Vittala Temple, Hampi

Hampi, is the cradle of Vijaynagar architecture as showcased by various monuments in the region. But,the Vittala Temple is the prime attraction among them. No words of explanation can do justice to the architectural extravaganza of this temple. The construction of the temple was initiated in 1513 AD by the Maharaja Krishnadevaraya. The work was later supported by its successors Achuta and Sadasiva till its destruction in 1565 AD. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Sculptures on the tower of gateways

The sprawling temple campus was built inside the high boundary walls with 3 gateway towers on the east, south and north. The eastern entrance is used for entry into the temple complex. Inside this campus there are many halls, pavilions and temples.

Stone chariot

In front of the main temple is the Stone Chariot. This has become a iconic monument in Hampi. Even though it is referred as monolithic, it is in fact built with many giant granite blocks. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Temple Maha Mandap

The Vittala Temple stands on a strong ornate stone basement that has been richly carved with designs of horses, elephants, dancing girls, floral motifs and soldiers. The temple can be entered through a series of steps flanged by elephant balustrades that leads to the Maha Mantapa. This contains four open halls within. While the central western hall has collapsed, the south, north and the east ones are still intact.

musical pillars

The main attraction of Maha-Mantapa is its superbly carved giant monolithic pillars. The outermost of the pillars have slender and short pilasters carved out of the giant pillars. They are known as musical pillars as they emit musical tones when tapped. The tapping on it is not permitted for the sake of preservation. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Sculpture on the pillar

The eastern hall is known as the musicians hall because of the sculptures of musicians on the pillars. The southern hall pillars are carved with mythical creatures called Yalis. The northern hall is surrounded with a series of pillars with the Narasimha themes. The ceilings of the halls are carved with lotus in the centre. The inner sanctum is devoid of any idol. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Pillared Hall in the temple campus

Even the other halls inside the campus are equally worth noticing. There is a 100-pillared hall at the southwest, the ceremonial marriage hall in the southeast. Even they have been richly carved.

Five Things I Hate About Luxury Cruises

I love cruise travel. I honestly do, but there are just a few minor things that annoy me each and every time I embark on a ship.

My Top Five Cruising Pet Peeves

I have a name too. On every single cruise I've ever been on, all correspondence to our suite—invitations to an officer's table for dinner, for example—are always addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hospidor. Why is that? I'm the one that booked the cruise. The credit card that paid for the cruise is in my name. Why do I never got a nod and get my name listed on anything?! I realize that cruise lines are sticking to an old etiquette tradition, but times have changed. Studies indicate that it's the woman that controls most travel decisions in a household. She selects the destination, the cruise line, works out the arrangements with the travel agent, etc. So cruise lines, give us girls our props and address both the husband and wife (even if the woman has a different last name than her husband, which is pretty normal these days).

I can carry my own plate. Seriously. When I'm older and less steady on my feet, I'm sure I'll appreciate the mad dash waiters make to carry my plate from the buffet line to my table. If I'm in my bathing suit and just ordered a hamburger from the pool grill, I really can carry the plate back to my lounge chair. If I decline your offer to help, please accept it. (Of course, if the seas are rough and it's an issue of safety for those around me, I'll of course let you carry my plate.)

Formal, Semi-Formal, Elegant Casual, Country Club Casual. Gah! Every cruise line uses slightly different terminology when referring to its evening dress code. Could we try to standardize the nomenclature? The term "elegant casual" drives my husband crazy. How does it differ from Country Club Casual? Can he wear a golf short on those evenings or not? I think each cruise line should simply show photographs of smartly dressed travelers with a caption that says, "These outfits meet our standards for Elegant Casual evenings."

Teetotalers would like a beverage served with dinner too. I realize that the main concern of the sommelier is bringing the best wines possible to the table. However, some of us don't drink alcoholic beverages (even when on all-inclusive cruises). When I ask for an ice tea, please bring me one. Must I ask two or three times? Also, please refill my drink. If there's wine in my husband's glass, there should be ice tea in mine.

Longer hours for the hot tub, please. Why bother having a hot tub onboard if you close it at 6 pm? Could you at least let guests enjoy the whirlpool after dinner for a few hours?

So there you have it. The five things I hate about luxury cruising. What are your cruise ship pet peeves?

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Silversea's Silver Spirit Begins Sea Trials Today

Luxury cruise fans have been waiting for this: Silversea's new 540-passenger cruise ship, Silver Spirit, begins her sea trials today in Ancona, Italy. Located on the Adriatic Sea, Ancona is about 275 miles northeast of Rome.

Silver Spirit's first sea trial will take her from Ancona to Trieste, a city in northeast Italy near the border of Slovenia. Once she arrives there, she'll spent a week in dry dock before embarking on her final sea trials.

Good luck to Silversea! We can't wait to see this gorgeous new ship in action!

Visit Silversea's website for more information about Silver Spirit.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

QE2 in Dubai Dry Dock Before Heading to Cape Town

The beloved ocean liner QE2 is currently in dry dock in Dubai. She's getting a fresh coat of exterior paint as well as upgrades to her plumbing and air-conditioning systems. This is all in anticipation of her move to Cape Town, South Africa's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where she'll spent 18 months as a floating hotel.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup (soccer) games are being held across South Africa and the country has worried about a hotel room shortage. QE2's move to the area will help alleviate those concerns.

Nakheel, a Dubai real estate developer, purchased the ship from Cunard and the original plan was to station her in Dubai. The shaky economy put a temporary hold on that plan.

QE2 will remain in dry dock a bit longer as her seaworthiness is tested and other upgrades are completed. Due to the sales agreement with Cunard, the ship cannot carry passengers during her transit to Cape Town but there's no doubt she'll happily welcome friends—old and new—once she arrives.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Nakheel

Queen's Bath, Hampi

In Hampi, the Queen's Bath is part of the Royal Enclosure. This was constructed during the Vijaynagar Empire any time from 1336 to 1565. This is a enclosed space, consisting of a complex of changing rooms and a bath. At present only the bath is extant.

Queen's Bath interior (Click on the image for bigger picture)

A strikingly, simple facade structure, in the Indo-Islamic style of Vijaynagar architecture, the interior of the bath is total contrast, with its ornate stucco and plaster work.

View of Queen's Bath balcony

The structure is 30 sq. mts., with a 15 sq. mts, bath inside, which is 1.8 mts, deep. Pillared and vaulted corridors run all around, with ornate balconies projecting into the bath. There is a water channel inlet to the East, and a moat that runs all around the structure that ensured a constant supply of fresh water. There are steps leading down to the floor of the bath to the North, and the remnants of four pillars in the center, which probably supported a pavilion. But there exists no evidence to justify the name. The wall on either sides 1.e., inner and an outer face of smoothed and fitted stone blocks with an earth and rubble fill between them.

Another view of Queen's Bath balcony

Silver Wind Hotel Director Ralph de Klijn Moves to Seabourn

Today Silversea's loss is Seabourn's gain. Ralph de Klijn, hotel director aboard Silversea's Silver Wind, announced his resignation this week. His letter to cruisers is below. What his letter doesn't explain is that he will be joining the Yachts of Seabourn.

Ralph, we wish you all the best!

Good morning, afternoon or evening to you,

After thorough deliberation and consultation I have decided to leave Silversea. Although it has been a tough decision to make, I am confident that my new endeavor will help me move closer towards the goals I have for my future career. This confidence is built on an extremely fulfilling experience with Silversea, where each day has taught me something new.

However, I would like to state that I am very grateful for the opportunities, which I have been given, and all the dedicated colleagues I have had the pleasure work with during the course of my employment within Silversea. Despite my resignation I hope to return one day to the Silversea family. Not only working for such a great company as Silversea I have to say that besides missing my colleagues aboard I will defenitly miss you as guests in the same way who have not only supported me but became friends over the past years we have sailed onboard the Silverseas. I sincerely hope that we will keep in touch and that we will meet again one day somewhere at sea or on land.

As I do not want to vanish without saying arividerchi!

I hope you all can understand my decision and for any future cruises I wish you a fantastic time onboard.

Please feel free to share this message with anyone I sailed with as I do not have all email addresses but I hope with your help my message will be shared.

Until we meet again!

Warm regards,
Ralph de Klijn

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

InnerSea Discoveries/American Safari Cruises Acquires Two New Vessels

I am a die-hard fan of InnerSea Discoveries, owner of American Safari Cruises. ASC strikes the right balance of luxury, edutainment, and exploration. Last week InnerSea Discoveries announced that it acquired two new vessels, the 69 guest, 157-foot Wilderness Adventurer and the 84-guest, 170-foot Wilderness Discoverer.

Captain Dan Blanchard, president and CEO of InnerSea Discoveries, announced the purchase in an email to crew and friends of the company. Minor work and upkeep on both ships will take place over the next few months but the major project to retrofit Wilderness Discoverer won't begin for about a year.

The new ships will not be marketed under the American Safari Cruises moniker. Instead, a new small ship adventure brand will be established. It's expected that cruise fares will start at approximately $300 per person per day.

According to Captain Blanchard, "Alaska will be the prime destination with operations starting in May of 2011. We are working with true pros in the branding of this new product and have high expectations that the enw brand will appeal to a broad spectrum of younger minded and experiential travelers...like you and me!"

LuxuryCruiseBible.com will pass along more details as they become available. In the meantime, you can sail aboard any of American Safari Cruises' yachts—Safari Explorer, Safari Spirit, and Safari Quest—right now. Itineraries include Alaska's Inside Passage, Mexico's Sea Cortes, the Pacific Northwest, Columbia & Snake Rivers, and Washington Wine Country.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at 1-(888) 862-8881.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Ganesh Chaturti

In India this is the season (August - November) of festivals. It starts with Krishna Ashtami followed by Gouri Pooja, Ganesh Chaturti, Dasahara and Deepavali (festival of lights). If one wants to be part of fun and frolic this is the best time to be in India. One can enjoy the celebrations in each of the festival which last for 1 to 12 days. (Click on all the image for bigger picture)

Lord Ganesh decorated on the first day at the temple

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi for the first time was started by the great Maratha ruler, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, to promote culture and nationalism. Later the festival was revived by Lokmanya Tilak (a great freedom fighter) to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies. The festival provided the Indians a feeling of unity and revived their patriotic spirit and faith.

Lord Ganesh being worshiped at the temple

It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. He is worshiped as the God of wisdom, prosperity and auspiciousness in Hinduism. He is one of the most popular deities in Hindu religion. It is observed on the fourth day after no moon in the month of August - September as per traditional Hindu calendar. This is celebrated in temples, street corners and in individual homes. The elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration. On these days, special prayers are performed in all Hindu homes and hymns and songs are sung in praise of Lord Ganesha. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance. The artists who make the idols of Ganesh compete with each other to make bigger and more magnificent and elegant idols. The bigger idols are 10 to 50 meters in height. The 12-day Ganesh Chaturthi ends with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol on Ananta Chaturdasi day.

Design of Lord Ganesh done using half cut coconuts at the temple

In our family we celebrate it in the native place for one day. It is this time of the year all the family members gather for the celebration. All the members of family reach here on the previous day itself. The preparation start with the previous night, by cutting of vegetables for the next day. On the day of Chaturti the idol is placed in its rightful place and decorated with flowers of various types. All offer their prayers to him and take his blessings.

Lord Ganesh decoration at home over the past few years

These statues are then carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one, three, five, seven and ten days. In some places where there is no sea nearby it is immersed in the lake or well. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied by drum- beats, devotional songs and dancing.

This my entry for Thursday Challenge 'Mettalic'. For more check here

One Week Left to Snag Discounted 2010 European Voyage from Oceania Cruises

There's just one week left to take advantage of Oceania Cruises' promotion discounting its entire 2010 European Collection. (You must book your cruise by August 31, 2009.)

The Deal

• A $2,000 price reduction off two-for-one cruise fares
  
• Complimentary airfare
• PLUS free unlimited soft drinks and bottled water

Cruise fares start at just $1,499 per person (although many fares are two or three times that rate). Bargain hunters should check out the following itineraries, both of which start at $1,499 per person:

November 13, 2010
14 nights aboard Regatta
"Journey to the New World"—Barcelona to Miami

December 6, 2010
15 nights aboard Insignia
"Southern Sauntering"—Barcelona to Rio De Janeiro

To take advantage of this promotion, talk with your travel agent or contact Oceania Cruises at 1-(800) 531-5658. And, don't forget, you only have one more week to book your travel. This promotion ends August 31, 2009!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Starting Tomorrow: Another Seabourn Sale

This really is the year to sail with any of the luxury cruise lines—just about everyone is offering competitive pricing and if you time your booking right, you can take advantage of special limited-time offers.

Starting tomorrow, August 24, the Yachts of Seabourn is throwing a one-week "Bon Voyage Event." The line is promoting 65 percent off cruise fares for select itineraries if booked between Monday, August 24 and Friday, August 31. The least expensive fare you can snag is $1,349 per person. Discounted rates may be viewed on Seabourn's website now.

"Bon Voyage" Sale Itineraries

Seabourn Pride—Asian Capitals & Vietnam, February 13 and 27, March 13, 2010
14 days between Singapore and Hong Kong. Fares from $5,249.

Seabourn Spirit—Atlantic Sunsets Transatlantic, November 15, 2009
12 days Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale. Fares from $2,765.

Seabourn Spirit—Caribbean Getaway, December 16, 2009
5 days from Ft. Lauderdale to St. Thomas. Fares from $1,349.

Seabourn Legend—Panama, Belize & Costa Rica, November 23 and December 7, 2009
14 days between Ft. Lauderdale and Caldera, Costa Rica. Fares from $3,599.

Seabourn Odyssey—Caribbean Tapestry, November 28, 2009
12 days round trip from Ft. Lauderdale. Fares from $3,999.

In addition, four new special-value segments have been created for the Bon Voyage Event, which are not detailed on the website. Call for details.

Seabourn Pride—Mediterranean, October 8–15, 2009
7 days from Lisbon to Barcelona. Fares from $2,899.

Seabourn Pride—Mediterranean, October 15–24, 2009
9 days from Barcelona to Piraeus (Athens). Fares from $3,499.

Seabourn Odyssey—Mediterranean, October 17 - 23, 2009
6 days from Istanbul to Valletta, Malta. Fares from $3,499.

Seabourn Odyssey—Mediterranean, October 23 - 31, 2009
8 days from Valletta, Malta to Malaga, Spain. Fares from $4,499.

To book these special fares, talk with your travel agent or contact the Yachts of Seabourn at 1-(800) 929-9391.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Regent Navigator Cancels Sailings Due to Change in Dry-Dock

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has canceled a series of sailings during the holiday season this fall due to a change in its dry-dock schedule.

Here's a brief message sent to travel agents earlier in the week:

Dear Travel Partner:

As you may know, Regent Seven Seas Cruises had scheduled the Seven Seas Navigator for her regularly scheduled dry-dock this coming January in Charleston, South Carolina. We have just been informed by the shipyard that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the scheduled dry-dock cannot be accommodated as planned.

We have therefore made the decision to accelerate the dry-docking of the vessel to take place between November 15 and December 15, 2009 in Bremerhaven, Germany at the Lloyd Werft shipyard where the planned work will be completed. The ship will operate its published schedule through November 8.

Regent is working to reschedule vacations and make refunds as necessary. Official offers have include a $500 credit per person for any itinerary in 2010 or an identical Navigator itinerary at no extra charge during the month of February. Regent has said that they will refund your other out-of-pocket expenses, such as nonrefundable airfare that you booked on your own. Your travel agent will negotiate this situation on your behalf and Regent hopes to provide a scenario that makes every traveler happy.

Have you been affected by this change in the Navigator's schedule? Let us know. Have you been "made whole" and are you pleased or displeased with the way Regent handled this schedule change?

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Zenana Enclosure, Hampi

In Hampi, the rectangular fortified enclosure surrounding several monuments is popularly known as the Zenana (harem) Enclosure. But there exists no evidence to justify the name. The wall on either sides 1.e., inner and an outer face of smoothed and fitted stone blocks with an earth and rubble fill between them. (Click on all the image for bigger picture)

watch tower

The four corners of the fortifications have watch towers. Three of these two storied towers can be still seen in close to the southeast, northeast and northwest corners. Like Lotus Mahal these are built in unison of Indo-Islamic architecture style.

A number of unnamed structures are present inside this enclosure. The major attraction inside the enclosure, the Lotus Mahal located at the southeast corner. Apart from this, as soon as one enters the enclosure, there are remains of water pavilion with a decorated platform in the center of it. Another major attraction is Elephant Stables. As the name suggests this place was used to ‘park’ the royal elephants.

Elephant stables

Elephant Stables is one of the least destroyed structures. This is a long building with a row of 11 domed tall chambers. Some of them are inter-connected. The center one is specially decorated and big when compared to adjacent domes. The entire building is symmetrical with respect to this central hall. The tower of the central hall resembles more like that of temples, where as the five pairs of domes on either side are of Islamic in style. The central dome is slightly destroyed, but others are better preserved and of alternating patterns. There are metal hooks on the inside of the roof. This could have been used for tying the elephants. At the rear of each hall are small manhole type openings for the mahouts to enter the elephant compartments.

African Safaris a Highlight on 2010 Crystal Cruises World Cruise

We are animal lovers and our favorite cruises are those that include opportunities to get up close to wild animals. Crystal Cruises is currently touting 18 "Crystal Overland Adventures" that will introduce its guests to Africa's "Big Five"—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—during the third segment of the 108-day 2010 World Cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity.

Two- to five-night safaris are planned for Botswana's Okavango Delta; Boulders Lodge at Singita Sabi Sand Reserve and Rattray's at Mala Mala Game Reserve in South Africa; and Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara in Nairobi, Kenya.

If you've always wanted to go on a safari and love Crystal Cruises, talk with your travel agent about booking the February 9, 2010 21-day itinerary from Cape Town, South Africa to Mumbai, India. Additional ports include Durban and Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Mombasa, Kenya; Male, Republic of Maldives; Mahe/Victoria, Seychelles; and Cochin and Marmagao, India.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Crystal Cruises at 1-(888) 799-4625.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor (taken at King's Camp, Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa)

The Deal is Done: Paul Gauguin Cruises Sold to Pacific Beachcomber

In a blog post last week I talked about the rumor that the m/s Paul Gauguin was once again up for sale. Tonight rumor has become reality with the announcement that Pacific Beachcomber, a leader in French Polynesia luxury resorts, has purchased Paul Gauguin Cruises.

"The acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises by Pacific Beachcomber is a most positive development for our company, our travel agent partners, and valued guests, and for the tourism industry of French Polynesia," said David A. Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises.

"The m/s Paul Gauguin is a very successful ship, sailing at full occupancy the past three years, and with only 5 percent of capacity remaining in 2009," noted Giersdorf. "As we approach 2010, it will be business as usual, with no changes to our award-winning inclusive product, our dedicated officers and crew members, or our support of travel sellers worldwide, and we see many opportunities to enhance an already world-class experience for our guests.

Richard Bailey, President of Pacific Beachcomber said “We are honored to carry on Paul Gauguin Cruises’ excellent record as the leading cruise operator in French Polynesia. This legacy, combined with our 25 years of luxury resort hotel experience in the Tahitian islands, will ensure that all our guests enjoy a seamless island vacation experience of the highest caliber.”

Future guests will definitely benefit from this development as it will open up land/sea packages with upscale Pacific Beachcomber's properties, which included:

• Intercontinental Tahiti Resort
• Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
• Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
• Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa
• Maitai Hotel on Bora Bora

The company is also currently developing a luxury eco-resort called "The Brando" on the late actor's private island.

Cruisers have been nervously posting to various message boards because their favorite PG crew members still hadn't seen or signed their contracts for 2010. Now we all know why. Details are now final and I'm betting crew contracts are being signed as I write this post.

I think it's also terrific that Pacific Beachcomber employs 850 Polynesians. On your next visit to the South Pacific and the Paul Gauguin, you'll be pampered by the best on land and at sea.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Paul Gauguin Cruises at 1-(800) 848-6172.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Celebrity Equinox Shatters 10 Myths About Mass-Market Cruising

Have you even visited someplace and thought, "Wow, this is not at all what I expected!"? I bet you have. You may have headed home afterward wondering where you ever got that misimpression to begin with.

We're all guilty of sometimes making judgments based on Internet rumors, office hearsay, or some amorphous uninformed "gut feeling." You know, it's the "I hate sushi" syndrome. You ask a friend if she likes sushi and she vigorously shakes her head and says, "Absolutely not. I haven't tried it, but I'm positive it's not for me." When it comes to travel though, sometimes you need to take a leap and book a trip that challenges your preconceived notions of a destination, hotel chain, or cruise ship.

That's exactly what I did at the end of July as I boarded Celebrity Cruises' new Solstice-class cruise ship, Celebrity Equinox. It's not that I didn't have a high opinion of Celebrity Cruises. After all, they are a favored—and award-winning—cruise line that caters to sophisticated travelers that are looking for a top-notch experience without paying the sometimes eye-popping fares commanded by the luxury cruise brands. This trip with Celebrity made me realize that I may have been a bit of a cruise prima donna in the past. Perhaps I've had on blinders that prevented me from seeing many of the redeeming qualities of some very important premium and deluxe cruise brands.

Celebrity Equinox
Prior to boarding the ship I wondered what my initial reaction to Celebrity Equinox, a massive ship housing 2,850 guests and 1,255 crew, would be. I had just disembarked Seabourn Odyssey, the new 450-passenger megayacht from the Yachts of Seabourn. How would I compare the intimacy and extraordinary service typifying Odyssey with the sheer magnitude of Equinox? It turns out I didn't have to. I was able to review each ship and cruise line on its own merits.

I will admit here and now that Celebrity Equinox and her crew stunned me. Celebrity won me over (so much so that my extended family is even thinking of booking a family reunion on Equinox, Solstice, or Eclipse (Celebrity's next Solstice-class ship debuting in 2010).

10 Mass-Market Myths & How Celebrity Equinox Measured Up

If you're like me and travel almost exclusively with the luxury cruise lines, you may agree with some of my perceptions of the deluxe and premium options. Read on to learn about my misgivings and whether Celebrity Equinox proved me right or wrong.

#1. Super-size ships are inherently less aesthetically pleasing than smaller vessels or yachts.

Busted: Even the largest of cruise ships can be designed in a way that draws passengers in and makes them feel at home. I caught my first glimpse of Celebrity Equinox as we approached Southampton Cruise Terminal and she was brilliant—all 15 decks and 122,000 tons of her. Her interior was even more intriguing with an art collection—including works by Roy Lichtenstein, John Chamberlain, and Andreas Gursky—that would be the envy of any museum.

Celebrity Cruises is incredibly proud of its entire fleet and gives the designers of this ship a nod at the Solstice-class mini-site. If your interests lie in architecture, interior design, or art, I encourage you to read about the many design firms and in-house Celebrity staff that played a role in creating the gorgeous ship that is Celebrity Equinox.

#2. Chefs can't possibly prepare sophisticated and delicious menus for 3,000 guests each day.

Busted: When it comes to dining, Celebrity has a secret weapon: Jacques Van Staden. He's the cruise line's Vice President of Culinary Operations and, as a successful chef and restaurateur himself, he takes his job with Celebrity very seriously. I found the quality of the provisions and method of preparation to exceed several of the luxury lines I've sailed recently. Equinox chefs aren't afraid to use salt, pepper, and spices, and the result is a varied menu that's always tasty and leaves you wanting more.

The dining options aboard Celebrity Equinox include:

• Silhouette Restaurant—the usual main dining room, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  
  
• Silk Harvest Restaurant—an Asian-inspired specialty restaurant (extra per person fee charged at all specialty restaurants)
  
  
• Blu—exclusively for AquaClass guests, Blu offers delicious and healthy menus at dinner
  
  
• Murano—this drop-dead gorgeous specialty venue serves Continental cuisine nightly
  
  
• Tuscan Grille—Equinox's onboard specialty steakhouse
  
  
• Oceanview Café & Bar—the ship's buffet featuring a little bit of everything at breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  
  
• AquaSpa Café—features light "spa cuisine," including salads, seafood, and lean cuts of meat
  
  
• Bistro on Five—another specialty restaurant offering up fresh sandwiches, salads, and crepes all day long
  
  
• Mast Bar & Grill—traditional pool grill fare

#3. Signing chits for every little thing is a drag.

Upheld: I will probably always prefer all-inclusive cruise packages. It's just a personal preference. On Celebrity, you'll need to purchase a soda package and pay for each glass of wine or alcoholic beverage you consume. Gratuities are also not part of the cruise fare, so you'll need to keep track of who you wish to tip and how much.


#4. Embarking and disembarking large ships means the tedium of long lines and mass pandemonium.

Jury's Out: While Celebrity seemed to be in complete control of the embarking and disembarking processes, I wonder how smooth it is when in a port that requires tender service. I like smaller ships because it's so easy to get on an off at port. There usually isn't much of a line. I look forward to sailing aboard Celebrity Equinox again in order to definitively answer this question.

#5. Cabins on mass-market cruise ships are cramped, offer no storage room, and few upscale amenities.

Busted: I loved my AquaClass stateroom on Deck 11. Celebrity actually consulted with a panel of women prior to designing the Solstice-class staterooms. Celebrity's Leading Ladies—a travel agent, hotelier, travel writer, cruise newbie, and an experienced cruiser—gave detailed suggestions that helped designers create cabins that offered better views of the ocean, more storage space, luxury-style amenities, and comfortable beds and furniture.

Like many new ships, Celebrity Equinox was designed to offer the maximum number of ocean view (90 percent out of 1,466) and veranda (85 percent) staterooms. AquaClass staterooms are styled with the spa in mind. I loved the fact that all lighting in the cabin could be controlled with a dimmer switch. The Hansgrohe showerhead in the bathroom was terrific and the layout of the room in general was very smart. There was more storage space than we'd ever need and the roomy veranda was outfitted with very comfortable furniture.

#6. Mass-market suite categories aren't as impressive as those on luxury cruise lines.

Busted: Celebrity Equinox presents several categories of suites and each has its merits, including butler service, complimentary espresso and cappuccino, one or two specialty restaurant reservations, priority check-in and departure, and more.

• Penthouse Suite—1,291 square feet with a master bedroom and bath, separate living room with dining area, queen sleeper sofa, guest bath, baby grand piano, and veranda with whirlpool
  
  
• Royal Suite—590 square feet with a master bedroom and bath, separate living room with dining area, queen sleeper sofa, and veranda with whirlpool
  
  
• Celebrity Suite—395 square feet with bedroom, bath, and living room with sectional sofa queen sleeper
  
  
• Sky Suite—300 square feet with bedroom, living room with sofa queen sleeper, and bath

#7. Cousin Eddy from Chevy Chase's 1989 movie Christmas Vacation will be my tablemate on a mass-market cruise.

Busted: Okay, maybe Cousin Eddy is a bit of a stretch. The passengers that flock to Celebrity Cruises are smart, interesting, and well traveled. Still, with nearly 3,000 passengers you're bound to meet a few people that rub you the wrong way. But, hey, that could be the case on a 12-passenger yacht as well. Keep your mind open and you'll meet some terrific people during your travels.

#8. Kids will dominate the pool.

Busted: The pool deck aboard Celebrity Equinox features a beautiful outdoor pool with four hot tubs. Live musicians often entertain here and when they don't, lively recorded music is piped in to keep the mood upbeat. Adults and children happily share this area. However, if you walk forward of the main pool and cross through sliding glass doors you'll arrive at the oasis that is the AquaSpa Solarium. Here you'll find the adults-only pool and four more hot tubs, all accented by soft lighting, New Age music, floor-to-ceiling waterfall, dancing fountains, and lush vegetation.

#9. Shore excursions aboard mass-market lines are ho-hum.

Jury's Out: On my very short cruise to nowhere I wasn't able to sample a Celebrity shore excursion. My usual beef with mass-market excursion options is that they are designed to explore the most touristy attractions of any given port and focus more on shopping than on offering a glimpse into the true nature of the destination.

#10. The staff aboard mass-market ships isn't as attentive.

Upheld: The officers and crew aboard Celebrity Equinox are all incredibly friendly and good at their jobs. However, overall service standard are not designed to be the same as what you'd experience on a luxury cruise ship. For example, on a luxury line you may get to know your room steward and see him several times a day. You may call him whenever you need something. Same goes for pool deck waiters. On a luxury ship, a waiter will stop by often to bring you drinks, cool towels, snacks, etc. On Equinox it was sometimes difficult to flag someone down from the pool bar (i.e., just walk up to the bar yourself instead of being catered to at your lounge chair). Equinox crew members were generally excellent but they are not trained—or expected—to offer the same types of services that their contemporaries aboard luxury ships do.

Is Celebrity Equinox Right for You?
If you can look past the following things, you will find Celebrity Solstice-class ships to be an excellent value for your cruising dollar.

• Crowds. At capacity, you'll travel with 2,848 other guests. If you're used to sailing aboard smaller ships, will you miss getting to know more of your fellow cruisers? Can you put up with the sheer numbers that will surround you on a ship like Celebrity Equinox?
  
  
• Wait Times. With this many passengers, you'll need to wait in line for embarkation and tenders to some ports of call. Restaurants and shore excursions may also be more crowded.
  
  
• Children. The Solstice-class ships are very attractive options for families so you'll see your fair share of children onboard. If you prefer an adults-only experience, this may not be the right option.

In the end, is Celebrity Equinox a luxury cruise experience. No, but she comes close in many areas. She's definitely a gem in the deluxe cruising category.

For more information contact your travel agent or Celebrity Cruises at 1-(800) 647-2251.

Don't miss our Celebrity Equinox photo gallery!

Coming soon... my detailed review of Celebrity Equinox.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

This story was originally published at the LuxuryCruiseBible.com website. Photo © Leonard Hospidor.

Lotus Mahal, Hampi

In Hampi Lotus Mahal is one of the most famous site. Even though the name suggests it is a pleasure pavilion, it is not so. The pavilion probably served as a meeting place of the emperor and his closest advisers. (Click on the images for bigger view)

Lotus Mahal

It is built in Indo-islamic style. Architecture of Lotus Mahal is a successful fusion of temple-like elements of Vijayanagara styles and sultanate elements. If the curved eaves, pyramidal towers depict temple-like elements then the lobed arches, plaster designs depict sultanate elements. The base of the structure depicts a Hindu foundation of stone just like in the temples.

Lotus Mahal arches

It is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides. It is a two storied structure. It has lobed arched openings in multiple planes surrounded by elaborate plaster designs. The upper floors have balconies with arched windows. There are hook like structures on the wall close to the upper windows may be for hanging curtains. The arches of the ground floor are recessed and ornate.The walls are protected from Sun and rain by the curved eaves that run continuously around the building. There are 8 pyramidal towers rise over the central and corner bays of the building. The ninth tower is above the central bay similar to the other eight but higher.

Carvings on the arches

The exquisite carvings of flowers and delicate art work on the pillar arches is mesmerizing, especially with the Makara Torana on top of these arches that can still be seen on some of them.

Complimentary Wines Aboard Seabourn Odyssey

Last Friday I posted about the reserve wine list aboard Seabourn Odyssey. I received a comment from a reader asking if I could also provide a list of the complimentary wines available aboard the ship. Here's my response:

Hi Georganne,

The complimentary wines poured aboard Seabourn Odyssey change frequently and will often depend on the itinerary you're sailing and where the ship last took on supplies.

Here's a list of a few of the wines that were included in our cruise fare during our July 2009 Eastern Mediterranean voyage:

• Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, 2005 D.O. Valle Central (Chile)
  
  
• Ferrari Carano Chardonnay, 2006 Napa Valley Carneros
  
  
• Nicolas Feuilatte Champagne Reserve Particuliere Brut
  
  
• Aromo Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 D.O. Maule Valley (Chile)

I hope this info helps!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

India Map

In a few days from today India will be celebrating the Independence day on 15th of August. This is one of the image of Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore taken long back. In front of the Vidhana Soudha across the road we have High Court. This map of India was drawn on the lawn with small plants in the High Court campus.

Vidhana Soudha & India Map

(Click on the image for bigger view) I had taken this snap from the High Court side by taking both the India map and Vidhana Soudha in the same frame.

In 1957 the Indian Government released stamps on map of India in 11 different color shades.








The above are the few stamps from my collection.

Paul Gauguin Luxury Cruise Ship For Sale Once Again?

Rumors have floated for months now that Vantage Travel, owner of luxury cruise ship Paul Gauguin, had put up the beautiful ship for sale. Every so often, the whispers would get louder only to die down again. This time, however, may be different.

You may recall that Regent Seven Seas Cruises has managed this ship in French Polynesia for many years. However, they are turning over the reins to Paul Gauguin Cruises in January 2010.

Yesterday, Seatrade Insider published an article citing sources that a sale of the cruise ship was "imminent". The buyer is reportedly Richard Bailey, owner of Tahiti Beachcomber SA.

Mr. Bailey owns four InterContinental properties in French Polynesian: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, and InterContinental Moorea Resort. He is also the primary player in The Brando eco-resort that's currently being developed on the late Marlon Brando's private island, Tetiaroa, in French Polynesia.

If the details are correct, Tahiti Beachcomber SA will own m/s Paul Gauguin while Paul Gauguin Cruises, headed up by President David Giersdorf, will manage and market the vessel. The names David Morris and Marilyn Conroy (both formerly of Silversea) have also been bandied about as possible industry insiders who may be characters in this new chapter of Paul Gauguin's book.

It will be interested to see how all of these rumors and reports pan out. Stay tuned for more details.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Oceania Cruises Offers $2,000 Discount – Ends 8/31/09

Deal Alert: Oceania Cruises is currently running a sale on its 2010 European Collection, but it ends on August 31, 2009.

Book any voyage in Oceania's 2010 European Collection and you'll snag a $2,000 price reduction off two-for-one cruise fares that include complimentary airfare. You'll also receive free unlimited soft drinks and bottled water on all 2010 European Collection itineraries.

According to Oceania Cruises, this deal means cruise fares start at just $1,499 per person (although many fares are two or three times that rate).

Bargain hunters should check out the following itineraries, both of which start at $1,499 per person:

November 13, 2010
14 nights aboard Regatta
"Journey to the New World"—Barcelona to Miami

December 6, 2010
15 nights aboard Insignia
"Southern Sauntering"—Barcelona to Rio De Janeiro

To take advantage of this promotion, talk with your travel agent or contact Oceania Cruises at 1-(800) 531-5658. And, don't forget, you must book by August 31, 2009!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Bala Krishna Temple, Hampi

In Hampi this is one of the must see sites. Balakrishna Temple was built by Maharaja Krishnadevaraya in 1515 A.D. He had defeated Prataparudra Gajapati, the ruler of Orissa in the battle and had seized an image of child Krishna and brought this back to Vijaynagar. To celebrate the victory he initiated the construction of new temple. Then the beautiful idol of Lord Krishna was consecrated in this temple. This is evident from the inscriptions on the slab. They describe the conquest and the consecration of this temple on 16 February 1515 by Maharaja Krishnadevaraya. (Click on the images for bigger view)

Tower at the entrance

The main tower at the east is an impressive sight with numerous carvings on it. The epic stories carved on the walls of the tower.

Central courtyard

Built in the center of a courtyard, the temple has various sections. They are: a sanctum, an antechamber, an ardha mantapa, a circumlocutory passage, a pillared hall with three entrances and an open pillared mantapa. These all together form the main temple. Apart from the above there are also a number of other shrines for the attendant deities. The sanctum is at present empty. The image of Balakrishna showing him as a child holding butter in the right hand is now relocated to the Government Museum at Madras.

Pillared Mantapa

The carvings in the pillared hall are especially spectacular with the Yalis (the mythical lion) on the pillars. The inner sides of the entrance exhibit beautifully sculptured Apsaras. The entrances to the temple hall flanked with impressive carvings of elephant balustrades. The carvings of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu can also be seen in this temple.

Tower of one of the sub shrines

Video: Time-Elapsed Building of Seabourn Odyssey

In case you haven't yet seen this YouTube video, here's a time-elapsed clip showing the building of the gorgeous Seabourn Odyssey from The Yachts of Seabourn.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Video courtesy of The Yachts of Seabourn

Seabourn Wine List: Packages, By the Bottle, & Wine Tastings

I'm just starting to go through all of the Seabourn materials I gathered during our Seabourn Odyssey Eastern Mediterranean cruise in July. I'll be posting a lot of new information to this blog and to my website.

If you don't visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com often, you may want to bookmark it and check back for more Seabourn information.

Last night I posted a comprehensive list of the reserve wines available as packages and by the bottle, as well as information about special wine tastings on select cruises. While Seabourn offers excellent wines as part of your cruise fare, these other options—for a fee—have been designed for true wine connoisseurs.

Read all about Seabourn's reserve wine list at LuxuryCruiseBible.com.

What else do you want to know about Seabourn Odyssey? Let me know and I'll post answers to your queries as soon as possible.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Dive into Natural Wonders in Ecuador

Note: Luxury tour operator Ker & Downey sent in the following information about their Ecuador and Galapagos Islands vacations. Enjoy!

Tired of living in a concrete jungle? Long to be surrounded by the sounds of nature rather than the cacophony of the city? Envelop yourself in a tapestry woven from the spectacular biodiversity of animal and plant life in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galápagos Islands.

You can explore these natural wonders without giving up modern comfort when you visit one of the luxury eco-lodges in the area and choose a smaller, but well-appointed cruise ship tour.

Ecuador’s tourist destinations are uniquely built to preserve the fragile rainforest ecosystem, to support the local people, and encourage the continuation of indigenous cultures. Once you’re in the Amazon, expect to be dazzled with the immense variety of trees, butterflies, birds, and monkeys.

Bird-watching is a special treat on the many canopy tours offered. Suspended 40 or more feet in the air, you’ll have an eye-level view of exotic birds wheeling and cavorting in the forest. You will also want to go to the magical Butterfly Farm, where you can see a multitude of native butterflies at various life stages.

Eco-lodges and river cruise ships often employ local people as expert guides. These guides offer an insider’s view of the area’s natural wonders, culture, indigenous groups, and geography.

There is a wide variety of types of boats, accommodations, and lengths of river cruises to choose from. Smaller vessels will allow you access to narrower rivers, or if you choose to be on a larger boat, you can take a canoe trip up smaller streams. A cruise of the Galápagos Islands will truly take you to another world. Again, your choices abound in what kind of vessel to take.

One of the most intimate options is boarding the M/Y Grace, an elegant yacht named for its late owner, Princess Grace of Monaco. With only nine cabins, you’ll enjoy a serene escape from city overcrowding, as you’ll be sharing the cruise with a maximum of 17 other guests. With this intimate setting, you receive personal attention and service from the staff. Also, the vessel’s small size allows you to visit areas of the archipelago that are inaccessible by larger cruise ships.

You can see the Galápagos’ remarkable tortoises, land and marine iguanas, the Galápagos penguin, frigatebird, Galápagos sea lion, blue-footed booby, finches, the flightless cormorant, and the Galápagos hawk in their native environment.

Snorkeling is especially inspiring in this fascinating habitat. Based on your preferences, your cruise can focus on family-friendly activities, varying levels of naturalist excursions, or active adventures including spectacular diving.

Ker & Downey offers several cruises in Ecuador varying from three to seven nights.

—This post is courtesy of luxury tour operator Ker & Downey.

Laksmi Narasimha Temple, Hampi

If the monolithic Ganesha Statues of Hampi are around 2.3 meters, the statue of Lord Narsimha is much larger than them. This is the biggest statue in Hampi and is of 6.7 meters in height. This statue has been constructed out of a single boulder. As per the inscriptions found it was carved in 1528 A.D. during the rule of Krishnadevaraya.

Ugra Narasimha (Click on the image for better view)

This idol of the Narasimha was well designed and has large bulging eyes and broad chest, and it is a architectural beauty. Here the Lord is in cross-legged yoga position with the belt supporting the knees. Originally, during the glory days of Hampi, the Goddess Laksmi was seated on his lap. This is confirmed by the presence of one of her hands on the back of the statue. The carving of hand of the Goddess has the finger nails and rings still intact. But due to the destruction in 1565 A.D the Goddess Laksmi statue was badly damaged and today we can only see the Lord Narsimha alone without the Goddess. The Lord is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called AdiSesha. The heads of the snake forms a hood above his head. The entire image is set within the beautiful Makar Torana an arch, with a lion-mask above the hoods of Adisesha. On the either side of the statue there are lions as guard.

This is also popularly known as Ugra Narasimha which means terrifying form. This is attributed to the protruding eyes and the facial expression. Narsimha means half-man and half-lion.

Sail the Med This Fall Aboard a Brand New Ship

As you know, we recently returned from a Seabourn Odyssey Eastern Mediterranean cruise. We loved the ship, the ports, and all the terrific people we met along the way. What we weren't too crazy about was the hot, humid weather.

Yes, yes, I know. What were we thinking going to Greece in the middle of July! But, we really wanted to be one of the first passengers aboard Seabourn Odyssey so, in the end, we're glad we booked that particular cruise. However, we both agreed that the next time we sail the Med, it will either be in September/October or April/May.

For those of you who may have some time for a Mediterranean sojourn this September or October, here are a few of the excellent deals that can still be had aboard a quartet of brand new ships.

Fall Mediterranean Cruises Aboard Four Brand New Ships

Seabourn Odyssey (launched June 2009)

• Cruise: 7-night from Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Istanbul, Turkey
• Ports: Athens (Piraeus), Mylos, Rhodes, Symi, and Khyos in Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; cruising the Dardanelles; and Istanbul, Turkey
• Date: October 10, 2009
• Price: Approximately $4,800 pp
  
• Description: Many itineraries aboard Seabourn's newest megayacht, Seabourn Odyssey, are sold out during her maiden season. However, there is still space on this terrific 7-night itinerary. With a guest capacity of just 450, Odyssey is more like an elegant boutique hotel at sea than a cruise ship. She's intimate and comfortable and drop-dead gorgeous.

Celebrity Equinox (launched July 2009)

• Cruise: 13-night roundtrip out of Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
• Ports: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Santorini and Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Cairo/Giza (Alexandria), Egypt, Jerusalem/Tel Aviv (Ashdod) and Nazareth/galilee (Haifa), Israel; and Naples/Capri (Sorrento), Italy
• Date: September 13, 2009
• Price: Approximately $1,650 for an inside cabin, $2,350 pp for an oceanview, and $2,700 pp for a balcony
• Description: We just sailed aboard Celebrity Equinox and were very impressed. The ship is exquisite from bow to stern and even though she welcomes about 2,800 guests per cruise, she never feels cramped or crowded (although there's sure to be lines for the tenders during peak transit times). Don't miss the extension art collection.
  

Costa Luminosa (launched May 2009)

• Cruise: 11-night roundtrip out of Savona, Italy
• Ports: Savona, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; Lanzarote and Santa Cruz, Tenerife in the Canary Islands; Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; and Malaga, Spain
• Date: October 21, 2009
• Price: Approximately $1,600 pp for an oceanview and $2,000 pp for a balcony
• Description: While many luxury lines are building larger ships, this Italian mass-market line launched a smaller ship (in relation to the rest of its fleet) in May. Costa Luminosa is a 2,260-passenger cruise ship with amenities that appeal to families and young couples. Sixty-eight percent of the cabins have balconies, each room is outfitted with a Playstation 3, the top deck hosts a unique "skating" track, there's an 18-hole golf simulator, and much more.

MSC Splendida (launched July 2009)
Cruise: 7-night roundtrip out of Genoa, Italy
Ports: Genoa, Italy; Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Tunis, Tunisia; Valletta, Malta; Messina, Sicily and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Date: October 17, 2009
Price: Approximately $550 for an inside cabin, $750 pp for a balcony, and $1,400 for a suite
Description: Splendida is a large ship (133,500 tons with a passenger capacity of 3,300), but she holds a secret. There's actually a "ship within a ship" concept in play here and if you're used to cruising luxury ships you'll definitely want to book one of the 99 Yacht Club staterooms and suites. As a Yacht Club guest you'll gain access to a private lounge and pool area as well as other upgraded perks.

There's still plenty of time to book a Mediterranean cruise for this fall. Talk with your travel agent or contact your favorite cruise lines directly.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises (Celebrity Solstice)