Travelers of all ages and fitness levels can now join the Wii revolution aboard Norwegian and Princess cruise ships. Nintendo of America has teamed with both cruise lines to bring the popular Wii Fit experience to passengers. A variety of active video game contests and tournaments aboard the ships showcase one’s athletic skill in four categories, including yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance. The events are led by crew members specially trained by Nintendo this spring. Wii Fit contests are being held in a variety of locations onboard, including ship atriums, poolside (on giant screens where available) and other public places.

Ultra luxury spa staterooms make debut on Holland America’s ms Eurodam

Luxury reaches new heights on the ms Eurodam, Holland America’s latest ship, with 56 spa staterooms located on the two highest decks. In addition to being located close to the ship’s renowned Greenhouse Spa and Salon, the rooms feature their own spa ambiance with organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a Burmese teak mat for baths and showers, an invigorating showerhead, body buff Loofah Mitt and aroma therapy bath salts. The spa staterooms also feature an iPod docking station, yoga mat, a pedometer for use aboard the ship, fitness DVD, mini bar stocked with specialty waters, cut fruit and a spa concierge to book treatments. Rooms are decorated with soft earth-tone hues and bright, fresh green accents and a water feature provides a natural, soothing ambient background sound. The nightly turn-down service includes organic chocolate truffles, orchids and special Belgian chocolates fused with herbs known for their calming and relaxing benefits. Guests staying in the spa staterooms can order exclusive Greenhouse Spa packages in advance. These include Body of Indulgence with a hot stone massage and facial bamboo massage; Skin Renewal with facial rejuvenation acupuncture and marine facial; His Sanctuary with grooming treatment, shave and deep tissue massage; and Bliss for Two couple’s cabana massages.

More penthouses being added to the already posh Crystal Serenity

With more upscale cruisers looking for penthouse accommodations, Crystal Cruises is responding by remodeling the Crystal Serenity in November by adding eight new such suites. While many cruise ships are adding more rooms into limited space, the Serenity construction project will actually the ship’s guest capacity.

The 403 square-foot penthouses feature personal butler service, a large private verandah, sizeable living area, complimentary bar stocked with wine and liquor, Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, walk-in closet, flat screen television, DVD and CD player, Riedel glassware and complimentary pressing. Penthouse guests also can enjoy 24-hour in-stateroom dining from the Crystal dining room, or they can order-in from the ship’s specialty restaurants during dining hours.

After the dry dock conversion, the Serenity penthouses increase to 72, as well as 32 penthouse suites and four lavish 1,345 square-foot Crystal penthouses. Four of the new penthouses will connect with penthouse suites.

Private villas on Norwegian Gem offer plenty of private space for families and others

Norwegian Cruise Lines has taken cabin envy to a whole new level with the introduction of 4,390 square-foot Garden Villa staterooms aboard the new NCL Gem cruise ship. Each villa has three bedrooms and bathrooms, a living and dining room, whirlpool, wet bar and steam room. A shared courtyard and pool is surrounded by luxurious patio furniture and lush, potted plants. The villas are being targeted toward multi-generational families, reunion groups and friends who want to cruise together and share private space. NCL’s new Freestyle 2.0 program aboard the ship allows guests to dine at any of the 10 restaurants aboard the ship whenever. Guests can book dinner reservations or just show up. Television screens around the ship tell one where tables are available.

New ResortCompete.com Site for All-Inclusives Going Strong

All-inclusive resorts have a natural appeal for cruises who like the all-inclusive nature of cruising, but are ready to try something different. ResortCompete provides detailed information about individual resorts, and provides the same competitive quotes from sellers to help you get the best deal. Check it out today at: ResortCompete.com

Top reasons why cruises are perfect gathering places for generations

Looking for an alternative to the traditional family reunion, or a perfect family holiday? Then make a splash with everyone in your family by planning a reunion cruise at sea. There are still cabins available for family gatherings on popular cruises scheduled to set sail this summer and fall, as well as the holiday season.

Following are the top reasons family reunions at sea are more popular than ever:

Superior Value – The all-inclusive pricing of cruise vacations includes a family’s accommodations, meals, 24- hour room service, most onboard activities and top entertainment – and groups often receive special amenities. Cruise ships offer families a variety of staterooms to fit any budget and travel needs. Some cabins have been specially designed to sleep four or more guests. Suites also are available for the disabled and folks who want more room and luxury amenities.

Convenient Departure Points – Traveling to board a cruise ship has never been easier. Ships depart from more than 20 ports throughout North America. Today, cruise ships are located within driving distance or a short flight of many U.S. cities.

Spa Sensations – Men and women alike who want to be truly pampered are invited to enjoy an incredible spa experience aboard a cruise ship. Spa staffs make relaxation and rejuvenation the focus of one’s visit.

Children’s Programs – For parents who may want a break from their children – and vice versa – most of today’s cruise ships offer plenty of structured and supervised recreational programs for kids ages 3 to 17. Special lounges and nightclubs for tweens and teens abound for the younger generations of families to hang out in supervised settings.

Food Galore – Cruise ships feature more dining choices than ever. They still have formal dining rooms, but most also feature more casual restaurants, grills and poolside dining options – plus 24/7 room service. Specialty restaurants, founded by some of the world’s most famous chefs, also are found on many cruise ships.

No Worries – On a family reunion cruise, there is no cooking or cleaning to worry about – just relaxation. Plus, the weather is usually warm and pristine. Once everyone’s bags are unpacked, the ship’s crew does the rest.

Floating Fun – There is never a dull moment on a cruise ship. Guests enjoy swimming pools and water slides, rock climbing walls, surf riders, ice-skating rinks, roller blade tracks, spa services, kids programs, nightclubs, gambling, shopping, dining, libraries, Internet and video arcades, enrichment seminars and guest lecturers, yoga and plenty more. A highlight for many families is the visit to the cruise lines’ private islands that dot the Caribbean – full of fun and relaxation.

ResortCompete.com All-Inclusive Site–Thanks!

Thanks to all of you who tried our new ResortCompete.com site for all-inclusive resorts during the initial launch phase. We’re continually adding new sellers and features to the service, and have been able to greatly increase the response per request. If you’re considering a vacation at an all-inclusive resort, we hope you’ll check out what our new service has to offer at http://www.ResortCompete.com.

Let Agents Compete for your All-Inclusive Resort Vacation

We are pleased to invite you to try our new service: ResortCompete.com. Based on the same model as CruiseCompete, ResortCompete lets you select an all-inclusive resort and receive competing quotes from resort specialists. You can then compare offers and contact sellers for more information or to book.

We have built a brand-new software platform to operate ResortCompete. As with any new effort, we don’t expect to be perfect from day one, so any feedback you can provide to us would be greatly appreciated. We hope you will give ResortCompete a try!

Beauty at Sea – NCL’s latest spa innovation: BOTOX at sea

Tooth whitening, microdermabrasion and cellulite removal have been available at sea for some time, now, select Norwegian Cruise Line medi-spas operated by Mandara now offer a variety of BOTOX Cosmetic and Restylane and Perlane facial aesthetic treatments for cruise guests. They are currently available on the Norwegian Dawn, Gem and Spirit, with plans to launch the program fleet-wide this fall. All of the procedures are under the supervision of Steiner Transocean medical director Dr. Brad Herman, a Miami-based, board-certified plastic surgeon and his team of medically licensed doctors who have been trained specifically in these treatments. Guests interested in safely and effectively soften facial lines and wrinkles while on vacation can schedule a 30-minute consultation with the medi-spa physician on board, who will create an individualized treatment plan.

West coast cruisers entranced by Disney Magic’s return to Los Angeles

Summer will be magical at the Port of Los Angeles, with the return of the Disney Magic cruise ship for a limited engagement of seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera. The ship is in the midst of 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, running through August 10. Cabo San Lucas treats guests to a white sand beaches, crystal-blue waters and picturesque mountain vistas. Mazatlan provides a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture, while Puerto Vallarta features 100 miles of scenic coastline and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the country. Shore excursion opportunities include, among others, a waterfall and hot springs tour in Cabo San Lucas and a private villa at Caletas in Puerto Vallarta. Disney’s onboard entertainment includes Minnie’s Fiesta Grande, Pinta parties and plenty more fun for all ages.

Silversea welcomes addition of Prince Albert II to expedition ship roster

Earlier this month, the expedition ship Prince Albert II officially joined the luxury Silversea fleet and welcomes its first guests this week as part of its inaugural season of voyages focusing on polar adventures. The Prince Albert II sets sail to the Arctic Circle; Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, and then repositions to South America and Antarctica for fall and winter voyages. The ship features the largest average-size accommodations of any expedition ship at sea, with 20 premium suites of 350-675 square feet of living space. In addition, all 66 ocean-view cabins are well appointed and have private marble bathrooms and bathtubs. Silversea is a provisional member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic. It also is a member of the Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.

Onboard, savor a convivial cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually found only on larger ships, including a spacious Library with an Internet Cafe, boutique shopping, a full-service spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna and two top-deck whirlpools. Prince Albert II even features live evening entertainment and The Humidor, where connoisseurs can enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs – diversions offered by no other expedition ship.

Celebrity Solstice setting sail earlier than planned; three cruises added

Celebrity Solstice is now scheduled to enter service with a Thanksgiving holiday Caribbean cruise embarking November 23, three weeks prior to its previously announced launch of December 14. The trip departs roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, with stops at San Juan, Puerto Rico, Philipsburg, St Maarten, and Basseterre, St. Kitts. This is followed by two additional seven-night Caribbean cruises, November 30 and December 7. Guests who booked cabins on the Solstice’s originally scheduled maiden voyage on December 14 can switch to the November 23 sailing without penalty through June 12.

This summer’s highlight for many kids will no doubt be the first-ever nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean, which sets sail August 10-17 on the Freedom of the Seas. Non-stop fun and activities are promised on the Western Caribbean cruise, including a special kick-off sail away party; evening shows; Nick character breakfasts, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants; Dora the Explorer; Diego; The Backyardigans and Jimmy Neutron; a Nick Live Poolside “Slime Time” interactive game show; special screenings of The Naked Brothers Band and SpongeBob SquarePants; Nick Karaoke and many other opportunities to meet favorite Nick characters. Autograph signings with iCarly stars Jennette McCurdy and Nathan Kress also are scheduled. In addition, families can disembark on the cruise line’s private island of Labadee for Nick’s Let’s Just Play Family Beach Day, featuring beach games and fun with a special Nickelodeon twist.

Teen guests now use prepaid cash cards on MSC Cruises

There is no need for teenagers to continually pester their parents for cash aboard MSC cruises. The cruise line is now selling the prepaid My Teen Card to use for purchases and as room keys. The program is targeting kids ages 12-17 and can be used to buy sodas and gift shop items. On Caribbean sailings, passengers can buy a $30 card with $5 bonus or a $50 card with $10 bonus. In Europe, the prepaid cards cost 30 Euros with a five euro bonus or 50 Euros with a 10 euro bonus. The next question is how many of these prepaid cards can a typical teenager go through in a single cruise?

Celebrity offers first-ever Antarctica cruises

To celebrate its tenth year cruising South America, Celebrity Cruises will be will be heading even further south during it’s first-ever Antarctica sailings in 2010. The Celebrity Infinity will be leaving Buenos Aires, Argentina for two 14-night Antarctica sailings, departing January 31 and February 14, 2010. While there, guests will gaze upon glaciers, rare wildlife and other natural wonders as they cruise past Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Gerlache Strait. The Antarctica voyages also will include traveling through Cape Horn, with visits to Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia and Puerto Madryn, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay.

Luxury cabanas treat guests extra special on Eurodam

Holland America’s first Signature-class ship, Eurodam, will feature private tented cabanas on two decks when it debuts in July. Guests will be charged $30-$75 per day for the luxury cabanas, which will be located on the Observation Deck in an area called the Retreat and by the midship pool on the Lido Deck. Each cabana will feature chaise lounges, ottomans and settees, plus bathrobes, towels, handheld fans, an Evian spray mister and iPods with preloaded music. If that is not enough, chilled water and iced fruit skewers will be served in the cabanas during the morning. Afternoon delights will include frozen grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne.

Holland America’s 2008 roster of guest chefs will delight

One of the most popular attractions aboard Holland America cruises is the line’s Culinary Arts Center, co-sponsored by Food & Wine magazine, which attracts renowned chefs from around the country. The program was started four years ago and 2008 is slated to be its best ever. Guest chefs and experts slated this summer and fall include:

· Eric Villegas, host of the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, Fork in the Road, ms Veendam, June 13-20;

· Sally Bernstein, San Francisco restaurant critic and culinary educator, ms Zaandam, June 8-15;

· Chef Gustav Mauler of Amsterdam-Dover, ms Prinsenda, July 3-17;

· Pichet Ongvasit of Copenhagen, ms Rotterdam, July 16-28;

· Johnny Iuzzini, executive pastry chef, Jean Georges (N.Y.), ms Noordam, July 26-Aug. 5;

· Max McCalman of Artisanal Cheese (N.Y.), ms Noordam, August 5-15;

· Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of the “Ultimate” cookbook series, ms Eurodam, Aug.14-29;

· Mark Frasier and Clark Gaier from Mediterranean (Venice), ms Zuiderdam, Sept. 17-29;

· James Mazzio, executive chef of Via (Denver) and Food & Wine’s Best New Chef 1999, ms Amsterdam, Sept. 19 – Oct. 22; and,

· Harold Dieterie, Perilla (N.Y.) and Top Chef Season 1 Winner, ms Amsterdam, Oct. 22-Nov. 4.

Whether it’s a chance encounter with a massive sea animal or succulent meal prepared by regional chefs, travelers are showing strong interest in Canada / New England cruises. These cruises have always been extremely popular so book early if you are dreaming of a Canada / New England cruise this summer or late fall.

Whale Watching

According to the World Wildlife Fund, the coast of Massachusetts is one of the Top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. An encounter with a majestic 50-foot, 40-ton creature will take your breath away.

On-Board Naturalists

Many of the cruise ships and excursion companies offer experienced naturalists who provide onboard interpretation on the habits of the whales and other wildlife being encountered at sea, enriching the experience even further for guests.

Lovely Destinations

From Corner Brook, N.F. to Boston and many points in between, gorgeous summer days and beautiful autumn landscapes and foliage make for breathtaking splendor while visiting historic cities of New England and coastal Canada.

Great Food and Drink

Nobody leaves New England with an empty stomach. Steamed and boiled seafood obviously is a favorite, including a multitude of dishes featuring lobster, crab and clams. Atlantic seafood dishes are popular in the Canadian ports, as well, and the cuisine of Quebec is legendary. Award-winning breweries, brewpubs and wineries dot the land.

Unique Cultural Experiences

The old world meets the new in many of the cities and villages included on the itineraries of Canada/ New England cruises. Unique peoples and traditions abound on both sides of the national border, many of which are centered on the sea.

Short Drives

For many east coast cruisers, no plane ride is needed to reach the port of embarkation for a Canada/ New England voyage. Regular departures are offered from Boston; Montreal; Quebec; New York City; Norfolk, Va.; Baltimore; and Bayonne, N.J.

Substantial Deals on Several Cruise Lines

Carnival, Crystal Cruises, Holland America, NCL, Norwegian, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn all specialize in voyages along the eastern seaboard, with stops at a number of picturesque cities and locales. Rates for 7-day cruise rates range from $449 for an inside cabin to $5,000 and more for a luxury suite.

Travelers aboard cruise ships visiting Alaska this year can experience more than just glacier tours, whale watching, dog sledding and other traditional port excursions. The cruise lines are offering a variety of unique ways to explore the magnificent landscape of the 49th state, including underwater snorkeling and high in the air via zip lines. Holland America and Royal Caribbean, for example, invites guests in Sitka, Ketchikan and other locales to don wetsuits and explore the usually unseen underwater wilderness with snorkeling gear. Princess, Regent Seven Seas and Celebrity offer special Alpine zip line and Alaskan rainforest eco-tours high above the ground. Other excursion highlights include Regent’s “Advanced Volcano Hike” on the remote Kruzof Island, Princess’ Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s tour and Norwegian Cruise Line’s gold mining excursion.

Disney takes “Toy Story” from big screen to high seas

Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends from the beloved Disney Toy Story movie are taking their adventures to the seas in a new musical production aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship. This is the first time the popular Disney-Pixar big screen classic has been adapted for the stage. Preserving the humor and heart of the original film, Toy Story-The Musical explores the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond. The show’s elaborate costumes capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of the animated characters. Guests of all ages will delight in an original collection of show tunes that retell the story in a fun and energizing way during their cruise vacation.

Smoke out on Celebrity ships starts this fall

Starting October 1 2008, Celebrity Cruises will begin enforcing a new policy that promised to provide a breath of fresh air on its voyages. In addition to banning smoking in staterooms and verandas, the new rules will reduce the number of public areas available for guests to smoke onboard. Celebrity expects the new policy to be welcomed, considering surveys indicate 90 percent of its guests are non-smokers. Designated indoor areas where guests can smoke cigarettes under the new policy include portions of one lounge per ship and a slot machine area in each boat’s casino. Outdoor smoking is allowed in select areas on pool decks and sundecks, as well as one outdoor bar on each vessel. Violations to Celebrity’s new smoking policy may result in a $250 cleaning fee charged to the guest’s onboard account and may also be addressed through the line’s guest conduct policy.

New Carnival Splendor built to entertain kids of all ages

Oh, what we would all give to be young again. Living up to its reputation, Carnival has taken the idea of having fun to a new level for kids of all ages on the new 113,000-ton, 3,000-passenger Carnival Splendor, set to debut this summer. The cruise ship features supervised youth programs and activities for specific age groups – Camp Carnival (ages 2-11), Circle C (ages 12-14) and Club O2 (ages 15-17), plus a massive 5,500 square-foot children’s play area divided into separate sections and featuring toys, games, computers, gaming consoles, plasma televisions and a dance floor. If that is not enough, one deck above will be a children’s water park with various water toys and attractions. The water park complements the Fun Ship’s four swimming pools and Carnival’s signature 214-foot long Twister waterslide. At mealtime, kids can order off of special children’s menus in the main dining rooms, enjoy 24-hour pizza and ice cream at the poolside restaurant and eat with the youth staff each day. The children’s turn-down service features fresh baked cookies at bedtime. In addition, Carnival’s popular Fountain Fun Card provided unlimited soft drinks for a special one-time fee.

Travel publisher Fodor’s new book, “The Complete Guide to European Cruises”, includes a special section highlighting the best cruise lines in a number of categories. The following are some of the highlights:

Best regular dining room cuisine

• Carnival Cruise Lines – Believe it or not, Carnival offers the most-improved dining experience at sea. Chef George Blanc’s signature selections make the food tastier, better portioned and nicely presented.
• Celebrity Cruises – Food and service aboard Celebrity ships has historically been a cut above the rest. Each guest is treated as if they are the ship’s VIP that night at dinner.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Creative dishes spiced just right and wines that complement all menus are a hallmark of Radisson ships. The service is attentive, but not intrusive.
• SeaDream Yacht Club – A true gourmet meal can indeed be found at sea, thanks to SeaDream. Every dinner is individually prepared.

Best bathrooms afloat

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises – The marble bathrooms with separate shower and full-size tubs on the Seven Seas Voyager and Navigator epitomize luxury and pampering.
• Seabourn Cruises – They may not be the biggest bathrooms at sea, but Seabourn’s bath amenities are truly deluxe and a cut way above the industry average.
• Silverseas Cruises – Double vanities, marble showers, separate tubs and fluffy, oversize towels are found in the standard suites. The top suites add whirlpool jets.

Best beds

• Holland America Line – The Mariner’s Dream Bed features a Sealy 9-inch innerspring mattress. Hypoallergenic poly or goose-down pillows and a cuddly down blanket are covered in 300-count sheeting.
• Carnival Cruise Lines – The Carnival Comfort Bed features an 8-inch spring mattress, downlike no allergenic pillow and a 100 percent no allergenic down duvet covered by an ultrafine, cotton blend dust cover.
• Oceania Cruises – Instigator of the “bed wars”, Oceania offers its Tranquility Bed with a high-quality mattress, 350-count Egyptian cotton linens and goose-down pillows.
• Royal Caribbean Line – A 9-inch spring mattress with 2-inch microfiber pillow accompanies 200-count cotton blend sheets and cushy microfiber pillows.

Book Royal Caribbean, Celebrity & Azamara prior to May 1st 2008 & Save

As fuel prices globally continue to skyrocket, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has revised its fuel supplement charges. The new charge affects booking on or after May 1, 2008. For a stateroom’s first and second guests sailing U.S. and Canadian waters, as well as cruises to Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific region, the revised supplement will be $8 (U.S. and Can.) per person, per day and no more than $112 per person, per cruise. Additional guests in a stateroom will be charged $3 per person, per day and no more than $42 per person, per cruise. Cruisers to Europe, the Middle East and Africa also will be subjected to a revised fuel supplement charge based on the value of designated European currencies.

Christine McCabe of Harbor Light Cruises has been a CruiseCompete member-agent for more than three years. Her daughter was recently diagnosed with Intracranial Hypertension (IH), a serious neurological disorder that causes excruciating headaches and blindness. There is no known cure.

Please join Chris on a special 7-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise on the new MSC Orchestra to help raise funds and awareness to help fund the IH Research Foundation (www.ihrfoundation.org).

This is a theme cruise featuring past stars of Major League Baseball. Great rates are available, and kids cruise free! For more information, please contact her by phone at 732-477-3385 or e-mail at chris@harborlightcruises.com.

Ruby Princess to Set Sail Earlier than Expected

Princess Cruises just announced the line’s newest ship, the Ruby Princess, is being delivered earlier than previously expected. Her inaugural voyage will now embark on November 8, for a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing, taking passengers to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays. If they wish, passengers who booked a trip on the Ruby Princess’ previously scheduled inaugural cruise will have the opportunity to change their cruise to the new inaugural voyage date. Duplicate bookings have been made for all passengers, guaranteeing the same cabin on the new voyage.

Regent Entertainment Now Includes Ballroom Dancers, Industry’s Largest Live Orchestras

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has completed a multi-million dollar entertainment upgrade aboard three of its ships, including professional ballroom dance teams, exciting new productions and the largest live orchestra aboard any luxury cruise line. Capitalizing on the current ballroom dancing craze, several shows feature Regent dancers performing original choreography that showcases Latin, swing, waltz and other dance styles. The dancers offer complimentary lessons for guests on days at sea. The new shows include cabaret revues and five feature productions, including the musical “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” and “Romance Romance”. The nine-piece Regent Signature Orchestra lends concert-quality support to the shows aboard the Seven Seas Mariner, Voyager and Navigator cruise ships.

Crystal Wine and Food Festival Cruise Features European Flair

Crystal Cruises guests will savor 14 special culinary excursions during the Crystal Serenity’s Wine and Food Festival cruise this summer, from July 31 to August 12. The voyage includes a delicious tour of coastal France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia – a region known for its bountiful delicacies. Travelers will immerse themselves in the rich flavors and the culinary heritage specific to each region.

Shore tours include wine tasting in four countries and multi-course meals in spectacular settings such as the Isle of Capri and Dubrovnik’s ancient sea port. New excursions include:

• The underground Cordorniu Cava Cellars and a visit to Montserrat and its famous Benedictine monastery;
• The Tuscan village of Monte Carlo to taste local wines, cheeses and extra-virgin olive oils;
• A cooking class at a scenic country farm, where guests learn to prepare traditional Roman dishes including fresh fettuccini;
• A farmhouse visit to see how mozzarella and limoncello are made, plus lunch at a deluxe Relais hotel.
• Immersion into the cultivation of Croatia’s world-famous Stone oysters, including sampling;
• Sampling of Umbrian wines in Orvieto’s regional wine house in the underground passages of a former convent; and,
• Preparation and sampling of Italian cuisine during a hands-on cooking lesson in Florence.

Onboard highlights include cooking demonstrations and a chef’s dinner by world-renowned Italian chef Gualtiero Marchesi, the first chef in Italy to be awarded three coveted Michelin Stars. Master Sommelier Robert Bath and wine educator Philip di Belardino also will be aboard for wine tasting and educational sessions.

Parents taking a cruise with tween or teenage children know these kids enjoy their space as much at sea as they do at home. The world’s most popular cruise lines have long recognized this and now offer more special hangouts and activities exclusively for them than ever before.

Combine this space with plenty of activities for the whole family and it is easy to see why cruises make for memorable family vacations, no matter what one’s age. Special pricing for children up to 17 years-old generally applies on many cruises which makes a cruise a true travel value.

For example, a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) can enjoy an early December seven-night cruise with cabin credits, complimentary photos and a special gift to the Western Caribbean in a verandah cabin, with Holland America for $2,380.00, including taxes, fees and fuel surcharges . That is less than $85. Per person, per day for the family’s onboard verandah cabin accommodations, 24/7 room service for those hungry teenagers, all dining options and most entertainment – including plenty for tweens and teens to do.

The following is a sample of the coolest places for older youth to hang out at sea in safe and secure settings:

Holland America Line

For the past two years, teens traveling on HAL cruise ships have enjoyed the Loft, a special lounge area designed to resemble a New York artist’s studio. The setting includes music and videos, comfortable furniture, Internet access stations, video games and karaoke, big screen TVs and more. A secluded passageway leads upstairs to the Oasis, a teens-only sundeck featuring a nine-foot waterfall and cooling cave. Teens can sunbathe during the day and dance under the stars at night to the beat of a state-of-the-art sound system and laser show.

Royal Caribbean International

The cruise line’s Voyager Class ships are a floating paradise for teenagers. The Living Room invites kids to hangout during the day, stocked with computers, books and games. The Back Deck provides teens with a place to sunbathe together and enjoy a buffet dinner. Fuel, the teens-only disco, is open until 2 a.m. and also provides a great place to mingle and meet new friends.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Dawn and Jewel feature the line’s most elaborate and largest teen clubs. The Underground lounge features computers, big-screen TVs and dance floor. Youth 17-and-under have their own cinema for nightly movies or an afternoon matinee.

Disney Cruise Line

A little Disney magic makes cruising memorable for teens too. They are invited to spend time with their peers in the Aloft lounge on the Disney Wonder and The Stack on the Disney Magic. Both of these teen-only hangouts feature music, movies, video games, plasma TVs, dance floor, Internet cafe and other activities. In addition, Disney hosts the H2O Splashdown and Party in Paradise farewell bash exclusively for teens.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival’s youth-oriented programming was recently expanded to include exclusive new Circle C clubs for 12-14 year-olds. Each features a dance floor, high-tech sound and lighting, monster plasma TVs with movies and music videos, touch screen jukeboxes and gaming centers with 20-inch plasma game screens. A number of ships have already been retrofitted with Circle C facilities, with several more are scheduled for this year and the entire fleet by 2010. Carnival’s Club 02 facilities continue to be very popular with teen’s ages 15-17 year-olds. In addition to a pulsating dance floor and the latest music and lighting systems, Club O2 features a teen-oriented library and lounge with non-alcoholic specialty drinks.

Princess Cruises

The cruise line’s Grand Class ships have the largest facilities for teens. The Off Limits teen center includes plenty of games, movies, big-screen TVs and jukeboxes. On the Grand, Golden and Star Princess, teens can use their own Jacuzzi and sun deck.

Celebrity Cruises

This cruise line’s Celebrity X-Club Youth Program does offer teens plenty to do, especially during the summer and holiday family travel seasons. This includes supervised theme parties, pool games, movies, sports tournaments, karaoke, talent shows, fitness activities and play stations.

Regent Seven Seas

Ultra-luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas also offers teen programs. Regent’s Club Mariner operates during the summer and select holiday sailings and gives tween and teen travelers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of exciting, interactive activities, including whale watching in Alaska and artist classes on tropical cruises, plus other unique adventure and cultural opportunities.

Crystal Cruises

Select Crystal sailings during the summer and holidays also offer older youth things to do without their parents on ultra-luxury cruises. These include games, arts and crafts, video games and other activities under the supervision of experienced activities directors. The Crystal Symphony and Serenity also feature Waves, a teen video arcade.

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Contrary to popular belief, guys and cruises do go together, with or without their women in tow. According to a number of industry reports, men now account for about 45 percent of all cruise guests. The fact is today’s cruise vacations offer men of all ages plenty to do.

Here are some of the most popular reasons why:

Great Food 24/7- The kitchen is always open on a cruise ship. Men can always find a meal, snack or treat to feed their appetites. In addition to a ship’s main dining room, most cruises offer other eating alternatives, including casual buffets, bistro-style cafes and reservations-only specialty restaurants, not to mention pool-side grills. Another bonus: casual attire.

Beer Tasting and Tours – There’s no shortage of bars on most cruise ships and beer aficionados lick their lips. International brewers showcase signature and specialty beers and sponsor onboard beer-tasting parties for those of drinking age. For more sophisticated types, wine-tasting opportunities abound. Many cruise ships also feature cigar bars. Another bonus: local pubs and brewer tours in port.

Teeing it Up – Men who prefer to hit the links, rather than the pool or beach, can tee it up at sea. Many cruise lines have expanded their stops at some of the world’s most picturesque and challenging golf courses. Some have even created special itineraries that visit a different course each day. Another bonus: amazingly real, on-board computerized golf simulators,

Exciting Adventure Travel – Cruise travel is ideal for men looking for adventure. How about an unforgettable cave tubing and Caribbean rain forest exploration tour? Or maybe a thrilling rain forest canopy and zip line adventure in Alaska? Cruisers who like it hot may enjoy a mesmerizing helicopter ride over Kilauea, the Earth’s most active volcano. Another bonus: driving a Formula 1 racecar in Monaco.

Fun in the Sun – For guys who prefer not to sunbathe all day, the cruise lines’ newest innovations include bowling alleys and Flowrider surfing pools. Virtually all of the major cruise ships already feature winding water slides, challenging rock-climbing walls, giant trampolines and ice skating rinks (sans hockey sticks and pucks), among other recreation amenities. Another bonus: private islands with more fun.

Games of Chance – For men who like to gamble, virtually all cruise ships feature floating casinos, with the exception of Disney Cruise Lines. Popular games, such as blackjack, roulette, poker, craps and slot machines test one’s luck while passing the time by. The casinos usually only operate when the ship is at sea. Another bonus: casinos in port.

Muscle Massaging – Times are changing and more men are enjoying the luxurious pampering and ultimate relaxation afforded visitors of the cruise ships’ spas, many of which now rival the best land-based spas. It is not uncommon to see men enjoying massages, facials and pedicures. Another bonus: herbal and seaweed wraps.

Breathtaking Shows – From Carnival’s Fiesta Latina and Far from Over: The 80s musical reviews, to Royal Caribbean’s Invitation to Dance, based on the Dancing with the Stars television show, cruise lines today are producing lavish new, multi-million dollar, special effects- laden extravaganzas. Another bonus: no sappy lounge acts.