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.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
How to Save Money on New Orleans Cruise Parking
Cruising from New Orleans? Then be prepared to shell out a chunk of change just for the privilege of parking at the port.
Exactly how much money? The official Port of New Orleans parking lots charge a staggering $16 per day. In other words, parking alone costs $112 for a 7-day cruise.
That's a lot of money, especially given that you have like spent several thousand for your cruise vacation.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can avoid paying those high parking fees -- if you just know a few easy tips.
Our first tip is also the most drastic and may not apply to everyone. But if you don't want to pay high parking fees, then simply don't park.
If you are flying into the area, then you can hop a taxi from the airport to the cruise terminal. Taxis charge a flat fee to get to most places in the city from the airport (and vice versa). If catching a cab from there, expect to pay $33 to get to the cruise terminal for one or two people. If more than two people ride, the fare is then $14 per person.
If you live in the New Orleans area, then you can also grab a cab or see if a friend can take you to the port.
Of course, this tip isn't practical for everyone. Many people drive to the city from the surrounding area -- they have to park somewhere. In that case, you can still save money.
Remember that there is no reason you have to park in the official port parking. It is simply the closest and most convenient to the port.
However, a cottage industry of parking lots have sprouted up near the port. For instance, a company called New Orleans Parking offers cruise parking for just $8 per day -- half the price of the port. This parking lot is located just a couple of blocks from the cruise terminal. A short walk could save you a ton of money.
Finally, there is one more way to save money on parking. If you are staying in New Orleans before or after your cruise, keep in mind that many hotels near the port offer free or discounted parking lot as an incentive for guests. Given that parking can cost more than $100, this is a huge freebie that you shouldn't miss. In fact, it may be worth it to stay in New Orleans at least one night to take advantage.
Exactly how much money? The official Port of New Orleans parking lots charge a staggering $16 per day. In other words, parking alone costs $112 for a 7-day cruise.
That's a lot of money, especially given that you have like spent several thousand for your cruise vacation.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can avoid paying those high parking fees -- if you just know a few easy tips.
Our first tip is also the most drastic and may not apply to everyone. But if you don't want to pay high parking fees, then simply don't park.
If you are flying into the area, then you can hop a taxi from the airport to the cruise terminal. Taxis charge a flat fee to get to most places in the city from the airport (and vice versa). If catching a cab from there, expect to pay $33 to get to the cruise terminal for one or two people. If more than two people ride, the fare is then $14 per person.
If you live in the New Orleans area, then you can also grab a cab or see if a friend can take you to the port.
Of course, this tip isn't practical for everyone. Many people drive to the city from the surrounding area -- they have to park somewhere. In that case, you can still save money.
Remember that there is no reason you have to park in the official port parking. It is simply the closest and most convenient to the port.
However, a cottage industry of parking lots have sprouted up near the port. For instance, a company called New Orleans Parking offers cruise parking for just $8 per day -- half the price of the port. This parking lot is located just a couple of blocks from the cruise terminal. A short walk could save you a ton of money.
Finally, there is one more way to save money on parking. If you are staying in New Orleans before or after your cruise, keep in mind that many hotels near the port offer free or discounted parking lot as an incentive for guests. Given that parking can cost more than $100, this is a huge freebie that you shouldn't miss. In fact, it may be worth it to stay in New Orleans at least one night to take advantage.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Mexican Riviera: Which Cruise Line Is the Best
The Mexican Riviera is among the finest and most exotic locations a vacationer might pick for a luxury cruise.
A host of cruise lines offer an experience that is sure to stay with you for many years to come.
A luxury cruise tends to be one of those moments where vacationers can get rather picky. As well as they should be.
Princess Cruises makes you feel comfortable during every moment of your vacation. The warm and friendly service will make you feel like a valued guest.
Feel right at home without a care in the world. From sunrise till late at night Princess Cruises anticipates all your needs and makes you a part of it as if it were a family voyage.
Experience dining options unlike any other; bread and pastries are prepared thrice a day. The sauces are prepared by hand. For meat lovers, there's pure joy to be found: a cut steak complimented by a glass of pinot noir. Or perhaps, Italian pizza next to the pool on another night might enlighten the mood?
A variety of dining options are just waiting for you. You get to enjoy between Traditional Dining and fixed seating and timings, or Anytime Dining with the option of dinning the time and company you choose to dine with. Both menus offer creative appetizers, entrees and desserts that will tantalize your senses throughout the voyage.
Princess Cruises offers stunning itineraries that include destinations like exotic spots in Europe, Asia, India and The Americas including the Mexican Riviera. In addition they've also won the "Best Cruise Line Itineraries" for seven straight years.
The comfortable elegance of the Princess Cruises cruise ship will draw you in with plenty of space to roam about freely, whether it's having cocktails with friends or just relaxing and curling up under a warm fleece blanket while taking in the scenic cruising.
The Sanctuary is where you get to kick stress out the door, a blissful haven just for adults. Enjoy soothing massages or just recline in a comfy lounge chair, listening to your favorite tunes as the Serenity Stewards serve spa fare and rejuvenating fruit drinks.
Feel like just taking it easy for a while and enjoying feature films, concerts or sporting events? Enter Movies Under the Stars, where you find a giant screen next to a poolside, as you enjoy drinks and a complimentary bag of movie pop corn.
The Staterooms offer some of the largest percentages of balcony stateroom accommodations in the industry. For every kind of preference, there's a stateroom, including slightly smaller but spacious suites with comfortable interiors.
All ships are stocked with an extensive library, including a wide range of books related to cruise itineraries. Enjoy collections of as many as 2000 books.
Get to choose from a variety of sporting activities. Take the nine-hole putting green for a spin. Or just engage in some ping pong and shuffleboard. There's even a jogging track that comes ready with a sports court for volleyball and basketball.
A host of cruise lines offer an experience that is sure to stay with you for many years to come.
A luxury cruise tends to be one of those moments where vacationers can get rather picky. As well as they should be.
Princess Cruises makes you feel comfortable during every moment of your vacation. The warm and friendly service will make you feel like a valued guest.
Feel right at home without a care in the world. From sunrise till late at night Princess Cruises anticipates all your needs and makes you a part of it as if it were a family voyage.
Experience dining options unlike any other; bread and pastries are prepared thrice a day. The sauces are prepared by hand. For meat lovers, there's pure joy to be found: a cut steak complimented by a glass of pinot noir. Or perhaps, Italian pizza next to the pool on another night might enlighten the mood?
A variety of dining options are just waiting for you. You get to enjoy between Traditional Dining and fixed seating and timings, or Anytime Dining with the option of dinning the time and company you choose to dine with. Both menus offer creative appetizers, entrees and desserts that will tantalize your senses throughout the voyage.
Princess Cruises offers stunning itineraries that include destinations like exotic spots in Europe, Asia, India and The Americas including the Mexican Riviera. In addition they've also won the "Best Cruise Line Itineraries" for seven straight years.
The comfortable elegance of the Princess Cruises cruise ship will draw you in with plenty of space to roam about freely, whether it's having cocktails with friends or just relaxing and curling up under a warm fleece blanket while taking in the scenic cruising.
The Sanctuary is where you get to kick stress out the door, a blissful haven just for adults. Enjoy soothing massages or just recline in a comfy lounge chair, listening to your favorite tunes as the Serenity Stewards serve spa fare and rejuvenating fruit drinks.
Feel like just taking it easy for a while and enjoying feature films, concerts or sporting events? Enter Movies Under the Stars, where you find a giant screen next to a poolside, as you enjoy drinks and a complimentary bag of movie pop corn.
The Staterooms offer some of the largest percentages of balcony stateroom accommodations in the industry. For every kind of preference, there's a stateroom, including slightly smaller but spacious suites with comfortable interiors.
All ships are stocked with an extensive library, including a wide range of books related to cruise itineraries. Enjoy collections of as many as 2000 books.
Get to choose from a variety of sporting activities. Take the nine-hole putting green for a spin. Or just engage in some ping pong and shuffleboard. There's even a jogging track that comes ready with a sports court for volleyball and basketball.
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