Winter months usually bring a halt to outdoor activities for many people.  The after Christmas season with those extra pounds gained should encourage us to get physical.  Some will find themselves snuggling deep down into the pillows and throws warming up by fireplaces and wishing for spring to hurry itself along.  Other’s doze while gazing into the fire reminiscing of their last cruise vacation reveling in the memories of blue skies, azure oceans, and warm sunshine!

You don’t have to sit around this January or February waiting until the snow melts to go back and experience those memories.  In fact the Carnival cruise line with its twenty member fleet of “fun” ships are sailing now from southern and eastern United States ports to the sunny Bahamas, Mexico, and across the Caribbean.  Although all Carnival ships have the trade mark winged smokestacks, each ship is unique in the family of Carnival.  The new Carnival Miracle sailing from Jacksonville, Florida signifies the upgrading and multi-billion dollar renovation detailing an array of new and expanded facilities.  This includes a wedding chapel, indoor and outdoor promenades, spa facilities and expanded children’s area, as well as dramatic interiors and 16 new themed lounges with bars.  The well decorated interiors were inspired by famous fictional characters of film, music, literary giants, and theatrical stars.  What more could you want than to start the new year off with a cruise on a ship named Miracle?

Where do I sign up for a winter cruise?  Your travel agent or online search at www.carnival.com can put you in touch with travel dates, itineraries, costs, shore excursion decisions, and many other related cruise issues.  Carnival has planning agents designated to assist online with questions and budgets.  For extra information on cruise lines and their daily news releases visit their website at www.carnival.com.   Family cruises are more popular than ever before.  Your travel agent can help arrange with Carnival for any level of cruise experience desired.  With over 450,000 children cruising alongside their parents in 2004, expect even more families to set sail in 2005.  Shore excursions have even been updated to include activities for teens only, family group activities, or if you’re not traveling with children; enjoy spending your excursion snorkeling with sting rays, climbing through Mayan ruins, or jet boat speeding across to a romantic Cay for a few quiet hours.

Hungry?  Carnival has updated and improved its customer service to include health conscious cuisine, low carb alternatives, and dedicated 24 hour room service with a host of freshly made items to choose from.  You’re experience on a Carnival cruise ship is an adventure in its own.  With each ship in the family, there are dining levels and experiences including a reservation only dinner club.  Guests can still choose from New York style deli, 24 hour pizzerias, meat carving and pasta stations along with full breakfast and lunch buffets.

While choosing your cruise, keep in mind the fabulous entertainment options featured.  Will you need evening wear for some of the clubs and dinners?  Did you remember to pack your dancing shoes?  Entertainment whether provided by the elaborate lounges and clubs or provided by you (exercise, walking, sunbathing poolside) will abound plenty while on board.  Your main concern is how to schedule your time squeezing every ounce of enjoyment out of this winter vacation.  To get you up and going into the mood of taking on a winter cruise check out www.cruise-news.com and www.cruisenewsdaily.com.   These in depth cruise sites will be sure to get your juices flowing while you explore cruise options and news events.

Well, I’m certainly ready to head further south on vacation.  I’d like to tackle snorkeling with the sting rays and enjoy being pampered for awhile.  Maybe I’ll sail on Miracle for the upcoming Super Bowl in Jacksonville on February 6, 2005.  Miracle will be serving as a “floating hotel” docked on the St. James River from February 2-7, 2005 (reservations call:  1-800-CARNIVAL).  After the super bowl game, then I’ll swim with the sting rays.   Maybe I’ll see you around Miracle in Jacksonville, or snorkeling with the rays.  Happy Traveling!