Different Types of Cruises

There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference.

The choices include, boutique, luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational and entertainment facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises focusing on unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment; and river voyages into the heart of a destination.

There are cruise lines featuring soft adventure expeditions to such unique frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon Rain Forest or the African Serengeti. Or, discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada, Colonial America, and America's rivers.

For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece and Turkey, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii, the fabled splendor of Norwegian fjords or the castles and museums of Europe's rivers.

For many, the perfect vacation is all about the nonstop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines in total relaxation. Plus, many cruise lines create special "themes" on board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!

If we can help, contact Hillary at hillary@ltdcruised.com or Jeff at jeff@ltdcruises.com. Website: www.ltdcruises.com

What About Medical Services?

While cruise ships are not comprehensive medical facilities, cruise lines understand that some people may have health needs during a cruise. Thus the cruise lines are committed to providing first response and emergency care to guests until they can be transferred to a shore side medical facility.

Most cruise ships have 24-hour medical services and staff operating under guidelines developed in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians (AECP). Cruise lines and us, as your travel agents, encourage vacationers to obtain medical insurance, travel with adequate supplies of medical prescriptions and devices and to disclose pre-existing medical conditions before sailing.

Do I Need A Passport?

We highly recommend all cruise passengers travel with a passport. You can find additional information at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Be sure to ask us what passport requirements apply to your cruise vacation. We strongly recommend all travelers apply for or renew their passports before setting off on vacation. Government regulations are continually being modified and it is best to be prepared. Besides, a passport is your official identification and grants you unlimited cruise vacation options around the world!

Cruising - What is There To Do At Night?

What's There To Do At Night?

When the stars come out, a cruise ship turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and of course, parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. Or, on some ships, you can take in a recently released movie on a giant screen under the stars by the pool. What's more, there are always special event like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues. Also, check with your travel agent as more ships are staying overnight in port providing you with opportunities to dine, explore and have fun in some wonderful destinations after the sun goes down.

Dinner along a canal in Venice.

New Affiliation With Avoya Travel

Jeff & Hillary are thrilled to announce Jeff's new affiliation with Avoya Travel (http://www.avoyatravel.com/expert/jeffmielke)

As an independent affiliate of Avoya Travel, Living The Dream Cruises will now have more timely access to significantly better cruise and travel rates for our customers. Check out the website or give me a call at 800.581.9170.

Will I Get Bored? Feel Confined?

Sunset immediately after sailing from Ft. Lauderdale on
Celebrity's Equinox

A common question for first time cruisers is, "Will I get bored and feel confined on the ship." According to the Cruise Line International Association, "Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based vacation can offer. There's plenty of room and it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything on board the ship. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call, often a new one every day of the trip!

Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, and soak up the sun. If you want more action, you can join in exercise, dance classes or sports contests. You can also practice your tennis stroke, golf swing or take in some fresh air on the jogging track."

There is just about every leisure activity you can conceive including surfing, rock climbing and even zip lines on certain ships.

Call us and the team at "Living the Dream Cruises" (http://www.ltdcruises.com) will be glad to help you with your next cruise adventure.

10 Top Reasons Why YOU Should Cruise

1.    IT’S A GREAT VALUE – typically cruise fares include accommodation, dining, a wide range of entertainment and so much more, many luxury and river cruises operators include drinks and shore excursions as well.  All this makes cruising great value for money.

2.    There’s so much CHOICE – each cruise line and ship offers a unique style and vacation experience.  Understanding the type of vacation you enjoy helps find the perfect cruise.

3.    There’s SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE – whether you seek an action packed vacation or just want to chill out.  On a cruise you can do both. Cruising is ideal for families and couples alike as there’s something to suit all individual tastes.

4.    There are so MANY DESTINATIONS to cruise – from Asia to Australia to Alaska to the Arctic Circles. Closer to home the Caribbean, Hawaii and Alaska offer spectacular opportunities. And, don’t forget the seas and rivers of Europe with many diverse choices from cruises around the Med and the Adriatic to the inland waterways of Germany, Portugal or Russia.

5.    A NEW DAY = SOMEWHERE NEW TO EXPLORE – On your cruise you only have to unpack once and will wake up somewhere new most days.  You can step a shore and fill your time with sightseeing tours, learning about local cultures or do something adventurous with family and new friends. Or, you can simply stay on the ship and relax. The choice is yours!

6.    RELAX AND UNWIND – Sea days on board are the perfect way to relax.  You can join in and enjoy the ship’s entertainment or simply lounge the day away by the pool or in the spa. We specifically look for itineraries with more sea days. 

7.    DINING – Some of the very best cuisine can found on cruise ships – from formal dining to vast buffets and numerous specialty restaurants offering every type of cuisine imaginable.  And with celebrity chefs and evening dinner shows you will experience great times on board.

8.    ENTERTAINMENT - included in your fare are the shows, live music, bars and sometimes even on-board casinos. All of this entertainment offers a different choice every night. 

9.    FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY- Families love to cruise. With children’s clubs on board, child-friendly menus and new friends to make - families just love it.  Equally parents will love quality “me” time too.

10. Easy to BUDGET -with so many expenses pre-paid on a cruise it’s easy for you to pre-plan your vacation spending. With just a little planning you can have a fabulous vacation.