Beginner’s Guide To Cruise Holidays : Going To Hawaii

In this part of our guide to cruise holidays we look at Hawaii…

Going to Hawaii and getting to partake in the island customs is a trip in a lifetime for many people. Sailing far out into the amazing Pacific Ocean on a luxury cruise seeking an Eden like paradise that is the Hawaiian islands is something only a select few travelers experience. If you have never been to paradise, then here’s your chance! Sun-drenched sands, palm trees that sway in the gentle warm breeze, and golden sunsets are there for anyone who takes a Hawaiian cruise to enjoy.

For American and Canadian citizens, Hawaii cruises depart from numerous seaports along the west coast of North America. Vancouver, Seattle and San Diego are the main ports of departure to Hawaii, although several of the other ports up and down the coastline offer cruise services to Hawaii too.

Hawaii cruise vacations normally comprise of a round-trip of 15-18 days and take in Hawaii and one or two ports on the other islands in the group. But you can always pay for a one-way trip to Hawaii on a cruise ship and then fly to your next destination from her international airport.

If you are looking for a longer vacation, most companies can extend the trip to 25-30 days, and perhaps even more. These extended cruises are an excellent choice for those wishing to experience a more intense adventure in Hawaii and also for those who would like the opportunity to spend some time on the other islands of Maui, Lanai, Oahu and Kauai.

Even if you are the more restless type who does not enjoy lazing around in front of a pool simply taking in the sun, Hawaiian cruises can offer on land adventures to satisfy you. On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can become a fearless explorer through the Kilauea crater, or the larger dormant volcanoes in Mauna Kea. You can also take a tour by helicopter if hiking isn’t your thing.

On the south side of the Big Island near the port of Kona is the Kona Cloud Forest botanical walk. You can also enjoy many varied types of watersports here, as well as taking a passenger submarine down to explore the 25 acres of coral reef in the vicinity.

Greece : Hotels, Apartments & Villas

In this part of our guide to holidays in Greece we focus on accommodation…

Most Greek hotels are basic and unpretentious and the rooms are usually small. However, most rooms include balconies and air-conditioning and are well cleaned and maintained, even in the simpler hotels. The biggest problem can often be noise from local roads, bars and eateries. While the cities and the more popular islands do offer more upmarket accommodation, the choices are limited and generally are not good value for money.

As well as hotels, most popular Greek destinations offer self-catering accommodation, called apartments or studios, which are much like hotel rooms, but also offer basic kitchens. While not often listed in travel guides, these are a cost-effective alternative.

Renting a villa can be a good option for larger groups or travelers with bigger budgets. Villas are usually on the seaside and can have great views. Most villas can accommodate about eight people, making this a value-for-money alternative for groups.

Whether you choose a hotel, studio or villa, you will be able to book it online. Nowadays, even the smaller accommodation providers have web sites. You should be able to organise bookings by email, but faxing can sometimes be a more reliable option. In addition, many hotel booking services – both Greek and international – will make online, fax or phone bookings.

Otherwise, once you’re in Greece, you can usually find a place without a lot of trouble. But don’t try this in summer on the most popular islands, where rooms can be difficult to find at the peak of the season, and on major holidays. If you find yourself stuck for a room, you can ask at a cafe whether the owner or staff know of any rooms for rent, or seek help from a local travel agency (if possible, one recommended by a major guidebook).