The Danube River is like no other. As the European Union's longest, it has an extensive history to match. Like other rivers, it made for a route of attack for many colonies and forces over the years, which led to the building of some of the river's most prominent and atmospheric structures - its fortresses.
Golubac Fortress
Located where the Danube narrows to form the Iron Gates - the gorge which acts as part of the boundary between Romania and Serbia - the Golubac Fortress is an atmospheric presence that sits on the river's bank. Consisting of nine towers in total that are linked by stone walls, this fortress is protected by the Republic of Serbia and was named a Monument of Culture and Exceptional Importance in 1979.
Baba Vida
Now you are more likely to see fellow travellers to Bulgaria as opposed to the Ottomans who invaded the country in the early 1300s at this historic site, as the fortress took on the role of a museum displaying evidence of its history in 1958. According to legend, the fortress is named after the eldest daughter of a Bulgarian King who had ruled Vidin. It is said that Vida had witnessed the unhappy marriages of her sisters and built the fortress in which to live out the rest of her unmarried days.
Belgrade Fortress
This fortress has been turned into a museum, as well, with its grounds also being used for open air concerts in the past. Its lagums, the fortress' underground corridors, are also famed as they are kilometres long and largely still unexplored.
Ilok Medieval Fortress
The town of Ilok in Croatia holds its fortress on the right bank of the Danube, strategically placed for battle. The uneven landscape on which the fortress was built has resulted in the irregular shape of the structure, which is long and winding.
Devin Castle
As one of the oldest castles in Slovakia, the Devin Castle was built in the 15th century. Standing at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, it is widely recognised as a fort, despite its castle status, as it was once a key site for defending the Slovak territory. Having seen better days, the castle is regarded as a ruin following its years of battle history, which included its blowing up in 1809 during the Napoleonic wars.
These iconic fortresses which are nestled along the banks of the Danube River provide both an atmospheric picture whilst travelling along the river, as well as a reminder of the historical importance the waterway holds for the 10 countries it passes through.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
What Exactly Is a "Caribbean" Cruise?
It sounds simple enough because a "cruise to the Caribbean" sounds like one location, right? Not exactly.
The Caribbean is a region surrounded generally by Cuba to the north, Central America and South America to the west and south, respectively, and the islands of Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Bahamas and thousands of tiny islands along the eastern and southern Caribbean Sea border.
Islands and coastlines bordering the Caribbean Sea are popular vacation destinations because of their beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, great shopping, and a laid-back lifestyle that we all long for. If you're considering a Caribbean cruise for your next vacation, it's helpful to know what the difference is between an Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean cruise.
First of all, every cruise line defines Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean just a little differently. But there are general terms they all agree on.
What Can I Expect From a "Western" Caribbean Cruise?
In general, a western cruise would sail between Cuba and Mexico and head south along the Central American coast. You can expect to stop in ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, and Roatan. Other port stops may include Jamaica and the Grand Cayman Islands. Sometimes the Bahamas, although technically not in the Caribbean, are included in the itinerary. A cruise would typically depart from Texas, Louisiana, or the western or southern ports of Florida. For example, if your cruise leaves from Tampa, Galveston, or New Orleans you will most certainly be on a western destination.
What Can I Expect From an "Eastern" Caribbean Cruise?
An eastern cruise typically passes through the Bahamas and often stops at the cruise line's private island if they have one. The ports of call may include Turks & Caicos Islands, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Kitts, St. John (USVI), St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Popular eastern departure ports are along the east coast as far north as New York. These ports are convenient for East Coasters who want to vacation in the Caribbean and save on airfare to Florida.
What Can I Expect From a "Southern" Caribbean Cruise?
A southern cruise is generally going to be longer, but there are exceptions. You should plan on a minimum 10 days if you want to cruise the southern islands, and you can expect more time at sea. The extra time at sea makes it possible to travel to some of the smaller, less populated and remote islands in the region. For example, Antigua, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba are some popular southern ports.
The Caribbean is a region surrounded generally by Cuba to the north, Central America and South America to the west and south, respectively, and the islands of Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Bahamas and thousands of tiny islands along the eastern and southern Caribbean Sea border.
Islands and coastlines bordering the Caribbean Sea are popular vacation destinations because of their beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, great shopping, and a laid-back lifestyle that we all long for. If you're considering a Caribbean cruise for your next vacation, it's helpful to know what the difference is between an Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean cruise.
First of all, every cruise line defines Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean just a little differently. But there are general terms they all agree on.
What Can I Expect From a "Western" Caribbean Cruise?
In general, a western cruise would sail between Cuba and Mexico and head south along the Central American coast. You can expect to stop in ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, and Roatan. Other port stops may include Jamaica and the Grand Cayman Islands. Sometimes the Bahamas, although technically not in the Caribbean, are included in the itinerary. A cruise would typically depart from Texas, Louisiana, or the western or southern ports of Florida. For example, if your cruise leaves from Tampa, Galveston, or New Orleans you will most certainly be on a western destination.
What Can I Expect From an "Eastern" Caribbean Cruise?
An eastern cruise typically passes through the Bahamas and often stops at the cruise line's private island if they have one. The ports of call may include Turks & Caicos Islands, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Kitts, St. John (USVI), St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Popular eastern departure ports are along the east coast as far north as New York. These ports are convenient for East Coasters who want to vacation in the Caribbean and save on airfare to Florida.
What Can I Expect From a "Southern" Caribbean Cruise?
A southern cruise is generally going to be longer, but there are exceptions. You should plan on a minimum 10 days if you want to cruise the southern islands, and you can expect more time at sea. The extra time at sea makes it possible to travel to some of the smaller, less populated and remote islands in the region. For example, Antigua, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba are some popular southern ports.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Will I Get Motion Sickness on a Cruise?
I love to travel. However, if the roads are winding, I have to drive or I get nauseous. As a passenger while driving down the freeway, I can't read a book or look at the map without my stomach taking a turn. I haven't taken a helicopter ride that did not end with me begging to get out. But I love water and the idea of a cruise sounded like such a great idea except for the stories I had heard about motion sickness.
I decided to give a 3-day cruise a try, and I'm so glad I did. My sister provided me with some hideous magnetic bracelets, but I just couldn't wear them because they were so... hideous. I was sure the motion sickness would hit, but it never did. I never got nauseous. The boat was so big, that there was very little motion and it didn't feel like I was on a boat except for the fact that I was surrounded by the big blue sea and sunshine.
Then I tried a 4-day cruise - no problem. A 5-day cruise - no problem. A 7-day cruise - no problem. I even had a cabin at the front of the ship and at night I could feel a gentle rocking up and down while I lay in bed, and I LOVED it! I enjoyed every minute of all of my cruises. The food was amazing, relaxing in the sun by the pool at sea was what I needed, and exploring on shore was even more fun.
Had I listened to stories from fearful people who sailed long ago before modern cruise ships with hi-tech stabilizers, I would never have discovered my favorite way to vacation. I spent most of my time outside of my cabin - lounging on the sun deck, exploring at ports, dining with a view, and I even took a golf lesson on deck! My advice? Try it. Take a 3-day cruise and test the water. Cruising is popular for a reason. I'm glad I took a chance.
If you're still worried because you've never cruised before, there are a couple of simple solutions to prevent motion sickness. As a back-up plan, some people have recommended taking non-drowsy Dramamine or other motion sickness medicine, and take just half of a pill if you feel some symptoms. Sometimes, even the non-drowsy versions can make you feel a bit drowsy--so don't over do it.
I decided to give a 3-day cruise a try, and I'm so glad I did. My sister provided me with some hideous magnetic bracelets, but I just couldn't wear them because they were so... hideous. I was sure the motion sickness would hit, but it never did. I never got nauseous. The boat was so big, that there was very little motion and it didn't feel like I was on a boat except for the fact that I was surrounded by the big blue sea and sunshine.
Then I tried a 4-day cruise - no problem. A 5-day cruise - no problem. A 7-day cruise - no problem. I even had a cabin at the front of the ship and at night I could feel a gentle rocking up and down while I lay in bed, and I LOVED it! I enjoyed every minute of all of my cruises. The food was amazing, relaxing in the sun by the pool at sea was what I needed, and exploring on shore was even more fun.
Had I listened to stories from fearful people who sailed long ago before modern cruise ships with hi-tech stabilizers, I would never have discovered my favorite way to vacation. I spent most of my time outside of my cabin - lounging on the sun deck, exploring at ports, dining with a view, and I even took a golf lesson on deck! My advice? Try it. Take a 3-day cruise and test the water. Cruising is popular for a reason. I'm glad I took a chance.
If you're still worried because you've never cruised before, there are a couple of simple solutions to prevent motion sickness. As a back-up plan, some people have recommended taking non-drowsy Dramamine or other motion sickness medicine, and take just half of a pill if you feel some symptoms. Sometimes, even the non-drowsy versions can make you feel a bit drowsy--so don't over do it.
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