Would you go on a cruise ship that holds over 6,000 passengers? Wow, that is alot of people in a confined space of 1184 feet and sixteen decks. Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is a cruise ship of gargantuan proportions featuring seven distinct nieghborhoods and departs out of Fort Lauderdale. Yes, you heard it right, neighborhoods. Sounds like living in the burbs. The Allure of the Sea, its sister ship, will debut in 2010 with a capacity of over 5,000.

Disney will be releasing into service in 2011 its third ship called The Dream that will accommodate over 4,000 passengers departing out of Port Canaveral. It will feature the first water coaster at sea, called "The Aquaduck" and will have a 9 hole mini-golf course. The adult-only Quiet Cove Pool will include a swim up bar and a series of connecting pools with hot tubs for adults & families. Has your interest peaked with those little or should I say huge tidbits of information?

I have been on cruises with over 2,000 passengers and crowds have never been a problem until the last day when departing the ship, but over 6,000 passengers? Although, considering I have been to some sporting events with 60,000 to 70,000 spectators, 6,000 or 4,000 doesn't sound like alot and again the crowds were no problem until exiting at the end.

However you may answer the proposed question at the beginning of this article many will say yes or cruise lines would not be building bigger ships. The fact of the matter is cruising has become very popular and Charleston is on the list of cruise ports.

Carnival's Fantasy has made Charleston its home and is now sailing year-round from our beautiful port offering a variety of 5 to 7 night Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean cruises. Fantasy has been fully refurbished and ships capacity is over 2,000. Quite modest in comparison to 6,000, but emphasis is still on non-stop fun and excitement. Check out Fantasy's itineraries with destinations including Freeport, Nassau, Grand Turk, and Carnival Cruise Lines' own private island paradise, Half Moon Cay. Take a 360 degree virtual tour of the ship.

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on blog Vacation Rick. Check out all the articles on things to do and things to see in Charleston.-Vacation Rick Travel

If you are looking for an unusual place to vacation and checking out accommodations think Long Beach, CA and the Queen Mary. This is a cruise ship that never leaves port, so you don't have to worry about getting sea sick. The reason, this vintage ship has been permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967 and was turned into a floating hotel. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In World War II it was called the "Grey Ghost" and Winston Churchhill stayed on board.

The Queen Mary has 314 staterooms that have been converted into modern guestrooms, but if you want to experience a bit of the past glory of the ship there are suites that retain their original Art Deco ambiance. There are six different award winning restaurants, cafes, and bars on board with views of the ocean and city skyline. The Sir Winston, a five star restaurant, is known for great service and creative cuisine. The Observation Bar is a Southern California landmark with lively entertainment. The Grand Salon, the ship's original first-class dining room, has a special Sunday Brunch. Tibbies Cabaret offers delicious cuisine along with a critically-acclaimed, "Broadway-Cabaret" style show.

Ship attractions include historical tours, and for some scary fun, ghost tours, because the ship has a haunting dark side to its past. Haunted Encounters Tour takes you on a guided tour of the ship's most haunted areas while the tour guide reveals the stories of the Queen Mary's most famous reported ghosts. Queen Mary also has a interactive special effects show called Ghosts & Legends featuring spooky animations of the ship's haunted past. Increase the mystery and fun by taking the nighttime tours.

Since you can leave the ship at your leisure take time and explore the city of Long Beach with its many attractions. Aquarium of the Pacific, Downtown Shoreline Marina and Village, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor are featured places to explore with entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. Long Beach is a bicycle friendly city where you and your family can explore the waterfront and city by bike. Check out Bike Long Beach for biking fun. Upcoming events of notice include the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which takes place April 16-18, 2010. The 15th Annual All Toyotafest is scheduled for May 8, 2010. The Queen Mary Park will be packed with over 370+ Toyota products (including Scion and Lexus). Featured vehicles include- modified, restored, hybrid, and all-original Toyota products.

Long Beach Airport ranked in the top five for lowest average domestic air fares in the nation. So, hop on a jet at your local airport and take off to Long Beach and experience the Queen Mary. Queen Mary can be found at 1126 Queen's Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802.-Vacation Rick Travel for travel information.

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on blog Vacation Rick.

I got a request to write about the Greek Islands. I have chosen Santorini, a small, circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea. Santorini has an explosive past being the most active volcanic center in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. What is left of it after the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history around 3,600 years ago is impressive.

Today it is a beautiful water filled caldera surrounded by 980 foot high steep cliffs on three sides. The water in the center of the lagoon is nearly 1,300 feet deep. The views are spectacular from any vantage point. Santorini's primary industry is tourism. The summer months are most popular. Due to the expansion of tourism, the island has gained great wealth and population. Only a picture can describe the beauty and wonder of Santorini.

There are many beautiful resorts, luxury hotels, and spa hotels to choose from with dramatic views and miles of dark sandy or pebbled beaches to enjoy. It is also visited by cruise ships traveling through the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Islands. You can go to this cruise link to check out and select those cruises with Santorini in its itinerary. Vacation Rick Travel

Pictures-Village on the cliffs overlooking the caldera and The Majestic Hotel.

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick