Simple Advice for Cruising on a Budget...

Cruises have the reputation of being extravagant and expensive, but this does not have to be the case.  Finding cheap cruises does not have to be a difficult task; the secret is to know where to look to find good deals.  By looking in the right places it is perfectly possible to find an affordable cruise.

One of the best ways to get a good deal is to search for budget cruise lines.  Choosing a cheaper ship may mean that you have fewer amenities and slightly less luxurious surroundings, but it is still possible to have an excellent holiday on one of these vessels.  You may also find that opting for an older ship from one of the more expensive lines gets you a better deal.  Remember to keep an eye out for special offers and promotions from cruise lines and travel agents.

Another way to save money is to go away for a shorter period of time.  A two week cruise on a luxury cruise line might be out of your budget, but you may well be able to afford a shorter voyage for a week or five nights. This is a great way to get the experience of sailing on a luxury cruise liner without breaking the bank.

Finally, consider travelling out of peak season as this can be a really good way to find cheap cruises.  Sailing around the Caribbean in the autumn, for example, will be considerably cheaper than doing so in the middle of spring or summer, and winter is a great time to get a good deal in the Mediterranean.

Luxury Grenada Holidays – a great romantic holid...

A typically Caribbean island, Grenada is a peaceful, easy-going, tropical destination, perfect for couples, families or the single traveller seeking luxury holidays. Labelled “the Isle of Spice”, Grenada is a most charming island, producing cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and mace, along with arguably the world’s finest cocoa and bananas. Grenada offers the visitor superb hospitality and fine cuisine, including excellent seafood. Situated in the eastern Caribbean, Grenada has some of the most stunning natural beauty, white sandy beaches and isolated coves to explore.    

Grenada holidays offer more than relaxing beach holidays, the island’s capital St George’s has a busy market, grand colonial buildings and boasts one of the most picturesque harbours in the region. The interior provides a strikingly alternative scene with rainforests, mountains, lakes and waterfalls, creating a stunning backdrop for cycling and hiking excursions.

Often overlooked, Grenada offers a choice of exclusive beachfront hotels and resorts; a destination of choice for weddings and honeymoons, family, spa and pampering breaks, and luxury holidays.

Grenada Holiday Choices

Grenada holidays will appeal to discerning travellers; the island boasts world-class diving, along with sailing on the clear, turquoise waters.  Grenada is the place to relax, whether on one of the island’s pristine beaches or by the hotel pool, soaking up the sun with a traditional rum cocktail.
 
Leisure Activities Include:

•    Golf.
•    Tennis.
•    Sailing.
•    Deep-sea fishing.
•    Whale and dolphin watching.

Grenada Features:

•    Grand Etang National Park.
•    St George’s.
•    Spice farms.
•    Plantation houses.

Ancient Civilizations, Modern Cruises...

Mediterranean cruises offer a diverse sampling of the world’s oldest civilizations from Roman ruins, ancient Greek sites and Turkish landmarks celebrating the Holy Land to World Heritage Sites and medieval fortifications.

Many of the Mediterranean cruises begin at the Port of Civitavecchia in Rome. Almost all major cruise lines operate out of Rome or Venice for Mediterranean cruises. Since cruise line companies recommend arrival in the port city a day or two before departure, this is a lovely time to discover the rich history and culture of Italy.

Here are some of the most enchanting destinations in the Mediterranean region:

Athens, Greece: The seat of Greek history and philosophical debate, Athens is home to the ancient site of the Acropolis and Hadrian’s Arch.

Barcelona, Spain: Enjoy the age-old traditions of Spanish culture set amidst the bustle of the modern world.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: A World Heritage site with a land tour of the city and its ancient medieval walls.

Istanbul, Turkey: Discover the beauty of the Sultan’s Topkapi Palace and marvel at the incredible Blue Mosque.

Seville, Cadiz, Spain: Southern Spain’s cultural centre must be visited for archaeological treasures and historical landmarks.

For a more intimate cruise, board one of Windstar Cruises’ tall-masted sailing vessels and explore the many wonders of unspoiled beauty and Mediterranean sea breezes throughout the Greek Islands.

Most cruise lines offer Mediterranean Sea cruises, including Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Wasaga Beach: The World’s Longest Freshwater Bea...

Approximately an hour’s drive from the city of Toronto sits Wasaga Beach, one of Ontario’s best-known resort towns.  While the name alone gives the impression of a summer town only, Wasaga actually has an active tourist life all year round.  Tourists can enjoy swimming, hiking, bike riding and souvenir shopping on the main beach and in the numerous parks in the area.

The Beach Areas

Wasaga Beach sits on the banks of Nottawasaga Bay in the waters of Georgian Bay, which is part of Lake Huron, one of Ontario’s Great Lakes.  Wasaga Beach boasts the world’s longest freshwater beach, sectioned off into six beach and park areas.  All parks and beach areas in the town are run and maintained by the Provincial government, and visitors must pay to park here, although it is free to visit the parks.

Entertainment

Wasaga Beach has a wide variety of entertainment available, from nightclubs, patios, bars and restaurants to go-carts, hiking, fishing, mini golf and biking.  Winter activities in Wasaga Beach include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.  Visitors can also attend various events scheduled for most weekends in the summer, and a few seasonal events the entire year round.  For those interested in downhill skiing, there are several alpine hills within 20km of the town, like Horseshoe Valley, Blue Mountain, Snow Valley and Mt. St. Louis Moonstone.

Special Events

Wasaga Beach offers some special events during the year, such as Corvette Cruise, Jazz in the Park, Wasaga Beachfest, fireworks displays, Art by the Pond and a marketplace.

Taking a Cruise with Kids: What to Expect...

Many families decide to take a cruise during their holidays. This is a very convenient way to see several locations. There is no need to worry about finding hotels, and guests have easy access to meals. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when travelling with kids.

First, it is important to find both a cruise and an itinerary that are kid-friendly. Larger vessels that travel on ocean cruises are better suited to children. Smaller vessels used for river cruises typically do not have any children’s’ facilities. Caribbean, Alaskan, and Mexican cruises generally offer the most activities and programmes for children.

One option is to consider a suite or connecting rooms when booking a cruise. This is an ideal option for older children who may appreciate some privacy. Most cabins have additional berths that can comfortably accommodate younger children. Parents may also wish to find out if a crib may be placed in the cabin.

Larger ships will have dedicated areas where children’s’ activities take place. Usually, the kids are divided up into different age groups to allow for more age-appropriate activities. These typically include crafts, games, and musical activities. Teenagers may have dedicated clubhouses of their own with video games, computers, and possibly discos. There are often special, supervised shore excursions available for kids.

An advantage to having access to children’s’ programmes is that some run until late at night, which is helpful if adults plan to attend a show. Group child minding for a small fee per child is also standard on most ships. This is often treated as a slumber party to make the experience more fun for the kids.

Holidays in Moscow...

Moscow, as one of the major world capitals, has a lot to offer should you choose to holiday here.  It is popular among tourists wanting a city break or a longer stay.  Moscow contains a wide range of the hotels from the very reasonably priced to the expensive and luxurious.

There are flights to Moscow from the United Kingdom’s major airports.  A check on the internet will allow you to see which bargain flights are on offer.  There are also packages available which will allow you to reach the Russian capital by rail.  This trip involves the first leg of the journey being taken by Eurostar from London to Brussels.  A connection is taken to Berlin for an overnight stay.  The journey continues through Poland and Belarus and reaches Moscow by the evening of the second day.

When in Moscow there is much to see and do.  At the heart of the city is the famous Red Square.  To the south of the square is St Basil’s Cathedral with its unique beautifully coloured domes, and close by to the Cathedral is the Kremlin, the centre of Russian government.  The Red Square is also home to Lenin’s Mausoleum where visitors can see the preserved body of one of the major figures of Russian history.

For those interested in shopping, a trip to the GUM store should be on the itinerary.  While for the more culturally minded, the city contains some excellent museums and galleries.

The Caribbean Mix – Cruise Holidays...

The great cultural diversity, tropical wonderlands, and beauty of the deep blue sea will always amaze travellers who choose Caribbean cruise holidays year after year because there are over 40 cruise ports in the Caribbean.

Choosing the right Caribbean cruise is almost as much fun as getting there. The weather is beautiful almost all year long and the different islands offer a background of diverse cultures in their everyday life.

The architecture, attitudes, customs and music are all coloured by the native tropical climate and physical landscape. While some island life is based on colonial standards, others are more influenced by the heritage of African slaves and native indigenous tribes.

Barbados is most closely associated with British colonialism. Carefully preserved, many island landmarks are a history lesson come to life. Antigua still feels the colonial influences, but there is a much more laid-back approach to life on this island.

Jamaica, on the other hand, is passionately self-sufficient and more closely influenced by post-colonial island life, where colourful Rastafarians blend seamlessly into a modern world with a few remaining staid British customs.

There are Dutch elements that flavour the lifestyle of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Aruba, although American influences are creeping into island life. Guadeloupe is the island of African and French influences with the emphasis on French customs and culture.

Nearby Puerto Rico is a hybrid of Spanish and American lifestyles with modern, teeming cities on the coastline and a simpler, more rural life in the interior. The Dominican Republic is almost the exact opposite; largely undeveloped, except for the city of Santa Domingo, it is a throwback to native tribal life.

Jewels in the Ocean – the Maldives...

The Maldives is a chain of islands in the Indian Ocean which offers luxury holidays in the finest accommodation spread out over 99 different resorts. There are more than 1,000 islands making up the Maldives archipelago, and no expense has been spared to bring absolute luxury for guests to the region.

Maldives holidays are great for romantics, newly-married couples on honeymoon and visitors looking for peace and solitude in spectacularly beautiful surroundings. Pure white sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean water combine with coral islands and gently swaying palm trees to create a magical world of tranquil relaxation.

There is always a warm welcome from the local people for whom the sea is a way of life and it is not surprising that all kinds of water sports are available to visitors. Snorkelling is a favourite way to be introduced to the underwater world of exotic fish and for the more adventurous there is some of the best scuba diving available in the world. Experienced instructors are on hand to guide visitors beneath the azure waters to discover the wonders of the coral reefs: multicoloured fish dart here and there, stingrays and turtles can be spotted, and even friendly sharks are found swimming in the subterranean depths.

Relaxation opportunities are all around, with sensuous spa treatments nurturing and nourishing the body and mind, and spectacular sunsets to be watched as an exotic cocktail is shared on the veranda. Exquisite food completes the evening experience for luxury holidays of a lifetime.

A Guide to Quebec City...

Quebec City is the capital of Quebec, and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. The city is still within its original walls, which makes it quite unusual. It has status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travellers arriving by air will land at Jean Lesage International Airport. The city is best navigated by public bus or by bike.

There are several interesting sights in Quebec City, with many being located in the beautiful Old Town. Chateau Frontenac is a lovely old hotel that is a favourite of photographers. The Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec is located in this area and has quite a collection of art. Place-Royale is the original settlement site. It has a number of attractive homes and buildings.

There is a lot of good shopping in the city. The area around the Breakneck Stairs, also known as Basse-Ville, is home to a number of crafters who sell items made by First Nations tribes. Visitors can also watch glassblowers at work and talk to them about their craft. Place Laurier, located in the Old Town area, is the largest mall in eastern Canada. For a treat, visit Marché du Vieux-Port, the daily farmer’s market.

There are several restaurants including cafe establishments that offer Quebec-style food. Specialties include poutine, which are chips and cheese curds with gravy. Meat pies are also popular. Cochon Dingue is a popular restaurant serving local food and a number of lunch specials. Le Patriarche is housed in an old home dating back to 1827. If guests feel like sampling some Chinese food in a posh setting, visit L’Elysee Mandarin.

Cruises – a great choice for your family holiday...

If your time is limited or you simply want to try shipboard life, why not consider taking a weekend getaway or short cruise?  Cruises are available for just a few hours, an overnight stay, for a weekend and longer.

Weekend cruises are an ideal, no-fuss way to escape normal day-to-day routine.  You simply board the ship, unpack your suitcase, just once, and relax while the captain and crew negotiate water to a new port of call.  

Weekend cruises depart from several key ports around the world.  If you want to maximise the time on board the ship, then choose a cruise that leaves from a port close to your home. 

Some cruise schedules allow for the ship to travel throughout the night, stopping at a new place in the morning for passengers to disembark and enjoy all the new port of call has to offer.   

As cruises are an all-inclusive holiday, budgeting for the trip is so much easier.  You make one main payment. 

Food is always fresh, varied and tasty.  One of the wonderful things about an all-inclusive holiday is that when you sit down to a meal, you don’t need to check out the price of the food.  If you feel like eating what is usually the most expensive thing on the menu, when on a ship, you can.  There is no need to worry about finishing the meal and having a huge bill to settle. 

After your short trip away, you can return home feeling rejuvenated.