Stories about a crew member jumping from a cruise ship in Miami harbor to escape immigration issues are not very exciting and reflect badly on the whole immigration thing but if a person bothers  to read the whole article it's pretty easy to infer what really happened.

A crew member, not a passenger, took a flyer off the back end of Royal Caribbeans Majesty of the Sea as it was approaching Miami harbor. Why? No one is talking right now but the ship did what it was supposed to do, radioed the Coast Guard with a "man overboard" call, turned around and assisted in pinpointing the man in the water. The Coast Guard picked him up and he is now in a Miami hospital being treated for injuries sustained by a seawater enema.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and the other cruise operators that take us on water-borne adventures work really hard to ensure their passengers comfort and safety. These ships are so majestic in size that anything that happens on them can get totally blown out of proportion.

When headlines like these appear the cruise PR firms go into damage control mode.  Just a whisper of any kind of trouble on a cruise ship can effect thousands of bookings, many resulting in canceled cruises from the nervous Nellies among us. That costs the cruise line money, money that is later made up by rate increases passed on to the consumer.

All because some reporter needed some drama for a non-story.

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So if I go I will write about the adventures of Low-Carbers on a cruise ship. Should be interesting. Real Low-Carb Houswives of ?

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Retirement is a strange concept for me but I couldn't have picked a better place. Visiting here from Scottsdale, Arizona, (a mere hour and a half away) for past 25 years to camp, hike, fish, or just to sit on my Mother's deck enjoying cool mountain breezes and pine scented air (she moved here from MO in 2003).

To me, it seemed the day would never come. Over the years my wife and I would sit at a table in the Payson Airport restaurant (Crosswinds) with a gorgeous view of the rim, real estate brochures spread out among the remnants of biscuits and gravy. I always hoped I would be fortunate enough to actually live here someday. Well, here I am!

As good a place as Payson is for high country Arizona vacations, even those of us fortunate enough to live here year-round will want to consider a cruise in their future travel plans. Cruising is my choice for vacations away from home and like Ken I look for cruise lines just like MSC Cruises featuring "traditional hospitality in a comfortable, uniqe setting." Ships like the Lirica, smaller ships that offer the best service. You can cover a lot of ground(sea) while ensconced in the luxury of your stateroom.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Payson weather is great all year long so you never miss much even if gone for a whole month! And, you have the flexibility to travel in off season or shoulder, not just summer when everyone else is doing it too!

Cruising is always an adventure and I havn't yet met the cruise ship I didn't like.

Thanks Ken!

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Now wouldn't that be an interesting headline and a passel of PR for Crystal Cruises? They could kick-off their first Golf-Themed cruise to Hong Kong and Singapore (with a stop in Vietnam) with a salute to Vietnam vets represented by yours truly. Be one of the fortunate few to sail on the luxurious Crystal Symphony accompanied by a former-marine, Vietnam vet, golfer and golf-oriented travel agent! An 11 day adventure by sea into Asia, transported in first-class style with a special group of people on a journey through Asia unlike any other. Pausing with a stop in a country that was once in turmoil, now on the list of places to see before you die, this cruise will be special. No doubt, the golf trip of a lifetime aboard the world's most luxurious floating caddy – the Crystal Symphony. Are you listening Crystal Cruises PR people?

More Like A Comfortable Small Town Than A Ship At Sea

A truly astounding ship, only 922 passengers and one of the most spacious cruise ships at sea. No worries of being hip-checked out of the desert que by an overeager youngster and the most spacious accommodations you will find at sea. First-class amenities are just too many to list but include: grand lounges, full-service fitness facility, Crystal casino, Feng Shui-inspired spa, 360° teak Promenade Deck, two pools, Jacuzzi®,award-winning cuisine and entertainment, in addition to, elegantly appointed staterooms most with private verandas. Make your reservation now and be one of the select few people to experience this once in a lifetime cruise aboard The Crystal Symphony – Departing April 20 – 11 Days, Hong Kong to Singapore, it's the "mother" of all golf cruises!

As a Vietnam veteran from the years 1969-70 I was blown away when I saw this golf cruise itinerary offered by Crystal Cruises. Memories of China Beach, DaNang, Marble Mountain all came flooding back – but I visualized them with all ravages of war removed, a peaceful scene with people leading normal lives, after that stupid war was long over. I would dearly love to see that very same area again – this time ducking only at the sound of some other golfer yelling FORE! while playing golf at the Montgomerie Links near DaNang! 

Forty-three years ago – October 14th, 1969, somewhere near the city of Hue, Republic of S. Vietnam – A U.S. convoy of ammo and supplies is headed south on Hwy 1 when it is suddenly ambushed by regular NVA troops and this marine is suddenly caught in a deadly cross-fire. After a fierce, but brief, fire-fight, the attackers are driven back into the hills and I am more surprised than hurt when my buddy tells me I'm bleeding. Transported by medi-vac helicopter to a M.A.S.H. unit at China Beach to be treated for an extremely minor and embarassing wound I am never the less looking forward to seeing the "Beach" again.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The real China Beach was a refreshing (safe) place to let go after the rigors of combat. Only on this visit instead of sipping beer on the beach and playing grab-ass with my squad buddies -  I found myself playing checkers with my ward-mate while reclining on a cot under the flaps of a Mobile Army Tent (circa 1950 Korea). No matter, I had clean sheets and a clean body for once.

Back home safely after a 14 month tour I remember thinking that I would like to go back to Vietnam, not another tour as a combat engineer, (that would have been pushing my luck) but as a civilian coming to visit a peaceful and beautiful Vietnam. I realized that someday, after the memories of war and loss had faded I would need to go back, just like a lot of us already have. I would love to experience the new Vietnam, especially on an itinerary as awesome as this. But alas, it's not in the cards. It's not a particularly expensive trip and worth every penny considering what is included but…

Wait a sec! Maybe I could get Crystal Cruises to sponsor me! We could do this heart-warming human interest story about a marines' return to Vietnam – just like what's done with the WWII guys that go to Normandy. Emotional, but you gotta do it. This could be very good PR for Crystal Cruises and their Asian tour partners, hotels, golf courses, etc. As this is their maiden golf tour to Asia they could use the extra promotion a story like this might provide and it would cost them virtually nothing, for this one I could live on bread and water! I can see it now, a Crystal press release that reads:  Disabled ex-marine, Vietnam vet and avid golfer returns to Vietnam on the maiden voyage of the Crystal Symphony's golf tour to Asia.

Maybe if I played my cards right I could sweet talk Crystal Cruises and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to invite me on this spectacular journey of Asia. They could easily do it, after all I am also an accredited travel agent with an affluent golfer following from all my years promoting golf packages to Scottsdale, Arizona where I am from. It would be a real treat to see a healed Vietnam, play a terrific Colin Montgomerie Links and enjoy the beauty of Vietnam without all the distractions of war.

I will keep you posted on my sponsorship efforts but don't hold your breath, I imagine it will be a sell-out sailing – it's just that good. But, you just never know, they might have a cot in the boiler room I could use. While I wait to hear about that here is the Crystal Symphony's golf itinerary to enjoy and salivate over. 

If you like what you see (you will) call the cruise AND golf experts at AZ Trails Travel to reserve your spot on this awesome sailing with Crystal Cruises.

Additional Resources:

Vietnam Golf & Country Club

Laem Chabang International Country Club

Burapha Golf Club 

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With all the changes in current economic conditions, I felt it appropriate to offer the readers of this blog an inside look at what is going on in the travel industry these days. No matter the challenges of our current environment, people still feel the need, and deserve the opportunity, to get away and remind themselves about the importance of family, relaxation and fun. So, where are the deals and what should readers be looking for?

For international travel, one of the best deals these days is cruising. Cruises are paid for in US dollars, so if you desire to travel internationally, especially Europe, this is your best bet for value. However, one misperception is that if you wait until the last minute you’ll get a better price. This is not necessarily true. Yes, there are deals and discounts in the market from many of what are termed the “mass market” cruise lines. However, for popular or exotic itineraries, waiting until the last minute may well find you shut out of your vacation. In addition, by waiting until last minute to book your cruise, the savings you gain may well be lost on what you’ll pay for last minute airfare. Trips to the Mexican Riviera are still selling out months ahead of time and exotic trips like South America, the Galapagos Islands, and some European itineraries are offering value added packages rather than discounting fares, especially on the premium and luxury cruise lines. These value added packages include incentives like onboard credits, including shore excursions as part of the price, discounting deposits or offering onboard discount coupons for services. What some people do not realize, is that if the cruise line does drop the price of your cruise, for the exact same cabin type you have booked, clients or their travel agents can request a price adjustment to the lower cost prior to final payment. Thus the advantage of booking early – you get better cabin selection and the benefit of any added promotional discounts!

Another option when shopping for a good deal on a cruise is to check with a professional travel agency that is affiliated with a reputable consortia, (this is not an online agency). These organizations set up several hundred cruises a year offering additional benefits to bring value to your vacation. Those benefits may include additional onboard credits, complimentary shore excursions, and private bon voyage parties in addition to a dedicated host for your cruise. These deals are not available through the cruise line websites or discount cruise sites.

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This is the headline the media wanted to use in this story. Fortunately, it is not true so they had to settle for something a bit less dramatic, "Ocean Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 Runs Aground" Not quite as sensational as the visual of people thrashing around in a black sea but enough to make you read further. Those who do so will be happy to learn that the passengers, crew and ship reached port safely. But for those who read only the headlines – all it takes is just one insecure, headline skimmer looking to be the first to bring the bad news, thereby drawing attention to themselves with a story that is based on half truth. Usually about the second paragraph they get to boring part of the story, no lives lost, no damage – yawn!

Admit it! Didn't my headline want you to read the rest of the story? What if the headline was "QE2 Drifts Into Shallow Sand Bar While Entering Southhampton Port – No Injuries To Passengers Or Crew Reported," would you still read the story? 

Here are the facts:

Yes, the ship did briefly run aground on a sand bar, but with the help of the tide and a tug it was soon on it's way again and is now docked safely at it's port in Southhampton, England.

The historic ship was on it's final voyage home, headed to the refit shop to undergo conversion to a hotel, after 40 years of impeccable service and over two dozen round-the-world voyages. The next time you see her will be as a luxury hotel, part of Dubai's Atlantis.

There were no injuries and no damage was sustained to the ship.

Prince Phillip will make a brief appearance to say farewell before the ship heads to Dubai

Watch the video as the majestic QE2 leaves New York for the last time.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Oasis Of The Seas

By Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

Re-invents the luxury cruise ship with the latest in state-of-the-art comfort, safety, amenities, navigation and much more! Royal Caribbean likes to say "we build incredible" and I have to say, wholeheartedly that I agree! With this newest addition to their line of luxury cruise ships, Oasis Of The Seas, a ship that has been years in the making and  started out as a top-secret program called "Project Genesis."

It is unlike any other ship afloat. Starting in the fall of 2009 (update: The Oasis has sailed, after extensive and "flawless" sea trials, from her shipyard in Norway and is currently at sea, sailing to her home port of Ft. Everglades, Florida, scheduled to arrive there on Nov 10, 2009.)

This mega-cruise ship, the largest seagoing vessel of all time, features "Neighborhoods", a unique new concept in cruise ship design offering a collection of amazing experiences where entertainment areas become neighborhoods and suites become lofts.

A Cruise Ship That Challenges The Imagination

By introducing the first "Neighborhood" concept in cruising, Royal Caribbean is singlehandedly reinventing the cruise ship. Oasis of the Seas is not just a ship, take a look at some of the newest "experiences" on board:

Central Park – a public space that combines nature with nautical that will enchant you with it's Town Square Theme, evolving from a peaceful atmosphere during daylight hours, transformed into a dining, entertainment and street carnival atmosphere at night. Central Park is open to the sky and brings the outdoors to six decks of staterooms overlooking the park.

Royal Promenade – The heart of the ship. With a mezzanine level that overlooks the space below and adds to the overall excitement of the Promenade. It features Rising Tide, a bar that rises up and descends through three decks and enough shops and restaurants to dazzle even the most seasoned cruiser. With it's parades, nightlife and entertainment for everyone it's a destination all it's own.

Boardwalk – Featuring AquaTheater - The Boardwalk entertainment area of the ship is dedicated to family fun and nostalgia. Featuring the first ever Carousel at sea Boardwalk is all about games, amusement and attractions for the whole family. AquaTheater is a spectacular water show that will mesmerize audiences with high-diving performances and water acrobats. A sundeck to relax by during the day and a theater by night.

Loft Suites – Onboard urban living at sea with multilevel loft suites which can be combined to offer up to 2,000 square feet of living space. These new suites redefine cruise accommodations with an open, high ceiling design, contemporary furnishings in vibrant, ocean-inspired colors and breathtaking views provided by floor to ceiling windows.

A Cruise Ship Unlike Any Other

There are not enough words to describe just how unique and exciting this ship promises to be. Come along on an adventure at sea that only a few get to realize.  Seize your opportunity to sail on the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 passengers, and feature 2,700 staterooms.

Contact a Royal Caribbean Certified Vacation Planner today!

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A Cruise Vacation Is Perfect For Any Occasion

Each year another luxury ship or two leaves dry dock for the first time and to be aboard  a cruise ship on it's that is a maiden voyage is an experience of a lifetime! Each new cruise ship to hit the waves proclaims itself as, Bigger! More technologically enhanced!, safer!, equipped with all the newest state- of- the- art navigation systems and stabilizing designs for your comfort and safety on the high seas. All of the latest amenities, themed attractions and on-board activities of the current crop of new cruise ships, both for adults and children, will astound you!

Go On A Cooking Cruise With Wolfgang Puck!

Truly there is a cruise now for just about any destination, theme or passenger capacity. From Hawaii to the Caribbean, to the canals of Venice, Italy and Rhine River in Germany. Take an intimate barge cruise through the Lorraine Valley of France or take a scenic fall cruise through the Northeastern United States as the leaves change color. Watch calving glaciers as you cruise the Inside Passage of Alaska or take a cooking cruise with Wolfgang Puck!

The beauty of being on a cruise ship (besides only unpacking once), your choice of activities is almost unlimited. Why travel by air when you see the world via a cruise ship. No need to rush around from terminal to terminal, packing and unpacking, switching hotels every two days.  With friendly, professional staff to serve your every need, a cruise makes the perfect choice for your next vacation or holiday.

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