Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cruise ships bring nearly 700 sick passengers to shore]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/cruise-ships-bring-nearly-700-sick-passengers-to-shore/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/cruise-ships-bring-nearly-700-sick-passengers-to-shore/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/cruise-ships-bring-nearly-700-sick-passengers-to-shore/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

cruise shipsBetween two cruise ships arriving in Florida and one in New Orleans, nearly 700 sick passengers were brought to shore over the weekend. Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, hit passengers and crew causing hundreds to become ill, many to be quarantined and sailings to be delayed. Its a common ailment, magnified by the closed environment of a cruise ship, but avoidable for the most part with some basic precautions and help is on the way in the form of a new vaccine.

Investigators with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) went on board Ruby Princess and Crown Princess to monitor cleaning procedures said Princess spokesperson Julie Benson. "We're working in close cooperation with the CDC to identify the cause," Benson told CNN after 499 cases occurred between the two ships, both based out of Fort Lauderdale.

In New Orleans, WDSU-TV reported Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas returned with 200 cases of the flu-like illness.

"At Royal Caribbean International we have high health standards for all our guests and crew," said Royal Caribbean in a statement. "During the sailing, we conduct enhanced cleaning on-board the ship, to help prevent the spread of the illness. Additionally, when Voyager of the Seas arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, this past Saturday, February 4, we conducted an extensive and thorough sanitizing on-board the ship and within the cruise terminal, to help prevent any illness from affecting the subsequent sailing."

The CDC notified officials in Louisiana Friday that a cruise ship might be coming in with a Norovirus outbreak, state epidemiologist Raoult Ratard said Sunday, reported CBS News. Putting the illness into perspective, Ratard said that on any given day about 10,000 people in the New Orleans area are likely to have diarrhea and about 30 percent of them because of the Norovirus.

"In a closed space like a cruise ship, in a nursing home, in a hospital, you want to be extra careful," Ratard said.

On the horizon, new a new medical breakthrough might have the answer to cruise passenger concerns over Norovirus incidents.

Continue reading Cruise ships bring nearly 700 sick passengers to shore

Cruise ships bring nearly 700 sick passengers to shore originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baylor College of MedicineCrown Princesscruise shipsCruiseShipsHealthNorovirusPrincess CruisesPrincessCruisesRoyal CaribbeanRoyalCaribbeanRuby Princesssick on cruise shipSickOnCruiseShipWDSUMon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

disclosure rules

New airfare disclosure rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation went into effect this week requiring airlines to include all taxes and mandatory fees in the quoted airfare price. The new transparency should not affect the end price airfare, but lets consumers know up front what the total price will be. Travelers like it. Airlines don't and say the rule discriminates against air travel over other travel options.

"For the consumer, this is obviously very good," travel consultant Monika Dysart told the Salt Lake Tribune. "It's full disclosure of the fare upfront, instead of letting you get to the airport thinking you got a good deal and then having another $100 or $200 [added],"

Spirit Airlines, home of the $9 fare (which really is not once other fees are added) isn't happy with the new rule and has a big "Warning!" sign that pops up on the carrier's website making that quite clear.

"We're against these new regulations because we actually think it reduces transparency," Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza told Time this week. "We think it makes it harder for consumers to understand what they're paying for."

Continue reading Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason

Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disclosure rulesDisclosureRulesMon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming travel blogger conferences for 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel bloggers conferenceIf the word "conference" immediately conjures images of tipsy, poly-suit clad conventioneers, comic book geeks, or coma-inducing workshops, you obviously haven't attended a travel blogger gathering.

'Tis the season for some of the year's biggest travel industry blowouts. Each has a different focus--some are for accredited travel writers, others hone in on the burgeoning travel blogging industry or events tailored for the public. What they all share is an emphasis on networking with industry professionals, travel trends, and continuing education in the form of field trips, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and yes, a fair bit of partying.

Below, our picks for the best in travel industry camaraderie and information exchange:

Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX)
The year's most anticipated travel scribe gathering will be held June 15-17 in Keystone, Colorado. Expect a mix of over 350 fledgling and veteran writers, PR and travel industry experts, guest speakers, and workshops. In your downtime, take advantage of Keystone resort and environs by hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fly-fishing, or riding. Psst. Europe TBEX will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, October 11-13.

New York Times Travel Show (NYT)
Held March 2-4 at Manhattan's Jacob C. Javits Convention Center, this is a great event if you're an accredited writer with a specific niche (Industry Professional Sessions include topics like "Focus on Africa," and "Focus on Travel Media"); there's also a "trade-only" day. The public and and newbie writers can explore the Exhibition Hall, check out a variety of cultural events to be held on five stages, and let the kids run amok in the Family Fun Pavilion. Bonus: Accredited travel professionals can attend the Friday Exhibition Hall and travel industry welcome reception, and Saturday and Sunday seminars and Exhibition Hall free of charge.

Travel Bloggers Unite (TBU)
Feel like a tax write-off trip to Umbria, Italy (did I just say that)? From April 20-22, this UK-organized conference unites travel writers and bloggers with travel PR experts, tourism boards, and travel companies. Seminars include photo walks and workshops, and using social media. Best of all, delegates will be able take free post-conference tours of Umbria.

Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
Lonely Planet guru/Gadling editor Don George co-founded this renown industry event with Book Passage owner Elaine Petrocelli in 1991. Held annually at Petrocelli's Marin County bookstore (located 15 minutes north of San Franciso; the other Book Passage is a tiny shop in San Francisco's Ferry Building). The event has attracted in the past luminaries such as Tim Cahill, Larry Habegger, and Gadling's David Farley. This year, esteemed writer Susan Orlean will be in attendance, and the schedule includes four days of seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and optional evening field trips. If you're serious about travel writing--and few places provide as much topical diversity as the Bay Area--sign up, stat.

Be sure to check out Don's article on "Top tips for TBEX and other writers' conferences" before you sign up or get on a plane (they say advice doesn't come cheap, but this is free, baby).

[Photo credit: Flickr user Dia[TM]]

Presenting Xtranormal's "I want to be a travel writer"

Upcoming travel blogger conferences for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelBay AreaBayAreabloggersbloggingblogsbook storesBookStoresconference centersConferenceCentersconferencesconventionsculinary travelCulinaryTravelLausanneManhattanNew YorkNewYorkphotographySan FranciscoSanFranciscotravel bookstravel companiestravel conferencestravel conventionstravel journaliststravel lecturestravel literaturetravel seminarstravel workshopstravel writerstravel writingTravelBooksTravelCompaniesTravelConferencesTravelConventionsTravelJournalistsTravelLecturesTravelLiteratureTravelSeminarsTravelWorkshopsTravelWritersTravelWritingUmbriawriterswritiers workshopsWritiersWorkshopswritingMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruise line makes offer, gets sued, waits]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/29/cruise-line-makes-offer-gets-sued-waits/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/29/cruise-line-makes-offer-gets-sued-waits/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/29/cruise-line-makes-offer-gets-sued-waits/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

cruise lineThe cruise line that owns Costa Concordia is trying to move forward, past recovery and initial assistance efforts to make an offer to non-injured passengers. Still without conclusive forensic reasons or blame placed for the tragic grounding of January 13, Costa Cruises faces legal action as it and the entire cruise industry review safety standards.

The families of those who died, passengers that were injured and crew members will be handled on a case by case basis. For everyone else, the line is offering:
  • A lump sum of 11,000 euros (about $14,500) per person as indemnification, covering all patrimonial and nonpatrimonial damages, including loss of baggage and personal effects, psychological distress and loss of enjoyment of the cruise vacation;
  • Reimbursement of the value of the cruise, including harbor taxes;
  • Reimbursement of air and bus transfers included in the cruise package
  • Full reimbursement of travel expenses to reach the port of embarkation and return home;
  • Reimbursement of any medical expenses resulting from the cruise;
  • Reimbursement of expenses incurred on board during the cruise.

Almost simultaneously, crew member Gary Lobaton off Costa Concordia has filed a complaint in the federal court of Chicago seeking class-action status in a $multi-million lawsuit.

"The defendants failed to properly and timely notify all plaintiffs on board of the deadly and dangerous condition of the cruise ship as to avoid injury and death," Lobaton said in the complaint. The passengers and crew "were abandoned by the captain."

Meanwhile, Fox News reports six passengers off the stricken cruise ship filed a complaint against Carnival Corporation, parent company of ship owner Costa Cruises, in a Miami court demanding $460 million in compensation.


Continue reading Cruise line makes offer, gets sued, waits

Cruise line makes offer, gets sued, waits originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Costa ConcordiaCosta Cruisescruisecruise linecruise line offercruise linescruise safetycruise settlementcruise tragedyCruiseLineCruiseLineOfferCruiseLinescruisesCruiseSafetyCruiseSettlementCruiseTragedySupreme Court of the United StatesSun, 29 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost on the trail? Satellite tracking system can help]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/24/lost-on-the-trail-satellite-tracking-system-can-help/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/24/lost-on-the-trail-satellite-tracking-system-can-help/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/24/lost-on-the-trail-satellite-tracking-system-can-help/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

lost on the trailGetting lost on the trail, injured during a climb or into some other unplanned situation can make a great day a lousy one really fast. Adventure travel often takes us to remote places and when accidents happen there might not be a 911 to call or close-by hospital to visit. On their own, travelers often have to make do with the resources at hand. Prepared for anything, some travelers pack registered locator beacons that can make the difference between life and death.

As an integral part of worldwide search and rescue, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System to detect and locate travelers in distress almost anywhere in the world at anytime and in almost any condition.

NOAA's polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites are part of the international Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System, called COSPAS-SARSAT. This system uses a network of satellites to quickly detect and locate distress signals from emergency beacons onboard aircraft and boats, and from smaller, handheld personal locator beacons called PLBs.

Easy to get, these PLB's start at about $100, worth every penny if lost or stranded with no cell phone signal or help in sight. There are three types of beacons used to transmit distress signals, EPIRBs (for maritime use), ELTs (for aviation use), and PLBs (used for land-based applications).

Continue reading Lost on the trail? Satellite tracking system can help

Lost on the trail? Satellite tracking system can help originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlaskaColorado Springs, ColoradoCospas-SarsatFloridaLocallost on the trailLostOnTheTrailMarco Island, FloridaNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationSci/TechU.S.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sunken British warship to be raised, mystery solved]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/23/sunken-british-warship-to-be-raised-mystery-solved/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/23/sunken-british-warship-to-be-raised-mystery-solved/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/23/sunken-british-warship-to-be-raised-mystery-solved/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

British warshipIn 1744, a mighty British warship sank off the Channel Islands, killing more than 1,000 sailors and carrying an estimated £500m worth of gold coins. Now, plans are being made to raise the ship and solve one of seafaring's greatest mysteries.

"HMS Victory was the mightiest vessel of the 18th Century and the eclectic mix of guns we found on the site will prove essential in further refining our understanding of naval weaponry used during the era," said Greg Stemm, chief executive of Odyssey Marine Exploration the American salvage company that found the ship and has been chosen to carry out the recovery.

The wreck of the 300 ft HMS Victory was a predecessor of Lord Nelson's famous 104-gun flagship, now a floating museum, was found near the Channel Islands in 2008, nearly 65 miles from where it was historically believed to have sunk.

Continue reading Sunken British warship to be raised, mystery solved

Sunken British warship to be raised, mystery solved originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>British navyBritish warshhipBritish WarshipBritishNavyBritishWarshhipBritishWarshipChannel IslandsHMS VictoryHmsVictoryHoratio Nelson, 1st Viscount NelsonLaw of the United KingdomOdyssey Marine Explorationsunken shipsSunkenShipsWorldMon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nat Geo presents five cruise ship disasters that changed travel]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/nat-geo-presents-five-cruise-ship-disasters-that-changed-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/nat-geo-presents-five-cruise-ship-disasters-that-changed-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/nat-geo-presents-five-cruise-ship-disasters-that-changed-travel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Cruise ship disasters can have a lasting effect on the industryOver the past week, the Costa Concordia story has been a prominent one amongst both the mainstream media and travel outlets alike. The sinking of a cruise ship is not a common occurrence and ranks amongst the worst travel nightmares imaginable. While questions about exactly what happened aboard that ship remain, it is clear that the accident will likely have far reaching consequences and bring change to the cruise industry.

With that in mind, our friends over at National Geographic have put together an interesting article, along with some very compelling images, of 5 cruise ship disasters that changed travel. Each of the entries on the list, and the Costa Concordia is not among them, left an indelible mark on how cruise ships operate today. For example, not surprisingly, the Titanic earns a place on Nat Geo's roll call of infamy thanks to the fact that when it went down, there were only enough lifeboats for about half the passengers on board. As a result, 1500 people perished, and cruise ships were later mandated to begin carring enough lifeboats for everyone.

The four other entries on the list had a similar impact on the industry, although not all of them resulted in such a massive loss of life. It is an interesting study of how a disaster at sea can make a lasting change for the better, and end up making travel by ship a lot safer in the process.

Nat Geo presents five cruise ship disasters that changed travel originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Costa ConcordiaCostaConcordiacruisecruise shipcruise ship disasterscruise shipscruisesCruiseShipCruiseShipDisastersCruiseShipsdisasterNat GeoNatGeoNational GeographicNationalGeographictitanicSun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Haiti: the rocky road to recovery]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/18/haiti-the-rocky-road-to-recovery/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/18/haiti-the-rocky-road-to-recovery/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/18/haiti-the-rocky-road-to-recovery/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

HaitiHaiti was hit by a massive earthquake a little over two years ago, flattening homes, school buildings, and businesses; pretty much transforming the entire city of Port Au Prince into rubble. Relief efforts came and continue by non-governmental organizations (NGO's) as nearly $5 billion in aid was promised and is being spent. But while there are ongoing success stories, half a million people are still living in camps they took refuge in right after the earthquake and they are not happy about it.

"The humanitarian response was so appreciated that few could have predicted two years later the long and deep thread of anger toward NGOs that now runs through Haitian society," wrote Marjorie Valbrun, a Haitian-American journalist in the Sacramento Bee.

It was the topic of special television broadcasts. Cruise lines delivered supplies. Aid poured in. But was the worst natural disaster in the history of the Western Hemisphere, killing 316,000 people, and much work remains to be done.

Haiti's crippling bureaucracy alone makes rebuilding a slow process and cause for anger by displaced Haitians but even foreign aid workers are easy targets for resentment.

"Aid workers live in nice houses, ride in air-conditioned SUVs and frequent trendy nightclubs while Haitians live in tents or shacks." says Barbara Shelly who visited Haiti with a church group last summer and witnessed some of the hostility.

Continue reading Haiti: the rocky road to recovery

Haiti: the rocky road to recovery originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american red crossAmericanRedCrossArcade FireCinema for Peacedisasterearthquake disasterEarthquakeDisasterEntertainmentHaitiHaitian AmericanPort-au-PrinceRégine ChassagneRoyal Caribbean InternationalRoyalCaribbeanInternationalsean pennSeanPennWin Butlerworld visionWorldVisionWed, 18 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruise tragedy calls for increased focus on safety]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/cruise-tragedy-calls-for-increased-focus-on-safety/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/cruise-tragedy-calls-for-increased-focus-on-safety/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/cruise-tragedy-calls-for-increased-focus-on-safety/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

cruise tragedyOn the heels of the Costa Concordia cruise tragedy, where a once-proud ocean going vessel now lay on its side off the coast of Italy, calls for increased safety standards and procedures are being made. While history will remember the Concordia event as more of a near-miss than a Titanic-like disaster as tabloids might have us believe, most experts agree: this can't happen again.

As rescue workers still try to find 20-some missing passengers, blame has been placed squarely on the shoulders of the ship's master, Captain Francesco Schettino. The ship was sailing a course approved by the cruise line, similar to an airline flight plan, when Captain Schettino chose to deviate from that plan, sailing too close to a nearby island in order to show the ship to locals.

"This route was put in correctly. The fact that it left from this course is due solely to a maneuver by the commander that was unapproved, unauthorized and unknown to Costa," said Costa Chairman and CEO Pier Luigi Foschi in a live press conference via telephone from Italy yesterday.

Continue reading Cruise tragedy calls for increased focus on safety

Cruise tragedy calls for increased focus on safety originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costa concordiacosta cruisesCostaConcordiaCostaCruisescruise disasterscruise safetycruise tragedycruise vacationsCruiseDisasterscruisesCruiseSafetyCruiseTragedyCruiseVacationsItalyTue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eat while traveling on cuisine-focused adventures]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/eat-while-traveling-on-cuisine-focused-adventures/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/eat-while-traveling-on-cuisine-focused-adventures/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/eat-while-traveling-on-cuisine-focused-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

eat while travelingWhat we eat while traveling has always been a big part of a memorable trip. A recent survey by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism says 71% of Americans participated in at least one culinary activity while on an out-of-town trip and that activity was one of the most significant travel experiences of the vacation. Now, cuisine-focused adventures offered by travel agencies are making menus much more than a souvenir.

"With interest in local cuisines growing thanks to the success of popular television shows like the Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, gastronomic adventures are overtaking itineraries among gourmets and casual diners alike," said travel service company Amadeus in a recent newsletter.

Noting trending travel requests and getting the information out to travel agencies who want to be prepared with their offerings, Amadeus sent along information about a variety of food-oriented travel packages.

Taste-full tours
Travel agencies are creating itineraries that include tours of wineries, food and wine events, festivals, cooking classes, cruises with guest chefs and more so travelers can experience the unique flavor of a particular geographic region or city.

Learn to cook on a cruise
On cruise lines, dining has always been a big part of the experience. Now, many lines have gone beyond buffets to offer culinary-themed voyages. Holland America's Culinary Arts Center and Oceania Cruises' Bon Appetit Culinary Center are floating cooking schools where passengers get up-close and personal instruction from chefs on the ship.

Continue reading Eat while traveling on cuisine-focused adventures

Eat while traveling on cuisine-focused adventures originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amadeusanthony bourdainAnthony Bourdain: No ReservationsAnthonyBourdainAnthonyBourdain:NoReservationsAntoine'scuisine travelCuisineTravelDie Hardeat while travelingEatWhileTravelingEntertainmentFrench QuarterHolland America LineOceania CruisesSan FranciscoTravel Channeltravel cookingTravelCookingSat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruise accident "like a scene from Titanic" says passenger]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/breaking-cruise-ship-sinks-in-titanic-like-accident/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/breaking-cruise-ship-sinks-in-titanic-like-accident/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/breaking-cruise-ship-sinks-in-titanic-like-accident/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

cruise ship sinks(Updated 8:10AM EDT) After running aground off the coast of Italy Friday night, an unknown number of passengers are reported dead as a luxury cruise ship sinks and dawn reveals details of the tragic accident.

"It was like a scene from the Titanic,'' journalist Mara Parmegian on board for what was to be an 8 day Mediterranean sailing told the ANSA news agency.

Costa Cruises Costa Concordia ran aground on a sand bank near the Italian island of Giglio, Italy sending water pouring in through a 160-foot gash in the hull and forcing the evacuation of over 4000 passengers and crew on the ship.

"We were having dinner aboard when we heard a loud noise, like that of the keel being dragged over something," passenger Luciano Castro told Italian state radio early Saturday reports ajc. The lights went out "and there were scenes of panic, glasses falling to the floor," Castro said.

Castro said it was reported that some passengers jumped into the sea in an attempt to swim to nearby Giglio island. Evacuation efforts were apparently complicated by the position of the listing ship, according to a Costa Cruises blog post.

Giuseppe Orsina, a spokesman for the local civil protection agency, told CNN: "We are verifying the different lists of passengers and staff that have been given to us from Costa and at the moment from 43 to 51 people are missing.

Continue reading Cruise accident "like a scene from Titanic" says passenger

Cruise accident "like a scene from Titanic" says passenger originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Costa Concordiacosta cruisesCostaConcordiaCostaCruisescruisecruise accidentcruise shipCruiseAccidentCruiseShipSat, 14 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The ten most deadly cities in Mexico for tourists]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/the-ten-most-deadly-cities-in-mexico/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/the-ten-most-deadly-cities-in-mexico/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/the-ten-most-deadly-cities-in-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MexicoCrime and danger traveling to Mexico have been widely publicized for a long time. As a result, tourism in Mexico has suffered to the point where even cruise lines have pulled ships from calling at ports that seem safe by all appearances. Still, numbers speak for themselves and according to a study conducted by Citizens Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice, nearly twenty-five percent of the most dangerous cities in the world are in Mexico.

Just this week, MSNBC reported that one person died in drug-related violence every half hour in Mexico last year, amounting to 48 executions per day on average, a sign that the violence surrounding the country's powerful cartels continues unabated. Still, to a casual observer, Mexico looks like a reasonably safe place to visit or live.

Take a look at the gallery below based on per capita deaths for the surprising results.

Gallery: 10 most dangerous cities in Mexico

Reynosa- 36 murders per 100,000Acapulco- 51 murders per 100,000Tijuana- 53 murders per 100,000Torrean - 68 murders per 100,000Durango- 78 murders per 100,000


Drug War in Mexico Reaches A New Level

Flickr photo by (3)

The ten most deadly cities in Mexico for tourists originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Criminal JusticeLocalMazatlanMexicoMexico crimemexico crime deathsmexico crime photosmexico photo galleryMexicoCrimeMexicoCrimeDeathsMexicoCrimePhotosMexicoPhotoGalleryPublic safetyU.S.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel photo value way more than 1000 words]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-photo-value-way-more-than-1000-words/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-photo-value-way-more-than-1000-words/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-photo-value-way-more-than-1000-words/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

travel photoSurely, a picture is worth a lot and a good travel photo can tell a story of our travels. Gadling's Photo of the Day alone takes us around the world often. Now, a new photo contest promises winners what could be an amazing adventure, just for sharing their shots.

In Abercrombie & Kent's Facebook photo contest, travelers are encouraged to submit their most inspiring and powerful travel photos on a special contest tab on Abercrombie & Kent's Facebook page by January 29, 2012. That earns a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime adventure cruise to Antarctica for two, all expenses paid, under the guidance of expert photographer, Richard Harker.

"Facebook is a natural platform for inspiring travel," says Scott Wiseman, president of Abercrombie & Kent USA. "Our followers love sharing pictures from their recent travels, so we wanted to encourage them and reward them for making the effort."

Continue reading Travel photo value way more than 1000 words

Travel photo value way more than 1000 words originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abercrombie and KentAbercrombieAndKentAntarcticaCondé Nast Travelercruise contestCruiseContestcruisesFacebookphoto contestPhotoContesttravel photoTravelPhotoWed, 11 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel contest season is in full swing]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

travel contest seasonJanuary brings cold weather, post-holiday blues, dreams of travel and travel contest season every year. With few exceptions, sellers of travel roll out some of their best promotions during this time too. Aimed to make those dreams reality and have us focus on whatever travel product they are selling, travel companies want to bring our attention to their options over another.

Amble Resorts' Life-Changing Travel Contest has travelers looking at their new travel blog, The Ambler, for a chance to win a free flight anywhere in the world. Launched in mid-December, the contest is quickly gaining momentum as globetrotters from around the world share their most life-changing travel moments in the hopes of fulfilling resolutions to travel in 2012.

This contest asks visitors to reflect on their own life-changing travel experiences and draw inspiration from the stories of others, encouraging people to broaden their travel horizons and explore the world in 2012. The contest will reward one commenter with a trip to the destination of their dreams, in the form of a $1,500 travel voucher (OK, maybe not anywhere in the world) on the airline of the winner's choice, valid any time in 2012.

Continue reading Travel contest season is in full swing

Travel contest season is in full swing originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carnival Cruise LineCarnivalCruiseLineCelebrity CruisesCelebrityCruisesDream of a lifetimeDreamOfALifetimeFree cruisefree travelFreeCruiseFreeTravelTravel + LeisureTravel Contesttravel contest seasonTravel OnionTravel+LeisureTravelContestTravelContestSeasonTravelOnionTripFilmsWatch and win contestWatchAndWinContestWed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruise line murder case back on TV this week]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/05/cruise-line-murder-case-back-on-tv-this-week/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/05/cruise-line-murder-case-back-on-tv-this-week/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/05/cruise-line-murder-case-back-on-tv-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

cruise line murder caseRoll back the clock and set those VCR's, the 2005 cruise line murder case of George Smith who went missing while on a Royal Caribbean cruise is back on network television. In an update on Dateline NBC this Friday (10PM Eastern), the news hounds go to the well one more time for an update on the tragic industry-changing case.

"Dennis Murphy tells the story of an active, ongoing investigation whereby FBI agents won't talk on the record. However, the cruise line, Royal Caribbean has conducted its own internal investigation and 'Dateline' has the exclusive update about what happened aboard the ship in the early hours of July 5, 2005" reports Greenwich-Post.com.

According to the preview at Dateline's Website, Mr. Smith, a Greenwich, Connecticut resident, went missing from his honeymoon cruise. His family settled a lawsuit last year involving his estate. Royal Caribbean agreed to hand over its investigative file on Mr. Smith's disappearance to the FBI as part of the agreement.

Continue reading Cruise line murder case back on TV this week

Cruise line murder case back on TV this week originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Luxury Vacation Guide would be complete without a nod to cruise vacations. But there are cruises and then there are luxury cruise vacations. Seabourn sails a fleet of small yacht-like ships to exotic destinations around the world. On board, passengers are pampered with fine cuisine, luxury suite accommodations and the highest crew to passenger ratio in the cruise business. That allows for personal attention like no other line can provide and special events exclusive to Seabourn.

One of those special events is called Caviar in the Surf where passengers are taken ashore for a day of fun and sun on a private beach. About half-way through the day, a siren is heard in the distance, signaling the arrival of fine champagne and caviar via speedboat from the Seabourn ship anchored not far from shore.

On arrival, passengers wade into the surf, waist-deep in warm Caribbean waters, to enjoy the ship's best caviar and French champagne. It's a signature event unique to Seabourn that draws a crowd whenever they do it.

The event is followed closely by a beach barbecue featuring grilled fresh lobster, steaks and a variety of accompaniments while the champagne continues to flow.

Full bar service, beach sports and activities ranging from kayaks to water skiing are all included in the fun day and a local band is usually playing throughout the event.

Luxury does come at a price though with fares starting at $2799 per person for a seven-day Caribbean sailing. Still, luxury cruising is gaining in popularity as almost everything is included in the price. Even the caviar and champagne.



[flickr image via GeishaBoy500]

Luxury Vacation Guide 2012: Caviar in the surf originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saint LuciaOn the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, Rodney Bay is home to Reduit beach and Pigeon Island National Landmark, an important monument to St Lucia's history. We had a chance to walk around the historic site recently and were torn between the hilltop ruins of Fort Rodney and a panoramic view of the ocean and coastline where breathtaking photo opportunities are abundant.

Pigeon Island is a 44-acre island reserve just off the north coast of Saint Lucia, connected to the mainland by the construction of a man-made causeway built in 1972. The French, who owned the island in 1778, declared war on the British who retaliated by attacking them in Saint Lucia and capturing the island.

The British then built a Naval Base, heavily fortifying Pigeon Island. From there they were able to monitor the French fleet in Martinique which resulted in the defeat of the French at the Battle of the Saints in 1782.

Today, visitors can tour the grounds that feature ruins of military buildings used during the battles between the French and the British, two beautiful beaches, a restaurant featuring trendy local cuisine with a pub popular with locals and another restaurant with a historical theme. A lookout point at the top of the Fort gives a panoramic view of the Northwest coastline.

Gallery: Saint Lucia

Continue reading Saint Lucia rich in history and breathtaking beaches

Saint Lucia rich in history and breathtaking beaches originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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cruise ship prisonA cruise ship prison story has been floating around about an Australian woman who says she was held for years against her will aboard the cruise ship Freewinds, a floating Scientology cathedral of sorts. To many, the idea of living aboard a cruise ship might seem like a dream come true. To Valeska Paris, held on the ship starting in 1996 then spending the next twelve years there against her will, it was much more a nightmare.

Paris joined Scientology's Sea Organization, signing its standard billion-year contract at age 14. Three years later, after her stepfather committed suicide and her mother denounced Scientology on French television, Paris was ordered to "disconnect" from her family.

Paris was taken in by the Church of Scientology at age 17 then transferred to the Freewinds a year later. The Village Voice reports that for several months she was punished with an assignment in the ship's engine room, where at one point she passed out from the noise and heat. During the first years of her imprisonment, an escort went with her whenever she left the ship but over time she was conditioned to believe there was no escape possible.

"When I first went there, I hated being there, and I wanted to leave," Paris told the Voice. "I knew that wasn't going to happen, so I began to accept that that was the way it was going to be," she says.

Continue reading Cruise ship prison? Not so fast say Scientology captors

Cruise ship prison? Not so fast say Scientology captors originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mexican foodBefore sampling Mexican food on a recent trip to Mazatlan, Mexico, we shared some of the misconceptions commonly held by others who have not been there. Don't drink the water. Mexican food is not healthy. All Mexican food is spicy and all about tacos, burritos and enchiladas. What we found blew away pretty much all of that.

Mazatlan sits on the west coast of Mexico and boasts an abundance of seafood. Running the largest fleet of shrimp boats in the world, shrimp is on nearly every menu, prepared a number of ways. We ranked local eatery Al Agua as tops for shrimp and especially for it's Coconut Shrimp. There's really something to be said for sitting at the shoreside restaurant and watching as shrimpers off the coast catch what you are about to eat. It does not get any fresher than that.

Shrimp is a big export here too but not the only game in town. Marlin, Grouper, Octopus and clams are also used extensively on restaurant menus and "fresh" is what its all about. Combined with locally-sourced ingredients, we quickly forgot the "Mexican food is not healthy" misnomer and focused on unique combinations of vegetables, rice, beans and spices.

"The staples of Mexican cuisine do include corn and beans - which are full of fiber - but also vitamin-rich peppers, tomatoes and fruit" says Chef David Suarez, busting myths about Mexico for CNN. "Authentic Mexican food incorporates seasonal produce, fresh cheeses, seafood, herbs and meats, as well as complex carbohydrates."

Continue reading Mexican food in Mexico: surprisingly different

Mexican food in Mexico: surprisingly different originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPads in every stateroomIn a bold move, Royal Caribbean International announced today the addition of "iPads in every stateroom" on board onboard Splendour of the Seas, undergoing dry dock refurbishment right now.

"Based on consumer research, we added the iPads to greatly enhance guest communication, interactivity and to continue to offer industry leading technology that helps enhance the guest experience," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International.

Embracing technology and staying current is nothing new for Royal Caribbean International. Not long ago, sister-line Celebrity Cruises introduced a new iPhone app that represented a natural evolution of their programming, welcoming a new generation of cruise passenger. A Celebrity iLounge is a popular gathering place. As an Authorized Apple Reseller, some ships have a retail area where guests can try out and buy various Apple products and accessories plus an "enrichment center" that offers classes on the iLife suite of programs and other general topics.

Continue reading "iPads in every stateroom," says one cruise line

"iPads in every stateroom," says one cruise line originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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