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When Cruises Turn Dangerous

2008-10-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

When the majority of individuals think of the words Cruise Ship, the first thing that comes to mind is generally a wonderful vacation that will include a ton of fun and excitement, it is not often their mind thinks about when cruises turn dangerous. Unfortunately, for many individuals, when cruises turn dangerous having just a vacation filled with fun and excitement is not always the case. A cruise ship accident is the last thing that anyone wants to think about at a time that is supposed to be focused on having a great time with family or friends.

However, when you are faced with any type of cruise ship accident, you will want to know that the California cruise ship injury claim attorneys you retain in Los Angeles, San Pedro, San Diego, and the Orange county area are recognized with having the experience and knowledge it takes for all types of tour boat and cruise ship accidents, including Princess Cruise Liner cases. Cruise ship injuries can result in a deglove, amputation, broken arm or broken leg and even a crushed skull.

When cruises turn dangerous on a a cruise vacation, you can feel isolated and scared. In addition to the above cruise ship accidents, there are also many people who have become victim to a stomach virus like norovirus, which are Norwalk - like viruses. If you have recently been a passenger in the Western Caribbean, you could also be experiencing problems with the guinea worm disease. Knowing that the cruise ship accident attorneys are knowledgeable in these types of cases will ensure that you obtain the highest settlement for your claim.

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to a cruise ship injury or accident. If a passenger has acquired injuries or even an infectious disease, which was the result of a cruise ship accident that happened out at sea in international waters, there are special maritime or admiralty law and other rules that usually apply.

However, if the accident or injury was obtained in another location such as California territorial waters, or United States coastal waters, then there are other rules that may apply. A cruise ship accident or injury can be a very complicated matter. You will want only the best California cruise ship injury claim attorneys when it comes to studying your particular case and finding out which of the laws and rules that will apply to your particular situation when a cruise turns dangerous.

Many times ocean liners make it a condition of the fine print that you are only offered a short time that is provided under the statute of limitations to bring a claim against cruise liners. Because of this, it will be to your advantage in retaining cruise ship accident and personal injury attorneys as quick as possible to ensure your legal interests are protected.

Speaking with aggressive Los Angeles cruise ship accident attorneys is the first step in recovering for serious injuries on a cruise ship like head injuries and brain damage when cruises turn dangerous. Los Angeles accident lawyers are always available to discuss catastrophic injuries suffered on cruise liner or shore excursion.

Taking A Look At Luxury Cruises Abound

2008-10-08T02:47:00.001-07:00

Taking a cruise vacation is more popular than ever and if you are ready to move cruising off the "to-do" list and into reality, then you should take some time to review the various information about cruises before making those reservations. Sometimes, all of the available choices can be bewildering because there are so many to consider. You will need to choose the cruise line, the size of the ship you prefer, the category of cabin, and the duration of your voyage. Then you will need to determine if your finances will keep you afloat.

The major lines visit about 1,800 different ports that span the globe, and not all of these ports will be places that you'll be interested in visiting. Because there are so many destinations, the first thing to do is decide which ones hold the most interest. For instance, you can focus on Caribbean or Mexican cruises if you are looking for warmth and sunshine, or you can go for the scenery and whale watching possibilities of an Alaskan or Antarctic cruise. Once you have narrowed down the general area that you want to cruise to, then you can more easily make your final decision.

The cruise lines have a wide variety of offers for different lengths of cruises. You can get away for a long weekend for a 3- or 4-day voyage, for a week, or choose an itinerary of ten days that usually encompasses two weekends. These shorter trips are very popular and are well-suited for couples and for families.

The major ones also offer longer voyages, with itineraries that span anywhere from three weeks to several months. Often these longer voyages provide opportunities to visit ports-of-call in several countries and sometimes more than one continent. Most of these longer itineraries are especially geared toward the affluent or retirees who have the time and financial freedom to be voyaging for weeks or months at a time.

Some ships are referred to as "megaliners" and are so large that a person can actually get lost on board. In fact, they are so large that they cannot even go through the Panama Canal. Cruises on megaliners can accommodate up to 2,000 passengers and provide a plethora of activities to keep passengers of all ages entertained and active.

The mid-size ships are the most common and usually have up to 900 passengers, but still provide a nice variety of activities. The smaller ships are more intimate and usually accommodate less than 400 passengers.

There is also a class of cruise ships called "boutique ships," which could be compared to luxury boutique hotels. They offer exceptional attention to service and usually have an even higher standard of gourmet food, which is saying something considering that these floating hotels are well-known for the quality and selection of fine foods.

The vast majority of cabins onboard ship are considered to be standard-size and are generally quite cozy, which helps encourage people to take advantage of the many amenities during their time aboard. Cabins with ocean views and verandas are very popular, but will cost more than an interior cabin.

Many of the newer ships are being designed so that virtually all of the cabins have at least a minimal exterior view and some even boast that every cabin has a veranda, albeit small ones. For cruisers with the cash, there are spacious suites, but the cost of these puts them well out of reach for the average person.

You can learn a great deal about the cruises available to the area you are interested in visiting by spending some time on the travel websites, especially those that specialize in cruise travel vacation packages. Many times there are hot deals and discount cruise travel packages that you can find on these websites, which can help you maximize your vacation budget.

Mike Selvon portal offers free articles on cruise excursions. Find out more about your cruises options, and leave a comment at the discount cruises blog.

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Cuenca Ecuador: a Spanish colonial city in the Andes

2008-10-08T02:44:00.001-07:00

Cobbled streets, graceful ironwork balconies, flowering plazas and courtyards, and religious art treasures recall Cuenca's Colonial past. The stunning Andes landscapes, the blend of indigenous and Spanish peoples and cultures, the high artistic quality of local handcrafts and colorful markets are very Ecuadorian. Saint Anne of the Four Rivers of Cuenca, is located in the valley of Guapondelig (plain as wide as the sky). At an altitude of 2,550 meters (7,650 feet) above sea level, Cuenca enjoys a mild climate and a fabulous geographic position. It's historic downtown area was declared a UNESCO

World Cultural Heritage Site on December 1999, a fitting honor for Ecuador's most beautiful city. On November 3 Cuenca celebrates the anniversary of its Independence. When the patriots of Cuenca, heard about the Independence of Guayaquil (October 9, 1820), they became enthusiastic to obtain their own independence. So, on November 2, 1820 a group of young patriots, led by Jose Tomas Ordoez, got together with the occasion of All Souls Day, to avoid suspicions, and planned the overthrowing of the Spanish colonialist regime.

The next day, while the Governor was in the main square, with his guards, the rebels attacked and disarmed the guards, proclaiming the Independence of Cuenca. The people of Cuenca backed the patriots and the church authorities intervened to prevent any bloodshed. Thus, Cuenca became independent. Among Cuenca's special sights are the panoramic view from Turi Hill of the old and new cities, Plaza Calderon and its imposing blue-domed cathedral, overhanging wooden houses and brightly colored laundry on the Tomebamba River banks, the flower and straw markets, Museum of Religious Art in the 17th-century Immaculate Conception Monastery and the Todos Santos pre-Columbian ruins. Art galleries and handcrafts shops display the original Panama hat and local ceramics, ikat (tie-dye) weavings, jewelry, embroidery, leather and straw work.

Cuenca Ecuador is also an ideal base for excursions to the Inca fortress ruins at Ingapirca, the Cajas National Park and the subtropical valleys of Gualaceo, Yunguilla and Paute.

Authors This article was developed by Metropolitan Touring, for their newsletter, and was wrote by a team of travelers, field guides, operations and marketing staff inside the company, all of them has more than 10 years working in the Galapagos cruises and tours guiding and sales, Sylvia Moncayo, Francisco Dousdebs, Santiago Tamayo, Gonzalo Alvarez are the team who produce our articles, Email info@metropolitan-touring.com Article Copyright Metropolitan Touring Corporation 2005 - 2006

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Cheap Cruise

2008-10-08T02:41:00.001-07:00

In the present day of computers and internets, locating cheap cruises is very easy. The options are only a mouse click away. You need not search everywhere to find one; most of the agencies offer standard rates. Still you can find out cheap but reliable cruises. Presently the cruise rates have come down very drastically, main reason being the bigger ships to accommodate more travelers. This is a revolution in the field of vacation cruises. What are the main factors to be taken into account while selecting cheap cruises?

The cruise rate depends on the time at which you will undertake the trips. Second half of the year is always cheap. This will save you a lucrative amount.

Since the most of the bookings of cruises are online, check all online cruise providers before deciding up on one. There is a big competition between providers. Most of them offer discounts for the cruises.

Last minute cruises are a good option for cheap cruise offer. Some of the companies offer heavy discounts mostly at very close to the departure; they offer these cheap rates as they want to fill their ships. So look for such availability.

Group bookings are very attractive. If you can gather some families together all of them will save huge money in their wallet.

Look out for closeout Cruise deals. This happens at the end of the year. This is a handsome offer which many can get cheap cruises.

It is very important to decide on the cruise line and cruises. A wise decision on both will absolutely save you much in your pocket. More areas to cover means more cost.

Look for hidden charges. Most cruises offer comprehensive tour plans including many facilities, like accommodation, inland travel, and entrance fees to most of the destinations. Also some will offer foods and beverages in their package. Make sure that the cruise rate what the agencies quote is inclusive of all such things. If some body offers very cheap, check for all the above factors before deciding up on.

Cruise rates will depend on travel plan and number of days in cruise. Make sure that you compare similar packages to locate the cheap cruise travel.

Cruise rates depend on the reputation of the company, the model and the facilities in the ship. Many with less facilities and old cruises may offer fewer rates. Beware of such tactics.

These are some of the effective tips to save much on your cruise. Cheap cruises are always welcome, but please be careful in selecting the cruise companies. Many agencies may claim to be excellent and cheap, but need not be. Do a real thorough online search before deciding on a cheap cruise tour.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about cheap cruises visit Cruises Site for current articles and discussions.

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Alaska Art Galleries - A Window on the Creative North

2008-10-08T02:39:00.001-07:00

When planning a trip to Alaska the top activities always involve the outdoors. This is entirely natural, as the outdoors very much define Alaska. However, there is a cultural heartbeat to the land as well, and many native Alaskans who were born here or moved here after falling in love with the place, try to communicate the appeal of that land through art. With a huge number of tourists travelling through every summer, many Alaskan artists are able to devote themselves to their work, and the long winters enable a real concentration of effort. The result is some fantastic artwork.

There are a surprising number of Alaska art galleries, considering the sparse population. Of course the explosion of visitors in the summer helps explain why. Most can be found in the major cities, though some are in the popular tourist spots, or smaller communities. Depending on your tastes, here are some of the best:

Representational Art:

Norman Lowell Studio and Gallery, Norman Lowell Dr. Off Sterling Hwy, Homer
Ptarmigan Arts, 471 E. Pioneer Ave., Homer
Art Shop Gallery, 202 Pioneer Ave., Homer
Artique, 314 G St.,Anchorage
New Horizons Gallery, 519 1st. St., Fairbanks
Juneau Artists Gallery, 175 S. Franklin St., Juneau
Decker Gallery, 233 S. Franklin St. Juneau
Fisherman's Eye Fine Art Gallery, 239 Lincoln St., Sitka
Sitka Rose Gallery, 419 Lincoln St., Sitka
Dockside Gallery, 5 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan
Exploration Gallery, 633 Mission St., Ketchikan

Native Traditional Art:

4th Ave. Market Place, Anchorage
The Rusty Harpoon, 411 W.4th Ave., Anchorage
Alaska Native Arts Foundation Gallery, 6th Ave. Anchorage
Arctic Travellers Gift Shop, 201 Cushman St., Fairbanks
The Ravens Journey, 435 S. Franklin St., Juneau
Sheldon Jackson Museum Gift Shop, 104 College Dr., Sitka
Alaska Eagle Arts, 5 Creek St., Ketchikan
Eagle Spirit Gallery of Ketchikan, 310 Mission St., Ketchikan

Contemporary Art:

Bunnell Street Gallery, 106 W. Bunnell Ave., Homer
International Gallery of Contemporary Art, 427 D Street, Anchorage
Rie Munoz Gallery, 2101 Jordan Ave. Juneau
Main Stay Gallery, 716 Totem Way, Ketchikan
Soho Coho, 5 Creek St., Ketchikan

Besides these galleries in the major centres, there are many others in smaller communities and tourist destinations. If you are planning a trip to Alaska, be sure to set some time aside to explore a few of these galleries, and see how native Alaskans interpret the land that surrounds them.

Alaska is a place that creates and attracts artists. Partly it may be due to the mystique of the north; a harsh land that overwhelms and reminds us of our mortality. It may also be due to the winters that are so long, and allow hours of reflection and a chance to hone one's craft. For some, it may be due to the increased sense of isolation, living on one of the world's last frontiers. Whatever it is, Alaska art galleries are a chance for outsiders to see the end result of that deep current of creativity that runs through this incredible land.

For more information on Alaska and Alaska art galleries, please visit: http://www.AllAlaskaGuides.com

Jan Hanna is a travel writer who prefers to winter in the Caribbean, but can't say enough about Alaska in the summer.

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Orlando Vacation Homes Close to Disney World

2008-10-08T02:36:00.001-07:00

Orlando vacation homes, well no, you decided to book a room in a hotel instead. Now it is all finally coming together, you have the hotel reservation; you decided this was better because you saved a few bucks over the price of one of those Orlando vacation homes. The airline tickets are bought and received, and the schedule is set for the dog to be in the kennel for a week. Your family is completely excited about your trip to Orlando and visiting Disney World.

Once you have arrived in sunny Florida you head to your hotel room, unpack and go out to get some dinner. After the first night you realize that the decision to stay in a hotel is going to cost you dearly; the people staying above your hotel room like to stay up all night talking, shouting, slamming doors, and you cannot get to sleep. You begin to realize that maybe you should have spent a few extra bucks and rented one of those Orlando vacation homes you saw advertised after all.

Well the thought of staying in one of the beautiful Orlando vacation homes not only appeals to most people, it is actually easier than many people think to arrange; and the first choice of seasoned vacationers who visit the Disney Epcot area is to stay in one of those beautiful Orlando vacation homes. Like they say, you should learn from those who have been there before you.

Why do seasoned Disney vacationers choose Orlando vacation homes you ask? How does a 43" LCD projection TV sound? What about computer and Internet equipped rooms along with billiard tables and built-in stereo systems, game rooms, stocked kitchens and all the conveniences of home. Plus no noisy people upstairs because it's your house! Your house for as long as your vacation allows you to stay in one of those Orlando vacation homes that is.

The choice of beautiful Orlando vacation homes is nearly endless; it ultimately just depends on what your particular budget is. Now some of these luxurious homes may have four, five, even six bedrooms or more, plus many have four and five bathrooms in the home as well. Why not go in on the cost of one of the Orlando vacation homes with a small group of friends; this way you can really save on the cost of your vacation lodging. Plus, you can live like a king in Orlando vacation homes.

Additional perks you may find with Orlando vacation homes include free local and long distance calling, gorgeous lake views, super fun floor plans, or even your very own swimming pool!

The popularity of Orlando vacation homes is partly due to the fact that nobody really likes taking a chance on getting noisy people in the room next to you, or above you in the apartment style hotel room. How much fun can you have at Disney World if you haven't had any sleep for two nights? This situation has ruined countless vacations for many unfortunate travelers. Look into Orlando vacation homes and save yourself from this fate!

Find your vacation home right next to Disney World in Orlando Florida. Many listings available including homes, villas and condos. Great package deals also offered on airline tickets, rental car discounts and more.
If you are thinking of some other destination, you can also view listings for quality vacation lodging, discount cruises and airline tickets to many other places in the United States, Mexico and Europe.
Find it all at Disney Villas; http://disney-villas.us/orlando_vacation_homes.htm

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Timeshares - Are They Worth It? Read Our Timeshare Experience to Decide

2008-10-08T02:33:00.001-07:00

Our Florida Timeshare experience:

Are timeshares worth the money? As an accountant, I have wondered this the few times I've stayed in them, not due to me owning one, but due to folks lending us their week (which was nice of course).

Ownership is the main ingredient that is sold in the high pressure time share meetings that you must attend if you're roped into a semi-paid vacation to some resort for a week. They go to great lengths to make you feel bad if you don't buy into the programs.

Well let me at least shed some light on what I know in regards to timeshares. This is from the experiences I have had, folks I've spoken with, and realizations I've come to...

Perhaps you don't want to buy a condo or home in one vacation spot. I don't blame you. Now that I get older I am happy finding a vacation spot that I can call our home for a week or two, however I still enjoy the adventure of traveling the world and seeking new places since our daily lives become so routine (which sucks as you get older huh?).

Timeshares are simply a way to own a period of time in various resorts, condos, vacation destinations etc...

You pay an upfront cost, usually thousands of dollars which can vary to own these weeks. Each year you pay a maintenance fee which can be costly in most folks' eyes. Then if you want to transfer your week to a different location, which is the beauty of timeshares nowadays, you pay a small fee (we paid a hundred bucks).

Is that expensive? You tell me. Now I will tell you our story of timeshares and how they've worked out for my in-laws (and us by passing down!)

First, I have a relative who owns a condo on a popular Florida beach which is amazing. They in fact visit there frequently and have it paid for by travelers who want to rent it throughout the year. This is a viable situation if you have the ability, money, or know how to do this. In essence your condo is paid for by others - capitalism at its best.

My in-laws however who love to travel decided many years ago to pay what seemed like a small fortune to buy ownership into a timeshare with Marriott. Each year they are guaranteed a week at premium beach resorts, cruises, etc. which ensures their lodgings are well taken care of.

The nice thing about this is they pay a small maintenance fee each year for a resort they'd pay 3-10 times the price if they were to pay by the week or night.

Let me show you what I mean by providing our example. We have stayed at one of the best resorts at one of the premier beach destinations in the United States (East Coast of Florida). The ability to get a condo here is very limited and we were able to get the week due to the timeshare that our parents owned.

During our week, we spoke with some folks who paid by the night and although I admired their ability to pay $500+ per night, we paid a total of $1100 which included the transfer fee and the maintenance fee for the year.

Add that up folks and they paid over $3500 for a 7 day stay which is over 3 times what we paid!!! I don't care if you're a gazillionaire, but saving money where you can gets anyone stoked.

Just to name a few of the perks, we had a personal concierge, beachfront view, marketplace, 5 pools, 9 spas, workout facility, and everything you could imagine in one resort.

So, why others were paying 5 times what we paid? I have to say in this case the timeshare was worth it and why we would recommend it as an option in some cases. Certainly if you can buy places, that may be the best choice.

The key in my opinion is the start up price you must pay and whether or not you will get a return on your investment quickly!

So, in conclusion, our vacation was unbelievable due to the timeshare resort we stayed in and was well worth the investment. Did it pay off? According to my in-laws, it has paid for itself many times over!

Joe Collinsworth and Discount Florida Vacations offers everything from fun, sun, sand to travel planning tips, needs, and resources to ensure you have an excellent timeshare vacation.

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Planning your Caribbean Golf Vacation the Simple Way

2008-10-08T02:30:00.001-07:00

The Caribbean is the destination to look out for the sun & sand lovers. Home to splendid beaches & palm groves, Caribbean also boasts of numerous enviable golf resorts.

A Caribbean golf vacation truly is the vacation of your dreams if you are an avid golfer, or even if you are simply a golf fan. You can play golf in shear relaxation in the morning, relax in pure tranquility on the beautiful, white sandy beaches and experience the fantastic Caribbean food and cuisine in the evening, or alternatively, experience the night life in the busier part of the Caribbean islands.

Caribbean golf resorts are fast becoming all inclusive vacation spots as resort owners revamp and restructure them to suit golfers' and non-golfers' needs alike. Hence, like other golf resorts in the United States, most Caribbean golf resorts are endowed with amenities and features that anyone would enjoy.

So, how to have an ideal vacation at the Caribbean Golf resorts?

If traveling alone, you can plan your vacation on your own, keeping in mind where exactly you want to stay and how you would like to spend your Caribbean vacation. But if it's a family vacation, then it's advisable to rope in a travel agent to plan your trip to ensure you include activities for all of the family. Moreover, one should also consult his family before deciding upon the resorts one wants to holiday at so that one may find a package that fits everyone's needs and expectations.

If you want an all inclusive holiday package then go for the agency that allows customizing a vacation package. Shop around for the best deals to grab the budget-friendly packages. You can find very special deals on the internet nowadays and it is perhaps the
best route in planning your Caribbean golf vacation.

Things that you should consider for a package are that it includes all of the essential things such as transportation, hotel accommodations, food, rental fees, and optional activities for you to enjoy. Know also other details like the duration of stay and other expenses in case you choose to extend your vacation. Check your travel papers, money and personal things, etc. once you reach your destination.

Several golf resorts offer golfing lessons. So while you enjoy a vacation you can also sharpen up your golfing skills. But to make your vacation a memorable experience be furnished with all the information necessary for one and you can squeeze as much as possible out of your Caribbean golf vacation.

James Penn runs a highly informative Caribbean website which details exactly how to find Caribbean beach resorts and also the ten best activities in the Caribbean for families and couples alike.

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Cruise Ship Web Cams - Find Out What it is Really Like Onboard a Cruise

2008-10-08T02:27:00.001-07:00

Ever wanted to see the inside of a cruise ship? Well now you can thanks to cruise ship web cams and the internet. There are many people who just want to see what the inside of a real ship looks like because they cannot actually go and see one. There might be many reasons why a person cannot go on such a holiday. The main reason can obviously be nothing else than money.

Financial constraints are always pinching people who want to go on luxurious holidays but cannot do so. These people cannot afford to go on a cruise vacation because they are indeed very expensive and financing one can be quite difficult indeed. After all, not all of us are business tycoons just sitting back and thinking of the thousands of ways to spend the huge piles of cash that is rotting in unopened safes and seldom checked bank accounts. This is the kind of money that is usually needed to experience a full fledged cruise ride. There are cheap ones also, and there are the very cheap ones also but going on these is like not going at all only.

Other than this, many people who are fond of cruise ships and cruise vacations cannot go on an actual one because they simply do not have the time. With daily lives of an average person becoming more and more busy by the passing hour, he has very little time spend on himself. All the time is spent on finishing those projects, having those important business meetings and trying to cope with with the deadlines. These factors prevent many people from going on a holiday, even though they have earned the money that is required. They do not realize in the process that when they cannot spend this hard earned money like it should be, or as they want it to be, what is the point of working so hard, working so tirelessly to earn it? Therefore, it is important that one fix the priorities in ones life and gives equal time to every thing that is necessary. Taking a break from work is equally necessary as keep working because at one point of time the person is going to have a major stress attack and then the only solution will be to take a well deserved vacation.

Anyway, whatever may be the reason of not seeing an actual ship, getting a glimpse from cruise ship web cams can help a lot of people to fulfill their desires of seeing a ship, even if it seeing it virtually. High speed internet and a decent web camera, these are the only prerequisites that are needed, and I think that these have become as common as owning a televisions or a refrigerator. There are many online services which have really nice live and recorded views of a ship and for a small fee one can easily have a view. There are free but they are not that clear.

Gordon Banks is a cruise liner enthusiast and has been writing many cruise ship related articles to help you find the best cruises and the best deals.

Learn about the Carnival Cruise Line Ship and discover all the fun you can have, exotic locations you can visit and the relaxing time which can be had aboard the Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship.

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Tortuguero National Park - Nature, Turtles, Hiking, Culture and More

2008-10-08T02:24:00.001-07:00

Tortuguero National Park is the entrance way to one of the most ecological diverse displays of flora and fauna in Costa Rica boasting a waterway of famed beauty. It is also the most important area in the western Caribbean for turtle preservation, as it is here where the Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) and others come to lay their eggs. Protecting marine turtles was a principal reason for the creation of the park, for its black-sand beaches are also nesting grounds for the gigantic Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea), the attractive Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) and the brown-colored Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta).

Located in Costa Rica's northern Caribbean region, just 80 kilometers north of the city of Limn, this protected wildlife area was created in 1975. The park is comprised of a network of natural and navigable canals and lagoons of grand beauty that cross the park in a Southeast to Northeast direction. They are home to species such as Manatees (Trichechus Manatus) and Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus); fish oddities like the Tropical Gar (Atractosteus Tropicus), which is considered a living fossil; and amazing birds like the Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias), the largest of its kind found in the country, and the Northern Jacana (Jacana Spinosa), famous in the animal kingdom for it is the female that defends her family's territory while the male takes care of their hatchlings.

The park encompasses itself covers an extension of 26,156 hectares of solid ground and approximately 50,160 hectares of marine territory. It presents a vast diversity of ecosystems, among which the most noted are swamp and marsh lands leading to extremely humid forest habitats that house an abundance of tree life of great ecological value. Standouts include Crabwoods (Carapa Guianensis); Banaks (Virola), which are recognized for their golden fruit; and the illustrious Swamp Palms (Raphia Taedigera), whose leaves can reach up to 15 meters in length and can be found lining the canals and tinting their waters black due to the plant's high tannin content.

In general, the park's rich species content can be appreciated in the more than 400 kinds of trees, around 2,200 varieties of plants and 405 types of birds, the latter amounting to half of all existing bird species of Costa Rica and more than can be found in all of Europe. This vast diversity is present in the amphibian, reptilian, fish and insect populations of the region.

Tortuguero also presents a vast cultural richness. Its Caribbean location makes it one of the main centers of the Afro-Caribbean culture in our country. A large portion of the local population is of Jamaican descent and conserves the traditions, food and many religious believes of their ancestors. Their dishes are spicy, with coconut serving as a base ingredient in most recipes. One of the most popular is the 'Rondon', a tasty fish and vegetable stew made with fresh coconut milk. There is no lack of restaurants and small eateries in the town of Tortuguero, which also features traditional Costa Rican food.

Getting to Tortuguero: NatureAir's scenic half -hour flight is a great way to soak in incredible views, including spectacular sightings of turtles in the ocean. Tortuguero's airstrip is closed temporarily due to improvements being made, and in the meantime the alternate airstrip of Barra del Colorado is being used. The route by ground is also very scenic and a great adventure by land and sea, or land and river. The wildlife along the way is abundant and definitely a worthwhile part of the experience.

Lodging: A number of hotels surround the canals and offer packages that include transportation from San Jos, lodging, food and the entrance fee to the park, plus a guided tour of the canals. The wonderful Manatus Lodge offers an elegant experience with delicious cuisine. The tour to watch marine turtles in action during nesting season (June to October) is amazing and often offered separately. An additional hiking tour up the Cerro Tortuguero is also available, featuring a spectacular view of the canals and adjacent flat lands.

Several local restaurants and a quaint marine turtle museum are found in the town of Tortuguero itself. The cost of visiting the museum is by donation, with the goal of supporting the investigations of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, which studies the reptiles of Tortuguero. The turtle tours are limited and done very carefully at night with special lights in small groups as to not disturb the nesting patterns of these magnificent creatures.

The nature and culture of Tortuguero is a wonderful opportunity to experience one of Costa Rica's most important areas for turtles, as well as overall natural diversity while at the same time enjoying the rich Afro-Caribbean influences present there. No matter if you are a first time visitor to Costa Rica or returning, it is an important and exciting destination.

Lisa Khajavi is a Costa Rica Travel Designer and member of Nature Vacations Costa Rica Nature Vacations is the premier travel agency of NatureAir.com, the first carbon neutral airline in the world. For a list of top hotels and lodges in Tortuguero feel free to visit us here: Tortuguero Costa Rica Hotels and Lodges

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Sunreef Yachts: Purchase for Charter

2008-10-08T02:22:00.001-07:00

Purchasing one of Sunreefs floating palaces might make the owner weary with the thoughts of not getting enough use out of it. Many future boat owners dont know how much time their boat could sit at idle. A recent survey showed that the average boat owner spends about 45 days per year on his/her yacht. For the rest of the time that yacht sits at a marina, when it could be making them money. If you take the cost of the yacht, its upkeep, and divide by the days used? It becomes costly indeed!

Add to this the effort of keeping the catamaran clean and well maintained for the season and you can see it takes a big commitment to own a cat, especially, one of Sunreefs million dollar yachts.

If you have purchased a Sunreef through us or another company there are ways of reducing the work and cost of owning a yacht. A great way to do this is to put your Sunreef Yacht into our charter fleet. While not is use your new yacht could be paying back for itself and even better yet, earning you money. You will have the privilege of always having your yacht is sailing shape in a convenient Caribbean location.

When you own a charter yacht you can sail any time you like. Your yacht is always in perfect condition, clean, technically perfect. You wont have to worry about getting your yacht ready when it comes time for you use it. It will be always ready to sail where the sun is shining and the wind is blowing.

With more leisure time and expendable income, demand for charter mega yachts is strong and rising. Our strategic location down in the beautiful British Virgin Islands gives us an advantage in the growing charter market. The Caribbean is the area in which the most charter revenue is earned. Within the Caribbean the British Virgin Islands is renown for the amount of sailing vacations they have. Interested? Become a partner in this exiting venture.

For additional information, please visit www.catamarans.com

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Alaskan Cruise Packages Unlock Daringly Adventurous Things to Do in Alaska

2008-10-08T02:19:00.001-07:00

If you're considering an Alaska cruise vacation think about what you really want to see. Then you can compare different Alaskan cruise packages and find your perfect match.

Not all of the Alaskan tours are limited to a boat cruising by the shore nor are all of them landlocked.

Many of the Alaskan tour packages let you leave the boat and get involved in a variety of adventures in some of the wildest country in the United States.

How long is an Alaskan tour package?

A lot of the Alaskan cruise packages run from 5 to 16 days.

Some boats will take you past the glaciers near Prudhoe Bay, all the way up at the northern edge of the United States. This is where the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean join.

Other boats, on an inside passage Alaska tour, go along the eastern edge of the famous Yukon territory and tour Glacier Bay National Park. Wildlife viewing, glacier watching, kayaking, hiking and birding -- can be part of any trip to Southeast Alaska.

The best thing you can do is find a flexible tour. One that isn't on a rigid schedule.

That way the boat can slow down and even stop so you can watch whales frolic in the ocean.

You can choose an Alaskan tour package that includes hikes or drives through some of the most untamed land in the country.

On these Alaskan trips you'll be able see sea lions and penguins as they cavort along the shore, letting you enjoy the Alaskan wildlife up close and personal.

If you crave some of the most adventurous things to do in Alaska you can book a tour that you will remember for a lifetime.

These tours let you leave the tour boat, take a vehicle into the wild and then hike into the wilderness, for a 16-day excursion into Alaska's wilds.

Weather Can Close Some Attractions

Depending on the time of year along with the weather, parts of the state may not be accessible by boat or land due to hazardous conditions.

Nonetheless, you can tour many Alaskan cites at the south end of the state starting from Prince William Sound.

Learning about the native culture can be an exciting and educational component of any Alaskan tour package.

Alaskan natives have learned to survive some of the harshest winters known to man near or above the Arctic Circle.

So, depending on what you want, you can choose a combination of walking, riding or floating Alaskan tour packages. And because you've given it some thought, whatever you decide to do will be the perfect Alaska cruise vacation for you.

Want to save huge amounts of money every time you travel? Then check out Save on Airfare Secrets where a travel agent reveals inside information about how to get the lowest prices on airfare, car rentals, hotels and cruises. And for some tips on making your wildest dreams come true take a look at http://TheGreatestDreamVacations.com now and see how you can make it happen.

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Tourism Is The Largest Industry In The World

2008-10-08T02:16:00.001-07:00

According to the World Bank, tourism is the largest and the fastest developing industry in the world today.

The World Tourism Organization has come to a conclusion that 2006 became record for world tourism. The amount of tourists having visited other countries has become 4.5% higher and reached 842 million people as compared to 2005.

According to the information given by Washington Profile, the largest tourist inflow has been marked in Southern Asia and become 10% higher as compared to 2005. India is the most attractive country for foreign travellers. A remarkable growth - 8.1% has been noted in Africa. Most foreign tourists have visited SAR, Kenya and Morocco. In countries of Asian-Pacific area the number of tourists has become 7.6% higher, and in Europe - 4% higher. Germany which was the site of World Cup has become a leader here. Tourism industry in the Near East has obtained the same result. The amount of tourists having visited Southern and Northern American countries became just 2% higher in 2006. Such low rates are connected with reducing of tourists visiting Canada and Mexico.

According to the information provided by the World Tourism And Travel Council, 8.3% of world's working places, 9.3% of international investments, 12% of exports and 3.6% of world internal gross product account for a share of tourism and its branches.

Tourists spend 10.2% of all means expended by world consumers. An average tourist having visited Europe has made an income at amount of $790 (for Eastern Europe and European Republics of the Former USSR this rate is $370). For the USA and Canada the income from a tourist is $1190, for Asia - $890, for Africa - 4590, for The Near East - $710.

Almost 80% of foreign tourists come from European and Southern American countries. Eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand supply approximately 15% of tourists.

Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Travel Deals site is http://www.travelime.com

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When Driving is Not an Option Think Cruise

2008-10-08T02:13:00.001-07:00

Driving to a destination can be an affordable and enjoyable experience, but what about those for whom driving from the present location is not an option? What do the ones who already live among the natural gifts of the Hawaii island do for a vacation?

Those living on islands can leave it only by either flying or boating. Those who reside in Hawaii wanting an inexpensive way to leave the place everyone else comes to for a vacation usually opt for a cruise. They are usually cheaper than plane tickets in that you get transportation and lodgings all for one price, rather than flying to a location to bed down. Royal Adventure Travel Cruises provide Hawaiian residents various locations to go to according to whether it is spring, autumn, summer or winter. This way, Hawaiian residents avoid the costs of purchasing a plane ticket, renting a car or paying for a hotel room with great cruise deals.

Somewhat of a floating luxury lodging, cruise decks contain everything a traveler could possibly need and more. Food, games and music entertainment are entirely. Things to do like swimming, get massages, or watch on-deck theater allow for as relaxed and restful time on a cruise. With a cruise, there is no concern with handling stopovers, losing luggage, or waiting for late flights. Royal Adventure Travel Cruises provided various cruise schedules as options so that a person can pick one that is tailor made to her/his specific desired locations.

The most requested locations by travelers to take a cruise to using Royal Adventure Travel include: Jamaica, Central America and Alaska. Conveniently, Royal Adventure Travel also offers cruise stops to the different islands of Hawaii for those who want to explore a different island than the one where they reside.

Service providers at Royal Adventure Travel Cruises are available for questions and requests regarding cruise schedules. Some cruises have essentially the same stops except that what happens once everyone departs the ship is vastly different. Some of these stops are more physically rigorous involving rafting and such while others only involve photo taking and visits to shops.

Everyone can benefit from a relaxing, fun filled cruise without the hassle of booking activities or hotels. And no one is unable to experience one whether you want to travel by yourself, with relatives or with some who is physically challenged in some way. Royal Adventure Travel Cruises have service providers that will assist in analyzing the cruises and help anyone choose the proper one for them and their desires. Many cruises are specially equipped to handle crowds where everyone is on the ship for the same purpose. For example, some locations are on a cruise tour directly targeting those on their honeymoon while other tours are family-friendly. A cruise scheduled during a particular season or holiday is also themed in specific ways. But with Royal Adventure Travel Cruises, a traveler does not have to worry about picking the right cruise out of several because Royal Caribbean cruises will do everything to make sure you get the right one for you.

The magazine writer Kurt Schefken is really passionate about themes associated with costa calida hotels. His writings on murcia hotels are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/murcia-hotels.html

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What's Involved With Honeymoon Cruise Packages?

2008-10-08T02:11:00.001-07:00

With so many honeymoon cruise packages to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one will provide the most romantic and relaxing environment for you and your loved one. The following tips should be helpful to anyone planning for honeymoon cruise vacations.

Be sure to specifically inform your travel agent that this will be a honeymoon cruise; the cruise line will usually prepare special gifts for newlywed couples.

Decide with your new spouse the general area you would like to visit. When people think of honeymoon cruise vacations, the Carribean Sea is usually the first image that comes to mind. Most cruises do tend to cater to the sunbather, but there are incredible honeymoon cruises to hundreds of areas around all continents of the world. Consider them all before you leap forward with your plans!

Think about the size of the vessel before you book. The larger ships can host 3,000 passengers or more. It is literally like a little city on the sea! For a more private and personal setting, there are some which carry only a few dozen people at a time. These smaller yachts, however, are more unstable during storms and heavy winds. This turbulence can make some people nervous or even slightly ill. It's just something to keep in mind.

In addition to the vast list of amenities included in honeymoon cruises, there are items and activities which are billed separately. Some or all of your liquor and dining costs, plus casino games and souvenirs from the gift shop, are not likely to be included with the actual honeymoon cruise package. Keep these types of expenses in mind when you budget your vacation.

Carrying cash is risky, so it is common for the company to include a shipboard account which can be used to pay for any expenses you might incur during your voyage. This is much safer than carrying bundles of cash, but do resist the temptation to go "overboard" with your tab!

Be attentive to the clothing you bring along with you on the cruise. Most of the day will be very casual, with bathing suits and casual summerwear being the norm; however, many honeymoon cruise packages also include at least one night of formal entertainment where a dress code is in effect. The ship may also shore up in regions of the world where fairly conservative attire is expected from visitors. Bring a nice variety of clothing and you should be just fine.

The most important piece of advice is to thoroughly plan for everything in advance. If you're fully prepared, your honeymoon cruise will be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable times of your life.

Randy has more articles on wedding information such as Wedding Cake in Las Vegas and Australia Honeymoon Vacations. Also has a blog: Weddings Information.

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Check Out Specialty Dining on Your Next Cruise - You Won't Be Disappointed

2008-10-08T02:08:00.001-07:00

A few years back my wife and I decided to go on a cruise to Bermuda for our wedding anniversary. Normally we would take a weekend trip somewhere within a reasonable driving distance, but in this particular year we really wanted to go on a cruise.

We chose the Royal Caribbean cruise line as our means for vacation for this particular trip. We chose Royal Caribbean because they offered a cruise to Bermuda from a local port within an hour drive from our house.

On most cruise vacations that my wife and I take we try to treat ourselves to something special. It could a massage, or an exciting excursion, but you can always count on us doing something as an added piece of excitement for our vacation.

This time we wanted to try something new on the cruise ship. On this particular Royal Caribbean ship they had a specialty restaurant called Portofino's. I understand that they have added this same restaurant to all of their new ships, and after having one dinner there I can understand why.

We considered this a treat because there is an added expense of $25 per person to dine at Portofino's. Some people asked us why we would pay to dine on a cruise ship when the food is included at sit down dinners and of course at the buffet. Prior to us dining there we thought the same thing, but then also thought to give it a try and experience it just once.

Dining in the specialty restaurant is far different than what you will experience elsewhere on the ship. When you walk into Portofino's it is similar to walking into a five star establishment. The waiters and waitresses are dressed to the utmost professional attire. That is not to say that the waiters and waitresses in other dining areas do not look professional, but Royal Caribbean makes the specialty restaurant help go a step further.

When dining you are given a menu of many choices of appetizers, salads, soups and main courses to choose from. Many differ from what you would find at your normal sit down meal, however there are also some familiar choices as well. As with your sit down dinner or buffet, it is still all you can eat, so if you wanted to try a couple different appetizers or entrees they will accommodate your request. The best part is they will scale down your order for the amount of food you eat (if you so wish).

In other words if you order two appetizers, lets say escargot and duck, instead of getting two full appetizer portions they will gladly split each down to a half serving size. I like this option as it makes me feel like I am not wasting food.

The restaurant also has floor to ceiling windows so you can enjoy the view of Bermuda (or wherever your ship is going/docked). Light sounds of classical music plays in the background and because space is limited the conversational noise from surrounding tables is very low.

Overall I would rate our experience at Royal Caribbean's Portofino specialty restaurant, on a scale of one to five where five is the best, a five. We received great food, excellent service and the ambiance was outstanding. Add all of this up and it far outweighs the nominal $25 cost.

We liked it so much that we recommended it to our friends. On their next cruise they tried it and absolutely loved it as well. Give it a shot I am sure you will not be disappointed.

About the Author:
Mr. Tucker is the senior editor for Vacation Nation, an online vacation resource where you can learn about various destinations and travel tips.

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The New Barbados

2008-10-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

Barbados was named the World's number 1 hotspot for celebrities in 2007 and received the Caribbean's first, and only, Zagat rating in 2008; a recognition for superior hospitality. A 'Best of' guide was released this year, highlighting Barbados' most worthy attractions and serving as a manual to allow visitors the chance to wring a pure, satisfying experience from their next vacation.

If there is a predominant theme to the guide and, in turn, the island, it is the high level of diversity saturating the tiny (166 sq. miles) Caribbean island. New attractions breed a unique flavor throughout Barbados, while older and established testaments to its history are renovated and find new life in the flattering sentences of Zagat's guide. With so much to see and do, it would be virtually impossible to tackle its every recommendation. Below, in chocolate-sampler form, is an eclectic taste of the island.

The Lexy Piano Bar claims to be "sufystikated, elegantly-casual and air-conditioned". Cheesy pun aside, the new night spot boasts a swank slice of New York and provides a half show, half party, atmosphere that lasts until 2 in the morning. According to the Zagat guide, "Locals and visitors make requests and join in... mixed drinks, wine and champagne ensure that all inhibitions are banished."

To indulge on the island's famous flying fish and rum punch, visitors must make a stop at the newly renovated Oistins Fish Fry on Friday and Saturday evenings. The event is a popular forum to mix with the Barbados locals, eat rich seafood, and hear great music.

Hands-on dining presides over the Elbow Room, instituting a do-it-yourself experience where you "choose from a number of pre-seasoned meats-beef, chicken and fish-and then grill it yourself on hot lava stone.

The Arlington House Museum recently underwent an elaborate renovation. Reopening under a month ago, the 3-story building has become an interactive tribute to Barbados' history and culture. The ground floor, 'Speightstown Memories', gives insight to the early life of the island's township. The story of the island's colonization and sugar cane industry is found at 'Plantation Memories', on the second floor. And a talking pirate guides the third floor's 'Wharf Memories' exhibit, a tribute to Speightstown's former trades glory.

Barbados' most popular visitor attraction, Harrison's Cave, is once again open after a year's renovation. The newly improved cavern, a haven for crystallized limestone and stalactite and stalagmite formations, features six new wheelchair-accessible trams as well as a new ventilation, drainage, electrical, and lighting system. Other facilities have been added to the site, including interactive displays, a souvenir shop, and a snack bar.

The Zagat guide especially highlights Barbados' rich culture, namely cuisine, and natural attractions in colorful descriptions that leap from the page, tempting you to book that next departing flight. By receiving the Zagat approval, the future visitor can feel confident of their vacation to the island, knowing that there are no embellishments to the guide-that every vibrant adjective is authentic.

Enid Glasgow is a travel writer for Caribbean Resorts World, a great resource for learning about Caribbean travel and finding Caribbean beach resorts.

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Cruising For Those Afraid of Water

2008-10-08T02:03:00.001-07:00

It may seem strange to imagine that people who are afraid of water will go on a cruise, and yet every year many thousands of people do exactly that. Some of these people have very deep seated fears of water, and may not be able to swim as a result of that fear. Other people may not even consider that they are afraid, but discover a slight fear once they set foot on their first cruise ship and watch the firm land they left drifting into the far horizon. Still others have fears that are almost hidden, and do not admit it even to themselves, but let the anxiety hide deep down, causing them to enjoy the trip less.

Considering the cost of cruises, and also what a fantastic experience they can be, it is worth giving some thought to points that may in some small way help to alleviate any fears, especially those which are based on misunderstood facts, or simply myths which have no basis in reality.

One of the most useful things to consider doing is to book your first cruise as part of a group. Going with a large group of familiar people will help you to feel less afraid. The sight of familiar faces will help to bring some of the associations you have of dry land onto the ship. These people will know you, and will be able to support you. Don't be afraid to admit your worries - that way people can be more supportive and sympathetic. It is not a weakness; we all have our own personal fears and worries, many of which are quite irrational and even absurd! Certainly the fear of water is entirely understandable, yet there are points to mention which might help in some way to calm nerves.

One of the most common fears is, of course, to do with the ship sinking. These cruise ships are many hundreds of meters long, and hundreds of meters high. They are the length of several football pitches, and as high as tower blocks. The huge size of these ships means that they are highly unlikely to ever sink, and even if they did, it would be such a ludicrously slow process that there would never be any cause for fear that it would sink so quickly you wouldn't be saved.

The other thing of course is that all cruise ships have more than enough lifeboats for every single passenger on board, and enough life jackets for everyone too. In addition to which, the seas and routes taken by cruise ships today are so busy that you are highly unlikely to ever be far from another ship, which would simply come along and pick you up.

But all this is highly improbable. Although people will undoubtedly be thinking of the Titanic, it is worth remembering that not only it was almost a hundred years ago, but the crew didn't bother taking enough lifeboats, there were serious design flaws, it was sailed in a way that was strictly against the design recommendations, along with many other factors which made the disaster inevitable.

Oddly, people who are afraid of cruising on a ship have no problem flying - this is over the same stretch of water yet 30,000 feet higher up! Statistically, cruising is the safest means of transportation. You're more likely to have an accident cycling to work. In fact, more people are being injured or killed every year by having a coconut fall on their head than have died from a cruise ship accident in the last 25 years.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant in luggage, cruises, hotels, and shopping. You will find the best marketplace for luggage, cruises, hotels, and shopping at these sites for bags, luggage, cruises and safety.

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The Freedom of Bare Boat Charters in the Virgin Islands

2008-10-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

Bare boat charters in the Virgin Islands offers the ultimate in freedom and independence. The Virgin Islands offer clear cruising with very few open water hazards, a steady breeze and sunshine - a bare boat yachting paradise.

Most reputable charter companies typically require evidence that the skipper has previous charter experience or is a boat owner of a similar size yacht. Operating a yacht generally needs at least a skipper and one competent crew member.

A bare boat charter yacht handover (yacht orientation) will usually take about an hour. You should be as familiar with the vessel as possible before leaving the dock. The skipper and at least one other member of the crew will be shown the location and how to use and do minor repairs of the yacht's basic equipment.

Fun Bare Boat Charter Florida Keys

Bare boat charters Florida Keys wants to insure that all their yacht rentals (Sailboat, Catamaran, and Motor Yachts) are in top sailing condition they realize that is key to a successful holiday experience. The charter company knows their boats, their owners, managers, and captains. They represent private yacht owners that they trust to provide their clients with a quality yacht and friendly, reliable service.

Bare Boat Charter Caribbean Paradise

Bare boat charter Caribbean is equally as beautiful as the Virgin Islands or Florida Keys. The Caribbean bare boat charters is the home to the world's largest bare boat charter fleet. Some of the finest sail and power boats available for weekly holiday rentals are moored there.

Charter a Caribbean bare boat catamaran or monohull yacht and sail the spectacular British Virgin Islands! Crewed or captain only sailing charters and ASA courses are available. Come to the islands and sail in comfort and style aboard one of the finest catamarans or monohull sailboats available for bare boat charters anywhere in the Caribbean!

Bare boat charter companies are dedicated to providing their clients with the most detailed information for Caribbean bareboat and crewed charters in the British Virgin Islands. In addition to looking over the extensive specs on each yacht other questions you should ask are: What's included in the charter and will there be additional costs? What to pack for a Caribbean sailing vacation; and what about booking flights to the Caribbean?

Bare boat charters are the best way of discovering the islands at your own pace. The Caribbean is the center of cruising activity with varied island locales as well as secluded bays and white sand beaches. A bare boat charter will rank at the top of your list of vacations.

Find the latest information on yacht charters visit Charte Yachts Dreamer as well as Bare Boat Charters

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Cruise and Stay Guide - Part 1 - The Bahamas

2008-10-08T01:58:00.001-07:00

Bahamas is placed in an excellent location, less than a hundred miles off the coast of Florida and the United States, north of Cuba and the Caribbean, and North West of the British overseas territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas enjoys the title of the most perfect travel destination. Bahamas enjoys a perfect weather condition. Bahamas is unique for its crystal clear turquoise blue water and pearly white sandy beaches. This archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean.

It is an archipelago consisting of the main island, Grand Bahamas Island and a number of bustling serene islands like the New Providence, Abaco, Andros, Acklins and Crooked Island, etc. There are twenty three inhibited islands and numerous unpopulated islets and cays. The sun, sand and sea are merely perimeters of the islands of Bahamas.

Bahamas has earned an international reputation for sailing, Regattas and races held all the year round. The natural beauty of the water extends to thousands of mile of shoreline which are of course the worlds beautiful and unsullied beaches.

Travelers from U.S, Canada and European Union do not need an advance visa for short stays up to 3 months. The Bahamas are a popular port of call for cruise ships. The archipelago has the world's busiest cruise ship ports. Cruise boats are operated mostly from USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Caribbean, Hong Kong and Dubai. It's only a one day cruise from Florida and short Cruises from most of the neighboring countries. Since there are so many islands in such more proximity, there are scheduled flights and private Air planes for hire to travel from one island to another. Even then most travelers prefer to sail between islands. There isn't much that that you can't do in the water in Bahamas. From diving to sailing and from snorkeling to fishing you are there in Bahamas to do every thing in and on water.

Conch is the national dish, along with peas and rice makes the combination. Kalik, Bahamas Beer is served in resorts and restaurants. Accommodation on the Bahamas is comparatively expensive even though there are cheap hotels. Back packer or hostel type lodging is practically unfound. Bahamas is a very safe place to cruise. Those who wish to have a bit of adventure can go for an unorganized tour, but make sure that you have the necessary information about the places in the way of maps and directions.

Relaxing on a beach, with a book, a tropical drink and a close friend - there isn't much more for a holiday.

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What is an All-Inclusive Cruise?

2008-10-08T01:55:00.001-07:00

A cruise was originally very much an all-inclusive holiday, but it seems that the trend is moving increasingly towards more and more extras to be paid for, that are not included in the original price of the deal. Therefore if you want your cruise to be genuinely all-inclusive, you have to look carefully at what is included and check that the magic words "all-inclusive" are actually used.

Going all-inclusive frees you from the hassle of paying for everything when you get it. You don't have to constantly reach for your wallet. This does generally mean a more relaxing holiday experience, and if you have paid for everything up-front, there are fewer extras to add to the cost of your holiday, giving you a clearer control over your budget. Having paid one price you can relax and enjoy your holiday. It is for this reason that all-inclusive holidays are becoming increasingly popular.

However it seems that, despite the current trend towards all-inclusive holidays, most cruises nowadays are not all-inclusive. Most cruises include the meals and the on-board entertainment, but generally drinks, shore excursions, and snacks are paid for separately. For example, Norwegian include in the cruise fare accommodation, meals and entertainment on board ship, but some of their specialty restaurants have cover charges, and in addition to the standard dining programme, there are some a la carte items that are only available at a surcharge. Alcoholic and soft drinks, spa treatments, indoor pool relaxation areas, some specialty exercise classes, laundry, internet access, and shore excursions are not included.

With Vivid Cruises there is more emphasis on the all-inclusive aspect, with cruises which include the connecting flights to get you to your ship and home again, any hotel accommodation that will be required on shore, all drinks, including selected wines and spirits, all on board gratuities and tips, all port charges and transfers. The only time you have to reach for your wallet is when you go shopping.

Another cruise line which specialises in the all inclusive cruises is Hebridean International Cruises, a company that runs two small luxury cruise ships. A cruise with Hebridean includes flights to and from the ship, all shore excursions including entry into the sights, all meals and snacks on board, including picnics and barbecues, fresh fruit, house wine and spirits, champagne, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Use of onboard facilities, such as the gym and steam room, is also included. Port and passenger taxes are included, as are all on board gratuities, with the company actively discouraging tipping.

Thomson also offers all-inclusive cruising, and so does the Italian cruise line Costa Cruises.

It is worth bearing in mind that even if a cruise is advertised as all-inclusive, there may well be some things that you still have to pay for, such as spa treatments, and drinks to be consumed in your own cabin or state room. So before booking your all inclusive cruises, it is worth taking a good look at what is and what isn't included, and then you won't get any surprises.

Cruise1st is one of the most leading digital media companies which provide major cruise lines specialised in all inclusive cruises, and it is also an internet as well as teletext trading division of Sunshine Cruise Holidays Ltd.

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Cruise Etiquette - Do's and Don'ts

2008-10-08T01:53:00.001-07:00

A cruise can be the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily living and just enjoy a week or two without responsibilities. Many people are a bit nervous about how they should act on a cruise ship though and are not sure exactly what is acceptable behavior. With that in mind, here are a few dos and don'ts to help you out.

Tip your steward. This is only fair, considering that he or she will be working hard during the voyage to keep your cabin neat and clean. Stewards also honor special requests and can help you find items or places you need. The tip should be given at the end of the cruise and should amount to about $3.50 a day.

Tip the wait staff. When you eat in the main dining hall every evening, you will likely be assigned a waiter who will be with you for the duration of the cruise. Nightly tipping isn't expected, but you most certainly will want to give a tip at the end of the cruise, usually on the final night. How much is up to you, depending on the service of the waiter, but the norm is around $3-4 per day.

Be courteous. When you are polite and friendly with the crew, you'll find that they are far more willing to help you out than if you are always snapping orders at them. Be nice and they'll be nice right back.

Take the time to thank people. While on a cruise, you should still keep your manners about you and thank everyone who does something for you . . . even if they are being paid to do so. A simple thanks can go a long way.

Don't

Criticize everything. Yes, you paid good money to go on this cruise, but hopefully you did enough research to know what to expect. Relax and enjoy the cruise, rather than looking at the bad side of things.

Become a cruise stalker. While you are bound to make new friends on the cruise, it's one thing to get together for bingo and drinks, quite another to follow them around the ship all day! It's a good idea to befriend several people so you have a variety of friends to hang out with, even if you aren't with a partner.

Complain to random crew members. Cruise ships are usually big and if you have a complaint, you should go through the proper channels and not just pick someone at random who probably has no idea what you are talking about and can't possibly help you. Instead, speak to the manager of the area you are having issues with. For example, if your problem is with the waiter, speak to the head waiter.

Slam your cabin door. Taking a moment to close it quietly, particularly at night, will help keep the peace among your neighbors! The same goes for talking loudly in the corridor . . . it can really be obnoxious to fellow passengers.

Cruise ship etiquette is really like any other etiquette. Unfortunately, many people use this time to gripe about the service and weather and just be rude in general. Just because you are outside your normal environment, doesn't mean you should be able to act any way you please and it's a good idea to remember this when you choose to go on a cruise. You'll enjoy it a lot more, too, when the staff responds to you nicely because you've treated them well.

Book a Toronto cruise on the Klancy II, the jewel of the Toronto Harbor. Toronto Harbor Cruises are the perfect venue for your corporate, public, and private event.

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Cheap Cruise Deals - How to Find the Real Value of a Cruise Holiday

2008-10-08T01:50:00.001-07:00

People seem to be under the impression that cruises are expensive. While it might seem that way to most of us, if we look deeper, we will see the real value in a cruise holiday.

If you do not really need to fly to your cruise port, then I strongly recommend driving. Half of the cost of your vacation can be taken up by airfare. Using my very first cruise as an example, it cost me about $3500 about $1300 of that was airfare for two people. Had I driven, admittedly the price of gas was much lower then, but the fuel costs would have been about $350.

For another example, the next cruise that I have booked is a 5 day cruise on board the Carnival Fantasy. For a total cost of about $850 I get a five day cruise for two, including all food, lodging, and two ports of call.

Compare that to almost any other type of vacation. Is it possible even to get a hotel room for five nights for $850.00? Add to that the opportunity to see many different countries on a single vacation and maybe you will start to see what I see.

The real value of a cruise vacation is to be found in the luxury of the accommodations. Even Carnival Cruises, which is thought by many to be one of the low end cruise lines, is more luxurious than any hotel I have ever stayed in. The meals are not only included, they are five-star and you do not even have to leave a tip.

I have a million ways to save money on a cruise. Well, maybe not literally a million, but I have a lot of ideas. I am willing to share them with you at

http://www.squidoo.com/cruiseandsavemoney

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An Alaskan Cruise - The 2 Best Months to Go

2008-10-08T01:48:00.001-07:00

Cruising has become one of the most popular ways to vacation today. There are huge choices of packages and itineraries available, so even the most hard to please traveler can find what they want.

One of the most popular cruises recently has been a cruise to Alaska.

The reason is kind of obvious. There are breathtaking vistas to enjoy, abundant wildlife to see, and onshore excursions that combine adventure and comfort.

And although you can take cheap Alaskan cruises, luxury Alaskan cruises, and everything in between, the elegance and services that most Alaskan cruise lines have built their reputation on are thoroughly enjoyable. You can find Alaskan cruise packages to fit almost any travel budget.

Due to the weather conditions in this part of the world, your choices of the best time to take an Alaskan cruise vacation are more restricted than if you were to travel in the Caribbean or to Hawaii.

You Have A Five-Month Window

Many of the cruise lines feel that the ideal time to take the best Alaskan cruises is between May and September. Therefore, this is the time frame that most companies will offer Alaskan cruise packages.

Summer

For the best weather conditions you should travel during the summer.

But even in the middle of the summer the temperature can still be quite chilly in Alaska, and you'll want to prepare for frequent weather fluctuations.

You should bring a variety of clothing, including at least one heavier coat, rain gear, and, of course, sunglasses.

The daytime temperatures can get into the seventies, so you'll want to prepare for that too.

Summer is also the best time of the year to see humpback whales as well as many other types of land mammals on your Alaskan cruise vacation.

Spring and Autumn - Your Two Best Months

The two best months for visiting Alaska are usually September and May. One of the reasons is that the water is usually calmer during these months - so your time at sea will be more comfortable.

In the spring, especially during May, the wildflowers are in bloom. The abundant wildlife silhouetted against a mosaic of vibrant flowers will make lifelong memories as well as beautiful photographs.

Since fall comes early in Alaska, you will see magnificent bursts of color in September as the deciduous trees begin to change colors.

And, when the snows come early, you could enjoy viewing wildlife against a majestic background of snow-capped peaks as the first snowflakes of the year begin to fall.

And sometimes, if you're lucky, in some areas you could even see the northern lights in the evening.

An Alaskan cruise vacation can be a joyous and exhilarating adventure.

When you choose the best time to go to Alaska you can be confident that your Alaskan cruise vacation will be one you will remember always and talk about for the rest of your life.

A good way to find the best Alaskan cruises for you is to read independent Alaskan cruise reviews.

You can find out about them - and get vital information about the big difference between small-ship travel and large-ship travel in Alaska, and what it means to you - at Alaskan Cruise Reviews

And to get the best prices online for Alaskan cruises and more, check out at http://www.TheGreatestDreamVacations.com.

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An Alaskan Cruise - The 2 Best Months to Go

2008-10-08T01:45:00.001-07:00

Cruising has become one of the most popular ways to vacation today. There are huge choices of packages and itineraries available, so even the most hard to please traveler can find what they want.

One of the most popular cruises recently has been a cruise to Alaska. The reason is kind of obvious. There are breathtaking vistas to enjoy, abundant wildlife to see, and onshore excursions that combine adventure and comfort. And although you can take cheap Alaskan cruises, the elegance and services that most Alaskan cruise lines have built their reputation on are thoroughly enjoyable. And you can find Alaskan cruise packages to fit most travel budgets.

Due to the weather conditions in this part of the world, your choices of the best time to take an Alaskan cruise are more restricted than if you were to travel in the Caribbean or to Hawaii.

You Have A Five-Month Window

Many of the cruise lines feel that the ideal time to take the best Alaskan cruises is between May and September. Therefore, this is the time frame that most companies will offer this type of ocean voyage.

Summer

For the best weather conditions you should travel during the summer. But even in the middle of the summer the temperature can still be quite chilly in Alaska, and you'll want to prepare for frequent weather fluctuations. You should bring a variety of clothing, including at least one heavier coat, rain gear, and, of course, sunglasses. The daytime temperatures can get into the seventies, so you'll want to prepare for that too.

Summer is also the best time of the year to see humpback whales as well as many other types of land mammals.

Spring and Autumn - Your Two Best Months

The two best months for visiting Alaska are usually September and May. One of the reasons is that the water is usually calmer during these months so your time at sea will be more comfortable.

In the spring, especially during May, the wildflowers are in bloom. The abundant wildlife silhouetted against a mosaic of vibrant flowers will make lifelong memories as well as beautiful photographs.

Since fall comes early in Alaska, you will see magnificent bursts of color in September as the deciduous trees begin to change colors. And, when the snows come early, you could enjoy viewing wildlife against a majestic background of snow-capped peaks as the first snowflakes of the year begin to fall. And sometimes, if you're lucky, in some areas you could even see the northern lights in the evening.

Alaskan cruise tours can be joyous and exhilarating adventures. When you choose the best time to go to Alaska you can be confident that your vacation will be one you will remember always and talk about for the rest of your life.

And did you know that you can cruise for free?

Anyone can. Well, almost anyone. Take a look at Speak On Cruise Ships and see if you can be one of those lucky people. And for information on saving money every time you cruise, check out "Discount Cruises - 2 Things To Look For To Find A Hot Deal" at http://www.TheGreatestDreamVacations.com and learn how to easily make it happen.

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The Amazing Courtship of the Waved Albatross

2008-10-08T01:42:00.001-07:00

The first report of Albatros sighting in 2005 was this past March 28th. In Galpagos, the arrival of the islands largest bird is more than just an arrival. It is in fact, about the start of many other natural events. For instance, the arrival of albatrosses tells us that the southeast trade winds are on their way, and thus the beginning of the dry season is just around the corner.

This also means that the hot season is officially ending, and that the islands will turn arid in just about 2 more weeks or so. Thus, we conclude that Galpagos is a world of perpetual change. If theres one event that can be labelled impressive, attractive and even comical at times, it must be the courtship ritual of the waved albatross. Such courtship is more than just a mere reproductive prelude. It is, without a doubt, one of the most important attractions in Galpagos wildlife, and it only occurs in the months of April, May and June. Finding a mate on Espaola (Hood) Island is no easy task; the terrain is quite irregular and theres plenty of dry brush from the previous hot season.

Nevertheless, male albatrosses manage to arrive first, and patiently wait for females to arrive. Once together, courtship is an elaborate set of cues given by one individual and followed by the other potential mate.

This orchestrated set of moves is then repeated, but in reverse by the former mate. A series of strange noises that may resemble geese and a set of horn-like sounds can be heard all over the island. Part of the courtship even includes some bill fencing (very attractive yellow bills by the way), ending with a superb sky point and a sheer drop of the neck and head towards the back of the wing. Here, some preening of the primary feather of the wing takes place, and it is all back to where they started. The complete set can last as long as 45 minutes.

In our week-long expeditions, the M/V Santa Cruz and the Yacht Isabela II include Espaola Island, and the nesting colony of the waved albatross. Also, the Friday-Monday expedition of the M/V Santa Cruz will make a regular stop at this unique location.

Authors
This article was developed by Metropolitan Touring, for their newsletter, and was wrote by a team of travelers, field guides, operations and marketing staff inside the company, all of them has more than 10 years working in the Galapagos cruises and tours guiding and sales, Sylvia Moncayo, Francisco Dousdebs, Santiago Tamayo, Gonzalo Alvarez are the team who produce our articles, Email info@metropolitan-touring.com Article Copyright Metropolitan Touring Corporation 2005 - 2006

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A Birdwatching Caribbean Cruise is the Ideal Way to Still Enjoy Your Passion

2008-10-08T01:40:00.001-07:00

If you are an avid bird watcher and decide to take a Caribbean cruise, then you can enjoy two pleasures at the same time. This is because not only are there many types of bird species for you to see in the Caribbean, there are also many very rare types of bird species, that you will never have chance to see anywhere else in the world.

Here are some of the places you may wish to visit on your cruise.

The Trinidad Asa Wright Nature Center. Is situated ten miles north of the town of Arima on Blanchisseuse Road. It is a wonderful location for birdwatching, with over 200 acres of rain forest. You can take a walk here on the many forest trials and you will be able to observe many different bird species. If you can make the time, i would try to spend at least 2 to 3 days here as it is an ideal place to enjoy your passion for birds.

The Bubali Pond in Aruba. Is on the north side of eagle beach and just south of De Olde Molen. You can expect to see brown pelicans here in large groups as well as the Black crowned Night Herons. It is best to do your birdwatching here at dusk or dawn.

In Aruba's Spanish Lagoon. You will have the chance to observe many different species of birds, such as, brown pelicans, egrets, herons and frigates. Do not be at all surprised if you also see large green and yellow parakeets that are twice the size of those you would see in a pet store at home. These birds are mostly seen at sunset.

The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Is a secluded location, this is because the only way to get there is by boat. The use of a birdwatching guide is recommended here. When you get to this location you will be able to see thousands of Fregata Magnificens or man of war birds. The best time to visit here is during the breeding season as you will get to see over 170 species of birds living together.

If your birdwatching Caribbean cruise makes a stop in Jamaica, you should take the time to visit the Rockland's Bird Sanctuary. Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any bird watcher to observe 289 different bird species of which 28 are endemic and 6 have just been introduced. There are also 10 bird species on the endangered list which includes the Black billed and Yellow billed parrots.

There is an entrance fee charged at this sanctuary and you can also pay extra for a guided tour, which is recommended that you do so. Here, you will get to see hummingbirds, Red billed Streamertails, Jamaican Mango, Black and Yellow faced Grassquits as well as their relative the Orangequits. All these species of birds you will be able to hand feed, if you wish to.

These places are just a few that you can visit while you are on a Caribbean cruise. There are many more locations available to you and all you need to do is search the internet to fine them.

The Caribbean cruise packages that are being offered do not come with birdwatching tours, but once your cruise liner docks at port, you can sign up for one as they are readily available to you at many locations. So who said you can not enjoy two pleasures at the same time?

For more free information on Birdwatching or Birding try visiting Free Birdwatching Tips A popular website that provides advice, help and resources to include information on Birdwatching

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