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Saturday, July 31, 2010
C’mon y’all, let’s go!
Invite your friends to get in on "inspired" FUN & SUN as Ensemble Inspired Journeys presents a Paula Deen Cruise: Western Caribbean Party-at-Sea!
Sail seven days roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale – January 30-February 6, 2011 – aboard Holland America Line’s brand-new ms Nieuw Amsterdam from $1,529 per person.
Paula Deen and Family are setting sail for an exciting and delectable winter-busting cruise. And we’ve got lots of surprises in store! Everything from a cooking critique to private parties (including a barbecue and the first ever Deen Beach Olympics on Half Moon Cay, Holland America's very own private island paradise) from games to photo sessions and optional hosted excursions.
Paula will be joined by husband Michael and other members of her family. Come share their enthusiasm for great cuisine, good living and good fun.
Private Events & Highlights
*Check back to this site for details about onshore excursions that are being planned with Paula and members of her family.
Aboard the Stunning New ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect ship for this culinary adventure. It's spanking new (inaugural voyage - July 2010), bright and spacious, beautifully decorated, and has fabulous entertainment and multiple dining options. The ms Nieuw Amsterdam expands the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. The ship also features the family-style Canaletto's Italian restaurant.
Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured The Showroom at Sea, and a new photographic and imaging center. The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe - a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, and the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line. Thursday, July 29, 2010
New England's fall foliage is due to crisp, clear sunny days and long, cold nights. These special weather conditions halt the chlorophyll production in the leaves, and allow the brilliant golden and scarlet colors to be revealed.
Autumn is glorious in Canada and New England. The sun still shines on the Eastern Seaboard's many seafaring towns and the cool fall air turns the foliage a dazzling crimson and gold. A trip to Canada and New England uncovers the history and character that started a nation. With the quaint Colonial charm of New England towns and the spectacular Canadian coastline, history is everywhere you look. Discover the very fabric of the cities and towns that are woven with history and experience French Canada's unique flavor and culture.
Cruises and tours of Canada & New England both offer different styles of travel to enjoy all there is to see and do in the fall.
Fall foliage is unpredicatable, as we cannot predict Mother Nature, so keep in mind that the further North you go, the better chance you have of seeing the fall colors. Most often the last week of September through mid October is a good time to visit New England.
Although New England is known for fall foliage, there are other parts of the country that have equally stunning leaf color with mountain back drops, lakeside views or sprawling vineyards. Don't forget the amazing National Parks. Peak is usually mid-October. Sedona, Zion, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone all offer great fall folors. Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite national park usually peak later, around the end of October.
In the South, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountains are popular areas to see foliage, as well as Greensboro, Franklin and These areas tends to peak in early November.
Although several departures are sold out, there are still some foliage tours, cruises and train trips to view the fall foliage in 2010. I invite you to visit our website dedicated to Fall Foliage trips if you want would like more information.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
You’ve seen it in the movies and on television…and you are more than a bit curious…
What is Angkor Wat?
The answer is simple, the destination is not, but well-worth the effort for the curious, intrepid traveler.
Angkor Wat is the famous Hindu temple to the god Vishnu, located a few miles outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap, once the center of the Khmer empire, is now a rather quiet city which seems to exist for tourists.
After you’ve checked into your comfortable, quiet hotel in Siem Reap you may wish to avail yourself of a soothing message…very welcome after traveling the long hours many miles you’ve come for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your hotel will probably have an in-house masseuse, swimming pool and the luxury amenities which will be so surprisingly available in this exotic corner of the world.
The best time to visit the vast temple complex (containing many temples and monuments) is in the morning, before the heat of the day overwhelms you…always carry bottled water with you and purchase it ONLY at your hotel! A knowledgeable guide is preferred, but a good guide book will assist you in making your way around this vast collection of architectural wonders!!! You’ll need a guide to interpret the mural-like carvings, which tell the stories of warriors, gods, goddesses ; victories and slightly risqué encounters.
There are ladders to climb to heights with breathtaking views, cool, shady corroders whose stone walls are covered in magnificently preserved carvings. Walk with care because many areas are being restored There will be touring monks in saffron robes…don’t be surprised if they take your picture and feel free to ask you to pose with you for your camera. Many are mendicants and will politely accept charity, but will not confront or pester or pester you.
The breathtaking site of Ta Prohm will dazzle you!! This is the oft-photographed temple that has been left as it was found when this area was re-discovered. The jungle has invaded and vast trunks and branches inundate the buildings. You will be amazed how nature can reclaim vast areas of man’s endeavor!!
Before you say farewell to Angkor Wat, you must await sunset at Angkor Wat: the golden hues of the magnificent towers glisten in the setting rays and the shadows elongate…the lake provides a mirror reflection of this amazing sight, and you will take a picture (in your camera or in your mind’s eye) that will be a momento of a fantastic adventure.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
- Chef Cindy Hutson - September 19, 2010
- Chef Johnny Vinczencz - October 3, 2010
- Chef Tim Andriola - October 17, 2010
- Chef Carlos Fernandez - October 31, 2010
- Chef Lauren De Rouen - November 7, 2010
- Chef Roberto Treviño November 14, 2010
- TBD - December 5, 2010
- TBD - December 12, 2010
- Chef Michael Schwartz - January 2, 2011
- Chef Nick Weber - January 9, 2011
- Chef Spike Mendelsohn - February 6, 2011
- TBD - February 20, 2011
There's limited space available on these 12 delectable specialty voyages, so book today to be a part of this unbelievable gourmet experience.
Freedom of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are the most innovative and exciting in the travel industry. Freedom of the Seas features incredible pool areas including cantilevered whirlpools and an open-air night club for dancing under the stars. Epicurean Discovery turns up the heat on our already incredible dining experiences from the elegant atmosphere of Portofino to our beloved Chops Grille. And you're sure to be dazzled by our awe-inspiring original productions featuring world-class performers.
Caribbean paradise
Relax in your own ocean-view suite while visiting beautiful Eastern Caribbean destinations like: CocoCay®, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten - or Western Caribbean ports such as: Labadee®, Haiti; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. Enjoy the Royal treatment onboard one of the greatest ships at sea, featuring a world-class spa, some of the most innovative amenities and activities in the industry and the Gold Anchor Service® only Royal Caribbean International can provide.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Europe may appear overwhelming for a first time visitor, or even a seasoned traveler in certain countries. The following information wil help you prepare for your vacation:
Passports/Documents:
Your passport must be current and valid for at least six months past your return date. Passports requires for US citizens traveling to Europe for stays of less than 90 days. A passport and Visa are necessary for travel to Russia (restricted to less than 30 days). A passport and onward/return ticket are necessary for travel to Croatia (less than 90 days).
Currency:
The Euro is the currency for most European nations (major exceptions are the U.K., Switzerland and Scandinavia). ATM’s are prevalent, and are usually your best source for cash at the most current exchange rate.
Adapters and Converters:
European voltage is higher (220v vs 110v) than that in the United States. A continental plug adapter and voltage converter are necessary.
Phone and Calling Cards:
Every country has a unique country code following a plus sign (i.e. +39 for Italy). Instead of area codes, all countries use city codes that begin with zero. Some U.S. phone cards offer international service in Europe. Low cost cell phones may be purchased in any European countries, and some US cell phone service providers offer overseas service for higher rates.
Temperature:
Europe records its temperatures in Celsius. To convert to an approximate Fahrenheit temperature, double the Celsius an add 30.
Time and Date:
The 24-hour clock is used to denote timetables. To convert to U.S. time for 13:00 and over, subtract 12 and add “pm”. For example, 18:00 is 6:00 pm.
Dates are written with day coming before the month. For example, Christmas is 25-12-10.
Greenwich Mean Time (UK) is 5 hours, and Continential Europe is 6 hours ahead of Eastern-Standard Time.
Tipping:
A customary European tip is 10-15%. However, many places include service charges in the bill, in which case no additional tip expected.
Packing for Your Trip:
Check with your airline for luggage weight restrictions, as many local European carriers have their own rules. Your primary bag should be relatively light and not exceed 25 inches.
Clothing:
Temperatures can fluctuate, so be prepared to dress in layers. Be aware that some sites, such as the Vatican, enforce strict dress codes. Consult your travel agent for more details.
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