The Costa Cruise line is an Italian-based cruise line. It has stayed on top for a very long time now by sheer dint of the excellent quality they offer, and the exceptionally entertaining itinerary they provide in Europe, covering Malta, Gibraltar, France, Spain and Italy itself. The Costa Cruise line is owned and managed by the Carnival Corporation, Italy.
There is a New Star on the Horizon: The Costa Concordia
The year 2006 was a special year for Costa Cruise line because of the introduction of their largest ship yet, the Costa Concordia. This ship, which has been advertised everywhere for more than a year now, has kindled great expectations from the Costa Cruise line clientele, who are already used to the incomparable quality that the Costa Cruise line has given them.
The new ship, the Costa Concordia, is based in Miami, USA, while its ownership will be still with the Carnival Corporation in Italy. The grandeur of the ship has to be seen to be believed ? though as I mentioned earlier, people do expect a quality which is synonymous with excellence.
It has a totally European theme for its interiors, which makes it feel like it is made for royalty. All the rooms on the ship are named after important places in Europe. Hence, you will be delighted to find the Milan dining room, the Grand Bar Berlin, the Rome dining room, and the Cafeteria Helsinki among many others.
There are many firsts that have been introduced over time by the Costa Cruise line, with each of its cruise liners having something extra to pamper its guests with. Carrying on with this tradition, the Costa Concordia has introduced a Formula 1 simulator, which aims at thrilling the passengers to no end during the cruise.
It is true that the Costa Cruise line is full of fun, and the experience on the board is as excellent as you would expect. Starting with the new introduction of the Formula 1 simulator which is simply out of this world, you will also have a choice of taking cooking classes in Italian cooking, and you will have round the clock food served with the culmination of some excellent midnight buffets. You will also have a dazzling and flashing full-scale casino, talent search karaoke contests, a piano bar, and so on.
For those who need to stay fit no matter what, the Costa Concordia offers state-of-the-art fitness centers and spas. You will also get round the clock internet (on payment) and phone (on demand, on payment). Thus, this ship will be the best of both worlds, in that you can escape from the stresses of everyday life, while at the same time having access to some favorite everyday hobbies.
The Costa Concordia may initially sail around the Western Mediterranean coast, and touch a number of excellent destinations in Europe. The cruise will be offered round the year, and hence it could make the list for anyone at any time of summer or winter.
The Caribbean is arguably the number one cruise destination in the world. The tropical chain of islands offers sun and fun with enough variety to keep it interesting and exciting. The tropical location keeps the temperatures warm, while the ocean breezes make it comfortable. The exotic beaches, mixed with luxurious accommodations, make these truly island paradises. The Caribbean encompasses over 7000 islands, islets, cays and reefs with an island chain that spans 2500 miles. These islands encircle the Caribbean Sea. The ownership of these islands was contested during colonial times and many of the territories changed hands several times before reaching their current status. Due to their location along the Western trade routes these islands have a rich history.
The top five Caribbean destinations will depend on the goals for your vacation. Most of the islands offer plenty of beaches for sun and relaxation. The tropical waters offer plenty of underwater enjoyment as well. Some of the islands offer lush tropical forests to explore or tall mountains to hike. The cost of entertainment on most of the islands is reasonable. The following are five of the most popular cruise destinations from last year.
1.When deciding to take a cruise to the Caribbean to escape the winter cold and blues, the most popular choice has to be a multi-destination cruise. A cruise that swings through several of the islands in a nice 7-day vacation can give you the best variety. You will get a taste of the different cultures and each stop will leave you wanting just a bit more, as any good vacation should. The time spent on the ship can be used for rest and rejuvenation between beach excursions that may include diving, submarine voyages, hiking, biking, or any number of other exotic adventures. The rich history and cultural diversity in the region makes each beach excursion a trip in itself.
2.Another very popular cruise destination in the Caribbean is Barbados. Barbados has a fairly constant 80-degree temperature. This island has lush vegetation and great, white sandy beaches. It has a good mix of historical sites and modern amenities. The people are very friendly and approach life with a laid back attitude. Plenty of duty free shopping abounds. Also, water sports, great resorts and a hopping nightlife make this a great destination for fun in the sun.
3.If nightlife excitement is what you are looking for, then Aruba would be a good stop. The story on the seas is that Aruba is the Caribbean's version of Las Vegas. Its upscale casinos and luxury-packed resorts will satisfy even the most expensive tastes. The trade winds help cool things off on the island, as well. The dry, arid climate promises sunny days for enjoying the beaches. This island knows how to treat its tourists, which is why half of their gross national product is earned through tourism. Add to that a low crime rate and you have a great destination to relax and have some fun.
4.St. Lucia is another great destination in the Caribbean chain of islands. This is a good choice for sheer beauty. The approach to the island on the ship is breathtaking and the undisturbed nature on the island provides a glimpse at the past. Trails through the secluded coves and lush, green vegetation offer a relaxing opportunity to reconnect with nature. The beaches are carpeted with golden sand. Don't be mistaken, however, the capital, Castries, is a lively place. There are plenty of shops and attractions to keep even the most urban traveler busy.
5.The Dominican Republic attracts many people for its beaches. It does have the highest mountain in the Caribbean, the 10,164 foot Pico Duarte, but it is the beaches and resorts that attract most of the visitors. The fairly constant tropical temperature, ranging from 78 to 88 degree Fahrenheit, is also a popular attraction. It is also a good destination for shorter cruises due to its close proximity to the U.S. It has a good selection of all-inclusive resorts in the southeast. History can be found in the buildings in the capital city, Santo Domingo. If kiteboarding and windsurfing is your thing, then the North-central area of Cabarete would be a great place to visit. Overall, if you are looking for sun and relaxation the Dominican Republic is a good stop.
Whether the goal for your vacation is just relaxing on the beach, or hiking through the hills and jungles, the Caribbean has a lot to offer. While a single destination cruise gives you the chance to fully explore an island, a multi-destination cruise will give you a taste of many different cultures. If you want to escape the gold and grey winter a cruise to the Caribbean is a great choice.
Both Darlene Berkel & Megan Hazel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Megan Hazel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Advertising Guide, Home Improvement Contractor and Modelling. About Author:Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as