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Ketchikan Alaska: The Top 3 Ketchikan Shore Excursions

28 Jun.
Posted by scottrussell in Cruises | No Comments

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the most popular stops on the Inside Passage cruise route. If your cruise will be stopping in this picturesque fishing village, you’ll find you have a huge variety of shore excursions to choose from — everything from the inexpensive to the exotic.

Ketchikan is located on an island in the Inside Passage of southern Alaska, and the town is surrounded by amazing natural beauty, from incredible fjords to soaring mountains, so there is much to see and do when your ship is in port.

With all the choices available, which Ketchikan excursion should you pick? After all, you’ll probably only visit this region once, so you want to select the very best trip. This list of the top three Ketchikan shore excursions can help you select the perfect trip for you, one that will you will never forget.

1. Misty Fjords Float Plane Trip

Misty Fjords National Monument is simply one of the most spectacular areas in all of Alaska. Known as the “Yosemite of the North”, Misty Fjords is a series of glacier-carved fjords with cliffs rising up some 3000 feet from the water below. It is a place few cruise ships visit, and it’s one of my favorite spots in all of Alaska. So if you have the budget, consider taking this excursion from Ketchikan. It’s one you’ll remember for a long time to come.

2.Orca Beach Rainforest Excursion

Take a cruise in a large, motor-driven inflatable boat along the beautiful Southern Alaskan coastline. You will take in the lush temperate rainforest and incredible wildlife of this region, including everything from orcas to bald eagles. Then, when you arrive at Orcas Beach, you will head off on a hike through the rainforest, which is simply beautiful. This trip is one of the best ways to experience the coast, forest, and wildlife of Southern Alaska up close.

3. Half Day Salmon Fishing Excursion

Ketchikan is famous for its salmon fishing, and this excursion allows you to fit in an actual salmon fishing trip during your cruise. Any salmon you catch can be shipped home for you. The sea life in this region is some of the most diverse and abundant anywhere, and there is a good chance you will see whales, Orcas, and even bald eagles on this trip. It’s a great way to enjoy coastal Alaska up-close while also having an absolutely amazing fishing experience.

Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, frequent traveler, and editor http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com, which hasoffers a wide variety of information on planning an Alaskan cruise.

Choosing to Cruise is the Best Travel Value

25 Jun.
Posted by cruisedealership in Cruises | No Comments

Millions of people every year enjoy cruise vacations. They visit destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and the Orient even Antarctica and Africa.

Cruising has become an incredibly popular way to travel, with an increasing number of people opting to use this method of travel over any other each year.
There are several reasons why cruise traveling has become so popular. It has many benefits over other travel methods. Here are the top three reasons why choosing to cruise gives a person the best travel value.

The all inclusive price of a cruise covers nearly all costs.With most other forms of travel, everything is separate. A person must pay for airfare, accommodations, entertainment, taxes, and meals.
With a cruise, all of those items are included in the price of the vacation. Land-based all-inclusive resorts may include all of those items as well; however, cruise trips also include travel between various ports of call.
Add up the costs of other forms of travel and compare them to the price of a cruise ticket, and it will become obvious that a cruise is the better value.
Cruises include onboard entertainment, as well as opportunities for shore excursions.
A person who chooses cruise traveling will not have to worry about planning entertainment. Between shipboard activities and entertainment and the activities available at the ports of call, a person will have plenty to do on a daily basis.

In contrast, planning a traditional vacation is much different. A person must make many decisions about entertainment and activities, both before and during the trip.

This hampers a person ability to relax on vacation because he must continually think about what he will do next for entertainment. Land-based resorts are somewhat better, as there are typically plenty of activities and entertainment available, but since the entertainment does not vary much throughout the vacation, it is not as good of a value as a cruise.
Cruising allows a person to visit many ports of call in a short period of time.

Choosing to cruise lets a person explore many different cities or areas within his vacation time, all without having to worry about the travel. The person simply retires for the night and then wakes up in the morning in a new location, with the ship having traveled during the night. Best of all, the person does not have to unpack a thing.

With traditional forms of travel and for people who are traveling to a land-based resort, visiting more than one city or area requires much planning and coordination.

A person must take care to book accommodations for each city and, of course, he must pack and unpack his belongings each time he travels to a new locale. A plane ticket or rental car must also be arranged for any travel to another location.

There are so many different types of cruise vacations available; therefore, nearly anyone can find a cruise of his liking. The many benefits of cruising really do give a person the best travel value this is why so many more people are enjoying cruising these days.

Thomas DeSimone is an cruise consultant for CruiseDealership which can help you Save on Any cruise - Any ship, Any cruise line, Any destination!
Find out how booking your cruise with us is as easy as 1-2-3. Log on at http://www.cruisedealership.com

Cheap Cruise Tips: How to Save Big on Any Cruise

25 Jun.
Posted by scottrussell in Cruises | No Comments

Are you looking to plan a cheap cruise? It’s still possible to save big money on most cruises if you plan carefully and choose the right room for your particular budget.

With rapidly rising fuel costs, the price of going on a cruise has been on the upswing lately, so its more important than ever for anyone on a budget to research cruise fares and find a reasonably priced sailing that won’t break the bank.

Generally, if you are looking to book a specific type of room, you are best off booking your cruise very early in order to ensure that you get the best possible fare. Room categories can sell out — often months before the sail date — and by booking up to a year and a half in advance, you can take advantage of often substantial early booking discounts while still getting that balcony room or suite that your heart is set on.

Of course if you want to save even more money, you need to be more flexible with the type of room you are willing to book. Inside rooms — the rooms in the interior of the ship — are often as much as one third less than balcony rooms or suites. This can represent a tremendous savings for the economy-minded traveler.

On most cruises, there is simply so much to see and do, from shows to pools to dining, that many passengers end up spending very little time in their rooms. Therefore, it is often worth considering booking an inside cabin, since you will still have access to all the same great meals, entertainment, and activities as passengers paying far more than you.

Of course, one drawback to inside rooms is the lack of windows, so if you have issues with claustrophobia, and inside room might not be for you. But there is another great low-cost option on many ships that can cost little more than inside rooms. This second option is an obstructed view outside cabin.

The views in these cabins tend to be obstructed by lifeboats, poles, or other elements of the ship’s design. While the view might be partially or even full obstructed, you still have a window and thus usually will get some sunlight at the very least. Therefore, obstructed view rooms can be a great option for anyone who really needs a window in their cabin yet who still wants to save some serious cash.

Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, and frequent traveler. He is also an editor of the http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com, which provides information on all aspects of Alaskan cruising.

Cruise Deals - How To Get The Best Cruise Deal And Save Money Too!

23 Jun.
Posted by twinpeak in Cruises | No Comments

Going on a cruise was once an easy thing to arrange. All you had to do was go to your travel agent and look at a few brochures. But as the industry has grown it has become an overwhelming mix of itineraries, cruise packages, choices add-ons and prices. So how do you look through and search for all the available information to find the best cruise deal? The following tips will help you find the best cruise and save you money.

1. The busiest season has always been January through March. This is when the cruise industry books the most cruises. Cruise lines usually make about 38 percent of their yearly sales at this time. This is the best time to find many hot or last minute deals because they offer a lot of incentives.

2. Make sure to start well ahead of your vacation or holiday time if you can unless you want a last minute cruise deal. First of all you should call the cruise line you are most interested in and ask for the cruise line rep about any of their cruises and the staterooms. You can ask about handicapped-equipped staterooms then if this is a special need. You can always do this later after you do some research too.

Find out what specials they have running and make sure to tell them how old you are and what state you live in or if you’re traveling with a group of people or another couple or have cruised with their cruise line in the past. Does it include your airfare? Do you need a family deal? This is because your specific situation may entitle you for big discounts. Take whatever the quote given to you by the cruise line rep as your starting price point.

3. Next check out the Sunday newspaper ads in the travel section and look for cruise bargains. The bigger city newspapers and the newspapers located in or near cruise embarkation cities are great for finding good or cheap cruise deals. You can go to your local library to view the ads if they carry those news papers. Some daily newspapers even have there travel ads online.

4. Take a look at the cruise booking Web sites. There are cruise discount agencies that may have the cheapest cruise rates to be found anywhere, whether you want a luxury cruise or budget cruise. Huge travel Web sites such as Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity usually have great deals too. You can also find last-minute cruise deals too. The cruise Web sites’ prices are usually fairly similar. And the travel sites are usually similar but somewhat higher. Make sure to ask about any additional, secret or hidden fees, such as cancellation penalties. These can cost between $40 and $85.

5. Make sure to check with your cruise travel agent. Some people prefer to work with a travel agent or are not savvy about researching online. Find out if they charge a consulting fee before you meet. Some fees are usually refundable if they book your cruise. When you get together with the travel agent, say exactly what you want and that you’re comparing prices. Your local travel agent can be very helpful if you have disabilities, health problems, special needs or need visas or other documents.

6. Think about placing a “cruise wanted” ad on Craigslist online. Be specific and detailed about what you want. Then sit back and wait for replies.

7. Once you have a number of cruise line or cruise package quotes compare them and try to negotiate a lower price, extra discounts or some onboard extras.

Note that if you’re getting the same quote from your travel agent that you’re getting from the cruise line then you need to continue shopping for the best quote - your travel agent isn’t saving you any money. The best cruise deal is out there that is just right for you and will save you money on your vacation too regardless if you’re going to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Bahamas, or Bermuda. You just need to do a little research and don’t take the first deal you see.

For more tips on the best cruise deals see http://www.GetTheBestDealOnline.com for all types of deals, electronics, laptops, credit, HDTV, airfare, etc., tips on best discounts, hot deals, low cost, wholesale deals and best deals online or offline. Online shopping tips, fraud and security tips.

Cruise Vacation Planning Guide

22 Jun.
Posted by improduct in Cruises | No Comments

Do you want to take your family on a cruise vacation? If you do, make sure that the whole family is involved in the preparations. If you have kids, it would be a good idea to involve them in the planning process. Involving your kids in the planning process of any family activities is a very good way of teaching them about responsibility. The more the kids are informed and involved about any activities of the family, the more they will assume responsibilities during the preparations.

When planning for your cruise vacation, you should list all the things that you will need on your trip. Get a piece of paper and write down the things that your family will need on one column and then write down the name of the person who shall be responsible for accomplishing the task. You can assign easy task to your kids so that they will not have trouble accomplishing them. You and your spouse can take care of the more complicated stuff such as booking for your reservations and shopping for the things that you will need during your cruise vacation.

In preparing for a cruise vacation with the whole family, one of the few things that you should remember is to travel light. Tell your children that they are only allowed to bring essential things and those toys or gadgets that they will not need during your cruise vacation should stays home, if possible limit your kids to one bag only so that you will not end up carrying so must luggage. It will not do you any good to start lugging some heavy baggage on your trip especially if you have kids to think about at the same time. Do not worry about running out of clothes to wear during your cruise vacation because they have a laundry service on board. They also have this do-it-yourself laundry that will not really cost you much.

When packing clothes for a cruise vacation, you should only bring those causal attires and resort wears. Since you will be expected to make stops at some resorts along the way, you should make sure that everyone brings something that they can wear during these stops. For the girls, shorts, sundresses, slacks, blouses and swimwear would be nice. For the boys, casual clothing would do the trick. Do not forget those rubber soles shoes, which you all can wear on board the ship and some good pairs of walking shoes during your stops. You do not have to bring anything fancy unless you are planning of going to some formal evening affairs.

If you want a different kind of holiday, then a cruise vacation is what you need. What are you waiting for go make that reservation.

Dola Raheem is the webmaster of http://www.findcruisebargains.com/ a website specialized on Caribbean cruise, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Caribbean vacations.

The Charisma And Romance Of A Caribbean Cruise Wedding

20 Jun.
Posted by apple33p in Cruises | No Comments

The wedding day is definitely one of the most memorable days of our lives in this earth and it is not surprising that we all look for ways to make this day as unique and romantic as possible. This is also reason why a Caribbean cruise wedding will cover all your expectations and provide you and those that attend this wedding with the most wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime.

What can be more romantic on earth then getting married on a cruise ship while at sea or even in a port? More often than not most couples choose to marry on the first day on the cruise even prior to the ship leaves the port so that they can have the family members attend and then, leave on the cruise for their honeymoon. The captain of the ship has the authority to marry if you want him to officiate your wedding, if not you can bring along your own minister on your wedding day.

It is indispensable you plan the Caribbean cruise wedding especially if you want to hold it before the cruise starts, because you cannot bring on board anyone without prior permission from the captain and that cannot be obtained on the same day in order to ensure the safety of all those onboard and be in concordance with the rules and regulations enforced by the US coast guard.

Everything be able to and will be catered for by the ship staff if they are advised in time for example, your wedding reception, the drinks, food and even the wedding cake. You will need to let them know the day you want your Caribbean cruise wedding to take place, the number of people will attend and when you want to it take place. You are also allow to bring your own drinks and food provided you obtain the approval of the cruise line first.

Have the wedding of your dreams in such an unique surroundings of the most romantic settings in the world and follow it by a similarly romantic honeymoon to the beautiful beaches and ports of the Caribbean.

One of the most thrilling and romantic ways to spend your honeymoon is to go on a cruise with the Royal Caribbean cruise liner. Not only that you will be able to have real good times on board the Royal Caribbean cruise liner, you will also have the chance to travel around the islands when you make your stopover. What on earth could be more romantic than exploring the Caribbean on your honeymoon on board the Royal Caribbean cruise liner? There are many destinations for you to choose from when you want to go on a cruise on board the Royal Caribbean cruise liner. And one of the most favorite routes that people on their honeymoon often take is the route which could bring you to such port stops as Conzumel, Mexico: George Town, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Jamaica and ends at the Royal Caribbean cruise lines private destination at Labade, Hispaniola.

Without trying to state the understandable, one can safely say that the Caribbean honeymoon cruise is one of the most romantic experience that allows couples to savor elegant sands, dip into warm waters as well as just having gentle winds scream out inviting one to take a moonlight stroll as well as enjoy fun filled picnics. One can find the most ideal romantic getaways in the seclusion of stylish resorts that will satisfy every newly- wed couple. People normally flock to the Caribbean in search of exotic as well as breathtaking islands that can provide every amenity, and also to provide that unforgettable experience that one has always hoped for, where honeymoon couples are especially pampered and feasted.

With the warm settings, secluded spots as well as beautiful beaches and clubs to provide all the necessary ingredients to grow the romance, one can see in your mind’s eye how much lovers would appreciate a week or two together in these idyllic locations. Most honeymooners gravitate towards Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for the reason that costs are lower and there is plenty on which they can splurge on. Getting married is a once in a lifetime event and the Caribbean provides some of the best honeymoon resorts that are even better to those found on some of the smaller European islands.

Caribbean honeymoon cruises specials are available almost everywhere and one can just click on a travel website and see the whole range of options that are available, and there are also certain to be some bargain basement prices as well. One can easily find resorts that are surrounded by the nature in all of its splendor and places such as the Paradise Bay Resort offer clear blue water and are hidden amid thousands of acres of beautiful nature, which also explains how it got its name are certainly visiting on a honeymoon. It is places such as these that put together the Caribbean honeymoon cruise worthwhile.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about caribbean cruise specials and deals, please visit http://www.caribbeancruisespecials.net.

The Southern And Western Caribbean Cruise

19 Jun.
Posted by apple33p in Cruises | No Comments

Are you still single and you just can’t seem to find that special someone in your life? Do you love to bask in the sun, or simply to have a good time while also being waited on like you were a King or Queen in his or her own castle? If this truly describes you, then you would sure to fall in love with a Southern Caribbean singles cruise. Southern Caribbean singles cruises offer everything you could ever ask for, such as entertainment, music, food, drinks, and with plenty of like-minded single people. Be it whether you’re a single man or a single woman, there’s someone out there for you and, who knows, you may just meet that special someone on a Southern Caribbean singles cruise.

You don’t have to be worried about being shy on a Southern Caribbean singles cruise. You have to apprehend that everyone else on that ship is just like you, they’re single and also looking for that special someone. Southern Caribbean singles cruises have all sorts of activities that are by and large couple oriented. That means to say that you will be paired with someone else during the activities. If you’re a man, you’ll more often than not be paired with a woman and vice versa. It’s certainly a great way to meet people as you both laugh, trying to compete against other couples, who might also be complete strangers as well.

Next, after the activities, you and that person can meet afterwards for a couple of drinks or you can even have dinner together in the dining hall. There’s just so much to do that it’s almost like being in your own private resort. There’s no better way for you to meet someone than on a Southern Caribbean cruise. So, book one today and see what you’ve been missing all this time.

Generally, the boat will dock on one of the Southern Caribbean islands in order that you can embark on a entirely different adventure. You can mingle with the locals, doing shopping in the stores or just sightseeing, all with that special someone that you may have just met. At times, true love connections do happen on Southern Caribbean singles cruises, both on and off the boat, but the best attitude for you to have is to go in and just having fun. Don’t be expecting too much so that you’re not let down. There’s sure to be someone out there for everyone and you may or may not find them on a singles cruise but it’s for sure that you’ll have the time of your life.

And if you have been considering a tropical vacation to escape from the cold and snow of winter, maybe a western Caribbean cruise is just what the doctor ordered. You be able to book a western Caribbean cruise through most of the major cruise lines, since this is a popular destination for many who would like taking vacations on the high seas. The cause that makes a western Caribbean vacation interesting is that you may get to discover a number of countries and a wide variety of their cultures. Not only will you have that opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, you may also discover yourself sailing to destinations such as Mexico and South America. Some even include fun American ports like Key West and New Orleans. You are guaranteed to find something to suit for everyone on a western Caribbean cruise.

In view of the fact that many of the ports on a western Caribbean cruise are out of the country, do be sure that you allow plenty of time to apply for a passport if you do not already have one. Many cruise lines are already requiring passports for travel, in preparation to the changes to travel laws that will take effect at the beginning of 2008. Once you have prepared yourself with the right documentation, you can therefore begin to shop for your western Caribbean cruise based on the ports that you would like to visit and the type of ship that will offer the most for you and your family.

While most of the ships tend to adhere to high quality in service and dining, and for some are better suited to single or married adults and others cater to families. If you are planning to bring children along on your western Caribbean cruise, do ensure that you book a ship that is child-friendly and offers plenty of programs and activities so that to keep the kids busy and happy.

Cruise planning will need to take additional preparation in comparison to other types of vacations for the reason that of the many different activities that are being offered. For instance, dining onboard usually requires dress-up clothing and may even include a couple of nights of formal wear. The pools that are on the ship as well as the many beautiful beaches that you will be visiting will require appropriate apparel and equipment, and parties and activities on the ship will also have their own dress code as well. Most ships forbid shorts, tank tops and swim suits in the dining rooms, and various have even stricter dress codes.

Therefore do make sure that you are well aware of clothing requirements before boarding your ship, and pack accordingly. Since sightseeing is also an accepted activity at many destinations, comfortable walking shoes are definitely an absolute must as well. With simply a bit of advanced planning and organization, you can definitely board your ship with the confidence that you are ready for anything as you set sail on your exciting western Caribbean cruise.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about caribbean cruise specials and deals, please visit http://www.caribbeancruisespecials.net.

Alaskan Cruise Tips: Canadian Rockies Tours

16 Jun.
Posted by scottrussell in Cruises | No Comments

Most people planning an Alaskan cruise tour tend to choose between the many options available to or from the ports of Whittier and Seward, both on the northern mainland of Alaska, south of Anchorage. But in order to take one of these tours, your cruise must follow a northbound or southbound one-way itinerary. Therefore, for those taking round-trip cruises from Vancouver and Seattle, one of these traditional Alaska cruisetours is not an option.

What many people don’t know is that another wonderful inland tour option exists, one that can be combined with the round-trip cruises out of both Seattle and Vancouver. This option is a Canadian Rockies cruisetour.

Though unknown to many Americans, the Canadian Rockies region, which straddles the border between the provinces British Columbia and Alberta, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on Earth. With stunning turquoise lakes and snow-capped alpine peaks, this mountain range truly makes a memorable and spectacular addition to your Alaska cruise itinerary.

These Canadian Rockies cruisetours visit such unforgettable and amazing locations as Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park. All three parks are located in the vicinity of the picturesque town of Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Banff National Park is home to Lake Louise, which is, quite simply one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and picture-perfect alpine backdrop. The mineral content of the water gives it its brilliant color, which is unlike anything you have ever seen.

Jasper National Park is home to the vast Columbia Icefields, one of the few such icefields in the world that can be accessed by road. Get out and explore this breathtaking glacial environment - it’s really quite amazing.

The third park in this region, Yoho National Park, is perhaps less well known than its two neighbors but it is no less spectacular. The smallest of the national parks in this region, Yoho nonetheless includes incredible scenery: soaring peaks, incredible waterfalls, and vast glaciers.

Many Canadian Rockies cruise tours include passage on the Rocky Mountaineer Rail, which is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. I highly recommend a tour of the Canadian Rockies for anyone considering an Alaskan cruise out of Vancouver or Seattle. It’s more than a great alternative to Denali and inland Alaska tours — it might just be the most memorable and dramatic trip you ever take.

Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, and frequent traveler. He is also an editor of http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com, which provides information on all aspects of Alaskan cruises, including details on Canadian Rockies tours and inland Alaskan tours.

Alaskan Cruise Tips: Is a Balcony Room Worth the Cost?

13 Jun.
Posted by scottrussell in Cruises | No Comments

If you’ve already started planning an Alaskan cruise or Alaskan cruise tour, you might have been considering whether it is worth the extra cost to book a balcony cabin. Of course, with Alaskan cruises in high demand, the cruise fares have been on the rise, meaning that a balcony room is often no small investment.

So are balcony rooms worth the price? The answer depends on several factors, including your personal finances, the time of year you plan on cruising, and the amount of time you plan on spending out of your room.

Balcony rooms on Alaskan cruises can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a thousand dollars more than inside rooms (and the differential can be even higher at the peak of the season). However, despite this sometimes big difference in pricing, it is common for balcony rooms to sell out before either inside or oceanview cabins.

Why are balcony rooms so popular on Alaskan cruises? The reason for their popularity is that there simply is so much to see along the Alaskan cruise rout that, if you don’t have a balcony, you miss out on a good amount of it.

Unlike in the Caribbean, where you sail from island to island, spending much of your time at sea, in the Alaskan Inside Passage, you spend the majority of your journey passing through a relatively narrow waterway between a chain of islands, often with incredible landscapes visible from both sides of the ship: soaring mountains, lush, green forests, countless waterfalls, fjords, glaciers, and even the occasional whale — you’ll see it all along the Alaskan cruise route.

Of course, if you simply aren’t able to spend the money on a balcony room, you still will see plenty of Alaskan scenery. There are wonderful views from many of the ship’s decks, and often you will have great views from the restaurants as well. Many people who book inside rooms end up spending a good deal of their time outside of their rooms anyway, taking part in the many activities and attending the wonderful shows and other events available on large cruise ships.

However, with a balcony stateroom, you will be able to take it all in from the privacy of your cabin. If you have the money or can book in a less expensive time of year (like May or September), I highly recommend a balcony stateroom. It’s simply the best way there is to experience the wonders of coastal Alaska.

Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, and frequent traveler. He is also an editor of http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com, which provides information on all aspects of Alaskan cruises, including details on Alaska cruise ships and dozens of Alaskan shore excursions.

Four Cruise Destinations You Just Can’t Miss

12 Jun.
Posted by Drabdesign in Cruises | No Comments

Taking an Alaskan cruise is a journey to a wilderness of mountains, glaciers and fjords. Alaska is Rich in history and a native tradition, Alaska truly is the last frontier. When in the land of the midnight sun, you’ll need all those extra minutes of daylight to experience it, including the awe-inspiring blue ice of a massive glacial field and the wildlife and nature, everything in Alaska is bigger, as are the adventures to be had there. From your cruise ship the view will be spectacular, but if you really want to experience the real Alaska there are some fabulous shore excursions.

A far cry from an Alaskan Cruise is a Baltic cruise; they offer a magical mix of imperial treasures, stunning architecture and old-world charm. With St. Petersburg’s lavish buildings and splendid museums to Tallins enchanting alleyways the region is full of intrigue and wonder. Some Baltic Cruises take in the dramatic scenery of the fjords, a world of natural splendours such as cascading waterfalls, soaring mountains and hot springs. Visit this beautiful part of the world and marvel at the awesome power of Mother Nature at work.

A cruise around the Caribbean not only promises, but gives you everything you could wish for. From Snorkeling in clear waters, to strolling through quaint colonial towns or just relaxing on a pristine sandy beach, the Caribbean has it all. Blessed with year round sunshine these tropical islands are a true paradise and the best way to experience the Caribbean is on a cruise. With a cruise you are not confined to just one location, you get the chance to see everything the Caribbean has to offer.

For a holiday with a difference you can not go wrong with cruises to the Far East, including the wonders of China, Cambodia and Thailand. Cruises tend to start from a few of the larger cosmopolitan cities such as the cultural hot spot Bangkok in Thailand and you will have no shortage of things to do in Thailand’s bustling capital. Hong Kong, now part of China, this former British colony has a life of its own and is truly a 24 hour a day living city. If culture and history is your thing, then a pre or post cruise land stay will often lead to visiting such wondrous and historic places such as the Great Wall of China or the Forbidden City. Cruising the Far East is relatively new to the world of cruising and yet is so popular more ships than ever before are being sent to the region as cruisers lap up the pleasures of this mysterious land.

David Edbrooke-Stainer runs a Search Engine Optimization company called Drabdesign http://www.drabdesign.com/ in the UK and runs Cruises http://www.cruise-s.co.uk/ a new cruise related website