5 Must-See Sights on a Luxury Baltic Cruise

The Baltic may not be the cruise location that immediately pops to mind, however a trip to the Baltic region is well worth considering for a luxury trip with a difference. For fascinating cultural experiences, and some of Europe's most beautiful cities, the Baltic states are perfect. There is so much to do and so many sights to see that you may feel rushed to see it all. Here is a list of 5 must-see sights in the cities of the Baltic that will hopefully make your time off the ship as luxurious and relaxing as your time on it.

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

The iconic statue can be found in Langelinie, a beautiful pier, promenade and park very close to the city centre. It is based on the fairytale by local Danish legend Hans Christian Andersen, where the mermaid is willing to give up her life in the sea for the love of a human man. As a symbol of the achievements of Danish literature, it is well worth a visit.

Suomenlinna in Helsinki

A visit to what was once the greatest sea fortress in the Baltic is a short ferry ride away, but is a spectacular sight to see. Catacombs and old fortifications mix with restaurants and grounds that are excellent for picnics, making a trip to Suomenlinna the ideal place for a taste of Finnish history.

The Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg

The centre of St Petersburg is home to many UNESCO world heritage sites, and this is one of the best. The Hermitage itself is a wonderful piece of architectural work, and inside you can find priceless paintings by the likes of Da Vinci, Michealangelo and Rembrandt. The museum is home to over 3 million pieces from across the globe so there is plenty to see.

The archipelago in Stockholm

The natural beauty of the Swedish city should not go unappreciated. The city itself is made up of 14 islands connected by around 50 bridges, and this kind of landscape continues with the archipelago which is made up of around 24,000 islands. This makes for great fun in the form of island hopping and ferries can take passengers all round the archipelago.

The Medieval Old Town in Tallinn

Tallinn is famous for its historical centre which is filled with cobbled streets and medieval houses, wonderfully preserved for a capital city. More modern buildings occur alongside the Old Town but the 15th-17th buildings remain intact in a compact area easily explored by foot. Sipping a cup of coffee and watching the world go by in Raekoja Plats, the medieval square, is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

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The Dream Travel Experience: Not Just for One, But for Everyone!

I know a lot of people who would like to travel to different destinations around the world. It is anticipated that with different people come different interests. For example there are those who want to travel to go sightseeing and widen their circle of friends, and there are others who do so simply because they want to explore different mouth-watering cuisines on different settings. However, there always seems to be a concern. One would love to have the privilege of pursuing this interest at a very convenient price, yet they may not have ideas in mind.

Well, let me give you some options that you may find interesting - destinations that will give you a journey that you and your folks would never forget. Let me start with the Disney Cruise Line. This would give you the chance to enjoy a delightful dining experience in any of the ship's grand restaurants such as Remy and Palo if you are into adult exclusive dining, Pinocchio's Pizzeria if you love eating pizza, and Beach Blanket Buffet for those who want to munch on hamburgers, wraps, and grilled chicken and a whole lot more.

If you are looking for another option, say you want to avail of beverage packages, you may want to consider a Royal Caribbean Cruise. You can take advantage of the wine packages where you can save up to twenty five per cent off on multi-bottle Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Wine Package. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, you may consider juice packages where you can have up to twenty five per cent discount on Minute Maid bottled juice packages. For soda lovers, you can have unlimited refills on a particular branded fountain product in venues such as the Windjammer Café and the Main Dining Room. You won't regret availing of this package since this includes getting a souvenir cup worth keeping!

What about if we give you another excellent suggestion, say the Princess Cruises? Here you have quite a handful of choices like ultimate balcony dining if you want to be surrounded by spectacular views while taking pleasure in a romantic meal, casual dining options if you like sipping an afternoon tea with cookies, pastries, and white-glove service, or you may consider poolside options if you want to take pleasure in eating cooked-to-order hamburgers, hot dog from the grill, or hand-tossed pizza.

Now that you have information on choices that are available and convenient, you may now want to search for and gather helpful information regarding a wide selection of travel agencies, and talk with one that would provide you with not just one, two or three options but can also offer you a wide variety of dining options to choose from. Once you have finalized your travel plans, you may now be on your way to having a fine drink and dine experience. So who says traveling is very expensive? Travel nowadays need not be a burden but instead of a memorable and awe-inspiring experience. Lush travelling can now be accessible to all!

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Budget Cruising - What Other Extra Fees to Plan For

Cruising on a Budget... Second in a two-part series.

Now that we have saved for months and made final payment on our dream cruise vacation, we should continue our saving efforts to cover some other expenses that exist when taking a cruise. These extra optional expenses include:

Shore Excursions Alcoholic Drinks Spa Services Photos Casino and Bingo Specialty Restaurants Specialty Coffee and Deserts

Potentially the largest of these added expenses can be the Shore Excursions. As appealing as it may sound to be zip-lining over the jungle canopy or swimming with dolphins, shore excursions come with a hefty price tag. Shore excursions are an optional expense.

In many of the ports visited by cruise ships, it is quite easy to embark on your own walking tour of the port area and window shop. You can come and go from the cruise ship as often as you like. Stroll through the port town visiting historical sites in the morning then make your way back to the ship for lunch and head back out after lunch for some window shopping. It is very easy to do in many ports.

If you are considering a shore excursion, the cruise line will have a link on their site to the available tours offered for your cruise and the prices for each tour. Knowing the cruise line pricing you can then shop around the internet to compare pricing for tours offered by independent operators. Generally, there are some nice cost savings by booking through the independent tour operators than by booking through the cruise line.

If you find an adventure that you absolutely can't miss and you choose to book an excursion the most important issue to consider is whether you book through the cruise line or directly with an independent tour provider. When you book directly with your cruise line, in addition to the usually higher price tag, you also have the assurance that if, for any reason your cruise line excursion does not make it back to the pier in time for the ship departure, they will wait for you or make arrangements to get you to the ship in the next port (rare).

When you book directly with a tour operator, the cruise line has no idea where you may be or when you may return to the ship. If your private tour fails to return to the pier in time for the ship departure they will not wait. Catching up to the ship or returning to the home port will be on your dime. Yes, you can save a nice amount of money booking an excursion independently but if you do, you need to make sure you give enough time to get back to the ship perhaps with an extra buffer in the event something goes wrong.

Do some internet research of the tours available in the ports you will visit. Some tour operators make a guaranty that guests will be returned to the ship in time. However, if you are hesitant in any way you probably should book with the cruise line. You're on a dream vacation. No room to add stress about missing your ship.

Alcoholic Drinks are likely the second largest added cost behind shore excursions. The bar tab can sneak up on you if you are not attentive to your purchases. The pricing is very similar to your local bar at home and buying a drink here and there along the length of your cruise could suddenly add another $100 or more to your final tab. Granted many will say you don't need to drink to have a good time which is so true, however, a specialty cocktail on sail away here and there is part of the cruise experience. Sitting on a lounge chair enjoying the view and sipping an umbrella shaded tropical concoction is an image that many who dream of cruising associate with cruise relaxation.

If you do decide to have a few drinks, there are ways to lessen the overall cost. If you are beer drinkers and will consume a few beers over the course of the day, many cruise lines offer a bucket of beer (4 - 6) for about $0.50 off of the single beer purchase price per bottle. On many lines this bucket is only offered at the pool side bars but you can ask that the bar wait staff only open one beer at a time and keep the others on ice in your bucket. If you don't finish the bucket before you need to return to your cabin you can bring your bucket with you. The cabin steward will refresh the ice in your bucket if asked.

Another way to reduce your beer bar tab is to take advantage of the bars at the ports of call. The large chain bars do not offer as much of a cost savings as a smaller local bar would. On your way back to the ship, if you have given enough time, stop in and pay $2 for a beer rather than $5 to $6 on the ship. After a day of window shopping in a tropical climate it can be relaxing to just sit and people watch over a cold beer.

The specialty drinks are more difficult to save on. Occasionally one of the ship bars may have a "Drink of the Day" special for a dollar off but it is not usually advertised. Some ships may have an unpublished happy hour in the lobby or atrium bars that offers an afternoon special for an hour or two. Mixed drinks can also be found with much better pricing at one of the port bars if you have left enough time to sit and enjoy on your way back to the ship.

If you enjoy wine, some cruise lines allow passengers to carry-on one or two bottles per adult. Be aware though that if you bring the bottle to the dining room they may want to charge you a corkage fee, usually around $15. No worries, your cabin will be equipped with a couple water glasses. Pour your own glass and carry it with you to dinner.

The SPA Services such as a massage, skin treatment or nails treatment all come with additional cost. While they may be nice services to indulge in, plan to spend as much as 50% more than the same service at a high quality salon in your home town. If you are patient, many times these services will have specials on days that the ship is in a port or for certain times during sea days when they need to drum up business.

Another alternative is a beach massage. Some ports in Mexico and the Caribbean have people who set up for massages at the more popular beaches. If you come across these the prices are substantially lower than a similar massage on the ship and you can negotiate your price.

There will be cruise line Photo personnel ALL OVER the place especially on formal/elegant nights. On many ships the photographers set up a gauntlet that guests have to navigate to get to the Main Dining Room (MDR) on the formal/elegant night. Have fun with it and have a lot of pictures taken. It costs nothing to have the pictures taken. There will be a gallery set up on the ship where you can view the photos the next day. The frame sized picture will cost you about $22 to purchase. Honestly, if it is the first cruise ever, you may want to purchase one picture, possibly the embarkation photo but beware of all the other photos and the cost to purchase them.

The casino and the bingo games certainly can be exciting but they also can cost you quite a bit. The casinos make it very easy to simply tap into your on-board account to play these games. Twenty here and twenty there you can easily be in the hole for $100 before you know it, chasing that next winning slot pull or that next big hand at cards. So many more people lose than win at any casino and the odds are no better at sea. Bingo is seemingly a simple game but will cost you up to $25 per play. Some cards have three games on them depending on the cruise line. Yes it can be fun but the odds are against you winning.

Very common in today's cruise industry is the Specialty Restaurant. Your cruise fare pays for all your meals in the buffet and the MDRs but does not cover the Specialty Restaurant ($25 to $35 per person). These restaurants, similar to a fine restaurant in your home town offer a full five course meal that is a notch above the best that the MDR will offer. If you do choose this added cost, check with the cruise line about reserving your spot. Occasionally, some cruise lines will offer a complimentary bottle of wine for reservations on the sail away night. If you are going to do it, you may as well get the most out of it, right?

Another common feature lately is the Specialty Coffee and Specialty Desert shops. These specialty coffees and lattes and what have you with an assortment of specialty desert items are another added cost, like the local Starbucks. Smells good, looks good, but do you really need it? Some coffee drinkers state that the regular free coffee available in the buffet and the MDR is not very good while others say that the coffee is decent. It is a personal opinion of the coffee drinker.

As you have seen, there are many opportunities for the cruise lines to tap into your budget when you are on your cruise. Once your dream cruise has been paid in full it is possible to NOT INCUR ANY added costs if you choose not to indulge in these extra offerings. On the contrary you can also see how your final tab can add up to be quite a hefty bill if not watched closely. If these add-on costs sound like things that you may want to have when on your cruise, continue your savings plan all the way up to your embarkation. You can have that dream cruise of a lifetime and you do not have to go into debt for years to pay it off when you plan and save ahead.

BON VOYAGE

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What to Pack for a Cruise

Going on a cruise is such an awesome experience. There are many things that will surely make you happy when you go on a cruise. Being on a boat that has all the modern luxuries and visiting exotic places guarantee that you will truly have a great time. This is the main reason why many people save up for many years in order to be able to afford a trip on a cruise. Because of the hard work that you put in, you really should prepare for your cruise properly. This means packing everything you need. This ranges from medicines, clothing to great electric razors like the Panasonic ES-LA93-K or the Norelco 1250x. Here are some of the things you should not forget to pack when you are on a cruise.

Medicine

If you have a special medical condition, it is highly recommended that you pack enough medicine for the cruise. Even if you do not need it, it is still better to pack it just to be safe. For example, if you are diabetic, then you better bring enough insulin to last you the whole trip. Do not think that you can just buy anywhere when you run out. Running this risk is not a wise move.

Clothing

Make sure that you pack enough clothing for the appropriate weather of your destination. If your cruise takes you to tropical islands, then you should pack enough tropical clothes. Shorts, light shirts and sandals are the wardrobe of choice. Just bring a spare pair of pants and winter clothing to wear when you return home.

Guidebook

A big part of going on a cruise is visiting different countries. In order to maximize your travel experience, you should pack a guidebook to read up on the next island you will be visiting. You can read the guidebook while you are in between islands. This will be a great way to pass the time and you will fully maximize your visit once the cruise reaches the island.

Memory cards

If you have a camera, then it is highly expected that you will be taking a lot of pictures during the cruise. In order to make sure that you do not lose any important record of your experience, you should bring enough memory cards. Every time you fill up a card with pictures, you can just load up another card. When you return home, you can sort through the pictures and have a great time.

Electric Razors

In order to look your best every day, it is highly recommended that you pack quality electric razors. This will ensure that you will be able to shave your stubble every morning and look great throughout the entire cruise.

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Cruise In Style

Cruising is a great way to travel, as you can visit many different places and still have the comfort and ease of sleeping in one place. Millions of people a year choose cruising as their preferred type of travel and with that choice comes the decision of what to pack! The thought of what to pack can be overwhelming for some, especially for those traveling long distances. In the day and age where luggage is no longer free, making good choices of what makes the cut for the trip is vital. Cruise ships usually provide some information on what to bring in terms of formal wear. However, they do not really go into specifics and never mention anything about cosmetics; a very important part of packing for most women.

Take the stress out of packing so all you're thinking about before you leave home is lying on a beautiful sandy beach. Here are 5 easy tips on how to pack for that long awaited vacation.

1.Versatility -- Most people who go on a cruise will be going from the beach to souvenir shops to lunch. Be sure then to pack a couple of bathing suits, 3 or 4 depending on the length of the cruise. Most importantly, pack several cover ups such as cute dresses or tunics. This way you can take your look from beach to sophisticated shopper in seconds. Bringing a hat such as a fedora is also a great accessory so you don't have to worry about having windy beach hair.

2. Multipurpose -- Nights are a vital part of the cruising, since that is the time when most of the eating and partying occurs. Remember to pack some basics such as black tailored pants and non-patterned skits. That way you can reuse the bottoms and just change out the tops. Bringing a neutral colored cardigan for night will also be useful, as the dining rooms can sometimes be chilly.

3.Hydrate your skin -- In terms of cosmetics, bringing a great moisturizer is key. After spending hours in the sun, skin will tend to get dry and red. Having the right moisturizer will be the tool to keeping your skin looking fresh and youthful and add that perfect base for applying makeup.

4. All-in-one cosmetics kits -- When it comes to makeup, make sure not to over pack and just remember to bring the essentials. "Having an all in one makeup kit would be the most desirable cosmetics piece to bring on a cruise," states Mari Vivace, CEO and President of Inspiration Cosmetics. "Try to find something that includes 3 eye shadows, 1 blush, 1 blush glow, 1 foundation/press powder, 1 lip liner and 1 eye pencil. Having that all in one power kit takes the hassle out of packing all those products individually and adding weight to your suitcase."

5. Purse-size items -- Finally, having a product that can be used for duel purposes is crucial to have. A product such as a three in one stick for cheeks, lips and eyes will be great to have in your beach bag or in your clutch so that you can freshen up at any time.

So don't stress anymore about packing just follow these 5 tips and you'll be ready to cruise in style.

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New Disney Cruise Ports and Itineraries for 2013 Have Been Revealed

Disney Cruise Line recently released its 2013 schedule and it includes new ports and itineraries. Travelers planning a cruise next year should learn more about these and reserve their spots so they do not miss out on the fun. With such amazing destinations and additional convenient ports, 2013 should be the best year yet for this fun cruise line!

New Disney Cruise Itineraries

Travelers who enjoy Europe will love the expanded Disney Cruise Line portfolio for 2013. Included in the new destinations are the Greek Isles and Venice, Italy. Schedule highlights include Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona including four, seven, and 12-night options. Included in the new 12-night sailings are the destinations of Venice, the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, Ephesus in Turkey, and Athens and other Greek Isles.

Passengers will travel on the Disney Magic ship, exploring amazing cities and immersing themselves in diverse cultures. Destinations feature mild climates and exposure to beautiful islands drenched by the sun. With the Mediterranean Sea on all sides, passengers will be surrounded by breathtaking blue as the amenity-laden ship navigates to its destinations. Double occupancy rates for standard inside staterooms begin at $796 for four-nights, $1,015 for seven-nights, and $2,244 for 12-nights, per person.

New Port-Of-Call!

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will be deporting from Miami. Three, four, and five-night cruises will be available to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas. Included in the ports of call are Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Key West, and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship will also stop at Castaway Cay, a private Disney island in the Bahamas. The Walt Disney Company spent $25 million to develop Castaway Cay, which was where Tom Hanks first spotted Daryl Hannah in the movie Splash.

Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruise ships will sail from Miami, taking passengers through the azure waters to warm, sandy beaches and exotic shopping locations. Three night cruises cost as little as $609 per person, rates for four-night-cruises begin at $500 per person, and five-night cruise rates begin at $575 for person, based on double occupancy, for a standard inside stateroom.

Speaking of cruise ships, if you have not seen the new Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream ships, check them out online. These vessels are equipped with all the amenities and comforts of home. This is just one more way the Disney Line is making 2013 the year to travel. Make your reservations now because 2013 is just around the corner.

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Cruising For The First Time - Not Sure About It?

This time I'm going to tell you all the good things about cruising:

1. You visit lots of places without any effort on your part 2. You don't pay for expensive accommodation every night 3. You can have any amount of food as you want 4. You can visit the theatre almost every night to see top shows

The idea that you visit lots of places is true. The fact that you rarely get more than eight or so hours to do so will either whet your appetite for a further visit, or make you pleased that you are moving on to a different place within a day or so. Sometimes a quick explore is just enough.

Don't expect to do everything in the limited time available. You don't even have to leave the ship, (it can be nice and quiet if you don't) although I always think that this is such a waste. You may never visit the place again, so why not give it a go?

Just one caution, sometimes the nearest city is a bus ride away from the port. This can sometimes be a long trip there and back, eating into the eight hours that you have, so you may feel rushed!

The cabins onboard may be simple and slightly small, but as I spend so little time in them, I always go for the cheaper 'inside staterooms'. Also, rooms with balconies rarely interest me as I can always find a good vantage point on one of the upper decks. Your accommodation is basic, but still comfortable and relatively cheap per night if you compare it against a hotel!

A lot of people go on cruises just for the food and the fact that they can be waited on for most meals. For the main meals there may be a dress code on certain days, which involves formal clothes such as suits and dresses. There will always be alternate burger bars that you can go to where this will not be the case! Meals very rarely have inclusive drinks especially alcoholic ones.

The theatre is not mentioned much on a cruise, but I know that you can get superb performances that rival London West End Shows. Your theatre entertainment can become part of your regular activities and is a great way of winding down after a long day. Alcoholic drinks are sold everywhere on board all day, even in the theatre.

So there it is, just a few things to think about.

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What Should You Wear On Your Disney Cruise?

I recently got back from the most amazing Disney cruise onboard the Disney Fantasy. The number one question I was asked before we sailed was, "What should I wear while onboard?" While requirements vary among cruise lines, here's what you will need for your Disney Cruise:

During The Day

During the day shorts, t-shirts and flip flops are the rule for your Disney cruise. Whatever you would normally wear during the summer is fine -- even in the restaurants. You will want to make sure you have a pair of comfortable shoes for any shore excursions as well as a cover-up for the pool.

Dinner

Dinner on a Disney Cruise is generally a "cruise casual" affair. This means pants, collared shirts, sundresses and the like. Some passengers choose to dress up a bit more. Shorts, swimsuits and tank tops are not allowed. Dress at Palo and Remy is more formal with more stringent requirements.

Most cruises offer a theme night and either a dress-up or formal night. While the dress code each night will be in your Navigator newsletter, here's what you can expect on your Disney cruise:

On 3-night cruises:

One cruise casual night-no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

One pirate or tropical night (deck party)

One "dress-up night"-jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

On 4-night cruises:

First night: cruise casual-no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

One pirate or tropical night (deck party)

One "dress-up night"-jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

Final night: cruise casual-no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

On 7-night cruises:

First night: cruise casual-no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

Three additional "cruise casual" nights-no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

One pirate or tropical night (deck party)

One formal and one semi-formal night-formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for women: gown or dress; semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket; for women: dress or pantsuit.

Dress code at Palo on all cruises:

Men: dress pants and shirt or jacket

Women: dress or pantsuit

Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes

Dress code at Remy on all cruises:

A tuxedo or jacket (sports or suit jacket) is required with dress pants for men. Ties are optional.

A cocktail dress, pant suit or skirt/blouse is required for women.

Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

One other thing to remember when packing for your Disney cruise is that storage space is limited. Try to pack items that you can wear more than once.

Bon Voyage!

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Safety Precautions to Take When on a Cruise

Cruising is one of the finest experiences of life. It's that part of living when you forget everything in gusto of watching inimitable beauties of oceanic waters, waterfronts and untouched surroundings. The mood of seafaring gets doubled if you are on family trip or with your childhood friends. Many people finish whole life in planning a lifetime Malaga cruise exploration, but some get a chance to experience it. In the frame of mind, they don't take preliminary precautions, which can bring them in danger.

Checkout what are safety precautions which everyone should follow to stay away from any kind of mishap. During safety instructions on a cruise, you shouldn't divert your mind anywhere; in fact pay attention at the muster drill where travellers are instructed on evacuation plans at some stage in emergencies. In case something happens, don't worry and behave like a sound mind, immediately wear your life jacket and rush to your muster station. Always keep a scan of passport and other documents in your mobile or iPad, which can be easily accessed from anywhere if anything is lost and also give a copy to relatives and friends so that they can help you in urgent situation. Never neglect travel warnings, which are advised during unsafe conditions.

One big blunder most of the travellers do is that they give small attention to travel insurance, which is very essential if you are planning a Malaga cruise trip with your family. Travel covers a number of things like trip interruption, baggage loss and medical expenses. Before you buy travel insurance, you should pay attention to the kind of policy and what things it covers. Give a recheck to your health insurance if you are going outside. This will keep you away from the worries of getting medical attention in abroad. Make sure that cruise line has high standards of medical facilities. Doctors are appropriately licensed so that you and your family are in safe hands. Before you board on the cruise, carry all prescribed medicines so that you can take when you feel sick or these medicines will help other medical staff, when they will take care of you. Always travel in group and not carry valuables; in fact limited cash will be enough. Pay attention to small things and make your journey forever alive.

The port of Malaga is ideally connected with different transport modes like the Malaga railway station and the Malaga Bus Station. The "Palmeral de las Sorpresas" which means palm garden of surprises is especially constructed for travellers to ease them during long journey. Just book flights to Malaga before you plan a Malaga cruise tour. This will help you reach the Malaga's port easily. Explore city's attractions, landmarks and milestones like the Malaga's Cathedral, the Gibralfaro Castle and the Torremolinos Beach, etc.

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Manaus Brazil Amazon Trips - Introducing Manaus

Manaus is the largest city in the Amazon and it is a strange pocket of refinement amidst the jungle. The city also acts as the major port for ocean vessels and it is located at a distance of about 1500 kms from the ocean. It has nearly half of the population of Mongolia; however as a tourist, you should not be surprised to feel little out of whack. The city is filled with genuinely rewarding sites, inclusive of leafy zoo and the museum and the beach combo of the city can make the tourists feel out of the city center. There are many tour operators based on this city and there are scammers as well and therefore travelers should be careful in selecting the right tourism organizations arranging for Manaus Brazil Amazon trips.

Trip organizers are offering trips to this wonderful city under different packages and cruise ships are also operated by these service providers. The travelers are at liberty to choose between luxurious trips and economical trips according to their budget. It is better to opt for early morning trips in such a way that tourists can get enough time to enjoy as much time as possible in the water. Early morning trips will also enable the tourists to get sight of the local and international boat traffic plying in the waters, which will be a great sight to enjoy. During the trips, if the tourists wish, they can transfer to smaller vessels if they are interested in getting into the jungles for getting sight of some different creatures.

Tourists can make their base camp at the city of Manaus and this will enable them to explore fishing in two major rivers of the city namely Rio Solimoes and Rio Negro. Even though, the two rivers are flowing together, the difference in their colors will be clearly visible for several miles. The former river has a pale brown color because of the glacial silt and sand flowing into the river and the latter river has a dark yet clear color as it carries little sediments. They merge with each other and continually offer their beautiful view to the visitors.

Day fishing at Manaus can be a great experience for fishing enthusiasts and they will sure enjoy, particularly when they take up tours with organizations arranging for one-day trip to this city. So, select the best tourist organization offering Manaus Brazil Amazon Trips and make your trip memorable for your lifetime.

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Tips For Helping You Choose The Best Vacation Cruise Line

Nothing compares to the sound of the sea while relaxing on the deck of an ocean liner. Many travelers look forward to this kind of relaxation and many other activities while on a vacation cruise. Choosing the best cruise line for your traveling expectations is important for you and your family to most enjoy your trip.

Several travel agencies can offer you great information about cruise lines. Before you begin looking for one. Consider the kind of cruise you would like to go on the most. Some people choose this type of vacation as a romantic adventure while others may be looking for exploration destinations.

The cruise best for your while family means you might need to consider one that will provide plenty of fun for the kids. When the kids get bored, parents have fewer chances of enjoying their time on the open sea. Some cruise lines have special activities for kids. Learning more starts with you exploring your traveling options with a professional and experienced travel agency.

If you have a special destination in mind, you should make sure to choose the cruise line that includes it specifically. You certainly do not want to choose a cruise that goes to an area that is just near the one you want to visit. The chances of you being able to actually visit that particular area may be slim if the ship's itinerary is on short notice for that land stop.

You may have a theme cruise in mind, so finding just the right is important. Maybe you love to paint or play racquetball. Selecting the a cruise that offers these types of activities is important for your total enjoyment. Consider as well the time a ship is at sea as opposed to being in port.

Planning ahead for a cruise is best to enhance your chances of having a great trip. You should learn more about the kind of clothing you may need to pack. Check out the information provided by a cruise line about whether or not a medical infirmary is in place on the ship you may be on, especially if you or someone traveling with you has a medical condition.

Many cruises are available for you to choose from and making the right choice means you doing your research. Talk to a professional at a travel agency about the adventure you would like to go on. You might also consider learning more by visiting online travel agencies.

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Did You Know Disney Cruises Go To Canada and the New England Coast?

A Disney cruise along the coast of New England to two Canadian ports is the perfect late summer vacation. However, travelers must act quickly because there are limited departures throughout September. Sail from New York City and marvel at the beautiful New England coastline as you journey to the small fishing villages and historic sites of the seaside Canadian cities to be explored.

Canada and New England Coast Cruise Itinerary and Ship Details

This five-night cruise departs from port in New York City. After sailing north along the coastline of New England for a day, the ship reaches Canada. The first stop is Halifax, Nova Scotia, which offers breathtaking scenery and plenty of historical sites to visit. Saint John, New Brunswick, is stop number two and is filled with local heritage. After exploring these North Atlantic harbor cities, guests will be ready for a relaxing day at sea before reaching the home port.

The 2,400-passenger Disney Magic has a cruising speed of 21.5 knots, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery. Accommodations include standard inside staterooms, ocean view staterooms, and staterooms with verandahs designed to provide up-close views of the surroundings. Cruise fare includes selected accommodations, dining, entertainment, select onboard activities, and fun character experiences.

Information About the Canadian Ports of Call

Halifax is a university town and metropolis but this municipality in Nova Scotia also features beautiful parks with peaceful walking trails. Halifax is located on the shore of one of the largest natural harbors in the world. This North Atlantic municipality offers art galleries, museums, and plenty of water-based activities.

Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in Canada and home to the oldest farmer's market and museum in the country. Situated on the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River divides it, creating a unique phenomenon. Called reversing falls, the prevailing current of the river reverses itself against the normal water flow during high tide, creating rapids. Travelers can stroll the waterfront, visit a museum detailing local heritage, shop in art galleries and boutiques, and enjoy delicious cuisine.

This Disney cruise vacation offers a glimpse of both contemporary and traditional Canada. Travelers will love having full days to explore Halifax and Saint John. They will also take advantage of the two days at sea by relaxing on deck, taking in the onboard entertainment, joining ship parties, and marveling at fireworks. There could not be a better late summer vacation!

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Top 5 Places to Visit When Cruising the Danube River

Danube is the second longest river in Europe and it has been a major transport connection between European countries for centuries. Nowadays, you could fully explore the beauty of this enchanting river with a cruising ship. Many beautiful European cities lie on this river and all of them have what to offer for keen tourists. If you are pondering over where to go on a cruise, don't take a decision before you see these five things that you can see on a cruise alongside the Danube River.

1. Vienna - When you think of Vienna, you can't avoid thinking of Mozart - perhaps the greatest composer in our history. Although he was born in Salzburg, he has spent two and a half years of his life in this residence (he has spent a total of ten years in Vienna), named after him - Mozarthaus. It is now a museum which reflects his lifestyle while he has lived in Vienna. Each floor of the house is dedicated to a different part of his life. One floor, for instance, is entirely dedicated to his music and inspirations. In one of the rooms in this house, he has written the "Marriage of Figaro" piece, one of his famous works. A visit to the museum will cost you €9 or €7 for visitors under 14.

2. Vienna - Stephansdom is a Gothic cathedral which lies in the very center of Vienna. It is one of the most beautiful buildings from the Romanesque style movement. It has undergone many extensions during its history, the most prominent being when it was extended westwards in between the years 1230 - 1245. In the XV century construction of two towers began, but the work on the north one had been abandoned in 1511. The main point of interest in the interior is the pulpit, which was built in 1513, for which Anton Pilgram has been long accredited. The cathedral had been severely damaged during WWII, but a decade later restored. Now it is one of the main architectural landmarks in Vienna, attracting millions of tourists.

3. Bratislava - The old town of Bratislava is an underdog when it comes to traveling around Europe. It is a unique town with old Hungarian palaces, including the palace of Hungarian Estates (a must-visit), burgher's houses and narrow lanes that just give you the feeling of being back in time. It's highly recommended that you walk around it, so you could fully experience the magic of this old town. If you have brought bikes with you, or intend on renting ones, you will have no problem, as the area is bike-friendly. There are a lot of old buildings, architecture that can be admired. But avoid the souvenir sellers, as they tend to over price everything, which could be found cheaper in markets.

4. Budapest - Castle Hill is the premier attraction of Budapest. This is where many of the medieval monuments in the city are; hence the place is protected by UNESCO. The hill is a kilometer-long plateau situated 170 meters above the Danube. Underneath, there are 28 kilometers of caves formed by thermal springs. Those caves have been occupied by Turk soldiers who took shelter in there during WWII. The area in walls outlines two parts: one in which the commoners in the medieval times lived and one where the Royal Palace is situated, now home to two museums worth visiting.

5. Budapest - Victor Vasarely Museum - since you've already visited enough historical sites, a visit to this abstract art museum. Victor Vasarley is the father of op-art, a very extravagant style, born in the XX century, which certainly doesn't suite all tastes. His works are modern; however, they are really beautiful to the art-lover and a hidden sense can be found in them. A visit to this museum is a really good option if you want to get away from all the historic sites Budapest can offer you. Also, there are over 400 pieces of his work there, so you will need some time to look at all of them.

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Enjoy a Cruise in Winter

Exploring winter in Europe is incredibly romantic; the beautiful cities and majestic architecture are truly inspiring in the season of good will. Taking a river cruise in winter is ideal for celebrating the festive period and here are just a few of the cruise options you have during that time.

Run-up to Christmas

Each year Christmas fever catches the world, but as wonderful as Christmas is, the build up to it is often stressful and hectic. Don't let it get to you this year; take a river cruise along the Rhine and really get settled in to the Christmas spirit! Continental Europe is world famous for its Christmas Markets, so why not do some Christmas shopping whilst on your relaxing cruise? You can even take a Christmas Market themed cruise and visit 5 within a week, sampling Belgian chocolate and German sausage along with all the wonderful arts and crafts you can purchase for family and friends.

Christmas

Leave last-minute food shopping and constant cooking behind you next Christmas, and instead spend it having the relaxing time that is sometimes the most precious gift. You can still experience all the great things about Christmas, including the festive decorations, a delicious traditional Christmas dinner and spectacular entertainment to perfectly complement those cosy evenings in. As well as all of this on board, you will also be able to explore fantastic cities such as Cologne and Koblenz whilst cruising down the beautiful Rhine Valley.

Twixmas

Sometimes it's hard to know what to do in that slight lull between Christmas and New Year. If a relaxing, interesting stress-free time is what you're after, then a Twixmas cruise is perfect for you. Making sure that you get all the excitement of Christmas and New Year's Eve whilst still finding the time to take a breather is what river cruises at Twixmas is for. Simply sit back, relax, enjoy the beautiful Rhine scenery and explore the fascinating cities whilst being looked after by an attentive crew.

New Year

Welcome in the next year of adventure with a classy celebration as part of a wonderful river cruise. Explore some of the fantastic cities in Europe over 5 days, and top it all off with a classy gala dinner and party that will see you see in the New Year in all of your finery. Get your year off to a great start by cruising down the Rhine with a host of crew members at your service.

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Caravans For Sale - Is Now An Economical Time To Buy?

With our economic climate the way it is at the moment, many industries are struggling to simply break even. Couple this with the fact that the costs of basic living are on the rise and you can understand why people are not looking to buy luxury items, such as caravans and camping trailers. Most people are more concerned with feeding their families and putting their children through school than they are with planning their next holiday.

There are other people, however, who believe that now is the perfect time to begin looking at caravans for sale. These people have recognized that, with the industry struggling to stay afloat in this economic climate, they are likely to pick up a luxurious caravan for a bargain price. They may also have recognized that, if they are smart about the way that they tow, their fuel consumption will not be much higher than it is at the moment.

Now could also be the perfect time to begin looking around for used caravans for sale, as many homeowners who are slowly descending into debt will be looking to sell off any assets that they don't desperately need. Often, the family caravan is one of the first things to go because homeowners know that they can get at least a few thousand for it. With a large number of vans currently for sale, however, you can still pick up a bargain.

If you are a person who is used to spending long periods of time on holiday, you may not be too pleased about having to change your habits because of how the economic climate is at the moment. To counter this, many people have decided to trade in their first class plane tickets for a luxurious caravan that they can travel the country in style with. In many respects, this sort of lifestyle is actually very budget friendly - you can cook your own meals and powered sites will only set you back $50 or so a night.

At the end of the day, people who are currently looking at caravans for sale are actually at quite a good advantage. Many of the caravans that were once being sold for thousands and thousands of dollars are now being sold at only a fraction of their original price, simply because dealers are trying to get rid of them. The used caravan industry, too, is experiencing an influx of sellers, meaning it is easier than ever to pick up a bargain.

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