Cruise ship by Pete Markham

However up until recently the cruise industry didn’t really pay any attention to these reports, which as a result meant that cruise ships are still extremely harmful to the environment. But over the past few years ecotourism has become increasingly popular. How environmentally friendly a holiday is, is now becoming a larger factor for people deciding what they want to do for their holiday. As a result the cruise industry has finally began to make some changes in order to become more sustainable.

But what steps can/are cruise ships taking in order to become more sustainable?

Modify The Engine

Some cruise lines, such as Holland America and Princess Cruises, have modified the engines on some of their ships so that they can use onshore Hydroelectric power stations whilst they are at ports. This step is a little technical but it does mean that they can use a cleaner source of energy for the time that they stay at a port.

Order An Appropriate Amount Of Food

Each day, thousands of meals are served onboard a cruise ship. All the leftover food is thrown away, usually straight into the sea. Cruise ships could plan more carefully how much food they will actually need in order to reduce the amount of food being thrown away. Some cruise lines for example Windstar Cruises have already begun to do this.

Alter Cruising Speeds

This is an extremely simple step that cruise ships could make. Just by lowering the cruising speed by a few knots-per-hour a lot of fuel can be saved. This is both good for the environment as less harmful gases are released into the atmosphere, and good for the cruise line as they can save money from reduced fuel costs.

Install Underfloor Heating

Heating doesn’t come cheap onboard a cruise ship as there are a lot of people who need keeping warm. Installing underfloor heating instead of using a traditional central heating system would be much more sustainable. This is because it would use far less fuel, it would be more effective as less heat would be lost and it could be setup to only turn on when people are present in a room.

Process Their Own Waste

Most cruise ships simply eject their waste directly into the ocean. This isn’t the only solution to the problem of waste on board. It is possible for cruise ships to process their own waste meaning that nothing has to be dumped into the ocean.

Install Low Flow Water Systems

The Friends of the Earth report stated that 1 million gallons of water were wasted on cruise ships from sinks, baths, toilets and showers. By installing low flow water systems for all of these a large amount of water can be saved. These systems work by releasing less water when they are used. The amount won’t be noticeable to passengers and installing them would make a huge difference.

All of these suggestions are things that cruise lines could easily do. Implementing them would be better for the environment and better for the cruise lines themselves as it would save them a lot of money. As ecotourism becomes even more popular it is likely that we are going to see a lot of these changes being made onboard cruise ships.

Guest post by contributing author Linda, writing on behalf of UFH1 in this instance. For more information on underfloor heating, visit their website!

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1 – Will I get sea sick on a cruise?

It is highly unlikely that you will get seasick whilst on a cruise as the majority of cruise ships are very well stabilised so you will hardly notice that they are moving. Thanks to radar equipment, most cruise ships are able to avoid bad-weather which causes sea conditions to change. However if you are concerned, you could visit your doctor before the cruise for some seasickness medication or take an over-the-counter remedy.

Cruise Ship with pool by kellinahandbasket

2 – What is included in the fare?

A cruise ship is similar to an ‘all inclusive holiday’ although what’s included varies between cruises. On the majority of cruises, your fare will cover your accommodation, standard dining, some shows and activities on board and some drinks. On more high-end cruises alcoholic drinks and snacks may also be included. Usually things like hair salon appointments, spa treatments and excursions are additional to the cost of your fare.

3 – What entertainment is on board?

Entertainment varies from ship to ship but you can expect to find a swimming pool, cinema, theatre, shops, a gym, and a spa on most large cruise ships. There may also be tennis courts, basketball courts, areas for golf practice and other sports.  There are usually also organised activities such as crafts, card playing and talks or lectures to keep you entertained too.

4 – What types of people will be on board?

People often expect to find only wealthy or retired people on cruises but this not the case at all. Cruise holidays are popular with honeymooners, young professionals and families as well as more mature people. These people are from all walks of life and have different hobbies, past-times and incomes. Some will be looking for the adventure of off-ship excursions offer whilst others will be looking to relax and unwind.

5 – What dining facilities are on board?

Cruise ships will offer a range of dining facilities including buffet style restaurants, fast food outlets and fine dining as well as more standard styles of restaurant. You can expect to find a wide range of cuisines including Italian, Chinese, French, British and English so there should be something to cater to your taste. There may also be coffee bars and ice cream parlours on board too.

Dining room in Cruise ship by Rennett Stowe

6 – What will my cabin be like?

The style of cabin you get depends on the ship you are on and the level of cabin you have chosen. Your cabin will have the bed option you have chosen along with amble space for your belongings and en suite bathroom facilities. All cabins tend to have a telephone, tea and coffee making facilities and a TV. Outside cabins tend to have private balconies too.

7 – Can I keep in touch with friends and family whilst on board?

Thanks to modern technology, you will easily be able to keep in touch with friends and family. Cabins are equipped with telephones and mobile signals are available when in port or near land. Most cruise ships also have wifi facilities and offer internet access too.

8 – Is cruising safe?

We have all heard of the ill-fated Titanic but thankfully safety protocols have come a long way since then.  Cruise ships are subject to rigorous rules and regulations in relation to staff and passenger safety with regular inspections taking place. You will also undertake a drill exercise within the first 24 hours on board a cruise ship to ensure that you know what to do in the event of an emergency. All cruise ships are fitted with enough life jackets and lifeboats for all people on board.

9 – What activities can I do whilst in ports?

Stopping in ports is one of the most exciting parts of a cruise. You will be able to experience organised excursions which can cover anything from seeing the local wildlife to enjoying the beaches or taking in the local attractions and culture.

10 – What should I pack?

What you should pack depends on the destination of your cruise. If you are cruising to somewhere warm like the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Bahamas, lightweight summer clothing will be needed whilst more all-weather clothing will be needed for a cruise to Alaska or Scandinavia. Some restaurants on board may have dress codes such as formal evening dress but the majority of restaurants do not. You also need to remember to pack suitable swimwear and leisure wear too.

John is a freelance travel writer from the UK.

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Photo by William Murphy

Mini cruises are a great option if you want to sample a destination or area, without committing a whole fortnight to it. You can relax and unwind for a long weekend, or enjoy a mid-week getaway to many destinations. Just because you can’t spare much time doesn’t mean your choice of cruise ships is limited either. The majority of cruise companies now have a short break option, often sailing from ports within the UK so you don’t waste any time travelling to ports in resort.

Stroll along the canals in Bruges, relax in a cosmopolitan cafe in Rotterdam, or explore a traditional fishing village in Spain – whatever takes your fancy, there’s a mini cruise to suit you even if you only have a few nights to spare.

With so many fabulous ships to choose from, some people opt for mini cruises just to enjoy the wide range of activities on board. Try your luck in a casino, take a dip in a refreshing pool or sing and dance the night away at a cabaret show – all without stepping foot off your chosen ship!

If you’re planning a birthday surprise, a hen do or a romantic long weekend away, mini cruises are a fantastic option. Holidays away with groups can sometimes be more stressful than they’re worth, as it’s hard to have your own space and keep everyone happy. This is where short cruise escapes are ideal, as you can spend time together, or go off and do your own thing for a while, whilst still all being onboard the same magnificent floating hotel.

With mini cruises available for a range of durations and destinations, there really is no excuse not to hop aboard and treat yourself to a few days of escapism…

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jan Smith

The Difference of “Ocean Liners” and “Cruise Ships”

In general, there are two main differences of ocean liners and cruise ships, first is the point of origin and last stop and second is the build.

Ocean liners carry their passengers from one point to another. Most commonly, these trips have no stops in between. Passengers get on board on point A and they get off board at point B. Cruise ships on the other hand take passengers from point A, but do not leave them on point B. Passengers of cruise ships still have point A as their last stop. In the duration of the trip, passengers get to visit several destinations depending on the itinerary of the cruise trip.

These passenger ships also differ greatly in build. Ocean liners have heavier and thicker hulls. These ships use more steel to withstand the tough conditions of being in the middle of the ocean. Cruise ships have a hull with sleek designs.

Also, they differ in the freeboard. Cruise ships have lower freeboards compared to ocean liners. Ocean liners have higher freeboards to weather out rough waters in the open seas. Cruise ships rarely encounter rough waters, so they can afford to have lower freeboards.

Probably the most famous ocean liner, the RMS Titanic is a traditional picture of how ocean liners look like. On the other hand, one of the most famous cruise ships is the luxury ship Queen Elizabeth 2.

Which Is Better For Traveling?

This question can be easily answered depending on the type of travel the passenger has in mind. If the passenger wishes to go from one place to another via marine transport, choosing an ocean liner is more practical.

Ocean liners travel on a faster speed compared to cruise ships and this makes ocean travel from one point to another faster. Cruise ships, from the term “cruise” itself, go about in a slower pace. This sets a more relaxed feel for passengers since cruise trips are more of a luxury and recreational experience.

Both ships have the amenities which passengers need for extended journeys. But when comparing the comfort, cruise ships tend to provide more comfortable rooms for the passengers. Ocean liner passenger cabins can be very minimal since the ship is built mainly for travel and basic accommodations are given. Cruise ship passenger cabins can be more spacious and decorated to set an atmosphere of relaxation.

Cruise ships can be compared to small cities floating on the ocean. They have boutiques, restaurants of many different themes, facilities like gyms and spas, and they even have swimming pools. These are provided for the entertainment of the passengers. While ocean liners may also have such amenities, they are not as numerous or grand as those on cruise ships.

Travellers who wish to experience ocean travel can go for ocean liners, while those who want to have fun and lavish experiences can go for cruise ships.

Visit Smart Cruiser to find the best cruise deals and tips on affordable and cheap cruising.

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Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

1. The Landscapes

The number one reason why people love the UK is because of its natural landscape. The UK has a diverse landscape consisting of mountains, forests, deserts, turquoise lakes, winding rivers and flower-rich fields. Here, you can enjoy sunbathing by the beach or taking a hiking trip deep into the mountains to explore the untouched natural environment there. Of course if city landscapes is more your scene then the UK has got that covered too, can you say London?

2. The People

Another thing that makes the UK stand out as one of the top tourist hotspots is its people. British people are very friendly and helpful. Although British people hold many traditional values, they are very open and friendly to visitors.

3. The Food

You will never run short of tasty dishes in the UK. England, Being a multinational community, has many food outlets and fine dining restaurants that serve traditional dishes from all countries around the world. Some famous cuisines originating from the UK include Scottish cuisine, Northern Irish cuisine, Welsh cuisine and Anglo-Indian cuisine not to mention British cuisine. You’ll be sure to find something that tickles your tastebuds during your time in the UK.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Benkid77

4. The Things See and Do

The Thames river is one of the hottest tourist attractions in the country. Couples may enjoy romantic evenings dining and overlooking the beautiful, serene Thames river from their cruise ships. Buckingham Palace and the House of Parliament are two other must-see places of interest for tourists visiting England. If you want to have an overview of London from above, you should visit the London Tower. This tower is also home to the London Tower Bridge, a very famous hanging bridge in England.

5. The Accommodation

When talking about hotels and accommodation, the UK is among the finest in the world. No matter what type of accommodation you are looking for, you will find what you need in this country. Ranging from self-catering villas, rented apartments, small-budget inns to 5 star hotels, accommodation is not a problem in the UK, and you’ll be sure to find somewhere to stay that’s suitable to your budget and needs.

Getaway Trekking & Adventures offers a range of Kokoda Track adventures.

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There are lots of cruise companies offering seven and multi-day cruises aboard modern luxury ships. At each of them you can expect superior service, which often includes 24-hour cabin steward services and an unlimited all-day dining of your choice and at a time that suits you. During the day, you can enjoy the trips to exotic islands or famous cities like London, Lisbon, Barcelona, Naples, Venice or Istanbul, but you can also continue further to Madeira, Canary Islands or even to Jerusalem or Rio de Janeiro. You can also stay on board and enjoy rich cultural program, evening theater and cabaret performances, cinema with the latest movies, live music for listening and dancing, discos, or swimming in the luxury pools…

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Milan Boers

Cruise ships are the kind of holidays where you combine staying at sea with visiting of the different places in the world. During a single trip you have the opportunity to visit many cities and countries. Every day you visit another destination with the big advantage – you don’t have to drive, change trains or buses, or wasting your time and energy by waiting on the airports… But you will have your own cabin and luxury boat facilities travelling with you. On each island, or in any other destination you can visit the mainland individually or choose from optional excursions.

Most ships are luxuriously equipped and offers really excellent comfort. Cabins are nicely furnished and during your stay on the ship you can use the various services that the company offers. Almost all the ships offer several kinds of restaurants and bars, cinema, casino, gym, sauna, massage and beauty salons, shops and much more. It depends on the size of ship, cruise company and destination. You can learn more about all the ship’s equipment and offered services right from the cruise company.

Cruise ships are popular in different parts of the world. The most popular destinations are undoubtedly the Mediterranean cruises, Caribbean, Middle East and cruises on the Nile River. An offer is really wide, you only have to choose one and certainly spend unforgettable days that you will ever want to repeat…

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This picturesque port city was named after fennel, which grows here. It is a modern city and tourist center of the island. It has a beautiful beach promenade and is ideal for the lovers of history. Funchal is formed by the centre of the city, eastern old town of Zona Velha and western tourist area with hotels and restaurants. From the coastal side it is protected by the volcanic peaks. Green peaks create a beautiful background of the city.

The historic centre is full of narrow streets of cobblestone. Because of frequent traffic congestion it is better to move on foot here. The heart of Funchal is situated near Avenida Arriaga. You can find here a bustling port with a small fleet. The port was an important transport hub already in the 15th century, and you can still see the fishing and merchant ships here together with luxury ocean-going cruise ships. It is worth visiting the pier Ilheu de Pontinha, where you experience an unforgettable view of Funchal.

The most important monument of Funchal is its Cathedral of the 15th century, which is the work of architect Pêra Anes. It is one of the few buildings that remained almost untouched from the early days of colonization of the island. The cathedral has an interesting, relatively dark interior, where you can see the ceiling with Gothic arches and beautiful ceiling decorations of cedar wood in the Arab style. The cathedral features gilded altar or hand carved and decorated seats.

It is recommended to visit also the Botanical Gardens Jardim Botanico, situated on the steep slopes north of Funchal, which is formed into terraces. It was opened in 1960 and you can enjoy plants here from around the world.

Funchal boasts also several palaces, e.g. Quinta das Cruzes, or fortress Palacio de Sao Lourenco and lots of museums. If you wish to enjoy European culture out of Europe, then Funchal with other Madeira’s attractions is best tip for you!

View Funchal – the capital city of Madeira known as Little Lisbon | Portugal in a larger map

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If you wake up early and be among the first visitors here, you’ll enjoy a beautiful morning and plenty of solitude. At about 1′o clock the tourists are coming here together with the cruise ships. For its charm and stunning looks Porto Katsiki Beach was nominated for the most beautiful beach of the Mediterranean sea. Also according tourists it is among the eight most beautiful beaches in the world.

This beautiful beach is accessible from the tiny village of Athan and you must get roughly 90 stairs from the cliff. You can also walk through the adjacent beach Egremni, which is similarly beautiful and much longer. Porto Katsiki Beach is relatively short, the length is about 500 meters and during a high season there is not a lot of privacy. Parking at the beach is free for motorcycles, for the cars you sometimes need to pay a small fee.

View Porto Katsiki Beach – one of the most beautiful and famous beach in Greece in a larger map

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If you want a little rest and enjoy the atmosphere of the city you can not miss the waterfronts Granslei and Korenlei. At any time of day it is full of self-confident young people, mostly students of local universities, who will enchant you with their immediacy and helpfulness. Waterfront Granslei is typical for old guild houses with shields beautifully decorated, which are mirrored in the surface channel. Channels crisscrossing countless cruise ships full of curious tourists, which is the fastest way to experience all in an idyllic spot on the riverbank. If you get lost in small streets, you will be surprised by the number of caffes and many catering services for cyclists. Among other things, the Belgians take a bike as a natural means of transport anywhere in the office, on shopping, or on trips.

Much of the Gent’s medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored. The center of Gent is the largest carfree area in Belgium.

View Gent – one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe Belgium in a larger map

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