A Caribbean Celebrity Cruise

obviously means that there will also be a multitude of ocean and beach lovers around. In trying to provide the best experience to all its customers, Celebrity Cruise also provides a diverse number of activities to indulge in for people who just love the water.

One activity is the nature hike to the mineral waterfalls in Castries, St. Lucia. This Celebrity activity includes a challenging trail through banana plantations, fishing villages and, of course, the rainforest. Eventually, you will arrive at a waterfall that has sulfuric water gushing out due to the volcanic properties of the area.

If you decide to take this tour, make sure that you are ready to sweat it out in the hike and be prepared by bringing a lot of fluids to keep you hydrated. Also, make sure that your swimwear is with you as taking a dip in the sulfuric water after a strenuous workout is an experience like no other. Since this tour requires the participants to be fit, there are restrictions to be implemented and as long as you pass them, you can partake in this splendid tour.

On a more extreme note,

Celebrity Cruise offers a wild, living-on-the-edge activity: whitewater rafting in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Whether you are a rafting enthusiast or a beginner, you can test your mettle and nerves in the different rafting courses showcased in the Reventazon River. For those who are reluctant and paranoid, there is no need to worry as some of the beginner courses can guarantee that you will stay on the boat at all times.

To fully enjoy this activity, just be sure to bring a ton of courage to face the intimidating rapids and you are all set. No need for cameras here as the thrill of paddling for your life will leave this activity imprinted in your memory for a long, long time. As long as you pass the restrictions, jumping into this activity guarantees a memorable, stomach turning experience.

Couples, on the other hand,

are encouraged to give Celebrity’s aquaboat and jeep adventure in Philipsburg, St. Maarten a try. This involves a scenic drive to Simpson Bay and then a speedboat cruise through the lagoons towards a Caribbean beach. If you want to take your significant other on a romantic activity or spend some time together in isolation, this is for you as the speedboat is made only for two. If you do plan to get romantic, maybe a small picnic snack can be prepared beforehand and leisurely consumed on the beach that you land on. A little wine, a couple of gourmet sandwiches and this little activity can turn into a special moment that you both will never forget.

The last feature is a Celebrity Cruise activity for relatively big groups or families with children. For everyone to enjoy, there is the catamaran sail in Basseterre, St. Kitts where you can lazily cruise along the coastline and enjoy the waters and marine life around you. Your children will love the trip as they can jump out of the boat to snorkel and play in the water while the adults can lounge around the open area of the boat and get a sun tan. Bringing several floaters and water toys can keep everybody busy during the whole trip and make sure not to forget your handy camera to capture those precious moments.

These are just examples

of the many activities that Celebrity Lines offers to their customers so make the most of out your vacation and take time to choose activities you will really enjoy.

If you enjoy flying on helicopters

and seeing things from up above, the Celebrity Cruise has a series of tours you can join to have a different experience in the Caribbean Islands. Since most of these tours only last less than two hours, you could join all three tours so that you don’t miss out on any of the spectacular views the Caribbean has to offer. These helicopter tours will definitely make the most out of your time if you are a bona fide flight seer.

The first tour you can take which is recommended by the Celebrity Cruise is the Sting Ray City Tour by helicopter, which basically flies low over Seven Mile Beach and Sting Ray City. The highlight of this ride is the view of stingrays feeding by the sandbar. This is a rare sight for anyone visiting the Caribbean and a lot of photo opportunities can be taken as you fly slowly over the ocean. The excursion lasts for about 1 hour and the maximum weight for passengers in the helicopter is 300 pounds. For adults, the regular pricing is $155.00 and for children, it is $139.00

Another activity recommended

by the Celebrity Cruise is a helicopter ride to Montserrat Volcano. This trip will definitely be an experience for flight seers because of its unique mountain and rock formations. It takes approximately 45-50 minutes to reach the “exclusion zone” which is basically an area that hasn’t been inhabited by people and has not allowed vehicles to be in the premises as well. Riding the helicopter, you will be able to have a clear view of Soufriere Hills Volcano, which hasn’t been dormant, continuously releasing ashes and steam. In addition to seeing such a rare sight, you will also be able to get a bird’s eye view of the raging Tar River Gorge and Delta, as well as numerous villages that got left behind in the “exclusion zone.” The current price is $265 for adults and $249 for children. The entire excursion lasts for 2 hours.

The final aerial trip that Celebrity Cruise suggests you partake in is a reef and city helicopter tour that will give you a fresh new perspective on the Caribbean islands. Flying up above the skies, the breath-taking sights and aquamarine clear waters will make the trip a mind-blowing experience. You will be able to see corals of different hues and sizes; along with a diverse array of aquatic life such as sharks, rare breeds of fish and gigantic jellyfish.

The whole trip

lasts two hours and there a number of precautionary measures that are imposed to ensure the safety of the helicopter ride. One rule is that only kids two years old and above are allowed to ride the helicopter. Another rule is that the maximum weight for total passengers is 250 pounds and the maximum height is six feet and four inches tall. The current price is $259 for adults and $239 for children.

The Celebrity Cruise makes it a point for flight seers to fully experience the immense beauty of the Caribbean through an aerial perspective. When you are thousands of feet up in the sky, your sense of awe and marvel towards the Caribbean Islands are heightened, making your trip all the more meaningful and worthwhile. Flight seers should not miss out on this thrill-seeking journey that will be unforgettable and poignant. So don’t forget to pack your cameras and video recording devices so that you can document this once in a lifetime experience.

If you want a memorable dining and wine tasting experience, your Celebrity Cruise ship will mix your passion with your cruise vacation for a memorable doze of holiday delight. It will bring you to one of the most famous locations in the movie industry to sample high quality wines and tour the beautiful local communities. Wellington, New Zealand is now best known for its unforgettable appearance in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. With its picturesque landscape, many fans have equally adored the beauty and peaceful charm of New Zealand.

What most fans of the movie

do not know is that this region of New Zealand also boasts of some of the most distinct-tasting wines in the world. If you are a lover of wine, you can take your wine fervor with you and go on a gourmet trip to New Zealand. Celebrity Cruises will bring you to this picture perfect community with scenic views of the countryside and breathtaking rural panorama of the laid-back lives of the locals.

The Celebrity Cruise Wellington

package lasts for approximately eight hours and thirty minutes. You will take a boat ride in order to reach the area. Upon arriving at the port, you will tour the Wellington Harbor and drive to the Hutt Valley. This is the location of the famous Harcourt Park, the serene landscape where three scenes from the movie were filmed and shot. The movie’s avid fans will definitely recognize this place as the spot where Gandalf appeared to Isengard and also where he approached Saruman subsequent to the ring’s second discovery at Hobbiton.

After this stopover, you will drive to the Kaitoke Regional Park which was shot as the setting for Rivendell. The tour guide will give some behind-the-scenes trivia and film backgrounders as you explore this area. You will view the park’s charming bush reserve as you walk in the different trails.

At the end of the walk

, you will be treated to some refreshments in the nearby Kaitoke Country Gardens. Following this, you will traverse the Rimutaka Ranges to reach Martinborough. Martinborough is heaven for lovers of wine and exquisite gourmet food. This is also where the Wairarapa wine industry has its main office. The industry has gained respect and fame from the world because of its highly popular Pinot Noir.

More wine tasting activities

await the gourmet travelers of Celebrity Cruise luxury vessels after the stopover at the winery. You will now drive to the Alana Estate Winery where you will be treated to a luxurious wine tasting banquet. After this, delicious lunch will be served at the Village Café which is found in the vicinity of the Martinborough Wine Centre. Although you will most likely be full by this time, the tour guide will bring you to Murdoch James for yet another sampling of their exquisite wines.

After New Zealand

, the ship can also bring you to the wine havens of Australia. Australia also has some of the world’s most exquisite wine regions. Clare Valley, Australia is best known for its array of famous white wines such as Semillon, Chardonnay and Riesling. You can go on a biking trail to some of the wineries in the area to combine your love for adventure and wine. The Hunter Valley area has over 80 wineries and is famous for Shiraz and Semillon.

There are also famous wines up North. The Yarra Valley in Victoria is most popular for its Pinot Noir. Here you can find the scenic landscape of small, charming wineries. Perth also has some distinct white wines that have gained a following around the world. Celebrity Cruise liners can arrange for your side trips to these wine regions so you will be able to experience the wine first hand.

Though this kind of vacation would seem as the perfect getaway, there are those who don’t even give it a second look because of the sheer cost and duration of it. So to make things clear, what are the advantages of going for so long?

First of all

, the issue of cost is not entirely accurate. For example, it is much cheaper to embark on this kind of excursion rather than to visit each individual destination separately. By adding the costs of air fare, food and lodging, you can save more if you take this water based vacation.

Furthermore

, having to tackle all flight arrangements as well as other pertinent preparations for every destination would be overwhelming. If you take a long holiday like this on the other hand, necessary preparations will be just once. You just need to deal with the requirements of the ship line and you’ll be all set to go.

Packing and unpacking could also be a very big headache for some. Though this could be true for some voyages, going this long means you only have to pack and unpack once throughout the entire trip. You do not even really have to do it since the ships five-star crew will be ready and willing to do these tasks for you.

Planning a detailed itinerary

for you and your family can be a very daunting task. You would have to go through all the details of site availability and computing for your time travel. By going on this grand voyage, you do not have to think about that because your trusted travel agent and the company personnel will do all the planning for you. All you have to do is sit back, relax and wait for the crew to inform you about the next trip and site you are going to visit.

Many of the ships used on these vacations tend to be smaller than your regular ships. This means that there are fewer people available to be acquainted with and a more solid friendship can be established over the length of time you are together. Another thing is the fact that your vessel is able to dock in smaller ports which you never could have visited if you were in another type of cruise. This will give you the opportunity to explore exotic places you never would have laid your foot on.

These vacations also offer

you the best service you can ever receive. You can have all the extras you might want, from towels to mouthwash. Also, all meals are prepared by world-class chefs, assuring you of a first-class gastronomical experience every time you sit in front of a dining table. Several on-board activities are offered so you can have the chance to meet the famous chef and learn under his guidance to cook delectable foods for your loved ones.

Though going on a world cruise can really take a lot of your money and your time, this trip can be the healing salve to your tired soul. Allow yourself the luxury of world class service since surely you have earned and deserved every penny of extravagance you can afford.

Find The BEST Cruise Line For You! Going on a cruise for your next vacation can be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. Not only will it serve as a great opportunity for you to go out and see other places, it can also serve as a time for families to bond and friends to catch up with each other. Indeed, going on this kind of trip is never a waste of time and money. So now that you are pumped up to jump onboard, first, how do you know which cruise line is right for you?

When you’re choosing a cruise line

, you’re not only choosing a ship. You’re choosing the whole company involved in planning and operating everything inside and outside the ship. Each line has a number of different cruises with slightly different features and amenities. Since the whole vacation is intended for you to spend the majority of your days on the ship, it is important to take this into consideration.

Choose a company that can accommodate your needs and special interests. If you plan that your vacation will be spent with plenty of sporting events, choose a company which provides plenty of amenities for different sports. If your group wishes to have an amazing and exciting party every night, a different company focusing on social events could be right for you.

You can choose from different gatherings

such as formal dinners, galas and casual parties and just have the time of your life. If the plan is to go with your relatives, prefer a more family-friendly company. These types of cruises are intended for the enjoyment of all age groups. There are many companies that organize different activities for children which could certainly keep them occupied throughout the whole trip.

This kind of cruise line also has different kinds of games and activities which can surely bring the entire family together. If this trip is planned for a more romantic theme, some companies have cruises solely intended for this feel. Spa treatments and private formal dinners are available for couples to indulge in together.

Some say that the enjoyment

can be experienced in the journey and not in the destination. But for cruises, the destination is part of what has been paid for. Choosing the right cruise line for you means that you are to decide where you specifically want to go. Companies have ships with different destinations and you have to select an itinerary which will suit you best. It is always advisable to pick a place which interests you most or somewhere which could be most educational for you and your family. There are plenty of things to learn when docking in an unfamiliar place. It is always exciting to see what you can discover and have fun with.

Finally, choosing a cruise line

should also mean selecting a company which is within your budget. Many vacations may seem ideal for you, but may be beyond your financial range. Be realistic and pick a trip wherein you could enjoy everything and not worry about going bankrupt. Plenty of companies Fare available today which have different price ranges available for all.

Remember that if a trip has a lot of destinations, it would also be tantamount to being more expensive. That is to say, the longer the trip the longer the bill. Do not only anticipate the costs for the cruise itself but also for miscellaneous expenditures on board. If you can’t live within your budget, it would be easy to wake up the next morning realizing that you’ve already spent a fortune.

Save Money On Your Next Cruise

Have you ever wondered if you could go on a cruise even for just once in your life? You may not believe this could be possible for the simple reason that you think you would never be able to afford it. But really, are all these trips that expensive? In the succeeding subsections we will show you how to find the best deals in the industry. For all you know, it may lead you to a deal that may very well be within a budget that you can save up for.

1.

Book ahead

This should be a no-brainer but we’ll include it anyway just to remind you. The rule is simple: the earlier you book, the bigger the discount. For a Disney Cruise, for example, a booking of one year in advance is recommended to get the best prices.

You’ll also want to do this for another reason. If you opt for one of the major companies, cabins are easily filled up through reservations even many months before the sailing date. Since your vacation schedule might only fit on certain dates, it would be very disappointing if you would be turned down because of fully booked accommodations.

2.

Book on the last minute:

Although it may sound contradictory to the previous suggestion, booking on the 11th hour is really one way to get the biggest discounts. This is because these companies would prefer to fill up their cabins before leaving the port. The discount can easily be absorbed. Once the passengers are on board, they would already have a captured market for other transactions.

3.

Avoid summer cruises:

Summer is considered a peak season for cruising, so it would be best to avoid these months. To give you an idea, a 3-day Bahamas Round Trip that embarks in Miami on board the Norwegian Sky has an Inside stateroom priced at $349 if the sailing date is on July 3, 2009. Compare that exact same trip and accommodation with a sailing date of March 27, 2009, wherein the price is $199.

4.

Find inexpensive state rooms

In any given ship, you will always notice that staterooms in the interior of the ship (that would mean no windows) will generally be priced at a cheaper rate. A particular 7-day Mexican Riviera on Carnival Cruises for example, has the following prices: $824 for an Interior state room, $879 for one with an ocean view, and $979 for one with a balcony. That’s more than a hundred dollar difference. Hence, you should take that difference into consideration when choosing an accommodation.

5.

Other discounts you might want to know about

There are other discounts that are based on your standing in society such as being a senior or one who is rendering service in the military.

6.

Discounts for seniors

If you’ll be traveling with someone aged 55 or above, or if you’re a senior yourself, you can avail of special discounts from practically all of the cruising companies. In the Mexican Riviera mentioned earlier, the best rate for seniors for an Interior state room is $629.

7.

Discounts for military personnel

Military personnel are given special discounts by most cruise lines. In the case of Celebrity Cruises, the person seeking this particular type of discount should be reserved through a participating SATO travel agency. You can find which agencies are affiliated by contacting their Human Resources Department.

Try to keep these deals in mind the next time you browse through the websites of cruise lines. By knowing what to look for, you can easily filter out information so you can best decide whether or not such a trip is something you can look forward to.

Most week-long cruises will include at least one formal evening and several semi-formal events. While glamming up for an elegant dining experience is one of the main attractions for many guests, those not accustomed to dressing up might find the dress code a bit daunting. When shopping and packing for a cruise, here are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind:

White Tie – White Tie style

of dress requires that males wear a tuxedo complete with a white tie, vest and a jacket with tails. Females should wear a full-length evening gown or ball gown. Don’t worry: it is extremely rare to have a white tie event on a cruise ship unless you seek out a cruise line that offers ultra formal evenings.

Black Tie – Males are to wear a tuxedo. Females may wear either a cocktail dress or an evening gown. A decorative shawl or wrap is also a good idea, as air conditioned dining rooms may be a little chilly.

Black Tie Optional

– Males have the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit with a tie. Females may wear either a cocktail dress or dressy evening separates. Again, don’t forget to bring a fancy shawl or wrap.

Cocktail Attire – Cocktail dresses are suitable for females; males should wear a dark suit and tie.

Semi-Formal – Males may wear a suit and tie, or a dress shirt with or without a tie. Females may wear dresses, dressy separates or tailored suits.

Informal – Often interpreted as casual, Informal is actually slightly dressier style of clothing. Tailored slacks and a dress shirt would be most appropriate for men, as would casual shoes (not sneakers) and a belt. Females should wear clothing about on the level of what they would wear to work in a professionally casual environment: khaki slacks, casual skirts and sweater sets work well for informal events.

Casual

– Casual generally means that anything goes. However, it is important to note that even on casual nights, many cruise lines do not allow shorts or tennis shoes in the dining room. Whether or not jeans are appropriate for casual dining varies from ship to ship.

When packing for cruises that include formal events, try to think in terms of items that can be worn more than once. A simple black cocktail dress can be worn with a colorful shawl or wrap one evening and dressed up with some nice jewelry another. One dark suit should be fine for men, and the pants could be worn with a nice shirt on less formal nights. One pair of basic black dress shoes will work for any occasion, but it is advisable to leave the super-high heels at home, as the natural movement of the ship might make it awkward to maintain one’s balance.

Adventure seekers

are sure to have a blast in the big state of Alaska. There are many opportunities here for travelers to rough it up in the open seas or scale an ice-capped mountain. If you want to do more than sit in a big tourist bus all day, you may consider going on a Celebrity Cruise trip that will take you right to the middle of the action in Alaska.

Wildlife Adventure:

If you want to see exotic wildlife animals, you can join the Eagle Preserve Rafting Wildlife Quest in Skagway, Alaska. This 7-hour excursion will take you to the Chilkat Valley, home to the largest number of bald eagles in the world. Your trip will begin with a scenic cruise down the Lynn Fjord in a catamaran where you will be able to spot wildlife in the banks such as wolves, grizzly bears, moose and bald eagles. Upon arriving on the bank nearest to the preserve, you will drive through the Valley of the Eagles until you reach the Eagle Preserve area where you will see the breathtaking site of flocks and flocks of bald eagles.

Fishing and Dining in the Wilderness:

You can be an Alaskan for a day with the Exclusive Guided Fishing and Wilderness Dining Celebrity Cruise package. This trip will let you experience the local way of life in Ketchikan, Alaska where you will do some saltwater bottom fishing of rockfish, lingcod, snapper and halibut. You will be completely geared for the tour before you embark on your 20-foot skiff and float into the fishing grounds. Once you’ve caught enough fish to fill you up, you will sale to a private beach where local fishermen will teach you their age-old techniques in preparing fish for a sumptuous, al-fresco banquet. Once you have had your meal, you can choose to either go down for a hike in a nearby virgin rain forest or stay along the shoreline and sit by the warm bonfire.

Wilderness Safari with a Twist:

You can go beyond the regular safari adventure by embarking on the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari. This tour will take you deep into the heart of a rain forest in Southern Alaska. The trip starts with a cruise along the deepest fjord in the region which ends with a Glacier Point beach landing. You will then go to the Safari point on board your rough roads vehicle. Once you reach the trail, you will hike until the beautiful Davidson Glacier comes to view.

While this is already a breathtaking experience, your Safari trip is far from being over. At the end of your hike, you will reach a lake where a 31-foot canoe will be waiting for you. You will explore the lake and get a panoramic view of the icy blue and leafy green contrast that is created by the harmonious blend of the glaciers and the rainforest. Throughout the entire safari trip, the expert tour guides from Celebrity Cruise will fill you with exciting information on the places you will see, thus making your trip more fun and enjoyable.

Arctic Circle Experience:

If you’ve ever wondered what life is like at the Arctic Circle, now is your chance to join a Celebrity Cruise that will take you to this massive piece of remote land in Fairbanks, Alaska that is filled with history and culture. You will experience the ecstasy of traversing the Arctic Circle and you will have the chance to view the remnants of the gold mines that existed almost a hundred years ago. The trip will also lead you to an expedition to the site of the Trans Alaska Pipeline, the symbol of the discovery of oil in the Arctic region some 30 years ago.

These different types of Celebrity Cruise packages will suit your every need and desire. All you need to do is to choose the type of environment you want to explore and for sure there is a Celebrity Cruise that will bring you there.

If you have decided to go on a cruise, you will want to take full advantage of everything the ship has to offer. Most cruise ships have amazing foods served in a refined setting. For those unaccustomed to fine dining, the formal dining experience on a cruise ship can be cause for alarm. To avoid any embarrassing faux pas, here is a refresher course in formal dining etiquette:

General Tips:
Dress Appropriately: Most cruise ships will send out daily bulletins reminding their guests of the dress code for the evening’s meal. Adhere to these dress codes as closely as reasonably possible.
Arrive On Time: Meals hours for the formal restaurants should be posted. There is no excuse to be late.

Patience:
Do not start eating until everyone at the table has been served.

Sharing:
If you order a bottle of wine, offer to share it with others at the table. On most cruise lines, you will be seated with the same group every night, so it is likely that they will reciprocate at some point. You can even make a nightly event of it by taking turns sampling each other’s favorite wines.

Smoking:
Do not smoking at the table. Period. Many cruise ships now offer non-smoking dining areas; however, even if the dining area does permit smoking, it is rude to smoke while others are eating.

Posture:
No slouching. Sit up straight. Don’t lean over your plate to meet your food halfway; bring the food to you.

Elbows:
Keep them near your sides and off the table.

Napkin:
Spread it out on your lap while eating. Large dinner napkins should be folded in half, while small napkins should be opened entirely. When the meal is finished, place the semi-folded napkin at to the left of your plate.

Silverware:
Start with the piece of silverware farthest from your plate and work your way inward. When finished with each piece of silverware, place it on the dish to which it belongs.

Passing Dishes:
Always pass to the right.

Cutting Meat:
Cut only one or two pieces at a time. It is acceptable to cut up the whole piece at once for children or elderly people who are unable to cut their own meat.

Chewing:
Take small bites and chew slowly. Do not rush. The point of a fine meal is to take your time and savor it.

By knowing a few basic tips for fine dining, you can be sure to fully relax and enjoy the meal as you should. By acting with class, you will feel like a millionaire and look like you could be one too.

Is the best opportunity to explore exotic ports of call. It is important to remember, however, that these excursions often sell out early in the first couple of days of the cruise. Decide which excursions you wish to take and book early.

To see and do as much as possible in any port of call, pre-planning is key. Do a little research before-hand to find out what the must-see attractions are and where to find the shopping and eating areas that best fit your taste. The shipboard staff should be able to provide you with plenty of information to help in your planning.

Before leaving the ship Use the restroom before leaving the ship, as it is sometimes difficult to ascertain what type of bathroom facilities will be available in the port of call, or how few and far between they might be. It is also advisable to carry a small water bottle in case you become thirsty. Remember to drink only bottled water and other beverages while in port, and avoid salads and other fresh vegetables.
If you choose to take a taxi while in port, negotiate prices with the driver upfront. If you will need transportation back to the ship, agree on a time for the driver to come and pick you up, and pay him for the entire trip when he returns. This will help guarantee that you don’t get stranded.

In some ports it is possible to rent a car. Be aware, however, that some countries require you to obtain a special nonresident driver’s license for a cost of up to $25. It is advisable to check with your credit card company prior to renting, as your card may cover your rental insurance, which in turn saves you money on the rental. Be sure to inspect every inch of the car prior to driving off the lot and document any dents or marks to avoid being charged for them upon your return. And make sure you write down the name and telephone number of the rental agency in case you need to contact them for any reason.

Be very aware of time when you are off the ship. You want to make sure and get in all the activities you can while at your port of call. You also want to ensure you return to the boat at the designated kind. Nothing can ruin your cruise quicker than having the boat take off without you!