Travel tips

Gather your sea legs because if you haven’t already stepped on to a cruise ship, the chances are you’ll want to set sail soon. The cruise industry is fast becoming a 21st century travel success story with some 1.55 million of us expected to take a holiday at sea this year.
So why are British travellers being turned on to cruising now? (…)

When deciding what to do on vacation you should consider taking a cruise because it is one of the best options for someone who has never been on a cruise before. Next you want to decide where to go on your cruise and one of the most popular and beautiful destinations is Alaska. But before you set sail on your Alaska Cruise is it important to know some facts about cruising and Alaska so you can insure yourself that you will have a wonderful time on your next vacation. (…)

Once within reach of only the most affluent boaters, marine radar has enjoyed increased popularity due to lower prices, improved designs, and the relatively recent ability to interface with other navigation instruments such as GPS chartplotters and autopilots. (…)

Marine electronics are specialized items, and cannot generally be found in your local mall or shopping center. When you look for marine accessories and equipment, you have to look for a reputable and accessible supplier. They should be there for the long term to provide you the supplies and equipment necessary to meet all of your boating needs. (…)

Digital marine charts and software are electronic chart displays that are helpful for safe and well-directed navigation in coastal and offshore waters. They have several advantages over traditional paper charts in that the equivalent of many paper charts at a variety of scales may be stored on a single cartridge or disc. (…)

An autopilot, more than any other electronic device, will add to your boating pleasure. Its high-tech capabili¬ties and natural controls give you the freedom to read charts and instruments, plot courses, or just enjoy lunch! Once considered a luxury, the autopilot has slowly become a staple of electronic gear. Of course, the conve¬nience of an autopilot doesn’t relieve the skipper of the responsibility for keeping a proper lookout. (…)

When choosing a Caribbean cruise you may well come across some islands you never even knew existed. Princess Cays, Labadee and CocoCay are all examples, and they all have one thing in common; they are used exclusively by the cruise lines who own them. So, forget busy ports, hassling street vendors and uncertain territory, and arrive in style at your own private island instead! (…)

Nick Munro in Profile
Great British designer, Nick Munro has recently taken on his biggest project to date, as design consultant for “Ventura” – P&O Cruises latest and largest addition to the fleet, set to be launched this April. (…)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like working onboard a cruise ship? Below the passenger decks is a whole other world that we rarely see or hear about. Here we give you an opportunity to find out what really goes on down there…
Laura Fletcher, 26, recently returned from her position as shore excursion staff with Norwegian Cruise Lines. She has worked on the Norwegian Star, Spirit and Pearl on itineraries around Alaska and the Caribbean. (…)

Many people still believe that cruising is a pricy holiday choice, but when you consider everything that’s included, it really can work out to be excellent value for money.
Along with comfortable serviced accommodation, the cost also includes your meals which are available around the clock, evening entertainment plus use of modern ship facilities such as the gym. So does that cover everything? Not quite. (…)

Are just two weeks a year enough to satisfy your needs to get away and see the world? Or do you feel a holiday could never be long enough?
Each year, mid way through my annual two week cruise I get that ‘sinking feeling’, I know its fast approaching the end of my time away and that can only mean one thing; I will soon be heading back to reality and back to work with no more than a fading tan and a sprinkling of new freckles as the only evidence I was ever away. (…)

Cruise ships are the ideal way to escape the every day and head, perhaps, for warmer climates, fun and relaxation, and some time to yourself. Cruising is also a great time to invest in your well being with a visit to the onship day spa. There’s no reason to leave behind the services you may have come to enjoy at your local spa. Cruise ship day spas offer guests everything from massages and aromatherapy wraps to steam rooms and full gym services. (…)

My wife and I go on a lot of cruises. It all started about 10 years ago when we got married. We honeymooned on the American Queen River Boat, a week long cruise up the Mississippi river. I must admit that was a fun trip. (…)

Many people now consider Caribbean cruises as excellent value for money and a good place for families to spend some time together; why not spoil yourself and be treated like royalty while you spend time visiting these idyllic tropical islands. It should be on everyone’s list of vacations with tropical Caribbean islands, clear, clean beaches and of course a fun filled time on board the cruise liner. (…)

Are you interested in taking a cruise, if so, you are not alone. Each year a large number of individuals consider vacationing aboard a cruise ship. If you have never been on a cruise ship before, you may be wondering what activities, facilities, and services can be found onboard. The activities found onboard a cruise ship will vary from ship to ship, but many cruise ships have a number of activities and services in common. (…)

Alaska is the perfect destination for cruising, even for non-cruisers! The advantage is a continuous view of nature at its finest. There are opportunities to be adventurous on land at every stop. You can book the ship tours, or if you are really independent, do you research before you go, decide what you want to see and do and plan it yourself. There are plenty of independent guides that can take you around if you do not feel like being with your cruise mates. (…)