In addition to being a standard offering on board, many Bingo players get together and cruise together sharing their passion on Bingo specific cruises.  As an example, the 17th Annual World Championship Bingo Tournament and Gaming Cruise takes place in September aboard Holland America Line’s luxurious new “Vista” class cruise ship, the ms Oosterdam, as it sails the Alaska “Inside Passage” from Seattle.  Other Bingo groups may choose the west coast and a 4-day Baja Bingo cruise.  Not only do the ships offer you fabulous Bingo but much much more.

You get all the excitement of the land based gambling halls combined with fabulous food, fabulous ports of call and a world of colorful entertainment and nighttime enjoyment.  And best of all, there is no cover charge, no tickets to buy or reserve, no waiting in line.  Dazzling musical revues salute the very best of Hollywood and Broadway, with advanced lighting and sound systems and spectacular special effects.

The Panama Canal

It is a epic story, appreciated best by transiting the canal by ship, viewing what many historians say changed the face of the industrial world.  This 51 mile water tollway shaved over 7,900 nautical miles off the distance between New York and San Francisco.

As you approach the canal from the Atlantic you travel through 7.2 kilometers of dredged channel.  Your ship then proceeds for a little over 11 kilometers slightly westward before reaching the Gatun Locks. Huge ocean liners are lifted, as if they  were  toys, 85 feet by three sets of locks, to the level of Gatun Lake. This lake resulted from damming the Chagres River and broaching the Continental Divide. This combined with the Gaillard Cut was a feat equal to digging a trench 10 feet deep by 55 feet wide from New York to California.

Keep Cruising and Keep Traveling

Those of us in the travel business began to see numerous cancellations of long planned holidays and vacations, mostly from fear and misunderstanding of security, schedule changes even with the combined will and effort of the cruise industry attempting to keep passengers traveling and enjoying the process.

What changes will you see regarding your cruise experience?  Embark and Disembark may take longer due to additional security measures.  Strict enforcement of required identification and nationality/travel papers.  Boarding will be denied without presenting proper documents.  Your documents must be original - no copies will be allowed.

The Delightful Land beyond Imagination

Radisson’s m/s Paul Gauguin, named after one of France’s greatest painters, is dedicated to Tahiti and the surrounding islands where he spent much of his most productive years.  In fact, Gauguin is quoted as saying, “I have come to an unalterable decision - to go and live  forever in Polynesia”.

In the 1890’s, it took Paul Gauguin two months to reach Tahiti.  Today you can reach your beautiful ship in just seven and a half hours from Los Angeles - only two more hours than flying to Hawaii.

Cruising Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay Mountain ranges with peaks over 10,000 feet, culminating in 15,320 foot high Mount Fairweather within the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Only 200 years ago, the beautiful fjords and cruising areas of “Glacier Bay”, were buried under ice thousands of feet thick. In 1794, Capitan George Vancouver saw the face of an enormous glacier at Glacier Bay’s entrance at Icy Strait.

Fiesty fiery and fun-filled is cosmopolitan Mexico. Take a country the size of Western Europe, add a history that dates back to Aztec civilizations and sprinkle with a real flavour of Spanish culture and colour.

Then bring to the boil with temperatures normally in the nineties and voila!

Almost two million Britons took advantage of the recent bank holiday weekend to get away from it all, it has been claimed, with sunny destinations and city breaks leading the list of holiday choices.

Turkey is a country where ‘east’ traditionally meets ‘west’, and this wonderfully cosmopolitan land is still the best opportunity to experience a friendly European atmosphere combined with exotic Asian charm.

A vast and spectacular country with a rich history stretching back millennia, an increasing number of exceptional Turkish resorts are providing some of the best Mediterranean holidays on offer. For beach lovers there are literally thousands of miles of simply stunning coastline, whilst inland there’s a rich 1,000 year old heritage to enjoy. To see some resorts go to Antayla, Bodrum, Dalaman or Izmir.

Dazzling musical revues salute the very best of Hollywood and Broadway, with advanced lighting and sound systems and spectacular special effects.

The entertainers vary from ship to ship and line to line however don’t be surprised if Bill Cosby, or Bowser from Sha Na Na or jazz greats Manhattan Transfer are on your ship. The shows will easily rival anything you might see on land. Except that on-board your ship you don’t have to remember your tickets or struggle to find a parking space.

If  You Can Afford A Vacation, You Can Afford A Cruise.

There will be very few times in your life when you are completely free. Free from cares, responsibilities, chores, deadlines, timetables, ringing phones or demanding voices. It’s time to start planning for such a vacation and you feel overwhelmed by all the choices.

Hold on a minute, you might be thinking, I thought cruises were not for me. Not anymore. Dance clubs, sports facilities, live entertainment, movies, classes, casinos and supervised children’s activities are just a few examples of how cruise ships are catering to people of all walks of life.

Luxury Cruising

The right ship or cruise line is one that makes you very comfortable and very special while fulfilling all your vacation desires. You need to look at the size of the vessel, the nature of the experience, the activities available, dining schedules, on board dress code and the style of service.  Equally important are your itinerary, the type of accommodations, and the cost of the cruise, along with the inclusions that may be offered.

Exceptional service will be found on ships that have a ratio of one (or more) crewmembers to every two guests and mirror the warmth and discretion of finest hospitality.  The following unique cruising styles can be celebrated each in its own right - so you can choose to travel elegantly with companions who share your sensibilities.

Alaska By Ship

Imagine your sense of wonder as you glide past glacier after glacier or your first sight of a cresting whale. While we have much to be proud of in our Alberta parks, I think Alaska is mother nature’s most spectacular show piece.

Cruising Alaska offers us breathtaking views of Alaska’s natural wonders, as well as nights of thrilling entertainment, fine dining, pampering service, and an endless variety of activities.

As you cruise along the Glacier route, you will experience a magical, unspoiled land where walls of ice rise up from crystal blue seas and landscapes of wild flowers give way to snow-capped peaks.

The friendly Costa Brava has something to offer everyone; from the rural villages of Catalonia to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, as well as lively nightlife, entertainment and fun filled theme parks. Pine scented forests hug the beautiful coastline which stretches for over 100 miles, consisting of attractive shingle beaches, as well as picturesque secluded coves, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle.

Lively Lloret de Mar has been a firm favourite holiday destination for many years, while Calella offers more traditional small town charms, as well as an award winning beach.

This Spanish Costa is just that - typically Spanish. Mojacar combines the popular beach resort, with the picturesque mountain village. Whereas Roquetas de Mar offers beach and golf in the one area.

There are local restaurants and tapas bars everywhere and although activity is low key, there are still things to do if you want to. Head inland and you will witness the sedate village life that encapulates this region of Spain along with the arid sierra landscape that has proved the desert scenery for many ‘Spaghetti Westerns’.

However, with uncrowded beaches you may just want to take it easy.

Fine cuisine and five star dining has always been a part of the cruise experience. On board, you’ll be treated to more options than ever before. As soon as one serving is ending, somewhere on the ship another is beginning. Today the on board dining experience rivals almost any land based restaurant.

Menu offerings on Celebrity are created by master chef, Michel Roux, a Michelin three star restaurant owner, and are as outstanding as the setting in which they are served - grand, multi-level dining rooms, with a piano played softly in the background. Imagine Smoked Salmon Claudine, Pheasant Mousseline with Blueberry Vinaigrette, Consommé with Vegetable Brunoise, Broiled Lobster Tail, Veal Medallions, Coffee Profiteroles with Jamaican Sabayon and Swan Puff with Chocolate Sauce.

The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship

Dining Caribbean Princess Style.

The amenities aboard Caribbean Princess are astonishing and dining options are no exception. There are no less than twelve eating options plus room service. The traditional dining option is in the Island Dining Room. For anytime dining check out the Coral Dining room or the Palm Dining Room. Specialty restaurants include Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the Sterling Steakhouse. For casual eating and snacking, there are the Horizon Court 24-hour dining, Café’ Caribe, Wine and Caviar Bar, Patisserie, Prego Pizzeria, Trident Hamburger Grill, and the Ice Cream Bar.

Orient Beach Shore Excursions

Most cruise ships stopping at the island disembark on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) at Phillipsburg on Great Bay. A brief (20 minute) scenic bus or taxi ride takes passengers across the island to the French side (St. Martin) where Orient Beach is situated. Passing the giant salt pond on your way to the beach, you tour guide (driver) gives a brief history of the area including the importance of the Salt Pond. No need for passports or customs checks as you cross the border from the Dutch side to the French side of the island.

There is a restaurant right on the beach where you can grab a bite while still soaking wet from the Orient Beach water. Of course bar drinks are available for the beach as well. Everyone is friendly at Orient Beach and most speak English very well.

Internet Cruises - Shopping Online

Indeed the Internet can be a wonderful source of information to help you plan an exciting holiday, obtaining ship and stateroom descriptions, itineraries, tips on sites to see, passport and visa requirements, shore excursion, shopping, weather and local interest information,but is it the right place to book your dream vacation?
There is a common misconception that because something is offered for sale on the Internet, it will be an exceptional or a major saving for the consumer. More often than not however it is the ease of completing a transaction that is the major benefit for certain types of travel.

Do not assume that pricing on the Internet will automatically be the lowest. Often local agencies will have agreements with the cruiselines that allow them to offer exceptional “not to be advertised” specials.

Strikingly dramatic Lanzarote is like nowhere else on earth. In fact, it looks more like a lunar landscape than a sunny island basking in the warm Atlantic, just off the coast of North Africa. Still, the landscape softens considerably at the coast, where ochre coloured sands create a gentle barrier between land and sea, and a perfect environment from which to enjoy the clear, unpolluted blue waters. Package holidays to Lanzarote generally make the modern, spic and span resorts of Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise their base.

Both offer golden sandy beaches, high quality accommodation and an energetic array of lively bars and good quality restaurants. A fantastic year round climate makes last minute holidays to Lanzarote a sure-fire choice if you’re looking for (almost) guaranteed sun, fascinating sights and family-friendly fun. Clustered around the coast, you’ll see plenty of chances to enjoy a spot of water sports - whether windsurfing, scuba diving or sport fishing is your thing, Lanzarote won’t disappoint. And don’t forget that this beautiful island enjoys ‘duty free’ status, making cheap holidays to Lanzarote even better value.

The malls and souvenir stalls of Puerto del Carmen feature delicate island crafts, striking jewellery and fiery mojo sauces. Arrecife, the island’s engaging capital offers even more choice. International brands, the latest electronic gadgets and exotic-looking sculptures made from the island’s volcanic rock offer thought-provoking gifts. For sculptures of an even more dramatic nature, head to the César Manrique Foundation - the island’s undoubted cultural centre is devoted to the works of the world famous island-based artist.

Not to be outdone, the island itself has created some dramatic art of its own. The Timanfaya National Park is one of the best examples of a volcanic habitat anywhere, with geisers and geothermally heated rocks used to grill your steaks in the neighbouring restaurant). That’s Lanzarote for you - refreshingly different!

The main Cascades dining room was nice and meals were good.  Breakfasts had the same menu every morning.  Lunch at the dining room was okay.  The dinners were good but not every meal item was a winner.  There was the odd appetizer and dessert that was not up to par.  One thing that my partner noticed was that the portions of the main courses seemed to be smaller than those served on the Adventure.  We usually went upstairs to the Windjammer to get more food after dining at the Cascades.  In some parts of the Cascades room, the tables were placed too cramp so walking to out own table was tricky at times. The self serve Windjammer was good.  It usually had more variety of food than served downstairs at the Cascades. 

Breakfast and lunch were busy at the Windjammer but during evenings, most people chose to dine at the Cascades.  The two other optional restaurants onboard Portafino and Choppe House were available at $20 US per person but we never tried them since the meals already included at the Cascades and Windjammer were fine by us.  Other passengers who did go to these optional rooms told us that they were nothing special. 

There was another cafe available during late evenings called the Seaview and they provided fare such as sandwiches, salads and burgers.  This was a nice feature.  One thing we did object to was that they charged for the coffee and tea there.  There was also a specialty coffee place on the main centrum of the ship and they also charged.

Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise

The tourist season for Antarctica is restricted only to the months of December through February when it is the peak of summer in the southernmost part of the world. Only vessels equipped for the icy waters cruise to one of the coldest areas of the earth. Three major cruise lines offer Antarctic cruises: Celebrity Cruises, Orient Lines, and Radisson Seven Seas. Smaller specialty expedition companies also offer other trips to this destination.

Currently Celebrity Cruises has one 11-day trip to Antarctica scheduled for departure February 6, 2006. The price is approximately $10,000 per person. The cruise originates and returns to Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego, the southernmost town in South America near Cape Horn. As with all cruises in the frozen waters, destinations depend upon actual weather conditions during the cruise.

Shape Up and Ship Out

Some of you might want to spend a week immersed in your favorite sport, or engage in some sporting activities you haven’t done in a long time - if ever. At the very least, you may want to do something to help ease the guilt of excesses at the ship’s bountiful tables.

If you desire to start a fitness program during your seagoing vacation, you can turn to the trained instructors. More experienced workout-aholics can look forward to keeping fit with the most modern high-tech weight and workout gear. From exercise bikes to treadmills, step and rowing equipment, the spa has it all, ready to raise your heart rate and tone your physique.