| Fodor's Complete Guide to European Cruising Designates Carnival Cruise Lines as 'Best Of Cruising' in Nine Categories
Carnival Cruise Lines -- a relative newcomer in European cruising, entering the market just three years ago -- is well represented in the recently published Fodor's Complete Guide to European Cruises, garnering nine "Best of Cruising" designations, more than double the number of any other cruise line. Fodor's Complete Guide to European Cruises is an annual publication providing comprehensive overviews of all major cruise lines operating within the region, along with travel tips, detailed port-of-call information and other helpful content aimed at experienced and first-time cruisers alike. According to Carnival's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival's nine awards reflect many of the signature elements of a "Fun Ship" cruise -- outstanding dining, spacious and comfortable accommodations, modern spa and children's facilities, and fun- filled activities for guests of all ages, all of which add up to memorable vacations.
Expert: Cruising in Europe isn't as good a deal as many think
The conventional wisdom these days is that cruising is the best way to see Europe. But the conventional wisdom is flat-out wrong, says Conde Nast Traveler's Wendy Perrin. In a column this week that is sure to make waves, the closely-followed travel guru argues that even with the plunging dollar making a hotel stay in Europe far more expensive than just a few years ago, a land vacation on the Continent still is a better way to go if saving money is your goal. "The misperception is that, because you pay in U.S. dollars and thus lock in a dollar price well in advance, European cruises represent a particularly economical way to see Europe," writes Perrin in her online blog, The Perrin Post. "As someone who has taken four Mediterranean cruises within the past eight years and was just in Europe two months ago, sightseeing in Spain, I am here to tell you that even with the weak dollar, there are much cheaper ways to see Europe than on a cruise." ONLINE TODAY: What should Royal Caribbean name its next ships? Vote HERE Cruising in Europe and sightseeing there by land, moreover, are two totally different things, says Perrin.
Tours in California, Asia, Europe and beyond
CHINA Women, let's walk Strap on your walking shoes. An 11-day trip that caters to the female traveler devotes a full day to wandering the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven and another full day to hiking the Great Wall. Also on the agenda: a Peking duck dinner in Beijing and a social and dinner with a local women's association in Xian. Plus: the terra-cotta warriors, the 7th century Big Wild Goose Pagoda and a cruise along the Yangtze River to the temples of Fengdu. Two nights are spent aboard ship during the river cruise, which takes in scenic gorges. Info: Gutsy Women Travel, Fort Washington, Pa.; (866) 464-8879, www.gutsywomentravel.com. Date: June 22 to July 2. Itinerary: Beijing, Great Wall, Xian, Fengdu, Shanghai. European cruises...
Royal Caribbean Cruises, TUI AG close on joint venture
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and tour operator TUI AG said Tuesday they closed on a joint venture that will serve the German cruise market starting in 2009. The companies, which will each hold a 50 percent stake in TUI Cruises, announced the deal in December and received European antitrust approval in March. The joint venture will start next year with one vessel, followed by a ramp up of sales and marketing operations. TUI Cruises will be led by Richard J. Vogel as chief executive, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. Share of Royal Caribbean, the world's second-largest cruise operator, fell $1.24, or 3.7 percent, to $32.24 in afternoon trading. Over the past year, the stock has traded between $30.22 to $45.17. .
Dollar's weakness brings European bookings for fast ferry (8:30 p.m.)
NEW BEDFORD � The weakness of the dollar is promising strong returns for local ferry operators this year as European travelers are signing on in record numbers to take the fast ferry to Martha�s Vineyard.
That could result in a direct benefit to local travelers: discounts on tickets.
�We are looking to roll out a discount fare that is just for locals, people from New Bedford and Fairhaven,� said Michael Glasfeld, president of the New England Fast Ferry, which operates from the State Pier.
�We are looking now at the numbers and how it will work. It would be restricted to certain cruises, the non-sell-out cruises. We�ll have that all set to go before June 20.�
The expectation, Mr. Glasfeld said, is that the season that begins June 20 will be good for the ferry service.
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