|
|
|
8 Major Reasons Not To Move To Las Vegas
8 Major Reasons Not To Move To Las Vegas. There is no place like Las Vegas in the entire world, therefore
people from all over the world come here on a daily basis. Vegas has changed over the
years, but most of the changes have occurred in the...
A Guide to Texas RV Rentals -
Texas is the second-largest state in the USA. It takes at least 13 hours to drive across it east to west; and at least 17 hours to travel north to south. So what better way to see it all than in an RV? Renting an RV in Texas means you can fly...
Following Links to Hawaii
I've often used the Net for planning my personal and business trips. Trips to Australia, Hawaii, Seattle and Las Vegas, to name a few, are a cinch to plan on the Net... If you know how to go about it. The main problem with the Internet these days is...
Renting an RV in California -
Renting an RV is perfect if you’ve dreamed of touring California in an RV, but thought you couldn’t because of the cost or hassle of owning an RV. RVs allow you travel where you want and when you want from the comfort of your substitute home. No...
The Fashionistas One of Las Vegas 10 Best Shows
The Fashionistas, John Stagliano's erotically-charged tale of
fetish and fantasy, was chosen as one of "Las Vegas' 10 Best
Shows," by the Las Vegas Review Journal. This marks the first
ever appearance for a show of this kind on The R-J's 10...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Want To Know More About Cruises & Cruise Ships?
Today, Norm Goldman Editor of Sketchandtravel.com, is pleased to have as a guest of Sketchandtravel.com Douglas Ward, author of Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2005, now into its twentieth year of publication, published by Berlitz Publishing.
Thank you Douglas for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.
Norm:
Douglas could you tell us something about yourself and why did you want to write a book about cruising and cruise ships?
Douglas:
I had worked aboard passenger ships for 17 years before forming an association of cruise passengers, who were looking for more comparative information about cruise ships and cruising. So was born the idea for the book, which started with 120 ships and 256 pages. Today, after 20 years, the book has grown to include 256 ocean-going ships, 656 pages, and half a million words.
Norm:
I noticed your first book on cruises and cruise ships was published twenty years ago, and you have been updating your book every year. How do you go about gathering material every year for these updates and how long does it take you to update your annual book?
Douglas:
First, it takes me a minimum of three hours a day, every single day of the year, just to keep the book refreshed, up-to-date, and accurate. I also travel extensively, as much as 250 days each year. So, of course, I write while I am traveling, visiting, and sailing aboard the world's cruise ships.
Norm:
What makes cruises so appealing to honeymooners?
Douglas:
Cruises take the hassle out of planning a honeymoon, particularly with regard to language, cuisine/meals, entertainment, and so many other things that go towards making a honeymoon a fine, affordable vacation, and a complete escape from the pressures of life ashore. Actually, it's also a good way to find out how a newlywed couple cope with living in a small space.
Norm:
Are you seeing more weddings performed on cruise ships lately? What should cruisers know about cruise ship weddings?
Douglas:
By nature of their (out of the ordinary) appeal, more weddings are being performed aboard cruise ships today, simply because there is so much help at hand. The larger cruise lines have personnel dedicated to handling weddings and honeymoons, and the instant support of other personnel in cruise line head offices to draw from. Weddings can, in other words, be tailored completely to the individuals concerned (and without the interference of well-meaning parents and other family members who can create stress and pressure on couples about to undergo, what is for many, the most important ceremony of their lives).
Norm:
With so many cruise possibilities, how does one go about choosing a cruise and what should people take into consideration before deciding on any one cruise?
Douglas:
Choosing a cruise successfully depends on one's personal requirements and expectations from a vacation. First-time cruise goers would be well advised to talk to an established cruise booking specialist, who will be able to help you to choose the right ship and cruise, for the right reasons, taking into account your personal tastes and socio-economic considerations. There are so many choices today that there should be a ship and cruise to suit even the most demanding and finicky of people. Perhaps the first decision, however, should be to establish how many days you can take for your vacation (including travel days to get to/from the ship), and then think about the area you would like to cruise in. The most popular regions include the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Norwegian fjords and Baltic ports, and southeast Asia/Australasia. Those with more time who want more involvement with nature should consider visiting Antarctica or the Arctic regions (you would ideally need about three weeks). Then there is perhaps the ultimate in long distance cruising an around the world cruise, whi
1000, or 3000 other passengers? Do you want to experience cruising under sail; cruising with specialist lecturers; be aboard a ship with spa facilities, large-scale production shows (a la Las Vegas), lots of gaming, or shopping opportunities? Whichever cruise you choose, try to make the travel arrangements as simple as possible. Sometimes, the mere act of getting to and from your chosen cruise ship (or embarkation point) can prove frustrating. If you are a first-time cruise goer, try not to do everything on your first cruise it could end up being more like an endurance test.
Norm:
Can you tell our readers something about the different cabins that are available on cruises and what to look out for?
Douglas:
First-timers would be best advised to book an outside cabin (a cabin with an outside view) rather than an interior (no view) cabin. So, when you wake up, you won't be disoriented, and youll be able to see what the weather is like, which helps you decide what to wear each day. Typically, the more space you want, the higher the cost. Large suites with private balconies cost the most (some can measure up to 3000 square feet), while interior cabins
that measure as little as 70 square feet will, of course, feel incredibly small. Typically, you get what you pay for. The average cabin size aboard today's larger cruise ships (they are really floating resorts) would be approximately 180-200 square feet.
Norm:
What type of clothing should I bring aboard?
Douglas:
Take clothing suited to the area you will be cruising in. Remember that ships are air-conditioned, so clothing that is layered works well. If you choose to cruise in cold weather regions, take suitable outer clothing, particularly for excursions ashore (Alaska is an example). If you take a Caribbean cruise, you really could pack light (cottons and natural fibers being the best, as many Caribbean islands have a high humidity factor for much of the year). Most of the (large) resort ships have a very casual dress code, while others (particularly ships that offer cruises longer than seven days the industry standard) feature more formal dress codes. Tuxes are only really needed aboard Queen Mary 2 when doing a transatlantic crossing; otherwise, you can dress down and comfortable.
Norm:
Is there always a doctor and clinic aboard the cruise ships?
Douglas:
Almost all cruise ships carrying more than 50 passengers have a fully qualified medical doctor and nursing assistants, which also take care of the crew. Some of the larger ships have several doctors, surgical specialists, small operating rooms, full x-ray facilities, as well as extensive pharmacies. In other words, today's cruise ships would be able to cope with most medical emergencies. However, if you take medication, remember to take an adequate supply (and if you have to fly to get to/from your cruise ship, take medication in your carry-on luggage just in case your checked-in luggage doesn't quite make it on the same day, or to the same port you're flying to).
Norm:
Can I make telephone calls from the cruise ship?
Douglas:
Almost all cruise ships are equipped with direct-dial satellite-linked telephone systems (and Internet connectivity). A few ships even have special aerials that let you use your mobile phone, although most ships lose mobile connectivity when more than a mile offshore. The cost of a direct-dial satellite call varies between about $4 and $10 per minute, so don't use the telephone unless you have to-the charges can add up quickly.
Norm:
What is the usual check-in schedule before the cruise takes off?
Douglas:
Most cruise ships start embarkation about four hours prior to sailing. You would normally complete all paperwork and go through passport and security checks in a passenger terminal before being allowed to board your cruise ship. Today's check-in procedure is relatively painless, although it can take some time if you are cruising aboard one of the larger ships, when there will be 3000 other passengers to check in (in other words, there will be lines just like at the post office).
Norm:
What happens if someone has special dietary requests?
Douglas:
Most cruise ships can handle special dietary requests, but do give advanced notice so that chefs can order and prepare any food items not normally carried. Its too late once the ship has sailed, so make your needs and requirements known at the time you book (this is when it's better to book through an accredited cruise travel specialist rather than picking something off the Internet which doesn't answer questions well).
Norm:
How do you make payments on board?
Douglas:
An onboard credit account will typically be established when you check in prior to embarkation. When you purchase things aboard ship (drinks or wine, for example), these items are added to your account, and charged to your credit card at the end of the cruise.
Norm:
Should you tip while on aboard the ship?
Norm:
If you had any important advice to offer our readers that has not been covered, what would it be?
Douglas:
Do read the book Berlitz Publishing's Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2005, and you'll be more educated than most travel agents. Bon Voyage, I wish you all a wonderful cruise vacation.
Thanks Douglas for your time.
About the Author
Norm Goldman is editor of the travel site, sketchandtravel.com and the book reviewing site,bookpleasures.com.
Norm and his artist wife, Lily, are a unique husband and wife team, as they meld words with art focusing on romantic articles.
To find out more about them you can refer to www.sketchandtravel.com.
They are also open for invitations to romantic destinations and hospitality properties in the USA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
