The sand really is pink, and the style is decidedly British in this Atlantic Ocean island gem a day a half by ship from the East Coast of the United States. Although some cruise ships stop at Bermuda on the way to or from the Caribbean and Bahamas or Europe, most cruises to this island are single-destination journeys, giving vacationers several days to enjoy the many delights it offers while using their ship as a floating resort hotel.

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Nowadays, the environment is a big concern on everyone’s mind. Many companies are paving the way for “Going Green,” the huge environmental movement that is happening in the USA and around the world. The movement is to help preserve our natural resources and environment, as well as utilize less energy so the future generations will enjoy what we have today.

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Today, more than ever, you are able to find amazing cruise vacation deals onboard most cruise lines.  Ridiculously low prices are popping up everywhere. So for those budget travelers, who love cruising or thought about cruising, this is a dream come true. However, I would like you to know that after your cruise fare is paid in full, you will find other costs onboard that are not covered in the fare. I am here to tell you that they are not drastic. I just want you to be informed of what is NOT included in your cruise fare, and plan your cruise budget accordingly.

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So you want to take a cruise vacation before the year is up, but do not know how to go about finding the best value. Well thank goodness you stumbled upon this post. 2010 is looking pretty hopeful for those who love to cruise, as well as those who want to try a cruise vacation. The reason – cruise fares are dropping at a fast rate. An example of this is cruise vacations are available for less than $50 per day!  Most cruise line are offering amazing deals like this – which means options galore!

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Before your cruise, visit Top Cruise Club and see if any other members are going to be sailing on the same cruise as you.  Sight seeing can be a lot more fun with a few extra people, not to mention the savings that you can get with the “group rates” of some shore excursions.

During your cruise, carefully read the ship’s daily activity newsletter that is slipped under your cabin door. You will not want to miss out on activities of interest. There’s so much to do, it’ll take a little prioritization.

New Features Include Adults-Only Retreat, Seaside Theatre LED Screen, 18 New Balconies

The 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory has resumed Caribbean service from Miami following a multi-million-dollar renovation that added a host of new facilities and features, including a Serenity adults-only retreat, a 270-square-foot Seaside Theatre poolside LED screen, and a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14- year olds.

Eighteen new balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Mongolian wok venue was added to the casual poolside restaurant.  Bow-to-stern Wi-Fi access was added, as well.

From February to May, Carnival Glory operates seasonal seven-day cruises from Miami, alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean. Seven-day eastern Caribbean cruises visit Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk, while the western route features Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belize and Cozumel.

The ship will then be deployed to New York where it will offer a series of four- and five-day Atlantic Canada voyages from June 6 – September 6, 2010, followed by a series of seven-day Canada/New England cruises, from September 11 – October 9.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve and expand our product to deliver fun and memorable vacations to our guests while at the same time offering exceptional value,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO. “The new Seaside Theatre, adults-only area and Circle ‘C’ facility, which are all available to our guests on a complimentary basis, serve to enhance an already terrific, value-packed vacation choice,” he added.

New Seaside Theatre

Located poolside on Lido Deck is the Carnival Glory’s new “Seaside Theatre,” a massive 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts, sporting events, and other programming, including the popular “Morning Show” hosted by the ship’s cruise director.  Utilizing the same technology featured in large stadiums and New York’s Times Square, the state-of-the-art entertainment system includes a 70,000-watt sound system, providing concert quality sound, even outdoors.

New Balcony Accommodations

During dry dock, 18 new balconies were added to existing Spa Deck accommodations, creating spacious 220-square-foot verandah staterooms. They are conveniently located next to the ship’s 14,500-square-foot “Spa Carnival” facility offering sophisticated exercise equipment, expansive workout facilities and a variety of soothing European-style treatments.

With the addition of these newly reconfigured staterooms, nearly 40 percent of the Carnival Glory’s 1,487 cabins now feature private balconies.

New Adults-Only Retreat

Another popular feature added during the dry dock is Serenity, a two-level adults-only retreat located forward on Sun Deck and Sky Deck. Designed as an oceangoing oasis for relaxation, with decorative latticework and teak-style decking, this area features different styles of seating, including shaded sun loungers and hammocks, a full bar, and two oversized whirlpools.

Circle “C” Facility for 12- to 14-Year-Olds

A new Circle “C” facility catering to 12- to 14-year-olds has been added as part of the line’s unique offerings for kids. The center features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles.

Dining Enhancements

A new Mongolian wok option was added to the Carnival Glory’s Red Sail casual restaurant located poolside on Lido Deck. At the new venue, guests can select their favorite meat, sauce, vegetables and other ingredients and watch as a chef creates their custom-designed stir fry dish right before their eyes.

Additionally, the Golden dining room, located forward, was reconfigured for Your Time Dining providing guests the option of open seating between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Contrary to popular belief, traveling with young children on cruises is one of the best vacations for a family to enjoy. You do not have to worry about where your meals are going to be as well as what activities you are going to plan – the cruise lines have it all laid out in their daily newsletters. Planning prior to leaving is the key to having a stress free trip. Don’t forget the comforts of home such as; favorite books, blankies, dolls, games, etc. During the day/evenings you will find that the cruise lines have phenomenal programs to keep your kids busy, safe and out of trouble, as well as, baby sitting services at night to allow for some personal time to spend with your special someone!

There are times you will see promotions for cruise lines that state “Up to $200 onboard credits!” or “$100 onboard credits for balcony staterooms!” So what does this all mean? What are onboard credits anyway? And what can I actually use these credits toward?

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Don’t you hate it when you get onboard and your stateroom is located in an area that can be noisy at night? For example, a stateroom that is located underneath the disco club. Think about trying to fall asleep to “Baby Got Back” playing in the background. What a horrible thought! Especially since clubs stay open until the wee hours of the morning. The worst thing though is that you knew the cabin was located under the club, but took it because it was the last one left or the only one that fit your budget.

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My wife and I were in Copenhagen the day before our Princess cruise of the Baltic when we got a mad urge for a McDonalds burger and fries.  Not very Danish I know.  But that’s what we wanted.  Well, two burgers, two drinks and fries ran us about $30.  So here’s my member tip…until the U.S. Dollar comes back, eat as many meals on board as possible.  We found that a late breakfast on board could hold us over until dinner with maybe just a snack ashore And thank you’re lucky stars you’re not paying for European hotel rooms.

A. Duffy.  Perth Amboy, New Jersey