Eastern Mediterranean Cruises to Greece and Egypt

Most Eastern Mediterranean cruises to Greece and Egypt?offer a variety of activities that spotlight?the region's ancient history and antiquities.? In addition, passengers are treated to luxury accommodations onboard floating resorts.? The upscale sailings also offer access to?popular beaches and upscale villages along the coastline.?

Mexico 4 Day Cruises

Mexico 4 day cruises are just the right length to tour a city or two along the Mexican coast. What's more, these salings depart from various U.S. ports, making them a great option for people looking for a quick and easy getaway.

The climate and location make it easy to take Mexico cruises throughout the year. In order to experience Mexico in just four days, though, you will need to depart from one of the more southern cruise ports in the United States. The options listed below are current as of January of 2011. However, you can find more information at the cruise companies' websites.

If you live on the west coast of the United States, consider cruising to Baja, Mexico. An excursion into Ensenada, the main port in this region, will allow you to explore a market village. You can dine on local cuisine, shop in the flea markets and enjoy dancing. You can also visit the "Blow Hole" nearby, which is a waterspout in the Pacific Ocean you can see from the coastline. You may also be able to book a wine tour of the region, such as The Valle de Guadalupe. Carnival Cruise Line may help you to book the tour as part of your cruise package.

Cruises from Los Angeles, California to Baja are often four days. Stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada are part of the package offered by Carnival. In addition, Cunard also offers a getaway to Mexico for four days. This cruise leaves from the San Pedro Port in Los Angeles and travels to Ensenada, Mexico. You will be sailing on the luxury Queen Victoria cruise liner.

Another way to see Mexico is along the eastern coast. A popular destination in the Caribbean is Cozumel. This Caribbean island is a popular cruise port located 12 miles off the Yucatan coast. It offers white sand beaches, clean water and coral reefs. Shops, restaurants and cantinas are also readily available. A short excursion to the mainland will allow you to visit the Mayan Ruins, swim with dolphins and snorkel.

Cruises leaving from Miami, Florida, make the trip to Cozumel and back in four days, often stopping in Key West, Florida. Carnival offers this cruise onboard the Carnival Destiny. For those wishing to leave from Mobile, Alabama, you can do so on Carnival as well. Yet another option is to leave from Tampa, Florida, onboard the Carnival Paradise.

A four-night cruise from Royal Caribbean is another option. This cruise leaves from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and travels to Cozumel, Mexico, before arriving back in Fort Lauderdale. RCL also departs from Tampa, Florida, to Cozumel.

The length of your cruise to Mexico can limit the number of locations you are able to visit within the country. If you can extend the cruise slightly, such as to a five-day cruise, you may be able to book a cruise to Cabo San Lucas on board several cruise lines. In addition to extending your trip, consider the options for embarking from other countries and ports. You may be able to book a cruise leaving from the Caribbean and traveling to Mexico, which may give you the opportunity to book a Mexican Riviera cruise.

To find more unique cruise options for a shorter trip, contact a travel agent. Depending on where you are located and when you plan to leave, additional options may be available. Cruise companies change itineraries annually and Mexico 4 day cruises are often readily available.

Galapagos Island Cruises

Galapagos Island cruises acquaint travelers with the uninhabited environment of the Galapagos archipelago. Cruises are small and intimate, offering luxury accommodations with exceptional services. The mood is casual and friendly, with a wide array of exciting and educational activities. No matter what cruise you choose, you will experience an unforgettable journey through the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos archipelago is located on the equator west of Ecuador's mainland. Cruises sail the Galapagos Islands year-round as the climate is quite pleasant in every season. Many travelers explore the islands after visiting the mainland of Ecuador, and most cruise companies offer extended packages, including adventure sailings, plus hotel packages on the mainland.

Environmental standards are closely regulated to ensure preservation of one of the most isolated archipelagos left on earth, thus travel by water is restricted to small, environmentally regulated modes of transportation. You can choose to tour the islands on a sailboat, mid-sized yacht or luxury cruise vessel designed to accommodate up to 100 guests.

Smaller-sized ships not only help preserve the natural ecological environment, but afford adventurous cruisers the opportunity to explore some of the archipelagos' most remote locations. Another advantage of smaller-sized ships is the cozy social atmosphere they offer. The larger expedition cruises are not nearly as intimate as smaller sailboats, but offer additional perks, such as roomier cabins and a larger range of onboard services and activities.

Most cruise ships navigating through the Galapagos Islands offer some type of all-inclusive package tailored to the ship's style and expedition experience. Some companies offer packages that include full itineraries and meals, but do not include airfare or other courtesies, such as transfers or gratuities, within the total package price. The all-inclusive package offered on Celebrity Cruises for the 2011 season includes the following:

Gratuities Airfare Transfers Meals and beverages Expert onboard naturalist guides Daily itinerary and excursions

Before booking an expedition, read the fine print for a full description of what is included in the ship's all-inclusive package. This ensures a more pleasurable voyage and minimizes unexpected last minute expenditures that can so often break the bank.

Virtually every cruise in the Galapagos Islands offers a full itinerary of daily excursions and activities included in the package price. Cruisers can expect to experience at least one guided port of call each day led by a qualified naturalist fluent in English. Some naturalists are also fluent in multiple languages. The opportunity to select an activity level preference, from active, moderate or minimal exertion is provided for each daily excursion. Each activity level is formed into a small group. Different activities featured on Galapagos cruise itineraries include:

Snorkeling Whale watching Bird watching Guided hikes Zodiac cruises Scuba diving Kayaking Cave explorations Photography excursions

A Galapagos expedition cruise is a luxury cruise coupled with adventurous and educational activities designed to inspire both your mind and body. Although luxury class expedition cruises are smaller in size, everything a world cruiser would want and need is packed into these cozy luxury liners. You will find world class service, an intimate and relaxed environment and luxurious accommodations, including:

Complimentary sparkling wine Fruit baskets Binoculars Snorkeling equipment Daily hors d'oeuvers Stocked minibars

Galapagos Island cruises are managed exclusively for exploring one of the most uninhabited regions of the world. Moreover, Galapagos cruises are sustainable and are either locally or privately managed. The one exception is Celebrity Cruises' sailings, which is one of the large cruise ship companies operating within the archipelago. All cruise lines hire onboard staff fluent in English, and sometimes skilled in multiple languages. Below are a number of luxury class cruises that sail within the isolated boundaries of the Galapagos Islands:

While planning a vacation to the Galapagos Islands keep in mind most cruise ships sailing through this destination book one year in advance. However, it is also advantageous to explore last-minute cruise deals, as they often include incentives, such as free airfare to the region.

Carnival Freedom Ship

The Carnival Freedom ship offers numerous activities, spacious staterooms and luxurious restaurants.

Carnival Freedom is the last vessel built in the Conquest-class platform. This platform describes the shape of the ship, which is unique to Carnival Cruise Lines. The company built the ship in the Fincantieri shipyard located in Marghera, Italy. The ship's maiden voyage departed Italy on March 5, 2007.

Initially, the Carnival Freedom sailed from Civitavecchia, a port city near Rome. At that time, the ship's Grand Mediterranean itinerary took the ship to Venice, Naples and Livorno. The Mediterranean and Greek Isle itinerary was another initial offering, which took passengers to locations such as Marmaris, Izmir, Athens and Katakolon.

In the fall and winter of 2007, the ship sailed from Miami to the Caribbean. In the summer months of 2008, the ship returned to Europe to continue its Mediterranean voyages. Then, in the fall of 2008, the ship returned to sail the Caribbean, but did so from Fort Lauderdale.

In late November 2008, the company began offering year-round Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale on the Carnival Freedom. The six-day cruise departed on Sundays and took passengers through Key West, George Town, Grand Cayman and Jamaica before making the trip back to Florida.

As of February 2011, the cruise liner offers numerous itineraries including a four-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami, Florida, and two- or three-day cruises to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale.

A few things make the Carnival Freedom a unique ship. For starters, it is the first Conquest-class ship to offer an adults-only Serenity Retreat. The kid-free cruise offers mature passengers endless opportunities to relax and unwind. In addition, the ship boasts a number of spectacular amenities, including:

Putteriffic mini golf course: A nine-hole mini golf course on the Sun Deck Lotta Food: A restaurant offering international cuisine Sun King Steakhouse: An eatery serving the finest American steakhouse cuisine Viennese Cafe: An onboard coffee bar on the Promenade deck featuring specialty coffees and products from around the world Bar Nouveau: Serves wine and offers vintage charm and decor Players Sports Bar: A place to watch games and enjoy a drink 70's Dance Club: Features a disco-theme setting Scott's Piano Bar: Where you can sing along with the host Babylon Casino: Get in on the casino action including blackjack, craps and slots Show and Tell: A Victorian lounge with live entertainment and an orchestra pit Club 02: Club for teens between the ages of 15 and 17 with a futuristic theme Camp Carnival: A camp for younger kids that offers plenty of planned activities and adult supervision Twister Waterslide: A three-deck tall waterslide

In addition to the outstanding restaurants and onboard activities, the Freedom also boasts a wide array of comfortable staterooms. You can choose from a complete line-up of luxury suites or select from budget-friendly interior units.

To learn more about Carnival Freedom ship's features, visit Carnival Cruise Line's website. There, you can also take a virtual tour of the ship and book your accommodations online.

Dress Code on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Knowing the dress code on Royal Caribbean Cruises before you set sail on your dream voyage can help spare you from embarrassment and preserve your vacation budget. After all, you don’t want to have to shell out big bucks for a new outfit on the high seas when you could have packed one from home. It’s best to know the dress code before you go, so you are prepared for all occasions.

While you don’t have to dress like royalty to be treated like a king or queen on a Royal Caribbean voyage, the upscale cruise line does have a moderately strict dress code that passengers are required to?follow, if they want to partake in all of the activities the ship has to offer.

Reserve your t-shirts and slippers for daytime activities on Royal Caribbean Cruises. Casual attire, including shorts, sundresses and tank tops, is the standard dress code for passengers exploring the line’s luxury vessels during daylight hours. However, depending on the type of onboard activities you choose to participate in, the dress code may vary. For example, if you plan to ice skate on Voyager and Freedom Class ships, then you are required to wear long pants, long shorts or Capris and socks for your comfort and safety. In addition, footwear with wheels, including Heelys shoes and rollerblades are prohibited on Royal Caribbean Cruises regardless of the passenger’s age.

Where you are sailing to and from also plays a huge role in determining the dress code on Royal Caribbean Cruises. For instance, if you are embarking on a voyage to Alaska or Canada you don’t want to restrict your wardrobe to shorts, swimsuits and flip flops. Rather, your cruise attire should include clothes that can be layered with lightweight jackets, sweaters and raincoats, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season.

Royal Caribbean has three mandatory dress codes for the evening, if you plan to eat in the main dining room or any other reservations-required restaurant onboard?the ships:

Casual: Dress code for casual night includes khakis and an oxford or polo shirt for men and a casual dress or skirt and blouse combination for ladies. In addition, nice footwear is required. Flip flops and slippers are not allowed in the main dining room.Smart Casual: This dress code requires men to wear ties, jackets and slacks. Meanwhile, women are encouraged to wear nice pantsuits, dresses or skirts with a tasteful blouse.Formal: Men are encouraged to wear tuxedos; however tails are not required. If you don’t own a tux, you could opt to wear a dark business suit or a sports coat and tie with matching slacks. Ladies are requested to don cocktail dresses, evening gowns, elegant skirts or dressy pantsuits.

The length of your cruise will determine your evening dress code. Some 12-night European cruises may have three formal nights while seven-night sailings typically feature two formal nights with a mix of smart casual and casual nights for the remainder of the cruise. Meanwhile, shorter voyages traditionally have just one formal night. All other evenings are casual; though jeans and shorts are discouraged in most restaurants save for the buffet on the Lido Deck. The dress code at the Lido Restaurant, which is typically located near the pool at the rear of the ship, is extremely relaxed. However, this doesn’t mean you can show up wearing just your swimsuit. Passengers are required to wear shorts, shoes and footwear at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.

Royal Caribbean strongly enforces its dress code which pertains to all of its passengers, including children. Kids are not allowed to eat dinner in the main dining room wearing shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. In fact, the upscale cruise line requests that shorts not be worn in public areas after 6 p.m.; however, common sense rules. If you plan to dine in the Lido Restaurant, then casual attire is accepted, but don’t expect to be greeted with open arms if you show up in torn denim cut-offs, a tattered baseball cap and a crop top.

For a complete rundown on Royal Caribbean’s dress code, visit the cruise line’s website.

Celebrity Expert Reveals Tips on Taking a Luxury Cruise

Forget about the overrated pomp and pageantry that's typically associated with new cruise ships. Celebrity Cruises latest addition Celebrity Silhouette provides you with understated sophistication and personalized pampering that you'll remember long after your dream voyage returns to port.

Brian Powell, Associate Vice President of Marketing at Celebrity Cruises is an expert when it comes to luxury sailings. The veteran high seas voyager gives us an insider's look at Celebrity Silhouette and shares advice on how to make the most of your time on a high-class cruise in this exclusive LoveToKnow interview:

LoveToKnow (LTK): The Silhouette is a 122,400-ton floating masterpiece that can accommodate nearly 3,000 passengers. It launched on July 21, 2011, as the fourth ship in Celebrity's Solstice-class. Like its sister ships it has a number of incredible features, could you describe the ones that are most impressive?

Brian Powell (BP): When we introduced Celebrity Solstice in 2008, we wanted to change the way people view cruise vacations, with the hip, cool style of public spaces to the variety and quality of culinary experiences onboard. We continue to raise the bar in our attempts to exceed passengers' expectations with the introduction of our AquaClass staterooms, inspired by the spa enthusiast lifestyle. In addition, the creation of the first Lawn Club - a top-deck lawn of real, growing grass - at sea, is a real crowd pleaser, and one of the hallmarks of our Solstice Class that has truly redefined cruising. The ship also offers another entirely new venue, The Hideaway, an intimate, quiet space reminiscent of a childhood tree house.

The Alcoves onboard the Silhouette

LTK: What new dining options are available?

BP: Celebrity Silhouette has introduced a whole new set of spaces on and around our Lawn Club. These include:

The interactive Lawn Club Grill: A place where guests can select and grill their own meats side-by-side with our expert chefs, or have them cooked to order The Porch: A breezy, casual dining spot offering sandwiches, coffees and captivating views of the sea and the ship's lush lawn The Alcoves: A collection of relaxing, private, Wi-Fi-equipped cabanas where you can indulge in gourmet picnic food

In addition, we've added a new twist on Celebrity's Michael's Club, with a selection of more than 50 beers from around the world, including craft beers. In total, there are seven specialty restaurants on Celebrity Silhouette, as well as a main dining room and multiple casual dining venues.

LTK: The luxury vessel boasts phenomenal staterooms and suites. What advice can you give those trying to decide which type of cabin to book?

BP: All of our staterooms and suites feature exceptional service, luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs and comfortable showers. Someone seeking the most sumptuous experience should consider booking a Sky Suite or Royal Suite, which brings butler service, more seating areas and space, and the opportunity to enjoy special perks such as assistance unpacking and complimentary espresso and cappuccino into the mix. If a truly relaxing experience is the goal, I recommend our AquaClass staterooms, which are located near the AquaSpa and feature unlimited access to the Persian Garden aromatherapy room and Relaxation Room, exclusive dining in the specialty restaurant Blu, flavored teas, pampering in-stateroom lotions and other amenities.

LTK: What insider tips can you give guests that will help enhance their experience on the Silhouette?

BP: Don't miss out on the experiences at The Lawn Club. Whether you want to play bocce or croquet, relax in one of The Alcoves for the day, or if you simply like to feel cool grass beneath your feet while gazing miles out at sea, The Lawn Club is one of the most unique venues around.

If you haven't vacationed with us before, come prepared to immerse yourself in culture, luxury and exhilaration. Book a treatment in the AquaSpa, or fall in love with a new favorite wine in Cellar Masters. Of course, if you have vacationed with us and are a member of our Captain's Club loyalty program, you will have even more opportunities for us to put you at the center of our attention, from an officers' cocktail party to special laundry and Internet benefits.

Whether this is your first Celebrity vacation or your fifth, my utmost advice for getting the most out of a cruise on Celebrity Silhouette is to step onboard prepared to relax, take in the stylish, luxurious surroundings, and let us do what we do: give you the best vacation possible.

LTK: Some potential cruisers may be intimidated to take a luxury cruise. However, with a little research there are ways to save on opulent high seas adventures. What types of deals are available at Celebrity Cruises?

BP: We strive to make luxury sailings accessible for even the most budget-conscious travelers. In you are interested in being pampered from head-to-toe on one of our magnificent ships, visit our "Specials" page to view ways you can enjoyed reduced rates and access other ways you can get more from your cruise vacation for less. You can also get the latest information on Celebrity sailings on our Facebook page.

Whether you dream voyage takes you to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, make sure all of your needs and wants are being met. A truly memorable cruise exceeds all of your expectations and makes you feel at home on the high seas. That's something you can't put a price tag on.

Detroit River Cruises

Detroit River cruises offer a scenic and entertaining summer adventure to visitors and locals alike. The popular Michigan sailings are filled with food, fun and plenty of fascinating sights. What's more, depending on the type of voyage you select, you could walk away with a fair bit of knowledge about the historic waterway.

From fishing to boat races, to laid-back summer sails to brilliant fireworks shows, the Detroit River serves as the backdrop to a litany of family-friendly activities. The picturesque waterway stretches 32 miles, and provides spectacular views of the Detroit skyline and Canada. In fact, the river serves as the international border between Canada and the United States with water flowing south from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. The river also divides the booming metropolises of Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, so visitors to the Michigan hot spot can double their fun by simply crossing the Ambassador Bridge.

The Detroit River is also the centerpiece for the city's bustling RiverWalk, which features an eclectic mix of hotels, shops, restaurants and biking trails. Considered the Motor City's newest gem, the RiverWalk is a tourist magnet and is prominently featured on several popular Detroit River cruises.

Due to its northern location, commercial cruises on the Detroit River are limited exclusively to the summer months. Most sightseeing adventures run from June until September and typically fill-up fast. If you are looking for a fun, affordable and educational activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family, then consider setting sail on one of these top-rated Detroit River cruises:

Diamond Jack's River Tours offer the perfect blend of history and frivolity. Guests can choose from three different two-hour narrated scenic sailings which navigate the sparkling waters of the Detroit River:

Detroit Tour: This voyage sails past downtown Detroit's most recognizable landmarks, including the Ambassador Bridge. You will also be treated to spectacular views of Belle Island and other natural gems set along the river. Boblo Island Tour: This sailing cruises around famous Boblo Island. The private island resort is home to a number of scenic wonders, including the legendary Boblo theme park. Wyandotte Tour: This tour provides unprecedented views of the southern portion of the Detroit River, including the spot where the river empties into Lake Erie.

Regardless of which cruise you select, you will have to purchase your tickets in person. Seats are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Diamond Jack's does not take reservations. You can only buy tickets as you board the ferry boat. There is no separate ticket booth on the dock or other location that sells seats. While boarding begins about 15 minutes prior to departure time, if you want a good seat, it's recommended that you arrive 30 to 60 minutes in advance to secure a decent spot in line.

Also, keep in mind that personal snacks and beverages are not allowed on the cruise. However, all the ferries are equipped with snack bars, which sell select drinks, as well as light snacks, such as chips, candy and cookies.

The Detroit Princess

The Detroit Princess is relatively new to the river, but the company is already making waves for bringing a historic vessel to the popular waterway. The 200-foot long traditional riverboat towers over the water with four decks that can hold more than 1800 people on a single cruise.

The classic riverboat first set sail on the Detroit River in 2005 after being saved from a Texas scrap pile. It took company owners nearly a year to refurbish the iconic vessel. It now features a full restaurant kitchen with eight convection ovens and two walk-in coolers. The boat also includes several dining rooms, as well as a number of indoor-outdoor bars, and entertainment areas.

Unlike Diamond Jack's tours, the Detroit Princess caters to guests looking to dine and sightsee at the same time. In addition to casual lunch and dinner cruises, the company also offers a wide array of theme sailings, such as Mother's Day brunch voyages and Motown dinner cruises. Since it can accommodate a large number of guests, there is a better chance of securing a spot on the date of your choice. However, tickets for special theme sailings are available on a first come, first serve basis only, which means you must book a date and provide the company with a deposit in order to hold a spot on a particular cruise.

The Detroit Princess is a prime spot to view the Fourth of July fireworks show which explodes in the sky above the river. In addition, the legendary riverboat is known for hosting several dance parties on the water during the summer months. If you are looking for a unique place to relax and enjoy Michigan's temperate conditions while dining and dancing to your heart's content, then you might consider booking a spot on the Detroit Princess. Conversely, this cruise option is not as well suited for those looking to get an in-depth history lesson about the surrounding areas.

Before planning a trip to Detroit, be sure to visit the aforementioned cruise companies' websites to view a complete sailing schedule and to get information about ticket prices and availability. Since the sailings are seasonal, popular dates often sell out quickly.

Also, when prepping for your river cruise, don't forget to bring along proper identification. This is especially important, if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages on a river sailing. Guests are required to show a valid picture ID prior to being served cocktails.