CHEAP HONEYMOON IDEAS After you have exhausted your resources in your wedding day, you might consider cutting your budget for your honeymoon. Here are some of the things that you can do in order for fulfill your aim to have a cheap honeymoon experience. Choose a closer location Plane tickets could carry of the total expenses for your honeymoon trip. If there is a great place near you, why go far? Eliminating the need to buy plane tickets would certainly keep your budget to the minimum. Book for cheap tickets, choose a cheap airline, or use other modes of transportation If in case you need to fly in order to get to your honeymoon destination, you can opt to have economy plane ticket. What is 3 to 6 hours of sitting in the economy class if it would mean several hundred bucks saved? You can also consider choosing some smaller airlines. They offer cheaper plane tickets than the big names. Or, better yet, try to use other means of transportation aside from plane. Take a train or a bus. In this way, you can see more places while saving more money. Book your hotels online There are several sites online that offer luxury hotels for less. Some of these are: Classic Custom Vacations, Expedia, Last Minute Travel, Orbitz, Quikbook, LuxRes, and All Luxury Hotels. These sites could give you cheaper hotel rooms but still getting the luxury you deserve. Choosing an All-Inclusive Hotels There are several all-inclusive hotels that guarantee you to have a complete honeymoon experience for less. Such hotels include: Club Med (which as a total of 120 properties all over the United States, Latin America, South America, Caribbean, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa). Other all-inclusive hotels are: SuperClubs, Sandals Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts (Mexico, Aruba, Antigua, St. Kitts, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, Venezuela, Egypt, and Tunisia), Sol Meli Resorts (Dominican Republic and Mexico), and Viva Resorts Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Mexico). Cruising for Less Cheap honeymoon experience does not limit to hotels and other cost cutting trip techniques. You can also afford cruise. Choose a site that specializes on the last minute savings. You can also get cheap honeymoon cruise when you bid at auction. Shorter cruise is less expensive. Choosing a cruise that sails at a port near you would further cut the cost of the honeymoon, and making sure that you search for several cruises and comparing the prices would give you better savings. This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on honeymoon, please visit http://honeymoon.articlekeep.com

What do you think? Steve First Time Cruisers Blog Check out the special 4 day 3 night Carnival Cruise for 2 for just $135 per person, double occupancy to Nassau or Ensenada at www.centerofsavings.com/cruise

Fun Cruise Facts

In searching for that “just right” first cruise, you’ve followed all the rules — researched cruise lines, examined possible itineraries, and exchanged posts on Cruise Critic’s First Time Cruisers and Ask a Cruise Question forums. You’ve booked your ship, selected a stateroom and picked an itinerary.So what’s next? You’d be surprised at how many factors – perhaps less earth-shattering but important nevertheless — remain to be considered. Consider this “Fun Facts” a sophomore-level primer, tackling topics such as: How do I prevent seasickness? Will I need cash and how much? What do I need to pack? How do I choose my shore excursions (make spa reservations, book alternative dining)? What do I need to know about flying or driving to my ship? And more … much more. The following information will help you find the answers to any remaining questions you might have so that you can get off to a stress-free and fun-filled start. Scheduling Flights and Important New Passport Information Booking flights (for those who haven’t booked the cruise line’s air/sea package): If you haven’t booked flights yet (or have the ability to make changes on those flights you have purchased), plan to arrive by noon — at the latest — on embarkation day. The day before is even better. The reason: You need to factor in possible flight delays and other transportation glitches that could keep you from getting to the pier on time. Flight delays: If your flight is delayed, let airline personnel know immediately that you’re a cruise passenger scheduled to set sail that day so that they can try to accommodate you on another flight, then be sure to contact your cruise line as soon as possible and let them know about the delay (most cruise lines offer a toll-free emergency number to call on the day of travel; make sure you have it on hand). In some cases, though not many, when several passengers are delayed a ship’s departure might be postponed. In other cases, you may have to arrange to fly to the next port and meet the ship, possibly at your expense. Cruise documents: Be sure to read through the information before you leave, attach the luggage tags provided to all of your bags and fill out any boarding paperwork prior to departure (some cruise line Web sites now allow you to complete some of the boarding paperwork online via their Web sites). Getting to the pier: You can purchase roundtrip transfers that get you to and from the airport and pier (these are included if you’ve booked an air/sea package) from most cruise lines. Note: They usually need to be booked at least 14 days in advance. Be sure to read the instructions that accompany the transfers to determine if your bags are checked directly through to the ship, or if you need to claim them at baggage claim. If you decide to drive, or take some other mode of transportation to the pier, porters will be available to help you check your luggage. Important new passport information: The U.S. State Department’s “Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative” is being phased in. It requires all U.S. and Canadian citizens (including infants and children) to carry a valid passport for all air and sea travel to, or from, certain countries and regions that were previously exempt. These include: Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean. The deadline for cruisers to comply with these new rules, however, has been delayed indefinitely. Cruise Packing 101 What to put in your carry-on bag: Unlike a hotel where people check in on varying days and at varying times, folks check in to a cruise ship en masse. As such, a ship receives thousands of pieces of luggage in a matter of a few hours, which means your bags may not arrive in your stateroom until a few hours after you check in. Carry-ons are key. Pack everything needed to get you and your family through dinner time — bathing suits, cameras, medications, sandals, sunscreen, a change of clothes and toiletries, and if you’re traveling with small children, enough diapers and wipes to get you through a day. Dress codes: Every cruise line has a specified dress code, even if it’s all casual all the time. Typically, formal means tuxedo or dark suit for men, and an evening gown or cocktail dress for women. Informal, jacket and slacks for men, and a dress or pant suit for women. Casual could be slacks and a sport shirt or capris and a blouse. Exceptions definitely apply; for example, on Norwegian Cruise Line’s cruises out of Houston, blue jeans are allowed in all dining rooms due to the Texan culture. Moral of the story: Check your cruise line’s dress code descriptions. Your cruise documents will tell you how many formal nights there are (if any) and which days of the cruise are so designated. Sports and baby equipment: If you are planning to snorkel or play golf or tennis, check out the ship’s rental availability and rates to determine if it’s worth bringing your own equipment along. In addition, some family-friendly ships now offer stroller and bouncer seat rentals; however, it’s best to bring anything you absolutely need such as diapers, baby food (especially if your child has allergies) children’s medications, etc. B.Y.O.B.: While not suggested, some cruise lines (such as Carnival) do allow you to bring a bottle or two of wine or Champagne onboard; others (such as Royal Caribbean) forbid it so it is best to check on your line’s policies — or take a look at our line-by-line roundup of alcohol policies. Laundry: Most cruise lines offer laundry and dry cleaning services available via laundry bags in your stateroom. Some even offer self-service laundry rooms as well with coin-operated washers and dryers (and vending machines that dispense small boxes of detergent). For safety reasons, many ships ask that passengers not iron in their staterooms, and provide irons and ironing boards in a self-service area. Cabin F.Y.I.: The majority of staterooms include standard 110-volt AC electrical outlets and hair dryers (some also have Europe’s 220 volt plugs). Check your ship’s specifications to determine if you need an adaptor. There is usually a mini-safe where you set your own personal code or obtain a key. As for televisions, while the majority of cruise staterooms have them, the channel selection will vary and most do not include a DVD player or VCR. Lastly, a good travel alarm is handy to pack as many cabins are not outfitted with alarm clocks. Tip from the boards: Cruise Critic community users have offered many good packing suggestions for first-time cruisers including: extra hangers, clothespins to keep curtains tightly shut on sunny mornings, a large insulated mug, a nightlight, an extension cord, a highlighter for highlighting the things you want to do on the ship’s daily newsletter, and zip-loc bags for storing wet bathing suits and sunscreen. Lastly, be sure to keep your passport and cruise documents with you at all times while traveling (and keep them in your safe while onboard). Making the Most of Embarkation Day Explore the ship and get organized: After you board, grab lunch in the buffet restaurant, and be sure to book spa services, specialty restaurant reservations and popular shore excursions as soon as possible. A few cruise lines now offer pre-booking options via your computer. Muster/Safety drill: These typically take place just before the ship sets sail. Your attendance at the drill is mandatory and you should take it seriously. Be forewarned, crew members do come around to check that people are not still in the cabin. I know – I tried to stay behind once when my toddler son needed a nap. Visitors at the pier: While friends and family are welcome at most piers to see you off, for security reasons only cruise passengers are allowed to board the ships. This applies at ports of call as well. Check out the ship’s daily newsletter: Want to know about the port you’re about to visit, what the show times are, what lectures are being held the next day or even what the drink of the day is? It’s all in the ship’s newsletter which is typically slipped under your door each evening (for the next day’s events). Tip from the boards: According to Slam30, “My first two cruises, we missed sail away because we went back to the cabin after muster (drill), saw our luggage there and decided to unpack. Drag the luggage into the cabin and leave it. Get back up on deck quickly and enjoy the sights of them throwing off the lines and leaving port. There’s nothing like it!” Shore Excursions: The 411 Booking shore tours: An updated list of available shore excursions is typically available a few months before your departure. Be sure to visit your cruise line’s Web site to see if reservations can be made in advance online or by phone. If so, you might want to book your top two to three shore tours in advance since many popular ones do sell out. Shore excursions can also be booked onboard through the ship’s shore excursion desk and, in some cases, via the stateroom TV. Cruise tours vs. going it on your own: The answer largely depends on the port city, and the preference of each passenger. If you want someone else to take care of transportation, meals in many cases, and making sure you’re back on the ship in time, go with one of the cruise line’s organized tours. Others find they can save money by making plans directly with independent operators or prefer exploring on there own. Tip from the boards: Ladycaveat suggests, “Check out the Port of Call boards for the islands you will be visiting to see what others say about the excursions they have taken. For the most part, booking on your own is a lot less expensive, and involves fewer people (and in my honest opinion, a lot more fun), however … for those on a first cruise, you might feel a little more secure on a shore excursion sponsored by the cruise line.” Communication — Onboard and Off Phone service: Many cabins contain phones for ship-to-shore calls; however, the per-minute charges are quite costly with rates from $6 per minute on up. Most cell phones do have service in ports and within a couple miles of shore where you’ll be billed by your carrier at roaming rates that should be much cheaper than using the in-cabin phones. Cell phones: Many cruise lines have made their ships cell phone friendly; while phones typically work best within sight of land, some — Crystal, for instance — can even help you connect while miles out at sea. Research your carrier’s policies, accessibility and roaming fees. In an emergency: Be sure to leave friends and family the name of your ship, your itinerary and the ship’s phone number if you have it (if it isn’t in your cruise documents, check the line’s Web site or call the reservation line for the number). Online services: Most ships now have Internet cafes enabling passengers to use computer terminals to browse the Web and send and receive e-mails. Fees are roughly 75 cents per minute (on lines such as Carnival and NCL), but can be greatly reduced if the ship offers a package. For example, NCL offers a 250 minute plan for $100. In addition, laptop rentals are available and those bringing laptops aboard can often purchase a wireless access package. Keeping tabs onboard: Many passengers highly recommend bringing a supply of walkie talkies for each family member — it’s a great way, particularly on the bigger ships, to know that Junior’s playing basketball, Dad’s in the casino and Mom’s in the spa. Money Matters Cashless system: Though cruises may be billed as “all inclusive,” let’s just say that the term is relative. There are several things not covered in your cruise fare. A few examples? Wine, beer and cocktails (unless you’re sailing on a luxury line); shore tours; gift shop purchases; and spa services. In order to make payments easy, you’ll receive a swipe card upon check-in (which usually doubles as your room key) for charging various items and services to an account that can be settled with at the end of your trip with a credit card or cash. Cash and currency: Many cruise lines will cash traveler’s checks at their purser’s desks. Note that U.S. dollars are accepted throughout much of the Caribbean and in some other regions. In Europe and Asia the ship’s front office may provide currency exchange services or bring the service onboard once the ship is in port. Or, check the port facility at ports of call; some have ATM machines that will work with foreign debit cards (if they don’t, a nearby town or village surely will). It is best to carry a small amount of local currency when in foreign ports for taxis and for purchases at small shops and street vendors. However, keep in mind that major credit cards are accepted in numerous places worldwide. Tip from the boards: JacquieP advises, “With some credit cards, it is wise to notify the credit card company of where you will be going, so if they see, for example, jewelry purchases from the Caribbean, and you live in the middle of nowhere, they won’t put a hold on your card.” Medical Information Onboard doctors: Medical services typically consist of a physician and nurse to take care of temporary illnesses and accidents for a fee. In most cases, those with health insurance will need to pay up before debarking — and submit their claim once they return home. Many commonly used medications are kept onboard and can be prescribed by the ship’s doctor. Seasickness: Some cruise lines will provide complimentary motion sickness medicine (Bonine or something similar) to guests through their infirmary, pursers desk or room service. Cruisers have also had success with patches, which are placed behind the ear and dispense medicine through the skin, and Sea Bands, which are acupressure wristbands that press on a particular point inside the wrist associated with nausea. Pregnancy: Restrictions vary by cruise line. For example, NCL does not allow passengers to sail if they will be past their 24th week when the cruise ends; on Princess, it’s 28 weeks. A letter from your doctor is sometimes required specifying your due date. Tip from the boards: PelicanBill suggests, “Bring all the medicines you might want if you get sick, plus a thermometer and basic first-aid materials. A visit to the nurse or doctor is very expensive.” Seating assignments: If you are sailing on a ship with assigned seating times, you’ll receive confirmation of your assignment as early as before you sail to as late as when you arrive in your stateroom. If there are any problems, see the maitre d’ after boarding to request a change. Alternate options: Even if you have assigned seating, you don’t have to eat in the dining room every night. There are usually several other places to dine from pizza parlors to the ship’s buffet and specialty restaurants. And, of course, there’s always room service. More alternate options: Some lines, like NCL, Princess and Oceania, offer open seating dining in their main restaurants as well as at alternative ones. Special dietary needs: Many special dietary requests can be accommodated; be sure to discuss them with your cruise line four to six weeks prior to your departure. Note: Low-salt or low-cholesterol food requests can typically be accommodated right onboard. Religious Services and Special Occasions Religious services: Most cruise lines have clergy onboard for Christmas, Easter, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur; others have members of the clergy onboard during other times of the year as well. Special occasions: Celebrating a birthday, honeymoon or anniversary? Offerings range from rooms decorated with streamers, to specialty cakes, canapes, and renewal of vows packages. Check with your cruise line for pricing information and for booking deadlines, they vary from three to six weeks prior to departure. Of Special Note for Parents Cabin service: If you have a child that takes a nap each afternoon be sure to speak with your room steward on the first day to make arrangements to have the cabin cleaned either before or after that time frame. In addition, consider bringing a white-noise or sound machine — it makes napping a lot easier when folks get boisterous in the hall. Baby-sitting availability: While several cruise lines offer in-cabin baby-sitting, many do not. Be sure to check your cruise line’s policies along with the group baby-sitting options that might be available in the children’s center. See Family Cruising: Fun Facts for detailed information on cruising with kids. Tipping: Gratuity policies vary widely. For example, Carnival adds the suggested gratuities (roughly $10 per person, per day) are added to your onboard account on embarkation day. After that, you have the ability to increase or decrease the amount based on individual service by visiting the information desk. Other lines provide envelopes toward the end of the cruise for you to put cash in and distribute to the appropriate waiters and room stewards. And, on many of the luxury lines, gratuities are already included in your cruise fare. Bottom line: Be sure to check your line’s policy so that you are aware of what is being charged — and what is expected. Settling your account: On the last evening you’ll receive an itemized bill of your charges. Be sure to look it over and contact the cruise line’s purser or hotel desk to dispute any charges. If all looks good, just keep the bill as your receipt; the balance will be charged to the credit card you provided. Some lines will also allow you to settle your account in cash. Packing to disembark: Many cruise lines require you to pack your bags the night before you disembark and place them outside of your stateroom to be collected. This procedure expedites the disembarkation process. Utilize your carry-on again for toiletries and any remaining items. –by Christine Koubek. In addition to her articles for Cruise Critic, Washington D.C.-based Koubek has also written for Modern Bride, Frommer’s Budget Travel, The Dallas Morning News, Miami Herald and The Washington Post.

What do you think?Steve First Time Cruisers Blog Check out the special 4 day 3 night Carnival Cruise for 2 for just $135 per person, double occupancy to Nassau or Ensenada at www.centerofsavings.com/cruise

Nassau cruise

Relax on a Nassau Bahamas cruise The laid back atmosphere of the Nassau Bahamas cruise makes it the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. A Nassau Bahamas cruise is a perfect way to spend a few days away from your busy life. Come by yourself, with your significant other, with friends or bring your entire family. We and our partner sites can help you choose the Nassau Bahamas cruise that suits your tastes and budget by providing you plenty of information on the best deals, special offers and discounts on Nassau Bahamas cruise travel, things to do in Nassau Bahamas, sightseeing & attractions, weather and cruise port information. A Nassau Bahamas cruise is all about fun and relaxation Head for a Nassau Bahamas cruise and you’ll find relaxation, pretty beaches and opportunities for a wide variety of water sports and more. The shores feature a lovely setting for any beach aficionado, sophisticated shopping, delicious cuisine and many possibilities of entertainment. Some cruise lines will ensure that you have an entire day with your toes in the sand, so that you can explore at will the Nassau Bahamas. At night, many Nassau Bahamas cruise passengers try their luck at casinos or dance the night away. There’s always plenty to see and do on a Nassau Bahamas cruise. A Nassau cruise is one of the introductory destinations that many cruisers experience on their first cruise. The most popular three or four-day Nassau cruise leaves from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral and sails the short distance to Nassau or to Freeport in the Bahamas, giving first-time passengers a taste of a lovely Nassau cruise. Of the hundreds of islands in the Bahamas, less than 50 are inhabited, and Nassau cruise ships usually visit only two ports, either Nassau or Freeport. Thousands of passengers who chose a Nassau cruise are in Nassau every weekend. When you are in Nassau for the day, you can take a shore excursion sponsored by the Nassau cruise ship, book an excursion on your own, or use the time to explore the city, the island or a beach. Other shore excursions available on a Nassau cruise include a tour of Nassau or the island, boat trips, snorkeling or diving, golf, swimming with dolphins, or exploring on a submarine. There is certainly something for everyone on a Nassau cruise! Nassau is a wonderful place to visit for a short getaway Nassau cruise or as a port of call on a longer one. A Nassau cruise takes you close to the U.S., but is “foreign” enough to be very interesting. Because of the thousands of visitors, there are many opportunities for activities, but the streets are often packed with tourists. All of the major cruise lines, along with many smaller ones and yacht charters, include Nassau cruise on their offer. Scenic boat trips offering views of Nassau Harbor and surrounding islands are available on your Nassau cruise to and from Blue Lagoon Island with boats leave the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal several times a day. With its adjoining Cable Beach and Paradise Island (linked by bridge to the city), Nassau has luxury resorts set on powdery-soft beaches; all the water sports, golf, and tennis you could want; and so much duty-free shopping that its stores outdraw its museums. Yet historic Nassau hasn’t lost its British colonial charm – it just boasts up-to-date tourist facilities to complement them. Many people come on a 3- to 4-day Nassau cruise leaving from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral. Nassau cruise ships dock at Prince George Wharf near Rawson Square, the very center of the city and its main shopping area. The Straw Market, at Market Plaza, is nearby as is the main shopping artery of Bay Street. The Nassau International Bazaar is at the intersection of Woodes Rogers Walk and Charlotte Street. Visitor information is readily available near the Nassau cruise -ship docks, as are several means of transport, ranging from taxis to buses.

What do you think? Steve First Time Cruisers Blog Check out the special 4 day 3 night Carnival Cruise for 2 for just $135 per person, double occupancy to Nassau or Ensenada at www.centerofsavings.com/cruise

BEST LUXURY SHIPS

In looking at today’s top luxury cruise lines, we’ve picked favorites that span an entire range of travel styles. While all fit the key “luxury” criteria — outstanding cuisine and top-notch personal service — some boast more sumptuous interiors, and some are more all-inclusive than others.What’s different these days about luxury cruise lines is that they come in all shapes and sizes, fitting a far wider range of passengers. Luxury can be experienced in the guise of sailing yacht-style vessels, or formal, near-mega ship traditional experiences.If You Want All-Around Glamour … Try: Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind or Silver CloudAnchors away the “creme de la creme” of the seas, these 296-passenger twin sister ships provide flawless service, authentic gourmet cuisine, free-flowing wines, open bars, spacious suite-like staterooms (stocked with Frette terry robes), decks of balconied staterooms, friendly crew and gorgeous interiors. If You Want Lots of Choices and Plenty of Mind-Bending Activities … Try: Crystal’s Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity These luxury liners redefine elegance with the company’s “never say no” motto: extravagant butler-manned penthouse suites, gorgeous staterooms, irreproachable service, lavishly staged production shows and a floating Caesar’s Palace casino. The ships’ facilities are amazing, from a Feng Shui-inspired spa to the most exclusive collection of boutique restaurants (Prego by Valentino, Nobu Matsuhisu’s Silk Road) at sea. If You Want Your Own (Almost) Private Yacht … Try: SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream I and SeaDream II Aimed at active, luxury-loving travelers of any age, sailing these 110-passenger yachts is the next best thing to having your own! Cuisine is superb, service is also superb, and the yachts’ interiors are un-ostentatiously elegant. Each ship has a small but incredibly lovely Asian-influenced spa. There are no private verandahs (most yachts, after all, don’t need ‘em) but cabins are outfitted with sumptuous amenities, such as DVD players, cotton duvets and lovely bathrooms with showers for two. Another plus: This is one of the industry’s most all-inclusive options. Everything from cocktails to gratuities to watersports fun off its platform is included in the price — even the caviar, available around the clock. If You Want Tropical Elegance … Try: Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Paul Gauguin The 304-passenger ship, which sails year-round itineraries in French Polynesia, offers casual, laid-back luxury, romantic ambiance, fabulous food, big, beautiful staterooms (many with verandahs), great service and amenities. What’s particularly special about Paul Gauguin is that its interior was designed for French Polynesia — and so the onboard art and ambiance very elegantly reflects the itinerary. If You Want Hip, Funky and Trendy … Try: Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager Seven Seas Voyager is a bit like a fabulous boutique hotel at sea. It’s got theatrical — and memorable — restaurants, such as the oh-so-French Signatures, and the whimsical Latitudes. Stateroom accommodations are roomy — there’s a plethora of suites, which all come with butler service. If You Want Casual Elegance … Try: Windstar’s Wind Spirit, Wind Star or Wind Surf This spiffy, “casually relaxed” sailing fleet of two identical 148-passenger, four-masted computer-operated sisters (the 312-passenger Wind Surf joined the line in 1998) is popular with a preppy, sporty, Docksiders-wearing crowd that wants to travel to out-of-the-way ports without sacrificing comfort and style. If You Want Traditional Luxury … Try: Seabourn’s Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend While verandahs would greatly enhance the appeal (note that some cabins have French windows that open out but you cannot actually venture onto them), this polished fleet of 204-passenger luxury liners compensate for the lack of balconies with flawless service, dreamy cuisine with complimentary wine, plush staterooms, fascinating ports, and a farewell beach party drenched with caviar and champagne to complete the experience. By www.cruisecritic.com

What do you think?Steve First Time Cruisers BlogCheck out the special 4 day 3 night Carnival Cruise for 2 for just $135 per person, double occupancy to Nassau or Ensenada atwww.centerofsavings.com/cruise

Honeymoon Cruises Are The Best Honeymoon Packages

Think of a cruise ship as a floating resort, with all the things a fine land-based honeymoon resort has to offer and more! As a matter of fact, honeymoon cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other honeymoon vacation experience. Here are the reasons why a honeymoon cruise makes your honeymoon even more special. Romance There is nothing more romantic than sailing away together into a golden sunset. Plus secluded island beaches, dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available. Most cruise lines have special add-on packages to make it an even more romantic honeymoon. Plus, cruises provide the most elegant environment without sacrificing a casual atmosphere. Value One price buys your accommodations, nighttime entertainment, fine dining, and more. And unlike an all-inclusive resort stay, the upfront price is less expensive because you don’t pay for things you don’t do. A honeymoon cruise is without question the best value for your honeymoon dollar. Cuisine A cruise is a perfect opportunity to sample new dishes because it’s all included! Plus cruises offer the freshest food available anywhere all prepared on board. Gourmet fares showcase exotic ingredients, or enjoy old standbys like pizza and ice cream, or try spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, you can dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery. Today’s modern cruise ships have alternative dining options that include Morton-style Steakhouses; Asian, French and Italian Restaurants; and even Sushi Bars! Variety Fill your honeymoon photo album with pictures from many different exotic destinations instead of just one. With dozens of ships and itineraries available there are so many places to see and things to do, and there is a perfect cruise just for you. And with the cruise ship doing the “island hopping” for you, you’ll find plenty of time to relax or to be as active as you like. Whatever you’re hoping for you’ll find it all in one place – on your honeymoon cruise. Activities Cruising offers the best of both daytime fun and nighttime excitement, and that’s hard to find even at the best resorts. Fill your days with sightseeing, water sports, cultural activities, educational tours led by naturalists and historians, or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy casinos, musical production shows, dancing or just a quiet evening gazing at the stars. You can even join in, or just watch, a real live, hysterical version of the Newlywed or Not-So-Newlywed game with fellow passengers on your cruise ship. Simplicity Planning the wedding is stressful enough and you certainly don’t want to come back from your honeymoon needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple – make one phone call to CruiseCheap.com and we’ll handle all of the details. Or you can book your cruise online at www.cruisecheap.com. In addition, once you’re on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid… talk about stress-free and hassle-free! New Horizons Cruises can take you to some destinations where big resorts don’t even exist, such as remote, undeveloped islands or even the wilderness of Alaska’s Inside Passage. You can fall asleep in one destination and wake up in a different one, and you only have to pack and unpack once! Remember, your honeymoon cruise ship does the island hopping for you so you don’t have to. Luxurious Accommodations Cruise ships provide a wide choice of different types of cabin accommodations and suites, and most of them have private balconies. Unlike at resort hotels, there are no undesirable views or noisy locations. Plus, all cruises offer 24-hour room service and some cabin categories even have upgraded amenities, concierge services or even butlers! Pampering Regardless of how little you spend, all cruise lines offer the finest personalized service from highly trained personnel. Plus, you’ll become acquainted with the staff on a first-name basis, and they’ll do anything they can to keep you comfortable, making your honeymoon cruise even more memorable. from www.cheapcruises.com

What do you think? Steve First Time Cruisers Blog Check out the special 4 day 3 night Carnival Cruise for 2 for just $135 per person, double occupancy to Nassau or Ensenada at www.centerofsavings.com/cruise

By Darrin Culmer

Tourism officials have projected that the New Providence economy could benefit from a more than one-million-dollar revenue injection over the coming days, as the result of seven cruise ships being diverted to the Port of Nassau and away from the path of deadly Hurricane Dean.

Nearly 20,000 tourists are expected to arrive in Nassau as a result, according to officials.

Hurricane Dean has left death and destruction in its wake across the Caribbean.

The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation indicated that with the seven ships expected to bring more than 18,000 passengers, government head tax of $15 per cruise visitor and an average passenger spending of $73.50, the combined economic impact of the itinerary changes could be as much as $1.49 million.

The Carnival Miracle, Valor and Inspiration cruise ships were expected to arrive at the Port of Nassau today, according to tourism officials.

The Carnival Legend is scheduled for a Tuesday visit after being diverted away from the fierce storm, while the Carnival Imagination and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Enchantment of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas are scheduled to call on the Port of Nassau one day later.

Director General of Tourism Vernice Walkine said officials wanted to do everything to accommodate the visitors’ arrival.

“We are making provision for them to come to the port of Nassau and to be able to be give them some berth space and that is an exercise that is already taking place and so we are satisfied that we will be able to comfortably accommodate the ships that are coming in,” she said.

Local health and tourism officials announced last Friday that the scheduled temporary four-day closure of the downtown Straw Market for a general cleaning had been postponed indefinitely to allow vendors to make money from the unexpected cruise ship passengers.

However, Health Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis made it quite clear that once the cruise visitors have left, arrangements will be resumed for the market clean-up.

“As long as this happening, then I will continue to leave the market open,” he said. “However, once that has ceased then I will continue the cleaning process and have that completed. But because of the hurricane, I am delaying closing the market so that the vendors could maximize their financial benefits.”

Of the 18,078 possible additional visitors, the Carnival Miracle has the capacity to transport 2,124 passengers; the Valor 3,700; the Inspiration 2,052; the Legend 2,667; the Imagination 2,654; Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas 2,446 and Rhapsody of the Seas 2,435 passengers.

Over the weekend, cruise passengers who had already arrived in town had already begun to pump money into the tills of merchants in downtown Nassau from the straw and craft vendors who operate from the world famous market to the shopkeepers who operate a variety of jewellery and perfume stores.

What do you think?

Steve
First Time Cruisers Blog

Check out the special $135 per person, double occupancy to Nassau or Ensenada at

www.centerofsavings.com/cruise

 There s nothing quite like taking a Caribbean cruise vacation: it s sheer fun and very affordable in comparison to other cruises around the world. Discount tickets start around $1000. You can save up to $200 on some cruise tickets. The more people who go on a cruise in your party, the greater the savings. Here are a few tips to ensure you have a memorable cruise vacation to the Caribbean: 1. If possible, ask for a big round dining table. You will have a far better chance to meet more people. Also, try to change seat each night at your table so you can meet someone new. It is always more enjoyable when you meet a variety of people during the course of your cruise.   2. Do not attempt to obtain a tan on the first day of your Caribbean cruise vacation. Why not? Because you will end up spending your days trying to recover from a case of bad sunburn. Bear in mind: The Caribbean sun is extremely intense, especially during the summer. 3. To prevent potential bodily injury: Be watchful when the decks are wet, they become very slippery when wet. Never sit down on the railings, for you might fall. Avoid wearing high heels. 4. It s a good idea to tip since the room steward, waiter, and busboy work very hard to make certain that your cruise vacation is an enjoyable one and to keep receiving the same great service during your cruise. Just set aside some money for only tips.  5. If you find yourself suffering from seasickness, you can take Dramamine and Bonine as tablets. 6. If you smoke and have to smoke, there are designated areas where you can smoke. Never throw a lit cigarette overboard, for it can fly back on deck and begin a fire. Read [http://www.squidoo.com/last-minute-cruise-deal/]reviews of 5-starred cruise ships that offer heavy discounts Or visit http://cheaptravelwebsite.globaltravel.com to book a Caribbean cruise at a wholesale rate.   Tell me what you think!Steve Brownwww.centerofsavings.com/cruiseWhere 2 people can cruise for 4 days and 3 nights for only $135 per person.Check it out.www.centerofsavings.com/cruise

 Without a doubt, taking a Carnival cruise is one of the best ways to thoroughly enjoy a cruise, and especially if it s your first one. I have listed the top 10 reasons to experience the wide blue sea through a Carnival cruise. 1. You can book a Carnival cruise at a great discount by using the Internet; usually when the departure time is rapidly approaching, Carnival offers big savings in order to book empty suites on upcoming cruises. In addition, Carnival offers a number of special promotions during the year.  2. Taking a Carnival cruise is a fine way to spoil yourself. Once on board, there are fitness experts to guide you to a better healthy you, as well as provide massages, hairstyles, pedicures, saunas, and even a relaxation schedule customized just for you.  3. You will enjoy a variety of music from musicals, hard rock, to country music. There is even a sing-along piano so you can hum along. 4. Carnival cruise is by far the most popular cruise in the world. It is popular with first-time cruisers, singles, couples, and the old and young. 5. The main highlights include: casual dinners, captain s cocktail party, gala dinner, a 24-hour pizzeria, camp carnival for kids, and 24-hour room service. 6. Enjoy first run movies, fine dining and Gala midnight buffets, outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, nautical spa program, and onboard duty-free shopping. 7. Carnival boasts unmatched entertainment for couples, singles, families, and for every age group.  8. Carnival staterooms are about 50% bigger than other major cruise ships. 9. You can literally party hard until the early morning hours. 10. Satisfy your hunger with great tasting food and generous servings of fantastic desserts. Learn [http://www.squidoo.com/last-minute-cruise-deal/]how many stars I rated Carnival Cruise in my review or visit http://cheaptravelwebsite.globaltravel.com to book a Carnival Cruise at a heavily discounted rate.   Tell me what you think!Steve Brownwww.centerofsavings.com/cruiseWhere 2 people can cruise for 4 days and 3 nights for only $135 per person.Check it out.www.centerofsavings.com/cruise

You have a special birthday or other special family event coming up. You want to make the event even more memorable. There would be a wide range of ages and interests in the family members attending. What should you do? Plan a family cruise vacation! We have done this ourselves. We had a special birthday in the family and wanted to vacation with our grown-up children to celebrate. With careful consideration for what we might like to do, where we might like to go, and to provide enough variety in eating (the kids are finicky eaters) and activities to keep everyone happy, a cruise seemed to best fit the bill.   Family cruises offer one of the very best family vacation packages available. Consider this: Per person, you pay one price for your cruise stateroom, all of your meals, some fantastic entertainment and a myriad of daily activities not to mention the fabulous ports-of-call! As it turned out, we had a total of 12 people coming on our family vacation cruise ranging in age from 26 to 85. Pleasing this wide of a range of ages can prove daunting. However, having been on a cruise or two already, we knew that cruises offered the best array of options in dining, activities, entertainment and destinations. Choosing the right cruise line and cruise itinerary can be somewhat of a challenge. However, if you approach this task methodically, everything will fall into place and you will choose the absolute best cruise for you and your family.  You will notice that I started by saying to choose the right cruise line. This – believe it or not can make or break your family vacation. There are cruise lines that cater to specific groups or types of cruise passenger. It is important to identify what type of group your family fits into. As mentioned before, our group required variety. Our twenty-something kids need to have a festive, party atmosphere. Our parents required something somewhat more sophisticated without being stuffy or pretentious. Many of the contemporary cruise lines offer much of this variety, and only on the larger cruise ships. We quickly were able to narrow our search to three cruise lines.  In looking at the cruise line and cruise ship, we carefully scanned over the amenities and listed activities for the specific ships. All three had a good variety. Each had specific high spots and potential low spots. Even with our diverse group, we felt that all three cruise lines could offer us a great family vacation cruise experience. Next was the itinerary or destinations where the individual cruises stopped. These ports-of-call make cruises an extra special vacation value. Of course, we had a set date that we wanted to be away, so we looked at the available itineraries for the three cruise lines, including which ships sailed those itineraries. We chose the southern Caribbean for our cruise.  All three cruise lines offered a southern Caribbean cruise at the time we wanted to cruise. Each offered different ports-of-call which allowed us to narrow our search. We next looked at the cost of the cruise vacation and what potential discounts/special offers we might receive by booking 6 staterooms. Now we had all of the information required to make our decision. We first narrowed our search to three cruise lines. We chose a cruise locale and looked at the available cruise ships in those cruise lines sailing on our specified date. Lastly, we compared pricing.  As it turned out, we chose the middle priced cruise (before discounts). This choice had a variety of amenities to cater to our kids. Our parents would have a level of sophisticated elegance. And we would have piece of mind in knowing that we had done due diligence in choosing the best cruise for our family vacation. Oh yes, do you want to know which cruise we chose? We chose Princess Cruises ship [http://a1-discount-cruises.com/articles/golden-princess-cruise-ship.htm]Golden Princess. Our cruise itinerary: San Juan, Puerto RicoSt. Thomas, US Virgin IslandsSt. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis GrenadaIsla MargaritaArubaSan Juan  Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com to book your fabulous cruise vacation! If you have questions regarding choosing a cruise line contact us at [mailto:info@a1-discount-cruises.com]info@a1-discount-cruises.com using the subject line “Questions”.  Tell me what you think!Steve Brownwww.centerofsavings.com/cruiseWhere 2 people can cruise for 4 days and 3 nights for only $135 per person.Check it out.www.centerofsavings.com/cruise

Would you like to try a cruise, but not sure if you would really like it? Some people are intimidated about making a seven-day commitment to a cruise vacation. What if they experience motion sickness? What if they feel claustrophobic? For some people, these are very real concerns. If you experience any of these apprehensions, perhaps a short cruise of three, four or five nights might be the best way to determine if cruising is for you.Virtually every aspect of the cruise experience will be the same on a short cruise as it would be on a longer cruise – it just ends a bit sooner. Passengers can experience the amazing cuisine (always a big hit with cruisers), the onboard entertainment, the luxurious surroundings of the ship itself, and stops at several exciting ports of call.Many of the major cruise lines now offer short cruises. They are a great fit for the couple or family who want a quick getaway vacation, as well as for groups who like to travel together. Short cruises are also a perfect match for family reunions. There is not a huge time commitment, yet there are plenty of varying activities for everyone in the group.Short cruises usually carry a lower price tag than a traditional seven-day cruise. So, in addition to committing less time to the trip, you are also committing less money as well. It is the perfect way to sample the cruising life to see if it is right for you!Tracey Amino is the CEO of Sapphire Cruises, the original home party plan for cruising. Sapphire Cruises specializes in family reunions, girlfriend getaways, friendship groups, clubs, and association cruise groups. Be sure to visit her site at: Sapphire Cruises.  Tell me what you think!Steve Brownwww.centerofsavings.com/cruiseWhere 2 people can cruise for 4 days and 3 nights for only $135 per person.Check it out.www.centerofsavings.com/cruise