Azamara Club Cruises launches 'two-for-one' sale on winter voyages

Azamara Club Cruises launches 'two-for-one' sale on winter voyages – USATODAY.com: "Upscale line Azamara Club Cruises has launched a 'two-for-one' sale on its winter voyages in the Caribbean and the Sea of Cortez. The offer, available through Aug. 31, is for ocean-view category cabins or higher on the 710-passenger Azamara Journey and includes an automatic upgrade to a balcony cabin when booking an ocean-view cabin (based on availability) and $1,000 in onboard spending credits per cabin."

Celebrity Cruises' New Australia/New Zealand Voyages and Cruisetours Now Open for Bookings

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : RSS Content: "MIAMI, July 29, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Travelers eager to experience Australia and New Zealand in Celebrity style can make their plans now, as bookings opened today for Celebrity Cruises' new lineup of exotic voyages in the land Down Under, complete with special offers available for a limited time. Celebrity also has introduced a new slate of Cruisetours in Australia, packaging the cruise experience with a land tour, allowing vacationers to even more fully immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and rich culture."

Virgin Atlantic to give its planes a new look

Virgin Atlantic to give its planes a new look – USATODAY.com: "Virgin Atlantic's fleet is getting a new look. The carrier on Thursday unveiled 'a new aircraft livery and brand identity for the airline.' Virgin Atlantic says the new design will be applied to all of the company's 38 aircraft, and to the company's signage and external communications. It will be the carrier's first change to the look of its aircraft since 2005."

Cunard considering a la carte dining for top restaurant on next ship

Cunard considering a la carte dining for top restaurant on next ship – USATODAY.com: "MONFALCONE, Italy -- A la carte pricing for restaurant dishes -- a relative rarity in the cruise world -- may be coming to Cunard Line. Cunard CEO Peter Shanks tells USA TODAY the line is considering by-the-plate pricing for The Verandah, the top eatery on its soon-to-debut, 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth."

Buckingham Palace opens a new exhibit and cafe for visitors

If you're headed to London this summer or early fall, Buckingham Palace has something more mouth-watering to offer than the Changing of the Guard. The Garden Cafe, tested last year and officially opened on Tuesday, offers treats such as pastries and cappuccino with a cocoa crown elegantly sprinkled on the foam. 

If money were no object, where would you vacation?

If money were no object, where would you vacation? – USATODAY.com: "Most Americans put Italy at the top of their foreign travel wish lists, at least according to a new online survey by Harris Interactive. The land of la dolce vita knocked Australia out of the No. 1 spot, marking only the second time since 1997 that Australia hasn't topped the annual poll. Australia ranked second in the survey, followed by Ireland."

Hot summer deals in the Caribbean

Hot summer deals in the Caribbean - CNN.com: "Finally, a Caribbean beach that's everything a Caribbean beach should be -- quaint, with hammocks strung from palm trees, crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling, white sand, a first-rate beach bar and enough water toys to keep the kids happy (banana boat ride anybody?). Welcome to Rum Point on Grand Cayman's North Side."

Could Savannah, Georgia become a home port for cruise ships?

Could Savannah, Georgia become a home port for cruise ships? – USATODAY.com: "That's the hope among many officials in the city, and on Thursday Savannah's City Council is expected to award $129,500 to a Miami firm to look into what it would take to lure the cruise industry, according to a report today in the Savannah Morning News."

The Best US Hotel-Top Bars

The Best US Hotel-Top Bars: "There is quite nothing like drinking at a posh environment which puts the sprawl city right under your feet. Bars built at the topmost level of their hotels provide this particular experience. However, not all bars are built equal. There will be those who will exceed the others and deserve the heights wherein they were placed. If you want to know what the best rooftop bars are, this list will enumerate them."

Best countries for solo travelers

Best countries for solo travelers - Travel - Active Travel - msnbc.com: "There are many travelers who claim that traveling alone is the best way to see the world. You deliberately travel solo, they say, because you want to experience the world without the influence of a friend or partner’s tastes, prejudices, or preferences. When you’re with a companion, it’s easy to focus on that person and forget about meeting other travelers. Traveling alone, you’re more likely to be on a voyage of self-discovery."

Is the era of cheap airfares coming to an end?

Is the era of cheap airfares coming to an end? – USATODAY.com: "The days of fire-sale airfare pricing may be coming to an end. That's according to The Associated Press, which says airlines are pulling back on deeply discounted fares now that they're making money again."

A new major airline in the works as European Union gives green light for merger of Iberia, BA and American Airlines

A new major airline in the works as European Union gives green light for merger of Iberia, BA and American Airlines: "This year, British Airways is having a fresh start of sorts as authorities announced to the public that it will be merging with Iberia and American Airlines as well. The three major airlines will join efforts to conduct business for transatlantic flights.
The merger signals the debut of the third biggest airline in Europe. The market share for the new airline is expected to be around US7.5 billion dollars. With any luck, this will mark the end of any other extra expenses that they have been undergoing."

Heads Up - On the Rivers of Paris

Heads Up - On the Rivers of Paris, Entertainment - NYTimes.com: "THE beauty of the Seine and its tributary, the Marne, has been drawing Parisians and tourists alike since the days of the Impressionists. But it’s not just glittering waters that draw visitors, it’s entertainment. It is this aspect that President Nicolas Sarkozy wants to magnify with “Le Grand Paris,” a master plan that includes changes to the legal status of the banks of the Seine, the Marne and the Canal de l’Ourcq that would allow for further development."

Next Stop - Swedish Island of Gotland, a Spot for Respite or Revelry

Next Stop - Swedish Island of Gotland, a Spot for Respite or Revelry - NYTimes.com: "A CURIOUS thing has happened in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish island of Gotland — a singular, sparsely populated place — has become a magnet for two disparate groups: party-crazed club youths who unleash Champagne showers inside neon-lighted nightclubs, and stressed-out solace-seekers who retreat into the island’s untamed wilderness. It is a strange dichotomy, and one that is becoming ever more acute."

Communing with nature in Austria's Hallstatt

Communing with nature in Austria's Hallstatt - Travel - Destination Travel - Europe - msnbc.com: "It's rare that a town's charm will get me out of bed early. The postcard-pretty, lake-cuddling town of Hallstatt, two hours south of Salzburg, is one of those places. First thing in the morning, I head to the high end of town to look at the glassy waters of Lake Hallstatt. With the town's church spire mirrored in the tranquil water, a shuttle boat cuts through its reflection, like a knife putting a swirl in the icing on a big cake. For just a moment, it disturbs this oasis of peace."

New supersonic passenger jet set for takeoff

New supersonic passenger jet set for takeoff - Technology & science - Innovation - msnbc.com: "Named after a fleet-of-foot horse in Greek mythology, the Aerion Supersonic Business Jet will be able to carry a dozen passengers at speeds of up to Mach 1.5 for more than 4,000 miles. It is currently undergoing proof-of-concept aerodynamic testing of critical components in NASA wind tunnels and under the belly of a NASA F-15 supersonic jet."

A Cruise to Antarctica Cools It on Rates

A Cruise to Antarctica Cools It on Rates - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com: "A voyage to Antarctica, a bucket-list trip for many, often requires a five-figure budget. But the travel industry’s downturn has forged at least one short-but-sweet deal on departures to the southernmost continent."

Norwegian Cruise Line executive: Demand for Epic like nothing I've seen before

The 4,100-passenger, 153,000-ton vessel --by far the largest ever at the line -- was christened earlier this month in New York by Reba McEntire, and before and after the event thousands of travel agents visited the ship during a series of two-night preview voyages that Stuart says led to an almost instantaneous and unprecedented jump in bookings.

Disneyland Resort hotel guests get extra perk

Disneyland Resort hotel guests get extra perk, Disney News - WDWINFO.COM: "Guests at Disneyland resort hotels will now have an extra perk to staying onsite. They will be allowed access to Disney California Adventure through the Grand Californian Hotel entrance 30 minutes prior to the park's opening. This extra time will allow resort guests to line up for Fastpasses to the evening water and light show, World of Color."

Holland America to continue sailings to Bermuda from New York in 2011

Holland America to continue sailings to Bermuda from New York in 2011 – USATODAY.com: "Holland America fans living in New York got some exciting news Tuesday as the line confirmed it once again will base a ship in the city next summer."

Virgin Galactic's first space trip could be this fall

Virgin Galactic's first space trip could be this fall - Technology & science - Space - Space.com - msnbc.com: "A private spaceship built to launch space tourists on suborbital joyrides could by flying on its own by this fall, Space.com has learned."

A comedy club on every ship? That's the plan at Carnival

A comedy club on every ship? That's the plan at Carnival – USATODAY.com: "Industry giant Carnival is the latest line to up the ante in on-board entertainment this year with an announcement it soon will offer a dedicated comedy club on every ship."

Celebrity Cruises Presents Exotic New Voyages in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and French Polynesia

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : RSS Content: "Like the iconic boomerang believed to have originated in Australia, Celebrity Cruises today announced plans to return to the region in 2011-12, with an enticing new series of vacations on Celebrity Century."

The Best Summer Places To Find and Rekindle Romance

The Best Summer Places To Find and Rekindle Romance: "As the summer sun dawns, the many possibilities of encountering love or renewing its flame open up. You think that the heat is getting to you or its just the matter of throwing away your plans for the entire week and a sudden zest for barefoot walks in the beaches, but summer is indeed the season for romance. Consider these places for a getaway with your partner."

More airports create areas for pets to take care of business

More airports create areas for pets to take care of business - USATODAY.com: "Dogs need to go, too. So airports are adding doggie restrooms.
Airports say 'pet relief areas' enhance customer service. But they're also being nudged by a federal rule that orders airlines to work with airports to install facilities for travelers who have service dogs."

Where can you "Eat, Pray, Love?" -- Everywhere!!!!

Where can you "Eat, Pray, Love?" -- Everywhere!!!!! – USATODAY.com: "It seems as if every resort, and its brother or sister, is jumping on the Eat, Pray, Love bandwagon.

If you don't know about the Julia Roberts movie based on Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling autobiographical book about her search for peace, happiness and fulfillment in Rome, India and Bali after a messy divorce, you must be living in a cave."

AirTran adds fifth Caribbean destination

AirTran adds fifth Caribbean destination – USATODAY.com: "AirTran announced this morning that the Dominican Republic resort of Punta Cana will be its newest destination for regularly scheduled passenger service. The carrier will begin flying to the city on Feb. 16, offering one round-trip flight from Atlanta each Wednesday and Saturday."

Frescoes Revamped at Ancient Roman Villa - In Transit Blog

Frescoes Revamped at Ancient Roman Villa - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com: "“A blinding vision.” That’s how the first century B.C. Roman architect and theoretician Vitruvius described the fresco technique popular during his time, and it’s an apt description for the newly revamped rooms of an ancient villa that is showcased at the Palazzo Massimo, part of the Roman National Museum."

A memorable journey to the Dolomites in Italy

A memorable journey to the Dolomites in Italy: "My mountains used to be in my great-grandma's apartment, close enough to touch, in a painting that she and my great-grandpa bought in 1955 after a trip through the Italian Alps."

Virgin Galactic reports successful crewed flight

Virgin Galactic reports successful crewed flight - USATODAY.com: "MOJAVE, Calif. (AP) — A company working to send tourists on suborbital flights says it has tested its spacecraft with a crew for the first time. Virgin Galactic says the craft remained attached to a specially designed airplane throughout a six-hour flight over California's Mojave desert Thursday."

World's best eco-friendly beaches

World's best eco-friendly beaches - CNN.com: "Some beaches suffer from pollution, but there are many gorgeous, pristine escapes that offer a sanctuary to wildlife and travelers alike. We scoured the planet to find the most spectacular shorelines -- and, no surprise, most of our top choices are on protected land or are nearly impossible to reach."

New Mexico: Hyatt Regency Tamaya offers package for equestrians

New Mexico: Hyatt Regency Tamaya offers package for equestrians - Travel - LATimes.com: "At the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in central New Mexico, traditional design coexists with modern comforts. The low-slung, pueblo-style resort, built on a stretch of land where the Santa Ana Pueblo people have lived since the late 1500s, sits at the base of the Sandia Mountains between Albuquerque and Santa Fe."

France: 2-for-1 deal on holiday river cruise in Paris and Normandy

France: 2-for-1 deal on holiday river cruise in Paris and Normandy - Travel - LATimes.com: "European river cruises are best taken in spring or summer, but a two-for-one sale starting at $1,256 per person from Viking River Cruises may tempt you to spend Christmas in Paris on an eight-day journey along the Seine River."

Are Seabourn and Crystal the world's best cruise lines?

Are Seabourn and Crystal the world's best cruise lines? – USATODAY.com: "Are Crystal Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn the world's best cruise lines? That's the word from Travel & Leisure, which is out with its closely-watched annual World's Best Awards.

Derived from a survey of Travel & Leisure readers and published in the August issue now on newsstands, the rankings put Crystal No. 1 among large-ship lines with a score of 90.47. Seabourn is tops among small-ship cruise lines with a score of 90.89."

Top Six Hotel Beds Across the Globe

Top Six Hotel Beds Across the Globe: "If you’re the type who works more than twelve hours a day, six days a week, it’s most likely that you’ve forgotten what your bed is for. Nearly all working Americans hardly get enough sleep, taking work and late night television to bed with them. These hotels might actually just give you the necessary refresher course on how to relax after a hard day’s work."

5 Tokyo experiences you won't forget

5 Tokyo experiences you won't forget - CNN.com: "Tokyo, Japan (CNN) -- Japan is thick with temples, shrines and cultural attractions with a unique and interesting ancient history. But beyond what you can learn about the past, modern Tokyo offers more than a few memorable experiences. Here are five not to miss:"

Q&A: France With a 5-Year-Old, by Beach or Canoe - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com

Q&A: France With a 5-Year-Old, by Beach or Canoe - In Transit Blog - NYTimes.com: "My husband and I want to spend about 10 days in Europe with our daughter, who is almost 5. Where should we go? I speak some French and love the idea of spending some time near the water — ideally on some beautiful, swimmable beach or canoeing."

Cruise Ship Offering On Board Botox

FOXNews.com - Cruise Ship Offering On Board Botox: "It's the first ship to offer studios for single passengers. It has the largest spa on any cruise ship. And its entertainment and lifestyle options make it a floating Las Vegas, where passengers can go from getting a shot of Botox to front-row seats to see Blue Man Group or a circus called Cirque Dreams and Dinner. Elsewhere on board, there are 20 restaurants to choose from."

Is the Airbus A380 really that different?

Is the Airbus A380 really that different? - CNN.com: "Early indications were that the plane was a huge success in terms of passenger comfort and after nearly three years in service, routes that have the A380 are at near capacity."

Noordam Makes Maiden Call at Rotterdam

Holland America Blog � Blog Archive � Noordam Makes Maiden Call at Rotterdam: "HAL blog contributors Hans Janssen, Bert Lamers and Aad Hoogesteger took these pictures yesterday of Noordam in Rotterdam. It was Noordam’s maiden call at the port."

Few air travelers pony up for Wi-Fi service

Few air travelers pony up for Wi-Fi service - Travel - Travel Tips - msnbc.com: "Wireless Internet service on airlines hasn't caught on, mostly because of the price. Travelers already paying $25 to check a bag and $20 for a roomier seat don't want to fork over $5 or more for Wi-Fi unless it's necessary. They're saving their Web surfing for solid ground, where 'hot spots' offer the service at no charge."

A cruise ship armada's based in Barcelona

A cruise ship armada's based in Barcelona - Cruises -MiamiHerald.com: "BARCELONA -- If you take a Mediterranean cruise in the next few years, chances are your voyage will begin in Barcelona. Lucky you."