Canadian Rockies

For those who enjoy the great outdoors at its most picturesque, a trip to the Canadian Rockies is an ideal vacation. For extreme adventure seekers who are looking for the thrill of a lifetime, (or those seeking slightly more tranquil experiences), deciding when to make the trip is the key to ensure the best weather conditions for whatever the interest.

Because of the extreme elevation, weather in the Canadian Rockies is often unpredictable and may even change from one moment to the next. Many people enjoy traveling to the Canadian Rockies during the winter months from December to March for optimal snow skiing. However, the best time to take a Canadian Rockies tour to experience the most outdoor activities and enjoy the scenery and wildlife is from June to September, with June, July and August being the most popular months to visit. Some of the most desirable areas to visit in the region are Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and Calgary. Each one of these destinations offer not only breathtaking scenery but a range of activities to experience, as well.

Banff and Lake Louise

Banff National Park, the oldest national park in Canada, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, with over 2,500 square miles of protected wilderness. In the winter, Banff National Park offers three ski resorts with over 7,000 acres of trails During the spring and summer months, this amazing park is just as popular, whether touring the area in a car, motorcycle or bike; or going hiking or boating. Lake Louise, a mile-long, 295-feet deep spectacular body of water sits at the base of the mountains and is located close to world-class hotels and a variety of restaurants. A wealth of activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, heli-hiking, fishing, caving, horseback riding, and guided sightseeing tours are available in close proximity. The nearby town of Banff is proud to be a tourist town, and offers a mountain culture experience and accommodations with views like no other. For an educational experience there are a number of museums in Banff, including the Banff Park Museum with an amazing array of wildlife specimens.

Jasper

Jasper National Park, also a World Heritage Site, offers many of the same exciting activities of Banff, but has an identity all its own. A quieter more tranquil experience can be found in the park as well as the town of Jasper. Miette Hot Springs, Athabasca Falls and Icefield Parkway offer unique experiences. Scuba diving in Lake Patricia’s clear waters; a ride on the Jasper tramway, with its breathtaking view of the area; and visiting the area’s galleries and museums are all activities that are not likely to be forgotten.

Calgary

When Calgary is mentioned, the first thing that often comes to people’s minds is the 1988 Olympics. The city of Calgary has many attractions including the Calgary Zoo, Calgary Tower, and Calgary Stampede, in addition to Canada Olympic Park. Among the activities available at Canada Olympic Park are Zipline, mountain biking, eurobungy, mini golf, a climbing wall and much more.

Built in 1968, Calgary’s most famous landmark, the Calgary Tower, is the highest observation decks in the world that gives a completely Panoramic view of the city from over 4,000 feet above sea level. Two restaurants and gift shops are also located at the tower.

The Calgary Zoo was founded in 1929 with thirty-six mammals, Seventy-eight birds and six black squirrels. Today it is the second largest zoo in Canada, with over 1,000 animals. Calgary Zoo offers a number of exhibits featuring animals from all over the world, including Destination Africa, a four building complex showcasing the flora and fauna of the African rainforest; Prehistoric Park; and botanical gardens. Other popular attractions include Canadian Wilds and a new Penguin Exhibit.

Calgary Stampede, a ten-day annual rodeo is one of the world’s largest, and draws over a million visitors each year. Offering over two million dollars in prize money, this rodeo attracts the best rodeo athletes in the world. Celebrating its 100th year in July, the Calgary Stampede is hosting special Centennial events in addition to its usual exciting competitions, parades, music, and other fun activities.

Canadian Rockies Tour Vacations is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

The U.S. National Parks are a great vacation for families. There is so much to see and do.  Imagine horseback riding in Bryce Canyon, rafting through Glen Canyon on the scenic Colorado River or hiking in Zion National Park. Sightsee by floatplane, jeep, trolley, sky gondola or jet boat. You can be as adventurous as you’d like, or just take it easy and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  For value-minded travelers, the west also offers vibrant cities, scenic countryside, and small beach and mountain towns. Ride historic trains; try your luck in Las Vegas; taste wines in California’s wine country; or travel along historic Route 66. Pack your bags and get ready for a value-packed vacation like no other.

Here is our top 5 list for family tours to the National Parks:

1.  Canyon Country Family Adventure
2.  Wild Wild West
3.  Quest for the West Wyoming Family Vacation
4.  Pioneer Adventures of the Old West
5.  Red Rock & Painted Canyons

Not family based, but also worth mentioning is Tauck Tours Yellowstone & the Tetons which was just listed National Geographic Magazine as one of the 50 Tours of a Lifetime.

The best time to visit the National Parks are Spring and Fall.  That doesn’t mean you can’t travel in the summer months, you will just find hotel prices are more expensive, which is where tour operators come into play.  They have negotiated rates a year in advance, so often you save money traveling as part of a group. The guides are knowledgeable, and will share their vast knowledge of the region, and show you hidden hot springs and treasures while on your vacation. Programs designed for families ensure that there are activities included for all ages.

National Parks Family Vacations is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Tropical Sunset in Maui

No one can deny that Maui’s beaches are some of the best in the world, but there’s more to Maui than its coastline. Venturing inland leads to some truly breathtaking scenery that makes this island even more spectacular, and an exhilarating place to explore. Discover why the beach is just the beginning in Maui.

In the inland center of Maui is Iao Valley State Park, home to the landmark 1,200-foot Iao Needle. This towering rock formation juts upward from the valley floor, a ragged peak of brown lava rock that contrasts with the blue skies and lush, deep green vegetation. Hiking trails abound near the Needle that lead to lookout points with stunning views of both the Needle itself and the surrounding scenery.

Ioa Needle Park, Maui

Eastern Maui boasts another spectacular place to explore, Haleakala National Park. Haleakala Crater is the world’s largest dormant volcano, and its 10,000-foot slope is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that lead above the cloud line for an unforgettable experience. The Park’s terrain also makes for an array of microclimates: trails traverse lush valleys, parched deserts, and everything in between – including coastal waterfalls. Haleakala Crater is also regarded as one of the best places to watch a Hawaiian sunrise creep over the horizon, or to end the day with a sunset and stargazing through Maui’s clear skies.

Waimoku Falls

For the true nature lover, Maui’s best offering is the Pipiwai Trail, roughly nine miles from Hana at the edge of Haleakala National Park. This fantastic hike follows the Pipiwai Stream that feeds through the O’heo Gulch, a stunning river valley known for a series of crystal clear ponds that fill craters in the rocks called the Seven Sacred Pools. But as gorgeous as they are, the pools don’t hold a candle to the final payoff of the Pipiwai Trail: Waimoku Falls, Maui’s largest waterfall. Towering 400 feet above the gulch floor, Waimoku cascades down a sheer lava rock wall into a pool filled with boulders. It is a natural spectacle that truly must be seen to be believed, and makes for a breathtaking way to have a break from the beach!

Whether you are considering a Hawaii tour or Hawaii cruise, make sure you spend at least 3 nights in Maui.

Seven Sacred Pools

Maui’s Inner Beauty Photo Tour is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

We are starting to see a significant drop in pricing for select markets, and savvy shoppers can get a long of bang for their buck.  Not only are prices lower, but we are seeing a lot of offers including air credits, onboard spending money, complimentary upgrades and shore excursions.

Where are the cruise deals?  With the large number of cruise ships in Europe this year, there are some great deals with various cruise lines.  Even new ships like the NCL Epic, Oceania Marina, and Celebrity Silhouette are running promos.  If you are willing to travel there in the fall or winter, you will find even better deals. 

So what are some of the best deals currently available?  A cabin on the Celebrity Equinox 10 night Eastern Med cruise this November is just $799 pp.  Several sailings throughout the year with Celebrity Cruise Line in the Mediterranean offer $899 to $999 rates.  Select sailings also have air credits, ship board credits or up to $100 pp in shore excursion credits.  Holland America pricing is along the same line as Celebrity in the Mediterranean from $999 pp for a 12 night sailing, and up to $200 in onboard credits.  NCL is offering up to $500 in air credits and children under 12 enjoy free shore excursions in Europe. Premium and luxury cruise lines have excellent offers for Europe as well.  Spend a week on the Oceania Marina this November from just $1,949 pp.  A twelve night Crystal Cruise in November which is all inclusive of meals, drinks and gratuities is priced from just $3,495 pp.

If you want Caribbean, the week after Thanksgiving and the first week of December, you can book a one week cruise from $599 pp with various cruise lines including popular ships like the Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Westerdam and Eurodam.  A one week Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Liberty is priced from $379 pp; four nights on the Carnival Imagination out of Miami to the Bahamas is available from $169 pp; Six nights on the Carnival Freedom to the Western Caribbean from $279 pp;  A one week Western Caribbean cruise on the NCL Pearl is also from just $399 pp.

The list goes on and on! As long as your travel dates are flexible, there are plenty of deals out there.  To secure the best rate we always recommend using a travel agent to help you sort through all the offers and fine print.  Some attractive rates for example are non-refundable and cannot be covered by the cruise line’s insurance.  Also, some of the best deals also have limited availability or are offered for just a few sailing dates. Some cruise lines run one day sales…24 hours could make a difference in pricing.  Remember it doesn’t cost you anything to have a travel agent do the research for you.

The Cruise Deals Have Arrived is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Trying to save up for that grand vacation that you’ve always dreamed of, but you just can’t seem to find any spare cash? Everyone loves to travel, but for many people, a lack of sufficient funds keeps them from exploring new places. If you’re one of these people, never fear! You can stop day dreaming, and make it happen.

Here is a list of 10 easy ways to cut back on everyday expenditures so that you can go on the vacations of your dreams.

1. Start your savings by lower your utility bills at home. You will be surprised how much you can save just by turning off the lights in each room as you leave, or turning off the air-conditioning and opening up your windows. Change your air filters so the unit works efficiently.  Unplug items when they are not in use including computers, microwaves and toaster ovens. Standby power can amount to as much as 10% of your monthly bill.  Use energy efficient light bulbs.  Take shorter showers.  You should easily be able to save $25 per month by implementing these changes.  Put the money that you would normally have paid  for the electric bills aside (around $300 for the year,) for your new travel fund.

2. Cut out unnecessary channels on your cable television package. You pay a huge premium for sports and movie channels that may not be worth having. Many of the same things can be found on your computer for free. Changing from a premium to basic cable package can easily save you $75 per month.  That’s $900 more into your travel fund.

3. Unless you really love going to the gym, memberships can be quite costly, and many exercises do not require the use of an indoor facility or equipment. Yoga, running, bike riding, aerobics, dance and more can easily be done in the comfort of your home, in a park or on the beach.  Average gym memberships run $40 per month – you’ve got another $480 you can save up.

4. Use less money for gas. Car pool when you can.  Make to do lists and plan your trips so that you run your errands all in one day, versus going to the grocery store every few days because you forgot something.  If you can stand the heat, don’t use the AC constantly in your car.  Park in the shade when you can to avoid the car from heating up. Walk or ride a bike to places that are within a close proximity to you. This is good, not only for increasing your travel savings, but for your health as well.  You should easily be able to save at least $25 per month ($300 annually) in gas.

5. Save on your grocery shopping by utilizing coupons, sales and local markets that will discount your weekly food costs. If you normally budget $100 per week on food, try to reduce this by $10 dollars and put the excess money away for your next trip. That’s $480 in one year.

6. If you’ve got some expensive bad habits, like smoking or drinking in excess, minimize the amount of time your partaking in these activities so that the money that is so quickly wasted away can be saved for a more exciting adventure. When you do go out, look for happy hour specials. Remember alcohol is marked up around 40%, so buy your own bottle of wine and have it at home.  Since these expenses do not apply to everyone, we will not factor them into the travel budget.

7. Instead of shopping for new clothes each season, try to recycle your clothes to fit the following season. Jeans can be cut into shorts; sweaters and long sleeved shirts can be cut into tanks. It’s easy and fun to be creative with fashion. Learn to utilize what you have. Shop seasonally. Keep an eye out for stores clearing their racks of inventory in anticipation for the next season. Also consider outlet stores.  Since most women are shopper and men are not, we are going to be conservative and say that you can save $300 off your shopping budget each year.

8. In the evening, rent a movie either online or through a movie rental store. Cinemas are expensive these days – easily $30 just to get into the movies not to mention the concession stand, so keep the money that you would be spending on popcorn, drinks and a movie and stay in for the night. You can rent Redbox movies instead for $1. We won’t factor any savings in this category, but you know if it applies to you.

9. Stop dining out at restaurants. It’s much more economical to eat in. Try out some new recipes and enjoy the dining in the comfort of your own home. Keep at an eye out for dining deals on sites like Groupon or Restaurant.com.   Bring your lunch to work. Also, avoid buying overpriced coffee from places, like Starbucks. You’ll be surprised how much you can save!  On a very conservative forecast, let’s say you would save just $15 per week in this category weekly, by just bringing your lunch with you daily – that’s $780 per year.  For those of you who eat lunch out every day, the savings could easily be over the $1,000 mark.

10. Finally, make a few extra bucks by selling off all your clutter items on eBay or by having a yard sale. As the old saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  You never know what people will buy. You won’t miss having the mess, while your vacationing in the Caribbean, Europe or wherever you decide to go.

So there you have it – at least $3,500 for a vacation accomplished in just one year by just being a little more mindful about your expenses.  If you are willing to make more significant lifestyle changes in order to pursue your passion for travel, you could easily save more than double that amount.

Trust me – it will be worth it.  Travel can change your life.

How to Save Over $3K in One Year For Travel is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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Here are some interesting tidbits shared by local guides while passing time cruising along the picturesque Rhine river cruise.

French Fries are not French!

Although often referred to as French Fries, it was actually from Belgium that these potato sticks began their unstoppable campaign to conquer the culinary world. Back in  the 17^th century this was very much a dish of the poor who couldn’t afford better. During winter, when fishing was impossible because the Maas was frozen, people chopped potatoes into the shape of sprats and deep-fried them as a filling substitute. In 1802 the American president, Thomas Jefferson, asked for them to be served at dinner in the White House for the first time. Since then, fries have become popular throughout the world and the Belgium National dish even has a museum dedicated to it : Frietmuseum in Bruges While we are at it, let’s give them a shout out for Belgium waffles, invented in Gent Belgium in 1839.

Belgians Love their Beer!

For Belgians, beer brewed in Bruges is not just a thirst quencher but rather something to be savored or even a way of life. Near enough 300 different types of beers from over 178 breweries -ranging from top-fermented strong ales to beers with exotic flavorings including strawberry and wild woodruff – are waiting to be sampled in the city’s many authentic taverns. The traditional brewery and pub, De halve Maan dates back to 1546 and its specialty is Brugser Zot, a top-fermented ale brewed with a special type of yeast.

Next importance accomplishment…Belgian Chocolate Candy

What remarkable effects chocolate is said to have; a source of energy and strength, an aphrodisiac, an anti-depressant.  Chocolate was mainly for the wealthy back in the early 1800′s using cocoa beans from Africa.  It wasn’t until 1912, that they took off in popularity in Brussels, when Swiss born Jean Neuhaus created the first filled chocolate candies, which he called pralines. While the Neuhaus brand remains a firm favorite of chocolate-lovers, Leonidas, Godiva and Galler are no less popular in the region.  The production of chocolate in Belgium is subject to very strict regulations, specifying that only cocoa butter may be used in its making.

How America Got Its Name

America’s name comes from “Freiburg,” Germany.  Freiburger cartographer, Martin Waldseemuller, presented a new map of the world on April 25, 1507, showing a previously unknown 4^th continent. Waldseemuller gave this new landmass the name “America” in honor of Amerigo Vespucci, a Florentine merchant.

Why do most Rhine bridges look alike?

By the end of the second World war, all 37 bridges over the German Rhine had been destroyed. To create minimum obstruction to river traffic, the idea of having as few supporting piers in the river as possible gave rise to the constructional form called a cable-stayed or guyed bridge. Here, the road crossing the river is suspended using thick iron cables directly attached to a supporting pylon rising as high as 300 feet or more.

Tulla – the man who subdued the Rhine

Johann Gottfried Tulla was an engineer born in the German state of Baden. He straightened and confined the Rhine River within banks between 625 and 820 feet apart, as well as lowering the river-bed and inserting systems of dams and dykes. This meant settlements close to the river were less threatened by flooding, while diseases like malaria were effectively wiped out. Although he is the one that laid out the river engineering project, it was completed in 1879, long after his passing.

The Legend of the Bingen Mouse Tower

As you cruise along the Rhine River, you will see a tower built off the cost.  Legend has it that in 1974, there was such a serious famine, that many starved to death. Seeing the plight of the common folk, the archbishop of Mainz said “Gather all of the poor in a barn and will give them food. However, once they were inside, he had the doors bolted and set the building on fire. Hearing the peoples’ screams, the archbishop shouted, “ Listen how the mice are whistling.”  After that incident, mice are said to have appeared from everywhere, crawling over him and biting him day and night. To escape them, he constructed the island tower by Bingen in the middle of the Rhine. His plan was doomed to failure, as the mice swam across, climbed up into the tower and ate the archbishop alive – ouch!

Trivia from Belgium & the Rhine River is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Celebrity Cruise line, whose fleet of ships have been consistently rated best in the world, has recently unveiled its summer of 2013 European cruise lineup, which promises more exciting itineraries than ever. Six different ships–including Celebrities newest, Celebrity Reflection –will offer 12- to 18-night cruises to 88 destinations in 25 European countries. Six destinations new to Celebrity cruises in 2013 will be Liverpool, England; Waterford, Ireland; Kristiansand, Norway; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Sevastopol, Ukraine, and Varna, Bulgaria. With all its spectacular vacation options, it’s no wonder this popular cruise line was awarded “Best Large-Ship Line” by Conde Nast Traveler.

Celebrity Millennium Class

Two of the ships offering European cruises, Infinity and Constellation, belong to Celebrity’s Millennium class ships, which feature large atriums on 11 decks along with a glass elevator, a stunning marble staircase, amazing restaurants, and other exciting amenities. Recently many of Celebrity’s luxurious Solstice Class enhancements have been added to Millennium Class ships.

Celebrity Constellation will present six round-trip Scandinavia/Russia voyages, which will sail from Amsterdam, along with a number of Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle cruises. Two 12-night Greek Isles and Black Sea voyages will include visits to Yalta, Sevastopol, and an overnight visit to Odessa, Ukraine, with a trip to Varna, Bulgaria–a new destination for Celebrity. There will also be three 12-night Greek Isle and Turkey cruises sailing round-trip from Istanbul, and a 10-night Barcelona-to-Istanbul cruise, which will complete Constellation’s summer lineup.

Celebrity Infinity will make her first European voyage in 2013, with 10- and 11-night roundtrip voyages from Harwich, England to Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords. Two 11-night British Isles cruises, also departing from Harwich, will be available.

Beginning fall of 2012, Constellation will also feature “Immersive Europe Wine Cruises,” which will continue on Infinity starting September of 2013. These cruises will offer overnight stays in Paris and Bordeaux, France and Bilbao, Spain; as well as stops in Vigo, Spain and Porto, Portugal.

Celebrity Solstice Class

Celebrities Solstice Class includes four ships with European cruises: Silhouette, Equinox, Eclipse, and its newest ship, Reflection. The Solstice class, named “Best Cruise Ships” by Frommers in 2011, features larger staterooms, a variety of dining options, a large theater and beautifully manicured half-acre lawns on deck 15 of each of the ships.

Celebrity Silhouette will feature 11- to 13-night cruises with exciting destinations in Greece and Turkey, along with multiple stops at charming towns along the Adriatic Coast. These round-trip cruises will sail to and from Venice and/or Rome.

Twelve-night cruises from Barcelona, Spain will be available on Celebrity Equinox in 2013. Most of these voyages will visit Naples, Florence and Adriatic ports, and will stay overnight in Venice. Other options include ports in Athens, Ephesus, Valletta, and the Greek Isles.

Celebrity Eclipse offers round-trip 14-night cruises from Southampton, England to the Mediterranean, Iceland/Norwegian fjords, Scandinavia/Russia, and Canary Islands/Azores. These popular cruises will continue to be available in 2013 along with an expansion of the Iceland/Norwegian Fjords, which will include an overnight stay in Reykjavik along with a one-day visit to Akureyri, Iceland.

One of the most exciting developments is the addition of Celebrities newest ship, the Celebrity Reflection, which will make her maiden voyage in October of 2012, adding excitement to the European cruises in 2013. Ten-night Eastern Mediterranean round-trip cruises from Rome will feature sailings to Athens and the Greek Isles; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Sicily, Italy. Eleven-night excursions include a one-night stay in Istanbul. Celebrity Reflection will offer the line’s first signature suites and opulent two-bedroom suites featuring bathrooms extending over the ship’s edge, with panoramic views and a veranda tub.

In addition to all these intriguing cruises, the summer of 2013 will also bring some new fully escorted Cruisetours, which will be 12 to 18 days in duration, with six different tour pattern options. Some of the choices include Venice, Florence, Lake Como and Rome Italy; Northern European tours, with stays in Paris, Amsterdam and London; and a new four-night experience in Cappadocia and Istanbul, Turkey.

Those who are interested in taking a Celebrity Europe cruise in 2013 can now reserve their cabins.

Celebrity Europe Cruises for 2013 Now Available is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Avalon Luminary

I just returned from the Tulip Time river cruise aboard the Luminary. Since many travelers are not familiar with river cruising, I thought I would use the blog to share with you  my Avalon Waterways review.  First of all I want to comment that this is a great way to travel.  There is so much history and beautiful countryside to see along the way, you wake up each day in a new place and you only have to unpack once.

The ship was built in 2009, and carries 138 passengers. Standard cabins are 172 sq. ft, I was in a junior suite which is 258 sq. ft. The ship had 2 lounges and you could dine outside in the Sky Grill or in the main restaurant whenever you’d like (no set dining time.)  You could make your own cappuccino or latte in the Aft Lounge throughout the day, and wine is complimentary at dinner – you always had a choice of red or white.  The service was impeccable and the shore excursions included in the price were amazing, with very knowledgeable local guides.  For entertainment we had nightly piano music and one concert onboard by local musicians.

Keukenhof Gardens was amazing, with the beautifully landscaped beds of flowers within a wooded park covering about 70 acres and embracing a lake, fountains, formal gardens and a windmill. The majority of the plantings is made up of 700 varieties of tulips in a riot of colors.

Floriade 2012

God created the world, but the Dutch created Holland: this tongue-in-cheek saying contains more than a grain of truth, because about 50% of the Netherlands is reclaimed land. Pumping windmills played a crucial role in this land conquest, and Holland had no less than 9000 working mills. Less than a thousand now remain, but an idea of how things used to be can be gained by a visit to the 19 superbly preserved mills of KINDERDIJK, now a UNESCO World heritage Site.

Quaint cobbled streets, fussily restored brick houses, impeccably tidy gardens and a chocolate-box marina describes Veere.  The impressive cloth-traders houses on its quayside, the ornate City Hall with its exquisite tower, the vast shell of the “Great Church” all reflect the leading role Veere once played in the European wool and cloth trade.

Middleburg, Zeeland’s Capital, is a great place for window-shopping, a relaxing drink and a little aimless strolling along some of its charming lanes that lead down to pretty quays flanked by beautifully restored historic houses. Impressive ancient buildings like the City Hall and Abbey further testify to the former importance of a town that later became a major base of activities of the Dutch East India Company.

Masstricht

The Capital of the Dutch province of Limburg, MAASTRICHT,  has much to offer its visitors. Its historic buildings span a millennium of architecture, and its pretty pedestrianized streets, squares and lanes offer a wealth of details and curiosities.This town sandwiched between Belgium and Germany has become a shopping Mecca with international flair. Add several hundred cafes, bars and restaurants offering a broad range of Flemish cuisine and you have the recipe for a memorable destination.

Antwerp is named the Diamond City. It is the world’s  third-largest port, a major center of finance, industry and the lucrative diamond trade. The city’s 40 museums beckon with reminders of Antwerp’s cultural heyday during the lifetimes of Rubens and van Dyck.

The Floriade, which is a horticultural expo, was the highlight of my trip. Nature speaks in a universal language at Floriade, held every 10 years, with exhibits from over 25 different countries.

I’m looking forward to my next river cruise with Avalon Waterways.

Avalon Waterways Review: Tulip Time Cruise onboard the Luminary is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

The cultural wealth of Lucerne is astounding, especially for a city of less than 60,000 people. For an introduction to the city, we recommend a short walk from the train station, with its entrance hall by Santiago Calatrava, along the River Reuss and then to the Medieval-era Old Town. Old Town plays host to several festivals throughout the year, including the end-of-winter Carnival. Our favorite,  is the Lucerne Festival. This has been the city’s flagship festival since its beginning over 65 years ago.

The world acclaimed festival started when Arturo Toscanini conducted a memorable Concert de Gala in front of Richard Wagner’s residence on Lake Lucerne in 1938. Other events that give Lucerne its nickname, the Festival City, include the Piano, Blues, Mozart and Blue Balls festivals. All of them call the wonderful and acoustically astonishing new festival hall their home.

The Lucerne Theater, one of the most acclaimed theatre companies in Europe, is Lucerne’s performing arts nexus, with its own opera, dance, and acting companies. And the sheer number of museums is mind-boggling, from the Swiss Transport Museum with its IMAX Theatre (the kids’ favorite), to several historical museums (one of which includes a Labyrinth of Mirrors) and many art museums—including my favorite, the Picasso-Museum—as well as the nearly 23,000 square foot Museum of Art Lucerne.

Lucerne’s cultural splendor is complemented perfectly by its natural beauty. A cable car trip to nearby Mt. Pilatus provides amazing Alpine views and over 100 km of trails highlight scenery as far afield as Germany and France.

Lucerne – the Festival City is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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One of the most relaxing and enjoyable things about a Caribbean cruise is spending the day at a private beach. Tenders whisk you from your ship to your private, tropical paradise where you can find a quiet corner or hammock to relax in, or enjoy a wide range of activities and excursions.  Lunch is provided usually as a beach barbecue with lots of extras and live Caribbean music. Try a tropical cocktail at one of the beach bars.  Private cabanas may be available for rent, some with private lunch and butler service. Support the local economy by shopping for handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs. Kids and teens can enjoy fun activities in their own supervised area. There’s something for everyone!

Sounds great, doesn’t it? This is what you will enjoy on a private beach day during your Caribbean cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to establish a private island as a port of call for its ships. The concept proved so popular that other lines soon followed suit. Today, many Caribbean cruises include a day at a private beach with plenty of special amenities laid on.

Private Islands and Coastlines

Our preferred cruise lines are leaders in this area. Take a look at what they offer in the way of “a day at the beach” cruise line style.

Great Stirrip Cay, Berry Island Chain, The Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has owned this island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. The line is currently spending $20 million on enhancements to the island which will be complete by the end of 2011.

Facilities and activities include a welcome area, beachfront for swimming and snorkeling, dining and bar facilities, kids area, floats, hippo slide, parasailing. The ongoing expansion will add more beach space, private beachfront cabanas, a straw market, beach volleyball courts, wave runners, a floating Aqua Park with a variety of water toys, kayak tours through man-made rivers, an eco-cruise and stingray encounter experience and more.

Castaway Cay, Abaco Islands, The Bahamas
Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line: Castaway Cay was used in the filming of the movie Splash and you’ll see the priate ship the Flying Dutchman used in Pirates of the Caribbean movies as you sail in. The island is outfitted for premium family leisure. It is a port of call on Disney’s Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries. There’s even a post office where mail is stamped with a Castaway Cay postmark.

Facilities and activities include open-air barbecue dining; family beach with snorkelling, swmimming and sports; teen beach with swimming and kayaking; adults only beach with open-air massage, bar, and yoga class; biking; nature trails; organized walks and runs; boat harbor with paddle boats and kayaks; excursions including sting ray encounters, off shore snorkelling, glass bottom boat cruises, fishing, parasailing and jet skiing; children’s area with free child care; Disney character greetings and a dance party with Lilo and Stich.

Half Moon Cay, Little San Salvador Island, The Bahamas
Holland America Line

 This island is so unspoiled it is an international wild bird preserve. It’s also the highest rated port of call on Holland America Cruises Caribbean itineraries.

Facilities and activities include a two mile crescent shaped white sand beach, nature trails and birding walks, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, bicycle tours, horseback riding, stingray adventure, Aqua Park, Club HAL children’s playground and supervised swimming area, private beachside cabanas, beachside massage, Bahamian Chapel for destination weddings, three water sports centers, bar and dining facilities plus additional shore excursions.

Princess Cays, Eleuthera Island, The Bahamas
Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Costa

Another idyllic island in the Bahamas is yours for a day on your Princess cruise. Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Costa also call here occasionally.

Facilities and activities include 30 acres of pristine beaches, beach massage, beach volleyball, basketball, straw market, Bahamian barbecue and seafood restaurants, beach bars, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, glass bottom boat adventures, shore excursions and more. Supervised youth and teen programs have their own area with a replica of a pirate’s galleon. Private beach bungalows have dedicated staff to deliver gourmet picnic lunches, cocktails or an assortment of light fare and snacks (pre-reserve). The Clamshell beach loungers for two are also available (pre-reserve).

Labadee, north shore, Hispaniola
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises

Not an island but a secluded coastline, separated from the rest of the island by a ridge of mountains, Labadee has the most breathtaking setting with the spectacular mountain backdrop, exotic foliage and a series of beaches and coral reefs. Labadee has been Royal Caribbean Cruise Line private beach paradise for over 20 years.

Facilities and activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, floating beach mats, waverunners, Aqua Park, hiking trails, guided excursions, shops, outdoor dining and beach bars. Become a pirate for a day at Luc’s Splash Bash where you battle other buccaneers with water cannons aboard a pirate ship and explore the treasure map trail.

Secluded Beaches

While other cruise lines don’t own their own island, they will arrange a private beach day at some of the best beaches in the Caribbean:

• Mayreau Beach Party -Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruises
• Catalina Island, Dominican Republic – Seabourn Cruises, Costa Cruises
• Cayo Leventado, Dominican Republic – Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises
• Prickly Pear Island, British Virgin Islands – Seabourn Cruises

Beach days arranged by your cruise line are certainly one of the best ways to experience the magnificent beaches of the region.

Of course, there other opportunities to spend time at the beach during your cruise.

• You can be on a different beach every day if you want as you cruise from island to island.
• Cruise line excursions combine an activity with time at the beach.
• Head off on your own to public beaches, or private beaches at resorts where you can purchase a day pass.

A Day at A Private Beach is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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