I've been monitoring the boards at Cruise Critic and came across this post:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=727393

Basically they're saying that Princess discounted many of their prices for upcoming cruises to Alaska. If you've already booked, it's time you inquired about the saving or getting an upgrade. If you've not booked yet, now may be the best time to book that Alaska cruise you always wanted to take.

BTW, it seems that there are great deals with all the liners that cruise to Alaska. So you're not limited to Princess if you're hooked on another cruise line.

Don't snooze on this one.

I got this information in an email last night and just had to share it with you. I believe this is a massive one day sale by Carnival. So you must act now to cash in on all the savings. Feb 27 2007.

Good luck and have fun booking your next Carnival cruise vacation.

Here's a great article I found on the travel section of CNN. We're all looking for ways to save some $$ on our next cruise vacation.

Here are the main parts of the article:

I asked a few good agents and veteran cruisers for their money-saving secrets. Here they are:

1. Buy early. When Jeff Cooper worked for a cruise line, the best deals came just before wave season. "The sailings prior to Christmas and New Year's were rarely at capacity," says Cooper, who now works as a hospital administrator. And while the bargains during wave period were good, these were better.

2. Skip the air-inclusive cruise. "Cruise air is usually the worst possible deal," says Amber Blecker, an agent for CruiseResource.com. "You get bad itineraries, multiple connections and higher prices." And, she adds, don't think for a moment the cruise line will wait if your plane is late. "That's a wives' tale," she says.

3. Find a preferred agent. There are travel agents, and then there are travel agents. "Find one that specializes in booking with your desired cruise line," advises Charles McCool, a consultant who specializes in finding travel deals. "Only a select few have preferred status. These agents and agencies offer better discounts and amenities, and the cruises cost between 10 percent and 20 percent less than cruises bought from other agents."

4. Think small, think shoulder-season. Crystal Griffith, a nurse from Baker, Florida, scored a deep discount on her Alaska cruise by choosing a September itinerary and picking a windowless inside cabin. "We rarely spent much time in the cabin, and used it mainly for sleeping," she says. "It saved us lots of money."

5. Become a shareholder. "If you buy 100 shares of Carnival or Royal Caribbean stock, you'll get between $50 and $200 of free cabin credit on every cruise," says George Smart, a consultant in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. NOTE: Carnival and Royal Caribbean own most of the cruise lines out there, so this is a pretty decent deal.

6. Ask about discounts. One of the most popular is the military discount. Some cruise lines insist on either active-duty status or evidence of a long career. But not all. "Carnival Cruise line will sell their military rate to anyone who has served for two years," says Liz Lamagese, a Tampa, Florida-based travel agent. "As long as you have your separation papers to fax them, you can get very low rates on most of their cruises."

7. Private tours can save you big money. That's what Jerry Rothstein, a New York investment consultant, discovered on a recent cruise to the Greek islands. "We quickly figured out that for six people, we'd be better off having a private arrangement for shore excursions," he says. Now he regularly runs Internet searches to find less costly tours for groups that are "more intimate" and cost less than those offered by the cruise line.

8. Become a frequent cruiser. Evelyn Fine, a market researcher based in Daytona Beach, Florida, has found that loyalty pays. Cruise lines offer her everything from discounts to special on-board perks, like VIP receptions and priority dinner reservations. "Becoming a loyal customer is worth it," she says.

9. For a free upgrade, tell them you're a VIP. Actually, get your travel agent to tell them you're a VIP, says Royce Jones, a Jackson, Mississippi, furniture manufacturer's representative. "My agent tells the cruise line I'm one of her best customers, and that if I like the trip, I'll return again in the future," he says. "And then she asks for an upgrade. It works most of the time."

10. Don't get on the bus. "One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to not take the provided transportation that meets you at the dock," says Michael Berger, an information systems consultant in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. "They usually cost more or end up taking you to their uncle's store to get a discount." Instead, he recommends walking a block or two away from the dock and finding a local transportation option. It's cheaper, and you're less likely to fall for a tourist trap.

11. Get a soda sticker. If you like bubbly drinks, buy the soda sticker for the cruise if your cruise line sells one. On Princess, for example, $29.50 gives you unlimited soda -- something Tom Kinsella, a Woodbridge, Virginia, software manager, discovered on his last cruise. "And bring your own large soda mug. Ours is 64 ounces, and they'll fill it any time you need it filled. That way, you're not stuck with their small glasses."

12. Or try these two booze tricks. TIP NO. 1: Bring your own wine and pay a corking fee at dinner. "It's still cheaper than the roughly $30 low-end wines offered by the cruise line," says Kirsten Taylor, an information technology manager in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. TIP NO. 2: If you prefer hard liquor, try emptying a water bottle and replacing it with your favorite vodka or gin. "No one will notice," says David Tuder, a banker from New York.

13. Buy your next cruise ... on your cruise. "The cruise line will offer special deals available only onboard, with much lower base prices than you'd find off the ship," says Kevin Harris, a hotel owner from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "And when you book with the onboard person, you usually receive higher onboard credits to spend anywhere on the ship."

This wave season, you don't have to be swamped with higher cruise prices and unexpected surcharges. Just take a few tips from people who are in the know, and you'll save a few bucks and have a better cruise.

To read the complete article:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/traveltips/01/15/cruise.tips/index.html

THE CHEF'S TABLE:

At 6:45pm we met at the International Café for the Chef's Table Event (tour?). After Maitre D' Hotel Nicola Furlan herded us all together (there were 11 of us) he went through some of the facts and figures of the Crown Princess especially those pertaining to Food & Beverage. The galley of the Crown Princess prepares all the food consumed aboard with 2 exceptions: kosher dishes and baby food. These come prepared ahead of time.

At roughly 7pm, it began.

In a single file we made our way to the main galley through the Michelangelo dining room. Once inside, we were at a dish washing station, we were made to wash our hands (20 second scrub) and were then handed white overcoats (like lab coats, not chef's coats). It was here that Nicola 'handed us off' to Executive Chef Martial Diffor. Chef Diffor is a very young man from Strasbourg (close to the Swiss-Franco border in France) and his wife had given birth to his firstborn just yesterday.

Once everyone was properly garbed we went through the kitchen, keeping to a side to allow the waiters space to move through. Everywhere, all cooks, waiters, and other staff looked up at us. Without exception, they all smiled and seemed happy to see us. At times, a few words were spoken and all of us kept thanking them for their hard work in putting out some terrific food. I at least felt that it was very important that I do so since these hard working men and women rarely get a chance to get a direct thank you from us passengers.

At the end of our galley walk-through, by the second entrance/exit to the restaurant, a couple of tables had been set up. There, our little group was joined by a couple of more Officers from the F&B Department. My parents and I mostly spoke to Guenther Kopf, the First Purser Food & Beverage who was from Austria; a nice opportunity to speak German for me.

Chef Diffor explained how the galley is set up and works. Along the cooking line, there is a defined section for each dish for that particular meal. For each dish, there is a color photograph with notes clearly stating what everything is on the plate plus there is an actual finished sample plate under the photograph. This gives a good reference to the wait staff.

There is a cook for each plate. Actual cooking is done "behind" him and he plates the dishes at the counter which the waiter then takes to the dining room. The food at these stations comes out "standard". There is one cooking section exclusive for special orders.

At this point we were served some Moet & Chandon Brut champagne and the amuse bouche. The first I had was the Quiche Provencale. Then, I had the Blue Crab Margarita with avocado and mango (think of a ceviche here). Third, came the Blinis with Sevruga caviar and crème fraiche and finally the foi gras terrine on toast with apple chutney. All the portions were just about bite sized - else I would have been full already.

After the hors d'oevre, we walked back to the first entrance we had been at and returned our coats. We then left the Michelangelo dining room and moved down to the Da Vinci restaurant. There was a line of people waiting to get in but we had a specially prepared table so we moved right in with Nicola and Chef Diffor. I saw a lot of people looking at us wondering why a Chef would sit with us. The Chef passed around a hand written, one page, menu for the evening (which included the appetizers we had already eaten in the galley).

Our first dish was a goat cheese soufle which was followed by a champagne Risotto. This was followed by a "Lip Smackin' Bloody Mary" sorbet to cleanse the palate. These two menu items were accompanied by a California Sauvignon Blanc.

Then it got real interesting because the main entrée was a "Trio of Beef, Veal, and Pork Tenderloin on Medieval Spiked Flambe Roaster". All of a sudden, the Chef and Nicola came from the galley with three carts which they parked close by. On each cart top, there was a large wooden tray with a cast iron hook. From this hook hung a metal tube with spikes sticking out; each spike about 2 inches long. On these spikes, they had impaled the various tenderloins. Arranged in pre-cut holes in the tray were several small bowls of dips, etc. for our meats (Herb butter, Béarnaise sauce, Jus, and Salsa Verde).

Chef Diffor then proceeded to flambe the tenderloins table-side. This was quite the show stopper. We were all taking pictures and many a waiter stopped their own work to see the Chef in action - as did many fellow diners that took the opportunity to take pictures as well.

For good measure, they started plating with half a Maine lobster to which we were then served some of the tenderloins, boiled potatoes, and a myriad of fresh vegetables (I had the cauliflower, broccoli, and the baby zucchini). The wine paired with the entrée was a Californian red.

Once we managed to eat all of that food, the table was cleared and we were served a third wine. This was an Errazuriz, a Chilean dessert wine. The cheese dessert which was a Potted Stilton cheese with Port Wine & Walnuts, served with Rosemary Biscotti. The second dessert was an Iced Parfait of Amaretto with a Vanilla sauce, and a Brandy reduction.

After a round of coffee for those that wanted them, Chef Diffor sat back down with us for a quick chat. Turns out that the program has been on the Crown only for the past 5 weeks or so. It is done only once per week and is limited to just a very few number of passengers (in our case 11, but normally only 10).

Chef Diffor then autographed copies of Princess' Cook Book as a present to each couple while a red rose was gifted to each lady present at the table. A ship's photographer took pictures of the Chef with each of us plus a couple of group pictures to celebrate the event. These pictures would then be delivered to our respective cabins tomorrow.

After we bid each other good bye, my parents and I stopped by the International Café for an after-dinner port wine.

Wow. What can I say after all this. It was a spectacular event and although I've tried to describe it in much detail, this report does not do justice to the experience we had. I feel so very lucky to have been able to participate in it. I also know, because it is so very exclusive, that I will NOT sign up again for it. Not because it wasn't good - far from it. But because so few passengers are able to participate, I feel it would be unfair to take someone's spot in the future that hadn't done it before.

This review is original to:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=678769

MSC Poesia - The third ship of MSC Cruises' Musica-class is set for an April launch. At 92,400 tons, she will homeport in Venice to sail the Mediterranean.

Independence of the Seas - In May, Royal Caribbean's third 158,000-ton Freedom-class ship heads for a rendezvous with 3,643 passengers waiting to surf through Europe from the U.K. and the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.

Carnival Splendor - First in a new Carnival class, the 113,000-ton Carnival Splendor is set to launch in July. She features a large spa and fitness center and 68 staterooms that have private access to the spa. She also boasts four swimming pools, one of which is covered by a retractable dome that will also shelter the Seaside Theatre.

Eurodam-Holland America introduces their new Signature-class with Eurodam in summer 2008. Don't look for anything revolutionary on board. Instead, think evolution as she'll feature a new restaurant deck and more verandah staterooms (67% will have a balcony!). At 86,000 tons, she will slip easily through the Panama Canal.

Ruby Princess - The 116,000-ton sister ship to Crown Princess and Emerald Princess is slated for christening in November and will offer a tried-and-true Princess experience to her 3,100 passengers.

MSC Fantasia - First in MSC Cruises' newest and largest class, she's weighing in 133,500 tons and can carry 3,900 passengers (make that 3,300 at double occupancy). With MSC Fantasia, the line introduces an exclusive VIP area.

Celebrity Solstice - Also heading an all new Solstice-class, Celebrity Solstice won't fit through the Panama Canal, but there will be a lot on board for her 2,850 passengers to do.

Carnival Corporation & plc Orders Two New 71,000-Ton Cruise Ships for AIDA Cruises Brand; Increases Capacity of a Previously Ordered Vessel

MIAMI, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc has ordered two 71,000-ton cruise ships for its AIDA Cruises brand, which caters exclusively to the German-speaking market. These two newbuilds mark six new ships that the German cruise operator has ordered in just the past three years.

The 2,174-passenger vessels, which will be built at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard at an all-in cost of euro 380 million and euro 385 million, are scheduled to enter service in April 2011 and May 2012, respectively.

Additionally, the company announced that it has contracted with Meyer Werft to increase the size of the fourth vessel in the series, set to debut in April 2010, to 71,000 tons with a passenger capacity of 2,174, making it a sister to the two ships ordered today. The all-in cost for that vessel has been increased from euro 335 million to euro 350 million.

All of these vessels will operate under AIDA Cruises' informal "club resort" cruise concept which is marketed exclusively to German-speaking clientele and offers a product aimed at younger, more active guests who enjoy a host of on-board amenities and facilities.

"With the interest in cruise vacations among Europeans continuing to grow significantly, we are committed to investing in our European brands. The addition of these 71,000-ton 'club resort' newbuilds and the increase in capacity for the fourth in the series will help to ensure that we have adequate capacity to meet growing demand, while further reinforcing AIDA's position as the leader in the German cruise industry," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.

AIDA Cruises' President Michael Thamm added, "Our business has been performing very strongly and our parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, shares our confidence in the potential of the German cruise business as demonstrated by the more than euro 2 billion investment in six exciting new ships."

These vessels will join the 68,500-ton AIDAbella, set to debut in April 2008, and an as-yet-unnamed sister ship in April 2009. The first vessel in the series, AIDAdiva, was introduced earlier this year.

AIDA Cruises revolutionized the German cruise market with the introduction of its first "club ships" in 1996. By 2012, a total of nine "club ships" will be in service, operating voyages to the Mediterranean, the Canaries, the North Sea, the Baltic, the Caribbean, the Arabian Gulf, Asia and Central America.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Iberocruceros, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.

Together, these brands operate 85 ships totaling more than 158,000 lower berths with 22 new ships scheduled to enter service between April 2008 and May 2012. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

One of the most popular ways to see the Last Frontier state is by cruise ship, with thousands choosing this method of travel to visit Alaska annually. The state is known for its natural beauty; a landscape of glaciers, tundra and pristine wilderness, inhabited by a wealth of fauna including grizzly bears and bald eagles. Cruises also provide direct access to towns and cities located on the coast that are not easily accessible via road, such as the state's capital of Juneau. Also, many docks or port of calls are located within a short distance from city and town centers, allowing visitors better access to the heart of sights and attractions.

Some of the natural attractions drawing tourists up north include the Tongass National Forest, covered by the Misty Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park by area in the United States, Glacier Bay, containing 16 glaciers and Denali National Park, home of Mount McKinley. Along with these attractions, visitors will have opportunities to enjoy several activities including wildlife viewing, kayaking, hiking, birding and whale-watching.

There are many factors to consider when booking a cruise including extra costs such as airfare, port charges, taxes, transfers, tips, and shore activities. The WorldWeb.com Travel Guide provides a directory of cruise lines operating in Alaska, with links to their websites, allowing for easy research and planning. Other WorldWeb.com features include a list of cities in Alaska along with major sights and attractions, as well as tour operators and transportation options available.

Planning a cruise vacation starts with determining three important factors: when to travel, which route to take and what type of ship.

WHEN TO TRAVEL

The Alaska cruise season is a short one, running from May to September. May and September are considered shoulder season months, and often vacationers can find lower rates and less-crowded ships. The busiest times are from June to August when the weather is warmest, with daily temperatures averaging 50°F to 80°F (10°C to 27°C). July and August can be rainy, so bring some wet-weather gear.

Book in advance to take advantage of early-bird rates or look for last minute deals. When seeking these types of specials, consider such things as cabin-selection, which may be limited on sale rates. For example, inside cabins do not have port holes while outside cabins, although more expensive, have a window. For a splurge, get a cabin with a veranda, offering private and scenic views of the ocean. Other affordable options include traveling with a group and asking about any available discounts, for example, senior rates.

DESTINATIONS/ROUTES

Most Alaskan cruises are seven-days in length and fall into two categories: Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska.

Inside Passage
The Inside Passage is the more popular of the two cruises, as ships sail along the southeastern coast, which is surrounded by islands, whose protection provides calm waters. Most itineraries are comprised of a round-trip from Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) or Seattle, Washington (WA), with visits to three to four port towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Haines. Other highlights on this type of cruise include visiting glaciers, such as Glacier Bay.

Gulf of Alaska
A second option is the Gulf of Alaska route which is ideal for travelers wanting to explore the interior of Alaska. This journey is usually one-way, sailing north or southbound between Vancouver and Seward (Anchorage's port). Most Gulf of Alaska cruises stop at the same towns as Inside Passage trips, but may also include other gulf towns and area attractions such as Valdez, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord in Prince William Sound.

TYPES OF CRUISE SHIPS

Part of the cruise experience is choosing the type of ship that will cater to a traveler's preference. Ships fall into two main categories: Large and Small.

Large
Part of the fun of choosing a large, commercial cruise line is the ship itself. These floating resorts are loaded with several amenities and facilities for passengers including onboard entertainment and activities such as casinos, health centers, swimming pools, nightclubs, movie theaters, shops and large dining rooms. Cabins range from basic rooms to luxury suites. A drawback of larger vessels is their inability to access all waterways due to their physical size, which can limit what travelers get to see. Popular cruise lines in this category include Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian lines.

Small
Smaller vessels offer a more intimate and casual cruising experience and are often geared toward travelers with specific culture or adventure focused itineraries. Although more expensive, smaller cruise lines offer increased flexibility with schedules and can access areas big ships cannot. Popular lines include Clipper Odyssey and Cruise West. It is important to note that these smaller ships do not offer the range of amenities and facilities found on larger cruise ships. This may present problems for passengers with reduced mobility, as many do not have elevators.

PORTS OF CALL

Anchorage
To reach Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, ships dock at the towns of Seward and Whittier and from there, passengers are bused into Anchorage, approximately three hours from Seward and 90 minutes from Whittier. There are several attractions in the city, many of which are found in the downtown district, including the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

Haines
A small Alaskan town, Haines was established as a missionary site in 1879 and was also the home of the now de-activated US Military base Fort William H. Seward, currently a local tourist attraction. Another popular draw is the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Most larger cruise ships will anchor offshore from Haines and transport passengers in by tender, either docking at the Port Chilkoot Dock or the Small Boat Harbor, whereas small ships dock directly at Port Chilkoot. Many ships offer a shuttle service that takes visitors to Main Street, or tourists can access this strip by walking down Front Street.

Juneau
Alaska's capital city, Juneau is a popular port of call, which is not accessible via road, as it is surrounded by water and ice fields. Both large and small ships dock in the downtown area, providing visitors with easy access to some of the city's main attractions including the Red Dog Saloon and the Alaska State Museum. A short drive out of town will take tourists to the Mendenhall Glacier, famous for its ice-blue coloring.

Ketchikan
Often called the First City, due to its location as the southern-most port of call, Ketchikan is most noted for its wealth of First Nations heritage and culture, including a large collection of authentic totem poles. These can be admired at places such as Saxman Totem Park. Ships dock right in the downtown area, where visitors will find the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and the Tongass Historical Museum within walking distance. Once the town's red light district in the 1950s, Creek Street is another popular tourist area, only today its lined with restaurants and galleries.

Skagway
Part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Skagway's appeal lies in its gold-mining roots and history. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk from the dock to downtown or visitors can take the shuttle buses that are available. Popular attractions in town include the Skagway Museum, Red Onion Saloon, White Pass and Yukon Route Railway and Arctic Brotherhood Hall.

OTHER TRAVEL OPTIONS

Cruise Tours
Visitors who have more time and money to spend may want to consider planing a cruise tour. These packages include a land tour before or after the cruise, and usually incorporate hotel, transportation and some meal costs. This option allows travelers to explore Alaska's interior including such cities as Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, as well as Canada's Yukon and the Canadian Rockies on some tours. Leading companies offering these packages include Holland America and Princess, both also operating their own hotels.

Ferry
The Alaska Marine Highway System offers an alternative way to sail the sea. These ferries provide year-round service throughout southeastern and southwestern Alaska, traveling the Inside Passage across the gulf. Embarkation points are found at Prince Rupert, BC and Bellingham, WA. Traveling via ferry offers passengers the flexibility of stoping at various port towns to further explore inland attractions, with the option of sailing with their vehicle onboard.

Most ferries offer several amenities such as food and beverage services, which includes cafeteria-style dining and vending machines. Cabins with private bathrooms are available, and other snoozing options include recliner chairs and resting areas where passengers can lay out sleeping bags. Other amenities available include gift shops, reading rooms and theater areas.

* This information is courtesy of:
http://www.worldweb.com/

Sunken Antarctic Cruise Ship Leaves Oil

By EVA VERGARA - 5 hours ago

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - About 2,500 penguins en route to their Antarctic mating grounds could be sickened by a diesel fuel spill from a cruise boat that struck an iceberg and sank last week, Chilean scientists said Friday.

Areas surrounding the mile-long spill site include breeding grounds for Antarctic and Adelia penguins, and the largest mating colony for Papua penguins, said Maria Jose Rosello, a Chilean marine biologist.

"The danger is that this fuel spill will impede the journey that species like Papua penguins make at this time of year," Rosello said.

Veronica Vallejos, director of the scientific department at the Chilean Antarctic Institute, said the spill could also affect other Antarctic fauna, including sea lions, seals and sea birds as well as fish, krill, algae and plankton colonies - key elements of the Antarctic food chain.

"There's always environmental danger when fuel leaks, and even more so in a zone with high biodiversity," Vallegos said.

The MS Explorer, an adventure travel ship on a 19-day cruise off Antarctica, hit an iceberg on Nov. 23, forcing its 154 passengers and crew into lifeboats in the middle of the night. They waited more than three hours in icy waters until they were rescued by a Norwegian cruise ship.

About 50,000 gallons of diesel, 6,300 gallons of lubricant and 260 gallons of gasoline were on board when the Explorer then sank hours later.

Chile's navy said Thursday that bad weather has kept clean-up crews from containing the spill, which is for now penned in by large chunks of floating ice in the Bransfield Strait, about 50 miles east of King George Island.

"The diesel oil continues flowing" from the ship, which now rests 4,800 feet below the sea, Vallegos told Cooperativa radio.

Vallegos and other Chilean experts who toured the spill site reported seeing no contaminated birds this week, but noted they hadn't been able to fully assess the damage the diesel might have done.

Studies by scientists who regularly conduct research in Antarctica at this time of year will be key to establishing the extent of the damage, she said.

Diesel is the least harmful type of hydrocarbon product, scientists told a news conference Thursday.

Today we'll take a closer look at a website dedicated to the cruise ship - Crown princess. This is a personal review of a vacation on the Crown princess Cruise Crown Princess

Quite honestly this is one of the most comprehensive websites for the Crown Princess cruise ship we come across to date. Below I'll briefly touch on some of the information contained within this wonderful website.

Since most people tend to go in a day or few days early to ensure they don't encounter flight delays etc that could make them miss their cruise. If you're looking for a great hotel for your pre-cruise stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico, read : Review of the Embassy Suites Hotel and Casino, Puerto Rico

Still not sure what to pack for your cruise vacation? Here is a detailed list you can use. remember to use this as a guide:What to pack for a cruise vacation

There's no better way to know what to expect on a cruise vacation than reading someone's first hand account - Review of the Crown princess Cruise Ship

Here you can learn much more about the actual ship. Including size, weight, number of passengers it can carry. Pictures of the Crown princess Cruise Ship

Nothing beats watching the videos of a cruise vacation. This section of the website contains various Videos of the Crown princess Cruise Ship

Another great thing you get access to is the daily newsletter on the Crown Princess The Princess Patters

I've been glued to the news the past few days watching with much curiosity the developments of the sinking cruise ship in the Antarctic seas. Here's the latest:

A group of shipwrecked holidaymakers, some still clutching life jackets have been airlifted from Antarctica after their cruise ship struck ice and sank. More than 150 passengers and crew escaped unhurt after being evacuated by lifeboat on Friday from the stricken ship Explorer off King George island.

Some of the passengers described their experience: "The worst moment was being in the lifeboats because we were there for four or five hours and it was very cold and we were very exposed. That was very difficult." "We grabbed our thermals before we left, that was it. The rest is gone. "It was cold, it was wet, but we managed. And now we're going home."

The growing number of tourists landing in Antarctica, mainly from cruise ships, has raised fears over the impact it could have on the continent's fragile ecology. In addition there is the issue of the size and type of vessels operating in dangerous southern waters and the potential for an environmental and human disaster if a large ship should sink in Antarctic seas.

Here are some more headlines:

Fist-sized hole sinks cruise ship
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=
24&art_id=vn20071125085850400C223414

Iceberg Sinks Cruise Ship off Antarctica
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/11/
071124-AP-cruise-ship.html

Stricken ship was port visitor
http://www.thisisdorset.net/display.var.1857108.0.
stricken_ship_was_port_visitor.php

Kids, pack your luggage you're off to school? I found this article in the "Harriet Alexander Higher Education Reporter" (an Aussie paper) and just had to share it.

THE country's most improbable university campus put ashore at Darling Harbour yesterday.

The Scholar Ship - get it? - a floating campus managed by seven universities from around the world, docked in Sydney for the first time since it retired from the Caribbean cruiser circuit to pursue loftier educational ideals. Macquarie University is one of the venture partners.

The aim is to bring students from all over the world together to learn from one another. While diversity and harmony are the catchcry, critics have pointed out the "inclusive" philosophy is undermined by the cost - more than $22,000 a semester.

Oceania II, which is operated and financially backed by Royal Caribbean Cruises, is just over halfway through its maiden 16-week semester, which started in the Greek port of Piraeus in September, followed by stops in Portugal, Panama, Ecuador, Tahiti and New Zealand. It will continue to Shanghai, Macau and Hong Kong.

Students get all the perks of a worldwide cruise, including two swimming pools, a bar, a gym and a theatre as well as lecture halls and special activities at each port. Academic credits are awarded by Macquarie University.

Macquarie's pro vice-chancellor for international students, William McGaw, says the courses are rigorously moderated. "If you look at the publicity at the beginning, it was all along the lines of trying to send it up or something like that but the actual voyage is a serious academic process," Associate Professor McGaw said.

He said the university was looking to make a tidy financial return, but with a big shortfall in the student numbers expected, organisers now concede that this is unlikely to happen on the Scholar Ship's maiden voyage. Macquarie University takes a proportion of each student's academic tuition fee - about half the total fee - and gets paid for producing the handbook and other academic material.

But only 200 students enrolled, rather than the expected 600.

The ship's executive officer, Leo West, said Royal Caribbean Cruises would almost certainly make a loss. "I'm sure there are people who would like to come who can't afford to come with us," Dr West said.

Professor McGaw said it would take a while to build the venture's reputation. "All programs that begin like this, that are novel, take a while to become more established, and then it's word of mouth."

Caitlin Bell, a Macquarie law student who is on a full scholarship aboard the ship, said the trip had been a unique way to learn about other cultures. "I go to Macquarie and it's a pretty diverse environment, but here you have people from all over the world in one classroom."

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/ship-for-
students-who-want-to-cruise-through-university/
2007/11/18/1195321609008.html

HONOLULU, Hawaii (AP) -- A highly contagious virus that causes stomach flu sickened about 220 passengers aboard a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship that returned Monday to Honolulu after its weekly seven-day cruise around the islands, officials said.

Lab tests confirmed a norovirus -- which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea -- aboard the Pride of Hawaii, said Janice Okubo, spokeswoman for the Hawaii Department of Health.

"It's one of the common viruses we've been seeing on cruise lines," Okubo said. "Most of the time, people recover."

The Norwalk-like virus infected about 9 percent of the ship's 2,500 passengers, and no one was hospitalized, the cruise line said. Virus symptoms typically last a day.

Passengers who felt sick, as well as their cabinmates, were asked to remain in their rooms for 24 hours. Norwegian said it was giving those passengers a $200 on-ship credit.

Surfaces in the ship were cleaned to eliminate lingering viruses, it said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating, Okubo said.

Norwegian describes Pride of Hawaii as the largest and most expensive U.S.-flagged cruise ship ever built. It began service last year.

Norwegian was acquired in February 2000 by Star Cruises PLC of Malaysia, according to the cruise line's Web site.

Source: AP / CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/12/cruiseship.virus.ap/index.html)

More from Fox:

HONOLULU - State health officials have identified the highly contagious Norwalk virus in an outbreak that affected about 220 passengers aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines ship Pride of Hawaii.

Lab tests confirmed the presence of the virus, which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, said Janice Okubo, spokeswoman for the Hawaii Department of Health.

The virus infected about 9 percent of the ship's 2,500 passengers, according to NCL. The ship returned to Honolulu on Monday morning after its weekly seven-day cruise around the islands.

"It's one of the common viruses we've been seeing on cruise lines," Okubo said. "Most of the time, people recover."

The Health Department has notified NCL of the test results, she said. But a statement from the company sent Monday makes no mention of the Norwalk virus.

"Pride of Hawaii has been carrying out an extensive range of preventive measures on board and does not expect this issue to carry forward into the next cruise," the statement said.

Passengers who felt sick during the course of the voyage and their cabinmates were asked to remain quarantined in their rooms for 24 hours. NCL said it was giving those passengers a $200 on-ship credit.

The company reported Friday that the outbreak had been confined to just the one ship, and the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America were not affected.

Passengers on the next cruise will be told before boarding that some people had suffered stomach flu symptoms, according to the statement. They will be given the opportunity not to sail if they're uncomfortable after being told about the illness.

Investigators from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will handle the outbreak, Okubo said.

Cruise lines usually take measures including keeping passengers isolated and rigorously cleaning surfaces on board, she said.

A field supervisor for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

The Norwalk virus typically lasts 24 hours, although it may persist for several days. There's no good way to treat its symptoms besides drinking fluids.

It can become life-threatening for the very old, the frail and the very young if they become dehydrated from the virus.

Additional symptoms include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and tiredness.

The virus spreads through food, personal contact and touching of contaminated surfaces.

Source; http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,311021,00.html

A cruise ship is a floating resort, with all the things a fine resort has to offer and more! As a matter of fact, cruise vacations have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience. What are you waiting for? Here are the Top 10 Reasons why you should choose to cruise.

1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your accommodations, entertainment, dining, and more.

2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE . Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3. Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4. Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 150 distinctive ships, 1800 ports of call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre or post-land tour.

5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6. Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation.

7. Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!

8. Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some well-deserved time alone.

9. Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.

10. Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION . It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

Choose to cruise for YOU. You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires is yours, when you choose to cruise.

Personally we've found cruising to be very safe and have never had any issues. However there are stories that pop-up ever-so-often that shows that no place is truly safe and you should always have your guard up. even on vacation :)

Cruise ships are like a small city where passengers are encouraged to forget their troubles and relax once onboard ship. It is natural for passengers on vacation to let their guard down, especially when out to sea in a resort-like setting. My advice: Don't let a false sense of security aboard a cruise ruin your vacation by becoming a crime victim. Before you ship out, take these preventative steps:

Beware of Your Luggage

Most complaints regarding theft, damage or loss involves the contents of luggage. Savvy travelers will make a written inventory of items in their luggage and photograph it in case of loss. Carry important items like medication, eyeglasses, and expensive jewelry in your hand luggage. Photocopy the contents of your wallet and your passport. Carry a copy in your hand luggage and leave one at home as back up. Keep luggage under your control until you check in with the cruise line. Once you turn over your luggage over to the ship baggage handlers you won't see it again for hours until it gets processed with a thousand other bags and is delivered to your cabin. A word to the wise, travel with sturdy plain-looking luggage. Expensive looking luggage may be targeted for its perceived contents. External bag tags should not list your full home address and telephone number. If they do, sophisticated home burglars will know that you are on a cruise and not be home soon.

Use durable luggage that is capable of being locked or secured and that will withstand being at the bottom of a pile of hundreds of other pieces of luggage without popping open. It is a good idea to add extra banding or airport plastic wrap or duct tape to your luggage locks to prevent anyone from opening your luggage without detection. Self-locking plastic tie-wraps work well for securing zippers on soft-sided luggage. You can buy these at any home improvement store for about a dollar. The reason for this is that smugglers have been known to slip drugs into luggage only to retrieve it later and maybe with force. Passengers have unknowingly transported cocaine that was slipped into their suitcase by baggage handlers only to be arrested later by port authorities. What explanation you would give to prove your innocence to a foreign government of why you are carrying drugs? If your luggage was properly sealed, you should see if it has been tampered with prior to opening it. Report any luggage tampering immediately to ship security before opening the case. Be sure to repack just as securely before you disembark and take similar precautions.
Cabin Security

After you enter your cabin, and while the door is still open, always check inside the bathroom or closest before sitting down inside. Don't assume that your cabin is as secure as a hotel. Many people have keys to your cabin and your cabin door may be left standing open for hours while the cleaning crews or cabin steward services the room. Cabin doors locks are sometimes horribly outdated and are not re-keyed as frequently as hotel rooms. Obviously, don't leave valuable items lying around. It is a good idea to have inventoried your luggage and photographed expensive items at home before you packed them at home in case of loss. Since most ship passengers are set up on a charge account system, be sure to use the ship safe deposit box for storage of valuable items, papers, credit cards or extra cash. Use all locks on the cabin door including the night latch. Don't open your cabin door to strangers. Whatever the person wants can be expressed from the other side of the closed and locked door. Be sure to teach children about this important procedure.

Just like in a hotel, protect your cabin key and cabin number. Dishonest crew or passengers will look for the opportunity to snatch a loose key or one that is left unattended. When in port, be sure to leave your key with the registration desk before disembarking.

Stay in Public Areas

Once on board and out to sea, don't assume that you are totally safe from criminal acts. While there is little danger of an outside predator robbing or attacking you on a cruise ship, crimes can just as easily be committed by crewmembers or by fellow passengers. Many cruise lines hire transient and seasonal employees at low wages. Because of this, turnover is high and cruise lines struggle to keep a ship fully staffed. While most crewmembers are hardworking and honest people, you cannot assume that the ship has properly screened that nice cabin attendant, waiter or below deck crew.

A rule of thumb is to stay only in the public areas. On large cruise ships, security personnel are on board and will patrol in plain clothes. Occasionally, someone will monitor video cameras in key public areas. Unlike land-based resorts, the ratio of passengers and crew to security staff is often inadequate.

Have a Family Security Plan

If you bring your children aboard, be sure to establish family rules in advance. Set curfews and restrictions...just like at home. Teenagers especially should be told never to accompany crewmembers into non-public areas nor should crewmembers be allowed inside your cabin. Being at sea can cause a false sense of security. Even though the crime incident rate per thousand is relatively low, there can still be predators on board. Ship nightclubs, casinos, swimming pools and jacuzzis are favorite spots for those looking for a victim.

You also need to keep your guard up with intoxicated passengers. Food and liquor consumption peaks onboard ships and cause bring out the worst in some people not used to it. Just because passengers are dressed up, doesn't mean they will act appropriately or not be overly aggressive. It is not unheard of for a ship passenger to slip a drug into your drink and take advantage of you just like on shore. There are pickpockets, purse thieves, and cabin burglars onboard waiting for you to let your guard down or become careless. There are also scam artists who will prey on rich women and men if given the chance.

Your family security plan for children should include bed checks, curfews, restrictions, and special meeting places. Beware of which children they hang out with, just like at home. Your children can be exposed to other children who use drugs or like to get into mischief, just like at home. Try to limit your child to ship sponsored activities in public areas. You should make contact with your children periodically even if they are supervised. Giving them the run of the ship while you spend hours in the casino or show is asking for trouble. Always have a backup plan and identify a ship crewmember as a contact person in case your child fails to show up or you get separated at a port.
Laws May Not Protect You

Although you boarded a ship in a US port doesn't mean that you are protected by our justice system. Most ships are registered in non-US countries and travel in territorial waters where US laws might not apply. The cruise industry does not report crime data consistently, if at all, to the FBI or have a database of ships with the most crime problems. Shipboard crimes sometimes fall into a "no man's land" of law enforcement. A crime can occur between two people of different nationalities, on a ship from a third country, and in the territorial waters of a fourth country. The governing law is the International Maritime Law and is not as well developed as US law. Reporting a crime on board a cruise ship doesn't mean anything will be done or that the crime will ever be investigated. The FBI is the only US law enforcement agency that can investigate a major crime but only if it occurs in International waters, otherwise crimes are reported to the jurisdiction of the closest foreign country and to the embassies of the parties involved. Prosecution of crime, in many cases, will be left in the hands of the local port authority where no one can predict the outcome.

Be aware that if you or your child gets into trouble on board a ship or in a port, you may be held accountable to the laws of a foreign country. The thing to do is to stay alert, be cautious, and stay safe while at sea. For details on the safety record of your cruise ship or how your ship will handle problems such are lost luggage or crime acts, contact the cruise line directly and ask for written disclosure of their policies and regulations. You can also contact the Cruise Lines International Association in New York City who represents the twenty five largest cruise lines for more information.

How long are cruises?

The 3-day weekend, 4-day midweek, week long, 10 days are all popular, but you can also find cruises that are several months in length. You can find 2-day cruises and even some lasting only a few hours just to gamble in international waters. In other words, any combination of time from hours to months are offered to attract your vacation dollars.

Where do cruises go?

Just about anywhere in the world. The Caribbean, Pacific coast of California, Mexico, Europe, Mediterranean and Alaska are popular. Cruising is basically found where ever you find water.

Once you pick a region, aren't many of the cruises offered within that region the same?

No, you'll also be able to find a great variety of types of cruises in many areas of the globe. The Caribbean is sailed by many different Cruise Lines and ships. Each Cruise Line and ship has its own flavor. You'll find budget all the way to super luxury available in the Caribbean. The cruise itineraries also offer differences in lengths and ports visited. Any two Caribbean cruises can provide very different vacation experiences.

Since the cabins are built for two or more people, can I go on a Cruise if I'm by myself?

* Yes, Cruise Lines usually have a special rate available if you are cruising alone. However, this rate can be as high a 200% of those for a single person in a double occupancy cabin. In other words, you might be paying for two cruises even though you are by yourself. You'll want to look for a Cruise Line that has a lower single rate.

* You can also consider a "single share" program that some Cruise Lines offer. The Cruise Line will find a roommate for you, so you can cruise at the lower double occupancy rate. If they can't find you a partner you usually still get the cabin at the cheaper rate. With partner programs, you might find a lifelong friend. However, you are also taking the risk of being stuck in a room with someone whom you're not comfortable.

Will the type of cruise I pick really make a difference in my vacation?

* Yes, the Cruise Ship is your hotel, restaurant and entertainment for your whole vacation. It is a package deal that is different from a traditional vacation. You'll want to spend some time and do some research to make sure you pick the right cruise for you. The perfect cruise for some might be a miserable one for others. Make sure you find the best match. You'll want to find the best rate on the right cruise for you, not just the cheapest rate. Cruise Lines cater to certain groups and their whole ship is meant to entertain and please that crowd.

* Some cater to certain age groups, singles or families.

* Some are calm, elegant and feature haute cuisine.

* Some have lots of loud, exciting activities to attract the active crowds.

* Others have lots of family activities planned, so the ship will be filled with kids.

* You will find some that have shore excursions just for you, while others look boring.

How can I find the best cruise for me?

* Do some research, it will be worth it.

* Check out the Cruise Line's web pages and brochures for information. Look at the pictures and see what types of activities they have planned. Have they planned a cruise to make someone like you happy?

* Make some decisions early. Are you looking for a quiet relaxed cruise, a romantic getaway or a party atmosphere? Once you have an idea of what you want out of your vacation, you can judge the different cruises on how well they meet your expectations.

* Ask your friends, but remember that you are looking for the best cruise for you. Make sure you ask them what they were looking to get out of their vacation. Your friends may have loved the cruise because it was exactly what they wanted. Make sure you have similar expectations before you book the same cruise.

* Ask lots of questions of your booking agent.

What factors should I consider to help me decide which cruise to pick?

* The amount you have budgeted and the overall cost of the cruise.

* Any special price breaks or deals.

* The Cruise Line's reputation for the quality of its cuisine and its menu.

* The Cruise Line's reputation for customer service.

* The Cruise Line's previous ship safety and cleanliness record.

* The overall atmosphere the cruise conveys. Whether it is family fun, party time, quite elegant sophistication or romantic getaway.

* The length of the Cruise.

* The Ship's own facilities.

* On ship activities planned.

* Any theme attached to the cruise.

* The ports you will be visiting.

* The shore excursions that the Cruise Line offers.