tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82156861602664036762024-03-06T01:54:25.399-07:00Who's Your Cruise Lady?This blog will contain reports of my travel adventures, as well as travel do's and dont's, advice, breaking news, and general travel advice.
I would love to help you plan your next vacation. Let me know what I can do for you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-80658082400097134242013-08-01T15:04:00.001-07:002013-08-01T15:04:32.589-07:0010 Oddest Cruise Ship InnovationsIn 2013, major cruise lines are expected to welcome 17.6 million passengers — or
more than double the number from just around a decade ago, according to the
Cruise Lines International Association. On top of that, the lines also
introduced new ships — 13 in 2012 alone and 167 since 2000. All that spells
serious competition, with ships trying to offer adventures and amenities that
set them apart from the rest. The bottom line? “By creating these flashy
experiences, they can draw passengers,” says Sherri Eisenberg, editor of <a href="http://cruiseline.com/bonvoyage">Bon Voyage digital magazine</a>, a
publication for cruise fans. But what kind of experiences? Read on for 10 of the
latest cruise innovations. <br />
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1. Cruise lines are working to go beyond the typical tourist areas by providing their guests with a fun and exciting way to interact with locals. At Aqua Expeditions, a small luxury cruise line that cruises the Amazon, the cruise company touts "Every dream of being a goalie in the middle of a dense jungle? Here's your chance" as they offer a soccer game with the local kids.<br />
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2. Celebrity Cruises has partnered recently with mixologist Josh Durr to create a menu of 30 craft cocktails, featuring "fresh ingredients, organic juices and the finest artisanal spirits".<br />
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3. Cruise passengers have become accustomed to the Vegas-style shows onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the Breakaway, has turned to Broadway, with the Tony-nominated musical "Rock of Ages". Other ships offer the Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, Hairspray and Chicago.<br />
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4. Going raw: SeaDream Yacht Club guests can dine from a menu featuring organic and vegan ingredients, such as watercress tang and uncooked vegetable lasagna. But don't worry, they will still be offering traditional (cooked) options.<br />
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5. Disney Cruise Line has come up with a solution for those who don't want to spend the extra for an oceanview, but don't want a dark, windowless cabin. On its Dream and Fantasy ship, interior staterooms have a "magical" porthole - a video screen with live images of the view at sea or in port. Hmmm - I think I still want my balcony.<br />
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6. Why not fly at sea? Royal Caribbean's new Quantum of the Seas, setting sale next year, is offering RipCord by iFly - skydiving at sea. The 23-foot high indoor wind tunnel will allow people to hover in the air and will cater to not only first-time flyers but also seasoned skydivers.<br />
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7. Theme Cruises - These are becoming the new norm in the cruise industry. From culinary to wine, computer technology to fitness, to craft cruises. AmaWaterways is now offering a Knitting New Years Cruise. Guests will travel along Europe's Danube while spending time with other knitters, learning new techniques and showing off their creativity.<br />
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8. Walk the plank! Princess Cruises' new ship, the Royal Princess, features a gangplank-like SeaWalk, which extends 28 feet beyond the side of the ship, with a glass bottom, so guests can look straight down at the ocean. A SeaView Bar that "extends over the waves" is also a built-in option.<br />
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9. The ship within the ship: MSC Cruises has introduced its MSC Yacht Club on some of their ship. This "oasis of tranquility" will feature a restaurant, bar, lounge, pool and concierge desk reserved for club members. Holland America has a similar set up with the Neptune Lounge and Oceania Cruises has an Executive Lounge.<br />
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10. Sail on the Titanic. Amazingly, there is a Titanic II due to debut in 2016. Australian billionaire, Clive Palmer, will recreate the voyage without the disaster, making the same trans-Attlantic voyage from Southampton to New York. The developers have already received over 40,000 inquiries from potential passengers.<br />
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For a FREE cruise consultation, please contact me at <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson</a><complete id="goog_1639039202"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null">@cruiseholidays.com</a>. </complete>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-32718064895663233772013-04-15T09:45:00.003-07:002013-04-15T09:45:36.544-07:00Singles Cruises - The most fun at sea!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite country songs contains the lines, </div>
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"Without him in her life, she let herself go.</div>
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Let herself go - on a singles cruise,</div>
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To Vegas once, then to Honolulu, </div>
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Let herself go to New York City...</div>
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Drove down to the beach he always said was too far,</div>
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Sand sure felt good between her toes..."</div>
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We all go through heartbreak and hard times in our lives. Rather than sitting and feeling sorry for ourselves, wouldn't it be better to let ourselves go and do all those things we have always wanted to? We all have that bucket list of things that we hope or plan to do "someday".</div>
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Make your "someday" - Today!</div>
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"Traveling is an ideal way to reboot and refresh after a divorce because it gives you a chance to physically and mentally get some distance from your ex, and look at things in a whole new light," says Karen Schaler, author of "Travel Therapy: Where do you need to go?" Schaler says that taking the right trip is all about inspiration and having the power to make a fresh start "so that you're looking forward, not backwards."</div>
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A cruise vacation is a great way to feel better and the newly single crowd finds cruising a great choice, because you won't be traveling alone - you will be with myriads of people in different stages of their lives. Cruises offer many activities that appeal to all interests, activity levels, and budgets. You even have the option to stowaway in your cabin for a little peace and quiet.</div>
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One of our preferred providers, SinglesCruise.com is the largest singles cruise operator in the United States and has been booking singles cruises since 1991. Offering exclusive events hosted by professional cruise directors, Singles Cruise provides a unique and memorable experience for singles looking for fun and adventure with new travel companions. </div>
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Singles Cruise offers guests private meet and greet singles events, cocktail mixers, lectures, theme parties, a separate dining area for the group and ongoing activities organized by dedicated cruise directors. Singles who book with SinglesCruise.com can choose from a variety of cruises and itineraries planned throughout the year with anywhere from 30 to over 600 singles onboard. Their singles are not necessarily looking for love - some are simply looking for new friends to travel with.</div>
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SinglesCruise offers roommate matching, and Single Supplement booking options. Roommates are matched by gender and by age. Packages are "fully loaded" - they include the cruise fare, government fees and taxes, and in some cases they may include the gratuities.</div>
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If you are ready to make new friends, travel to fabulous destinations, and enjoy a wonderful vacation with other singles, please contact me. Here are some upcoming SinglesCruise.com vacations:</div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=obGuwLhTN9qB-M&tbnid=Qaslq0r5eXxWhM:&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portcanaveralcruise.net%2F&ei=GCJsUZW0PKHKigLQwICgBg&bvm=bv.45175338,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNGKrrawC8ulaSlXwevg9Ci1JEtNew&ust=1366127513263555" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"></a><br />
August 10 - 17, 2013: 7 night Summer Oasis Caribbean Cruise<br />
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September 6 - 18, 2013: 12 night Hawaii Dream Singles Cruise<br />
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January 18 - 26, 2014: 8 night Eastern Caribbean Spring Break Cruise<br />
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February 16 - 23, 2014: 7 night 30s and 40s Social Singles Cruise<br />
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April 5 - 12, 2014: 7 night over 40 Eastern Caribbean Shuffle CruiseAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-77009198292788946592013-04-03T16:27:00.000-07:002013-04-03T16:27:52.623-07:00Top 10 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent<br />
Some of us remember walking down the street and seeing one or two travel agencies on Main Street. We would drop in to pick up brochures, ask questions, and to have airline tickets printed for our upcoming vacation. Well, travel agents are still out there, but they're not all working in an office on Main Street anymore.<br />
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Many, like me, work from a home office, where customers don't drop in anymore. They find us on the internet, or through referrals from friends and family. The best travel agents get new customers because of word of mouth. I work very hard to ensure that my clients trips are amazing and that the process is effortless for them. Here are some things you can do to make sure you are getting the most of your travel agent:<br />
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1. <strong>Communicate</strong>: Tell the agent all about yourself - your likes, dislikes, preferences, hobbies. If I don't have a good idea of who you really are, I can't put together recommendations that will truly fit your lifestyle. <br />
2. <strong>Answer all of our questions:</strong> Don't skimp on the details. I need to know about your past vacations - both good and bad. This will help me to narrow down the millions of choices that are out there. <br />
3. <strong>Be up front about budget:</strong> Don't pretend you have no limit if you truly do. There are many itineraries out there that will fit for many budgets, but I have to know what you are expecting in order to give you achievable options.<br />
4. Do<strong>n't forget the details: </strong> Airlines, resorts, and cruise lines all have cancellation penalties. It's best to know up front all of the logistics in order to make sure all of the details are correct.<br />
5. <strong>Doublecheck the pricing but don't overdo it:</strong> You will most likely want to do some of your own research. Go ahead and do this, but realize that you may not be comparing apples to apples. That price you see online will most likely be the very least expensive option available, but usually does not include some additional hidden costs (such as taxes, insurance, etc). In addition, working with a travel agent can sometimes earn you some perks, as well as personal assistance when you need it.<br />
6. <strong>When something goes wrong, who you gonna call:</strong> Call me right when you see something has gone awry. I may be able to help you fix the problem right away. Waiting until you return home and then having to go back to work it out is not always successful. <br />
7. <strong>Don't assume anything:</strong> Ask questions and make sure that everything you want is included in the package you ultimately purchase. Don't assume that just because you said you want a nice place with a beach for some R&R, tha tyou are going to a remote destination that's deadly quiet 24/7. This goes back to the initial consultation and making sure that your agent understands exactly what you are looking for.<br />
8. <strong>Value their knowledge:</strong> A good travel agent has either visited the place you want to go to or has associates that have. I have a great network of agents with 1st person knowledge about hotels and destinations than you could ever find (or trust) on the internet.<br />
9. <strong>Give feedback:</strong> When you return from your trip, send me an honest and detailed description of your trip. Tell me what went right, but also what went wrong. This will allow me to know what to watch for as I am planning your next trip.<br />
10. <strong>Find a good travel agent:</strong> Understand that I have been trained in my field, and that I am consistently taking continuing education classes, online research and familiarization trips to stay on top of the travel industry news.<br />
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Call me at 210-858-6399 or email me at <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a> for your FREE consultation.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-29146761677644850732013-03-23T08:35:00.002-07:002013-03-23T08:35:40.507-07:00My latest escorted group - Quilt Cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I enjoy organizing group cruises and escorting them to their destinations. Obviously, I don't escort every group, as I'm pretty sure I'm not invited on honeymoons, family reunions, etc. But, for those groups that require onboard management, I enjoy meeting all of the guests that I've worked with for several months and being on hand to make sure that everything goes smoothly for everyone involved.</div>
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This group was a quilting cruise (I do alot of these every year). The cruise was a 9 night Eastern Caribbean cruise, departing from Baltimore. Since my daughter was out of school for Spring Break, I brought her along to assist me, which meant I saw her a couple of times a day and she made many new friends. But, I always enjoy visiting our departure cities a day or two prior to each cruise and with Washington DC so close by, we thought it would be great to head over for the day.</div>
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It was cold and windy in the city, but we pushed on through and did as much as we could in the few short hours we were there. We visited the Holocaust Museum and were lucky enough to receive tickets to view the Special Exhibit which took us on a journey through the years of the Holocaust. It was a very emotional experience and I would recommend it to everyone who is able to visit the area.</div>
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Rachel signed a pledge to always stand up for the rights of those who are looked down upon. She said this was the highlight of her day in DC. But, we weren't done yet. We visited the Museum of American History where we enjoyed seeing mementos of past Presidents, movies, etc. We enjoyed our lunch there more than ever before - maybe because our 2 salads and sodas were $26.00. We wanted to finish every last bite. After this, we walked past the Washington Monument, past the Reflecting Pool to the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and then up to the White House. We wanted to see the front of it, since everyone sees the back. Then, on to the train to head back to Baltimore. We sat up and watched movies in our hotel and enjoyed relaxing.</div>
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The work begins! Boarding our ship with all of our boxes of supplies and goodies for our cruise guests is always an adventure as we wait to make sure everything arrives in one piece, which it did. We then caught up with Scott, our machine provider, who set up all of the machines and taped down extension cords. We busied ourselves setting up water bottles, tote bags and agendas for everyone.</div>
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With all of the machines set up, the room was ready for these ladies and one man to start their quilting classes. Our fabulous teachers, Christine and Susan, were a lot of fun and it was fun seeing the project they had designed specifically for this cruise. We spent the first 2 days at sea in the quilting room where the projects went from large pieces of fabric to strips, circles and eventually parts of a quilted piece. We looked forward at this point to seeing the finished product.</div>
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Our first group cocktail party was a lot of fun. Everyone enjoyed all they could drink in an hour and just had a good time visiting and talking with those they already knew as well as new friends they had made during the first 2 days of quilting classes. We had a few toasts to everyone enjoying the week.</div>
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Our first port of call was to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Because of some rough seas, our ship was about 2 hours late getting into port, so we arrived at 5pm. The ship had cancelled all of its tours, but because I rarely book ship tours, I had booked all of my groups tours through my own company. They were very surprised and happy when their tours were still operating and their tour guides were waiting for them happily at the port. Rachel, Scott and I headed out to do a quick walking tour of the area. Unfortunately, the forts were already closed for the day, but we walked around the streets and just had a good night exploring. Rachel tried a Piragua (shaved ice) and even met a friend from home who happened to be in Puerto Rico with his family on a Spring Break vacation - small world!</div>
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They who quilt together, stay together. We love it when our quilting classes include husbands and wives. It's so fun to see how they work together and complement one another. These two just were so friendly and nice and it was a lot of fun getting to know them.</div>
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Our second stop was St. Thomas. Rachel and I, along with 3 others in our group, did a snorkeling tour. We boarded our beautiful yacht with Captain Mike and the first mate, a girl (can't remember her name). We sailed out towards Turtle Cove, where we received a briefing of snorkeling and how to act around the turtles. We then were in the water and off to see what we could find. We only found one sea turtle on the bottom, eating sea grass. He came up for air one time and so we got to see him up close. Others in our group saw 3 or 4 turtles (lucky). We also saw many beautiful fish as well as coral. We even could see many huge conch shells lying on the bottom (about 20-30 feet down).</div>
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Rachel, Me and 3 others in our group as we get ready to leave Turtle Cove.</div>
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This is our Captain, 1st mate and Rachel</div>
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2 of our guests from the cruise - such nice people</div>
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Our 3rd port was Samana, Dominican Republic. We had to tender into this city. There is really nothing to do in this port city unless you take a tour. We decided to do a Ziplining tour. We took a bus up into the hills (about a 30 minute ride), where we were able to view a bit of the region. It's beautiful country once you get out of the downtown area, where the poverty is unimaginable and sad. Upon arrival at the Ziplining area, we were fitted with our gear and given a quick briefing of how to slow down, speed up, and stop. Then, it was off to begin our adventure.</div>
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This is Rachel on one of the lines. We did a total of 10 zips, some very long and steep. We screamed, laughed, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery as we went along.</div>
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Just before leaving Samana, Rachel attracted 3 4-legged friends. They were loving the attention she provided them. I joked that as she was talking to them, that they didn't speak English.</div>
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Back on the ship, Rachel was named Captain of her team in a tournament of Pool Volleyball (Officers vs Guests). The Guests beat the Officers in 2 games, and her team was awarded the Gold medals. She had a great time and everyone on the ship knew her (she was involved in everything).</div>
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Our final port of call was in Labadee, Haiti. This was a private area leased by Royal Caribbean. We were looking forward to our day on the beach and after taking a ride on the "Conch Train", we immediately set out to find our beach chairs and enjoy the sun and water. Mother Nature had other plans as we experienced several showers - some just a drizzle, others a bit of a downpour. We still managed to enjoy it as much as we could. We then headed over to lunch on the island, a BBQ lunch put on by Royal Caribbean. After lunch, the wind was really picking up, so we decided to head back to the ship and relax.</div>
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We headed for the Jacuzzi and really enjoyed the hot water soaking us for about a half hour. We even ran into one of our guests reading and having a nice nap, until he sensed Rachel photo bombing him. We then headed back to our room for a shower and to get dressed for dinner.</div>
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Our t-shirts say it all. We all wore our shirts for a group photo taken by the Royal Caribbean photographers, which were for sale the next day. There were about 50 of us in this group, so we took up quite a bit of the Centrum staircase. The picture came out great.</div>
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Rachel reminded us all week that her birthday was coming up, so on the last night, we asked them to sing Happy Birthday (in 12 days) to her. She loved it and was excited to be the center of attention.</div>
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This is Rachel and I on our formal night. We loved dressing up, especially since Rachel will soon be off to college and we won't have many opportunities to do things like this again, at least for awhile.</div>
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I love escorting my groups and enjoy getting to know people from all over the country, and even the world. You know the phrase from the movie, Field of Dreams - if you build it, they will come? My motto is - if you bring them, I will build it! I'm just looking for my next adventure! Will it be with you? If you have a group that would be interested in a cruise or land vacation, I am here to help.</div>
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Michelle Jackson, Cruise Holidays</div>
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Personal Cruise and Land Vacation Expert</div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-60697510799557639812013-03-02T14:52:00.002-07:002013-03-02T14:52:18.592-07:00River Cruising - a new way to Explore!<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">RIVER CRUISING</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">A better way to explore!</span></strong></div>
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River cruising is, quite simply, the best way to travel through many of the world's most fascinating places. Comfortable, convenient and safe, it offers a greater variety of destinations than you could not encounter any other way - and lets you get in-depth exposure to the culture and history of each region. Both experienced and first time travelers have discovered the joys of river cruising, making it the fastest growing segment of the cruising industry.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">The new "cool" in cruising</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">AKA "Boutique Cruising"</span></div>
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Our River Cruising Partners</div>
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Ama Waterways</div>
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Avalon (Globus Family)</div>
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Uniworld</div>
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<strong>A More Intimate Experience</strong></div>
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Because River ships are designed to accommodate between 150 and 300 guests, it is easy to make new friends, share a drink with the couple you met on the day's tour, or dine with interesting people in the open seating restaurant. And you can forget about waiting in long lines.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Imagine! stepping off your floating hotel into town/cities like Amsterdam, Budapest, Cairo or Beijing. Enjoy the local culture and history by exploring on your own or taking one of the included walking tours with an English speaking guide.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">THE JOYS OF RIVER CRUISING...</span></strong></div>
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A river cruise brings you to the heart of the destination</div>
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Historic cities and towns like Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna and Moscow</div>
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Exotic destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Asia, Egypt & Africa to name a few</div>
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Local culture and history within a stones throw</div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">Cultural Enrichment</span></strong></div>
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Onboard presentations and demonstrations tha tentertain as well as inform</div>
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Evening entertainment, local or onboard musicians</div>
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Immersive shore excursions - included with English speaking guides</div>
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Optional (extra cost) excursions available</div>
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Most river cruises now have personal head-sets for excursions</div>
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Some River cruises also offer bicycles for your pleasure in port</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>New Scenery - All Day, Every Day</strong></span></div>
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Enjoy breathtaking scenery from just about everywhere on the ship - in the bar, restaurant or lounge (all with panoramic views), on the sun deck with fresh air or from the privacy of your stateroom. And, river cruise vessels keep moving, so you see new vistas and explore new destinations throughout the day, every day. River cruises often travel at night, so you can wake up in an exciting new place each morning, with no effort on your part.</div>
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Experienced travelers agree that a European river cruise is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore Europe's castles, cathedrals and picturesque villages. And with River Cruising, your opportunities to discover the very best these destinations have to offer are endless. Travel along the famous rivers of Europe with a Rhine and Danube river cruise and discover fascinating history and authentic experiences with comprehensive sightseeing plus your own exploration. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. Plus there's plenty of time to unwind. Think of this as your own personal journey of discovery through Europe.</div>
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The Mekong River winds its way from the Tibetan plateaus of China's Yunnan province, through the rainforests, plains and rice fields of 5 Southeast Asian countries before meeting the South China Sea. In terms of length, it's the 12th largest river in the world, but in terms of historic, cultural and ecological richness - the Mekong has no equal. The sagas of ancient empires, colonial powers and modern conflicts have unfolded along her banks. And, through it all, the Mekong remains first and foremost a lifeline. Temples, trade routes and fishing villages in the river's path are today untouched by time, just as the way of life they represent. And nowhere are the river's riches more apparent than in the neighboring - but distinct countries of Vietnam and Cambodia.</div>
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"Egypt is the gift of the Nile." So wrote the Greek scholar, Herodotus. From the cities to rural villages, where life goes on as it did thousands of years ago, a cruise along the Nile is like watching 5,000 years of culture unfold before your eyes. Marvel at the contrasts as you sail past simple villages surrounded by luxuriant palm groves, fertile plantations, romantic desert hills, lush oases, modern cities and ancient colonnaded temples and pyramids.</div>
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With its incredible natural beauty, fascinating wildlife and diverse cultures, this continent is becoming an increasingly popular destination among North American travelers. </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>FEATURES OF RIVER CRUISING</strong></span></div>
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Easy embarkation/disembarkation</div>
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Unpack only once</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">SO, WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A RIVER CRUISE?</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Spring..................................Summer.....................................Fall</strong></div>
Spring and fall are the most popular times to travel due to the pleasant weather. Summer can be quite warm and also the regions are more crowded. <br />
River cruises are perfect for group travel. Seniors, music and art groups, garden or bridge clubs, church groups, Alumni and Wine afficionados would love River cruising. <br />
As always, I am here to assist you with planning, organizing and managing your next adventure...why not make it a River Cruise? <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Imagine...Oh the places you can go!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Click on the link below and like my Cruise Holidays business page on Facebook and enter to WIN a Cruise for 2 on AmaWaterways!</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/YD044a" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/YD044a</a> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-69497253833972746952013-02-11T09:34:00.001-07:002013-02-11T09:34:02.965-07:00Disney goes to AlaskaIn the past, Alaskan cruises were typically sailed by the retired, older generation. But, times have changed. Alaska is now catering to a younger crowd, offering tours that are of interest to kids, teens, young couples as well as still to the more mature. Disney has now stuck their toe in the water with activities both onboard and ashore that will appeal to the kids. With a successful first year under their belt, they are heading back to Alaska again this year.<br />
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Check out this video series to see what awaits your family in Alaska. </div>
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Family Time</div>
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Kid Time</div>
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Adult Time</div>
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Port Adventures</div>
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To book your family adventure to Alaska, give me a call. </div>
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Michelle Jackson, Cruise Holidays</div>
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Land and Cruise Vacation Specialist</div>
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(210) 858-6399</div>
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<a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-54618329957242333642013-02-08T20:33:00.002-07:002013-02-08T20:33:32.393-07:00Romance at Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Valentines Day is almost here, and what better way to spend it than on board the Queen Mary 2. There are so many romantic things to do; it's the perfect way to spend a special day. While it may be too late for this year, start planning today for next Valentines Day. </div>
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According to Cunard, here are the top 5 things to do at sea on Valentine's Day... </div>
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1. Take a walk around the deck before enjoying afternoon tea in the Queens Room.</div>
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2. Indulge in one of Cunard's signature Canyon Ranch massages for a relaxing and pampering afternoon.</div>
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3. Dress up for a black tie candle-lit dinner for two in the evening.</div>
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4. After a romantic meal, head to the magnificent Royal Court Theatre to watch a musical, or watch a movie in Illuminations.</div>
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5. Finish the night ballroom dancing in the Queens Room or dancing in our nightclub, G32.</div>
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As well as all of that, why not treat your loved one to some flowers or a bottle of wine, delivered to their stateroom? Nothing says 'I love you' more than a dozen red roses.</div>
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If you're getting married, there's also nothing more romantic than holding your ceremony on board Queen Mary 2 on her Transatlantic Crossing to New York. The Transatlantic Crossing is the perfect combination of marrying Mid-Atlantic and then honeymooning in the most exciting city in the world, New York. While you're there, take in all there is to see and do in New York - watch a show on Broadway, marvel at the Statue of Liberty and take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the Empire State Building, which has to be one of the most popular places to propose.</div>
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There are fewer places that compare to one of Cunard's Queens for timeless romance, so getting married on board is one way of making your day memorable. If you're already married, you can also renew your vows on board, or celebrate your anniversary in style.</div>
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Cunard's three Queens are currently on their world voyages, making Valentine's Day even more special. We wonder whether there will be any romantic Valentine's Day proposals inspired by last year's proposal on board:</div>
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This article was written by Laura from the Cunard Team.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-19869240961654385702013-01-28T10:25:00.001-07:002013-01-28T10:25:37.520-07:00Moon Palace Resort - CancunToday is my last day here in Cancun as I head home in just a few hours. I arrived on Wednesday, January 23rd and have been busy for the last 4 days managing a group of over 1400 people as they attended their annual company meeting. Here's a bit about what onsite management involves:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Welcoming guests as they arrive</li>
<li>Directing them to our private check-in area and then to the welcome food and beverage</li>
<li>Answering questions regarding transfers, agendas, excursions, etc.</li>
<li>Assisting with special requests (wheelchair , flight changes, etc.)</li>
<li>Arranging for food and beverage to be set up on time for meetings and seminars</li>
<li>Directing guests to the right rooms for their classes</li>
<li>Problem solving and being available for any issues that may arise</li>
<li>Checking, double checking, triple checking all room assignments, flights, transfers, etc and making any necessary changes</li>
<li>Keeping on top of all events and activities to be sure that each of these has the correct food, bar set up, beverages, tables and chairs, etc. </li>
<li>Being on hand to ensure that all guests needs are taken care of</li>
<li>Assisting guests as they depart</li>
<li>Managing flight cancellations, transfers, room check out issues, etc.</li>
</ul>
The guests are all gone now and I was able to spend some time exploring this beautiful resort. All I can say is this is a fabulous place to spend a vacation. Here are some pictures from my time here:<br />
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A day at the beach</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviGVfaOw6CPlHlpRofG_hB5f_99YW0wQXR4J6tLs3Zk9FgRTCOjAf_PuXsk871oF2vmdnDqQY8FgKzzBcKSuN-JC1XfiCyuwqTesbrznXqipsruWeUP-75D-v7ZwousuEqkk3xjNt9eY/s1600/Moon+Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviGVfaOw6CPlHlpRofG_hB5f_99YW0wQXR4J6tLs3Zk9FgRTCOjAf_PuXsk871oF2vmdnDqQY8FgKzzBcKSuN-JC1XfiCyuwqTesbrznXqipsruWeUP-75D-v7ZwousuEqkk3xjNt9eY/s320/Moon+Palace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A view of the pool from the Sunrise Lobby</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1bjebA3mnkRPmv35YiBhcIKDh_rxgYbTjPhhCXn1MhyphenhyphenunRbcxndF0PFQWr4yoHaRXvrQtR282-CvA3v9s-XhrV2-wXS75JPQ0mRHiB-sN_aBsj2qFoo0uSHz9YKKIaBjK1u5r8hYCfI/s1600/MoonPalace3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1bjebA3mnkRPmv35YiBhcIKDh_rxgYbTjPhhCXn1MhyphenhyphenunRbcxndF0PFQWr4yoHaRXvrQtR282-CvA3v9s-XhrV2-wXS75JPQ0mRHiB-sN_aBsj2qFoo0uSHz9YKKIaBjK1u5r8hYCfI/s320/MoonPalace3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another view of the pool</div>
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Lounge chairs on the water's edge - awesome!</div>
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Room service breakfast - just before I head out</div>
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Kids pool at the resort</div>
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A view of my room - before I messed it up with luggage</div>
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Company White Hot Party - </div>
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we had to bring it inside b/c of the wind, but they did a great job making it look beautiful.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-64188183502723731502013-01-12T18:21:00.002-07:002013-01-12T18:21:31.410-07:00New Year, New ResolutionsIt has been a busy year full of new experiences and new opportunities. As such, I have been remiss in keeping this blog up. I know there are many out there who I can help as they think about their upcoming vacations. I want to be the one you come to when you have questions and are ready to make plans.<br />
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With that said, here is a little summary of our learning and travel opportunities this past year:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEF5-yZUCLGD3yHgYa3EvkUzifcc5FgS8ymMH8fEncrhD3mHnkfScWMEFxa3PQJ1eH2-iFsgVFkmvFUDfqSHJ909jBB8Fsl22FD7j254g9C5jlQ0r7Wfb5C73pLDsRklqwhimmVR5Swg/s1600/After+a+great+day+in+Nassau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEF5-yZUCLGD3yHgYa3EvkUzifcc5FgS8ymMH8fEncrhD3mHnkfScWMEFxa3PQJ1eH2-iFsgVFkmvFUDfqSHJ909jBB8Fsl22FD7j254g9C5jlQ0r7Wfb5C73pLDsRklqwhimmVR5Swg/s200/After+a+great+day+in+Nassau.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Girls Cruise to the Bahamas</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKVxA6uDhDzsmBMFm8k6yJEXIt3o4K1oDCwSOTzqLy6GKi8EUVqoSsdUMKoWeQG0WUfcPjWgF3u-BZNf8npONLjCqE1tpxmbCHP7v764A3r5RWxySLmGatKlzYD-hjsZqIdwK2F87eFs/s1600/Crew+of+the+Schooner+Appledore+after+our+sailing+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKVxA6uDhDzsmBMFm8k6yJEXIt3o4K1oDCwSOTzqLy6GKi8EUVqoSsdUMKoWeQG0WUfcPjWgF3u-BZNf8npONLjCqE1tpxmbCHP7v764A3r5RWxySLmGatKlzYD-hjsZqIdwK2F87eFs/s200/Crew+of+the+Schooner+Appledore+after+our+sailing+trip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Yacht Sailing in Key West</div>
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Village People in the Caribbean</div>
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Senor Frog's in Nassau</div>
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Fabulous waiters onboard</div>
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Making wonderful quilting friends in Alaska</div>
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Space Needle in Seattle</div>
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Watching the Lumberjacks in Ketchikan, Alaska</div>
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Hanging out at the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau, Alaska</div>
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A tree in Central Park - on the Allure of the Seas</div>
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Visiting the forts of Nassau, Bahamas</div>
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Dancing with a pirate</div>
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Comparing ship sizes</div>
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Hanging out with Gloria</div>
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Trick-or-treating on Halloween in the Caribbean</div>
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Catching up with old friends</div>
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Exploring St. Maarten</div>
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Fun Jeep Tours</div>
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Ziplining</div>
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MS Walk at Sea - fundraising</div>
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Being awarded Outstanding Sales Achievement (highlight of my year)</div>
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I will work hard this year to keep this blog updated . Stay tuned!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-13241151370732765322012-08-29T19:48:00.001-07:002012-08-29T19:48:49.073-07:00I found this article written by Anne D'Innocenzio about her recent river cruise adventure. It's a great story of what a River Cruise in Europe is like. Happy Reading! Let me know when you are ready for your river cruise!<br />
<br />
I've been a land-based traveler for most of my life. Motor coaches and cars have helped me explore everything from Italy's Tuscany region to Ireland's Rings of Kerry. But recently I discovered a love for river cruising.<br />
After returning from a cruise on the legendary Rhine, I'm happily considering trips to other iconic waterways such as the Danube for next year. Sure, there were a few wrinkles, but they didn't take away from what I found was a charming, intimate experience – with not only the river but the people on the ship. Whether from the deck or the sliding glass door in my cabin, there was always something to see, from steep vineyard hills and medieval castles to industrial plants. I also got to know the eclectic group of 130 passengers on the ship, mostly baby boomers. They included a law firm partner, a teacher, a physics professor on a honeymoon and a priest.<br />
The small scale of river ships – which typically carry no more than a couple hundred passengers – is a large part of their appeal, in contrast to ocean-going mega-ships that carry thousands. On a river ship, you don't need a GPS device to figure out where the lobby or the dining room is. And there's a sense of intimacy, with plenty of cozy moments. On my trip, some passengers partook in movie night, with popcorn shared in paper bags while watching "Eat Pray Love" on a flat-screen TV in a lounge. I participated in an impromptu mini-Mass with five others in a corner of the ship officiated by the passenger priest. He improvised with that night's dinner bread.<br />
The idea for the trip started with my globe-trotting mother, who'd taken a trip on a barge on the Seine in the 1990s and had always raved about it. So for $3,100 (per person, double occupancy, excluding airfare), my mother, my sister, a friend and I booked an eight-day trip with Avalon Waterways on the Rhine, starting in Basel, Switzerland and ending in Amsterdam, with stops that included Strasbourg, France, and Heidelberg and Cologne, Germany. Typical of most river cruises, the price covered meals, wine with dinner and most shore excursions.<br />
While river cruises carry just a fraction of the number of passengers that go on mainstream cruises, the industry has been exploding. The number of people taking river cruises has increased 57 percent since 2008, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. That compares with 23 percent growth for mainstream cruise during the same time frame. European river cruises are expected to carry about 400,000 people next year, according to Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways, among the world's five largest river cruise operators.<br />
"People love it. It's convenient, and visually, you get to see more," says Lanie Morgenstern, the trade group's spokeswoman. The trips are geared to a more sophisticated traveler who wants to mix up the trips for a deeper understanding of the area, she added.<br />
New river boats also have more amenities than in the past. The vessels must be narrow enough to fit through locks and low enough to pass under bridges that predate large cruise ships, so their cabins are traditionally smaller than on ocean-going ships, with less room for large recreational areas. But river cruise operators are finding ways to add features such as small pools, and they're upgrading in other ways, too, improving menus and decor.<br />
Still, ahead of my trip, I worried I would get a narrow sense of the region – after all, the itinerary is limited to destinations with river ports and what you can see during a few hours on a port call. I also thought I might get bored on a vessel that lacked the comforts of a big ship. In fact, the fitness room turned out to be the size of a large closet, and there was no swimming pool, just a whirlpool. And while the three-level Avalon Felicity was comfortable, it wasn't luxurious.<br />
Still, I was pleased with the trip and the at-your-service staff of 40 – a better than 3:1 ratio of crew to passengers. Food was top-notch, with buffets for breakfast and lunch, and more formal sit-down dinners. The only downside: We had all of our meals on board with few opportunities to interact with locals. So whenever I got the chance, I had coffee or dessert in the towns. The good news: next year, Avalon Waterways will offer onshore dining options as part of its overall plan to personalize the experience.<br />
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My cabin, which I shared with my mother, was small but comfortable, with twin beds inches apart. Luggage had to be stored under the beds but there was enough cabinet space to unload belongings. But I spent very little time in my room. Most of my waking hours onboard were on deck or in a lounge looking out.</div>
The highlight was sitting on the deck with other passengers as we passed by the romantic middle of the Rhine: the 40 or so miles between Bingen and Koblenz, Germany, that define our dreamy notion of the legendary waterway. There, our cruise director Romanian-born Hans Beckert offered a narrative of the string of medieval castles, quaint villages, and fortresses we passed. Not to mention the towering Lorelei rock named after the siren whose beauty distracted sailors. It's where the river is the narrowest and deepest.<br />
We visited a different port every day, sometimes even two. Sightseeing included walking tours, canal rides and tours of museums and churches. Occasionally the schedule felt stressful, with some departures just a few hours after arrivals. On the day we visited the German town of Mainz, after checking out an original printed bible in the Guttenberg Museum, we ran up the cobbled streets to look at Marc Chagall's stained glass windows in St. Stephen's Church, then sprinted back to the vessel for lunch before we set sail in the afternoon for Rudesheim, known for its wine. But that's the tradeoff with a cruise itinerary: You don't need to worry about getting from place to place, but you have to do it on a set schedule.<br />
Still, most of the ports were right in town, so once we landed, rarely did we have to take a bus to get to our destination. And most onshore activities were included in the cost of the cruise, though there were a few options for additional fees.<br />
One of my favorite outings was wine-tasting in Obernai, France. And I fell in love with Rudesheim, where we visited the enchanting Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum that featured self-playing instruments dating back to the 18th century. I also took a cable car to the top of the steep, grapevine-covered hills and enjoyed a magnificent view of vineyards and the Rhine River.<br />
Activities in Amsterdam included a tour of the Van Gogh museum and a canal boat ride. But we also took an optional, 26-euro two-hour chaperoned tour of the city's famous Red Light district. Imagine three dozen tourists – many of them gray-haired retirees – gawking at the bikini-clad young women in the windows. A couple of times we were heckled by rowdy revelers.<br />
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Amsterdam was the cruise's final port. We decided to stay a few days in the Dutch capital for more sightseeing, so we checked into a hotel near the port. I could see the ship from my hotel room's window. Later the next day, I noticed the ship was gone, off with a new group of passengers on another adventure. I felt a twinge of sadness, but knew I would come back to the river again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-52133773397160755112012-08-19T18:55:00.000-07:002012-08-19T18:55:00.276-07:00Every week I receive tons of information from the cruise lines about exciting
new features coming aboard the world's best cruise ships. This week, I thought
I'd share just a sampling of some of the cruise line news briefs with you. Did
you know...<br />
<ul>
<li>Next June, Princess Cruises will debut a new circuit training program with
unique outdoor exercise stations.</li>
<li>Viking River Cruises has ordered two additional Viking Longships for 2013,
bringing the total to 14 new ships over a two-year period.</li>
<li>Ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises has unveiled a new "Magic Castle at Sea," with
incredibly entertaining, intimate magic shows.</li>
<li>Disney Cruise Line has announced it will begin sailings out of Miami later
this year. </li>
<li>Royal Caribbean International will be the first cruise line to deploy a new
"freestyle" soda machine, with 125 different flavors of soda!</li>
</ul>
On another note, I always receive questions about cruising that are a little different than the usual. Here are some examples of questions and answers that you may find interesting:<br />
<br />
Q: Can I order/reorder my cruise photos once I return home?<br />
A: At this time, cruise lines do not have this as an option. With each new week bringing on an average of 2500 cruisers per ship, it is difficult to keep these photos. One cruise line, Royal Caribbean, is in the process of adding photo ordering to its pre-cruise sales. Also, many cruise lines now have the option to purchase a CD of all pictures taken. <br />
<br />
Q: Do the cruise lines offer a loyalty card in the casinos?<br />
A: This is difficult as people cruise on several different ships, but those who sign up for the cruise line loyalty programs do generally receive coupons to use in the casino and loyalty points to build up and use during the cruise week itself.<br />
<br />
Q: Why do New Orleans and Galveston only offer cruise lines other than Carnival during the winter?<br />
A: Royal Caribbean generally offers cruises out of these ports between November and April. The rest of the year their ships are operating in Europe. They simply do not have enough ships to be in both places at the same time. For a limited time, Disney and Princess cruise lines will also be offering cruises from these ports.<br />
<br />
Q: Why has the muster program offered on the cruise ships changed so drastically.<br />
A: In the past, guests were required to bring their life jackets to the muster with them, where they were shown how to and were instructed to put them. The cruise lines do take muster very seriously, and all guests are provided with the location of their muster station and shown how to put on a life jacket. The cruise lines are certainly tightening up these drills, especially since the unfortunate incident in Italy.<br />
<br />
If you have questions, please let me know. When you are ready to book that fabulous vacation for you and your friends/family, please contact me at <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a> and/or 210-858-6399.<br />
<br />
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<br />
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Michelle</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-71495194537580214262012-08-03T08:08:00.002-07:002012-08-03T08:08:37.419-07:00Protecting your InvestmentOne of the services I provide to my clients is giving them information regarding climate and weather conditions for the destinations they will be visiting. While some years are fraught with natural disasters, such as hurricanes, the 2012 season has been pretty mild. That said, there is a storm currently moving into the Caribbean.<br />
<br />
Tropical Storm Ernesto went a bit north of the island of Barbados early on Friday and was moving towards the Caribbean, where it could turn into a hurricane. While it is not expected to hit any Caribbean islands directly, residents and vacationers should expect large waves and 2-3 inches of rain.<br />
<br />
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Cruising is actually one of the better places to be on a vacation during this season, as the ships will use their data to alter course. This may cause cruisers to miss a port, but the ship's crew works hard to make the alternative plans fun for all.<br />
<br />
As we approach the heart of hurricane season, I can't recommend Travel Insurance enough. If you buy travel insurance after a storm has been named, it is too late. The insurance companies will not protect you from cancellations or delays. <br />
<br />
WHY SHOULD YOU BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE?<br />
<br />
1. For the time you packed your prescription medications, and your 2 year old helped unpack it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfPcN4IY933EVnC7irFGqekR0wxnB3Eqf1NMNHha9JF3qZsy6OLoQ5uo8GPAGnivPBY771g_ByE0pBrxDv_fdKXQyAHBKB05hrns5rSSSfpUPsilBPf30ZjuN0rKB9J8Cn5kB661_9FM/s1600/Kids+and+Rx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfPcN4IY933EVnC7irFGqekR0wxnB3Eqf1NMNHha9JF3qZsy6OLoQ5uo8GPAGnivPBY771g_ByE0pBrxDv_fdKXQyAHBKB05hrns5rSSSfpUPsilBPf30ZjuN0rKB9J8Cn5kB661_9FM/s1600/Kids+and+Rx.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
2. For the time you land in Portland, Oregon and your bags land in Portland, Maine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrTlbS7b-vfg1Lp6JUoapHE9NTzckDGY0OUvuQf3JsDnebBkRDcEYoDnWnRtTfL-neP611u0QbXt8f7rCPYCmvLoPYOUkQn8MwftEJp2-dmllUcjqMdfnIzf4suyRsCM_KxwJfLYzGe4/s1600/Lost+Luggage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrTlbS7b-vfg1Lp6JUoapHE9NTzckDGY0OUvuQf3JsDnebBkRDcEYoDnWnRtTfL-neP611u0QbXt8f7rCPYCmvLoPYOUkQn8MwftEJp2-dmllUcjqMdfnIzf4suyRsCM_KxwJfLYzGe4/s1600/Lost+Luggage.jpg" /></a></div>
3. Because food carts in New Delhi are not the same as in New York City.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjkSFKchBcHFiTLGEXdBCDbe1VRgmdHrMVwb7c-vufMr9qw4gMsKuHAHnLpx54lDCSDJ6Eoy_tKhuYPtJy1_sSz1zVBPffZ-rJkWsx87ISmMM-2Xi3f7HJYvbYr85zanBqsYOVmyQTI4/s1600/Food+Poisoning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjkSFKchBcHFiTLGEXdBCDbe1VRgmdHrMVwb7c-vufMr9qw4gMsKuHAHnLpx54lDCSDJ6Eoy_tKhuYPtJy1_sSz1zVBPffZ-rJkWsx87ISmMM-2Xi3f7HJYvbYr85zanBqsYOVmyQTI4/s320/Food+Poisoning.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
4. When you sprint across the terminal, not realizing you left your carry-on behind.<br />
5. Everyone told you not to drink the water, but you did anyway.<br />
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6. When the woman that offered to take your picture looked honest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuKnnqtJAkjQz8zlG91-uvC8daN5_L6Ly8xr3r-2SfA_gfdT3lQr-UVUNtEdyIDTaFsGG-t4j1RBnsNXDu7sn1SL4PqoYn5JXTpMNXZHpZLM3TU1mAYCbJQLmB0pk5PKIoNRwA-SqMts/s1600/Stolen+Camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuKnnqtJAkjQz8zlG91-uvC8daN5_L6Ly8xr3r-2SfA_gfdT3lQr-UVUNtEdyIDTaFsGG-t4j1RBnsNXDu7sn1SL4PqoYn5JXTpMNXZHpZLM3TU1mAYCbJQLmB0pk5PKIoNRwA-SqMts/s1600/Stolen+Camera.jpg" /></a></div>
7. Because you forgot her birthday again.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qQLeSiMtuSb5nh8Aj4lLAtcAxvgmWKtWd9rvAwt5O7Z7rxOmyAZLrLBsC1b8m8oSDIL2gDrUtXomXLDgjyWNemiDJyEf33uZch7cxNEUIV-TbnT0tKWH1LUKx__hnfQ4OZj6xM3blJM/s1600/Forgot+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qQLeSiMtuSb5nh8Aj4lLAtcAxvgmWKtWd9rvAwt5O7Z7rxOmyAZLrLBsC1b8m8oSDIL2gDrUtXomXLDgjyWNemiDJyEf33uZch7cxNEUIV-TbnT0tKWH1LUKx__hnfQ4OZj6xM3blJM/s1600/Forgot+Birthday.jpg" /></a></div>
8. Your cruise ship arrives in the Bahamas and you realize you left your passport in Puerto Rico. <br />
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9. Because that rock looked sturdy enough to stand on.</div>
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<br />
Facts:<br />
*28% of flights in 2010 were either cancelled or delayed<br />
*Over 2 million mishandled luggage claims were handled in 2010<br />
*Your credit card or personal insurance is usually no good when out of the country.<br />
*Travel Insurance is a small price to pay to protect your investment.<br />
<br />
When you book with me, I automatically include travel insurance in your package. Those who may book their own trips may still purchase travel insurance from me.<br />
<br />
Contact me at <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a> or (210) 858-6399 for pricing and coverage information.<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-80767919633825600112012-07-30T15:53:00.001-07:002012-07-30T15:53:21.501-07:00Time for a FREE Cruise!Who could use a cruise right about now? Well, here's your chance to get one for FREE. Contest on my Facebook page starts on August 1st. You can be ready to register by going to this link and "LIKE" my Facebook page. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/CruiseHolidaysMichelleJackson?ref=hl#!/">http://www.facebook.com/CruiseHolidaysMichelleJackson?ref=hl#!/</a><br />
<br />
Good Luck!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-17321514410772433842012-07-02T08:46:00.001-07:002012-07-02T08:46:48.413-07:00Cruise Ships: Your Stateroom AttendantThroughout the next few weeks, I will be providing information about cruise ships in general. To start with, how about some information on your stateroom attendant. What do you expect from a stateroom attendant?<br />
<br />
While all the members of a cruise ship crew work hard to assure that passengers experience a wonderful vacation, one crew member in particular is essential to a fine cruise experience – your cabin steward.<br />
<br />
Your cabin steward is responsible for cleaning your cabin each day and ensuring that it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. When you first arrive in your cabin, expect your steward to stop by and introduce himself or herself. Remember his or her name – he or she is the person you can count on to bring you extra towels, fresh ice or more shampoo throughout your cruise.<br />
<br />
Stewards seem to have built-in radar that alerts them when you leave your cabin in the morning. When you come back, you’ll find that everything is clean and fresh, with beds made and towels back on the racks. While you’re out at dinner, your cabin steward will refresh your cabin once again, turning down the bed, leaving a treat on your pillow and perhaps an adorable "towel animal” on the bed.<br />
<br />
On some ships, cabin stewards are responsible for delivering room service to you. They will also collect any clothing that you want to have laundered or dry cleaned, then will return it to you.<br />Stewards are usually responsible for multiple cabins. If you have a special request, you may be able to find your steward in the hallway or working in a nearby cabin. If not, simply leave a note on your door or bed.<br />
<br />
Some cruise lines take steward service a step farther by providing butler service. Butlers do what cabin stewards to, and then some. To provide a few examples, they can pack and unpack for you; make reservations for you in the ship’s alternative restaurants; mix you a perfect martini; or prepare an indulgent bubble bath. Some butlers take care of more than one cabin, but if you reserve a large suite on a luxury ship you might have your very own butler.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that it is an accepted – and in most cases, expected – part of the cruising culture to leave a tip for your steward at the end of your cruise. Cruise Holidays can tell you more about what to expect from your cabin steward or butler and the other helpful crew members on your next cruise.<br />
<br />
And, no matter how much you want to bring them home without you, sorry - you'll have to cruise again to receive that kind of service. <br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-75966327611459719502012-06-26T12:14:00.001-07:002012-06-26T12:14:16.638-07:00Cruising vs Tropical Storms: What If?...<br />
One of the most common questions I receive as a cruise and travel agent is, "What if there is a storm during our trip?" As we all know, the weather in the world has been strange and quirky over the last few years, with snow falling in the summer, hurricanes affecting parts of the world, flooding, tornados, etc. Well, the best thing about cruising is that those ships can move, where as a hotel cannot. In general, if a storm is seen in the area, a cruise ship will change it's itinerary to avoid the storm. If a scheduled port has been damaged or is being affected by a storm, the ship will avoid the port. Sometimes, the ship will spend an extra day at sea, or plan to visit a different port of call. <br />
<br />
Tropical Storm Debby is now affecting the Gulf of Mexico and the east coast of the United States. Here is an example of how the cruise lines have altered their schedules to lessen the impact on their cruising customers:<br />
<br />
The Carnival Freedom skipped Key West and is spending the day at sea. It will make an unscheduled call in Cozumel on Tuesday. The rest of the itinerary remains the same.<br />
<br />
the Ecstasy called in Nassau on Sunday instead of Key West, but will visit Key West later in the cruise.<br />
<br />
No other major cruise lines have report any changes due to the storm. Fortunately, a travel agent keeps up to date on these changes and then passes that information along to our clients...another good reason to work directly with an agent who has you in mind when these events occur.<br />
<br />
For more information and to book your next cruise or land vacation, contact Michelle at 210-858-6399 or <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a>. <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-73784541399774670712012-06-19T13:56:00.002-07:002012-06-19T13:56:18.814-07:00Disney's private isle - Castaway Cay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq5xwdNLSSQPup77v5TZZzEyWyo3vygA0628Vm85MUPM10CmnlNV5-snczxr1R35dkWq0hMNe-oGAPZWlJ77upB0cb4xKHS9U6aH9_IawwM0kvRgOsS2QCsBY137AJGuNLm7erMiURU0/s1600/Disney+Dream+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq5xwdNLSSQPup77v5TZZzEyWyo3vygA0628Vm85MUPM10CmnlNV5-snczxr1R35dkWq0hMNe-oGAPZWlJ77upB0cb4xKHS9U6aH9_IawwM0kvRgOsS2QCsBY137AJGuNLm7erMiURU0/s320/Disney+Dream+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you have cruised through the Bahamas, there's a good chance you stopped at a cruise-line owned private island. They all have one and they are all fabulous. Disney Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas is called Castaway Cay. Besides the beauty and attractions, this is an island of convenience, as the cruise line brings their waiters, bartenders, etc ashore to serve you.<br />
<br />
But, the most convenient factor of all...no tendering. Disney ships dock right at the island, making disembarkation uncomplicated and simple. This is important for those with small children as well as the older generation, who may be nervous about moving from the ship to a small tender boat, and then to shore.<br />
<br />
So what is there to do on this private island? Enjoy one of these choices:<br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnNTYdRgeiOAofP-9VFEEixI0VGPlTFoUyxzhLuGgaVjvoLc8sfETbRFDKMNvhBcRfeZZSX_1-ItDR8rpe2M8rQ6kibXX2VHX_BjdiN2s7GhOrh6DyJ4ai7tUxwBMupEeiyIb5c5LtwY/s1600/CastawayCay-SerenityBay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnNTYdRgeiOAofP-9VFEEixI0VGPlTFoUyxzhLuGgaVjvoLc8sfETbRFDKMNvhBcRfeZZSX_1-ItDR8rpe2M8rQ6kibXX2VHX_BjdiN2s7GhOrh6DyJ4ai7tUxwBMupEeiyIb5c5LtwY/s320/CastawayCay-SerenityBay.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>Beautiful, white sand</li>
<li>Shops with local vendors</li>
<li>Waterview walking path</li>
<li>Six Eateries - no charge for food</li>
<li>Family beach</li>
<li>Serenity Bay - adults-only beach</li>
<li>Scuttler's Cove - for young kids</li>
<li>Pelican Plunge water slide</li>
<li>Hideout - for teens</li>
<li>Sports areas (volleyball, soccer, tetherball)</li>
<li>Stingray Adventure</li>
<li>Boats</li>
<li>Snorkeling equipment</li>
<li>Bike rentals</li>
<li>Covered Cabanas</li>
<li>Massage Cabanas</li>
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Castaway Cay even has its own post office, where passengers can drop a letter or postcard that will have a Castaway Cay postmark on it.<br />
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This is a fun atmosphere, with strategically placed items everywhere, all tying into the Castaway theme. Come join in the fun!<br />
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To book your Disney Cruise, give me a call and I'll help you plan your vacation of a lifetime. Contact Michelle at <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a> or 210-858-6399.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-55581577800320342012-05-15T18:54:00.003-07:002012-05-15T18:54:30.203-07:00Alaska Awaits You and Your Family<span style="font-family: Arial;">A</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> cruise to Alaska is a showcase for the splendor of nature and a terrific cruise destination for multi-generational family groups. Everyone from toddlers to great-grandparents will be awed by the majestic scenery, which ranges from lush coastal rainforests to massive glaciers that send newborn icebergs crashing into the sea. The wildlife is just as impressive: kids, teens, adults and seniors can all delight in watching a family of bears moving along the shore or seeing a herd of whales surface in the water.<br /> <br />And, each port of call in Alaska offers fun activities for a family to share, such as panning for gold, learning about totem pole carving or taking a wildlife tour to see bald eagles, sea lions, seals and sea otters.<br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">If your family wants to explore what lies beyond the stunning coastline of Alaska, consider taking a cruisetour. A cruisetour combines a cruise ship voyage with a land-based tour of Alaska’s interior, providing a wonderful way to see more of this vast and fascinating state.<br /> <br />Princess Cruises offers a variety of cruisetours with as much or as little structure as your family wants. For example, The "On Your Own” cruisetour combines a seven-day cruise with a stay at one or more of the Princess Lodges located in Alaska’s scenic national parks; there’s no scheduled sightseeing, so you can set your own daily itinerary. Additional cruisetour options combine a cruise with Princess’ "Direct to the Wilderness” rail service to Denali National Park, with anything from a narrated tour of the park to a fully escorted tour experience in Denali and beyond.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">The land portions of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruisetours are escorted by trained Adventure Specialists who can answer your family’s questions about the amazing sights of Alaska. Royal Caribbean will take you to the interior via deluxe motorcoaches and the Wilderness Express® train, which has luxurious glass-domed train cars that provide an exceptional view of the beauty around you.<br /> <br />Holland America Line provides Alaska cruisetour options sure to suit your family’s schedule, combining three-, four- or seven-day cruises with land tours of four to 13 days. Overland travel is via Holland America’s McKinley Explorer train and luxury motorcoaches, supplemented by water taxis in some locations. Holland America’s cruisetours feature Denali, but include out-of-the-ordinary destinations like historic Dawson City in the Yukon Territory.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /><br />To explore all of the options available for your family’s Alaska cruisetour adventure, call Michelle for a free consultation: 210-858-6399 or email: mjackson@cruiseholidays.com.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-27646859346390769162012-05-08T07:32:00.000-07:002012-05-08T07:32:36.209-07:00Are you using a Travel Agent? Time to start!In theory, travelers today have more information and booking capability at their fingertips than ever before. So, there's less need than ever to pay someone else to book your trip. But, with all of this possibility, comes added complication, especially given the dizzying, often counterintuitive ways that travel purchases are made nowadays.<br />
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With hidden fees, cancellation dates and penalties, name change fees, etc. there are many hidden pitfalls that travelers may not understand until it is too late. While some travelers love strategizing and searching endlessly to try to "beat the system:", many understandably don't want to be bothered.<br />
<br />
As a travel agent who takes each client on as a personal friend, I strive to make the experience of plannin and researching a vacation stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved. With little to no booking fees (based on the clients needs), you can know that I will work hard to cross the t's and dot the i's, while you sit back and plan your packing list.<br />
<br />
Contact me for quotes on upcoming travel packages: <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-73993656422749246082012-04-20T08:08:00.000-07:002012-04-20T08:08:38.600-07:00An Unforgettable Vacation Doesn't Just HappenAlthough I always say that the vacations my family remembers most are the ones where not everything goes perfectly, I still work hard to try to make that happen. As an experienced cruise and travel agent, I work hard every day to try to make sure that my clients vacations are full of great experiences and create wonderful memories. <br />
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The following article is made up of stories and pictures from my friends and associates at Cruise Holidays.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A picture is worth a thousand words, so in this post we’d like to let images do the talking. They’re all courtesy of Cruise Holidays travel experts from across the United States and Canada. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It’s the same reason you ask friends and family if they’ve been to the same place you’re hoping to visit. You want to know where to stay, where the best sights are, and the can’t-miss lunch or dinner spots. Cruise Holidays agents have cruised the world and want to share that type of insider knowledge with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Take these three examples:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Money Saving Tips and Tricks – A Whale of a Discount</strong></span></h3>
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<a href="http://cruisesource.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/David-Rentsch-Whale-Watching-Cabo-Spring-2012.jpg"><img alt="Breaching Whale" class="size-medium wp-image-6393" height="199" src="http://cruisesource.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/David-Rentsch-Whale-Watching-Cabo-Spring-2012-300x199.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Whale Watching in Cabo</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Our experts at Cruise Holidays of Shelby (Michigan) took these</span><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=398317030179556&set=a.398315016846424.96513.115639951780600&type=1&theater%3Futm_source=cruisesource&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=april#!/media/set/?set=a.398315016846424.96513.115639951780600&type=1" target="_blank" title="Cabo Whale Watching Photos "><span style="color: #1835f2;">whale watching photos</span></a> </span></strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">during an excursion of a 7-night Mexican Riviera Cruise. The owner, David Rentsch, had done a snorkeling excursion with this tour company in 2011, so when he returned for whale watching this spring, he was able to use the connections he’d made to obtain a discount for the group he was traveling with. These types of connections happen frequently with travel agents. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">According to David, it was a trip they won’t soon forget:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">“My family and I enjoy whale watching and I have been fortunate to have been on whale watch excursions in Hawaii numerous times, Alaska and now in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I have seen most all of their behaviors like breaches, head slaps, fluke ups, tails slapping, tail dives, and even once saw a humpback whale calf playing with dolphins. What stood out about this sighting is that the whale breached about five times in a row while we were following his movements for about 20 minutes. As you can see from the pictures, it also exhibited almost all of the other behaviors as well.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">David added that they witnessed this activity at the end of March, near the end of prime whale viewing season in Cabo. These are the little details you don’t want to leave to chance, which a travel expert can help you with!</span><br />
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<a href="http://cruisesource.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Rob-Clabbers-Uniworld-Danube-Budapest-Parliament.jpg"><img alt="Budapest Parliament" class=" wp-image-6394" height="187" src="http://cruisesource.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Rob-Clabbers-Uniworld-Danube-Budapest-Parliament-225x300.jpg" width="162" /></a><br />
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The Budapest Parliament During a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>On the Forefront of the River Cruising Boom</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Several Cruise Holidays experts created a Facebook album sharing </span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150635017587967.384914.63857717966&type=1" target="_blank" title="River Cruise Photos"><span style="color: #1835f2;">river cruise photos</span></a></span></span></strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> through some of Europe’s most beautiful and historic sites. You can enjoy Scenic “Sound of Music” Salzburg, Tulip Time in The Netherlands, and dozens of other inspiring photos from along the Rhine, Danube and more. Each photo contains a link to the travel expert who took the photo if you want to learn more about that destination or river cruise.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><strong>Curious About a Ship? Ask Us.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally, with more than 200 Cruise Holidays locations across North America and even Great Britain, there’s a very good chance that they’ve been on the ships you’re most curious about. They frequently are among the very first people to experience and inspect new ships, so they can better educate their clients which ship is right for them. On any given day, they might be on a ship you’re curious about. Here are a few photos recently taken by Cruise Holidays of Calgary aboard </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150733113582486.430073.236634982485&type=1?utm_source=cruisesource&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=april" target="_blank" title="Celebrity Eclipse"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1835f2;">Celebrity Eclipse</span></span></a></strong></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">, a ship that debuted in 2010 and is very popular for those who are looking for an upscale, contemporary cruise experience.</span><br />
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<a href="http://cruisesource.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Celebrty-Eclipse-Pool-Deck-CH-of-Calgary.jpg"><img alt="Celebrity Eclipse Pool Deck" class="size-medium wp-image-6398" height="200" src="http://cruisesource.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Celebrty-Eclipse-Pool-Deck-CH-of-Calgary-300x200.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Celebrity Eclipse Pool Deck</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don’t miss out on the insider expertise that can take your trip to the next level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The next time you’re curious about a ship or destination, contact Michelle Jackson - Cruise Holidays Maricopa - <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a> OR 210-858-6399. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-81010159378299469362012-03-30T07:57:00.001-07:002012-03-30T07:57:19.921-07:00A New Face of Rhapsody One of Royal Caribbean's oldest ships, the 1,998-passenger Rhapsody of the Seas, has emerged from a month-long, $54 million makeover that the line says has transformed it into a "virtually new" vessel.<br />
The top-to-bottom overhaul in a Singapore shipyard brought the 78,491-ton Rhapsody of the Seas a number of new venues that have debuted on newer Royal Caribbean ships including five of the line's most popular restaurant concepts and a nursery for babies as young as 6 months old.<br />
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The line also added the infrastructure needed to support a new aerial show in the ship's five-deck-high Centrum atrium; a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members; a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests; shipwide Wi-Fi; and an outdoor LED movie screen on the pool deck. In addition, all cabins were completely refreshed and received new flat-screen televisions.<br />
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The new eateries include Italian trattoria Giovanni's Table and Izumi Asian Cuisine -- both concepts that first rolled out on Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships. Also new is a Park Cafe deli-style restaurant (another Oasis class innovation), a Chop's Grille steakhouse and a 14-passenger Chef's Table. All but the Park Cafe come with an extra charge.<br />
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The makeover also brought a new atrium bar concept called R Bar first introduced onboard Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas, and the line also overhauled the ship's iconic Viking Crown Lounge.<br />
Rhapsody of the Seas this week will embark on a 15-night voyage from Singapore to Sydney before sailing across the Pacific via Hawaii to Alaska for the summer season. In Alaska, Rhapsody of the Seas will sail every Friday on seven-night, round-trip cruises from Seattle, calling at Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, B.C.<br />
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Built at the Chantiers de L'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, the 14-year-old Rhapsody of the Seas set sail on its maiden voyage on May 19, 1997.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-57408896801592253742012-03-21T10:16:00.000-07:002012-03-21T10:16:47.419-07:00Treasures of Machu Picchu<div class="byline" sizcache="8" sizset="32">
<span class="byline">By Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times</span> <div class="date" sizcache="8" sizset="33">
<span class="dateString">March 18, 2012</span></div>
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Reporting from Cuzco, Peru — — </div>
As many a Peruvian traveler can tell you, climbing Machu Picchu is easy, especially if you take one of those tourist buses that do most of the work. It's embracing Cuzco that can be hard.<br />
Cuzco (often spelled Cusco) usually is the Peruvian city you fly into before catching the train through the Sacred Valley to those famous mountaintop ruins at Machu Picchu. But Cuzco is much more than a gateway.<br />
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In the 15th century, it was the capital of the Incan empire, a wealthy city whose stone buildings, which still form the skeleton of the city, were chiseled and placed with astounding precision. Then in 1533, with the Incas weakened by civil war, Spanish soldiers showed up with rifles and horses to grab the gold and silver and slay those who resisted. They built a colonial capital atop the Incan city, constructing Catholic churches over the most revered Incan temples. Spain ruled until <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/intl/peru-PLGEO00000138.topic" id="PLGEO00000138" title="Peru">Peru</a> won independence in the 1820s.</div>
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Nowadays, the city's population is 300,000 to 400,000, a blend of Spanish and native Quechua bloodlines, and Cuzco's stone skeleton is enveloped in one of the most muscular tourist economies in all of South America. Catering to jet-setters and backpackers alike, the city hums with swishy restaurants, cheap hostels, upscale boutiques, tacky souvenir shops and hundreds of posh hotel rooms, yet you still see campesinos bearing sheaves of barley or peddling embroidery on street corners. When the Southern Hemisphere's <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/arts-culture/culture/winter-solstice-EVFES000081.topic" id="EVFES000081" title="Winter Solstice">winter solstice</a> arrives each June, revelers take to the streets for the Inti Raymi festival, a scene that looks like <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/arts-culture/holidays/mardi-gras-EVFES0000047.topic" id="EVFES0000047" title="Mardi Gras">Mardi Gras</a> with llamas.</div>
Cuzco is not for the faint of heart or lungs, nor for the traveler who wants everything easy, tidy and genteel. Not only does it stand between you and that beloved Incan mountaintop, but it also stands about 11,000 feet above sea level — about 3,000 feet taller than Machu Picchu — because of the tilt of the Sacred Valley.<br />
"That causes a very interesting situation in your body," guide Enrique Medina reminded me soon after my arrival in May. "Take it easy, have a coca tea and drink a lot of water."<br />
And while you're at it, tune out the fast-talking touts and peddlers who will otherwise mar your views of native Cuzco, colonial Cuzco and even crossroads Cuzco.<br />
This was my third visit to Cuzco in 24 years. I came home with these lessons in mind.<br />
<strong>The streets and the museums deserve equal time.</strong><br />
History is so alive in the city's streets, among the throngs at the San Pedro Market and at the sprawling Sacsayhuaman ruins, it might seem a shame to spend too many hours indoors. But especially when Cuzco gets cold, you can't ignore Qorikancha (also spelled Coricancha), the former Incan headquarters that was later converted into the Convento de Santo Domingo de Cuzco or the Monastery of Santa Catalina, whose 13 remaining nuns may be outnumbered by the mannequins on display.<br />
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The same goes for the elegant Museo de Arte Precolumbino, or MAP, and the larger but humbler Inka Museum. Also, authorities last year announced plans to display hundreds of Machu Picchu artifacts, collected by explorer <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/arts-culture/hiram-bingham-PEHST000215.topic" id="PEHST000215" title="Hiram Bingham">Hiram Bingham</a>, in the Casa Concha mansion on Santa Catalina Ancha Street, but the timetable remains unclear.</div>
<strong>Eat your potatoes.</strong><br />
Nobody knows more than the chefs of Cuzco about potatoes, corn, alpaca or cui (a.k.a. cuy, a.k.a. guinea pig). On the courtyard of the Pacha Papa restaurant, you listen to a harpist while digging into an alpaca brochette.<br />
At the MAP Café, the kitchen mixes traditional and molecular cuisine, which in my case resulted in too-sweet gazpacho followed by a tasty salmon main course. At Chicha, a pricey, busy upstairs restaurant opened in 2009 by Peruvian celebrity chef Gaston Acurio, great pork medallions await.<br />
<strong>See Barrio San Blas, and think about sleeping there.</strong><br />
Stand in the Plaza de Armas. Turn toward the nearest hill and march past the cathedral and up the narrow, cobblestoned street. For a hearty breakfast or lunch in the company of backpackers from around the planet, pause at Jack's Café on Choquechaka Street.<br />
Then continue, and in no time you'll be in San Blas, a hillside barrio that spills down to the plaza and where global visitors mingle with Cuzco's artistic types. Grab a snack at the tiny, orange-walled Café de Mama Oli (199 Plazoleta Nazarenas), and peek at the lobby of the Hotel Monasterio, where rates routinely run $400 and up a night. This old monastery, built in the 1590s, was converted 47 years ago into a lodging with two courtyards and museum-worthy art. (If you go in March, stay three nights and pay upfront, you can get rooms here for as little as $235.) Then have a look at the Amaru Hostal, a block away, with pleasant, modest rooms for about $50 a night. (I wish I'd slept there instead of at the Andina Classic Cuzco Plaza, where I paid about $140 for a tiny room.)<br />
<strong>Beware the plaza, behold the cathedral.</strong><br />
In pictures, the Plaza de Armas looks great — a big sun-splashed rectangle with fountains and grass and strolling vendors and benches for weary travelers. Up close, it's just as pretty, but it can be a sort of battlefield. To cross it, you'll need to fend off the school-aged girls selling woven goods and massages, school-aged boys shining shoes and forcefully hawking little paintings that will never hang in the Hotel Monasterio. If you don't want to buy, avoid eye contact and get into that big, brooding building with the green doors, the cathedral.<br />
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Begun in the 1550s and completed in the 1660s, it includes a 25-foot-high "Last Supper" painting by Marcos Zapata behind the main altar. Look closely and you'll see Christ and his disciples sitting before plates of roasted vizcacha (comparable to chinchilla). You'll also see a chapel dedicated to Our Lord of the Earthquakes, not a surprise, given that major quakes struck the city in 1650 and 1950</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-8421243170066500872012-03-19T12:23:00.000-07:002012-03-19T12:23:51.264-07:00Alaska and Disney - What a Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alaska is one of the top destinations for cruisers. Families are becoming increasingly popular in a region that in the past has shown a majority of older, more established couples. Disney Cruise Line will be joined in Seattle by Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises. Don't be surprised if you now start running into Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse on the Seattle Waterfront. But, enjoy it while you can - next year, Disney will move to Vancouver.<br />
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Disney will offer 15 sailings this summer from Seattle with stops at the Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as the Canadian city of Victoria. Disney will be offering some fun extras this year as well. Kids can pan gold with Donald Duck in Ketchikan, soar over the Juneau Ice Field by helicopter, land on a glacier, and help prepare the sled dogs for mushing.<br />
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Whether you are aiming for a high-adventure, fun-filled cruise or a relaxed and luxurious experience, I can help you cross this fabulous destination off of your bucket list.<br />
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Contact Michelle at 210-858-6399 or <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-47936059825616941322012-02-27T19:29:00.002-07:002012-02-27T19:29:58.439-07:00Alaska - The Last Frontier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I cruise to Alaska every summer and it has become the highlight of my year. Some people think once you've been there, done it - why go again? I can honestly say it is the most relaxing, beautiful and exciting cruise destination I have been to - and I cruise several times a year.</div>
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While Alaska has approximately 300 days of rain per year, the summers in this beautiful region are perfect to me. The weather can change in an instant, from rainy and chilly to sunny and warm. My best advice? Dress in layers!<br />
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Eagles are plentiful here. Look at the trees and if you see a golf ball, that's an eagle. It is so wonderful to see them sitting together in pairs, or protecting their nests. When they soar past the ship, they are definitely a sight to behold. I've also seen whales, dolphins, salmon, sea otters, sea lions here. Sadly, I've not yet seen a bear, although many people have. I just never seem to be looking in the right direction.<br />
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Another amazing thing in Alaska is the glaciers. I've flown over them, landed on them, walked on them, and seen them from a ship. No matter how I see them, they are glorious and fantastic. Hearing the crackling sounds and watching them break off and fall into the waters below.</div>
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I will return to Alaska in a few short months, happy to leave the 100 degree temps behind and welcome the beautiful natural scenery of the Pacific Northwest.</div>
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If you would like to join me in Alaska, or go on your own, please let me know.</div>
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Michelle Jackson - Cruise Holidays</div>
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(210) 858-6399</div>
<a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays.com">mjackson@cruiseholidays.com</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-85075629516933516712012-02-16T10:24:00.001-07:002012-02-16T10:24:34.499-07:00River Cruising - Another way to travel!River Cruising is the up and coming way to travel. There are many great companies out there, each with their own plethora of amenities and benefits. So, what is so "HOT" about River Cruising?<br />
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River Cruising is a much more relaxing and calm atmosphere as opposed to the activity, fun-filled ocean liners. Both are great vacations and can be enjoyed by everyone. River ships provide an intimate atmosphere with a huge amount of culture. Most river cruise passengers have and still do sail on ocean liners. River cruising provides them the opportunity to cruise on a smaller ship, usually carrying less than 200 passengers, as well as pulling right up into the port of small European towns.<br />
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One bonus of river cruising is that shore excursions are most often included in the price, including an experienced tour guide.<br />
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River ships are limited in their height due to the locks and low bridges they encounter along their journey. But, every cabin has a view and in fact, most new ships are offering larger cabins with balconies and suites. <br />
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In comparison to the large ocean liners, which host rock-walls, several swimming pools and whirlpools, etc., river ships have limited public space, but still provide some areas to hang out indoors and out on the sun deck. <br />
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The most popular river cruising is in Europe, especially the Danube and the Rhine. Other popular destinations include Russia's Volga, China's Yangtzee, and Egypt's Nile. The Mekong, between Vietnam and Cambodia, is increasing in interest and the Mississippi River Cruises will begin again this year.<br />
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The new river ships for 2012 are:<br />
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Viking River Cruises: This cruise line is debuting four innovative, energy-efficient "Longships" beginning in March. These ships offer suites with separate bedrooms and living rooms; 3/4 of the cabins have full balconies or French balconies, or both.<br />
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Uniworld: The new 60-passenger River Saigon began operating on the Mekong in January. This ship features 30 cabins, all with French doors that open onto a spacious promenade, with a pillow menu and massage room.<br />
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AmaWaterways: AmaWaterways will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with the debut of the 164-passenger AmaCerto in April. Most cabins will have Twin balconies, which is a combination of a French balcony and a step-out balcony. This ship also features a pool with "swim-up" bar.<br />
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Avalon: In March, we will see the new 166-passenger Avalon Vista and the 128-passenger Avalon Visionary. Both are "Suite Ships". These ships will sail the Danube, Rhine and Main Rivers.<br />
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American Cruise Lines: The new 140-passenger Queen of the Mississippi is currently under construction and will debut in August. This ship will be a sternwheeler and will take us back to the Victorian splendor of past Mississippi riverboats. The ship will sail up the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, with fabulous stops in ports such as Memphis, St. Louis, and New Orleans.<br />
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If you are interested in more information regarding River Cruising or any other travel related options, please email me at <a href="mailto:mjackson@cruiseholidays">mjackson@cruiseholidays</a> or call me at 210-858-6399.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785628820135648407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215686160266403676.post-16614249873487264992012-01-28T18:32:00.000-07:002012-01-28T18:32:01.067-07:00Best Cruise Ships of 2012As you prepare to cruise in 2012, read about the top rated ships for the year - rated by Frommers. Which will you board?<br />
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Ships of the Future: Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class<br />
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Royal Caribbean's 5,400 passenger sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are more than just the biggest cruise ships ever. They're also the best designed, most imaginative, most experentially diverse, and most forward-thinking megaships out there - they're living up to the cliche of being "cities at sea".<br />
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Beauty Queens: Celebrity's Solstice Class<br />
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Introduced in consecutive years, from 2008 to 2011, the 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse and Silhouette are the most stylish megaships ever built. Outside, their form is both massive and sleek, while inside a unifying high-end aesthetic ties the many moods and experiences of their public rooms into a satisfying whole. <br />
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Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy<br />
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Disney Cruise Line's 2,500 passenger Disney Dream (launched in 2011) and her soon-to launch sister ship Disney Fantasy (debuting in February 2012) are the first new ships Disney has debuted since 1998's Disney Magic and 1999's Disney Wonder - and they're totally worth the wait. As elegantly designed, entertainingly whimsical, and functionally practical as their older fleetmates, they also offer to raise the bar with more space (they're about 50% larger, more and larger kids' facilities, more dining options, more adults-only retreats, more high-tech wizardry, while still retaining that classic Disney mix of old-time nostalgia and wide-eyed, childhood wonder, all wrapped up in an operation that ticks like a Swiss watch.<br />
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Bringing Back the Mississippi: Great American Steamboat Company's American Queen<br />
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Beginning in mid-April 2012, the 436-passenger American Queen will be again sailing the Mississippi River. American Queen is the largest stern-wheeler ever built - a grand wedding cake of filigree and curlicues crowned with two huge fluted smokestacks. Ornamentation and decoration are everywhere, framing an assortment of vintage period furniture and antiques. She looks so authentically 19th century that it's hard to imagine she was actually built in 1995.<br />
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Refined Relaxation: Seabourn's Odyssey Class<br />
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The 450-passenger sister ships Seabourn Odyssey (launched in 2009), Seabourn Sojourn (2010) and Seabourn Quest (2011) update the classic Seabourn experience, whose watchwords have always been calm, relaxing, smoothe and uber-professional. Like all the Seabourn ships (and all true luxury ships), they're less about knocking passengers over the head with gimmick and nonstop activity. Instead, the Seabourn experience is more about providing a relaxing venue as staff members scurry around bringing you things: a cup of tea and a cucumber sandwich in the afternoon, suntan lotion while you're out by the pool, a drink when you want from the bar (gratis), and even a moist wipe for your sunglasses, if a server spots a smudge.<br />
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The Entertainment Ship: NCL's Norwegian Epic<br />
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Though not even close to being a perfectly conceived and executed vessel, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic makes this list for three reasons: 1) Along with Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, she's the best ship at sea for entertainment, featuring innovative production shows, fantastic music, and best of all, performances by the Blue Man Group; 2) she offers NCL fun, casual, unconventional experience; and 3) she's the best ship today for solo travelers (128 super-mod cabins are designed for hipsters traveling alone).<br />
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Midsize, MidMarket Luxury: Oceania's Marina Class<br />
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We live in the era of the super-megaship, with new vessels carrying 3,000 or 4,000 passengersand drawing crowds through big-budget wow. Oceania's 1,250-passenger Marina (launched in early 2011) and upcoming sister-ship Riviera (launching in May 2012), on the other hand, hark back to an earlier era of cruising, when you could walk from bow to stern without breaking a sweat and where the vibe was more quiet romance than blockbuster adventure.<br />
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The Finest of the Fine: Silversea's Silver Spirit<br />
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Launched in December 2009, Silver Spirit was Silversea's first new ship in nearly a decade. And like Seabourn's Odyssey-class ships, it represents a refinement of the line's already refined experience. She's 27% larger than Silversea's previous generation of ships, and the luxury line has taken advantage of this space to add new dining options (six restaurants in total, including a supper club and a Japanese venue), an 8,300 square-foot spa, a greater percentage of stateroom verandas (95% of the ship's staterooms have 'em) and new lounges - all while giving passengers a huge amount of personal space.<br />
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Casual Luxury: SeaDream Yacht Club's SeaDream I & SeaDream II<br />
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If Seabourn and Oceania are the Fortune 500-style of luxury cruising, SeaDream represents the Steve Jobs model in a turtleneck-and-jeans kind of way. Dress codes on SeaDream I and SeaDream II steer clear of the traditional tux and sequins dress up night by favoring "yacht casual wear" - jackets for men, perhaps, but never ties. Itineraries are designed to favor small yachting ports, and the ships often stay late or overnight in port to give passengers an opportunity for nightlife.<br />
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Mass-Market Fun: Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel Class<br />
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The 2,390-passenger Norwegian Jewel, Jade, Pearl and Gem - some of today's most fun and contemporary ships at sea - are the ideal megaships for Generations X and Y. Each ship has a super-social atmosphere, creative decor, 10 restaurants (from teppanyaki to Tex-Mex), and music and pop culture references tailored to a surprisingly youngish demographic.<br />
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Fun Ship 2.0: Carnival's Carnival Breeze<br />
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The third of three sister-ships, the 3,646 passenger Carnival Breeze will stand out by being the first Carnival vessel purpose-built to showcase the line's new "Fun Ship 2.0" initiative, which aims to transform its onboard experience for a new era of mass-market cruising. Fun Ship 2.0 will add a poolside burger joint created by spikey-haired restaurateur and Food Network star Guy Fieri; a sports bar created in partnership with videogame maker EA Sports; a Mexican Cantina bar; a comedy club concept created with comedian and TV personality George Lopez; a pharmacy-themed bar prescribing cocktails custom-made for what ails ya, and more.<br />
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A New Lease on Life: Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas<br />
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Launched in 2001, the 2,100 passenger Radiance of the Seas has always been a particularly good-looking ship, with an open, airy feel that belies her relatively large size. Still, an 11-year old vessel normally doesn't make a best of the year list - and this one wouldn't have either, had Royal Caribbean not sent Radiance to British Columbia's Victoria Shipyards last summer for a nearly tip-to-toe rebuilding so radical that it practically amounted to a relaunch.<br />
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