Cruise Headlines

Crystal's Caribbean Jazz Cruise Serves Up Hot Brass and Cool Blues

2007-06-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

From solo piano performances to trios, quartets and full seven-piece bands, the many sounds and styles of jazz will take center stage aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony's December Jazz theme cruise. As the ship embarks from Miami on this seven-day voyage through the Caribbean, the entertainment lineup features noted jazz performers and five times its usual complement of musicians. Also on board will be noted jazz historian, professor, author and Grammy Award-nominated producer Dr. Robert G. O'Meally.

From December 1 - 8, 2007, Crystal Symphony will call upon Key West, Florida; Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize. Nightly jazz performances will occur throughout the ship, including intimate venues such as the Avenue Saloon that especially lend themselves to the sultry moods and sounds of jazz. A gala jazz brunch will also offer guests an inviting musical backdrop for creative cuisine, conviviality and conversation.

"Whether you are a jazz enthusiast or an appreciative listener interested in learning more about this ever-evolving American musical tradition, Crystal's roster of inspired musicians and noted experts has designed a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening immersion into the music, history and culture of jazz," says Bret Bullock, Crystal Cruises' vice president of entertainment.

A veteran in orchestrating Jazz tours and cruises worldwide, Jazzdagen Tours has partnered with Crystal Cruises to bring some 25 musicians on board. Joining the cruise is pianist John Bunch, a frequent performer at Carnegie Hall and conductor of the bands of Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Count Basie, and Buddy Rich. He has also conducted the London Philharmonic and L.A. Philharmonic. On vibes and piano is John Cocuzzi, a regular performer at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Lincoln Center in New York. They will be joined on trumpet by Warren Vache, Jr., who is a charter member of the faculty of the Juilliard Jazz Program and has recorded and performed with jazz legends Benny Goodman, Rosemary Clooney and Benny Carter, among others.

Dr. Robert G. O'Meally is the Zora Neale Hurston Professor of Literature and Director of the Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University, as well as the author of many books, including Lady Day: The Many Faces of Billie Holiday, The Jazz Cadence of American Culture, and Uptown Conversation: The New Jazz Studies. An expert on jazz music and culture, he scripted the documentary film Duke Ellington: Beyond Category for the Smithsonian and was nominated for a Grammy as co-producer of the five-CD box set The Jazz Singers. Starting fares for this cruise begin at $1,645 per person, double occupancy depending on stateroom selected.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard Crystal Symphony, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.

Crystal Cruises enjoys an unparalleled reputation for excellence, anchored in 11 consecutive years of "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" awards by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler magazines -- the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.

For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at crystalcruises.com.

Source: Crystal Cruises / PRNewswire

Save $1000 Per Cabin On Any 2008 Viking River Cruises

2007-06-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Glide Along The Majestic Rivers of Europe, China, Russia & Ukraine, for $1000 off per cabin on any 2008 Viking River Cruises that are booked and paid for by July 31, 2007!

"Picture yourself gliding along the legendary rivers of some of the world's most fascinating countries, exploring the same waterways adventurers did centuries ago. Maybe one minute you're wandering the cobblestone streets of ancient Rüdesheim, chatting with the villagers about the local wines, and the next you're enjoying a concert in cosmopolitan Vienna. As with travelers of bygone days, you'll discover romantic villages along the Danube, mysterious pagodas clinging to the cliffs of the Yangtze, or the majestic onion-domed churches of imperial Russia."

As the world leader in river cruising and recipients of multiple awards from Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best and Condé Nast Traveler’s "Gold List", you can expect an experience unparalleled by any other. It is a chance to enjoy varied itineraries that takes you right into the heart of many of the country's small villages and immerse yourself in local cultures and traditions.

"You’ll be surrounded by ever-changing scenery right in the heart of your destination. And our intimate ships (averaging just 150 guests) often dock right in the town center—allowing you to walk off your ship into the heart of your destination."

To take advantage of this cruise sale, call your travel agent or Viking River Cruises directly at 1 (877) 66VIKING.

Save $20 - $100 At Hotels.com

2007-06-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hotels.com offers more than 70,000 properties worldwide – from hotels and B&B’s to condos and all inclusive resorts. Hotels.com also specializes in providing travelers with accommodations during sold-out periods. We know the hotel experience is an important part of your trip so Hotels.com offers travelers the information they need to book the perfect trip all backed by hotels.com Price Guarantee.

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Ships Are The New Hotels - Is A Ship Charter Right For Your Group?

2007-06-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a meeting for your company or your association or a big family reunion, should you consider chartering a ship?

It is a growing trend, and gives the group a meeting to remember.

What kinds of groups charter ships?

Companies and associations of all sizes, says Shirley Linde, editor of www.SmallShipCruises.com, the popular website about small ships. "Companies charter ships for meetings at sea, while clubs and associations usually charter for locations. Birders might charter to go up the Amazon, a wine club might charter a river boat for a week to visit vineyards in France."

Linde says that SmallShipCruises.com is also getting more and more requests to charter ships for housing at special events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, or Mardi Gras. Many families are booking charters for wedding, birthday or anniversary celebrations. Non-profit organizations are booking charters for fund-raising.

"Whatever the purpose, you can tailor programs for any interest, combining retreats and meetings with wine seminars, golf excursions, scuba diving, or other special interests." In the U.S. most popular charters are to see wildlife in Alaska, to meander on the Mississippi on a paddlewheeler, do wine cruises along the California coast, cruise the Great Lakes, or cruise along the East Coast between Maine and Florida. The Caribbean, Greek Islands and barges in Europe are the other top charter destinations. Is chartering a boat right for you? Advantages: When you charter the ship, you have complete control over activities, and usually can choose port stops. The boat is yours, without any other passengers. You have no distractions, just bonding with group companions, being inspired by the sea, and being able to think with a clear head. You get out of a sterile hotel atmosphere onto the deck of a ship.

Disadvantages: Even though you may not fill the ship to its full capacity, the price will be based on the entire capacity of the vessel.

Tips: Try to charter a ship that already will be in the area that you want and has an itinerary that you like. Otherwise there may be additional delivery or port charges. Charters require a substantial deposit up front so be certain of your intent before you sign a contract. Make arrangements as early as possible, preferably a year or more ahead.

About the Author
Shirley Linde is editor of the popular website SmallShipCruises.com, author of three cruise guides and award-winning medical books. She lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.

2 For 1 Cruise Sales and Special Cruise Rates

2007-06-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for the internet, or we would still be picking up the phone and calling agency to agency looking for the best cruise rates. Don't you think it is just much more easier to log in to your computer and visit your favourite cruise booking agents such as Travelocity or Expedia to see which cruise vacation is perfect for your budget? Or even just search through Google to see what is hot and new in the world of cruising. I just love this idea of "convenience at your fingertips".

Another way to find out which cruise line has the hottest cruise deals is to get it straight from the horse's mouth - the cruiselines themselves! Almost all cruise lines will give you an option to subscribe to their hot deals newsletter. This is a nicely added convenience because you can get up-to-the-minute cruise specials like 2 for 1 cruise sales delivered directly to your email as they become available. The only catch is, you might have to navigate each site to find the form that will let you subscribe, and sometimes depending on the cruise line, you might have to dig around through a lot of pages before you'll find it.

I find that a little bit strange actually, so I have decided to put together a list that you can go to directly to sign up to receive email specials from your favourite cruiseline. Just a quick note, some might ask you to register before you can start receiving the newsletter. Feel free to bookmark this list and share it with your friends!

Carnival Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruise Lines
Costa Cruise Lines
Crystal Cruises
Cunard Line Ltd
Discovery World Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Orient Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Seabourn Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Star Clippers
Viking River Cruises
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
Windstar Cruises

And last but not the least, don't forget to grab our newsletter because not only do we have fantastic cruise deals come our way, we also have specials on everything else related to cruising like cheap air, hotel and independent shore excursion rates.

Up To 60% Off Hotels Worldwide With Hotel Group

2007-06-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

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Dealing With Common Holiday Problems

2007-06-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

As the cliché goes, if you fail to plan, your plan to fail. There is little worse for one's morale than a holiday going wrong. In the event of a holiday mishap, it is important not to panic and to act responsibly and effectively to make the best of a bad situation. This guide details some of the most common holiday mishap and provides advice on the appropriate actions for preventing a holiday mishap becoming a nightmare.

Make copies of your insurance documentation and keep them separate from the originals. Carry a copy of your insurance documentation on you at all times, including the Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number.

If you are in any doubt over what to do in an emergency situation abroad contact the Emergency Assistance number provided by your insurer - they are there to help you

Remember on most travel insurance polices there is a time limit for submitting your claim. This is usually around 28 days after your return from holiday. The sooner you submit the documents the sooner your claim will be dealt with.

Accident or become ill abroad

If you need medical treatment as an out-patient

1. Seek medical attention 2. If your treatment is likely to cost more than approx. £200 you must contact the Emergency Assistance number provided by your insurance provider. 3. Pay for the treatment and retain receipts 4. On your return home contact your insurance provider for a claims form to claim back your medical costs. 5. If you are in any doubt contact the Emergency Assistance number provided by your insurer - they are there to help you.

If you require medical treatment as an In-patient at a hospital

1. Seek Medical Attention 2. Give the hospital details of your insurance cover (some hospitals won't treat you if you cannot show that you are insured). 3. The hospital should contact your insurance provider for payment of bills. 4. On your return home contact your insurance provider for a claims form, you may be able to claim hospital benefit.

In the eventuality that a close relative is taken and you urgently need to return home.

1. Contact the Emergency Assistance Service provided by your insurer 2. The Emergency Assistance Company will have many local contacts and will be able to arrange transport home on your behalf. 3. If you arrange the transport yourself with out contacting them you may not be able to claim your costs back.

*you will need to check the definition of close relative in your policy wording.

If a you or a member of your party is ill and you need to return home.

1. You will need to obtain a medical certificate to state that it is medically necessary for you to return home. 2. Contact the Emergency Assistance Service provided by your insurer 3. The Emergency Assistance Company will have many local contacts and will be able to arrange transport home on your behalf. 4. If you arrange the transport yourself with out contacting them you may not be able to claim your costs back.

If you are the victim of a robbery e.g. Pickpocket

1. You must get a report from the local police within 24 hours 2. Always keep the receipts from withdrawals of replacement cash or replacement items. Your insurance company may require these of evidence that you needed to get replacement cash or items. 3. It can often help if you are able to provide the original receipts or cash withdrawal slip for lost items when making a claim. 4. If you have had your wallet stolen, remember to contact your bank or credit card provider to cancel all your cards. 5. On your return home contact your insurance provider for a claims form.

If your luggage is lost on outbound journey from the UK

1. Notify the airline 2. Obtain a Property Irregularity Report from the airline 3. Retain your flight tickets and baggage receipts 4. Check the terms of your travel insurance - you may be covered for essential emergency purchases. You will need to keep the receipts for these purchases. You should also check if there is a limit on cover e.g. £50 per day. 5. If the airline finds your bag and returns it to you - you should contact your insurance provider for a claims form on your return and submit a claim under the delayed baggage section. 6. If your bag is not found - you should notify your insurance provider straight away on your return from holiday. 7. You will also need to obtain a letter from the airline confirming that your bag is irretrievably lost - you may need to wait 21 days for the airline to declare your bag as lost. 8. Once this have been dealt with, your will be able to make a claim for your bags contents.

If your luggage is lost on your inbound journey to the UK

1. Notify the airline 2. Obtain a Property Irregularity Report 3. Retain your flight tickets and baggage receipts 4. Ensure that your contact and inform your policy provide as soon as possible upon your return. 5. You will need to obtain a letter from the airline confirming that your bag is irretrievably lost - you may need to wait 21 days for the airline to declare your bag as lost. 6. Once this have been dealt with, your will be able to make a claim for your bags contents.

If you are delayed for more than 12 hours

1. If you are delayed for more than 12 hours you may be able to claim a fixed benefit - check your policy wording for details. 2. This is in addition to any compensation that the airline provides. 3. You will need to obtain a letter from the airline stating the scheduled departure date and time as well as the actual departure date and time, as well as the reason for the delay. 4. Contact your insurance provider for a claims form on your return from holiday.

If you are delayed for more than 24 hours on your outbound journey

1. If you are delayed for more than 24 hours you can choose to abandon the holiday and claim back the full cost - check your policy wording for details. 2. You will need to obtain a letter from the airline stating the scheduled departure date and time as well as the actual departure date and time, as well as the reason for the delay and the time of the next available flight. 3. Ensure that you call your insurer immediately.

About the Author - by Katie Brown
Go Travel Insurance has a policy to suit all types of holidays and travel, including Backpacker Insurance, ideal for students or anyone planning a long stay abroad. for more details.

Best Hotel Online Rate Guaranteed at Park Inn

2007-05-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

PARK INN COUPONS& DISCOUNTS

Best Online Rate Guarantee. Get our best rate guaranteed or your first night is 25% off!

PARK INN OTHER PROMOTIONS

Park Inn hotels take PRIDE in treating you as our special guest. We have many new and ongoing special offers that may fit just right for you - our special guest. These offers include discounted rates, vacation packages, regional and seasonal promotions.

Check out this week's SPECIAL OFFERS at Park Inn.

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Earn points with every hotel stay and redeem them for great rewards.

Book your stay online and earn 1,000 Gold Points®.

Redeem your points for free hotel stays, airline miles and more.

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Park Inn & Suites, Beckley WV, US $68.00 - 78.00 USD
Park Inn & Suites Santa Fe, NM, US $59.00 - 64.00 USD
Park Inn Orlando Winter Park, FL, US $49.00 USD
Park Inn Hickory, NC, US $74.00 USD
Park Inn Orlando Airport at Florida Mall, FL, $50.00 - 77.00 USD

Smart Destinations Launches Go Maui TM Card, Offering Best Vacation Value at Maui Attractions and Activities

2007-05-19T21:53:00.001-07:00

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)

Enter To Win a Cruise at CruiseDirect.com

2007-05-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

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

CRUISEDIRECT.COM COUPON & DISCOUNT

Enter to Win a Cruise!

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Bahamas Cruise

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Alaska $649
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Australia $1499
Bahamas $199
Bermuda $449
Caribbean $299
Canada/New Eng $329
Eastern Caribbean $309
Europe $318
Mediterranean $596
Mexico $209
Northern Europe $422
Panama Canal $1190
South America $799
South Pacific $1049
Southern Caribbean $539
Transatlantic $699
Western Caribbean $249

Can't Decide Where to Go? Take a Cruise to Nowhere!

2007-05-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

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

Save $200 Per Couple On Uniworld Grand River Cruises

2007-05-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Cruising the Caribbean

2007-05-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

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 Tahiti Honeymoon For Lovers Officially Invites Oprah Winfrey

2007-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

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

Get An Apartment Instead Of A Hotel On Your Holiday

2007-05-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Dog and Cat Boarding Facility Comes to Seattle Airport

2007-05-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

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

Still Shopping For That Summer Cruise?

2007-05-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Safety Tips For Your Vacation Cruise

2007-05-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

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.

A Mediterranean Cruise Like No Other

2007-05-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

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."

Cruise Ship Murder/Mystery Brims with Humor, Romance and Entertainment

2007-05-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

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

Cruise Destination - Australia

2007-04-30T16:12:00.001-07:00

Stunning, Sun-Sational Sydney
The sun shines. The surf beckons. The water entices. And you're just minutes from a world of skyscrapers and corporate suits. Where else could you be but Sydney? This dazzling cosmopolitan city has no fewer than 30 glorious beaches Read The Full Article.

Stunning, Sun-Sational Sydney

2007-04-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

The sun shines. The surf beckons. The water entices. And you're just minutes from a world of skyscrapers and corporate suits. Where else could you be but Sydney? This dazzling cosmopolitan city has no fewer than 30 glorious beaches within 20 minutes of the bustling city centre. (Eat your heart out New York and London)

Undoubtedly one of the world's greatest cities, with an enviable outdoor lifestyle, warm climate and plenty of that easy going Aussie attitude to make you feel truly welcome. But there again, I'm a little biased with adjectives, as Sydney is my home town. If you're heading down this way for an outback adventure or vacation of a lifetime, here are some of the things you have to see and do.

Let's look back.

Sydney is a young city. (Captain Cook actually sailed right past the Harbour and landed at Botany Bay.) Just a little over 200 years ago, on 26 January 1788 to be exact, Sydney was founded when ships from the first fleet arrived from England to establish the colony of New South Wales. The city was named after Thomas Townsend, the first Viscount Sydney, who was Secretary of State for the Colonies of Britain at the time of the state's foundation. Today, Sydney is a fast-paced, trend setting city with a population of over 3.5 million people and a land size more than double of New York city.

Water is everywhere.

While Sydney is Australia's oldest city and considered the economic powerhouse of the nation, it's not the capital, that's Canberra. But Sydney sets the pace in many ways. Its idyllic location, on the fringes of the Pacific Ocean showcases a lifestyle that's centred around water - whether you're in it or on it. Swimming, surfing, sailing - everywhere you go there seems to be a sunny beach. A magical inlet. A quiet creek. But you can't forget the grandest water haven of them all....Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience The Harbour is also the cheapest. Jump on a ferry at Circular Quay, the main ferry hub, and for a just a few dollars cruise away to your heart's content.

Where to stay

If you're organizing accommodation, Sydney can offer you every type under the sun, from lavish 5 star names to smaller boutique hotels and motels, with plenty in the mid-price range. Check out sites such as http://www.hotel.com.au/Sydney for ideas, value and instant online booking.

The iconic Sydney Opera House

One postcard image conjures up Sydney more than any other. It's The Opera House. In 1957, Danish architect Jørn Utzon won a competition to design the Sydney Opera House. It was finally completed in 1973. Its curved "sail-like roof" construction is a miracle of modern engineering and recognised the world over. Each year, over 1,500 performances are staged here, so chances are you can enjoy a show or a concert during your stay.

Get on up. Climb The Harbour Bridge

In 2007, it's the 75th anniversary of the opening of The Harbour Bridge in 1932. If you'd like a breathtaking and safe way to celebrate the occasion, do The Bridge climb. You strap yourself onto a wire, walk underneath the bridge, along one of the curves to the top of the bridge, across the bridge and back down the opposite curve. From the top you experience one of greatest views in the world, especially at night, with the city lights twinkling across the horizon in a velvet sky. Simply spectacular.

Get your Rocks on.

Just moments from the CBD, you'll find The Rocks, which forms part of the oldest, residential precinct of Sydney. It's a historic area with charming terrace houses, pubs and cobbled laneways. Despite inevitable changes made over the years, traces of early convict settlements can still be found, evoking memories of the past. The city's oldest building, Cadman's Cottage (circa1816), is located here, along with the Argyle Cut, excavated by convicts in the 1840s. At the weekend, there's a very popular market in The Rocks. Great for souvenir shopping, trendy sheepskin boots and Australian crafts. (Don't forget the boomerang Sam.)

Paddington Market.

This market launched the careers of many an Australian fashion designer. It's really worth a trip if you enjoy seeking out fashion that's one-off, funky or stylish. There are dozens of stalls packed with everything from novel t-shirts to accessories, bags to homewares. Every Saturday from 10am-4pm at the Paddington Uniting Church in Oxford Street.

Do The Zoo.

Every city has a zoo, but what makes Sydney's Taronga Zoo so stunning is the location. It's in Mosman, on elevated land along the waterfront. This is one of the most beautiful vantage points on the Harbour overlooking Sydney Cove, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Zigzag your way along the paths and lush greenery, among the animal enclosures, as you capture panoramic, photo perfect water views. All this, just a 12 minute ferry ride from town. (Love that ferry service.)

Life's a beach. Iconic Bondi.

You can't visit Sydney without a trip to Bondi. It's more than beach, with fantastic cafes, trendy restaurants and ocean-filled pools. A people-watching paradise. My tip: do the cliff walk from Bondi past Tamarama, Bronte and all the way to Coogee. The views are stunning. The path is easy to find and a pleasant way to spend an afternoon with a bit of exercise thrown in. Stop for a swim or a cool beer along the way, or bring a picnic or barbecue.

Feeling Blue?

The Blue Mountains are just an hour away by train from the city and truly a world away. Beautiful, mystical, awe-inspiring scenery. Take the popular walk from Echo Point, Katoomba (known to the aboriginals as "shiny, tumbling water") to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Go for a ride on the famous Scenic Railway - the world's steepest incline railway, or do what I do - ride the thrilling new Skyway Cable Car.

Doyles on the Beach, Watsons Bay.

On a balmy night or lazy lunchtime, there's nowhere better than a visit to Doyles, a Sydney seafood institution that first opened its doors in 1885. Situated right on the foreshore at Watsons Bay, you can sit down to a cool beer, fine wine and super-fresh seafood, served with style. Sit back and chill. This is Sydney at its best.

After reading all this, I hope the elusive travel bug will see you down here one day, or better still, some day soon.

About the Author
Matthew Lawson heads up Hotel.com.au and is an avid traveler. Check out the low hotel room rates for Sydney plus around the world at http://www.hotel.com.au/Sydney

Park Plaza - Get The Best Hotel Rate Or Your First Night 25% Off

2007-04-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

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Month of May Dishes up Delicious Food Festivals in Florida

2007-04-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Florida hosts food festivals every weekend during the month of May, so if you enjoy feasting on the fresh taste of local fare while taking in the Florida sunshine, then head out to one of the many events across the state. The hard part is choosing which ones to attend!

Crawfish, blue crab, shrimp, barbecue, chili, tomatoes, watermelon, zucchini, sweet corn, wine, and honey--just a few of the fabulous foods celebrated during May's festivals. For those who crave variety, the "Taste Of" events are sure to please the palate. The adventuresome might want to try the Wild Game Feast in DeLand.

Besides the main attraction--scrumptious food--there's more to entice a novice or seasoned festival-goer. "Florida's food festivals are ideal entertainment for the whole family," writes Joan Steinbacher, author of "Food Fest! Your Complete Guide to Florida's Food Festivals."

Most events feature a wide variety of amusements and activities. Eating contests are popular, as well as off-beat competitions--like the zucchini carving at the Windsor Zucchini Festival. And there's often musical entertainment, arts and crafts, car shows, children's activities, and much more.

May is prime time for Florida's food festival season. Here's a sampling of mouth-watering events coming in May 2007:

DeLand - Wild Game Feast (May 3)
Fernandina Beach - Isle Of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (May 3-6)
St. Cloud - Smoke 'n Blues BBQ (May 4-5)
Coral Gables - Biltmore International Food & Wine Weekend (May 4-6)
Pensacola - Crawfish Creole Fiesta (May 4-6)
Panacea - Blue Crab Festival (May 5)
Ruskin - Tomato Festival (May 5-6)
Naples - Taste of Collier (May 6)
Mount Dora - Taste of Mount Dora (May 6)
Fort Lauderdale - Las Olas Wine and Food Festival (May 10)
Newberry - Watermelon Festival (May 12)
Gainesville - Windsor Zucchini Festival (May 12)
New Port Richey - Cotee River Seafood Festival and Boat Show (May 12-13)
Arcadia - DeSoto County Watermelon Festival (May 19)
Wewahitchka - Tupelo Honey Festival (May 19)
Zellwood - Sweet Corn Festival (May 25-26)
Palatka - Blue Crab Festival (May 25-28)
Vero Beach - Indian River County Firefighters' Chili Cookoff (May 26)

Have fun eating your way through the month! For additional information and more events, visit the "Food Fest!" website at www.FoodFestGuide.com

Carnival's $250 Million Product Enhancement Initiative

2007-04-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

The "Fun Ship" just got a lot funner!

Carnival has launched a new website called "Evolutions of Fun" so that you can personally view all the new product enhancements and keep up with the dramatic transformations of the Fantasy Class Ships - Fantasy, Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and Paradise. Built in the mid to late 1990's, these Carnival ships are the most successful series ever introduced in the cruising industry.

Many of the the "Evolutions of Fun" enhancements have already been completed on the Fantasy, Ecstasy and Fascination. These same enhancements have been partially executed on the Sensation, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and Paradise. All Fantasy-class ships are expected to be completed by 2009 at a cost of $250 millon dollars.

So what does this mean for all devoted Carnival cruisers?

Stateroom upgrades - new flat-screen televisions, the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system, and dozens of interconnecting cabins

Completely renovated health and gitness centers, atrium lobby bars and coffee Bars

Construction of nine-hole miniature Golf Course

New and improved "Camp Carnival" and "Club 02" programs for childrens and teens thanks to the expansion of the facilities such as the the water park

Creation of the exclusive adults-only "Serenity" pool areas and a new design style and feature for the ships' pool areas

Elaborate show revues and updated sound and lighting systems in the main show lounges

Cell phone service, Wi-Fi and internet access

... And that's just scratching the surface of Carnival's ambitious Fantasy Class ship refurbishment program.

So, next time you cruise to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, or anywhere these Fantasy Ships go, make sure to drop us a line on how you like Carnival's new swanky digs.

Cruise and Travel Magazines

2007-04-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

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Money-saving, intensely practical travel advice. Hot travel bargains. Last Minute deals. "Vacations for Real People." Save 49%!

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Discounts, tips and new vacation ideas for travelers over 50. Save 11%!

Orbitz Royal Caribbean Cruise Sale Up to $200 Off

2007-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Orbitz is a leading online travel company offering leisure and business travelers a wide selection of low airfares, as well as deals on lodging, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and other travel. The site was created to address consumers' need for an unbiased, comprehensive display of fares and rates in a single location.

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Cruise Weddings Are All About Romance & Style

2007-04-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Cruise ship weddings are gaining popularity more than ever. Not only is it quite romantic, but a cruise wedding can cost just a fraction of a traditional wedding! With packages in over 100 beautiful ports of call, no wonder couples are choosing to combine their ceremony, reception with their cruise honeymoon.

"Cruise weddings take place while the ship is in port, and couples can choose have their wedding onboard the ship, or at a land location. You can be married in a shipboard chapel while the ship is docked in the Port of Miami, on a world-renowned beach in St. Thomas, USVI, in a rooftop garden in Italy, or even fly by helicopter to be married on an Alaskan glacier! You are welcome to invite your guests to join you on the cruise, or invite them to board for the day as a non-sailing guest to celebrate your wedding."

What could be more romantic?

And planning your wedding couldn't be any easier with the help of The Wedding Experience, the exclusive wedding service provider for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Holland America and Carnival Cruise Line.

Just bring your dress, and they'll handle the rest! "You just let us know what you are envisioning for your wedding, and when you arrive for your cruise, the wedding details have been all taken care of!"

Packages available are:
Wedding Coordinator
Personalized Romantic Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Officiant
Tuxedo rentals
Spa Treatments
Flowers & Bouquet
Reception & Entertainment
Wedding Cake
Formal Wedding Photographs
Keepsake and Souvenirs
Group Cabin Reservation
And more .....

Whether it's a small ceremony, or 250 of your closest friends, their expert staff can assist you in making every single minute of your wedding "just perfect". So wherever you choose to say, "I do," having a cruise wedding will make sure you do it in style.

Copyright 2007 Cruise Headlines

Download Guided Tours To Your Ipod For Free At Tourcaster

2007-04-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Turn your iPOD into a tour guide!

For a limited time, Tourcaster is offering free downloads of their "Getting To Know...." series for the following port cities: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Boston, Buenos Aires, Capetown, Dublin, Lima, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, New York, Paris, Rio De Janeiro, San Diego, San Fransisco, Shanghai, Sydney and Vienna. You can pick up your copy at the Search For Tours section of Tourcaster's website.

"Tourcaster is... FREEING. Ever try to rewind or skip ahead with a human tour guide? Good luck. Tourcaster allows you to go at your own pace, review important facts, take a break when you like or skip over something. Your schedule, not someone else's, dictates how the tour unfolds for you. And guidebooks? Please. Wouldn't you rather have your hands free and your eyes open to drink in the sights, instead of having to stop every ten steps to bury your nose in a book? Tourcaster gives you that freedom."

"Tourcaster is... INFORMATIVE. Our tour guide for Buenos Aires is Brian Byrnes, who not only lives there but has also been a reporter and contributor to CNN, CBS and The Washington Post. Chris Epting, who provided our music-themed 'Rock and Walk: L.A.' tour, is an expert in pop culture who also penned the book Led Zeppelin Crashed Here. These are the kind of experts that Tourcaster uses - Guides who live and work in the tour's region. They do more than just get you from one spot on the map to another. They infuse you with local heritage and cultural insights that allow you to become immersed in the places and people you're visiting."

"Tourcaster is... EVERYWHERE. We are the largest online library of downloadable tours for iPods and mp3 players. Period. We have over 110 tours covering more than 30 cities on six continents. We are the featured podcast partner for the Austrian National Tourist Office. We have tours as sprawling as the South African wine country, and as defined as the catacombs of Paris. Chances are that if you want to go there, Tourcaster can guide you there."

Finding The Best Deal On Last Minute Cruises

2007-04-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

They say that an early reservation on cruise ships provides big discounts. Most of the cruise lines want to fill up the ships with reliable vacationers beforehand so they would know if they have sufficient passengers. On the other hand, if you do your reservation in a last minute time, you can still do it well.

Honestly, last minute cruising can also offer a bunch of discounts. However, last minute reservation can involve a great risk. One of the risk is the ship could fill up by the early bird cruisers and leave no space for those getting last minute tickets. Aside from that, if you live far away from the airport and seaport, the airline fare could be very costly.

Both if the plane and shipping companies go with the flow of booking as early as possible. Booking early means cheap fees. As a result of this, having a last minute cruise can give you a much expensive fees.

Waiting until the last moment if not done wisely can cause problems. You must be prudent in a last minute cruise. You must find the best deals with each cruising companies. There are several companies that offer better departure time deals. These deals are intended for most of the last minute cruisers who have no other choice but to book at the last minute. For example, the company can increase the discounts for them in order to reach the designated passenger count for each cruise.

If you are a last minute cruiser, the very important thing that you should do is to sail off before sunset to book the cruises. You can also get a middle man. Middleman can do the entire booking job for you. Another thing is you can also save a lot of cash by using the online cruise booking system. Using online booking system can give you a trouble free access. Aside from that, online booking can also save time and effort all at the comfort of your own home or office.

Another thing to be considered is the flexibility of cruising plans. You must know what you have to do. You must know also where you want to go.

Finding a right last minute cruise deal needs a lot of solid leg work. Destiny helps the person who helps themselves. But if you find the best deal, grab the opportunity right away. Sometimes the shining stars are hidden inside the dark clouds and its up to you to find them.

Now here are some basic tips and strategy how to get into a last minute cruise easily.

* Collect all the important cruise brochures and flyers from the traveling office. Always make sure about the cruise features. Check out also the ships and deck methods online. By doing this, you will be able to find the best idea about the fees, destinations, atmosphere, amenities, recreational option, and types of accommodations.

* Outline places where you want to go. As much as possible talk to the travel agencies. The travel agencies can give you some knowledge regarding the cruise and its details. If not, you can also ask your friends for some advice and recommendations. There are a lot of places to go to and things to see in Alaska.

* Decide how many days you will stay in the cruise. Asking the traveling agencies will give you some idea. You can also ask them about their cruising programs. Normally most known cruises last from 5 to 18 days. On the other hand, there are also some companies that offer longer cruising schedules with more things to see and do.

* Plan how much money you are willing to spend. Your budget will determine what type of cruise you will have. Most probably you can level your budget with cheap, moderate, extra-deluxe, and deluxe type cruises. It is recommended that comparing these types will be a great step to know what to expect. By comparing the basic type of cruises you will know which one can make you most comfortable and enjoyable within your budget.

* Last minute cruise needs a short span of time reservation. To do this properly, talk to a travel agent by phone. Do not hesitate to tell the agent about your budget and your needs. Aside from that, you can also refer to some catalogs to select what cruises are right for you.

* With the assistance of the traveling agent, select the most convenient place of departure. After that, book your own departure points to the transportation office. Not only that, you must also get some additional cost for transportation.

Do not overlook last minute cruising values. You can have a better discount from ship reviews and other vital information. It is better to be prepared before leaving for cruise.

About the Author
Article Written By J. Foley - http://travelguide4ublogspotcom.blogspot.com

It's Yachting, Not Cruising When You Sail On SeaDream

2007-04-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

SeaDream I and SeaDream II are the ultimate in luxury cruising from the award winning fine dining, extensive wine cellar, marble lined bathroom, balinese dreambeds, and open bar policy. Each yacht can carry only up to 55 pampered couples on each voyage.

Yachting features an open and unstructured ambience that provides each guest the opportunity to enjoy it at their own pace and in their own style. We like to express this as "No clocks, no crowds, no lines, and no stress." Yachting is a highly personal experience and so is our entertainment. There are no glitzy revues, no revolving stages with smoke and mirrors. The key word for the SeaDream yachting experience is "unstructured". It is all about personal choice, a free form holiday in which guests feel that they are aboard their own yacht. That is why we say, "It's yachting, not cruising".

Starting November 2007 through April 2008, SeaDream Yacht Club is introducing a new series of five, seven and nine night sailings with flexible schedules and itineraries that includes 22 small, intimate yachting ports like Culebrita Island in Puerto Rico, and White Bay in British Virgin Islands.

“Our Caribbean is not the Caribbean of the major cruise operators ... Our Caribbean is intimate, elegant, casual and active" comments Larry Pimentel, the company's President and CEO. Imagine taking part in the Champagne & Caviar Splash along the water's edge on a deserted beach. How about enjoying water sports from the Sea Dream yacht's retractable marina, playing 18-miles of golf on a championship course or promenading through tiny villages?

... Although SeaDream yachts depart their first port of call and arrive at their last port of call as scheduled, arrivals and departures at intermediate ports are not necessarily, cast in stone. Our Captains have the authority to adjust for local opportunities. Our yachts can make unscheduled calls at small ports to visit a local fish market, for example, or remain longer than scheduled in a secluded bay so guests can enjoy a few more hours of water sports. SeaDream yachts overnight at many ports of call - Gustavia on the French island of St. Barts and St. Tropez in the French Riviera.

Sailing anywhere in the world aboard one of these exclusive yachts is an experience of a lifetime.

Four Points By Sheraton Hotel Coupons

2007-04-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

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Croatia Charter Yacht - Unique Taste and Flavor

2007-04-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

In the past few years, Croatia has emerged as one of the most popular traveling destinations worldwide. This fascinating country has plenty of things to offer and the Adriatic Coast is a truly wonderful choice for a Croatia charter yacht destination.

The islands, the unique landscapes and the enchanting beaches represent elements that attract millions of tourists everyday, looking for the possibility to unwind and enjoy a perfect vacation. Many people are interested in discovering this side of Croatia and they choose a cruise Croatia onboard gulet, being ready for adventure.

The Croatia charter cruise can prove out to be one of the best choices possible. The nature is incredible to watch and savour, with a wide variety of plants and animals. The underwater world can be explored by snorkeling and some yachts even have advanced equipment for such kind of activities. Sunbathing and trekking are also attractive option for the many tourists that visit the Croatian Adriatic Sea.

As Adriatic cruises became more and more popular, people started to use the Internet in order to find all the available information on the subject. They were able to find about the possible ways to travel to Croatia and many of them saw that sailing with a Croatian gulet can be something extraordinary. This kind of yacht can accommodate up to 12 people, being equipped with all the needed things and offering a dream-like vacation.

When people see the classic wooden yacht represented by the Croatia gulet, they are speechless. A vacation cruising down the Adriatic cost and visiting all the ancient towns can be memorable and beautiful. Tourists choose such kind of destination and method of traveling for all sorts of occasions, including birthdays and anniversaries. Couples also prefer the Croatia charter trip, considering it romantic and peaceful.

With the Croatia charter, the whole holiday is more than a dream. The routes include popular destinations, with anchorages along the coast and land exploration. One has the possibility to visit Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Primosten and Skradin. All of those are marvelous parts of Croatia, demonstrating the rich cultural heritage and hospitability of the local inhabitants.

Split is the very essence of Dalmatia and many people enjoy visiting it. One of the most common tourist destinations, this place presents a deep history with plenty of things to see, including the Palace of Diocletian. Today it is a contemporary Mediterranean city but it still retains the aroma of the past and it is definitely worth visiting it.

The Croatia gulet can also take tourists to places such as Trogir, a place that holds an incredibly large number of historical monuments and museums. Trogir is part of Renaissance towns and has beautiful art collections to present. Tourists from all over the world come to see them and many more are yet to come.

For travelers interested in unique spots to visit, Primosten is surely worth to be included as a top choice. The incredible blend between actual and ancient is something unique in Croatia, making this place extremely attractive for tourists. The fact that is situated on a small island and presenting an unique architectural style makes it even more appealing.

Online there are many traveling options presented for Croatia. Cruises are popular and many people prefer them because of the wonderful conditions and things to visit. The Internet can help the prospective tourist to decide which route is the best as there are many websites trying to provide their experience for such purposes. Moreover, they can share other interesting information about the best season and available prices.

Croatia is definitely something apart. Rich in history, nature and human character this country is incredible and it is not to wonder why so many people decide upon visiting it. A cruise is perhaps a thing to be done once in a lifetime and Croatia can be the perfect destination.

About the Author
Our website present Patronice, a wooden Croatia Gulet, ready to take tourists into a wonderful vacation along the Croatian Adriatic Coast. We have incredible offers for you in terms of Croatia Charter and we can guarantee you total satisfaction.

Get Your Passport in 24 Hours

2007-04-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Did you apply for your passport yet?

The clock is ticking and by the end of the year 2007, you will not be able to travel by ship to any destinations outside of the United States without a passport. It takes at least 8 weeks for your local passport office or the post office to process your application and if you don't plan to give it that much time before your cruise in 2008, you might as well cancel your cruise. Border security will have zero tolerance for cruise travellers without a passport.

If you don't like beating the crowds just to apply for your passport, there are several services on line that can assist you with obtaining this much needed travel documentation fast like VisaHQ.com. They even have an expedited passport service where you can get your passport within 24 hours. The same service is also available if you are trying to replace a lost passport, renew your old passport, or add passport pages. How do they make this possible? VisaHQ.com submits your passport applications directly to the US Passport agency for urgent processing.

Don't be caught without a passport when the regulations come into effect!

5% Car Rental Coupon From Fox Rent A Car

2007-04-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

Discount Car Rentals from Fox Rent A Car

Why pay more? Car rentals for leisure and corporate travelers at discount prices are our specialty. Fox offers car rental rates that are guaranteed to be the lowest among all major car rental companies. Whether renting an economy car, Hybrid or an SUV, experience the difference with Fox and enjoy big savings on your next trip.

Car rental customers have come to expect the highest standards of service from Fox, we consistently offer new and dependable vehicles with cheap car rental rates. Fast and friendly customer service is our highest priority. This is Fox's commitment to customer satisfaction.

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Smart Destinations Introduces New York City Explorer Pass

2007-04-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Just in time for tourists to descend on New York for the busy summer tourism season, visitors will have a new pass for catching the city's premier attractions, tours, museums and fun activities.

New York City Explorer Pass comes in two versions, Choose 3 or Choose 5. Customers have their choice of admission to the city's most well-known attractions, including: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum (skip the long ticket line!); Top of the Rock Observation Deck; CitySights NY 24-hour Hop-on Hop-Off Double Decker Bus Tour; Metropolitan Museum of Art (VIP admission); Museum of Modern Art (VIP admission); NY Waterway Tours Skyline Cruise and City Lights Cruise; NY Water Taxi's Gateway to America Cruise and 2-day Hop-on Hop-off water taxi; NBC Studio Tour; Rockefeller Center Tour; On Location Tours' Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour, New York TV and Movie Spots Bus Tour, and Central Park Movie Sites Walking Tour; and Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets Day Trip.

With over 15 fun New York attractions to choose from, there are hundreds of attraction combinations that will save the customer money over buying tickets directly.

New York City Explorer Pass sets itself apart from other New York attraction passes by offering customers 30 days to enjoy their selected admissions, so they can experience the excitement of New York without rushing from place to place. It is also currently the only pass to include admission to a Hop-on Hop-Off Double Decker Bus Tour, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (VIP admission) and Top of the Rock Observation. In some cases, they can even skip the ticket line! NYC Tourism has never been so good.

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 10, 2007

Escape to the Continent This Summer With Cheap4Ferries.com

2007-04-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the 15th birthday of Disneyland® Resort Paris, Cheap4Ferries has a selection of the latest Disneyland Resort Paris offers, including "Kids Under 7 Stay & Play FREE" and "FREE nights" such as book 4 nights and pay for just 3, both of which include accommodation, continental breakfast and all park entry. With Cheap4Ferries, clients have the flexibility of booking transport inclusive packages with Eurostar, Sea France, P&O and EuroTunnel.

Cheap4Ferries works with all the major ferry and cross-channel operators offering routes to and from the UK, including Seafrance, P&O, Eurostar, Eurotunnel, Brittany Ferries, LD Lines, Transmanche, Norfolkline, Stena Line, Steam Packet, Red Funnel, Wightlink and Condor Ferries. This allows Cheap4Ferries to offer some of the most competitive online pricing available and to offer their "best price promise" that is if the client finds the same ferry crossing or short break cheaper with any other UK ferry or tour operator, Cheap4Ferries promise to match that price.

Cheap4Ferries not only constantly reviews their pricing to ensure the client get the best possible price, but brings a selection of the latest operator's offers, giving clients the perfect excuse to escape to the continent and beyond.

Current offers include Dover to Dunkerque with Norfolkline from just £19 each way for up to 5 passengers and a car for any duration of stay. Cheap4Ferries features a 3 day mini-cruise offer with P&O, between Portsmouth & Bilbao for 2 adults, with ensuite cabin from only £49 per person. For the popular Dover to Calais crossing, Cheap4Ferries features an offer from Seafrance with each way crossing for a car and up to 5 passengers from just £26.

All routes within Cheap4Ferries are available to book online via a safe and secure online booking engine. Alternatively, Cheap4Ferries is backed by a UK-based Call Centre, open 7 days a week, contactable on 0870 111 0634, giving the client that added sense of security should any further advice and help be needed with the travel requirements.

Footnote: "Best Price Promise" is not applicable to both Eurostar and Eurotunnel pricing.

Uniworld Grand River Cruises

2007-04-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

Save $200 Per Couple On Uniworld Grand River Cruises
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 Read The Full Article.

Win a 3-Day or a 4-Day or the Top 7-Day Cruise in Tahiti

2007-04-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

OnlyTahiti.com -- Tahiti And Its Islands, Irresistible By Nature, Sublime By Design, is Much Closer Than You Think and Not Expensive.

A picture is worth a thousand words, one says. Sometimes, when words can convey colors, emotions and souvenirs like this introduction written by Miriam Cain from Travel luxury magazine Sea & I after her trip in our islands: "Nowhere on earth does 'tropical' quite like the islands of French Polynesia. There is nothing to top their jagged mountains dripping with rainforest, no coral reefs to match the underwater magic of their lagoons, and even the cultural richness of their ceremonies cannot be found anywhere else."

Based on the immense impact harvested by our Haumana Cruise review, OnlyTahiti.com is launching "Cruise In Paradise" promotion. Participate to win the 3 nights Blue Lagoon Cruise or a 4 nights Pink Sand Cruise and maybe the top 7 nights Tahitian Rainbow Cruise to experience the most wonderful cruises under the sun. Just visit our new site and, sweet heaven, if those pictures do not seduce you, nothing will !

Hopefully soon, Tahiti being an investment goldmine in the South Pacific will have casinos. Considered by many as '' a fiscal paradise''. investors have access to different unmatched aids. So, grab a piece of heaven when prices are still affordable.

Last week, Tahiti and Maupiti had the spot light. A great innovation in Maupiti with the addition of wind powered energy concept allowing bungalows to have air-conditioning 24 hours a day. The Poe Iti owned and run by Gerard Sachet, a pioneer in tourism. Their 50 footer yacht '' keke 2'' was a delight to cruise between Tahiti and Moorea.

This week, the Hawaiki Nui canoe race and two of the four islands you can visit during the race: Huahine and Taha'a. "Like all islands in French Polynesia (Tahiti Nui) which seems to appear as a jaw-dropping Mirage over the ocean," Huahine, called the Garden Of Eden, is a dream destination. Just a short plane ride away, Huahine is formed by two islands joined by a narrow isthmus. The main town called "Maeva", which means welcome in Tahitian, conveys upon arrival The Magic of Huahine. The people are just very friendly perpetuating innocently their love of life and the Tahitian Legendary Hospitality known around the world.

Parea, located in the extreme South of Huahine is one of the most beautiful village in Huahine and in French Polynesia. Love at the first sight Parea unspoiled sceneries, white sand beaches with brilliant turquoise lagoons. Aquatic activities such as jetskiing and surfing which attracts international champions are just steps away. Pensions de famille -gueshouses with bungalows located on the beach are very affordable. Huahine has also a pearl farm.

In October, the world's largest outrigger canoe race Hawaiki Nui begins in Huahine. Hawaiki Nui is the most prestigious yet, difficult race in the world. This international competitionw takes hundreds of canoes and participants from Huahine to Raiatea (45 kms), Raiatea to Taha'a, Taha'a to Borabora (52 kms).

Held over a three-day period every October, the Hawaiki Nui Va'a. It also signifies the important connection between Tahitians and their descendants who migrated to Hawaii several hundred years ago. Paddling teams from Hawaii, other Pacific Islands, and the mainland U.S. come here to steal, reclaim, or solidify titles in the 77-mile, three-leg race between Huahine and Bora Bora. The first day is typically about a four-hour crossing from Huahine to Raiatea; the second day is a 90-minute sprint inside the lagoon between Raiatea and Tahaa; and the final day is a four-hour race to reach Matira Beach in Bora Bora, where cheering crowds of spectators greet the winners
A MUST SEE event for sport fan and eco-tourists.

Tahiti has become '' the fiscal paradise'' for visionary investors. Indeed, grab your own piece of paradise while it's still affordable. Unmatched financial incentives are available. Spectacular views with private beach. Tahiti is the only destination on earth.

Two things we want to emphasize: ''Tahiti is not far, Tahiti is not expensive''. From Los Angeles 8 hours, less than Los Angeles - Miami. Thousands of people drive to Vegas from San Francisco, Denver, Dallas or even farther to Vegas which is a 10 to 20 hours ride. Not expensive : for instance, a family trip to Tahiti and its islands can cost less than one to Paris, Tokyo, Rome, London, New York, Washington D.C. and even Las Vegas based on the same level of comfort. Some hotels give free accommodations for kids under 15 with half price for meals if your child is under 12 of age.

From New-York to Paris, Italy or London, 13 hours+, from New York to New Zealand or Australia 16 hours and even more. Well , Tahiti is 4 TO 5 hours right before those two respective countries. Where would you rather be? - 8 to 10 hours at work or 8 hours going to Tahiti aboard Air Tahiti Nui : '' We were very impressed with the service on Air Tahiti Nui and the amenities they provided. The meals were of a quality we rarely see anymore on air carriers in the US, and the choices of video and audio entertainment were terrific.''

Tahiti the Myth, Tahiti the Dream, is accessible to everyone. Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a have nothing to envy to Bora Bora. Besides, they are closer from Tahiti.

The World Photo Contest is getting pretty popular with inscriptions from amateurs and professional participants from several countries. No entry fee. It's a fun and amical contest. Photos will be published on our site. If someone has taken a vacation or booked a vacation incited by our international promotion campaign between July 2006 and april 2007, please contact us. One is entitled to a Discount Voucher valid for a Las Vegas Getaway. This Voucher is transferable.

Papeete, Tahiti (PRWEB) April 9, 2007

When Is The Best Time To Go On A Cruise?

2007-04-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

This has been the most frequently asked question from my clients and readers of this website - When Is The Best Time To Go On A Cruise?

My response would be - have you decided on an itinerary yet?

Itinerary is big deciding factor as to what months of the year you will eventually book your cruise for. Remember, not all cruise itineraries are available year round. Take Alaska for example - sailing this itinerary is only limited to the months in between April and September. Or how about Northern Europe? Again, another spring to fall itinerary mostly. Can you just imagine going to St. Petersburg in the dead of winter?

After you have decided on your itinerary, there are other questions that you should be asking yourself such as:

PRICE
Have a ballpark figure on how much money you would like to spend on a cruise. The first and last few sailings are usually the cheapest and will yield the best discounts for seasonal sailings.

ADULT GETAWAY OR A FAMILY TRIP
If it is a family trip, of course, you are limited mostly to summer and christmas sailings, which usually is peak season for cruise travel. If it is just the two of you and want to get a little bit of adult time together away from the kids, going to the Caribbean in the middle of summer vacation might not be the best time.

WEATHER
Sure, the price might be great, but don't expect to have the best weather on your cruise. Here's a great resource to get the weather record and averages of each port city. Though it has been awhile since a cruise ship has been caught in the middle of hurricane's path, you wouldn't want to be in the next one that does.

Melatonin - Using The Dracula Of Hormones To Treat Jet Lag

2007-04-08T01:12:00.000-07:00

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pea-sized pineal gland situated just above the middle of the brain and, when released into the bloodstream, melatonin induces a state or tiredness and helps you to both fall asleep and to enjoy a deep level of sleep.

The key to the release of melatonin is light which switches the body's natural internal clock on and off. When light enters the eye it stimulates the retina and excites a nerve pathway between the eye and an area of the brain known as the hypothalamus. Within the hypothalamus a second area, known as the supra-chiasmatic nucleus (SCN), in turn sends signals to other areas of the body which control the body's temperature and other things that either make you feel tired or wide awake.

In the case of the pineal gland light causes the SCN to switch off the production of melatonin, while darkness switches the pineal gland on and melatonin is released into the bloodstream. It is the fact that the release of melatonin is triggered by the arrival of darkness that results in it sometimes being referred to as the "Dracula of hormones".

One important point to note here is the importance of light to the production of melatonin. We often talk about a shift in the body's internal clock, perhaps through changes in work patterns, but it is not the shift in the clock that upsets the production of melatonin. The pineal gland will only be switched on in darkness and even relatively low levels of artificial indoor lighting are enough to switch off the release of melatonin into the bloodstream.

When you travel across several world time zones your internal body clock is no longer in sync with local time and you find that you are wide awake when everybody else is sound asleep. It has been suggested therefore that one way to help to gradually bring your internal clock back into sync is to use melatonin to induce sleep at a time when the pineal gland would not normally be producing it.

This is certainly not a bad idea and many people do indeed report that taking melatonin has proved helpful. There are however two things that you need to bear in mind before reaching for melatonin as a magic jet lag remedy.

The first is that there are many factors which affect the body's ability to sleep and melatonin is only one small part of a complex sleep wake cycle. Melatonin alone will not therefore produce very good results and it needs to be used as just one part of an overall plan to combat jet lag.

The second is that melatonin is the only hormone which is available without prescription and this lack of regulation in its production and use can present problems.

Because melatonin occurs naturally in some foods it may be sold as a dietary supplement, alongside vitamins and minerals, and is available in many health food stores. As a result melatonin is also manufactured in synthetic form but there is little or no regulation of the factories in which production takes place or indeed of the amount of melatonin contained in the tablets which you purchase. This often means that the quantity of melatonin contained in a pill and that stated on the packaging are not always the same.

Commercially available melatonin is often sold in tablets which contain far higher levels than are found naturally in the body and indeed, in many cases, levels can be as much as twenty times natural blood levels. In addition, there is no requirement to list side-effects when selling melatonin as a supplement and these can be significant. Apart from causing fatigue and depression in some users, melatonin can also cause raised blood pressure and even affect fertility.

Many people do find that melatonin is helpful as a jet lag remedy but, if you do decide to use it, then you should purchase it only from reputable outlets, use it in very small doses and take it as just one part of a wider plan to prevent or combat jet lag.

About the Author
Help-Me-To-Sleep.com provides extensive information and advice on a whole range of sleep disorders including jet lag. In addition, Help Me To Sleep looks at natural ways to provide an insomnia cure for millions of sufferers today.

Day Tours Available in Sydney

2007-04-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

The coast of Australia has always been one of the most popular cruise destinations. Cruise lovers can enjoy 7-day to 14-day cruises that depart from Sydney's busy port. Chances are, if you have booked your flights as part of your cruise package, you might be scheduled to fly in a day early to Australia to accomodate the time change.

What can you do with the extra time you have in Sydney? How about taking a day tour of Sydney's beautiful attractions?

Blue Mountain Tours
Deluxe Mini Coach, Hotel Pick up, Olympic Park, Morning Tea, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Three Sisters, Aboriginal Culture Demonstration, Katoomba Falls, Wentworth Falls, Boomerang Throwing, Rainforest Boardwalk, Free Souvenir, Orphan Rock, Boars Head, Grand Canyon, River Cruise Return

Hunter Valley Tours
2 Course Lunch, Hosted Wine Tasting, Winery Tour, Cheese Tasting, Chocolate Tasting, Morning Tea, Wine Museum, Luxury Comfort, See Wild Kangaroos, Special Wine Rates

Sydney Sights Tours
City Hotel Pick Up, Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Hyde Park, Sydney Monorail, Milsons Point, Seaforth Look Out, Arabanoo Lookout, Morning Tea, Manly’s Stunning Beach, Northern Beaches Tour, Luncheon Cruise, Rocks Historic Tour, Opera House, Conservatorium of Music, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney’s Parliament House, Art Gallery, The Domain Parklands, Mrs Macquaries Chair, Kings Cross, Watsons Bay, Bondi Beach, Afternoon Tea, Paddington Tour

These are just some of the tours available through Sydney Tours-R-US. It is a family run company deeply rooted in Sydney's community for the last 12 years. They've recently won an award for excellence on tourism and service. You can view a complete listing of day tours available by visiting their website.

The Butler Did It! - Regent Seven Seas Cruises Penthouse Sale

2007-04-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

For us commonfolks, cruising itself is a luxury away from the daily humdrum of our lives. We hunt for the best cruise deals and you know you've hit jackpot when you get a verandah for the price of an inside cabin. It's really beyond me to shoot for the stars and book the Penthouse suite, especially one onboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruise Ship.

Just imagine how the other half lives .... And that's exactly what I have been doing.

I have been nosing around Regent Seven Seas Cruises trying to catch a deal or two, and I just discovered that the Penthouses are on sale! For a limited time, the cruise line is going to give us commonfolks a chance to cruise Europe in ultimate luxury with up to $4,000 in savings aboard Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Navigator with a Penthouse B and above reservation. Take note that this offer expires April 22, 2007.

Seven Seas Voyager - Guests enjoy a $2,000 per person savings in the Seven Seas Suite and above or $1,000 per person savings in Penthouses A and B. Additional guest bonus: Friends and family sailing in the same suite will receive a $500 per person savings. Dates - May 26, August 4, August 18, September 22, October 20, and October 27, 2007. Sample Itinerary.

Seven Seas Navigator - Guests enjoy a $2,000 per person savings in the Navigator Suite and above or $1,000 per person savings in Penthouses A and B. Additional guest bonus: Friends and family sailing in the same suite will receive a $500 per person savings. Dates - May 19, May 26, August 4, August 11, August 18, August 25, September 1, October 13, and October 20, 2007. Sample Itinerary.

"Sailing in our Butler suites means enjoying an incomparable level of personalized service and total freedom to relax and relish every moment of your luxury cruise experience. Your personal Butler ensures your complete comfort and privacy - from greeting you upon embarkation to reserving your spa and restaurant appointments."

Wow, this one is definitely going on my list of 101 Things To Do In A Lifetime!

Experience A Chocolate-Dipped Caribbean

2007-04-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

Someone once said, "Chocolate doesn't make the world go around. But it certainly makes the trip worthwhile." That must have been the inspiration behind Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line's annual Spotlight is on...Chocolate theme cruise in the Caribbean each December.

The Caribbean is an appropriate setting to explore the mysteries of cocoa and chocolate since Columbus discovered cocoa beans in a Mayan canoe on his third voyage to the New World in 1502; he may have known they were used as money, but he never learned of the marvelous beverage the Mayans made from the beans. This year, the Seven Seas Voyager resident pastry chefs will have things to say, and show, about the varieties of chocolates from around the world. Guests on board have the opportunity to experience chocolate demonstrations and tastings, accompanied by carefully selected wines. One such demonstration will feature simple and clever ways to entertain for the upcoming holidays or for any occasion.

On this cruise, the spotlight also shines on enrichment programs flavored with topics such as the numerous health benefits of chocolate, chocolate's origins and history and inspiring ideas for creating chocolate delicacies and seductive desserts. "Spotlight" thematic curriculums and lectures on chocolate are complimentary to all guests throughout the voyage.

Another ingredient--and perhaps as alluring--of this Spotlight is on...Chocolate theme cruise is the opportunity to escape to the warmth of Caribbean island sunshine in December. There will be a host of occasions ashore to explore picturesque villages and diverse cultures and even optional shore excursions that focus on island cuisine to enhance your journey. In San Juan, for example, an exclusive lunch at Pikayo Restaurant, located in the Museum of Art, including a visit with owner, restaurateur and celebrity chef Wilo Benet is offered. Or, delve into Puerto Rico's rich heritage and examine the rum-making process during a tour of Old San Juan and the Bacardi Rum Distillery.

Day-By-Day Itinerary
Friday, Dec 7, 2007, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Depart: 5 PM
Saturday, Dec 8, 2007, At Sea
Sunday, Dec 9, 2007, Grand Turk Arrive: 8:00 AM Depart: 2:00 PM
Monday, Dec 10, 2007, San Juan Arrive: 12:00 Noon Depart: 11:00 PM
Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007, St. Thomas Arrive: 7:00 AM Depart: 3:00 PM
Wednesday, Dec 12, 2007, At Sea
Thursday, Dec 13, 2007, Princess Cays private island Arrive: 9:00 AM Depart: 3:00 PM
Friday, Dec 14, 2007, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Disembarks

Like an all-sweet chocolate indulgence, Regent's all-suite Seven Seas Voyager cruise features:

Spacious, all-balcony cabins
All onboard gratuities
Complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship
Complimentary 24-hour room service menu
Complimentary in-suite dining including selections from the main dining room during dinner hours
In-suite refrigerator stocked with soft drinks and bottled water replenished on a daily basis
Butler service in Category B suites and above
In-suite bar setup in butler suites
Choice of multiple open-seating dining venues
iPod music system in all butler suites (Bose®, speakers in top three suite categories)
WiFi hotspots
In-suite movie channels and DVDs
1:16 crew per guest ratio--among the highest at sea
Space ratios from 60 to 71.5--among the highest at sea
Self-service launderettes

Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line's Spotlight is on...Chocolate theme cruise: it's a tempting slice of the good life and a culinary journey at sea for a true chocolate lover.

About the Author
© 2007 Scooter Tessari, MCC, owns The Cruise Center, Inc. in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and operates the website Tasteful Journeys devoted to enrichment vacations with a culinary accent and featuring cruises, tours, and custom designed vacation packages. Go to Spotlight is on...Chocolate for itinerary details.

Cruise Deals! Save Up To 70% Off At HotelReservations.com

2007-04-03T11:36:00.001-07:00

It is really a fantastic deal. You can save up to 70% off your entire vacation package - cruise, flights, hotel, and even car rentals. HotelReservations.com's new deals on cruises are absolutely sizzling hot starting as low as $239 per person (based on double occupancy of course) for a 4 night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Tampa.

Now would be a great time for the budget conscious to book that big holiday because these are the bargain rates that you have been waiting for. At these prices, you know they're a steal and they won't be sticking around for long. So, hurry and go check them out!

Carnival Cruise Lines - 4 Night Western Caribbean from $239

Royal Caribbean - 4 Night Bahamas from $259

Royal Caribbean - 5-day Western Caribbean from $379

Celebrity Cruises - 5 Night Western Caribbean from $449

Holland America Line - 7 Night Mexican Riviera from $499

Celebrity Cruises - 7 Night Alaska/Hubbard Glacier from $599

Royal Caribbean - 7 Night Western Caribbean from $629

Royal Caribbean - 7 Night Deep Southern Caribbean from $629

If you have your heart set on a specific itinerary, here are the top cruise destinations for HotelReservations.com - Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and Panama Canal.

Browsing around their website is like being a kid in a candy store, every single page gives you more exciting goodies that is difficult to top.

7 Night Alaska/Hubbard Glacier from $599 aboard Celebrity Infinity
Call for up to $100 off! - Ends 4/27/07!
Complimentary Onboard Savings Booklet! - 5 days left!
Complimentary onboard savings booklets! - Ends 04/30/07!
Ports of Call: Departs From Vancouver, British Columbia visiting Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Juneau, Alaska; Icy Strait, Alaska

7 Night Greece & Turkey from $669 aboard Royal Caribbean Splendour Of The Seas
Complimentary Onboard Savings Booklet! - 5 days left!
Ports of Call: Departs From Venice, Italy visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Santorini, Greece; Corfu, Greece

11 Night Hawaii from $1,049 aboard Celebrity Mercury
Call for up to $200 off! - Ends 4/27/07!
Complimentary Onboard Savings Booklet! - 5 days left!
Ports of Call: Departs From Ensenada, Mexico visiting Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Hilo, Hawaii; Lahaina, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu

God Bless Bonus Deals! I find that by starting my cruise vacation with the best deal I can find and getting all the extra bonuses just makes me very excited. And of course, I must tell all of my friends about how much money I have saved. Next thing you know, we have a group of people booked on the cruise. If this happens to you, call it in at HotelReservations.com because guess what? You could be eligible for additional savings on group rates by calling 1-800-447-4136 in the US and Canada!

When you have booked your cruise, keep your mind at ease by knowing that you can also save up to 70% off on your flights, hotel and car rates. It is always nice to get in early or stay a little bit longer to explore the port city, especially if you have such beautiful and exotic destinations such as Barcelona, Honolulu, Vancouver, and the Danube River.

Just a couple more quick notes:

Make sure to print, clip and fill out the coupon for up to $100 Rebate on your hotel bookings for 3 days or more.

Have a look through HotelReservations.com Destination Guide for your cruise embarkation and port cities. This way you can plan your port visit in advance. Just some of the topics the guide covers are: Where to go, Getting around, Maps, Festivals and Activities.

This Post is Sponsored by HotelReservations.com

Just In Time For The Alaska Cruise Season

2007-04-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

Make the most of your vacation time and experience unforgettable days with West Coast City and Nature Sightseeing when you join their experienced guides as they show you the sights & sounds of Vancouver!

With FREE entry to over 50 of the best attractions in Vancouver. The See Vancouver Smartvisit Card will ensure you see and do the best attractions and activities.

Free entry to over 50 attractions in Vancouver, Victoria & Beyond

Great Savings – Visit as few as 2 attractions a day & you can start to save

Cash free entry – Simply show your card and you will be admitted

Additional special offers on high value activities such as whale watching

Free guidebook with maps & hints to help you plan your itinerary

Things to do whatever time of year you visit – rain or shine.

SEEVANCOUVERCARD.COM COUPONS & DISCOUNTS

Save Up To $30! 3 Day Card For The Price of 2!

Group Travel - Save at least $50! If you order over $1,000 worth of See Vancouver Cards, get a 5% discount. Purchase over $1,500 and get a 10% discount!

Save $10! Slot Play In BC Casinos!

Save 15% at Canadian Maple Delights - A shop filled with maple treats perfect for a gift to take home.

SEEVANCOUVERCARD.COM LIST OF ATTRACTIONS

Abkhazi Garden, HR MacMillan Space Centre, Science World at Telus World, Art Gallery of Greater Vancouver, Imax Theatre at Canada Place, Sewell's Sea Safari, BC Museum of Mining, Langley Centennial Museum, Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours, Bloedel Conservatory, Maplewood Farm, Takaya Tours, Burnaby Village Museum, Maritime Museum of British Columbia, UBC Botanical Garden, Canadian Museum of Flight, Minter Gardens , Vancouver Aquarium, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Mountainview Conservation Center, Vancouver Art Gallery, Centre of the Universe, Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver Harbour Cruises, Craigdarroch Castle, Nitobe Memorial Garden, Vancouver Harbour Cruises, Indian Arm Luncheon, Craigflower Manor & Schoolhouse, Orca Spirit Adventure , Vancouver Lookout, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Pacific Centre Mall, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Easy Park, Pacific North West Raptors, Vancouver Museum, Emily Carr House, Pacific Undersea Gardens, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, Power House at Stave Falls, Vertical Reality, Fort Rodd Hill, Quw'utsun, West Coast City Sightseeing Tour, Ghostly Walks & Discover The Past Tours, Reckless Bike Stores (Vancouver), West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Gray Line Grand City Drive, Reckless Bike Stores (Victoria ), Whistler Day Tour, Great Pacific Adventures, Royal BC Museum, White Spot, Hell's Gate Airtram, Sasquatch Tours

Hot Deals & Cruise Specials at CheapCaribbean.com

2007-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Caribbean Vacation Specials!

BAHAMAS CRUISES

3 Nt Bahamas
Royal Caribbean - Majesty of the Seas Miami Apr 20 from $259

3 Nt Bahamas
Carnival - Fascination Miami Apr 27 from $269

5 Nt Bahamas
Carnival - Elation Port Canaveral May 7 from $399

6 Nt Bahamas
NCL - Norwegian Spirit New York Apr 25 from $599

BERMUDA CRUISES

6 Nt Bermuda
NCL - Norwegian Majesty Boston Apr 23 from $559

5 Nt Bermuda Mother's Day Cruise
Royal Caribbean - Grandeur of the Seas Baltimore May 13 from $679

7 Nt Bermuda - Mother's Day Cruise
NCL - Norwegian Crown Philadelphia May 6 from $749

7 Nt Bermuda - Mother's Day Cruise
NCL - Norwegian Dawn New York May 12 from $879

7 Nt Bermuda - Mother's Day Cruise
NCL - Norwegian Crown Philadelphia May 13 from $899

EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

7 Nt Eastern Caribbean
Carnival - Carnival Victory Miami Apr 15 from $479

7 Nt Eastern Caribbean
Princess - Caribbean Princess Ft. Lauderdale Apr 29 from $499

7 Nt Eastern Caribbean
Carnival - Carnival Valor Miami May 6 from $519

7 Nt Eastern Caribbean
Royal Caribbean - Mariner of the Seas Miami May 13 from $799

7 Nt Eastern Caribbean
Royal Caribbean - Mariner of the Seas Port Canaveral Apr 15 from $799

EUROPE CRUISES

5 Night Ireland - Balcony!
Celebrity - Constellation Southampton Apr 25 from $1,109

11 Night Mediterranean & Morocco
Celebrity - Century Barcelona Oct 22 from $1,229

7 Night Scandinavia - Oceanview!
Royal Caribbean - Navigator of the Seas Southampton Apr 28 from $1,718

HAWAII CRUISES

7 Nt Hawaii
NCL - Pride of Aloha Honolulu May 13 from $499

SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISES

10 Nt South Pacific
Princess - Tahitian Princess Papeete Apr 16 from $899

10 Nt South Pacific - Oceanview!
Princess - Tahitian Princess Papeete Apr 26 from $1,499

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

7 Nt Southern Caribbean
Royal Caribbean - Adventure of the Seas San Juan Apr 15 from $549

7 Nt Southern Caribbean
Royal Caribbean - Serenade of the Seas San Juan Apr 14 from $599

9 Nt Southern Caribbean
NCL - Norwegian Pearl Miami Apr 13 from $749

10 Nt Southern Caribbean - Oceanview!
Princess - Sun Princess Ft. Lauderdale Apr 9 from $1,099

WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

5 Nt Western Caribbean
Carnival - Holiday Mobile Apr 28 from $379

7 Nt Western Caribbean
Royal Caribbean - Rhapsody of the Seas Galveston Apr 22 from $449

5 Nt Western Caribbean
Royal Caribbean - Enchantment of the Seas Ft. Lauderdale Apr 14 from $549

Five Carnival Corporation & plc Brands to Launch On Deck for the Cure(TM) Breast Cancer Fundraising Initiative

2007-04-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Five Carnival Corporation & plc brands -- Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, and Princess Cruises -- have joined together to launch "On Deck for the Cure," an innovative fundraising initiative benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

With a goal to raise $1 million for breast cancer research, On Deck for the Cure is modeled after a similar program launched last year by Holland America and encompasses fundraisers on dozens of the brands' ships, with guests making a donation benefiting Komen for the Cure and participating in five-kilometer walks and other activities on the vessels' open decks.

In addition to the fundraising component, On Deck for the Cure is designed to raise consumer awareness regarding breast cancer, one of the leading causes of death for women in the U.S. "Carnival Corporation & plc brands have been longtime supporters of breast cancer research and the On Deck for the Cure initiative takes this support to another level by providing our guests an opportunity to join with their fellow cruisers on a fun group activity to raise money for a truly worthwhile cause," said Jack Anderson, Carnival Corporation & plc's vice president of marketing.

Brands participating in On Deck for the Cure include:

Holland America Line -- On all of Holland America's 13 vessels, guests are invited to make a $15 donation and participate in a five-kilometer walk around the ship's upper deck wearing a custom-designed T-shirt and wristband. A post- walk pink lemonade reception -- signifying the color associated with breast cancer research -- is held for all walkers. This program, which officially began in April 2006, has raised more than $300,000 already.

Carnival Cruise Lines -- Aboard the "Fun Ships," guests are encouraged to make a minimum $10 donation and partake in a five-kilometer walk around the ships' jogging track. The fundraisers, held initially on the Miami-based Carnival Valor and Fascination, are promoted within the Carnival Capers daily shipboard newsletter.

Costa Cruises -- Featured on Costa's two Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based ships, the Costa Mediterranea and Costa Fortuna, during the vessels' Caribbean cruise seasons, guests participating in On Deck for the Cure activities on these vessels make an $18 donation and then enjoy a five-kilometer stroll on the ships' upper deck.

Princess Cruises -- Following a five-kilometer walk on the ships' promenade decks, participants on Princess' 17 ships enjoy a post-walk reception poolside with refreshments and snacks. The minimum donation is $15 and all participants receive a special baseball cap with the On Deck for the Cure and Komen logos.

The Yachts of Seabourn -- The intimate size of Seabourn's 208-passenger ships limits the opportunities for hosting a five-kilometer walk. Instead, the line conducts "Quiz for the Cure" team trivia contests in which participants can make a voluntary $25 donation and receive a special "On Deck for the Cure" visor and wristband.

"Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to ending breast cancer forever. Cause-related marketing programs such as the On Deck for the Cure initiative are an integral part of our mission, helping us reach millions of consumers with life-saving breast health messages and raising funds that support breast cancer research and community outreach programs. We are extremely grateful to Carnival Corporation & plc for their continued support in our fight against breast cancer," said Nancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia. Together, these brands operate 82 ships totaling 147,000 lower berths with 19 new ships scheduled to enter service between April 2007 and June 2011. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

About Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit http://www.komen.org.

Source: PR-Inside

Royal Caribbean Names Canadian Travel Agent Godmother of New Liberty of The Seas

2007-03-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

The public has spoken, and the votes have been tallied. After a six month search, Royal Caribbean International today named travel agent Donnalea Madaley godmother of the cruise line's newest ship, Liberty of the Seas, at Cruise Lines International Association's Cruise3Sixty conference. Donnalea, of Ontario-based Marlin Travel, was selected from among nearly 2,500 nominations of exemplary women travel agents who have demonstrated dedication to philanthropy and service in their communities. In the spirit of maritime tradition, Donnalea will participate in the naming ceremony of Liberty on May 18, 2007, and help launch the cruise ship, a prestigious role often performed by dignitaries and celebrities.

"It is a great honor to congratulate Donnalea Madaley on her selection as the godmother of Liberty of the Seas. Through her, we are demonstrating our ultimate appreciation to the travel agent community; recognizing the important role they play in the success of the cruise industry; and acknowledging their service and contributions to make the world a better place," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Sales, Royal Caribbean International. "In our search, we have learned about the good works of so many women travel agents. These selfless women all deserve recognition of their deep commitment to serve their communities and beyond."

In addition to being chosen as Liberty's godmother, Donnalea also will receive a $25,000 check from Royal Caribbean for Hands Across the Nations (HATN), a service organization created and led by Donnalea and her husband. In addition to maintaining full-time jobs and raising a family of three children, the Madaleys have helped raise funds, provided training, and constructed essential facilities in remote communities in such places as Mali, Bolivia and countries in Western Africa since the mid-1980s. Current Hands Across the Nations (http://www.hatncanada.org/) projects include erecting, furnishing and staffing homes for children of incarcerated parents; school dorms for women; and medical and community centers.

Royal Caribbean's search for Liberty's godmother began in August 2006. Three finalists were selected on March 1, 2007, by a 19-member panel of judges represented by members of the media, executives of the cruise industry and travel partners of Royal Caribbean. Donnalea was chosen by the public through online voting from March 1 through 15, 2007 on RoyalCaribbean.com. In addition to the donation to Hands Across the Nations, the cruise line also will make a donation of $5,000 on behalf of each of the two runners-up, Marie Brouard of American Express Centurion Travel Services in Miramar, Florida, and Carole Weishaar of Carefree Travel in Scottsdale, Arizona, to a charity organization of their choice.

At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests, double-occupancy, Liberty will share the title of the world's largest cruise ship with sister ship, Freedom of the Seas. She will feature the same popular innovations already found on Freedom, including the FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone aqua park, cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 feet above the ocean, an ice-skating rink, a boxing ring and the 1,215-square-foot Presidential Family Suite, which sleeps up to 14. In addition, the arrival of Liberty will introduce new innovative onboard programs to the cruise line's fleet such as the Vitality wellness program, Explorer Weddings, the Crown & Anchor Society Youth loyalty program, as well as enhancements to the cruise line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programming.

Liberty of the Seas will sail alternating seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami. Both itineraries will call on Royal Caribbean's private destination, Labadee, Haiti. The Western Caribbean itinerary will include the ports of Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico; while the Eastern Caribbean itinerary will call on San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and three under construction. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand through its cruisetour division. For additional information or to make reservations, go to http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ or call (800) 327-6700.

PR-Inside.com

See Sydney & Beyond SmartVisit Card

2007-03-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

Sydney’s leading attractions pass combines unbeatable value for money with convenience all for a single, inclusive price to all the best attractions.The See Sydney & Beyond Smartvisit Card is the smart travel companion, whether you travel alone, with friends and family.

Save Money - with free entry to over 40 attractions

Great Value - with activities for everyone and special offers

Save Time - customise your itinerary before leaving home

Security - simply swipe your card and you enter for free

Local Knowledge - discover the local’s best kept secrets

Pre-Plan your Trip - receive a 128 page colour guidebook

Purchase Transport - get unlimited travel on buses, trains and ferries

For the one price the See Sydney & Beyond Smartvisit Card gives you unlimited sightseeing with free entry to over 40 attractions. Visit just 2 attractions a day and you will start to save.

You can visit as many of the attractions as you want. You may even visit the same attraction more than once on different days. Adult and children cards are available.

Unbeatable savings with the top attractions

$750 of entry fees are included for the one low price

It is safe - no need to carry cash

Trusted - SVS is supported by the Tourist Attractions Association

You cannot buy a pass for over 40 Sydney attractions anywhere else

Start planning before you leave with your card & guidebook home delivered

DONT MISS OUT ON THIS MONTH'S EXTRA DISCOUNTS & SPECIAL OFFERS AT SEESYDNEYCARD.COM

Families Save $79! For a limited time, if you order 2 adult and 2 child 3 day passes, SeeSydneyCard.com will only charge you the cost of 2 adults and 1 child pass. That's one child for free!

Group Travel - Save at least $50! If you order over $1,000 worth of See Sydney Cards, get a 5% discount. Purchase over $1,500 and get a 10% discount!

Online Special - Save $10! Buy a 2 day or more See Sydney Card today and receive a $10 voucher to spend at the Pumphouse Bar & Restaurant in Darling Harbour.

Exclusive Offer from American Express Selects - Save 15%. As part of American Express Selects, use your American Express Card and save 15% on the total value of your purchase.

List of Attractions:

Arena Restaurant in Homebush Bay, Art Gallery of NSW (Temp Exhibitions), Australian National Maritime Museum, Australian Pacific Touring, Blue Fish Restaurant, BridgeClimb, Bygone Beautys, Chinese Garden of Friendship, Dendy Opera Quays, Elizabeth Bay House, Elizabeth Farm, Everglades, Experiment Farm Cottage, Explorer Bus including Scenic World, Fantastic Aussie Tours, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout, Harbourside Shopping Centre, Homebush Bay Brewery, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Jenolan Caves, JetCruiser, Justice and Police Museum, Koala Park, Listen Live Tour, Luna Park Sydney, Magistic CruiseSmart, Manly Art Gallery and Museum, Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, Museum of Sydney, Norman Lindsay Museum & Gallery, North Fort, Observation Centre at Homebush Bay, Ocean World Manly, Old Government House, Parkside Restaurant, Parramatta Visitor and Info. Centre, Pier 26, Powerhouse Museum, Purely Australian Clothing Company, Queen Victoria Building, The Rocks Walking Tour, S. H. Ervin Gallery, Shark Dive, Summit Restaurant, Susannah Place, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Int'l Aquatic & Athletic Centre, Sydney Jet, Sydney Ob'tory: 3D Space Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Skywalk, Sydney Tower and Oztrek, Sydney Tower Restaurant, Sydney Wildlife Park, Taronga Park Zoo, Telstra Stadium Tour, Vaucluse House

Florida Savors the Flavors during April's Annual Food Festivals

2007-03-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy feasting on the fresh taste of local fare while taking in the Florida sunshine, then give yourself, family, and friends a real Florida experience by attending one of the many food festivals coming in April!

From mullet to crawfish, frog legs to sausage, mangos to kumquats, garlic to swamp cabbage, flap jacks to chocolate, and anything and everything in between, there's a festival for every taste.

"The best places to find the heart and soul of tasty Florida fare is in the multitude of local food festivals," writes Joan Steinbacher, author of "Food Fest! Your Complete Guide to Florida's Food Festivals" and who offers a free e-mail guide "Five Tips to Fabulous Fun at Food Festivals."

Besides the main attraction--scrumptious food--Florida's food festivals feature a variety of amusements and are ideal entertainment for the whole family. Eating contests are popular, as well as off-beat competitions. And there's often musical entertainment, arts and crafts, car shows, children's activities, and much more.

Florida's food festival season is in full swing. Here is a sampling of mouth-watering events coming in April 2007:

Bonita Springs - Celebrate Bonita District Chili Cookoff (April 1)
Leesburg - Spring Fish Fry (April 5)
Crescent City - St. Johns River Catfish Festival (April 6-7)
Tallahassee - Florida Wine Festival (April 12-14)
Port Saint Joe - A Taste of the Coast An Artful Affair (April 13-14)
Panama City - National Shrimp and Oyster Festival (April 13-15)
Riverview - Spring Jubilee Chili Cook-off (April 14)
Sandestin - Sandestin Wine Festival (April 19-22)
Orlando - Rajuncajun Crawfish Festival (April 21)
Orlando - Great American Pie Festival (April 21-22)
Ponce Inlet - Shrimp Fest (April 21-22)
Starke - Bradford County Strawberry Festival (April 21-22)
Sanibel - Taste of the Islands (April 22)
St. Augustine - An Evening with EPIC Chefs (April 26)
Sarasota - Florida Winefest & Auction (April 26-28)
Pompano Beach - Seafood Festival (April 27-29)
Tampa - Bern's Winefest (April 27-30)
Clewiston - Sugar Festival (April 28)
Fort Lauderdale - New Times Beerfest (April 28)
St. Augustine - A Taste of St. Augustine (April 28)
West Palm Beach - Sweet Corn Fiesta (April 29)
Key West - Taste of Key West (April 30)

Have fun eating your way through the month! For additional information and more events, visit the "Food Fest!".

To get your free "Five Tips to Fabulous Fun at Food Festivals" guide, open the "Contact Us" page on www.FoodFestGuide.com and place the words "Five Tips" in the Comments area. Or you can fax your request (toll-free) to (866) 829-8147.

Land Packages from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

2007-03-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

A moment with Michael of Royal Caribbean International at the Los Angeles Times Adventurers Travel Expo. Michael discusses new packages, 20 new ports throughout Europe, and what's popular in the cruise market. This podcast was produced by Wayfarer Digital for In The Know Traveler.

Watch The Video...

No, Americans Don't Need a Passport to Vacation in Canada

2007-03-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

With all the recent publicity warning Americans that they need a passport to visit Canada after January 23, 2007, it seems to have gone unnoticed that you don't in fact need a passport to visit the Canadian Rockies or any other beautiful spot up north. All you have to do cross the 3000 mile border by land, not air - and that, according to travel company Fresh Tracks, can be a good thing.

By taking domestic flights to northern cities in the United States, Americans can still cross the border without the expense and hassle of getting a passport. Government issued photo identification (such as a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) are all that is currently required for land borders.

So if you want to visit the Canadian Rockies then it's as simple as flying into Seattle. Rail buffs can take Amtrak right into Vancouver. The train station is just five minutes from downtown - much closer than the airport, and there's an extra train ride. There are also a number of bus departures per day and the three hour drive is well worth the splendor of western Canada.

If you want to hear the thunder of Niagara Falls, or the excitement of Toronto then flying into Detroit is the answer. VIA Rail Canada operates trains to Windsor, Ontario, which is just across the border from Detroit. Rent a vehicle and drive through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or across the Ambassador Bridge - it's that simple.

Canada houses a bit of Europe right in North America and it's easy to reach from New York - no passport or long flight required. Amtrak operates a daily rail connection between New York's Penn Station and downtown Montreal. Quebec City, Ottawa, and Toronto are all within an easy VIA Rail trip of Montreal.

About Fresh Tracks Canada
Fresh Tracks Canada is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and specializes in custom vacations in Canada. Fresh Tracks is a web based company that has been booking packages - everything from camping trips to rail journeys - since 1992. 50% of Fresh Tracks' clients are from the United States. Fresh Tracks offers a variety of exciting Canadian vacation adventures including sea kayaking, hiking, rafting, horseback trips, canoeing, cycling, sailing, remote lodges, and natural history. Visit www.freshtracks.ca for more information.

Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) March 27, 2007

Day Tours of Paris from London, Now Easier Than Ever

2007-03-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

London-based tour operator British Tours Ltd who have specialised in personal tours of London, Britain and Europe since 1958, have found that Paris is now among the top day tours from London. The travel time to Paris is just 2 hours 35 minutes by high-speed Eurostar train.

"More and more clients are adding Paris to their itineraries. The convenience of touring Paris during their stay in London, without having to pack up and change hotels seems to be a real plus point for this tour" says Jason Doll-Steinberg, British Tours Ltd's Marketing Manager.

The London to Paris tours include flexible train journeys and an expert tour guide who will greet the party at Paris Gare du Nord station for a personal guided tour of the city by private car, as well as visits inside historic attractions. The flexibility and speed of private travel is especially useful on this tour to maximise the seven hours spent in Paris.

Some of the sights covered are Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe, towering above the Avenue de Champs Elysees; Notre Dame; the world famous Eiffel Tower with a visit to the top; Concord where over 1300 people were executed over 2 years; the 18th century Pantheon, resting place of Marie Curie and Voltaire; Hotel des Invalides, where Napoleon is buried; Montmartre, the artists quarter of Paris; the Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur and the largest art museum in the world, the Louvre housing The Mona Lisa. There is also time for shopping and lunch in a typical Parisian brasserie before being taken back to the station.

Prices start at 225 Pounds sterling per person, based on 4 passengers, for a 7 hour tour of Paris with standard class return train journeys, private car and an English speaking driver-guide.

For further information please see http://www.britishtours.com/pariseurostar.html or contact Marketing at paris@britishtours.com.

British Tours Ltd, London 49 Conduit Street, London W1S 2YS Tel + 44 (0) 207 734 8734

10% Off Car Rentals at Budget Rent A Car

2007-03-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

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From Tourists to Travelers – Visitors to Europe Raising Bar as Trends Emerge on Viator

2007-03-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

While Europe may be the second-smallest continent as measured by geographic landmass; the countries that make up the region are massive in culture, history and diversity. Evidence of this are the trends that are emerging from Viator’s customer booking patterns, which clearly illustrate a desire to submerge oneself in the local culture, to spend more time getting to know a destination, and to indulge in the traditional experiences for which certain cities have become most well-known.

“These are the types of trends that help the team at Viator validate the broad selection of destination activities we strive to offer to our customers,” said Rod Cuthbert, CEO and founder of Viator. “It is easy to stay on the path most-traveled, but it is a true ‘traveler’ who appreciates what is unique about their destination and does all he or she can to truly experience it.”

Digging Deep into the Culture
To truly experience a destination, whether a new city or old favorite, a deep connection needs to be made. More and more, travelers are choosing activities that help them go beyond their comfort zone and enable them to be moved, to be taught, to be in the moment. How better to learn about Paris than Dining with Parisian Hosts in a private home, discussing culture and unique experiences over a gourmet catered French meal? In the kitchen of a typical Florentine home in Italy, travelers are taught to prepare a traditional Tuscan meal and the appropriate wine pairings during the Tuscan Cooking Course and Dinner, before sitting down to indulge in their accomplishments. Private guided tours of museums like the Louvre, Uffizi and Accademia give travelers the opportunity to gaze upon masterpieces by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli while listening to compelling narration detailing the impact of those artists and their work on European culture and history.

The Best of Both Worlds
With more than 2,000 activities in 40 European cities, Viator customers can create itineraries that are leisurely and independent, busy and group-focused, or a combination of both. More and more travelers are taking advantage of multi-day tours, in many instances to help them explore smaller, more remote cities, or to consolidate multiple journeys out of the city. Visitors to Dublin can become immersed in the Emerald Isle with the Three-day Rail Tour to Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher. Territory throughout the dramatic Highlands of Scotland can be experienced from Edinburgh with the Three-day Isle of Sky Tour by Minicoach. Travelers to Spain who want to venture beyond Barcelona and Madrid can take a Four-day Excursion to Cordoba, Seville and Granada. With hopes of crossing borders with a group of fellow travelers, the Five-day Morocco Tour from Costa del Sol explores the exotic cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech.

Tried and True
As more travelers branch out to create unique destination experiences, Viator Traveler Reviews and ‘most popular’ ratings also point to the continued significance of the perennial favorites which can also serve as an important part of the overall experience of a destination. Activities like the Tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel and the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s in Rome; Dinner and Show at the Moulin Rouge in Paris; viewing Da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan; admiring the Queen’s Royal Collection during the Summer opening of Buckingham Palace; may seem conventional and expected but they continue to draw crowds and sell out on a regular basis. By purchasing these activities before departure, travelers avoid waiting on long lines or the dreaded sold-out sign upon arrival, ensuring their memories will be complete.

The Viator Europe Trip Planner and the Viator Travel Blog are useful resources for anyone planning a trip to Europe, whether first-timers or return visitors, featuring suggested itineraries, first-hand accounts and Traveler Reviews.

*Specific details regarding the activities mentioned including prices and availability can be found at Viator.com.

About Viator
Viator is the world’s leading online resource for travel experiences – the things you do when you get there – providing access to more than 5,000 sightseeing tours, attractions and activities in 450-plus destinations in more than 75 countries, as well as customer reviews, star ratings and the Viator Travel Blog. Viator -- the Latin word for traveler -- offers online consumers a one-stop shop to plan, research and book trip activities that meet a variety of tastes and preferences, including sightseeing tours, theater tickets, soft adventure trips, attraction passes, wine and culinary excursions, and many “well kept secrets” off the beaten path. Viator’s in-house travel experts help take the guess work out of planning by hand-picking respected and trusted local operators to ensure a quality experience, value and service. Viator, founded in 1995, sells its products directly to consumers at Viator.com and through its growing global network of more than 3,500 affiliates that include major hotel and airline companies, online travel agencies, city-specific sites and more. Viator is headquartered in San Francisco with regional offices in Sydney, London and Las Vegas.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 26, 2007

Discount Boston Hotel Rates Available At The Hotel Club

2007-03-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

Boston is expecting a very busy cruise season this year with travellers embarking on cruises to Bermuda, Canada / New England, and the Transatlantic.

We recommend arriving at least a day or two early for various reasons - eliminate the rush from the airport to the port, and to get a chance to explore what this beautiful city has to offer. Just because Boston is the starting point of your cruise, does not mean that it should not be a part of your itinerary. Give yourself some time to see the historical sights, experience the food and wine, and do a little bit of shopping before your cruise.

The first step is to search for a hotel within your budget. A great starting point is The Hotel Club. Just a quick tip from the folks here at Cruise Headlines - if you want to save money on your hotel stay in Boston, book it online at The Hotel Club. The rates will be definitely be cheaper than booking it directly with the hotel, and they're only available for booking through the internet. Boston hotel rates are as low as $65 a night for a three-star hotel!

So, how do you know which hotel to choose when staying in Boston? Just a quick trip to The Hotel Club's Discount Boston Hotel's website, you will be able to find information on all the hotels close to the port, or right at the heart of downtown Boston. You can search easily to accommodate your preference by price, by hotel rating, or even the amenities you want included in your rate.

What we really like about The Hotel Club is that it provides you with activities you can enjoy close to the hotel of your choice. "The property is 40 minutes from the North Shore, which is famous for its beautiful beaches, whale watch cruises and sensational Salem Witch trials. Excellent shopping and dining areas are also placed close by to the Inn. For lunch or dinner you can dine at the Chateau Restaurant, which is located right next door to the Inn that serves the finest in Italian cuisine. During leisure, you can relax at the pool or soak out the kinks in the Jacuzzi hot tub. In addition, tennis buffs can also serve up a few games at the outdoor-lighted tennis courts." Sounds like a fantastic start to your cruise vacation, doesn't it?

One last tip before you finish planning your trip, make sure you plan on having a great time on your holiday and don't forget to send us folks here a quick note on how easy it was to save money on your hotel stay in Boston!

This is a Sponsored Post by The Hotel Club.

Where is My Luggage?

2007-03-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

Were you one of the unlucky travelers caught in the pre-Christmas blizzard that dumped over 2 feet of snow on Denver International Airport, shutting it down for two days, and stranding 4,700 passengers and snarling holiday travel around the country? If so, believe it or not, you may have been one of the lucky ones because at least you probably eventually received your luggage once you arrived at your travel destination. Several air travelers were not as lucky recently when their transfer bags were stolen from Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport. It was reported that 68 bags were found outside of a pet store dumpster near the airport and several more were recovered at another Houston location; a total of 90 pieces of luggage were recovered of the 150 pieces allegedly stolen. According to Houston officials, the suspects arrested were not employed or contracted by the airlines or the Houston Airport System, but were members of a local theft ring.

The important thing is the alleged thieves were caught and justice will be served, but could it happen again and could it be your bag this time? While many air travelers are still trying to understand the latest carry-on and checked baggage restrictions, more and more travelers are becoming increasingly concerned about baggage security and how to guard against baggage theft, regardless of where the theft may take place. In an effort to reduce the risk of baggage theft, many air travelers are now shipping their bags in advance of their trip. Highly recommended companies such as The Luggage Club, today's premier door-to-door luggage, sports equipment and business goods delivery experts, offer their services to help minimize the stress travelers experience over possible baggage theft and the security of their personal effects. The Luggage Club is positioned to meet the needs of this growing trend of travelers who have decided to play it safe by shipping their luggage in advance of their trip. Travelers' luggage can be picked up at their home, office or location of choice and delivered to their final travel destination and returned again at the end of their trip. Plus, The Luggage Club has no limits on size, weight or number of pieces that can be shipped. Services are available throughout 220 countries worldwide.

"Customer security and privacy are our top priorities," says Gene Langenecker, President of The Luggage Club. He goes on to say, "Today's travelers deserve the peace-of-mind of knowing their bags are going to be safe and secure, and waiting for them when they arrive at their final travel destination."

The Luggage Club offers a variety of money-saving programs including a program for Physically Disadvantaged Travelers, Corporate Program for business travelers, Affiliate Program for travel professionals and a Frequent Traveler Program offering volume-based price discounted packages, plus Gift Cards are available for purchase. For more information go to The Luggage Club or call Toll-Free 1-877-231-5131.

Singles Travel International Cruises through 2007 in Luxury Discerning Solo Travelers Cruise Caribbean, Galapagos, Alaska, Greece, and Norway

2007-03-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Singles Travel International takes the lead once again in 2007 and announces the best in luxury cruises for single adults who love to travel. Enjoy luxurious cruises all over the world, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Trans-Atlantic, Greek Islands, and more. Allow yourself to indulge in the epitome of luxury cruising while meeting other singles just like you; it has never been easier. Choose from a variety of luxury cruises in the new 2007 Singles Travel International cruise calendar (see below) and book your trip online.

2007 Adventures Schedule:

Caribbean Cruise on the QM2 (April 2-10,'07) Starting at $1,099*.
Celebrate the Easter & Passover holiday at sea and visit Eastern Caribbean (Bonaire, Grenada & St. Kitts)

Galapagos & Optional Ecuador Extension (April 20-May 5,'07) Starting at $4,345*.
Visit these isolated islands and their rare creatures aboard the Celebrity Xpedition.

Liberty of the Seas Caribbean Cruise Memorial Day Weekend (May 26-Jun 2,'07) Starting at $1,180*. Visit Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Private Island in Labadee, San Juan Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten.

Real Estate Investment Cruise (June 1-June 4,'07) Starting at $399*
A must for any new investor, from Miami aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas visit the private islands of Coco Cay, and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Odyssey Cruise on QM2 (June 16-26,'07) Starting at $1,599*.
Back by popular demand, view the Fjords of Norway aboard the Queen Mary 2.

QM2 4th of July in the Bahamas (July 2-6,'07) Starting at $889*.
Experience a spectacle to remember on the "Greatest Ocean Liner of Our Time" the Queen Mary 2.

Heart of Alaska Cruise and Tour (August 13-24,'07') Starting at $1,919*.
Experience Alaska's wilder side in this 11 day journey, with a combination of grand class cruising, and luxury, spend 2 nights in the #1 wilderness lodge south of Denali National Park.

Mediterranean Medley Cruise aboard QM2 (September 10-22,'07) Starting at $2,129*. Discover a cache of treasures on this 12 day cruise from Southampton England to Rome, Barcelona, Portugal, French Riviera.

Transatlantic Crossing on QM2 (September 22-28,'07) Starting at $1,059*.
From Southampton England to New York, think of this experience as a 5-day visit to a luxury spa with no interruptions. A must do for any sophisticated traveler.

New York Splendors of Fall Cruise aboard the QM2 (September 28-October 7,'07) Starting at $1,729*. A fall colors cruise from New York to Quebec and the exciting stops in Newport, Boston, Halifax and Bar Harbor.

Greek Island Cruise (October 20-27,'07) Starting at $749
This magnificent cruise departs Venice, Italy on the Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas, and visits the fascinating Greek ports of Athens, Mykonos, Katakalon, Corfu, Split, and Croatia.

Holiday Cruise (December 20-January 3,'08) Starting at $2,762*
Cruise the holidays like a star aboard the grandest vessel afloat. Visit the unique ports of Tortola, St. Maarten, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts and St. Thomas. Round-trip from New York.

New Year's Eve Caribbean Cruise (December 29, '07-January 5, '08) Starting at $1,290*
Set sail from Miami aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas! Visit RCCL's private island in Labadee, Haiti; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Caymen and Cozumel, Mexico.

*Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

About Singles Travel International
With over 25 years experience in travel consulting and a 75% repeat clientele, Singles Travel International leads the singles travel profession with worry-free travel that meets the unique needs of our discerning solo travelers. Every group with 20 or more guests is accompanied by at least one Singles Travel International escort who is available 24 hours a day to provide assistance and create a fun filled environment. Although a Singles Travel International trip is a terrific way to meet people, it's not to be confused for a dating service. Singles Travel International offers age-specific excursions so you can share your incredible experience with others just like you. Travelers can be as involved as they'd like in the multiple tour activities organized daily by the STI staff, spending time with the group or relaxing and exploring on your own. Singles Travel International guarantees solo travelers a roommate when requested, provided the traveler signs up and pays in full by the final payment date for each program.

Singles Travel International contact: Tammy Weiler, (877) SOLO-TRIP, (877) 765-6874 or http://www.singlestravelintl.com/ to view entire 2007 Trip calendar, with additional trips to be announced.

(PRWEB) March 22, 2007

Aloha Airlines Sale - $19 Inter-Island Flight Specials

2007-03-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on taking a cruise around the Hawaiian islands between now and April, plan to stay just a little bit longer and explore....

Say Aloha to the Islands of Hawaii! Aloha Airlines is making it very easy for you to hop from one island to another with their last minute sale on inter-island flights - just $19 one way to Kona, Lihue, Hilo, and Kahului from Honolulu!> It's such a great incentive to stay a couple of days longer, enjoy the beautiful weather and fly to islands that isn't on your cruise itinerary, or ports that you wish you could stay longer at.

You need to book by March 23rd to get this rate, and travel is only good between now and April 23rd!

Just a quick note .... Norwegian Cruise Lines always has limited Hawaii air inventory, and if you have booked a cruise to Hawaii without air because of this, take a look at Aloha Airlines rates because they are price competitive. Or better yet, want to Fly First Class to Hawaii? Aloha Airlines rules the Trans-Pacific skies.

New Travel Coupons From EasyClickTravel.com

2007-03-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

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Do I Need Vaccinations For My Cruise?

2007-03-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

It is a common misconception amongst cruisers that vaccination is only required on certain cruise itineraries - the more exotic the travel itinerary, the more chances that there will be a need to be vaccinated for protection against regional diseases such as yellow fever, malaria and hepititis. So what if you are not travelling to Egypt or Africa? Just because the cruise line does not expect proof of immunization for your cruise doesn't mean that you shouldn't take extra steps to protect your health on your holiday.

Did you know that The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended preventive measures and special vaccinations even for popular cruise destinations such as Belize, Turks & Caicos, Beunos Aires and Barcelona?

Here are just some of the latest travel notices from CDC:

Dengue - tropical countries throughout Asia (including the Indian Subcontinent), the South Pacific, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa.

Polio - Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Malaria - Jamaica

Bird Flu & Avian Influenza - Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, China, Hong Kong (SARPRC), Indonesia, Korea (Rep of), Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Measles & Mumps - Eastern Europe and Africa.

When booking your cruise, always ask your agent for a list of vaccinations required for your itinerary right away. CDC recommends that you see your doctor at least 4 - 6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling. If vaccinations are not required, be pro-active with your health and visit CDC's Traveller's Health Guide to see vaccination recommendations for each port city and preventative measures you can take during your travel such as:

In developing countries, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.

To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, even on beaches.

Do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection (i.e., hepatitis A and typhoid fever).

Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases.

Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage.

Winter's 10 Most Outrageous Travel Stories Selected by Adirondack Towels and Scrubs

2007-03-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

Adirondack Towels and Scrubs, a national supplier to the hospitality industry, announces their selection of the most outrageous travel stories for winter 2007.

Adirondack Towels and Scrubs keeps their customers up to date on important industry developments with daily news links posted on their web site's home page as well as weekly newsletters sent via email. Every 3 months the company issues their most outrageous travel stories for the previous quarter.

Among the travel stories selected:

This sure doesn't look like Sydney
A 21 year old German tourist entered the wrong destination on a travel web site and ended up on the wrong continent. Tobi Gutt wanted to go to Sydney, Australia, but the flight he incorrectly booked was for Sidney, Montana. Gutt didn't notice the mistake until he reached a stop in Portland, Oregon. "I did wonder, but I didn't want to say anything," he said. "I thought to myself, you can fly to Australia via the United States." Gutt spent three days in the Billings airport before he was able to buy a new ticket to Sydney with cash sent from his parents and friends in Germany.

Man tries to steal $76 million hotel
A Staten Island man faces prison time for allegedly trying to steal the trendy SoHo Grand Hotel by filing phony papers with the city. Kouadio Kouassi tried several times to file paperwork that would have transferred ownership of the hotel to him. But the paperwork itself was one of the things that uncovered the scam and led to Kouassi's arrest on December 29. "The documents were not filled out in a professional way or not filled out at all," says Gill Hearn, commissioner of the city's Department of Investigation. "It was just not the kind of filing you would see if it was a real commercial transaction."

Probably not "American Idol" material
A night porter at the four star Holiday Club Hotel in Are, Sweden, got in trouble for signing over the hotel's intercom. In an attempt to amuse himself and the cleaning crews, the porter sang songs containing a lot of foul and risqué language. Unfortunately, many of the hotel guests also heard him and complained. Some of the guests were so upset they threatened to beat the porter up if they saw him again. The hotel paid guests $5,000 in compensation and offered free stays if they visit the area again.

Those sneaky hotel managers
Employees of the Royal Arkansas Hotel and Suites made a shocking discovery when they arrived for work on February 5. The business was shut down with guests still inside. They found the office safe empty and the door left open. A cash drawer from the restaurant had several thousand dollars removed, and employees said managers had ransacked offices, ripped out hard drives, and skipped town after the business closed the night before. Furniture and fixtures had also been removed from several areas of the hotel.

To view the entire list, please visit: http://www.adirondacktowelsandscrubs.com/most-outrageous-travel-stories-winter-2007.html

Milton, VT (PRWEB) March 16, 2007

Tour Hawaii By Helicopter

2007-03-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

You know that Hawaii is so spectacularly beautiful and that is why you intend to have your next vacation in Hawaii. However, with so many interesting places to visit and discover in your short vacation trip, you will have insufficient time to visit all the tourist attractions there.

Well, there is a solution actually. You can have an overview tour of Hawaii without spending too much time traveling from one place to another. Yes, have a bird'

The birds in Hawaii are certainly very fortunate to be able to gaze down on one of the most awesome sceneries on Earth such as from the skies of Kauai, they can get to view the Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale's majestic waterfalls, hidden reclusive sandy coves and the jagged Na Pall Coast. Now you too can have a bird's eye view by taking a helicopter tour on your vacation holiday Hawaii.

Take a flight over Hawaii's Big Island and view the resplendent volcanic activities of Kilauea, especially when it is erupting can be very exhilarating.

I want to sound word of caution here. Do not be like many tourists who regretted for the rest of their lives because they have forgotten to bring along their cameras. However, do not get too engrossed taking too many photographs and videos because you will miss the scope of your beautiful surroundings.

Many tourists have a tendency to glue their eye to their camera's viewfinder that they forgot that the main purpose for the helicopter tour is to experience the space and the breadth of their surroundings.

Yes, a picture paints a thousand words but no photographs could ever hope to capture the panoramic view as you hurtled across the Hawaiian sky! How can the photographs or the videos capture the feeling of the land suddenly dropping off beneath you as you fly across the edge of cliffs and volcano craters? Your helicopter tour of Hawaii will certainly be wasted if you do not enjoy the experience of your freedom in space.

However, there is a controversy in experiencing your trip over Hawaii in a helicopter. As there is a profusion of companies offering chopper tours there are many such tours everyday and this creates noise pollution which is very jarring for tourists and locals alike who wants to enjoy Hawaii's famed tranquility. There are loud calls for the number of helicopter trips and tours to be cut down.

So if you want to enjoy a memorable holiday vacation in Hawaii, try taking a helicopter tour.

About the Author
Chris Chew is an avid traveler. Holidays in Hawaii and Weight loss vacation

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2007-03-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

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SeaDream Yacht Club

2007-03-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's Yachting, Not Cruising When You Sail On SeaDream
SeaDream I and SeaDream II are the ultimate in luxury cruising from the award winning fine dining, extensive wine cellar, marble lined bathroom, balinese dreambeds, and open bar policy. Each yacht can carry only up to 55 pampered couples Read The Full Article

Princess Cruisetours Take Passengers Beyond the Sea to Explore Worldwide Wonders on Five Continents

2007-03-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

The ultimate traveler's wish list might include visits to such monuments as the mysterious Machu Picchu or the long-hidden Angkor Wat, natural wonders such as the vast Australian Outback or the dramatic Yangtze River, and such historic spots as colonial-era Williamsburg in Virginia or China's Terra Cotta Warriors from the Qin Dynasty.

Locations such as these -- places that stir the imagination of travelers -- await Princess passengers with its collection of cruisetours spanning five continents. By combining a cruise with a specially developed land journey, Princess creates a seamless land/sea adventure encompassing many world treasures not easily accessible on a cruise alone. Princess passengers can select from 14 global cruisetour itineraries in such diverse locations as Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Europe and South America. In addition, the line features more than 20 cruisetour choices in Alaska.

Cruisetours are easier than ever to choose as they've now been added to Princess' innovative Searchlight online tool. This quick, intuitive system makes finding the perfect cruisetour a breeze by searching for the ultimate vacation with just a few mouse clicks. The revolutionary function can search simultaneously by a variety of criteria -- including destination, date, ship, travel sequence and duration -- and instantly displays the results to help pick out the best cruisetour option in seconds.

"Cruisetours add an exciting extra dimension to a cruise vacation, turning it into an adventure of a lifetime," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "They enable travelers to explore beyond their ship to visit some of the world's most amazing inland locations."

Princess worldwide cruisetour choices include:

Australia -- Four different tour options await passengers headed "down under." Combined with a 12-day Australia and New Zealand cruise or a 31-day Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific Voyage, these land tours take passengers to some of continent's undisputed wonders, starting with tours around cosmopolitan Sydney, including its world-famous Opera House and Bondi Beach. Those who want to explore the extensive Great Barrier Reef will enjoy a high- speed catamaran tour of this living marvel. Other tour options include visits to the famed Uluru (Ayers Rock), and a new tour to majestic Kakadu National Park, featuring extensive wetlands, diverse wildlife and the largest number of accessible Aboriginal sites in Australia.

Bangkok and Angkor Wat -- Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the legendary Angkor Wat temple complex was abandoned by the Khmer civilization in 1431 and appeared lost to the world until it was rediscovered in 1860 when a botanist stumbled upon it deep in the jungle. After years of civil war, Angkor Wat -- one of the world's most important archaeological sites -- is once again open to travelers and forms the highlight of Princess' new "Bangkok and Angkor Wat" cruisetour. Passengers taking this unforgettable journey have the opportunity to explore the best of this fascinating part of Southeast Asia, with a six-night tour featuring stays in Bangkok, the northern city of Chiang Mai, and Cambodia's Siem Reap. In addition to the stunning Angkor Wat temples, visitors will enjoy sites such as Bangkok's Golden Buddha Temple, a cruise on the Chao Phraya River, and an elephant camp near Chiang Mai. This tour combines with a 16-day Bangkok/Beijing cruise for a full 23-day adventure.

China -- The splendor of the world's most populous country will impress travelers on two custom-designed Princess cruisetour itineraries that combine with a Beijing/Bangkok or Bangkok/Anchorage sailing. Both options feature the opportunity to explore the capital city of Beijing, including such highlights as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. Participants also travel to Xian to walk along the excavation pits housing thousands of life-size Terra Cotta Warriors -- one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Plus one cruisetour itinerary also features a three-night cruise through dramatic gorges of the legendary Yangtze River.

South America -- Two South America tour options offer passengers the opportunity to visit the famous ruins of Machu Picchu or Rio and the dramatic Iguazu Falls. Passengers on a Princess Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan cruise or Antarctica and South America Adventure can choose to add one or even both options to their vacation for an opportunity to fully explore some of the continent's most talked about sites. Travelers headed to Peru's mystical "Lost City of the Incas" at Machu Picchu will also explore Cusco, the cradle of the Incan Empire, as well as the bustling capital city of Lima. On the Rio and Iguazu Falls cruisetour, visitors will enjoy the city sites and beaches of Brazil's legendary city, plus will contemplate the majesty of the more than two miles of falls that cross the Brazil/Argentina border.

Europe -- Three European adventures take passengers beyond the continent's seaports to explore Ireland, Tuscany or the Danube region. Connecting with British Isles or Northern Europe cruises, the Ring of Kerry tour includes travel through some of the Emerald Isle's most inspiring landscape with visits to Shannon, Killarney and Cork. Expanding on Princess' Scandinavia and Russia sailings, the Cathedrals and Castles of Imperial Europe tour features four capitals that have figured prominently in history -- Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin. Meanwhile, for travelers in the Mediterranean, the "Under the Tuscan Sun" tour highlights the charms of Italy with visits to Florence, Siena and Milan.

Canada/New England -- Passengers exploring the tradition and natural beauty of fall foliage season in New England and Canada can also travel back through historic America with a tour through Washington, D.C., Williamsburg, Richmond and Charlottesville, Gettysburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia and New York. Or they may choose to see more of Canada with travel to Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto.

Alaska Cruisetours -- Princess' most extensive cruisetour lineup features 10- to 16-night land/sea vacations in the heart of "The Great Land." All Princess Alaska tours offer at least two nights at either of the two Denali- area Princess wilderness lodges, ensuring that travelers enjoy more time among the wilderness and wildlife they came to see. Passengers can travel directly to their Princess lodge from the ship with Princess' exclusive Direct to the Wilderness rail service. Princess' Alaska cruisetours include accommodation at the line's five exclusive wilderness lodges, with scenic riverside settings in some of the state's most desirable locations.

Additional information about Princess cruisetours is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com.

Source: PR Newswire

Roatan, Honduras Here We Come Cruising

2007-03-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

Carnival Corporation (Carnival, Princess, Seabourn, Windstar, Cunard and Holland America) has just signed an agreement with the island of Roatan, Honduras to build and operate a cruise terminal.

"The Caribbean remains the world's number one cruise destination and Carnival Corporation & plc is always looking for ways to capitalize on many distinct attributes that make the region so attractive to consumers. Mahogany Bay - Roatan is designed to build upon the success of our other projects by providing cruise ship guests with an unparalleled landside experience, with modern facilities and wide range of shore excursion choices, along with opportunities to explore this fascinating and beautiful island," said Giora Israel, Carnival Corporation Vice President of Strategic Planning.

What does this mean for us cruise lovers in plain english?

The new "Mahogany Bay - Roatan" facility will give cruisers to the Caribbean a chance to visit a new and improved port. It will be built with a 35,000 square foot Welcome center to include restaurants, bars, and of course, shopping. The 20 acre facility will be adjacent to the Coral Cay Resort, a 60-foot lighthouse, a lagoon with cascading waterfalls and a nature trail. Sounds absolutely exotic doesn't it?

Shore excursion opportunities are being developed with local tour operators to tour this beautiful tropical island of rugged mountains and beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs. Carnival will also be building a transportation hub to accomodate taxis, rental cars and tour buses.

The development of the "Mahogany Bay - Roatan" is expected to start in fall 2007 and completed by summer 2009. The new cruise terminal will be capable of accomodating super post-Panamax vessels and up to 7,000 passengers daily. Within five years of operation, it is expected to host 225 cruise ship calls and 500,000 passengers annually.

Source: PR Newswire

Explore Exotic Ports Of Call In The North And South Pacific To Choose Your Cruise

2007-03-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

With all of the decisions that you have to make before taking a cruise, you may think that picking a cruise destination is the least of your worries. Four, seven, twenty-nine days on a luxurious cruise ship with nothing to do but while away the hours and absorb the scenery, who cares when and where you port? It's all bound to be good, right?

Not necessarily. Many popular ports of call are visited by numerous cruise ships belonging to different cruise lines each and every day. These ports are often crowded and so touristy in nature that it is hard to enjoy or even discern the cultural allure that made these ports popular in the first place. For this reason, you should always research the ports of call offered in your cruise package as well as the ship that you book passage on.

Sapphire Princess: Ports of Call North And South Pacific

In this article we will look at just one of Princess Cruise Line's ships, the Sapphire Princess, which visits numerous ports of call each year. In the summer months, she tours the waters of Alaska bypassing scenic glacier formations and during the rest of the year she can be found touring Mexico, Australia, and the South Pacific. Below is a brief review of two of the most popular cruises offered aboard the Sapphire Princess and just a few of her ports of call.

Hawaii, Tahiti, and the South Pacific

This amazing 29-day cruise begins in Sydney, Australia and takes a leisurely tour of the South Pacific making numerous stops before landing at Los Angeles nearly a full month later. The pricing for this cruise starts at $3,499 for an inside stateroom but is well worth the cost. On day 17 of this cruise, passengers are able to enjoy a full day in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. On day 23, the ship ports at Honolulu, Hawaii.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora's main attraction is its multi-colored crystal clear lagoon and the many water-based activities that it offers. Some of the most popular activities include shark feeding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If you need to get away from the ocean for a little while and test your sea legs on dry ground, Bora Bora offers scenic tours to see WWII cannons and breathtaking views of the lagoon from the hills above.

In addition to these attractions, there are numerous fine restaurants and shops to be found in Bora Bora. Unfortunately, transportation is a bit complicated on the island with only one public bus. Bicycles are the recommended mode of transportation for tourists to this area.

Honolulu

Honolulu is the most popular destination in Hawaii and for good reason. No matter what you desire to do, Honolulu can deliver. Its premier beach, Waikiki, is reputedly one of the best beaches in the world. Aside from lounging on the beach, you can also enjoy scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and snorkeling. Land-based attractions include numerous golf courses, the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.

If you're a history buff, you might want to visit Pearl Harbor while you are in Honolulu. Here you will find the USS Arizona Memorial which is dedicated to those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor during World War II.

Voyage of the Glaciers, Alaska

This seven-day cruise is quite a deal with pricing starting at $599 for an inside stateroom. Guests are treated to leisurely days filled with scenic glacier cruising as well as several stops as the ship travels from Whittier to Vancouver. On day three of this excursion, the cruise passes through Glacier Bay National Park. On day six, the Sapphire Princess makes port at Ketchikan, Alaska.

Glacier Bay National Park

Some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world can be seen from the rails of a cruise ship on a leisurely trek through the Glacier Bay National Park. For a full day, passengers aboard the Sapphire Princess's Voyage of the Glacier Cruise can sit spellbound as awe-inspiring images of ice shelves and beautiful glaciers pass slowly by.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve features 16 tidewater glaciers and 12 icebergs. Here you can also catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife that calls the glaciers home. Creatures that call this region home include bears, deer, mountain goats, whales, and numerous types of waterfowl.

Ketchikan

More than 800,000 cruise passengers make port at Ketchikan, Alaska each year. What they find is a mind-boggling array of activities that makes this back-woods, sparsely-populated wilderness one of the most adventurous ports of call in the world.

While many activities in Ketchikan require more time than an average cruise port will allow, there are several activities that can be done during a short stay. Some of these activities include exploring the historic downtown area; visiting Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Historical Park, or the Totem Heritage Center and Tribal Fish Hatchery to look at totem poles; going hiking in the Tongass National Forest; going kayaking; taking one of the many boat or air tours offered in the area; visiting historical exhibits; or chartering a fishing boat to test your skills against the teeming population of halibut and salmon.

Remember; this is only a glimpse at a couple of ports of call on two of the Sapphire Princess's cruises. All the major cruise lines will have many different cruise packages and that will make multiple ports of call on each voyage. So be sure to research the cruise thoroughly before you make your final destination decision.

About the Author - Jacqueline Michaels
At http://www.cruiselinestips.com you can explore the options for your dream cruise, maybe one on Princess Cruise Lines. Get more tips from Jacqueline and others.

Destination - Europe

2007-03-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Croatia Charter Yacht - Unique Taste and Flavor
In the past few years, Croatia has emerged as one of the most popular traveling destinations worldwide. This fascinating country has plenty of things to offer and the Adriatic Coast is a truly wonderful choice Read The Full Article.

Save Up To 60% Off Airfare at Economy Travel

2007-03-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Economy Travel has consolidator contracts (wholesale rates) with 24 of the world's leading airlines and have full access to the product range of all international and domestic carriers. We use a sophisticated database search engine that allows us to provide the lowest airfares regardless whether it is a published fare (airline fare sale) or wholesale fare (consolidator fare). This ensures that we provide our clients with the best possible fare regardless of the season or situation. In addition to airfares, Economy Travel offers Travel Insurance.

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The Caribbean Princess Passenger Video

2007-03-08T22:58:00.000-08:00

Princess Cruises offers their passengers traditional to fun, exciting videos momentos capturing a variety of onboard events and shore excursions, as well as a behind the scenes look at their spectacular Princess vessel. The Reflections Souvenir offers makes it easy for everyone to bring home memories of their cruise that will last a lifetime.

Looks like these three ladies had a terrific time taping their professional video during their cruise on The Caribbean Princess.

Free Travel Insurance at Direct Line Cruises

2007-03-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Did you know that four out of one hundred passengers during their cruise will visit the ship's infirmary for one reason or another? Having travel insurance not only provides you with up to $25,000 in emergency medical expenses, but also up to 100% protection from cruise line cancellation penalties if you have to cancel your cruise or if your cruise is interrupted due to specified unforeseen circumstances. Direct Line Cruises wants to take the worry away from your holiday by offering travel insurance from Travel Guard at no extra cost when you book your cruise with them. What a fantastic deal!

And that's not all! As a client you can get access to "inside information" on special low rates on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruises that is not advertised to the general public - often 40% to 60% lower than the cruise line's brochure rates. Whether you are planning a cruise to the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe or any other destination, Direct Line Cruises wants to save you money on your holiday.

Great Cruise vacations have never been more fun or more affordable. "You can shop 'til you drop, but you'll still never top, the great rate you got from Direct Line Cruises".

Just take a look at these hot deals on spring and summer cruises!

5-Night Bermuda Cruise from NJ - Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas starting at $499pp.

5-Night Bermuda Cruise from MD - Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas starting at $549pp.

6-Night Bahamas Cruise from NYC - Norwegian Cruise Line Spirit starting at $549pp.

11-Night Caribbean Cruise from NYC - Norwegian Cruise Line Dawn starting at $899pp.

Book now & receive onboard coupon booklet for all 2007 Norwegian Cruises

With rates this low and free travel insurance, you know they won't be around for long. You can book any of these cruises or inquire on a specific destination through their website, or by calling 1-800-DLC-8088. Their cruise experts can assist you with rate quotes, brochures, stateroom selection and itineraries.

Don't forget to visit their website regularly for up-to-date industry news, ship reviews and the latest hot deals!

This Post Is Sonsored by Direct Line Cruises.

Cruise Food: Personal Choice Dining Makes A Big Splash

2007-03-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

In the golden era of ocean voyages, everyone was called to a single seating of dinner in the main dining room of the ship. Whether you were hungry or not, whether you liked liver pâté or not, you came and you ate when and what you were told. Special requests from first-class passengers may have been accommodated, but they were done so at the quiet protest of the chef. Dining aboard cruise ships today has made dramatic improvements in both variety and service.

Cruising is now broadly accepted among the masses as a cost-effective and fun vacation alternative. What was once reserved for only the wealthiest is now available to practically everyone. Catering to the masses, especially families with finicky children, has become the delight of chefs, rather than an insult. Stretching their creativity, most of those on the kitchen staff take pride in developing new dining alternatives that suit their guests.

Options In Cuisine

Princess Cruises is a good example. With the advent of Personal Choice Dining®, Princess has not only taken the restrictions off typical cruise ship dining, it has also expanded options for its passengers. With "Anytime Dining," guests find most of the eight restaurants open all day. Some are open 24 hours. While the main dining room still has two seatings, it is open for Anytime Dining during breakfast and lunch hours. This allows passengers to eat when they are hungry rather than when the cruise line dictates they should dine. But time isn't the only advantage to Personal Choice Dining®.

Options in cuisine have become much more diverse. Making concessions for every age and appetite, Princess offers a little something for everyone. From an onboard, upscale Italian restaurant to a refined steakhouse to burgers, dogs and pizza at the café, adults and kids alike can enjoy what suits their fancies. In addition, guests can curb those midday (or midnight!) snack attacks with a 24-hour buffet, featuring finger sandwiches, aged cheeses, chocolate-dipped strawberries, ice cream sundaes and more.

For those who prefer a more private way to dine, 24-hour room service is available with a full menu. Simply fill out the card provided in your stateroom, and any cuisine you desire from the dining room - including steak and lobster - will be delivered to you at the time you indicate. If you desire to dine on your balcony, your server will be glad to accommodate.

Dressing For Dinner

While the main dining room does have nights where formalwear is required, other dining options onboard allow passengers to dress in whichever attire they choose. Visit the buffet in your swimsuit and flip-flops, throw on shorts and a tank top for the late-night bistro or don your khakis and golf shirt for the steakhouse and other onboard restaurants.

If you've been under the mistaken impression that cruising means tuxedos and entrées with names you can't pronounce, relax! Those days are long gone. Princess Cruises and other lines now have much more casual options you and your family can take advantage of. Eat when you want, where you want, what you want and make everybody happy!

© 2007, All Rights Reserved

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/ offering the best deals including Princess cruises. Visit them today!

Hotel Stays And City Tours Are Always Included With An Orient Lines Package.

2007-03-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

I sometimes can not believe the deals that are available through Orient Lines on the Marco Polo. I once asked a telephone rep if they were giving away their cruises because the promotions are just too good to be true - 2for1, free air, shipboard credits and past passenger.

Last December I sent a single cruiser on a 30 day cruise for a total of $2600US through exotic Africa, including flight, hotel and city tours. Averaging $88.00 a day for this once-in-a-lifetime voyage is absolutely unbelievable. I can't really remember how I found this price for her, but it probably just was a matter of being at the right time and the right place.

Marco Polo really has outstanding itineraries ranging from 7-day repositioning segments to 46-day South America cruise tours. For the months of April, May and early June it will be alternating routes between Western and Eastern Mediterranean, passing through some of the world's beautiful ports - Rome, Nice, Cannes, Athens, Dubrovnik, Istanbul and Venice.

Marco Polo will then start its Northern European segment. The #1 question I hear all the time about this itinerary is how long the ship stays on port at St. Petersburg, Russia. Marco Polo is one of the few cruise ships that will give you two full days to explore the Winter Palace, Sir Isaac Cathedral and other attractions. This itineraries also includes stops at the popular ports of Stockholm, Berlin, and Copenhagen.

South America and Antarctica will start in November until February of next year. I had a couple who were big Princess and Celebrity fans that took this cruise and came back with rave reviews - shore excursions were breathtaking, the crew very attentive - and will not hesitate to take another cruise aboard the Marco Polo.

Just a couple of things to remember when you travel on the Marco Polo:

Since this is an older class ship, it does not have any verandah accomodations. If you are requiring a suite for your cruise, book your cabin as soon as possible. There are only six suites available on this ship.

There is a maximum total of 826 passengers. Small ship feel. Big experience.

If you are travelling on a longer voyage over 7 days, remember that this ship does not have any laundry facilities.

Childrens facilities are not available such as babysitting, adjoining rooms, children's playroom, kiddie pool, youth program and teen centers.

Marco Polo is single cruiser friendly. Single occupancy cabins and single share program are available.

Norwegian Cruise Lines and Orient Lines are sister ships. If you have sailed with Norwegian before, you can qualify for the past passenger rate promotion if it is available for your sailing.

And before you book, always ask your agent if there are deals available such as 2for1, free airfaire, ship board credit available for your cruise!

Viking River Cruises

2007-03-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Save $1000 Per Cabin On Any 2008 Viking River Cruises
Glide Along The Majestic Rivers of Europe, China, Russia & Ukraine, for $1000 off per cabin on any 2008 Viking River Cruises that are booked and paid for by July 31, 2007! "Picture yourself gliding along the legendary rivers Read The Full Article.

Special Occasion - Corporate Events

2007-03-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

Ships Are The New Hotels - Is A Ship Charter Right For Your Group?
If you are planning a meeting for your company or your association or a big family reunion, should you consider chartering a ship? It is a growing trend, and gives the group a meeting to remember. What kinds of groups charter ships?Read The Full Article.

Before Your Frequent Flyer Miles Expire

2007-03-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Many airlines are adjusting the policies for frequent flyer miles. The miles that you have been saving for a special trip or vacation may soon be at risk. Some airlines send a notice to you by mail, provided the correct address is on file. Other airlines may notify you by email, provided the notice does not get stopped by your email filter. In other cases the airline may not notify you at all. Rather than take chances, review your frequent flyer policy and the status of the miles that you have earned.

The following are a few of the airline policies current at the time of this writing, and are subject to change.

AirTran A+ Rewards expire 12 months after earned, so be prepared to use your miles within the year, or lose them.

Alaska Mileage Plan miles expire after 3 years of inactivity, so be sure to fly on Alaska at least once every three years to keep your miles active.

Aloha Airlines AlohaPass miles don't expire. Mahalo Aloha Airlines.

America West Dividend Miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, so plan to at least once every year and a half.

American Airlines AAdvantage Miles expire after 36 months of inactivity, so plan to fly American every 36 months if you want to continue earning miles.

ATA Travel Awards points expire after 24 months, so use them before the two years are up.

Continental offers OnePass and currently does not cancel or expire miles, so save up your miles for a special trip.

Delta Skymiles previous program preserved for 36 months have been been reduced to expire after 24 months of inactivity, or until Delta expires, whichever comes first.

Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns miles expire after two years of inactivity, thus the appropriately name program, Early Returns.

Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles expire after 36 months of inactivity, can you really wait three years to get back to Hawaii?

JetBlue TrueBlue miles expire 1 year after the miles are earned, so you may not get a chance to use your frequent flyer miles, but at least the rates are low.

Midwest offers Midwest Miles that expire if no additional miles are earned in 36 months, not very original, but neither is the program name

Northwest Airlines WorldPerks miles expire if none are earned in 3 calendar years, because it may take three years to earn enough points to see the world.

Southwest Rapid Rewards credits expire after 24 months, earn them rapidly and use them rapidly.

United Airlines Mileage Plus lasts for 36 months until December 31, and then they will expire after 18 months.

US Airways Dividend Miles were previously preserved for 36 months, now expire after 18 months of inactivity, just like the America West program.

What do you do if your miles are about to expire and you do not have enough for that dream vacation? Spend your miles elsewhere, combine them or donate them. Many frequent flyer programs offer alternative ways to spend your hard earned miles. Many airlines offer the option to cash in your mileage credits for magazine or newspaper subscriptions, or use the credits towards other benefit purchases. Look at the affiliate airlines to determine if there is an opportunity for you to transfer miles to another airline partner and combine your miles for a much deserved getaway.

AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Midwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Air Lines and US Airways participate in Operation Hero Miles, a program that enables you to easily donate unused frequent flyer miles to family members of wounded troops traveling to military hospitals to visit injured loved ones. For more information, please visit http://www.heromiles.org/.

If you choose to donate your accumulated and unused frequent flyer miles to the Red Cross, the IRS even acknowledges this as a donation and a deduction. Just imagine, you can donate unused miles before they expire and the IRS recognizes it as a donation. America West FlightFund members may donate miles in 5000 mile increments into the Miles of Hope Program. Continental makes it easy for OnePass frequent flyer members to donate mileage through the web site or by calling customer service. Northwest Airlines offers two programs, you can donate a minimum of 5000 miles to the Red Cross, or you can donate $50 to the Red Cross and receive 500 WorldPerk frequent flyer miles in return. United Airlines frequent flyers may also participate with a minimum donation of 1000 miles. The frequent flyer miles collected by the Red Cross are used exclusively for disaster response. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org/donate/donatemiles.html

______________________________________________________

Words of Wisdom

"The saying "Getting there is half the fun" became obsolete with the advent of commercial airlines." - Henry J. Tillman

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." - Mark Twain

"If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything." - Bill Lyon

"I wanna hang a map of the world in my house. Then I'm gonna put pins into all the locations that I've traveled to. But first, I'm gonna have to travel to the top two corners of the map so it won't fall down." - Mitch Hedberg

______________________________________________________

About the Author
John Mehrmann is a freelance author, industry expert and President of Executive Blueprints Inc, an organization dedicated to developing human capital and personal growth.

Star Clippers

2007-03-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

A Mediterranean Cruise Like No Other
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, Read The Full Article.

Aloha and Welcome to Hawaii

2007-03-02T01:47:00.000-08:00

The islands of Hawaii are a top destination for cruisers.

How else can you find the best way to island hop Hawaii without the hassle of arranging transportation and accommodation on each island? In order to experience Hawaii, its exciting culture, and stunning beauty, you will need to visit the islands and not just Honolulu! Each island offers travelers its version of why Hawaii is such a popular destination for tourists year round.

And the only way to cruise Hawaii is by cruising freestyle!

Norwegian Cruise Lines is the predominant leader in Hawaiian itineraries with port departures as late as 8PM and even overnight stays. So why would anyone want to rush back to the ship for dinner at 6PM? It just doesn’t make sense. Just think of all the extra time you can spend exploring the island. Norwegian Cruise Lines has bought into the concept that you want to enjoy your ports of call and is offering flexibility on your dining schedule. Isn’t that fantastic?

Norwegian Cruise Lines 7 – 11 day itineraries will certainly get you island hopping on Hawaii’s popular ports like Lahaina. Here are just some of the island highlights:

ISLAND OF KAUAI
· Hike up Waimea Canyon for stunning views of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
· Take a helicopter ride along the 3000-foot cliffs of the Napali coast
· Kayak down the only navigable rivers in Hawaii

ISLAND OF OAHU
· Take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach
· Watch world-class surfers charge the big waves on the North Shore
· Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
· Marvel at the American Florentine architecture of Iolani Palace
· Dress up and experience downtown nightlife and art galleries

HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND
· See molten lava flow at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
· Play in the snow atop Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest mountain (measured from the ocean floor)
· Hike through Waipio Valley, the “Valley of the Kings”
· Explore Puukohola Heiau, the largest restored ancient Hawaiian religious temple
· Enjoy the entertainment, culture, and cuisine in Hilo and Kailua-Kona

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES FEATURED SHORE EXCURSION:

Play like the pros at Poipu Bay Golf Course in Kauai, where Tiger Woods played in the PGA Grand Slam. Or hit the links at Wailea’s Emerald course in Maui, rated by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the world’s best courses. NCL America’s Golf Hawaii program has arranged for you to have access to some of the world’s best courses. If you play, you know Hawaii is golf heaven. NCL’s Golf Hawaii Program has everything together, including access to the best courses and Callaway golf equipment. Play once just so you can say you did or spend the best days of your life playing the size of the best courses you can imagine.

Don’t forget to check out this week's hottest deals on hawaiian itineraries! With prices as low as $529 US per person aboard The Pride Of Aloha in April, saving money is always a great start to a terrific holiday!

Island Highlights Source: GoHawaii

Cruise Insurance -- What if You Get Sick on the Ship? Tips from Industry Expert Travel Insurance Services

2007-03-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

Cruises are great. Get on board and enjoy the scenic ports of call, entertainment, pampering, and incredible food. That is usually the case. But according to Travel Insurance Services, specialists in travel-related insurance plans for over thirty years, cruise passengers get hurt or sick often enough that they should be prepared for the possibility. This can include having cruise travel insurance that covers illness, injury and medical evacuation.

A University of Texas study showed that four in 100 passengers visited shipboard infirmaries, 18% for injuries and 69% for medical conditions. The study found similarities between conditions that happen on cruises and those treated at land-based emergency rooms.

More than Sunburns and Hangovers

Cruise lines do have medical care available on board, but many travelers don't realize the variety and seriousness of conditions cruise doctors and nurses see. Most people mistakenly think "cruise line medicine consists of treating sunburns and hangovers," stated Sally van Boheemen, RN and Director of Holland America Line's Fleet Medical Operations. "While those ailments certainly do occur, they are not what keeps ships' medical centres busy." Conditions can include traveler's diarrhea, a sprained ankle, a broken hip, a stroke, a heart attack or something even more serious. According to the Texas study: "The most common diagnosis was respiratory tract infection (29%); and 11% of patients had a serious or potentially life-threatening diagnosis."

Get Current on Your Immunizations

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states "the diversity of passengers and crew members on a typical large cruise ship also means diverse background in health and immunization status, medical and public health tendencies and behavior, and potential for disease exposure." The CDC therefore recommends that cruise travelers be up to date for their "routinely recommended age- and medical condition- specific immunizations."

Be Sure to Have Coverage for Medical Expense and Evacuation

Passengers often need to leave a ship for medical reasons. In 2000, Holland America Line alone had 600 medical disembarkations. Sometimes passengers can disembark for treatment at a scheduled port or by the ship returning to a port; but other times a specially equipped medical helicopter or air ambulance is needed. That medical evacuation expense can range from $5,000 - $50,000 or more, and may not be covered in a passenger's stateside health insurance plan.

Travelers should check the coverage of their current health plan. Does it cover them for medical expenses throughout their trip, including travel outside their country? Does it pay for medical evacuation? If not, they should find a short-term travel health insurance that will provide coverage.

Travel Insurance Services (TIS) has developed affordable cruise travel insurance plans to meet these needs. Plans like InterMedical Insurance and Travel Insurance Select include benefits for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. Each plan also includes 24-hour, multilingual worldwide emergency assistance, that helps to organize emergency medical transportation, provides medical care location service, monitors medical cases, communicates treatments to physicians back home and delivers emergency messages to family and friends.

Travel Insurance Services (TIS) is a USI Affinity Company (http://www.usiaffinity.com/) a division of USI Holdings Corporation (USI). TIS is a nationwide insurance brokerage that has met the insurance needs of travelers for 33 years. It develops, markets and administers travel insurance and international medical policies for individuals, families, groups and businesses. For more information about the company and its products, visit travelinsure.com. USI is a leading distributor of insurance and financial products and services to businesses throughout the United States. USI is headquartered in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., and operates out of 66 offices in 18 states, http://www.usi.biz/. Walnut Creek, CA (PRWEB) March 1, 2007

13 Not-So-Conventional Reasons to Love Panama

2007-02-28T01:33:00.000-08:00

Most of us have already read the myriad of articles about Panama, not to mention the "About Panama" section on the websites of every real estate agency promoting property in the region.

There is no doubt that Panama possesses numerous advantages, including its strategic geographic location, incentive program for retirees and a relatively low-cost of living, amongst others. However, some of the reasons that I particularly enjoy living in Panama cannot be when searching for the most obvious reasons, such as the Panama Canal (After showing my 4th visitor the Miraflores Locks, the outing becomes slightly monotonous) or its proximity to Miami (I've never been to Miami in my life!). Certain pleasures can only be recognized after living in Panama as a foreigner for some time.

Though I appreciate the similarities that Panama and the "Western World" share, I also cherish the differences, since they are what makes my life here truly unique and exciting.

Here are 13 reasons why Panama makes life so interesting:

1. Casco Viejo -Casco Viejo is 100% different from the towering high rises scattered along Balboa Avenue. Casco Viejo has an interesting blend of architectural styles, most notably ornate Spanish- and French-influenced buildings. However, in addition to the amazing views and unique architecture, there is always something quirky going on in "the Casco"! My roommate is the president of Panama 9º80º, a lifestyle and travel magazine about Panama. Her offices are in Casco Viejo and I get an absolute kick out of dropping her off some mornings. It isn't often that I get to laugh so hard I almost wet myself at 7:30 a.m. Much better than coffee! (Okay, that was an exaggeration. Sorry coffee.)

One of my favorite "Casco moments" occurred one morning as I was dropping my friend off at work. As we turned the corner onto Avenida A, we saw a little boy of about 7 years old peeing in the street. What made this pee different was that he was not facing the wall or partially hidden amongst the narrow alleyways, but was rather on the edge of the sidewalk, practically in the street, facing the traffic! As we neared the situation, we saw a projectile yellow liquid spurting from his body and said, "That can't be!" However, it was. To this day, that little boy and his "necessities" still put a smile on my face.

2. Wine -South American wine, from Chile and Argentina, is much less expensive than in the United States. However, who said you can have your cake and eat it too.

My friend and I were succumbing to our vices one night, and went to buy wine and ice cream at El Rey supermarket. As we were checking out, the $3.50 appeared on the screen as the price for the wine. I said to my friend, "How great is it to live in a country where a good bottle of wine is $3.50!?" Then, the ice cream came, and $8.50 appeared. My friend and I were in utter shock and disbelief. Since then, we have sought out other, less expensive means to satisfy a sweet tooth.

3. Sushi Itto -Sushi delivered to your front door...Do I need to say anything else? If you think that there isn't sushi in Panama, then you are in for a delightful surprise. Sushi Itto, in my humble, sushi snob opinion, is the best delivery sushi in Panama. Their Philadelphia rolls and Edamame are extremely scrumptious.

What's even more interesting is when I'm walking to work or walking my mini schnauzer and the Sushi Itto delivery guy honks and waves as he zooms past on his little red moto. It must be a small world after all. Or, I order a lot of sushi!

4. American Dollar -This is a commonly cited "reason" for why Panama is so great, and I agree whole heartedly!

For the foreigner, especially Americans, it is great because it doesn't become "Monopoly money." It is easy to be aware of exactly how much you are spending. There is no labor-intensive addition, subtraction, division or multiplication involved to figure out the price of a soda. So, in Panama, it is easy to grasp the value of what we purchase, instead of throwing away our Monopoly money at any and every chance we get. This is especially useful if you are off to the casinos!

15. Patacones -Patacones are twice-fried plantain patties and incredibly delicious. I had not discovered them until my arrival in Panama, and I am a self-proclaimed patacon addict!

5. Albrook Mall -Albrook Mall is a large, air conditioned indoor shopping center that offers a wide variety of discount stores and boutiques, as well as a food court with carousel. Be sure to check out El Costo, Oca Loca and Conway for some great deals!

These stores are magnificent for retail therapy. You can walk away with about 15 shirts for $20. Even if you wear them just once, it's a lot cheaper than Target.

6. Opportunities - Panama is like the Wild West of Central America. There is a huge variety of employment, business and investment opportunities just waiting to be taken advantage of. After being in Panama for almost any extended amount of time, everyone catches the entrepreneur fever.

7. Slang -Though I don't make it a habit to use it in my everyday speech, I must confess that I get an absolute kick out of the Panamanians' faces when they see a full fledged gringa talking like she's from the barrio.

8. Cable TV with ABC and CBS -All the great things of Panama fused with Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Grey's Anatomy. Does it get any better?

9. Taxis -Finally, inexpensive taxis! Taxis in Panama are abundant and relatively inexpensive, a fare costing from $1 to $2 to most location in Panama City. However, taxi meters are not typically used, and therefore it is recommended to negotiate the price before leaving. If you understand and speak Spanish, you can overhear and engage in a number of colorful conversations with drivers.

10. Cayos Zapatillas, aka. Zapatila Cay -Zapatilla Cay is a small island located about an hour boat ride from the main Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro province. Zapatilla Cay is astonishingly beautiful, including spectacular views, clear waters and white sand. Without a doubt, it is one of my favorite places in Panama.

11. Fireworks -Back in the states, fireworks were reserved for the 4th of July, and some spectacles at Sea World. In Panama City, it's not bazaar to see fire works going off every night of the week. On New Year's, the entire city, and I mean as far as the eye can see, ignites with the colorful flashes and flickers of thousands of fireworks.

12. Piropos -What's a piropo? I have yet to find a direct translation that suits me. Some dictionaries translate it as "compliment," though that is a serious understatement. Piropo is a word that stands for what men do to a pretty girl as she walks by. Flirt, not really. Torment, could be. Most Westerners would agree that this is a "Latin thing." I generally can't stand it and want to flip off everybody that whistles and hisses and yells "Ay mami" as I stroll along. However, on days when I roll out of bed and my hair is astray, I must say that I feel less hideous as I waltz along and still get the "Yeah baby". I know it is done to all women. I was in a taxi once and the driver whistled and hooted at a couple of women that looked as though they were pushing 70 years old. I'm not implying that they were not attractive, but the taxi driver was about 25! Moral of the story, it's one place to get an ego boost.

13. The Finger Wag -You all know the finger wag, a way to indicate disapproval of something. The motion is generally carried out by wagging the index finger from left to right, considered by most incredibly rude and demeaning. Well, the Finger Wag is back in Panama! The best way to say no ever!

Watch Internet TV about Panama on Latin America Real Estate TV!

About the Author
Mona Sutherland is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and has been living in the Republic of Panama for the past 2 years.

Eastern Mediterranean Island Food Trek on Silversea Cruise Line

2007-02-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

Imagine a trip of a lifetime - an exotic tour aboard the exclusive 6 Star luxury cruise ship Silver Cloud sailing through the Eastern Mediterranean seaports.

Tony Princiotta will take you on an "insider's only" exploration of ports of call, makets, wineries, and off-the-tourist beat restaurants. The tour starts at Istanbul, one of the world's most beautiful cities, and will continue through to Mykonos, Thessaloniki, Turkey, Crete and Greece.

Wow, what a wonderful itinerary and discovery tour. And what a ship!

Silver Cloud, the ultimate in elite luxury cruising, is known for intimate sailing experiences with its ability to slip into exotic ports off the beaten path. All cabins are oceanview suites with a maximum of 296 guest ship capacity. Go ahead and compare that to a crew of 212! Silversea's all-inclusive policy of "nothing is exluded, anything is possible" can lead to new and unexpected pleasures!

Booking this package is only available through agent extraordinaire Susan Moritz at American Express Travel in Beverly Hills Tel: 310-274-8277 x 222. Tour dates are July 6 - 13, 2007 and starts at approximately $4406 (airfare not included).

Europe Like Never Before - Free Airfare & 2For1 Promo At Oceania Cruises

2007-02-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

As Oceania Cruises enter its fifth year of service, the company has grown into one of the highest rated luxury cruise line in the world - combining the finest cuisine at sea, exceptional personalized service, luxurious accommodations and extraordinary value.

From the first voyage of the Regatta in 2003, they have grown into a global presence with a fleet that sails to all seven continents. This year Oceania Cruises will sail to more than 170 ports around the globe and will feature maiden calls in Mahon, Spain; Porto Cervo, Italy; Cinque Terre, Italy; Monemvasia, Greece; Semarang, Indonesia; Bali, Indonesia; Komodo, Indonesia; and Darwin, Australia. In 2008, the line will sail to Australia and New Zealand for the first time and present an even wider array of intriguing destinations throughout the Far East and China, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.

OCEANIA CRUISES CURRENT PROMOTIONS

Award winning european itineraries are on a 2For1 promotional fares with free airfaire:

Mediterranean Tapestry
Enjoy Free Airfare and 2 for 1 Cruise Fares as Insignia continues her European season from Venice to Barcelona departing July 23, 2007 for a 14-day spectacular voyage with five maiden calls in Italy. Also departs on July 28, 2007 aboard Nautica.

Portraits Of The Past
Barcelona to Istanbul August 6, 2007 14 Days Aboard Insignia

Ode To The Conquerors
Istanbul to Venice August 20, 2007 14 Days Aboard Insignia

Mediterranean Tapestry
Barcelona to Venice October 16, 2007 14 Days Aboard Regatta

Ode To The Conquerors
Venice to Istanbul October 27, 2007 14 Days Aboard Insignia

Mediterranean Tapestry
Venice to Barcelona October 30, 2007 14 Days Aboard Regatta

Take Off With Golf Packages at the Orlando Airport Marriott

2007-02-22T04:55:00.000-08:00

Rounds abound at the Orlando Airport Marriott. Take advantage of the hotel's fine Orlando golf vacation options with two new package offerings. Sure to please the most distinguishing players, each package pairs scenic and challenging courses with plush Orlando accommodations.

Tee off your stay in Orlando with the Eagle Creek Golf Challenge and rejuvenate at the newly renovated Orlando, Florida, hotel. Rated one of Travel & Leisure Magazine's "Top Ten New Courses Since 2000," Eagle Creek's Orlando course is reminiscent of courses found in Scotland and England, with five-par holes, five sets of tees, over 90 bunkers and dramatic bulkheads. The Orlando golf vacation package, with rates from $271-$487*, includes:
• Overnight accommodations
• Two rounds of golf at Eagle Creek
• One sleeve of Eagle Creek logo balls per player
• Breakfast for two daily at the Paradise Bar and Grill

Experience two different courses in one with the North Shore Golf Club Double Challenge, and wind your way through native wetlands, majestic oak trees and use the natural topography to create a truly remarkable golf experience. The innovative North Shore Golf Club boasts a front-nine that features open links with dunes and native grasses, and a back-nine suggestive of classic Georgia and Carolina coastal courses. The package, with rates from $219-$367*, includes:
• Overnight accommodations at a premier Orlando, Florida hotel
• Two rounds of golf at North Shore Golf Club
• Practice range balls and cart

About the Orlando Airport Marriott
The delightful Orlando, Florida, hotel transports visitors to a resort-like atmosphere while maintaining airport-close convenience. Enjoy the newly expanded fitness center, featuring the latest equipment, dine in a variety of Orlando restaurants, or relax in the connecting indoor/outdoor pool or whirlpool spa. The Orlando, FL, hotel has a scenic outdoor event area ideal for weddings and receptions. The exceptional Orlando international airport hotel offers complimentary shuttle service, and is just 11 miles from the Orange County Convention Center and downtown Orlando. For more information, call (800) 380-6751, or visit http://marriott.com/property/propertypage.mi?marshaCode=MCOAP.

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) February 22, 2007

The Two Cunard Queens at Sydney Harbour

2007-02-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Sydney played host yesterday to the two grandest ocean liners in the world - grande Dame QE2 and Queen Mary 2.

Escorted by a flotilla of small boats and pleasure craft along with thousands of Sydney-siders lining the shores to welcome the grandest ocean liners in the world, grande dame QE2 whistle saluted her sistership Queen Mary 2 during an historic afternoon arrival into Sydney Harbour.

Not since World War II have two Cunard Queens called on Sydney together.

The celebration included fireworks from the harbour before Queen Mary 2 set sail later that evening for Hong Kong continuing on her Maiden World Cruise.

QE2 is sailing her 25th Silver Jubilee World Cruise and calls on Sydney until Thursday.

The arrival of the Queen's was a spectacle that caused grid-lock both on the streets and shores of Sydney.

Sydney Harbour News and Photo Courtesy Of PR Newswire.

Is Cheaper Always Better? When it Comes to Travel Insurance Plans, Not Necessarily

2007-02-20T04:18:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when many individuals and families travel to escape the cold or to get some much needed rest and relaxation. While it could take months or years to save up for a trip, it could take minutes for plans to change and money spent on airfare to be lost.

Travel insurance can protect against those losses, with coverages ranging from medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage damage, and more. But, is the cheapest insurance plan always the best? Not necessarily, say the experts.

"It's very difficult to judge the value of insurance. All too often, we find out the true value only after we've had a loss and have had to submit a claim," said John Cook, President of Quotewright.com, a leading online provider of travel insurance plans. "That's the wrong time to find out that the more expensive policy might have been the better one."

Cook advises that travel insurance customers ignore price until they have compared policies and plans and have found a plan that best fits their specific travel plans. The policy purchased last year for a trip to the Bahamas, for example, probably will not be the best policy for a trip to Hong Kong this year.

"Your travel insurance needs change with family circumstances, time of the year and destination. When researching and purchasing travel insurance, travelers should concentrate on their primary concern -What is prompting me to buy travel insurance in the first place? Am I concerned about losing my trip investment if I have to cancel? Am I concerned about medical expenses overseas or medical evacuations if I should have a serious accident or sickness while on my trip?" said Cook. "It's easy to be side-tracked and confused by other features found in travel insurance plans or on their price and to lose focus on your primary objective."

Websites like Quotewright.com, recently rated by the Washington Post as "a cut above" in their listing of the "best and brightest" in the online travel industry, are an excellent source of information for consumers looking to compare and purchase travel insurance.

With the huge price disparities in travel insurance, it's easy to see how travelers can focus on price, rather than on the plans themselves. In a recent survey conducted by Quotewright.com, the average price difference between the lowest and highest price insurance quotes was 286 %. Of 25 plans offered by all major national travel insurance companies, the average low quote was $179 and the average high quote was $694.

Purchasing travel insurance based solely or primarily on price can be a ticket to disaster. Take, for example, a client who purchases an inexpensive policy that does not cover pre-existing medical conditions and finds out that he has to cancel his trip due to the pre-existing medical condition of a non-traveling family member. The claim will be denied because he chose a less expensive plan that didn't cover his particular circumstance.

"Even the least expensive policy is overpriced if it doesn't cover you when you need it," advised Cook. "The best advice we can provide is to ignore price until you have compared policies and plans and have found the one that best fits your specific travel plans. Consumers should think of 'cheap travel insurance' as the policy that is best for their needs, regardless of the cost."

Seattle Festivals During The Alaska Cruise Season

2007-02-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Situated on Puget Sound, Seattle is expecting to host thousands of cruise travellers between the months of April to September bound for Alaska. Golden Princess, Norwegian Star, Oosterdam, Sun Princess, and Vision of the Seas are just some of the beautiful ships that will be departing towards this destination from the Emerald City Port.

Because of Seattle's moderate climate and geography combination of ocean and mountains, visitors to this port city can enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, scuba diving, golfing, whale watching, fishing, and rock climbing. There are also marketplaces, sidewalk cafes, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and night clubs close to the port if you just want to explore the city itself.

If you have booked a cruise to Alaska, think about extending your stay in Seattle. Why? Because in the summertime, Seattle's festival season is in full swing!

June Solstice Parade June 16 & 17, 2007 - This Parade celebrates the beginning and summer and kicks off of the Fremont Fair. "Now in its 35th year, Fremont Fair returns to celebrate the Summer Solstice and the best of our community: art, spirit, sharing, celebration and working together to help each other. During Fair weekend, people from all walks of life come together to shop, eat, drink, perform, smile, dance, run, converse, debate, groove and parade." Getting There: Map and Transportation.

Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival July 1 - 4, 2007 - "You will enjoy live music, food vendors and plenty of classic wooden boats ranging from motorized launches and runabouts to sailboats, rowing craft and large cruisers. The kids will enjoy making their own toy boat and sailing models in the sailing pond. In past years, the festival has exhibited many of the vintage hydroplanes that have raced and won at SeaFair." More Information on the event.

The Seattle SeaFair June 30 - August 4, 2007 - "SeaFair's community events are a vital and vibrant part of summertime in Seattle and showcase the traditions, celebrations and diversity of the Puget Sound area." Highlights include Kirkland Summerfest: Art & Wine on the Waterfront, Silverdale Whaling Days, Ballard SeafoodFest and the West Seattle Parade. For a list of all events and dates, visit SeaFair's website.

Bumbershoot Seattle's Music & Arts Festival Labor Day Weekend September 1–3, 2007 - "Bumbershoot is more than just great music. The three-day sensory experience is the biggest of its kind in North America—a regular Mecca for art fiends and pop culture gluttons." Discover the Arts and have fun! Venues include Comedy on two stages, 1 Reel Film Festival featuring over 100 films, and dance performances at the theatre. Get updates on the 2007 schedule.

This is just a sample of what Seattle can offer the adventurous and fun loving traveller. The Seattle Events Guide and Seattle Festival and Fairs Guide can provide you with a more comprehensive listing of everything the city has to offer during your stay.

Bon Voyage! ( ... and don't forget to send us a picture of your holiday ... )

Another Great Reason Why You Should Always Purchase Travel Insurance

2007-02-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

You probably have heard it on the news these last few days - airport closures and long travel delays in the Midwest and Northeast because of heavy snow. Eastern regions of the United State and Canada are also expecting an additional 50 inches of snow to fall within the next few days.

This could have been you - stranded in an airport wondering if you are going to make your flight connections and get to your Caribbean cruise before it departs the New York port. Wouldn't that be a dreadful way to start your holiday?

What happens when you finally get to New York and your cruise has departed? Last minute hotels in New York is expensive. What about dinner? Is it possible to meet your cruise at the next port and how do you arrange a flight to get you there? I would be pulling my hair out trying to figure out what would be the next logical step. And all these added costs! All of a sudden my travel spending budget has been cut in half, if not a quarter, before my holiday even starts.

This is why you should always protect your travel investment with insurance. So what if your past cruise holidays have been uneventful? The law of probabilities will soon catch up to you. We can not control everything - the weather, the traffic and air schedule. The sooner you realize the importance of being able to have a hassle free holiday and purchase that much needed insurance, you will have a better peace of mind. And, they will help you get to the next port!

AIG Travel Guard, the largest provider of travel insurance in the United States, reports that they were flooded with calls for assistance from stranded travellers trying to depart from or return to the affected regions.

"Our LiveTravel assistance center has received more than double the normal volume of calls from travelers needing help to rebook cancelled flights and make alternative hotel reservations," reports Dan McGinnity, AIG Travel Guard Vice President. "The delays and airport closures have stranded travelers in airports throughout the country because such major hubs like Chicago's O'Hare and Washington's Dulles and Reagan National have been affected. Most of our clients have been rebooked on alternate flights and will be on their way home today or tomorrow. We expect the increased call volume to continue this week as the Midwest storm moves East today and tomorrow. Next week we anticipate a significant number of calls from customers filing trip delay and cancellation claims."

If you purchased insurance, you could have immediate 24/7 access to Travel Guard's LiveTravel emergency service hotline. What is that good for? Rebooking cancelled flights, making alternative hotel reservations or assisting with ground transportation.

Travel Guard's Cruise Travel insurance will provide you with adequate coverage for delayed trips and cancellations due to winter storms or other severe weather. So, if you were to cancel a trip due to severe weather conditions, your insurance will provide reimbursement for nonrefundable covered expenses.

Travel insurance is a necessity that you never leave home without, and should be considered a priority after purchasing your cruise. Your travel agent will provide you with information on what coverage is perfect for your holiday. Better yet, if you want the best insurance rates, request a free cruise travel insurance quotes from AIG Travel Guard.

Review: Royal Caribbean Launches "Liberty" May 2007

2007-02-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

Even amid sluggish profits, the growth in the cruise industry continues to increase. As it does, cruise lines are rushing to create new, more exciting and bigger ships to accommodate the demand. Royal Caribbean, which launches one ship per year, on average, made a royal splash in 2006 with the introduction of "Freedom of the Seas," the largest cruise ship to date. However, 2007 holds promise as well - thanks to the pending launch of "Liberty of the Seas" this May.

Weighing in at 160,000 tons, "Liberty" will go nose-to-nose with "Freedom" in many respects, but will offer passengers a wealth of shipboard and shore excitement to choose from.

Accommodations

With something for everyone, "Liberty" will present a wide range of accommodation options. Economy-class staterooms with ocean views and ample space can be booked for reasonable rates. For those with more elaborate tastes (and wallets), practically every class of cabin is available all the way to the Presidential Family Suite.

With 1200+ square feet of living space, this suite delivers two master bedrooms, two additional bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a living area, a dining area and a private, 800+ square foot balcony - perfect for families or other groups.

Onboard Activities

"Liberty" has one of the most diverse selections of activities of any cruise ship. With innovations including a screening room, a solarium and cooking classes, guests of all ages can find something of interest. But "Liberty" also follows in "Freedom's" footsteps with a first-at-sea rock climbing wall, H20 Zone water park, ice skating rink, boxing ring and more. Of course, the popular favorites of day spa, casinos and pools are available with elaborate upgrades from those found on other ships.

And the kids have a world all to themselves with a tremendous lineup of age-specific fun things to see and do. Of course, activities are supervised by Royal Caribbean staff members to ensure safety at all times.

There's also a Royal Promenade complete with cobblestone streets. Filled with shops and restaurants, the entire family can enjoy this active spot. You'll especially enjoy a stop at Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop!

Destinations

Launching May 19, 2007, for her maiden voyage, "Liberty" will set sail for the Caribbean. Her lineup of itineraries will eventually include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman Islands; Montego Bay, Jamaica and other well-loved ports of call.

While visiting these popular areas, guests will be able to take part in a world-class selection of land and sea excursions. Horseback riding, mountain bike tours, parasailing, whitewater rafting, flight-seeing tours, golf, water sports of all types and wildlife tours are just a few of the exciting adventures passengers can take part in.

Business At Sea

Lending herself to also accommodate business travelers and those looking to conduct business activities onboard a ship, "Liberty" will make available a full-service conference center complete with audio/visual capabilities as well as WiFi throughout the ship. Whether you're looking for an innovative place to hold a conference or seminar or just need a way to keep in touch while you're at sea, the business capabilities of "Liberty" will impress you.

Godmother

Most cruise lines engage a celebrity or other well-known person to be the godmother of each ship they launch. Royal Caribbean, however, takes a new approach by bestowing this honor on everyday people.

"Liberty's" godmother is a wonderful lady named Katherine Louise Calder. Selected as part of a nationwide search, Calder was given the title due to her service as a foster mom to over 400 special-needs children. What a wonderful representative to have!

Reservations are currently available on "Liberty" for voyages scheduled for May and after. If you're looking for a massive vacation experience for the whole family, "Liberty" can certainly deliver!

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals including Alaska cruises and Hawaii cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line Free Onboard Credit and Stateroom Upgrade

2007-02-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

If you are planning a cruise this year, whether it's to Alaska, Hawaii or the Caribbean, book it with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Their freestyle concept of cruising is great - Freestyle Dining, Freestyle accommodations, Freestyle Activities, Freestyle Attire and Freestyle Embarkation!

"You keep seeing Freestyle Cruising and you don't know exactly what it is, right? That's because we're the only cruise line that offers anything like it. Let's start with the fact that there are no fixed dining times. And you never have to eat in the same restaurant twice. Really. We won't ask you to sit with strangers like on other cruise lines. And, you only have to dress up if you want to. We've created that kind of freedom throughout the ship with a ton of fun things to do, or not do. It's NCL's Freestyle Cruising. Where you're free to whatever."

So, this year, resolve to cruise freestyle because between now and February 28, 2007, Norwegian Cruise Lines wants to give you up to $150 Free Onboard Credit and a Free 2-category Stateroom Credit. Not only that, they are offering special weekly deals to the best destinations in the world! Norwegian Cruise Lines is making it easy for you to keep your Freestyle Resolution for 2007!

"You can't beat it. Pay for the accommodation you like, and we'll bump you up two categories to an even nicer room. Like maybe one with a better view, or one closer to the elevators. What else should you know? All NCL and NCL America ships are qualified for this offer... Want a soothing massage? A bottle of champagne with dinner? A party sail in the Caribbean? Whatever floats your boat is on its way with the help of an Onboard Credit from us. No matter which ship you sail, or stateroom you book, you'll get $25, $50, $75, $100 or $150 credit toward your indulgence of choice."

And if you book this week's special cruise by February 11, 2007, Norwegian will double your onboard credit up to $300! Just when you thought it couldn't get better! You can use towards shore excursions, luxurious pampering, or at the Specialty Restaurants. Offer applies to: Cruise to Hawaii between 7/1/07 - 12/17/07 aboard Pride of Aloha, Pride of America, Pride of Hawaii or Norwegian Sun.

Play & Win

"Try and guess where we are and you could win a cruise or an American ExpressÂ® gift card! Each day we'll add another piece to the puzzle and give you a new clue. Come back every day with a guess and you're entered into a daily drawing for a $40 American ExpressÂ® Gift Card. Plus, every guess you make enters you into our weekly drawing for a Free Cruise for two. It's simple - just guess. Be sure to tell your friends so they can have a chance at winning as well!"

Source: Norwegian Cruise Lines

Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld Offering SeaWorld Family Package Deals

2007-02-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) February 9, 2007 -- Book a fun-filled SeaWorld Orlando vacation at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld®, enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of SeaWorld, and take advantage of the Orlando resort's exclusive Length of Stay tickets.

Offering 12 consecutive days of admission to the adventure park, the Length of Stay ticket is good for a number of packages at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, including the SeaWorld® Orlando package, and the Kids Stay and Play Free package.

The SeaWorld Orlando vacation package, available on stays booked for one night or more, seven days a week, includes:
• Deluxe accommodations
• Length of Stay ticket
• Shamu plush toy
• SeaWorld Guest Value booklet
• Access to additional hotel amenities and services, including resort pools, restaurants, babysitting services and game room

The Kids Stay and Play Free package, available on stays booked for two nights or more includes:
• Deluxe accommodations for two adults and children 17 and under
• Length of Stay ticket
• FREE kids ticket for each adult ticket purchased (two ticket maximum, ages 3- to 9-years-old)
• Shamu plush toy
• SeaWorld® Guest Value booklet
• Access to additional hotel amenities and services, including resort pools, restaurants, babysitting services and game room

Rates for the SeaWorld Orlando Package range from $234-$787, and rates for the Kids Play and Stay Package range from $350-$596.

The Florida family resort offers a SeaWorld Guest Value Booklet with both packages. Packed with discounts and special offers, the discounts include:

• Free upgrade to Preferred Parking
• Ride Again Voucher for Kraken
• Ride Again Voucher for Journey to Atlantis
• Ride Again Voucher for Wild Arctic
• Buy One Get One Free Sky Tower Ride
• Save $10 on admission to Makahiki Luau
• Free Dessert at Sharks Underwater Grill (with entrée purchase)
• 50% off Child's dinner at Dine with Shamu (with purchase of an
adult dinner)
• $1 off admission to the Animal Rescue Tour
• $10 off Sharks Deep Dive

About the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld
An abundance of value awaits every guest of this luxury Orlando hotel, located across from SeaWorld and minutes from Discovery Cove. The Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld offers spacious accommodations, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an 18-hole championship golf course nearby and superb amenities. The Orlando, Florida hotel also boasts distinctive meeting facilities and a variety of restaurants, all marked by the Renaissance's signature service. For more information, call (800) 644-2848, or visit www.renaissanceseaworld.com.