Adventure Travel Overseas

Cruise ship vacations certainly have appeal - they’re exotic, allow you to see multiple cities and ports, are almost all-inclusive and they offer a wide range of activities for family members of all ages.

If you’re curious about cruise vacations and cruise travel, but want to learn more about what you can expect, keep reading to find out the answers to common cruise ship vacation questions.

Are cruises really all-inclusive?

Typically, no - cruises are not all-inclusive. A ticket on a cruise ship usually includes your cabin, meals and some drinks. In addition to these costs, you will need to pay for any shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, extra snacks, certain special activities and your transportation to and from the port of departure.

Do I need to carry cash?

Normally, you can enjoy a cruise line voyage without concern over whether your MasterCard will work or of carrying lots of cash or traveler’s checks. Most cruise vacations allow you to sign and bill most items to your account.

At most, you’ll need a small amount of money for daily tips and services, though even this is rare as most ships have shifted to digital invoicing technology.

Can I come and go as I please?

For the most part, no - you’ll be beholden to the ship’s shore schedules and dining times. However, while many ships have set dining times and activity schedules, other lines - like Norwegian - offer freestyle cruising that allows you to eat when you please and engage in entertainment at your leisure.

Whether you’re on a freestyle or scheduled cruise destination, you will be restricted as to how much time you have at each port of call. Typically though, travelers are given one or two days at each land destination.

How do I find the right cruise vacation for me?

First, ask yourself who’s going on the cruise? Are you looking for a romantic anniversary celebration or a family fun free-for-all with all the kids?

Some cruises cater to children and families while others focus on seniors. Some center around singles while others attract couples. You get the idea - whatever your demographic, there’s a cruise for you.

Cruises also cater to interests. If you’re passionate about rock climbing, there’s a cruise for you and if you love golf, well then there’s definitely a cruise for you. Theme cruises are another great way to find an almost all-inclusive vacation that fits your interests.

In the 8th and 18th arrondissements you will find this lovely village, with old houses, packed together tightly, and winding little streets with flower baskets. Although this village became part of the city of Paris in 1860, but remained fiercely independent. In 181 it fended off government troops and you will see the plaque dedicated to this on rue du Chavalier-de-la-Barre. Make sure you get your Paris apartment or Paris hotels booked nearby to enjoy all Montmartre has to offer.

This quaint little windmill village used to be filled with working class families going about their everyday business, but as Monmartre swelled and with the industrial boom, peasants swarmed in from the countryside and set up camp in industrial Paris. Nowadays, although Montmartre is a popular tourist attraction, Montmartre offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle and to enjoy one of the most romantic parts of this wonderful city.

Montmartre is the highest point in Paris, and has some spectacular views of the city. Not surprising then, that in the 1880’s, Paris’ artist moved into the area to take advantage of this spectacular place. Renoir got his inspiration whilst sipping coffee in Montmartre’s cafes, and later, Picasso and artists of the Ecole de Paris, Utrillo and Modigliani paid Montmartre regular visits.

But what is there to see in this fantastic place you ask yourself? In Montmartre you will find, amongst many, a wonderful street; “rue des Abbesses” which offers delicious food shops, cafes and wine merchants and pretty little boutiques. The street winds its way up the hill and is adjoining with rue Lepic. This street is home to two of the village’s only remaining windmills; the Moulin due Radet, (moved here in 7th century from rue des Moulins near Palais-Royal), and the Moulin de la Galette, (today a smart restaurant and site of the celebrated dancehall depicted by Renoir).

The basilica of Sacré-Coeur, situated on 35 rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre was completed in 1914 and consecrated in 1919. This mock Romano-Byzantine basilica with its striking white appearance, is a must see in Montmartre. The basilica was commissioned after the nation’s defeat by Prussia in 1870, voted for by the Assemblée Nationale and built from public subscription. Although swarmed by tourists normally, this beautiful basilica boasts a range of mosaics on the interior, as well as fantastic views over Paris and thus, is definitely worth leaving your accommodation in Paris and a paying it a visit.

Finally, don’t forget to wander along rue Muller, then down through the park to the Halle St-Pierre. This market is now used for shows of art, but the surrounding square and streets, commonly known as “Marché St-Pierre” nowadays, offer a wealth of fabric shops and other quaint shops.

MALAYSIA IS TRULY ASIA

Malaysia is a unique nation in Asia. In many ways, there is no other country in Asia quite like Malaysia. In order to appreciate this remarkable fact, you need to understand Asia in comparison to the other continents like North and South America, Europe, Africa and Australia.

In terms of people, most parts of the other continents comprise of a dominant race, be it the European Caucasians in Europe, North America and Australia or the Black Africans in Africa. This is largely due to the fact that most of the countries in these continents share a common history. In Europe, for example, many of the royal families of each country are related to one another. But this is not the case in Asia. In Asia, every country has its own dominant race. Although there are similarities (Koreans, Japanese and Chinese for example) but nothing as large-scale as found in Europe.

Malaysia Asia

People in Asia have a very different mindset and worldview compared to those in the continents in the West. The people in the American, European and Australian continents are much more individualistic whereas those in Asia are much more communal. The people in Western continents place great importance in personal satisfaction and desires. Asians emphasize the importance of family and social groups over personal desires. Even the Africans are very different from Asians. Africans tend to be much more expressive whereas Asians are more reserved.

My Malaysia

Nowhere is this diversity of race, culture, religion and lifestyle more evident in Asia than in Malaysia. No one race dominates another. There are approximately 60% of the Malay race and 40% non-Malays, comprised of Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans and a host of minority ethnic groups. Likewise, nowhere is there a greater blend of tradition, family values, respect for the community and self-effacement in Asia than in Malaysia. Truly, Malaysia typifies Asia to the greatest extent among all other Asian countries.

Nowadays with globalization, there is an increasing cross-cultural influence in every country. It is no different in Malaysia. Western influence is rising, especially in the main cities like Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur and other major cities like Penang, Ipoh, Malacca, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. For example, where once you need an interpreter to communicate, nowadays English is spoken everywhere in the cities and even smaller towns. Walking around Kuala Lumpur you would feel like you were in New York or London, except for the people around you. The skyscrapers, freeways (called highways in Malaysia), facilities and activities are no different from any metropolis in Europe, America or Australia. In fact you would probably find more people having cell phones in Kuala Lumpur than say, in Austin, Texas.

But despite the Western influence brought about by globalization, Malaysia still retains many Eastern values typical of Asia. Honoring elders, respecting parents, modesty of females and the importance of family are ingrained among Malaysians. These, coupled with the basic Asian virtue of hard work, not expecting handouts (there is no dole system or government unemployment welfare in Malaysia) and tenacity (never giving up) are part and parcel of the Malaysian culture.

Preparing to visit Malaysia? Think about your vacation packing checklist.