Documentation prerequisites

Currently, U.S. citizens need a passport for cruises that stop at ports in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica. However, U.S. citizens cruising roundtrip from a U.S. port to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico do not need a passport under the U.S. State Department’s Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). These itineraries are called “closed loop” voyages. A “closed loop” voyage or itinerary occurs when a vessel departs from a U.S. port or place and returns to the same U.S. port upon completion of the voyage. Per the WHTI Land and Sea Final Rule, travelers on “closed loop” voyages are not subject to the same documentary requirements for entry to the United States as other travelers.

If your voyage falls under the “closed loop” rule you only need to carry a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) and a certified birth certificate (children traveling with an adult are also required to carry a birth certificate). A certified birth certificate has a registrar’s raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office, which must be within one year of your birth.

Keep in mind this rule is for U.S. citizens cruising from a U.S. port. If you are taking one-way itineraries you will have to have a passport. For example, if you start a cruise in Vancouver and end in Seward or Whittier, Alaska you must have a passport. The same is true for cruises starting in Los Angeles and ending in Acapulco, cruises starting in Miami and ending in Barbados, or cruises starting in Quebec and ending in New York City.

One very important item to understand regarding the WHTI rule is that U.S. citizens who travel by air to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda to catch their cruise ship must have a passport. Currently, those who drive across the Canadian border to a port will not need a passport since land-crossings are currently exempt. In that instance the aforementioned proof of citizenship is needed.

As always, passports are not required for U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from Hawaii or a U.S. territory, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

On June 1, 2009 all arriving and returning U.S. citizens must have a passport or passport card to enter the U.S. by land from Canada and Mexico. One exception is U.S. and Canadian citizens under the age of 16 will be able to present a birth certificate instead of a passport for crossing land/sea borders between the U.S. and Canada. There also will be special provisions for children traveling in school, sports or other groups. So, if you drive to Canada to catch a cruise you?ll need a passport. Additionally, the new rule means that round trip Alaska cruises from Vancouver will require a passport.

Passport or Passport Card?

What’s the difference between a passport and a passport card? The card contains radio frequency identification on an RFID chip, designed to be read quickly by scanning equipment installed at U.S. points of entry. However, it is not acceptable for air travel.

There is some cost savings in having a passport card versus a passport, here’s what you need to know:

Standard, first-time passports now cost $100 and are valid 10 years. U.S. citizens age 15 and younger pay $85 for a passport valid for five years.
The new land/sea passport card costs $45 for adults and would be valid 10 years. Citizens age 15 and younger pay $35 for a card valid for five years.
Current passport holders can apply for the card as a renewal and pay $20. The card costs $10 for those younger than age 16 who already has a passport.

For travelers who don’t want to deal with passports or passport cards, there is the “trusted traveler” card issued by the federal government to prescreened travelers (But those won’t get you over an international border the way a passport will.) Also, a number of border states are working on enhanced drivers licenses containing the RFID chip and other security features that are acceptable for entry at land and sea points.

Traveling without a passport is hazardous

Traveling to foreign countries without a passport carries some danger. For example, if someone who sails out of Miami without a passport falls ill when the ship is at sea and needs to fly home from the Bahamas it will be a hassle to get home since air travel from foreign countries requires a passport.

Additionally, if you miss embarkation and have to fly to meet the ship at the next foreign port – you would need a passport. These situations are rare, of course, but it does happen from time to time.

Lastly, keep in mind that all cruise line passenger contracts state it is the passenger’s responsibility to have proper documentation when arriving for embarkation at the pier. If you don’t have proper documentation you won’t be allowed to board the ship for your cruise.

Carnival Miracle

The Fat tuesday Magic will involve a three-day vacation path to Nassau which will involve the option of 3 unique types of staterooms. When not being on land experiencing the Bahamas, the vacation has a tornado waterslide as well as whirlpools or small golf. Additionally, it contains two lounges, a sports bar, online eating place, on line internet gambling house or a collection. There are 6 unique cusine options, with locations service being available a day per day. Younger generation programs will be available to keep kids fast paced, while there is also a health team, exercises, spa or beauty salon.

Carnival Cruise Lines
(888) 227 6482
carnival.com

Norwegian Pearl

The Norwegian Pearl`s vacation boat will leave Las vegas to Nassau with class and style. The send will offer its travelers with 12 cusine establishments, cafes, lounges, cafes. Children will be able to savor activities in its Water Kid`s Golf club, while their mother and father can be a part of the Corona Stogie Golf club, play their success in the Pill Golf club Casino or visit the collection. A volley ball, golf or golf ball court will be available, as well boating pools, spas or health team.

Norwegian Cruise Lines
(866) 234 7350
ncl.com

Celebrity Century

The Superstar Millennium will provide its three-day vacation travels to Nassau on board a boat which has been designed with atriums and plenty of open areas for a calming voyage. The send will feature a martini bar, online eating place, spa or cusine establishments. Staterooms with private verandas as well as magnificent bed sheets choices will also be available for certain improvements.

Celebrity Cruises
(800) 647 2251
celebritycruises.com

These three vacation collections which leave on various cruise travels from Las vegas are only a few of the many boats that will leave the Las vegas vacation slot each week. If you feel you need more details about two-day cruise travels which leave from Las vegas, the world wide web can always be a good resources of related information.

Miami Port is well known around the world as the Cruise Capital. There are innumerable offers from various cruise lines for a single day or a lengthy cruise to the Bahamas. Actually there is something for each taste and interests in this beach destination. So if you wish to go on a cruise from Miami to Bahamas, here are a few tips that might help you to enjoy your vacation to the utmost without laying too much stress on your pockets.

The first thing that is very important is to choose the cruise line that is affordable for you. There are various options like Fun Ships, Carnivals, Crystal and others with different types of arrangements. Usually the lengths of Bahamas cruises are of 2 or 4 night’s length. It all depends on your schedule.

Secondly, booking directly with cruise line helps you to grab discounts on last minute or early bookings. Elderly travelers too get discounts and if your dates are not fixed you can wait for the opportune moment when discounts are highest.

Thirdly, chalk out a plan of your holidays at the Bahamas. There is a lot to do there. So everything must be planned so that you do not miss out anything.

Interesting activities in the Bahamas:

You can arrange for sightseeing on your own. However, most people prefer to go on conducted tours as it is a new place. The special activities are exciting and can be arranged even before departure. You can enjoy plantation tours also. Young hearts would enjoy the horse-back rides on the beach, dolphin swims and zip lining. Those who are fond of shopping as most women are, should keep some time to stroll downtown and hop into the attractive shops to pick up a memento or a gift or step into the restaurants to taste the delicacies of the Bahamas. Shore excursions can also be booked after the payment of cruise deposit. If you have planned to explore the place on your own book your tour online to cut your costs. However it is not always necessary to hop about here and there. A quiet stroll on the beach gives great relaxation. Never over-do your holidays. Then it will not be worth the costs. Try to relax and enjoy the cruise from Miami to Bahamas.

Whenever you plan to go on a tour with a group always be at the spot quite before time. Try to be at the cruise terminal at Miami before noon. Most cruise ships offer a buffet lunch at the dining room as a Welcome Aboard gesture. If you are there before time you can go around the ship and explore it before the entire party reaches the deck.

Today, more and more families are finally discovering the advantages of a cruise vacation. They have all the benefits of a road trip and none of the drawbacks. You get to see multiple locations but you don’t have to worry about booking a hotel. Dad isn’t getting stressed about driving and the kids won’t get cabin fever because they have the whole boat to explore!

Cruise lines are finally figuring out that there are lots of families out there interested in a cruise vacation, and there are more affordable family packages and destinations out there today than there ever were before. Here are a few great ideas for cruises that will be fun for the whole family.

Royal Caribbean runs a three-night cruise of the Bahamas so even if you can’t get a whole week of work off, you and the family can still get away for a nice long weekend. This trip leaves from Miami, Florida and has stops in CocoCay and Nassau. What’s more, they also offer a reduced rate for the third and fourth passenger so it is even easier to bring the whole family along!

If you want a slightly longer stay, Royal Caribbean also has a four-night cruise that leaves from Fort Lauderdale and sails around the southern tip of Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico. The ship makes a day stop in Key West before hitting the seas overnight on its way to Cozumel, Mexico for a full day of exploring. After that it is another day or cruising the high seas before docking back in Fort Lauderdale.

For East Coasters who don’t want to make the plane trip down south, Norwegian Cruise lines runs a seven-night trip that sails out of New York City and on to the Bahamas. This also features a stop at Norwegian’s own private island!

For the kids, this cruise ship also features the Splashdown Kid’s Club, Sapphire Kid’s Pool, and Underground Teen’s Club. While they are busy the adults can sneak off to the Relaxation Room at the Bora Bora Health Spa or have a cocktail at the martini bar!

Of course some families don’t like all of the running around and might prefer a vacation where they get to their destination and spend a few days just relaxing. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit sets sail out of Bayonne, New Jersey and after two long days at sea it docks for three whole days at beautiful King’s Wharf, Bermuda. This locale is known for its gorgeous and convenient beaches and palm tree-lined streets.

While you are docked at King’s Wharf you will still be able to enjoy the ship’s many amenities. The Summit features basketball courts, a golf simulator, and shuffleboard. And don’t forget to check out the swimming pool or any of the four whirlpools!

As for wining and dining, Master Chefs preside over the kitchen of the two-story main restaurant. There is also a dine-in wine cellar and the Mast Bar, which overlooks the pool. You’ll have so much fun on the Summit you won’t want to leave the boat!

Still, there are surely families out there who have experienced the pleasures of the Bahamas and the relaxing waters of the Caribbean. They are ready to sail new and uncharted territory!

For these adventurous families MSC Cruises offers a seven-night cruise of the Western Mediterranean. This once-in-a-lifetime trip leaves from Genoa and explores the cities of Ajaccio, Civitavecchia, Salerno, Tunis, Palma De Mallorca, and Toulon.

Family vacations are an important part of childhood and they strengthen bonds between family members more than they may initially realize. Spending a whole week crammed into a hotel room or in a rental car can sometimes cause more stress between family members than is being let off.

A family trip on a cruise ship gives everyone a chance to have a little bit of breathing room. There is still plenty of opportunity for the family to hang out for some quality time, but there is so much to do on a cruise ship that people can take a break from each other if they need it.

Belize

Long known for its breathtaking vistas and its world-class scuba diving, this roughly Massachusetts-sized nation shares a border with Mexico. But Belize is home to several once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else. You can visit the only jaguar reserve in the world at Cockscomb Basin, take a bus through the Community Baboon Sanctuary, or wander through historic archeological sites like Xunantunich and Caracol. Belize is also home to the world’s only manual swing bridge as well as Central America’s oldest Anglican church.

Belize City is the penultimate stop on Carnival Cruise Lines’ seven-day cruise out of Miami, Florida. The Carnival Valor also counts Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico among its ports of call.

Tortola

Combine picturesque natural scenery with a taste of the West Indies, and you have Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands chain. Several protected anchorages and small coves make Tortola a paradise for boaters, snorkelers, and scuba divers alike. On land, you can take a horseback ride through the foothills, wander through old ruins from centuries gone by, or sunbathe on any of the white powdery beaches. It’s also a shopper’s paradise where you will find handmade crafts, local art, and exquisite jewelry.

Tortola is a featured stop on Carnival Cruise Lines’ eight-day excursion aboard the Carnival Freedom. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the ship also visits San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas; Antigua; and Nassau, Bahamas.

St. Kitts

St. Kitts is a hidden gem in the southern Caribbean. The 68 square mile island is dominated by three volcanic peaks which surround deep ravines, and several salt ponds and beautiful beaches dot its low-lying peninsula. St. Kitts is home to numerous grasslands, sugarcane plantations, and fruit tree groves; and the climate is temperate all year long. You can experience outstanding eco-tours or play around on the beach – or just languish in your picturesque isolation.

Carnival Cruise Lines can take you to St. Kitts as part of its seven-day cruise which departs from Barbados. The Carnival Victory will also whisk you to St. Lucia; Phillipsburg, Netherlands Antilles; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the island of Dominica.

St. Croix

St. Croix boasts a wide variety of sights and activities to accommodate the tastes of any traveler. You can explore tropical rain forests, wide-open beaches, rugged hills, and even underwater trails as you snorkel or scuba through Buck Island Reef. Guided tours of the island are available, or you can strike out on your own and see St. Croix Leap woodcarvers create beautiful mahogany furniture, shop in the thriving Christiansted market, or visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery.

St. Croix is the final port of call on a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Serenade of the Seas. Before that, you will dock in Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John’s Antigua; and Phillipsburg, Netherlands Antilles before returning to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Santa Catalina

This untamed wilderness features various floras with secluded oceanview coves, along with lush forests of kelp which are home to a cornucopia of sea life. But Santa Catalina has added enough resort amenities to make it a highly desirable secret getaway destination. You can spend your days snorkeling in the coves or hiking in the wilderness – or you can relax on the sun-kissed beaches all day long.

Carnival Cruise Lines has a quick four-day getaway cruise which departs from Long Beach, California. The Carnival Paradise also stops in the charming Baja California city of Ensanada.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Most Alaskan cruises only take you as far as the southeastern arm of the state. But Denali National Park represents the perfect blend of what makes up “The Last Frontier.” The park itself encompasses a mind-boggling six million acres of land and is home to Mount McKinley, numerous glaciers, and a rare subarctic ecosystem. Dog sled rides, backpacking, and wildlife photo tours await you in the nation’s largest state.

Holland America Line offers a ten-day cruise which departs from the Alaskan capital of Anchorage and arrives at Denali the following day. The ms Zuiderdam also stops in Fairbanks, Beaver Creek, Whitehorse, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan, Alaska before taking you along the famed Inside Passage and then visiting Vancouver, Canada.

go online and book a cruise to one of these unique destinations today!

Whether planning cheap cruises or something a little bit more expensive, there are always great deals to be found online, which will leave you with lots unforgettable experiences and the desire for many more. Here is a list of some of the best deals on the greatest cruises available now.

Cruise the Caribbean

With some savvy internet searching, you can find the best Caribbean cruises. And the best part is that it’s a 5-day trip aboard Western Caribbean Cruises. You’ll begin your journey out of Miami, Florida. You’ll also stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where you can stroll the white sand beaches or scuba dive into the coral reefs. As your journey comes to a close, Grand Cayman Islands is your final destination. Grand Cayman Island offers many activities such as diving, horseback riding and some of the best island food around.

As if this trip couldn’t get any better, you’ll be aboard the Celebrity Century cruise liner with new accommodations that include 314 new private verandas, 14 new Sky Suites and 174 Concierge Class staterooms, complete with fresh-cut flowers, a luxurious pillow menu, and upgraded bathroom amenities-even personalized stationery. Entertainment aboard the Celebrity Century includes top-rated theater shows, cabaret acts, comedians, a casino and plenty of dancing.

Sail the Seas to Mexico

Through online searching for discount cruises, you can find plenty of deals on 7-day trips to Mexico. For example, Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess regularly departs from Los Angeles, California and takes you on an exotic journey through the best hotspots in Mexico. Some great stops on this trip include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

The Sapphire Princess calls itself the jewel on the high seas and is known for its luxurious amenities such as the Lotus Spa, multiple swimming pools, elegant boutiques and especially for its amazing food, which is available 24 hours a day. This cruise liner offers the best in theater, including original Broadway and Las Vegas-style productions and a dazzling casino as well.

Sail to Enticing Europe

Perhaps one of the most extraordinary cruise deals you can find online is the 5-night cruise to Europe & the Mediterranean aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Departing from Barcelona, Spain, you will visit beautiful sites such as Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Other featured cities on the itinerary are Ajaccio and Provence in France.

This cruise will find you sailing in luxury on the Adventure of the Sea cruise liner, which has features such as 3,114 stunning guest rooms, an ice skating rink and a full sized rock-climbing wall. Dining on the Adventure of the Sea is an experience on its own, with a renowned Italian Restaurant, Portofino, a 50′s style diner, the tropical Aquarium bar, an English Pub, Champagne bar, a midnight buffet and complimentary 24-hour room service. Its Lyric Theater spans 5 decks from orchestra pit to domed ceiling, offering full production shows nightly. The ship also holds a Casino Royale, Jester’s Nightclub, gaming arcade and Connoisseur Club cigar club where you can find fine cigars matched with the best cognacs.

Ahoy Alaska

You can cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines on a 7-night trip to Alaska. Departing from Vancouver, you’ll first visit Ketchikan, located along the inside passage in Southeast Alaska. You will have the opportunity to go whale watching in Juneau and perhaps spot a Grizzly Bear or two on the shore of Prince Rupert. The tour ends in Seattle, Washington.

For this particular cruise, you will set sail on the Norwegian Pearl, which boasts 12 different restaurants, 11 exciting bars and lounges, a bowling alley and rock climbing wall onboard. While sailing, you can relax at their Bliss Ultra Lounge, a bowling alley/sports bar/night club complex, or at one of their Courtyard Villas, which houses private pools, hot tubs, cabanas and more.

Welcome Aboard to Australia

Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Sea is offering an extraordinary deal, starting a 7-night cruise to Australia. Stops on this cruise include Sydney, Noumea, which is off the coast of Australia, ending in Isle of Pines, New Caledonia, a short distance from Noumea.

Discover the allure of a cruise vacation, which has incredible appeal, due to the wide range of experiences you’ll have during your vacation. There is something fun and romantic about sailing off to sea with the ones you love, whether it is indulging spa sessions, gourmet dining, enjoying casinos and clubs, or just watching the scenery drift by from the cruise liner balcony.

1. Booking your Cruise

It may seem logical to book your cruise directly with the cruise line, but this isn’t always going to get you the best price. You may find a travel agent can offer a discounted price on the same cruise which means great savings for you. But don’t make the mistake of assuming you will get the best quote simply by walking into your high street agent, come on, you have to do a little work to save yourself some money! Which leads me to my next point.

2. Getting Quotes

Accepting the first price you are quoted wont always get you the best deal. The key is to get prices from a few different companies. Travel agents work hard to earn commission on each sale, and the more they have to discount for you, means less money for them. Again, this is where a little hard work now pays off later. It seems just about every travel agent promises to price beat, so, take advantage and hunt around for the lowest price. When you have it, why not go back to the most helpful agent, and see if they can beat it? It’s not always just the lowest price you’re looking for either, P&O, Princess, Cunard and Ocean Village for example will offer onboard credit to selected agents on different dates on many of their cruises.

3. Customer Loyalty

It’s sad but true; loyalty does not always pay off. You may have received a great deal on your last cruise and have gone back to your same agent expecting another. It is still important to be ringing around. As an existing customer, these travel agents know they already have your custom, they also know you are less likely to be ringing other companies for prices. Obviously, this isn’t always the case, some agents will genuinely reward their loyal customers, but it’s always worth checking.

4. Booking Onboard

We have all been there; 13 nights into your fortnight holiday, and it all feels like it’s over far too soon. And, if it’s been really good, all you can think about is when you can come back again. Well, good news – on many cruises you will be given the opportunity to rebook a cruise onboard with the purser or at the future cruise desk. They may be offering discounted prices, onboard spending money and lower deposits to secure your booking there and then. If you do rebook onboard, but feel discounts and onboard credit still isn’t enough, once you get home, why not check a few prices offered by travel agents? If they can offer a further discount, you may be able to get the booking transferred to them. The best part is, you still get to keep any benefits offered to you for booking onboard whilst taking advantage of the lower price.

5. Cruise Only

It is becoming increasingly popular to tailor make your own cruise holiday, this not only gives you the luxury of flexibility with your travel plans, but can be a more cost effective way to holiday.

It may be surprising to hear that when booking your cruise package (flights, hotel stays and transfers) with the cruise line, the flight can cost more than the cruise itself!

The idea is to get “cruise only”. This means you are just taking the cruise from the cruise line and will find alternative flights and hotels elsewhere. Your travel agent can then search around for you to find a suitable flight, transfer and hotel stay as required. This can save you a whole lot of money, and allow you to choose your preferred flight and hotel, too.

It isn’t always advisable to do this, particularly if it is your first cruise, or if you are going to a destination that you are unsure of, but for many popular cruise ports including Miami, New York, Barcelona and even Vancouver it is very easy to do yourself.

Importantly, by booking the flight through your travel agent, you will still be covered by their ATOL license which protects your travel plans, (something to check before booking) and, furthermore, they will be knowledgeable about transfer times and can book a flight that will get you to your destination in good time for your cruise.

6. Shore Excursions

It is easy to play it safe and go along with the sometimes pricy excursions offered by the cruise lines, and in many cases, an arranged excursion is a great, safe way to see places. However, often the destination is at the port, so you can explore yourself, or you may find it cheaper to hop in a taxi and head to places you really want to see and not the places the cruise lines want to take you. Also, be aware that if you pay for arranged excursions before you go, and they are cancelled, due to weather or a change in port of call on the itinerary, you may not be refunded.

Well there it is, enough inside information to make any travel agent squirm… So go out there, do a little work, and At Inside Cruise we like to keep cruisers in the know with all the latest cruise advice. So here are some of our top insider tips to help you get the best deals when it comes to booking your next cruise.

1. Booking your Cruise

It may seem logical to book your cruise directly with the cruise line, but this isn’t always going to get you the best price. You may find a travel agent can offer a discounted price on the same cruise which means great savings for you. But don’t make the mistake of assuming you will get the best quote simply by walking into your high street agent, come on, you have to do a little work to save yourself some money! Which leads me to my next point…

2. Getting Quotes

Accepting the first price you are quoted wont always get you the best deal. The key is to get prices from a few different companies. Travel agents work hard to earn commission on each sale, and the more they have to discount for you, means less money for them. Again, this is where a little hard work now pays off later. It seems just about every travel agent promises to price beat, so, take advantage and hunt around for the lowest price. When you have it, why not go back to the most helpful agent, and see if they can beat it? It’s not always just the lowest price you’re looking for either, P&O, Princess, Cunard and Ocean Village for example will offer onboard credit to selected agents on different dates on many of their cruises.

3. Customer Loyalty

It’s sad but true; loyalty does not always pay off. You may have received a great deal on your last cruise and have gone back to your same agent expecting another. It is still important to be ringing around. As an existing customer, these travel agents know they already have your custom, they also know you are less likely to be ringing other companies for prices. Obviously, this isn’t always the case, some agents will genuinely reward their loyal customers, but it’s always worth checking.

4. Booking Onboard

We have all been there; 13 nights into your fortnight holiday, and it all feels like it’s over far too soon. And, if it’s been really good, all you can think about is when you can come back again. Well, good news – on many cruises you will be given the opportunity to rebook a cruise onboard with the purser or at the future cruise desk. They may be offering discounted prices, onboard spending money and lower deposits to secure your booking there and then. If you do rebook onboard, but feel discounts and onboard credit still isn’t enough, once you get home, why not check a few prices offered by travel agents? If they can offer a further discount, you may be able to get the booking transferred to them. The best part is, you still get to keep any benefits offered to you for booking onboard whilst taking advantage of the lower price.

5. Cruise Only

It is becoming increasingly popular to tailor make your own cruise holiday, this not only gives you the luxury of flexibility with your travel plans, but can be a more cost effective way to holiday.

It may be surprising to hear that when booking your cruise package (flights, hotel stays and transfers) with the cruise line, the flight can cost more than the cruise itself!

The idea is to get “cruise only”. This means you are just taking the cruise from the cruise line and will find alternative flights and hotels elsewhere. Your travel agent can then search around for you to find a suitable flight, transfer and hotel stay as required. This can save you a whole lot of money, and allow you to choose your preferred flight and hotel, too.

It isn’t always advisable to do this, particularly if it is your first cruise, or if you are going to a destination that you are unsure of, but for many popular cruise ports including Miami, New York, Barcelona and even Vancouver it is very easy to do yourself.

Importantly, by booking the flight through your travel agent, you will still be covered by their ATOL license which protects your travel plans, (something to check before booking) and, furthermore, they will be knowledgeable about transfer times and can book a flight that will get you to your destination in good time for your cruise.

6. Shore Excursions

My final tip is to do some research on the ports you will be visiting before you go. Yes, I’m afraid it involves a little work on your part, but its well worth doing.

It is easy to play it safe and go along with the sometimes pricy excursions offered by the cruise lines, and in many cases, an arranged excursion is a great, safe way to see places. However, often the destination is at the port, so you can explore yourself, or you may find it cheaper to hop in a taxi and head to places you really want to see and not the places the cruise lines want to take you. Also, be aware that if you pay for arranged excursions before you go, and they are cancelled, due to weather or a change in port of call on the itinerary, you may not be refunded.

Well there it is, enough inside information to make any travel agent squirm… So go out there, do a little work, and get a deal on your next cruise.

When planning a cruise the first thing to consider is; where do you want to go? This is important because it can often determine what port you sail from and even what time of the year you sail.

After you decide where you want to go you then have to decide how many days you want to be gone.
There are 10-15 day transatlantic and extended Caribbean cruises, 142 day world cruises, that are sometimes longer or shorter and there is even a ship called ‘the World’ that you can buy staterooms in and live on as it travels the globe, wouldn’t that be wonderful.

A great thing about cruising is when you get to a ‘port of call’, which simply means a place you are stopping in port for a day or more, you can go on shore and do things you might not get to do at home, tour the town you’ve stopped in or buy things to remember your trip.
They also offer things like boat tours of the area, parasailing or zip line excursions, snorkeling or diving trips, historical tours of museums or churches in the area and sometimes you can even swim with dolphins, sting rays or sharks.

Ship range in size and style from the luxurious yacht types that the Seabourn Cruise Line is famous for to the newest Disney ship the Dream and the huge Royal Caribbean International ships the Oasis of the Seas and its brand new sister ship the Allure of the Seas, which is two inches longer making it the world’s longest cruise ship.
Some have half a dozen restaurants, night clubs, casinos, world class spas and fitness centers, high end shops and movie theaters.

So matter what your tastes or budget whether you’d like to go for a day, a week or half the year, cruises are a great way to spend a vacation.

Carnival Cruises has Big Values From The Biggest Cruise Line

In the thirty five years of its existence since the 1972 inaugural sailing of the TSS Mardi Gras, which unfortunately ran aground on a sandbar in the port of Miami, Carnival Cruise Lines have currently grown to operate a fleet of cruise ships large enough to qualify as a private navy, and may Carnival cruises may cover much of the Earth’s oceans as the world’s great navies do.

The most recognizable features of carnival cruise ships are their red-white-and-blue funnels built to resemble the tails of whales, and Fun Ship Freddy, a fantasy figure whose head resembles the Carnival ship funnel. In the Southern Caribbean, Carnival Destiny leaves from the Ports of San Juan, Aruba, and Barbados, and the Carnival Fantasy class ships are reserved for the prototypical three to five day Carnival cruises from Miami to ports in Mexico, the Bahamas, and nearby Caribbean destinations.

Every ship has at least two swimming pools, complete with waterslides, and on the Destiny-class ships one of the pools will have a retractable roof so swimming is always available no matter where the Carnival cruises are headed. But the forte of Carnival cruises might well be in the cruise line’s approach to feeding its guests.

Meals at these specialty restaurants will be at no additional cost. best-cruiselines.

Miami is located on the mainland of Florida. To the east offshore, lie a series of barrier islands. Furthest south of these is Key Biscayne. Next to the north is Virginia Key, then Fisher Island, and then Miami Beach. The bay separating these islands and the Florida mainland is Biscayne Bay.

Miami was founded as a tiny orange farming community. Then when a railroad was built to the township, its hot weather and coastline position proved to be popular with newcomers, so the settlement expanded rapidly.

In the early part of the twentieth century resort companies realized the potential of the Atlantic Ocean coastline of Miami Beach, and thus commenced the building of the stylish Art Deco buildings in South Beach. The hurricane of 1929 resulted in huge devastation to the area, but was only a hitch as new buildings were built as speedily as ever.

In the 1960′s there was a large migration into Miami of refugees from Cuba, fleeing the government of Fidel Castro. This meant Miami inherited the feel of a Central American city, with great vigor combining with a laid-back vibe.

Miami has today grown into a major city for industry, culture, tourism and entertainment. Miami’s cruise port is a major business and Miami is sometimes monikered the Cruise Capital of the World. Miami port welcomes all the major cruiselines, with itineraries to the sun-drenched Caribbean or often beyond.

Miami Port

Miami Port is positioned on Dodge Island, a piece of dredged land in Biscayne Bay created by the combining of three islands, Dodge, Lummus and Sam’s.

The port is a mere 2 miles from downtown Miami. Port Boulevard, a bridge over the Intracoastal waterway, connects the port to the city.

Eight cruise terminal buildings are managed by the port.

The B/C, D, E, F and G terminals are at the north coast of Dodge island, terminal H on the west, and terminal J on the south. along the south of Dodge island.

Terminals D and E, which were completed in 2007, are the newest. They are able of handling mega cruise ships. The combined distance end-to-end of all cruise ship berths is nearly 2200m. Eight large cruise ships can be berthed at the same time.

Each terminal has all the essential facilities, such as shops, check in desks, cab ranks, eateries and bars.

Further passenger facilities at cruise terminals D and E are airport like check-ins, advanced style baggage handling, and an all-in-one Multi-Agency Desk, with United States Department of Agriculture, US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration Office.

5 Best Things To Do In Miami (Editor’s choice!)

You may well have a day or two available on one side of your cruise or the other to explore Miami itself. Not to be missed are:

1 South Beach (aka SoBe)

SoBe, a fabulous Art Deco styled oceanfront island has the lot, fine restaurants, great people watching, simple cafes, boutique shops, hip shops, gorgeous historic hotels and a lovely beach. SoBe is just a 25 minutes from the cruise port by cab.

2 Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove, built in the 1870s, is Miami’s oldest region. It is a place of galleries, fashionable shops, bars and fine restaurants. Venture into Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an early 20th century estate built for a Chicago industrialist with the intention of recreating a Renaissance imitation estate.

3 Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida Park is positioned at the southern end of Key Biscayne. It is the home of a very old lighthouse originally constructed in 1825 then reconstructed twenty years later. Spend some time at the park to hike, sunbathe, swim, picnic and surf along more than a mile of gorgeous Atlantic beachfront.

4 Fairchild Tropical Garden

For a soothing outing go to the Fairchild Tropical Garden, here a series of artificial lakes are encircled by verdant flora and fauna.

5 Little Havana

For a taste of Cuban life today, venture into Little Havana, the place that lots of migrant Cubans fled to after getting away from their homeland. Walk the length of Calle Ocho, call in at a cafe for a cup of traditional Cuban coffee, visit the Cuban Museum and check out cigars being produced at the Credito Cigar factory.

Picking A Cruise From Miami

There’s a wide range of cruises on offer from Miami including the Eastern Caribbean (Tortola, San Juan, St Maarten and St Thomas), the Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Roatan), the Bahamas (Nassau and Freeport), or the Southern Caribbean (St Johns, St Kitts and Barbados). Extended voyages are sometimes offered, such as trips to Central America, up the Amazon or trans Panama canal to the east coast of the US.

Travelling To The Cruise Terminal From Miami International Airport

Miami cruise port is just a few miles from Miami International Airport. To transfer from airport to port, take a cab or catch the blue supershuttle service.

Also Worth Knowing

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