posted by admin on May 11
Mystic Travel -Yangtze River Cruise
For those of you going on to China ( or already there) if your looking for something well - mystical - I recommend the Yangtze river cruise for sheer splendor and spectacle .
Go sometime in April when the weather is temperate. You’ll marvel at the mist in the morning surrounding the gorges that impose its majesty on its visitors. Bring a lap-top to ensure you have enough space for your pictures- your going to need it!
Your journey begins in Chongqding where you board the Victoria Katarina which will be your home for three lovely nights, this fine ship offers an array of shipboard amenities, including a lounge, panoramic observation deck, outdoor jacuzzi, fitness center and beauty salon. Cabins are well appointed and each has a private bath and balcony - perfect for viewing 120 miles of spectacular gorges as you float past the ancient cities and villages that dot the majestic Yangtze.
Along the way you’ll pass Shibouzhaou’s grand pagoda a breath taking monument built without the use of a single nail! Further on the demons in Fengdu’s rooftops regard you with an aspect from beyond -tales
of ghosts and specters are common in these areas-(not for the faint of heart)
Arrive in Wushun and cruise through the stunningly beautiful Three Lesser Gorges then continue to the site of the biggest dam in the world. You disembark in Yichang and nicely round off your trip by flying out to Beijing , Shanghai or Hong Kong for some shopping.
For more information about luxury cruises and mystical places to go hit up-
Visit http://www.deluxecruisenews.com
Franz von Muhlfeld
veteran traveller of over 40 years…
The Master of Design: Joe Farcus, Carnival Cruise Line's Ship Architect
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Who in the world came up with these ideas? Aboard the Carnival Celebration you’ll find yourself transported into the heyday of New Orleans Mardi Gras. On Fascination and Hollywood, you can step back into the golden era of ocean liners with vintage designs throughout the ships. But who thinks up and executes these amazing design plans? Joe Farcus, that’s who!
Joe Farcus is the ship architect for Carnival Cruise Lines. It is his vision passengers see each time they step foot onto a Fun Ship . Raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Farcus always fantasized about ships. His constant sketching of ocean liners was no doubt part of the reason he pursued an architectural degree. After graduation from the University of Florida in 1967, Farcus landed his first Carnival project - the redesign of the Carnivale - while employed for a local architectural firm.
Described as bold, daring and sometimes even brash, Farcus creates interior designs from his heart and his imagination. Working from an initial central concept, Farcus expands from idea to application, as his vision touches every part of the ship. From atriums to restaurants to staterooms, full control of the aesthetics of the ship is placed in the hands of this one man, as he gives each ship its own distinct personality.
Miracle is whimsical with an array of fictional characters splashed about throughout her common areas. Spirit is refined, featuring a Louis XIV-inspired casino and Chippendale Internet Caf . Destiny is dazzling and bright with a towering mirrored atrium elevator that stretches nine-decks high.
Where do the ideas come from? The Amber Palace show lounge (on Glory) was fashioned after the Amber Room in Russia while the Starry Night Jazz Club (aboard Pride) was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s painting of the same name.
What lies ahead for future ships? Freedom, set to debut in 2007, will carry a central theme of Decades Through the Centuries. From ancient Babylonia to the Victorian era to 1970s disco and beyond, passengers will walk through time, as they sail the sea. When asked about the concept, Farcus replied, “I thought it would be interesting to go back in time to find inspiration for the various public rooms. As always, I tried to use the function of the room to suggest how the room will reflect the central design idea.”
And other ships? What does Farcus hold in store for them? Splendor is slated to enter service in the fall of 2008, and Carnival has a super liner (yet to be named) under construction and scheduled for delivery in fall 2009. “I design each ship to tell a story, and it gives me great joy to be able to share these stories with guests.” So much so, in fact, that Carnival will soon be broadcasting videos aboard ship highlighting Joe Farcus and his design process.
With a seemingly never-ending supply of brilliant design concepts, Joe Farcus will surely continue to contribute to the fun that the Carnival Fun Ships have become so famous for.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a> from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a> and others.
Cruise Like James Bond
If your 45, male and a “gentleman” and your looking for a great cruise bargain, you may want to start brushing up on your charm or visit the nearest “finishing school” before booking your next cruise.
Why? there’s a volunteer dance program called Gentlemen Hosts. Operated by Lauretta Blake Of The Working Vacation, Inc.
Gentlemen Hosts recruits single men ages 45 and over to serve as dance/ social partners for single more mature ladies on cruise ships.
The Company counts Upscale Cruise Liners such as Cunard, Delta Queen Steamboat Company and Silversea as partner cruise liners.
As A “Gentleman Cruiser’ you are expected to be good dancers and excellent conversationalist - think Fred Astaire and Sean Connery
(ok, those dancing shoes might be a tad too big to fill- so work on your brogue instead) Watch your table manners and sorry - no romantic involvement with the ladies.
Gentleman Cruiser’s work about 50 hours a week - Dancing and socializing with guests for three to four hours a week, joining shipboard activities during the day, hosting tables at night and assisting with special events.
While a bit demanding - if your energetic, out-going and well - sociable - this my dashing man - could be your Job.
However it does have some start -up costs, these are:
$75 for a background check
$35 for a dance evaluation
$28 -$39 per day cruising
On the other hand some cruise lines give you a bar and laundry allowance and some will even allow the Gentlemen host to keep gratuities.
So if you Fancy yourself as the 007 of cruise liners - fix yourself a vodka martini ( shaken not stirred) and call 708-301-7535 or visit www.workingvacation.com
“For more insider tips and tricks on discount luxury cruising- visit
http://www.deluxecruisenews.com”
ll
How to enjoy Croatia ?
How to enjoy Croatia ? 1. Why Croatia ? Croatia is the closest Mediterranean destination to central Europe. It takes 2 hours by plane from London, 45 minutes from Munchen… Croatian natural beauties are significant and amongst the best preserved in the world ( over 5,800 km of coast, over 1,000 islands, numerous national parks … ). More about Croatia find on the official web site www.croatia.hr 2. How to Croatia ? Traveling by car you have to keep in mind that the traffic is increased in summer season. National ferry line is Jadrolinija and the national airline company is Croatia Airlines 3. Where in Croatia ? Although the inland of Croatia is beautiful as well, lot of tourists decide for one of the places along the Croatian coast. Most of the beautiful places in Croatia are located on the Adriatic sea coast ( National Park Brijuni islands, Roman arena in Pula, National Park Kornati islands, old towns Dubrovnik, Zadar, Trogir, Sibenik, Split, National Park island Mljet … ). Having one day trip in inland you can visit more Croatian beauties like National Park Plitvice lakes, National Park on river Krka, National Park Paklenica, … ) 4. Stay (sail) in Croatia ? Usually tourists rent a hotel room or an apartment and spend a week laying on a beach not aware that there are plenty other places around worth to be visited. Instead of changing hotels and moving your stuff from one place to another trying to see as much as possible , you can rent a boat ( skipper if necessary ), visit all the places along the Croatian coast and islands and have an extraordinary holidays. Croatian coast has 1000 of islands so there are no big waves and high sea. The conditons are perfect for nice and easy sailing. There are no long distance routes across the open sea. You can achor anytime you want and take a swimm. The price for sailing holidays in Croatia is equal to price for a hotel accomodation. More about yacht charter in Croatia find on web sites www.Yacht-Rent.com , www.star.hr, www.Yacht-charter-Rent-boat.com … There you can find a complete yacht charter offer in Croatia: around 2000 charter yachts belonging to all relevant charter companies in Croatia ( having at least 10 to 100 boats in their fleet). You can compare the prices for different boat models and select the most appropriate one. To answer the question how to enjoy in Croatia - sail in Croatia!
Emerald Princess: The Newest Grand-Class Ship Sets Sail April 2007
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Spring 2007 holds wonderful things in store for cruise enthusiasts. Princess Cruise Line is currently finalizing all the details in preparation for launching Emerald Princess this coming April. Modern and luxurious, this ship’s theme is all about choices.
In line with other Princess vessels, Emerald Princess will offer Movies Under the Stars, a Princess innovation that began last year with great success. With towering, outdoor, plasma movie screens that feature the latest releases in movies, concerts and sporting events, this feature has become one of the most sought after. Other ship-wide favorites slated for inclusion on the Emerald Princess include Personal Choice dining, Lotus Spa and a very high ratio of cabins offering private verandahs.
Expanded Children’s and Teens Areas
Because kids and teens are an integral part of the family vacation, Emerald Princess will offer expanded children’s and teens areas. With three age classifications, kids and teens will find a wide range of activities, games, crafts, food and parties designed specifically with them in mind. Parents will be delighted to know their children are having the time of their lives while being supervised by the watchful eyes of trained ship’s staff members.
Larger Staterooms With More Verandahs
In keeping with the ship’s theme of choice, Emerald Princess will offer 13 classes of staterooms (including family suites) that are larger than those offered on other cruise ships. Passengers will find greater amenities, including queen-sized beds, refrigerators, walk-in closets, massage showerheads, laundry services and more (depending on which cabin class is booked). Plus nearly 900 staterooms will offer balconies, one of the most popular features requested by guests.
Engagements and Weddings At Sea
As the only major cruise line to offer these features, Emerald Princess passengers have the pleasure of getting engaged or getting married on the open sea with some truly memorable touches.
For those hoping to propose while on a cruise, “Engagement Under the Stars” provides help with making a personalized video to be shown on the big screen during Movies Under the Stars. Once the question is popped, the couple can enjoy a romantic dinner prepared especially for them and receive keepsake items to remember the occasion with.
For those getting married at sea, Emerald Princess has a newly designed and expanded wedding chapel for the ceremony. The captain officiates as the couple enjoys a completely customized day of their dreams.
From flowers and candlelight to musicians, photographers, onboard catering by the ship’s gourmet chefs and even tuxedo rentals, the ship’s staff helps to coordinate every element of the ceremony and reception to ensure this is a day no one will soon forget.
Inaugural and Primary Itineraries
Emerald Princess’s maiden voyage will be a 12-day Greek Isles cruise, which will set sail April 11, 2007. Visiting some of the most scenic spots in the Mediterranean, passengers will thrill at every port, including Venice, Naples, Olympia and more.
Emerald Princess will sail a series of Greek Isles and Grand Mediterranean cruises before docking in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in October. From here, she’ll take up Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries.
For lovers or families, for those seeking thrills or sheer relaxation, the new Emerald Princess is sure not to disappoint.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for the best deals on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">cruise vacations</a> including popular <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm"> Alaska cruises</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.