Don't be Late

How may times have I told you ... Don't be late ... the ship won't wait. Well, these guys had to run to catch the ship after a lovely day in port. And listen to the comments. The fellow passengers won't let them live this one down for a while. So remember ... get back to your ship on time!!

Video ... running to catch the ship

SOPA/PIPA

We now take a moment for a political viewpoint. Please contact your congressional delegation and encourage them to vote AGAINST the proposed SOPA/PIPA legislation. See this link http://www.ted.com/talks/defend_our_freedom_to_share_or_why_sopa_is_a_bad_idea.html
for an excellent TED talk by Clay Shirkey on the opposition to this legislation, presented in clear layman's terms.

Addicted to Travel?

I love this article from The Independent Traveler!

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/funny-travel/16-ways-you-know-youre-addicted-to-travel

Of course, I am addicted to travel! I can even relate to a couple of these. I am always planning my next cruise while on the current one! Future cruise desks are designed just for travelers like me!

Last fall, when I had several trips planned close together, I did actually live out of my suitcase at home. Why go through all the bother of packing and unpacking?

How about you? Are you addicted to travel and, if so, what kind and where??

Thinking of Europe?

Thought about going to Europe? Is it on your bucket list? Or is it somewhere you've been and can't wait to return?

See Europe via cruise! ... why?

1.  You can see several major European cities in one trip. The travel between cities is done at night so you don't waste touring time.
2.  You only have to unpack once! (one of my favorites!)
3. Once you have paid, you are not at the mercy of the dollar fluctuation for meals or tours.
4. Want to see the interior, rather than Mediterranean ports? Consider a river cruise. Just as luxurious, but sailing on one of Europe's wonderful rivers. Most of the major inland cities in Europe developed on rivers, due to transportation requirements, so you get to visit all the "biggies".
5. Many of the cruise line's European itineraries have overnight stays in the larger cities. So you have time for a longer tour and perhaps dinner or a show.

It's on sale now! This is WAVE season, when the cruise lines are offering some of their best deals. Royal Caribbean just announced $50-$100 on board credit for their European sailings. Other cruise lines also have offers.

Let's go to Europe this year!!

Don't Do Disney in December ... at least the last week

Hello, all!

Do you like my alliteration? It is meant to call attention to the HUGE crowds that flood DisneyWorld the week between Christmas and New Year's. I have been to Disney that week and had forgotten about the crowds until I ran across this blog post from Jack Spence. He experience the same thing I did ... Ginormous crowds, multi-hour waits, and not so much magic. Here are a couple of his pictures. You can get the entire view at his blog

That being said, I think one of the BEST times to "do Disney" is between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The decorations are up (my favorite reason to visit then), the crowds are smaller (Disney no longer has no crowds), and the weather is OK (a few rain showers).

Many of you already know that Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places on earth. It is in a dead heat with cruising as my favorite vacations. But even a dyed-in-the-wood Mouse-lover like me can't stand the wall-to-wall people that Christmas week brings.

So YES! Book a Disney vacation this year. But let me help you pick a time when you can really enjoy ALL the magic!

Where Do You Want to Go?

Yes. It's the new year and everyone is resolving and planning. So, don't forget to resolve to give yourself a vacation this year and plan to book your cruise early. The best cabins in the best locations always go first.

And just in case you think cruises are warm weather only activities, check this out:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/slideshows/?ID=315

Happy New Year!!