There is little that is more romantic than honeymooners embarking on their new life as they board a cruise liner and sail away into the sunset. However, there is one scenario that is even more special and will create precious memories of this momentous occasion. Imagine that same couple celebrating their wedding vows with a special ceremony onboard ship with friends and family in attendance.

Weddings can be costly and expert advice is often expensive. Cruise lines offer wedding planners and staff to help arrange the details of a wedding cruise, generally for free. They can explain what the cruise lines provide and what the couple needs to arrange for the ceremony and reception. There are land-based wedding planners who specialise in cruise weddings, and the cruise line may be able to provide recommendations as well as discuss décor, entertainment and meal service.

One fallacy of romantic cruise weddings is that any captain of a vessel can perform the ceremony. The truth is that most ship captains are not authorised to conduct legal wedding ceremonies. They can provide a commitment ceremony or a vow renewal after the proper official presides over the nuptials on land. Still, some couples may prefer to bring their own officiate onboard, which is possible if the cruise line has this type of allowance in their company policy.

Another reason for two ceremonies, one on land and one at sea, is to accommodate family and friends who may not have the money or time to cruise with the newlyweds. Some cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises offer webcams so that activities onboard are visible to those gathered ashore to fete the newlyweds.

More and more gay and lesbian travellers are choosing to go on cruises, rather than the typical beach holiday. There is now a wide range of gay and lesbian cruises that cover the entire world and many of the major tour operators are known for being gay friendly. However, you will find that all cruise companies will be welcoming and hospitable for everyone.

Princess is one such example, which offers gay and lesbian cruises through the Caribbean and Central America. Princess cruises are renowned for their intense nightclub parties and this trip will definitely provide excitement for every day of your holiday.

Holland America is another option to consider, but this company is geared towards the higher end of the budget. This cruise line is famous for offering an extra touch of luxury and diverse cuisine on board its ships and is an extremely sought after choice for gay and lesbian cruisers. Of course, having the largest fleet of ships, Royal Caribbean is also well worth looking into and is the ideal choice for active adventure holidays to worldwide destinations.

One thing in particular that gay and lesbian cruisers should look out for is the “Friends of Dorothy” group, commonly referred to as “FOD”, which holds meetings and organises social events for gay and lesbian travellers on cruise ships. Their presence on each ship will vary and the attendance will naturally range from a handful to an all-out party. Remember, just because a cruise does not have FOD meetings on board, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t be gay friendly.

The Royal Caribbean cruise line is one of the most respected – and the second largest – cruise line companies in the world operating some of the biggest cruise ships sailing today.  There is no doubt that when it comes to luxury, there is nothing like a Royal Caribbean cruise holiday.

Royal Caribbean has always been known for the services and hospitality that it offers.  Royal Caribbean cruise ships are also famous for their signature rock wall.  If you have never gone rock climbing before, this is your chance to try it – the fact that you are doing it while cruising only adds to the thrill!  In addition, most ships offer a sports court, mini golf course and inline skating track.

Of course, Royal Caribbean cruise holidays are not only about adventure activities.  For those of you who wish to soak up the sun, Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer at least two pools on board each ship.  Whether you want to relax or just read a book, this is the perfect way to do it.

On the other hand, if you wish to pamper yourself, you can head to the world-renowned spa on board the Royal Caribbean cruise ships.  You could choose anything from Swedish massage, hot rock massage or even couple’s massage.

Whatever your ideal cruise holiday may consist of, Royal Caribbean can make your dream come true.

It is still possible to book a number of great cruise deals for 2011.  This article provides details about some of the cruises that are still available. 

Board the Thomas Celebration this year and you will find yourself cruising around the Red Sea and the River Nile on the Pharaohs and the Promised Land Cruise.  Beginning in Cyprus, the cruise makes stops in Turkey, Egypt, and Israel, and ends back in Cyprus.  This cruise is a great holiday deal for 2011, with prices beginning at £369 per person.  The cruise liner has a relaxing spa and other great amenities.

On the Colourful Coasts Tenerife round-trip cruise, you will spend seven nights cruising around the Canary Islands, visiting many of them, as well as Morocco.  Island Cruises offers this fantastic holiday cruise deal, and their luxury cruise liner, Island Escape, provides everything you need for a great cruise.  Cabins come with standard facilities, such as air conditioning, a television, and an in-suite bathroom.  Prices for this great cruise holidays for 2011 begin at £379.

Thomas Cruises offer an 18-night full board stay on their cruise liner, Thomas Destiny.  Their great Transatlantic Cruise will depart from the Dominican Republic, stopping at various places in the Caribbean, including St. Lucia.  The cruise then stops at Barbados before heading to Europe, where you will stop at Madeira, Portugal, and various locations in Spain.  On this cruise, you will enjoy a vast number of cultures, histories, and landscapes.  Prices start at £799 per person.

There has rarely been a better time to book a cruise holiday.  Prices are coming down, there are some great deals on offer, and the cruise operators are expanding to include many more destinations.  Whether you’re interested in cruising the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic, or any sea, you’ll be sure to find a cruise deal that suits you.

It’s easier and cheaper than ever to book your cruise holiday online with a few clicks of the mouse.  Another advantage of cruise holidays over the more traditional holiday is the itinerary.  You don’t need to arrange different aspects of the holiday such as connecting flights, hotel bookings, transport to and from the hotel, and all the other annoyances.  With a cruise holiday, you make the one booking and that’s the lot.

Kids love cruise holidays and so will you.  Cruising on board a ship designed to keep you occupied and entertained as you are ferried between ports of call, with the scenery from your cabin changing each day.  All service is of the highest quality, with no chance of shoddy accommodation ruining your trip.

Unpack and then set about enjoying yourself with all the entertainment and luxury facilities onboard. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean have multiplex cinemas showing the latest releases, internet access, bowling alleys, and tennis courts.  Not to mention the finest cuisine and live evening entertainment for all ages and tastes.

Despite the unlimited choices offered by air travel today, the timeless thrill of arriving by ship in New York’s unforgettable skyline makes Atlantic crossings still popular with cruise goers today.  As days may pass without you even seeing dry land, these cruise holidays are great for making the most of your on board facilities and entertainment.

For a truly traditional luxury cruise experience, Cunard Cruises are especially popular with the retired sector; on board legendary liners such as the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth, you can be pampered by an indulgent “white-gloved afternoon tea”, attend lavish balls, and participate in an extensive “enrichment programme” on board.  Cunard offers a RADA led drama programme, an on board planetarium, and talks by renowned guest speakers.  Cruises to the U.S. depart from Southampton, and take 7 days to reach New York.  Longer routes taking in Boston and Quebec are also available.  Cruise Deals offer good early booking discounts for Cunard’s Atlantic cruises, and complimentary on board spending money for those little extras.

If a more modern ship is what you fancy, Celebrity Cruises also offer transatlantic crossings from Southampton, calling in at France, Spain and the Azores, before arriving in Florida.   Royal Caribbean Cruises generally embark in Barcelona or Lisbon, and travel westbound to either New Orleans, Miami, or Brazil.  Carnival Cruises offer a 16 day transatlantic cruise departing from Barcelona and calling in at Mallorca, Spain, and the Canaries, before crossing the Caribbean to disembark at Galveston Texas.

Long before the days of luxury cruise liners, Vikings sailed Norway’s waters.  Today, modern cruises can explore those same waters, traversing the striking natural wonders of Norway.

One of the biggest draws of such a holiday is Norway’s famous fjords.  Formed by glaciers during the ice age, the fjords now attract sightseers on holiday.  They carve through the country, boasting natural wonders such as waterfalls and orchards.  Due to this, many cruise lines have developed Norwegian fjord cruises.

One such cruise line is 62Nord, who offers fjord cruises in summer.  The itinerary for the trip includes fishing, hiking, kayaking and a trip to the Ona Lighthouse.  The cruise starts at Geirangerfjord, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.  The trip also passes through a second fjord, Hjørundfjord.

There are almost as many cruises holiday deals as there are fjords.  “Sognefjord in a Nutshell” is a cruise trip that explores Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.  Stretching more than 200 kilometers, the fjord meets the Jotunheimen Mountains.  The trip includes both sailing the fjord and taking a train to see the local sights. 

The same company, fjordtours.com, offers “Hardanger in a Nutshell.”  This cruise includes the “queen” of Norway’s fjords, the Hardangerfjord.  It is second in length only to Sognefjord, running 179 kilometers.  A cruise along this fjord will take you into western Norway, past waterfalls, glaciers and orchards.

Silversea and Seaburn are two more companies offering fjord cruises.  Silversea offers a 15-day holiday, while Seaburn offers a nine-day one.  Both cruises operate during summer months, so plan accordingly.

St. Petersburg, Russia, has become a popular destination for cruises.  Many ships start or end their trips in St. Petersburg, or pass through the city on their way to Moscow or other destinations.  The city has plenty to attract cruise ships and their patrons.

In 2003, St. Petersburg celebrated its 300th birthday.  That’s 300 years of history that is still preserved.  The Peter and Paul Fortress is the sight of Russia’s most famous historical prisons, and includes a museum and cathedral.  The Catherine Palace allows a glimpse into how Russia’s royalty once lived while the Russian Museum displays the nation’s rich history. 

The city also has many large, historic churches and many art pieces.  The Bronze Horseman Statue is a famous symbol of the city that shows Peter the Great sitting atop his horse.  The Peterhov fountains, when they are operating, are a sight to see.  They are shut off during winter, but in summer offer a stunning water display.

Cruises will often list St. Petersburg as one destination of many.  Often the city is a stop during a longer cruise tour of several locations. 

P&O Cruises passes through St. Petersburg during its Baltic and Northern Europe cruises.  Other destinations on the routes include Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki.  The Disney Cruise is another one that hits St. Petersburg.  It makes similar stops to P&O Cruises along the way.

Other places to look if you are interested in cruising to St. Petersburg include Royal Caribbean Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Crystal Cruises.

Costa Cruises offers a range of different cruise holiday deals to locations all over the world.  Whether you want to holiday in the Far East, the Mediterranean or even South America, Costa Cruises may have an itinerary to match your needs.

Costa Cruises’ Southeast Asia destinations range from China to Japan to India to Vietnam.  Locations such as Taiwan and China will allow you to explore breath-taking historical landmarks, while places such as Japan and South Korea feature technologically advanced cities permanently poised on the cusp of new trends.

If you would rather stick to the Atlantic Ocean, Costa Cruises offers plenty of destinations there as well.  You can holiday in the eastern United States and Canada, seeing cities such as New York and Boston, or see Spain, Portugal and England on the other side of the ocean. New York and Boston may appeal more to those looking for adventure.  The American cities are fast-paced and expansive, boasting all you could require in modern entertainment.  On the other side of the water, the European destinations of Spain, Portugal and England have much more to offer in the way of history.  Of course, these destinations also offer plenty of modern attractions as well.

Costa Cruises even offers trips up to Russia and the Baltic.  You can see the famous open-air theatres of Estonia or explore the medieval roots of Latvia.

Just about the only destination not covered by Costa Cruises is Alaska.  For cruises to there, you will have to search out other cruise lines.

The Caribbean is by far the most popular cruise destination in the world.  To the west there is Central America, to the north lies the USA and Latin America lies to the south, giving passengers access to many varied cultures in a relatively compact area.  The landscape stretches from lush tropical forest to desert islands and there is almost guaranteed year-round sunshine.  There are reefs with an abundance of sea life and coastlines with pristine beaches and tropical waterfalls.  The entire region has a rich heritage and you can still see the influences Europe, Latin America and Africa have had on both the landscape and the culture.

Cruise ships typically depart from major US ports, the largest being Miami.  There is also an increasing number of shorter cruises based on the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Barbados and Jamaica. 

The high season for cruising in the Caribbean is between November and April.  Summer is hurricane season in this part of the world and the winter months bring calmer seas and lower humidity.  Temperatures vary between 25°C and 40°C, so sunscreen is essential.

Many of the luxury cruise line companies, including Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, have their own private beaches for passengers to enjoy.  Your very own tropical paradise, the very pinnacle of what the Caribbean has to offer.

Cruising the Caribbean is not for just for the rich and famous.  Often, last minute Caribbean holiday deals can be picked up online or through an agent, for up to a quarter of the original list price.