Common Misconceptions About Cruises
August 21st, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
There are a number of views commonly held by those who haven’t actually been on a cruise. Those views may be keeping them from even exploring the possibility of taking one. So, exposing some of those misconceptions may help.
Lots of people, not unreasonably, believe that cruises are dominated by the elderly or late-middle aged. While it’s certainly true that many cruise goers have a bit of gray in their hair, today all different ages go on cruises. Family trips are increasingly popular and kid-specific facilities and activities are offered by all the lines now.
Teens and 20-somethings form a larger percentage of cruise goers than in the past. With a booming economy, more have the funds from generous parents and their own savings and they’re taking advantage of discounts and shorter cruises. Retired individuals often have more free time and spare income from years of saving. But they are no longer the majority of passengers.
Cruises in the past sometimes had very set schedules, for eating and recreation or entertainment. All that has changed. Though major meals do occur between certain hours, there are lots of alternatives today. There are in-between meal buffets, alternative restaurants and others.
Entertainment of certain kinds, like musical or theatrical performances, of course, have to start at a given time. But today there are so many alternatives for entertainment that you can amuse yourself a dozen different ways at any time of the night or day. Bowling, deck tennis, computer games, card games… the list is endless.
A similar objection to cruises is sometimes raised: that there is too narrow a choice of activities. That, too, is no longer the case. The entertainments mentioned are only a few examples. In times past a walk around the deck, a little table tennis, or a good book may have been about the range.
Today, there are more things to do on board than any one person could enjoy in 10 cruises. Whether your interests are dancing, exercise or physical enjoyment there are choices galore. If you prefer something a little more sedate, there are a dozen choices there as well. Of course, if you prefer to simply lie around and soak up sun or read a book, there are lots of ways to do that, too.
Some people think they’ll be bored on board, with nowhere to go. Even apart from all the fun and interesting activities, the ship itself has fascinating things to see. Touring most of these behemoths that sail the seas today would take a good two days or more all by itself. By that time, with the exception of some U.S. to Europe cruises, you are rarely confined on board for more than a few days.
You’ll find that by the time you long to go ashore to explore new lands, you’ll have that chance. By the time you’ve become worn out with tourist hopping around new cities, you’re ready for some relaxing time on board ship.
Cruise ships have long been floating hotels, but today they are more like floating cities. As such, they have all the exciting things to do that any great city will have all within easy reach. Plus, you have the chance to see foreign cities as well.
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Paris - Disneyland Paris, the vacation of a lifetime
August 20th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Affectionately known as DLP by Mouseketeers the world over, Disneyland Paris is a cornucopia of rides, restaurants, exhibits and all out fun for everyone. And in the last few years the fun has been doubled as Disney added the Walt Disney Studios park to an already jam packed adventure.
Many of the traditional rides from the California theme park were recreated (with some French twists) at the park and resort only 32 kilometers (19 miles) outside Paris.
There’s the familiar Pirates of the Caribbean, on which the recent films were based and the love-it-or-hate-it It’s A Small World ride, along with dozens more. The Legend of the Lion King show regularly sells out, so get tickets in advance.
The Star Tours in Discoveryland is both entertaining and educational. Disney can put those together like no one else! There’s also the extremely popular Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland that just has to be visited twice.
Space Mountain Mission 2 opened in April, 2005 and - as if it were possible - is even better than the original. Several of the rides have been updated since the park’s opening in 1992 and they just get better and better.
The new Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is launching and, as usual, version two is a shiny improvement over the already great Anaheim offering.
The park even houses restaurants that, in true French style, offer some of the best meals anywhere. The steaks at The Steak House are thick and the wine bottles bottomless. The service is a joyful blend of Gallic pride and American efficiency. The buffet at Chef Mickey’s is plentiful and delicious and the kids will enjoy the Disney characters dancing around.
To round out the trip there are, of course, tons of shops and small exhibits of the sort familiar to Disney fans everywhere. And nearby is the Val d’Europe shopping mall with dozens more.
Part-owned by Disney, there’s a large grocery store/department store (Auchon) ‘at the Val’ and lots of food choices. There’s even a local Sephora for those who want to bring back a bottle of genuine French perfume.
If needed, parents can rent a stroller at the park and there are baby changing facilities. The Baby Care Centre on Main Street, USA provides facilities and supplies.
Hours change depending on the season, with slightly longer hours during the summer. They change from time to time, so check the website at www.disneylandparis.com.
Since queues can be long, it’s best to get the 1-Day Passport pass that allows unlimited entrance and exit access to one park for the day. There’s also a 3-Day ‘Hopper’ Passport that allows access to both parks and the days don’t have to be consecutive, but it’s pricey. Of course, the one day isn’t cheap either. Check the website for current prices.
Getting to the park is easy. From Paris take the RER Line A ñ Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy Station. From the Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, the VEA shuttle service offers direct rides to the Disneyland Resort Paris hotels every half hour.
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Disney Cruises - fun for all the family
August 20th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Looking for a fabulous fun vacation for the entire family? Consider Disney Cruises.
Disney Cruises makes it possible for even families with young children to enjoy a vacation at sea with complete comfort and entertainment available for everyone. You can take a quick trek to the Bahamas or spend a week in the Caribbean and Mexico. For longer vacations, there are Mediterranean and transatlantic itineraries available as well. No matter where you want to go, Disney Cruises will get you there in plenty of style and fun.
The Ships of Disney Cruises
Currently, Disney Cruises has two ships in its fleet; the Wonder and the Magic. These two ships are sister ships meaning that they are similar in size and structure. The ships were created in the style of the classic cruise liner, and this timeless elegance is found throughout the interior and exterior of the ships. The only difference between the two ships is primarily the itinerary that you choose.
In 2011 and 2012, Disney plans to add two more ships to its fleet that will be considerably larger than the current ships. While the Wonder and the Magic hold about 2400 guests, the new ships will hold up to 4000. There has not yet been information about what the itineraries will be for these new additions, but you can bet that there will be considerable excitement when these new Disney cruise ships make their debut.
Unusual Dining on Disney Cruises
One of the features that makes Disney cruises unique is their rotational dining system. Instead of one large dining room, or two matching dining areas, Disney provides three unique dining experiences that are all completely enhanced with the Disney magic. Each night, you get to try out a new dining room to enjoy the ambiance and menus that each area offers.
The really exciting part of this rotational dining idea is that your wait staff travels with you to the various locations. So while you are checking out the splendor and beauty of each dining area, your wait staff will come right along side you, remembering your drinks of choice and exactly how you like your food cooked and served. It is truly an advantage for families traveling with children, since the kids never have time to get bored at meals with new things to look at every night!
Besides the beautiful ships and unique dining, Disney cruises has created an entire vacation at sea with the entire family in mind. State rooms are bigger, and there are family suites available to house groups of four or five. Entertainment is consistently up to the Disney standard, and is always family friendly. You will never be at a loss for things to do, or places to see. Try a Disney cruise for your next family vacation and watch the magic come alive.
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