Cruise Ship Vacations In the Bahamas

If you are looking for a romantic get-a-way the cruise ship vacations in the Bahamas is definitely the doctor’s order. There is no secret to the mystique and beauty of the islands, but what many do not realize is that cruise vacations in the Bahamas book very quickly. It is important to plan and prepare for your vacation as soon as possible. With endless cruise ship possibilities, it is a good idea to compare before making reservations. Here we will uncover how to make all the right decisions about your cruise in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas is made up of a line of islands that extend from the Southeast tip of Florida to Cuba. The water is a beautiful deep blue that is better in person than any movie could ever portray. A cruise ship into the Bahamas is traveled in the North Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most vacationed areas in the entire world. Depending on the Cruise line and itinerary will be the determining factor of the ports and cities that you will explore.

Deciding what you want

One of the first things that you need to do is decide what type of cruise you are looking for. There are several types in the Bahamas with different size ships, Cruise liners, luxury/lower end and of course different destinations. Many of these decisions will be made based on a combination of budget, vacation time and who will be traveling with you. If vacationing with the family and children the Disney Cruise liners are great fun for every member of the family. Not only are there a ton of activities to keep the kids busy, they are surrounded with other children for a great social time. If it is a romantic cruise that you are looking for with your sweetheart you may want to look into the “Love Boat” coined by that ever so popular television show a few years back.

There are a number of cruise ship possibilities. There are itineraries that are from three days to twenty days, it simply just depends on your schedule and what you are looking for in a vacation. Some people want to take their time and have as much possibility to visit ports in between so they choose a longer cruise. Others, especially those traveling with children will choose a shorter sailing time to their ultimate destination. The Disney cruises have a destination of the Disney theme park, travelling to the Bahamas and then boarding the ship to return to their beginning point.

Islands and possible stops

One of the most visited ports is in the Grand Bahamas. Here many ships will dock over night and sometimes depending on the length for a couple of nights. There are a ton of things to do and the cuisine is an absolute must. Ranging from just about every type of food imaginable, you will never eat this well again. Make sure that what ever you’re final destination that the Grand Bahamas is on the stop.

Nassau, the capital is another frequent cruise ship stop. Nassau is a laid back town of about 200,000. The government buildings are located here and the old town is a well-traveled tourist attraction. Shopping is another favorite in the town because of all the expensive jewelry and other fine merchandise that is considered very reasonable. One word of caution is the area that is considered “Over the hill” in Nassau, located south of the down town area, this is an area that many tourists will want to avoid. The crime rate is high and tourists are not always welcomed with open arms in this area.

Paradise Island is another popular stop because of the large casino. The resort is a lavish one and draws individuals from all walks of life to see how the high rollers really deal. Paradise Island has often been compared to Las Vegas, Nevada, but a much more beautiful place. The Island is located right off Nassau Bay.

Cost of a Bahama Cruise Vacation

Much of the cost depends on the cruise liner and the time of year. Rates tend to be higher in the summer months, for obvious reasons. Another factor in cost is the type of room on the cruise liner, length of the cruise and amount of stops along the way. Here are a few rough estimates of a typical vacation cruise in the Bahamas.

A three night Royal Caribbean can run anywhere from three hundred per person. This particular cruise leaves from Miami, Florida and arrives in Cococay, Bahamas the next morning. The third day the ship docks in Nassau for vacationers to explore, shop, dine or lay around on the beach.

A comparable three night on a Carnival Cruise liner runs just short of four hundred per person. This ship leaves the all popular Port Canaveral, arrives in Nassau the next morning and spends the next several days exploring several stops along the way.  The ship explores, but docks at night in Nassau.

Celebrity Cruises

If you’ve always wanted to travel to exotic tourist destinations around the world, Celebrity Cruises is the group that will make your dream journey possible.

A Brief History
The Cruise line was established by the Greece-based group called Chandris Groups in 1989 and has been operating successfully and expanding to accommodate more guests and innovations since then. World-renowned not only for its luxurious ships including the most massive liners: Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Eclipse.

The cruise caters to a wide clientele most of which are seniors and their families, business executives, vacationers, and honeymooners. Even as it has risen to stardom, Celebrity Cruises still manages to innovate itself and provide its clientele with the most luxurious and most satisfying travelling experience it can.

A Gamut of Exciting Destinations to Choose From
With Celebrity Cruises, you can travel to various locations around the world including Alaska, some nations and cities in Asia, Australia, the Caribbean including the Mexico Riviera, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Panama, and lots more. Though far from being a tour of the world, Celebrity Cruises does give off that excitement of an all-around-the-world tour.

Unique Facilities and Outstanding Service
The secret of any successful cruise line is its ability to keep its customers happy. With a set of unique, not to mention, state-of the art (and some also environment-friendly) facilities such as the stateroom amenities, pool area, shopping center, restaurants including a wine bar, piano bar, and cigar lounge, spa and relaxation center as well as a sports and recreation complex, Celebrity Cruises is able to provide each and every guest a great time. Moreover, and more importantly, the service onboard is excellent from restaurant service to room service.

Fun Activities on Board
The ingenuity of Celebrity Cruises that sets it apart from other cruise lines, is its ability to provide its guests with the most unexpected selection of activities. A lot of fun activities from swimming, aerobics, shopping, bowling, billiards, recreation and education for both kids and adults, and even wine testing are offered onboard.

Lodging
With Celebrity Cruises, you are guaranteed to travel in style and comfort with their selection of luxurious and spacious staterooms.

Hawaii Cruises

After a long school year or months of work, it’s not surprising that anyone would want to take a long and relaxing vacation in an exotic destination such as the islands of Hawaii. Very dear to the hearts of many including tourists, vacationers, and even nearby islanders, the Hawaiian Islands is an exciting destination for a summer vacation or adventure.

What can I expect of Hawaii?
Hawaii is illustrious for its numerous fantastic beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, mountain ranges, and plantations. Only in Hawaii will you be able to fulfil your dream adventure, quench your thirst for history, have a relaxing vacation, or converse with Mother Nature.

Places to Visit:
If you have never gone to Hawaii before, here is a list of places you can visit:
1. Hilo, Big Island
Lots of people from all over the world flock the beach of Hilo, Big Island where the waves are gnarly and thrilling. The place is packed with excitement from its shore to its volcanic peaks. Swimming at the beach is very enjoyable with the cool and fragrant atmosphere of ginger and plumeria. There are other things that you can also do in Hilo, Big Island aside from swimming and surfing. Take a hike to the volcanic peaks and observe and revel in the rich flora of Nani Mau and Liliuokalani.

2. Nawiliwili, Kauai
Nawiliwili, Kauai is one of Hawaii’s heavenly islands. From the sea you can already spot the marvellous sun-kissed beach of Poipu and the luscious green of the Na Pali cliffs. Farther inland lies the vast plantations of taro, the fern grottos as well as scattered waterfalls peaking in between jagged rocks.

3. Kahului, Maui
You’ll be fascinated with just how rich nature is when you visit Maui. Try and visit the colourful Kahana Wildlife Sanctuary or go on a long drive and revel in the view of the coast as well as the rainforest. On the shores of Ho-okipa, you can enjoy windsurfing and swimming with the locals.

Get to these places and more in Hawaii through Travelocity and book yourself for the top cruise deals and itineraries complete with onboard and onshore excursion packages.

Asia Cruises

If you have never been to the exotic cities of Asia, Azamara Cruises can take you there.  Gifted with an eye for possible breathtaking destinations around Asia including Beijing, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, creativity to come up with the most exciting onboard activities and onshore excursions, and a passion for outstanding service, the Azamara Cruise Line is a terrific choice for a vacation, a wedding and honeymoon celebration, a business convention, a debut party, or justone of those adventures.

Breathtaking Destinations
The Asian continent is a beautiful place to visit. You’ll be fascinated with all the wondrous sites it has to offer. Revel in the colors and eccentric culture of Thailand.  Shop till you drop in busy Hongkong. Explore the mysteries of the shogun and samurai in Japan.  You will also be fascinated by the fusion of history and modernism in each of these destinations: tall skyscrapers, bullet trains, and more.
The Azamaran Cruise Line also provides trips to the Caribbean, the continent of Europe, Panama Canal, as well as a TransAtlantic Cruise including Lisbon and Malaga.

Exciting Activities Onboard
There is no idle time aboard an Azamaran cruise ship. Lots of fun activities are in store for you onboard. Each cruise ship is furnished with a sports and recreations facility, a relaxation and wellness spa center, a casino, lively bars, clubs, and lounges excellent for socializing with other guests, entertainment shows at night, shopping emporiums, an art gallery to nurture one’s aesthetic sensibility, conference rooms and auditoriums for business conventions, as well as a wide array of enrichment programs to choose from.

World-class Staterooms and Service
There’s a variety of luxurious suites to choose from, many of which offer spectacular views of the ocean. Apart from that, the cruise’s excellent service crew include a butler service, a 24-hour room service, a complimentary shoe shine service, and more as well as other amenities including a 24-inch plasma television set, comfortable beds straight from Europe, complete bathroom furnishings. Moreover, each suite is accorded other services apart from all those already mentioned such as garment pressing, luggage delivery, and more.

Alaskan cruises

Travelling around the world is an exciting expedition that one can undertake. There are lots of breathtakingly magnificent places around the world which one can visit. One such place is Alaska. Although lots of people would flock to Alaska all throughout the year, traffic usually is heavy and accommodations are limited during May and September when Alaskan weather is most pleasant such that reservations are made very early. Alaska is illustrious for its beautiful gargantuan glaciers ornamenting the ocean which can be viewed closely at the Glacier Bay National Park. Other stunningly attractive glaciers throughout Alaska are: the Mendenhall glacier, Hubbard glacier, and the Twin Sawyer glaciers. One can also catch sight of the elusive humpback whales, killer whales, and sea lions there.  People also revel in the exotic wildlife sanctuaries and national parks scattered throughout the Alaskan peninsula.

Fun and exciting things to do
Apart from glacier viewing and observing awesome wildlife, people visiting Alaska also marvel in kayaking, flightseeing, dogsledding, fishing, goldpanning, hiking, biking, trekking, and shopping.

Available cruises
If you’re planning on a relaxing vacation or an adventure in Alaska, be sure to make early reservations so as not to be bogged down by the heavy traffic of tourism. You can choose from a variety of cruise packages offered by different cruise lines.

Luxurious cruise
Join exclusive and luxurious cruises to Alaska aboard the most elegant cruise ships including the Seven Seas Mariner.

Private cruise
CruiseWest provides cruisers with smaller cruise ships perfect for more intimate adventures and private accommodations.

Roundtrip cruise
There are also roundtrip cruises available all throughout the year, more in the months of May and September. Roundtrip cruises depart from ports in San Francisco, Vancouver, and Seattle to Alaska and back, very convenient for vacationing families and big parties.

Alaska Cruise and Land tour
Get the most out of your visit to Alaska with a 2-in-1 package consisting of an Alaskan cruise and a motor or train tour of the must-see sites in Alaska which can be taken prior to or after your cruise. The package also includes accommodations in the various hotels and restaurants in Alaska.

Last Minute Deals on Cruises

Save Money with Last Minute Deals on Cruises

Slackers of the world, unite! Now there’s more reason for procrastinators to rejoice because of the fabulous deals on last minute offers. Cruises booked “the normal way” can sometimes be way too expensive. If you want to have the vacation of your life without busting your budget, then finding last minute deals would be your best bet. As the departure date comes to a close, many early birds cancel their bookings, leaving cruise lines scrambling to fill in the remaining cabins. To get as many people on board, cruise lines even go so far as to drastically reduce cabin prices. Of course, you’ll have fewer choices, but if you’re flexible, then last-minute cruise deals are the way to go. From weekend trips to weeklong adventures, last minute cruise deals are truly great bang for your buck.
So where can you actually find these amazing offers? You can start with your travel agents. More than anyone else, they would be the ones who might be informed daily of cruise packages, discounts and deals. They can also even help you find the right time to book. You can also check online travel agencies or official websites of cruise lines. Companies these days are getting more and more advanced, employing more hi-tech machinery to find passengers and customers. Most companies have online sites that make it easier and more convenient for customers to book their trips. Some people prefer this method as it cuts down time for calling the travel agents in the city, or following up on posted ads that will most likely be sold out before you even get through to a receptionist. Now, that dream vacation is just one click away. Whether it’s a trip around Asia, or to the Greek Islands or to the exotic getaways in the Caribbean, online booking is fast and efficient, giving you the power to follow-up with that booking in a matter of seconds. Reservations and confirmations can come via email or fax.

There are some things to remember when booking last minute deals. Always make sure that you double check your travel documents. Whether you’re planning just a quick holiday or a week-long honeymoon, prepare all your passports, boarding tickets and identification cards. It would be a shame to score that great last minute deal only to find out later on that you won’t be allowed on board simply because of improper personal travel documents.
When booking your vacation online, always make sure you check or confirm your reservation. Verify the departure dates and times, and the docking area. Vacation companies go by military time, which means that 01:00 is actually one in the morning, 1300 is one in the afternoon and so on and so forth. It is important to clarify the time because sometimes companies don’t show the time when they print the invoice. Remember, you are booking last minute deals, not last minute surprises.
Also, it may be a good idea to start “shopping” around about six weeks before the departure. It’s not actually as last “minute” as the name says, but about three or so weeks before the departure date, companies already begin slashing prices. Try to narrow down where you want to go so you can get a good idea on prices and availability. Compare prices and so when you notice packages start becoming more and more appealing, you can book on that travel deal. The prices can only go so low and sometimes they even sell out before they really drop in price.
You might probably encounter a few road blocks when you deal with last minute cruises. As mentioned earlier, you’ll probably have fewer options. The ship and itinerary of your choice may not be available anymore. Also, your first preference for accommodations may already have been sold out. Last minute deals are really most ideal for people who have suddenly found themselves with more vacation time and who would like to enjoy cheap but nevertheless world-class quality cruise trips.

Holland America Cruises

A cruise around the world is promising when you’re onboard a Holland America cruise ship which is one of the biggest cruise lines since the 1970s. Traditionally destined to traverse the waters from Holland to America (hence the new name given to the line) as a commercial freight cruise line, Holland America has expanded gradually throughout the years and has become one of the world’s leading cruise companies. It is one of the few companies that is able to fuse classic and modern living with its choice itineraries and facilities to accommodate its trusting clientele.

The Holland American fleet is composed of fourteen massive cruise ships namely: Amsterdam, Statendam, Eurodam, Veendam, Maasdam, Volendam, Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam, Zaandam, Prinsendam, Zuiderdam, Rotterdam, and Randam. Each ship is furnished with all of the necessities and amenities that any traditional cruise ship is supposed to have.  However, throughout the years, the cruise line has refurnished its ships and added more balcony staterooms providing more of its guests with a spectacular view of the ocean. Moreover, each ship is refurnished with new and more unusual amenities to please a growing clientele of youths.

Where to go
Holland America is one of the first to offer trips to Alaska and the Caribbean. Part of the cruise line’s early expansion program is to provide a larger selection of destinations overseas. Now, anyone can travel to as far as Asia and the Mexican Riviera. In fact, Holland American ships visits about more than 200 ports all over the world.

What to do onboard the ship
Apart from the sports and recreational activities that a Holland American cruise ship offers, there are plenty more activities that its guests can enjoy. The Culinary Arts Center onboard provides foodies with several cooking and baking classes as well as demonstrations from exemplary kitchen crew and guest chefs. Apart from that, there are also numerous facilities to keep the children busy such as the ship’s internet café with 24 hour wifi access, a spacious pool, tennis court, and more. Guests also get to enjoy the most relaxing massage and body treatments in the ship’s Greenhouse Spas complete with hydro pools and thermal suites.

Disney Cruises

If you’re planning on a summer getaway vacation with your whole family including the kids, take a cruise aboard a Disney cruise ship. The Disney Cruise

Line, operating since 1998, consists of two main ships namely: Disney Magic and Disney Wonder each equally magnificent and grandiose. The Disney Cruise Line

provides families with exciting 3-7 day cruises throughout the Atlantic coast, docking at Port Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, as well as several ports in  St. Thomas, St Croix, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Key West, Cozumel, the Mexican Riviera, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Cabo San Lucas, and more.

Furnished with amenities that both kids and adults can enjoy, Disney cruises are perfect for families who want to relax, bond, or just have some fun time together.

What’s onboard?

Aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, one will find all the usual facilities, luxurious family staterooms with fully-furnished bathrooms, living rooms with television units and other functional communication devices, and private balconies, the dining area, restaurants and alternative dining options, a spa center, and a health and fitness center, any cruise ship is bound to have except a casino. Both ships are furnished with all sorts of unusual and fun facilities for both kids and adults including a Goofy pool with a separate pool for toddlers with additional interactive fountains and an Oceaneer’s Lab where kids can play captain and virtually pilot and man the ship.

Get to enjoy fun onboard activities including aerobics and yoga classes for active adults and fun games and workshops for kids and teens.

Are there land excursions?

There are lots of exciting activities that you can enjoy with your family once you disembark and arrive at your destination. Go horseback riding to Acapulco, fly aboard a jet or go parasailing and see the sites below. Feel the soft breeze caressing your face as you go skating or biking with your family around the rink. Take a watercraft eco tour and marvel at the beauty of aquatic ecosystems. Kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, and banana boat riding are also some of the most popular family activities that Disney Cruise Line offers.

Princess Cruise Lines

Experience a world-class expedition with Princess Cruises aboard luxurious sea vessels complete with state-of-the-art amenities, gourmet restaurants, and elegant staterooms.

Where can I go?
Travel to destinations you have never been to. Revisit the beautiful wilderness that is Alaska. Comb through the exotic cities of Asia including Hongkong, Japan, and India. Relax on the marvellous beaches of Hawaii and Tahiti and the Mexican Riviera. Be one with mother nature in the Outbacks of Australia and the hills of New Zealand. Visit the port cities and historical towns of Canada and New England. Disembark on the Caribbean and taste authentic Caribbean cuisine. Venture into the richness of European heritage and journey back to history with walking tours of Athens and Greece, Norway and France. Finally, delight your senses with the kaleidoscope beauty of South America and explore its ruins, parks, and jungles.

What can I do onboard?
Indulge your appetite with a wide selection of the most appetizing food prepared by only the best chefs all over the world. If you fancy steaks and red meats, try the Sterling Steakhouse. Enjoy New Orleans cuisine with Bayou Café and Steakhouse or Italian pasta at Sabatini’s.
Lunch and dinner buffets are also available as well as room service.

Delight in the dozens of indoor and outdoor activities that the cruise offers. Swim against the waves in the built-in pool or get a body tan on one of the decks. Treat yourself to relaxing massage at the Lotus Spa. Gamble at the Casino or participate in group activities such as cooking tutorials. Have a shopping spree in the numerous boutiques onboard or procure a masterpiece at the art auction. Get connected, chat online with distant relatives and friends using the ship’s 24hour wifi service. Party the night away at the ship’s night clubs.

What other activities are offered?
You can plan your adventure with the cruise. It offers several onshore excursions from mountain climbing to kayaking, as well as walking tours of major cities and ports and more depending on the destination of your choice.

Princess Cruises provides you all these with the most outstanding service. No wonder people love it so much.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Dreaming of travelling to exciting destinations such as Alaska? Sunbathing on the shores of the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Florida, and the Caribbean? Or perhaps you fancy walking tours of historical sites in the European Continent, Canada, and New England? Norwegian Cruise Lines can take you across oceans and almost around the world.

Experience world-class cruising aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines. Norwegian Cruise Lines has absolutely everything you’ll ever want in an overseas expedition. With about 12 operating ships to bring you to shores beyond the Pacific and Atlantic, Norwegian cruise Lines is one of the first-class cruises all over the world.

Plenty of Exciting Activities Onboard
When you’re onboard a Norwegian Cruise Ship, you are given countless opportunities make use of their facilities which include a sports and fitness center for fitness-conscious individuals, a recreations facility for both adults and kids, a luxurious spa for vacationers and guests who want to relax during the long trip, casinos for friendly gamblers, and fine-dining restaurants run by the most illustrious culinary masters.

Sports
Keep your heart healthy and your body toned with the sports facilities onboard.  Enjoy morning jogs on the running track and treadmills.  Make use of the ellipticals and weights gym to keep your body looking good as ever.

Spa
Relax at the ship’s Mandara Spa which offers a wide array of massage and treatments that is not just enjoyable but rehabilitative and relaxing. Experience a Swedish massage with Mandara Dream Time or a stress-relieving massage with Bali Press or Mandara’s Stone Heaven which makes use of volcanic rocks to sooth worn-out muscles. How about a facial and hand massage with Mandara Spa’s Earth, Wind, and Sky reflexology treatment or a combination of various massage technigues by therapists with the Seven Seas Massage? What’s even better is that you can have a relaxing massage in the privacy of your own stateroom!

Casinos
Fancy a game of poker? Take part in the ship’s casino games.

Restaurants
Treat your family and company with the most luscious foods prepared only by a very competent kitchen crew. Wedding and honeymoon requests can also be granted with prior reservations.

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