A Little Inspiration for Great European Cruise Holidays

Anyone looking for a little inspiration for their next cruise holiday would do well to consider many of the great European destinations, which offer some fantastic locations to visit on a relaxing luxury cruise.

Not only will you enjoy a great array of destinations to choose from, but you also won't have to worry about any hidden or additional charges, as you will be sailing on an all-inclusive holiday which caters for all your onboard needs.

To give you some inspiration for your next luxury cruise holiday, here we take a brief look some of the best destinations in Europe.

The Mediterranean

Take a cruise holiday through the Mediterranean Sea and discover some of the historic and wonderful places throughout some of the most famous regions of Europe.

As a passenger you will be able to choose a cruise featuring some of the best locations in the Mediterranean, like the beautiful Greek islands of Katakolon, Santorini and Mykonos. The island of Mykonos has become the most famous of all the Cyclades Islands, thanks to its magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural history and cosmopolitan character.

Other places that are well worth considering for your holiday itinerary would have to be Split in Croatia, Tunis in Tunisia, Limassol in Cyprus, Palermo in Sicily, and Kusadasi inTurkey, all offering wonderful places for stop-over's or day trips.

Egypt

You will have the opportunity to visit and experience places like Alexandria in Egypt, which was founded by its namesake Alexander the Great in 332 BC. In the modern-day the city has a distinctly Mediterranean feel about it, with occasional reminders of its ancient Roman connection in its ancient architecture and monuments, like the Roman Amphitheatre which is a must-see place when visiting this magnificent city.

Black Sea

The Black Sea is an inland sea bordered by Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus, which is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

Many of the countries featured along the Black Sea cruises will take you to places like Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, Turkey, Georgia and Russia.

These Balkan nations will offer an entirely different feel in terms of their historic culture and wonderful scenery, compared to the lower Mediterranean countries. Romania, for example, is a country of great natural beauty and offers a wealth of diverse rich historical culture.

As a visiting tourist it will be hard not to be enchanted by Romania's scenic mountain landscapes, its unspoilt rural areas, its magnificent historical cities steeped in heritage and its wonderful capital of Bucharest.

This article was written by Gregory Greene on behalf of Reader Offers. They offer a fantastic range of P&O cruise deals, including trips on some fantastic Mediterranean cruises.

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Amazing Honeymoon Luxury Cruises For A Cherished Experience

There are several cruise lines at different destinations and they attract large numbers of honeymooners in today's date. These lines also offer perks through which the newly married couples are attracted. Several arrangements are made for these newly wedded couples ranging from a warm welcome with fresh flowers, to even champagne. In fact, if the nature of the tour that you are planning is of outdoor types, then the luxury cruises are certainly the ideal option for you. In fact, nothing can be better than gift to your partner than a romantic trip to this luxury liner. There is nothing to be worried about the budget, because you would get several budget cruises, as well.

The moment you step into the cruise, you would feel the difference. Apart from the warm welcome that you receive, you would also get plenty of assistance from the crew members. They would show you the way to your suite, which is indeed very luxurious with spacious bedrooms and washrooms along with a balcony, so that you can enjoy the real beauty of the sea. In addition to that, the range of food that you would get from these luxury cruises is also something that you would simply fall in love with here.

There are many luxury lines that would give you an option in the selection of the food. These cruises have many restaurants, bars even lounges. Therefore, while you are at the cruise, you can visit any of these in accordance to your needs. Surprisingly, you would also find theatres at night for your entertainment. It can be a beautiful night in the luxury cruises with casinos, night clubs and celebration. You can also avail the facilities of fitness centers or swimming pools in these cruises. Thus, you can spend time with your partner here as and when you want. In fact, it is true that you would get the perfect charm of relaxation when you are on a cruise honeymoon trip.

There are many special packages that are offered by the luxury cruises. You would have the freedom to make your own choice in terms of the package selection, as well as, the selection of the activity in which you will enjoy. Thus, this can give the best ever experience to you and your partner, and you would cherish this trip throughout your life. Thus, it is high time that you select the destination for your honeymoon and make planning in advance. This would be the best gift that you can give to yourself and your partner.

Hi, I have been Writing articles on various different topics since a long time. Travel and leisure is also an important topic that I cover on a regular basis. Hope you would like it. Thanks

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Following These Tips Can Help You Select A Classic Motor Yacht

The best things in life are free right? Unfortunately, not so for most things, certainly not when you are thinking of buying a classic motor yacht. There are so many people who dream of classic yachts and imagine themselves traveling the world once they retire. Not just because of the sense of freedom it gives you, but also because of the social standing you will gain by owning a classic motor yacht. Of course, it is also possible to charter a yacht so that you can experience traveling the world in a yacht. So, if you want to own the yacht of your dreams and travel the world, there are a couple of things to think about so that you don't spend even more than you should. It all starts with research. First, you need to research which yacht best suits your needs and then look at which yacht will best suit your budget. Both are incredibly important considerations, of course.

The best place to start your research is the internet. You will be able to see what models are available and where to buy them from, as well as being able to read reviews by other owners on the way these yachts function. What makes them great and what makes them not so great, basically. Make sure you read these reviews, as these are generally written by people who are one step ahead of your situation. They are no longer looking, they have bought and tried. If you find a certain boat has many bad reviews, you may want to consider a different classic motor yacht, particularly if the bad sides seem to relate to things that are important to you. For example, if you enjoy the wind in your hair because of the yachts speed and most reviews say that a specific model of a classic motor yacht is very slow, then this boat is not for you. However, if you just want to take your time, then this yacht may suddenly become very interesting. Most times the seller is willing to negotiate the price as well.

Never, ever, buy a classic motor yacht before going to actually see it. Preferably, you should sail it for a little while as well. You need to really get the feel for the yacht, how it handles and how it sits on the waves. Make sure you check it inside and out, including the hull and any damage underneath. Don't be tempted to buy a yacht that simply doesn't offer you the quality you should expect for the price.

Elco is the leading designer for producing the finest and most beautiful boats, along with the most highly advanced electric drive systems. All of Elco's classic yachts and electric powered boats are handcrafted and custom fitted to your specifications.

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From Cruises to Caribbean Live Performances

Great number of cruises visit the Caribbean year after year to hear its best sounds. With African heritage, Caribbean is among the most lively places you could actually visit being a music lover. In the Caribbean you will see the finest Reggae players like Bob Marley during the 70s.

Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda has been known for bringing entertainment for tourists on cruises. The restaurants and bars located in these areas would usually release a monthly list of line up so you get to choose which performer you wan to see. This list would help you have an idea on the places of nightlife and great music in the Caribbean.

Café Mango

Located in the Southern part of the Caribbean, Costa Rica hosts one of the best places in the Caribbean for jazz, Reggae and other styles of music performed live. You could choose from a variety of performers throughout the week from Latino Salsa, hip hop and other genres that could get you on your feet. Situated within the proximity of the best hotels in Costa Rica, this place is a favorite for most people on a cruise ship.

Russel's Bar & Seafood Restaurant

Located in the very historic Fort James in Antigua, Russel's Bar & Seafood Restaurant allows its customers not only to enjoy the music but also the rich history dating back to 18th century! Only this place could attract you to get the best steamed cockles dabbed by the fines wine sauce.

Aside from the delights that gets t be enjoyed by your palate, you could find the most elegant jazz music in this place during the weekend. But if you are going to visit the place, make sure you arrive before sun sets! With a picturesque sunset, this place is also romantic getaway and a highlight of your tour to the Caribbean.

Shirley Heights

Located in the National parks and having the vantage point over English and Falmouth Harbour, this place is among the best views that you could get to visit on your Caribbean tour. Dubbed as one of the best party places on the island their parties start as early as 4pm during Thursdays and Sundays. And the Aside form the fact that you get to enjoy good music and good food, you should definitely come on a Thursday as their entrance is free of charge plus you get to see a Steel Band performance!

The Coast

The Coast is located in Heritage Quay. This venue is home to one of the best dockside venue of Antigua with nightly live music. Quality live performances start from 10pm onwards. Local artists and bands typically set the night's mood from Calypso, to reggae to some of the most popular tunes today. The Coast is among the most visited Caribbean spots especially during the weekend!

From cruises, you could get to enjoy the best of what Caribbean has to offer with its live performances. In these places, not only will you enjoy a great view of what the Caribbean is all about, but you also get to have the best foods out there.

John Michael Jayme visits the Caribbean yearly to see the best performances. He affords of the cheap Caribbean vacations available today.

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Beirut Charter at Zaitunay Bay

This year Beirut yachting action is in the heart of the city at the newly opened Zaitunay Bay, an eclectic development of retail outlets, restaurants and cafes which line the water front all the way from the old St. Georges Hotel to the not yet open Le Yacht Club Beirut.

An updated incarnation of Avenue des Francais, once the palm fringed sea front promenade at the centre of smart Beirut, it offers a chance to fully embrace the yachting lifestyle with privately owned and charter yachts berthed in gleaming rows in front of the Riviera style cafes and restaurants. A haven from the pressures of day to day life, the marina is ideally positioned for Beiruti locals as well as visitors staying in the Downtown area. Stroll along the extensive board walk around the marina's edge to get a better feel for this vibrant project, or even better arrive for an early cappuccino in one of the waterside cafes as a precursor to a day out on the water.

Chartering from the marina allows visitors the benefits of easy taxi drop-off, or convenient covered parking, only a few steps away from a selection of yachts ranging in size from 30 to 100ft. Plan a break from city living or a demanding sightseeing schedule and make the most of being right next to the sea with a surprise afternoon out for a loved one, a day with the family, or an onboard party - there is a yacht to suit every occasion. The marina is just a short cruise from the rocks at Raouche, the wide expanse of Jounieh Bay, and a number of thriving beach clubs which offer a pick-up service for guests on anchored yachts who want to come ashore for a taste of the chillout beachfront ambience. Back onboard, there is no better place from where to appreciate the full panorama of the Beirut coastline against its dramatic mountain backdrop.

Returning to the marina as the sun sets over the Mediterranean, there are plenty of reasons not to rush home. Restaurants and cafes are serving everything from traditional Lebanese fare to unpretentious French cuisine, and a glass of nicely chilled Chateau Musar as you enjoy the evening finale is a must.

The new Zaitunay is going to be a great success - it's accessible, it's stylish, and it manages to capture the fun loving international flavour of pre war Beirut whilst remaining strictly contemporary - it's really not to be missed!

If you would like to charter a yacht in Beirut please contact Eden Yachting +961 71 83 94 37 or charter@EdenYachting.com

Jane Daly is a Managing Partner for Eden Yachting, an international yacht charter agency based in Dubai. A keen sailor and an experienced travel writer, Jane worked for many years in the travel industry before setting up Eden Yachting with partner Philippe Saad. Chartering is a fantastic way to see the secret places of the world and Jane shares her passion through her writing and her business. http://www.edenyachting.com/

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The Galapagos Islands: Your Luxury Cruise of a Lifetime

For those seeking interaction with a variety of ecosystems, endemic species, and geological and volcanic wonders, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador is a destination both uniquely gorgeous and historical in nature. Distributed around the equator, these islands are part of a national park and biological marine reserve comprised of a complex system of ocean currents that travel through 15 major islands, 3 smaller islands and 107 islets and rock formations.

The best way to experience the Galapagos Islands is with a luxury cruise. Travel experts agree that a cruise offers the convenience of viewing a variety of terrains and small land masses and is a favorite means of transportation for those wishing to photograph or dive in the Galapagos.

What to Expect

For safety reasons and to enhance your cruise experience, avoid the Galapagos area in September as the waters are very rough. Not only will this increase the chance of seasickness, but it also prevents you from being able to dive.

In order to dive in the Galapagos, travelers must be certified and experienced in diving. Currents can make diving dangerous, especially the South Equatorial Current in the eastern and central islands, the North Equatorial Current in the northern islands, and the Cromwell Current in western and central islands. If you are certified and plan to dive, be sure to bring a high-quality underwater camera so you can capture the unique underwater wildlife of the Islands.

Speaking of photography, the area itself is a very casual destination and photographers of all skill levels find themselves thrilled with the extensive photo opportunities. Animals in the Galapagos area are curious and people-friendly, so it is easy to capture incredible photos.

Spanish is the primary language spoken on inhabited Galapagos Islands. While there are no indigenous people, the islands are inhabited primarily by Ecuadorian Mestizos, descendents of Spanish colonists and indigenous Native Americans from Ecuador. The population has increased from around 2,000 in the 1950's to around 25,000 people located over five islands today.

Galapagos Islands Cruise Itineraries

Cruise itineraries to the Galapagos Islands can vary from 3 - 12 days, depending on your budget and how much you want to see. The islands that appear on your cruise itinerary may depend on the National Park Service, but a tour of the Galapagos Islands often includes:

Bartolomé- Bartolomé Island is a volcanic islet off the coast of Santiago and boasts mangrove forests and golden sands. This island is one of the few that is home to the Galapagos penguins, the only penguins to live on the equator and is also a great place to snorkel.

Santiago - The first island discovered in the Caribbean by Columbus, Santiago is the home of sea and land turtles, flamingos and many other birds, and sea creatures such as the Galapagos fur seals.

Santa Cruz - Hosting the largest human population, Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, and visitors are welcome to view the giant wild tortoises in the mossy highlands.

Isabela - Named in honor of Queen Isabella, this seahorse shaped island offers beautiful beaches, saltwater lagoons, and caves. The equator runs across the island and Puerto Villamil is located at the southeastern tip of the island.

Fernandina - The youngest and westernmost island in the Galapagos, this area offers an iguana haven and views of volcanoes.

Floreana - Enjoy snorkeling with sea lions in crystal waters off Champion Islet and stroll the white sands beaches to see sea turtles, flamingos, and a variety of other shore birds.

Española - The oldest island in the Galapagos, Española is very remote which means it has a large number of endemic species including the lava lizard, mockingbird, and tortoise.April through December offers the chance to see waved albatross and colorful iguanas. This island is home to Darwin's finches, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies.

Where ever you go in the Galapagos Islands, this once-in-a-lifetime luxury cruise will surely me one of your most memorable vacations ever.

Jillynn Stevens, Ph.D. is a writer with a vast array of subject matter expertise. This article is written on behalf of Luxe Travel, a travel agency specializing in luxury resorts and luxury cruises around the world. See at http://www.luxetravel.com/

Dr. Stevens works for Be Locally SEO at http://www.belocallyseo.com/

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Luxury Galapagos Cruises

If you have had the pleasure of embarking on a luxury Galapagos cruise in South America, you will know that nothing can beat it for its tranquility, adventure and thrill. The luxury cruise has been named Galapagos after a group of islands situated 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian Coast in the Pacific. The islands have earned a reputation as one of the world's greatest destinations for nature lovers as well as a world heritage site.

A luxury Galapagos cruise has many facets and surely all of them will thrill and excite you. When the ship docks at different ports, you can visit and explore exotic islands of the Galapagos that are renowned for their scenic beauty and curious animal-life. The islands are host to a variety of rare animals such as giant Galapagos tortoises, blue footed, red footed and masked boobies, flamingos, albatrosses, frigate birds, unique small penguins and non-flying cormorants. If you are not the adventurous type, you may visit the Galapagos coast, stroll down sandy beaches, admire the crystal-blue sea, or relax and bask in the tropical sun. It can be the perfect romantic get-away for you and your wife.

Additionally, you can choose to stay aboard the cruiser and lounge by the pool. The cruiser can even serve as a platform for adventurous deep-sea diving expeditions as the waters of the Galapagos are also rich in wildlife much like its islands. Galapagos is home to reef fishes, sea lions, stingrays, eels, turtles, white tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and even whales! The presence of sharks and whales makes diving in the sea more life-threatening than other parts of the world and it should be attempted only in the presence of diving-instructors. Luxury Galapagos cruises also have a dining room and a cafe where delicious foods are served around the clock.

Even with so much thrill and excitement, a luxury cruise vacation of the Galapagos Islands can be affordable depending on the right planning of route and destination. It is fair to say that the internet has made it considerably easy for people to find their ideal Luxury Galapagos Cruise deal, and agents and travel agencies that flourish in the vicinity do well to aid their clients. Agents customarily reserve a minor 'cut' for themselves or charge a small fee for their services when brokering deals. Additionally, they provide convenience to their clients for easier market access and have comprehensive knowledge of all tour deals and details.

Cruise vacations come in an assortment of price ranges that are customized to the specific tastes of the clientele. Hence, there is all the likelihood that there is one deal that is just the ideal one for you. So why waste another vacation wandering the shopping malls of Paris when luxury Galapagos cruise is surely the experience of a lifetime for you?

For fun and adventures holidays at Galapagos Islands and for more information on Luxury Galapagos Cruises log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/home.aspx or call us at 1800 633-7972.

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