Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Plan a luxury safari in the US with American Safari Cruises]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/plan-a-luxury-safari-in-the-us-with-american-safari-cruises/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/plan-a-luxury-safari-in-the-us-with-american-safari-cruises/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/plan-a-luxury-safari-in-the-us-with-american-safari-cruises/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When most people think of a "safari" they think of hiking through the bush of South Africa or trekking through the jungles of Costa Rica in search of exotic animals native to the region.

But here in the US we have plenty of our own wild animals to see and going "on safari" here doesn't have to mean doing one of those drive-though "wild animal" parks where non-native animals like zebras and giraffes flock to your car for the food they know you're going to throw at them through your open window.

For a more upscale safari trip in the United States, check out American Safari Cruises, which offers small-group ultra-luxury all-inclusive sailings around North America. There's aren't your typical mega-cruises. The vessels are yatchs and are limited to 12, 22 or 36 guests. All meals, airport transfers, alcoholic drinks and shores excursions are included in the price. And according to the company's website, they institute green and sustainable practices, and give back to the communities they visit on each safari.

Some of the safaris offered include spotting whales, black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, mountain goats and wolves in Alaska, birdwatching and snorkeling with sea turtles and exotic fish in Hawaii, and looking for whales, sea lions, seals, black bears and deer in the Pacific Northwest.

Cruises range from 7 to 14 nights and rates start at about $5000 per person.

Plan a luxury safari in the US with American Safari Cruises originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaskaalaska cruisealaska cruise vacationsAlaska CruisesAlaskaCruiseAlaskaCruisesAlaskaCruiseVacationsblack bearblack bearsBlackBearBlackBearscruisegrizzly bearGrizzlyBearhawaiiluxuryluxury cruisesLuxuryCruisespacific northwestPacificNorthwestsafarisnorkelingturtleturtleswhalewhale watchingwhalesWhaleWatchingwild animalswildamericaWildAnimalswildlifeyachtyatchMon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Oasis of the Seas: designed to keep your dollars captive (and "dumb down" the travel experience)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-oasis-of-the-seas-designed-to-keep-your-dollars-captive-an/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-oasis-of-the-seas-designed-to-keep-your-dollars-captive-an/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-oasis-of-the-seas-designed-to-keep-your-dollars-captive-an/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Royal Caribbean's $1.4 billion new ship, the Oasis of the Seas, is notable not just because of its measurements. They're extraordinarily impressive measurements, to be sure: 20 stories high, 1,180 feet long, 2,700 staterooms, 225,282 tons. But for its guests, the even bigger story is what those measurements do to the traveling experience.

Arthur Frommer is one of the last great travel muckrackers in an industry crowded with fawning types, and his latest consumer reporting nugget comes from plain sight: the summer 2010 itineraries of the Oasis. The ship, which will depart from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, will be crowding its trips with at-sea days.

On many week-long trips, he finds, the Oasis will spend as many as three whole days, or half its time away from port, out at sea with no contact with any port or culture. On many itineraries, one of the only days spent on land will be passed on the cruise line's private beach of Labadee, on the coast of Haiti. That makes four out of six days, or two-thirds of the trip, that all 6,300 passengers on a full ship will be Royal Caribbean's captive audience, only spending their dollars with the company.

On many runs, a fifth day will be spent at Costa Maya, a remote beach location that was largely built and maintained exclusively for cruise ship passengers. The only day on those week-long trips spent at an actual, authentic port of call will be the one passed at Cozumel, which Frommer proclaims "the world's dullest port visit."

Gallery: Oasis of the Seas

Continue reading The Oasis of the Seas: designed to keep your dollars captive (and "dumb down" the travel experience)

The Oasis of the Seas: designed to keep your dollars captive (and "dumb down" the travel experience) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Royal Caribbean takes delivery of the Oasis of the Seas - the largest cruise ship in the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/royal-caribbean-takes-delivery-of-the-oasis-of-the-seas/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/royal-caribbean-takes-delivery-of-the-oasis-of-the-seas/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/royal-caribbean-takes-delivery-of-the-oasis-of-the-seas/#commentsFiled under:



Royal Caribbean must be one very proud cruise line. Today they took delivery of the Oasis of the Seas. Cruise lines are ordering and signing for new ships all the time, but the Oasis of the Seas is something very, very special.

With 16 decks, 2,700 rooms, and seven different "districts", Royal Caribbean actually achieved two things today - they got a new ship, and they became the owners of the largest cruise ship in the world.

The Oasis of the Seas is unlike anything ever built, and brings some amazing innovations to the oceans. A nine level zip line lets guests race through the massive open air atrium, kids can take a ride on a handcrafted carousel, and at the end of the day, you can relax in one of the 28 multilevel loft suites with floor to ceiling windows, or head up to the aquatic amphitheater. The list of attractions, restaurants and amenities is endless.

The Oasis of the Seas will be named at her inaugural celebration fundraiser on November 30. Funds will benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation. The inaugural sailing is on December 5 and guests will receive special entertainment and gifts to commemorate the occasion.

I highly recommend visiting the site of the Oasis of the Seas to discover all the innovations and fun. If you'd like to participate in the fundraiser, or the inaugural voyage, contact Royal Caribbean at (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

If you can't make the voyage, you can still get up close and personal - On Friday November 20th, the ship will be welcomed to her home port of Fort Lauderdale on a live "Good Morning America" broadcast. In the coming weeks we'll take a closer look at everything this ship has to offer.

Royal Caribbean takes delivery of the Oasis of the Seas - the largest cruise ship in the world originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>oasis of the seasOasisOfTheSeasroyal caribbeanroyal caribbean cruise lineroyal caribbean cruisesRoyalCaribbeanRoyalCaribbeanCruiseLineRoyalCaribbeanCruisesWed, 28 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twilight fans get their own cruise]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/twilight-fans-get-their-own-cruise/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/twilight-fans-get-their-own-cruise/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/twilight-fans-get-their-own-cruise/#commentsFiled under: ,

A cruise ship ... at twilightHoly "New Moon," I was joking when I referenced a cruise for "Twilight" fans in my article Heterosexual couple booked on a gay cruise sues cruise line, but thanks to the wonderful and well-informed commenters on Digg, I have learned that it's actually a real thing (thanks, darkmagic311).

Billed as a "Convention at Sea for Twilight Fans," the Alaska Twilight Cruise will take place on August 8-15, 2010, beginning and ending in Seattle -- and they intend to make it a yearly event. The cruise will feature a Q&A and autograph session with "Twlight" actors Ashley Greene, Alex Meraz and Michael Welch (and they're hoping to add a fourth), a costume ball, a charity auction and all the glory of Glacier Bay, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, B.C. "Imagine an Alaska Cruise Adventure with a Twilight Convention at Sea ... it's the best of both worlds ... for sure," says Linda Wolf, owner and "Captain."

The operating company, Cruises Cruises Cruises, has previously arranged Star Trek, Barbie and Beatles cruises. How's that for versatility? Prices range from $1049 per person in a 2-bed inside room to $3299 per person in a 4-bed deluxe verandah suite, convention fee and fuel surcharges not included. Visit TwilightFansCruise.com for more information.

Twilight fans get their own cruise originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaskacruisenew moonNewMoonseattletwilightTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Teenage Aussie set to sail around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/18/teenage-aussie-set-to-sail-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/18/teenage-aussie-set-to-sail-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/18/teenage-aussie-set-to-sail-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jessica Watson likes to travel, but she approaches the concept a bit differently. The 16-year-old Australian just left Sydney Harbor today, and she wants to take on the world. Her goal is to sail 23,600 miles alone -- through some of the toughest waters in the world -- and become the youngest person in history to do so.

The trek has kicked off some debate in Australia as to whether Watson's parents are nuts for letting her attempt this (not a position that's hard to imagine).The family claims that the kid is plenty salty and knows her way around a ship, and she'll have radio and e-mail access. She'll be blogging, too. In the Netherlands, a pair parents disagreed on whether to let their 13-year-old daughter, Laura Dekker, attempt the same feat. A Dutch court put Dekker in the custody of childcare authorities while the parents fought it out.

For Watson, just getting her pink, 34-foot yacht to the starting line has been difficult. Last week, she collided with a cargo ship while sailing to Sydney to make a few last preparations for her journey. And, strong winds last week prompted the sailor to push back her start date.

Continue reading Teenage Aussie set to sail around the world

Teenage Aussie set to sail around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincaliforniacircumnavigatecircumnavigatingcircumnavigationharborsailsailboatsailingsailing yachtSailingYachtsailorsydneyyachtyachtsSun, 18 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heterosexual couple booked on a gay cruise sues cruise line]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/heterosexual-couple-booked-on-a-gay-cruise-sues-cruise-line/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/heterosexual-couple-booked-on-a-gay-cruise-sues-cruise-line/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/heterosexual-couple-booked-on-a-gay-cruise-sues-cruise-line/#commentsFiled under: ,

Surprise!So, you saved all your money
For a cruise with your honey,
And when you get there,
You notice something funny.
"It's not that there's anything wrong"
So they say,
But everyone else on your cruise ship is gay.

Yes, this happened. According to The Daily Mail, a heterosexual couple accidentally ended up on Italy's first gay cruise, and they are suing the cruise line for not informing them. "The middle-aged husband and wife, who have not been named, said they were embarrassed after spotting people they knew, but had not realised were gay, on the cruise," reports Nick Pisa.

Awkward!

Even if they hadn't spotted anyone they'd known, you would think Grimaldi Lines, the cruise line in question, would have been a little more careful -- especially with their first ever foray into this touchy niche.

The couple reportedly booked the cruise with loyalty points from their grocery store. I guess they didn't know it was that kind of grocery store. They're suing for £2,800.

Some are saying the couple is making a big deal out of nothing or calling them homophobic, but I think I'd sue, too. Anytime you are being put on a boat with a target audience, you should be informed. I would also sue if I unexpectedly ended up with my boyfriend on Italy's First Singles Cruise, Italy's First All-Nine-Inch-Nails-All-Day Cruise, or Italy's First Cruise for Twilight Fans (no offense to any aforementioned parties).

Basically, it's great to have cruises for niche markets, but in my opinion, you've got to be pretty aggressively upfront about it. People get sued for serving hot coffee, after all.

Gallery: The newest innovations in cruise ship entertainment

Bigger roomsCarnival Dream water parkGlass blowing expositionCelebrity Cruises lawn clubFlow-Rider surf simulator


[via USAToday]

Heterosexual couple booked on a gay cruise sues cruise line originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cruisegay cruiseGayCruisegrimaldi linesGrimaldiLinessuesuedFri, 16 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three days of cruise fun on the Carnival Elation for just $99]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/three-days-of-cruise-fun-on-the-carnival-elation-for-just-99/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/three-days-of-cruise-fun-on-the-carnival-elation-for-just-99/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/three-days-of-cruise-fun-on-the-carnival-elation-for-just-99/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you need proof that this is the best time ever for finding hot travel deals, look no further than this offer. Enjoy a three day cruise on the Carnival Elation, sailing from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico (and back) for just $99.

The Elation is one of the Carnival "Fun Class" ships - and the entertainment on board certainly justifies the name. From a three deck waterslide to a jogging track, ping pong, mini golf, adults only retreat, various kids clubs, a spa, live entertainment and of course various restaurants.

The $99 rate is only valid on the October 19th departure for an inside room. If you live in the area, this is a great chance to relax on the cheap. Remember, $99 includes all your meals and entertainment. Drinks and some on-board services are extra, and you'll pay about $50 in government fees.

The itinerary is also available on October 26th and on November 23rd ($149 for an inside room) . You'll find this deal on the Carnival site, where you'll also find a list of shore activities and more information about the ship.

Three days of cruise fun on the Carnival Elation for just $99 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnivalelationensenadasan diegoSanDiegoWed, 14 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Antarctic tour operators recommend further safety measures]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/antarctic-tour-operators-recommend-further-safety-measures/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/antarctic-tour-operators-recommend-further-safety-measures/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/antarctic-tour-operators-recommend-further-safety-measures/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just a few short weeks before the Antarctic cruise season gets underway, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) has recommended further safety measures in the wake of several high profile accidents in the region over the past few years.

The IAATO is a completely voluntary organization, made up of companies that operate cruises in the Southern Ocean. In recent months it has taken a leadership role to ensure the safety of tourists traveling in the waters off the Antarctica, with their most recent recommendations detailed in a press release last week. These include continually reviewing information services that provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on weather and ice conditions, as well as staying abreast of changes in technology that may help keep the ships safer in the dangerous waters of the Southern Ocean. The IAATO also recommends that tour companies review their emergency procedures on a regular basis, practice onboard safety drills, and stress the importance of proper cold weather attire for passengers and crew.

Continue reading Antarctic tour operators recommend further safety measures

Antarctic tour operators recommend further safety measures originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure cruiseadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureCruiseAdventureTravelantarcticantarcticacruisecruisesiaatoWed, 14 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Titantic memorial cruise announced for 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/06/mark-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-titantic-by-cruising-the-north/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/06/mark-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-titantic-by-cruising-the-north/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/06/mark-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-titantic-by-cruising-the-north/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

History buffs and travelers with a sense of the macabre take note! 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and to commemorate U.K. based Miles Morgan Travel is planning a cruise that will follow the same path as that iconic vessel. Presumably without the iceberg.

On April 8, 2012, a chartered ship named the Balmoral will set sail from Southhampton, England, just as Titanic did 100 years earlier. The ship will have its first stop over in Cobh, Ireland, which is also a port of call on the original voyage. From there, it is out on to the open water of the Northern Atlantic, where, on April 15th, the Balmoral will visit the exact spot of the sinking of Titanic, exactly a century after the fact. The passengers and crew will then hold a memorial for those that were lost on that tragic day, before proceeding on to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they will visit three cemeteries, where passengers of Titanic found their final resting place. Finally, the voyage will finish up in New York City, the same destination that the "unsinkable" Titanic was bound for on that fateful journey.

The Balmoral can hold 1350 passengers and sails with a crew of 510. The luxury liner will serve a menu that matches the one from a century before, and live bands will play music from that era as well. Passengers can attend special historical lectures while en route and enjoy a cruise that will be a bit like stepping back in time. Prices start at $3900 and each of the 710 cabins is expected to be sold out.

For more information on this very unique cruise or to book your own cabin, go to BortonOverSeas.com, the company in charge of taking reservations for the voyage. Their Titatanic Memorial Cruise page has everything you'll need to know before you follow the famous ship into history.

Titantic memorial cruise announced for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantic oceanAtlanticOceancruisecruise shipcruisesCruiseShiphistoricalhistorytitanicTue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Carnival Virtual Book of Dreams is awaiting your vote!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/the-carnival-virtual-book-of-dreams-is-awaiting-your-vote/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/the-carnival-virtual-book-of-dreams-is-awaiting-your-vote/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/the-carnival-virtual-book-of-dreams-is-awaiting-your-vote/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last month, I wrote about the Carnival Virtual Book of Dreams Contest. In this contest, children were invited to submit their dreams for a chance to become the world's first ever cruise ship waterslide Godchild.

The winner will also be invited to travel to New York to christen the aqua park on board the new Carnival Dream.

The five finalists have been selected, and you are invited to pick your favorite dream. In addition to helping one of these children win the contest, your vote will also help the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, as Carnival will donate $1 for each vote.

Voting wil run until October 4th, and the grand prize winner will be announced on October 12th.

Click here to view the finalists, and cast your vote.

The Carnival Virtual Book of Dreams is awaiting your vote! originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[December is cougar season on San Diego cruise]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/22/december-is-cougar-season-on-san-diego-cruise/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/22/december-is-cougar-season-on-san-diego-cruise/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/22/december-is-cougar-season-on-san-diego-cruise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Women of a certain age and vigor will leave San Diego in December on the first "cougar cruise" to hit the high seas. Singles Travel Company and singles group The Society of Single Professionals are collaborating on this three-night experience ... and they'll be packing the ship with younger men for the cougars on board to hunt. For a change, man becomes prey and cougar the prowler.

In case you're unaware, a cougar is an older women who happens to enjoy the ... ummmm ... "company" of younger men.

The appropriately named Carnival Elation leaves the harbor on December 4, 2009 - unlike the action on board - it will actually make a stop (in Ensenada, Mexico). For $125, not including government and port fees, guests will enjoy three nights of cougar coupling. For young men eying the ultimate trophy, Miss Cougar America 2009, Gloria Navarro, will be on board. But, if you think you call the shots with her young man, you're out of your mind.

December is cougar season on San Diego cruise originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting May 3rd 2011, Disney Cruise Line will be offering an Alaska itinerary. The 7 night Alaska cruise starts in Vancouver and after day at sea will take guests to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, followed by another sea day before arriving back in Vancouver.

The cruise will be offered on board the Disney Wonder, their 964 foot long, 2400 passenger vessel. The Disney Wonder offers guests three pools, 6 youth clubs, 7 lounges and bars, 9 restaurants and of course a whole host of Disney themed entertainment.

For a modest fee, parents can check their little ones into one of the on-board kids clubs, allowing them to enjoy themselves without the kids for a couple of hours.

The Disney Wonder currently sails in the Bahamas, Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal, so the repositioning to Alaska during the summer is an interesting choice - I'm guessing it has something to do with a drop in passenger numbers on cruise lines, especially in that area, along with overcapacity. The Alaska Cruise market is still relatively popular, so this Disney gamble should mean they'll be able to fill their ships quite easily.

If you are interested in a Disney Alaska Cruise, you'll be able to book your voyage starting September 28th 2009. In addition to the Alaska route, Disney will also be offering 2 repositioning cruises from Los Angeles to Vancouver (April 27th 2011) and Vancouver back to Los Angeles (September 20th 2011).

(Via: Anchorage Daily News, thanks Matt!)

Disney Cruise Line heading to Alaska in 2011 originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaskaalaska cruisealaska cruise vacationsalaska cruisesAlaskaCruiseAlaskaCruisesAlaskaCruiseVacationsdisney cruise linedisney cruisesDisneyCruiseLineDisneyCruisesSun, 13 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Carnival cruise passengers spend weekend in Antigua ... in jail]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/09/carnival-cruise-passengers-spend-weekend-in-antigua-in-jail/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/09/carnival-cruise-passengers-spend-weekend-in-antigua-in-jail/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/09/carnival-cruise-passengers-spend-weekend-in-antigua-in-jail/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It looks like Carnival could use some new passengers. Not even a week after banning a family for life - and then reversing the ban - six passengers on one of its ships have been detained in Antigua. Now, if you're going to get stuck someplace, Antigua isn't bad, but I'd rather be in a resort than involved with the criminal justice system - it just seems more fun.

Dolores Lalanne, 25, Mike Pierre Paul, 24, Joshua Jackson, 25, Shoshonnah Henry, 24, Nancy Lalanne, 22, and Rachael Henry, 27 have been charged with assault, battery and malicious damage. A fight over cab fare got out of hand and turned into an altercation with the local police. They are being held in Antigua until trial.

The alleged fight broke out on Friday, when the Carnival Victory passengers got off the ship for a 10-hour port call. The passengers refused to pay a cab driver, claiming they were being overcharged. Original reports of the story say that the cab driver quoted a $50 price for a tour that would end at a beach. He later told them, supposedly, that it would cost more to get back to the ship. The driver drove the passengers to a police station, which is where the fight is said to have broken out.

After spending the weekend in jail, the passengers were released on $5,000 bail but had to give up their travel documents and check in with the court regularly. Apparently, jail is unpleasant in Antigua, particularly because of the mosquitoes.

Continue reading Carnival cruise passengers spend weekend in Antigua ... in jail

Carnival cruise passengers spend weekend in Antigua ... in jail originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yesterday we told you about the highest photography and videography workshop in the world, which is scheduled to take place in April of 2010 on the North and East side of Everest. Today we have nine more great photography adventures courtesy of Outside Magazine, who asked their favorite photographers to name the best locations for getting amazing photos.

Topping the list is Antarctica, which gets high marks for its stark beauty and acres of penguins. They recommend a cruise from Geographic Expeditions that is 23 days in length and includes guest lectures by Peter Hillary (son of Sir Edmund Hillary) and photography workshops from a guy named Art Wolfe.

If heading to the South Pole seems a bit on the cold side to you, perhaps you'd prefer to go to Nepal instead. Outside claims that it's practically impossible to take a bad picture in the Himalaya, and I'm inclined to agree with them. They recommend staying on the Nepali side of the mountain and making the trek up to base camp with Berg Adventures on a 24-day adventure in the Khumbu Valley.

Most of the other trips on the list are equally high on adventure, but lack the distances involved in traveling to Nepal or the Antarctic. They recommend similar photographic adventures in Colorado, New Mexico, and California, amongst others. Each of the locations will give you plenty of interesting landscapes to shoot or to serve as spectacular backdrops at the very least.

I recently had great advice from a photographer friend of mine who told me that the trick to shooting great photos is to shoot great subjects. Who would have thought that it was that simple?

Nine great photographic adventures originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure cruiseadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureCruiseAdventureTravelantarcticaart wolfeArtWolfeeverestmount everestMountEverestnepalphotographyWed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruise ship employee tells his favorite "dumb passenger" stories]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/07/cruise-ship-employee-tells-his-favorite-dumb-passenger-stories/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/07/cruise-ship-employee-tells-his-favorite-dumb-passenger-stories/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/07/cruise-ship-employee-tells-his-favorite-dumb-passenger-stories/#commentsFiled under: ,

I recently spent some time in the up-and-coming port town of Mahahual, Mexico, and had the opportunity to speak with an assistant cruise director for one of the Big Cruise Lines. Because I am always interested in the ways stupid tourists manifest their stupidity, I asked the man (let's call him Miguel) if he had any entertaining stories of people doing dumb things on his cruises.

Ten hours later, when Miguel was about halfway done telling me about all the dumb passengers he'd encountered over the years, I decided to write down a couple of my favorites. Here, in no particular order, are three of Miguel's most memorable "dumb cruise ship passenger" stories:

  • A woman came up to the reception desk and told Miguel she had a problem. "I can't get my coffee cup out of the microwave," she said. Miguel was understandably puzzled for a moment, then asked her if the hinge on the microwave door looked broken. "No, I don't think so," she said. "I'm pulling on the door as hard as I can but it won't budge." "Well, I'll come to your cabin and take a look at it," Miguel said. As soon as these words left his mouth, Miguel thought to himself: "Wait, these cabins don't have microwaves." As he walked with the woman to her cabin Miguel tried to think of what could possibly be going on. When they arrived, it was just as he suspected-- the woman had tried to heat up a cup of coffee in the safe.
  • An older man walked up to Miguel and asked, "Why don't they use salt water in the toilets?" To which Miguel replied, "How do you know they don't?"

Continue reading Cruise ship employee tells his favorite "dumb passenger" stories

Cruise ship employee tells his favorite "dumb passenger" stories originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dumb cruise ship passengersDumbCruiseShipPassengersMon, 07 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Carnival cruise line bans family for life]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/04/carnival-cruise-line-bans-family-for-life/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/04/carnival-cruise-line-bans-family-for-life/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/04/carnival-cruise-line-bans-family-for-life/#commentsFiled under: ,

You would think that it would take a pretty serious infraction to cause a cruise line operator to ban you for life -- pushing the annoying commerical guy overboard, for example, or dumping soap in the water slide pool.

But surely not for getting a few scratches on your dresser. According to one Mr. Chris Harvey who took a cruise docking into Ft. Lauderdale this summer, however, that's what got him and his family the boot. In addition to that, Mr. Harvey claims that the scratches were there long before the cruise says that they existed, suggesting that the staff falsely accused them of causing the damage.

In the end, Harvey signed a document accepting a life time ban from the entire cruise line, the only alternative to coughing up some cash for the damages. You can read about his experience at his website.

Since the ban, however, the plot has thickened. Harvey was able to produce a few photos showing that the dresser was already damaged before the cruise claimed, and now that his story has gained traction on his site, Carnival is reversing the ban.

In the end, the moral of this whole fiasco is to check your room before you move in. Like a rental car, you're liable for any damage during your stay.

Gallery: The newest innovations in cruise ship entertainment

Bigger roomsCarnival Dream water parkGlass blowing expositionCelebrity Cruises lawn clubFlow-Rider surf simulator

Continue reading Carnival cruise line bans family for life

Carnival cruise line bans family for life originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnivalcruisedamageFri, 04 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why even the environment hates cruises]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/03/why-even-the-environment-hates-cruises/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/03/why-even-the-environment-hates-cruises/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/03/why-even-the-environment-hates-cruises/#commentsFiled under: ,

As if the cramped cabins, lame entertainment, and superficial shore excursions aren't enough for you to hate cruises, here's another reason: they're pretty bad for the environment too.

A new article on Slate, "A Supposedly Green Thing I Might Do Again," (get it?) details the disturbing amount of damage that cruise ships do to our air and water. From the smokestacks spewing pollutants on top, to the noxious bilge water that is released (usually treated, but not always) below, cruise ships are some of the modern world's biggest floating polluters.

And don't forget about the sewage. According to a report from the non-profit advocacy group Oceana, "the average cruise ship with 3,000 passengers and crew generates about 30,000 gallons of human waste and 255,000 gallons of non-sewage gray water every day." Yet United States law allows cruise ship operators to dump as much raw sewage as they want into the ocean as long as it's not done within three miles of the U.S coast.

In addition, Oceana reports that cruise operators are permitted to dump ground-up garbage into the ocean as long as they are three miles from shore. Once they're 11 miles from shore, the cruise ships may even dump garbage that hasn't been ground up.

Check out more from Oceana on cruise ship pollution here. Nina Shen Rastogi's full article on Slate is here.

On a more positive note, several months ago Treehugger wrote about 7 Ocean-Friendly Eco Cruises Hitting the High Seas.

Why even the environment hates cruises originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cruise shipCruiseShipenvironmentpollutionThu, 03 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Carnival Cruise Lines is looking for a Godchild for their newest ship]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/19/carnival-cruise-lines-is-looking-for-a-godchild-for-their-newest/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/19/carnival-cruise-lines-is-looking-for-a-godchild-for-their-newest/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/19/carnival-cruise-lines-is-looking-for-a-godchild-for-their-newest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In just 33 days, the newest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet will be unveiled.

The Carnival Dream will be the largest ship in their fleet, and like all new cruise ships being built nowadays, the Dream comes with a whole linup of amazing innovations.

Guests on the Carnival Dream can enjoy an outdoor theater, a 24 hour pizzeria, a burrito bar, a mongolian wok, a sushi bar, 3 different kids clubs, a dance club, various lounges and bars and - get this - a 6 slide water park.

To celebrate the launch of their ship, Carnival is asking kids between 7 and 12 to "share their dreams", for a chance at becoming the world's first cruise ship Godchild. Click her to visit the Carnival Book of Dreams site, where you will see how kids can enter the contest.

In addition to the honor of being named Godchild, the winner will also be invited to christen the WaterWorks aqua park, and bring their family along to sail on the 3 night inaugural voyage of the ship. Carnival will even provide airfare for the lucky winner. Four runner-ups will each receive a digital camera and various Carnival logo items.

As if that wasn't enough, each entry in the contest means Carnival will donate $2 to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital and $1 for each vote.

The contest started yesterday, and runs till September 18th 2009.

Continue reading Carnival Cruise Lines is looking for a Godchild for their newest ship

Carnival Cruise Lines is looking for a Godchild for their newest ship originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnival cruisecarnival cruise linecarnival cruise linescarnival dreamCarnivalCruiseCarnivalCruiseLineCarnivalCruiseLinesCarnivalDreamWed, 19 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruising the Northwest Passage]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/06/cruising-the-northwest-passage/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/06/cruising-the-northwest-passage/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/06/cruising-the-northwest-passage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Global climate change has had an undeniable effect on the planet, with weather patterns changing dramatically, polar ice caps melting, and sea levels rising, altering coastlines and reshaping boundaries. For evidence of these changes you only need to look north, where global warming has caused arctic pack ice to break-up and melt, opening the legendary Northwest Passage for navigation for the first time.

For centuries explorers and merchants sought out a sailing route north of Canada that would link the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Such a route would have made travel to the far east much easier and faster, but all attempts to uncover such a path, which was dubbed the Northwest Passage, were met with thousands of miles of impenetrable ice. Famous adventures, such as John Cabot and Captain James Cook, risked their lives, and their ships, to find the Northwest Passage, but no one was able to complete the navigation until Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen made the voyage back in 1908 aboard a specially designed ice vessel. Amundsen's journey took three years however, and was not commercially viable for merchant ships.

Fast forward to last year, when the route was declared navigable by the Candian Coast Guard, and the first commercial ship made its way through the Passage. By late summer, the waterway was said to be nearly completely free from ice, and safe for ships to pass through, and it remained that way until the arrival of winter, when the route froze shut once again.

Continue reading Cruising the Northwest Passage

Cruising the Northwest Passage originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure cruiseadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureCruiseAdventureTravelcaptain cookCaptainCookcruisecruiseshistorynorthwest passageNorthwestPassageroald amundsenRoaldAmundsenThu, 06 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Four of the most expensive travel products you can waste your money on]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/31/four-of-the-most-expensive-travel-products-you-can-waste-your-mo/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/31/four-of-the-most-expensive-travel-products-you-can-waste-your-mo/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/31/four-of-the-most-expensive-travel-products-you-can-waste-your-mo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Forget the recession, forget the "staycation" (I hate that term). If you still haven't lost all your money in the global economic meltdown, then here are 4 of the most expensive travel items you can spend/waste your money on.

In the lineup, you'll find how you can spend $2.6 Million on one airline ticket, a cruise, a rental car and one RV. Yes - this is how you can really burn through your cash like it is going out of style!



Continue reading Four of the most expensive travel products you can waste your money on

Four of the most expensive travel products you can waste your money on originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti veyronbugatti veyron grand sportBugattiVeyronbugattiveyrongrandsportcruisecruisesrentalrentalsveyronFri, 31 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST