Cruise Travel Vacation
Cruise Travel Vacation questions and answers
Thinking of traveling to Franz Josef New Zealand? Check out the Franz Josef New Zealand vacation website and Travel Journal.
Question: Can people book passage on a ship for simple travel, without subjecting oneself to a "vacation cruise?"?
Up until the 1960's, they used to have ships that people could travel around the world on. Sometimes they consisted of a few cabins set aside for that purpose on commercial freighters. Can people still travel that way, without subjecting themselves to Las Vegas style musical shows and giant buffets and all that nonsense? I think it would be a nice way to travel.
Answer: Definitely. Check out http://thetravellab.com
They have a few routes online but you can ask them about any route.
Freighters have just 12 maximum places set aside. More than that and they have to have a doctor on board.
Some other outes I know about are LA to Australia, Europe to West Africa, Europe to Buenos Aires.
There are some places you can't get on like Australia to Asia. You can't get on in the Gulf. Some places don't have a lot of exports or imports like the South Pacific and so no freighter trade.
It is about $100 a day and includes all your meals but because it is the cargo that is most important you need to be a bit flexible about sailing times. The other advantages are you get to hang out on the bridge and with the crew. A great way to travel.
Question: Is there a cruise where you can tour mediterranean style homes in Europe to get ideas when we build?
We would like to build a Mediterranean style home one day. We love all the style and architecture that it has to offer. We'd like to get authentic ideas from the real Mediterranean area so we can build as if we are there in the area. Any cruises/ travel vacation companies that offer this? Any ideas?
Answer: Go to Portmeirion ;-)
Honestly, I think when you travel places on your own it's almost impossible to know what houses are "authentic" and which have only been built at some time in the last half-century by people "trying" to built something "authentic".
You'd probably be safer by looking at the pictures in some well-researched books on the subject, than by travelling.
But if you are hell-bent on travelling, I'd strongly recommend checking out Italy's dying villages. I'm sure you've seen these on the telly - the places (mostly in central Italy and usually far away from the sea) that are so remote all young people are leaving because there are no jobs.
Torri Superiore (see link) is such a place; see the Guardian travel article for others.
In such places no new houses have been built for many decades, so you'll see the original architecture there.
Some of these villages have seen an influx of German and British ex-pats - mostly artists and retired people; so I'd guess you'd find some info on the internet, and some people who could help you on your quest.
Question: Is there a vacation cruise line for people who cannot travel to the u.s.a?
looking for a honeymoon vacation cruise or destination!
Answer: Europe has a ton of river cruises where you see a whole bunch of cities. Check out Gate 1 travel. They have them in S. America as well. They should be able to tell you of any travel regulations. Make sure you pay really close attention to each departure city and port though. The US has quite a few territories and "friends" who follow the same travel regulations. I have a West Indian friend who was deported. We all went on a cruise together, he had a hard time at a few of the calls.
Question: Please provide us some travel tips on a cruise vacation to cozumel and progreso in Mexico.?
The tickets are booked for nov 08. By tips I mean what kind of things should I carry on the trip? Is it better to hire a vehicle when we get to the island to move around or just go with the group? What kind of things are more fun do in the Island? We are planning to learn swimming b4 the travel so we could do some water adventures. Also do we need some formal dresses for dinner in the cruise?
Just some advice and tips from people who has been there.
Answer: I just went to Cozumel in July for my honeymoon. It's the most beautiful place. Excellent snorkeling.
Well, if you can make arrangements prior to landing for ground transportation from the airport to your resort. Rental cars are pretty cheap too. Most tourists rent Jeep Wranglers for like $35 a day. The island is not that big. You can rent a moped and save a few bucks.
If you have snorkel gear bring it. The entire island of Cozumel has great snorkeling along the beaches. They have ATV rides through the jungle too. Bring pants, long sleeve shirts, and a bandana for the crazy dust.
I liked living off of local stuff. You can get Mexican pesos out of the ATMs there, so no need to bring a lot of cash.
Sunblock is a must, and plenty of swimwear. If you are not snorkeling, you might be in a hot tub sipping beverages.
Question: Have you booked a cruise online with America's Vacation Center or ANY online travel agency?
Was it a good or bad experience?
Answer: American's Vacation Center was a breeze and we got upgraded rooms. Great experience!! We saved money and got perks.
Question: When planning a European Vacation, is it best to plan a Cruise or Land Travel?
Answer: Land travel offers more options. Cruises are offered mostly in the Mediterranean and on large rivers like the Danube.
When planning your vacation I suggest to do the following:
* define your time horizon - first day and last day. Take into consideration that you will experience jet lag; therefore the first day should allow for extended rest time.
* list the countries or cities you are interested in
* consult a map where these cities and countries are exactly and relative to each other to define the order in which to visit - don't forget the restrictions your time horizon might place on your plans.
* Go to a travel agent and discuss if your ideas make sense.
If you prefer to travel individually you will run into the following challenges:
* language: Not everyone in every country speaks English. You will need to learn at least few sentences in the local language of each country you intend to visit.
* timing: When driving yourself allow for traffic jams and getting lost. When using trains, ships, buses, and airplanes make sure to ask local people how punctual these are usually.
* opening hours: Many European countries have restrictions regarding the opening hours of shops. Not all museums, etc. are open all days.
If you decide to travel with a group be prepared that your personal interests might not be fully met - but you will have a translator and somebody else making the decision where to go at which time of the trip.
Question: How to get people to buy a cruise vacation?
I now have a website for people to buy travel online (I'm a new travel agent). I was thinking of advertising in newspapers for a "special" price on a cruise. Do people actually buy cruises they see listed in the newspaper or should I think of something else? I wanted to offer a discount package for people in the midwest that would include airfare & the cruise (from florida to the bahamas). Any suggestions???
Answer: someone in my town passed out flyers, colored fancy looking ones of course, and they were so appealing, not to mention the fact that we never thought cruising would be so cheap! and guess what? were taking our cruise at the end of september
Question: Can you name a good TROPICAL travel vacation spot? I've already been to Jamaica and Hawaii?
I have been on a caribbean cruise and a mexican cruise.. 2 trips to hawaii and seen Jamaica....Any ideas for another tropical vacation spot that is nice to visit?
Answer: Palau is great. Beaches in Thailand and Malaysia are worth seeing. Boracay, Palawan and Amanpulo in the Philippines are definitely must sees!
Question: Where can get a vacation cruise on time?
I have never been on a cruise and I would like to book one. Is there an agency that you can recommend where cruises can be booked then paid over a period of time, I would like to travel at the end of the summer.
Answer: To hold a cruise for more than about 2-3 days (it depends on the cruise line, how popular the cruise is, and how far into the future the departure date is), a deposit is required. Deposits range from $100 per person to $500 per person, again depending on the cruise line.
Final payment will be due either 45 or 60 days before the date of departure (again, depending on the cruise line).
Any travel agent should offer the ability to make partial payments at any time before final payment is due. You can also book directly with the cruise lines and make payments as often as you wish -- but travel agents may have special offers -- on-board credits or cabin upgrades or amenities -- that the cruise lines will not offer.
Question: What cruise line is best and cheapest to travel with a 3 year old?
We have never gone on vacation with my 3 year old son and would love to go on a cruise. What cruise offers kid friendly activities while also being reasonable priced? Disney seems so expensive. We're looking at traveling the end of August 07 and it would be for 2 adults and 1 child for hopefully 5 nights. We live in Colorado but would fly to Florida, etc if we got a good deal on a cruise. Any help would be appreciated. thanks.
Answer: Carnival. I just went on a 5 night Carnival cruise. I flew to Florida and the cruise went to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. They have Camp Carnival for kids. I think they are reasonable priced.