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The 4 best diving destinations in the Caribbean

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Scuba diving is one of the best activities a person could ever experience and scuba divers know it. It´s not just one of those things you do once and never do it again. It’s something that can easily become a passion. Scuba diving means being able to explore a new world that normally humans have very limited access to: The Ocean. Swimming and being at the beach will never ever be the same for you after you have tried Scuba Diving. You will not only start to enjoy the ocean, the water and the sand better, but something else will magically happen. And this is a fact. Scuba diving will automatically teach you to respect the ocean, and all the living creatures that live inside of it. You will immediately look at a shark a different way that you used to before. You will start thinking every single living thing that you find while you scuba dive deserves to be there because the environment where you found it, needs it and has allowed it to be born there for a reason. You will understand the cycle of life underwater and you will even start loving the enormous creatures you were afraid of before. You will also understand humans are not even tasty for them and if you ever have the joy and luck to experience scuba diving with dozens of hammerhead sharks around you, you will know that happiness and excitement have their own ways to appear. There are different kinds of environments for scuba diving and temperature is definitely one of those factors that can make you choose a diving destination from another. Normally, cold waters will show you different and bigger ocean inhabitants than warmer waters, but warm waters will always have the colorful panorama only small sized schools of fish can offer when they are just passing by, while you relax and feel like you are flying, only underwater. Therefore, when it comes to choosing a warm, comfortable, relaxing and colorful ocean to scuba dive, the Caribbean is the place to go. The Caribbean of course has many places to scuba dive. Here are the top 4 places to find the most beautiful scuba diving experiences in the Caribbean:

Bahamas

The possibilities that can be found in the Bahamas are diving marvels of all types. You will find shipwrecks, blue holes, shallow reefs, amazing coral walls, and for the more adventurous, there are plenty of shark dives. You can choose between land-based operators, or live-aboard dive boats.

The water temperature in the summer normally goes around the high 80s, while in the winter it may drop to 70. Visibility usually great, with an average of 80 to 100 feet.

Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the diving destinations divers have to visit, at least once in a lifetime. It offers currents, perfect water temperatures, walls, a Spanish galleon, caves with sleeping sharks and other big animals such as green turtles, nurse sharks, eagle rays and green moray eels. It is a real pleasure for your eyes. Cozumel is a year-round dive destination, so it doesn’t matter when you want to go, there will always be great dive experiences waiting there for you.

Water temperature flows between 75 and 85, depending on the season.

Image courtesy of Serge Melki at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Serge Melki at Flickr.com

Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are known for the beautiful walls that is offers. Caverns with multiple hogfish, huge lobsters, enormous yellow tube sponges and also shipwrecks will amaze you all along.  A special place called Sunset Reef (55 feet) holds the well-known Bronze Beauty. It is also called the Mermaid of Grand Cayman. A statue made by a Canadian artist, who after a contest, named her Amphitrite, Queen of Seas, who in mythology was the wife of Poseidon, Lord of the Oceans. It was placed there is October, 2000 and it is a wonderful site to visit.

Water temperature in Cayman Islands normally goes around 78.

Image courtesy of Mark F at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Mark F at Flickr.com

Bonaire

Famous not only for the diving beauties it offers, Bonaire also has a great reputations when it comes to ocean conservation standards. It is one the few places on earth that truly protects and respects its underwater treasures not only for the tourist attractions and economic benefits they can get from the ocean, but also for the fact that the Island’s government really cares about taking care of these valuable natural assets. Bonaire is a diver’s paradise and it is tailor-made for divers. It offers more than 400 fish species and it is almost guaranteed you will be able to see seahorses, coral and hermit crabs. The famous Hilma Hooker shipwreck is one of the famous dive attractions of the island, and is one that you don’t want to miss. Bonaire is a place that you will surely want to visit more than once.

Water temperatures are almost always in the low 80s and visibility will normally be 100 ft.

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Before you cruiseCruiseCruise Tips

4 important questions you need to answer before you choose the perfect cruise

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

It’s time to plan your next vacation and you like to do it a few months ahead so you can get better prices and availability, which is always a good decision. Now, the big question is where to go and what  to do. For some time you have been wondering what it would be like to go on a cruise and since you have never been on one, you might as well get all the information you can in order to make the best decision, since there are so many options out there when it comes to cruising. When you have decided you want to go on a cruise you have to make sure you gather all the possible opinions from your friends and family, or find reviews and testimonials on the internet so you can be absolutely confident that the cruise you have selected is the perfect one for you. Many people become expert cruisers because the first time they did it, they thought it went so well, they decided cruising was the way they wanted to continue exploring the world. Cruise lines even have special prices and gifts for those who become frequent cruisers, and some even take the same cruise again and again. Other people just decide never to go on a cruise again because they either didn’t like the idea of being on a boat for more than a day or it turns out the cruise they selected wasn’t quite the proper one for them so the expectations they had are completely different than what they found on the cruise and that is when you can become a one-time cruiser, which is pretty sad, because just because you made a bad decision, it doesn’t mean cruising is one of the coolest, completest, fun and exciting ways to explore the planet.  People who are not happy with the cruise they chose, are people that after the cruise ends, will start telling their friends and family all the negative things they experienced on their last vacations, and that is something you should definitely try to avoid, if you don’t want to miss the magic you can experience and the lifetime memories you can take with you forever after choosing and taking the perfect cruise for you. So now that you know the importance of picking “the right one”, take a look at these tips that will make the decision making easier for you.

Image courtesy of Brook Ward on Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Brook Ward on Flickr.com

Who?

The first question to ask yourself is Who will you be taking the cruise with. Depending on the answer you give, the choices will vary, because there are types of cruises for every single type of companions you decide to go with. If it’s with your family, meaning there will be children coming along with you, then you will have cruise lines and options that specialize in family entertainment and activities, destinations, and even type of accommodation that will be right for you. If you decide to go as a couple on a romantic getaway, the family type of cruise is not really what you´re looking for. There are some cruise lines that can offer luxury cruises, specialized in comforting couples, with special cuisine on board, spa options, wine selections and of course romantic destinations that will be also different from those you can select if you travel for example with a group of friends where your biggest interest is to have fun together and share nice experiences.

Where?

The destination is also very important. Where do you want to go? Which part of the world are you interested in exploring? Are you looking for nice warm sunny weather or are have you been dreaming about winter and iceberg landscapes? This may be one of the most important details you may want to be sure of before you decide which cruise to take.

When?

The time of year is crucial in the decision making of which cruise you are going to take for your next vacation. There is a proper destination for every season. If it is the summer, you might want to consider a cold destination like Alaska, where the weather is probably the best in that time of the year. If it is in the winter that you want to travel because you want to escape from the ice cold weather you have at home, then you should probably choose a tropical paradise like the Caribbean. It doesn’t matter when you want to go on a cruise, there will always be a great destination for the exact time that you want to take your vacation.

How?

How is actually for “How much”. Budget is always a big factor when it comes to making decisions, mainly for those that involve leisure. When you decide taking a vacation the top priorities are to have fun, relax and forget about reality for a few days. This means that part of those priorities is the fact that you don’t want to have to worry about anything, especially not money. So take a good look at how much you can afford to spend and what types of cruises fit your budget. There are cruises for all types of budgets. Cruise prices can vary also depending on the number of days you want to take the cruise. The more days you are on a cruise and the more destinations you want to visit, the more the cruise will cost. The type of cabin is also something you can choose depending on how much you want to spend. If the cabin has a window or not, if it has a balcony or not and the type of bed you want in it, will definitely make your cruise more or less expensive. So make sure you take all of these options into account and finding the perfect cruise for you will be a sure thing.

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Before you cruiseCruise TipsDestination TipsRoyal Holiday

7 Tips to make your first cruise your best vacation ever

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Almost everyone has dreamed about cruising sometime, or has at least felt the curiosity of what a cruise would be like. The idea of “living” on a huge ship for a few days or even a week, surrounded by nothing more than gorgeous, clear, blue water and paradisiac islands, is just the perfect thought if you’re thinking about relaxing and forgetting about reality for a while.

Unlimited drinks and cocktails, Ice creams, yummy treats and having at least 4-5 different restaurants where you can find all kinds of delicious international meals, cooked by the best chefs, will be part of the vacation you are absolutely sure you deserve. Try also thinking about the week lasting, warm, sunny weather; the perfect tan you will get by only laying on the deck with your favorite cocktail, a good book, great music, and why not, a couple of new friends you just met on board. It actually sounds like the best plan you can imagine.

Cruising will not only offer you the best way to escape from almost everything, but it also allows you to see new places, mainly islands that you didn’t know existed, cultures you never even thought possible and the kindest people you could ever meet. Nevertheless, cruising has it tricks, and first timers could definitely use some advice and tips to make the stay a lot easier, and of course a lot more fun.

1. Make sure you are an early bird

If you are planning to go on a cruise, try booking a few months before the departure time. Discounts and great offers are available if you plan your trip with time. The price you pay for booking a cruise will vary, depending on the time you decide to pay for it. You will find surprises, either good ones, or not so good ones, therefore planning it with time, will be one of the best decisions to make if you’re decided to go cruising for the first time.

2. Take Baby steps when cruising for the first time

Some people don’t really think about it, but the idea of living on a ship for a few days, or even a week is not always easy, and rather claustrophobic, especially if you’re the type of person who is used to having a very active lifestyle. Make sure the first cruise you take isn’t longer than 4 days. Longer cruises may be a bit more difficult to manage. It doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect way to rest and relax, but if you want some advice on timing, up to 4 days is perfect for new cruisers.

3. Know your environment

One of the most important things of cruising is learning the layout of the ship, right after you unpack. Most cruises offer a ship tour or you can take a deck plan from the reception desk. Make sure you know where the most important parts of the ship are located. That way you won’t get lost or if you agree to meet a new friend somewhere on the ship, you will know exactly where you have to be, on time.

4. Great attitude always!

People on cruises are just always kind. It’s probably because everyone is in the same vacation mood and that is always contagious. The crew on the ships is also always very friendly, not only because it is their job, but because being kind to someone will always make that someone be kind to you. And that is a general rule, not only for cruises, though…

By being king and having a great attitude on cruises, it is almost a fact you will make new friends to make your vacations even better.

5. Take a pill if you need to.

Feeling “mal de mer” is one of the worst feelings a cruiser could get. It’s not fun at all and it can make you miss all the fantastic things the ship has to offer you, especially the food. So don’t be ashamed if you are not feeling well. Make sure you take pills with you such as Dramamine or Marezine or something like that and just take one if you need it. It will make your stay a lot happier.

6. Don’t miss the daily bulletin

It is very common for large cruise ships to prepare a daily bulletin with important information such as the daily show descriptions, the daily events on the deck, or any important news you should be aware of like, next day trip, weather conditions or exact location of the ship. All this information will probably also be available on the onboard TV channel, so try to stay tuned or read the bulletins so you know exactly what is going on every day on the ship.

7. Mind the dress code

Cruise lines usually give cruisers a few tips on what type of clothes to pack for the cruise. This is very important and useful information because not every day is the same on a cruise and there might be a few events where you will surely want to dress up nicely just for the fun of it. There might be a “gala” night, like having dinner with the captain, where you will want to look nice and feel fancy. It’s not that you have to pack your entire wardrobe, because you might want to keep it simple, but take the cruise lines advice if they suggest you should take a cocktail dress for the ladies with you, or a tie for the gentlemen.

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Before you cruiseCruiseCruise TipsRoyal Holiday

How to Pack Like a Pro for Your Upcoming Cruise

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Before you set off on a Royal Holiday-sponsored cruise ship for days of fun in the sun and evenings spent living like royalty, make sure you have all of the essentials you need to enjoy your stay. Careful preparation minimizes the stress of traveling and allows you to focus on the adventures ahead.

Prioritize the Carry-On Bag

Your carry-on bag should contain all the items that you may need in a hurry when traveling. Include medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes in the bag. Toss in a swimsuit and dinner attire too. If your luggage is delayed on the plane, you can still start enjoying your time aboard if you planned ahead by placing your must-have items in a valise.

Investigate Dress Codes

Royal Holiday cruise ships offer a variety of activities to keep guests active both day and night. Pack your suitcase with the essentials for a day at the pool, a nightly walk on the sands of the Caribbean, a formal dinner and musical show, or a hike through the wetlands. Review the itinerary prior to packing, and pick out your favorite shoes, dresses, and suits so you are ready for all the excitement a cruise offers. You can always purchase essentials aboard ship, but prepare in advance for the events offered on your cruise in order to pack like a pro for this exciting adventure.

Evaluate Weather Conditions

Keep yourself comfortable throughout the duration of the cruise by packing temperature appropriate clothing. A cruise through Alaskan waters requires a winter coat and comfortable gloves, whereas a jaunt to Mexico or Puerto Rico calls for a bikini, a few tank tops, and flip flops in your luggage. Walking shoes are a must, regardless of the location, so you can make the most of shore excursions without tiring out your feet.

Mix and Match

Try not to overload your suitcases in case you want to bring home souvenirs from some of the fabulous destinations Royal Holiday has arranged for you. Instead of packing shorts, pants, and a shirt for every day, mix and match outfits to allow for more room in your suitcase. Choose shoes that coordinate with several outfits and avoid bringing heavy boots or shoes that take up a lot of space. You can also take advantage of the laundry services your cruise ship offers to freshen up your staple outfits throughout the week.

Remember the Basics

Even though you should not have a care in the world when cruising to your favorite destination, you need to remember to bring along basic items that cannot be purchased on board. Make a checklist of any medical equipment and medications you must have while traveling. Insert a medical card in your wallet in case of an emergency. Throw in your phone, tablet, computer or camera chargers, and batteries as well as memory cards you may need while browsing the Web on board or snapping shots of the ocean. Keep all toiletries wrapped in plastic bags to avoid any spills while your luggage is transported.

Keep Documents Close By

The last thing you want to do when boarding a big and beautiful cruise ship is hold up the line while searching for your cruise documents. Keep your ID, cruise confirmation and boarding pass handy in a purse, fanny pack or carry-on bag so they are easily accessible. Some cruises also require a passport or birth certificate, proof of immunizations or a visa, so plan ahead and pack these essential items within easy reach.

Preserve Jewelry and Accessories

Cruise ships offer plenty of opportunities to get dressed up and show off your sense of style. You don’t have to leave your favorite jewelry at home when you want to flaunt some fashion. Pack jewelry carefully, though, to avoid a tangled mess when you unpack in your cabin. Purchase a travel jewelry organizer to keep necklaces from clasping together, or thread earrings through buttons and separate them into pill containers. Place necklaces in drinking straws to avoid knots or tape them onto an index card so they don’t get tangled while traveling.

Minimize Wrinkled Clothing

An evening in a formal dining room on a cruise ship provides a special occasion to break out your dressiest attire. Make sure you look your best when dressing for evening events by minimizing wrinkles and creases in your packed garments. Iron all dress shirts, skirts, dresses, and pants prior to packing, and fold up your formal attire in tissue paper. Place tissue paper throughout the suitcase to minimize creases and wrinkles, and gently push each clothing item into place on top of one another. A firmly packed suitcase ensures your wardrobe is cruise ship ready and reduces excessive movement of your bag’s contents that can wrinkle your day wear and evening wear and transform your clothes into an crumpled mess when you open your luggage.

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Before you cruiseCruise TipsRoyal Holiday

Top Tips for Cruise Ship Travel

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

One of the most comfortable experiences that travelers can enjoy is traveling by sea. Cruise ship travel allows passengers the freedom to try a variety of dining experiences, themed ships and activities for the youngest in the family, and engage as much or as little as possible with fellow passengers. A royal holiday should put you at ease, pamper the body and stimulate the senses. Once on board, travelers can sun by the pool, enjoy shows and dancing and take part in a range of activities or amenities. Get the most from your cruise ship travel with the following tips.

Before Booking

Look at the itineraries and cruise destinations available on various cruise lines. Every traveler is unique. If sunny shores beckon, a Caribbean cruise may be a wonderful option. For art, culture and history, a European cruise might be a perfect choice. Take into consideration the needs of all travelers and the types of activities that they would like to participate in. An enjoyable vacation is one where everyone can have a good time.

Make sure that all appropriate documentation is on hand and make a copy for safe keeping. Some destinations require a passport. Plan ahead if you will need to get necessary documentation together.

Review cancelation and refund policies for all elements of your trip. Look at the policies for the cruise line, hotel at a port, airfare or any pre-booked activities. Life and weather does not always go according to plan. It may pay to have additional flexibility and travel insurance when traveling as a group or for those with the likelihood of last minute changes.

Booking

couple on deck of shipEarly booking is your best bet for getting the cabin you want at the price you want. Experienced travelers recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance of the cruise to get a discount of up to 25 to 50 percent off of published rates. With early booking, you can choose from a wider selection of itineraries, cabins and dates. It will also be easier to snag cheaper rates for flights and hotels for the port that you leave from.

Book late for an extra discount. If you didn’t plan in advance, you could still get a discount on trips departing in 60 to 90 days. To fill cabins, cruise lines can drop prices, and you can pocket the difference. Understand that your cabin choices and itinerary will be more limited. Airfare and hotels with most likely be at full price and last minute fares are non-refundable.

Ask about a discount. Frequent cruise ship travelers that politely mention their status and ask about related discounts can receive an additional 5 to 15 percent off their price. Those 55 and older may qualify for a 5 percent savings. Long-term membership with a cruise line, such as with Royal Holiday, can help lock in fares for future travel plans.

Consider travel during the shoulder season. Shoulder season will offer you good weather but fewer crowds. Cruise ship travelers can get up to 10 percent off of high-season rates. It will be easier to plan excursions and spa treatments- anything that requires pre-booking- with fewer fellow travelers competing for the same slots. Also, airfare and hotels prices may be reduced as well. The shoulder season for some popular destinations include:

Bermuda: April and October

Alaska: May and September

Europe: September to December; Mid-March and April

Caribbean: September, October, December non-holiday weeks, and early January until President’s Day.

Learn What is Included

As a novice traveler, you can easily rack up extra charges on some of the major cruise lines. No one needs a surprise on their credit card. Some dining options, drinks, and activities may not be included in your quoted price. Spa treatments such as massages, an alternative dining experience, a can of soda or a photo taken by cruise staff can add additional charges to your bill. Contacting a travel agent will help you to ask about any fine print associated with “free” upgrades or an all-inclusive package.

Know Before You Go

Look into the weather and activities before leaving home. Prebook desired activities and spa treatments online before leaving home to ensure your scheduled appointment. This is important during peak travel times. Also, be comfortable at any port of call. Look into their weather to pack appropriately before setting off. Use a free packing list to get organized and not leave essentials behind. This is a must when responsible for packing for others.

Make your royal holiday a vacation to remember. A little preparation helps to make the most out of your trip.

 

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Destination Tips

Top 4 places to see in North America before you die

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

One of the major reasons why you book a trip in the first place is to experience things that you can’t while you’re at home. After all, putting together a trip is a lot of hard work, even if you make it significantly easier by using a service like Royal Holiday. One of the best things about travel is taking the opportunity to go to multiple places, allowing you to experience a veritable cornucopia of locations that have a wide range of styles and feels.

North America is a terrific destination if you’re trying to visit as many unique and interesting places as possible. There are a few key places in particular that you have to see in North America before you die.

Lake Superior, Canada

If you’re going to visit a place that has been dubbed “the land of a thousand lakes” as is true in the case of Canada, no vacation would be complete without taking in one of the most beautiful lakes that Mother Nature has to offer. Not only is Lake Superior the largest of the Great Lakes, but it also has a huge amount to offer beyond just looking at the type of beautiful scenery that would be right at home on a post card. Long, sandy beaches abound and Lake Superior is also close to many other great hotspots in Canada, allowing you to maximize the time that you’re planning to spend in North America.

The National Mall in Washington, DC

If you want to stand in a singular spot where a huge number of the important events of the 20th century took place, the National Mall in Washington, DC would be it. It’s a location that is as interesting as it is beautiful from nearly any angle.

Are you a fan of history? You’re in luck – you’re standing near the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. famously spoke in the 1960s. Are you a fan of arts and entertainment? A huge number of incredible movies and TV shows have been filmed there over the years, including Best Picture-winning “Forrest Gump” and political television programs like “The West Wing.”

New York City

Though saying that you need to see New York City before you die may seem like an obvious choice, it doesn’t make this list for the reasons that you might think. While places like Central Park and Times Square are certainly cultural hot spots, they’re only really scratching the surface of what the city has to offer.

If you’re a fan of museums, for example, you’ll quickly find that the Upper West Side has a huge amount to offer nearly all types of people. It’s much more calm than Midtown and most other places in Manhattan and has the added benefit of looking like it was ripped straight out of a Woody Allen movie from the 1970s at the same time. Want to check out a beautiful, Rockwell-esque park but don’t want to deal with the crowds that Central Park attracts? Head over to Greenwich Village and spend an afternoon relaxing and having fun in Washington Square Park. You can easily use a service like Royal Holiday to research more information about some of the smaller, lesser known and unique places in the Big Apple that you should visit.

St. John’s, Canada

Located in the heart of Newfoundland, the gorgeous St. John’s is a destination worth traveling to for a host of different reasons. For starters, it happens to be the largest city in the area and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Secondly, St. John’s has developed a reputation over the years for its breathtaking use of color – all of the homes are painted in some of the most vibrant colors that you’ve ever seen! If you’re the type of person who loves visually interesting places that you won’t be able to find anywhere else, do yourself a favor and book a trip to St. John’s in Newfoundland on a site like Royal Holiday as soon as you can. Both your family and your eyes will thank you.

These are just a few of the most incredible places in North America that you have to see before you die. When you consider these spots that don’t require you to set foot in the usual tourist traps like Midtown Manhattan or on the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll begin to realize that the continent has a huge amount to offer you regardless of exactly what it is that you’re looking for.

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Cruise TipsDestination TipsMSCRoyal Holiday

Embark on the MSC Ópera with Royal Holiday

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Once you land in Havana, MSC Opera gives you three full days to explore this audacious, yet beautiful island. Havana boasts from castles built in the late 16th century to modernist present-day high-rises.MSC-cruceros-royal-holiday

reserveThere’s so much to see in Havana! Walk along the Malecón, the sea wall that runs along the Havana coastline. Rent an old car and be driven around Havana in style. See a cabaret show at the iconic Tropicana. Take a guided tour of the Havana Club Rum Factory. Sip on a mojito at Hemingway’s “Bodeguita del Medio” favorite bar.  Enjoy an evening of yesteryear at Habana Café. Or take a walking tour with “Havana Frans”, a Dutch jazz photographer who lives on the island.

Habana Cafe

Habana Cafe

Then embark on the MSC Ópera offering everything from spacious new cabins with balconies, restaurants, 8 bars, casino, mini-golf, pools to a Spray Park packed with fun water features, the lavish MSC Aurea Spa, a new Walk Through Shops area, at deck 6, and more.

Ports of call: Montego Bay in Jamaica, George Town in Cayman Islands, Cozumel in Mexico and back to Havana, Cuba.

See all the routes on our website.

Take advantage of your Royal Holiday membership and reserve today!

Cuba is waiting for you!

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Destination Tips

Top 5 islands to explore in the Caribbean

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Top 5 islands to explore in the Caribbean

When people think about taking a trip to the Caribbean and begin doing research on a site like Royal Holiday, they normally call to mind images of some of the most popular of the islands in that region of the world. Places like the Virgin Islands, Anguilla, the Dominican Republic and more are all popular travel destinations, but they only tell a very small part of a much larger story. It may surprise you to learn that there are over seven thousand different islands in the Caribbean, each with its unique style and experience to offer. If you’re thinking about taking a trip to the area to do some exploring, there are a few key islands you have to visit.

Martinique

From the moment that you set foot on Martinique, you’ll come to realize that it is like existing in two very different places at the same time. While it has all of the natural characteristics that the Caribbean Islands are known for, it is also very much a product of the French culture that originally settled it. If you’re looking for the type of place where you can lay in the sun on gorgeous beaches, enjoy extreme comfort in luxury resorts and more, Martinique is most definitely the place that you’re looking for.

The Bahamas

In addition to being one of the more popular Islands in the Caribbean, it is also legitimately one of the best to visit and explore for a host of different reasons. For starters, its location makes it one of the easiest to travel to as it is located just to the south of Florida in the United States. It also happens to be one of the most family-friendly of all the Caribbean Islands and has a huge number of resorts that you can choose from depending on your needs. Use a site like Royal Holiday to find out more information about resorts before you visit.

Aruba

If you’re a water sports enthusiast, you’ll soon find out that there is more than enough to keep you occupied on Aruba alone. Because of its location within the Caribbean and the trade winds that it has become famous for, it is one of the most popular kite surfing destinations in the entire world. Kite surfers come from all over to enjoy their hobby of choice, which is a pretty incredible thing to see if you happen to visit during the summer travel season. Aruba is also littered with some of the best restaurants that you will ever have a chance to enjoy, which makes it an ideal holiday vacation for food aficionados out there as well.

Haiti

If you want to take a trip to the Caribbean but don’t want to spend all of your time on a sandy beach, Haiti is absolutely for you. While beaches are present, it is one of the smallest of the Caribbean islands when compared to the others in that regard. What Haiti has to offer, however, is history. There are over 20 different historic locations situated all throughout the island. You can easily spend an entire day on your vacation at flea markets and other attractions alone.

Dominica

If one of the main reasons why you want to go to the Caribbean in the first place is to take in the type of natural sights that look like they’re ripped right off of the most beautiful postcard you’ve ever seen, you want to go to Dominica whether you know it or not. Travelers from all over the world have taken to calling this the Nature Island due to the huge amount of natural beauty that it offers. Whether you want to see a volcano up close and personal or want to play in a picturesque waterfall, Dominica has all of this to offer and more. If you’re a hiker, you’re also in luck – there are over three hundred different miles of trails that you can allow you participate in your favorite hobby in a way that you have truly never experienced before. The capital of Dominica is Roseau, which is also very much worth exploring.

These are just a few of the many incredible islands that are worth exploring in the Caribbean. You can use travel destination services like Royal Holiday to confirm that this is just a sampling of the incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you can find in this part of the world. If you want to have a vacation unlike anyone has taken before or since, the Caribbean can most definitely help you accomplish that goal.

A discussion of the top islands in the Caribbean that you have to do yourself a favor and explore at least once in your life.

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Cruise TipsDestination Tips

5 Cruising Tips from the Regulars

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Grab the sun tan and the kids as it is time to take a cruise. Cruises are wonderful vacation trips that allow you to visit far off ports while enjoying all the amenities on board a luxury liner. Some cruise trips are tailored for guests, such as musical-themed voyages or children’s character-themed cruise lines. So you have abundant choices when you want to go on a cruise that everyone will enjoy.

As you get your clothes packed and your camera ready, use these 5 cruising tips to make the sea trip more enjoyable. You’ll be able to take advantage of the amenities without breaking your budget on the extras that you don’t want.

1: Book at the Right Time of Year

Looking for a better time of the year to go on a cruise with the kids while saving money? Then you will want to avoid spring break and look for the time of year when kids are going back to school. There are more deals at the end of August and the beginning of September. So planning a cruise during those months will lead to better bargains. Also, while last-minute online deals for popular cruises are great, sometimes you can get even better deals when booking months in advance as you can lock in some lower rates.

2: Get Spa Treatments Early

Spa treatments and saunas can get pricey on cruise ships. If you want to look your best while on the trip, then get a treatment at home before the trip as you can save a lot of money. If you do plan to indulge in the sauna or get a pedicure, sign up early and get spa passes so you can get the appointment at the time you want it. Also, you may get discounts (and some alone time) when you go for spa treatments while at port since most people will disembark to go on guided tours of the destination city.

3: Know What Isn’t Included in the Cruise Fare

There will always be those little extra amenities that can break your budget. Bottled water, soda, cocktails, beer, and wine always costs extra. While it might be nice to indulge now and again, you really have to watch your spending for these items. Also, going online to tell people about your cruise trip will also cost you. If you just have to log on to check your social media sites, look for free Wi-Fi spots when the cruise ship is at port and access the Internet then. You’ll be able to keep your extra charges down to a comfortable spending level.

4: Get to Know the Ship

You book the large stateroom by using your Royal Holiday membership points to have the best stay during your entire cruise. Yet, you can’t remember which door leads to it down the long hallway. Large cruise ships can become a virtual maze when you are trying to find the gym, spa, or even your booked cabin. Take the time to go over the deck plan to figure out which stairways to take to get to the places you want to go. Some people will even tape things to their doors, such as balloons, to figure out which room is theirs. It is also important to walk the ship to find the emergency exits as well as to locate the ship’s doctor.

It can also be a hassle when you get separated from the other members of your group. Bring along walkie-talkies so you won’t get extra roaming charges on your cell phone while you can find out where everyone is located. If traveling with kids, designate a meet-up spot and time before everyone disappears on their own separate adventures on board. Then you can all meet up at that location to enjoy family time together.

5: Pack an Alarm Clock and Double-Check the Safe when Leaving

Leaving the ship on the last day can be a real headache. Most cruise ships require people to leave at exactly 9am. Unless you are an early riser, you may sleep though the checkout time and find yourself missing the plane trip home. Since there are no alarm clocks in the cabin, pack your own or set the alarm on your smartphone to give yourself plenty of extra time.

Also, when you are in a rush to leave, you may forget something important, such as jewelry or a credit card in the safe. Make a mental note to check the room for items before leaving, set a reminder on your smartphone, or simply tape a note to the door the night before to remind yourself to retrieve the items out of the safe.

Everyone should take a cruise at least once in their life. Make the trip easier on yourself and your family by using the above tips and taking advantage of vacation membership programs. You will find that the trip is even more enjoyable than you had originally dreamed it could be as you will quickly book another cruise.

 

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CruiseCruise Tips

5 Ways to Get the Most Out Of Your Cruise

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Cruising is one of the most exciting ways to travel. The ship itself is like a resort on the sea. Many of the cruise lines have outfitted their ocean liners to include amazing activities alongside the traditional swimming pool and Lido deck Jacuzzi. Newer ships have rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, miniature golf, and three story tube slides. There are also fantastic shows with relevant performers. You might recognize the name of the musical guest or the comedian who has two shows a week. There’s dancing, gambling, spa time, and games to play throughout the day and night. And then there’s the food.

Oh, you’ve heard about the food on a cruise before, haven’t you?

It’s like a non-stop smorgasbord of culinary delights. You can get something to eat any time of the day – seriously. Most cruise lines have two formal seatings in the dinning room. This requires you to dress up a little. They also have food in a sprawling buffet. There are specialty eateries as well serving pizza, food from the grill, or Asian cuisine. Sometime you’ll find a bakery, sometimes a candy shop. And, of course, there’s always room service. The amount of food available is mind blowing.

And that’s not even the half of it!

Don’t forget the destinations, the Captain’s dinner, the family portrait opportunities, the spa, the fitness center, the conversation with newfound friends… the list goes on and on!

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Reading all of this can be a little overwhelming. And you haven’t even sent he ship yet! Once you do you will wonder where you should start. Indeed you may stand in the middle of the ornate lobby staring in wonder and disorientation. Don’t worry – it happens to the best of us. If you want to avoid that, read on. Here are 5 ways to get the most of your cruise:

  1. Make a B-line to the Lido deck before you leave the port. This is one of those kick yourself moments – you get to your room and fool around unpacking instead of getting up top to see the boat pull away from the port. The luggage can wait – the fact is, you may not even see your luggage before the ship starts to move anyway. Most lines require you to attend a meeting about what to do in case you have to exit the ship unexpectedly at your muster station before leaving anyway. Since you are already out of the room don’t go back in. Instead, make way to the Lido deck. This will be where all your open air activities start. The buffet is usually up there as is the pool, Jacuzzis, mini golf, running track, etc. You’ll know you’re there because you’ll hear the music. Get up there and get yourself a drink and a good spot, which won’t be hard to do since every spot on the Lido deck is primo. While you might not have any confetti going a la The Love Boat, the vibe will be happening and you’ll find yourself laughing with people you’ve never met before and waving at the people left on land while you sip your tropical drink.
  2. Walk the Boat.After you leave the port it’s tempting to stay on the Lido deck for the rest of the night and many people will. But those people will be wandering around looking for the comedy club later that night when you won’t. After you get going and your drink is low, take a walk around the ship to see where things are. Find the places you will want to go first and get the lay of the land. You will not be able to find everything – sometimes you will find yourself in a new spot on the boat that you hadn’t noticed before even on the third day! But getting an idea of where you want to go will help you feel more comfortable and will break that big beast down into something manageable.
  3. Plan your Schedule. What? Planning on a vacation? Unfortunately, yes. But not much! It makes sense to look at the destinations the boat will visit and determine what excursions you want to enjoy if you haven’t done it already. Indeed, it is suggested that you perform this step at home, long before you ever get on the ship. That way you’ll know if there are any deals you can take advantage of. Use sites like Groupon and Living Social to compare the prices of tours and pick up your tickets early, if you can. If not, plan your trips and head to Guest Services to book your excursions before the crowd gets there.
  4. Soda, alcohol, or tea? While this seems like a simple thing, it can be costly if you don’t thin about what you are doing. Review the packages and choose wisely. You don’t’ want to spend extra on something you are not going to get the benefit from.
  5. Try everything!See a show; dance to the live salsa band; play one of the game shows in the auditorium with your fellow passengers; go to bingo night (the pots are huge!); eat dinner and then have a massive midnight snack; get dressed up for lobster night in the formal dining room; get a hot stone massage at the spa; pose for pictures; ponder the meaning of life as you look out at the vast sea. Do it all. A cruise is a treat to the senses – all of the senses. Let yourself experience it in its entirety. That is the meaning of vacationing in and of itself.

Ready to sail away? Royal Holiday can help – contact them today and make your vacation dreams come true.

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