Celebrity Eclipse

On February 26^th we will be departing on the Celebrity Eclipse for a seminar at sea. We will be sailing to San Juan, PR, St. Maarten, and St. Kitts on this trip. And although we will be on board for educational purposes, we will still get to enjoy the ship and the ports on some free time.

I was lucky enough to be invited by Celebrity back in November for a two night inaugural cruise (the Eclipse had just come into Miami from Europe). She sure is a beauty! Some facts on the Eclipse: She is part of Celebrity's Solstice Class of ships. She entered service in April of 2010. She carries approximately 2,850 passengers, is 1,033 feet long and weighs in at 122,000 tons. Some highlights of this ship are: The Lawn Club (actual real grass on deck); the incredible AquaSpa® by Elemis®; The Martini Bar (which has ice inlayed in the bar); incredible entertainment; The Hot Glass Show^TM (yes, they do amazing pieces right on board) and I could go on and on and on. The décor is quite classy; the ship in a whole is just fabulous.

When I sailed on the inaugural, I was in an interior stateroom. And I must say, I do not like interior staterooms. I find myself feeling trapped in them, especially with no natural light. However, on the Eclipse, I was quite pleased. Now I know I was only on there for two nights, but I really thought the room was nice. The bathroom was wonderful, and had much more space than your typical stateroom bathroom, especially in the shower. And ladies, there is even a little bar to place your foot for leg shaving. So with the extra space and the bar in the shower, no more balancing like a flamingo and shaving your legs without really seeing your legs! It was a small thing, but such a pleasure! When we travel next week, we will be in a balcony stateroom, and I cannot wait to see the room!

As for the clientele on this ship … I would say this ship would attract a bit of an older crowd than Carnival or Royal Caribbean, and younger travelers looking for a unique experience. You won't find a rock climbing wall or a zip line running through the ship, but you will find venues that offer enrichment. You will find wine tastings, art throughout the ship (which you can tour with the help of a checked out iPad or iPod). You might decide to partake in a cooking class as well. This is not a ship that I would take my 8 year old son or 22 month old daughter on. And most likely you will not find an abundance of children on board. With that said however, they do have a wonderful kids program that will more than entertain any kiddos ranging from 3 years old up to 17.

I am planning on an incredibly enriching experience, from the classes we will be involved in, to other activities that we will partake in. I also plan on some serious relaxing time … hopefully we can hit the spa for a couples massage!

I will certainly update you more upon our return, and hopefully with some really great pictures of the ship and the destinations. Might I add that Celebrity has some really great rates for these ships. And as a side note, they will be offering a few cruises this year with Celebrity Chefs on board as well. The Eclipse is sailing the Caribbean now, but will be heading over to Europe soon, along with the Solstice and the Equinox (April and May). Hey, you can get some nice Transatlantic rates too. How about sailing across the pond to London, Barcelona or Rome? Just give me a call and I will go over all the details with you. You can reach me at 888-882-5793 or on the web at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com.

Why use CruiseOne? Well, the answer is quite simple actually. First, it does not cost you anything to use me as your travel agent. You will get the same rates as going directly to a cruise line. However, sometimes I have added perks that the cruise lines are not offering (such as on board credits). I will be your dedicated agent. Got questions? I am here. I will help you from the pre-booking process, all the way through to your cruise and will be here when you return. You cannot really put a value on good service, and it is even better when you don't have to pay for it!

10 Islands to Explore Before You Die

I saw this article on Yahoo.com, provided by Budget Travel. Thought it was worth sharing!

CruiseOne Freer & Associates can help you with your Bucket List! And, some of these locations are accessible by cruise, which is a great way to travel! But whether it be by land or by cruise, we can help you turn your dream vacation into reality! Give us a call at 888-882-5793 or visit us on the web at www.GetLostAtSea.com for more info!

 

We scoured the globe to find 10 islands that belong on your must list. Each of these places offers something that you can't find anywhere else, from the largest man-made archipelago to hot springs so therapeutic they've been popular since Roman times.

By Gary McKechnie

Tanah Lot, a Hindu temple on Bali

Photo: Romain Cintract/hemis.fr/laif

If you're going to imagine yourself on an exotic island, dare to dream big! Here are 10 one-of-a-kind islands where you'll discover every item on your wish list, from overwater bungalows and pristine wildlife to sublime street food and mysterious cultural monuments.

2. Bali

Find your center on an island so spiritual it's become known as "Island of the Gods." The warm, spiritual essence that writer Elizabeth Gilbert discovered here and celebrated in Eat, Pray, Love has been native to Bali for centuries. It's one of 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago—and the only one on which Hindus form the majority (93 percent). Even more striking is the fact that there is a spiritual celebration here nearly every day. Three Hindu temples at the Besakih (the Mother Temple of Bali) survived a 1963 eruption that destroyed nearby villages while missing by mere yards this terraced complex atop volcanic Mount Agung. The event is still considered a miracle by locals, who arrive in regular procession; they balance offerings on their head and climb the steps to the sound of mantras, jingling bells, and the sharp flutter of umbul-umbuls (ceremonial Balinese flags). Anyone interested in exploring the inner self might like the Nirarta Centre, an 11-room hotel set amid rice terraces and gardens that holds daily meditation sessions. After finding your center here, channel your energy into jungle treks, scuba diving, and big-break surfing along beaches of fine white and volcanic black sand. Exhale against a backdrop of rice paddies and Impressionist sunsets that illuminate the Indian Ocean.

 

Sun Bay Beach, Vieques

Photo: parasola.net/Alamy

2. Vieques

Experience the world's clearest bioluminescent bay. When the U.S. Navy packed up and left Vieques in 2003, after more than 60 years, it left something behind: unspoiled nature. Land once used for bombing practice is now designated as a national wildlife refuge. So far there are only a few mega-resorts like those found on the Puerto Rican mainland—instead, you'll find homey inns like the aptly named Great Escape B&B, where breakfast is served poolside (from $115). There are only two notable towns (the population is less than 10,000): Isabel Segunda on the northern side of the island, and the far smaller Esperanza on the south. The effect is that when you reach a beach at the end of a dirt road here, your reward is having the sand largely to yourself. Playa de la Chiva (Blue Beach) attracts daytime snorkelers and divers, but the real reason Vieques belongs on your bucket list is Puerto Mosquito. Of the seven bioluminescent bays on the planet, Puerto Mosquito is the most impressive, thanks to the clarity and brightness of its waters. Schedule a moonless night for a swim or kayak tour and you'll be greeted by billions of micro-organisms called dinoflagellates that ignite the water with a magical blue-green glow (Aqua Frenzy Kayaks, from $30 per person). It's like swimming in a watercolor painting.

 

Stone monoliths on Easter Island

Photo: Courtesy chobart/myBudgetTravel

3. Easter Island

Ponder the handiwork of one of the most mysterious civilizations in history. With the nearest major landmass, Chile, lying 2,200 miles away, Easter Island is as remote as it is mysterious. No one knows exactly why nearly 900 gargantuan stone monoliths are sprinkled across this isolated, 60-square-mile scrap of land in the middle of the South Pacific—and those long, stone faces aren't talking. For several hundred years, the moai that are unique to this island have maintained their silent sentinel even as the civilization that created them collapsed and a trickle of tourists appeared in its wake. Intended to stand atop cut-stone altars (called ahu), the moai average 13 feet high and weigh nearly 14 tons each; most lie prone, toppled by civil wars in the 17th and 18th centuries. A particularly compelling spot is Rano Raraku, the collapsed volcano where many moai were quarried and where nearly 400 figures remain, all frozen in various states of completion. The island counts only one town, Hanga Roa, where you'll want to check in to Vai Moana, a low-key hotel with 18 rooms set in bungalows (from $102, including breakfast and transport to and from the airport). You can then wander from the volcanic coastline across grassy hills without bumping into another human being who might break Easter Island's spell.

 

Thermo-mineral pools on the beachfront

Photo: Mirko Angeli/Alamy

4. Ischia

Revive with therapeutic hot springs and mud wraps. This volcanic island in the Bay of Naples has hot springs so therapeutic that they have drawn admirers for 2,000 years. Greeks, Romans, and Turks quickly discovered that Ischia's fumaroles, hot springs, and heated mud hold the power to ease sore muscles—or simply provide a degree of self-indulgence. Today's travelers are likewise pampered by massages and mud wraps courtesy of the island's geothermal characteristic, which helps fill the 22 thermo-mineral pools of the beachfront spa Giardini di Poseidon Terme. After your treatment of choice, peel off the sandals for a walk on the beach or visit the 15th-century Castello Aragonese. You can also get a taste of the glam, jet-setter lifestyle associated with Italy and depicted in the film The Talented Mr. Ripley, shot here on location. Retreat to the family-run Hotel Villa Angelica, whose garden naturally includes a thermal swimming pool with a Jacuzzi (from $75, including breakfast).

 

The lush Chiloé archipelago

Photo: Herve Hughes/hemis.fr/laif

5. Chiloé

Experience a culture and wildlife developed in isolation. The lush, cloud-covered Chiloé archipelago may lie off the western coast of Chile, but its history, customs, and language bear little resemblance to those of the mainland, or anywhere else in the world, because of its isolation. Local farmers have passed down a mythology of gnome- and witch-filled woodlands and ghost ships. Valdivian temperate rain forests are protected within Parque Nacional Chiloé. In the Pacific, dolphins, penguins, otters, and the largest creatures in history—blue whales—are studied and protected by the Cetacean Conservation Center. In the central city of Castro, order a steaming meal of curanto (shellfish, meat, and potatoes) and peruse handicrafts made of wood and colorful garments created from Chilean wool. Residents still live in traditional palafitos (stilt houses). Jesuit missionaries, who first arrived in small numbers in the 1600s, used local materials and construction techniques to build exquisite chapels. Their work survives in more than 50 wooden churches found in communities such as Castro, Nercón, Chonchi, Dalcahue, and Quinchao; their appearance reflects a hybrid of European and indigenous styles that you won't find anywhere else on earth.

 

Iconic overwater bungalows of Bora Bora

Photo: José Fuste Raga/Age

6. Bora Bora

Settle into your own overwater bungalow on the world's most famous idyllic island. If you envision yourself on an island in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is the place to hang your hammock. Even novelist James Michener, who penned sweeping epics set in the South Pacific and beyond, dubbed it the world's most beautiful island. Mingled in among the Society Islands northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora's lowland reefs and islets are lorded over by Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, twin peaks forming an extinct volcano in the island's interior. Super-expensive upscale resorts along the western edge—and a fair share of inns and vacation rentals—feature overwater thatch-roofed bungalows built on stilts above shallow, clear-as-gin waters. (Maitai Resort is a comparatively affordable option, considering the $800-plus competition, with rooms from $198 and bungalows from $408, including taxes.) Slip on a sarong and relax while savoring the vision of endless miles of soft sand beaches and lagoons. Luxurious, certainly, but of even greater value is the philosophy of Bora Bora's residents: Aita pea pea. In other words, "not to worry."

 

Laid-back beachy living in Key West

Photo: Ian Dagnall/Alamy

7. Key West

Embrace Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville" utopia. Laid-back, beach-y living coupled with a flamboyant arts scene lends a one-of-a-kind appeal to this lowland island (peak elevation: 18 feet). Key West inspired Mississippi-born balladeer Jimmy Buffett, and it remains hallowed ground for his followers—the "parrotheads" that roost here throughout the year and keep the mythical utopia of Margaritaville alive. Tennessee Williams, Harry S. Truman, and Ernest Hemingway were also seduced. Defying easy categorization, Key West is capital of the Conch Republic, the tongue-in-cheek micro-nation created in 1982 by residents proud of their liberal lifestyle. Natural sand beaches are surprisingly rare here, but with the chance to snorkel above North America's only living coral reef and enjoy the company of a Technicolor collection of 400 species of tropical fish, it would be a shame to spend your beach time on land, anyway. When you've dried off, head to Mallory Square to catch street performers during the daily Sunset Celebration. Follow it up with brews along the "Duval Crawl," a tour of watering holes in the early 20th-century buildings that line Duval Street. From there, it's a pleasant, 15-minute walk to the Grand Guesthouse (from $98, including breakfast).

 

A fruit stall in Penang

Photo: Aurora

8. Penang

Treat yourself to Malaysia's unique fusion of cultures and flavors. Start your food crawl at stalls that crowd the streets of Georgetown, Penang's largest city and Malaysia's food capital. The delectable fare on offer memorably mingles Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and European flavors. Foodies in search of supreme bliss should head to the marketplace Ayer Itam—adjacent to Kek Lok Si (the Temple of Supreme Bliss)—to dine on a variety of dishes based on rice, noodles, fish, shellfish, chicken, pork, vegetables, eggs, and coconut. Look for lor bak (deep-fried marinated minced pork served with a chili sauce); lok-lok (skewered seafood, meats, and vegetables); and ikan bakar (grilled or barbecued fish marinated in spices and coconut milk, wrapped inside banana leaves, and grilled over hot coals). The same fusion of cultures is evident in the local architecture, which ranges from modern high-rises to buildings built by 19th-century British colonialists. Add to the mix beach resorts, preserved mangroves, small fishing villages, and a share of temples, mosques, and churches. Kek Lok Si best exemplifies this coexistence. At seven stories, it's the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, and it reflects the shared values of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism—designed with a Chinese octagonal base, a Thai-accented middle tier, and a Burmese-style peak.

 

A baby seal pup in the Galápagos

Photo: Courtesy fungofan/myBudgetTravel

9. Galápagos

Follow in the (r)evolutionary wake of Charles Darwin. The namesake tortoise is only one reason to explore this archipelago overrun with more than 500 spectacular native species found nowhere else. Charles Darwin's 1835 visit sparked his curiosity, leading to his landmark book and the observation that these islands are the "laboratory of evolution." Much of the biological kaleidoscope noted by Darwin—such as penguins, sea lions, finches, blue-footed boobies—is still visible on the Galápagos, which are scattered more than 600 miles west of Ecuador. Look out for the waved albatross, which has a 7- to 8-foot wingspan, on Española. Tour operators navigate the islands on everything from luxury catamarans to motor yachts, and many employ naturalists to guide you through the archipelago's rocky coasts, lagoons, coral reefs, bays and white sand beaches. Gap Adventures offers small-group itineraries that often include meals, airfare from Quito, and a cabin aboard a 16-passenger ship. Life on the island is only half the equation, so pack your mask, snorkel, and wet suit.

Palm Islands archipelago in Dubai

Photo: Jochem Wijnands/Age

10. Palm Islands Dubai

Size up the world's largest man-made archipelago. Nature creates and removes islands every day, but it took a supernatural influx of cash and credit to create what developers hope will be the permanent Palm Island archipelago. Based on a sketch by a sheikh, the world's largest man-made islands are being dredged up and put in place as destination resorts: the Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and Palm Deira. Each work-in-progress is designed to attract tourists, who (more than fossil fuels) can provide a renewable source of income. If all goes well, the three islands will be the focal point of Dubai and become a Middle East playground of spas, resorts, upscale residences, villas, and superior shopping malls. Palm Jumeriah is already in place with an Atlantis resort and its wild water park open and a Trump hotel slated to open in 2011. (A more concrete, if off-island option, is the Arabian Courtyard, whose rooms have hardwood floors and richly colored upholstery, with prices as low as $100 a night.) S ome islands might be more exotic—and certainly less expensive—but none are more impossibly engineered and ambitious.

*Source: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-37926474

Celebrity Cruises Announces 2011 'Savor Your Destination' Chef Lineup

Celebrity Cruises' guest chef theme cruise program, "Savor Your Destination," is serving up a roster filled with gifted culinarians who will participate this year, among them renowned television personality Chef Sara Moulton.

Recognizing that vacation time is precious, Celebrity created "Savor Your Destination" to give food and wine enthusiasts more ways to experience a memorable and enjoyable trip. In 2011, Celebrity will present a total of 12 guest chef theme cruises on its award-winning Solstice Class ships. Each cruise will offer food-and-wine themed activities that complement Celebrity's overall premium experience, emphasizing the love of fine food and wine. Activities may include a meet-and-greet cocktail reception, guest chef-led cooking demonstrations highlighting techniques and ingredients, book signings, and a "Star Chefs" cook-off featuring an interactive cooking competition, complete with a special recipe booklet featuring the guest chef's creations. For a fee, guests also can participate in hands-on cooking classes led by the guest chef in the ship's galley, or enjoy an exclusive food-and-wine-pairing dinner designed and presented by the guest chef in either Murano or Tuscan Grille, two of the five specialty restaurants onboard.

Moulton will sail on Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Eclipse, on March 26, 2011, on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from Miami, Florida. One of television's Food Network's founding personalities, Moulton has hosted numerous cooking programs, including "Cooking Live," "Cooking Live Primetime," and "Sara's Secrets." Moulton also has served as the food editor of ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" since 1997, and hosted "Sara's Weeknight Meals" on public television in 2008. She has authored several cookbooks; most recently, Sara Moulton's Everyday Family Dinners, as well as Sara Moulton Cooks at Home and Sara's Secrets for Weeknight Meals. She also was the executive chef of Gourmet magazine from 1987 until the magazine folded in late 2009. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Moulton worked and taught at numerous restaurants before working for Julia Child on public television's "Julia Child and More Company." Moulton founded the New York Women's Culinary Alliance in 1982.

A line-up of highly regarded chefs with unique approaches to their craft is in place for 2011. Additional Savor Your Destination guest chef theme cruises will be led by:

• Chef Dean James Max of 3030 Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and five other restaurants, sailing on Celebrity Eclipse on March 12, 2011
• Chef Timon Balloo of Sugarcane in Miami, sailing on Celebrity Equinox on April 1, 2011
• Chef Govind Armstrong of 8 Oz. Burger Bar in Louisiana, Los Angeles, and Miami's South Beach, sailing on Celebrity Equinox on April 11, 2011
• Chef John Suley of Gotham Steak at Miami's Fontainebleau Resort, sailing on Celebrity Equinox on April 22, 2011
• Chef Angel Palacios of La Broche in Madrid, Spain, sailing on Celebrity Solstice on June 7, 2011
• Chef Jordi Valles of The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, Mexico, sailing on Celebrity Solstice on October 11, 2011

The guest chefs for two additional Savor Your Destination theme cruises in 2011 – one on Celebrity Eclipse on December 10 and the other on Celebrity Equinox on December 12 – will be announced at a later date.

Two Savor Your Destination guest chef theme cruises have already taken place this year, featuring South Beach-based chefs Sean Brasel and Dena Marino.

Rates for the remaining 2011 Savor Your Destination guest chef theme cruises start at $699 per person.

This year, Celebrity is also offering five Savor Your Destination guest winemaker theme cruises as well as five "Guest Glass Artist" cruises highlighting The Hot Glass Show at The Lawn Club, an area featuring a lawn of real, growing grass on the top deck of its Solstice Class ships.

For more information please contact CruiseOne Freer & Associates at 888-882-5793. You can also visit us on the web at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com
Source: Celebrity Cruises

Our Disney Dream Cruise

We have just returned from our three night cruise on the new Disney Dream, which visited Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. It was me, my husband, our 8 year old son, his friend, our 22 month old and grandma on this trip. I have to start by saying that Disney has really done it right with this ship, although there were a few small things that were not so magical for me. (The elevators are slow and seemed to pass our floor a number of times. The guest services desk always seemed to be a bit understaffed at times where it was busy.)

I thought the embarkation process was a bit slow, and we have traveled on larger ships. We had to wait in two lines to get into the terminal, then another to check in, and then wait again for our “boarding number” to be called. Seemed a bit much. Then you wait in line again to get onto the ship.

This ship is beautiful, inside and out. It looks like a true ocean liner … and it is big! We booked two inside guarantee staterooms, because we really wanted to see the virtual porthole that Disney has done with this ship. Well, being a “guarantee” stateroom, we were just that, guaranteed a room. We ended up in an ocean view stateroom, and surprisingly, we had connecting staterooms. We were in Category 8, Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms, which can accommodate up to 5 guests and the rooms are 241 square feet. These rooms were amazing. Lots of space and Disney really has it right with their split bathroom. One room contains the toilet and a sink, while the other contains a tub with shower and a sink. Now, if anyone has ever tried to give a 22 month old a shower in a typical cruise ship bathroom with a shower curtain, you know what a challenge it can be and a tub is really appreciated! The only thing I did not like about the room was we were all the way up front on deck 7. We felt more motion than other areas of the ship, and it was a little loud when the ship was docking.


The interior of this ship is true Disney, everywhere you turn. From hidden Mickey’s everywhere, to the magical artwork that moves, to the Disney theme music playing in the public areas and the halls. This ship is a kid’s dream come true. Even with everything Disney, it is still a very classy looking ship. The children’s’ programs are outstanding. There is way too much to do in so little time! The Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab are huge! Themed rooms, such as Andy’s Room and Monsters Academy can keep a kid busy for hours! Then there is the Oceaneer Lab where kids can do projects and there are all sorts of supervised activities. These areas are for kids 3 – 10. This ship has no casino, and they couldn’t fit one with the kids’ programs! The space is huge! There is also a nursery on board for kids 3 months to 3 years old. There is a charge for this program (currently $6.00 per hour), but it is worth it! We dropped our little one off a couple of times which allowed us to really explore the ship, and yes, it gave us some quiet time! The Nursery can accommodate 70 children. Reservations are required, and space does go. So it is wise to book your nursery time online prior to your cruise.


Kids, kids, and more kids! Yes, they are everywhere! And having two of my own, I do love kids. But, I think even I was feeling a little bombarded by them! With that said, there are adults’ only areas, which on our trip we noticed were surprisingly quiet, and to be honest … empty! There is a pool area, bars and lounges as well just for adults. We did not take advantage of these areas, except for the Skyline Bar in The District area. But yes, you can escape the kiddies on board if you would like to!

Characters are very accessible. This was a nice feature. If you have been to Disney World, you know you have to wait in a seemingly endless line to get a photo with Mickey. Although there will still be a line, it is small. And they have characters scheduled throughout the day as well as special events. You will even find them on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, which is beautiful (we didn’t get to stay long as the weather did not cooperate). There is also a Pirate theme night, where the characters are dressed up as pirates and perform a show. After that, providing the weather is good, there is actually a firework show in the middle of the sea! Only Disney does this, and it was a sight to see! The only thing is I cannot seem to get “Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirates Life for Me” out of my head!


The food was quite good; we ate at the buffet for breakfast and in the dining room for dinner. For lunch, we just picked around. I could be wrong, but we didn’t seem to be able to find the abundance of food around, which was a bit inconvenient for us. We had the second seating for dinner, as the early seating was booked. And eating at 8:30 with a 22 month old is challenging. We tried to find her food that she would eat earlier, but didn’t have much luck.

Our service was wonderful! Our Head Server, Murat and Assistant Server, Ana were absolutely fantastic. And they were so good with the kids. Our little one was not so happy one night, and they handed her crayons, cleared the space in front of her and told her to color on the cloth tablecloth! If we decide to go on the Dream again, and I am pretty sure we will since our little Princess thought it was the best thing ever, we will request to be seated with them for dinner.

The entertainment is non-stop and never ending. Oh, we even rode the AquaDuck, which is Disney’s water coaster at sea (check out our YouTube Video). Yes, our inner kids came out on this trip (I will admit I was very excited to have a photo opportunity with Pluto, my favorite Disney character). It is impossible to see and do even half of what is listed in the daily programs. This is definitely a trip for kids, and even adults that are Disney fans.


The disembarkation process was a bit annoying as well. There was the famous Disney zig zag of rope to get to customs. We could have been there is a quarter of the time if we didn’t have to walk from one end to another around the rope! But, we made it. Do you have any questions about the Disney Dream? Ready to go? Give us a call anytime at 888-882-5793. You can also check out rates on our site at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com. This one sells out fast! But no fear, the Disney Fantasy will be arriving next year as well!

When do I cruise to certain locations?

I am often asked “when is the best time to go to the Caribbean, or Alaska, or Europe.” Well, that all depends! Sure there are “seasons” for certain locations. But that doesn’t mean you cannot go outside of those times. As a matter of fact, you can usually get a good deal cruising to a location in an off season, but there are some things to be aware of. For example, cruising to the Caribbean during Hurricane season may mean some rough weather, perhaps a canceled port or a changed itinerary. But if you are willing to go with those understandings and don’t mind, than the deals are out there.

So here is a little guide to cruising certain locations.

Caribbean Cruises: The season is really year round. The best time to go is December through April. The least desirable time to go is August through October due to hurricane season. However, with that said, I have cruised during this time. Cruise Lines and their captains are masters at reading the weather. If there is a storm out there, they know what to do. Yes, it may mean your trip gets cut short or you miss that stop in Jamaica, but hey, safety first!

Mediterranean Cruises: The season typically runs from April through October. Some lines are now cruising year round. The best time to cruise is June or September. August is the most crowded. The least desirable time to go is December through February due to winter.

Northern Europe: The season runs from May through September. The best time to go is June through August.

Alaska: The cruising season here runs from May through September. The best time to go is July and August. May and September are the least desirable, as winter is around the corner on both ends.

New England: The season goes from April to October. The best time to go is July through October. If you are looking for the Fall colors, late August and September are good. April through May is the least desirable.

Trans-Atlantic: The season runs from March to November, with most repositioning cruises in the spring and the fall. The best time to go is June through August. The least desirable time to do a Trans-Atlantic is March or November. The Queen Mary 2 is built to do Trans-Atlantic crossings, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel any waves during certain crossings!

Antarctica: The season here runs from November through March. The best time is mid December through February. The least desirable times for this voyage would be November or March. Antarctica is one trip in which you have to expect rough weather, even during peak season. Ships have to cross the Drake Passage off the coast of South America, and this is an unpredictable, tricky stretch of water.

A travel agent is a good resource to help you plan your vacation at the right time of year. CruiseOne Freer & Associates is all you need to get going! Give us a call anytime at 888-882-5793 or visit us on the web at www.kfreer.cruiseone.com. Let us help you turn your dream vacation into reality!