Choosing to cruise with small luxury cruise line might come short on your standard of quality service if you are used to cruising with the top of the line luxury cruise ships.  If you are one of those people who enjoy the crowd, small luxury cruise ships might not give you the number of heads you would consider a crowd.  The amenities and different on-board classes and activities available might also be limited, considering the cruise line and crowd is smaller. But it is not all bad however.

Cruising with small luxury cruise lines can also do you wonders in terms of the privacy you might want to have during the trip. You also will not have to worry about lining up for amenities, using the facilities, and even in getting service.  There is also a higher chance of befriending the small luxury cruise line’s crew since there are only a number of them, but enough to provide excellent service to each and every passenger on board.

If you choose to cruise with the small or big luxury cruise line, whichever you choose, you will surely enjoy.  Weigh your options and priority and see whether it is the big or small cruise ships that can best cater to your needs. Cruising is definitely one experience you will undoubtedly remember!

Technorati Tags:   Luxury  Cruises 

]]> http://www.MyLuxuryCruise.info/the-advantages-disadvantaes-of-a-small-luxury-cruise-line/feed/ 0 http://www.MyLuxuryCruise.info/far-away-romantic-mediterranean-cruises/ http://www.MyLuxuryCruise.info/far-away-romantic-mediterranean-cruises/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:34:20 +0000 admin http://www.MyLuxuryCruise.info/?p=309 A European Western Mediterranean cruise are what bits and pieces of dreams are made of. Throw yourself into the interesting and the romantic countries of Italy, Spain, France as well as Portugal.   Many cruise lines schedules modify ports of call and the latest places of interest to see.

A European cruise is the most ideal way to catch a glimpse the French Riviera. The scenic ports by the side of the Cote d’Azur are to be found very close together, as well as the subject matter of a lot of paintings by Matisse, Picasso as well as Renoir.   Be sure to stop at Villefranche sure Mer an old fashioned town in the Cote d’Azur district in the south of France, as well as a famous port of call in a lot of European cruise itineraries.

In Marseille, travel around the Notre Dame de la Guarde, am out of this world sample of neo Byzantine structural design. Upon your visit to Nice visit the Old Town as well as look for the Opera House, which is well known for its International Film Festival. Cannes is just the right thing for someone who is watching on its Boulevard de la Croisette as well as the long stretches of sandy beaches.

If the self-gratifying beaches of St. Tropez are not your kind of style, then a visit to the Old Town in addition to going to the museums is a perfect place to spend a day.  If your ship happens to  bring you to Monte Carlo in the principality of Monaco, do not fail to spot the affluent Grand Casino as well as the Palace Carabinier.  All in All a romantic cruise to the Western Mediterranean is well worth the cost.

Technorati Tags: Romantic Luxury Cruise  Travel

Nearly every cruise line will answer your prayers when it comes to traveling in luxury. Cruise lines are geared to satisfy the cravings for relaxation and fun to all their passengers. Luxury cruise ships are more refined and graceful so they can provide you with each and every amenity imaginable, because most have for every two passengers a friendly well trained staff member who is willing to give you service beyond your wildest dreams.

Butlers and concierges are very common to most luxury cruise lines as they want to offer their passengers the very best experience they have to offer. The ships cabins are spacious and roomy, making you will feel like you’re on board your own private yacht.

You can sail with as few as 10 people on the smaller yacht cruise lines or on a larger ship with a maximum of 900 or more. Cabin accommodations and amenities are also more lavish than on most other cruise lines.

A variety of age groups and people are on-board and you will surely enjoy meeting different faces from around the world. Luxury cruise lines provide cruise prices that often include air travel, gratuities, on-board enrichment programs, wine and dinner, pre and post-cruise hotel packages and shore excursion tours. Prices vary with every cruise line ranging from $400 and upward but many of the smaller more intimate private luxury cruises do not allow children on certain cruises.

Technorati Tags: Luxury Cruise Travel

If you were able to feel the experience of premium cruises and surely satisfied, with luxury cruises its more than just satisfaction and fun. From ultra casual to formal defines its atmosphere inside and out. Accommodations and suites are spacious and very open that definitely relax and leaves you at peace. Luxury cruises are less crowded so privacy is carefully practiced in the cruise.

Luxury cruises are designed with amazing toiletries and personalized service .  Mouth watering  5 star gourmet cuisine will surely make your taste buds come alive when served with fine wines and champagnes . You can also enjoy your evening in a theater or the performance of an orchestra.  There are relaxation amenities such as spa and enrichment programs ranging from photography to wine tasting.

Private balconies are also ready to give you the peace you’re craving for. Red carpet treatment is at reach with luxury cruises. With the innovative and contemporary industry, luxury cruises are exclusively made for those people who not only seek relaxation, but fun and satisfaction as well.  You will be exploring various beautiful and breathtaking places and different ports of call. The melody of the sunsets and harmonious beaches will let you sing with enjoyment as their beauty enchants your soul.

Although it will cost you somewhat more than premium cruises,  what you will be paying will surely be all worth it. It will be an extraordinary and incomparable experience that you’ll be sharing with family and  or friends.

Technorati Tags: Luxury Cruise Tips

Keep aware of public announcements and travel warnings

Their Country ,Their Laws know them

Do yourself a favor. Make two copies of your passport before leaving home.
Leave one at home with family or friends  keep the other with you but separate from the original. (in case of loss or theft)

Leave a copy of your ternary with someone for emergencies

Never ever leave your luggage unattended at the airport or seaport

Never travel with expensive jewelry and please do not carry large sums of cash

Duty free shopping is now $800 although some Caribbean countries have a duty free exemption of $600 and others it is $1200 check before departing on your trip

Keep all receipts handy (carry-on bag) in case you need to provide them to a customs inspector.

Upon re-entering the U.S. you will be asked to fill out a form of declaration (a list ) of what you purchased and  where it was purchased from

Inspectors will board a cruise ship before disembarkation to meet with passengers who have exceeded their exemption limit

Technorati Tags: cruise tips, cruise advice

With the exchange for the American dollar not being what it used to be, when visiting foreign ports and you want to exchange your money for their currency, in my opinion it is best to do the exchange before going ashore.

This way any money that you do not spend can easily be converted back to the American dollar without any hassle.

Dress on cruises is casual by day, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable ( if tasteful ) even in the dining room.  Dinner usually has a dress code that varies daily.

Casual :  slacks with a sports coat for men (No Jeans ) slacks and a blouse , sundresses or pantsuit for women.

Informal : Jackets with or without a tie for men, Dress or pantsuits for women

Formal: Dark suit for men, evening gown or cocktail dress for women

Three or four day cruises have one formal night , Seven day cruises have two formal nights and most ten day cruises have three formal nights.  Basically the longer and more expensive the cruise is ( per day ) the more formal nights there will be. Keep in mind however that dark suits and ties are acceptable on even the most exclusive cruise ships.

With more and more cruise lines becoming family oriented, check with your cruise line or travel agent/agency for ship guidelines.

Technorati Tags: What to Wear on  Your Luxury Cruise, cruise attire

Luxury cruise can be a bit more expensive than a casual fun cruise, so decide what would you be willing to give up because that 7 to 10 day cruise make have to be a 3 or 4 day instead. On a luxury cruise you get what you pay for so accommodations should also be a factor.

For example an Outside Suite with Balcony will surely be more expensive as will an Outside Stateroom or an Outside Cabin . If these factors are not as important then an Inside Cabin or Inside Stateroom will be just as comfortable on a luxury cruise.

Another thing to consider is how many Ports of Call will you be making ? Will you be planning on going ashore at every one ? There are also the cost of shore excursions, shopping, lunch or dinner while in port if you are there long enough to choose one or all of these options. Believe me there are ways to travel in style and luxury without going broke, and trust me you will not be the only one luxury cruising on a budget.

Also figure in your on board expenses such as shore excursions, spa visits and the casino. Exactly how much of what are you willing to give up ? Once these decisions have been made you are now ready to start looking and booking.

If you are using a Travel Agency/Agent make sure they are reputable. Check with several cruise lines to see what they have to offer and by all means check on line for some really good deals. Look for ports of departure that are closer to you, sometimes they can be farther away and that makes airfare a little more expensive.

Plan your trip of a lifetime carefully and wisely because that dream cruise should be more than a dream it should and can become a reality. Luxury cruises will give you what you paid for, good food, good service, good company and a good time.

Technorati Tags: Luxury Cruises, Luxury Cruising, Before Your  Book Your Luxury Cruise

Basic Shipboard Tips

• Hallways on cruise ships can be narrow and getting around is usually single file

• Ship elevators Don’t stop on all floors, so if you are in a wheelchair make this known before booking so that the ship can accommodate your needs.

• Public areas ARE kept clean, so don’t believe every negative thing you read and also do your part to keep areas clean too by not littering.

Cruise Dining Tips

• If you’re traveling with your kids, keep in mind about the seating times, if you have Assigned seating keep in mind that someone else does also.

• Food may not always be as Hot as you like it, but all – in- all you will undoubtedly have a great time.

Shore Excursions & Souvenirs

• When leaving the ship for Shore Excursions be sure to keep your travel documents with you, NEVER LEAVE THEM ON BOARD you may need them to re-board the ship.

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables will not be allowed to be brought back into the country, so check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to see what is allowed and of course no Cuban Cigars

Cruise Brochures

One of the best informative marketing devices around is the brochure. How can one small booklet be the best planning tools one could ever imagine? Easy.

• They are filled with photographs of exotic tropical destinations such as Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Mexico. And scenic, more traditional and mystical places like Alaska, Europe and the Orient and just about anywhere you would want to go to escape.

• Cruise brochures are organized in a manner that is easy to understand and tell you just about everything you want to know. What will you departure time be, what time should you arrive, your amenities, your ports, what’s included, what’s not included, available shore excursions, costs deck plans, and even info about the staterooms. In other words, “The Works” so to speak.

• For specific information, it even has a Table of Contents at the front enabling you to find just what you’re looking for and go to the page. It offers information about the ports on your itinerary, on board services, what nights are casual, informal and formal seating times buffets, and restaurants and the casino.

• One last word one cruise brochures is to be sure and read the Fine Print in the back. The information there is very important as it will tell of the cancellation policy, Things to Know and Terms and Conditions.

Luggage Tips

When planning your cruise if new luggage is in order keep these guidelines in mind. With new airline restrictions that are constantly changing size and weight has changed a lot in the last few years.

• You are now only allowed to check two pieces of luggage for each ticketed passenger and these have weight limits which does not included your carry-on or your personal item.

• There is an excess baggage charge which starts at a cost of $40.00 and then there is the overweight charge which begins at $80.00 or the oversized charge which begins at $100.00 and if you an extra bag that is overweight and over sized you will pay 3x’s the cost and the fees must be paid at check-in.

• To avoid paying through the nose keep this in mind, since many suitcases 29×30 exceed the maximum size two smaller ones 24″x26″ work even better. Your carry- on must be able to fit either overhead or under your seat and not exceed 40lbs and be 22″x14″x9″.

When purchasing your luggage hard sided or soft sided fabric is your choice and try and buy luggage with wheels for ease moving through busy airports especially if you are traveling alone. Also try stackable luggage for ease on a pull along luggage cart.

• When buying, make sure that you include the wheels in the length of the suitcase so you’re not a couple of inches over. Remember, you’ll pay extra if you are!

• Contrary to popular belief, hard-sided brand name luggage with a warranty is not always the best, there are lesser known brands just as good or better.

With newer more durable materials available hard sided luggage has become lighter in weight, water tight, have combination locks w/ keys, stronger metal hinges with retractable handles and roll along on wheels and still a good choice.

• Soft-Sided luggage is now the more popular because of space age fabrics that are more tightly woven and can endure just about anything. Just make sure that they have industrial strength zippers ,Teflon coating on the fabric, strong wheels and handles, and rubber corners.

Never pack more suitcases than you can handle yourself if the need should arise and Remember these allowances:

• Only 2 bags for each ticketed passenger (domestic and international)

• 1 carry – on and 1 personal item such as a laptop ( must carry- on ) men’s or ladies purse,

• Brief case, camera or something to read or items that are smaller or similar in size, wheelchair, or crutches (must need) a coat, umbrella and you can bring something to eat if it is to be consumed right away.

Now that you have new luggage Let’s Pack.

Technorati Tags: extra knowledge when cruising, cruise information, cruise advice, cruise tips

• First, be aware that after boarding and settling in you will most likely be required to produce a credit card or cash deposit against expenses at the beginning of your cruise. (This is also referred to as your shipboard account).

• Keep up with all receipts for purchases charged to your room while on board.

You absolutely do not want to get your bill and find any unexpected surprise for extra expenses or other things that you thought were included in you cruise but weren’t. One surefire way to avoid this issue is to request a print out from the ships purser. And if while you’re in the casino and happen to need additional cash you can obtain a cash advance against your account from the casino cashier.

• One thing no matter how long or short your cruise, no matter your cruise destination, you should always remember to Never, Ever flash your money! Not even gambling inside the ships casino. And, if by chance Lady Luck smiles on you and you should win, remember that someone was probably watching, so don’t draw needless and unnecessary attention to yourself.

• Another thing is that if you were silly enough to bring along a lot of cash and your expensive jewelry, please keep them locked in the ships safe along with your travel passports and cruise tickets. Don’t prompt anyone to take your things. Never leave them out in the open when you are not in the room.

Your everyday items can be locked in the safe in your cabin, but crew members do know how to open them. Cruise ship crew members and other employees are there to make your trip as pleasant and fun-filled as possible and many go to great lengths to do just that.

But one must also remember that even though they are hard working, honest and conscientious about their jobs they sometimes picture you as “rich” with lots of cash on hand or at least available to throw around. Particularly if you are afflicted with the “big shot” syndrome of being a loud mouth braggart who likes to flash cash.

• One last safety tip to consider while cruising is overindulgence. Hey, who doesn’t like a occasional cocktail or two? And that’s fine, but overindulgence on vacation to the point of stupidity and negligence can be a little dangerous especially on board a ship.

So, if you know that you tend to over indulge on dry land, chances are you won’t have clear judgment much less good judgment at sea, so be smart and always have a designated member of your travel party to keep a clear head.

Listen, it’s okay to enjoy yourself but please try not to drink too much, and if you have been drinking never take a stroll alone and never visit the crews quarters.

If you follow these common sense cruise ship safety tips and combine them with good judgment, you’re sure to enjoy your cruise vacation.

Technorati Tags: cruise ship safety, cruise tips, being safe while cruising