After reading so many tips on how to photograph different places and group sizes, I think I'll make it much easier for you to photograph your cruise by making a simple list:
1-Lighting is all over the place onboard a cruise. Bright upper decks, shady interior rooms, and even the rainy weather and rough seas can play a major part in your photographs.
2-If your camera allows them, bring wide-angle and telephoto zoom lenses, accessory flash, and both fast and slow film speeds. Point and shoot cameras are fine when you are more interested in eating the midnight buffet than photographing it, which is certainly something you must do at least once.
3-Alaskan inland passages, Bahamian islands, and European rivers are huge scenic opportunities. So is coming into and leaving port, which are usually at not the best times (such as arriving at 7:00am and departing at 10:00pm).
4-When you can, work from the upper decks and on the less windy side.
5-Plan when and where you will photograph by looking through the ship's daily calendar first.
So, now that you're ready for that cruise, waste no more time and book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
5 Best Ships for Gourmet Dining
One of the most impressive things I have found on my cruises is the amazing array and quantity of choices of food. Not only that, though. I was completely overwhelmed by the quality of the food too! Here are five other ships where cuisine reigns supreme.
Crystal Symphony (Crystal Cruises)
Sushi might be the specialty of the house, especially since this ship has two Nobu Matsuhisa restaurants, but the exquisite wineries of the world cater for this ship that serves up some of their best masterpieces. Their Ultimate Vintage Room hosts very high-priced specialty dinners with a 7-course meal and 13 very rare wines. Of course, if you just want an ice cream cone, you will still have your choice of 30 options on deck 11!
Eurodam (Holland America)
The second-largest ship on today's list, the Eurodam really gets to shine with such exciting things as their Culinary Arts Theatre, Restaurants Tamarind and Canaletto, and private poolside cabanas. The theatre hosts cooking demonstrations and classes, lectures, and candy making. The restaurant Tamarind focuses on multi-Asian specialties while Canaletto chooses Italian.
Norwegian Jade (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Choices abound onboard the Norwegian Jade with twelve restaurants (french, Italian, Tex-Mex, Spanish, Japanese, multi-Asian, sushi, steakhouse, and of course a buffet). Although the food cannot be rated as highly as some of the others on the list, the range and quantity of options for such a reasonably-priced cruise onboard the Norwegian Jade certainly makes up for it many times over.
River Cloud (Sea Cloud Cruises)
This 90-passenger cruise ship uses produce directly from the ports of call and showcases some amazing treats of local delight. Itineraries include wine-tasting and vineyard tours, famous chef-prepared meals, and even classical music concerts. Unlike the others on this list, this specific cruise ship also takes a great deal of pride on the decor of the suites which have teak and marble all over.
Seven Seas Voyager (Regent Seven Seas)
Famed French culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu is the training course for the chefs onboard this vessel, especially in their supper-only Signatures restaurant. La Veranda makes tantalizing North African cuisine while Latitude's focuses more along the lines of a family-style French and Vietnamese infusion. Compass Rose even has some delicious vegetarian entrees in a spa-style restaurant. Some itineraries even include cooking workshops and farmers' market tours.
If you like to eat, and who doesn't, you will love cruising! Book today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Crystal Symphony (Crystal Cruises)
Sushi might be the specialty of the house, especially since this ship has two Nobu Matsuhisa restaurants, but the exquisite wineries of the world cater for this ship that serves up some of their best masterpieces. Their Ultimate Vintage Room hosts very high-priced specialty dinners with a 7-course meal and 13 very rare wines. Of course, if you just want an ice cream cone, you will still have your choice of 30 options on deck 11!
Eurodam (Holland America)
The second-largest ship on today's list, the Eurodam really gets to shine with such exciting things as their Culinary Arts Theatre, Restaurants Tamarind and Canaletto, and private poolside cabanas. The theatre hosts cooking demonstrations and classes, lectures, and candy making. The restaurant Tamarind focuses on multi-Asian specialties while Canaletto chooses Italian.
Norwegian Jade (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Choices abound onboard the Norwegian Jade with twelve restaurants (french, Italian, Tex-Mex, Spanish, Japanese, multi-Asian, sushi, steakhouse, and of course a buffet). Although the food cannot be rated as highly as some of the others on the list, the range and quantity of options for such a reasonably-priced cruise onboard the Norwegian Jade certainly makes up for it many times over.
River Cloud (Sea Cloud Cruises)
This 90-passenger cruise ship uses produce directly from the ports of call and showcases some amazing treats of local delight. Itineraries include wine-tasting and vineyard tours, famous chef-prepared meals, and even classical music concerts. Unlike the others on this list, this specific cruise ship also takes a great deal of pride on the decor of the suites which have teak and marble all over.
Seven Seas Voyager (Regent Seven Seas)
Famed French culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu is the training course for the chefs onboard this vessel, especially in their supper-only Signatures restaurant. La Veranda makes tantalizing North African cuisine while Latitude's focuses more along the lines of a family-style French and Vietnamese infusion. Compass Rose even has some delicious vegetarian entrees in a spa-style restaurant. Some itineraries even include cooking workshops and farmers' market tours.
If you like to eat, and who doesn't, you will love cruising! Book today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Friday, October 22, 2010
3 Best Luxury Cruise Ships
Cruises, especially those of the past, give the impression of luxury living and fine dining onboard an exquisitely crafted work of art. Fortunately, some modern ships maintain such luxury and help every guest relive the times of yesteryear with the luxurious life.
Seabourn Legend (Yachts of Seabourn)
It's known as "Caviar in the Surf" for a reason. Uniformed stewards carry trays of caviar and champagne for the appetizer course of the ship's beach barbecue! By the end of the first day, they know your name, and by the end of the second, they know your favourite chair and wine. Attendants even draw your bath for you, complete with your preferred soaps and oils. You can even have a fabulous flambe under the stars after a delectable dining experience.
SeaDream I (SeaDream Yacht Club)
Only 55 couples are onboard this ship, plus the staff of only 95! They personalize their service just for you. Always someone around. They even clean your sunglasses, spray you with cold water, and offer to massage your shoulders before you need to ask! And the chef is also known for asking for your favourite meal, and places it on the menu just days later! There is nothing onboard for children, so they're also out of everyone's hair.
Silver Whisper (Silversea)
Personalized pillow choices are only the beginning! Your minibar even includes your favourite drinks (even alcoholic), and it's complimentary. The most expensive suites even come complete with a professional English butler. Yes, even though the cruise line is technically Italian. The butlers unpack (what a chore you don't have to do!), reserve a vehicle for you in the next port, and even arrange for a cocktail party right in your own stateroom suite. And for an additional fee, you can have a six-course meal complete with specially-chosen wine pairings created by professional sommeliers.
When you are ready to experience such an exquisite lifestyle onboard such exquisite ships, make your reservations immediately at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Seabourn Legend (Yachts of Seabourn)
It's known as "Caviar in the Surf" for a reason. Uniformed stewards carry trays of caviar and champagne for the appetizer course of the ship's beach barbecue! By the end of the first day, they know your name, and by the end of the second, they know your favourite chair and wine. Attendants even draw your bath for you, complete with your preferred soaps and oils. You can even have a fabulous flambe under the stars after a delectable dining experience.
SeaDream I (SeaDream Yacht Club)
Only 55 couples are onboard this ship, plus the staff of only 95! They personalize their service just for you. Always someone around. They even clean your sunglasses, spray you with cold water, and offer to massage your shoulders before you need to ask! And the chef is also known for asking for your favourite meal, and places it on the menu just days later! There is nothing onboard for children, so they're also out of everyone's hair.
Silver Whisper (Silversea)
Personalized pillow choices are only the beginning! Your minibar even includes your favourite drinks (even alcoholic), and it's complimentary. The most expensive suites even come complete with a professional English butler. Yes, even though the cruise line is technically Italian. The butlers unpack (what a chore you don't have to do!), reserve a vehicle for you in the next port, and even arrange for a cocktail party right in your own stateroom suite. And for an additional fee, you can have a six-course meal complete with specially-chosen wine pairings created by professional sommeliers.
When you are ready to experience such an exquisite lifestyle onboard such exquisite ships, make your reservations immediately at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Monday, October 18, 2010
6 Best Ships for Onboard Learning
There are a number of reasons why people go on cruises, but only a handful of passengers go for the educational experiences onboard. The smaller vessels are far more equipped and have a much more educated clientele than do most of the larger ships when it comes to instruction and education onboard.
American Queen (Majestic America)
Although most Mississippi River cruises are populated by gamblers, the American Queen is more populated by historians. Civil War battlefields in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri are frequent visitor favourites, while Mark Twain fans can relive his childhood in his own hometown. Even Native American and Amish farms are evident along the scenic itinerary. And there is always the prides of Iowa, the John Deere mansions.
MV Mozart (Peter Deilmann)
Classical music fans agree that the best place to study and hear it is right at the source of the composers' inspiration, on the Danube River. Daytime sightseeing of such relics as concert theatres and famous pianos (such as the one belonging to Beethoven), and evening classical music concerts are just what each passenger enjoys.
Oberoi Zahra (Oberoi Hotels)
This small ship which cruises the Nile River includes both Thai massages for your body and an onboard Egyptologist for your brain. Unlike the other Nile cruise ships, the Oberoi Zahra sails for a full week at a much more leisurely pace. Even each guide isn't for the entire ship of 54 passenger, but instead stay with just 6 people or so per guide. And specific to this ship is a stop at Dendarah Temple.
Queen Mary II (Cunard)
Certainly the largest of the educational vessels, the Queen Mary II have rotating guests that travel onboard as guests of the cruise line. Famous novelists, scientists, bridge lecturers, and planetarium workers abound onboard this especially lovely and massive vessel. Even London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts hosts a special onboard acting class for those wishing to participate.
River Countess/Dutchess (Uniworld)
Eastern European rivers are not ignored by these exciting ships which travel longer itineraries and to far more countries than do the others. Local universities provide lecturers on Eastern European history.
Seven Seas Mariner (Regent Seven Seas)
This particular cruise ship has a worldwide itinerary, and world-class educational experiences ranging from photography to yoga to French cuisine. Classes and lectures range from food and wine to architecture and onward to literature. Unfortunately, though, some of the classes have fees, but they are well worth it when you see who is teaching them and the quality of small group education that you receive.
When you are reading for the exotic and educational experience of a lifetime, make sure to book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com first!
American Queen (Majestic America)
Although most Mississippi River cruises are populated by gamblers, the American Queen is more populated by historians. Civil War battlefields in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri are frequent visitor favourites, while Mark Twain fans can relive his childhood in his own hometown. Even Native American and Amish farms are evident along the scenic itinerary. And there is always the prides of Iowa, the John Deere mansions.
MV Mozart (Peter Deilmann)
Classical music fans agree that the best place to study and hear it is right at the source of the composers' inspiration, on the Danube River. Daytime sightseeing of such relics as concert theatres and famous pianos (such as the one belonging to Beethoven), and evening classical music concerts are just what each passenger enjoys.
Oberoi Zahra (Oberoi Hotels)
This small ship which cruises the Nile River includes both Thai massages for your body and an onboard Egyptologist for your brain. Unlike the other Nile cruise ships, the Oberoi Zahra sails for a full week at a much more leisurely pace. Even each guide isn't for the entire ship of 54 passenger, but instead stay with just 6 people or so per guide. And specific to this ship is a stop at Dendarah Temple.
Queen Mary II (Cunard)
Certainly the largest of the educational vessels, the Queen Mary II have rotating guests that travel onboard as guests of the cruise line. Famous novelists, scientists, bridge lecturers, and planetarium workers abound onboard this especially lovely and massive vessel. Even London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts hosts a special onboard acting class for those wishing to participate.
River Countess/Dutchess (Uniworld)
Eastern European rivers are not ignored by these exciting ships which travel longer itineraries and to far more countries than do the others. Local universities provide lecturers on Eastern European history.
Seven Seas Mariner (Regent Seven Seas)
This particular cruise ship has a worldwide itinerary, and world-class educational experiences ranging from photography to yoga to French cuisine. Classes and lectures range from food and wine to architecture and onward to literature. Unfortunately, though, some of the classes have fees, but they are well worth it when you see who is teaching them and the quality of small group education that you receive.
When you are reading for the exotic and educational experience of a lifetime, make sure to book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com first!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Travel Photography: Signs
This might not sound like very important photography around your own hometown, sparing the neon orange, a $500 fine notice, or those very important street signs, but when you travel abroad, you occasionally come across a rather interesting sign. One you'd like to remember in a photograph. They can provide a timeline or an interesting theme in themselves. And some of them can even be rather humourous.
Sometimes the most humourous ones are totally accidental or occur due to an odd coincidence or a warped juxtaposition. In Germany, for example, you might see a sign for the restroom that is directly next to the sign for the exit, and the exit sign shows a silhouette of a man running! Rather a humourous position, don't you think?
Of course, signs that are not in your native language can also be interesting, especially if you were to take a large group photograph of them in a place like a Hong Kong neon lighted area, or a European tour with the same words but in different languages.
Finally, the best use for sign photographs is to show the progression of your vacation. Signs that show a dramatic location (Equator, Southernmost point in the Continental U. S.), city and state limits and welcome signs, unusual names of towns, areas or business, and driving distances. Signs that highlight specific locations where you visited such as museums and hotels are also very important to complete your travel photography collection. Of course, historical markers are also very interesting if that is what interests you.
Signs are more important than you realized now, aren't they? Find some great travel deals to find some great signs only at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!
Sometimes the most humourous ones are totally accidental or occur due to an odd coincidence or a warped juxtaposition. In Germany, for example, you might see a sign for the restroom that is directly next to the sign for the exit, and the exit sign shows a silhouette of a man running! Rather a humourous position, don't you think?
Of course, signs that are not in your native language can also be interesting, especially if you were to take a large group photograph of them in a place like a Hong Kong neon lighted area, or a European tour with the same words but in different languages.
Finally, the best use for sign photographs is to show the progression of your vacation. Signs that show a dramatic location (Equator, Southernmost point in the Continental U. S.), city and state limits and welcome signs, unusual names of towns, areas or business, and driving distances. Signs that highlight specific locations where you visited such as museums and hotels are also very important to complete your travel photography collection. Of course, historical markers are also very interesting if that is what interests you.
Signs are more important than you realized now, aren't they? Find some great travel deals to find some great signs only at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Travel Photography: From the Air
It's one thing to see a close up shot, and another thing to see a vista view. But it's an entirely different kind of photograph when the subject is miles beyond the window of an airplane. As long as it's not cloudy or foggy out the window, you can get some amazing photographs from right there in your window seat. And if your pilot points out interesting views from one side or the other of the plane, make sure to take advantage of it with another of your wonderful photographs!
The windows in most planes are too thick for sharp photographs, but if you keep the developed size no more than 5x7 you should be fine. Also, get as close to the window as possible to avoid blur, but don't touch the window or else you will get vibrations instead. Also, try to get whatever photographs that you can at takeoff and landing, when things are less hazy and considerably closer.
Often available are lower altitude flights such as by small planes, helicopters, and even hot air balloons. You can get much closer to your photographs' subjects than you can with a jumbo jet liner. And the fares are often rather reasonable. Sometimes you can even open the window to get an even more unobstructed photograph!
And before you get on that commercial jet liner, make sure to book that flight and the rest of your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!
The windows in most planes are too thick for sharp photographs, but if you keep the developed size no more than 5x7 you should be fine. Also, get as close to the window as possible to avoid blur, but don't touch the window or else you will get vibrations instead. Also, try to get whatever photographs that you can at takeoff and landing, when things are less hazy and considerably closer.
Often available are lower altitude flights such as by small planes, helicopters, and even hot air balloons. You can get much closer to your photographs' subjects than you can with a jumbo jet liner. And the fares are often rather reasonable. Sometimes you can even open the window to get an even more unobstructed photograph!
And before you get on that commercial jet liner, make sure to book that flight and the rest of your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
3 Best Cruise Ships for Children
Travelling with kids is an adventure in itself, but cruising with them is a totally different story. Most cruise lines offer something special to keep the kids happy and entertained. Here are the three that Conde Nast Traveler chose as best for kids:
Disney Wonder
Naturally, Disney is always a huge hit with kids, and families with kids. Both infant and toddlers greatly enjoy the Disney cruise experience. And they also change the babies' diapers! Swim diapers aren't allowed in any except the wading pool. And for those who can't swim, they can use the fountains to splash around in. Even the family staterooms have two toilets for no impatiently waiting toddlers! The waterslide leading into a Mickey Mouse head pool is almost as popular as the Animator's Palette restaurant with walls that change from black and white to colour. The pirate's party is a great event, even if you have to bring your own costumes. And to top it all off, Disney just can't break the habit of shooting off fireworks. Even the nightly entertainment is age-appropriate with the kids' viewing earlier one more adapted to them.
Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas
As I have suggested in my Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean blog entry, Royal Caribbean is better suited for teenagers and well-behaved children. They have activities that include a rock-climbing wall, a FlowRider surf park, and an ice rink. I doubt the little kids would enjoy them all that much. Also, to appeal to the teenage crowd, they have their own private teen only areas, where parents and adults are forbidden. The staff members are known to keep the kids under control while also treating them with respect. (Where the teens' staff were on my last Royal Caribbean cruise, I don't know!) They even get to play some great video games and musical jam session instruments. The younger crowd can take part in acting, snowball fighting, and a barbecue, while the older crowd would be deejaying, card gaming, and night clubbing.
Ruby Princess
It's the latest in Princess Cruise ships. And do they ever go over the top for the kiddies! 3-7 year olds have scavenger hunts and ice cream parties. 8-12 year olds get to participate in pajama parties, kids-only suppers, and even Nintendo Wii games. Of course, the teenagers get just what they expect too: hip-hop dance lessons, air hockey contests, and nightclubbing too! And, lucky them, the 8-12 year olds get to accompany their parents in the actual ship's kitchen to wear those funny hats and aprons while they make pizzas, roll sushi, and decorate cakes.
So, when you're ready to book that most exciting cruise with your kids, make sure to check out www.kingarthur.myttn.com and look out for the best prices!
Disney Wonder
Naturally, Disney is always a huge hit with kids, and families with kids. Both infant and toddlers greatly enjoy the Disney cruise experience. And they also change the babies' diapers! Swim diapers aren't allowed in any except the wading pool. And for those who can't swim, they can use the fountains to splash around in. Even the family staterooms have two toilets for no impatiently waiting toddlers! The waterslide leading into a Mickey Mouse head pool is almost as popular as the Animator's Palette restaurant with walls that change from black and white to colour. The pirate's party is a great event, even if you have to bring your own costumes. And to top it all off, Disney just can't break the habit of shooting off fireworks. Even the nightly entertainment is age-appropriate with the kids' viewing earlier one more adapted to them.
Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas
As I have suggested in my Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean blog entry, Royal Caribbean is better suited for teenagers and well-behaved children. They have activities that include a rock-climbing wall, a FlowRider surf park, and an ice rink. I doubt the little kids would enjoy them all that much. Also, to appeal to the teenage crowd, they have their own private teen only areas, where parents and adults are forbidden. The staff members are known to keep the kids under control while also treating them with respect. (Where the teens' staff were on my last Royal Caribbean cruise, I don't know!) They even get to play some great video games and musical jam session instruments. The younger crowd can take part in acting, snowball fighting, and a barbecue, while the older crowd would be deejaying, card gaming, and night clubbing.
Ruby Princess
It's the latest in Princess Cruise ships. And do they ever go over the top for the kiddies! 3-7 year olds have scavenger hunts and ice cream parties. 8-12 year olds get to participate in pajama parties, kids-only suppers, and even Nintendo Wii games. Of course, the teenagers get just what they expect too: hip-hop dance lessons, air hockey contests, and nightclubbing too! And, lucky them, the 8-12 year olds get to accompany their parents in the actual ship's kitchen to wear those funny hats and aprons while they make pizzas, roll sushi, and decorate cakes.
So, when you're ready to book that most exciting cruise with your kids, make sure to check out www.kingarthur.myttn.com and look out for the best prices!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Travel Photography: From Land and Sea
Transportation is an important part of your vacation, and sometimes the transportation itself can be quite photographic. Whether by one of the high-speed Japanese bullet trains, the romantic gondolas of Venice, or even the traditional jitneys in the Philippines, you will always be getting around wherever you are. And photographs from and of these exciting transportation modes really adds that extra bit of authenticity and location to your catalog.
By the time you arrive at your destination, you will have already passed all sorts of interesting things that would merit your camera's use. Of course, in those cases, the regular point and shoot cameras work best, since they take time only to turn them on.
When you actually arrive there, however, you still will have the opportunity to photograph your immediate area, as well as the actual transportation vehicle that you used to get you there. Instead of taking a picture of just the ship or train, try to get a different vantage point that shows the surroundings of the ship or train as well. It adds much more visual interest than you may realize. Especially when you are on a cruise ship, you don't realize how truly massive the ship is until you are far enough away to see the local stores and docks surrounding it. "Overwhelmingly massive" for sure!
Of course, before you go on your next exciting photographic vacation, and find some of these interesting land and sea transportation vignettes, you just have to book your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
By the time you arrive at your destination, you will have already passed all sorts of interesting things that would merit your camera's use. Of course, in those cases, the regular point and shoot cameras work best, since they take time only to turn them on.
When you actually arrive there, however, you still will have the opportunity to photograph your immediate area, as well as the actual transportation vehicle that you used to get you there. Instead of taking a picture of just the ship or train, try to get a different vantage point that shows the surroundings of the ship or train as well. It adds much more visual interest than you may realize. Especially when you are on a cruise ship, you don't realize how truly massive the ship is until you are far enough away to see the local stores and docks surrounding it. "Overwhelmingly massive" for sure!
Of course, before you go on your next exciting photographic vacation, and find some of these interesting land and sea transportation vignettes, you just have to book your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Friday, October 1, 2010
Researching Your Vacation
One of the most important aspects of photographing your vacation has nothing to do with cameras, lenses, or film, but it has everything to do with your pre-vacation research. Studying about a location and planning where you will be taking your photographs will greatly enhance the pictures that you do take. You probably won't get to everything on your list, but at least you won't miss any important details or events.
Of course, the best way to learn about a new vacation location is to read up on it in every book and online resource that you can find. Magazines, newspapers, guidebooks, blogs, and online articles are great sources of information. There are also books and journals and language tapes to help you learn more and adjust yourself to your vacation location.
There are travel websites all over the internet, and many of them can help you in your vacation location research. The show you pictures of specific location and objects, inspiring you to take your own. Some websites also include schedules of events and hotel information too!
Also, some of the best sources of location information are the people who actually have been there. Most people really enjoy telling their vacation stories, especially those who have been on a cruise ship. It takes just the mention of a location to get many of those vacation travelers started. Also, on the internet, there are websites and chat rooms complete with people who actually live in the location. Why not get some first-hand knowledge of the sites?
So, while you are researching your vacation, you probably also want to save some money. Why not book on www.kingarthur.myttn.com and use your savings for more travel books?
Of course, the best way to learn about a new vacation location is to read up on it in every book and online resource that you can find. Magazines, newspapers, guidebooks, blogs, and online articles are great sources of information. There are also books and journals and language tapes to help you learn more and adjust yourself to your vacation location.
There are travel websites all over the internet, and many of them can help you in your vacation location research. The show you pictures of specific location and objects, inspiring you to take your own. Some websites also include schedules of events and hotel information too!
Also, some of the best sources of location information are the people who actually have been there. Most people really enjoy telling their vacation stories, especially those who have been on a cruise ship. It takes just the mention of a location to get many of those vacation travelers started. Also, on the internet, there are websites and chat rooms complete with people who actually live in the location. Why not get some first-hand knowledge of the sites?
So, while you are researching your vacation, you probably also want to save some money. Why not book on www.kingarthur.myttn.com and use your savings for more travel books?
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