Travel Tips

Travel Tips from Best Cruises and Travel Now: 

Customizing and personalizing travel for our discriminating clients on tours, resorts, all-inclusive resorts and cruises.

What follows are "tried and true" travel tips.  They will be updated and edited on a monthly  basis. Check back at the beginning of each month for new tips.

To date, please find the following:

1. Passports 101: Applications, renewals, passports for the kids, passport safety, passport and visa expeditors.

2. Cruises are great for holidays, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays and family reunions.

3. Will your tweens and teens have fun?

4. 10 things to do with your kids on a cruise.

5. New River Cruise ships for 2011 and 2012

6. Corporate Incentive Travel with Best Cruises and Travel Now

7. New Cruise Ships for 2011 and 2012

8. Best Caribbean Islands for Family Travel

1, PASSPORTS 101:

PASSPORTS 101: Overview of Applications, Renewals, When to Apply, Passports for the Kids, Passport Safety and Passport/Visa Expeditors

• New Requirements Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
  In the past, passports were not required for travel to countries like Canada, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean. However, in January 2007, the U.S. State Department began requiring passports for all air travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. This is known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
  
  As of June 1, 2009, a passport (or a WHTI-compliant alternative) is required for land or sea travel to these destinations as well. However, there are a few exceptions:
• U.S. citizens on cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S. will only need to display proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.
• Children 16 and under will still be able to travel to these destinations by land or sea by presenting proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate).
• Groups of children age 16 through 18, when traveling under adult supervision with a religious or school group, sports team, or social organization, may present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship.
  
  Note: In all of the above cases, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol tells us that copies of birth certificates are acceptable if you are unable to bring your original. Also, for adult cruise passengers, if the name on your birth certificate doesn't match the one on your driver's license (for example, if the former has your maiden name and the latter your married name), it's a good idea to bring along documentation of your name change -- such as a marriage certificate.
  
  For more information, see GetYouHome.gov.
  
  The State Department has developed a cheaper alternative to the traditional passport called the passport card, which started production in July 2008. This card is not valid for international air travel, but may be used instead of a passport for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The wallet-sized card contains an identification chip that can be read by a scanner up to 20 feet away, and costs $55 for adults and $40 for children. Adults who already have a traditional passport pay only $30 for the passport card.
  
  First-Time Passport Applications
  If you are applying for your first U.S. passport, you must apply in person at either a regional passport agency or at one of the thousands of facilities around the country that accept passport applications (such as courthouses and post offices). To find the nearest passport agency or facility, use this search tool from the U.S. State Department.
  
  When you apply, you will need to provide the following documents:
• Proof of United States citizenship or nationality such as: a certified copy of a birth certificate (one issued from a government office, not a hospital) for all applicants born in the U.S., a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, or an expired U.S. passport.
• Proof of identity (photo ID with signature) such as a previous U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, a valid driver's license, or a valid government or military identification card. You'll also need to supply an 8 1/2 x 11 inch photocopy of this document (both front and back).
• Two identical passport photographs taken within the last six months. The photographs must be 2x2 inches with an image size between 1 and 1 3/8 inches. Photographs must be a front view, full face, taken in normal street attire without a hat or dark glasses, with a plain white background.
• A completed passport application form DS-11 containing all the requested information except your signature. This form must be signed in the presence of an authorized executing official.
  
  Passport Renewals
  Applicants who have had a previous U.S. passport issued within the past 15 years, and who were 16 or older when the passport was issued, may be eligible to apply for a new passport by mail provided that they can submit their previous passport and that either their name has not changed or they can legally document a name change. If these statements do not apply to you, you must follow the procedure for first-time passport applications (above). Documents required for passport renewals include:
• U.S. passport.
• Two passport photos.
• A completed passport application form DS-82 that contains all the requested information and is signed and dated.
  
  If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption or court order, you must also include a certified copy of the document detailing your name change.
  
  Mail the completed application, attachments and payment in a padded envelope to the address on the application form. Note that there may be a different address if you've chosen expedited service.
  
  Your previous passport will be returned to you with your new passport. (Please note that the two documents may be sent in separate mailings.)
  
  Passport Fees
  Passport fees for an initial 10-year passport are $135 if you are 16 years of age or over, and $105 for a five-year passport if under 16. (Note that the total price of a passport is composed of two different fees -- an application fee and an execution fee -- so you may need to write out two different checks when applying in person.) Passport renewal fees are $110. Some facilities are beginning to accept payment via credit and debit cards; call ahead to be sure.
  
  Time to Apply
  The State Department frequently updates its Web site with its current passport processing times; at the time of this update (July 2010), passports were being processed in about four to six weeks.
  
  However, the application processing time varies with passport agencies' workloads. We recommend applying at least two months before any scheduled international travel. The spring and summer months are the busiest, so the application process may take even longer -- especially in the coming months before the increased fees take effect.
  
  Expedited Passports
  If you are leaving on an emergency trip within five working days and need a passport immediately, call the National Passport Information Center (877-487-2778) to schedule an appointment at the nearest passport agency.
  
  Ordinary expedited service through the State Department takes about two to three weeks. If you are leaving the country in less than 15 work days, enclose a $60 expediting fee (in addition to a two-way overnight mail fee and the initial passport or renewal fee) and clearly mark the envelope "EXPEDITE." Note that passport applications are processed according to the departure date indicated on your application form. If you give no departure date, the passport agency will assume you have no immediate travel plans.
  
  If you're in a hurry, you may also want to consider working with a passport and visa expeditor.
  
  Obtaining Additional Visa Pages
  If you require additional visa pages before your passport expires, fill out form DS-4085 and submit it with your passport to the address on the application form. Once free, this service now costs $82.
  
  If you travel abroad frequently, you may request a 48-page passport at the time of application.
  
  Changing Your Name
  If your name has been changed due to marriage or a court order a year or less after your passport was issued, your passport may be updated at no charge. You will need to submit a completed form DS-5504, a certified copy of the document specifying your name change, two passport photos and your current valid passport to the address on the application form.
  
  If your name was changed for any other reason or if you've had your passport more than a year, you'll need to use the same application and pay the same fees as you would for a normal passport renewal (see above).
  
  Passport Security
  When traveling abroad, carry your passport with you at all times in a safe place. It is a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport with you and keep it in a separate safe place along with copies of your credit cards, traveler's checks and plane tickets. If your passport is lost or stolen, U.S. embassies will usually accept this as proof that you're a U.S. citizen and can quickly issue you a temporary passport.
  
  It's also a good idea to leave a copy of your passport with someone at home in case of emergency.
  
  Passport Agencies
  All have limited 24-hour recordings which include basic information about the passport agency location, hours of operation and information regarding emergency passport services during non-working hours. Most agencies now require appointments to service passport applications, so be sure to call before visiting your local office. Click here to find the closest passport acceptance facility to you.
  
  You can call the National Passport Information Center at 877-4USA-PPT (877-487-2778).

If you're planning a family trip abroad, keep in mind that everyone, including small children and infants, needs a passport for air travel overseas. However, if you're going to be crossing into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or parts of the Caribbean by land or by sea, children 15 and under may still use a certified copy of their birth certificate in lieu of a passport.

The same goes for children aged 16 - 18 traveling to these destinations under adult supervision with a school, religious, cultural or athletic group. (For adults, passports will be required for most land and sea travel overseas as of June 1, 2009. For exceptions, see Passport Information.)

As a parent or legal guardian, you may apply for a passport on your child's behalf, but your child must be with you at the time of application (all first-time passport applicants must apply in person). All passport renewals must also be done in person if your child was under 16 when the passport was first issued.

What to Bring

• Application form DS-11
• Two regulation passport photos of your child (two identical, 2x2 inch color photos, taken in the past six months)
• Proof of your child's citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate
• Proof of your relationship to the child -- if you are the child's parent and your name is on your child's birth certificate, the certified birth certificate will suffice
• Proof of your identity, such as a passport or valid driver's license
• Money for the passport application fees ($85)
  
  Who to Bring
  As mentioned above, your child must be with you to apply for his or her passport. In addition, both parents must appear with the child at time of application, or one parent may appear with a notarized statement of consent authorizing passport issuance for the child.
  
  If you are a single parent, you may apply alone for the child's passport with proof of sole authority, such as judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent or a death certificate of non-applying parent. For a list of all acceptable documentation, visit the State Department's Web site.
  
  If a third party is applying on behalf of a minor under the age of 16, he or she must submit a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents or guardians authorizing the third party to apply for the child's passport. When the statement or affidavit is from only one parent/guardian, the third party must also present evidence of sole custody of the authorizing parent/guardian.
  
  If your child is too young to sign his or her passport, the parent or guardian must print the child's name on the passport and sign their own name. In parentheses next to the adult's signature, indicate the relationship to the child.
  
  Where to Go
  There are over 6,000 passport acceptance facilites in the United States

Traveling abroad? Your passport is the most important document on your packing list; protect it, and it will protect you. Having your passport lost or stolen could turn your otherwise flawless trip into a potential disaster. Read on for ideas about how to protect your passport -- and tips for what to do if it's lost or stolen while you're traveling abroad.

Pre-Trip Planning
Before you leave home, make two copies of your passport identification page. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives and carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. It's also a good idea to bring along two or three passport photos; these should be identical 2" x 2" photographs taken within the last six months, featuring a front view of your face on a white background. Be sure you also have another form of photo ID and a copy of your birth certificate (or another document to prove your citizenship). If your passport is lost or stolen, having these will speed up the replacement process.

Also, if you plan to be abroad for more than two weeks, you may want to register with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting. For more information, see Travel Warnings and Advisories.

Safeguard Your Passport
Although you may not realize it, a U.S. passport is a hot commodity. To avoid being a target of crime, don't be too conspicuous with it. Not only do you risk having the passport stolen, but your other identification, credit cards and money as well. Take it out only when you need to provide it to officials. At all other times keep it on your person.

There are several travel accessories that can help keep your personal items safe. Companies like Magellan's and TravelSmith offer money belts that can be worn around your waist, slipped around your neck or stashed away in a pants leg. For the extremely conscientious, there are even hydro-safe wallets so you can take your passport swimming with you!

Do not leave your passport in checked luggage (but do leave a photocopy of it in your luggage), a handbag or an exposed pocket. If possible, leave your passport in a hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room. One person should never carry all the passports for an entire group. Never lend your passport to anyone, use it as collateral or ask someone to hold it for you.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport
As soon as you realize your passport is missing, contact the nearest police authorities, U.S. embassy or consulate. You will be asked to fill out a DS-11 form, which is the standard passport application form. You are not required to know the passport number or issuance date to apply for a new passport.

If the passport is still valid, you must also complete the DS-64 form to report the lost or stolen passport. You be asked to report how, where and when you lost your current passport, what you did to recover it, and what the end result was. This form must be submitted with the DS-11 application.

In emergencies, you may contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) for support. Call (877) 487-2778 to reach an operator Monday through Friday from 8 a.m until 10 p.m. ET; an automated system is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you need a passport or visa in a hurry, you may want to consider consulting a passport or visa expeditor. These agencies will help you gather the required materials for your application, submit them to the embassy or passport office on your behalf, and ensure that your travel documents are processed as quickly as possible -- sometimes in as little as 24 hours. There is, of course, a fee for these services.

When Should I Use an Expeditor?
The U.S. State Department offers expedited services for passports, though processing times vary depending on how busy the agency is; it can take anywhere from two to four weeks. If you are traveling within 14 days, you may make an appointment to submit your application in person at one of the 22 regional passport agencies across the U.S. Appointments can be made by calling 877-487-2778.

If you don't live near one of the passport agencies, can't get time off work for an appointment or simply would rather have someone else deal with the hassle of submitting your paperwork, a passport expeditor may be your best bet.

Expeditors are also a good choice for last-minute visas; they can help you choose the right visa and navigate the sometimes complicated application process.

What Are the Fees?
Passports: A reasonable expeditor will charge a fee of roughly $80 - $120 for passports processed within 10 business days, with higher fees for faster service. To have a passport expedited within 24 hours, you should expect to pay at least $200 to the expeditor. These rates are in addition to government fees and shipping costs. Many sites will give you a discount if you are processing a passport and a visa application, or more than one of either.

Visas: Most visa expeditors will charge a service fee of $40 - $70 to process a tourist visa, and slightly more to process a business visa, for normal processing. If you want it sooner, you can expect to pay double. These charges come in addition to shipping fees and consulate fees, which vary greatly depending on your destination.

The U.S. State Department charges an expedite fee of $60 on top of its standard application fees ($135 for new passports and $110 for renewals), but expedited passports may take three to four weeks to process. You can check the current processing times online.

Caveats and Precautions: Be sure to compare fees to make sure you are getting the best deal. Some companies specialize in providing visas to certain countries, and will give you the best deal to those places in particular, but will have higher fees to other areas of the world.

Also, be careful to fill out all forms correctly! If you fail to provide the necessary information (for example, travel to some countries requires an invitation), your visa or passport will be denied and you will still have to pay the expeditor

2. Cruises are Great for Holidays, Graduations, Anniversaries, Birthdays and Family Reunions

Cruises are a Great to Travel for Families Celebrating Holidays, Graduations or other milestones or just make it a Family Reunion.

Enjoy Christmas at home and New Year’s in the sun!  Holland America invites families on leisurely holiday cruises. Teens traveling on HAL cruise ships can enjoy the Loft, a special lounge area for kids 13-17, designed to resemble a New York artist’s studio. The setting includes music and videos, comfortable furniture, Internet access stations, video games and karaoke, big screen TVs and more. Kids will love the secluded passageway that leads upstairs to the Oasis, a teen sundeck featuring a nine-foot waterfall and cooling cave; they can sunbathe during the day and dance under the stars at night to the beat of a state-of-the-art sound system and laser show.  HAL also offers a Teen Culinary Arts Center Program where kids can learn about basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety, ingredients and how to follow recipe instructions.  Kids up to age 15 can participate in this program, teens 15 and up may participate in the standard classes.

Or, take a quick holiday trip on Disney Cruises , always a popular favorite with families.  Disney is offering sailings all throughout the holidays and throughout the year. Ring in the New Year on a cruise.  Disney has a reputation for having fantastic amenities for kids, and they don’t disappoint with their teen programs: The Magic offers Ocean Quest, an interactive play space constructed to look like the ship’s bridge- kids 11 to 13 years of age can steer a virtual ship, play videogames, watch television and participate in arts and crafts.  The Stack lounge, designed for older teens (ages 14 to 17) is a trendy spot for teens to play videogames, listen to music, surf in the Internet Cafe and enjoy social activities throughout the day.  Activities on the ship run into the wee hours…perfect for the teen crowd.

For families looking for an alternative to the traditional reunion, a gathering at sea will surely make a splash with everyone. Following are the top reasons family reunions at sea are more popular than ever:

1.       Superior Value – The all-inclusive pricing of cruise vacations includes a family’s accommodations, meals, 24- hour room service, most onboard activities and top entertainment. Groups often receive special amenities. Cruise ships offer families a variety of staterooms to fit any budget and travel needs. Some cabins have been specially designed to sleep four or more guests. Special suites also are available for the disabled and folks who want more room and luxury amenities.

2.       Convenient Departure Points – Traveling to board a cruise ship has never been easier. Ships depart from more than 20 ports throughout North America. Today, cruise ships are located within driving distance or a short flight of many U.S. cities, including Miami, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Galveston, New Orleans, Boston, Los Angeles and Seattle, among others.

3.       No Worries – On a family reunion cruise, there is no cooking or cleaning to worry about – just relaxation. Plus, the weather is usually warm and pristine. Once everyone’s bags are unpacked (some lines may offer to do that, too), the ship’s crew does the rest.

4.       Floating Fun – There is never a dull moment on a modern cruise ship. Guests enjoy swimming pools and water slides, rock climbing walls, surf riders, ice-skating rinks, roller blade tracks, spa services, kids programs, nightclubs, gambling, shopping, dining, libraries, Internet and video arcades, enrichment seminars and guest lecturers, yoga and plenty more. A highlight for many families is the visit to the cruise lines’ private islands that dot the Caribbean – full of fun and relaxation.

5.       Food Galore – There are more food and dining choices on cruise ships than ever before, catering to people of all ages and tastes. Cruise ships still have their formal dining rooms, but most also feature more casual restaurants, grills and poolside dining options – plus 24/7 room service. Specialty restaurants, founded by some of the world’s most famous chefs, also are found on many cruise ships.

6.       Spa Sensations – Men and women who want to be truly pampered are invited to enjoy an incredible spa experiences. Cruise ship spa staffs make relaxation and rejuvenation the focus of one’s visit, from the time one’s spa robe is slipped on to the sad moment of leaving the serene and peaceful Eden.

Children’s Programs – For parents who may want a break from their children – and vice versa – most of today’s cruise ships offer plenty of structured and supervised recreational programs for kids ages 3 to 17. In addition, special lounges and nightclubs for tweens and teens abound for the younger generations of families to hang out in supervised settings – no parents allowed 

3. FAMILY TRAVEL – Will your tweens and teens have fun?

Tips for Parents Cruising with Teens and Tweens -- Will your tweens and teenagers have fun?

Parents taking a cruise with tween or teenage children know these kids enjoy their space as much at sea as they do at home. The world’s most popular cruise lines have long recognized this and now offer more special hangouts and activities exclusively for them than ever before.

Combine this space with plenty of activities for the whole family and it is easy to see why cruises make for memorable family vacations, no matter what one’s age. Special pricing for children up to 17 years-old generally applies on many cruises which makes a cruise a true travel value.

The following is a sample of the coolest places for older youth to hang out at sea in safe and secure settings:

Holland America Line

Teens traveling on HAL cruise ships enjoy the Loft, a special lounge area designed to resemble a New York artist’s studio. The setting includes music and videos, comfortable furniture, Internet access stations, video games and karaoke, big screen TVs and more. A secluded passageway leads upstairs to the Oasis, a teens-only sundeck featuring a nine-foot waterfall and cooling cave. Teens can sunbathe during the day and dance under the stars at night to the beat of a state-of-the-art sound system and laser show.

Royal Caribbean International

The cruise line’s Voyager Class ships are a floating paradise for teenagers. The Living Room invites kids to hangout during the day, stocked with computers, books and games. The Back Deck provides teens with a place to sunbathe together and enjoy a buffet dinner. Fuel, the teens-only disco, is open until 2 a.m. and also provides a great place to mingle and meet new friends.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Dawn and Jewel feature the line’s most elaborate and largest teen clubs. The Underground lounge features computers, big-screen TVs and dance floor. Youth 17-and-under have their own cinema for nightly movies or an afternoon matinee.

Disney Cruise Line

A little Disney magic makes cruising memorable for teens too. They are invited to spend time with their peers in the Aloft lounge on the Disney Wonder and The Stack on the Disney Magic. Both of these teen-only hangouts feature music, movies, video games, plasma TVs, dance floor, Internet cafe and other activities. In addition, Disney hosts the H2O Splashdown and Party in Paradise farewell bash exclusively for teens.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival’s youth-oriented programming was recently expanded to include exclusive new Circle C clubs for 12-14 year-olds. Each features a dance floor, high-tech sound and lighting, monster plasma TVs with movies and music videos, touch screen jukeboxes and gaming centers with 20-inch plasma game screens. A number of ships have already been retrofitted with Circle C facilities, with several more are scheduled for this year and the entire fleet by 2010. Carnival’s Club 02 facilities continue to be very popular with teen’s ages 15-17 year-olds. In addition to a pulsating dance floor and the latest music and lighting systems, Club O2 features a teen-oriented library and lounge with non-alcoholic specialty drinks.

Princess Cruises

The cruise line’s Grand Class ships have the largest facilities for teens. The Off Limits teen center includes plenty of games, movies, big-screen TVs and jukeboxes. On the Grand, Golden and Star Princess, teens can use their own Jacuzzi and sun deck.

Celebrity Cruises

This cruise line’s Celebrity X-Club Youth Program does offer teens plenty to do, especially during the summer and holiday family travel seasons. This includes supervised theme parties, pool games, movies, sports tournaments, karaoke, talent shows, fitness activities and play stations.

Regent Seven Seas

Ultra-luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas also offers teen programs. Regent’s Club Mariner operates during the summer and select holiday sailings and gives tween and teen travelers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of exciting, interactive activities, including whale watching in Alaska and artist classes on tropical cruises, plus other unique adventure and cultural opportunities.

Crystal Cruises

Select Crystal sailings during the summer and holidays also offer older youth things to do without their parents on ultra-luxury cruises. These include games, arts and crafts, video games and other activities under the supervision of experienced activities directors. The Crystal Symphony and Serenity also feature Waves, a teen video arcade.  

4. FAMILY TRAVEL

10 Things To Do With Your Kids On a Cruise

Wonder How You’ll All Make it for 7 Days Together? Here are Some Great Ideas – Add Your Own

Cruising is a wonderful chance to introduce your children to never-before seen wonders- here are some great ideas of things to do with your children while on a cruise!

1. Visit world-renowned museums with your children – New England and Canadian cruises, in particular, provide plenty of fun and educational museum stops in port. Boston, a museum hotspot, features one of the nation’s premiere children’s museums and the enormous New England Aquarium. There’s also the Boston Team Party Ship, where kids can recreate dumping tea into the sea.
2. Enjoy Leisurely dinners with your children & room service with a movie – The early dinner seatings on cruise ships, especially those operated by Carnival, are full with families. Depending on the age of the children, it may get a little messy, but the ship’s staff loves the laughter. There are also specialty restaurants on many ships that welcome children. This is a great time to relax together and talk about the day’s events aboard the ship and life in general. Cabin service is available 24/7 on most lines, so you won’t have to worry about those growing teenagers and their constant hunger. Order a midnight snack and watch a movie together.
3. When was the last time you danced with your children? – There is plenty of live music aboard. For pure family fun, nothing beats family disco hour, especially aboard Royal Caribbean voyages. The pulsating beats, light shows and other special effects help everyone cut loose on the dance floor. And there is no doubt the kids will love to watch their parents’ smooth dance moves and enjoy a dance with mom or dad.
4. Build a sand castle on a private island – Most cruise lines that visit the Caribbean make a stop at a “private island” for a truly unforgettable day at the beach. Families enjoy splashing in the waves on secluded, pristine beaches, water sports galore and great beach barbeques. Make an unforgettable sand castle kingdoms with your children.
5. Mother-daughter spa experience – Nail-painting sessions are taken to another level on cruise ships, where they are invited to enjoy real spa treatments together. State-of-the-art salons and spas promote unusual treatments, relaxation and girl bonding opportunities.
6. Watch a Caribbean Sunset Together, The Real Meaning of Water Colors – A cruise offers a uniquely unobstructed view of the sea and the horizon, providing for an ideal setting for a family to watch a sunset or sunrise together.
7. Fireworks Everyday – For those families on Disney cruises that enjoy a little more pop in their sky gazing activities, an impressive fireworks show captivates cruisers of all ages each night. Launched from the deck of the ship, the fireworks explode nearby with reflections off the water and plenty of oohs and ahs from both kids and parents alike.
8. One-on-one time together – Kids and their parents alike can show off their shooting skills on full-size basketball courts on ships like Royal Caribbean’s Explore of the Seas. The competition does not have to stop there, however. There’s also miniature golf, rock climbing walls, pools and waterslide games, ping pong, gaming areas and more to fuel family friendly competition.
9. Art auctions at Sea! – Onboard art auctions are a great place to expose kids to art appreciation. A number of cruise lines, including Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, NCL, Oceania, Disney and Holland America Line, have offerings that have included works from Chagall, Picasso and Dali.
10.  Explore the world together – Kids of all ages love adventure and exploration. From the rainforests of the Caribbean, cultural differences in another country, delicacies from the sea that they have never experienced the cruise vacation captured from their perspective will rekindle plenty of fond family memories back home.

5. The New River Cruise Ships For 2011 and 2012
 
An Up-Close Immersion in Culture and History Awaits River Cruise Travelers

 For those who love to cruise, a river cruise holds a enduring appeal;  these cruises offer a  memorable blend of scenic river views with “slices of history” that reflect some of the most magnificent cultures in the world.

River cruising allows a true immersion in an environment, in a way that large ship cruising does not. Cruisers can survey the life of a country as they sail down its waterways..and still see famous monuments, like Budapest’s Chain Bridge and Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral when the ships dock in port.
As is customary, the cruise lines are introducing a number of new cruise ships in upcoming months.  At Best Cruises and Travel Now, we are happy to provide information on what these all the new river ships for 2011 and 2012 will be offering: 
 
In 2011:
 
Viking River Cruises launched the Viking Prestige in Amsterdam on June 30, 2011. This 188-passenger vessel, a sister ship to Viking Legend, has two 340-square-foot suites and 97 staterooms, all deluxe (except for the 6 single staterooms) with either French balconies or picture windows. The ship features a sun deck with 360-degree views, onboard boutique, and library, and includes free wireless internet and laundry service. Most notably, Viking Prestige is a “green” ship, running on hybrid diesel-electric engines that produce 20% fewer emissions and reduced noise/vibration.
 
AmaWaterways is also adding 3 new ships to the mix in 2011. The AmaVerde premiered in Europe March 2011, the AmaKatarina in Russia March 2011, and the AmaLotus will launch on the Mekong in September 2011.
 
The 161-passenger AmaVerde is a sister ship to the AmaBella and features an innovative design and luxurious amenities.  It features the exclusive AmaWaterways “Twin Balcony” stateroom design, consisting of a French Balcony plus a full-size balcony that enables passengers to step outside and experience the river from the privacy of their stateroom.   Cabins and suites on the ship range from 170 to 350 square feet and include such amenities like a flat-panel television, plush terry robes and slippers, and marble bathrooms with multi-jet shower heads.
 
The rebuilt 212-passenger AmaKatarina, has been completely redesigned by AmaWaterways and features balconies in 76 of 106 staterooms, and suites ranging up to 432 square feet in size. The ship will sail between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Volga-Baltic Waterway.
 
The 124-passenger AmaLotus will sail the Mekong River, and features a wellness area with an outdoor whirlpool, spa and fitness room. The ship also has a Sun Deck with swimming pool and staterooms highlighted with traditional Colonial touches and regional Khmer artifacts. Over 90% of the cabins feature twin balconies providing guests with a scenic view as the floating markets and villages drift by.
 
Tauck Small Ship Cruising will debut its new ship, the m/s Treasures in August 2011.  This ship, like its sisters, the ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire, and ms Swiss Jewel, will cruise the inland waterways of Europe.  The Treasures Lido Bar in the stern has a 180° glass wall that opens for an indoor / outdoor cocktail hour, and will also offer bistro dining.  The ship cabins will range from 150 to 183 sq. feet and the suites (14 of them) are 300 sq. feet.  Amenities on board the ship include plasma TV’s, L'Occitane toiletries; 85% of the cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies.
 
 
Coming in 2012:
 
Viking River Cruises will be launching an astounding 4 river cruise vessels in 2012 as part of a $250 million expansion program.  They include the Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Odin and the Viking Njord.  These longships, all carrying 190 passengers, will launch in rapid succession, all in the month of March 2012.
 
The 443-foot-long vessels will have 95 cabins each, and in addition to two of the 445-square foot top suites, each of the new ships will have seven 270-square-foot, multi-room Veranda Suites that feature large balconies.  These balconies are possible due to an offset corridor design.
 
In a deviation from the norm, these new longships will not have in-ship spas; instead the line will offer passengers spa and health club packages at top facilities in key ports of call.  They are also forgoing the customary “theater” in favor of a multimedia room, with four large screens and surround sound in the ships main lounge.
 
The Freya, Idun, Odin and Njord will launch March 22^nd, 23^rd, 24^th  and 28^th, respectively, and will sail the Rhine and Danube Rivers.
 
American Cruise Lines will be launching the Queen of the Mississippi riverboat on August 11, 2012.  This 140-passenger ship will be the first new build designed to cruise the Mississippi River in some 20 years and will cruise the entire Mississippi River system.

6. The New Cruise Ships For 2011 and 2012
 
New Innovations, Itineraries and Amenities Take Cruising to the Next Level on the Premium Cruise Lines
 

 As tradition dictates, every year, the cruise lines introduce a host of new ships that showcase innovations, itineraries and amenities that surpass all that have gone before.  So what can the cruise traveler expect from the next batch of ships, and when do they sail.

Best Cruises and Travel Now will be happy to provide you information on what all the new premium cruise ships for 2011 and 2012 will be offering: 

Costa Cruises Costa Favolosa launched July 7, 2011, carrying 3000 passengers, and features the state-of-the-art Samsara Spa.  The widely reputed spa will incorporate personalized Ayurvedic treatments, massages with special oils, and the purifying heat of a sauna. Costa Favolosa also showcases 6 new fabulous Suites-two Grand Suites with balconies and verandas with jacuzzis, and four Suites with verandas and jacuzzis.
The ship will also incorporate a PlayGround area and 4D Cinema, with ultra luxury decorator touches such as granite, travertine, onyx and alabaster; and fine woods of mahogany, pearwood, and rosewood.  

Celebrity’s Celebrity Silhouette, with a capacity of 2886 passengers, will feature wireless Internet access, and flat-screen televisions in the staterooms- 85% of which will have private balconies. The ship, launching July 23, 2011 will also showcase Solstice-class amenities such as The Lawn Club, The Hot Glass Show, Art Gallery and Theatre with large production and musical shows.
 
Coming in 2012:

Disney Cruises will be launching the Disney Fantasy on March 31, 2012     The Fantasy is a sister ship to the Disney dream, and the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet.  It will include 1250 staterooms and house 4000 passengers, and is approximately 40% larger than the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.  A grand feature of the ship will be the 3-deck atrium lobby, which evokes memories of grand ocean liners of the past. The crown jewel of this magnificent space will be the lobby statue: Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse. Minnie, cast in bronze and dressed in vintage fashion with steamer luggage at her side, will welcome all who board the ship.

Costa Cruises launches the Costa Fascinosa in the spring of 2012.  This 3000 passenger vessel will have 1,508 cabins total, including 56 suites (all with balcony).  It will also feature five Jacuzzis, four pools (two with a retractable covers, children's pool and Water slide) and the famed Samsara Spa.  The spa is 6,000 m² on two levels, with gym, baths, thalassotherapy pool, treatment rooms, sauna, Turkish bath and UVA-ray solarium.

MSC Fantasia, launching Spring 2012 (sister ship MSC Splendida), is the largest cruise ship ever built for a European ship owner, and will carry 3502 passengers.  MSC has constructed this ship with Swarovski crystal stairs, a transparent ceiling that allows passengers to experience the magic of starlit skies, and the luxury MSC Aurea Spa. The ship will also feature 5 restaurants, 4 swimming pools, 12 hydro-massage pools, coffee bars, shops, a children’s area, a Formula 1 simulator and an interactive 4-D cinema. The new MSC Fantasia is the first to incorporate an exclusive area: privileged passengers can lounge in the MSC Yacht Club (72 suites, a bar, solarium, 2 hydro-massage pools, 1 skydome swimming pool, concierge and glass-walled Observation Lounge where guests can enjoy amazing ocean views). Guests of the Yacht Club will also receive butler service; assistance at check-in, transportation of luggage, unpacking, and traditional English afternoon tea, among other amenities.

AIDA will premiere the AIDAmar during the 823rd Hamburg Port Anniversary celebrations on May 12, 2012.  It is the sixth in the Project Sphinx series, and joins its three identically designed sister ships, AIDAluna, AIDAblu and AIDAsol.

Carnival’s 3690-passenger Carnival Breeze launches in June of 2012, as the third ship in Carnival's "Dream Class".  In keeping with the “fun” theme that Carnival embraces, there is a friendly/competitive sports and fitness area called SportSquare, a splashingly good time at WaterWorks, and the Cloud 9 Spa works.  The ship will also feature a new Caribbean-inspired décor, Carnival Comfort Collection linens, towels and bathrobes, and 24-hour stateroom service.
 
Celebrity Cruises will be premiering the 3,030 passenger Celebrity Reflection on October 12, 2012.  The fifth Solstice-class ship from Celebrity, the Reflection will include the line's first AquaClass Suites, which will have interior space of 251 square feet and an additional 57-square-foot balcony. The ship also will have eight new Sky Suites, 19 new Concierge Class cabins and 11 additional inside cabins.  The Lawn Club will see some new additions, as well, with a “Lawn Club Grill”, with stainless steel grills, custom pizza-making tables and large ovens.  During the day, the Lawn Club Grill will feature interactive cooking demonstrations and classes focused on pizza-making, grilling, and marinating; by night, the venue becomes an eatery where passengers can choose top-quality meats to either grill themselves, or have grilled to order.

7. TRAVEL TIPS:  Best Caribbean Islands for Family Travel

Planning a family vacation to the Caribbean but don't know which island is right for your family? We recommend our favorite islands, based on your various needs, to give you a starting ground. Once you've narrowed down your island of choice, take a look at our recommended hotels, or visit our Caribbean Family Resorts to see what other parents have named their favorite!

Best Island for Teens

For teens, it's a toss up between our favorites, where teens can participate in activities with their parents and actually enjoy it! The Cayman Islands is a SCUBA diver's paradise with more than 200 dive sites for teens now old enough to SCUBA, but the British Virgin Islands is a sailor's paradise and teens can learn the ropes and hop the numerous small islands. It just boils down to what you and your teens would most like to try. Resorts on these islands know most visitors are there to get out or in the water and are less likely to cater to those requiring all-day, on-resort activities.

Recommended Resort: Bitter End Yacht Club

Best Island for Infants

Infants are typically easy to please when it comes to an island vacation: plenty of sand and water in which to play. But for mom and dad, perhaps the best place for infants is Jamaica. More specifically the Franklin D. Resort and Spa. This resort assigns every family with their own full-time nanny (included in the cost of the stay). This nanny can put baby down for a nap while mom and dad lounge by the pool, babysit while mom and dad enjoy a quiet dinner, and play with baby when mom and dad enjoy some of the island's adult amenities.

Recommended Resort: Franklin D. Resort and Spa

Best Island for Adventure

The large island of the Dominican Republic is fast becoming the "it" destination for families but has long been considered the adventure capital of the Carribean. The island's rain forests beckon to be explored by foot, zip line and canopy tours, and the long coastline is perfect for surfing, snorkeling, diving, sailing and more. The mountainous interior is also a great place for canyoning, caving and rock climbing, as well as river rafting and mountain biking.

Recommended Resort: Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa

Best Island for Mom and Dad

With more and more all-inclusive resorts offering all-day kids' supervised kids' programs, mom and dad have more time to hit the links, relax in the spa, or explore on their own. We love Aruba for moms and dads because not only is there a wide array of hotel options with programs for kids, but the capital town of Oranjestad is a fantastic shopping city with a number of restaurants, bars and casinos to enjoy. Golf on the coastal north shore provides fantastic views, and spas are aplenty.

Recommended Resort: Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa

Best Islands for the Budget

Some islands are trickier than others to get to, so even if you find a great deal on a resort, it's important to check out the airfare and connections it will take to get to your final destination. Direct flights are more common to islands like Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico, which is an American Airlines hub. These popular islands are also littered with all-inclusive resorts and family-friendly hotels, making them very competitive and wallet-friendly.

Recommended Resort: Comfort Suites Paradise Island

Best Island for History

All of the islands in the Caribbean are rich in history, many of them once thriving plantation and mill islands or overrun by pirates. We love Puerto Rico for it's historic Old San Juan district, where a stroll through the winding streets can easily conjure up feelings of colonial life in the 1500s. Here, Castillo San Cristobal is one of the largest Spanish forts of the new world, and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro citadel provides expansive play areas and views with its dose of history. You'™ll also find the ancestral home of the Ponce de Leon family and his burial site, at the San Juan Cathedral, in Old San Juan.

Recommended Resort: San Juan Marriott Resort & Stallaris Casino

Best Exotic Island

St. Lucia is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, and with its heavily rain-forested and mountainous landscape around its Pitons and volcano, many feel this island most resembles an exotic Polynesian island. We recommend it because the resorts are spread out and nestled into the mountains and garden landscapes; this is an island that never feels overrun with tourists.

Recommended Resort: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Written by Lissa Poirot