Since the dollar has become weak, a highly sought out land-based vacation in Europe has become very expensive for Americans. However, the cruise industry is capitalizing on this since cruising around Europe is less expensive than flying and staying at a hotel. Not only is your cabin already included in your booking costs, you are also provided with meals every hour of the day, as well as entertainment. Cruising is an all inclusive vacation that many are recognizing as the better way to travel. Value is what the cruise industry is bringing to its customers, which is making Europe a destination of choice, not only to Americans, but also to natives.

The Caribbean to Americans is how the Mediterranean is to Europeans—a very close and low-cost place to visit. Thus cruising has become very popular among Europeans, who have also recognized the advantages of sailing rather than taking a train or flying to their next destination in Europe. Since this is the case, many North American-based cruise lines are sending their ships over to Europe, instead of having them depart from America. Two lines that are doing this are Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. This, however, is not taking away from Americans who like to cruise. Instead, those avid cruise travelers are taking advantage of this “new scenery” because even though they have to fly over to Europe to board the ship; it is still less expensive than booking a hotel. So now American travelers not only get to see new destinations, they also get to experience a new culture by mingling with European travelers who are also onboard.

It has been three years since the Disney Magic Cruise has seen the Port of Los Angeles. If you have always wanted to sail on the Disney Magic for a seven-day Mexican Rivieria cruise, then you are in luck. because there are 11 sailings left. While some are already booked, it was announced that on the July 6, 13 and 20 departures there are still many openings to cruise. The round-trip cruises, visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, have a Latin vibe onboard. Children will be able to enjoy activities such as making churros and piñatas. One should hurry and book if they are interested because the Disney Magic will be sailing back to Port Canaveral, FL on August 17th.

We are delighted to announce Cunard Cruises as The Official Cruise Line of the National Symphony Orchestra.

As Washington’s resident symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra has been winning the devotion of audiences since 1931. Today, the internationally acclaimed, 100-member orchestra is an artistic affiliate of the Kennedy Center, performing approximately 175 concerts each year in Washington and abroad, including performances for visiting heads of state. To learn more about the National Symphony Orchestra, visit www.nationalsymphony.org.

Cunard’s partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra is reflective of our continuous endeavours to support the performing arts. Our exclusive award-winning Cunard Insightsâ„¢ Programme brings cultural enrichment to our guests with lectures and workshops conducted by noted luminaries in fields such as entertainment, literature, history and science.

Cruising is beginning to change from mingling with the masses, to being able to hide away in your own private lap of luxury. Many cruise lines are beginning to add private sections for those individuals willing to pay more for the luxurious services. Private decks, private pools, private gyms and private services are all becoming a huge part of cruising in the 21st century. I am here to showcase what Norwegian Cruise Line is doing with this new category by displaying their luxury cabins called Garden and Courtyard Villas. These Villas offer a private-access pool, sun deck, steam room and gym. A few of these cabins within the Villas category are billed as a “ship within a ship,” because they come with their own hot tubs and garden terraces. Not only do guest get to enjoy their own private luxury resort within the ship, they also get amazing services, such as the ability to order room service from any restaurant onboard the ship. By having this option of service, you do not have to leave your “ship within a ship” in order to enjoy a wonderfully prepared meal with your close friends and family that are onboard with you.

Garden Villa Living Room

This spectacular Garden Villa, which has up to 5000 sq ft of space, is complete with living room, dining room and three separate bedrooms each with king- or queen-size bed, private luxury bath. One bedroom also features a full bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Butler service and concierge available. Access to exclusive concierge lounge and private courtyard area with pool, hot tub and sundeck.

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If you are planning a cruise vacation, you should look into cruisetour packages that many cruise lines offer nowadays. Cruisetours are the combination of a cruise, and an inland excursion that is a few days long. The inland portion takes place before or after your cruise and usually includes four or five star hotel accommodations within the select city you will be exploring further. It also includes guided tours and many inclusive activities that are only available to those who extend their vacation to the land portion.

By lengthening your vacation on land, you are able to experience more in depth the sights and culture of the city you are visiting. Staying a few days within a city before or after your cruise will provide you with the time necessary to explore that city without looking at your watch. When you are docked at a port of call, you usually have less than a day to visit that city before having to return to the ship. But with the land portion of a cruisetour, you are able to take your time exploring the many sights that you might have wished to see while in port.

Cruisetours are the way to go for those who love seeing destinations by sea and land. So give yourself the opportunity to get everything that you want out of your vacation.

Hurtigruten is introducing a wide-ranging itinerary of seven theme vacations, taking place aboard its fleet of modern vessels as they make their way along Norway’s spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle. These special voyages are being offered in 2008 and 2009 on seven-day northbound, six-day southbound and 12-day roundtrip sailings. The ships make 34ports of call in both directions – from tiny fishing villages to major cities, allowing secure but easy off/on access.

Themes for Cruising:

The “Singles at Sea” itineraries, aboard the MS Trollfjord, include workshops on digital photography and how to make professional quality home movies, tips from an onboard professional life coach, and a chat with a celebrity guest author. At night, dancing takes over as well as a Masquerade party and a shipboard version of the Dating Game.

The “Red Hatters Society” theme cruise puts fun front and center with activities like the Purple Pajama Breakfast. The Society, with 1.5 million members and chapters around the globe, hold scheduled events whose focus is on humor and enthusiasm, reflected in their red hats and purple dresses. Women can contact the Society at www.redhatsociety.com for information on how to join.

Music lovers are treated to performances by some of the world’s most talented musicians on “Virtuosi Classical” cruises, as well as a series of talks by distinguished teachers. The cruises, aboard the MS Finnmarken, pay tribute to the life and work of famed Norwegian Edvard Grieg and the music of some of Europe’s most accomplished composers.

Music lovers who gravitate more to the sounds of Benny Goodman and Cab Calloway can take a nostalgic trip down memory lane on “The Big Bands Are Back!” cruise. Live music from that era features a gamut of offerings, from Dizzy Gillespie to Jimmy Dorsey. Gentleman hosts are on hand as dancing partners for single women. The cruises, aboard the MS Trollfjord, also include a dance competition with fellow guests as judges.

Travelers interested in less tangible pursuits – those of the mind and spirit – explore the mysteries of how their spiritual and physical selves can connect to a higher power on the “Spring Awakenings” cruises aboard the MS Finnmarken. The cruises, designed to open mind, body and soul to new concepts, explore techniques of yoga and meditation and how these arts help relieve stress; the mysteries beyond life with a renowned psychic; and healthy eating techniques from a well-known whole-food chef.

The “Climb Your Own Everest” itinerary, on the MS Finnmarken, inspires and motivates guests in an entirely different way: illustrating what it takes in terms of physical and psychological strength to climb the world’s tallest peak at 29,000-plus-feet. A workshop traces the history of mountaineers who have achieved reaching the summit – and those who did not. Guests learn about the culture and history of the Sherpa guides who play integral roles in Everest expeditions.

The “Arctic Birding Safari” delves into the myriad species of spectacular birds — Razor billed auk, flocks of kittwake, Sea eagles, waterfowl and a host of other species — found off the coastal waters of Norway. Passengers can bird- and wildlife-watch from the deck of the MS Midnatsol, while experts provide on-the-spot information and workshops on what to look for and the best times to find these exquisite creatures. Onboard art and photography instructors teach guests how to draw and paint their own wildlife scenes.

*News Release from Hurtigruten

Norwegian Cruise Line Corporation announced today that it will reflag and rename Pride of Aloha and launch the ship as Norwegian Sky, offering three and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami commencing this summer. The 2,002-passenger ship, built in 1999, will return to the NCL international fleet, and will be outfitted with NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 enhancements. It will be the youngest and highest quality ship sailing three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas from Miami beginning July 14, 2008.

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“We are so lucky that we have Alaska … everything is different here – it is all so unique.” This view from Denali National Park Ranger Patrick Gamman is one of 12 Alaska voices featured in “The Heart of Alaska,” a dramatic new video produced by Princess Cruises. This production has already received widespread praise from the film and travel communities, and has been honored with acceptance into two film festivals.

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An oasis is commonly defined as a fertile area in an arid region or a place of refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. Today, Royal Caribbean International adds another use of the term, defining it as the official name for the cruise line’s newest and most awe-inspiring class of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, until now referred to by the code name “Project Genesis.”

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Annoyances while cruising, especially if you take a cruise to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, are loud and hyper children. Not saying that children cannot be bundles of joy at times, but if you take a vacation for deep relaxation, the last thing you want is a screaming child in your ear. So with this concern, Carnival Cruise Line has decided to create an adult only section on their ships. Since they are the leader in children cruisers, they came up with a way to help give the adult passengers a place to relax and not worry about a lot of noise. On the Fantasy-class ships, Carnival Cruise Line did a transformation by adding adult only deck areas called Serenity. The Serenity section is located at the back of the ship and offers its guests a beautiful ocean view, while lounging in a comfortable chair partnered with an umbrella. It also offers its adult guests two hot tubs so they can mix and mingle, while ordering their favorite drinks from the bar service present on the Serenity deck.

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