Cruising is a fantastic way of exploring a variety of destinations, while enjoying the pleasures that today's ultra mega-ships have to offer. Some cruise ships offer ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, movie theaters, casinos and much more. Whether you're wanting a laid back itinerary or something more exotic, today's cruise passenger will find themselves delighted with a wide variety of on board activities along with exciting off board excursions.

Gulliver's Travel works with several cruise lines, among the more popular:

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Disney, Celebrity, Holland America, Costa, Regency & Avalon.

Most cruise lines offer 3 to 14 night itineraries, with several destinations to choose from.

Some itinerary choices and their departing ports:

• East, West or Exotic Caribbean-usually departs from Florida, Texas or Louisiana
• Southern Caribbean- departs from San Juan
• Mexican Riveria-departs from California
• Panama Canal-usually departs from Florida or California
• Hawaii-usually departs from California, Hawaii, Mexico or Canada
• Bermuda-usually departs from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey or Maryland
• Canada/New England-usually departs from Massachusetts, New York or Canada
• Alaska-usually departs from Seattle WA, or Vancouver Canada
• Europe-departure cities vary depending on itinerary

Some of the newest, most state-of-the-art, passenger ships cruise our ocean waters today than ever before. Offering greater speed, added comfort, more open space, balconies and modern amenities. A stroll down your ships version of main street, will most likely uncover boutiques, art galleries, lounges, and a selection of dining options and cozy comforts.

On board activities and events vary from cruise line and ship, therefore please consult your travel agent for exact details.

Do everything. Do Nothing. Do what ever you think is fun.

Most ships provide:

• Captain's Cocktail Party
• Complete State of the Art Fitness Center, Aerobics, Kickboxing, Yoga, etc.
• Sports Deck or Area: Volleyball, Table Tennis, Basket ball, Putt-Putt Golf, Jogging track
• Swimming Pools, Whirlpools, Waterslides, Pool games and Contests
• Nightly Entertainment and Las Vegas Style Stage Productions.
• Live Music, Karaoke, Piano Bar, Comedians
• Casinos, Slot Tournaments, Game Show Mania
• Full Service Spa, Sauna and Steam Room: Facials, Massages, Beauty Salon, Etc.
• Bingo, Trivia Games, Deck Parties
• Art Auctions, Wine Tasting, Reading in the Library/Surfing the Internet
• Dance classes, Galley Tour, Ice Carving Shows

For the kids and teens:

• Pizza parties
• Pirate night
• Talent Show
• Movie night
• Dances and karaoke
• Sports
• Video game tournaments
• T-shirt tie-dye
• Face painting
• Storytime
• Scavenger hunts
• Jewelry making
• Arts and crafts

While on board your vessel meals are included, as well as ice tea and coffee. Soft drinks as bar drinks are additional.

Some cruise lines such as Princess charge up to a $20 service fee to dine at their premier restaurant(s).

Whether you want to dress up or dress down you'll find most cruise lines have many available dining options.

Savor a steak or indulge in lobster, or maybe you'd rather enjoy a leisurely hour or two over dinner in one of the cruise lines many specialty restaurants. You'll choose from a fantastic array of superb appetizers, savory soups, super-fresh salads and palate-thrilling entrees. If it's more of a casual dining you crave check out some of the out door cafes and eye popping buffets.

• Complimentary 24 hour room service.
• Gala midnight buffet.
• Vegetarian, low carb, and low-sugar meals offered.
• Scrumptious deserts.

Shore Excursions. Just a few things you can do while off board the ship.

It is recommended that you book your shore excursions when possible on line in advance or on on board the ship, first day of sailing.

• City/ Island highlights and Historic Tours
• Snorkeling and Scuba Adventures
• Catamaran/Kayaking Adventures
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours
• Eco/Nature Tours
• Jeep Tours
• Scenic Flightseeing
• Helicopter Tours in Alaska and Hawaii
• Dolphin Encounters
• Visit Mayan Ruins
• Sportfishing
• Horseback Riding
• Shopping, Shopping and more Shopping
• Museum Tours
• Tropical Botanical Garden Tours
• Exotic Golf Courses to play on
• Scenic Railways in Alaska

Good to Know Before You Cruise

Again policies can be different from cruise line to cruise line. It is important you check with your travel agent for the most accurate information.

• U.S. Citizens must present proof of citizenship in the form of a valid passport or original birth certificate and a state issued i.d (valid driver's license.) Any guest traveling without this proper documentation will not be allowed to board the ship and no refund will be given.
   
• Guests under the age of 21 years must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian 25 years or older in the same cabin.
   
• The age requirements differ from cruise line to cruise line therefore it is important you check with your travel agent for accurate information. With most cruise lines infants must be at least 4 months old to travel.
   
• Pregnant women who are 24 weeks or more along in their pregnancy are not allowed to board the ship.
   
• Tipping is not included. Tips generally average $10 per person, per day.
   
• Bar drinks, soft drinks and juices are not included in the cost of your cruise. A discounted pre-purchased soft drink card might be available for purchase in advance.
   
• For your convenience charges for most on board purchases will be added to your "cruise account tab."
   
• Casual attire is in order during the day. For one or two nights, a dark suit or formal attire is suggested.
   
• Guests are generally prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. Fine wine or champagne may be brought only during embarkation at the beginning of the cruise. A corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume the wine in the dining room.
   
• Flights can be purchased from the cruise lines at an additional charge. Roundtrip transportation to and from the airport is provided with the cruise lines air package.
   
• For guests who have their own flight arrangements, it is recommended that they arrive into their city of embarkation as early as possible. Most ships allow boarding at 1:30 p.m. and will depart on time with or without you. To allow sufficient time for customs clearance, it is recommended scheduling return air flights no earlier than 2p.m. Transfers can be purchased from the cruise lines for cruise only guests.
   
• Curbside porters are available at the pier during embarkation to take luggage to the ship for delivery to your cabin. Please be sure luggage is locked and has a tag listing your name, ship and when possible your cabin assignment.
   
• Pre and post night stays can be added to any cruise package.
   
• Shore excursions in some cases can be purchased in advance on line or on board the ship. Gulliver's Travel recommends purchasing your shore excursions as soon as possible, as some choices fill quickly.
   
• However not guaranteed, special requests such as table size, dining time, special diet, or celebration of a special occasion can be accommodated. Please make requests at time of deposit.
   
• Cruise Lines reserve the right to alter their itinerary at any time. Usually this happens during an emergency situation or bad weather.
   
• Should you require medical attention while on board, larger cruise lines can provide you with a infirmary staff that can assist you 24 hours a day. Shipboard infirmaries meet or exceed the Medical Facilities Guidelines established by the International Council of Cruise Lines.

Gulliver's Travel highly recommends your purchase travel insurance. Please consult with an agent about your insurance options available to you.