Best Cruise Line for Cruises through the Panama Canal

Finding the best cruise line for cruises through the Panama Canal?allows you to?get the most from your?trip to the world-famous landmark.? There are several cruise?companies which offer Panama Canal sailings throughout the year, so finding one to meet your needs, wants and budget shouldn't be too difficult.

The Panama Canal is a popular cruise destination. It stretches from the city of Balboa through Cristobal in Central America. The man-made canal allows for easy travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.?In addition, the?modern marvel in engineering?is also classified as one of?the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, as described by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Consequently, there are a number of cruise options to choose from.? Several major cruise lines travel through the Panama Canal, each offering a distinct itinerary for its passengers.

Holland America offers both eastbound and westbound Panama Canal cruises from the fall to the spring months. Some of its itineraries include port stops in the Caribbean, South America and Central America. The shortest cruises offered by the company are 10-day Sunfarer cruises. The longest are 34-days Collectors Voyage cruises. Port stops on this extensive voyage may include:

CartagentaColumbiaFuerte AmadorPanamaHalf Moon CayBahamasCosta Rica

To find a full list of cruises available, visit? Holland America's website.

Carnival is another cruise line which offers sailings through the Panama Canal.?Choices include?14-day tours departing from Tampa, Florida, and traveling to Los Angeles, California. Ports of call include the Cayman Islands, Cartagena, Columbia, and a voyage?through the Panama Canal Transition. Other ports of call may include Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Acapulco, Mexico and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In some cases, the company offers eastbound cruises with the same stops.?

Windstar Cruises is a luxury cruise line. Though they offer trips throughout the world, one of the popular options the company features is the Panama Canal cruise. Some of the highlights of this cruise include:

Naturalist lectures on board at each port of callRain forest exploration in Bahia DrakeDiving on the Isla de Coiba to see sea turtles and dolphinsVisiting the Kuna Indian village in the San Blas IslandsShopping at the Cristobal Pier in Colon

This company offers both? 7- and 14- day cruises. The 14-day cruise?departs from Puerto Caldera and travels to St. Martin. The shorter cruise travels from Puerto Caldera to Colon; however, other options may be available.?

Princess Cruises also offers a cruise through the Panama Canal on board the Island Princess or the Coral Princess cruise ships. These cruises vary in length, depending on the season. The company offers round-trip?sailings leaving from Fort Lauderdale, though some of these?trips only include a partial transit through the Gatun Locks. Some of the ports of call included in the Fort Lauderdale departure are:

ArubaSan Juan del SurCabo San LucasPuntarenas, Costa Rica

One of the features that sets this cruise company apart for its competition is its?signature, Two-Day Canal Experience. During the cruise, you will experience a full transit through the canal, with an additional day spent exploring Fuerte Amador, a city along the canal. Other optional shore?excursions include trips into the rainforest and traveling on the transcontinental railroad. For more information on available cruises, visit Princess Cruises' website.

The best cruise lines for cruises through the Panama Canal are those?which offer various amenities and activities throughout your voyage both onboard and on land.? Whether you want to explore rainforests, swim with the dolphins?or take?historical tours of the cities?along the Panama Canal, there's a cruise company that has what you are looking for. To find the right cruise line, contact the companies directly or consult a reputable travel agent.?

Mexico 4 Day Cruises

Mexico 4 day cruises are just the right length to tour a city or two along the Mexican coast. What's more, these salings depart from various U.S. ports, making them a great option for people looking for a quick and easy getaway.

The climate and location make it easy to take Mexico cruises throughout the year. In order to experience Mexico in just four days, though, you will need to depart from one of the more southern cruise ports in the United States. The options listed below are current as of January of 2011. However, you can find more information at the cruise companies' websites.

If you live on the west coast of the United States, consider cruising to Baja, Mexico. An excursion into Ensenada, the main port in this region, will allow you to explore a market village. You can dine on local cuisine, shop in the flea markets and enjoy dancing. You can also visit the "Blow Hole" nearby, which is a waterspout in the Pacific Ocean you can see from the coastline. You may also be able to book a wine tour of the region, such as The Valle de Guadalupe. Carnival Cruise Line may help you to book the tour as part of your cruise package.

Cruises from Los Angeles, California to Baja are often four days. Stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada are part of the package offered by Carnival. In addition, Cunard also offers a getaway to Mexico for four days. This cruise leaves from the San Pedro Port in Los Angeles and travels to Ensenada, Mexico. You will be sailing on the luxury Queen Victoria cruise liner.

Another way to see Mexico is along the eastern coast. A popular destination in the Caribbean is Cozumel. This Caribbean island is a popular cruise port located 12 miles off the Yucatan coast. It offers white sand beaches, clean water and coral reefs. Shops, restaurants and cantinas are also readily available. A short excursion to the mainland will allow you to visit the Mayan Ruins, swim with dolphins and snorkel.

Cruises leaving from Miami, Florida, make the trip to Cozumel and back in four days, often stopping in Key West, Florida. Carnival offers this cruise onboard the Carnival Destiny. For those wishing to leave from Mobile, Alabama, you can do so on Carnival as well. Yet another option is to leave from Tampa, Florida, onboard the Carnival Paradise.

A four-night cruise from Royal Caribbean is another option. This cruise leaves from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and travels to Cozumel, Mexico, before arriving back in Fort Lauderdale. RCL also departs from Tampa, Florida, to Cozumel.

The length of your cruise to Mexico can limit the number of locations you are able to visit within the country. If you can extend the cruise slightly, such as to a five-day cruise, you may be able to book a cruise to Cabo San Lucas on board several cruise lines. In addition to extending your trip, consider the options for embarking from other countries and ports. You may be able to book a cruise leaving from the Caribbean and traveling to Mexico, which may give you the opportunity to book a Mexican Riviera cruise.

To find more unique cruise options for a shorter trip, contact a travel agent. Depending on where you are located and when you plan to leave, additional options may be available. Cruise companies change itineraries annually and Mexico 4 day cruises are often readily available.

Anniversary Cruises on Royal Caribbean

Nothing puts the sizzle back into a sedentary union more than setting sail on a romantic anniversary cruise on Royal Caribbean. The upscale cruise company offers passion-filled packages for couples looking to reignite the flames of love on the high seas.

Royal Caribbean anniversary cruises ooze romance and intimacy. From quiet sunsets and sweet musical tributes to sentimental ceremonies and elegant embellishments, rededicating yourself to your beloved onboard a luxury ocean liner has never been so memorable.

Fortunately, you don't have to go overboard planning a vow renewal service all by yourself. Royal Caribbean offers "Royal Romance Wedding Consultants," who create magical memories for couples looking to celebrate their wedding anniversary with a romantic vow renewal ceremony. A standard "Royal Encore" package includes:

Picturesque locale onboard a Royal Caribbean ship Vow renewal ceremony performed by the ship's social host Romantic music Elegant bridal bouquet Simple groom's boutonniere Keepsake vow renewal certificate. Four chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine for married couple One-hour of professional shipboard photography service for the ceremony and post-vow exchange poses

If you decide to renew your wedding vows during an anniversary cruise onboard Royal Caribbean, keep in mind that the ceremony is not legal and couples with different last names will be required to show proof of marriage. In addition, couples interested in the vow renewal package must notify the cruise line 14 days in advance of sailing. An exact time and location of the ceremony will be coordinated once you are onboard the ship.

If you prefer a more low-key anniversary celebration onboard Royal Caribbean, then consider requesting a Royal Romance package which includes anniversary-related stateroom decorations and a "Congratulations" cake. The celebratory package deals range in price and can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Packages vary depending on your destination and itinerary. The standard package comes with balloons, streamers, a banner and flower cake. However, if you don't mind spending a bit more, special gifts can also be included direct from the ship's boutiques and other retailers.

Some couples prefer to commemorate their anniversary with private celebrations. In these cases, Royal Caribbean offers a selection of special touches to add to your stateroom, from fresh flower bouquets to buckets of champagne and strawberries. You may request the enhancements upon boarding or order them prior to sailing, so that they are in place when you arrive in your stateroom.

Royal Caribbean loves to celebrate special occasions, but realizes that some guests prefer to observe their anniversaries without a lot of pomp and circumstance. If you are taking a cruise to commemorate five, 10 or 25 years of wedded bliss, and don't want the fanfare of balloons, streamers and banners, then opt to recognize the milestone by taking part in some couples-only activities. Onboard options include

Couples rock climbing Flowrider surf simulator lessons Pairs ice-skating lessons Couples spa treatments Golf lessons

Another way to reconnect with your beloved is to sign-up for adventurous or romantic shore excursions. Tour a European castle, stroll along a Caribbean beach or spend your anniversary hiking hand-in-hand through a tropical rain forest. Experiencing a dream date is made easy by contacting your ship's social activities coordinator.

Whether you go all out with an elaborate onboard vow renewal ceremony or you simply want to sneak off to a secluded section of the ship to enjoy a sunset cocktail with your spouse, Royal Caribbean has a litany of fun options for couples celebrating their anniversaries. You can also help pump up the passion by selecting a romantic cruise destination, such as Hawaii, Mexico or Puerto Rico. Finally, timing is everything. If you don't want to spend your anniversary rubbing elbows with large crowds, don't sail during the peak holiday season or when kids are out on summer break.

Chicago River Cruises

Chicago River cruises give a unique perspective of the Windy City and its legendary skyline. The educational and exciting sailings are a top attraction in the “City of Broad Shoulders,” especially for visitors who are looking to experience Chicago’s?famous sites in an unforgettable fashion.

The Chicago River is one of the Windy City’s crown jewels. The 156-mile waterway flows through the downtown area buffering some of the most architecturally rich structures in the nation. Originally, the river emptied into Lake Michigan. However, due to sanitation concerns, city leaders reversed the river’s flow, and now it heads away from Lake Michigan and empties into the Mississippi River basin.

The change in the river’s directional flow has done nothing to reduce visitors’ attraction to it. People travel from around the world to sail the Chicago River. Fortunately, there are several reputable companies that offer cruises on the iconic river, including:

Chicago’s First Lady Cruise is the official line of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The group runs critically-acclaimed 90-minute architecture river tours from April through November. Voyages depart from the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Lower Wacker Drive and sail past Chicago's world renowned architectural wonders. All cruises are narrated by certified Chicago Architecture Foundation guides. The knowledgeable docents share insightful facts about the design and history of more than 50 of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tribune Tower and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). Chicago’s First Lady Cruise ships feature indoor and outdoor seating allowing you the option of sitting in air-conditioned comfort or enjoying unobstructed views on the vessel’s open-air decks.

Chicago Line Cruises offers in-depth historical and architectural cruises on the city’s famous river. Each 90-minute sailing departs from an exclusive dock located at historic North Pier/River East Plaza. The architectural cruise travels to the north and south branches of the Chicago River, while the historical voyage covers the Chicago River and parts of Lake Michigan. Both sailing options are narrated by professional guides and all passengers are treated to complimentary Starbucks coffee, lemonade, and cookies. Highlights of the cruise include unprecedented views of:

Trump TowerJeanne Gang's Aqua BuildingMerchandise MartWrigley BuildingRiver CityMarina CityWillis Tower

Those looking to take an evening sail on the Chicago River should consider booking a spot on a cocktail cruise. In addition to its architectural and historical sailings, Chicago Line Cruises also offers a cocktail voyage from May through October. Enjoy a libation as you sail past Chicago's famous skyscrapers aglow in the burnished hues of a gorgeous Midwest sunset.

Wendella Boats is a Chicago institution. The company has been offering public cruises on the Chicago River for four generations. The family run business is considered among the city’s best of the best, featuring the most comprehensive river tours narrated by highly-educated guides. Cruises are offered seven days a week from April through November. Sailings depart from Wendella’s dock at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Passengers can choose from a wide array of Chicago River cruises including the company’s most popular:

Architectural tourHistorical tourCombined lake and river tourChicago at Sunset tour

Another highly recommended Chicago River cruise for adults is Wendella’s two-hour wine tasting architectural cruise. In addition to learning about the Windy City’s architectural heritage, passengers are treated to different wines by Kafka Wine Company and are offered samples of delicious Italian dishes by Buca di Beppo.

Since cruises on the Chicago River are only offered seasonally, they tend to sell out quickly. To ensure a spot on the voyage of your choice, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance. You can do so by visiting the companies’ ticket booths at their respective docks or by buying seats online at the companies’ websites. Finally, remember to be at the dock at the hour printed on your ticket, as the cruises set sail promptly at their scheduled departure times.

Dress Code on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Knowing the dress code on Royal Caribbean Cruises before you set sail on your dream voyage can help spare you from embarrassment and preserve your vacation budget. After all, you don’t want to have to shell out big bucks for a new outfit on the high seas when you could have packed one from home. It’s best to know the dress code before you go, so you are prepared for all occasions.

While you don’t have to dress like royalty to be treated like a king or queen on a Royal Caribbean voyage, the upscale cruise line does have a moderately strict dress code that passengers are required to?follow, if they want to partake in all of the activities the ship has to offer.

Reserve your t-shirts and slippers for daytime activities on Royal Caribbean Cruises. Casual attire, including shorts, sundresses and tank tops, is the standard dress code for passengers exploring the line’s luxury vessels during daylight hours. However, depending on the type of onboard activities you choose to participate in, the dress code may vary. For example, if you plan to ice skate on Voyager and Freedom Class ships, then you are required to wear long pants, long shorts or Capris and socks for your comfort and safety. In addition, footwear with wheels, including Heelys shoes and rollerblades are prohibited on Royal Caribbean Cruises regardless of the passenger’s age.

Where you are sailing to and from also plays a huge role in determining the dress code on Royal Caribbean Cruises. For instance, if you are embarking on a voyage to Alaska or Canada you don’t want to restrict your wardrobe to shorts, swimsuits and flip flops. Rather, your cruise attire should include clothes that can be layered with lightweight jackets, sweaters and raincoats, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season.

Royal Caribbean has three mandatory dress codes for the evening, if you plan to eat in the main dining room or any other reservations-required restaurant onboard?the ships:

Casual: Dress code for casual night includes khakis and an oxford or polo shirt for men and a casual dress or skirt and blouse combination for ladies. In addition, nice footwear is required. Flip flops and slippers are not allowed in the main dining room.Smart Casual: This dress code requires men to wear ties, jackets and slacks. Meanwhile, women are encouraged to wear nice pantsuits, dresses or skirts with a tasteful blouse.Formal: Men are encouraged to wear tuxedos; however tails are not required. If you don’t own a tux, you could opt to wear a dark business suit or a sports coat and tie with matching slacks. Ladies are requested to don cocktail dresses, evening gowns, elegant skirts or dressy pantsuits.

The length of your cruise will determine your evening dress code. Some 12-night European cruises may have three formal nights while seven-night sailings typically feature two formal nights with a mix of smart casual and casual nights for the remainder of the cruise. Meanwhile, shorter voyages traditionally have just one formal night. All other evenings are casual; though jeans and shorts are discouraged in most restaurants save for the buffet on the Lido Deck. The dress code at the Lido Restaurant, which is typically located near the pool at the rear of the ship, is extremely relaxed. However, this doesn’t mean you can show up wearing just your swimsuit. Passengers are required to wear shorts, shoes and footwear at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.

Royal Caribbean strongly enforces its dress code which pertains to all of its passengers, including children. Kids are not allowed to eat dinner in the main dining room wearing shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. In fact, the upscale cruise line requests that shorts not be worn in public areas after 6 p.m.; however, common sense rules. If you plan to dine in the Lido Restaurant, then casual attire is accepted, but don’t expect to be greeted with open arms if you show up in torn denim cut-offs, a tattered baseball cap and a crop top.

For a complete rundown on Royal Caribbean’s dress code, visit the cruise line’s website.

Detroit River Cruises

Detroit River cruises offer a scenic and entertaining summer adventure to visitors and locals alike. The popular Michigan sailings are filled with food, fun and plenty of fascinating sights. What's more, depending on the type of voyage you select, you could walk away with a fair bit of knowledge about the historic waterway.

From fishing to boat races, to laid-back summer sails to brilliant fireworks shows, the Detroit River serves as the backdrop to a litany of family-friendly activities. The picturesque waterway stretches 32 miles, and provides spectacular views of the Detroit skyline and Canada. In fact, the river serves as the international border between Canada and the United States with water flowing south from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. The river also divides the booming metropolises of Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, so visitors to the Michigan hot spot can double their fun by simply crossing the Ambassador Bridge.

The Detroit River is also the centerpiece for the city's bustling RiverWalk, which features an eclectic mix of hotels, shops, restaurants and biking trails. Considered the Motor City's newest gem, the RiverWalk is a tourist magnet and is prominently featured on several popular Detroit River cruises.

Due to its northern location, commercial cruises on the Detroit River are limited exclusively to the summer months. Most sightseeing adventures run from June until September and typically fill-up fast. If you are looking for a fun, affordable and educational activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family, then consider setting sail on one of these top-rated Detroit River cruises:

Diamond Jack's River Tours offer the perfect blend of history and frivolity. Guests can choose from three different two-hour narrated scenic sailings which navigate the sparkling waters of the Detroit River:

Detroit Tour: This voyage sails past downtown Detroit's most recognizable landmarks, including the Ambassador Bridge. You will also be treated to spectacular views of Belle Island and other natural gems set along the river. Boblo Island Tour: This sailing cruises around famous Boblo Island. The private island resort is home to a number of scenic wonders, including the legendary Boblo theme park. Wyandotte Tour: This tour provides unprecedented views of the southern portion of the Detroit River, including the spot where the river empties into Lake Erie.

Regardless of which cruise you select, you will have to purchase your tickets in person. Seats are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Diamond Jack's does not take reservations. You can only buy tickets as you board the ferry boat. There is no separate ticket booth on the dock or other location that sells seats. While boarding begins about 15 minutes prior to departure time, if you want a good seat, it's recommended that you arrive 30 to 60 minutes in advance to secure a decent spot in line.

Also, keep in mind that personal snacks and beverages are not allowed on the cruise. However, all the ferries are equipped with snack bars, which sell select drinks, as well as light snacks, such as chips, candy and cookies.

The Detroit Princess

The Detroit Princess is relatively new to the river, but the company is already making waves for bringing a historic vessel to the popular waterway. The 200-foot long traditional riverboat towers over the water with four decks that can hold more than 1800 people on a single cruise.

The classic riverboat first set sail on the Detroit River in 2005 after being saved from a Texas scrap pile. It took company owners nearly a year to refurbish the iconic vessel. It now features a full restaurant kitchen with eight convection ovens and two walk-in coolers. The boat also includes several dining rooms, as well as a number of indoor-outdoor bars, and entertainment areas.

Unlike Diamond Jack's tours, the Detroit Princess caters to guests looking to dine and sightsee at the same time. In addition to casual lunch and dinner cruises, the company also offers a wide array of theme sailings, such as Mother's Day brunch voyages and Motown dinner cruises. Since it can accommodate a large number of guests, there is a better chance of securing a spot on the date of your choice. However, tickets for special theme sailings are available on a first come, first serve basis only, which means you must book a date and provide the company with a deposit in order to hold a spot on a particular cruise.

The Detroit Princess is a prime spot to view the Fourth of July fireworks show which explodes in the sky above the river. In addition, the legendary riverboat is known for hosting several dance parties on the water during the summer months. If you are looking for a unique place to relax and enjoy Michigan's temperate conditions while dining and dancing to your heart's content, then you might consider booking a spot on the Detroit Princess. Conversely, this cruise option is not as well suited for those looking to get an in-depth history lesson about the surrounding areas.

Before planning a trip to Detroit, be sure to visit the aforementioned cruise companies' websites to view a complete sailing schedule and to get information about ticket prices and availability. Since the sailings are seasonal, popular dates often sell out quickly.

Also, when prepping for your river cruise, don't forget to bring along proper identification. This is especially important, if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages on a river sailing. Guests are required to show a valid picture ID prior to being served cocktails.

St. Johns River Cruises

Go wild on a St. Johns River cruise. The adventure-filled sailings are one of the best ways to get up close and personal with Florida's most unique creatures. The historic waterway is home to a menagerie of wildlife from manatees to alligators, as well as several species of birds and fish.

Before you set your sights on the cypress covered shoreline and all of the animals that call the meandering river home, acquaint yourself with the picturesque St. Johns. Spanning 310 miles long, the river is the longest of its kind in the state of Florida. In addition, it is one of the few rivers in the country that flows north, though it does so in an extremely slow manner. St. Johns is typically referred to as a "lazy" river and spans several miles between Palatka and Jacksonville, Florida. That's where you'll find the majority of cruise companies which offer educational sailings of the brown tea-colored river.

Public sightseeing cruises along the sluggish St. Johns River are ideal for nature lovers who enjoy sailing at a leisurely pace. Passengers on the specially designed river vessels are treated to awe-inspiring views of nature at its best, especially during trips that wind through Florida's famous Blue Spring State Park. If you are looking for an intimate encounter with one of the most photogenic ecosystems in the nation, then consider booking a spot with one of the following cruise companies:

St. Johns River Cruises is legendary on the winding waterway. The company offers daily narrated nature sailings of the St. Johns River on boats specially designed to navigate shallow waters. The vessels allow captains to get very close to the shoreline so passengers can get unobstructed views of nesting bald eagles, gators, manatees and osprey. Since the boats cruise at a speed of just six miles per hour, nature photographers are able to capture jaw-dropping images of the river's natural habitats.

The two-hour educational cruises depart Blue Spring State Park at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you are planning to take the tour during the winter months, it's a good idea to bring along a jacket. Meanwhile, summer passengers should apply bug spray and sunscreen before setting sail. Also, reservations are recommended. All reserved seats are held until five minutes prior to departure, at which time the empty spots will be reassigned.

If you are looking to take an extended sailing along the St. Johns River, then consider patronizing Rivership Romance. The Sanford, Florida-based cruise company offers a variety of sightseeing voyages, as well as three and four-hour lunch and dinner cruises, which sail 25 miles down the river on a converted 98-foot triple-decker steamship. If your idea of a unique Florida adventure includes dining on gourmet entrees while soaking up incredible scenery from a climate-controlled cabin or shaded deck, then consider the following options:

Lunch Cruise: Includes live entertainment, historic narratives, incredible scenery, plus appetizers and a full-course meal. Sunday Brunch Cruise: A special brunch made by gourmet chefs is served up to passengers as they take in the serene sights of the St. Johns River. In addition to informative comments by the captain regarding the scenery, the sailing also includes live music. Moonlight Dining and Dancing Cruise: This Saturday night special sailing is designed for true romantics. You will indulge in cocktails and a gourmet dinner while sailing down the tranquil waterway. After dinner the moonlit waters serve as a backdrop to dancing to the sounds of a live band.

If you are looking to use the St. Johns River as the setting for your next party, then consider River Cruises based out of Jacksonville. The company operates old fashioned paddleboats that cruise the St. Johns River.

The Lady St. John: Features two bars, two dance floors, and can accommodate up to 250 passengers. Annabelle Lee: Smaller than the Lady St. John, the Annabelle Lee can carry up to 150 guests.

Both vessels are used for monthly public cruises which include lunch or dinner, plus entertainment. In addition, you can charter a private party cruise along the St. Johns River for events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays or company get-togethers.

Prior to booking your river cruise with any of the aforementioned companies, it's a good idea to do some research. For example, some companies do not allow children under the age of 14 to sail on dinner cruises, while others have strict policies on the types of foods and beverages you are allowed to bring along on sightseeing voyages. Finally, regardless of the sailing you choose, don't forget to pack a camera so you can document the one-of-a-kind creatures that call the St. Johns River, home.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruises to Greece and Egypt

Most Eastern Mediterranean cruises to Greece and Egypt?offer a variety of activities that spotlight?the region's ancient history and antiquities.? In addition, passengers are treated to luxury accommodations onboard floating resorts.? The upscale sailings also offer access to?popular beaches and upscale villages along the coastline.?

Galapagos Island Cruises

Galapagos Island cruises acquaint travelers with the uninhabited environment of the Galapagos archipelago. Cruises are small and intimate, offering luxury accommodations with exceptional services. The mood is casual and friendly, with a wide array of exciting and educational activities. No matter what cruise you choose, you will experience an unforgettable journey through the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos archipelago is located on the equator west of Ecuador's mainland. Cruises sail the Galapagos Islands year-round as the climate is quite pleasant in every season. Many travelers explore the islands after visiting the mainland of Ecuador, and most cruise companies offer extended packages, including adventure sailings, plus hotel packages on the mainland.

Environmental standards are closely regulated to ensure preservation of one of the most isolated archipelagos left on earth, thus travel by water is restricted to small, environmentally regulated modes of transportation. You can choose to tour the islands on a sailboat, mid-sized yacht or luxury cruise vessel designed to accommodate up to 100 guests.

Smaller-sized ships not only help preserve the natural ecological environment, but afford adventurous cruisers the opportunity to explore some of the archipelagos' most remote locations. Another advantage of smaller-sized ships is the cozy social atmosphere they offer. The larger expedition cruises are not nearly as intimate as smaller sailboats, but offer additional perks, such as roomier cabins and a larger range of onboard services and activities.

Most cruise ships navigating through the Galapagos Islands offer some type of all-inclusive package tailored to the ship's style and expedition experience. Some companies offer packages that include full itineraries and meals, but do not include airfare or other courtesies, such as transfers or gratuities, within the total package price. The all-inclusive package offered on Celebrity Cruises for the 2011 season includes the following:

Gratuities Airfare Transfers Meals and beverages Expert onboard naturalist guides Daily itinerary and excursions

Before booking an expedition, read the fine print for a full description of what is included in the ship's all-inclusive package. This ensures a more pleasurable voyage and minimizes unexpected last minute expenditures that can so often break the bank.

Virtually every cruise in the Galapagos Islands offers a full itinerary of daily excursions and activities included in the package price. Cruisers can expect to experience at least one guided port of call each day led by a qualified naturalist fluent in English. Some naturalists are also fluent in multiple languages. The opportunity to select an activity level preference, from active, moderate or minimal exertion is provided for each daily excursion. Each activity level is formed into a small group. Different activities featured on Galapagos cruise itineraries include:

Snorkeling Whale watching Bird watching Guided hikes Zodiac cruises Scuba diving Kayaking Cave explorations Photography excursions

A Galapagos expedition cruise is a luxury cruise coupled with adventurous and educational activities designed to inspire both your mind and body. Although luxury class expedition cruises are smaller in size, everything a world cruiser would want and need is packed into these cozy luxury liners. You will find world class service, an intimate and relaxed environment and luxurious accommodations, including:

Complimentary sparkling wine Fruit baskets Binoculars Snorkeling equipment Daily hors d'oeuvers Stocked minibars

Galapagos Island cruises are managed exclusively for exploring one of the most uninhabited regions of the world. Moreover, Galapagos cruises are sustainable and are either locally or privately managed. The one exception is Celebrity Cruises' sailings, which is one of the large cruise ship companies operating within the archipelago. All cruise lines hire onboard staff fluent in English, and sometimes skilled in multiple languages. Below are a number of luxury class cruises that sail within the isolated boundaries of the Galapagos Islands:

While planning a vacation to the Galapagos Islands keep in mind most cruise ships sailing through this destination book one year in advance. However, it is also advantageous to explore last-minute cruise deals, as they often include incentives, such as free airfare to the region.

Family Reunion Cruises

Family reunion cruises offer convenience, value and high seas adventures that will be remembered for years to come.

When it comes to group sailings it doesn't get more exciting than cruising with the entire clan. Decades ago cruise companies introduced the concept of family reunion voyages as a way for multi-generations to experience a vacation of a lifetime minus the hassles of cooking, cleaning and coordinating hotel rooms, rental cars and community hall rentals. Whether the high seas gathering is to mark a milestone birthday, anniversary or to simply add some spice to an annual get-together, family reunion sailings offer the perfect setting for families looking to make memories to last a lifetime.

Convenience is one of the top incentives for families to set sail on a reunion cruise. Today's state-of-the-art cruise ships have something for everyone, regardless of age or gender. By hosting a reunion of loved ones on a cruise ship, you have access to luxurious amenities and a host of family-friendly activities, such as:

Swimming Rock climbing Ice-skating Roller blading Shopping Gambling

In addition, many ships offer kids programs, seminars, guest lecturers, and cooking classes to keep family members entertained on reunion cruises. Exciting amenities aside, family reunion cruises also offer a litany of other benefits, including:

Cruises are famous for allowing travelers to get the most bang for their buck. High seas sailings are all-inclusive, which means one price covers accommodations, meals, on board activities and entertainment. What's more, several popular cruise lines offer special group discounts and rates for extended clans. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines offers a family reunion vacation package for groups who reserve at least eight staterooms on a single voyage. The package includes deep discounts on rack rates and VIP in-room amenities. Likewise, Royal Caribbean's family reunion deal includes on-board family scavenger hunts, personalized cakes and a group discount. Not to be outdone by its competitors, Disney Cruise Line also offers a spectacular family reunion voyage complete with special t-shirts, group shore excursions and a commemorative family reunion certificate.

You will likely see a spike in attendance, if you hold your next family reunion on a cruise ship rather than at the local Lions Club. One of the main reasons for this is variety. Multi-generation reunion cruises cater to family members with varying tastes and budgets. This is especially noteworthy when deciding on sleeping arrangements. Cruise ships offer an array of different staterooms from suites and balcony staterooms to oceanview and interior cabins. While you may prefer to stick with a budget-friendly interior stateroom, Aunt May and Uncle Gordon may want to treat themselves to a luxurious suite with fabulous ocean views.

With so many cruise lines offering family reunion voyages, it is not hard to find a convenient departure point. Cruise ships set sail from more than two-dozen ports in the United States and Canada, most of which are located in or within driving distance of major cities, including

San Diego Los Angeles New York City Miami Baltimore Philadelphia Galveston New Orleans Seattle

Before you send out the save-the-date cards for your next family reunion sailing, consider the following helpful tips:

Start Early: Cruise lines recommend that you begin planning a family reunion voyage at least six months in advance. Doing so allows you to lock into group rates and secure staterooms and preferred dining times for the entire clan. Consider Special Dates: If your family includes a boatload of kids, then you will want to book a summer or holiday reunion cruise. The downside to doing so is that ships will be crowded and you may have to pay more given that you will be sailing during the high season. Length is Key: Not everyone in the clan can commit to a 14-day trans-Atlantic reunion cruise. Some people have less flexibility with their vacation and work schedules, so you may want to select a shorter sailing if you are accommodating a huge crowd.

Finally, while it's tempting to do so, don't over plan a family reunion cruise. Many reunion coordinators fall into the trap of planning out every single minute of a multi-generation cruise. It's best to allow family members a little flexibility with their itineraries so they can explore the ship on their own and take part in activities they enjoy the most.