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/

Maui Island Attractions

Maui is known for taking a trip up Haleakala, attending Luau’s and enjoying the beaches, but here are some other island attractions you might not be aware of.

Bailey House Museum -This historical treasure is one of the earliest structures built by the missionaries. Once a women’s seminary, the building now contains furnishings from the mid- to late-1800s, ancient Hawaiian artifacts, an art gallery, a gift shop and a 100-year-old dugout canoe.

Waimoku Falls – Part of Haleakala National Park, this waterfall is Maui’s largest. The area includes the pools of Oheo Gulch.

Tedeschi Vineyards – The product line at this vineyard includes pineapple wine, as well as champagne and traditional reds and blushes made from grapes. Free samples are offered in the tasting room (valid ID required) – a structure that was built in the 1880s and served as a vacation home of the last male monarch of Hawaii, King Kekaulike. Free tours are offered daily.  
   
Maui Ocean Center – This aquarium was built to highlight the island’s unusual sea life. Indoor and outdoor exhibits include a walkthrough tunnel that allows you to get nose-to-nose with sharks and a coral reef display the re-creates the scenery beneath the ocean’s surface.

Pacific Whale Foundation – This company offers boat tours from both Lahaina and Maalaea harbors with more than a dozen outings per day during the whale season. The nonprofit organization uses the funds from the tours in its research efforts. The foundation also offers a wild dolphin excursion to Lanai, which operates year-round from Lahaina and it conducts snorkeling outings to Molokini.

For more information about our Hawaii tour please click here: http://www.escortedhawaiitours.com/

Precautions While In Antarctica

Landings & Wildlife

Here are a few guidelines that you will be asked to follow. More detailed instructions (IAATO [International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators] Recommendation XVIII-1 Visitors Guideline) will be provided in your final documents.

 

 

 

Listen and obey Expedition Team instructions.

Keep track of time. Do not delay others – return to the landing site prior to the appointed time of departure.

Never wander off alone or out of sight of the Team positioned ashore.

Maintain visual contact with Team members.

Do not walk onto glaciers – there may be hidden crevasses.

No smoking ashore.

No littering, souvenir collecting, or urinating ashore.

Avoid taking items ashore that could become accidental litter: film boxes, tissues, etc.

Anything that you carry to a landing should be returned to the ship.

Safe Behavior Near Wildlife

Do not touch animals.

Keep a minimum distance of 5 meters (15 feet) from all animals – especially nesting birds.

If an animal’s behavior changes – you are too close. Although the animal may not show obvious fear, they could still be distressed. Remember, if bird leaves its nest, the eggs or chicks are at risk.

Fur seals are usual dangerous, therefore keep a greater distance than 5 meters from them at all times.

Always give wildlife the right of way.

Avoid coming between an animal and the shore or ocean.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Move slowly and always check behind you.

Birds flying or calling overhead signifies you are too close to a nest or young chicks. Retrace your steps the way you came.

Do not make sudden movements.

Keep quiet – do not make loud or sudden noises.

Keep low if possible – you will appear less threatening to animals and it will also yield better photographs for you.

Do not try to make an animal react for a photograph.

Patience yields the best rewards.

Standing still for long periods of time can be of great benefit when viewing wildlife.

Protecting Fragile Vegetation

Avoid walking on moss beds, lichens, or grasses. They are very delicate and slow growing.

Always wash your boots on the ship before and after each landing.

Leave nothing but foot prints.

 

BASIC PRINCIPLE

Do not disturb wildlife, historical remains on the landscape.
  

 

Information provided by Quark Expeditions.

 For more information about Antarctica please click here: http://www.escortedantarcticatours.com/

Biggest Cruise Sale of the Year

CLIA World’s Largest Cruise Night

Many of our preferred suppliers have put together some special offers and incentives so you can take advantage of these great deals, and book the cruise vacation you’ve always dreamed of. Below is a summary of offers. Note that the offers may not start before October 14th and restrictions apply. Call or stop by for additional details.   Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a $100 per person shipboard credit booking incentive. Booking window October 1-November 14, 2009. Windstar Cruises is offering a $50 SBC on select Wind Surf and Wind Spirit sailings. Booking window October 14–November 9, 2009. Crystal Cruises is offering a $100 per person discount on most 2009-2010 departures. Booking window October 14–November 7, 2009. Silversea Cruises is offering a $100 per person or $200 per suite discount on any 2009-2011 Silversea Voyage. The Yachts of Seabourn is offering a $100 per booking bonus commission for bookings made during the Virtual WLCN (October 1-31) on request basis when booking is made. Disney Cruise Line is offering up to $100 OBC for January-December 2010 cruises. Booking window October 14–28, 2009. Azamara Cruises is offering up to $500 OBC on select 2010 Europe cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009. Celebrity Cruises is offering up to $200 OBC on select January and August 2010 cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009. Holland America is offering special 3-Day Sale rates on select 2009-10 cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009. Norwegian Cruise Line is offering ship board credits up to $250 Booking window October 13-20 Princess Cruise Line is offering reduced deposit, onboard coupon booklet & ship board credits on select sailings. Booking window Oct 14-16, 2009.

Celebrity Cruise Galapagos

Celebrity’s Galapagos – Bringing a Living Classroom to Cruising

A cruise to the Galapagos Islands with Celebrity is like nothing you’ve ever experienced, no matter how many times you’ve sailed with us.  These all-inclusive adventures allow you to observe the world at its most unspoiled, giving you a firsthand look at the species that inspired the theory explaining the very foundations of life on this planet.  As you gaze through the window into what all the world once looked like, you’ll be doing it in a way that ensures future generations will be equally inspired by these surroundings, all while reveling in the attention to detail and world-class service that distinguish a Celebrity cruise.

CELEBRITY XPEDITION – A SHIP LIKE NO OTHER IN OUR FLEET

Your travels through this magical archipelago take place on Celebrity Xpedition, a ship perfectly suited for this kind of adventure.  Smaller and more intimate – accommodating just 96 guests – she sails with 60 staff members, a much higher ratio than most ships, ensuring each guest gets the kind of attention that Celebrity is known for.  Each sailing is also accompanied by naturalist guides certified by the Galapagos National Park.  These knowledgeable experts will help put what you’ve seen each day into context, help you prepare for the coming day’s adventures, and make personalized recommendations for shore excursions.

ALL-INCLUSIVE ALLOWS YOU TO BE 100% FOCUSED

To make your adventure as enjoyable and as personally fulfilling as possible, each 10-night+ Galapagos experience is all-inclusive, with everything from gratuities and the flight from Quito to Baltra to daily guided shore excursions and park entrance fees included in the price of your cruise.  This give you  the freedom to focus on your surroundings – the vibrant hues of the blue-footed booby, the nearly imperceptible movements of a 100-year-old Galapagos tortoise, and some of the hundreds of other species found nowhere else.

TRAVELING LIGHTER IS THE MORE ENLIGHTENED APPROACH

 When you look out upon these islands, you’ll be seeing them pretty much as Charles Darwin saw them in 1830’s.  Thanks in part to our rigorous stewardship, future generations will experience the same sense of wonder.  This includes a state-of-the-art waste processing plant onboard Celebrity Xpedition, fully biodegradable bathroom amenities, limited use of paper and plastic, and a reliance on local meat, fish, and organically grown produce.  In addition, Celebrity is proud to match any donation* guests make to island preservation, with a cruise credit valid toward any Celebrity cruise of 7-nights or longer.

To learn about more Galapagos Cruises please click here: http://www.escortedsouthamericatours.com/Categories/Galapagos_Tours/