How to Find Cheap Caribbean Cruises

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

How to Find Cheap Caribbean Cruises for Your Family Vacation

To find good cheap Caribbean cruises there are a few key factors to consider: the time of year, type of room and length of cruise. As with any cruise, the price is per person and based on double occupancy. Different cruise lines have their own versions of cheap Caribbean cruises so deals can also vary depending on the reputation and perceived quality of the line.

To decide which cheap Caribbean cruises are suitable, one has to prioritize individual requirements. For example, some people really want a nice stateroom while others don’t plan on spending any time in the room during the cruise except to change clothes for the next activity.

The best time of year to schedule good cheap Caribbean cruises is just after peak cruising season and before most ships are docked for maintenance and crew vacations. Peak cruising season is during the fall and winter months, from October through February. The most popular cruising month is December. That doesn’t mean cheap Caribbean cruises can’t be had during these months.

Cruise lines run the most trips during these months in anticipation of heavy volume. Sometimes they are disappointed so it is always a good idea to check for last minute deals. However, planned specials for cheap Caribbean cruises are more likely to be found during March and April.

Inside or interior rooms are usually the best choice when looking for cheap Caribbean cruises. The entry doorways on these rooms will be indoors and lead to a hallway as opposed to outside rooms which open onto a deck. These rooms will not have a balcony and usually do not have windows. The price of cheap Caribbean cruises booking these rooms will run $50 to $100 less than other rooms and up to $500 less than deluxe rooms or suites on the same cruise.

Most cheap Caribbean cruises will be for the shortest length that a line offers. These cruises will usually last 3 to 4 nights. Some lines may offer the same per person price on longer cruises so the price just needs to be multiplied by the number of nights included.

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Caribbean Cruise Family Vacation Packages

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

Caribbean Cruise Packages as Part of Family Vacation Planning

When choosing a Caribbean cruise, it’s easy to forget that transportation is needed to get to and from the boat. This is why cruise lines and travel agents offer Caribbean cruise packages to group all of the necessary travel arrangements together and save the cruiser the trouble of handling them on their own.

Caribbean cruise packages are also available to extend the vacation in order to allow the traveler the opportunity to experience a stay at the location of disembarkation. For instance, if the ship sails from Puerto Rico, the traveler may want to spend a night or two in San Juan after leaving the cruise ship. Such stays can be included in Caribbean cruise packages as well.

The pricing of these Caribbean cruise packages usually includes round trip airfare, any transfer charges for the traveler and luggage from the airport to the ship and applicable taxes and surcharges. The prices will vary depending on the traveler’s original location as well as many other market factors that fluctuate throughout the year.

Sometimes the cruise line offers the best pricing for Caribbean cruise packages and sometimes they don’t. To competitively shop for the best priced Caribbean cruise packages, the traveler should consult three sources: the chosen cruise line, a travel agent and online for airfare prices if they book the plane tickets independently.

It is important to remember that the prices and availability of the components of Caribbean cruise packages largely depends on the person or company making the reservations. Airlines, hotels and transportation companies generally keep a certain amount of their resources available for their best clients and sources of business.

For this reason, most travelers find it more cost effective to enlist the services of a vacation planner employed by the cruise line or a travel agent to compile their Caribbean cruise packages. It is also assuring to know that all aspects and requirements will be covered by an experienced and responsible party. Professional agents also usually have access to the best discounts and prices.

With the advent of the internet, travel arrangements and finding bargains is easier than ever before for the traveler. It is possible to plan and book a Caribbean cruise package independently. However, a good idea is to at least consult with a cruise line or travel agent to make sure all bases are covered and reservations for all the necessary transportation have been made.

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Use Royal Caribbean For Your Cruise Family Vacation Needs?

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

Should You Use Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines For Your Family Vacation Cruise?

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has been among the most successful and most widely recognized names in luxury cruising. Consistently an innovator in cruise ship construction, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines now sails two of the largest cruise ships on the water, the “Oasis of the Seas” and the “Allure of the Seas” which are considered Oasis class ships for their superior size and occupancy capacity. Oasis class ships have a maximum occupancy of 6,360 passengers and crew members. Other classes of ships operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines include the Freedom (4,375 occupancy), Voyager (3,807 – 3,840 capacity), Radiance (2,502 capacity), Sovereign (2,766 capacity) and the Vision class (2,074 – 2,730 capacity).

In addition to Caribbean cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers cruises with ports of call in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Dubai/Emirates, Europe & the Mediterranean, Hawaii, America’s Pacific Northwest, the Panama Canal, South America, and the Transatlantic. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has over 480 cruises available at various times of year ranging from 3 to 15 nights. Not all destinations are available year round.

The peak season for cruising with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is in the winter months. The line offers approximately 58 cruises in October, 61 in November and 90 in December. The beginning of the year sees a decline in the number of cruises offered by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines with 56 in January, 53 in February, 52 in March and 46 in April. The summer months have the least amount of cruising options with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines only offering 4 cruises in each of the months from May through September.

Every ship in the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers many activities and events during the cruises. Depending on the particular ship and itinerary, theme nights are scheduled which include Toga parties, Rock ‘n’ Roll Night, Big Band Night, a Masquerade Ball, 80’s Night, Kids’ Pirate Theme Night and the most popular, 70’s Night. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines also offers the opportunity to learn new things. Although availability varies with the ship, professional staff members offer lessons in ice skating, Salsa dancing, swing dancing, Hip Hop dancing, keyboard playing, wine tasting, cooking and casino and card gaming.

Although Royal Caribbean offers several activities and options for cruising children, perhaps the most luxurious innovation is the addition of the fully staffed Babies and Tots Nursery to each ship. Parents can drop babies and toddlers off during the day and evening though the hours of availability vary from ship to ship. The nursery is stocked with specially designed developmental toys and programs from Fisher Price® exclusively for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

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Western Caribbean Cruise Vacation Destinations

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

Western Caribbean Cruises and Where You Will Go For Your Vacation Destination

Western Caribbean cruises can be found for trips as short as two nights or as long as fourteen nights. The port of departure is usually in Florida although different Western Caribbean cruises may depart from New Orleans. The ports of call for Western Caribbean cruises can be as few as one or as many as seven depending on the length of the cruise. Here are some popular ports of call on Western Caribbean cruises:

Belize City, Belize – Excellent diving with the world’s second longest reef system (150 miles); Large concentration of Mayan ruins to tour. Costa Maya, Mexico – A peninsula of beautiful white beaches complete with all the tourist amenities; Location of Chacchoben, a city that dates back to 350 A.D.
Cozumel, Mexico – A Mexican island and popular Western Caribbean cruises destination; Beautiful beaches, diving and golf courses. Luxury resort atmosphere. Falmouth, Jamaica – One of the newest ports of call for Western Caribbean cruises; Historic flavor, great shopping and Luminous Lagoon-naturally lit by micro-organisms.
George Town, Cayman Islands – Busy capital of the Cayman Islands; Lots of shopping and dining opportunities. Often called the gateway to the Caribbean. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – The largest island in the Caymans; Seven Mile Beach; Lots of snorkeling and diving. Popular tourist destination.
Key West, Florida – Loads of activities including eco-tours, fishing, hang-gliding, jet-skiing, dolphin tours and snorkeling; Beautiful beaches. American luxury and atmosphere. Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas – True tropical paradise; white beaches, shopping, nightlife; Luxurious resorts, golf courses and casinos.
Ochos Rios, Jamaica – Known for lush greenery and crystal clear water, a favorite of Western Caribbean cruises. Beautiful beaches and old plantations to see. Roatan, Honduras – White sand beaches grace this island which is only recently being featured as a stop in Western Caribbean cruises. Great fishing and fine dining in a super laid-back atmosphere.
Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala – One of the best ports of Western Caribbean cruises to experience Mayan archeological sites including Copan and Quirigua National Park; Many variations of eco-tours. St. Maarten – The Dutch half of the large island shared with the French St. Martin; Well established port for Western Caribbean cruises; Unique blend of European and Caribbean atmosphere; Superior shopping, dining and nightlife.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – Often described as the most cosmopolitan destination of Western Caribbean cruises, this port has a distinct resort atmosphere. Lots of historic and scenic attractions along with world-class dining and luxury.
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Southern Caribbean Cruise Vacation Destinations

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

Southern Caribbean Cruises and Popular Ports of Call for Your Vacation

Southern Caribbean cruises can be as short as four days or as long as two weeks. It is generally recommended to book trips lasting at least seven days to really enjoy the Southern Caribbean because most ships will sail for 1 -2 days before docking at the first port of call.

When shopping through the choices of Southern Caribbean cruises it is important to choose ships with activities and accommodations that will be enjoyed during the time at sea for this reason. If a short cruise of four days is chosen, the majority of the vacation will be spent on the boat with probably only one port of call on the trip.

The common ports of departure for Southern Caribbean cruises are San Juan, Puerto Rico and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Since there is often a considerable amount of time between ship embarking or disembarking, it is not uncommon to take advantage of the opportunity to explore the first or final destination of the vacation. Both Puerto Rico and Florida offer beautiful beaches for relaxing and exploring. A taxi tour through Old and New San Juan is a great way to pass the time before boarding the plane for home.

Southern Caribbean cruises can have a wide variety of ports of call. Here are some of the more popular ports.

Barbados – Quintessential Caribbean architecture and atmosphere; Superior duty-free shopping and s few pink sand beaches. Great tours through tropical plantations and botanical gardens. St. Lucia – Vast unspoiled natural rainforests to explore and the world’s only drive-in volcano. Hiking, snorkeling and swimming in beautiful waterfalls are prime activities in this picturesque port of Southern Caribbean cruises.
Aruba – Popular port for Southern Caribbean cruises with designer shops, casinos and golf courses. Large population of iguanas and superior diving for shipwrecks. Bonaire – Emphasis on the beauty of nature; Home to sanctuaries of pelicans, seahorses and donkeys; superior diving and ecological tours and treasures.
Dominica – Filming location of “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies; Lush vegetation and unique natural touring experience. Antigua – Year round temperatures of around 84 degrees and an estimated 365 distinctive beaches grace this favorite port of Southern Caribbean cruises.
Grenada – Known as the friendliest destination for Southern Caribbean cruises; Unique spice shopping opportunities, mountainous hiking and relaxing beaches. St. Kitts – Tropical rain forests, a dormant volcano (Mount Liamuiga, also known as Mt. Misery) and The Strip which is an exciting and vibrant row of beach bars on South Frigate Bay.
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Eastern Caribbean Cruise Vacation Destinations

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Points of Call

Taking an Eastern Caribbean cruise for a family vacation will find you sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. The ports of call will mostly be on the eastern side of the islands visited by these Eastern Caribbean cruises. A good aspect of these cruises is that many of the cruise lines offer embarkation points in the northern part of the United States such as in New Jersey and Maryland. Eastern Caribbean cruises also originate in Florida just as most other Caribbean cruises.

There are not as many islands or ports in Eastern Caribbean cruises so there is usually more time spent sailing at sea. Most of these cruises are for five nights to two weeks due to the extended sailing time depending on the point of embarkation. It is important to choose a ship that has all the activities and atmosphere the cruisers desire since there will be more time spent on the ship than at ports of call.

There are fewer ports of call in Eastern Caribbean cruises than in the western and southern cruises but the length of time spent at each is usually longer. Here are some popular ports many Eastern Caribbean cruises frequent.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – This is the Caribbean’s busiest port as it is usually the point of embarkation and disembarkation for western and southern Caribbean cruises. In Eastern Caribbean cruises it is usually a port of call allowing for more enjoyment and appreciation of the busy port. Unique in its culture and atmosphere, San Juan offers many opportunities for shopping and exploration. Of particular interest is Old San Juan City which features the El Morro fort and the Cathedral of San Juan which is the burial place of Ponce de Leon.

Freeport, Bahamas – The nearest port of call to the United States, Freeport is a very popular tourist stop. It has many resorts and is an atmosphere geared towards accommodating the tourist trade. There are many designer shops, restaurants and casinos. Originally, the port became popular for its vast white sand beaches and they are still a popular draw today.

St. Thomas – Easily one of the busiest ports of call, this island is a standard on Eastern Caribbean cruises itineraries. During the winter peak cruising season, it is not unusual to see as many as six cruise ships docked at its port. The island offers plenty to keep the throngs of tourists occupied. It boasts unparalleled shopping opportunities as well as many fine dining experiences. It is also relatively easy to get away from the crowds by engaging local transportation to the many historic districts or to Magen’s Bay.

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Planning a Family Vacation With a Cruise Travel Agent

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

Should You Use Cruise Travel Agents and What Kind to Plan Your Family Vacation?

There are two types of cruise travel agents that can be used for the booking and planning assistance involved with scheduling a cruise. Independent travel agents are professionals and usually hold various certifications testifying to their knowledge and experience. There are also travel agents, also referred to as vacation planners, employed by the cruise lines who are solely dedicated to cruise planning.

Both types of cruise travel agents can arrange cruise packages including airplane tickets and airport to ship transportation. These cruise travel agents can also book and plan extended stay cruise packages that include hotel reservations in the city of disembarkation. There are subtle differences between the two types of cruise travel agents available.

Cruise travel agents employed by the cruise line can be very helpful and competent. It is important to remember that they are paid and employed by the cruise line, not the traveler. Although they do have some resources for discounts and good prices from airlines and hotels, they may tend to utilize vendors as recommended by their superiors for reasons they may never even be aware of.

At the same time, the cruise line does establish relationships with certain providers and can often offer great packages for the cruiser. One good thing about using the cruise travel agent with the cruise line is that if anything goes terribly wrong with the trip, they are in a position to offer the best solution to the traveler’s dissatisfaction. Unsatisfactory accommodations or a missed ship due to the cruise travel agent’s planning can be reimbursed monetarily or with other resources the cruise line has at its disposal.

The benefit of using an independent cruise travel agent is that they are usually professional travel agents with experience and contacts in all aspects of travel. They are contracted by the traveler so they are more motivated to obtain the best values at the best prices. They are more impartial than a cruise travel agent paid by a specific cruise line.

Although independent cruise travel agents may receive some form of incentive from certain travel service providers, they are usually more concerned with the individual traveler than those employed by the cruise lines. Independent cruise travel agents are more likely to consider a larger number of options when planning the cruise in terms of air travel, ground transportation and hotels. Another benefit of using independent cruise travel agents is that they can customize a vacation and cruise for the traveler with fewer restrictions than their counterparts employed by the cruise lines.

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Find Caribbean Cruise Deals for a Good Family Vacation

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

Find Caribbean Cruise Deals for a Family Vacation

If looking to take a Caribbean cruise for a family vacation then a search for deals is part of the process. Finding the right deal can make the difference between going and not going on a vacation. There are two types of Caribbean cruise deals travelers can take advantage of when planning their vacations. The first type is offered by the individual cruise lines and the second is found through travel agencies or brokers. Generally both will offer discounts on cruises that will sail after the peak cruising season of December and January, after around mid-February.

People don’t generally book cruises at the last minute but that is pretty much what taking advantage of Caribbean cruise deals will entail. Cruise lines hate to sail their ships with less than a certain percentage of their staterooms booked so as it gets closer to the date of embarkation, the savvy vacation planner can pick up reduced prices or even cash incentives to entice them to book on certain cruises.

Individual cruise lines may offer promotions and incentives that can make for some great Caribbean cruise deals. Seasoned cruisers will often have a favorite ship and not want to sail on a new one which reduces the amount of reservations for maiden voyages or newer vessels. This is especially true of the newer Oasis class ships. The size of these ships which can accommodate over 6,000 people may not be so attractive to many people experienced with cruising.

Cruise lines are also compelled to offer Caribbean cruise deals on these larger vessels because although booking all the staterooms may be difficult or even impossible, staff and supplies must be maintained at the highest level. The line actually loses money on cruises that sail with a low level of occupancy.

By the same token, cruise lines will also offer Caribbean cruise deals for early reservations since that is the best way they can avoid under-occupancy. Examples of Caribbean cruise deals lines will offer are lower prices, cash or on-board credit received during cruise and reduced prices on more expensive staterooms. Caribbean cruise deals can also be found on less popular embarkation locations such as cruises boarding in the American northeast.

Perhaps the best Caribbean cruise deals can be found through online brokers. These sites act as a clearing house for cruise lines and usually feature the lowest prices. These Caribbean cruise deals will usually be on trips that will afford the traveler a little less lead time before the cruise. There may only be a couple of weeks to book plane tickets and prepare for the trip. Although competition is high for these deals, it is a good idea to check on plane fare prices before booking the Caribbean cruise deal as the savings could be eaten up by a last minute plane ticket.

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Disney Vacation Tips: How To Get Around Within The Disney Parks

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

How To Get Around Within The Disney Parks

If you have decided on visiting Disney for a family vacation, then you have chosen one of the most popular family vacation destinations on earth. Friends and family (and this website) will be ready and willing to share their tips with you about the best ways to get there, what to see, and what to do. This article will talk about the transportation options available.

Until you visit Disney, you will most certainly underestimate the sheer size of the park. Covering more than 30,000 acres, you can imagine that it can take quite some time to maneuver around to each location which is a true statement. Within each park, you’ll want to wear your best walking shoes and have a plan, but from park to park you’ll want to use one of these three basic modes of transportation:

Monorail

By far the most fun mode of transportation, the monorail speeds along over a single track, almost 50 feet above the ground. Riding on the monorail gives you a great tour of the layout of Disney. From the windows, you can see what landmarks are at different locations and you don’t have to worry about any stops in between destinations.

The monorail will take you between any of the parks and the ticket center. It also makes a few stops at the Magic Kingdom Resorts, which is convenient if that is where you are staying. Out of all the different modes of transportation around Disney, this one is probably the coolest way to get a great overview of the park.

Buses

In keeping with Disney style, the buses are huge and quite comfy. If you are not in a hurry, then the buses might be the perfect mode of transportation for you. The buses provide a soft ride, which is extremely nice if you have spent the entire day on your feet and on the bumpy rides. The buses run every five minutes, so there is always a relaxing ride just around the corner.

The buses also keep you out of the theme park traffic and give you front entrance access to all your favorite locations. While the monorail is the speedy way to get around, the bus system is a great time to relax and take a few minutes off your feet. The best thing about the buses is the short wait for the next pick-up, with Disney striving to keep the wait below five minutes.

Your Car

If you have your own car at Disney, by all means, feel free to use that as your transportation. You can get in and go whenever and wherever you want, without any wait whatsoever. Having your car handy can be a good thing, especially if you are tired of  being out in the weather and just want to hurry up and get back to your hotel. While some people are waiting in lines for the buses and monorail, you can get back to your car and you are off.

One thing to remember about having a car is the expense as you will have to pay for parking. Unless you get through the gates before 7:00 AM, you will have to pay a pretty steep parking fee.

The best way to plan your day if you are driving your own car is to leave your car at one theme park and take the bus or monorail around to the other locations. This will save you from having to pay for parking at each park and will ensure that you remember exactly where your car is. Also, you will not want to take your car out of the park for short jaunts, like to get something to eat. You’ll find the time wasted is not worth it.

There are many great ways to get around Disney. Whether you are looking for the independence of having your own car, the speed and majestic view of the monorail, or even the leisurely, comfortable ride of the bus, there is a Disney mode of transportation that will work for you.

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How To Plan A Cruise

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Best Family Vacation Destinations

How To Plan Your Family Vacation Cruise

Once you have chosen to take a cruise for your family vacation, there are other options to consider as part of making the travel plan and getting it all put together into something the whole family will enjoy.

There are many things to consider once a traveler has decided to plan a cruise. The traveler has to decide on the length of the cruise, where the cruise will take place (i.e. Caribbean, Alaska) and the type of cruise desired. Even after all of these decisions are made, there are still additional steps to plan a cruise. The logistics of packing and transportation coordination are among the more mundane but equally important factors to plan a cruise.

Picking the Cruise

There are so many choices it may seem overwhelming at first. Plan a cruise that fits the personality and unique desires of the travelers. Priorities should be set concerning socializing, port exploration and shipboard activities. The importance of these factors will differ depending on the cruiser. Larger ships with the most passengers will be better for people to whom a variety of socializing opportunities are important. Cruisers who want to either explore new cultures and places will plan a cruise looking at the ports of call. Cruisers more interested in their time spent on the ship, especially for itineraries with days of sailing, will focus more on the planned activities and offerings such as casinos and other entertainment on board.

Transportation To and From

Most cruisers will need to travel by air to reach the port at which they will board the cruise ship. Depending on where you live, it is not likely to be able to plan a cruise without airfare. Since planes and boats are rarely within close proximity, transportation will also have to be obtained between the port and the airport. The traveler can endeavor to schedule the airplane flight on their own. If this is the option chosen to plan a cruise, it is important to remember to schedule the flight so that the arrival will be in plenty of time to allow for delays or any other unforeseeable problems. It can sometimes be easier to plan a cruise with a travel agent or an agent of the cruise line to help avoid any mishaps, especially for a first time cruiser.

Packing

When packing for a cruise there are many things to remember. First, it may take some time to have access to luggage once the traveler has arrived at the ship. The carry-on bag should have ample supplies to change clothes and be able to comfortably explore the ship for at least a few hours. Any necessary medications and toiletries should also be readily accessible in spite of luggage delays. During the process to plan a cruise, note should be taken of dress code and special occasions. Most cruises have a formal dinner at least once during the cruise. Proper attire should be packed for such occasions and themed activities like masquerade balls or 70s night.

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