Cruise Versus Land Vacation Package

Few vacations offer a greater value than a cruise+ vacation. You don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking, booking a hotel or wandering around an unfamiliar city in search of a restaurant or things to do. Cruises provide it all: meals, accommodations and entertainment. Sail into new ports of call while you sit back, relax and get pampered, all at an affordable price.

Compare the costs and benefits of a Cruise Vacation to those of a typical land vacation package.

	CRUISE VACATION	TYPICAL LAND VACATION
Room	Included	Additional Cost
Port to Port Transportation	Included	Additional Cost
Breakfast	Included	Additional Cost
Lunch	Included	Additional Cost
Dinner	Included	Additional Cost
24 Hour Dining	Included	Additional Cost
Parties	Included	Additional Cost
Entertainment	Included	Additional Cost
Dancing	Included	Additional Cost
Nightclub Shows	Included	Additional Cost

Make cruising your next vacation!

Galapagos Trips

The wildlife in the Galapagos is extreme.  Giant tortoises whose saddle-shaped carpaces inspired the name Galapagos.  Marine iguanas who have adapted to an ocean-going existence by grazing on seaweed and developing a special gland to rid them of excess salt.  The world’s only Equatorial penguin, which has learned to hold its flippers out to cool off and protect its feet from sunburn.  Species never developed a fear of man, so they’re unusually easy to approach and observe.

Even though the archipelago has been studied extensively, new species continue to emerge.  A new species of giant tortoise was recently discovered not far from the Charles Darwin Station.  A hefty pink iguana with black stripes was discovered in 1986 and only announced in 2009.  You never know what new wonder you might discover in this UNESCO World Heritage site – a place that has become a “must see” for those who long to continue evolving their own knowledge of the world around them.

Interested in planning a Galapagos trip?  You can either tour or cruise the Galapagos Islands. Our travel consultants can help you find the perfect Galapagos vacation.

Antarctica Cruises: A Must for Photographers

Antarctica is an ideal destination for the most adventurous and curious traveller. Those who venture there follow in the past of the great explorers of the past, and the experience that awaits remains undiminished today.

You will not find power lines, billboards or highways in Antarctica. When the engines of your ship are turned off, the only sounds you hear are natural-wildlife, water and the occasional boom of iceburgs calving.

The continent abounds with exotic wildlife, much of it found nowhere else on earth. Birds, including large penguin rookeries, rub shoulders with seal colonies, while orcas and whales can sometimes be seen plying the ivy waters offshore.  Famous for it’s enormous icebergs, towering glaciers and shimmering austral summer light, Antarctica bestows on the travellers some of the most awe inspiring and dramatic landscapes the planet has to offer.  Depending on your chosen itinerary, your Antarctica cruises visit a combination of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, known for their wealth of penguin, seal and whale species.  South Georgia Island, made famous by the explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, and a breeding ground for enormous albatross and king penguin, and the Falkland Islands with their pictureqsue scenery, quaint capital and prolific birdlife and mammals. Endelss opportunities for amazing photographs.

First Glimpse of the Oasis of the Seas!

Set your TIVO! Royal Caribbean will unveil their newest and most innovative cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas. ABC’s “Good Morning America” will be there to welcome Oasis of the Seas into her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and give viewers an exclusive first glimpse of the highly anticipated ship during a special live broadcast.

GMA fans across the country can tune in on Friday, Nov. 20th, 2009 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. (EST) on ABC to join “Good Morning America” for a never-before-seen sneak peek at the seven distinct neighborhoods and many spectacular elements and features on board the Oasis of the Seas. Some of these unique features include Central Park, the first park at sea with nearly 12,000 plants and trees; Boardwalk, a family oriented environment with a hand carved carousel; a thrilling zip wire ride that races diagonally over Boardwalk 90 feet above the deck; 28 multilevel loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; and the Aqua Theatre – an amphitheatre style space that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling oceanfront theatre at night.

But wait! We are driving down to Dania on Nov. 11th to take the first photos of the exterior of the ship as it arrives into Ft. Lauderdale. Then, I will be on the Oasis of the Seas on Nov. 19th for an overnight stay, and plan to upload photos and videos from the ship, as long as the Wifi connection is working, so I hope to have lots for the public to see before this Good Morning America broadcast.

Make sure and check our blog, Flickr and You Tube accounts for more images of the ship. As we mentioned in previous posts, November 19th, we will be able to upload images of the interior of the Oasis of the Seas. We can’t wait to share them with you!

 

The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Has Arrived ! Oasis of the Seas Video

The Oasis of the Seas arrived into Port Everglades this morning at 8 a.m.  Here are some photos of the ship pulling into the port area.

The highly anticipated cruise ship the Oasis of the Seas featuring incredible innovations at sea, includes 24 onboard dining options, the first onboard zip-line, park with more than 12,000 trees and plants, an elevating bar called the Rising Tide, and an aquatic amphitheater with the deepest pool at sea. Oasis of the Seas also features the only free-standing Coach luxury leather boutique, an original handcrafted carousel, two FlowRider surf simulators and two rock-climbing walls, all in seven themed neighborhoods throughout the ship that cater to each persons individual style and preference.

Atlas will be there live to get video footage and pictures of this amazing ship.  Make sure and check our blog, Flickr and You Tube accounts for details.

Best Time to Visit Ireland

You can take an Ireland tour year round, but the best weather is found May through October. Weather can always get chilly, so pack warm clothing for the evenings. If you don’t mind the cold weather, then in the winter there are far less crowds and prices are about 40% lower than traveling during peak season.

You can find great shopping in Ireland for hand-cut crystal, Irish Whiskey, jewelry, handmade sweaters and more.

For more information about our Ireland tours please click here: http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/

Norway Travel Information

About 2/3 of Norway is made up of mountains. There are approximately 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline. It has one of the longest coastlines in the world. 

The capital of Norway is Osldo. The currency used is the Norwegian Krone (Nkr). 

Climate and Clothing: 

Given the extreme northerly position, the mainland climate in Norway is surprisingly mild. This is mainly because of the trade winds and warm currents. Lightweight clothing generally suffices in summer, however evenings can get chilly, so it is always a good idea to take along a sweater or wrap. If you are here in winter, you will definitely need an overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes/boots.

Food and Drink: 

High quality fish, meat and dairy products are easily available in Norway. Norwegian meals are often large with an emphasis on fish and seafood specialities. A typical specialty is a ‘smørgasbord’ meal, a vast selection of meat, fish, salad, hot dishes, puddings and cheese. Specialty dishes and ingredients include Lutefisk (a hot, highly flavoured cod fish), smoked salmon, cod, herring, sardine products and mackerel. Popular meats include reindeer, lamb and fowl. Liquor laws are very strict and in some parts of the country alcohol is not available at all. Where it is available it is very expensive. The water in Norway is safe to drink.

Best Buys:

Pottery, sports equipment, enamelled ware, sportswear, pewter, silver and knitwear. If you like the unusual, a hand painted troll is something to add to your collection. Tax-free is available for tourist from shops displaying a ‘Tax free for tourists’ sticker. Tourists save 11-18% of the price paid by residents. Refunds are paid in cash at airports, ferries, cruise ships and border crossings.

For more information about our Scandinavia tour please click here:  http://www.escortedscandinaviatours.com/

Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling

With so much focus being put on the H1N1 (swine) flu you will notice a lot of new signs at airports about ways to help you stay healthy during your travels. Be prepared, before during and after your travel. Get your shots before you travel – Regular flu shots are available now. H1N1 flu shots are expected in October. Check when booking your travel with http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for suggested shots and schedule when traveling to your desired destination. Take your vitamins – There are several immune boosting vitamins available over the counter. Start taking these a few days before your trip to boost your germ fighting ability. Medicines and Prescriptions – Be sure to bring your prescriptions in your carryon. Also when traveling aboard it is helpful to have medicine from home that you are familiar with such as : antidiarrheal, antihistamine, aspirin or ibuprofen, cough drops, hydrocortisone cream, insect repellent, sun screen , etc. Wash your hands frequently – Use soap and water as often as possible. Bring antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizers and use them often especially after contact with others or touching items that lots of others have touched as well. Cover your month – Use your bent elbow to catch your coughing and sneezing, not your hands. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, this is the easiest way for viruses and bacteria to enter your body. Drink lots of fluids – It is easy to become dehydrated during travel, water is best. Avoid drinks with lots of sugar or caffeine. Get lots of rest – The stress of travel through airports and negotiating new surrounding and crowds can take its toll on your body. Make sure you plan little quiet time each day and get a full nights sleep. Consider a face mask – Walk around any airport these days and you will be surprised at how many people are using masks to help prevent the spread of germs. Source:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/tips-for-healthy-travel/1

France Champagne and Burgundy Regions

Most of the vineyards in the Champagne region can be found in Epernay and Reims.  In Reims you will also find the amazing Louis XV Palace, the Roman Porta de Mars, and many museums dedicated to the art of making effervescent wine. The 13th century Reims Cathedral is a famous jewel of Gothic architecture. The cathedrall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was destroyed in World War I, but was restored with its stunning facade, interior and stained-glass windows. Try to make time to visit Moet Chandon and Taittinger vineyards.

Beaunne, is the wine capital of Burgundy, and an ideal base to explore the vineyards.  The burgundy region is known as the meeting place of civilizations. Located in the center of France, it is easily accessible via the high speed TGV trainand numerous highways winding throughout.

For more information about France tours please click here: http://www.escortedfrancetours.com/

Southeast Asia Cuisine

Nam pla is a sauce based on preserved seafood, normally anchovies, but at times they also use dried shrimp. It is found in most Thai or Vietnamese kitchens and is a vital ingredient for hot and sour soup.

Toasted sesame oil is common in Vietnamese cooking for a fresh sauce, added to fresh lime juice, a dash of soy sauce, some chopped fresh green chili and scallions along with a pinch of sugar.  It goes especially well with spring rolls and lettuce wraps.

Rice is an essential accompaniment to most southeast-Asian meals. Try adding sweet rice vinegar as a condiment to the rice.

Coconut milk, lemon grass, chili and kaffir lime leaves are widely used. Thai basil is also popular, and has a very different flavor than Mediterranean basil.

Keep in mind that Southeast Asia covers Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, so food does vary from one region to another. Thai food is the most popular cuisine coming out of this region.

For more information about our Asia tours please click here: http://www.escortedasiatours.com/