Let us take Bermuda, for instance. This is one of the most popular destinations on the cruise menu, making cruises to Bermuda accessible and affordable. Just think, the summer of 2007 saw the highest number of cruise ships sailing to Bermuda in history.

Bermuda attracts more than half a million visitors each year. It’s 120 islands offer something for everyone, from couples to singles to families and groups of friends alike. Bermuda’s largest (and most festive) islands include: Bermuda (Main Island), Boaz, Ireland North, Ireland South, Somerset, St. David’s and St. George’s, and Watford.

Bermudas islands are all connected by bridges and causeways, so no matter where you find yourself, you can always hop over to the next island, and the next in a relatively short period of time. Shore excursions feature opportunities to go shopping, sailing, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunning, and sipping cocktails on the beach at sunset. Bermuda is also golfer’s paradise. It is estimated that Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere on the planet.

Most Bermuda cruises depart from the Eastern Seaboard (Baltimore, Ft. Lauderdale, New York, Norfolk, VA, and Philadelphia). Some of the most popular cruise lines for Bermuda cruises include: Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise lines.

Passengers can choose itineraries lasting from six days to fifteen days or more at sea. Just a few popular Bermuda cruises include:

-Bermuda-only cruise: features overnight stays in Hamilton, St. Georges or King’s Wharf
-Extended Bermuda cruise: guests spend one day in Hamilton, King’s Wharf, or St. George’s with several Eastern Caribbean ports of call
-Repositioning cruise: combines Bermuda with the Caribbean or Europe

Before you book your Bermuda cruise there are several things to consider. The Bermuda cruise season runs from April through the end of October. Keep in mind that Bermuda’s location puts it right in the Atlantic hurricane belt, so be careful about booking around storm season, which is between August and October. Average temperatures during cruise season range from 66-77 degrees April-June, and in the 80s July-October.

To book a Bermuda Cruise with any of the cruise lines mentioned above follow the links below. You can also contact your local cruise travel agent to get the best deals or visit any of the booking search engines listed below. Good luck!

CheapTickets.com
VacationsToGo.com

Two of the top family friendly cruise lines are Disney Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruises. A third is Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean offers family focused entertainment, family friendly recreational programs, and family friendly restaurants and “clubs.” Although cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and even Norwegian Cruise Lines offer family friendly programs, Disney and Carnival remain at the top of the market.

About Disney Cruise Lines

No other cruise line in the world says family fun like Disney Cruise Line. In fact, Disney Cruise Line’s ships were the first in the industry to be designed specifically for families and kids. Not only this, but Disney Cruise Line has been one of the world’s top cruise lines for more than a decade attracting more than half a million travelers each year. Owned by the Walt Disney Company and headquartered in Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Cruise Lines is also a favorite among couples and singles interested in casual fun and excellent deals.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet includes: Disney Magic and Disney Wonder which can be found at the famous Disney Cruise Line Terminal — terminal 8. The $27 million, 70,000-square-foot facility terminal was completed and dedicated more than a decade ago on November 17, 1997. The Disney Cruise Line Terminal is Port Canaveral’s third ultra-modern mega-ship terminal and it is the exclusive home of Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

Each cruise ship offers a wide variety of accommodations, itineraries, and activities. Nearly identical in design and space, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder feature spacious staterooms. Disney Magic has 875 staterooms and Disney Wonder has 874 staterooms — themed dining rooms and unique areas that cater to every age group including: toddlers, young children, tweens, teens, and adults. It doesn’t matter whether you are a small child or an adult, Disney Cruise Line has something for everyone.

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of itineraries that will appeal to the couple seeking a fun getaway to the family seeking an extended vacation. Disney Wonder, which makes frequent sailings to Nassau, Bahamas is a popular choice for families and couples alike. Passengers have the option to choose from 3-day and 4-day cruises and packages that include either a 3 or 4 day stay at the Walt Disney World Resort prior to voyage. There are currently two special 10-day and 11-day voyages. Disney Magic offers several itineraries including Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean cruises or special cruises that sail to Disney’s private island paradise — Castaway Cay.

While a Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of exciting onboard features and amenities, one of the biggest attractions aboard Disney cruise ships is the Walt Disney Theater. Broadway caliber shows are offered nightly as well as blockbuster Disney movies, variety shows and surprise appearances by some of the most popular Disney characters today. In addition, Disney cruise ships feature the Buena Vista movie-theater, themed deck parties, shopping galore, ping pong, shuffleboard, lounges, basketball courts, Studio Sea and even Internet service!

Pricing and Reservations

Prices for Disney cruises tend to fluctuate, so it is nearly impossible to predict exactly how much a Disney cruise will cost. One of the most important things to consider first is the time of year as this will affect how much or how little passengers will spend. The busiest time of the year is of course, summer. During the summer months expect to pay more and during spring and fall, expect to find killer deals on Disney cruises.

Disney cruise prices are typically based on 2 adults (shared room). Passengers traveling with a child will still pay the price for two adults. After the initial two-adult price, 3rd and 4th passengers will pay a lower rate. If passengers over the initial two are under 13, the rate may range from $229 – $429 for a 3-day cruise, $329-$529 for a 4-day cruise and $349 – $749 for a 7-day cruise. This price includes land/sea vacations and varies greatly based on season.

If you are planning to book a cruise through Disney Cruise Line, it’s best to book as far in advance as possible. Several months in advance is your best bet as the full amount for a Disney cruise is due 90 days prior to sailing. In addition, the further in advance you book, the better the deals and discounts will be.

To book a Disney cruise, visit the Disney Cruise Line website, contact your local cruise travel agent or visit any of the following discount booking search engines to shop and compare!

Kayak.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
CheapTickets.com
VacationsToGo.com

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Besides Disney Cruise Line, no other cruise line in the world attracts more families with kids of all ages and cruisers of all kinds (especially those on a budget) than Carnival Cruise Line. In fact, Carnival Cruise Line carries more passengers that any other cruise line in service today making it the “Most Popular Cruise Line in the World.”

Not only does Carnival Cruise Lines offer some of the most affordable cruises on the market today, it also features a wide variety of exciting destinations, an excellent selection of theme cruises, exciting excursions, and flexible schedules that will appeal to the couple interested in a European vacation to the family interested in a fun-filled Caribbean cruise. Carnival Cruise Lines’ destinations include: Alaska (Glacier, Northbound Alaska, Southbound Alaska), Bahamas, Canada/New England, the Eastern, Southern, and Western, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico (Baja Mexico, Mexican Riviera), Panama Canal, and South America. Carnival Cruise Lines also offers special voyages to Bermuda and Transatlantic sailings.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Fun Ship Fleet includes: Carnival Conquest, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Victory, Carnival Holiday, and Carnival Dream.

Carnival Cruises offers itineraries ranging from a two-day ‘cruise to nowhere’ from Norfolk, VA up to itineraries consisting of 10 days or more to Europe, Alaska, Mexico, and more. Depending on the type of cruise, whether it’s an Alaskan cruise or a Mexican Cruise, shore excursions run the gamut from glacier adventure cruises and historic horseback riding tours to swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, jeep tours, motor coach journeys, and rain forest exploration, to name a few.

Depending on the length of the cruise, passengers may spend a day or two at sea or even more. Luckily, Carnival Cruise Lines onboard experience is just as exciting as its destinations. Onboard, passengers will enjoy one of Carnival Cruise Lines many restaurants ranging from casual to posh, nightlife such as gambling at casinos (all Carnival Cruise Lines’ casinos feature slot machines, black jack, poker, and roulette), nightclubs, bars, lounges, live music shows and other live performances. Passengers can also take golf lessons, swim, shop, or spend the day at Carnival Cruises’ Spa Carnival Spa Carnival features a health club with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a jogging track, and aerobics classes. It also features a steam room and sauna, full-body massage services, facials, loofah treatments, manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling.

Depending on a number of factors ranging from accommodations (interior, ocean view, balcony, suite, and penthouse suite) destination, when you book, and how you book (online, through an agent, in-person) Carnival Cruise Lines rates may start at around $299 up to $700 or more. If you book on the Carnival Cruise Lines website, there are plenty of opportunities to score a discount. Carnival cruises offers Alaska specials, Caribbean cruise specials, family deals, special rates on new itineraries, specials on European sailings, New York specials, specials on theme cruises, and ‘fun from Florida’ deals. A good example is Carnival Cruises’ 5-day Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Destiny. Starting at $349, this cruise departs from Miami, Florida with stops in Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and Nassau, Bahamas.

For more information about Carnival Cruise Lines or to book your Carnival Cruise vacation, visit the official Carnival Cruise Lines website at www.carnival.com. You can also book a Carnival Cruise (for some of the lowest prices available) through just about any booking search engine such as Expedia.com or Orbitz.com.

According to the Alaska Cruise Association, “Alaska has some of the most stringent marine environmental standards in the world. In addition, the cruise lines have voluntarily adopted higher standards than those required by law spending more than $200 million in environmental upgrades in recent years. In fact, the industry has been recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard for its efforts to safeguard Alaska’s environment.” As an employee of an Alaskan sightseeing cruise ship, you have your work cut out for you.

To become a member of an Alaskan sightseeing cruise team, many of the required skills will depend on the type of job you are interested in. For example, for food service positions that require cooking, management, or say, advanced wine knowledge, you may have to have no less than an associate degree in a related field plus several years of experience working in hotel restaurants, cruise ship restaurants, or stand alone restaurants.

If you would like to become part of the deck and engineering department, you will also have to have no less than an associate degree (all upper level positions require a bachelors degree or higher), plus knowledge of Alaska’s strict environmental laws, and experience working on cruise ships. Once you begin your search for positions, each job posting will offer a detailed description of the skills and requirements the ship is looking for. Please read through the descriptions carefully and follow the application procedure to the letter. If the job posting requests an online application and copies of any relevant certifications or licenses, submit the application and documentation promptly. Visit the Ships and Cruises Directory for official cruise line listings and contact information.

In some cases an Alaskan cruise line, or a cruise line that makes frequent trips to Alaska and other locations around the U.S., will list a few job openings, but not the openings you are looking for. In some cases, but not often, a cruise line will offer contact information only and no job postings page. If you cannot find job postings for the cruise line you are interested in, you can handle the situation this way:

Send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.

Tip: The more flexible you are, the better your chances of landing a job on an Alaskan sightseeing cruise. Applicants willing to work any time of the year, any itinerary, whether extended or a few days, are most attractive to employer’s.

Top Cruise Lines for Alaskan Cruises

Celebrity Cruise Line
Princes Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Holland America Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Disney Cruise Line

At the other end of the spectrum is Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival Cruise Lines is one of the world’s most affordable cruise lines. It’s a top choice for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a fun and festive atmosphere. Couples looking for romance might choose a luxury line like Costa Cruises, while groups of friends interested in a more “adult-friendly” atmosphere may choose Holland America Line. The following list includes the top ten cruise lines for traveler’s and cruise jobs!

1. Carnival Cruise Lines
2. Princess Cruises
3. Royal Caribbean International
4. Holland America Line
5. Costa Cruises
6. P & O Cruises
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
8. Celebrity Cruises
9. Cunard Line
10. Star Cruise

Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival cruise lines may very well be the most popular cruise line in the world. With more than 20 vessels in it’s fleet, dozens of cruise vacations to choose from and outstanding values, its no wonder Carnival is the first name that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘cruise’. With so many cruise vessels and vacation types to choose from, how can you pick just one?

One of the ways to help narrow your choices down is to take a look at the vessels in Carnival’s fleet. Are you looking for a small ship or a large one? One that travels to a handful of destinations or to all destinations? Do you prefer newer ships or older ones? Chances are, you’ll have no problem finding a Carnival cruise ship to fit your style taste and budget.

Carnival cruise ships ‘Fun Ships’ run the gamut with names that speak volumes about each individual vessel. Carnival cruise lines fleet includes: Carnival Conquest, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Victory, Celebration, Ecstasy, Elation, Fantasy, Fascination, Holiday, Imagination, Inspiration, Paradise, Splendor, and Sensation.

Each Carnival fun ship has spacious accommodations, swimming pools, dining, shopping, entertainment and gambling, but some may have a few added extras that may appeal to you. Carnival Conquest is one of Carnival’s megaliners and features a spa, golfing/lessons, dancing shows and numerous activities for families while the brand new Carnival Freedom features ‘Carnival Seaside’, a 12-foot-high, 22-foot-wide LED screen for movies, sports and more. Carnival Conquest sails from Galveston, Texas to the western Caribbean and Carnival Freedom sails the eastern and western Caribbean. Carnival Freedom also makes frequent voyages to Europe and it also offers transatlantic cruises from Miami, Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

If you like to spend your days splashing about in the pool or taking in the views from your balcony and your nights dancing, Carnival Glory is the perfect Carnival cruise ship for you. Carnival Glory has a 214-foot waterslide, loads of nightclubs and spacious staterooms with 80% featuring ocean views and 80% with private balconies. Carnival Glory sails from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL to the eastern and western Caribbean.

While Carnival cruise ships are synonymous with fun for the whole family, many cruisers prefer a laid back environment that will allow for a bit more R&R. Carnival’s Ecstasy features 3-4 day getaways aboard a vessel that offers a slower pace, spacious staterooms for relaxing, large lounging areas designed specifically for taking it easy and numerous pools and whirlpools. Ecstasy also offers both formal and casual dining options, so romantic dinners are easy to come by. Carnival’s Ecstasy sails from Galveston, TX to the western Caribbean.

Cruise vacations come in all shapes and sizes and luckily, Carnival Cruise Lines has the perfect vessel for just about any type of cruise under the sun.

For more information about Carnival cruise lines and its fleet, visit www.carnival.com or call 1-888-CARNIVAL.

Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is a luxury line, a big ship line, and a small ship cruise line all rolled up into one. This makes it easy for passengers with a wide variety of tastes and budgets to find the perfect cruise through Princess Cruises. A Princess Cruise offers an abundance of options in the way of amenities, destinations, ports of call, ships, and excursions. There are a dozen destinations to choose from, hundreds of ports of call on the menu, 17 cruise ship options, and hundreds of shore excursions and cruisetours to choose from.

Princess cruise ships are considered some of the most luxurious vessels in the cruise industry featuring ships that appeal to the traveler looking for an intimate atmosphere or those looking for more people to mingle with. Princess Cruises fleet of 17 ships include: Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Dawn Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Pacific Princess, Royal Princess, *Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess, Star Princess, Sun Princess, and Tahitian Princess.

With room for 3,100 passengers and 900 balcony staterooms, Princess Cruises; largest ship is the Caribbean Princess. Caribbean Princess sails to Princess Cruises’ many exciting destinations ranging from Alaska, Asia, and Australia to Europe, Hawaii, and Tahiti. Of course, Caribbean Princess also sails to the Caribbean, as well as Canada, New England, the Mexican Riviera, and South America.

Island Princess falls somewhere in the mid-range on the size scale with room for 1,970-passengers with 90% ocean view staterooms, and more than 700 balconies

The 670-passenger Pacific Princess and the 670-passenger Tahitian Princess are two of Princess Cruises’ smaller ships. Both ships offer a peaceful, small ship environment with big ship amenities. Each vessel features more than 200 balcony staterooms. The Pacific Princess frequents Alaska, Asia/Orient, India/Asia, and Tahiti and Hawaii, while Tahitian Princess will take you to Tahiti, and Hawaii as well, and Polynesia.

Princess Cruises’ *Ruby Princess made her debut in 2008 and features 900 staterooms, all with private balconies.

Princess Cruises sails to a wide variety of destinations across the globe, with hundreds of exciting ports of call on the menu. Princess Cruises sails to Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii & Tahiti, the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal, and South America. Ports of call depend on the destination, but expect to visit off-the-beaten path ports such as Dominica and Roatan, Honduras, as well as historic ports such as Alexandria, Egypt; Santorini, Greece; Naples/Capri, Italy, and Cartagena, Spain.

There are so many shore excursions and cruisetours available during your Princess Cruise that it would be impossible to list them all here. So here is an example of a typical list of offerings on one of Princess Cruises’ Panama Canal cruises.

Panama Canal: Huatulco, Mexico

Highlights of Huatulco Tour
Rural Communities & Traditions
Mexican Cuisine Cooking Demonstration
Las Brisas Resort Beach Break
Eco-Walk & Birding Adventure
Princess Golf at Tangolunda Golf Course
Mountain Bike Excursion
Huatulco by Land & Sea Tour
Huatulco River Float
Deep-Sea Fishing Tour
Huatulco Sail & Swim Tour
Five Bays by Catamaran Swim

To book a cruise on any Princess Cruises ship, you can contact the cruise line directly at 1-800-PRINCESS. You can also book online at www.princess.com or contact your local cruise travel agent. FYI: Pre-reserving for cruise tours and excursions is highly recommended, as spots tend to fill up rather quickly. You can pre-reserve shore excursions up to 120 days before your departure date.

Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Cruises is the second largest cruise line in the world offering 170 destinations worldwide and more than 140 ports of call. Established in 1968, Royal Caribbean Cruises is also one of the most trusted names in the cruise line industry today. The Royal Caribbean Cruise International fleet features a variety of vessels to accommodate everything from large families and low-key couples to party animals, the mature set and singles.

Royal Caribbean International Fleet

The Royal Caribbean International fleet includes the: Freedom Family, Voyager Family, Radiance Family, Vision Family, and the Sovereign Family each with its own special amenities and amazing extras.

Freedom of the Seas is the latest addition the Royal Caribbean family. Freedom is the largest in the Royal Caribbean Cruise family with a maximum capacity of 3,634 passengers. Passengers can enjoy a day spa, rock climbing, ice-skating, a fitness center and a full-service casino as well as Wi-Fi services and flat screen TVs in every stateroom. Just a few of Royal Caribbean Cruises exciting destinations include: Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, and Hispaniola, to name a few.

The Voyager Family includes: Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. Passengers can enjoy pubs and promenades or restaurants and nightclubs while exploring the Eastern, Southern or Western Caribbean, Bermuda, the Mediterranean or the Transatlantic.

Whether you’re interested in touring Barcelona or Istanbul, Scandinavia or Russia or the Greek Isles, Venice or the Hawaiian Islands, the Radiance Family was built to suit some of the most extravagant tastes. The Radiance Family ships include: Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. Each vessel features glass walls and elevators offering guests a front seat to all the beauty the sea has to offer. Glass solariums, day spas, a country club and adventure programs for kids are just a few amenities the Radiance Family has to offer.

For the party animal in you, the Vision Family features lounges and bars galore, non-stop nightclubs, mini-golf and beautiful spas for relaxation during the day. The Vision Family includes: Enchantment of the Sea, Grandeur of the Sea, Legend of the Sea, Rhapsody of the Sea, Splendor of the Sea and Vision of the Sea. The Vision Family travels to Alaska, Belize, Costa Maya, the Greek Isles, Iberia, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Turkey and anywhere in the Caribbean.

Each ship has the capacity to hold in excess of 2,200 passengers per ship. Great for couples and families alike, the Sovereign Family includes three ships: Majesty of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Sovereign of the Sea. Sovereign ships feature complimentary adventure programs for kids along with great restaurants and casinos as well as a nightclubs and large outdoor pools. These vessels can hold anywhere from 2,700-2,850 passengers and destinations range from Baja Mexico to the Bahamas. The Sovereign Family is also extremely popular for holiday cruises.

Couples looking for a little romance should consider Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas. With a maximum capacity of 2,020 guests, the Empress is the smallest and most intimate ship in the fleet. The facilities include: a day spa, a world-class fitness center, a romantic Italian restaurant called ‘Portofino’ and a Latin themed lounge called ‘Boleros’. Ports of call are located throughout the Caribbean and Bermuda and cruises range anywhere from 3-11 nights.

Things to know before you go
Royal Caribbean Cruises will include: meals, accommodations, snacks, access to fitness centers, entertainment and 24-hour room service. Keep in mind that the price does not include tips. In general, guests should tip the stateroom attendant, suite attendant, dining room waiter, assistant waiter, and the headwaiter. Guests should also figure port charges and excursions into their budget as well.

Prices for Royal Caribbean cruises vary greatly and depend on a wide variety of factors. Destination, ship size, ports of call, type of accommodations and time of year will determine how much or how less you will spend on your Royal Caribbean cruise. Typically, deluxe suites and rooms with balconies or ocean views cost more, with interior rooms costing considerably less.

The best deals are typically offered in January, September-December and late spring. Prices may range anywhere from $400 up to $5,400. The higher prices are usually for deluxe accommodations aboard any of the ships in the Radiance Family. If your interests lean more towards excursions rather than ship activities, it’s best to select and purchase your excursions online far in advance as tours tend to fill quickly. In general, you have 10 days prior to departure to purchase excursions online; otherwise you’ll have to purchase them on the ship or with a tour director, if available.

Canoeing, deep sea fishing, hiking through rainforests, shopping, land or landmark tours, scuba diving and cave exploration are just a few of the many tours and activities Royal Caribbean cruise passengers can enjoy during their Royal Caribbean cruise vacation!

To book a Royal Caribbean cruise visit the official Royal Caribbean website www.royalcaribbean.com or contact your local cruise travel specialist.

Holland America Line
No matter how you say it, ‘Holland American Cruise Lines’, ‘Holland America Line’, or ‘Holland American Cruises’, Holland America Line (HAL) is considered one of the world’s top luxury cruise lines.

Holland America Line has more than 130 years of experience in the cruise industry. This luxury cruise line covers all seven continents, offering nearly 500 cruises from more than 25 homeports. Because it sails to so many places, Holland America Line has the means to offer itineraries ranging from two days to a whopping 108 days. Its no wonder Holland American Line is the most well-respected and highly recognized name in luxury cruising.

Holland America Line destinations include: Alaska, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, the Panama Canal, and South America. Some of Holland America Cruise Lines most popular cruises include: Australia/New Zealand, Asia sailings, the world cruise, the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe. Holland American Cruise Line also offers winter sailings to the Caribbean from its homeport in New York City. Winter sailings typically take place aboard Holland

1,918-passenger ms Noordam (introduced in early 2006).

Including the ms Noordaam, Holland America Line features a five-star fleet of 14 stunning ships ranging from the small and intimate to the large and luxurious. Holland America Linefamous fleet includes: ms Amsterdam, ms Eurodam (to be delivered in summer 2008), ms Maasdam, ms Oosterdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam, ms Veendam, ms Volendam, ms Westerdam, ms Zaandam, and ms Zuiderdam.

Excursions run the gamut from sightseeing and flightseeing to adventure tours, snorkeling, shopping trips, glacier tours, and more. Because there are so many ports of call for each destination and hundreds of land excursions, it would be tough to list them all here. But a good example of HALs exciting offerings is the Alaska cruise. Ports of call include: College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Haines, Alaska, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Alaska, Ketchikan, Alaska, San Diego, California, San Francisco, California, Seattle, Washington, Seward (Anchorage) Alaska, Sitka, Alaska, Skagway, Alaska, Tracy Arm, Alaska, Vancouver, B.C., and Victoria, B.C.

Land tour excursions cover places such as: Alyeska, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Whitehorse, Yukon, Denali, Homer, and Dawson City, to name a few. Passengers will tour a plethora of parks and highlights such as: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kluane National Park, Nome and Kotzebue, Alaska, Prudhoe Bay, and Alaska Tombstone Territory Park.

All Holland America Line excursions are on a first-come, first-served basis. Many tours have very limited availability, so advanced booking is highly recommended to avoid any disappointment. Requests for excursions that are fully booked are placed on a waiting list.

Prices for Holland America Line cruises vary greatly depending on a variety of factors such as season, destination, vessel, accommodations, length of cruise, departure port, excursions, number of passengers in your party and more. Accommodations play an important part in pricing, so it is important to keep in mind that there are plenty of accommodation types to choose from. The following list ranges from the most expensive room type to the least expensive.

• Penthouse Verandah Suites
• Deluxe Verandah Suites
• Superior Verandah Suites
• Verandah Staterooms
• Large Outside Staterooms
• Large Inside Staterooms
• Large Standard Staterooms

While some suites are more spacious and luxurious than others, all staterooms offer different levels of luxury and include: fine linens, Egyptian cotton towels and bathrobes, massage showerheads, and flat-screen televisions.

To book a Holland America, contact the cruise line directly at 1-800-426-0327 or you can book with a Holland America Travel Professional online at www.hollandamerica.com. Contact your local cruise travel agent or any of the booking search engines listed below for possible discounts and deals on a Holland America cruise.

Kayak.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
CheapTickets.com
VacationsToGo.com

Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises is the largest cruise company in Europe featuring more than a dozen ships that travel to more than a dozen exciting destinations. Costa Cruises’ fleet includes a wide variety of ships to suit varying tastes, styles, and budgets. Some are large and luxurious, while others are small and intimate. The fleet includes: Costa Serena, Costa Magic, Costa Victoria, Costa Romantica, Costa Marina, Costa Concordia, Costa Fortuna, Costa Atlantica, Costa Europa, Costa Classica, and Costa Allegra.

The two largest (and longest) ships in Costa Cruises fleet are Costa Serena and her sister ship Costa Concordia. Costa Serena features a Samsara Spa that spreads over two decks, more than 500 cabins with balconies, 13 bars, five restaurants, four swimming pools, and spacious decks with panoramic views. Costa Classica, the most popular ship, features a modern design, art and sculptures throughout, a ballroom, and a theater on two decks.

Costa Cruises luxury doesn’t stop with the interior of its ships, this cruise line is all about pampering, and entertaining its guests. Passengers may personalize their cruise by selecting from a list of offerings such as Costa’s red and rose wines special, floral arrangements, a variety of cabin comforts such as chocolates or a fresh fruit basket daily, gift sets, champagne and sparkling wines, white wines special selection, and beauty/spa packages.

Costa Cruises destinations include: Atlantic Ocean and Canary Islands, Eastern Caribbean, Eastern Mediterranean, Far East, Grand Oriental, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Northern Capitals, Norwegian Fjords & Highlands, South America, Transatlantic, Western Caribbean and Western Mediterranean. With so many exotic destinations to choose from, you can bet the itineraries this cruse line offers are even more spectacular. Sample itineraries include: Bahamas, Bermuda, Antilles, Canary Islands, Spain, (24 nights); Dubai, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Italy (16 nights), Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Madagascar (14 nights), Italy, Corsica, Tunisia, Malta (five nights), and Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Shetland Islands (14 nights), to name a few.

You’ll find a wide variety of shore excursions no matter what your itinerary or length of stay may be. Costa Cruises offers shore excursions specifically designed to allow the passenger to become fully immersed in different cultures, environments, and habitats. Guests will have three different levels to choose from including: Easy, Moderate and Hard — all specially designed to provide something for all tastes and abilities. For example, you will find natural and cultural tours that are designed with age in mind. Some are suitable for older guests, while others will suit younger guests. In addition, active and sports-oriented excursions are also available for individuals who are on the adventurous side.

Costa Cruise vacations are available 365 days a year and booking far in advance is highly recommended as space tends to fill up rather quickly. To book a Costa Cruise, you can contact the cruise line directly by phone at: 020 7940 5398, or visit the cruise lines’ website at: www.costracruise.com. You can also contact your local cruise travel specialist to help you book a Costa Cruise.

Please follow the links below for articles and profiles for P & O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, and Star Cruise.

• www.allaboutcruisesandmore/po-cruises
• www.allaboutcruisesandmore.com/ncl-cruise-lines
• www.allaboutcruisesandmore.com/celebrity-cruise-line
• www.allaboutcruisesandmore.com/cunard-cruise-lines
• www.starcruises.com

If you want to increase your chances of landing a job on a cruise ship, look no further than the Big Four. The Big Four are the top four cruise lines for job opportunities. They include:

Royal Caribbean International
Princess Cruises
Carnival Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines

These cruise lines have the largest fleets in the industry with state-of-the art spas, salons and fitness centers and dozens of options for entertainment and dining. Cruise lines that offer these types of amenities and features usually have to best and the highest number of job opportunities. Several smaller, specialty cruise lines are also ripe for the picking. These include: Delta Queen Steamboat Co. and Lindblad Expeditions.

Continue reading to learn more about the different departments on cruise ships and how to apply for a cruise job.

Cruise Ship Departments
Jobs on cruise ships will fall under several categories: Activity/Entertainment Department, Deck & Engineering Department, Service & Hospitality Department, Personal Care Department and Office Positions.

Jobs on cruise ships in the Activity/Entertainment department are considered some of the most glamorous jobs aboard the ship. These positions deal with anything relating to passenger entertainment. This department includes: DJs, Production Managers, Photographers, Managers, Casino Staff, Host/Hostess and Cruise Consultant, to name a few. Those best suited for jobs in this department are typically enthusiastic and extroverted.

The Deck & Engineering Department is one of the most important departments on the vessel –without it the ship would never set sail. This department is responsible for maintaining and running the vessel. Please note that the positions in this department are not typically entry-level positions, especially on large ships. The department consists of deckhands, maintenance workers, engineers, and officers. These positions help to motor or sail the ship, attend to the physical maintenance needs of the ship, and keep it in accordance with fleet regulations and international maritime laws. Officers are in charge of passenger safety as well.

Staff members in the Service/Hospitality Department or Hotel Management Department have the responsibility of managing the bars & restaurants and passenger cabins, as well as shipboard retail concessions like gift shops. Just a few Service/Hospitality positions include: Hotel Manager, Cabin Stewards/Stewardesses, Accountant, Executive Chef, Wine Steward, Chief Purser, Purser Staff, Chief Purser, Bellman, Pastry Chef and the list goes on and on. Most service positions such as bartenders, waiters and cocktail servers can earn a good amount of extra money from tips.

No cruise would be complete without a department devoted to helping passengers pamper themselves. The Personal Care Department includes spa, fitness, beauty and medical services. It helps manage hair stylists, manicurists, massage therapists, fitness instructors, beauty therapists, spa attendants, nurses and physicians all dedicated to the well-being of passengers.

Most office positions are onshore — employees typically work in the main office performing administrative tasks, arranging cruises or performing general office tasks. Office positions generally fall under the following categories: Accounting, Administrative/Clerical, Air Operations, Marketing/PR and Reservations/Sales.

How to Apply for a Cruise Job
When you are ready to apply for a cruise job, locate the big four cruise lines’ websites first by visiting the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings. Once you have located the official web address, visit the website and search around for job postings. Most cruise line websites have a career center or job postings page in plain view. If the cruise line lists job openings, be sure to follow the application procedure to the letter. Applicants that do not follow directions are typically passed over in favor of those that do.

If the cruise line does not list job openings on its site, send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.

The question is: how can I break in? Experience and a certain skill set will play an important part in obtaining employment on Royal Caribbean, but an energetic personality and fun attitude are equally as important. Let’s take a look at the different departments and positions on cruise ships.

Jobs on cruise ships will fall under several categories: Activity/Entertainment Department, Deck & Engineering Department, Service & Hospitality Department, Personal Care Department and Office Positions.

Jobs in the Activity/Entertainment department are considered some of the most glamorous jobs aboard the ship. These positions deal with anything relating to passenger entertainment. This department includes: DJs, Production Managers, Photographers, Managers, Casino Staff, Host/Hostess and Cruise Consultant, to name a few. Those best suited for jobs in this department are typically enthusiastic and extroverted.

The Deck & Engineering Department is one of the most important departments on the vessel –without it the ship would never set sail. This department is responsible for maintaining and running the vessel. Please note that the positions in this department are not typically entry-level positions, especially on large ships. The department consists of deckhands, maintenance workers, engineers, and officers. These positions help to motor or sail the ship, attend to the physical maintenance needs of the ship, and keep it in accordance with fleet regulations and international maritime laws. Officers are in charge of passenger safety as well.

Staff members in the Service/Hospitality Department or Hotel Management Department have the responsibility of managing the bars & restaurants and passenger cabins, as well as shipboard retail concessions like gift shops. Just a few Service/Hospitality positions include: Hotel Manager, Cabin Stewards/Stewardesses, Accountant, Executive Chef, Wine Steward, Chief Purser, Purser Staff, Chief Purser, Bellman, Pastry Chef and the list goes on and on. Most service positions such as bartenders, waiters and cocktail servers can earn a good amount of extra money from tips.

No cruise would be complete without a department devoted to helping passengers pamper themselves. The Personal Care Department includes spa, fitness, beauty and medical services. It helps manage hair stylists, manicurists, massage therapists, fitness instructors, beauty therapists, spa attendants, nurses and physicians all dedicated to the well-being of passengers.

Most office positions are onshore — employees typically work in the main office performing administrative tasks, arranging cruises or performing general office tasks. Office positions generally fall under the following categories: Accounting, Administrative/Clerical, Air Operations, Marketing/PR and Reservations/Sales.

When you are ready to apply for a position, visit Royal Caribbean’s OFFICIAL website at www.royalcaribbean.com. Royal Caribbean has a career center/job postings page.

Once you locate the job listing you’re interested in, it is important to follow the application procedure to the letter. Applicants that do not follow directions are typically passed over in favor of those that do. If the cruise line does not list any job openings on its site, send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.

For more information about jobs on other cruise ships visit Cruise Ship Jobs online. Here, you can download the 2010 cruise ship employment guide; you can read through cruise line profiles; you can find out which ships are hiring and for what positions — and you can even apply for a cruise ship job right online.

The Freedom Class includes: Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas. The 18-deck Liberty of the Seas made her debut in May 2007 and she can accommodate 4,370 passengers, served by 1,360 crewmembers. Royal Caribbean also plans to release another mega-liner in Fall 2009. The Genesis Class will accommodate 5,400 passengers. Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas are also among the fleets largest ships, with a maximum capacity of 3,634 passengers. Aboard Royal Caribbean’s mega ships, passengers can enjoy day spas, rock climbing, ice-skating, world-class fitness centers and a full-service casinos as well as Wi-Fi services and flat screen TV’s in every stateroom. Freedom Class ships travel to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica and Hispaniola, to name a few.

The Voyager Family includes: Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. Passengers can enjoy pubs and promenades or restaurants and nightclubs while exploring the Eastern, Southern or Western Caribbean, Bermuda, the Mediterranean or the Transatlantic.

Whether you’re interested in touring Barcelona or Istanbul, Scandinavia or Russia or the Greek Isles, Venice or the Hawaiian Islands, the Radiance Family was built to suit some of the most extravagant tastes. The Radiance Family ships include: Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. Each vessel features glass walls and elevators offering guests a front seat to all the beauty the sea has to offer. Glass solariums, day spas, a country club and adventure programs for kids are just a few amenities the Radiance Family has to offer.

The Vision Family (popular with fun-loving couples) features a wide variety of lounges and bars, non-stop nightclubs, mini-golf and beautiful spas for relaxation during the day. The Vision Family includes: Enchantment of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Splendor of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. The Vision Family travels to Alaska, Belize, Costa Maya, the Greek Isles, Iberia, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Turkey, and anywhere in the Caribbean. Each ship can accommodate more than 2,200 passengers per ship.

Great for couples and families alike, the Sovereign Family includes three ships: Majesty of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Sovereign of the Seas. Sovereign ships feature complimentary adventure programs for kids along with great restaurants and casinos as well as a nightclubs and large outdoor pools. These vessels can hold anywhere from 2,700-2,850 passengers and destinations range from Baja Mexico to the Bahamas. The Sovereign Family is also extremely popular for holiday cruises.

Couples looking for a romantic setting should consider Royal Caribbean Cruises’ Empress of the Seas. With accommodations for 2,020 guests, Empress of the Seas is the smallest and most intimate ship in the fleet. Empress facilities include: a day spa, a world-class fitness center, a romantic Italian restaurant called “Portofino” and a Latin themed lounge called “Boleros.” Empress’s Caribbean and Bermuda cruise itineraries range from 3-11 nights.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises

In service for more than 40 years, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is the second largest cruise line in the world and since 1968 it has also been one of the most trusted names in the cruise industry. When you choose a Royal Caribbean Cruise, you will have your choice of more than 170 destinations and over 140 ports of call. Not only this, but Royal Caribbean Cruise excursions are plentiful as well and run the gamut from canoeing, deep sea fishing, and hiking through rainforests to shopping, landmark tours, scuba diving, cave exploration, and more.

Things to Know Before You Go

Royal Caribbean cruise prices include: meals, accommodations, snacks, access to fitness centers, entertainment and 24-hour room service. Keep in mind that the price does not include tips. In general, guests should tip the stateroom attendant, suite attendant, dining room waiter, assistant waiter and the headwaiter. Guests should also figure port charges and excursions into their budget as well.

Prices for Royal Caribbean cruises depend on destination, ship, ports of call, type of accommodations, and time of year. Typically, deluxe suites and rooms with balconies or ocean views cost more, with interior rooms costing considerably less. The best Royal Caribbean cruise deals are available in January, September-December, and late spring. Prices may range from $400 up to $5,400 or more. The higher prices are usually for deluxe accommodations aboard any of the ships in the Radiance Family.

If your interests lean more towards excursions rather than ship activities, it’s best to select and purchase your excursions online far in advance as tours tend to fill quickly. In general, you have 10 days prior to departure to purchase excursions online; otherwise you’ll have to purchase them on the ship or with a tour director, if available.

To book a Royal Caribbean Cruise vacation, visit the Royal Caribbean International website (www.royalcaribbean.com) or contact your local cruise travel specialist. For discounts and deals, visit any of the websites listed below.

Kayak.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
CheapTickets.com
VacationsToGo.com
Cruise411.com
Cruise.com

There are so many types of Christian cruises on the market today that it would be tough to name them all here, so just a few of the different types of Christian cruises include: couples cruises, family cruises, singles cruises, cruises for seniors, and retreat cruises. As a passenger and member of the faith, Christians will enjoy friendship and companionship with like-minded individuals as well as give thanks and praise to the Lord throughout this very physical and spiritual journey.

No matter what type of Christian cruise vacation you choose, the activities and events will consist of song, dance, comedy, seminars, worship, and even work shops. While most popular cruise lines have been known to sponsor a Christian cruise vacation or two, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, there are a good number of top Christian cruise lines and vacations on the market today including: Cruise with a Cause, The Spirit West Coast Cruise, and Steps of Paul Cruise Tours.

Cruise with a Cause hosts a variety of entertainment based Christian cruises and many will take the passenger to a variety of destinations such as the Caribbean, South America, and Europe, to name a few.

The Spirit West Coast Cruises are also entertainment based cruises featuring the best in Christian music, but also ample time on the sandy beaches of places such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

Steps of Paul Cruise Tours may take the passenger to places such as Greece or Athens or Turkey. The Steps of Paul Cruise Tours will take the passenger on tours of ruins, pillars and public places of worship.

In addition to exciting destinations such as the Caribbean, Cabo San Lucas and Europe, most Christian cruise lines and cruises travel to Africa, the Holy Land/Middle East, Hawaii, Alaska, and more.

The typical length of a Christian cruise ranges from 3-8 Days, but depending on the “sub-theme” the cruise can last 10, maybe even 15 days. Depending on the type of Christian Cruise and destination, prices may start at $299 and work up to $1,000 or more—all inclusive.

Most Christian cruises tend to run year around, so anytime is a good time to go. To check out all there is to offer in Christian cruises today, visit: Christiantravelfinder.com. Christian Travel Finder has been featured in Time Magazine, on The Early Show, HBO, and in USA Today Travel.

Cruise lines will do anything to book their cruises way in advance, so you may enjoy hot cruise deals such as special incentives, credits, and cash back just for booking far in advance. If you’re one to procrastinate – you too may be rewarded! If a cruise isn’t booked several weeks or so before the cruise departure date, prices are slashed. If you book last minute, you may enjoy savings up to 75 percent!

Other ways to enjoy hot cruise deals include: booking off-season, booking with a group, taking advantage of package deals, booking online, and booking with popular cruise lines. Some of the world’s most popular cruise lines include: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, SilverSea Cruises, and Windstar Cruises.

If you want to book off-season, you’ll find the most hot cruise deals in year round destinations. For example, slow or “shoulder” seasons for say Alaska, may differ from the Mexican Riviera. Here is a list of destinations and their slow seasons: Alaska, May and September; Bermuda, April-May and September-October; Canada/New England, July-August; the Caribbean, late April-May, September-early January; Hawaii, late August, late November, and February; Mexican Riviera, early January and May, October-November; Eastern and Western Mediterranean, March-April and September-November. Expect plenty of perks during these times as well.

Besides hot cruise deals for groups and families, just about every cruise line features special rates for seniors. The only catch is, to lock in special senior rates you can’t book online. You must call a cruise travel specialist or book directly with the cruise line. Keep in mind that a senior is typically defined as a person who is 55 or older and proof of age is required.

For more hot cruise deals visit any of the following popular discount booking search engines’ websites to check out some of the best hot cruise deals, to shop and compare, and you can even book your cruise right online!

Kayak.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
CheapTickets.com
VacationsToGo.com

Oasis of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 220,000, 2,700 staterooms including 28 modern loft suites, 16 decks, and a guest capacity of 5,400 passengers (double occupancy). It can also hold 2,100 crew members. The ship is 1,184 feet long and it has a maximum beam of 154 feet. Oasis of the Seas is the only vessel at sea with actual indoor “neighborhoods” and it is the first and only vessel to offer a Zip Line at sea. Onboard districts include: Central Park – a public space combining nature and nautical; Boardwalk – dedicated to family and fun, featuring the new and entertaining AquaTheater; and the Royal Promenade. Oasis of the Seas is worth $1.5 billion. Oasis of the Seas is one of two Oasis Class Ships. The other is Allure of the Seas. Oasis Class Highlights are as follows:

7 distinctly designed neighborhoods including:

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness
Solo and couple massage suites
Youth spa
Complete hair and makeup services
158 state-of-the-art cardio and resistance machines
Pilates, kickboxing, yoga and spinning classes
Vitality Café

Pool and Sports Zone
H2O Zone aqua park for kids
4 pools and 10 whirlpools
Tranquil poolside Solarium area
2 Flowriders®, sports courts, mini-golf and Zip line
Solarium Bistro, Wipe Out Café and Bar

Entertainment Place
Casino Royale
Studio B, featuring ice shows
Opal Theater – 1,380-seat venue
Blaze Nightclub, Jazz on 4, Comedy Live
Dazzles, featuring musical spectacles ranging from big band to disco

Youth Zone
Adventure Ocean Theater and Science Lab
The Workshop – includes activities such as jewelry making & scrapbooking
Royal Babies & Royal Tots – nursery service
Teen Areas including Fuel disco, The Living Room lounge, the Back Deck and more!

Oasis of the Seas will make her first trip 4-day trip on December 1, 2009. Ports of call include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Labadee, Haiti; Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For reservations, visit the official Royal Caribbean website at www.royalcaribbean.com.