Shopping for Cruises Online! How?

Which magnificent stateroom?

The question of what level of stateroom is a matter of taste, preference and of course cost. If you do not plan to spend much time in your room, perhaps an interior room would be suitable. These tend to be the best price point rooms as well. An "ocean view" room provides the passenger with a window from which to look at the day before getting ready for the day's events. Our personal preference is a stateroom with a private deck or veranda. We can sit early in the morning for a few minutes and enjoy each other's company taking in the fresh sea air. And later in the day, before getting ready for the fine dining aboard the cruise ships, we can again have our private time together sipping a glass of fine wine on our deck watching the islands drift by. Perhaps a suite is more suitable. On some cruise lines, the upper level of suites offers concierge or butler service. Whatever stateroom you choose, you will surely enjoy your cruise vacation in comfort.

How to compare Cruise Deals?

Now for the "biggie". How can I compare the cruise deals to get the absolute best value for me? If you have done your research well, it will likely be a simple task. "This cruise offers the itinerary on our preferred cruise line in the stateroom of choice at a price within our budget." However, you will want to compare deals with those exact specifications. At a1-discount cruises.com, we have a number of on-line cruise merchants who are waiting for you to send a request. Don't be afraid to offer your email address when requested. This will allow dialog without pressure so that you can ask questions or get clarifications in the privacy of your home or office. Check out two or three - or more - of the merchants to see how their pricing is and what incentives if any they have to offer you. If you are still unsure about dealing with an on-line merchant, check out your specific cruise with a "brick and mortar" cruise travel merchant and compare the value.

After you have done this, you can book your cruise knowing that you are getting the best cruise vacation. You have planned for your needs, interests and lifestyle. You have compared pricing with a number of qualified cruise merchants. All that's left to do is book your cruise on-line and get excited!

Check out some of the other informative articles relating to cruise vacations at a1-discount cruises.com. You may just find the cruise vacation deal that's best suited to you!

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises. This site is your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and deals! Visit http://a1-discount-cruises.com/ to find the merchant links with the best deals on the net for your special cruise. For more information on cruises, itineraries, cruise lines, cruise ships, even cruise wear, check out the Cruises Article Map at http://a1-discount-cruises.com/articles.htm

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Choosing a Cruise

So, you want to go on a cruise! It's exciting, it's fun and it's your way of enjoying the great life. But how do you make the choice of where to go, when and with whom? There are so many choices with respect to cruising nowadays that it can be very confusing. Here are a few tips to consider helping you decide which cruise is right for you.

Listed below are few examples of the types of cruise you may wish to take:
1. Mediterranean cruise
2. Caribbean cruise
3. an Alaskan cruise
4. a cruise down the Amazon or Panama Canal
5. a Transatlantic ocean crossing
6. South Pacific or Hawaiian Island cruise
7. River cruises (the fjords in Norway, the Danube in Europe, the Nile in Egypt, the Mississippi in United States)
8. Polar cruises to see the penguins in the Antarctic
9. Russian waterways cruises
10. Galapagos Island cruises
11. New Zealand or Australia

Each can be very appealing but are also very different.

1. The first thing to consider in taking one of these cruises is when you want to go-the time of the year can dictate the type of cruise. Some cruise ship lines do not offer cruises to the Mediterranean in the winter months, but transfer their ships to the warmer waters of the Caribbean. Alaskan cruises only run in certain months also due to weather conditions. Ocean crossing cruises (Transatlantic) take place only as the seasons change so that cruise ship companies can reposition their ships to match the high seasons' tourist industry.

2. You also have to decide on the length of your cruise. A typical choice is a 7-night cruise, but you can take cruises from 3-4 nights to over a month in length, or more. The length of your vacation time available may limit you, but taking a cruise for the first time may also be a consideration. Limiting your cruise to a manageable shorter cruise may help you decide whether a longer cruise at another time may be more advisable. In other words, do you get seasick? Do you like the variety of visiting different ports? Do you wish to simply stay at one destination and relax? Do you like the busy atmosphere of the many activities on a ship?

3. Next, the ports that you wish to visit can be a great part of which cruise is the right choice for you. Have you always wanted to visit Tortugas, the Bahamas or Cayman Islands? Here is your chance to get a taste of it. Make sure that one of your chosen destinations is on your cruise itinerary, and there are endless choices of various itineraries available. Cruises are great ways to experience various places. Then you can decide which destination you would like to see more of on a future vacation.

4. Another consideration in choosing a cruise is the amount of time you wish to be "At Sea". For a Transatlantic voyage you are at sea for many days at a time, which limits you to being within the confines of the ship at all times. This can be a bonus if you don't want the hustle and bustle of visiting different ports, but it can also be a downside if you want a lot of variety on your vacation. Some cruises offer very little time at sea, being in a different port every day, and this flurry of activity can be too overwhelming for some vacationers. I would recommend a bit of both-for a 7-night cruise a good happy medium would be 2 days at sea with the other days stopping at various ports of call.

5. Once you have narrowed down your choice of cruise to when and where you wish to visit, the next hardest choice is the cruise line and size of ship you want to use. The size of ship can dictate the cruise line, as some cruise lines offer significantly larger ships than others. Some cruise lines only use smaller, more intimate ships for smaller groups of people. Other cruise lines offer huge ships with passengers in the thousands. You must decide whether you like a small personal touch or like the larger groups. (We found that even on a larger ship, there were still areas where we could go to get away from the crowds. Crowding on the huge ships was not a problem at all.)

6. Fitting the cruise line to your individual personality is perhaps the most important factor in determining your cruise enjoyment. There are many different types of ship lines that cater to varying personalities. Of course, the Disney Cruise Line caters to families, but others such as Carnival Cruises cater to more of a party atmosphere for adults, or Norwegian focuses on a more conservative group. Discuss with your travel agent which cruise line fits you best. Cruise lines also offer themed or special interest cruises, such as an art collectors cruise, golfer's cruises or culinary class cruises. These may be great to fit in with the interests in your life-style.

7. Once you have found the best itinerary for you on the cruise line that suits your personality, at the best time of year for you, there are still other choices you need to make. Some cruise lines offer "freestyle cruising", which simply put means that you don't have a set dinner time at a set table, but you can choose to eat whenever you wish. On most cruises, however, you have a preset dinner time at an assigned table. You can choose an early dinner (usually around 6-6:30) or a later dinner time (7:30-8:00). In choosing your dinner time, take into consideration your off-ship excursions. You don't want to have to rush back from your shore excursion just to get back in time for dinner. You also usually have a choice of how many people you wish to sit with (usually from 4 to 8 -10 people at a table.) Our travel agent suggested a table of 8 on our cruise-she stated that if you were at a table for 4 and you didn't get along with the other couple you were stuck, but a table for 8 offered more chance of finding congenial soul-mates.

8. Shore excursions can also be a major part of your cruise experience. There are many different shore excursion packages available, from visiting butterfly farms, swimming with dolphins, exploring ancient ruins, to snorkelling or scuba diving. Of course, if you wish you do not need to go on any shore excursions. You can simply choose to stay on-board and take advantage of the ship's amenities, or you can simply walk around and visit or shop in the port-of-call.

Choosing a cruise can seem overwhelming, but the main point is to suit the cruise to what you want to get out of the experience. If you want a whirlwind of activity choose a party cruise line with that in mind. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, choose more time at sea. If you want to sample various cultures, choose a destination-rich cruise. Different types of cruises offer at of those things, and more. Hopefully the above has given you an idea in the choices you need to make to get the most enjoyment out of your cruise. Happy cruising!

If you want to read about travel adventures and have a little fun in your eating endeavors, why not try my new ebook for travel reviews and unique cuisine ideas and recipes: "Tastes and Travels Ebook"

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Cruise Vacations - Our Top 10 Reasons for Choosing to Cruise

Anyone who has taken fabulous Cruise Vacations can give you a hundred reasons for cruising your vacation time away. Once you have taken a cruise vacation, you'll know why. Cruising has so much to offer a vacationer it's no wonder that cruises have become so very popular.

We will look into just ten reasons for choosing a cruise vacation. These may not be your top 10 once you have cruised, but you will certainly understand why we say there are hundreds of reasons!

10. Cruising variety!

There are hundreds of cruise ships and boats to choose from. Small charter cruisers to the mega ships, cruising gives you a tremendous number of options. Then you can look at the destinations and ports-of-call depending on your taste and desires. From a cruise to nowhere, to a world cruise, you have almost unlimited options! On the mega ships, you have a variety of dining venues to enchant with exquisite cuisine. These ships also offer a wide variety of activities and even evening entertainment. Choose a cruise vacation for its variety!

9. Cruise vacation value!

A vacation cruise offers tremendous value. With the price of your cruise ticket, you get your efficient yet comfortable stateroom with housekeeping that seems to be never ending. The pampering service that you receive is exceptional in terms of resorts. You receive all on-board meals. In the case of the mega ships, this can mean a choice of elegant dining rooms with mouth watering presentations. These floating resorts provide a number of athletic activities that can range from volleyball and basketball to rock climbing and ice skating! And when the sun sets, the ships turn into "entertainment central". From Broadway and Vegas style shows to intimate lounges to rocking discos, the mega cruise ships offer it all!

8. Vacation activities while cruising!

What is your idea of vacation activities? Is it water sports? Cruising certainly has that with swimming pools and resort beaches. How about sightseeing? Do the historic cities of Europe intrigue you or would exotic ports of call be more enticing? Think vacation cruise! How about cultural lectures and educational tours? What about golfing on a different island every day in port? Does your vacation include a visit to the casino? Or, is your idea of vacationing soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach or by the pool? You guessed it. You can have any of these vacation activities by choosing an appropriate cruise vacation!

7. Cruising for family vacations!

Cruising is fantastic for family vacations of all ages! (See Family Cruise Vacation.) Many of the larger cruise lines and cruise ships offer special programs for children and teens. Kids get to get away from mom and dad, and mom and dad get some free time to relax and enjoy each others' company. With all of the activities available on board ship, no one should become bored. Add the interesting and educations shore excursions at the various ports-of-call, and everyone gets an appreciation of how others live. Special menu offerings for children make dining a breeze. And on some ships, there are 24 hour pizzerias! Ice cream stations add to the enchantment. Some cruise lines also offer a special coupon or ticket for soft drinks at a minimal cost. Some ships offer babysitting as well - but it's best to check first. Choose a cruise for your next family vacation!

6. Choose a cruise to experience new horizons!

Unpack your bags when you arrive on board your cruise ship and that's it! On some itineraries you will be in a new port-of-call every day. But you won't have to pack... unpack... pack... unpack... - you get the idea! Experience some of the best destinations the world has to offer while relaxing and enjoying your time between ports! No more long waits in airports or cramped seating on trains or busses. Relax by the pool, work-out in the gym, enjoy some free time gaming, read a good book - you decide how you use your time between the fascinating and intriguing ports. Go to sleep in your comfortable stateroom in one port and wake up in a new port with adventure ahead!

5. The simplicity of cruises for vacationing!

With a little investigation up-front, your cruise vacation is as simple as booking... then enjoying! Once on board, your time is your own - no pressure to be here at this time and there at that time. Enjoy your vacation and return from your cruise refreshed (not needing a vacation from your vacation). Do as much - or as little - as you like! Nearly all expenses are paid for with your cruise ticket. A little spending money is about all you need. Talk about simple - come on board and have everything looked after for you! Now that's a vacation!

4. Romance and cruise vacations!

For hundreds of years there has been a romantic mystique about the seas. What could be more romantic than sailing off into the sunset while sipping a glass of fine wine on your private balcony? Perhaps strolling arm in arm on an elegant formal night with your better half dressed to the nines. What about a honeymoon to some of the most romantic ports in the world? Perhaps a quiet secluded cove with white sandy beach. Enjoy each others' company at a quiet table in one of the intimate lounges. Or dance into the night under the stars. Take a while and lose yourselves while utilizing the spa services for two. Nothing could be more romantic than a cruise vacation!

3. Vacation cruises' pampering service!

For many people, nothing is more important for enjoyment while vacationing than service. If you receive good service, you are content. Be prepared to have your socks blown off! Most cruise lines train there staff in the fine art of customer service. Your room steward or stewardess will do their absolute utmost to ensure that your stateroom is kept just the way you like. From the bartenders to the wait staff to the activities staff, each cruise staff member's aim is to please. On our last cruise, our wine steward and the table staff in the dining room were absolutely wonderful. When you board your cruise ship be prepared to be pampered!

2. Cruise vacation dining!

Many people will tell you that this is the number one reason for taking a cruise. The fabulous menu options have your mouth watering. Then the presentation arrives and you are certainly not disappointed. The main dining rooms are places of elegance and formality. Most ships have alternate dining options as well - some with a small cover charge. There are usually casual dining options as well. Some ships have poolside grilles and some even have 24 hour pizzerias as mentioned earlier. Most offer 24 hour in-suite dining as well. And don't miss out on the midnight buffet! Special menus can - in most cases - be provided with advance notice. Pack a pair of stretchy pants or slacks - just in case !

1. Because YOU deserve it!

The number on reason for taking a cruise vacation is because you deserve it! You work hard all year long for your vacation time and money. Vacation cruises provide you with tremendous value, variety, comfort and enjoyment. There are itineraries that will elate almost any vacation traveler. Whether your cruise vacation is a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life, you deserve this fantastic escape!

If you have any questions regarding choosing the right cruise line for you, send us a note at info@a1-discount-cruises.com using the subject line "Questions".

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! To check out great cruise information and great Cruises On-Line Deals see our discount cruises main pages! For more interesting articles visit our Article Map pages.

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Choosing The Perfect Cruise

There are three categories of cruise lines to choose from: Luxury Cruise Lines, Premium Cruise Lines and Mainstream Cruise Lines. All of which have different types of ships to consider. Within the three categories of cruise lines are the following types of cruise ships: mega cruise ships, large cruise ships, small cruise ships, adventure cruise ships, sailing ships, river cruise boats and yachts.

So what is the difference of Luxury Cruise Lines, Premium Cruise Lines and Mainstream Cruise lines? All of them provide great adventures on water, all of them have much to their credit and most of them have a strong commitment for providing fantastic vacation experiences. Often times it's not the flavor of the cruise that counts but the tastes of the individual. Your travel agent can help you put together the perfect cruise vacation based on your unique lifestyle.

Luxury Cruises

Aboard deluxe cruise lines such as Crystal Cruises, Radisson Seven Sea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Sea Dream Yahcht Club, Silverseas Cruises and Windstar Cruises are ocean liners that offer guests the ultimate cruise experience. The luxury lines offer itineraries in a variety of lengths and destinations. Many of these destinations are un-traveled by Premium or Mainstream cruise lines. These are high quality products at a high quality price. The majority of these cruise ships carry less than 500 passengers.

A luxury cruise is perfect for those looking for:

• A formal, refined atmosphere, epicurean dining and personal service, all with a touch of elegance.
• Deluxe and spacious accommodations.
• A limited number of fellow passengers with one-on-one attention from the crew.
• An Average of two weeks or longer away.
• Onboard scholars and lecturers providing in-depth information on certain topics.

These cruises typically cater to business oriented professionals whom are well traveled.

Premium Cruises

Premium lines offer a high quality product at a more affordable price. The majority of these cruise ships carry less than 2000 passengers. Premium Cruise lines include such favorites as Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises and Peter Deilmann Cruises.

A premium Cruise is perfect for those looking for:

• A semi-formal yet relaxed atmosphere, great cuisine and personalized service
• Above standard and spacious accommodations.
• An average cruise of seven days or longer in length.
• An active lifestyle.

These cruises most often attract business oriented professionals, who are well traveled.

Mainstream Cruise Lines

These cruise lines provide a great product at a great price. Many are literally floating cities with parks, golfing, theaters, restaurants, salons and even rock climbing. Cruise Lines in this classification have something for everyone. They also carry the highest number of passengers per available space. Mainstream Cruise lines include, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, International, Lewis Cruises and Star Cruises. Many of these cruise ships can carry 3000 passengers. A mainstream cruise is perfect for those looking for:

• Casual and active atmosphere with good food, good service and a good price.
• Fast paced entertainment and activities.
• Standard accommodations.

These cruises attract many families as well as passengers of any age group.

Now that we have seen the different Ocean Liners remember that many fun and exotic ports are best accessed by river.

River cruise

Voyages along inland waterways are as varied and unique as earth itself. Anywhere that there are large rivers and barges you will probably find a river cruise operator. River cruise crafts are smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, typically holding 90-240 passengers (though there are ships that take only 5 passengers and others can carry 1,000 passengers). Due to their smaller size and low draft, river cruise crafts can go where ocean cruise ships cannot, and sometimes to where no other transport is practical: rivers are an excellent way to reach some otherwise missed attractions. And are great ways to combine land tours with cruising. During river cruises the countryside is usually in view, so they are especially relaxing to those who prefer land nearby.

River cruises usually last from 7 to 15 days. Some river ships resemble five stars hotels, with sun decks, dining rooms, lounges, fitness facilities, swimming pools, casinos and other entertainment. Accommodation, meals onboard, entertainment and special events (holidays, festivals, contests, concerts, etc.) are usually included in the cruise price while bar expenses, sauna, massage, laundry and cleaning, and phone calls are not. Most cruises have a variety of onboard and off board activities. The latter include guided tours to historic and cultural sites, visiting local attractions, museums and galleries, and other points of interest. Guides give a running commentary while sailing. Popular river cruises include trips along the Nile, the Mississippi, the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine, or the Volga.

There are several dozen river cruise companies each with 1 to 20 ships. River Cruise Tours are great for small group travelers and adventure seekers of all types. They are fantastic for small and midsized groups who want to get away from the crowd with a private charter.

Kimm Henry is a Cruise Brothers Cruise Specialist. She is an avid traveler who has visited 12 countries and every state in the union. She has traveled by car, train, and plane but prefers traveling via water. Her son 7 and daughter 10 have been on more than 10 cruises with their mother. For more information about traveling by ship go to [http://www.cruisebrothersagent.com]

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