NCL SUN 0001

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Norwegian Cruise Lines Sun

Norwegian Cruise Line’s

Sun

Ship Tour

February 26, 2011

Links (Click to view)

View the Live Web Cam

View the 360 Virtual Tour

NCL has a new program called ‘Let’s Have Lunch”.  It’s a great program that allows travel agents to tour the ship and have lunch while it’s in port for the day.

 I picked up my friend Beth and we headed over to Port Canaveral, which is a 2.5 hour ride directly across Florida from my location.  We had no traffic so we arrived at the pier, parked and headed to the terminal a few minutes after 10am.  Security directed us to the ‘crew entrance’; it was nice they actually expected us! So many times I sign up for ship tours and when you arrive at the pier they are surprised to see you and have no idea where to send you.

With little delay we boarded the ship which had re-entered service one month ago after undergoing a multi-million dollar 12-day dry dock. The Freestyle Cruising ship received enhancements to its public areas, suites and restaurants. Following on the popularity of the Brazilian steakhouse that debuted on Norwegian Epic, the Moderno Churrascaria has been added as a new on-board restaurant. Guests can sample a variety of skewered meats presented by tableside passadors, as well as a salad bar. Additional updates and enhancements were made to some of the back-of-house areas of the ship to increase efficiencies.

We were greeted by Bruno Dentone part of the hospitality staff, who gave us permission to enter any cabins and take pictures as the ship was empty of passengers. We were to meet in 2 hours at the Seven Seas Dining room.

Beth and I decided to check out the Owners Suites on Deck 11. They were spacious as you would expect. The theme was upscale and comfortable.  The room was complete with

a cappuccino machine in the living room and champagne chilling in the bedroom.  The bathroom was huge by any cruise ship standards, it even had a full size Jacuzzi bathtub.

Since the forty travel agents were allowed to roam freely, we didn’t have the bottle neck of bodies all trying to see the same stateroom.  We toured all classes of staterooms including balcony, ocean view and inside cabins. I was surprised at the size of the deluxe and superior inside staterooms, at 172 and 191 sq. feet each, they were larger than we had seen previously.

Within an hour we had seen the cabins and moved on to the public rooms just as the bells were sounding to announce the arrival of the guests. It was great fun to see the passengers giddy with excitement at the start of their week long cruise. 

We toured the public venues including the casino, lounges, eateries, spa, fitness center and theater.  The ship had the brand new feeling in all the public areas. It is nicely themed and relaxing. The restaurants were all very well themed and decorated to each category, whether it was an Italian, French or Brazilian restaurant.

We met for lunch in the main dining room, Seven Seas, which we enjoyed. We were served rib eye steak, salmon, lobster bisque, goat cheese and potato gratin, along with wine and a decadent chocolate cake.

After lunch we visited the Observation Lounge on deck 12, enjoyed meeting our Business Development Manager for a brief Q & A and then it was time to disembark. This was the hardest part of the day! We were tempted sail as stow-a-ways for the week!

Here is some background on the Sun

78,000 Tons

848 length

195 beam

1936 passengers (double occupancy)

950 crew

Home port is Port Canaveral October to April 2011 and 2012. Summers she sails in Europe.

Currently sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises which can be combined for a 14 day back to back sailing experience.

State-of-the-art fitness center, a sports court, bars and lounges of all kinds, pools, hot tubs, kid’s centers, teen discos and more are all on board and included in your cruise fare.

Restaurants

There are several options for dining that do not require an up charge. These restaurants offer great food and as always are a great choice.  They are:

Four Seasons Main Dining Room

Garden Café Buffet

Great Outdoor Café

Las Ramblas Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Seven Seas Main Dining Room

Four Seas Dining Room

Room Service

If you are celebrating a special occasion during your cruise you may like trying one of the upscale dining options. These require an up charge (listed) and reservations.  They are:

East Meets West Steakhouse $25 pp    

East Meets West Steakhouse Photos and Highlights

HIDE

East Meets West Steakhouse

Where the exotic meets the familiar in a fusion of Pan Asian Cuisine. A "Pick Your own Lobster" tank is a good example of just how fresh the ingredients are here. Rumor has it the Tempura Chocolate Cake is delish.

Ginza Sushi $15 pp

Il Adagio Italian Restaurant $10 pp

Le Bistro French Restaurant $20 pp

Moderno Churrascaria~Brazilian Steakhouse $20 pp

Teppanyaki $25 pp

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Kilimanjaro Safari

Here is a short video of our safari in Animal Kingdom.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmUHNIp4VvM


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Animal Kingdom Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King, a high energy tribal celebration with music, dance and audience participation, is located in Camp Minnie Mickey.

Show times vary by date and time of year; check your Time Guide for the showings on your visit.  The show runs for 30 minutes. It is suggested that you arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.  Please don’t be those people who arrive as the show is starting and traipse through the theater to get to your seat.

This is the best show in Walt Disney World by far! Finding Nemo is great too.

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ESPN The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios March 3-6, 2011

ESPN The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Catch some of your favorite ESPN shows and over 35 star athletes and ESPN on air personalities at Disney's Hollywood Studios for ESPN The Weekend. March 3-6, 2011. You also catch some spring training games while you are there.

Here is a full list of who will be on hand that weekend.
http://espn.go.com/espntheweekend/?int_cmp=SOC-intDPFY11Q2espnweekend16-02-11@0006#/whoscoming

Get full details here.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/02/star-studded-lineup-unveiled-for-espn-the-weekend/



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Disney’s Magical Express ~ How it works~

Disney’s Magical Express ~ How it works~

Disney’s Magical Express, is complimentary roundtrip airport transportation and luggage delivery for Guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels. 

Arriving at Orlando Airport
Upon landing at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and proceed to the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center in the Main Terminal Building, B side, Level 1.

Disney's Magical Express service will collect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 3 hours after you check in at the resort. Luggage delivery service provided by Disney's Magical Express is available for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. For airport arrivals after 10:00 pm, Guests may collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motor coach. 

Make sure to pack a ‘carry-on’ bag with anything you will need prior to the delivery of your bags, such as, medicine, sun block, etc.  If your flight is arriving in the evening and you are not sure you will have your bags in time for bed, pack some pjs and toiletries in the carry-on bag. If you prefer to collect your own bags, you can do that too! Grab your bags and head to the Magical Express Welcome Center.
 

International Guests flying into Orlando International Airport from another country must follow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection process and claim luggage after disembarking the plane. After completing the process, proceed to the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center in the Main Terminal Building, B side, Level 1. Disney's Magical Express service will recollect your luggage and deliver it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within 4 hours after you check in at the resort.

Departing Disney World
As your vacation draws to a close; you'll receive a Transportation Notice advising you of the pick-up time and place for your motor coach ride back to Orlando International Airport. Please note that it is your responsibility to bring your luggage to the pick-up point.

Please note that you cannot reserve the luggage service exclusively. You must be present on the motor coach to have your luggage transported to a Walt Disney World hotel.

Resort Airline Check-In Service

If you're departing domestically on a designated airline, enjoy the convenience of our Resort Airline Check-in Service, which allows you to receive your return boarding pass and check luggage at your Walt Disney World hotel, bypassing airport check-in completely.

Simply visit the Resort Airline Check-In Desk located at your Walt Disney World hotel at least 3 hours prior to your flight departure time. A valid government issued photo I.D. and your hotel room key are required to participate.

Resort Airline Check-In Service is available with the following airline carriers:

AirTran

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

Continental Airlines

Delta Air Lines

JetBlue Airways

Southwest Airlines

United Airlines

US Airways

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HGTV to sponsor Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

There is a new sponsor for the International Flower and Garden Festival! HGTV is going to be sponsoring the event for the first time ever. Hosts from various different shows are going to appear and hold presentations. The line up includes:

Genevieve Gorder, HGTV Design Star and Dear Genevieve (March 4-6)
The Art of Sculpting Space

Lisa LaPorta, Designed to Sell (March 11 – 13)
Design It Yourself: Easy-to-follow Tips for Designing Your Favorite Rooms

Kim Myles, Myles of Style (March 18 – 20)
The 5 DIY Secrets That Can Transform Any Space

Brian Patrick Flynn, Design Happens, HGTV.com (March 25-27)
Mobile Gardens

Taniya Nayak, Designed to Sell and Destination Design (April 1-3)
Adding Value to Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

Ahmed Hassan, Yard Crashers (April 8-10)
Life, Love and Landscaping

Patti Moreno, Garden Girl, HGTV.com (April 15-17)
Gardening with Kids: Fun Seed Starting Projects

Michele Beschen, B. Original (April 22-24)
When Nature Calls: Creative, Back-to-Basics Style for All Things Natural and Decorative

John Gidding, Curb Appeal: The Block (April 29-30, May 1)
The Design Process: Curb Appeal Projects from Concept to Construction

Frank Fontana, Design on a Dime (May 6-8)
Beautiful on a Budget: High Style, Low-Cost Secrets to Bringing Indoor Styling Outside

Vern Yip, HGTV Design Star (May 13-15)
Top Design Trends Made Affordable and Accessible


Follow this link (below) for more information.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/hgtv-personalities/


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NCL Freestyle Dash! Onboard Credit Up to $250, Reduced Deposits and Up to Four Category Upgrades Free!

Norwegians Freestyle Dash

February 15-18, 2011

Savings this good can’t last, so act fast!

By booking your NCL cruise during these dates you will receive 50% reduced deposit, plus up to $250 onboard credit, plus free upgrades!

Offer Details: Reduced Deposit plus Up to $250 Onboard Credit* per stateroom

*Onboard credit amount based on cruise length and category:

OBC Per Stateroom
Cruise Length	Studio	Inside	Oceanview	Balcony	Deluxe Balcony/ Mini-Suite	Suite	Garden Villa
3-5 Day sailings	$7.50	$15	$20	$35	$50	$75	$150
6+ Day sailings	$12.50	$25	$30	$50	$70	$150	$250

Freestyle Dash offer combinable with existing Free Upgrades for All offers below:

• Up to a 4-category Upgrade
• Free Balcony Upgrade for Fall Caribbean (includes Norwegian Epic Free Mini Suite Upgrade) + Fall Bahamas & Florida + Fall 3 & 4 Day Bahamas
• Free Mini Suite Upgrade for Europe selected Norwegian Jade & Norwegian Epic sailings
• Electronic Coupon Book worth over $400 for ship(s)/sailing(s) embarking on or before 12/31/2012, delivered with e-documents

Contact us today to get in on these deals!

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Phone: 352.556.4437

Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl MVP at Magic Kingdom

Moments after leading his team to victory in Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers looked into the camera and answered the age old question “Hey Aaron Rodgers you and the Green Bay Packers just won the Super Bowl, what are you going to do next?” He uttered those famous words “I’m going to Disney World!”

Less than 15 hours later he was sitting in a red convertible Chevrolet Camaro with football star Mickey Mouse by his side with all the Disney fanfare.  Cheese heads were in abundance, on the warm February day, cheering loudly after waiting hours for the delayed parade to pass their way.

Aaron seemed a bit sheepish with all the attention. I am sure he was tired with the whirlwind that had spun up since the win the night before. Later Monday he was on David Letterman in NYC.

In speaking those five words Aaron joined the ranks of 25 years worth of other MVPs who also visited Magic Kingdom for their victory parades. That commercial plug is an iconic moment after the game that causes everyone to remember their childhood days of hearing that phrase and thinking or possibly uttering out loud “I wish I was going to Disney World too!”


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Cruise Line Enhanced Private Islands

Cruise Line Enhanced Private Islands

Most large cruise lines, offering cruises in the Caribbean, have one or more private beach areas or whole islands to cater to their cruise passengers.  Is it an effort to keep passengers safely segregated from the perils of foreign travel or an effort to keep more of the profits from shore side visits for themselves? 

Carnival Corporation has invested millions of dollars into private guest areas in Grand Turk Cruise Center (Turks and Caicos) and Mahogany Bay Cruise Center (Roatan Honduras); spending $62 million in Mahogany Bay alone.  Cruisers may exit the Cruise Center areas and visit the island but some report being discouraged by high cost taxi’s at the Cruise Centers or by having to leave the Cruise Center grounds to hire a taxi.

Pros and Cons for private islands

The islands are owned by the cruise lines and are for the exclusive use of their guests during their visit. The islands are not crowded so each guest can relax in their own private slice of paradise. Whether you are there for adventure or relaxation, these private islands offer everything you need for a day in paradise, shimmering turquoise waters, glistening white sandy beaches,  chair side delivery of the drink of the day, sports, snorkeling, jet skiing,  zip lines, shopping at ‘authentic’ markets and food galore. On the private island the food is generally supplied by the cruise line and free to the passengers. The newer Cruise Center require a trip to Margaritaville, seaside bar or restaurant for food and drinks, which are not free.

Due to private islands’ exclusive nature, most cruisers do not feel the true Caribbean culture except the limited interactions permitted by the cruise line. Passengers are sheltered from many aspects of the island’s culture such as local cooking, language, and social activities.  By not participating in such activities the passengers are not adding to the islands economy by  purchasing food, beverages, tours and souvenirs’ from the locals. I think this is an important part of visiting other countries. Give back to the people of that island by eating in their restaurants and purchasing their goods.

On the other hand, being on a private island, cruise lines have the upper hand at security and cleanliness.  Staff on the island is predominately from the ship, allowing only select locals to participate in the experience. The islands are swept clean of most litter and storm debris before passengers set foot off the ship.

All this being said; I love being pampered on the private islands but I also make a point to spend time with locals when visiting other ports of call. I have a meal at a local restaurant or stand; I try not to visit the gigantic chain restaurants or stores.

Safety is the most important factor when visiting any port of call, listen to that little voice in your head if it says danger, go elsewhere.  Your number one priority is to stay safe w hen you travel.  Check the US Governments website for travel safety updates                      Click here--->State Department Travel Warnings

The following cruise lines have private islands for their guests:

Castaway Cay, Bahamas - Disney Cruise Line

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - Holland America Line

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas - Norwegian Cruise Line

Princess Cays, Bahamas - Princess Cruises

CocoCay, Bahamas - Royal Caribbean

Labadee, Hispaniola - Royal Caribbean

Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic-MSC

Catalina Island, Dominican Republic-Costa Cruises

The following cruise lines have private areas for their guests:

Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, Roatan Honduras- Carnival Corporation

Grand Turk Cruise Center, Turks and Caicos-Carnival Corporation

Do you like private cruise destinations? We would like to hear from you!

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Phone: 352.556.4437

Mahogany Bay Cruise Center Roatan Honduras

Isla Roatan’s New Mahogany Bay Cruise Center

In the ongoing tug of war over amenities offered by the cruise lines, Carnival has unveiled, Mahogany Bay Cruise Center (MBCC) a $62 million dollar cruise center on the Honduran island of Roatan. The MBCC, which opened in December 2009, covers 10 private acres with 825 feet of pristine white sand beach with a beach volleyball court and many water sports opportunities. Cabanas are also available for rent.

Unique to MBCC is The “Magical Flying Beach Chair” which takes guests on a six-minute ride over the lush landscape, providing not only convenient beach access but breath taking views of the island and surrounding waters. All-day passes for the beach chair lift are $5 per person. Those preferring to walk can take an elevated pathway to the beach.

“The Mahogany Bay Cruise Center not only serves as a gateway to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands but is also a destination unto itself, with a magnificent white-sand beach and a wide range of shops, restaurants and shore excursion opportunities,” said Giora Israel, senior vice president of port and destination development for Carnival Corporation.

MBCC has berths for two ships and has over 200 ship call days, bringing over 500,000 visitors to its sun-drenched sandy shore each year.

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Grand Turk Cruise Center

Grand Turk Cruise Center

The Turk and Caicos Islands about 600 miles southeast of Miami have a new reason for cruisers to visit, the brand new Grand Turk Cruise Center. The small island of Grand Turk is a mere 1.5 miles wide by 7miles long. The 14 acre cruise playground was built to keep cruisers interested in Grand Turk--as if the pristine beaches and shimming turquoise waters aren’t reason enough!

Carnival Cruise Lines, which built the Cruise Center, also owns Holland America, Princess, Regent 7-Seas, Silver Seas, Costa and several other cruise lines that do not sail to or from the US.  The Grand Turk Cruise Center will host HAL’s New Amsterdam, Eurodam, Noordam and Westerdam; Carnival’s Liberty, Miracle, Destiny and Glory; Princess’ Ruby; Costa Atlantica and 7-Seas’ Navigator.

The center has a 390 foot pier, accommodating two ships, and offers dining, shopping, and sunbathing on the beach or by the pool; water sports rentals and FlowRider the surf machine.  Cruisers can shop in the 10,000 sq. ft. duty free shop or visit the 35,000 sq ft marketplace that houses, jewelry shops, clothing stores, locally crafted souvenirs and restaurants.  I am quite sure there must be a Diamonds International nearby; I believe it’s an unwritten law that each and every port must have at least one Diamonds International shop.

If you prefer to take it easy under a palm tree, the center offers two beach areas, with clam shell shade enclosures.  If you prefer a private poolside cabana suitable for up to four people, you can reserve one on the ship. The cost is approximately $130 for the day and comes complete with bar and food service from Margaritaville.  The pool is ringed with comfy lounge chairs and within ear shot of the upbeat music at Margaritaville. Active guest or those with beer muscles will want to try their skills on the FlowRider surf machine. This is a good place to hang out and ‘people’ watch. A word to the women…wear a one piece bathing suit on the FlowRider.

Enjoy the 70s party on the ship too much? Bust one too many moves on the dance floor? Try Spa Anani. The spa offers beachside massage services starting at $20 for a 15 minute massage and $50 for a sea mud facial.

If you would like to see more of the island before or after your Cruise Center visit just go to the front of the center and hire a taxi for a tour of the island. Note: Taxis are not metered so negotiate a price and tour prior to departure.

Hopefully the Cruise Center will enhance your visit to Grand Turk and not replace seeing the island and supporting local mom and pop businesses that are located away from the pier area. It’s important to give back to the islands you visit!

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Phone: 352.556.4437

Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot will host the 18^th Annual International Flower and Garden Festival March 2, 2011 to May 15, 2011. Located in Epcot’s Future World and World Showcase, the festival will offer guests visual delights with spectacular topiaries, gardens and events that will have a decidedly Disney flair!

Movie ‘Stars’ Galore!

Disney will be promoting new release movies or DVDs in floral splendor. Cars, Toy Story 3 and Winnie the Pooh casts will be on hand, in flowery form, to remind everyone that they have new movies/DVDs to check out.

The main entrance will guests will be greeted by 7-9 foot tall topiaries of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Lotso (Lots o’ Huggin) Bear of Toy Story Fame. Lotso will have the added touch of fragrance, not just the smell of the flowers but of strawberries. The area located between Future World and The World Showcase will be home to Pooh Bear, Eeyore and Tigger. The characters will be frolicking in the Hundred Acre Wood wildflower display. Cars fans will love seeing Mater and Lightning McQueen under the checked flag in The World Showcase.

The magic is everywhere!

All areas of the park will offer festival magic.  Fairies from Pixie Hollow will host a whimsical play yard for toddlers and small children ages 2-5. The kids can burn off some energy and interact with the Fairies. Innoventions West will be home to Bambi and the Butterfly Garden.  In the area located between the German and Italian pavilions Rapunzel will take up residence.

The Festival Center will offer merchandise for purchase (don’t forget this is Disney!), a stage area for well known gardening experts to offer lectures, an area where Disney horticulturalists offer tips and advice for you to use to in your garden. Attend a few demostrations and it will only be a matter of time until your garden looks like Epcot! 

Special Events around the park

3/25-3/27 Art in the Garden “Plein Air” artists.

4/15-4/17 I Dig Bugs

4/29-5/1 Fresh from Florida farmers market

TBA Disney Pixar Celebration

Flower Power Concert Series

Each weekend during the festival the American Gardens Theatre in The World Showcase flashes back to the 60’s 70’s and 80’s with the sounds from back in the day.  These wonderfully reminiscent concerts can be seen three times a night, 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm.

Here is the scheduled line up (subject to change):

	Date	Performer	Known For
March 4 to 6		Jose Feliciano	Light My Fire
March 11 to 13		The Guess Who	American Woman
March 18 to 20		Chubby Checker and the Wildcats	The Twist
March 25 to 27		Melissa Manchester	Don't Cry Out Loud
April 1 to 3		Starship starring Mickey Thomas	We Built This City
April 8 to 10		Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.	You Don't Have to be a Star (to be in My Show)
April 15 to 17		Juice Newton	Queen of Hearts
April 22 to 24		Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons	Poor Little Fool
April 29 to May 1		Paul Revere & The Raiders	Good Thing
May 6 to 8		Davy Jones	I'm a Believer
May 13 to 15		Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone	I'm Henry VIII, I Am

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Phone: 352.556.4437