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... ew member's fire safety training.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" > <channel> <title>RSS Cruises</title> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/</link> <description>Cruises</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:44:26 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>daily</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <item> <title>Disney Cruise Lines Jobs</title> <description>The thought of setting sail on the open seas onboard the Disney Cruise Line is usually a stress-free image, complete with long days basking in the sun, spa treatments, gourmet dinners and intriguing ports of call. For some ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/disney_cruise_los_angeles_california_by.jpg" alt="Disney Cruise (Los Angeles" align="left" /><p>The thought of setting sail on the open seas onboard the Disney Cruise Line is usually a stress-free image, complete with long days basking in the sun, spa treatments, gourmet dinners and intriguing ports of call. For some setting sail on the Disney Cruise Line, though, the days are filled with staff meetings, long hours on your feet and plenty of costume changes. These are the days of the crew members onboard the Disney Cruise Line. Come sail with me, a former Disney Cruise Line crew member, as we take a voyage behind the scenes of the Disney Cruise Line and discover whether life on the open seas is really as exciting as it seems. Working onboard a cruise ship had always been a dream of mine, much like many other travelers who take a relaxing, week-long cruise and then imagine how much fun it must be to work onboard a ship. Luckily, my dream coincided with my employment with the Walt Disney Company while they were planning the inaugural cruise season of the Disney Wonder. Through my position with Disney's On-Property Sales and Marketing Division, I was part of a team given the task to introduce the new Disney Wonder crew members, most of whom were from foreign countries and had never been to Walt Disney World, to the wonders of the Walt Disney World Resort Property. While talking with the crew members for three days, I decided that I just had to get a job onboard the Disney Cruise Line. After a month of leaving voice mails and resumes with the Disney Cruise Line's Human Resources Department, I was finally called in for an interview. The interview was in a small office, crammed with all of the essentials that it takes to run a cruise line from the shore while all of the action takes place on the ocean. The questions were typical of any position where you're in charge of entertaining guests... hypothetical "what-ifs" on how you would handle a power outage during a dance party, what to do with unruly guests, etc. I was warned of the rigors of working onboard a cruise line - the long hours and no days off during your six months on the ship. I wanted to work onboard so badly by this point, though, that it would have taken a lot to dissuade me. When I got the call offering me a Cruise Staff position underneath the Cruise Director onboard the Disney Wonder, I was ecstatic. I had only two weeks to prepare, though. I had to quit my job at the Walt Disney World Resort because the Walt Disney Company is not the same as the Disney Cruise Line company. Turning in my Cast Member ID and giving up my Walt Disney Company seniority was hard, but the prospect of a new career with the Disney Cruise Line was exciting. I then had to move out of my apartment, pack all my belongings and drive to my parents' home in North Carolina (during a hurricane evacuation, no less) where I would be leaving all of my possessions for the next six months. As soon as I got home, I had to start packing once again. If you have ever tried to pack for a one-week vacation using only two suitcases, imagine packing for six months using only two suitcases. Because of weight and space issues, crew members were restricted on how much luggage they could bring on the ship. Every single item I packed had to face extreme scrutiny. After packing shoes, outerwear, personal clothing, and medicines and toiletries to last at least a month or two in case I couldn't get off of the ship, I was only able to pack a couple of photos and mementos to stave off homesickness for the next half a year. You quickly learn what is important and what is not when you're essentially living out of two suitcases for six months. I was flown back to Orlando to report for initial training at the Disney Cruise Line offices in Celebration, Florida. In a small room filled with people from all nationalities, we discussed contracts, pay scales, and received a hefty dose of Disney "pixie dust." Right from the beginning, though, I stood out like a sore thumb. I was the only American in this group to be training for a Disney Cruise Line position. In fact, once I got onboard, I found out I was one of only five Americans among the approximately 900 crew members, and three of the Americans were behind the scenes in Human Resources and never had guest contact. As long-time cruisers probably have realized, Americans aren't common among a ship's crew members, mainly because the pay is so low. Citizens of other nations, though, can usually end up making a decent amount of money with currency exchanges, so foreign nationalities are common among cruise ship staff. I was also different because I knew Disney. Almost no one in my training group had ever been to ANY Disney theme park, much less the Walt Disney World Resort so close to the cruise terminal, which is part of the cruise-land travel packages. Though everyone seemed to know Mickey Mouse, no one really understood the legacy of Walt Disney or the stellar customer service that Disney is known for. As a former Cast Member who could easily recite the seven principles of Guest Satisfaction, who relied on implementing Guest Satisfaction Surveys to address guest complaints, and who recently interviewed for a position on the Disney Traditions training staff that "pixie dusts" new Cast Members, I was completely unprepared for fellow crew members to know so little about the legendary company they were working for. It was a major blow to me, having been such a Disney nut while working for the company, and it would continue to play a role in my days onboard the Disney Cruise Line. After training at the Celebration offices, we were transported to Port Canaveral for additional days of training in one of the most important aspects of life at sea... fire safety. Because safety is so vitally important, especially on a cruise ship, crew members receive extensive training in fire prevention and safety, and continue to do so throughout their tenure onboard the ship. We reported to duty at the fire training offices used by all of the cruise lines at Port Canaveral. After hours of classroom training and instruction in the use of fire extinguishers, we were ready for the hands-on training. One by one, we were paired with a team of firemen and entered a room with a simulated fire. We were shown how to spray the fire extinguisher, aiming the nozzle towards the base of the fire to quickly extinguish it. It was one of the scariest moments of the training, yet it was also one of the highlights. I don't really remember anything from my classroom training, now many years ago, but the image of facing a fire and using the fire extinguisher will always be burned in my mind, so to speak, and that is the whole point of a crew member's fire safety training.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Disney Cruise Line]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/DisneyCruiseLine/disney-cruise-lines-jobs</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/DisneyCruiseLine/disney-cruise-lines-jobs</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:44:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Cheap Cruises to Caribbean</title> <description>Known collectively as the Lesser Antilles and Trinidad &amp; Tobago, the islands of the Eastern Caribbean make a 1000km long north-south sweep, beginning east of Puerto Rico and coming to a halt just off the coast of Venezuela ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/book_a_cruise_for_less_travel.jpg" alt="Cheap Cruises to Caribbean" align="left" /><p>Known collectively as the Lesser Antilles and Trinidad & Tobago, the islands of the Eastern Caribbean make a 1000km long north-south sweep, beginning east of Puerto Rico and coming to a halt just off the coast of Venezuela. The Lesser Antilles include the Leeward Islands (from Anguilla to Dominica), the Windward Islands (from Martinique to Grenada) and Barbados. The islands are mountainous, with rainforests and black-sand beaches. The coral limestone fabric of the outer arc of islands, extending from Anguilla to Barbados, reveals their marine origins. White-sand beaches, indented coastlines and low, scrubby hills characterize these islands. The islands of the inner arc, extending from Saba to Grenada, have volcanic origins, and craters and hot springs still steam, bubble and pungently belch their sulfuric gases. Volcanic activity has ceased on most of the islands with Montserrat the rumbling exception. Trinidad & Tobago have different origins again, having broken off from the South American continent. Trinidad's soils include deposits from Venezuela's Orinoco River, and its northern range is an extension of the Andes. Philipsburg, In St. Maarten's Dutch capital, one of the favorite yachting destinations of the Caribbean, you can crew on a former America's Cup contender or ride in a submarine to see the underwater wonders. This duty-free port is a paradise for shoppers too. St. John, Robert Louis Stevenson's Long John Silver and his band of pirates made their home in the Virgin Islands. Almost all of St. John is protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park, a pristine tropical wilderness-mostly under water. St. Thomas, Take a 'jeepney' ride up the twisting spiny ridge of the island to Drake's Seat. This is where Sir Francis supposedly spied on and made plans to attack the treasure-laden Spanish fleet as it made its way through the lovely archipelago of the Virgin Islands. Some Common Ports Of Call (Place mouse over image for a brief highlight) GRAND CAYMAN JAMAICA COZUMEL KEY WEST Cozumel, Vibrant. Colorful. Vivacious. Mexico's favorite island is hot chili peppers and cold Margaritas. Ancient Mayan ruins and ultra-modern resorts. Mamacitas clothed head-to-foot in black, and sun-bronzed goddesses in the scantiest of bikinis. And the whitest powder sand and the clearest blue water you'll ever see! Ocho Rios, Float down a gentle river in a bamboo raft as your guide sings a Bob Marley tune. Climb through 600 feet of cascading waterfall at Dunn's River Falls. Explore a moldering Great House where ghostly apparitions make their apperance on a regular basis. Then, have a little Jamaican rum and feel all right! Southern Caribbean Cruises These fantastic itineraries depart from San Juan in Puerto Rico and offer the most ports of call since your starting point is already in the Caribbean. Flights to San Juan are often as inexpensive as they are to other US ports of embarkation, and the cruises themselves are often the lowest priced Caribbean cruises available. They are truly great examples of getting more for less. DOMINICA GRENADA MARTINIQUE CURAAO You don't have to have a lot of time to have a great time in the Caribbean. There's Grenada for the spices; Barbados for the British pubs and Trafalgar Square; San Juan for the narrow, cobbled streets; St. Maarten for a combination of French and Dutch influences and St. Thomas for the fabulous duty-free shopping. Great beaches can be found from Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman to Cozumel. And islands like St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Kitts offer scenery so breathtaking, you'll feel as though you've found heaven on earth. Special adventures like the St. Maarten's America's Cup sailing regatta which lets you be one of the crew, the Tulum, Lost Mayan Civilization journey into the past, and rafting on the Martha Brae River in Jamaica make your vacation complete.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Royal Caribbean Cruise]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/RoyalCaribbeanCruise/cheap-cruises-to-caribbean</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/RoyalCaribbeanCruise/cheap-cruises-to-caribbean</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:43:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Carnival Cruise Spa Prices</title> <description>Cruise ship spas have changed dramatically since the days when massages were offered in converted laundry rooms. Today they're multimillion-dollar industries, offering an array of exotic treatments to ease just about any ill or ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/all_wiki_cruisemapper.jpg" alt="Gambling on Carnival Cruise" align="left" /><p>Cruise ship spas have changed dramatically since the days when massages were offered in converted laundry rooms. Today they're multimillion-dollar industries, offering an array of exotic treatments to ease just about any ill or simply pamper you into relaxed bliss. The early days of onboard spas were very different from today, according to Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder. Ellis worked with Cunard back in the early 80's to open a Golden Door spa on Queen Elizabeth II. As an experiment, they converted one of the laundries on the sixth deck into the small spa. There were no windows, and the space was cramped, but it was a huge success, she says. Fast forward 30 years, and every major cruise line outfits its ships with wondrous spa facilities that include salon and barber services, spa treatments (for women, men and, sometimes, even teens), thalassotherapy pools and thermal relaxation areas. Spas are so popular that prime-time appointments for treatments often fill up on embarkation day. Spa enthusiasts in the know frequently hit the reservation desk even before visiting the buffet or unpacking. But for the uninitiated, spa menus might as well be in a foreign language. You've spent a nonstop day in port, and you just want to relax or ease some aches and pains. What to pick? Are the treatments the same as in land-based spas? What the heck do some of those fancy names mean (Ionithermie, anyone)? Are the prices more or less expensive? Are the treatments even safe? Never fear - we can translate. From what to expect from the various treatments to understanding treatment pricing, here's our primer on cruise ship spas. Editor's note: This piece focuses on spa treatments only, and not salon services (like hair-styling and mani-pedis). Standard Treatments In general, Ellis said, cruise ship spas offer most of the same services that land-based spas offer: massages, facials, wraps and body scrubs. Of all the treatments, massages are by far the most popular, Vanessa Picariello, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line, says. On Norwegian Epic, for example, massages constitute 65 to 70 percent of spa services rendered. Most ship spas offer a range of massage styles, from basic Swedish and aromatherapy to hot stone massages. An aromatherapy massage is generally a Swedish massage in which scented oils are used to help set your mood - lavender scents to calm the nerves, mint to refresh the body, etc. In a hot stone treatment, heated stones are placed on your back before the massage begins (and sometimes during the treatment) to help loosen your muscles. Deep-tissue massages are for those who like a lot of pressure (and perhaps just a little pain). Facials are second in popularity, Lane says, representing about 10 percent of spa services. In general, all facials cleanse and moisturize the skin. If you've never had a facial before, you might want to start with a gentle facial, as the more comprehensive facials often include uncomfortable blackhead removal. Wraps and scrubs round out the typical spa treatments. Scrubs exfoliate the skin, leaving your arms, legs and other areas feeling soft and smooth. Wraps are generally used for detoxifying and involve being slathered in mud or algae and being wrapped tightly in foil for 20 to 30 minutes. If you're even slightly claustrophobic, skip the wrap. Nontraditional Treatments Eastern treatments, cosmetic and "medispa" (short for medical spa) services are relatively new to onboard spas, though they're growing in popularity. The growth of medispa services, in particular, is being driven by cruise ship demographics, SpaFinder's Ellis said. "Because cruise passengers tend to skew older, [cruises are] a good match for these cosmetic services." Eastern treatments include reflexology, reiki and acupuncture. In reflexology, a therapist applies pressure to the feet, hands and ears to activate chi (a healing life energy) in parts of the body that correspond with the pressure points manipulated. Reflexology is often combined with massage for a more complete treatment. Reiki is a much more ephemeral treatment, in which a healer places his or her palms on specific parts of a patient's body to give and move energy around. Reiki is said to promote relaxation and internal healing. Acupuncture also is an energy-based treatment, but the energy is manipulated through the use of small needles placed on specific chi points on the body. Acupuncture can be used to treat chronic pain (headaches or muscle pain), insomnia and seasickness. It also promotes overall well-being.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Carnival Cruise]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/CarnivalCruise/carnival-cruise-spa-prices</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/CarnivalCruise/carnival-cruise-spa-prices</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:43:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Carnival Cruise luggage restrictions</title> <description>Other Suggested Searches Did you mean: No results found. Suggestions: Make sure all words are spelled correctly Use different words that mean the same thing Results 1 - 7 of 7 A liquor and beverage consumption policy was created ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/no_more_sneaking_alcohol_onto_a.jpg" alt="The Official Boozing Policies" align="left" /><p>Other Suggested Searches Did you mean: No results found. Suggestions: Make sure all words are spelled correctly Use different words that mean the same thing Results 1 - 7 of 7 A liquor and beverage consumption policy was created in order for Carnival to be able to control the liquor consumption of minors and the quantities consumed that lead to the disruptive behavior... Updated In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits bringing certain items onboard. Additionally, we reserve the right to confiscate or dispose of any articles that in our... Luggage Information Guests are encouraged to limit their luggage to two suitcases per guest. Each suitcase should not weigh more than 50 pounds (22.68 Kilograms) and should not exceed 16"H x 24"W... In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits certain items onboard, such as weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, or other dangerous goods. According to our policy, Carnival... BAGGAGE, PERSONAL PROPERTY, PROHIBITED ITEMS, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY (a) Each fully paid adult Guest will be allowed a reasonable amount of luggage on board containing their personal belongings... File Type pdf Luggage - Personal Property Value Declaration Form</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Carnival Cruise]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/CarnivalCruise/carnival-cruise-luggage-restrictions</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/CarnivalCruise/carnival-cruise-luggage-restrictions</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:42:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Royal Caribbean Cruises from New York</title> <description>Experience the exhilaration of skydiving without ever leaving the deck onboard Anthem of the Seas®, courtesy of RipCord by iFly® . For the first time ever, feel what it's like to fly, as you float on air within the safe ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/coolest_new_2016_cruises_royal_caribbean.jpg" alt="Coolest New 2016 Cruises" align="left" /><p>Experience the exhilaration of skydiving without ever leaving the deck onboard Anthem of the Seas®, courtesy of RipCord by iFly® . For the first time ever, feel what it's like to fly, as you float on air within the safe confines of this groundbreaking simulator. It's a whole new thrill for thrill seekers of all kinds. North StarSM Take yourself to new heights with the jewel-shaped capsule that gently ascends over 300 feet above sea level. Breathtaking 360° views of the sea and our destinations make the North Star one of the most anticipated features on this ship. Transformative Venues Experience completely revolutionary spaces that transform from day to night. Play basketball, go roller skating and ride bumper cars at the SeaplexSM. Relax with a book at Two70°SM and come back at night for a spectacular aerial show. Welcome to Dynamic Dining Dynamic dining reimagines dining at sea to give you more distinct options plus total flexibility to shape your own delectable journey. There are no set dining times, no assigned seats, no required formal nights.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Royal Caribbean Cruise]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/RoyalCaribbeanCruise/royal-caribbean-cruises-from-new-york</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/RoyalCaribbeanCruise/royal-caribbean-cruises-from-new-york</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:41:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Average Cost of Disney Cruise</title> <description>For many families, they have to pick the right cruise for their vacation and there's no doubt two of the titans of the family cruise market are Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. We get so many questions about this topic ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/flight_dublin_to_london.jpg" alt="Cheap Flights To Berlin" align="left" /><p>For many families, they have to pick the right cruise for their vacation and there's no doubt two of the titans of the family cruise market are Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. We get so many questions about this topic that we wanted to look at how they compare to each other. It should be noted right away that picking a cruise line over another is quite subjective and there's always going to be differing opinions on this, but we try to remain as objective as possible. What Royal Caribbean does well Royal Caribbean has a few "core competencies" where it generally exceeds at and these are areas that if important to you, could sway your opinion Latest and greatest If you want to cruise on the newest cruise ships with the latest uber-cool cruise ship innovations, then Royal Caribbean is the line for you. They build new ships quite regularly, with another four cruise ships on order as of this blog post. Besides bragging rights, these new ships offer the latest in cruise ship trends as well as the very best in accommodations, dining, technology and entertainment. We love older ships but there's no beating a brand new ship for what it offers. World wide itineraries From the Far East, to Australia to the Middle East, Europe and Alaska, there's lots of Royal Caribbean ships sailing these waters throughout the year. Its ships sail to every continent except Antarctica on cruises ranging from three nights to 18 nights. Because Royal Caribbean has a substantially larger fleet than Disney, Royal Caribbean has been focusing on serving the international markets to expand its market share and that's resulted in a lot of itinerary variety to choose from. Often, there's a Royal Caribbean ship in one of these major regions in addition to the well-represented North American cruise corridor. When you're looking for something more than another cruise to the Bahamas, it's hard to beat what Royal Caribbean offers. Unlimited alcohol packages Simply put, you can get reasonably priced unlimited alcohol packages on Royal Caribbean ships that give you a fixed price for your onboard consumption. Adults will be able to know in advance how much this cost will be and even pre-pay it to help break up the cost of the trip. While we personally find the unlimited drink packages to be more than what we need, many adults enjoy the convenience of the packages. What Disney Cruise Line does well If you're wondering what Disney Cruise Line does better than most, here's a quick rundown of our experience. Overall dining experience Excluding specialty restaurants, we think Disney Cruise Line's complimentary restaurants are quite well planned. Guests get to try a different restaurant each night with the same wait staff "following" them around between restaurants. In addition, the restaurants on Disney Cruise Line are not just rooms with food. Each restaurant has a unique look and feel to it and they stand out in terms of their atmosphere. For sailing of 4-nights or more there are different themed menus. So, even though you eat in the same dining room again you'd have a different dinner. At times they are themed to the region for example Mediterranean or Taste of Alaska. Free soda If soft drinks are your thing, there's no beating the complimentary soda available on Disney Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean charges per soda or offers beverage packages that cover them, but on Disney Cruise Line offers unlimited fountain soda, regular coffee, tea and water. For kids and those that just love a good Coke, it's a big cost savings when you consider how much Royal Caribbean would charge to drink the same amount onboard their ships. Stateroom size and offerings Since it's inception, Disney Cruise Line has offered more space and options in its staterooms than anyone else in the cruise industry, While Royal Caribbean has narrowed the gap in recent years with its newer ships, Disney Cruise Line offers more square footage and bathtubs in the majority of staterooms. Inside staterooms on the Disney Dream (one of Disney Cruise Line's newest ships) have square footage of 169 square feet, whereas on Oasis of the Seas inside staterooms begin at 150 square feet). Blurred Lines: How the two compare in other areas Both cruise lines do a lot of things well and it's harder to pick a winner among the two without getting into some real personal opinions. Entertainment Disney came into the cruise space with its well known ability to create compelling shows. Disney puts on a lot of stage shows that garner rave reviews and they also offer character meets with Mickey, Minine and many other characters and princesses. Disney Cruise Line also offers fireworks at sea, whereas Royal Caribbean does not. Royal Caribbean has really upped its game in recent years. Many Royal Caribbean ships feature Broadway shows such as Cats, Mamma Mia, Chicago and more. Royal Caribbean has also partnered with DreamWorks Animation to offer just as many character meets, film showings and general character interactions as Disney. For adults, Royal Caribbean's entertainment may be a stronger choice given their shows gravitate to them more so than children and there's also a greater variety of shows to choose from. In addition, Broadway shows are of a higher caliber display than Disney's shorter shows based on their films. Activities You will find plenty of onboard activities for both cruise lines. Bingo games, dance lessons, demonstrations, tours and more can be found on both cruise lines. Both lines also offer swimming pools, sports courts, spas, gyms, shows, bars and entertainment lounges. Royal Caribbean offers ice-skating rinks, rock climbing walls, surf simulators, mini-golf, movie theaters and a lot more. Oh and did we mention there are no casinos on Disney Cruise Line? Disney Cruise Line offers a water coaster, water play areas for kids, and slides in their pools. There's also scavenger hunts, trivia, tasting classes, and more on Disney Cruise Line. Child Care Both cruise lines offer child care included in the price of the cruise. Both lines offer kids clubs for children, young teens and teens. In general, Royal Caribbean's clubs are more structured in terms of their daily routine but Disney Cruise Line has a more "open" policy to their child care programs, that encourage the children to explore and try what they find interesting. Both lines do have nursery options that have a per-hour cost. Private islands Both cruise lines have private islands the cruise line operates that offer a very well-maintained and beautiful destination. With good weather, it's hard to really which is more beautiful than the other (beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?). Disney Cruise Line has Castaway Cay in the Bahamas that is widely regarded as a beautiful island with lots to do for adults and children. We also find the beach sand to be softer and less rocky than Royal Caribbean's. On Castaway Cay you will find 5k races, great snorkeling, and a private beaches for adults. Royal Caribbean has two private islands, Labadee in Haiti and CocoCay in the Bahamas. Both islands are gorgeous and a great place for a beach day. Given their respective locations, western and eastern Caribbean itineraries usually include a stop at one. Labadee also offers an aqua park, zip line and roller coaster for an additional cost. CocoCay is more basic in its offerings and also requires tendering to get to the island. The crew Both crews do an admirable job at keeping their guests happy. From customer service, to wait staff to the people that turn down your bed, both cruise lines work hard to keep guests smiling.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Disney Cruise Line]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/DisneyCruiseLine/average-cost-of-disney-cruise</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/DisneyCruiseLine/average-cost-of-disney-cruise</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:41:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Expedia Cruise deals</title> <description>We Want You To Get the Best Cruise Deal! Using our Deal Finder, you can search any destination and any sailing date and we’ll show you the best deals available on Expedia. The Deal Find filters are customizable, so whether ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/expedia_cruiseshipcenters_your_cruise_vacation.jpg" alt="Deals of the Week" align="left" /><p>We Want You To Get the Best Cruise Deal! Using our Deal Finder, you can search any destination and any sailing date and we’ll show you the best deals available on Expedia. The Deal Find filters are customizable, so whether you’re totally flexible, have a destination in mind, or want to search for a specific time frame-we can narrow the results and show you the very best deals available on Expedia right now. Want to see more results? Change a filter and we'll search again. We guarantee the best cruise price, anywhere. And, if there's a hurricane, we'll work as your advocate to get your trip re-booked without additional fees. Visit our Promises and Guarantees section to learn more about how we protect your travels. Terms and conditions Save up to 75% is based on the Standard Rate. The Standard Rate is the Standard Rate Type for each cabin category found within Step 2: Select a Cabin Type. Cabin price is the total price of the cruise fare only, based on the first and second guest in the cabin. It does not include insurance or government fees & taxes. The actual price may vary based on time/date of search, booking date, travel dates, origin, destination, and cabin. Rates and rules are subject to change without notice. Cabins are limited and may not be available for all dates. Purchases may be nontransferable and nonrefundable. Please read the complete penalty rules for changes and cancellations applicable to the rate you're considering.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Cruise Deals]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/CruiseDeals/expedia-cruise-deals</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/CruiseDeals/expedia-cruise-deals</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:40:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Dinner Cruise in Florida</title> <description>Enjoy gourmet dining on a Florida dinner cruise. Choosing among the many romantic dinner cruises in Florida can lead to a spectacular evening of gourmet dining, elegant music, and exceptional service. Not all dinner cruises ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/los_angeles_night_cruise_in_marina.jpg" alt="You might also like" align="left" /><p>Enjoy gourmet dining on a Florida dinner cruise. Choosing among the many romantic dinner cruises in Florida can lead to a spectacular evening of gourmet dining, elegant music, and exceptional service. Not all dinner cruises, however, offer a romantic atmosphere, and interested passengers should know what to look for before making reservations for an unforgettable evening. Examples of Florida Dinner Cruises Once a couple has decided what type of dinner cruise they would find most romantic, they can investigate individual operators for different romantic options. Examples of romantic dinner sailings around Florida include: Yacht Starship Dining Cruises: Sailing around Tampa Bay, these luxury yachts offer four star cuisine such as seared salmon, braised lamb shank, and wine or champagne service with sophisticated live music. A taste of Florida: Key Lime Mousse StarLite Cruises: Passengers aboard this line have their choice of a yacht or paddleboat sailing through smooth inland waters near St. Petersburg. Large picture windows create panoramic views that complement the luxurious dinner of filet mignon, shrimp veloute, or various pasta dishes. Rivership Romance: This historic rivership cruise along the St. John's River departs from Sanford and features a decadent menu including citrus chicken, prime rib, eggplant parmesan, and other regional specialties. Sunquest Cruises: The yacht Solaris departs from Destin for regular dinner dance cruises with a romantic flair. The gourmet menu includes lobster manicotti, chicken picatta, pepper crusted beef tenderloin, and full bar service. The listings above are only a sample of the luxurious romantic dinner cruises in Florida. To find the best fit for their getaway needs, couples should investigate sailings in their preferred cities or in nearby coastal or river areas. Many luxury yacht companies are willing to charter dinner cruises for both small and large groups, and beachfront hotels may also have private dinner cruises available to serve guests. Romance in the Sunshine State There are many romantic dinner cruises in Florida for interested passengers to choose from featuring a wide range of options to suit any romantic preferences. No matter what the type of sailing, however, if the company is exceptional it will be a romantic event.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Dinner Cruise]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/DinnerCruise/dinner-cruise-in-florida</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/DinnerCruise/dinner-cruise-in-florida</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:37:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>European River Cruises 2015</title> <description>Scenic's European river cruises are nearly all-inclusive trips, with fares covering meals, gratuities and shore excursions. The line also throws in unlimited drinks (including those from the stateroom minibars) and a sliding ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/the_cruise_gallery_european_river_cruises.jpg" alt="Click to see more images" align="left" /><p>Scenic's European river cruises are nearly all-inclusive trips, with fares covering meals, gratuities and shore excursions. The line also throws in unlimited drinks (including those from the stateroom minibars) and a sliding scale of butler service for all passengers in Europe. Additionally, bicycles are provided for use between certain points on the rivers; a majority of these bikes have electric motors to make the pedaling easier. Scenic calls its vessels "space ships" to emphasize a higher-than-usual space ratio. Offering an upscale river cruise experience in contemporary surroundings (think W Hotels crossed with a nice chain hotel), a cruise on Scenic is otherwise quite traditional in terms of dining, entertainment and shore adventures. Evening meals are served in two open-seating dining venues: the main dining room and a much smaller Italian alternative restaurant, Portobello's. Occasionally, a barbecue or picnic-fare lunch will be served on the sun deck. A new dining option was added in 2013: Table La Rive is a six-course tasting menu served with wine pairing. This seating takes place in a curtained-off section of the main dining room. All menu selections include regional cuisine, with some lunches or dinners devoted to the local country. The River Cafe serves sweet and savory nibbles all day; options include hot and cold breakfast items, wraps, sandwiches, French fries and patisserie, gelato (Italian ice cream) and the occasional high tea in the lounge. A Starbucks-like coffee machine with a variety of baked sweets is in the otherwise-traditional lounge. As mentioned, all drinks are included in the cruise fares. Each of Scenic's ships has two lounges. Panorama Lounge and Bar offers after-dinner music and dancing and is the venue for the daily port talk. Some evenings, Scenic Cruises brings aboard performers who showcase local culture. Entertainment may include a gypsy troupe, a classical musical recital or a group of traditional Bavarian performers. The other area for enjoying a drink or snack from the River Cafe is the Riverview Terrace, a covered, open-air teak deck at the bow of the ship. This area, seating about 20, is one deck below the ship-length open Sun Deck. The top deck features tables, chairs and chaises, most of which are under canopies or umbrellas. About 84 percent of cabins have true balconies with seating for two - and all ships except Tsar have been retrofitted to include "Sun Lounge" balconies (in essence, retractable glass windows that fold out to open the cabins to some fresh air). All accommodations have flat-screen televisions, bathrobes and slippers. Scenic's bathrooms, larger than average in most cabin categories, have fun lighting; you can choose a changing spectrum of colored shower lights. English-speaking local guides lead shore excursions, which are also included in fares. Innovative GPS-activated headsets, called Scenic Tailormade, allow passengers to hear the commentary or to choose any of dozens of pre-recorded tours as they walk or cycle through the towns they visit. The Tailromade also has a screen that shows both a map of the route and photos of the specific sights being discussed. Excursion options include ScenicEnrich, which focuses on cultural experiences (live classical music and ballet performances in a Viennese Palace, for instance), and the more typical ScenicFreeChoice (multiple tour options in a single port).</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[River Cruise]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/RiverCruise/european-river-cruises-2015</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/RiverCruise/european-river-cruises-2015</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:37:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>St. Augustine Dinner Cruise</title> <description>The only live pirate entertainment cruises in St. Augustine, Black Raven Adventures now offers dinner cruises on their evening tours on the weekends. For a nominal fee, guests can upgrade to include a full barbecue dinner on the ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/star_of_honolulu_premium_5_star.jpg" alt="Star of Honolulu Premium 5" align="left" /><p>The only live pirate entertainment cruises in St. Augustine, Black Raven Adventures now offers dinner cruises on their evening tours on the weekends. For a nominal fee, guests can upgrade to include a full barbecue dinner on the Treasure Hunt evening tour on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while the Friday and Saturday adults-only Rum Runners tour includes dinner in the ticket price. All dinner cruises require reservations to be made in advance on the day the tour will depart by calling (904) 826-0000, (877) 578-5050, or visiting the Black Raven website here. Tours depart from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, located in the historic district at 111 Avenida Menendez. Treasure Hunt Tours: For an additional $8.50 for adults and $6.50 for kids, guests are offered the option of enjoying dinner aboard ship while being entertained by the talented crew of the Black Raven on the 6:15 p.m. Treasure Hunt tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The menu features BBQ chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, baked beans and dinner rolls. The tour itself is $34.95 for adults, $24.95 for kids ages 3-12, while toddlers 2 and under are free. Please make dinner reservations before 2:00 p.m. of the day the tour departs. Rum Runners Tours: The Friday and Saturday night adults-only Rum Runners tour departs at 8:15 p.m. and includes dinner with the price of the tour ($29.95 per person). The dinner menu for Friday night is BBQ chicken with potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans and dinner rolls. Saturday night’s menu features BBQ pulled pork, potato salad, pasta salad, house salad, grilled seasonal vegetables and dinner rolls. Reservations are required and must be made before 5:30 p.m. on the day of the tour.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Dinner Cruise]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/DinnerCruise/st-augustine-dinner-cruise</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/DinnerCruise/st-augustine-dinner-cruise</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:36:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> </channel></rss>If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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