tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75030425099904091972023-11-15T23:44:20.985-08:00cruisetravelbugRobertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-18849682152213133162020-07-02T19:29:00.004-07:002020-07-02T19:29:26.629-07:00Blog retirement I am officially retiring this blog.<br />
I am no longer a travel agent.<br />
Feel free to follow me on my <a href="https://robertaw.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">personal blog</a>.<br />
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-42893744967998307172019-09-15T03:20:00.000-07:002019-09-15T03:20:02.830-07:00Balzac's Paris<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJlNmhNnK3WAohcReqTPPv88fwv5R3Gfmu59LdYADba6xBDiHVBaW-ufR1U3h-XpKi68NuZyYL4y6m_5qg-Wemr1VuY0UYSg-20W6ddbF34luN4eo9t-oTwazY3XLfdW1QTZjpNRvyHM/s1600/IMG_0655+compr+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJlNmhNnK3WAohcReqTPPv88fwv5R3Gfmu59LdYADba6xBDiHVBaW-ufR1U3h-XpKi68NuZyYL4y6m_5qg-Wemr1VuY0UYSg-20W6ddbF34luN4eo9t-oTwazY3XLfdW1QTZjpNRvyHM/s320/IMG_0655+compr+top.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Novelist Honoré de Balzac's home<br />
Photo copyright Peter's Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Add this to your list of off-the-beaten-track sights to see in Paris, courtesy of my favourite Paris blog...</i><br />
<br />
"The house where the novelist Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) lived for some seven years (1840-47) has recently been reopened after some restoration works. This is where he finalised a large part of his famous “La Comédie Humaine”, some 91 stories, novels, essays… How many have you read? I have only read one, “The Père Goriot” (Old Goriot).
Balzac always lived beyond his means and, as he now and then had some unwanted visitors, he was happy to live in a house with several exits, including to the small narrow street on the back side. We are in the Passy area of Paris, in the 16th arrondissement, and this old little house is now surrounded by fashionable apartment buildings..." [read more on <a href="http://www.peter-pho2.com/2019/08/balzac.html" target="_blank">Peter's Paris</a>].<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/P%C3%A8re-Lachaise_-_Division_48_-_Balzac_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="200" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/P%C3%A8re-Lachaise_-_Division_48_-_Balzac_07.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balzac's statue in<br />
the Cimetière<br />
du Père-Lachaise
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To visit<br />
The Maison de Balzac is located in the 16th arrondissement at 47, rue Raynouard (nearest métro and RER stations are Passy and Avenue du Président Kennedy) - open daily except Mondays and holidays (admission free)/<br />
<a href="https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71078/Maison-de-Balzac" target="_blank">Maison de Balzac</a> - Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau <br />
<a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/maison-de-balzac-profile-1618651" target="_blank">Maison de Balzac Profile and Visitor's Guide</a> - Trip Savvy<br />
<a href="https://www.literarytraveler.com/articles/honore-de-balzac-paris/" target="_blank">Back to Balzac</a> - Literary Traveler<br />
<br />
<br />
To learn more<br />
<a href="https://balzacsparis.ucr.edu/" target="_blank">Balzac's Paris - a Guided Tour</a> - University of California<br />
<a href="https://bonjourparis.com/archives/balzacs-paris-history-modern-walking-tour/" target="_blank">Balzac's Paris: History and Modern Walking Tout</a><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-85448831459099622762019-08-31T23:30:00.003-07:002019-08-31T23:30:39.997-07:00A step back in time to La Alberca<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Plaza_Mayor%2C_La_Alberca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Plaza_Mayor%2C_La_Alberca.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Alberca's Paza Mayor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Perhaps the most enchanting step back in time I took on my 2009/2010 Europe trip was the village of La Alberca in Spain. I was staying nearby while volunteering at Pueblo Inglés (from which I have many memories but have not written much, except a brief post, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1754670928"></span>Consulting My Pillow in La Alberca<span id="goog_1754670929"></span></a>).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnAFNDNViC1_Zyz-IP_ctmereF4iDm3TapzKpBQW9WgJZXukDjI-I_E3Sh2SfyHt84oMmuTeLMPhxFhsMEiTe8vnH17kN1QJF-Rc-sRFrhiorZJaz2x9WhJifuHsfnLXX_8W-xyV5N1w/s1600/DSCN7208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnAFNDNViC1_Zyz-IP_ctmereF4iDm3TapzKpBQW9WgJZXukDjI-I_E3Sh2SfyHt84oMmuTeLMPhxFhsMEiTe8vnH17kN1QJF-Rc-sRFrhiorZJaz2x9WhJifuHsfnLXX_8W-xyV5N1w/s1600/DSCN7208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Spain, every village has its own distinct design. My friend<br />
Lisa Ch, sporting the La Alberca village ring we both bought there <br />
(this pic from later that year, when we <a href="http://robertaw.blogspot.com/2010/08/in-big-apple-leaving-new-york.html" target="_blank">reconnected</a> in NYC)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyways, it was with interest that I stumbled across this enchanting post by a traveller who has been there more than once, and though that I'd share it.<br />
<br />
"When my parents came to visit in Madrid last year, they brought with them some of my old photos, a box of a few hundred slides I’d set aside years ago. It was a random sampling of the uncounted thousands of Kodachromes and Fujichromes I have sitting in the not-so-archival environment of my parent’s damp basement in Toronto.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of things I prefer about digital photography over film, but film has digital beat when it comes to looking at old photographs. You get to hold the actual original thing, for starters, and you can see it without having to plug anything in. Slides can’t be perfectly copied in a keystroke, they’re one of a kind. And for that same reason, you see them only once in a while. They get put into deep storage and get forgotten about until they surface sometime later, like artefacts from the past.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spainbymikerandolph.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/la1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spainbymikerandolph.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/la1.jpg" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo copyright Spain by Mike Randolf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was one slide in particular that caught me eye. I took it out of the plastic sleeve and held it up to the window. My uncle Miguel had died the year before, but in the image, taken some twenty-five years ago, he looked not much older than I am now. We were in a village called La Alberca with my aunt and an old woman we met while wandering around..." [<a href="http://www.spainbymikerandolph.com/remembering-la-alberca/" target="_blank">read more on Spain by Mike Randolf</a>].<br />
<br />
It's a great story.<br />
<br />
Mike also has some great photos, they are really worth a look.<br />
<br />
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-30919133375081411142019-08-24T16:30:00.000-07:002019-08-24T16:30:05.900-07:00Sunset for the Travelling Boomer<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i1.wp.com/travellingboomer.com/wp-content/uploads/PV-sunset-light1.jpg?fit=2211%2C1469" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://i1.wp.com/travellingboomer.com/wp-content/uploads/PV-sunset-light1.jpg?fit=2211%2C1469" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Travelling Boomer is signing off.<br />
Photo copyright Paul Marshman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was with a mix of both disappointment and understanding that I read the following announcement on one of my favourite travel blogs:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"For the past five years, I’ve been regaling you with stories about the pleasures of travel on this website. But today that comes to an end, and for a very good reason: it’s called climate change. Right now, the world is facing a climate crisis that threatens the future of all of us. And unfortunately, one of the things making it worse is travel. So I can’t in good conscience keep inviting you to go travelling and add to a problem that’s killing this planet..." [<a href="http://travellingboomer.com/an-announcement-from-the-travelling-boomer/" target="_blank">read more on the Travelling Boomer</a>].
</blockquote>
<br />
Paul is a brilliant man and has contributed so much the world of travel, but I think he has hit the nail on the head. <br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Thank you, my friend - and client - for all you have done. I look forward to learning about your next venture.</em> Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-51513800205552910322018-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:002018-11-26T09:00:01.335-08:00You'll need a new Brussels map<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b9/MagrittePipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="378" height="223" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b9/MagrittePipe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceci n’est pas une rue.<br />
Brussels honours artist René Magritte with a new street name.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>If you love Brussels, and are planning a return trip, you'll need a new street map. Here's why:</i><br />
<br />
"If you could name a street in your hometown, what would you choose? Belgian citizens had the opportunity to mull just that question as part of an initiative to name 28 streets, squares, and walkways in the Belgian capital’s Tour & Taxis district*. The city crowdsourced the names as part of an ongoing regeneration project in the Tour & Taxis district—a formerly industrial area now set to become one of the city’s cultural and residential meccas. After receiving nearly 1,400 suggestions from the public, the final list was chosen by a jury of city officials, historians, and the site’s property developer, Extena...""[<a href="https://qz.com/1366369/belgians-chose-the-names-of-28-streets-and-the-results-are-pretty-creative/" target="_blank">read more on Quartz</a>].<br />
<br />
<i>*The district is named after the famous Thurn and Taxis, a German noble family that was a key player in European postal services until the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. </i>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Brussels_signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="552" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Brussels_signs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street name signs in Brussels are in Flemish and French.<br />
There have been more going up lately.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Once a railway station and inland port, the district was a maze of warehouses, customs buildings and post and telegraph offices. By the early 1990s the area had fallen on hard times: lorry transport had rendered rail freight lines obsolete, while the introduction of a European customs union and harmonisation of standards drastically reduced incoming goods..." [<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/aug/22/ceci-nest-pas-une-rue-where-the-streets-have-new-names-brussels" target="_blank">read more on The Guardian</a>].<br />
<br />
"Did you know that the site once served as the largest freight station of Europe? The historic buildings were years ahead of the rest of Europe. The architects and engineers combined beautiful Belgian architecture with the most innovative technologies of the time. The result? Buildings that still have all modern facilities with an attractive, historic flavour..."<a href="https://www.tour-taxis.com/en" target="_blank">read more on the official website</a>].<br />
<br />
"The eclectic mix of new names chosen by Brussels residents range from Passage de la Kriek, named after a famous Belgian cherry beer, to Ceci n’est pas une rue (This is not a street), inspired by the art of Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte. “To give a street a name, it gives it a certain identity,” Kris Verhellen, CEO of the Extensa development group which owns the former transport hub in the north of the city..." [<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-belgium-city-streets/beer-chips-and-historic-women-inspire-new-brussels-street-names-idUSKCN1L71WS" target="_blank">read more on Reuters</a>].<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.brussels.be/sites/default/files/bxl/maptt_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="800" height="262" src="https://www.brussels.be/sites/default/files/bxl/maptt_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h1>
The new Brussels street names - and what they mean</h1>
<ul>
<li>Allée des Douanes: Customs Alley</li>
<li>Ceci n’est pas une rue: This is not a street
(honouring Belgian artist René Magritte)
</li>
<li>Chemin du Bonheur: Path to Happiness</li>
<li>Chemin d’Un Monde Meilleur: Path to a Better World</li>
<li>Drève des Rêves: Drive of Dreams</li>
<li>Drève du Parc: Park Drive</li>
<li>Drève Maritime: Maritime Drive</li>
<li>Drève von Thurn und Tassis: Tour and Taxis Drive</li>
<li>Mer des Pavés: Sea of Cobblestones</li>
<li>Passage de la Caricole: Passage of the Caricole</li>
<li>Passage de la Frite: Passage of the fries</li>
<li>Passage de la Praline: Passage of the Praline</li>
<li>Passage de la Kriek: Passage of the Kriek (Belgian beer)</li>
<li>Passage du Chicon: Passage of Chicon (a Belgian cheese and endive dish)</li>
<li>Passage du Cuberdon: Passage of Cuberdon (a Belgian candy)</li>
<li>Passage du Speculoos: Passage of the Speculoos (a Belgian spiced cookie)</li>
<li>Passage du Stoemp: Passage of the Stoemp (a Belgian vegetable dish)</li>
<li>Place de la Musique: Place of Music</li>
<li>Place des Choukes: Place of Choukes (a Belgian term of endearment)</li>
<li>Place des Grands Hommes Place of Great People</li>
<li>Quai des Brumes: Quay of the Mists</li>
<li>Rue Chantal Akerman: Chantal Akerman Street (a famous Belgian feminist and avant-garde filmmaker)</li>
<li>Rue des Entrepôts: Warehouse Street</li>
<li>Rue du Méandre: Meander Street</li>
<li>Rue Isala Van Diest: Isala Van Diest Street (Belguim's first female medical doctor)</li>
<li>Voie 1: Way 1</li>
<li>Voie 2: Way 2</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Flag_of_the_Brussels-Capital_Region.svg/900px-Flag_of_the_Brussels-Capital_Region.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Flag_of_the_Brussels-Capital_Region.svg/900px-Flag_of_the_Brussels-Capital_Region.svg.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brussels city flag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To learn more<br />
<a href="https://www.tour-taxis.com/en" target="_blank">Tour & Taxis District</a> - official website<br />
<a href="https://qz.com/1366369/belgians-chose-the-names-of-28-streets-and-the-results-are-pretty-creative/" target="_blank">Belgians chose “This is not a street” as one of 28 new Brussels street names</a> - Quartz<br />
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-belgium-city-streets/beer-chips-and-historic-women-inspire-new-brussels-street-names-idUSKCN1L71WS" target="_blank">Beer, chips and historic women inspire new Brussels street names</a><br />
<a href="https://www.brussels.be/new-names-tour-taxis-streets" target="_blank">New names of the Tour & Taxis streets</a> - Brussels city website<br />
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/aug/22/ceci-nest-pas-une-rue-where-the-streets-have-new-names-brussels" target="_blank">Ceci n’est pas une rue: Brussels to adopt whimsical new street names</a> - The Guardian<br />
<a href="https://www.thetravel.com/city-officials-brussels-honouring-surreal-painter-rene-magritte-others-strange-street-names/" target="_blank">Brussels Honors René Magritte & Other Painters With Bizarre Street Names</a> - The Travel<br />
<br />
<i>This post was published previously on my <a href="https://citytravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/10/brussels-this-is-not-street.html" target="_blank">citytravelbug</a> blog</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Sponsored content (mine!)<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood" target="_blank">Cruises</a> - my cruise website<br />
Feel free to <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> if I can help you with your travel plans
<br />
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-13398910065566006552018-11-03T12:33:00.002-07:002018-11-03T12:33:59.068-07:00My late picks - November 2018Flexible schedule? If you can get away last minute, here are some interesting sailings this month that still have space ~ and good deals!<br />
<br />
Check out these escapes to warmth as the northern lands grow chilly...<br />
<br />
<h3>
South Pacific from Tahiti!</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2QprNc4MT-nOfR612q-d9i_wHTAYJ5hz9VyatC38orKZRaWSjpg-vD852VTGW7egH2oEEaHwycjOCp9y9dEk67pgtFtph5o1ExM92xJwsBUNRCI3_F2u0ytwVJFKJTgsTaeevrcdAmxi/s1600/Maasdam_Nov11_2018_15nights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2QprNc4MT-nOfR612q-d9i_wHTAYJ5hz9VyatC38orKZRaWSjpg-vD852VTGW7egH2oEEaHwycjOCp9y9dEk67pgtFtph5o1ExM92xJwsBUNRCI3_F2u0ytwVJFKJTgsTaeevrcdAmxi/s1600/Maasdam_Nov11_2018_15nights.jpg" /></a></div>
November 11, 2018<br />
<br />
15-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing from Papeete (Tahiti) to Auckland on Holland America's ms Maasdam<br />
<br />
Very nice South Pacific cruise, offering great value.<br />
<br />
Ports on this sailing include: Papeete, French Polynesia - At Sea - Rarotonga, Cook Islands - At Sea - Alofi, New Zealand - International Dateline - Vava'u, Tonga - At Sea - Savusavu, Fiji - Suva, Fiji - Dravuni Island - At Sea - Nuku`alofa, Tonga - At Sea - At Sea - Auckland, New Zealand<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1014264&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a>
<br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Great Middle East cruise!</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE3kMg6NCyVfss1uyHBMTvAmq4ozXH2qNQz650Wc-9XWYwzlBSdRaiyA6-Qj0RvJK8v24jA5mAwyxwIkEygqnj0MfeQpJNdK3JXh7lyTE6l6TP8MWciotOdh13WHX9WZMMV_QtcZlsSa0/s1600/CelebrityConstellation_Nov11_2018_15nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE3kMg6NCyVfss1uyHBMTvAmq4ozXH2qNQz650Wc-9XWYwzlBSdRaiyA6-Qj0RvJK8v24jA5mAwyxwIkEygqnj0MfeQpJNdK3JXh7lyTE6l6TP8MWciotOdh13WHX9WZMMV_QtcZlsSa0/s1600/CelebrityConstellation_Nov11_2018_15nts.jpg" /></a></div>
November 11, 2018<br />
<br />
15-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing from Rome to Abu Dhabi on the Celebrity Constellation<br />
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A great choice if you'd like to disembark in Abu Dhabi<br />
<br />
Ports on this sailing include: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Catania, Italy - At Sea - Piraeus, Greece - Suez Canal, Egypt - Suez Canal, Egypt - Al 'Aqabah, Jordan - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - Muscat, Oman - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=939092&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
New Orleans cruise</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk-dzbPuGrD6KqiGOuAfFYTjqBXxvHBxxLQJhZJwim0XmXKK58zHgs_td9qZvXQpQ1RyozH2MGGW1Itx1D-d2AhDWUeLSyQxB66-00WzFUJOfVFUngjtZAflRcDGXEv6yMH3WjXHqYC-n/s1600/NorwegianBreakaway_Nov25_2018_11nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk-dzbPuGrD6KqiGOuAfFYTjqBXxvHBxxLQJhZJwim0XmXKK58zHgs_td9qZvXQpQ1RyozH2MGGW1Itx1D-d2AhDWUeLSyQxB66-00WzFUJOfVFUngjtZAflRcDGXEv6yMH3WjXHqYC-n/s1600/NorwegianBreakaway_Nov25_2018_11nts.jpg" /></a></div>
November 25, 2018<br />
<br />
11-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing roundtrip from New Orleans on the Norwegian Breakaway<br />
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Wrap your Caribbean cruise with a little New Orleans jazz!<br />
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Ports on this sailing include: New Orleans, Louisiana - At Sea - At Sea - Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - Roatan, Honduras - Belize City, Belize - Harvest Caye, Belize - Costa Maya, Mexico - Cozumel, Mexico - At Sea - New Orleans, Louisiana<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1030628&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
3 weeks in the Caribbean</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwxrWXpktGIXnsDANMEwxXJbfFFHiXtdXwcXdhr4UQue7zqd1tTm7v58tRmeyeLruMIDcnfKtaSdMTATxCFkOrvPag6nEHZLfyprefSFkRu4z4oPrhta1LWioEaN0B7W1XdepYpuFDJ96/s1600/Rotterdam_Nov25_2018_21nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwxrWXpktGIXnsDANMEwxXJbfFFHiXtdXwcXdhr4UQue7zqd1tTm7v58tRmeyeLruMIDcnfKtaSdMTATxCFkOrvPag6nEHZLfyprefSFkRu4z4oPrhta1LWioEaN0B7W1XdepYpuFDJ96/s1600/Rotterdam_Nov25_2018_21nts.jpg" /></a></div>
November 25, 2018<br />
<br />
21-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing roundtrip Tampa on Holland America's ms Rotterdam<br />
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Lovely, relaxing 3 week long cruise... claim your deck chair!<br />
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Ports on this sailing include: Tampa, Florida - Key West, Florida - At Sea - Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala - Roatan, Honduras - Costa Maya, Mexico - At Sea - Tampa, Florida - Key West, Florida - At Sea - At Sea - San Juan, Puerto Rico - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands - St John's, Antigua and Barbuda - Castries, Saint Lucia - Soufriere Bay, Saint Lucia - At Sea - Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles - Oranjestad, Aruba - At Sea - Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - At Sea - Tampa, Florida<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1089245&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Panama Canal</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQqN_AjZIXeeIbMRXYT_Z43hnPIvtR5IX-q1jomEwfq2TYugqROx66w4S36aqQNF9h7j8pgjMRBnEh6hsj2dufsoh9O109v9fBM3dXdQv4_vjz3wzgVwNwiOlfuOMxsi5L_MRQ9FN9O8q/s1600/NorwegianStar_Nov30_2018_14nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQqN_AjZIXeeIbMRXYT_Z43hnPIvtR5IX-q1jomEwfq2TYugqROx66w4S36aqQNF9h7j8pgjMRBnEh6hsj2dufsoh9O109v9fBM3dXdQv4_vjz3wzgVwNwiOlfuOMxsi5L_MRQ9FN9O8q/s1600/NorwegianStar_Nov30_2018_14nts.jpg" /></a></div>
November 30, 2018<br />
<br />
14-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing from Miami to Los Angeles on the Norwegian Star<br />
<br />
A surprisingly affordable Panama Canal opportunity<br />
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Ports on this sailing include: Miami, Florida - At Sea - At Sea - Cartagena, Colombia - Panama Canal - At Sea - Puntarenas, Costa Rica - Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - At Sea - Acapulco, Mexico - At Sea - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - At Sea - Los Angeles, California<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1142328&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
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==============================================<br />
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<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ACup_of_black_tea.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="By AntanO (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Cup of black tea" height="133" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Cup_of_black_tea.JPG/512px-Cup_of_black_tea.JPG" width="200" /></a>
None of these your cup of tea? <br />
<br />
I'm happy to help you plan an adventure wherever you'd like to go. <br />
<br />
Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> to begin the planning process.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Related resources<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/11417-Roberta's-Picks" target="_blank">Roberta's picks</a> - hand picked by me<br />
<a href="http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/9256-Vancouver-Cruise-Opportunities" target="_blank">Vancouver cruise opportunities</a> - hand picked by me<br />
<a href="http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/9197-Long-Sailing-Picks" target="_blank">Solo-friendly picks</a> - a list of ships with single staterooms<br />
<a href="http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/9195-Transatlantics" target="_blank">Transatlantic cruises</a> - the best itineraries, picked by me<br />
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-81562563721372185082018-10-25T16:46:00.001-07:002018-10-26T09:07:53.685-07:00Vancouver Spring Panama Canal saillings<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Panama_Canal_Princess_Cruise.jpg/1280px-Panama_Canal_Princess_Cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Panama_Canal_Princess_Cruise.jpg/1280px-Panama_Canal_Princess_Cruise.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailing the Panama Canal on the Coral Princess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Did you know that you can take a Panama Canal cruise from Florida right to Vancouver? No flying on your way home... doesn't that sound lovely?<br />
<br />
In the spring, there are usually only <strong><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">NORTHBOUND</span></strong> Panama Canal sailings to Vancouver, but this year there are two (2) <strong><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white;">SOUTHBOUND</span></strong> Panama Canal sailings from Vancouver... so take your pick!<br />
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You can choose between sailings from 17 to 22 nights - there is even an 28 night sailing that includes Alaska! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_TyE1iRcH6KrQpsIrBZLkR3M5BCLJ_5nxJeD4gB3RMq6StrefHzzB7e0-jInu84WlfvB_LwV1hAWPlACdW52Fj-12WPs9KukKNStKdjTZTY89VLXhgq6s5NPRuthkG283PLLPlovNvqf/s1600/IslandPrincess_Apr09_2019_22nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_TyE1iRcH6KrQpsIrBZLkR3M5BCLJ_5nxJeD4gB3RMq6StrefHzzB7e0-jInu84WlfvB_LwV1hAWPlACdW52Fj-12WPs9KukKNStKdjTZTY89VLXhgq6s5NPRuthkG283PLLPlovNvqf/s1600/IslandPrincess_Apr09_2019_22nts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=998974" target="_blank">April 9, 2019: Island Princess - 22 nights</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=998974" target="_blank">April 9, 2019</a> - <strong><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">NORTHBOUND SAILING</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=998974" target="_blank">22 Night Panama Canal cruise on the Island Princess</a><br />
Itinerary: Fort Lauderdale, Florida - At Sea - At Sea - Cartagena, Colombia - Panama Canal - Fuerte Amador, Panama - At Sea - Puntarenas, Costa Rica - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua - At Sea - Huatulco, Mexico - At Sea - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - At Sea - At Sea - Los Angeles, California - Santa Barbara, California - At Sea - San Francisco, California - At Sea - Astoria, Oregon - Victoria, British Columbia - Vancouver, British Columbia<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=998974" target="_blank">Book with me now!</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19jwxCj_Tye17MvAZt-go6WGUhEQzbQZgM1TAjN0PrndLAXLiS2pS_KzMVOGzSvJb3n1y2kMT_faY5omcO2QuAfaUT4E-JKBM36xEJm6-X1OZX6_sFPDQjUG52oSrbddU9axavRVJQrf4/s1600/EmeraldPrincess_Apr11_2019_PC_from_YVR_22nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19jwxCj_Tye17MvAZt-go6WGUhEQzbQZgM1TAjN0PrndLAXLiS2pS_KzMVOGzSvJb3n1y2kMT_faY5omcO2QuAfaUT4E-JKBM36xEJm6-X1OZX6_sFPDQjUG52oSrbddU9axavRVJQrf4/s1600/EmeraldPrincess_Apr11_2019_PC_from_YVR_22nts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1042784" target="_blank">April 11, 2019: Emerald Princess - 22 nights</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1042784" target="_blank">April 11, 2019</a> - <strong><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white;">SOUTHBOUND SAILING</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1042784" target="_blank">22 Night Panama Canal cruise on the Emerald Princess</a><br />
Itinerary: Vancouver, British Columbia - Victoria, British Columbia - Astoria, Oregon - At Sea - San Francisco, California - At Sea - Santa Barbara, California - Los Angeles, California - At Sea - At Sea - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - At Sea - Huatulco, Mexico - At Sea - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua - Puntarenas, Costa Rica - At Sea - Fuerte Amador, Panama - Panama Canal - Cartagena, Colombia - At Sea - At Sea - Fort Lauderdale, Florida<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1042784" target="_blank">Book with me now!</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GqipOGYZ9aJImQiLMju6p5xbU_jBjKxTgkPWntpaVUoOkukMnUNWaSUYrvF6TY3JHJpQlSBVw7wlp3IjVSbGR-VZ8RnbLlO6FXRoR0w_iLL05Zv0DlMBe8mcBurOEsTlgH6DUTqLT1aR/s1600/Oosterdam_Apr13_2019_21nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GqipOGYZ9aJImQiLMju6p5xbU_jBjKxTgkPWntpaVUoOkukMnUNWaSUYrvF6TY3JHJpQlSBVw7wlp3IjVSbGR-VZ8RnbLlO6FXRoR0w_iLL05Zv0DlMBe8mcBurOEsTlgH6DUTqLT1aR/s1600/Oosterdam_Apr13_2019_21nts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1019057" target="_blank">April 13, 2019: Oosterdam - 21 nights</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1019057" target="_blank">April 13, 2019</a> - <strong><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">NORTHBOUND SAILING</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1019057" target="_blank">21 Night Panama Canal cruise on the ms Oosterdam</a><br />
Itinerary: Fort Lauderdale, Florida - At Sea - At Sea - Cartagena, Colombia - Panama Canal - Fuerte Amador, Panama - Fuerte Amador, Panama - At Sea - Caldera, Costa Rica - Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - Puerto Chiapas, Mexico - Huatulco, Mexico - At Sea - Manzanillo, Mexico - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - At Sea - At Sea - San Diego, California - At Sea - At Sea - Victoria, British Columbia - Vancouver, British Columbia<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1019057" target="_blank">Book with me now!</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wnsGNcrvqBEJZuMKH9OjvC8YpO4UjER3SQ8dUFJlNA-VJZSvL59fnhF4854NDD7lDdc5UvM1EzOEPipDC9ltAwE75I3BJDOEf7nodDat-yaTey6q8IJorDCGLQJSWiZ7gj1RLp3EwrkW/s1600/Volendam_Apr18_2019_20nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wnsGNcrvqBEJZuMKH9OjvC8YpO4UjER3SQ8dUFJlNA-VJZSvL59fnhF4854NDD7lDdc5UvM1EzOEPipDC9ltAwE75I3BJDOEf7nodDat-yaTey6q8IJorDCGLQJSWiZ7gj1RLp3EwrkW/s1600/Volendam_Apr18_2019_20nts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1019173" target="_blank">April 18, 2019: Volendam - 20 nights</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1019173" target="_blank">April 18, 2019</a> - <strong><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">NORTHBOUND SAILING</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1019173" target="_blank">20 Night Panama Canal cruise on the ms Volendam</a><br />
Itinerary: Fort Lauderdale, Florida - At Sea - At Sea - Cartagena, Colombia - Panama Canal - At Sea - Caldera, Costa Rica - Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - Puerto Chiapas, Mexico - Huatulco, Mexico - At Sea - Manzanillo, Mexico - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - At Sea - At Sea - San Francisco, California - At Sea - Victoria, British Columbia - Vancouver, British Columbia<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1019173" target="_blank">Book with me now!</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJmCLsxCRpWta_U1IzIM46naGgFu_O7fibf34i3482KnXKyBn7k5greCskMimPgiqXjifZD6kySLgIpKGqJtQSAXcBdkgReXVGzo_KO_QCVeUgrEYxBiUOg8VxoMOZFzOOuBDIyCK8nuL/s1600/CoralPrincess_Apr20_2019_18nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJmCLsxCRpWta_U1IzIM46naGgFu_O7fibf34i3482KnXKyBn7k5greCskMimPgiqXjifZD6kySLgIpKGqJtQSAXcBdkgReXVGzo_KO_QCVeUgrEYxBiUOg8VxoMOZFzOOuBDIyCK8nuL/s1600/CoralPrincess_Apr20_2019_18nts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=998963" target="_blank">April 20, 2019: Coral Princess - 18 nights</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=998963" target="_blank">April 20, 2019</a> - <strong><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">NORTHBOUND SAILING</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=998963" target="_blank">18 Night Panama Canal cruise on the Coral Princess</a><br />
Itinerary: Fort Lauderdale, Florida - At Sea - At Sea - Cartagena, Colombia - Panama Canal - Fuerte Amador, Panama - At Sea - Puntarenas, Costa Rica - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua - At Sea - Huatulco, Mexico - At Sea - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - At Sea - At Sea - Los Angeles, California - At Sea - At Sea - Vancouver, British Columbia<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=998963" target="_blank">Book with me now!</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiagmZ5arXjG0oiEZqQas8oylBfx00dGbNrObs7U2EhIBNTg20loTsFCLh7TwFhM9IYt6Dp0xR7sve_QrIklJVXGrIF_IzULmXriOnOUlRYE-8NTt2x6u5pCXkYgX1Scnt2USUymB7pcBB/s1600/OceaniaRegatta_May01_2019_28nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiagmZ5arXjG0oiEZqQas8oylBfx00dGbNrObs7U2EhIBNTg20loTsFCLh7TwFhM9IYt6Dp0xR7sve_QrIklJVXGrIF_IzULmXriOnOUlRYE-8NTt2x6u5pCXkYgX1Scnt2USUymB7pcBB/s1600/OceaniaRegatta_May01_2019_28nts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=988193&tpid=1" target="_blank">May 1, 2019: Oceania Regatta - 28 nights</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=988193&tpid=1" target="_blank">May 1, 2019</a> - <strong><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">NORTHBOUND SAILING</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=988193&tpid=1" target="_blank">28 Night Panama Canal cruise on the Oceania Regatta</a><br />
Itinerary: Miami, Florida - <strong>Havana, Cuba</strong> - Caribbean Sea - Caribbean Sea - Colon, Panama - Panama Canal - Pacific Ocean - Puntarenas, Costa Rica - San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - Pacific Ocean - Acapulco, Mexico - Pacific Ocean - Mazatlan, Mexico - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Pacific Ocean - San Diego, California - Pacific Ocean - San Francisco, California - Pacific Ocean - Astoria, Oregon - At Sea - <strong>Sitka, Alaska</strong> - Hubbard Glacier, Alaska - Juneau, Alaska - Wrangell, Alaska - Ketchikan, Alaska - Inside Passage - Vancouver, British Columbia<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=988193&tpid=1" target="_blank">Ask for a quote - or book with me now!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQF2B8caOUBTPO3AFnUq8n0sp-q8qi2ByFNA2PiBLmz-i_-8AEJtZT8S28nW91nTQFLa3Bd4Cu9jznRD889mE6lXw04JcYbVD0AiWUN5WsA6VtkjduwNn0ZoAxuTn6ix9jx9LbbpiRWGM/s1600/Amseterdam_May16_2019_17nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQF2B8caOUBTPO3AFnUq8n0sp-q8qi2ByFNA2PiBLmz-i_-8AEJtZT8S28nW91nTQFLa3Bd4Cu9jznRD889mE6lXw04JcYbVD0AiWUN5WsA6VtkjduwNn0ZoAxuTn6ix9jx9LbbpiRWGM/s1600/Amseterdam_May16_2019_17nts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1026368" target="_blank">May 16, 2019: ms Amsterdam - 17 nights</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1026368" target="_blank">May 16, 2019</a> - <strong><span style="background-color: blue; color: white;">NORTHBOUND SAILING</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1026368" target="_blank">17 Night Panama Canal cruise on the ms Amsterdam</a><br />
Itinerary: Fort Lauderdale, Florida - At Sea - At Sea - Cartagena, Colombia - Panama Canal - At Sea - Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - Huatulco, Mexico - At Sea - At Sea - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - At Sea - At Sea - San Francisco, California - At Sea - Victoria, British Columbia - Vancouver, British Columbia<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1026368" target="_blank">Request a quote - or book online now!</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMzaIEC3Ac2AXy7OtkvjHdI-IV0MMWuKAP7F3WmkkfUQTk7ZYTPfAUc1kKzbiA7e62amQy2OsT53dsA4-2oeERlKpA6feQGKFuD8UxIF6IFPPmRQGzOirn2cmeGrBVqDcSszV16_uFCqO/s1600/QueenElizabeth_Jun30_2019_PC_from_YVR_21nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMzaIEC3Ac2AXy7OtkvjHdI-IV0MMWuKAP7F3WmkkfUQTk7ZYTPfAUc1kKzbiA7e62amQy2OsT53dsA4-2oeERlKpA6feQGKFuD8UxIF6IFPPmRQGzOirn2cmeGrBVqDcSszV16_uFCqO/s1600/QueenElizabeth_Jun30_2019_PC_from_YVR_21nts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1030780" target="_blank">June 30, 2019: Queen Elizabeth - 21 nights</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1030780" target="_blank">June 30, 2019</a> - <strong><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white;">SOUTHBOUND SAILING</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1030780" target="_blank">21 Night Panama Canal cruise on Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth</a><br />
Itinerary: Vancouver, British Columbia - At Sea - At Sea - San Francisco, California - Los Angeles, California - Los Angeles, California - At Sea - At Sea - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - At Sea - At Sea - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - At Sea - Puntarenas, Costa Rica - At Sea - Panama City, Panama - Panama Canal - At Sea - Oranjestad, Aruba - At Sea - At Sea - Fort Lauderdale, Florida<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1030780" target="_blank">Contact me now for this rare Cunard opportunity!</a><br />
<br />
Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> if you are looking for a fall Panama Canal sailing, or even 2020 - I have the information you need, and am always happy to help.<br />
<br />
More from cruisetravelbug<br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/10/squid-ink-tattoos-at-sea.html" target="_blank">Squid Ink: Tattoos at Sea</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/07/alaska-cruise-ships-2019-big-or-small.html" target="_blank">Alaska Cruise Ships 2019 - BIG or small - What's Best?</a> <br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/sailing-solo-on-celebrity-edge.html" target="_blank">Sailing solo on Celebrity Edge</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/07/death-by-selfie-is-social-media-worth-it.html" target="_blank">Death by Selfie: is social media worth it?</a> <br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/04/south-pacific-wothout-flights.html" target="_blank">South Pacific, without the flights</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2018/03/the-goroka-show.html" target="_blank">The Goroka Show</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/04/paris-wandering-citys-charming-passages.html" target="_blank">Paris: wandering the city's charming passages</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/03/new-york-city-meetles.html" target="_blank">New York: the Meetles</a>Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-20525809158032696132018-10-19T11:51:00.000-07:002018-10-19T11:51:24.595-07:00Squid Ink: Tattoos at seaThis caught my eye today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEtn0vPzWfS_PC0uyJBfSywKZsQejmFU_aokZlImaCjN8r78-U3uXwVi74QZJKBhFH0NDnpS-xDjAlPBnsDcKU5S7CyzwoG3C6b2VFKY-fyhX5oGdfbPTB2UI1zF7t7aq7t-BP15zCncP/s1600/VirginVoyages1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="781" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEtn0vPzWfS_PC0uyJBfSywKZsQejmFU_aokZlImaCjN8r78-U3uXwVi74QZJKBhFH0NDnpS-xDjAlPBnsDcKU5S7CyzwoG3C6b2VFKY-fyhX5oGdfbPTB2UI1zF7t7aq7t-BP15zCncP/s320/VirginVoyages1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought it was brilliant, and I would do it. As long as the seas aren't too high. How about you?<br />
<br />
"It was only a matter of time. But you can now add getting a tattoo to the list of things you can do on a cruise ship.
Start-up cruise line Virgin Voyages has announced that its first vessel will have a tattoo parlor – an industry first..." [read more on <a href="https://www.openjaw.com/deviations/12087/lasting-memories-virgin-voyages-ship-to-feature-tattoo-parlor" target="_blank">OpenJaw</a>].<br />
<br />
The aptly named Squid Ink is being designed in partnership with World Famous Tattoo Ink. <br />
<br />
"Virgin Voyages said the idea was following in its ethos of the “Modern Romance of Sailing,” with the inspiration behind Squid Ink “steeped in the traditions of sailing” with many historians crediting the expansion of tattooing to British colonial sailors who picked up the concept from aboriginal tribes while exploring the South Pacific..." [read more on <a href="https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/news/virgin-voyages-ship-to-have-its-own-tattoo-studio-15818" target="_blank">TTG</a>].<br />
<br />
“Tattooing is a time-honored seafaring tradition, and we’re continuing that legacy with rock and roll style by bringing some of the best ink artists to sea,” Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said in a statement. “Our sailors are looking to make lifelong memories, and we think there's no better way to commemorate their first voyage with us than with a souvenir they'll never lose track of...” [read more on <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/virgin-voyages-adding-tattoo-parlor-to-scarlet-lady-ship.html" target="_blank">Travel Pulse</a>].<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0B91_9CyNDgF6Qz3ALB-YKcI7ljae1IQCeEc_x2IkRoxjfYyzMbSjS2PTqVh23E7Gr00VH3PEMU5bpOtPBHMWQVUeTFVcv7a_2xbE7_d8Km5M4XJKzrl_-pN8DSIarGE4djXHnPPqzSA/s1600/LouRubinoofWorldFamousTattooInkandSohoInk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="686" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0B91_9CyNDgF6Qz3ALB-YKcI7ljae1IQCeEc_x2IkRoxjfYyzMbSjS2PTqVh23E7Gr00VH3PEMU5bpOtPBHMWQVUeTFVcv7a_2xbE7_d8Km5M4XJKzrl_-pN8DSIarGE4djXHnPPqzSA/s320/LouRubinoofWorldFamousTattooInkandSohoInk.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">“The World Famous Tattoo Ink family has been working with <br />
sailors, pirates and rock stars for more than 50 years."<br />Lou Rubino of World Famous Tattoo Ink and Soho Ink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
World Famous Tattoo Ink's Lou Rubino Jr., who is also the creator of Manhattan's Soho Ink and Freshly Inked Magazine, will handpick Squid Ink's two permanent full-time tattoo artists.<br />
<br />
<div>
Squid Ink will also feature a rotating line-up of guest artists, including:</div>
<ul>
<li>Arlo DiCristina - surrealist tattoo artist </li>
<li>Jime Litwalk - illustrative specialist </li>
<li>Sarah Miller - star of Spike TV’s Ink Master</li>
</ul>
<div>
Squid Ink services will include:</div>
<ul>
<li>Exclusive voyage commemoration tattoos designed by World Famous Tattoo Ink </li>
<li>Body piercings </li>
<li>Permanent makeup treatments using vegan-friendly Perma Blend pigments</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt-3znUMdI5wxiogPAFeRDakXq2d83Gs-HlS7aqsznLH8b_G923UWSwmnkAul-YWnVDiid_chrYIBlqG6zgR9_6tu0RquZF3JUPtJu6nXArPj5tx7xefmFVYPuwbtBQEVIle-mDQq3wJR/s1600/VirginVoyages2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="778" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt-3znUMdI5wxiogPAFeRDakXq2d83Gs-HlS7aqsznLH8b_G923UWSwmnkAul-YWnVDiid_chrYIBlqG6zgR9_6tu0RquZF3JUPtJu6nXArPj5tx7xefmFVYPuwbtBQEVIle-mDQq3wJR/s320/VirginVoyages2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist's rendering of Squid Ink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
“As global acceptance of tattoos and body art continues to grow, partnering with Virgin Voyages gives us the unique opportunity to bring colour to places people might have never thought possible before. We couldn’t be more excited to leave our mark on the sea travel industry,” says <a href="https://www.virgin.com/news/get-tattoo-board-virgin-voyages" target="_blank">Rubino</a>.<br />
<br />
Reactions so far are mainly positive, though the move does have it's detractors. "We have to wonder if this won't be much more popular at the end of sailings though, as while tattooing over sunburn doesn't sound like fun, you really shouldn't go into the ocean after being freshly inked either, says <a href="https://www.cruisehabit.com/virgin-voyages-gives-cruises-another-way-remember-their-sailing-tattoos-sea" target="_blank">Cruise Habit's Billy Hirsch</a>.<br />
<br />
In another industry first, Virgin has announced that it will not only hire staff with visible tattoos, but will encourage crew to also express themselves freely through tattoos, if they so wish. That alone should convince anyone doubting how different Virgin Voyages will be. <br />
<br />
"To date, the cruise industry's big tattoo moment came last year when Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of sales and trade marketing at Carnival Cruise Line, got a tattoo on his upper arm saying "Travel Agents Rock" at a Carnival Agentpalooza agent event in New Orleans..." [read more on <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Virgin-Voyages-ship-will-have-tattoo-parlor" target="_blank">Travel Weekly</a>]<br />
<br />
<br />
Related resources:<br />
<a href="https://www.openjaw.com/deviations/12087/lasting-memories-virgin-voyages-ship-to-feature-tattoo-parlor" target="_blank">Lasting Memories: Virgin Voyages Ship To Feature Tattoo Parlor</a> - Open Jaw<br />
<a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Virgin-Voyages-ship-will-have-tattoo-parlor" target="_blank">Inked at sea: Virgin Voyages ship will have tattoo parlor</a>
- Travel Weekly<br />
<a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/virgin-voyages-adding-tattoo-parlor-to-scarlet-lady-ship.html" target="_blank">Virgin Voyages Adding Tattoo Parlor to Scarlet Lady Ship</a> - Travel Pulse<br />
<a href="https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/news/virgin-voyages-ship-to-have-its-own-tattoo-studio-15818" target="_blank">Virgin Voyages ship to have its own tattoo studio</a> - TTG<br />
<a href="https://www.cruisehabit.com/virgin-voyages-gives-cruises-another-way-remember-their-sailing-tattoos-sea" target="_blank">Virgin Voyages Gives Cruises Another Way to Remember Their Sailing - With Tattoos at Sea!</a> - Cruise Habit<br />
<a href="https://www.virgin.com/news/get-tattoo-board-virgin-voyages" target="_blank">Get a tattoo on board Virgin Voyages</a> - Virgin.com<br />
<a href="https://www.virginvoyages.com/article/squidink" target="_blank">Got Ink? Thank a Sailor</a> - Virgin Voyages<br />
<br />
More from cruisetravelbug<br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/07/alaska-cruise-ships-2019-big-or-small.html" target="_blank">Alaska Cruise Ships 2019 - BIG or small - What's Best?</a> <br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/sailing-solo-on-celebrity-edge.html" target="_blank">Sailing solo on Celebrity Edge</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/07/death-by-selfie-is-social-media-worth-it.html" target="_blank">Death by Selfie: is social media worth it?</a> <br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/04/south-pacific-wothout-flights.html" target="_blank">South Pacific, without the flights</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2018/03/the-goroka-show.html" target="_blank">The Goroka Show</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/04/paris-wandering-citys-charming-passages.html" target="_blank">Paris: wandering the city's charming passages</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/03/new-york-city-meetles.html" target="_blank">New York: the Meetles</a>Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-29304443787318591532018-10-09T18:55:00.000-07:002018-10-09T18:55:01.400-07:00Top 5 Solo Picks - October 9, 2018It has been awhile since I sent out one of my solo cruise deal newsletters, but am seeing some marvellous deals at the moment, so here we go. <br />
<br />
<b>Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!</b><br />
<br />
<i>Why these sailings? There may be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford. Fares below INCLUDE TAXES, and are subject to availability.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1030625" target="_blank">October 27, 2018 - 15-Night Caribbean cruise from New York to New Orleans on the Norwegian Breakaway </a><br />
Balcony - $1668 CAD solo <br />
Obstructed oceanview - $1534 CAD solo <br />
Inside - $1039 CAD solo <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=949767" target="_blank">October 28, 2018 - 14-Night Transatlantic cruise from Rome to Fort Lauderdale on the Koningsdam </a><br />
Balcony - $1970 CAD solo <br />
Obstructed oceanview - $1970 CAD solo <br />
Inside - $1970 CAD solo <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1014264" target="_blank">November 11, 2018 - 14-Night South Pacific cruise from Papeete to Auckland on the Maasdam</a><br />
Obstructed oceanview - $2525 CAD solo + $50 USD credit<br />
Inside - $2266 CAD solo <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=935905" target="_blank">December 5, 2018 - 17-Night Transatlantic cruise from Rome to Fort Lauderdale on the Pacific Princess</a><br />
Balcony - $2934 CAD solo <br />
Obstructed oceanview - $2318 CAD solo <br />
Inside - $2318 CAD solo <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1040871" target="_blank">December 7, 2018 - 15-Night South America Panama Canal cruise from Miami to San Antonio, Chile on the Norwegian Sun</a><br />
Obstructed oceanview - $2057 CAD solo <br />
Inside - $1923 CAD solo <br />
<br />
If you see something you like, please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> and I can send you more details. <br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
Roberta<br />
<br />
<b>Expedia Extras:</b> if you book with me, you will earn 2 Expedia+ Rewards points for every $1 spent on cruises. They add up and can be redeemed on hotels, car rentals, and more. Ask me how!<br />
<br />
<i><b>About this newsletter</b>: With so many solo travellers looking for affordable ways to travel, without the dreaded single supplement, I am always watching for specials. Periodically, when I have time, I summarize a few into an email to send to those who may be interested.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just <a href="mailto:rowestwood@cruiseshipcenters.com?subject=SUBSCRIBE%20TO%20SOLO%20NEWS">email me</a> with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.</i><br />
<br />
Want more?<br />
Follow me on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug</a><br />
"Like" my Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta</a><br />
Connect with me on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/</a><br />
Check out my list of ships with solo occupancy cabins: <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/9197-Solo-Friendly-Picks" target="_blank">Solo-Friendly Cruise Picks</a><br />
Request a quote: <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact</a>Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-30169933981684357082018-10-05T16:39:00.000-07:002018-10-05T16:39:15.085-07:00My late picks - October 2018If you can get away last minute, here are some interesting sailings this month that still have space ~ and good deals!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Fall Colours and Sunshine! </h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPcanFZa-FcYdK9NKl2NU7QfKlCMCd0wbTKUZZYZZyD-vZKgzorPeSleSdPS-76U-MeBMIZf0-wcPWX95LbDX27mgLkSK-6pUToAVKPH8NJTWWmJ9ucmKweC6kLZOn46bSxkrXY5WdJBk/s1600/RoyalPrincess_Oct26_2018_14nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPcanFZa-FcYdK9NKl2NU7QfKlCMCd0wbTKUZZYZZyD-vZKgzorPeSleSdPS-76U-MeBMIZf0-wcPWX95LbDX27mgLkSK-6pUToAVKPH8NJTWWmJ9ucmKweC6kLZOn46bSxkrXY5WdJBk/s1600/RoyalPrincess_Oct26_2018_14nts.jpg" /></a></div>
October 26, 2018<br />
<br />
14 -Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale on the Royal Princess<br />
<br />
See the last of the fall colours on the Canada New England cruise, and end up in sunny Fort Lauderdale!<br />
<br />
Ports on this sailing include: Saint John, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbour, Boston and New York.<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1129200&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Sun, sun and more sun!</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaJzhadQwHY0WJoJgLGgdxXEiwOZW3sM22pnOHoZ3oDKu-8rHSdGCHZEEJbfNm2t_jVtB9A9EgsaH-kRy4IA1pG7fRe0_52aFBHNTffr_elSvB0cNhsx2W0ZsWp2u0DlTq__Xj3uFpGCD/s1600/AdventureOfTheSeas_Oct27_2018_8nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaJzhadQwHY0WJoJgLGgdxXEiwOZW3sM22pnOHoZ3oDKu-8rHSdGCHZEEJbfNm2t_jVtB9A9EgsaH-kRy4IA1pG7fRe0_52aFBHNTffr_elSvB0cNhsx2W0ZsWp2u0DlTq__Xj3uFpGCD/s1600/AdventureOfTheSeas_Oct27_2018_8nts.jpg" /></a></div>
October 27, 2018<br />
<br />
8-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Adventure of the Seas<br />
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You'll find plenty to do for all generations on Royal Caribbean - or just laze in the sun!<br />
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Ports on this sailing include: Labadee, San Juan, St. Maarten and St. Kitts... nice!<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=983702&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The BIG Apple & The BIG Easy!</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLB3S2eG3ioZAl0rNbTdskQi2W5tXO9h99LR9-rCAgSlXaQiDd3SB_K8CwBG2hTBDFv7N4JoDzqRaQ2Lt8eX0l8A__9ugtUVixoPrKdNwZ_6zLTGyn0f92qFne311LGs1PzHHJxZ-PbjI/s1600/NorwegianBreakaway_Oct27_2018_15nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLB3S2eG3ioZAl0rNbTdskQi2W5tXO9h99LR9-rCAgSlXaQiDd3SB_K8CwBG2hTBDFv7N4JoDzqRaQ2Lt8eX0l8A__9ugtUVixoPrKdNwZ_6zLTGyn0f92qFne311LGs1PzHHJxZ-PbjI/s1600/NorwegianBreakaway_Oct27_2018_15nts.jpg" /></a></div>
October 27, 2018<br />
<br />
15-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing from New York to New Orleans on the Norwegian Breakaway<br />
<br />
From The Big Apple to The Big Easy, this sailing packs in big fun and great sun along the way!<br />
<br />
Ports on this sailing include: the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Saint Lucia, Curacao, Aruba, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel - talk about a bucketlist Caribbean cruise!<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1030625&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Incredible fare on the Koningsdam - one of the newest ships! </h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFfWMCTShAOskfbvh7UGD97tBX7OWIBCgUqoAe58AUk9Zan-5MInTVUrdXDMoMv-AUuCG6rPU20UVxRrl7UqwsDyu45XU6KJfhPwXFMLMw0-t7xc3xpilO2LTHjK580YUV6tKo7sXUbJw/s1600/Koningsdam_Oct28_2018_14nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFfWMCTShAOskfbvh7UGD97tBX7OWIBCgUqoAe58AUk9Zan-5MInTVUrdXDMoMv-AUuCG6rPU20UVxRrl7UqwsDyu45XU6KJfhPwXFMLMw0-t7xc3xpilO2LTHjK580YUV6tKo7sXUbJw/s1600/Koningsdam_Oct28_2018_14nts.jpg" /></a></div>
October 28, 2018<br />
<br />
14-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing from Rome to Barcelona on the Koningsdam<br />
<br />
Holland America's Koningsdam continues to get rave reviews, so I was excited to see such good fares on this crossing. If you can get away, you'll have a great deal on a top ship!<br />
<br />
Ports on this sailing include: Alicante (Costa del Sol), Malaga (Picasso's birthplace), Cadiz (for Seville) and Madeira.<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=949767&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
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<h3>
4 days in the Azores on the Prinsendam! </h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1raOUWRAOtF4zLt2EDXYRA7eipTZQOwICqGpB2yFY3TnrqUEsrymid8EOkZEVygYMpg2yGXSKZnkwMjDK3TL7NDwqzPScCK-r_3KNSBkuZWXoPsPvf2ELZkpUo19pG53VFP9M7Ij5L1X/s1600/Prinsendam_Oct28_2018_12nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1raOUWRAOtF4zLt2EDXYRA7eipTZQOwICqGpB2yFY3TnrqUEsrymid8EOkZEVygYMpg2yGXSKZnkwMjDK3TL7NDwqzPScCK-r_3KNSBkuZWXoPsPvf2ELZkpUo19pG53VFP9M7Ij5L1X/s1600/Prinsendam_Oct28_2018_12nts.jpg" /></a></div>
October 28, 2018<br />
<br />
12-Nights<br />
<br />
Sailing from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale on the Prinsendam<br />
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The Prinsendam is Holland America's smallest ship, but not for long. She is being retired soon, so this is a great deal on one of the last opportunities to sail on her.<br />
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Ports on this sailing include 4 days Azores: Ponta Delgada (2 days), Praia da Vitoria and Horta <br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=937683&tpid=1" target="_blank">View the itinerary</a><br />
<br />
Interested? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for a quote.<br />
<br />
<br />
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==============================================<br />
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<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ACup_of_black_tea.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="By AntanO (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Cup of black tea" height="133" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Cup_of_black_tea.JPG/512px-Cup_of_black_tea.JPG" width="200" /></a>
None of these your cup of tea? <br />
<br />
I'm happy to help you plan an adventure wherever you'd like to go. <br />
<br />
Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> to begin the planning process.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Related resources<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/11417-Roberta's-Picks" target="_blank">Roberta's picks</a> - hand picked by me<br />
<a href="http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/9256-Vancouver-Cruise-Opportunities" target="_blank">Vancouver cruise opportunities</a> - hand picked by me<br />
<a href="http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/9197-Long-Sailing-Picks" target="_blank">Solo-friendly picks</a> - a list of ships with single staterooms<br />
<a href="http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/9195-Transatlantics" target="_blank">Transatlantic cruises</a> - the best itineraries, picked by me<br />
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-44736036685140274722018-10-03T14:12:00.000-07:002018-10-05T16:39:40.194-07:0081 nights... with Africa!I think this is a very clever itinerary. <br />
<br />
Imagine sailing for 81 nights - if you are inclined to stay on that long - from Rome to Yokohama, via Africa. Or, pick 1 or more of the 4 segments to customize your trip to your liking.<br />
<br />
2 of the segments are positioned well for land travel in Africa. You can either sail from Dubai to Cape Town, or Cape Town to Singapore. <br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135612" target="_blank">February 10, 2020 </a></h4>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135612" target="_blank">21 Night Middle East cruise on the Norwegian Spirit</a></h4>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135612" target="_blank">Sailing from Rome to Dubai</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135612" target="_blank">(ends March 2)</a></h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqGQfa7FSga74jgX2v9sti9kc9kaxhM3sBIFYB8hEvPY6BS5pUrQB-paRnMQk6688yZsfjjvZw72uxnqD0Ku-310QEU8c3n1-3syjz3M14-iSRUhNlPAEmK_-erYTBMebi8OALndtLN2L/s1600/NorwegianSpirit_Feb10_2020_21nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqGQfa7FSga74jgX2v9sti9kc9kaxhM3sBIFYB8hEvPY6BS5pUrQB-paRnMQk6688yZsfjjvZw72uxnqD0Ku-310QEU8c3n1-3syjz3M14-iSRUhNlPAEmK_-erYTBMebi8OALndtLN2L/s1600/NorwegianSpirit_Feb10_2020_21nts.jpg" /></a></div>
Itinerary: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - At Sea - Piraeus, Greece - Kusadasi, Turkey - Rhodes, Greece - Limassol, Cyprus - Haifa, Israel - Haifa, Israel - Haifa, Israel - Suez Canal, Egypt - Safaga, Egypt - Safaga, Egypt - Al 'Aqabah, Jordan - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - Muscat, Oman - Khasab, Oman - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Dubai, United Arab Emirates<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135612" target="_blank">More details...</a><br />
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<br />
<h4>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135613" target="_blank">March 2, 2020</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135613" target="_blank">20 Night Africa cruise on the Norwegian Spirit</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135613" target="_blank">Sailing from Dubai to Cape Town</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135613" target="_blank">(ends March 22)</a></h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwYKmMxtZJclpqjKfyiGNaZpB3UtB6kYdrshT5CGSlfYqLJNZVtLYFIiDbQVOJhaSaJH4jJe6f1IUqZwxPoyKpDnEK22NKiiztUqPQVDkNaQNBC3LqYOY_-GbuZOowTQDMZFy-l13zTrZ/s1600/NorwegianSpirit_Mar02_2020_20nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwYKmMxtZJclpqjKfyiGNaZpB3UtB6kYdrshT5CGSlfYqLJNZVtLYFIiDbQVOJhaSaJH4jJe6f1IUqZwxPoyKpDnEK22NKiiztUqPQVDkNaQNBC3LqYOY_-GbuZOowTQDMZFy-l13zTrZ/s1600/NorwegianSpirit_Mar02_2020_20nts.jpg" /></a></div>
Itinerary: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Fujairah, United Arab Emirates - Muscat, Oman - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - Victoria, Seychelles - Victoria, Seychelles - At Sea - Nosy Be, Madagascar - At Sea - Port Louis, Mauritius - Port de Pointe des Galets, Réunion - At Sea - At Sea - Richards Bay, South Africa - At Sea - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Mossel Bay, South Africa - Cape Town, South Africa<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135613" target="_blank">More details...</a><br />
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<h4>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135614" target="_blank">March 22, 2020</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135614" target="_blank">24 Night Africa cruise on the Norwegian Spirit</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135614" target="_blank">Sailing from Cape Town to Singapore</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135614" target="_blank">(ends April 15)</a></h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFOnMb1ujyC6iXAd2EcBaiX1fuyq2HfzWvE40i8y6s66luYvFGy6ajEaLRla-MrHdN4b7tsJcz6B_BwpHWeu5kO9psBqOUI_qECeImZZpILreKWObuPjIRiYJ2a3sm1KvARIS91y3ab4i/s1600/NorwegianSpirit_Mar22_2020_24nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFOnMb1ujyC6iXAd2EcBaiX1fuyq2HfzWvE40i8y6s66luYvFGy6ajEaLRla-MrHdN4b7tsJcz6B_BwpHWeu5kO9psBqOUI_qECeImZZpILreKWObuPjIRiYJ2a3sm1KvARIS91y3ab4i/s1600/NorwegianSpirit_Mar22_2020_24nts.jpg" /></a></div>
Itinerary: Cape Town, South Africa - Mossel Bay, South Africa - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - At Sea - Richards Bay, South Africa - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - Port de Pointe des Galets, Réunion - Port Louis, Mauritius - At Sea - At Sea - Victoria, Seychelles - Victoria, Seychelles - At Sea - At Sea - Male, Maldives - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - Phuket, Thailand - Langkawi, Malaysia - Penang (Georgetown), Malaysia - Port Kelang, Malaysia - Singapore, Singapore<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135614" target="_blank">More details...</a><br />
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<br />
<h4>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135615" target="_blank">April 15, 2020</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135615" target="_blank">16 Night Asia cruise on the Norwegian Spirit</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135615" target="_blank">Sailing from Singapore to Yokohama</a><br /><a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135615" target="_blank">(ends May 1)</a></h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVgJsLLg5vUlEml8G5uLr6MbUYz1urgDW5WXLjeS30OHzBZ1SMB4MfKCpVQJl9U6FKWQVqaX08w4P0CRLZJo3X1PFU-RSTziwXB8JO5rGh6g5Ev1HQBjWcD9UruiARiSLFrYv8NL4f-wp/s1600/NorwegianSpirit_Apr15_2020_16nts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVgJsLLg5vUlEml8G5uLr6MbUYz1urgDW5WXLjeS30OHzBZ1SMB4MfKCpVQJl9U6FKWQVqaX08w4P0CRLZJo3X1PFU-RSTziwXB8JO5rGh6g5Ev1HQBjWcD9UruiARiSLFrYv8NL4f-wp/s1600/NorwegianSpirit_Apr15_2020_16nts.jpg" /></a></div>
Itinerary: Singapore, Singapore - At Sea - Phu My, Vietnam - At Sea - At Sea - Hong Kong, Hong Kong - Hong Kong, Hong Kong - At Sea - Shanghai, China - Shanghai, China - At Sea - Hiroshima, Japan - Kochi, Japan - Kobe, Japan - Kobe, Japan - Shimizu, Japan - Yokohama, Japan<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1135615" target="_blank">More details...</a><br />
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<br />
If sailing more than one segment appeals, I recommend booking as early as possible, so that you can get the same cabin for the duration of your voyage.<br />
<br />
If you are considering doing one of the Cape Town sailings, to spend time ashore, there are a number of African safari options available to you (G Adventures is very popular, <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Contact" target="_blank">ask me</a> why!). <br />
<br />
If you would like more information on these Norwegian Spirit sailings, or are making other travel plans, please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Contact" target="_blank">contact me</a>. I am happy to help!<br />
<br />
<br />
More from cruisetravelbug<br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2013/12/what-story-do-you-want-to-tell-post.html" target="_blank">What story do you want to tell post-cruise!</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2015/04/7-comebacks-to-i-hate-cruising.html" target="_blank">7 comebacks to "I hate cruising" </a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2018/03/the-goroka-show.html" target="_blank">The Goroka Show</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/04/paris-wandering-citys-charming-passages.html" target="_blank">Paris: wandering the city's charming passages</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/03/new-york-city-meetles.html" target="_blank">New York: the Meetles</a>Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-23241417288399711552018-09-03T14:35:00.000-07:002018-10-05T14:37:40.532-07:00Sailing Solo on the Celebrity EdgeThe brand new Celebrity Edge, which begins sailing in December 2018, promised to revolutionize cruise travel. <br />
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While there are many ways it does this - most newsworthy of all, the "Magic Carpet" (the section of the ship that will reposition up and down one side of the ship) - it is the Single Staterooms with Infinite Verandas that have my attention.<br />
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What is an "Infinite Veranda"?<br />
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Here is a visual, followed by a description of the solo version, and a link to a video:<br />
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<a href="https://www.celebritycruises.com/edge/content/uploads/2017/02/Edge-Stateroom-with-Infinite-Veranda-View-10-800x450.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://www.celebritycruises.com/edge/content/uploads/2017/02/Edge-Stateroom-with-Infinite-Veranda-View-10-800x450.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Edge Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (category ES):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
These new and incredible staterooms take our standard veranda stateroom and, with the touch of a button, blur—even erase—the boundaries between inside and outside living space. Your entire living space becomes the veranda, letting you walk right out to the water’s edge. Edge StateroomsSM offer the latest technology that allows you to precisely adjust nearly every comfort feature in your stateroom. The in-room automation allows you to control everything from lighting, to shades, to temperature, and service with a simple touch screen. </blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.celebritycruises.com/edge/content/uploads/2017/10/EdgeStateroom-outside-view-1-800x450.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://www.celebritycruises.com/edge/content/uploads/2017/10/EdgeStateroom-outside-view-1-800x450.png" width="320" /></a></div>
• Stateroom: 142 sq. ft<br />
• Veranda: 42 sq. ft.<br />
• Number: 16 cabins<br />
• Deck: 6<br />
<br />
<b>Curious?</b> <a href="https://www.celebritycruises.com/edge/accommodations/infinite-verandas/#208018183" target="_blank">Check out this video of how the Edge infinite verandas transform</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm curious and looking forward to hearing reports back from my first clients to sail on her.<br />
<br />
Want to sail on The Edge? <br />
<br />
Have a look at The Edge sailings, then <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> to make your booking. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170314/44fd47810e128410ece14c8ca14adad7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170314/44fd47810e128410ece14c8ca14adad7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
More from cruisetravelbug<br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/07/alaska-cruise-ships-2019-big-or-small.html" target="_blank">Alaska Cruise Ships 2019 - BIG or small - What's Best?</a> <br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/07/death-by-selfie-is-social-media-worth-it.html" target="_blank">Death by Selfie: is social media worth it?</a> <br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/04/south-pacific-wothout-flights.html" target="_blank">South Pacific, without the flights</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2018/03/the-goroka-show.html" target="_blank">The Goroka Show</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/04/paris-wandering-citys-charming-passages.html" target="_blank">Paris: wandering the city's charming passages</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/03/new-york-city-meetles.html" target="_blank">New York: the Meetles</a><br />
Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-42369683495022259142018-08-29T22:09:00.001-07:002018-08-29T22:09:33.294-07:00Maybe flying isn't so bad afterall...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/RSAF_Black_Knights_-_Love_is_in_the_air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="600" height="201" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/RSAF_Black_Knights_-_Love_is_in_the_air.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Love is in the Air" by the Black Knights,<br />
the official aerobatics team of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
<br />
Wikicommons </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Interesting research from HSBC bank in the UK this week:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Ditch the dating app and board a plane.
A new study of 2,150 airplane passengers from 141 countries found 1 in 50 of those people met their significant other while flying. That number is higher among domestic travelers, among which one in every 25 Americans will meet their soul mates at 30,000 feet.
Those love connections started with a simple hello and conversation, a thing that the majority of travelers still take time to do..." [<a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/looking-for-love-1-in-50-people-find-it-on-airplanes" target="_blank">continue reading in the Washington Examiner</a>]</blockquote>
Just be sure to keep that snoring in check.<br />
<br />
Tip: before you get too excited about fellow passengers falling in love, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/planebae-saga-woman-privacy-anonymity-2018-7" target="_blank">read this very recent and very real cautionary tale</a>.<br />
<br />
Related resources<br />
<a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/looking-for-love-1-in-50-people-find-it-on-airplanes" target="_blank">Looking for love? 1-in-50 people find it on airplanes</a> - Washington Examiner<br />
<a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-02-12/what-its-like-to-fall-in-love-on-a-plane" target="_blank">What it's like to fall in love on a plane</a> - Condé Nast Traveler<br />
<a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/love-stories-couples-met-on-airplanes-plane-bae" target="_blank">People Who Fell in Love on Planes Are Sharing Their Stories and There Are so Many More Than You'd Expect</a> - Travel+ Leisure<br />
<a href="http://layoverideas.blogspot.com/2015/02/looking-for-love-on-layover.html" target="_blank">Looking for Love in a Layover</a> - LayoverIdeas blogRobertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-28245819326551968562018-08-04T12:34:00.003-07:002018-08-04T12:34:56.937-07:00My Pick: Giancarlo Impiglia on Queen Mary 2My pick today is a lovely <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?sailingId=134912&refPage=Search&refController=Search&departureDate=9%2F30%2F2018%2012%3A00%3A00%20AM&sb=departuredate" target="_blank">7-night Canada New England cruise sailing on September 30, 2018 from Quebec City to New York on Cunard's Queen Mary 2</a> sailing with a very special guest onboard, Giancarlo Impiglia.<br />
<h3>
Special Guest: Giancarlo Impiglia - Artist and Art Historian</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZZuZHB6EzssE3GaBPHgPNGj2ecJPXbNWvgQoPo09r4Po8d3BeJEEZJKTpBWXmL8te0tLCpudbVFFgo8aYBJQt-nUYBN8L4K-UqiognF2we03FzaPNR7CYTki1jws7WrQoiIwJ0AkSqlJ/s1600/Giancarlo_Impiglia_PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZZuZHB6EzssE3GaBPHgPNGj2ecJPXbNWvgQoPo09r4Po8d3BeJEEZJKTpBWXmL8te0tLCpudbVFFgo8aYBJQt-nUYBN8L4K-UqiognF2we03FzaPNR7CYTki1jws7WrQoiIwJ0AkSqlJ/s200/Giancarlo_Impiglia_PORTRAIT.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Giancarlo Impiglia is an artist and art historian whose name is renowned in the world of art. His paintings are featured in the permanent collection of The Museum of the City of New York, The Kentucky Derby Museum, Absolut Collection, Sweden, The Pfizer Collection, the Cunard Art Collection, and Elton John's private collection, just to mention a few.<br />
<br />
If you have sailed on any of the Queens in the last decade or so - Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria - you will be familiar with the work of Impiglia.
Impiglia's large murals, commissioned by Cunard.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"[The murals] feature "bold, bright colors and depict scenes of people mingling on an imaginary cruise ship and at other nautical events. The figures are not realistic but rather are flat, geometric shapes, devoid of facial features. The paintings are striking and lively but at the same time, give one pause."
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"There are three reasons why the figures in Impiglia's works are devoid of features. First of all, I am not painting portraits, I am painting situations so there is no need for physical features. Also, the images are very stylized and flat. Also, they reflect the idea that we live in a society that is faceless. We do not pay much attention to faces, we pay more attention to other things..." [<a href="http://www.beyondships.com/QM2-Impiglia.html" target="_blank">continue reading on Beyond Ships</a>].
</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLMdZKsdImVOJhLbcVUR2B4WAHF5fRTfb2Zt1wYbok34tNL2SmClU3Mc4yYz6XJQa7ukCoBjr9katFobifZr2HFqq-tPm_fi24ik8R32dSzOELbcF6LgvIP4bPjJI8i7vWCaf2_ONTgpG/s1600/Impiglia2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLMdZKsdImVOJhLbcVUR2B4WAHF5fRTfb2Zt1wYbok34tNL2SmClU3Mc4yYz6XJQa7ukCoBjr9katFobifZr2HFqq-tPm_fi24ik8R32dSzOELbcF6LgvIP4bPjJI8i7vWCaf2_ONTgpG/s1600/Impiglia2.JPG" /></a></div>
To see the itinerary:<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?sailingId=134912&refPage=Search&refController=Search&departureDate=9%2F30%2F2018%2012%3A00%3A00%20AM&sb=departuredate" target="_blank">September 30, 2018 - 7-night Canada New England cruise on Queen Mary 2</a>
<br />
<br />
Space is limited, so please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> as soon as possible to book your cabin.
<br />
<br />
More on Giancarlo Impiglia<br />
<a href="http://www.beyondships.com/QM2-Impiglia.html" target="_blank">Artist to the Queens</a> - Beyond Ships<br />
<a href="https://www.giancarloimpiglia.com/" target="_blank">Giancarlo Impiglia</a> - official website<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Giancarlo-Impiglia/dp/1907945202" target="_blank">Giancarlo Impiglia: Paintings for the Queens & Collected Works (2012)</a> – paperback on Amazon.com <br />
<a href="https://www.danspapers.com/2015/08/dans-papers-cover-artist-giancarlo-impiglia-paints-the-harvest/" target="_blank">Giancarlo Impiglia Paints the Harvest</a> - Dan's Papers<br />
<a href="https://www.artsy.net/artist/giancarlo-impiglia" target="_blank">Giancarlo Impiglia Works</a> - Artsy<br />
<a href="http://www.artnet.com/artists/giancarlo-impiglia/" target="_blank">Giancarlo Impiglia Works</a> - Art Net<br />
<br />
More from cruisetravelbug<br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2013/12/what-story-do-you-want-to-tell-post.html" target="_blank">What story do you want to tell post-cruise!</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2015/04/7-comebacks-to-i-hate-cruising.html" target="_blank">7 comebacks to "I hate cruising" </a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2018/03/the-goroka-show.html" target="_blank">The Goroka Show</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/04/paris-wandering-citys-charming-passages.html" target="_blank">Paris: wandering the city's charming passages</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.ca/2017/03/new-york-city-meetles.html" target="_blank">New York: the Meetles</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Queen_Mary_2_outbound_from_Southampton_2_Sept_2013.jpg/800px-Queen_Mary_2_outbound_from_Southampton_2_Sept_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Queen_Mary_2_outbound_from_Southampton_2_Sept_2013.jpg/800px-Queen_Mary_2_outbound_from_Southampton_2_Sept_2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-67767615212615421872018-07-30T04:37:00.001-07:002018-07-30T04:37:54.669-07:00Imagine yourself at the Tour de France? If you're like me, you're bleary eyed and wondering what to do with yourself first thing in the morning. What, no Tour de France to watch at 5am? It's been a great 3 weeks in the couch peleton.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikc3Xw99Ycytk6J37mLr3cd7_qZlRsjTkz5E6T_BxLznkZWG9VCYoTgExX2wx8w_v5TH94JD4KwyVdrTnHLZm_dBzaNignhn34pCW_peVbAuk-OWlOxLgxc0qUZvXINMX_jLd-iu7tiM/s1600/tdf+arrive+me+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikc3Xw99Ycytk6J37mLr3cd7_qZlRsjTkz5E6T_BxLznkZWG9VCYoTgExX2wx8w_v5TH94JD4KwyVdrTnHLZm_dBzaNignhn34pCW_peVbAuk-OWlOxLgxc0qUZvXINMX_jLd-iu7tiM/s200/tdf+arrive+me+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moi at the TDF in 2009 (<a href="https://robertaw.blogspot.com/2010/07/trip-reflections-tour-de-france-in.html" target="_blank">story</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If your thoughts include dreams of witnessing a Tour de France stage in person, I can only say JUST DO IT! There is nothing like being part of the crowd (even though I stood for hours in the rain when le tour went through Barcelona).<br />
<br />
It's easy enough to coordinate your travel plans to be in the start city or Paris ~ or just to be in France in July ~ and it costs you nothing extra to stake out a piece of the sidewalk. Start and finish dates are available now, and the full race route is released in October.<br />
<br />
If you want a more packaged affair, with hotels, grandstand seating, VIP access, transfers, breakfasts, bike storage and daily bike rides, there are a range of options available from the official VIP access provider. This is the full meal deal.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/eb/Tour_de_France_logo.svg/714px-Tour_de_France_logo.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="714" height="167" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/eb/Tour_de_France_logo.svg/714px-Tour_de_France_logo.svg.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Grand Depart Brussels 2019 weekend packages (in Eddy Merckx's hometown!) include:<br />
• Thursday, July 4, 2019: Team presentation in Brussels<br />
• Friday, July 5, 2019: Team training day in Brussels<br />
• Saturday, July 6, 2019: Stage 1, Brussels<br />
• Sunday, July 7, 2019: Stage 2, Brussels - Team Time Trial<br />
• Monday, July 8, 2019: Stage 3, Brussels to TBA<br />
<br />
Weekend packages for the Tour de France's conclusion on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Sunday, July 29, 2019, range from basic to full Tour de France Triomphe Packages with VIP access, grandstand seating and, yes, champagne.<br />
<br />
Tempted? Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> if you'd like more information on official Tour de France travel packages, or assistance in making your own independent plans.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/2018_Tour_de_France_-19_Col_d'Aubisque_(41908078410).jpg/1024px-2018_Tour_de_France_-19_Col_d'Aubisque_(41908078410).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/2018_Tour_de_France_-19_Col_d'Aubisque_(41908078410).jpg/1024px-2018_Tour_de_France_-19_Col_d'Aubisque_(41908078410).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-66636007818151654132018-07-25T05:39:00.001-07:002018-07-25T05:39:22.422-07:00New worry-free hurricane policy: a new trend?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Coat-of-arms-of-the-Turks-and-Caicos-Islands.svg/902px-Coat-of-arms-of-the-Turks-and-Caicos-Islands.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="703" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Coat-of-arms-of-the-Turks-and-Caicos-Islands.svg/902px-Coat-of-arms-of-the-Turks-and-Caicos-Islands.svg.png" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turks & Caicos Islands Coat of Arms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's the first of what one can only hope will be a new trend. This week, <a href="http://www.insidertravelreport.com/?s=turks--caicos-the-sands-at-grace-bay-sets-100-hurricane-refund-policy&preview=1" target="_blank">Insider Travel Report</a> is reporting good news from the Turks & Caicos Islands:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Sands at Grace Bay has launched a newly created No-Hassle, 100% Refund Policy in the event of another storm.
Developed to offer guests the ultimate “peace of mind” guarantee, Sands at Grace Bay’s new policy states that if the threat of a hurricane prevents travel to Providenciales, or otherwise interferes with the guest’s vacation, the luxury hospitality group will offer a 100 percent refund of any unused portion of the resort stay, no questions asked. </blockquote>
While the policy applies to hurricanes only, not for tropical storms, the news is encouraging.<br />
<br />
The resort's policy is actually very well thought out, and covers a range of scenarios that seem to authentically help travellers, versus just sound good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Grand_Turk%2C_Replica_of_Friendship_7_-_panoramio.jpg/1024px-Grand_Turk%2C_Replica_of_Friendship_7_-_panoramio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Grand_Turk%2C_Replica_of_Friendship_7_-_panoramio.jpg/1024px-Grand_Turk%2C_Replica_of_Friendship_7_-_panoramio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replica of Friendship 7 at the Turks & Caicos Airport - astronaut<br />
John Glenn returned to earth in the oceans nearby in 1962</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-58134616028385038842018-07-21T18:16:00.004-07:002018-07-25T05:48:57.800-07:00Alaska Cruise Ships 2019 - BIG or small - What's Best?Picking the best cruise ship for your Alaska voyage depends upon a number of factors - personal choice being perhaps the most important - but ship size is a major consideration.<br />
<ul>
<li>A larger ship offers more things to do (believe it or not it can be easier to find a quiet spot alone on a big ship) and lower fares, but they aren't for everyone.</li>
<li>Small ships are more intimate, can get into smaller ports and tend to be more inclusive (so more costly), but not everyone will enjoy the quiet evenings. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdkQzylj3CYpEqNXwB4dcJuWVnewSkA5AohyphenhyphenjJ15o7pGKiFq_vYQ-yVuahuXBitvHrfE-tKJ3Ao8UoSWMQ0KY_aP58srY-Du91eeA5BVpMuJlzkov2F52JAr5l9bZJSJcWg_LsBcM8VQ3/s1600/shipsizes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="335" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdkQzylj3CYpEqNXwB4dcJuWVnewSkA5AohyphenhyphenjJ15o7pGKiFq_vYQ-yVuahuXBitvHrfE-tKJ3Ao8UoSWMQ0KY_aP58srY-Du91eeA5BVpMuJlzkov2F52JAr5l9bZJSJcWg_LsBcM8VQ3/s320/shipsizes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In 2019, quite a few cruise ships will be sailing Alaska for the very first time, so I thought a list of ships sailing from Vancouver and Seattle, organized by size, might be a helpful tool.<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Dramatic_view_of_Marjerie_glacier_from_a_cruise_ship.jpg/1280px-Dramatic_view_of_Marjerie_glacier_from_a_cruise_ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Dramatic_view_of_Marjerie_glacier_from_a_cruise_ship.jpg/1280px-Dramatic_view_of_Marjerie_glacier_from_a_cruise_ship.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Alaska Cruise Ships - by cabin count</span></strong><br />
<br />
<em>For Alaska, common industry categories aren't all that informative, because so many ships fall into the middle category. So, to make shopping for the best ship for you easier, I have broken down the cruise ships sailing Alaska in 2019 by their cabin count. The nicknames are entirely mine.</em> <br />
<div>
</div>
<h2>
HUGE </h2>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Ovation%20of%20the%20Seas&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Ovation of the Seas</a> - 2095 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Norwegian%20Bliss&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Norwegian Bliss</a> - 2043 cabins<br />
Norwegian Joy - 2043 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Royal%20Princess&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Royal Princess</a> - 1780 cabins</div>
<br />
<h2>
VERY LARGE </h2>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Ruby%20Princess&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Ruby Princess</a> - 1530 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Celebrity%20Eclipse&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Celebrity Eclipse</a> - 1425 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Celebrity%20Solstice&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Celebrity Solstice</a> - 1425 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Golden%20Princess&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Golden Princess</a> - 1316 cabins</div>
<br />
<h2>
LARGE </h2>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Star%20Princess&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Star Princess</a> - 1298 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Norwegian%20Jewel&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Norwegian Jewel</a> - 1194 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Island%20Princess&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Island Princess</a> - 1107 cabins</div>
<br />
<h2>
MEDIUM</h2>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Celebrity%20Millennium&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Celebrity Millennium</a> - 1079 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Carnival%20Legend&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Carnival Legend</a> - 1062 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Radiance%20of%20the%20Seas&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Radiance of the Seas</a> - 1061 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=ms%20Nieuw%20Amsterdam&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">ms Nieuw Amsterdam</a> - 1053 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=ms%20Eurodam&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">ms Eurodam</a> - 1052 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Queen%20Elizabeth&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Queen Elizabeth</a> - 1043 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=ms%20Oosterdam&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">ms Oosterdam</a> - 1012 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Coral%20Princess&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Coral Princess</a> - 1000 cabins</div>
<br />
<h2>
SMALLISH</h2>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=ms%20Noordam&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">ms Noordam</a> - 986 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=ms%20Westerdam&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">ms Westerdam</a> - 984 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Disney%20Wonder&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Disney Wonder</a> - 877 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=ms%20Volendam&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">ms Volendam</a> - 716 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=ms%20Amsterdam&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">ms Amsterdam</a> - 690 cabins</div>
<br />
<h2>
SMALL </h2>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Viking%20Orion&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Viking Orion</a> - 464 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Crystal%20Symphony&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Crystal Symphony</a> - 452 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Azamara%20Quest" target="_blank">Azamara Quest</a> - 355 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Seven%20Seas%20Mariner&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Regent Seven Seas Mariner</a> - 354 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Regatta&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Oceania Regatta</a> - 349 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Silver%20Muse&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Silversea Muse</a> - 288 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Seabourn%20Sojourn&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Seabourn Sojourn</a> - 225 cabins</div>
<br />
<h2>
VERY SMALL</h2>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Star%20Legend&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Windstar Star Legend</a> - 106 cabins</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Search?ca=All&ds=Alaska&dp=&cl=&sds=&drd=&drt=&ad=2&ch=0&dr=0&sh=Silver%20Explorer&sb=bestvalue" target="_blank">Silversea Explorer</a> - 72 cabins</div>
<br />
<br />
<em>Tip: multiply the number of cabins by 225% to get approximate passenger capacity</em> <br />
<br />
Updated on July 25 to reflect announcement thayt the Norwegian Joy (new ship) will replace the Norwegian Pearl for the 2019 Alaska cruise season. <br />
<br />
<br />
Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> if you would like to learn more about a particular ship, or would like a quote.<br />
<br />
Related resources<br />
<a href="https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=360" target="_blank">What's the Best Cruise Ship Size for You?</a> - Cruise Critic <br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/04/planning-travel-surprise.html" target="_blank">Planning a Travel Surprise</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2018/07/death-by-selfie-is-social-media-worth-it.html" target="_blank">Death by Selfie: Is Social Media Worth It?</a><br />
<a href="https://cruisetravelbug.blogspot.com/2015/04/7-comebacks-to-i-hate-cruising.html" target="_blank">7 Comebacks to "I Hate Cruising!"</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/local-promotions/9256-Vancouver-Cruise-Opportunities" target="_blank">Vancouver Cruise Opportunities</a><br />
<div>
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Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-86451417132364851972018-07-05T21:50:00.000-07:002018-07-05T22:04:28.644-07:00Death by Selfie: is social media worth it?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Shannon_Falls_Provincial_Park_02.jpg/768px-Shannon_Falls_Provincial_Park_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Shannon_Falls_Provincial_Park_02.jpg/768px-Shannon_Falls_Provincial_Park_02.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon Falls, British Columbia
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/4314906/vancouver-vlogger-killed-at-shannon-falls-inspired-living-life-on-the-edge/" target="_blank">tragic death of three young people at Shannon Falls</a>, near Vancouver, BC, Canada, while out for a day fun with friends, has saddened many. <br />
<br />
The group of friends were hiking near the falls, when one, a young woman, fell in. Two young men, one her boyfriend, fell or jumped in while attempting to rescue her. All three died.<br />
<br />
News of the positive yet daring adventures of <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/adventurer-from-vancouver-killed-at-shannon-falls-1.4734497" target="_blank">one of the deceased</a> - a vlogger* - made me think of this death-by-selfie piece I wrote a few years ago. For me, the connection is the drive to share life experiences in social media. I'm not suggesting the friends were doing anything foolish when the accident happened; it just seems timely to share.<br />
<br />
<i>*Vlogging is a form of blogging based on videos (the vlog category is popular on YouTube).</i>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
DEATH BY SELFIE</h2>
<br />
- by Roberta Westwood<br />
<br />
Think that selfie is fun? Harmless?<br />
<br />
Aside of the downsides of "missing" the experience of where you are, because you're so busy capturing your selfie, you may be surprised to to learn that taking selfies is actually dangerous.<br />
<br />
What starts as playful fun can cross the line when selfies become an obsession, in which you become less aware of your surroundings and take ever-increasing risks.<br />
<br />
Especially for men. The truth is that while women take more selfies than men, 75% of selfie death victims are MEN.<br />
<br />
Selfie deaths?!? Really? You bet. <br />
<br />
Selfie-takers have been killed by:<br />
<ul>
<li>Falling off cliffs while taking selfies (many)</li>
<li>Falling over viewpoint barriers</li>
<li>Falling over a cliff when leaning on a gate that gave way</li>
<li>Sitting on boulders forming a safety barrier over a gorge, which gave way</li>
<li>Falling into a volcano crater</li>
<li>Falling down stairs</li>
<li>Falling down stairs while taking a selfie at the Taj Majal</li>
<li>Falling off bridges (many)</li>
<li>Falling off dams (several)</li>
<li>Falling into a pond</li>
<li>Falling into a spring</li>
<li>Falling in irrigation canals</li>
<li>Falling into water reservoirs</li>
<li>Falling into a quarry filled with rainwater</li>
<li>Falling into a well, while leaning over it to take a selfie showing the depth</li>
<li>Taking selfies in a melt hole (cave) at the front edge of a receding glacier, when the roof gave way</li>
<li>Taking selfies with waterfalls (several)</li>
<li>Standing in rivers while taking selfies</li>
<li>Waves, when standing on the beach (several)</li>
<li>Waves, while standing in the surf, in a storm, taking selfies</li>
<li>Taking selfies with trains (several)</li>
<li>Falling off moving trains while taking selfies</li>
<li>Climbing on top of moving trains</li>
<li>Climbing on top of stationary trains mistakenly believed not in service (many by electrocution)</li>
<li>Crashing cars while taking selfies or uploading selfies while driving</li>
<li>Being hit by cars</li>
<li>Being hit by a car while taking selfies with airplanes</li>
<li>Standing in a boat to take selfies (drownings)</li>
<li>Climbing on a fountain to take selfies</li>
<li>Climbing onto a glass dome to take selfies, and falling through</li>
<li>Climbing on girders in a construction site to take selfies</li>
<li>Preparing to take a selfie by hanging from a rope from a high-rise</li>
<li>Leaping to take a "flying selfie" (at Machu Picchu)</li>
<li>Falling into a geyser while taking a selfie</li>
<li>Posing with guns (many!)</li>
<li>Posing with grenades</li>
<li>Posing with a rattlesnake</li>
<li>Posing with tigers at the zoo (several)</li>
<li>Taking selfies with a walrus at the zoo</li>
<li>Posing with a bison in a national park (gored)</li>
<li>Posing with an elephant near their tent on a safari</li>
<li>Getting out of a vehicle to take selfies with a herd of elephants blocking a road</li>
</ul>
<br />
Places where selfies have banned, due to deaths:<br />
<ul>
<li>In Pamplona, Spain, during the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona</li>
<li>At New York State zoos (tigers)</li>
<li>Anywhere in Mumbai (India has very high selfie deaths)</li>
<li>In Japan, selfies and selfie-sticks on train station platforms are banned</li>
</ul>
<br />
Places where selfie bans have been proposed, due to high selfie deaths:<br />
<ul>
<li>In Paris, at the Eiffel Tower</li>
<li>In Rome, at Trevi Fountain</li>
<li>In Rome, on the Spanish Steps</li>
</ul>
<br />
Do you believe me now?<br />
<br />
Even if you are not killed, just imagine the extent of serious injuries any of the above could cause.<br />
<br />
Seriously, have fun out there, but don't let it cost you your life (or limbs!)<br />
<br />
<br />
Related resources<br />
<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_selfie-related_injuries_and_deaths#" target="_blank">List of selfie-related injuries and deaths</a> - Wikipedia<br />
<a href="http://phoneradar.com/selfie-deaths-detailed-report/" target="_blank">40% Selfie Deaths from India, Selfie Obsession kills over 60 people Worldwide</a> - Phone Radar<br />
<a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/136cd556e0ce449a8faa6e5160fabca1/mumbai-sets-no-selfie-zones-deaths-linked-selfies-rise" target="_blank">Mumbai sets no-selfie zones as deaths linked to selfies rise</a> - Associated Press<br />
<a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-11-04/no-selfies-social-media-bans-at-landmarks" target="_blank">No Selfies Allowed: Social Media Bans at Landmarks</a> - Conde Nast Traveler<br />
<a href="http://www.theweek.co.uk/64328/selfie-deaths-five-people-who-died-taking-a-selfie" target="_blank">Selfie deaths: six people who died while taking a selfie</a> - The Week<br />
<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/goa/goa-red-flags-go-up-on-beaches-after-tourist-deaths-selfies-can-be-dangerous-5229698/" target="_blank">In Goa, red flags go up on beaches after tourist deaths: Selfies can be dangerous</a> - The Indian Express<br />
<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/lifestyle/selfies-can-be-deadly-and-india-leads-the-way/articleshow/62964327.cms" target="_blank">Selfies can be deadly - and India leads the way </a> - Economic Times<br />
<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/two-young-women-struck-by-lightning-while-taking-selfies/articleshow/64363799.cms" target="_blank">Two young women struck by lightning while taking selfies</a> - Economic Times<br />
<a href="https://www.martinparr.com/2018/death-by-selfie/" target="_blank">Death by Selfie</a> - Martin ParrRobertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-85149290309854864902018-06-02T17:26:00.000-07:002018-10-08T10:34:36.513-07:00Campiglia Marittim (near Livorno)If you are fortunate enough to return to Livorno, Italy on a cruise port call, and have already visited Florence, the surrounding countryside, and Livorno itself, you may find a daytrip to a nearby historical town is a relaxing alternative. Here is a little town I discovered when a client asked me this exact question.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Campiglia_centro_di_Campiglia_Marittima_Toscana_Italia_Foto_2005_Wolfgang_Pehlemann_Wiesbaden_Germania_PICT0041.jpg/1024px-Campiglia_centro_di_Campiglia_Marittima_Toscana_Italia_Foto_2005_Wolfgang_Pehlemann_Wiesbaden_Germania_PICT0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Campiglia_centro_di_Campiglia_Marittima_Toscana_Italia_Foto_2005_Wolfgang_Pehlemann_Wiesbaden_Germania_PICT0041.jpg/1024px-Campiglia_centro_di_Campiglia_Marittima_Toscana_Italia_Foto_2005_Wolfgang_Pehlemann_Wiesbaden_Germania_PICT0041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piazza della Repubblica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Campiglia Marittima is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Livorno in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 90 kilometres (56 mi) southwest of Florence and about 60 kilometres (37 mi) southeast of Livorno. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Campiglia_Marittima_impressione_mediterraneo_Toscana_Italia_Foto_2005_Wolfgang_Pehlemann_Wiesbaden_Germania_PICT0050.jpg/640px-Campiglia_Marittima_impressione_mediterraneo_Toscana_Italia_Foto_2005_Wolfgang_Pehlemann_Wiesbaden_Germania_PICT0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Campiglia_Marittima_impressione_mediterraneo_Toscana_Italia_Foto_2005_Wolfgang_Pehlemann_Wiesbaden_Germania_PICT0050.jpg/640px-Campiglia_Marittima_impressione_mediterraneo_Toscana_Italia_Foto_2005_Wolfgang_Pehlemann_Wiesbaden_Germania_PICT0050.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Situated in a hill overlooking the sea and the surrounding countryside, the town has medieval origins but traces of Etruscan and Roman civilizations can be found as well.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2477/3818819804_2838a0b669_z_d.jpg?zz=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2477/3818819804_2838a0b669_z_d.jpg?zz=1" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apritiborgo Festival scene<br />
Creative Commons image, tanran2 on Flickr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you visit in August, you may be in for a treat. This is when the town hosts Apritiborgo Festival, a street art festival that has been held annually since 2005. It usually takes place in mid-August, from around the 11th to 15th (be sure to check the actual dates for the year you visit).<br />
<br />
Campiglia Marittima's past is linked to metal-working activities, This is evidenced by the Val Fucinaia furnaces and the remains of mining and metallurgical works in the Archaeological-Mineral Park of San Silvestro.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Campiglia_Marittima_Rocca_San_Silvestro.jpg/1024px-Campiglia_Marittima_Rocca_San_Silvestro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Campiglia_Marittima_Rocca_San_Silvestro.jpg/1024px-Campiglia_Marittima_Rocca_San_Silvestro.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocca de San Silvestro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Parco_minerario_di_San_Silvestro_-_Miniera_del_Temperino.JPG/1024px-Parco_minerario_di_San_Silvestro_-_Miniera_del_Temperino.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Parco_minerario_di_San_Silvestro_-_Miniera_del_Temperino.JPG/1024px-Parco_minerario_di_San_Silvestro_-_Miniera_del_Temperino.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Archaeological-Mineral Park of San Silvestro</span></td></tr>
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All other images: Wiki CommonsRobertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-15869165794441580332018-05-06T23:00:00.000-07:002018-05-06T23:00:01.863-07:00Picture perfect Bering SeaWhat an incredible itinerary!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.coreyfishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/120408_Barrow_3514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.coreyfishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/120408_Barrow_3514.jpg" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image copyright Corey Arnold (aka coreyfishes)</td></tr>
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The real reason I have chosen to highlight this particular voyage, however, is for the photographer onboard for the September 4, 2019 sailing: Corey Arnold (aka Corey Fishes). Corey is a fisherman who honed his photography skills while fishing the Bering Sea. I recently discovered is work, and it is truly stunning. While he continues to fish, Corey has won numerous international awards and occasionally does a special gig, like this one.
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Bering Sea Wilderness: Pribilofs, Katmai and Kodiak </h3>
13-night National Geographic Expedition Cruise <br />
Sailing roundtrip from Anchorage on the National Geographic Orion<br />
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<h3>
Expedition Team - Special Guests</h3>
July 9-21, 2019 - with photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins<br />
September 4-16, 2019 - with photographer Corey Arnold<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.coreyfishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/101007_France_2179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.coreyfishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/101007_France_2179.jpg" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="600" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image copyright Corey Arnold</td></tr>
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Embark the National Geographic Orion and explore the unique cultural heritage of the Bering Sea, where Russian, American, and Aleut influences intermingle on wild and remote isles. Sail the legendary Bering Strait en route to Provideniya, and glimpse traditions of the indigenous Yupik in this “Gateway to the Arctic.” Delve into the region’s fascinating World War II history in Unalaska, visit the incredible wildlife sanctuaries of Alaska’s Pribilof Islands, and spy brown bears on the Alaska Peninsula.<br />
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Trip Highlights<br />
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<li>Sail the legendary Bering Sea aboard the National Geographic Orion, and disembark on remote islands to discover tiny Aleut communities</li>
<li>By special permission, get up close to the millions of seabirds and fur seals that inhabit Alaska’s Pribilof Islands—sometimes called the Galápagos of the North</li>
<li>Step foot in Russia’s seldom-seen Far East, and glimpse the local indigenous culture during a traditional Yupik dance performance</li>
<li>Go on a Zodiac cruise in coastal Katmai National Park, and capture close-ups of resident brown bears fishing and digging for clams</li>
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<h3>
About the ship</h3>
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The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion serves as our luxurious base camp for voyages to the far-flung corners of the planet. A fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, the Orion is at home navigating polar ice as well as small harbors in Europe. The ship accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, and is equipped with kayaks and Zodiac landing craft, diving and snorkeling gear, and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world.<br />
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Please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> for your chance to be part of this amazing adventure!
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<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-92069032333587409872018-05-02T08:26:00.000-07:002018-10-08T10:31:57.960-07:00Port Frejus, France (near Nice)<i>A largely European invention, 3-4 week 'long stays' escapes in France, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Spain, are popular with budget-minded travellers. It was as I was searching long stays apartments in the French Riviera for a client that I stumbled across Fort Frejus. Its seaside location and Roman ruins caught my eye, and I was called to learn more.</i><br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Fr%C3%A9jus_-_Port_Fr%C3%A9jus_-_View_NW_on_Old_Town.jpg/1024px-Fr%C3%A9jus_-_Port_Fr%C3%A9jus_-_View_NW_on_Old_Town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Fr%C3%A9jus_-_Port_Fr%C3%A9jus_-_View_NW_on_Old_Town.jpg/1024px-Fr%C3%A9jus_-_Port_Fr%C3%A9jus_-_View_NW_on_Old_Town.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Fréjus (Occitan: Frejús, French pronunciation: [fʁe.ʒys]) is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It neighbours Saint-Raphaël, effectively forming one town.<br />
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The many ruins around Frejus make one curious about how the town came to be.<br />
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The origins of Frejus probably lie with the Celto-Ligurian people who settled around the natural harbour of Aegytna. The remains of a defensive wall are still visible on Mont Auriasque and Cap Capelin.<br />
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The Phocaeans of Marseille later established an outpost on the site.<br />
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Julius Caesar founded the city as 'Forum Julii' meaning 'market of Julius'; around 49 BC. he also named its port 'Claustra Maris' (the sea barrier).
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This was once one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean; its port was the only naval base for the Roman fleet of Gaul and only the second port after Ostia until at least the time of Nero.<br />
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The richest architectural era is undoubtedly that of the Roman city with many buildings making it the richest concentration in France after Arles. The most notable are the amphitheatre and aqueduct. Ruins of a lighthouse and baths are also still visible.<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/Fr%C3%A9jus_-_panoramio_(3).jpg/1024px-Fr%C3%A9jus_-_panoramio_(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/Fr%C3%A9jus_-_panoramio_(3).jpg/1024px-Fr%C3%A9jus_-_panoramio_(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Life here takes place amongst the Roman and Gothic architecture with the 'old tile' roof tops and tinted walls. Everything blends in happily with the recently developed port and its neo palladian design and carefully selected Provençal colours .<br />
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Port Fréjus, which has a capacity of 750 moorings, is surrounded by beautiful fine sandy beaches. As a backdrop there is the massif de l'Esterel, the (Esterel hills) and its 'Nature' base situated on the sea edge, as well as protecting the area and its environment.<br />
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A highlight of the year is the 'Bravade', a feast day celebrated on the third weekend after Easter, in honour of Saint Francis de Paul.
In the town of Frejus, located to the south west of Cannes the festivities last for three days and includes parades accompanied by flutes and drums, with locals dressed in traditional costumes. There are musical performances from the young people of the town, concerts of classical music, blessings and traditional services in the cathedral and churches of the area and of course the feast itself.<br />
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Fréjus organises several other fairs throughout the year, including a pottery fair.<br />
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Many sporting events are held here, including the annual 'Roc Azur' mountain bike event.<br />
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The Gare de Fréjus railway station offers connections to Toulon, Nice and several regional destinations. Long distance destinations are accessible from the nearby Gare de Saint-Raphaël-Valescure. The A8 motorway connects Fréjus with Aix-en-Provence and Nice.<br />
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Read about the Port Frejus long stay on <a href="http://www.exotiktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/EN-product-exotik-europe-France-pierre-et-vacances-20181.pdf?x43975" target="_blank">pages 9-10 of this flyer</a>.<br />
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If you would like to explore a long stay here or elsewhere, please <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Contact" target="_blank">contact me</a>.<br />
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-21143095975109058442018-04-30T09:01:00.001-07:002018-04-30T09:01:54.467-07:00Planning a travel surprise<i>I stumbled across this blog post on <a href="http://smartwomentravelers.com/" target="_blank">Smart Women Travelers</a> today, and thought it might come in handy for someone plotting a surprise...</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4349/36085394080_5027e23dca_k_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4349/36085394080_5027e23dca_k_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a> image Ted McGrath (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/time-to-look/" target="_blank">time-to-look on Flickr</a>)</td></tr>
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"Most people like surprises. Well, the good kind anyway. Longtime readers may remember when I planned a surprise trip with my husband a couple years ago. He had no idea where we were going except for the daily clues. Each day in December, I posted another clue to where we were traveling. It was fun to plan, fun to read all the comments where we were going, and so much fun to give away the prizes at the end.<br />
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So what’s involved if you want to plan a surprise trip for someone? It all begins with a destination. This might be something specific like Disney World, a cruise, a trip to the beach, or a larger geographical area like southern California. The next important ingredient is..." [<a href="http://smartwomentravelers.com/2014/12/planning-surprise-trip-someone-need-know/" target="_blank">read more</a> on Smart Women Travelers].<br />
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Resources<br />
<a href="http://smartwomentravelers.com/2014/12/planning-surprise-trip-someone-need-know/" target="_blank">Planning a Surprise Trip for Someone – What You Need to Know</a> - Smart Women Travelers<br />
<a href="https://headedanywhere.com/how-to-plan-a-surprise-trip/" target="_blank">How to Plan a Surprise Trip</a> - Headed Anywhere<br />
<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/blog/how-to-plan-the-ultimate-surprise-trip/" target="_blank">How to Plan the Ultimate Surprise Trip</a> - Trip Advisor<br />
<a href="https://www.princess.com/cruise-tips-vacation-ideas/cruise-blog/inspired-to-cruise/surprising-my-dad-with-his-dream-vacation-to-alaska.html" target="_blank">Surprising My Dad with His Dream Vacation to Alaska</a> - Princess Cruises Blog<br />
<a href="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/09/how-to-surprise-your-family-with-the-gift-of-a-disney-cruise/" target="_blank">How to Surprise Your Family with the Gift of a Disney Cruise</a> - Disney Blog<br />
<a href="http://smartypantsmama.com/surprising-the-kids-with-a-carnival-vista-5-night-sailing-with-the-family/" target="_blank">Surprising the Kids with a Carnival Vista 5-Night Sailing with the Family</a> - Smarty Pants Mama<br />
<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/Planning-a-surprise-trip-Give-her-eight-days-notice/" target="_blank">Planning a surprise trip? Give her eight days' notice</a> - Telegraph<br />
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<b><i>Feel free to <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> if I can help you plan a surprise trip for a loved one!
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Sponsored content (mine!)<br />
<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood" target="_blank">Cruises</a> - my cruise website<br />
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-39853866915237036542018-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:002018-04-28T18:49:31.904-07:00South Pacific - without the flightsHere's my latest pick for an incredible itinerary.<br />
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How would you like to sail the South Pacific for 51 nights, yet only need to roundtrip flights to San Diego?<br />
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<a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=1108092&tpid=1" target="_blank">October 28, 2019: 51-night South Pacific cruise sailing roundtrip from San Diego on Holland America's ms Amsterdam</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Coat_of_arms_of_Fiji.svg/780px-Coat_of_arms_of_Fiji.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="780" height="315" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Coat_of_arms_of_Fiji.svg/780px-Coat_of_arms_of_Fiji.svg.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you identify this Coat of Arms from<br />
one of the nations you will visit?</td></tr>
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Itinerary: San Diego, California - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - Honolulu, Hawaii - Lahaina, Hawaii - Nawiliwili, Hawaii - Hilo, Hawaii - Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii - Kailua Kona, Hawaii - At Sea - International Dateline - At Sea - The Equator - Fanning Island, Kiribati - International Dateline - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - Pago Pago, American Samoa - International Dateline - Apia, Samoa - At Sea - Savusavu, Fiji - Suva, Fiji - Dravuni Island - Lautoka, Fiji - At Sea - Luganville, Vanuatu - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Mystery Island, Vanuatu - At Sea - At Sea - Nuku`alofa, Tonga - Vava'u, Tonga - International Dateline - At Sea - Alofi, New Zealand - At Sea - Rarotonga, Cook Islands - At Sea - Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Raiatea, French Polynesia - Papeete, French Polynesia - Papeete, French Polynesia - Moorea, French Polynesia - Rangiroa, French Polynesia - Fakarava, French Polynesia - At Sea - Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia - At Sea - The Equator - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - At Sea - San Diego, California<br />
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Pretty nice, eh? I thought so too.<br />
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If you're interested, <a href="https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Contact" target="_blank">please get in touch</a>. We have group space on this sailing with very attractibe fares.<br />
<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-61925323175000294822018-04-16T11:32:00.000-07:002018-04-16T11:32:04.359-07:00Parikkala Sculpture Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4033/4388818973_1b2eceec66_b_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4033/4388818973_1b2eceec66_b_d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Commons image mikeancient on Flickr </td></tr>
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Just 3 hours east of Helsinki, tucked next to the Russian border, lies the town of Parikkala.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Commons image <br />
1030333033@N08 on Flickr </td></tr>
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While relatively isolated, the tiny town receives more than its share of visitors, drawn to incredible sculptures created by Veijo Rönkkönen.<br />
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Officially known as the Parikkala Sculpture Park, the Veijo Rönkkönen Sculpture Garden is one of Finland's most important examples of contemporary folk art. <br />
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<i>"Rönkkönen is more than an installation or a sculpture park; it’s a community, and
although some of the artwork is disturbing, the forest is unquestionably quite magical, an amalgamation of many different worlds coming together all in one place." (<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/finland/articles/recluse-dies-leaves-behind-hundreds-of-secret-sculptures-in-finland/" target="_blank">The Culture Trip</a>)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/29810561926_4014619f36_k_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/29810561926_4014619f36_k_d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Commons image 1030333033@N08 on Flickr </td></tr>
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What causes the sometimes 'creepy' reaction is the facial expressions of the concrete statues. Some even have human teeth. The uniqueness of each statue is also what makes the whole collection so special.<br />
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<i>"Veijo Rönkkönen was only 16 years old when he started working on his park. Veijo had recently got a job as a press worker in a paper mill in his hometown Parikkala, a job he held for 41 years. With his first pay check, he purchased ten apple tree seedlings and a bag of concrete to create a garden around his family home. For the next fifty years, until his death in 2010, he dedicated all his spare time and money planting flowers and trees and creating hundreds of caricature-like sculptures, mostly of full scale human figures." (<a href="http://www.amusingplanet.com/2016/03/veijo-ronkkonens-sculpture-park.html" target="_blank">Amusing Planet</a>)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/28634554734_a088223d61_k_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="200" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/28634554734_a088223d61_k_d.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Commons image<br />
1030333033@N08 on Flickr </td></tr>
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A recluse who enjoyed his own company and practiced yoga, Veijo continued to live in the family home, adding to his works.<br />
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<i>"Veijo Rönkkönen's yard, and the path leading to it, are filled with over 450 statues, 200 of which are self portraits of the artist in Yoga positions he has mastered. The statues have loudspeakers hidden inside them, and the sound effects add to the eeriness of this place." (<a href="http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/the-sculpture-park-of-veijo-ronkkonen-is-the-weirdest-place-in-finland.html" target="_blank">Oddity Central</a>)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5307/29475983793_3142c6e502_k_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5307/29475983793_3142c6e502_k_d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Commons image 1030333033@N08 on Flickr </td></tr>
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While Rönkkönen was happy to share his sculptures, leaving his park open to the public, he never wanted to meet his admirers. Instead, visitors left impressions and notes to him in a guestbook.<br />
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Veijo Rönkkönen was recognized with the Finlandia prize in 2007, but sent his brother to collect the prize on his behalf.<br />
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Following his death in 2010, Rönkkönen's family sold the site, hoping it would be preserved. The ITE Association is partnering with the new owner, an art lover named Reino Uusitalo, to repair the sculptures and provide guided tours.<br />
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Curious?<br />
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Satisfy your curiosity with this <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@61.483777,29.481205,3a,75y,150.5h,59.75t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sy7k1C8RogKZa9YtEIGOp1A!2e0" target="_blank">view of the park entrance (on Google Street View)</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2794/4389587790_0b598da778_b_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2794/4389587790_0b598da778_b_d.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Commons image mikeancient on Flickr</td></tr>
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If you go, why not stay a few days? There is plenty to see and do, including ample birdwatching, Ateljee-Koti Seppo Saukkonen (250 works by the artist), Honkakylä Merchant’s Museum, Museum of Horse-Drawn Vehicles & Agricultural Implements, Parikkala Dairy Museum and the Papinniemi Archaeological Site. (<a href="https://www.visitparikkala.com/sights-and-attractions/" target="_blank">Visit Parikkala</a>)<br />
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Resources<br />
<a href="http://www.patsaspuisto.net/parikkala-sculpture-park/" target="_blank">Parikkala Sculpture Park</a> - Official Website<br />
<a href="https://www.gofinland.fi/en/parikkala/things-to-see-and-do/the-ronkkonen-sculpture-park" target="_blank">THE RÖNKKÖNEN SCULPTURE PARK</a> - Go Finland<br />
<a href="http://en.biginfinland.com/park-veijo-ronkkonen/" target="_blank">The strange Park of Veijo Rönkkönen</a> - Big in Finland<br />
<a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/veijo-roenkkoenen-sculpture-garden" target="_blank">Veijo Rönkkönen Sculpture Garden</a> - Atlas Obscura<br />
<a href="http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/the-sculpture-park-of-veijo-ronkkonen-is-the-weirdest-place-in-finland.html" target="_blank">The Sculpture Park of Veijo Rönkkönen Is the Weirdest Place in Finland</a> - Oddity Central<br />
<a href="http://www.amusingplanet.com/2016/03/veijo-ronkkonens-sculpture-park.html" target="_blank">Veijo Rönkkönen’s Sculpture Park</a> - Amusing Planet<br />
<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/finland/articles/recluse-dies-leaves-behind-hundreds-of-secret-sculptures-in-finland/" target="_blank">Recluse Dies, Leaves Behind Hundreds of Secret Sculptures in Finland</a> - The Culture Trip<br />
<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g798822-d4555817-Reviews-The_Parikkala_Sculpture_Park-Parikkala_South_Karelia.html" target="_blank">The Parikkala Sculpture Park Reviews</a> - Trip Advisor (rating 4.5/5)<br />
<a href="https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Parikkala/Helsinki" target="_blank">How to get from Helsinki to Parikkala</a> - Rome2Rio<br />
<a href="https://www.gofinland.fi/en/vacation-rentals" target="_blank">Cottages and Vacation Rentals nearby</a> - Go Finland<br />
<a href="https://www.visitparikkala.com/sights-and-attractions/" target="_blank">Parikkala Sights and Attractions</a> - Visit Parikkala<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeancient/4388819205/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Patsaspuisto 10"><img alt="Patsaspuisto 10" height="300" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4032/4388819205_905393ea15_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Commons image mikeancient on Flickr</td></tr>
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Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503042509990409197.post-76596014808111264562018-04-06T16:39:00.000-07:002018-04-06T16:39:24.541-07:00All-Inclusive Resort Booking Tips<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><blockquote class="tr_bq">
"There are no beds for the kids," announces my client, calling my cell phone late Sunday.</blockquote>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>"What do you mean, there are no beds for the kids? I booked you into a room with bedding for 4."</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Well, we upgraded our room upon arrival to the Club class to get the better view, and it just has a king bed."</blockquote>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Did the room you gave up have 2 double beds?"</blockquote>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Yes, but we can't sleep in a double bed."</blockquote>
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<i>Oh, it would have been good to know that. She says she told me last time I booked her at a resort, but despite several cruise bookings, it's her first resort booking with me. So, there they are, a young couple at a higher end resort in Cancun (thanks to a friend planning her wedding there), with just a king bed to share with their young children (3 and 5), having given up their double double room. In the end, the resort went above and beyond, hauling sofa beds into the king room, and all is well. But it could have turned out differently.</i> <br />
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This recent scenario brings me to mind a few things I have learned about booking clients into all-inclusive resorts, so thought I would take a few minutes to share a few:<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Pink-Pearl-island-Resort-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Pink-Pearl-island-Resort-04.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<b>The price went up</b> - yes, the quote I gave you yesterday was based on the rates at the moment I quoted you. Tomorrow, it could be more, it could be less, or it could be gone. I don't know. But if I do tell you it's selling fast and there are only a few rooms left at a rate, it's because the live inventory tells me that. I want you to be happy. I don't want you to be unhappy tomorrow when it's more. If you find the property you like, at a price that fits your budget, book it. And stop looking (there's no sense depressing or second guessing yourself). <br />
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<b>I saw it less online</b> - of course you did. And you probably did. I actually believe you. If you wanted the red eye flights, a 12 hour layover, a crappier room type, or a with a carrier that doesn't seat selection. Or baggage. Or transfers. Or the resort as 'room only', rather than 'all-inclusive'. The choices you make impact your experience and your price. When I work with clients, my goal is to help them find the best value for their vacation, balancing out all factors. When you have to sleep overnight in a connecting airport, or have to check-out of your room at noon for a 3:00 am departure the next morning, you might not find it was worth saving a couple hundred dollars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsyK3YFemAUkckidn2b_QhDKMfYk8kabAHqh_jInG4ChypisqBCWKutrWs0fGbIOT3YED9fdRCmswV_ndEBveA94tyQoLL_WtK-u2ya2Kssvr4uKGNOLcglEb7wN5MWEgEucDIWMdiff-/s1600/donotdisturb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsyK3YFemAUkckidn2b_QhDKMfYk8kabAHqh_jInG4ChypisqBCWKutrWs0fGbIOT3YED9fdRCmswV_ndEBveA94tyQoLL_WtK-u2ya2Kssvr4uKGNOLcglEb7wN5MWEgEucDIWMdiff-/s200/donotdisturb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>I want a king bed</b> - if the room description says "1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds", it means just that, you'll get a king bed, or 2 double beds, period. No guarantees. You can request a king, or you can request 2 doubles, but if a room type includes both possibilities, you could end up with either. If you absolutely must have a king bed, book a room type that only features a king bed. The lesson here is to be clear on what is "nice to have" and what is "must have".<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Grand_Sirenis_Riviera_Maya_Resort%2C_Akumal%2C_Mexico_(Unsplash_3Vr4qQvQn34).jpg/681px-Grand_Sirenis_Riviera_Maya_Resort%2C_Akumal%2C_Mexico_(Unsplash_3Vr4qQvQn34).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Grand_Sirenis_Riviera_Maya_Resort%2C_Akumal%2C_Mexico_(Unsplash_3Vr4qQvQn34).jpg/681px-Grand_Sirenis_Riviera_Maya_Resort%2C_Akumal%2C_Mexico_(Unsplash_3Vr4qQvQn34).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<b>I want a room away from the ice machine</b> - yes, you can request a quiet room, spare cots for the kids, a ground floor room, rooms near each other, etc... but they are just that: requests. While these are nearly always reasonable requests, and the resort will do their best to accommodate your request, they cannot guarantee you'll get it. Nor can I. Granted, as a travel agent I may have tools that will increase your chances of getting your request, but it's still a request. You can't turn up and be mad that the resort didn't have room that was shaded by the pineapple tree. Keep your expectations low and be delighted if you get what you want.<br />
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<b>I want to be sure they aren't renovating my resort</b> - renovations do happen (how else do you expect that beautiful resort to have the best features and stay beautiful?), but there are things you can do to avoid them. Booking with a travel agent is probably your best bet, but you can also read the resort's website and read recent reviews. Renovations are one of the things I watch for when I help clients book a getaway (agents get warnings during the booking process), but people often miss if they are booking themselves online (this is 1 of <a href="http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/travel-tips/all-inclusive-resorts/view-all/" target="_blank">13 things on a recent list of things resorts won't tell you</a>). <br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/Destination_Wedding_in_Maldives_-_panoramio.jpg/1280px-Destination_Wedding_in_Maldives_-_panoramio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="132" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/Destination_Wedding_in_Maldives_-_panoramio.jpg/1280px-Destination_Wedding_in_Maldives_-_panoramio.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>I have to go to Jamaica for a wedding</b> - you may be delighted for your sister, cousin or friend to be getting married, and you may even look forward to the ceremony, but depending on your travel plans and budget, you may very well have mixed feelings when you get an invitation for the lovebirds to tie the knot on the beach. Can you book it yourself for less than the travel agent the bride is using? Perhaps. But know that booking 1 room and 2 airline seats is different than booking 12 rooms and 24 seats, the happy couple will be getting perks based on how many people book as part of their group, and if you don't book with the group, you may have to pay a fee to attend the ceremony and reception. Definitely expect this if you book at the competing resort down the road for less. It's your prerogative, of course, but be aware that sometimes it's in your best interest to just go with the flow.<br />
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Related Resources<br />
<a href="https://www.frommers.com/blogs/passportable/blog_posts/new-club-med-openings-sicily-the-great-wall-and-more" target="_blank">New Club Med Openings: Sicily, the Great Wall, and More</a>
- Frommer's<br />
<a href="https://www.budgettravel.com/article/7-questions-to-ask-before-you-book-an-allndashinclusive-vacation_12299" target="_blank">All-Inclusive Vacations: The 7 Essential Questions Every Traveler Must Ask</a> - Budget Travel
<br />
<a href="http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/travel-tips/all-inclusive-resorts/view-all/" target="_blank">13 Things All-Inclusive Resorts Won’t Tell You (But Should)</a> - Reader's Digest<br />
<a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/how-to-avoid-resort-fees" target="_blank">The Hidden Fee That Could Make Your Next Vacation More Expensive</a> - Travel + Leisure<br />
<a href="https://www.priceoftravel.com/9078/europe-all-inclusive-resort-destinations-from-cheapest-to-most-expensive/" target="_blank">23 Europe All-inclusive resort destinations</a>
- Price of Travel<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Moon_Palace_Golf_and_Spa_Resort%2C_Mexico_(Unsplash).jpg/1024px-Moon_Palace_Golf_and_Spa_Resort%2C_Mexico_(Unsplash).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Moon_Palace_Golf_and_Spa_Resort%2C_Mexico_(Unsplash).jpg/1024px-Moon_Palace_Golf_and_Spa_Resort%2C_Mexico_(Unsplash).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Robertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362682674082639281noreply@blogger.com0