Luxury Cruises: Have you ever cruised into a prime port, spent a hurried day in frantic exploration, and only hours later stood on the ship’s deck as it pulled from the dock — already longing to return to really see the destination?

If your answer is “yes,” as mine invariably is, have you revisited? Perhaps.

But more than likely, not.

Well, no more. I recently discovered Royal Caribbean’s Cruisetours — billed as an addendum “designed to make a vacation for clients a complete vacation.” Offered in conjunction with cruises in Alaska, South America, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and Europe, it’s a pre- or post- multi-day escorted land segment that will immerse you into the land and its lore. Read the rest of this entry »

Why not save time and money by combining your wedding with your
honeymoon on a romantic cruise? A wedding that takes place on
your cruise can be a beautiful way to start a journey together
as a couple. However, it’s not quite as easy as it looks in the
movies. You will need time to arrange a wedding and it is best
to start at least a couple of months before your cruise leaves.

In reality, most couples don’t get married at sea, or on the
actual cruise ship. In order to do this, you need to find a
cruise line that has a wedding department and someone (often the
captain) to perform a legal ceremony. Not all captains have the
legal right to marry couples, so check this ahead of time if
your heart is set on an ocean bound ceremony. Read the rest of this entry »

Cruises are the most versatile of vacations no matter what your age. Not only that, it’s a great way to bring the whole family but still have time alone with your spouse while the kids-only activity coordinators take charge of your children’s fun.

The first step to putting together a great cruise vacation is to find yourself a travel agency that specializes in cruises, or to book directly through a cruise vacation Internet site.

Before you contact the travel agent though you need to determine when you’re going, where you’re going and from which port you’ll depart and to which you’ll return.

There are some seasonal rules of thumb about your destination. If you’re limited in the time of year you can get away then you’re also somewhat limited in your destination. You can’t, for instance, cruise the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska any time during the summer. Europe has about the same seasonal restriction as well. If you’re planning on heading out in the spring or fall you might want to consider an excursion up and down the Panama Canal. Just about any time of year, including the winter, you can cruise to Asia or the Caribbean.

Determine who is going to go with you. Knowing if children or seniors will be a part of your vacation group will effect which trip offers the best choices of entertainment for your party. In fact, it’s best to gather everyone together, or conduct a phone or e-mail discussion of what everyone wants to do. You need to know if crafts are important; how many are going to lounge by the pool; who wants to get off and explore at the first land stop; who prefers exotic locations and who’d rather just play shuffleboard. more

The size of the ship can be important as well. Larger ships have a vast variety of entertainment options, such as dancing and stage shows, although smaller ships may provide a lower guest to staff ratio, and thus more personal attention to your needs.

Know how much you and the others can spend. If money is a critical factor look for discounts for booking early, or starting out on a different day or different week from your original request. Staying flexible can save you considerable money. Ask about port fees as well. These are not usually included in the quoted cruise cost and may cost you dearly. You’ll also be expected to tip room stewards and wait staff.

If you’re not going as a large group and you might be interested in getting to know your fellow passengers then be sure and inquire about the usual demographics of these travelers. If you’re 20 something and it’s a baby boomer cruise you’re apt to be bored. If you bring your grade schoolers and most of the other kids are in their teens they won’t have enough playmates and you’ll be their entertainment for the extent of the cruise.

One very important inquiry to make of your travel agent as well is the formality of the cruise that you’re considering. If you show up with a suitcase full of swimsuits, shorts and sunscreen only to find out formal dress is required at dinner you’re going to be embarrassed or hungry the entire excursion.

When was the last time you saw an eagle descend from the sky, or stood in awe as a glacier cracked and an ice berg emerged?

Imagine your sense of wonder as you glide past glacier after glacier or your first sight of a cresting whale. While we have much to be proud of in our Alberta parks, I think Alaska is mother nature’s most spectacular show piece.

This year over 30 ships are providing you the incredible delights of warm, pampering service combined with the awe of this magnificent journey.

Remember, there are no roads to Glacier Bay, nor to many other top Alaskan attractions. That’s why exploring these pristine areas by ship is such a privilege.

Cruising Alaska offers us breathtaking views of Alaska’s natural wonders, as well as nights of thrilling entertainment, fine dining, pampering service, and an endless variety of activities.

From the moment you depart the convenient port of Vancouver, this will be the vacation you have only dreamed about.

As you cruise along the Glacier route, you will experience a magical, unspoiled land where walls of ice rise up from crystal blue seas and landscapes of wild flowers give way to snow-capped peaks. more

Alaska is a mecca for lovers of wildlife and vast wilderness. It is a place where you see sea lions gathering to bathe in the sun and the bald eagles circle overhead searching the waters for salmon. And you might see humpback or orca whales as they acrobatically breach the water’s surface.

You’ll be spellbound by the beauty of the Inside Passage. You’ll pass quiet bays, wooded islands, innumerable mountains and waterfalls cascading from granite cliffs – a panorama interrupted only by sightings of sea lions and whales frolicking in the waters around you.

Even more fun can be had as you visit ports as interesting as Ketchikan, southerly most port on the Inside Passage route and known as the “salmon capital of the world”. This port is also renowned the world over for its famous totems. Enjoy a stroll down famous Creek Street, the towns “red light” district; visit Misty Fjords, America’s newest national monument or attend the “Salmon Bake” and sample the local fare.

Juneau, Alaska’s capital and your first taste of the gold rush era, is a contrast of wild, natural country and thriving city. Explore the fascinating City Museum, quaint St. Nicholas Church and stop at Juneau’s favorite watering hole, the Red Dog Saloon.

The treasures beyond the city limits will beckon you too. Tour Mendanhall Glacier by motorcoach or helicopter. This river of ice, with craggy rock sentinels 3,000 feet above sea level is a natural wonder.

Skagway, a magnet for gold-seekers in the late 1890’s, was referred to as the “roughest town on earth” with its over 80 saloons. You can relive the racy Klondike days in this colourful turn-of-the-century town where cancan dancers and other entertainers in 1890’s garb will welcome you or take an authentic horse drawn taxi into town and explore the “Trail of 98” museum.

The plank sidewalks, false front buildings and narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon Railroad will make you feel as if you were back in the days of the Gold Rush.

On northbound cruises, you’ll also visit Sitka. When Alaska was still Russian territory, this was her glittering cultural centre in the West. Today, evidence of Russian culture can be found in the priceless icons and paintings of the onion-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral. Remnants of Sitka’s Indian culture are preserved in the National Historic Park.

A cruise to Alaska us the ideal vacation for couples, families, single people, honeymooners and fun-lovers of all ages and interests.

And there is no other way to do it with so much ease, affordability and excitement than by modern cruise ships.