UPDATE:
If the last blog about cruising with the family have not given you enough information to fire the imagination and take a cruise with the family take a look the page about family cruising in the advice section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-advice-tips-family-cruises.html and in the section of cruises at www.prowsedge.com/types-of-cruises-family-cruises.html.
This should give you enough information to follow your ideas on this as an ideal vacation.
Don't forget either the last blog Cruises for the Family – The Ideal Vacation
Monday, January 14, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Cruises for the Family – The Ideal Vacation
Cruises are not just for romantic couples holding hands on the aft deck and gazing at each other and the beautiful views beyond – even if this is what the brochures and advertisements will often seem to promote.
In fact, cruises are the ideal family vacation that not only give the family time to be together without the usual hassles of cooking and cleaning, but also very often provide a lot of entertainment for the children alone (and by themselves) and time for parents to relive their honeymoon without worrying what is happening to the children.
In short, a cruise can be the perfect vacation for families.
Most of the major cruise lines now have programs catering especially for children of all ages. Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular, along with the ever popular Disney Cruise Line as well as Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean who’s two ships, the Allure and Oasis of the Seas, have been voted as the best ships for families.
While many cruise lines offer a wide range of activities especially for children, and while the children are being spoiled with special events purely for them, parents can spoil themselves with grown up treats like massages, and cocktails without worrying about the children.
And an on top of all this there is usually a wide menu of things the whole family can do together.
Of course, every cruise line is different, offering very different things and catering specifically for different age groups. Some cater specifically to older children, other to the younger tots.
Actually, the most difficult part of the cruise is the planning which one to take, which cruise line to use, what destination would work best for your tastes and which costs and charges would be the better ones for your tastes.
The only way to make sure you make the right choices is to spend some time on the internet - go to google and search and find out what other people are saying about their most favorite cruise line for cruises with the family and study the websites of the cruise lines themselves to find out what they have to offer and at what cost.
As to costs, one the advantages of a cruise as apposed to another type of holiday with the children is the cost.
Considering the things that are laid on for free, and the advantageous rates of cabin accommodation with the children, a cruise vacation for the whole family can be much cheaper than many other types of holiday.
Disney Cruise Line for example offers cabins especially for families, with room for five and 1-1/2 baths. Royal Caribbean International has family cabins that can accommodate six, and the latest created Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships, like the Norwegian Gem, have a wide selection a cabins on offer that would suit all sizes of families.
Also considering all the fun activities laid on for the children at no extra cost, plus the fact that they are well looked after and give the adults a time to themselves makes a vacation that can not be matched on land.
For more snippets of information about cruising check the CRUISE ADVICE section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine
In fact, cruises are the ideal family vacation that not only give the family time to be together without the usual hassles of cooking and cleaning, but also very often provide a lot of entertainment for the children alone (and by themselves) and time for parents to relive their honeymoon without worrying what is happening to the children.
In short, a cruise can be the perfect vacation for families.
Most of the major cruise lines now have programs catering especially for children of all ages. Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular, along with the ever popular Disney Cruise Line as well as Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean who’s two ships, the Allure and Oasis of the Seas, have been voted as the best ships for families.
While many cruise lines offer a wide range of activities especially for children, and while the children are being spoiled with special events purely for them, parents can spoil themselves with grown up treats like massages, and cocktails without worrying about the children.
And an on top of all this there is usually a wide menu of things the whole family can do together.
Of course, every cruise line is different, offering very different things and catering specifically for different age groups. Some cater specifically to older children, other to the younger tots.
Actually, the most difficult part of the cruise is the planning which one to take, which cruise line to use, what destination would work best for your tastes and which costs and charges would be the better ones for your tastes.
The only way to make sure you make the right choices is to spend some time on the internet - go to google and search and find out what other people are saying about their most favorite cruise line for cruises with the family and study the websites of the cruise lines themselves to find out what they have to offer and at what cost.
As to costs, one the advantages of a cruise as apposed to another type of holiday with the children is the cost.
Considering the things that are laid on for free, and the advantageous rates of cabin accommodation with the children, a cruise vacation for the whole family can be much cheaper than many other types of holiday.
Disney Cruise Line for example offers cabins especially for families, with room for five and 1-1/2 baths. Royal Caribbean International has family cabins that can accommodate six, and the latest created Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships, like the Norwegian Gem, have a wide selection a cabins on offer that would suit all sizes of families.
Also considering all the fun activities laid on for the children at no extra cost, plus the fact that they are well looked after and give the adults a time to themselves makes a vacation that can not be matched on land.
For more snippets of information about cruising check the CRUISE ADVICE section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
A Cruise for Better Health - Part 2
(continuing our look at why a cruise may seem like a good idea to gain or recover better health)
In our last blog entry on this topic at A Cruise for Better Health – Part 1, we concentrated on how useful the different and copious offerings of food on a cruise can be to help all sort of different people recovering from all sorts of different illnesses.
Different foods on offer on cruises are not the only advantage of a cruise for those of less than 100% health.
In fact, one of the greatest advantages of a cruise as a holiday option for those not in perfect health is the way in which any cruise offers a variety of destinations and sights and scenes without having to change hotels and travel with cars and trains or even flights from one stop to the next.
Nothing could be easier than being on a cruise to see those fabulous places you’ve always wanted to see, even if you’re not feeling 100% well.
Most cruise lines offer a wide selection of options for port tours, from short bus rides around the destinations to get a general feeling of it all, to a variety of tours tailored for people who do not necessarily have the energy to climb mountains or go water skiing.
The main advantage of a cruise if your health is not one hundred percent, is that most of the things you might like to see at each port of call are usually close at hand or only a short bus ride away.
And if you don't have the energy for that, there's always the very pleasant option of sitting on deck and staring out a a beautiful view that must beat the view from hospital beds or even your own back garden.
A lady we spoke to very recently told us she took a Mediterranean cruise and didn't leave the ship once."I didn't have the energy," she explained, "but there I could sit on deck and see all these wonderful sites, from old volcanoes to Greek seaside towns. I had a wonderful time that is just as filled with fond memories as for those people who were able to go rock climbing! I think I had the better deal.”
Add you own opinions about traveling for better health or write to us at social@prowsedge.com
In our last blog entry on this topic at A Cruise for Better Health – Part 1, we concentrated on how useful the different and copious offerings of food on a cruise can be to help all sort of different people recovering from all sorts of different illnesses.
Different foods on offer on cruises are not the only advantage of a cruise for those of less than 100% health.
In fact, one of the greatest advantages of a cruise as a holiday option for those not in perfect health is the way in which any cruise offers a variety of destinations and sights and scenes without having to change hotels and travel with cars and trains or even flights from one stop to the next.
Nothing could be easier than being on a cruise to see those fabulous places you’ve always wanted to see, even if you’re not feeling 100% well.
Most cruise lines offer a wide selection of options for port tours, from short bus rides around the destinations to get a general feeling of it all, to a variety of tours tailored for people who do not necessarily have the energy to climb mountains or go water skiing.
The main advantage of a cruise if your health is not one hundred percent, is that most of the things you might like to see at each port of call are usually close at hand or only a short bus ride away.
And if you don't have the energy for that, there's always the very pleasant option of sitting on deck and staring out a a beautiful view that must beat the view from hospital beds or even your own back garden.
A lady we spoke to very recently told us she took a Mediterranean cruise and didn't leave the ship once."I didn't have the energy," she explained, "but there I could sit on deck and see all these wonderful sites, from old volcanoes to Greek seaside towns. I had a wonderful time that is just as filled with fond memories as for those people who were able to go rock climbing! I think I had the better deal.”
Add you own opinions about traveling for better health or write to us at social@prowsedge.com
Sunday, January 6, 2013
A Cruise for Better Health - Part 1
There are hundreds of reasons to take a cruise. It is no longer just to get from point A to B or to head from one of the popular cruise destinations so you don't feel too out of date at your next bridge party or pub session.
Over the next few weeks, Prow's Edge will explore these very many reasons that tempt people to take a cruise. It might just give you the impetus to follow suit.
We begin with the very popular motive to cruise - to regain and aid a better status of health.
The worst thing about ill health, even at the final stages of recovery, is the exhaustion one experiences. This is a typical complaint for those recovering from cancer – that the burden is not just recovering from the cancer, but from the medications used to aid you. And exhaustion is one of the common complaints.
There are obvious reasons why a cruise would be a great idea - and one of those is the fact that you don't have to spend any time in the kitchen and there are no dishes to wash, and best of all, for many ill people, there is no need to think of what to eat, how to get it and find the energy to do so.
The advantage of taking a cruise as apposed to booking a hotel in some sunny resort somewhere, is that the choices and availablity of different meals on a cruise ship can never be matched on land. So, if you are recovering from something major, and just don't feel like eating at 10am, there are plenty of other options throughout the day - even cabin service if you're having a "rum" day!
Many cruise lines also offer special programs for people who have to follow special diets
We here at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine often hear about another reason that cruises are so helpful for those recovering from mega illnesses – the people around them who have stood by them so valiantly, get a chance to avoid those chores for a while (especially cooking) and actually get a break themselves.
Taking a cruise allows them to actually relax for the first time and to refuel a little. The advantage of a cruise really suits everyone in this situation!
Over the next few weeks, Prow's Edge will explore these very many reasons that tempt people to take a cruise. It might just give you the impetus to follow suit.
We begin with the very popular motive to cruise - to regain and aid a better status of health.
The worst thing about ill health, even at the final stages of recovery, is the exhaustion one experiences. This is a typical complaint for those recovering from cancer – that the burden is not just recovering from the cancer, but from the medications used to aid you. And exhaustion is one of the common complaints.
There are obvious reasons why a cruise would be a great idea - and one of those is the fact that you don't have to spend any time in the kitchen and there are no dishes to wash, and best of all, for many ill people, there is no need to think of what to eat, how to get it and find the energy to do so.
The advantage of taking a cruise as apposed to booking a hotel in some sunny resort somewhere, is that the choices and availablity of different meals on a cruise ship can never be matched on land. So, if you are recovering from something major, and just don't feel like eating at 10am, there are plenty of other options throughout the day - even cabin service if you're having a "rum" day!
Many cruise lines also offer special programs for people who have to follow special diets
We here at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine often hear about another reason that cruises are so helpful for those recovering from mega illnesses – the people around them who have stood by them so valiantly, get a chance to avoid those chores for a while (especially cooking) and actually get a break themselves.
Taking a cruise allows them to actually relax for the first time and to refuel a little. The advantage of a cruise really suits everyone in this situation!
CHECK IN OUR NEXT POST HERE AT THE PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE BLOG WHERE WE CONTINUE TO EXPLORE WHY CRUISES ARE SUCH A GREAT IDEA ANYONE RECOVERING FROM ILL HEALTH.
Add you own opinions about traveling for better health or write to us at social@prowsedge.com
Friday, January 4, 2013
Safety at Sea - Avoiding Crime
As much as cruises have become an ostensibly safe and pleasant vacation option, it is important to understand that just as at any other holiday destination, care must be taken for one's own personal safety.
Though newspapers do not dwell on crime on cruise ships too much, it is important to be aware that it does exist, just as it does anywherre else in the world, and that one needs to be aware of one's own safety.
Important news and tips about cruise ship crime, cruise victims, and safety on a cruise ship can be found in the CRUISE SHIP SAFETY section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine.
Though newspapers do not dwell on crime on cruise ships too much, it is important to be aware that it does exist, just as it does anywherre else in the world, and that one needs to be aware of one's own safety.
Important news and tips about cruise ship crime, cruise victims, and safety on a cruise ship can be found in the CRUISE SHIP SAFETY section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine.
Offering news, advice and tips about crime and safety on cruise
ships, Prow’s Edge Cruise magazine tells the truth about cruise crime
and the growing number of cruise victims.
The information in these “safety” pages aboard Prow’s Edge may
just tell you some things you didn’t know before and may just help to
keep you safe on your dream cruise. Knowledge is your biggest weapon
against crime on a cruise ship.
Just some of the topics covered include:
• Top tips to avoid being a victim of a crime on a cruise shipJust some of the topics covered include:
• What to do if you become a victim of a crime on a cruise ship
• High Seas Crimes (article)
• The truth about drug-facilitated sexual assault (article)
• International Cruise Victims Association
• Safety at Sea - did you know?
• Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act 2009
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Fighting the Norovirus on Board Ship
Still talking about the wealth of information available in the Advice section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine, there is a wealth of articles dealing with the subject of good health on a cruise. This is not to say that we want to dwell on all the things that could go wrong - but with a lot in the press about the Norwalk Virus on cruise ships recently, it is wise to be informed and prepared. There are many articles in the advice section of Prow's Edge than cover this and other not so savory topics.
The idea is not to depress you but to make sure you are prepared. Then you can forget all about it, knowing that should anything happen, you will be ready to deal with it.
Tips and Advice About the Norwalk – Norovirus on a Cruise Ship
This article covers all aspects of the Norovirus and how best to protect yourself from it, from the obvious like remembering to wash you hands frequently, to avoiding close physical contact with too many people, especially if they're sneezing and not looking too great – no mater what your sympathy may be!
The second part of the article is by medical expert and travel enthusiast Joe Springfield aboard Prow's Edge who offers some good advice.
See www.prowsedge.com/cruise-advice-tips-norwalk-norovirus.html
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Nautical cruise ship terms
Something first time cruisers very rarely prepare themselves for is the unique vocabulary they often encounter on their first cruise. Not that this would cause them too many problems but it might mean they miss a few things, such as when the voice over tells them there is something worth seeing on the port side of the ship and not everyone on their first cruise knows that this refers to the left side of the ship.
To avoid such a thing happening, it is worth knowing at least some of the vocabulary you wouldn't necessarily encounter in your everyday life on land.
To avoid such a thing happening, it is worth knowing at least some of the vocabulary you wouldn't necessarily encounter in your everyday life on land.
And remember - your vessel is never referred to as a boat. It's a ship! And a ship is always "she" - never "he" or "it"!
A few other nautical terms are:
aft – refers to the rear or the back of the shipberth – just to confuse you, this could refer to your bed on a boat, or the location in a port where a ship can be moored
bow – the front of the ship
bridge – the place where the captain and his officers steer the ship
brig – ship’s jail
draft – the depth of water (from the waterline to the bottom of the ship) needed to float a ship
fathom – a measure of six feet, usually of water depth
fore – towards the front of the ship
leeside – the side of the ship away from the wind;
midships – the middle of the ship
port – refers to the left side of the ship.
purser's desk – the cruise ship equivalent of the land lubbers Front Desk or Information Desk
starboard – refers to the right side of the ship.
stateroom – a cruise ship name for a cabin or room in which you sleep
stern – the rear of the ship
tender – a vessel that transports passengers between the ship and shore when the ship is at anchor in a port.
And last but not least, important measurement terms are:
1 nautical mile = about 6078 feet/1.15 statute miles
1 league = 3 nautical miles
1 knot (a measurement of speed) = 1 nautical mile/hour
For more helpful tips about taking a cruise, visit the Cruise Advice section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Keeping Fit on a Cruise
Continuing to let you in on all sorts of advice available at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine, in case you've missed these pages while studying all the other pages, there are many more topics that might just help you on your next cruise.
The most popular of these remains the article about avoiding putting on weight on a cruise contributed by London-based travel journalist Nicole Rebeiro in which she advises:
"...get out on deck. Enjoy a morning jog around the track, or get harnessed up and try to reach the top of the climbing wall. Relax with a calming yoga session overlooking the blue seas or work those arm muscles while practicing your putting skills. There’s always the outdoor swimming pool, too ..."
More can be found at: Banish the Vacation Belly - by Nicole Rebeiro
Another useful article deals with a closely related topic - that of eating healthfully on a cruise at: Cruise Tips about Healthy Eating on Cruises
For more helpful hints and advice take a look at the many other topics at the advice, tips section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-advice-tips.html
The most popular of these remains the article about avoiding putting on weight on a cruise contributed by London-based travel journalist Nicole Rebeiro in which she advises:
"...get out on deck. Enjoy a morning jog around the track, or get harnessed up and try to reach the top of the climbing wall. Relax with a calming yoga session overlooking the blue seas or work those arm muscles while practicing your putting skills. There’s always the outdoor swimming pool, too ..."
More can be found at: Banish the Vacation Belly - by Nicole Rebeiro
Another useful article deals with a closely related topic - that of eating healthfully on a cruise at: Cruise Tips about Healthy Eating on Cruises
For more helpful hints and advice take a look at the many other topics at the advice, tips section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-advice-tips.html
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