Holidays Are A Really Special Time On Cruise Ships
If you like cruising but never thought about a special holiday cruise maybe you should look into taking a cruise with your family for a holiday. The best thing about holiday cruising is the opportunity to relax and unwind while enjoying beautiful ocean views as the ships crew does all the decorating and planning for you. Indulge in delicious food, participate in exciting activities, special parties and still explore interesting destinations, all while being pampered by the staff. It’s a perfect way to escape from the daily routine and create lasting memories.
Cruise ships always make a special effort to celebrate holidays at sea and there are some that are particularly special. For Halloween maybe it’s the passengers that help make it extra special with incredible costumes, while at Christmas the cruise ships go all out featuring spectacular decorations, planned parties and special holiday menus. There’s also nothing like celebrating the New Year at sea with family and friends!
Decorating For Christmas
If you’re looking for something special for a great family holiday consider planning a cruise. Special cruise ship holiday events are a great way to celebrate while enjoying a unique travel experience. Holiday events often include themed parties, special live performances, festive dining options, an amazing costume ball and even visits from Santa Claus. Whether it’s a Christmas cruise, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a holiday-themed cruise, these events offer a memorable and festive atmosphere that’s difficult to find anywhere else.
Halloween Costumes & Parties
If you book a Halloween cruise be prepared for some great parties and by all means pack an extra special costume!
One of the worlds truly great subway systems is the Singapore MRT and it is a solid innovator. Many of their systems are recognized and implemented worldwide. If you are lucky enough to get to Singapore for a visit you must use the MRT to get around the city. From the time you arrive at the airport you can take advantage of this remarkable transportation system.
The Marina Towers and the Omni at night.
First thing you need to know is one of the official languages of Singapore is English and virtually all signage here is in English. So not understanding the language is not an excuse. Second, the MRT is spotless as is all of Singapore. Saying a place is so clean you can eat off the floor is a common expression but it might actually be true in the MRT.
CLICK THIS MAP TO DOWNLOAD A PDF COPY
The Singapore Tourist Pass is a special ez-link card that offers tourists unlimited travel on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains for the duration of the days purchased. You can now take in the sights and sounds of Singapore in the comfort of the island’s extensive MRT system and public bus network. If you are going to be in Singapore for a day or three you need a Singapore Tourist Pass. You can purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass at “Changi Recommends” counters at all Changi Airport terminals, SMRT Passenger Service Counters, and TransitLink Ticket Offices at Changi Airport or HarbourFront and all 7-Eleven stores. Be sure and have your passport to get the tourist rate.
The pass also requires a $10 rental deposit that is refunded when you turn in the card.
In addition the online MRT map can be accessed HERE if you want to call it up on your cellphone for quick reference.
Gardens By The Bay
If you don’t have a chance to get your ez-Link card the system offers an all-day ticket from the vending outlets in the stations. They are easy to understand and accept major credit cards. Since we were in Singapore three different times in some cases we found it cheaper to purchase one-way or roundtrip fares to specific destinations but in any case the fare on the MRT is a truly great deal.
With the MRT, even if you haven’t planned where you are going it isn’t hard to figure out. The popular destinations are clearly named on the route map like Botanic Garden, Chinatown, Little India, Marina Bay, Bayfront, Promenade, HarbourFront and Downtown.
Chinatown
A final thought about the MRT and Singapore in general; the people are great, they are always trying to be helpful and friendly. While riding on the MRT young people kept insisting we take their seats (and I didn’t think I looked THAT old). Even the train kept telling us to “mind the gap and have a happy happy”…
Cruise lines are expanding their itineraries every year to attract more passengers. While in the past the vast majority of cruisers have been North Americans and Europeans that is rapidly changing. Two rapidly growing demographics are Latin Americans and Asians. By creating more exotic itineraries they not only bring back loyal cruise passengers with new experiences, they begin to attract new customers from those regions.
Asia has exploded with cruise itineraries over the past decade with a focus on a number of popular destinations. The center of these itineraries is the South China Sea and by far the most popular departure port being Singapore.
Japan and China Itineraries – One of the most popular departure ports on these itineraries is Yokohama, the port servicing Tokyo. Many of these cruises sail around the Japanese Islands with additional stops in Korea and China.
The Port of Yokohama and Tokyo – Since this is a popular departure port many cruises add an overnight to allow a visit into Tokyo. If that isn’t the case with your cruise be sure and book a few days before your cruise. Tokyo is an amazing city and represents the heart of modern Japan.
The Port of Osaka -Another popular port to start or finish Japanese cruises, this city is great for shopping, nightlife and sights including a samurai castle. The docks at Tempozan are a ways from the city but on the waterfront is an entertainment district that includes an aquarium and Universal Studios Japan.
Port of Shanghai – Located in East China along the Yangtze River and bordered on the east by the East China Sea, Shanghai is one of the most populated cities in the world and a major cruise destination. It is a vibrant modern day megacity complete with skyscrapers, shopping malls and famous restaurants.
The Cruise Port for Seoul is Inchon South Korea – Seoul is the bustling capital of South Korea, located approximately 90 minutes by road from the cruise port of Incheon and a fascinating modern metropolitan destination.
Singapore
The Port of Singapore – It’s no wonder Singapore is so popular. This city is actually a sovereign state which boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world. It boasts an incredible international airport and has, at last count, three major cruise terminals. If you book a cruise out of Singapore you absolutely must plan for a few days to explore this amazing city. English is the official laguage.
South China Sea Itineraries – These are by far the most popular Asian itineraries with stops that can include Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Cambodia, China and Brunei,. A large number of cruises are 14 days and start from Singapore circling the South China Sea. For a longer trip consider combining two cruises. Many itineraries run back to back with different ports on each cruise.
When looking at these itineraries there are some specific destinations we think should focus on visiting.
Vietnam – This is a country that is rapidly developing and is usually on all South China Sea itineraries but specifically look for cruises that include Da Nang. This is a major metropolis that includes resort beaches and a vibrant city center with a number of nearby worthy destinations that include Hội An, the historic old trading town and only 2 hours away the ancient city of Huế.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Thailand – A must on most cruises there are a number of ports but look for Bangkok (or its port of Laem Chabang). Bangkok is over an hours drive from the port but should not be missed. Many cruises overnight in Laem Chabang to provide more time to visit Bangkok. There is also the resort port of Phuket, known for its stunning beaches, Phuket offers a wide range of beach resorts such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach.
Hong Kong – Like Singapore this is one of the worlds great cities with much to see and do. It is also a popular departure port for some cruises. Major sights include Victoria Peak, offering breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, Victoria Peak is a must-visit attraction. Tian Tan Buddha, located on Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha is one of the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddhas. Ocean Park, a marine-themed park that combines thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and live shows. Enjoy roller coasters, visit the giant pandas, and watch exciting dolphin and sea lion performances. Take a cable car ride to Ngong Ping Village and visit the Big Buddha, explore the Wisdom Path, and enjoy cultural shows and dining options.
Hong Kong
Repositioning Asia Cruises – If you interested in seeing more of Asia there are a number of cruises that involve moving ships to Singapore from Japan as well as Europe and the Middle East.
Cruises from Japan usually stop in additional ports in Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong before ending up in Singapore. West bound cruises from Singapore are usually headed to Dubai and normally will make port calls in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India.
Hawaii is a dream destination on many peoples bucket list. If this Pacific Paradise is on yours, what are you waiting for?
There are eight major islands in the Hawaiian archipelago so the first decision is which ones to visit? As a great introductory visit consider a cruise. Cruising is a perfect option as you are able to see several of the islands in one trip. An alternative is to select an island to visit and focus your planning on that one island, and Oahu is a popular first choice. Time is always a factor and there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches, so be sure to do research before making your final decision.
If you go with a cruise, only one company at present does weekly sailings around just Hawaii and that is Norwegian. They offer 7 night trips in and out of Oahu with stops usually on three additional islands. Alternatively, if you have around 14 nights available, you can sail round trip from several different California ports or even sail one way from Vancouver Canada*. The advantage to the one way sailing is that allows you to spend extra days on the island where the cruise begins or terminates and only pay for a one way airline ticket. With any of these options, you are likely to visit four or five different ports giving you the ability to do some exploring on your own to get to know the islands.
Honolulu & Waikiki Beach
As part of your planning consider rental cars to get to see more. Cars are surprisingly inexpensive and because you’re still in the United States your insurance will cover you.
The island of Maui
Rainbow Falls
A major advantage to cruising is that you know many of the costs up front and you know you will have meals included along with a comfortable bed every night. You’ll also get sea days to relax and port days to see as little or as much as you want. You also have the option to try food and drinks ashore and see highlights in each port (don’t miss trips to volcanoes), and shop at local stores and galleries. Some ships also bring on board Hawaiian performers and craft instructors to teach you things like making leis or naturalists who lecture on whales and other things Hawaiian. The disadvantage to cruising Hawaii is that your time in port is limited so you may not get to all the highlights on particular islands.
O’hau
If you decide to fly, you need to focus which island you want to visit. Roundtrip air can be pretty expensive and, if you want to visit more than one island, you will need additional inter island flights, also not cheap. Flying is the main transportation between islands as there is only one ferry service and it only connects Lahaina (Maui) and Lanai. Hotels are also fairly expensive as many of the hotels are beach resorts. Food is more costly than what you find on the mainland, especially in restaurants. If you don’t mind fast food, there are lots of options available to help keep costs down and Hawaii has some unique fast food offerings that are different. Because of the Asian influence you will see lots of sushi and noodle places and don’t pass up the food trucks, they are an institution and represent good value.
O’hau
Once you get over how expensive Hawaii can be, having several days to explore a particular island is a plus. You can walk, ride public transportation or hail a taxi but if you want to do a lot of exploring, renting a car is the way to go. If you book in advance, rental cars are not expensive but you will need GPS either in the vehicle or on your phone. The islands are easily drivable but the long and unusual road names make navigation a bit of a challenge.
Kona on The Big Island
Whichever way you decide to visit Hawaii, plan your trip in advance so that you can get the most out of it. There is so much to see and do, it will be difficult deciding on priorities.
Here are a few suggestions:
Visit the volcanoes on the Big Island and Maui
Take a walk on Waikiki Beach
Learn to surf and/or paddle board
Have a Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation on Maui
Go snorkeling among the 250 marine species that call the area home
Go whale watching
Sample coffee on Kona*
Have a Hawaiian shave ice
Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu
* Cruising one-way from the mainland is only permitted from Canada or Mexico because of U.S. laws
** Oahu now has a coffee grower and café located in the neighborhood of the Dole Plantation an Kona is famous for its coffee plantations.
Honolulu and Diamond Head
***Shopping Hint: When you go shopping for Macadamia nuts visit the grocery and drug stores and save over the tourist stores. The Mona Loa factory on The Big Island prices are no better than the tourist shops. Long Drug is the big Hawaiian drug chain and their prices are usually the best you’ll find. They have also been acquired by CVS so if you have a CVS loyalty card be sure and use it and take your coupons and CVS bucks with you.
The tiny village of Flåm is actually an active cruise port and one of the most popular destinations in Norway, attracting thousands of visitors. Scandinavians from all over are drawn to its stunning scenery with steep, forested mountainsides with hundreds of waterfalls plunging into the blue fjord. This small picturesque village is situated at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, one of the arms off the 126 mile long and up to 4,000 foot deep Sognefjord.
Where Your Ship Docks
For such a tiny village Flåm can accommodate large cruise ships that dock along the waterfront in town. There are public facilities at the pier and the towns visitor center.
Transportation
The village of Flåm has just 350 residents but welcomes over 500,000 tourists each year, so tourism is its main livelihood. There is no public transportation but the main attraction is the Flåm – Myrdal Railway. Flåm is the fjord terminus of the famous Flåmsbana Railway Line, one of the steepest and most scenic of its kind. Most trains between Oslo and Bergen connect to the Flåmsbana at Myrdal which is the other end of the Flåm – Myrdal Railway.
Currency
The local currency is the Krone or Kroner (NOK) with 1.00 NOK equal to about 12¢ US. It is also divided into 100 øre, which have only been available in digitally since 2012. Most credit cards are welcome and ATM machines are available.
Attractions
Perhaps one of the most popular things to do in Flam, Norway is to take a ride on the scenic Flam Railway. It is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The Flåm – Myrdal Railway runs for 12 miles thru 20 tunnels and up to an altitude of 2,845 feet.
Enjoy a kayaking tour on the fjord. Paddling through the peaceful fjord on a three-hour long guided tour is amazingly beautiful. Although the fjord is extremely deep, the surface is calm, so this isn’t adventurous kayaking.
Take a tour to the Stegastein viewing platform only a 25 minute drive outside of Flam.
On your own you can take a bus from Flam to Aurland: There is regular bus service between Flam and Aurland that takes approximately 10 minutes. Once you reach Aurland, you can catch a bus that goes directly to Stegastein viewpoint. The bus ride takes around 15 minutes.
Please note that bus schedules may vary depending on the time of year, so it’s recommended to check the current timetable in advance. Additionally, during the winter season, the road to Stegastein viewpoint may be closed due to weather conditions.
For the souvenir collector there’s the biggest gift shop in Norway, Saga Souvenirs. In addition to a large collection of keychains, thimbles and shot glasses there are numerous regional products along with an excellent selection of knitwear, jewelry and of course trolls.
A repositioning cruise traditionally is when a cruise company needs to move ships from one seasonal location to another. Winter is cruising season in the Caribbean while Europe is a Summer market. For that reason dozens of cruise ships head out across the Atlantic every Spring and Fall. These Atlantic crossing occur twice a year and are by-far the most common repositioning cruises you’ll find. There are also other repositioning cruises that include Fall Alaska cruises taking ships back to the Caribbean through the Panama Canal or out to Hawaii or across the Pacific. Another opportunity is a late Summer repositioning movement down to South America and back north in the Spring.
Cooking DemoArt lectureIce showsFood, food,foodWatercolor classThe SpaPools & Hot tubsGood evening for a movieSurfing the FloRiderPing Pong on Deck
Holland America in the Panama Canal
In the past, many of these cruises have been tremendous bargains. A number of years ago these 12 to 15 night cruises could be had for four or five hundred dollars per passenger, but no longer. There were times when those repositioning cruise could even be less expensive than airfare. The down side was that you would have seven to nine straight days at sea. The up side for us was seven to nine straight days at sea and the ships provided the same entertainment, the same great cuisine and the same attentive service. Additionally often these cruises provided a port call or two at each end of the crossing.
Lately, as cruising gets more popular and more people become frequent cruisers the ships have less trouble filling these repositioning cruise cabins and the pricing has regularly adjusted upward as a result. Even so, these cruises are still a good value considering the length of the cruise.
To decide if these cruises are for you, consider a number of questions about what particularly appeals to you about cruising. In our case we really like the port visits and getting an introduction to exotic locations, but we also enjoy the down time provided by “sea days”. We actually look forward to opportunities to catch up on our reading and each of us will go thru a number of books on a crossing. We also appreciate the time to organize our writing and photography. In our case we usually find it easy to stay busy but we know people that claim they would go crazy being stuck on a ship for a week or more.
Royal Caribbean at anchor Grand Cayman
In addition to the value these cruises offer some cruise lines have added additional programs for passengers. They range from painting and craft classes to lectures on numerous topics. We’ve listened to lectures from a former director of the Kennedy Space Center, an archaeologist discuss their digs in the Eastern Mediterranean and a young lady talking about her adventures solo-sailing across the Atlantic.
Royal Caribbean in New Zealand
Twenty some years ago we took a number of trans-Atlantics and the ships were mostly full of Brits. Staterooms often had tea assortments and electric kettles added because of this. It seemed that a lot of Brits went to America for the Winter and returned to England in the Fall and repositioning fit their needs perfectly.
So, the next time you start looking at cruise destinations you might consider a repositioning cruise as a possible option.
The Intentional Travelers 