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February 2012
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Cruise News
Travel News



Holland America Adds Canada and New England
Cruises
Canada and New England itineraries are known for their historic seaports,
stunning scenery and culinary delights, and in 2012 Holland America Line
will offer 27 cruises on three ships -- ms Maasdam, ms Eurodam and ms
Veendam -- to ports along the eastern coast of North America.
Scheduled May through October, the itineraries range from seven to 15
days and also visit the region during the height of the fall foliage display as
summer turns to autumn and leaves change to vibrant hues of red, orange
and gold. Veendam repositions to the region in 2012, increasing Holland
America Line's capacity and making it possible for more travelers to
experience one of nature's most impressive showings.
"Our Canada/New England itineraries are always popular, and by adding
Veendam to the area during the fall foliage season more travelers are able
to see this beautiful region during this special time of year," said Richard
Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.
"Maasdam is there throughout the summer as well, making it the perfect
cruise for friends, couples, solo travelers and families looking to explore an
interesting travel destination that's close to home."
Maasdam begins the season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort
Lauderdale, Fla., to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. During the voyage, guests
will visit Charleston, S.C.; Newport, R.I.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and
Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Gaspe and
Sept-Iles, Saguenay; and Quebec City, Quebec, before arriving at Montreal.
Highlights include an overnight call at Quebec City, Holland America Line's
highest rated port of call, and the premium line's only call at Sept-Iles this
season.
From May 12 through the Sept. 29 departure, Maasdam offers 15
seven-day sailings between Montreal and Boston, with calls at Quebec City,
Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor. The itineraries feature
scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River and make an ideal option for
families looking to take a summer cruise without traveling abroad.
Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing Oct. 6 from Montreal
to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Quebec City, Saguenay,
Baie-Comeau, Gaspe, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Port Canaveral,
Florida.
During the height of the 2012 fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three
10-day cruises in September and October between New York and Quebec
City. The ship will call at Newport, Rhode Island; Gloucester (Boston),
Mass.; Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and Saguenay. The
itinerary also features an overnight call at Quebec City and scenic cruising
along Saguenay Fjord.
On Oct. 14 Eurodam will depart on a 13-day cruise from Quebec City to Fort
Lauderdale. The cruise begins with an overnight aboard ship in Quebec
City and then sails for Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Charlottetown, Sydney,
Halifax, Bar Harbor, Gloucester (Boston) and Newport.
Veendam begins its Canada/New England season with a 13-day cruise from
New York to Montreal Sept. 2. The ship will call at Gloucester, Bar Harbor,
St. John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Gaspe, Saguenay and Quebec
City along the way. Guests on this itinerary will enjoy an overnight call at
Quebec City before arriving at Montreal.
In September and October, Veendam will sail five seven-day itineraries
between Montreal and Boston. Ports of call include Quebec City,
Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor, with scenic cruising along
the St. Lawrence River.
Engaging Experiences On Board and On Shore Guests can maximize their
experience in Canada/New England with optional shore excursions, from
history and culture to wilderness and cuisine. While onboard, guests can
enjoy enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations at the Culinary
Arts Center, pampering at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon or learning the
latest online techniques in the Digital Workshop powered by Windows.
For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, guests can combine two
seven-day sailings for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra
time ashore to hunt for antiques, explore charming fishing towns, learn
about local history and sample the region's fresh seafood. Fares on 14-day
Collectors Cruises reflect up to 10 percent savings.
Fares for Maasdam's Canada and New England cruises begin at $749;
Eurodam's cruise fares begin at $1,499 and Veendam's fares start from
$1,349. Guests looking for a family-friendly vacation can book a seven-day
cruise date with reduced third and fourth fares. All fares are per person,
double occupancy.
For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent,
call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com .
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America
Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link
at www.hollandamerica.com .
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc ]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 350
ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to
110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include
Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a
Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean,
Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama
Canal.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a
commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts
Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard
show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary
experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe
powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows,
teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by
flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
Worlds Leading Cruise Lines Holland America Line is a proud member of
World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival
Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn.
Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and
value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best
vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching
cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at
www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com
Red Line Tours: A Walk Through Hollywood
History
by Greg Aragon
I like old Hollywood. I like the glamour, the mystic and the history of the
“golden era” of movie-making. So when I heard about a walking tour
called “Hollywood Behind the Scenes” that covers a lot of historic
Hollywood, I knew I had to investigate.
My getaway began in Pasadena, where I boarded the Gold Line train to
Union Station in Los Angeles. Here I transferred to the Redline subway
train and rode a few stops to the Hollywood and Highland Metro Station.
From here I walked a couple blocks to Red Line Tours, located at the
famed Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
Offering a multitude of behind-the-scenes tours of Hollywood venues,
celebrity homes, movie studios and more, the company explores
Hollywood's secrets and discovers what many other tours miss. The
tours are either by bus or van, or walking. Mine was the latter.
Dubbed “Hollywood Behind the Scenes,” the 75-minute tour reveals the
story of Hollywood from its Golden age to the present. The tour is led by
a knowledgeable guide and uses a live state-of-the-art headset audio
system that allows guests to clearly hear the guide up to 300 ft away.
Once acquainted with the headset, we began our walk. There were
about 10 of us, including an expert guide named Michael Hernandez,
who made even the smallest Hollywood tidbit exciting. Also joining us
were celebrities Erin Murphy, who played little Tabitha on the classic TV
show Bewitched; Kate Linder from the soap opera Young and Restless;
and Romi Dames from Hanna Montana. The ladies were on hand to help
celebrate the launch of Red Line’s new collectable souvenir tickets that
were designed by world-renown artist Andre Miripolsky.
The tickets depict the Capitol Records Building, Grauman’s Chinese
Theatre, and the Hollywood Bowl on their face. They are anticipated to
become high-quality collector items.


The first stop on our tour was inside the legendary Egyptian Theatre,
the site of Hollywood’s first premiere, "Robin Hood" starring Douglas
Fairbanks, which lit up the movie palace with a multitude of stars,
flashing lights and a red carpet. This event set the stage for every movie
premiere held thereafter.
Continuing our walk, we past the Roosevelt Hotel, where the first
Academy Awards were held - an event that lasted a meager 20 minutes,
which is nothing compared to today’s five-hour marathon! Along the way,
we passed numerous “stars” on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, while
Michael told us about Elizabeth Taylor, who once half-jokingly demanded
an unheard of $1 million to star in “Cleopatra.” And when she actually
got the money, she became Hollywood’s first million-dollar diva.
Our next stop was the Kodak Theatre, the modern home of the Oscars.
Here we got an up-close look at where celebrities walk the “red carpet”
and partake in the grand awards show. Next to the Kodak, we studied
the famous hand and feet prints immortalized in concrete in front of
Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Of note here are the prints of John Wayne’
s small feet, Trigger the horse’s hoof, Jimmy Durant’s nose, and a
legend about what body part the full-figured Marilyn Monroe wanted to
push into the cement instead of her hands.

As we continued our walk, I learned so many other interesting tidbits
about classic Hollywood stars and structures, I felt like an expert. This is
a great tour for anyone interested in historic Hollywood movie culture.
Red Line Tours Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes box office is located in
front of the Egyptian Theatre, at 6708 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, CA
90028. Tours run daily. Admission: Adult (16+) $24.95 and Child (9-15)
$15. For more information, visit: www.redlinetours.com
Be Seen. Advertise on
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email:
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Relaxing at the Hyatt on the American Riviera
By Greg Aragon
Santa Barbara is often called the American Riviera. With its
wonderful beaches, perfect weather and iconic mission-styled
architecture, it is easy to see why. And with resorts like the
historic Hyatt Santa Barbara encapsulating this distinctive
Californian charm, it is also easy to see why a friend and I had
such a great time on a recent visit.
Our getaway began when we checked into the 171-room Hyatt,
which was originally built in 1931 and recently underwent a multi-
million renovation. We then took an elevator to our comfortable
2nd-floor suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Boasting two
queen beds and a 37” flat screen TV, the spacious 300-sq-ft
room also came with a refrigerator, a shower-tub combo with
Portico spa amenities, and was replete with bright decor and
original artwork to enhance the Santa Barbara mood.
The room was also highlighted by a step-out balcony, overlooking
the pool and the beach directly across the street. From this perch,
we relaxed on deck chairs, sipped Bloody Mary’s, and watched
boats bob in the sunset.



When not on the balcony, we lounged by the pool and soaked in the
Jacuzzi, or walked across the street to the beach. In fact, during our
February visit, the weather was so nice that we actually jumped in the
ocean and body surfed. After the swim w walked back to the Hyatt and
sat by the big outdoor fireplace next to the pool. While warming-up, we
admired the rocky outline of Anacapa Island, clearly visible a few miles
offshore.
For dinner, we discovered the Hyatt’s signature restaurant, Bistro
Eleven Eleven, located on the first floor, facing the beach. The
restaurant’s décor mixes mission-styled arches, low-hanging beams
and intricate chandeliers with herringbone vaulted ceilings, hardwood
floors and bamboo chairs, to create an inviting and interesting
atmosphere.
The bistro serves contemporary American cuisine with California flair.
“Modern and comfortable, our restaurant blends the relaxation of
California cuisine with an ocean view,” says the hotel.
Our meal began with Pacific crab cakes with avocado relish, plantain
chips and microgreens; chicken tortilla soup with avocado and pico de
gallo; and a crispy Caesar salad with anchovies and parmesan cheese.
For the main course I had an incredible plate of grilled day boat
scallops, with sautéed spinach; and my friend enjoyed filet mignon with
shallot, asparagus, tomato and truffle onions. While eating, we drank
fine merlot and met Chef Martin Alcala, who explained to us his eclectic
Californian menu, which he harvests from a local bounty of fresh
vegetables, fruits and meats.
After dinner we walked to the Santa Barbara Pier, which was alive with
people and festivities.
The Hyatt also boasts a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness
center, a 24-hour business center, and 10,000 sq-ft of meeting / event
space with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean or Santa Ynez
Mountains. The property is a walking distance to State St (the city’s
Downtown area), a few minutes’ drive from Santa Barbara airport, and
40 minutes from Santa Ynez Wine Country
Hyatt Santa Barbara is located at 1111 East Cabrillo Blvd, Santa
Barbara, 93103. For more information and reservations, call (805) 882-
1234 or visit: www.santabarbara.hyatt.com

New Beach Suites Offer Stylish Ocean Views
at Coastal Maine's Inn by the Sea
Cape Elizabeth, Maine. February, 2012 -- Inn by the Sea is
dramatically expanding its role as Maine's premier luxury oceanfront
resort with the addition of 10 new ocean view Beach Suites. Officially
opening in July, the luxury one- and two-bedroom Beach Suites will
be ready for guests just in time for the All-American summer holiday.
The new Beach Suites overlook a mile of peaceful, pristine sand
beach and offer dramatic Atlantic vistas and spacious living areas.
Designed to offer an authentic yet modern coastal experience, they
will raise the bar on stylish seaside accommodations in coastal Maine.
A new gallery of high-res images will be available in late spring, prior
to the opening.
Each Beach Suite has spectacular ocean views that take in the
Atlantic, with lobster boats moored on the horizon. These are
comfortable living spaces that are perfect for relaxation, rejuvenation
and intimate, romantic dinners. Ranging from 700 square foot one
bedroom suites to 1,300 square foot two bedroom suites, they're also
ideal for entertaining, inside or outdoors, on furnished decks.
Summer rates for the Beach Suites will start at $709.
"The addition of the new, contemporary suites are not only luxurious
but also have a fun, fresh attitude," stated Sara Masterson, General
Manager at Inn by the Sea. "We've incorporated the design features
our guests appreciate most and when you add the natural beauty of
our beach location and the inn's relaxed personalized service, they
will deliver a truly exceptional guest experience."
The Beach Suites are adjacent to two acres of newly restored habitat
for endangered New England cottontail bunnies. As a recognized
leader in sustainable hotel practices, Inn by the Sea is collaborating
to restore habitat suitable to the survival of New England Cottontail
rabbits at Crescent Beach State Park.
Every Beach Suite comfortably sleeps up to four guests and features
separate king bedrooms, spacious living areas with comfortable
seating around cozy gas fireplaces, dining areas, fully equipped
kitchens, lavish bathrooms with marble counters and oversized tubs,
and private, furnished outdoor patios. The fireplaces in the two
bedroom suites can be enjoyed both inside and al fresco on the
deck. Suite amenities include large flat screen TV's, iPod docking
stations, complimentary high speed Internet, and L'Occitane bath
products. Guests will be able to connect two one-bedroom suites
while two-bedroom suites can be opened up to create expansive
three- or even four-bedroom units that sleep up to 14 guests (with
ample space for additional beds at an extra cost) and are ideal for
multi-generational families.
Traditional solid teak and wicker furnishings are paired with
unexpected details in glass, natural wood or hemp. A rich palette of
burnt red, taupe and grey with flashes of turquoise reflect the Inn's
stylish contemporary coastal attitude, creating a perfect blend of
comfort, function and beauty. Artwork speaks to the sense of place
and Portland's maritime history, with images of Maine's renowned
lighthouses, majestic sailing ships from the golden Clipper age and
local harbor scenes.
The construction of direct ocean view suites at Inn by the Sea
reunites TFH Architects, the Portland firm who originally brought the
vision of Inn by the Sea to life, with the inspired and strikingly crafted
hotel spaces created by Moncur Design Associates Inc.
About Inn by the Sea
The eco-luxury Inn by the Sea is located on Crescent Beach in the
charming coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, just minutes from Portland's
historic Old Port. Selected one of Tripadvisor's Top Ten Green hotels
worldwide and one of Travel & Leisure's Best 500 Hotels in the World
in 2011, Inn by the Sea is set in a location of unspoiled beauty and
offers guests unsurpassed personalized service. The Inn redefines
coastal eco- luxury with a combination of modern and environmentally
friendly design features. Transformation of Inn by the Sea into
Maine's premier luxury beach destination began in 2008 after a
massive multi-million dollar makeover of the main inn, followed by
addition of 10 new direct ocean view suites in 2012. Inn by the Sea is
Maine's only Virtuoso ® and Preferred Boutique® property and has
Maine DEP Green Lodging and Silver LEED® certifications.
www.innbythesea.com
Getting Here:
Most major carriers fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM).
JetBlue has non-stops service and great low fares from JFK, only 45
minutes flying time from New York. The Inn is a two hour drive from
Boston and Amtrak offers rail service into Portland from Boston, New
York and Washington D.C.