posted by admin on Jun 18
A World Cruise - The Grandest Voyage On Earth
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Who doesn’t dream of one day taking a trip around the world? Practically everybody! With a planet filled with so much glorious wonder, most people long for faraway places they usually see in magazines or on television. Considering two-thirds of the earth’s surface is water, there simply isn’t any better way to accomplish this “one day” dream than by cruise ship. If you plan to travel in regal style, the Queen Mary 2 is the way to go.
Since 1922, Cunard cruise line has been sailing the world via channels, passages and open seas. So much more than a cruise ship, the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 are legendary ocean liners designed for service to royalty, heads of state, celebrities and the wealthy. Calling on ports others won’t even consider, Cunard allows you to explore to your heart’s content.
Crossroads of Civilization
Crossing the Gulf of Oman, you’ll spill out into the Arabian Sea and then the Red Sea. Navigating the Suez Canal en route to Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt is an exciting adventure in and of itself. Founded by Alexander the Great and deemed the “Pearl of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria possesses a more modern feel than Cairo or Giza. The setting for one of the greatest love affairs of all time - that between Cleopatra and Mark Antony - Alexandria is also home to Pharos’ lighthouse, formerly one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Cruising the Mediterranean Sea takes you to world-famous ports including Athens, Greece and Rome, Italy before heading up the Strait of Gibraltar to catch a glimpse of the renowned Rock. A jaunt across the Atlantic Ocean delivers you to Le Havre, France (within close proximity to Paris and Normandy) before arriving at your final destination: Southampton, England.
Dynasties of the Orient
If exotic ports are more to your liking, then a tour of the Pacific Ocean and East and South China Sea may be in order. After exploring Sydney, Australia, embark on a journey that takes you across the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea to New Guinea. An unspoiled tropical paradise, New Guinea is home to several active volcanoes, many of which you can tour. Its rugged landscape is a contrast of lush, green mountain ranges set against calm, blue waters. With an amazing array of wildlife, New Guinea is an adventurer’s dream.
With ports including Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai, China; Hong Kong; and Bangkok, Thailand, your exotic tour of ancient, mystical cities on the Asian continent will be one you won’t ever forget.
While onboard the Queen Mary 2 or Queen Elizabeth 2, you’ll find white-glove service at every turn, reminiscent of the golden era of ocean travel. With exhilarating activities for the entire family and cuisine truly fit for crowned heads, you’ll simply be as awe-struck by the vessel itself as the destinations she lays at your feet.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including cruises on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/cunard_cruise_lines.htm"> Queen Mary 2</a> aboard <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/cunard_cruise_lines.htm">Cunard Cruise Lines</a>.
Cruise vacations from dream to reality
People go cruising for different reasons. One thing is for sure that the experience of a cruise will always keep its unique images alive in your brain. Here are some tips and guidelines you should take into account when you discuss the details of a cruise with your cruise travel agent. They would help you to organize your thoughts and ask direct and targeted questions without unnecessarily wasting your time, for a proper understanding of the situation. - There are different types of packages (family packages or single travellers packages) offered by cruises line; choose the one that fits you best according to your individual requirements; - Who comes with you? (your children, you need a romantic getaway, you are a honeymooner or plan to get married ” some cruise lines offer wedding services, too); - How long do you plan to cruise? (from three to fourteen nights, to world cruises which are the longest, lasting up to three months); - Where and how to search? You have two alternatives: a cruise travel agent or agency or the websites of cruise lines; - Port of departure. You can choose it by the proximity to your home, if you want to save money and avoid expensive airfare; - Facilities offered during the cruise (for instance, if you like to gamble you may want to choose a cruise line that has casinos on board; maybe facilities for your children which are offered by all major cruise lines); - Land and shore excursions (they are offered by all cruise lines, and last from two to three days, before, after or even during the cruise vacation). This kind of excursion gives you the opportunity to explore new cultures, destinations, visit new places, practice water sports, do some shopping etc. - Destinations and suggestions: Europe ” a cruise in Europe is recommended to be taken for at least fourteen days of cruising, because of the long distance between the ports of embarkation; Weekend Cruises ” for at least three days; Alaska ” for summers only; Mid Winter Cruise ” The Caribbean (for a two weeks vacation one should choose a line that alternates between Eastern and Western Caribbean, thus you would have the chance to visit more islands), South America; A Perfect Cruise Experience A perfect cruise experience means no unwanted surprises. This depends on the seriousness and professionalism of the agent or agency you have chosen. Give honesty and require an honest opinion of your cruise travel agent, concerning the cruise you are about to choose. Ask your cruise agent for some tips and thorough details that might help you during the cruise and help you to avoid unexpected or completely new and unknown situations. It s easier to get these pieces of information from relatives, friends, and acquaintances that have been there before you and have already experienced that particular cruise offer or perhaps a related one. Another source of information is made available by cruise reviews which are offered by Internet websites and forums (very subjective, but suggestive), magazines, newspapers etc. Sometimes the decision for a vacation comes unexpectedly, so here are some guidelines that might help you to plan a proper cruise vacation. You might not have in mind all these details when you are about to take the decision so these guidelines are meant to be helpful. This cruise may give you years of pleasant recollections or years of misfortunes to forget.
For more resources on <a href="http://www.cruise-heaven.com/cheap-cruises.php">finding a cheap cruise</a> or getting a deal on a <a href="http://www.cruise-heaven.com/last-minute-cruises.php">last minute cruise</a>, please visit Cruise-heaven.com If you re looking for romance on your vacation, make sure to read the following <a href="http://www.dating-guru.com">dating tips and advice</a>.
Mystical Palawan Island
Off to the west of the Visayas, Palawan is a long thin island stretching down to the malaysian state of sabah. Things to do here are stroblgy connected to nature: Islands, Scuba, diving, caves, Cruising the many bays and wildlife. Many of the Philippines endangered species can be found here. Travelers most rate the peace and quiet and last-frontier atmosphere.
Getting there is easy as WG&A ( the biggest shipping lines in the Philippines) sails to Puerto Princessa ( palawans capital city) twice a week ( cost around $23) or you can fly in from Manila to El Nido ($180)
When you arrive you’ll definitely want to see the 8 km underground river of St. Paul in Sabang- you can get their straight by boat or walk the monkey trail through the most beautiful and pre-historic rain forest in the world.
There are many places to stay and eat in Sabang - but mostly ranging from simple and idyllic, the sea food though is plentiful and cheap Lobster, prawns, crabs , tuna and marlin can be had fresh round the day for less than $5!
For the frontiersman / Archaeologist in you go visit the South of Palawan , there’s a museum showcasing pre-historic finds from the nearby Tabon caves - home of the Philippines earliest human resident.
There is of course another beautiful beach in Tabon called -well-Tabon beach. They have fan cooled rooms there for only 2$ a night.
The most captivating place to visit in Palawan is the bay that embraces El Nido. A picturesque little village surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and great beaches like Corong-corong.
Cruise’s abound all over Palawan and you can board an outrigger and boat around the many islands for less than 10$ a day - you’ll see flying fish, dolphins, Whales and late in the day when the water has receded in some parts of the islands - you will chane upon deer and wild boar crossing the slim channels to get to their nocturnal habitats.
Palawan is for the adventurous and mystical minded traveler - wether your cruising underground caves or hiking Jurassic rain forests or simply lounging around in pristine enclaves - the unbridled beauty of this remote island will stay with you forever.
Franz von Muhlfeld
For more mystical places and adventurous cruises visit http://www.deluxecruisenews.com
40 year Veteran of the travel industry
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.
