Travel and Vacation

Going on a luxury cruise has turned into a very popular way for people to enjoy their vacations. It’s shaken off its impression as being just for the rich and these days is appealing to a broad array of vacationers.

Going on a cruise trip provides you with the chance to see a variety of locations together with experiences and there is lots of amazing cruise offers available at the moment. Regardless of whether you would like a quick seven day trip around the Mediterranean, a longer holiday cruise in the Caribbean or even experience the fjords of Norway you’ll find there’s cruise package for everyone.

To obtain the best cruise deals available you’ve got a variety of choices to pick from. You could use one of several new bargain companies such as EasyCruise for a no frills experience or either book well in advance or at the 11th hour of your leaving day.

Each one of these options has got their particular advantages and disadvantages. Very last minute bookings can save you money on the cost of your cruise trip but will most likely give you inferior accommodation. Setting up a reservation for cruise trips 2011 now offers peace of mind, bonuses from the cruise company and gives you a chance to properly ready your vacation.

It really is worthwhile making the effort to look at several cruise reviews before you go ahead and reserving your holiday. Think about quality of food, kid’s facilities, excursions as well as onboard activities to ensure you are going on the cruise trip that meets your requirements.

Mediterranean cruise trips are really popular with families and offer some of the most diverse cruising around with twenty-two nations bordering the Mediterranean and a huge selection of places to go to. Med cruise trips are well-liked by old and young alike and provide wonderful value for money because they are usually shorter than cruises in other areas of the world.

Cruises are all the rage and more and more people are taking cruise vacations as an alternative to their usual trip. The age of your average cruiser is now well under 40 and first time cruisers are sometimes surprised or caught unaware by something that the seasoned cruiser finds obvious. Below are seven things that every first time cruiser needs to know.

1. Choose the right cruise. It sounds obvious but all to many people choose the cheapest cruise that is heading for a desired destination, it is usually a false economy. Do your research and scour the web, there are plenty of cruise reviews online.

2. Do a little research on the ports of call. Don’t just show up, jump on board and then start planning your vacation. It will cost you a fortune and you will likely miss something.

3. Shore excursions are an essential part to getting the most out of any cruise. If you do one thing to make your cruise better then you should book your shore excursions before you go. You will get a big discount and you won’t need to make a decision on the spot.

4. Wind down. Some port visits can be exhausting to be quite frank. You need to relax and unwind at some point, use the time at sea to just relax and rest.

5. Attend the shore excursion briefing. Ok so you have already booked your shore excursions way back at home in your pyjamas but there may still be something that you don’t want to miss.

6. Choose your ship wisely. Not all ships are suitable for everyone. Do your research and be sure to pick the right boat for you. A few things to look for: is the ship tailored towards kids? How big is the ship? What is the passenger to size ratio? How many pools does it have? Is internet access available throughout the ship?

7. The internet can be wrong but if there are a hundred reviews saying the cruise line is bad then it probably is. Use your common sense and you should be ok.

Cruises are a great way to have a vacation and see the world at the same time but they can sometimes be quite confusing. Pick your cruise wisely and follow the tips above and you can’t go wrong.

This two-day itinerary gives us the chance to enjoy the bay from the luxury of our private junk. Here you can relax on the tanning deck, swim in the clear waters and enjoy the best cuisine available in the bay. All the while you will be looked after by our dedicated and attentive crew. There is also the option of exploring some of the bay’s most secluded lagoons using our fleet of modern easy-to-manoeuvre kayaks for some unforgettable scenery only accessible by kayak.

Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

We depart from the capital for Ha Long Bay approximately three hours away. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Do centre run for and by handicapped children. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay (approx. midday) we will be met by the Customer Services Manager and transferred to our luxury junk, the ‘Oriental Sails’. Once we have settled in we can begin our cruise around majestic Ha Long Bay accompanied by a delicious lunch. After lunch we have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot where we can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck or try our hand at some kayaking. After we have finished exploring for the day we retire to the junk. We can relax on the top deck using the sun-tanning area or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. In the evening our cook will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood dishes as well as traditional Vietnamese fare as we weigh anchor in the heart of the bay. For those that are interested there is the opportunity to do a spot of night fishing from the boat.

(L/D)

Day 2: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. The kayaks are lightweight and easy to use and in keeping with our safety policies all participants will be issued with water buoyancy vests. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in the capital at around 3pm.

Located on the southernmost part of African Continent, South Africa is known for its natural beauty and dazzling and sandy sea beaches. People from around the world come to this amazing holiday destination and have unlimited fun and excitement. Some come in search for adventure whereas some want to spend a lavishly leisure vacation. Even if you are looking for adventurous safaris and mountain trekking, camping and cruising, this is absolutely the place to fulfill all your desires. Going on South Africa holidays is a pleasure in itself. With completely different culture and presentation, you will be surprised by the stunning varieties the country offers.

South Africa cruise is the ideal way to discover the breathtaking natural scenery spread all around. Surrounded by Indian and Atlantic Oceans, it offers a huge selection of choices to those looking for cruise adventure. Undoubtedly, the country is blessed with the most visually stunning harbours. They offer a plethora of activities to the travelers and satisfy their hunger for adventure, fun, thrill and excitement. You can enjoy both onshore and offshore excursions and spend beautiful moments with your partner and family. The biggest advantage of going on a cruise holiday is that it allows you to explore many ports in a single trip. You get a chance to explore different beautiful locations and gorge on to regional specialty cuisines and sipping different wines and local drinks.

Unlike traditional form of traveling, South Africa cruise holidays offer you more fun and adventure and give you heavenly pleasure. It is an out of this world experience and allows you to be close to nature and explore its wonders. You can be onshore; you can be in the middle of water. This reduces all your stress and tensions and takes the hassles out of your life. Cruise holidays include lodging, dining and all types of recreational activities. If you’re a first-timer, you’ll surely have a stirring experience. You can’t even imagine the level of fun you’re going to have.

Spending South Africa holidays is the best way to take a break from routine boring life and revive your love for nature and art. You can be what you are. You can relax, you can roam around, you can get drunk, you can scream. You can do anything and everything that you always wanted to do. Even if you have a natural talent for writing poems, being this place gives you words to express your feelings and emotions. You can certainly bring out your hidden potentials. So, what are you waiting for? Get set to explore the scenic wonders and of course you!

Wonderful natural treasure filled with extraordinary wildlife, the Galapagos Islands are a dream destination for all nature lovers. Thanks to their isolation, the islands have been protected from human conquest for centuries, allowing wildlife to develop in a unique way. Here, animals are virtually fearless and live side by side with the few humans that populate the archipelago.

One of the best ways to explore this magical destination is through a Galapagos cruise that will allow travelers to discover various islands comprising the archipelago. Each island has its own specificities and unique species to observe, as well as magnificent landscapes to admire. Depending on your traveling style and preferences, there are several types of Galapagos cruises available to meet everyone’s needs, from large cruise ships and small luxury yachts, to adventurous sailing boats.

If you are prone to sea sickness, it’s probably best to opt for a large cruise ship, as they are generally more stable. Able to accommodate up to over 100 passengers, these ships are ideal for travelers looking to spend a relaxing vacation. Land excursions are conducted in small groups but since there are more passengers, it takes more time to embark and disembark.

If you would prefer a more intimate and comfortable experience aboard a smaller ship, then you should opt for a yacht. Usually the preferred option, there are numerous yachts and small catamaran boats sailing through the Galapagos Islands. They allow for more independence as you travel with small groups of 16 to 30 passengers only. Yachts also offer comfortable accommodations on board, with smaller yet cozy cabins. Since they are not as big as cruise ships, yachts are not as stable and sea movement can be felt more as well as engine sounds. Therefore they are recommended mainly for seasoned sea travelers.

For experienced travelers looking for true adventure, several sailing boats also operate in the archipelago. Smaller with fewer comforts, these ships are perfect for those looking to experience the sea just as much as the islands’ extraordinary wildlife.

Another thing to take into consideration when choosing your boat is the itinerary and the number of days you wish to spend on your Galapagos cruise. Cruises can last from 4 to 15 days with more or less complete itineraries. Probably the best itinerary allowing passengers to discover as much as possible in little time is a week-long cruise that will take you to all the main islands.

I haven’t met many passengers who tire of the Halong Bay seascape. It’s enough for them to sit on the Emeraude’s deck, book in lap, and look out upon the karsts, no matter the weather. The karsts themselves defy boredom, even for me. I’ve been looking at the same karsts day after day for years on end now, but the weather continually lends them new personalities.

Halong Bay is not only about the limestone karsts, or the cavernous grottoes hollowed out of so many of these islands. What else, many passengers want to know, is there to see in Halong Bay. And what particularly, they want to know, of wildlife.

I could talk to you of the great flights of gulls I’ve seen, and the petrels flying with legs dangling over the jade green waters. I’ve seen a huge, 1.5-meter lizard sunbathing on a limestone shelf. I’ve never see any descendents of the dragon that carved out the islands of this bay thousands of years ago, though I can’t say for sure whether that lizard is not one of his descendents.

I wish I’d seen and could tell you about the golden-headed langur, one of the world’s most endangered primates. Only several dozen individuals endure, and they all live on the largest of Halong Bay’s islands – Cat Ba. I’ve met people who have seen them, early in the morning trekking through Cat Ba National Park. But we’ve lost most of these great primates to the pot, and to the unending craziness that holds the bones and organs of these monkeys as a panacea to one thing or another.

We don’t see the golden-headed langur out here, but we do see plenty of macaques. Whether they’re rhesus macaques or Assamese macaques, I can’t say. Both species live in northern Vietnam. They’re playful and rather common here among the islands of Halong Bay. We often see them from kayaks when we’ve paddled into a lagoon. You’ll see troops of these yellow-gray coated guys going about their business – making you their business. They’re strong critters with naked faces, and they can grow quite large. The biggest I ever saw looked to be about 10 kg.

It seems they’ll eat anything, which is why they’re often interested in the Emeraude Cruise’s passengers! They’ve been fed before, and they’ll come down to you, looking for a handout and making a racket when they don’t get what they want. Indeed, they’re known to be a ‘weedy species’ of animal due to their ability to love near humans, and to live off humans.

But what weeds! As common as they are, they’re still a sight to behold… as if there were any such shortage of things in Halong Bay .

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The Bhaya is a new boat with an ancient history. A true traveler of his time, the Vietnamese Emperor Khai Dinh (1885-1925) defied the custom of taking thousands of courtiers on a royal trip, and took just twelve of his most trusted followers on a very exceptional trip to Halong Bay. His ship was one of the best of the wonderful wooden junks that sailed the waters of Halong. Inspired by the romantic landscape of the limestone karst islands rising in the middle of the waters, Khai Dinh commissioned a poem in praised of the bay’s beauty to be carved on the cliff of Dau Go Cave.

The embodiment of an ancient Halong dream, the Bhaya is a flawless combination of traditional eastern delicacy and western luxury and comfort. Sailing in the midst of the wonder and natural beauty that distinguishes Halong Bay, the Bhaya will play a considerable role in the embellishment and protection of this glorious World Heritage Site!

Fully equipped with kayaking equipments and professional service, Bhaya Spirit will be sure to impress. Enjoy 360 degree views of the Halong Bay from foredeck, swim into emerald waters, relax in the sun or participate in a kayaking adventure into hidden lagoons and caves. Experience all that this magnificent Bay has to offer.

Cruise Details

2 Accommodation Decks
1 Lounge Deck for Dining and Bar
1 Sundeck
16 Deluxe Cabins
2 Bhaya Suites
2 Royal Suites
1 Massage and Spa Area
1 Boutique Library

Other Amenities

First Aid Kits
Kayaking

Luggage Storages
Emergency Tender boat
Conference and Meeting Equipment
Safety box at the reception
IDD at the reception
24/7 Security