From Ocean Cruises and Ocean Liners to Vacation Cruises and Cruise Ships

The golden age of transatlantic ocean shipping and travel began long after Columbus' trying to prove that the earth was round. After that time, ocean sailing vessels traveled to the new world on a rather infrequent schedule. It was not until the first ocean steamship, the paddle steamer "Savannah" crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1819 that a new era in travel heated up. Since that time, ocean cruises and ocean liners have become a thing of beauty and romance.

By the end of that century, and starting into the 20th century, ocean liners had established themselves as a status symbol for their companies and their countries on the ocean. A "battle" for ocean supremacy - Having the newest, largest most extravagant ocean liner afloat - had begun!

Cunard Lines had, in the early 1900's two fantastic liners named Mauritania and Lusitania sailing the ocean. In order to boost the White Star Line's (by this time owned by International Merchant Marine) ocean liner position to the top, director Bruce Ismay decided to build not two, but three fabulous liners. One of these monster liners became the most infamous ocean liner in the world. Titanic would enter the scene as the largest and most elegant ocean cruise liner. Her sister ship, the ocean liner Olympic actually entered service before Titanic. These two liners put White Star Line again on top of the ocean liner heap - albeit very short lived as we all know the fate of Titanic.

Ocean Liners to Cruise Liners

The age of the jet aircraft all but finished the era of trans-ocean cruise liners. As the pace of business got faster, so did the travel needs of passengers to cross the ocean. Transatlantic ocean crossings by plane meant hours instead of days by ocean liners. There became a need to find a new purpose for the existence of the liners. Enter the age of cruise ships.

The story of one particular ocean liner perhaps sums up this change. In the early part of the 20th century, the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. had an ocean crossing presence with a fleet of ocean liners. As late as the 1960's, the company had liners built. The "Empress of Canada" joined the fleet of ocean liners after being christened by the wife of then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. She joined two other "Empress" liners - "Empress of England" and "Empress of Britain".

The Empress of Canada quickly gained a very good reputation for ocean liners because of her stylish looks and amenities. She was a very modern ocean liner fitted with stabilizers and was air-conditioned throughout. During the summers, the liner made the transatlantic ocean run from Liverpool to Quebec and Montreal where she made her turn around. In the winter, the transatlantic ocean crossing was stopped. The ocean liners were either terminated at Saint John, or became cruise liners sailing from New York to the Caribbean.

During the '60's, air travel became more and more popular. The ocean shipping companies had to find new duties for their liners. More time was spent doing cruises and by 1970, the "Empress of Canada" became the last ocean liner in service for Canadian Pacific. She was then only doing 13 transatlantic ocean crossings per year, and spent the rest of the time doing cruises. Canadian Pacific decided in 1971 that it could not retain its ocean crossing business and on November 23 of that year the ocean liner "Empress of Canada" arrived at Liverpool for the last time. After 68 years, the North Atlantic Ocean liner service had ended for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.

Fortunately, great potential was still seen in the liner. A man named Ted Arison bought the ocean liner as the very first cruise ship for his newly founded company - Carnival Cruise Lines. The mighty ocean liner was renamed "Mardi Gras" and was refitted for her new cruise life. She kept her beautiful external profile, but the liner did lose her cargo cranes that would no longer be required as a cruise liner. Carnival decided to even keep the general pattern of the Canadian Pacific ocean liner's funnel identification and reworked it to identify the cruise liner as the new Carnival cruise ship.

The cruise liner had a very shaky start with the company losing money in the early years. However, a couple of years later Carnival Cruise Lines progressively introduce the "Fun Ships" concept and spent a whopping (at that time) 10 million dollars in converting their ocean liner Mardi Gras. In order to maintain their business (having only one cruise ship), Carnival kept the liner operating while the renovations were being completed - closing off areas of construction and thus having only about 60 percent cruise ship occupancy available while on the ocean and seas.

Things started to turn around for Carnival Cruise Lines and by the mid '70's they were having great success marketing the cruise liner in Canada and the U.S. In December of 1975, Carnival purchased their second cruise ship - the ocean liner "Queen Anna Maria". Oddly enough, this liner had been originally named the "Empress of Britain". That's right, after many years, the two sister ocean liners from Canadian Pacific Railway were again in the same fleet cruising the oceans together. She was renamed "Carnivale" by the company and the two liners were very successful.

In 1977, a third cruise ship was bought for the fleet and named "Festivale". Carnival now had a "Golden Fleet" of 3 cruise liners sailing the oceans and was still growing in success.

Carnival ordered their first new-build cruise liner which entered service in 1982 and was named the cruise ship "Tropicale". From that time, Carnival Cruise Lines never looked back.

Thus the age of transatlantic ocean liners carrying travelers from one destination to another had transformed into an age of cruise liners transporting vacationers on exotic ocean itineraries. Ocean crossings still exist from the New World to the Old World, but now they are for relaxing vacations, and are quite often re-positioning cruises by the cruise lines.

By Brian A Schmidt

Caribbean Cruise: An Enchanting Experience

A Caribbean cruise is the world's most popular cruise. The Caribbean islands are a dream destination and the journey is equally out of the world. The island chains with a delightful combination of modernity and natural resources are a heady mix. If you are a nature lover used to the modern way of life the Caribbean islands and the Caribbean cruise are perfect getaways for you.

A Caribbean cruise takes you to a land of lush vegetation, beautiful beaches and dense forests. Amidst the luxuries of the modern resort, you have the good fortune of experiencing the richness of the immaculate nature reserves. You witness nature in all its glory be it Puerto Rico's dense rain forest or the nesting grounds of flamingos on Bonaire's beaches. The pleasant climate of the Caribbean is just perfect for a swim in the sea, snorkeling or just basking on the beach. It is an ideal location for a nature or outdoor lover.

Caribbean cruises have their distinctive charm and characteristic appeal. The islands have a warm climate with some of the world's best beaches, exquisite marine life along with the amazing coral reef and exceptionally clean seas. Shopping is also an interesting feature with duty free prices.

The Caribbean cruises offer a wide choice for travelers from a two-day trip to a long voyage. It is up to you to choose which one you want to take. The Caribbean comprises of eastern, western and southern Caribbean. A seven days cruise lets you explore the varied flavor of these regions their culture, history and its people in general. Somewhere you find the French influence at another port you find British while you may come across Spanish resemblances all interwoven in the Caribbean style, a distinctive blend.

Caribbean cruises are nice family cruises if you time them right i.e. during your children's school holidays. All the year round, the cruises are organized. Holidays are the busiest periods, so plan ahead and book ahead. All the major lines offer number of routes and cruise itineraries for the Caribbean. You receive excellent food, attentive service, interesting historical tours of ancient ruins and a look at the distinctive culture on the way to the islands. Have a great time onboard relax on the deck, have fun at the entertainment centers and try your luck at the casino in the typical Las-Vegas style.

Caribbean cruise discovers for you beautiful concealed harbors and peaceful coves. It takes you to quiet and serene places away from the mad rush and maddening world. Explore the picturesque beauty of the sand beaches of St. John, the beauty of the sea caves around Virgin Gorda try your hand at yachting at St. Martin. Find yourself a nice bottle of French perfume in the peaceful streets of St. Barthelemy. Enjoy the music and the beats of Tortola's drums. Try your hand on snorkeling at Pigeon Island. Absorb the magnificence of the Barbados, Nevis, Anguilla and Martinique. You discover amazing beauty and character at every place you visit and just be a mute spectator of all the beauty and natural abundance surrounding you. Caribbean cruise are your passage to an enchanting world with enthralling experiences.

Are you Ready for the Cruise of a Lifetime?

Cruises are one of the best ways to unwind and relax. It's the ultimate in vacations. Is a cruise for you? Do you know what there is to do on a cruise? Its not just a ride on a boat you know.

When you are tired of working long hours and feel as though your life has become dull and uninteresting, a cruise would be a great way to liven things up, to say the least. You will get to choose where you would like to go, when you would like to go, and the activities you want to participate in. While some cruises are more for touring cities around the world, others allow you to just enjoy the sea itself.

Do you have a destination in mind for your cruise? Do you have any activities in mind that you would like to do on your cruise? If not, check out the multitude of choices available to you. Ask a travel agent to help you, or, browse websites that offer cruises. Check out your choices. Most likely, you will find something that suits your needs!

Perhaps you want to learn a new skill? Do you see yourself mountain climbing? Rock climbing? Learning to ski or go scuba diving? You can take a cruise that will allow you to try out these fascinating experiences.

Or, maybe you are more in the mood to relax on your cruise? Enjoying fine dining and live shows may be more along your lines. Taking a swim in the pool, relaxing in the sun, and spending your days with your loved ones may be the most important part of your vacation. Or, maybe you want to see the world's cities? See and learn of new cultures and adventures?

Whatever you are in the mood for, a cruise can provide a great opportunity to see new things, learn new things, and experience the best the world has to offer. Check out the multitude of options you have!


By Sandy Baker

Norwegian Cruise Line - American Style!

It's not just the size and opulence of their sleek and stylish fleet that attracts passengers to Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line boasts the largest ratio of staff to passengers of any cruise company and this extra service shows from stem to stern. Every inch of every ship gleams and on any trip through the corridors you always meet friendly and courteous staff in perfectly appointed uniforms.

A particular cruise feature that Norwegian Cruise Lines introduced is free-style dining. Historically, shipboard dining has been a structured affair, with meals served at preset hours, usually with assigned seating in the dining room and a dress code. Free-style dining changes all of that to match the contemporary American lifestyle. Passengers may choose from eight to a dozen dining areas on board and eat when they wish. Some dining areas serve cafeteria-style, with food already prepared and jean-clad passengers taking a tray and selecting their food items. The main dining areas serve menu-based meals with full service wait staff and where jeans and shorts are prohibited at the evening meal. All food in the dining rooms and cafeteria is included in the price of the cruise.

And you get more than your money's worth in the quality and presentation of all food items. The average passenger gains seven pounds on a week-long cruise! In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a selection of specialty or upscale restaurants on each ship and meals in these restaurants are offered at additional cost. For example, Asian, French, Japanese or Italian cuisine may be featured in a suitably decorated small restaurant. But know full well, the upscale restaurants excel in service and cuisine and provide value for the dollar for the more discriminating.

Food service is a major attraction on any cruise, but Norwegian Cruise Line also provides a full range of on-board activities 24 hours a day. A fully equipped fitness center attracts those who want to stay in shape on their vacation. The pool area is the hub of live entertainment day and evening. Ships have a number of bar, lounge and disco areas that come to life with talented performers every night. Also included in the price of the cruise is theatre entertainment that ranges from stand-up comedy to full show revues that rival those found in Las Vegas. And speaking of Las Vegas, while in international waters, passengers can enjoy all the amenities of a sparkling casino, including slots and gaming.

Norwegian Cruise Line, a premier cruise line, currently has ten large and modern ships in its fleet. The most luxurious ship in the fleet, the Norwegian Star, seasonally alternates on trips to Alaska during the summer season and cruises to the Mexican Riviera in the colder months. One of the newest ships, Norwegian Spirit, also sails to Alaska in the summer but crosses the Panama Canal to sail the Caribbean in the winter. The Norwegian Wind follows the whim of the wind and sails to many major destinations: Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean while Norwegian Sun and Dream quietly cruise the Caribbean.

The brand new Pride of Aloha, as its name implies, is dedicated to custom cruises hopping between the islands of Hawaii. There is no better way to thoroughly tour Hawaii than on a cruise ship. Also brand new, Norwegian Dawn is dedicated to sailing from New York to ports in Florida and the Caribbean.

The newly renovated Norwegian Sea routinely sails from Houston, Texas through the Caribbean. A ship fit for royalty, the Norwegian Majesty, also sails through the Caribbean to ports of call in Mexico and the Bahamas.

The Norwegian Crown is nearly 20 years old but, with only 527 staterooms, provides a much more intimate atmosphere than the newer ships that accommodate nearly 2,000 passengers. Two more luxury ships will be added to the ever-expanding fleet in 2005. The soon to be introduced Norwegian Jewel will expand ports of call to Scandinavia, the French Riviera, and Italy.

The Merchant Navy and the Internet

A web site dedicated to the writings of the sea, ships and all those that sail on them? It sounds strange as who knows what the Merchant Navy is or what those at sea actually do all day, those who work in the Industry that is. Isn't the Merchant Navy something to do with fishing or fighting? What is interesting about that? "Get a real job", some would say and others would ask "and so why haven't you got a sun tan". So why would anybody be interested in a web site filled with things that nobody is interested in - beats me.

If one would look through the endless Marine and Nautical webs sites available or if one was to go to a bookshop and look at the available literature on the subject this is what you might find. Ten books on the "Titanic", dozens of "how to sail around the world in a plastic boat with a sail" DIY books and a couple on "when I was shipwrecked or and attacked by pirates" biographies. This is all good stuff and I must admit to do with the sea and ships, but oh so very long ago! The Merchant Navy of today is not about sails and pirates, it is not about sinking ships and unqualified people sailing the world for adventure, it is not about scurvy and cannibals in foreign lands and it is definitely not about fishing and catching the nearest ferry to France!

Merchant Navy really started to be recognized as early as the Fifteenth Century. This was when hard men in little boats, battled the oceans in the name of exploration. "Yes, dear, I will be back in ten years or so, be good", would be heard throughout the land. From these times the Merchant Fleet grew into the heart of the British Empire, bringing back all that Tea from China, the spices from the Orient, the fruits from Morocco and the gold from everywhere. Sailing ships became the heart of the spider web that connected Britain to its colonies and outlying Islands. Heroic men set forth to bring back to the British people news and exotic goods that had become so much in demand.

Last Century sailing ships became steam ships and steam ships became fuel oil burning ships. Britain became in the middle of the last century the largest shipbuilder in the world with well over 70% of the ships being built in places like Newcastle, on the Clyde, in London and other famous Maritime Ports and Harbors of the UK. Britain also had the largest Maritime Fleet in the world and dominated Trade everywhere with its powerful supply of home built ships and rufty tufty seafarers. Yes, not long ago Britain was dependent on a massive fleet of ships importing and exporting goods and keeping the Empire together. During these times families all knew what the Merchant Navy was either through having family members at sea or through working in the support Industries of Shipbuilding, Insurance, Imports/Exports, Dockyards, Stevedores amongst many other occupations in the Maritime World!

Times change though! Thirty or so years ago the British Merchant Fleet size started to drop and the shipbuilding Industry started to wither away. Countries like Japan and Korea started building ships using cheaper labor and the cost of building a ship in the UK became prohibitive. Shipyards closed and workers were laid off in their thousands and these workers drifted into other occupations if they could or joined the long queues at the unemployment center. The fleet size reduced in their hundreds as companies either moved their ships to other flags (different countries for cheaper tax incentives) or sold off their fleets to foreign companies. The remaining British ships and the foreign ships sold laid off seafarers by the thousands and employed in their place cheaper crews from such places as India and China.

The British Merchant Navy dropped in size at such a rapid pace that it went from world dominance to nothing in a matter of a couple of years. The significance of the Merchant Fleet in the eyes of the public disappeared overnight and became an unknown quantity to the outside world.

Today things are improving. Recent Tax incentives by the British Government have caused a turn around and certain shipping companies have started to increase their fleet size under the British Flag and other companies have switched their ships operate in the UK. London as the center of Maritime Affairs managed to retain the title of "Marine Capital of the World" throughout the troubled times and still to this day stands proud above all that represents the Marine Industry.

London with its hundreds of Marine Insurance Firms, Brokerage Companies, Lawyers, Import/Export Houses and Ship Business and Consultants (amongst many other support arenas) brings in over one billion pounds per annum to the UK economy? That is London alone and does not include all the other companies and offices situated around the Islands. Furthermore, it also makes no recognition for the 60,000 British seafarers that are still out there plying there trade across the many oceans, nor for the Nautical Schools that still operate in Glasgow, Southampton and Newcastle to name only the major ones. It also does not include those fleets that are registered and operated out of British territories, like Gibraltar and it certainly does not take into account those seafarers that work in the Merchant Navy but don't subscribe to a Union.

In basic terms the Merchant Navy could be described as any commercially operated waterborne vessel. So any vessel that makes money is a part of the Merchant Fleet. This would include for example: Research Vessels, Ferries, Fishing Boats, Oil Tankers, Passenger Ships, Chemical Tankers, Training Vessels, Hospital Ships, Diving Support Vessels, Anchor Handlers and Tugs to name but a few! It could though be said that the Merchant Navy is anything on the water that is not used to fight with. Or anything on the water that does not have a gun! But there is a crossover point and it is easier to use the Commercial explanation above and to include any 'pleasure craft' into the statement.

Merchant Vessels go with Imports and Exports. Trade being their primary purpose and 95% of cargoes shipped around the world is by Merchant Vessels. Not, may I say by aircraft which is often a preconception that those ashore seem to have. Cargo planes carry either very small items, or very expensive items that are needed in a hurry. A plane could not carry Oil around the world and it certainly could not carry toxic and dangerous Chemicals. Fruit is carried in ships as are vegetables and grain to name but a few! Ships carry cargo; planes carry valuable items and cost too much for general items to become viable economically. If oranges where brought in by plane they would cost well over five pounds each at a minimum, I leave that subject to rest in peace!

At home in the UK have a look around your house and think about where the items you see come from! That television in the corner, does it have Sony written on it? The Persian Carpet that decorates your sitting room I am sure was not made in the UK. The children's toys with "made in Taiwan", certainly do not come from a UK factory and the tea you are drinking most likely comes from India! What about the Japanese car in the garage and the rice in the bucket in the kitchen? If you were then to go a bit further and look at the wood supporting your roof you may find that it was shipped in from Finland. The gas that heats your water is shipped in from North Sea Oil Wells or from Africa and the fancy gravel that adorns your path came from Spain or France. And by no means, were any of these goods or items shipped in to Britain by an airplane! Ships brought all of these goods to your supermarket shelves, for you to enjoy in your home!

As seafarers are not fighting (which seems a common misconception) and we don't play cards all day let us clearly state that the average seafarer suffers from overwork and stress. Stress built up over the time he spends on the ship due to the high volume of work and the responsibility that is placed on his shoulders. I will leave it at that. It would take a whole volume to describe the jobs and routines that seafarers in their respective ranks are responsible for and I suggest that you read alternative literature (if you can find any) or join up! Seafarers in short have too much to do at sea and suffer as a result of it!

The Merchant Navy today is improving in stature and in size in the UK. Slowly and with time it may grow once again to be a recognizable force and understood and respected by the general population. Long gone have the times when a Captain was a respected figure in the community but maybe he will one day be able to lift his head high a not hide under the lie of being "a travelling salesman". One day Marine Engineers will be come respected as extremely qualified experts and not classified on the same level as a car mechanic straight out of school. Maybe one day everybody will realize that being at sea does not mean a "wife in every port" and that often nowadays seafarers no longer manage to leave the ship in their time onboard. Maybe one day seafarers will be able to go ashore and tell people what they do without having a blank response or a daft reply like "oh, erm you fish?", or "that's good, you do a good job protecting out shores".

The reason for setting up a web site for the written word of the sea may now be a bit more logical to the "landlubber". There is in fact a whole world out there that remains unknown to all. An extremely diverse and interesting world filled with cultural shock and intrigue and through the web site it is hoped that all readers will gain massive insight and knowledge into this world. The Merchant Navy and those that sail on the ship deserve far more recognition and respect than they get to date. So maybe through this web site all will change and soon Officers and Crews of the many Vessels that ply their trades will be able to lift their heads high and shout "we are in the Merchant Navy". And all those that hear will understand and respect those persons that are part of what was once the greatest Industry that Britain can lay claim to.

Why a Cruise Vacation is YOUR Dream Holiday

Thinking you could use an escape from the wintertime blahs, maybe even that dream holiday you've been thinking about for years? A Caribbean cruise vacation is the answer! What makes a cruise your dream holiday, you ask? Well, put simply, a cruise combines all the elements of a dream vacation into one blissful trip. There is ALWAYS something to do, no matter your age or interests. Whether you're on your honeymoon, vacationing with the family, or spending quality time reuniting old friends, a cruise is guaranteed to fulfill your dreams.

Picture yourself riding on a beautiful cruise ship, looking over the railing to see brilliant blue waters, idyllic sunsets, and dolphins playing in the white-capped waves. Do you feel dreamy already? This fantasy can be your reality if you choose a cruise for your next vacation.

With multiple poolside decks to lay out in the sunshine while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean, along with reggae music and fruity island beverages, daytime on the cruise ship can be very relaxing. If you prefer to be more active, most ships are fully equipped with activities. Take a jog around the boat-top track, or spend the day in aerobics and yoga classes followed by a massage and facial at the spa. If shopping is your one true love, you'll be in heaven with all the shops on the ships, ranging from inexpensive trinkets to fancy wine and fine clothing.

As if there isn't enough to do aboard the boat, don't forget about island excursions! As the ship makes stops at various tropical paradises, you can take in the local culture or fulfill your need for adventure. Locals await you to take you to their favorite coral to swim with the dolphins or on a waterfall climb. Also, there is unlimited shopping on the islands, so you can really add to your art collection or your wardrobe. Try the native food of the islands, and maybe learn a new word or two. By the time you climb back aboard your ship you'll truly feel like you've visited another world.

Now it's time to hop in the shower to prepare for the evening. Every night on a cruise ship is magical. Start out with a five-course meal in the fine dining room (that's already paid for!!). Enjoy drinks, piano music, cover bands, dancing and more in one of the several bars, or try your luck at black jack or poker in the casino. There are always cruise-wide games to play on the decks if you want to meet new people or just be silly with your friends and family. No matter what you are looking for in a holiday vacation, a cruise is sure to fulfill your dreams!

By Keith Kingston

The Rise and Rise of Croatia For Sailing Holidays

In the 1980s, Croatia - then part of Yugoslavia - built up a sizeable yacht charter industry. It was never then on the scale to rival long time favourite Greece, but it was large enough to get itself noticed as an attractive coming destination. Then came the various Balkan wars - one of them involving Croatia itself - and the disintegration of old Yugoslavia. Croatia is now the ex-Yugoslav republic with almost all the coast line!

Since the wars ended the growth of the croatian yacht charter industry has been little short of astonishing. In an industry notoriously short of credible statistics, we suspect that Croatia must now be a serious rival to Greece. There are a number of expalanations for this remarkable success:



The country is naturally blessed with sailing waters as good and varied as anywhere in the world.

After the war, the Croatian government went out of its way to encourage and indeed subsidise the re-building and building of the necessary infrastructure - most obviously the marinas.

Northern Croatia is a 4 hour drive from most of Austria, and southern parts of Germany. Even Dalmatia, where perhaps the best sailing is to be found - is only 6 hours away. This was always a big advantage, but in the wake of 9/11, when Germans in particular were reluctant to climb on an airplane, it catapulted the industry forward. Sailing holidays in Croatia now include almost everything that customers could conceivably want. There are thousands of bareboat yachts to charter in bases from Pula and Cres in Istria, to the massive yachting centres of Zadar, Sukosan, Sibenik, Murter Island, Split, & Dubrovnik. Each one of those can be chartered with a skipper for those without the necessary experience. There are sailing flotillas from Split, and an RYA Authorised Sailing School on Murter Island. The opportunities to spend one week afloat and another ashore are endless.

One of the problems for the British used to be that getting there was expensive and there were not enough seats on such planes flew there. Things started to improve in 2004, with regular charter flights to Split at least. For 2005, there are flights to Opatija in the north, Zadar to get to central Dalmatia, Split, and also Dubrovnik. Getting to Istria is easy. Just fly EasyJet to Venice, or Ryanair to Trieste. The first has hydrofoil links to the excellent sailing of Pula; the second is a transfer bus away from Portoroz (actually in Slovenia), and Pula. Croatia is now the sailing destination for the British - the destination that has it all!

By Christopher