Atlas Cruises and Tours Blog

Maui: Island of Natural Wonders

AtlasSue — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:45:42 +0000

Maui…close your eyes and picture this. A towering waterfall cascading down a lush canyon wall. A white sand beach with the sparkling blue Pacific beyond. A giant humpback whale breaching near a catamaran’s bow. A serene sunrise over a volcano’s immense crater. A fire-red sunset glowing over an ancient tropical island…memories that will last a lifetime.

Browse through our Hawaii tour and vacation packages.

Maui: Island of Natural Wonders is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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Weekly Travel News

AtlasSue — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:25:05 +0000

MTV selects Madrid, Spain as the host city for the MTV EMA’s on November 7, 2010.

Continental to start charging for food in economy class on flights under six hours in duration.

Crystal Cruise Line to begin offering open dining by reservation in 2011 on all ships.

Celebrity’s new ship, the Eclipse leaves dockyard two days early due to an incoming storm. Ship is headed towards Southampton while last minute work is being done to the ship. The Eclipse is a sister ship to the Solstice.

CDC issues a “don’t sail” recommendation for the Celebrity Mercury sailing out of Charleston due to an outbreak of the Norovirus on a third consecutive cruise. The cruise line will cut it’s current trip short by one day to allow clean up and inspections to take place.

NCL Epic reveals dining options onboard the new ship. 11 restaurants will be complimentary.

If a compromise is not met, British Airways cabin crew is set to strike for 7 days beginning on Friday March 20th, potentially disrupting travel for thousands during the Spring Break and Easter holidays.

Johnny Rockets opens in 2 new Six Flags theme parks: Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California and Six Flags Texas in San Antonio. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is Northern California’s only combination of wildlife, oceanarium and theme park, featuring interactive animal encounters and daring roller coasters. Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers some of the best live theme park shows in the country, as well as access to White Water Bay Water Park.

Disneyland offers spring and summer deal with free nights. This May through September, vacationers can receive two extra nights of hotel accommodations and two more days of theme park adventures for free when they purchase a three-night, three-day Disneyland Resort vacation package. This special vacation package provides guests five days and nights of Disneyland Resort experiences, for the price of three.

Book Princess Europe cruises for 2011 starting on March 25th.

Save $100 off per person on Globus Monograms USA vacations booked by April 6th. See the most famous national parks of Canada & the U.S.—or discover its vibrant cities on a getaway vacation. Sample Cajun fare in New Orleans or dig into a New England lobster feast. See a dazzling Broadway show in New York or hike the beautiful Canadian Rockies in Western Canada. The choice is yours!

Weekly Travel News is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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Irish Cuisine

AtlasSue — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:08 +0000

On St. Patrick’s Day, we all get a wee bit of the Irish in us. Guinness, Irish stew and corned beef & cabbage are common in the U.S., but they aren’t the only things you would have when traveling through Ireland.

Ireland’s cuisine is very traditional and hearty, ensuring every meal is satisfying and delicious. Discover the home-style, comforting foods of Ireland. Listed here are Irish must-order specialties including Irish stew, Irish potato griddle cakes called boxty, coddle, and the components of a traditional Irish breakfast. An Irish breakfast will include farm fresh eggs served with sausage, eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes and black or white pudding (a type of sausage.) There is usually also Irish brown bread served with sweet Irish butter and the famous Irish preserves. Also popular, is baked ham, salmon, oysters, and lamb. To drink? Guinness, Irish whiskey, Irish coffee and Irish breakfast tea. Guinness is sometimes added to stews, soups and sauces to give it an extra kick or enhance the flavors but it brings out the best quality in Irish cooking. Not to worry, you can also pick up a burger, wings and steak in just about any restaurant.

You can take an 8 day tour of Ireland for just $1,089 pp including hotel accomodations at first class hotels, full Irish breakfast daily, 3 dinners as well as sightseeing tours. If you’re feeling adventurous, a self-drive vacation allows you to plan your own itinerary, select your overnight stops and choose your B&B location on a day-to-day basis. Start your vacation in Dublin, where you will pick up your car on arrival. For the balance of your vacation, the choice is yours to discover Ireland with your B&B vouchers for each overnight stay, accommodation directories and a road map. Prices start at $489 pp for a 5 night/6 day package.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Irish Cuisine is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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United States Tours

AtlasSue — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:45:52 +0000

Travel the United States on an escorted or a city stay pre-planned vacation, and experience the cultural diversity in any one of our vibrantly animated cities saturated with distinct character and a unique charm. Start on the Western frontier visiting the historic California landmarks of San Diego and Los Angeles en route to San Francisco where the iconic Golden Gate Bridge awaits. Perhaps you crave an outdoor adventure in the Old West, exploring national landmarks such as Mount Rushmore in South Dakota or the Grand Canyon and its immense glory in Arizona. Moving east, you will encounter the smooth texture of a jazz infused Chicago nightlife and the cultural seeds of today’s modern United States in the cities of Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington DC. New York needs no introduction as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the United States—a must-see for any traveler exploring the states.

United States Tours is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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The Cove Atlantis Paradise Island

AtlasSue — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:39:22 +0000

Stylish and dynamic, The Cove Atlantis is a sophisticated resort within the exciting world of Atlantis, where every room is a suite with an ocean view. Set between two of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the atmosphere at The Cove is chic and contemporary. Indulgent experiences include the gourmet cuisine of celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, and a vibrant social scene and poolside gaming at Cain at The Cove – an adults-only ultra pool reserved exclusively for guests of The Cove Atlantis. Enjoy access to the world of Atlantis including Aquaventure, Dolphin Cay, the Mandara Spa, a world-class casino, a wide range of dining options and much more.

Accomodations:

Ocean Suite: Oversized suites with either a french balcony or a full balcony. Also offering a separate step-down living area, luxurious bathroom and walk-in closet. Located on the lower floors. Bedding: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed (full). View: Ocean or Partial Ocean. 627-784 sq. ft.

Deluxe Ocean Suite: Oversized suites with superior views from either a french balcony or a full balcony. Also offering a separate, step-down living area, luxurious bathroom and walk-in closet. Located on multiple floors. Bedding: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed (full). View: Ocean. 627-784 sq. ft. Also available The Club Deluxe Ocean View Suite

Azure Suite: Suites just under 1200 sq. ft. with special privileges including access to The Club lounge. On the top five floors of the hotel, offering amazing views, one master bedroom, spacious master bathroom, separate dining and living area, walk-in closets, full guest bathroom and two full balconies. Bedding: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed (full). View: Ocean. 1,198 sq. ft.

Azure 2 Bedroom Suite: The two bedroom suite has the same description as the Azure Suite listed above except that it is connecting to a Deluxe Ocean Suite which provides the second bedroom. This suite also includes Club Lounge privileges for guests 12 and older. View: Ocean.

Sapphire Suite: 1700 sq. ft. One master bedroom; a spacious bathroom with floor to ceiling windows; marble floors; granite vanities with twin vessel sinks; two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower; large separate bathtub; vanity area; LCD television in a two-way mirror; separate living area with sofa, desk and six-seat dining table; guest half bathroom and two full corner balconies with superior water views. This suite also includes Club Lounge privileges for guests 12 and older. Bedding: 1 king bed. View: Water. 1,700 sq. ft.

Sapphire 2 Bedroom Suite: 2460 sq. ft. One master bedroom with King size bed; spacious master bathroom with floor to ceiling windows; marble floors; granite vanities with twin vessel sinks; two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower; large separate bathtub; vanity area; LCD TV in a two-way mirror; separate living area with sofa, desk and six-seat dining table; guest half bathroom and two full corner balconies with superior water views. Connecting Ocean Suite featuring an open floor plan with two Queen beds, living room with sleeper sofa, spacious bathroom with twin vanity sinks, frosted glass-tile enclosed shower and separate bathtub, full or French balcony. guests 12 and older. View: Water.

The Club Lounge/Privileges Located on the 22nd floor, The Club is The Cove’s preeminent concierge level of suites. Guests partake in additional services and amenities strictly reserved for them, including a dedicated priority concierge for restaurant, golf, spa and cabana reservations. Guests (12 and older) enjoy exclusive use of The Club Lounge showcasing breathtaking views of the ocean, Aquaventure, and beautiful sunrises. The Club serves gourmet breakfast and delicate hors d’oeuvre during the day, as well as signature and specialty cocktails in the evening.

Food & Beverage:

Aura: the 7500 square foot club, located just off the Atlantis casino, features VIP seating, a sunken dance floor and two bars.
Cain: (Ultra pool & bar) 5 gaming tables and lively DJ mixes bring a high-energy atmosphere to this adults-only pool area, open into the evening for cocktails, mingling, and balmy ocean views.
The Cove Pool Cafe: a bistro-table and chaise lounge service of fresh fare, from ceviche and sashimi bento boxes to gourmet burgers and wraps, along with smoothies and full bar service. This cafe is open to Cove guests only, guests must be 18 years or older.
Cascades Grill: Flavorful, jerked meats, pulled chicken and BBQ pork, seasonal salads, hot and cold wraps, and frozen drinks served poolside.
Sea Glass: fruit-infused martinis and signature drinks served in this upscale lounge, with a backdrop of spectacular Bahamian sunsets. The lounge also offers 4 gaming tables.
Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill: Bobby Flay brings his world-renowned Mesa Grill to the Cove Atlantis, serving his signature Southwestern cuisine with a Bahamian twist. Mesa Grill will be open for breakfast (a first for Flay) and dinner, overlooking tranquil Paradise Beach. Only children 12 and older are welcome at this restaurant.  The Bar At Mesa Grill, is located within Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill and serves cocktails.  General Opening Hours: Open for dinner only.
Mosaic: a fresh concept in custom made cuisine, this Mediterranean influenced restaurant features action cooking stations to prepare dishes n demand, from fresh fish to churrasco. Restaurant overlooks the Atlantis waterscape.  General Opening Hours: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Cove Atlantis Paradise Island is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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Ideas on Unique Caribbean Shore Excursions

AtlasSue — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:35:39 +0000

If you have already been to the Caribbean Islands and on your next visit want to seek out interesting places, people or attractions, all it takes is a little planning. The Islands you visit have experienced centuries of momentous history, they have a culture and an eductaed English speaking population and they possess extraordinary natural attractions.

Jamaica: By contacting the various offices of the Jamaica Tourist Board in the United States, you can arrange a unique and free of charge port-stop visit with Jamaican counterparts, via that Island’s “Meet the People” program. You can visit schoolteachers, doctors, visit a hospital , meet a Jamaican chef, or even be taken by a Jamaican to one of the Island’s standard sightseeing attractions.

Cozumel: Independent Companies like Shoretrips.com, portpromotions.com and portcompass.com will arrange for a smaller van with driver to pick you up at the dock and take you on a difierent sort of tour to a Mayan site or be driven overland through the jungle on an all-terraine vehicle and taken to caves, then a swim in a geological underground pool and maybe even to a bat cave. Also available is a private tour of Punta Sur Ecological Park, which is a 247 acre nature preserve. Between July and August, visitors can be a part of the turtle program to see nesting behavior of the marine turtle.

Cayman Islands: Taxi service on this Island provides good commentary on the way to a famous turtle farm, which raises turtles for preservation. An impressive scientific lecture is delivered on site. Visit Queen Elizabeth’s Gardens which preserves a segment of the Caymanian lanscape and is home to a vareity of wildlife including the endangered Blue Iguana.

You can transform your Island visits into valid cultural experiences of depth and interest with a little advance planning.

Written by C Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

Ideas on Unique Caribbean Shore Excursions is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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What’s New in Travel

AtlasSue — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:45:52 +0000

Disney’s volunteer program reached it’s goal of 1 million participants. The “Give A Day, Get a Day” program rewarded volunteers with a 1 day Disney park admission.

The Biltmore in Asheville, NC is holding it’s 25th Annual Festival of Flowers April 3rd-May 16, 2010. The 25th anniversary celebration of Festival of Flowers coincides with the grand opening of Antler Hill Village. This pedestrian-friendly venue will be open to guests as part of daily admission to Biltmore and expands current offerings to include a new exhibition space, village green with live entertainment, dining, shopping and a new outdoor adventure center. Biltmore Winery, located in the village area, will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be offering a newly-designed tour and tasting room. Antler Hill Village will be open to guests during Festival of Flowers and a grand opening celebration is planned for May 20 – 23, 2010

Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas to debut new “Garden of Gods” pool oasis on March 19th. Seven distinctive pools have been added, (Apollo, Bacchus, Neptune, Jupiter, Temple and Venus,) as well as a pool with an 18-foot waterfall (Fortuna,) where guests can play at swim-up blackjack tables. Also new are 44 private cabanas each with plush furniture, flat-screen tv, Dvd player, I-pod docking stations and attentive cabana servers.

Holland America’s Ryndam is the latest ship to undergo signature of excellence enhancements. The premium ship just completed a 17-day dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas, and now features the new, stylish lounge called Mix, a sophisticated Showroom at Sea with several new productions, the complimentary Italian eatery Canaletto, and a complete new stateroom and bath design.

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, offers a Future Cruise Credit of $250 per person for guests who book select April through June 2010 sailings now through April 30, 2010.

Hawaiian Airlines to add another Airbus A330 in 2011.

Cunard announced that the Queen Mary 2 will spend 28 nights cruising Australia as a segment of its world cruise. This will make it the largest ship to cruise the region. In addition to visiting Sydney, Adelaide and Whitsundays, the ship will also stop at Darwin, Melbourne, Cairns and Brisbane. Three different itineraries will be offered: a 20-night voyage departing Fremantle on February 8, 2012; a 21-night voyage departing Adelaide on February 11, 2012; and a 22-night voyage departing Sydney on February 14, 2012. Cruises will go sometime this summer.

Soon you wont have to travel to the South Pacific to have an over-the-water bungalow. Sandals is sharing new details about the over-the-water suites project at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Resort. To further showcase the natural beauty that envelopes guests in the Caribbean, the suites will feature see-through glass floors, over-the-water hammocks, outdoor showers and Jacuzzis, and lit water for night viewing. All 26 over-the-water suites will also include butler service, courtesy of Sandals Resorts’ exclusive partnership with the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

What’s New in Travel is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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Passion Play 2010 – What’s Still Available?

AtlasSue — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:45:25 +0000

You’re interested in attending the 2010 Passion Play, but waited until the last minute to book. Availbility is difficult to find at this point, particularly for the 3 to 5 day packages, but if your dates are flexible, you can still attend.

To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of what is available, by travel month, for our most popular packages. Out of the hundreds of departures that were being offered, this is it. Please keep in mind this is subject to availbility at the time of booking, and that several of these departures only have a few spaces left, so don’t delay in securing your tickets.

May Departures:

June Departures

July Departures

August Departures

September Departures

Packages Under $2,200 pp

Once in a Decade Passion Play: 3 days | Visiting Munich & Oberammergau
Priced from $1,249 pp | June 15, Jul 6 and Aug 31

Oberammergau Highlights: 4 days | Visiting Munich, Innsbruck & Oberammerga
Priced from $2,140 pp | June 26; July 24, 31; Aug 7, 21, 28; Sept 11, 18, 25

The Oberammergau Passion Play – 4 day | Visiting Munich & Oberammergau
Priced from $1,775 pp | May 23; June 4, 11; July 2; Aug 20, 27; Sept 24, 28

The Alps & Oberammergau | 5 days
Priced from $1,834 pp | June 29; July 6; Sept 14, 21, 28

Affordable Munich and the Passion Play: 5 days | Visiting Munich & Oberammergau
Priced from $1,499 pp | June 15, Jul 6 and Aug 31

Affordable Vienna, Munich & the Passion Play: 7 days | Visiting Vienna, Munich & Oberammergau
Priced from $1,689 pp | June 13^th and Aug 29^th

Passion Play 2010 – What’s Still Available? is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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Oceania Regatta Review

AtlasSue — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:45:34 +0000

We just toured the Regatta and it was a wonderful day. First, we were sent to the Horizon Lounge which is on Deck 10. It’s absolutely the most beautiful and comfortable Observation Lounge ever! Sofas and chairs have large colorful pillows, sheer drapes adorn the windows and there is a combo and dance floor.

The specialty restaurants, Toscana and Polo Grill are on the same deck and they both offer their own bar area and luxurious seating with fabulous menus….no extra charge of course. In between the restaurants is the largest library I’ve seen on any size ship and also the most inviting. It was like an English Manor drawing room, with bookcases and books piled upon tables, a central fireplace with sofas and love seats, again with comfy pillows propped everywhere…wanted to stay there,

The Lobby area is stunning with its double staircase in wrought iron and gold, carpeted in red and black. Surrounding the area are oversized chairs and sofas inviting you to sit and chat. When you ascend the grand staircase, feeling as if you’re in “Gone With the Wind”, you enter the Upper Hall which has boutiques, a beautiful Grand Bar and a very inviting Martini’s Bar and a very small casino. Forward is the lounge which also has a dance floor. There is a wonderful feel of casual elegance all over the ship. Aft is the Grand Dining Room which is also lovely and we enjoyed a multi course delicious lunch with white glove service. The cuisine on Oceania Cruises is considered one of the very best at sea.

I would certainly wholeheartedly recommend Oceania to all but the under 40 set as there are not a lot of different venues as offered by the larger ships.

Oceania Cruises runs wonderful promotions throughout the year including 2 for 1 rates, free airfare and more. Call us at 800-942-3301 for more details on the latest Oceania Cruise deals.

Written by: Laura Unger
laura@atlastravelweb.com

Oceania Regatta Review is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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The World of Cruising

AtlasSue — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:33 +0000

Come aboard and sail away on a ship, barge or yacht. At sea, on a canal or river cruise, Atlas has hand picked travel partners for you to enjoy the best value & experience. Our travel specialists arrange adventures such as luxurious canal cruising sipping wine and savoring the cuisine in Burgundy, to world-class programs onboard luxury yachts and award winning cruise lines. Search for penguins in Antarctica, see majestic glaciers in Alaska, explore wildlife on a Galapagos cruise, or embrace the pleasure of sailing the Mediterranean or the Baltic. Refined & relaxing, the world of cruising offers authentic experiences onboard & ashore.

Call 800-942-3301 to begin planning a cruise vacation.

The World of Cruising is a post from: Atlas Cruises and Tours Travel Blog | Globus Tours | Italy Tours | Trafalgar Tours

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