ports of call.

And so, in case you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately. Or, if your passport has lapsed, then get it renewed before applying for the cruising trip as the rules for the passport requirements are really strict. You will definitely need a valid passport.

The passport requirement rule for the cruisers was passed by the U.S. Government and was activated on December 31, 2005. A valid passport, according to this law is a must for travelers going to any of the popular cruise destinations like Europe, the Caribbean, the Bahamas or even Alaska before they sail.

Applying for a passport 

Have you already planned your favorite cruise vacation? Check with your cruising agent, you must be requiring a passport before boarding the ship. The agent should be able to tell you the passport regulations. According to the rule, a passport application takes at least a six to eight week’s time to be processed. And if your holiday starts before the completion this period, then you might have to change your vacation dates. Well better late than Never, isn’t it? Passports are typically processed during the early months like January through July and the usual cruise season stats in May and lasts till September. Thus the months of January till May might see a big rush for the delivery of passports. And too much rush sometimes affects the delivery dates as well. Therefore, to be on the safer side, apply for a passport well in advance to avoid unwanted problems.

Thus you see how important the requirement of a passport for any cruise vacation is. And if you are amongst those without a valid passport, you will then have to book your cruise rather earlier to avoid the last minute cancellation of the trip due to non availability of your passport. Also, trying to get the smart last-minute rate might be a tricky job if you do not have your passport in hand! And if you are running short of time and have already booked that enticing cruise vacation, you will have to shed off some few extra bucks from your pocket for quick issuing of the passports. This extra amount usually ranges between $350 and $390. These extra bucks on the other hand might have a negative impact on the cruise lines that may then plan to cut down rates on their packages to the Caribbean, the Bahamas or even Alaska. Thus any traveler who did not have a valid passport gets both a passport and the cruise trip of course at the cost of only the cruise trip alone.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and apply for your and your family’s passport today (if you do not have one already) to avoid any last minute rush and mishap. Remember, you have to personally visit the court house to apply for a passport but the initiative is worth the fun and pampering you enjoy at the cruise vacation! Happy cruising!

And when you are packing to board the ship, do ensure that you have not forgotten to take your international passport with you as you will need to show it at the ship.

There are many things that you get free on a cruise but there are more things on board a ship that cost money. For instance, you get free treatment when you fall sick on board a cruise ship. Most likely your morning cup of tea or coffee will come free, however the juice and the soft drink will not. Meals are also all-inclusive on cruises but not specialty restaurant fares (but do remember that if you have booked a package deal, which most people do, then there is already a pre-fixed menu, and when you order something outside this, you will need to make an extra payment). Infants cruising with parents are not charged for as also children occupying the same cabin with their parents. Knowing what comes with your deal and for what you need to pay extra is crucial as this helps you know how much money you need to carry along. Of course you can use your card to pay, which many do, but using a card so randomly can have you neck deep in debt. Even if you are paying using your card, then too, prior information is always useful.

In certain cases, air fares are included but it might be appropriate to check with the cruise line whether it is free or not with the package that you have booked – but in most cruise deals this is not what happens. In fact, there are so many variations with cruise lines about what they offer free and items that are charged for that it often becomes quite confusing. Cruise liners, as a rule, always say publicly that they do not have any hidden costs; nevertheless they do not declare also the items that are charged for.Here is a list of items that cost money on board a cruise ship.

• Bottled water: You can have the normal water free with meals but if you need bottled mineral water, you will have to cough up dollars for it. Of course, you can bring in drinking water by refilling your reusable water bottles, but then can you ever be able to bring enough water to last the entire cruise? Difficult, isn’t it? Also, you are more likely to forget about it at the last moment in anticipation of an adventurous cruise.
• Alcohol: You may be spared of this highly expensive issue only if you have booked an all-inclusive cruise that comprises alcoholic drinks too (but these are rare as most deals do not include alcoholic drinks. There is also the issue of personal choice as individual preferences vary a lot here, so what may be on offer may not be to your liking). Otherwise, be prepared to pay for every peg that you consume. And it may cost quite a bit for a bottle of Rye Whiskey on board a cruise ship. Veterans suggest sneaking alcoholic drinks on board, but it may lead you to endless trouble.
• Soft drinks: Soft drinks do not cut any soft corner with cruise lines. You will have to pay for all soft drinks that you are likely to consume on board a cruise ship. And the price of a bottle of coke may make you miss a heart beat.
• Gratuities: The service on cruise is considered superb even by many hard boiled eggs but you are indirectly induced to pay for it. Some cruise lines provide tipping rates ($70 per person per week) but you are free to pay more if you feel like. But the mere fact that this is their bread and butter usually makes a person generous.
• Shore excursions: The cost of this fairly interesting pleasure trip has the ability to drain your dollars much faster than the way it reaches your pocket. Knowledgeable cruisers, there, advises greenhorns to get this sorted out right at the beginning, preferably at the time of booking the cruise because some excursions are included and some are not. This way you can at least come to know how much it hurts your economy. Besides, it is cheaper that way as compared to ad hoc booking on board the ship.
• Special onboard restaurants: Though not an essential thing to indulge in on a cruise, taking someone special to an exclusive restaurant after a late night show has its novelty. So you might be willing to spend that extra buck for the experience.
• Cruise/ travel insurance: This is neither free nor essential. Yet this will protect you against unforeseen events so this is advisable.
• Laundry/ Ironing service on board a cruise ship could be fairly expensive. One way of skipping this cost will involve having enough clothing to last the cruise. Alternatively, wash undergarments in your bathroom and hang them there for drying. Hanging clothes in the bathroom while you shower can steam the wrinkles out of the clothes.

Although we are well aware of the fact that attires are made for men, not the vice versa but in real life things are often just the opposite. For attending a formal diner, one has to have a dark suit with matching ties and while attending the best friend’s marriage, a tuxedo suits the person best. If you have ever attended a court case, you cannot miss the dark gown of the lawman who is likely to be debarred from entering into the court room sans that loose-fitting high-flowing legal garb.

However, the dress in a ship will not raise any storm in the tea-cup although you may encounter a real one in the Mediterranean Sea if you happen to be cruising in summer. Since casual wear is the order of the day, shorts, tank top, sundress, etc for the ladies and polo shirts, T-shirts are OK in a cruise ship.

When you are thinking of what to wear on your cruise, you need to consider where you are going cruising in the first place. Of course what you wear on your Alaska trip would not be the same if you are sailing to Singapore or crossing the Suez Canal.

Dressing appropriately is very important on your cruise holiday

Nevertheless, most elegant cruise ships have an unwritten dress code that the captain expects the passengers to follow. Men should therefore, pack either a dinner jacket or a dark suit for the formal nights (often hosted by the captain – referred to as the captain’s dinner that is hosted either on the first night or the last night of the cruise vacation) while a jacket and a tie for the smart casual evenings will be alright. Of course, it does not matter much even if you forget any special attire since most big cruise ships have evening dress rental service. Moreover, cruise liners are usually provided with boutiques, selling varieties of ladies fashion wear if you indeed need to get some on your cruise holiday. By the way, do not forget to carry a wrap or a pashmina to keep you comfortable for the evenings in-door as most ships are ‘fiercely’ air-conditioned to resemble Alaska-type weather. Wear high heels if you must, but bear in mind that you are likely to walk fairly long distances on the deck of a big liner that is moving in the high seas.

As for protecting your top and bottom, what you need is comfortable shoes for sight seeingand rubber-soled shoes like deck shoes for ‘mooching’ around on board. And if you are used to wearing hats, make sure that they do not blow away on the windy deck (remember you are on the sea where it can be quite windy even when the weather is perfectly normal). If you are planning to use the pool during the cruise, you will of course need to bring your swim suit. Yes you can buy one, but you should be warned that it may cost quite a bit in a cruise – so it is best to bring your own. Also, carry anything appropriate to slip on over your swimsuit to help you moving from the poolside to the lunch buffet without causing embarrassment to others.

When going ashore and visiting churches or temples, make sure that you do not wear fashionable dress or too many trinkets that may make you look like a Christmas tree! Wearing simple and casual outfits is the key issue that may guide you on such religious roams.

‘Smart casual’ or ‘formally informal’ apparel can save you from many a disaster on that cruise ship. A good pair of simple black or white trousers with a dress shirt for men is acceptable anywhere aboard a ship as also when ashore. Similarly, pants and colored silk tops for ladies is considered adequate for any occasion.

Here is list of dress codes for some common cruises expressed for the benefit of persons taking their first cruise.

Casual Dining Code for men consist of khakis, sport slacks, jeans without cut-offs, shorts, collared shirts (sport) while ladies may wear pants, casual skirts and blouses, Capri pants and dress shorts. It may be noted here that gym shorts, basketball shorts, cut-off jeans, bathing suit attire and beach flip-flops are not allowed in the dining rooms during the casual dinners.

Elegant Dining Dress Code for gentlemen includes shirts and slacks, probably with a sport coat. One may also wear suits and ties or a tuxedo. For ladies- they are supposed to wear cocktail dresses, pantsuits and elegant skirts and blouses or an evening gown.

For Canada/New England/Alaska cruises people should wear sweaters, lightweight jackets and carry raincoats. Extra heavy woolens are needed for people traveling to the glaciers.

If the question is, “where can I go on a cruise vacation”, the answer would be anywhere under the sun almost, provided of course there is water there. There are cruises galore for you to pick up from. You can take a boat to Australia to see the coral reef or visit the Mediterranean to taste a bit of Europe. If I were you, I would have preferred a voyage through the Nile and ask the sphinx what they had been doing all through the millenniums sitting smug among the pyramids. Or better still, sail through the Amazon and have a twist with an Anaconda for a change. Yes, a cruise holiday can be on the sea or it can be on the river too. Cruising can be great fun when you have carefully selected from the many cruise packages that are out there.

But first of all, ask yourself if you have adequate time in your hand for a cruise through the open sea. This is no drive through the freeway at 100 mph or over to reach a destination which you know would not take more than a few hours. Besides, you can always take a U-turn to go back home if the person on the other end of your cell phone tells you to do so. But you can’t persuade the captain of your luxury liner to take you back to your port of embarkation when the ship hits the high seas. So, before you consider about ‘where can I go on a cruise vacation’, devote some time to find out how much time you may be able to spare on a cruise because your entire itinerary depends on that.

And of course the cruise destination you select will depend a lot on the kind of place you want to visit. Perhaps you have always wanted to visit Alaska or the Mediterranean. You are in luck because there are many hugely popular cruise lines that take people to many ports of call in these places. There are off shore expeditions too in these vacations. If you are going to Alaska then you can take a sled ride or visit the Denali National Park to come close with Mt. McKinley. On the other hand if you are on your Mediterranean cruise, then you can visit Greece and Rome. There are many other cruising attractions as well. The where to go decision is your and it is best taken based on your preferences.

The next significant issue does not concern the climate of your preference but the amount of money that you intend to spend or rather you can afford to pay for the cruise. You need not have to be specific but think in terms of a reasonable range. The fact is, your budget for the cruise may be just a few hundred dollars or it may runs up to even $4000 or more. In that case, take 25% off as overhead costs that cover visas, taxes and onboard expenses. Take note, some of the extras on your cruise vacation may be quite costly.

That much settled, hunt for the cabin next. But beforehand, feel the pulse or the purse first. Smaller, no-balcony, innermost cabins cost less but they are mostly decorated dungeons meant for spending the night at a minimum cost on board a ship. Next come cabins with balcony and on an upper deck where you can just sit in your privacy and enjoy the sea even if you do not want to be a part of the activities on the ship. Of course, the best cabins are located outside providing a 24-hour sea view. And then there are the state rooms with large windows and almost all the privileges that a cruiser can ever hope to enjoy.

Now that you know your parameters, check online with various cruise sites to find out if any off-season rebate or discount is available with short-term cruises. In the event of any cruise line offering the same, register your name and ask for a free quote (in many places you will find the price mentioned). If this is your first cruise, go for a Caribbean voyage that may prove interesting as well as cost-effective from all points of view.

Most Caribbean cruises are 7-night affairs departing from the East Coast and sailing to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Southern Caribbean Cruises are port-intensive ‘island-hopping’ types that spend more moments in port than at sea. Departing usually from Puerto Rico, they visit exotic ports of the deep Caribbean. Western Caribbean Cruises on the other hand, depart from Florida and the Gulf States, visiting Mexico, Caymans and Jamaica, providing a rich admixture of culture with a Mayan touch. These cruises are perfectly balanced in the sense that they spend as much time in ports as on the sea. Caribbean Cruises are best known for the innumerable beaches they lead into and the Duty Free shopping which is almost a part of the deal.

But this is just one option among many. There are so many cruise vacation options that it can become difficult to select one from them.

In the olden days, when the doctors could not cure a chronic ailment they prescribed a cruise which, nevertheless mostly proved effective. The only difference today is that able bodied men and women take cruises as an adventure holiday that cure them from the daily routines and refreshes the mind as well.

In fact, a cruise vacation is good for everyone. It is good for families with kids where the kids learn something new everyday. They see the horizon first thing in the morning when the luxury cruise ship sails through the high seas and almost get a hands-on idea of our planet’s semi-round shape. And it is a great opportunity for the entire family to come closer and spend some quality time in each others company – of course it is great for bonding. It is good for the singles too since it gives them the opportunity to enjoy nature and introspect while on vacation. If you are single and have a hobby like reading books or nature photography, then a cruise holiday is what you need to get away from it all and be one with what you really like. And as a bonus, you may also find a partner on your vacation.

For the honeymooners it is bliss from the blues since the only distraction in their initial introduction comes from the blue sea. However, let us analyze each episode algorithmically till you make up your mind to go for cruise this Christmas.

Cruising is good for families with kids since it cements the bond between them which is almost lost in the high strung urban lifestyle where both parents go out every morning to their respective workplaces, coming back home when they are much too tired to communicate with the kids. Most cruise lines also have junior style entertainment facilities that are much enjoyed by kids whether they are toddlers or twins or youths bursting with energy and looking for some interesting events to keep them engaged. Many cruise lines appoint specially trained staff to communicate with the kids. They know how to interact with kids and never feel bored responding to their innumerable questions about life on board a ship.  So while you get to spend some time with the kids, you also have the freedom of spending time with your partner as the kids can be kept safely with the trained staff who will look after them.Some cruise lines have special on shore adventure trips for kids that are much appreciated by seniors too. “So, this is the land of the Pharaohs” a kid reportedly exclaimed as their ship docked at Alexandria. As for the cost of sailing with kids, this could be quite cost-effective since many cruise ships have cabins that can accommodate three, four or five kids together.

Cruising for singles is ideal since it is so easy to meet a ‘date’ every evening. Lonely men and women of all ages often go for cruise just for this reason. Some cruise liners have ‘Singles Bar’ on board their ships where any decent male can invite a girl or a divorcee to share a table which eventually can turn into sharing each other’s lives. And of course you can stay away from them all if you are not really looking forward to start a relationship. You can delve deep into that book or go into snapping some great pictures.

There are innumerable parties and cocktails where primary introductions are often made by the crooners in the form of ‘Love song requested by Mr. X and endorsed by Miss Y’. Casual conversations also mature into permanent relationships when two people are taking on shore adventure trips. It is no wonder that many come across couples who were initially introduced to each other through a Caribbean cruise. Cruise lines, it seems, are also partial to singles. Since the regulations require a single passenger on board a ship to pay for a double room, some companies go into the trouble of finding out two single minded persons to share a cabin, each paying his or her part of the fare.

Cruise for honeymooners whose only concern is to enjoy each other’s company, moving in the midst of many is fully contented. A cruise holiday is a great opportunity to come close to each other and know each other better. Besides, cruising provides an atmosphere that is full of romance. And there is romance galore on board a ship. Fancy viewing different ports of call as you open your eyes every morning. It’s simply exhilarating! Then there is breakfast on bed on selected days and free Champaign for special occasion for the couple. Moreover, some liners offer special programs for performing marriage ceremonies on the floating alter. These are unforgettable episodes, indeed.