Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Booking your Panama cruise holidays with P & O Cruises

I have a mixed feeling about my Panama cruise holidays onboard P & O's cruise. Overall it was fun-filled and enjoyable. Our itinerary included visit to


• Zihautanejo - A pretty little resort
• Huatulco - The beach, and the 2 bars were lovely
• San Juan del Sur - that includes trip to Granada
• Panama - It was lovely walking around the old town
• Panama Canal - the most fabulous endeavour that brings together human pursuit for innovation and the use of technology at its best
• Limon - ride by rainforest tram was really memorable
• Aruba - though very much Americanised, really proved to be different in its own way
• Port of Spain - the port resounded history
• Barbados - too memorable to forget


Personally, I consider that, the route of our cruise could have been different. It could have started at Los Angeles, for this would enable travellers to get scheduled flights easily. But the most important thing about our Panama cruise holidays was the weather, which was awesome, to evoke pleasant feeling in anybody. Though the region was hot it was better and more predictable on the pacific side than the Caribbean. So, my genuine advice to all visiting Panama by cruise, you needn't pack anything warm you, for you may not need it.


Food in the P&O's main restaurant is good and comes for a pretty standard P&O fare. I really liked the buffet that had a good selection, if a little uninspired, but the Formica top tables and gross carpet made you feel you were eating in a transport cafe. The hospitality was warm and affectionate. I also liked the
Cirque de Arcadia show. The cabarets were OK, if you ask.


What really interested me is the option to tour
Central America, and enjoy our short but well guided land-trips there. The child-free ship from P&O cruises that I travelled is the best that I can suggest to any couple. You could sure opt for P&O cruises, as the cruise line company has been imparting new features to its cruises. There are greater provisions for activities and events onboard now, than it was earlier.

Alaska cruise holidays by Infinity - A splendid experience!!!

I believe that there is no cruise like Celebrity's Infinity. Being part of its voyage to Alaska is immensely memorable. I usually travel with my friends, but this time it was with my parents, aged 65 and 68, and also joining us were our distant relatives. My friend Julie, though reluctant, joined the band at the last moment. It was really memorable, for the summer season coinciding with the wonderful Alaska cruise holiday trip onboard a cruise, made us all elated, equally.


I wanted the Infinity's Alaska experience happy and comfortable for my parents. The cruise staff was very good, and arranged for wheel chairs. It is not that my parents cannot walk, but it is that on that large cruise, moving around on a wheel chair would be easy for the aged. Celebrity's Infinity cabins were very spacious. What really mattered for our parents was that, the wheel chairs could be taken off the ship for shore tours, which was really beneficial.


We were provided with balcony cabins, as we opted. We all were placed in cabins with one to two doors away. My parents were earlier on cruise, a decade ago. They could still recall their cruise experience onboard Celebrity cruise. Now, my parents are more excited to join us to Alaska for a cruise experience. They have expressed their interest to join us on cruise to Mexico.


Alaska cruise trip was exciting and enjoyable. The staff was very helpful and prompt. Dining rooms were fabulous, and the food was delicious. We really enjoyed the movies, and shows that were presented
Vegas-style were equally enjoyable. I am sure; I will be back on Infinity, again. Celebrity, I believe is a cruise line company that will never let down its guests, offering something new, on each visit.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Does price protection mean anything for travellers booking cruise holiday packages?

It is a usual process that travellers booking cruise holiday packages will wait for the prices to drop. But, this is often considered as a wrong strategy. For, the waiting for the price to drop often costs you money when the ship sells out or the price increases. So, it is always better to book your cruise holiday packages and wait for the prices to drop. You will gain if the price drops, and the additional cost you are paying will be adjusted for other on board services. In the incidence of price hype, you will also gain by not paying the additional amount.


Royal Caribbean introduced price protection under the name of “Lowest Price Guarantee" program. Accordingly, if the price dropped on their cruise before the ship sailed, the cruise fare will not be lowered nor partial refund will be given. The additional amounts will be adjusted as onboard credit. In the state of things, the travel agents were to lose, as "Commissions will not be price protected." To claim refund the cruise travellers must notify the cruise line company at least 72 hours prior to the ship sailing.


Before Royal Caribbean made its stance clear, the travel agents supported onboard credits. Both, the traveller booking cruises and travel agents got the benefit. The customer could book a cruise and save money, and the commission received by the travel agent stayed the same. But Royal Caribbean's price protection will for sure effect the travel agents' with lower margins to take.

Cruise Holiday Packages - Saving on travel insurance.

Travel insurance definitely goes with any Cruise Holiday package. It must cover contingencies like lost baggage, trip interruption, medical evacuation and more. Travel insurance also protects the insured in the event of airline or cruise company going bankrupt.


Travel insurance may be mandatory or based on the travel circumstances. Cruise lines require you to have adequate travel insurance. You may be asked to furnish your travel insurance coverage. It is usual for many people to purchase travel insurance or trip protection insurance if they have a particularly expensive or a once in a lifetime trip, such as a
honeymoon. When going far away from home, people also tend to take out more travel insurance.


The cost of
travel insurance is based on the amount of coverage you need, the length of your trip and even whether you plan to participate in what the travel industry describes as hazardous sports, such as diving, skiing and skydiving for example. Quite recently, travel insurance has witnessed some changes. Those who travel frequently throughout the year can generally take out a policy that will cover multiple trips. However, I can suggest that, if you are travelling as part of a group or as a family, group coverage will be less expensive.


Most comprehensive travel insurance packages that cover everything that a traveller might realistically need tend to cost between 4% and 8% of the overall cost of the trip itself. It will cost you more, if you need insurance to cover extras such as emergency
medical evacuation, hazardous sports coverage, or emergency reunion services (which covers the costs of flying family members to you if you are hospitalized).

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

What charges are included and not included in the cruise and stay deals?

Even I am often confused as to what is included, and what is not included in the best cruise and stay deal that I get. Usually, it is a general rule that, cruise and stay deals include stay and food. What are not included are your shopping on board, and your participation in gambling in the casino. Well, if you have a taste of your preferred wine and spirits, or enjoy the pleasures promised by the spa, and love to avail dance classes on board, you are sure to incur additional expenditure.


As a general rule, it is to be understood that the
shore excursions at each port of call may not be included in the cost of the cruise. When there are arrangements for special dining, likewise provision for special restaurants that might either charge for meals or may have a modest surcharge to cover the costs involved in hiring the service staff. Added, all costs involving air travel and visa processing are also not included. Predominantly, meals, on-board activities, entertainment, and the luxurious, hassle-free transportation from port to port are all included in the pricing already paid by the cruise guest, at the time of booking. The inclusion of alcohol and shore-excursions in the total cost may or may not be allowed.


It is advisable that before you book the
cruise holidays read everything in fine print, especially information about the taxes and fees charged by the various government and port authorities at the ports where your ship calls. Typically, the cruise line passes these fees along to the passengers. The cruise guest will also have to pay the cost of docking and specific fee for use of the port facilities in the nature of parking fees for the ship. There is also the "head tax" imposed by government authorities on cruise passengers, the funds collected are usually utilized to maintain and improve the ports infrastructure.

My first budget cruise holiday

I never travelled on cruise earlier, and as the last day arrives, I asked myself of what can I expect from my cruise holiday. It was very well a budget cruise deal, and I was quite anxious to get into my first cruise. I was on time at the cruise port. As I approached the cruise terminal I saw many people handing their luggage to porters, who in turn place the luggage in bins, to be loaded on ships and delivered to the cabin.


It all looked like well arranged and planned. In the
terminal building I had to go through the embarkation process, where I was run through an x-ray machine and metal detector. After clearing the metal detector, I was ready for the check-in desk, where I handed over the cruise documents to the staff member, along with my identification and a credit card. Well I took my "shipboard charge card" which will serve as my ID on the cruise. I was informed that the same card acts as the key to my cabin.


The cruise staff was cordial and affectionate, and they welcomed me aboard. I was quite impressed by the alert and quick responses of the cruise attendants, who led me to my
cabin. In my cabin, I found that the accommodations are quite comfortable. I could feel that my cabin has well-thought-out storage space. It took me some time to adjust to the size, and later I felt that I am in the most luxurious place. It so happened, that time flew away even before I could notice it. Day-times were filled with fun and frolic on the deck, and nights were filled with partaking in get-together events and activities. Anyway, my first cruise holiday was exciting and memorable.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tips on choosing Honeymoon Cruise Package deals

My honeymoon on a popular cruise line was too memorable and reminiscent. I say memorable for the privacy that I and my spouse wanted during the first few days following our wedding, was provided to us in plenty. I would call our cruise honeymoon experience as reminiscent for it initiated the beginning of our long and happy family life. Now as parents of two kids, we both long to turn-back the clock, and cherish to travel by our choicest cruises every holiday season.


When choosing a honeymoon cruise package deal the couple has to check with the credentials and facilities of the cruise liner. For, I personally consider that, it is not a general rule that what is promised by the cruise company is actually fulfilled. Reading things in fine print will always help. The following tips will sure help couples to have an intimate and memorable honeymoon experience.

• The first thing is to select the cruise, its destination and
general weather conditions on the visiting location.
• Second, your choice of clothes matters a lot. The couple should bring clothes to protect themselves from wind, rain and sun.
• Third, budget is a prominent consideration. The couple should be aware of the budget limitations, and then venture to select a ship and destination for your honeymoon cruise.
• Fourth, love and romance bloom irrespective of the space or the locale of the couple. Book a decent room as per your
budget and other financial considerations, it really helps both of you, and you will sure learn to understand each other’s limitations. I consider this as very useful in creating healthy understanding between you and in taking up endeavours that demand team work. In life and love, real joy is in sharing and caring, and not cheating on each other to lead an artificial life fuelled by loans and enriched by credit card debts.
• Lastly, be with the crowd that share similar interests. Double check with the cruise staff of what activities are suitable to couples. For, different honeymoon cruise liners organize programs to cater to different ages of
newlywed couples or couples. Some Honeymoon Cruise Liners cater 30 year olds, while some cater solely to retired adults.

Precautions while using swimming pools on cruise holidays

Almost all cruise lines have the provision for swimming pool and swimming equipment. So, families, couples and individual guests on cruise holidays, should take some precautions while using the Cruise's swimming pools.


• First and the foremost, children should enter the
Cruise's swimming pool only under the supervision of their parents or Cruise staff. Pool toys meant for children must not be used as lifesaving devices and are not substitutes for flotation devices.
• Second, check with the cruise staff whether the pool water was properly filtered and chemically treated.
• Third, as swimming pools are very hazardous in unsafe electrical conditions, avoid use of ground circuit fault interrupter (GCFI) outlets in the pool area.
• Fourth, extra precaution has to be taken to see that adults who have consumed alcohol are not allowed to swim. Swimming after a drink can impair the ability to judge distances as well as the physical coordination necessary to swim.
• Fifth, as it is very hot sometimes on high seas, it is advisable to stay in shaded areas, when not in the pool. Applying water-resistant sunscreen every two hours will be helpful.
• It is not advisable to swim for 30 minutes after consuming a heavy meal. Using glass containers that can easily break or using sharp utensils in the pool area should be avoided.
• Lastly, ask the
pool maintenance staff of whether chemical treatments were maintained at proper level. Check with the maintenance staff and ensure that the pool chemicals are kept away from children to avoid accidental poisonings.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Southern Caribbean cruise and stay: Excitement overflows

Caribbean cruises have always been my choicest cruises. They perfectly match my taste and outlook for cruise holidays. Amazingly, I found that the southern part of the Caribbean is a less travelled. This part of Caribbean I love most, for it is different in many ways as compared to the western and eastern parts of the region. I found Cruise Answers southern Caribbean cruise and stay deals to be the best value for money. I am saying his out of valid and valuable experience. It is indeed truly memorable that a visit to exquisite beaches, rain forests and volcanoes is awesome. I was overwhelmed by a breath-taking feeling. I noticed that the strong continental influence of the French and the Dutch could be felt every inch of the Caribbean, culminating in an enriching confluence of culture and architecture of these exotic islands.


I was totally taken unawares by my visit to Barbados and Antigua that landed me on the exotic and wonderful beaches. Later at St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe I came across the most exotic landscapes of plush rain forests and splendid volcanoes. I had a really exciting snorkelling and diving experience at Curacao and Bonaire. The glimpse of the diverse sea flora and fauna, coupled with the soothing touch of cool waters at day and night, will for sure evoke a near-heaven feeling in all of us. There is a lot more to come. I could find myself amidst French ambience that encompassed sidewalk cafes and trendy boutiques of St. Barths.


Cruise Answers southern Caribbean cruise and stay deals are offered in either big ship or small ship options. You can avail the Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, and Crystal, the possible options for the big ship cruises. And, the small ship options include Oceania, Siversea, Windstar, and Star Clippers. I opted for both, earlier. If your cherished dream is to experience the excitement of Caribbean cruise and stay deals, better prefer to land at San Juan, the nearest port to the southern Caribbean. By this you could gain by saving on-board time, and gainfully spending on more onshore activities. If you are looking for longer and memorable cruise holiday experience, I can only suggest Cruise Answers southern Caribbean cruise and stay deals. For they genuinely mean to offer more variety for each passenger and family to gain complete value for the money spent on Caribbean cruise and stay holidays.

How to get the best cruise deal?

Going on a cruise sounds means fun and frolic all the way. You could sure spend your relaxing time and reach a faraway location, go ashore, and later enjoy some of the destination's attractions and activities. A host of packages are available with tour operators. But choosing the right packages, inexpensive to luxury-priced depends on understanding a few pointers.


Match budgets with the vacation cruise package – It isn't needful to sell away one's favourite car to pay for your vacation cruise. While you might have fun during the trip itself, it may take you quite something before you own a new car. Saving for your choicest cruise travel makes you a wise cruise traveller.


Decide where you want to go – First and foremost is having clarity on the locations you venture to visit during the course of cruise holidays. If you are interested to go to Caribbean, it will make sense if you shop for Caribbean cruises. Never allow a travel agent to sell you a cruise that is not the destination you want.


Cruise holidays are for your pleasure only - Travel agents are primarily concerned with selling as many cruise line tickets as possible. This means that the more the tickets are sold, the more commission the agents keep to gain. Better avoid "buy now" pressure, and take every possible occasion to shop around. Taking information from the travel agent on cruise deals will always help in choosing the right cruise holiday package.


Options aplenty on Internet – There are a handful of websites where you can shop for the cruise you want and get prices without feeling the pressure from a travel agent. Cruise Answers is one such site, with a remarkable reputation in offering genuine and affordable cruise deals. Company's business details are very important and cross-checking with Better Business Bureau or searching Google by typing in the name of the company and the word "scam" will be very helpful.


Know your special needs and plan accordingly – If you have any special needs, try to know beforehand whether these have been adjusted or not.


Cruise travel with your age group matters a lot – Cruise holidays have proved that longer routes mostly those like transatlantic and worldwide cruises are preferred by senior citizens. The reason, that the senior citizens find cruise holidays as an avenue to spend more time away from home. The preference of this age group is usually for the luxury cruise lines that provide for activities and attractions appealing to senior age groups. Cruise Answers offers all the choicest cruise deals that meet the tastes of senior citizens, families and children. There can never be choice of cruises with age mismatch. If you are planning to take your kids on a cruise never book a cruise with a senior citizen population. Kids love fun and frolic, and in the company of senior citizens they will be extremely bored and have no fun at all. You could reach Cruise Answers or shop around on Internet to buy the first cruise holiday package.


We assure you that you are always safe with us. Cruise Answers is fully ABTA K5732 and ATOL 6042 which gives all our customers 100% protection. Find out more about our great cruise deals and read a review about a cruise ship you are going on. If you have questions regarding a cruising holiday, Cruise Answers specialises in finding cruising solutions. Cruise Answers is dedicated to ensuring you find the perfect cruise holiday to suit your needs. Explore this dedicated cruise holiday site, read passenger reviews and check out the latest special offers to find out more.


Whether you're looking for a cruise holiday in the Caribbean or want to go cruising across the Antarctic, Cruise Answers is sure to find the perfect solution for you. To find out more about the Caribbean cruise and stay, and cruise holidays for different age groups as available at Cruise Answers, just call 0844 412 7145 or email us at info@cruiseanswers.co.uk.