New India Travel

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Our First Cruise of 2011: Celebrity Eclipse

With one blizzard already under our belt this winter, Leonard and I are thrilled that we've got a Western Caribbean cruise booked aboard Celebrity Cruises's newest ship: Eclipse. Next month we'll travel to Miami where we'll meet this Solstice-class ship.

The seven-night itinerary, with two sea days, will give us an opportunity to revisit some favorite spots like Grand Cayman and Cozumel and explore new-to-us ports like Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.

We really like Celebrity Cruises. It's an excellent premium cruise line. The biggest changes for us (since we're used to the all-inclusive luxury lines) will be having to pay for beverages (soda and alcohol), paying for specialty restaurants, factoring in tips, and dealing with a large number of guests. We'll let you know how it turns out.

The Solstice-class ships are really beautiful and there's so much to do that our two sea days will fly by. Stay tuned in February for our live updates from Celebrity Eclipse.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Le Boreal Luxury Cruise to Antarctica Cancelled

It's a sad day for travelers who were expecting to board Le Boréal expedition ship today. Abercrombie & Kent chartered the ship from Compagnie du Ponant and it was slated to go to Antarctica. Unfortunately, ship repairs need to be made before both companies are comfortable sailing to the remote Antarctic region.

In a press statement A&K said, "We regret the disappointment but safety is our first priority. All clients will receive a full refund or credit with a 10 percent discount for a future Antarctic cruise with A&K. Abercrombie & Kent has more than 20 years of experience operating safely in Antarctica and we are committed to providing the best expedition cruise experience.”

According to Terri Haas, chief commercial officer for the luxury cruise line, “It is very unfortunate that the next sailing had to be canceled, particularly since it was completely booked. We felt we had to make that difficult decision as a precautionary measure and in the interest of our guests’ safety.”

The January 19, 2011 cruise should sail as scheduled.

What do you think of the cruise compensation passengers received? Is a full refund and 10% off a future Antarctica cruise acceptable? Let me know what you think.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent

We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

We're Bringing Clean Water to a Village in an Undeveloped Country

In 2011, my husband Leonard and I are committed to bringing clean water to a village in an undeveloped country.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 by March 31, 2011 and we kicked off the campaign by personally donating $1,000.

When all is said and done, this charity: water project will provide clean water to 250+ men, women, and children.

* * *

For years, I’ve peppered my conversations with too many “when” statements…

"When I have more time, I’ll help someone in need."
"When the economy picks up I’ll donate more money to the causes closest to my heart."
"When I retire, I’ll really be able to do some good in this world."

Lately I’ve been saying to my family and friends, “Imagine all the good I’ll do when I win the lottery! I’ll start by funding a clean water project in a village in an undeveloped country.”

Noble sentiment, right? The thing is, I don’t buy lottery tickets and while I have a career that I love, I’m no Fortune 500 CEO weighted down with a diamond-studded salary package.

Still, I am wildly lucky. I’ve had the chance to live the life of my choosing. I’ve chased all my dreams and realized most of them. Forget about having everything I need to live a healthy life. I also have the things I merely want.

Millions of people around the world dream about finding a way to provide the necessities—like clean water and nutritious food—for their families. What do I dream about? Front row concert tickets and luxury vacations. Those things will never ever cross the minds of those living in the third world.

“When I win the lottery…” Guess what? I already did.

Today, my husband Leonard and I pledge to make a difference. In conjunction with charity: water, we plan to raise $5,000 in three months to build a clean water project in an undeveloped country. It will improve the health and lifestyle of 250+ men, women, and children who currently rely on water from polluted sources.

Read more about this clean water project and about how it will improve the health of the community.

Watch this video that shows a charity: water project in action.