Archive for May, 2009
Caribbean Cruise: Cure For The Common Cold
Waves crash breezes caress your skin and amidst the ocean our place is in perspective. The Norwegian Sun so incomprehensibly huge in port is now but a pinpoint a miniature model of the world. She carries 2200 passengers and 960 staff from over 58 nations. We burn 200 tons of fuel a day for over 70000 horsepower of propulsion and electrical generation. We get about 12 feet to the gallon says Paul Baya Cruise Director for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Hungry appetites devour 20000 pounds of fresh fruit and 35000 pounds of vegetables each week.
Cruise ships are like allinclusive resorts with changing scenery. Typical shore visits give you a taste of each port. From Jamaicans hawking their wares to Grand Caymans elegance to Cozumels stunning reefs all guests are assured water views and countless activities.
Measuring nearly 900 feet in length and thirteen decks high you navigate your new world as the captain navigates the globe. Journey to the spa five Jacuzzis two pools the basketball court theatre nightclubs casino thirteen restaurants jogging track fitness center shuffleboard and library. You can do your own thing or join others in yoga to volleyball or dancing. Out of cell phone range and too busy for email you live for the moment and anticipate yet another exciting port.
A common sea tale is that you will gain weight on a cruise. Its true: the food is tasty all you can eat and available twentyfour hours a day. The dessert options are endless. A quick call to room service yields anything from brownies to breakfast to bananas.
Instead we chose to sprint the stairs whenever possible dined on delicious vegetarian entrees and fulfilled a New Years resolution to visit the gym. The result? Fitter trimmer and feeling rejuvenated in just one week.
On Shore
Thousands throng to Jamaicas 600foot Dunns River Falls each day. A cascade of refreshing freshwater invigorates as you venture from the ocean to the summit.
For Norwegian Cruise Line Passenger Scott Blatt 48 the climb is an extraordinary feat.
An amputee Blatt tossed his crutches aside for an unassisted ascent to the cheers of onlookers. Blatts climb is a first in Jamaican history. Regardless of your skill or experience level there are shore activities for everyone. While some marvel at stunning fish of every color while diving the reefs others snorkel or tour Mayan ruins.
Over 1500 divers explore Cozumels waters daily says Gustavo Costa 35. Costa an attorney from Buenos Aires Argentina now teaches diving. He sets the dives tone with the persuasiveness and knowledge youd expect from an attorney. Strict laws protect marine life from humans. Harming or killing is prohibited ensuring our enjoyment of these beautiful creatures. Do not wear a knife or gloves harm or chase after the wildlife fines exceed 5000. Costas conservation efforts were rewarded. The reef vibrant and flourishing passed by like a movie. Floating effortlessly with the current adult Angel Fish danced about Puffer Fish looked back with their big helpless eyes lobster loitered a nurse shark nervously darted off a Manta Ray flapped massive wings in slow motion like a hawk soaring a ridge. When it was time to go home it was far too soon.
Getting There
Several cruise lines offer journeys from nearby ports. Norfolk Baltimore Philadelphia and New York are a quick train ride away. If you do travel by air to Miami it is advisable to arrive a day early so you dont miss your ship in case of weather delays suggests Jerry Carlson of Delta Airlines. Art deco hotels in Miamis South Beach provide colorful dynamic architecture. The ocean and people on parade are an extra bonus.
Sidebar
For More Information:
www.oceana.org
www.CruiseNorfolk.org
www.NCL.com
www.Pelicanos.com.mx
www.AtlantisAdventures.net
www.ThePalmsHotel.com
About the writer: Bruce Andrew Peters is an awardwinning photojournalist whose work is published internationally. Peters is a PADI Rescue Diver and nature enthusiast. Visit: http://www.GreatWriteUp.com
Cancun: The Ideal Mexican Paradise
When you find yourself looking for serene peaceful days to have fun in the sun the clear waters and several dreamy Caribbean evenings then you are possibly thinking of Cancun holidays. Mexico would provide you with some firstrate accommodations like the Grupo Mayan hotels. In fact the Grupo Mayan staff would see to it that you would have a fantastic tropical vacation. You should drop by at the following places when you are in this attractive city:
1. Museo Arqueologico de Cancun. This is situated near the Cancun Convention Center. It is an archaeological museum that is a magnificent place to discover Cancuns profound history and rich culture. The museum is home to some stucco clay and stone relics or artifacts ancient ceramics early incense burners stone and jewelry carvings from early civilizations. To add to your cultural experience do visit the old Mayan Ruins when you find yourself in Cancun.
2. Interactive Aquarium. You would have an incredible chance to mingle with Cancuns wildlife in the Interactive Aquarium’s different sections. In the openair area you would be allowed to touch sea turtles sea urchins and stingrays. Another area holds a gigantic pool wherein you could actually swim with dolphins. There is also another section that has a large covered tank where you would be able to carefully feed some sharks from an underwater locked cage. You could also see the bird sanctuary and do not forget to drop by the gift shop to buy some souvenirs.
3. Captain Hook Cruises. If you are bringing along some kids be sure to get on board the Captain Hook galleons which are two replicas of Spanish Galleons back in the 17th century. You would be able to see spirited pirate shows have some superb dishes and enjoy a whole evening of games. These stunning galleons measure 93 feet long and it could also hold around 350 guests.
4. Bullfight Rings. There is a small bullring found in the downtown district of Cancun. Bullfighting is among the most ancient traditions in Mexico and it is an exhibition of bravery and style. Bullfighting is normally comprised of four bulls and the show starts with a dance performance which is then followed by a presentation by the charros or cowboys.
5. Diving Spots. Cancun is thought of as among the worlds top diving destinations. An important treasure in Cancun is the Mayan Barrier Reef which comes second in terms of size to Australias Great Barrier Reef. You might also want to dive at the coral reefs in El Bajito and Banderas. For more advanced divers the Aristos and San Miguel reefs would be perfect for them.
Cancun is certainly the most ideal vacation spot in Mexico. There are not many resorts on earth who could boast of the facilities and infrastructures that were incorporated into Cancun right from the start. Mexico is actually home to worldclass resorts such as the Grupo Mayan resorts. The Grupo Mayan hotels scattered throughout the country are the finest accommodations that you could ever find. You should come to Cancun if you are into relaxation and you would surely experience the most funfilled vacation ever.
About the writer: Dreaming of a breathtaking holiday? You should get a move on and head out to the magical world of Cancun. You would experience a vacation that you would never want to end. To have the greatest accommodation in Mexico get in touch with the Grupo Mayan Hotelsand resorts. If you are keen on having more information just visit http://www.mayanelitetravel.info.
Camping World – Best Camping Store In The Usa
If you are into camping then Camping World is a store that you would be familiar with. If you are not then you are missing out big time. Simply put camping World is in our opinion the world’s best and largest camping store. Camping World is privately owned with its head office based in Kentucky and boasts a chain of 70 stores right around the US and has a commanding presence online as well. They claim that they are the biggest trader of parts for RVS and who could argue with them. If camping is your thing then you owe it to yourself to visit one of their stores. People from all over the US have reported that once they have been to one of the Camping World stores they usually do not have to go anywhere else as the store meets all their shopping requirements for camping.
The Beginning
The first Camping World store opened for business in 1966 at Beech Bend Park. A very popular camping site at the time it was also used as an amusement park. David Garvin who was the son of the original owner took a gamble by opening the store fully stocked with camping equipment and other general camping gears. The store was an instant success and with David Garvin’s strong marketing skills the store began to grow each and every year. Finally in 1997 Camping World was bought over by its current owners Affinity Group Inc.
Camping World Today
Camping World today has a huge presence both online and offline and has also become one of America’s biggest if not the biggest supplier of camping equipment. If you would like to make your purchase online take a quick cyber visit to their website. You will find every product related to camping each listed under their respective category.
Everybody that loves camping has his or her own individual story to tell. Choosing camping equipment is also a somewhat personal exercise and no matter what you have planned you can probably do with all the suggestions and help from the friendly staff at Camping World to make you camping experience even more special. Even if you were planning your very first camping trip the wealth of camping knowledge from everyone at Camping World would surely be great help to any novice.
Outdoors Section
Camping World also has an outdoors section where several different products for your RV can be found. RV steps mats ladders chains and every other piece of equipment that is RV related right down to flotation devices can be found in that section. They also cater for your pet by stocking different pet carriers. You name it they have it.
Camping Accessories
If any item is camping based or to be used outdoors then Camping World will have it. If you are planning to build a campfire then Camping World has got the items to make that happen for you. If you were worried that you will be bitten to bits by insects then you would be able to choose from a wide range of insect repellents. You name it they stock it. It also goes without saying that you will find your multitude of tents to choose from countless shades of all shapes and sizes first aid kits and even wireless weather stations. All you need to do is find a perfect camping spot and pay a visit to Camping World and let one of their friendly staff assist you.
Happy camping
About the writer: Looking for good camping equipment can be hard if you are planning your first camping trip. Fortunately the folks at Camping World have been in the camping game since 1966 and will be too happy to offer you the right advice.