Princess Cruises… 5 Important Points!
Posted July 22, 2009 , add a comment
The Princess Cruises offers all of the main facilities that Princess is noted for, plus some new innovations. These include the, fantastic shows each evening, dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and performing street entertainers. The larger cruise liners in the Princess Cruises fleet carry more than three thousand passengers, with a vast number of balcony staterooms and mini-suites. There will be a great experience while waking in the morning, go out to your private balcony and take in the fresh sea air. If you have few glasses of juices with you, you will definitely enjoy more. There are many things to consider before embarking on a Princess cruise adventure. First you need to be clear on what you want from this type of vacation so you can easily search for available trips and packages. 1. Destination is one of the first things to decide on before getting down to details. A Princess Cruise offers so many interesting destinations to choose from and the most popular ones are South America, Europe, Canada, New England, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Tahiti, South Pacific, Mexican Riviera, Alaska and World Cruise. 2. Duration is another factor that you need to decide on. There are short cruises that only run for five days. For first timers though, it is recommended that you choose a longer trip to maximize the activities that you can do. There are trips that last for 6 to 8 days, 9 to 15 days, and schedules for 16 days up too. For tour duration, most tours run for 3 to 4 to 6 days or more. Relative to this, you would also need to think about the travel sequence. You can choose to cruise first before the tour or the other way around. 3. Just like any other holiday trips, there are documents that need to be prepared when going on a Princess cruise. You need to have your travel certification, permits, visa/s or passports on hand to avoid any hitches during the trip. Your travel agency can further advise you on other essential documents that you should not forget to bring. 4. Are you combining your cruise with another travel itinerary? Or is it the only travel activity that you’re going to do? Whichever, it pays to learn about the embarkation ports so you can plan for other things including delays, land and air transfers and stopovers. Embarkation ports for these trips include Acapulco in Mexico, Athens in Greece, Bangkok in Thailand, Barbados, Beijing in China, Cape Town in South Africa, Ft. Lauderdale in Florida, Honolulu in Hawaii, London in England, Manaus in Brazil, New Orleans in Louisiana, Osaka in Japan, Quebec City in Quebec, Rome in Italy, San Juan in Puerto Rico, Seattle in Washington, Sydney in Australia, Venice in Italy, Anchorage in Alaska, Auckland in New Zealand, Barcelona in Spain, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Copenhagen in Denmark, Galveston in Texas and Lima in Peru among many others. 5. The fleet must be considered too. All princesses are magnificent ships but they offer different opportunities as far as amenities, activities and experiences to be had are concerned. Read the detailed description for each ship and make your choice.
Washington DC: Spy in the City - A New Interactive Game Ideal for Families.
Posted July 15, 2009 , add a comment
This summer, visitors to the nation’s capital can now engage in an entertaining game of Spy vs. Spy. The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. has launched Spy in the City, the first-of-its-kind GPS-enabled multimedia interactive game that enables participants to see the nation’s capital through the eyes of a spy.
The International Spy Museum is one of my favorite spots in one of my favorite cities. It is one terrific (interesting and rewarding) museum to share with kids, teens, parents, and grandparents. That said, if you have never been to the International Spy Museum then make it your first stop in the city and if you’ve “been there and done that” then standby for a new twist.
Imagine sharing a spy adventure with your kids; embarking on a high-stakes mission around the Capitol grounds, Ford’s Theatre, the National Archives and other points of interest in the national capital to uncover a double agent threatening to divulge security secrets to the enemy. As special agents with unique identities, each player must find out who this double agent is and foil his or her attempts at sabotage. By finding evidence along the way, following video clues, cracking codes, answering trivia questions and solving flash-based games and puzzles to earn points, users work their way towards unraveling the mystery. 
Create your own urban adventure. The new GPS-based interactive experience Spy in the City™, at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. was created by BarZ Adventures and is designed for individuals, small groups and ideal for families. Spy in the City transforms the nation’s capital city into a virtual game board, with the players themselves as game pieces. Participants embark on a series of exciting self-guided outdoor missions using espionage tradecraft and intelligence collection activities.
Here’s how it works. Equipped with a GPS Ranger® handheld device loaded with the new Ranger Quest™ game technology, participants follow video clues from SSD headquarters solving Flash-based games to earn points as they work their way towards mission completion. As players approach pre-determined GPS waypoints around the Capitol and other points of interest such as Ford’s Theatre, The Newseum and the National Archives, the GPS Ranger will automatically download clues, information, (and possibly misinformation!) delivered by a wide range of media. This includes messages from filmed characters—from agents to sources to moles—and documents, codes, audio intercepts, and photos for analysis. This adventure style mission offers participants the opportunity to test their spy skills as they explore DC’s neighborhoods. The International Spy Museum is committed to engaging guests and enhancing their experience, particularly through interactive activities that push the boundaries of available technology. The Museum’s permanent exhibit offers state-of-the-art audiovisual effects, film, and hands-on components, making the tradecraft of espionage real while showcasing the ingenuity and imagination of real-life spies and spymasters. With Spy in the City, the Museum takes this dedication to immersive experience outside the Museum’s walls into the streets of our nation’s magnificent capital city.
Spy in the City was crafted in collaboration with former intelligence officers. It delivers unique missions based on real espionage cases. The adventure options range from one to three hours in length and are recommended for ages 12+. Spy in the City is available only at the International Spy Museum.
About the Museum. I won’t drag on about the exhibits all of which are fascinating however to take advantage of a visit (definitely for first timers) it is essential to try one of the three clever scavenger hunts available at the museum. Not only will it give you something to share long after the museum visit and hunt are through, it is likely to provide incite about family members. The unique competition includes answering questions, solving problems, and decoding messages with the help of top secret bag of tricks. For sometimes apathetic teens I suggest “Operation Spy”, an active experience for ages 12 and older that allows participants to get in the spy game facing plenty of challenges including low light levels, confining spaces, sound effects, and physical and mental challenges in a race against the clock. Bonus points: There is also a cool way to stay connected with the International Spy Museum. Each month they produce a SpyCast featuring interviews and programs with ex-spies, intelligence experts, and espionage scholars. The SpyCast is hosted by Peter Earnest, Executive Director of the International Spy Museum and former CIA operations officer.
Location on the planet. The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC’s historic Penn Quarter, is within four blocks of the National Mall, directly across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, and within one block of FBI headquarters and Ford’s Theatre. The Museum is conveniently located near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station serviced by the red, yellow and green lines. International Spy Museum 800 F Street, NW (202) EYE SPY U ((202)393-7798) or www.spymuseum.org
About BarZ Adventures. The GPS Ranger® and Ranger Quest™ interactive game software are innovations of BarZ Adventures. Founded in 2005 and combining experts in the fields of computer delivery systems and content development, the Austin, Texas-based company has designed the patented GPS Ranger® and Zoo Ranger® systems, as well as the new Ranger Quest™ gaming software with large venues and their visitors in mind. The mission of the company is to enhance the visitor experience at high visitation tourist locations using modern technology. For more information visit www.barzadventures.com or
www.gpsranger.com or call (512)732-0135.
Starwood Opens First Four Points by Sheraton Prototype Hotel
Posted July 14, 2009 , add a commentStarwood has opened the Four Points by Sheraton
San Antonio Northwest - an event which also marks the launch of
the brand’s first prototype hotel and the company’s 450th hotel in
the United States.
The six-story 130-room hotel is owned by Galo
Properties and managed by DePalma Hotels.
Stylish and practical, the hotel’s guest
rooms feature a spacious work area, 32-inch flat screen
television, free bottled water and complimentary high-speed
Internet. Guests will also get a good night’s sleep in the
signature Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed, a luxurious
ensemble including a plush mattress, assortment of pillows and
stylish duvet.
Facilities at the first Four
Points by Sheraton prototype hotel include a state-of-the-art
fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool, 1400 square-feet of
flexible meeting space, and premium food and beverage facilities,
including a full breakfast and Seattle’s Best Coffee. At the end
of the day, the hotel’s family room is a perfect spot to stay
connected at Internet terminals and wind down with a local craft
brew, courtesy of the popular Four Points by Sheraton Best
Brews program.
“We are proud to unveil Starwood’s first
Four Points by Sheraton prototype hotel, designed to meet the
needs of business travelers seeking an inviting, comfortable
setting enhanced by full-service amenities - all at a great
value,” said Marcus Moreno, Vice President of Development for Galo
Properties. “Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio is an ideal
addition to this fast-growing section of San Antonio, which has
undergone a transformation in recent years.”
Located
across from The University of Texas at San Antonio, Four Points by
Sheraton San Antonio Northwest is less than five minutes from
award-winning championship golf and the Shops at La Cantera, a
recently opened, upscale shopping and dining destination.
Guests
will enjoy easy access to the city’s top attractions including the
historic Alamo, the shops and restaurants along Riverwalk, Sea
World, Market Square, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio Northwest is
the first of three prototype hotels to open in North America this
year as part of the brand’s comprehensive, global rejuvenation
campaign.
In the past five years, Starwood and its partners have
invested more than $1 billion to reinvent Four Points by Sheraton
resulting in a 70% turnover of the portfolio driven by major
property renovations, conversions and new-build hotels.
“We have devoted considerable time and energy into refreshing the
Four Points by Sheraton brand, and a key element of our global
revitalization is the launch of our first prototype hotel in the
lively city of San Antonio,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice
President, Four Points by Sheraton. “With its versatility, smart
layout and cost efficiencies, the new prototype is generating a
great deal of enthusiasm among owners and developers, while
ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects the
Four Points by Sheraton brand’s emphasis on uncomplicated comfort
and simple sophistication - updated for today.”
Which City Do You Prefer For Your Summer Golf Vacation?
Posted October 28, 2008 , add a commentEvery year a number of people go out on summer vacations. These may be a family trip, a romantic trip with the spouse or even an outing with friends. Whoever you are going on a holiday with, selecting a destination is a tough job. Sometimes it is difficult to find a place for vacation where there are activities of all kinds for all the members. When an individual is a golf enthusiast then he might consider a golf resort to spend the holiday in.
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Information on Vacation Destinations for Campers and Golfers
Posted October 25, 2008 , add a commentEach year, a large number of individuals make the decision to take a summer vacation. Summer vacations are decided on for a number of different reasons. Their main purpose is to experience excitement, fun, and something new. If you love the outdoors, you could choose a summer vacation destination that allows you to relax in your element.
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