Why Take a Cruise Vacation?

Holiday season is the time of the year when people travel and enjoy a great vacation anywhere in the world. Holiday makers usually go to a place, check in a hotel, and roam around the tourist attraction of such place. An alternative to this during holidays is taking a cruise. So what's good about taking a cruise? Why people go for it instead of booking for a hotel and enjoy a holiday at a certain place?

Usually, an all inclusive holiday for a cruise only offer buffets. There are a variety of cuisine that can be offered on a cruise, even the very elite ones. But even the gourmet meals that are offered on a least expensive cruise are well worth it already. That's one thing that makes a cruise a best one to take for a holiday. In just a single cruise you can enjoy linguini and clams on your first night, filet mignon on the next, and maybe lobster or beef wellington on the third if that suits you.

One draw back on a holiday cruise could be the price of the alcoholic beverages. But this is not a big thing to worry if you don't have plans of spending your vacation with a hangover.

Entertainment is one thing that cannot be taken for granted during a holiday vacation. Everyone wants that and a cruise has trained, auditioned, and practiced performers. They are experienced dancers and singers who have at some point performed in Toronto, Broadway and other entertainmenthot spots . Meanwhile if you visit and stay on a resort on your holiday vacation instead of taking a cruise, you will usually find yourself entertained by the resort staff - the same ones who made your bed and cleaned your table. This case is one advantage of taking a cruise rather than staying in a resort.

Once you embark on your cruise ship, it is just the beginning. When you set sail on your floating resort, you will then have a number of exotic destinations as opposed to a one location only when you stay on a hotel during your holiday vacation. You will be visiting about three to five entirely different places on an average seven day cruise. You may find yourself in Mexico today and the Cayman Islands tomorrow. You can see St. Thomas, then Tortola, and the Turks and Caicos islands if you take an Eastern Caribbean cruise. You might think that there will be too many places but there's a little time for you to explore each of them. You don't have to worry because you will be given lots of time to explore these places. Usually, the ships wait for 12 to 14 hours at the port. Though the ship will leave at the exact time without you so you really have to avoid getting late or else you have to go in your own to the next port of call.

These are just a few advantages of taking a cruise instead of spending your whole holiday vacation at a resort.


Author : Jessica Nielson

About the Author :

Learn more easy ways to book cheap holidays at Cheap Holildays 24. Also read our latest article on Hotel Tricks to find accommodations discounts or read more useful tips and guides in the Cheap Holiday section of the site.

Read more!

A Guide to an All-Inclusive Cruise

The trend for a cruise that was originally an all inclusive holiday, has been changing into a more and more extras to be paid for. Most all inclusive packages today doesn't seem to really include "all." There are some extras that they do not include in the original price of the deal and you have to pay for it if you want to avail of one. That's why you really have to look carefully when you choose your all inclusive package. Make sure that all are really included in that package.

Purchasing an all inclusive package frees you from all the hard work and hassle of going into each company one by one and pay for everything you need. With an all inclusive holiday package you don't have to reach for your walletevery time you need something. Instead, you can just sit back and relax during your holiday vacation and will just have fewer extras to add to the cost of your holiday plus you will have a clear control of your budget. This is the reason why all inclusive holiday packages are popular these days.

This trend, however, does not seem to include most cruises. They are mostly not all-inclusive. They only include meals and on-board entertainment. Other services or extras are not included like drinks, shore excursions, and snacks which are paid for separately. For instance, only cruise fare accommodation, meals and entertainment on board ship are included in your package. Sometimes, their specialty restaurants have cover charges, and some a la carte items are only available at a surcharge. Usually, facilities like spa, indoor pool, and services such as laundry, internet access, and some drinks and shore excursions are not included in your holiday package.

Though there are other cruises that put more emphasis on the word "all-inclusive" which include the connecting flights to get you to your ship and back to your home, hotel accommodations that will be required on shore, all drinks including selected wine, champagne, beer, etc, all on board gratuities and tips, and all port charges and transfers. This will actually leave you with no worries as you sail along except when you go shopping. These are the cruises that you should be looking for.

So this is for everyone to take heed of the cruises that are advertised as an all-inclusive one as there are a lot in the internet. Inspect what are the only things included in the package for there may be other things not included like spa treatments and drinks. Before you book for an all inclusive cruises, you should take a good look first at it and what is included in it so that you won't get surprised when you get to the cruise ship. With a lot of options you have in the internet, choose the one that will satisfy all you need in your cruise vacation. This way, you don't have to worry a thing when you get there and just enjoy your cruise and the destinations you're heading to.

Author : Jessica Nielson

About the Author :

Know how to enjoy a holiday while paying lesser than usual at Cheap Holidays 24. Visit us and read our latest article for Cheap Holidays: Cruises for more excellent tips.

Read more!

Highlights of a Holiday in Kalkan (Turkey)

Turkey's glorious coast is becoming one of the top beach destinations in Europe - unbeatable summer weather, sophisticated resorts, and, of course, a great selection of some truly stunning beaches. Selecting a resort can be a real challenge with so many to choose from. Belek is the place of choice for golf fans and Marmaris for the party crowd, but for those looking for somewhere characterful and relaxing, it is hard to beat a holiday in Kalkan. Located between Fethiye and Kas, this charming resort has plenty of highlights that make it stand out from the crowd...

The Resort Itself

Unlike some of the more crowded resorts, Kalkan has a low key character that is perfect for a relaxing break - it is especially popular amongst couples looking for a romantic holiday. Kalkan used to be a fishing village, and still has a laid back charm and individual character that really makes it stand out from some of the other Turkish resorts.

Built on a hillside, the cobbled streets and old buildings are a delight to explore on foot, and the town is famed for the quality and number of its restaurants. Many of the best restaurants have rooftop terraces, where you can enjoy fine Turkish cuisine and a glass of raki as you enjoy glorious views out across the bay.

Beautiful Beaches

The resort has its own rocky pebble beach, but the real highlights are just a short distance away: Kaputas and Patara are both easily accessible for those on a holiday to Kalkan, and they are two of the finest beaches in Turkey, only twenty minutes from the resort. Those willing to travel further afield may want to venture to the lagoon beach at Oludeniz, an unspoilt stretch of sand that is perhaps the most beautiful beach in the country.

Local Historical Sights

A holiday in Kalkan is more than enough to keep you entertained even if you never leave the resort, but if you want to combine relaxation with a spot of ancient culture, the resort is well positioned for short trips to some of the most important local sites - the castle at Simena, the sunken city of Kekova and the many architectural delights of Ephesus are all within easy reach of Kalkan.

The Stunning Harbour

If you go on a holiday in Kalkan, it's likely that the harbour is going to be where you spend much of your time - it is the centre of life in the resort. The beautiful bay is a delight to look upon and Kalkan is a regular stopping point for spectacular yachts and sailing vessels. The harbour also offers plenty of activities: don't miss out on a gullet cruise to explore the bay and neighbouring islands, or just enjoy a meal on the sea on one of the many floating restaurants in Kalkan's harbour.

It won't be to everyone's tastes, but if you are looking for a relaxing and romantic coastal break on Turkey's coast, it is hard to beat a holiday in Kalkan.

Author : Shereena Lingiah

About the Author :

Shereena Lingiah is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky, a specialist travel company that can tailor make the perfect holiday in Kalkan for you. They provide holidays to Turkey and North Cyprus, including the entire Anatolian region.

Read more!

The Five Essential Sights of Morocco

Morocco is one of the most fascinating destinations to visit on a holiday to North Africa. Culturally, it is a heady mixture of Arabic, North African, Berber and French Colonial influences, and haggling in souks, enjoying fine French cuisine, wandering through medieval medinas, camel trips to the desert, and trekking through the High Atlas Mountains are just some of the experiences on offer. There's so much to see and do in the cities and the countryside that it can be hard to narrow down the choices for your trip, but if you are after the very essential sights to see on a holiday to Morocco, look no further than these five...

The Fez Medina

The medina, or "Old Town", of Fez is perhaps the best preserved medieval city in the world. It was built in the 14th century, and aside from the introduction of electric lighting, little seems to have changed in the six hundred years.
Traditional craftsmen still make and ply their wares in one room workshops, and overburdened donkeys are still the only form of transport that can be used in the Medina. The narrow winding streets are a maze for the unwary, and taking a half or full day guided tour may be the best way to see all the sights the Fez medina has to offer on your holiday in Morocco.

Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou is a series of old Kasbahs located near Ouarzazate, and this fort town is in a stunning position amidst rocky hills and palm trees. Ait Benhaddou has been the backdrop for numerous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator, and the nearby film studio in Ouarzazate is now one of the largest studios in the world. It is one of the most popular sights to see while on holiday in Morocco, and it is definitely worth making the time and taking a day trip here.

The Djemma el Fna in Marrakech

Translated variously as "The Mosque of Nothing" and "The Assembly of the Dead", the central square in Marrakech is perhaps the most unforgettable sight to see while on holiday in Morocco. By day it is a market, with fruit sellers, fortune tellers, henna painters and snake charmers, but it is by night that it really comes to life. Crowds of Moroccans surge around the storytellers and musicians on the south side of the square, while the traditional medicine men and dentists who populate the north side continue to serve the needs of the locals; it is one of the most remarkable sights in the country.

The Town of Chefchaouen

This delightful blue-walled town is one of the most beautiful small towns in North Africa. A holiday here offers perfect relaxation - hiking in the Rif Mountains that surround the city, haggling in the little market at the centre of town, sipping mint tea in the many little cafes, or simply wandering through the streets and enjoying the unusual sky blue buildings.

Ramparts of Essaouira

The port city of Essaouira, located a few hours from Marrakech, is fast becoming one of the holiday highlights of Morocco. The relaxed coastal atmosphere, beautiful old medina and dramatic coastline are all attractions of the city, but the real highlight is the set of old ramparts that run along the seafront. Walking the old fortifications, complete with 17th century cannons, is like talking a walk in time through the city's colonial history - the architecture is a beguiling mixture of Portuguese, French and Berber styles, and the views are simply spectacular.

Author : Kieron Sellens

About the Author :

Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With Morocco holidays from AITO, you can tailor-make the dream trip abroad.

Read more!