Virgin Gorda: Trekking through The Baths in the British Virgin Isles

What is it about extreme contrasts that are so appealing? That old saying, "Opposites attract" seems to hold true in nature as well as in relationships. As I gaze across the landscape of The Baths in Virgin Gorda, my eyes hasten to take it all in - the cold, smooth surface of the boulders; the hot, grainy surface of the sand; the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. Steel cold grey set against the blue topaz swimming beneath swirls of white wispy clouds. Here and there a palm tree juts out to make a stark statement. Created by the violence of mother nature, this testament to her power calms my nature and restores me.

Trekking through the crevices, wading through the shimmering pools, and climbing the ladders and boulders of The Baths is a challenge you should not deny when visiting Virgin Gorda. This British Virgin Isle, known as a diver's paradise, is largely unspoiled. So unlike many of the commercialized Caribbean islands. On my recent visit, "Devil's Bay Trail", the path through the Baths was being conquered by young and old alike. The magnificence of the environment brought out a desire in everyone to attempt the challenging trail. This is not a place where you want to be caught in the dark or at high tide, but what a treat when you make it to the end of the path. A large boulder awaits you screaming, "Climb to the top and announce to the world that you have made it through!" Then it's on to the beach for a swim in the rolling surf.

Virgin Gorda: home to coral reefs, the beautiful Baths, and friendly people.

A few pics from the Azamara Journey

Azamara Journey Ship Review 11/29/10 - 12/11/10

Having just returned from my "azamazing" adventure onboard the Journey for 12 sun-kissed days, I must say I'm having a bit of trouble adjusting to real life. The service onboard this ship was absolutely indulgent. They boast the friendliest crew I've yet to meet. All guests were made to feel as if the crew actually enjoyed making our every wish come true. So impressed with the genuine happiness of the workers onboard, finally, my curiosity got the better of me. "Why do you all seem so much happier than the crew on other ships?", I asked a charming young man making small talk with me while serving my special coffee in the cafe. He explained that they don't work longer than 6 hours at a time. They are also allowed to go onshore much more often than their counterparts on other cruise lines. Aaawww. The secret ingredient. Make your crew happy, and they make your guests happy!

If you are looking for a more intimate experience, look no further. Azamara Club Cruises delivers a small ship experience with extra touches hard to find on other ships. Your special treatment begins on the day of embarkation. Greeted with a glass of champagne as soon as you cross the threshold, feel free to say a toast to yourself for making a great vacation choice. If you've been cruising mega ships in the past, you might be a bit confused as you wonder where the crowds are hiding. Keep looking. You won't find any during the course of your trip. When speaking to fellow cruisers about what they liked best onboard this ship, they often responded: "I love not being nickeled and dimed to death." This exact phrase was repeated by a variety of people from all backgrounds. Not having to sign a slip of paper every time you asked for a glass of wine was a real relief to many. And the wine flowed freely at lunch and dinners as it was included in the cost of the cruise. One of my favorite perks was so simple. As we left the ship each day to go to port, we were offered iced bottles of water to take out with us for the day. Upon our return to the tender, a server with lemonade, water and cool towels awaited us with the greeting, "Welcome Home!"

Let's not forget the importance of the destinations offered by these floating boutique hotels. "Longer Stays and More Overnights". The slow pace allowed for a truly relaxing experience. How many times have you rushed back to your ship in the early afternoon? Azamara wants their guests to experience the ports to the fullest, so they stay later. Want to take advantage of the local cuisine for dinner? On our sailing, we were in Marigot, St. Martin until 11:00 p.m. allowing many aboard to sample authentic French restaurants. Our itinerary also called for an overnight in St. Barths - shopping capitol of the Caribbean. What a great place to spruce up that French wardrobe! Expensive when making the conversion from U.S. dollars to Euros - yes. Fun - definitely!

Entertainment included a guest lecturer, dance classes, a talented cruise director with a voice that should be on Broadway and all your usual cruise fun.

I would recommend this line to anyone looking for a truly relaxing experience who appreciates great food and great service!

Norwegian Epic Review: "So What's In a Name?"

"So what's in a name?" I ponder this as I reflect on my most recent cruise during the week of October 16th on Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the Epic, and "Epic" she is. Webster's definition: "grand and noble" most definitely comes to mind when stepping onboard. The first dazzling sight to greet you upon entry is the behemoth of a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and spanning several floors. As lights bounce off the crystals, this show of elegance sets the stage for a week on a ship that delights all the senses.

Innovative has been the word most often used to describe NCL's largest ship. Innovative in design, and in my opinion, most innovative in entertainment. This is the area where the Epic is making a huge splash! NCL is known for their freestyle cruising which means you don't have a traditional dining and show time. Instead you're free to dine when and where you want, either in the traditional dining room or in one of many specialty restaurants. Our two favorites were Le Bistro, French Cuisine in a romantic setting, and Teppanyaki, the Japanese Grill. Delicious! Now, hear a word of warning, freestyle still requires some advanced planning. You'll need to make reservations at some of the specialty restaurants in order to secure your spot. Although we were able to walk in on one lucky occasion. You'll also need reservations for the hit entertainers, Blue Man Group and Second City Improv. As you can imagine from the sound of the line up, the entertainment is some of the most modern I've seen on a cruise ship. Blue Man Group had the crowd laughing from start to finish. If you've ever had a hankering to participate in a murder mystery show, they put on a murder mystery luncheon that's interactive and a lot of fun. The Ice Bar is a novel idea that everyone seems to feel obligated to visit. It was so blasted cold in there I was ready to leave after just 10 minutes! The things we do to have fun while on a cruise. Sit on a block of ice in subfreezing temperatures and drink from an ice-glass. For those of you watching your onboard bill, some of the liveliest entertainment did not require an additional charge. The dueling piano act in one of the bars drew a huge crowd every night with the talented young players taking requests from the audience and amazing everyone with their abilities. If Jazz & Blues is more your style, an excellent band entertained a slightly more mature crowd. Sports enthusiasts and children playing Wii were enthralled by the two story movie screen in the Atrium. Of course, as is to be expected on any cruise ship, the disco was hopping every night, and all the usual newlywed games were to be found.

We were in the Caribbean, so let's not forget about fun in the sun. The aqua park entertained everyone no matter what their age. I even conquered the water slides one afternoon. Hint here: lines weren't bad at all immediately after returning from a port. The children are sure to love the fact that they just might see someone get slimed with all the Nickelodeon activity onboard the ship. And if you have a picky eater, this is a ship where pizza is delivered anytime anywhere.

Personally, I'll have to give one of my highest marks to the spa. I was determined to win something at their raffle, and by some miracle, I won a facial. Always try to attend the sail-away tour of the spa on that first day. Not many people make it to these, so it greatly increases your chances of winning. The spa facilities are gorgeous, and the therapist I was assigned was the best I've had on a cruise. The fitness center was immense with all the equipment you could possibly need to burn off those extra calories you're picking up eating at the buffet.

The cabins on this ship are quite different than those you'll find elsewhere. Looking at cabin and deck lay-outs before you book will really pay off on this ship when considering noise or space. If you're really tall, be sure to choose wisely. Anyone over 5'9" has a tendency to hang off the end of the bed and in some room configurations, there isn't a lot of room between bed and bureau. The bathroom design has received a lot of attention, but I found them to be uniquely efficient with their separate rooms for showers.

The Epic holds 4100 guests and is 155,873 gross tons. At that size, I never felt any motion. We were onboard with a large group of 823 fellow travel franchisees, vendors and travel industry media, the largest group the Epic has accommodated. All group events went smooth as glass. I was sure to ask vacationers what they thought of the ship every chance I got. Everyone I encountered gave her rave reviews. She'll be in the Caribbean until April 2011. After that, you'll have to fly across the ocean and join her on a European itinerary.

Fun For All Ages: Disney Cruise Ships Aren't Just for Children Anymore

When planning a special vacation that's all about the kids, Disney is top of the list. Disney's reputation for first rate entertainment and service isn't confined to their whimsical land resort and parks. Guests will continue to experience the "Disney Difference" onboard their magical ships. Set sail with Disney and create lasting memories for the entire family. The adults may be surprised to find what's in store for them onboard a Disney cruise.

Entertainment for all ages, day and night, is delivered in Disney style on all three ships, the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, and the latest edition to this fun-filled family, the Disney Dream. While the kids are taking pirate lessons from Captain Hook or making discoveries in the Oceaneer Lab, parents are free to relax at the adult-only "Quiet Cove Pool." Even child-centric Disney understands the need for adults to have a few quiet retreats with no children allowed. There's a late night entertainment district with clubs, including Pink, the classy champagne bar, and the Skyline Bar, a great place for viewing the evening sky. The indulgences don't stop there. If you happen to choose a Bahamian itinerary, you'll be treated to a stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. After entertaining the kids in the family area, you just might want to leave them in the care of the youth counselors while you check out the adults-only section of the island and luxuriate in that much deserved massage.

Back onboard the ship, the dining experience will be a nightly hit for young and young at heart alike. Rotational dining will keep everyone from getting tired of the same old thing. Just what is rotational dining on a cruise ship? Disney has come up with a unique way to allow their passengers to dine in a different restaurant each night. You move to a differently themed restaurant on a nightly basis, but the same servers rotate with you ensuring that personal touch. Once again, the adults have not been forgotten. A romantic French cuisine is offered in the adults-only restaurant for that all too precious alone time.

So yes! Disney Cruise Line is an enchanting escape for adults, but what about the little ones? Will they have the time of their lives? You bet! Who wouldn't with a 65-foot-long winding water slide adventure or a place like Andy's Room (inspired by Disney-Pixar's Toy Story - where they'll think they've shrunk and entered the land of toys. For the older tweens and teens, age appropriate clubs and lounges will keep them entertained, make them feel their age, yet allow them to be supervised.

Disney thrives on going the extra mile for their guests. They're one of the few cruise lines that includes sodas in their cruise fare, a small but nice touch. No one beats Disney's entertainment. The nightly shows are out of this world! They also give back to the community, offering military discounts to honor out servicemen and women.

Disney is a great choice for families, multi-generational groups or your good-old Disney fans. Next time you're thinking about visiting the Bahamas, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal or the Mediterranean, consider taking Mickey along. Kids, your parents will thank you.

Aloha Hawaii!

Aloha! On the mainland this traditional greeting means hello. In the Hawaiian language it means so much more - love, compassion, and affection. A word that expresses warmth. What better greeting for a destination with a warm culture, warm and friendly people and year-round warm temperatures?
As you catch your first glimpse of Hawaii's diverse paradise, colors abound: deep blue waters, lush green valleys, black, green and white sand beaches and the mist and red flowing lava of an active volcano. For the romantic, the adventurer, or the photographer, the landscapes provided by Hawaii are a backdrop for everlasting memories. Imagine soaring cliffs with rugged edges, exotic plants and flowers, cascading waterfalls and beautiful beaches. Whether staying at a resort, a boutique hotel or choosing to island hop via cruise ship, Hawaii's unique natural wonders will thrill your senses. The six major islands in Hawaii include: Hawaii's Big Island, which continues to grow to this very day, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. They each have their own persona, charm and beauty.
If you're hoping to catch a sight of the majestic humpback whales, make sure to visit Oahu and Maui. These glorious creatures migrate to Hawaii each year from December to May to breed and give birth to new calves. February and March may be the best time for viewing. While there, they put on quite a show for onlookers with their acrobatic antics. Not shy, they often will saddle up next to a boat and glide alongside in their slow and graceful way and stare you right in the eye.
For the sportsmen, choices abound in the diverse Hawaiian environment. Take the plunge and catch a wave and a few lessons in the land of big wave surfing. Some of the best surf competitions take place in Hawaii during the months of November and December. If you prefer to stay dry, enjoy a round of golf at some of the most scenic course around. Hawaii attracts golfers from all over the world to its more than 70 stunning golf courses. Find the perfect spot on any of Hawaii's six islands.
If you're looking for an easy way to get an overview of the islands, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Hawaiian cruise to four islands in seven days onboard the Pride of America. Their Golf Program offers excursions to Hawaii's top courses. With nearly 100 hours in port, you'll be able to explore natural wonders, historic sites such as Pearl Harbor and much more. This is a cruise where the destination is the focus! If there's a particular island you want to explore more in-depth, a longer stay at a selected resort may be a better choice. How ever you choose to visit Hawaii...it's a destination to put on your bucket list. So pull up your anchor and make plans to see for yourself the place that Mark Twain described as, "The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean."

Tips for the First Time Cruiser

Cruising...once you've experienced it, you just can't get it out of your system. With each and every cruise you learn something new. Before you know it you're sharing your enthusiasm with novices as well as your fellow avid cruisers. However, before you get to that point, you have to step foot on your first ship. Beware and cast off with caution! Even the most skeptical cruiser has become hooked! You just might be next.

For those of you who are casting off for the first time, here are a few tips.

1) Basic Cruise Terminology:
embarkation: getting on the ship
debarkation: getting off the ship
port: left side of the ship (usually the side you dock on)
starboard: right side of the ship
aft: the rear of the ship
fore: the front of the ship

2) How to choose a cruise:
It's hard to go wrong on a cruise vacation, but a bit of planning will make sure you get the most bang for your buck! You'll want to consider 3 factors when choosing your cruise: cruise line or ship, itinerary, and budget. Each cruise line has a slightly different personality and amenities. With a little research you or your travel agent will match you to that perfect ship. Cruise lines fall into four categories - contemporary, premium, deluxe and luxury. Your budget and lifestyle will determine which you prefer. A few of the names you hear about so often - Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess are considered Contemporary lines. Whichever level of luxury you choose, a ship is a destination in itself!

Living in the Southeast, many of us think Caribbean when we think cruise, but your itinerary choices are endless! According to the Cruise Line International Association, the "hot" destinations for 2010 include the Mediterranean, Alaska, European Rivers, Europe, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and of course, the ever popular Caribbean and Bahamas. When choosing your itinerary, you should also consider your port of embarkation and debarkation. Ask yourself, "Do I want to fly or drive to the port?" The choice is yours.

3) Best Time to Cruise?
Everyone knows that anytime is a great time to cruise! If your heart is set on a specific locale, advance planning is a must. The Caribbean is a year round destination, but more exotic locations will require some scheduling. You can usually count on the following calendar as a general guide: Alaska - May to September, Europe - April to November, Bermuda - April to October, the Panama Canal -September to April.

4) Passports / Visas / Identification:
It's best practice for everyone who is cruising and traveling to foreign ports to obtain a passport. If you get sick or are detained and can't return via the ship, you will not be able to reenter the U.S. without a passport. Though unlikely, that would be a headache no one wants to deal with on vacation! It's also advisable to make three copies of your identification: passport, visa (if required), birth certificate and driver's license. Keep a copy in your checked baggage, in your carry-on baggage and leave a copy at home with someone. Visas are only required in certain countries. The list can be found on the U.S. State Department's Travel Website.

5) Best Cabin Location:
Once again, this is going to depend on personal preference. Typically, the higher you go on the ship, the more expensive the cabins become. Some people prefer the higher cabins for the view. However, if you are prone to motion sickness you are better off on a lower level and mid-ship. If noise is a concern avoid placement below large public areas or across from the elevator.

6) Will I get seasick?
The cruise ships today have stabilizers that assist in regulating the motion of the ship at sea. But let's be honest. The ocean is an unpredictable force, so rough seas are always a possibility. If you're very sensitive to motion, you'll feel less of it on the larger ships and don't forget the importance of that strategic cabin placement - lower and mid-ship! Many over the counter medications for seasickness seem to work well for most people, including Dramamine and Bonine.

7) Tipping:
First time cruisers might easily be caught off guard by the amount of tipping involved in their first cruise. Be sure to take plenty of one dollar bills just for this purpose. The tipping will begin at the port when your luggage is unloaded. Sorry do-it-yourselfers. You are probably out of luck here! You'll want to be prepared for any taxi rides in the port cities as well. Onboard gratuities are usually added to your final bill on the last night or you have the option of tipping in person. The cruise line provides recommended amounts for each service person.

8) Safety:
Modern cruise ships obey international and national maritime codes for seaworthiness and fire safety. They are equipped with lifeboats, modern telecommunications and have doctors on staff to treat cruisers during an emergency. Within a few hours of boarding your ship, you'll be required to participate in a safety drill at a "muster" station. During this drill, you'll be instructed where to find your life jacket, how to properly wear it, and where your designated area is to report to during an emergency. It's very important to participate during this drill. After all, it's part of the tradition of the first day at sea!

As far as safety in port is concerned, it's usually advisable not to wear flashy jewelry and keep an eye on your wallets and purses, as petty thefts can be a problem for tourists. If you aren't familiar with a port, the safest way to enjoy the area is through a ship-sponsored excursion. Be cautious about getting off the beaten path in unfamiliar territory. A little research before the trip will indicate which areas have safety issues. Most of the time, everyone is friendly to tourists and you'll have a wonderful time with no incidents.

9) How will the children be entertained?
A cruise is a paradise for children and parents alike. The cruise lines have awesome supervised childrens's programs, broken up into appropriate age groups. Most cruise lines require their workers to have college degrees in education or another related field to work in this program. The children will have so much fun they won't mind Mom and Dad sneaking off for a little alone time.

10) What's NOT included in a cruise?
Cruises are basically considered all-inclusive vacations. Even so, there are some
items that are extra. Usually, your gratuities are not included. Also, though food and drinks are included in your cruise fare, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not. Excursions, those fun adventures you take at the ports of call, will be extra. Specialty restaurants are fun and delicious, but they carry a small surcharge - up to $20 to $25 per person. If you're on a tight budget, the dining room and buffets will serve you just fine. Even with a few extras thrown in, cruising is still one of the best values out there!

Relaxation, fun, entertainment, food, adventure, a get-away you'll never forget! If you'd like to plan your next cruise escape, we would love to assist you at CruiseOne - Cathy & Lon Brooks. 770-456-5631. www.cruise2escape.com

Anticipatory Fun

How do you make a one week vacation experience last for months or even up to a year? Granted, this isn't for everyone. Certainly, not for the last minute planner who gets a thrill of adrenaline from throwing things together quickly. OR the spontaneous type who likes to be free as a bird and live from moment to moment, but for those of you who like to plan...the enjoyment you receive from a cruise is not contained within that one week time frame spent on the ship. Far from it! The good times start the moment you begin planning your next cruise vacation.

What is it about human nature that allows us to receive such pleasure from anticipation? My father and I were discussing this the other day. He was describing how men who like to hunt often receive as much satisfaction from collecting and preparing their gear as they do from the actual expedition. His thoughts were that it was their personality type that attributed to this. They felt a sense of accomplishment from finishing a project that they had planned and organized. Sometimes, he said, they enjoyed the planning stage even more than the expedition itself. Not him, of course. Perhaps, this enjoyment of planning and organizing explains it for some people. However, I dare say, even if for a planner, it would be a rare cruiser who would enjoy the planning stage more than the cruise vacation itself!

I think the anticipatory stage might also bring to life what so many people seek in their lives - hope. Hope for the future...even for that one week vacation. Although, many people find hope in their spiritual lives, even those that are fulfilled spiritually, may just want a dose of hope that represents fun. A fun break away from the day to day routines of life. After all, with everything that goes on in our world today, who can have too much hope? Whatever it is that drives people to enjoy this phase of the vacation. It is a real phase. It brings much enjoyment, and it's a way of extending that vacation in a way - a pre-vacation. So research away. Make your lists. Plan. Plan. Plan. Enjoy your pre-embarkation!

How to Really Save on the Price of Your Cruise: Put Together a Group

In this modern world, many people love to search the internet for the best price on their cruise. Let's face it. It's a challenge! The problem is how do you really know if you truly found the "best" price? I understand the thrill. I'm the type person who likes that shopping thrill. It's the victory of the hunt when you find the perfect deal. Now, some people don't enjoy the endless hours on the computer searching for the perfect deal. They would rather just pick up the phone and call their travel agent. However, others actually get a kick out of the research and bargain shopping. For them it's the beginning of the cruise experience. I can relate to this. I'm a coupon shopper, a sale shopper, and before I became a travel agent, I was one of those cruise bargain shoppers. However, one of my best deals was through a travel agent when she had an exclusive offer from a cruise line. My point is....if you REALLY want the best possible deal on a cruise - Put together a group, and travel for practically free. This is the ultimate way for you bargain shoppers out there to get a great deal on a cruise!

Free? There must be some kind of catch. Right? Not if your travel agent negotiates the group contract with the cruise line and you're able to obtain the required number of group members. With most lines, a group of 16 full paying adults will earn a tour conductor credit. This is the person who is deemed to be the group leader. If you have 15 friends to travel with, why not let that person be you? If you can organize these people to join in on the fun, then you have just earned yourself a free cruise fare. Of course, if you are married or are taking another traveling companion, you'll have to pay for them, and you do have to pay for taxes and government fees. But it's a steal of a deal! Doubtful that you can beat that deal anywhere else! Usually, you'll also be awarded other amenities for your group that your agent will negotiate for you. All the cruise lines have great deals for groups, but I've grown particularly fond of working with the Princess Groups Department, as they negotiate special rates and amenities for your group.

You might ask why the cruise lines would be so generous? It's a win-win situation for everyone. You have your "berth" paid for, and they have someone out there providing free advertising to help sell those cabins. They're also counting on the fact that you just might spend some of the green stuff onboard their lovely ship. Yes! It's a win-win situation all the way around.

Just Like People - Ships Come In All Shapes, Sizes & Styles

You're in the kitchen and you hear that familiar beat. If you're not a cruiser, you have to admit it, you're tempted to become one. Just the commercials alone of two of the most well known cruise lines will get your feet to tapping. For the vast majority of people, which ships come to mind immediately when they think of cruising? I dare say it would be Carnival and Royal Caribbean based on the marketing campaigns we so often see. Most people are familiar with the Princess line and the whimsical Disney. Beyond that it begins to get a little fuzzier. Your more sophisticated and experienced cruisers are familiar with a variety of other lines. For me, when we began our journey on this now life-long exploration of the world of cruising, we weren't aware of anything above the "contemporary" lines. Contemporary line you ask? Just what does that mean? Well, like so many things in life, even cruising is divided into styles and classes. When you first dip your toes into this fun-filled world of travel, you may not be too concerned with the choices laying before you. However, as the addiction grows, you may find that you want to experience new things. Understanding the different styles and choices in cruising will allow you and your cruise specialist to make the best choice in matching you with the right ship. There IS something out there for everyone! Who knew there were so many choices and styles in cruising? Things have changed. Today's cruise industry is made up of Contemporary, Premium, Deluxe, and Luxury Lines. Let's take a look at what each of these categories are and which lines fit into each one...

So, exactly what is a "Contemporary" Cruise Line?
Contemporary cruises are the most well known or popular in the cruise industry. These are the lines that typically first come to mind when we all think of cruising: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises. These ships tend to be larger, newer and full of amenities. A multitude of activities are usually found onboard these ships with impressive shows, large spas, casinos, and organized children's programs. These lines are great for families and active types. You'll find itineraries as short as 3 days and as long as 14 days on these lines - sometimes longer, and you'll be able to explore such places as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Mexican Riviera, and Asia. Fun! That's what I think of when I think of Contemporary lines.

You've probably heard of some of the "Premium" Cruise Lines:
Just the next step up from contemporary is the premium cruise line. Many of us have heard of Celebrity and Holland America but might not have realized that they belong to this slightly more prestigious category. This category still offers many of the activities of the contemporary line but with more of an upscale flair shall we say. You'll find high tea, wine tastings, white glove service and cigar bars on these ships. Many of Celebrity's new ships have the lawn area up top where you can enjoy a spot of golf. While the majority of itineraries will still fall in the 7+ day range with similar destinations as the contemporary lines, it is possible to find vastly more extensive sailings. For the truly dedicated, Holland America offers a World Cruise of over 100 days. That's enough to satisfy the cruise bug in anyone, wouldn't you say?

Have you heard about "Deluxe" Cruise Lines?
Elegant ships, smaller ships and fewer guests (approximately 800) with more luxurious amenities. That describes the deluxe category which includes Azamara and Oceania Cruises. You'll enjoy these lines if you're looking for entertainment with more of a cabaret style, staterooms with higher end amenities, such as, higher thread count sheets and high end toiletries. While the casinos are smaller the libraries are actually more extensive for the more sophisticated reader. The traveler will find more exotic destinations and longer itineraries on these lines. They aren't really recommended for families with young children as they don't have staff dedicated to children and teens like the contemporary and premium lines do.

Ah, "Luxury", just how luxurious are these Lines?
When cruise lines went into the luxury business, they far exceeded expectations. These luxury lines deliver more "luxury" than your typical luxury hotel or resort. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.5, the staff is always anticipating the needs of their guests. Leading celebrity chefs prepare world-class cuisine which is served in an open seating environment and each meal is prepared to the order of the individual guest. These ships carry fewer passengers and many are "all inclusive" including items like gratuities, wine, and even custom shore excursions in the base price of the cruise. These lines usually draw the sophisticated traveler and are more "experience-oriented" than "entertainment-oriented". This sophisticated group includes: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn and SeaDream Yacht Club.

So, that's an overview of the different styles of cruise lines. Just like a hair style, over time, your ship style may change. I think I would like to get around to trying them all....

Welcome Aboard Cathy's Cruise Chat!

Cruising. It's actually like a pebble with many colors. Once the novice picks it up and examines it the first time, they discover it's so much more than what they thought. At least that was my experience on my first cruise. Many years ago, my husband surprised me with an anniversary cruise. Now, you have to understand. I'm a sun worshipper from Florida who was transplanted up to Georgia and whines about missing the beach on a regular basis. So, this man of mine who doesn't like humidity decided he would sacrifice himself and take me on a cruise. Little did he know he was going to be in for a big surprise! What my beautiful white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast couldn't do - the amazing clear blue waters of the Caribbean accomplished! My husband became addicted to cruising as much as I did. Now, let's be honest. Every once in awhile I will hear someone say they didn't like cruising, but it is rare...extremely rare. We all usually come back from our first cruise - mad, raving addicts! Many non-cruisers think of a cruise as being "trapped on a ship with nothing to do for days". They say they are afraid they'll be bored. Nothing is further from the truth. The cruise ships of today are floating cities. Often, there is not enough time to explore all the areas on the ship or get around to participating in all the possible activities. Yet, beyond the magnificence of the ship, there were two things that impressed me the most on that first cruise. First, I will never forget the awe I felt at seeing the magnificence of that brilliant, blue, crystal-clear Caribbean water for the first time. I could not tear my eyes away from it. Growing up on beautiful beaches in Florida, I had never seen water like that before. No, the Caribbean beaches don't beat out the white sands of the Florida gulf coast, but no where have I seen such a beautiful blue liquid painting in my life as on a cruise gazing down at that ocean. Secondly, both my husband and I came back from that cruise completely and utterly relaxed - for the first time after any vacation. Perhaps, it was because we didn't have to drive a car. Perhaps, it was because we didn't have to worry about meals. Perhaps, it was because the setting was beautiful and each day was a new adventure. Whatever, the reason...we were hooked for life!