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It's a Travellers' Choice: By Itinerary vs By Ship

 When it comes to planning a cruise vacation, there are two types of cruisers those who choose a cruise based on its itinerary and the ports it will visit, and those who choose a cruise based on the ship itself. Choosing by Itinerary: For some travelers, like myself, the destination is the main focus when selecting a cruise. I start by looking at the region I want to explore and then delve into the specific ports of call. It is the allure of discovering new places and experiencing different cultures that drives my decision-making process. Choosing by Ship: On the other hand, there are cruisers who prioritize the amenities and entertainment options offered on the ship. From rock climbing walls to water slides, roller skating rinks to bumper cars, these travelers seek out ships that provide a plethora of activities and facilities. Once they find a ship that meets their criteria, they then look at the sailing itineraries. For families with children, choosing a cruise based on the ship...
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Skagway, Alaska may be a Portal to the Gold Rush Era

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During our recent cruise to Alaska, we had the pleasure of stopping in the charming port city of Skagway, AK. Having visited before, we decided to skip the shore excursions this time and explore the town at our leisure. Skagway, with a population of 1,167 in 2024, transforms when a cruise ship docks, with the population doubling or even tripling for the day. Despite its small size, Skagway has plenty to offer visitors, from interesting shops to historical sites. Favorite Shops in Skagway Lucy's Bakery at 398 5th Ave: Don't miss the tiniest blue house serving delicious cinnamon rolls made from scratch. Artic Brotherhood Camp No. 1 : Visit the Skagway Convention and Visitor Bureau for free bathroom use and visitor information, including trail maps. Golden North Hotel : Look for the gold dome and maybe even catch a glimpse of Mary, the friendly ghost. Red Onion Saloon : Keep an eye out for the famous ghosts Lydia and the Smelly Man. Kirmse Curios Shop : Established in 1898, this ...
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Going to a Small Town May Sound Boring Unless You Do This

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  The Beauty of Cruising into Small Port Cities One of the unique aspects of cruising is the opportunity to visit small port cities that larger ships cannot access. While some may the value of docking in these tiny towns, the impact on the local economy can be significant. When a cruise ship arrives, it can bring surge of tourists, injecting life and revenue into these communities. Last February, I had the chance to experience this firsthand when my cruise ship sailed into Picton, one of the smallest towns in New Zealand. The contrast between the size of our ship and the quaint town was striking. According to Princess Cruises, our ship was as large as Picton itself. When we docked, we effectively doubled the city's population for that day. Exploring Picton Upon disembarking, my companions and we took the free shuttle to town, bypassing the industrial area with its lumber piles destined for export. As we strolled along the promenade near the marina, we discovered charming shops and ...
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The Big Secret to Cruising More Often is based on your Location

 Living in or by a port city has its advantages. Like they say in real estate, location, location, location. Exploring Cruises from Vancouver, BC I've always envied those who live in a port city and have the convenience of embarking on cruises right from their doorstep. Fortunately, in 2019, I moved to Vancouver, BC, and now I can take advantage of hopping on a cruise without the hassle of going to an airport and flying in and out of the cruise port city. If you live in a port city or close to one, I encourage you to make the most of all the cruise opportunities that originate from there. If you're on a budget, consider looking for roundtrip cruises that allow you to embark and disembark from the same port, saving you time and money. Cruising to Alaska from Vancouver, BC Starting as early as April, cruise ships set sail from Vancouver, BC to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. For those looking for a more economical option, roundtrip itineraries that start and en...
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Getting Stuck on a Cruise Ship with Nothing to Do was my greatest fear until I took the plunge

Initially, I was adamantly against the idea of taking a cruise. The thought of being trapped on a boat for an extended of time filled me with dread. When my fiancee suggested a cruise for our honeymoon, I was on the verge of calling off the wedding just to avoid it. However, she was persistent and assured me that I would enjoy the experience. Eventually, she convinced me to give it a try, and she booked a cruise on the Royal Caribbean (RCCL) Empress of the Seas, sailing from Miami to the Bahamas and back. The first few days were a blur as I struggled to shake off my unease about being at sea. But everything changed when we arrived at Cococay. A Day in Paradise The day started with a lavish buffet where we indulged in a variety of delicious treats. Then, we had a snorkelling lesson on the beach, followed by hours of floating in the crystal-clear waters, mesmerized by the colorful fish swimming beneath us. Emerging from the water, we were greeted with cold frozen pina coladas to refresh ...
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