Win a 7 night Caribbean Cruise for two just click on the link to my website and sign up I hope one of my clients win!
http://awaters.cruiseone.com/travel/cruises/Contest.html?PG=1&SWEEPSTAKE_NAME=3Q05
Win a Free 7 Night Caribbean Cruise for Two
Great Travel, Ideas, Specials, Comments and More
A place to view travel ideas and share comments about all types of travel.
About Me
- Anne Waters
- Corpus Christi, TX, United States
- Everyone has one - they may not call it a "Bucket List" it may be a list of travel ideas, a list of places to visit, or things you want to do. My desire is to help you bring these dreams into reality and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Discover America by River
Storyteller Mark Twain ignited an American love affair with the Mississippi River in the late 1800s with his vivid descriptions in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "Life on the Mississippi." Twain described river towns as "pleasing to the eye and cheering to the spirit" and called the Mississippi Valley "as reposeful as a dreamland ... nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon."
More than a century later, the romance of the mighty Mississippi, along with a number of other U.S. waterways, continues to attract those seeking an authentic slice of Americana, and a number of cruise lines cater to travelers looking for such a floating escape. Onboard today's passenger vessels you're likely to find a library with a book or two by Twain -- along with fine dining, live entertainment, expert lecturers and multiple options for relaxing, or maintaining a fitness regime.
U.S. river cruising has been growing in popularity for many reasons: These journeys have a European feel with no passport required, they work for multiple generations traveling together, and the logistics make it a breeze compared with getting on a plane or even sailing with the bigger cruise lines. Traditionally filled with a more mature travel crowd, they aren't cheap. But those who take one river cruise tend to take more; one popular outfit, American Cruise Lines, reports a repeat guest rate of 40% on average. Here are eight ways to explore the United States via river cruise.
Memphis to New Orleans: Lower Mississippi River
You'll still hear the traditional notes of the calliope as you board the historic Queen of the Mississippi, but 21st-century technology also brings this American Cruise Lines paddlewheel riverboat to a new level of comfort and convenience.
Eight-day voyages cruise from Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans; St. Louis; or St. Paul, Minnesota, on the iconic Mississippi River. The cruise between Memphis and New Orleans highlights the music, cuisine and culture of these two vibrant cities but allows plenty of time to soak up the setting that Twain called "reposeful as a dreamland," with stops at sprawling Southern plantation homes and Civil War battlefields. Also onboard: a putting green and a workout area. Rates begin at $4,195 per person.
St. Paul to St. Louis: Upper Mississippi River
Every autumn, when the riverbanks are drenched in shades of red and gold, the elegant flagship vessel of the American Queen Steamboat Co. travels the Upper Mississippi River, with stops that include a glimpse of Amish country in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and a tribute to the agricultural accomplishments of John Deer in Davenport, Iowa. Twain's boyhood home of Hannibal, Missouri, is also on the itinerary.
Other themed sailings on the American Queen honor everything from baseball legends to Route 66, and longer itineraries sail on multiple rivers. Rates begin at $2,495 per person for the nine-day journey, $4,495 for a 14-day trip on the Ohio and Mississippi.
Pacific Northwest: Columbia and Snake rivers
Set your sights on spring and the inaugural season of the opulent American Empress, the newest addition to the American Queen Steamboat Co. line. Seven-day voyages will travel between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington, with stops to visit the natural wonders and historic landmarks of the region such as Mount Hood and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Native American history, a number of wineries and the opportunity to zip-line above Oregon are additional highlights.
With five decks and accommodations for 223 guests, it is one of the larger vessels plying U.S. Rivers, and American Queen Steamboat President Ted Sykes cites a "rebirth of U.S. River cruising" as one reason for the company's expansion. Rates start at $3,795 per person.
Alaska: Waterways near Juneau
Small ships can mean big adventure in the 49th state. Think grizzlies and glaciers when you drift through straits and fjords on the Island Spirit, a 32-passenger, all-inclusive boat that leaves Alaska's capital city to explore small towns and coastal cities between wildlife sightings. Onboard naturalists are part of this nine-day journey that can also involve kayaking, hiking and trekking across icy blue glaciers. Inuit culture also is weaved into the itinerary. Book through USA River Cruises; rates start at $3,995 per person. Travel photos we wish we'd taken
New York's Hudson River Valley
If you're game for some extraordinary leaf-peeping along the river that Henry Hudson explored in 1609, American Cruise Lines offers an eight-day trip leaving from New York City that whisks passengers into the world of millionaire mansions, art centers, maritime museums and two capital cities -- the state's second capital, Poughkeepsie, and the current one, Albany. Set your bags in your cabin and get to the deck; you won't want to miss a minute of daylight with the sun lighting up the Hudson River Valley scenery. You'll pass by the historic Saugerties Lighthouse and have time to tour the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. This itinerary begins and ends in the Big Apple so travelers can start or cap their trip with some big-city fun. Rates begin at $3,245 per person.
Charleston, South Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida
It's hard to leave the palmetto palms of Charleston, but with this Blount Small Ship Adventure, you'll discover the Low country, get a lesson in Southern history and find proof that Southern hospitality is flourishing along the waterways of the antebellum South.
The eight-day trip navigates a handful of rivers and intra-coastal waterways, with stops that include Beaufort, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and St. Augustine, Florida. You'll fill your digital camera disc with sunsets, Spanish moss-covered live oaks and idyllic scenes from Jekyll and Amelia islands. Rates start at $2,399 per person.
The Great Lakes region: Toronto to Duluth, Minnesota
OK, so you'll need your passport for this cruise that dips into Canada. The journey takes you through all five of the Great Lakes, from Lake Ontario to Lake Superior. The 138-passenger Yorktown passes through busy locks and canals on this 11-day trip filled with Great Lake lore as well as excursion options to Niagara Falls, Michigan's pristine Presque Isle and the Victorian-era island of Mackinac.
Travelers yearning for still more Americana should head for the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village when the ship docks in Detroit for a day. USA River Cruises handles Yorktown bookings, and every cabin has a water view; rates for the Great Lakes trip start at $5,595 per person.
The islands of New England
Classic New England is the focus on this tranquil seven-day journey run by Blount Small Ship Adventures. Vessels depart from and return to Warren, Rhode Island, carrying fewer than 100 passengers per trip into the realm of serene beaches, rugged bluffs and unique towns such as Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts, where the tides seem to have washed away any sign of 21st-century stress.
Whale watching and birding are priorities as you island hop between Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts and Rhode Island's Block Island, marveling at gorgeous seaside homes and quaint beach cottages decorated in buoys and other nautical relics. Get a taste of New England during shore excursions with lobster lunches, locally crafted beers and freshly made saltwater taffy. Round trip from Warren. Rates start at $1,999 per person.
More than a century later, the romance of the mighty Mississippi, along with a number of other U.S. waterways, continues to attract those seeking an authentic slice of Americana, and a number of cruise lines cater to travelers looking for such a floating escape. Onboard today's passenger vessels you're likely to find a library with a book or two by Twain -- along with fine dining, live entertainment, expert lecturers and multiple options for relaxing, or maintaining a fitness regime.
U.S. river cruising has been growing in popularity for many reasons: These journeys have a European feel with no passport required, they work for multiple generations traveling together, and the logistics make it a breeze compared with getting on a plane or even sailing with the bigger cruise lines. Traditionally filled with a more mature travel crowd, they aren't cheap. But those who take one river cruise tend to take more; one popular outfit, American Cruise Lines, reports a repeat guest rate of 40% on average. Here are eight ways to explore the United States via river cruise.
Memphis to New Orleans: Lower Mississippi River
You'll still hear the traditional notes of the calliope as you board the historic Queen of the Mississippi, but 21st-century technology also brings this American Cruise Lines paddlewheel riverboat to a new level of comfort and convenience.
Eight-day voyages cruise from Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans; St. Louis; or St. Paul, Minnesota, on the iconic Mississippi River. The cruise between Memphis and New Orleans highlights the music, cuisine and culture of these two vibrant cities but allows plenty of time to soak up the setting that Twain called "reposeful as a dreamland," with stops at sprawling Southern plantation homes and Civil War battlefields. Also onboard: a putting green and a workout area. Rates begin at $4,195 per person.
St. Paul to St. Louis: Upper Mississippi River
Every autumn, when the riverbanks are drenched in shades of red and gold, the elegant flagship vessel of the American Queen Steamboat Co. travels the Upper Mississippi River, with stops that include a glimpse of Amish country in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and a tribute to the agricultural accomplishments of John Deer in Davenport, Iowa. Twain's boyhood home of Hannibal, Missouri, is also on the itinerary.
Other themed sailings on the American Queen honor everything from baseball legends to Route 66, and longer itineraries sail on multiple rivers. Rates begin at $2,495 per person for the nine-day journey, $4,495 for a 14-day trip on the Ohio and Mississippi.
Pacific Northwest: Columbia and Snake rivers
Set your sights on spring and the inaugural season of the opulent American Empress, the newest addition to the American Queen Steamboat Co. line. Seven-day voyages will travel between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington, with stops to visit the natural wonders and historic landmarks of the region such as Mount Hood and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Native American history, a number of wineries and the opportunity to zip-line above Oregon are additional highlights.
With five decks and accommodations for 223 guests, it is one of the larger vessels plying U.S. Rivers, and American Queen Steamboat President Ted Sykes cites a "rebirth of U.S. River cruising" as one reason for the company's expansion. Rates start at $3,795 per person.
Alaska: Waterways near Juneau
Small ships can mean big adventure in the 49th state. Think grizzlies and glaciers when you drift through straits and fjords on the Island Spirit, a 32-passenger, all-inclusive boat that leaves Alaska's capital city to explore small towns and coastal cities between wildlife sightings. Onboard naturalists are part of this nine-day journey that can also involve kayaking, hiking and trekking across icy blue glaciers. Inuit culture also is weaved into the itinerary. Book through USA River Cruises; rates start at $3,995 per person. Travel photos we wish we'd taken
New York's Hudson River Valley
If you're game for some extraordinary leaf-peeping along the river that Henry Hudson explored in 1609, American Cruise Lines offers an eight-day trip leaving from New York City that whisks passengers into the world of millionaire mansions, art centers, maritime museums and two capital cities -- the state's second capital, Poughkeepsie, and the current one, Albany. Set your bags in your cabin and get to the deck; you won't want to miss a minute of daylight with the sun lighting up the Hudson River Valley scenery. You'll pass by the historic Saugerties Lighthouse and have time to tour the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. This itinerary begins and ends in the Big Apple so travelers can start or cap their trip with some big-city fun. Rates begin at $3,245 per person.
Charleston, South Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida
It's hard to leave the palmetto palms of Charleston, but with this Blount Small Ship Adventure, you'll discover the Low country, get a lesson in Southern history and find proof that Southern hospitality is flourishing along the waterways of the antebellum South.
The eight-day trip navigates a handful of rivers and intra-coastal waterways, with stops that include Beaufort, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and St. Augustine, Florida. You'll fill your digital camera disc with sunsets, Spanish moss-covered live oaks and idyllic scenes from Jekyll and Amelia islands. Rates start at $2,399 per person.
The Great Lakes region: Toronto to Duluth, Minnesota
OK, so you'll need your passport for this cruise that dips into Canada. The journey takes you through all five of the Great Lakes, from Lake Ontario to Lake Superior. The 138-passenger Yorktown passes through busy locks and canals on this 11-day trip filled with Great Lake lore as well as excursion options to Niagara Falls, Michigan's pristine Presque Isle and the Victorian-era island of Mackinac.
Travelers yearning for still more Americana should head for the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village when the ship docks in Detroit for a day. USA River Cruises handles Yorktown bookings, and every cabin has a water view; rates for the Great Lakes trip start at $5,595 per person.
The islands of New England
Classic New England is the focus on this tranquil seven-day journey run by Blount Small Ship Adventures. Vessels depart from and return to Warren, Rhode Island, carrying fewer than 100 passengers per trip into the realm of serene beaches, rugged bluffs and unique towns such as Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts, where the tides seem to have washed away any sign of 21st-century stress.
Whale watching and birding are priorities as you island hop between Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts and Rhode Island's Block Island, marveling at gorgeous seaside homes and quaint beach cottages decorated in buoys and other nautical relics. Get a taste of New England during shore excursions with lobster lunches, locally crafted beers and freshly made saltwater taffy. Round trip from Warren. Rates start at $1,999 per person.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Planning Shore Excursions
Many of you
will pick a sailing region because you want to explore all a location has
to offer, be it stunning rainforests loaded with wildlife or cultural capitals
with great museums. As such, your experience on shore can make or break
your cruise vacation. So planning ahead what you're going to do at the
ports of call your ship will visit is important. If your goal is sitting on
a white sand beach, you want to find that white sand beach to sit on. Once your
ship pulls into port, you basically have three options: staying on the
ship, taking a shore excursion through the cruise line, or exploring on
your own.
The Ins and
Outs of Shore Excursions:
Cruise lines offer
shore excursions that target popular attractions in every port. These
range from short bus and walking tours to full-day options that cover a variety
of activities (from eating and drinking your way through Provence to traipsing
through a jungle in Mexico). In most cases the cruise lines themselves
do not operate the tours, but rather rely on local operators (albeit
ones they vet — an important security consideration in some destinations).
But be warned, this is a profit center for the lines so there's often a
mark-up involved.
Shore excursions
start around $39 per person for what's often a snooze-fest bus tour to see an
area's top historic and natural sights, and go up to the $79 to $150 range
for more exciting activities like snorkeling or bike-trekking or zip
lining (where you get in a harness and zip across tree tops on a line). Prices
climb even higher (to $500 or more) for an once-in-a-lifetime experience
such as dog sledding on top of a glacier (worth every penny, by the way). Excursion
prices are often, though not always, lower for kids. Given that your cruise
is likely to make multiple stops, the cost for excursions for, say, a family
of four, can add up quickly and end up representing a substantial portion
of your final vacation tab.
If your Travel Agent has a relationship
with a third party excursion vendor it could save you 10-60% and you will
travel in a smaller more intimate group and they guarantee to get you back to
the ship on time.
Or can just say
no and explore on your own (see below), but there are times when shore excursions
may be your best bet.
You want to go
far. Sometimes the
important stuff is far away from the port where your ship is docked (for example,
Rome is actually a 90-minute drive from Citavecchia, the port where your
ship will dock). Excursions will take you to places many miles from the pier
without your having to worry about local public transportation (ferries,
trains and buses) or steep cab fares.
You want to do
a soft-adventure activity. Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, ATV tours, and other
activities are scheduled with vendors vetted by the cruise line for safety.
You're looking for hands-on culture. Cooking classes, art lessons, private
visits to museums, and folk dance performances are offered, along with an
opportunity to mingle with locals.
You're thinking
once-in-a-lifetime. Most lines give passengers the opportunity to tackle
a "Bucket List" experience, such as swimming with dolphins,
feeding stingrays, dog sledding, hot air ballooning, flightseeing, or
deep sea fishing.
You just want
to relax. You want hassle-free
R&R in a lounge chair on a prime beach, a scenic sail with a rum drink or
two, or to space out watching fish in a glass-bottom boat.
You don't speak
the local language. In some exotic locations (Southeast Asia comes to mind),
it might be a hassle finding someone who speaks English. That said, as most
lines tend to visit tourist hotpots, if the first person you come across
doesn't speak English, chances are the second or third person will.
Ordering
Shore Excursions:
Popular shore
excursions fill up fast, or at least that's what the cruise lines tell you.
The reality is that if there is huge interest in a particular option,
the tour operator may be able to add another excursion. Even so, you are
best off reviewing the excursions for your cruise and making your picks
pre-cruise. Most cruise lines let you research their excursion options on
their websites and book online. If you do order in advance, your tickets
will either be in your cabin when you arrive or be delivered to your cabin
a couple of days before your scheduled tour.
When choosing
your excursions, carefully read the fine print. You may see restrictions
based on age and weight, fitness level required (which the cruise lines generally
do a good job of describing), and so forth. If you are physically challenged
or have special needs, make sure you
take that into account when planning your shore-side activities. Not all
tours will be suitable.
If you don't
pre-book, you can use the order form you'll find in your cabin (and at the
purser's or shore excursion desk). One advantage of waiting is you can attend
the shore excursion lecture held the first day of the cruise and ask questions
(but, again, popular tours may already be sold out by that time, so if your
trip will be ruined because you didn't get to go dog-sledding in Alaska for example, book that excursion
in advance). You may be able to cancel a pre-booked reservation or switch
to another tour once shipboard, but don't count on that. Talk to the folks
at the shore excursion desk if you need assistance.
On the Day of
Your Tour:
Carefully
look at the shore excursion tickets you receive, noting the meet-up time
and location for your tour. If you're not there at the right time, the tour
may leave without you and you won't get a refund. In your documentation you'll
also find information on what to wear and what you need to bring with you.
Bringing along bottled water is a particularly good idea (especially
in tropical locales or where strenuous activities are involved), but before
you buy it for a steep price shipboard, ask if it's already provided on the
tour. You'll also want to bring a few bucks to tip your tour guide; the standard
range is $3 to $5 per person, or more for an adventure tour guide.
Exploring on
Your Own:
You are only
in each port for a set number of hours. If you have decided to go exploring
on your own you'll want to do some advance research to find out where the
ship docks and what's near the pier. In some locations you dock right in the
heart of the action (Quebec City and San Diego,
for example), but in many others you'll need to take a cab, bus, or ferry
to get where you want to go. Keep in mind that you may need local currency
to pay the fare.
Before deciding
to go off on your own look into:
- What's
within walking distance of the ship?
- How easy
is it to find a cab, bus, scooter or rental car, and how reliable is
the transportation (and is driving on the right or left)?
- How much
do attractions and/or beach-entry fees cost?
- Does the
activity you want to do require advance reservations?
- At a
beach, will you be able to rent a lounger and/or umbrella and how much
do they cost?
- Are rental
cars available near the ship pier and do they need to be booked in advance
– both for savings and to assure availability?
All this is not
to say you won't have a good time, and you'll probably be able to go it on
your own cheaper than you would with the cruise line. But if you take the DIY
approach, plan carefully and don't miss the boat — if the ship leaves without
you, it will cost a bundle to get to the next port of call.
Booking organized
tours on your own:
If you like the
sound of a cruise line's tour, but the price sounds awfully steep, do some research
and you may be able to book the same tour with the exact same outfitter on
your own, at a cheaper price. The secret is to spend some time carefully
dissecting the cruise line's tour and the wording, and then compare it with
what local operators are offering online.
Some operators
have deals with the cruise lines, which preclude them from offering lower
prices when a ship is in town. That doesn't mean they always stick to them
(though you may be told "shhh, don't tell anyone what you paid,"
lest the cruise line find out you got a discount). If you go this route, remember
it's important to make sure the operator can get you back to the ship before
sailing time.
You may also
be able to book the equivalent of a cruise line's excursion at a lower
price through your travel agent
it may be up to 60% lower than cruise line prices and backs that up with a
lowest-price guarantee. They also
guarantee to get you back to the ship on time.
Private excursions:
A new trend in
cruise travel is private shore excursions — your travel agent arranges a guide just for you and anyone
else you want to bring along. It's the best of both worlds as you get a custom-tailored
tour (you can interrupt the guide to say, "Hey, that's boring, let's
move on"). Of course, a steep price accompanies this option, and they guarantee to get you back to the ship
on time.
Staying Shipboard:
If you have
been to a port before, or many times, there's no rule that says you have to go
again. Don't discount the joy of staying on the ship while everyone else
disembarks. You won't be the only other person to have the same idea, so
the ship won't feel totally vacant (no ghostly twins in the hallway like
in Stephen King's The Shining). And there are benefits to staying
put. On a port day you are likely to find not only available timeslots, but
discounts in the ship's spa; you can zip your way through the buffet line or
have a leisurely lunch in a dining room; and you'll have no trouble finding
a lounge chair at the pool.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Behind -the Scens Tour: How a cruise ship works
Ever wondered what it takes to operate a cruise ship at sea on a 24-hour basis? Take a behind-the-scenes tour to find out.
Special for-a-fee tours offer exclusive access to areas of the ship normally only seen by the crew.
The tours are offered on a limited basis on sea days, the group size usually limited to 16 or fewer passengers. If you're interested, inquire at Guest Services your first day on board to check availability. These tours sell out.
With a senior crew member or officer leading the way, on the tours there's often opportunity to chat with dancers in the theater, spend time in the galley — where some 12,000 meals are prepared daily on larger ships — and meet the captain and officers.
Check out these back-of-house tours.
Carnival
The Behind the Fun tour ($55 to $95) includes briefings by key ship personnel such as the captain, chief engineer and chef de cuisine. Stops include the main show lounge, main galley, laundry room, crew galley and dining room, crew gym, crew training center, engine room and ship's bridge. Bonus: A commemorative gift pack and photos with the captain.
Princess Cruises
On the Princess Cruises Ultimate Ship Tour ($150 per person), passengers visit the galley, backstage at the theater, the engine control room, the print shop, the photo lab, the medical center and the laundry room. You also stop by the bridge to see the officers and meet the captain. Bonus: A bunch of take-home mementos and refreshments.
Norwegian
On the two-hour Behind the Scenes tour ($55), passengers see the galley, the laundry, backstage at the theater, the ship's environmental systems and the bridge — with opportunity to talk to the captain and officers along the way. An enhanced seven-hour tour ($150) adds a sushi-making demonstration and sake tasting, a specialty coffee, a group photo on the bridge, pre-dinner cocktails and dinner at the Cagney's Steakhouse (with a glass of wine).
Holland America
The Behind the Scenes tour ($150) takes you backstage at the theater and to the laundry, engine control room, environmental/waste-management area, galley (including coolers and storage areas) and the bridge. Bonus: Champagne, hors d'oeuvres and a gift pack including a cookbook.
Royal Caribbean
The guided All Access Tour ($150) lets passengers visit such crew-only areas as the bridge, galley, backstage of the main theater, the engine control room and laundry, letting passengers "step inside the crew's shoes," at least for a few hours.
Celebrity
The Inside Access tour ($150) provides a comprehensive look at ship operations including the bridge, mooring deck, engine control room, main dining-room galley, crew mess hall, crew gym, officer's offices and store rooms. Bonus: Includes a wine-paired lunch in the dining room.
Special for-a-fee tours offer exclusive access to areas of the ship normally only seen by the crew.
The tours are offered on a limited basis on sea days, the group size usually limited to 16 or fewer passengers. If you're interested, inquire at Guest Services your first day on board to check availability. These tours sell out.
With a senior crew member or officer leading the way, on the tours there's often opportunity to chat with dancers in the theater, spend time in the galley — where some 12,000 meals are prepared daily on larger ships — and meet the captain and officers.
Check out these back-of-house tours.
Carnival
The Behind the Fun tour ($55 to $95) includes briefings by key ship personnel such as the captain, chief engineer and chef de cuisine. Stops include the main show lounge, main galley, laundry room, crew galley and dining room, crew gym, crew training center, engine room and ship's bridge. Bonus: A commemorative gift pack and photos with the captain.
Princess Cruises
On the Princess Cruises Ultimate Ship Tour ($150 per person), passengers visit the galley, backstage at the theater, the engine control room, the print shop, the photo lab, the medical center and the laundry room. You also stop by the bridge to see the officers and meet the captain. Bonus: A bunch of take-home mementos and refreshments.
Norwegian
On the two-hour Behind the Scenes tour ($55), passengers see the galley, the laundry, backstage at the theater, the ship's environmental systems and the bridge — with opportunity to talk to the captain and officers along the way. An enhanced seven-hour tour ($150) adds a sushi-making demonstration and sake tasting, a specialty coffee, a group photo on the bridge, pre-dinner cocktails and dinner at the Cagney's Steakhouse (with a glass of wine).
Holland America
The Behind the Scenes tour ($150) takes you backstage at the theater and to the laundry, engine control room, environmental/waste-management area, galley (including coolers and storage areas) and the bridge. Bonus: Champagne, hors d'oeuvres and a gift pack including a cookbook.
Royal Caribbean
The guided All Access Tour ($150) lets passengers visit such crew-only areas as the bridge, galley, backstage of the main theater, the engine control room and laundry, letting passengers "step inside the crew's shoes," at least for a few hours.
Celebrity
The Inside Access tour ($150) provides a comprehensive look at ship operations including the bridge, mooring deck, engine control room, main dining-room galley, crew mess hall, crew gym, officer's offices and store rooms. Bonus: Includes a wine-paired lunch in the dining room.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Why Cruisers Should Travel With A Passport
Some cruises require a passport. An exception is when U.S. citizens are taking what is known as a "closed loop" cruise: sailing round-trip from one U.S. port and visiting at least one foreign country (such as from Miami to the Caribbean). For these cruises you can get away with a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate as proof of citizenship.
But having a passport is better.
There are a variety of scenarios for which you'd want to have a passport in hand. If your flight to the port city is delayed and you have to fly out of the U.S. to meet your ship at the first port of call, being 'insured' with this document can save your vacation.
You will also want a passport if you have to leave a cruise early in another country — say, Canada on an Alaska sailing. I've heard it before: you don't plan to go home early. But stuff happens — family emergencies, business emergencies, illness, etc., — and without a passport, you will be in for a major hassle. Airlines often require a valid passport before they will even let you on the plane, so whether you're trying to get back into the U.S. or you need to stay in the foreign country for a spell, both situations would likely require a passport.
If you want to take an excursion, say, into Canada on an Alaska cruise, you may also need one. The same goes for getting kicked off a ship for misconduct, which does happen. Or, if you get delayed at a foreign port of call, and miss the ship.
Everyone, including infants, in your party should have a passport. Applying for one is easy. Find details at http://travel.state.gov.
But having a passport is better.
There are a variety of scenarios for which you'd want to have a passport in hand. If your flight to the port city is delayed and you have to fly out of the U.S. to meet your ship at the first port of call, being 'insured' with this document can save your vacation.
You will also want a passport if you have to leave a cruise early in another country — say, Canada on an Alaska sailing. I've heard it before: you don't plan to go home early. But stuff happens — family emergencies, business emergencies, illness, etc., — and without a passport, you will be in for a major hassle. Airlines often require a valid passport before they will even let you on the plane, so whether you're trying to get back into the U.S. or you need to stay in the foreign country for a spell, both situations would likely require a passport.
If you want to take an excursion, say, into Canada on an Alaska cruise, you may also need one. The same goes for getting kicked off a ship for misconduct, which does happen. Or, if you get delayed at a foreign port of call, and miss the ship.
Everyone, including infants, in your party should have a passport. Applying for one is easy. Find details at http://travel.state.gov.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Christmas Markets: Europe and Beyond
Sometimes it seems like chalky store-bought Santa cookies, holiday blockbuster movies and commercials for luxury cars with giant bows have sucked the soul right out of Christmas. But there are still places in this world -- Christmas markets, to be exact -- where the holidays have a heart.
Going to a traditional Christmas market is like literally traveling to Christmas. The air is crisp and cold, the sweet songs of choirs merge with the smells of hot spiced wine and roasted chestnuts in the air, and hundreds of shoppers (and dozens of Santa's) bustle by in search of presents for loved ones near and far. At Christmas markets, the modern secularization of the season is smashed to bits by Nativity scenes, Gothic cathedrals decked with twinkling lights and marzipan Jesus figures that remind visitors of the holiday's holy history.
Each year, the medieval town of Strasbourg in Alsace, France is illuminated by thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. This festive scene provides the perfect backdrop for the Strasbourg Christmas Market, which is the largest Christmas market in France. The market's Web site claims that it offers "a thousand and one gift ideas," but the site's extensive agenda of daily activities and events proves that a visit to the Strasbourg market is more than just a chance to shop.
Going to a traditional Christmas market is like literally traveling to Christmas. The air is crisp and cold, the sweet songs of choirs merge with the smells of hot spiced wine and roasted chestnuts in the air, and hundreds of shoppers (and dozens of Santa's) bustle by in search of presents for loved ones near and far. At Christmas markets, the modern secularization of the season is smashed to bits by Nativity scenes, Gothic cathedrals decked with twinkling lights and marzipan Jesus figures that remind visitors of the holiday's holy history.
Christmas markets originated centuries ago in Germany and Austria as sources of practical goods for winter survival. Today, the markets offer practical gifts for surviving the scrutinizing tastes of your critical loved ones. Plan a Christmas market trip this year and you will usurp your wicked stepsister as the provider of the best holiday gifts when you bring your loved ones authentic Italian wines from the markets of Trento, sweet gingerbread from a German Christmas market or antique toys from Vienna. Your only challenge is choosing a market -- there are literally hundreds of these festive fairs in Europe and North America during November and December. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started on your Yuletide adventures.
Each year, the medieval town of Strasbourg in Alsace, France is illuminated by thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. This festive scene provides the perfect backdrop for the Strasbourg Christmas Market, which is the largest Christmas market in France. The market's Web site claims that it offers "a thousand and one gift ideas," but the site's extensive agenda of daily activities and events proves that a visit to the Strasbourg market is more than just a chance to shop.
Visit a giant Nativity scene in the majestic Cathedral de Strasbourg, stroll through stalls selling handmade gifts and specialty foods in the city's center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or embark on an organized treasure hunt through the historic village. An ice skating rink provides hours of frosty fun, and children ages 8 and younger can play on a special winter obstacle course complete with tunnels, hoops and sleighs. The market runs from November 27 through December 31.
Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany
Considered to be Germany's most popular Christmas market, the Nuremberg Christmas Market attracts over two million visitors annually. This is not the market to attend if you're searching for an off-the-beaten-path experience, but it's one of Germany's oldest Christmas fairs and it won't disappoint travelers looking for some of the season's best traditional shopping. About 180 market stalls sell baked goods, roasted bratwurst, hot wine, and unique toys and gifts such as Nuremberg Plum People -- figurines made from prunes. Other notable gifts sold in the market include hand-carved Nativity sets, gingerbread, and glass Christmas tree ornaments. The entire place is a lovely site to behold; all of the stalls are decorated with red and white cloth, and the most beautiful stall wins a gold "Plum Person" prize each year. The market runs from November 26 through December 24.
Trento Christmas Market, Italy
Christmas markets are not as well known in Italy as they are in Austria or Germany, but some worthwhile markets can be found throughout the Boot during the holiday season. We like the Italian Christmas market in Trento for two reasons. First, the town is remarkably beautiful -- Trento lies in a glacial valley below the Alps and features pastel medieval buildings, Gothic cathedrals and a romantic 13th-century castle. Second, the town's historic Germanic influences have helped produce a distinctive Christmas market that mixes Italian and German traditions. About 70 stalls in the city center offer thousands of holiday gifts including wooden gnomes, handmade jewelry, local Italian wines, copper crafts and natural perfumes. The market runs from November 20 through December 23.
Innovation and imagination have turned the famous Liseberg Christmas Market in Gothenburg, Sweden into a spectacular and surreal holiday experience. Liseberg is Scandinavia's largest amusement park; it's here that a "live" Christmas tree (red- and green-robed singers on a tree-shaped structure) serenades visitors, skaters glide in Santa suits and an entire bar made of ice beckons tourists with (literally) ice-cold drinks. Snack on Swedish foods from meatballs to pickled herring in addition to holiday favorites like mulled wine, marzipan and waffles. When you're not participating in a Christmas sing-along or voting in a Christmas tree decorating contest (a random winner gets the best-decorated tree delivered to his or her home), you can shop for traditional handmade Christmas gifts -- like ceramics, glassware and wood carvings -- in Liseberg's design and crafts market. The market is open on select dates between November 12 and December 23.
Berlin's the place to be if you want to go Christmas market hopping (that's right -- hopping, not shopping); the city hosts dozens of different Christmas markets throughout the holiday season. The Berlin markets are vibrant, teeming centers for holiday cheer -- the scene is more "Jingle Bell Rock" than "Silent Night." Highlights include thousands of crafts, antiques, foods and holiday gifts; Christmas music concerts; horse and carriage rides; giant Christmas pyramids; and even a carousel and a Fairyland for youngsters. If you've had more Christmas than you can handle (which seems a likely circumstance in this place), or have Jewish loved ones on your holiday gift list, you may want to visit the Hanukkah market in the courtyard of the Jewish Museum. The markets take place from November through early January.
Celebrate the holidays next to the famous, breathtaking Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna. About 70 booths sell roasted chestnuts, hot wine, homemade Austrian crafts and other holiday wares in Vienna's historic city center. Bring the kids and take part in a special hands-on workshop -- children can learn to make Christmas cookies and crafts. And don't miss the live holiday concerts that happen nightly in front of the giant Christmas tree. When touring Vienna's shops and markets, fans of marzipan must visit Demel, a famous 200-year-old candy maker in Vienna; its cellar houses an intriguing marzipan museum. The market lasts from November 20 through December 26.
Although Europeans started the Christmas market tradition, they certainly don't have a monopoly on this joyful holiday ritual. Try a trip to Chicago for a Christmas market experience without the overseas flight and exchange rate. The city's annual Christkindlmarket fair, which takes place from November 24 through December 24, was inspired by the Nuremberg Christmas Market and has all the festive trappings of Europe's famous Yuletide fairs. Rows of stalls sell familiar handmade gifts and hot holiday chow like roasted chestnuts, sausages, candies and hot wine. Various events, including a Chicago holiday tree lighting and a performance by a local horn choir, put an American spin on traditional European festivities. You just might think you're in Europe if you can squint past the Cubs hats and sparkling skyscrapers.
Independenttraveler.com-Caroline Costello
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Disney gives sneak peek of new Hawaii resort
KAPOLEI, Hawaii - More than 80 years after Mickey Mouse piloted "Steamboat Willie" and whistled his way into the hearts of children across the world, he has finally reached the shores of Hawaii.
The Walt Disney Co. on Friday gave a peek of its sprawling, beachside Hawaiian resort that is under construction and scheduled to open next year. "Aulani" is Disney's first major standalone resort away from a theme park and could serve as a model for future projects as the company diversifies and expands its vacation offerings.
"This is a very special project for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "It's unlike anything that Disney has done before; at the same time, it's very like many of the things we do."
Aulani will have 359 hotel rooms, 481 time-share units, restaurants, a convention center, a 15,000-square-foot spa and a massive water play area that includes a volcano tube slide and snorkel lagoon. It sits on 21 acres on Oahu's Leeward Coast in the Ko Olina development, known for its white sand lagoons, scenic golf course and colorful sunsets. Ko Olina is about an hour west of Waikiki, where most of the hotels and tourists are.
Hawaii makes "perfect sense" with its rich culture, traditions, warm greetings, family values, friendships and storytelling, And by the way, Hawaii also happens to be one of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet, and that's the business that we're in."
Most of the resort is currently a jungle of concrete, steel, wires and pipes with no Mickey and Minnie in sight. Aulani is scheduled to open Aug. 29, 2011, with hotel reservations to begin next month.
With the construction phase alone costing more than $600 million, Aulani represents a huge investment for Disney amid a sharp tourism downturn. According to an economic impact study commissioned by Disney, Aulani is expected to generate 4,800 jobs during construction. When completed, 2,400 jobs will be created, with about half working at the resort. More than $271 million annually in economic activity will be generated.
The largest units at Aulani are 3-bedroom "Grand Villas" — 2,300-square-foot timeshare units that are larger than most Hawaii homes, sleep 12 and have sweeping views of the Pacific.
The Walt Disney Co. on Friday gave a peek of its sprawling, beachside Hawaiian resort that is under construction and scheduled to open next year. "Aulani" is Disney's first major standalone resort away from a theme park and could serve as a model for future projects as the company diversifies and expands its vacation offerings.
"This is a very special project for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "It's unlike anything that Disney has done before; at the same time, it's very like many of the things we do."
Aulani will have 359 hotel rooms, 481 time-share units, restaurants, a convention center, a 15,000-square-foot spa and a massive water play area that includes a volcano tube slide and snorkel lagoon. It sits on 21 acres on Oahu's Leeward Coast in the Ko Olina development, known for its white sand lagoons, scenic golf course and colorful sunsets. Ko Olina is about an hour west of Waikiki, where most of the hotels and tourists are.
Hawaii makes "perfect sense" with its rich culture, traditions, warm greetings, family values, friendships and storytelling, And by the way, Hawaii also happens to be one of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet, and that's the business that we're in."
Most of the resort is currently a jungle of concrete, steel, wires and pipes with no Mickey and Minnie in sight. Aulani is scheduled to open Aug. 29, 2011, with hotel reservations to begin next month.
With the construction phase alone costing more than $600 million, Aulani represents a huge investment for Disney amid a sharp tourism downturn. According to an economic impact study commissioned by Disney, Aulani is expected to generate 4,800 jobs during construction. When completed, 2,400 jobs will be created, with about half working at the resort. More than $271 million annually in economic activity will be generated.
The largest units at Aulani are 3-bedroom "Grand Villas" — 2,300-square-foot timeshare units that are larger than most Hawaii homes, sleep 12 and have sweeping views of the Pacific.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)