This is one of the most beautiful memories i have………..the day we spent on Holland America’s Private Island

A recent visit to Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas, illustrates the cruise travel industry’s ongoing effort to exceed the expectations of its guests. Air-conditioned, open-air beach cabanas are available just a few steps from warm, blue, pristine waters. Private butlers magically appear (for a small fee) from nowhere to fill one’s beverage glass; others prepare hot and chilled appetizers, as well as cool cucumbers to sooth guests’ eyes from the tropical sun.

Is this heaven? Not quite, but these breathtaking private islands surely are memorable for cruisers wanting to enjoy total stress reduction.

Many Caribbean cruises include a stop at some of the Caribbean Sea’s most picturesque islands. Turquoise waters, stunning coral reefs, beautiful beaches, native fauna and wildlife draw the awe of visitors. For the more active crowd, a variety of optional island exploration and water sports activities keep people busy all day long.

Beach umbrellas, cabanas and other shady spots are available to those who want to step out of the sun. Beachside massages sooth the senses. Guests who want privacy are invited to visit many of the islands’ more isolated and secluded beaches. Families are more than welcome, with plenty to do for all ages, including aqua parks, hiking trails and other kid-friendly activities. Many areas on the islands are handicap accessible.

The following is a rundown on the private island ports of call by cruise line:

Costa Cruises- Costa Cruises guests visit Catalina Island, off the coast of the Dominican Republic. It features activities such as volleyball, beach Olympics, snorkeling and massages on the beach. Cruise passengers can also rent jet skis, go for banana-boat rides, or relax on a long beach edged with palm trees. Music and barbecues complete an idyllic day and, for the tourist-minded, visitors can purchase jewelry, beachwear and other souvenirs.

Disney Cruise Line - Disney’s Castaway Cay provides plenty of magic and fun for people of all ages. The three-mile long island, of which only ten percent has been developed, provides plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy its natural beauty. The island caters to guests in true Disney style. This is the only private island featuring cruise ship-docking capabilities, versus shuttle boats between the ship and island. This allows guests to come and go as they wish. Attractions include the Castaway Family Beach, Serenity Bay for adults, Teen Beach and Scuttle’s Cove for kids, plus numerous water sports, snorkeling and water tour excursions.

Holland America - Half Moon Cay, rated the “Best Private Island” by Porthole Cruise Magazine, 8 times now, is located on three mile-long Little San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, of which only two percent has been developed. Half Moon Cay was built on a crescent-shaped white sand beach more than a mile in length. Island attractions include horseback riding, snorkeling with stingrays, personal watercraft tours, kayak lagoon tours, parasailing, massages and the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park. Your private butler will attend to virtually any need during your stay, and the island makes a lovely setting for a destination wedding.

MSC Cruises- Many MSC Caribbean cruises stop for the day in Cayo Levantado, off the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic’s Samana Peninsula. As at all the other private islands, passengers can enjoy a beautiful beach, go snorkeling or swimming. There are beach chairs, umbrellas and walking paths, plus tables for an open-air lunch. Travelers also have the option of taking a tour (including jeep safaris and whale-watching).

Unlike the other cruise lines, Cayo Levantado isn’t actually MSC’s private island; it’s owned by a Dominican company. Another caveat: a day at this beach is considered a shore excursion, and passengers are charged a fee to play here.

Norwegian Cruise Line - Travelers set foot on Great Stirrup Cay, located 120 nautical miles east of Fort Lauderdale in the Berry Island chain of the Bahamas. There are two maintained beaches on the island, plus several other more isolated ones. Visitors enjoy native fauna, animals and marine life at every turn. Water sports activities include snorkeling, paddle boats, sailboats, kayaks and parasailing. Special cruise line “Olympic” competitions are frequently held on the island for guests, as well.

Princess Cruise Line - Princess Cays is located on the southern portion of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, featuring white-sand beaches and turquoise waters great for snorkeling. Island activities include seaboards, aqua bikes, Hobie Cat and Sunfish sailboats, paddle wheelers, Banana Boats or transparent hull kayaks at the water sports pier. Enjoy a beach barbeque and a full staff of drink servers is ready with cocktails and soda. For those who want to just relax, there are plenty of beach umbrellas, tiki huts and hammocks slung between shady trees.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises- Although not affiliated with Princess, ships of Regent Seven Seas do make stops at Princess Cays on some of their Caribbean itineraries.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity- Located in the middle of the Caribbean is the secluded 140-acre private island of Coco Cay, reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests. The tropical paradise was recently updated with new aquatic facilities, nature trails and numerous places to relax. A favorite attraction is the new 20,000 square-foot Caylana’s Castle Cove, a fun-filled floating aqua playground. Other popular activities include SeaTrek adventure waverunners, snorkeling and parasailing 400 feet above Coco Cay. The sandy beach and coral reefs of Labadee, their second private island, also is a wonderful place to relax and have fun. Activities include kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing and bike riding. Become a pirate for a day, ride a waverunner, or just lie on the beach and relax.

My husband, Jeff, owns a Harley and he thought this would be a great summer vacation idea for us and other Harley lovers.

Harley Davidson® has established rental locations throughout the world to accommodate the growing cadre of international road warriors. All rentals are late-model Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, serviced and maintained to strict company standards.

To make it easier for you, see the complete listing of international Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals® locations.

Here are a few examples of the exciting Harley rental ideas you will see:

Harley-Davidson Roma – Via Silvio Spaventa 15/17- Phone +39 064880452

Now THIS is the way to see the Eternal City. Your Harley will navigate the narrow streets, allow you to park anywhere along the way, and – you’ll get to the Appian Way a lot quicker than did Caesar’s Roman Legions. Whether it’s pure sightseeing or romance that’s in the air, you will not be disappointed. Ciao!

Harley-Davidson Zürich – Müllerstrasse 34a, Zürich 8004 – Phone +41 044 / 225 41 21 – Fax +41 044 / 225 41 22

You’ve been motoring along the Swiss Alps and have decided to give your bike a rest. Time for some R&R back on your European river cruise vessel – check out AMAWATERWAYS – ms Amalegro, 13 Nights – 2010: The Enchanting Rhine. A stop in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, offers numerous historical (and romantic) opportunities. Whether traveling solo or accompanied by a partner, the blend of biking, river cruising and sightseeing is a combination that won’t be beat.

While biking on your Harley offers terrific side-trip opportunities on any cruise, note that there are some things to keep in mind before you sign up for your rental. For most of Harley Davisdson’s® international rental locations, riders must generally:

Be 21 years of age or older, Have a valid heavyweight motorcycle operator’s license and of course Have a major credit card.

Enjoy!

I personally know someone in Haiti who needs help.

Danita manages an orphanage, school and church plus feeds many others who are in need in Haiti. It’s called Danita’s Children, Hope for Haiti Children’s Center. Many of my friends have visited Danita’s orphanage in Haiti to help with construction, cleaning, cooking, sewing, taking generators and much more from the USA.

I would like to share her story with you. Danita was a model who felt there was a higher purpose for her in this life. She had spent some time in Haiti and, during one of her trips as she dined at a restaurant, her heart was breaking as she watched children rummage through the restaurant garbage for scraps of food. One little boy in particular seemed to make eye contact with her. As she watched him, a man came upon him and began beating him with a whip. She pushed the rather large man away and then began her mission in Haiti.

About Danita………………….and her orphanage. Although the Children’s Center is ok from the earthquake, they plan to take in some of the children who have lost parents in this catastrophe. Her full story is here:  http://www.danitaschildren.org/

Facebook is here. They only have about 800 fans. Perhaps in the next month or so this email will generate thousands for them:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33191921362&ref=search&sid=713189845.3640803289..1&v=info

Here are ways to give to the people in Haiti who really need our help. CruiseCompete is beginning this assistance with a donation of $1,000 to be sent today.

https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/DanitasChildrenHopeforH/OnlineDonation.html

If you find this meaningful, it would be nice for you to send to some of your friends and ask them to help also.

Thank you for your consideration and warmest regards,

Heidi

Executive VP & Group Publisher

AllThingsCruise – CruiseCompete – ResortCompete – CompeteVentures

+1 (248) 651.4491 – office

+1 (248) 935.3224 – cell

HShane@CruiseCompete.com

- The Yachts of Seabourn is offering complimentary round trip business and economy airfare from 27 North American gateways to 52 European voyages in the summer of 2010. The featured cruises are aboard four of its intimate, all-suite yachts – Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Odyssey and the new Seabourn Sojourn, slated to debut in June 2010. To qualify, bookings must be made between January 4 and February 28, 2010.  I would  suggest checking with CruiseCompete to find the best deal on the cabins.

My doctor, who is a favorite friend as well, recommends the “New” Global entry program, to expedite getting thru customs and immigration – this costs around $100, but well worth it.

Rx  1. Global Entry is a pilot program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Although this program is intended for “frequent travelers” who make several international trips per year, there is no minimum number of trips an applicant must make in order to qualify.

The process requires participants to present their machine-readable U.S. passport or permanent resident card, submit their fingerprints for biometric verification, and make a customs declaration at the kiosk’s touch-screen. Upon successful completion of the Global Entry process at the kiosk, the traveler is issued a transaction receipt and directed to baggage claim and the exit, unless chosen for a selective or random secondary referral.

Travelers must be pre-approved before they can participate in the pilot program. All applicants will undergo a rigorous background check and be interviewed by a CBP officer before they are enrolled. Automated enforcement checks will occur each time the member uses the kiosk to enter the United States. Although pre-approved for the program and determined to be low risk, members of Global Entry may be examined at any time when entering the United States.

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/global_entry/global_entry.ctt/global_entry.pdf

He is a devout cruiser, however, his devotion lies solely with Oceania…and he is just one of many I’ve spoken with who sings their praises.  It seems that many cruisers are instant converts; once they cruise on Oceania, they never want to cruise on another line.

So why the unwavering loyalty to this particular cruise line?  The staff and the warm hospitality cruisers receive is absolutely outstanding on each and every cruise.

Oceania’s lovely staterooms and suites may be another reason.  They have some of the nicest linens Butler service, private verandas some cabins are 2,500 + square feet.

Another well-loved aspect of the Oceania cruises is the dining.  Oceania reputation for fine cuisine is oft-repeated among its dedicated cruisers; the legendary Jacques Pepin serves as Ocean’s Executive Culinary Director.  A wide variety of offerings is available aboard each ship, and the venues, ranging from casual to “5-star restaurant”

Lastly, the passenger’s services and activities on Oceania’s ships, offerings include fine salon and spa services, along gym facilities, Aromatic Steam Room, a Thalassotherapy Pool, and Asian therapy treatments.

Overall it seems to be the county club atmosphere that keeps Oceania lovers coming back for more.

The recent launch announcement of Oceania’s new ship, Marina, in winter 2010, holds some additional clues.  (See the full announcement here.)

Marina, the newest member of the Oceania Cruises fleet, will be open for reservations in mid-January.

Oceania Club Members may make their reservations during an Exclusive Five Day Members-Only Reservation Period from January 13th through the 18th by calling 800-531-5658.

Itineraries and Fares will be available on OceaniaCruises.com beginning January 18th when Marina opens for reservations to the general public.

If you are interested in the Marina, please send an email to hshane@CruiseCompete.com put Oceania Marina in the subject and include your name, Past Passenger number is imperative, email address and phone number.  We will put you on the list to be contacted when we have more information.

Oceania Cruises has commissioned Lalique, the fabled French artists of jewelry and crystal to design a grand stairway for the reception area of its new Marina, currently under construction in Italy.

The stunning Lalique Grand Staircase will feature double curved staircases and balcony with balustrades of crystal medallions and scrolled iron. Six crystal pillars rising from the landing adorn the two-story, glass elevator surround. A brass banister is complemented by a mahogany handrail.

At the base – as a dramatic centerpiece – is Lalique’s highly prestigious Cactus table surrounded by etched crystal screens and flanked by newels capped with prominent crystal finials. An exquisite and striking Lalique vase, with fresh flower display, will sit atop the table.

“The Grand Staircase is an icon aboard all the ships of Oceania Cruises and a signature element of our brand. It is only fitting that Marina, being the design masterpiece that she is, will welcome her guests with this magnificent two-story display of the world’s finest artistry and craftsmanship,” stated Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises.

Lalique sculptures and crystal accessories will also be displayed throughout the ship as part of Marina’s multi-million dollar art collection.

“We have designed Marina with the same superior craftsmanship and finite attention to detail that you would find in the finest designer homes and Lalique has been a fixture of timeless, elegant design for over a century,” added Binder.

Oceania Cruises previously announced that its palatial Owner’s Suites would be furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home. Additional design elements will be unveiled over the next month.

The 1,258-guest Marina has been purposefully designed to carry discerning travelers to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Crystal, rich woods, marble and granite, wool carpets and lustrous leathers adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.

Inaugural itineraries for Marina will be revealed in the coming weeks. Reservations open in January 2010. For more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit OceaniaCruises.com or call Oceania Cruises toll-free at 800-531-5658.

TRAVEL – CRUISE DEALS As with virtually every part of the travel industry, cruise lines are offering some sizable discounts to fill their ships. CruiseCompete is a great place to begin looking for bargains. Based in Des Moines, Iowa (with nary a cruise ship in sight), the service asks you first to pick a cruise ship and the dates you wish to sail. It then shares that information with more than 300 travel agencies, which email prices back to you. You pick the lowest bid and book with that agent. The service is free. Clicking on “View all Cruise Specials” on the Web site’s home page allows you to search cruises by various categories: region, cruise line, length of cruise and type of traveler.

Taking your own nanny is one way to go, which my husband and I always seemed to do.  There were positives, and also some negatives.  We did not get to have just pure family time and I wanted my children all to myself since the rest of the year I was busy working and could not give my full and undivided attention to them.

So……I think using the lines child care options is an alternative which may also be a little less expensive, in addition to giving you and your family well needed privacy.

Most cruise lines have a minimum age for children to sail; ages range from 3 months to 12 years, depending on the cruise line.  Be sure to verify this minimum age before booking a cruise.

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AMA WATERWAYS-  AMA Waterways cruises are primarily designed for the adult traveler. Children are allowed however there are no child-specific programs or child minding facilities.  Minimum age to sail on AMA is 2 years.

AZAMARA- Azamara Cruises is primarily designed for the mature guest; so while the cruise line does welcome guests of all ages, no formal children’s programs or facilities are onboard their ships.  Minimum age requirement to sail on Azamara is 6 months old, with the exception of Transatlantic and Transpacific cruises/cruise tours, as well as other select cruises/cruise tours, where the infant must be at least 12 months old. As of July 30, 2009, the list of cruises to which the 12 month minimum age requirement applies is as follows: Azamara Quest – November 8, 2009 and April 9, 2010.  All Transatlantic and Transpacific cruises. Any cruise tours associated with these cruises are also subject to the 12 month minimum age requirement.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES- Carnival Cruise Line’s Youth Program, Camp Carnival, is designed for 2-11 year olds, but children younger than 2 can play with the toys during designated family play times (parents must be present!).   There are babysitting services during limited hours for children younger than two at Camp Carnival; rates are $6 for the first child and $4 for each additional child.  Minimum age for sailing is 6 months, with the exceptions of Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American cruises, which are 12 months.

CELEBRITY CRUISES- Celebrity offers private, in-cabin babysitters. A child must be 12 months old to qualify for this service and no more than two children are allowed per babysitter.  Parents should expect to make requests for services at least 24 hours in advance.  Minimum sailing age on Celebrity Cruises is 6 months, with the exception of Transatlantic, Transpacific, and select South American cruises, where the child must be at least 12 months old.  Beginning July 30, 2009, the following cruises are also subject to the 12 month requirement: Celebrity Infinity – January 31, 2010, February 14, 2010, January 30, 2011, and February 13, 2011.  Associated cruise tours are also subject to the 12 month minimum age requirement.

COSTA- There are no organized activities for children under the age of three, but during the low season/off-peak times families can access the children’s areas.  Costa Cruise also provides a group baby-sitting service in their “Miniclub” (between 11:30pm-1:30am) so that parents may take part in cruise entertainment.  Costa also provides, on request, cribs, high chairs, baby bath, bottle warmers and liquidized food.  Minimum age to sail on Costa is 6 months.

CRYSTAL- Crystal Cruises does not have a formal program for children under the age of three, but babysitting services are available.  Arrangements can be made through the concierge; parents should expect to provide 24 hours notice and pay a nominal charge for babysitting services. The minimum age to sail on Crystal Cruises is 6 months.

CUNARD- On Cunard’s ships, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2, parents will find well-equipped nurseries and children’s centers, featuring toys, games and activities.  These children’s areas are supervised by nannies and youth staff, but children must be one year old to participate without parents; children under one are welcome with parental supervision.  Both ships offer a family pool area, and there is complimentary group child-sitting available in the evenings.  Minimum sailing age on Cunard is 6 months on Alaska, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Trans-canal and Australia/New Zealand voyages. All other voyages, including Transatlantic and Transpacific itineraries, require an age of 12 months.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE- Already well-known for being a family-friendly line, Disney Cruises is also among the best for infant programs.  Flounder’s Reef Nursery accepts children from 12 weeks to 36 months; the counselor ratio is 1:4 for infants and 1:6 for toddlers.  Amenities include: baby swings, walkers, books, toys, games, a television and DVD area.  There is also a soft play area and separate nursery with cribs.  Parents should expect to carry a pager (attendants do not change diapers) and pay $6.00 per hour for the first child, and $5.00 per hour for each additional child.  The minimum age to sail on Disney is 12 weeks old.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE- Holland America Line does not provide children’s programs or babysitting for children under three, but a limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available to cruisers at no charge. Parents should expect to reserve these items in advance, at the time of booking.   The minimum age to sail on Holland America Line is 12 months.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE- NCL offers youth programs and group babysitting for children ages 2-12, including a ‘FreeStyle Play” period where all age groups play together. Group babysitting outside of the complimentary Kid’s Crew program runs $6 per child per hour, and $4 per hour for additional siblings. NCL does not have programs in place for children under age two, and no private babysitting is available. The minimum age to sail on NCL is 6 months.

OCEANIA- Oceania’s cruises are designed for adults and do not provide care, entertainment, or supervision for children.  Oceania’s minimum sailing age is 6 months.

P&O CRUISES- P&O offers a children’s program- The Reef- starting at age two.  Splasher’s, for 2 – 4 year olds is a day program filled with activities and designed for young children.  In the evening, parents can take advantage of the cruise line’s supervised night nursery.  Parents should be aware that this service is operated on a first-come, first-serve basis, and infants must be settled and sleeping before they leave.  Minimum age to sail on P&O Cruises is 12 months.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN- Designed for babies 6-18 months, all Royal Caribbean’s ships have incorporated a “Royal Babies” program into their cruises. These playgroups are 45-minute sessions (parents must accompany the child) that include activities like baby gymnastics and musical inspiration.  On the newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean also provides a nursery, with child watch options day and night.   Children are divided into two age groups within the nursery:  Babies (6-17 months) up to and including 1 day less than 18 months, and Tots (18-36 months). Parents should expect to carry a phone, and the charge is $8 per hour, per child. Each session must be a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 6 hours.  The minimum age to sail is 6 months on most itineraries, but is 12 months on all Transatlantic, Transpacific and Hawaii cruises.  Some South American and other cruises are also 12 months, be sure to check age requirements for your specific cruise.

RSSC- Regent Seven Seas Cruises does not provide formal activities for young children on their sailings, but the line does provide in-suite babysitting services (expect to pay $25 per hour!)  The minimum age to sail on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is 6 months.

SEABOURN- Tailored for the adult cruiser, there are no onboard facilities for kids, nor does Seabourn offer a supervised children’s program.  Minimum sailing age is 1 year for trans-Atlantic cruises, and World cruises.  Minimum age is 6 months for all other sailings.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB- SeaDream Yacht Club does not provide activities/amenities specifically for children.  The minimum age to sail on a SeaDream is 12 months.

SILVERSEA– Silversea’s luxury cruise line programs are designed for adults and they do not provide care, entertainment, or supervision for children.  Minimum sailing age on Silversea is 6 months.

UNIWORLD- Uniworld’s position is that most children -specifically those under 8- do not take pleasure in or appreciate the river cruise experience. There are no special programs, activities or accommodations for children on Uniworld river cruises and tour programs.  The minimum age to cruise on Uniworld is 4 years.

VIKING RIVER- Viking River Cruises does not maintain facilities or services for children due to the nature of their cruises.  Minimum age to cruise on Viking River is 12 years.

WINDSTAR CRUISES- Children, especially infants and toddlers, are not encouraged aboard Windstar cruises, and the cruise line does not provide care, supervision, or entertainment of children.  Minimum age to cruise on Windstar is 2 years.

Are you thinking about taking a cruise vacation to get away from all the snow, but you’re just not sure if it will be the right vacation for you and your family? With new ships and record occupancy rates, cruise travel is more popular than ever. Not surprisingly, cruises have become the fastest-growing segment of the travel market during the past five years.

This can make it difficult for you to find the right ship at the right price. To sway those still blowing in the (cold February) wind, it is time to dispel a number of popular myths about travel on the high seas:

Myth No. 1: You have to fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale to get on a cruise ship.

Reality: Cruises depart from most major cities; New England in particular has a vast number of cruise line voyages departing from Boston New London, Portland as well as nearby New York City or Philadelphia, all within a reasonable drive from here with no added air fare or airport security hassles.

Lines to consider are Carnival Cruise Lines, Clipper, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America Line, Norwegian, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Silversea. Most offer voyages to exotic from Boston to Bermuda, the Caribbean, New England / Canada, and Transatlantic voyagers which connect in Europe to other types of cruises including a World Cruise leave right out of your own backyard.

Myth No. 2: People only take cruises when the weather turns cold.

Reality: Cruise travel is a year-round pastime. Sure, it is a great way to beat the cold, but families also take cruises during the summer months when children are out of school. It also offers a good way to get away from the cape during our crowded tourist season. Cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas run year-round. The Alaska cruising season runs May through September; Europe between April and November; Bermuda, April through October; and Panama Canal, between September and April.

Myth No. 3: Cruises are too long.

Reality: Cruise lengths actually vary significantly to meet personal tastes. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, during 2004 itineraries of 1-5 days accounted for 31% of the cruise market; itineraries of 6-8 days made up 57%of the market; and 9-17 day sailings accounted for 11%. Less than 1% of all cruises booked lasted longer.

Myth No. 4: There’s nothing for men to do on a cruise.

Reality: Cruise ships are floating resorts, with plenty of fun for men as well as women. The flurry of activities on board a cruise ship is amazing and most men will be dazzled with too many entertainment choices. Typical activities include shore excursions, water sports, pool activities, fitness centers, live entertainment, casinos, bingo, dance lessons, talent contests, karaoke, wine tasting, rock wall climbing, spas, movies and much more. Most days are spent in exotic ports with plenty to see and do. Golfers can play challenging, top-ranked island courses (extra fees may apply); gourmets love the dining; explorers find adventure in every port.

Myth No. 5: Kids are bored on a cruise.

Reality: All of the major cruise lines offer organized programs and camps for children and they usually have a blast. They can participate all day or only in specific activities. This provides for both fun family time and a chance for parents to relax on their own. Daycare and babysitting services also are available, usually at no charge.

Myth No. 6: There are no medical personnel on board a cruise ship.

Reality: Virtually every cruise ship has a fully equipped medical facility and staff on board to handle almost any emergency. The cruise lines also have precautions in place if a person has to be evacuated to a hospital on land (be sure to purchase trip insurance, most cover these types of medical emergencies). Prescription medication should be kept close at hand in a purse or carry-on, rather than in checked luggage. It also is a good idea to carry a written list of medications with dosages in case they are lost.

Myth No. 7: Cruise ships spend all their time at sea.

Reality: Cruise vacationers actually have the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time on land. Virtually every cruise features multiple ports of call, giving travelers a chance to visit beautiful, secluded beaches, vibrant cities and popular tourist sites, as well as enjoy breathtaking scenery. Every port offers a unique experience. Ships usually arrive in port early in the morning, allowing plenty of time for shopping, dining, visiting historical sites and exploring the area. Planned excursions, arranged by the ship’s staff or local sightseeing companies, also are available for an extra cost.

Myth No. 8: Everyone gains weight on a cruise.

Reality: While cruises are known for having plenty of food available, cruise lines are very aware of the healthy-eating lifestyles of a growing number of cruisers. Every meal offers healthy choices as part of their already extensive food selections prepared under the direction of some of the greatest chefs in the world. Plus, there are plenty of activities on board and off to help people burn away any extra calories during their vacations.

Myth No. 9: A cruise ship cabin is claustrophobic.

Reality: An inside economy cabin does tend to be small and by definition lacks a window but, in actuality, people spend very little time in their cabin except to sleep. An outside cabin (ocean view) has a window or porthole, while a balcony (veranda) cabin has a glass door leading to a balcony usually equipped with a small table and chairs. Most ships feature larger suites for those who truly need more space.

A seven night cruise costs about 35% less than seven nights at a comparable resort.

Myth No. 10: Some people become seasick on cruises.

Reality: Even if you suffer from motion sickness during car rides or on airplanes, it is still unlikely you will become seasick on a cruise ship. Due to their immense size and stabilizers that all ships are equipped with, you probably will not notice any motion at all. Some parts of the ocean, however, are rougher than others. If you do get seasick, medications are available on board to get you back on your feet quickly.

Myth No. 11: You lose touch with the world on a cruise.

Reality: While some people relish the thought of getting away from it all, the cruise industry realizes many folks like to stay in touch. Many of the newer ships have business centers with fax capabilities and Internet access. Cruise ships also publish a daily newsletter with major news, sports scores and stock quotes. Most cabins have televisions and telephones enabling you to call someone on shore through the ship’s radio operator while at sea. Calls can be made from most ports too. Cell phones, however, will not work at sea.

Myth No. 12: Cruises are expensive.

Reality: A cruise is actually one of the best travel values out there. Where else could you find a shine, new and classy resort, on the ocean, with all meals and entertainment included for the price? Children’s programs also are generally included at no extra charge.

Airfare and transfers may also be available for an additional fee, but usually at group rates arranged by the cruise line.

A seven night cruise costs about 35% less than seven nights at a comparable resort.