There are some ports of call so special you never forget them. Sometimes it’s an extraordinary shore excursion, in other instances it’s breathtaking scenery, historic treasures or time spent exploring on your own. Picking out eight favorite ports isn’t easy, when there are incredible ones I’ve left off.

Kauai, Hawaii: Aptly name “the garden isle” Kauai is where I took the best shore excursion of my life. By high-speed zodiac we toured the Na’pali coast, where sheer cliffs rising thousands of feet are lined with lush green foliage and pristine deserted beaches. Close to shore dolphins leapt from the water as sea turtles languidly surfaced to breathe as we stopped for a picnic lunch.

New York: When standing on the deck of a cruise ship entering or leaving the harbor, one can almost feel the awe of millions of people who arrived in the United States to start a new life. The scenery is dramatic: gliding beneath the enormous Verrazano Bridge you pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island where immigrants were processed. Then, let yourself be engulfed by the “city that never sleeps”.

Prague. A highlight of a Rhine River cruise, this historic city is among Europe’s most enchanting cities. A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. After the tour, take the rest of the day to explore; see the Town Hall’s intricate 15th-century Astronomical Clock, spend time in Wenceslaus Square, visit one of Prague’s many delights.

Puerto Rico. Hanging out in San Juan for a day is a chance to indulge in two favorite activities: shopping and history. El Morro Castle towers over the harbor much as it did when the Spanish began construction in 1589 to ward off pirates including Sir Francis Drake in 1595. A short distance from the castle is the historic area, Old San Juan, where it’s fun to stroll the cobblestone streets and browse the through stores in search of resort clothing, jewelry and crafts.

Stockholm. Before arriving in this stunning port the ship pasts what seems like a thousand small islands dotted with cabins, summer cottages and elegant homes. I always visit the Vasa museum, which houses the restored vessel with the same name. Sunk in 1628, it was raised and re-assembled in 1961. And, don’t miss the grandest buildings in town, City Hall and the Royal Palace where King Carl XVI Gustaf lives.

Santorini: Entering the harbor is where the excitement begins. The island is perched 900 feet above the rim of an ancient volcano, accessible only by cable car or perched atop a donkey. When you reach the top, stroll narrow streets of cafes, restaurants and souvenir stands – when you can take your eyes off the spectacular view.

Vancouver: Many people begin and end an Alaska cruise in this city, which is worth at least an extra day for sightseeing. Ringed with high peaks, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful ports in the world; in fact, to spend a peaceful day and get completely emerged in nature, head for Stanley Park.

Venice: Venice is one of the world’s most magical cities, where one can feel history seeping through narrow stone alleyways. The all streets lead to the famous square, San Marco, where visitors marvel at sights like the St. Marks Church (constructed in 828), the opulent Doge’s Palace and clock tower.

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At the end of the cruise we invariably pick the “best port” of our voyage, the one where we had the most fun, a place that fulfilled our fantasies. And, there are some ports of call so special you never forget them. Sometimes it’s an extraordinary shore excursion, in other instances it’s breathtaking scenery, historic treasures or time spent exploring on your own.

Picking out personal favorites is tough because there are incredible ones I’ve left off.

Kauai, Hawaii: Aptly name “the garden isle” Kauai is where I took the best shore excursion of my life. By high-speed zodiac we toured the Na’pali coast, where sheer cliffs rising thousands of feet are lined with lush green foliage and pristine deserted beaches. Close to shore dolphins leap from the water as sea turtles languidly surfaced to breathe as we stopped for a picnic lunch.

New York: When standing on the deck of a cruise ship entering or leaving the harbor, one can feel the awe of millions of people who arrived in the United States to start a new life. The scenery is dramatic: gliding beneath the enormous Verrazano Bridge you pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island where immigrants were processed. Then we glide past the canyon of skyscrapers before docking in mid-Manhattan.

Prague. I started my Rhine River cruise by spending a few nights in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. After the tour, take the rest of the day to explore; see the Town Hall’s intricate 15th-century Astronomical Clock, spend time in Wenceslaus Square, visit one of Prague’s many

Puerto Rico. Hanging out in San Juan for a day is a chance to indulge in two favorite activities: shopping and history. El Morro Castle towers over the harbor much as it did when the Spanish began construction in 1589 to ward off pirates including Sir Francis Drake in 1595. A short distance from the castle is the historic area, Old San Juan, where it’s fun to stroll the cobblestone streets and browse the through stores in search of resort clothing, jewelry and crafts.

Stockholm. Before arriving in this stunning port the ship pasts what seems like a thousand small islands dotted with cabins, summer cottages and elegant homes. I always visit the Vasa museum, which houses the restored vessel with the same name. Sunk in 1628, it was raised and re-assembled in 1961. And, don’t miss the grandest buildings in town, City Hall and the Royal Palace where King Carl XVI Gustaf lives.

Santorini: Entering the harbor is where the excitement begins. The island is perched 900 feet above the rim of an ancient volcano, accessible only by cable car or perched atop a donkey. When you reach the top, stroll narrow streets of cafes, restaurants and souvenir stands – when you can take your eyes off the spectacular view.

Vancouver: Many people begin and end an Alaska cruise in this city, which is worth at least an extra day for sightseeing. Ringed with high peaks, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful ports in the world; in fact, to spend a peaceful day and get completely emerged in nature, head for Stanley Park.

Venice: Venice is one of the world’s most magical cities, where one can feel history seeping through narrow stone alleyways. The all streets lead to the famous square, San Marco, where visitors marvel at sights like the St. Marks Church (constructed in 828), the opulent Doge’s Palace and clock tower.

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By Sam & Arline Bleecker

Compared to your cruise fare, the cost of quenching your thirst for soft drinks, coffee, juices, wines and spirits may not seem like much. But at two dollars a pop for soda or four to twelve for a glass of wine or twenty-five or more for a bottle of vino, the numbers can add up quickly.

So what can a cruiser with a yen for Coca-Cola or a passion for Cabernet Sauvignon, Aussières Rouge by Barons de Rothschild, do to pare down expenses?

Just sign on the dotted line.

For The Pepsi Generation

Several cruise lines now offer discounts for the Pepsi generation to help take the bite out of your beverage bill. Depending on the line, these discount packages allow you to belly up to the bar for your fill of unlimited soft drinks and other potables for a fixed price, depending on the length of your voyages. Other lines give you a break for purchasing packages of select wines and spirits. And on Disney Cruise Lines, where kids reign as princes and princesses, you get the best deal possible: you pay nada.

On Disney ships, all non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. They’re free for everyone at all the dining establishments, as well as at the top deck where soda, coffee and tea dispensers are always available.

Carnival Cruise Lines, on the other hand, offers kids under 17 all-they-can-drink soda and juice packages for $36.23 for a seven-day sailing and a tad more for adults, $48.30, or about $5 per day for children and $7 per adult – a bargain when a can of pop runs $2 on a Fun Ship.

Of course, you can choose not to spend a penny at all and indulge yourself in all the free iced tea, lemonade, apple and orange juice, as well as coffee and tea  in Carnival’s Lido restaurants fleetwide.

Sports giant Royal Caribbean offers its own competitive beverage packages.     For about $4 per day for kids and $6 for adults, Royal’s fountain soda package entitles you to unlimited refills at any of the ship’s bars or lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining room, and private destinations. You also get a refillable souvenir mug.

Since this is a daily rate, the total cost of the beverage package is, of course, determined by the length of your cruise.

RCI also offers passengers as much as 25-percent off the purchase price when they buy bottled water and juices in bulk. Instead of paying nearly $100 for two dozen 1-liter bottles of H2O, for instance, you’ll pay at tad more than $70. The same applies to 15.2-oz. Minute Maid juices. If you buy a dozen, you can save 25 percent and pay only $35.50.

Princess Cruises, too, offers an unlimited fountain soda package for a flat $4.25 per day per person, young or old. It also comes with a souvenir mug, but on Princess you needn’t carry the mug with you. Just show your beverage card at any bar (except with room service or at Princess Cays, the line’s private island) and get a free fountain soda.

Princess also sells a coffee package for $24.00 – about a 20-percent savings — which lets you toss back15 speciality coffees, such as Espresso, Macchiato, Cappuccino and Cafe Latte, at any location where the service is offered.

On Norwegian Cruise Line, you pay $4 a day per kid and $6.25 per adult to drink as much fountain Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist and soda water as you wish.

Italian-based MSC Cruises makes it simple: for $25.30, you can imbibe 10 drinks – you’re choice of soda, juices or iced tea.

As a result of extensive research and past-passenger feedback, upscale Celebrity Cruises now offers two non-alcoholic beverage packages. The lower-priced “classic” package features fountain and canned soda, bottled and fresh-squeezed juices, premium coffee and bottled water for $14.95 per person, per day. Its premium offering includes everything in the lower-priced package plus specialty non-alcoholic coffee drinks, additional name-brand bottled water choices, canned energy drinks and flavored bottled water offerings, smoothies and frozen non-alcoholic drinks, and is available at $18.40 per person, per day.

For Adults Only

Okay, enough with the kid stuff. What about adult beverages, such as beer, wine or liquor?

Celebrity’s classic wines and spirit package features everything in the non-alcoholic package plus beers with a retail value of up to five dollars per serving and spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass with a retail value of up to eight dollars per serving, and costs passengers $44.85 per person, per day. The line’s beverage upgrade offers all the beverages in the premium non-alcoholic package plus all beers, and spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass with a retail value of up to 12 dollars per serving, and is available for $56.35 per person, per day.

Royal Caribbean’s Diamond, Platinum or Gold “Wine & Dine” packages enable you to purchase a pre-determined number of wines from its special selection and save up to 25 percent off the list pricing. For example, in the line’s Gold offering, you could choose a 5-bottle package for $135 instead of $152 retail. Select a dozen wines in the same package and the savings is nearly $100 — $364 list, but $275 bundled.

Among the availabe wines offered in the Gold special are Pinot Grigio, Danzante Venezie, Italy; Sauvignon Blanc, Caliterra Central Valley, Chile; Chardonnay, Aussières Blanc by Barons de Rothschild – Lafite Languedoc, France; and Malbec, Familia Rutini, “Trumpeter” Mendoza, Argentina.

If you go upscale and opt for the Diamond package, percentage-wise the discounts run about the same, but the wine selections seem more sparkling. For instance, you’ll pay $395 for a dozen bottles of wine instead of $528 and can uncork Cabernet Sauvignons from Robert Mondavi; Aussieres Rouge from Barons de Rothschild; and Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve.

Holland America Line also offers two levels of imbibing pleasure: Navigator’s or Admiral’s Choice. For ensigns and above, the 7-bottle package run $199, but for fleet commanders, the price inches to $269.

For $56 per day, NCL passengers can opt for the line’s Freestyle Premium” package, which includes unlimited spirits from the most popular premium labels, domestic and import beer, house wine and unlimited fountain soda, at all bars, lounges and restaurants.

Princess Cruises offers an inelegantly named “Bucket of Beer” package giving you one free beer for every five you buy.

Costa Cruises offers a variety of packages on all its ships. One of the most popular is its “Buon Viaggio” selection — a wine package with two bottles of red, two bottles of white and seven bottles of mineral water, priced at $94.

On Disney, you can choose any seven bottles of wine from the line’s special selection and save up to 25 percent. For its seven-night cruises, you can opt for either of two wine-and-dine packages: the classic runs $189 and the premium $292.

MSC’s beverage packages run $22 per day and includes bottled wine, mineral water, beer and soft drinks with a white wine choice of DOC Trebiano or Verduzzo and a red DOC Montepulciano or Cabernet.

With these deals, cruise lines are clearly trying to put you in the spirits. But before your head spins, you might want to contact a travel agent or the cruise line for further details and any price changes.

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While lounging on deck in Fort Lauderdale waiting for my cruise to depart, I had the chance to chat with the mother of a woman who had been married aboard the ship an hour earlier. She reported that the wedding was simply wonderful and her only regret was that her other daughter insisted on a huge land based event.

I imagine one of the biggest pluses is that a company took care of all the details… all the mother, bride and wedding party had to do was show up.

Best of all, the options are boundless: a shipboard wedding on embarkation day followed by a honeymoon for two; a shoreside wedding on a tropical beach; or a sunset marriage ceremony at sea with everyone in the wedding party enjoying the entire cruise are among the many choices.

The two easiest — and most popular — ways of arranging a wedding aboard ship is through your travel agent, who works with the cruise line’s wedding planners or working directly with companies that specialize in cruise ship weddings.

There are two companies that specialize in arranging weddings aboard ship or on land when the ship is in port: A Wedding for You and The Wedding Experience (click links). My advice is to ask your travel agent for a quote from the cruise line and then compare prices and services with the two companies above.

*** If you live outside Florida and want to tie the knot in that state aboard ship before it leaves port, you’ll need an outside company to arrange a license and official before departure.

*** NOTE: If your heart is set on getting married in a country like Bermuda or St. Thomas during a port stop, I recommend avoiding hurricane season.  If the ship has to bypass a port because of bad weather, you probably won’t get a refund for the missed service.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) advises the options and programs with each cruise line.

AZAMARA CRUISES
Azamara offers legal, captain-led wedding ceremonies, vow renewals and in-port wedding programs. Partnering with The Wedding Experience, a variety of packages feature everything from private receptions in the ship’s specialty restaurant to cake, Champagne and more. Guests should book in advance to ensure processing of legal documents and licenses.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Some 2,300 couples will take advantage of Carnival’s all-inclusive wedding packages this year, a 50 percent increase from a decade ago. Carnival’s wedding programs include an official civil ceremony, reception and other value-added features and can be tailored to the couple’s wishes. Shipboard ceremonies are available on embarkation day in Carnival’s U.S ports and many Caribbean destinations. Vow renewal packages are also available.

CELEBRITY CRUISES
Celebrity’s most popular wedding package is the “Nautical Nuptials” program featuring a captain-led wedding ceremony at sea offered on all Celebrity ships except Celebrity Xpedition. Other packages available include a “Bridesmaids’ Tea Party,” a “Cigar and Cognac Party,” a “Test the Waters” package and a “Welcome Reception.” Vow renewal celebrations are also offered.

CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal offers captain-led wedding vow renewal ceremonies and it is rare that one of the company’s ships sails without at least one honeymoon couple. Focusing on helping guests plan and enjoy a completely customized honeymoon rather than a pre-packaged program, Crystal offers such romantic options as a candlelight dinner on a suite’s verandah, onboard florists, a portrait studio and private shore excursions.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Guests on Disney Cruise Line can exchange vows onboard the ship or step ashore for a romantic beach-side ceremony on the line’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. With a magical Fairy-Godmother functioning as wedding planner, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings handles all the details, including floral arrangements, elegant cakes and Champagne toasts. For many couples, Disney is also the ultimate honeymoon experience.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Holland America offers a Wedding Package as part of its Group Advantage Program (GAP). The wedding couple enjoys a free stateroom upgrade and a commemorative wedding cake with at least eight staterooms booked and the entire group enjoys numerous amenities, including a Pinnacle Grill lunch, private wine tastings, and chocolate-covered strawberries and Chase Limogere Brut in their staterooms.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Norwegian offers two wedding packages – “Onboard Aisles” and “On Shore Aisles” – available in ports in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Bermuda. Both include a ceremony conducted by a local official plus all the features of a wedding, from music to wedding cake and sparkling wine. Norwegian also offers vow renewal packages and an “Engagement Aisles” program for the ultimate proposal at sea.

PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess pioneered weddings at sea more than a decade ago, and since then ship captains have married thousands of couples while sailing in locations around the globe. The unique “Tie the Knot at Sea” program offers ceremonies in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska and other exotic locales, which couples can customize with live music, flowers and reception options. In addition, a harborside option enables couples to be married in port, and ashore weddings are available in a variety of scenic ports.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Guests wishing to make customized wedding plans in conjunction with a Regent Seven Seas cruise may use the services of Royal Ocean Events, which can handle all the details and requests. A honeymooner package features a letter of congratulations from the captain, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and caviar, in-suite canapés every afternoon, a miniature wedding cake and Leonidas chocolates and more.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
In addition to a “Royal Romance” package featuring a one-hour wedding ceremony onboard ship or on shore on embarkation day, couples on Royal Caribbean can exchange vows while climbing the ships’ rock walls or ice-skating or even catching the waves on the shipboard Flowrider. Shoreside wedding venues include the glaciers of Alaska, European castles, rainforests and an Italian vineyard.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB
SeaDream offers two wedding vow renewal ceremonies – one designed for couples only, the other for as many as 12 guests – and both conducted by the yacht’s captain. Iced Champagne and canapés, a cake and flowers add special touches to the elegance of an elegant luxury yacht experience. SeaDream points out four couples who have completed the legal process at home, the shipboard vow renewal ceremony can serve as a wedding.

WINDSTAR CRUISES
Windstar invites couples celebrating honeymoons, renewing wedding vows or honoring a special anniversary to discover romance at sea. Chilled Champagne, chocolate-dipped seasonal fruit, breakfast in bed, “Time for Two” massages and elegant dinners for two at sunset are among the amenities featured on the line.

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Until I stepped ashore in Costa Rica, my style of cruising consisted of sitting contentedly in a deck chair as the sea passed by, a trashy novel in one hand, a cool cocktail in the other.    But then a shore excursion manager gently twisted my arm to join fellow passengers in an afternoon of white water rafting that, he promised, even a couch potato like me would have a blast.  And, after donning a life vest and climbing into an eight-man raft, the river looked fairly tame.

What followed was a three-hour adrenalin-rush thrill ride of battling rapids to stay afloat as I channeled Meryl Streep in one of the most exhilarating experiences on earth.  It was so exciting I became addicted to shore excursions guaranteeing maximum high-energy thrills and spills and the chance to push my own limits.

One of the best reasons to take a warm-water cruise is the chance to try something new.  I imagine plenty of folks walking off ships toting their own snorkeling equipment were introduced to it on an earlier cruise.   Each year cruise lines ad new excursions that promise adventure you never dreamed possible.

It wasn’t that long ago that the word “zip-line” didn’t exist but the experience of being strapped into a harness for a ride moving 30 to 40 miles per hour above a forest canopy is so popular you’ll find it on most Caribbean islands, Mexico and even Alaska.  The typical zip-line experience involves a drive to a hilly area where you’re supplied with harness, gloves and a safety harness.  After climbing a winding staircase to a platform, you’re connected to a cable and told to raise your legs when the guide releases a safety clip.  Suddenly you’re airborne above a jungle canopy for a ride to another platform, a thrilling 10- to 30-second ride.  The longest zip ride over water, stretching 4,000 feet, is found at Royal Caribbean’s private island at Labadee, Haiti.

If you happen to arrive in Ocho Rios, Jamaica aboard a Carnival ship be sure to sign up for the Bobsled (you read it right!) ride.  Custom-designed bobsleds travel on winding, plunging stainless steel rails on a 3,290-foot gravity-driven ride through the forest.  The bobsled track was laid to avoid disturbing the natural landscape, curving around ancient trees, hugging majestic cliff faces and limestone outcroppings through narrow chutes of dense forest. Riders control their rate of descent with an in-sled handbrake, allowing for either a leisurely tour through the forest or a pulse-quickening ride.

A much more laid-back airborne ride awaits those lucky enough to dock in Roatan, Honduras where the “Magical Flying Beach Chair” awaits.  Built by Carnival Corp, it is the first chair lift that transports cruisers between the ship terminal and Mahogany Beach.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several off-beat excursions that promise a thrilling time ashore.   In St. Maarten, try the “Power-rafting, Snorkel and Beach” outing, a high-speed ride to a secluded cove and snorkeling followed by a leisurely stroll in the laid-back town of Marigot.  Those in good shape may want to keep fit on NCL’s “Bike & Kayak Adventure” in Costa Maya.   After riding past a small mangrove lagoon you’ll paddle along a reef past a palm tree-lined beach.

Fortunately, for those of us who aren’t athletically inclined, so many of the new high-adrenalin excursion don’t require us to join a gym – get up the courage, simply show up and the shore excursion staff sets the stage for unforgettable adventure.

Here’s a tip: since these are the most popular excursions be sure to reserve them at the cruise line’s website before leaving home.  You can always cancel if you change your mind (or get too comfortable in the deck chair).

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While I do recommend arranging your own shore excursions as a way to save money, there are times when the highlight of my cruise has been a cruise line’s shore excursions. For example, white water rafting in Costa Rica and a visit to Hawaii’s Na Pali coast on the island of Kauai by fast zodiac are excursions I’ll never forget. My rule of thumb is to first look at the cruise line’s shore excursion list to see if any truly extraordinary activities are offered…….and quite frequently I find them.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) polled its member cruise line about their excursion offerings and came up with an impressive list of unusual, elegant and adventurous activities. So if you want to drive a Maserati in Italy, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia or ride a Harley in the Caribbean it may be available on your next cruise.

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
During the summer months, passengers on ACL’s “Lobsterfest Cruises” can board the Captain Jack, a 30-foot downeast lobster boat to find out what it is like to be a true Maine lobsterman. The adventure includes local history, glimpses of seals, porpoise and the occasion whale, fishing poles to catch cod and mackerel and authentic lobstering, including baiting and hauling the traps.
AMA WATERWAYSThe 12th century city of Uglich, on the banks of Russia’s Voga River has great appeal in its own right but the highlight of AMA Waterways’ shore excursion here is an authentic home visit and meal with a Russian family. Treated to breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, depending on the time of day, the hours spent in cultural bonding may even include a bit of dancing. Uglich is famous for some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals, including the Church of Dimitry, dedicated to the son of Ivan the Terrible.
AZAMARA CRUISES
One of Azamara’s most interesting shore excursions is Colors, Tastes and Smells of Turkey. Offered in Kusadasi, guests visit the town of Sirince, known for its fragrant and flavorful apricots and peaches; travel through the mountainous region of Kirazi Koy to visit a local primary school and perhaps nap under a tree before a special lunch of gozleme, keskek and manti and a cup of strong Turkish coffee. For those inclined, there is also the harvesting of fruit with the local residents.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Offered for passengers in Ocho Rios and celebrating the improbable Jamaican bobsled teams of the 1980’s and 1990’s Winter Olympics, the Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain is a new eco-friendly shore excursion just launched in July. It features a bobsled ride through the tropical forest, a chairlift journey over the countryside, a zip-line canopy adventure through the treetops, an island culture and heritage center, as well as dining and shopping.
CELEBRITY CRUISES
A visit to the famous Hermitage Museum is a staple of most shore excursions in St. Petersburg but Celebrity goes one step further: Hermitage Splendour – An Exclusive Evening at the Hermitage Museum features a private tour and ballet performance after hours, when the museum is closed to the public. In addition to the incomparable art collection, the evening is highlighted by performances of the Mariinsky Theatre dancers.
CRYSTAL CRUISES
With Crystal’s “Extreme Luxury” excursions on most Mediterranean itineraries, guests can slip behind the wheel and race through Italy in a private Ferrari, following a guide through the Umbrian countryside or the winding roads of Livorno and Tuscany, lunching at a five-star restaurant along the way, or motor through the French Riviera and Monaco’s dramatic hills in a Maserati, Lamborghini, or a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, one of the world’s fastest grand touring cars.
CUNARD LINE
The Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Bar is only one feature of Cunard Line’s Cricketing Legends tour for guests visiting Antigua on Queen Victoria. The program includes a visit to the Antigua Recreation Ground, home to four cricket world records; a guided tour of the new Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, venue for the 2007 World Cup; and even lunch and a visit, with photo opportunities with Sir Vivian himself or numerous other famous Antiguan cricketers.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
For those who thought Disney was all about Mickey and Donald, there is Disney Cruise Line’s Graycliff’s Wine & Cheese Pairings adventure in Nassau. For guests 21 and older, the program features some of the world’s finest wines and old-world cheeses at this five-star restaurant built in the 18th century. Exclusive to Disney, it is highlighted by eight tastings from one of the world’s largest private collections of rare wines.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Geared to those travelers who “have seen it all,” HAL’s “Machu Picchu, Chinchero, Maras & Moray” Encore Collection is a four-night, three-day overland adventure from the port of Arica in Chile. It includes travel by plane, motorcoach and vista-dome railcar to heights of 14,000 feet or more, with visits to some of South America’s most famous pre-Columbian landmarks as well as the Huaca Pucilana Archaeological Center and the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lima.
HURTIGRUTEN
Archaeologists believe than when Viking explorer Erik the Red first visited Greenland in 982, he spent the winter on the island of Illutalik. In fact, for visiting guests of Hurtigruten, there is much evidence of the presence of Norse settlers throughout the area. In Narsaq, passengers will explore an excavated farm estate complete with houses, stables and a storehouse. And the tour includes a visit to the ruins of a European farm and church that have been unearthed in the Dyrnaes Valley nearby.
MAJESTIC AMERICA LINE
Guests on the American Queen board the “Twainland Express” for a trip back to the age of steamboats and a young man named Samuel Clemens who, of course, went on to become one of America’s most famous writers and humorists. In addition to stories about Hannibal, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, the excursion includes a visit to the Mark Twain Cave for a circular tour featuring the latest in cave lighting techniques and passageways carved out of limestone ages ago by underground streams.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
NCL recently launched a new class of private touring that offers more choices and convenience for guests wishing to explore ports of call however they want. The company’s “Ultimate Touring” offers such VIP tours for small groups of two to 18 people as the “Rooftop Walk in Stockholm” – a guided walk conducted along the roofs of this historic city, visiting locations such as the Old Parliament Building, the Gamla Stan quarter and the Royal Palace.
PRINCESS CRUISES
The “Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb” takes guest along the upper span of the famous bridge on catwalks and ladders, steadily all the way to the summit – over 400 feet above Sydney harbor. From the top of this Australian icon, visitors can see the equally famous Sydney Opera House and the entire city spread out below. The tour includes a comprehensive briefing, all necessary equipment, and a safety demonstration which includes an alcohol breath test.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES“Augustus House and Ara Pacis” is a tour in Rome offered exclusively by Regent. Among the highlights are a guided walking tour through underground levels of the ancient St. Clemente Church, each representing different centuries of the Roman Empire; a visit to Augustus Palace that, according to mythology, was the site where Romulus and Remus were found by the She-Wolf; and a tour of the Altar of Peace, or Ara Pacis, constructed by decree of the Roman Senate following conquests by Caesar Augustus.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Keeping up with the latest technology, Royal Caribbean offers a unique GPS Video Walking Tour of Key West. In addition to a complimentary drink at Pat Croce’s Rum Barrel, guests use the handheld GPS Ranger to trigger a video and audio tour that not only provides directions but facts, myths and legends. The device can be programmed to follow a set path exploring Key West’s most famous sites, or used to “roam alone.” Either way it is interactive, easy to use and fun.
SEABOURN CRUISE LINE
From Helsinki, Seabourn guests may board a private jet to visit the Lapp people of the Arctic Circle. After landing in Rovaniemi, travel is by wooden river boat northward, complete with icy champagne, for a visit to a family reindeer camp and an Arctic Circle crossing ceremony or reindeer lassoing. Featuring a traditional Lapp lunch and folk dancing, the tour also includes a visit to the Arktikum museum and science center before returning to Helsinki by jet.
SEADREAM YACHT CLUB
Cycling in Croatia is the theme of one of Seadream’s Land Adventures from Dubrovnik. After an air-conditioned drive along the Adriatic coast, guests are met in the village of Gruda by professional staff who provide bicycles, helmets and instruction. The almost three-hour ride winds through beautiful Croatian countryside past vineyards and along the Ljuta River where a rest stop features a choice of local fruits. For those even more adventurous, Seadream also offers rock climbing expeditions in Croatia.
SILVERSEA CRUISES“The Perfect Dubai Experience” features limousine service to the Novotel Airport and a chartered helicopter tour of one of the Middle East’s most modern and fast growing cities. Setting down on the cantilevered helipad on the 28th floor of the Burj Al Arab hotel, the tour also includes a journey of culinary splendour that begins with a simulated submarine voyage to one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, The Oyster, or Al Mahara, that features a floor-to-ceiling seawater aquarium and seafood dishes from around the world.
WINDSTAR CRUISES
Windstar’s “Monaco Grand Prix Package” tour includes a private Welcome to Monaco cocktail reception and gala dinner onboard ship; an exclusive gift package of binoculars, an official Grand Prix program and souvenirs; reserved seating for the Formula One time trials; an exclusive Windstar reception at the H.S.H. Prince Rainier III Auto Collection Museum; and a private breakfast onboard ship before reserved seat viewing for the final Grand Prix race.

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Two things happened last week:  the news (Spitzer! Bear Sterns Nearly Collapses! Escalation of Hillary vs. Obama! More Foreclosures! Dollar Sinks Lower! Gasoline $110 per barrel!) and, at an annual cruise industry confab, Carnival and RCI CEO’s essentially said, ”Downturn?  We don’t see that.” 

HUH?   In a rapidly tanking economy, when consumer confidence is low, people are still taking vacations?  

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), an organization comprised of all the major cruise lines, the industry has an average of 105% occupancy and, according to a poll of travel agents, 2008 should be as good, or a bit better, than the previous year.  Here are the numbers: in 2007, 12.7% million passengers took cruises, including 10.3 million North Americans.

According to CLIA marketing committee head, Dan Hanrahan, “There’s this belief amongst people that they deserve their vacations. The fact that cruising provides value is what’s helped the cruise industry weather this storm so far.”  Hanrahan is also CEO of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises which are owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Still, Carnival’s president and CEO Gerald Cahill is realistic when it comes to the cruise industry.  “In a weakening economy, I’m not going to tell you that cruising won’t be affected. It will be,” he said.  Cahill pointed out that cruises fare better than other vacations in periods of economic stress, “because it is about 20 to 50% cheaper for a cruise vacation when compared to comparable land-based vacations.”

When you take a cruise, you pay for roughly 80% of vacation costs up front.  You’re guaranteed a stateroom, mountains of food and entertainment.  If you have kids, they’ll find special activities and facilities geared to their age group that don’t cost a nickel.    If you reside near a port you can skip worries about airport delays and won’t have to concern yourself that airfares have increased each week for the past month.

An added benefit is how easy it is to plan ahead and decide ways to further reduce vacation costs.  I can decide to eliminate unnecessary purchases like t-shirts, plan my own excursions ashore instead of buying them from the cruise line, forgo massages, gambling or exhorbitantly priced art. 

As a resident of the most expensive city in the U.S., New York, I’m cutting back on dining out and unnecessary purchases.  But as long as I can afford a roof over my head and dog food for my puppy, I’ll find a way to run away to sea. 

The biggest benefit of taking a cruise:  I don’t have to be reminded daily by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer how terrible things are.   For a week or so, my brains are unscrambled.  After I board the ship and unpack, the ropes are raised, the Captain sounds the horn and we sail regally off into the sunset.  

Ciao Wolf! 

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Cruise West Introduces “Family Friendly Fares” on Alaska Cruises. Cruise West, which operates a fleet of small cruise ships designed for people who want an upclose Alaska experience, offers special pricing for kids ages 18 and under on all 2008 Glacier Bay Highlights departures. Savings of up to 75% off adult fares in a AAA cabin or 50% off the adult fare in a category A or AA cabin. Fares start at $1799 per adult and $900 for one child sharing a cabin on the 102-passenger Spirit of Glacier Bay’s three and four-night cruises. For reservations and additional information contact your travel agent or visit Cruise West.

Carnival Launches New Program for 12- to 14-year old teens. Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a new on-board program called “Circle C” aimed specifically at the 12- to 14-year-old age group, with expansive new clubs, a full schedule of activities and trained staff. The new facilities will include a private club and dance floor plus a full schedule of activities, which include everything from sports such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong and various water games to late-night movies and “swimming under the stars” pool parties. In addition, special kids rates are available on Caribbean, Mexico and Bahamas sailings. For reservations and additional information contact your travel agent or visit carnival.com/family.

Crystal Cruises Adds Aerial Excursions in Italy. Crystal Adventures in Italy, a collection of innovative shore excursions, will include helicopter excursions, which range from $1,995 to $3,268, include adventure options that fly over the Amalfi Coast, Mt. Etna, the Dolomites and myriad portions of the Italian countryside. Aerial views of Mt. Etna, Venice and the Amalfi coast, including Mt. Vesuvius, are among the helicopter tours. For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website, Crystal Cruises.

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Since Valentine’s Day is only a heart beat away, it’s time to explore the most romantic mode of travel, cruising.  In the movies, ships have been the setting of romantic escapades and, in reality, getting married aboard ship, followed by a honeymoon at sea, is a very popular reasons to cruise.  Each year thousands of people celebrate anniversaries on a sea-going vacations and you’ll find renewal of vows a fairly standard ceremony on most cruises.

And while the original Love Boats are long gone, Princess Cruises celebrates Valentine’s Day as “Love Boat National Holiday” with special activities designed to help couples recapture romance.  Princess is the only cruise line where the ship’s Captain can perform a legal wedding, the first to build ships with chapels in them.

Of course one can feel romantic at any time aboard any ship.  And, we each have our notions of what’s romantic and what isn’t.  Here are my personal picks for the most romantic ships afloat.

1.  Windstar Cruises.  Small yacht-like motorized sail vessels combining a low-key, cozy ambiance with high levels of food and service.  Cruising in Central America, the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, the ships offer some of the best itineraries in the world.

2.  Seabourn Cruises.  Should a well-heeled man propose marriage one day, I’ll hand him a brochure of these exclusive vessels with the highest levels of food and service and the best itineraries in the cruise industry.  Champagne and caviar are an every day occurrence aboard these small luxury ships. 

3.  Sea Dream Yacht Club.  Carrying only 80 passengers, the former Sea Goddesses lack balconies but more than make up for it with sublime cuisine, polished service and luxurious tanning beds on deck.

4.  Princess Cruises.  This cruise line pays tribute to its Love Boat heritage with a half dozen ways to be romantic.  In addition to weddings and vow renewals at sea,  the “Engagement Under the Stars” package is truly creative.  Guys pop the question to their unsuspecting betrothed with a personal video proposal shown on the ship’s giant outdoor “Movies Under the Stars” movie screen.   ”Romance by Room Service” includes champagne and chocolate delivered to the stateroom, scattered fresh rose petals and a scented candle. Of course, The Romance Channel on stateroom TV’s runs classic romantic movies.

5.  Queen Mary 2.  A transatlantic crossing between Southampton and New York is still one of the most romantic voyages in the world:  Six nights of sybaritic pampering, ballroom dancing with passengers decked out in evening finery and lots of deck space for lazy strolling. 

And, if you’ve put off buying a Valentine’s Day gift, one that will certainly make an impression is a gift certificate for the cruise of your beloved’s choice from a local travel agency.

Which ships do you deem “most romantic”?  Any tips on arranging romantic gestures on a cruise?

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Over the years I’ve noticed we all have different priorities when narrowing the selection process between one cruise line and another.  For example, when cruising in the Caribbean or Mexico, the ship itself is the destination so I’ll pay more attention to the vessel’s food, service, dining and staterooms.  However when narrowing down the selection process for a Europe cruise, the most important factor is the ship’s itinerary. 

But wherever I’m cruising, the most important factors never vary:  the quality of food and the cruise line’s dining program.

I’m thrilled that more and more cruise lines are offering dining options. I’ve never liked assigned restaurant seating so NCL’s Freestyle and Princess and Holland America’s choice of open seating and 24 hour buffet cause me to steer towards the ships in their fleet.  Carnival has four options for dining in the restaurant at night and I’m content with that as well.  While Celebrity has traditional assigned, two seating dining, I’m looking forward to Celebrity Solstice because there will be a half-dozen alternative restaurants and the Lido buffet will be open 24 hours per day.

When I first board a ship I head straight for the ship’s buffet where I have a cup of coffee and a bite of chocolate dessert.   By tasting these items, I’ll immediately know what the quality of food will be during the voyage.   I will be a very cranky person if I don’t get a decent cup of coffee in the morning. Several cruise lines cut corners by using a liquid substitute that tastes vaguely of coffee.   And if the cruise line doesn’t use real chocolate in desserts, then I know much of the food will be below par.

No, I’m not a gourmet or restaurant critic.  I live in New York, where my local deli offers better food than I can find on a cruise ship.  I’m accustomed to superb cuisine, one reason the quality of food is so important to me.  If the ship’s food is as good as I get in a New York deli, I’m happy.

Outside the luxury cruise lines, Oceania Cruises gets my vote for offering the best dining program (four open seating restaurants, none with a surcharge) and a very high level of cuisine.   Royal Caribbean has the least flexible dining program and the level of cuisine is unpredictable; I’ve heard too many complaints.

Is the quality of cuisine and a flexible dining program important to you?  Do these two areas affect your selection of ships?

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