Take The Kids On A Cruise? You Bet. Here’s A Few Tips.
10 October 2008
A cruise offers the chance to enter a totally different world and that’s appealing to all ages. So bring the whole family along. Most cruise lines have special children’s rates and provide lot’s of entertainment specifically aimed at youth.
Many cruises have trained personnel whose sole job is to supervise the wide variety of children’s programs. One example is Princess Cruises’ Love Boat Kids program. It includes complete Youth and Teen Centers and a toddler’s play area and theatre. The kids can enjoy movies, games, arts & crafts, computers and more.
Teenagers are notoriously difficult to entertain. Being stuck with Mom & Dad for a week is especially hard their mood. Cruise lines such as Disney, Carnival, Princess and others have set up adult-free zones and special “nightclubs” that provide a wide range of activities and a place to hang out with other teens.
Of course, you would expect that a Disney cruise would be geared towards kids. And you are right. They provide a whole array of age-appropriate activities including children under three.
When dining onboard with the family you will normally find that the earlier dinner seating is less formal. There will be more families present so it makes it much easier to get a table with other kids close to your own children’s ages. If you ask, the server may be able to seat your family alone.
Even though many cruises cater to kids, it’s not a good idea to bring small babies. They demand so much attention that you just cannot enjoy the cruise experience.
Children are usually more prone to sea sickness so it’s a good idea to discuss with your doctor what medication to bring.
There are a lot of amenities that are not necessarily obvious like ice, extra blankets, pillows, games, crib or high chair, etc. Just ask your cabin steward what’s available. The crew is more than happy to help you have a pleasant stay.
Stops at ports of call are typically brief. You don’t have to spend your brief visit browsing the same old duty free shops. Do a little research ahead and you can find some interesting local spots for the family to visit such as a museum, zoo or beach.
It’s a good idea to get the kids involved in the activities immediately rather than waiting a day or two. This gets them involved and lets them feel a part of the program. Joining in later they may feel like outsiders and have a more difficult time interacting with the kids who already know the ropes.
Even though the programs are there to be used, don’t forget that this is a family vacation. Be sure to allot plenty of time together. The kids can have a lot of fun with the planned programs but they also need time with Mom & Dad.
Before you book a cruise, be sure to ask a lot of question of your travel agent or the cruise line. Don’t accept vague answers. You want to know exactly what the cruise lines attitude is towards families. Let them know what ages your children are and get specifics on the activities, programs and training of supervisory crew. Choosing the right cruise line and ship can make all the difference in the world.
The author, of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of the website www.1001-vacation-ideas.com. Here you will find a large collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelers searchable by theme and location.
Alaska Cruises - Sitka Port-of-Call!
9 October 2008
To experience the diversity and absolute beauty of Alaska, you must visit the port-of-call on Alaska cruises, Sitka. This seaside Alaskan town on Baranof Island has been both Russian and American.
The beauty of Sitka comes in part because of its location. With the Pacific Ocean on the west, and the forested mountains to the east, Sitka is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the seaside Alaska towns. The vistas of the area are a large reason why Alexander Baranof, the first Russian Governor of Alaska chose to build his castle here in the borough of Sitka.
Of course, the wildlife adds to the beauty of the area and is another reason Alaska cruises often make a stop in Sitka. Humpback whales use the waters off the Sitka borough for feeding in early spring and late fall. During the summer, the area around Sitka offers cruise passengers chance sitings of tufted puffins and a myriad of other birds, sea otters, sea lions and many other marine and forest creatures. As a matter of note, Sitka lies in one of the largest temperate rain forests in the world.
Alaska cruises to Sitka also provide a cultural insight into the development of the Alaskan frontier. As was noted earlier, Sitka played host to the government when Alaska was a Russian territory. Historical sites include the Baranof Castle Hill site.
The Tlingit culture is also quite evident in the Sitka borough. This native culture provides Alaska cruise guests yet another insight into Alaska’s development.
Currently, Sitka’s economy is based on lumber and processing, fishing, and of course tourism. Sitka is home to Sheldon Jackson College and the Sitka Branch of the University of Alaska. A Coast Guard air station is located at Sitka as well.
Many Alaska cruise itineraries make stops at Sitka. For example, Holland America Alaska cruises have about 18 itineraries that include Sitka. Norwegian Cruise Lines have 4 Alaska cruise itineraries that include stops in Sitka. Two Princess Alaska cruise itineraries stop in Sitka. Carnival includes stops in Sitka on both their north bound and south bound Alaska cruises. Royal Caribbean includes a stop at Sitka on at least one of its Alaska cruises.
The beauty of Alaska can by far be best seen while on an Alaska cruise itinerary that includes a stop in Sitka, arguably the most beautiful of all Alaskan seaside towns. For more information regarding Alaska Cruises and stops at Sitka, check out some of our other Alaskan Cruise articles at www.a1-discount-cruises.com/related-alaskan-cruises.htm. For the best deals on the net for cruises to Alaska, click on the merchant links on our Discount Cruises main pages. You can compare the Alaskan itineraries, compare the values, compare the cruise lines, compare the cruise ships, and choose your favorite type of stateroom all from the comfort of your own home. Then all that’s left to do is to book your fabulous Alaska cruise on-line and get excited!
Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com to book your fabulous Alaskan Cruise Vacation! For more interesting articles visit our Article Map pages.
Sailing Hints & Tips
8 October 2008
I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek islands. With this small article I would like to share some sailing hints with you that will help you enjoy the most out of your sailing holidays.
• When moored or anchored, use your sun tent and stay under it most of the time. Our friend, the Sun, sometimes can be dangerous, especially during summertime.
• Be cautious on board and if possible, always wear a pair of soft boat shoes. This way you will protect your feet and the deck surface. When sailing, avoid walking on deck without particular reason and in rough weather, remember to use your life belt.
• If you have children on board, let them sit outside but always in the cockpit wearing a life vest.
• Before operating the electric anchor winch, start the motor and run it at aprox 1.200 to 1.500 rpm in neutral. This is necessary in order not to exhaust the service battery, as the consumption of the winch is extremely high. Our recommendation is to low your anchor manually and collect it using the remote control. Whenever using the anchor winch (dropping or collecting your anchor) be very careful with your fingers. An electric anchor winch is a great facility but also extremely danger with careless use.
• Remember to use the electric refrigerator only with the motor running.
• Many yachts are equipped with a switch with which you may connect the two batteries, to have more power to start your motor. You can keep them connected, as long as your motor is running. When you stop the motor, remember to disconnect them. This will protect you, to be without electric power in case that you will forget, for example, the electric refrigerator running.
• When you moor in a port, always have a fender between your yacht and the quay, so even if your anchor for any reason is unable to keep you in position, the yacht will not touch the quay. Take care of the swell that big ferries cause and avoid mooring the yacht close to the place these boats anchor.
• Before you put your engine in gear, have a look around the yacht for floating ropes that may block or damage your propeller or gearbox. When you want to go from forward to backward, do it after you let the engine speed drop to idling.
• Avoid towing your dinghy especially in rough weather, as you may lose it. It’s better to keep it secured in front of the mast. Remember that lost items are always charged to the charterer. In case you need tug help and before you accept it, agree on the price and ask for a receipt that clearly states that no further payment will be asked.
• Avoid dropping papers or napkins in the toilet bowl. It’s better to use plastic bags for the waste papers. Toilet pumps are not able to dissolve such things.
• Remember to close the main switch at the top of gas bottle when you don’t use the gas stove or when nobody is on board.
• While refilling either water or fuel tanks, make sure not to mix fuel with water or water with fuel. In both cases the situation becomes unpleasant and difficult to be repaired.
• Keep always an eye on the hour counter of your motor and make sure that you have sufficient amount of fuel in your tank. The fuel gauge is not always reliable, so check the hours that you have used the motor.
• Do not throw plastic bottles, cans or any other waste in the sea. Keep them on board and remove immediately at the first harbour.
• It is also requested not to raise any flag, other than the Greek, at the aft side of the yacht, as it is against Greek and International marine regulations.
CAUTION : If the yacht is equipped with DSC VHF, DO NOT PRESS DISTRESS SIGNAL BUTTON UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY (FIRE - COLLISION - GROUNDING - SINKING).There is a penalty for the unnecessary use.
- For more information please check http://www.seascope-sailing.com
Yannis Moraitis
http://www.seascope-sailing.com
Viking’s trip
7 October 2008
Scandinavia occupies the Northern part of Europe and includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. These countries have a lot in common, so often it is recommended to visit them during one trip. May be next time you’ll be back to know one of them better.
The beginning point of trip will depend of where you come from. If you from the East usually your tour begins with Finland, and if you are from the West it could be Iceland (if it’s included) or Denmark. Be prepared to spend 12-18 days to see all the Northern capitals, depending on the amount of the countries and the time you want to spend in each of them.
Whether Finland is your starting point or not you surely visit Helsinki - Finland’s capital. The main attractions are the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral and the Market Square. One of the most interesting sightseeing is Suomenlinna Fortress - a major military monument worthy of the Unesco World Heritage List and also home to about 900 Finns.
If you start with Copenhagen you are most likely to spend there a day or two and see Church of Our Savior and the Stock Exchange, Christiansborg, National Museum and the Royal Theater. You can also visit Tivoli Gardens, the city’s colorful amusement park. And surely you shouldn’t miss the largest tourist attraction in Denmark - The Little Mermaid.
Then, after visiting Denmark you will move to Sweden. Denmark and Sweden are connected by the ferry lines. It is the fastest and the easiest way to get to Sweden from Denmark. It’s very popular getaway among the Swedish to spend a weekend in Denmark. The drinks and entertainments are cheaper there. In Swedish capital - Stockholm you will visit Royal Palace, Riddarholm Church in the City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held. Sweden’s most visited museum enshrines the warship, Vasa, sunk inside Stockholm harbour while on her maiden voyage in 1628. Other Swedish cities are may be have to get throw are Gothenburg and Karlstad.
From Sweden another ferry will take you to Norway, particulary Lillehammer. The home of the Olympic games, the popular destination for winter sport. Several days can take your trip to the capital of Norway - Oslo. The attractions here sound a lot like the Swedish and Dutch ones. The Royal Palace, The Parliament. If you are tired of the contemplation of old ruins, ancient palaces and modern shops Norway gives you a unique opportunity - boat trips along the fjord offer spectacular views, and vast tracts of unspoilt natural beauty provide a peaceful retreat and excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing and sleighing.
A country a little bit far away from the other Scandinavian countries - Iceland can also be on your way. It is a country with the unique nature and very special atmosphere. Reykjavik and its surroundings is famous for its geothermal springs and Volcanic Crater Kerid, geysers. Iceland is the land not only of the hot spring, but of the glaciers too. It has not as much cultural attractions as the other Scandinavian countries, but its great natural attractions make it rather popular travel destination. But! Take note that Iceland is a very expensive country, so all the souvenirs can really be called precious.
For booking a hotel in any part of the world, please, go to www.hotelsrates.net
Cruising Asia is a true delight…
7 October 2008
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A cruise is a voyage of discovery, an experience of cultural extravaganza of various civilizations. Cruising can reveal the biggest continents with the lengthiest coastlines and the highest mountains of the world.To explore the true majesty of our world and its magnificent past, to experience the magnanimity of its religions and its peoples, embark on a cruise . You will never ever forget the experience.
Of all the cruises that I have been on, I liked the Asia cruise because it takes you to Singapore & Hong Kong. It was definitely worth a look. The temples in Thailand , the temples of India , or the peaceful eyes of Buddha, redefine spiritual faith of the believers and non-believers. Native women display graceful dance forms of India , the Japanese tea ceremony and the Chinese theatre. All of these wonders have enormous cultural significance that are and integral part of the region’s tradition. It is a pleasure to be a spectator of such enormous cultural and traditional environment intermingles with every walk of life, so alike to each other yet so very regional in its own right.
The Asia cruise takes the traveler along the Malaysian, Vietnamese and the Thai seas. Splurge on pretty gifts from the fabulous shopping arcades of Singapore and Hong Kong . Take time to spoil yourself in Dubai . Be a part of a once in a lifetime shopping experience with discounts and promotional offers like you have never seen. Come to Bollywood, know what family entertainment can be found and enjoyed by watching a Hindi film.
Your Asia cruise can be a channel and opportunity to explore the cultures and land masses with their own unique spirit and expression. You can go on an Asia cruise to suit your own needs whether it is Far East or the southern pacific. Every cruise has its mystique and its own story to unfold.
After you have chosen your cruise, you should expect elegance and no gimmicks. You can enjoy your vacation at your own pace as if you were still at home but better. If you like solitary experiences then you can jog unmolested, swim a lap in warm pools or read a great book. You should, however, take part in some of the free activities. Join the exercise classes, get a soothing massage, and enjoy a relaxing sauna.
Some cruises offer aerial sightseeing, white water rafting, and hikes amongst other things. You can find spas, health clubs and even wedding chapels on your cruise ship.Children have special play areas or centers with lots of fun and entertainment. The cruise agency often invite at least one guest speaker to share their experiences about the region you are traveling through giving you funny and sometimes curious insights. Most of the cruise staff provides excellent service and all guests get first class attention.
The dedicated staff looks after you very well and is there at your beckoned call. You can find the vital information you need from the staff and other places on board about where to find souvenirs, to shop for local handicrafts, or nice restaurants that are sure to delight and amaze you.
Asian cruises have exotic entertainment billings that showcase authentic entertainment and special theme events, hilarious comedies, and regional musicals. The exquisite dance performances will most assuredly leave you spell bound.
Spellbound and mesmerized will be the mood for you when your cruise journey ends. Surely, you and the ones you love will benefit in more ways than one from a trip of this magnitude.
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Find out What VoIP Really Means
4 October 2008
Pondering whether to take the plunge into making phone calls over the internet? Do you have trouble making sense of all the complicated technical terms? Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is being tipped as the technology that will restructure telecoms forever. VoIP digitises the sound of a human voice so that it can be routed through the Internet. You can now make VoIP calls that cost a tiny amount of calls made through the traditional phone line. It is revolutionizing the way that people communicate.
However, as frequently arises with new technologies, it is sometimes hard to understand what all the new lingo and confusing terms mean. Consequently this article will try and explain the technical jargon that you will encounter. So let’s get started on deciphering some of the jargon
? Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL): This is a data communications technology that allows high speed Internet to be delivered over the telephone network
? Broadband: This is a generic term for high speed Internet over cable or ADSL
? IP: This stands for Internet Protocol It is the standard that underpins all services on the Internet.
? SIP: This stands for Session protocol for creating modifying or terminating sessions It is the Internet protocol used by most VoIP services
? Switch: A piece of equipment that a phone company can use to connect calls between subscribers It is also used by businesses to connect their internal extensions as well as outside lines which are also known as private branch exchange (PBX)
We hope by explaining and simplifying some of the jargon that surrounds the VoIP services this article should help clarify what VoIP is about and the elements that are involved. Find the service that is right for you. Join the VoIP revolution and start enjoying cheap calls and other cool services!
The Primer: Online Sports Results Bets
4 October 2008
Bond together man’s supreme interests and you’ll pinpoint something normally named a sportsbook wagering web property. Truly, what could be more ingenious? If you see a large assembly of sports admirers cheering any chosen favorite sports heroes, and always stakes will be arranged in parallel to the racket. In order to catch more of the enjoyment, onlookers generally venture to figure out who is most likely to win the forthcoming meet. At the end of the day, this will develop into a charming little meet known as sportsbook wagering web property. Love to return next week at Pebble Beach
True, it can appear to be uncontrollable, though sports gambling is really solely for fun and to tie up with your fellow sports admirers. Here, you’ll be able to risk a any slight amount of boodle and still enjoy a amazing time. Further to this, here are a few select basic remarks to get you started sports gambling.
If you want to wager, we would advise you check out a sportsbook wagering web property, i.e. a setup that takes sportsbook wagering web property. In America, there’s currently no less than four states where you can do sports gambling lawfully, but semi-legally you may try it anywhere you like so long as you can locate a bookie and you’re legally an adult. Included sports events you can choose to risk some money on are pro and, naturally, college basketball and college football, professional hockey and baseball, and, naturally, wagers on both horse and dog racing. You’ll be able to bet on the global score of a contest, at which point any given opponent will go under, and even if a coin toss in a contest will land heads or tails.
The sportsbook setup will trust in stats and maths to help you out guess which sports heroes you feel is most likely to win. First of all, there is the spread, meaning leverage given to a a losing team that is expected to be defeated by X number points. Obviously, this constitutes the sportsbook setup’s prescribed modality of organizing level stakes for a sports book. Thus, a client might bet on a lineup that is expected to be defeated and and still win that wager so long as the team is actually beaten by X number of points.
We’ll be able to opt for a lot of varying genres of bets, the straight being the dominating one in sports gambling. So why not give it a shot, and enjoy yourself simultaneously? Just ensure that you won’t get seized and deplete your entire retirement fund on a quirk. Otherwise you will find yourself bewailing it till the end of your days.
Bermuda Cruise - Expert Guide
1 October 2008
At just twenty-one square miles in size, the island of
Bermuda in the Western Atlantic is one of the smaller
destinations in the world to visit on a cruise ship. Only
a day and a half sailing from the U.S. East Coast, a
Bermuda cruise will introduce you to a tropical gem of
an island that is a world away from The Bahamas and
other Caribbean island communities. If you want to
experience the quintessential English lifestyle set to a
calypso beat, Bermuda is the place to go!
A British colony since 1684, the island of Bermuda has
long been a favorite for U.S. and Canadian tourists. Up
to 220,000 visitors each year arrive aboard Bermuda
cruise vessels, which dock at one of the island’s two
ports - Hamilton and Kings Wharf. Bermuda does also
have an airport to the northeast of the island, ushering
in around another 380,000 visitors annually. The
Bermuda government places strict limits on the number
of visitors entering this tiny land area each year.
Booking your Bermuda cruise well in advance of your
desired sail date is therefore highly recommended.
Bermuda cruises depart from a number of ports along
the eastern seaboard. Cruise lines operating out of
Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Boston and
Norfolk offer 5 - 7 day Bermuda cruises on a regular
basis. As there is little in the way of land between the
East Coast and Bermuda, Bermuda cruises tend only to
stop at one port on the island. Cruise passengers are
then free to explore Bermuda by foot, scooter, bicycle
or boat. Bermuda cruise operators will also have a raft
of shore excursions available for passengers to enjoy,
the cruise ship acting as a floating hotel for the duration
of their stay on the island.
Bermuda cruise shore excursions
A Bermuda cruise is a great opportunity to indulge in
some high-class living. Whether your passion is golf,
lazing on a beach (yes, it is true, the sand on some of
Bermuda’s beaches is pink), or just taking it easy in
tropical surroundings, you’ll be in for a treat on the
island of Bermuda. For the more adventurous a
complete spectrum of water sports can be enjoyed in
the warm waters that lap the island’s shoreline. You
may even get a chance to take in a cricket match or two
while sipping a cup of English Afternoon tea - an
altogether more delightful way to experience ‘England’
without the drab skies and endless rain of the real thing.
Looking for Cruise information ?
Go to http://www.azcruises.com to find out all you need
to know about taking your dream Bermuda Cruise vacation.
Call Girls Come in Handy when You Are Not in a Relationship
30 September 2008
When you are a single gent in Leeds will be annoying. Being single means you don?t get to have a gorgeous date with you when you go to corporate events, friend’s get-togethers or even sit in and watch a romantic movie with someone. When you are Not Married it might be lonely. All this is why men enjoy women call girls. They are sensational and appealing and a whole lot of joy. Women escorts might often accompany you to business functions and if you find a bewitching call girl to be your date you can be sure of the envy of your family friends.
Women escorts in London are of a much better calibre than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. The reason is simply that there are more call girls here. Women escorts in London are also educated and have sophistication. The cost of a gorgeous escort will vary, some escorts will charge per hour while others are usually per day. Guys should expect to pay between 500 pounds and one thousand pounds. The top price will probably get guys the most tremendous escort in the city. You should forever give the call girl the cash immediately on meeting, this is common practise. Thus do not be nervous and try a lovely call girl this week. Make sure you try Escort Girls from Lucy Bond.
Simple Things for the “Sailing Life”
29 September 2008
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. “The simple life” can be pretty complex–I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space. This specialized environment calls for specialized equipment and tactics…sometimes. In spite of what marine retailers would like us to think, there are a number of ‘normal’ (and inexpensive) items that we can put to very efficient use aboard our boats. For example:
- For easy lighting that won’t impair your night vision, stock red cellophane (the kind you get in rolls in a gift wrap store) and rubber bands. Cut squares to fit over flashlights and rubber band them in to place.
- Forget buying purpose-made bag clips. Clothespins can do double duty by securing laundry to the life lines as well as keeping the bag of potato chips (or whatever) closed. And only use rubber covered clothespins–the metal hinges on the wooden ones rust out in about five seconds in a marine environment.
- When the clothes dryer eats a sock, don’t throw away its mate. Save those unmatched socks to use as jar and bottle covers aboard the boat. They provide good shock absorbency.
- If you haven’t completely switched over to a digital camera, you should have plastic film canisters hanging around. Reuse them for storage aboard the boat–small fittings, pill boxes, herbs/spices, anything small that needs a compact home.
- Have several plastic spray bottles on board. Besides their use for cleaning solutions (e.g., a bleach/water combination for controlling mildew), they are great ‘hand showers’. Douse yourself on hot days to encourage evaporative cooling. And when you’re out on the ocean and go over the side for a bath, use a spray bottle to rinse yourself off with fresh water– works great. Just make sure you keep your cleaning solution bottles separate from your shower bottles!
- If you aren’t already doing so, save your old toothbrushes for cleaning and maintenance on the boat. There are loads of tight places above and below decks where a small brush works great. One overlooked spot: Use a toothbrush to clean the inside of anchor chain links.
- You can never have too many zip-locking bags. Keep several sizes available, and use them for more than just food storage. Spare parts, clothes, office equipment, medicines, and lots of other stuff will pack more compactly when transferred to zip locking bags. And reuse the bags: invert, wash, and then hang to dry with those double-duty clothespins.
These are just a few examples of the use of ‘non-marine’ things that have a place aboard a boat.
(c)Copyright 2004 Kerry S. Mason
About The Author
Kerry Mason is the webmaster for http://www.finesailing.com, The #1 resource on the Internet for sailing, boating and water sports enthusiasts. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles at… http://www.finesailing.com/articles/index.html
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