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As of December 17, 2008, Carnival will no longer charge a cruise fuel surcharge. Previously, Carnival charged as much as $15 per day. They will now be refunding those fuel surcharges through a ship board credit after the 17th.

In a statement on Thursday December 3rd, Carnival’s director of marketing, Bill Harber, said oil prices have dropped low enough for the company to lift the surcharges. “As the price of oil has dropped to $46 per barrel, it has now reached a level where we are able to suspend the fuel supplement,” Harber said.

They warned that if fuel prices rise again, they may start charging the fee again.

I believe this action will end up becoming beneficial for Carnival and should lead to a small increase in bookings. Many cruisers were quite upset when the cruise companies began placing fuel surcharges.

Starting in 2010, Royal Caribbean’s fuel surcharge of ten dollars a day will be dropped. They also said that each quarter in 2009, they will examine the fuel conditions to determine whether to refund the charge.

I believe the removal of the cruise fuel surcharge that Carnival once had will eventually cause Royal Caribbean to follow as well and drop the charges too. I’d expect to see them make a move in the near future.

Lets all hope that oil prices stay down and we never see a cruise fuel surcharge ever again

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With the stresses of work, family schedules, finances and kids, most couples need the occasional break - a romantic retreat to rekindle their romance, invigorate their relationship and give them time to simply relax.

If you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaway that combines worry-free planning, all-inclusive budgeting and romantic sparkle, cruise travel is a great option.

To learn about how to book the best romantic cruise for you and your loved one - regardless of your cruise destination - keep reading for great tips on everything from what to look for in a cruise ship to how to get the best deals for your spouse.

Opt For a Cruise with an Age Limit

The last thing you want on your romantic getaway is to be surrounded by toddlers on their way to a puppet show at the children’s pool. So, book a cruise with an enforced age limit.

Most cruise lines offer cruises that restrict boarding to both individuals 25 and older or married individuals 21 and older. The bulk of these cruises are specifically targeted toward couples and will offer amenities like increased room service, couples’ massages, formal dining and couples’ activities.

If you’re unable to find a cruise with an age limit that’s right for you, most ships offer areas, including pools that are adults-only.

Stay Away From “Singles” Cruises

In contrast to couples’ cruises, some cruise lines offer cruise vacations that are specifically for single travelers or the ’spring break’ party crowd. Unless you want to spend your romantic getaway immersed in loud dance music and terrible pick up lines, you’re going to want to stay away from these options.

Pick a Boat Size That Works For You

A larger boat may have more passengers and a less intimate “feel,” but it also allows for greater anonymity while on-board ship and a larger range of facilities. When choosing a ship, think about what’s important for you in terms of privacy and boat size.

Get the Balcony

As tempting as it may be to book an inside cabin for a discount, know that the space is small and often windowless. If this cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime romantic treat, it’s time to splurge and opt for a cabin with a romantic balcony. When you’re watching the stars go by from bed, you’ll be thankful.

How to Get Great Couples’ Deals

Booking as a couple gives you an advantage. You can often look for “companion” rates that apply to either cabin bookings or air fare to your port. Many cruise lines and some air carriers offer a companion discount for couples traveling together.

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No matter what part of the globe you’re from, you’re probably going to be taking a vacation soon. Can you recall how happy you were with how your last vacation pictures turned out?

The irony is that it usually takes the same amount of time to capture outstanding vacation pictures as it does mediocre ones.

So, what is necessary to take better vacation photos?

It’s pretty simple, really. Here’s how to take phenomenal vacation photographs in 10 steps: Take a few seconds before immediately snapping off 5 pictures and think about these questions:

1. Do I want to be in this photo? If so, use a tripod or ask a stranger to take the shot.
2. Would the photograph be better if I had people (or no people) in the shot?
3. Could this photograph improve if a circular polarizing filter was used?
4. Would this shot be much more spectacular if taken at another time of day or night (assuming of course, that you could return then)?
5. Do I have the right image in my viewfinder? Think of the view as though you were about to crop the final image. Is there way too much extraneous material in the image (or far too little)? Having up to 20% more in an un-cropped photograph is a good idea, but much more than that could begin to degrade the resolution after the picture is cropped.
6. Are all my settings correct (at a minimum, consider: ISO, metering mode, fill flash, and white balance).
7. Would the picture be more effective if taken using a portrait (vertical) perspective rather than a typical landscape (horizontal) perspective?
8. Am I about to be eaten by a wild animal? (It may not be photo-related, but if the camera is also eaten, then…)
9. Is there a better angle?
10. If I re-position myself, could I include something in the foreground (or background) that would improve the photo?

Realize that you probably don’t go on that many vacations per year. Therefore, doesn’t it make a lot more sense to take a few extra seconds before taking your photographs and be proud of your vacation pictures? Otherwise, the same old mediocre alternatives are still available.

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Cruise ships are a fun and engaging way to see numerous ports of call, enjoy a variety of activities and travel through beautiful regions. Cruise ship travel is, by nature, markedly different from any other form of vacation. So, you need to plan accordingly.

From packing to medical considerations, preparing for a cruise vacation goes beyond the basics of swim trunks and guide books. To learn about how best to prepare for a cruise vacation, keep reading for great tips on everything from packing your suitcase to warding off seasickness.

What to Pack on a Cruise Vacation

Ultimately, what you pack is going to depend on your cruise destination. An Alaskan cruise will require different clothing than a Caribbean cruise at the height of summer. That said, don’t let land temperatures fool you.

Particularly during the winter months, some cruises (like those leaving from L.A.) can be quite cold. Regardless of the forecasts on land, always pack a wind-resistant jacket and at least one set of clothes that will allow you comfort up on deck when things get chilly out at sea.

You’ll also need proper identification and proof of purchase to board a cruise ship. These will be required at every port-of-call, so pack your papers (including your health insurance) in a water-resistant envelope that’s small enough to carry with you if you plan to leave the ship.

Medical Considerations

You will most likely need travel health insurance for your next cruise vacation. When purchasing travel insurance, try to find one that’s geared specifically toward cruises and the legal intricacies of international waters.

Secondly, pack any needed medications. You may even want to pack extras or a spare if you intend to go to shore. For example, an asthmatic may want to pack one inhaler to carry in a pocket and another backup inhaler just in case.

Most cruise ships have a medical clinic and doctor or health professional on-board the ship, but this is typically a stopgap measure, not a full-proof backup.

Finally, if you’re prone to motion sickness, you can prepare for your voyage with basic ginger root. An herbal remedy, ginger root has been proven to help with seasickness while avoiding the side effects common with many pharmaceutical motion sickness remedies. Herbalists recommend taking the ginger root starting a few weeks before you actually leave on your cruise.

What You Should Leave Behind

Always leave behind a full travel itinerary and emergency contact information with family and friends. Most cruise lines offer an emergency number that can be used by family and friends in case they need to get in touch with you urgently.

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When it is time to plan the arrangements for a Caribbean cruise deal, there are many decisions that need to be carefully considered, as they will certainly have an impact on how the trip goes and how much you enjoy the experience. One of the first decisions will be selecting from the various types and sizes of cruise ships available. After that, you will need to determine what kind of amenities you would like in your cabin and where you prefer the cabin to be located.

When you are browsing through the websites or the brochures for Caribbean cruise ship travel, you will see that there is always an area that features the layout of the vessel, which outlines the various decks where the passenger cabins are located. Along with the diagrams of the interiors floor plans of the ship, there are usually listings of the different categories of cabins. On very large ships there can be as many as 20 cabin categories, which often makes it very confusing, especially for first-time cruise travelers.

Often there are discount cruise travel deals that are available only for a certain class of cabins on cruise ships. The problem is that if you have never been on a cruise before, it is hard to know exactly what these various classifications mean. If you choose the wrong classification and discover the head of your bed is against the elevator shaft, then you might end up having a less than wonderful time.

On most ships, the cheapest cabins, and the ones that are sometimes offered as “hot deals” by some of the discount travel websites, are tiny and barely larger than some people’s walk-in closets. These cabins are also generally on the lower levels of the ship and may even be below the waterline, so obviously without portholes. While many people who are more interested in the activities outside their cabin may not be dissuaded by a tiny, windowless cabin, they do need to know about the noise. The lower levels of a ship are very close to the engines and often the roar of the engines can make it very difficult to get any sleep.

However, on the newer ships that are being built today, that is less of a problem, as they are being designed better to avoid this problem. In fact, the new trend that many of the cruise lines are following with the newer ships is laying out the cabins in such a way that all the passengers at least have a port hole. There are even some ships in service now that boast balconies for all cabins, no matter what classification.

This is a great trend for cruise passengers because it helps to assure that any cabin, in any classification, will be comfortable and enjoyable. Having the ability to be in the privacy of your cabin, while relaxing with a cup of coffee or glass of wine on your own verandah, will help to make the cruising experience personal, comfortable and luxurious.

With the right deal on the price of the ticket, even a tiny cabin can make sense if you are taking a short cruise that will only last two or three days. In most cases, these cruise ships and these Caribbean cruise lines are more geared for those who are partying and the cabins are just a place to sack out for a few hours between festivities. But if you are going to be on board for more than a few days, or if partying is not your main reason for cruising, then you will want to be sure you have a comfortable cabin where you can relax and unwind and have some time to yourself.

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Your Luxury cruise - Cruises Deals

Cruise ships are not commonly thought of as family vacation vessels. However, there are a fair amount of cruises, like Carnival’s “fun ships” targeted at fulfilling just this purpose. You know the kids are not going that far, unless of course they have gone overboard. Also, there is a little bit of something for everyone in all age groups. From adults, to teens, to kids, there is are coordinated activities as well as focused facilities for all of the different age groups. You can rest assured that no one will be bored on a family cruise.

Choosing cruise ship deals wisely.

For parents there are the usual activities. Your rest, relaxation and rejuvenation is certainly the focus and you can spend all the time you’d like lounging by the pool or on the deck, as well as making appointments for a massage or facial. There is plenty of evening recreation for once the kids are in bed, and it varies from ship to ship. There are also great opportunities for socializing and networking, and it is a good idea to have either a small notebook on hand, or at least copies of your card to give to new friends and contacts. There are also wine tasting groups, exercise rooms and nightclubs are on the adults only agendas for most family cruises.

For kids, there are all kinds of activities on board family cruises. From special times in the pool, to special gym classes, the kids are at least seemingly the focus on a family cruise. There are also children’s centers focused on entertaining the kids and keeping them busy while the adults enjoy their alone time. There are craft activities and fully certified staff to work with your most precious commodities: your kids.

If you have older kids, there are also teen centers on board some cruise ships. In fact Coca-Cola recently teamed up with the Carnival cruise line to bring exciting new teen centers to their fun ships. These teen centers have been created out of extensive market research and include dance floors, jukebox listening stations, a mock bar with non-alcoholic specialty drinks and space for the teens to just hang out. This is a revolutionary concept, since teens are a previously untapped market in terms of cruise line focus marketing. Teens are also more likely to find things that they enjoy in the ports of call than will younger kids, simply because they are more independent.

One reason that cruises are a great idea for family vacations is that most of the costs are included in the base price of the trip. While you are on the ship, things like meals and activities are for the most part covered. This is great because you do not have to give per diems to your kids and you can know up front how much your vacation is going to cost. Of course, you will want to have extra money on hand for when you leave the ship and get to do some real travel.

Ready for a cruise? Then read these vacation packing checklist tips.

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Cruise ship vacations certainly have appeal - they’re exotic, allow you to see multiple cities and ports, are almost all-inclusive and they offer a wide range of activities for family members of all ages.

If you’re curious about cruise vacations and cruise travel, but want to learn more about what you can expect, keep reading to find out the answers to common cruise ship vacation questions.

Are cruises really all-inclusive?

Typically, no - cruises are not all-inclusive. A ticket on a cruise ship usually includes your cabin, meals and some drinks. In addition to these costs, you will need to pay for any shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, extra snacks, certain special activities and your transportation to and from the port of departure.

Do I need to carry cash?

Normally, you can enjoy a cruise line voyage without concern over whether your MasterCard will work or of carrying lots of cash or traveler’s checks. Most cruise vacations allow you to sign and bill most items to your account.

At most, you’ll need a small amount of money for daily tips and services, though even this is rare as most ships have shifted to digital invoicing technology.

Can I come and go as I please?

For the most part, no - you’ll be beholden to the ship’s shore schedules and dining times. However, while many ships have set dining times and activity schedules, other lines - like Norwegian - offer freestyle cruising that allows you to eat when you please and engage in entertainment at your leisure.

Whether you’re on a freestyle or scheduled cruise destination, you will be restricted as to how much time you have at each port of call. Typically though, travelers are given one or two days at each land destination.

How do I find the right cruise vacation for me?

First, ask yourself who’s going on the cruise? Are you looking for a romantic anniversary celebration or a family fun free-for-all with all the kids?

Some cruises cater to children and families while others focus on seniors. Some center around singles while others attract couples. You get the idea - whatever your demographic, there’s a cruise for you.

Cruises also cater to interests. If you’re passionate about rock climbing, there’s a cruise for you and if you love golf, well then there’s definitely a cruise for you. Theme cruises are another great way to find an almost all-inclusive vacation that fits your interests.

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Cruises are romantic, relatively all-inclusive and a wonderful way to see a variety of ports on board a glamorous ship - making them a premier choice for honeymooners. If you’re planning on booking a honeymoon cruise, keep reading for great tips on how to book a beautifully romantic honeymoon cruise vacation.

Check the Ship’s Age Restrictions

Because your honeymoon is a romantic time away, you may want to opt for a cruise that is geared specifically toward couples and adults rather than families with children.

Most cruise lines offer sailings and ships that have age restrictions. These boats are typically restricted to unmarried individuals over the age of 25 and married individuals over the age of 21. Before you book an age-restricted cruise, make sure you meet the ship’s requirements.

Splurge on Something

Either book a small, inside cabin on a luxurious ship or a larger cabin on a smaller ship, but try to splurge on something. You’re supposed to be saving for your new life, but you don’t want to remember your honeymoon as being cramped inside a sardine tin. Remember to call ahead to have a bottle of champagne waiting for you when you arrive.

Read Traveler Reviews

Before you book a romantic honeymoon cruise, read through online traveler reviews. By reading other honeymooners’ and vacationers’ notes about their experiences, you’ll get an accurate idea about the ambience of the ship, the quality of its facilities, food and accommodations.

Book for Your Interests

If you plan on actually leaving your cabin, book a cruise and destination that appeals to your interests. If you both love wine tasting, then opt for a cruise that includes shore-side wine tours and nightly wine tasting. If you’re into adventure travel, look for something that offers scuba diving alongside rock climbing and spelunking.

Remember, for almost every interest, there’s a cruise that caters to it, so you should be able to find just about any specialty you desire.

Get Married On Board

Many ships offer wedding packages that allow couples to even get married on board. Fully catered and officiated by the ship’s captain, cruise ship marriages are easy to organize and legal.

If you’re looking for a “destination wedding” that includes a honeymoon, a cruise wedding is simple and definitely doable. Typically, cruise lines (like Carnival Cruises) offer wedding packages that range from a simple ceremony with cake and decorations to fully catered events that include an open bar, entertainment and shore-side activities.

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If you’re planning a cruise vacation, there are eight key questions you need to ask yourself before you even begin to book. Keep reading to learn what these eight questions are and how to research and book the best cruise vacation for you.

1. Who’s Going?

Depending on the age of your travelers and whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family fun free-for-all is going to have a defining impact on the type of cruise you choose.

By determining well in advance who will be going, you can really narrow down the choices.

2. What’s Your Budget?

Setting a budget in advance will help you plan how much you spend and the type of cruise vacation that you can afford. A typical cruise vacation costs about $100-$300 per day per person, excluding airfare.

Booking early, booking last minute or being willing to take an inside cabin are ways you can save money on your cruise. Inside cabins do not have a window view of the ocean.

3. How Much Time do You Have?

Knowing how much vacation you have will help you narrow down your cruise choices. For example, if you only have 5 vacation days available, you won’t be indulging in that 3-week adventure up the coast of East Africa.

Typically, a week’s vacation allows for a solid 5-7 day cruise in the Caribbean. It can also work depending where you are in North America, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe and even the South Pacific.

4. When Do You Want to Travel?

Having a rough idea of when you want to go will help you focus on specific sailing times and even destinations. For example, Alaska cruises only operate during the five summer months.

5. Where Do You Want to Go?

From Africa to the Caribbean to the South Pacific, cruises travel all over the world. If you know, for example, you want to explore the cities of the Mediterranean, you’ll be able to focus your search on Mediterranean cruises.

6. What Activities Do You Like?

For every taste, there’s a cruise line that caters to it. From wine tasters to extreme athletes, there are cruises designed specifically for you - you just have to determine your interest.

7. Do You Like Structure?

Some cruise ships have set dining times, ranging from as early as 6:00 p.m. to as late as 9:00 p.m. Others offer freestyle service which allows you to eat when you please.

8. Do You Enjoy Formal Wear?

Before you book a luxury cruise that offers formal dining every night, ask yourself if you’re ready to pack your tuxedo. Whether you want to dress up for dinner every night, just a few nights or not at all, there’s a cruise for you. Just be sure to research your options before you purchase.

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When you want to take a vacation, there are so many choices you have that it can seem overwhelming. You can take a road trip, you can fly by plane, you can even take a cruise. A Caribbean Cruise is probably the best time you’ll ever have on vacation, even if you take the entire family along. When searching for the best Caribbean cruise deals, however, you still have a lot of choices. You can go online to try to find last minute cruise deals on Royal Caribbean or you can call your local travel agent and have him or her do all the leg work for you. If you’re looking for the best Caribbean cruise deal, have your travel agent find it for you as they’re often the first to know about the best deals available.

Do You Have An Agent?

If you already have a travel agent that you work with, finding the best Caribbean cruise deal shouldn’t be too difficult. If you don’t have one, however, you can find one by looking online or in your local phone book. Travel agents get paid to find you great deals on vacations. They do all the homework for you, they book your tickets and any extras and you don’t have to do anything but pay for it. They make taking vacations very easy and they make finding the best Caribbean cruise deals even easier.

Where And When?

Call your travel agent, or the one you decide to go with, and tell him or her when you’d like to leave. If your vacation dates are open, tell the agent that. Sometimes, you can find the best Caribbean cruise deals by going during an off peak time. This could include hurricane season, when a lot of people like to stay off of cruise ships in the middle of the ocean in case a deadly hurricane comes through. However, these are often when the best Caribbean cruise deals are offered. If your vacation dates are set and you’re limited to when you can go, just tell your agent what dates you have to work with, what you’d like to do on your best Caribbean cruise deal and how many people you’re taking with you.

That’s it. Soon, you’ll get a call from your agent telling you that your best Caribbean cruise deal is all set up and you’re ready to depart. All you have to do is pay for it, pack and get ready to go on the vacation of a lifetime.

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