Monday, August 31, 2009
Vittala Temple, Hampi
The sprawling temple campus was built inside the high boundary walls with 3 gateway towers on the east, south and north. The eastern entrance is used for entry into the temple complex. Inside this campus there are many halls, pavilions and temples.
In front of the main temple is the Stone Chariot. This has become a iconic monument in Hampi. Even though it is referred as monolithic, it is in fact built with many giant granite blocks. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)
The Vittala Temple stands on a strong ornate stone basement that has been richly carved with designs of horses, elephants, dancing girls, floral motifs and soldiers. The temple can be entered through a series of steps flanged by elephant balustrades that leads to the Maha Mantapa. This contains four open halls within. While the central western hall has collapsed, the south, north and the east ones are still intact.
The main attraction of Maha-Mantapa is its superbly carved giant monolithic pillars. The outermost of the pillars have slender and short pilasters carved out of the giant pillars. They are known as musical pillars as they emit musical tones when tapped. The tapping on it is not permitted for the sake of preservation. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)
The eastern hall is known as the musicians hall because of the sculptures of musicians on the pillars. The southern hall pillars are carved with mythical creatures called Yalis. The northern hall is surrounded with a series of pillars with the Narasimha themes. The ceilings of the halls are carved with lotus in the centre. The inner sanctum is devoid of any idol. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)
Even the other halls inside the campus are equally worth noticing. There is a 100-pillared hall at the southwest, the ceremonial marriage hall in the southeast. Even they have been richly carved.
Five Things I Hate About Luxury Cruises
I have a name too. On every single cruise I've ever been on, all correspondence to our suite—invitations to an officer's table for dinner, for example—are always addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hospidor. Why is that? I'm the one that booked the cruise. The credit card that paid for the cruise is in my name. Why do I never got a nod and get my name listed on anything?! I realize that cruise lines are sticking to an old etiquette tradition, but times have changed. Studies indicate that it's the woman that controls most travel decisions in a household. She selects the destination, the cruise line, works out the arrangements with the travel agent, etc. So cruise lines, give us girls our props and address both the husband and wife (even if the woman has a different last name than her husband, which is pretty normal these days).
I can carry my own plate. Seriously. When I'm older and less steady on my feet, I'm sure I'll appreciate the mad dash waiters make to carry my plate from the buffet line to my table. If I'm in my bathing suit and just ordered a hamburger from the pool grill, I really can carry the plate back to my lounge chair. If I decline your offer to help, please accept it. (Of course, if the seas are rough and it's an issue of safety for those around me, I'll of course let you carry my plate.)
Formal, Semi-Formal, Elegant Casual, Country Club Casual. Gah! Every cruise line uses slightly different terminology when referring to its evening dress code. Could we try to standardize the nomenclature? The term "elegant casual" drives my husband crazy. How does it differ from Country Club Casual? Can he wear a golf short on those evenings or not? I think each cruise line should simply show photographs of smartly dressed travelers with a caption that says, "These outfits meet our standards for Elegant Casual evenings."
Teetotalers would like a beverage served with dinner too. I realize that the main concern of the sommelier is bringing the best wines possible to the table. However, some of us don't drink alcoholic beverages (even when on all-inclusive cruises). When I ask for an ice tea, please bring me one. Must I ask two or three times? Also, please refill my drink. If there's wine in my husband's glass, there should be ice tea in mine.
Longer hours for the hot tub, please. Why bother having a hot tub onboard if you close it at 6 pm? Could you at least let guests enjoy the whirlpool after dinner for a few hours?
So there you have it. The five things I hate about luxury cruising. What are your cruise ship pet peeves?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Silversea's Silver Spirit Begins Sea Trials Today
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Silver Spirit's first sea trial will take her from Ancona to Trieste, a city in northeast Italy near the border of Slovenia. Once she arrives there, she'll spent a week in dry dock before embarking on her final sea trials.
Good luck to Silversea! We can't wait to see this gorgeous new ship in action!
Visit Silversea's website for more information about Silver Spirit.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
QE2 in Dubai Dry Dock Before Heading to Cape Town
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The 2010 FIFA World Cup (soccer) games are being held across South Africa and the country has worried about a hotel room shortage. QE2's move to the area will help alleviate those concerns.
Nakheel, a Dubai real estate developer, purchased the ship from Cunard and the original plan was to station her in Dubai. The shaky economy put a temporary hold on that plan.
QE2 will remain in dry dock a bit longer as her seaworthiness is tested and other upgrades are completed. Due to the sales agreement with Cunard, the ship cannot carry passengers during her transit to Cape Town but there's no doubt she'll happily welcome friends—old and new—once she arrives.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Queen's Bath, Hampi
A strikingly, simple facade structure, in the Indo-Islamic style of Vijaynagar architecture, the interior of the bath is total contrast, with its ornate stucco and plaster work.
The structure is 30 sq. mts., with a 15 sq. mts, bath inside, which is 1.8 mts, deep. Pillared and vaulted corridors run all around, with ornate balconies projecting into the bath. There is a water channel inlet to the East, and a moat that runs all around the structure that ensured a constant supply of fresh water. There are steps leading down to the floor of the bath to the North, and the remnants of four pillars in the center, which probably supported a pavilion. But there exists no evidence to justify the name. The wall on either sides 1.e., inner and an outer face of smoothed and fitted stone blocks with an earth and rubble fill between them.
Silver Wind Hotel Director Ralph de Klijn Moves to Seabourn
Ralph, we wish you all the best!
Good morning, afternoon or evening to you,
After thorough deliberation and consultation I have decided to leave Silversea. Although it has been a tough decision to make, I am confident that my new endeavor will help me move closer towards the goals I have for my future career. This confidence is built on an extremely fulfilling experience with Silversea, where each day has taught me something new.
However, I would like to state that I am very grateful for the opportunities, which I have been given, and all the dedicated colleagues I have had the pleasure work with during the course of my employment within Silversea. Despite my resignation I hope to return one day to the Silversea family. Not only working for such a great company as Silversea I have to say that besides missing my colleagues aboard I will defenitly miss you as guests in the same way who have not only supported me but became friends over the past years we have sailed onboard the Silverseas. I sincerely hope that we will keep in touch and that we will meet again one day somewhere at sea or on land.
As I do not want to vanish without saying arividerchi!
I hope you all can understand my decision and for any future cruises I wish you a fantastic time onboard.
Please feel free to share this message with anyone I sailed with as I do not have all email addresses but I hope with your help my message will be shared.
Until we meet again!
Warm regards,
Ralph de Klijn
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
InnerSea Discoveries/American Safari Cruises Acquires Two New Vessels
Captain Dan Blanchard, president and CEO of InnerSea Discoveries, announced the purchase in an email to crew and friends of the company. Minor work and upkeep on both ships will take place over the next few months but the major project to retrofit Wilderness Discoverer won't begin for about a year.
The new ships will not be marketed under the American Safari Cruises moniker. Instead, a new small ship adventure brand will be established. It's expected that cruise fares will start at approximately $300 per person per day.
According to Captain Blanchard, "Alaska will be the prime destination with operations starting in May of 2011. We are working with true pros in the branding of this new product and have high expectations that the enw brand will appeal to a broad spectrum of younger minded and experiential travelers...like you and me!"
LuxuryCruiseBible.com will pass along more details as they become available. In the meantime, you can sail aboard any of American Safari Cruises' yachts—Safari Explorer, Safari Spirit, and Safari Quest—right now. Itineraries include Alaska's Inside Passage, Mexico's Sea Cortes, the Pacific Northwest, Columbia & Snake Rivers, and Washington Wine Country.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at 1-(888) 862-8881.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ganesh Chaturti
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi for the first time was started by the great Maratha ruler, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, to promote culture and nationalism. Later the festival was revived by Lokmanya Tilak (a great freedom fighter) to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies. The festival provided the Indians a feeling of unity and revived their patriotic spirit and faith.
It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. He is worshiped as the God of wisdom, prosperity and auspiciousness in Hinduism. He is one of the most popular deities in Hindu religion. It is observed on the fourth day after no moon in the month of August - September as per traditional Hindu calendar. This is celebrated in temples, street corners and in individual homes. The elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration. On these days, special prayers are performed in all Hindu homes and hymns and songs are sung in praise of Lord Ganesha. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance. The artists who make the idols of Ganesh compete with each other to make bigger and more magnificent and elegant idols. The bigger idols are 10 to 50 meters in height. The 12-day Ganesh Chaturthi ends with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol on Ananta Chaturdasi day.
In our family we celebrate it in the native place for one day. It is this time of the year all the family members gather for the celebration. All the members of family reach here on the previous day itself. The preparation start with the previous night, by cutting of vegetables for the next day. On the day of Chaturti the idol is placed in its rightful place and decorated with flowers of various types. All offer their prayers to him and take his blessings.
These statues are then carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one, three, five, seven and ten days. In some places where there is no sea nearby it is immersed in the lake or well. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied by drum- beats, devotional songs and dancing.
One Week Left to Snag Discounted 2010 European Voyage from Oceania Cruises
- A $2,000 price reduction off two-for-one cruise fares
- Complimentary airfare
- PLUS free unlimited soft drinks and bottled water
Cruise fares start at just $1,499 per person (although many fares are two or three times that rate). Bargain hunters should check out the following itineraries, both of which start at $1,499 per person:
14 nights aboard Regatta
"Journey to the New World"—Barcelona to Miami
December 6, 2010
15 nights aboard Insignia
"Southern Sauntering"—Barcelona to Rio De Janeiro
To take advantage of this promotion, talk with your travel agent or contact Oceania Cruises at 1-(800) 531-5658. And, don't forget, you only have one more week to book your travel. This promotion ends August 31, 2009!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Starting Tomorrow: Another Seabourn Sale
Starting tomorrow, August 24, the Yachts of Seabourn is throwing a one-week "Bon Voyage Event." The line is promoting 65 percent off cruise fares for select itineraries if booked between Monday, August 24 and Friday, August 31. The least expensive fare you can snag is $1,349 per person. Discounted rates may be viewed on Seabourn's website now.
14 days between Singapore and Hong Kong. Fares from $5,249.
Seabourn Spirit—Atlantic Sunsets Transatlantic, November 15, 2009
12 days Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale. Fares from $2,765.
Seabourn Spirit—Caribbean Getaway, December 16, 2009
5 days from Ft. Lauderdale to St. Thomas. Fares from $1,349.
Seabourn Legend—Panama, Belize & Costa Rica, November 23 and December 7, 2009
14 days between Ft. Lauderdale and Caldera, Costa Rica. Fares from $3,599.
Seabourn Odyssey—Caribbean Tapestry, November 28, 2009
12 days round trip from Ft. Lauderdale. Fares from $3,999.
7 days from Lisbon to Barcelona. Fares from $2,899.
Seabourn Pride—Mediterranean, October 15–24, 2009
9 days from Barcelona to Piraeus (Athens). Fares from $3,499.
Seabourn Odyssey—Mediterranean, October 17 - 23, 2009
6 days from Istanbul to Valletta, Malta. Fares from $3,499.
Seabourn Odyssey—Mediterranean, October 23 - 31, 2009
8 days from Valletta, Malta to Malaga, Spain. Fares from $4,499.
To book these special fares, talk with your travel agent or contact the Yachts of Seabourn at 1-(800) 929-9391.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Regent Navigator Cancels Sailings Due to Change in Dry-Dock
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Here's a brief message sent to travel agents earlier in the week:
Dear Travel Partner:
As you may know, Regent Seven Seas Cruises had scheduled the Seven Seas Navigator for her regularly scheduled dry-dock this coming January in Charleston, South Carolina. We have just been informed by the shipyard that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the scheduled dry-dock cannot be accommodated as planned.
We have therefore made the decision to accelerate the dry-docking of the vessel to take place between November 15 and December 15, 2009 in Bremerhaven, Germany at the Lloyd Werft shipyard where the planned work will be completed. The ship will operate its published schedule through November 8.
Regent is working to reschedule vacations and make refunds as necessary. Official offers have include a $500 credit per person for any itinerary in 2010 or an identical Navigator itinerary at no extra charge during the month of February. Regent has said that they will refund your other out-of-pocket expenses, such as nonrefundable airfare that you booked on your own. Your travel agent will negotiate this situation on your behalf and Regent hopes to provide a scenario that makes every traveler happy.
Have you been affected by this change in the Navigator's schedule? Let us know. Have you been "made whole" and are you pleased or displeased with the way Regent handled this schedule change?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Zenana Enclosure, Hampi
The four corners of the fortifications have watch towers. Three of these two storied towers can be still seen in close to the southeast, northeast and northwest corners. Like Lotus Mahal these are built in unison of Indo-Islamic architecture style.
A number of unnamed structures are present inside this enclosure. The major attraction inside the enclosure, the Lotus Mahal located at the southeast corner. Apart from this, as soon as one enters the enclosure, there are remains of water pavilion with a decorated platform in the center of it. Another major attraction is Elephant Stables. As the name suggests this place was used to ‘park’ the royal elephants.
Elephant Stables is one of the least destroyed structures. This is a long building with a row of 11 domed tall chambers. Some of them are inter-connected. The center one is specially decorated and big when compared to adjacent domes. The entire building is symmetrical with respect to this central hall. The tower of the central hall resembles more like that of temples, where as the five pairs of domes on either side are of Islamic in style. The central dome is slightly destroyed, but others are better preserved and of alternating patterns. There are metal hooks on the inside of the roof. This could have been used for tying the elephants. At the rear of each hall are small manhole type openings for the mahouts to enter the elephant compartments.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
African Safaris a Highlight on 2010 Crystal Cruises World Cruise
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Two- to five-night safaris are planned for Botswana's Okavango Delta; Boulders Lodge at Singita Sabi Sand Reserve and Rattray's at Mala Mala Game Reserve in South Africa; and Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara in Nairobi, Kenya.
If you've always wanted to go on a safari and love Crystal Cruises, talk with your travel agent about booking the February 9, 2010 21-day itinerary from Cape Town, South Africa to Mumbai, India. Additional ports include Durban and Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Mombasa, Kenya; Male, Republic of Maldives; Mahe/Victoria, Seychelles; and Cochin and Marmagao, India.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Crystal Cruises at 1-(888) 799-4625.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Deal is Done: Paul Gauguin Cruises Sold to Pacific Beachcomber
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"The acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises by Pacific Beachcomber is a most positive development for our company, our travel agent partners, and valued guests, and for the tourism industry of French Polynesia," said David A. Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises.
"The m/s Paul Gauguin is a very successful ship, sailing at full occupancy the past three years, and with only 5 percent of capacity remaining in 2009," noted Giersdorf. "As we approach 2010, it will be business as usual, with no changes to our award-winning inclusive product, our dedicated officers and crew members, or our support of travel sellers worldwide, and we see many opportunities to enhance an already world-class experience for our guests.
Richard Bailey, President of Pacific Beachcomber said “We are honored to carry on Paul Gauguin Cruises’ excellent record as the leading cruise operator in French Polynesia. This legacy, combined with our 25 years of luxury resort hotel experience in the Tahitian islands, will ensure that all our guests enjoy a seamless island vacation experience of the highest caliber.” Future guests will definitely benefit from this development as it will open up land/sea packages with upscale Pacific Beachcomber's properties, which included:
- Intercontinental Tahiti Resort
- Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
- Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
- Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa
- Maitai Hotel on Bora Bora
The company is also currently developing a luxury eco-resort called "The Brando" on the late actor's private island.
Cruisers have been nervously posting to various message boards because their favorite PG crew members still hadn't seen or signed their contracts for 2010. Now we all know why. Details are now final and I'm betting crew contracts are being signed as I write this post.
I think it's also terrific that Pacific Beachcomber employs 850 Polynesians. On your next visit to the South Pacific and the Paul Gauguin, you'll be pampered by the best on land and at sea.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Paul Gauguin Cruises at 1-(800) 848-6172.
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
Celebrity Equinox Shatters 10 Myths About Mass-Market Cruising
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We're all guilty of sometimes making judgments based on Internet rumors, office hearsay, or some amorphous uninformed "gut feeling." You know, it's the "I hate sushi" syndrome. You ask a friend if she likes sushi and she vigorously shakes her head and says, "Absolutely not. I haven't tried it, but I'm positive it's not for me." When it comes to travel though, sometimes you need to take a leap and book a trip that challenges your preconceived notions of a destination, hotel chain, or cruise ship.
That's exactly what I did at the end of July as I boarded Celebrity Cruises' new Solstice-class cruise ship, Celebrity Equinox. It's not that I didn't have a high opinion of Celebrity Cruises. After all, they are a favored—and award-winning—cruise line that caters to sophisticated travelers that are looking for a top-notch experience without paying the sometimes eye-popping fares commanded by the luxury cruise brands. This trip with Celebrity made me realize that I may have been a bit of a cruise prima donna in the past. Perhaps I've had on blinders that prevented me from seeing many of the redeeming qualities of some very important premium and deluxe cruise brands.
Celebrity Equinox
Prior to boarding the ship I wondered what my initial reaction to Celebrity Equinox, a massive ship housing 2,850 guests and 1,255 crew, would be. I had just disembarked Seabourn Odyssey, the new 450-passenger megayacht from the Yachts of Seabourn. How would I compare the intimacy and extraordinary service typifying Odyssey with the sheer magnitude of Equinox? It turns out I didn't have to. I was able to review each ship and cruise line on its own merits.
I will admit here and now that Celebrity Equinox and her crew stunned me. Celebrity won me over (so much so that my extended family is even thinking of booking a family reunion on Equinox, Solstice, or Eclipse (Celebrity's next Solstice-class ship debuting in 2010).
#1. Super-size ships are inherently less aesthetically pleasing than smaller vessels or yachts.
Busted: Even the largest of cruise ships can be designed in a way that draws passengers in and makes them feel at home. I caught my first glimpse of Celebrity Equinox as we approached Southampton Cruise Terminal and she was brilliant—all 15 decks and 122,000 tons of her. Her interior was even more intriguing with an art collection—including works by Roy Lichtenstein, John Chamberlain, and Andreas Gursky—that would be the envy of any museum.
Celebrity Cruises is incredibly proud of its entire fleet and gives the designers of this ship a nod at the Solstice-class mini-site. If your interests lie in architecture, interior design, or art, I encourage you to read about the many design firms and in-house Celebrity staff that played a role in creating the gorgeous ship that is Celebrity Equinox.
#2. Chefs can't possibly prepare sophisticated and delicious menus for 3,000 guests each day.
Busted: When it comes to dining, Celebrity has a secret weapon: Jacques Van Staden. He's the cruise line's Vice President of Culinary Operations and, as a successful chef and restaurateur himself, he takes his job with Celebrity very seriously. I found the quality of the provisions and method of preparation to exceed several of the luxury lines I've sailed recently. Equinox chefs aren't afraid to use salt, pepper, and spices, and the result is a varied menu that's always tasty and leaves you wanting more.
The dining options aboard Celebrity Equinox include:
- Silhouette Restaurant—the usual main dining room, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Silk Harvest Restaurant—an Asian-inspired specialty restaurant (extra per person fee charged at all specialty restaurants)
- Blu—exclusively for AquaClass guests, Blu offers delicious and healthy menus at dinner
- Murano—this drop-dead gorgeous specialty venue serves Continental cuisine nightly
- Tuscan Grille—Equinox's onboard specialty steakhouse
- Oceanview Café & Bar—the ship's buffet featuring a little bit of everything at breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- AquaSpa Café—features light "spa cuisine," including salads, seafood, and lean cuts of meat
- Bistro on Five—another specialty restaurant offering up fresh sandwiches, salads, and crepes all day long
- Mast Bar & Grill—traditional pool grill fare
#3. Signing chits for every little thing is a drag.
Upheld: I will probably always prefer all-inclusive cruise packages. It's just a personal preference. On Celebrity, you'll need to purchase a soda package and pay for each glass of wine or alcoholic beverage you consume. Gratuities are also not part of the cruise fare, so you'll need to keep track of who you wish to tip and how much.
#4. Embarking and disembarking large ships means the tedium of long lines and mass pandemonium.
Jury's Out: While Celebrity seemed to be in complete control of the embarking and disembarking processes, I wonder how smooth it is when in a port that requires tender service. I like smaller ships because it's so easy to get on an off at port. There usually isn't much of a line. I look forward to sailing aboard Celebrity Equinox again in order to definitively answer this question.
#5. Cabins on mass-market cruise ships are cramped, offer no storage room, and few upscale amenities.
Busted: I loved my AquaClass stateroom on Deck 11. Celebrity actually consulted with a panel of women prior to designing the Solstice-class staterooms. Celebrity's Leading Ladies—a travel agent, hotelier, travel writer, cruise newbie, and an experienced cruiser—gave detailed suggestions that helped designers create cabins that offered better views of the ocean, more storage space, luxury-style amenities, and comfortable beds and furniture.
Like many new ships, Celebrity Equinox was designed to offer the maximum number of ocean view (90 percent out of 1,466) and veranda (85 percent) staterooms. AquaClass staterooms are styled with the spa in mind. I loved the fact that all lighting in the cabin could be controlled with a dimmer switch. The Hansgrohe showerhead in the bathroom was terrific and the layout of the room in general was very smart. There was more storage space than we'd ever need and the roomy veranda was outfitted with very comfortable furniture.
#6. Mass-market suite categories aren't as impressive as those on luxury cruise lines.
Busted: Celebrity Equinox presents several categories of suites and each has its merits, including butler service, complimentary espresso and cappuccino, one or two specialty restaurant reservations, priority check-in and departure, and more.
- Penthouse Suite—1,291 square feet with a master bedroom and bath, separate living room with dining area, queen sleeper sofa, guest bath, baby grand piano, and veranda with whirlpool
- Royal Suite—590 square feet with a master bedroom and bath, separate living room with dining area, queen sleeper sofa, and veranda with whirlpool
- Celebrity Suite—395 square feet with bedroom, bath, and living room with sectional sofa queen sleeper
- Sky Suite—300 square feet with bedroom, living room with sofa queen sleeper, and bath
#7. Cousin Eddy from Chevy Chase's 1989 movie Christmas Vacation will be my tablemate on a mass-market cruise.
Busted: Okay, maybe Cousin Eddy is a bit of a stretch. The passengers that flock to Celebrity Cruises are smart, interesting, and well traveled. Still, with nearly 3,000 passengers you're bound to meet a few people that rub you the wrong way. But, hey, that could be the case on a 12-passenger yacht as well. Keep your mind open and you'll meet some terrific people during your travels.
#8. Kids will dominate the pool.
Busted: The pool deck aboard Celebrity Equinox features a beautiful outdoor pool with four hot tubs. Live musicians often entertain here and when they don't, lively recorded music is piped in to keep the mood upbeat. Adults and children happily share this area. However, if you walk forward of the main pool and cross through sliding glass doors you'll arrive at the oasis that is the AquaSpa Solarium. Here you'll find the adults-only pool and four more hot tubs, all accented by soft lighting, New Age music, floor-to-ceiling waterfall, dancing fountains, and lush vegetation.
#9. Shore excursions aboard mass-market lines are ho-hum.
Jury's Out: On my very short cruise to nowhere I wasn't able to sample a Celebrity shore excursion. My usual beef with mass-market excursion options is that they are designed to explore the most touristy attractions of any given port and focus more on shopping than on offering a glimpse into the true nature of the destination.
#10. The staff aboard mass-market ships isn't as attentive.
Upheld: The officers and crew aboard Celebrity Equinox are all incredibly friendly and good at their jobs. However, overall service standard are not designed to be the same as what you'd experience on a luxury cruise ship. For example, on a luxury line you may get to know your room steward and see him several times a day. You may call him whenever you need something. Same goes for pool deck waiters. On a luxury ship, a waiter will stop by often to bring you drinks, cool towels, snacks, etc. On Equinox it was sometimes difficult to flag someone down from the pool bar (i.e., just walk up to the bar yourself instead of being catered to at your lounge chair). Equinox crew members were generally excellent but they are not trained—or expected—to offer the same types of services that their contemporaries aboard luxury ships do.
Is Celebrity Equinox Right for You?
If you can look past the following things, you will find Celebrity Solstice-class ships to be an excellent value for your cruising dollar.
- Crowds. At capacity, you'll travel with 2,848 other guests. If you're used to sailing aboard smaller ships, will you miss getting to know more of your fellow cruisers? Can you put up with the sheer numbers that will surround you on a ship like Celebrity Equinox?
- Wait Times. With this many passengers, you'll need to wait in line for embarkation and tenders to some ports of call. Restaurants and shore excursions may also be more crowded.
- Children. The Solstice-class ships are very attractive options for families so you'll see your fair share of children onboard. If you prefer an adults-only experience, this may not be the right option.
For more information contact your travel agent or Celebrity Cruises at 1-(800) 647-2251.
Don't miss our Celebrity Equinox photo gallery!
Coming soon... my detailed review of Celebrity Equinox.
Lotus Mahal, Hampi
It is built in Indo-islamic style. Architecture of Lotus Mahal is a successful fusion of temple-like elements of Vijayanagara styles and sultanate elements. If the curved eaves, pyramidal towers depict temple-like elements then the lobed arches, plaster designs depict sultanate elements. The base of the structure depicts a Hindu foundation of stone just like in the temples.
It is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides. It is a two storied structure. It has lobed arched openings in multiple planes surrounded by elaborate plaster designs. The upper floors have balconies with arched windows. There are hook like structures on the wall close to the upper windows may be for hanging curtains. The arches of the ground floor are recessed and ornate.The walls are protected from Sun and rain by the curved eaves that run continuously around the building. There are 8 pyramidal towers rise over the central and corner bays of the building. The ninth tower is above the central bay similar to the other eight but higher.
The exquisite carvings of flowers and delicate art work on the pillar arches is mesmerizing, especially with the Makara Torana on top of these arches that can still be seen on some of them.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Complimentary Wines Aboard Seabourn Odyssey
Hi Georganne,
The complimentary wines poured aboard Seabourn Odyssey change frequently and will often depend on the itinerary you're sailing and where the ship last took on supplies.
Here's a list of a few of the wines that were included in our cruise fare during our July 2009 Eastern Mediterranean voyage:
- Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, 2005 D.O. Valle Central (Chile)
- Ferrari Carano Chardonnay, 2006 Napa Valley Carneros
- Nicolas Feuilatte Champagne Reserve Particuliere Brut
- Aromo Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 D.O. Maule Valley (Chile)
I hope this info helps!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
India Map
(Click on the image for bigger view) I had taken this snap from the High Court side by taking both the India map and Vidhana Soudha in the same frame.
In 1957 the Indian Government released stamps on map of India in 11 different color shades.
Paul Gauguin Luxury Cruise Ship For Sale Once Again?
You may recall that Regent Seven Seas Cruises has managed this ship in French Polynesia for many years. However, they are turning over the reins to Paul Gauguin Cruises in January 2010.
Yesterday, Seatrade Insider published an article citing sources that a sale of the cruise ship was "imminent". The buyer is reportedly Richard Bailey, owner of Tahiti Beachcomber SA.
Mr. Bailey owns four InterContinental properties in French Polynesian: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, and InterContinental Moorea Resort. He is also the primary player in The Brando eco-resort that's currently being developed on the late Marlon Brando's private island, Tetiaroa, in French Polynesia.
If the details are correct, Tahiti Beachcomber SA will own m/s Paul Gauguin while Paul Gauguin Cruises, headed up by President David Giersdorf, will manage and market the vessel. The names David Morris and Marilyn Conroy (both formerly of Silversea) have also been bandied about as possible industry insiders who may be characters in this new chapter of Paul Gauguin's book.
It will be interested to see how all of these rumors and reports pan out. Stay tuned for more details.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Oceania Cruises Offers $2,000 Discount – Ends 8/31/09
Book any voyage in Oceania's 2010 European Collection and you'll snag a $2,000 price reduction off two-for-one cruise fares that include complimentary airfare. You'll also receive free unlimited soft drinks and bottled water on all 2010 European Collection itineraries.
According to Oceania Cruises, this deal means cruise fares start at just $1,499 per person (although many fares are two or three times that rate).
Bargain hunters should check out the following itineraries, both of which start at $1,499 per person:
14 nights aboard Regatta
"Journey to the New World"—Barcelona to Miami
December 6, 2010
15 nights aboard Insignia
"Southern Sauntering"—Barcelona to Rio De Janeiro
To take advantage of this promotion, talk with your travel agent or contact Oceania Cruises at 1-(800) 531-5658. And, don't forget, you must book by August 31, 2009!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Bala Krishna Temple, Hampi
The main tower at the east is an impressive sight with numerous carvings on it. The epic stories carved on the walls of the tower.
Built in the center of a courtyard, the temple has various sections. They are: a sanctum, an antechamber, an ardha mantapa, a circumlocutory passage, a pillared hall with three entrances and an open pillared mantapa. These all together form the main temple. Apart from the above there are also a number of other shrines for the attendant deities. The sanctum is at present empty. The image of Balakrishna showing him as a child holding butter in the right hand is now relocated to the Government Museum at Madras.
The carvings in the pillared hall are especially spectacular with the Yalis (the mythical lion) on the pillars. The inner sides of the entrance exhibit beautifully sculptured Apsaras. The entrances to the temple hall flanked with impressive carvings of elephant balustrades. The carvings of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu can also be seen in this temple.
Video: Time-Elapsed Building of Seabourn Odyssey
Friday, August 7, 2009
Seabourn Wine List: Packages, By the Bottle, & Wine Tastings
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMGk_jgOJJ26cDk6xy9MB4ZSLInrMTihDg2eTCwrInrbeWMYdLAZJefP7mjq76atYEI_bWoHCm3nSL5ULLPwvtapZ162FJ6cgre72eY8ExVmdTxVHqmop41izsWIo1Wqju_KhzJ093F8/s200/wine-glasses.jpg)
If you don't visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com often, you may want to bookmark it and check back for more Seabourn information.
Last night I posted a comprehensive list of the reserve wines available as packages and by the bottle, as well as information about special wine tastings on select cruises. While Seabourn offers excellent wines as part of your cruise fare, these other options—for a fee—have been designed for true wine connoisseurs.
Read all about Seabourn's reserve wine list at LuxuryCruiseBible.com.
What else do you want to know about Seabourn Odyssey? Let me know and I'll post answers to your queries as soon as possible.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Dive into Natural Wonders in Ecuador
Tired of living in a concrete jungle? Long to be surrounded by the sounds of nature rather than the cacophony of the city? Envelop yourself in a tapestry woven from the spectacular biodiversity of animal and plant life in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galápagos Islands.
You can explore these natural wonders without giving up modern comfort when you visit one of the luxury eco-lodges in the area and choose a smaller, but well-appointed cruise ship tour.
Ecuador’s tourist destinations are uniquely built to preserve the fragile rainforest ecosystem, to support the local people, and encourage the continuation of indigenous cultures. Once you’re in the Amazon, expect to be dazzled with the immense variety of trees, butterflies, birds, and monkeys.
Bird-watching is a special treat on the many canopy tours offered. Suspended 40 or more feet in the air, you’ll have an eye-level view of exotic birds wheeling and cavorting in the forest. You will also want to go to the magical Butterfly Farm, where you can see a multitude of native butterflies at various life stages.
Eco-lodges and river cruise ships often employ local people as expert guides. These guides offer an insider’s view of the area’s natural wonders, culture, indigenous groups, and geography.
There is a wide variety of types of boats, accommodations, and lengths of river cruises to choose from. Smaller vessels will allow you access to narrower rivers, or if you choose to be on a larger boat, you can take a canoe trip up smaller streams. A cruise of the Galápagos Islands will truly take you to another world. Again, your choices abound in what kind of vessel to take.
One of the most intimate options is boarding the M/Y Grace, an elegant yacht named for its late owner, Princess Grace of Monaco. With only nine cabins, you’ll enjoy a serene escape from city overcrowding, as you’ll be sharing the cruise with a maximum of 17 other guests. With this intimate setting, you receive personal attention and service from the staff. Also, the vessel’s small size allows you to visit areas of the archipelago that are inaccessible by larger cruise ships.
You can see the Galápagos’ remarkable tortoises, land and marine iguanas, the Galápagos penguin, frigatebird, Galápagos sea lion, blue-footed booby, finches, the flightless cormorant, and the Galápagos hawk in their native environment.
Snorkeling is especially inspiring in this fascinating habitat. Based on your preferences, your cruise can focus on family-friendly activities, varying levels of naturalist excursions, or active adventures including spectacular diving.
Ker & Downey offers several cruises in Ecuador varying from three to seven nights.