Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Regent Seven Seas Mariner Refurbishment!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has just completed a full refurbishment of the Seven Seas Mariner.



Highlights of this refurbishment include:

-The ship's Grand, Master, Mariner, Seven Seas, Horizons and Penthouse Suites received all-new furniture, upholstery, lighting and wall coverings.  Each features sophisticated, timeless decor with new sofas and chairs, new dining tables, new lamps and accent lighting.

-The ship's two-deck high, state-of-the-art show theatre was renovated with a new LED wall to enhance the on-stage productions, and new carpeting, upholstery, wall coverings, cocktail tables, wall sconces, banquettes and chairs to provide additional comfort for Regent quests.

-The Stars Lounge features a dramatic new decor and ambiance and the Horizon Lounge received a distinctive new stone-fronted bar, chic new furnishings, tony carpeting, lustrous wall coverings, and new lighting.  Mariner Lounge was reconfigured was reconfigured with a spacious "open floor plan and features a new bar, new stone flooring, lamps and tables.

-The Observation Lounge sports a stunning new decor and a dramatic new back-lit bar serves as the room's centerpiece which offers sweeping 270 degree views.

-The Canyon Ranch Spa received new steam rooms, new stone flooring in the reception area, refurbished changing rooms and the Fitness Center was equipped with bran new state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

-The exterior decks and al fresco lounges received a makeover as well.  New teak was installed on the balconies of all 350 suites and the teak decking in common areas was resurfaced and refinished to brand-new condition.  The Pool Deck, as well as the ship's outdoor relaxation areas, were furnished with brand new resort-style sofas, chairs, and loungers.  The Pool Grill and La Veranda also received eye-catching upgrades with new mosaic tiling, new wall coverings, draperies, lighting and awnings.



Wednesday, March 26, 2014

News from Oceania Cruises!

Oceania has created an exclusive and innovative Kosher program with a great focus on taste.  They have partnered with "Gourmet Kosher" and "Anny's Bread Factory" to provide an exclusive Kosher dining experience which includes the following dishes below:
  • 14 gourmet Breakfast items
  • 9 gourmet appetizers
  • 5 gourmet soups
  • 17 gourmet Entrees:  5 fish, 5 Chicken, 5 Beef, 2 Veal
  • 9 gourmet side dishes
  • 17 gourmet desserts
All breakfasts, appetizers, soups and entree items are served on real Chinaware and include real silverware and condiments.  Desserts are presented in a plastic container with a lid. 

Oceania is excited to take the culinary experience onboard to an all new level by providing custom made gourmet kosher dishes with a nice presentation (real silverware, china).

Because of the way food is stored and because it is possible that a utensil used for cooking/heating kosher food could come in contact with non-kosher food, it should be noted that the gourmet kosher meals and frozen meat options are kosher, while the onboard preparation and galley environment its not.

Guests will be required to pre-order their selections 90 days prior to sailing.  Guests who book a cruise with less than 90 days until sailing; would be allowed to pre-order at 70 days prior.  All Kosher items will need to be pre-ordered.


Always available onboard:  the frozen raw Kosher proteins which  include Veal Rack, Lamb Rack, Rib Eye Steak, Turkey Breast and Chicken will always be available onboard.  These items do not require pre-ordering.


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Silversea aboard the Silver Explorer



Sail in luxury through the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, Peninsula and islands, the Falkland Islands & South Georgia and experience breathtaking wildlife encounters that can be found nowhere else on earth.  You will see nature's purest beauty - the same sights many early explorers saw more than a century ago!

2014 Sailings:

  • November 21, 2014 - 11 nights Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina (Venetian Society sailing)
  • December 2, 2014 - 10 nights roundtrip Ushuaia, Argentina
  • December 12, 2014 - 10 nights roundtrip Ushuaia, Argentina
  • December 18, 2014 - 18 nights roundtrip Ushuaia, Argentina
A day on a Silversea expedition cruise...

After breakfast you can enjoy walking on the deck to enjoy the scenery of your new location before heading to the Zodiacs or head to the theatre for an enriching lecture.  During lunch the ship typically repositions to the second landing spot of the day or offers some interesting and fun workshops and presentations.

About the Silver Explorer...
The Silver Explorer expedition ship was built and designed to navigate some of the world's most remote destinations, including both of the earth's polar regions.  A strengthened hull with a Lloyd's Register ice-class notation for passenger vessels which enables the Silver Explorer  to safely push through ice floes with ease.  The fleet of Zodiac boats allows guests to visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations with the knowledge and help of the expert Expedition Team to create an unforgettable adventure.

For more news and information check out reidtravel.com

Monday, February 10, 2014

Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions

Explore the spectacular destination of Antarctica with Abercrombie & Kent on the Le Boreal!  With A&K you will go inside Antarctica with expert-led excursions and enjoy intimate lectures by noted scientists.

A day on Lindblad National Geographic Explorer...

While in Antarctica with Lindblad you will be actively exploring every day.  Zodiac cruise, kayak, hike and walk daily:  there is nothing passive about our expedition style.  You will be able to explore daily, sometimes even twice a day!  Get suggestions on how to get the best photo of the penguins while on shore or take a long hike or short walk on a shore lined with ghostly remnants of the whaling industry.  You can also enjoy the greatest silence on Earth while kayaking.

Lindblad is the only expedition company in  Antarctica with an undersea specialist, qualified to dive in polar waters, as a part of the expedition team.  The undersea specialist suits up and dives or mans a ROV (remotely operated vehicle) able to descent to 1,000 feet and brings back footage of the life beneath the ship for you to enjoy in vivid high-definition.

About the National Geographic Explorer...
The Explorer was designed to embody the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Alliance and its mission to inspire people to travel and care about the planet.  Representing 175 years of collective expedition experience.  The Explorer is fully stabilized ice-class vessel with a DNV Ice-1A Super rating on her forward hull.  She also exceptional tools for exploration which allows you to see, do, and experience more in Antarctica.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Tips on Traveling with wheelchairs

The conditions for people that use wheelchairs have improved tremendously when traveling.  Here are some tips to help you have the most seamless travel experience...

-Know your rights - the Air Carrier Access Act was passed by Congress to help ensure that people with disabilities are not discriminated against during air travel.  This act says that all domestic and international flight with the U.S. as the origin or destination are required to provide certain accommodations to those with disabilities, free of charge.

-Pick the right airline - Although all U.S. airlines are bound under the Air Carrier Access Act some airlines do a better job than others.  Before you book your flights do a search on the internet or a social network to see if there is any negative feedback floating around. 

-Choose the Best Seat - If it is not an option to get an upgraded seat then turn to SeatGuru to assist you in getting the most comfortable economy seat for you. 

-Talk to your Airline - Once you have booked your reservations give your airlines customer service number a call and confirm that all of your special requests are noted in your record

Thanks On Call International for such great tips! 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Travelers' Choice Awards Top Hotels

Travelers' Choice Awards names the top hotels around the world today.  Which one do you want to visit in 2014?

  1. Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, Switzerland - This 5-star Hotel is one of the most architecturally significant Hotels in the Alps
  2. The Upper House Hong Kong - This hotel was designed by one of the most highly sough after design talents in the Asia Pacific region, his "new luxury" approach is described as a 'haven of calm and quiet taste'
  3. Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Lankanfushi, Maldives - 
  4. Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica - Consistently voted one of the "Most Romantic Hotels in the World" with the most captivating views on earth!  50 comfortable and spacious casitas with a stunning terrace from which to view the volcano, a private garden with an outdoor shower and an intimate Jacuzzi for two
  5. The Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur, India - Here the rich heritage of the Mewar region of Rajasthan is showcased across the rambling courtyards, gentle rippling fountains, reflection pools and verdant gardens on the property
  6. Casa Gangotena Quito, Ecuador - This newly restored historic mansion overlooking the Plaza San Francisco has the perfect blend of sophistication yet eclectic, historic yet contemporary with a delightfully passionate staff
  7. Lindos Blu Lindos, Greece - This is the first adults-only hotel in the cosmopolitan island of Rhodes, the 70 guestrooms and villas have impressive views to the Aegean Sea are deliberately designed to offer a unique experience for each guest
  8. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Punta de Mita, Mexico - Punta Mita means "gateway to paradise" which is exactly what you will feel with the white sands, pristine waters and lush tropical flora
  9. The Oberoi, Mumbai Mumbai, India - 
  10. Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto - 

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Destination: Ireland

Ireland is located on the northwest tip of Europe.  There are so many amazing landscapes to see while visiting the Emerald Isle including three UNESCO World Heritage sites:  The Bend of Boyne, Giant's Causeway & Sceilg Mhichil.  The Giant's Causeway which is a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belfast that was formed from volcanic activity during the Tertiary period which was approximately 50 to 60 million years ago.

There are many different ways to enjoy this magnificent destination.  A select few cruise lines go to Ireland, normally just once a year.  By land you can appreciate the culture and daily life with ease.  The best time of year to travel to this "lucky" green place is April through October.  You can see the spring growth and then into October the autumn colors.  Most attractions stay open until the end of the month.