Group tours, Group travel packages, group travel tours, group tour package, group cruises

Touring Australia and New Zealand

Monday, August 09, 2010

When a place has as much to offer as Australia & New Zealand, it is wise to organize your time before leaving home. By arranging an independent tour or joining an escorted, group tour, you'll be able to make the most efficient use of your time and see more of the wonder down under.

Australia and New Zealand are full of amazing natural landscapes, vibrant cities and modern attractions. There's so much of interest it's not surprising visitors return inspired and excited about their experiences.

New Zealand is compact and can be covered, top to bottom, in a couple of weeks.

Across the Tasman Sea lies Australia. This vast country has many areas catering to visitors that are long distances apart.

Combining both countries is an adventure of a lifetime as you see two of the most fascinating countries in the world - from spectacular Fjordland National Park, New Zealand to Ayers Rock, Australia and everything surrounding these amazing places.

Independent Touring

Through our industry partnerships, we can arrange a custom vacation for you to see all you want in Australia and New Zealand.

From luxury hotels to budget camping adventures there are many options available for singles, families and groups.
In New Zealand, the road system on both the North and South islands is immaculately maintained and un-crowded making it easy to tour by car or motor-home. You can also travel by rail and coach.
Farm stays let you experience first hand a vital part of these agricultural nations.
With the long distances in Australia, take advantage of an air pass if you have limited time. There are also rail and coach passes available for independent travellers.
Independent tours designed for families include activities just for kids like a visit to the School of the Air, a program of radio instruction for children of the Outback.
For the outdoor adventurer, trekking, bird and wildlife viewing are safe and pleasant in New Zealand as there are no natural predators or snakes. Take a hike on White Island, an active marine volcano or through the Waitomo Caves to glow worm grotto. Go bungee jumping where it was invented, in Queenstown, the capital of extreme adventure activity.

Escorted Tours

For many travellers, organized tours with a group provide the most efficient way to see the most important areas of Australia and New Zealand. They enjoy the carefree experience with luggage handled for them, having a full time local guide and the camaraderie of travelling with others.

Tours are available with accommodation from budget to luxury with most sightseeing and some meals included.
Group Tours range from a one day tour to the Hunter Valley north of Sydney to comprehensive one month tours of both countries with domestic flights included.
Combine shorter tours and city stays to create your own adventure. Pick and choose from a wide selection of destination and special interest escorted tours.
A must see, easily visited by guided tour, is famous Ayers Rock, situated at the Red Centre of Australia, the dry, outback desert area in the middle of the country. The area is part of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park which is Aboriginal land and one of the few World Heritage properties listed for both natural and cultural importance. Experience Aboriginal culture at the visitors centre and music and dance shows.
To see more of the South Pacific, add a stop over in Fiji or the Cook Islands to your flight home.

Last but not least, you can combine both a land and sea vacation on a cruise tour of Australia and New Zealand. Cruising Australia and New Zealand is an adventure that offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences unmatched anywhere else in the world. The ports you'll visit are amongst the most varied and interesting in the world. You can discover more of these exciting countries by adding a tour before or after your cruise. This could certainly be your most memorable vacation

Australia tour packages and independant vacations were just released for all of 2011 through early 2012. There are some wonderful promotions available for booking made by the end of August.

NCL Epic Arrives in the U.S.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line's highly anticipated new ship, the Epic is arrives in the U.S.

First stop? The Big Apple! Reba McEntire christened the line's most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date in New York on July 2, 2010.

NCL Epic also hosted the 34th Annual Macys 4th of July Fireworks show while in New York. This national, one-hour event was televised on NBC at 9 p.m, but showed very little of the ship.

Norwegian Epic is changing the face of cruise line entertainment. In another industry first, Blue Man Group will perform in the ship’s 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and will be seen for the first time ever at sea only on Norwegian Epic.

The ship has multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout, so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater. The Epic will offer a number of entertainment options in specially-designed venues, some offered for the first time ever at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

On this ship, guests will find the only “big top” at sea. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, famed producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner. This one of a kind interactive theatrical dining experience will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. During this two-hour show, guests will marvel in amazement and become part of a celebration of spectacle and fantasy. The entire experience will be unlike anything else at sea.

Norwegian Epic will offer the next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices – the most at sea – and 18 bars and lounges. The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea — The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea.

The ship incorporates several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a new category of inside staterooms for the value-conscious traveler – The Studios and Living Room; and spa and family-friendly accommodations.

Visit our blog and Youtube channel for more on the NCL Epic

The NCL Epic will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises out of Miami from July through April 2011. The ship will then offer a transatlantic sailing in April and spend the summer in Europe, before returning in the fall of 2011 to offer Eastern Caribbean itineraries once again.

Norwegian Epic
Launch Bonus

Up to $150 Onboard Credit
Inside
$25 Balcony
$75 Deluxe Balcony
$100 Suite & Villas
$150

50% Reduced Deposit
Take 50% off of our standard deposit when booking a Norwegian Epic vacation.

Spotlight on Ireland

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Green hills and fields surrounded by some of the most spectacular coastline in the world; the landscape of Ireland makes a perfect vacation setting. From the peaceful, relaxing Lakelands district to the excitement of Dublin, you'll discover a charming and friendly country with a fascinating Celtic heritage.

Discover Ireland

Create many memorable moments by enjoying Ireland's renowned attractions. To really know the country, you'll need to experience these Irish favorites.

Kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle.
See the windswept Atlantic coast with its dramatic hills, cliffs and blowholes.
Find the many historical landmarks which dot the landscape.
Stay in a traditional, thatched cottage or how about a castle for the night!
Visit the fascinating Waterford Crystal visitors center at Tramore.
Watch the history of Ireland come to life at the many heritage centers.
Enjoy a pint of Guinness at a friendly Irish pub, where music and dance are part of the scene.

Getting Around

Escorted or Independent Tours: See all the highlights on one of the many escorted coach tours offered by our partners. We can also take care of independent tour arrangements for those wanting more flexibility. Browse our Ireland tours.
Rail & Rail Tours: Eco-friendly rail journeys are a great way to see the country. Options include point to point service, half or full-day tours or three to six-day tours including accommodation.
Car: Roads have greatly improved in recent years and more motorways and dual carriageways have been added making driving Ireland a quick and convenient way to travel. The country and coast roads are generally un-crowded making it a pleasure to drive.
Bus: The bus network services the entire country. This is a good option for the budget traveler.
Ferry: The ferry service visits the islands around Ireland including the Aran Islands, the Skelligs and the Blaskets. Coastal ferries are often a good shortcut too. The ferry between Tarbert in Co Kerry and Killimer in Co Clare is a 20-minute journey across the Shannon Estuary which saves you 85 miles of driving while the ferry between Passage East and Ballyhack saves you hours.
Bike: It is possible to rent a bike in almost any town or city in Ireland. Dublin has rental bikes at over 40 locations in the capital! Get out of town on cycling holidays which are a delightful way to see the countryside.

Accommodation

You're in for a treat when you visit Ireland. A unique selection of accommodation awaits and today, luxury and comfort abound; Spa resorts and luxury guestshouses; upscale boutique hotels and traditional Bed & Breakfasts; self-catering cottages for families or groups. You can even stay in a distinguished, historic castle like Dromoland Castle, Castle Leslie and Ashford Castle. Here state-of-the-art facilities meet historic amenities - four-poster beds, book-lined libraries and dungeons converted into bars!

Active Adventures

Cycling, climbing and horse back riding are all popular in Ireland along with these activities:

Walking - From day trips to week long treks, guided walks or on your own, Ireland features towns and villages with great walking accommodation, services and packed lunches to keep you going along the way.
Golf - Ireland's western seaboard has many world-renowned links courses. Inland parkland courses are also well designed in beautiful settings with excellent club houses and accommodation - like Dromoland Castle and Country Estate which has its own Championship golf course. Play and Stay golf packages, Golf Passes for playing multiple courses at reduced rates and golf tours are available. Tee times can be conveniently booked online.
Water Sports - Ireland is the 20th biggest island in the world with a coastline 890 miles long and 584 miles of inland waterways. No wonder there is such a vast selection of water sports: Surfing, sail boarding, wind surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, diving, snorkelling as well as dolphin and whale watching cruises.

Family Vacations

Family travel in Ireland is easy with family friendly hotels, restaurants and activities found throughout the country.
Check out the events for kids and families at the Dunmore East Adventure Centre and Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre.
Splashworld at Tramore is a state of the art, indoor-outdoor water world that's sure to keep families entertained.
Heritage Centers introduce your family to the history and culture of Ireland with engaging exhibits.

Makes you want to start planning, doesn't it? The combination of numerous things to experience in a country of great natural beauty makes Ireland a sure bet for a fabulous vacation.

Royal Lotus

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

Pure luxury and unrivalled Swiss hospitality await you on the Royal Lotus, built in 2005. This new, modern river vessel offers spacious accommodations and a range of public areas from where you can absorb the ever-changing panorama between Luxor and Aswan. The luxuriously furnished cabins, each with an area of approx. 22 square meters, mirror the colors of the landscape of Upper Egypt and their panoramic windows offer unhindered views of the spectacular ever-changing scenery. The Royal Lotus restaurant serves mouth-watering meals, while the elegantly decorated Crescent Lounge and Bar are the perfect place to relax with a drink after a day of sightseeing. A dip into the refreshing plunge pool may be just what you desire, and the loungers are perfect for sun worshippers. There is also a fully equipped fitness room, bridge tables for card enthusiasts in the Observation Bar, and a dance floor in the Crescent Bar and Lounge. The Royal Lotus accommodates 124 passengers.

Ship Amenities

All staterooms feature large closets, individual climate control, telephone, color satellite TV, radio, minibar, safe, hair dryer and modern bathrooms with shower
All staterooms are outside and have large picture windows
One sitting at mealtimes
Relax in the Crescent Lounge or Observation Bar
Enjoy the fully equipped exercise room
Refresh yourself in the plunge pool or relax in heated Jacuzzi
Enjoy personal service from our English speaking staff
Internet access available

Deck Plans

Staterooms

Cabins
62 cabins

Standard Cabin
237 sq. ft.

Learn more about Avalon Waterways river cruises

Victoria Jenna

Friday, February 05, 2010

Overview

Victoria Cruises will expand its fleet with the introduction of the Victoria Jenna in 2010. The Victoria Jenna will be the largest ship in the company’s fleet as well as boast the highest passenger capacity of all vessels sailing the mighty Yangtze.

The Victoria Jenna will have 207 cabins (186 standard accommodations, 19 junior suites, 2 deluxe suites and 2 Shangri-la suites) and a crew of approximately 179. At a gross tonnage of 8,000, the five-passenger deck vessel will be 436 feet long, 54.4 feet wide, 50 feet high and feature a draft of 2.6 meters.

Ship Amenities

All staterooms are outside and feature floor-to-ceiling windows & private balconies
Except for a small area in the Yangtze lounge, the interior of the vessel is non-smoking
Relax in the Yangtze Club or the library
Enjoy the fitness center
Pamper yourself in a visit to the hair salon
Enjoy personal service from our English-speaking staff
Open seating in dining room at Avalon tables
Single-sitting main dining room & á la carte restaurant
Wine included with all onboard dinners
Internet access is available
Sun Deck

Deck Plans

Built: 2010; Length: 133.8 m; Passenger Decks: 5; Crew Members: 179; Standard Cabins: 186; Jr. Suites: 19; Deluxe Suites: 2; Shangri-La Suites: 2

Victoria Jenna