Insight: Panama Canal Cruises
December 22, 2010 by admin
Filed under Cruises, Travel Ideas
Panama Canal Cruises
Almost 100 years after it was created in 1916, the Panama Canal not only serves as a connection between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but also provides views of jungles, endangered species, pristine beaches, and more. Travelers have the chance to see exotic wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and toucans while traversing the entire canal from Florida to the West coast, with stops in ports along the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, and Central and South America.
The Panama Canal and its neighboring destinations have a variety of adventures for travelers. Surrounded by vast jungle, cruisers can trek through green, cloudy mountains while marveling at orchid gardens and distant volcanoes. The white sandy shores of several ports will entice cruisers to spend afternoons on the beach, after snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking through teal waters.
Passengers can explore the shipwreck of Antilla in Aruba; shop in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; snorkel with the stingrays at the Stingray Sandbar in the Caymen Islands; enjoy the Aerial Tram ride through Costa Rica’s rainforests; admire cliff divers in Acapulco; and more.
Travelers will want to pack a good pair of binoculars to use on the cruise deck when traveling through the tropical setting and fascinating sights of the Panama Canal. Cruises crossing the canal and stopping at nearby destinations provide the ultimate vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and the opportunity to watch astounding views while lounging on deck or one’s private balcony.
Panama Canal Overview
Traversing the locks of the Panama Canal takes about nine hours–leaving plenty of time on Panama Canal cruises to explore Caribbean and South American ports.
Call today at 1-800-308-3077 to book your Panama Canal Cruise or follow the links below to your favorite Cruise Line.
An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center.
Cruise Lines that transit the Panama Canal
- Azamara Cruises to Panama CanalCarnival Cruises to Panama CanalCelebrity Cruises to Panama CanalCrystal Cruises to Panama CanalCunard Cruises to Panama CanalDisney Cruises to Panama CanalHolland America to Panama CanalNorwegian Cruise Lines to Panama CanalOceania Cruises to Panama CanalPrincess Cruises to Panama CanalRegent Cruises to Panama CanalRoyal Caribbean to Panama CanalSeabourn Cruises to Panama Canal
Alaska And Cruise Lines Finally See Eye To Eye
December 12, 2010 by admin
Filed under Cruises, Travel Blog, Travel Ideas, Travel News
Cruise lines head back to Alaska
After sailing a-way from the State of Alaska, which seemed hell-bended to tax cruise ships out of their coastal waters, many cruise lines are now heading back to the ports of the land of the midnight sun with more ships, more sailings and more capacity.
Earlier this year, the Alaska legislature, on the heels of a terrible revenue and low-capacity season, voted to lower the previously raised head tax on cruise passengers. With the news of a new lower head tax , Princess Cruises announced it will be adding a fourth ship to it’s popular Voyage of the Glaciers run after two years of running at reduced capacity.
“We are particularly appreciative of the efforts of Governor Sean Parnell and the Alaska state legislature that have resulted in meaningful progress toward resolving the challenges facing Alaska’s recovery as a cruise destination,” said Princess President and CEO Alan Bucklew.
Today’s announcement by Norwegian Cruise Lines to position it ship, the Norwegian Jewel, on an inside passage itinerary from Seattle is the latest in a string of “Thanks for reducing the head tax” moves by the cruise lines. This year, joining the Norwegian Pearl , the Norwegian Jewel will sail Alaska’s inside passage, sailing to Glacier Bay from Seattle, replacing Norwegian Star that will sail to Bermuda for the first time from her new home in New York City.
As some cruise lines head back to Alaska, first timers are throwing in their lot by adding capacity to Alaska Cruise Market.
Disney Cruise Line is sailing North with Disney Wonder as the line doubles its size by adding Disney Dream debuting in January and Disney Fantasy in 2012. Another first-timer, Oceania Cruises will send their Regatta on a series of departures from San Francisco, Vancouver or Anchorage. Alaska is second most popular cruise destination in the world
Disney Cruise Line Takes Delivery Of New Dream
December 11, 2010 by admin
Filed under Cruises, Travel Blog
Disney Cruise Line took possession of its newest ship—the 124,000-ton Disney Dream—Dec. 9 in a traditional maritime ceremony aboard the ship in Bremerhaven, Germany. The Meyer Werft flag was lowered, while the Disney Cruise Line flag was raised, transferring ownership from the shipbuilder to Disney.
The milestone closes the book on the ship’s construction journey, which began nearly two years ago in Papenburg, Germany, and signals its readiness to welcome guests on its maiden voyage, set for Jan. 26 from Port Canaveral.
The Disney Dream features a water coaster called AquaDuck, inside staterooms with virtual views, Enchanted Art that immerses guests in stories, and fine dining at Remy. The shipboard experience remains focused on The Walt Disney Company’s most known assets—storytelling, entertainment and guest service.
Meyer Werft and Disney first signed a contract to build two new ships in April of 2007. Shortly thereafter, planning for the design of the ships began and construction started with the first steel cutting in Papenburg, Germany, on March 2, 2009. Since the recent completion of the ship’s float-out from the shipyard and conveyance along the River Ems, the test-and-adjust period has been in full swing, including sea trials and a brief dry-dock in Hamburg, Germany. The ship will remain in Bremerhaven for another week while additional crew members board, and supplies and provisions are loaded. The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on Dec. 19 for its trans-Atlantic voyage to the U.S., with an expected arrival on Jan. 4.
Captain Tom Forberg will officially take the helm of the Disney Dream. As part of the Disney Cruise Line ship construction team, Forberg has been with the company for 15 years and was responsible for launching Disney’s first two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
The Disney Dream is scheduled to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas. Sister ship Disney Fantasy is currently in production at the Meyer Werft shipyard and is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage on April 7, 2012. It will sail seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral. For more information, call 888-325-2500 or visit www.disneytravelagents.com.
Disney Fantasy Maiden Voyage,2012 Itineraries
October 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Cruises, Travel Ideas
Disney Cruise Line® is pleased to announce selected itineraries* for 2011/2012, including the maiden voyage of its fourth ship.
The Disney Fantasy™ is scheduled to set sail on April 7, 2012, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla.
A sister ship to the Disney Dream™, the Disney Fantasy will feature an Aqua-Duck water coaster, magical children’s areas, world-class entertainment, delightful dining, retreats for adults and immersing experiences for Guests of all ages with beloved Disney Characters and stories.
As an exclusive benefit to your Clients who are Gold and Platinum Castaway Club Members, bookings open at 8 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010. You can book all other Clients beginning at 8 a.m. EDT on Oct. 20, 2010.
Disney Fantasy™
- Maiden voyage: April 7, 2012
- 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises
- Sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla.
- Itineraries and sail dates: April – August 2012
Disney Dream™
- Maiden voyage: Jan. 26, 2011
- 3-, 4- and 5-night Bahamian cruises
- Sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla.
- Itineraries and sail dates: January – August 2012
Disney Wonder®
- 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises
- Sailing from Port of Los Angeles, Calif.
- Itineraries and sail dates: January – April 2012
Disney Magic®
- 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises
- Sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla.
- Itineraries and sail dates: January – March 2012
For more information please call 1-800-308-3077 or e-mail TravelSmart@WildBlue.net
An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center
Family Cruise Vacation Season!
June 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Cruises, Travel Ideas
Is a family cruise in your vacation plans this summer?
This might be the time to make it happen! A cruise is a good concept for extended-family getaways because there is something for everyone aboard a cruise ship. Plus, there’s is a cruise line for nearly every budget. With all-inclusive pricing, “Kid sail Free” promotions, two for one cruise fares or two for one airfare offers, the cruise lines are vying for your vacation dollar and appealing to you to come aboard and spend your vacation on one of their beautiful ships.
Families with children (ages 2 to 17) should know that most cruise lines have organized kid clubs with trained staff to mentor and entertain your children while you enjoy your cruise vacation. What the cruise does is take the children by age and pair them in groups, example a 10 year would not be placed into a group of 16 year olds or placed in with 5 year olds. Your children will feel special, the cruise staff delivers, to each child their very own ships news letter delivered, each morning, to your room for the plan activities for that day plus they get a choice of eating their meals with their group or have planned meals with the family. Parents can rest assured their children are being safeguarded and supervised, each child is checked in or out by the parent or parents that signed them for security reasons, Photo ID required.
Royal Caribbean Cruise lines just signed an agreement with DreamWorks to add their characters to their 
cruises to compete with Disney Cruises and this all happens starting later this year. Royal Caribbean Guests will be surprised with DreamWorks-themed activities throughout their cruise vacation, featuring characters year-round from some of DreamWorks most popular feature films; Shrek®, Madagascar®, Kung Fu Panda® and more.
Photo Opportunities
It’s not every day that you go on vacation and get your picture taken with Shrek. Or even kiss the hand of a Princess who’s an Ogre who’s a Princess… But this isn’t just any vacation. It’s the DreamWorks Experience onboard Royal Caribbean! Your chance to meet Shrek, Fiona, Po (Kung Fu Panda) and more of the lovable and popular DreamWorks characters live and in person! Be sure to get your photo taken with your favorites so you can show off to your friends and family. Otherwise, they might have a hard time believing it could all be true!
Character Parades
Who doesn’t love a parade! But a parade with all your friends from the DreamWorks movies is certain to be unlike
any parade you’ve ever seen before. Get ready to be astonished, amazed and doubled-over with laughter as Shrek and friends participate in Royal Caribbean parades. You won’t want to miss a single moment of the antics that are sure to steal the scene.
For more information please call at 360-687-9579 or visit my travel website at www.TravelSmartbyKandB.com.
Cruises
Let’s go Cruising
If there is any destination(s) in the world you would like to visit, there is a cruise line that goes there. Whether it’s an around the world voyage or anything in between there is a cruise itinerary to fit your needs!
Cruising is one of the most romantic and exciting way to see many ports of call for one low ticket price. The best part - you only have to pack and unpack once.
The Cruise lines aim is to cater to your every need and to pamper you from the moment you arrive on board until you disembark. They want to make your experience on board a memorable one.
Cruise lines have all but broken away Read more
