Over the last two years, both Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity Cruises have rescheduled the first revenue voyage for Celebrity’s Solstice, Eclipse and Equinox, as well as for Oasis of the Seas.

Passengers booked on the original inauguration cruise of Allure of the Seas (December 12, 2010), will be contacted by their travel agent or a Royal Caribbean representative, and given the opportunity to reschedule their vacation to the new sailing date (December 5). Booked guests will be re-accommodated in the same stateroom and category, and the cruise fare will be the lower of either the fare paid or current prices. Royal Caribbean will also provide a compensation of $100 per person to members of the Crown & Anchor Society, who are already booked on the December 12 sailing.

Oasis of the Seas sistership will boast a revolutionary design, exclusive, industry-revolutionizing onboard amenities, breathtaking high-diving, light and fountain shows in the AquaTheater, as well as outstanding entertainment productions in the Opal Theater and Studio B iceskating rink.

Allure of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will operate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

Source: www.cruisecritic.com

Carnival intend to reclaim the Old Continent with its currently under-construction 130,000-ton, 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic. The new ship will sail a nine-night cruise from Venice to Barcelona on May 1. It will then remain in Barcelona until October, offering 18 seven, nine and 12-night cruises.

Cruise prices start from 665 Euros per person for a seven-night cruise and 861 Euros for a 12-night voyage. Prices for the inaugural Venice – Barcelona cruise open at 723 Euros per person.

Carnival UK and Ireland managing director Lynn Narraway said the cruise-only prices would allow agents to package the cruises with flights and land-based options, as well as air-inclusive packages. “It’s the first time we have cruised from Barcelona and it’s easy for agents to either add time in the city, the beach, or at PortAventura theme park.”

Carnival Magic is actually under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The second Carnival’s Dream class ship will resemble a lot its Carnival Dream sister ship. The new boat will include a 11,250-square-foot adults-only Serenity area, a Seaside Theatre, a massive “Cloud 9″ spa, a WaterWorks aqua park with a 303-foot-long, four-deck-high corkscrew waterslide, and special family cabins designed to accommodate five passengers.

Source: www.cruisecritic.com

Crystal Cruises

Overall Score: 92.7

Design varies deck by deck on the two ships of this line, but contemporary accommodations have sliding-door verandas and Frette bathrobes; some have Bang & Olufsen sound systems. “The mattress was so good we bought one when we got home.” excursions include explorations of Petra and off-roading on Mount Etna. Among the “excellent onboard activities” are complimentary language lessons and tai chi. At the Vintage Room’s Wine Makers Dinners, up to 14 people partake in food paired with rare wines. “This is easily the most pleasant way to see the British Isles.”

Disney Cruise Line

Overall Score: 87.9

“It’s outstanding what you get from Disney.” “There’s never any need to be apprehensive about the children having fun” during karaoke, workshops on animation, and more. On the two ships, whose design pays homage to ocean liners, adults keep busy with trivia contests and the spa. On shore excursions, become a dolphin trainer for a day or learn how to roll a cigar. First-run Disney movies are projected on a 3-D screen. Food options include Pacific Rim dishes at Animator’s Palate. “The waitstaff really know what they’re doing.” Select itineraries will sail in Europe in 2010.

Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises

Overall Score: 86.6

Exploration and history are the focus of these sailings in Europe, Latin America, and China, where program directors tailor activities to each destination: “They really make the trip special.” European river tours might afford the chance to see glassblowing demonstrations or to have dinner with a local family. Cabins are “compact and comfortable enough,” with wood paneling and rattan furniture. “The crew all seemed to be having as much fun as we were.” Regional cuisine includes “a memorable Leben knoedel [liver dumpling] soup.” The itinerary from North to South America stops at Incan ruins along the way.

Oberoi Cruises

Overall Score: 86.1

Expect “the trip of a lifetime” aboard two Nile cruisers and a Kerala backwaters boat that are “little jewels.” Excursions on the Luxor-Aswan itineraries, done in small groups with Egyptologists, are “truly excellent.” Chefs create Egyptian, Indian, or Western menus that “are never disappointing.” Cabins on the Zahra showcase silk, leather, wood, shades of brown, and large picture windows for watching the river sights go by. While activities are not as extensive as on larger ships, “the cruise exceeded our expectations.”

Oceania Cruises

Overall Score: 86.0

“The casual yet refined atmosphere on board” separates these three ships from other vessels. Thanks to open seating at meals, no formal nights, and “a country-club casual dress code,” “you have a more relaxed experience.” Balcony staterooms exhibit English country manor style in blue and gold and have “really comfy beds and good-sized balconies.” The food is “awesome—I loved every morsel.” Off the ship, passengers visit a falcon hospital in Abu Dhabi or take a jungle trek outside Manaus. The new ship Marina makes its maiden voyage in late 2010 and will focus on epicurean delights, with six restaurants and hands-on cooking classes.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Overall Score: 89.9

“Contemporary and very plush” wood-accented rooms have their own balcony on these all-suite ships that sail the globe. Guests are greeted with champagne and strawberries on arrival. “Staff enjoy their work, and this happiness transfers to guests.” Signatures restaurant serves a menu from Le Cordon Bleu, which proves “unique compared with the expected menus found on other ships”; Prime 7 specializes in steak. Excursions include dogsledding in Juneau, zip-lining in Belize, and “touring the vanilla plantations in Tahiti—incredible.” Each ship has a Canyon Ranch spa. The number of suites serviced by butlers will increase in 2010.

Sea Cloud Cruises

Overall Score: 94.2

The “fabulous” top-scoring cruise line on this year’s Gold List comprises vessels with wood paneling and gold railings, creating the ambience and decor of a private club—one that plies the waters of Europe, North Africa, and the Caribbean. One transatlantic crossing sails from the Canary Islands to Barbados in 17 days. Owner’s Suites are outfitted with Louis XIV-style king-size beds and antique furnishings. Onshore excursions such as food tastings and demonstrations by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants mean “no herding, and the local guides are first-rate and knowledgeable.” The Sea Cloud Hussar, the newest “full-rigged three-mast ship,” is expected to set sail in summer 2010.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Overall Score: 87.1

A voyage on these 112-passenger yachts begins when “smiling staff offer you champagne” upon boarding. “Open spaces on many decks” allow guests to spread out. Staterooms in blue and white have varnished Scandinavian wood furniture but bathrooms “in which there is room for only one person at a time.” “The food is the best of all the cruise lines”; on one sailing, “the captain even slowed the ship down to facilitate a calm dining experience.” Excursions and onboard activities “cater to the young and the fit,” although the less athletically inclined try out the golf simulator at sea or “idle away an afternoon on the top deck’s Balinese beds.”

Silversea Cruises

Overall Score: 85.3

Ports of call include South America, the South Pacific, and the Arctic. Cabins, decorated with etched glass and a mix of yellows, aqua, and more muted shades, “blend contemporary and traditional furniture” and exude “European elegance.” La Terrazza serves “a casual buffet breakfast and lunch” as well as à la carte dinners. “Unusual and exciting onshore excursions” include an early-evening dinner in the Namib Desert, capped with a performance by fire-dancing locals. The Silver Spirit joined the fleet in December 2009.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Overall Score: 82.8

The cruise line’s ships sail around Russia, China, and Egypt, but its focus is European waterways. Staterooms couple river views with “their own sense of place and design,” an amalgam of crema marfil floors, mahogany furnishings, Brunschwig & Fils fabrics, and beds with cashmere blankets. The Epicurean Adventurer Program ferries passengers onshore for dinners, wine-tastings, and cooking demonstrations. The Springtime Along the Rhine itinerary, which debuts in 2010, takes in Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Gardens. River Tosca made its maiden voyage along the Nile in December 2009.

Windstar Cruises

Overall Score: 82.8

“The wonderful intimacy of a small ship” extends to suites and staterooms that look out on the ocean, as well as to bridge suites, which have leather couches and ample closet space. Itineraries include stops in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Central America. Each schooner has motorized sails and an open-seating restaurant where “the waitstaff quickly learn your likes and dislikes.” On Wind Surf, the largest of the fleet, is the restaurant Degrees, where the menu changes daily—hence French bistro one night, steak house the next. Excursions include helicopter tours of the Prunelli Gorges in Corsica and cave trekking in Slovenia.

Yachts of Seabourn

Overall Score: 90.2

These four yachts, the largest of which carry a maximum of only 450 passengers, navigate global waterways inaccessible to larger ships, like the Amazon’s Breves Narrows. “We felt as though we were on a luxury yacht, not a cruise ship.” Staterooms with honey-colored wood have barometers, balconies or five-foot windows, walk-in closets, and sitting areas “where you can unwind with the sea breezes flowing in.” In open-seating dining rooms, “the cooking is truly first-class.” Of excursions, “the best was the evening in Ephesus,” where staff set up dinner and “we listened to a symphony play on the steps of the Celsus Library.” “Staff treat guests like VIPs.” Seabourn Sojourn will debut in June 2010; its two-deck spa will have a Kinesis wall.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler

Itinerary:

• Thu April 15, 2010 – Leave Port of Tampa at 4pm. All passengers must be on board by 3pm, so we recommend booking your flights into Tampa to arrive no later than noon.
• Fri April 16, 2010 – Rockin’ Day At Sea
• Sat April 17, 2010 – Learn about Grand Cayman’s excursions by clicking here.
• Sun April 18, 2010 – Best Day At Sea Ever
• Mon April 19, 2010 – Arrive at 8am.  We recommend that you book your flights home no earlier than noon to ensure ample travel time.

Now about the Carnival Inspiration: How about a 9-hole mini golf course, the family-fun of Carnival WaterWorks, a tropical resort-style pool – and when you need some pampering and quiet time – a Serenity-Adult Only Retreat. And, as always…the delicious dining, entertainment, friendly service, and – of course – the beautiful destinations that Carnival cruises are famous for.

After the first Swingers Cruise, along came the first ‘cougar cruise’. Designed for older women who pursue younger men, the cougar cruise happened only a couple of months after the first Swingers Cruise, which was aimed at swingers or people who embrace non-monogamous sexual experiences. The cruise featured full nudity at the pools, daytime pool parties and specially planned sexually themed parties in the evening.”

Both cruses were organized by an outside group that blocked space from the ship for the voyage. In the case of the Swingers Cruise, it was what is known as a “full-ship charter,” meaning everyone on board was part of the organizer’s group.

Actually, two more cougar-themed cruises are on the coming soon list – one to take place in May on a Royal Caribbean ship and another coming later on a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel.

Despite the fact that Carnival denied the possibility of eventual cougar cruises on its ships, Royal Caribbean seem to fully support the idea.

“We have no reason to deny this group of people the opportunity to sail on our ship,” Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez tells USA TODAY.  “We assume this group will follow our guest conduct policy, just like any other guest.  We have no reason to think otherwise.”

A lot much bigger than the Titanic, this 5,400-passenger floating island spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.

However, that is just a small bite of information for such a huge boat. Besides you are probably a lot more curious than we expect. That is why we decided to provide you with all the necessary information on the Gentle Giant.

Ship Profile

Name: Oasis of the Seas

Owner: Royal Caribbean International

Operator: Royal Caribbean International

Port of registry: The Bahamas Nassau, The Bahamas

Route: Caribbean

Ordered: February 2006

Builder: STX Europe shipyards in Turku, Finland

Cost: US$1.4 billion (2006)

Laid down: 12 November 2007

Launched: 22 November 2008 float-out

Completed: 28 October 2009

Christened: 30 November 2009

Maiden voyage: 5 December 2009

Status: in active service, as of 2010

Technical Charts

Class and type: Oasis class cruise ship

Tonnage: 225,282 GT

Length: 360 m (1,181 ft) overall

Beam: 47 m (154 ft) waterline 60.5 m (198 ft) extreme

Height: 72 m (236 ft) above water line

Draught: 9.3 m (31 ft) Depth: 22.55 m (74 ft)

Decks: 16 passenger decks

Installed power: 3 × Wärtsilä 12V46D engines (13,860 kW/18,590 hp each)
3 × Wärtsilä 16V46D engines (18,480 kW/24,780 hp each)

Propulsion: 3 × 20 MW ABB Azipod, all azimuthing

Speed: 22.6 knots (41.9 km/h; 26.0 mph)

Capacity: 5,400 passengers double occupancy; 6,296 total

Crew: 2,165

Wacky Oasis Facts
Ship will contain 3,300 miles of electrical cables — roughly the width of the U.S.!
110,231 pounds of ice cubes will be made daily.
Central Park will have 12,175 plants, 62 vine plants, 56 trees and bamboo.
The AquaTheater pool is 17.9 feet deep and is the largest pool at sea.

Videos
Oasis of the Seas Videos

Oasis of the Seas Video: AquaTheater Rehearsals
Oasis of the Seas Video: Crown Loft Suite
Oasis of the Seas Video: Surfing the FlowRider
Oasis of the Seas Video: Jazz on 4 Performance
Oasis of the Seas Videos: Royal Promenade and Ship Parade
Oasis of the Seas Videos: Boardwalk and Carousel
Oasis of the Seas Videos: Royal Promenade
Oasis of the Seas Videos: Ship Tour from a Unique Vantage
Oasis of the Seas Video: Central Park Balcony Cabin View
Oasis of the Seas Video: Main Dining Room

Photos
Oasis of the Seas Photos

Oasis of the Seas Cabin Photos
British Invasion: Photos from Oasis of the Seas’ U.K. Debut
Oasis of the Seas Handover Pics, Part 1: Ship Belongs to Royal Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas Handover Pics, Part 2: Scenes from a Party
Oasis of the Seas Handover Pics, Part 3: A Feel for the Ship
Slideshow: June Sea Trials, First Tests of Seaworthiness
Slideshow: April at the Shipyard With Oasis
Photos from Our August Tour in Turku, Finland!
Photo Timeline: Final Oasis Milestones
More Oasis Photos

Mealtime
Oasis of the Seas Dining Options
Slideshow: Menus for Italian, Asian and Seafood Restaurants

Bedtime
Loft Suites, Boardwalk Balconies and More

For the Kids
The Youth Zone

Evening Entertainment
Oasis’ Entertainment Place
Showtime Schedule

Keeping in Shape
Vitality Spa & Fitness Center

Itineraries
Oasis to Offer Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruises

Chat About the World’s Biggest Ship
The All-Things Oasis of the Seas Forum
Join an Oasis of the Seas Roll Call!
Member’s Speak Out: How Big is Too Big?

Source: www.cruisecritic.com

Cruise: Mediteranean, 7 Nights, The World

Stops: Nice, Saint Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, Nice, At sea, Venice

Departure:

May13, 2010

Starting from: 2519 € p.p.

Formula: Full board

Aboard The World

Windstar Cruises

In late 1986, the first commercial sailing vessel built in 60 years slipped out of a French dry-dock in Le Havre. Although the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the msy Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls, was revolutionary in concept and design.

Windstar’s ships are officially masted-sail- yachts (msy), but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky. All functions are operated from the bridge by computer microchips and navigational devices. The unusual “open-bridge” operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint themselves with the veteran captains and officers who demonstrate the ship’s intriguing capabilities to modern day explorers.

The 148-passenger Wind Star was joined by sister ships the msy Wind Song in 1987, and msy Wind Spirit in 1988. A new era in luxury cruising was now being pioneered by Windstar Cruises.

Windstar Cruises’Fleet

Wind Spirit
Chic, trendy and sophisticated as her passengers, the two identical ships of Windstar Cruises (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) are 148-passenger cruise ships with lovely white sails on deck. The sails are computerized and not really necessary for navigation or power (although when conditions are perfect, the engines are cut and the ships are completely wind driven)… but who cares when the effect is exquisite? If the thought of anything with sails makes you queasy, try these ships first in the relatively tranquil waters of the Caribbean before casting off in the South Pacific or Mediterranean.

Wind Spirit combines the highest levels of food and service with a single open seating and casual attire. If you’re seeking a romantic escape, these ships are our pick for the most sublime vessels around. If your fantasy is making a spectacular entry into some of the best ports of the Caribbean or Eastern Mediterranean — Topsiders and Banana Republic are de rigeur — while sipping a glass of bubbly on deck, this may be your cruise experience. Many of Wind Spirit’s passengers wouldn’t be caught dead on a conventional cruise ship, opting for bonding with other well-traveled couples and the excellent water sports offered.

Wind Star
Although the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the sister ships Wind Spirit and Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls, was revolutionary in concept and design.
Windstar’s ships are officially masted-sail- yachts (msy), but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky. All functions are operated from the bridge by computer microchips and navigational devices. The unusual “open-bridge” operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint themselves with theveteran captains and officers who demonstrate the ship’s intriguing capabilities to modern day explorers.

Wind Surf
At nearly three times the size of her sister ships, the Wind Surf carries just 308 pampered guests in 154 total staterooms: 31 ocean-view suites and 123 deluxe ocean-view staterooms. What that means in real terms is wide- open deck spaces; new services and lots of little extras that make a Windstar cruise remarkable.
Self-improvement and life enhancement have become the new dogma, and the WindSpa is the destination of choice. With a staff of 10 massage therapists, technicians and instructors, the WindSpa’s treatments and therapies range from traditional massage and aromatherapy to comprehensive hydro and synergistic therapy, as well as yoga, fitness and wellness programs.

Once you’ve set your budget, it’s important to decide what you want from your cruise. The variety of cruises available is staggering, from mini cruises and world cruises to Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic, Alaskan and Antarctic cruises, and they cater for a much greater range of holidaymakers than the ‘newly wed or nearly dead’ cliché would have you believe.

If you’re traveling as a couple, you’re going to have a different set of priorities to those holidaying as a family or in their retirement. Likewise, if you’ve only got a few days to spare, you’re going to want a completely different experience to those lucky cruisers who have entire months at their disposal. The beauty of the cruise holiday is that there’s something for everyone.

We’ve divided our recommendations into traveler type (families, couples, older cruisers, the time-rich and the time-poor) and your interests (adventure, culture, sun and getting to know a port). Here’s our guide to choosing the best cruise based on your traveler type:

For families

Families are brilliantly catered for on cruises,and we don’t just mean the food.

When it comes to choosing a ship, the basic rule is ‘the bigger the better’. The larger ships have kids clubs, babysitting services, multiple dining options and all kinds of activities for all ages, from spas and golf driving ranges for mum and dad, to swimming pools and climbing walls for all the family. Kids are so well taken care of that you could easily go for days without seeing them! And the environment on cruise ships is safe and contained enough that there’s absolutely no need to worry.

The best routes for families are in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where the warm weather means kids can make the most of on-board swimming pools and outdoor activities.

For couples

As a couple you can be as sociable or as coupley as you choose. Obviously there are plenty of other people to mix with and the unique cruise liner atmosphere means it’s easy to get talking over a formal dinner or while taking part in dance classes or team games such as volleyball. When you’re feeling romantic, you can indulge in some pampering for twosomes or enjoy the view from your private balcony.

You can also get married on board – the captain can legally marry you! The only criterion is that you must be in a port or no more than 5km (3 miles) from land. Most cruise liners will sort the whole ceremony out for you, including photo albums. There might even be a few upgrades in it for you. The most romantic destinations are the Caribbean, for honeymoon-standard white-sand beaches and colourful rum cocktails, and Alaska for snuggling up in front of jaw-dropping views of mountains and glaciers and a spot of whale watching.

For older cruisers

A more traditional cruise suits the older traveller. A mid-sized ship is cosier, cheaper and you can explore ashore by day and enjoy some on-board entertainment in the evening. You usually have to dress for dinner and can choose a child-free ship.

Top destinations for older cruisers include the fjords of Norway, northern Europe and the Baltic. Retired travellers might also find the time for a round-the-world cruise taking in the delights of the Far East, Europe and the Americas (see For time-rich cruisers below).

For time-poor cruisers & time-rich cruisers

Cruises don’t have to mean endless days at sea. Mini cruises are becoming more and more popular with time-famished holidaymakers. They’re also a great, non-committal way to get a taster of what a cruise is all about, so perfect for first-time cruisers. Mini cruises generally last four to five days and include all the usual on-board entertainment but you get more for your money than you would with a land-based holiday as you usually visit two to three destinations in that time.

You can cruise to destinations in the Baltic, France, Spain and Channel Islands directly from the UK, or fly to ports in the Caribbean or Spain and Italy for Mediterranean mini cruises.

Lucky, lucky time-rich travellers! A round-the-world cruise is the ultimate in cruising. Usually lasting anywhere from four weeks to three months, these cruises take in just about every type of destination you can think of. A typical trip, starting in the UK might take you across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and USA, through the Panama Canal to a few ports in South America before cruising on to some South Pacific islands, including Hawaii, then on to the New Zealand and Australia. Asia comes next, followed by Africa or the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean. Of course, you can do this in the opposite direction or join a cruise for just a section. Themed cruises, such as visiting Commonwealth countries, are also available.

A world cruise is a hassle-free way to experience plenty of different cultures without having to deal with the hassles of airport check in, lost luggage or arranging your own transport. One thing worth asking is how long the ship stays in each port – with all that time at sea you’ll need more than one day on land at a time.

If you’re more into sun bathing and relaxation, you’re going to want a different cruise experience to those who want to check out museums and galleries or walk across glaciers. Likewise, if you love luxury, you’re going to be happier on a cruise ship that pampers and takes care of every little detail for you. Or perhaps you’re not yet convinced that a cruise is for you and want to combine a cruise with a more traditional land-based holiday. Whatever you want, our guide to choosing the best cruise route based on your interests will help you decide.

For adventure

Antarctica, the most remote place on earth, is the destination for you. An Antarctic cruise is an entirely different experience from any other cruise. There’s no shopping or eating in luxury restaurants. Instead, you’ll be taken ashore in a zodiac (inflatable boat) to walk among penguins, check out seal colonies or take a dip in the thermal waters of Deception Island. There are also stunning iceberg formations, vistas of glaciated mountains and whales to watch from the ship.

For culture

For museums, galleries and an unparalleled sense of history, it’s got to be the Mediterranean. Athens, Rome, Barcelona,  Florence, Dubrovnik, Venice: the concentration of culture is unbeatable. A cruise through the Mediterranean is akin to checking off a list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Plus, the food is fantastic, the wine flowing and the weather balmy. No wonder the Med is the most popular cruise destination in the world.

To experience something a bit different, choose a route that takes in South America and the Panama Canal. You can go ashore to learn about the village life of the indigenous people or discover Mayan and Inca civilisations. The place is simply bursting with colonial buildings, crumbling fortresses and brightly coloured birds all set against a jungle backdrop. And of course, there’s the incredible feat of engineering that is the canal itself.

For sun

White-sand beaches, clear blue seas and laid-back island attitude make Caribbean cruises some of the most popular around. Most cruises leave from Florida for a trip filled with sunshine, cocktails and fun.

You can choose to play at being Robinson Crusoe on apparently deserted islands such as Nevis or Barbuda, soak up some history in the colonial plantations of Antigua or explore the underwater shipwrecks of Grand Cayman. The Greek islands are a great alternative.

For the destination port

Cruises only allow you to stay and explore a place for one day, possibly two. For some people, that really isn’t long enough to get to know a destination as well as they’d like to. Many cruise companies now operate fly, cruise and stay trips where you can combine a cruise with a lengthier stay in a destination of your choice. You can spend a week or more before or after your cruise discovering all a place has to offer in far more depth than you’d be able to on a regular cruise.  For example, you could fly to New York, spend a week checking out the sights before taking a transatlantic cruise back via Ponta Delgada on the Azores and the Canary Islands, or do the same in Singapore or Hong Kong before sailing off around the Indian Ocean.

Source: http://www.worldtravelguide.net