posted by admin on Jul 9
Discover All There Is To See & Do In Hawaii
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
There is no doubt. Hawaii has some of the most gorgeous natural scenery on the face of the planet. Those who go once always vow to return. With native orchids growing wild by the roadside, stunning mountainscapes and dramatic black lava coves filled with electric blue water, Hawaii is often referred to as Paradise - and rightfully so!
In addition to taking in some of Mother Nature’s best handiwork, what else can you do? Plenty! All cruise lines offer a wide range of excursions that passengers can book. Using Norwegian Cruise Lines as an example, let me tell you about just a sampling of the adventures you can take part in while visiting Hawaii.
World-Class Golf
Master golf architect, Dick Nugent, created the world’s most demanding golf course and set it amid the 2,000-foot cliffs of Ko’Olau Range in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. With a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean, this course will challenge the most accomplished golfer. Encompassing over 280 acres, this course is a sight to behold.
Built on a lava bed, the Golf Mauna Lani Resort features rolling terrain accented with forests. Two signature holes (the 15th and 17th) are some of the most photographed in all the world. If you love a course that stretches your abilities, this course on Kona is a must-play. Other exceptional golf courses are nearby as well.
Volcano Watching
The collective islands of Hawaii are filled with dormant and active volcanoes that are as beautiful as they are interesting. Whether you bike, ride, hike or fly; volcano tours are an exceptional way to enjoy Hawaii.
Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii offers the most active volcanoes. Get up close and personal with fire pits, lava tubes and an 11-mile crater rim that is simply awe-inspiring.
Pearl Harbor Tour
One of our most tragic and also our most victorious hours came with the surprise attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor in 1941. You can celebrate the valor and honor of our veterans with a visit to this seaport in person and relive the events of this historic place as you view the USS Arizona, still in her final resting place. The monument and museum offer video presentations, displays and actual memorabilia salvaged from the attack. Pearl Harbor continues to be one of Oahu’s most popular attractions. From here, you’ll visit “Mighty Mo,” the USS Missouri battleship at Fort Island Bridge where the treaty ending World War II was signed.
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Venture out into the Pacific Ocean in search of a wildlife adventure like no other. Massive whales rocketing up from the waves are a sight no one easily forgets. The sheer size and power of these incredible mammals is something most people don’t have the privilege of seeing close-up. While frolicking on the sea, you’ll also strive to encounter bottlenose and other dolphin species. Friendly and curious, these popular creatures are a highlight of the tours.
There is so much to see and do on the islands of Hawaii that you’ll want to return again and again. Planning ahead can make your trip smoother and can alleviate the problem of the most popular excursions being booked. Make a list of the sites and activities you’d most like to see and do, then book early to ensure you get your first choices.
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 including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/cruises_new_york.htm"> cruises from New York</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
Caribbean Cruises are your best value for 2007
Caribbean cruises are the best value for 2007 because the highest demand is for Alaska Cruises and Mediterranean Cruises . A simple check of cruise rates will show that both Carnival cruises and Royal Caribbean cruises have lowered their usual rates on Caribbean cruises compared with last years rates. Both cruise lines have strengthened their presence in both Alaska and the Mediterranean to capitalize on this trend. Royal Caribbean has moved several of their Voyager-class ships to the Mediterranean from the Caribbean and Carnival has just launched their newest ship, the Carnival Freedom, in the Mediterranean-the first time Carnival has debuted a new ship in a market other than the Caribbean. Even Norwegian Cruises is moving its ship, the Pride of Hawaii, to the Mediterranean! Although this has left the Caribbean market with less ships, the rates are underperforming all other destinations. This means it is the perfect place to look for bargain rates and promotions. This is an ideal opportunity for some to book a new ship that otherwise would have been cost-prohibitive last year. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have some fantastic 8 day and longer Caribbean itineraries that are just beautiful bargains waiting to be picked up by the savvy researcher. To the victor goes the spoils-so to speak! The cruise industry has always been cyclical. What is hot this year, won’t be hot next year, so you have to roll with punches, so to speak. If you follow the crowd, and the trends, it will cost you. Going against the crowd will save you a lot of money! Not only are the rates low for the Caribbean, but the promotions the cruise lines are offering a better than normal, also. It is not uncommon to find onboard-credit deals and free upgrades being offered on certain Caribbean itineraries and ships. Look here for more information on all Caribbean Cruises and good price hunting!
President of All Aboard Cruises Corp <a href=http://www.allaboardcruisescorp.com>Caribbean Cruises</a> <a href=http://www.allaboardcruisescorp.com>Alaska Cruises</a> <a href=http://www.allaboardcruisescorp.com>Mediterranean Cruises</a>
Gleefully Experience London on a River Thames Boat Hire Posted By : Joseph Ringwald
Of course everyone knows that the River Thames runs through the center of London but people are only now discovering that you can hire a boat to take a sight seeing trip on the River Thames. If you are interested in sight seeing then there is no better way to see the most historic sights of London then by boat on the River Thames.
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.
Holland America Welcomes Guest Chef Jacques Torres
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Chocolatier, pastry chef, candy maker and cookbook author. When it comes to sweets, Jacques Torres has it all wrapped up! This is one of the primary reasons Holland America Line invited Torres to be a guest chef during 2006 at its onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine. Passengers are able to attend cooking classes in a theatre-style demonstration kitchen and also view the classes on large-screen plasma TVs.
With a charming smile and exciting personality, Jacques Torres is a natural with public speaking and teaching. Starting his career at the age of 15, Torres began his apprenticeship at La Frangipane, a small pastry shop in his hometown of Bandol, France. Upon graduating first in his class, Torres began to refine his intuitive sense of creativity and artistry under the direction of two-star chef Jacques Maximin at the Hotel Negresco.
Always a proponent of education, Torres went back to school to earn his Master Pastry Chef degree from 1980 to 1983. Immediately upon completion, he began sharing his wealth of knowledge and his talent with students at a local culinary school in Cannes. In 1986, however, Torres set a record by becoming the youngest chef ever to receive the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France medal: something in which he and his students took great pride.
An ever-growing list of distinctions follows Jacques Torres, including:
participation in the rededication ceremonies for the Statue of Liberty
winning the Japanese Pastry Chef Association’s gold medal
winning the 1986 French Championship of Desserts
guest chef on Julia Child’s Master Chefs program
recognition as James Beard’s Pastry Chef of the Year
receipt of Chefs of America Pastry Chef of the Year award
recognition as Chocolatier magazine’s 10 Best Pastry Chefs and
membership in Academie Culinaie de France
Likewise, his accomplishments are equally amazing. Torres has:
developed two television shows: Dessert Circus with Jacque Torres and Dessert Circus At Home
authored a companion cookbook entitled Dessert Circus At Home (Morrow, 1999)
opened two chocolate and pastry shops in New York: one in New York City and one in Brooklyn
made frequent guest appearances on the Food Network
sailed as guest chef onboard Holland America Line cruises
served as Dean of Pastry Arts at the French Culinary Institute
prepared desserts and pastries for presidents, kings, celebrities and the wealthy worldwide
and much more!
Deeply concerned with giving back to the community, Torres donates his time to a wide variety of notable charities, including the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Gods Love We Deliver, New York’s Hard of Hearing Association, Sloan Kettering Cancer Research Center, the Association to Benefit Children and others.
With a fun, fanciful style, Torres creates delightful confections that look as fabulous as they taste. His goal is to appeal to all the senses, as he engages the eyes with creative presentations, the nose with exceptional aromas and - most importantly - the mouth with textures and flavors that can only be described as decadent.
The guest chef lineup for 2007 includes other amazing chefs. Check with your travel agent or Holland America for details on who will sail on which ships throughout the coming year.
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 on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/holland_america_cruise.htm"> Holland America Cruise Line cruises</a>.
Resolving to Get Fit for the New Year? Cruising Is the Way to Go!
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Countless people make New Year’s resolutions to get into shape and lose weight. Many of them fail reportedly due to lack of motivation, support or a viable plan. There is a new trend developing among fitness enthusiasts, however, that overcomes these three obstacles while delivering luxury, scrumptious food and fun. What’s the trend? Cruising into shape.
Cruise ships have offered well-equipped fitness centers on their vessels for years. However, with fitness and nutrition experiencing an increase in popularity, many ships have taken great strides to create an atmosphere that nurtures a healthy lifestyle without compromising the lavish cruise experience. With onboard fitness instructors, innovative and fun exercise opportunities and healthy gourmet meals, a cruise ship has become the perfect starting point for your New Year’s resolution.
Fun Is the Key to Exercise
If you don’t enjoy exercise, chances are you won’t keep up any fitness routine you establish. But with exciting activities available to you 24/7, you can quickly discover new ways to keep moving while having a blast.
For example, instructor-led aerobics, stretch and cardio classes are available on most cruise ships as are jogging tracks, volleyball (on deck or in the pool) and dancing. With professionally created fitness sessions designed to be fun, it doesn’t seem like exercise at all. Royal Caribbean offers ice skating, rock climbing, trampolines and even boxing. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) provides a bowling alley and basketball while Holland America offers personal trainers plus yoga and Pilates classes.
Each cruise line has its own key fitness features, so check for the one(s) that pique your interest.
Exceptional Dining for Those on a Diet
But what about the food? One of the greatest pleasures of cruising is indulging in gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs. Fitness buffs are often nervous about entering a den of food sin and blowing everything they have worked for. The question that is often asked is, “Can I indulge and not regret it later”? The answer is a resounding yes!
The cruise lines constantly have their pulse on public opinion. That includes requests for amazingly delicious meals that offer less fat, sugar and other undesirable carbs. These flavorful meals are just as luxurious, just as tempting and will have you feeling just as spoiled. All without any guilt.
You can even make special dietary requests before you embark on your voyage. Check with your cruise line for details.
What better way to get into shape than while surrounded by a staff that can pamper and spoil you 24/7? Would you rather suffer through the beginning stages of shaping up or be counseled and aided by personal trainers? Would you rather starve yourself with rabbit food or dine on scrumptious meals prepared by professional chefs? Would you rather pound out mile after mile on a gym treadmill or take part in activities that get you moving while having the time of your life?
If you’re serious about shaping up, then you won’t find any better place to begin (or to maintain!) than a voyage at sea.
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 <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/mediterranean_cruises.htm">Mediterranean cruises</a>.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: The Amazing Cruise Provider Posted By : Gerda Lingrett
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is a cruise provider of twenty diverse types of vessels cruising to over 170 locations anywhere in the world. Their motto is to provide quality service on all their ships and excellence must never be compromised.
Royal Caribbean's Freedom-Class Fleet: Newer, Bigger, Bolder
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
With one of the newest fleets afloat, Royal Caribbean is beaming when it comes to their Freedom-Class ships. And with good reason! The namesake, “Freedom,” is currently touring the Caribbean and - if she is any indication - the others in the lineup will cause quite a stir in the cruise industry. Quite frankly, the Freedom class is impressive and offers some truly unique features.
At over 160,000 tons, each of the three ships in the Freedom-Class fleet carries 3,634 passengers at double occupancy. They also have several other things in common.
FlowRider - The first ever surf park at sea, the FlowRider is a blast! This exciting surfing ride gives you the feeling that you’re hanging ten on a Maui wave without ever leaving the ship. It may be wet and wild, but it’s also easy to master, so everyone can participate. Instructors are always on hand to help when needed.
H20 Zone - Kids and their parents get in on the water-filled fun, too, in the H20 Zone. Brilliantly colored hoops, mushrooms and other shapes sprinkle and splash you with water, as you cool off. No other ships have this type of innovative water park.
Solarium - If a little de-stressing is what you need, the Solarium with cantilevered whirlpools is just the ticket. With its rainforest motif, the Solarium extends 12 feet beyond the sides of the ship, so you get a view like no other! What could be more relaxing than feeling as if you’re floating across the ocean like a bird?
Rock-Climbing Wall - This massive tower is another Royal Caribbean first. Standing almost four stories high, this rock wall has 12 trails to follow. Guests of every activity level can give it a try! Your reward? Not only will you get some great exercise, but you’ll also find a breathtaking view at the top!
Full-Size Everlast Boxing Ring - Complete with safety gear, this is the first boxing ring at sea. Enjoy sparring sessions with fully qualified instructors, mirror boxing, speed bags, master bags, one-on-one training sessions and more. It’s bound to be a hit!
Ice-Skating Rink - Put on a pair of skates and chill out on this full-size ice-skating rink. It’s a great way to chill out after spending time in a tropical paradise.
Royal Promenade - Not just a glorified hallway with shops, this is Main Street U.S.A.! Cobblestone walkways, street performers and more make this a fun place to be. Shops, restaurants, bright colors, skylights and bridges are at every turn. You’ll find the unique as well as the familiar, like Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!
With so much in common, how could you possibly choose between these three ships? Look for their scheduled itineraries. “Freedom of the Seas,” launched in 2006, offers 32 captivating Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean ports of call, departing from 10 different cities. “Liberty of the Seas” will launch in May 2007 with a limited Caribbean schedule, including the wildly popular ports of Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, St. Maarten and San Juan. And, coming in May 2008, “Independence of the Seas” will sail to classic European destinations.
Even if you’ve taken a dozen cruises before, sailing on a Freedom-Class ship is a must! With so many “firsts,” it will be a whole new vacation experience for you and your family.
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 on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a>.
Cruising and TBA Cabins Posted By : .JohnSmith.
You can save money on cruising by booking a TBA cabin. But they come with a caveat.
See London on a River Thames Charter Cruise Posted By : Joseph Ringwald
More and more people are discovering that one of the many things that London has to offer vacationers is boat cruises on the River Thames. It all makes perfect sense, because London was original built up along the River Thames and for this reason so many of its oldest and most historical sights can be viewed best from a boat on the River Thames.
