Friday, May 24, 2013

Cruising Vietnam & Cambodia on the Mekong River

Are you looking for someplace different? Maybe you've cruised or toured Alaska, the Caribbean, New England/Canada...you may have even encountered the Panama Canal. What's next? How about an experience with ancient temples, lush landscapes and tranquil villages?

The best way to experience Mekong is by river cruise. Your journey begins in Vietnam's charming city, Haoi, followed by an excursion to Ha Long Bay for a night aboard a traditional Junk. A short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, brings you to the ancient Khmer empire. After 3 days of touring, you'll embark on a 7-night Mekong cruise. Your adventure ends by spending 2 nights on board in Phnom Phen, capital of Cambodia. Finish your last 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City. 

What are the cruise and land highlights?
Authentic rickshaw ride
Buddhist monastery
Silk weaving village
Local markets
Rural villages
Historic pagodas
Floating markets




What can you expect onboard?
Impeccable service with 5 star hospitality
Enriching entertainment with local musicians and Apsara dancers
Spa Services
Sun deck and pool
Spacious staterooms and suites
Meet other well-traveled, like-minded adventurers
English speaking guides

AMAWaterways Exclusives:
-Complimentary Infotainment System in every stateroom
-Complimentary bottled water
-Complimentary bicycles and helmets on all European ships
-Complimentary multiple shore excursion choices: gentle walking group, active walking group, late risers group, culinary tours and guided bike tours
-Complimentary wine, beer, soda at lunch and dinner. Champagne at breakfast!
-21 wine cruises
-4 Jewish Heritage Cruises
-Other themed cruises: jazz, gourmet and chocolate

Do you like supporting others?  AMAWaterways sponsors the ODA (Orphans and Disabled Arts) Free Village English School in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia.  AMAWaterways' guests tour the Angkor Archaeological Park as part of the Mekong River cruise/land itinerary and have the opportunity to visit the school first hand. Guests derive enjoyment from visiting this incredible part of the world and are touched by the Cambodian people. Many guests bring supplies from home to donate to the school including: toothpaste, soap, shampoo, pencils, erasers, pens, chalk, small notebooks, post-it notes, dry erase markers, and highlighters. What a simple way to give while experiencing another culture!

Voyaging through Vietnam and Cambodia awakens the senses through color, exotic scenes and tranquil troves. A journey through this remarkable part of the world will be an experience you will never forget. Discover for yourself the countless wonders along the Mekong shores. Get in touch with me today and request your free Mekong River brochure.

Ask about other destinations such as Portugal, Africa, and holiday cruises.


Create memories, not regrets.

www.lifesrudder.com
@lifesrudder
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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas

3-night Bahamas sailing out of Port Canaveral



Twelve, eleven, ten, nine!  Teachers, students, and parents are chanting the countdown until school is out for the summer!  That's right. For most schools, there are just twelve days left until summer.  What are your summer vacation plans?  If you still haven't decided what your summer get-away will be, you should think about a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas.

In March, Enchantment of the Seas starting sailing out of Port Canaveral. Last week I had the opportunity to board Enchantment of the Seas and was very excited that we have such a beautiful ship sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at Coco Cay.

Staterooms:
Staterooms aboard the Enchantment are very spacious. Pictured to the left is an ocean view stateroom on Deck 8. What a great view from the sit-in-window.  Be aware that the ocean view staterooms on Deck 7 do not have the sit-in-window.

If you are celebrating an extra special occasion on your 3-day escape, you have to stay in the Royal Suite (8514). I assure you, you will not be disappointed. This suite has a separate bedroom with a king size bed, private balcony, whirlpool bathtub, living room, a full size sofa and a baby grand piano. This stateroom definitely has the WOW factor and will make you feel like royalty.

Dining:
My Fair Lady is the main dining room. One of my favorite features of the dining room is the statue of Eliza Doolittle, from the musical My Fair Lady.

Chops Grille steakhouse is the speciality dining option. For a low cover charge you can enjoy an eloquent dinner.

Windjammer Cafe and Solarium Cafe are also available for other dining options. When we were on the ship, we noticed a room off to the side in the Windjammer that had speciality dining with Indian cuisine. Keep in mind that cruise ships do cater to different diets. If you have a special diet, be sure to let the cruise line know prior to sailing so accommodations can be made.

What's Your Pleasure?
-Relaxing in the Vitality Spa or the Solarium (the adult only pool)
-Climbing the rock wall
-Kickboxing in the Fitness Center
-Gaming in the video arcade
-Visiting the Casino Royale
-Shopping at the duty-free Boutiques of Centrum
-Or how about enjoying the the Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theatre

Your summer get-away is calling you.  School is almost out and Enchantment is ready for you!

Get in touch with me today for additional information on your 2013 summer escape.






Create memories, not regrets.

www.lifesrudder.com
@lifesrudder
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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Got a Favorite Pair of Sandals?

Summer is just around the corner. If you are looking for an all-inclusive Caribbean get away, there's a resort that fits like your favorite pair of sandals. Think about your favorite pair of sandals. Do you prefer deluxe, moderate or value?

Deluxe:
Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Sandals Royal Plantation, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. As soon as I walked onto the property I was WOWed. Sandals Royal Plantation is an exquisitely private, all-inclusive butler resort. With 74 ocean view suites, this quaint resort is the perfect get away for a small conference or wedding.

All suites
All butler service
All suites have oceanview
Afternoon tea
Beach butler service
More intimate than Sandals
Tee off at Sandals Golf and Country Club
Free WiFi

What's not to love about this magnificent coral bluff rising 25 feet above the sea. I can't wait to go back to Sandals Royal Plantation.

Be aware, this resort does not have wheelchair access.

Moderate:
For the moderate budget consider Sandals or Beaches resorts. I get asked a lot what is the difference in Sandals and Beaches. Sandals is for couples. Beaches is for all ages.

Sandals properties are located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Granada (opening December 2013). If you would like to experience some place different, consider a Sandals all-inclusive resort. Get in touch with me for more additional information on your dream destination.

Beaches resorts are located in Jamaica and Antigua. I had the chance to visit Beaches Ocho Rios, Jamacia, in March of this year. Although this property was nice, it did not "wow" me. As a former elementary educator, I have high expectations of children's programs. I do
realize that when I visited this property, they were still renovating from the hurricane. At this time, if you are looking for a Beaches get away, I would suggest Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Value:
Grand Pineapple is a value property. With locations in Jamaica and Antigua, this is the perfect spot for couples, families, family reunions, girlfriend and singles get aways. Be aware, these resorts do not offer butler or concierge services.

Grand Pineapple Negril (formerly Negril Gardens), in Jamaica, has 65 rooms, on 4 acres, and is a 75 minute drive from the Montego Bay, Jamaica airport. This property is within walking distance to the heart of Negril.

Grand Pineapple Antigua is a larger property with 180 rooms, on 25 acres, and is a 30 minute drive from the Antigua airport. Although this is a family resort, they do have an adult only pool. Top snorkeling sites are a huge draw to this area. 

Be aware, Grand Pineapple Antigua does not have elevators and is difficult to get around for the physically challenged.Where would you like to go: Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos? How about Granada? 

Get in touch with me today and request a brochure on one of these great destinations.

Create memories, not regrets.

www.lifesrudder.com
@lifesrudder
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