4 mins | 28 Nov 2024 Tips to save on your next cruise Cruising is a fantastic way to discover new places in style, but the costs may rapidly add up. From choosing the right stateroom to determining the best time to sail, there are various methods to save money while still having a luxurious and memorable cruise. Today throughout this blog, we’ll discuss some ways to save money on your next trip. Let’s look at how you may make the most of your cruise while staying within your budget. 1. Book early for the best deals. One of the most effective strategies to save money on a cruise is to book early. Early-bird discounts, promos, and limited-time bargains are frequently offered by cruise lines to guests who book ahead. Locking up your cruise early allows you to get the best possible pricing, especially on popular itineraries or during busy seasons. Cruises provides early booking discounts on their expedition cruises, so you might get a better deal on one of their exciting journeys. They frequently offer special early booking discounts that include lower airfare, onboard credits, or complimentary cabin upgrades to customers who purchase months in advance. Show Black Friday Sales. 2.Travel during the off-peak seasons. The price of your cruise can vary greatly depending on when you book it. High season months, such as summer and holidays, tend to have higher rates, however going during shoulder or off-peak seasons might save you a lot of money. Furthermore, you’ll avoid enormous crowds and have a more tranquil, pleasant trip. Hurtigruten and Hurtigruten Expeditions frequently offer lower tickets for voyages throughout the winter months, especially if you want to visit the Polar areas. 3.Take advantage of last-minute deals. If your travel dates are flexible, consider arranging a last-minute cruise. As the departure dates approach, cruise lines frequently offer significant discounts to fill unsold accommodations. If you’re ready to be impulsive and adaptable, you can score some fantastic last-minute bargains. Princess Cruises routinely offers last-minute bargains with large savings, particularly on Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings. 4. Look for exclusive offers and promotions. Cruise companies frequently offer special promotions, particularly during key sales occasions such as Black Friday and Wave Season (January to March), when they unveil their best deals of the year. Keep a watch out for these discounts, as they may contain free goodies like drink packages, shore excursions, or onboard credits, which can result in big savings. Hurtigruten Expeditions frequently provides bundled bargains that include shore excursions or discounts on arctic voyages, providing added value for explorers wishing to visit isolated locations. 5. Choose an inside cabin or a lower category stateroom. Cruise cabin prices can vary substantially depending on location and category. Opting for an inside accommodation with no windows or selecting a lower grade stateroom can significantly cut the cost of your voyage while maintaining enough comfort. Many cruise lines also offer packages that include benefits such as dining and excursions, which may help offset the expense of a stateroom upgrade. 6. Book your shore excursions independently. Shore excursions are available for a fee from cruise lines, but they are frequently more expensive than booking individually. Prior to your trip, research the ports of call and look into alternate excursions. Many destinations have local tour guides or small businesses that provide similar trips at a lesser cost. While Seabourn provides private, luxury excursions, if you want to save money, consider scheduling any of the shore activities separately. 7. Consider small or niche cruise lines. While big-name cruise lines are known for their diverse offerings, smaller or niche cruise lines can provide unique experiences at a lesser cost. These cruise lines frequently operate with fewer passengers, which can result in more personalized service and greater value for money. If you’re looking for a cruise that blends excitement and comfort, smaller cruise lines may be the best option. Aurora Expeditions provides smaller ships for adventure travel in isolated locations such as Antarctica and the Arctic. Their adventures are well-known for offering unique experiences at affordable pricing. 8. Look for all-inclusive packages. Some cruise lines provide all-inclusive packages that include meals, beverages, gratuities, and excursions. While the initial cost may appear larger, it may save you money in the long term by eliminating unexpected expenses during the trip. Seabourn provides all-inclusive luxury experiences, which include meals, beverages, and gratuities, so there are no further expenses once you arrive on board. Cruising does not need to be an expensive endeavor. By preparing ahead of time, booking during off-peak seasons, and looking for special bargains, you may save a lot of money on your next cruise. Whether you choose the luxury of Cunard or the more affordable options from Princess Cruises there are numerous ways to spend a wonderful vacation at sea without breaking the bank. The trick is to do your research, prepare properly, and take advantage of the bargains that best suit your vacation style and budget. Have fun sailing! Team Cruise Professionals
Things to do in Manzanillo
2 mins | 25 Nov 2024 Things to do in Manzanillo While the city of Manzanillo on the Mexican Riviera may have only become a top resort destination in recent memory, it has a long and storied history as one of the country’s most important centers for shipping and trade. During a shore excursion to this lively city as part of a Mexican cruise, you are sure to be amazed at its vibrant culture and gorgeous Pacific scenery. Here are just a few things to do in Manzanillo, Mexico. The center of life in Manzanillo is the zócalo, or the main plaza. This central square is constantly filled with townspeople going about their business, and during a visit to this locale, you can people-watch to your heart’s content. Locals especially like congregating here to toss rice to the numerous pigeons that call the square home. The plaza is also an excellent area to explore the Manzanillo scenery because of its blossoming trees, fountain, and breathtaking views of the town’s bay. Without including the city’s numerous beaches, no list of things to do in Manzanillo, Mexico would be complete. Each beach along the town’s more than 40 miles of immaculate Pacific coast appears to be the ideal combination of shimmering golden sand and swaying palm trees. The beaches of Manzanillo are a must-see destination, whether you wish to have a swim, try sea kayaking, or simply relax in the sun. You might wish to visit Las Hadas Golf Resort for a different kind of leisure. This top-notch establishment is a fantastic starting point for your Manzanillo journey, with facilities like an 18-hole championship golf course, a 70-slip marina, and lots of chances for water sports. A number of additional attractions are located just outside the city, making the Mexican Riviera one of the top tourist destinations in the world. You can witness the region’s amazingly diverse wildlife when you visit the Tortugario Ecological Center, a facility dedicated to the conservation of endangered species. The most popular attraction here is the turtle sanctuary, which is the largest of its kind in Mexico. A couple of other neighboring sights provide an insight into Mexico’s rich cultural past. The city of Colima contains ruins dating back over 2,000 years, while Comala has 500 years of history and views of two gorgeous volcanoes. What are you planning to do in Manzanillo, one of the Mexican Rivera’s jewels?View the Mexico cruises. Team Cruise Professionals
Wildlife on Ice
3 mins | 18 Nov 2024 Wildlife on Ice The vast ice region that surrounds the South Pole is home to a remarkable number of animals. Millions of penguins, thousands of seals, and whales are among the species that will wow you as you explore the eternally frigid Antarctica. However, there’s another fascinating aspect of Antarctic wildlife that you have yet to uncover. Meet the Residents of Antarctica – Seals – Master of Ice: However, penguins are the continent’s signature mammal. The most common species found in the region are Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Emperor. Along with these mostly found occupants, you’ll come across a charming family of seals. Few animals will captivate your heart like the Weddell Sea, which is distinguished by its bulbous body and head, short snout, and deep, expressive, soulful eyes. And a Weddell puppy simply increases the giddiness and adorable factor tenfold. Seals are divided into two natural groups: genuine seals and fur seals. True seals vary from fur seals, such as sea lions, in that they lack external ears and cannot travel on all fours. Fur seals are also smaller, with adult females weighing just 150 kg. True seals, on the other hand, can be extremely large. As impressively, elephant seals may weigh up to 4 tons. Antarctic Birds: In addition to providing food for numerous whales, the Antarctic Ocean is home to a large number of seabirds. Birds glide high in the sky and procreate along Antarctica’s coast and offshore islands. From the uppermost deck, you may see albatrosses, petrels, cormorants, fulmars, gulls, terns, and skuas, among other bird. 3.Giants of Antarctica: Whales are not fish; they are cetaceans, a kind of mammal. Whales, like all mammals, need to breathe. This forces them to the surface every 20 minutes or so. You might witness blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, southern right whales, and sperm whales. All of the whale species seen in Antarctica have had to migrate long distances, often swimming thousands of miles. That’s a lot of breaths just to get here. Even with an abundance of food triggered by the Antarctic Summer’s 24-hour sunlight, whales never forget to take a break from their around-the-clock feeding frenzy to surface and breathe. 4. The King of the Region : Antarctic penguins are the actual kings of the territory, with feathers devoted exclusively to insulation. Penguin feathers are short and densely packed, and they skillfully overlap. The structure and arrangement of their feathers allows them to trap air all over their body. A thick covering of fat just beneath the skin completes the armor that hot-blooded penguins require to not just survive but thrive in the coldest region on the planet. The region’s most frequent species are Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Emperor. Team Cruise Professionals
Medallion Class
4 mins | 14 Nov 2024 Medallion Class: A Premium Cruise Experience Everyone is familiar with the story of Aladdin and his magic lamp. According to the story, when Aladdin came across a gin, his three wishes were granted. And how we all wished we had a magic lamp as well. As a result, some of our desires may have been granted. Unfortunately, this is not realistic in the real world. But what if I told you that all of this is now possible, and that it all can be done while cruising? It doesn’t sound real, but that’s good because, with the introduction of the Princess Medallion, Princess Cruises has heightened the elegance, discovery, and adventure that have long been associated with cruise travel. However, what is Princess MedallionClass and how does it work and how can you utilize it to improve your cruise vacation at your apartment? What is Princess MedallionClass ? The Princess Medallion is a compact, elegant, and beautiful wearable device—roughly the size of a coin—that serves as your personal key to an enhanced cruise experience. It is included in Princess Cruises’ elite MedallionClass package. The Medallion is intended to provide a seamless, frictionless, and extremely personalized experience, transforming your cruise into much more than just a vacation. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned seafarer, the Princess Medallion offers access to a world of convenience and luxury, complete with amenities tailored to your every need. International visitors can collect their Medallion device at the port. This quarter-sized device can be worn in various different ways. Carry it on your complementary lanyard or buy extra accessories to use it as a bracelet, necklace, or clip. Use your Medallion Wearable to enjoy:· Quicker boarding · Whatever you require, delivered· Finding relatives and friends on board· Putting events in bookmarks· Simple access to the stateroom· Family-friendly games· The best wireless internet at sea· Discovering your way around the ship How Does the Medallion Work? The Princess Medallion works by combining geolocation technology, contactless interactions, and an integrated app. This is how it works. Geo location: The Medallion uses Bluetooth and sensors located throughout the ship to track you as you walk around. It functions similarly to a GPS on your cruise ship, allowing the staff to give real-time services based on your location. For example, if you’re thirsty at the pool, you may ask for a drink, and the crew will know where to deliver it. MedallionClass App: The app allows you to customize your experience, make requests, check your itinerary, and access a wide range of services. Personalization : The Medallion will learn your preferences over time. It can remember your favorite drinks and meals, as well as recommend activities based on your interests, making your cruise feel tailor-made for you. Princess Cruises App After you’ve booked your cruise holiday, we recommend downloading the Princess® Cruises App to your mobile device. While you will not need to rely on your mobile devices during your holiday, the Princess® Cruises App does provide tools that can help you enjoy your time onboard. Many of these digital experiences can also be accessed via the ship’s portals (digital touch screens) or cabin television. This includes: OceanNow – No matter where you are on board, order tasty meals and cool drinks to avoid the lines. Our employees can locate you with the use of your Medallion device and provide drinks, snacks, or other services at any time or location, even in your stateroom TV or the mini-portals in the public around the ship.OceanReady – Avoid the lineups by ordering delicious meals and refreshing drinks wherever you are on board. Using your Medallion device, our staff can find you and offer beverages, snacks, and other amenities whenever and wherever you need them.JourneyView – View every onboard event that will happen during your trip via one of the ship portals or the Princess® Cruises App on a smartphone, then bookmark the things you want to do to make your own customized schedule.OceanView – Your favorite TV series and films are always accessible when you visit distant places and encounter various cultures.OceanCompass – You won’t ever need to be concerned about losing yourself or your loved ones while on board. To make it easier to find and message your trip partners, add them to the app. To ensure that you never miss a meal, you can also follow detailed instructions to help you go from your stateroom to the dining area. Is the Princess Medallion available on all ships? The Princess Medallion is currently accessible on the majority of Princess Cruises’ ships, including prominent boats such as the Coral Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, and Sapphire Princess will return as MedallionClass ships along with the new Enchanted Princess. As more ships have MedallionClass, it’s worth seeing if your particular ship has this technology if you’re thinking of taking a trip. Additional Benefits: In addition to MedallionClass Digital Experiences, you can participate in live activities such as the Sail Away Celebration and Fortuna Luck, which bring Ocean® Casino games to life throughout the ship. Alternatively, during the Good Spirits at Sea Experience, you can learn from our onboard mixologist while sipping on innovative drinks. The Princess Medallion elevates cruising, combining cutting-edge technology with great guest service to provide a truly royal experience. From the minute you board the ship until you exit, the Medallion provides a smooth, seamless, and personalized experience. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruiser, the Princess Medallion assures a vacation personalized to your specific needs, tastes, and wishes. So, the next time you sail on a Princess Cruise, remember to wear your Princess Medallion—you’ll be surprised at how easy and pleasurable cruising can be. Team Cruise Professionals
Adventure In The Caribbean
3 mins | 11 Nov 2024 Activities for adventure in the Caribbean The Caribbean islands offer the ideal setting for adventure sports, with crystal blue waters, limitless coral reefs, and a diversified landscape. From Barbados’ shipwrecks to Tortola’s rocky terrain, St. Lucia’s volcanic highlands, and Antigua’s bright reefs, there are a variety of activities for those seeking an adrenaline rush. 1. Barbados: dive among shipwrecks Carlisle Bay, less than 200 metres off the coast of Barbados, is home to an amazing underwater museum of six shipwrecks that are just waiting to be explored. These wrecks, ranging from the shallow Barge to the deeper Eilon, are tide-dependent on the sand and range in depth from 3 to 17 metres. The Bajan Queen stands out as the most spectacular, measuring over 36 metres long. This cluster of wrecks offers a one-of-a-kind diving experience due to its proximity and modest depths. View Cruise for Barbados. 2. Tortola: scenic hike at Mount Healthy National Park Take a lovely stroll on Tortola amid Mount Healthy National Park’s stunning sceneries. The variety of routes is ideal for visitors visiting the port, providing an accessible escape into nature that may be done as a tour or on a self-guided stroll. Wander through the semi-rain forest pathways and enjoy the views of the lush tropical landscapes and the Caribbean sea. Engage in birding to see over 200 birds found on Tortola, including doves, seagulls, and even flamingos. View Cruise for Tortola. 3. St. Lucia: zip-lining through the rainforest Ziplining should be on your list of things to do in St. Lucia for a memorable experience. This thrilling adventure allows you to soar above the thick rain forest canopy, providing stunning views and an adrenaline rush. Known for its breathtaking tropical vegetation, Saint Lucia is home to lilies, birds of paradise, and hibiscus. One of the best ways to appreciate the breathtaking island scenery is from above! View Cruise for St. Lucia. 4. Antigua: stand-up paddle boarding at Pigeon Point Beach Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) at Antigua’s Pigeon Point Beach offers a calm yet captivating experience for anyone seeking to explore the island’s breathtaking coastline at their own speed. The placid waters of Pigeon Point make a great location for paddle boarders of all ability levels, including beginners and those with limited mobility, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. As you glide over the clean, tranquil sea, you interact with nature, see marine life beneath the surface, and even catch a sight of the island’s vibrant coral reefs. View Cruise for Antigua. 5. Grenada: eco trek to Bamboo Falls Immerse yourself in discovery with this excellent, hands-on tour of Grenada’s stunning Etang National Park. This guided environmental hike through nature will allow you to enjoy Grenada’s breathtaking natural splendor while also getting some exercise. Cross rope bridges and rock pools to get at the trek’s stunningly tranquil finale: Bamboo Falls, a cascade with a clear, warm pool for swimming at its base. A lovely approach to get up close and personal with this breathtaking environment. View Cruise for Grenada. Team Cruise Professionals
Majestic Beings of the Arctic
3 mins | 04 Nov 2024 Majestic Beings of the Arctic The Arctic region, famous for its spectacular ice and snow landscapes, is home to a fascinating assortment of species that has evolved to flourish in one of the world’s hardest settings. The Arctic ecosystem, from stately mammals to hardy seabirds, exemplifies nature’s inventiveness, yet it aces tremendous difficulties as a result of climate change. Polar bears, the Arctic’s top predators, are among its most iconic creatures. The Arctic also acts as an important breeding habitat for several bird species. Migratory species, such as the snowy owl and different seabirds, swarm to the area throughout the summer months, enticed by the abundance of food. Here are some of the animals listed below that live in the Arctic region. The Polar Bear: Arctic Apex Predator Polar bears, the majestic kings of the Arctic, are specially adapted to survive in one of the planet’s harshest environments. They are primarily found on sea ice, where they hunt seals, which are their principal source of food. Polar bears are formidable hunters due to their excellent eyesight and exceptional sense of smell, which allow them to spot prey from miles away. Their thick blubber and hair keep them comfortable in cold weather. Their translucent fur, which appears white to blend in with the snow, is one of their distinguishing features. The Arctic Fox: Arctic Cunning Native The Arctic fox thrives in the cold tundra, adapting to harsh conditions with its thick fur and compact physique. They are primarily scavengers, hunting small mammals and birds using their strong sense of hearing. One distinguishing feature is their ability to change fur color with the seasons, which provides camouflage from predators and aids in survival. The Musk Ox: A Resilient Arctic Survivor Musk oxen live in the harsh Arctic tundra, where they face intense cold and powerful winds. These sturdy animals graze on grasses, mosses, and lichens,digging through snow for nourishment. Their thick, shaggy coat, which provides insulation against cold temperatures, is a distinguishing trait that helps them survive. Additionally, when threatened by predators such as wolves,musk oxen form a protective circle, with their young in the center. This defensive tendency, combined with their imposing size, allows them to overcome the obstacles of their harsh habitat. The Arctic Hare, Adapted for Survival The Arctic hare flourishes on the cold, windy tundra of the Arctic, where it is well-adapted to harsh conditions. These hares eat grasses, mosses, and lichen, and use their sharp front teeth to forage through snow. One distinguishing feature that aids their survival is their seasonal camouflage; in the winter, their fur turns white, merging flawlessly with the snow, while in the summer, it flips to brownish-gray. This ability to change hue not only helps them avoid predators such as arctic foxes and birds of prey, but it also allows them to remain inconspicuous in their ever-changing surroundings. Arctic hares can dash away from danger thanks to their muscular legs, making them agile survivors in a hard ecosystem. The Reindeer: Adapted for the Arctic Reindeer, sometimes known as caribou, inhabit the Arctic tundra and subarctic regions, where their are uniquely adapted to extreme temperatures. These extraordinary animals are herbivores, mostly on grasses, mosses, and lichens that they dig out from beneath the snow with their hooves. Their thick, insulating coat helps them survive in severe conditions. They have a good sense of smell, which allows them to find food hidden under snow. When threatened by predators such as wolves, they frequently move in herds, which provides safety in numbers and makes it more difficult for attackers to target one individual. survive in severe conditions. They play an important role in the Arctic Ecology due to their resilience and adaptability. The Walrus: A Unique Arctic Marine Mammal Walruses are intriguing Arctic dwellers who live largely on ice floes and along the Arctic Ocean’s shores. These sociable animals thrive in cold water, where they mostly feed on benthic invertebrates like clams and mollusks, utilizing their delicate whiskers to detect prey on the ocean floor. Their magnificent tusks, which may grow to be three feet long, are one distinguishing characteristic that helps them survive. These tusks have several functions: they assist walruses in hauling themselves onto ice, establishing dominance within social groupings, and defending against predators such as polar bears and orcas. Their large layer of blubber also serves as insulation against the harsh temperatures. Walruses, with their social character and adaptations, are well-equipped to deal with the challenges of their Arctic habitat. The Whale: Majestic Giants of the Arctic Whales, such as the beluga and narwhal, are wonderful denizens of Arctic waters. They flourish in the chilly ocean and perform important functions in the marine ecology. Whale diets vary by species; many, such as baleen whales, filter-feed on small fish and plankton, whilst others, such as orcas, are apex predators that hunt seals and other marine mammals. Their thick covering of blubber, which protects them from frigid temperatures, is a distinguishing trait that helps them survive in the Arctic. Seals: Adaptable Residents of the Arctic Seals are vital marine creatures that live in the frigid waters of the Arctic, where they flourish on sea ice and along coasts. These nimble swimmers search for fish, squid, and crustaceans in dark, muddy environments, using their sharp eyesight and sensitive whiskers. Seals’ thick covering of blubber, which provides protection against cold temperatures, is one of their distinguishing features that allows them to thrive in such extreme conditions. Atlantic Puffins: Colorful Seabirds of the North Atlantic puffins are attractive seabirds that live in the rough coasts of the North Atlantic, particularly in the Arctic and subarctic regions. They like to nest in burrows on cliffs and rocky islands, where they can keep their young safe from predators. Their capacity to carry many fish in their beaks at once allows them to forage more efficiently. One distinguishing characteristic that contributes to their survival is their brilliant, multicolored beak, which not only attracts partners during mating season but also helps them blend into their colorful