Luxury Cruises and the Galapagos Islands

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The Galapagos Islands have held allure for travelers all over the world, from Charles Darwin to today’s discriminating eco tourists. Each is drawn by the promise of unparalleled access to wildlife, much of it endemic to the Galapagos, and the stunning vistas that surround the islands. Located 600 miles from mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands offer visitors an experience like no other. Traveling here can only be improved by the luxurious accommodations of a premiere cruise.

The Galapagos Islands caught the attention of scientist Charles Darwin and contributed to his revolutionary theories of evolution. He had ample subjects for study because the archipelago is home to an extremely diverse population of reptiles, marine life, mammals, and insects. Many of these species cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The animals know no fear of man, so you are able to look at them from much closer than you would have thought possible. It creates an intimacy that is indescribable and which makes the Galapagos such a desirable locale for nature lovers the world over.

Luxury cruises typically leave from beautiful mainland Ecuador by air, and passengers disembark onto their cruise ship to explore the Galapagos. Excursions onto the islands leave daily before you return to the luxury and comfort of the ship in the evening. While on the islands, you can enjoy world-class hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and explore the islands that were created from volcanoes, and some which have volcanoes that are very active. An unforgettable sight. On the ship, you will enjoy luxury accommodations that refresh, invigorate, and recharge you for further excursions.

The Galapagos Archipelago is comprised of 19 islands, five of which are inhabited. Most of the land is part of the National Park and the waters are protected by the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve. Preserving and protecting this area and maintaining it as a sanctuary for the endemic life it contains is of the utmost importance. It is the best preserved tropical archipelago in the world, according to the Galapagos Conservation Trust, and eco tourists are vital to not only the economy but the ongoing efforts to preserve this pristine area.

The Galapagos is the premiere destination for those who love nature and want to see it in its most pure form. Savor the best that nature has to offer while enjoying the amenities that luxury cruises have to offer. It is an ideal way to experience this island paradise.

5 Magnificent Luxury Cruise Lines

Choosing a Luxury cruise line is a very difficult task. Determining which luxury cruise line is good and which is not is very difficult. It is almost next to impossible. There are a huge variety in the market to choose from in the market which they have its own unique features and it is very difficult to differentiate. So here are some of the finest cruises lines which are satisfy all your desires and will give you a wonderful experience at the cruise.

1) When we talk about luxury, then there is no other ship which comes in our mind rather than Sea bourn Cruise Lines. They are small yet so cozy and exclusive that they are often known as Yachts of Seabourn. Life at the cruise is just like a day at the club. It is very popular for fine dining and meal would be just like you are eating in Europe. If Class and privacy is what you are looking for then Seabourn is the best cruise line.

2) Next in the list is Regent Seven Seas which is known for its comfort & finer technology. They have all the entertainment gadgets in which you will just feel like that you are connected to your loved ones. On board cell phones, Bose stereo systems, Hi-Fi Internet Access, DVD players and Flat Screen T.Vs. You name it and Regent seven Seas have it all.

3) One of the Exclusive Cruise Lines is Crystal Cruises. This cruise line will only offer you two ships in its fleet, so in order to book for the cruise might be a challenge for you. However if you managed to get into the ship then you will forget all your grief about booking. It is small ship and is known for the ability to offer ocean liner amenities. With its amazing cuisine and exclusive wine it will keep your mouth water and ask you for more. Also it is also popular for its Sushi bars and exotic culinary. It is one of the kind cruise lines which take care of everyone whether of families or honeymoon couples. Its main attraction is Children Activities on the ships.

4) Caribbean Luxury Cruise Lines are one of the finest luxurious Cruises which provide personalized attention to its customers in the form of low staff passenger ratio. They provide you with a personal butler. Any day you will not get bored on this ship as there are plentiful of entertainment options like multiplexes, sports, arena, multi-cuisine restaurants, Spas & Salons.

5) There is some more luxurious cruise lines which have wave surfing & Golf in them these luxurious cruise lines comes in king size suites which are lavishly furnished and have their own private balcony.

However these luxury cruise lines can en cash a lot of money from your pocket. It range will start from 700-1200$ for one night. But this one night will be a memorable experience for you as you get the best Royal Treatment ever which you have desired for.

These cruise lines will let you forget all your worries and sorrows and in these luxury cruises you will find nothing but peace & serenity. Sounds of ocean and Ocean breeze will give you calmness. These Luxury Cruise lines are ideal for newly wedded couples. Watching Beautiful Sunrises and Romantic Sunsets you will become close to your beloved and can gaze into each other eyes.

Luxury Cruising – What to Expect

Don’t care for screaming children or being forced to sit at a table with strangers while on your cruise? Give luxury cruising a try. We all know that there are dozens of cruise lines out there but if you are looking for an exceptional vacation experience that list is narrowed down to a choice few.

Luxury cruises usually travel to amazing, exotic locations. This is not the usual Bahamas cruise. We are talking about trips to Europe, Asia, round the world cruises and more. But that is not the only difference between these and other cruise lines.

Upscale cruises are usually smaller, more intimate. There is usually a higher ratio of staff to guests to ensure that your needs are taken care of. They also have a tendency to actually mean the word all inclusive. The Crystal cruise line, for example, is currently (2009) running a special where you get a $2,000 on board credit to use as you will, while on board. You can have spa treatments, choose expensive wines, use it to tip the staff, have a specialized shore excursion and much more. They are even running a special where you get free air travel included with most excursions if you travel in 2010.

Yes, the current economy means that even these luxury cruise lines are offering deals of a lifetime. There has never been a better time to travel.

The Yachts of Seabourn is another way to go. This line makes you feel as if you are on a friend’s private yacht. All of your requests are taken care of quickly and efficiently until you feel completely pampered. And speaking of pampering their spa was rated Top Cruise Line Spa by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. They combine spa treatments from all over the world to give you a first class experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

And as for the quality fo the cuisine, it has an open bar policy, which is pretty unusual, and the food is prepared by world renowned chef Charlie Palmer.

But back to what it means to take a vacation on board a ship that caters to those discerning passengers that expect the best. You have on board casinos, bars, and lounges. You have nightly entertainment and first class shows and you have the opportunity to dine in restaurants with award winning chefs night after night. You have your own personal staff that caters to you and who are trained to know your personal preferences and make sure that they are met.

And the excursions that you choose to take are usually above and beyond what any other cruise line can arrange for you. Luxury cruising has, in the past, been reserved for only those who could afford to spend a fortune. Thanks to the current state of things, if you have just a bit extra to spend you can be treated like a king and finally experience what it is like to truly be treated like royalty.

A Luxury Cruise – The Perfect Honeymoon

Are you making plans for your honeymoon? How about going on a cruise and exploring those far off destinations you’ve only ever read about? Imagine cruising all over the globe on a luxury liner, enjoying the warm sea breeze, meeting the great and good and sipping cosmopolitans by the jacuzzi. Going on a cruise can be the most amazing holiday you can experience and accommodation ranges from the basic (but not too basic) to the super-deluxe, and of course there are many facilities on board to enjoy like bars, swimming pool, casinos, cinemas, gyms and spas.

Many couples shy away from even thinking about taking a honeymoon cruise because of the costs involved but in reality, there are lots of benefits associated with cruises and these once-in-a-lifetime trips may even save you money in the long run! You see, cruise can be far less expensive than you might think, and can even be a cost effective alternative for your holiday of a lifetime. All-inclusive cruise deals will cover your meals, accommodation and on-board entertainment for the entire time you are away. If your cruise includes stopping off at several islands or countries, which many do, you can enjoy visiting a number of exciting locations for a fraction of the cost it would be to visit each one of them individually. In addition, a cruise is a very convenient way to travel; visit lots of places without ever having to unpack and re-pack a suitcase, no driving or negotiating local transport, no need to carry cash or credit cards while on board. If you do wish to indulge in extra amenities, all you need to do is use your cruise ID card to add it to your tab.

You are also safe while on a cruise ship – safer than you would often be if in a hotel, particularly in a large city. All activities are closely monitored and passengers are tracked to ensure no unauthorized people board the ship. In addition, a resident doctor is on every ship, along with a well-stocked infirmary. Even shore excursions are screened carefully before being offered to guests.