Gen Y: Romantic Couple Cruises vs Family Cruises

Consider Taking A Romantic Cruise For Two

Cruising is one of the most popular choices for vacationing these days. One of the reasons is there is just so much to do and they make it so easy! You are literally living in a floating city for three, four, seven or ten days. What could be more romantic than going on a fabulous cruise on the beautiful open seas, with your sweetheart?

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Recommendations to Remain Healthy on a Cruise Line

Along with the glamor and fun associated with cruise travel comes a real need to be aware of your personal health and safety. If you’re concerned about health and safety issues on board a cruise ship, keep reading for great tips on how to stay well during your next cruise vacation.

1. Check a Boat’s Report Card

The Vessel Sanitation Program operates through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Their job is to inspect ships regularly. They look for cleanliness issues, food storage facilities, food preparation methods, water sanitation, hygiene, pest control and a ship’s disease prevention methods.

After the Vessel Sanitation Program inspects a ship, they issue a report card. That report card is then made available on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention web site. So, before you book your next cruise, research and read your proposed ship’s report card and check their score.

2. Visit Your Doctor Before You Depart

Make an appointment with your family doctor at least a few weeks before you’re scheduled to depart. Be sure you have all necessary vaccinations that will be required, an extra supply of your medication and, if you have specific health problems, a copy of your medical chart.

For cruise vacationers who need a yellow fever vaccination, you may want to plan farther in advance to book a vaccination at a local public health or travel clinic.

3. Be Diligent About Germs

Remember that a cruise ship is an enclosed space holding a lot of people. Germs and disease can spread quickly on board a ship, so take precautions like always keep your shoes or a pair of flip-flops on at all times, use hand sanitizer regularly (carry some in your pocket) and wash your hands often.

4. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Cruise ships are typically safe for water and food, but if you’re planning on any shore excursions, only drink bottled water and try to only eat at reputable and “safe” restaurants. You don’t want your cruise adventure tarnished by a bout of food poisoning.

5. Put Your Children’s Safety First

If you’re booking a cruise with your children, even a “kid’s cruise,” always be aware of the cruise line’s policies regarding child safety. Ask them about how they screen their child care employees, whether or not all crew are required to have first aid certification and – even if you’re cruising with the best – always be aware of where your children are on board at all times.

Travel the River Yangtze by Cruise Ship

Travel the Yangtze River by Cruise Ship

The common Chinese saying, ‘If you haven’t traveled up the mighty Yangtze River, you haven’t been anywhere’. It well describes the river’s range of picturesque landscapes, since Yangtze winds through some of China’s most scenic country. Snaking its way 6,300 kilometers from western China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the East China Sea, the Yangtze River stretches nine provinces and serves as a drain for 695,000 square miles of land. The most impressive section of the river is the three Yangtze River gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge, collectively known as Sanxia, or the Three Gorges.

Qutang Gorge

Being shortest among the Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge is the most spectacular. Immediately downstream of the ancient village Baidicheng, the Yangtze River passes between the Chijia Mountain on the north and the Baiyan Mountain on the south. The point where the river passes between these mountains is called the Kuimen Gate and it is the entrance to the Qutang Gorge – the first of the three Yangtze gorges.

The Qutang Gorge is only 8 kilometers (5 miles) long, but it is also the narrowest of the Three Gorges. The widest point measures only 150 meters (500 ft) wide. The mountains on either side reach as high as 1,200 meters (4,000 ft). This combination of narrow canyons among high mountains with several switchbacks in only 8 kilometers creates spectacular vistas, and the Qutang Gorge is often considered the most beautiful of all the Three Gorges.

Wuxia Gorge

When the river flows out of Qutang Gorge and passes the broad valley of the Daning River, it enters the scenic Wuxia Gorge, the middle Yangtze gorge which straddles Sichuan and Hubei Provinces. Wuxia Gorge is 45 kilometers long, noted for its deep and serene scenes. So sheer are the cliffs that it is said the sun rarely penetrates. The boat passes, on the south side, it is said, like an ancient warrior’s silver coat of arms crowned by a round golden helmet. Ahead are the l2 peaks of Wu Gorge, famed frothier dark and somber grace. Poets have attempted to evoke both their bleakness and beauty. Wuxia Gorge is full of zigzag, weird peaks, rising mists and beautiful sights. The famous Twelve Peaks on both banks of the river, in particular, are the most spectacular. These strange-looking peaks are like a fairy maid dancing.

Wushan, Badong and Zigui are famous towns in the gorge. There are many famous historic sites too. The town of Zigui is attracting a large number of tourists because it is the native place of the great ancient poet Qu Yuan and the famous beautiful woman Wang Zhaojun.

The Daning River at the western entrance to Wuxia Gorge is flanked by continuous strange peaks, including Longmen, Bawu and Dicui, some of them rising into the clouds and presenting an unusual spectacle. The section of the river becomes known as the Minor Three Gorges.

Xiling Gorge

The longest among the Yangtze Gorges, Xiling Gorge stretches west to east for 76 kilometers. Pass near the city of Yichang in Hubei. It is divided into two sections — the west section consists of the Military Book and Sword Gorge, the Bull’s Liver and Horse’s Lung Gorge and Kongling Play Gorge, while the east section features the Shadow Play Gorge and the Yellow Cat Gorge, otherwise known as Yichang Gorge. Along this gorge sit many archeological sites, including the Huangling Temple, first built during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). In addition, the Three Visitors’ Cave and the Luyou Fountain all have their unique features.

Xiling Gorge is known for dangerous rapids and numerous shoals, the latter including the Qingtan, Kongling and Xietan shoals. These shoals were formed out of fallen and rock from banks, boulders and sands washed down from the upper reaches, veins protruding from the riverbanks, or reefs jutting out of the riverbed. At some points there are treacherous whirlpools and the waters are extraordinarily turbulent.

There is an old saying – “On a slow boat to China” – Well, why not relax on a slow boat on the beautiful Yangtze River. A Yangtze River Cruise will take you through the cradle of China, while giving you the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable.

Explore the mighty Yangtze River in sportful cruise and experience the birthplace of the profound Chinese culture. Discover the grand Three Gorges, the amazing artworks of the nature along the streams and a wonder of human being – Three Gorges Project. Mysterious Chinese Culture embraces perspectives from all over the world. The Yangtze River Cruise will be a life time experience!

Yangtze Cruise is more popular than ever. Every year, millions of travelers worldwide come to China to enjoy this fantastic experience. There are some reasons why people so favor the Yangtze Cruise!

Fun and relaxing
A slow could be a luxury for city dwellers in highly urbanized and industrialized society. A Yangtze Cruise could slow your pace and slow your mind on a leisurely trip to let you embrace this picturesque with wide-open eyes.

Stunningly beautiful natural scenery and numerous historical relics
The Yangtze River is bestowed with rich natural scenery and cultural relics such as the Three Gorges Dam, gem stronghold and Shennong Stream which make Yangtze Cruise an ideal tourist destination for travelers.

Great Onboard Experience
The cruise ship company is always thinking of ways for the customers to enjoy their time aboard. They have arranged a great variety of activities including shows, culture presentation etc for the guests. Besides the regular on shore excursions we organize various colorful programs and shows. Each cruiser will be different. Some ships feature dong and dance shows, introduction to Chinese culture, and lectures on the three gorges, Chinese Majiang, calligraphy, Chinese cuisine, Taiji, and traditional Chinese kits. There are several ships which feature lectures on Chinese history and traditions, Chinese medicine, and Chinese dancing classes.

Really want to enjoy this experience? Please kindly join in China Connection Tours for an amazing Yangtze River Tours.

China Connection Tours, an excellent China tour operator, has over twenty-years of experience in tour operating and specializes in China tours for individuals and groups; offers more than 300 China tour packages: Yangtze River Tours, Classical China tours, Yangtze tours, Yunnan tours, Tibet tours…

Travel the Yangtze River

Travel the Yangtze River

Yangtze is a river of epic proportions, stretched across miles over the China mainland from its origin in Qinghai Province to the East China Sea, making it the third longest river in the world behind the Nile and Amazon. A journey along this river provides the most rarest and beautiful views of Mother Nature, exquisite wildlife, scattered industry belts, and some of the biggest cities and towns in the country. If there is a river in China to take a cruise along, this is that river!

Yangtze River Cruises are rated as the best available in China – and in world as well – and the biggest advantage of choosing to traverse the river in a cruise liner over the conventional modes of transport is that the entire journey is not at all taxing and exhausting. There are no frequent needs for packing and unpacking of the bags nor are there any unending queues in front of verification counters. Once on board, you can place your belongings in your room and focus on enjoying the journey rather than carrying it all along wherever you go. Further, all document related aspects will be handled by the managerial staff of the tour company sponsoring the cruise. The travelers need not have to worry about such technicalities. Also the facilities offered in the cruise liners – such room service, spa service, entertainment, workout facilities, medical facilities and the mouth watering cuisines in the restaurants – are simply top class, at par with the standards offered by the five star hotels in Shanghai or Beijing.

In short, a traveler on the cruise can enjoy the journey without any worries, in a leisurely pace, on his/her own terms, without getting bogged down by the thoughts of ‘what next’ or ‘where on earth I am’?  After all, we all undertake pleasure trips for sheer pleasure and not to entertain any worries.

For the best Yangtze River cruises, take few minutes to browse the various travel websites and it won’t take too long for you to find out a tour schedule that matches your convenience and budget. Select a suitable one and you won’t be disappointed at what you see and experience during the days in the cruise liner. Be prepared for the river cruise of your life!

Have Fun Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas

Have Fun Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas

Glamorous, elegant, family-friendly and fun are what come to mind when talking about Royal Caribbean’s ship: Freedom of the Seas.  Determined to make Freedom the most innovative and adventurous ship of its fleet, Royal Caribbean built Freedom to be the largest passenger ship ever, then added one-of-a-kind features sure to impress.

Let the Adventure Begin

One of the most talked about activities is the Flowrider®.  This exciting surfing ride gives the feeling of hanging ten on a Maui wave, all right from on board Freedom.  Grab a board and catch a wave.  It’s easy to learn and fun to master.

The H20 Zone is another water wonder found exclusively on Freedom.  A dedicated crew mans this water park filled with giant and colorful sculptures, water cannons, fountains, jets, waterfalls, spiral-shaped current pool and more.  For adults and kids alike, the H20 Zone is a blast during the day and a whole new adventure when lit up at night.

While kids usually get special gathering places designated just for them, Royal Caribbean decided to offer a solarium onboard Freedom – just for adults.  Fun and relaxing, the solarium presents a rainforest theme with giant sculptures of tropical birds and palm trees, poolside hammocks, a panoramic view of the ocean and music piped underwater.  While truly special during the day, the solarium is spectacular at night.

A separate sports pool accommodates the adventurous ones in your group.  You’ll find traditional favorites such as water volleyball and basketball and some exciting new options including golf and jousting.

For those looking to live life to its fullest, a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and scuba lessons should provide plenty to do.  If relaxation is your goal, work off your stress in the state-of-the-art fitness center under the watchful eye of your personal trainer.  Then allow yourself to indulge in any of the massages or treatments available in Freedom’s full-service spa.

Spacious Cabins and Family Suite

Accommodations are outstanding with four categories of staterooms to choose from.  Each is of exceptional size and offers a full-sized, flat screen television and WiFi capabilities.  Each cabin also offers premium bedding and a hairdryer for added comfort and convenience.

If you’re traveling with a large party, Freedom offers a Presidential Family Suite that will comfortably sleep up to 14 guests.  With five plasma TVs, a large wrap-around balcony, a family room, bar, work stations, four separate bedrooms, four baths and its own whirlpool, this is an exceptional suite for family vacations, reunions or wedding parties.

Children and Youth Activities

The kids haven’t been left out.  As with all Royal Caribbean ships, Freedom delivers a fun – and safe – place for kids and teens to relax and be themselves.  Adventure Ocean® blends age-appropriate educational activities with fun for kids from 3 – 17.  From the youngest travelers who receive personalized attention from a qualified and caring staff to teens who can enjoy parties, music and more – every child will find something he or she likes onboard Freedom.

Destinations

Departing from Miami, Florida, beginning in June 2006, Freedom will sale to exciting ports of call.  Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and other popular destinations throughout the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean are scheduled.

Freedom truly is spectacular with several exclusive features not found elsewhere.  Cruising enthusiasts who appreciate quality, value and fun will thoroughly enjoy their time aboard this ship.

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