Cruise Deals, Discount Cruises, and Cruise Vacations

September 5, 2010

Cruise Vacations – Our Top 10 Reasons for Choosing to Cruise

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 11:11 am

Anyone who has taken fabulous Cruise Vacations can give you a hundred reasons for cruising your vacation time away. Once you have taken a cruise vacation, you’ll know why. Cruising has so much to offer a vacationer it’s no wonder that cruises have become so very popular.

We will look into just ten reasons for choosing a cruise vacation. These may not be your top 10 once you have cruised, but you will certainly understand why we say there are hundreds of reasons!

10. Cruising variety!

There are hundreds of cruise ships and boats to choose from. Small charter cruisers to the mega ships, cruising gives you a tremendous number of options. Then you can look at the destinations and ports-of-call depending on your taste and desires. From a cruise to nowhere, to a world cruise, you have almost unlimited options! On the mega ships, you have a variety of dining venues to enchant with exquisite cuisine. These ships also offer a wide variety of activities and even evening entertainment. Choose a cruise vacation for its variety!

9. Cruise vacation value!

A vacation cruise offers tremendous value. With the price of your cruise ticket, you get your efficient yet comfortable stateroom with housekeeping that seems to be never ending. The pampering service that you receive is exceptional in terms of resorts. You receive all on-board meals. In the case of the mega ships, this can mean a choice of elegant dining rooms with mouth watering presentations. These floating resorts provide a number of athletic activities that can range from volleyball and basketball to rock climbing and ice skating! And when the sun sets, the ships turn into “entertainment central”. From Broadway and Vegas style shows to intimate lounges to rocking discos, the mega cruise ships offer it all!

8. Vacation activities while cruising!

What is your idea of vacation activities? Is it water sports? Cruising certainly has that with swimming pools and resort beaches. How about sightseeing? Do the historic cities of Europe intrigue you or would exotic ports of call be more enticing? Think vacation cruise! How about cultural lectures and educational tours? What about golfing on a different island every day in port? Does your vacation include a visit to the casino? Or, is your idea of vacationing soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach or by the pool? You guessed it. You can have any of these vacation activities by choosing an appropriate cruise vacation!

7. Cruising for family vacations!

Cruising is fantastic for family vacations of all ages! (See Family Cruise Vacation.) Many of the larger cruise lines and cruise ships offer special programs for children and teens. Kids get to get away from mom and dad, and mom and dad get some free time to relax and enjoy each others’ company. With all of the activities available on board ship, no one should become bored. Add the interesting and educations shore excursions at the various ports-of-call, and everyone gets an appreciation of how others live. Special menu offerings for children make dining a breeze. And on some ships, there are 24 hour pizzerias! Ice cream stations add to the enchantment. Some cruise lines also offer a special coupon or ticket for soft drinks at a minimal cost. Some ships offer babysitting as well – but it’s best to check first. Choose a cruise for your next family vacation!

6. Choose a cruise to experience new horizons!

Unpack your bags when you arrive on board your cruise ship and that’s it! On some itineraries you will be in a new port-of-call every day. But you won’t have to pack… unpack… pack… unpack… – you get the idea! Experience some of the best destinations the world has to offer while relaxing and enjoying your time between ports! No more long waits in airports or cramped seating on trains or busses. Relax by the pool, work-out in the gym, enjoy some free time gaming, read a good book – you decide how you use your time between the fascinating and intriguing ports. Go to sleep in your comfortable stateroom in one port and wake up in a new port with adventure ahead!

5. The simplicity of cruises for vacationing!

With a little investigation up-front, your cruise vacation is as simple as booking… then enjoying! Once on board, your time is your own – no pressure to be here at this time and there at that time. Enjoy your vacation and return from your cruise refreshed (not needing a vacation from your vacation). Do as much – or as little – as you like! Nearly all expenses are paid for with your cruise ticket. A little spending money is about all you need. Talk about simple – come on board and have everything looked after for you! Now that’s a vacation!

4. Romance and cruise vacations!

For hundreds of years there has been a romantic mystique about the seas. What could be more romantic than sailing off into the sunset while sipping a glass of fine wine on your private balcony? Perhaps strolling arm in arm on an elegant formal night with your better half dressed to the nines. What about a honeymoon to some of the most romantic ports in the world? Perhaps a quiet secluded cove with white sandy beach. Enjoy each others’ company at a quiet table in one of the intimate lounges. Or dance into the night under the stars. Take a while and lose yourselves while utilizing the spa services for two. Nothing could be more romantic than a cruise vacation!

3. Vacation cruises’ pampering service!

For many people, nothing is more important for enjoyment while vacationing than service. If you receive good service, you are content. Be prepared to have your socks blown off! Most cruise lines train there staff in the fine art of customer service. Your room steward or stewardess will do their absolute utmost to ensure that your stateroom is kept just the way you like. From the bartenders to the wait staff to the activities staff, each cruise staff member’s aim is to please. On our last cruise, our wine steward and the table staff in the dining room were absolutely wonderful. When you board your cruise ship be prepared to be pampered!

2. Cruise vacation dining!

Many people will tell you that this is the number one reason for taking a cruise. The fabulous menu options have your mouth watering. Then the presentation arrives and you are certainly not disappointed. The main dining rooms are places of elegance and formality. Most ships have alternate dining options as well – some with a small cover charge. There are usually casual dining options as well. Some ships have poolside grilles and some even have 24 hour pizzerias as mentioned earlier. Most offer 24 hour in-suite dining as well. And don’t miss out on the midnight buffet! Special menus can – in most cases – be provided with advance notice. Pack a pair of stretchy pants or slacks – just in case !

1. Because YOU deserve it!

The number on reason for taking a cruise vacation is because you deserve it! You work hard all year long for your vacation time and money. Vacation cruises provide you with tremendous value, variety, comfort and enjoyment. There are itineraries that will elate almost any vacation traveler. Whether your cruise vacation is a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life, you deserve this fantastic escape!

If you have any questions regarding choosing the right cruise line for you, send us a note at info@a1-discount-cruises.com using the subject line “Questions”.

Cabin Cruise Sailing Vacations

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 8:49 am

Imagine an entire catamaran to yourselves. Each couple has their own private stateroom and two professional crew to wine and dine you for seven nights! Our Catamarans have the capacity to take 8 to 16 people plus crew, just perfect for two families or a large group of friends.

These classic crewed charters provide you with personal service at a very competitive price. Enjoy meals on board with an open bar every day and every night!

For those of you who like to keep busy all the time that is not a problem on one of these catamarans. Water ski or kneeboard behind our powerful dinghy; take the kayak and investigate the beauty of the islands up close, give the windsurfer a shot, your captain will be more than happy to give you a few pointers… but only if needed. And for the less active crowd, choose a board game or pull a book off the library shelf to read as you doze off on one of the spacious trampolines. At the end of the day, finger through the CD collection and choose your favorite tunes while you await some tropical drinks and appetizers. You might be wondering about the food and drinks onboard? Well, you choose! Simply tell your crew what you like and what itinerary you prefer: With the help of your experienced captain, we will customize your vacation for you.

We guarantee a vacation like no other. It’s much more personal than a huge cruise ship, no flocks of people, nobody telling you when to go snorkeling when to eat or sleep. You choose what you want to do. The crew will most certainly accommodate all your needs.

We can present you with a unique vacation. Whether you are planning for a party of four to sixteen, or simply planning your solo adventure, do not let your dream get away!

You may be wondering what the difference is therefore between a classic crewed charter and a cabin charter.

The only difference:
The other people you choose to share your vacation with! Bring your own friends or we can provide new ones for you!

We have more experience pleasing catamaran enthusiasts than any other company in today’s marketplace.
We are the only charter company devoted totally and exclusively to catamarans and we offer a full range of cats.

We represent the highest quality catamarans in the world from top manufacturers like Privilege, Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot and more. Any of our well equipped, meticulously maintained catamarans will make your charter the sailing adventure of a lifetime.

High quality, peak performance and luxurious accommodations are what you can expect from The Catamaran Company.

That’s why more satisfied guests return year after year. But do not take our word for it! Each year Cruising World Magazine conducts a worldwide poll of their readers in order to rate the best companies in the marketplace. For the millennium survey for the year 2001 we were voted top of the list for the BEST SERVICE and BEST BOATS.

In addition to crewed charter catamarans and bareboat charters, we offer another option for those interested in a luxurious sailing vacation, the CABIN CHARTER.

Without the responsibility of chartering a bareboat and without the cost and hassle of coordinating a group for a crewed charter, cabin charters allow you to enjoy the comforts and excitement of an all inclusive yacht vacation.

By renting one cabin on our 4-8 cabin, spacious, top of the line catamarans, you share the experience with a small group of adventurers from around the world.

This kind of vacation affords you the personal attention of a luxury cruise in an intimate environment where you feel you part of a team.

You can enjoy a tranquil sail around the islands of the Caribbean while being pampered by professional crew, making this an active sailing vacation or simply a lazy lounge in the sun.

For more information, please visit www.catamarans.com

September 4, 2010

Income Tax Return – Save Money & Take a Cruise!

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 11:37 am

What do filing an income tax return, saving money and taking a cruise all have in common? Well, if handled well, you can ‘have your cake and eat it too’! That’s right, you can save money and take a cruise by utilizing your tax return properly.

In Canada for example, earners have the opportunity to invest in an RRSP – a registered retirement savings plan. By saving in an RRSP, one can minimize the amount of income tax that they must pay. Most employees have income tax deductions taken off their pay based on their income, marital status etc. The RRSP contribution amount actually reduces the ‘income’ which lowers the amount of income tax payable. In short, this usually means a healthy income tax refund cheque.

Although there is a limit as to how much one can contribute to an RRSP for tax considerations, the year’s amount can be increased if one has not taken advantage of previous years’ investment limit. So, if one takes advantage of this ‘top-up’ the income tax payable is lower still, and the income tax refund increases.

Think about it for just a minute. By taking advantage of the RRSP contribution limit on your tax return, you can save money for your retirement and get a tax refund cheque with which you can purchase a cruise vacation! How’s that for ‘having your cake and eating it too’?

Many other countries or states have similar programs. By maximizing your tax refund, you are able to both save and spend.

Of course there is a deadline for placing the contributions for the current year’s consideration. You certainly would not want to miss this contribution deadline. That would mean that you would have to wait until next year to take your income tax refund cruise vacation.

You have worked hard all year. Make your hard work pay even more dividends for your by taking a fabulous cruise vacation while saaving some of your hard earned cash. Use every benefit allowed on your tax return so that you can ‘have your cake and eat it too’.

Planning Discount Luxury Cruises – Be Prepared to Enjoy Your Cruise!

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 11:22 am

Suggestions to Select the Finest Cruise Liner For a Perfect Voyage

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 8:20 am

While one wishes to go on a cruise liner, the first and foremost priority is to select the finest voyage possible. Various considerations taken before the sail are its service quality, a smooth sailing and a valuable cruise liner. This might differ from one persons experience and requirements for the voyage to other ones. The solution to all the questions and queries lies with the internet which makes the selection simpler but sometimes riskier.

Search engines help to give the best information about any cruise liner. Google being the one of the best search engines which gives the perfect information by ranking various sites on the criteria of number of people visiting each website, view of people about the websites. Hence if one wants to have information on the finest and most popular cruise available then it can be easily viewed on Google as lot of traffic might have stored such results offered by foremost popular sites. Such sites give a guaranteed help most of the times to search the best cruise available in reference to ones needs.

Howard Hillman contributes a wider acquaintance to the finest cruise voyages available. Since 1968 Hillman has traveled the most on the cruise liners throughout the world. He has rated his forty years of cruise voyages, shared his best experiences on various cruise he has traveled on innumerable locations around the world. He has pen downed his travel experiences and named it as The Travelers Bible. He is considered to be the finest and the most experienced travel guide who has taken the maximum cruises ever the history. Carnival Cruise Line is considered to be the finest and most excellent family cruise voyage as per Mr. Hillman. He has also rated Disney to be the finest cruise designed for the kids and at the same time he has ranked Royal Caribbean to be the finest cruise when less money is to be spent on a voyage.

Conde Nast Traveler is considered to be the majorly trusted as well as most admired voyage magazine in the entire world. It has the highest ranking on the Google as well. If one is not satisfied with Hillman’s experience can always take advice from these publication. Conde Nast Traveler publications have a large accordance amid Mr. Hillman’s. Even the CN traveler readers have rated the Royal Caribbean as the finest amongst the cheapest, valuable most entertaining and customer oriented cruises available. At the same time they have given the Carnival cruise also the best scores amongst the family oriented cruise liners in the world.

As said if still there exits a doubt in ones mind then a coin serves the best by assigning individual cruise to its head and another cruise to its tail and just by flipping it on the palm can decide which one to choose from the two.

Making the Right Choice of Cruise Ship

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 12:18 am

There are a variety of destinations around the world that different cruise ships travel to. They can range from extremely cold conditions of the Arctic to the hot and sunny weather over the Mediterranean Sea. The different kinds of cruises available are ships crossing the waters of the Atlantic Ocean; cruises around the Arctic or Antarctic circles to experience the various life forms supported by these regions; a journey over the Panama Canal or the Amazon River; a cruise over the waters of the Caribbean; cruises over the famous rivers in different countries of the world like the Nile in Egypt, the Mississippi in the US, the Danube in Europe, etc.

One has a plethora of choices that can be quite mind-boggling even for a seasoned traveller, leave alone an amateur. The cruise you are planning to go for depends majorly on the time you want to spend for your holiday. If you are willing to spend only a few days or a week, it is advisable to opt for a cruise that is closer home. On the other hand, if you are taking out a month to vacation, transatlantic cruises can be chosen. If you are retired or are just taking a little time off from your work, the best option is to go on a cruise around the world.

Different cruises can have different schedules that they wish to follow. Some ships may choose to remain at sea for most part of the voyage while others may stop at different port cities from time to time. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday at a slow pace, you should go in for cruise ships that mostly remain at sea. A cruise ship stopping at various ports can be opted for, if passing your holiday at a fast pace does not bother you.

Some ships offer a vast variety of activities. They have parties going on round the clock, with guests taking part in them day in and day out. If you tend to get exhausted easily and would rather holiday at your own pace, it is better to opt for smaller cruise ships that offer a lazy and calm atmosphere. Ships that have a large number of travellers tend to organise lots of activities to keep their guests entertained. This can be quite tiresome for older people looking forward to a peaceful holiday.

There are different kinds of cruises that offer specialised services to different sets of people. There are some cruises that have been adapted according to the needs of children. They should be chosen if you are travelling with kids, so that your kids do not become irritable on board or suffer from boredom. In case you are a couple or a group of friends looking to party 24/7, cruises that have lots of parties on board with an atmosphere of high energy, fun and frolic would be preferred.

September 2, 2010

The 111 Day Cruise – The Adventure of a Lifetime

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 9:00 am

Most people think of a cruise vacation involving seven to fourteen days cruising through the Caribbean for a short break from the stresses and hassles of everyday life. Some people even consider taking an extended cruise vacation to Hawaii to enjoy all of the splendor and beauty that is on offer. However, some people are currently taking advantage of the 111 day cruise vacation offered by the Holland America Line which disembarked from Fort Lauderdale on 6 January 2010 and finally returning to Seattle. The 111 day cruise allows passengers to cruise through the worlds oceans and explore cruise vacations on four continents.

This cruise may not be for everybody as the 111 day cruise is a substantial period of time for a vacation but for those who can afford 111 vacation days the cruise is definitely and experience that would be hard to surpass. The 111 day cruise would be a great opportunity for those who are having difficulty in deciding which cruise ships will take them to the destinations that they are looking for and they will get quite a few extra destinations thrown in as well. The shore excursions that will be experienced during the course of the 111 day cruise will allow passengers to become immersed in wide ranging cultures and experience the vast geographic differences throughout the world.

But the cruise does not come without a price. For cruise vacationers with a budget of just under $20,000 they will be entitled to an inside cabin and those with significant disposable income there is the opportunity to indulge in a deluxe suite for $60,999. These prices however are only for the cruise; passengers embarking on this cruise will have to ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover all the incidental expenses they will incur on the 111 day cruise. The Holland America Line is known for its remarkable service and amenities and it will come as no surprise that not everyone will be able to afford to take advantage of this exceptional adventure.

For those able to indulge in such a luxurious cruise vacation, there is no doubting that the 111 day cruise will be a trip of the lifetime. With dedicated entertainment and activity staff on board the cruise ship, passengers will be given a never ending source of entertainment during the long ocean going periods between ports. The cruise will allow passengers to follow some of the most famous maritime routes which have been shrouded in mystique since the dawn of seafaring adventures on the open seas. The Holland America Lines have not announced when their next extended cruise will be departing but depending upon the success of the maiden journey, the cruise vacation industry may be inundated with inquiries on booking a 111 day voyage for their next cruise vacation. This is a turning point for cruise vacations and shows that there are cruise vacation packages for everyone, whether they are looking at a short get away or to cruise the open seas for months on end.

August 27, 2010

How To Have Fun-Filled Cruise Vacations

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 10:43 pm

In a rushed existence, when we don’t have time to even sit down and relax, cruise vacations offer a fantastic escape. These vacations are not just fun and relaxing but also rejuvenating. Unique in their offerings, services, and amenities, cruise vacations are a great way to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the big city life and just soak in the sun as well as admire and reenergise your sense with beautiful sceneries and majestic oceans.

Cruise vacations are available in many different packages, and there is a wide variety that you can choose from. It’s depend to base your choice for the cruise vacations on the activities that you are interested in, the destinations you want to explore, the time you want to spend cruising, and most important of all the amount you are willing to spend on the vacation.

Everyone has a different and personal reason or reasons to set sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation. Many people find cruise vacations exciting and enjoyable as they don’t have to drive or fly anywhere, some other enjoy cruises because they like to meet different people and explore different destinations, while some other just like to sail because they want to experience the luxury and life of a cruise ship. Whatever, your reason to go on a cruise vacation, you are bound to have a memorable trip!

The destinations on offer by cruise companies include just about any place where there is a port. Some of the most popular and hence common cruise vacation destinations include Alaska, Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe and others. A round trip voyage from Florida to the Bahamas is one such option. You get to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the blue waters of the Atlantic. Once in Bahamas, you can even explore the Bahamas, before returning back to your cruise ship to return back to the departure point. Then there is Alaska. A spectacular region, Alaska has a wide range of activities and sites to be seen and explored. An Alaskan cruise is bound to take your breath away!

You can customize your cruise vacation depending on your preference. Most cruise lines are constantly upgrading, and offering new destinations, new types of cruises and cruise ship amenities. Irrespective of whether you opt for an inexpensive weekend voyage or a luxury cruise voyage, you will be pampered and taken care of. It’s important to select the right cruise liner, so before you make your final decision read as much as you can about the cruise ship, its facilities, staff, ports of call, and talk to anyone who may have travelled on that ship before. After all the price of the cruise vacations are dependent on the cruise line and the destinations that make up your itinerary.

Remember, regardless of your reason for taking such cruise vacations, your voyage is bound to be enjoyable, so leave all your worldly cares behind and just let yourself be pampered!

August 26, 2010

Cruise Vacations – Tips For Picking a Cruise

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 6:21 pm

Many people have a hard time choosing one cruise from among all of the varied cruise choices available. No single cruise can universally be called “best,” and all cruises offer something unique. To decide which cruise to pick, cruisers first have to look at a few of their own personal tastes and determine what it is they want to get out of their cruise. Here are 3 tips to help

The first tip is to decide in advance how much you are willing to spend and then stick to that budget. Some day cruises can be had for less than $100. Anyone intent on cruising for several days on a luxury cruise ship will find the cost may run much more. The big luxury cruise packages that last 10 or more days are in the range of several thousand. So, before deciding which cruise to book, cruisers first need to decide how much money is in their budgets and then stick to them.

The second tip is to decide how much time you have available for cruising. An entire vacation? Only one day? Or, maybe

August 25, 2010

Wonderful Travel + Ideal Leisure = A Cruise

Filed under: Cruise Vacations — Tags: — Ernest Fields @ 8:56 am

For those who want a vacation that combines travel to exotic destinations, great food and entertainment, pleasant accommodations and the convenience of unpacking once, there can be but one answer – a cruise.

Cruises are fun, and they offer the opportunity for a luxurious trip at a modest price. With numerous embarkation ports located in many cities from Boston to Seattle and from Miami to San Francisco, they are convenient to get to for most people. There is always parking available, so what to do with your car is never a problem.

When asked what they enjoyed most about a just-completed cruise, travelers gave many different answers. Some replied that waking up in the morning, docked at a place they have never been, with a whole day to tour was best. Others replied that the three wonderful meals with so much variety were what they enjoyed most. Shipboard activities such as the gym, casino, bingo, lectures, games and activities were the most outstanding part of the trip for some. One relaxed-looking man said, “For me, the best part was just being able to find a quiet place to read a book.” While it was not the very most enjoyable thing, many people commented that being able to travel for seven or ten or twenty-one days and just unpack once is a real highlight.

Another wonderful thing about cruises is they go everywhere. Want to see Europe in style and comfort? Take a cruise. Want to go to the Caribbean islands or several ports in South America? Take a cruise. A cruise ship is the ideal way to go to Alaska. Cruise ships visit not just one of the Hawaiian Islands, but all of the major ones. Cruises are an ideal way to see the world. In fact, World Voyages around the world are available if you have enough time and money to spend more than three months on a cruise.

Probably the best thing about cruises for many is that they can afford to do all the things a cruise makes possible.

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