Mexico Cruises

Mexico cruises offer the perfect opportunity to sip on a frozen margarita while enjoying the picturesque views of pristine beaches and rippling ocean waves from the balcony of your comfortable cruise ship stateroom. Cruises to Mexico visit the Mexican Riviera, which refers to the country’s West Coast and is an especially admired part of the region, with its fun and colorful towns that are wonderful to relax and stroll through, or embark on an everlasting adventure. Since the most popular towns of the Mexican Riviera aren’t very close to each other, a Mexican Riviera cruise is the best way to explore many of them in the same vacation.

Whether desiring a day of lounging on the beach in a rustic cabana or hammock, or yearning for a more adventurous day filled with snorkeling, para-sailing, shopping, or hiking, a Mexico cruise offers a myriad of activities and sites for travelers to see and do. Take a glass-bottom boat ride for admiring pictorial views of the ocean beneath you, or enjoy an enchanting evening feasting on fresh, ruby red lobster.

Mexico cruises stop in many of the Mexican ports including destinations such as Mazatlan, nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’, which features a 10-mile promenade with sidewalk cafes and merchants selling various jewelry and woven belts on the street. It is not uncommon to see donkeys roaming the streets of Puerto Vallarta, where activities are abundant with deep-sea diving, mountain biking, and kayaking. Yet it is Puerto Vallarta’s surrounding jungle that mesmerizes travelers the most with hikes through lush tropical forests and cascading waterfalls on a Mexican cruise.

Cabo San Lucas is also a popular port with its local surfing spots, trophy fish, black coral reefs, sea turtles, and astonishing underwater sand falls. Must-see sites in Acapulco include cliff diving at La Quebrada and shopping in the Zona Dorado district. And, if you’re visiting the port of Ensenada in Baja California, it’s recommended to visit one or a variety of Mexico’s oldest wineries, as well as La Bufadora, a blowhole that shoots water 60-feet into the air.

Mexico’s terrain is ideal for every member of the family with premier golf courses, surfing, whale watching, hiking, windsurfing, snorkeling, and divine beaches for the perfect afternoon of basking in the sun. Some of the popular Mexico cruise lines that offer anywhere from 3-day to 11-day long cruise vacations include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess.

Cruises Lines to Mexico:

• Azamara Cruises to Mexico
• Carnival Cruises to Mexico
• Cruise West to Mexico
• Crystal Cruises to Mexico
• Cunard Cruises to Mexico
• Holland America to Mexico
• Norwegian Cruise Lines to Mexico
• Princess Cruises to Mexico
• Royal Caribbean to Mexico
• Windstar Cruises to Mexico

Call now at 800-308-3077 Capt Bob

Introducing New Europe Travel Highlights!

Getting the Best Air Fare for your Money:

There is a wide variety of air fares available to travelers. This fact sheet will help you choose the one that’s best for you.

Be flexible in your travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days of the week (often Tuesday through Thursday, or Friday night through Sunday morning) or particular hours of the day (e.g., late-night departures). This applies to each of your flights, not just the first flight in your itinerary. After you get a fare quote, ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by flying a day earlier or later, or by taking a different flight on the same day. Or simply ask the agent what the lowest fare is, and what you need to do to qualify for it.

Discount seats are usually “blacked out” during holiday periods. However, you might be able to get a discount fare if you fly on the holiday itself (e.g., New Year’s day).

Plan as far ahead as you can. Most airlines set aside only a few seats on many desirable flights at the lower rates. The real best bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand, if a particular flight is not selling as well as expected, air carriers sometimes make more discount seats available for a particular flight just before the advance-purchase deadline expires. For example, if the lowest fare has a 21-day advance-purchase requirement but is sold out for most dates, and you can go any time, ask about fare availability on flights 21 or 22 days from when you call.

While planning ahead is a good general rule, if you can bide your time you might encounter a “fare sale.” Many airlines put seats on sale for brief periods several times a year (although you usually can purchase tickets for flights weeks or months after the end of the sale period). It is difficult to predict when these sales will occur, although they often fall during times when people are less likely to buy airline tickets (e.g. early autumn or right immediately after New Years).

In a large metropolitan area, the fare could depend on which airport you use. For example, if you are going to Southeast Florida and plan to rent a car, it might not make much difference if you fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, except for ticket price. Also, a connection (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop. Always check on alternate airports and routings when pricing a ticket.

Look into all airlines that serve the market you are interested in, including low-cost carriers that offer low fares. Many times the major carriers will match the fares of a low-cost airline between the same cities; but often this will only be for a certain limited number of seats on each flight. On a low-cost carrier, find out what you get for your money: baggage transfers from one carrier to another, meals, advance seat assignments, etc. Note that small airlines sometimes have only one flight per day in many markets, and they frequently will not reroute you on another airline if your flight is canceled or delayed. In such cases you may have to wait until the next day to fly.

Ask about all restrictions on your fare. Typical requirements for discount fares include purchasing a round-trip ticket, buying the ticket a certain number of days before departure (e.g., for many fares, at least 14 or 21 days before you leave), purchasing the ticket within 24 hours of making a reservation, staying over a Saturday night, traveling during a certain time of the year, staying no more than 30 days, and, as discussed below, refund/change restrictions.

Ask about your ability to change or cancel your flight if you need to. Even if you get sick, you cannot assume you will get a refund. In fact, most discount tickets now are non-refundable, but can be applied toward the purchase of other tickets on the same carrier. You must usually pay an administrative charge and any difference between the fares for the old and new flights when you do this.

Consider using a travel agent. Agents usually do not charge a fee  and they can tell you about “consolidators” and other sources of discounted seats that are not available directly from the airline. However, consolidator seats can have even more severe restrictions than the airlines’ own deep-discount fares, particularly if the flight is delayed or canceled. A few travel agents sometimes have access to special deals with a particular airline (either discounts or extra services). If you are flying to a popular foreign destination, or to Las Vegas or Hawaii, ask the travel agent about Public Charters. These charters sometimes offer lower fares, but again with significant restrictions that are spelled out in an operator/participant contract that you should review carefully.

Ask the travel agent if the city where you live or the city where you are going is an airline “hub.” If it is, fares may be higher than for flights to other nearby cities because of reduced competition. Someone who lives at a hub might save money by leaving from another nearby city, even if they end up connecting through the hub to get to their destination.

A number of airlines send e-mail messages every week to receive notification of last-minute fare specials for departures within the next few days. See the airlines’ World Wide Web sites for information about these programs, or call their reservations line. For a list of airline web sites, go to http://www.airlines.com (Do not assume that an airline reservation agent or travel agent will be aware of the fares offered to e-mail subscribers.)

Many airlines offer a seniors discount off any fare to travelers over a certain age. In addition, some carriers offer bereavement and emergency illness fares with varying documentation requirements and discounts.

If you are a member of an airline’s frequent-flyer program and you are considering buying a promotional or deep-discount fare, ask if that fare will earn frequent-flyer miles.

After you buy your ticket, you may wish to call the airline or travel agent once or twice before departure to confirm your reservations and check the fare. Fares change all the time, and if that same fare goes down before you fly, some airlines will refund the difference. But you have to ask.

Capt Bob

TravelSmart Travel News

September 2010
When it comes to your vacation plans the most important person should be your Travel Planner. An expert travel planner is a person who is well traveled, knowledgeable and trained to meet your travel and vacation needs. Not only will they find you the best value for your travel dollar, they will be the go to person if things go wrong. With new rules and travel restrictions coming out daily, by our government, you need a Travel Agent to keep you informed and safe during your travel. I am proud to announce I have expanded Travel Smart to include  America’s Vacation Center and American Express to serve you in all your travel need. To view the most up to date information please go to my website: www.CruisesbyCaptBob.com .

Featured Section:

Getting the Best Air Fares:

There is a wide variety of air fares available to travelers. This fact sheet will help you choose the one that’s best for you.

Be flexible in your travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days of the week (often Tuesday through Thursday, or Friday night through Sunday morning) or particular hours of the day (e.g., late-night departures). This applies to each of your flights, not just the first flight in your itinerary. After you get a fare quote, ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by flying a day earlier or later, or by taking a different flight on the same day. Or simply ask the agent what the lowest fare is, and what you need to do to qualify for it.

Discount seats are usually “blacked out” during holiday periods. However, you might be able to get a discount fare if you fly on the holiday itself (e.g., New Year’s day).

Plan as far ahead as you can. Most airlines set aside only a few seats on many desirable flights at the lower rates. The real best bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand, if a particular flight is not selling as well as expected, air carriers sometimes make more discount seats available for a particular flight just before the advance-purchase deadline expires. For example, if the lowest fare has a 21-day advance-purchase requirement but is sold out for most dates, and you can go any time, ask about fare availability on flights 21 or 22 days from when you call.

While planning ahead is a good general rule, if you can bide your time you might encounter a “fare sale.” Many airlines put seats on sale for brief periods several times a year (although you usually can purchase tickets for flights weeks or months after the end of the sale period). It is difficult to predict when these sales will occur, although they often fall during times when people are less likely to buy airline tickets (e.g. early autumn or right immediately after New Years).

In a large metropolitan area, the fare could depend on which airport you use. For example, if you are going to Southeast Florida and plan to rent a car, it might not make much difference if you fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, except for ticket price. Also, a connection (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop. Always check on alternate airports and routings when pricing a ticket.

Look into all airlines that serve the market you are interested in, including low-cost carriers that offer low fares. Many times the major carriers will match the fares of a low-cost airline between the same cities; but often this will only be for a certain limited number of seats on each flight. On a low-cost carrier, find out what you get for your money: baggage transfers from one carrier to another, meals, advance seat assignments, etc. Note that small airlines sometimes have only one flight per day in many markets, and they frequently will not reroute you on another airline if your flight is canceled or delayed. In such cases you may have to wait until the next day to fly.

Ask about all restrictions on your fare. Typical requirements for discount fares include purchasing a round-trip ticket, buying the ticket a certain number of days before departure (e.g., for many fares, at least 14 or 21 days before you leave), purchasing the ticket within 24 hours of making a reservation, staying over a Saturday night, traveling during a certain time of the year, staying no more than 30 days, and, as discussed below, refund/change restrictions.

Ask about your ability to change or cancel your flight if you need to. Even if you get sick, you cannot assume you will get a refund. In fact, most discount tickets now are non-refundable, but can be applied toward the purchase of other tickets on the same carrier. You must usually pay an administrative charge and any difference between the fares for the old and new flights when you do this.

Consider using a travel agent. Agents usually do not charge a fee (they get a commission from the airline), and they can tell you about “consolidators” and other sources of discounted seats that are not available directly from the airline. However, consolidator seats can have even more severe restrictions than the airlines’ own deep-discount fares, particularly if the flight is delayed or canceled. A few travel agents sometimes have access to special deals with a particular airline (either discounts or extra services). If you are flying to a popular foreign destination, or to Las Vegas or Hawaii, ask the travel agent about Public Charters. These charters sometimes offer lower fares, but again with significant restrictions that are spelled out in an operator/participant contract that you should review carefully.

Ask the travel agent if the city where you live or the city where you are going is an airline “hub.” If it is, fares may be higher than for flights to other nearby cities because of reduced competition. Someone who lives at a hub might save money by leaving from another nearby city, even if they end up connecting through the hub to get to their destination.

A number of airlines send e-mail messages every week to receive notification of last-minute fare specials for departures within the next few days. See the airlines’ World Wide Web sites for information about these programs, or call their reservations line. For a list of airline web sites, go to http://www.airlines.com (Do not assume that an airline reservation agent or travel agent will be aware of the fares offered to e-mail subscribers.)

Many airlines offer a seniors discount off any fare to travelers over a certain age. In addition, some carriers offer bereavement and emergency illness fares with varying documentation requirements and discounts.

If you are a member of an airline’s frequent-flyer program and you are considering buying a promotional or deep-discount fare, ask if that fare will earn frequent-flyer miles.

After you buy your ticket, you may wish to call the airline or travel agent once or twice before departure to confirm your reservations and check the fare. Fares change all the time, and if that same fare goes down before you fly, some airlines will refund the difference. But you have to ask.

American Express Business Travel says its figures show improving demand for business travel, which is giving some pricing power back to suppliers, particularly airlines. Airfare rates are holding steady and business travelers are trickling back to the front of the plane. The hotel sector still lags in pricing power, but demand will continue to better position its rebound, while simultaneously going through a shift in destination trends — signaling the on-going transition and staying power of the “new normal” in business travel.

International airfares increased 3 percent year over year, while domestic fares were up 6 percent. Historically there has been close to an even split of passengers flying businesses class versus economy for international travel. However, during the heart of the recession last year — particularly in the second quarter of 2009 — the percentage of tickets booked in business class hit its lowest rate at 36 percent. As the trend now shows, percentage rates are on the rise, indicating business travelers are moving back to the front of the plane.

American Express said that despite the modest return in business travel, hotel prices are still lagging because unlike the airlines where planes could be grounded to accommodate change in demand, the same cannot be said for a hotel. Because of this, hotel suppliers are lacking pricing power even as travelers return to the road – keeping rates low. But as the recovery continually gains momentum, higher occupancy levels will position suppliers to begin demanding premium pricing again – and buyers should work to cultivate supplier relationships now to mitigate future price increases.

London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai and Amsterdam were the top cities for business travelers in 2009. While the destinations have remained the same in the first quarter of 2010, ranking has not. In 2010, London remained in the top spot, with Frankfurt pushing into the number two spot, seeing a growth of 28 percent more trips, while Paris fell to number three. Amsterdam surpassed Dubai to take the fourth spot, with Dubai seeing 21 percent fewer trips this year. In Asia, the top three business travel destinations remain the same for the first quarter of 2010 compared with the first quarter 2009: Tokyo, Shanghai and Singapore. Hong Kong, however, was pushed out by Beijing as the fourth most popular business travel hot spot in 2010. For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com.

For more  information please contact me at TravelSmart@WildBlue.net or call at 360-687-9579.

AMA Waterways has expanded its fleet of vessels to 12 with the launch of the 162-passenger Amabella, which will be marketed primarily in the Australian market. The Amabella’s features include staterooms averaging 214 square feet and double balconies. Amabella also has a chef’s table restaurant that seats 24 and has a private chef, a library with fireplace and a swimming pool.
The vessel also features AMA Waterways’ newly-upgraded infotainment system, offering complimentary high-speed Internet access, complimentary first-run movies, classic films and computing options for those maintaining email contact or blogging during their holiday. The entire vessel has complimentary Wi-Fi as do all the AMA Waterways vessels on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers.
Amabella joins Amadolce (2009), Amalyra (2009), Amadante (2008), Amacello (2008), Amalegro (2007) and Amadagio (2006), ships with French balconies, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. In 2011 the line will launch Amaverde in Europe, a sister ship to Amabella.
In Southeast Asia, the new Amalotus will join La Marguerite, which debuted on the Mekong River in autumn 2009 as part of the new “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” itinerary. The company said it is building a new Mekong ship because of the “tremendous success” of the inaugural season of the program. The 124-passenger Amalotus will feature 226-square-foot deluxe staterooms, with more than 82 percent featuring balconies. Junior suites are 290 square feet and suites are 452 square feet. Like La Marguerite, Amalotus will sail seven-night Mekong River between from Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
In Russia, the refurbished Amakatarina will launch in the spring on the Volga-Baltic Waterway between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The vessel will have 10 stateroom categories, including four suite categories and accommodations up to 432 square feet. Seventy-six staterooms have balconies, and the vessel will include an alternative restaurant, conference hall, sauna and solarium. AMA Waterways also continues to offer its “Provence & Spain” program featuring a seven-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on the Swiss Pearl. For more information, call 800-626-0126 or visit www.amawaterways.com.

Costa Cruises’ newest ship, the Costa Favolosa, took to the sea for the first time on Friday, Aug. 6, at a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard. The 114,500-ton, 3,000-passenger Favolosa will sail on its first cruise in July 2011. It is the fourth of five ships delivered or set to be delivered between 2009 and 2012 for Costa. The total investment in the five new ships is worth 2.4 billion euros. In spring 2012, the Costa Fascinosa, a sister ship to Favolosa, will complete Costa’s fleet expansion program.
“The launch of the Costa Favolosa confirms the strength and leadership of our company,” said Gianni Onorato, president of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “Despite the ongoing effects of the economic downturn in 2010 and the uncertain outlook for global tourism, our fleet expansion program has continued uninterrupted. The strength of our brand, which comes with a guarantee of over 60 years of experience, and the quality of our product have proved to be winning assets, highly appreciated by our customers. That is confirmed also by the positive results in terms of bookings achieved this summer and forecasts suggest we will end 2010 with 2.1 million total guests for the group as a whole, which works out to an increase of around 17 percent compared to last year.”
The construction of each newbuild involves the labor of around 3,000 people, comprising Fincantieri’s own employees and those of about 500 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms. In overall terms, the fleet investment program launched in 2000 by Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group (comprising Costa Cruises as well as the German AIDA Cruises and Iberocruceros, which operates mainly for the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking markets) is worth some 9.3 billion euros.
The ceremony for the launch of the Costa Favolosa observed the protocol laid down for such occasions by seafaring tradition. The director of the shipyard invited the godmother, Beatrice Siri, to cut the ribbon, sending a bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship. Siri, new building and special projects deputy of Costa Cruises, has been directly involved in the construction of the fleet’s last six ships, including the Costa Favolosa. On March 8, she received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic from the president of the republic, Giorgio Napolitano. After the opening of the valves and the gradual flooding of the slipway where the ship has taken shape over the last few months, the hull of the Costa Favolosa was transferred for the first time to the sea. The launch was preceded by the welding of a coin to the base of what used to be the mainmast in a ceremony traditionally considered to augur well.
As the name suggests (Favola is Italian for “fairy tale”), the Costa Favolosa is intended to interpret the excitement and emotion of people who view the cruise as a magical voyage in a contemporary enchanted castle. The main innovations onboard include six suites with private verandas and Jacuzzis; a new entertainment area for teenagers, comprising 4D Cinema, PlayStation World, a bar with ice cream, drinks and popcorn, and a dance floor; a children’s game room; and a new open-air water playground with a pirate galleon. Facilities will include the Samsara Spa; a large lido extending over two decks, with a sliding glass roof and giant movie screen; a Grand Prix driving simulator; and a golf simulator.
The Costa Favolosa will be equipped for “cold ironing,” a system whereby the ship is plugged into shoreside electrical power, enabling generators to be shut down during stopovers in port.
The Costa Favolosa is set to debut on a three-day cruise departing from Venice on July 4, 2011, and calling at Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Koper, Slovenia. This will be followed by a grand inaugural cruise, which leaves Venice on July 7. This 10-day cruise will visit Israel, Greece and Turkey with stopovers in Bari, Corfu, Haifa, Izmir and Dubrovnik. Throughout the 2011 summer season, the Costa Favolosa will offer seven-day cruises from Venice and Bari, Italy, to Olympia, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. For more information, call 800-GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

About TravelSmart News:

TravelSmartbyKandB.com and CruisesByCaptBob.com are full service on line travel agency with you the customer being our highest priority. Even though we are webbed based we give you both the ease of booking travel on the web or the convenience of a full service Travel Agency.  The personal touch is our different and our motto is We take the planning out of your Travel Plans.

Travel Smart Travel newsletter was started to help inform you, the traveler, of new trends, travel tips or hot travel deals in the travel industry, With the advent of the internet and the informational highway growing by leaps and bounds it is very difficult to keep up on all the travel news. Please refer to my travel blog often for your Travel news and updates at www.cruiesebycaptbob.com.

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Quick Tip

Keep your passport up to date. Check your expiration date before making your travel plans. It is a very disappointing to arrive at the airport and to be told your passport is about to expire and that you can not continue on your vacation. Remember to always make a copy of your passport just incase of loss. A copy of your passport will expedite getting a new one.

TravelSmart/Avoya Travel, BattleGround Wa. 98604
Direct Phone: (360) 687-9579 -1-800-308-3077

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Escape to Island Paradise

Published: August 28,2010

Caribbean resorts are some of the most popular vacation getaways in the world, offering sunny skies, sparkling waters, and carefree island relaxation for couples to family and friends.

The Caribbean is divided into three main sections, the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean. Whether you want to relax on the popular sandy beaches of the Eastern Caribbean, explore the rain forests and ancient ruins of the Western Caribbean, or encounter the rain forests of the Southern Caribbean, there’s a perfect Caribbean resort just for you.

The Eastern Caribbean is known for its fantastic beaches, great shopping, and fun-filled activities. In the Eastern Caribbean, you can enjoy the rain forests warm weather, and sandy shores of popular destinations such as St. John, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and more with many different options of Caribbean resorts.

The Western Caribbean boasts ancient Mayan ruins and beautiful rainforests, and offers wonderful opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and more. From Cozumel to the Cayman Islands, Jamaica to Key West, the Western Caribbean’s stunning natural environments and fascinating history will delight travelers looking for adventure – whether it’s laying by the beach, water skiing, scuba diving, and more all at your wonderful Caribbean resort!

As the furthest region from the U.S., the Southern Caribbean includes exotic, less-traveled destinations. Southern Caribbean islands are mostly colonial settlements with heavy British, Dutch, and French elements. The diverse islands of Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, St. Lucia, and more provide unique resort experiences found nowhere else. From magnificent estates, half-mile crescent beaches, luxuriant gardens, and more, discover tropical paradise at a Caribbean resort in this region!

With an array of resorts sprinkled throughout the many islands of this tropical paradise, now is the time to begin planning your Caribbean vacation. For more information on Caribbean resorts and other amazing resort properties, offers through  America’s Vacation Center’s / Avoya Travel . Please call your Personal Vacation Planner today  at 800-308-3077 and mention Discount Code 9094.

Capt Bob

Tour Spain & Portugal:

Published on 08/24/2010

Tour Spain and Portugal to explore two stunning countries filled with history, culture, and intrigue. With medieval castles and cathedrals, legendary nightlife, incredible art, delightful cuisine, and much more, an escorted tour through Spain and Portugal will be filled with enchantment.

Highlights of Spain & Portugal with Trafalgar

Tour Spain and Portugal’s attractions on Trafalgar’s 14-day Highlights of Spain and Portugal tour, where you’ll see the best of both countries – all under the guidance of your expert Tour Director! First, discover the elegant tree-lined boulevards of Madrid before a scenic drive to Toledo to view El Greco’s artistic masterpieces. After visiting Cordoba, you’ll arrive in Costa Del Sol to explore its sandy beaches and visit the mighty Rock of Gibraltar. In Seville, you’ll enjoy an exceptional ‘Be My Guest’ tapas dinner in an authentic bodega restaurant! Next, head to Libson, the capital of Portugal, where you can visit fishing villages, shop for pottery and cork, and see the Monument to the Great Explorers. You’ll also visit the holy city of Fatima, Salamanca, Spain’s oldest university city, and more before returning to Madrid to visit the incredible Prado art museum, the Plaza de Espana, and beyond! Each day in Spain and Portugal with Trafalgar Tours will be exciting, hassle-free, and adventurous for America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel guests!

Experience ‘Spanish Wonder’ with Brendan Vacations

During Brendan Vacations’ 10-day Spanish Wonder tour, escape to the captivating country of Spain. First, explore the sights in Madrid, such as the Cervantes Memorial and the Plaza Mayor, before enjoying a fascinating tour of a local steel workshop in Toledo. Next, you’ll travel south to Cordoba for a guided tour of the Mosque of the Caliphs, visit Seville for a leisurely stroll through the city and perhaps a fiery Flamenco show, and discover Granada’s exotic water gardens. Your tour will then take you to the Troglodyte cave dwellings of Guadix before heading to Valencia, where your Tour Director will show you the Bull Ring, its celebrated orange groves, and its great cathedral and towers. In the fascinating city of Barcelona, you’ll be enthralled by the incredible architecture of Gaudi, the Ramblas pedestrian mall, the Plaça Catalunya city center, and more. With Brendan Tours, you’ll experience the ‘wonder’ of Spain!

Insight Vacations’ Amazing Spain & Portugal

During Insight Vacations’ 10-day Amazing Spain and Portugal tour, discover the art, culture, and landscapes of these incredible countries. This tour will take you through the vibrant city of Madrid, the cobbled streets of Toledo, the picturesque plains of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, and more. In Granada, you’ll visit the Alhambra Palace, former residence of Moorish kings known for its exquisite stone-cut lace. After crossing the Portuguese border, you’ll arrive in Libson for a panoramic guided tour including the ancient Belem Tower and Jeronimo’s Monastery, and perhaps even listen to Portugal’s famous Fado music. After visiting the pilgrimage city of Fatima and the golden stone buildings of Salamanca, you’ll arrive in Avila – a beautiful city with preserved 11th century walls, before returning to Madrid. With Insight Vacations, your tour will be well-paced, ensuring that you’ll explore ‘must-sees’ while also enjoying plenty of leisure time!

Live ‘La Vida Loca’ with Contiki

Tour Spain with travelers ages 18-35 exclusively! On Contiki’s 15-day Spanish Spree tour, you’ll find the perfect blend of culture and partying. First, you’ll enjoy Madrid’s lively plazas, Royal Palace, and perhaps a relaxing siesta before a night out with sangria and salsa dancing! Next, you’ll see the cliff-top town of Segovia, including its incredible Roman aqueduct, the stunning beaches of San Sebastian, and Pamplona, the home of the legendary Running of the Bulls. In Barcelona, you’ll visit La Sagrada Familia, the Olympic Games complex, and enjoy some fresh paella. Next you’ll fly to Ibiza, Spain’s ‘party paradise’ for some fun in the sun and nightclubs with world-renowned DJs. Enjoy Arab pastries in the exotic city of Granada, check out Gibraltar’s roaming monkeys, and unwind in Seville and Cordoba. Your vacation will end with a tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site Toledo before heading back to Madrid. With Contiki Tours, each day in Spain is sure to be an adventure!

For an incredible Mediterranean vacation, tour Spain and Portugal’s endless wonders. Contact your America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel Personal Vacation Planner today to plan your escorted tour!

For more information, call 800-308-3077 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner today!

Published on 08/24/10

Travelers can enjoy amazing Italy Cruise Deals:

By traveling to Italy and the Mediterranean off-season, you’ll find fewer crowds, fewer lines, and lots of value as you visit this beautiful gem of Europe!

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, tasting real Italian pizza in Naples, or taking a gondola ride through the canals of Venice – with fewer crowds? On 7-night Europe cruises to Italy and beyond, you can travel Europe ‘off-season’ (when the peak Summer travel months have passed), and enjoy incredible ports-of-call along the stunning Mediterranean Sea.

Stylish Sailings to Italy with Celebrity Cruises

One of the finest ways to explore the beauty of Italy is on 7-night Europe sailings with Celebrity Cruises. Depart from Barcelona to visit enchanting Italian ports-of-call such as Genoa, Pisa, Rome, and Naples. On board, you’ll have a taste of ‘la bella vita’ with an array of international fare including a splash of Italy in the Tuscan Grille, a vibrant restaurant that offers prosciutto, spaghetti Bolognese, quintessential Italian wines, and more on board Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice-class ships. Also, with the ‘Celebrity Life’ onboard program, you can take an enriching Language Learning with Rosetta Stone class to pick up on new words and phrases you can use during your Italy cruise!

• America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel guests can receive a free coupon book to use during off-season Europe sailings with Celebrity Cruises.

Discover the Glories of the Mediterranean with Crystal Cruises

During 7-night luxury Crystal Cruises to the Mediterranean, you’ll see the splendors of Europe unfold – whether at sea or while visiting one of the many ports-of-call. From the famous coasts of St. Tropez to the stunning villages of Santorini and beyond, you can see it all from the comfort and privacy of your own veranda stateroom or suite. Enjoy the cooler climates of the Mediterranean during the off-season months as you take a stroll on the 360-degree Promenade deck that surrounds your ship. Also, with the only Feng Shui-inspired spa at sea, traditional Afternoon Tea service, and gourmet dining prepared by a European-trained staff, you’ll relish every day of your Mediterranean vacation with Crystal Cruises.

• Travel to Europe in luxury with outstanding values from Crystal Cruises such as free air, shipboard credit, and 2 for 1 fares. Plus, you can also save up to $200 on 2010 cruises!

Everlasting Italy Cruise Memories with Royal Caribbean

On 7-night Royal Caribbean sailings to the Mediterranean, you’ll have many opportunities to explore this charming and beautiful region of Europe. During your Mediterranean cruise vacation, you can visit the Spanish Steps in Rome, see the Parthenon in Athens, marvel at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and more all while sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s innovative ships. Also, Royal Caribbean recently announced that all ships sailing to Europe will offer the Late Departure Program, where you’ll have the option to stay onboard up to 90 minutes prior to the next sailing’s departure for a small fee. If you’re not quite ready to get on your flight and leave Europe’s breathtaking Mediterranean Sea, you can lounge by the pool, enjoy lunch in the Windjammer Café, unwind with invigorating spa treatments, and more!

• For great savings and exclusive pricing for your Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean, book now!

From Italy and beyond, the Mediterranean is one of Europe’s most treasured regions that is perfect for a cruise vacation. To sail through this wonderful part of the world ‘off-season’ during an Italy cruise, contact your America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel Personal Vacation Planner today!

For more information, call 800-308-3077 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner Robert Foster today!

Holland American Ship Oosterdam

Holland America Line again will offer voyages that touch all seven continents in fall 2011 and early 2012. The Amsterdam will sail a 70-day “Grand Asia and Australia Voyage” in fall 2011 and then returns to world cruising in January 2012 with a 112-day “Grand World Voyage” that visits the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the Mediterranean. Following its 68-day “Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage” in January, Prinsendam will depart in March on a 62-day “Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage.”

Without requiring international air travel, Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages make taking a dream vacation easy and more affordable. The voyages feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites, first-time calls at new destinations, and extended time in port with late departures, overnights and overland tours.
Grand Voyages feature an enhanced on-board experience with local cultural entertainment and guest headliners and lecturers. Grand Voyage dining is distinguished by a different experience every day, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine and wines. And service levels are at their highest, with nearly one crew member for every two guests.

The Amsterdam’s 70-day “Grand Asia and Australia Voyage” departs Seattle on Sept. 26, 2011, and concludes in Los Angeles. Following calls throughout Asia, the cruise continues to western Australia and the South Pacific. Overnights include Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, China; Tokyo and Kobe, Japan; Singapore; and Sydney and Perth, Australia.

The Amsterdam’s “Grand World Voyage” is round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, departing Jan. 6, 2012. The 112-day adventure calls in the Caribbean, South America, around Cape Horn through the Chilean fjords and south to Antarctica. Amsterdam then sails west to Tahiti, followed by calls in Australia, the Far East and Indian Ocean, before transiting the Suez Canal and sailing through the Mediterranean and back to South Florida. Overnight calls include the Great Barrier Reef from Sydney; Hong Kong; Mumbai, India; Barcelona, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Singapore; and Piraeus (Athens), Greece. The voyage also features a maiden call at Mangalore in Southern India.
Prinsendam’s 68-day “South America, Antarctica and the Amazon Voyage” sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, departing on Jan. 4, 2012. The ship will transit the Panama Canal to South America’s Pacific coast then circumnavigate the continent. Prinsendam will spend eight days cruising the Amazon River and four days of scenic cruising in Antarctica. The itinerary also features maiden ports of call: Bocas del Toro, Panama; Matarani, Peru; Cabedelo, Brazil; and Ancud, Chile. Overnight calls include Manaus, Brazil, in the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Callao (Lima), Peru. Upon its return to Fort Lauderdale, Prinsendam embarks March 12, 2012, on a 62-day journey to the Mediterranean and Holy Lands round-trip from Fort Lauderdale.
For the first time, Prinsendam will call at Durrës, Albania’s second-largest city; Saint Raphaél in the Côte d’Azur region of France; and Castellón de la Plana, in the Costa del Azahar region of Spain. Overnight calls will be made at Seville, Spain; Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; Piraeus (Athens); Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal. This voyage can be combined with the “Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage” for a 130-day cruise.

Reservations are being taken for all of Holland America Line’s 2011 and 2012 grand voyages, and early-booking bonus amenities for full-cruise guests include prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and a complimentary shore excursion or event for select stateroom categories. Amenities vary by cruise, stateroom category and booking date.
Rates start at $9,499 for Amsterdam’s 70-day “Grand Asia and Australia Voyage,” $23,799 for Amsterdam’s 112-day “Grand World Voyage,” $14,399 for Prinsendam’s 68-day “Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage,” and $12,999 for Prinsendam’s 62-day “Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage.” Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy. The four grand voyages can be booked in segments ranging from 18- to 112-day sailings. For more information, call 800-308-3077 or visit Avoya Travel.

Capt Bob

Carnival Cruise Lines in its effort to broaden it reach into Social Media is impacting its business in a big way.   Earlier this month Delta Airlines, Inc. announced its Social Media “Ticket Window” on FaceBook and now Carnival Cruise Lines has just put the finishing touches on their on FaceBook application.  I see this as a good move in that it puts another media on the Internet for people who like to travel.  With a few key strokes to be able to share information about their travel plans, planning reunions with their family and friends. Both companies are expanding their reach to the computer savvy generation.  This trend is just the tip of  the iceberg and I forecast you will see more companies coming on board via FaceBook with their products and services.

Capt Bob

Carnival Cruise Lines announced the launch of a new Facebook application that allows users to view, compare, select and share Carnival cruises with their friends. The application allows users to engage their social network in their vacation planning through personalized news feed updates and invite friends to book the same trip.

The application, available on Carnival’s official Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/carnival), enables users to explore all Carnival cruise options without leaving Facebook by providing the functionality to sort cruises by date, duration, port of call and accommodation type. Once users decide on a particular cruise, they can share the information with their Facebook friends by simply clicking a button. Users can also customize their newsfeed messages, which include a link to the cruise, to invite friends to book the trip as well.

“A Carnival cruise is a very social experience and this application is a natural extension of our efforts to engage our nearly 250,000 Facebook fans in a unique and exciting way,” said Jim Berra, Carnival’s chief marketing officer. “By allowing our customers to share their cruising plans with Facebook friends, we are making it easier for them to plan group trips and encourage others to join in the fun.”

Digital marketing agency Razorfish helped conceptualize, create and design the application. Once users have taken advantage of the Facebook application to choose and share their Carnival cruise plans, they will be directed to the appropriate shopping cart page on www.carnival.com to finalize the transaction. For additional information, call 800-CARNIVAL or visit www.GoCCL.com.

There’s no better way to see Alaska and the Inside Passage than with us, especially from your own private balcony. Start your Alaska cruise from Seattle  and get ready for amazing views and wildlife like nowhere else. Watch for orcas. Go dogsledding. Or pan for gold. On board relax in the Mandara spa and watch the scenery glide by.

Hello and Welcome Aboard:

I have a group cruise to Alaska, inside passage, on the Beautiful NCL Star departing August 27, 2011 from Seattle. We have blocked 25 Balcony staterooms on Deck 10 at a price of $1089.00 per person  plus tax and port fees.  Marlene Varga (I take the Lead Member) is sponsoring this cruise and is offering to all interested parties the chance to go along. If you have sailed the inside passage of Alaska you know the beauty of what this cruise has to offer or if you wanted to cruise the Alaska Inside passage this is your opportunity, plus by joining this group you get a group rate discount ( NCL’S regular balcony stateroom price per person is $1499.00 per person plus tax and port charges). Call today at 1-360-687-9579 or out of state 1-800-308-3077 and mention Marlene Varga Group Cruise.

Many Thanks  Bob Foster

Travel Smart/Avoya Travel-American Express

Norwegian Star

Built for Freestyle Cruising, the Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Star was debuted in 2001 and offers guests options galore. Featuring 13 dining choices, this large Norwegian ship lets passengers choose whichever cuisine strikes their fancy, whenever they decide to eat, and provides the flexibility to eat with whoever they want to. Activities and “relaxtivities” abound onboard the Norwegian Star ship from spinning and yoga classes to rejuvenating spa treatments. In the evenings, nothing caps off a day of sightseeing and exploring various ports of call like a bubbly celebration in Gatsby’s Champagne Bar. The staff is friendly and helpful, the ship is spacious and full of excitement, and the staterooms provide a perfectly comfortable retreat. The Norwegian Star cruise ship’s award-winning Garden Villas offer the most freedom of all with their overall space. Named the 2008 Travel Weekly Magellan Award Gold Winner, the Norwegian Star’s Garden Villas proudly boast up to 5,000 sq. ft. of space, three bedrooms, a private garden and sun deck, hot tubs, and a grand piano. The Norwegian Star is a shining example of the Norwegian Cruises Freestyle experience, and with itineraries to Alaska, it is one of the top ways that travelers are enjoying their dream vacations.

Vacation Itinerary & Map7-Day Sawyer Glacier, Round-trip Seattle

Please Note:

• Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking.
• Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.
• Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.
• Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.

	Dates	Port	Arrival	Departure
	Sat	Seattle		4:00 PM
	Seattle Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World’s Fair.
	Sun	Cruise Inside Passage
	Cruise Inside Passage
	Mon	Ketchikan	7:00 AM	3:00 PM
	Ketchikan Its Tlingit Indian name, Kach Khanna, means “spread wings of the eagle.” Chances are you’ll see one of these magnificent birds perched atop a Sitka tree. Thanks to its abundant rainfall, Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the world’s most lush wilderness. Featured Shore Excursions Shore Excursion Rating Duration Ketchikan Cultural Discovery Not yet rated 4 hrs Saxman Native Village & Lumberjack Show 4.33/5 Stars 4 hrs Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer 4.22/5 Stars 4.25 hrs
	Tue	Juneau	7:00 AM	1:30 PM
	Juneau Juneau has been called “Alaska’s peak experience,” certainly due in part to its unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Kayak up one of the area’s many protected waterways, go flightseeing, tour historic downtown or try your hand at panning for gold. Featured Shore Excursions Shore Excursion Rating Duration Mendenhall Glacier By Helicopter & Guided Walk 5/5 Stars 2.25 hrs Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest 4.78/5 Stars 4 hrs Juneau Hatchery & Mendenhall Glacier 4/5 Stars 3 hrs
	Tue	Cruise Sawyer Glacier
	Cruise Sawyer Glacier
	Wed	Skagway	7:00 AM	5:00 PM
	Skagway In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. Today, travelers come in search of other riches – to experience yesteryear along Skagway’s charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days. Featured Shore Excursions Shore Excursion Rating Duration Dogsledding & Glacier Flightseeing Helicopter 5/5 Stars 2 hrs Historical City Tour & Salmon Bake 5/5 Stars 3 hrs White Pass Scenic Railway 4.48/5 Stars 3.5 hrs
	Thu	Prince Rupert	4:00 PM	10:00 PM
	Prince Rupert The deepest port in North America, Prince Rupert serves as Canada’s gateway to Alaska and the Queen Charlotte Islands. Don’t miss the totems of the Haida and Tsimpsean Indians in the beautiful city parks with spectacular views of the Pacific. Featured Shore Excursions Shore Excursion Rating Duration Butze Rainforest Nature Walk 5/5 Stars 2.75 hrs Canada’s Wilderness Via Floatplane Not yet rated 1.5 hrs Whales & Marine Life Discovery Cruise 4.5/5 Stars 4 hrs
	Fri	At Sea
	At Sea
	Sat	Seattle	8:00 AM
	Seattle Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World’s Fair.