5 Caribbean Beaches for you Christmas Cards

White Bay, British Virgin Islands is on St. John Island. Until recently,

this unspoiled paradise was a well-kept secret. Located on Jost Van Dyke, this bay is now regularly featured on top 10 Beautiful Beach lists and features white sands, turquoise waters, and rolling green hills. This beach is pretty much still un-developed and offers a glimpse into the Caribbean of old.

 

Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda. What better way to add some color to your Christmas card than with the pink sands of Bermuda? Horseshoe Bay is rated the #8 beach in the world by TripAdvisor. This popular and famous beach is located on the main island’s south coast. Since Bermuda’s a little north of the traditional Caribbean, you’ll want to snap your photos between May and October or your photo shoot might be a little chilly.

 

Trunk Bay, St. John. Consistently on Top 10 Beaches of the world lists, this national park is a treasure of the US Virgin Islands. In addition to stunning natural views like powdery white sand, coconut palms and sparkling crystal-clear water, this beach provides modern amenities (making touch-ups and clothing changes easier). You’ll be able to take that family photo and then quickly change into swimwear to enjoy the best of this beach.

 

 

 

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. The third-largest of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is best known for an unusual geographic formation called“The Baths.” Found on the southern end of the island, this collection of boulders, saltwater pools and grottoes surrounded by white sands offers stunning scenery and locations for photo ops.  Keep in mind, this location is often only accessible by foot and parts of it require trekking up and around rocky areas using rope handrails.

 

 

Nassau, Bahamas. The Bahamian capital offers plenty of photo shoot locations – including tons of beaches to choose from and the world famous Atlantis Resort.Since this island thrives on heavy cruise ship traffic, many local photographers offer photo packages designed for cruisers that allow you to get the best shot, but still enjoy your day on the island.

 

Taking the photo

You can take your own family photos (that’s what the self-timer’s for, right?) or arrange a professional photographer ahead of time. Taking your own photos saves money and with photo editing software, you can make it work really well for your Christmas cards.

Hiring a professional photographer can be a little pricy, but it’s a great option to create and capture special memories of your trip. These are also great for your living room wall, not just your annual Christmas card. To find a local professional, try google searches and check out the online portfolios of the locals to see what style you like best for your family.

In addition to a local photographer, cruise lines often offer the services of their professional photographers while in port.  Do your research or check with your cruise line ahead of time to explore their options.

By Sarah Phillips

Cruise Radio

 

 

 

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Viking River has some special deals right now!

 

 

 

 

The ship builders were working extra fast this year and managed to finish one of our new 2015 longships early.  The Viking Mani is

not only finished early, but we are already putting her to work.  She will be stretching her sea legs for the first time in September

of this year on the Rhine Getaway.  As you may have already noticed, these new sailing brought some excellent promotions with

them as well.  The new sailings were announced June 1^st, and the availability has already dwindled by at least 70%.  However,

there is still time to jump on one these cruises if you act first.

The Ukraine sailing that Viking offers has always been a fan favorite.  Because of the political unrest in that region, Viking has

been forced to hold off on sailing the Footsteps of the Cossacks for now.  In an attempt to capture the beauty and unique history

contained in that portion of the world before the end of the sailing season this year, Viking has just released its newest itinerary

“The Timeless Shores of the Black Sea.”  This is a 12 day Cruise-tour that begins in Bucharest, Romania and ends in Istanbul

Turkey.  This itinerary boasts ancient cities, Jewish culture and history, and the majestic wildlife found in the Danube Delta, which

is a UNESCO site.  You can read all about this itinerary on Monday 6/9/14 on our website.  This special cruise opportunity will have

incredibly limited space, as we are only running it twice this year.  The dates will be 9/8/14 and 9/15/14.  Only roughly 385 people

will get to experience this brand new adventure this year.  Please understand that the course of this itinerary, as well as the cities

we visit in Ukraine, are nowhere near the political unrest and are completely safe.  Book now while there is still space!

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS:  

            -Rhine Getaway Run of the Ship promos

1.) $3999 for best available Cabin + 2 for 1 air (Select September dates) –must pay in full at time of booking

2.) $2999 for best available Cabin + 2 for 1 air (Select Oct. Dates) –must pay in full at time of booking

3.) Up to Free Air for any Suite in Sep. and Oct

-Grand European Run of the Ship promos

1.) $4999 Best available Cabin + 2 for 1 air (Select October dates) –must pay in full at time of booking

2.) $3999 Best available Cabin + Free Air (select Jun & July) –must pay in full at time of booking

3.) Up to Free Air for any Suite in Select Oct dates

-Romantic Danube Run of the Ship promos

1.) Up to Free Air for any Suite in Select Oct Dates

2.) $2999 Best available Cabin + 2 for 1 air in Select Oct Dates –must pay in full at time of booking

-Timeless Shores of the Black Sea

1.) Up to Free Air for both September sailings (8^th and 15^th)

 

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Regal Princess Sets Sail on Inaugural Voyage

New Ship Welcomes Guests on Maiden Mediterranean Cruise

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 20, 2014) – The newest cruise ship to join the Princess fleet, Regal Princess, arrived in Venice today to welcome guests on the maiden voyage. Sister ship to the acclaimed Royal Princess, her seven-day inaugural cruise includes stops in Corfu, Mykonos and an overnight call in Istanbul.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome another addition to the Princess family with Regal Princess,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “This new ship now expands our fleet to 18 vessels that visit worldwide destinations, and guests traveling aboard Regal Princess will truly have a special experience while enjoying her exciting features including the showpiece atrium, exceptional dining, relaxing Lotus Spa and innovative features like the over-water SeaWalk.”

Throughout the summer, the new ship will sail on Princess’ signature Grand Mediterranean cruises, with two itinerary choices. Regal Princess will debut in North America in November, when the traditional naming ceremony will take place, followed by a season of Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Regal Princess, a sister cruise ship to Royal Princess, will offer its 3,560 guests a variety of enticing features, including:

The SeaWalk – The ship’s most distinguishing design element is an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship’s starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. From here guests can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below.

Dramatic Atrium – The social hub of the ship, the soaring atrium offers a vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. Features such as Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and a gelateria add to the Piazza’s lively atmosphere.

Chef’s Table Lumiere – Princess has set a new standard for the chef’s table experience with the Chef’s Table Lumiere in which guests will be magically surrounded by a curtain of light – providing a soft wall of privacy that envelopes diners as they savor the chef’s special menu.

Princess® WaterColor Fantasy – The ship’s central pool area features daily and nightly performances of four separate themed sequences comprised of dancing fountains, special music and live performers. The Movies Under the Stars screen is also incorporated as an additional show element.

Princess Live! – The ship’s television studio features programming throughout the day from 8 am until midnight. Guests can enjoy live talk shows, demonstrations and performers here, including the daily Wake Show.

Super Tuscan Wines – More than 20 choices of these headline-making wines from Tuscany are available in Sabatini’s. Ranging from recognizable Super Tuscans such as Masseto, Solaia or Tignanello to some lesser known vintages such as Castello del Terricio ‘Cappuanino’ or Il Bruciato Bolgheri, these wines are featured by the bottle and in a Sabatini’s Super Tuscan Wine Tasting event, where guests can enjoy the rare opportunity to sample the wines accompanied by delicious small plates from the Italian restaurant.

Horizon Bistro Pastry Shop – At the Horizon Court’s dedicated pastry shop guests can indulge in fresh-baked goodies throughout the day and even get to see Princess’ pastry chefs in action as they demonstrate their skills in chocolate work and cake decorating.

Private Cabanas – Private cabana options give guests the opportunity to personalize their relaxation time, with elegant cabanas in The Sanctuary and poolside cabanas at the Retreat Pool. Cabana guests looking for a gourmet treat can order one of the ship’s new cabana picnic baskets, packed with artisan edibles paired with a premium wine.

Two new features of Regal Princess include an additional aft pool and access to the exterior promenade on deck 7, enabling passengers to walk the length of the ship.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through The Cruise Experts at (866) 968-2789 or by visiting www.TheCruiseXperts.com  For a PDF to see all the amazing features of this newest ship click on Regal_Princess.pdf

 

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