Princess Sapphire-7 days-Mexician Riveria-April 03-10-2010 Quaint Mexician Cities:Puerto Vallarta,Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. Nice sunny/hot weather blue ocean water and cool breezes in the evening.
Questionaire was delivered to our state room to answer and to ask Ship Personnel about certain key questions of the line and informing us to meet with the future Cruise Cordinator. I found the questions very interesting which added more knowledge about the Princess fleet. When the questions was completed-it was turn in and later received a letter from the Captain that I have officially completed my Commodore Status.
Their was nine benefits that was given to Princess Commodores/Elite Status(Clients-16 cruises):
Complimentary Mini-Bar,Internet Package,Shoe Polishing,Laundry Services,In Room-Afternoon Tea,Deluxe Canapes,Wine Tasting,Priority Tender Embarkation,Priority Disembarkation with Complimentary Pastries and Coffee, and 1o% Boutique Discount.
I do want to express my appreciation to Princess Cruise Line for this excellent educational program and the on board experience. It was very enlighting and informative.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas
The Aria is awesome. The moment you enter the lobby, you feel the spaciousness of the entire facility. We were greeted by a hotel personnel and directed to the check-in area.
The hotel rooms are done in earthtones with a ceiling to floor window. The bathroom is large with the shower/tub area enclosed in glass. The toilet is also enclosed in tinted glass. There are 4,004 guestrooms, including 568 suites.
During our stay, we dined at the Sky Box, which is a sports cafe - great for lunch. The Lemongrass (a Thai Restaurant) and the Blossom (a Chinese Restaurant) both served excellent food. We had breakfast at Jean Philippe Patisserie, a pastry, candy and coffee shop, every morning. The Aria has 16 restaurants.
The casino area is huge with miles and miles of machines. I was told on my tour that air freshner is released from the bottom of the slot machines to help with the cigarette smoke. I must say, the machines very were unfriendly.
We went to see "Viva Elvis", which we totally enjoyed. The theater has a seating capacity for 2,000 guests. At the end of the show, little red banners with "Viva Elvis" were released from the ceiling.
Aria is connected to Crystals - the world-class shopping mall in City Center. You can also tram to Vdarra and the Bellagio or walk to the Monte Carlo.
We enjoyed our stay at Aria and will definitely plan a return visit. "Viva Aria"......Marilyn
The hotel rooms are done in earthtones with a ceiling to floor window. The bathroom is large with the shower/tub area enclosed in glass. The toilet is also enclosed in tinted glass. There are 4,004 guestrooms, including 568 suites.
During our stay, we dined at the Sky Box, which is a sports cafe - great for lunch. The Lemongrass (a Thai Restaurant) and the Blossom (a Chinese Restaurant) both served excellent food. We had breakfast at Jean Philippe Patisserie, a pastry, candy and coffee shop, every morning. The Aria has 16 restaurants.
The casino area is huge with miles and miles of machines. I was told on my tour that air freshner is released from the bottom of the slot machines to help with the cigarette smoke. I must say, the machines very were unfriendly.
We went to see "Viva Elvis", which we totally enjoyed. The theater has a seating capacity for 2,000 guests. At the end of the show, little red banners with "Viva Elvis" were released from the ceiling.
Aria is connected to Crystals - the world-class shopping mall in City Center. You can also tram to Vdarra and the Bellagio or walk to the Monte Carlo.
We enjoyed our stay at Aria and will definitely plan a return visit. "Viva Aria"......Marilyn
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Trip to Amsterdam and Belgium
Tulip Cruise Itinerary - Robin Wilfong March 28th - April 8th
A friend and I are flying to Amsterdam this Sunday Via KLM non-stop flight.
We are staying at the Nh Amsterdam Hotel for three nights and then boarding the
Avalon Waterways Artistry for a Seven Night Cruise.
We have purchased Tickets to the Anne Frank House and two Museums to avoid long
lines. I will take lots of pictures and share later.
Day 1 Amsterdam.
Day 2: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (D)
Day 3: Arnhem - Dordrecht. Excursion to Kinderdijk.
One of the major tragedies of World War II was the Battle of Arnhem, featured vividly in the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN and the inspiration for the movie A Bridge Too Far. Sitting between two branches of the Rhine, charming Dordrecht inspired many painters in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit nearby KINDERDIJK with its picturesque row of windmills. A special treat: after dinner on board, enjoy a DIAMOND PARTY. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and one of the world’s most important ancient seaports. Included sightseeing shows you its superb architecture, and the GROTE MARKT with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady make this city well worth a visit. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home of the European Union, is available. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Ghent
In a unique way, Ghent, the “diamond” of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will proudly point out that the city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, and will take you into ST. BAAF’S CATHEDRAL. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Middelburg, Holland - Veere - Delta Works
It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and from enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. The eye-catching high tower of the town hall dominates the charming town of Veere, which was once an important wool-trading center. Take your photos before continuing to one of the world’s most complex engineering projects, the DELTA WORKS, located nearby. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Rotterdam. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens.
Rotterdam is a bustling port city that was leveled by German bombs in WWII. Now, it has a modern, high-tech look and it boasts the world’s busiest port. Today’s highlight: the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here that present a spectacular display of blooms every year. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Amsterdam–Volendam. Excursion to Edam.
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” An excursion takes you north of the city to Volendam on the IJsselmeer, a maze of fishermen’s houses built on poles and a unique open harbor. The small, timbered church dates back to 1658. Continue to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous worldwide and where cheese markets are still held in the summer months. The old town center, especially the Kwakelsteeg, still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Tour Map
Globus Tour Highlights
Amsterdam: Canal cruise
Arnhem: Guided sightseeing; visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein and War Cemetery
Dordrecht: Excursion to Kinderdijk; diamond party on board
Antwerp: Guided sightseeing
Ghent: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Baaf’s Cathedral
Middelburg: Guided sightseeing
Veere: Orientation; excursion to the Delta Works
Rotterdam: Guided sightseeing, visit Keukenhof Gardens
Volendam: Orientation; excursion to Edam
All This Included
Discover picturesque Holland and Belgium in the spring on this river cruise vacation! See the sights in Arnhem, Middelburg, and Rotterdam, as well as Antwerp and Ghent. Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam, take photos of the charming windmills at Kinderdijk, and learn about Holland’s complex flood controls at the fascinating Delta Works. Also, explore the quaint fishing village of Volendam; take an excursion to Edam, famous for its cheeses; and drink in the colorful blooming beauty of famous Keukenhof Gardens.
A friend and I are flying to Amsterdam this Sunday Via KLM non-stop flight.
We are staying at the Nh Amsterdam Hotel for three nights and then boarding the
Avalon Waterways Artistry for a Seven Night Cruise.
We have purchased Tickets to the Anne Frank House and two Museums to avoid long
lines. I will take lots of pictures and share later.
Day 1 Amsterdam.
Day 2: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (D)
Day 3: Arnhem - Dordrecht. Excursion to Kinderdijk.
One of the major tragedies of World War II was the Battle of Arnhem, featured vividly in the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN and the inspiration for the movie A Bridge Too Far. Sitting between two branches of the Rhine, charming Dordrecht inspired many painters in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit nearby KINDERDIJK with its picturesque row of windmills. A special treat: after dinner on board, enjoy a DIAMOND PARTY. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and one of the world’s most important ancient seaports. Included sightseeing shows you its superb architecture, and the GROTE MARKT with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady make this city well worth a visit. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home of the European Union, is available. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Ghent
In a unique way, Ghent, the “diamond” of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will proudly point out that the city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, and will take you into ST. BAAF’S CATHEDRAL. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Middelburg, Holland - Veere - Delta Works
It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and from enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. The eye-catching high tower of the town hall dominates the charming town of Veere, which was once an important wool-trading center. Take your photos before continuing to one of the world’s most complex engineering projects, the DELTA WORKS, located nearby. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Rotterdam. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens.
Rotterdam is a bustling port city that was leveled by German bombs in WWII. Now, it has a modern, high-tech look and it boasts the world’s busiest port. Today’s highlight: the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here that present a spectacular display of blooms every year. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Amsterdam–Volendam. Excursion to Edam.
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” An excursion takes you north of the city to Volendam on the IJsselmeer, a maze of fishermen’s houses built on poles and a unique open harbor. The small, timbered church dates back to 1658. Continue to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous worldwide and where cheese markets are still held in the summer months. The old town center, especially the Kwakelsteeg, still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Tour Map
Globus Tour Highlights
Amsterdam: Canal cruise
Arnhem: Guided sightseeing; visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein and War Cemetery
Dordrecht: Excursion to Kinderdijk; diamond party on board
Antwerp: Guided sightseeing
Ghent: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Baaf’s Cathedral
Middelburg: Guided sightseeing
Veere: Orientation; excursion to the Delta Works
Rotterdam: Guided sightseeing, visit Keukenhof Gardens
Volendam: Orientation; excursion to Edam
All This Included
Discover picturesque Holland and Belgium in the spring on this river cruise vacation! See the sights in Arnhem, Middelburg, and Rotterdam, as well as Antwerp and Ghent. Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam, take photos of the charming windmills at Kinderdijk, and learn about Holland’s complex flood controls at the fascinating Delta Works. Also, explore the quaint fishing village of Volendam; take an excursion to Edam, famous for its cheeses; and drink in the colorful blooming beauty of famous Keukenhof Gardens.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Connected, but are we really communicating?
Today as I was browsing through my AARP magazine I ran across this gem of an article by David Dudley who rightly states in his opening remarks... "We tweet, we text, we email. Everybody's chatting, but is anybody listening? Why America needs to revive the vanishing art of conversation. We need to talk."
Facebook posts are an easy target - most everyone will agree that clipped online conversations consisting of "intermittent volleys of confession, gossip and one-liners" are now replacing good old fashioned face to face conversation and "we're in danger of becoming a nation of hyperconnected hermits."
That became very evident to me this last weekend at my houseparty in Pajaro Dunes where we all chose to put away our computers and cell phones momentarily to engage, learn, interact and experience - making for a very memorable and fun time!
Velma
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Las Vegas
I was in Las Vegas last week for the Garth Brooks show at the Wynn. We stayed at Bally's on the strip and because it was NASCAR week, there was a lot of NASCAR activities going on. We arrived Friday afternoon and after check in we walked to the new ARIA. We had tickets to see VIVA Elivis by Cirque Du Soleil. The productions was great and the ARIA has a very fresh/clean feel to it. After the show we had a bite to eat in the Sports Lounge. We tried several small entrees (macaroni and cheese, slidders, nachoes and chicken soup). Food was pretty good and the sports coverage was great.
On Saturday, we visited Toby Keith's I love this American Bar and Grill in Harrah's. More NASCAR events (you really should send your sports car clients to this event!) and we walked to the Paris for lunch. With the tall ceilings and great air circulation you couldn't even smell the smoke, and the outdoor cafe where we had lunch, felt like Paris!
We left for the Wynn at about 6 PM to see Garth Brooks. I could not believe that every seat was taken on the showroom. The show was great and all of the new shows announced thru August 2010 are sold out. A great deal for the Wynn! They offered special room rates and dinner packages with the show tickets.
I look forward to telling all my country western clients about this opportunity.
On Saturday, we visited Toby Keith's I love this American Bar and Grill in Harrah's. More NASCAR events (you really should send your sports car clients to this event!) and we walked to the Paris for lunch. With the tall ceilings and great air circulation you couldn't even smell the smoke, and the outdoor cafe where we had lunch, felt like Paris!
We left for the Wynn at about 6 PM to see Garth Brooks. I could not believe that every seat was taken on the showroom. The show was great and all of the new shows announced thru August 2010 are sold out. A great deal for the Wynn! They offered special room rates and dinner packages with the show tickets.
I look forward to telling all my country western clients about this opportunity.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
ISRAEL - INTERNATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN TOURISM MARKET
The 16th annual 'International Mediterranean Tourism Market' (IMTM) was recently held in February 2010 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Several USA 'hosted buyers' boarded flights from either LAX or JFK - El Al Airlines gateways in the US.
Tour', which included the 'Old City of Jaffa' - where 'St. Peter's church' and spectacular view of the Tel Aviv coastline could be seen. That evening many of us did 'nightclub/bar tours' and called it a night.
The following we all divided up into different buses and did a full-day 'Jerusalem Tour', which included a stop first at the "Yad Vashem" -National Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust.
We continued on to see a panoramic view of Jerualem's Old City from theMount of Olives.
Also, sights included: Entry thru Mt. Zion to see the 'Room of the Last Supper' which we missed; the Christian Quarter with the 'Church of the Holy Sepulcher'; 'Via Dolorosa' - stations of the Cross; the 'Western Wall'-Judaism's most sacred site and some quick shopping in the 'Arab Market'.
Later that evening we stopped at a 'kibbutz' -a collective farm - for appetizers and beverages including wine from their own winery.
It was a full day and we prepared for the following day's tours to either: Galilee area or the Dead Sea area. Since I am a Bible Student, I selected the Galilee area which is the birthplace of Christianity and of course - the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Our 'spiritual journey' day began with a stop in 'Caeserea' - an ancient port city built by King
Herod in tribute to Ceasar of Rome. It was remarkable, especially the miles long aqueduct.
Afterwards we headed to the Mount of Beatitudes - traditional site of Jesus' sermon on the Mount; Tabgha - site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Fishes and Loaves';
We then headed towards Nazareth - the childhood town of Jesus. Passing thru Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine - I later imagined Jesus walking down the hill from Nazareth to Cana to attend the wedding ceremony.
In Nazareth we drove by 'Mary's well' and visited the majestic 'Basilica of the Annuciation' where Mary received word from an angel of the Lord of the Christ Child.
Next to Egypt, this was definitely a 'spiritual journey' I will always treasure...
Several USA 'hosted buyers' boarded flights from either LAX or JFK - El Al Airlines gateways in the US.
Tour', which included the 'Old City of Jaffa' - where 'St. Peter's church' and spectacular view of the Tel Aviv coastline could be seen. That evening many of us did 'nightclub/bar tours' and called it a night.
The following we all divided up into different buses and did a full-day 'Jerusalem Tour', which included a stop first at the "Yad Vashem" -National Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust.
We continued on to see a panoramic view of Jerualem's Old City from theMount of Olives.
Also, sights included: Entry thru Mt. Zion to see the 'Room of the Last Supper' which we missed; the Christian Quarter with the 'Church of the Holy Sepulcher'; 'Via Dolorosa' - stations of the Cross; the 'Western Wall'-Judaism's most sacred site and some quick shopping in the 'Arab Market'.
Later that evening we stopped at a 'kibbutz' -a collective farm - for appetizers and beverages including wine from their own winery.
It was a full day and we prepared for the following day's tours to either: Galilee area or the Dead Sea area. Since I am a Bible Student, I selected the Galilee area which is the birthplace of Christianity and of course - the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Our 'spiritual journey' day began with a stop in 'Caeserea' - an ancient port city built by King
Herod in tribute to Ceasar of Rome. It was remarkable, especially the miles long aqueduct.
Afterwards we headed to the Mount of Beatitudes - traditional site of Jesus' sermon on the Mount; Tabgha - site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Fishes and Loaves';
We then headed towards Nazareth - the childhood town of Jesus. Passing thru Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine - I later imagined Jesus walking down the hill from Nazareth to Cana to attend the wedding ceremony.
In Nazareth we drove by 'Mary's well' and visited the majestic 'Basilica of the Annuciation' where Mary received word from an angel of the Lord of the Christ Child.
Next to Egypt, this was definitely a 'spiritual journey' I will always treasure...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
2010-MOROCCO TRAVEL MART-MARRAKECH
My recent adventure was to the 'Morocco Travel Mart'-MTM in Marrakech, Morocco in January 2010 - invited as a 'hosted buyer' by Morocco tourism.
Here along with 500+ other agents/meeting & event planners - from all over the world - primarily from Europe and France in particular for the third annual event.
We flew into Morocco via Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc which offered warm hospitality in flight aboard our 7-hours flight from JFK.
Attendees were spread out over several 4-and 5-star resort and hotel properties and 'riad' (B&B's) in Marrakech. Our small American group of four were assigned the 5-star 'Eden Andalaou Resortan Spa', the most remote but well-situated with two swimming pools with a spectacular view of the awesome Atlas mountains.
Rooms are Moroccan/French-themed ith arched doorways and well-appointed bathrooms with bidets and tub and showers with either a large sitting sitting or a smaller sitting area with balcony overlooking either the swimming pool and courtyard area or the gardens.
The spa I head was pretty aesome, but due to limited time constraints (and a substantial entry fee just to use the sauna or treadmills), I did not partake but rather enjoyed the serenity poolside.
After we checked into our resort, we made arrangements to take the complimentary shuttle into the city center or 'Jamaa El Fna', where one could arrange a city tour, shop, ride a horse-drawn carriage or eat at one of the many restaurants or riads.
Lunch as a colorful, multi-course delicious meal served on a rooftop riad with the sounds and smells of Marrakech in full-blown sensuality.
After lunch, some of us did the hop-on/hop-off tour which cost $16, and consisted of two mini tours of the 'inner medina' and 'outer medina' - the walled city and the outlying suburbs and 'palmerie'-an area of miles of palm trees that could include a camel ride.
Before or after the tour one could relax in the sqaure - 'Jamaa El Fna' and take in the sights and sounds and even be charmed by snake charmers or admire the lovely children.
Later that evening some of us returned for the 'Night Market' and an opportunity to sample
various made-to-order appetizers and snacks in the area as well as chocolate desserts and mint-laced tea.
Local vendors sold spices, fruits and vegetables, and various souvenirs as live music filled the square. This is a wonderful way to enjoy Marrakech by night.
The following two days it was down to business at the fairgrounds for 'MTM 2010'.
Here buyers attended pre-arranged appointments with various hoteliers, DMCs, tour operators and companies, as well as vendors selling Morrocan-themed spa produtcs and oils and local crafts such as hand-made leather shoes and purses and local clothing. It was nice to squeeze in some shopping in while taking care of business.
In the evening, we were hosted at various luxury resorts/hotels at 'dnners' I would more likely call 'receptions' as they were no seated tables but rather buffet-style setups with hot and cold food items with drinks - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - flowing all evening.
Networking could yield invitations to private functions at other hotels or 'riads' which included full Moroccan dinners and bellydancing.
Attendees also were invited to a local nightclub 'Panach' where many danced until the wee hours of the morning.
The closing gala event at the ultra-luxury 5-star 'Palmiere Palace & Golf Resort' which featured live entertainment and Flamenco dancing and hot and cold buffet items with a seemingly endless open bar with beverages being served in glasses fit for royalty. This definitely was a grand send-off and finale on abeautiful moon-lit evening.
For sure, Marrakech, Morocco has something to offer everyone with such lovely people who are anxious to make your stay memorable.
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