ENCHANTMENT OF ARABIA
February 7, 2011 by admin
Filed under Cruises, Travel Ideas
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*Rates are USD, per person, double occupancy, cruise-only valid for new retail bookings only on select sailings and stateroom types for residents of U.S. and Canada. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion and may be withdrawn without notice. Rates displayed are based on the the November Sailng of the MSC Lirica. Government taxes and fees for the displayed rate range from $106.77pp – 131.77pp. Offer is capacity controlled, subject to availability and restrictions apply. Government taxes and fees for all guests are additional. MSC Cruises reserves the right to pass on any fuel surcharge without notice to all guests. MSC Cruises reserves the right to refuse to honor any prices/sailings that are erroneously printed or quoted. Ship’s registry: Panama.
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NCL To Base 5 Ships In The Caribbean In 2012 And 2013
January 5, 2011 by admin
Filed under Travel Ideas, Travel News
Norwegian Cruise Line announced its Caribbean deployment for the 2012-13 season with itineraries from Miami, Tampa and New Orleans.
These cruises go on sale today to the general public on Jan. 5. To book please call 1-800-308-3077 to speak to an agent.
In Miami, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic
Will continue alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing on Saturdays from Nov. 3, 2012, to April 13, 2013. The Eastern Caribbean cruises call on St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau. The Western Caribbean cruises stop in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras.
Norwegian Jewel
Featuring Nickelodeon at Sea family programming along with Norwegian Epic, will also sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing from Miami on Sundays from Oct. 14, 2012, to April 14, 2013. The Eastern Caribbean cruises call on Samaná, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; Tortola; and Nassau. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and Cozumel.
Norwegian Sun
Will sail 10- and 11-day Southern Caribbean cruises from Miami from Oct. 14, 2012, to April 10, 2013. The 10-day cruise calls on St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. The 11-day cruise calls on Cartagena, Colombia; Aruba; Curaçao; St. Maarten; and St. Thomas. Norwegian Sun will also sail one seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral on April 14, 2012, with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, and Great Stirrup Cay.
Norwegian Dawn
In Tampa, the 2,224-passenger Norwegian Dawn will replace Norwegian Star sailing 23 seven-day Western Caribbean cruises departing on Sundays from Nov. 11, 2012, to April 14, 2013. The ship will call on Roatán, Belize City, Costa Maya and Cozumel.
Norwegian Star
Will homeport in New Orleans during the winter and spring, offering seven-day Western Caribbean cruises every Sunday with ports of call including Costa Maya, Cozumel, Belize City and Roatán.
NCL will also offer 11 repositioning cruises
Ranging from a four-day Pacific coastal to a 17-day Panama Canal from April 15 to Oct. 26, 2012, departing from Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Quebec. For the first time, the cruise line will offer a 16-day “Colonial America” cruise on Norwegian Dawn from Quebec City to Tampa on Oct. 26, 2012, calling on Portland, Maine; Boston; New York; Baltimore, Md.; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami and Key West.
Two Day Cruises
In addition, Norwegian Cruise Lines will be offered from Miami on Norwegian Jewel on Oct. 12, 2012, and from New York on Norwegian Gem on Sept. 28, 2012. For more information, call 1-800-308-3077 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com.
TravelSmart and Cruises by CaptBob is An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center.
Norwegian Cruise Lines Reviews
DiningThe choice is yours. With Freestyle Cruising, you travel a world of dining options all in one week. From elegant French bistros and Italian trattorias to sushi and tapas bars, and more, there’s a different dining option for almost every night of your cruise. With up to 10 different restaurants, each featuring a diverse an ever-changing menu, you’ll always find exactly what you’re in the mood for. And there are no fixed seating’s. Imagine restaurants open from 5:30 pm to midnight so that you can choose from an early dinner before the show or a later romantic dinner for the two of you. And of course there’s always the option of 24-hour room service. You’re free to dine where, when and with whom you choose.
Attire
Wear what you want. Dress according to your mood. It is your vacation. “Resort casual” attire is as dressy as you’ll ever have to get for dinner. But if it’s elegance you’re dreaming of, we invite you to indulge. Many of our restaurants offer formal options. If you prefer more casual dress, that’s fine, too. How you dress is up to you.
Service
You’re about to be pampered. By adding additional crew-members to every ship in our fleet we’re able to offer exceptional service. With almost one crew-member per stateroom, you can be assured you’ll be very well taken care of when you cruise with us.
ActivitiesDo everything, or nothing at all. For those who prefer to be active, our new Life Style Program features adventurous Shore Excursions, art auctions, health and wellness programs, cooking demonstrations – all kinds of activities aimed at challenging your mind as well as your body. Or you can simply relax and enjoy not having a schedule to follow. We pick the ports, but the rest of the day is your call.
Travel Smart Travel News
January 1, 2011 by admin
Filed under Travel News
Travel Smart Travel News
January 2011
When it comes to your vacation plans the most important person should be your Travel Planner. An expert travel planner is a person who is well traveled, knowledgeable and trained to meet your travel and vacation needs. Not only will they find you the best value for your travel dollar, they will be the go to person if things go wrong. With new rules and travel restrictions coming out daily, by our government, you need a Travel Agent to keep you informed and safe during your travel. I am proud to announce I have expanded Travel Smart to include America’s Vacation Center and American Express to serve you in all your travel need. To view the most up to date information please go to my website: www.CruisesbyCaptBob.com .
Featured Section:
Fishing and Cruising :it can’t get better than that.
12/1/2010
Princess Cruises Creates New Alaska Cruise tour Just for Fishing Fans in 2011
14-Day Cruise Vacation Package Includes Excursions to Some of State’s Most Famous Fishing Grounds
Battle Ground, Washington (December 1, 2010) — Princess Cruises has introduced a new Alaska cruisetour option just for fishermen (and women) as part of the 2011 season. This new 14-day land/sea vacation includes special excursions just for anglers, with opportunities to cast their lines in some of the state’s premiere fishing spots.
Participants on the new tour can try their hand at salmon fishing in the Inside Passage from Ketchik
an, bottom fishing for halibut near Juneau, and river fishing on two Alaskan rivers — the Kenai and Talkeetna — on excursions from Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.
“Fishing is such an iconic part of the Alaska experience, that it made sense to offer a special tour especially for those who want to focus their time on the sport,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We include a variety of fishing experiences so our passengers can get a taste of the array of fishing opportunities found throughout the state.”
The new fishing cruisetour includes a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise through the Gulf of Alaska featuring scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, plus two nights at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, two nights at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, two nights at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and one night in Anchorage. Participants will not only enjoy fishing tours throughout their vacation but also scenic travel via Princess Rail and a Natural History Tour in Denali National Park.
Fishing excursions include:
Alaska Sportfishing Expedition (Ketchikan) Participants can experience the thrill of fishing in the “Salmon Capital of the World” in the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage. Passengers will travel in a large, heated cabin cruiser and can test their salmon sportfishing skills on a five-hour expedition to troll for king salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, and silver salmon, depending on the season.
Halibut/Bottom Sportfishing Adventure (Juneau) This excursion takes a small group on a journey to 
experience bottom fishing for halibut, Pacific cod, arrow-tooth flounder and nearly a dozen species of rockfish, depending on the season. The five-hour experience includes fishing in 180 to 350 feet of water with bait or plastic lures near the ocean’s bottom. Bottom fishing appeals to anglers of all experience levels, as fish are easy to hook and usually very abundant. During the trip to the fishing grounds, participants may also spot some of the region’s other wildlife, including whales and sea lions.
Kenai Upper River Sportfishing (Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge) Famed for its trophy-sized fish, the beautiful upper Kenai River is one of the finest recreational areas in Alaska. 
Tour participants can experience world-class fishing surrounded by dazzling mountain scenery aboard a non-motorized drift boat or raft. Anglers will be catching either sockeye salmon, Dolly Varden or rainbow trout, according to the season.
Alaska Sport fishing (Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge) Both experienced and novice fishing fans will enjoy testing their luck on the Talkeetna River. Anglers will travel by boat to a secluded fishing spot in the shadow of Mt. McKinley, where they will cast for king, silver or red salmon, rainbow trout, grayling and Dolly Varden, depending on the season. An experienced guide will steer the group to the area’s optimum fishing holes.
All tours follo
w fishing seasons and regulations as determined by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). Fishing licenses are not included in the package price; participants can purchase appropriate licenses at each location or directly from the ADF&G. Passengers must be at least 12 years old to participate in the cruisetour.
Fares for the new fishing cruisetours begin at $3,248 per person, based on double occupancy.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent at 1-800-308-3077 or , by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.
If Golf is your Game
Hawaii is scattered with some of the best and undoubtedly beautiful golf courses in the world. Being that courses are playable year-round, Hawaii is host to many golf tournaments throughout the year. January kicks off 2011 with some of the most prominent tournaments in the PGA tour circuit.
The Hyundai Tournament of Champions takes place at Maui’s Kapalua Resort, on the Plantation Course from January 3 thru January 9, 2011 with a kick-off event on January 2, 2011. The event is free and open to the public. The 2011 tournament will feature a number of new activities that include Hawaiian cultural activities, trick shot exhibition, swing analysis, and entertainment. A Pro/Celebrity shootout will also feature Hawaii State Junior Golf Association participants. The Hyundai Tournament of Champions features the winners from the prior year’s season competing for $5.6 million. Don’t miss out on Hawaii’s premier sporting event.
For more information on the Hyundai Tournament Championship, please click here.
The Sony Open in Hawaii is a “Friends of Hawaii” Charities event that is the first full field event of the 2011 PGA TOUR. It takes place on the island of Oahu at the Waialae Country Club. Past champions include Vijay Singh, Ernie Els and Jerry Kelly. The event raises money for local Hawaiian charities. Since 1999, over $5 million has been raised. The 2011 Sony Open in Hawaii will be held from January 10 thru January 16, 2011 from 12:00 noon daily.
For more information on the 2011 Sony Open in Hawaii, please visit: sonyopeninhawaii.com
On Hawaii’s Big Island, the 2011 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, a PGA TOUR Champions Tour tournament competition among all official money-event champions of the 2009 and 2010 seasons, winners of the majors since 2005 and eight professionals by invitation with 15 or more career victories, including one major, will be held January 18-23, 2011 at the Hualalai Resort. The golf competition will be held on the Hualalai Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and tournament guests will be able to enjoy the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu.
For more information on the 2011 Mitsubishi Electric Championship, please click here.
Huge cruise ship favorites are making a big splash this year!
With tons of at-sea firsts in dining, entertainment, activities, and more, you’ll come across endless excitement onboard some of the top big cruise ships of 2010. For an unforgettable cruise vacation to favorite destinations, now’s the time to set sail on some of the world’s most groundbreaking cruise ships currently at sea!
Onboard a huge cruise ship, you’ll encounter many larger-than-life experiences that will make you feel like you’re sailing on a magnificent floating resort! Boasting spectacular innovations such as thrilling sky-high waterslides, zip-lines, and more, these record-breaking mega ships offer guests countless options for an amazing cruise vacation.
Royal Caribbean’s World’s Largest Cruise Ships
On 7-night sailings onboard the Oasis of the Seas and the upcoming Allure of the Seas, you can experience Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking twin mega ships. Onboard the largest ships in the world, every day of your cruise vacation will be filled with awe-inspiring adventures! Featuring many at-sea firsts such as an open-air Central Park neighborhood, a spine-tingling zip-line over the ship’s Boardwalk, and a breathtaking AquaTheater that showcases high-diving aerial acrobats and spectacular water shows all in front of an ocean backdrop, your sailing will truly be exceptional onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ships. And, with the Allure of the Seas making its debut in December 2010, you can enjoy Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated DreamWorks Animation programming that will feature character parades, 3D movies, and more. With exclusive pricing and amenities valued at up to $100, America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel guests can enjoy the magnificence of Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ships!
Big Splendors with Carnival Cruises
Sail on 7-night Carnival Splendor cruises to experience Carnival Cruises’ dazzling huge cruise ship! From the port city of Los Angeles, sail to Mexico while experiencing spectacular mega ship features that will make you feel like you’re in a city of your own at sea. From taking a swing at the 9-hole mini-golf course, enjoying a rejuvenating spa treatment in the 21,000-square-foot two-level spa and gym facility, relaxing with ocean views in the private Serenity Adult-Only oasis while the kids are having a blast in the 5,500 square-foot children’s playroom, and much more, there’s something new to do every day onboard the Carnival Splendor! To chill out under the sun, slide down the three-deck high Twister Waterslide or watch movies, concerts, sporting events, and more in front of the poolside jumbo-sized Seaside Theater screen. And, America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel guests can experience the big splendors of this ship with incredible reduced pricing!
An Epic, Huge Cruise Ship from Norwegian Cruise Line
During 7-night Norwegian Epic sailings, you’ll encounter a truly ‘epic’ huge cruise ship experience! Onboard, choose from up to 21 different dining options that include the Argentinian-inspired Churrascaria, enjoy a day of relaxation at the largest-ever spa at sea, or take a thrilling drop down the 200-foot long Epic Plunge water tube! Also featuring incredible firsts such as an Ice Bar inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, vibrant entertainment from the Blue Man Group, and unique ‘New Wave’ accommodations complete with modern curved architecture and domed ceilings, you’ll discover many astonishing features onboard this incredible mega ship. With exclusive pricing and amenities valued at up to $137 on Norwegian Epic sailings, you can experience an unforgettable cruise vacation!
A New Era of Large Ships from Celebrity Cruises
On 7-night Celebrity Cruises Solstice class sailings, you can experience some of Celebrity Cruises newest, largest, and most innovative ships. Exclusive to Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice class, you can enjoy a picnic or round of bocce ball on a real half-acre grass lawn at the first-ever Lawn Club. Also featuring the Celebrity Life series of programming, you can taste specialty wines from Celebrity Cruises’ sommeliers, learn one of 13 languages during Rosetta Stone courses, witness professionals from the Corning Museum of Glass create incredible pieces of art during the interactive Hot Glass Show, and beyond.
Huge cruise ships have introduced many groundbreaking features in 2010, and now’s the time to end this year with a big splash onboard these amazing mega ships. To begin your huge cruise ship vacation, contact your America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel Personal Vacation Planner today!
For more information, call 800-308-3077 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner today!
Travel Smart and Cruise By Capt Bob is an Independent Affiliate of Avoya Travel-American Express. An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center.
Getting the Best Air Fares:
There is a wide variety of air fares available to travelers. This fact sheet will help you choose the one that’s best for you.
Be flexible in your travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days of the week (often Tuesday through Thursday, or Friday night through Sunday morning) or particular hours of the day (e.g., late-night departures). This applies to each of your flights, not just the first flight in your itinerary. After you get a fare quote, ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by flying a day earlier or later, or by taking a different flight on the same day. Or simply ask the agent what the lowest fare is, and what you need to do to qualify for it.
Discount seats are usually “blacked out” during holiday periods. However, you might be able to get a discount fare if you fly on the holiday itself (e.g., New Year’s day).
Plan as far ahead as you can. Most airlines set aside only a few seats on many desirable flights at the lower rates. The real best bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand, if a particular flight is not selling as well as expected, air carriers sometimes make more discount seats available for a particular flight just before the advance-purchase deadline expires. For example, if the lowest fare has a 21-day advance-purchase requirement but is sold out for most dates, and you can go any time, ask about fare availability on flights 21 or 22 days from when you call.
While planning ahead is a good general rule, if you can bide your time you might encounter a “fare sale.” Many airlines put seats on sale for brief periods several times a year (although you usually can purchase tickets for flights weeks or months after the end of the sale period). It is difficult to predict when these sales will occur, although they often fall during times when people are less likely to buy airline tickets (e.g. early autumn or right immediately after New Years).
In a large metropolitan area, the fare could depend on which airport you use. For example, if you are going to Southeast Florida and plan to rent a car, it might not make much difference if you fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, except for ticket price. Also, a connection (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop. Always check on alternate airports and routings when pricing a ticket.
Look into all airlines that serve the market you are interested in, including low-cost carriers that offer low fares. Many times the major carriers will match the fares of a low-cost airline between the same cities; but often this will only be for a certain limited number of seats on each flight. On a low-cost carrier, find out what you get for your money: baggage transfers from one carrier to another, meals, advance seat assignments, etc. Note that small airlines sometimes have only one flight per day in many markets, and they frequently will not reroute you on another airline if your flight is canceled or delayed. In such cases you may have to wait until the next day to fly.
Ask about all restrictions on your fare. Typical requirements for discount fares include purchasing a round-trip ticket, buying the ticket a certain number of days before departure (e.g., for many fares, at least 14 or 21 days before you leave), purchasing the ticket within 24 hours of making a reservation, staying over a Saturday night, traveling during a certain time of the year, staying no more than 30 days, and, as discussed below, refund/change restrictions.
Ask about your ability to change or cancel your flight if you need to. Even if you get sick, you cannot assume you will get a refund. In fact, most discount tickets now are non-refundable, but can be applied toward the purchase of other tickets on the same carrier. You must usually pay an administrative charge and any difference between the fares for the old and new flights when you do this.
Consider using a travel agent. Agents usually do not charge a fee (they get a commission from the airline), and they can tell you about “consolidators” and other sources of discounted seats that are not available directly from the airline. However, consolidator seats can have even more severe restrictions than the airlines’ own deep-discount fares, particularly if the flight is delayed or canceled. A few travel agents sometimes have access to special deals with a particular airline (either discounts or extra services). If you are flying to a popular foreign destination, or to Las Vegas or Hawaii, ask the travel agent about Public Charters. These charters sometimes offer lower fares, but again with significant restrictions that are spelled out in an operator/participant contract that you should review carefully.
Ask the travel agent if the city where you live or the city where you are going is an airline “hub.” If it is, fares may be higher than for flights to other nearby cities because of reduced competition. Someone who lives at a hub might save money by leaving from another nearby city, even if they end up connecting through the hub to get to their destination.
A number of airlines send e-mail messages every week to receive notification of last-minute fare specials for departures within the next few days. See the airlines’ World Wide Web sites for information about these programs, or call their reservations line. For a list of airline web sites, go to http://www.airlines.com (Do not assume that an airline reservation agent or travel agent will be aware of the fares offered to e-mail subscribers.)
Many airlines offer a seniors discount off any fare to travelers over a certain age. In addition, some carriers offer bereavement and emergency illness fares with varying documentation requirements and discounts.
If you are a member of an airline’s frequent-flyer program and you are considering buying a promotional or deep-discount fare, ask if that fare will earn frequent-flyer miles.
After you buy your ticket, you may wish to call the airline or travel agent once or twice before departure to confirm your reservations and check the fare. Fares change all the time, and if that same fare goes down before you fly, some airlines will refund the difference. But you have to ask.
American Express Survey Shows Demand Up for Business Travel
Published on: June 29, 2010
American Express Business Travel says its figures show improving demand for business travel, which is giving some pricing power back to suppliers, particularly airlines. Airfare rates are holding steady and business travelers are trickling back to the front of the plane. The hotel sector still lags in pricing power, but demand will continue to better position its rebound, while simultaneously going through a shift in destination trends — signaling the on-going transition and staying power of the “new normal” in business travel.
International airfares increased 3 percent year over year, while domestic fares were up 6 percent. Historically there has been close to an even split of passengers flying businesses class versus economy for international travel. However, during the heart of the recession last year — particularly in the second quarter of 2009 — the percentage of tickets booked in business class hit its lowest rate at 36 percent. As the trend now shows, percentage rates are on the rise, indicating business travelers are moving back to the front of the plane.
American Express said that despite the modest return in business travel, hotel prices are still lagging because unlike the airlines where planes could be grounded to accommodate change in demand, the same cannot be said for a hotel. Because of this, hotel suppliers are lacking pricing power even as travelers return to the road – keeping rates low. But as the recovery continually gains momentum, higher occupancy levels will position suppliers to begin demanding premium pricing again – and buyers should work to cultivate supplier relationships now to mitigate future price increases.
London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai and Amsterdam were the top cities for business travelers in 2009. While the destinations have remained the same in the first quarter of 2010, ranking has not. In 2010, London remained in the top spot, with Frankfurt pushing into the number two spot, seeing a growth of 28 percent more trips, while Paris fell to number three. Amsterdam surpassed Dubai to take the fourth spot, with Dubai seeing 21 percent fewer trips this year. In Asia, the top three business travel destinations remain the same for the first quarter of 2010 compared with the first quarter 2009: Tokyo, Shanghai and Singapore. Hong Kong, however, was pushed out by Beijing as the fourth most popular business travel hot spot in 2010. For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com.
For more information please contact me at TravelSmart@WildBlue.net or call at 1-800-308-3077.
AMA Waterways Fleet Expands to 12 River Ships
Published on: June 29, 2010
AMA Waterways has expanded its fleet of vessels to 12 with the launch of the 162-passenger Amabella, which will be marketed primarily in the Australian market. The Amabella’s features include staterooms averaging 214 square feet and double balconies. Amabella also has a chef’s table restaurant that seats 24 and has a private chef, a library with fireplace and a swimming pool.
The vessel also features AMA Waterways’ newly-upgraded infotainment system, offering complimentary high-speed Internet access, complimentary first-run movies, classic films and computing options for those maintaining email contact or blogging during their holiday. The entire vessel has complimentary Wi-Fi as do all the AMA Waterways vessels on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers.
Amabella joins Amadolce (2009), Amalyra (2009), Amadante (2008), Amacello (2008), Amalegro (2007) and Amadagio (2006), ships with French balconies, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. In 2011 the line will launch Amaverde in Europe, a sister ship to Amabella.
In Southeast Asia, the new Amalotus will join La Marguerite, which debuted on the Mekong River in autumn 2009 as part of the new “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” itinerary. The company said it is building a new Mekong ship because of the “tremendous success” of the inaugural season of the program. The 124-passenger Amalotus will feature 226-square-foot deluxe staterooms, with more than 82 percent featuring balconies. Junior suites are 290 square feet and suites are 452 square feet. Like La Marguerite, Amalotus will sail seven-night Mekong River between from Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
In Russia, the refurbished Amakatarina will launch in the spring on the Volga-Baltic Waterway between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The vessel will have 10 stateroom categories, including four suite categories and accommodations up to 432 square feet. Seventy-six staterooms have balconies, and the vessel will include an alternative restaurant, conference hall, sauna and solarium. AMA Waterways also continues to offer its “Provence & Spain” program featuring a seven-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on the Swiss Pearl. For more information, call 800-626-0126 or visit www.amawaterways.com.
Costa Cruises’ 15th Ship, Favolosa, Launched in Italy
Published on: August 9, 2010
Costa Cruises’ newest ship, the Costa Favolosa, took to the sea for the first time on Friday, Aug. 6, at a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard. The 114,500-ton, 3,000-passenger Favolosa will sail on its first cruise in July 2011. It is the fourth of five ships delivered or set to be delivered between 2009 and 2012 for Costa. The total investment in the five new ships is worth 2.4 billion euros. In spring 2012, the Costa Fascinosa, a sister ship to Favolosa, will complete Costa’s fleet expansion program.
“The launch of the Costa Favolosa confirms the strength and leadership of our company,” said Gianni Onorato, president of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “Despite the ongoing effects of the economic downturn in 2010 and the uncertain outlook for global tourism, our fleet expansion program has continued uninterrupted. The strength of our brand, which comes with a guarantee of over 60 years of experience, and the quality of our product have proved to be winning assets, highly appreciated by our customers. That is confirmed also by the positive results in terms of bookings achieved this summer and forecasts suggest we will end 2010 with 2.1 million total guests for the group as a whole, which works out to an increase of around 17 percent compared to last year.”
The construction of each newbuild involves the labor of around 3,000 people, comprising Fincantieri’s own employees and those of about 500 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms. In overall terms, the fleet investment program launched in 2000 by Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group (comprising Costa Cruises as well as the German AIDA Cruises and Iberocruceros, which operates mainly for the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking markets) is worth some 9.3 billion euros.
The ceremony for the launch of the Costa Favolosa observed the protocol laid down for such occasions by seafaring tradition. The director of the shipyard invited the godmother, Beatrice Siri, to cut the ribbon, sending a bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship. Siri, new building and special projects deputy of Costa Cruises, has been directly involved in the construction of the fleet’s last six ships, including the Costa Favolosa. On March 8, she received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic from the president of the republic, Giorgio Napolitano. After the opening of the valves and the gradual flooding of the slipway where the ship has taken shape over the last few months, the hull of the Costa Favolosa was transferred for the first time to the sea. The launch was preceded by the welding of a coin to the base of what used to be the mainmast in a ceremony traditionally considered to augur well.
As the name suggests (Favola is Italian for “fairy tale”), the Costa Favolosa is intended to interpret the excitement and emotion of people who view the cruise as a magical voyage in a contemporary enchanted castle. The main innovations onboard include six suites with private verandas and Jacuzzis; a new entertainment area for teenagers, comprising 4D Cinema, PlayStation World, a bar with ice cream, drinks and popcorn, and a dance floor; a children’s game room; and a new open-air water playground with a pirate galleon. Facilities will include the Samsara Spa; a large lido extending over two decks, with a sliding glass roof and giant movie screen; a Grand Prix driving simulator; and a golf simulator.
The Costa Favolosa will be equipped for “cold ironing,” a system whereby the ship is plugged into shoreside electrical power, enabling generators to be shut down during stopovers in port.
The Costa Favolosa is set to debut on a three-day cruise departing from Venice on July 4, 2011, and calling at Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Koper, Slovenia. This will be followed by a grand inaugural cruise, which leaves Venice on July 7. This 10-day cruise will visit Israel, Greece and Turkey with stopovers in Bari, Corfu, Haifa, Izmir and Dubrovnik. Throughout the 2011 summer season, the Costa Favolosa will offer seven-day cruises from Venice and Bari, Italy, to Olympia, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. For more information, call 800-308-3077 or visit www.costacruises.com.
Crystal to Host Top Chefs on 15th Annual Wine & Food Series
Crystal Cruises’ 15th annual Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery series in 2011 will feature three-star Michelin Chef Heinz Beck, Master Chef Andre Soltner and celebrity Chef Jon Ashton. Seven cruises through South America, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera will include guest chefs, wine experts and mixologists. The roster also includes Alexis Kahn, wine director at L’Ecôle French Culinary Institute, and 2010 Bartender of the Year and “Green Mixologist” H. Joseph Ehrmann of San Francisco’s Elixir, renowned for its organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Days at sea will feature chefs’ demonstrations, wine tastings, pairing sessions and lessons on making cocktails. The guest chefs will also craft a dinner menu of their specialties. Select voyages will offer sushi-making classes with Crystal’s Nobu-trained chefs in Silk Road and The Sushi Bar. For more information, call 800-308-3077 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
About TravelSmart News:
TravelSmartbyKandB.com and CruisesByCaptBob.com are full service on line travel agency with you the customer being our highest priority. Even though we are webbed based we give you both the ease of booking travel on the web or the convenience of a full service Travel Agency. The personal touch is our different and our motto is We take the planning out of your Travel Plans.
Travel Smart Travel newsletter was started to help inform you, the traveler, of new trends, travel tips or hot travel deals in the travel industry, With the advent of the internet and the informational highway growing by leaps and bounds it is very difficult to keep up on all the travel news. Please refer to my travel blog often for your Travel news and updates at www.cruiesebycaptbob.com.
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Quick Tip 
Keep your passport up to date. Check your expiration date before making your travel plans. It is a very disappointing to arrive at the airport and to be told your passport is about to expire and that you can not continue on your vacation. Remember to always make a copy of your passport just incase of loss. A copy of your passport will expedite getting a new one.
2010 CruisesByCaptBob.com. All Rights Reserved.
*TravelSmart/Avoya Travel, BattleGround Wa. 98604
Direct Phone: (360) 687-9579 -1-800-308-3077
*An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center
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Excape With Princess Cruises
December 22, 2010 by admin
Filed under Cruises, Travel Ideas
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Princess eZAirSM
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
Norwegian Star: Alaska Cruises
There’s no better way to see Alaska and the Inside Passage than with us, especially from your own private balcony. Start your Alaska cruise from Seattle and get ready for amazing views and wildlife like nowhere else. Watch for orcas. Go dogsledding. Or pan for gold. On board relax in the Mandara spa and watch the scenery glide by.
Hello and Welcome Aboard:
I have a group cruise to Alaska, inside passage, on the Beautiful NCL Star departing August 27, 2011 from Seattle. We have blocked 25 Balcony staterooms on Deck 10 at a price of $1089.00 per person plus tax and port fees. Marlene Varga (I take the Lead Member) is sponsoring this cruise and is offering to all interested parties the chance to go along. If you have sailed the inside passage of Alaska you know the beauty of what this cruise has to offer or if you wanted to cruise the Alaska Inside passage this is your opportunity, plus by joining this group you get a group rate discount ( NCL’S regular balcony stateroom price per person is $1499.00 per person plus tax and port charges). Call today at 1-360-687-9579 or out of state 1-800-308-3077 and mention Marlene Varga Group Cruise.
Many Thanks Bob Foster
Travel Smart/Avoya Travel-American Express
Norwegian Star
Built for Freestyle Cruising, the Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Star was debuted in 2001 and offers guests options galore. Featuring 13 dining choices, this large Norwegian ship lets passengers choose whichever cuisine strikes their fancy, whenever they decide to eat, and provides the flexibility to eat with whoever they want to. Activities and “relaxtivities” abound onboard the Norwegian Star ship from spinning and yoga classes to rejuvenating spa treatments. In the evenings, nothing caps off a day of sightseeing and exploring various ports of call like a bubbly celebration in Gatsby’s Champagne Bar. The staff is friendly and helpful, the ship is spacious and full of excitement, and the staterooms provide a perfectly comfortable retreat. The Norwegian Star cruise ship’s award-winning Garden Villas offer the most freedom of all with their overall space. Named the 2008 Travel Weekly Magellan Award Gold Winner, the Norwegian Star’s Garden Villas proudly boast up to 5,000 sq. ft. of space, three bedrooms, a private garden and sun deck, hot tubs, and a grand piano. The Norwegian Star is a shining example of the Norwegian Cruises Freestyle experience, and with itineraries to Alaska, it is one of the top ways that travelers are enjoying their dream vacations.
Vacation Itinerary & Map7-Day Sawyer Glacier, Round-trip Seattle
Please Note:
- Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking.
- Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.
- Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.
- Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.
| Dates | Port | Arrival | Departure | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Sat | Seattle | 4:00 PM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Seattle Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World’s Fair. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sun | Cruise Inside Passage | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cruise Inside Passage | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mon | Ketchikan | 7:00 AM | 3:00 PM | ||||||||||||||||||
Ketchikan Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means “spread wings of the eagle.” Chances are you’ll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree. Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world’s most lush wilderness. Featured Shore Excursions
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| Tue | Juneau | 7:00 AM | 1:30 PM | ||||||||||||||||||
| Juneau Juneau has been called “Alaska’s peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area’s many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown or try your hand at panning for gold. Featured Shore Excursions | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tue | Cruise Sawyer Glacier | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cruise Sawyer Glacier | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wed | Skagway | 7:00 AM | 5:00 PM | ||||||||||||||||||
Skagway In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, travelers come in search of other riches – to experience yesteryear along Skagway’s charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days. Featured Shore Excursions
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| Thu | Prince Rupert | 4:00 PM | 10:00 PM | ||||||||||||||||||
Prince Rupert The deepest port in North America, Prince Rupert serves as Canada’s gateway to Alaska and the Queen Charlotte Islands. Don’t miss the totems of the Haida and Tsimpsean Indians in the beautiful city parks with spectacular views of the Pacific. Featured Shore Excursions
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| Fri | At Sea | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At Sea | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sat | Seattle | 8:00 AM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Seattle Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World’s Fair. | |||||||||||||||||||||
