Search Results for: blog rail and cruise returns

More Reasons to Ride the Rails

In my last blog I got the discussion rolling on why more travelers are opting to ride the rails this summer. Besides the price and flexibility train travel offers there are a number of other factors that make riding the rails an attractive alternative to flying or driving from your home in Boston to grandma’s house in Kentucky. Take a look: BAGGAGE This is huge for me (and I’m sure a ton of other parents traveling with children). If you are looking for a way to avoid paying the insane baggage fees nearly all the major airlines are now charging … Continue reading →

Reasons to Ride the Rails

Besides providing information on a few reasonable deals to exotic locations this blog hasn’t been the place to view many positive remarks about the airline industry lately. Instead, it has been a spot that fed up flyers could vent about rising airfares, skyrocketing surcharges, and insane baggage fees. If you are tired of complaining and are now focusing on looking for solutions, perhaps this blog can help. Today, we are looking at alternatives to air travel, beginning with our nation’s railways. When was the last time you traveled by train? According to travel analysts, train travel is making a comeback. … Continue reading →

Fall Travel: Where To Go and Where To Stay This Season

LOUISIANA Two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, New Orleans is getting a shot in the arm from Smithsonian Magazine. The publication is teaming up with the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to host CultureFest on October 26-28th in “The Big Easy.” CultureFest is one of the magazine’s signature events, which showcases a particular state’s history, cuisine, arts and more. It typically draws several thousand visitors. In years past it has been held in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Portland, Oregon. If you are planning to make the trip to New Orleans next month for CultureFest, you may … Continue reading →

“All Shook Up” Over An Elvis Cruise

In previous posts I detailed cruises specifically designed for bloggers, country music fans, knitters, chess players, foodies, and Trekkies. Now, the masterminds behind specialty cruises have designed a cruise exclusively for fans of one of the world’s most popular entertainers—Elvis. Carnival Cruise Lines has teamed up with a reputable charter music cruise operator to offer “The Elvis Cruise.” Unlike other Elvis-themed cruises, this one is touted as the “first authentic, fully licensed specialty cruise that celebrates the music and life of the legendary Elvis Presley.” Lending authenticity to the one-of-a-kind voyage is Jerry Schilling, a longtime friend and confidant of … Continue reading →

Hitting The High Seas On A “Bloggers Cruise”

Have you ever read an incredibly riveting blog and wished you could meet the blogger in person? You aren’t alone. In fact, according to a senior cruise director for Carnival Cruise Lines, the requests for a blogger convention on the high seas reached such a fever pitch that the cruise line decided to give it a shot. Next year Carnival Cruises will host its first-ever “Bloggers Cruise.” The seven-day Western Caribbean cruise will operate roundtrip from Miami, January 19-26, 2008, and will visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. Prices for the seven-day “Bloggers Cruise” start … Continue reading →

Concert Cruises

In previous blogs I’ve written about Hawaiian cruises, luxury cruises, and cheap cruises, but there’s a type of cruise that’s been getting a lot of press recently and it has nothing to do with the 50th State; it’s not pretentious; and (unfortunately) it’s not that cheap. It’s called a “Concert Cruise” and it’s a chance for fans to listen to the likes of country-music star Kenny Chesney sing on a secluded beach in the Caribbean. But, that’s not all. Passengers who board the “Concert Cruises” can take part in Q&A sessions with their favorite crooners, or interact with them at … Continue reading →

“Rail and Cruise”… Returns!

Mardi Gras, Jazzfest, and Emeril aren’t the only ones returning to New Orleans following the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. In just a few months you will once again be able to “Rail and Cruise” in and out of the Big Easy. Amtrak and Carnival Cruise Lines will resume their “Rail and Cruise” program out of New Orleans beginning in October. Four-and-five-day cruises will depart from the Port of New Orleans. The four-day voyages will take you to Cozumel, while the five-day sailings have you visiting Cozumel and either Calica or Costa Maya. To sweeten the deal Amtrak is offering discounts … Continue reading →

Happy National Train Day

Tomorrow is National Train Day and I can’t help but think of my pre-schooler’s favorite train joke: What kind of train can sneeze? Ah choo choo. My daughter waits for the laughter to die down before informing her “fans” that she’ll be here all week. Okay, back to National Train Day. Whether you are a regular rider of the rails or not Amtrak is encouraging you to visit one of their stations tomorrow. The nationwide campaign includes live entertainment and activities for youngsters. Amtrak hopes the hoopla will inspire travelers to consider riding a train to their next vacation destination. … Continue reading →

Where to Get Your Party On During Mardi Gras

As I mentioned in a previous blog we’re just wrapping up Christmas celebrations at our home (round three of gift opening took place on Sunday—the Epiphany or Three Kings Day) and now another big celebration is just around the corner. Mardi Gras (a.k.a. Carnival) is less than a month away and if you plan to party like a college coed at the world’s hottest Fat Tuesday blowouts then you’d better make your travel plans now. Tickets to the best parties in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro and Trinidad are going fast. The festivities peak on February 5th and lucky for … Continue reading →

The Big Easy Getting Ready for the Big Game

The Big Easy is getting a big boost from loyal football fans and travelers who are simply looking for a place to party. As I mentioned in my previous blog dozens of my pals from Hawaii boarded 16-hour flights from Honolulu to New Orleans to watch our beloved Bows get bowled over by Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday. Now, it’s time for Ohio State fans to make the trip to the Crescent City to watch the Buckeyes take on LSU in the coveted Bowl Championship Series title game on Monday night. No doubt about it… it’s prime tourism … Continue reading →