Helping Us With Boats

High Seas Spa: Cruise Lines Provide Rest and Wellness to Passengers

Steve Stelzner — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:37:46 +0000

Cruise ships are the ideal way to escape the every day and head, perhaps, for warmer climates, fun and relaxation, and some time to yourself. Cruising is also a great time to invest in your well being with a visit to the onship day spa. There’s no reason to leave behind the services you may have come to enjoy at your local spa. Cruise ship day spas offer guests everything from massages and aromatherapy wraps to steam rooms and full gym services.

Is it possible with all the delicious cruise food to stay healthy while cruising? Carnival Cruises thinks so. Guests stay in shape with Spa Carnival’s state-of-the-art exercise equipment, jogging track and aerobics classes. Each ship’s spa features a staff of knowledgeable fitness experts ready to assist passengers. Spa Carnival also features a variety of beauty treatments that will have you looking and feeling your best. Services for men and women include facials, loofah treatments, manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling.

Passengers aboard Celebrity Cruises are transported to a whole new world with spa treatments inspired by rituals from exotic cultures in the world-famous AquaSpa by Elemis. The largest, most luxurious spa afloat offers an array of treatments designed to take guests to a higher level of relaxation. In addition to deluxe manicures, mineral essential facials, and aromatherapy massage, you may also pamper yourself with a hydrotherapy spa bath, herbal steam bath in the Etruscan Chamber, or Elemis Synergistic Therapy, which combines reflexology, Shiatsu, and pressure-point massage. Or splurge for the Sensory Heaven treatments, offered exclusively on Celebrity Cruises.

Introducing a new generation to the world of spa-ing, Royal Caribbean features GenerationYSPA, a program specializing in services and treatments for teens ages 13 to 17. For instance, spa services include Acne Attack, an oxygen facial for problem skin, or Fabulous Fruity Facial, a massage for the face utilizing a moisturizing, organic mixture of fresh fruits. The girls take a break together to enjoy the side-by-side Mother and Daughter Paradise Massage, or smarten up the tootsies with a Sole Mate pedicure. Boot camp fitness classes get the blood pumping to prime tweens and teens for adventure.

Norwegian Cruise Lines operates with a fleetwide agreement with Mandara Spa, a leading operator of exotic resort spas in the world. Spa treatments reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of Bali. Services include the Hawaiian Majesty, Bali-Press, and Four Hand massages. Exquisite treatments like the Oxygen Lifting or Japanese Silk Booster Facials nurture guests inside and out. For an evening out, guests may finish out their visit with an up-do or manicure.

Featuring heavenly beauty and wellness rituals, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon on Holland America Cruise Lines offers breathtaking views for guests as they enjoy exotic skin, body, and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. Facilities include a heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath, therapy rooms inspired by an exotic blend of cultures, or a hydrotherapy pool bubbling with warm sea water. Whatever the service, passengers enjoy the indulgences that are a signature feature of Holland America Line cruises.

While a Disney cruise may be more about the kids than you, there’s still time to some personal pampering at a Vista Spa & Salon. For example, couples may share a rejuvenating spa experience onboard the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder with a Vista Spa Villas Treatment. Upon arrival, couples receive a soothing foot cleansing on a private outdoor verandah. Couples then relax in a bubbling hot tub amidst the incredible ocean vistas and warm tropical breezes from this perfect perch. Following a massage or other treatment of your choice, the experience culminates with a traditional tea ceremony. Other spa treatments include an Elemis Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap, Exotic Hand Ritual with Manicure, or Marine Facial, to name a few.

Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin — a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world. Mineral Essentials focuses on spa, skin care, and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great skin. Mineral Essentials
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Ketchikan Alaska: The Top 3 Ketchikan Shore Excursions

Steve Stelzner — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:34:34 +0000

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the most popular stops on the Inside Passage cruise route. If your cruise will be stopping in this picturesque fishing village, you’ll find you have a huge variety of shore excursions to choose from — everything from the inexpensive to the exotic.

Ketchikan is located on an island in the Inside Passage of southern Alaska, and the town is surrounded by amazing natural beauty, from incredible fjords to soaring mountains, so there is much to see and do when your ship is in port.

With all the choices available, which Ketchikan excursion should you pick? After all, you’ll probably only visit this region once, so you want to select the very best trip. This list of the top three Ketchikan shore excursions can help you select the perfect trip for you, one that will you will never forget.

1. Misty Fjords Float Plane Trip

Misty Fjords National Monument is simply one of the most spectacular areas in all of Alaska. Known as the “Yosemite of the North”, Misty Fjords is a series of glacier-carved fjords with cliffs rising up some 3000 feet from the water below. It is a place few cruise ships visit, and it’s one of my favorite spots in all of Alaska. So if you have the budget, consider taking this excursion from Ketchikan. It’s one you’ll remember for a long time to come.

2.Orca Beach Rainforest Excursion

Take a cruise in a large, motor-driven inflatable boat along the beautiful Southern Alaskan coastline. You will take in the lush temperate rainforest and incredible wildlife of this region, including everything from orcas to bald eagles. Then, when you arrive at Orcas Beach, you will head off on a hike through the rainforest, which is simply beautiful. This trip is one of the best ways to experience the coast, forest, and wildlife of Southern Alaska up close.

3. Half Day Salmon Fishing Excursion

Ketchikan is famous for its salmon fishing, and this excursion allows you to fit in an actual salmon fishing trip during your cruise. Any salmon you catch can be shipped home for you. The sea life in this region is some of the most diverse and abundant anywhere, and there is a good chance you will see whales, Orcas, and even bald eagles on this trip. It’s a great way to enjoy coastal Alaska up-close while also having an absolutely amazing fishing experience.

Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, and editor of alaska-cruise-advisor.com, which includes information on Ketchikanexcursions, Juneau excursions, and everything you need to plan you Alaskan cruise.
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If my boat has an Inboard motor, does it have to be in the water to start it like I/O motors do?

Admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:18:45 +0000

I know Inboard outboards need to have water to start, but do inboards? Or can I jsut start it on the trailer to see if it will start?

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How much should I pay for a new 90 or 115 4 stroke outboard motor for my 19' center consile Key West boat?

Admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:05:23 +0000

I can’t find anything online about new outboards, and I want to do some research before I start talking to dealers. It sure seems strange that I can’t just go online and buy and outboard motor. I’m looking for recommendations and estimated prices.

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The Top 10 Myths About Alaskan Cruises

Steve Stelzner — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:46:54 +0000

There are certainly quite a few myths out there about Alaskan cruises, and during my time working in the travel industry, I heard all of them. So in order to set the record straight, I have put together this list of the top 10 myths about Alaskan cruises.

When you take an Alaskan cruise, the experience is unforgettable – the shore trips range from fascinating to thrilling, the towns along the route are wonderfully quaint, and the scenery is simply spectacular. As far as I am concerned, it is the most amazing scenery anywhere in the world.

An Alaska vacation is one you will remember for the rest of your life. Alaska will, no doubt, defy many of your preconceived notions. It is a place that exceeds all expectations.

So without further ado, let’s move right to the myth busting.

1. You’ll see the Aurora Borealis

There is a chance that you could catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) at some point along your cruise, but the odds are definitely against it. You can increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights by including an inland tour that stops in Fairbanks or by scheduling your cruise at the very beginning or end of the season.

2. The weather in September and May is too cold

The Inside Passage actually has a relatively mild and moderate marine climate, more like that of Seattle than of northern Alaska. The temperature along the Inside Passage only varies about ten degrees from the coolest part of the cruise season in May and late September to the warmest time of the summer, when it can get up to the high 60’s.

3. Passports are not needed for an Alaska cruise

As of 2009, passports will be required for all passengers on Alaskan cruises. In fact, anyone who flies in or out of Vancouver from the U.S. has been required to have a passport for a number of years. So do yourself a favor and get your passport early.

4. It rains constantly

It definitely does rain quite a bit in southern coastal Alaska. In fact, without the rain, there would be no lush rainforest vegetation or breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers. But still, it is very likely you will experience a mix of rain and sunshine during your cruise.

5. It is always less expensive if you cruise from Seattle

It is definitely often less expensive to fly to Seattle than it is to fly to Anchorage or Vancouver. However, the money you save on flights can be eaten up by higher cruise fares, since sailings from Seattle often cost a bit more.

6. The front section of the boat is better for those with motion sickness

Neither the bow (front section) nor the top floors of the ship are your best bet if you suffer from sea sickness. Instead, people who are concerned about sea sickness might want to consider booking cabins on the lower floors of the ship, where there is less motion.

7. It is possible to make cell phone calls on an Alaska cruise

It’s true that you should be able to use your cell phone in some of the port towns (especially in Juneau). However, there is little chance your phone will get a signal in some of the more remote segments of the cruise.

8. The left (or right) side of the ship is better

Many people planning Alaska cruises seem to be under the impression that the right side of the boat is far better on a northbound Gulf of Alaska cruise (and that the left side is superior on a southbound cruise). There is indeed a period of about 1-2 days when your ship is out at sea in the Gulf of Alaska (assuming you have booked a one-way cruise). On those days, if the coastline is not shrouded in clouds (as it frequently is), you would have a better view from the rooms facing the coast. But for the remainder of the cruise, the views from both sides of the ship are often equally wonderful.

9. You can save big bucks by booking last minute

Through those buying last-minute might get great deals on cruises of the Caribbean, the same does not really hold true for Alaska cruises. Alaskan ships often sell out far in advance for cruises in the months of July and August. If you are really looking for a last-second deal, you might be able to find one in May or September, though you could have to settle for an inside cabin.

10. You can see polar bears on the cruise

While there are many incredible sights that you will see on an Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska cruise, you won’t see any Polar bears. These massive bears live almost exclusively on arctic ice flows in the far northern region of Alaska. The cruise route focuses on southern and central Alaska. However, you might well see grizzly bears on your cruise, for they are very common in lower Alaska and are an incredible sight.

Scott Russell is a writer, consultant, frequent traveler, and editor of the Alaska Cruise Advisor, a guide to Alaska cruise vacations and inland Alaska tours.
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Do marine repair mechanics typically NOT reconnect the fuel line prior to returning a boat?

Admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:17:30 +0000

I brought my outboard in for some minor maintenance. Upon its return I went to have a day on the water. The motor would not start. The fuel line was inserted into the motor but not reconnected. I was told this is standard practice at this location.

Not a big deal – just some wasted time etc.

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Do propguards improve performace of outboards on sailboats?

Admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:17:22 +0000

Does anyone, besides the manufacturer (http://www.propguardmarine.com/test.html), have experience using a propguard on an outboard with a sailboat?
I am interested in improving the performance of a small outboard on a small pocket cruiser sailboat (1 ton 21 1/2 ft LOA bilge keeled Drascombe Drifter).
The outboard on our sailboat sits well below the hull, is not used for steering and is not intended to drive us above hull speed. Relative to the keels, I cannot image that the nozzel could add little additional drag.

The manufacturer of the propguard claims that the Kort-nozzel style guard provides greater thrust at low speeds, but does not have experinece with displacement hull boats. Does anyone have experinece with this?

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Should I repair soft spot on boat?

Admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:07:54 +0000

Got a 1977 15′ AMF Crestliner. The previous owner kept it in tip top shape. Great Evinrude 85 hp engine. However, there are two small soft spots. The boat was only 00 and every boat I’ve come across for 00 or under has soft spots. Wondering how long a floor will last with this? Should I fix it or just enjoy the boat till the floor falls out since I got it so cheap? I don’t really have the money to pour into it.

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troubleshotting mercury outboards?

Admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:04:40 +0000

difficulty shifting into foward on a 2005 150 HP optimax. Shifting into reverse is fine.

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always wanted to experience watersking?

Admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:39:51 +0000

through out my lifetime i had one oppertunity to waterski but couldnt go. i always wanted to try it out but i dont know anyone who owns a boat or waterskis. i live in a river town thats next to the Mississippi so there are boats everywhere. i dont know how i can get the chance to water ski. im not gonna bardge into someones boat and ask them if i can use their rope and skis. anyone have any ideas? i certainly dont wanna buy a boat and sking equipment then bed a friend to drive my boat for me..lol.

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