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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-Many people looking for a convenient and fun vacation are heading to the high seas. Cruising is fast becoming one of the hottest sectors of vacation travel.
The appeal of cruising is based on the fact that it's easy, affordable and increasingly convenient, particularly with the growth of what's known as close-to-home cruising.
In the past, consumers had to fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale to board a cruise ship. That's no longer the case. Today, travelers want to avoid the hassles, expense and lost time associated with flying to their cruise departure point.
As a result, cruise lines have responded by expanding their embarkation ports to include those easily accessible by driving-such as Philadelphia, which is less than a five-hour drive from 25 percent of the U.S. population.
That means, instead of dedicating a full day to flying to their departure point and another full day to flying back home, cruise customers can now just hop in their car and be on the ship within a few short hours.
In addition to choosing a cruise departure port, passengers must consider which line and itinerary best meet their needs. While many cruise lines offer identical destinations, each one offers something different and caters to different demographics.
For example, those not interested in dressing up and following a set schedule may want to try "Freestyle Cruising" from Norwegian Cruise Line, whose Majesty will sail from Philadelphia to the sunny pink sands of Bermuda and the pristine shores of Canada and New England in 2008.
Those traveling with older kids or looking for an extreme challenge may want to try the rock climbing wall on Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas, which sails from Philadelphia to Bermuda through the end of October 2007.
The Philadelphia Cruise Terminal is within minutes of major highways, with secure parking two blocks away and full shuttle service. Customers come from all over the East Coast and Canada because of its ease and convenience. The cost for parking is $10 per day, well below the average for Northeast ports. Ports such as Philadelphia also offer exclusive discount packages for cruise passengers with substantial savings on pre- or post-cruise accommodations, dining, attractions and events. Details are available at www.cruisephilly.com.
For those spending a few days before or after their sailing, the Philadelphia area offers some great sites including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, Valley Forge, Amish Country, the Brandywine Valley, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and walking tours throughout the city. For more information about cruising from Philadelphia, contact the Port of Philadelphia and Camden at (856) 968-2052 or visit www.cruisephilly.com.
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