By John Herrera, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

Some of the best deals and exotic itineraries can be found when cruise ships reposition. This is often the case during the fall, depending on where in the world the ship is. For example, cruise ships can relocate from the United States to the Caribbean. This results in bargain prices and unique port of call combinations such as Eastern and Southern Caribbean islands or even Bermuda for the day.

My favorite repositioning cruise was from Vancouver to Los Angeles aboard Sapphire Princess. These repositioning cruises over on the west coast are often referred to as ‘Coastal Cruises.’ Sapphire Princess had finished the summer season in Alaska and was scheduled to do the winter season roundtrip from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera. My unique itinerary was a five night sailing, which included stops in Victoria, Canada, San Francisco and Santa Barbara (where we had an awesome time at the wineries). We witnessed an incredible sunset as the ship left Santa Barbara for a day at sea, followed by our final disembarkation at Los Angeles, her home port for the winter season. [Read more →]

By Adam Wolf, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

In the northern hemisphere, fall marks the transition between summer into winter, usually beginning in September and ending in November.  As a former teacher, I have always thought about fall in terms of either going back to school or work, as well as the beginning of football season.  It’s a great time of year to take a cruise vacation, and there are plenty of destinations to consider.  Popular fall itineraries include Canada and New England, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and repositioning voyages.

Leaf peeping in Canada and New England is an annual tradition.  Any area that is covered with trees comes alive in the fall, when cooler temperatures arrive and the leaves begin to change color before winter.  Mountains and valleys can look completely different during this time of year, with a potpourri of colors typically peaking in late September and early October.  Cruise lines offer many fall cruises ranging from 7- to 14-nights out of New York, Baltimore, Boston, Montreal, or Quebec City.  These itineraries sail along the Atlantic Coast of New England and Canada, as well as along the St. Lawrence River.   The best way to see the ultimate fall foliage and visit this region full of history and natural beauty is definitely on a cruise ship. [Read more →]

A compilation from the Cruise Web employees.

For this month’s newsletter, The Cruise Web’s employees pulled out their personal bucket lists and provided a few of their own items. The result is a comprehensive bucket list compiled of our favorite items. Some have recently been completed while others remain on the list… for now. Continue below to see what made it onto our employees’ bucket lists!

Jen C.
An Alaska Cruise Tour was on my bucket list until I had the chance to cross it off this month – And it was absolutely amazing.  We were able to see Mt. McKinley and the “Big 5″ in Denali (bear, moose, dall sheep, wolves, and caribou).  The glaciers were gorgeous and I would go back in a heart beat. [Read more →]

By Brandon Biss, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

Last year I turned the Big 3-0.  I instantly became “old” to my 16 year-old sister.  I celebrated with my family and friends.  After absorbing a few “you’re so old” jokes, I took some time to evaluate my life.  I realized how fortunate I am.  I have wonderful friends and family, a great career, and a very fulfilling life outside of work.  At this time, I made some goals for myself.  Some are very attainable, and some a little more far-reaching.  I guess you could call it my own bucket list.  I always thought that term was designated for my grandparents.  The term was for those who are fulfilling their dreams during the twilight of their lives.  However, everyone has goals, ambitions, and dreams regardless of age.  Some of mine include learning another language, catching a foul ball at a baseball game, and raising a family.

From a young age, I have always enjoyed the adventure of travel.  When I was 10 years-old, my grandparents and I drove across the US, stopping everywhere imaginable.  A few stops were made at various points of the Lewis and Clark trail through Montana and Idaho.  Thinking back, this was a very symbolic moment for me.  I was a young boy; anything I wanted to do was right in front of me.  All I had to do was blaze my own trail. [Read more →]

We’ve told you our bucket lists, but now it’s time for you to share your personal bucket lists. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to  snorkel in the Caribbean. Or maybe you’re more interested in conquering a mountain. Either way, we can’t wait to see your responses!

Sometimes the best word to describe a suite is, well, sweet! Cruises vary widely depending on the type of cabin booked, and there’s no denying that the suite is in a class of its own. From the moment passengers step into a suite, it’s clear that their vacation is going to be extraordinary. The following suite experiences represent some of the sweetest as remembered by The Cruise Web’s employees:

Raquel Grinnell
The Penthouse Suite on the Celebrity Solstice has the most amazing bathroom I’ve ever seen at sea… There’s a flat-screen TV in the bathtub area so you can bubble-bath and watch a movie at the same time!!! As a European, I also loved seeing a bidet. The master closet was also amazing; more beautiful and organized than mine at home! I really liked the decor, as well — very sleek and modern with quiet golds and browns, dark wood finish on all the furniture and the kicker of course is the big hot tub and bar area for entertaining out on the balcony.

[Read more →]

By Tina Colicchio, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

In December of 2008, I went to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Gem and got to stay in one of their Courtyard Villas. We were picked up by limousine early that morning in DC and started heading to New York. When we arrived at the port, we announced that we had a Courtyard Villa. Upon hearing that, the special treatment began. They quickly checked us in and asked us to wait in a private lounge with refreshments, which was nice since we had been driving all morning.

Upon boarding, we were greeted with champagne and mimosas. We kept moving as we were so excited to explore the ship and see our villa, which was located on the 14th deck. The elevator even had a special slot that wouldn’t let you push the button to your floor unless you inserted the platinum (VIP) room key.

The Courtyard was absolutely gorgeous. There was a warm natural water pool (no chlorine to irritate the skin!) in the center and a Turkish steam bath and traditional sauna at the far end. It resembled a greenhouse with plants and an earthy décor. Besides the courtyard, there was a private sun deck where you could lounge on oversized cushioned deck furniture. On top of that, the deck and courtyard attendant brought us anything we needed. [Read more →]

By Julie Atkins, Manager of Client Services & Group Administration

Taking a baby on vacation may seem more challenging than rewarding, and in my experience it’s a bit of both. I always joke when I get back from vacation with my daughter that I need another vacation on my own! When Erin was six months old we decided to take her on her first cruise.

I chose Holland America because they had the most suitable itinerary, sailing on the ms Eurodam. When choosing an itinerary with babies or young children, the Caribbean is a very good choice. We visited St Thomas, Tortola and Grand Turk which are best known for their soft sandy beaches. We went for 7 nights and traveled in the month of December.

Eastern Caribbean Beaches

When you arrive at the ports of call, the best source of information is of course the locals. So we always ask them where the quiet, family-friendly beaches are and we are never disappointed.

One of the ports of call is Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private Island. They have an option to book a Cabana on the beach and I would highly recommend doing this. It allowed us to spend the entire day at the beach, it was air conditioned and stocked all day with soft drinks and fruit. They have comfortable cushioned lounges and exclusive waiter service. Priceless! [Read more →]

Warm weather and sunny skies can only mean one thing, it’s time to hit the beach! And with so much cruising experience, it’d just be downright selfish if we didn’t share our favorite beaches. Without further ado, our favorite beaches and beach experiences:

Adam Wolf
My favorite beach is Magens Bay located on the north shore on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.  Magens Bay beach is a state park…the beach is heart shaped and is approximately 1 mile long, featuring serene turquoise waters, beautiful white sand, and plenty of shaded areas under the trees…typically there are no waves or currents at the beach.  Lifeguards are on duty during the day and there is a bar, gift shop, and great bath facilities…don’t miss eating breakfast there at the snack bar.  National Geographic magazine called it one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world!

Gloria Hanson
I would have to say one of my favorite beaches is in Bonaire. I can’t swim and am not particularly fond of water activities because of this impediment, however, when we cruised to Bonaire and I saw how shallow the water was, it gave me a whole new outlook on water sports. [Read more →]

By Warren Turner, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

There are lots of attractions on a cruise, but one of the best can be the dining experience. Whenever I cruise I try and sample one or more of the specialty restaurants on the ship. This gives you a change of pace in the decor and cuisine as well as service. Especially if you want to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or some other milestone, the specialty restaurant makes a good choice. I am frankly not a “foodie,” a food snob, or for that matter much of a cook. I love diner burgers and fries as well as the next guy. But evenings I’ve spent at specialty restaurants have given me more of an appreciation for the artistry and subtlety of fine cuisine.

Although you may pay a bit extra (about $15 – $30 per passenger) for the experience, you often can get a six-star dining evening at a fraction of the cost you would pay to do so on land. Although there is always plenty to eat, the emphasis is on the quality of the cuisine. The presentation and unobtrusive yet consistent service contribute to a memorable dinner as you leisurely linger through each course. I always enjoy the palate cleansers mid-meal that typically are part of the experience. This comes from the French custom, to remove lingering flavors from the mouth so your next course can be enjoyed with a fresh perspective. It also serves as a digestive–to avoid heartburn or indigestion, plus to stimulate the appetite. It might be sorbet, a neutral food, or a light beverage. [Read more →]