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Planning on taking a cruise in the caribbean? These five tips will help you make your cruise a great one!

1. Everyone thinks of only one clothing item to pack when planning a Caribbean cruise; their swimsuit. Eventually, several tank tops and shorts are packed, as well. Mother Nature can be very unpredictable, so you should always include a light jacket and at least one set of warm clothing, as rainy days and cool weather can sometimes surprise the most well prepared travelers. When filling your suitcase, be sure to remember sun block, sunglasses and sun burn ointment, just in case. To ensure maximum enjoyment, bring your camera, some reading material and your favorite portable music player with music.

2. How much cash can you carry and still feel safe? A good rule of thumb is to carry as little cash as possible. ATMs have made this much easier and more convenient to achieve. Cash may be required for some island shopping excursions, as well as, for the customary tip at the end of the cruise. Try to use an ATM whenever possible, though, to avoid carry excess cash.

3. Leave your house in good hands while you are gone. This will help you relax and thoroughly enjoy your cruise. Make sure that you plan ahead of time for someone to watch your pets, if you have any. Also, it is a good idea to have a neighbor, friend or family member check on your house every few days while you are gone. Have them retrieve your mail regularly or place your mail on hold at your local post office for the duration of your stay. Leave close friends and family members contact numbers for the cruise line and any on shore locations in case of emergency.

4. Being sick is never a good way to enjoy a Caribbean cruise. Do your best to stay as healthy as possible before you leave on your cruise. Because sickness can pop up at unexpected times, bring any medications you’d need for different sicknesses. And, find out the best way for you to prevent sea sickness.

5. Above all, choose a destination that interests you and fits within your budget. Find out which durations and destinations best suit your interests and your cruise experience. A first time cruise passenger might find that a shorter duration cruise is more to their liking. Gradually work your way to longer cruises. Popular cruise destinations are popular for a reason. Stick to the main destinations for your first time, and let your experience guide you on future destinations.

Find Travel Deals: Cheap Flights, Cruises, Hotel Reservations, Caribbean Cruise Deals, Vacation Packages and more at http://www.travelersbest.com

Well apart from the blindingly obvious, here are a few more ideas that you might not have thought of.

Did you realise?

- Not only are all the meals free, you get some of the world’s best cuisine to sample - the ultimate ‘all-inclusive’! In fact you’ll find it hard to resist all those culinary concoctions!

From East to West and all stops in between, you will have the opportunity to delight in what the very best chefs have to offer up. Can you save yourself - well, maybe, but only after you get home!

- Dining doesn’t usually require a tux anymore, (though you get to glam up if you want to!). Most ships offer choices of dress in at least a selection of the restaurants on offer.

In fact, depending on the cruise line you use, there might even be no chance at all to try to squeeze into that fabulous black jacket that fit perfectly just a few years ago (remember Steve Martin in ‘Father of the Bride’!).

- The food is almost on tap, 24-hours a day, even as room service. From breakfast to mid-morning snack; through lunch, ever so quaint tea; dinner and supper, it’s possible you might still fancy a snack as well at 2am in the morning.

Well, no fear, you can! Oh and if that’s still a problem, you can always ask in between meals and there will be no refusals!

- Often the biggest of all concerns for cruisers, especially on their first trip, tipping, has been removed from the ships as an ‘issue’.

You can get ‘all-in’ prices on some cruise lines to ensure that every dollar you spend is ultra-indulgently, just for you!

- Pretty usually, the cruises are geared up so that you get almost all of your daytime at leisure, to visit the most wonderful of destinations, many with exclusive excursions.

So, a lot of the fun can be off the ship. Don’t miss out on these - often they will be just as, if not more memorable than the cruise you are on - and that is saying something!

- The most amazing range of leisure activities are available. It is not just ‘quiots’ these days! From rock-climbing to culture; watersports to specialist courses and seminars by some of the world’s leading experts.

- Want to see fabulous shows like on Broadway, Las Vegas and the West End? You can and will. In fact cruise lines are one of the biggest opportunities for top stars.

So, you will not be disappointed. And if that’s not quite your scene, most cruise lines have a wide variety of opportunities for evening entertainment.

- Need your fix of ‘www’ or need to keep in contact with your business? Many ships have internet access for you, often from your cabin through wi-fi. On others, special internet cafes are available in neatly designed areas to make you feel like you are at home.

So there’s no reason not to keep in touch. And with technology as it is right now, there are all the opportunities for friends and family maybe even to share your fun onboard through photos and video through the computers available.

- Shopping - did you say shopping? Both on-board and on-shore, you have as wide a range of fantastic value shopping opportunities. This really is the time to relax your wallet. Often the things you find will be unique to your cruise line.

Maybe it’s about souvenirs. Perhaps a line in exclusive jewellery. Or fashion designs you just haven’t seen before. On land local traditional products can be found if you get past the stalls selling the usual tourist trap merchandise.

And finally, the key that brings so many back to their cruise idyll. Think too, of the fresh air of the sea, the memorable views, the comfort and luxury. Cruise lines have it all - you, can have it all!

(c) 2007 “Hawaiian-Cruises-Online”. You can have vacation of your dreams. Everything you’ve ever wanted - beautiful ships; wonderful food and destinations like you wouldn’t believe! And did I mention the weather? Look no further - all the Hawaiian Cruising information you’ll ever need, in the 50+ pages that’s totally free at Martin Haworth’s website, Hawaiian Cruises Online.

About half a dozen different cruise lines offer Alaskan cruises. There are several things to consider when planning your Alaskan cruise. A very important component is the length of the cruise. You don’t want to book a 7 day cruise if you only have a 5 day vacation. Also, check to make sure the departure date is compatible with when you can travel.

Price can be a big factor in choosing a cruise. Different rooms offer different prices ranging from around $500 to over $4,000. Make sure you book a room and a cruise that fits within your budget. Check around with different travel agents and booking services both online and offline to find the best rate. You might be surprised at the amount of money you can save to buy souvenirs.

Unlike Caribbean cruises, you probably won’t be planning to pack only a swimsuit on your Alaskan cruise. So, what should you pack? Alaskan weather can be unpredictable to a certain extent. However, some factors are fairly common. For instance, rain is common between the months of May and September. This is also when the majority of Alaskan cruises take place. This would make an umbrella or raincoat a good idea to bring along.

Alaska can also surprise you with a cooler spell, so make sure to bring a sweater along, just in case. Most Alaskan cruises will have a Captain’s Gala, which is a formal dinner. Pack one formal dress or suit for this occasion since you won’t want to be the only one in casual dress.

During the summer, Alaska has a lot of daylight. This means that you will have a longer period of time to tan ‘ or burn. Bring sunscreen. Turning the color of a lobster is a surefire way to put a damper on an otherwise terrific cruise. Above all, don’t forget your camera. An Alaskan cruise is something that you will want to remember, so bring your camera and use it.

Just because your in Alaska doesn’t mean you should leave the swimsuit at home. Pack your swimsuit along with some cool summer outfits. Keep in mind that springtime in Alaska can be downright cold, though, so know what the weather is expected to be during your cruise.

Alaska is a hotspot for mosquitoes, so remember to pack your insect repellant. Unlike most cruises, an Alaskan cruise can be complicated to pack for. However, you will enjoy your cruise to the fullest if you are fully prepared.

Find Cruises, Caribbean Cruise Deals and more at our site http://www.travelersbest.com

When you are preparing for your cruise vacation, it’s vital to have all your plans in place in good time. By
doing this you will ensure that you are comfortable with the whole experience and that lets you enjoy it more!

So here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the planning of it all - selected from a selection of Top Ten Cruising Tips - there’s more at the website below.

1. Get your dates and timescale sorted.

Having this discussion early means there will be a lot less frustration when it comes to making decisions about your cruise vacation. Remember things like school and college dates; other people’s vital birthdays, not to mention other key dates like medical appointments. Remember that the cruise lines will have different rates for different times of the year - a matter of a week could make a lot of difference to the price you pay and the spending money you have on board!

2. Are your dates fixed or are you flexible?

If you are tied to specific times on the calendar, do you have any flexibility around that at all. Whilst no-one likes to take kids out of school at any time, you might find just a snippet of flexibility, like at the end of the summer term when exams are finished, for example, to take your cruise. This can make not just a financial difference, but also a difference to availability as well as how busy the cruises might be as well. A slightly quieter week might be a lot more fun than one when the crew are working at full tilt. Not to mention availability of extras like shore excursions.

3. Is the date the most important; or the cruise line; or the destination?

A vital question! Where do your priorities lie? If you are getting to an age where it’s just the two of you and you have no time constraints (and are maybe prepared to pay the full rate too!), you can afford to be much more selective about the where, the when and the who you decide to spend your money with. It’s a great place to be! So, in this case, whilst timing of your cruise vacation will be important, there might just be other decisions that you can take which will help you get the best from it.

4. Are all members of the party in the same position?

Another important point! Remember that whilst you might be OK, others in your party could be much less flexible, for all sorts of reasons, especially if they have kids and/or businesses to run. If you are the nominated organizer for a large party - say a family reunion - you will have to be where the buck stops. It’s no easy place to be! As the person who has their finger on the ’send’ button when it comes to giving your credit card for the deposit, making sure that you have the dates that suit everyone, is critical to your wealth! There is no easy solution to this from the to and fro negotiating that might have to go on, to get it right for most, if not all. Good luck!

5. The weather!

Don’t forget to ensure that the weather is going to be as you expect. Especially when tripping off to foreign climes, it’s easy to see the brochure pictures and forget that they are not intended to put you off. In tropical climates, that is exactly what they are - tropical! And with that is rain and wind sometimes. That cheaper deal might actually not seem that cheap, if your cruise vacation gets stuck in port for days when Hurricane ‘Nellie’ is expected anytime soon! Check it out.

A little careful thought into the timings of what you want to do will go a long way to ensure that the cruise vacation you are preparing excitedly for is all you want. A memorable experience for all the right reasons!

(c) 2007 “Hawaiian-Cruises-Online”. You can have vacation of your dreams. Everything you’ve ever wanted from a vacation - beautiful ships; wonderful food and destinations like you wouldn’t believe! And did I mention the weather? Look no further - all the Hawaiian Cruising information you’ll ever need, in the 50+ pages that’s totally free at Martin Haworth’s website, Hawaiian Cruises Online Blog!

Hawaiian cruises are quickly becoming one of the most interesting and exciting ways to see the islands of Hawaii. Regularly described as the ultimate “island-hopping” trip, simply taking you from one tropical Hawaiian island to another, in the most luxurious of circumstances.

And for many people, the opportunity to sample some of these cruise delights is easier than ever before, with more cruise ships; more cruise lines; and more itinerary options than you could shake a stick at. If there ever was a time, now it it!

Once aboard, it will be difficult to forget that you are experiencing the unique features of your cruise ship, giving you a truly magical vacation from start to finish. Beautiful weather (usually!), wonderful food and an amazing experience all round.

Whenever you go, Hawaiian cruise vacations provide great value and experience for travelers, certainly for families, where all ages can have fun in a variety of entertainment offerings.

You see, cruises offer the ultimate facilities for groups to travel together, where they can spend time as a group and still have their own space, whenever they want.

And with the Hawaiian islands, you have the added bonus of a variety of unique sights on a number of very different islands, from the comfort of one room and just once the effort of unpacking. What more could you ask?

If it’s convenience you want, your travel can start from a convenient western seaboard port, where you can relax the night before embarking, in a luxury hotel, with easy transfer to your wonderful cruise ship during the next day.

Ready for that exciting departure, waving off those jealous onlookers as you sail off, sometimes into the sunset, for an even more dramatic escape!

Then it’s time to settle in; find your way about onboard; get ready for your first dinner aboard too - what excitement!

Then it’s a few days at sea, relaxation the aim, although on board many ships you will immediately be thrown into the many opportunities that the planned entertainment offers - lots to do!

Then, four or so days later imagine it - land ahead! The excitement of your first port of call on the amazing chain of 137 islands that make up your destination for the next few dreamy days. Watch as it grows on the horizon and experience sensations around the liner as everyone aboard realizes what can now be seen!

There are cruises of all shapes and sizes, even to the Hawaiian islands, with a range of themes, entertainment and itineraries. So, be it for a family, a group or just a smart way to enjoy the two of you, Hawaiian cruises are available for anyone.

(c) 2007 Hawaiian Cruises Online. Look no further - all the Hawaiian Cruising information you’ll ever need, in the 50+ pages that are totally free. Destinations; cruise lines; ‘what’s on’; eating options and more, all at Martin Haworth’s website, http://www.Hawaiian-Cruises-Online.com

People who visit San Francisco can go for a seven-hour cruise to the state capital through the Bay Area and up the Sacramento River. The river beat leaves the Fishermans Wharf of San Francisco on every Saturday from April to July and September to November. The demand for this cruise has increased so much that operators are planning to run it through the entire summer. The boats follow the route followed by the Forty-Niners during the California Gold Rush as well. In those days it took at least a week in reaching Sacramento but today people can return to San Francisco the same day.

The Sacramento River delta is like a maze of streams and canals, channels and in some areas it is so wide that the passengers will get the feel of an ocean voyage when they are on the cruise because land is no where in sight. Miles and miles the river seems primitive and roads parallel just 12 miles out of 91 miles of the river route.

There are several companies that are into providing exciting cruises to and fro Sacramento. If you have a special event coming up and you want to make it all the more special then you can custom design the event on water. Cruise companies can provide you catering services and staff who can design the perfect menu for you. Along with various other services the cruise can be an ideal gift for any occasion. You can celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, conduct business meetings, corporate entertainment, office parties, small seminars, sunset dinners, lunch and even weddings on such cruises.

With such services you can enjoy a private cruise that you will always remember. Just a day of relaxing, boating and enjoying the sun and ending it with an exiting evening under the stars, is there anything more you can ask for? You can get a Sacramento cruise custom designed for yourself by getting in contact with any good cruise company. The rate for custom cruises that will be specially designed to meet your needs can work out to 500 dollars per hour (2 hours minimum). For eight hours cruise on Sacramento River and fine food all the way, the price can come up to 179 dollars per person along with the gratuity and bar.

Some cruises offer the passengers a traffic free option and whimsical weekend gateway to San Francisco from Sacramento. It is a one-day cruise and rail day trip excursion. This cruise can offer the passengers breathtaking views of many places along with the quaint towns that are along the Sacramento River. Such cruises are not for more than 4 hours and also feature a historian who is on board to give a description of the important historical sights and landmarks. You can also get a hot lunch buffet and its price will be included in the price of the trip. So just in case you are planning to have a vacation in Sacramento, do not forget to go on a cruise on the Sacramento River. Always do some research when you are choosing a cruise so that you get the value for the money you are spending.

Napa Valley Wine Tours are a must see when in California. The best way to access the various wineries is via a Sacramento Limousine which can be available via : http://www.luxxlimo.com or phoning (916) 489-5899.

Like anything in life, planning does not ensure a success. And if you don’t, then the odds are far greater that the outcome will not be as you expect!

Here are here are a couple of cruise planning tips to look out for:-

1) Date Setting

Choosing the right dates for everyone in your party is necessary, as there will be differences in people’s needs, especially if you have a large party coming from all over the place.

The most important part of cruise planning, is preparing all who are involved such that they are clear with you about just what they expect. And, of course that you are clear about what you are going to arrange on their behalf too.

This is worth doing carefully, so there can be no disappointments or misunderstandings with the whole cruise planning process. Nobody wants to have to fix a booking that was made and now doesn’t fit someone’s needs, so taking time over this issue will make a big difference to you.

Added to that you will be able to sleep at night without worry - after all, this is a fun exercise to be doing!

2) Which Cruise Is It?

There are many types of cruise available nowadays. They vary from the very posh to the party-time excursions for the young and fit. It’s very important that you don’t get on the wrong one!

Of course, if there are several of you going on your dream cruise as a group, you are going to need to make some compromises too. Generally though, you will find that a balanced cruise will be available that will satisfy even the most diverse of tastes.

It’s important to take the group opinions first, do some research as part of your cruise planning and then provide a selection of options that they can all choose from.

Of course if there are just a couple of you going, or you are a family with similar tastes, this will be less of an issue. Even then, it’s necessary to take into account the needs of each member of the family too.

Just think, there can be little less fun in the world than having to put up with the close proximity of a sullen teenager for two weeks away, however much the sun shines and everyone else is having a good time!

Cruise planning is just like any other sort of planning. As they say, ‘Fail to Plan means, Plan to Fail’.

(c) 2007 Hawaiian Cruises Online. Look no further - all the Hawaiian Cruising information you’ll ever need, in the 50+ pages that are totally free. Destinations; cruise lines; ‘what’s on’; eating options and more, all at Martin Haworth’s website, http://www.Hawaiian-Cruises-Online.com