Introducing Celebrity Solstice

The largest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet will be setting sail in November with our exclusive 2-night sailing. Join us and be a part of this truly innovative experience.

Only on the brand new Celebrity Solstice will you be able to inhale the fragrance of a beautifully manicured lawn or watch glassblowers create art before your very eyes. You’ll dine in restaurants capturing every mood. You’ll experience the height of thoughtful design in open spaces and small details. And you’ll retreat to accommodations inspired by Celebrity’s Five Leading Ladies, including AquaClass, which centers around your love of the spa. Embark on a journey of imagination onboard Celebrity Solstice, where every moment exemplifies Celebrity’s tradition of impeccable service.

The Lawn Club is just one of the many firsts found on Celebrity Solstice. We invite you to stroll across this expanse of pure innovation. The refined setting is reminiscent of a country club, offering a casually sophisticated environment where you can practice putting, partake in the pleasures of an afternoon bocce tournament or just breathe in the fragrance of a freshly manicured lawn. As evening falls, witness the spectacle of molten glass being transformed into art at the adjacent Hot Glass Show, another ocean-going first fashioned through a unique collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass.

Embark on a spirited culinary journey with some of the world’s finest chefs. Celebrity Solstice offers a vast assortment of refreshingly innovative dining experiences – complemented by one of the world’s most expansive floating wine cellars – rivaling anything found at sea or on land. Working closely with Elizabeth Blau & Associates, who helped orchestrate the culinary reform of Las Vegas, Celebrity has created a scintillating variety of choices to suit any mood and satisfy any craving.

Relish the dramatic sparkle of the Grand Épernay Main Dining Room, whose extensive champagne menu helps recreate the feel of a Hollywood venue. Treat yourself to one of the exceptional specialty restaurants – like the Italian-inspired Tuscan Grille or Silk Harvest Restaurant, their new Asian fusion creation. Or try something lighter and less formal, like a freshly baked scone in Café al Bacio & Gelateria or a freshly made crepe from Bistro on Five. As with every Celebrity cruise, what distinguishes the dining experience onboard Celebrity Solstice is the attentiveness of the staff, all of whom have been extensively trained in the fine art of presentation and eagerly anticipate guiding you on the culinary journey of a lifetime.

Nightfall is more than a time to go out, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a myriad of places designed to elevate your evening. And when it comes to the allure of excitement after dark, nothing delivers like Celebrity Solstice. Feel the warmth of Cellar Masters, where you may eagerly anticipate the pouring of an exquisite cabernet while surrounded by inviting colors and enveloped by a soft chair. From there, move on to plan the day to come in the Passport Bar, which takes its cues from the map rooms found in the luxurious ocean-going yachts of old, or the Ensemble Lounge, whose elliptical bar can either bring you together to listen to music or serve as a stepping stone for more exciting events.

Slip into a classic cocktail in the Martini Bar, or move over to the adjacent Crush, where ice-filled tables unite the tastes and textures of vodka and caviar – exotic pairings that excite the palate. Venture further into your enchanted evening to Quasar, their exciting refreshing nightclub where retro styling fuses with contemporary rhythms to create a pulsating energy. Be seduced by the lights and the movement on the spacious dance floor, or take it all in from the VIP section, yours to reserve. Feel free to elevate the moment by ascending to the Sky Observation Lounge, where the canopy of stars appears to lie just within your grasp. Or feel the favor of fortune’s smile in Fortune’s Casino, inspired by Monte Carlo. Onboard Celebrity Solstice you don’t just go out for the evening, you surrender to the possibilities.

When the evening comes to a close, retreat back to your redesigned, more expansive staterooms, created to accommodate all of your desires. Your first step into your personal retreat will evoke a distinctive feeling of “ahhh,” but more importantly a feeling of gratitude for five very special women, their Five Leading Ladies. These five discerning travel connoisseurs – a frequent cruiser, a travel agent, a travel writer, a potential cruiser and a hotelier – contributed intuitive ideas about comfort, as well as their own personal wish lists, to the design of the staterooms and suites.

For a twist on the standard stateroom, you’ll find the new AquaClass, 130 contemporary staterooms dedicated to spa lovers like you. Created just for Solstice Class, these serene double occupancy accommodations allow you to enjoy a Celebrity cruise from an entirely new perspective – connected to it all yet secluded in your own hideaway. Allow a Personal Spa Concierge to arrange treatments for you at the nearby AquaSpa by Elemis. Or relax in the AquaSpa relaxation room and Persian Garden, both yours to enjoy at no charge. You’ll also enjoy complimentary dining in a specialty restaurant, Blu, dedicated to AquaClass guests, serving healthful yet delicious cuisine.

Be the first to discover this unparalleled class of ship on our exclusive 2-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 21, 2008. This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer. This is an exclusive charter and only available through us.

Cruises & Parachutes

What do cruises and parachutes have in common? Probably a lot. Because you don't want to buy a cheap parachute or a "cheap" cruise. When either one doesn't live up to your expectations, you are going to have a big disappointment.

Our Personal Cruise Specialists work hard to find the cruise that best suits your needs. Things like dining choices - fixed or flexible, on board dress codes - formal or casual, ship size - small to mega, and onboard programs - active or passive.
Once these criteria are reviewed, then your cruise specialist goes to work checking our Best Fare search program in our reservation system to identify the departures and ships that offer the best value. They look for special fares that might be available such as regional rates, past passenger specials, senior discounts and group rates available exclusively to Cruises Inc. Our reservation system connects to the various cruise lines directly so your cruise specialist is viewing the exact same fares and programs that a cruise line reservation agent would see if you called them directly.

There is an "urban legend" that you get a lower cruise price by going directly to a cruise line. Our research shows just the opposite. We consistently have prices equal or lower than "cruise line direct" or "Internet agencies".

Plus we offer unbiased advice. If you visit a Toyota dealer it is unlikely that they will recommend you go across the street to the Nissan dealer. Get the picture?

So for valuable advice, personal service and a long term relationship regardless of which cruise line you book, the buck starts and stops at Cruises Inc. After, all it's YOUR vacation and your money so entrust it to a professional.

The Evolution of Cruising

And now for a little bit of the history of Cruising.

In 1839 Samuel Cunard and his British North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, started the first mail service between Liverpool and Boston. About one year later Cunard decided he wanted a share in the transatlantic passenger trade and Cunard Line was born. Cunard Line’s Brittania set sail on its first passenger voyage on July 4th, 1840 from England. There were 63 passengers on the inaugural sailing including Samuel Cunard and his daughter. The ship successfully sailed into Boston Harbor 13 days later and from this humble beginning the cruise business was born. Cunard Line grew throughout the latter part of the 19th century with regularly scheduled service to New York.

Another cruise line that was formed at the end of the 19th century was Holland America. Founded in 1873, under the name Netherlands-America Steamship Company, a shipping and passenger line, Holland America sailed its first ship, the original Rotterdam, on a 15-day maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City. The Rotterdam not only carried passengers, she also transported tons of cargo including flower bulbs, herring and gin.

By the early 20th century the concept of the superliner was developed and the Lusitania and the Mauretania took to the sea. These two 30,000 ton liners with propulsion engines were designed to minimize the discomfort of ocean travel through elegant accommodations and planned activities. These two ships started the tradition of dressing for dinner and advertised the romance of the voyage. Traveling across the North Atlantic now took only five or six days instead of 13 or 14 days on the old steam ships. The early 20th century also brought in other European lines, including the German Hamburg American Line and the French Line.

The introduction of these new ships also brought with them a class of service system which was broken down to 1st class, 2nd class and steerage. First class passengers were often the idle rich, wealthy business barons, highly paid entertainers and the like. Second class passengers were mostly white collar workers and steerage was offered to the relatively poor.

The years between 1920 and 1940 were considered the most glamorous years for transatlantic passenger ships. During the 1930’s ship size increased to 70,000 – 80,000 gross tonnage and French Line’s Normandie and Cunard-White Star Line’s Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth came into service. America’s first entry was the S.S. United States in 1952, and was the fastest liner at that time. Ships had now become more like floating hotels and catered to the rich and famous with lavish accommodations, elegant food and on-board activities.

The war times were tough on the cruise industry. World War I and II interrupted the building of new cruise ships, and many of the older liners were used as troop transports. Transatlantic sailings were also put on hold until World War II was over. After the war ship building picked up again, but this time in addition to the luxurious amenities, ships were designed according to specifications for possible conversion into troop carriers. 1958 brought on the end of the transatlantic business for many ocean liners with the increase in air travel and the first non-stop flight to Europe. Many passenger ships were sold and a number of lines went bankrupt.

The first modern cruise line was establish in the 1960s by Ted Arison and Knut Kloster who offered fair weather cruising to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean under the name of Norwegian Caribbean Line which later evolved to Norwegian Cruise Line. Hence a new cruise line image was born, one that offered fun in the sun for every class of people. Soon to follow were Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.

Following the modern cruise lines debut in the Caribbean, world cruising opened up to include Alaska, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Orient & Europe. As early as the 1960s Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 and Holland America Line’s Rotterdam V started sailing annual 3 month World Cruises. Starting in the 1970s cruise ships were being designed with modern innovations in mind making them more stable, adding more public rooms and providing more stateroom amenities.

The 21st century cruising experience now includes multiple dining options, state of the art health and fitness venues, Las Vegas and Broadway-style shows, world-wide itineraries, activities for both the young and old, and so much more!

With so many cruise lines and so many beautiful ships currently sailing or coming into service, its time for you to “evolve” into a modern day cruiser. Your Cruise Specialist is ready to bring you to the next level in cruising.

What are you Spending Your Stimulus Check on?

It's May 2008 and you know what that means, it's tax stimulus time. This gift from the government is being provided to get consumers spending. A recent Goldman Sacks report showed that stocks like Royal Caribbean are sure to benefit from these dollars as consumers seek out their next vacation or upgrade from an ocean view stateroom to a private balcony with their new found monies.

There are a lot of places to spend the stimulus monies like on a new sofa, paying down some credit card bills, doing some home repairs or getting away on an exciting cruise vacation. But how about spending it on all or at least some of those things? We have some amazing getaways that won't deplete your whole stimulus check.

Getaway with the whole family this summer for as little as $32 a person, a day (for a family of four). Norwegian Cruise Line just announced they are moving a ship to the Caribbean this summer that will sail 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami and for a limited time, Kids Sail Free. There are a number of other ships and itineraries to choose from for under $50 per person, per day. Sail a 4-night Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Imagination from Miami or sail a 5-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville. For under $60 per day you can sail a 4-night Baja Mexico cruise on the Carnival Paradise from Los Angeles, a 4-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Sensation from Port Canaveral, a 4- or 5-night Western Caribbean on the Carnival Holiday from Mobile, a 5-night Baja Mexico cruise on the Carnival Elation from San Diego, a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans, or a 7-night Florida & Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Majesty from Charleston. How about sailing in a Balcony stateroom for under $100 per person, per day? You can on a number of 7-night Caribbean cruises on the Carnival Triumph, Liberty or Valor, on Carnival Spirit's 8-night Mexican Riviera cruises or on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas 12-night transatlantic cruise.

There are a ton of deals out there and your Cruise Specialist is just the person to find them for you. So when your stimulus check arrives, go ahead and use some of it to pay down your mortgage, or make a car payment, but be sure to keep just a little to spend on a holiday for yourself and your family. This might be the only time the government pays for your vacation.

Fantastic Opportunity from NCL!!

NCL Corp. will reflag and rename the Pride of Aloha and launch it as Norwegian Sky, offering three-day and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami starting this summer. The 2,002-passenger ship, built in 1999, will be outfitted with Freestyle 2.0 enhancements. The vessel will be the youngest sailing short cruises to the Bahamas from Miami.

To welcome the ship to Miami, NCL is offering a "Kids Sail Free Summer Vacation" promotion for reservations on Norwegian Sky made from May 6 to May 31 for sailings taking place July 14 to September 26, 2008. Children ages six months to 17 years are eligible to sail free, although government taxes and fees and fuel supplement charges apply. Norwegian Sky four-day cruises will depart Miami on Mondays and make full-day stops at Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island. On Fridays, the ship will sail a three-day itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. Monday. These sailings are scheduled through April 17, 2009.

Norwegian Sky will enter a wet dock in Miami during which a casino will be added. In addition, the ship will receive the significant product and hardware upgrades that are part of the company's major fleetwide initiative, Freestyle 2.0. These enhancements include a major investment in the total dining experience such as all new menus and Lobster Galore, upgrading the stateroom experience, new onboard activities, and additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony and suite guests.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any of you families out there with young children to experience a shorter cruise vacation at an incredible price. The four-day sailings in particular have a great itinerary with stops in the Bahamas and a fabulous stop at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island.

Please remember there are only limited quad and triple cabins available on any ship, so you will need to make your reservations as soon as possible to ensure the availability. And, the program ends for good on May 31 so you will need to make reservations by then to qualify for this tremendous discount.

Cruise Travel Insurance – You Never Know What’s Out There

So, you are getting ready for your vacation. You’re bags are packed, your flights on time and the kids are waiting in the car cheering with excitement. You think to yourself, “This is going to be the best trip ever!” But you didn’t realize your luggage was about to get lost and you would end up having a mild heart attack on the cruise ship. Good thing you have travel insurance.

Trip Insurance is just like auto or home insurance. You hope you never have to use it but when you do, it’s important to have a good policy. No one starts off on vacation planning for something to go wrong, but each year thousands of travelers experience a problem along the way. Good travel insurance can help you visit the far flung corners of the world worry free.

If you become sick or injured on board a ship or in a foreign port of call, the cruise line has limited liability and responsibility to get you to the nearest emergency medical facility. They are not responsible for the costs incurred for medical treatment. While many foreign countries have excellent medical facilities, some are not up to normal U.S. standards. Patients and their families often desire to be transported back to the U.S. and if this involves an air ambulance the costs can run from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the circumstances. Air evacuation is generally covered under Trip Insurance policies.

Another popular feature of Trip Insurance is coverage for cancellation in the event of illness or injury prior to the departure. Most policies cover not only the travelers but also your immediate relatives. And your policy may even provide something called "pre-existing condition" coverage. This means that you may be eligible for coverage for medical conditions which exist before you depart on your trip. In this regard, timing of the purchase of the policy is critical to establish coverage applicability.

There are many additional benefits Trip Insurance offers including lost or delayed baggage, renter’s collision insurance, missed airline connection and more. Your Cruise Specialist can assist you in determining which Trip Insurance plan best suits your needs. Remember to carefully review all the details of your policy to insure that you have the limits and coverage needed to insure a stress free cruise. Proper insurance is the right way to start off your cruise, because you never know what’s out there.

Basic Cruise Packing List

Probably the number one question that comes up in my conversations with clients, expecially first-time cruisers is, "What should I pack for a cruise?" This is by no means a complete list for every cruise line and every passenger but it will serve a a good starting point. This is a basic list for a typical 7 day cruise. You will need to adjust accordingly.

Clothing

A Shirt for Every Day of the Vacation
2 to 3 Pairs of Pants/Skirts
Your Formal Night Outfit times 2 for a 7 day Cruise
Your Swimsuit
T-Shirts or Polo Shirts for Day Wear-For the Men
Comfortable Blouses for Day Wear-For the Women
Shorts for Day Wear
Cover-up for Swimsuit if Needed
Pajamas
Comfortable Shoes or Sneakers-Suitable for Walking
Flip-Flops or Sandals for the Pool or on Deck
Water Shoes-For Excursions if Needed
Dress Shoes for Formal Night
Underwear-1 per Day plus One Extra
Bras-1 per Day plus One Extra-For Women
Socks-1 per Day plus One Extra
Hose as needed for Women
Comfortable Hat or Visor
Lightweight Waterproof Jaket with Hood

Toiletries

Shampoo & Conditioner-As Desired, Most Cruise Lines Provide in Shower on Board
Soap-As Desired-again Most Cruise Lines provide
Deodorant
Makeup Essentials for the Women
Feminine Hygiene Products
Razor or Electric Shaver
Shaving Cream-if Needed
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Floss
Brush / Comb
Hair Care Products and Accessories
Nail File--Clippers
Tweezers
Germicidal Hand Cleaner
Dramamine of Other Sea Sickness Cure if Desired
Aspirin
Ear Plugs-if Needed
Prescription Drugs as Needed
Small First Aid Kit (pain reliever, band aids, histamine blocker)

Accessories

Sunglasses
Suntan Lotion
Aloe Vera Gel-For When you Forget the Sunscreed
Eyeglasses / Contacts-Consider an Extra Pair if Essential
Collapsible Tote Bag or Fanny Pack
Insulated Mugs-Hot Drinks Hot and Cold Drinks Cold to take Back to Room or to the Pool
Books
Camera / Film / Memory sticks
Binoculars
Snorkel and Mask-if Snorkeling
Underwater Camera
Games / MP3 Players
Playing Cards
Post-It Note Pad-To Leave Notes for your Cabin Steward
Small Flashlight-Just in Case
2 Watches (just in case one stops)
Jewelry
Alarm Clock / Batteries
Small Amount of Duct Tape-Roll some off the Big Roll onto itself-You will thank me when you need it for a minor repair to torn luggage, etc.
Power Strip-Most Cabins only have a Couple of Outlets
Bungee Cord-if you are in a Balcony Cabin-To Hold Door Open for the Wonderful Sea Air
Passport
Cruise Documents
Wallet with Credit Cards and a Little Cash for Tipping

Remember on most ships there are coin operated laundries available so if you need to you can do a load of clothes. Plus, most cruise lines have a laundry special on the second to last day of the cruise. You will not need to pack beach towels-the cruise ship will provide for you daily in your cabin. Above all, don't stress---Your on Vacation!! There is always the souvenier shop if you run out of clothes, I am sure they will sell you something to wear.

The Perils of Getting Sick Aboard a Cruise Ship

I am always looking for ways to educate my customers on the incredible benefit of travel protection insurance. Here is a fantastic post from Anne Campbell in her Cruising Blog. Please take heed of this valuable information.

Today on the Cruise Log, journalist Gene Sloan cites a report of a man getting kicked off a Carnival ship in Roatan, Honduras because he was sick. The unfortunate passenger had to pay thousands of dollars to get himself home in order to get the medical care he needed.

That’s the way all cruise lines handle passengers who are too ill to be treated by the ship’s medical staff. If you have travel insurance you’ll be lifted by air ambulance to the nearest U.S. or, if the distance is too great, best hospital in the region. If you don’t have travel insurance you can either pay $20,000 for an air ambulance or go to a local hospital.

This is why I believe you’re very foolish to travel anywhere outside the U.S. without purchasing travel insurance.

My father came down with the flu aboard Queen Elizabeth 2, spent days in bed with a nurse checking in on him frequently. If you come down with a virus like Norwalk, you’ll be confined to your cabin until you’re no longer contagious. Ships can handle viruses, a scraped knee and sunburn but little else.

Ships aren’t equipped to handle serious illness. There are no diagnostic tools, surgery or intensive care. While there is medicine for sea sickness and flu, not much else is available. Ships do have CPR machines but beyond temporarily stabilizing someone who suffers a heart attack, the staff can do little more.

A ship’s physician told me about a passenger whose life was saved because he had travel insurance. A passenger suffered a stroke and because he had travel insurance, the ship’s doctor was immediately patched through to a neurologist in Houston. An air ambulance quickly evacuated the passenger, taking him to a Texas hospital where he was successfully treated. However, if he hadn’t had insurance, the ship’s doctor would have had no choice but to put him ashore in the nearest port, Cartagena, Columbia, where, the doctor believed, he would have died.

I don’t know about you, but to me the thought of getting sick and being forced to go to a Third World hospital is terrifying.

Here’s another insider’s tip: Should the ship’s doctor make a misdiagnosis or provide poor treatment, forget trying to sue. Like the spa and gift shop, doctors and nurses are independent contractors. The cruise line doesn’t hire doctors and nurses; they are employed by outside employment agencies. Hence, the cruise line has no liability.

I hope I’ve scared you enough to get travel insurance before your next cruise. My favorite company is Travel Guard which you may purchase online or through travel agents.

Do you buy travel insurance? Have you ever had to use it?

Luxury Cruising-Is it for You?

Luxury cruising is not just about being pampered in paradise; it’s about unique, once in a lifetime experiences that will completely wow you. Many luxury cruise lines offer their own special “wow” factor, but it is up to you to choose what meets your fancy. Is it watching nature unfold on the plains of Africa or savoring vintage wines in the hills of Tuscany? Do want to explore the wild side of the Amazon or relax on a private Tahitian island? The possibilities are endless on a luxury cruise.

Discover the world of luxury cruising as you set sail across the sea. Sit back and relax as the staff attends to your every need. Spend your day exploring cities rich with culture and history while your evenings are filled with elaborate meals, top shelf drinks and world-class entertainment. Renew your soul at the spa or enrich your mind through education. From computer lessons to photography to cooking classes, you’ll not only discover new things off the ship you’ll also discover them onboard. But one of the best advantages of sailing on a smaller, luxury cruise is the simple fact that these intimate vessels can sail in and out of smaller ports, offering you less crowds and more intimate experiences on shore.

Simple touches can make such a difference between good and great! Luxury cruise lines pay so much attention to detail and layout, creating the perfect atmosphere for an unbelievable cruise experience. You’ll enjoy top of the line toiletries from leading brands like Acqua Di Parma in spacious bathrooms complete with twin sinks, a separate bathtub and shower, and terry cloth robes. Slumber on 350 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens; then wake up to breakfast served by your butler on your private wraparound teak veranda. Now that is cruising in style!

One of the greatest benefits of luxury cruising is the crew to guest ratio, which is most often 1 crew member to 2 guests, with some ships offering a 1 to 1 ratio. So, what does this mean for you? It means more personal attention and better service. When a crew member only has you and your traveling companion to tend to as opposed to a whole slew of guests, the crew member is able to learn your desires and becomes proficient in accommodating your every wish. When you sail on a luxury cruise you’ll discover what it means to be taken care of.

Even with all this superb service, you won’t need to keep reaching into your pocket when onboard a luxury cruise line. Most luxury cruise lines do not encourage tipping. In fact, some make it very clear that tips are not accepted at all. But what kind of service do you get with a no tipping policy, you ask? The best service imaginable. The luxury cruise lines have searched high and low to find the best staff members possible, well-trained and well-disciplined, and they pay them accordingly. Experience what it feels like to come first without having to pay extra for it on a luxury cruise.

Getting to know your neighbors is a huge advantage of luxury cruising. In this day and age of mega-ships, it’s possible to meet people once onboard and never see them again. The smaller, luxury ships emanate a cozier atmosphere, setting the stage for social butterflies to flourish. You will often see the same people at dinner, in the lounge, on the deck and even on excursions. This country club ambiance gives you plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with your newfound friends.

It’s not too early to start thinking about a luxury cruise. The best way to see the world is by sea, onboard a luxury liner, where your every need will be attended to while you sail into the most exciting adventure of your life.

Cruising with Kids/Shipping out with the Teens!

This is a great article on Cruising with Teens from the Miami Herald, it really covers the subject well.

It was one of those rare, perfect moments:

My husband, Paul, and I were stretched out in lounge chairs on the ship's deck, holding hands under a star-lit sky, a bag of popcorn between us. (Well, maybe our hands were touching while in the popcorn bag, but still!)

On the Jumbo-tron, one of our boys, Connor, 16, was whaling away on a faux Guitar Hero guitar and looking like a baby rock star. Next up was Jarrett, 14, waiting for his moment to be a guitar god.

And it hit me: Everybody was having fun. At the same time! On vacation!

I flashed back to other vacations: My husband and I, begging our teenagers to get out of bed and hit a museum, or trying to entice them to do some sightseeing. (``But, Mom, it's London! It'll be here tomorrow!'')

Finally, we'd found a vacation that two relaxation-deprived adults and two action-craving teenagers could enjoy.

Aboard a cruise ship, we could find the right balance of togetherness and privacy. Everybody could get up late (them) or early (us) without worrying about schedules or transportation. We'd go to sleep and wake up someplace new and fun.

Our only plan, on days in port, was to get out and play -- maybe go snorkeling or hike in a rain forest -- excursions the boys had selected, so they'd be keen to participate.

And if, come nightfall, they chose to hang in the teen center, it was fine with us. We had nightclubs to visit.

We thought we'd never go on one of those giant cruise ships with our kids, but when we did, it turned out to be our best vacation ever.

Here's our advice for making a family cruise fabulous:

• Match the cruise to the kids (rock walls and surfing and hot tubs, oh my!) Pizza and ice cream, 24/7. Loads of other kids. Freedom.

These ships are great for kids who like to socialize. They also offer sporty shore excursions with lots of teen appeal. Our boys were concerned that they'd be too cool for the cruise line's teen activities. Connor and Jarrett had had enough of ''lame'' teen programs offered at resorts. At the mere mention of this, Jarrett hooted, ``Ooh, boy! Let's decorate a T-shirt!''

At many places we've stayed, little kids get star treatment, while teens get a basketball hoop and an obsolete video game. Not on these ships.

On the Crown Princess, the teen center is big, and done up like your teen's Dream Living Room, with gaming consoles, air hockey, a teens-only hot tub and pool deck. (You don't want to share the hot tub or pool deck with them, anyway. They look 'way better in their swimsuits than you do. Who needs that?)

NCL's Norwegian Gem offers the Leopard Lounge for teens, with plasma TVs, a dance floor, a climbing wall, and a (very groovy) four-lane, 10-pin bowling alley.

Carnival is introducing aqua parks on their Fantasy-class ships, featuring four-deck-high twister waterslides and 82-foot-long racing waterslides -- great for kids who'd rather not get out of the pool. Ever.

Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, offer surfing. Some of Royal Caribbean's larger ships have ice-skating rinks. Rock walls seem to be de rigueur these days. And the activity-of-the-moment seems to be Wii games competitions, with mammoth screens so that everybody can watch the action.

(Parents: Please resist the temptation to ''Dance with the Stars'' on the big screen. All the coolness points you've gained by taking your teens on this trip will vanish in one bad boogie moment.)

Aboard the Crown Princess, the organized activities for teens really got rolling at 9 p.m. or so, with many of these designed to break the ice, like karaoke, talent shows and a goofy take on the Dating Game. Makeovers, sports tourneys, and a bank of video games quickly attracted hordes of kids.

Our boys loved it -- too well, we discovered by the end of Day Two, when we realized we'd barely seen them. That's when we decided to . . .

• Schedule face-time with the kids. On days at sea, you won't see them much. Your teens will likely choose to sleep in, roll out of bed for a late (huge) lunch at the buffet, and head to the teen center or the pool.

How to get some face-time with them? Plan a time to touch base each day and make them stick to it. We had dinner every night with Connor and Jarrett, always at the same time, so they couldn't ditch us and claim ignorance.

Surprisingly, the boys were happy to accompany us to the ship's entertainment venues, so we saw plenty of comedians (with PG-13-rated material), a mentalist who could mind-read people's cell phone numbers (Connor thought this was a handy skill), and some cheesy-but-energetic stage shows.

Most nights, the boys headed to the teen center after we caught an early show en famille. That was fine with Paul and me. We boogied our way through the ship's various nightclubs. Badly.

• Schedule kissy-face time with each other. We happily club-hopped until the wee (for us) hour of 11 p.m. We also discovered a way to ditch our own teens -- and everyone else's: the adults-only pool area. Ahhh! We grew to love that peaceful spot.

After the first day or so at sea, we got into the rhythm of shipboard life and, wonder of wonders, quit worrying about the kids. We even had some, ahem, romantic moments, and enjoyed other grown-up pleasures, like relaxing in the hot tub and winning a little cash in the casino.

That's when we realized what we like best about cruising -- the happy balance of couple time and family time.

• Let them pick the shore excursions. Did you come all this way to hear your teens moan about going on ''another stupid hike?'' You did not.

Give them the list of shore excursions, clarify your budget, and let 'em have at it. Yes, this means you will be riding dune buggies and banana boats instead of visiting forts, charming villages and duty-free shops, but so be it. You will do things you never thought you'd do, like ultimate power snorkeling, helmet diving and zip-lining through a rain forest.

You will have a fabulous time. So will your kids. And you'll earn loads of street cred simply for agreeing to all this.

Visit your cruise line's website where you can preview shore excursions and pre-book your favorites. We didn't do that, alas, and some activities that sounded great to us were filled by the time we boarded the ship.

• Set the ground rules early. Deal with expenses right away. If your kids are soda drinkers, many ships offer unlimited drink cards you can buy. You can opt not to give them bill-signing power with their cruise cards. Agree beforehand on cell phone use so they don't run up huge roaming charges for calls and text messages.

If the ship's curfew sounds late to you, or your teens are youngish, set your own curfew. This is especially important if you're sharing a cabin and don't want to hear rowdy kids crashing into the room after midnight. Which brings us to . . .

• Opt for as much space as you can afford. Face it, your kids aren't little anymore, and they take up a lot of room. They also hog the bathroom. Splurge on a family suite, or two rooms, instead of sharing a stateroom.

A suite works really well if you're earlier risers, like we are, and your kids like to sleep until noon, like ours do. With two connected rooms, early birds and night owls can co-exist happily, and (bonus) you'll still know when they roll in at night. That super-sensitive parental radar will kick in, even if you're 1,000 miles out to sea.

• Pick the right week. Even if you're Posh and Becks, your kids do not think you're fabulous. They'll spend time with you, sure, but 'round-the-clock togetherness won't cut it. They need to be with their own tribe. To make that happen, pick a vacation week sure to be jam-packed with other teens -- summer vacation, spring break, Easter week, and the week between the Christmas and New Year's holidays. The ship will be more crowded, for sure, but what would you rather have: happy teens or a better shot at a poolside lounge chair?

Also, stick with shorter cruises, a week or so in duration. Longer cruises tend to draw an older crowd. And stick with the less-exotic locations. If you cruise the Baltic, say, or the Mediterranean, you'll get an older, sophisticated crowd, and not as many families. Save the exotic destinations for your vacations à deux. The Caribbean routes are always tops with families.

• Pick a big ship. Everybody sings the praises of the posh little ships. For romantic getaways, sure. But if you're cruising with teens, you want lots of teens. Bigger ships mean more passengers, and bigger, more tricked-out teen centers.

• Savor the small stuff. Some things you just can't plan. We all wandered out to the deck one night and realized the lounge chairs had been covered with blankets, and an almost-first-run film was playing on the ship's giant movie screen. We found four chairs, pulled them together, and watched a movie under the stars, complete with goodies. We had a wonderful, cozy time -- as a family. It doesn't get better than that!

Ring in the New Year

2008 is upon us and it’s now time to start thinking about your next cruise getaway. This year, many new ships will be hitting the high seas, new destinations will be visited and more exotic itineraries have been added. But what does this mean to you? If you love cruising or have ever considered a cruise vacation, then it means a lot.

This year’s number one, do not miss destination is without a doubt, Northern Europe. There are nearly ten cruise lines sailing throughout Scandinavia, Russia and Northern Europe this summer including the yet to be launched Carnival Splendor, which will sail a 12-night itinerary from Dover. Marvel at the beauty of the Norwegian Fjords and discover the Baltic capitals on a range of itineraries from 6 to 14 nights.

2008 will bring a number of new ships into service. In addition to the Carnival Splendor, cruisers will get to experience the MSC Poesia, the MSC Fantasia, Holland America’s Eurodam and the much anticipated Celebrity Solstice. These ships are bigger and better than ever, offering more public space, more balconies, more restaurants and lounges, and so much more.

Another trend in 2008 is an increase in cruising from the west coast. This year you’ll see more ships sailing from Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco then ever before. Disney will operate 7-day Mexican Riviera cruises all summer long aboard the Disney Magic, NCL is offering five consecutive cruises to Mexico and Princess is also bringing back their popular Mexican Riviera cruises in 2008.

Whether you decide to cruise popular and historical Northern Europe, experience the exotic charm of Mexico or simply kick back and relax on a tropical Caribbean cruise, 2008 is your year to set sail.

There's a Monster Coming!!

In 2009, the largest Cruise Ship ever built will debut. Royal Caribbean just laid the keel on its new monster ship, codenamed Genesis. This ship will be the first of two identically sized ships ordered by Royal Caribbean and scheduled to be docked in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It will also be the world’s most expensive cruise ship with a cost of $1.24 billion. This vessel will hold up to 6,400 passengers. Here is an artist’s rendering of what this new behemoth will look like.


At this point we have very few details on what will actually be onboard the ship. We know that all parties privy to any of Genesis' innovations (shipyard workers and RCI execs) have signed non-disclosure agreements.

But, there are some people talking. Speculation has ranged from the bizarre (onboard plastic surgery) to the more reasonable (flight simulators) to the mundane (two FlowRiders rather than the one already on the Freedom-class trio).

Here's what we do know:

The naming of Genesis 1 and 2 is likely to take place in May of 2008. According to Royal Caribbean representatives, neither ship will be called Genesis of the Seas. Revelations on itineraries will also appear at around the middle of next year.

Both Genesis ships will homeport in Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades for at minimum their first year of service.

As of right now, no ports are prepared to handle Genesis -- both in terms of increased passenger load and needed port infrastructure.

A new Jamaican cruise port, Falmouth, is being constructed to accommodate the coming RCI beasts. The port is one of at least six that will be ready to accommodate the Genesis vessels in the Eastern and Western Caribbean when the ships launch.

I, for one, cannot wait for this ship and I will be booking a cabin on this new monster ship as soon as Royal Caribbean releases cabins for booking. It is just my humble opinion, but I believe this ship will be a massive hit in the Caribbean market!!

The Exotic Islands of the Southern Caribbean

Vibrant blue waters, white-sand beaches, swaying palms and the sounds of a steel drum band often come to mind when thinking about the Caribbean. Been there, done that also comes to many experienced travelers minds.

Many cruise travelers have had the opportunity to visit the most popular islands in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, but how many of us have sailed south to discover the more exotic, unspoiled islands? But what makes these southern islands more exotic than their northern counterparts? Part of it is due to the fact that most of the Southern Caribbean islands still enjoy a strong colonial influence. The majority of the southern islands, at one time or another have belonged to larger European countries like France, the Netherlands and the U.K. and many of these islands are still considered territories. Think of the Southern Caribbean as a little piece of European charm surrounded by a warm tropical paradise and you’ll understand why they are so special.

Just east of Puerto Rico, lies the island of Tortola. The largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is home to some of the best white-sand beaches around as well as rugged mountain roads that lead to breathtaking views. In close proximity to Tortola is the neighboring island of Virgin Gorda with her unusual rock formations know as “The Baths.” These huge granite rocks give way to quiet coves and lush grottos where swimmers can soak their cares away in the hidden pools.

Heading south east, you’ll come to the island of Antigua, which is one of the largest boating islands in the Caribbean and home to 366 beautiful beaches; one for every day of the year. Just southwest of Antigua lies the island of St. Kitts. This beautiful island boasts pink sand beaches, rolling green hills and dormant volcanoes. While you are there, you must visit the 350-year-old Romney Manor Estate and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, two of the must see sites on St. Kitts.

Farther south in the Lesser Antilles, you’ll find the French island of Martinique as well as St. Lucia, Barbados and Grenada. From the islands’ architecture to its enchanting local flavor, Martinique exudes a distinct French feeling you won’t be able to miss. The lush island of St. Lucia with its twin Piton peaks offers the best of both worlds. Get back to nature as you explore verdant rain forests, discover striking waterfalls and unique sulfur springs, then kick back and relax on the unspoiled golden beaches. The once British controlled island of Barbados is rich with English influence which is apparent in its sports (like Cricket) as well as its English architecture that dates back to the 17th century. The spice capital of the Caribbean, Grenada is the most fragrant of the islands where you will find nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cocoa on many of the spice estates. This island is also considered one of the most picturesque ports in the Caribbean with its lush vegetation, mountainous terrain and colorful colonial architecture.

To the west of the Lesser Antilles, you’ll find the Netherlands Antilles and the island of Bonaire and Curacao. Bonaire is famous for its diving with 100-ft visibility and a colorful array of tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. Dutch influence can be seen throughout the island of Curacao, especially in its architecture which is a replication of the houses built in Amsterdam but painted with a distinctly Caribbean color palette. Be sure to explore Hato Caves where you’ll find two large caverns with ancient Indian petroglyphs and a mystical underground lake.

So when you’re ready to head to a warmer climate but you want something new, head south and discover the European enriched, unspoiled islands of the Southern Caribbean. With so many choices to choose from, you won’t be disappointed.

European River Cruising, Is It For You?

The rivers and canals of Europe are open for travel. As many as 20,000 total miles of inland waterways let travelers absorb European culture at a relaxed, leisurely and up-close pace. The waterways of Austria, The Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Russia and others now have many options to meet the growing demand for river cruising.

No longer an obscure way to see old Europe, travel by river is one of the best ways to venture out and take in the heart of the continent. Travelers who return from river cruises carry memories of very intimate encounters with the countryside, local people, and fellow passengers. River cruise and barging travelers inevitably become true enthusiasts for the experience.

A traveler can journey Europe's waterways in a variety of ways. River cruising most often refers to river going cruise ships typically carrying fewer than 250 passengers. As such, river cruising ships are much smaller than mass-market, ocean-going vessels, but as river boats go, are on the larger end of the scale. Western and Central Europe have many river routes to offer the larger cruise boats. Popular itineraries include the Danube visiting Hungary, Austria and Germany and the Elbe River through Germany and the Czech Republic. In France, the Rhone and the Soane meander through Provence and Burgundy, while the Seine takes passengers through Paris and Giverny. In Northern Italy, the Po offers exciting opportunities with a variety of river cruise companies. Finally, the Volga, connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow provides a decidedly different way to port between these two magnificent cities. River cruises tend to be affairs of luxury, with an emphasis on informal, but upscale travel. Relaxation and intensive sightseeing are the main activities, as organized entertainment is somewhat limited on most river cruises, except for the occasional lecture or sing-along. Mostly, the crew allows passengers to enjoy their time as they see fit.

Cabins on larger river vessels vary in size from 90 square feet on older ships to over 200 square feet on newer. Most rooms are outside cabins, meaning they have windows for optimal sightseeing. The least expensive cabins are lower in the boat, while passengers pay more for higher rooms with better views. Cabins come with basic amenities, such as hair dryers and televisions, and are often very nicely furnished. The larger river cruise vessels have telephones and even Internet service.

Many first time river cruisers are delighted to discover that, unlike ocean cruising, there is very little boat motion. The mandated slow speeds and flat waters of the rivers ensure a quiet, placid voyage. It is often difficult when not on deck to even know the vessel is underway!

On longer trips, 10 days or more, the typical river cruise passenger is a well-traveled individual often over the age of 60. Shorter cruises typically attract a younger crowd. River cruises on the larger vessels do not always allow children under 12 as passengers, so make sure to check on any restrictions for families. The passenger manifest will be a mix of European and North American travelers, but most crews speak at least some English, and many are fluent. Individuals who require physical assistance when traveling should check with their travel consultant to determine the accessibility of any particular vessel for disabled passengers.

Meals have always been a special part of cruising, and river cruises have maintained that tradition. On river cruise vessels, food is a key part of the experience, prepared by a dedicated chef, the ship's captain, or a restaurateur in a small village. Europeans take great pride in their culinary skills, and practically everyone who has ever cruised along the rivers and canals of Europe has at least one story about an unforgettable meal or food experience. Special dietary considerations can often be accommodated if requested early in the booking process. On self-drive barges, travelers can stock up on provisions from the villages and cook on board, or splurge at dining opportunities along the way.

Crewed barges with meal service and more amenities are sometimes referred to as "Hotel Barges": smaller vessels with a passenger capacity of as few as six to as many as 50. Hotel barges tend to be much slower than river cruisers, and due to their smaller size, can enter more narrow waterways like canals, in addition to the larger rivers. Hotel barges range from Spartan accommodations to luxurious rooms with gourmet meals, fine wines, and bicycles for self-guided shore excursions. Cabins vary in size and most often have private baths with showers. Many barges have saunas and hot tubs on deck. Most are without telephones or Internet service, though, as such modernity is typically absent in the barge market.

The peak season for river cruising is much the same as European travel in general, late spring through mid-fall and early November. The shoulder season, a real value, ranges from early March through mid-May. The autumn months coincide with grape season, and several cruise lines are fully booked during this time by wine connoisseurs. Finally, April is tulip season and cruises in and around the Netherlands are particularly popular then.

As always, pack as lightly as possible, as space on the smaller barges can be at a premium. Your cruise operator will no doubt provide you with a list of recommended items to bring, but the usual recommendations of hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are often overlooked but very important, because so much of your time will be spent outdoors.

Regarding travel budgets... amenities offered by the cruise and barge operators and the travel season determine costs. For high-end river cruises and hotel barges, $2,100 per person, double occupancy and cruise only, is a common brochure cost for a seven day cruise. 12 day cruises often range from $2,800 upwards, but discounts are usually available for most itineraries through your travel agent. Other cruises may be had for as little as $800.00 for a seven day itinerary. Costs typically include all meals, tour excursions, and accommodations. Tips and gratuities are expected, ranging from $10 - $35 dollars per day. Your travel consultant will have many resources on hand for finding the best possible values.

Europe and its waterways await you!