Destination News - North America.

Oct 4, 2009

I had a nice chat recently with Michael Moore, who was promoting his soon-to-be-released film OCapitalism: A Love Story,O a documentary showcasing the ills of corporate greed and exploitation of the common worker. I previewed OCapitalismO last week at a journalistsO screening, so I had many questions to ask the Academy Award-winning American filmmaker. Two of OCapitalismOsO travel-industry motifs haunted me: firstly, should we be afraid to fly on airlines which pay their pilots meager salaries, and secondly, if capitalism is evil, is it likewise evil to enjoy a luxurious cruise or other mirthful getaway when some people canOt afford to do so? Moore interviews pilots in his film who reveal their pay is so low they are living on food stamps. Moore details how Rebecca Shaw N who co-piloted Continental Flight 3407, which crashed in February near Buffalo, N.Y., killing 50 people Nearned an anemic salary of just USD 16,200. She had to take a second job waiting tables at a coffee shop just to make ends meet. I live in Italy part of the year, so I know that commuting this time of year entails flight. I asked Moore which carrier he took to Italy last week when he attended the Venice Film Festival. He confirmed he flew Delta, not by private jet as some Internet charlatans assert. I predicted it wouldnOt be United, ranked last month by Rudy Maxa at The Daily Beast as the carrier having the worst safety record of the ten largest in the US. By Dr. Anton Anderssen at eTN. Oct 2, 2009

Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has planned three expeditions for the 2010-11 Antarctic season. The OClassic AntarcticaO explores the best of the peninsula, including vast penguin and seabird colonies, icebergs and glaciers, and Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel. McClintock will share the changes he has seen over the past 25 years and introduce scientists at Palmer Station. The 14-day Dec. 7 to 20, 2010, is priced from USD 9,995. OAntarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland IslandsO follows the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This itinerary offers close-up views of the king penguin, along with fur and elephant seals. It also includes a visit to an active research station. Departures Dec. 17, 2010, and Jan. 2, 2011, are priced from USD 15,795. The Dec. 17 cruise allows children under 18 to save 50 percent of the cruise price when travelling with an adult, except in suites. A&K also offers 20 percent off when booked by March 31, 2010. For more information, call 800-554-7094 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com/antarctica. Oct 1, 2009

Ambassadors International

Ambassadors International Inc. has commenced an exchange offer for any and all of the companyOs USD 97 million of outstanding 3.75 percent convertible senior notes due 2027. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the exchange offer, the company is offering the following for each USD 1,000 principal amount of convert notes validly tendered: 230.3766 shares of the companyOs common stock plus USD 273.1959 principal amount of the companyOs 10 percent senior secured notes due 2012. If all of the USD 97 million in outstanding convert notes are validly tendered and accepted, the company will issue approximately 22.3 million new shares of common stock, which will represent approximately 66.67 percent of the companyOs outstanding common stock. The company also will issue USD 26.5 million in aggregate principal amount of new notes in the exchange offer, and the companyOs outstanding debt will be reduced by USD 70.5 million. Holders of approximately 59.5 percent of the aggregate principal amount of convert notes have entered into separate exchange offer commitment and support agreements with the company. Interest on the new notes will be payable in kind or in cash, at the companyOs option. Certain of the companyOs existing and future subsidiaries will guarantee the companyOs obligations under the new notes on an unsubordinated, secured basis. The company will not receive any cash proceeds in connection with the exchange offer. The company is making the exchange offer to reduce its outstanding indebtedness and decrease its annual cash interest expense. The company believes that reducing its outstanding debt is appropriate in light of its ongoing restructuring and will promote its long-term financial viability. Moreover, reducing its annual interest expense should make additional cash available to fund operations. The company continues to execute the plan announced in February to focus all capital and efforts on Windstar Cruises and the small-ship luxury segment. The company has completed sales of the housing portion of its travel and events division and its marine group earlier this year and recently entered into two separate definitive agreements to dispose of its Cypress Reinsurance business and sell the Queen of the West to Blue Spruce LLC, an affiliate of American Cruise Lines. For more information, visit www.ambassadors.com. Sep 28, 2009

Amtrak

A new website is now available for Virginia's rail travelers, www.AmtrakVirginia.com, with information on all Amtrak service in Virginia including the new Northeast Regional service that provides expanded transportation choices for travelers. Beginning this fall, new roundtrip Northeast Regional service will be offered from Lynchburg and Richmond to major destinations in the Northeast Corridor, including Philadelphia, New York, Boston and more. The Lynchburg service starts on Oct. 1 and the Richmond service begins in December. Tickets are now available for the Lynchburg service and may be booked at www.Amtrak.com. Passengers who book now through Dec. 16 may take advantage of a fare promotion which offers up to 25 percent off the lowest published coach fare on Northeast Regional service between Lynchburg, Washington, D.C., New York and Boston. Sample one-way fares include USD 66 between Lynchburg and New York and USD 71 between Lynchburg and Boston. In celebration of the new Lynchburg service, a whistle stop tour is scheduled for Sept. 30. For more information, visit www.amtrakvirginia.com/hotdeals.aspx. Reservations are required for travel and must be made at least 14 days in advance of travel. Some restrictions apply. For more information, call 800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com. Sep 28, 2009

Anaheim

The City of Anaheim has launched The Great Anaheim Apps Challenge, a nationwide, online contest that will challenge the public to dream up creative mobile- and web-based OappsO for city services, programs and attractions. The contest runs through Nov. 30. Contest winners and the awarding of more than USD 5,000 in cash and prizes will be announced on Jan. 5, 2010. The contest features five categories: Water & Power, Parks & Recreation, Public Safety, Tourism/Sports/Entertainment, and Anything Anaheim. All U.S. residents age 16 and over are eligible to play. To enter, visit www.anaheimapps.org. For destination information, call 714-765-8888 or visit www.anaheimoc.org. Oct 1, 2009

Carnival Cruise Lines

The five finalists in Carnival Cruise LinesO Virtual Book of Dreams Contest were unveiled Sept. 28 at www.carnivalbookofdreams.com, and public voting is now underway to determine a grand prize winner. The contest invited children between the ages of 7 and 12 to share their dreams in a short essay and accompanying hand-drawn illustration for a chance to become godchild on the Carnival DreamOs waterslide. The winner and family will travel to New York City to christen the Carnival WaterWorks aqua park on the new Carnival Dream in November and also receive a free cruise. The five finalists include four chosen by a panel of judges and one chosen via public voting. The finalists are: ODream Viewing InventionO submitted by Alice, age 10, from Pleasant Hill, Calif.; OGoing to the Moon for VacationO submitted by Amanda, age 10, from Bridgeport, Pa.; OMy Famous PancakeO by Alyssa, age 9, from Napa, Calif.; OSending My Dreams to IraqO submitted by Emily, age 8, from Holly Springs, N.C.; and OWake Me When We LeaveO submitted by Hailee, age 9, from Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Voting is open to the public and is underway at www.carnivalbookofdreams.com. Voting will run through Oct. 4, and the winner will be announced on Oct. 12. For every vote received, Carnival is making a USD 1 donation to St. Jude ChildrenOs Research Hospital up to a maximum contribution of USD 25,000. St. Jude is one of the worldOs premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. For more information, visit www.carnival.com/dream or www.bookccl.com. Sep 29, 2009

Cruise West

Cruise West has added OGold Rush Inside PassageO voyages in 2010 to accommodate growing demand. Bookings for the OGold Rush Inside PassageO have increased 15 percent over sales for the same time period in 2008. To accommodate the demand, the line added two departures for a total of 12 departures. The voyage offers 10 nights for the price of seven with rates starting at USD 3,599 per person, double occupancy before savings. OWe are responding to our guestsO preference for longer cruises embarking or disembarking from a major U.S. port like Seattle,O said Richard Genovese, vice president of sales and marketing for Cruise West. Sep 30, 2009

Cruise West

Cruise West also offers a land tour extension featuring a three-night stay at the 6 million acre Denali National Park and Preserve. For guests seeking a more in-depth and active Denali adventure, the company offers stays at two interior park lodges: Kantishna Roadhouse or North Face Lodge. Those who book and pay in full by Nov. 20 will save up to USD 500 per person. For additional information, call 800-689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com/destinations/alaska. Sep 30, 2009

Cunard

CunardOs Queen Victoria made its inaugural visit to Boston on Sept. 29, and joining the festivities was celebrity chef Todd English, whose eponymous restaurants are featured aboard both Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2. Travel agents, media and local dignitaries, including British Consul-General Phil Budden, were among the guests who enjoyed a lunch prepared by the native Boston chef in his onboard restaurant. Also welcoming Queen Victoria to Boston was Thomas J. Kinton Jr., CEO and executive director of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), and John A. Quelch, MassportOs chairman of the board. For more information, call 800-7-CUNARD or visit www.cunard.com. Sep 29, 2009

Discovery Cruise Line

For the past several years, Discovery Cruise Line has offered a program for military personnel serving in the military overseas. To thank them for their service, Discovery offers those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan at any time during the preceding year a free Discovery day cruise to Grand Bahama Island. The offer, which is valid until Dec. 31, 2011, is for one free roundtrip cruise to Grand Bahama, including a seven-course gourmet dinner in the Grand Bahama Grill, other meals, all service charges, taxes, and Bahamian departure fees. There are no additional costs involved. To register a family member, friend or loved one for the free cruise, simply register that personOs name online at www.DiscoveryCruiseLine.com , and Discovery will mail a receipt and a holiday card for them to pass on to the service man or woman. The receipt will entitle the person to his or her complimentary cruise. The receipt should be presented at the pier at the time of sailing, together with a military ID and a letter from their unit confirming the places of service during the preceding year. Advanced reservations are required. Discovery sails daily from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, departing at 7:45 a.m. and arriving back at the pier at 10 p.m. For more information, call 800-93-SHIPS or visit www.discoverycruiseline.com. Sep 30, 2009

ExploreHawaiiTours.com

Silver week brought the highest number of Japanese tourists to Hawaii since 2005 according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority vice president, David Uchiyama. ExploreHawaiiTours.com experienced a similar influx in the number of tours scheduled during the time period termed Silver Week. ItOs the term applied to a string of Japanese National Holidays that leaves workers with 5 consecutive days off; promoting travel and leisure opportunities. ExploreHawaiiTours.com and other area businesses dependent upon tourism noted the drastic increase and see it as a sign of positive changes that will continue to occur within the Hawaiian tourism industry. Silver Week is created by the following Japanese holidays: - Respect for the Ages Day which is the 3rd Monday of September - Autumnal Equinox Day which is astronomically determined, but typically ends up as September 23 - Kokumin no kyujitsu, which is the day between the two other holidays. Oct 3, 2009

Glacier

Glacier -- This is the only place in the continental U.S. that still has all of the predators that were present when the Europeans first arrived in North America. The Coal Creek area is so remote few marked trails exist, yielding a true wilderness experience. www.austinlehman.com. Oct 1, 2009

Grand Teton

The new Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is a 1,106-acre refuge within the park on the southern end of Phelps Lake. The sights once reserved for a legendary family are now open to the public by accessing an eight-mile network of meadow and forested trails. www.austinlehman.com. Oct 1, 2009

Hawaii

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has lifted a tsunami watch for Hawaii following a magnitude-7.9 undersea earthquake near the Samoa islands The center downgraded the Hawaii watch to an advisory at 10:23 a.m., according to center director Charles McCreery. The Islands remain under a tsunami advisory until 7 p.m., meaning unusual sea levels or currents could occur. The warning center says sea level changes of 3 to 4 feet could take place between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., McCreery said. The quake generated a tsunami that came ashore on American Samoa. Fili Sagapolutele, who works at the Samoa News, said water flowed inland about 100 yards in Pago Pago before receding, leaving cars stuck in mud. There were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. In Hawaii, residents are being urged not to call 911 for updates. Instead, they should monitor the situation on television, radio or news Web sites, said John Cummings of the cityOs Department of Emergency Management. The tsunami watch was declared at 8:05. The quake was located 110 miles east-northeast of Hihifo, Tonga; 125 miles south-southwest of Apia, Samoa; 435 miles north-northeast of Nukualofa, Tonga; and 1,670 miles north-northeast of Auckland, New Zealand. Sep 29, 2009

Holland America Line

The cruise season will begin on November 30 with the arrival of the Dutch cruise "Veendam" from Holland America Line to Montevideo. Sep 30, 2009

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is offering savings from select merchants in and around Los Angeles through Dec. 31 to American Express Cardmembers. The program is a joint effort between American Express and LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. Among the participating merchants: Universal Studios Hollywood is offering 15 percent off general admission. Madame Tussauds Hollywood is offering USD 8 off regular and child admission. Red Line Tours is offering 20 off its ticket prices. At Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at L.A. Live, cardmembers receive a complimentary dessert with the purchase of two entres. For a complete list of the American Express exclusive offers, visit www.amexnetwork.com/losangeles. Oct 2, 2009

Los Angeles

The hulking container ships that ply the Port of Los Angeles already provide Southern California with a major source of revenue. Soon they could also provide the scenery for what port officials hope will be the region's newest tourist destination. Harbor commissioners are set to vote Tuesday on the port's USD 1.2 billion plan to remake the jumbled strip of parking lots, seafood stalls and ramshackle marinas into a seaside promenade bookended by passenger wharfs that could host the world's biggest cruise ships. Planners say the redevelopment would help sustain the gentrification of the adjacent community of San Pedro N where upscale bars and coffee shops share downtown streets with tattoo parlors that have inked generations of longshoremen N and diversify a maritime economy dominated by the shipping industry hit by the economic downturn. Sep 29, 2009

Miami

Miami ranked No. 8 and Fort Lauderdale was No. 19 on the list of most popular U.S. destinations for domestic and international travels, according to the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. Las Vegas took the top spot for U.S. travelers in the first half of 2009. New York City was second in popularity with U.S. travelers taking advantage of the cityOs historically low hotel rates. Six Florida cities [ETH] the most in any one state [ETH] were among the top 10 U.S. cities with the greatest drop in hotel rates. They were Miami (down 21 percent), West Palm Beach (down 19 percent), Fort Lauderdale (down 17 percent), Orlando (down 16 percent), Fort Myers (down 17 percent) and Naples (down 16 percent). In the first half of the year, hotel prices nationwide dropped 17 percent, averaging USD 115 a night, down from USD 139 a night during the same period in 2008, according to the index. The average room price per night in Florida in the first six months of the year was USD 116, down 14 percent from USD 138 in the same year-ago period. Prices were higher in Miami, at USD 140 a night in the first six months of the year, but still down from USD 176 a year earlier. The average price per room in West Palm Beach was USD 130, down from USD 160 last year. The most expensive city was New York, at USD 183 a night, down 30 percent from USD 261 a year ago. The least expensive room rate was in Nevada, at USD 77 a night, down 29 percent from USD 108 last year. Miami and Fort Lauderdale also ranked among the top 20destinations for international travelers, ranking fourth and 12th, respectively. Sep 30, 2009

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering last-minute deals on select Caribbean cruises, with fares starting at USD 249. MSC Poesia operates five- and 10-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Panama roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. Eligible sailings include: the 10-night ODazzling Dutch Caribbean & the Panama CanalO Baseball Greats Cruise departing Nov. 20, rates begin at USD 649; the 10-night OTropical Splendors, European CharmO cruise departing Nov. 30, rates begin at USD 599; the 10-night ORemarkable Rainforests & the Panama CanalO voyage departing Dec. 10, rates start at USD 599; and the five-night OCaribbean EscapeO departing Nov. 10 and Nov. 15, rates begin at USD 249. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com. Oct 2, 2009

MSC Cruises

MSC CruisesO has named the baseball players that who sail on its five OBaseball GreatsO theme cruises on the MSC Poesia during the 2009-10 Caribbean cruise season. Each OBaseball GreatsO sailing includes free interactive guest/player activities, such as a player-hosted trivia game in on baseball knowledge, question-and-answer sessions with the players, a guest pitching contest and a story-telling session. Players will also host pitching, hitting, fielding and base running clinics. Perhaps the most popular activity is the free autograph session at the end of the cruise. The OBaseball GreatsO theme cruises are roundtrips from Fort Lauderdale. Following is the list of the itinerary and players to sail: Nov. 20, 10-night Southern Caribbean featuring Panama -- Bob Feller, Cito Gaston, Frank Howard, Stan Bahnsen and Bill Russell; Jan. 16, seven-night Western Caribbean -- Hector Lopez, Ken Griffey Sr., Stan Bahnsen, Jeff Torborg and Cookie Rojas; Feb. 6, seven-night Western Caribbean -- Tony Oliva, Jim Fregosi, Rudy May, Stan Bahnsen and Ed Kranepool; March 6, seven-night Eastern Caribbean -- Amos Otis, Stan Bahnsen, Vida Blue, Rennie Stennet and Rico Petrocelli; April 3, seven-night Eastern Caribbean -- Stan Bahnsen, Tony Taylor, Gorman Thomas and Randy Hundley. Players are subject to change without notice. Cruise-only rates begin at USD 549 per person, double occupancy (government fees and taxes are additional). Kids age 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. Cruises can be booked with a USD 100-per-person deposit. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com. Oct 1, 2009

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering more than 60 percent off retail rates on select seven-night sailings of MSC Poesia in the Caribbean. The cruise-only OWinter GetawayO rates begin at USD 399 per person, double occupancy, for residents of the U.S. and Canada. The limited-time rates are available on the following OEastern Caribbean EnchantmentO departing Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 9, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30, calling at San Juan, St. Maarten, Tortola and Nassau; rates begin at USD 399. The offer is also good on the OIsland Treasures & Ancient TemplesO and OBaseball GreatsO voyages departing Fort Lauderdale Jan. 16 and Feb. 6, calling at Key West, Playa del Carmen, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and Nassau; rates begin at USD 469. The OWinter GetawayO offer is available on new bookings made by Oct. 31. Kids under the age of 17 sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults (government fees and taxes for all guests are additional). For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com. Sep 29, 2009

National Parks

ALA destinations include national parks and backcountry regions of North, Central and South America as well as southern Africa and Europe. New trips slated for 2010 include cycling trips in South DakotaOs Black Hills (including a visit to Wind Cave National Park), UtahOs Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, MontanaOs Glacier Park, WyomingOs Grand Tetons and a Greek Isles trip that features multisport adventures such as kayaking, hiking, biking and cultural exploration. For more information, call 800-575-1540 or visit www.austinlehman.com. Oct 1, 2009

New Orleans

Hosting a number of Halloween festivals such as Krewe of Boo (Oct. 24), Boo at the Zoo (Oct. 23 to 25), the VooDoo Music Experience (Oct. 30 to Nov. 1), and Halloween New Orleans (Oct. 29 to Nov. 1), come celebrate down in Boo Orleans and partake in the fun. This year, the Krewe of Boo is celebrating its second annual parade produced by Blaine KernOs Mardi Gras World, Lenny Kravitz has joined the impressive lineup at the VooDoo Music Experience, and Halloween New Orleans proceeds will go to Project Lazarus. Among the offers is the Halloween Murder Mystery Weekend at the Hotel Monteleone (www.hotelmonteleone.com) ; A Scary Good Deal at the Hampton Inn Downtown/French Quarter (www.hampton.com) ; We Love Bugs, available at Marriott Hotels (www.marriott.com) ; Halloween Romance at Le Pavillon Hotel (www.lepavillon.com) ; Blue Dog Experience, available at the Omni Royal Orleans (www.omnihotels.com) ; and Mommy Knows Best, available at 1870 Banana Courtyard French Quarter B & B (www.bananacourtyard.com) . Additional deals and promotions available during the month of October can be found at www.neworleanscvb.com. Sep 29, 2009

New York

NYC & Company and Warner Bros. Pictures have partnered to transform New York City into an urban forest in celebration of the highly anticipated, motion picture adaptation of one of the most beloved childrenOs books of all time, OWhere the Wild Things Are.O From Monday, Oct. 12 to Friday, Oct. 16, New York CityOs five boroughs will host a number of cultural events, special exhibits, celebrity appearances, promotional giveaways, outdoor adventures, and OwildO festivities leading up to the filmOs national release. Directed by Spike Jonze, OWhere the Wild Things AreO was adapted for the big screen with the help of Dave Eggers, and based on the original book by Maurice Sendak. During OWild Things Week in NYC,O fans young and old are invited to explore their creative side and let their imaginations run wild. For a complete list of readings, exhibitions, and childrenOs programs, visit www.nycgo.com/wildthingsweek. Oct 2, 2009

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line will replace its scales in Valparaiso due to high prices paid in Chilean terminals added because of the world economic crisis and the impossibility to operate its own casinos in ships and because of the lack of a guiding organization of the industry in Chile. Its withdrawal means that for the next season less than 24,000 tourists will arrive. Sep 30, 2009

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Commission on Sept. 28 will unveil a sustainable travel initiative at the Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. The first-of-its-kind program will involve partnerships between state agencies, an international non-profit, and businesses across the state, and will impact tourism in Oklahoma for both consumers and the industry. A news conference will be held by Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, chair of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Commission, and Hardy Watkins, executive director of the tourism department. For more information, visit www.travelok.com. Sep 28, 2009

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises and Cruise Critic named the winner of their contest to find the most romantic love story set at sea. Tracey Pettit, of Rocklin, Calif., won the top spot and a seven-day Princess cruise to the Caribbean. OWe are absolutely thrilled to win,O said Pettit. OIOm very glad my mother-in-law told me about the contest -- I had so much fun writing the story, and we have a great story to share. WeOre coming up on the 10th anniversary of when we met, so it was very serendipitous that the contest came at this time. We feel very blessed to have met on a Princess ship, and we always tell people that we met on the Love Boat.O Her entry was one of more than 100 stories submitted and posted on the Cruise Critic site. The romantic stories chronicled onboard meetings, marriage proposals, weddings at sea and vow renewals. The top five stories were selected by Gavin MacLeod, PrincessO ambassador and member of the lineOs ODepartment of Romance,O and Cruise Critic editor-in-chief Carolyn Spencer Brown. People were then invited to vote for their favorite story from the five finalists. The other finalists in the competition will receive DVD copies of OThe Love BoatO television series. PettitOs story can be found at www.princess.com/romance. Sep 30, 2009

Space Adventures

Space Adventures, the only tour company so far to actually send its clients into space, launched Guy Lalibert, founder of Cirque du Soleil, and his crew aboard a Soyuz-TMA spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station (ISS). Lalibert joins the Expedition 21 crew, which includes Russian cosmonaut Maksim Surayev and NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams. During his 10-day stay at the ISS, Lalibert will share information about water-related issues through an artistic and poetic mission, themed "Moving Stars and Earth for Water.O The message he transmits from space will raise awareness for the One Drop Foundation. The centerpiece event will take place on Oct. 9 from space and in 14 cities simultaneously around the world, beginning at 8 p.m. (ET). A poem written by Canadian author Yann Martel will be delivered piece by piece, one destination at a time. The event will broadcast live on www.onedrop.org. Sep 28, 2009

Star Clippers

Star Clippers is offering reduced air fare of USD 395 between Los Angeles and Phuket, Thailand, with a seven-night Phuket roundtrip cruise aboard Star Clipper and a four-night post-cruise hotel stay in Bangkok. The 11-night Far East cruise-tour is available on select sailings from December through February. While the roundtrip air between Los Angeles, Phuket and Bangkok is being offered for USD 395 per person, other departure cities are available upon request at higher, yet still reduced, rates. In addition to exploring ports in Thailand, the ship takes guests to Penang or Langkawi in Malaysia. The seven-night Phuket Southern Route sailing includes calls at Butang Group, Ko Adang, Ko Khai Nok, Phang Nga/Ko Hong and Similan Islands in Thailand, and Penang. The seven-night Northern Route sailing calls at Surin Islands, Similan Islands, Hin Daeng/Ko Rok Nok, Ko Kraden, Phang Nga/Ko Khai Nok in Thailand and Langkawi. The four-night post-cruise hotel package in Bangkok includes a stay at the five-star Montien Riverside Hotel, breakfast daily, a half-day city tour, a cultural dinner show, the short flight between Phuket and Bangkok and transfers. Optional add-on tours are available. Pricing for the 11-night cruise-tour begins at USD 2,470 per person, double occupancy, and includes the round-trip air from Los Angeles, seven-night cruise and stay in Bangkok. Port charges and air tax are additional. An optional pre-cruise two-night Hong Kong package also is available to add on to the cruise tour to make it a 13-night Far East trip. The package includes a two-night hotel stay, breakfast daily, a half-day city tour and transfers between the hotel and the airport for the flight to join the ship in Phuket. Prices for the Hong Kong package begin at USD 345 per person, double occupancy. For more information, call 800-442-0556 or visit www.starclippers.com. Sep 29, 2009

Thailand

About 400 overseas participants, including operators and owners of Thai restaurants overseas, are expected to join the five-day project called "Amazing Tastes of Thailand" being organized between September 22-27, 2009 at Central World Bangkok and major provinces in Thailand. The project is designed to capitalize on and further enhance the global popularity of Thai cuisine, boost exports of Thai agricultural products, and help visitors enjoy a higher quality of culinary experience across the vast range of dining options in the kingdom. It is being jointly organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Department of Export Promotion, Thai Hotels Association, Association of Domestic Travel, and Thai Restaurant Association. The participants will also include restaurant managers, chefs specializing in Thai and other cuisines, as well as food critics and writers. Geographically, they hail from east Asian countries (158); ASEAN and south Asia and south Pacific (89); Europe, Africa, and Middle East (134); and America (42). In addition, a number of celebrity chefs have also been invited to join, such as Mr. Michael Lam, owner and chef of Formosa vegetarian restaurant in Hong Kong; Ms. Luyong Kunaksorn, owner of A-Roy Thai restaurant in Singapore; Madame Dzoan Cam Van, who has her own cooking show on Vietnamese TV; Mr. Roland Durand, owner of Passiflore restaurant in France who spent several years in Thailand; Mr. Warach Lacharojana, chef of Sea & Spice restaurant in New York; and Mr. Jet Tila, a connoisseur of Thai dining in Los Angeles. Oct 5, 2009

Utah

Fisher Towers near Arches -- Located 20 miles northeast of Moab, Utah, it is one of the least visited but most scenic landscapes along the Colorado River. An easy 4.4-mile roundtrip hike reveals strange monoliths grouped together like petrified skyscrapers from some prehistoric city. www.austinlehman.com. Oct 1, 2009

Variety Cruises

Variety Cruises in 2010 will sail EgyptOs Red Sea, GreeceOs lesser-known islands and the Adriatic Coast of Venice and Croatia. ORed Sea WondersO is a seven-night voyage in the Red Sea near Egypt on the Harmony V. The voyages operate from November through April; fares start at USD 1,990 per person. On the Adriatic, the refurbished Pegasus will operate seven-night cruises from Venice, Italy or Split, Croatia. The cruise operates June through August and is priced from USD 2,690 per person. The seven-night OClassical GreeceO voyage visits Aegean islands, Crete and continental Greece on the Harmony V from April through October 2010. Fares start at USD 2,150. The Harmony G will operate the seven-night OAegean OdysseyO to the Cycladic Islands, including sites of Kusadasi for Ephesus, Patmos and Samos, from April through October 2010. Fares start at USD 1,935. The seven-night OJewels of the CycladesO cruises southeast of mainland Greece on the Galileo to Poros, Kimolos, Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Kea and Sounion. The cruise operates April through October 2010, and fares start at USD 1,530. The company also will operate an all-gay cruise to the Greek Islands, departing Aug. 20 on the Panorama sail cruise. The seven-day cruise will explore Mykonos, Santorini and other Greek islands. Fares start at USD 2,290. For more information, visit www.varietycruises.com. Sep 30, 2009

Voyages of Discovery

All Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature an enrichment program featuring historians, diplomats, scientists and naturalists. Scheduled guest speakers include Air Chief Marshall Sir Richard Johns; Derek Blundell, emeritus professor of geophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London; and Prof. Richard Wilson, host of the BBCOs OWriters and PlacesO series. The company invested USD 3.5 million to update and improve the vessel over the last two years, and a further USD 3.5 million will be spent this year. From late May to late August next year, a majority of Voyages of DiscoveryOs summer cruises will sail round trip from Harwich, a port near London. Cruise-tour packages feature two hotel nights in London pre- or post-cruise and a half-day sightseeing tour. Sep 30, 2009

Yellowstone

The Bechler-Falls River Basin in the southwest corner offers some of the most beautiful waterfalls plus therapeutic soaking in Mr. Bubbles hot spring as the ground shakes underneath. www.austinlehman.com. Oct 1, 2009

Zion

Grab a bike and pedal Kolob Terrace Road, slicing through the middle of the park between Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons, dropping 4,400 feet in 18 wild, traffic-free miles. www.austinlehman.com. Oct 1, 2009

ZZ AirGuide 091005

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