Articles on Vacation Matters:

Alaskan Cruise Trips Are Spectacular

Cruise lines are known for their ability to provide not only spectacular settings for vacations, but also all the fun and pampering that go along with an upscale getaway. From food and entertainment to breathtaking sites, a typical cruise offers it all. But if more than typical is desired, a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is more than worth considering.

In general, those on an Alaskan cruise presented by Royal Caribbean can expect a number of different seven-day itineraries. This cruise line includes stops in just about every major Alaskan port of call depending on the route chosen. One route, for example, starts in Seward, Alaska, and stops at the Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, Icy Straight Point and more.

While onboard the ships, those taking Royal Caribbean cruises can count on being treated to live entertainment, plenty of onboard activities and some of the best food going. The cruise line is known for its customer service and spectacular onboard perks, including specialty offerings for younger passengers. The key to the line's success has been its ability to make passengers of all ages feel pampered, providing the perfect getaway for couples, singles and even families.

Although the food and fun onboard the ship is a big draw for a cruise, when it comes to Alaskan destinations, it's the scenery and the wildlife that really is the big draw. Make no mistake, the cruise is fun, but the beauty that's provided for a backdrop will steal the show. Inasmuch, many onboard cruise ships in Alaska choose to buy some add on packages to enable them to see a little more than the deck can offer.

Some of the add ons for Royal Caribbean include:
The Mendenhall glacier and Juneau sights. Visitors who chose this option will get to see some of Juneau's finer points plus see the world famous Mendenhall Glacier. The trip includes a nature walk, historic building stops and more. Plus, if the season's right, visitors will also be able to see the salmon run upstream.

Skagway Gold Rush
This side trip from Royal Caribbean cruises that dock in Skagway include historical sites made famous during the gold rush. Also, visitors will have a chance to see the town, the Klondike Highway and White Pass Summit.

Ketchikan
This side trip involves touring Alaska's most bustling waterfront area that has its own sights and attractions - enough to make it a major tourist destination. This historic area is home to the Saxman Totem Village, which gives tourists a chance to see nearly 30 authentic totems.

Other side trips are available depending on the cruise chosen, but even from on deck, cruisers will be able to see some spectacular sights as well. Depending on the region cruised and the season, wildlife spotting will be more than readily available, wildflowers might be abloom on hills and in grasslands and whales can sometimes be seen cruising along in the waters.

Alaska is a breathtaking destination that offers more than its fair share of sights and sounds for visitors to enjoy. For those who choose to cruise, the experience is made even better by the rugged views available on deck while cruise employees work to ensure each guest is treated like royalty.

Jessica Deets
05 Feb 2007

Jessica Deets writes about
scrapbooks and you can find more news and information about scrapbooking at the website Scrapbook With Me .

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The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Resort

The award winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Orlando hotel is the gateway to the best known theme parks and attractions in the world. It is very conveniently located between Epcot, Disney World, MGM Studios and very near to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Their service is impeccable with luxurious facilities and a new feature, the Heavenly Bed. At the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel you will find a spa, white sand beach, five pools, tennis and two health clubs. There are seventeen restaurants to choose from and complimentary transportation to the Disney Parks.

With the Orlando airport so close, about a 20 minute ride, it is convenient for anyone wishing to visit the many properties. Orlando International airport has over 975 flights daily making the airport is highly assessable from anywhere.

There are various means of transportation from the hotel to the Parks. Disney's Friendship Launch will take you to Epcot and MGM. Meanwhile there is a shuttle that will take you to all the other areas within the Resort. Both means of transportation depart every 15 to 20 minutes, so you can set your own schedule with very little wait time.

A special perk for those that stay at the Swan and Dolphin hotel is that every day one of the four Parks opens an hour early or remains open three hours later than usual so you can enjoy the park without crowds. You can buy your tickets for the parks in the lobby of the hotel. On some days the Disney characters will visit the dining rooms to the delight of the young children that are eating there. The characters will lavish attention on the children, sign autographs and pose for pictures.

There are five championship golf courses and a walking course that is nine holes. If you are a guest of the Swan and Dolphin you are eligible for advanced tee times. These are very challenging and world renowned golf courses.

The staff is dedicated to make your stay as memorable as possible. They are very friendly and professional. The employees are from all over the world. With the combination of their cultures and experiences they help to make this fine resort an international destination.

Some of the other amenities that The Swan and Dolphin provide are a 24 hour convenience store, a launderette, game rooms, concierge service, two business centers, specialty shops and a kiosk where you can get your boarding pass for your flight home. They even have a limousine service.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is your home away from home. It is a marvelous hotel to book if you are thinking of a Disney vacation. There is no way you can go wrong by staying at this excellent resort. So, pack up the kids, make a reservation and discover the Magic of Disney World.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna
07 Mar 2007

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at:
http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruiseGold.com You can read more of her articles at http://www.ArticleBazaar.net
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Activities for Beach Vacations in U.S.

USA beach destinations can be an excellent choice for families that want a fun-filled and relaxing vacation. Beaches offer a wide range of activities to insure the entire family will find something enjoyable during their stay.

Beach Activities
A day at the beach can include, swimming, jogging, walking, volleyball, flying kites, building sand castles, shell collecting, sunbathing, napping, picnics and best of all, relaxing. Bring a beach umbrella, beach chair, towels, sunblock, eyewear, camera, water, snacks, binoculars, a novel and don't forget your bathing suit!

Boating and Fishing
Beach destinations often have a nice variety of boat cruises, including, nature cruises, scenic cruises, sunset cruises, , site-seeing, eco-tourism trips, kayaking adventures and fishing charters. The array of guided trips gives families a good choice of events, and there is something for everyone. For the more independent and experienced vacationer, boat and other watercraft rentals are another option.

When chartering a boat, it may be a good idea to consider the weather, traffic, and other factors, and plan ahead. Some boats can be chartered on short notice, while others may be booked up to a year in advance. Depending on the trip, season and vessel you might need sunblock, camera, insect repellent, water, snacks, a light jacket or even rain gear. Information on what to bring is typically available by contacting the captain beforehand.

On nature cruises you might encounter are any number of wildlife and waterfowl including deer, ducks, geese, herons, egrets, plovers and other shorebirds, whales, porpoises, otters, seals and more. Local guides know the best spots and are eager to guide visitors on trips that just cannot be viewed from land.

Fishing guides might fish for flounder, trout, bluefish, croakers, spot, drum, striped bass, shark, sea bass, tautog, tuna, billfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo or other fish, depending on the season, boat and destination. Other trips will feature crabbing, shrimping, clamming, or just exploring.

Crabbing
Crabbing is an enjoyable family vacation activity. Catching blue crabs does not require much in the way of equipment or skill. Crabbing can be done from a boat, pier, near bridges or along the shoreline. Crabbers need only a line, weight, bait and dip net for the traditional rig, or an inexpensive crab trap, which eliminates the need for a dipping crabs up. A more basic rig is just twine, a sinker and whatever bait you can obtain, tied on the line. The line is then lowered into the water, and gently raised once a tug is felt.

Serious crabbing baits include fresh fish, eels, bull lips and other baits but the most basic bait, chicken necks, work just as well on a hand line. The traps are used in a similar fashion, except that the trap is lifted sharply to close the doors suddenly and capture any crabs that are inside.

Crabs should be kept damp and cool and steamed as soon as possible. They are simple to cook, and can be steamed whole or chilled, then the backs removed and rinsed out before steaming. In either case, the crabs are sprinkled with crab seasoning and steamed until they are bright orange. Serve with melted butter and a cold refreshment! Crabmeat is also excellent in a variety of dishes and even freezes well for short periods.

Clamming
Clamming is a family activity everyone can enjoy on a beach vacation. Clams are easy to find, cook and handle. Locals catch clams by raking, wading, and signing. Some clamming areas can be reached on foot. Boaters can explore even more possibilities. You can also use a local guide to assist you on an enjoyable clamming trip.

Dining Out
After a day at the beach you can stop for a cool ice cream cone, have a nice dinner while watching the sunset, or visit a local niteclub.

Beach destinations are known for fresh seafood! You might find fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters, clams, mussels, scallops as the fresh catch, depending on your location. Local cuisine varies but almost every beach destination will have something for everyone.

Accommodations
Beach resorts usually offer a wide range of accommodations. Vacationers will find vacation rentals, condos, cottages, hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, camping facilities or other options.

Vacationers can sometimes get excellent
rates and availability in the off season. During the peak seasons, rates are higher and accommodations are much harder to book. Visitors are advised to check for availability well in advance in most cases.

Festivals
Festivals are often an enjoyable activity during a beach vacation. Festivals usually combine, food, shopping and entertainment in one safe and easy to find location.

The Chincoteague Island Virginia Oyster Festival is a good example of a popular Festival. The event features Chincoteague Island's famous oysters. The festival promotes the oyster season, which includes the cooler months of fall, winter and spring. Food served includes oysters prepared in a variety of ways, clam fritters, steamed crabs, and other items. The Oyster Festival is held at Maddox Family Campground, on Maddox Blvd in Chincoteague Island, Virginia.

John C. Banks
12 Mar 2007

The author is a recreational angler and owner of several outdoor websites. See
Chincoteague Island Virginia for more information about the vacation resort.
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