Smart Destinations announces its expanded presence in the Hawaii travel market with the launch of the Go Maui TM Card. Following the success of the Go Oahu TM Card, the Go Maui Card is a premium attraction travel pass offering fully pre-paid access to 21 attractions and activities with significant discounts on shopping, dining, and more.

Travelers can purchase the Go Maui Card in 2, 3, 5 or 7 calendar day increments. Once activated, the card grants unlimited access to the included attractions and activities for the number of days purchased. Visitors can use their days any time over a two week period. The card includes fully pre-paid admission to: Prince Kuhio Whale Watch, Molokini Snorkel Cruise, Catamaran Sail, Reefdancer, America’s Cup Sail, Haleakala Bike Ride, a guided Kayak & Snorkel Tour, Maui Golf & Sports Park, Maui Ocean Center, Coral Gardens Snorkel, Hawaii Nature Center, The Sugar Cane Train, Surfing Goat Dairy, Bailey House Museum, Wo Hing Museum, and Baldwin Home. Also included are rental packages at Maui Dive Shop, Maui Surf Clinics Lessons and surfboard rental, Maui Dive Shop boogie board rental, and one luau per customer at Waikapu Village Luau at Maui Tropical Plantation.

The Go Maui Card comes with a color guidebook that includes maps of the island and describes each offer in detail to help travelers plan their Hawaii vacation. Its smartcard-enabled technology eliminates the need for paying with cash or waiting in line at each attraction. With 21 Maui activities, travelers can choose the things they want to do on their vacation while saving money over the cost of tickets purchased directly through individual attractions. There are hundreds of possible travel combinations, making the Go Card ideal for families, business travelers, and more.

Maui (PRWEB)

CruiseDirect.com is considerably below what the competition is charging, and marks the arrival of a major new source of cruise bargains - WCBS Newsradio

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Wasn't it pop-star Huey Lewis who sang "All I want is a couple days off!"? Don't we all? Sometimes life seems like an ongoing rat race with getting the kids to soccer practice and the cat to the vet for her shots, plus a hamper that resembles a volcano spewing a never-ending flow of dirty laundry. A couple days off would be a godsend for most of us.

When you don't have time for even a short three- or four-night cruise, a cruise to nowhere can still fit your schedule. Get Aunt Hilda to keep the kids for just two nights while you and your honey jaunt off into the sunset for a glorious quickie getaway that's refreshing and fun!

What's a Cruise to Nowhere?

Never heard of a cruise to nowhere? This is a wonderful little creation that came about years ago. You board a ship and sail off into the open ocean, leaving your cares behind. It may sound like romantic dribble, but for one to two nights, it's true. Ports including New York, NY; Norfolk, VA; Seattle, WA and Los Angeles, CA host cruises to nowhere on lines including Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Usually lasting no longer than two nights, a cruise to nowhere sails out into the ocean, turns around and comes back to the same port from which it left. If you leave from New York, you'd sail out into the Atlantic Ocean, turn around and return to New York again. What's so exciting about that? It's not the destination... it's the ship!

For example, you can relish in the pampering and attention of spa treatments. Start with an hourlong, full-body massage that gently eliminates away every ounce of stress you've been carrying around since that last meeting at the office. Feel years melt away with delicate facial treatments. From fitness professionals to hairstylists, you'll find everything you need to de-stress.

Las Vegas-style shows, swimming pools, dancing, nightclubs and more are available, so you can kick up your heels. And, of course, there's the food!

Amazing creations from master chefs are put before you from morning to night! Eat in the main dining room and be waited on hand-and-foot or dine at your own schedule in one of the other fabulous restaurants. Every cruise line has something different to offer, so regardless of which ship you choose, you're sure to have an abundance of exceptional food. Want a quick snack? Buffets are open 24 hours a day with everything from scrambled eggs to pizza to ice cream. And, if you insist on being good, you'll even find healthful salads and grilled dishes.

Why Cruise to Nowhere?

When your time is limited, this makes for a great getaway. Available from most major ports, you have the freedom to embark from a city near you. These cruises are usually less crowded than full weekend or weeklong tours, meaning your level of personal attention is even higher than it would normally be. And you simply can't beat the price. Deals become available occasionally that allow you to book an all-inclusive cruise to nowhere for around $150 per person. You couldn't get a decent hotel room for two nights for that price.

When time and money are limited, but you desperately need to break away and recoup, consider a cruise to nowhere. They are fun, affordable and will have you feeling like yourself again in no time flat!

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals on European cruises. copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved

The first thing that comes to my mind when clients ask about Uniworld River Cruises is that they have the best customer service agents in all the cruising industry. That, and the fact that my clients have come back totally exhilerated from their trip wanting to book the next one. I have always told myself that one of these days, I must take time to cruise the world's famous rivers like the Danube or the Nile with Uniworld. After all, they are one of the world's leading river cruise companies!

When Uniworld has a sale, they really go out. This time they are having Guest Appreciation Bonus Days that can save you up to $200 per couple on all 2007 Grand River Cruises, and up to $100 per couple on all 2008 departures. This will be applicable towards all itineraries - Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. You will need to book and deposit by May 31, 2007 to get your Guest Appreciation savings.

It's the perfect time to try out the intimate, boutique-hotel style cruise ships with expertly planned itineraries and custom blended shore excursions. Perfect for just the two of you, or travelling with the family on Uniworld's recently launched family-friendly itineraries.

"Imagine you and your family standing on the beaches of Normandy sharing in the meaningful events that forever changed the world. Imagine the simple pleasures of strolling along the banks of the Seine River enjoying an ice cream, and bringing the classic story of The Hunchback of Notre Dame to life as you pass Quasimodo’s famous bell tower at Notre Dame. IMAGINE…"

Here are sample itineraries with Uniworld:

Castles Along the Rhine Basel to Amsterdam - 9 Days

This tour really lives up to its name with castles, castles and more castles. Gracing the shores of the Rhine are more Medieval castles than in any river valley in the world. The fairytale castles, combined with the breathtaking landscape of rolling carpets of terraced vineyards and old-world towns, create a dreamlike setting so much so that the Rhine became synonymous with the Romantic Movement in the 1800s. Artists, musicians, writers and poets from all over Europe immortalized the Rhine's unadulterated natural beauty in their songs, art, stories and poetry. And even today, the Rhine continues to inspire those who visit, especially Germany’s upper Middle Rhine Valley, approximately 40 miles between Koblenz and Rudesheim, as it is part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. As you travel along the Rhine, each bend and twist affords new surprises that are certain to inspire you the way countless others have been inspired for centuries.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Romantics, history enthusiasts, epicures, and nature and wine lovers will look forward to Medieval little wine towns, quaint half-timbered buildings, enchanted castles, the Lorelei myth, majestic cathedrals, historical cities and, of course, the Romantic Rhine's scenic natural beauty. Prepare to be inspired by the river and the legendary landscape, just as great poets and thinkers were many years ago.

Waterways of the Czars Moscow to St. Petersburg - 14 Days

Follow in the path of Peter the Great, who sailed from Moscow along the Volga River to St. Petersburg approximately 300 years ago on a quest to take Russia from the "Dark Ages" into the "Enlightened Age." While St. Petersburg is a relatively young city compared to Moscow, both cities are rich in beautiful architecture, world-famous museums, and exciting history. From the luminous domes of St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square in Moscow to the complex canals of St. Petersburg, you'll explore two amazing cities at the start and end of your journey. And in between, you'll uncover small towns and medieval villages. Discover the Golden Ring cities during visits to Uglich, Yaroslavl and Goritsy. Marvel at Kizhi Island, famous for its elaborate wooden structures built entirely without nails. Get a taste of the Russian countryside while visiting Mandrogi. Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural treasures of this vast and magnificent nation cruising the Waterways of the Czars.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those with a curiosity about "the sleeping giant" so long closed off to Western tourists. Lovers of fine art and exquisite architecture, and students of history.

OUR CARIBBEAN CRUISE My wife and I just returned from a western Caribbean cruise. We landed in three ports. Following are details of our trip including information about the ship and the ports.

Getting There We traveled Vancouver - Toronto-Miami via Air Canada. This part of the trip was uneventful and went smoothly. The only potential glitch was a US immigration officer that seemed to want to pick a fight. When we didn't respond to his taunts and innuendos he stopped his attempts to engage us and grunted us on.

We stayed at the Airport Hilton. Getting there was the part of the trip that was most poorly organized. We seemed to wait forever in the airport for the Greyhound bus that was to pick us. The Carnival crew that was orchestrating the transfer didn't seem to be anymore knowledgeable as to what was happening than we were.

Our experience at the Hilton was pleasant. We found the people to be helpful. I did speak with one other person whose experience was different. His luggage had not made it through and so he asked the hotel staff for a toothbrush and toiletries. He reports that they were annoyed with his request and were rude to him. He experiences a lot of pain from cancer so he may have been overly sensitive to the responses. We did not see any rudeness or annoyance.

Since we had a few hours before bedtime, we took a taxi out to South Beach and enjoyed the night. The prices there are certainly inflated but we enjoyed ourselves.

The Ship Our cruise was with Carnival cruise lines and we were on the Carnival Victory. We left port at 4 PM and spent the next day at sea. Some things became prominent in my mind that day: (1) This cruise was a party cruise. Entertainment and drinking were the keys. Drinks were pushed on every part of the ship except in the cabin areas. The entertainment was designed to keep people from getting bored and there was entertainment for all ages and likes. There was a karaoke lounge, a lounge with 60's music, a piano lounge, casino with entertainment, lounge with classical music, a disco, outdoor stage with a live band, bingo, trivia games, shows at night with singers, dancers and comedians, dance lessons provided by the cruise director, video games room for the youth, teen disco, gambling contests, singing contests in the karaoke lounge and dancing on the open deck. There were swimming pools and jazzuci tubs. And there was a lot of sun tanning!!! Although drinks were pushed, there was not a lot obvious drunkenness or obnoxious behavior. Only once did I see ships officers breakup a situation and that was a fully clothed sex simulation on the open deck. Alcohol was, I believe, a factor. (2) The ship consisted of many obvious profit centers. I already mentioned the drink pushing. On the price of each drink was added a 15% gratuity so there was incentive for the staff to sell as much as possible. Other profit centers included the casino, bingos, the spa and gift stores. It became obvious that the shore excursions sold on ship provided a kick back to Carnival and these were pushed hard. Also, the Carnival endorsed shops at the ports of call provide a source of revenue for Carnival. Passengers are encouraged to swipe their ship card in these stores. A jewelry store in one of the ports confirmed for me that he pays to Carnival a fee for every passenger that buys from him. Photography appears to be a big profit center. There are photographers are every place and they are in your face a lot. They begin before you even board the ship. Processing takes hours and then the photos are up for display. The photos are not cheap but a lot are sold in the name of memories. (3) Staff. The staff on the ship are truly international. I remember people from Philippines, Indonesia, Romania, Canada, United States, China and other countries that are now escaping my memory. (4) Gratuities. Gratuities are added on at two times. The first is 10 dollars per day per passenger added directly to your account. The bulk of this is for cabin staff but some is for dining room servers and a small portion is for miscellaneous and assistants. There was confusion as to whether or not this gratuity constituted the full salary for the cabin staff. We had been told by staff that this was the case - that if the gratuity was not paid there would be no salary. Other people seemed to have different information. So we are not certain about that. The second gratuity is on the drinks as previously mentioned. There is an expectation that passengers will tip the dining room servers and cabin staff as well - but this is not required.

The time on the ship does not need to be expensive if you don't drink a lot or spend in the gift shops or the other profit centers.

All in all, the time on the ship was fun and relaxing. My wife enjoyed the karaoke (of course, she always does) and was chosen to sing Madonna at the last night entertainment in the main entertainment center.

One interesting outcome of the cruise for us was that we each lost any aches and pains that we previously had. That has caused us to re-evaluate our plans for the future.

We visited three ports of call; each with its own personality and features.

Costa Maya, Mexico. The first noticeable feature of this area as our ship came into dock was the stretching flat coastline with sandy beaches. Behind the coastline was lush green vegetation. The second noticeable feature was a manmade cement encampment that housed commercial establishments. Beer was $9USD per bottle!!! There were conflicting reports as to whether this was constructed by the cruise lines or by the local government. We received both conflicting reports. It did house the shops recommended by the cruise line. It also was fenced off with security guards at the gates. We were advised by people we me in the community outside this area that the local people were not allowed in unless they were going to work.

We did not book a tour on the ship, as was recommended. The tours were heavily pushed on the basis of safety and not being left behind if a tour got back late. The ship would leave without you if you were late and not on a ship booked tour.

We went outside the walls and rented a golf cart for $55USD for the day. Golf carts are allowed to drive on the "streets" and roadways. Four people were allowed per golf cart - otherwise, there was a hefty fine if stopped by the police.

We then spent a wonderful day driving the area. We stopped at different beach areas where Americans and Europeans had purchased the land and build a home and bar. By far, the best was The Women's Center with Susie. Susie made the best margaritas of anyplace in the world and the company was relaxed and fun. As we were leaving her place, our golf cart broke down. Susie quickly telephoned the owners who came out and replaced the cart.

On the way back to the ship, we saw a young alligator on the road. He was small - maybe two feet long. We stopped and then a local came by and picked him up. We then got to hold him before he was taken to water. That was an exciting experience.

There was a commercial flea market in the town. Prices are very negotiable and most of the items seem genuine. This area has an assortment of setups from one table stands to kiosks to bars and food outlets to massage setups. The merchants were openly inviting but not aggressive.I would buy from here before I would buy from the commercial encampment promoted by the cruise line.

I believe we had much more fun doing our own tour than did the people who paid much more money on the ship. Those who went on prearranged go-carts did not go any place we didn't go. There were a few people who traveled some of the way we did but most stayed in the commercial encampment or on ship.

Georgetown, Grand Cayman The second port of call on the cruise was Grand Cayman Islands. So as not to damage the coral reefs, the ships do not dock. They anchor off shore and smaller boats (holding 200 to 300 passengers) transfer the passengers to the island. We arrived on the island shortly after 7 AM so there was little to do except walk around and window shop. Again, we did not book a ship excursion but took our chances on finding excursions once we arrived. Again, we were very happy we did it that way. We hooked up with a private tour. Richard owned the taxi that took us to the boat which he also owned. His wife was doing the marketing onshore and Otis was his employee who took the passengers to Stingray City. There were 10 people on the little speed boat which passed all the large tour boats on the way. Otis was a real "water rat" and in the water with us feeding the stingrays, showing us how to hold then, putting them on our backs and setting up picture taking scenarios. He was an absolute delight. As I glanced at the large tour boats, I saw a lot of bored people. A few of them actually came to join our group and partake in the fun. There was no boredom in our group. After Stingray City, we stopped at the reef for snorkeling. All the necessary equipment was on board the boat. Again Otis had food to draw in the colorful fish. On the way back, Otis detoured to show us homes of famous people (Bill Gates, Sylvester Stalone) - the ship tours did not do this. He also stopped to look at the lizards and even tried to catch one. This trip was well worth one half the price we would have paid for a ship-sponsored excursion.

One benefit of Georgetown was a store that provided free telephone service (5 minutes per person) and free internet service (15 minutes per person). We were able to call our children back in Canada and make sure everything was all right.

Things are expensive in Georgetown. We did very little shopping but did check out the stores. We had two less than happy experiences in Georgetown. The first was that I left my hat at the dock after arriving back from Stingray City. It was a special hat my daughter had given me and I had become quite attached to it. Both Richard and Otis looked for it after being called but it was not to be found. I grieved its loss for the rest of the trip. The second slightly unpleasant experience was in a restaurant where my wife didn't receive her food order and the server became rather snotty about it.

Grand Cayman is a wonderful place and we both look forward to returning. Our memories are so wonderful (except for my hat!!!)

Ocho Rios, Jamaica Our third port of call was Ocho Rios. Again we arrived at 7 AM before any stores opened. And again, we did not book a ship-sponsored excursion.

The merchants, taxi drivers, street vendors - anybody trying to do any business at all - are very pushy. They are aggressive and push to the very edge to try to sell to you. At times the situations can be uncomfortable as the aggressive selling borders on intimidation.

Poverty is everywhere and it is understandable that the people wish to get money when the possibility exists.

After walking around for a while we were approached by a taxi driver that we felt comfortable with. Cedric drove us around for two hours and showed us sights that other passengers did not get to see. He talked about the people, the country, politics, schooling, vegetation and so on. He was a taxi driver who became a very knowledgeable tour guide. At the end of our tour, Cedric took us to a store where we could buy the gifts we wanted to take home and introduced us to the clerk. I was suspicious that this was just another way of him getting more money but at the end of the day after we had checked all the other stores, this one gave us the best prices.

We saw two different markets - one was a commercial flea marker selling trinkets, crafts, t-shirts and the like. This appeared oriented towards the tourists and I saw no locals in there. The second one sold fruits, vegetables and some trinkets. This was for the locals and there were no tourists in there - except us. This was the one time that we let our guard down and approached a potentially dangerous situation. We could have kidnapped or worse and no one would have known.

The one suggestion I have, if you go to Ocho Rios, is to be willing to say "no thanks" a lot and to say it firmly

About the Author - The author, who works in a medical setting, loves to travel. After the recent adventure in the Caribbean, he has decided to dedicate more time to travel and to write about his experiences. He has started a travel blog at http://travel--with--us.blogspot.com.

Onlytahiti.com, and Haumana Cruise Vacation invite Oprah Winfrey to enjoy Honeymoon Cruises In Paradise. The Most Fantastic Cruises In The Most Beautiful Islands In The World.

"We want to share the unique beauty of these islands where we're born, where we grew up. Our passion for our paradise is insatiable." Let's introduce Mehiti Degage who owns Bora Bora Cruise.

"I dreamed of a stylish new cruise, completely different, intimate, nomadic, where the refined design and sleek lines of a yacht embrace the genuine warmth and welcome of our culture, where my guests voyage to the very heart of our islands to share an unique experience that stimulates the senses in a rich, vital, and fragrant manner. The realization of my dreams is just the beginning of yours ..." Mehiti Degage.

Profoundly attached to her country, Tahiti Nui, Mehiti Degage has given herself to her personal ambition to enable the discovery of her country in a manner more authentic and realistic. A daughter of these islands, proud of her surroundings, instilled of a specific philosophy, observant with a worldly open mind and gifted of a very keen sense of style. Mehiti gave birth to Bora Bora Cruises -as the result of a tireless devotion, an endless mountain of research and a desire to never compromise. A perfectionist, she is continually on the look out for new 'itineraries', stimulating ideas, novel experiences and other special details, in order to in turn offer these to her guests, her invitees, her friends.

Purely Polynesian, Bora Bora Cruises is an independent family-styled company, where the priority is quality. A talented team, united and passionate, matches a perfect knowledge of the islands of Tahiti with an open-minded and multi-cultural spirit. All motivated by the same passion:

Nourish the appetite of the very well-travelled and experience hungry.

It is undoubtedly due to the desire to continuously exceed on behalf of their guests that motivates this dynamic company to ensure that each voyage is unique, rare... and genuine.

This entrepreneurial team took on a challenge to imagine a new cruise niche, innovating a concept of 'nomad yachting' characterized with refinement and freedom. A new style of voyage, original, off-the-beaten track, without fixed schedules, constraints, where the traveler lives within their own rhythm and dependent on their mood: breakfast, for example, is served at any morning hour even late on one of the private decks.

The activities and events are generally flexible and the tenders that offer transport to different sites are 'on call' ... The absence of rigid rules does not, by any stretch of the imagination, mean that the operation is disorganized - on the contrary, at Bora Bora Cruises - everything, every detail, is thought out and planned... In this country, resting on magic lagoons, each piece of land is precious and loved by its inhabitants. Each of these islands will seduce you by its peculiarity, its surface, its fragrance, its simple life which will revive in you, in a sense, nostalgia.
Bora Bora: the Supreme island

The island quietly rests under the shadow of the towering Mt. Otemanu and Mt Pahia, most often crown with long white clouds. And while gliding in the lagoon we have a thought for Captain James Cook who briefly visited Pora Pora in 1777 and met Chief Puni the "Terror" who with his warriors distinguished their island by conquering their neighbors on Taha'a, Raiatea, Maupiti and Tupai.

By the time the American soldiers and Seabees made their "friendly invasion" during world war II the island was called Bora Bora

Taha'a : the Orchid Island

Formerly known to the Maohi pioneers as Uporu,the natal home of Hiro, the famous god of thieves in Polynesian mythology, Taha'a is shaped like an hibiscus flower with a scalloped shoreline and deep indented bays. In the words of Captain Cook in 1769 "Taha'a offers two very welcoming natural harbors...the one which is on the front is Haamene (the deepest bay of Polynesia) and the other one's name is Hurepiti;it is quite large and we can easily anchor…"

Taha'a residents earn their living in agriculture, fishing and breeding livestock. The rich, puissant aroma of vanilla perfumes the breeze. Originally introduced a hundred years ago, vanilla plantations have flourished and grown without modern machinery. Generations of family-owned farms harvest this beautiful orchid (vanilla tahitensis) creating an aroma and flavour known and loved by "chefs" around the world.

Raiatea : the Sacred Island

The Polynesian Creation Chants tells of Ta'aroa, the Supreme God who broke out of his shell and created all things. By Ta'aroa incantation Havai'I came to exist. It was the birth place of land, the birthplace of gods, the birthplace of kings and the birthplace of man. And it was to Havai'I that the souls of the dead must return.

This holy island became the cradle of Royalty and religion as well as the center of the center of Polynesian Maohi Culture, History and Heraldry.

The sacred passage of Te-Ava-Moa at Opoa offered frequent scenes of grandeur as great double canoes sailed into the lagoons, streaming long pennants from many islands kingdoms as faraway as Rurutu, Tonga and New Zealand.

High abvove,hidden by the morning mist, the celebrated and magnificent Temehani-rahi plateau rises in formidable walls of basalt. Near the summit lives the "Tiare Apetahi" flower; so rare is this flower, it can be grown no place else on earth. Each morning as the sun reaches the mist covered mountain peaks, the gentle petals open with a slight crackling sound.

Huahine: the Island of bards

Huahine is actually formed of two islands: Huahine Nui, the great island of the North and Huahine Iti the little island in the South united in a beautiful strait by a narrow submarine isthmus. Legend claims this isthmus was formed when it was cut apart by the canoe of Hiro.

The historic village of Maeva, built alongside the lake Fauna Nui, is a sort of open-air museum,where restored Tahitian "marae" temples, prehistoric villages and stone fish wiers lend archaeological clues to civilization that existed back to AD 850,and whose proud descendants now reside in this formerly royal village.While off-shore islets called "motu" lie inside the reef, providing efficient gardens for Huahine's watermelon and cantaloupe industry.

A birthplace and home to many famous writers, poets, artists and singers, Huahine's world of land, sea and fable is a world where dreams meet reality.

A tip: if you plan to visit our islands these cruises have the best values when you consider visiting several islands with 5 star accommodations, activities, picnic, all meals compared to local flights between 4 islands, hotels in 4 islands without meals...and you visit each island and see the islands from the sea.

Watch our selection of extraordinary videos that transport you in our heavenly islands and The BillabongPro Surf Competition 2007 in Teahupoo also.

Onlytahiti.com provides Live news from Tahiti updated twice a day, win a 3-day, a 4-day or a 7-day cruise in Tahiti offered to Las Vegas marathon participants also. If you had booked or know someone that booked a trip to Tahiti between July 2006 and April 2007 encouraged by OnlyTahiti.com promotion campaign, contact us, you are entitled to a Las Vegas getaway voucher. Tahiti and its islands have a website in your neighborhood.

Papeete-Tahiti (PRWEB) May 7, 2007

Apartment Rentals are gaining in popularity for cruise travellers looking to extend their stay at the port before or after their cruise. Why stay in a hotel room, when you can have a luxury apartment for almost the same price? Especially when suites like these are available for rental:

Apartment Escapes has beautiful studios, lofts and up to three bedroom suites available starting at just $175.00 per night! Their units come fully furnished with fresh sheets and towels, with many offering daily maid service and other ammentities you will not find at local hotels. It's a perfect choice whether it's just the two of you travelling or with the family.

So, if you are planning on extending your cruise holiday in New York City, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, Paris, London, Miami, Los Angeles and Boston, let Apartment Escapes help you escape the hotel blues.

AirPet Hotel, a kennel and daycare facility for pets will be opening in May near the Sea-Tac airport. Located at 19111 Des Moines Memorial Way, this new facility is within five minutes of the airport. A convenience for travelers with pets, unnecessary trips, rushing around, or waiting for a kennel to open will be a thing of the past.

AirPet Hotel is a welcomed addition to the port of Sea-Tac. The concept of being accessible to customers 24-7, offering daycare to dogs, feeding them on their own schedule, or providing medication as directed are all part of the inclusive service at no extra charge. Pets will have round-the-clock care as there is always someone on the premise. At the same time owners are on vacation, their dogs are also on vacation.

While AirPet is new to the area, it is an established business at Portland International Airport. During the infancy of their operation and first year of business, convenience, service, and personal attention to detail has awarded them the "Best Doggy Dash" by Willamette Week, an award-winning weekly newspaper in Portland, Oregon.

This service to excellence will now be available in the area seven days a week. Regular telephone hours are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, however, check-in and check-out are allowed at any time with prior arrangement. Chong Jones, co-owner, emphasizes that, "AirPet is different from other kennels by providing more than a place for your pets to sleep. They have daycare and are not cooped up or let out for just potty runs. Owners have the convenience of saving time and needless trips since the kennel is located just a few minutes from airport parking and the terminal. This is a unique feature of AirPet."

Feedback from customers allows AirPet to be aware of the things they are doing well. Andrea Edinger, a regular and long-time customer, has told us, "I love the fact that when I get off a flight, I can go immediately to AirPet and see my precious Bruno. I get so excited when I see that he is happy to see me. I once took him to a regular dog kennel and he ignored me for a couple of days. You would think that he was saying, 'How could you leave me there?' There's no waiting. I can drop him off or pick him up at any time."

Consistency to care and service is supervised by Lisa Townley, General Manager and a recent graduate of Oregon State in Animal Science. Lisa decided to come to AirPet after having her own dog spend some time with us. "It's really a great opportunity to work in such a unique environment. I love being able to provide convenience and peace of mind for owners while they're away. I especially love that the dogs are so excited to return to stay with us. The dogs being happy to come back lets me know that we're doing a good job," Townley said.

Geoff Wittreich, co-owner of AirPet, adds, "It has been a pleasure to see an owner's face light up when they connect with their pet after a vacation. I enjoy serving Portland. A pet is not just a pet, they are considered family."

AirPet can be contacted at info@airpethotel.com should you have questions, would like to schedule a visit, or make a reservation.

PRWeb.com

If it's any indication on their website, Royal Caribbean's summer deals have come and gone. Since sunny destinations such as Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico are very popular cruise destination spots for families, we most likely we will see any more last minute deals for sailings between June to August. Alaska sailings might prove to be different, and we could possibly see price drops for specific dates in the near future.

If you are shopping for a Royal Caribbean cruise deal today, hot rates are popping up for fall and winter sailings. This is just some of the destinations advertised on their website:

6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Ship Name: Radiance Of The Seas
Departure Port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2008 Date(s): Jan 13 , Jan 27 , Feb 10 , Feb 24

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Ship Name: Mariner Of The Seas
Departure Port: Port Canaveral, Florida
Ports of Call: Port Canaveral, Florida; Cococay, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Port Canaveral, Florida
2007 Date(s): Sep 16 , Nov 25

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Ship Name: Freedom Of The Seas
Departure Port: Miami, Florida
Ports of Call: Miami, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Miami, Florida
2007 Date(s): Oct 07 , Nov 18

7 Night Greek Isles Cruise
Ship Name: Splendour Of The Seas
Departure Port: Venice, Italy
Ports of Call: Venice, Italy; Mykonos, Greece; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Katakolon, Greece; Corfu, Greece; Split, Croatia; Venice, Italy
2007 Date(s): Nov 03 , Nov 17

7 Night Mediterranean Cruise
Ship Name: Voyager Of The Seas
Departure Port: Barcelona, Spain
Ports of Call: Barcelona, Spain; Villefranche (Nice), France; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Naples, Capri, Italy; Palermo (Sicily), Italy; Barcelona, Spain
2007 Date(s): Nov 03 , Nov 10

To get the current rates, visit Royal Caribbean's Hot Deal page.

Common sense will sail you through even in a fairy-tale cruise. Be it your honeymoon or a holiday you must remember certain things to safeguard both your valuables and you.

Vacation cruise Terms and conditions

These usually imply that the cruise cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by you during the journey and is not liable to compensate for any damaged or lost items. You would be asked to sign this waiver before the onset of your cruise journey. The sole responsibility is yours, so you must be cautious.

Why you would not risk anything to be stolen

It is laborious and legally hassling to investigate the theft and pursue the culprit. The red-tapeism involves three complicated and totally different legal procedures for any action to be taken. Most people would not even bother to try. Plus, you may never identify the thief who happens to carry your stolen goods in his suitcase. Hence you must be careful and take the needed precautions that includes:

Make a list of all the items you would carry in your suitcase. Leave that list behind. Carrying it onboard would only assist in making the job easier for the thief.

Your credit card and bank account numbers must be noted and kept separately. Also ensure that you carry all the phone numbers of your banks or other financial organizations to report any loss or theft of a credit card and get it blocked to prevent any misuse.

Cruise ship safety

While on board you must take certain necessary precautions:

It is always wise to keep your money and valuables in a safe rather then in your cabin. There is a provision of a safe in all cruise ship. Your cabin is likely to be insecure as unlike the hotels there is a lesser frequency of changing the locks of your room on the ship.

If at all you carry wallets then never keep them in your back pockets as they can be easily stolen. Instead it is safer to keep your money in a waist pouch and wear it like a belt under your clothes. This would solve the twin hassle of your money being snatched or you leaving it on the ship somewhere that you cannot recall. Be inconspicuous when handling money. Do not attract unnecessary attraction regarding the amount of cash you are carrying.

Select a modest looking suitcase while taking a cruise. Expensive leather will be like a green signal for a professional thief.

Travel tour Keeping these precautionary measures in mind will make your travelling comfortable and safe. Whether your vacation is on a cruise or a land excursion, these guidelines are simple to follow and will assure a pleasant holiday. However, you must start planning your tour well in advance to avoid last minute hassles.

About the Author
Concentrating on the topic of Alicante, Vince Paxton is publishing largely for http://www.alicante-spain.com . You might come across his comments on Murcia on his site.

The Mediterranean - Of tall ships, tall tales and the european splendor. That's exactly what you'll get when you cruise the Med on Star Clippers. Cruise in casual elegance, relaxed atmosphere, pampered comfort, or even lend a hand in hoisting the sails if you are a boating enthusiast! It’s as if you had your own chartered yacht and could sail anywhere you wanted, except they do all the work for you while you laze in the pool.

"Discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are combined with the modern comforts and amenities of the present."

The Star Clippers fleet is comprised of 3 magnificent tall ships:

"For connoisseurs of sail cruising, the 439 foot Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities and accommodations of the finest modern yachts. Royal Clipper carries just 227 guests in luxurious style.

A full 18,940 square feet of open deck and three swimming pools create a wonderfully spacious and expansive outdoor environment. Find your secret hideaway on one of the hidden balconies on either side of the bow.

Climb the mast (with safety harness provided) to one of the passenger look-out ‘crow’s-nests’, thoughtfully furnished with comfortable settee, where you’ll have the grandest view of all! Royal Clipper’s interior spaces are just as dazzling. They include a 3-deck atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly-appointed dining room, where you'll enjoy deliciously prepared cuisine and a no-tie dress code.

A convenient marina platform lowers from the stern for watersports and diving. The ultimate unique Royal Clipper experience, the one-of-a-kind Captain Nemo Lounge, is the site of our spa and health club, which features underwater glass portholes!" - Source Starclippers.com

2007 - 2008 Calendar

"Star Clipper and her sister ship Star Flyer are as fleet as the wind and as graceful as swans. These are true clipper ships, reflecting their proud heritage in every inch of polished brass and gleaming brightwork.

Star Clipper and Star Flyer are both 360 feet long and each carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort. Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like travelling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel confined, as each ship offers pleasingly spacious accommodation and expansive teak decks with ample space for relaxing and play. In fact, you’ll find that these ships offer more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships.

The décor of Star Clipper and Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please the eye, while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly reminiscent of Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage.

Enjoy our convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, and Edwardian style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers’ hospitable officers and crew." - - Source Starclippers.com

Star Clipper 2007 - 2008 Calendar, Star Flyer 2007 - 2008 Calendar

As these magnificent tall ships prepare for the cruise season in the Med starting in April, you can just but wonder the opulent elegance of spending your vacation on tucked away and exclusive ports such as Mali Lusinj in Croatia, Lipari - Aeolian Islands in Italy, or the popular St Tropez in France. These are such beautiful ports filled brimming with history and culture, and what makes sailing with Star Clippers such a unique experience!

"Where white-washed churches point tilted Greek crosses heavenward in skies of brilliant blue, while sun worshippers bask on the beaches under Helios’ golden gaze. Twisting cobblestone alleyways lead to tavernas where octopus salad and ouzo are in order. Ancient Minoan palaces and medieval fortresses whisper tales of pagan rites and knightly rituals....

In sun-baked plazas, churches hide treasures of medieval art and the gnarled roots of olive trees coil around crumbling tombs, bespeaking of ancient civilizations. The faces of the Western Mediterranean are wreathed in smiles. This is the land of sunshine and dreamy summer afternoons, where the days never end and the nights are cooled by breezes perfumed with sage, rosemary and thyme. The taste of sweet green olive oil and fresh ripe tomatoes, the sound of carefree children laughing on sun drenched beaches, the sight of myriad yachts at anchor in picturesque harbors, the stories told by crumbling walls and ancient ruins, these are but a few of sights and scenes of the Western Mediterranean that have drawn travelers through the centuries since time began.

The Croatian Coast .... might be the Mediterranean’s last unsung paradise. Put yourself in a magical place of ancient Roman ruins, idyllic ports and myth-making islands lost in time. Where tall cypresses, olive groves and hilltop villages remind you of Italian hill towns. Where dancing waters are dotted by white sails and thousands of islands spill like green jewels over the sea. And more precious treasures abound in medieval walled cities that have miraculously survived through centuries of attack and siege.

The world you'll discover is ... unlike the one you’ll find on a cruise ship."

If "I Love Lucy" were to meet "ER" on "The Love Boat" the result would be something like Candy Calvert's new mystery series, which has received rave reviews for its premier novel, "Dressed to Keel" (ISBN 978-0738708799, Midnight Ink, 2006). This quirky series is a lively departure from Calvert's literary debut - her inspirational true story, "By Accident," which appears in the New York Times bestseller "Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul."

Calvert's new "Darcy Cavanaugh Mystery Series" is a funny and romantic cruise-ship based series of adventures featuring a young, feisty redheaded nurse who inadvertently gets involved in mayhem at sea. "Dressed to Keel" introduces the series' heroine, 31-year-old Darcy Cavanaugh, who jumps aboard a glitzy New England cruise for some much needed time away to recuperate from a failed romance, and job burnout.

Instead of rest and relaxation, this "underdog" crusader quickly finds herself caught up in a madcap drama of theft, murder and unexpected romance. When her best friend, Marie Whitley, the wise-cracking shipboard nurse, is accused of jewel theft and murder, Darcy is determined to prove her innocence and turns her suspicions on to the handsome shipboard "dance host," coincidentally seen schmoozing each of the elderly female victims.

"I love writing about women who must summon strength despite self-doubt and vulnerabilities; it allows great opportunity for growth," says Calvert. Darcy reflects the dreams and desires of many 30-something women today; she's strong, independent and perfectly capable of standing on her own, but still hopes that "happily ever after" might be in her future as well.

"Dressed to Keel" sustains readers with fast pace, snappy dialogue and plenty of humor and romance to break up the suspenseful moments. Offbeat and amusing characters raise the entertainment factor, and mystery buffs will appreciate the challenging clues and surprises that Calvert spills along the way.

Fans of "Dressed to Keel" who are craving more of Calvert's writing, can catch her recently-released second "Darcy Cavanaugh Mystery Series" novel entitled, "Aye Do or Die," about a wacky wedding cruise. "Mai Tai to Murder," the third installment set in the Caribbean, is due out in September, 07.

Boerne, TX (PRWEB) April 30, 2007