Amtrak Trip to Santa Barbara True Getaway

Got to admit it – it’s tough for this Californian to give up his car for the weekend, but that’s exactly what we did on a recent train getaway to Santa Barbara that proved we could do our small part to help reduce traffic and vehicle emissions and still have a great time.

In fact, just put aside the benefits to the environment and look at the benefits to our own family: We saved on gas, vehicle wear and tear and on the frustration that always comes with a never-know-what-you’re-gonna-get drive through the L.A. freeway system. We got to try a new adventure, introduce our 8-year-old to rail travel and we packed a lot of sightseeing into a short two-day period.

Santa Barbara is especially well suited to car-less travel because years ago city fathers decided they needed to do something to reduce the congestion they were seeing with many more visitors and the smog that would trap itself over the city. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project today offers travelers discounts on Amtrak as well as at participating hotels. They sweeten the pot by throwing in a multitude of discounts on local attractions and transportation. Our family of three decided to give it a try, traveling to Santa Barbara from our home in north San Diego County.

Boarding the 7 a.m. northbound Pacific Surfliner in Oceanside was a snap. Accustomed to long waits nowadays for air travel, we showed up nearly an hour before our train to check our one large piece of luggage. But A/ we really didn’t need to check the luggage – there is a rack you can put your luggage on in the business class rail car – and B/ you can step right on the train, even purchasing your tickets onboard.

Business class is slightly more expensive but offers reserved seating and amenities such as a continental breakfast, a newspaper and a comfortable work area with a power outlet for our laptop. We went up the stairs to the second level, found our seating and sat back to enjoy the scenery. In just a couple of minutes we were on our way, the gorgeous California coastline passing before our very eyes.

We were reminded of a recent country chart-topper called Sunday Morning that talks about the many walks of life in the USA and how people spend their Sunday mornings. It was, in fact, Sunday morning and we were observing our fellow Californians out for their morning jog or enjoying a newspaper and coffee on their beachfront deck, or preparing an outdoor breakfast in one of several beachfront state parks along the Surfliner’s path. The train sped along, often at 70 miles per hour or more, taking us on an adventurous route through many parts of the Southern California coastal region that we had not seen in our many drives along Interstate 5.

Another way to describe the feeling is to relate it to those “Over” shows – you know, the PBS television programs that are entirely made up of aerial views of life in a city or region. We weren’t really up in the sky looking down, but even the upstairs level on the train can give you that same mesmerizing effect.

Our trip from Oceanside to Santa Barbara took about five hours but we noticed something quite curious. When driving that distance, we always are anxious to arrive. But on the Surfliner, we almost were sorry we had arrived. It was such great relaxation and interesting scenery that the journey was no longer a means to an end but part of the end itself. Our stress-relieving getaway weekend had started from the moment we had boarded the train.

Arriving in Santa Barbara, it was just a three-block walk to the Hotel Santa Barbara, one of the “car-free” participating hotels with a location in the heart of the city near sidewalk cafes and chic stores along State Street. We checked into our spacious and comfortable room by noon and were sitting at a sidewalk bistro just a few minutes later, enjoying some terrific people-watching and Panini sandwiches. In fact, we lingered a little too long over lunch and then did something we were trying not to do: we hired a taxi. It was the only way to get to the harbor in time to hop aboard the 43-foot sailboat, the Sunset Kidd, for a two-hour cruise along the Santa Barbara coastline.

The ocean provides the best, most panoramic view of Santa Barbara, its mountains and its beaches and offers convincing evidence that local tourism promoters were spot on when they named this part of the coast the “American Riviera.” One can imagine such places as Monte Carlo or Cannes when you take in this spectacular overview along with the parade of luxurious yachts and young, beautiful people. Captain Dennis Longaberger prides himself on offering a true sailing experience rather than a tourist boat and says the Sunset Kidd is a rare example of a private sailboat that has been upgraded to carry passengers. The best part of this sail was watching two pods of dolphins frolic just a few yards from our boat.

Back from our sail, it was just footsteps to the Endless Summer bar-caf?a perfectly located restaurant and watering hole named after the famous surf movie and offering gorgeous views of Santa Barbara’s harbor area. Known for such specialties as its popcorn shrimp, fresh ahi and to-die-for Kaui Mud Pie, the restaurant enjoys a loyal following of both locals and visitors who keep coming back for more.

This first day set the tone for the entire trip – great restaurants, visits to such attractions as Stearns Wharf, the waterfront, the shops along State Street, the various parks, gardens and museums that all are either within walking distance of downtown or easily reached by the city’s convenient public transportation. The Car Free Project offers a $2 discount off the Santa Barbara Trolley which, for $21, will let you ride the trolley all day to eight different area tourist attractions. (note: you can save $5 by purchasing your ticket online at www.sbtrolley.com). Another convenient way to get around the main part of town is the Electric Shuttle which runs up and down State Street as well as along the beach areas. It’s just 25 cents each time you board.

If that’s still not enough options for transportation, hybrid taxi service is 20 percent off for Car Free visitors, and there are plenty of local bike rentals.

We had a full day of sightseeing that second day because our train didn’t depart until 7 p.m. We had done a lot in just two days, and the gentle journey home by Amtrak gave us the opportunity to truly sit back and relax – a far cry from our usual nail-biting trip home on those congested Southern California freeways.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Santa Barbara is about 100 miles north of Los Angeles and a comfortable train ride from many coastal cities to the north and south.

WHAT: Santa Barbara is unmatched in beauty and is an excellent city to see car-free. Or if you prefer, you can drive the coastal highway through Ventura.

WHEN: Any time of the year. Santa Barbara has one of California’s most comfortable year-round climates. Our suggestion would be to consider avoiding the busiest Amtrak trains which are those that depart northbound Friday night and southbound Sunday night. At peak times, coach class can be standing room only. Amtrak is seeing more customers as fuel prices climb.

WHY: The Spanish architecture sets the mood in Santa Barbara, but the city is loaded with tourist attractions including Stearns Wharf, the harbor and marina, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Courthouse as well as parks, gardens and a robust downtown shopping area.

HOW: The Santa Barbara Car Free Project offers discounts on many visitor services in order to encourage people to visit the city without their car. Amtrak allows a 20 percent Santa Barbara Car Free discount on coach fares. The adult coach fare from Oceanside to Santa Barbara, roundtrip, is $66 before discount. Business class offers reserved seating and is $16 more each way with no discount. In addition to discounts on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, there are discounts on lodging, services and retail items. For more information, go to www.santabarbaracarfree.org or phone (805) 696-1100. For more information on the Hotel Santa Barbara, a very classically styled hotel with an excellent continental breakfast, go to www.hotelsantabarbara.com.

Bend, Oregon: Great American Vacation Getaway?

When you think about great American vacation towns, Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, or San Diego might come to mind. But what about Bend, Oregon? Unlike the previously mentioned cities, saying, “I’m off to visit Bend,” is likely to get you a quizzical look as if to say, “Where the heck is Bend?” lest you mention the state where it resides.

While Bend, Oregon might not be a place you have to worry about booking lodging months in advance for, nor is it the hotspot that Miami and other big towns are, its central location in Oregon, where it transitions from the Ponderosa Pine forest to the Great Basin high desert plateau, is an ideal vacation spot for active folks or families that want to cram as much fun into a getaway as they can.

Though you won’t have easy access to some huge theme park, raceway, or gambling mecca, you will be able to enjoy the site of Pilot Butte, a volcano that is located within the city’s boundaries. Bend is a youthful town that is growing into its own within the tourism industry. And don’t worry about Pilot Butte. It’s extinct.

A Short History

Founded just a century ago in 1905 around a community of 300 residents, Bend was originally a crossing point on the Deschutes River where it got its economic start as a logging town. Its name comes from “Farewell Bend,” the name used by early pioneers to indicate the spot in the Deschutes River where it was shallow enough to be crossable on horseback. After a development company was founded, a community began to form.

Modern Day Tourism

Today, Bend is considered a gateway for access to many outdoor activities which include mountain biking, hiking and camping, fishing, rafting, and rock climbing just to name a few.

Although Bend still relies partly on its logging roots, producing wood products, tourism is one of its largest sectors. The local ski resort brings in vacationers from all over the west coast. Other tourist attractions include a well-known microbrewery, the Cascade Lakes (providing great viewing of the Three Sisters volcanoes), and the Bend Film Festival.

The local ski resort is one of the most profitable tourist destinations in the city, which helps support businesses providing lodging in Bend, Oregon. Though because of its seasonal nature, the ski resort isn’t quite the city’s largest employer. That distinction goes to the healthcare industry and the local hospital.

Nevertheless, tourism is a very large part of Bend’s economy and in large part responsible for the town’s success.

Idyllwild is Easy Mountain Getaway in Southern California

While living in or visiting Southern California, a trip to the mountains is closer than you might think. The San Jacinto range offers a stark contrast to the warm, arid climate just a few miles away and, for that reason, places like Idyllwild have become popular getaways for people who want a taste of the four seasons.

Not too much of a taste, mind you. This is a great place to try out that four-wheel drive and see if it’s worth the extra money you paid for it. The fact is Southern California residents, for the most part, don’t need four-wheel drive.

So up these weekenders go to the windy roads and steep ridges that take them 5,000 feet, 6,000 feet and higher above Hemet, the nearest city of any size in this part of Riverside County. The community of Idyllwild is set in amongst the pine trees that Mother Nature has combined with oak and spruce to create a powerful allure for people who grow weary of what passes for trees in Southern California’s cities.

During winter, most visitors are more than happy to return to warmer climes after their weekend dalliance because shoveling snow is just not one of the things Southern California residents are programmed to do. Many of them think it’s better to get just enough exposure to the snow and frigid temperatures to appreciate why they are willing to pay the high price of living in sunny Southern California – and then go home.

That’s why about three-quarters of the residences in Idyllwild remain vacant most of the time. It’s a city of vacation cabins – most now going for more than $300,000 – and at any given time there are only a few of them being used. Only about 2,000 hearty souls choose to reside on “The Hill” as Idyllwild has become known over the years even though as many as 50,000 visitors on a weekend day can make it tough to find a parking spot anywhere close to downtown Idyllwild. Yet no one seems deterred – people flock to Idyllwild because it’s so close and yet so different.

The “Yosemite of the South,” another common nickname for Idyllwild, has grown up sporadically over the years. There have been a few attempts at major resort developments in the area – ski hills and golf courses were part of some plans – but nothing big has really taken hold. So today you find a mountain village with a few earthy folks willing to brave the elements, and then a whole bunch more of those weekend vacation warriors who turn around and head for sunny L.A. in time for work Monday morning.

There are no big resorts — the accommodations range from smaller motel-type units to “executive’ vacation homes. There are several bed-and-breakfast or country inns as well as cabin motels offering mini-cabins mixed with several others on the same property.

For our recent trip, we chose to rent a three-bedroom “cabin” about three miles outside of Idyllwild. It really was as large as a house, but with its cedar interior, two fireplaces and a free-standing wood stove, this house gave every bit the impression that it was in fact a cabin. It was well furnished with a complete kitchen and all dishware and utensils, a living room with a comfy couch, lounge chair and satellite TV and plenty of deck space to gaze out at the spectacular – albeit slightly obstructed – view of the mountainsides and valley below.

Muir’s Mountain Vacation Rental set us up with a cabin that was exactly what we wanted – a true mountain retreat that was nicely separated from any nearby cabins on wooded property that gave us a true feeling of seclusion. Built just in front of a massive boulder, we hiked just a few yards higher and could gaze out on views that stretched all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The views from inside the cabin were great, too, and enhanced by the ample use of picture windows on the upper two floors.

On this particular trip we were content to spend much of our weekend at the cabin. We spent a lot of quiet time reading and just soaking up the atmosphere, or playing with our five-year-old, choosing to leave the television turned off so we could focus on being a family more than we sometimes do at home.

Even though this was a January trip, we visited Idyllwild at a somewhat atypical time when there was little snow on the ground and no need to crank up our own four-wheel drive. Skies were clear and blue but temperatures dipped down to the 20′s in the evening. We were thankful we had brought lots of warm clothing. Daytime temps were in the 40′s and 50′s, just cool enough to feel like we were a continent away from our home near San Diego.

We enjoyed spending some time in downtown Idyllwild where there seemed to be an endless variety of shops and a steady stream of visitors. There were shops selling anything you can imagine and in some unusual combinations. California Street Collectibles, for example, sells Christmas ornaments, dolls, Harley merchandise, Nascar merchandise and – financial planning.

We enjoyed strolling the streets of Idyllwild, where we discovered such fascinating attractions as the old-time theater – the “Rustic” – which shows just one movie three times a day, but leaves the snack stand open for passersby to enjoy popcorn with real butter. Just down the street is the homemade candy shop which had nearly a dozen people waiting to go inside. Even the ice cream shop a few doors down was enjoying brisk business despite the cool temperatures.

In the town center is the Idyllwild Tree Monument, a 50-foot totem pole that was carved by chainsaw in 1989 as an effort to salvage a dying 400-year-old ponderosa pine. The monument depicts an eagle, mountain lion, squirrel, raccoon, American Indian, coyote and butterfly and, interestingly, is the final resting place of Ernie Maxwell, a longtime Idyllwild civic booster and founder of the local Town Crier newspaper.

Art galleries are also a big part of Idyllwild and there are no fewer than 17 of them for visitors to tour. In fact, Idyllwild is included in a new book “The 100 Best Art Towns in America” by John Villani.

We stopped by the Idyllwild Historic Society Museum, a historic 1920′s summer cabin that now has exhibits pertaining to the Idyllwild area. It turns out that the area was first settled by the Cahuilla Indians some 2500 years ago and followed by the first mining prospectors in the 1850′s. Ranching and farming came a few years later and, by 1875, there was a significant lumber operation in Idyllwild. The museum also depicts more recent history when, from the 1920′s through the 1960′s, several Hollywood films were shot on location in the area.

We enjoyed the La Casita Mexican restaurant, but there were several other dining options. Other choices in the area include Greek and Chinese as well as several steak and seafood restaurants, pizza restaurants and more.

When we go back in summer, we will take advantage of many of the outdoor activities that Idyllwild has to offer. Lily’s Rock – a.k.a. Tahquitz Rock – is a dramatic rock face visible high on the mountainside that symbolizes the rugged outdoor beauty so prevalent in this area. Several hiking trails take visitors deeper into the forest, including the Pacific Crest Trail. There are, in fact, 272,000 acres that have been set aside and designated as the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Idyllwild is just west of the Palm Springs area and is easily reached on Highway 243, accessible from Highway 10, the main route to Palm Springs.

WHAT: Idyllwild and nearby mountain communities represent an easy-to-get-to four-seasons getaway that is just a couple of hours from Los Angeles.

WHEN: Year-round. Summers are sunny and pleasant. Winters can be cold and occasionally snowy.

WHY: It’s a charming mountain village with a wide selection of accommodations and tourist services. The scenery is spectacular.

HOW: For more information on Idyllwild, visit www.idyllwildchamber.com or phone 888-659-3259. For more information on cabin rentals, visit www.idyllwildcabins.com or phone 877-270-3285. If looking for a room rather than a cabin, the Atipahato Lodge comes recommended. Visit www.atipahatolodge.com or phone 888-400-0071.

View from Manchester Grand Hyatt adds to San Diego getaway

San Diego’s dependable weather and vibrant waterfront make the city an excellent choice for a sunny big-city getaway.

The mega hotels along San Diego Bay are situated in one of the best, most centrally located visitor areas you’ll find in any of California’s major cities. Not only do they look out on the water and gorgeous Coronado Island, but they also are just a five-minute walk from the Gaslamp District where sidewalk cafes, interesting shops, busy nightspots and historic architecture all combine to offer the visitor a feast for the senses.

There are several excellent hotels in this area but, on our most recent trip to the city, we booked a two-room suite at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, a four-star urban resort that is a fixture on the San Diego skyline. On previous visits we’ve cast glances skyward at the hotel’s two towers (33 and 40 stories), always wondering what it would be like to stay at the top of the city so close to the San Diego waterfront. We finally got our answer – and it was just as exhilarating as we imagined it would be.

Just as in any real estate, the key variable for a hotel is location – and the Manchester Grand Hyatt has one of the best. From our 20th floor suite we opened the curtains to a southwest view of Coronado Island, San Diego Harbor, the gleaming waterfront area near the city’s Convention and Visitor Center, a major boat marina and, just below, a fun grouping of shops and restaurants known as Seaport Village. With a view like that, we just kept our curtains open all the time – well, almost all the time.

Directly below us on the hotel property we could see the hotel’s spa deck and lap pool, and, on the east side of the property, the roof-top tennis courts and other sports areas. The first impression was this was like one of those giant cruise ships – everything you need was right here within walking distance. With 1,625 guest rooms altogether, that comparison is not far off the mark.

Another thing re-enforcing that impression was the grandiose nature of everything at the hotel, starting with the main lobby with its ultra-high ceilings and ornate architecture – more like Union Station than a typical hotel lobby. Stroll through the hotel and you encounter numerous shops and restaurants – not just knick-knack shops, but places that sell the finest clothing and ultra-expensive artwork and sculptures. There’s a little bit of Las Vegas in this hotel with all of its opulence, and that’s one of the reasons you would choose this hotel: to do something that is bigger, grander, more spectacular than those things you do in your everyday life.

We found our suite to be as welcoming as you might expect with plenty of deluxe amenities such as both wireless and wired internet, a 25-inch TV with cable programming in each room, luxury bath products and beds that were among the most comfortable we’ve experienced in a hotel room. But with so much to do in this part of San Diego, we really only spent a few evening hours in our room – the rest of the time it was off to enjoy the sights and experiences.

One of those is a stroll through Seaport Village, a colorful well-designed mini-town along the San Diego waterfront where you can walk along the waterfront or enjoy a coffee and pastry in the Village Café, or a draft beer in the waterfront pizza place, or have a Greek lunch nearby. The specialty shops here are diverse and packed to the rafters with interesting items, many of them perfect for San Diego souvenirs.

For our dinner, we already had some idea of where we wanted to go. For some time we’d been meaning to visit the Kansas City Barbecue, site of the filming for the Top Gun movie with Tom Cruise. Who can forget the famous scene with “Goose” and “Maverick” at the piano singing Great Balls of Fire? Just so happens the restaurant where that was filmed is just across the street from the Manchester Grand Hyatt.

We waited a little too long to visit, however – the restaurant was gutted by fire a couple of years ago and re-opened for business in November 2008. There are plenty of Top Guns photos and memorabilia on the wall, but those are all replacements for what was burnt in the fire — all except the piano, which is the real McCoy. But it was close to it, and the fire hasn’t slowed the owners down from promoting the bar as the Top Gun bar. It’s a fun atmosphere and the wait staff is top-notch – but, alas, the food is just average.

Between visits to the Gaslamp District, Seaport Village and the waterfront, our weekend getaway to San Diego gave us plenty to do – and a memorable stay in a top-notch waterfront hotel.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: The Manchester Grand Hyatt is on the San Diego waterfront and is one of several fine hotels that offer great views and close proximity to both the water and the city’s Gaslamp District.

WHAT: This kind of getaway is the kind you can go back and do several times because there is so much to see and do in downtown San Diego.

WHEN: San Diego is a year-round destination with what many believe is the most ideal climate in the country. You can expect 70s during summer months and nothing really below 60 in the winter – and very seldom does it rain or even get cloudy.

WHY: Probably more fun per square mile than anyplace in California.

HOW: For more information on the Manchester Grand Hyatt, phone 800-233-1234 or visit www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com.

Im Looking For A Romantic So. California Weekend Getaway?

My husband are looking to go on a weekend getaway for our Anniversary in November (we live in San Diego) . Since we are used to going to Baja & hanging out throughout San Diego we are looking to go somewhere different like the OC, LA county, Arizona…..
We either want to stay at a cozy beach community or a bed & breakfast. (Nov 16-18, 2007)
Any info is much appreciated. Serious answers only please.

Winter Weekend Getaway to Antique Stores

“Over the hills and through the woods, to antique stores we go” will be the heading of your road trip planner this winter as you search for treasures in warm antique stores! Once the Holidays are safely behind us, what lies ahead are approximately 18 weekends where you’ll be warmer indoors than outdoors. But that doesn’t mean you’re restricted to staring at the walls of your own home. On the contrary, this is a great time to check out other interior walls and save some money to boot. Hotels routinely offer off-season rates. Restaurants, especially those in popular summer destination-zones, offer winter specials. Stores also offer deep discounts on inventory that didn’t sell over the holidays.

Add some zip to your road trip planner by creating an antique hunting weekend getaway by choosing towns and cities known for their antiques and collectibles. Visit some of the best towns to find those treasures that excite you, from antique jewelry and country collectibles to handmade quilts.

Take a peek below at the following antique spots, from “tucked in the corner” gems to extensive antique malls (arranged alphabetically by state).

*San Diego, California – Known more for expansive beaches and summer fun, San Diego has its share of history, including Antique Row. Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, this spot offers a variety of vintage gems in several specialty shops like jewelry, hats, clothing, and rare records and soundtracks.

*Savannah, Georgia – Savannah’s has a charm built on the city’s respect for its past and well worth your road trip planning. Nowhere is this more evident that in the many small neighborhoods, which often seem more like pictures from a storybook. The Old South permeates throughout and you’re sure to find antiques with interesting stories behind them.

*Mount Dora, Florida – Enjoy staying at an award winning B & B and spend some time exploring the Amish Cupboard & Country Stuff, which has a wide selection of antiques and collectibles in an Amish-themed store.

*St. Louis, Missouri – For an interesting theme change, try Cherokee Street Antiques Row. This is an old neighborhood shopping district that’s become known for its antique shops. It attracts people looking for antiques of all kinds, from books to furniture to jewelry and certainly what is best termed as “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. This district includes 5 blocks of shops, open daily (though some close on Mondays).

*Hartwood Gardens in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania – There are actually six Allegheny County Parks, but the Hartwood includes a magnificent 16th century-style Tudor mansion filled with original English and American antiques. Check out this link for the awesome photos.

*Quechee Gorge Village in Vermont – This village features a country store, an antique mall, craft center, toy and train museum, and a diner. This makes for a particularly easy road trip to plan and one that gives you the bonus of driving in a section of Vermont known for its scenic beauty and Quechee Lakes, a private community located on the border of Vermont and New Hampshire.

*Fredericksburg, Virgina – A 40-block national historic district embraces the city’s downtown area and contains more than 350 buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Filling your road trip planner will be easy here as you’ll find plenty of shops in this historic town.

So, let Winter throw its temper tantrums; any road trip planner knows she can still have an indoor adventure sifting through the goods found in antique stores.

Best Cruise Lines For a Grand Getaway!

The smell of the ocean, beautiful scenery, fabulous places to go to and people to meet! What is the best way to do all of these? Go join an exciting yet relaxing cruise to the most beautiful places on earth!

Nowadays, many people think that going on a cruise trip means spending half of their life savings or that it is just for the rich and famous. Sadly, they end up just staying at home and dreaming of what it is like to go on a trip on places you can only see in the movies or television. With the number of cruise liners offering package tours and promotions you might just find yourself in a day dream that has now become a reality.

If you are concerned about safety, don’t worry, you won’t end up like Jack and Rose in the movie Titanic. With state of the art technology, well maintained ships, and well-trained staff and crew, you don’t need to worry about anything else other than what is next in your “to do and what to see list”. One thing is for sure, you will never get bored whether you are on a fifteen-day transatlantic trip or on a three-day cruise to the Bahamas. Each cruise liner has a lot to offer within its walls. With these concerns aside, budget wise, you can concentrate on the things you need to know when planning a grand getaway.

Are you the adventurous type that prefers to travel alone for a soul-searching, mind clearing, and relaxing journey around the world? Would you like to have a romantic trip with your special someone to the breathtaking Bahamas or to beautiful and exotic Caribbean islands? Alternatively, would you like to take a tour around with a group of friends or with your family to the snow capped mountains of Alaska or lush landscapes of Mexico? Whatever your decision is, there is a perfect itinerary for the trip you wish to accomplish.

Once you have decided that you’re going on a solitary journey, especially with a special someone or you are spending your trip with your family or friends, the next step would be to decide on the length of your stay on this trip and the destinations you would like to visit and see.

After deciding on the place, the people you will be with and the length of your trip, the next thing to do before you pack your bags is to reserve the right cabin for your trip. Majority of the liners have the same types of cabins and will just differ in some amenities. This is from one liner to another. Rest assured that no matter which cabin you choose, the food, accommodations and entertainment services are the same. Here are the four types of rooms you can choose from:

•Suites and Mini-Suites

Considered as the largest and most stylish rooms on a ship, there are also several classes to choose from. Hence, the difference will be in square feet. Furnished with basic facilities, they include spacious sitting areas, walk in closets, whirlpool tubs, and additional special benefits similar to what other cruise liners may offer like concierge and butler services, entertainment centers, fresh fruits and flowers, and a separate bedroom.

•Standard Ocean View Cabins with Balcony

These cabins have their own private balconies, where in, guests can have breakfast, along with a spectacular view. It is also several feet larger than the Ocean View Cabin because it contains a queen-size bed, which is convertible to twin beds. Aside from this, it has a private bath and shower, refrigerator, hairdryer, TV, and telephone.

•Ocean View/ Outside Cabins

These rooms have picture windows, where in, the passenger can look outside their rooms. Hence, some selected “Outside” cabins may have a large sitting area, but just the same, the rooms are furnished with two twin beds, a private bathroom, a refrigerator, a phone, and a TV.

•Interior/ Inside Cabins

These cabins are usually recommended for those on a budget and do not intend to stay in their rooms too much. These rooms do not have portholes in order to see outside of the cabin. Thus, it features a small sitting area, two twin beds, vanity area, personal bathroom, refrigerator, TV, phone, and radio.

Last but definitely not the least on your list, you need to choose the Cruise Liner. With all the information at hand, it would be easier to find the perfect package for you. This is along with the availability of the cruise liner that offers the best services while staying within your budget. The rates of these liners will vary according to the destination, duration of the trip, room, and time of the year when you’ll be having your vacation. Some may even have bonus or promotional offers such as kids sailing for free. So take your pick and get ready for that perfect holiday.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

This cruise will make you travel from the exotic and lush foliage of Hawaii to the magnificent glaciers of Alaska. You will be able to swim with the dolphins and colorful fishes of the Caribbean or take a romantic stroll on the white beaches of the Bahamas. You can also explore places you’ve only dreamt about with Carnival Cruise Lines. The most popular cruise line in the business, they have the largest fleet, newest ships, and a variety of selections to choose from. Offering the best of everything, from their services, amenities, and itinerary, you won’t have to worry about the price it will cost you to have all of this.

Room Amenities

A choice of Interior, Ocean View, Mini Suite or Suite Staterooms are available and are guaranteed in order to make out Carnival Guests happy and comfortable while providing the same personal attention no matter where they are staying. Our rooms are furnished with lush carpeting, spacious cabinets, a phone, TV, and personal bathrooms.

Shows and Entertainment

While on board, there are many activities to choose from that will make you forget that you are feeling seasick. Carnival ships offer the finest entertainment without repeating the same show twice while you are on board. After the show you can boogey down the dance floor and pick up a drink at the bar and chat with newfound friends. You can also go to the ship’s casino to try your hand at the slot machines, Craps table, or a game of Poker. Your nights will never lack excitement!

Spa and Wellness

While cruising towards your port of destination, the ship offers a vast space for her guests to lounge under the sun or jog around to breathe in the fresh sea air. A well-equipped gym and fitness professionals are available in order to keep you in tiptop shape for all the vigorous activities in store for you once the ship docks. If you want to be pampered, the Carnival offers spa services from facials to relaxing massages, hairstyling, and beauty treatments. Even a low fat, low calorie meal for the health conscious guest is available.

For the Young and Restless

For those who are travelling with their kids and are worried that the little ones won’t have anything to do, you can worry no more. The Carnival offers a program called “Camp Carnival” for ages 2 to 15. Qualified counselors are there in order to make sure that the kids will be busy having different activities, keeping them occupied during the trip.

Dining

With the Carnival’s health and fitness program, the menus also offer low calorie, low fat, and low sodium dishes. This is apart from the traditional choices. A selection of dining options is available according to the preference of our guest. You can also choose from having a casual meal at the Sea View Bistros or in the elegant dining rooms. A flexible seating time is also available and a 24-hour Pizzerias is ready to serve you a late night snack. The 24 hour room service is also an option if you want to order inside the comforts of your room.

Special Guests

Guests with special needs are given quality service in order to cater to their needs and to make their voyage comfortable and enjoyable. Special features and amenities are added to the ship so as to be able to make everything accessible to the guests with disabilities. Their Cruise Specialist is available for any special assistance that guests will need. You do not need to hesitate in contacting them prior to your booking. This way, their staff will make proper arrangements in order to make your trip an unforgettable experience.

Past Guests

Your continued patronage of Carnival Cruise is important to them, so they are delighted to present their Past Guests promotion. With this, former guest will ride the cruise again will experience special privileges , VIP invitations, discounts and a complimentary two-year subscription to Currents Magazine. You can just advise their Cruise Specialist about your former stay with their liner prior to your reservation. This is in order for you to confirm with their promising privileges. To have you aboard again is an honor for Carnival Cruise Lines.

Destinations

Don’t know where to go? Here are some destinations and departure ports to choose from:

• Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, New England, Panama Canal, Transatlantic
• Sail from Florida, Galveston, LA, San Diego, New Orleans, San Juan, Tampa, Vancouver

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