Photographed Tuesday, Silver Shadow (in the distance against the mountains) anchored in Akaroa, New Zealand, with no other cruise ships in sight. The day before, two ships disgorged a few thousand passengers into this town of 700. Why the Steinlager sign? It was my favorite beer when I traveled the north and south islands more than 20 years ago. It is good to be back in New Zealand.

This week, we pose a question: Are you a big-ship cruiser or a small-ship cruiser?

You’ll find a lot of discussion here about big and small ships, but I encourage you to weigh in with your opinions. Do you prefer the activities and thrills of big ships? Or are you more for the quieter environments of small ships?

I am a bit of both, but while I enjoy the big-ship experience, I find myself drawn to smaller ships for at least five reasons:

1. Small ships = No crowds. When cruising on small ships, you’ll almost always experience less crowding on ship and ashore than you will on large ships. Small ships typically have the highest space ratios per passenger, which we discuss below, and avoid crowding at ports. Yesterday, in Akaroa, New Zealand, for example, Silver Shadow was the only ship in sight. The day before, however, two ships called, including one enormous one, disgorging a few thousand passengers into a town of only 700. Crowding in ports can be greatly exaggerated in the Caribbean.
2. Small ships typically are roomier. I’m not claustrophobic, but I do like space, both in the public rooms on ships and in staterooms. Last year, I was on a big (very big) ship with my two kids. We would have ordered room service for dinner one night, but as my daughter pointed out, “There was no room for service.” By contrast, staterooms and public areas on small ships almost always have higher space ratios (a figure derived by dividing capacity by cubic feet) and staterooms with more square footage than those on big ships. Small ships give you space to breathe.
3. Small ships visit off-the-beaten-track destinations. Big ships don’t call on such idyllic islands as Bequia or Jost Van Dyke.
4. You get to know your fellow passengers on small ships. On a big ship, you can meet folks and never see them again. Not likely on small ships, where there may be fewer than a couple of hundred others cruising with you. There is an anonymity factor on big ships that isn’t present on small ships. Staff greet you by name. I’ve cruised on nearly all of the small-ship cruise lines listed below, and on all, waiters, bartenders, pool stewards and officers greet me and other passengers by name. Moreover, you also get to know — and want to get to know — the staff. Most whom I have met are outstanding people. I have seen passengers hugging staff, sometimes tearfully, upon parting. And while it sounds clichéd, cruise travelers make lifelong friends with their fellow travelers. The overall experience on small ships is simply more intimate than what you would find on big ships.
5. Small ships generally offer a better quality travel experience. I realize this is highly subjective, but the quality of accommodation, the quality of the food, the quality of the overall travel experience, including the on-shore experiences, is nearly always superior on a small ship. Big ships are doing great work in all of these areas, and sometimes, food and service, particularly at the specialty restaurants on big ships, can rival the offerings of the small ships, but in general, smaller ships offer richer travel experiences than big ships, which typically offer theme-park (think Disney Cruise Line) and resort-style experiences.

What makes a small ship? There are lots of variables and lots of opinions, but I characterize cruise ships carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers as small. After all, 1,000 passengers is less than 20 percent of the total capacity of the world’s largest cruise ships. Smaller is bigger than it used to be.

Which companies operate small ships?

• Azamara Club Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• Paul Gauguin
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Silversea Cruises
• Star Clippers
• Windstar Cruises
• And all river cruise companies

Also, some big ship operators have smaller ships in their fleets, including Celebrity Cruises’ Xpedition, Holland America Line’s Prinsendam and Princess Cruises’ Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess, which carry fewer than 900 guests and visit smaller ports but are not all-inclusive.

Cost of small-ship cruising. The cost of small-ship cruising is often double or more what it would cost to cruise on a large ship, but small ships can provide greater value. Beverages, including specialty coffees, soft drinks, fine wines, champagne, beer and spirits, and gratuities often are included in the cruise fare. Plus, there are many other intangibles, such as those five things mentioned above, that add to the overall value.

What about you? Are you a big-ship cruiser or a small-ship cruiser?

Silver Whisper

In October my friend Leah and I traveled to Manhattan, New York to board the Silver Whisper, one of many beautiful ships from the luxury cruise line, Silversea. Aboard this all-inclusive cruise ship we had many delightful experiences during our 10-days travelling from New York to Barbados. Upon checking in we were greeted with a very friendly and personal welcome from the Hotel Director, Norman Rafelson and the Cruise Director, Don Fluke.

Our Butler, Dennis, showed us to our Midship Verandah Suite, #631, which was very similar to what you might expect in a 5-star hotel. Our suite included two very comfortable beds, a small living room with a fully stocked complementary mini bar and an amazing view from the verandah (which had a table and two chairs). The bathroom was stocked with Bvlgari products, had two sinks, a jetted tub and a separate shower!

While exploring the ship we found  that Silversea offers (at no extra charge) Yoga classes, Pilates classes, a golf tee practice range, ballroom dance classes, many fitness and health seminars, a gym and a salt water pool (where you can play water volleyball)! We joined a trivia team that included some of the most brilliant players from around the world and we even took first place many times! And if you just happened to forget your book on the plane they have a library that offers a wide range of books and movies that you can check out.

The first two days at sea we had some free time to explore the ship, see a few of the many different types of shows offered, and experience the tantalizing tastes of the three restaurants, not to mention 5-star room service! The dining choices onboard were fabulous. Each day we ordered lunch from the delicious poolside grill. This isn’t your ordinary poolside grill, it offered many options from crab Caesar salad to cheeseburgers, and as a special they served grilled swordfish. For dinners there were three choices of open dining –you choose where and when you want to dine. The two fine dining experiences, the Restaurant with International cuisine, and La Terrazza with Italian cuisine, were delightful. However, out of the three choices my personal favorite was The Grill (on pool deck 8), in the evenings the Pool Grill transforms into an interactive Black Rock Grill experience. Our orders were brought to us grilling on a hot lava stone! My favorite menu item was the surf & turf, which included filet mignon & tiger prawns, and apple pie alamode for dessert!

Veranda Suite View

In summary, I now know why Silversea is a top award-winning luxury cruise line. All of the staff was helpful, courteous and never said no! The Silver Whisper is the perfect size with only 325 passengers, and we never had to wait for anything. The ship is small enough to venture to islands that are more difficult, or impossible, for the big ships to get to. Most importantly, from the moment we stepped onto the ship until we disembarked we were well taken care of and had a wonderful experience. I would recommend Silversea and would certainly sail on them time and again!

Kevin in the Panam Canal

Our Voyage Ambassadors, Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins are currently circling South America on a 72-night journey aboard the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas. Their cruise began just two and a half weeks ago and they have already had so many incredible adventures. This week they passed through the man-made Panama Canal.

“We entered the Gatun Locks at 6:15am beginning our full day crossing this engineering marvel. I went down to the lower deck at the stern of the ship to get a good view of the action. Just before we entered the first lock I saw a large caiman (alligator) along the shore. As the locomotives were attaching their cables to our ship one of the lines snapped…”

Read Kevin and Susan’s full article here The Path Between the Seas.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an annual Circle South America Cruise. In 2013, the cruise sets sail roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on Jan 7. Guests who book early get to take advantage of early booking savings and amenities such as Free Air, up to $30,000 Off 2-for-1 Fares and more. Contact Cruise Specialists for questions and pricing.

“When you need the clout and wisdom of a longtime industry insider and the warmth of an understanding friend, look no further than Lanterman, whose creativity and reach translate into special treatment for your family—private shipboard celebrations, priority check-in and disembarkation, and access to club lounges, top tables, and superb guides—and who will ensure that your onboard experiences and private shore excursions are, in a word, priceless,” said Condé Nast Traveler’s Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin.

According to Perrin, the 133 specialists she recommends on her list represent the best blend of destination knowledge, insider connections, user-friendliness, and value for your dollar than she’s found in more than two decades of scrutinizing the travel industry for the magazine.  In her article, Perrin admits that of the more than 10,000 travel agents and tour operators who have tried to break onto her list since its inception 12 years ago, only a tiny fraction have made the grade.

“We are extremely proud of Janet for receiving this impressive acknowledgement for the twelfth year,” said Tom Baumann, president of Cruise Specialists.  “As our founder, Janet has instilled in our team the importance of providing great customer service and treating our clients like ‘family’ which we take very seriously.  She has laid the foundation for continuing to make Cruise Specialists the best luxury cruise agency in the industry.”

Cruise Specialists Excels at Planning Multi-generational cruises

Nacco added, “Cruises lend themselves beautifully to a varied audience.  With so many different levels of activity and programming, cruises can please every member of the family, whether it is childcare, teen adventures, bingo, wine and culinary interests or even playing blackjack!”

Lanterman hand-picks one special cruise each year to escort for Cruise Specialists and this year she will host the company’s highly anticipated 25th anniversary cruise.  The anniversary cruise is near and dear to her heart as she looks forward to reuniting with many Cruise Specialists’ beloved clients from the past 25 years as well as welcoming new clients into the Cruise Specialists family.

Cruise Specialists 25th Anniversary Sailing – June 2012

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

In collaboration with Slow Food Italy, Silversea Cruises has designed an exclusive three-night program that will highlight the culinary and cultural traditions of Tuscany and introduce participants to local wine producers and products that adhere to the Slow Food philosophy of preserving biodiversity and gastronomic traditions.

The program will be conducted with one or more members of Silversea’s own culinary team on hand to provide participants with expert guidance and exclusive access to local producers committed to responsible and sustainable food production, as recommended by Slow Food. Participants might visit a dairy farm or stroll through olive groves and vineyards to learn the secrets of traditional food production. Guided by Silversea’s culinary team, guests will gain a greater understanding of the region’s wines as well as the ingredients carefully selected for the dishes served in La Terrazza, Silversea’s Italian specialty restaurant — the only restaurant at sea that partners with Slow Food Italy to showcase products reflecting the standards of Slow Food. (Check out a video featuring the La Terrazza concept by clicking here.)

“This is a new concept, and probably the first in the industry, where the ship’s culinary team accompanies and interacts with guests on a pre- or post-cruise land program,” said Darius Mehta, Silversea’s vice president of air and land programs. “It’s an excellent opportunity for foodies and travelers alike to discover the beauty, food, tradition and culture of Tuscany, while also gaining greater insight into the principles of the Slow Food movement.”

From Rome, travelers will enjoy a scenic drive into the heart of the Brunello region of Tuscany, leading to the vineyard estate of Castello Banfi, producer of some of the region’s best-known wines, including several selected for La Banca del Vino, the Slow Food-inspired wine bank of the University of Gastronomy in Pollenzo (Bra), Italy. The program includes three nights at Il Borgo, Castello Banfi’s elegant hotel nestled amid the vineyards and olive groves of Montalcino.

Highlights include

• a cooking class, where participants will learn to prepare typical Tuscan specialties with the help of Silversea’s own culinary team and the estate’s professional staff;
• an in-depth tour of the Castello Banfi winery;
• and a full-day tour of Slow Food-recommended vineyards, olive groves, farms or other traditional food-producing operations in and around Bolgheri, escorted by Silversea’s culinary team, giving participants insider access to producers whose operations normally are not open to the public.

This three-night sojourn, priced from $3,599 per guest (based on double occupancy), is offered as a pre-cruise option onSilver Wind’s April 30 voyage (#2212), Rome to Venice, and Silver Spirit’s October 22 sailing (#5233) from Rome to Barcelona. It’s also available as a post-cruise option on Silver Wind’s April 17 voyage (#2210), Barcelona to Rome.

In addition to accommodations at Il Borgo for three nights, the price includes all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Click here for program itinerary and pricing.

Crystal Cruises

The Avenue Saloon & Palm Court
The Avenue Saloon will undergo a room reconfiguration with more seating, including antique-style, brass-tack couches and large, red wall sofa. Palm Court (the ship’s signature lounge for high tea, dancing, cocktail parties and casual drinks) will be transformed with a new entrance, expanded bar and dance areas with added seating, and a larger, spiral-design dance floor with overhead ceiling feature.

Current Galaxy Lounge

The ship’s Hollywood Theatre will soon feature plush leather armchairs with individual pull-out tables and other upgrades in addition to its new boosted surround sound audio processing and enhanced presentation control system. The Bridge Lounge will sport new furniture, including game tables and chairs, lighting, window treatments and more as well as a new video and sound system.

Recent Stateroom Updates

Fantasia & Waves
Families will appreciate the new layout for both Fantasia kids play area and Waves teen video arcade which will create separate areas for crafts, relaxation, screenings (two TVs), teens, and computer usage. The design will incorporate fun, asymmetrical furniture, FatboyTM bean bags, and vibrant colors like crimson, sapphire, and various shades of green.

For more information on upcoming Crystal Cruises sailings, please contact our experienced team of Cruise Specialists cruise consultants.

Silver Shadow in Shanghai

It often pays to plan ahead, and for those who heed such advice, now may be a good time to begin planning for 2013. One compelling reason is a new offer by Silversea Cruises. Make a deposit on a 2013 sailing by February 15, 2012, and save an additional 10 percent on a selection of 2012 voyages. On top of this are attractive savings incentives in 2013 that include almost double the number of Free Air gateways available (on select sailings) to travelers departing from the U.S and Canada, and Onboard Spending Credits of up to $1,500 per suite on all voyages (with the exception of Silversea Expeditions).

Join Ralph Grizzle here on our Facebook page as he begins reporting for Cruise Specialists from Silver Shadow beginning January 20, cruising from Sydney to Auckland.

In 2013, Silversea’s six ships will offer more than 200 voyages, visiting more than 450 destinations on seven continents. Highlighting the program is Silver Whisper’s 115-day World Cruise, Silver Spirit’s inaugural calls in Hawaii (last visited by Silversea in 2010), and Silver Explorer’s new expedition cruises to Canada’s beautiful Hudson Bay.

Also noteworthy are Silversea’s 32 new ports of call, which include 21 just for Silver Explorer alone. Collectively, the line’s other ships will offer 11 new destinations: Soller de Majorca, Spain; Sabang (Pulau Weh), Indonesia; Port Arthur, Australia; Liverpool, U.K.; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Saaremaa, Estonia; Baie-Comeau (Quebec), Canada; Chios, Greece; Portsmouth, Dominica; Fanning Island, Kiribati; and Fukuoka, Japan.

“For the discerning luxury traveler, our 2013 schedule, with over 30 new ports of call, offers unparalleled opportunities for unique and life-enriching journeys to all corners of the globe,” said Steve Tucker, Silversea’s vice president of field sales for North America. “With almost double the number of Free Air gateways and generous Onboard Spending Credits now available, this is the perfect time to finalize your travel plans for next year — and enjoy an affordable luxury vacation exploring the world with Silversea.”

Click for 2012/2013 pricing and details on Silversea Cruises.

Here’s a snapshot of Silversea’s 2013 schedule:

WORLD CRUISE 2013. An epic 115-day journey from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale awaits guests when they board Silver Whisper on January 5. Crossing the equator four times, the World Cruise itinerary will follow the tropical belt to 52 destinations in 28 countries with overnight stays in several key ports. The warm-weather journey will explore an array of far-flung cultures and scenic wonders including New Zealand and Australia’s remote west coast; the idyllic isles of French Polynesia; fascinating Asian cities of Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore; and Africa’s rarely seen western coast. Guests may choose to extend their voyage an additional three days to disembark in New York, or 15 days to disembark in Southampton.

Suite With A View: Situated midship on Deck 7, Silver Cloud

SILVER CLOUD. Silver Cloud begins her 2013 season exploring South America and then crosses the Panama Canal to the Caribbean to offer a series of convenient roundtrip voyages from San Juan. After spending May in the Mediterranean, she’ll venture to Northern Europe for a summer season that includes calls in the British Isles, Iceland, the North Cape and remote Russian ports in the White Sea. Silver Cloud heads south to the warmer Mediterranean in the fall and come November, crosses the Atlantic to South America where the highlights include a 17-day Amazon adventure and cruising the majestic Chilean Fjords at year’s end.

Silver Wind & Silver Cloud meet up in Helsinki, Finland. © Ralph Grizzle

SILVER WIND. For Silver Wind, the New Year begins in South Africa with three 10-day roundtrip sailings from Cape Town, followed by an 18-day cruise along the exotic west coast of Africa and two voyages in the Canary Islands. Silver Wind then repositions to the Mediterranean for an extended summer program filled with mostly seven- and nine-day voyages exploring the Mediterranean. Highlights include a three-day extended visit in Monte Carlo for the Grand Prix during the May 23 cruise from Barcelona to Rome, as well as calls in Egypt and the Holy Land. Silver Wind then heads south along Africa’s west coast to conclude the year back in Cape Town.

Silver Wind anchored in Saint Tropez. © Ralph Grizzle

SILVER SHADOW. Silver Shadow opens the year voyaging around Australia and New Zealand. Then in late February and March, she’ll offer a series of itineraries focused on Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand before journeying north to China and Japan for the spring. Summer findsSilver Shadow in Alaska for a series of mostly seven-day cruises between Seward and Vancouver. During October and November, she’ll offer cruises focusing on China and Vietnam, before heading south to celebrate the holidays with a 15-day voyage between Sydney and Auckland.

Silver Shadow in Shanghai

SILVER WHISPER. Silver Whisper begins 2013 in grand style with a World Cruise. Over the course of four months, she’ll journey west from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, visiting 52 far-flung destinations across Oceania, Asia and Africa. From mid-May through August, she’ll explore Northern Europe offering primarily seven-day Baltic cruises with extended stays in St. Petersburg. A grand transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Montreal will reposition Silver Whisper to offer a collection of fall foliage cruises through Canada and New England before heading south to the Caribbean in November. Following a 16-day holiday cruise through the Panama Canal, she’ll wrap up the year where she started, in Los Angeles.

Opening The Middle East: Silver Spirit in Muscat, Oman. © Ralph Grizzle

SILVER SPIRIT. For Silver Spirit, 2013 arrives in the sunny waters of the Caribbean. Then in February, after a crossing of the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, she repositions for a 31-day grand voyage through the glistening Pacific Ocean, highlighted by calls in French Polynesia, Kiribati and the major islands of Hawaii. Throughout summer, seven- and nine-day sailings focus on the eastern Mediterranean and Greek Isles. Other highlights include three seven-day Black Sea cruises. In late November, Silver Spirit arrives in Fort Lauderdale for a series of roundtrip Caribbean cruises culminating with a 14-day holiday cruise.

Silver Explorer seeks adventure at the poles and in between. © Ralph Grizzle

SILVER EXPLORER. The luxury expedition ship Silver Explorer sails into 2013 at the bottom of the Earth, offering a series of cruises to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Spring and summer are highlighted by adventures along the west coast of Africa, western Europe, the British Isles, and Svalbard’s frozen Arctic landscapes. First-ever expedition voyages in Canada’s Hudson Bay highlight August. In September, Silver Explorer heads south to offer a series of Caribbean and Central America explorations before arriving in Ushuaia in November to conclude the year with Antarctic expeditions.

Click for 2012/2013 pricing and details on Silversea Cruises.

Sailing into Budapest aboard the AmaLyra: a definite hilight of the trip. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

- St. Augustine

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and such is the case today aboard AmaWaterways’ beautiful AmaLyra as we disembarked in the wonderful Hungarian city of Budapest and begin our long journey back to Canada.

Leaving any trip is a bittersweet moment, but particularly moreso after a cruise aboard the AmaLyra.  I felt the same way when I disembarked from my Windstar and Silversea voyages, but with this, that feeling seems magnified.  After being surrounded by smiling faces, friendly people, amazing destinations, and wonderful local guides, my seat on my flight home seems, well, lonely.

I always feel that it’s the little things that sometimes speak the loudest, and while many aspects of travel suffer from cost-cutting and reduction of amenities, it’s nice to see AmaWaterways was so willing to go the extra mile for their guests on so many levels.

It's cold outside, but the atmosphere in the AmaLyra Lounge is warm indeed. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Some of my favorite little touches aboard the AmaLyra:

• Personalised Service: the crew here took my nut allergy very seriously, as all cruise lines have.  But here they went so far as to prepare special night-time treats for me, from chocolate-covered strawberries to white chocolates filled with fruit and raisins.  All without asking.  All without prompting.  Truly exceptional.
• Unexpected Amenities: from the toothpaste and shaving kits included in the stateroom bathrooms to the use of umbrellas, bicycles, onboard WiFi internet and complimentary bottled water, there’s a lot to like here – and not a lot to worry about when the final bill comes.
• Regional Specialties: Not everyone will agree with me, but when I travel, I love to sample the local food, and AmaWaterways has a great thing going with their onboard wines and local specialties on the menu each evening, interspersed with more accessible North American fare for those who are more comfortable with that. The complimentary wines are regional and are as good as those found onboard any deep-ocean luxury line.

Local specialties mix with traditional fare to create a highly accessible menu. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

But a ship without a crew is just that – a ship. Without a crew, it simply ceases to function. In order to take on the form of this elegant, sleek vessel sailing the waterways of Europe, it needs to have a heart, and the spectacular crew aboard the AmaLyra is most definitely the heartbeat of the ship.

River cruising offers some amazing sights, like this full moon and low-lying fog on the Danube. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

They are always helpful to a fault, and have gone out of their way for the passengers so consistently that it just amazes me. Even today on disembarkation day (a typically service-less day on mainstream ocean cruises), the crew were chatting and visiting with us while welcoming their first new guests onboard. Captain Pols made time for every passenger who approached him, and even invited a taxi driver there to pick up passengers to join him and some other crew in the lounge for tea while he waited.

If you haven’t river cruised before, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. Personally, I don’t think I want to travel in Europe any other way. Forget those boring land vacations where you’re stuck on a bus for eighteen hours and forced to wake at 6am every day, checking into and out of hotels.  Sail the waterways of Europe.  Unpack once. Meet new friends. Experience amazing things together. And enjoy this amazing experience for every second that it lasts.

Getting Ready to Sing: a great crew needs a great leader, and the crew of the AmaLyra have that in Hotel Manager Rebeka. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

I realized today that it is exactly one week until Christmas. But for me, my Christmas lasted for seven wonderful days that I will remember forever.  And for that, I have the spectacular, dedicated team aboard the AmaLyra to thank.

Thank you.

Our Live Trip Report from aboard AmaWaterways AmaLyra has sadly come to a close, but look for a complete ship tour and some fascinating video from the trip in the coming weeks!

Packing for a world cruise is a lengthy process that you will want to put some thought into because you will be away from home for three or four months.  Our Cruise Specialists experts have been sending and accompanying guests on world cruises for the past 25 years and want to share their top five tips for what essentials you may need onboard.

1. Interchangeable Outfits.  Most world cruise veterans know that having a variety of interchangeable outfits is essential.  Pick a few color schemes that allow you to easily mix and match your clothes, and change them up with unique accessories.  For formal nights and special occasions, gentlemen will need to bring along their tux and a few suits, while the ladies will want several evening gowns and cocktail dresses.  Don’t forget to pack special attire for festive theme nights on the ship such as Valentines and St. Patrick’s celebrations.

2. Comfortable Excursion Attire.  A few pairs of sturdy walking shoes are a must to take along for all the walking you will do on the ship and on tours in ports.  Other important items include sweaters and jackets, rain gear, and a sturdy backpack for taking personal items with you on and off the ship.  Depending on the excursion, you may need a bathing suit and cover-up, a sun hat, or even a pair of binoculars.  Don’t forget your digital camera to capture your experiences, and you’ll want to be sure you pack several memory sticks to save your photos in case your camera gets lost or stolen.

3. Extra Supplies.  It goes without saying to pack enough prescription medicine to last you throughout your voyage, but you’ll also want extra supplies of any beauty and personal hygiene products you can’t stand to go without for three or four months!  An extra pair of eyeglasses is always a good idea, and our hosts also recommend taking along a handy pop-up laundry basket, a small bottle of spray and wash for treating clothing stains, a power strip for your electronics, and a durable flashlight.

4. Personal Cabin Decor.  Since the cabin will be your home for a while, you will want to take items along that will make your suite feel more like home.  Since most cabin walls are magnetic, be sure to take plenty of magnets to hang up precious pictures of your kids, grandkids, and pets.  Some travelers like to hang up maps of the different areas of the world they will be traveling to plot their course.

5. A Worthwhile Project.  Plan a meaningful project that you would like to complete while you are on your cruise.  With plenty of down time at sea, you may want to complete a photo album or scrap book, knit a sweater, make some jewelry or write a book.  Make sure you have the necessary supplies along to complete your project.

Aside from these necessary and comfort items, the most important thing to bring along with you on your long journey is your flexible attitude.  With it, you will enjoy the world as a true traveler rather than a tourist.  Find out more information on upcoming world cruises offered by Cruise Specialists.

More euros for your dollar?

Things aren’t going well for the euro, which has lost 3 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar in the past couple of days. This morning, the common currency of 17 European nations hit an 11-month low of $1.29. Some analysts suggest the beleagured euro could hit $1.25 — possibly lower — in the coming months.

If there is a silver lining in the Eurozone crisis that is bringing down the euro, it is for travelers. As I write these words at my desk in Helsingborg, Sweden, Europe is becoming cheaper, particulary  for American travelers, like me, who trade U.S. dollars for local currencies to spend on goods and services here in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe. (Sweden, by the way, uses the Swedish krona as its currency; its fate, however, follows the euro, meaning that Sweden, along with Norway and Denmark, is also becoming cheaper for travelers trading U.S. dollars.)

Related articles, Wall Street Journal: Europe’s Debt Crisis Gloom Gives Dollar a Warm Afterglow; and New York Times: Euro Closes In on Low for the Year

As a traveler, I welcome the monetary relief. For a long time, Americans have found the cost of travel in Europe to be painful. Two years ago while visiting France, I cringed as I thought about how much a cup of coffee was costing me in dollars, when the euro was trading at $1.50.

Will the euro continue its tumble? Who knows? But if it does, travelers should be prepared to seize the day. If the common currency continues a sustained loss against the dollar, U.S. cruise passengers will find better bargains in Europe compared to what they found in the past few years. With a weakened euro, pre- and post-cruise stay-overs, in particular, could become more of a bargain than they have been in quite some time.

It’s foolish to fiddle while Rome burns, as the saying goes. We certainly wish Europe the best in dealing with its crisis, but if the euro continues to tumble, you can expect to see a lot more of us visiting your charming cities, and sipping happily on cups of coffee at local cafés, in 2012.