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DRIVE OR HIKE TO NATURAL WONDERS
Shaped over the course of several hundred thousand years by five volcanoes, the Big Island is the youngest and largest in the Hawaiian archipelago—and still growing, thanks to Kilauea, which has been erupting nearly continuously since 1983. Its breathtaking, three-mile long caldera is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where lush rain forest alternates with stark lava fields and active steam vents. Located 30 miles from Hilo and 95 miles from Kailua-Kona—the Big Island's main resort areas—the park makes an easy day trip ($10 per vehicle).
On Maui, the otherworldly landscape of 10,023-foot-tall Haleakala rivals the Big Island's volcanoes for showstopping views. Courageous visitors willing to make the winding, predawn drive to the summit are rewarded with an epic sunrise ($10 per vehicle). The road to the summit has the added draw of passing through the up-country paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao, where you can break for award-winning Hawaiian regional dishes at Hali'imaile General Store. Drivers with a taste for sea cliffs and waterfalls should tackle Maui's 52-mile-long Hana Highway, an all-day affair involving 56 one-lane bridges and more than 600 curves.
Kauai's Route 550 crosses a succession of lush valleys that drop 3,000 feet and more to sea level as the road twists its way through Waimea Canyon State Park and Kokee State Park. About halfway through the hike along Kokee's 1.8-mile (one-way) Canyon Trail, you'll reach Waipoo Falls, a waterfall that cascades some 800 feet. The 80-foot-tall Wailua Falls, on the other side of the island, feeds Wailua River State Park, site of the remains of an ancient heiau (place of worship), a fern grotto, and the only navigable river in Hawaii. Smith's Kauai leads riverboat tours ($9–$20).
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN HAWAIIAN CULTURE
The hula, Hawaii's indigenous dance, takes center stage each spring at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo (April 4–10, 2010; $5–$30). Men and women compete separately in the hula kahiko (ancient) and hula 'auana (modern) categories. Tickets are notoriously hard to come by, but it's easy to catch free hula shows any time of year. The Volcano Art Center's Hula Kahiko Series on the Big Island showcases the kahiko version, performed on a stone platform near Kilauea caldera. The Kuhio Beach Hula Show has a different backdrop: it's staged near the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, in Waikiki.
Hawaii's Plantation Village, a 20-minute drive from Waikiki, uses original and replica buildings to recreate immigrant life in the sugar plantation camps circa 1900 ($5–$13). Sugar's heyday has passed, but pineapples continue to be a cash crop. Dole Plantation, a working pineapple plantation in central Oahu, has the world's largest walking maze and a two-mile, narrated Pineapple Express train tour (admission free, activities from $3.50). Maui's Kapalua Resort hosts a tour that includes pineapple fields, a tasting, and the picking of a fresh pineapple to take home ($40–$45).
Two historic residences in Honolulu reveal how the upper crust once lived. Crown jewels, feathered cloaks, and royal china within Iolani Palace—the only palace in the U.S.—reflect the tastes of the late 19th-century Hawaiian monarchy. The Royal Hawaiian Band plays a concert on the grounds at noon most Fridays. Shangri La, a magnificent estate built in the 1930s, was the pet project of tobacco heiress Doris Duke. She fell in love with Hawaii on her honeymoon, which also took her through the Islamic world, inspiring her to decorate the home with rare Islamic art.
GO BEACH-HOPPING
Hapuna, a half-mile-long white-sand beach surrounded by lava fields on the Big Island, can handle snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, body surfing, and boogie boarding. For near-shore scuba diving, head to Kealakekua Bay and pick up your gear from Snorkel Bob's (gear rental $9–$44 per week). The Big Island's best-known surfing spots—Lymans and Banyans—are next to each other, just south of Kailua town on Alii Drive, but the surf breaks on sharp lava reefs and crowds can be intense. It's not for novices.
Waikiki draws tourist crowds, but it's still great for hee nalu (wave-sliding): surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, canoe surfing. Catamaran sailing tours leave right off the beach (Waikiki Beach Services, surf lessons $40–$75; canoe rides $10–$15). On Oahu's North Shore, surfers clog the roads to reach the roughly eight-mile string of beaches whose wintertime waves swell to upward of 30 feet in height. In summer, the ocean appears as calm as a lake, and Shark's Cove, in front of the Sunset Beach Fire Station in Pupukea, fills with snorkelers and scuba divers. A reef quickly drops away to depths of 30 feet or more and supports abundant sea life, including the occasional turtle (but no sharks, despite the cove's name).
Hanalei Bay, on Kauai's north shore, has a spectacular beach bordered by the Waipa and Hanalei rivers with access to virtually every ocean activity, from surfing and windsurfing to snorkeling, boating, and kayaking up the Hanalei River. There is even a pier for fishing. One note of caution: Like all north-facing beaches in the islands, Hanalei sees very large waves in the winter. At Poipu Beach, on the south shore, a small breakwater creates an ideal pool for youngsters.
7 INSIDER TIPS
1. Oahu's public bus system—simply known as TheBus—covers every inch of the island for $2.25 per trip (with one free transfer). If you have a day to spare, try the circle island route as a tour. There is also a $25, four-day unlimited-trip pass for visitors. On other islands, public transportation ranges from limited to nonexistent.
3. Some Hawaiian delicacies deciphered: kalua pig (wrapped in leaves of the Polynesian ti plant and roasted in an underground oven); laulau (taro leaves, butterfish, and pork, beef, or chicken, wrapped in ti leaves and steamed); poke (marinated raw fish, usually yellowfin tuna); pipikaula (Hawaiian beef jerky); poi (mashed root of the taro plant); haupia (coconut-milk based dessert). Plate lunch: rice, macaroni salad, and any combination of the above, plus chicken katsu (Japanese fried chicken), and kalbi (Korean barbecued beef).
4. Hip clubs cluster on and around Hotel Street in Honolulu's Chinatown, among them, thirtyninehotel, Loft Gallery and Lounge, SoHo Mixed Media Bar, and The Dragon Upstairs. Cover charges range from free to $20. Friday nights tend to be crowded as downtown workers party before heading home for the weekend. On the first Friday of each month, Chinatown's galleries are open late.
5. Molokai's sea cliffs hem in a beautiful peninsula with a troubled past: From 1866 to 1969, Kalaupapa National Historical Park was the site of forced quarantine for people suffering from Hansen's disease, then known as leprosy. The 1.5-hour mule ride down a vertiginous cliff trail is now a right of passage for intrepid travelers ($175).
6. The demise of Hawaii's main interisland ferry service has made flying the only viable option. There are several daily flights to each island, with in-air time typically less than 45 minutes. Go! and the posher Hawaiian Airlines offer jet service; they're locked in an ongoing fare war, with one-way tickets from $49. Island Air and Mokulele Airlines operate select, slightly cheaper flights on smaller, prop-driven planes. Online booking sites include all these airlines, but you'll generally find better fares through the airline websites.
7. Admission to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is free, via a first-come, first-served ticket system. The wait can be as long as two hours during peak periods, so it's best to arrive as close as possible to the memorial's 7:45 a.m. opening. From Waikiki, the #20 and #42 buses stop directly at the Memorial Visitor Center. Plan on at least an hour and a half one way by bus or 45 minutes by car.
TIMING
There are two noticeable seasons in Hawaii: the drier months (May to September) and the wetter months (October to April). Seaside variations between the two average about 9 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter surf season runs from October through February on north- and west-facing beaches; the summer months bring good surf to the south-facing beaches. Whale-watching season begins in November and tapers off by May. September through early October can be uncomfortable, as prevailing tradewinds die off and give way to Kona weather—low wind and high humidity—that occasionally blankets the islands in vog, the volcanic haze from Kilauea's eruptions.
PRICE INDEX
• Six-pack of locally brewed Maui Brewing Company CoCoNut Porter: $9–$10.
• 2008 average daily hotel room rate, calculated statewide: $201.43.
• Button-down aloha shirt designed by noted Hawaiian clothier Sig Zane: $79.
• Orchid lei from Cindy's Lei Shoppe, in Honolulu's Chinatown: $7–$30.
Cruises that take a different track
This might come as a shock, but not every cruise is about rum-laden umbrella drinks, bingo and "The Love Boat" theme on steel drum. The term "cruise"applies also...
San Francisco Chronicle
This might come as a shock, but not every cruise is about rum-laden umbrella drinks, bingo and "The Love Boat" theme on steel drum.
The term "cruise"applies also to voyages that can be as authentic, as adventurous, as luxurious or as intimate as any on land.
Vessels large and small offer "alternative" cruises that, beyond the drinks, portholes, a captain and a general level of vessel buoyancy, bear little resemblance to sun-and-fun party boats.
The experience? Two hundred passengers (sometimes just a few dozen) instead of 3,000, an emphasis on education and cultural awareness, and a tiny multi-tasking crew that might be hauling lines one minute and serving pan-seared sea bass the next.
Not all the differences are positive. Some boat have cabins that only Houdini would love, and there's more likelihood of seasickness on bobbing boats that are, effectively, buoys with a mess hall.
But if your priority is getting closer and learning more — and there's some flexibility in your definition of personal space — alternative cruises can be the answer.
Most small-boat trips are more expensive than those of their big-ship counterparts, but with companies staying afloat on waves of discounts, they'll never be more affordable.
Note: This is only an overview: Check Web sites or, even better, a travel agent you trust.
Expedition boats: These small ships can explore every nook and cranny of rugged coastlines from Norway to Alaska to Patagonia. Among their strengths is getting closer — to wildlife, to glaciers, to the Galapagos — without overwhelming the scenery.
Will love it: Fans of wildlife, fog, fjords, glaciers, fog, quaint coastal villages and, well, fog (except in Mexico's Baja California).
Will hate it: Professional sunbathers (except in Baja), fans of 600-thread-count sheets and anyone who lives to be pampered.
Regions: Galapagos, Alaska, Baja's Sea of Cortez, Greenland, Antarctica, Norway, Chile and the intercoastal waterways of the United States and Canada.
Operators: Lindblad Expeditions, which partners with the National Geographic Society on one of its ships, the N.G. Endeavour (www.lindblad.com), CruiseWest (www.cruisewest.com), Quark Expeditions (www.quarkexpeditions.com), Pearl Seas Cruises (www.pearlseascruises.com) and American Cruise Line (www.americancruiselines.com).
River boats: The skinny, long boats offer the chance to wake up each day in a new European country without having to buy a Eurail Pass and sleep in the dining car. Strengths include elegant settings, fine dining and castles. Unlike seaports, river ports tend to be at the center of things in European cities. In China, Victoria Cruises runs a fleet of eight luxury boats up the Yangtze, including to the Three Gorges Dam
Will love it: Travelers looking to sample Europe's or China's great river cities at a leisurely pace and in refined style.
Will hate it: Anyone looking for action and an "MTV Spring Break" crowd.
Regions: Western and Northern Europe (the Rhine, Seine, Danube and Elbe), Russian waterways from St. Petersburg to Moscow, as well as on the Yangtze.
Operators: Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.com), AMA Waterways (www.amawaterways.com), Uniworld (www.uniworld.com), Tauck (www.tauck.com), Victoria Cruises (www.victoriacruises.com). In the Pacific Northwest, Cruise West offers small-ship cruises along the Columbia and Snake rivers (www.cruisewest.com).
Freighter voyages: There's nothing quite as romantic as sailing the ocean blue — with 5,000 railroad containers full of plasma-screen TVs. There's a different vibe on a "working" ship, where the passengers are not the priority, just along for the ride. Freighter cruises normally last between two weeks and three months. Accommodations tend to be comfortable, albeit basic, and frills are few.
Will love it: Those who are curious about life at sea and who have lots of time.
Will hate it: Anyone who prefers ports or who gets impatient when the waiter doesn't show up right away with that piña colada.
Regions: Worldwide.
Operators: Maris Freighter Cruises (www.freightercruises.com) is the best known (find more on the Web by searching for "freighter cruises").
Windjammers: If your idea of a voyage isn't so much "Love Boat" as it is "Master and Commander," then climb aboard a sailing ship. There's something to be said for feeling the sea's power, hearing the sails snap and viewing the horizon the way explorers did. Fortunately, the food is much better, and striking sails and hauling the anchor tends to be optional — although recommended.
Will love it: People who enjoy surprises and are flexible about cabin size, hygiene (tiny showers), comfort, schedule and what to wear on "formal night."
Will hate it: Anyone who expects a strict schedule and itinerary, who packed a suit or who is prone to sea sickness.
Regions: New England, the Canadian northeast and Alaska in summer; the Caribbean, Greece, Polynesia and other warm places. Operators: Maine Windjammer (www.mainewindjammercruises.com), Star Clippers (www.starclippers.com), Canadian Sailing Expeditions (www.canadiansailingexpeditions.com). (Windstar Cruises offers cruises on luxury "motored sail yachts," including one ship that carries more than 300 passengers, www.windstarcruises.com).
Paddle steamers: The romance is undeniable — chuffing your way up the Mississippi, through the Columbia River Gorge, into Australia's southern wilderness. Strengths include decent cabin size, a strong sense of history and elegance, almost zero chance of seasickness. The bad news: Majestic America Line scooped up most of the best-known ships in 2007, then ceased operations and put the ships up for sale. Now most of the lengthier paddle-steamer cruises in the U.S. are in limbo.
Will love it: Historians and anyone who wants to see the scenery at a decidedly leisurely pace.
Will hate it: Anyone who wants theme-park-at-sea amenities, belly-flop contests and, well, the ocean.
Regions: The Nile, the River Murray in South Australia, the Mississippi.
Operators: Captain Cook Cruises (www.captaincook.com.au) and Oberoi Hotels (www.oberoiphilae.com), Spirit of Peoria, a modern paddle-wheeler replica for Mississippi short cruises (www.spiritofpeoria.com).
Kristin Jackson of The Seattle Times contributed to this report
The Orange County Register
I've visited Hawaii more than 30 times. It was the first place I ever took a vacation on my own, the first place I vacationed with my future wife, and I return at least once a year for a working trip.
Here's a sampling of my favorite places in the islands.
Favorite beaches
Hanalei Bay, Kauai: A golden crescent of sand on the lush, green north side of Kauai. The waves are gentle in the summer and manageable in the winter. Much of the bay is ringed by homes, many of which can be rented for family getaways.
Lumahai, Kauai: A small, gorgeous and sometimes dangerous beach. It was featured in the movie version of "South Pacific" and can be reached only by a sometimes muddy trail leading off the road just west of Hanalei. It's the hidden tropical fantasy that everyone thinks of when they visit Hawaii. Just be aware that the surf often is dangerous.
Kailua, Oahu: Along with nearby Lanikai, this is the beach featured in dozens of postcards and calendars over the decades. Its white sands, gently sloping drop-off and brilliant green-blue waters are huge draws, but its distance from the tourism crush of Waikiki means there's rarely a crowd. It's suffered from severe erosion in recent years, but I'm hopeful the state will do the right thing and save this iconic strand.
D.T. Fleming Beach, Maui: A great bodysurfing beach on the sometimes-turbulent northwest shore of Maui. There are trees along parts of the mile-long strand for when the sun gets too hot. When you are ready to call it a day, head for the bar at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, just up the hill, and enjoy the sunset.
Mauna Kea Beach, Big Island: The Big Island is the youngest of Hawaii's volcanic islands, so the lava hasn't been smashed into the fine grains of Kauai, Maui or Oahu. Finding a decent beach is tough. One of my favorites is in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Though the deluxe resort doesn't advertise it, the beach is open to the public and a small number of parking spaces have been set aside for nonguests.
Favorite hotels
Waimea Plantation Cottages, Kauai: I love history and preservation and here is an example you can sleep in. The cottages are former plantation houses from around Kauai that have been hauled to a coconut palm grove next to a beach on the southwest end of Kauai. The early 20th-century, bungalow-style plantation buildings have been lovingly restored and filled with Hawaiiana. Each has a kitchen.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Big Island: When I first visited Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in the 1980s, I didn't like it much. A concrete modernist hotel that was too sedate, too "old money." After all, it had been the creation of multimillionaire Laurence Rockefeller, who opened Mauna Kea in 1965 as a playground for his rich friends. But over the decades, the open, airy layout of the hotel, created by the famed New York architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, has grown on me. I now adore the intersection of Manhattan modernism with tropical Hawaii.
Napili Kai Beach Resort, Maui: With its soaring A-frame lobby and lava stone sign, this hotel on the northwest coast of Maui visually announces itself as a remnant of 1960s Hawaii. Constructed in the days before modern codes prevented building so close to the water line, its rooms and restaurant snuggle right up to the water. Not all rooms are air-conditioned, but the breezes here work wonders.
The Breakers, Oahu: Waikiki used to be filled with lots of small, Polynesian-themed hotels. Most have been bulldozed away for the high-rises that have transformed Waikiki into a concrete canyon. One of the few remaining spots harking to the old days is The Breakers. It's low-slung, palm-fringed courtyard and pool make guests an instant community within the anonymity of Waikiki. The Breakers counts on loyal repeat customers who love the large rooms and bargain-basement rates. If the Breakers is booked, try the similar Hawaiiana Hotel next door.
Hotel Lanai, Lanai: The onetime pineapple empire of Lanai is giving way to tourism. There are two luxury hotels: the Manele Bay (where Bill Gates honeymooned) and the pine-rimmed Lodge at Koele. I'd skip both and stay instead at the small Hotel Lanai. It was once the guesthouse for visitors to the Dole pineapple plantation. Rooms are pretty but small. And noises carry here in the plantation-style building. But sitting atop a slope in the middle of Lanai City, it's the real deal on an island that seems fated to giving over its soul to the high-end resort crowd.
Favorite historical-cultural spots
Pearl Harbor, Oahu: The harbor on Oahu has become synonymous with treachery, disaster and revenge after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack by Japan that brought the United States into World War II. In recent years, the sunken remnants of the battleship USS Arizona have been joined in the area by the USS Missouri, where the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay was signed in 1945, along with a submarine warfare museum and an aviation museum.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Big Island: Restored and maintained by the National Park Service, the old lava walls and reconstructed simple buildings on the southwest coast of the Big Island represented the city of refuge where those who had broken laws — kapu — could flee to safety. There's a stone bench where Mark Twain once sat with Hawaiian royalty.
Iolani Palace, Oahu: The only royal palace in the U.S., it is a reminder that Hawaii was a sovereign nation taken over by the United States in a dubious series of events in the 1890s. Built in central Honolulu by King Kalakaua, it shows Hawaiian rulers had embraced the architecture, culture and religion of the West as symbols of modernization. In the end they lost nearly everything their forefathers had fought to build.
Nakalele Point, Maui: One of the most mysteriously beautiful areas in the islands. At mile marker 38 is a turnout on the winding, rugged Highway 340. Visitors stroll a green, rolling field above sea cliffs. Visitors have stacked scores of stone piles — cairns — and made stone circles. Eerily beautiful, especially on sunny weekdays when you can sometimes be alone at the spot. A trail leads to a blowhole that shoots sprays of water into the air on days when the surf is large.
Favorite natural spots
Pipeline, Oahu: Ocean meets land on the North Shore of Oahu in a creation of natural perfection — curving, thundering pipe-shaped waves known around the world that draw top surfers.
From Ehukai State Park, walk to the left down to the beach. Pipeline is the wave that breaks from your left to your right. The wave breaking the other way is called "Backdoors."
Diamond Head, Oahu: The view from Waikiki has been unforgivably hemmed in by rows of boxy hotels and apartment buildings, but the extinct volcano's prow-shaped edges say Hawaii more than any other symbol.
Mountains from Hanalei Bay, Kauai: The crescent-shaped beach would be fantastic all by itself, but the jagged, green flank of the backside of the Na Pali Coast gives it a tropical quality unparalleled in the islands. Add a rainbow and it's a magic kingdom of surf, sand and sky.
Waipio Valley, Big Island: A rare spot on the islands that feels much like it must have been like to live in Hawaii 50 or even 100 years ago. This is the kind of place where Hawaiians have always traditionally lived — deep valleys by the sea, often accessible only by boat. Waipio Valley on the northeast coast of the Big Island can be visited on tours that go down a steep, narrow road. Once there, you'll find a few shacks, wild horses and taro fields, along with a beach popular with local surfers. It takes work to get there, but it's worth the journey.
Pools around Hana, Maui: I prefer the lush, rainy, green parts of Hawaii. The twisting, slow road to Hana on the rain-bathed eastern end of Maui passes by several pools fed by waterfalls. There are more just beyond the tiny town of Hana. They're idyllic swimming holes for the adventurous. The pools come with their own dangers — slippery rocks, waterborne illness and sudden flash floods that can turn a gentle waterfall into a thundering torrent. At least look, even if you don't touch.
BEFORE YOU GO
What To Bring
Safety begins when you pack. To avoid being a target, dress conservatively. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence.
Always try to travel light. If you do, you can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid hand bags, fanny packs and outside pockets which are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.
To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first.
Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.
Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality and if possible, lock your luggage.
Consider getting a telephone calling card. It is a convenient way of keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your overseas location(s). Access numbers to U.S. operators are published in many international newspapers. Find out your access number before you go.
What To Leave Behind
Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:
-- valuable or expensive-looking jewelry,
-- irreplaceable family objects,
-- all unnecessary credit cards.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
A Few Things To Bring And Leave Behind
Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, drivers license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry your valuables.
Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list.
What To Learn About Before You Go
Security. The Department of State's Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. They describe unusual entry, currency regulations or unusual health conditions, the crime and security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, special information about driving and road conditions and drug penalties. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates. In general, the sheets do not give advice. Instead, they describe conditions so travelers can make informed decisions about their trips.
In some dangerous situations, however, the Department of State recommends that Americans defer travel to a country. In such a case, a Travel Warning is issued for the country in addition to its Consular Information Sheet.
Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. They are issued when there is a perceived threat usually involving Americans as a particular target group. In the past, Public Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups, pre-election disturbances, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements are available at the 13 regional passport agencies; at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad; or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818. They are also available through airline computer reservation systems when you or your travel agent make your international air reservations.
In addition, you can access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements 24-hours a day in several ways.
Telephone
To listen to them, call (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone.
Fax
From your fax machine, dial (202) 647-3000, using the handset as you would a regular telephone. The system prompts you on how to proceed.
Internet
Information about travel and consular services is available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs' World Wide Web home page. The address is http://travel.state.gov. It includes Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, passport and visa information, travel publications, background on international adoption and international child abduction services and international legal assistance. It also links to the State Department's main Internet site at http://www.state.gov which contains current foreign affairs information.
Consular Affairs Bulletin Board
If you have a personal computer, modem and communication software, you can access the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). To view or download the documents from a computer and modem, dial the CABB on (301) 946-4400. The login is travel; the password is info. There is no charge to use these systems other than normal long distance charges.
Local Laws and Customs
When you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country where you are. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. Good resources are your library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.
THINGS TO ARRANGE BEFORE YOU GO
Your Itinerary. As much as possible, plan to stay in larger hotels that have more elaborate security. Safety experts recommend booking a room from the second to seventh floors above ground level to deter easy entrance from outside, but low enough for fire equipment to reach.
Because take-off and landing are the most dangerous times of a flight, book non-stop flights when possible. When there is a choice of airport or airline, ask your travel agent about comparative safety records.
Legal Documents. Have your affairs at home in order. If you leave a current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney with your family or a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be prepared for any emergency that may arise while you are away. If you have minor children, consider making guardianship arrangements for them.
Credit. Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you bring. Make certain not to charge over that amount on your trip. In some countries, Americans have been arrested for innocently exceeding their credit limit. Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad. 800 numbers do not work from abroad, but your company should have a number that you can call while you are overseas.
Insurance. Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad. More importantly, check if your health insurance covers you abroad. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payment for medical care outside the U.S. Even if your health insurance will reimburse you for medical care that you pay for abroad, normal health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation from a remote area or from a country where medical facilities are inadequate. Consider purchasing one of the short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Also, make sure that the plan you purchase includes medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHILE TRAVELING
Safety On The Street
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where you are likely to be victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities.
Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night.
Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide.
Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will:
-- jostle you,
-- ask you for directions or the time,
-- point to something spilled on your clothing,
-- or distract you by creating a disturbance.
A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket. Beware of groups of vagrant children who create a distraction while picking your pocket.
Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse snatchers.
Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.
Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand.
Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.
Safety In Your Hotel
Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.
Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe.
Let someone know when you expect to return if you are out late at night.
If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking person inside.
Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exit and alternate exits are located. Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit. This could be a life-saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.
Safety On Public Transportation
If a country has a pattern of tourists being targeted by criminals on public transport, that information is mentioned in the Consular Information Sheets under the "Crime Information" section.
Taxis. Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs.
Trains. Well organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourists routes is a serious problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight trains.
If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform or station.
Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug food or drink offered to passengers. Criminals may also spray sleeping gas in train compartments.
Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions. If that is not possible, stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage, strap your valuables to you and sleep on top of them as much as possible.
Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem.
Buses. The same type of criminal activity found on trains can be found on public buses on popular tourist routes. For example, tourists have been drugged and robbed while sleeping on buses or in bus stations. In some countries whole bus loads of passengers have been held up and robbed by gangs of bandits.
Safety When You Drive
When you rent a car, don't go for the exotic; choose a type commonly available locally. Where possible, ask that markings that identify it as a rental car be removed. Make certain it is in good repair. If available, choose a car with universal door locks and power windows, features that give the driver better control of access to the car. An air conditioner, when available, is also a safety feature, allowing you to drive with windows closed. Thieves can and do snatch purses through open windows of moving cars.
Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat belts.
As much as possible, avoid driving at night.
Don't leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you, keep them out of sight locked in the trunk.
Don't park your car on the street overnight. If the hotel or municipality does not have a parking garage or other secure area, select a well-lit area.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious looking individuals nearby. Drive away.
Patterns Of Crime Against Motorists
In many places frequented by tourists, including areas of southern Europe, victimization of motorists has been refined to an art. Where it is a problem, U.S. embassies are aware of it and consular officers try to work with local authorities to warn the public about the dangers. In some locations, these efforts at public awareness have paid off, reducing the frequency of incidents. You may also wish to ask your rental car agency for advice on avoiding robbery while visiting tourist destinations.
Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car.
Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may masquerade as good samaritans, offering help for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made flat. Or they may flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then steal the rescuer's luggage or car. Usually they work in groups, one person carrying on the pretense while the others rob you.
Other criminals get your attention with abuse, either trying to drive you off the road, or causing an "accident" by rear-ending you or creating a "fender bender."
In some urban areas, thieves don't waste time on ploys, they simply smash car windows at traffic lights, grab your valuables or your car and get away. In cities around the world, "defensive driving" has come to mean more than avoiding auto accidents; it means keeping an eye out for potentially criminal pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders.
How To Handle Money Safely
To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, change your travelers checks only as you need currency. Countersign travelers checks only in front of the person who will cash them.
Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.
Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market.
If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of:
-- travelers checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company,
-- credit cards to the issuing company,
-- airline tickets to the airline or travel agent,
-- passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
How To Avoid Legal Difficulties
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction NOT the protection of the U.S. Constitution.
You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in the United States. Be aware of what is considered criminal in the country where you are. Consular Information Sheets include information on unusual patterns of arrests in various countries when appropriate.
Some of the offenses for which U.S. citizens have been arrested abroad are:
Drug Violations. More than 1/3 of U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad are held on drug charges. Some countries do not distinguish between possession and trafficking. Many countries have mandatory sentences - even for possession of a small amount of marijuana or cocaine. A number of Americans have been arrested for possessing prescription drugs, particularly tranquilizers and amphetamines, that they purchased legally in certain Asian countries and then brought to some countries in the Middle East where they are illegal. Other U.S. citizens have been arrested for purchasing prescription drugs abroad in quantities that local authorities suspected were for commercial use. If in doubt about foreign drug laws, ask local authorities or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Possession of Firearms. The places where U.S. citizens most often come into difficulties for illegal possession of firearms are nearby - Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Sentences for possession of firearms in Mexico can be up to 30 years. In general, firearms, even those legally registered in the U.S., cannot be brought into a country unless a permit is first obtained from the embassy or a consulate of that country and the firearm is registered with foreign authorities on arrival. (Note: If you take firearms or ammunition to another country, you cannot bring them back into the U.S. unless you register them with U.S. Customs before you leave the U.S.)
Photography. In many countries you can be harassed or detained for photographing such things as police and military installations, government buildings, border areas and transportation facilities. If you are in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs.
Purchasing Antiques. Americans have been arrested for purchasing souvenirs that were, or looked like, antiques and which local customs authorities believed were national treasures. This is especially true in Turkey, Egypt and Mexico. In countries where antiques are important, document your purchases as reproductions if that is the case, or if they are authentic, secure the necessary export permit (usually from the national museum).
Protection Against Terrorism
Terrorist acts occur at random and unpredictably, making it impossible to protect oneself absolutely. The first and best protection is to avoid travel to unsafe areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnapping. The vast majority of foreign states have good records of maintaining public order and protecting residents and visitors within their borders from terrorism.
Most terrorist attacks are the result of long and careful planning. Just as a car thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are looking for defenseless, easily accessible targets who follow predictable patterns. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight. In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own country or region, may not be looking for American targets.
Nevertheless, the following pointers may help you avoid becoming a target of opportunity. They should be considered as adjuncts to the tips listed in the previous sections on how to protect yourself against the far greater likelihood of being a victim of crime. These precautions may provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.
-- Schedule direct flights if possible and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas. Consider other options for travel, such as trains.
-- Be aware of what you discuss with strangers or what may be overheard by others.
-- Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less protected area. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. On arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.
-- As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior which may identify you as an American.
-- Keep an eye out for suspicious abandoned packages or briefcases. Report them to airport security or other authorities and leave the area promptly.
-- Avoid obvious terrorist targets such as places where Americans and Westerners are known to congregate.
Travel To High-Risk Areas
If you must travel in an area where there has been a history of terrorist attacks or kidnapping, make it a habit to:
-- Discuss with your family what they would do in the event of an emergency. Make sure your affairs are in order before leaving home.
-- Register with the U.S. embassy or consulate upon arrival.
-- Remain friendly but be cautious about discussing personal matters, your itinerary or program.
-- Leave no personal or business papers in your hotel room.
-- Watch for people following you or "loiterers" observing your comings and goings.
-- Keep a mental note of safehavens, such as police stations, hotels, hospitals.
-- Let someone else know what your travel plans are. Keep them informed if you change your plans.-- Avoid predictable times and routes of travel and report any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
-- Select your own taxi cabs at random. Don't take a vehicle that is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the face of the driver with the one posted on his or her license.
-- If possible, travel with others.
-- Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don't meet strangers at unknown or remote locations.
-- Refuse unexpected packages.-- Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby.
-- Check for loose wires or other suspicious activity around your car.
-- Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition in case you need to resort to high-speed or evasive driving.
-- Drive with car windows closed in crowded streets. Bombs can be thrown through open windows.
-- If you are ever in a situation where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible. Don't move until you are sure the danger has passed. Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon. If possible, shield yourself behind or under a solid object. If you must move, crawl on your stomach.
Hijacking/Hostage Situations
While every hostage situation is different and the chance of becoming a hostage is remote, some considerations are important.
The U.S. government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists is firm - to do so would only increase the risk of further hostage-taking. When Americans are abducted overseas, we look to the host government to exercise its responsibility under international law to protect all persons within its territories and to bring about the safe release of hostages. We work closely with these governments from the outset of a hostage-taking incident to ensure that our citizens and other innocent victims are released as quickly and safely as possible.
Normally, the most dangerous phases of a hijacking or hostage situation are the beginning and, if there is a rescue attempt, the end. At the outset, the terrorists typically are tense, high-strung and may behave irrationally. It is extremely important that you remain calm and alert and manage your own behavior.
-- Avoid resistance and sudden or threatening movements. Do not struggle or try to escape unless you are certain of being successful.-- Make a concerted effort to relax. Breathe deeply and prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for the possibility of a long ordeal.
-- Try to remain inconspicuous, avoid direct eye contact and the appearance of observing your captors' actions.
-- Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consume little food and drink.
-- Consciously put yourself in a mode of passive cooperation. Talk normally. Do not complain, avoid belligerency, and comply with all orders and instructions.
-- If questioned, keep your answers short. Don't volunteer information or make unnecessary overtures.
-- Don't try to be a hero, endangering yourself and others.
-- Maintain your sense of personal dignity and gradually increase your requests for personal comforts. Make these requests in a reasonable low-key manner.
-- If you are involved in a lengthier, drawn-out situation, try to establish a rapport with your captors, avoiding political discussions or other confrontational subjects.
-- Establish a daily program of mental and physical activity. Don't be afraid to ask for anything you need or want - medicines, books, pencils, papers.
-- Eat what they give you, even if it does not look or taste appetizing. A loss of appetite and weight is normal.
-- Think positively. Avoid a sense of despair. Rely on your inner resources. Remember that you are a valuable commodity to your captors. It is important to them to keep you alive and well.
ASSISTANCE ABROAD
If you plan to stay more than two weeks in one place, if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster or if you are planning travel to a remote area, it is advisable to register at the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This will make it easier if someone at home needs to locate you urgently or in the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated in an emergency. It will also facilitate the issuance of a new passport should yours be lost or stolen.
Another reason to contact the Consular Section is to obtain updated information on the security situation in a country.
If you are ill or injured, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local physicians and medical facilities. If the illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance from this list and, at your request, will inform your family or friends. If necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds from family or friends in the United States. Payment of hospital and other medical expenses is your responsibility.
If you run out of money overseas and have no other options, consular officers can help you get in touch with your family, friends, bank or employer and inform them how to wire funds to you.
Should you find yourself in legal difficulty, contact a consular officer immediately. Consular officers cannot serve as attorneys, give legal advice, or get you out of jail. What they can do is provide a list of local attorneys who speak English and who may have had experience in representing U.S. citizens. If you are arrested, consular officials will visit you, advise you of your rights under local laws and ensure that you are held under humane conditions and are treated fairly under local law. A consular officer will also contact your family or friends if you desire. When necessary, consuls can transfer money from home for you and will try to get relief for you, including food and clothing in countries where this is a problem. If you are detained, remember that under international agreements and practice, you have the right to talk to the U.S. consul. If you are denied this right, be persistent. Try to have someone get in touch for you.
Thank you for taking the time to become an informed traveler. We wish you a safe and wonderful journey.
By metro, tram, bus, bike, car or on foot, taking in the streetscapes, panoramas and often-startling architecture of
Or opt for the less imposing but equally enjoyable cable car (teleferic) ride up to the top of Montjuic from the city. It can be reached by metro to a funicular that connects to it.
It is on Montjuic that tourists congregate on the steps of the National Museum of Art of Catalonia for yet another bird's-eye view of the Barcelona area.
Nearby are the Olympic Stadium (originally built for the 1929 Great Exhibition and refurbished for the 1992 Games), gardens, the Spanish village, a Miro museum, and at the top, the Castell de Montjuic, an 18th-century fortress.
Choices are numerous for getting around. Barcelona residents are encouraged to use bicycles and the city has set up a system whereby they can pay a fee for access to bike racks throughout the city, pick one up and drop it off elsewhere. As one local put it with understated pride: "It's really very nice." Visitors can rent them, too.
There are miles of bike lanes set aside for the pedalers, although motorbikes still seem to be more popular.
But walking may be the most enjoyable of all for the tourist. This is a spacious city, with wide avenues flanked, in many areas, by narrow side streets. It has neighborhoods that vary from the medieval Old City, including Barri Gotic, Raval and Ribera, to the more fashionable Eixample, which touts the iconic Sagrada Familia church and the unusual, cylindrical Agbar Tower.
Shopping? Walk on Passeig de Gracia in this area.
Best known, though, and best seen, is Las Ramblas, the verve center for tourists from all around the globe, many of whom come off cruise ships, which only in recent years have made Barcelona a Mediterranean port call. Las Ramblas is a promenade that runs from Plaza de Catalunya to the port and is lined with stalls selling everything from postcards to parrots. It is street theater with mimes, magicians, acrobats and, at times, the Spanish equivalent of the three-card monte shell game. As a tourist attraction, though, it is mobbed with gawkers and hawkers, and thus presents opportunities for petty thievery.
It has its share of cafes along the way, or you can stroll all the way down to the port where a monument to Christopher Columbus (Cristofor Colom, Catalan spelling, or Cristobal Colon, in Spanish) stands 197 feet high overlooking the marina, the beach and the sea. It was to Barcelona where Columbus made his triumphal return after his 1492 voyage to America.
If you're a camera-toter, you'll be filling up your memory card. Barcelona is, above all, a visual city, an urban easel for the creative artists that Catalonia is famous for (and proud of), beginning with the architect Antoni Gaudi, whose stunning works can be seen throughout the city, topped by the still-in-progress La Sagrada Familia, designed as an 18-tower church telling the tale of the Holy Family.
Innovative sculptures and street art of various styles dot the urban landscape. "Woman and Bird," the creation of Joan Miro, a Barcelonan painter and sculptor, stands in the Joan Miro Park. More of his work is on display at the Miro Museum on Montjuic.
The American
A collection of the early works of
A museum devoted to the artist
And you can't forget the shopping. It's available everywhere, on fashionable boulevards, street kiosks, serendipitous side streets and the occasional flea market.
Barcelona is in northeastern Spain and as a Mediterranean city enjoys mild weather most of the year. Thus, there is a proliferation of outdoor cafes throughout the city, providing another attraction: the food.
Tapas and wine is a popular lunch duo. Tapas are snacks or appetizers and there is a variety of them to go with the beer, wine or sangria, a red wine with fruit juice. (It is a combination that has been imported into many American metropolitan eateries.)
Paella, a dish of rice with chicken and seafood, is a traditional offering.
We sampled some other tasty dishes at Los Caracoles ("The Snails"), a popular restaurant in the Gothic neighborhood that offers a wide variety of seafood and roasted meat dishes with accompanying side dishes and salads. As is true in most Mediterranean areas, the restaurants don't open for dinner until 8 or 8:30 p.m. A lively nightlife begins late.
If you're sports-minded and your timing is right, you might try for a ticket to a Futbol Club Barcelona soccer game. The games run August-May, and Spain's team won the European cup earlier this year, becoming the first Spanish team ever to win three major trophies in one season. Known affectionately as Barca, the pride of Catalonia, plays at a stadium that seats 110,000 and is said to be the biggest in Europe.
CNN
(CNN) -- If you've booked travel online, you may have been there.
A few weeks ago, Darin Kaplan, a tech-savvy 27-year-old California restaurant manager, clicked his mouse hundreds of times, surfing the vast choices offered by online travel booking Web sites like Expedia.com and Orbitz.com to plan his 28th birthday cruise to Mexico before he gave up in frustration.
"It's a cut-and-paste experience when you're booking online. None of these sites are going to tell me what I can do with different options," said Kaplan, who uses the Internet for many purchases, including his basketball shorts and music tickets. "Travel agents know what they are talking about. It's more comforting to hand my money to someone who has the knowledge and experience."
Some travelers like Kaplan are finding themselves defecting from travel booking sites like Travelocity.com or airline sites like Delta.com. They are going back the travel agent, an industry that many industry experts once thought to be passé with the advent of online booking.
Fewer travelers are enjoying using the Web to plan and buy trips, according to a study last week by Forrester Research, a market research company. About 46 percent of U.S. leisure travelers enjoyed using the Internet to book travel this year, down from 53 percent in 2007.
Difficult site navigation and presentation on travel company sites and hotel and airline sites are causing a growing number of travelers to shift away from the Web and consider using alternative methods of booking travel.
In the brick-and-mortar travel agent model, a trained agent meets with the traveler in person or establishes a relationship over the phone. For a fee, they discuss the travel options they have researched.
These travel agencies began losing their monopoly on the industry during the late 1990s, when airlines began to sell tickets online and travel giants like Expedia.com exploded onto the scene, quickly gobbling market share by introducing the quick, do-it- yourself model.
In 1995, there were 37,000 brick-and-mortar travel agencies, according to the American Society of Travel Agents. Now, only 18,000 exist after many merged or folded.
"What the Internet has done is given us a nation that knows the price of everything and the value of nothing," said Bill Maloney, CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents. "How do you know if a hotel is actually a good value or if it's overpriced? You have these online generalists and these individual specialists."
Travel agent Nancy Cutter of Court Travel Ltd. in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a half-dozen other agencies across the country say they have experienced a surge in returning clients, who said travel Web sites were confusing and unhelpful.
In several instances, brick-and-mortar agents say they were able to offer deals at the same price as, and even undercut, the travel agent models, dispelling the belief that the cheapest rate is online.
Travel agents have deals with suppliers that can sometimes enable them to offer lower prices than on the Web. They also have time to cancel tickets for free, compared with some non-refundable tickets sold on the Web. Expedia.com said it recently waived the fee for travelers changing certain flights.
"Just because you can go out and buy Turbo Tax doesn't mean it's the best answer for everyone," Cutter said. "Some people will still go to an accountant. Booking travel can get complicated, and it's just not as easy as it looks."
Travel agents don't discount the value of online travel agencies, which can be useful for booking simple, short trips, but they say complex itineraries require more expertise from a professional. Many online travel companies agree that an agent may be valuable in planning a detailed honeymoon that includes a tour of vineyards in France or a family excursion to top snorkeling and kangaroo-watching destinations in Australia.
"If you're the type of traveler who needs hand-holding up front, then sure, a travel agent would be great, but you can usually find that same information on the Web," said Brian Ek, a spokesman for Priceline.com, a travel company famous for letting bidders set their own price. He said the agents available by phone at his company can help facilitate a sale and customize cruises for travelers.
Online travel companies say they have made functionality improvements on their sites in recent years. For example, Expedia.com, the world's largest online travel agency, offers a tool that can let customers compare seats on an airplane, with ratings on how comfortable a seat is and how much leg room is available. They also have hotel reviews and even Web tours of rooms to help travelers decide.
And, research shows that online travel model is poised to grow. Even in a recession, when companies and individuals are scaling back on travel, Expedia.com saw a 22 percent air transaction growth rate in the last quarter.
But Susan D. Tanzman of Martin's Travel and Tours in California, who has worked as an agent for 35 years, points out that agents follow up with travelers before and after the trip. If the traveler needs help, the agency can offer assistance. They often work 24 hours a day.
JoAnne Kochneff, owner of midsize agency Travel by Gagnon in Michigan, said agents can give the personal attention a site cannot. Kochneff's office provides a homey feel, with agents offering freshly baked cookies for clients who stop by to chat about their trips.
"They have personal experience traveling in the area, so they can give you a personal recommendation," said Frances Mosser, 67, of Kentucky, on her reason why she switched to the travel agent model this summer.
Mosser and her husband booked a trip to St. Melo in France with a travel agent. The agent helped them devise a way to reduce travel time by taking Ryan Air between countries.
"I don't think we could have planned the trip without her," Mosser said.
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 You have probably heard the term "all-inclusive" applied to cruises every so often. But while a voyage is one of the best values around since all major expenses (lodging, meals, snacks, activities and entertainment) are indeed included in the fare, there are some items -- mostly of a personal nature -- that are out-of-pocket expenses. "Ready money," Lord Byron once said, "is Aladdin's lamp." So set aside some cash to cover these expenditures to truly make your next sailing the cruise of your dreams. And to make sure the incidentals don't break the bank for you, here are some tips on saving on the "seven seas": Shore Excursions: Read the line's shore tour booklet and attend the port lectures given aboard the ship that provide you with more details about the organized tours available for sale on the ship. Prices for these excursions range from about $25 - $45 (£15 - £40) for a half-day city tour, to more than $200 (£150) for some all-day tours, overland programs including meals and snacks, and such exciting offerings as helicopter flight-seeing and hot-air ballooning. Savings Tip: While you may wish to sign up for some of the ship's tours (particularly if you are not familiar with the port and do not speak the language), you also have the option to tour independently at a fraction of the cost -- or even for free, if you go on a self-guided walking tour. Before setting sail, request free planners with maps, calendars of events and attraction brochures for the ports of call on your itinerary from tourist boards. Check out books on your destination from the public library, and visit Web sites such as this one, particularly our Ports of Call, to give you ideas for touring in the ports. Look over the calendars from the tourist offices for festivals or crafts displays (sources of good, free entertainment) during your visit. Art galleries showcasing local work, parks and beaches are some free or nominal charge attractions to check out. Museum and native crafts exhibits are other inexpensive options. If you decide to hire a car and driver to give you a private tour (generally less expensive than the shipboard excursions) or just to take you to the center of town, always agree on the price (and in the case of a tour, what specific points of interest will be covered) before you board the car.  Alcohol and other Beverages: Alcoholic beverages and wine are not included in the cruise fare on most lines (with the exception of some ultra-deluxe lines). And your tab can add up: Hard liquor, cocktails and wine range from $3.50 - $8 apiece, depending on cruise line (higher-end lines tend to charge more for drinks); soft drinks will run $1.50 - $2. Prices for liquor, cocktails and wine on U.K. cruise ships vary from £2.50 - £7, and bottles of wine start at around £10. Tea and coffee start at £1.50.Savings Tip: Most vessels advertise "daily drink specials" you may want to try. At meals, iced tea, milk, coffee and juices are complimentary. If you are traveling with children, find out if your ship offers "soda packages" that feature unlimited sodas during the cruise for about $15 - $20 (£10 - £15). Or bring-your-own -- we pick up soda six-packs in port. Be forewarned, though: cruise line policies on bringing alcohol onboard are highly restricted. Casino Gaming: Shipboard casinos keep getting bigger and bigger, so it is safe to say that the lines are doing well at their tables and slots. Savings Tip: Set a limit as to how much you wish to risk and leave if you lose it. Or better yet, avoid the casino altogether -- there are plenty of other diversions onboard, like music for dancing, production shows, variety entertainment and TV-style game shows that will not set you back a penny! Spa: A massage is typically around $90 - $110 (£50 - £90). Take advantage of ship discounts on port days. Most shipboard spas are operated by Steiner's of London, and the staff, who works on commission, often gives you a sales pitch (they sometimes even call it a "prescription") that calls for you to buy several of their products. Savings Tip: If you get a sales pitch and do not want the products, just smile and say you will think about it and get back to them. Or be bold right up front -- and ask not to be bothered with sales pitches at all. Another tip: check your ship's daily program of activities for ads for spa treatment specials that may be available one day only or during certain hours of a given day.  Souvenir Shopping: You probably want to purchase something to remember your cruise, and it may take a lot of willpower to pass up on the beautiful -- and expensive -- figurines, perfumes, designer fashions and leather goods if your budget does not allow for them. Savings Tip: Avoid temptation by not browsing in the boutiques onboard and ashore if you cannot afford to buy. If you do plan to purchase some souvenirs, check the prices of merchandise at stores back home and bring pages of their sales catalogs for the particular items you are interested in to compare prices (they may be cheaper at home). Good, inexpensive souvenirs include handicrafts from outdoor markets and street vendors, and local products such as coffee, jellies, etc. purchased at grocery stores in the ports. Laundry: As at land-based resorts, laundry and dry cleaning charges on a cruise can be steep (approximately $2.50 to $3.50 (£1.50 - £3) to wash a T-shirt, for instance). Check to see if there is a self-service launderette and use it (typically, washing and drying one load of clothes comes to about $2 - $3). Savings Tip: If there is no launderette, pack enough changes of clothes for the cruise and do the wash back home. Film and Other Camera Needs: Getting additional film, batteries and other camera supplies will not only cost you more money (generally $1 to $2 (£2) more per item than the same articles bought at a discount store back home), but precious vacation time as well. Ships' photographers typically charge $7 - $9 (£5 - £8) per photo, $15 - $20 (£10) per formal portrait.Savings Tip: Buy plenty of film and other camera supplies on sale at home -- and bring more than you think you will need, just in case. Take your own pictures and rely sparingly, if at all, on the ship's photographers.  Tipping: Many lines recommend about $10 per person per day to be given to the dining room waiter ($4 per person, per day), assistant waiter ($2 per person, per day) and cabin steward ($4 per person, per day). If you have butler service, be prepared to tip that crew member $4 per day. Bar tabs are charged a 15 percent gratuity automatically. When the maitre d' performs a special service, such as arranging for a birthday cake to be brought to the table, he should be tipped as well. U.K. travelers will find that tips are typically built into the cruise fare. You can, of course, give tips for exceptional service.Savings Tip: These folks -- particularly the waiters, assistant waiters and cabin stewards -- work very hard. Unless the service has been poor, tip the recommended amount. And add a little more, if you can, for outstanding attention. |
Equinox is truly an appropriate name for Celebrity Cruises latest Solstice-class ship. Twice a year, the equinox marks a near-perfect balance between length of day and night across the planet, and the Celebrity Equinox offers cruise travelers an excellent balance of size, style, efficiency, and quality.
Here comes the sun
Carrying 2,850-passengers, the 122,000-ton Equinox is the second in a series of five “Solstice-class” ships. The vessel offers all the seagoing firsts of the Celebrity Solstice: a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass and full-time groundskeeper and the Hot Glass Show presented in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass.
The interior design of the Solstice-class ships is a world apart from the retro-style favored by the majority of cruise lines — there’s nothing out there nearly as stylish. Those familiar with Solstice will find Equinox an almost identical vessel, albeit with some minor cosmetic changes. Changes onboard Equinox includes more color in the mostly white Silhouette Dining Room, other décor changes include in the Silk Harvest restaurant, Martini Bar, and Equinox Theater, which launched new shows. The Sun Deck has been enlarged and can accommodate 100 more deck chairs. Additionally, minor tweaks have been made to staterooms — safes have been relocated from closets to cabinets to allow for slightly more hanging space.
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Courtesy Celebrity Cruises The resort-like pool aboard the Celebrity Equinox. |
Equinox showcases a large number of modern works of art, over 500 pieces including several by Roy Lichtenstein. Interestingly a number of art pieces come from the lauded collection that graced the former Celebrity Galaxy. Still, there is one very unique piece that gets more attention than the rest and is a combination of bead and living art. Hanging from the 12-deck atrium is a ficus tree in a sparkling beaded pot that was created by a team of American bead artists. Underneath the pot, attached to the atrium walls is more bead art with the words “Here comes the sun.”
Intrigue and delight
Equinox features 1,426 staterooms, 85 percent of which include a veranda. Each stateroom is equipped with flat-screen TVs with an amazing on demand audio/visual system includes a library of over 5,000 songs, storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms and plush European bedding. The ship offers wireless Internet access throughout.
The popular AquaClass staterooms — 130 in all — designed to offer a soothing, spa-focused ambiance. Located in close proximity to the ship’s two-story “AquaSpa by Elemis,” AquaClass guests will enjoy unlimited access to the spa’s Persian Garden aromatherapy steam room, featuring heated ceramic loungers and the Relaxation Room, which offers panoramic vistas from comfortable lounge chairs. AquaClass guests also enjoy unlimited, complimentary access to the ship’s exclusive, Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, Blu.
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Courtesy Celebrity Cruises The Silhouette dining room, aboard the Celebrity Equinox. |
Like Solstice, Equinox is going green by utilizing 216 solar panels throughout the ship. The energy collected then becomes part of the ship’s power grid — enough to operate 7,000 of the vessel’s 25,000 energy efficient LED lights.
If you go:
Celebrity Equinox begins its inaugural season with a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords on July 31 out of Southampton. Other departures from Southampton include a 10-night “Best of Europe” itinerary to Rome. Then ship will then sail a series of 13-and14-night “Ancient Empires” cruises through October, featuring two new ports of call: Haifa and Ashdod, Israel. These voyages also include an overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt. Fares for 13- and 14-night cruises begin at $2,099 per person. On November 5, the ship will sail a transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will begin a series of alternating 10- and 11-night “Ultimate Caribbean” voyages through April 2010. Prices begin at $1,199 per person. All aforementioned prices are based on inside staterooms, double occupancy. Visit Celebrity Cruises Web site for more details.
Industry giant Carnival plans some notable upgrades to the buffet on its next ship -- the Carnival Dream -- including the line's first made-to-order pasta station.
Already known for one of the best buffets of any mass-market line, Carnival today announced the 3,646-passenger Dream's Lido deck eatery will have a pasta bar offering a range of pastas, sauces and ingredients that can be mixed-and-matched to order.
The two-deck buffet eatery, dubbed The Gathering, will be the biggest ever on a Carnival ship and also include a burrito bar -- a concept the line debuted last year on the Carnival Splendor to rave reviews. The eatery also will have a made-to-order Mongolian wok station, another concept recently added to Carnival ships that has been a hit.
Other elements of the buffet will include a Taste of the Nations station featuring a different international cuisine each day; a New York–style deli; a tandoori oven offering Indian-style chicken, fish and meatballs, along with traditional bread, chutneys and relishes; a grill serving hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken sandwiches; an extensive salad bar; and a 24-hour pizzeria with seven kinds of pies and calzone, Caesar salad and garlic bread.
The 130,000-ton vessel, the largest ever for Carnival, debuts on Sept. 21 in Europe and will spend the coming winter sailing in the Caribbean out of Ft. Lauderdale.
The ship also will have an expanded 24-hour room service menu, the line announced today. New offerings include roast beef and brie cheese on a French baguette, and grilled fresh mozzarella and portobello mushroom on focaccia.
Carnival also reaffirmed its policy of not charging for room service. Rival mass-market line Royal Caribbean recently began charging a small fee for late-night delivery of room service in a move that was widely criticized by customers.
Other eateries on the Carnival Dream will include the Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor cafe serving specialty coffees and sweets, and the $30-a-person Chef's Art Steakhouse, a high-end outlet offering prime cuts of beefs, lobster tail, lamb chops and the like.
The anticipation leading up to my second cruise—to Alaska—nearly killed me. The day my travel documents arrived from Princess Cruises I raced home, plopped down on my living room couch, and read through them page by page. I booked my shore excursions, memorized Sapphire Princess' deck plan, and researched our beautiful 49th state online and in travel books.
This trip, I could tell from the start, would be very different from my first cruise, a very typical fun-in-the-sun getaway: a seven-night sailing to the Southern Caribbean.
Alaska certainly met my expectations size-wise (it's huge!), but there were plenty of things that took me by surprise both on and off the ship.
It's Not Always Cold!
Icebergs. Glaciers. Black bears. Brr, it's cold, right? Not always. I'd read that from June through August, average lows and highs in southern Alaska (where the ships are) range from the 40s into the 60s—and that lows as cold as the 20s have been reported. So I duly packed sweaters, sweatshirts, wool socks, and a colorful poncho for the rainfall I was also promised I'd encounter.
And wouldn't you know I visited Alaska during a precipitation-free, record-breaking heat wave! Temperatures soared above 80 degrees every day (that month, in fact, an all-time high temperature of 93 degrees was recorded on Alaska's Annette Island). At least the locals seemed to be as shocked and confused as I was. After a few hours attempting to explore Ketchikan in long-sleeved shirts and pants I felt as if I was about to pass out, so I hoofed it back to the ship for a dip in the pool—a dip in the pool in Alaska, with snowcapped mountains as my backdrop. Unbelievable. Thank goodness I packed a bathing suit.
Admittedly this is uncommon, but it's still wise to be prepared for varying degrees of weather, as the climate can change rapidly here and temperatures plummet in the evenings. Next time, I will pack for all seasons and maybe even see some of that rain!
The Perfect Family Vacation
I'd considered Alaska to be a bit of a "mature" destination (most of the people I knew personally who'd been there were grandparents and/or senior citizens), but the minute I boarded ship I realized I had it all wrong. There were lots of children onboard, mostly school-aged, and they all seemed to be having a grand old time. The biggest surprise was seeing so many multi-generational groups—families, and older folks traveling with their children and grandchildren.
Alaska is a great choice for families who want to introduce their kids to nature and science—something other than the surf-and-sand experience. And it certainly helps that Princess (and other Alaska-going lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival) offer innovative and extensive children's programs and facilities to cater to the one million kids who hit the high seas each year. On my sailing, organized onboard activities for children included a "Wizard of Oz" sing-along, and—more destination-specific—an "Edutainment" whale-watching program.
Land of the Midnight Sun?
Not exactly, unless you are much further north in the state (Denali Park does see some post-midnight sunsets; in Barrow, the northernmost community in the state, the sun shines for 84 straight days during the summer).
Still, the regions regularly visited by mainstream cruise ships see sunsets much later into evening than most folks are used to. In Juneau, for example, the sun generally sets after 10 p.m. It was weird to stroll out on deck after a late-seating dinner, completely stuffed, while it was still light outside! Juneau falls at about the same latitude as northern Scotland, which I learned also sees later sunsets in the summer months.
A word of caution, though: Sunrise is as early as sunset is late—day broke as early as quarter to four in the morning on my cruise. If you have trouble sleeping when it's light outside, pack a sleep mask. Even blackout curtains on cruise ships can let in some light (unless, of course, you are in a pitch-black inside cabin). I love sleep and can do it anywhere, anytime, but I can certainly imagine the brightness being an annoyance to those less fortunate.
Wildlife? What Wildlife?
One of my favorite cruise jokes begins with a passenger asking the captain, "What side of the ship will the whales be on?" Yet as silly as that is, I, too, wished I could stand in some magical spot and see whales breeching, eagles soaring, etc. Unfortunately, nature is unpredictable, and in seven days I saw absolutely nothing.
Surely, there were announcements of the "Whales on starboard side!" variety, but by the time I rushed to the railing, I literally caught the tail end of the action. During my organized hike through Ketchikan's Tongass National Rainforest, the closest encounter I had with wildlife was sighting a stray dog—no bears to be found. Princess also offers a similar excursion entitled Rain Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, which promises a meet-and-feed with Alaska reindeer. (Hmm, I hope they show up!)
If getting up close and personal with nature is important to you, I highly recommend booking an excursion specifically dedicated to whale watching, or another animal-intensive tour. Holland America's excursion roster includes an Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane, where cruisers are flown to a more remote area of the rainforest known for abundant wildlife; if you are staying overnight in Juneau, Carnival offers an exciting Evening Whale Quest aboard a high-speed catamaran through Stephen's Passage. There are still no guarantees, but fellow cruisers who took the gamble on Princess' excursions did not return to the ship disappointed.
Spring for the Balcony
On most big ships, there are essentially two Alaska cruise itineraries—the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska—and both offer opportunities to view glaciers up close, with sail-bys to Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, or College Fjord. Whichever you choose, the scenery is breathtaking. Towering mountains capped with ice and snow set the stage for blue glacial ice and the occasional family of seals (if, of course, you are lucky enough to catch them).
That said, this is one voyage for which you may want to consider splurging on a balcony cabin; although you can always find a spot along the ship's rail for viewing, and many ships line deck chairs with cozy blankets and offer hot cocoa on deck, it's an unbelievable treat to sit on your verandah for a private showing. The night before we were scheduled to cruise Tracy Arm, I hung my breakfast order on the doorknob; the next morning, I bundled up (finally, all those sweaters I packed were put to good use) and sat outside sipping coffee and enjoying my pastries, all while the ship crept through the iceberg-strewn water. (Don't worry about missing what's on the other side—when the ship turns around and heads out, you'll see that from your balcony, too!)
That morning was one of the most memorable parts of the trip, and truly justified the upgrade from an inside or oceanview cabin.
Excursions Make the Trip
In Alaska, more than any other region I've cruised before and since, excursions are truly the way to experience the region. Surely, Alaska's ports of call have their own charm. Ketchikan features totem poles and funky boutiques. Sitka boasts a rich Russian and Tlingit heritage. Skagway has been restored to its Gold Rush roots and has a real Wild West feel—and a population of just 800.
But some things you just can't experience without ditching the crowded streets and made-in-China trinkets for an organized tour. I'll never forget sitting up front with the pilot in a floatplane as we soared over the meringue-like peaks of Taku Glacier, then feasting on a salmon bake at a wilderness lodge reachable only by air.
I also went fishing just outside Skagway. The actual fishing part of the day was a bit of a flop—I caught some seaweed and a suntan, and not one fish (surprise, surprise)—but the lake was exactly what I imagined Alaska to be: peaceful, untarnished beauty.
Did You Know?
- The jet lag's not over yet: Depending on where you sail from, you may cross time zones while at sea! Read your daily bulletin for information on time differences, and be sure to synchronize your watch with the ship's time.
- A glacier is an accumulation of ice, air, water, and rock debris or sediment; it is a large enough quantity of ice to flow with gravity due to its own mass. Meanwhile, an iceberg is a mass of ice found floating in the ocean or a lake, often formed when ice "calves" or breaks off from glaciers into the water.
- When a large whale breaches (jumps high out of the water), the "slap" as they come back down can be heard for up to a kilometer!
Cruising with young children is one situation where that catchy phrase "less is more" does not apply. As most new parents learn, traveling with kids does require more ... much more. More luggage. More paraphernalia (think strollers, toys, and Pack 'N Plays). And a definite need for more spacious accommodations.
While many cruise lines have already created innovative programs, facilities, and even shore activities, less attention has been paid to staterooms. Standard cabins, which are typically smaller than their hotel room counterparts, can sleep four to a room with the aid of a convertible sofa bed or bunk beds that fold out from the wall. Still, that scenario can leave some families feeling cramped, with little room to store all those extras—especially if beds are left set up during the day for afternoon naps.
The existing option of booking two connecting cabins has long been the best fallback, and is still a good choice, particularly if you want more privacy from the kids. But even that solution falls flat when child-less cruisers, who can now select their own cabins on the Internet, inadvertently book one-half of a pair of connecting cabins, leaving the other half useless for families who really want them. Sure, a nice presidential suite would solve everything, but what about folks who need family-friendly accommodations at a decent price?
Disney pioneered the concept of family-friendly accommodations when it launched "deluxe family staterooms" aboard Disney Magic and Disney Wonder in the late 1990's. The layout remains superb to this day because of something as simple as a curtain that sections off the main bedroom area from the living room area (and which comes with a twin sofa bed and fold out bed above it). This allows parents to change or read in bed without bothering the young 'uns. The bath-and-a-half system—also unique at the time (and still pretty rare today)—offers one bathroom with a sink and small tub, and another with a sink and toilet.
It may have taken years for other cruise lines to follow but follow they finally did. Others have now begun to create distinct family-oriented spaces with features like privacy partitions, walk-in-closet-sized kid bedrooms, clever bed layouts that don't take up much needed floor space, and, in general, offering more overall space to relax and comfortably spend down time in your cabin. And the best part is you don't have to be a CEO to afford them.
Beyond that, when booking a cabin for your own brood, consider these tips:
- Balconies are a terrific option, especially for those with nap-takers, as they create a quiet (and pleasant) place in which parents or supervisors can relax without waking up the kids.
- At the same time, folks with toddlers and beyond should make sure that balconies are kid-safe and don't have spaces wide enough for the little tykes to slip through. Also ask about locks on the balcony door—they should be too high for a young child to reach.
- One area in which most cruise lines fail to satisfy—particularly for families with younger children—is bathrooms; few have tubs, for instance.
- Since most lines offer connecting cabins, it's prudent to compare the price of purchasing two connecting cabins versus the price of a family stateroom/suite for the line you are interested in. Be sure to factor in the price of your third, fourth, and fifth passengers, etc. While you'll most likely have to pay the higher first- and second-passenger rates on each of the connecting cabins, it is possible that you could save money (and have a better bed configuration for your family) when you're comparing connecting staterooms to a family suite option that has high third- and fourth-passenger rates.
- In most cases (with the exception of Disney and some of Royal Caribbean's middle-aged vessels) the best family accommodations can be found on the newest ships in cruise lines' fleets.
I took a look at lines that really do make an effort to offer comfortable accommodations for families and their accompanying paraphernalia. Here are my best picks.
Editor's note: Whichever family-friendly cabins you decide are best, make sure you book them as far in advance as possible, particularly if you are traveling during school vacations. Family-friendly cabins are limited on all ships, and sell out early on popular cruises.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Why? I love the 230-square-foot family staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that are found on its Conquest-class (Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom) and Carnival Splendor (from the new Splendor class). You get the square footage that would typically be allocated to a balcony right in your stateroom.
Other Positives: Carnival boasts some of the largest standard cabins in the industry with interior staterooms as big as 185 square feet and oceanviews up to 190. These staterooms can accommodate up to five people with two lower beds that convert to a king (on most other lines the smaller-than-normal twins only double to queen size), two upper beds that fold out from the wall, and a rollaway.
If you have very young children, you might want to consider the outside stateroom with verandah instead of the family stateroom, which basically allocates 40 of the 230 square feet to a balcony, leaving less interior space. This way you can have a place to sit, talk, and have a light on when children are asleep.
Nice Touches: Carnival's nightly turndown service—which includes towel animals and chocolate chip cookies on select nights—and the Cartoon Channel, which is available on in-room TVs. All cabins on Spirit- and Conquest-class ships feature refrigerators; and all oceanview cabins come with bathrobes.
Caveat Emptor: When requesting fold-out beds, be sure to inquire where they will be located as some are placed directly above the lower beds instead of at the other end of the cabin (which would give you more privacy and distance from potential snorers).
Details: Visit Carnival's website for floor plans and photos.
Celebrity Cruises
Why? The line's 271-square-foot family oceanview staterooms (available on Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Summit, and Celebrity Infinity) feature a whopping 242-square-foot verandah that gives you your own little back yard at sea (your inside and outside areas are practically the same size). There are 12 to 15 of these staterooms per ship, and each includes two lower beds that convert to a queen, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, a sitting area with two sofa beds that convert to full-size beds, and a privacy partition between the two sleeping areas. The same cabins on the new Celebrity Solstice are configured differently, but offer tons of space with a 575-square-foot cabin area with balconies ranging from 53 to 105 square feet. The stateroom is effectively a suite with a master bedroom, single bedroom, and a sofa convertible to a trundle bed.
Other Positives: The Sky Suite category (which ranges in size from 244 to 300 square feet, with verandahs that range from 57 to 179 square feet) varies considerably by ship, but is your next best bet for spacious accommodations. The suites feature two lower beds that convert to a queen, an entertainment center with TV/VCR, a sitting area with sofa bed that can sleep two, and a lounge chair. In addition, these suites come with butler service that includes a few perks for parents such as priority luggage delivery after boarding, a pillow menu, a private portrait sitting, and a daily fruit selection.
Nice Touches: Celebrity caters to its youngest passengers by offering cribs, in-suite refrigerators, children's menus, and even freshly mashed baby food.
Caveat Emptor: Celebrity's pre-Millennium-class ships also offer family oceanview staterooms with the much appreciated partition; however, sizes vary, and some do not come with a verandah. Also note: There are no privacy partitions in Celebrity's Sky Suites.
Details: Visit Celebrity Cruises' website for floor plans and photos.
Disney Cruise Line
Why? As already noted, Disney Magic and Wonder each have 304-square-foot deluxe family staterooms with verandahs that sleep four to five people with two twin beds that convert to a queen, a single convertible sofa, and one to two pull-down beds. A privacy curtain separates the main sleeping area from the sitting room/sleeping area so you can switch on a light without waking your children. Disney's cabins include a split bathroom design—one side with a toilet and sink, the other with a sink and shower/tub combination. While space is a bit tight in each, the tub is a big plus for bathing little ones.
Other Positives: Disney also has three different types of one- or two-bedroom suites that can sleep five to eight people, and the 268-square-foot deluxe oceanview staterooms withverandah are ideal for families of three to four people. A privacy curtain in these staterooms also separates the converted king bed from sleeping children on the other side. Also, unlike many cruise line sofas that take up precious floor space when they convert to a full-size bed, Disney's converts to a twin with a pull-down bed above, making a bunk-bed set up that can comfortably be left set up all day. This makes it easier for children to take a mid-day rest, yet still have ample floor space to move around.
Nice Touches: Staterooms include dressers that are designed to look like trunks from classic ocean liners and clocks with a nautical motif, plus the Disney Channel is available on stateroom TVs. Suites include children's robes in pink or blue, and turndown service includes towel creations that incorporate things left inside the stateroom like children's sunglasses or slippers.
In addition, Disney provides portable cribs, Diaper Genies, bottle warmers, and bumper rails for the bunk beds; plus room service menus that include several children's specialties from macaroni and cheese to fresh cut fruits and veggies, and Mickey-shaped ice cream bars. Families traveling with babies are given priority cabin service so that little ones can nap undisturbed in the afternoon.
Disney also boasts an online service that allows passengers to pre-order baby supplies and have them delivered to their stateroom (provided by Babies Travel Lite). There are over 1,000 brand-name baby products to choose from, including diapers, baby food, infant formula, and specialty travel items.
Caveat Emptor: The TV is typically located on the bunk bed side of the privacy curtain, so viewing after the kids go to bed can be quite tricky.
Details: Visit Disney Cruises' website for floor plans and photos.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Why? On Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl, and Pride of America, ship designers have created 30 to 33 stateroom categories—including several suites and junior suites that can interconnect with other staterooms to create two-, three-, four-, or five-bedroom configurations suitable for families small and large. In particular, I love the 335-square-foot family suites (only found on Pride of America). Here you get a spacious private balcony, living room with double sofa bed and entertainment center, separate (and cozy) den with a single sofa bed, and a private bedroom with two twin beds that convert to a queen. There are also two televisions—which is a nice plus.
Other Positives: Four additional 360-square-foot family suites feature two interconnecting cabins that sleep up to eight people and include two separate bathrooms. The larger cabin has two single beds that convert to a queen and a sitting room with a full-size sofa bed. The connected cabin features two lower single beds and two pull-out upper single beds. Up for a splurge? The 572-square-foot Courtyard Villas feature a bedroom with queen-size bed, separate children's bedroom, and one bedroom with a luxury bath plus whirlpool tub and separate shower.
Nice Touches: Family-friendly amenities include cribs, in-room refrigerators, and towel animals at turndown; the Cartoon Channel is available on stateroom TVs.
Caveat Emptor: NCL's cabin categories can be much harder to decipher given the various combinations and connecting cabins. Be sure to ask for floor plans for each type of cabin that you are booking so that you can determine the best configuration for your family.
Details: Visit Norwegian Cruises Line's website for photos and some floor plans.
Princess Cruises
Why? Princess' larger ships (Grand Princess, Golden Princess, Star Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, and Ruby Princess carry over 2,000 passengers) offer 500- to 600-square-foot family suites that can accommodate six to eight passengers in a dream layout.
Other Positives: Each suite is actually two self-contained staterooms interconnecting through a large living room that leads to an oversized private balcony. Typically, at least one of the bathrooms includes a bathtub.
Nice Touches: Princess provides cribs upon request, in-stateroom refrigerators and chocolates as part of the turndown service. In addition, Boomerang and Cartoon Network are available in staterooms, although availability varies by ship.
Caveat Emptor: Staterooms that can accommodate four passengers are scattered throughout Princess' various inside and oceanview categories and are limited in number. For example, roughly only 14 percent of Diamond Princess' cabins can accommodate quads.
Also, there is very limited availability of family suites—just two per ship. Also, Princess is unusual in that the vast majority of its 323- to 354-square-foot mini suites with balconies accommodate a maximum of three people.
Details: Visit Princess Cruises' website for floor plans and photos.
Royal Caribbean
Why? Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas are offering the most innovative family staterooms I've seen in a long time. First of all, they're available in six different categories from a 600-square-foot royal family suite to a 330-square-foot inside family stateroom. With the exception of the suite, all family staterooms feature a curtained-off sleeping alcove and a sleeper sofa. I also love that families of six can choose from four 335-square-foot promenade family staterooms, featuring a curtained-off sleeping alcove with bunk beds, a sleeper sofa, a bathtub, and window seats overlooking the Royal Promenade; eight 495-square-foot family oceanview staterooms; or two inside family staterooms with sleeper sofa and walk-in closet.
Other Positives: If you're in the mood to splurge, each of the four 600-square-foot royal family suites has two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with tub), a living area with a sectional sofa, an entertainment center with a 30-inch flat-panel TV, and a large balcony with an al fresco dining table for eight. And while the Freedom-class ships trump all other ships in the fleet for family-related accommodations, Royal Caribbean's Voyager- and Radiance-class ships (as well as Vision of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas) offer 265- to 328-square-foot family oceanview staterooms. These can accommodate up to six guests and typically include two twin beds, which can convert into a queen-size bed, bunk beds in a separate enclosed area, sitting area with sofa bed, and mini bar. Grand and junior suites also offer significantly more room and can sleep three to four guests (but without a privacy curtain, there is less personal space).
Nice Touches: Borrow one of several children's books available in the library to take back for bedtime reading in your cabin. Other family features include in-stateroom refrigerators, cribs, and child-friendly fare from room service including freshly mashed baby food. The Cartoon Network is available on stateroom TVs.
Caveat Emptor: Family staterooms and suites on Royal Caribbean's non-Freedom ships vary in size and layout so be sure to check online and with your travel agent for detailed information on bed configurations.
Details: Visit Royal Caribbean's website for wonderfully detailed floor plans and photos by ship and category.
 Oceania Cruises, whose trio of mid-sized ships already ranks among the best for dining, continues to stretch its culinary focus with new features that will debut on its brand-new Marina next year. One of our favorites is a culinary arts center -- with a focus on workshops and audience participation -- which will be unlike any facility on any other cruise ship. It consists of 22 state-of-the-art cooking stations, complete with induction cook-tops, utensils, sinks and every other conceivable cooking implement. On all itineraries, Marina will host hands-on workshops with Bon Appetit magazine, the Conde Nast food and spirits publication that's a partner in the effort. "The dining experience is what we are passionate about," Oceania President Bob Binder told an assembled throng last week as he unveiled the news in Bon Appetit's test kitchen at Conde Nast's New York headquarters. "What's unique about the Culinary Center is that it's not a 'look, but don't touch' experience. You're going to be up there creating dishes with the chef." While other cruise lines -- notable is Holland America, which has placed a Food Network-like demo kitchen on each ship -- offer increasingly varied and comprehensive onboard programs, Marina's workstation setup emphasizes hands-on activity and represents a new level of focus. Binder revealed some of the details of the program at the Oceania event (which, appropriately, included a cooking demo from one of Bon Appetit's in-house chefs): Bon Appetit and Oceania will work together to bring chefs onboard on every itinerary. Some workshops will focus on specialties, from chocolate to spa cuisine, from sausage-cooking to basic techniques, and from barbecue to "cooking creatively with leftovers." World renowned French chef Jacques Pepin, who's long served as Oceania's executive culinary director, will host master classes for the seriously advanced cooks among us on select Marina voyages. Itineraries will be designed with local ingredients in mind. For instance, all-Italy Mediterranean cruises will call at Le Spezia (gateway to Cinque Terre) for basil, Amalfi for sea bass and Taormina for swordfish and blood orange. While Oceania already offers some culinary-themed shore excursions on Nautica, Regatta and Insignia, the cruise line will "tie the onboard experience into the destination by touring local farmer's markets with our guest chefs," Binder noted. The ingredients will then be cooked up by passengers in the culinary arts lab.Beyond the new food program, Binder announced that Marina will feature an Asian-fusion restaurant, a first for the cruise line. Red Ginger will blend Thai, Vietnamese, Malay and other cuisines to produce already-tried-and-tested dishes, such as Kobe beef stir-fry, duck watermelon salad, miso Chilean sea bass and lobster pad Thai. It will be one of 10 eateries onboard. Others include traditional Oceania favorites like The Grand (its main venue), a lido buffet, the Waves grill, the Italian Tosca, the Polo Grill steakhouse and Tapas on the Terrace. Marina is currently under construction at Fincantieri's Sestri shipyard in Genoa. It's slated for debut in September 2010. --by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor in Chief |
Created as an oceangoing oasis for relaxation, the Carnival Dream's 11,250-square-foot Serenity area will encompass two levels - a first for the line - and accommodate up to 200 guests who can select from seven different styles of seating, from plush chaise lounges and chairs to shaded sun loungers and even hammocks.
Carnival Dream's Serenity area will also feature a full bar on the lower level in a shaded area, while the upper level will offer two whirlpools providing magnificent sea views.
Design-wise, Serenity will offer a decidedly understated theme with decorative latticework, teak-style decking, and other contemporary features, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort. The Serenity experience will be enhanced by a series of custom windscreens specially created for this area.
Spanning the forward section of Sun Deck 14 and Sky Deck 15, Serenity is accessible via a glass elevator within Carnival Dream's expansive 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, as well as by two staircases.
Carnival Dream is set to debut Sept. 21 with a series of 12-day Mediterranean cruises followed by a trans-Atlantic crossing and two eight-day voyages from New York. Carnival Dream will then reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., for a special nine-day cruise then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean service Dec. 12.
On my first cruise to the Mediterranean in the summer, I discovered a very important fact: It's really, incredibly, super-duper hot! Whether in urban Florence, beachy Nice or out-of-the-way Elba, temperatures hovered in the 90s, and the thick air was oppressive. It was the kind of heat that wears a person down—instead of racing around each city like I usually do, I ambled sluggishly through town, sitting down on every available bench, stopping often for drinks or gelatos, and returning to the ship earlier than expected.
At first, I was disappointed. I clearly was not going to make it to the Chagall Museum in Nice or find the strength to go shopping in Palma de Mallorca. But then, I discovered the fun of taking it slow—lingering over wine-tasting and local lunch in Provence, eating a gelato on a bench in a Florentine piazza and taking my time everywhere I went, rather than rushing from one attraction to another.
Don't Overdo It
If you're typically a "go, go, go!" kind of traveler, consider slowing the pace down when it's 90 degrees outside. Instead of jam-packing your day in order to see everything a port has to offer, schedule breaks to sit on a park bench or in a cafe between sightseeing stops. Your body just can't handle a breakneck pace when it's so hot out, and if you pick two or three must-sees to visit, you'll be a lot more satisfied with your day than if you try to do six things and don't make it to all of them (or are so tired afterward that you can't possibly get up early and do it again in the next port).
Another way to slow down your pace is to alternate between what my European travel companion calls "culture days" and "beach days." On a culture day, you can do your hardcore sight-seeing and get your fill of museums, cathedrals, and cultural attractions. But make the following day a beach day, when you sleep in a bit, then camp out in a park, beach, or cafe and people-watch or read a book—in short, take it easy. You'll be better able to handle the summer heat.
Listen to Your Body
Now is not the time for machismo or stinginess. If you're thirsty, get a drink—even if that means lugging a huge water bottle through Rome or buying over-priced drinks at snack stands. At the first signs of hunger, find a place for lunch—don't put it off until you're ravenous and cranky and wilting from the midday sun. And forget about your diet—a cool gelato is just what the doctor ordered on a hot summer day. Not only will these steps keep you from dehydrating and feeling sick, but they will prevent you and your travel companions from getting snippy with each other and causing tension in the group. And don't eat on the go—sit down and relish your snack because it's a good excuse for a break.
Get Tickets in Advance
On my summer trip, we pre-booked tickets to Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia (the one with Michelangelo's David). Instead of waiting in the long, round-the-corner, outdoors-in-the-sun line, we waited in a very short, fast-moving line and were whisked inside at our appointed entrance time. Even though you'll pay a few euros more to book tickets in advance, it's well worth it, as you won't have to spend your day in town waiting in long lines in the brutal heat.
Take the Bus
Or a cab or a tourist train or a horse and buggy if you must. But when the sun is at its summer zenith, you do not want to walk three miles to that attraction on the outskirts of town, when a perfectly good (and possibly, though not necessarily, air-conditioned) vehicle can get you there faster. Look for hop-on, hop-off buses and tourist trams—they might be a little cheesy, but they'll take you to all the places you want to go without your having to hoof it or struggle to navigate with a map.
Head Indoors
Seek out air-conditioning whenever possible! Skew your hot-day itineraries toward museums, shops, and cafes, rather than outdoor markets or out-of-doors athletic activities (biking, hiking, walking tours). You'll get a full day of culture and sightseeing without overheating.
Siesta
Avoid the heat of the day, and ensure some downtime by working a siesta into your day if the ship's docked relatively close to town. Leave the ship first thing in the morning for sightseeing or shopping; then return for lunch—or after—and take a nap, or go for a swim in the ship's pool. Then, head back out for a few hours before all-aboard—the perfect time to grab a gelato before setting sail.
Expect Crowds
In summer, Europe's city streets become packed with foreign tourists, and—in July and August specifically—the locals head for the beaches and other vacation hotspots for multi-week getaways. Before you leave the ship, prepare yourself for throngs of people wherever you go—whether that includes long lines to get inside the Coliseum or slow-going up Barcelona's Las Ramblas. Then, if you find an empty street or quiet corner of a museum, the surprise will make the experience all the more enjoyable. Remember, too—pick-pockets love crowded areas, so be extra careful with your belongings when you travel in summer.
Use Sea Days to Rest Up
Sea days are a godsend on jam-packed summer itineraries. When you're going nonstop in the heat for two or three days in a row, you need a day at sea to sleep in, lounge by the pool and maybe get a foot massage for your tired tootsies—it will help you recharge for two to three more days of hardcore vacationing. Look for itineraries with several sea days if you're cruising the Mediterranean in the summer. If your itinerary is destination-intensive, consider creating your own sea day by not leaving the ship on one or two port days. You'll have the pool to yourself (no fighting for prime lounge chair locations), and you might even snag a deal on a port-day spa treatment.
Norwegian Cruise Line executives Wednesday unveiled the latest Norwegian Epic tidbit to travel agents and members of the press at Butter restaurant in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.
The highlight? The Blue Man Group is headed to sea, onboard -- you guessed it -- Norwegian Epic.
Amid color-changing lights and blaring club music, the Blue Man Group crashed the press conference, handing out buckets and pails, snorkel sets, flip-flops and inflatable cruise ships -- our managing editor ended up with a boogie board! -- while chasing a photographer with a flowered swim cap and squirting attendees with tanning lotion.
The display, followed by a 30-minute performance at the Astor Place Theatre across the street, served to announce the group's new partnership with NCL. One Blue Man's ability to catch more than 30 marshmallows in his mouth was particularly interesting -- and he only dropped one after it bounced off the ever-growing wad of white goop that slowly formed. The Blue Men also brought NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan up on stage, hung him upside down, and covered him in blue with paint rollers.
The 150,000-ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic will welcome the group as part of its entertainment offerings, featuring eight performances -- two each day for four days -- on its seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings. Epic Theater, the show's onboard venue, will be nearly twice the size of the Blue Man Group's home theater in New York City, seating more than 600 passengers. The show will be free; spokeswoman AnneMarie Mathews tells us the line's still working on a system for tickets and priority seating.
"It was clear to us that the face of Norwegian Epic entertainment was obviously blue," says Andy Stewart, executive vice president of global sales and passenger services for NCL.
Another highlight for Epic, which will float out in June, is Cirque Dreams and Dinner, a combination alternative restaurant and show. The eatery, which will carry an extra cost of $15 per person, is set to feature a one-ring, red-and-white-striped big top -- and a very active waitstaff.
"Contortionists will be cocktail waitresses, and aerialists will drop down from the ceiling to fill your water glasses," explains Cirque Dreams creator Neil Goldberg, who has partnered with NCL to bring the offering onboard. Three characters -- including a whimsical ringmaster in a striped suit, a contortionist in face paint and a gold dress, and a violinist wearing purple sequined pants and a top hat -- made appearances at the event for added flavor, while a Warhol-esque video dance montage played in the background.
Other Epic offerings include the Epic Casino, NCL's largest at 13,000 square feet; the Ice Bar, kept at a constant 17 degrees; the Manhattan Room, featuring big-band music, Salsa dancing and romantic dinners; Spice H2O, an adults-only aft pool; Fat Cats blues and jazz club; and Headliners Comedy Club, housing improv troupe The Second City.
Bookings for all sailings, which begin next year, go on sale to the general public Thursday. Members of NCL's past-passenger program, Latitudes, can book today.
So, you've decided to go on a cruise—perhaps your first venture on a vacation at sea—and you're a little overwhelmed. You have to consider how much you're willing to pay, whether to book an inexpensive inside cabin or splurge on a suite, and which cruise line and ship are right for you. Add dinner seatings, shore excursions, and cabin location to the list, and planning a relaxing getaway suddenly seems like a second job.
In the age of the Internet, many people assume that online is the only way to book travel. But, as booking online can often be confusing, a travel agent may be just what you need. In fact, according to the Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) 2008 Cruise Market Profile Study, nearly 75 percent of cruise travelers book their cruises through travel agents.
One of the most important things to know is that agents—in particular, cruise specialists—have been onboard the ships and can really give you first-hand advice about different cruise options. They have done a great deal of research through familiarization trips and cruise-line seminars, so you don't have to do the work yourself. Even better, agents often have access to special discounts or perks—or know best where to find them—and as the cruise lines pay their commissions, you don't pay more for their services and expertise.
Still undecided, or unsure where to find an agent to help you? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Reasons to Consider a Travel Agent
If you're used to booking travel independently, consider these reasons why you might want to make use of a travel agent to book your next holiday at sea.
Choosing a Cruise: For your first cruise, you may need help in matching your lifestyle and budget with a cruise line and destination. Choosing a cruise is not the same as picking a hotel or flight, as there are many more options to consider.
For example, do you want to cruise close to home from ports like New York, Miami, Galveston, or Seattle, or are you willing to fly to Europe for Mediterranean and Baltic sailings? Would you be happier on a large ship—such as Royal Caribbean's 154,407-ton, 3,634-passenger Freedom of the Seas—or on a smaller, more intimate ship—like Seabourn's 10,000-ton, 208-passenger Seabourn Pride? Do you prefer a casual and lively vibe, as is found on Carnival Cruise Lines, or a more formal atmosphere, such as Silversea's?
Remember, you won't just be using the ship as a home base, like you do with a hotel; it will be your home, restaurant, and entertainment venue for a week or more. The right ship and itinerary can make your vacation that much more enjoyable—and an agent can help you determine the best selection for your tastes. In addition, an agent can answer any questions or assuage any apprehensions you might have about taking a cruise for the first time.
Shopping for Great Deals: Contrary to what you might expect, travel agents may actually be able to get you better deals than Internet retailers or even the cruise lines themselves. The best travel agents have access to discounted group rates and exclusive cruise pricing that's not found anywhere else. In addition, agents occasionally give you extra value on your booking—such as prepaid gratuities, a free bottle of Champagne, or onboard credit—to sweeten the deal. And if the price of your cruise drops after you book, a good agent will notice and refund you the difference in fare. Finally, as cruise lines pay agent commissions, you don't have to worry about paying extra for their planning services.
Booking the Trip: Once you've chosen your cruise and, with the agent's help, matched your style with your vacation goals, you've got to book the trip. Again, it's a bit more complex than you might think, but a good agent will make the process go smoothly—from securing the right cabin type and location to booking the dinner seating that will suit you and your party. Your agent will also be able to sort out travel insurance, if required, and will collect payment for the cruise (usually a deposit at the time of booking and the full amount 60 to 90 days before departure). In addition, the agent can help you with the rest of your travel plans, such as pre- or post-cruise stays, airfare, and transfers.
Special Requirements: If you have special needs of any kind—whether it's help in arranging a wedding ceremony onboard, ordering gluten-free or kosher meals, or dealing with accessibility issues—a qualified agent should be able to make the proper arrangements for you or advise you on how to handle the issue yourself.
Establishing Relationships: Booking with a travel agent gives your transaction a personal touch—you have a resource for asking questions and someone to contact if something goes wrong during your travels. But your relationship with an agent doesn't tend to end after one trip. The agent will keep you in his or her database, alert you to deals or sales, and can even suggest future trip ideas.
How to Select a Travel Agent
So how do you find the right travel agent for you? Look for the following:
Training and Credentials: Many agents become accredited cruise counselors through CLIA's Cruise Academy or take courses through the different cruise lines to become more expert at selling their products. Inquire whether the agent has attended any of these training programs. In addition, you can look for affiliations with the National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies (NACOA), Better Business Bureau (BBB), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), or even the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Cruising Experience and Knowledge: Question the agents on cruising trends or up-and-coming destinations, and ask them to explain the differences between cruise lines. Find out how many cruises they've taken that year and with which lines they've personally cruised. The more knowledgeable an agent is, the better advice you'll get. If the agent has rarely cruised, you might want to take your business elsewhere. In addition, you might want to look for an agent who is a cruise specialist—either at a cruise-dedicated agency or within a larger general agency—to get the best service.
Inventory/Niche: If you're interested in a specific type of cruising (such as river cruising or luxury travel), look for agencies that specialize in the line or type of cruising you prefer. They'll often have more complete knowledge of your choices than a generalist. For example, if you want to cruise one of Europe's rivers in an intimate barge or riverboat, you may not want to book with an agent who specializes in selling holidays on 3,000-person mega-ships.
Interview: The best cruise agents will do a thorough job of interviewing potential clients to find out which ship, line, and itinerary would be the best fit. In that initial interview, they should ask you what kind of vacation you normally take (beach, city, active, for example), who is going (family, couple, singles), your travel style (entertainment and activity preferences, dining habits), and your budget.
Cruise Line Connections: Find out if the travel agent has preferred status with any cruise lines or whether he or she belongs to travel consortiums that would enable him or her to get you better deals, upgrades, etc. But watch out—some agents will push a particular line too aggressively for your tastes. You don't want to get caught in an agent's agenda if the cruise line isn't right for you.
Special Offers: Look for agents offering discounts, free perks, and other incentives. If you don't see a sign or advertisement, always ask—the agent may have fabulous offers the cruise lines won't let him or her publicize. In addition, ask if the agent can meet or beat the best price you've seen elsewhere.
Size: You can book a cruise through a huge travel retailer with branches around the country, a local cruise agency, or even a home-based agent who will talk cruising with you at your local coffee shop. You'll find pros and cons of working with the different types of agencies; for example, you might get more personal service from an independent agent but better deals from a large company with a high volume of bookings. Shop around and see what size fits your needs best.
How to Locate an Agent
If you'd like to book a cruise through a travel agent, you can pop into a downtown storefront or search for cruise sellers online. If you want to look for agents registered with travel organizations, here are some resources for finding agencies near you.
Cruise Lines International Association: You can search for a CLIA-certified travel agent on the organization's website. Use the search tool to locate agents in your area with a variety of levels of CLIA training.
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA): Use ASTA's consumer website to locate a travel agent who has agreed to conduct their business activities in accordance with the organization's code of ethics.
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While cruise lines have always filled days at sea with activity, today the variety extends way beyond the traditional diversions of art auctions, bingo, casino gambling and "bad hair day" seminars. How about near-college-level courses in subjects ranging from fashion to economics? Long, lazy lunches or brunches at an alternative restaurant? Visiting a planetarium or cinema with first-run flicks?
"I remember seeing a daily program from a world cruise in 1979," says Vuc Rajcevic, a Holland America Line Cruise Director from Brisbane, Australia. "My gosh ... I realized where they got the word 'cruising' from.
"There was next to nothing to do from one day to the next, it was all about relaxation ... tea time ... shuffleboard. These days we have such short attention spans that we need to be constantly doing something. We've had to adapt to that and, yes, all changes are due to consumer need and desire. Today's cruiser looks for brain food (lectures, port talks cooking demos and classes, trivia), but also activities (pool games, board games, volleyball, basketball, ping pong etc.). And more families are cruising, so we've all had to adapt to that as well."
There is a sea day to fit any traveler's style and before we launch into our selection of the best ships for days at sea here are a couple of helpful hints:
Just about every itinerary incorporates at least one sea day (keeping passengers captive onboard is a big revenue boon for cruise lines because folks spend their money on the ship rather than on shore). There are notable exceptions: NCL America's Honolulu-based Pride of America, for example, visits a port a day -- though it does incorporate some daytime sailing into its weekly trips. As well, river cruises seldom emphasize full days at sea; the ships are so small they can't offer a big variety of enrichment or entertainment.
On the other hand, some cruises are more about sea than land. Falling into that category of course is Cunard's mighty Queen Mary 2, which was designed as an ocean liner. Pathfinder ships (those vessels in cruise line fleets that specialize in the most exotic cruises) typically need a lot of time at sea because destinations are often spread far apart.
While the average seven-night cruise offers one to three days at sea, there are ways to increase the percentage. Here are some tips if sea days are your favorite part of a cruise:
The best itineraries for sea days -- if you want lots -- include ocean crossings (Atlantic and Pacific) and repositioning cruises (which often involve ocean crossings). Regions like Asia, the South Pacific, Hawaii (from U.S. or Canadian departure points), South America (around Cape Horn), Australia/New Zealand, and the Panama Canal typically involve more sea days than the average cruise. Consider upgrading your cabin category for a trip during which you'll spend more time at sea than not; there's nothing more claustrophobic than a tiny, dark cabin when you're spending a lot of time onboard. And conversely there's nothing lovelier than a suite, with indulgent bath and a spacious balcony, as a place in which to retreat. As well, the low-key pace means there's plenty of time for downtime -- long tub soaks, reading novels on the balcony, and catching up on flicks on the in-cabin tv. What is the rhythm of your itinerary? Some cruises involve port of calls one right after the other ... then three straight days or more of sea time. You may prefer the sea days tucked in between destination stops. Bottom line: A handful of sea days tucked in between frenzied days in port may be the ultimate in relaxation for some. Five in a row could seem tedious (or heavenly).Best for Families with Young Kids
Ship: Disney Magic
Why: Magic offers Disney's only weeklong voyages.
What's Onboard: On the 83,000-ton, 2,400-passenger ship, there's the Buena Vista theater, a fabulous spa, an adults-only pool area and the Diversions pub. Sea-day-only activities range from a backstage tour of the Walt Disney Theatre to pool and trivia games.
Lunching: Palo, the ship's alternative adults-only restaurant, occasionally offers high tea or a Champagne brunch.
Ideal Itinerary: Disney Magic's Eastern Caribbean and Mexican Riviera itineraries each spend three days at sea (its Western Caribbean swing affords two). Even better: Disney Magic will be sailing two repositioning Panama Canal cruises in 2008 (15-night cruises); the August itinerary offers eight days at sea.
Best for Families with Mid-Range to Teenage KidsShip: NCL's Norwegian Pearl
Why? Norwegian Pearl sails bunches of different itineraries, from Caribbean and Alaska to trans-Canal, with two or three sea days each. Even the five-night Pacific Coast cruises offer two full days at sea.
What's Onboard: NCL's Freestyle concept has matured into a fleetwide staple; the ship offers 10 restaurants and 14 bars and lounges. That means that you can dine whenever you want at any of the restaurants, and aren't tied to traditional seating times. But that's just the beginning. There are six hot tubs, the splendid Tahitian pool, a kids' pool, a cool library, a stunning Mandara spa, a big casino and the first bowling alley at sea.
Lunching: Take your pick! We love the comfort food in the Blue Lagoon, where you can chomp into an old fashioned burger (complete with a made-to-order milkshake), snack on yummy Buffalo wings, or get a plate of macaroni and cheese or meatloaf just like Mom would have made if she weren't cruising.
Ideal Itineraries: Best bet for sea day aficionados is the ship's 14-night Panama Canal sailings (if sea days are what you want, though, avoid the Alaska itineraries ... there are two days at sea, but you'll be looking at the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay scenery anyway.)
Best for Multi-Generational Family Groups
Ship: Holland America's Noordam
Why? Noordam, which offers longer-than-a-week Caribbean cruises from Ft. Lauderdale, is the only 1,918-passenger, 82,500-ton Vista-class ship custom-built with "Signature of Excellence" features in its very architecture; the layout and programs were actually designed to appeal to families traveling together.
What's Onboard: The new, fabulous and well-used Culinary Arts Center (looking for all the world like a Food Network television set), which morphs in the evenings into the ship's movie theater, complete with popcorn. Holland America has partnered with Food and Wine magazine and features guest chefs aboard on certain sailings. There's also the incredible Explorations Cafe, "powered by the New York Times," with hundreds of books, iPod rentals, leather loungers with earphones, computer systems and Internet connections, a coffee and pastry bar, games and puzzles on loan ... it's the indoor pulse of the entire ship. For kids there's Club HAL and for teens, the parents-free Loft.
Ideal Itineraries: Any trip that's longer than the usual seven days will feature more sea days.
Best For PuristsShip: Cunard's Queen Mary 2
Why? Queen Mary 2 is the only ship around that offers regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic crossings.
What's Onboard: More to the point: Is there anything that Cunard forgot to include onboard the 151,400-ton, 2,620-passenger Queen Mary 2? Among the fabulous facilities for sea days are the magradome-roofed Pavilion solarium, the Canyon Ranch spa and a full-girth promenade. For more cerebral pursuits, the library is easily cruising's hugest (with a fantastic selection not to mention some lovely reading nooks); Illumination's is the ship's planetarium, and the ship features loads of lectures via a partnership with Britain's Oxford University.
Lunching: Head for Todd English, its alternative restaurant (reservations are key). For a more casual option, check out the British-influenced Golden Lion pub (order the fish and chips).
Ideal Itineraries: The six-night Atlantic crossings (between New York and Southampton) occur throughout the year.
Best For All-Around Entertainment for AdultsShip: Crystal Serenity
Why? Overall, Crystal offers the best blend of daytime diversions for adults -- and on Serenity, the fleet's newest ship, the most up-to-date facilities.
What's Onboard: Among the mind-stretching activities onboard the 68,000-ton, 1,080-passenger Crystal Serenity is the Creative Learning Institute. Through partnerships with companies like Yamaha, Berlitz, Tai Chi Cultural Center, the Parsons School of Design and the Society of Wine Educators, there are onboard lectures and demos on a variety of topics (from Chinese Brush Painting to African Dance). Crystal's Computers@Sea offers both an Internet cafe and a wide range of technology classes. Outside, the ship's two paddle tennis courts see lots of actions (from desultory exertions to hard-fought tournament matches).
Lunching: Crystal's "deck buffets" are the best anywhere and hew to themes, such as the Asia Cafe or the American Classic. On some voyages, the deck buffet will feature the cuisine of the region (the Mediterranean, for instance). Don't miss the elaborate themed teas in the Palm Court; these range from chocolate extravaganzas to the unique "Mozart Tea."
Ideal Itineraries: Crystal Serenity's World Cruise or its Los Angeles-to-Miami Panama Canal voyage. Beyond that, pick any voyage longer than a week -- Crystal is fantastic about choreographing a handful of sea days on even the most port-intensive itineraries.
Best for Utter Relaxation
Ship: Windstar's Wind Surf
Why? It's hard to beat a day at sea under sail!
What's Onboard: Other positives? The 14,745-ton, 308-passenger Wind Surf's low-key ambience means there are no "bingo begins now!" announcements. The ship has one of the best DVD libraries at sea (all cabins are equipped with DVD players), and iPod nanos are lent to the guests too, with in-cabin docks and a wide range of musical selections. On sea days, the WindSpa offers special fare, like LaTherapie facials, billed as a "non-surgical face lift" (sometimes they throw in an "eye collagen" special).
Ideal Itineraries: The Barbados northbound itineraries offer only one and a half sea days, but the sails are much more likely to be up in the Caribbean than in the Mediterranean. Wind Surf's siblings, the much smaller Wind Star and Wind Spirit, are also great choices for pure relaxation, but they don't have as much deck space with private nooks.
Best for Sightseeing While at SeaShip: Cruise West's Spirit of Oceanus
Why? At 4,500 tons and carrying 114 passengers, Spirit of Oceanus' best attribute is its small size, which lets it get up close and personal with shoreside nature, flora and fauna.
What's Onboard: Exploration Leaders spend days at sea offering a wide range of presentations and lectures. Also onboard is a library with a comprehensive collection of destination-oriented books (wildlife and history). Its size doesn't limit its onboard comforts -- it's an all-suite ship (some cabins have balconies), with a hot tub and sports deck, and great public spaces.
Ideal Itineraries: Try Spirit of Oceanus' coastal Alaska or Bering Sea itineraries.
Best for All-Day PartyingShip: Carnival Spirit
Why? Carnival Spirit offers the fleet's best blend of contemporary amenities and longish itineraries with a higher-than-average proportion of days at sea.
What's Onboard: The casino opens at 10 a.m. and horse racing on the lido deck begins an hour later. Pillow fighting and pool games commence at 1:30 p.m. Other examples of sea day fun include the men's "hairy chest" contest, calypso music and dancing, and a slot tournament. The best thing about this ship, though, is that if there's too much partying going on, you can find a quiet corner (and even a quiet pool!) to get away from it all, and the staterooms (all of them) are spacious and elegant.
Lunching: The Lido deck buffet offers international selections, a wok station, a deli counter, steak and chicken sandwiches -- plus burgers and dogs at the pool grill. And, of course, there are always Carnival's light-as-air pizza selections, made to order.
Ideal Itineraries: Aim for Carnival Spirit's seasonal Hawaii cruises, which cruise between North America's West Coast and Honolulu. A 12-night Hawaiian voyage from Vancouver or Ensenada to Honolulu offers five straight days at sea! Carnival Spirit also offers a handful of longer-than-a-week trips to the Mexican Riviera which feature additional sea days.
Best for Sports Enthusiasts
Ships: Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class series of ships, which include Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Why? Rock-climbing wall, rollerblading course, the FlowRider surf park, golf simulator, miniature golf, and an ice skating rink represent just the beginning on these ships, which really focus on fitness and recreation (check out our Trendwatch: Healthy Cruising feature). We also love the boxing ring and hot tubs cantilevered over the sea -- and the ships boast huge spa and fitness facilities.
What's Onboard: Each of the 154,407-ton, 3,634-passenger Freedom-class ships also has a huge, terraced main pool area. Inside, the highlight is the never-quiet Promenade for shopping, people-watching and pub-crawling.
Lunching: The line begins forming at Johnny Rockets (open at lunch only on sea days) about half an hour before the eatery even opens, though the recent implantation of a $4.95 cover charge has reportedly cut down on waiting time.
Ideal Itineraries: All offer itineraries with up to three sea days.
Best for Romance
Ship: Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Voyager
Why? It doesn't matter which type of accommodation you have in this all-suite, all-verandah luxury ship (although if you are booked in a Penthouse or above you get the services of a butler). Every suite is luscious, with elegant furnishings and plenty of space to spread out. The 46,000-ton, 700-passenger ship is just right for romantic evenings and lazy days.
What's Onboard: Although it hardly matters since you'll be cocooning in your luxury suite, the onboard options are surprising for a ship of this size. Entertainment selections range from production shows in the Constellation Theatre to torch songs in the Voyager Lounge. Want some cheek-to-cheek? Try the fabulous dance floor in the Horizon Lounge, where the moon might be peeking at you through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Of course there's a casino, and for fitness buffs a pool, whirlpool and workout room, but a couples massage in the Parisian Carita Spa might be just the ticket.
Lunching: Alas, the two specialty restaurants on Voyager are only open for dinner, but you can enjoy exquisite meals in the main dining room, Compass Rose, and the Lido deck cafe, La Veranda. You can, of course, "dine in" with an extensive 24-hour room service menu. And at dinner time, you can definitely enjoy Signatures, the only restaurant at sea operated under the auspices of Le Cordon Bleu, with a classical French menu, or Latitudes, which specializes in serving regional fare depending on your voyage. (Reservations for both of these restaurants are required.) And finally, you can have supper served course by course in your stateroom if you'd like, because on this ship and in these suites, you might not want to step out at all!
Ideal Itineraries: Atlantic crossings -- as the ship repositions between Europe and the Caribbean, are the best option. With seven sea days you should be able to try every menu option, have at least three massages, enjoy the entertainment and even squeeze in an educational lecture or cooking class during your romantic voyage.
The following deals are listed without taxes and fees, unless otherwise noted. While the most affordable departure city has been listed, others are available at varying prices.
Australia
These days you can explore the outback without denting your piggy bank. In fact, with several airlines offering flight sales, it's just as cheap to fly to Australia as it is to Europe. Plus, the exchange rate is even better than the euro once you land. For instance, a pint of beer will cost $7 in the U.K., but only $3 in Australia.
With the launch of Australia's new international airline V Australia, flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane start at $530 round-trip through December 15; other airlines have started to offer competitive prices as well.
Qantas has two different ways to save. The airline offers flights starting at just $530 round-trip from Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne for travel between August 2 and September 28 or between October 25 and December 6. You must book by April 21. If you're planning on traipsing about the country, the AirPass may be more your speed. The pass starts at $999, and includes round-trip airfare from the U.S., plus three domestic flights in Australia. Prices are based on seasonality and travel zones. You must book by April 30. Both sales have already been extended, so keep an eye out to see if this trend continues.
Not to be outdone, United has also offered an Australia sale, with flights starting at $778 round-trip traveling from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Sydney or Melbourne before September 21. No booking date has been released.
Qantas Vacations also makes it easy to save once you land by offering one-week walkabouts in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane starting at $699 for six-night's lodging, airport transfers, and some tours.
To help plan your trip after you land, visit Tourism Australia's website.
Tahiti
Some may see Tahiti as an unattainable paradise, only to be visited in one's dreams, but it's time to wake up and smell the savings. The pristine white beaches and crystal clear waters are within your reach, as several new sales have put Tahiti and the surrounding islands back on the budget-savvy map.
Air Tahiti Nui is offering two deals that will appeal to leisure and family travelers. The first is a Tahiti Quick Getaway sale on flights, which lists fares starting at $989 round-trip departing from Los Angeles to Papeete before May 31 or between November 1 and December 10. You must book by May 15. Flights in May typically cost about $1,300, so this is a considerable savings overall.
Next, you can take your little ones to the islands for free. The family vacation package starts at $3,396 per family, and includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles for two adults and two kids, five nights' stay at a resort, fuel surcharges, airport transfers, daily breakfast, and free meals for kids. The deal is available only on certain dates during the summer. In comparison, a trip for a family of four to Orlando in July, with round-trip tickets from Los Angeles and fivenights' hotel would cost about $2,012 without tickets to theme parks (about $902 extra for the entire family) or meals.
For further tips on how to save, what to do, and where to stay, visit Tahiti's tourism website.
Israel
If you thought you could never afford a trip to the Holy Land, think again. It's now possible to wander among ancient structures, hike along the Dead Sea, sleep in a Bedouin tent, or dive in the Bay of Eilat (the northernmost point in the world for coral reefs), without going broke.
Israel's international airline, El Al is offering spring flights starting at $803 from New York City to Tel Aviv for departures before June 19 and summer flights starting at $1,199 from New York City to Tel Aviv for travel between June 20 and August 19.
If you'd prefer to skip the headache of planning your own trip, you can book a nine-day guided tour through Friendly Planet starting at $2,199, which includes airfare, accommodations, some meals, all transfers and in-country transportation, a professional tour guide, fuel surcharges, and entrance fees. The tour begins in Tel Aviv and stops in Caesarea, Tiberias, Megiddo, Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Masada, and Jerusalem. Book by May 27 for extra savings. When you consider airfare alone will cost you close to half of this price, especially after you factor in taxes and fees, you are more than likely spending less than $200 per night.
For further information when planning your trip, visit the Israel Ministry of Tourism's website.
Bangkok
Bangkok has been on the radar as one of the more affordable Asian destinations, and the prices just continue to drop. Not only can you tour the Thai capital for less, but with an exchange rate heavily favoring the U.S. dollar, you can also eat and shop on the cheap as well. Now is the time to enjoy the tranquility of Bangkok as you find peace with how little you're spending.
United is offering a flight and hotel special starting at $989 from West Coast cities for travel between August 17 and October 25. The deal includes round-trip airfare, three-night hotel stay, and fuel surcharges. You must book by May 31. An individual round-trip flight in June from San Francisco will cost about $1,006, so this sale is well worth it.
Go-today.com has a similar offer with the Bangkok at its Best vacation package, which starts at $1,069 per person and includes round-trip airfare, five nights' hotel stay, daily breakfast, and fuel surcharges. Travel, however, is only valid from April 22 through May 28 (other varying prices are available for different dates), and you must book by May 7.
If you want to see the city and the surrounding areas, the real deal is with Gate1 Travel, where you can book a 12 Day Affordable Thailand package starting at $1,439 per person. The offer includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles; fuel surcharges; 10 nights' first-class accommodations in Bangkok, Phitsanulok, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai; entrance fees; tours; daily breakfast and one dinner; all transfers; motor coach transportation; and an English-speaking tour manager.
For further information on what to do or see, visit Thailand's tourism website.
Ireland
You may not initially equate Ireland with expensive travel, but summer flights across the Pond have cost a pretty farthing in previous years. This year, however, you can find low fares that will have you dancing a jig in no time. Not to mention that the euro is the lowest it has been in ages, meaning automatic savings when converting currencies.
Aer Lingus has summer flights starting at $488 per person round-trip from New York City. This sale expires on April 20, but Aer Lingus has extended or offered similar sales recently, so keep an eye out for future deals with this airline. Look for sales through different carriers, such as American Airlines, which has discounts on flights to Dublin from Chicago for travel through June 25. Book by May 1.
Go-today.com is making it even more affordable to see the Emerald Isle when you book their Fly and Drive vacation package by April 29. The package starts at $389 per person for travel from April 30 through May 15 and includes round-trip airfare from New York City to Dublin, a seven-day car rental, plus local tax and airfare surcharges, and unlimited mileage. You'll have to book hotels separately, but you can always save a bit extra by staying in a B&B. Most cost less than a hotel, offer a glimpse into the local culture, and come with a full breakfast.
Here are our editors' top picks for ways to save in Ireland after you land.
Alaska
With so few months of warm and sunny weather, it's not surprising that Alaska becomes a prime spot for tourists during the summer. Typically, however, the rise in visitors also means a rise in prices, but this year as the state celebrates the 50th anniversary of its statehood, you can find a slew of deals to make your visit worthwhile.
For instance, you can save more than 60% on an Alaskan cruise, such as Norwegian's seven-night Alaska and Sawyer Glacier cruise starting at $349 per person for an interior room during the summer months. The cruise departs from Vancouver, with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. This is only one of the many options of cruises that will allow you to see the natural beauty of the Klondike state from the comfort of a floating vessel. Holland America is also honoring the state's 50th by offering 50% off of cruises and cruise tours, such as the 12-day Discovery Cruise and Denali Adventure cruise tour, which starts at $1,229 per person for travel in July and August.
Other specials and discounts, including 50% off second-night stays at resorts and hotels, free train rides for those turning 50 this year, and discounts on hotel rates, can be found on the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau 50 Anniversary page. You can also discover what events are taking place and 50 different ways to explore the state while making your plans.
The Alaska Tourism Board has also released statewide specials, including discounts on packages and tours (two-for-one Princess Rail tickets in May and June), hotels, transportation, and activities. Plus, you will also find a plethora of anniversary deals here as well.
They're calling it epic, and now we know why.
Norwegian Cruise Line is taking a page from the Royal Caribbean playbook with its next cruise ship, the Norwegian Epic, by loading it with unusual and at times groundbreaking decktop amusements such as a massive water park, a rappelling wall and a 33-foot-high 'extreme' rock climbing wall.
The industry's perennial underdog, which is announcing the decktop areas today in an online news conference, long has promised the massive vessel would break new ground for the line in both size and features. The line already has announced the 4,200-passenger ship, scheduled to debut in May 2010, will boast such innovations as curve-walled cabins and an ice bar.
At 150,000 tons, the Epic will be 60% larger than the largest NCL ship now at sea, and the Aqua Park the line is announcing is a sprawling affair with three major water slides among other features.
In an unusual twist, one of the Aqua Park's water slides, designed specifically for children, will zip straight through the ship's rock climbing wall. A more adventurous slide will twist and turn down three stories, and the biggest slide, dubbed the Epic Plunge, is billed as the only tube slide at sea of its kind. Passengers on the Epic Plunge will ride inner tubes down a 200-foot long tube into a bowl where centrifugal forces will spin them high on the wall for several turns before they splash down.
The Aqua Park also will include two main pools with arching water effects that illuminate at night; five whirlpools; a wading pool and a children’s Splash and Play Zone that features a kid's pool, whimsical sculptures, water sprays and effects, along with a kiddie slide.
The repelling wall NCL plans for the ship is an industry first, and the rock climbing wall -- a concept pioneered by Royal Caribbean -- will be one of the biggest at sea and accessible from two levels.
NCL also is announcing the Epic will have bowling alleys -- something the line pioneered in the industry several years ago and now offers on two ships. The line is expanding on the idea, offering bowling in two lounge venues on the Epic.
The line also is announcing the Epic will have 14 eateries -- the most of any ship at sea (click HERE for more details on the newly announced dining options).
Currently under construction in Europe (click HERE for exclusive construction photos), the Epic is scheduled to sail in the Caribbean year-round after it debuts in the summer of 2010.
NCL originally ordered two Epic-sized ships for delivery in 2010, but earlier this year the line announced it had canceled one of the two orders with the shipyard, STX Europe. Epic now is the only NCL ship on order.
NCL says the ship will open for sale to the general public on May 20, when further details about its entertainment areas will be revealed.
