SAVE UP TO 60% ON MSC CRUISES’ EASTBOUND TRANSATLANTIC SAILINGS
Fares from $56 Per Person, Per Night

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (February 20, 2009) – MSC Cruises is offering special savings of up to 60 percent off retail prices on eastbound transatlantic sailings of MSC Lirica and MSC Orchestra this spring.

La Vita Transcontinental! At the beginning and end of each Caribbean and Mediterranean season, we invite you to participate in a time-honored travel tradition, the Transatlantic voyage.

Departing from the United States (Ft. Lauderdale) or Europe, every Transatlantic cruise vacation itinerary offers you the best of each culture, and often the best deals on cruise fares. Let us take you from the old world charm of the Mediterranean to a tropical Caribbean destination with the sound of calypso music, swaying palm trees and untouched beaches.

Our Transatlantic cruises are sure to enchant you as we travel on beautiful ships to fascinating destinations across the sea. Imagine waking up to enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee, the breeze of the Atlantic Ocean and the magnificence of an unobstructed sunrise, all from your own private balcony. By mid-day you take your lunch alongside the glimmering pool deck after a relaxing dip in the warm whirlpool. An hour in the spa and an unforgettable massage, it’s now time to take a rest, a nap or a sunbathing break before your multi-course meal in the lavish dining room. Imagine yourself aboard a MSC Cruises Transatlantic Cruise Vacation.

MSC Orchestra departs Fort Lauderdale on May 2 on an 18-night sailing to Copenhagen. Its first stop, after two days at sea, will be the cruise line’s first call in New York City, overnighting from May 5 to 6. The ship will then resume its itinerary, calling at Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; La Coruna, Spain; and Dover, England, with seven more days in the Atlantic and a day cruising the North Sea before arriving in Denmark.

Cruise-only per person, per night rates begin at $56 for an interior stateroom, $73 for an oceanview, $84 for a balcony and $144 for a balcony suite. Rates are based on double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

MSC Lirica departs Fort Lauderdale on April 23 on a 16-night voyage to Dover. The ship will call at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Fort de France, Martinique; Funchal, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; and Le Havre, France. Guests will be able to enjoy MSC Cruises’ European-style experience, during nine days at sea.

Cruise-only per person, per night rates for MSC Lirica’s transatlantic crossing begin at $44 for an inside stateroom, $60 for an oceanview, and $125 for a balcony suite. Rates are based on double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

As always, children 17 and younger sail free when traveling in same stateroom with two full-fare-paying guests.

These special rates expire on March 15.

During each sailing, guests can enjoy MSC Cruises’ elegant European ambiance, acclaimed international entertainment, nightly regional Italian specialties on the menus, superb spa facilities and much more.

For more information about MSC Cruises and its special eastbound transatlantic rates, visit www.MSCCRuisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.

By: Bill Ospring

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Press author for Mediterranean Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Bill Ospring brings news of MSC to cruise fans. Topics vary from MSC in the industry, new ships, and deals for cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe and theme cruise packages.

Is a Theme Cruise Vacation Right for You?

A look at some of the fun theme cruise vacations out there, and information on when to book them and how much they cost.

You’ve doubtlessly heard of cruises before, but you might not have heard about theme cruise vacations.

If you’re looking for cruise vacation ideas, a theme trip may be just what you are looking for. If you’re a fan of something, there’s nothing better than combining your interest with an exotic vacation.

A theme cruise is something a cruise line puts together on board one of its ships, an event or series of linked events that often go on for the whole week (or however long the cruise is). All the passengers are encouraged to participate.

Themed cruises first came about when ships spent long days at sea for ocean crossings and didn’t stop at all the ports of call they frequently do today. Also, there weren’t quite so many passengers on board and cruises were less mainstream than today; these days, it can be tough to find something with broad enough appeal that 2,000 or more people will book for a special themed cruise, so they have tapered off in popularity.

Still, you can find theme and special interest cruises on a variety of topics. Examples include annual shindigs such as Carnival’s NASCAR voyage, Regent Seven Seas’ annual Chocolate Cruise and Holland America’s jazz festival. Since these sorts of events have a broad appeal, they do well as themed cruises, where just about everyone on board is interested in partaking in the activities.

It is also possible to find smaller cruise ships running theme vacations, such as old-fashioned “murder” mysteries. Many boutique ships go to such interesting, off-the-beaten-path kind of places, that just the trip itself can have a definite adventure theme. Lectures and classes on the area really immerse you in the subject.

If you’re interested in themes in narrow niches, you can still find great cruise events. Check into special interest cruises.

These are sometimes called theme cruises too, but really it’s where a special interest group books a number of cabins on a mainstream cruise ship, and then sets up an itinerary and books guest speakers. The arrangers of the special interest cruise will then market their package to folks who would enjoy the events.

Examples of special interest cruises you can find include everything from scrap-booking to digital photography to baseball. If you’re a fan of something, chances are you can find a special interest cruise (yes, there are even Stark Trek cruises).

These smaller niche groups won’t affect the general populace of the cruise ship (although you might get a few odd looks if you’re running around in Klingon garb), though the planners may arrange for some public spaces to be reserved for the group’s use.

In addition to theme cruises and special interest cruises, you can find organizations that will charter a whole ship for their use. For example, Atlantis Events organizes gay and lesbian cruises, and there is a poker organization that charters ships for an annual gaming tournament.

If you’re interested in theme cruises, you can find them taking place all year around, but the hot time seems to be in December and January during low-demand (pre- and post-holiday) weeks.

If you’re wondering how much theme cruises cost, it really depends on the event. If a famous rock and roll group is going to be on board and performing every night, you might pay more than usual, but there are other themed cruises where prices are comparable to vacations that go the same places without the theme.

If you want to enjoy your sexual life and take a break from your daily work schedule then plan for swinger vacations at some of the best swinger cruises. You will hardly find anyone across you who is not enjoying traveling in the cruise. You need to widen your thinking styles while sailing in the swinger cruises because such kind of cruises develop the most erotic atmosphere for its guests who enjoy visiting on such cruises. Nudity is an integral part of swinger cruises because people like relaxing completely at the pools. Swinger vacation tour is a perfect tour that acts a stress buster for busy scheduled people.

Couples enjoy being a part of parties that are on sexual themes because they feel that other than swinger cruises there is no other place where they can enjoy their intimate relationship. Traveling in swinger cruises is not that expensive because one can go for budgeted cruises and sail to satisfy their sexual needs. Several kinds of cruises are available that too at very genuine rates that make stay for swingers extremely pleasurable. Large number of itineraries helps couples to decide for the best swinger cruise. Best cuisines and drinks are also a part of the cruises that make the tour of visitors all the more peppy.

So, put a halt to your busy scheduled life and make a move to live life up to king size. Try sailing through the swinger cruises, as these sailors will make you sail through the most romantic beaches and spots. So, plan and book a place for yourself on a swinger cruise and add some excitement to your life. Enjoy spending the best days of your life while sailing in the swinger cruises, as you will never forget this phase of your life. Keep the most refreshing memories of your life save with you, as they will help you to remain fresh.

By: Max william

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Author: Max William is a connoisseur of traveling and entertainment. He loves journeying far and wide in the quest of experiencing different lifestyles and gathering information about
the best places to eat, drink and stay in different swinger cruises and lands.

Ok so I am 20 years old and I wanted to go on a cruise in May. I know a couple years ago all major cruise lines raised the minimum drinking age to 21 due to all of the 18 – 20 year old's who ruined it for everyone else (thanks a lot by the way). So without flying over to Europe to be able to drink on a cruise, I was curious, but could not find a definitive answer online, if a cruise departing originally out of the Port of San Juan, on lets say Carnival or Royal Caribbean, if the drinking age is 18 due to the current laws of Puerto Rico. As it is my understanding, wherever you leave out of originally is what dictates the drinking laws. (i.g. US departure ports would be 21. Spain departure ports would be 18).

SO, if any one could help me by telling me the drinking age for cruises departing from Puerto Rico, then I would greatly appreciate it!

Hey- Im not scared of this whole swine flu crap and I want to take advantage of the drop in tourism. Has anyone seen any good deals to go down there right now? looking for pretty much anything

Alaska Cruise Vacations: The Top Ten Reasons to Go

The top ten reasons you should take an Alaska cruise vacation. It’s the perfect summer vacation for everyone from families to aventure seekers to senior citizens. See everything from the quaint Alaskan towns of Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway to mountains, glaciers, fjords, and the most amazing wildlife in North America.

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I have to admit, I love Alaska. I fell in love with the place on my first Alaska cruise. The scenery is beyond incredible, and the variety of activities and adventures available is really mind-blowing.

Therefore, it’s no surprise to me that Alaska cruises are becoming increasingly popular each year. Cruising is about the only way to see many of Alaska’s most amazing sights, from Glacier Bay National Park to Misty Fjords National Monument.

The following is a list of what I think are the top ten reasons to take an Alaskan cruise.

10. The incredible shore excursions and Alaska tours. When your ship is docked in ports such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, you can participate in a wide array of shore excursions, everything from whale watching to bear viewing to riding in a sea plane through some of the most amazing fjords in the world.

9. The cooler weather. I don’t know about you, but when it’s 98 degrees at my house in the middle of August, the thought of head off to a place where it’s 65 degrees is incredibly appealing. The summer weather in Alaska is generally very comfortable, averaging around 60-65 at the coast and maybe 75 inland. It’s perfect weather for outdoor adventure.

8. The whales. I saw everything from Beluga whales to Orca to Humpbacks, and I didn’t even do on a whale watch. I saw most of them from the shore, and amazingly up close. Seeing these amazing animals in their natural environment is just incredible.

7. The rainforest. You may not know it, but southern Alaska is home to the largest rainforest in North America. It’s temperate rainforest (pines instead of palms), but it’s no less lush or dense than the rainforest you’ll find in the tropics, and no less beautiful. Thanks to the precipitation, waterfalls, streams, rivers, and lakes are literally everywhere. It’s all just so beautiful, it never stops taking your breath away.

6. The native cultures. You’ll have a chance to see everything from live totem pole carving to native dance ceremonies. There is a surprisingly large variety of different native cultures in the region (no, not just “Eskimos”), and these cultures have amazingly vibrant cultures, histories, and traditions.

5. The wildlife. Wildlife is unimaginably abundant. On my first cruise, I saw bears (black and brown), Dall sheep, a fox, deer, and a bunch of bald eagles — all in the wild. Kids will especially love seeing the wildlife. It’s a real treat.

4. The waterfalls. I know I mentioned waterfalls already, but they are so amazingly abundant in Alaska, I think they deserve a ranking of their own. There is an especially incredible number of waterfalls lining the steep walls of the fjords of Glacier Bay and Misty Fjords National Monument. Makes sure your cruise stops at one of these places, preferably Glacier Bay.

3. The opportunities for adventure. If you have an appetite for adventure, you’ll love the options available on an Alaskan cruise. Everything from dog sledding atop a glacier to ice climbing to dry-suit scuba diving. And that’s all just during your days in port. Add on a pre- or post-cruise inland adventure out of Anchorage, and you can go mountain climbing, white water rafting, mountain biking — you name it, it’s available.

2. The wilderness experience. There is something just so refreshing and uplifting about being surrounded by sheer wilderness. When you come back from an Alaska vacation, you are simply relaxed and renewed, and, the odds are, you won’t have a sun burn either.

1. The glaciers. Glaciers are the highlight of any Alaska cruise vacation. There is simply nowhere else that you can see tidewater glaciers like these, up close and in action. Watching chunks of ice the size of five story buildings crash into the sea water is something you’ll never forget. It really does take your breath away.

Day 1 – After arriving at the Marina in Antalya you will board the yacht and enjoy dinner before leaving for the ancient city of Phaselis.

Day 2 – Phaselis, once renowned for its perfume trade, is where you can have lunch and relax before heading off to old pirate lair of Oympos. The yacht docks at Adrasan Cavus Bay overnight.

Day 3 – Your Turkish yacht cruises into Denre today. The church of St. Nicholas is here and there is a chance to visit Myra, famous for its rock tombs.

Day 4 – Your cruise around Turkey continues on to Kekova Island. You will sail over an ancient city that sunk after earthquakes during the Byzantine era.The yacht moors overnight in Kas Harbour.

Day 5 – The return journey to Antalya starts after breakfast with lunchtime in Ucagiz Bay before visiting Simena and the next stop will be at Finike Harbour.

Day 6 – Departing from Finike, your Turkish yacht cruises to Genoise Bay and onto Kemer’s Moonlight Bay. Kemer Island is a wonder to explore.

Day 7 – The yacht leaves Moonlight Bay in the morning heading for Calticak Bay and Sican Island before finally arriving home in Antalya Marina.

Enjoy your last dinner on board or ashore before bidding your captain and crew farewell after breakfast on day 8. The tour ends back at the marina in Antalya where you may reflect on the pleasures of the previous 7 nights.

Recover your land legs with a stroll among the shady, palm lined boulevards and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici with the Three Arched Hadrian Gate.

Read more

Turkish yacht cruises are very popular way to cruise around Turkey and they are surprisingly affordable

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Seymour

Author: Jamie Seymour

Cruise Trips

A change in the living style is very necessary for a person who is bored with his regular lifestyle. A cruise trip would be one of the best options for a much needed change. Going on a free spree and leaving all tensions behind on land sounds near to perfect. Let’s find out more about this wonderful journey.

A cruise is a trip on a ship that travels to various places around the world or some specific places; mostly for pleasure purposes. Cruise is an outing in a home away from home in water. Its duration can be for many days, weeks or sometimes even months. Cruising, is an altogether different experience, specially for those who have not been to the cruise-world. People go on cruises for different reasons, such as to relieve their work pressure, spend quality time with their friends and family, business, adventure, to explore the outer world, and in some cases to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For people whose retirement is approaching soon, this is the best option to opt for, though it can be a little expensive. Cruises are best, as all the expenses are paid for in advance and also includes your stay on the ship. Though one has to bear in mind that spending at different locations would incur an extra cost.

For starting a cruise trip, one has to reach a particular port and before boarding a ship, which can be thought of as the worst part of a cruise. In some cases, one has to travel by road, rail, or even air to reach a port. Cruising has surely been proved to be an important part of the travel industry. It has become very famous for its coverage in most parts of the world, and one can discover nearly everything when on world tours, as different places are there to be seen. Cruisers are equipped with high-end systems and machinery, to make sure the passengers traveling aboard are safe. They are equipped with many luxury rooms to make passengers comfortable, a well-educated staff who give prompt service, conference and meeting rooms, swimming pools, sports rooms, dining rooms, movie theater, and many such other luxuries and services. Today, the world of cruises has become a fashion and style statement. A person going on a worldwide cruise is considered to be from a well-to-do family.

In the early days, ships and yachts were used only for battle, trade and transport through water. This concept considerably changed since then. People thought of offering all possible facilities on a huge ship for tourists/customers traveling aboard. Earning money, was the main motive behind the cruising industry coming into existence. People later came to know about this concept and nowadays have started enjoying the most exotic cruises that are there to be offered.

Before starting a cruise trip, you need to have all your necessary documents in place, such as travel documents that include passport, cruise and airline tickets (if traveling by air to reach the port), medical and insurance documents, photo I.D. such as driving license or credit cards, and bank documents if needed for emergency funds.

People can choose from various suites that are on offer by different cruise companies ranging in budget, facilities, locations, etc. Cruise companies offer trips to various locations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and Greek Islands. There are also some popular destinations such as Hawaii, Norway, South-east Asia, Scandinavia, Middle East, Australia, and the USA. There are many companies who provide offers with good service on their cruises. Some famous cruise companies are Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruise, Cunard Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruises, Hebridean Island Cruises, Holland America, and Louis Cruise Lines.

With the economic depression getting worse, cruise companies have suffered huge losses and are offering very cheap packages and suites to attract customers and recover their losses.

Going on a cruise is like entering into a different world altogether, which should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

Looking for cruises from NY or NJ going north to New England states

What are the costs for things onboard, such as different spa treatments and such? what other things cost extra?