How to Get the Most for Your Time and Money in Port

One of the most exciting parts of cruising is the fact that you get to visit many ports of call you would not normally get to see on your own. All sorts of exciting tropical and historic islands and countries. Unfortunately, though, you never really get to spend a long time at any of the ports (except for those rare overnight stops). What is the best was to maximize your time and money in the ports?

With so many different ports of departure all over the world, the home port might be a location in itself that you might like to visit. Arrive a day earlier or depart a day later to really maximize your time there.

Before you get to the ship, preferably around the time you book your cruise, you should figure out what you are going to do when you are in port. Research local events for the day you will be in the port, perhaps a sports match or a special cultural event. Don't look up your options while you are onboard. Their online fees are very expensive, even as package deals!

Cruise lines offer all sorts of tours and excursions which may or may not be a good deal for you. Is a trip to a nearby tropical beach with a complimentary rum punch really worth the $76 they are charging? Probably not. However, you can either take a taxi to and from the beach for, say, $18 each way, or you can book the same tour through a tour provider such as shoretrips.com or viator.com, which has some great deals of their own, many of which the cruise ships do not offer!

With all of the online maps and trip websites available, you should be able to figure out how long it would take to get from the docks over to wherever the site is that you are waiting to see. You might not be able to stay long at one beach, but another beach might save you an entire half hour of travel time!

Instead of taking a cruise tour, or a taxi that may overcharge you, why not opt for the local public transportation options that are available at or near the port? For $2, you can go the same place that a $16 taxi ride, or a $60 cruise tour would take you! (rates vary, of course)

If you do decide to rent a taxi, try to get it for a half- or full-day rate. You will save quite a bit of money that way, especially if you wanted to see a few things around the island. If you prefer driving yourself, on the other hand, make sure you have an international driver's license and know the local driving rules, such as driving on the left side of the road in many areas.

Some ports have most of the ship desiring to go to the same place or area. If you are one of the large mass, in this case, avoid the local cramped taxis and crowded buses and opt for a private car and driver to help you beat the crowd. You will save a lot of time, money, and save your mind! Book it in advance, of course.

Sometimes, doing things on your own, however is too expensive. If that is the case, opt for the ship's tour instead. You could save money since they get group rates, and you might even be able to get into placed you wouldn't normally be able to get into!

Also, some events and locations are available to the public ONLY through ship tours. If so, you must book it early, preferably before you get to the ship, even when you book the cruise, or at least no later than the moment you get onboard, or the excursion window opens!

So, now that you are ready to have the time of you life OFF of the cruise ship, let's get that cruise and the shore excursions booked! Just go to www.kingarthur.myttn.com today and we'll get you there! And save you the time, money, and effort!

What Is There for Kids to Do on a Cruise?

There are SO many activities onboard a cruise ship for people of all ages, but what exactly is there for kids to do? Well, first of all, the cruise lines are sensitive to the needs and abilities, and especially the interests of children. They actually separate them into age groups and have activities that are geared toward that specific group. The following are what the two largest cruise lines, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, offer each age group.

Carnival

Camp Carnival Ages 2-5

Cartoons
Face Painting
Sand Art
Candy Bingo
Story Time
Bubble Dancing Fun
Parachute Games
Teddy Bear Workshop
T-shirt Colouring
Memory Games
Supervised Freeplay
Down on the Farm

Camp Carnival Ages 6-8

Human Knot
Air Hockey Tournament
Mini Olympics
Uno Challenge
Turtle Tracks
Puzzle Races
Who am I?
Tension Topper
Ship Drawing Contest
Door Hangers
Ice Cream Hang
The Mummy Wrap

Ages 9-11

Dodgeball
Pool Parties
Video Games
Scavenger Hunt
Board Games
Dance Party
Talent Show

Circle C Ages 12-14

Teen Hunt
Welcome Aboard Disco
Running Charades
Ping Pong Tournament
Teen Hang
People Bingo
Battle of the Sexes
Mock Casino Night
Music Jeopardy
Trivia
Dodge Ball
Karaoke

Club O2, Ages 15-17

Basketball
Volleyball
Ping Pong
Pool Party
Dance Party
Video Games
Karaoke
Movies
Board Games
Card Games


Royal Caribbean

Aquanauts Ages 3-5

Nutty Nicknames
Octopus Tag
Family Scavenger Hunt
Alien Phone Call
Enchanted Castle Building
Animal Greeting
Clean the Tent
Cape Colouring
Pirate Parade
Crazy Clown Dancing
Musical Dots
Bowling

Explorers Ages 6-8

Silence Speed Ball
Four Corners
Over and Under
Germ Jungle
Bang Bang!
Hand Ball
Pirate Face Painting
Green Glass Doors
Rock n Roll Walk of Fame
Stars Alley
Bingo
Circle of Ten

Voyagers Ages 9-11

Bibaty Bibaty Bop
Dumbledor Dodgeball
Cannonball
Going on a Picnic
The Final Council
Think Snow
Environmentation Station
Duck Hunt
Drip Drip Drop
Warm Up and Stretch
Object Hunt
Booth/Game Creation

Ages 12-14

Mix and Mingle
Optix Unplugged
Madden Tournament
Teen Skate
Dancing Under the Stars
Make Your Own Jewelry
The Game Show
Teen Dares
Nintendo Wii Bowling
Teen Speed Climb
Message in a Bottle
Guitar Hero World Tour

Ages 15-17

Spoons
Miniature Golf
Skip Bo
The Dating Game
Movie Matinee
Pool Party
Texas Hold 'Em
Capture the Flag
Gotcha!
Soccer
Scategories
E-Mail Exchange

As if that is not enough, there are dozens and dozens more things to do throughout the entire cruise!

So, what are you waiting for? Book your cruise today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and your kids are pretty much guaranteed to have the time of their lives! And, for sure, you will have a wonderful time too! I look forward to seeing you onboard!

9 Tips to Make Airport Time Shorter

What's the latest suggested arrival time before your flight? 2 hours? 3 1/2 hours? 90 minutes? It's highly doubtful that you would need anywhere near that length of time. How could you prepare yourself to get through the airport and to your gate in a much faster period of time? And how about making your entire trip a little bit faster, such as after you land?

Tip 1=Lightweight Luggage?

Don't put half of your wardrobe into your luggage. Airlines now charge fees for heavy luggage. So, to avoid making that large suitcase too heavy for a free flight, pack your heavier things in your smaller suitcase, and your lighter things in your larger suitcase.

Tip 2=Smart Packing?

Your carry on luggage should never contain anything that has been listed as prohibited, including matches, scissors, liquids over 3 oz., and rhinoceros horns. If security does find any of them in your baggage, they will most likely take away the offending items and send you and your things to additional and embarrassing screening procedures. Check that souvenir hunting knife and that bottle of rum. That means put them into your checked baggage. And, for the bottle, make sure it's well protected among your clothes.

Tip 3=Avoid Checking Luggage?

Checking luggage is mandatory when you have too much to carry on, or use as a carry on, or when your carry-on is larger than a specific size. If you can carry on everything, you will definitely save time at the airport because you wouldn't have to wait in a long and somewhat slow line at the check in counter. And, if your carry on has wheels, that's even better!

Tip 4=Prepare for Checking In?

International flights take longer check in times than do domestic flights. So make enough time for that. Each airport has an average check-in time somewhere online. Find out where your airport stands. And, peak travel times and days, such as the busiest Monday mornings and Friday and Sunday evenings, are times you should try to avoid flying.

Tip 5=Prepare for Security?

Have your passport, identification, and ticket at the ready before you arrive at the security gate agent. Wear shoes that can be easily removed, preferably a style without laces. Before you get to the security gate, also, put all metal objects into your jacket pocket instead of the tray you will be given at the gate. You will have to remove your jacket and send it through the scanner anyways. This includes your watch, keys, wallet, and even your cell phone. And, if you have a laptop, you will be required to turn it on at the security gate, so have it also at the ready.

Tip 6=Prepare for the X-Ray Machine?

This one is just about the order you put things on the X-Ray conveyor belt. First your shoes and jacket, then you laptop and camera, then your carrying case for them, and finally your carry-on suitcase.

Tip 7=Prepare for Customs?

You don't need to impress customs, but certainly avoid wearing any garment or style that could raise a red flag with a customs agent. Leave your political statement shirts and tattered jeans in your luggage, instead wearing something a little more conservative. Fill our your customs form either on the plane, or while you are waiting in line if you get the form later. And, please, make sure to put something other than $0 for your declaration amount. A $0 declaration makes the customs agent very suspicious. However, if you truly have nothing to declare because you have not bought anything, I don't see why you wouldn't want to put that big $0 right on the form. Also, keep your receipts handy, just in case.

Tip 8=Prepare to Fly?

You will probably already have your seat assignment when you book your tickets. Make sure to choose one that isn't too close to the front of the plane, because it would likely get stuck in the deep central recesses (or the belly) of the plane, and be the last ones to arrive on the luggage carousel. Also, since most airlines seat passengers from the rear to the front of the plane, the overhead bins will fill up as more and more people get on the plane.

Tip 9=Prepare for Baggage Claim?

TOO many people have black luggage. If you are one of the vast majority, you really need to set your luggage apart from the mass of other black suitcases. Some tie a noticeable and visible piece of fabric around the handle. I happen to use a ribbon.

Now that you know the best and fastest ways to speed through the airport, you will be ready to go on your next trip. And the first step to making that next trip is to go to www.kingarthur.myttn.com and book it!

Ways to Avoid Seasickness

As much as people enjoy cruising (And I'm sure you can tell by all of my detailed cruising blogs that I, too, greatly love cruising.), there are some things that happen onboard which make some people quite uncomfortable, and other things that make some passengers quite ill.

What are some of the best ways to avoid seasickness?

If you get motion sickness in the car, try a very short cruise, such as a 2-day cruise to nowhere, or a fast 3-day cruise to the beautiful Bahamas. If you think the ocean waves will make you ill, look into river cruising on the Mississippi or Europe.

Don't be embarrassed if you do have the misfortune of getting seasick onboard. Even the most experienced cruisers and the heartiest sailors get seasick once in a while.

One of the best ways to avoid getting seasick is to start preparing before you even set sail. That means when you book your cabin. Book a cabin in the middle of the ship, rather than the front or the back, and on a middle floor, rather than the bottom floors or the top floors. The front and back of the ship and the top decks onboard both have more noticeable movement when the ship is as sea. Noticeable movement. Not "so bad you'll fall overboard" movement. (And, if the waves are truly dangerous enough for that (which is EXTREMELY rare), the staff will block off the dangerous decks and advise you to do what is in everyone's best safety interest.)

Don't look out the windows. Just seeing the waves and the up and down motion of the ship will definitely not make you feel any better.

Sometimes children are prone to getting seasick if one of the parents become of that bad form. Keep the kids at the children's areas for the entire day if you have to. The feelings will pass.

Motion sickness pills are available onboard, and in your local drugstore. Pills such as Bonine and Dramamine, and probably many more I've never heard of, are great for keeping things in order when the boat is on slightly rougher seas. And they're also great at keeping you from feeling ill when the seas aren't quite as rough. Although great, they often make people sleepy, so take only half a dose so you can still enjoy the activities. Also, take the dose about two hours before the ship is scheduled to set sail. This will give them ample time to get into your system.

Some even choose to wear a specially-medicated patch behind their ears. Your doctor will be able to help you acquire those if he feels that you may need them.

Ships today have great devices called stabilizers, which are huge paddle-shaped extensions at the front and back of the ship that extend to each side. They keep the ship from bobbing up and down all over the place when the waters do get a little bit rough. So, it's really a lot less noticeable than your toy boat in the bathtub. That kind has no stabilizers. Besides, when you're onboard, you likely won't even feel the ship moving around much, anyways. I have yet to feel the front and back rocking like I feel on smaller boats, but I do notice the slight, slow, side to side rolling nearly every day onboard. And that's really not all that uncomfortable.

Don't read, write, or do much of anything that involves looking down. This actually focuses your attention on the floor and lower things, such as the waves, and you feel and notice the motion of the ship a whole lot more if you do.

In fact, instead of doing anything that keeps you still, such as lying down in bed, keep active. This will keep your mind on other things, and you won't notice the boat moving around when you yourself are moving around as well.

Finally, don't overdrink or overeat. You don't want more in your stomach than has to be there. And the motion of the ship will make what's there move around anyways. This means, especially when you begin to feel sick, don't drink anything (even water). And eat a few dry crackers or bread.

After all this, do you really want to book a cruise? I tell you, once you go on a cruise, you are 85% sure of getting hooked on cruising! And if you're one of the 85% who love to cruise, let's book your next one today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and have another vacation that you will never forget!

Cruising With Kids: Carnival or Royal Caribbean?

So, you have decided to take the family on a cruise for your next vacation. Why not? After all, cruises have so many exciting things going on for cruisers of all ages, from dancing through each decade, to Pilates, to singles meet and greet for adults, and from sports trivia, to a "Survivor"-like contest, to candy bingo for the kids. How could you possibly choose which cruise line is best for your kids? Will Royal Caribbean fit the kids better, or will Carnival provide just what they are looking for?

First, let's look at some of the activities that each ship has available for kids of various ages.

Ages 2-5

Carnival: They're in their own well-protected area of the ship known as Camp Carnival where they get to play such games as "Become a Prince or Princess", "Bob the Builder", "Down on the Farm", "Monster Mania, "Bug Hunt", and they even have a Camp Carnival Talent Show! And, of course, lots of cartoons.

R. C.: The 3-5 yer olds have their own group entitled Aquanauts, and stay in the Adventure Ocean area of the ship to enjoy such activities as "Under the Sea Morning", "Animal Actions", "Pirate Transformations-Face Painting", "Guido's Pit Row Race", "Sesame Street Afternoon", and "Pass the Parcel."

Ages 6-8

Carnival: Staying in Camp Carnival, their activities include "Human Knot", "WaterColors-Mood Painting", "Puzzle Races", "Water Wars", "Edu-Cruise--Camouflage", and "The Hunt for Fun Ship Freddy".

R. C.: They're known as Explorers and participate in such things as "Contract for Fun", "Secret Handshake", "Circle of Ten", "Bomp", "Adventure Theatre: Circus on the Seas", and "Bingo".

Ages 9-11

Carnival: They're still at the Camp Carnival section, but at least with their own age group. Activities include board games, sports, outdoor fun, and computerized game systems.

R. C.: "Crazy Tag", "On the Beach Afternoon", "Boys vs. Girls Night", "Steal the Coconut", "Bury a Youth Staff", and "Carnival Night" which includes the Explorers.

Ages 12-14

Carnival: This group gets to attend "Circle C" to hang around kids of their own ages. They seem to enjoy "Welcome Aboard Disco" with the 15-17 year olds, "Ping Pong Tournament", "Head to Head and Song Stumpers", "Chess Tournament", "Teen Hang", "Dollar Challenge", and "Teen Feud."

R. C.: Break out the "Nintendo Wii" game system! Also included are "Apples to Apples", "Name That Tune", "Teen Skate", "Gamers Choice" where they play against teens worldwide, "Foosball Tournament", and "PJ Dance Party."

Ages 15-17

Carnival: This group goes to hand in O2 with their like-aged peers for day and night movies, pool parties, dance parties, theme parties, sports, and they even get to play those computerized game systems too!

R. C.: "Amazing Race", "Twister", "Majority Rules", "Texas Hold 'Em", make your own jewelry, and "Most Likely" where they vote for someone most likely to do something special.

As you can see, there really is something for all ages onboard each cruise line. However, there is one major difference that I came across on each cruise line.

Carnival has a special distinctly separated area for the kids (except when doing specific activities around the ship such as a hunt) and they do not allow adults into the areas. Also, they do not allow the kids out of the area unless with a parent or guardian, and even then only at certain times.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, takes the opposite approach and leaves the kids areas wide open to allow easier passage from all areas to the kids' sections. Parents and children (except for the 3-5 year olds) are allowed to come and go as they please at whatever times they please.

So, it basically comes down to this. If your kids can be trusted to not run all over the ship when they are left alone, and actually enjoy playing games with their peers, Royal Caribbean is the one for your family. However, if your kids need that extra bit of structure and protection, and can't be trusted to not run all over the ship, Carnival is the one on your side.

Either way, Carnival or Royal Caribbean, your kids will have a wonderful time, and so will you and the rest of your wonderful family on a greatly exciting cruise.

Now, all you need to do is book that cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and start packing!