European River Cruises - A Peek Into European Culture By Martin Acosta Article Word Count: 420 [View Summary] Comments (0)

Unarguably, European river cruises are the best way to explore Europe. They are laid back and take you into the heart of the continent, exploring cultures and communities that you may miss out on large ships that stick to the European coastline. European river cruises, on the other hand, will take you through navigable rivers, most of which are connected to European regions through a series of canals.

You may explore the glorious chateaus of France, quaint hamlets in Austria and Hungary, Switzerland's snow-capped peaks, Belgium, Poland, Ukraine and sometimes even the tundra regions of Russia. The most commonly cruised rivers in Europe are the Seine, Po, Elbe, Danube, Moselle, Rhine, Main and Volga. They can help you decide what region you wish to explore and you can then decide which European river cruise suits you the best:

Most cruises pass through multiple countries, stopping at ports in different cities. You may want to decide what countries you want to visit and then decide on a cruise. Cruises can also be seasonal, based on weather conditions in different countries. You will have to plan and book your European river cruise in a way that suits weather conditions you think are favorable to you and that passes through countries and cities that you most want to visit.

Some river cruises may also have specific highlights. Some European river cruises let you explore the culture of a certain country, or stop at a vineyard for wine-tasting or explore the wine-making process, or even shop a local marketplace. This allows you to explore the real culture, life and heritage of the place you are visiting, beyond the glitter and lights of most European cities.

Most cruises will also give you enough time to explore each stop - you can choose to walk through cities or hire vehicles to explore the area, visit tourist spots, archaeological and historical places or even stop by a tavern to chat with the locals.

Some European river cruise operators will also organize sight-seeing for the passengers on board. While you are on the ship, you may be taken through basic language lessons that could come handy when you are on land. Cruise operators can also give you a background of the history and culture, lifestyles and weather conditions of the cities you will be visiting.

A European river cruise will allow you a peek into the lives and lifestyles of cultures at close quarters, next only to actually living in the city you are exploring while on land.

European River Cruise. Martin Acosta is a part of the Cruise Holidays of Oakville team. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Acosta

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Leave the Fear Behind During Your Cruise Ship Experience

By Linda Walsh Linda Walsh Level: Basic PLUS Hello, my name is Linda Walsh and I was born and raised in Southern California along with my brother and 3 sisters. Although I lived ... Article Word Count: 786 [View Summary] Comments (0)

A few years back, my parents took their first cruise on a short 4 day excursion to the Mexican Riviera. Several months before taking their cruise, my Father had a very close brush with death from Diverticulosis. He had lost 9 pints of blood through rectal hemorrhaging due to a small fisher somewhere in the intestines. Although he had seen several medical doctors and had multiple x-rays, it was never determined what had caused the massive and uncontrollable bleeding at the time. We later learned (after the cruise) that the smallest seed from a piece of fruit is enough to tear his frail intestines. This cruise on the Royal Caribbean was a celebration of life for my folks as well as their 51st Wedding Anniversary celebration.

On board the cruise ship things were going great, and a beautiful picture was taken of the two of them as they boarded this luxury liner. It was shortly after dinner that something terrible happened.

My parents had just finished up an incredible meal with the Captain when my Father consumed a desert that had blueberries with small seeds which was enough to trigger another serious episode of hemorrhaging. He was rushed to the ships infirmary where the ships doctor did everything possible to stop the hemorrhaging. My Mother was an absolute wreck as my Father was treated by the ships doctor for this potentially deadly situation. They discovered that they would have to pay the whole medical bill up front by credit card and submit the bill later to their insurance company when they returned to shore for reimbursement. Fortunately, the bill did not exceed their maximum credit line.

What they learned from the whole experience was quite interesting. The doctor on board their cruise ship was excellent. He was able to stabilize my Fathers hemorrhaging through the use of blood coagulating medication until they returned to shore. Not only was he able to stabilize my Father, but he was able to calm my Mother and was extremely caring and attentive during the entire experience. He also informed my parents as to what foods my Father should completely avoid from that day forward.

The medication that was administered to my Father while on board worked well enough that there was no need for more extreme measures such as an emergency air lift or to have my Father dropped off in Ensenada Mexico for Hospital treatment while my poor Mother returned to the US port with the ship. He recovered so well that they were both able to enjoy the last day of the cruise and even take a short excursion (the last of 4 excursions) to Ensendada for some shopping.

That was about 7 years ago. To our surprise, my Father recently shared his interest in taking another cruise for 15 days to Hawaii. He hasn't had an episode with Diverticulosis since that last cruise in 2003 and has mastered what foods he can and cannot consume to avoid any further episodes. My Mother, however, is terrified at the thought that something might go wrong. She is so consumed with fear of having a similar experience that she would rather not go on the cruise.

I have shared with her my personal opinion, one that I have developed from traveling with my own Special Needs child. Leave the fear at home. Do some home work - research and educate yourself on the following items, you will be able to overcome the fear, and enjoy a wonderful experience.

• Research the age of the ship (typically, newer ships have better medical doctors and equipment)
• Learn any information you can about the ships doctor on board
• Find out what level of service the on-board clinic is capable of providing
• Ask beforehand what foods are provided at the buffets, and other meals
• Learn about travel insurance plans that specifically include medical clauses
• Carry a credit card with a large line of credit only for those just in case medical expenses
• Try to avoid the ships infirmary altogether by being proactive with your medical condition
• If you have food restrictions-carry a list of what you can have to reference when you are standing in front of a cruise buffet that may have the ability to dazzle and confuse you
• Carry your own medicines
• And find out what the procedures and possible expenses are for the worst case scenario

Fear is a terrible destroyer of good times, an enemy of relaxation, and a deadly plague against fun vacationing. Fight fear with knowledge, preparation, and a determined attitude to have fun. Only then can you learn to life to the fullest, no matter whether you are young, or old, healthy or living with disabilities.

Happy Travels!

Linda Walsh is a mother of 3 young children - one with special needs and a forth child on the way. She is also a family travel expert who has developed a unique system for traveling with babies and young kids, budgeting money, cooking from scratch on the road, managing life with special needs, and living an organized lifestyle to get the most miles out of raising her family. If you would like to find more ways to simplify and organize your travels through life with your children, visit her website at http://www.familytravelgear.com or her blog at http://www.blog.familytravelgear.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Walsh

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How to Save Money With Carnival Cruise Secrets

By Alejandra V.

Article Word Count: 428 [View Summary] Comments (0)


Learn how my carnival cruise secrets can save you money. I have been going on cruises for over 10 years now and I have learned a lot of secrets through that time. Below you will see my top 3 carnival cruise secrets that have helped me save thousands over the years.

The first of three carnival cruise secrets that can save you some money is to make sure you have packed correctly. This is a very basic tips that applies to any cruise, but you always want to make sure you take some medication such as Advil, Pepto-Bismol, etc. If you get sea sick make you take some medicine for sea sickness as well. I would recommend Dramamine. This seems like a basic tip, but you will be surprised how many people don't pack these things and end up buying them on the cruise.

The second of three carnival cruise secrets is not to book your excursions with the ship. If you do not book with the cruise line you will end up saving money. For example, when I went to Atlantis the ship was selling a day pass to all their amenities for $150. There were 5 of us, so this would be a total of $750. Instead we took a taxi to the actual resort and ended up buying the passes directly from the hotel. We ended up paying $110 per person. This is a savings of $40 per person and $200 for the group of 5. This is one of my favorite carnival cruise secrets, as it has helped me save a lot of money.

The last of the carnival cruise secrets is that you can save money on you cabin by doing a little research before you book. There are many cruise booking sites and most of them are cheaper than actually buying them directly from carnival. Many of these booking sites will also include free cabin upgrades, free onboard vouchers, and many other specials. I have even seen cruises at 80% off the regular price. Remember that cruises need to get filled up, so if they are not filed up they will reduce the price to attract more people.

These carnival cruise secrets are sure to save you a few dollars, but there are many more available that can help you save thousands and even make you next cruise more enjoyable. Some of these carnival cruise secrets include how to get free drinks onboard, how to attend VIP events, how to get a cruise vacation for free, how to save on airfare, etc.

I have learned some of these carnival cruise secrets on my own, but the majority I have learned from Insider Cruise Tips & Secrets. To find out more about this guide visit Discount Travel Guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alejandra_V.

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Start Your Cruise Vacation From Los Angeles For a Fabulous 7 Day Mexican Riviera Cruise

By Costa Marcos Platinum Quality Author
Costa Marcos
Level: Platinum

Hi, I'm Costa Marcos and I am the webmaster of cruisetimetables.com, an invaluable resource for all cruise enthusiasts. Quickly find all the cruises departing from ...

Introducing Los Angeles

Los Angeles, also minimally called LA, is the largest city in the state of California, and the second largest city in the United States. Positioned on a expansive flat area in the South of California, LA is surrounded by extensive forests, huge mountain peaks, the blue Pacific Ocean and parched deserts.

Starting as a insignificant township in the 18th century, the city started to develop about a hundred years later due to the coming of the railroad, and expanded rapidly until the present. Nowadays the urban region is centered in LA County, but extends into San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Ventura County and Orange County.

The city is home to nearly 18 million people who originate from all parts of the globe. Los Angeles is a city of great diversity, incorporating a big Hispanic population, a major Asian community, and large populations of many other national origins.

Los Angeles is an important hub for culture, retail, business and global trade, however it is internationally famous for being the home of the globe's entertainment studios. The glitz of Sunset Strip, Hollywood, Bel Air and Beverly Hills has cemented Los Angeles's reputation as an American dream futher driving the region's massive growth.

The popularity of Los Angeles's cruise terminals is greater than ever, and today over 300 cruises start from the port each year. Destinations on offer include the Mexican Riviera and Hawaiian islands. Choosing a cruise from Los Angeles makes for a memorable vacation.

Los Angeles Cruise Terminals

Los Angeles's San Pedro bay holds 2 cruise ports, the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles (commonly called simply San Pedro), and four miles eastwards Long Beach Cruise Terminal adjacent to the Port of Long Beach. Cruise ships berth at the World Cruise Center, except most (but not all) Carnival-affiliated cruise ships which berth at Long Beach.

World Cruise Center Cruise Terminals
There are 2 cruise ship terminals at the World Cruise Center, Terminal 91-92 and Terminal 93. Capacity is two to three big cruise ships. Each cruise terminal has the basic amenities, such as eateries, parking areas, cab ranks, shops, bars and check in desks.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal was constructed by Carnival Cruiselines, and opened in 2003. The terminal is inside the round dome that was formerly home to Spruce Goose, now located in Evergreen museum, Oregon. Long Beach cruise terminal possesses one 1100ft pier able to handle one full size cruise liner. The terminal offers all the basic services, such as check in, shops, parking zones, cab ranks, cafes and bars. Adjacent to the terminal sits the historic Queen Mary ocean liner.

5 Best Things To Do in San Pedro/Long Beach (Editor's choice!)

1 Los Angeles Maritime Museum (San Pedro)
Discover the past and present of the harbor of LA at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, sited at the 1941 Municipal Ferry Terminal. Check out hundreds of displays such as photos, original maps, machines and models of important vessels and boats. Sited near Harbor and 6th around half mile south of San Pedro cruise facility.

2 Ports O' Call (San Pedro)
Planned to resemble a New England fishing community, Ports O' Call is a great trip. There's lots of restaurants, bars, galleries and shops, beside charming paved paths. There's also a harbor for boat journeys around the bay, whale watching cruises and day trips to Catalina Island. Ports O'Call is around a mile southwards from San Pedro cruise terminal.

3 Red Car Trolley Ride (San Pedro)
The Red Car Line is a one and a half mile long trolley service interconnecting the Marina and the World Cruise Center. The trolley has drop-offs at Ports O' Call and the LA Maritime Museum. The Red Cars are completely refurbished to their former glory, with upholstered seats, wood panelled sides and ornate brass fittings.

4 Queen Mary (Long Beach)
In 1936 Queen Mary commenced service for the Cunard Cruise Line and she operated for 30 years, including a time of military service in WWII. The liner crossed the Atlantic ocean 1001 times, posting crossing time records on several occasions. In the late 1960s the liner arrived in Long Beach to become maritime museum and hotel.
Located next to Long Beach cruise port.

5 Aquarium of The Pacific and Shoreline Aquatic Park
Be introduced to the frigid environment of the Arctic, the rich reefs of the Tropics and the warm seas of California at this marvelous aquarium. Come face-to-face with the ocean's ultimate predators in the large Shark Lagoon. Subsequent to your tour to the aquarium walk around adjacent Shoreline Aquatic Park, a lovely area of parkland by the sea. Located just across the bay from Long Beach port, about 2 miles by car.

Picking A Cruise From Los Angeles

The favorite itinerary from LA cruise port is a trip following the western coastline of Mexico. Baja California itineraries typically stop at Ensenada and Catalina island, whereas Mexican Riviera voyages stop at Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. More extended voyages available include trips to the Hawaiian islands, and non-return trans Panama canal voyages to the eastern US. In early summer several cruises to Vancouver are on offer, as ships position read for a summer season of Alaska cruising.

Travelling To The Cruise Terminal From Los Angeles International Airport

Join the supershuttle service to the required cruise port. About a 40 minute ride.

Also Worth Knowing

Currency USD
Timezone PTZ
Language English.

Hi, I'm Costa Marcos and I am the webmaster of Cruise Timetables, an invaluable resource for all cruise enthusiasts. Quickly find all the cruises leaving from (or visiting) a specific port, together with comprehensive itinerary timetables. For Los Angeles cruises see cruises from Los Angeles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Costa_Marcos

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Magnifico Mediterranean Costa Cruise Memories

By Suzy Davis Platinum Quality Author

Suzy Davis
Level: Platinum

Suzy Davis has traveled the world for nearly 30 years initially as a flight attendant and now with her company Adventures For Singles Inc. She ...

Article Word Count: 708 [View Summary] Comments (0)

On July 10, 2010 we returned from a fabulous cruise vacation to the Italian, Spanish and French Rivieras. Costa loves groups and I love Costa. This group of 68 was our sixth with them. Our mega-liner, the Concordia held 3780 passengers and 1100 crew. Of the dozens of different nationalities onboard, only 318 spoke English and yet surprisingly, I felt privileged to be in such a minority. The cruiseline went beyond the call of duty to make us feel special. On day 2, they gave us a private cocktail party. On day 6, they surprised us with an exceptionally generous event. We began with a "Galley Tour" to view the massive kitchens. We saw the appetizer zone, the soup, salad and pasta stations, the steamy hot bakery that runs 24/7 and the dishwashing area where they wash 60,000 dishes daily. Later in the Vienna lounge, dancers came to do a powerful performance for us. Then the top officers arrived to greet us including the Michelin Executive Chef who heads 91 other chefs, hotel manager of 1500 cabins and even the Captain himself, an affable seaman from Cinque Terre. We ended with a geography game in 2 teams attempting to guess world capitals.

Few Americans know of Costa, Italy's 3rd top company in terms of reputation behind Ferrari and Armani. Their prices are competitive and like AFS, they maintain a 70% return guest ratio. This was the biggest ship I've been on. I was happy to learn Costa's new ships will not exceed this size. (We booked a group July 2011 on the new Flaviosa, which is under construction.) RC Oasis of the Seas holds nearly 5400 passengers. I'm told the Epic of the Seas will hold 10,000 including crew. I wonder if they'll provide Segways to get to breakfast.

I had anticipated some chaos on the Concordia but each day was remarkably smooth. I never waited over 5 minutes in any line and always had a deck chair. There were no tenders to board so we could leisurely disembark anytime. Over the years, I've cruised dozens of lines. Most make it difficult for groups with strict Gestapo-like rules that must be adhered to, such as specific chairs for dinners to being the last passengers allowed to disembark at each port. Only Costa allows flexibility with a laid back attitude of "as you wish." No cruiseline is perfect, but with groups, this is what sets them apart.

I chose this cruise for the diverse ports of call in 3 countries. Most enjoyed Barcelona, Marseilles, Avignon, Sorrento and Mallorca. I heard the favorites however to be the Isle of Capri, ruins of Pompeii, glamorous Monte Carlo, charming Portofino and exotic Tunis. Least favorite, Palermo Sicily. In Tunisia I arranged a private tour with a passionate guide named Amel who had just 5 hours to show us her beloved Tunis. We visited ancient Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, a mountain village by the sea and in the crowded souks of the Medina we bargained for treasures.

En route back, heavy traffic delayed us, which put me on the verge of a nervous breakdown. We were to board our ship at 1pm. Impossible. When our coach stopped outside the parking gates, we ran as if we were on fire. With the ship blaring, the last one in our group made it within seconds to the rising of the gangway at 1:33pm. This was a miracle as most ships don't wait and I had no plan B on how to get us from this port in northern Africa to Balearic Islands of Spain. 19 years leading groups, this experience trumped all other moments of stress combined.

A letter was placed in my cabin that night to meet the captain at 11:40am next day. Guilt disturbed my sleep as surely he would chew me out for such irresponsibility. Instead I arrived promptly to a room with canapes and champagne. Captain Mario Garbarino extended his hand to me along with 2 kisses to say "Grazie for bringing the big American group onboard!" When my serenity returned, I reflected on a wonderful Adventures For Singles group who blended well and enjoyed a taste of La Dolce Vita with Costa Cruiselines. That's amore!

Suzy Davis President, and tour leader of http://www.adventuresforsingles.com has traveled the world for nearly 30 years initially as a flight attendant and now with her company Adventures For Singles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzy_Davis

Suzy Davis - EzineArticles Expert Author

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Explore History and Nature Along the Atlantic Coast

By Roy Witman

If you think a cruise is all about bikinis and tropical drinks under a palm tree, you might just be surprised. Some of the most beautiful ports of call are closer to the North Pole than the equator, and arriving by ship allows you to see these northern destinations in a new light. Get a glimpse of American culture and Canadian wildlife when you cruise along the coasts of New England and Canada, while exploring picturesque fishing villages and historic sites at every port.

New England - Where America Began

Boston, first settled more than 300 years ago, is one of the country's oldest cities. The American Revolution began here, and the city is filled with enough museums and landmarks to keep a history buff entertained for days. From the Old North Church, where two lanterns hanging in a steeple window told of the arrival of British troops, to Boston Common, where more than one thousand soldiers camped, the Freedom Trail takes you on a walk through America's past you'll never forget.

To the north, Bar Harbor offers nature lovers the opportunity to hike the 125 miles of trails inside Acadia National Park. Magnificent views from Maine's rugged coastline and the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast make this tiny park a popular destination. When dinnertime rolls around, head back into town for a seafood feast that has been harvested from the ocean just hours before. It's truly unlike anything you've ever tasted.

Wildlife and Culture in Canada

Canadian ports of call allow adventurous cruisers to get even closer to nature. Join a whale-watching expedition and see these majestic mammals up close, or choose a tour of the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the Western Atlantic, where more than 250,000 pair of this colorful bird live and breed. While you're in St. John's, Newfoundland, be sure to sample the local jams, and don't go home without a hand-knit fisherman's sweater.

Fans of the Victorian era will love Saint John, New Brunswick. This quaint harbor town suffered a devastating fire in 1877 which destroyed the entire city center. Today, the overwhelming architectural theme is Victorian, with elaborate ironwork, brick walkways, and plenty of gingerbread decorating every building. While you're here, don't miss the world-famous Reversing Falls, where a unique geological formation causes the river to run backwards at high tide.

More than Just Pretty Scenery

Cruise along the Eastern Seaboard in autumn and you'll witness stunning displays of nature, both in the riot of color the trees provide, and the whales and other sea life that call the area home. But there's more to a New England cruise than just scenery. Active families will find plenty to keep them occupied as well. Shore excursions include kayaking, whitewater rafting, nature hikes, and bike trips, so the entire family is sure to find something of interest.

Whether you're longing for a change from the usual ports of call, or this is your first cruising adventure, you'll love sailing along the Atlantic coast. Gorgeous scenery, fun activities for the whole family, and rich history combine to make a memorable vacation for everyone.

Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals on Mediterranean cruises. © 2010, All Rights Reserved

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_Witman

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