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Royal Holiday

New and exciting extreme aquatic sports

by Royal Holiday January 21, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

The definition of an extreme sport is a type of activity , which is also called action sport, that involves a high level of danger. Stunts and difficult movements are the main idea and the degree of risk, injury or even death is present at all times. The most common extreme sports are aggressive rollerblading, skateboarding, freestyle motocross, bmx and surf. While these are urban sports , there are other new and exciting sports popping up everywhere, especially in the water.

We give you a small guide to understand some water extreme sports that are now being practiced around the world and that someday you can get to try out.

Wakeboarding: it is a sport where you ride a wakeboard over a surface of water. It is a combination of skiing, snowboarding and surfing. The idea is that the rider is towed from a motorboat at speeds of 20 – 30 mph depending on the rider’s need and comfort. The boat creates a wake and this wake is used by the rider to do stunts and jump combinations to make it an extreme sport. As a variation, the boat is not always necessary and cable systems and customized water crafts are often used.

Flyboarding: it consists of a board with a high-octane contraption that sends the rider flying into the air. It has a long pipe which sucks the water supply and leaves a trail behind as the riders burst into the air at full speed. It is designed to reach stability in the air and then dive into the water. The rider can perform tricks as he feels comfortable in the air and do special movements as grabs and spins.

Kitesurfing: it uses a modified surf board and while it is held on to a kite that harnesses the power of the wind to gain speed and air. There are many types of kite surfing including freestyle riding, racing, freeride and jumping and kitesurfing in the waves. It is considered an extreme sport as it involves a huge amount of speed and tricks can be done with it. It is similar to skateboarding and snowboarding and some of the tricks are borrowed from these two sports. Big air jumps, grabs and spins are the basics for this type of sport. Also high speed sailing is common and a lot of world records have been broken, reaching speeds of almost 94 kphs.

Image courtesy of Zach Dischner at Flickr.com

Blob jumping: not considered a sport but more of a water activity or hobby. The idea is to place a giant, partially inflated air bag on the water, also known as a blob, and jumping on it to catapult another person into the air. You will not see any competition of any type, as it is not the most stylish way to reach air, but you can certainly do tricks and spins while you are at it. Flips are very common in this hobby and most water attractions are getting into the trend. It is dangerous and fun at the same time, and if you do it with style you can reach you adrenaline levels very easily.

Subwing: this sport is relatively new. It consists of carbon fibre hydrodynamic wing that is hanging from a boat and the person hangs on to it. It seems dangerous as nobody want to be left behind in the ocean or be trapped in a reef. You can reach speeds of 2 to 4 knots and it has a user manual. You can try to makes some spins while you fly across the water , but be sure to know what you are doing as the water and ocean deserve respect while you are underwater.

Surfing: the most popular and old extreme sport in the world. The rider uses a board to cut through waves. The current trend is to do big wave surfing, which consists of looking for the most amazing and biggest waves to surf and come out clean and alive. Only professionals should attempt this kind of surfing as the strength of the ocean can hit you very hard if you haven’t mastered the skill of surfing at its full. Common competitions are seen in San Francisco, Chile, Mexico, Oregon and Baja California.

Be sure to be on the look for these sports on your next vacation to the ocean. Some of them can be tried by normal human beings with no expertise, but other are better left to be done by the pros and people who know what they are doing. If you are driven to extreme sports, be sure to check with your adrenaline boost and remember to be safe at all times. Don’t go crazy on your new sport as it can bring injuries and even death. That is why they are called extreme water sports

January 21, 2016 0 comments

Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise News Cruise Tips Royal at Sea Royal Caribbean Royal Holiday

Surprising prices to pay for cruises. Travel cheap and save a good amount of money.

by Royal Holiday January 17, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

Cruises can be very luxurious and very expensive. They range from cheap cruises that are not listed in the top lists for impressive cruises to the ones that are the biggest and most amazing vessels you can find. It all depends on what you want, when you want it, who are you travelling with and what are you willing to do on board. Of course, you can get very expensive plans and activities, but you can also find cheap and enjoyable things to do while on the mini floating city you are travelling on.

First, be smart to book your room. Most boats don’t want to sail with half empty spaces and 50% accommodation rates. It is similar to booking a travel tour. The nearest the departure date, the cheapest the bookings are. Of course, you can book in advance, but since you are looking for the best prices, be patient and wait for last minute prices discounts. You will find yourself in a world where prices can go down as far as 60% on your room and your travel expenses.

Second, book your own air fare. Don’t do it through the cruise line since they charge you their fee and their commission, so it can be as high as 50% more for the flight. Do it yourself. DIY is a trend now so keep up with it and don’t be lazy to look for your own tickets. If you don’t know how to do it or never done it before. Use a trustworthy travel agent that can help you with your air tickets to the cruise destination. You will be saving a good amount of money just by doing this.

Third, sign up for alerts and try to book through an expert or a person that knows the cruise world and its business model like the back of his or her hand. Booking through an expert and waiting for alerts can save you up to 120 USD and can get you an extra 100 USD shipboard credit. Also, you can find refundable deposits and amazing deals on activities and on board sweepstakes. Children activities can also be cheap if you know what your children like to do and not pay for everything at the same time.

Fourth, look for a good cabin away from crowded places and far away from main attractions. This could sound a little bit strange but you can get big savings by just walking a little bit more on the ship. Of course, ask for a map of the ship so you don’t get lost and miss out on good things. All of the cruises have elevators and user friendly corridors and routes to get where you want to go in less than 20 minutes. Don’t be lazy and sign up for 15 minutes walks to get anywhere around the boat.

Image courtesy of Tom Jutte at Flickr.com

Fifth. Cruise in the off season. Depending on your country and where you are going, choose an off season to travel. When children are at school; in the hurricane season in the Caribbean, or in September in Alaska. These types of seasons attract less people, thus giving you the advantage of a late booking with amazing cabins and fees. Vacations like spring break or summer holidays are the most expensive. Why don’t you take a cruise in May or October ? Hurricane season in the Caribbean is always a season that everybody avoids. Try not being afraid of these seasons as the boats are totally safe and disaster is not very often in these types of vacations.

As for the last advice. Look for repositioning cruises. What does this mean? Well, it is when cruise lines move ships to very popular destinations just before the season start. As a complement for the previous point, you can sail on these type of ships and have the experience of a lifetime sailing across an ocean or down continental coasts just by hoping on ships that are being moved from one part to another. You can find these type of deals at any booking website and they come ever so cheap as the route is not designed as a touristic or seasonal trip.

These six tips can help you book a cheap vacation for you and your family and save you a lot of money in cruise deals. It is thought that cruise liners are for rich people , but now you have some advice and a starter to go and find the best vacation you can ever have and at very affordable prices. Don’t wait for people to tell you how cruises are. Go and book your cabin and plane ticket, ask your agency and use these tips. You will not regret it.

January 17, 2016 0 comments

Cruise Tips Destination Tips Royal at Sea Royal Caribbean Royal Holiday

The 4 most incredible Blue Holes in the ocean you can’t miss

by Royal Holiday January 11, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

The planet has many wonderful places created by nature that have been discovered by men. Some of them are on land and can be touched and walked, some of them can be seen in the sky, through light. Some of them can be listened through the wind, and a few others can only be found in the ocean. We all know 70% of the planet is water and that means there is an enormous world that even though it can’t be seen from the outside, it can surely be explored on the surface and underneath it. The way these amazing places are explored is by using the proper equipment, skills and care, and that is how all their special details and marvels have been found. So many colors, animals, textures and scenes can be seen in the ocean, but that is not all. In a few very rare locations in the world, unique formations in the ocean called “Blue Holes” have been found. Blue Holes are very large marine caverns or underwater sinkholes that extend below sea level and most of them have deep submerged cave passages that turn out in beautiful dive ecosystems. Some of them are considered true diver’s paradises and are visited year round by divers from all around the world. Blue holes develop normally in islands composed of coral reefs or limestones and are formed by the erosion of carbonated rocks. They look like a big dark blue circle of water in the sea. They are normally located in low coasts that used to be above sea level thousands of years ago. The reason why they appear to be darker is because of their depth and the higher absorption of sunlight due to that depth. The contrast between blue holes and the rest of the colors of the ocean make them a true beauty, not only underwater but from the surface too.

Here are the 4 most famous and beautiful blue holes around the world.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize

The Blue Hole of Belize is called “The great” because of its size. It has a diameter of more than 300 meters and it is 124 meters deep. It is located next to Lighthouse Reef, an atoll 70 km from Belize City and it’s famous for being a beautiful dive spot where a great variety of flora a sharks such as nurse sharks, reef sharks and bull sharks can be found. The Great Blue Hole is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was formed about 150,000 years ago. Jacques-Yves Cousteau was the one who made it popular by saying it was one of the 10 best dive sites in the world.

Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island – Bahamas

Dean’s Blue Hole is known for being the deepest blue hole in the world, with more 200 meters of depth. It is slightly circular and has a diameter between 25 and 35 meters. The first 20 meters are not very wide, but after descending that specific depth it becomes much wider and turns into a cavern with a diameter of about 100 meters. This Blue Hole is located west of Clarence Town on Long Island Bahamas and is like a deep salt water swimming pool with beautiful clear water full of colorful tropical fish for divers and free divers to enjoy. Snappers, silver-plated tarpons, rays, turtles and seahorses can be found here.

Image courtesy of Christian Afonso at Flickr.com

Dahab Blue Hole, Egypt

The Blue Hole of Dahab is a popular dive site located east of Sinai, on the coast of the Red Sea, close to Dahab, Egypt. It is a vertical cavern with an arch that connects the Blue Hole to the Red Sea. It is about 130 meters deep and it is also known for being a dangerous diving location, due to the confusion it may cause to divers underwater. It is actually called the “Diver’s Cemetery” and is considered being the world’s most dangerous dive site, where more than 30 divers die each year, trying to dive under the arch. Despite its bad reputation, the Blue Hole of Dahab has a great variety of underwater fauna. Divers will be able to find clownfish, lionfish, Spanish dancers and turtles, among others.

Image courtesy of Felix Esteban at Flickr.com

Gozo Blue Hole, Maltese Archipelago

In the Mediterranean Sea, in Dwejra, on the west coast of the island of Gozo, which is part of the Maltese Archipelago is the Blue Hole of Gozo located. It is the smallest known Blue Hole. It is a 15 meters deep inland sea pool and has a diameter of 10 meters. It has an underwater tunnel that connects the hole to the sea. It is also known for being a beautiful dive site where you can find a great variety of marine life such as schools of bream, parrot fish, moray eels, lobsters, octopus among others.

Image courtesy of Darren Barefoot at Flickr.com

January 11, 2016 0 comments

Before you cruise Destination Tips Royal at Sea Royal Holiday

The 3 most exciting watersports to try out on an island

by Royal Holiday January 8, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

Whenever you ask someone what the best vacation would be, a big percentage of the answers will include, warm weather, sun and a beach. Of course there will always be different opinions and points of view, because not everyone has the same tastes and interests, but the beach with the blue water, the sunshine and probably the idea of an island will most likely be everyone´s favorite. The whole idea of taking a vacation in a place like that, in an island like that is all about relaxing and having fun, which is why a place with those specific insights will always be a synonym of vacations. It´s hard to understand how people can live and work in a place where all you want to do is relax. And relaxing means doing what you like, when you like to, with the people you like to. Islands do that to people, and that is the magic about it. Especially Islands where you feel kind of “forced”, in a good way, to enjoy, disconnect from the real world, and why not, get a nice tan. While you do that, you will find that there are many activities that are just perfect for that specific place you chose to get some tropical energy. Tropical islands are the right place to practice and to explore a great variety of watersports that you probably didn’t imagine you would try out some day. These watersports will make your stay in any island so much exciting, entertaining and challenging. You will not only have fun, but you will find new things about yourself that maybe you didn’t know. You will be able to get rid of silly fears you thought you had with water and find a genuine and undiscovered passion for a watersport you had never tried out.

Here is a list of the 3 most exciting watersports you can tryout on an island. In case of deciding to try one of these watersports out, make sure you do it with responsible schools and instructors, especially if it is the first time. Just because it’s fun it doesn’t mean you don’t have to be careful. Watersports require a lot of physical and mental control and concentration. Most of them require some ability and skills. The good news is that just like any other activity, the more you practice it, the better you get at it, and you could even become a “pro” at it.

Surfing

Surfing is one of the most fascinating water sports. It has origins in Polynesia, where this practice was part of its culture. Others say that the first surfers were found in Tahiti and in Samoa, almost three centuries ago. The magic of surfing is that you learn to ride on the wave. Since it is a surface water sport it is very important to know the wind and currents and to know what the exact moment is to get on the board after seeking for a wave. There are many surf schools on inlands. Experimented surfers and instructors are available to teach visitors techniques and tips to find out what it really is to enjoy the waves.

Scuba Diving

The world would only have one version if it wasn’t for scuba diving. The world underwater is certainly something amazing that was able to be explored in detail and individually, because of all the technology that has been developed for scuba diving. The term scuba is an acronym for “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus”. Some say that scuba diving feels like flying, only without the fear of falling. The sensation of freedom and the astonishment you will experience once you are able to see so many animals, so close, so free, so calm, is such a breathtaking experience that you will only want to live the experience over and over again. Scuba diving schools are also always available on islands, especially if they have beautiful diving sites in the area. There are different dive courses you can take. Each one of them will give you a certificate that will be required every time you decide to dive somewhere. Make sure you take it with you.

Image courtesy of Pedro Paulo Cunha at Flickr.com

Kitesurfing

As another surface water sport, kitesurfing differs a bit from the traditional surfing. Kitesurfing includes one more element that is essential to the existence and the uniqueness of this water sport. The Kite is what makes it so special, because it allows the rider to take full advantage of the wind, in order to move forward and to make movements that are the ones that give this sort all the excitement. It combines aspects from different sports such as skateboarding, windsurfing, snowboarding and even paragliding, among others. There are courses available for people who are interested in learning how this sport works and most people easily fall in love with it.

Image courtesy of Cristian Viarisio at Flickr.com

January 8, 2016 0 comments

Destination Tips Royal Caribbean Royal Holiday

The 4 best diving destinations in the Caribbean

by Royal Holiday January 4, 2016

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

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

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.

January 4, 2016 0 comments

Before you cruise Cruise Tips Destination Tips Royal Holiday

7 Tips to make your first cruise your best vacation ever

by Royal Holiday December 27, 2015

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.

Image courtesy CHRIStophe Robert HERVOUËT on Flickr.com

Image courtesy of CHRIStophe Robert HERVOUËT
on Flickr.com

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.

December 27, 2015 0 comments

Before you cruise Cruise Cruise Tips Royal Holiday

How to Pack Like a Pro for Your Upcoming Cruise

by Royal Holiday December 12, 2015

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.

December 12, 2015 0 comments

Before you cruise Cruise Tips Royal Holiday

Top Tips for Cruise Ship Travel

by Royal Holiday November 11, 2015

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

Early 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.

November 11, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Tips Destination Tips MSC Royal Holiday

Embark on the MSC Ópera with Royal Holiday

by Royal Holiday October 29, 2015

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.

There’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

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!

October 29, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Royal at Sea Royal Holiday

Enjoy to the max the Royal at Sea program

by Royal Holiday October 5, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Royal at Sea brings you unforgettable experiences on board majestic cruises to the world’s most beautiful corners. Get ready for a 24/7 floating adventure-fun journey with everything from recreational activities, nightlife, theatre, spa, casinos, art galleries, extreme sports, to aquatic parks with water slides and surf wave simulators. Enjoy all this and more just by being a Royal Holiday member.

On board activities

Taking a cruise means, among other things, tasting scrumptious buffets and a-la-carte menus serving culinary international specialties to entice your palate, day and night. Most cruises offer the All-Inclusive plan, with unlimited meals and beverages. It’s a great vacation option for families wanting to spend time together during a holiday, or for honeymooners in search of a romantic getaway.

variedad-cruceros-actividades-royal-holiday

Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Your Royal Holiday membership comes with a number of holiday credits that let you choose the cruise, route, cabin, entertainment-type on board, and length of travel (3 to 11 days).

Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

The Royal at Sea program takes you to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda Islands, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, South America and the Mexican Riviera.

Alaska Cruise

Remember to know your ports of landing once you select your cruise. Whether you the adventure, shopping, nightlife, working out, extreme sports, or sunbathing type, there’s a route and a landing port with activities and adventures for you.

Being a Royal Holiday member lets you choose from over 1,000 cabins in 50 routes and 4 continents navigating on these prestigious cruise lines like Carnival, MSC Norwegian Princess and Royal Caribbean.

Mediterranean cruises

Find a Cruise

Reap the benefits of your membership and conquer the 7 seas!

October 5, 2015 0 comments