Options for 2013 – Part I

Now that summer is just around the corner, families – and individuals – are looking around for what may be a promising possibility for travel this year.  As I always point out, it is best to plan way ahead of time as airline tickets may not be available anymore on the dates you have in mind – or, their cost may have become prohibitive.  However, Vacations To Go offer some helpful tips even to seasoned travelers who may be infrequent cruisers.

Cruise schedules from April to October are now available for early birds.  Take note that some Mediterranean cruises may call on the ports of Israel or Morocco, and some ports in the Baltic Sea.  It is still too cold for Northern Europe cruises in May to August, so short trips are offered:  7 to 14 days in the Baltic Sea with ports of call at St. Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark); to the British Isles (my dream cruise!) or through the Norwegian Fjords.

They offer connecting land tours to the cruises, as some places are accessible only by bus tours.  Extra days can be added before ship departure or after arrival. Possible places for these arrangements include: Ankara & Istanbul (Turkey), Barcelona & Madrid (Spain), Florence, Lake Como, Rome & Venice (Italy) London (England) and Paris (France).  Usually, these cities are included in the package:  Amsterdam (Holland), Berlin (Germany), London and Paris.

Unlike the usual Caribbean/Mexican cruises where you are advised to book at least 90 days in advance, this time booking must be done as soon as possible, not later than end of March to get the best price for airline tickets and the best selection the cabin/hotel accommodations.  June – August is considered peak season in the western world.

However, if you want to go after August, then do not book until about 120 days prior to departure. Vacations to Go advices that you do so as the airline ticket will no longer be critical AND cruise rates may be lower a few weeks before departure.  For long-haul passengers, be sure to arrive a couple of days before departure to allow possible airline delays and for jet lag to subside. You can do some local tours before embarkation. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel package which can be arranged by them, including a competitive airline ticket offerings.  This means that you can do all necessary arrangements with the cruise line.

Top 10 Cruises for 2013

1)  Caribbean   -  7 nights on CARNIVAL, departs Miami (Florida) March 03; starts at  US$429.00 (save 76%)

2)  Bahamas     -  7 nights on NORWEGIAN, departs New York May 04; starts at US$529.00 (save 59%)

3) Caribbean  -  7 nights on CELEBRITY, departs Miami on March 30; starts at US$649.00 (save 28%)

4) Panama Canal  -  14 nights on DISNEY, departs Miami May 06; starts at US$980.00 (no brochure, unable to show savings)

5)  Mediterranean  -   7 nights on AZAMARA CLUB Cruises, departs Barcelona  April 28;  starts at US$2,499.00 (save 50%)

6)  Caribbean  -  7 nights on WINDSTAR, departs St. Maarten (northern island of the Caribbean Isles) March 16; oceanview cabin starts @$1,599.00  (save 60%)

7) Tahiti/French Polynesia  -  7 nights on PAUL GAUGIN Cruises, departs Papeete on March 02; oceanview starts @$3,045.00 (save 66%)

8) Greek Islands  -  7 nights on SILVERSEA, departs Istanbul April 10; suite starts @ $4,150.00 (no brochure, unable to show savings)

9)   Asia         --  13 nights on CRYSTAL, departs Hong Kong March 23; oceanview  cabin starts $4,220.00 (save 66%)

10)  Caribbean  -  10 nights on rEGENT, departs Miami April 01; suite starts at  $4,399.00 (save 67%)        

For further information on the above cruise schedules, email: [email protected]

Part II of this series will focus on pilgrimages on offer.  Now that we are celebrating the Year of Faith, it is quite apt to venture on a pilgrimage.   Several interesting places of worship in the Catholic Church beckon us to go in child-like belief, be subsumed in wonder and kneel in thankful prayer.

Have a blissful February, everyone!