Most of us know the British island group in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Argentina as the Falklands, but they are called Islas Malvinas by the Argentinians. Many of us remember the 1982 war between Great Britain and Argentina over these islands. Be careful which name you use--the Spanish name is considered offensive by those who live in the Falklands, but both names are used on maps and in dictionaries.

Today the Falklands are administered by Great Britain, which is as the residents desire. They are a fascinating place to visit, filled with friendly people and thousands (millions?) of penguins. We spent two fascinating days in the Falkland Islands while on our Hanseatic cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina to Antarctica. We went ashore from the Hanseatic on New Island, Carcass Island, and in the capital city of Port Stanley. We saw many interesting species of birds, including three kinds of penguins--rockhopper, Magellanic, and gentoo.

Things to Do and See in the Falklands

The Falklands (c) Linda Garrison

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Falkland Islands - South America and Antarctica Cruise Port of Call originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 08:04:28.

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Puerto Rico is a diverse Caribbean island about the size of Connecticut. The island is covered with historical sites, mountains and rain forests, and is circled by mangrove swamps and beautiful beaches.

Many cruise ships sailing the eastern Caribbean either embark, disembark, or stopover in San Juan, and the cruise ship pier is conveniently located in the picturesque old town.

San Juan Photo Gallery

Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

More on Puerto Rico from the About.com Guide to Puerto Rico

San Juan Photo (c) Linda Garrison

San Juan, Puerto Rico - Caribbean Port of San Juan originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 08:03:25.

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Like the United States, Australia is a huge country, but it's also a small continent. I travel frequently and always enjoy meeting the gregarious Australians, who seem to often venture outside their island continent to explore the rest of the world, despite the long distances they must travel. However, their own country Australia is an amazing place itself, filled with diverse landscape and animals seen nowhere else in the world. Where else can you find koalas, emus, wombats, kangaroos, and wallabies?

Early next year, passengers sailing aboard Silversea Cruises first-ever voyage to completely circumnavigate Australia will have an opportunity to experience much of this fascinating country/continent and to meet the friendly Australians who revel in showing their magnificent country to travelers.

The Silversea Silver Shadow will sail on a 30-day, Sydney-to-Sydney Voyage 3102. From January 19 to February 18, the 382-guest, ultra-luxury ship will follow a counterclockwise course around the vast island continent with calls in Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Darwin, Broome, Exmouth, Perth, Albany, Port Lincoln, Adelaide, Geelong, Melbourne and Hobart (Tasmania).

Read more...

Great Way to See Australia - Circle the Continent on a Luxury Cruise Ship! originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 15:53:00.

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Isn't Alaska amazing?

Kayaking was just one of the fun activities on our 7-day Alaska cruise on the small ship the Mist Cove.

More Alaska Photos from Mist Cove Cruise

Alaska Kayaking Photo Courtesy of The Boat Company

Kayaking in Alaska near Sumdum Glacier from the M/V Mist Cove originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 08:10:53.

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Gibraltar has long played an important role in history. Its strategic position at the narrow entrance to the Mediterranean has made Gibraltar the envy of many invaders through the centuries who sought possession of the tiny peninsula with the big rock. Next door Spain ruled Gibraltar for over 242 years until it was transferred to Great Britain in 1713. Gibraltar has remained strongly British since that day.

Many cruise ships call on Gibraltar for the day on cruises between the Mediterranean and northern Europe. With a day in port, visitors can visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar, tour St. Michael's Cave, and learn about the important role Gibraltar has played in the history of the world.

A Day in Gibraltar

Gibraltar Photo (c) Linda Garrison

A Day in Gibraltar originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 08:55:47.

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Buenos Aires and Argentina are fascinating cruise travel destinations, filled with excitement. There are even tango dancers on (almost) every corner. Buenos Aires is the most popular port of call in South America. Cruise ships often sail up the river to Buenos Aires on itineraries from Rio de Janeiro, around Cape Horn to Valparaiso, or as a starting point for cruises to the Falkland Islands and Antarctica.

Although there is much to do and see in Buenos Aires, a day trip to a nearby Argentine ranch or a short flight to famous Iguazu Falls are also great options for things to do in and around Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires (c) Linda Garrison

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Buenos Aires - Exciting South American City and Cruise Ship Port of Call originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 08:14:54.

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Just admit it -- many of us adore our pets as much as we do other family members, and we would love to share our cruise vacation with our pet. However, when it comes to taking a cruise vacation, your beloved animal should stay at home. Cruise ships cannot accommodate pets for two simple reasons. Pets have to have somewhere to sleep, exercise, and (most importantly) relieve themselves. In addition, cruise ships always sail to ports in more than one country. Many of these countries have strict quarantine and entry requirements for any animals entering the country.

If you insist on taking your pet along, the Cunard Queen Mary 2 can accommodate some pets, but many restrictions apply. For example, the pet has to stay in the onboard kennel area (not your cabin), and the cruise fare is not cheap.

One other thing. As much as your dog or cat loves being with you, they probably do not like strange environments. Can you imagine how stressful cruise travel might be for a pet who doesn't understand it is supposed to be fun?

Can I Take a Pet on My Cruise Vacation?

What do you think about cruising with your pet? Take our cruises poll, and/or add a comment below.

Cruises Poll: Would you like to take your pet on a cruise?

• No, they are better off staying at home in a kennel
• Yes, even if they have to stay in an onboard kennel
• Yes, but only if they could stay in my cabin
• Yes, but not if the cost was too high
• View Results

Can I Take a Pet on My Cruise Vacation? originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at 09:14:16.

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The 2400-passenger Norwegian Gem is the 6th and final ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) Jewel class, and the 13th ship in the NCL fleet. It resembles the Norwegian Pearl, which was launched in 2006. Ten of NCL's ships have been built since 1999, and this summer the cruise line introduced its largest ship, the Norwegian Epic.

Launched in October 2007, the Norwegian Gem capitalizes on NCL's Freestyle Cruising concept, which was first introduced to the cruising public in May 2000.

Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship - Tour and Overview of the NCL Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem Photo Courtesy of NCL

Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship - Tour and Overview of the NCL Norwegian Gem originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 08:45:06.

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Cannes is the home of beautiful beaches and beautiful people seeking sun and fun on the French Riviera. In addition to beach fun, cruise ship passengers also love strolling down the Boulevard de la Croissette in Cannes, sitting in a sunny cafe, or exploring some of the nearby villages or cities on the Riviera such as St. Paul de Vence, Eze, or Monte Carlo.

Cannes Photo Gallery

Cannes (c) Linda Garrison

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Cannes - Fun and Sun on the French Riviera originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 08:46:46.

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The Silver Wind is one of a fleet of six small luxury ships of Silversea Cruises. The ship is filled with elegant spaces, large suites, delightful cuisine, and excellent service.

I sailed on the Silver Wind on a wonderful voyage from Cape Town along the coast of Africa northward to Tanzania. On this cruise, we marveled at wild animals, explored previously unknown (to me) cities, and enjoyed the company of interesting cruise mates. These memories were captured while enjoying the elegant, yet comfortable atmosphere of this excellent small ship the Silver Wind.

Silversea Silver Wind Cruise Ship Profile and Tour

More on the Silversea Silver Wind - Photo Galleries

• Silver Wind Common Areas
• Silver Wind Dining
• Silver Wind Exterior Views
• Silver Wind Lounges and Bars
• Silver Wind Suites

Silversea Silver Wind at Anchor at Nosy Be, Madagascar (c) Linda Garrison

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Silversea Silver Wind Cruise Ship Profile and Tour originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Thursday, August 26th, 2010 at 08:03:49.

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