Archive for the ‘ Cruise Info ’ Category

For those Galveston cruise ship passengers looking for a unique beginning or end to their cruise, I’ve just completed a complete rebuild of our short term vacation rental property “Sunset Bungalow.”

This property is completely new inside and out with deluxe resort style accommodations.  Located on the fringe of Jubilee Bay on Galveston’s West End, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled view of prime Galveston Bay wetlands with magnificent Sunsets 337 day a year…  the kind you see in Key West.  With room for 8-10 guests, Sunset Bungalow includes amenities you can’t find in a local hotel.  Things like fishing from a private boat dock, plenty of room for everyone to stretch out, completely stocked video and reading library and kayaks to name just a few.   We’ve also included two huge front and rear decks to enjoy those awesome one of a kind sunsets.

A major benefit to renting a vacation home like ours is you are able to save a lot of money by not eating out.  Prepare all your meals in our fully equipped gourmet kitchen  or fire up the barbie and create your own delicacy.

Sunset Bungalow is located in Jamaica Beach, a quick drive to or from the Galveston Cruise terminal.  Seven Seas grocery is less than a five minute drive for easy shopping.  The Village of Jamaica Beach has it’s own restaurants, convenience stores, post office, and police - fire departments for any type of emergency.

But, lets don’t forget the beach.  Jamaica Beach has it’s own stretch of beautiful sandy beach. And one of the best things about it is that it’s away from all the crowds of Galveston beaches.  Enjoy a nice nice walk or take a quick 3 minute drive. Note: Jamaica beach is known to be a prime sharks teeth hunting ground.

Galveston cruise ship passengers now have a fantastic option to begin or end their cruise.  Sunset Bungalow can accommodate 8 easily.  The lower unit (the bunkhouse) has a full trundle bed and will sleep an additional 2 people.  4 BR/ 3 Bath in all.

For rates and rental info click this link: Sunset Bungalow

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…on entertainment value.  Yes! Galveston, TX is fast becoming the cruise mecca for honeymooners, families on a budget and women looking for a fantastic girlfriend getaway vacation.  Centrally located and an easy drive from just about anywhere, the three main cruise ships leaving the Port of Galveston offer one of the best vacation values found anywhere.  Cruises from Galveston are priced from the mid $200’s to a little over $1000 depending on which ship you book.

Cruising is a great way to relax and enjoy the awesome ambiance the huge vessels offer up.  There is something for everyone in your group including passengers needing special assistance.  Galveston cruise ship itineraries include the Bahamas, Key West, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras and Belize.

Depending on your travel budget and the level of luxury you want , I’m listing the ships in order of expected cost.

Economy minded travelers may find Cruise Ship_Carnival Cruise Lines_Carnival Ecstasy to be in line with their budget.

In the middle of cruise prices from Galveston, you might consider the Cruise Ship_Carnival Cruise Lines_Carnival Conquest

And finally,  consider Cruise Ship_Royal Caribbean Int._Voyager of the Seas for a luxury cruise out of Galveston

You can’t go wrong with any ship you decide to book going out of Galveston as they all fill a specific need for their cruise customers.  I recommend getting your family and friends together for a planning party this weekend.  Consider everyone’s input and decide on one of these wonderful cruise vacations.  The ships are available all the time and in my opinion offer you an unforgettable vacation deal.  What are you waiting for?  Get those emails out now.

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Key West is a hidden gem at the very Southern most tip of the USA.  To get there by car, just keep driving south from  Miami through the Florida Keys.  Another option is arriving by plane, but part of the fun of your Key West vacation is driving there.  There are so many fun side trips, you should plan on a full day of travel for the 165 mile drive.  One of my favorite stops is the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, where you can swim with the Dolphins.  It’s amazing to be up close and actually touch these beautiful creatures.

If sailing is a pastime you enjoy, you can charter a sailboat in Marathon and actually sail into Key West.  Spending a few days on a boat in the Harbor puts you in walking distance to everything Key West has to offer.  I did this about 10 years ago and it’s still ranks as one of my top vacations.

Key West caters to all types of tourists and believe me, if you’re looking to let your hair down, you won’t have to look hard for entertainment.  On the other side, Key West is a great place for a short family vacation.  And for anyone that loves to people watch, you must head over to Mallory Square where every evening is a sunset watcher’s paradise.  People are there to watch the sunset, but the entertainment value offered by the street performers is second to none.  And if things are just right and you watch closely, you may even see a rare green flash when the sun finally disappears under the horizon.  I’ve seen 2 there… and they are forever etched in my mind.

While there, take a few of the tours offered; the ghost tour, the Hemingway Home and Mansion, the Dry Tortugas National Park or one of a dozen evening cruises.

For my wifes 50th birthday,  20+ friends joined us on a catamaran for an unforgettable and very fun filled sunset cruise.

You can create your own fun filled self-guided tour by just wandering up and down Duval street.  There are so many stores offering so many unique merchandise options, you’ll think you’re in the shopper’s promised land.  There is actually something for every whim and fancy.

Another great way to enjoy Key West is to stay in a private residence, or vacation rental.  Key West is jam packed with interesting homes… some with unique history.  If you traditionally stay at a resort, you’ll find many benefits in trying out a vacation rental.  Your family will enjoy additional privacy, you can cook meals to save a little money, and many are pet friendly.  Check out your Key West vacation rental options here.

Key West is packed with entertainment options and is a great destination for a short family vacation.  Plan your trip there now.

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Dale Chihuly’s love affair with glass has endured for over 40 years, resulting in a breath-taking collection of sculptures and installations.

You can see his exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio from July 4th, 2009 to March,  28th 2010.   Chihuly is known for his prolific glass projects.  One of his most famous was the Wall of Ice in Jerusalem, in 2000.

Take advantage of this special offer to view Chihuly’s work in Columbus, Ohio before September, 7th.

Lofts Hotel, Columbus: 25% Off 2+ nts on CheapTickets (Exp 9-7-09)

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California is home to some of the best beaches in America.

If you are contemplating a vacation this summer, you should definitely include California in your plans.  California is known for many exciting tourist destinations like Disney World, Yosemite National Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, Sea World in San Diego, Napa Valley’s awesome vineyards and Ronald Reagan’s presidential library in Simi Valley.  There is one thing you must do while visiting California;  make time to visit as many of the beautiful California beaches as you can.  They are a people watcher’s paradise.

Last year, I was on a business trip and ended up at East Beach in Santa Barbara.  One thing that stuck with me was the drum jam on the beach.  Drummer’s were dressed in cultural clothing of the region where their drums originated.  It drew a huge crowd.  I didn’t count the number of drummers but, I would guess around fifty drummers were there all participating in a huge drum jam.  It was awesome.

If you plan on visiting California this summer or sometime in the future, make it a point to visit several of California’s beaches.

Here is a list of beaches I recommend:

  • East Beach at Santa Barbara
  • Crystal Cove State Park in South Orange County
  • Aliso Beach at Laguana Beach
  • Coronado City Beach in Coronado
  • Windansea Beach at La Jolla

One way I recommend to get to sunny California is on Southwest Airlines.   Check out Southwest Airlines Vacations’ destinations and find affordable air/hotel packages to exciting destinations from coast to coast.

Before you go, consider the many advantages of a California vacation house rental on the beach…  save money, be where the action is, enjoy additional privacy and be close to your favorite beach.  Check out all your fun options at VacationHomeRentals.com

Make your California vacation one to remember.  Plan yours today.

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This is the third in a series of yearly girlfriend getaway suggestions. These top girlfriend destinations have been so popular and read by so many women who love to travel, we’ve decided to do this again. Most suggestions are good anytime of the year and include ideas for discount all inclusive vacation packages. Get your travel girlfriends together now and enjoy time together and do a few things, others just talk about.

  • Costa Rica can be enjoyed most anytime of the year, but beware… there is a rainy season.   I suggest the Oso Peninsula region in Southern Costa Rica, as there is a wide variety of eco adventure to be found.  Drake Bay, Cano Island and Corcovado National Park are all great must see destinations.  Go to VacationCity.com for more info.
  • Hawaii.  Right now, as you read this, Mount Kilauea is spewing steam and lava and presents a great opportunity to see something many people never see; an active volcano.  Be one of this elite group and book your trip to Hawaii soon.  Recently, a friend told me about a little known paradise on Maui named Hana.  Hana is found at the end of the breathtaking,  but sometimes toturous 52 mile drive from Wailuku.  This small town has just 1,855 residents and is more known as the turnaround spot after your 54 bridge, 617 curve drive.   Most tourist are trying to get back to Kaanapali or Wailuku before sundown.  Try to spend a night or two at this remote and magical village.  Find out more… Hana, Hawaii.
  • Cruise From Galveston, Texas.   Cruising from Galveston, Texas has become the “in” thing to do, especially if you live in Texas or, are among the residents of mid-west states.   It’s a quick flight to Houston and about a 45 minute ride down to the cruise terminal in Galveston.  From there, Mexico and the Caribbean offer fun stop-overs and inexpensive shopping forays.  Cruises are your best travel value!  Save $1,000 or more compared to a land vacation!
  • Philadelphia has great restaurants, world renown art and is a historical gem.  Easy to get to and easy to get around, Philadelphia offers you an interesting long weekend or an unforgettable 5 day trip.  You’ll find more than 28 museums including the Mutters and Mummers museums.  For photographers there is the 4 hour Sunset tour and for food lovers, try the…  “Center City Food Lovers Adventure.”  Find a great Philadelphia hotel on Hotels.com
  • Ahhh!  Jamaica de place, mon.  If you and your girlfriends want a getaway like nowhere else, book an unforgettable trip to one of the Caribbeans best vacation destinations… Jamaica.  Picture-perfect beaches, swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters and a relaxed tropical ambiance… isn’t that what you’re looking for in a girlfriend getaway?  Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril all have their special appeal. Find the best deals on complete vacation packages from your city and travel to tropical Jamaica.

There you are; our top 5 Girlfriend Getaway suggestions for 2009.  Call your friends and get together this weekend and make a decision for your next BGF getaway.  You’ll come back relaxed and stress free.

If you have a suggestion for an forgettable trip, share your comments with others in the form below.

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7 Great destinations, 10 Awesome Resorts!

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If you are a typical American, you are most likely in need of some rest and relaxation these days.  I’d like to tell you about some cruises from Galveston, Texas, and how easy they are to access.

Perhaps you’ve never thought of the Carnival Cruises that Galveston, Texas offers.  Maybe you didn’t even know you could take a cruise from Galveston.  Believe me, though, there is nothing more relaxing then setting sail via one of the Galveston cruise ships, and heading to any number of exotic foreign ports.  Let’s take a look now at some of those exciting destinations!  On many of the cruises leaving Galveston, you could head to any number of warm tropical paradises.  It is easy to get “down in the dumps” this time of year, especially if you
live in the Midwest or the Northeast.  Everything just seems sort of dismal and cold… and this winter is no exception.

The solution, of course, is to hop on one of the cruises leaving Galveston and head for sunny shores!  There are cruises with destinations such as Jamaica, Cozumel, Cancun, even the Cayman Islands, and many more.  Perhaps you are thinking to yourself, “But I don’t know where the cruise port is in Galveston!”  Never fear, because the cruise port in Galveston is easy to find, as you will soon see.

The Galveston cruise port is conveniently located, just off Interstate 45 and can be accessed easily by anyone.  Getting to the cruise port in Galveston couldn’t be easier, especially if you have internet access.  Simply go to any number of map sites and type in your destination, and bada-bing, there you are!  Galveston traffic is easy to negotiate, and finding the port is really very, very simple.  While there, visit the Strand.  It’s located in the historical downtown area and many of the merchants there need your patronage as they are continuing to rebuild after hurricane IKE.

Carnival cruises leaving Galveston for such exciting ports of call can readily be found and present a great option for an affordable family vacation.  Many cruises start from $300.00 and go from there depending on the upgrades you include.  Believe you me, you’ll be glad you headed to Galveston for an exciting cruise!

Well, we’ve talked about how easy it is to get to the cruise port in Galveston, how many exciting, warm, tropical ports are destinations for the cruise ships departing Galveston, and about what a good time of year it is for that sort of thing.  So what are you waiting for?  Head down south today, there is no better time to take a cruise.  Just think, while your neighbor is shoveling snow in sub-zero weather, you can be working on a tan in beautiful Jamaica, or maybe playing beach volleyball on a Cayman Island beach!  Don’t delay, head to Galveston, today!

Remember to pack the suntan lotion!

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