Honeymooning on a Cruise Ship

Each year, thousands of couples make the decision to get married. If you are planning on becoming one of those individuals, then it is likely that you and your new spouse will plan a honeymoon. When it comes to selecting a honeymoon destination, you have a number of options to choose from.

Honeymoons are often thought of as vacations. In a way, the only difference between a family vacation and a honeymoon is romance and the lack of children. Honeymoons are supposed to a fun, exciting, memorable, but private time. Instead of vacationing with the whole family, a honeymoon often only involves the bride and groom.

As previously mentioned, you have a number of different options when it comes to planning your honeymoon. Many newlyweds schedule their honeymoons at popular beaches, ski resorts, or other secluded areas. Did you know that you can also have a honeymoon aboard a cruise ship? Cruise ships are increasing in popularity, but still many individuals do not consider them as a vacation option.

One of the reasons why cruise ships are rarely thought about when selecting a vacation destination, let alone a honeymoon, is because of their cost. It is no secret that cruise ship tickets are expensive, but this cost should not prevent you from having the perfect honeymoon to go along with the wedding of your dreams. If you are concerned with the cost, you can opt for a lower category cabin and still enjoy all of the wonderful aminities on the ship.

It is important to examine the activities available onboard and the length of the cruise. The longer the cruise and the more services available, the more expensive the cruises are likely to be. If you take the time to figure out all the services that are included and the cost of overnight accommodations, you may see that cruises aren’t all that expensive after all.

Once you have made the decision to spend your honeymoon aboard a cruise ship, you will have to book reservations.   For your honeymoon you  may want to search for cruise ships that have romantic settings and romantic destinations.

When examining cruise ship destinations, you may want to take into consideration the possibility for romance at each destination. Since your honeymoon is supposed to be a romantic and relaxing time, you will want to select an environment that will keep those feelings alive. Cruise ship destinations are located all around the world. Popular destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico. To find the perfect honeymoon cruise, you are encouraged to select a cruise that offers stops at destinations of your choice.

In addition to taking cruise ship destinations into consideration, you are also encouraged to examine the type of cruise that you wish to set sail on. Multiple cruise lines have ships that are targeted to specific groups of individuals. These cruises often include cruises for adventure lovers, the whole family, or couples. As a couple, you should be welcome on any cruise. If you are looking for a private, romantic, and intimate setting, you may want to avoided cruises that are targeted for family vacations.

Before booking your honeymoon trip on a particular cruise ship, you are urged to examine want you want and need out of your trip. Doing so will enable you to select the perfect cruise ship for you and your new spouse.

Please contact us  and we will be delighted to help you find the perfect cruise or other vacation for your honeymoon.

GREAT SNOWFALL FOR WORLD CUP SNOWBOARD COMPETITION

Colorado had some heavy snowfalls recently, and Telluride, Colorado already has a 32″ base.  Crews are already working the mountains to prepare it for the opening on November 24 and to ensure that they are ready to welcome the WORLD CUP SNOWBOARD COMPETITION, December 18-20.  This will be the final qualifying event before the Winter Olympics! 

Telluride is the sole U.S. stop of the LG sponsored FIS (International Ski Federation) Snowboard World Cup and will feature both SBX (snowboardcross) and PGS (parallel giant slalom) competitions during the second in a series of five Olympic qualification events for the two disciplines.

If you would like to take your family skiing or snowboarding, Telluride would be a great family vacation.

Best Holiday Travel Tips

Christmas Travel Tips. 

So you want to go visit Grandma for the holidays while having a wonderful trip with your kids.

Here are a few holiday travel tips to help you do that.

1)     Plan ahead.  Schedule your flights, hotels and car reservations as much in advance as possible.  Prices escalate during the holidays because of greater demand.  And book direct flights, if possible, because every time you make a connection you chance something going wrong because of weather delays or other circumstances.

2)     Expect the unexpected.  Airlines overbook all during the year, but especially during the holidays which are busy travel days.  Book flights early in the day and arrive early, very early.  This will help with a couple of things.  When you book an early flight if you get bumped there will be other flights you can take.  If you book a late flight, then you may get stranded until the next day.  And when you are one of the first ones to check in you are less likely to get bumped.

3)     Avoid peak travel days.  Try to travel 2 days prior to the holiday or on the holiday itself.  They day before the holiday is the highest travel day.

4)     Getting to the airport.  If you live very far from the airport you may want to stay at an airport hotel the night before.  Most airport hotels have shuttles that will take you to the airport and you can leave your car at the hotel and not have to pay the airport parking fees.  Check with your hotel for details, but if you are going to be gone several days the cost of the hotel may not be much more than paying for parking while you are gone.  Or if you live close to the airport, try to have a neighbor take you to the airport or take an airport shuttle so you do not have to find a parking spot as the parking lots fill up during the holidays.

5)     Pack light.  The overhead bins will fill up during holiday travel so ship as much as you can to your relatives’ house as you can.  Remember to ship it at least 3 weeks prior to make sure it arrives on time.    And do not take wrapped gifts on board, you will not get through security with wrapped gifts.

6)     Kids activities.   Let each child bring a back pack that they can carry and will fit easily under the seat.  They can pack with their favorite activity and snack to keep them occupied.      

7)     Secure your home.  Make sure to stop you mail or have a neighbor pick it and your newspapers up.  Invest in timers to have your lights go on and off so it looks like someone is home.

8)     Most important. Take a good attitude.  Be prepared for setbacks and, especially with kids, remember that boredom is your enemy and get the cards out and play games.    Waiting can be a fun family time with just a little planning.

So plan ahead, go with the flow and make those wonderful holiday memories that will last forever.

Disney Cruise Line in Alaska

Disney Cruise Line is sailing Alaska for the first time in their history. This will be a wonderful cruise for family vacations or for all who like the Disney fashion of service  

Disney will offer seven-night Alaskan cruises for the 2011 summer season.  The Disney Wonder will departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, and sail to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

The Disney Cruise to Alaska will depart on May 3, 2011, and the last cruise of the season will depart August 30, 2011.  Rates for the new itinerary start at $939 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.   

Alaska is known for its rugged grandeur and unspoiled natural beauty.  Alaska is for those of us with an adventurous spirit —those who enjoy historic mining towns, awe-inspiring glaciers and breathtaking natural beauty. This will be a great way for a family to see Alaska in the magical Disney style.  Contact us  to plan this magical Disney Cruise Alaska adventure for your family vacation of just for yourself.

Oasis of the Seas is on the Way

The Oasis of the Seas has run into some strong winds and high waves while crossing the North Atlantic Ocean on its way to Port Everglades. So now the Oasis of the Seas is scheduled to arrive at Port Everglades on the morning of November 13, 2009, two days later than originally scheduled. Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, it spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis
of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail weekly from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort
Lauderdale, Fla.
This incredible ship has some very unique things to do. One is decorating cupcakes at The Cupcake Cupboard, located in the Royal Promenade with the entire family. And make sure to check out the amazing AquaTheater – a pool by day, a spectacular sea-side stage at night – to incredible ice-skating shows, stand-up comedy shows and the Tony Award-Winning Broadway musical Hairspray, you’ll be constantly wowed with Oasis of the Seas’s extravagant onboard entertainment.
More options? How about a fun-filled zone for all ages, taking up an entire deck with multiple pools, rock-climbing walls, miniature golf, ping-pong, two FlowRiders® and a basketball court. All this, plus amazing views of Boardwalk and Central Park below.
Choose from four pools: the H2O Zone, where kids can enjoy a giant octopus with its water-spraying tentacles and a separate wading pool for infants and toddlers; the sports pool, dedicated for laps and waterspouts; or the new beach pool, with a sloped entry that simulates wading into the ocean. Or bask by the traditional pool, with more sun loungers than any other ship afloat.
When you’ve worked up a thirst, stop by one of four bars, or retreat to cool off in our grandest Solarium yet. Surrounded by glass and standing two decks high, this is the perfect place for adults to relax. The new Solarium Bistro offers sit-down dining areas with healthy entrees and at night it transforms into a unique specialty restaurant.
And don’t miss the ultimate, spine-tingling rush – riding on the Zip Line! There’s nothing like zooming over the BoardwalkSM, a mere nine decks below.
When you have a craving for something sweet visit the Donut Shop or the 1950’s style Ice Cream Parlor.
The Oasis of the Seas if the first to offer My Family Time Dining which accommodates parents and children by offering an expedited 40-minute dining service for young cruisers, ages 3-11.
Ready to go?  Contact us  and we will have you on your way in not time.

Researching Your Cruise Ship Options

Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to book a cruise getaway.  When it comes to vacationing aboard a cruise ship, you are presented with an unlimited number of options.  There are a large number of cruise lines that operate numerous cruise ships.  In fact, there are so many cruise ships available that many individuals, maybe even yourself included, do not know where to start. Please contact us and we will be happy to help you find the cruise that is perfect for you.

The first step in planning a cruise vacation is making the decision to take one.  Traveling aboard a cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience, but it is not for everyone.  Most cruise ship cabins are not as large as small hotel rooms.  You will need to decide what type of cruise cabin is right for you.  If the first thing you do when you wake up is to open your curtains and look out your window, then you will want to make sure you have, at least, an outside cabin which has a window.  If you like to sit on your patio in the morning and have your coffee or juice before you get dressed, a balcony cabin is what you would want.  However, if you wake up in the morning, get dressed right away and never go back to your room and you need to watch your budget then an inside cabin which will not have a window would be perfect for you.  For those of you that like a nice spacious room, you will want to look into the mini suites and full size suites which will have a separate sitting room and normally more amenities.
If you have already decided that a cruise ship vacation is what you want, you will need to find a cruise ship that interests you. This is where many individuals develop a problem.  As previously mentioned, there are a number of different cruise lines. Each of these cruises lines operates a number of different cruise ships.  Each cruise ship is likely to travel to different destinations and offer different activities, services, and facilities.

When searching for the perfect cruise ship, you have numerous options.  Many travelers automatically start searching for the cruise ship of their dreams. Searching for a cruise ship is, in a way, different than searching for a cruise line.  If you do not have a preference as to which cruise ship line you’d like to travel with, it may be easier to search for cruises based on themes, destinations, or onboard activities.
Popular cruise lines, include Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruse Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and much more.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a great variety for families as well as couple.  Some of theri ships have rock climing walls, ice skating rinks and many other activities.  Just a few of their many cruise ships include Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas and the new Oasis of the Seas. With more than twenty-one cruise ships, you are sure to find what you are looking for with Royal Caribbean. You can go to http://besttraveltipsexpert.com/travel-booking to view their cruise itineraries.
Researching each cruise line and cruise ships, individually, may take time.  If you are pressed for time you can seek our assistance which  is the best way to find the perfect cruise ship for you and your family.

Last of Mediterranean Itinerary Trip

One of my favorite pictures that I have of our trip was of my husband and a friend we made on the cruise. They were standing at a corner, looking at a map trying to determine which way we should go. That summed up the days we set out on our own, we were always lost, wondering which way to go and stumbling upon the most fascinating places that we would have never found if we knew our way.

I hope to get back to this area one day, but if I don’t I have many wonderful memories and lots of pictures of beautiful ceiling of churches all over the Mediterranean.

More Mediterranean Itinerary Trip

In Venice the cruise stayed the night and it was still not enough time. Venice is indeed a one of a kind city, like a fantasy world you have never seen before. No cars, you walk everywhere or travel on the canals in a vaporetto (water bus) or if you want to feel special, take a gondola. We splurged and took a gondola ride and were even serenaded. The unique shops have local crafts like glass and lace or you can go to the island of Murano to visit the glass crafters in action or Burano where the ladies are making their lace creations. There is so much to see; the Grand Canal, St. Marks Square, Doge’s Palace, Accademia-just to name a few. I hated to leave Venice with so much more to see.
Dubrovnik, Croatia is a medieval fortress with stone walls up to twenty feet thick and these walls encircle the old town. There is only pedestrian traffic in this fascinating city. You can climb many steps to the top of the wall and walk around the entire city, which we did. The views from the wall were amazing, one way overlooking the ocean and the other way the city. We walked through the cobble stoned streets and marble-paved squares while seeing fountains and sculptures and beautiful churches.

Mediterranean Trip 1

Mediterranean Trip -
We started our trip with 2 wonderful days in Rome. We walked from our hotel to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. It was like being in a movie. Both were so marvelous that we didn’t even mind the crowds of people, especially at night with the lights that made it look doubly spectacular. The Colosseum was so impressive-for its elegant, enduring bulk, and its disturbing former function as a theater of slaughter. And one wonders how all of this was built A.D 72-80; how amazing. Of all we saw, the Pantheon, Roman Forum, Vatican; St Peter’s Basilica was by far the most impressive to me. The marble and gold that cover every surface and the masterpieces of Michaelangelo and others were breathtaking. I was kidded for taking so many pictures of ceilings, but it was so beautiful I couldn’t stop.

After we left Rome we boarded the Carnival Freedom for a 12 day cruise. It was wonderful to be able to see so many different areas and not have to pack and unpack every day-our bedroom just moved with us.

Our first stop was Naples where we had a tour guide who took us through one of the most scenic drives in the Mediterranean, with its cliff-clinging roads and spectacular views, the Amalfi coast. The seaside towns of Sorrento and Positano lie along this enchanting stretch of coast and we were able to stop and visit each of these. Sometimes we would gasp as we went around another curve just on the edge overlooking the bay and little towns below. After some shopping in these quaint little towns we arrived at Pompeii. Everyone reads and sees pictures of Pompeii, but being there is indescribable. We spent 2 very short hours there with a guide who had an unbelievable knowledge of every detail.
More to come on our trip…

Essential Things to Know for the 2010 Olympics

Essential Things to Know for the 2010 Olympics
Three cities are the heart of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Vancouver, British. Columbia, Canada is the main city for the Olympics. Richmond will have Olympic venues and Whistler is where the mountain venues will be held.
Two major improvements for visitors to be able to get around easier in the area are the Olympics the SkyTrain Transit system, which now provides service from the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond to the heart of downtown Vancouver, and upgrades to the Sea to Sky Highway, a major artery to Whistler.
Vancouver. The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, during the Olympics; the stadium will be a hub for celebration. In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies, the downtown venue will hold nightly victory ceremonies.
Curling is one of Canada’s favorite sports and the brand-new Vancouver Olympic/Paralympics’ Centre, built for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics’ Winter Games, is a 108,000-square-foot arena that will host the men’s and women’s curling tournament, as well as wheelchair curling during the Paralympics’ Games. Other existing Vancouver venues will host events during the Games. At the core of these venues is the Pacific Coliseum at Hastings Park, which will host figure skating and short-track speed skating events.
Cypress Mountain, which is bordering West Vancouver, will play host to freestyle skiing and snowboarding events during the Games.
Richmond. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Richmond’s Sea Island. About 25 minutes from Downtown Vancouver. Richmond is an official Venue City for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics’ Winter Games. Richmond will be home to the long track speed skating competition during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
The speed skating competition will be held at the new Richmond Olympic Oval, which officially opened on December 12, 2008. Twelve medal events will be held at the Oval over a 14-day period from February 13 to 27, 2010 with 36 medals to be awarded.
During the Games, the City will be transformed into an amalgamation of Olympic spirit, community pride, art, excitement and fun. Every inch of the City will be alive with activity, as international visitors join the citizens and volunteers in celebrating the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Whistler. The newly redone Sea to Sky Highway makes getting to Whistler easier than ever. The resort of Whistler, which grew with the hopes that the resort would one day host the Winter Olympic Games, will see its dreams come true. Whistler is home to three Olympic venues — the new Whistler Sliding Center, which will host the bobsled, luge and skeleton events; Whistler Creekside at Whistler Blackcomb, which will be used for men’s and women’s alpine skiing events including downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super-G and super combined; and the Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympics’ Park is the site for the biathlon and cross-country skiing.

With the Olympics fast approaching, a mini hotel boom has also taken place in Vancouver. Luxury options such as the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and the Sutton Place Hotel have now been joined by some prestigious new properties. The Loden Vancouver opened in 2008, followed by the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver in January. In the fall, the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel will open its doors and, in 2010, just before the Games, a new Fairmont, the Fairmont Pacific Rim, will debut.
An Olympic Visit
The one thing that tourism officials are emphasizing is that Vancouver is not only going to be one of the most accessible cities during the Olympics, but all sectors of tourism throughout the province are encouraging people to visit before and after the Games, as well.
At Cypress Mountain, only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, clients can ski and snowboard like an Olympian. Runs like Fork (on which a new Olympic event, the snowboard cross, will take place) and Trumpeter (which runs down what will become the snowboard parallel and giant slalom) will be available to visitors.
During the Games, celebrations will take place throughout the city. Nightly celebrations will occur at BC Place. The Robson Square – GE Ice Plaza outdoor ice rink will be open during the Olympic Games. In Yaletown, the David Lam Park Live Site will feature giant screens for event viewing, as well as a nightly laser light show and a water show. The park will also link to the new Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line for easy access. Larwill Park will be another live site and will feature giant screens, live performances and sponsor activities. The Francophone community is expected to make Granville Island a central gathering place. Bombardier, a Canadian aeronautical company, will offer a streetcar to shuttle visitors from the Olympic Village station on the Canada Line to the island.
One can expand their Olympic experience at the Cultural Olympiad’s many festivals and events. From Jan. 22 to March 21, you can see some of the best artists in the world in Vancouver. Canadian and international artists will take over the city showcasing a variety of artistic talent that will stretch the imagination. More than 600 free and ticketed performances will take place during 60 days of programming that will include world premieres and one-of-a-kind events.
Vancouver2010.com, the official Web site for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is a hub of information. The Web site serves as one of the best resources for information on ticketing, torch relays, the Cultural Olympiad, education programs and more. Tickets for all Olympic events can be purchased through the site.

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