Overview

Each year more than 12 million people around the world choose to spend their holidays on the wide, open seas. Why? One word… versatility.

Want total relaxation, luxurious pampering peace in the sun? You’ve got it. Want exciting activities, constant stimulation and a great nightlife? You’ve got these too. Once on board you can pretty much tailor your holiday to suit your desires. Do a little. Do a lot. It’s all up to you.

One of the advantages of cruising is that you can visit a number of exotic destinations, yet you need unpack only once. And with a diverse range of cruises all over the world, from Alaska to Antarctica, the Mediterranean to South America and from the Fjords of Norway to the islands of the Pacific, there is a cruise to suit every need or desire.

Whether you choose a resort-style cruise, or you embark on an adventure cruise, all ships offer a range of accommodation. If you are travelling on a budget, with friends or family, or you simply prefer to travel surrounded by the creature comforts of home, you will find that on each ship there will be a style of accommodation to fulfil your holiday wishes within your budget.

In addition, the hassle of dealing with different currencies is also removed because your accommodation, transport, main meals, entertainment and activities are all included in the price of your cruise. By paying for your holiday before you even leave shore, cruising represents a great value holiday.

Once considered a holiday suitable only for the older generation, or just for the very wealthy, cruising has truly evolved into a fantastic holiday option with a destination and a ship for everyone.

Best Time to Visit

With cruises all over the world, any time of year is a good time to cruise.

Most cruise destinations will have periods of high, moderate and low demand, which are reflected in the price of the cruise. However, high season does not necessarily mean the best time to travel to that destination. High season often simply reflects school or summer holidays, yet you may prefer to take advantage of crisp spring weather or autumn foliage. So, the best time to cruise will generally depend on what factors influence your availability, budget and your interests.

Following is a concise list of cruise destinations and cruising months:

• Alaska: May – September
• Europe: April – October
• Caribbean: Year round, except November
• Mexico: Year round
• South America: November – February
• Australia and the Pacific: Year round
• World Cruises: January – April
  

Things To See & Do

There are countless different ways to occupy your time once on board your cruise ship. For the sporting types, there are swimming pools, fitness centres and activities ranging from shuffleboard to tennis to basketball.

You’ll find most ships also offer less energetic entertainment options with movie cinemas or screening rooms, in-cabin movie channels, not to mention beauticians or health centres for a spot of pampering. For the children on board, dedicated children’s centres provide safe and fun amusement to keep children occupied during the day, with babysitting options available most evenings.

Most days you will also have the opportunity to disembark your cruise liner. Once onshore you can choose to either explore the exotic destination at your front door independently or hop on an organised day excursion with an experienced guide to make the most of your destination.

If you still have energy in the evening you will find many different options to satisfy your entertainment needs. Entertainment options range from self-made fun at any number of bars, to cabaret shows, dancing lessons, casinos or comedy nights.

Restaurants & Bars

Most cruise ships have an extensive variety of bars and restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining.

There is a current trend on cruise ships away from traditional dining arrangements, with assigned tables, dining rooms and seating times, towards more flexible dining options. Now, instead of being told when and where to dine, simply make a booking at the restaurant of your choice, at the time that best suits how you feel on the day.

Getting Around

One of the benefits of cruising is that you will save precious holiday time, and alleviate unnecessary stress, by removing the need to negotiate foreign transport systems. There is no need to worry about how you will find your way to your next destination as you simply cruise right into port.

At most ports of call, there will be organised day tours arranged for efficient and interesting sightseeing. In most cases, these tours need only be booked 24 hours in advance and can simply be charged to your room account to be settled at the end of the cruise.

Of course, finding your way around some of the large cruise liners can be an adventure of its own, but armed with a comprehensive map and a sense of fun you will soon feel at home.

As you are paying for your transport, accommodation, entertainment and most meals up front, you will find there are not too many additional costs once you leave shore. And anything extra that you need can generally be charged to your room.

Despite visiting a number of countries, there is no need to worry about changing money into different foreign currencies, therefore saving on currency exchange fees and eliminating the pockets of useless change at the end of your holiday.

Of course, if you do need cash, most cruise ships will have either banks or ATMs.

Taking a Mediterranean cruise is the dream of many people, especially for their honeymoon. Fortunately, if this has always been a dream of yours it is easier than ever to attain simply because there are so many yachts and cruise ships that focus on a honeymoon Mediterranean cruise and making your first vacation as husband and wife the best it can possibly be.

If you are on a budget, don’t worry either because you can take a Mediterranean cruise for a good price if you simply do a little bit of searching. Many travel websites focus on Mediterranean cruise vacations and frequently offer discounted packages. Of course, you won’t get a discount Mediterranean cruise if you simply sit back and do nothing about it. What you need to do is search all of the Internet sites that focus on cruises, even discount cruises. Then, find out what time of year is the best time for a Mediterranean cruise as well as the least expensive time of year for a Mediterranean cruise. These considerations can save you a significant amount of money on your Mediterranean cruise if you plan to travel in the off-season.

Also, different day packages as well as Mediterranean cruise destinations might affect the price of your Mediterranean cruise. Keep this in mind and don’t have your heart set on an exact list of destinations or days, but rather work with what is available and less expensive. If you are determined to take a Mediterranean cruise for your honeymoon you will be able to find something that will be pleasing to you as well as your budget. The best advice is to start searching and making plans for your Mediterranean cruise as early in advance as possible in order to get the best deals.

About the Author:

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.cruisesreviews.info a website specialized on Cruise, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Cruise. For more info on Cruise visit: http://www.cruisesreviews.info

A Guide to Taking Your Dream Bahamas Cruise!
 by: John Metcalfe

The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for U.S. travelers, and is especially popular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only 75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make up the group can be reached within a matter of hours. This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of location for a short Bahamas cruise break of two, three or four nights away from home.

Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport.

Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble statue of Queen Victoria.

But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean lap, are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling, diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best of Bahamian life.

A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama offers tropical paradise that is very close to home. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise, Freeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself features a 10-acre international bazaar - a real shopping paradise in the tropics!

The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs and live entertainment in Freeport are amongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on a Bahamas cruise.

For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer duration than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended cruises, several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned by the cruise company.

Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if you're looking to take a short romantic break, or just fancy a change of scenery for the weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee you that the experience will be one that lives long in the memory...

About The Author

John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.azcruises.com now to book your very own dream cruise