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... ith those special Disney touches.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" > <channel> <title>RSS Cruises</title> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/</link> <description>Cruises</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 25 Oct 2025 23:15:05 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>daily</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <item> <title>New Disney Cruise ship</title> <description>When Disney Cruise Line entered the cruise business in 1999, they made cruising a genuine "family" experience. Up until that point, most cruise lines focused mostly on adults, with very little consideration (in services or ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/two_new_ships_or_two_new.jpg" alt="Disney Cruise Line's Disney" align="left" /><p>When Disney Cruise Line entered the cruise business in 1999, they made cruising a genuine "family" experience. Up until that point, most cruise lines focused mostly on adults, with very little consideration (in services or offerings) given to younger members of the family. When the Disney Wonder ship launched in August of 1999, it redefined the cruise industry and its impact over the last ten years has been evident. Disney Cruise Line was the first cruise line, for example, to offer a majority of balcony staterooms - something that has now become commonplace on new ships. Disney's staterooms were also substantially larger than on most ships at that time - also a trend the industry has adopted. Disney Cruise Line was the first line to include a bathtub in most every stateroom (a necessity when traveling with young children). And, while we're on the subject of children, Disney built ships with kids in mind - from Flounders Reef and It's A Small World Nurseries (for toddlers), to the Oceaneer's Club (for kids 3-7), Oceaneer's Lab (kids 8-12), Edge and Vibe - the 'teens only' hangouts, a Disney cruise had the younger set fully covered. And the industry followed suit with newer ships on lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean both trying to 'up the ante' when it comes to kid-specific areas. The fact is, that in the family market, anyone else is simply vying for second place. Your favorite Characters will make appearances through out the the entire cruise; even the Disney Cruise ship's horn gets in the spirit. Almost everything is inclusive on the Disney Cruise Line: meals, entertainment, most snacks and room service. They've thought of it all when it comes to experiencing a cruise with those special Disney touches.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Cruise Ships]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/CruiseShips/new-disney-cruise-ship</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/CruiseShips/new-disney-cruise-ship</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 18 Oct 2025 23:12:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Disney Alaska Cruise review</title> <description>We just returned from our 7 day Disney Cruise on the Wonder out of Galveston. I had no real expectations because I have never been on a cruise before. I wasn't overly impressed. I was traveling with my husband and two kids, 8 and ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/top_10_first_time_disney_cruise.jpg" alt="2016 Disney Dining Plan Info" align="left" /><p>We just returned from our 7 day Disney Cruise on the Wonder out of Galveston. I had no real expectations because I have never been on a cruise before. I wasn't overly impressed. I was traveling with my husband and two kids, 8 and 3. Pros: We had a stateroom and honestly it was bigger than I thought it would be. It was still small, but it's a cruise and that is to be expected. Our room was always immaculate. Our housekeeping person, Lewin, always did a great job and was very pleasant. Castaway Cay - We splurged and rented a cabana for the day. While I would say that the "cabana service" wasn't great (there was a lame selection of beverages and granola bars) it was totally worth it to have a place in the shade with comfy furniture. The lagoon over by the cabanas was perfect for my 3 year old as he wasn't so sure about the waves. I didn't feel like it was overly commercial (which is what I was expecting) and honestly it is just a gorgeous place. We got 8 hours in port, so it was a great day. The shows - All were great and geared towards kids. Special perk - We were disembarking the day that "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" came out, so Disney had it arranged for all of us to see it the day before! My 8 year old was beyond stoked. Talk about bragging rights with his friends. The staff on board - All were excellent. Our dining staff was amazing. Cons: The pool - Honestly I laughed out loud when I saw how small the pools were and how, um, gross. I didn't let the kids swim in either pool at all, especially after they were closed twice for puke in the pool. Napkins - At any of the quick dining restaurants you have to ASK for napkins. You are a cruise line geared towards families with young kids and I have to ASK you for napkins? No. The food - Honestly? It was just ok at best. I wasn't impressed. Not a ton of "quick dining" options and the breakfast buffet thing was gross. If I wanted frozen waffles and pancakes, I would have just stayed home. Dinners were also just "ok." There wasn't much flavor at all and even the desserts (the best part of ANY meal) were mediocre at best. Ports of call - Except for Castaway Cay, our ports of call days were ridiculously short. Kids Club - So, my 8 year old had only heard great things about Kids Club and was anxious to try it out. We sent our 3 year old too because he really wanted to go. They were bored within 30 minutes. Also, with the exception of a couple of staffers, the Kids Club crew were rude and short with the kids and completely disengaged. I did say something when I turned in their bands, but they seemed disinterested. Not surprised. There are always more people coming on board. We were just a number.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Disney Cruise Line]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/DisneyCruiseLine/disney-alaska-cruise-review</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/DisneyCruiseLine/disney-alaska-cruise-review</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:47:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Cruise ship Cabin reviews</title> <description>Discover top cruise destinations on one of 14 Holland America ships Western Mediterranean 183 Reviews Eastern Caribbean 1, 023 Reviews Onboard Holland America's ships afford a traditional cruising experience with modern touches ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/po_arcadia_deck_plan.jpg" alt="P and O Arcadia cruise ship" align="left" /><p>Discover top cruise destinations on one of 14 Holland America ships Western Mediterranean 183 Reviews Eastern Caribbean 1, 023 Reviews Onboard Holland America's ships afford a traditional cruising experience with modern touches that don't feel overbearing. The refined fleet holds onto numerous traditions, such as afternoon tea and extensive art collections, but keeps the onboard ambience fresh with innovative dining and entertainment options. All of the ships bear a similar look and feel with vintage-style navy blue hulls, understated decor with pops of color and artsy fixtures, classy dining venues, bold theaters and simplified pool areas (no waterslides or party stages). The line offers a wide array of daily activities, which include enrichment programs like cooking classes, wine tastings, mixology classes, art events, themed trivia games, fitness classes, Digital Workshop seminars, movies and other special interest events during the day. Nightlife is fairly understated with predinner cocktails generally being the liveliest time. However, numerous entertainment options run the gamut from production shows and live band performances to dancing, piano bar sing-alongs and occasional late nights in the nightclub. Holland America has introduced some innovative options, including Dancing with the Stars: At Sea, combining complimentary dance classes and a ballroom-dance competition for passengers, based on the ABC television show. Holland America also has been expanding its popular B.B. King's Blues Club experience, which debuted on Eurodam in March 2013, to more ships: Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam. In each ship's Queen's Lounge, passengers can enjoy music and entertainment straight from Beale Street in Memphis. Holland America has always paid attention to the culinary arts in its dining and enrichment offerings. It offers both traditional set-time, same-tablemates dining, as well as "As You Wish" dining, which allows passengers more flexibility in choosing when and with whom they eat. The line was a pioneer in introducing the alternative restaurant concept, with the introduction of Odyssey Restaurant (now Pinnacle Grill) onboard Rotterdam. This signature fine dining venue has consistently offered excellent dishes inspired by the Pacific Northwest, but more recently it has expanded to offer "An Evening at Le Cirque, " a once-a-cruise experience consisting of a tailored menu of French Continental cuisine, wine selections and decor from the land-based venue of the same name. As the alternative dining trend continues, Holland America has added venues to several ships, including Canaletto (a family-style Italian option) and Tamarind (Asian-fusion). For passengers wishing to do the cooking and not just the eating, Holland America, a leader in onboard culinary enrichment programs, offers Culinary Arts Center show kitchens for demos and hands-on classes. Another signature space is the line's Explorations Cafe, which debuted on the line's Vista-class ships and has since been expanded to other vessels in the fleet. It's akin to an onboard coffee house with a coffee bar selling for-fee beverages, computer stations with Internet, a fantastic library, card and game tables, and comfortable reading chairs that face out to the sea. All cabins offer Mariner's Dream bedding and Euro-top mattresses, Elemis Aromapure bath products, complimentary fresh fruit, no-fee 24-hour room service, bathrobes, nightly turndown service and more. While cabin categories remain fairly standard, the line has introduced spa cabins and lanai cabins (with back doors that open directly onto the wraparound promenade outer deck) on select ships. About Holland America Line If you had to pick one word to describe Holland America Line, that word would be "venerable." The brand is arguably the most historic and tradition-laden on the seas. Its first ship, Rotterdam, set sail on a voyage between Holland and New York in 1873, and, today, Holland America ships sail all around the globe. The line was originally named the Netherlands-America Steamship Company, but it soon became known as the Holland America Line because it carried great numbers of immigrants from Holland to America. The company concentrated on the transatlantic passenger trade, as well as on commercial freight shipping until the 1970s. Its first purpose-built passenger ship was constructed in 1973, and, since then, the line has excelled in cruise vacation travel. In 1978, Holland America moved its headquarters from Rotterdam to Stamford, Connecticut. The company's headquarters then moved to Seattle, Washington, in 1983, in order to consolidate operations with Westours, an Alaska tour company in which Holland America purchased a controlling interest. In 1988, Holland America purchased Windstar Cruises, operator of four- and five-masted, computer-guided sailing ships. It ultimately sold Windstar to a smaller ship operator. One year later, Carnival Corporation acquired Holland America Line, which remains headquartered in Seattle. Holland America is now a U.S.-based cruise line, but it continues to maintain strong ties with its Netherlands heritage. Ships in its fleet - since the 1890s and continuing today - bear the suffix "dam." Most of the names are inspired by actual dams that traverse the rivers of the Netherlands. Others, such as those within the Vista Class, represent points of the compass. (Oosterdam is east, Westerdam is west, Noordam is north, and Zuiderdam is south.) Many of the names are in their fourth, fifth or sixth incarnations. Eurodam was christened in Rotterdam in 2008 by none other than the Netherlands' Queen Beatrix. Nieuw Amsterdam, HAL's newest offering, was christened in 2010 by the Netherlands' Princess Maxima, marking the 11th time a member of the Dutch Royal Family served as a HAL godmother. Holland America Line Fleet Fifteen ships compose Holland America's fleet, which is divided into five classes - soon to be six, when the line's newest 99, 000-ton ship (the first in a new Pinnacle Class of ships) launches in February 2016. Vessels within each class typically share a design, from layout to onboard features. Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam, which make up the line's Signature Class, are the largest ships in the fleet. They are also the newest, with 86, 273-ton Eurodam having launched in 2008 and 86, 700-ton Nieuw Amsterdam not long after in 2010; each carries roughly 2, 100 passengers. As the two youngest and newest sisters in the fleet, both ships also lean more toward the trendy side of traditional. Features like Tamarind, the line's specialty Asian restaurant, and basketball courts instead of tennis courts separate these two from the others. The line's Vista Class includes four ships: Noordam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam. All cater to slightly more than 1, 900 passengers. These ships introduced to the fleet more cabins with ocean views, expanded public areas and contemporary touches like glass-walled elevators. The Rotterdam Class, which was spearheaded by 61, 849-ton Rotterdam in 1997, was designed to show off traditional Holland America at its best. Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Volendam and Zaandam are perhaps the most opulent ships in the fleet, with gleaming dark woods, ornate dining facilities, grand atriums and original artwork throughout. Maasdam, Ryndam, Statendam and Veendam make up the Statendam Class, the smallest of Holland America's mid-sized ships. Launched between 1993 and 1996, these four vessels epitomize the line's vintage charm as the oldest in the fleet. The ships were ordered not long after Carnival Corporation bought Holland America. Since Carnival didn't want the Holland America ships to compete as heavily with its own Carnival Cruise Lines, the Statendam ships were kept to a more modest size, ranging from 1, 258 to 1, 350 passengers. It's a nice configuration that feels more spacious than other mid-sized ships.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Cruise Ships]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/CruiseShips/cruise-ship-cabin-reviews</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/CruiseShips/cruise-ship-cabin-reviews</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:46:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Orlando Dinner Cruises</title> <description>Relax amidst the natural beauty of Central Florida when you embark on a lunch or dinner cruise in the Orlando area, including those that features delicious cuisine, live entertainment, dancing, and more. Whether you're seeking a ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/paris_dinner_cruise.jpg" alt="Paris dinner cruise" align="left" /><p>Relax amidst the natural beauty of Central Florida when you embark on a lunch or dinner cruise in the Orlando area, including those that features delicious cuisine, live entertainment, dancing, and more. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly alternative to theme parks and attractions or a romantic getaway for two, these dining and entertainment cruises along the St Johns River feature all of the opportunities for relaxation and entertainment that you may be seeking. The Rivership Romance is a historic steamer that served during World War II. Restored and updated for complete safety, this vessel offers one of the Orlando area's most unique perspectives for sightseeing. Rivership Romance 3 Hour Lunch Cruise Relax for an afternoon along the St Johns River with the Rivership Romance 3 Hour Lunch Cruise! Board the vessel and enjoy seeing the sights before setting down for a delicious lunch featuring a selection of gourmet cuisine. Enjoy an assortment of fruits and cheeses before the full meal is served. Entrees choices include tuscan chicken, herb-crusted grouper, Caribbean pork, beef loin, and eggplant parmesan, as well side dishes and dessert. After lunch, you'll be treated to live musical entertainment, and will have plenty of time for soaking up the sun and sites on the outer decks of the Rivership Romance. Rivership Romance 4 Hour Lunch Cruise If lunch isn't enough, consider the half-day Rivership Romance 4 Hour Lunch Cruise. Immediately upon boarding, you'll be treated to a light brunch that includes fruits, cheeses, sticky buns, and more. You'll then enjoy a live music performance while taking in the beauty of the St Johns River. Your entire journey will cover 25 miles of the river, so you'll have the opportunity to experience plenty of Central Florida nature. Watch for wildlife along the banks, and see the birds and fish that call this region home. In the early afternoon, you'll be treated to a gourmet lunch, that includes salad, rolls, seasonal vegetables, dessert, and your choice of entrees.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Dinner Cruise]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/DinnerCruise/orlando-dinner-cruises</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/DinnerCruise/orlando-dinner-cruises</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Belize Cruise Port</title> <description>Belize Cruise Excursions Welcome to Belize Cruise Excursions, your guide to shore excursions in Belize City Belize. Offering Belize excursions and shore trips in Belize cave tubing (X-Stream Belize Cave Tubing and X-Stream Belize ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/carnival_glory_cruise_review_by_jim.jpg" alt="Carnival Glory Cruise Review" align="left" /><p>Belize Cruise Excursions Welcome to Belize Cruise Excursions, your guide to shore excursions in Belize City Belize. Offering Belize excursions and shore trips in Belize cave tubing (X-Stream Belize Cave Tubing and X-Stream Belize Kids Cave Tubing), Zip Line Canopy Tours, our famous combo: Zip Line and Cave Tubing, Snorkeling and Beach Breaks, Goff's Caye, Mayan Ruins (Altun Ha, Lamanai, Xunantunich), beaches, jungle tours, river tours, caving, and more!! Our vision is to make your visit to our port of call, Belize City Belize, the most enjoyable and memorable destination of your Cruise Our vision is to make your visit to our Belize City, Belize port of call the most enjoyable and memorable destination of your Caribbean Cruise. Booking your own Belize excursion through Belize Cruise Excursions will not only save you money but it will provide you with the option of unique and diverse experiences, small groups, individualized itineraries. Belize Cruise Excursions have personally selected the excursions and tour guides for Belize cave tubing, snorkeling, Belize Mayan Ruins and Belize Jungle tours to insure that you will have the best experience possible while in Belize. With so many diverse Belize excursions to choose from, you will definitely be able to find something to suit your interests and level of adventure. You can opt for a relaxing day on a beautiful beach at Goff's Caye or for the more adventurous, you may be more interested in trekking in the jungle to Mayan Ruins, cave tubing or the famous Cave Tubing and Zip Line Combo tour. Of course Belize excursions are renowned for the magnificent Ecotourism oriented excursions, our excursion locations are pristine and will guide you to Earth's natural wonders. Belize offers unspoiled Tropical Rainforest, untouched cave systems, incomparable wild life as well as fascinating Maya Temples. Belize Excursions are a once in a lifetime experience which will remain in your best of memories forever. Belize Cruise Excursions is a Belize City Cruise Ship Only Guide, we specialize in local shore trips utilizing the best independent operators. We provide firsthand information on every company and trip we recommend. Cruise Ship Companies such as Carnival, Disney, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Holland American and Royal Caribbean, often only carry a few excursion options and for the most part they utilize tour companies that can handle bulk groups. You therefore, often end up shuffled onto crowded excursion tour buses and large boats packed to capacity. Do not make that mistake, you will be glad to have chosen one of our Boutique Excursions regardless of the Western Caribbean Port you will be visiting on your cruise. Island Marketing Ltd specializes in unique and boutique tours in addition to our "best for less" excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Island Marketing Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need. Belize Cruise Excursions are tour and excursion experts representing the best independent operators in Belize. We provide firsthand information on each and every excursion we offer and recommend the excursions that work best for you. That's the Island Marketing Ltd. difference! SHORE TOURS AND CRUISE EXCURSIONS IN BELIZE Cave Tubing is one of the most exciting shore tours offered at the Port of Belize City, Belize. Our X-Stream Cave Tubing Excursion offers the ultimate version of this tour by including two complete cave systems, this will add an extra cave for tubing, dry caves exploration, small group size and the extreme in personal care. Feel at one with nature on the exciting Belize Zip Line Canopy Tour Adventure. Belize is World Famous for the lush Tropical Rainforest, Nature Diversity, Majestic Trees, outstanding Wildlife and biodiversity, this tour is by far one of the best method to view it all at a canopy level. Belize Enjoy two of the most exciting tours offered in Belize today, Cave Tubing and the Canopy Zip Line Excursions on your one day visit to Belize! Our X-Stream Cave Tubing Excursion will now take it to the next level by offering one beautiful Cave System on the Sibun River followed by the Canopy Zip Line Tour back to back on a 6hr adventure! With our Belize X-Stream Kids Cave Tubing, young children as well as adults can enjoy this incredible excursion. Cave Tubing in Belize is one of the most exciting shore excursions offered at the Port of Belize City, Belize and our X-Stream Kids Cave Tubing Excursion offers the ultimate version of this popular tour just for Kids and their parents! Belize offers exemplary Mayan Ruins, these ancient Mayan Temples were once Cities, Towns, Religious Temples and major trade posts for the ancient Mayan civilization. Once hidden in thick jungle the Mayan Temples of Belize have since been restored to their original splendor, one cannot help but feel the ever-present Mayan Spirit when visiting these spectacular sites. The Xunantunich Maya Ruins are by far the ruins with the most archeological importance in the county of Belize. Situated in tropical rainforest the Temples of Xunantunich are West of Belize City close to the Guatemalan border in the beautiful Cayo District. Xunantunich contains one of the tallest Mayan structures found in Belize, built on grandiose hilltops overlooking the Mopan River</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Cruise Port]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/CruisePort/belize-cruise-port</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/CruisePort/belize-cruise-port</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Disney Cruise Line Magic</title> <description>Disney Magic Photo Galleries Take a look at our including photos from all of the newly enhanced areas on board, including the dining locations, recreation areas, and the upper decks! Disney Magic Overview / Planning Tools The ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/disney_updates_its_15_year_old.jpg" alt="Disney Cruise Line's Magic" align="left" /><p>Disney Magic Photo Galleries Take a look at our including photos from all of the newly enhanced areas on board, including the dining locations, recreation areas, and the upper decks! Disney Magic Overview / Planning Tools The grand atrium lobby is the first thing guests see when they enter the Disney Magic and it truly sets an impressive scene. The lobby has been designed with an art deco motif and features colors of the sea, like coral, blue and aquamarine. The carpet features a seashell design. If guests look up, they will notice that the chandelier is meant to act as the sun in this space and golden yellow rays stretch across the ceiling. The "Helmsman Mickey" statue stands at the bottom of the grand staircase, waiting to greet guests to their vacations. The Disney Magic offers a wide variety of itineraries, mainly sailing to the Caribbean, but the Magic will also head off to ports in the Bahamas, Canada, New York and Europe! Length: 964 feet | Beam: 106 feet | Draft: 25.26 feet Cruising Speed: 23 knots Staterooms These staterooms are designed especially for the needs of families. Staterooms on board the Disney Magic are well-appointed, comfortable, and awash in nautical elegance. Most boast split bathroomsa feature that's perfect for families & and a cruise line industry first! Popular features from the other ships are also available, like private verandahs, portholes with built-in seating and elegant decor. Restaurants A Brazilian restaurant is available for guests, bringing the spirit of Rio de Janeiro to the ship. Carioca's is designed like an outdoor marketplace and is based on Jose, the parrot from The Three Cabelleros . In the daytime this space has a festival theme and then transforms at night to the city of Rio, with soft lights and lit lanterns. Animator's Palate features high-def flat screens and animation decorating the walls. The popular Animation Magic show is offered here, giving each guest the chance to become an artist. Cabanas is themed around Finding Nemo. Cabanas is a casual atmosphere during the day and a table-service restaurant in the evening. The restaurant space offers 9, 460 square feet of space and 455 seats. Palo, the adults-only dining location, is reminiscent of a cafe in Venice. Glass artwork, stone floors and red and white striped poles give the restaurant the illusion of being situated on the canals of the Italian city. Restaurants on the Magic include: Carioca's (Main Dining) Lumiere's (Main Dining) Cabanas (Quick Service/Table Service) Daisy's De-Lites (Quick Service) Pete's Boiler Bites (Quick Service) Pinocchio's Pizzeria (Quick Service) Entertainment Entertainment aboard the Disney Magic is offered in fantastic settings, and all options are designed to fill your days at sea with memorable experiences. Guests can watch stage shows in the beautiful Walt Disney Theatre, first-run movies in the Buena Vista Theatre and take part in character meet and greets across the ship. Nightclubs & Lounges on the Disney Magic bring the night to life with music, dancing and socializing. From swanky to sporty, low key to high energy, you'll find a hangout you'll love amid the ship's "adults-only at night" entertainment district, After Hours. The clubs in this location are O'Gill's Pub, Fathoms (an undersea-themed club that changes atmosphere as the night goes on) and Keys, a laid-back piano bar. Image: O'Gills Image: Fathoms Image: Keys Senses Spa & Salon sports a contemporary design and offers a variety of services. Smile Spa offers teeth whitening services and barbershop services for men, and the Chill Spa caters specifically to teens ages 13 to 17. D Lounge is the hangout for games, dance parties and family-friendly activities. The Oceaneer Club, one of the areas for children age 3-12, is home to Disney's Pixie Hollow, Andy's Room from Toy Story and more. In the Marvel's Avengers Academy, children will be in charge of a command post directing the Avengers' secret missions and training. The Mickey Mouse Club is decorated in red, yellow and black. Kids will make crafts and play games, as well as test out Goofy's Gears, an oversized activity center with magnetic, spinning gears to play with. The Oceaneer Lab, which is also for kids age 3-12, has a pirate-themed area. Kids use Navigator Simulators to steer a pirate ship through the Caribbean. It's a Small World nursery, based on the theme park attraction, is the perfect place for your little ones to play while you enjoy a grownups' night out. - This interactive space for tweens ages 11-14 is designed to look like a replica of the ship's bridge. High-tech gaming stations, a dance floor, TV, arts and crafts, karaoke, and scavenger hunts will keep them busy for hours. - This teens' hangout is on Deck 11, midship. The room is designed with cozy chairs, couches, a dance floor, flat screen TVs and a smoothie bar. Video games, board games and DVDs are available in this area where teens can hang out and get to know each other. Recreation Kids ages 3-12 can visit Deck 10 for a Princess or Royal Knight makeover (Pirate makeovers will be available for all ages on Pirate Night). Several new interactive features have been added to the pool deck. Water play features similar to the Fantasy's AquaLab have been added to the 1, 800-square-foot space. Kids can jump around the pop jets, geysers and bubblers. The infants/toddlers splash area has been re-themed around Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Donald's nephews. The Twist N' Spout water slide sends guests twisting back and forth across the ship in 250 feet of twists and turns. This slide is for guests between 38 and 64 inches tall.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Disney Cruise Line]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/DisneyCruiseLine/disney-cruise-line-magic</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/DisneyCruiseLine/disney-cruise-line-magic</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:44:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Nassau Cruise Port</title> <description>Fabulous Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas English is the official language in Nassau and the Bahamian Dollar (equivalent to a US Dollar) is the currency. What is Nassau like? Downtown Nassau taken from the MSC LIrica Pool Deck ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/new_york_la_guardia_airport_lga.jpg" alt="New York La Guardia Airport" align="left" /><p>Fabulous Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas English is the official language in Nassau and the Bahamian Dollar (equivalent to a US Dollar) is the currency. What is Nassau like? Downtown Nassau taken from the MSC LIrica Pool Deck New Providence Island, just one of the 700 islands that comprise the Bahamas, is home to Nassau, the Bahamian nation’s capital. Located a mere 185 miles southeast of Miami, the scenery is very similar to mainland Florida, flat with not much diversity. Victorian mansions, 18th century fortresses, pink and white Parliament buildings, and uniformed “bobbies” all provide a British colonial charm to this 21 X 7 mile island. Add the expanse of wonderful beaches and duty-free shopping, Nassau provides a taste of the tropics. Cable Beach lined with first-class resorts, casinos and all-inclusives is seven miles from downtown. A toll bridge in the center of town connects Nassau to Paradise Island. What was once known as Hog Island, Paradise Island has been transformed into a chic, up-scale resort area with the sprawling, spectacular Atlantis Resort as its focal point. What is the weather like? Nassau enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters, seldom dipping below 60°F. Average temperatures range in the low to upper 80’s; with water temperature never below 72°. With that said, however, just like Florida, these are averages and during winter months be prepared for an occasional cold front to cause drastic temperature drops. Ships docked at the Nassau Pier (Taken from the Straw Market) Where does the ship dock? Cruise ships dock at Prince George Wharf in the heart of downtown Nassau. Once you leave the pier, you will walk directly into Rawson Square, which is the center of town. Metered taxis are readily available, but most charge a flat fee to popular destinations. The 5 minute taxi ride to Atlantis on Paradise Island will cost -3 per person. Nassau Water Taxi Takes off for Paradise Island A water taxi, located at the pier, also provides transportation to Paradise Island for about the same price. This can be an enjoyable alternative to a cab ride, but be aware that the ride takes about 15 minutes and the ferry does not leave the dock until it has a full passenger load (I mean packed!). On my last visit there was a jerk named "Bobbi" who yelled at the top of his lungs that he was a tour guide and then proceeded to point out a couple of houses along the way that may have belonged to movie/rock stars. He was obnoxious and crude, not to mention insulting. He ended his diatribe with the explanation that he didn't work for the ferry, but made his income from tips. He threatened to confront every passenger one-on-one to pay for his services and then did so. It was hard for me to believe that some people actually fell for this sort of shake-down. Folks, the guy works for the boat and he is using you to increase the revenue from the water taxi ride. Unless you enjoy being ripped off, don't pay him and when he presents his hat, let him know you don't appreciate his cheap scam. If others pay, let them know that they are just prolonging the pain for subsequent visitors. Give your money to someone more deserving on the island, rather than being ripped off if you feel the need to contribute. It is embarrassing to me that this kind of scam can exist. Entrance to Nassau's Famous Straw Market Bay Street in the heart of downtown is the main shopping area. In this duty-free shopping area you will find rows of designer stores like Bvlgari, Gucci and Cartier as well as tacky t-shirt and souvenir shops. Nassau's Straw Market A visit to the Straw Market, also downtown, is an opportunity to barter with the locals. The original Straw Market burned down but a smaller, temporary market has taken its place. There are also numerous shops in the Atlantis Resort that are quite willing to help you part with your money.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Cruise Port]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/CruisePort/nassau-cruise-port</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/CruisePort/nassau-cruise-port</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:44:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Ocho Rios Cruise Port</title> <description>The piers are right beside the downtown area where shops, restaurants and bars are just minutes away on foot. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is located in the Island Village shopping center, the closest to the port, and backs up ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/saint_francis_high_school_console_gaming.jpg" alt="Com channel victory casino" align="left" /><p>The piers are right beside the downtown area where shops, restaurants and bars are just minutes away on foot. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is located in the Island Village shopping center, the closest to the port, and backs up to the beach. Don't Miss The top attraction in Ocho Rios is the mighty Dunn's River Falls, where you can climb the flowing waterfalls that cascade down 600 feet and spill out into a pool right on the beach. Locals say that this is where "heaven spills into the sea, " and on a first visit to Ocho Rios, giving the falls a climb is something that shouldn't be missed. If you're going to climb the falls, it's a good idea to bring water shoes or rent shoes onsite to keep from slipping on the limestone rocks. Mystic Mountain is a rainforest adventure park that's great for kids and adults alike and is home to some very unique outdoor activities. The adventure begins with a ride on the Sky Explorer, a chairlift that soars 700 feet over the lush landscape that trails below. Once at the top, travelers can opt to try the park's signature Bobsled Jamaica ride, the Zip-Line Canopy tour or a twisty slide that ends up in the mountaintop swimming pool. Have lunch, and take in the view from Lookout Tower before making your way back down the mountain on the chairlift. Reggae roots run deep in Jamaica, and music-lovers shouldn't pass up the opportunity to tour the town of Nine Mile, the birthplace of Bob Marley. Situated in the mountains of St. Ann Parish, Nine Mile takes about 75 minutes to reach from Ocho Rios, and tours can be purchased that include transportation. You'll visit Marley's family home and mausoleum. A musical option closer to port is Reggae Explosion, located in the Island Village shopping center. This interactive mini-museum honors reggae music and other music genres popular to the region. Shopping: Haggle in classic Jamaican style at the craft market; you can get good prices on straw items, woodcarvings and souvenirs. Downtown, head for the Taj Mahal Shopping Center and Soni's Plaza. Both offer shops featuring unique jewelry, clothing and gifts. In the duty-free arena, you can get good buys on jewelry, cameras, china and crystal. Good souvenir choices include the island's well-known coffees, Blue Mountain and High Mountain; Tia Maria, the made-in-Jamaica coffee liqueur; and Jamaican rum. Dolphin Cove is swimming with the dolphins. But, beyond puckering up for kisses with the friendly mammals, you can also pet Caribbean sharks, explore the waters in glass-bottom kayaks, snorkel with stingrays or take a jungle trail walk. (Expect to spot snakes, iguanas and birds.) Take a drive through the lush rainforest of Fern Gully. This dense and often dark jungle of tropical foliage is set inland, where the winding road used to be a flowing river. It is said there are more than 200 different species of ferns in the area. The drive is about three miles long, and a tour of Fern Gully is often included in excursions that highlight the best of Ocho Rios. For nature-lovers, a self-guided botanical garden tour is ideal. Shaw Park Gardens features 25 acres of tropical plants, flowers and trees, situated on a hill overlooking the Caribbean. Coyaba River Gardens features a water garden with streams and waterfalls running throughout the grounds, as well as cultural attractions. And, Turtle River Park, a free public park close to port, is a good option for those trying to keep spending ashore to a minimum. Harmony Hall , located about 10 miles outside Ocho Rios, is a restored great house where arts, crafts and collectibles are now sold. You may also stumble onto a gallery showing of a local artist. Wassi Art Pottery Works is another option for craft-lovers; it's only a few minutes from town and offers a first-hand look at the making of pottery, from the clay stage to the final artisan-designed product. You can buy one-of-a-kind Wassi pieces at the onsite showroom. Prospect Plantation is one of the island's oldest 18th-century estates. Tour the lush grounds in an open-air jitney while experiencing gorgeous views over the White River; explore the property's agricultural crops, including cassava, bananas, sugarcane and coffee; feed the ostriches; view native Jamaican butterflies in the aviary; or saddle up for a leisurely horseback ride. Nonguests are welcome to play golf at Breezes' golf club in Runaway Bay and Sandals Golf & Country Club. Both are PGA-quality championship courses and are some of the most interesting in the Caribbean, with fairways and greens laid out amid the rolling hills and picturesque backdrop. Getting Around On Foot: You can walk into downtown. If you are docked at the James Bond Pier, take the Main Road to the west to get to town - it takes about 10 minutes. Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the dock; just make sure you hire a licensed JUTA taxi. Negotiate a price before you go and the time to be picked up; fares to many of the area's closest attractions are about $10 roundtrip. Beaches Best Beach for a Half-Day Visit: Mahogany Beach, 10 minutes east of port, is a great place for a beach day. Parasailing, kayaking, water-skiing and diving are just a few of the water sports offerings available, and with nearby shopping, beachside massages and a bar and grill, you're all set until your ship is ready to sail again.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Cruise Port]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/CruisePort/ocho-rios-cruise-port</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/CruisePort/ocho-rios-cruise-port</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:39:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Last Minute Cruise Deals from Los Angeles</title> <description>Driving Directions and Parking Information for the Port of Los Angeles Port of Los Angeles Berths 91-93 World Cruise Center 100 Swinford Street San Pedro, CA 90731 The World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/motel_6_pratt_ks_pratt_united.jpg" alt="Featured Image" align="left" /><p>Driving Directions and Parking Information for the Port of Los Angeles Port of Los Angeles Berths 91-93 World Cruise Center 100 Swinford Street San Pedro, CA 90731 The World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California is approximately 18 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Parking is $16.00 per day (rates are subject to change by Port Authority). From LAX: Travel southbound on the San Diego Freeway (Interstate 405), then southbound on the Harbor Freeway (Interstate 110). Exit at Harbor Boulevard and proceed straight through the Harbor Boulevard intersection. Turn right to enter the World Cruise Center. Guests using GPS should enter the following address for the Port of Los Angeles: 425 South Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA (Port of Los Angeles). Please note that this is the address for the port administration building. Upon arrival at the port, guests should follow signs to the cruise ship berths 91-93. Temperature (Fahrenheit) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High 67 69 71 73 77 82 83 78 Low 48 50 51 53 57 60 63 64 59 49 Average 62 65 68 72 66 58 Temperature (Celsius) 19 21 22 23 25 28 26 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 15 20 Precipitation Inches Centimeters Precipitation Days Days Humidity Percent 70 74 79 80 85 86 Toll-free from Germany to our US office</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Last Minute Cruises]]></category> <link>http://www.preparetosail.com/LastMinuteCruises/last-minute-cruise-deals-from-los-angeles</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.preparetosail.com/LastMinuteCruises/last-minute-cruise-deals-from-los-angeles</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:38:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> </channel></rss>If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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