Cruise Mouth

Bowets asked:


I am curiously about the conditions of work on board cruise ships… and if I Broschà ¼ ren myself from cruise enterprise, all this sees in addition well, in order to be true. That is the reason, why I möchte to read, gives opinions of humans, who worked, on cruise ships and me the Insider information à ¼ more ber Lebens-und conditions of work.

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Genna Roberts asked:


2008 is an exciting year for cruising with the addition of 8 new cruise ships to the booming market.

• April – P&O’s Ventura , MSC Poeisa

• May – Independence of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

• July – Carnival Splendor, Ms Eurodam (Holland America)

• Nov – Ruby Princess, MSC Fantasia

• Dec – Celebrity Solstice

Each ship is being built on the promise that it will be bigger and better than its current sailing rivals, with a heavy focus on innovations at sea. Already we have ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, F1 simulators, self leveling pool tables, boxing rings, bowling alleys and 4 deck high water slides. So the big question everyone’s asking is; what could possibly be coming next?

Well, the answer is grass. Real growing green grass.

Celebrity Cruises have proudly announced that their latest fleet addition, the Solstice, will feature a grassed lawn area where guests may “enjoy bocce ball and croquet, practice their putting, picnic with a basket of wine and cheese, or simply feel the grass between their toes, while sailing the oceans of the world”. And, if all the grass isn’t too much excitement, you can go and watch the hot glass show, another industry first.

Clever, or just plain dull?

Is this really the best they can come up with? Or, are they taking a brave step outside of the current innovation trend box? In reality, the ice skating rinks are a little on the small side, the bowling alleys only have 4 lanes, and does anyone really want to go boxing?

It seems the cruise companies are measuring their success on the uniqueness of their ship innovations, but I wonder if that’s what today’s typical cruise passenger is really looking for.

Pre 1960’s cruising was all about the destination, the ship simply providing comfortable accommodation. Then came more emphasis on the actual voyage itself, with the onboard experience becoming as important as the destination. It seems we may now be facing a u-turn, with more and more cruisers wanting to explore new, “undiscovered” places which offer a more intimate cruise experience which the mega liners just can’t offer.

In spite of this, the cruise industry seems to be confidently striving forward with their bigger is better approach with Royal Caribbean’s mind blowing Genesis project on the horizon. Building by far the largest ships at sea, 2009 will see a vessel that has a capacity of over 5000 passengers with a gross tonnage in excess of 220,000 tonnes, compared to the current largest, the Queen Mary 2 at a mere 160,000 tonnes, it’s a pretty outstanding figure.

Surely there must be concerns over the damage a ship that large may cause. For a long time, cruise ship damage seems to have been ignored, when, in reality, they are one of the world’s largest, uncontrolled sources of air pollution, and surprisingly, more damaging than flying. Sewage, oil contamination and coral reef damage are all becoming increasing concerns.

Royal Caribbean have recognized this and have stated that one of the most important priorities for the new ships is energy efficiency and the minimisation of waste to make the ship as environmentally friendly as possible.

What they can’t control is annoying disembarkation queues, port over crowding and inaccessible ports. But, at least there is a boxing ring to let out all those frustrations, if it’s not already been booked up…

So what is coming next? Whilst some of the cruise lines are heading down the more subtle route, others are sailing full steam ahead with their innovative ship features. What do you think of the current cruise ship innovations? Have you ever made use of them whilst onboard? Would an ice rink and bowling alley influence your choice of ship? What do you imagine future innovations may be? And would you fancy a trip on the Genesis class ships?

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Dean Caporella asked:


With the warmer months approaching, cruising will be one of the more popular summer vacations on people’s minds however, if it’s a cheap cruise you’re looking for, then you may struggle to find one.

The summer period, especially the holiday time is prime time as far as cruise companies are concerned. This is the time of the year they have little trouble in filling their cabins.

This doesn’t mean you cannot cruise cheap. Let’s take a look at two solid options which will help you land that bargain vacation on the high seas.

Travel Agents

Many people seem to overlook travel agents and one reason for this may be because they are such an obvious choice. They should be the first port of call simply because of their connection to the cruise companies. Connection as in receiving an order of tickets to fill that is.

Filling cabins is what it’s all about with cruise lines and their number one aim is to make sure there isn’t a vacant cabin left when the ship departs port. The travel agents job is to fill these cabins and they have the ability to be negotiable on the price of tickets.

A good tactic is to come up with a list of travel agents and then speak with each one individually over the phone. You are simply asking about the cruise you’re interested in, what’s the cost and what sort of a deal they can do.

Some may be hard to get on with and others will be very accommodating. This is simply shopping around for the best price and don’t be surprised if you can get your cost down anything up to 10% of the original quote.

It’s a great way to come up with a cheap cruise deal. How many travel agents should you contact? That’s entirely up to you but try to speak with at least five. Obviously time will be a factor but in the end, even if you are looking at saving $100 of your trip, it’s an extra $100 you can spend on your holiday.

Online Cruise Sites

This is a must alternative simply because of the power and competitiveness of the internet. Cruise companies proliferate the online scene all competing for your business but they also have the ability to locate and get you on a cheap cruise holiday.

Join some of the site’s who offer newsletters and correspondence with their visitors. This way, you can be kept up-to-date with what’s coming up and one of the advantages of these mailing lists are you’ll usually be the first to hear about the super deals.

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David Urmann asked:


What is a mantra of a wonderful vacation? If you believe me, natural splendor, blue waters and white sand make the perfect and most memorable vacations you can have. And if you are really interested in going in for one, then pack your bags and get ready for a sensational trip of the most happening cruise lines.

A cruise voyage will give it all right from the sprawling nature to blue waters of the oceans and the white sand on the beaches. And the best part of it, a cruise is your 24 hrs entertainment center where the sun never sets.

A cruise is a one stop entertainment for many occasions and events. A cruise allows you to celebrate family cruising and reunions, wedding, birthday celebrations, vacation travel, honeymoon and much more.

A cruise trip also allows and offers flexibility in planning various activities. You can plan to travel in the set of destinations from the hundreds of destinations offered by these sea liners. Do whatever, your cruise trip will be the most cherished experience you will ever have in your life.

Cruise trips have gained much popularity in the past couple of years due to which there are many cruise companies which offer the best of services to its travelers. The popularity is so much that it is estimated by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) that of the more than 10 million Americans who had taken cruises in the year 2004, around 5 million had taken the cruise for the first time.

This amazing piece of statistic is a reflection of the fact that cruising can be not only fun, but a tremendous vacation value. This vacation value can be rightly explored once you are on a cruise enjoying life.

A cruise vacation offers a quality time because it offers a great value in terms of the number of destinations from which you can choose your favorite one. And more value packed just because most of the cruises offer world-class dining and various on-board activities, along with many other activities like surfing, deep water fishing, skiing, kayaking etc which means you can have multiple vacations in one.

Also most of the cruise lines offer you the ease of sailing from a port near your city. You can book the cruise line fro a journey onboard and also for some of the most exciting shore and land excursions which may include tours, entertainment, adventure sports and activities and much more that will make the whole lot of cruising a memorable experience.

There are many cruise lines around the United States and Europe, which offer the best of the facilities and excursions. It is always to plan your trip ahead and book the cruise in advance as doing this would save you money, which obviously you can spend on some other sneaky extras. When finalizing a cruise line look for their track record and also compare the rates and the onboard facilities offered.

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Nicky Pilkington asked:


Discount, discount and more discount. The laws of economics applies everywhere, more people want more things at lesser prices. The cruises are no exception. They too have the favorite word with them - discount.
Just think about this, on a perfect and a warm summer day, you are basking in the glory of the sun, you wake up to a shudder. You look to see your sweetheart by your side questioning you about the cost!!!! What would your reaction be? What would you answer? Everyone on earth knows, nothing comes free, at least not the cruises. But you don’t want to go through these question and answer sessions while its time to relax. So just relax, these cruises are your answers. With a host of options available to you these days, all you need to do is choose the right one for you depending on your wallet.
There are two ways to go about finding a discount cruise. Most companies provide “specials” that are discounted fares for a particular package. These are usually less expensive than regular fares and can be utilized to lower cost. However, there are also outside companies that may be able to offer the cruise at a considerable savings.
Travel agents are given the last minute deals just to fill in people, you don’t want to go cruising on an empty vessel. Websites offer such deals that help in realizing your dreams as well as ensuring the vessel doesn’t go empty. Last minute deals are the best options but they shouldn’t be your last minute deal.
Safety is once again a major reason for you to traveling. Right from choosing your company to enjoying the vacation, do not compromise on this value. your money saving spree should not be at the cost of safety - just make sure you have a nice time.

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Mike Taylor asked:


With the invention of modern day jetliners many thought that passenger ships were doomed and would go the way of train travel as more people chose the fast travel times that flying offered.

But passenger ships are more popular than ever and the cruise industry is seeing record growth rates. In fact, cruising is so popular that cruise companies are building larger more luxurious cruise ships in a bid to win the hearts and minds of the traveler.

Of the many number of cruises available the Caribbean remains one of the most popular destination spots for vacationers in the world. Comprised of hundreds of islands each with their own distinct personality a cruise to the Caribbean is a vacation experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

The Caribbean is geographically divided into three regions and cruises are usually centered on one of these areas but rest assured that no matter which region you pick you will experience beautiful weather and gorgeous sandy beaches.

The Eastern Caribbean Get Ready To Shop

The Eastern Caribbean region is made up of a set of islands known as the Lesser Antilles that extend 600 miles along the Eastern side of the Caribbean Sea. This area is much more commercially developed than the Western and Southern Caribbean areas and as a result is more heavily visited by tourists.

Daytime temperatures in the 80s with lows at night in the 70s make it perfect for vacationers wanting to escape the frigid U.S. winters if only for a week or two. The Hurricane season runs from June through the beginning of November and the Eastern Caribbean is more prone to hurricanes as the other regions so keep that in mind.

The Bahamas are probably the most well know of the Eastern Caribbean islands but St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico are also very popular and sure to please.

Those cruising for the first time might want to consider an Eastern Caribbean cruise as these cruises usually offer more days at sea and the islands visited are less of a culture shock for those not used to traveling outside the country. Because of this they are also more crowded and more costly than the Western and Southern Caribbean.

Diving and snorkeling is good here just not as good as the Western and Southern Caribbean but you will find the duty-free shopping to be among the best in the world with many big name luxury retailers having stores on the islands. Plan your trip around any major luxury goods purchases you are going to make and you might save enough to pay for your vacation.

Continued in Part Two…

Discount cruise

Julie Harper asked:


Come winter and your mind wanders to the lovely cruise ship sailing on the idle waters in your Caribbean cruise special. Why not make that dream come true? You may have the time of your life and the kids will love it as well. The best part of a cruise, as you would know, is a hassle-free trip where you are greeted with a fresh new panorama every morning and you unpack only once. Besides, your accommodation, food, entertainment, etc all are paid for in one price. However, if you decide on a Caribbean cruise this winter then choose a Caribbean cruise special. It is simply great.

A Caribbean cruise special often comes in several versions like a choice between a three, five or seven-day cruise, though people mostly prefer the latter as that offers four different destinations yet provides a couple of days cruising the calm seas with nothing to do but relax with a capital R.

Though a Caribbean cruise special comes “all inclusive”, i.e. your food, sleeping quarters and everything else paid for in one price, you may have to pay for alcoholic drinks as most of the cruise companies keep the bar apart from their usual fare. In some cases, even the tips are well looked after but here again, decency demands a generous tip to cabin and dining room stewards/stewardess.

Caribbean Cruise Special - How To Look For And Book A Cruise

Most travel agents offer a wide variety of choices in regard to a Caribbean cruise special. As a matter of fact, all cruise companies look forward to the winter season when they customarily offer their best ships for these specials. Here are some cruise lines to narrow down your choice - take the Royal Caribbean cruise or Celebrity cruise or Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise and of course, the Norwegian cruise Line. You are advised to carry out an online search to find out more about the various cruise companies, options and their specials.

Consider a Caribbean Cruise Special - If you are cruising for the first time

You want to find out whether a cruise is for you so do some research before deciding on a particular Caribbean cruise, otherwise you could be disappointed if it does not meet your expectations. Don’t forget you cannot leave the ship once you are aboard. For example, if you are a happy jovial young family, you will surely like Carnival cruises which are popularly called “Fun Cruises” as they cater for younger families and are always jam packed with parties and revelry. You may, on the other hand, prefer Holland America Line for the peace and tranquility aboard the ship if you prefer the quieter life, looking for peace and serenity on the high seas.

A Caribbean cruise special could be just the ticket for your winter vacation but choose carefully and I am sure you will have the time of your life.

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Linda Woods asked:


Never mind the luxurious stateroom, don’t bother telling me where the gym is or the shuffleboard games are held, point me in the direction of the most fabulous restaurant afloat! Everybody knows that one of the biggest drawing cards of a Caribbean cruise is the dining options. Every person’s first and last taste bud will be satisfied, belts will be let out, groans of delight will be heard from each and every passenger … all in response to the gastronomic delights that await on an all-you-can-eat Caribbean cruise.

Oh sure, the balmy days and moonlit nights are big attractions. And yes, it is a wonderful opportunity to meet hundreds of other people, all in a fantastic mood because they’re all on vacation. Take in a movie, play a round of poker, catch up on sleep, do whatever takes your fancy, but at some point, you have to eat. And eat you will. On a Caribbean cruise, consuming can be time consuming, not because you have to wait for service, but because it’s so easy to sit there in the restaurant and be waited on hand and foot, presented with fine, island delicacies as well as mainstream delicious delights. A Caribbean cruise provides every chance for you to work off those calories but when they keep on bringing food out and every dish looks better than the last, how can you resist?

Caribbean cruise companies pride themselves on their selection of highly trained chefs who gain diverse and valuable experience at sea. Their job is made more complicated by having to have on hand, all the ingredients they will need for the journey, at least until they reach each port of call. A Caribbean cruise may visit between two and ten destinations and each will offer individual cuisines that the chefs will showcase for passengers. Naturally, what’s on offer on a Mediterranean trip will differ to what is served on a Caribbean cruise. Imagine visiting Grenada, Guadeloupe, Caracas, Aruba and sampling the exotic local delights, all from the supreme comfort of your restaurant table, overlooking the ocean as the water glistens beyond the massive windows.

Your day begins with breakfast, perhaps in your cabin or if you prefer, at the seemingly endless buffet. Your eyes widen like saucers at the sight of a gazillion different options. There you are on an exciting Caribbean cruise and you at first tackle the bacon and eggs. Then you realize, you can have that ordinary staple at home. Instead, try something from the dazzling array of exotic fruits you’ve never eaten before. A Caribbean cruise is the best place to sample unknown treats; not only are they beautifully prepared but you can be sure of the quality and hygiene, unlike the game of chance that is eating from a roadside stall on a port of call.

Morning tea time and you’re faced with topping up your already substantially full stomach. Maybe you pass in favor of looking forward to a glorious lunch, Caribbean cruise style. There are platters of intricately garnished baked fish, endless, multicolored salads, silver buckets of shrimp and crab, even lobster. You begin to imagine a team of fisherman trailing nets and lines over the stern of the ship twice a day to catch the freshest of fresh seafood. After all, what would a Caribbean cruise be without lobster, swordfish, shrimp cocktail and crab claws?

Dinnertime presents a challenge in itself on a Caribbean cruise. Should you tread lightly and save up for dessert, or pile your plate high and see what a trouper you can be? Go for the meat lovers’ feast or fiddle your way through some tempting soup, salad and pieces of fruit? It’s all there for you to enjoy on a Caribbean cruise and passengers return home with legendary tales of how much food there was, how much variety they enjoyed, how stunning it all looked … and how they’ll never eat again as long as they live!

If your ideal vacation involves indulgence of the culinary kind, you can’t beat a Caribbean cruise for 100% satisfaction. Just be sure that you pack a few items of clothing that are designed for comfort and not speed!

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Dean Caporella asked:


Taking a cruise is still a dream for many people who cite varying reasons for holding off on sailing the “high seas.” The most common excuse is the affordability factor with many people on tight budgets simply resigned to the fact that cheaper holidays are available elsewhere and by other means.
Well, I’m here to tell you that cruising holidays are not just reserved for the “rich and famous” but in the main, are designed for those who in fact are working on staying within their allotted budgets. A cheap cruise doesn’t mean travelling on a “ship without a rudder!”
Let’s Find A Cheap Cruise
Finding a cheap deal is a lot easier than you think. Travel agents are there to help you locate the most suitable holiday for your travel plans. Companies will go “the extra mile” to get you on one of their ships and in most cases, you’ll find them extremely accomodating. Here are some simple tips to finding a cheap cruise.
1. Go online and do a search. Many travel and cruise companies will offer request forms on their sites and you simply fill in the information; where you want to go, how much you want to spend and how many people you want to book for.
2. Pricing varies from destination to destination but the beauty of these type of holidays is the value factor. Over delivering is common so don’t be afraid to state your preferences no matter how lavish they may seem. In the final analysis, common ground is reached and you’ll be surprised how much vacation experience your tight budget dollars will get you.
3. Avoid peak travelling seasons. Often, prices will normally be inflated which is common during any popular vacation time such as normal holiday periods. The bargains will normally be found during off-peak times and you’ll need to clarify these with your travel agent.
4. Don’t leave booking your cheap cruise until the last minute. Similar to airlines, holidays or trips will cost you more generally, the closer it is to the departure date. Booking a long way ahead means that there are better deals available as companies “scramble” to fill their available spots.
5. Make it clear to your booking agent exactly how much you want to spend. Be careful not to book a holiday just because you can afford it and then realise it’s not what you wanted. Finding a bargain is one thing but finding that will suit your needs and desires is another. Be very clear up front.
Cheap Family Packages
Obviously the larger the family the more cost is involved. Again, cruise lines are very accomodating and the above principles also apply in the area of family holidays. For example, Disney have on-going cheap cruise deals to such exotic destinations as the Bahamas with some tremendous savings to be had. You just need to be aware of them which means a little homework on your part.
You’ll be surprised how affordable holidays can be. The best part is, a cheap cruise will usually offer a lot more than the term implies.

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Prince Cruise asked:


There remain different scheduled cruises at Sydney harbour and these cruises have high demands. People from different corners of the planet pour in to Sydney to enjoy each and every moment of the tempting Sydney cruising experience. On the other hand, different leading companies also offer cruises journeys and vacation facilities for the employees and they highly prefer the Sydney harbour cruises. The leading cruise providers of Sydney .For corporate events, these cruises are often booked and the Sydney Harbour Cruise providers offer special discounts in case of corporate bookings. Sydney’s premier cruise companies offer special packages for different cruise events like Weddings, Parties and Corporate get-together parties. The four main types of cruises of the Sydney harbor are as mentioned below: ” Dinner cruises ” Lunch cruises ” Sightseeing cruises ” Overnight cruises Fees of the cruises can differ and for the first time cruisers, it is advisable to initiate cruising experience with the cheapest fare. Specialties of the Sydney cruises have been attentive service and exquisite sightseeing. And in addition, in many cases, the quality of the liquor served remains extraordinary. Always it is a good idea to book these cruises early as people across the globe wants to enjoy the cruises of the Sydney Harbour Party. It is a good corporate strategy to provide satisfaction to specific teams with the presentation of unique leisure activities on breathtaking cruises that are available in Sydney harbour.And the nice experience is usually remembered by the employees and groups. Actually these events motivate and energize the groups to work better after refreshment. Providing cruising experience to the employees can make a real difference to the workforce by creating bonds and maintaining devotion. Before booking a corporate package, it is prudent to do some research to identify the accurate corporate package offered. Boosting up staff morale and strengthening team relationship has become easier by arranging cruises for them. Selection of a corporate cruise from the different options available is indeed required and it is must to mention the preferred catering option. Also, it is good to have a detailed idea about the entertainment that is provided on board. Contacting a Sydney cruise is very easy as most of the reputed cruise companies have web portals and online enquiry facilities. The electronic mail based enquiries and online enquiries are answered at the earliest. The customer care executives often calls back after getting the enquiries, so with ease it is possible to have detailed idea about the Sydney harbour cruises. With a few clicks of mouse it is possible to see the corporate client lists of these Sydney based cruise companies. The photo galleries of the websites and the virtual touring facility can also helps to get an overview. In case of any doubts in selection of a cruise, friendly professionals assist to tailor the suitable trips. The trip timings and the menus catered out can also be altered. Discussion with the past passengers also helps to know the exact experience of the Sydney harbour cruises

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