Travel Blog and Tourism Community » Cruise Travel

Cruise Travel Trends

Tera Warner — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:41:43 +0000

Cruise lines have their own distinct personalities and ships that reflect them, but there are some definite trends that are spreading across the fleets within the cruise industry.

More homeport cruising

Being able to drive to a cruise offers great convenience, not to mention tremendous cost savings by not having to buy airline tickets. All total, there are some 30 close-to-home departures in the United States and Canada. With so many ships in these close-in markets, in 2010 the competition for your cruise dollar will be fierce.

Bigger cruise ships

Cruise lines have gotten the message from travelers and they are delivering more for 2010 – more space, more options, and more fun on the largest cruise ships ever to hit the high seas. Larger ships mean a wider variety of features and amenities from which to choose.

Cruise ship makeovers

The refurbishment of the older ships makes sense for cruise lines, since most aren’t investing huge sums of money to build newer vessels. By “remodeling” what they already own they can add all of the features of the new ‘mega-builds’, which many cruisers appreciate. Older ships are emerging from their new makeovers with new balconies, improved pool areas, updated children and teen areas, more dining venues, and larger spa facilities.

Greener cruise ships

Cruise lines are taking advantage of the latest environmental technology to reduce their carbon footprint. A number of lines have launched initiatives including advanced wastewater purification, shore power, LED lighting, solar power and products made from recycled materials.

More adults-only areas

A number of cruise lines are increasingly catering to passengers seeking al fresco tranquility with the introduction of quiet, adults-only areas on their ships. These areas are usually in quieter parts of the ship and offer relaxation with abundant plush loungers and access to spa treatments, Jacuzzis and bar service.

More enrichment

Cruise lines continue to offer more and more sophisticated programming. Many cruise lines offer informative shipboard talks by famous lecturers on a variety of topics. Additionally, a number of premium and luxury cruise lines also invite arts and culture specialists to lead educational programs. Lectures aside, there are abundant enrichment offerings onboard and the list of options keeps getting bigger. Cruise travelers can take classes in languages, cooking, Web design, advanced digital photography, art history, maritime history, calligraphy, even pottery. There are even active enrichment programs like dance classes and theater.

More theme cruises

Are you a baseball fanatic, into politics, crazy about rock or jazz music? Believe it or not, you can indulge these passions – and a host of others – on a cruise vacation. Theme cruises are growing in popularity as they provide an entertaining and enriching venue for guests sharing the same interests. Best of all, the shared exuberance fosters an easy spirit of camaraderie, making for a great cruise vacation and sometimes lifelong friendships.

More wellness options

Cruise lines are chasing the fitness trend and have incorporated more comprehensive fitness options into their shipboard offerings, including larger pools, and gyms with state-of-the-art equipment that offer popular workout programs like aerobics, Pilates, circuit training and yoga.

Of course all the activities are balanced by the total relaxation guests find in modern shipboard spas. New indulgences include such treatments as an bamboo massage, Thai poultice massage, exotic coconut rub, body wraps, and acupuncture, to name a few. These are just some of the many therapeutic options available should you wish to turn your cruise vacation into a complete health makeover at sea.

More epicurean delights

While the typical cruise ship remains a vessel of culinary indulgence fueled by 24/7 buffets, pizza stands, and ice cream parlors around every corner, many cruise lines have added more gourmet fare for the more sophisticated palate. Most lines offer alternative dining venues where, for an additional fee, guests can indulge in premium fare with many of the menus designed by famous chefs.

With all the new ships, new onboard amenities, educational, health, exercise, and epicurean offerings it’s clear that cruise lines are working hard to make the cruise vacation experience the best it can be. And, that will surely make guests want to come back for more.

Cruise Travel Business Opportunities

Wolfgang Jaegel — Mon, 16 May 2011 03:40:59 +0000

The increased use of computers and e-commerce are changing business operations. This is mainly true within the travel industry. The travel industry encompasses several different businesses. These include travel agencies and franchises, online travel agent franchises and cruise franchises.

In the cruise travel market, cruise lines are launching expansion ventures to new places. This makes it very difficult to operate numerous centers simultaneously. Cruise travel business opportunities are comprised of a variety of concepts that prove to be feasible and profitable business opportunities for many. Advertisements are placed in newspapers, the yellow pages and on the Internet. They include vending offerings, home-based opportunities, cruise franchises and other travel business services.

It is very profitable to be a cruise travel agent. People can earn money by working from home or from their present place of business. Many home-based travel agents offer the same perks and benefits as store- front travel agencies. There are a number of companies who offer training seminars on cruise ships and vacation resorts all over the world, at reasonable costs. It is also possible for people to obtain training online. The companies provide comprehensive programs with the know-how, training and the tools that are required by a potential agent to succeed in the industry. Parent cruise companies offer first hand training, to uphold an already established business pattern and maintain uniformity in various smaller centers.

Cruise travel business opportunities offer the means to earn without managing any stock or personal selling. They do not involve learning complicated technical information and require a small upfront investment. Regardless of whether individuals are looking for a way to increase their income on a part-time basis, or hoping for a full-time business opportunity, cruise travel helps individuals to build an independent business under the guidance of the parent cruise travel group.

How To Pack For Cruise Travel

Mark Wilson — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:08:12 +0000

You know what you want to pack as far as your wardrobe for your cruise vacation, but here are the little essentials that you might not think about.

One very important thing to pack is a Wall Mount Power Outlet with 3 Outlets. Electrical Outlets in the cruise cabins are very stingy and if you want to dry your hair while your curlers are heating up you will have a problem.

When I pack, I put all of my clothes in Dry Cleaners plastic bags. These will keep your clothes from wrinkling. Pack anything that can spill in zip lock bags.

An international power converter and a currency converter will be needed for European Cruises. Some people pack a night light for the bathroom. I have found if you leave the bathroom light on and close the door it is sufficient to guide you there in the middle of the night.

We pack a portable CD player with 20 CD’s and an alarm clock. We pack “two way” radios so we can communicate when we are in different parts of the ship. I like to sleep in when we go to the Caribbean and John likes to get up and have breakfast. He quietly lets himself out of the cabin, and when I get up I call him to let him know its “safe” to come back to the room.

In colder climates you will need a jacket and some long sleeve shirts. I always pack sturdy hiking boots if we go to Europe or Alaska. (Most of the time I wear them on the airplane with slacks since they take up so much room in the suitcase). They come in very handy when touring Europe’s sometimes centuries old cobblestone streets. When you go to Europe you will probably visit churches, and other religious buildings and proper attire must be worn-no sleeveless tops, no shorts and in some places a head covering. In Thailand it was necessary to remove our shoes before entering their holy places. You are in some else’s country and must abide by their rules. No matter where you are headed remember that cabins are small and have little closets and drawers. This is an important fact to know when you are packing.

Bring all of your toiletries, film, in-cabin wine, lotions, medications and dental care products from home. They will be quite pricey on the ship. If you have an on going medical problem have your doctor write a brief medical history so you can supply it to the ships doctor if a problem should arise. You should also pack things like, Alka Seltzer, constipation relief, cough drops, aspirin and band aids. Make up a little first aid kit that suits your needs. Don’t laugh, you will probably be trying new foods, eating more than usual, and you never know how you will react. Those items mentioned above are expensive on the ship.

A few things that are handy are clothes pins for weighing down the shower curtain (the showers are small and the curtain will stick to you when your wet. This really gives me the creeps). A highlighter is great for highlighting the activities on your daily cruise sheet. The night before highlight the events you want to participate in and all you have to do is glance at the sheet to know where you want to be and when. Tell your room steward on the first day to leave you two daily cruise sheets so each of you will have one. This way if one of you wants to go to the wine tasting and the other wants to join in the art auction you both know where and when. Then when it’s over, call each other on the two way radios and meet up for a drink or lunch or whatever. Another valuable little item is “post it notes” if you don’t have the two way radios. Just write on the post it where you are going and at what time and then stick on the outside of the cabin door. Presto your traveling partner knows where you are and when to expect you back. This is great for parents traveling with children.

Cruise Tip: Pack business cards with your email address on them. You meet all kinds of interesting people that you will want to stay in touch with. Some of our best friends are people we met on cruises, friends we continue to cruise with. I like to pack computer generated address labels to make it easy to send postcards.

I read this tip in several cruise reviews. Send a postcard to yourself. I have postcards from all over the world with the local stamps that I have sent to our home during each of our exotic cruises. I have a stamp from the CCCP – that was the USSR- years ago. Its fun and you will always get a chuckle when the post card catches up to you after you are home.

It is a smart thing to bring along your cell phone (which means the charger too). If you incur delays you can call your Travel Agent and have her call the cruise lines. You can make phone calls while you’re leaving port on the ship, and in some islands. The islands I have found to be cell phone friendly are the

Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Grand Cayman. It’s great for phoning for a cab to the airport, or getting in touch with friends when you disembark. On the islands that do provide service you won’t have to wait in long lines (pay phones on the islands is where the crew keeps in touch with home). It’s just a handy thing to do and would be invaluable in an emergency.

Please don’t forget a good sunscreen if you are going to the Caribbean. If you are from the colder climes and have not seen the sun in awhile you will

NEED it. Even in Alaska you have to wear a sunscreen.

Lastly, don’t forget your camera. Put this in your carry on, do not pack it. I have a friend that went to Hawaii and video taped a wedding, packed the camera in her luggage and it was stolen on the way home. If it is digital camera take extra memory cards since you will be taking lots of pictures and the cards are more expensive once you leave home.

Follow this advice and you will have a very enjoyable and comfortable cruise.

Happy Cruising!

Cruise Travel Agencies

Andy Johnson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:53:42 +0000

A primary advantage of booking a cruise with a travel agency is the variety of cruise selections they offer to you as a traveler. When you are booking a cruise and you work on your own instead of through a travel agency, you have to go through many different web sites, doing a lot of virtual leg work to be able to compare which cruise companies are sending ships from which ports during what seasons. This is a complicated endeavor which can take up a lot of time; precious time for most busy individuals. With a travel agency, they do the leg work for you. You will have access to all of the same options as if you had done your own research, but in this case, the research is done for you, so all you have to do is consider what cruise will fit best with your own desires. Also, the research is checked out and prepared by a travel expert who may be aware of some aspects of cruise vacations the average Joe or Jane might not.

Another advantage of booking a cruise with a travel agency is that they are knowledgeable in offering other trip components you might not think to add if you were making your own arrangements. Many travelers do not realize that they need to secure airport to port transfers separately, or that mass transportation may not be available in certain locations. Depending on where your ship will be departing, it may be quite a distance from the airport where you arrive. Travel agencies address all of these details that you may not have even considered. You will save time and potentially a good deal of money by pre-planning as many aspects of your trip as possible. This can be handled efficiently by using a travel agency.

The fourth advantage of booking a cruise with a travel agency is that you can depend upon their experience to help you make the best decisions possible for your travel. There are a lot of different options to choose from any time you book a cruise or other vacation travel. If you have never before used a certain company or service, or never visited a certain destination, you may not know how best to make your decisions. The expert staff at your travel agency can provide you with many details about your potential travel not only from their own experience but also from their customers’ prior experiences, which will help to make your trip more enjoyable all the way around.

And finally, travel agents are useful in assisting in an emergency before or during your trip. By definition, an emergency is an unplanned and unexpected event. Some emergencies do commonly arise such as inclement weather and personal illness. If you did not use a travel agent, you are on your own in such an event. Many agents offer worldwide, toll-free 24-hour hotlines for emergency assistance at no extra charge to you. Customer service can assist with problems including flight cancellations, port closures, and how to obtain emergency assistance in the event of illness, security threats, travel document theft, and so on.

Dining at Sea

Kathy Austin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:05:36 +0000

To keep up with the increasing array of culinary and dining trends, cruise lines are investing in larger ships with innovative dining enhancements such as multiple restaurants with 24-hour dining and room service. These are just a few of the reasons why cruising is growing in popularity. On a typical day, cruise ship passengers may dine on oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster, escargot, filet minion, rack of lamb, fresh salads, fresh fruits, exotic deserts like chocolate molten lava cake–and that’s just for dinner. When it comes to cruise dining most cruise lines offer vast choices in menus and venues. Guests can choose to eat al fresco or inside, grab a quick meal at a buffet, or spend the evening dining on a six-course menu. In fact, many ships have half a dozen or more dining venues on board. From delis and steak houses to Italian trattorias and French bistros, cruise ships have multiple dining options to please every palate and every craving. Part of catering to cruise ship guests’ every need includes accommodating passengers who require diabetic, low-fat or low-salt meals, kosher or other special dietary requests or who just want healthful choices. Spa cuisine is now popular with many lines and guests now have choices of low-calorie, low-fat and heart-healthy foods. With the growing number of children sailing these days, most cruise lines offer special children’s menus designed to satisfy the littlest gourmand. Most offer the kid dining staples of chicken fingers, pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled cheese and, of course, ice cream.
Go gourmet In addition to 24-hour buffets, pizza stands, and ice cream parlors, many cruise lines offer gourmet fare for the more sophisticated palate as well. Some lines host regular food-and-wine festivals and invite chefs and wine experts to lead seminars and tastings.

One of the big culinary trends in cruising is alternative dining venues where, for an additional fee, guests can indulge in a truly special dining experience themed around such cuisine as Asian, Italian, New Orleans or Seafood. Highlighting that commitment in food excellence, cruise lines also often feature menus created by celebrity chefs that highlight different food themes and employing cutting-edge preparation techniques. Additionally, cruise lines have begun to follow land-based food trends more closely. As an example, more ethnic food is showing up on the menus these days from Thai to Indian. So, if you’ve been craving to explore new cuisines from different countries taking a cruise vacation is a great way to satisfy that gourmet curiosity. With all the epicurean offerings available with today’s cruise ship cuisine, passengers are sure to savor a sailing adventure to remember.

Cruise Travel – Not Your Average Vacation!

Fred Peters — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:52:26 +0000

What are the destinations and departure sites of the cruise? There can be the additional cost of flying or driving to the port where you will board the ship. What are the different activities and shows you can do and see on the cruise? Most cruises offer you many options to choose from. Some have a wider variety of activities, some have less. Make sure you know everything the cruise offers to its guests. You can easily discern this by evaluating your options. Who are you going on the cruise with? Some cruises have special themes, but others have no special designation. A cruise that is centered around adults may be better for you if you dont have kids. If youre single, you might even want to consider a singles cruise. What are the ports of destination? Oftentimes, cruises stop at various ports so you can enjoy off ship activities. Perhaps youd like to take advantage of the opportunity to go sight seeing? Or else, you might find the best place for observing whales. Besides enjoying the scenery, you can do things like water skiing, biking, and even rock climbing.

As soon as you discover the best cruise for you, its usually possible to use the Internet to book it. There are lots of choices, but bear in mind that many of the best cruises are fully booked long before the departure date. Look for a cruise that has activities that interest you, but dont spend too much time making up your mind!

Guide To A Sailing Holiday In Thailand

Wolfgang Jaegel — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:37:50 +0000

The Kingdom of Thailand is world renowned for its great history. Formerly called Siam, it has seen many conquerors coming from neighboring Asian countries and European explorers. They sought to colonize the island, but Thais were able to defeat them and remained the only country to have evaded colonization in all of Asia. Today Thailand has grown into one huge economic country, with its king as head of state. It is also one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world because of its magnificent sunsets and beautiful beaches that are ideal for even just a one-day sailing in Thailand.

Sailing in Koh Phi Phi Don means taking a chartered boat or yacht into the its clear-blue waters and enjoying its limestone cliffs. You can also choose to dock ashore and dine into luxurious meals prepared by several seafood restaurants. There are also souvenir shops where you can absolutely find a great souvenir on your way home. Koh Phi Phi Lee, on the other hand, becomes a perfect setting for the movie The Beach. It is situated 20 miles on the east side of Phuket. The marvelous sight of the bay is truly a sight to behold for anyone who wishes to see brilliant sunset and sunrise. It also provides a great backdrop for photographs. Cruising in Thailand in your yacht will not be complete without taking a chance on the Similan Island. It is located 55 miles northwest of Phuket. There are nine islands and small islets that make up this archipelago. Besides sailing, you can enjoy Thailand underwater marine life through snorkeling or diving. You can also experience the marvelous irregular formations of the boulders. Surin Islands, meanwhile, is sacred with lush virgin rain forests and deserted beaches, which are ideal for those who seek privacy while they are in the yacht or chartered catamaran. The Ko Phra Thong is an ultimate holiday paradise because of its unspoiled beauty and great beaches. The island also holds a very big reservoir of fresh water.

Cruise Vacations – All The Fun You Need, And More!

Thomson — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:17:41 +0000

The feeling of escape from the rat race is never closer than when you are on a cruise. Out on the open sea, fresh air and tropical drinks, what could be better?

Cruise Destinations – The World Is Your Oyster

Deciding which cruises to take is the hardest decision to make. Hawaii, Bahamas, Caribbean or even Alaska. You can see Europe on a cruise or many other countries, where every few days there is a new destination to explore.

When you plan your cruises you will see all the different ports you can visit for the day and that can be a big deciding factor for some people.

Have you ever wanted to visit Hawaii? Of course you have, I mean who hasn’t? A cruise to Hawaii give you the chance to visit all the islands, you don’t pay for a hotel and it turns a normally expensive vacation into a vacation that can fit all budgets.

Crusie Activities – Much More To Do Than You Might Think

Some people say they are worried they would get bored on cruises. Well, have you seen the new cruise ships? There is something for everyone 24 hours a day. In fact, there is often more to do on a cruise ship than anywhere else you go in life. It is kind of like Vegas on a boat.

There are movie theaters, comedy clubs, casinos, night clubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, shopping centers and more food than you can probably imagine. There are cruises for seniors, students, honeymooners and families.

Cruises are for everyone. They offer organized activities that you can opt to sleep through or lay on the deck soaking up the sun. You are where the decisions get made!

Addicted To Cruises – Why Not!

Cruises offer many of the amenities of a resort hotel and they even have televisions in the rooms if you just want to relax in your room. You can make telephone calls, cruise the internet, just like on land. The question you are going to end up asking yourself is how many cruises can I take?

They become addictive to those who take them. You get all the benefits of a vacation with none of the work. You pay for your ticket, tip the appropriate people and relax.

Cruises are some of the most fun times you will have in your life and such memorable times with your spouse or family.

Some cruises are limited to seasons like Alaska. The beauty of the Alaskan cruises are the scenery. Maybe a tropical setting isn’t your cup of tea but you still have many options.

How about touring Europe without all that time on an airplane – with no ground travel arrangements. You just walk off the boat, explore, get souvenirs, eat local food and then go back to your comfy stateroom!

There are so many cruises to consider and exploring all your options is the way to go. Get some brochures, find one that fits, get on that ship and leave your life behind for a while.