family cruise vacation ideas

Carnival Cruising Deals

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.

The Author is an expert writer for various travel writing such as kingfisher airlines, kingfisher Booking and Kingfisher red

Internet Cruises – Shopping Online

Filed under: cruise — Tags: cruises, Internet, online, shopping — libertees @ 4:59 pm June 7, 2010

“If you build it, they will come.”


That advice, which prompted an Iowa farmer in the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams” to plow over his corn field and build a baseball diamond, has become the mantra of many high-tech startups promoting electronic commerce on the Internet. And the cruise travel industry has also embraced this “shop by computer” concept.


Indeed the Internet can be a wonderful source of information to help you plan an exciting holiday, obtaining ship and stateroom descriptions, itineraries, tips on sites to see, passport and visa requirements, shore excursion, shopping, weather and local interest information,but is it the right place to book your dream vacation?


Cruise lines are investing over US$15 billion to build at least 50 new ships in the first half of this decade in addition to the over 300 vessels already in service. Each of these ships offer different amenities with unique ambiance and often this kind of information can only be understood and communicated by face to face discussions with a cruise expert to avoid turning a terrific vacation into a mediocre experience.


There is a common misconception that because something is offered for sale on the Internet, it will be an exceptional or a major saving for the consumer. More often than not however it is the ease of completing a transaction that is the major benefit for certain types of travel.


Do not assume that pricing on the Internet will automatically be the lowest. Often local agencies will have agreements with the cruiselines that allow them to offer exceptional “not to be advertised” specials.


Sometimes there are “residents specials” which are applicable only to residents of a particular country, state or province. Most cruise lines offer price protection to the consumer should the fare for your category of stateroom be reduced. A good agent will watch for reductions and ensure you receive the adjustment. Using an electronic service may not provide the same protection or make available specific specials applicable to your requirements.


Arrangements unique to your vacation such as special dietary requirements, handling disabilities, and providing meet and greet services, may be overlooked booking on-line and there may be no way to get answers your very specific questions.


On the other hand booking your frequent flyer points travel directly with the airlines or even obtaining a air ticket can be a simple process with little risk if you are dealing directly with the airline’s booking engine. Above all make sure about who you are giving your credit card to.


Where are they located, and how long have they been in business? Can you get references? Are the web transactions secure? Is the currency my currency? How will my documents get to me and are there additional charges that have not been itemized? What happens if I do not receive the tickets?


Now for the good news! As a research tool, the Internet is second to none. Most cruiselines have sites that provide detailed information on their offerings. Carnival Cruise Lines at www.carnival.com offers comprehensive information on their ships, itineraries and even the shore excursions available for each sailing.


Similar sites are available from Princess Cruises at www.princess.com or Royal Caribbean International at www.rccl.com where you can print a custom information brochure in full color if you wish!


The official trade organization of the cruise industry is the Cruise Lines International Association (www.cruising.org). They work in partnership with nearly 21,000 affiliated travel agencies throughout North America to ensure the highest caliber of cruise sales expertise and service for cruise vacationers.


This is a fun place for exploring what cruising is all about and CLIA provides links to all major cruiselines, frequently asked questions, vacation planning information and even a cruise expert locator to find an Accredited Cruise Counsellor near you.


If you would like to create a printed mini-guide to your vacation destination, you may wish to visit www.fodors.com. The creators of the famous travel books allow you to create your own mini-guides to a destination covering transport, lodging, dining, currency, health, and more in a personalized format.


The Columbus World Travel Guide (www.wtgonline.com) is a resource often used by travel agents for complete information on almost any destination in the world. This site will give you history, maps, visa and passport requirements, how to get there, public holidays, political structure, useful addresses, accommodation, business profiles, climate, social profiles and much more.


There are also links to other very useful areas on the Internet such as Mapquest, Yahoo Weather, Traveller’s Health Services, World Tourism Offices, the Government Travel Advisory and Information services as well as links to ship bridge cameras offering live pictures from their vessels.


Having both a computer and travel background, I am excited by the potential of the Internet as a comprehensive research tool. My practical side reminds me that there is no such thing as a “free lunch”. It is not how much you save but what you get for what you pay!


Sid Kaplan

Cruise Vacations Guide

Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 25 years experience working for major cruise lines. Their website is Cruise Vacations Guide

which offers advice and tips to those looking to create memorable cruise vacations. Shore excursion and land tour information is also provided. Cruise, hotel, car rental and vacation adventure booking online.

Shopping Online for Discount Cruise Deals On Mexico, Bahamas, and Hawaii

Filed under: cruise — Tags: bahamas, cruise, deals, discount, hawaii, mexico, online, shopping — libertees @ 4:58 pm June 3, 2010

“Crusin’ on a Sunday afternoon” has taken on an entirely new meaning for so many around the world. I bet you’re wondering how these folks can afford to take cruises a couple of times a year to Mexico, the Bahamas and Hawaii, right? I bet you think that these people are rich, too. Well, maybe some of them are rich, but the majority of them earn a living just like the rest of us do. The big difference is that these folks know how to shop for discount cruises, and they’re doing it online.


Modern cruises aren’t what they used to be. Cruise ships of today are more like traveling resorts that get you from one port of call to another, wining and dining its passengers from dusk ’til dawn (and every time in between). Each newly sailing luxury ship needs to be bigger and better than its predecessors, leaving more and more passenger cabins to fill in the process. All you need to do is find the open cabins on the right ships to get onboard a discount cruise to Mexico, the Bahamas or Hawaii.


First things first, don’t even bother going to a travel agent or other in-person operation, for unless you’re a very good customer to them, they probably won’t tell you about the extra-cheap deals. Remember, travel is usually a commission-based business, so if you aren’t spending much cash, the agent doesn’t make much money. The best (and easiest) way to find discounted cruises is on the World Wide Web, where agents and website owners are dealing with a higher quantity of travelers, so they don’t need to make as much per purchase to make a living.


Next tip: even if you are choosing one cruise destination now, say for example Hawaii, don’t pick a website that only offers cruises to Hawaii and no place else. Sure, you may love the islands of the South Pacific and may want to travel there again one day, but the world is filled with interesting cruising destinations with oceans just waiting for you to set sail. Basically, don’t limit your own options before you’ve even cast off, because some options may offer more value than others.


Don’t forget about time and destination flexibility, as the more flexible your schedule is, the better deal you’re going to get. So even if your heart is set on Acapulco this time, you might be able to get a much better price on a cruise to the Bahamas. Instead of spending the extra money on your cruise, think about all of the extra shopping and land excursions you’ll be able to take if you stretch you become adaptable to the situation. After all, the world is a colossal place, so you’ll need to travel on a lot of cruise ships to see the entire planet.

Jimmy Harrison recommends http://www.blazingcruises.com/ if you’re shopping for Discount Cruise Deals on Mexico, Bahamas, and Hawaii.

What to do While Your Wife is Shopping? Attractions For Men in Prague

Filed under: cruise — Tags: attractions, men, prague, shopping, while, wife — libertees @ 1:14 pm January 23, 2010

Visiting Prague but worried all you will do is to walk down the shopping streets along with your gorgeous wife in the morning and snap photos of ancient buildings in the afternoon? Do not worry, let her do her shopping alone.

If you are a real man you will not find any happiness in visiting Prague’s medieval old town, or walking down the shopping streets of Vaclavske and Na Prikope. Real men will do everything they can to avoid the giant city centre shopping centres of Prague. They will stay clear from Cerna Ruze (50 shops) , Slovansky Dum (80 shops) and the 5 floor Kotva shopping centre.

Sure, an ancient building is nice to look at for a few seconds, but you will not devote the best part of your day to walk around taking photos of the medieval buildings in Prague. Let others do that. Here are some interesting attractions for men who visit Prague:

Millitary Museum
The Czech military has it’s own museum in the middle of Prague. At the museum you can check out Czech tanks, guns, rifles, heavy artillery and other artifacts from the wars the Czechoslovakia were involved in for the last 150 years. The museum is in the Zizkov-area of Prague, at U Památníku 2.

Communist Museum
Today the Czech Republic is a modern democracy, but only 20 years ago the situation was very different. At the city’s communist museum you can experience how the situation was in the Czech Republic during the communist regime after World War 2 and until it ended in 1989. The museum is in Prague’s shopping district, at Na Prikope 10.

Beer
No country on earth drinks as much beer per capita as the Czech Republic. Once your tongue gets the taste of the foamy and slightly bitter Czech lager you will understand why. Try to taste both Budweiser (the original one), Pilsner Urquell and some of the lesser known Czech beers while in Prague.

When heading out for a beer in Prague, try to avoid sitting down at the cafes and pubs in the old town. Beer is expensive and the atmosphere is very touristy. If you venture out on a trip just a few hundred metres away from the top sights you will enjoy cheaper beer and better atmosphere.

Football match
Prague is blessed with 3 local teams who play at the highest level of Czech football. Sparta Prague is the largest team and often participate in the European Champions League. Their top star is Karel Poborsky who is a former Manchester United player.

Slavia Prague is the city’s number two team. Their biggest dream is to overthrow the reign of Sparta as the number one club in the Czech Republic, and more importantly, the number 1 club in Prague.

A third team who is fun to watch when in Prague is FK Victoria Zizkov. They are from the working class area of Zizkov and is currently struggling for survival in the top division of Czech football.

These tips should make you able to enjoy a few days holiday in Prague without resorting to shopping or ancient building spotting.

Arnie has been travelling around Europe to enjoy attractions, nightlife and beer. He has drunk his beer in cities like Kiev, Praha, Bratislava and Krakow.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/what-to-do-while-your-wife-is-shopping-attractions-for-men-in-prague-1770166.html

Shopping in Colombo – a veritable bonanza!

Filed under: cruise — Tags: bonanza, colombo, shopping, veritable — libertees @ 9:44 am January 21, 2010

Sri Lanka is an island offering a host of activities for the discerning travellers. Known for its competitive prices from accommodation, dining and shopping, this island nation is a haven for those in search of just about anything. From the sunny coastal belts to the cool climes of the hill capitals, Sri Lanka is known to offer a great diversity in the different experiences you can expect to indulge in. Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, and a great place to kick start your holiday. Culturally diverse and a virtual melting pot waiting to be sampled, Colombo offers a host of things to do. Find colonial buildings standing side by side with the glitz and glam of the modern day constructs when you traverse the city. A rich array of culinary experiences await the tourist in Colombo, whilst the term ‘shop till you drop’ is verifiable!

Shopping in Colombo is a delightful experience, as just about anything the heart desires can be found here, from the everyday wear items to the rare and exotic items. Some of the most popular items to buy in Colombo are; clothes, antiques, handicrafts, jewellery, books, dvds, handloom products, spices and tea. To list a few of the famous shopping arcades that can be found around Colombo – Odel, Crescat Boulevard, Majestic City and Liberty Plaza. Whilst popular clothing stores in Colombo include – Odel, House of Fashion, Mondys, Cotton Collection and Dillys. For those shoppers who love nothing better than going antique and local handicraft shopping will find Gandhara, Paradise Road, Art of Living, Hermitage, Treasure House and Villa Saffron to be ideal.

Gem and Jewellery stores are a dime a dozen in Colombo. Sri Lanka is famous for sapphires, red rubies, cat’s eye, zircons, tourmalines, garnets, topaz and amethysts gems, whilst the designs you will find will vary from traditional to modern. Popular jewellery stores in Colombo include; Alankara, Bullion Exchange, Careems, Colombo Jewellery Stores, Ridhi Design Studios and Sifani.

Make a reservation in a Colombo hotel that suits your style and needs, whilst offering you convenient access to key shopping destinations around the city. John Keells Hotels Group offers a great selection of accommodation options in and around Colombo, whilst coupling it with excellent dining and recreational facilities. Find great Sri Lanka hotels packages from John Keells Hotels Group and be rest assured of a memorable stay, no matter which part of the country you choose to stay in.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/shopping-in-colombo-a-veritable-bonanza-1759846.html

Celebrity Shopping and Robertson Blvd

Filed under: cruise — Tags: blvd, celebrity, robertson, shopping — libertees @ 7:58 am January 9, 2010

What do dozens of movies stars, socialites and singing sensations fleeing from the paparazzi have in common? Aside from their fame, many have the same preferred shopping district in Los Angeles. They are all shopping regulars on Robertson Blvd. Situated on the between Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Los Angeles, Robertson Blvd has become known all over the world for its shopping and is dotted with only the most upscale boutique shops offering the latest in high end fashions.

Robertson Blvd’s shopping area begins at the intersection of Melrose Ave and extends all the way down to Wilshire Blvd. Maple trees line most of Robertson Blvd and as the street is narrow the trees provide a constant shade over the sidewalks and blvd itself. The majority of the stores along Robertson are all boutiques whose locations along Robertson are their only location aside from London, Paris or New York. The majority of the stores along Robertson are owned by independent fashion stylist who began their careers in the London, New York or Milan fashion scenes designing for the biggest names in apparel. The stores reflect their own personal design talents and tastes as they seek to differentiate themselves from the original designer’s names they once designed for. Most of the stores along Robertson are very upscale and expensive and compete with the line up found on Rodeo Drive. The stores on Robertson offer high end fashion lines and accessories that cater more to women than to men and most are designed to be worn at both social and professional events. Robertson is different than Melrose Ave in that Melrose caters to the more edgy and hip crowd.

Recently Robertson Blvd has become acelebrity hangout with names including Victoria Beckham, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton (to name only a few) as Robertson regulars. It has not been unusual for those that consume celebrity gossip sites (such as TMZ or Perez Hilton) and magazines to see a constant flow of photographs of the stars shopping on the stretch of Robertson between Beverly and Wilshire. In addition to stores catering to fashion, Robertson has also seen a rise in retail merchants specializing in home remodeling and decorating. The stores often feature gigantic show rooms that showcase the latest in floors, drapery, counter tops, kitchens and bathrooms. The main clientele for these stores come from the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills area.

Power shopping is not the only lure of Robertson Blvd. The Ivy Restaurant is as famous as the celebrities who shop on Robertson and dine at this famous establishment. The restaurant stands out along Robertson with its characteristic white picket fence. On any given day the outdoor patio is a swarm of celebrities, agents, producers and the LA wannabe crowd. Often paparazzi camp out on the curb across the street looking for the next big shot.

See more info on shopping on Robertson Blvd as part of a complete visiting Los Angeles Travel Guide.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/celebrity-shopping-and-robertson-blvd-1686603.html

Shopping experience in Panama

Filed under: cruise — Tags: experience, panama, shopping — libertees @ 10:48 am January 8, 2010

Panama has a fortunate geographical location that has allowed this well placed little country to nurture into an ever more important and significant intersection of the world. Manufactured goods, supplies and needs from all over the world and a whole lot more are located and are a lot cheaper in Panama than in any other parts of the globe simply because of the country’s function as an international port.

Panama is known as a shopper’s paradise. With a number of immense and fine shops and malls, store souvenirs, equipments and home appliances, it is really an experience. Almost everything can be easily found and bought here. From electronic equipments like watches, cameras, designer clothes, shoes, perfumes, accessories, jewelries, cars, kitchenware, handicrafts to electrical equipments and souvenirs. From native costumes to relics, you just name it and Panama has it and with tax free shops for tourists.

Shopping hours varies from shop to shop but most stores opens from 9am to 6pm and even up to 10pm from Mondays to Sundays. In recent years, as the towns have grown, big shopping malls and commercial centers have been developed and the choice of a place to shop can be puzzling. Try roaming around the endless shopping malls and shops and you would really say shopping in the country is one of the most wonderful experiences you will ever have. The city offers something for everyone from their world-famous beach shops and local designers to malls. Some of the shopping centers include The Multicentro mall, Multiplaza Pacific mall, Albrook mall, Los Pueblos and Flamenco shopping plaza.

You can live as economically or extravagantly as you would like in this country. Everything will depend on you on what you are willing and eager to live and live without. The most excellent part of shopping in Panama is the ease of financial and economic transactions. It has more shopping opportunities that you can use a credit card at. Credit cards and visa cards are accepted and can be used to pay in all places which include American Express, Master Card and Diners Club. The stores also accept payments in U.S. dollars.

Shopping has drawn the greatest interest of the tourists in Panama. No trip to this paradise is complete without a trip to a shopping mall, a stop by an outlet or a stroll through one of its attractive trade districts.Shopping is definitely incredible that can be taken pleasure in during a Panama vacation. Whether you are looking to pick up some fresh vegetables at a local market, or are interested in storing up on free items, shopping in Panama can fill up more than its fair share of hours. Panama shopping is well-designed by the handicraft items that some of the country’s native populations are known for.

In Panama, shopping never die downs ones pleasure and amusement. This is an experience you should never miss whenever you get the chance to visit or stay in the country in spite of whether the trip is for business or leisure of fun purposes.

For everything related to Panama please visit us. If you are looking for a great weight loss product, please be sure to check out our hoodia information and product review site.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/shopping-experience-in-panama-1683086.html

Great Shopping Experience Offered By Rhodes Holidays

Filed under: travel — Tags: experience, great, holidays, offered, rhodes, shopping — libertees @ 7:49 am December 29, 2009

One of the largest tourist resorts in Greece is the Rhode Islands. Many people come here for Rhodes Holidays, for a complete Greek style living and vacation experience. The Island offers many attractions for its visitors and tourists.

Shopping is also one of the attractions of Rhodes Island.  No matter what is your shopping interest, Rhodes Holidays can cater for all your budget and taste needs. Rhodes Holidays ideas must include a shopping tour around the island to find unique keepsakes and gifts to take home.

A shopaholic knows the true worth of Rhodes Town and its markets as all kinds of imported stuff, leather goods and furs, modern jewellery as well as traditional Greek jewellery pieces, photography services, ceramics and decoration items are easily available.

Unique bakery and food items, fashionable clothes, bags, shoes and accessories can be bought conveniently from supermarkets and stores located all over the Rhodes Island.

From thrilling sports to soothing sites, nature’s healing elements to fully loaded beaches, delicious Greek cuisine to gripping shopping malls; Rhode Island has got it all.

Shopping in Rhodes:

For shopping, Rhodes Holidays also provide a great opportunity. Shopping in Rhodes is a very fun experience and one can find a variety of unique items to take home as a souvenir from Greece.

One can easily find branded items as well as items from the local cottage industry of Rhodes. The market here is highly developed. There are so many shops that the streets seem to be clustered. From arts to grocery, decoration to clothes, electronic to designer creations, one can find everything conveniently.

Jewellery and Clothes:

Rhodes Holidays is a complete treat for shopaholics and fashion conscious people. Jewellery is a speciality of Rhodes. One must buy the unique Greek style jewellery during their visit to Rhodes. There are many skilled jewellers. Handmade jewellery of gold, silver, platinum and there precious stones and metals are found here. One can find some stunning designs of jewellery during Rhodes Holidays. All jewellery items sold here are unique and completely handcrafted. You can get beautiful clothes by well-known fashion designers as well as by locals.

If you are a jewellery and clothes fan, then you can find some world class items here. All latest fashion items are easily available for here.

Books and Magazines:

All types of international fashion, sports, and business and science magazines are easily available here. One can easily find international newspapers and books as well.

The market has a lot of potential as it is crowded by tourists throughout the year. The market in Rhodes has attracted buyers and sellers from all around the world. Even in villages many supermarkets are there that provide all the latest products.

Bakeries and Food Items:

If you love shopping for unique items for your kitchen then Rhodes town also offers some great and unique food products. The delicious Greek pies are worth trying and should not be missed on Rhodes Holidays.
You can easily find a variety of stocked food products at the local supermarkets and kiosks.

Branded Items:

Imported as well as branded items are easily available in the market of Rhodes town. You can find quality leather goods, clothes and bags and various designer items from the island.

Hotels in Rhodes can make your Rhodes Holidays on Island Rhodes much comfortable.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/great-shopping-experience-offered-by-rhodes-holidays-1638440.html

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