Mar 13
Owen JonesCaribbean Caribbean, Cruise, family, happiness, holiday, luxury, other, outdoor, recreation, sea, swimming, travel, USA, vacation
Vacationing on a cruise liner is rightly considered to be elite and luxurious. It is certainly the best kind of vacation that I have ever had. The luxury far surpasses staying in a five star hotel. On the other hand, it is like an elite all inclusive holiday, because once on board, all the entertainment and all your meals are free. Alcoholic drinks must be paid for, but then they are duty free.
If you have never been on a cruise before you really must try it. I would not recommend it as a family vacation, but I have seen families on cruises. Cruising might suit a family with older children or you might find a cruise which is planned with children in mind. However, in my experience, your average cruiser is over 50 and married.
I know that they do 18-30 cruises and all manner of themed cruises, but if you just go on a normal cruise, most of your fellow passengers will be older. Many of them are commemorating something too – retirement, Golden Wedding Anniversary, 70th birthday, that sort of thing. These people want a relaxing time and do not really want children running around and jumping in and out of the pool. Dinner can be late and the evening’s entertainment is not child orientated either. If you want to take children, look for a specialty cruise.
A cruise is tranquil and all about pampering. Luxury and pampering and world class food. I put on five pounds on a two week cruise and friends said that was abnormally little! I will tell you about the food on my last cruise.
Breakfast lasted from 7 AM to 10 AM and there was a buffet with food from all around the world: fruit, porridge, toast, bacon and eggs, ham, cornflakes and all the variations, sausages, rice, Chinese food, prawns, fish and more. Elevenses started at 11 AM and had tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits, help yourself.
Lunch was a two hour affair commencing at 1PM consisting of four courses. There was a choice of set plans, but if you wanted to mix and match you could – I think the plans were only to make it easier for the elderly to make up their minds. With 1,200 people to give food to in two sittings, the waiters try to speed selection up in very subtle ways, but never outwardly. High tea was from 4 to 4:30PM: tea, coffee, cakes, biscuits and sandwiches.
Dinner was at 6:30PM and was a five course meal in the same vein as lunch and at midnight there was a barbecue on deck until 2AM. Everything that was presented was first class and there was no restriction at all on how much you could eat.
Entertainment was after dinner and there were two shows to match the two dinner sittings, but you could sit there for both shows if you liked. There was a different show every night ranging from solo artistes to bands. There were theater plays and musical shows, it was very grand. There was also a piano bar playing jazz and a disco every night
I would recommend a cruise to anyone, but it is a good idea to check what sort of cruise you are booking as some are themed and if you do not like the cruise’s theme, you may not get the full enjoyment out of it.
Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with St Croix Hotels. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.
Mar 10
Paul LawrenceSouth Africa Cape Town, coastal tour, Hermanus, Hermanus Whale Route tour, sea, South Africa, Whales
An hour outside Cape Town is the picturesque village of Hermanus. Discovered by a sheep herder in the 19th century near the shore, the town was established as a thriving and rich fishing location. Later it became very popular as a retirement town because of its quiet and laid back atmosphere.
Today it is world famous as a haven and birthing location of the Southern Right Whale. The whales arrive towards the end of winter and leave before spring. They are attracted to this area because of its shallow warm waters and the natural protection it affords them from the elements and predators.
With clear views from the cliffs above the bay sightseers are able to see the whales. The whales are unnerved and often come close near the shoreline. Spy-hopping, breaching and tail-wagging are just a few of the antics on display as these magnificent creatures please the crowd that comes to see them.
The reason why the whales make their way from the Antarctic Ocean is to mate and calve. The calm warm water of Hermanus is just right for these massive animals. To celebrate their arrival; a whale festival was initiated which draws in crowds both foreign and domestic.
Hermanus is also celebrated for its abalone and rock lobster. The area has an abundance of abalone and one of the largest collections on the planet. Most of the harvest that is fished gets sold in the east where it is well liked.
Hermanus has much to offer in terms of attractions notwithstanding the whales. There is a museum which forms part of the old harbor filled with interesting artifacts and information regarding the town and surrounding area. Hermanus is a town that adds to Cape Town’s allure as an international holiday destination.
Visit the magnificent Hermanus Whale Route. Go to www.kingdom.co.za today for more information on the whale route and other Cape Town tours.
Jan 09
Aaron MauretteCaribbean adventure, Caribbean, cuba, education, fishing, Holidays, marine, politics, sea, travel, Vacations
The once atheist communist government of Cuba has now taken a high interest in Religion. A Christmas message was read on National television by the Roman Catholic of Cuba – now second year running. The message that Cardinal Jaime Ortega conveyed in a past show was full of gratitude, as Cuban Americans were finally able to reunite with their families. This was due to President Barack Obama removing the restrictions that originally prohibited any connection with Cuba and America.
A Christmas concert that had taken place at the National Cathedral was proposed to be shown – a representative Orlando Marquez, Havana’s Conference of Bishops confirmed this on behalf of the authorities. The entire communication was aired on the government controlled television in Cuba.
A 67 year old retired mother Elisa Ramos, stated; for the first time in 12 years her son will spend Christmas in Cuba. It’s the greatest thing that has happened to them.
Since the broadcast of Ortega, a small but growing list of signs has revealed that the governments association with the church seems to be improving.
In November 2008, President Raul Castro astonishingly joined thousands of faith believers for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey.
Raul Castro replaced his brothers’ Fidel Castro’s position as president in 2008. His first general meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone during his trip to Cuba marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit.
Religion in Cuba was affected in 1959, this was after Fidel Castro was designated as President of the Country. The government closed down religious institutions and expelled priests. However, changes were made in 1990 – all reference to “no religion” had been removed and people with different faiths were allowed to unite with the Communist Party. Later in the year, the condition changed when a visit from Pope John Paul II was made to Cuba.
Looking to find the best deal on Cuba holidays, then visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk to find the best advice on Cuba.
Dec 31
Perucho OchoaCaribbean adventure, Caribbean, cuba, education, fishing, Holidays, sea, travel, Vacations
Cuba – Peninsula of Guanahacabibes – has been chosen as a base for a research project conducted by Cuban and Spanish Scientists from the Cuban Oceanology Institute and the Spanish University of Oviedo. The Research project intends to widen the documentation of marine life in Cuba. Other areas to be explored are the Cienaga de Zapata near Bay of Pigs and Jardines de La Reina also celebrated for their rich bio diversity.
Jesus Ortega a Spanish Biologist and Professor of the University of Oviedo in an interview conducted by Prensa Latina affirmed that they will keep researching on the west of Cuba where around 700 species are still pending for classification. So far in the area 50 specimens have been acknowledged as new species.
One of the most significant discoveries in the region is the striking Emiliotia Inmaculatus (tiny mollusck with semi-transparent shell) and the Cubalaskeya Machoi both found at Cueva Pedro( undersea cavern almost 33 meters under sea level).
Similar marine diversity can be found in the Cienaga de Zapata rewarded as the largest wetland in the Caribbean. Zwaps, countless canals and natural water courses are typical of this rugged landscape.
Peninsula de Guanahacabibes and Cienaga de Zapata, both rich in Flora and Fauna, have been declared Protected Area of The Biosphere and the least human interaction can be found in this region which has been accountable for the documentation of 50 percent of all mollusk species discovered in Cuba.
This is a zone of surprising marvelous richness, with an enormous variety still to discern alleged Cuban ecologist Jose Espinosa, and continued – Cuba might be a centre for plankton larvae that could favour the most needed healing the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean sea.
In the whole of Penisula de Guanahacabibes there is just one tourist resort called Maria la Gorda famous among snorkellers and divers but with restrictions in the way humans interact with the environment.
Learn more about Cuba. Stop by Perucho Ochoa’s site where you can find out all about Cuba holidays and what it can do for you.
Nov 11
Marc CarsonBeach abroad, Beach, beaches, family, holiday, sea, travel, vacation
Vacationing with your relations in Mexico offers several benefits. Though loads of cities are associated with constant partying, there is also loads of fun stuff that are designed for young children and teenagers. Many children receive discounts at many trendy tourist attractions. Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best methods for every person to enjoy their holiday in Mexico, without having to worry about the money.
If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you will want to examine some of the many attractions that are specifically geared towards children. These attractions and activities are ideal for making the most out of your family vacation. Below is a summary of just a few of the many attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico. For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your search.
Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park. The Xcaret Theme Park is a extra ordinary attraction for those who are looking for a lovely family resort. Located in Cancun, Mexico, the Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to Disney World or Disneyland. Similar to Disneyland and Disney World, you can expect to enjoy a fun filled day at Xcaret, thanks to brilliant rides and the fun things to do.
A deep underground river is a well known feature of the Xcaret Theme Park. You and your relatives can see plenty of spectacular tropical plants as you enjoy the river. Xcaret is also host to many wild life and exotic wild life. There is a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim with dolphins. Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled with this theme park. In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park, Cancun offers many family friendly resorts. To find a luxury resort that offers family oriented fun stuff you may want to check on the net or speak with your local travel agent.
Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that are designed for individuals of all ages, including children. Cozumel is ideal for family vacation, especially because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world. Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs. This often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience for children. If your children will enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel.
With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican all-inclusive vacation is a great idea. The vacation package will also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well as hotel accommodations and airfare. Teaching children about various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan ruins first hand is an amazing lesson in geography and history. While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not completely just focus on it. There are so many fun filled activities such as snorkelling, diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are great for families with active children.
In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations are that are designed for the whole family, you may want to consider additional sights and attractions. Mexico has so much to offer you and your family. In fact, you and your family may wish that you could stay in longer.
Learn more about mexican vacations. Stop by Marc Carson’s site where you can find out all about playa del carmen vacation.
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