Elijah James asked:


Thinking of going on a vacation with your family this summer?  Then it might do you some good to take them around the world!  If you are a union member and think that a cruise will do you good, go ahead a get a great deal through Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL).  Chances are that you can get one at really great discounts!

NCL makes sure that they support their employees who are part of the Seafarers International Union, The Marine Engineers and the Seafarers Entertainment unions.  You can get a 5% to 15% discount just for being a union member and this means that you can get on any of NCL cruises that you want!  The discounts are even higher on particular staterooms.

Of course, the discounts will only be given if you meet certain conditions but they aren’t strict at all.  To get a 15% discount, just book your trip 121 days before the actual trip.  A 10% savings requires you to book 61 to 120 days before the trip.  And 5% discounts are given to union members who book 60 days before the NCL cruise.

These discounts mean that you and your family will be able to enjoy places like Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska.  You can even go as far as Europe, Canada, the Mexican Riviera and South America.  NCL also allows you to leave from 11 different cities in the United States so planning your trip will be a breeze.  What are you waiting for?  Book your trip now and enjoy the special union member discounts.

David Patullo asked:


If you are a shipping cruise buff, then you might have heard of the Norwegian Cruise Line company that has a base in Miami, Florida.  The shipping company is best known for their freestyle cruise packages.  These packages have no set times and they don’t even enforce seating arrangements or formal attire just to eat a good meal.  This is probably part of the charm of the shipping companies freestyle packages because it allows one to relax to the fullest.

In 1966, this cruise line was founded and they only had one ship to begin with.  What made them a special company at the time was that they offered low-cost cruises all the way to the Caribbean.  To this very day, the Norwegian Cruise Lines still sail to the Caribbean with many more ships available to travelers and at very fair costs as well.  They have been so successful with their year-round cruise packages that they have more branches in Alaska, all around Europe, Bermuda, and Hawaii.  This gives travelers a whole range of cruises to choose from and some fantastic prices as well!

The next time that you think you are up for a world cruise on some of the finest ships to sail the seas, check out this cruise line and you will definitely find the destination of your dreams. You’ll find that since 1966, they still offer some of the best accommodations, onboard services, facilities, and unique entertainment that you will surely enjoy  on the way to your dream destination.

Bruce Andrew Peters asked:


Waves crash, breezes caress your skin and amidst the ocean, our place is in perspective. The Norwegian Sun, so incomprehensibly huge in port, is now but a pinpoint – a miniature model of the world. She carries 2,200 passengers and 960 staff from over 58 nations. We burn 200 tons of fuel a day for over 70,000 horsepower of propulsion and electrical generation. “We get about 12 feet to the gallon,” says Paul Baya, Cruise Director for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Hungry appetites devour 20,000 pounds of fresh fruit and 35,000 pounds of vegetables each week.

Cruise ships are like all-inclusive resorts with changing scenery. Typical shore visits give you a taste of each port. From Jamaicans hawking their wares to Grand Cayman’s elegance to Cozumel’s stunning reefs – all guests are assured water views and countless activities.

Measuring nearly 900 feet in length and thirteen decks high, you navigate your new world as the captain navigates the globe. Journey to the spa, five Jacuzzis, two pools, the basketball court, theatre, nightclubs, casino, thirteen restaurants, jogging track, fitness center, shuffleboard and library. You can do your own thing or join others in yoga to volleyball or dancing. Out of cell phone range and too busy for e-mail, you live for the moment and anticipate yet another exciting port.

A common sea tale is that you will gain weight on a cruise. It’s true: the food is tasty, all you can eat and available twenty-four hours a day. The dessert options are endless. A quick call to room service yields anything from brownies to breakfast to bananas.

Instead, we chose to sprint the stairs whenever possible, dined on delicious vegetarian entrees and fulfilled a New Year’s resolution to visit the gym. The result? Fitter, trimmer and feeling rejuvenated in just one week.

On Shore

Thousands throng to Jamaica’s 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls each day. A cascade of refreshing freshwater invigorates as you venture from the ocean to the summit.

For Norwegian Cruise Line Passenger Scott Blatt, 48, the climb is an extraordinary feat.

An amputee, Blatt tossed his crutches aside for an unassisted ascent – to the cheers of onlookers. Blatt’s climb is a first in Jamaican history. Regardless of your skill or experience level, there are shore activities for everyone. While some marvel at stunning fish of every color while diving the reefs, others snorkel or tour Mayan ruins.

“Over 1500 divers explore Cozumel’s waters daily,” says Gustavo Costa, 35. Costa, an attorney from Buenos Aires, Argentina, now teaches diving. He sets the dive’s tone with the persuasiveness and knowledge you’d expect from an attorney. “Strict laws protect marine life from humans. Harming or killing is prohibited, ensuring our enjoyment of these beautiful creatures. Do not wear a knife or gloves, harm or chase after the wildlife – fines exceed $5,000.” Costa’s conservation efforts were rewarded. The reef, vibrant and flourishing, passed by like a movie. Floating effortlessly with the current, adult Angel Fish danced about, Puffer Fish looked back with their big, helpless eyes, lobster loitered, a nurse shark nervously darted off, a Manta Ray flapped massive wings in slow motion – like a hawk soaring a ridge. When it was time to go home, it was far too soon.

Getting There

Several cruise lines offer journeys from nearby ports. Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York are a quick train ride away. “If you do travel by air to Miami, it is advisable to arrive a day early, so you don’t miss your ship in case of weather delays,” suggests Jerry Carlson of Delta Airlines. Art deco hotels in Miami’s South Beach provide colorful, dynamic architecture. The ocean and people on parade are an extra bonus.

Sidebar

For More Information:

www.oceana.org

www.CruiseNorfolk.org

www.NCL.com

www.Pelicanos.com.mx

www.AtlantisAdventures.net

www.ThePalmsHotel.com