Due to the growing interest in all things culinary, cruise lines are heating things up and adding flavor to an already fantastic onboard experience, with a wide variety of food and wine theme cruises. Imagine taking a cooking class with famous master chefs and joining them to explore local food markets to find the freshest ingredients for their masterpieces. From preparation of signature dishes, to cooking and the best part, tasting the delicious cuisine, these special culinary theme cruises offer a different and fun learning experience. They are ideal for gourmands and novices alike, as well as for those seeking a unique travel experience.

A culinary cruise is something foodies dream about! Not only do these sailings offer the opportunity to cruise in luxury from one magnificent port to another and enjoy countless onboard amenities, but they also offer the rare chance to meet world-famous chefs and experience their creative magic first hand. For those who have always wanted to learn how to prepare gourmet cuisine, know more about wines and be taught professional chef techniques, culinary theme cruises are the perfect place to learn it all.

Culinary theme sailings offer many special features for guests. You will be provided with unique experiences, including exclusive shore excursions, private cocktail receptions, special dinners with master chefs and wine paring workshops, all enhancing the cruise experience.

Epicurean Delights

Other gastronomic events include visiting chef selected local restaurants while in port and savoring local vintages while expert sommeliers explain the different wines from worldwide regions and how to best complement meals with the proper selection.

Another highlight of many of these sailings is that you may get the rare opportunity to accompany the chefs to the local food markets while in port, one of the special facets of your gastronomical adventure. You can learn first-hand how to select the finest and freshest produce, unique spices and other ingredients for that night's dinner. Welcome to foodie heaven!

Cuisine and travel are inextricably connected. A destination’s unique flavors provide insights into local cultures and regional customs. On culinary theme cruises, world-renowned chefs, wine experts and mixologists share their special talents and knowledge to make the entire experience truly memorable.

Epicurean delights from all parts of the world can be sampled on a variety of culinary cruises. From Paris and Provence, to London, Rome and Brazil, to the islands of the Caribbean, a special feast awaits. Discover the culinary traditions of different regions of the world by way of their diverse cuisines and take your travels to a new level. Another benefit to these theme cruises is that you get to share your vacation with people who share your culinary interests. A great way to make new friends! These cruises can be a once in a lifetime experience, not to be missed.

Many cruise lines, such as Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, MSC Cruises and Silversea Cruises, offer a variety of culinary theme cruises. The highlights of these departures vary.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises, which has always emphasized the importance of fresh gourmet cuisine, is offering several of these epicurean sailings. There is a reason they are called "Excite the Senses Culinary Theme Cruises," as they are expected to do just that, with a wide variety of food and wine experiences, such as special dinners prepared by master chefs, cocktail parties and wine tastings.

A special feature of these cruises is the opportunity to get a true sense of onboard culinary operations with a "behind the scenes" experience, including a rare private galley tour, offered on each of these sailings, a must see for any foodie.

Another highlight of these culinary theme cruises is that they are fun and interesting, with food and wine tastings, cooking classes and the chance to hobnob with the culinary team and world-famous chefs.

Kicking off these epicurean voyages is Chef Jacques Van Staden, nominated for "Rising Star of the Year" by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. Along with the culinary team, the highly acclaimed chef will headline tastings, demonstrations and dinners, where you can meet him, as well as partners from Celebrity's "wine and spirits" program. Under their tutelage, you can pick up professional hints that you can use in the future, whether entertaining or preparing family meals.

Van Staden, along with Junior Merino, known as "The Liquid Chef," will also be onboard the first theme cruise. The award-winning mixologist, earned the moniker for his revolutionary concepts, using a fusion of exotic and unexpected flavors. One such example is his signature “Coming up Roses” cocktail, which includes Merino’s special rose syrup and Moët & Chandon Champagne Brut. The two will host a “reservations only” cocktail party and a pairing dinner at Qsine, one of Celebrity’s chic onboard specialty restaurants.

These theme cruises will give you the special opportunity to meet a guest chef during a cocktail hour, attend cooking demonstrations and book-signings. The chef will also teach cooking classes and you can also participate in a “Star Chefs” cook-off competition or simply observe it. One of the best parts is getting to experience an exclusive food and wine pairing dinner onboard in the elegant and chic Murano Restaurant.

Other notable hosts on subsequent culinary cruise departures include Pastry Chef Thierry Houlbert, Executive Chefs W. Thomas Szymanski, Rufino Rengifo and Dominique Gamba, plus sommelier Chanelle Duarte.

Chef Steve van der Merwe will host a cruise that will feature activities themed around culinary exploration and the culinary traditions of Bermuda.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises will be hosting the ultimate “foodie” cruise, called “Bordeaux and Beyond,” with celebrity favorite Nobu Matsuhisa, known to the world simply as “Nobu.” The famous chef, recognized for his unique Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, will be onboard the Crystal Serenity, where you will be able to taste dishes he has personally prepared. What an amazing opportunity!

While the famous chef is scheduled to be on this particular theme cruise, his culinary presence can always be felt onboard. His world-famous cuisine has been served onboard Crystal since 2003, and he has personally trained all chefs and designed the menus. Nobu also makes yearly ship visits to make sure everything is being done perfectly in his chic specialty restaurants, Silk Road and the Sushi Bar.

In addition to Bordeaux and Beyond, Crystal Cruises also has a number of departures that are part of their Wine & Food Festival. These culinary theme cruises will also include an intimate hands-on cooking class in an onboard kitchen, limited to just 10 to 12 guests, as well as autograph signings of “NOBU’S Vegetarian Cookbook” and “NOBU the Cookbook,” and photo opportunities, where you can have your picture taken with the star chef. Where else could you have this VIP opportunity?

Nobu will also make nightly appearances and mingle with guests at his onboard specialty restaurants. Additionally, there will also be an “Omakase” dinner, with sake-tastings, sake champagne pairings and Japanese hors d’oeuvres, hosted by Sake Master Fumio Hazu, the man behind Nobu’s exclusive Hokusetsu sake, plus explanations of each course.

Oceania Cruises

Bon Appétit magazine to offer their “Bon Appétit Wine & Food Festival” on the Marina. Culinary stars, such as award-winning Chef Ken Oringer, will host these special cruises. Oringer, a the recipient of the highly prized James Beard award for “Best Chef in the Northeast,” is owner of three highly acclaimed Boston restaurants: Clio, Uni and Toro, with Uni selected as “Best Sushi Bar” by Boston Magazine in 2008.

One of Oceania’s “Signature Sailings” is the “Jacques Pépin Cruise” held on the Marina. Jacques Pépin will lead Q&A sessions and demonstrate his cooking techniques in the ship’s “Bon Appétit Culinary Center.” This state-of-the-art hands-on kitchen studio, found only Oceania’s Marina and the Riviera, boasts individual cooking stations for guests to equally participate along with the chef, an exceptional opportunity for any gourmand.

Jacques Pépin, who has served as Oceania Cruises’ executive culinary director for several years, and was personal chef to Charles de Gaulle. He will be available to meet guests onboard in the lovely chic French bistro, Jacques, his namesake restaurant.

Additionally, wine experts and editors will be onboard for these palate-pleasing cruises. Book signings, workshops and other culinary activities provide a broad perspective to the gourmet enthusiast.

Silversea Cruises

Luxury Silversea Cruises is featuring several Relais & Chateaux culinary cruises that will feature its prestigious cooking school, the first and only one at sea. The complimentary program features a special culinary curriculum, which includes hands-on instruction and entertaining events.

Designed exclusively for Silversea by Relais & Châteaux, a series of tantalizing culinary events await you. This unique epicurean program was designed by Chef David Bilsland, Silversea’s culinary trainer, who along with Chef Jacques Thorel, owner of L’Auberge Brettone in France, will host the program.

Witness culinary creativity up close with exciting “Cooking Demonstrations” and “Cooking Competitions,” where you can watch the chefs create their signature dishes, paired with wines selected by the sommelier. Both entertaining and educational, they showcase the very best in culinary techniques.

You can also join a limited group of fellow epicureans at “Lunch & Learn,” an event offering small groups the opportunity to sample a fabulous meal of specially prepared dishes.

At select ports, “Market to the Plate,” presents a unique and memorable experience, when you can accompany the chef with a limited group on a market tour to shop for fresh ingredients which will then be transformed into regional specialties.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

If you are looking to further your culinary interests in a tropical paradise, there is Paul Gauguin Cruises. Sailing year-round in Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific, is The Gauguin, the 5-star ship of Paul Gauguin Cruises. Parisian Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, owner and chef of the two-star Michelen-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris will host a Tahiti and Society Islands culinary theme cruise. While his signature menu is feature on all of the line’s sailings, Vigato will also prepare gourmet dishes and demonstrate his techniques.

Once in a lifetime culinary experiences and epicurean delights await on these gastronomical adventures. Don’t wait to reserve a culinary cruise and bring out that chef within. Eat, drink and savor the world!

To book your amazing Culinary Cruise, visit Cruise.com or contact one of our cruise experts at 888-776-0659.

Alaska – Grandeur and Glaciers

Alaska is one of America’s majestic frontiers offering breathtaking panoramas, spectacular wildlife, and a wide range of activities to enjoy and explore. From the Inside Passage to Alaska's national parks, an Alaska cruise offers an ideal opportunity to take in all that Alaska has to offer.

Alaska is nothing short of grand, Mother Nature at her very best! There is so much to see -- incredible mountains, age-old glaciers and historic gold rush towns, where the excitement of those who came here to strike it rich still fills the air; sky-blue lakes, waterfalls, saltwater fjords and endless evergreen forests. Those fortunate enough, will get to view the spectacular Northern Nights. Alaska is one of the most incredible places on earth, with incomparable sights, such as monumental glaciers calving icebergs into the sea. Glacier Bay is one of the most active and the magnificent twin Sawyer Glaciers form a massive wall which highlights the beauty of the legendary Tracy Arm.

Alaska's Incredible Wildlife

One of the best parts of this beautiful destination is its wildlife. Grizzly bears, caribou, Bald Eagles, Sitka Blacktail deer, moose, Dall sheep, lynx, marmots, fox, puffin, snowshoe hare and wolves call Alaska home. And there is something very special about seeing them, at a respectful distance, in their own environment.

An Alaska cruise is the perfect way to visit these unique ports and get an up-close look at wildlife while being taken in comfort from one breathtaking area to another. See the sights from a private veranda while gliding past snow-capped mountains, Humpback whales frolicking in the water and endless unspoiled wilderness. Cruise past natural wonders so close, it will feel like you can reach out and almost touch them.

Onboard, expert naturalists will offer information to enhance the cruise experience on such topics as geography, history of Alaska's rich culture and diverse local wildlife.

America's Last Frontier

Known as America's "last frontier," Alaska is awe-inspiring. It is no wonder that America’s “49^th state” has attracted adventure seekers for over a century, when gold was discovered here and why so many choose to cruise here now. Visit villages that recreate life as it used to be. Alaska is a perfect selection for cruisers of all ages who want to explore and great for families looking for exciting fun activities, while learning about history. What an adventure for all!

Whale Watching

Many choose an Alaska cruise to see the wildlife and hopefully, the whales. As whales begin their northbound migration to Alaska in February (the southbound trek begins in late October through December), with the cows and calves starting about April and continuing through May, if you visit Alaska between June and early September, there is a better chance of seeing these magnificent creatures.

There are Humpback and Minke whales, Orcas, Pacific White-Sided dolphin, Dall’s and Harbour Porpoises. June and July are the best times to possibly site bubble-netting Humpbacks. Popular whale watching tours take passengers on a small boat to look for whale pods. What an exciting experience! Lucky guests will spot the whales right from deck or their private balconies.

Exciting Excursions

Flight-see over ice blue glaciers, pan for gold, view majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, or visit the Alaska Raptor Center. Other Alaska excursions include kayaking, dog-sledding, mountain hiking, river rafting, salmon fishing, bird-watching, and many other incredible experiences. Alaska visitors can zipline through the treetops, soar over the horizon in a floatplane, see authentic totem poles, ride an enclosed tramway gondola for breathtaking views, tour an authentic gold mine, or partake in a genuine salmon bake. Alaska CruiseTours offer the opportunity to visit Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. Experience one of the most beautiful regions in the world, right here in America -- Alaska!

Alaska Cruise Tours

To see more of Alaska and its incredible interior, Alaska CruiseTours are the perfect choice. Explore the vast Alaska wilderness from the comfort of an elegant domed railcar. Passengers may choose to extend their vacation by adding a land tour at the beginning or end of their Alaska cruise. These land tours offer the opportunity to experience Denali National Park, home of awe-inspiring Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America. Not only does an Alaska cruise present the opportunity to see nature at its best, with wildlife, glaciers, rainforests, mountains and fjords.

Alaska Port Highlights

Hubbard Glacier:A beautiful area to cruise in, Hubbard Glacier is one of Alaska’s largest tidewater glaciers in North America, moving about two to five feet per hour. Perfect for calving!

Juneau: Alaska's capital, Juneau is home to lush green mountains and the monumental Mendenhall Glacier. Visit Tongass National Forest and the Alaska State Museum for a sense of Eskimo life featuring artifacts including authentic hand-carved totem poles, ivory and kayaks. The Totem Heritage Center features the largest collection of original 19^th-century totem poles in the world. Another great experience is taking Mount Roberts Tramway for a bird’s eye view of the city.

Ketchikan: The ancestral home of the Tlingit people, who carved the largest collection of totem poles in the world. Totem Bight Historical Park, which boasts not only breathtaking water views, but the opportunity to see Native American Totem Poles, which were built to tell stories and commemorate life events, such as births, marriages, anniversaries. Misty Fjords National Monument is here and offers spectacular scenery with fjords soaring as high as 3,000 feet. With mountains shrouded in mists, waterfalls, lake and beautiful evergreen forests, this is truly a magical place.

Haines: Lying in the upper northern reaches of the Inside Passage, Haines is an important access point for the Yukon Territory and Interior Alaska, with breathtaking scenery.

Sitka: Across the water from snowcapped Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, the charming port of Sitka is home to an onion-domed Russian Orthodox cathedral. Also located here is The Alaska Raptor Center is a Bald Eagle rescue to help injured birds, is located in Sitka and offers a great educational experience.

Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers): In the magnificent Tongass National Forest, Tracy Arm offers some of the most stunning views in North America, including the spectacular Twin Sawyer Glaciers. There are also waterfalls and tidewater glaciers along the way. Those fortunate enough, will catch glimpses of the majestic Bald Eagle, a bear, mountain goat or seals lounging on icebergs!

Experience the natural wonders of America’s largest state, Alaska, a pristine masterpiece and one of the most interesting and beautiful places in the world. Explore the rugged Inside Passage and magical Gulf of Alaska from the vantage from the luxurious comfort of a cruise ship. There is no better way to see this majestic land of adventure and natural beauty. Create memories on a cruise of awe-inspiring Alaska that will last a lifetime.

Typically, Alaska cruises are divided into two types, the Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska. The Inside Passage itineraries sail roundtrip from Vancouver or Seattle and range from seven to twelve days. These exciting voyages may include such ports as Juneau, Skagway , Cruise Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan and Victoria, B.C.,Canada. Gulf sailings are usually seven-night one-way itineraries, between Seattle or Vancouver, B.C. to Seward or Whittier, Anchorage's ports, however, there are some longer 10- and 12-night sailings also. These itineraries also include Inside Passage ports, such as Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

To book your amazing Alaska Cruise visit Cruise.com or contact one of our cruise experts at 888-776-0659.

To cruise is to explore, to taste, to learn and to experience the ultimate adventure. A world of opportunities await and Azamara Club Cruises is a shining jewel offering diverse itineraries, unique destinations and smaller, elegant ships that are similar to urban boutique hotels.

Azamara Club Cruises' two ships, the Azamara Journey and the Azamara Quest, each accommodate 694 guests and offer an upscale intimate cruise experience featuring impeccable service, gourmet dining and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their itineraries are designed to provide longer stays in each port to allow travelers to truly immerse themselves in the local culture and to gain a much deeper understanding of the ports that are being visited.

On a cruise your stateroom is your home away from home. It is a place where you should feel comfortable and relaxed. As you enter you stateroom or suite on an Azamara ship you will feel that and so much more. All accommodations feature Egyptian cotton linens, terry bathrobes, daily turndown service and fresh-cut flowers. Suite guests will enjoy the luxury of priority check-in, a sparkling wine and fruit basket, English butler service, en-suite dining from restaurant menus, complimentary specialty restaurant reservations and other amenities to enhance your journey.

Azamara guests will appreciate many amenities including complimentary gratuities, bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees and teas, boutique wines at lunch and dinner as well as complimentary shuttle service to and from ports (where available). Complimentary concierge service ensures graceful and unobtrusive service throughout the voyage. For all guests the highest standard of service ensures a truly remarkable cruise experience.

Dining onboard Azamara is a culinary delight. The gourmet menus include classic favorites combined with regional specialties. Guests can choose to dine in the main restaurant with open seating or in one of Azamara's specialty restaurants, Aqualina, inspired by the cuisine of Italy, or Prime C, serving prime beef and fresh seafood. The wine cellars aboard each of the Azamara ships boast more that 8,000 bottles of limited production, small label and rare vintage wines from all over the world and their knowledgeable sommelier will help you pick the perfect bottle.

What truly sets Azamara Club Cruises apart from other cruise lines is the unique itineraries and the diverse ports of call that they offer. Azamara's ships visit a variety of enticing ports that will intrigue even the most well-traveled and discerning traveler. The Azamara Journey's Caribbean itineraries Including ports such as Virgin Gorda, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and St. Barts. Their South American itineraries include classic ports such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires as well as ports such as Belem, Recife, and Devil's Island.

Azamara Club Cruises is featuring a number of itineraries with free air with the purchase of an ocean view or higher stateroom on select sailings as well as offering complimentary upgrades from ocean view staterooms to veranda cabins on select sailings. To book your amazing Azamara Club Cruise visit Cruise.com or contact one of our experts at 888-776-0659.

It's not too late to book your Christmas/New Year's Holiday at Sea cruise on your choice of exciting cruise ships. Sail away and enjoy the holidays the way you have always dreamed about, where everything is done for you. Imagine a holiday season with no shopping, no cooking and no cleaning, just pampering, excellent cuisine, spas and beautiful, sun-drenched Caribbean islands. Amazing prices are still available at Cruise.com. Holiday cruises are offered by many cruise lines including Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International and many more.

Family Reunions at Sea

A holiday cruise is hassle-free and fun for the entire family and a perfect setting for a family reunion! Everyone can relax and enjoy each other's company while a fabulous holiday meal with all the trimmings is prepared for you. No need to get the spare bedroom ready. Beautiful staterooms and suites await you, many with balconies offering incredible views. Many ships offer adjoining cabins that are perfect for families. Everyone will enjoy the holidays while relaxing and being pampered as the beautiful Caribbean islands and azure blue seas await you.

Dining options on a holiday cruise are varied and offer something for everyone, from casual choices to more formal settings. Flexible dining times ensure that there is no rush and no pressure. Enjoy gourmet cuisine made from the finest and freshest ingredients. The entire family can dine together as a group or individually at their favorite time and in their favorite restaurant. Enjoy delicious cuisine, delectable desserts and fine wine, as well as pizza and burgers. Now this is the way to spend the holiday!

As board your ship the holiday spirit welcomes you with glittering decorations, beautiful Christmas trees, elegant wreaths, sparkling lights and glowing Menorahs. Holiday festivities fill your days and evenings; Santa will surprise the kids. There may even be some carolers. The holiday season is a wonderful time to be on a cruise ship enjoying the warm climate of the sunny Caribbean in a fun, festive atmosphere, full of holiday cheer.

Best of all, there are plenty of things to do onboard for all age groups, so no one will be bored. Everyone can do what they like to do according to their own schedule. Many fun and entertaining activities are offered for children, teens, adults and seniors. This holiday season don't worry about pleasing everyone else as they will be entertained by the many exciting onboard amenities. Guests can be pampered at the top-quality spas, enjoy fabulous shows in the evenings, try a hand in the casino or spend time with friends and family in one of the ship's many lounges. Take in a port lecture or a computer class, work out in the state of the art fitness center, relax at Afternoon Tea or catch up on that great novel that you have been waiting to read. Or, simply choose to do nothing at all. Forget about the malls or endless hours shopping online. Instead you can find unique Christmas gifts while shopping at exciting ports.

A Tropical Christmas Holiday

Each Caribbean island has its own unique culture, so you can learn about history and experience cuisines from around the world, such as French dishes in St. Barths and foods with a British influence in Barbados.

Of course, shopping is one of the highlights of any cruise and in the Caribbean you are sure to find great bargains wherever you go. From jewelry and perfume, to lovely hand-made items, batik and liquors, the Caribbean has something for everyone, many of which are duty-free. What better place to shop for Christmas gifts for loved ones back home?

Sail from the convenient ports of Fort Lauderdale and Miami to some of the romantic Caribbean's most beautiful ports. These exciting Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries may include calls at such tropical and romantic destinations as Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Virgin Gorda, Grand Cayman, St. Barts, San Juan, Cozumel, St. John, Ocho Rios, St. Maarten, St. Croix, Montego Bay and St. Thomas.

The Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations in the world and a favorite of cruise passengers. During the holiday season, the islands are especially beautiful, decorated with colorful, sparkling lights and Christmas trees making a Holiday Cruise even more of a magical experience. The tropical islands of the Caribbean are a haven for snorkeling, diving or simply sunning on the magnificent sun-drenched beaches.

New Year's Eve under the Stars

A Holiday Cruise also lets you enjoy your New Year's Eve to the fullest. Welcome in the New Year by toasting champagne under the sparkling stars at a fun New Year's Eve party. Afterward, don't worry about driving or parking, simply stroll back to your comfortable stateroom or suite.

Leave the crowds, the shopping and the work back home, and get pampered on a fabulous Holiday Cruise and toast in the New Year on deck with loved ones and new found friends. A cruise is the perfect way to welcome the New Year. It probably will be the best Christmas/New Year's holiday ever! Cruise.com is offering incredibly low rates, so you can't afford to stay home this Christmas and New Year!

Part of the joy of traveling to Venice is the beauty of the Lagoon. But, navigating your way into the heart of Venice takes a little know-how.

If you arrive by plane into Venice, it's important to know that Marco Polo Airport is in Mestre. Mestre is part of the mainland and is about 6 miles north of Venice.

From the terminal it's a short taxi ride or a 10-minute walk to the dock where public and private boats depart for the historic center of Venice. There is regular ferry service from early morning until late at night and it takes about an hour to reach the landing area near Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square). Another option is to travel by motoscafo (water taxi), which also leaves from the same dock. These boats normally hold up to 4 people and 4 pieces of luggage. These are modern power boats that take about 25 minutes to reach the city center. Since each additional person, bag and stop costs extra, it is very important to agree on what the cost will be before you board.

Many people do not realize that there is also bus service available as a way to reach Venice. The blue buses will take you fairly quickly (about 20 minutes) and inexpensively to the Piazzale Roma. From the Piazzale Roma, you can then board a vaporetto (water bus) to the landing nearest to your hotel. More specific information on buses and schedules can be found at www.atvo.it.

If you arrive by train into Venice, it is important to know that there are actually two train stations servicing Venice. The closest and most convenient is Stazione Ferroviaria Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia station sits adjacent to the Piazzale Roma and is the most convenient arrival point if coming in by train. Once you are at the Piazzale Roma, you can then board a vaporetto (water bus) to the landing nearest to your hotel. Stazione Ferroviaria Venezio-Mestre is located on the mainland about 7 miles outside of the city.

For the locals and for most travelers visiting Venice, the most convenient was to glide through the lagoon is by vaporetto (water bus). These vaporetti operate several routes throughout both Venice and the outer islands of the lagoon. Landing areas are clearly marked with the name and line number, but always ask before boarding to make sure the boat is going in your direction. There are a number of travel cards available that offer unlimited travel for a set period of time or you can buy individual tickets. This is a great way to rub shoulders with the locals and glide through the beautiful waterways and canals of Venice.

And then, there are the gondolas. About 400 of these beautiful handmade boats still exist, sailing the waters of the Venetian Lagoon. There is no more magical way to see Venice than to glide through her canals with a gondolier at the helm. San Marco (St. Mark's) offers many gondola stations, but sometimes it is better to walk over to San Toma or Santa Sofia. It's important that you and the gondolier agree on the cost before you start, including not only the total cost but the length of the ride and where the gondola will go. Remember, the Grand Canal is grand, but the tiny side canals show you a side of Venice that few other visitors get to enjoy.

There IS an inexpensive way to jump on a gondola, if only for a few minutes. Most tourists are not aware of the two-man gondola ferries (called traghetto) that cross the Grand Canal at specified locations. They may not be as romantic as the longer rides, but they are definitely the cheapest gondola ride in Venice! It’s also the quickest and most practical way to cross from one side of the canal to the other and will save you a lot of walking. Just look for the Traghetto signs located up and down the Grand Canal and be ready to hand your fare to the gondolier when you board. As of this writing, the one-way fare is still less than a dollar.

Unless you are lucky enough to be staying at a hotel with a water door (so that you can be taken directly to the hotel's arrival platform) and can afford the means to get there, get ready for your arrival into Venice by wearing sturdy walking shoes that can handle cobbled streets and making sure that your luggage is also up to the journey, since you will most likely be wheeling it behind you for at least part of the distance. That’s part of the adventure when you arrive in Venice!