Argentina Implements New Fee for Travelers

Starting today, the government of Argentina will charge a reciprocity fee to all American, Australians and Canadians who arrive at the Buenos Aires airport. The reciprocal fee will be $131 for Americans, $100 for Australians and $70 for Canadians.  Why the different rates? The fee is equal to what Argentines pay to get to those countries. The fee will be collected upon arrival at the airport and can be paid in Argentinean pesos, US dollars, credit cards or travelers checks.  This fee is good for the life of your passport.

Argentina is not the first in South America to implement fees. Chile is $131 for travelers arriving by air, Bolivia is $135 for a visa, Paraguay is $65 for a visa and Brazil is $150 for a visa.  Lima and Montevideo are now currently the only ones with “fee-free” entry.

Baby Boomer Travel

Both Collette Vacations and Tauck Tours have added product lines geared specifically towards the active Baby Boomers; Collette with Explorations and Tauck with Culturious.

Both products are for smaller groups, from 16 -24 travelers. They offer more immersive experiences geared for travelers ranging in age from their mid-40’s to their mid-60s, for a slightly higher price than their traditional product.

For example, travelers on the Culturious itinerary in Tuscany and Cinque Terre, Italy visit an art restoration specialist in Florence, cycle along the medieval walls of Lucca, hike between the coastal villages of Cinque Terre, and travel through the Vasari Corridor, an art-lined, private passageway above Florence’s streets that was built in the 1500s for the Medicis.

Explorations will introduce Provence, France, in the Colors of Provence trip which includes activities such as a cooking demonstration, wine and cheese tasting and visiting an olive oil factory.

An Australia and New Zealand combination tour and a tour that explores the Mayan Ruins in Topal, Copan and Antigua in Guatemala are also new for 2010.

Culturious, along with the Tuscany itinerary also offers Manitoba and Peru with South Africa and Nambia, Provence and Costa Rica being added in 2010.

Globus Monograms also appeals to independent travelers.

Speak to a travel consultant to find the best options for your next vacation.

Written by: C Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

Crystal Cruise Lines 2010 – 20th anniversary

Special Cuvee Brings Harmony & Balance to Milestone Celebrations

In celebration of its 20 milestone, Crystal Cruises has partnered with renowned Champagne maker Billecart-Salmon to create a commemorative bubbly especially for the line’s 20th Anniversary in 2010. Available only in 2010, and only on Crystal Cruises, the Brut Reserve is a light blend aged in the Billecart-Salmon House’s traditional cellars.

Crafted from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier from three different years, and sourced from the best sites in France’s Champagne region, the special cuvee for Crystal Cruises boasts a mature floral aroma with hints of fresh fruit and ripe pears.

The Champagne will certainly play a key role in the many celebrations aboard Crystal’s award-winning ships in 2010. Every voyage will feature 20th Anniversary themed cocktail parties and Vintage Room experiences with wines from 1990, and select cruises commemorating inaugural dates in the line’s history will feature special dinners with original wine prices, among other festivities.

Controversy Over Cruise E-docs

For months now we have seen the trend of cruise lines “going green,” eliminating paper documents and going to E-docs only. Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean were the latest to announce the change.

I certainly don’t have issue with saving paper, but some of our local clientele does not have access to computers. What then? The cruise lines want between $25 and $35 to print and ship documents. Clients are upset and I don’t blame them. Why not include the price in the cruise fare?  What about luggage tags? Clients are supposed to print out a sheet of paper, cut it to size and tape the ends together until they get to the pier. Really?

Clearly clients should be given a choice. If they have cruised often and only want their boarding passing, then let them elect E-docs, but for clients that have no computer, printer or prefer written material, there should be no additional charge.

When asked for comments at the end of your next cruise, make sure and mention this document issue, or if you have time, write a letter to the cruise lines you frequent, as this policy will not change unless they are aware how unhappy the public is about it.

Oceania Marina

It’s almost time! Reservations for the Oceania Marina will open exclusively for past guests tomorrow, January 13th. Oceania Club Members may make their reservations during an Exclusive Five Day Members only reservation period.  Itineraries and fares will not be posted on Oceania’s website until the 18th when Marina opens for reservations to the general public.

The Oceania-Class Marina, sailing in 2011 represents an evolution of the line’s extremely popular Regatta-Class ships. Since the inception of Oceania Cruises, our ships have delivered an unparalleled onboard experience. So many of the indulgences are a direct result of our ships’ ideal mid-size, a tradition that Marina will proudly continue, but in an even more refined incarnation. She personifies the Oceania experience and then some.

While larger than her consorts Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, Marina remains comfortably mid-size, adroitly utilizing the additional space for even greater amenities. She rewards guests with our signature “finest cuisine at sea” in six restaurants, including two new gourmet venues — Jacques and Red Ginger. Her new La Reserve holds enlightening wine and food pairings. For special coffees and snacks, there is Baristas Coffee Bar. The new Bon Appétit Culinary Center offers hands-on cooking instruction under the guidance of master chefs. Similarly, artists-in-residence teach fine arts in Artist Loft, a new enrichment center. Intimate lounges abound. Accommodations in every category are incredibly spacious, especially with regard to the lavish bathrooms.

Yet remarkably, with so many additions, the onboard ambiance and experience remains comfortably familiar. We have retained everything guests adore about our ships and raised the bar ever higher.

Contact us for more information or Reservations at 800-942-3301.  Learn more about the Oceania Marina

Sizzling Sounds, Tantalizing Tastes and Colorful Sights

Salsa, bossa nova, tango, merengue, marimba…Central America & South America are a region of music, movements and laughter.  High up in the Andes, the low tone of Peruvian pipes envelopes the magnificent Inca fortress of Machu Picchu.  Down by the sea, the checky residents of Brazil’s Rio de Janiero samba late into the night.  The tango is more the taste in sophisticated Argentina, even on the plains of the Pampa.  In Chile, home to both beautiful lakes and Atacama, the oldest and driest dessert on earth, the locals dance a mean merengue.  And in the strange and wonderful Galapagos Islands, living testament to the world of Charles Darwin, the lapping of the sea make music all of its own.  Let us show you the fiesta that is Central and South America.

Sandals Martha Stewart Weddings

Planning a Wedding at Sandals? 

Martha Stewart recently partnered with Sandals resorts to offer wedding packages.

There are 6 Martha Stewart wedding themes to choose from:  Beautiful Beginnings, Flutter of Romance, Vision in White, Seaside Serenade, Chic & Natural and Island Paradise.

Many brides-to-be were concerned that the packages would be very expensive. Prices start at $1,500 to
$6,000, but the good news is there is still a complimentary wedding package, called “Beautiful Beginnings,” available for honeymooners staying 6 nights or more in a concierge category or higher.

Every Sandals Wedding by Martha Stewart Includes:

Personal wedding consultant

One “5×7″ wedding photograph

Picturesque wedding location

Marriage officiant

Bouquet and boutonniere

Two-tiered wedding cake

Reception for bride, groom & 2 guests

Honeymoon dinner for dinner & groom

Continental breakfast in bed

Preparation of documentation

Certified copy of marriage license

Government/administrative feesThe included Martha Stewart wedding theme is simple and romantic, making it an ideal choice for an intimate and memorable occasion.  The Beautiful Beginnings wedding helps you celebrate your special day with elegance and simplicity. It includes a handheld bouquet of magenta dendrobium orchids. and boutonniere, as well a table for four with crisp linens, a lovely centerpiece, and a charming white cake. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for an intimate and memorable occasion.

Stay 6 nights or longer in a Concierge category or higher
and the Beautiful Beginnings wedding theme is FREE!

Please note:
Reception is for bride, groom and 2 guests.
Guests not meeting the promotion requirements still qualify for the free Carefree Package but must pay the Government / Administrative fees which are $200 in Jamaica, $400 in Antigua, $500 in St. Lucia and $500 in the Bahamas. Wedding packages can be customized with extras, as shown below.

We’ll discuss the other Martha Stewart Wedding packages in upcoming posts, so check back soon!

Our honeymoon specialists would be honored to help you plan your wedding package, call 800-836-7913

Travel Made Easy – Stress Free, Hassle Free, Travel in Style

At Atlas Cruises & Tours, one of our goals it to make finding the perfect travel package easy.

With millions of websites on the internet, researching a trip can be overwhelming. We bring together the top travel companies, so there’s no need to look anywhere else! We have had client input for over 20 years, and theses travel companies consistently offer the best value and experience. We then take these companies and break it down by destination. Want to travel to Italy, Spain, England, France,  the National Parks or to see Fall Foliage, we have a site for just about everything. Not only that – all our new sites now have a Travel Forum, Travel Reviews, Video, E-brochures and so much more to help with every detail of your trip.

Once you choose your destination, you can then shop by budget, length of travel or by company. Travel research doesn’t get any easier.

We are proud to announce that we have added 3 more sites to our network of more than 40 specialty sites:  Greece, Africa and family vacations.

We welcome your questions, comments and suggestions!

Here is our network of travel destination sites
Africa Tours | Alaska Tours | Antarctica Tours | Asia Tours | Atlas Cruises & Tours | Australia Tours | Canada Tours | Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | Fall Foliage Tours | France Tours | Greece Tours | Hawaii Tours | Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour | National Parks Tours | Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | South America Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty Operators sites
Collette Tours | Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | General Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Insight Tours Visits UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Insight Vacations has recently launched its 2010 Europe & Britain and USA & Canada touring collections. The new programs include over 80 perfectly designed tours exploring some of the world’s most desirable locations. Insight has included visits to several important UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites in many of its itineraries. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are included on a list that is maintained by the international World Heritage Program administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. A World Heritage Site is a place of either cultural or physical significance. UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 193 Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication.

Marc Kazlauskas, President of Insight Vacations, said “I am so pleased to offer more and more touring options that are not just fun but also incredibly important. Currently we offer visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites but we hope to include additional sites in the future programs.”

The World Heritage List includes 890 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. The following are examples of Insight Vacations tours that visit designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Wonders of the American West10 days touring Denver, Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Las Vegas. Grand Canyon National Park. and Mesa Verde National Park are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Land only packages start from $2325 per person.

Treasures of Mexico11 days touring Mexico City, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Morelia, Patzcuaro, Taxo, Cholula, Puebla, and Mexico City. During this tour travelers will visit Xochicalco and the holy city of Teotihuacan which are both designated UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Land only package start from $2299 per person.

Italian Elegance 13 days touring Rome, Siena, Tuscany, Florence, Cinque Terre, Santa Margherita, Portofino, Italian Lakes, Verona, Cortina D’Ampezzo, Dolomites, and Venice. Cinque Terra which translates “Five Lands” is a hidden gem if the Italian Coast and is also a designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  Land only packages start from $3399 per person.

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily 14 days touring Rome, Alberobello, Matera & Castellaneta, Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Agrigento, Palermo, Pompeii, & Isle of Capri. The unusual conical dry stone Trulli buildings of Alberobello are designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Land only packages start from $3099 per person.

Insight guests enjoy more intimate groups, limited to just 40 passengers, the services of an experienced tour director and the assurance of staying in top quality hotels which are centrally or scenically located. Travel in style on Insight’s luxury reconfigured coaches with more legroom so the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

Take advantage of the included sightseeing worth hundreds of dollars, ensuring your holiday budget goes further. With so many included meals, quality hotels and sightseeing experiences, you’ll be astounded at the value of an Insight Vacation. 

Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations.  For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Canada and the United States.

Africa Travel

Africa is renowned for being the oldest inhabited territory on earth. In fact, most Asian, European (and, for that matter, American) family trees can find their ancient roots on this continent. Africa’s written history begins with the Egyptians in 3300 B.C. Other prominent civilizations developed throughout the continent in the centuries that followed.

European domination of Africa began in the fifteenth century with the Portuguese exploration of the continent during their search for a lucrative trade route to India. Trading stations were established by Portugal and other European maritime powers along Africa’s west coast. In the centuries that followed, the slave trade rapidly expanded.

In the early nineteenth century, as contemporary powers moved away from slavery, powerful European nations staged a massive “scramble for Africa” to secure its wealth of natural resources. The entire continent-save Liberia and Ethiopia-was colonized. This occupation continued until the conclusion of WWII, when the colonial states gradually gained independence. Today, Africa is home to 50 independent countries and is heading down a path of continued social and economic growth. Africa is not a place we suggest traveling on your own. Travel with a reputable tour operator to ensure the best experience.

Information obtained from Globus Journeys. 
For Globus Africa, vacations click here