Archive for the 'Articles' Category
By: Andrew Kramer
Modern cruise ships have dramatically lessened the problem of seasickness. Today’s larger ships slice through the waves instead of riding on top of them. Also, new technologies like stabilizers, which look like large underwater fins, and counterbalancing systems have greatly reduced any pitch and rolling motion of the ships, all but neutralizing the problem of seasickness. In addition, cruise ships use radar to help them steer clear or outrun bad weather and potential hurricanes.
Research shows that even in very rough weather, less than three percent of all cruise passengers experience any symptoms of seasickness. Women and children seem to be more prone to seasickness, while seniors are less susceptible. Some symptoms of seasickness are nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting. However, if you think you have a severe seasickness problem, you may want to book an inside cabin located on a lower deck and in the middle of the ship. This is the area of the ship where the least rocking motion is felt. If you are planning to book a trans-Atlantic cruise, it is possible that an ocean crossing may be rough at certain times during the year.
Seasickness happens when the brain receives conflicting messages which causes an imbalance in the receptors in the inner ear. When standing or walking on a moving surface a signal occurs in the brain saying something is wrong. These mixed signals can result in a feeling of dizziness, headache, clammy skin, nausea, and vomiting. As soon as the ship starts moving it is a good idea to go out on deck and walk around. Keep focusing your eyes on the horizon. Your knees may feel wobbly but keep walking as this will help you get your “sea legs”. Even the fresh sea breezes will help you feel better. And if you must eat, eat light. Until you are feeling better, do not eat a heavy meal as it will only make you feel worse.
Motion sickness doesn’t only occur on cruise ships. It can happen when you are in a car, bus, train, or on an airplane, anytime you are subjected to motion.
If needed, the ship’s doctor can prescribe medication such as Benadryl, Bonine, or Dramamine tablets that will treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, the worst symptoms of motion sickness. There is another very effective, physician prescribed, anti-seasickness product called Transderm Scop. It is a small patch that is placed behind each ear. These patches can lessen the effects of, or even prevent, motion sickness and should be worn at least eight hours before you cruise. The above drugs can cause a variety of side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness. A drug free way to counteract seasickness is an acupuncture session. This treatment works well and is available on some ships that have a registered acupuncturist on board.
Sea-Bands, which apply a gentle pressure to the acupressure points on both your wrists also work well. They have been clinically tested to help provide relief from nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness when traveling, pregnancy, anesthesia, chemotherapy, and any condition that may induce vomiting. Smaller sized Sea-Bands are also available for children. They can be bought in drug stores and pharmacies as well as most travel oriented stores and do not require a prescription. They do not cause any side effects so can be used safely, again and again, whenever you feel nauseous. They can also be purchased online at Sea-Band.com, or at a number of stores in the United States, such as Brooks, Osco, K-Mart, Eckerd, Kerr Drug, Longs, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop, CVS, Savon, Walgreens, and Walmart.
It is a good idea to see your family doctor before you depart on your cruise if you feel that you may be susceptible to seasickness. It’s better to get a prescription for seasickness medication from your physician and purchase any over-the-counter anti-motion products such as Transderm Scopolamine, Dramamine, Bonine, or Benadryl because even though you can get them onboard ship they will probably be more expensive. Another remedy that can work well for most passengers are ginger capsules. They are a great preventative measure, but are more effective if they’re taken before you sail. Their effectiveness lasts for approximately eight hours, and have been proven to help reduce or even eliminate the feeling of nausea.
Some words of caution. A health care professional such as a physician, or pharmacist should always be consulted about prescription drug dosages and their possible side effects. There also can be side effects caused by some drug combinations, even with over-the-counter medications.
Article Source: http://articles-mart.com
Dorothy Yamich has a passion for travel. She has lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe as well as traveled in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. She is a travel consultant and specializes in luxury cruises as well as vacation packages. To quickly find and book cheap cruises, at the best price possible, every time you feel like traveling, visit Travel Tips Guide, for more information. Check out Can Seasickness Be A Problem When You Take A Holiday On A Luxury Cruise Ship?
By: ShawnThomas
Spring is such a wonderful time of the year to get out of the house and enjoy a good vacation. The weather is usually mild and pleasant which means that there is room for plenty of outdoor activity – hiking, boating, sailing, biking, and even water sports. The spring months fall right after the hectic holiday season and right before the hot summer months when the kids gear up to take their summer breaks. Spring falls right in the middle, it is an ideal time of year to consider a cruise getaway.
While most people want to take a cruise to a tropical destination during the cold, harsh winter months, prices can really get you. The same goes for the summer months, when the kids are off from school and families try to do the annual summer family fling. The spring allows for you to get the best of both worlds: mild weather and mild prices for many top cruise destinations. But how do you know which destinations are the best for the spring months? This guide should help you set your sails in the right direction.
Caribbean Destinations
The Caribbean is a beautiful and incredible place to be, any time of the year. But in the spring, its idyllic beaches, warm waters, and swaying palm trees are just as beautiful as they are in the winter months but at half the price. Look for a cruise itinerary that takes you island hopping throughout the region. This will allow you to soak up the sun and experience as many islands as possible on your trip. Popular destinations include St. Lucia, Margarita, Barbados, and Jamaica.
Transatlantic Destinations
Who says that in the spring you have to stay on one side of the ocean? When it comes to taking a cruise, it is very much about the journey as well as the destination. A transatlantic cruise will allow you to experience a trip out to sea and some very exciting destinations once you reach them! Imagine enjoying wonderful spring weather with no sign of land on the horizon, watching the sun set over the majestic Atlantic ocean? Obviously the itinerary will depend on the cruise line, but you’ll have a chance to see locations such as Morocco, Bermuda, Brazil, Florida, the Caribbean, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom all in one fell swoop.
Hawaiian Destinations
If you have never wanted to go to Hawaii, stop reading now! Seriously though, who hasn’t wanted to go to Hawaii at some point in their lives? The tropical state welcomes visitors with its unique natural beauty, active yet gentle volcanoes, and exotic flora with some glorious mountains in the backdrop. Hawaii, in the spring, is a haven of relaxation, waterfalls, lush rainforests, and exhilaration. The weather is perfect during the spring months to enjoy Hawaii in all of its glory.
Dutch Tulip Cruises
Many people will answer, “Tulip” when asked to come up with a flower they associate with the spring season. There is no place on earth more famous for its tulips than the Netherlands. If you want to escape the cabin fever that set in during the cold winter months, a bright, exciting spring cruise to the Dutch tulip country may be just what you need. Holland in the spring is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. A Dutch tulip river cruise will bring you through huge displays of tulips and other gorgeous spring bulb flowers which are simply breathtaking.
As long as you do a little research before setting sail on a spring cruise, you should have the time of your life at a fraction of the cost. In today’s waxing and waning economy it makes complete sense to bargain hunt for vacations just as you would other major purchases such as a home, computer, or car. A spring cruise is definitely a bargain but with high rewards. Often, the cruises take you to great destinations but without all the crowds of tourists.
If you are considering taking a cruise during the spring months, talk to your travel agent. He or she will be able to tailor a cruise itinerary that works best for you, your family, and your budget. Go to your travel agent with a little research behind you and with a list of questions of which popular spring cruise destinations are the most affordable and when, and what activities would be made available to you. Happy cruising! Happy Spring!
Article Source: http://articles-mart.com
Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer and blogger, who writes content about utilizing cruise deals.
By: LisaParker1
So, you’ve finally booked that once-in-a-lifetime cruise! Congratulations! You are about to embark on an adventure that you will remember forever. However, you want those memories to be positive ones. After all, who wants to remember the hours they spent arguing at a local consulate to get a replacement for your lost passport or hunting for a pharmacy that can refill a needed prescription? Fortunately, you can avoid these situations by planning ahead and following these 10 important steps to prepare for your cruise.
Apply for your passport early
If your cruise will be taking you to a foreign country, you will need a passport. If you have never had a passport before, it can take up to three weeks to process your application for a passport. Even expedited passports will take up to two weeks. If this is your first time applying for a passport, or if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago or before you were age 16, you’ll have to apply in person at a Regional Acceptance Office or local Passport Agency. If you are not sure if you need a passport you can check online. Also, it is important to remember that even if you are traveling through a foreign country, even if your final destination is a U.S. state or territory, you may still need a passport.
Make a copy of the front page of your passport when you get it
If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re on your cruise, it will be much easier to get it replaced if you can provide the details on the front page of your passport to the local American consulate. Make several copies of that, and while you’re at it, copy the front and back of any credit cards that you plan to take with you as well as of your license and other important identification. Leave one copy at home with someone you trust, carry one set of copies in your travel/carry-on bag and, if possible, have a third set stored in the safe of the cruise ship.
Pre-book your shore excursions
You most likely will get a booklet from your cruise company after you book your cruise. Look through it and follow instructions to book space on any shore trips you want to take. By booking ahead, you can avoid long waiting in lines to get tickets for shore trips and other fun events. You can also pre-book spa treatments and appointments.
Check your airline tickets.
If you are buying airline tickets separately from your cruise package, double-check your airline reservations to make sure everything is correct, including the name on your ticket. If it does not match your ID, you may not be allowed to board the plane. It’s far better to correct things in advance than to be stuck at the airport on the day of your cruise.
Arrange for house-sitting, pet boarding and/or child care
Make arrangements to board your pets and find a sitter for your house and children at least a month in advance of your cruise.
Check your health insurance and buy travel insurance
What happens if you get sick or are injured overseas? Will your health insurance company cover you? While your regular health insurance may cover some overseas charges, you definitely should pay for a travel insurance policy. A good travel insurance policy will cover expenses that you probably won’t consider, such as the cost of getting home with medical care if you should fall ill while overseas.
Get backup prescription eyeglasses and medication
Imagine being on a scenic sightseeing cruise – and being unable to see the sights because your eyeglasses are broken. It can be difficult if not impossible to replace your prescription eyeglasses on board the ship or in a foreign port of call. Be prepared for any eventuality by getting a backup pair of eyeglasses just in case. If you take prescription medication, make sure that you have enough for your trip. If necessary, ask your doctor to write an additional prescription that you can fill before you sail.
Be sure that your toiletries will pass security checks
All the little necessities that make your day, such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and cosmetics, must be packaged properly to pass through security checks. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration uses the 3-1-1 system: 3 ounce bottles of liquids or gels packed in a 1 quart plastic zip-lock bag, 1 bag per passenger in carry-on luggage.
Get copies of significant medical records if you have a medical condition
If you have a medical condition that may cause complications or flare up during your trip, get copies of any important records or tests. If you become ill on board ship, the ship doctor will be able to treat you more quickly and effectively if you have those records with you.
Check the credit availability on credit cards you plan to take along
Most cruise lines run a credit authorization hold when you check in to cover your on board expenses. This can hit your credit line for hundreds of dollars even if you actually charge far less on your card. To avoid being left with little or no usable credit on your credit cards, make sure you have at least one credit card with several hundred dollars in credit remaining.
Article Source: http://articles-mart.com
Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about tips involving the vacationing and the travel industry, such as planning long trips and booking cruises .
Yangzte River is a picturesque river in the heartland of mainland China, the river’s range is immensely beautiful and is a sight that no one would forget for a lifetime. Yangzte flows through some of the most scenic and beautiful places in the mainland, spanning 6,500 Kilometers from China’s Tibet plateau to the East China Sea, the Yangzte River provides water resources and quenches the thirst of the people living across 695,000 square miles of land. The river has become popular among tourists who visit China. The river attracts thousands of people every year to enjoy river cruise here. The Yangzte river gorges are the most attractive of all, there are three River gorges namely, Wuxia Gorge, Qutang Gorge and Xiling Gorge.
Exploring the Yangtze River can be both exciting and adventurous. The whole cruise takes you along the cradle of the Chinese mainland, giving you a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery. Yangtze River is considered the birthplace of the Chinese culture and civilization. There are locations along this cruise where you would wonder if the scenery is actually an artwork done by nature. The three gorges show you the vibrancy of nature, it embraces you like you belong one with it, and thus you feel both peaceful and excited at the same time.
The popularity of the Yangtze River Cruise has risen by leaps and bounds. Every year, there is something that is different in the offering made by the Cruise companies. A slow and calm ride is what every city dweller dreams of, if this happen in a place that is picturesque and serene, there is nothing that we can ask more. A leisurely Cruise in the Yangtze River can refresh you mind, body and soul like no other trip, the gorges make you feel at least twenty years younger, you forget the world completely when you go on a Cruise like this.
Yangtze River has rich natural scenery along its way; it is stunning and beautiful even for a visitor who is not so keen about water and Cruises, the three gorges dam is a human and engineering wonder that makes us look at it in awe as to what humans have achieved in terms of technological progress. The Shennong stream is awesome and gives you a feeling of Cruising along a smooth and sturdy ride. The stunning beauty of the Yangtze Cruise makes it an ideal tourist destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Most of the Cruise ship companies that operate in the Yangtze River Cruise sector give prime importance to service. Many of them organize many shows and culture presentations for their guests, many other companies organize dance shows and other entertainment activities based on Chinese culture. Each cruise is different from the other; there are several cruise companies that organize unique experiences for their guests like Chinese calligraphy and Taiji, which is traditional Chinese knitting. There are also several lectures and informative discourses held on board about the Chinese civilization and culture.
The Yangtze Cruise is like none other and gives you an unparallel cruise experience, like the Chinese saying goes “If you have not seen the Yangtze River, you have seen nothing at all”.
By: StephanieLarkin1
Taking a cruise can be an amazing adventure, but if you have never been on a cruise before then you may not know what to expect. As the date for your cruise draws closer, you might even begin to feel a little bit of anxiety as you start to wonder exactly what it is going to be like. If you are worried too much about what can happen on your cruise then you are not going to enjoy it nearly as much, so it is a good idea to spend some time beforehand to get a better idea of exactly what you should expect for your first cruise. Here is some basic information about what can be expected on your cruise.
When first checking in for your cruise you will have to go through a basic security checkpoint. Your bags are taken by a porter at the cruise terminal, and next they are loaded into bins so that they can be placed on the ship and in your cabin. While your bags are, being loaded you can continue checking in at the terminal, which typically involve your carry-on luggage being x-rayed, and you stepping through a metal detector. The process is much the same as what you would go through at an airport, and is merely a precaution to protect you and everyone else once you are all aboard the ship.
After passing through the security checkpoint, you can finish the checking in process. You need to present your photo ID, credit card, and cruise reservation information at the check-in desk, at which point you are given your cabin key card and an on-ship charge card that can be used for shipboard purchases.
Once you have checked in, all that is left for you to do is to make your way to the pier and wait to board the ship. If you have arrived prior to boarding, you should be assigned a number or letter, which lets you know when it is time to board. When your number or letter is called, you may then board the ship, much as you would when your boarding section is called if you were waiting for a plane. Many cruise lines have photographers working at the docks, waiting to capture a shot of people boarding for a cruise vacation that they will always remember.
When you board the ship, your bags should already be in the cabin. The ship staff greets you and presents you with a map to help you find your way to your cabin and other ship locations, and in some cases, you may actually be guided to your cabin by an attendant who assists you with your carry-on luggage. The type of service that you receive when you first board the ship depends on the cruise line with which your cruise has been booked, though more cruise lines are moving to a full-service model in hopes of drawing in additional bookings.
After you have checked out your room, you should take the time to locate your assigned dining room so that you know where to go when it is time for a meal. Many cruise ships have several different dining rooms, and the one that you are assigned to should be marked on your shipboard charge card. There is a good chance that there will be alternate dining options available to you as well, though these are generally featured at an additional cost.
You should take the time to read the ship’s newsletter as well as the listing of ship excursions that are waiting for you in your cabin. This provides useful information about both on-ship activities and the various ports of call that you will visit. Some planned excursions may likely require registration, and it is important that you do so as early as possible since at least some of the more popular ones may be in danger of selling out. Read the excursion list on your first day in order to get a better idea of what you would like to do during the rest of your cruise.
Before the cruise gets underway with the majority of the planned activities, there should be a lifeboat drill to show you what to do in case of an emergency. This drill is mandatory and it does not take long. It should only occur one time during your cruise. Once it is out of the way, you can enjoy the rest of your cruise, making sure to experience some of the planned activities and on-board amenities. This can also help you to avoid missing any activities that you want to take part in during the cruise. If you are about to embark on your first cruise, you should consider these tips and you should be ready for your vacation.
Article Source: http://articles-mart.com
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics and tips involving the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific subjects such as hotels and cruises
