Cabin Pressure – Which One For Your Cruise?

For three, five, seven or however many days, the ship’s cabin will be your second home. Depending on your plans for rest and relaxation, you might want to give some thought to your choice of cabins. If you plan to be on the go, go, go and partake of all the ship has to offer, then pay for the cheapest cabin rate. After all, you will only be in your cabin to sleep and change your clothes. However, if you need to be alone and plan to huddle in your cabin at times, reconsider your options.

All cruise cabins are created for comfort with a sensible design where you can move with ease. Nonetheless, all cruise cabins are not the same. Your normal, average cruise ship cabin is going to be smaller that what you would find at some landlocked hotel. To compensate for the size, cruise lines spoil the passengers with mints on their pillows, shampoos, bath gel, fluffy robes and other amenities.

The cruise ship cabins were designed to make the best of the least amount of space possible. Sure some cabins have more room than others, but in any case, not a square inch is wasted. The cruise literature depicts a roomy cabin but that is just trick photography. The furnishings are utilitarian, but attractive. There is often a queen or king sized bed that could be broken down into twin beds if you were traveling with a companion other than a spouse or significant other. A closet or wardrobe is also in the cabin with a desk, bathroom, shower and chair. Depending on the size of your cabin, you might even have a little nook with a small couch and table.

Inside cabins tend to be the most economical. If you do not mind not having any windows or portholes to see outside, then this might be the choice for you. Inside cabins are usually about the same size as the outside cabins. It does tend to be darker when you have an inside cabin, so keep that in mind.

Outside cruise ship cabins have a window or a few portholes, which allow the sunshine to come into your cabin. If you are susceptible to claustrophobia and the thought of an inside cabin with no window gives you the shakes, book an outside cabin.

If enjoying the ocean views in the privacy of your own cabin is a must, consider booking an outside cabin with a balcony or terrace. This option is pricier, but it gives you a private view of the ocean with your own little deck.

If you have the expendable cash and want the “ooh-la-la” factor, consider the cruise ship suite option. Just picture the usual amenities along with some excess square footage. You definitely have room to maneuver! You’ll have extras like a mini-refrigerator and a private veranda.

The only thing about booking a cabin is that you cannot pick what part of the ship you want. You pay the going rate for the kind of cabin you want and hope for the best when it comes to its location like being near elevators or the bow are of the ship. If you are worried about seasickness, request a cabin on the lower decks. You may not be able to be accommodated, but it never hurts to ask. Just remember to keep in mind why you are on the cruise in the first place. Choose the best type of cabin for your needs and enjoy your cruising experience.

Read More

Brooklyn, New York Opens Its First Cruise Ship Port

In 2003, New York announced the grand opening of a new alternative port for cruise lines.  Because ports in Florida were becoming more and more crowded, additional docking facilities in interesting cities on the Eastern Seaboard were needed to provide cruise lines with a new home port.  The port has been wildly popular.  So much so that another has been added in nearby Brooklyn.

The Red Hook terminal in a neighborhood in Brooklyn opened in April 2006 and welcomed its first permanent resident, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 (formerly docked in Manhattan).  Located on the Buttermilk Channel, the Brooklyn terminal gave the first increase in New York cruise ship pier capacity in over 30 years.  With the likes of Cunard and Princess cruise lines as eager residents, the terminal has already become a success.  Most other major cruise lines have also assigned vessels to sail from Brooklyn.

Princess Cruise lines will launch the Crown Princess from the Brooklyn dock in June 2006 for a Caribbean cruise.  From June to October, Princess will offer numerous Caribbean tours, including calls on ports in popular destinations such as the Virgin Islands, Grand Turk and Jamaica.  Star Princess will begin cruises from Brooklyn in October 2006 visiting ports up and down the New England and Canadian seacoast.

But Brooklyn?  It doesn't seem like the most exciting location for a cruise ship port.  On the contrary.  While not normally publicized as a vibrant city with plenty to do, Brooklyn offers cruisers an opportunity to spend a few days in New York before or after their tour. 

Very similar to Manhattan, Brooklyn offers a trendy nightlife as well as diverse cultures and eclectic cuisine.  Bars, clubs and restaurants line the streets, offering a tremendous variety of options for visitors and locals alike. 

If culture is your thing, Chinatown is always a wonderful experience.  In addition, Flatbush offers the largest Caribbean population in the United States.  In either place, you'll delight in the authentic sights, sounds and tastes on every corner.

With spectacular views of many popular attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, the Red Hook terminal also offers exciting options for sightseers.  However, New York City is just a short cab ride away and opens a virtual treasure trove of attractions, shows, museums and affairs. 

Overall, Brooklyn offers greater value (with lower rates on hotels) and a central location, making it a wonderful choice for both vacationers and the cruise lines.  If New York is closer for you than Florida, or if you've been longing to visit the Big Apple, consider booking your next cruise from the Red Hook terminal in Brooklyn.  Your travel agent will have a complete listing of which cruise lines sail from Red Hook and the destinations available.

Read More

Bring a Fraternity and Sorority Together with a Great Formal on a New York Yacht

One of the many highlights of Greek life is the ubiquitous formal, when fraternities and sororities gather to mix, form friendships and share memorable times. Instead of renting out a hall, hiring a caterer, arranging for bar service, finding a DJ or band, and all the other necessities that go along with planning such a huge event, consider letting someone else handle all of the details with a luxurious cruise around New York.

Let fully-licensed and accredited captains-certified by the Coast Guard-handle the driving all night long, while you put your feet up with a drink or stay on your feet all night long on the dance floor. Enjoy some of the finest DJs and bartenders the Big Apple has to offer and just let the night take its own course without any worries or concerns.

Take that special acquaintance out on one of the outdoor decks for a stroll under the stars. Grab her hand and take her for a spin on the dance floor or sit down quietly with a drink from the bar and get to know each other better. However you prefer to pursue new friendships, you'll have the opportunity to do just that while you cruise around New York.

From Ellis Island to South Street Seaport, from Governor's Island to Chelsea Piers, from New York Harbor to the East River, you'll see all the amazing sights that New York has to offer. Make sure your next fraternity/sorority formal is one for the books with an affordable, all-inclusive cruise!

Marco Polo Cruises understand the value of having a courteous, professional crew that will ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. We'll bring you all the incredible views of New York-all you have to do is relax!

Learn more about how to set up a fantastic fraternity and sorority formal by clicking around our Web site. Call us at 1-212-691-6693 to find out more about our services.

Read More

Booking A Cruise Vacation

Cruises are the most versatile of vacations no matter what your age. Not only that, it's a great way to bring the whole family but still have time alone with your spouse while the kids-only activity coordinators take charge of your children's fun.

The first step to putting together a great cruise vacation is to find yourself a travel agency that specializes in cruises, or to book directly through a cruise vacation Internet site.

Before you contact the travel agent though you need to determine when you're going, where you're going and from which port you'll depart and to which you'll return.

There are some seasonal rules of thumb about your destination. If you're limited in the time of year you can get away then you're also somewhat limited in your destination. You can't, for instance, cruise the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska any time during the summer. Europe has about the same seasonal restriction as well. If you're planning on heading out in the spring or fall you might want to consider an excursion up and down the Panama Canal. Just about any time of year, including the winter, you can cruise to Asia or the Caribbean.

Determine who is going to go with you. Knowing if children or seniors will be a part of your vacation group will effect which trip offers the best choices of entertainment for your party. In fact, it's best to gather everyone together, or conduct a phone or e-mail discussion of what everyone wants to do. You need to know if crafts are important; how many are going to lounge by the pool; who wants to get off and explore at the first land stop; who prefers exotic locations and who'd rather just play shuffleboard.

The size of the ship can be important as well. Larger ships have a vast variety of entertainment options, such as dancing and stage shows, although smaller ships may provide a lower guest to staff ratio, and thus more personal attention to your needs.

Know how much you and the others can spend. If money is a critical factor look for discounts for booking early, or starting out on a different day or different week from your original request. Staying flexible can save you considerable money. Ask about port fees as well. These are not usually included in the quoted cruise cost and may cost you dearly. You'll also be expected to tip room stewards and wait staff.

If you're not going as a large group and you might be interested in getting to know your fellow passengers then be sure and inquire about the usual demographics of these travelers. If you're 20 something and it's a baby boomer cruise you're apt to be bored. If you bring your grade schoolers and most of the other kids are in their teens they won't have enough playmates and you'll be their entertainment for the extent of the cruise.

One very important inquiry to make of your travel agent as well is the formality of the cruise that you're considering. If you show up with a suitcase full of swimsuits, shorts and sunscreen only to find out formal dress is required at dinner you're going to be embarrassed or hungry the entire excursion.

Read More