Archive for the ‘Carnival cruise lines’ Category
My wife and I had a great wedding. Family and friends on a gorgeous afternoon in the month of May. It couldn’t have gone better and as far as we’re concerned it was the best wedding we have ever been to. But then everyone says that about their wedding, probably even the people who send their wedding videos to those wedding bloopers shows.
But I digress. We chose to go on a cruise for our honeymoon, which turned out to be a lot of fun for both of us as neither of us had ever been on a cruise before. We cruised on one of the Fun Ships from Carnival Cruise Lines out of Port Orlando Florida. Now many of you experienced cruisers out there know all this but for us first timers going on a cruise was a new and novel experience.
Cruise ships are big, and the ship we were on was only considered medium sized. Trying to find our way around took a little getting used to, but by the second day it was pretty hard to get lost. The first thing we did was find our state room and drop of our carry on bags and then we were off to the lunch buffet up on the main pool deck.
Now here’s where it gets a little confusing for the first time cruiser. Standing in the line at the buffet it suddenly dawned on me that like most cruises this one was all inclusive, except for alcoholic drinks. That meant I could get as much food from the buffet and it was already paid for. Not only that I could come back as many times as I wanted, not that I did. Realizing that we didn’t have to carry money with us was kind of liberating. All we really needed was our room key which doubled as a kind of charge card for things, such as alcoholic drinks, that weren’t part of the all inclusive package.
After lunch it was time to explore the ship and see what it had to offer. I won’t go into big detail here other than to say there was a lot to be done on a cruise ship. On the upper main deck at the back of the ship was the casual dining establishment. It was always open and always had food available. Now as we walked through I noticed towards the back of the dining area a large kiosk. As we approached and came around it from behind it was like a dream come true.
A soft serve ice-cream machine. You know, like the ones at Dairy Queen. It took me a moment to realize that just like the lunch buffet back on the main pool deck this ice cream was absolutely free. Do you get that, for 5 days and 4 nights I could come and get either vanilla, chocolate, or, and this is the best part, chocolate vanilla swirl ice cream anytime I wanted.
And right next to the bowls and spoons was every topping imaginable. They had chocolate, caramel, sprinkles, hot fudge, peanuts, cherries and whipped topping. It was like getting locked inside a Dairy Queen for the night, only the night lasted for 5 days. I mean, come one, that ice cream machine was more than worth the price of the entire honeymoon cruise.
So if you ever get a chance to go on a cruise make sure to find out if the ship you want to go on has a soft serve ice-cream machine. I know I’m looking forward to the next time my wife and I go on a cruise just for that simple fact.
Andrew Bicknell
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/honeymoon-cruises-and-ice-cream-machines-127317.html
Our Little community of rocky point has experienced an incredible ride. It has become known internationally as a tourist destination that will continue to develop into the future. The majority of the impressive growth has been led by the sales of condos, single family homes, and even raw land. There are several strong indicators that the positive growth cycle will continue, placing us on even more radar screens. Simply ponder the amount of time and money put into studying growth trends; market futures; and touristic patterns, by any major hotel group when looking to invest millions in a new destination market. Now think about these researchers representing the Marriott hotel group. The Marriott Penasco Bay is a 28 story 265 room four diamond resort. This is such a huge statement as they obviously didn´t choose Puerto Penasco overnight, or without knowing something. The feasibility analysis done by an empire like Marriott looks into so many aspects of the demands of seasoned first class travelers, that if Penasco was not positioned for stardom we would not see their logo on our horizon.
Another impressive indicator of international success is the selection of Rocky Point has a major home port for several large cruise ship companies. Representatives from cruise lines like Holland America, Princess and Carnival have all been here, and Mexico´s federal government has approved Rocky Point as a major hub in a joint effort as the result of many discussions among the experts. We have been receiving a lot of attention from the leaders of Mexico and many of Mexico´s most prominent investors. Obviously now, investors from all over the world have been watching Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.
Studies indicate that the future looks bright here because Rocky Point sits less than four hours from several major U.S. metropolitan areas with proven retirement markets. Take the similar climate to those already respected, retirement magnates add our beautiful beaches and lower cost of living and one starts to see where the excitement is coming from. The huge number of soon to be retirees speak volumes in terms of future demand. This group of over 25,000 people a year is an astounding number looking to retire. Between now and 2025, there will be a baby boomer retiring every 16 seconds. While 2030 will be the peak year of boomer retirement, the first year of baby boomers (born in 1946) turn 62 this year; many of which are now retiring and taking advantage of a record level of leisure income. Many of these people will look to the beaches of Mexico to spend their golden years. The draw of rocky Point is that it is one of the few superb beachfront markets that will support both drive-in traffic and air travelers. There are many dynamics of this that will lead to a surge in retirees. To many, the close proximity to large U.S. cities, where they can go to monthly appointments or various hometown cultural events is important. The airlines will allow other family and friends ease of access. Many have already discovered that while the healthcare system in U.S. continues to struggle, Mexico´s healthcare is rapidly accelerating into one worth the trip south. One can expect the advances in Mexico´s healthcare to continually draw visitors south more and more. With insurance providers now servicing so many from the north, more large companies will enter the market, and the cycle here will continue to expand as the international audience grows.
About ten years ago there were no condo projects with more than 100 units. In 2000 there was only one project of any large scale. This all changed, and now Sandy Beach alone has about 3,000 condos sold, and over 30 condo towers have been completed. The feeding frenzy was wild and we enjoyed a great cycle as the town morphed itself into a resort destination. Then, because the economic situation affecting so many investors, we shifted into a buyer´s market. It would be irresponsible to say that the correction period has fully completed its course as no one has found that crystal ball yet. It would however be safe to say with confidence that there are some great bargains to be found in the Rocky Point area. Plain and simple, there are people that need out. Much like the buyer´s market sought after by successful investors in so many U.S. communities, we are ripe for the next phase of our cycle. There are properties in every market segment that are priced many thousands of dollars below the ¨List Prices¨. You just have to know how to find those bargains. It truly does come down to representation. Who is representing you? In Mexico, like in the United States, there is a National Association of Realtors. In the last few years we have come along way in regards to communication, ethical practices and working on the development of an MLS system. It is because of this and our mandate that all of our members are licensed, that we have been welcomed into NAR, the same international organization you would likely seek for representation in the U.S. In order to truly guarantee satisfactory representation you need to secure the representation of an AMPI professional. AMPI agents are NAR Realtors, registered at the state level, and are the only real estate association endorsed by the federal government.
Historically, Rocky Point Real Estate is one of the safest investments you can make as it is scarce by nature. No more land will be created. Even more scarce is land found near the beach. This is way in the long term, Rocky Point is destined to be an international real estate success story, and the big money is already starting to see the opportunity.
There are new improved mortgage money programs with reasonable rates allowing people to take advantage of the current opportunities. Some people are turning self directed IRAs into real estate investments in and around Rocky Point. Others have chosen to split ownership on properties with friends, family members or other investment groups. There are even reverse mortgages out there allowing homeowners to simply turn equity from one home into equity in another. If one truly wants an investment that they can enjoy Puerto Peñasco is certainly a worthy alternative to the less than predictable stock market.
Within a year, an international airport will be open in Rocky Point and a new costal highway will extend south and east from Tijuana , through Rocky Point, to beyond Guaymas. These geographic factors alone will bring many thousands of new visitors to this area, and a profound positive influence on the economy. Rocky Point is a great place for anyone interested in owning a second home or a secure investment that allows one to stay at and enjoying their portfolio.
Author: RealtyExecutives Mexico
Steve Schwab
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/major-indicators-bright-future-of-puerto-penasco-717924.html
While your cruise is paid approximately 85% in advance, more than likely you’re going on encounter some onboard expenses like alcoholic drinks and soda-pop, gambling in the casino or playing bingo, tipping, shore tours, and purchases in the shops found on-board…which will all go on your on-board account. In other words, cruising isn’t a pay as you go system. Instead, when you board, you’re given a card that is the size and shape of a credit card. This card is your ID, your room key and your onboard charge card. So, you want to buy a beer? You turn over the card and it’s charged to your room. Want to buy a shirt with the cruise line logo on it? You turn over the card and it’s charged to your room. I think you get the idea.
Your onboard charge card is secured with a credit card or debit card such as VISA or MasterCard or you can put down cash. All three ways (charge card, debit card, and cash) are accepted on all major cruise lines.
The tough part is telling people how much to expect to spend on their onboard account. Heavy drinkers are often shocked when they receive their end of cruise statement and it’s well into the thousands of dollars…trust me, there is at least one on every cruise! So, to help you estimate your spending while onboard there ship, here is a list…well at least a list of everything I could think of…that will or could be charged to your on-board account:
- Tips (gratuities). The latest trend which has been in place for a few years now is automatic tipping. In other words, in days gone by, it was customary to give the people who worked hard for you during your cruise, such as your waiter, assistant waiter, and cabin attendant a gratuity for their services. Often times people didn’t tip them at all and, since this is major part of their salaries, the cruise line decided that automatic tipping would help to discourage this practice of non-tipping. While you can still remove tips (and that does remain your right) or increase them if you had outstanding service, you can expect to see this expense on your end of cruise bill which will be charged to your credit card or withdrawn from your debit card or cash reserve. What needs to be understood is that if you see recommended tips are $68 per guest for the week…that goes for every single person in the cabin INCLUDING children. So if the recommended tip is $68 per guest, a family of four can expect to be charged $272 for a week’s worth of service. Which roughly breaks down to $9.71 (US Dollars) per day, which is split between your waiter, assistant waiter, cabin attendant, etc.
-Drinks. There are some drinks such as tea, ice tea, coffee and sometimes juices that are complimentary on most of the major cruise lines. Everything else is going to be charged. So from bottled water to ginger ale to cola to beer to mixed drinks and wine…expect a charge. Pricing varies greatly but, on average you can expect soda-pop to run between $1.50 – $3.00 (depending on the cruise line) per glass or can; beer runs between $4.00 – $6.00 (again depending on the cruise line) per glass or can or bottle; and wine, figure $4 per glass and up. There are some cruise lines, usually, the more upscale cruise lines that include drinks in their prices but, if your traveling on the mainstream cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, NCL, Princess and Royal Caribbean…you’re going to be charged for these drinks. Only you know what you drink and how much…budget accordingly.
-Gambling. I don’t think anyone out there expects this to be free, so, again, you know your habits in gambling situations….use your own judgement and budget accordingly.
-Shore Tours – Depending on the cruise line, chances are your shore tours (sightseeing and activities in the various ports of call) are not going to be included with your cruise fare. Some cruise lines allow you to book and pay for your shore tours prior to coming aboard and others simply allow you to reserve them and then you pay for them once you’re on board. Of course, you can wait and book onboard too. Shore tour prices vary greatly, so, check with your individual cruise line for pricing.
-On-board Shopping. You’re going to have the opportunity to purchase many trinkets and silly items onboard your cruise ship. Some of the more common things you’re going to find will be “An Inch of Gold” or “An Inch of Silver” where they sell an inch of gold or inch of silver starting at $1 per inch. Of course, you have the onboard shops which will sell everything from sunscreen to cruise line logo shirts to liquor to magazines. These things add up quickly, and, expect to pay premium prices on most items. One trick…if you want things like logo shirts, wait until the very end of the cruise…that’s when everything goes on sale!
-Unforeseen Expenses – Most of the newer, larger mega ship now offer alternative restaurants onboard. These restaurants are usually an outstanding value for the quality of food and service, however, just be prepared to pay extra for it. The average alternative restaurant runs about $20 per person. Spa Services and the Beauty Salon services never come cheap on land, so, don’t expect any discounts while at sea…figure the pricing to be about the same as you’d pay in any major city. Another new trend is to add Coffee House type areas on the ship. You can expect to pay premium prices for your latte and they often have pastries and cakes for purchase at these stands as well. Another money pit is the game room…I was on a Carnival ship in Europe in 2005 with one of my closest friends and her then 16 year old son. I went into the game room with him for a while and we played air hockey and several video games and within an hour, I dropped $40 without a sweat…so unless you have deep pockets, encourage your children to save and bring their own money along for the game room…and help them out by budgeting them an allowance each day.
I’m sure I’m forgetting to list a few things but these are the major expenses you’ll have to plan for while on a cruise vacation. And, believe it or not, even with all of these “extras” factored in…a cruise vacation is still one of the best values for your money in today’s vacation market!
I hope you’ve found this tips helpful in planning your cruise vacation.
Tina Rinaldi
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/what-the-brochures-didnt-tell-you-onboard-charges-72364.html