QE2 to Call Cape Town Home?

In 2010 South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup and tourism is expected to soar. Dubai World, owner of the Queen Elizabeth 2, is hoping to take advantage of the increase. In 2007 the company bought the storied transatlantic ocean liner from Cunard with the idea that it would be turned into a museum/hotel at Dubai's Palm Jumeirah island.

But you know what they say about the best laid plans. The economy faltered and tourism to Dubai fell off the charts, leaving plans for the QE2 uncertain. That's when Dubai World approached South Africa with an idea. What about making a home for the vessel at Cape Town's Victoria and Albert Waterfront? The plan calls for the QE2 to be turned into a luxury hotel.

For more on this story, read the Financial Times' piece "Cape Town Possible Permanent Berth for QE2" by reporters Richard Lapper and Robin Wigglesworth.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Seabourn Cruises from $1,349: One-Week Sale

Mark Monday, July 13 on your calendar. That's when Seabourn's one-week sale begins. The luxury cruise line is offering ten itineraries—between five to 14 days—at fares ranging from $1,349 to $5,249 per person.

Reduced fares may be found on all Seabourn ships, although only one Seabourn Odyssey sailing is part of this limited-time promotion.

Snag one of these special fares by booking between Monday, July 13 and the end of the day on Monday, July 20.

Discounted Voyages

Seabourn Legend
11/23/2009 14 days Ft. Lauderdale to Caldera, Costa Rica from $3599
12/07/2009 14 days Caldera, Costa Rica to Ft. Lauderdale from $3599
03/20/2010 5 days St. Thomas to St. Thomas from $1499
03/25/2010 7 days St. Thomas to St. Thomas from $1999

Seabourn Spirit
11/15/2009 12 days Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale from $2765
12/16/2009 5 days St. Thomas to Ft. Lauderdale from $1349

Seabourn Pride
02/13/2010 14 days Singapore to Hong Kong from $4999
02/27/2010 14 days Hong Kong to Singapore from $5249
03/13/2010 14 days Singapore to Hong Kong from $5249

Seabourn Odyssey
11/28/2009 12 days Ft. Lauderdale to Ft. Lauderdale from $3999

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact the Yachts of Seabourn at 1-(800) 929-9391.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Suvarna Karnataka

Karnataka with history of more than 1500 years is a land of wonders. One can cherish the experience of centuries old architectural marvels, famed monuments. Some of these are recognized as world heritage structures. One can explore the ancient rock-cut caves, experience breathtaking natural beauty.

Karnataka has been known as "Cradle of Stone Architecture" for the immense variety of heritage architecture it exhibits. It is a land where one can experience the world heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakkal, exquisite temples Belur, Halebidu, and Somnathpur, the cave temples of Badami and Aihole, magnificent fort of Chitradurga and Bidar, domes and minarets of Bijapur, the magnificent palaces of Mysore and Bangalore.

One can be amongst the nature in Western Ghats. It is a home for various wild life santuries such as Bandipur, Nagarhole and Dandeli to name a few, bird sanctuaries such as Ranganathittu, Mandagadde and Gudavi to name a few. The tallest water fall of India, Jog Falls is located here. One can stroll on the beaches of Gokarn, Karwar, Marvante etc.,

In short one can enjoy the diversity and rich heritage throughout the state.

We will explore most of these in the days to come among others.

For more visit Mosaic Monday