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Luckily for those passengers docking into Barcelona for the day, most of the Modernista architecture can be viewed within a day. Barcelona is a very accessible city, with public transport being both cheap and easy to use. The easiest way to head into the heart of the Modernista’s paradise is hopping on the green line metro, line 3, a short stroll from the cruise terminal to the bottom of Las Ramblas – the old town’s main thoroughfare. From here, take just 4 stops up to Diagonal metro stop and walk outside onto Passieg de Gracia.

You will be greeted with an expanse of grid-shaped blocks in the neighbourhood known as Eixample, which roughly translates as “widening” or “expansion”. This is Barcelona’s largest neighbourhood, extending out from the old city walls to the small-town neighbourhoods that were once known as outside villages. Designed by Ildefons Cerdà exactly 150 years ago, Eixample was the playground for wealthy investors to show off their financial clout in constructing striking buildings which stood out from their neighbours. Building’s such as Antonin Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and Casa Mila sit as neighbours on Passieg de Gracia street – both proud owners of UNESCO World Heritage Status, and buildings which challenge architecture and it’s standard forms in different ways.

Eixample is also home to what has become known as the “manzana de discordia” or the block of discord, so called as it has the most diverse examples of Modernista architecture in such a small radius – an Eixample block. Casa Battlo is included in this fine list, as well as Casa Amatller designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluis Domenech i Montaner’s Casa Lleò Morera. Domenech at the time was much more famous than Gaudi, who has undoubtedly taken the limelight since his death, and is also responsible for two of the other nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites the city has to offer – the Palau de la Musica Catalana in the old town, and Hospital Sant Pau, which is close to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.

The easiest way to see all of these buildings is to simply stroll down Passeig de Gracia in the direction of the port, and stop to view each individual masterpiece as you go along. Casa Mila is definitely worth the entrance fee, with a period apartment, blueprints and original sketches in the attic, and the magnificent rooftop terrace with Gaudi’s unmistakeable chimneys in honour to Saint George – a theme used in many of his buildings, given that George is the patron saint of Catalonia. From the rooftop you will also spy across town the spires of the Holy Family Cathedral – Barcelona’s most famous landmark, and your next destination.

If you fancy a spot of lunch or some Spanish Tapas whilst you’re on Passeig de Gracia, then dive in, as this street has some of the best Tapas restaurants in town! Then head down into Passig de Gracia metro station, and take the Purple Line, line 2, over to Sagrada Familia. Those unfamiliar with metro systems or nervous about using public transport in a foreign city need not worry – Barcelona’s metro system is so easy, with just 5 main lines, all colour coded and named line 1 to 5! The stop for Sagrada Familia is also named after the cathedral itself, so it couldn’t be easier!

Even for those not particularly interested in architecture, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral is a jaw-dropping experience. The nativity and Crucifixion facades offer a stark contrast to each other, but still seem perfectly possible to be in the same building. Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece is easily worth an afternoon and the downstairs museum space has many photos of when building work commenced, scale models of what the cathedral will look like upon completion, and Gaudi’s grave in the crypt, too. Don’t worry if queues are too long for the lifts up inside the spires, and spend more time exploring the inside of the cathedral and its intricate details. If you can, follow a guide, or read extensively about the inside – Gaudi left an incredible amount of intricate detail which can often so easily be overlooked. Talk about saving the best for last!

David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 10 years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and Apartments for groups in Barcelona.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/barcelona-cruise-passengers-planning-a-modern-architecture-tour-1566516.html

Cruising into Barcelona is an exciting prospect for every passenger, with a wealth of culture, art, gastronomy and history awaiting. However, due to time constraints, many passengers are restricted to just a few hours in the Catalan Capital, and need to plan their day well, in order to squeeze all the juice out of their one-day visit. One of the most popular choices when visiting the city is to squeeze in as much of Antonin Gaudi’s fantastic architecture in as possible, but without the know-how, this can be a logistical nightmare. However, with the ease of public transport and the tips to follow, anyone can get their fill.

Given the great location of the cruise terminals, at the bottom of the Old Port – Port Vell – in Barcelona, it’s easy to cram in plenty of Gaudi on your day trip and see some other sights along the way as well. The first thing any cruise traveller needs to do is head straight to the city’s most famous street, Las Ramblas. At the bottom of Las Ramblas is the metro station, Drassaness, which is the first port of call. If there is a group of travellers, purchasing a T-10 metro card is the best option, which is a ticket with ten journeys on it, and is transferable between passengers and by far the most economical way of getting around. Take the green line up to Vallcarca metro station for your first dose of Gaudi – Park Güell.

Directions from the exit of Vallcarca are well signposted, and mechanical escalators will take you to the summit of the park at the back, meaning you will enjoy the best views of Barcelona as a start, and then be able to take the rest of the journey downhill towards the ornate entrance, saving the best for last. Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of seven in the city that Gaudi is responsible for), and Barcelona Council has plans to charge an entrance fee sometime in 2010, so if you’re lucky enough to visit while the park is still free, you will all agree that the day couldn’t have started better. Stop for a coffee in the entrance to the park, and charge those camera batteries, too.

A quick skip downhill towards your right and you’ll quickly find Lesseps metro station – again on the green line. Hop back on the metro (don’t worry, this will be the last for today, and saves valuable time) a couple of stops down to Diagonal. As you emerge from Diagonal metro station, you will be greeted by Barcelona’s own Champs de Elysee, Passeig de Gracia. This is one of the main shopping streets in the city, with many boutique and high brand stores lining the wide avenue, and is also home to another two of Gaudis’s Masterpieces – Casa Mila and Casa Battló.

Casa Mila is also known as La Pedrera, which refers to the nickname given by residents at the time of construction and means the stone quarry, due to the massive amounts of sandstone Gaudi employed. It was Gaudi who had the last laugh, though, and this magnificent edifice is a building bereft of straight lines or right angles, and mirrors natures forms. Gaudi’s father – an ironmonger – shows his influence here, with the wrought iron balconies resembling seaweed washed up on a sandy shore. If time permits, and queues aren’t too long, ensure you make a visit inside with the fantastic period apartment, amazing attic exhibition and stunning rooftop with its unforgettable chimneys.

Casa Battló is just a few doors down on the opposite side of the street, and is different to Casa Mila, but unmistakeably Gaudi nevertheless. Don’t bother paying the steep entrance fee here; rather marvel at the yawning façade and Gaudi’s homage to Catalonia’s patron Saint, George, with his dragon’s rooftop tiles and George’s cross chimney. It’ll likely be time for a spot of lunch and there are some great Tapas bars in the adjoining streets.

After a light lunch, head on down to Plaça Catalunya, the city’s main square and over towards Las Ramblas – your point of origin this morning. As you walk down Passeig de Gracia, you’ll already be able to spot the ornate lamp-posts and benches also designed by Gaudi with the all-too familiar broken tiled effect. Take a stroll down Las Ramblas, the city’s most vibrant street full of colours, people, artists and street performers. If you fancy something fresh, pop into the Boqueria market on the right hand side, around a third of the way down, for some fresh fruit juice.

As you continue down towards the Port terminal, you’ll reach Nou de la Rambla street, tucked away on your right. This will be your last chance to visit another Gaudi masterpiece – the only work he finished in his lifetime – Palau Güell. A partial visit of the building is currently only available, and this generally fills early in the morning (so if this is high on your wanted list, you could combine this visit in the morning, and then head up to Park Güell) but sadly, only the basement is shown, which although is highly impressive, does nothing to overshadow the previous attractions you will have seen during your Gaudi day, and reflecting on the façade is just reward for a long day’s walking. Again, Gaudi uses iron to great extent, and the most expensive materials available at the time were employed for Count Güell’s downtown residence.

After you’ve filled your camera’s memory card with the last photos of Palau Güell, you can rest happy in the knowledge you’ve experienced the highlights of the Catalan Artist, crammed four UNESCO World Heritage sites into one day as well as some of Barcelona’s other most famous attractions, and will surely have a great appetite for a dinner somewhere special in the evening, too!

David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 10 years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and Barcelona apartments for groups.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/barcelona-cruise-passengers-planning-a-gaudi-day-1542931.html

The Romans formed the old city of “Barcino” on top of Mons Taber hill in the year 15BC, and remnants of this old city can still be seen in the city’s Gothic Quarter. Fortunately for cruise passengers, this is a simple ten-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Head straight from the terminal, past the old dockyards which now house the fantastic Maritime Museum (free on the first Sunday of the month, if you happen to be there on that day!) and you’ll reach the foot of the most famous street in Barcelona; Las Ramblas, with Christopher Columbus towering above you pointing to the Americas.

Las Ramblas itself used to be a dry river bed which separated the old roman walls, and any trip to Barcelona is incomplete without a stroll along this tree-lined boulevard. Marvel at the artists and sketches on offer as you wander deeper into history, and around a third of the way up, take a right into Carrer Ferran. This mainly pedestrian street leads to the old Roman Forum – nowadays Plaça Sant Jamue – which now houses the city’s town hall and Catalan Government Palace. Continue past these more modern buildings, and you will find the City History Museum, which is the largest underground evacuation of a Roman Site in Europe, and immaculately kept. If you happen to be visiting in the summer, it is an amazing experience to take the elevator underground, literally back centuries to the air-conditioned streets below the bustling Gothic Quarter above you. This museum is also free on the first Saturday of the month.

Next on your history trip is the city’s main cathedral, and is easily accessed from Placa Sant Jaume, so head back up the street two minutes, and take Carrer Bisbe for the picture postcard view of the bridge of sighs – Barcelona’s own is just as photographed as it’s namesake in Venice! This street will lead you to the front of the city’s main Cathedral, where you can marvel at the Gothic architecture and perhaps stop for a spot of lunch around one of the many pavement cafes.

After your tapas lunch, enjoy getting lost though the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter and make your way back to Las Ramblas. Heading South, you’ll find Carrer Nou de la Rambla to your right, and this will be your next brush with Barcelona’s history, and one which has received accolades too. Just along the street, you’ll find Antonin Gaudi’s Palau Güell, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a fantastic introduction to the Catalan Architect’s works. If you’re there early enough, and queues are not too long, you might want to pay a partial visit to the building for free, which includes the façade, entrance and the basement. If not, then take a few snaps and continue on your way, until you reach the crossroads of Carrer Sant Ologuer. Here, take a quick right towards the Rambla del Raval, and then a left onto Carrer Sant Pau.

Carrer Sant Pau is home to one of Barcelona’s hidden gems – Sant Pau del Camp – the oldest church in Barcelona. This is a raw, stone construction which is exactly the same on the inside as the outside – no gold, no icons, no statues, just the stone and the altar. If time permits, then pay a visit to the cloister and read up on the sketchy and turbulent history the church has had to endure.

After you’ve finished in the church, continue to the end of Carrer Sant Pau to Parallel, and head down into the metro station in the direction of the Funicular train. This is included in your metro ticket pas, and it is not necessary to pay again once you’ve entered the system. Ride the Funicular up to Montjüic mountain, and step outside and directly onto the fantastic cable car ride which will transport you up to the top of Montjüic and the castle. The castle used to house the military museum – a reminder of the Franco years – but was recently “given back” to Barcelona and offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and the port (and likely your cruise ship!) while combining historical elements such as the cannons and magnificent gardens which play host to open air cinema during the summer.

Finally, to return to your destination, take the funicular down to Parallel again, and then wander south on Avenida Parallel towards the sea. You’ll pass the old Roman Walls on your right, with the Portal de Santa Madrona, a magnificent reminder of the history you’ve been lucky enough to witness on your cruise day trip!

David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 10 years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and Barcelona apartments for groups.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/barcelona-cruise-passengers-planning-a-history-tour-1542933.html

Usually, if you are looking for cheap cruises, the only way and predominantly the proven way is search for cheap cruises and cruise discounts outside the peak summer cruise season. Notably, Sapphire Princess cruises come very cheap in the off-season. Normally, I book cheap Sapphire Princess cruises and avail Sapphire Princess cruise discounts online or by phone with Cruise Answers. Sapphire Princess cruise destinations include ports in Alaska, the Mexican Riviera and the U.S.A.

Built in 2004, the Sapphire Princess is one of the largest passenger ships. Though it is larger than many other cruises, it has greater warmth and intimacy, never found on any other cruise ship. The Sapphire Princess displays a tastefully understated elegance and a warm welcoming atmosphere. I found that the upper decks have been designed to be spacious. And, the lower decks are so well designed that they could feature a wide array of attractive bars and lounges. But what was really awe inspiring was the fabulous atrium and the Calypso Reef & Pool with its retractable see-through dome.

I liked most the Sapphire Princess’ 5 pools, luxury spa and fitness facilities and high-speed Internet facility. My family liked the cabins onboard, which provide a cosy, warm and relaxing environment. Even the dining rooms and specialty restaurants like The Vivaldi, the Santa Fe, the Pacific Moon, the Savoy and the 24-hour Horizon Court buffet became our choicest eating places. I and my spouse like the cruise’s arrangements for dining in privacy. Special arrangements were made for dining on our cabin balcony. The cruise entertainment included a variety quite charming and complete, and included the Africa-themed Explorer’s Lounge, the fabulous Club Fusion show lounge and the multi-deck Princess Theatre.

The wildly exotic Grand Casino onboard Sapphire Princess is a place to be. The Churchill’s and the Wheelhouse Bar reflect modern sophistication at its zenith. They provide for an ambience cosy and inviting. I found that the night life on Sapphire Princess is very lively and memorable. The Club Fusion and the panoramic Skywalker’s disco represent night life at its best. To cater to the tastes and interests of the broad mix of passengers onboard, Sapphire Princess has made arrangements for Scholarship @Sea programmes, and offers activities for all ages. These activities are enjoyable and equally impart skills set to travellers. The wide range of activities onboard Sapphire Princess includes cooking and photography classes, ceramics workshops and snorkelling lessons. The cruise also caters to the needs of children and teenagers.

Sapphire Princess has outstanding programmes and facilities for children and teenagers. In addition to the playrooms, the outdoor wading pools and a small swimming pool caters to the tastes of teens. But, the most lovable place for kids is the video arcade on Deck 6, between the casino and Princess Theatre. Sapphire Princess’ kids programs are based on the age group. Princess Pelicans that includes feature games, movies and crafts caters to the 3 to 7 year old kids. Shockwaves is for those from 8 to 12 years old and Remix, which has a teen centre, is the choicest favourite of 13 to 17 years children.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/cheap-cruises-sapphire-princess-caters-to-broad-mix-of-passengers-1441046.html

Laws Are There To Protect Passengers against Cruise Ships Crimes and Violence

While on board a cruise ship and traveling the vastness of the ocean, have you ever wondered about your rights as a citizen and what laws will prevail in case anyone on board violates your rights? Cruise ship topics have all been about fun, pleasure and entertainment, but what if we touched the other facets of cruise ship incidences where crimes such as rape, murder and theft happens? Don’t you think it is also important that you had at least an idea as to which laws to turn to in order to hold the culprits answerable and liable?          

The Basic Laws on Board a Cruise Ship

As a general rule, a cruise ship traversing the vast ocean follows the laws of the land according to the flag by which the vessel flies under. However, the laws of the country where a cruise ship is docked in its territorial waters can be imposed upon the ship and all of its passengers. The country’s laws shall be in effect within twelve miles from the territorial coastline.

This is best served by the example wherein , a cruise ship that offers gambling facilities will have to closedown and cease all gambling activities while docked in a country where gambling is prohibited. Only when the cruise ship has set sail and crossed more than twelve miles of the waters from the coastline can the cruise ship resume all gambling activities.           

This is without prejudice to the fact that the country’s border patrol can still board the ship for inspection if there is strong evidence that a fugitive is on board, drugs deals and smuggling operations transpire while the ship is in international waters. Regardless of what flag the cruise ship flies under, the prevailing laws will be that of the country whose apprehending authorities have jurisdiction to patrol the waters.  

Under US laws, a passenger who becomes a victim of theft while on board a cruise ship cannot sue the cruise liner company if the crime was committed in a state or territory that has no legal jurisdiction over the ship. There is a fine printed portion on your passenger tickets that will indicate which state has jurisdiction over the ship and under whose laws they can be answerable. This also applies in the matter of gambling laws, where the state that prohibits gambling cannot forbid a ship to run its casinos while in US international waters but only when the cruise ship is docked in the territorial waters of the state.   

In a recent incident, a headwaiter in a Princess cruise ship was charged by the US District Courts of Los Angeles, for sexually assaulting a female US citizen while on board a cruise travel last March 2009. The Federal Law allows filing of charges against anyone who is accused of violating the rights of a US citizen while traveling aboard cruise ships. The element of the crime transpiring in high seas has little or no bearing if the matter involves committing a crime against the person of a US citizen.    

Cruise Ship Laws for Babies Born on Board

The likelihood that a child will be born on board a cruise ship while on international waters is very nil since the cruise ship will not allow expectant mothers who are in their third trimester to board the ship. Hence the cruise ship laws regarding this matter is not cut and dried. There are those who state that the nationality of the parents will prevail while there are those who contend that the flag under which the ship sails will be compel the country to recognize the baby as its citizen.   

However, a better suggestion is to check your country’s laws or the laws of the country by which the flag operates in case you insist boarding a ship on your third trimester without the knowledge of the cruise authorities.   

US Laws maintain that anyone born within its recognized territories without prejudice to the location where the baby was born can claim US citizenship. However, the US imposes strict laws for US dual citizenship which is a matter that should not be taken lightly.  

The Maritime Law and How it Applies to a Cruise Ship

There is also an immediate reference to Maritime Law, since this seems to have the nearest relevance. However if we are to have a basic understanding of what Maritime Law is all about, it is a set of laws that are more concerned with marine or nautical navigation and overseas commerce or trade. Their concerns are more centered over shipping legalities and illegalities, trade disputes, trade agreements that transpire while crossing the water where no nation can claim exact jurisdiction. Hence, a cruise ship passenger whose civil rights are violated aboard the vessel while on international waters will have an unlikely chance of seeking redress under the Maritime Law.      

For more useful information, please visit our website: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE, and look for the TRAVEL section.

Cruise passengers endured stench, cold food
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Karen Blocker’s dream cruise began disintegrating at dawn when her cabin started rattling “like an earthquake.” “I told my daughter: ‘This boat is not moving anymore. We’ve got to get out,’” Ms. Blocker said. She opened the door to find a hallway filled with smoke and …
Read more on The Washington Times

Cruise Passengers Endured Stench, Cold Food
Karen Blocker’s dream cruise began disintegrating at dawn when her cabin started rattling “like an earthquake.” “I told my daughter: ‘This boat is not moving anymore. We’ve got to get out,’” Blocker said. She opened the door to find a hallway filled with smoke and crew members telling passengers to head for the lifeboats.
Read more on CBS4 Miami

Suri Cruise & TMZ — All Grow’d Up
Filed under: Suri Cruise , Tom Cruise , Katie Holmes Suri Cruise is growing up with a very unique friend born around the same time as her … and while TMZ’s not nearly as cute as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes ‘ little girl — we’ve got the gift of song. Check out TMZ on TV — click here to see your local… Read more
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Cruise ship passengers let without toilets
A CRUISE ship carrying 4466 passengers and crew was left without air conditioning, hot food, flushing toilets or telephone services off the coast of Mexico today, after a fire broke out in vessel’s engine room.
Read more on Herald Sun

Cruise ship fire strands 4,500 off Mexico
Nearly 4,500 passengers and crew on a cruise were stranded off the coast of Mexico after an engine room fire cut power to their ship.
Read more on CBC.ca

Cruise ship adrift off San Diego after fire
SAN DIEGO (AP) – A cruise ship that’s been adrift since an engine room fire as it headed for Mexico is awaiting the arrival of 2 boats that will tow it back to shore.
Read more on KMIR 6 Palm Springs

The Cruise vacation you have been planning for a year is now a reality. You’ve packed your bags with the appropriate clothes for cruise travel. You have filled out all of the cruise documentation, do this at home, don’t wait to get to your cruise ship, and now you are ready for this highly anticipated cruise. There are a few cruises tips about embarkation day that you should know before you head for your cruise vacation.

Keep all of your documents with you, that includes tickets for the cruise, any vouchers, passport and any immigration forms that the cruise line has sent you. That includes bus vouchers from the cruise line that will deliver you to the ship from the airport. In is wise to pack a change of clothes in your carry on in case your baggage gets delayed. If you have purchased the vouchers from the cruise line, a cruise line representative will meet you at baggage claim and take you to the bus or van that will transport you to your cruise ship.

If you decided to handle the transfer on your own, check ahead of time to find out how much a taxi will cost from the airport to the pier. It is good to know how long it will take to make the transfer so you have timed your flights accordingly. Make sure you have attached your cruise line tags with ship name, cruising date, and stateroom number. When you arrive at the pier a porter will relieve of your bags. He will expect to be tipped. The going fare is one dollar per bag.

Cruise tips are always helpful so pay attention to this one. Let the cruise line make your airline reservations. The reason for this is that if your flight is delayed the cruise line will handle it. If there are several other passengers on the same flight the cruise line will delay the departure of the ship. If it’s just you and your traveling companion they will probably put you up in a hotel in the town of your embarkation and get you on the ship at the next port of call. If you opted to do it on your own, you will have to make all those arrangements. So, for safety and peace of mind let the cruise lines do it.

If you have decided to go to the town of embarkation a few days before the cruise, that will not be a problem, so make your own reservations. Some travel insurance companies will pick up these expenses but make sure you read the fine print on the policy BEFORE your cruise vacation.

When you get to your cruise ship, embarkation could be a little chaotic. There will be lines, especially early in the check in process. There will be a lot of stressed out people so just relax and take it in stride. After you have gone through the check in process you will be aboard and your cruise vacations begins. Here is where it pays to have all of your documentation completely filled out. Many of the cruise lines have loyalty programs so if you are a repeat cruiser many times they have preferred check in areas. Many of the cruise lines will have preferred check in for cruisers who have booked suites or mini suites. Check this out with your cruise travel agent.

This is a little off topic but it’s one of the best cruise tips you will hear. Use a cruise travel agent for all of your cruise travel. It is important to deal with an agent that has sailed on many different cruise lines so they can give you an honest opinion on the difference between cruise lines. Check and see if they are CLIA certified cruise lines organization. Be careful they don’t push you onto cruise ships where they have preferred status which means they get a higher commission. Scour the internet for cruise reviews on cruise travel to back up what your travel agent is telling you.

Now back to the pier. While you are checking in you will have to give the cruise line a credit card for any on board charges. Most times your room card is also your credit card and identification for getting on and off at ports while on the cruise ship. If you can get on the ship early in the process you get two benefits. One you get to have lunch and two you get the first shot at spa and beauty appointments. It will also give you time to peruse your cruise ship and then head for the pool. Having been a savvy cruise traveler you knew to bag a bathing suit into your carry on luggage.

Just before you get to the gangway you will be stopped by the ships photographer and a picture will be taken to commemorate your cruise vacation. It will be on display in the ships photo gallery but you are under no obligation to purchase it. Check in procedures will be different from ship to ship even within the same cruise lines. It depends on the experience of the staff and the cooperation of the passengers. Remember that these folks that are checking you in have been working since seven o’clock in the morning off loading the people from last weeks cruise vacation. Then they turn around and start putting on a whole new set of passengers for the next cruise.

The most important advice is to try to keep a cool head. You are headed for the best thing you can imagine, a cruise vacation.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com

Cruising is fun, convenient, a good value … and easy. Right? Well, cruising is meant to be relaxing, but there are certain things passengers can do to get the very most out of their cruise vacation experience. Here are seven proven tips to maximize your cruise experience (and they don’t cost a thing!)

First – Travel with a like-minded partner or friends. Most cruise ships are like Noah’s Ark: people get on in pairs or in groups. While cruise lines will gladly allow you to cruise solo, it is not the best way to enjoy a cruise. Not only will you sometimes feel awkward during dining or cruise ship activities, you also get slapped with a surcharge since all cruising is based on double (or more) occupancy rates.

Furthermore, travel with compatible people. If you like to party, don’t decide to go on a cruise with a tee-totaler or a recovering drinker. Whether you are a sun bather or a casino denizen, you are going to have your best time if you travel with people who share your interests and values.

Second – Board your ship as early as you can and take any tours of the vessel or facilities that are offered. Most ships allow you to board many hours before the ship sets sail and during that time you may be offered free tours of the ship, the spa, and so on. Although they aren’t going to be the highlight of your vacation, these tours help you get oriented and can give you a glimpse of facilities on-board that you may have not known about.

If you can’t get an official tour, try to walk through the ship systematically. This will help you get your bearings plus you may find out about lounges, snack bars, clubs, meeting rooms, or other areas that you might not have known about.

On a recent cruise, I found out on the tour that the cruise ship had a guarantee program for purchases made in port. If you bought merchandise from certain recognized stores, the cruise line would guarantee them providing you filled out certain paperwork and turned it in to the onboard shopper. It was a great tip, and I never would have known about it had I not taken the pre-sailing tour of the ship.

Third – Do everything. This may sound counterintuitive to most cruise fanatics, who seek unstructured time and the opportunity to just lounge around and do nothing. Actually, most cruise directors will tell you the best cruises are those in which you really attempt to try and do everything offered.

This means you should extend yourself a bit. Sample the dancing, casinos, the pools, on-board games, art auctions, spa services, bingo, shows, and fine dining. Even if you don’t normally do those things, the more you try to take advantage of all that is offered, the more fun you’ll have.

Fourth – Don’t overeat. While some people do take cruises to gorge themselves, this is usually a rookie mistake. It may sound counter-intuitive to avoid overindulging on a cruise ship, since most cruises really emphasize the wonderful food they offer. But here’s how to handle it.

Do enjoy yourself. Order what you love. Chances are that cruise ships will offer it, whether it’s steak or lobster, ice cream or pizza, eggs benedict at sunrise, or chocolate decadence at midnight. Do, by all means, eat the foods you love.

But don’t stuff yourself. You’ll wind up feeling miserable during the cruise and fat after you get off the boat.

When in doubt, pass on food. Why? Because on a cruise ship, you’re never more than a few minutes away from the next opportunity to eat. Do try to sample what strikes your fancy, but don’t overeat and don’t be afraid to say no to many of the things that are offered to you to eat or drink. You really won’t be able to eat and drink everything on board, so don’t even try.

You’ll wind up feeling fitter and stronger and you’ll really enjoy what you do eat.

Fifth – Drink water. That’s good advice anywhere, but most of us forget about it on vacation, particularly on a cruise. Furthermore, if you drink alcohol or spend a lot of time in a hot climate, your need for water increases so you need even more water to avoid dehydration.

Even mild dehydration can cause headaches, aches and pains, and digestive disturbances. Why ruin your vacation? Drink lots and lots of water. It’s available just about anywhere beverages are offered on a cruise ship and bottled water is typically brought every morning to your cabin.

Sixth – Protect your skin. Even if you cruise to Antarctica, you will still need sunscreen. The sun’s intensity is amplified by the water’s reflection, so ramp up your sunscreen protection for a cruise. Put on sunscreen when you go to the pool or beach or even if you’re just sitting on deck in the shade.

If you do get burned, use some of the after-burn products on the market. They should be available on board ship if you don’t bring your own. Whatever you do, protect any burned skin from further sun exposure. If you get a burn on top of an existing sunburn, you can do serious damage to your skin and may even require medical intervention.

Seventh – Don’t be cruise-stupid. That’s a term I made up for a behavior I frequently observe on cruise ships. For some reason, being on a cruise makes some people act foolishly or recklessly and do things they would never normally do. Maybe it’s the unreal experience of being on a cruise ship.

On a cruise ship, people wait on you. Everything is nice and clean. You don’t have to do any work at all. Everybody seems happy. You never have to worry about pulling out your wallet, cooking a meal, or even picking up after yourself. It doesn’t take long before the cruise experience literally becomes “another world.”

Some folks take that as a cue to start behaving irresponsibly and sometimes they get hurt. While I do not want to trivialize bad experiences or say that all bad events are deserved, we should also recognize the fact. People who start acting recklessly sometimes get hurt.

If you decide to pretend you’re a gymnast and balance on the guard rail, you just might fall off. If you leave your purse or wallet unattended in a public area, you can get robbed. If you decide to get roaring drunk in some foreign port of call and act like an idiot, you can wind up in a mess of trouble.

Observe the same good, common sense tactics you use on land or in your everyday life.

A Carnival cruise ship is literally a floating resort with plush accommodations, first class restaurants, spas, and shopping experiences. Carnival cruise ‘Fun ships’ sail from many ports to over 60 destinations, including Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, even to Europe. For those wanting to see Alaska, Carnival cruise lines sail to Glacier Bay and both Northbound and Southbound Alaska. For those wishing to hobnob with old tales of pirates and treasure in the blue Caribbean, ports in the Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean are ripe for the plucking. Carnival cruise trips to Mexico sail to Baja and the Mexican Riviera and the Bermuda leg offers a Cruise to Nowhere, if you’re daring enough.

Carnival cruise lines offer both standard and luxury appointments, providing a first class sailing experience for budget travelers or those with bottomless pockets. The finest in dining, entertainment and travel ports of call are the best that a cruise line has to offer, and Carnival cruise vacations have one of the highest user ratings of major cruise lines. Carnival cruise lines don’t just offer great destinations however, but moderately priced cabins for singles or families. Don’t even think about having to sleep on an uncomfortable bunk or berth either, because Carnival cruise lines have installed ‘Carnival Comfort Bed’ sleep systems in all the ships in their globe-trotting fleet. The younger crowd is kept entertained with the new Carnival cruise ‘Club 02′, designed specifically for travelers between the ages of 15 and 17. It’s the new ‘hot spot’ on the ship for those who don’t want to hang out with the parents but want to make friends, dance to the latest music and play video games. The club is staffed with fun and energetic employees who know what your kids want and how to offer it to them.

Want to bring your golf clubs along? Carnival cruise lines offer a V1 Digital Coaching System that will help cure any ailment to your golf swing from the convenience of the ship deck so that you’ll be ready to play once you hit the ports. No matter what you like to do, Carnival cruise personnel will try to provide it for you. Day and night time entertainment keeps passengers enthralled and happy between ports of call, with dancing, singing, and other venues geared for all age groups and tastes.

A Carnival cruise adventure offers events and event planning help if you have special needs or larger groups of people in your traveling party. Online, Carnival cruise lines offer tips, suggestions, and messages posted from other Carnival cruise adventures. The Carnival cruise line’s official website is easy to navigate and offers answers to just abut any question that could possibly be asked about the Carnival cruise vacation experience.