Five Tips for Taking a Cruise Vacation

The last thing that you want to do is to miss your ship because you arrived too late. Sometimes there are reasons beyond our control that play a part in that. One thing that you can do to prepare better for going on a cruise is to arrive in your departure city a day early. This way you know that you will be on time, since you will be in the area already. Some cruise lines offer a free one-night hotel stay as part of their package, so you should look into that before booking anything.

You do not want to go on a cruise and lose any of your valuables. That could help to turn a pleasant trip into a nightmare. You should bring a toolbox or tackle box with you on your trip to hide your valuables there. Most people would not think to look in a toolbox for valuables, so there is a greater chance that you will not lose any of your stuff if a thief goes into your room.

There are several destinations that you may be stopping at while on a cruise. When you get off the boat to explore these places most of what is offered for sale is outrageously overpriced. In order to save some money, you should talk to someone in room service to see if they would pack you a lunch. While that might come at a cost, the likelihood is that it will be less than what you will spend otherwise.

You should bring a lanyard with you if you are going on a cruise, since losing your key is equivalent to leaving your door open for thieves. Do not put it in your pocket because someone may reach in and take it if you become distracted. Keeping your key around your neck is the best way to keep it safe.

A good way to save money when going on a cruise is to book one that is all-inclusive, which means that there is no extra charge for a host of amenities. Some of these included items are airfare to the departure city, free food and beverages and spa treatments aboard the ship. You have to research each cruise line you are considering so that you are clear about what is offered in each of their all-inclusive packages.

If you follow the tips in the article above, you can spend less time worrying about being stressed out and more time enjoying yourself and all that your cruise vacation has to offer. Remember to do your research before booking anything so you know what to expect from your trip. Have fun and do your best to stay safe.

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5 Things to Do While on a Cruise

Perhaps you've decided to actually go on a vacation, but do not really have a destination in mind. If so, you and your friends or relatives can just go on a cruise. One may just basically relax in your cabin upon boarding the ship, and socialize with the rest of the passengers. you'll be treated to such magnificent scenery all thanks to the clear waters and the surrounding vistas in the distance.

If you have decided to take this route, below are some activities which you may take pleasure in:

1. Numerous cruise liners these days are outfitted with duty-free stores, which would be great if you're planning to indulge in some shopping time. Of course, you should always bear in mind the check the regulations on just how many items you are allowable to bring ashore. Besides, the last thing you would like is individuals from customs taking away your purchases from you.

2. Play time is something you will find numerous in this vacation type. There are many facilities which enable you to play tennis, pool, bowling and many other sports & games which are available on the ship. You don't need to bring your own equipment, since one can simply borrow them on board. If you are a golf enthusiast, you'll truly be thrilled to find some liners offering golf courses you can play at to your heart's content.

3. If you just like to relax under the warm rays of the sun, one can do so while reading a book. Reading is something that lots of passengers get to do as a type of leisure and recreation when they're not participating in other activities in the ship. you will definitely get some much wanted time to get back to all the fiction you've been reading on but never had time for due to your somewhat busy schedule back home.

4. There are numerous workshops and conferences held throughout these cruises, and you'll have the opportunity to learn numerous new things.

5. Naturally, one of the finest experiences you may ever have with a cruise is dining. There are a number of restaurants to select from, and they even range from slick and sophisticated fine dining outlets to snack joints for your kids and other members of the family. If you are aiming to go the formal route but don't have any appropriate wear, you can just borrow some from the tailoring services in the ship.

The World's Most Romantic Honeymoon Cruise Destinations

Most cruise line companies offer honeymoon packages, aimed specifically at indulging you (and your beloved) in every possible way. From romantic candlelit dinners for two served on your private balcony, to chocolate-dipped strawberries served with sparkling champagne on arrival, there's no limit to what the world's best cruise liners are willing to do to ensure your honeymoon cruise is a truly unforgettable experience.

The Love Boat scene (minus the awkward hairdo's and cheesy script) is very much alive; companies like Royal Caribbean, Cunard, P&O and Holland America do their utmost to ensure there are packages to suit all tastes and budgets.

The main question remains however... where to go? While some people believe that a loved-up couple can find romance anywhere, we do believe that some places are just a tad more idyllic than others. To this end, we've compiled a guide to the most romantic honeymoon cruise destinations in the world, to help you better plan your amorous adventure.

The Mediterranean Coast

Europe is not always regarded as the epitome in romantic destinations; cities are crowded, tourists abound etc etc. However, if you'd allow us a moment of your time we would love to point out two of the world's most romantic honeymoon destinations which you'll find in this exciting and bustling part of the world: Venice and the Greek isles.

Venice is regarded as the most romantic city in the world, and the ideal city to visit on honeymoon.

There's an old-world charm in Venice that is found nowhere else; lovers swooning to the crimson glow of a Venetian sunset have been defining Venice's very existence for centuries. Foggy canals and intricately carved bridges are the perfect backdrop for those Hollywood kiss moments one always dreams of; just make sure there's someone around willing to take your photograph!

While Venice is intrinsically romantic, there are certainly plans you can make to assure your honeymoon is not ruined by hoards of children on school holidays, or unbearably hot summer days. That's not so romantic.

Instead, plan your Mediterranean honeymoon cruise to coincide with the European late spring, or early autumn; the months of May, June, September and October are ideal. You'll avoid the big crowds and the oppressive summer heat.

If you really want to up the ante on your romance-a-meter, than we suggest you splurge and book a super luxurious cruise liner for your once in a lifetime honeymoon holiday in Venice.

The Azamara Quest, a gem of the Azamara Club Cruises, is often rated as one of the best Mediterranean cruise liners around. Service, amenities and on-board activities are opulent and superb, yet the cruise ship is only medium size allowing you much more personalized service.

The majority of the cabins have ocean views and this particular liner caters for adults only, which can be an added honeymoon bonus.

Other fantastic companies like P&O, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises also offer innumerable cruises to the Mediterranean. These liners offer the best of both worlds as they will take you to Venice and our other favourite honeymoon destination: the Greek Islands.

There's not a woman or man on earth who has sailed the Greek islands and not fallen in love. Take a running start and head here on your honeymoon cruise and you'll be assured of everlasting love, lust and devotion. Or so the Greek Love Gods assert!

Magic isles like Mykonos, Corfu and Santorini, with their crystal clear waters, blinding whitewashed villas and emerald green pastures, are consummate honeymoon destinations. Santorini is often quoted to be the best sunset viewing spot on earth; an extinct volcano providing front row seats to Mother Nature's loveliest show. Infinitely natural, this island gifts amazing hiking and snorkelling opportunities.

Mykonos and Corfu are two more jewels in this priceless Greek masterpiece, both offering unmatched opportunities to spend quality time with your beloved, surrounded by stunning nature, traditional villages, interesting architecture and scrumptious food. Honeymoon bliss does not get better that that!

There are various companies vying for the romantic Greek Isle honeymoon market, and Royal Caribbean tops our cake as the favourite, offering a 7 night cruise through the Greek Islands which actually starts and ends in Venice. Double bonus!

Princess Cruises are not to be outdone; they offer a fantastic 12 night cruise starting from Rome, which will take you to no less than five Greek Islands. P&O and Cunard Cruises are the liners to go for, is cruising from Southampton is on your wish list... no need to waste time flying anywhere, just head south and spend your entire honeymoon being guided through the picturesque Mediterranean coast.

The Caribbean Islands

There is one thing we will admit: honeymoons and tropical islands are a match made in heaven!

For a relaxing, romantic and revitalizing honeymoon cruise, you can't go past the islands on the Caribbean Sea.

Perennially perfect and boasting more romantic spots than you'll know what to do in; the Caribbean isles are the world's most romantic honeymoon island destination. In fact, the wedding cruise craze was born and bred here, testament to the fact that while most people envisage their 'dreamy' wedding and honeymoon, the pictures that pop into their minds are of the turquoise waters of The Bahamas, glistening beaches and coral reefs of Bermuda, or the luscious plains and mountains of St. Lucia.

A Caribbean honeymoon cruise is ideal for those who wish to have the option of doing a lot, or very little. There are thousands of tropical islands just itching to be explored, yet each and every one is home to a collection of first-class beaches perfect for an all day sun worship.

There is plenty to do if you'd like to be a little more active. There are volcano hikes, bike rides and plenty of walking opportunities and, of course, the choice of water sports here is just mind boggling. From scuba diving, to snorkelling, parasailing or surfing, you'll be spoilt for choice in the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean is really the way to go here, and have a kind of monopoly over the region. Good news for all you honeymooners out there! Their three main gems (Freedom Of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas) scour the Caribbean waters almost weekly during the summer months.

A hot new addition to the Princess Cruises line is Ruby of the Princess, where attention to detail and impeccable service is rated as world class. We love this liner, as it has plenty of adults-only nooks (bars & sundecks), ideal for honeymooners.

For the epitome honeymoon cruise experience, consider booking a honeymoon package on what is considered to be the most extravagant cruise liner in the world: the Queen Mary 2. The QE2 is Cunard Cruises' pride and joy and is a magnificent ship fashioned on old-school elegance, charm, romance and class.

Want a truly unforgettable experience? Then spend your honeymoon on the QE2 and we pretty much assure you, it'll be an affair to remember.

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Top Guidelines on Boat Maintenance and Boat Repairs

If you are an owner of a boat, then you must be aware of the increasing cost of maintaining a boat, even if there are simply regular servicing and maintenance. If repairing work is to be included, costs can tough sky high. Excessive expenditure over boat repairs can be cut down if learnt some basic maintenance and repairing work. Here are some top guidelines that can help you do maintenance and boat repairs yourself.

Care for boating batteries

Keep the boating batteries at home during winter seasons. The best place for them is on non-conductive stand with an option to trickle charge, to keep them alive all through the winter. Ensure that you check battery water in every few weeks.

Give your boat winter protection

Winter can harm your boat you can never imagine. Chilling and freezing winter can cause corrosion and damage to the boat, leading to the significant repair when you take it out in spring to make it water ready. The best way to protect it from rain, snow and freezing temperature is to cover the boat. However, the cover must allow some air to circulate even when it is covered.

Protect your sports boat's look

It is really fun to watch sports boats. Their shiny appearance and sleek look compels everyone to get attract. To maintain their attraction for longer, wash it at least once in a week. Inspect and clean it on routine basis. Also, look after its interior part, including upholstery, carpet and wooden accent.

Keep off water damage out of boat

Even if boat is meant for water, moist can cause damage to it by seeping in. While boating, you often neglect this part. You can eliminate such possibilities by taking care of your boat in off-season maintenance procedures when you keep it in storage. Remover water from any where it can stand inside boat, like traps under sinks, sea cocks, strainers, holding tanks and any corner that can hold water for longer.

Coat your boat with paint

As the time passes, boat starts losing its charm. You can retain its beauty by coating it with paint in off season when you are just planning it to store. To paint the boat wash it with mild soap and make sure that all dirt get cleaned well that collect over the season. Rinse, dry and then splash some water across the surface. When you varnish with paint you will see lasting till another season.

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The Top 4 Most Visited World Cruise Destinations

Finding the right cruise liner to book for your next holiday may seem daunting, what to consider first? Let us help you out! While things like the weather, your budget and your vacation time are all crucial, we think your first port of call (pardon the on) is to decide WHAT you'd like to do first and foremost.

You may very well want to swim the crystal clear waters of the Greek Islands, but if your holiday happens to fall in December, you may be wiser to book a Caribbean cruise instead.

If however, you'd like to sail the high seas and visit a few historical sites, a cruise through the Mediterranean will be just perfect, even in winter.

Now it's time to multi-task! Following is our guide to the very best cruise destinations in the world, as well as hints as to the best time of the year to visit.

What we suggest, is that you first choose which corner of the globe you'd like to explore first, and take it from there.

Bon Voyage!

THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST

If you're looking for a varied cruise destination, then head on down to the most gorgeous coastline in the world: the Mediterranean.

Popular cruise ports in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and Croatia (among others) offer fantastic opportunities for the discerning traveler.

You can spend your days sunbathing on the Greek Islands, or exploring ancient Roman ruins in Italy.

Take a day trip to the Island of Capri or get hopelessly lost in Venice. Whatever your heart desires... the Mediterranean is where it will find it.

Best time to visit:

Anytime between May and October are considered ideal for a Mediterranean cruise.

While temperatures can rise considerably in August, this nook offers plenty of refreshing swimming options!

Cruise deals abound for the low season and, if your budget is restricted, this is still a fantastic option.

You may not be able to swim, but cities like Venice, Split or Barcelona can be infinitely more romantic on a cloudy winter's day.

Who takes you there?

Royal Caribbean and Holland America specialise in western Mediterranean itineraries, with average cruises lasting one week. Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises cover the Mediterranean extensively and will take you from Portugal, to Turkey and back in two weeks.

THE CARIBBEAN

If a tropical Shangri-la is what tickles your fancy, then don't look past cruising the Caribbean Islands in style.

Turquoise waters, superlative beaches and natural wonders await you in every port. Here, you can climb volcanoes, spend afternoons zip-lining through rainforest, or spend your days in the depths of the ocean diving through wrecks and coral reefs.

The Caribbean enjoys year-long perfect temperatures and attracts millions of tourists each year with its idyllic setting, friendly locals and delectable cuisine.

Best time to visit:

There are many reasons why the Caribbean Islands are so popular with cruisers, the weather being one of them; it is simply heavenly all year long! Look out for special cruise deals and be assured that a Caribbean cruise will be perfect no matter when you choose to go.

Who takes you there?

Royal Caribbean is the areas most popular visitor, with many different luxury liners scouring these tropical waters; P&O Cruises, Holland America and Celebrity Cruises also make a splash during the popular summer sailing season.

Itineraries and trip duration can vary considerably, and you'll find cruises starting from North America, Central America, and even Southampton!

A transatlantic cruise, culminating in an island hopping week-long trip would rate as one of the best cruising experiences of all time.

ALASKA

For a cruising experience of a different kind, head to Alaska on your next vacation and experience this incredible country.

Perfect for those looking for more active break, on-shore excursions include dog sledding and kayaking through the fjords.

From the comfort of your top deck you can keep a look out for whales and, when close enough to the shore, bears and bald eagles too.

The stark contrast of the sometimes unforgiving terrain, and the sheer beauty of Mother Nature, provides scenery unmatched anywhere in the world.

Best time to visit:

Alaska cruise season is, for obvious reason, during the northern summer. Cruises usually run between May and September, the first and last month offering the best deals around.

Who takes you there?

Celebrity Cruises can take you on a one week voyage from Vancouver to Seattle, while Norwegian Cruise Line service a round trip from Seattle.

Princess Cruises offer both a one and two week trip starting from Whittier.

THE MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East is one of the most enticing holiday destinations in the world. The exotic culture, and exquisitely unique settings, provides a sensory overload second to none.

Dubai is renowned for its world-class shopping and entertainment venues, including the Mall of the Emirates (complete with indoor ski centre), Ferrari World (for the adrenalin junkies) and two traditional Souks for all your shopping needs.

Dubai is also where you can spend an afternoon fooling around desert dunes in 4WDs! Desert safaris are by far the most popular activity here, and one which shouldn't be missed.

Middle East cruises also include stops in the Red Sea town of Aqaba (for superlative diving) and the northern Egyptian coast to explore the ancient archeology of the area.

Best time to visit:

The Arabian Gulf can get extremely hot, so it is advisable to avoid the hot summer months of June through September.

We're not just talking sticky and uncomfortable hot either; summer temps can easily reach 50 degrees Celsius and it makes being outdoors nearly impossible.

This is perfectly fine if you intend on exploring Dubai's shopping malls for the entire duration of the trip!

Who takes you there?

Royal Caribbean runs a gorgeous Middle Eastern tasting trip which lasts 7 nights (starts & ends in Dubai), while Celebrity Cruises do a relaxing 12 day cruise from Dubai to Singapore.

Seabourn Cruises offer an exotic extravaganza, perfect for those with a little more time up their sleeves. Their 30 day journey will take you from the Middle East, to India and Asia!

Sail in the Wake of the Great Explorers on a Round the World Cruise

Time... is of the essence

Ferdinand Magellan, the famous Portuguese seafaring explorer, started his journey in 1511 and is widely considered to be the forefather of maritime exploration.

Many before had done sections of course (like Christopher Columbus) but none had yet managed to do a full loop. Magellan did, but it took him a little over 10 years to achieve this feat... now that's perseverance.

Worldwide cruises nowadays last an average of 100 days. While this is but a fraction of Magellan's time requirement, it is nonetheless a long time to be away from home, family and friends. Putting your life 'on hold' for three months may seem impossible to do, but you'll actually be surprised at how easy this can be arranged.

Some of the world's most famous ocean liners provide all the comforts of home, and then some. Comprehensive onboard business centres provide you with everything you need to keep in touch with work and family. With a little planning and time-managing, there's no reason why you can't take your life, and job, on the seas.

Food... glorious food

Back in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, scurvy was considered to be the plague of sailors. This most awful disease, which literally disintegrates the gums, teeth and internal organs is caused by a sever lack of vitamin C. When you consider sailors would go years eating only cured meats on long voyages, it's not surprising to learn that thousands died as a direct result of poor nutrition.

Not so much nowadays! Luxury cruise liners offer an unbelievable array of epicurean treats, and a worldwide cruise is also a fantastic way to 'taste' the world. Cruise liners offer, on average, about a dozen different eating options, ranging from fine dining a la carte restaurants, to American-style fast-food joints. The best thing about cruising is that most of your meals (or at least your meal choices) are included in the price; the only extras being for drinks and gratuities.

Cruise line chefs are renowned for their culinary exploits, most going out of their way to prepare balanced and delectable buffet meals, as well as using locally bought produce from the ports of call.

While Charles Darwin famously 'ate' Galapagos tortoises into extinction in the 1830's (much to his later distress), we promise your 'culinary treats' will have no such catastrophic consequences on the foreign lands you visit.

Stop... and smell the roses

Mike Golding was rather chuffed at his 2001 achievement of being the first person to complete a non-stop globe sail, yet there are plenty of people who think this kind of journey defeats the purpose of a grand world cruise. Indeed, while cruising itself is an infinitely enjoyable experience (especially on a luxury liner which offers a myriad of fun stuff to do), it will be the stop-overs during your journey which will provide the ultimate amazement.

Seabourn offers a cruise with an incredible 50 stops, including unusual destinations like Namibia, Mozambique and Tonga. Having said this, do keep in mind that you will be spending many days at sea, yet this should definitely be considered a major bonus point.

If you've decided to spend your hard-earned cash on a luxury liner, what better way to get you money's worth than by taking advantage of your 'free' days and enjoying all the onboard amenities? Aside from the eating, there are onboard gyms, casinos, cinemas, swimming pools and saunas to enjoy, as well as health spas, boutiques and even sporting clubs to enjoy.
Break it up!

While it is true that Magellan may have been the first person to circumnavigate the world by sea, it is also true that he did so in sections. It was actually a Spanish explorer, Juan Sebastián Elcano (who served under Magellan's command), who was the first to complete a global cruise in one single voyage.

Retrace Magellan's steps and, if a three month long journey is completely out of the question, choose to do a section every year or two. This is not only perfectly acceptable (no losing of extra brownie points), but is also a convenient and excellent way to achieve a world cruising dream.
Safety is paramount

Exploring new and uncharted territory in the bygone era may have been exciting, but it was also fraught with great fear. Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines when he decided to take on a native tribe. So what can you expect?

The current state of world politics may leave some wondering just how safe world cruising really is. Well, let us settle those fears right now. Your own adventure will be much safer, as your luxury liner will be avoiding any risky areas, and taking you only to peaceful & gorgeous destinations.

Your safety will always be paramount and, let's be honest, there's no cruise line in the world that would ever jeopardise the safety of its ship, crew and passengers. You can be assured that should anything untoward happen along the way, the itinerary will be swiftly changed at the captain's discretion.
Money's too tight to mention

Cunard Cruises was the first commercial line to take tourists on a worldwide voyage. Their 1922 trip revolutionised the world of travel and started a craze which sees no end in sight. Italian adventurer Giovanni Francesco Gemelli Careri is considered to be the very first 'world cruise passenger', as he actually paid to join numerous ocean crossings in the 17th Century.

Many people nowadays believe world cruises are prohibitively expensive, but we're here to tell you that all in life is relative. Yes sure, you can easily spend a quarter of a million dollars booking the most expensive presidential suite on the most expensive queen of the seas, but this is by far not the only option.

Apparently, this option is only for about 20,000 people every year, and it's safe to say they wouldn't be reading this guide.

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Eastern Mediterranean Cruises Reveal the Best of Italy and Greece

Italy

If you're looking for the quintessential Mediterranean cruise experience, then you really can't go past Italy. This glorious peninsula gifts one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. Actually, make that several superlative coastlines.

Italy boasts an almost 8,000km long shoreline, comprising beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs and heavenly islands. It's hardly surprising then, that all eastern Mediterranean cruises include several stops along Italy's coasts.

On-shore excursions abound, as do historical and cultural attractions. Make sure you pick a liner with a comprehensive itinerary to make the most of your cruise holiday.

Princess Cruises is an excellent choice if exploring Italy is on your must-do list.

They offer a 12 night cruise deal which leaves from Rome and ends in Venice.

A Rome departure is an added bonus, as you can opt to spend a few days exploring the ancient Roman capital before embarking on your cruise.

Visit the Vatican, and the famous Colosseum, or simply get hopelessly lost in the city's streets searching for that perfect gelato and absorbing the dolce vita atmosphere this Italian metropolis is renowned for.

A stop-over in the seaside town of Livorno will give you the opportunity to visit popular holiday destinations like Florence and Pisa.

Don't miss the chance to walk up the vertically challenged Tower of Pisa, or explore one of Italy's most romantic cities: Florence. Should you be slightly partial to a spot of shopping, then this may well be your heaven!

Leather, jewels and wine are just some of Florence's essential produce. For uniquely local epicurean treats, head to the Mercato Centrale in Piazza San Lorenzo and fill up your suitcases with delectable home-made olive oils, cheeses, pasta sauces and breads.

While these kinds of souvenirs may not last as long as a perfectly tailored leather jacket, it does not mean they are any less precious!

If you'd like to experience the real Italy, then your stop-over in Naples will certainly deliver... BIG time!

This once most prestigious address is chaotic, exhilarating and mesmerizing all at once.

Ironically however, Naples is also the perfect springboard for relaxing island cruises to Capri and Ischia, where you can immerse yourself in breathtaking nature, savour delicious pizzas and indulge in fantastic designer shopping. A win-win-win deal for most!

For the more historically inclined, choose a visit to Pompeii as you off-shore excursion. The ancient city was completely incinerated by an eruption from nearby Mt Vesuvius 2,000 years ago, and is one of Italy's most revered heritage sites.

The volcanic ash has preserved the town, and its ill-fated inhabitants, through the millennia. A startling, yet somehow disturbing visit is truly mind boggling.

Your grand eastern Mediterranean cruise will see you conclude your epic journey in Venice, Italy's northern Adriatic capital. The city of bridges is a feast for all the senses, and a few days stay, after your cruise, are highly recommended.

Venice would have to be one of the few cities in the world where a map, or guidebook, would prove futile.

The maze of cobblestone streets can drive a sane man to despair, but we think this is actually one of the city's most endearing qualities.

Dissected by infinite canals, and connected by an equally unending number of bridges, Venice is a breathtaking cruise destination one never forgets. For a priceless Venetian experience, beat the crowds and head to St Mark's Square at first light.

Watching the city wake from its slumber, while enjoying a freshly brewed cappuccino, is a holiday experience second to none.

Princess Cruises are not the only ones offering amazing deals on Eastern Mediterranean cruises; Celebrity Cruises also offer an amazing 12 night journey which starts from the southern Spanish town of Barcelona.

What both liners have in common is that they visit our other favourite Mediterranean destination...

Jump onboard for an unforgettable trip, and come discover why island hopping through the Greek isles is considered to be one of the world's top leisure activities.

Greece

Volcanic eruptions, like the ones from Mount Vesuvius, do not always have such tragic consequences.

Sometimes, they create spectacular shaped isles like Santorini in Greece.

Brimming with natural attractions including black sand beaches and a breathtaking caldera, Santorini is often regarded as the best sunset viewing platform in the whole Mediterranean area!

Even well seasoned travellers, wary of touristy hype, soon give up trying to resist the island's obvious allure.

Yes, it is often crowded with tourists but, in all honesty, why wouldn't it be? This place is like heaven on earth!

No eastern Mediterranean cruise would be complete without a stop-over in this most ancient of all human headquarters.

Athens, the Greek capital, is considered by many historians to be the cradle of civilization.

Nowadays, Athens is a bustling city which has managed to seamlessly blend antiquity with modernity.

Catapulted onto the tourism world stage once more after the 2004 Olympics, Greece is currently struggling through a transitional period, fighting hard to maintain a healthy economic state. Never has there been a better time to visit.

Luckily, Greece has always understood the importance of its history in international terms.

After an audacious program was introduced, banning car traffic through the old town, some of the most important ancient ruins in our world are now contained in what can only be described as an archaeological pedestrian wonderland.

Spend your day engrossed in ancient Greek mythology and your senses be overwhelmed by all that you see.

An Eastern Mediterranean cruise will also see you touchdown on famous islands like Corfu and Mykonos.

Corfu, or Kerkyra in Greek, has been the setting and inspiration of many of the world's greatest writers and poets.

A luscious island escape, Corfu is perfect for those who want to stretch their legs amidst a wonderful natural setting.

Olive groves, flanked by enormous cypress trees, make for a truly splendid setting.

Mykonos offers a completely different experience. One of Greece's most visited hubs is an eclectic mix of glitz, glamour and fishing-town charm. Hard to define... and almost impossible to duplicate!

Finding a quiet spot on a beach to soak up the rays may be a challenge so we suggest that, whilst in Mykonos, you simply join the crowds for a spot of shopping and delightful sea-side gourmet feasting.

Exploring The World On A Themed River Cruise

Since the world of river cruise has been in high demand, the cruise lines are now stepping things up a gear and tailoring more of their voyages to a specific theme.

From music to cuisine, flowers to vineyards, there is a little something to suit every taste... so here's a look at some of the best themed cruises you can expect from some of the biggest river cruise lines today...

Vineyard's with Uniworld

This boutique river cruise specialist offers some of the best Vineyard tours available. Sailing along the Douro is where you'll find Spain and Portugal's vineyard valley. Along the way you will be able to taste a whole host of local wines from quaint villages including Port wine which is the region's sweet fortified wine.

On board you can find guest speakers provide insightful lectures about the regions, its vineyards and its culture. This river cruise is perfectly suited to anyone who fancies themselves as a wine connoisseur.

Classical music with AmaWaterways

Classical music fans will love this once-in-a-lifetime themed cruise around Europe. Expect to visit some of the most world-renowned musician's hometowns including Salzburg which was once home to the ever so talented Mozart and of course the place which is home to the musical - The Sound of Music.

You will also get the chance to enjoy a Strauss concert in Vienna. On board the ship you can expect guest lectures talk informatively about classical music, and everything will be themed to tailor towards this eclectic theme.

Culinary cruise with Avalon Waterways

Allowing you to taste a variety of different flavours from each port of call, this culinary cruise with Avalon is perfect for anyone who enjoys their food. Calling at a whole host of destinations along the way, you can expect the cruise to be matched to the culture you call upon. And you can even visit workshops led by award winning chefs in places such as France and Germany.

On board you will be able to find knowledgeable chefs preparing and showing you how to create the perfect dish. What's more, there will even be a wine connoisseur on board helping you decided which wine suits best with each meal.

Floriade 2012 with River Cruise Line

The River Cruise Line offer guests an incredible themed cruises to the Netherlands to see some of the world's greatest Horticultural scenes. A cruise along the Rhine and the Floriade is quite simply a must for any lover of nature and flowers.

Aptly named a 'theatre of nature', this world-renowned festival is only held every ten years and one of the most popular ways of visiting is via a river cruise. You can expect to see an array of flowers, plants, trees and five unique displays including; music, dance, literature and art.

The Hot Spots For Caribbean Cruises

When you think of a Caribbean cruise, crystal clear water, powdery white sand beaches and cloudless blue skies often springs to mind. The Caribbean can be split in to two sections with travellers often choosing to visit either the Western or Eastern end of the location as believe it or not, the coast of Mexico is over 2000 miles from some of the Caribbean islands.

Western Caribbean Cruises

Mexico is a favourite destination for many to visit whilst on a Caribbean cruise. If you are visiting Acapulco then you can expect one of Mexico's best beach resorts. Cozumel is the gateway to all of the Mayan history and the ideal port of call to see 'Chichen itza' - the Mayan Pyramids. Mazatlan offers a whole host of historical sites including a Moorish-style cathedral, and the Plazuela Machado square with quaint cafes and theatres, or you can visit 'Museo de Arqueologia' which is an archaeological museum.

Jamaica offers everything from tropical gardens and rainforests to pristine white sand beaches and out-of-this-world snorkelling opportunities. The capital city, Kingston is a vibrant city and a popular port of call. Rich in life and culture, there is plenty to do here including exploring the Blue Mountains where you will be able to taste the infamous Jamaican coffee bean, pay tribute to the Jamaican legend Bob Marley, or even spend your day shopping in the bustling Kingston Markets.

Havana is the capital city of Cuba and a beautiful port of call. Havana boasts spectacular beaches, sparkling crystal clear waters and a romantic atmosphere. During your visit to Havana you can discover the Old Town of Havana with its fascinating history and architecture, visit the National Museum of Beautiful Arts of Cuba, or simply unwind amidst the glorious scenery of the Caribbean ocean on the Playas de Este beach.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

When people picture a Caribbean cruise they tend to picture the Bahamas. The two main ports of the Bahamas are Nassau and Freeport. The city of Nassau is perfect for shopping in boutiques and sightseeing around the city. Freeport is where you can take part in active activities such as touring the national parks by bicycle or jeep, explore the coral reef with snorkelling and scuba diving or take part in swimming with dolphins - a favourite shore excursion for so many.

As one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico offers untouched rainforests, quiet beaches and plenty of Caribbean culture to take in. The capital city, San Juan, is the perfect place to visit to soak up the islands Spanish colonial culture. You can take a tour around the city's famous landmarks including the 17th century fort of El Morro and no trip to the island would be complete without visiting the Bacardi Rum Distillery where you get the chance to take a fascinating tour to see how rum is made.

The Dominican Republic is an undiscovered island with a whole host of adventures yet to be discovered. Santa Domingo is the capital of the island and definitely a place worth exploring. With Old World Spanish architecture, a wander around the 'Colonial Town' is a must. Steeped in five centuries of history, you'll discover many original buildings here, including the 'Cathedral Santa Maria' - the very first cathedral in the Americas. La Romana is another popular port of call here and offers an extremely picturesque experience with palm trees, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Home to the largest handmade cigar factory in the world - Tabacalera de Garcia certainly is a popular attraction.

It is true what they say, the Caribbean really is paradise on earth making it one of the most sought after cruise destinations in the world and you can be sure that there is more to Caribbean cruises than you thought.

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Eastern Caribbean Cruises Are A Gateway to Heaven

From month-long transatlantic cruises, to 7 and 14 day sails, numerous cruise lines contend for this hot-spot, and scouring cruise deals reveals an array of affordable options to suit every budget.

The most popular companies, like Royal Caribbean, P&O, Holland America and Celebrity Cruises make weekly pilgrimages here during the popular summer season, some even venturing out to Bermuda, possibly the most challenging of all the Eastern Caribbean ports.

What to do once you get there? Everything!

From sunbathing on beautiful beaches, to scuba diving, snorkelling, shopping and sight-seeing; there's little the Eastern Caribbean islands don't offer. Need more reasons to go?

Here you go: no less that five James Bond films were filmed here, the local delicacy is a type of toad on steroids, the indigenous Carib tribe was once cannibalistic and this is the birthplace of reggae music.

Take from that what you will, but let us assure you... an Eastern Caribbean cruise is like nothing you've ever imagined. So channel your inner pirate and explore these exquisite sanctuaries on your next summer vacation.

St. Lucia

In the middle of the eastern Caribbean cluster of isles sits St. Lucia, a charming and unpretentious (you guessed it) tropical paradise. St. Lucia was the birthplace of Napoleon's wife, and was once a very prominent French protectorate.

Nowadays, the island is mostly known for the UNESCO site of 'The Pitons' (a twin-peaked volcano), and the splendid mountain range which dissects it. Join a Segway tour to the top of Mt Pimard for breathtaking, and unobstructed, views of the Rodney Bay, or head to the Pigeon Island Nature Reserve where the scuba diving is top-notch. Perhaps you'd like to test their stamina by booking a hiking tour to the top of Gros Piton, the bigger of the two extinct volcano peaks.

There are also various walking trails through the island's many rainforests to be had. We strongly advise you to pre-book all you on-shore activities directly with your cruise liner's co-ordinator before you even arrive; St. Lucia is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Eastern Caribbean and activities get booked out often. Avoid disappointment by booking ahead.

For locally made handicrafts and souvenirs, head to the open air markets near the Castries port, where duty-free shopping is available for all cruise holidaymakers.

The Bahamas

Stopping over to visit The Bahamas, whilst on an Eastern Caribbean cruise holiday, makes for a kind of inception experience. This cluster of islands, within a cluster of islands, offers hundreds of different on-shore activities on hundreds of different isles! Whatever it is you fancy doing, you'll definitely find an island to do it in. From a game of golf to a full day health-spa pamper and all the sporting extras you've ever dreamt of, there's nothing you won't find in this cluster of gorgeousness.

If you'd like to get away from the crowds, the shops and the bargaining for the day, do note that The Bahamas is home to the Lucayan National Park and full-day tours can be organised to visit Ben's Cave, one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. Tours can be specifically organised to coincide with your cruise liner arrival and departure, so consider booking this activity fro an epitome day out in nature.

Bermuda

The world's most picturesque island is situated on the northern end of the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. But don't just take our word for it... Bermuda has been voted the 'number 1' cruise holiday destination for decades now. In fact, some would say, it's all getting rather boring. Could Bermuda really be that good?
You bet!

Sparkling rose sandy beaches, accosted by spectacular tropical reefs, are just appetisers for those lucky enough to venture here. Once on shore, your choice of activities are almost endless; there are water sports galore, natural hikes aplenty and an old English colonial town just itching to be discovered. The local inhabitants are amongst the friendliest in the world and the quality of the cuisine unmatched. No wonder then, that Bermuda has been the R&R playground of the rich and famous for decades.

If you're interested in the natural attractions in Bermuda, then we suggest you don't stray too far from the shore! Scuba diving and snorkelling are superb, and the crystal clear waters provide unobstructed views of the endemic sea life in the nearby reefs. If you'd like to stretch your legs a little, then visit some of the most interesting on-shore attractions like the Bermuda Aquarium, the Maritime Museum or the Crystal Caves.

The former capital of Bermuda, Old Town St George, is Britain's oldest surviving colonial settlement and is well worth a visit. Perfectly preserved, St George Town is protected under the UNESCO World Heritage banner.

Whilst Bermuda is a relatively small island, obviously surrounded by copious amounts of sea, one would think that it would be an easy Caribbean cruise port to reach. In fact, the opposite is true.

The best island in the Caribbean, is quite possibly the most difficult to dock in! The immense reefs, coupled with unusual weather patterns, make Bermuda quite a challenge; not every cruise line reaches this particular port, the most popular visitors here hailing from the Holland America, Cunard Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean.

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Cruises From the Port of Liverpool

The cruise industry itself has picked up and has grown dramatically in the past few years and it is well documented that this is down to the fact that cruise holidays themselves are not as exclusive as they used to be and the market is far more open now than it ever has been. However, what about cruises from Liverpool? The port itself is very well known and is a popular departure point for many cruise enthusiasts although where can you actually go on a cruise from this city?

For a start we should mention how you get to the port itself. While a good piece of advice would be to stay in the city overnight because this is the best way in which you can be sure to get to your vessel in time and not have to rush to port, it is also very easy to get to the port of Liverpool itself.

The city's Lime Street Station is connected to most of the other major cities in the UK, including London, so it is simple enough to get to and a short taxi ride will take you straight to the port or, if you are going on a cruise with Fred Olsen, a £5 coach trip to the port will be available. Another method of getting to the port for cruises from Liverpool is to drive: come off the motorway to the A5036 then get onto the A565 from the junction and port itself is well sign posted from here.

Where can you go to from Liverpool though? Well the destinations that start from the city are quite diverse and it is really up to what kind of cruise holiday you are looking for. The Celtic Explorer trip is one that is always popular amongst travelers as it takes you around both Wales and Ireland as well as a stop off at St. Mary's on the Isles of Scilly.

If you fancy something a bit further afield then look towards the Fjordland Splendour that will show the Norwegian Fjords in all their glory or perhaps you prefer a more exotic climate? In that case a trip around the Mediterranean with Spain and Portugal with a visit to Morocco as well would be more your thing. The fact is that cruises from Liverpool benefit from being in a very accessible location and you can also embark on many diverse and fascinating cruise holidays as well.

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Can We Build a Ship to Sail the Seven Seas That Uses Ocean Wave Generation Power?

There have been a few small boats which have been built that run off of the waves of the ocean, they collect energy from the waves, and use that to turn the propeller. Of course, making forward progress is difficult if they are going into the waves because the waves are pushing in the other direction, and it is hard to convert that energy in enough percentage to propel them forward. Nevertheless, they can work with a waves from the rear, that is if the vessel doesn't go faster than the approaching waves from the rear, or the boat could use side currents converting enough energy to move the propeller to propel the boat.

The designers of these things use rather interesting techniques, and their devices often allow the waves coming between a catamaran to push floats up and down, this in turn is connected to a crankshaft and gears to the propeller shaft. That's an interesting strategy right? Sure it is, but I have a different idea, I'd like to build something really large, perhaps something the size of a giant oil tanker, but made with carbon nanotube construction, so it's much lighter than steel, and much more buoyant.

Next, rather than floats which are designed very similar to ocean wave generation machines to power up local coastlines as alternative energy features, it seems it might be more appropriate to have suction cup shaped holes in the bottom of a flat hulled boat, as the wave when underneath the boat would automatically put more dynamic pressure up against the air which was trapped in the convex or cone shaped space underneath. This would cause the air pressure to push up on a piston. Once released more air could fill that cavity, while also helping with the buoyancy.

Then, you could have many crankshafts along these pistons set to the length of the waves to power up the propellers. Perhaps you could disengage some of the cone shaped orifices based on the length of the waves, so you didn't have any of the pistons fighting each other. Is this a feasible design? We don't know, because no one has ever built it, and there are no CADCAM mathematical algorithms to prove that it would work or not. About the only thing we can do now is build one, and see if it works.

If it is not enough to power up a large-scale ship, even one which is more buoyant and light weight, perhaps it could propel a smaller craft like an amphibious unmanned vehicle for marine research, or military applications. Perhaps we should be thinking here, and some PhD robotics candidate student working on AUV's might build and engineer one. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

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4 Easy Seasickness Relief Tips

Summer's finally here and what better way to make the most of this sunny vacation season than to spend it on a lush tropical island paradise with your family and friends. Probably do some sun-loving on a deserted Caribbean island beach with soft white sand, or cruise around the islands with a luxurious powerboat, and go snorkeling in some of the many reefs while you're at it. But then there is seasickness who's waiting for every inch of opportunity to spoil your fun.

Seasickness happens when the equilibrium sensors located in the ears receive conflicting signals from the environment. In other words, when sea's buoyancy is rocking away your boat and all you're seeing is the four corners of the powerboat's under deck, your brain gets confused. When it does, it sends an alarm signal that messes up the body's digestion process. Thus, the nausea, vertigo, and of course, the vomiting.

If you're worried about your seasickness ruining your summer holiday, don't. Here are 4 easy ways to get rid of this killjoy.

Prevention is always better than cure. If seasickness is an annoying old friend, you can arrest its visit by not inviting it over in the first place. Eat light before sea trips, an empty or a full one, boosts your chances of getting seasick. Also, motion sickness is on exhaustion's speed dial. Getting a good amount of rest the night prior to traveling lessens its probability of joining you in your trip.

Alcohol and coffee are two of the known accomplices of seasickness, best avoid them before and after your seatrip.

Get your senses and surroundings in harmony. When the eyes seeing differently to what the ears are hearing and what the body is feeling, the brain gets excited -- a confused excitement. You may want to stay away from the under-deck or have your eyes locked at your iPad or even a book. Fix your gaze at the horizon in front to get all your senses in synch. Here's a protip, don't look backwards.

Always take quick seasickness relief with you. By simply staying hydrated, you can reduce motion sickness significantly. Always carry along your mineral water bottle or a sports drink. Other seasickness relief you may want to take along are acupressure bands and ginger. They help prevent motion sickness and remedies nausea, respectively.

Don't forget your meds. Dramamine is an effective over the counter medication to help ease seasickness. The downside of it though is that it makes your drowsy. A patch version of it is worn behind the ear to arrest the triggers for seasickness, however, this little guy is available only by prescription.

Here's a bonus. Take your mind off your being sensitive to traveling at sea, thinking constantly about it is like sending motion sickness an RSVP invite. Also, it also wouldn't hurt to do simple deep breathing exercises, which are very effective in calming the body and mind.

With your seasickness troubles in check, there is nothing standing on your way between you and one of the best summer vacation of your life.

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Canal Boating And Marinas Are In The Limelight During The Jubilee Celebrations and Olympic Games

It's a busy time in London at the moment. Not only are the Great British public gearing up for the Olympics, we also have the Diamond Jubilee, celebrating the 60 years that Queen Elizabeth has been on the throne.

One part of the Jubilee celebrations is a flotilla on the River Thames and is set to be one of the largest ever assembled. Many types of boat are involved including fire boats, working boats and even narrow boats. These narrow boats have come from all over the country, from various places including Liverpool, Warwickshire and Cheshire marinas and those tethered on different waterways including Grand Union Canal and Shropshire Union Canal moorings. Due to the un-hurried nature of the narrow boat, many have been travelling for the last two or three weeks, in order to arrive on time for what will be unique event marking Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.

Once the Jubilee celebrations are over, it will be full steam ahead to the London 2012 Olympic Games. The torch is currently working its way around the country, destination London. One thought that springs to my mind is, "How will London transport be affected by the influx of visitors and what is being done to help ease the pressures of the extra thousands of people due to descend on England's capital?"

One novel way of getting to and from the Olympic stadium is by boat, but more specifically, canal boat. The license to provide a canal boat service to the Olympic Park has granted to one company based 40 minutes (by canal boat) from the stadium. Their service travels to and from the stadium from two places, Limehouse Basin and Tottenham Hale both of which you can arrive at by various means of London transport. With the increase of road traffic and pedestrians, this canal boat may well be the quickest way to get to the stadium even if only travels at 4 miles per hour! This leisurely pace also allows you to relax and take in the scenery as you travel through London.

However, this service does seems to be a premium service rather than a service for all. Whilst you do dock just 70 metres from the Stadium, with its own fast-track entrance and can sip a complimentary glass of champagne whilst waiting for your boat, an adult return ticket is priced at £95.00 and a child return ticket is £50.00. For a family of four, the cost is £290.00.

All that aside, I think that this is certainly an interesting use for the canal boat and this, along with the flotilla will hopefully show how versatile it can be.

Cruises to Caribbean

Cruising to the Caribbean is more popular than any other Cruise destination. So what makes a Cruise to Caribbean so popular? Well it's more than likely a combination of a number of factors including;

· Some of the World's best beaches.

· Diversity of influences such as; British, French, Spanish & Dutch

· Vast choice of itinerary's from a wide selection of Cruise Companies.

· Clear Sea's full of marine life.

· Great duty free shopping.

· Warm climate all year round.

The list goes on & on so it's easy to see why the Caribbean is the number 1 Cruise destination.

The Caribbean Cruising area is so vast it's generally split up into 3 separate areas; Southern Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean & Western Caribbean.

The Southern Caribbean consists of Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, Margarita, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia St Kitts & Nevis amongst many others. The Islands on a Southern Caribbean Cruise are very close together & so cruise ships can stop at more than one a day so the itinerary's tend to be more hectic & fast paced, because of this these cruises are more suited to the experienced cruise passenger.

The Western Caribbean takes in Cuba, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos & the Bahamas. Cruises depart from a variety of ports mainly, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral all in Florida. Other ports sometimes used are Mobile in Alabama, Galveston in Texas & New Orleans in Louisiana. Because of the distances involved Western Caribbean cruises often include 2 days at sea & are therefore more relaxing & especially recommended for first time cruisers.

The Eastern Caribbean Cruises normally depart from ports in Florida or San Juan in Porto Rico, they offer more variety than Western Caribbean Cruises with the Islands being very close together, making it possible to make 3 or 4 ports of call a day. Most Itinerary's take in St Thomas, St marten, British Virgin Islands, Haiti & the Bahamas. If departing from Florida you may start & end with a day at sea. Cruises to the Eastern Caribbean are more suited to the active cruise passenger or more experienced traveler.

There are a host of activities you can get involved in whilst cruising or you can just put your feet up & relax. Apart from all the shore excursions possible on your Caribbean cruise you won't be short of anything to do whilst cruising between ports. From rock climbing to surfing, from roulette to West End shows there is always something going on on-board your cruise ship. Regular cruisers will be familiar with all the activities available whilst I can promise first time cruise goers that they will be amazed at the facilities provided on modern cruise ships.

Cruise durations to the Caribbean can be from as little as 2 days up to 14 days or more. You should decide what type of Caribbean cruise you are looking for i.e. a relaxing cruise or a busy site seeing cruise then decide which area you would like to visit. One other thing you may like to think about is "cruise & stay" where you either start or end your cruise with a stay on land either in a city or beach destination. If you do decide on this option I would definitely recommend that you choose to stay at your land based destination before, and NOT after your cruise, the reason for this is that many people become so accustomed to the level of service & attention on the cruise part that they are most disappointed with the land based part of the holiday.

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Cruise Packing Tips

Packing for your cruise can be a difficult task, especially for first time cruisers. A lot depends on where you are going and the length of your cruise. Here are a few general cruise packing tips to help you get through the process.

First of all, make a checklist. This may seem obvious to some but many people still try to pack without a list. If you are the type that resists making a list, overcome it. The small amount of work it takes to make a list is far less than trying to remember everything in your head.

Keep a pen and paper in an easily accessible spot. Then as you think of things, quickly add them to the list before you forget them. As the list grows during the weeks prior to your cruise, you will see how useful the list has become.

If you are cruising somewhere cold, don't pack only winter clothes. You may be surprised with a warm day. So bring a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. They don't take up much room and may come in handy. Many cruise ships have indoor pools so consider bringing a swim suit.

Cold weather cruising means warm clothing. Rather than heavy overcoats, try packing lighter sweaters and jackets that can be worn in layers. This will reduce the bulk in your suitcase and give you some flexibility if the weather is not as cold as expected.

When cruising to warm climates, be ready for unexpected cool temperatures with a few warmer clothes. Ocean winds can cool you down, especially at night.

Most cruises involve shore excursions. Know ahead of time which excursions you will be participating in and pack accordingly.

Leaving the ship to spend the afternoon at the local beach? Bring your beach shoes or sandals, snorkel, sunscreen and something to read.

Are you planning a shore excursion that involves a long day of sightseeing on foot? Then be sure to bring some good quality comfortable walking shoes. Make sure they are broken in. This is not the time to start wearing a new pair of shoes that are stiff. Your feet will thank you.

Here are a few cruise packing tips that you may not think of. Pack some air freshener. Your cabin bathroom will not have an exhaust fan.

Cruise ships have a lot of people in a relatively small place so bring a supply of hand sanitizer.

You will probably be bringing several electronic devices like cell phones, media players and laptops. Bring the chargers, of course, but an extension cord will come in handy to reach those wall outlets that always seem to be in the most inaccessible spots.

Typically cruise lines will provide towels and generic soap and shampoo. Check with your cruise line to see what they supply. You will probably have to bring your own toothpaste lotions and other personal grooming supplies.

At the end of your cruise you will be packing up your luggage for the cruise line to process. Bring a small bag for a few clothes and personal items to use the last might of the cruise.

Mostly you will be wearing casual clothes. But bring some more formal clothing as well. There will be dinners and evening events where you will want to dress up.

It is important to find out as much as possible about the specific cruise line and type of cruise you will be taking. Don't assume anything. Ask lots of questions. The more information you have about the facilities and activities, the better you will be able to plan for your needs and pack accordingly.

Getting Married And Being All At Sea - Cruise Weddings Overview

Let's be honest, organizing a wedding can be a daunting prospect, and amongst one of the most stressful projects one can undertake. We've all seen perfectly demure young dames morphing into horrid Bridezillas due to incompetent florists, disorganised venues or inept travel agencies. Well, we do have the perfect solution to all your wedding-preparation-anxieties.

Organise a cruise wedding and watch how easily, and effortlessly, your big day comes together with barely a stressful moment in sight. Why not leave all the trouble to a capable professional? Cruise liner's wedding co-ordinators do just that! Not only do they look after every single little detail, but they do so efficiently; leaving you with only butterflies in your stomach to deal with.

Cruise weddings are rising in popularity and it's easy to understand why that is. Superlative cruise lines like P&O, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Azamara, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and many more, now offer the once-in-a-lifetime chance to tie the knot in beautiful locations the world over. Each has their own 'theme' they specialise in, so whether it be an 'at sea' or 'port' wedding you're after, there's a cruise liner that's just perfect for you.

All cruise wedding packages include the use of a co-ordinator, the ceremony, champagne for toasting, a bouquet (for her), button-hole flower (for him) and invitations for your family and friends. Packages start from as little as USD$800, but the up-limit is almost endless! Add a glorious wedding buffet lunch, on-shore activities for your wedding party and a whole host of other extras.

Now, all you have to do... is pick one!

Here's a rundown of the three most popular cruise wedding services around; all you need to do is make one simple phone call and voila', it's all done.

Princess Cruises

Want a wedding fit for a princess? Then you really can't go past Princess Cruises. These guys offer comprehensive wedding packages for as little as US$1300. And that, my friends, includes everything except the wedding dress! Most Princess liners have an onboard chapel, and this provider can also provide a live link to your friends and family back home. Super cool, super fun and, most importantly, super romantic cruise weddings are Princess' forte.

P&O Cruises

This funky cruise line is an absolute hit with young couples. P&O Cruises offer simple and elegant services starting from under US$1000, and include invitations, ceremony, flowers and champagne. The great attraction here, is that couples can just 'add' whatever services they like; so they need not pay for hair & make up let's say, if the bride wishes to do her own.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

The cruise weddings offered on Royal Caribbean liners are amongst the most varied, with on-shore weddings amongst the most favoured. Tie the knot on a tropical island with your liner as a backdrop, or climb on top of an Alaskan glacier instead. Whatever your preferred setting may be, Caribbean Cruises will certainly find it for you. Surcharges apply for cruise weddings held on public holiday, but this is standard practice, and will only set you back about USD100. A worthwhile expense for a dream cruise wedding!

Things You Should Know Before Your Plan Your Next Trip

With the multitude of decisions to make when considering traveling, you must have an idea about the best way to go about making the most of the time that you spend traveling. The tips in the following article will help you find your path to making the best possible traveling experience.

If you are traveling for business, but also plan on sightseeing, bring a diary or notebook with an envelope to keep your expenses separate. Make keeping track of business easier by jotting down each expense as you go along instead of trying to remember which expenses were work and which were fun. An envelope or pocket in the notebook is also a good idea to store your receipts in.

If you are traveling on a road trip with other drivers, make sure to switch up frequently. Many people drive until they get sleepy and then change, going to bed while the other driver continues the journey. You will be able to drive for longer periods if you change drivers on a schedule before anyone becomes overtired.

Set a budget for your travel expedition ahead of your departure. It is so easy to overspend when you are in the middle of a vacation high and you aren't thinking about the realities or consequences of the money you are spending. Determining a budget ahead of time and sticking to it will ensure that you can afford to take future vacations.

Frustration can occur if there are issues with your travel plans. Flights can be delayed or the right car may not be available. In these situations there are only two people who can deal with the situation, yourself and the agent you are speaking with. At the start, both of you care about resolving the issue, however, it is very easy for one of you to lose your cool. Keep calm and stay polite. You will accomplish far more this way, and your trip will be less stressful.

Don't forget to look up the time zones for where you will be traveling to and staying. Many people don't realize that there is a significant time difference that will not only play a role in your sleep schedule, but also in your communication efforts to those still at home.

Before traveling to an area that is completely unfamiliar one should do some research to know what to expect. This research can be as simple as where to get good food, to as in depth as where to go for entertainment and pre-purchasing of tickets. Research of any kind can surely improve the quality of travel and the overall trip.

Pack only what you know you will use when you are going on vacation. Make a list and be realistic of what you are going to be doing. Check weather reports when you are packing for the days ahead where you are traveling to.

If you have medical conditions or if you want to be on the safe side during your trips, consult with foreign consulates to get a list that contains local physicians that speak and understand English. Your hotel's concierge can also recommend doctors, including the one that they may use.

Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. While it is impractical to attempt to learn the entire language of every country you visit, you should focus on memorizing some key phrases to make your journey easier. This is especially true if you have dietary restrictions, so you can inform your waiter properly and avoid potential allergies.

If you are a woman traveling overnight on business, be sure that the blouses and underthings you wear and bring can be washed in the sink and hung up or blow-dried. Missed luggage and/or connections can mean you arrive at a hotel late at night, with only the clothes on your back to wear the next day. Lightweight, wrinkle-free polyester or microfiber blouses and tops can be washed and hung up, and will be dry in the morning, as will all your lingerie.

Now that you have some prominent tips to help you with the development of your travel plans, get going and make the plans for the travel that you will enjoy the most. Consider each tip as you work your way through the list of arrangements to be made and you will have a much easier time.

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Cruise Ships Tracking

There are certain things you need to know about cruise fleet tracking. No matter what kind of a ship it is that your company is driving, it's important to know that it's safe and out of harm's way. With the help of global AIS tracking you can rest assured that you know exactly where your ship is headed and that the drivers of the ship are safe as well. This is the most efficient tracking because it's done so with the use of satellites and it's even free. You can be away from work and have this downloaded onto your phone as an application - and check on the status of your cruise ships to make sure that it's going at a legal speed, in the right direction and that everything is working properly

See the Direction

Not only will you be able to see your own ship but the direction of other ships around you. Vessel finder will notify you that there is another ship close by and that yours should change directions immediately or contact the other ship to make sure that crossing paths is done so safely. All of the ships that are travelling will also have access to this and they will be able to see each other, weather conditions, speed and how long it's going to take them to get to their intended destination. This is a program that is not going to let you down or work inconsistently. It's very consistent and marine chiefs rely on these to make sure that their men are safe or are in their intended location.

Safety through Cruise Fleet Tracking

The tracking of cruise ships is especially important because the safety of every passenger on the ship is in your hands. Cruise fleet tracking is also a legal obligation; there are procedures that need to be followed to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Tracking a cruise ship is just as important as marine traffic because it's about the safety of the people on the boat and the boat operations.

With updates on weather conditions you can communicate with the drivers on the ship to give them a heads up on which areas to possibly avoid while traveling. With the help of heat sensors, the workers on the boat will also know that they should avoid certain routes because of on-coming ship fleets or marine ships. This is free to use and it's a great way to make sure that every routine is running smoothly.

The Bahamas - Visiting Bahamas

The Bahamas, which has a population of just over 350,000 people, is such a warm and friendly place, making it ideal for families as well as individuals and couples. The islands lie in the mighty Atlantic Ocean about 100 miles off the east coast of Florida, making them an ideal location for cruises and weekend getaways. There is something in this tropical paradise for people of all ages.

Just one trip to the Bahamas is all it takes to realize why this beautiful series of 3,000 islands, islets, and cays is regarded as one of the world's most popular cruise destinations. The Bahamas has it all; including soft sandy beaches, warm turquoise ocean waters, incredible five-star resorts, picturesque historical locations, and gorgeous weather. It may be a small nation physically, but it is definitely big on fun and adventure.

The youngsters will enjoy the waterslides, blue lagoons, and swimming with playful dolphins while the adults can try their hand at snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and sailing. If you would like a break from the water sports you can always try out the local golf course, visit the popular Bacardi rum distillery, and try your luck at the Atlantis Paradise Resort and Casino.

There is so much to see and do in this exotic location. Honeymooners will find everything they need in romantic Pink Sands Beach, while others will take the time to explore the wonderful capital city of Nassau by foot, bike, or carriage ride, where they can relive its history by exploring the fascinating streets, beaches, and forts. If you would like to learn about Bahamian history you will certainly want to visit the educational exhibits Roselawn Museum and Pompey Museum/Vendue.

The islands are overflowing with centuries of rich history as they have been the site of tribal Indians, pirates, explorers, and slave traders throughout the years. It's believed the Siboney Indians were the first settlers in the Bahamas more than 7,000 years ago. The Arawak Indians then sailed to the islands from South America's Amazon region and were still prospering there when Christopher Columbus claimed the land for Spain in 1492.

The local shipping route became so popular that is was soon infested with buccaneers and pirates who hid out in the numerous islets and cays. It believed there are close to 500 Spanish galleons lying on the bottom of the ocean off the Bahamian shores. The British tried the rid the islands of Blackbeard and other notorious pirates in 1718 when it became a Crown Colony.

American Loyalists then began to settle here late in the 1700s. However, the thriving cotton plantations they built were done so by the sweat of slaves. Slavery was abolished in 1834 and the Bahamas finally became an independent nation in 1973. It is now officially known as the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

The exciting attractions to visit are simply endless. Some of the most popular include the Pirate Museum; Paradise Island's water park, entertainment center and casino; the Queen's Staircase; Fort Fincastle; Bay Street; the bustling Straw Market shopping district; the Ardastra Gardens zoo and conservation area; Fort Charlotte; the colourful Royal Victoria Gardens; Government House; and the fun-filled Crystal Cay Marine Park.

There are several electrifying events in the Bahamas each year with the Junkanoo Festival being the king of them all. This exhilarating celebration is similar to New Orleans' famous Mardis Gras festival and Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. It is a yearly party which celebrates Bahamian culture, history, traditions, dancing, music, costumes, and cuisine. It is so popular that it's held twice a year, on December. 26th and then again during the early morning hours of New Year's Day. It takes place in many of the nation's towns, with Nassau holding the most extravagant parade. Smaller versions of the event are sometimes held in July and you can also visit the Junkanoo Expo museum to check out the colourful costumes.

Depending on the cruise line, you may be able to enjoy an excursion on one of the Bahamas many private islands. These islands offer everything you need to enjoy a pampered day at the beach such as showers, umbrellas, volleyball nets, hammocks, water sports equipment, children's activities, massage tents, shops, bars, and restaurants.

When visiting the Bahamas, most cruise ships dock in the invigorating cities of Nassau and/or Freeport. Cruises to this fabulous destination are available all year long and the length of the trip will vary, depending on the specific journey you choose. The islands receive approximately five million tourists each year with many of them being returning visitors.