Travelling In Luxury With Radisson Cruises

Radisson Cruises began in 1992 with their Seven Seas Cruises Fleet, which was an off-shoot of their successful six-star hotel chain. Once travelers associated the upscale hotel brand name with the "Seven Seas" line, the "Radisson" was dropped from the name in 2004, even though ownership remained the same.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Seven Seas fleet consists of five mid-sized luxury vessels offering Atlantic cruises, Eastern Mediterranean cruises, Western Mediterranean cruises, Alaskan cruises and more.

As previously mentioned, all the stately rooms on the Radisson Cruises Seven Seas offer ocean views and private balconies. The sheer size of these rooms, which range from 300-square-feet to over 2,000-square-feet, rivals Carnival Group or Royal Caribbean, even though the ship itself is smaller than its massive counterparts.

The main theme of the Radisson décor is spaciousness, which comes in handy when navigating through breeze-ways, decks and public spaces. The light colored woods, autumn hue fabrics and marble bathrooms exude comfort and elegance. Bathrooms have a separate tub, shower and vanity areas, which makes getting ready for dinner after a few hours down in the pool more enjoyable.

In terms of demographics, many of the Radisson Cruises patrons are affluent, in their fifties and sixties. Cruise activities are generally unstructured, allowing passengers to plan their own activities, rather than follow a structured daily schedule. However, there are scheduled ballroom dance lessons, art auctions and wine tasting as well.

There are musical revue shows, comedians, educational lecturers and cocktail parties daily. There are some casino activities, but not many flashy machines. There are fitness classes and modest gym facilities for the exercise nut. Many people like to play ping pong, jog around a track, practice golf, swim in the pools and kick back in the hot tubs.

Spa services like hot stone massages, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and other anti-stress treatments are also available. Whether you cruise Mediterranean, Atlantic, Pacific or Alaskan waters, you'll have a blast onboard.

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Your Next Getaway With Europe Cruises

Europe cruises are a great way to see the most bustling coastal cities Europe has to offer. You can hop aboard a Western Mediterranean cruise to see Italy, France and Spain or one of the Eastern Mediterranean cruises to visit Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Atlantic cruises can take you from England down to Africa and back again.

Some adventurers choose to sail around the UK and Ireland, while others prefer Scandinavian cruises around Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. No matter which countries you prefer, you'll enjoy a wonderful all-inclusive experience packed full of culture and intrigue!

Other travelers opt for a shorter 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise, which will allow them time for land tours or a briefer stay if work won't allow more time off. The Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise line will set you off aboard "Voyager of the Seas" to Villefranche (France) and Livorno, Civitavecchia, Napes and Sicily (Italy).

You'll also get a day at sea, where you can relax guilt-free, without feeling like you're missing something. Starting at just $709/person, you'll wonder why you didn't plan Europe cruises sooner.

Norway is noted for its scenic fjords and picturesque lands. Scandinavian cruises are preferable to staying on land because lodging and food is so notoriously expensive there. On the Regent Seven Seas Europe cruises, you'll see Norway and the Arctic Circle in 14 nights, stopping in Hellesylt, Geiranger, Longyearbyen, Honningsvag, North Cape, Tromsoe, Gudvangen, Bergen, Nevlunghavn, and Oslo.

Norwegian Coastal Voyages also stops in 34 ports from Begen to Kirkenes, although the accommodations are less glamorous.

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Cruises Mediterranean Itineraries With Port Stops

Some people take cruises Mediterranean adventures as a way of learning. Crystal Cruises offers wonderful enrichment experiences aboard "Crystal Serenity." You can partake in things like foreign language and computer skills classes to cooking lessons and dance exhibitions. You'll be able to listen to expert speakers discussing politics and current events, food and wine, art and antiques.

You can cruise Mediterranean waters from Venice to Barcelona during the summer months, enjoying both East and Western Mediterranean cruise ports. The spring offers more offbeat stops in Bordeaux, Bilbao, Valencia and Lisbon. In 10-14 nights, you'll receive luxurious service, penthouse cabins with personal butlers, exquisite dining and some of the best sea days imaginable. You'll love the lunch buffets, the spa and the activities. This is just one of many cruise experiences for the adventurous!

The cruises Mediterranean itineraries attract many senior citizens. The best option for the 55+ crowd is Oceania Cruises, which features 684-person ships "Regatta," "Insignia" and "Nautica." This Mediterranean cruise line attracts more cultured audiences who have seen much of the world.

The itineraries range from 10 to 14 nights and visit many lesser known stops like Amalfi, Taormina and Livorno, as well as the big hits of Marseille, Malta, Venice, Monte Carlo and Civitavecchia (Rome). The bedding is plush, the amenities are top-notch and the balconies are affordable, which are all features that appeal to an older crowd.

You'll feel like you're in a Colonial country club on this nicely decorated cruise liner, although the one downside is that the rooms (save for the suites) are a little small with tiny bathrooms.

Some of the best cruises Mediterranean waters have to offer are surprisingly perfect for the small budget. Island Cruises' "Island Star" gives you a casual and friendly atmosphere, while mixing popular ports and lesser visited gems, and all at a reasonable price. Starting in Palma de Mallorca, you can find 7-night Mediterranean cruise deals starting at just $582 per person.

You'll visit Messina (Sicily), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Naples, Toulon (France) and Barcelona. You may even get to see Mahon (Menorca), Ajaccio (Corsica), Alghero (Sardinia) and Santa Margherita (Italy). You'll enjoy the five restaurants, relaxing spa and easy access to ports.

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Travelling North To South America With Panama Canal Cruises

Panama Canal cruises are the best way to see this 50-mile man-made wonder that takes you from North to South America. Prior to 1880, the only way to reach South America was along treacherous jungle rivers.

The French began their project, which lasted more than 23 years and cost them 20,000 workers in the process. When they abandoned the work in 1903, the US took over, spending $352 million to get the job done in 11 years. The opening of the Panama Canal in August 1914 was considered by Teddy Roosevelt as "by the far the most important action" he took in foreign relations.

In the past, Panama Canal cruises were pretty standard, beginning in Florida and sweeping through the Caribbean and Central America, briefly stopping in Mexico. Today's offerings are much broader, lasting from a week to a month, with a number of exciting stops along the way.

Often Costa Rica is added to the itinerary, as is Western Canada. You can begin in San Francisco, San Diego or Seattle in the west and Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Tampa in the east. Many itineraries offered by Carnival Group include places like the Cayman Islands, Colombia (Cartagena) and Mexico (Manzanillo) as well.

When you hop off your Panama Canal Cruises, there is much to do. You can take the Panama Canal Railway from Panama City to Colon. You can travel to the beautiful Portabelo Bay, where Sir Francis Drake and Christopher Columbus loved to visit.

Here you'll see musket holes in the Santiago Fort, crumbling walls at the 250-year-old San Geronimo Fort, as well as the town's quaint monasteries, counting houses and impressive monuments. In Anton Valley, you can see waterfalls, rainforests and petroglyphs.

The Ember Indian Village is a nice day break too, with cultural arts, dance, jewelry making and dining. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking can all be part of your Pacific - Atlantic cruises port adventure.

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Discovering Treasures With Baltic Cruises

There is no shortage of Baltic cruises departing from Southampton and Dover in the UK, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. However, there are completely different experiences to suit the different needs of diverse travelers.

For instance, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises offer the best family vacations, but Crystal Cruises has better luxury Scandinavian cruises for the older traveler. You'll want to look for cruises that offer over-nights in bustling cities like St. Petersburg, Russia, so you can experience all the city has to offer.

Many travelers choose Baltic cruises because of its close proximity to the UK and major airports. While many Brits like to take the sunny southern Atlantic cruises, there are many treasures to be discovered right in their own backyard!

For Americans visiting Europe, what better way to explore the major port cities than to cruise in style? St. Petersburg is the most prized stop for many, with the Hermitage Museum, the Griboyedov Canal, magnificent cathedrals like Kazan and Peter & Paul, palaces fit for a tsar, the Alexandrine Theatre and much more. Of course, Russia is just one stop on a Baltic cruise, which also includes Poland, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Baltic cruises vary greatly not only in itinerary but also in price. While the Greek Isles cruises and the Mediterranean cruises increase in price during the summer months, the Baltic trips start at $1,299 per person. There really is no guarantee for good weather on a trip to Eastern European waters. It could be hot and hot sunny, it could rain or it could be breezy and cool, so you'll have to pack accordingly.

One advantage is that most people speak English in the countries you'll visit, with the exception of Russia. Some of the top-rated cruise ships to consider for Baltic cruises include Celebrity "Century," Royal Caribbean's "Jewel of the Seas," Azamara's "Journey," Cunard's "Queen Victoria" and Royal Caribbean's "Independence of the Seas."

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Life Is An Adventure With South America Cruises

As you can imagine, South America cruises range greatly. You can take Pacific cruises that begin in San Diego or LA and cruise down past Guadalajara and Acapulco, Mexico to Guatemala, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Zone.

You'll pass coastal Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Or you may also take Atlantic cruises that begin in southern Florida and pass down through Cuba, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica before hitting up Aruba, Caracas, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

A common complaint of people who've just finished their first South American, Alaskan, Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise ship experience is that the port stops were "generic" and full of other tourists. Nothing shatters the illusion that you're a Christopher Columbus or Vasco de Gama out in the wilderness more than people with Hawaiian shirts and cameras.

For an offbeat cruise, try Costa's "Magica," "Romantica" or "Mediterranea," which focus more on Brazilian adventures that are lesser known. You'll board with an eclectic crowd from a diverse assortment of countries. Costa "Magica" provides 7-night Brazilian South America cruises visiting Santos, Salvador, Ilheus and Ilhabela. Costa "Romantica" offers Buenos Aires trips that also stop in Uruguay's Punta del Este.

They also have cruises focusing on Argentina and Uruguay for the more experienced traveler. The best way to see all the sights is to choose a less ambitious voyage that focuses on a few distinct areas, rather than a "greatest hits" marquee tour of all major ports.

South America cruises have all the sophistication of European cities blended with a bit of raw nature. You'll see many of the diverse terrains Mother Nature has to offer, whether you're taking an Amazon River cruise down through green jungles full of crocodiles, monkeys, parrots and ancient ruins or kicking back with the dolphins on intimate Atlantic cruises.

Chile's snow-capped mountains and Argentina's grasslands are all part of South America's beauty. With a wider range of cruises than ever before, you can find one of the aforementioned cruises or check out cruise lines like Celebrity, Crystal, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea or Windstar.

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Comfort And Amusement With Transatlantic Cruises

Transatlantic cruises involve an epic journey that many of our ancestors took; from Europe, across the Atlantic Ocean and to America. The short itineraries usually focus on Caribbean cruise adventures at the end of the journey and spend a lot of time in open waters, where plenty of entertainment options are included in your cruise price.

Some longer itineraries involve stops in European ports. People primarily choose a Transatlantic cruise because they love the comfort and endless amusement options aboard their prepaid vessels and they enjoy a little more time at sea, without the aggravation of an overabundance of port stops.

Royal Caribbean International has some of the best offerings in Transatlantic cruises. You can choose a 14-day cruise from Barcelona to Miami, from Southampton to Tampa, from Venice to Galveston (Texas), from Fort Lauderdale to Harwick (England) and from Dover (England) to New York. The port stops differ from other voyages, which may only stop in the Caribbean.

RCI will take you to the Rock of Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, through the castles and pubs of Ireland, dancing and dining in Paris and hiking in Portugal. Aboard the ship, passengers can scale a rock wall, gamble at Casino Royale, receive pampering at the day spa, enjoy themed bars, or eat at the deluxe Portofino Restaurant. With prices starting as low as $749 per person, it's hard not to be taken in by the spirit of adventure.

Just as there are Mediterranean cruise deals, there are also ways to save on Transatlantic cruises. If you were planning a Baltic cruise, you would plan early to get the best prices, but the opposite rings true for Transatlantic voyages. Instead, the closer to departure you look, the lower the cost.

Be aware that usually the lowest prices are on the least-desirable cabins situated on the interior in the lower decks, with perhaps only a small porthole. The higher priced cabins may have private balconies and may cost $300-$500 more than the lowest cost cabins.

You can also find discounts on mass-market, well-known cruise lines like the Carnival Group, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, rather than boutique lines like Swan Hellenic or Fred Olsen.

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Getting A Last Chance Deal With Ocean Village Cruises

You could say Ocean Village Cruises was Carnival Group's experiment. Launching in 2003, Ocean Village fancied itself as "cruises for people who don't do cruises" or "cruising gone casual." Their target market was the young, the "dress down" on Friday crowd, the former hostel backpackers, the light packers and the people who love the idea of 24/7 buffets more than fancy balls.

Unfortunately, Carnival has announced they will cease operations in the summer of 2010 to "maximize performance from their other assets." Despite this bad news, passengers who act quickly may be able to score some terrific end-of-the-road deals.

Activities are plentiful aboard Ocean Village Cruises. Open air circuses and laser light shows are popular on deck at night, while the two pools and ocean-view gym are popular hangouts during the day.

You can play Blackjack or Roulette in the casino, watch a Robbie Williams or Rod Stewart tribute musical performance, learn how to juggle at the circus workshop, catch stand-up comedy at Connexions Bar or buy shiny trinkets at the art auction.

Of course, the Mediterranean cruise ship is just the start of your adventures. A number of exciting port stops are centered on beach activities, thriving nightlife and adventurous pursuits for the young or the young-at-heart!

On Ocean Village Cruises, you can have your flights included with your Eastern/Western Mediterranean cruise or Caribbean cruise if you'd like. The following items are included in your cruise cost: cabin accommodation, all meals, all tips, all entertainment, child Youth Team activities, overseas port taxes, transfers between airport/ship and transfers from ship to shore.

There are some things that are not included in your price tag as well. You may also want travel insurance, travel from your home to the UK airport, coffee, bar drinks, wine, beer, gift shop purchases, laundry service, spa services, shore tours, internet service, fitness classes, mountain bike rental, casino gaming or rush-administrative fees, so make sure you book within 14 days of departure.

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Most Rewarding Getaways Are Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean cruises are some of the most rewarding getaways, but also some of the busiest. Many travelers are torn between hopping along all of the Mediterranean cruises' colorful port stops and skipping off on their own for a more sequestered experience.

Often overambitious cruisers will get only a taste of the vacation they desire if they try to schedule too much. Therefore, the best way to cruise the Mediterranean is to choose an itinerary that is rich but affords you enough time in each area to experience the city's culture, whether it's Rome, Barcelona, Dubrovnik or Athens.

Even more popular are the Eastern Mediterranean cruises, which take passengers from eastern Italian cities like Venice and Bari, around to Greek cities like Athens, Mykonos, Crete and Katakolon, to Turkish cities like Istanbul and Bosphorous, to Croatian cities like Dubrovnik.

Many Mediterranean cruises offer itineraries that take you to the place where Olympic athletes first competed, to 15th century bazaars where you can shop until your heart's content. You'll dine at sophisticated outdoor cafes, view world-famous artwork and visit UNESCO world heritage sites. Each stop the Mediterranean cruise ship makes will show visitors a different atmosphere, which is probably why it's such a popular choice.

With the growing popularity of Mediterranean cruises, many cruise lines are offering itineraries featuring both Eastern and Western stops. Some voyages shuttle between Rome and Athens or Venice and include stops in Lisbon, Barcelona and Rome as well. Other routes take off from Civitavecchia/Rome or Barcelona and stop in Venice, Naples, Santorini, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Malta, Santorini, Piraeus, Athens and Palermo.

A number of ships also send out little pathfinders to explore hard-to-reach destinations. When you cruise Mediterranean waters, it can be hard to cram in all the sights but you'll get a nice overview of the region for future exploring down the road.

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