Ok, that price is in 'cruise speak' - it doesn't include port charges nor taxes & it's for an inside cabin on a 'transatlantic repositioning trip'.
In English a 'TRT' is a one way cruise from one country to another ( here it's the USA to the Netherlands) - so you have to find another way to get back home - but it's still a terrific deal if you have the free time to travel.
At 1 time, 'TRT's were a hard sell for cruise lines & all the prices were low, low, low. But with the baby boomers retiring, these trips are starting to fill up fast with prices following suit.
Don't worry, you're not sailing on a low end garbage scow. Celebrity cruise lines' impressive Constellation will be your 2 weeks+ at sea home.
It leaves from Ft. Lauderdale May 5 & arrives in Amsterdam May 20.
Here's the itinerary:
Date /Port
Saturday, May 5, 2012 Fort Lauderdale - Florida
Sunday, May 6, 2012 At Sea
Monday, May 7, 2012 At Sea
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 At Sea
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 At Sea
Thursday, May 10, 2012 At Sea
Friday, May 11, 2012 At Sea
Saturday, May 12, 2012 At Sea
Sunday, May 13, 2012 Ponta Delgada - Azores
Monday, May 14, 2012 At Sea
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 Lisbon - Portugal
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 At Sea
Thursday, May 17, 2012 At Sea
Friday, May 18, 2012 Paris (le Havre) - France
Saturday, May 19, 2012 Dover - England
Sunday, May 20, 2012 Amsterdam - Netherlands
And if you get too claustrophobic for a windowless 'inside', 'ocean views' start at $799.
Ok, you can sometimes find prices this low if you book a year in advance, but you rarely find a deal like this 2 months before sailing.
But nothing lasts forever. You have only today & tomorrow to book this deal.
Interested? Check out:
http://www.cruisedeals.com/deals/bestdeals.asp?deal=3791&utm_source=topfive&utm_medium=email
And maybe Sandy & I will meet you at one of Amsterdam's famous 'coffee shops'.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
MISS IT & YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT 20 YEARS
Remember 'The Great Wallendas'?
More than a half century ago they were the premiere tightrope act in the world famous for their '7 Man Pyramid'...
... a truly amazing feat that was always their grand finale.
Unfortunately, the January 30, 1962 Detroit Shrine Circus performance was their last. A slip during the pyramid killed two members of the family and injured three others.
Patriarch Karl Wallenda continued to walk the wire until 1978:
Well, today the Wallenda name is back in the news.
Nik - a 7th generation Wallenda - has just been granted permission to walk an 1,800' tightrope across Niagra Falls gorge this summer.
Details - like the exact date & starting/ending spots - are not yet set in stone. But Nik will walk a custom-made 2-inch wire 60 to 70' above 160' gorge.
And to make it a bit more difficult - the wire will dip down in the center. So he’ll walk downhill for the 1st half & uphill the 2nd.
The entire walk will take 40 or so minutes.
'My dream really is to walk down through that mist and walk back out,' he said.
Lets hope so.
The entire feat will be televised, but if you want to see it 'live & in person' you have to book your 'falls' flight & room ASAP after they announce the date & time - or wait another generation to witness the next attempt.
Officials - who 1st nixed the idea - have deemed that such events will only occur every 20 years.
But don't be surprised if that time shortens considerably if the stunt causes a windfall of tourist 'looneys' & 'greenbacks'.
More than a half century ago they were the premiere tightrope act in the world famous for their '7 Man Pyramid'...
... a truly amazing feat that was always their grand finale.
Unfortunately, the January 30, 1962 Detroit Shrine Circus performance was their last. A slip during the pyramid killed two members of the family and injured three others.
Patriarch Karl Wallenda continued to walk the wire until 1978:
Well, today the Wallenda name is back in the news.
Nik - a 7th generation Wallenda - has just been granted permission to walk an 1,800' tightrope across Niagra Falls gorge this summer.
Details - like the exact date & starting/ending spots - are not yet set in stone. But Nik will walk a custom-made 2-inch wire 60 to 70' above 160' gorge.
And to make it a bit more difficult - the wire will dip down in the center. So he’ll walk downhill for the 1st half & uphill the 2nd.
The entire walk will take 40 or so minutes.
 |
| Nik & - in the background - his costar |
'My dream really is to walk down through that mist and walk back out,' he said.
Lets hope so.
The entire feat will be televised, but if you want to see it 'live & in person' you have to book your 'falls' flight & room ASAP after they announce the date & time - or wait another generation to witness the next attempt.
Officials - who 1st nixed the idea - have deemed that such events will only occur every 20 years.
But don't be surprised if that time shortens considerably if the stunt causes a windfall of tourist 'looneys' & 'greenbacks'.
Monday, February 20, 2012
IS 'TRIP ADVISOR' TELLING THE TRUTH?
Like many travelers out there, I thought TripAdvisor.com was a useful resource.
I mean, isn't it a great help to read reviews about worldwide hotels, restaurants & attractions written by people who actually stayed, dined & visited them before booking, reserving or going there?
Wouldn't that save you time, money & add value to your vacations by being able to benefit by other travelers pro or con experiences?
Well, maybe not.
Questions have popped up about the accuracy of these TA write ups.
The loudest warning comes from Great Britain's Advertising Standards Authority. They said that TA can't claim that 100% of its reviews are 'honest, real or trusted' or even written by 'real travelers'.
Hmmm. So who's writing these reviews? Perhaps the hotel's themselves.
Purportedly the management of a UK based hotel chain instructed its employees to take photos of their individual inns so they could be added to a slew of company written 'praise pieces' that would be printed on the TA site.
Hmmmm, hmmmm. And it gets worse.
TA offers hotel managers to 'sign up for an annual subscription'. This cost between $360 - $10,500 per year for each inn (depending on size).
Rumor has it that 'subscribers' rarely - if ever - have their property panned.
Hmmmm, hmmmm, hmmmm.
So should you disregard TripAdvisor.com as a travel source?
I would say 'no', but just don't use it as your only one.
Check & double check numerous sites - like this blog - to get a good feel about a hotel, restaurant or location before you book.
And take all TA 'advisories' with more than a single grain of salt - especially those that have an equal # of 'reviewers' who call a place ' the new Taj Mahal' as those who shout 'it's a rat infested dump'.
I mean, isn't it a great help to read reviews about worldwide hotels, restaurants & attractions written by people who actually stayed, dined & visited them before booking, reserving or going there?
Wouldn't that save you time, money & add value to your vacations by being able to benefit by other travelers pro or con experiences?
Well, maybe not.
Questions have popped up about the accuracy of these TA write ups.
The loudest warning comes from Great Britain's Advertising Standards Authority. They said that TA can't claim that 100% of its reviews are 'honest, real or trusted' or even written by 'real travelers'.
Hmmm. So who's writing these reviews? Perhaps the hotel's themselves.
Purportedly the management of a UK based hotel chain instructed its employees to take photos of their individual inns so they could be added to a slew of company written 'praise pieces' that would be printed on the TA site.
Hmmmm, hmmmm. And it gets worse.
TA offers hotel managers to 'sign up for an annual subscription'. This cost between $360 - $10,500 per year for each inn (depending on size).
Rumor has it that 'subscribers' rarely - if ever - have their property panned.
Hmmmm, hmmmm, hmmmm.
So should you disregard TripAdvisor.com as a travel source?
I would say 'no', but just don't use it as your only one.
Check & double check numerous sites - like this blog - to get a good feel about a hotel, restaurant or location before you book.
And take all TA 'advisories' with more than a single grain of salt - especially those that have an equal # of 'reviewers' who call a place ' the new Taj Mahal' as those who shout 'it's a rat infested dump'.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
THE REAL SHARK WEEK...ER...MONTH
Forget waiting until mid summer for Animal Planet's popular 'Shark Week' or renting the underwhelming 'Jaws 3D'.
If you want to see sharks right now - up close & swimming in the wild - simply head to Palm Beach County Florida.
Here it's 'Shark Month' for all of February as thousands of blacktip & spinner sharks make their annual migration from the Caribbean to Chesapeake Bay.
While these aren't quite the size of movie monster sharks, they do average around a very respectable 6' each. And all come with a complete set of long, very sharp, adult size teeth.
Ok, they're not searching for high end Palm Beach human hors d'oeuvres, but are simply following schools of baitfish up the eastern US coast - like they do each year.
And - even though the Jaws real life offspring do swim past every beach in every county & every state - they come the closest to shore in Palm Beach County.
Often in the same places where bathers like to swim.
Take a peek:
Yes, Virginia, all those little dark black dots are the 'finned ones'. And 'minor injuries' are only those that happen to someone else - not you!
'These are not really aggressive species,' said a wag from the FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission talking about blacktip/spinners. 'but even though they don't eat people, the chance of being bitten is there.'
As my pal Rick Welch discovered a few winters ago when - while paddling a surfboard by the famous Juno Beach pier - a spinner shark leaped out of the water, landed on his back, left him with a 20 stitch scar on his calf & a lifetime of stories to tell.
And actually these 2 species are believed to be involved in 33% of all Fl bites.
So 'if the water is murky and you see hundreds of sharks, you probably should stay out of the water.'
Or you may be treated to an unbelievable close up of a 'Mr. Jaws look-a-like' - without the need of any 3D glasses.
If you want to see sharks right now - up close & swimming in the wild - simply head to Palm Beach County Florida.
Here it's 'Shark Month' for all of February as thousands of blacktip & spinner sharks make their annual migration from the Caribbean to Chesapeake Bay.
While these aren't quite the size of movie monster sharks, they do average around a very respectable 6' each. And all come with a complete set of long, very sharp, adult size teeth.
Ok, they're not searching for high end Palm Beach human hors d'oeuvres, but are simply following schools of baitfish up the eastern US coast - like they do each year.
And - even though the Jaws real life offspring do swim past every beach in every county & every state - they come the closest to shore in Palm Beach County.
Often in the same places where bathers like to swim.
Take a peek:
Yes, Virginia, all those little dark black dots are the 'finned ones'. And 'minor injuries' are only those that happen to someone else - not you!
'These are not really aggressive species,' said a wag from the FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission talking about blacktip/spinners. 'but even though they don't eat people, the chance of being bitten is there.'
As my pal Rick Welch discovered a few winters ago when - while paddling a surfboard by the famous Juno Beach pier - a spinner shark leaped out of the water, landed on his back, left him with a 20 stitch scar on his calf & a lifetime of stories to tell.
And actually these 2 species are believed to be involved in 33% of all Fl bites.
So 'if the water is murky and you see hundreds of sharks, you probably should stay out of the water.'
Or you may be treated to an unbelievable close up of a 'Mr. Jaws look-a-like' - without the need of any 3D glasses.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
WOULD YOU BUY A USED ROLEX FROM THIS MAN?
Ok, it is a real pain in the rump to remove your shoes, belt & put all your pocket possessions into a plastic bin when rushing through airport security.
But after going through this trying ordeal - please make sure you've reclaimed all of your stuff.
Earlier this week in Ft. Lauderdale Gloria de Regalado didn't. Although she did pick up her Jimmy Choos & all keys/change, she left behind a $6,500 Rolex.
Immediately following her was fellow friskee Igor Adrian Ramos who could have done the 'saw it, grabbed it, returned it' boogie.
Unfortunately for Gloria, he did only the 1st 2/3rds of the dance.
Unfortunately for Igor, his smooth move was caught by airport security cameras:
It took a couple of days, but when the fuzz finally knocked on Igor's front door, he answered it WEARING THE LIFTED WATCH.
His excuse for keeping the uber expensive timepiece: 'I thought it was a gift from God.'
Well Igor's 'God's gift' now includes a nice cell in Broward County's jail & a grand theft charge.
And Gloria will be able to keep track of Igor's 'soon to be levied' prison time on her $6,500 piece of jewelry.
But after going through this trying ordeal - please make sure you've reclaimed all of your stuff.
Earlier this week in Ft. Lauderdale Gloria de Regalado didn't. Although she did pick up her Jimmy Choos & all keys/change, she left behind a $6,500 Rolex.
Immediately following her was fellow friskee Igor Adrian Ramos who could have done the 'saw it, grabbed it, returned it' boogie.
Unfortunately for Gloria, he did only the 1st 2/3rds of the dance.
Unfortunately for Igor, his smooth move was caught by airport security cameras:
It took a couple of days, but when the fuzz finally knocked on Igor's front door, he answered it WEARING THE LIFTED WATCH.
His excuse for keeping the uber expensive timepiece: 'I thought it was a gift from God.'
Well Igor's 'God's gift' now includes a nice cell in Broward County's jail & a grand theft charge.
And Gloria will be able to keep track of Igor's 'soon to be levied' prison time on her $6,500 piece of jewelry.
Friday, February 17, 2012
10 'MUST DOs' IN ANY NEW CITY
Jessica Festa - a blogger published in the Huffington Post - believes that there are 10 generic things you should do in any new city - no matter what continent it may call home.
'While every city has its own unique landmarks, culture, and sights to see,' Festa fesses, 'there are certain general things you can do in any city you visit to make your experience more memorable.'
And while she may be 99.99% right, there are some places where she might have to rethink.
#1. Sample the local cuisine.
'One way to really get to know a culture is through the food.'
Ok this works well for a cheesesteak in Philly, Paris street crepes or even munching on Southern California 'Good Vibrations', but there are quite a few out there who would prefer swallowing a hemlock sandwich before they would even consider wrapping their lips around a Colorado Prairie Oyster.
#2. Sip the country's signature drink.
'Many times the local libation will not only give you a good buzz, but will also give you insight into the culture and region.'
Well, you'll definitely acquire 'unique insights' in Bolivia where their 'Chicha' drink is made from moistening corn with human saliva.
And a few more in Germany where the popular - made in Italy - drink 'Cynar' is said to taste like licorice flavored Listerine.
Yum.
#3. Visit a local museum.
'What better way to get background information and get to know the roots of a place than through its artifacts, history, art, architecture, and old photographs?'
Here she's 100% on the mark.
After all what says New York City better than:
#4. See local craftsman at work.
'I try to do this as much as possible when traveling, as you'll often meet people who are happy to share personal stories on their work and how it relates to their culture.'
Ok, this might hinge on what part of town they have their 'studio' & what their 'artistic specialty' may be.
#5. Ride the local public transport system.
'Not only will opting for public transportation over taxis and car rentals save you money, you'll get to experience how a normal person in the city lives and potentially even get to interact with a local.'
Hmmmmm:
#6. Learn some basic phrases in the local language.
'I don't think there's any greater accomplishment when traveling then actually being able to have a conversation with a local in their language.'
Not to pick on the Big Apple, but it's the easiest place to master this skill (& - of course - in some northern NJ burgs, too).
Simply add an 'F bomb' to the beginning or ending of any sentence & you're golden.
And using a middle finger as punctuation makes you an instant native.
#7. Have an experience in nature
' Not only is it a budget-friendly way to enjoy a region; it's also healthy to spend time outdoors and you'll get some great photo opportunities.'
Again she's 100% right:
See #4.
And this could be the start of a new lifetime diet regime.
After enjoying a few minutes of these pungent smells, sounds & views, you may never want to eat again.
Attending a nice, traditional Bris ceremony.
And - as an extra added attraction - this will jump start a lifetime of very interesting flashbacks every time you're offered 'cocktail weiners' at parties.
'While every city has its own unique landmarks, culture, and sights to see,' Festa fesses, 'there are certain general things you can do in any city you visit to make your experience more memorable.'
And while she may be 99.99% right, there are some places where she might have to rethink.
#1. Sample the local cuisine.
'One way to really get to know a culture is through the food.'
Ok this works well for a cheesesteak in Philly, Paris street crepes or even munching on Southern California 'Good Vibrations', but there are quite a few out there who would prefer swallowing a hemlock sandwich before they would even consider wrapping their lips around a Colorado Prairie Oyster.
#2. Sip the country's signature drink.
'Many times the local libation will not only give you a good buzz, but will also give you insight into the culture and region.'
Well, you'll definitely acquire 'unique insights' in Bolivia where their 'Chicha' drink is made from moistening corn with human saliva.
And a few more in Germany where the popular - made in Italy - drink 'Cynar' is said to taste like licorice flavored Listerine.
Yum.
#3. Visit a local museum.
'What better way to get background information and get to know the roots of a place than through its artifacts, history, art, architecture, and old photographs?'
Here she's 100% on the mark.
After all what says New York City better than:
#4. See local craftsman at work.
'I try to do this as much as possible when traveling, as you'll often meet people who are happy to share personal stories on their work and how it relates to their culture.'
Ok, this might hinge on what part of town they have their 'studio' & what their 'artistic specialty' may be.
#5. Ride the local public transport system.
'Not only will opting for public transportation over taxis and car rentals save you money, you'll get to experience how a normal person in the city lives and potentially even get to interact with a local.'
Hmmmmm:
#6. Learn some basic phrases in the local language.
'I don't think there's any greater accomplishment when traveling then actually being able to have a conversation with a local in their language.'
Not to pick on the Big Apple, but it's the easiest place to master this skill (& - of course - in some northern NJ burgs, too).
Simply add an 'F bomb' to the beginning or ending of any sentence & you're golden.
And using a middle finger as punctuation makes you an instant native.
#7. Have an experience in nature
' Not only is it a budget-friendly way to enjoy a region; it's also healthy to spend time outdoors and you'll get some great photo opportunities.'
Again she's 100% right:
I'm sure this tourist will never forget his India photo op.
#8. Befriend a local
'Hanging out with a local is a great way to find out the "personal" side of a cultural and can also give you access to experiences you may not have otherwise had.'
See #4.
#9. Browse a local market
'Opt for the outdoor markets. These colorful, aesthetically-pleasing places are usually bursting with energy, delicious food, and quality merchandise.'
And this could be the start of a new lifetime diet regime.
After enjoying a few minutes of these pungent smells, sounds & views, you may never want to eat again.
#10. Watch a cultural tradition or ceremony
'The traditions and ceremonies a culture partakes in tell a lot about their values and beliefs, and because they vary so much from region to region, make for a really memorable experience.'
'The traditions and ceremonies a culture partakes in tell a lot about their values and beliefs, and because they vary so much from region to region, make for a really memorable experience.'
Here's one that will really widen your cultural understanding - not to mention your eyes:
And - as an extra added attraction - this will jump start a lifetime of very interesting flashbacks every time you're offered 'cocktail weiners' at parties.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
OVER ACTIVE EYEBALLS & THE TSA
From the 'Why Am I Not Surprised' department.
Good looking women are beginning to give the evil eye to some TSA employees. Many 'babe-a-licious' frequent flyers believe that they're getting too many extra looks at airport security body scanner stops.
Believe it or not some of the hottest have had to stand in those 'naked picture' scanning booths not once, not twice, not thrice but 4 times before being allowed to rebuckle their belts.
Congress - who might be jealous that another government employee is actually getting a perk that they somehow missed - is investigating.
New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer plans introducing legislation that will mandate TSA post passenger advocates at every airport.
'Going through security at our nations airports should not be a humiliating or degrading experience,' he said - unlike being a page for Congressman Mark Foley or one of Newt Gingrich's ex-wives.
The bill will require:
1. The TSA to establish an “Office for Passenger Support”
2. Every airport where TSA operates to have at least one TSA Passneger Advocate on duty at all times.
3. Every airport to have clearly visible signage explaining that a TSA passenger advocate can be summoned.
4. The development of practices to resolve frequent public complaints.
5. Special training of TSA officers.
6. Allow individuals with special medical conditions or disabilities to pre-arrange any screening.
If these steps are made into law, passengers will be safe from at least 1 potential airport explosion - the one inside a leering TSA-er's pants.
Schumer denied the rumor that he was leaving the Senate to be a passenger advocate, but 'no commented' when asked if he's eyeing a TSA scanner job.
Good looking women are beginning to give the evil eye to some TSA employees. Many 'babe-a-licious' frequent flyers believe that they're getting too many extra looks at airport security body scanner stops.
Believe it or not some of the hottest have had to stand in those 'naked picture' scanning booths not once, not twice, not thrice but 4 times before being allowed to rebuckle their belts.
Congress - who might be jealous that another government employee is actually getting a perk that they somehow missed - is investigating.
New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer plans introducing legislation that will mandate TSA post passenger advocates at every airport.
'Going through security at our nations airports should not be a humiliating or degrading experience,' he said - unlike being a page for Congressman Mark Foley or one of Newt Gingrich's ex-wives.
The bill will require:
1. The TSA to establish an “Office for Passenger Support”
2. Every airport where TSA operates to have at least one TSA Passneger Advocate on duty at all times.
3. Every airport to have clearly visible signage explaining that a TSA passenger advocate can be summoned.
4. The development of practices to resolve frequent public complaints.
5. Special training of TSA officers.
6. Allow individuals with special medical conditions or disabilities to pre-arrange any screening.
If these steps are made into law, passengers will be safe from at least 1 potential airport explosion - the one inside a leering TSA-er's pants.
Schumer denied the rumor that he was leaving the Senate to be a passenger advocate, but 'no commented' when asked if he's eyeing a TSA scanner job.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)