Cruises -- Why Take One? Posted By : THOMAS DESIMONE

The cruise industry offers many different kinds of cruises, for every budget, need and personality. But whatever kind of cruise you take, here are 101 reasons why to take a cruise.

1. Be waited on hand and foot.

2. Ride a helicopter over a waterfall.

3. Visit five ports, but unpack just once.

4. Cool off with a frozen margarita.

5. Take a yoga class.

6. Enjoy scrumptious food around the clock.

7. Dance under the stars.

8. Parasail high above the ocean.

9. Jump into a pool.

10. Shop onboard for French perfume and Swiss watches.

11. Treat yourself to a facial.

12. Hold a family reunion.

13. Get married in your favorite port.

14. Have Baked Alaska en route to Anchorage.

15. Disco 'til dawn.

16. Take your toddler to day-camp at sea.

17. Sleep 'til noon. 18. Go to a wine tasting.

19. Make new friends, reminisce with old friends.

20. Take a themed cruise: bingo, movies, sports, ...

21. Renew your wedding vows.

22. Laugh 'til it hurts at a comedy show.

23. Hold a business conference (maybe tax deductible) onboard a ship.

24. Dine in a tuxedo or formal gown.

25. Relax in a hot tub.

26. Go to a fashion show.

27. Be a star on Talent Night.

28. You don't need a designated driver.

29. Study at sea - genealogy, marine biology, ...

30. Turn your day from 9 to 5 to 9 to Ah-h-h!

31. Consume Caspian Caviar.

32. Snorkel in crystal clear, coral-filled waters.

33. Enjoy the best of Broadway.

34. Send your teeager to a "rock the boat" party.

35. Flex your pecs at the health club.

36. Doze in the sun.

37. Try your hand at electronic blackjack.

38. Polish your golf swing with the pros.

39. Shoot craps.

40. Capture dazzling sunsets on film.

41. Walk a mile on deck.

42. Scuba dive along a reef.

43. Get a full house under a full moon.

44. "Spike" with all your might in a volleyball tournament.

45. Watch for a green flash.

46. Play a fast game of racquetball.

47. Request a song at the piano bar.

48. Indulge in a massage.

49. Swing to the beat of a big band.

50. Eat gourmet food every night and never see a price.

51. Meditate at sunrise.

52. Meet your favorite sports stars.

53. "Disappear" during a magic act.

54. Escape from reality. 55. Play bridge or backgammon.

56. Shoot "hoops" surrounded by blue sky and sparkling
water.

57. Sip a mint julep while listening to ragtime.

58. Browse through a well-stocked library.

59. Golf - by computer or in person - on the world's best courses.

60. Spot an exotic bird or flower.

61. Wander through ancient ruins.

62. Ride horseback through jungles.

63. Be-bop with top jazz musicians.

64. Rent a moped at the dock.

65. Paddle down river in a kayak or canoe.

66. Explore a centuries-old castle.

67. Mingle with celebrities.

68. Be tempted by world-famous chefs.

69. Jet ski across turquoise waters.

70. Picnic under a palm tree.

71. Take sailboarding lessons.

72. Take your sweetie on a second honeymoon.

73. Call home from your cabin.

74. Learn Italian, French, or Spanish.

75. Charter a sailboat.

76. See whales, dolphins, and flying fish.

77. Water ski in clear blue water.

78. See America - down its coastlines and up its rivers - or take in some of these:

79. The Greek Islands.

80. Australia / New Zealand.

81. Africa.

82. Alaska.

83. The Bahamas.

84. Baltics.

85. Bermuda.

86. Canada.

87. The Caribbean.

88. Europe

89. Far East / Orient.

90. India.

91. Indonesia / Southeast Asia.

92. The Mediterranean.

93. Mexico.

94. The Panama Canal.

95. The South Pacific.

96. Scandinavia.

97. Seychelles.

98. South America.

99. Tahiti.

100. The United Kingdom.

101. Then try around the world !

Do Everything Or Nothing At All! How many more reasons do you need? Your cruise is waiting, no matter what your interests or your budget.

CRUISEDEALERSHIP can help you Save on ANY cruise - ANY ship, ANY cruise line, ANY destination! Find out how booking your cruise with us is as easy as 1-2-3. Log on at CRUISEDEALERSHIP

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An Introduction to the Unique Cuisine of New Zealand Posted By : Craig Elliott

Much of New Zealand's cuisine, similar to the people themselves, tends to be straightforward and unpretentious. The country's economy is largely based on agriculture, so not surprisingly the cuisine is based on fresh produce from the sea and the land. It isn't all basic, the wave of immigrants from China, Korea and other parts of Asia have meant an explosion in ethnic cuisine.

The country was a British colony for much of the 19th century, and the influence can be felt in the food and drink. Most English visitors will feel completely at home in New Zealand, from the traditional Sunday roast, to the afternoon cup of tea. Such favorites as scones and porridge are popular and a meal of fish and chips wrapped in newspaper may not be healthy - but it tastes delicious.

The influx of immigrants as well as the Maori influence has given rise to what is known as Pacific Rim cuisine. The food draws its inspiration from Asia, Polynesia as well as Europe - creating a wide range of flavors and food. You might have a meal with hints of both French and Thai; or a dish that mixes Hawaiian with Greek - the numbers of options are seemingly endless. Somehow, this all seems to work and the end result is usually a memorable meal

Pacific Rim cuisine can be found all over the country, particularly in the larger cities and Auckland especially has a large concentration of such restaurants. Most first time visitors are pleasantly surprised at the quality and diversity of the food in Auckland - you can sample such exotic cuisines as Belgian, Russian and Turkish, among others.

New Zealanders are among the top consumers of meat, butter, eggs and ice-cream in the world. Throughout the country, you can find small farms or roadside stalls from which you can purchase delicious home made bread, pies, chocolate, honey and jam. In many of the coastal communities, fresh seafood is for sale by the roadside or down by the harbor. And don't miss the local farmer's markets, another excellent place to sample local cheeses, meat and wines.

The country also has regional food specialties, oysters are the attraction in the small town of Bluff at the tip of South Island. Dunedin has a distinctly Scottish feel to it, with food to match. The province of Canterbury is the place to go for an excellent rack of lamb and neighboring Marlborough is well known for taking its bounty from the sea - mussels and scallops.

New Zealand's wines make an excellent accompaniment to any meal - be aware that if you are dining out and want a glass of wine, some restaurants are classified as BYO (Bring your own) And many vineyards run restaurants as well, employing world-class chefs and using fresh local produce such as venison, lamb and seafood - accompanied of course by a glass of the local white or red.

The country boasts several wine growing areas and it's possible to organize a tour of the country around visiting vineyards. Varieties of grape have been chosen to thrive in the soil conditions and climate of each region. One of the best places to experience New Zealand's wine culture is in the Wairarapa region, not far from Wellington. In addition to the many wineries in this area, you can also inspire yourself by attending classes at the famous Ruth Pretty cooking school.

If you fancy dessert after your meal, you should sample a Pavlova, the delicious meringue dessert that originated in New Zealand, or Australia, as some maintain. The dessert is usually enjoyed with a topping of whipped cream and accompanied by fresh fruit. Its often eaten on holidays or special occasions, although it can of course, be enjoyed any time.

New Zealanders are fond of their barbecues during the summer months; typically a barbecue will feature lamb, beef or seafood. One experience not to be missed is the traditional Maori meal prepared by cooking food over hot stones buried underground for several hours. You can experience the hangi, as it's called, at several tourist locations in New Zealand including the Maori village at Tamaki.

Perhaps the food most associated with New Zealand is the kiwifruit. If you just can't get enough kiwifruit, take a trip to the Te Puke area where hundreds of growers harvest and ship the fruit worldwide. And there's even a theme park - Kiwi 360 - which offers a tour of the orchards and a kiwifruit dining experience.

There are many reasons to visit New Zealand - spectacular scenery, a fascinating culture, friendly people and undoubtedly, excellent food and drink.

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Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as New Zealand Travel | Flights to New Zealand

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Top Five Tips for Traveling with Children Posted By : Stephanie Larkin

Traveling is stressful enough - but traveling with children can be even more so, as anyone who has done so will verify. There are some steps you can take to ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible.

1) Involve your children in the trip planning

Many families who travel together maintain that the most successful trips are the ones in which each family member helps with planning. If your children are old enough, allow them to have some involvement and plan some activities, they can research at the library, bookstore or online. Find out what kind of things your children may want to do, such as sightseeing, museums or swimming.

Build in some down time into an otherwise busy itinerary. If you plan a day of activities and sightseeing, leave the evening free. As every parent knows, children can become tired and overwhelmed easily, especially if traveling in a foreign country, or suffering from jetlag. And most children enjoy keeping a journal or making a scrapbook about a major trip.

2) Choose your plane seats carefully

If you are flying with children, seating will be one of your biggest concerns. If you book as far ahead as possible, you have a better chance of getting seats together, although pre-reserved seats are never actually guaranteed. If you are unable to get seats together, always arrive early at the airport and ask when you check in, most airlines make a practice of "blocking seats" which can then be given out to passengers at check in. If you are a family with small children, the airline can almost certainly rearrange seats to seat you together at the time you check in.

Ask your airline or travel agency for seats on the front row (also known as the bulkhead row) if you are flying with small children. You generally have a little bit more legroom, your children can see the movie screen easily and you are within easy reach of two things that your children might need: the galley and the restrooms!

3) Don't forget your children's medication!

Don't forget to pack medication and toiletries for your children, as well as for yourself. If you are flying, you are generally able to take medication with you in your carry on bag. It's a good idea to carry a doctor's note or a prescription. Also, bring a small supply of medicines you probably will not need but will be glad that you had them with you - Tylenol, Benadryl and cough medicine.

If you are flying with small children, take something for your children to eat or drink during take off and landing, which can help to reduce the symptoms of changes in the cabin pressure. Small children often find the experience of popping ears frightening. A baby should be given a pacifier to suck on - this will help to minimize the popping of the ears, and have a soothing effect.

4) Keep your children amused

Make sure your children have toys and books to pass the time, whether you are flying or driving. One of the best investments you can make is a portable DVD player which can easily be used on board the plane, or in the back of the car. Don't forget to charge it up before you travel; and don't forget any extension plugs or adapters you might need.

Another good investment, especially if your child is reluctant to read, is a tape player and a selection of books on tape. Bring books that your child may have on their school reading list. Your local library may offer books-on-tape rental. Also, if your child a picky eater, you can ask your airline if they offer children's meals, although unfortunately many airlines have discontinued them.

5) Strollers, car seats and high chairs

One indispensable item may be a combination car seat, stroller and booster seat. The aptly named "Sit 'n' Stroll" is manufactured by Safeline Kids and can hold up to 40 pounds of weight. Generally speaking, if you are traveling by air, you are allowed a car seat or a stroller free of charge in addition to your regular luggage allowance.

If you need to take a high chair with you, try to choose one that's portable, easy to pack and lightweight. You can actually purchase a high chair that clamps onto a table and folds up easily, to measure just over an inch thick - invaluable for crowded restaurants or the restaurant that's out of high chairs.

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