Cruising from New York

New York is such a strategic place to start a cruise from. It kind of makes you feel like one of those immigrants back in the day, but in reverse (you get what I mean?). Whether you’re a New Yorker or would simply want to visit the big city before embarking on a cruise, making New York the starting point to your new adventure is a great decision.

Cruises from New York depart from one of these three ports: the cruise terminal in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and (technically not in New York, but close) the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey. Which port you would depart from actually depends on which cruise line or cruise ship you booked your cruise in.

Manhattan Terminal
55th and 12th Street, by the Hudson River
Its prime location and proximity to Times Square and Central Park make it an ideal springboard for visitors who wish to do a little New York sightseeing before heading to their cruise.
• Cruise lines sailing from the Manhattan Terminal are: Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Holland America, and Crystal Cruises.

Brooklyn Terminal
Pier 12 at Red Hook
Located about one mile from the Brooklyn Bridge and Battery Park in Manhattan and easily accessible by taxis, limousines, and public transportation.
• Cunard Line and Princess Cruises both depart from the Brooklyn Terminal.

Cape Liberty Cruise Port, NJ
Bayonne, New Jersey
One big draw of this terminal is its accessibility and proximity to the New Jersey turnpike and the Newark Airport.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are the cruise lines that depart from Cape Liberty.

Singles Cruises

Travel and cruises: Searching for LOVE?

 

A friend of mine recently decided that it was time to move on after getting her heart broken, so, she booked her reservation on a 4-night, 5 day singles cruise.  I saw her off and wondered how in the world she was going to even enjoy herself as she cried about her lost love and his new girlfriend all the way to the port. 

 

Occasionally, during the time she was gone, I wondered if she had holed up in her cabin and only came out for meals. 

 

 

Boy, was I wrong.  The first indication came when I received a phone call that I didn’t need to pick her up…because her new friend had offered her a lift home.  Recently, my friend called to let me know that she’d and the man she met on the cruise were talking about getting married.

 

So, if you’re single and would like the chance to meet someone new, consider a single’s cruise.

Singles cruises have organized cocktail parties, group activities, one on one dining and games.  Many of the groups also have singles chat sites.  For the single person who wants to meet someone new, all you have to do is to “go for it”.

 

 

There are many very popular singles cruises.  You can sail on a 7 night Greek Isles cruise from Venice, Italy to Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu for as little as $1,699.

 

 

Or for $1,999 enjoy a 7 night cruise from Honolulu to Kauai and Maui.  Or perhaps a Western Caribbean cruise for 8 nights for around $750 might be more your style. 

 

 

By searching on the internet or asking your travel agent, you can find incredible deals for singles cruises.

 

 

These cruises were created specially for singles. The activities are planned to enhance self-confidence and interpersonal relationships.  There are also a variety of leisure activities that are planned by professional cruise directors.

 

 

Most people who have experienced joining the cruise are working professionals from mid 20s to mid 60s.

 

 

So, based on the success my friend had, I’ve decided that I, too will be looking for a cruise where I might meet my soulmate.

Popular Cruise Misconceptions

How to get rid of cruise misconceptions as you travel

For many people who love cruises, it is a great experience that nothing can replace, however, others believe that a cruise is boring and not much fun or excitement.  Why is it that some people don’t like cruises?

Some people believe that cruising is boring, however this isn’t true.  Cruise ships offer such a variety of activities that there’s just about something for everyone.

There are events from spas and workouts to dancing and dinint.  There are games and relaxations.  Night time brings on bars and parties with dancing and entertainment – and the chance to socialize and mingle with your ship mates.

Another concern that people have is that they might get seasick.  Today’s cruise ships are specially made so most people don’t get seasick – except in extremely rough waters.  There are medications that work so most people don’t have to be worried about this

Some people believe that cruising is only for “old” people, however more and more singles are now cruising.  This is a safe and exciting way to travel and to also meet people – and now many cruise lines are creating specialty cruises – cruises designed for people with similar interests.  Some of the specialty cruises can be geared toward singles – and there are also cruises for groups such as romance writers, or even political parties.

So if you’ve ever thought about taking a cruise, check out some of the options available to you.

Honeymooning on a Cruise Ship

He proposes.  She says ‘yes’…now comes the hard part…planning a wedding and honeymoon.  When couples plan their wedding they almost always also plan their honeymoon and the destination.

Honeymoons traditionally are chosen for the newly married couple to get away, have fun and excitement and best of all, romance and private time.

There are a number of options to take into consideration when you’re planning your honeymoon.  Many newly married couples decide to go to beaches, skiing or other areas.  But others consider taking a honeymoon on a cruise ship.  Why?  Because cruise ships offer a number of excellent reasons for planning a honeymoon.

Perhaps one of the deciding factors in planning a honeymoon cruise is the cost involved. Yes, cruises can be expensive, however if you plan ahead, purchase a discount package, and an all-inclusive trip, then the honeymoon cruise can be very affordable.

Check online for discount cruise packages or check with your travel agent.  And if you find them make sure that you purchase them immediately or they might be gone.

Once you’ve decided on cruise as a honeymoon, book your reservations.  You can find cruises that specialize in romantic destinations and settings.  Since your honeymoon is going to be romantic, what are the destinations you’re going to? Make sure that the environment is romantic and relaxing.

Cruise ships are worldwide and you have your choice of places like Alaska, Hawaii, Greece, The Caribbean and Italy.  After you’ve selected your destination, make sure that the ship stops at as many destinations as possible.

Make sure that you determine what kind of cruise you will be on.  Many times cruise lines target various groups so you might want to avoid cruises that are set up especially for children and families.

Before booking your honeymoon trip, examine want you want and need out of your trip.  Doing so will enable you to select the perfect cruise ship for you and your new spouse.

Cruising With a Celebrity: Are Celebrity Cruises Worth the Money?

You are a fan of a singer, writer or soap opera actor.  Or maybe you admire a radio talk show host, television chef or broadway star.  And then you hear an advertisement that your favorite celebrity is going to be taking a cruise and you are invited to join them.  This is an advertisement for a celebrity cruise which have gained in popularity in the US and worldwide.  They certainly are popular but the real question is…are they worth it?

Now don’t confuse celebrity cruises with Celebrity Cruise Lines.  Celebrity cruises are offered by multiple cruise companies which book well known movie stars, musicians, radio talk show hoses, writers, etc to attract travelers…and it works.

In order to figure out if a celebrity cruise is worth it, you need to evaluate the purpose of the cruise.  Realize that most celebrities are paid for their appearance on cruises.  Additionally, often the celebrity will be promoting their show, movie, book, etc. and you are not guaranteed that you will actually the celebrity.

Another reason that celebrities participate in cruises is to promote their charity or other causes.  If you like their charity you can attend the cruise as well as know that you are bringing awareness to someone or something that needs assistance.

A consideration on determining on whether or not to take a celebrity cruise is the amount of time the celebrity will be onboard.  Sometimes, because of their schedules, they might not be able to attend the entire time. Prior to making your reservation you need to find out if they will be there for the whole cruise.  If not, you might decide that the cruise is not worth your time.

During the cruise, the celebrity will be attending scheduled events that are planned ahead of time.  Make sure that you check the ship’s itinerary so you don’t miss any of the schedule.  That way you’ll be able to meet, or dine with the person you’re on the cruise with.

It’s also important to determine how many passengers will also be participating in the celebrity cruise.  This might impact how much time you get to spend with the celebrity.  If there are a large number and it’s a short cruise, you might be unable to meet them.

The last consideration on determining if you should book a celebrity cruise is cost. The cost of the celebrity cruises is sometimes higher than other traditional cruises because you’re paying to meet the person.

While these cruises are a great way to meet your favorite celebrity, just realize that you can still enjoy a cruise…with or without a celebrity.