Disney Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the best resorts in Florida and is a destination within itself. The resort is placed at Lake Buena Vista in Florida. Guests at the resort are rewarded with an experience of the heavenly Caribbean Islands right in Florida. The Disney brand is known for offering a great number of charms for all members of the family, and the Disney Caribbean Beach resort is no different.

Accommodation options . . .

There are six villages that make up the resort, which is two hundred acres of tropical and lush landscapes. All the villages have gardens and they have a Caribbean theme and this reflects architecture and furnishings. Standard rooms have two double beds that sport vibrant tropical colors with ceiling fans.

All the rooms have ironing board and iron, coffee maker, mini refrigerator and more. There are some excellent views on offer, of the woodlands, courtyard or the main resort area. There are a good number of excellent facilities and amenities on offer as well as a reasonable range of services available. There are a number of wheelchair accessible rooms as well.

Dining Options . . .

The Grab and Go market is useful if you want to pick up a quick meal – pastries and fresh fruits. The Montegos Deli has excellent sandwiches, deserts and pancakes available. The Old Port Royale Food Court has American fare such as hamburgers, pastas and pizza. If you want a more relaxed environment, the Sutters at Old Port Royale is an excellent location that offers such succulent delicacies as Pineapple marinated chicken.

List of major amenities, facilities and services on offer at the Disney Caribbean Beach resort . . .

List of main hotel and property amenities and facilities on offer at the resort . . .

• Dry cleaning/laundry service   • Airport transportation (complimentary)   • Swimming pool – outdoor   • Swimming pool – children’s   • Picnic area   • Total number of rooms 2,112   • Shopping on site   • Self parking   • Arcade/game room   • Security guard   • Gift shops or newsstand   • Express check-out   • Multilingual staff   • Restaurant(s) in hotel   • Babysitting or child care   • Video library   • Translation services   • Laundry facilities   • Air-conditioned public areas   • Tour assistance   • Coffee shop or café   • Room service (limited hours)   • Poolside bar   • 24-hour front desk   • Bar/lounge   • Private beach   • Suitable for children

 

List of main in room and suite facilities and amenities at the resort . . .

• Air conditioning   • In-room safe   • Refrigerator   • Private bathroom   • Iron/ironing board (on request)   • Satellite television service   • Cribs (infant beds) available   • Ceiling fan   • Daily housekeeping   • Wake-up calls   • Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)   • Voice mail   • Clock radio   • Coffee/tea maker   • Non-smoking ony

 

List of main recreational options and facilities . . .

• Surfing/boogie boarding   • Fishing   • Parasailing   • Hiking/biking trails   • Dock   • Boating   • Volleyball   • Running track/path   • Golfing   • Horse riding/rental   • Bicycle rentals   • Rowing or canoeing   • Tennis

 

We are Disney Specialists so we can help you in planing your next vacation. Call us at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Santiago Travel Attractions

Come to the land of South America, and visit Chile the beautiful land of lagoons, beaches and pleasant climate. Santiago is the largest Chilean city and is the center of the Greater Santiago region. Situated in the central valley region, of this country, Santiago is a beautiful place to visit and a paradise to be in. At a height of around 1,706 ft above the sea level, the town of Santiago is a perfect travel spot.

Visit the winter resort at Valle Nevado in the South American region and enjoy the modern atmosphere in Chile region. Located around 46 km from the capital, the venue is great travel locale.

Then go to the Metropolitan Park, and enjoy the verdant surroundings and the lovely ambience of the region and bask in the glory of the beautiful zone. Get the full panoramic view of this city and enjoy the lovely surroundings of Santiago.

Shopping is a great delight here and enjoy this haven with the best kinds of shops and stalls. With the best kinds of jewellery shops selling Lapis lazuli, great exhibition halls, museums, grand restaurants, and wonderful theatres the place welcomes all the tourists with great gusto. Enter the Bella Vista neighbourhood which is a perfect treat for the shoppers.

Providencia has the best hotels in towns for those tourists who come here with a lot of culinary tastes. Keep in mind all the new trends that are prevalent in the area, and enjoy this experience.

Go to the Pablo Neruda’s House Museum in the land of La Chascona, and go to the house of the poet Pablo Neruda who is also a great writer. You can get to know about this esteemed Chilean writer.

Come to the land of Santiago, and visit the la Parva ski resort, and enjoy the snowy experience, here. The entire valley of Santiago comes alive with these surroundings and bask in the lovely ambience of snow.

Santiago is also famous for the Recoleta  Dominica heritage Centre where you would the best kinds of interesting articles in these museums. These have been created in the former Convent of Recoleta Dominica.

Then you have the El Colorado winter resort, around 39 km from Santiago. This is the place where the first skis were held. As you slide down the Andes Valley, you will realize why this is one of the most popular venues, for skiing.

Then you can go to Portillo, and visit one of the most prestigious resorts for skiing in this part of the world. Around 164km from Santiago, this is the place where you can see the core of the huge mountain range here.

Then of course you have the beautiful winery of Concha Y Toro. This is where you would be unravelled the secrets of good wine, and also understand the intricacies of good wine drinking. A lovely enthralling experience and a must do in Santiago.

Then go round the city of Santiago, and learn about the history of the city and its people and other important buildings.

Go to the Pre Columbian Art Museum of Chile, and see the beautiful culture of America come alive here. This is a great art zone and is a haven for all art lovers.

While in South America, Santiago is an ideal destination spot, and a great travel locale. With the pristine surroundings, and an idyllic ambience this is the place where you would go to have the best travel experiences.

Ready to book you next vacation? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Nicoya Peninsula – Beautiful Costa Rica Beaches

 Nicoya Peninsula is one such spot which is gaining recognition as one of the better places to go. Amidst the travel to Costa Rica Beaches do go to this part of Costa Rica and enjoy the beautiful beaches and tourist attractions. This is a commercial centre of this region of Costa Rica and is also the place where settlements have been existing since long.

Nicoya is a place which has great greenery and the wildlife here is enviable. There are wildlife habitats at Cabo Blanco, Curu, Camaronal, La Ceiba, Cueva Muciealago, Diria national park and Romelia. The Nicoya Peninsula is a place where the mortality rate is very high and people live beyond 100 years of age here.

The place is not greatly populated and the cattle here along with the beautiful landscape make the place a great tourist spot. The forests and the countryside render the place beautiful and the tourists who want to come for eco tourism would love this place.

Nicoya Peninsula has beaches which surpass the beauty of all the beaches in the world. The coastline here is mesmerizing and the calm serene beaches would ensure that the coastline never loses its beauty. The small villages and the beautiful scenery here ensure that Nicoya Peninsula is one of the best Costa Rica beaches you shouldn’t miss.

Once you are in a beach wouldn’t you want to enjoy water sports such as fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and most of all diving? All these are more are available here and there are many surfers who really love to come back to this place to pursue their passion.

Again this place has some of the best natural surroundings that any place can boast of. It has turtle beaches, birding spots, subterranean caves and great wealth from the sea. All of this is protected under the umbrella of the nature reserves.

With the dry season till May and the trees finding it difficult to bear the heat, dry foliage is a common sight in this place during summer. One of the very dramatic beaches where you have a combination of seasons, Nicoya Peninsula sees a dust covered summer and a lovely virgin rainforest during the winter months. With high temperatures in summer and cold temperatures in winter, this is one of the Costa Rica beaches with a tale of the opposites.

Nicoya peninsula is divided into two – Guanacaste and Puntarenas. Guanacaste is a province which is a division of the peninsula and is a major occupant of the peninsula in the northern portion. The Puntarenas lies in the southern portion.

Not much communication means are available between the two provinces. There is a coastal road that is being proposed but not much has happened. The peninsula is still filled with unpaved roads with many potholes.

Don’t worry about the bad condition of the roads. You have come to land of greenery. Enjoy one of the most intriguing Costa Rica beaches.

Ready to book your next vacation? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Ranch Stays: Home on the Range!

A ranch stay is often the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. Whether referred to as a “dude ranch”, a “cattle ranch vacation” or a “ranch stay”, (our preferred term), here is the opportunity to get back to nature and to interact with animals and physical activity in a very special way. There are ranch stays of every variety, from family vacations to singles, from those that focus on actual ranch work to those that are primarily about relaxation in a western setting. Whatever your preferences, there is a ranch vacation waiting on you.

• Ranch stays typically refer to vacations or retreats that involve the following elements:
• a period of time on a working farm or ranch, often in a western North American setting (although South American ranch stays are available);
• with an emphasis on working with cattle, horses and other livestock;
• in an environment hosted by experienced ranch personnel.

This TRO guide will explain the various considerations for considering and planning a ranch stay. Those travelers looking for an active, outdoor adventure will greatly appreciate the tremendous value that many ranch stays offer.The promise of a ranch stay is a memorable vacation, adventure and natural beauty. Ranch stays are all about the out-of-doors. Here the traveler has the opportunity to reconnect with an active aspect of life that is too often missing from the day-to-day work world. Families, couples and singles alike enjoy ranch stays, and find the experience not only brings them closer to nature, but also makes for a greater appreciation of team work and physical labor. The ranch stay does not have to be all about activity, however. There is typically plenty of time for relaxation, reflection, and good food.

A ranch stay is for you if:

• You enjoy active vacations;
• You want to work with animals, especially horses;
• You want to spend your vacation time out of doors;
• You enjoy rustic settings;
• You want to experience a very different type of vacation.

There are as many types of ranch stays as there are ranches. Indeed, every ranch operation offers a slightly different experience based on the character of the proprietor and the nature of the ranch. The most popular ranch stays include the opportunity to spend a lot of time on horseback with plenty of time at your own leisure. Some ranches will permit you to keep a single horse throughout your stay and ride when you like, others will provide a pool of horses from which to select daily. Most often, there is the option to work with either cattle or sheep, or both, from horseback. The central activities typically involve herding the livestock from one destination on the ranch to another, or simply ranging across the landscape either alone or in a group enjoying the scenery.

Family ranches invite aspiring cow pokes of all ages. Such ranches may offer special programs for children. Parents can participate with children in some activities, or engage in their own pursuits while their offspring encounter ranch life in a supervised setting. Other ranches are adult only, so be sure to check the allowed age limits for you and your family companions. Working ranches permit guests to be involved in other aspects of daily ranch work such as branding cattle, fixing fences or gathering crops. Alternatively, guests can observe the working ranch in progress, enjoying the view from a less engaged more reflective vantage point. Other ranches emphasize specialized activities, such as fishing, hiking, trail riding or wrangling.

There is typically the opportunity to learn new skills during a ranch stay. The staff will often teach guests how to work with cattle, how to rope and to practice “cutting”, or maneuvering, cattle in and out of a herd.

But all is not work! Many ranches are located in the wide open spaces of rural Canada or the American west, providing breathtaking sightseeing, fishing, water sports, rock climbing, mountain biking and photography opportunities. Wildlife abounds, and good photographers are rewarded with many opportunities for prize pictures. Ranches provide down-time for guests for relaxation, reading or mingling and sharing experiences with other guests. Decide if a heavily structured environment is right for you, or if you would prefer a more relaxed, unstructured vacation. The point is that there is a right ranch stay for just about everyone!

Accommodations range from rustic bunk houses to deluxe cabins with hot tubs and lodges with complete bars. Your preferences in sleeping comfort and conditions will greatly influence your choice of one ranch stay over another. Many ranches offer camping on the range for some portion of the stay as a part of the experience. Sometimes there is organized evening entertainment, or the guests may be left to their own devices.

Food quality and quantity is another variable of the ranch stay. Most ranches offer food as a part of the package, but some meals are often taken off premises in a local town or nearby restaurant. Many ranches offer special dietary consideration for vegetarian or other cuisines. Request a sample menu during your research. Finally, ask your chosen ranch about the advisability of renting a vehicle for transportation from the airport, for running into town, or for drives around the ranch.

While not necessarily rigorous, a ranch vacation will make modest demands on a traveler’s physical conditioning. In considering whether a ranch vacation is for you, take stock of your willingness to spend most of your day in the out-of-doors, in a saddle, walking, hiking and, in general, being very active. Some riding and exercising in advance of your vacation will help ensure that you do not spend your first nights on the ranch nursing sore muscles!

Travelers are well advised to book as far in advance as possible. Most ranches have a relatively small capacity, restricting the number of guests, and operate during limited season. Many sell out during particular weeks and may not be able to accommodate you and your companions, particularly if there are a number of others accompanying you. Booking well in advance also allows for the best possible airfares if you are flying to your ranch destination.

Spend time with your travel consultant working through brochures and other sales collateral. Make sure that the accommodations, programs, setting and food selection are all to your liking. In addition, look for indications that the ranch invites guests of an experience level comparable to your own. If you are a novice looking for an introduction to horses, cattle and outdoor life, the ranch you choose should welcome the beginner. Likewise, if you are an accomplished outdoor enthusiast, you want a ranch experience equal to your abilities.

Pack clothing that is suitable for outdoor activity. A typical day will have cool mornings and evenings with warm mid-days. Boots are typically a very good idea to protect your feet. Loose, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. Yes, a bandana is a good idea!

Most gear will be supplied by your ranch. However, check to see if binoculars are provided or if you should bring your own, especially if wildlife is abundant. Because of the beautiful natural settings of most ranches, make sure that your camera makes the cut!Your ranch operator and host will often provide a list of recommended clothing and gear to bring with you on your trip. Finally, not all ranches permit smoking, so be sure to check if you have a strong preference for smoking/non-smoking.

Is a ranch stay safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk. However, ranch operators are very much aware of the inherent risks of being in the out-of-doors and seek to minimize the risk of having novice guests around farm animals and settings.

Here are a few tips that can help you ensure that you enjoy your ranch stay with the maximum value and minimum risk:

• Prepare for the trip by making sure that you can physically participate in the activities the ranch offers.
• Listen to your host! They are very much concerned for your safety and will offer you a great deal of advice about being round livestock and ranch equipment. If you are a novice, ask for assistance. Even if you are experienced, be willing to accept instruction and to learn new skills.
• Livestock – respect them, love them, never, ever, ever abuse them or lose your temper with them. Same goes for humans.
• As with any active vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies is a good idea.

In practically every state of the United States, province of Canada and in many South American countries, you will find ranches inviting guests. Your travel consultant can assist you with determining which location matches your preferences. In the western United States, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah have dozens of ranches offering vacation experiences while Virginia, Alabama and North Carolina in the east have many options. But the list hardly ends there! No matter where you desire to spend your vacation, it is highly likely there is a dude ranch close by. In Canada, British Columbia and Alberta offer a large number of ranches offering stays ranging from one week to months!

Your own preferences will dictate the location of the best possible ranch stay. Want wide open scenery and wildlife? Want to be at altitude with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop? Is fishing a part of your dream ranch vacation? Ranches in western North America have a peak season during the summer, typically June though August. Most offer fringe seasons when early spring might impose some colder weather or even a late snow storm on guests. In particularly warm settings, like Arizona, late fall and early spring are often better choices to avoid the heat of mid-summer. In the final analysis, however, the best time to go is when the ranch’s season matches the one in which you want to travel! Remember, too, that because of the limited season and guest capacity of many ranches, opportunities can sell out quickly. Book in advance!

The cost of a ranch stay varies widely. At the low end, where the ranches are authentically “rustic” the food is “grub” and the entertainment is largely supplied by the guests, the adult rates will be in the range of $150 a day and children $110. A more generously endowed set of amenities will average closer to $180 a day for adults and $125 for children. Truly deluxe guest ranches with many amenities, (one advertises “Gourmet meals in the main lodge and Ralph Lauren sheets on the beds”) superior lodging and food selection will be in excess of $220 a day for adults and $150 for children. Carefully review what is included in your rates. Some ranches include tips, some do not. Taxes are almost always additional. Food is typically covered, as are any fees for fishing or other activities, but cover these issues with your travel consultant when making arrangements.

Ready to book your ranch stay? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Planning your Honeymoon: first steps

Honeymoons too often take a backseat to the arrangements and plans of the actual wedding, but you owe it to yourself to give honeymoon planning greater and more careful attention. After all, while the wedding is mainly for your family and friends, the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon that follows is a private getaway for you and your new spouse to celebrate your marriage. Though you may spend a portion of your vacation relaxing and reflecting on this major life change, the honeymoon is most of all an opportunity to enjoy being a newlywed, spending quality time with your new spouse, and experiencing a romantic and exciting getaway.

Honeymooners have endless options. Following months of wedding planning, couples often retreat to a luxurious resort that caters to their every need, while others trek to an adventurous escape from their day-to-day lives. Whether a beach vacation, a safari, or a ski trip, the honeymoon should reflect your joint personality and wishes.

Keep in mind that perfect honeymoons don’t just happen, and planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way. The more homework you do before leaving for your honeymoon, the more you will enjoy your special vacation.

Top Honeymoon Hotspots

Your honeymoon can be the most romantic trip you’ll ever take, and it can also be a lot of fun. Look for a destination that offers everything you want. Remember that there is no “ideal” destination – the personality of you and your partner will determine where on the planet your honeymoon should be. However, the following locations traditionally are considered the greatest spots to honeymoon and top many newlyweds’ travel wish-lists.

Hawaii - Hawaii remains the number one destination for honeymoons year after year because of its romantic sunsets, magnificent beaches, and luxurious hotels. Visitors to Hawaii can also conveniently hop from island to island to experience just about any climate and adventure under the sun, including kayaking, mountain climbing, surfing, scuba, and even hiking in a rainforest.

Mexico - From the Yucatan peninsula to the Pacific Coast, Mexico is all at once romantic, adventurous, and laidback. A collection of spectacular land- and seascapes larger than almost anywhere else in the world, reasonably priced attractions and an easy-to-reach location make a Mexico vacation hard to beat. Honeymooners can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including eco-tourism, water sports, horseback riding, diving, and touring ancient Mexican ruins.

The Caribbean - The islands of the Caribbean have long been favorites for honeymooners. While we mention a few below by name, your travel consultant can assist you with destination materials that provide a wealth of information for helping you choose the perfect spot.

Bahamas - With over 700 separate islands, you’ll find numerous resorts with all the water sports, pampering, night clubs, fine dining, casinos, and beaches you could possibly want. Many amazing islands in the Bahamas can also be visited easily in one trip by booking a cruise. If you’re seeking a truly romantic paradise for your upcoming honeymoon, look closely at the Bahamas.

Jamaica - If you’re eager to just get away and relax after hectic wedding planning, Jamaica is the place to be. From the famous reggae music festivals to the beautiful shorelines, it’s easy to get into the Jamaican state of mind. Whether you stay on the island in a luxurious resort or simply visit for a couple of hours on a cruise ship stop, Jamaica’s culture of fun, sun, and romance will make you feel welcome.

Bermuda - Bermuda is a truly s sightseer’s delight, and couples are encouraged to rent a moped or take public transportation to see all the sights. Offering an array of ocean activities and charming historic towns, Bermuda provides a romantic and mysterious escape to an era of class and grace.

U.S. Virgin Islands - Replete with sailing, snorkeling, sports fishing, and tons of shopping, honeymooners have long been attracted to the Virgin Islands for an active escape.

Tahiti and the South Pacific - These islands are becoming an increasingly popular destination for couples (including celebrities) seeking an exclusive honeymoon experience and are the closest most ever get to a private island retreat. The sheer beauty and history of the land and the people allows couples to participate in awe-inspiring eco-tourism and cultural activities. Many also opt to stay in traditional style burés, some of which are directly over the water, to take advantage of the unparalleled views.

Continental U.S. – Many couples are drawn to distinctive locations throughout the United States. California, one of the most popular, offers marvels ranging from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to the glamour of Hollywood. Las Vegas, Nevada, always draws a lively crowd. Its incredible range of world-class hotels, casinos, entertainment, and shopping venues gives honeymooners an exciting vacation from home. New York, Florida, and Colorado are also very popular destinations for honeymooners, as they offer fun and romantic tourist attractions that welcome visitors year-round. Traveling within the U.S. is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique diversity for which America is world-renowned.

Europe - Europe has always been high on honeymooners’ lists, in part because of the distinctiveness of each country and the many destinations couples can visit during their trip. From the majestic views of the snow-covered Alps to the Eiffel tower in Paris, Europe is filled with unforgettable history and romance.

Australia and New Zealand - If you’re looking for outdoor adventure both above and below the ocean bed, you’ll love the exceptional beauty of these lands. From snorkeling and scuba diving to bush treks and mountain climbing, honeymooners won’t find any more high-energy activities than these locations offer.

Planning a Hassle-Free Honeymoon

If you and your fiancé are just beginning to think about your honeymoon plans, a good place to start is agreeing on a specific destination. A recommended way to do this is to sit down together and compile a list of your top dream vacations. Choosing a destination and an itinerary that really works for your personality is also key. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at this stage, since you have so many possibilities, but you can narrow down the options by deciding if you’d prefer a tropical beach, big city, or a place known for adventure travel. Also consider if you want warm or cool weather, a distant land or someplace closer to home, a vibrant location with people to meet, or seclusion, where it will just be the two of you. Speak with your travel consultant about all of your honeymoon ideas, and consider including adventurous and unusual travel themes along with more popular options like mass market cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

Also remember that you may need to psychologically accommodate to your new status as a partner and a spouse, and with proper planning and smart travel choices, you can enhance your opportunity to bond without undue stress over logistics or other complications. Your travel consultant can always develop a customized honeymoon that provides not just a vacation experience, but a real journey for the two of you set in a locale that reflects your personalities and values.

Once you’ve decided where you want to go, your next step is to make a budget. Find out if you have any frequent flier miles or hotel discounts you can use towards your trip. Also think about putting all the wedding expenses on a single credit card that accumulates frequent flier miles for the honeymoon. The cost of your honeymoon will, of course, be the sum total of the accommodations, activities, transportation, meals, tips, souvenirs and other travel costs. Be candid with your travel consultant to make your honeymoon economically comfortable.

When considering your budget, know that all-inclusive resorts take care of most of your meals, athletic equipment, and tips. Some also include liquor and bar costs as well as resort-specific activities. These arrangements vary widely, however, with some including roundtrip airfare, so find out exactly what is and is not included in the price.

Also note that honeymoon packages offered by hotels, airlines, and wholesalers typically include special perks for newlyweds that you can’t get with standard packages. Your travel consultant will know to ask your hotel if special honeymoon packages are available.

Once you have a budget, decide when to go and for how long. Figure out how many vacation days you have and how many you’ll need before the wedding to take care of odds and ends at the last minute. Decide whether you want to leave immediately after your wedding, or wait a few days or weeks to give yourself more time to focus on the trip. If you don’t have very many vacation days, you may want to take a “mini-moon” the weekend of the wedding and then a longer, second honeymoon on your first anniversary. It’s usually a good idea to give yourself at least a day or two to continue the honeymoon after returning home, before you head back to work and settle into your everyday life.

Don’t forget to research the travel documents you might need for your honeymoon as well. U.S. citizens need valid passports for all air and sea travel to and from Europe, Asia, and Australia. As of January 8, 2007, passports are also required for travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Your travel consultant will assist with all of the necessary documentation, including documentation of your recent name change!

Be diligent about keeping copies of all correspondence, confirmation numbers, and invoices given to you by your travel consultant. Double- and triple-check all the plans to be sure that your departure and return dates are correct. Inform everyone along the way that you’re traveling on your honeymoon, so you don’t miss out on complimentary perks. Stay organized by creating a folder or notebook where you can keep all this information.

One last bit of advice: Have realistic expectations throughout the course of planning and taking your honeymoon trip. While it’s only natural for you to want your honeymoon to be perfect, bear in mind that travel is inherently an adventure. Approach your honeymoon with an open mind, and prepare to have plenty of laughs along the way.

There really are endless possibilities for honeymooners. Whether you decide to go on an exotic foreign expedition or visit a nearby luxurious resort, start planning early to make sure you’re right where you want to be… and then Bon Voyage!

Ready to plan your Honeymoon? Call us today to book your Honeymoon at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Stomach Flu

I wanted to pass this on because there has been a lot of press about the Norovirus (stomach flu). As you may know this isn’t a flu that only happens on cruise ships and as you read this article you will notice it happens less frequently on ships than other places.

The media does focus on cruise ships and they get you to think it only happens here. Hey they are only trying to sell a story.

Norovirus and Cruising

1. You’re much more likely to catch the “stomach flu” during normal daily activity than
you are on a cruise ship.
Norovirus is a very common illness in the United States and is sometimes also called
viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and/or food poisoning.
Noroviruses can be found in hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes, dormitories and
schools, in addition to cruise ships.
Out of 660 outbreaks confirmed by CDC between 1994 and 2006, the largest
percentage of outbreaks (36%) occurred in long-term care facilities (e.g., nursing
homes), followed by 31% in “restaurants, parties, and events.” Only 20% were
from vacation settings (including cruise ships).
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and possible stomach cramping. Those with the
virus may also experience a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea,
and tiredness.
The CDC estimates that over 20 million Americans contract norovirus every year during
normal activity.
In 2011, the CDC confirmed just 10 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships
operating out of U.S. ports, down significantly from over 30 outbreaks in 2006.
Of the more than 19 million cruise passengers in 2011, the total number
confirmed by the CDC to have contracted norovirus was just 1,099 or less than
.006%. The total number of crew aboard cruise ships confirmed to have
norovirus by the CDC was 84.
2. Cruising remains extremely safe and healthy vacation option with the well-being of
guests and crew being one of the cruise industry’s highest priorities.
Unlike other segments of the travel and hospitality industry, cruise ships carrying 13 or more passengers which have a foreign itinerary with U.S. ports are required to participate in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Cruise ship medical staff or other designated personnel are required to maintain a log of cases of gastrointestinal illnesses and report those to the CDC.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) each member cruise line has an outbreak prevention and response plan to address gastrointestinal illnesses which
includes: Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of all staterooms and public areas on a daily
basis including counters, bathroom surfaces, door handles, railings and grab bars,
exercise equipment, video arcade equipment, vanities, TV remote controls and more.
Extensive onboard communications to encourage passengers to thoroughly wash
their hands frequently to help avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.
The elimination of all self-serve buffets (passengers point to the food they would like
and staff will serve them).  Extra crew may be brought on board to disinfect the ship with the CDCrecommended disinfectants from top to bottom before additional passengers board on turnaround days.
All crew who have norovirus symptoms may be confined to their quarters or
transferred off the ship.
3. Cruise passengers can take simple preventative measures to help decrease the risk of
becoming infected with norovirus:
Frequently wash hands with soap and warm water; it’s one of the best preventative
measures one can take.
Take advantage of the hand-sanitizer stations located throughout the ship, particularly
those located at the entrances of dining areas.
Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. Resting helps rebuild your immune system.
Drinking water helps prevents dehydration.
Be considerate of other people’s health. We urge our clients who may feel ill before their
cruise to contact us to learn what their alternative cruising options may be.
Anyone seeking additional information on norovirus and proper hand-washing
techniques can visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov or the Vessel Sanitation

As you can see simple precautions will help in avoiding the stomach flu. Now all we have to do is find a way to not catch a cold.

Book you next vacation by calling us at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

European River Cruising:up close and personal

The rivers and canals of Europe are open for travel. As many as 20,000 total miles of inland waterways let travelers absorb European culture at a relaxed, leisurely and up-close pace. The waterways of Austria, The Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Russia and others now have many options to meet the growing demand for river cruising.No longer an obscure way to see old Europe, travel by river is one of the best ways to venture out and take in the heart of the continent. This guide looks at the options available to travelers wishing to take a trip through Europe from a river’s perspective, easing through the countryside at a pace that permits all of the culture’s best possibilities to unfold. Travelers who return from river cruises carry memories of very intimate encounters with the countryside, local people, and fellow passengers. River cruise and barging travelers inevitably become true enthusiasts for the experience. A traveler can journey Europe’s waterways in a variety of ways. River cruising most often refers to river going cruise ships typically carrying fewer than 250 passengers. As such, river cruising ships are much smaller than mass-market, ocean-going vessels, but as river boats go, are on the larger end of the scale. Western and Central Europe have many river routes to offer the larger cruise boats. Popular itineraries include the Danube visiting Hungary, Austria and Germany and the Elbe River through Germany and the Czech Republic. In France, the Rhone and the Soane meander through Provence and Burgundy, while the Seine takes passengers through Paris and Giverny. In Northern Italy, the Po offers exciting opportunities with a variety of river cruise companies. Finally, the Volga, connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow provides a decidedly different way to port between these two magnificent cities. River cruises tend to be affairs of luxury, with an emphasis on informal, but upscale travel. Relaxation and intensive sightseeing are the main activities, as organized entertainment is somewhat limited on most river cruises, except for the occasional lecture or sing-along. Mostly, the crew allows passengers to enjoy their time as they see fit. Cabins on larger river vessels vary in size from 90 square feet on older ships to over 200 square feet on newer. Most rooms are outside cabins, meaning they have windows for optimal sightseeing. The least expensive cabins are lower in the boat, while passengers pay more for higher rooms with better views. Cabins come with basic amenities, such as hair dryers and televisions, and are often very nicely furnished. The larger river cruise vessels have telephones and even Internet service. Many first time river cruisers are delighted to discover that, unlike ocean cruising, there is very little boat motion. The mandated slow speeds and flat waters of the rivers ensure a quiet, placid voyage. It is often difficult when not on deck to even know the vessel is underway! On longer trips, 10 days or more, the typical river cruise passenger is a well-traveled individual often over the age of 60. Shorter cruises typically attract a younger crowd. River cruises on the larger vessels do not always allow children under 12 as passengers, so make sure to check on any restrictions for families. The passenger manifest will be a mix of European and North American travelers, but most crews speak at least some English, and many are fluent. Individuals who require physical assistance when traveling should check with their travel consultant to determine the accessibility of any particular vessel for disabled passengers. Meals have always been a special part of cruising, and river cruises have maintained that tradition. On river cruise vessels, food is a key part of the experience, prepared by a dedicated chef, the ship’s captain, or a restaurateur in a small village. Europeans take great pride in their culinary skills, and practically everyone who has ever cruised along the rivers and canals of Europe has at least one story about an unforgettable meal or food experience. Special dietary considerations can often be accommodated if requested early in the booking process. On self-drive barges, travelers can stock up on provisions from the villages and cook on board, or splurge at dining opportunities along the way. Crewed barges with meal service and more amenities are sometimes referred to as “Hotel Barges”: smaller vessels with a passenger capacity of as few as six to as many as 50. Hotel barges tend to be much slower than river cruisers, and due to their smaller size, can enter more narrow waterways like canals, in addition to the larger rivers. Hotel barges range from Spartan accommodations to luxurious rooms with gourmet meals, fine wines, and bicycles for self-guided shore excursions. Cabins vary in size and most often have private baths with showers. Many barges have saunas and hot tubs on deck. Most are without telephones or Internet service, though, as such modernity is typically absent in the barge market. Travelers can also book a “self-drive” barge and be their own crew. The smallest of the vessels, the “narrow boats” are often seen on the small canals of the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as Holland. These boats are very easy to handle and seldom are capable of exceeding 5 miles per hour. Without a crew, passengers are required to work with the canal lock systems on their own, a simple but time consuming task that consists of turning a crank manually or waiting while a lock attendant, if available, takes care of it. If self-drive is your choice, it’s worthwhile to discuss the number of locks along your itinerary with the boat owner/operator to ensure you are comfortable with the physical labor and time required to negotiate the lock systems. Passengers on self-drive barges provision the galleys themselves and travel their own itinerary. Bathroom facilities are similar to those found on bareboat charters with chemical toilets and potable water. No special licensing is required to pilot a barge, and while it is a very simple exercise, most wise self-drive veterans purchase optional boat insurance to cover any accidental damage to the vessel. The differences between a river cruise experience on the one hand and a self-drive barge on the other are matters of personal taste and preference. The larger river cruise vessels and the luxury barges are akin to the best cruising experiences anywhere. Smaller crewed or self-drive barging is an outing, something more like a bareboat charter or renting a recreational vehicle on land – an adventurer’s way of crossing the terrain. In either instance, however, it is the close connectedness of the traveler to the landscape that’s key to the experience. The often ancient cities and villages that have grown up on the banks of the old rivers are artifacts in their own right. River travel affords the opportunity to savor history and culture as it was meant to be experienced: not as an observer, but as a participant. The peak season for river cruising is much the same as European travel in general, late spring through mid-fall and early November. The shoulder season, a real value, ranges from early March through mid-May. The autumn months coincide with grape season, and several cruise lines are fully booked during this time by wine connoisseurs. Finally, April is tulip season and cruises in and around the Netherlands are particularly popular then. As always, pack as lightly as possible, as space on the smaller barges can be at a premium. Your cruise operator will no doubt provide you with a list of recommended items to bring, but the usual recommendations of hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are often overlooked but very important, because so much of your time will be spent outdoors. The smaller barges and self-drive options require good deck shoes and weather gear. Regarding travel budgets… amenities offered by the cruise and barge operators and the travel season determine costs. For high-end river cruises and hotel barges, $2,100 per person, double occupancy and cruise only, is a common brochure cost for a seven day cruise. 12 day cruises often range from $2,800 upwards, but discounts are usually available for most itineraries through your travel agent. Other cruises may be had for as little as $800.00 for a seven day itinerary. Costs typically include all meals, tour excursions, and accommodations. Tips and gratuities are expected, ranging from $10 – $35 dollars per day. Self-drive options cost approximately $700 – $1000 per week for the barge alone, with all provisioning, fuel and other charges as additional costs. Your travel consultant will have many resources on hand for finding the best possible values. Europe and its waterways await you! Ready to book your next river cruise? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.