Like I've said before, this private barge is a little pricey but the experience is second to non ...Friends of ours enjoyed every moment of quiet bucolic French countryside offered to us aboard Nilaya. Just four guests per sailing enjoy exclusive use of one of the most gorgeous private barges uncovering a hidden side of France that few get to see.
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What changes do you anticipate the Costa cruise tragedy will bring in the cruise industry?4/20/2012 I think passengers will see more stringent lifeboat drills, prior to the ship leaving the dock, or within one hour after getting underway. The passengers will probably be required to muster at their lifeboat station, not in a lounge or other public space, wearing a life vest, and be accounted for by a lifeboat section (crew member) leader.
I don't think this accident will deter cruise travel to any great extent...I feel only first time cruisers may be afraid or reluctant. My cruise is booked, but I could really use some help in getting organized for it. Any tips?4/19/2012 Most cruise lines have a link on their website for first time cruisers. They offer information on everything from boarding the ship, what to pack, and pre check in paperwork and forms required before boarding...many of these forms can be completed on line usually called express check in.
With our son and daughter's Easter school break coming up soon, we'd like to book a Disney cruise.4/17/2012 Disney's newest ship Disney Fantasy placed in service March 2012 is offering a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean departing on April 7th.
Our family has enjoyed many wonderful Disney cruise vacations. Does Disney have any new ships?4/15/2012 Disney Fantasy will start offering 7day cruises from Port Canaveral FL to the Caribbean on March 31st. This will be Disney's newest ship built in 2011-2012.
Disney plans to offer more than two dozen winter sailings from the Port of Miami, starting in December 23rd, the ship is re-locating to Miami from Los Angeles and no longer will operate itineraries to the West Coast of Mexico. The trips will take place aboard the 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney's newest ship now in service, built in 2011, the 1,250-room cruise ship that sails from Port Canaveral FL, has averaged nearly 3,800 passengers per voyage during its first five months of sailing. That's just a shade under the ship's maximum capacity of approximately 4,000 people. We like and use Holland America, they have smaller ships, and offers many cruise configurations throughout Europe.
Seems to me, you need to find a good travel agent in your home town. They can usually offer great deals on combined resort and air travel...a good hometown agent will spend the extra time checking different vendors, and can offer you the one on one personalized service you may require, and the best part is they charge no extra for this personal service.
Friends of ours said they enjoyed every moment of quiet bucolic French countryside offered on aboard Nilaya. Just four guests per sailing enjoy exclusive use of one of the most gorgeous private barges uncovering a hidden side of France that few get to see.
All of the exterior cabins on Dolphin Deck have larger balconies, but we do caution you that the balconies are not covered, and you can be seen from decks above, and people tend to drop things overboard that could possibly land on you.
On the Grand Princess, Dolphin Deck staterooms have the advantage of cabin decks above and beneath, so there's a buffer zone from the noise generated from public areas. We found that these accommodations quieter than those on the upper and lower decks! Spacious Fort Lauderdale accommodations On just entering Shimla you will find the Tourist Information Center. The center will provide proper guidance to the tourists visiting Shimla. The other Tourist Information Center is located adjacent to the Scandal Point on the mall.
The months of April to July experience minimal rainfall which makes it easy for visitors to visit the tourist attractions. Soft woolen garments are necessary for the evening. The rainy season is not appropriate for visiting Shimla as there are landslides and the paths become slippery. Most Trans-Atlantic cruises are in the spring and fall, as cruise lines reposition ships between Europe and the Caribbean. Looks like your only option in June or July is (see below) the QE2...New York has the most flexible flights to the UK, from its three major airports.
June 2012 June 10th: 7-day cruise from Southampton to New York on the Queen Mary 2 June 24th: 7-day cruise from Southampton to New York on the Queen Mary 2 July 2012 July 27th: 7-day cruise from Southampton to New York on the Queen Mary 2 Deals on solo travelers age 55 and older are far and few between...Most tour operators feel like their doing you a big favor if they can get you the per person published rate. Most tours and cruise lines publish a per person rate, but require double occupancy in order to get the rate or discount.
The website listed below caters to solo travelers of all ages. Find the tour or cruise you like, call them and try to negotiate a discount. Try and call them close to the departure date, and if there is a lot of space available, the tour operator or cruise line may offer a special rate for that particular tour or cruise. http://www.singlestravelintl.com/ Gamble big comps will start piling up in no time. Comps are given for free things like hotel rooms, room upgrades, food and beverages. They are given to gamblers to encourage them to keep gambling. Many times the courtesy hosts will directly ask you what sort of comps you prefer. This is your perfect opportunity to be moved to a better room, or possibly a suite, depending on availability. The money you may lose is negligable compared to the cost of a better room or location on the property. Who knows you may even be on a winning streak, better room, and money in your pocket..
If they don't ask, and you feel you have been gambling a long time. Simply ask directly "So, what would a person want to do to get a room upgrade?" They might have a specific gambling "point" system, but most often the hosts have huge leeway in giving whatever comps they want to give. Be nice. You are asking for a favor. Hosts, along with every other casino employee, deal with drunken, cranky people all day, many of whom may have just lost their life savings and are quite unhappy. Try the Colony Palms Hotel, it has regained its swagger as a stunning four-star boutique, according to Cond'e Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure. .
This hotel is a weekend retreat for Hollywood's music- and movie-industry elite and stylish guests from all over...A chic, poolside scene is fueled by the bar-restaurant Purple Palm." We really enjoyed the 5 hour Hong Kong Island Tour expect an 8am early departure as you explore the island and take a ride on the peak tram up to Victoria Peak, then pass by Repulse Bay before stopping at the famous fishing village of Aberdeen for a chance to ride in a 'Sampan. The cost is about $35, US.
As long as you have a high speed internet connection, and a valid Netflix account. You can download (called streaming) movies, TV programs, etc. to your compute for viewing, just like you would do at home.
It's always nice to travel with a passport, required or not, it is the preferred most recognized source of identification in a foreign country. Cruise lines will not book you on a European cruise without a valid passport, due to each foreign country entry regulations for visitors.
However the rule for cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Canada, and South America, is as long as the ship embarks from a US port, and the cruise ends with disembarkation in a US port, referred to as a closed-loop. You should have no problem going ashore, exiting and re-boarding the ship in any port of call with just your ships identification-key card. In Our Opinion - There Not! Holiday Ownership Resorts, better known as timeshares, restrict you to a certain week each year. In order to change your designated week and resort location, it usually requires a reservation request, long before your designated week. and it all depends on your timeshares reservation network and of course availability. Only initial check in maid service, and checkout clean up service is all that is usually provided by the timeshare management. Food and drink of course are never included. Also don't forget the extra charges on top of your timeshare initial cost, for pro rated taxes, upgrades, and common area maintenance fee. At a Holiday Ownership Resort they provide a condo type apartment, and everything else is up to you.
On The Other Hand! With package deals especially from all inclusive resorts, just about everything is included, except tours and rentals. They pamper you, wine, dine, and entertain you. The set price is the price for the week, no extra's Packages are available from the resort that include airfare and transfers. You are under no obligation to use every year. There is no set date every year. The price every year usually comes out cheaper in the long run. Have you ever tried to bail (sell) out of a timeshare ownership...Stand by to lose your shirt. Most cruise lines accommodate children and teens very well. For small children baby sitting service is available. They also have a day care center on board, so parents can get away for a while. Teens and younger children on the other hand are a different story. They usually have designated areas that are socially appealing to them. Supervised activities and special entertainment is provided during the day and early evenings.
They now call it the new Mumbai often referred to as Bollywood. A huge film industry with super-rich celebrities. Trendy restaurants and swanky clubs.
Olive Bar & Kitchen - Mumbai | Asia | India Olive Bar & Kitchen the hottest resto/bar in Mumbai that creates a Mediterranean feel with an Italian menu and a white-and-blue décor. China House Mumbai - Mumbai | Asia | India Opened in May 2007, China House’s chic, ultramodern décor and multiple levels draw Bollywood’s A-list. Look out for Bipasha Basu or the Bachchans sipping appletinis at the light-up LED bar—or on the mezzanine I-deck, the private area where guests can plug in their own iPod, if the in-house DJ isn’t hitting the right notes. Henry Tham Chinese Restaurant - Mumbai | Asia | India Henry Tham operates under a Zen philosophy: simple décor, authentic food, and great music. The restaurant specializes in modern Chinese cuisine and Asian-inspired cocktails (the national award-winning bartending includes a vodka drink using sugar, basil, and orange juice). Bollywood stars like Jackie Shroff have been spotted here sipping sugarcane Cosmos. Go Thursday evenings for the all-new World Music Night, where you can hear everything from Yemenite chants to African techno. Vie Deck & Lounge - Mumbai | Asia | India You may find Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan lounging underneath Vie’s white canopy on the beach. Located in ritzy Juhu, Mumbai’s Malibu, Vie specializes in light Mediterranean fare with a focus on seafood. Order one of the Italian seafood dishes, like the grilled Spanish lobsters cooked with an olive and wine sauce or a martini made by one of its London Academy of Bartending-trained mixologists. But make sure you dress “smart”—this beachside haven has a dress code. Zenzi - Mumbai - Mumbai | Asia | India In the Bandra district, this restaurant draws Bollywood stars like Upen Patel and John Abraham for dishes like the wasabi prawns. The resto/bar caters to an international clientele, hosting cultural events like Salsa Sundays and art exhibitions, and refuses to play anything but its own special brand of house and drum and bass. Indigo Mumbai - Mumbai | Asia | India Mumbai mainstay Indigo’s lengthy wine list is famed. But the drinks are just the tip of this exclusive iceberg. The Euro-Asian cuisine includes dishes like thandai-marinated chicken with spiced balsamic glaze, and coconut and lime risotto with asparagus and hearts of palm, which are best enjoyed alfresco on the rooftop terrace. Opened in 1999, this upmarket, low-key hideaway has stood the test of time and allows Bollywood stars like Aishwarya Rai to sip their rosé in peace. Shobha Asar Jewelry - Mumbai | Asia | India Service and quality are what draw Bollywood starlets like Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor to Shobha Asar. Her flagship store in Worli has private consultation rooms for discreetness, and each piece of jewelry is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. The artisans at Shobha Asar follow the entire process, from jewel sourcing to delivery, to ensure complete satisfaction, and they can work within your budget so almost anyone can own a unique piece. Bombay Electric - Mumbai | Asia | India Everyone from Bollwood stars Karishma Kapoor to Lara Dutta has picked up pieces at this trendsetter. Creative director Priya Kishore has highly selective taste, but she stocks a wide range of products, including everything from luxury eyewear to summer dresses. Rocker Talvin Singh even performed a concert here. Samsaara - Mumbai | Asia | India Super-boutique Samsaara stocks more than 65 designer labels, irresistible to everyone from Bollywood stars Preeti Jhangiani to Katrina Kaif. The use of glass and wood in its nine stores creates a soothing atmosphere and highlights the variety of styles (Indian wear and Western-style clothes) and products (anything from belts to bags) available. Reflections - Mumbai | Asia | India The lobby bar at the plush JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai may not at first glance seem like a celeb hangout, with its laid-back feel and clean marble and wood décor, but it does draw crowds, including the likes of Bollywood “it” couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Perhaps it’s the cocktails, or perhaps it’s the view of Juhu Beach and the Arabian Sea. In our opinion, there are a number of famous places to see near Kolkata. In the reservoir of Calcutta nearby places like Darjeeling and Siliguri that are well known for their scenic charm and tranquil atmosphere. The weather over there is always pleasant and gives an opportunity for visitors to savor the beauty of nature.
In our opinion, book Holland America's mid-priced Superior or Deluxe suite . You will get the privacy you desire, and be pampered the whole cruise, on any of their mid-size ships...
Want to do something different? Take the family quad biking across the Egyptian desert for the ultimate adventure. It's an experience you'll never forget, and the best way to escape the crowds and explore the Sinai Desert!
Sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling - is there any better way to spend a day in the Egyptian sun? Escape the desert for a day of relaxation around the protected white sandy Tiran Island. Crystal clear blue water, lagoons and colorful coral reefs are waiting to be explored around Tiran Island, located north east of Sharm El Sheikh in the Gulf of Aqaba. Fly to Cairo from Sharm el Sheikh on a private tour and make the most of your time in this world-famous city. You'll visit Cairo's most famous sites including the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, Egyptian Museum and Khan el-Khalili bazaar. As this is a private tour, you can determine the amount of time you'd like to spend at each site. Hit the water at Sinai's famous Ras Mohamed National Park, where an abundance of underwater life is waiting to be discovered. Spend the day snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing on the sun deck the choice is up to you. Maximize your sightseeing in Luxor with a one hour flight to Luxor and spend your valuable vacation time visiting the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple and of course the impressive Karnak Temple. Can you truly say you have been to Egypt if you haven't ridden a camel? Find out for yourself on an afternoon Camel Safari through the desert, and finish the day with an authentic taste of Bedouin tea. You also have the option of dining on a Bedouin dinner including the unique bread. See the sun rise over the desert on an unforgettable visit to the place where Moses received the 10 Commandments. You'll travel in air-conditioned comfort with your own personal Egyptologist guide, who will accompany you up Moses' Mountain and take you on a tour of St. Catherine's Monastery. No need to get in the water to enjoy the spectacular coral reefs of the Red Sea near Sharm el-Sheikh. Board a glass bottom boat to see the underwater world while staying dry. Visit St Catherine's Monastery, the most important religious site in Sinai on a private day trip from Sharm el Sheikh. Travel in air-conditioned comfort with your own personal guide who will introduce you to the history and religious significance of the monastery and its surrounds. Escape the city lights and head to the desert for a romantic night of star gazing and Bedouin feasting on this deluxe private tour from Sharm el Sheikh. Star gazing in the desert is a must-do experience during your stay in Egypt. Let your 4WD vehicle take you across the desert sands to Abu Galum and the colored canyons. Hike among the rocky mountains enjoying the many colors reflecting from the oxidized surfaces in the sun. For the budget conscious traveler who doesn't want to miss the chance to explore the magnificent city of Cairo, this coach excursion is your answer. See the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, grab a bargain at Khan el-Khalili markets and delve into history at the world famous Egyptian Museum. Declared the first Egyptian National Park in 1983, Ras Mohammed is located at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula. It occupies an area that has grown to 480 square kilometers. The park is notable for its sharply defined raised fossil coral platforms which represent ancient shorelines. Take a jeep safari, snorkel the Blue Hole, ride a camel and go bargain shopping in Dahab on a private day trip from Sharm el Sheikh. If your time in Egypt is limited, this is the relaxing day tour you are looking for! You'll travel across the desert, dive the Red Sea and visit a typical Bedouin village. http://www.viator.com/Sharm-el-Sheikh/d827-ttd Do cruise lines/cruise agents offer any discounts for a group of, 7 adults 5 children,4 cabins?3/16/2012 When we travel with a group requiring 3 or more cabins. We recommend booking as early as possible. We generally check with a couple of local travel agents, or if they can't come up with a package deal. We then call the cruise line direct, and most of the time they can accommodate the group at a discount.
A little known fact is that after you book a group tour directly with the cruise line, and you feel obligated to a local travel agent who may have helped you find this particular cruise. Just about all cruise lines will let the travel agent get credit for the booking. |
AuthorThank you for taking the time to peruse the questions we have answered over the past few years. |