Around-The-World Cruising

Ever sit back and dream about seeing the world? Or exploring exotic cities and intriguing cultures that would far outweigh anything you, or most people you know, have ever had the pleasure to experience? If you yearn to acquire the label of “world traveler,” or already considered yourself worthy of the label, then a world cruise just might be for you.

World cruises depart in early to mid-January, typically last 80-126 days and cross the equator twice per route. Within that time, you’ll visit 40 or more ports, which are timed to arrive in the regions when the climate is most favorable. 

Although you do need some financial fortitude to escape for such an extended period, world cruises are actually extremely cost efficient compared to the air, hotels and restaurants you’d have to pay for on a typical around-the-world adventure. Plus, you have time to enjoy seeing the world at a leisurely pace. You can easily disembark, explore on your own, and even arrange to catch up with the ship at another port. Or, you can opt to book only the segments of a world cruise that appeal the most.   

Cruise lines utilize their most comfortable and elegant ships in their fleet, ensuring passengers a spectacular journey along with the highest level of service and amenities. Onboard, a myriad of programs is available to entertain and educate guests, many of which relate to the cultures and history of the region the ship is currently sailing. Dining and culinary programs are designed to mimic the local fare, further enhancing the immersion experience. While in port, the shore excursions are often more unique and in-depth than those of a normal sailing in the region.

Part of the allure for many is the camaraderie that’s found on a world cruise. The long cruise provides an opportunity to form lifelong friendships, even with the crew. In fact, many world cruisers are repeat customers seeking to reacquaint themselves with former passengers and make new friendships as well.

There is some planning involved to prepare for such a long time away from home, but with Internet and phone service onboard the ship, you can remain in contact with the mainland and not miss a beat. When it comes to packing, to avoid additional luggage charges from the airlines, ask your travel expert about freight services or other cost-saving means to transport your extra luggage.  

World cruises are booked well in advance and fill up quickly, so timing is of the essence. Contact your local Carlson Wagonlit Travel expert to start planning your around-the-world cruise adventure, today.

Happy 231st, United States of America!

Planning another Fourth of July at the lake or at the backyard barbecue? Consider upgrading your plans to get a true sense of Independence Day by celebrating in one of these historical cities that embody our nation’s birth.

Philadelphia

It’s where the Founding Fathers deliberated our nation’s future, and it’s where you’ll find a week-long celebration commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence way back on July 4, 1776. Starting June 28, various concerts, family and kids events will be held throughout the city, including Taste of Philadelphia (June 30-July 1). Of course, a visit to Philadelphia wouldn’t be complete without touring the historic sites in Independence Mall and throughout what is known as America’s most historic mile. The highlights of the week will be the July 4 parade, an evening concert by rock legends Hall & Oates, capped-off with a grand fireworks show.   

Boston

The Tea Party, Paul Revere, and the American Revolution caused quite an uproar in Boston back in the late 1700s. But it’s 2007, it’s Independence Day, and it’s your chance to have an uproariously good time at the week-long Boston Harborfest (June 28-July 4). More than 200 events, including historical reenactments, concerts, kids’ activities and more, take place along the waterfront and in the historic downtown districts. One of the main features is the Boston Chowderfest (July 1) where you can sample chowder from some of the best metro-area restaurants, all of which are vying for the title “Boston's Best Chowder.” On July 4, grab a seat along the Charles River for the free Boston Pops concert and fireworks spectacular. 

Washington, D.C.

The National Mall, flanked by symbolic monuments of our nation’s proud past, sets a patriotic mood during the Independence Day celebration. The all-day event starts with a parade down Constitution Avenue featuring bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIPs. Overlapping the events is the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 27-July 1 and July 4-8) held on the National Mall featuring cultural performances, crafts, and festivities for the entire family. Into the evening on July 4, the National Symphony Orchestra will take the stage on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building for a free concert, which culminates with one of the country’s largest fireworks displays.

To get your travel plans off with a bang, contact your local Carlson Wagonlit Travel expert who can help you plan your Independence Day getaway. 

 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In some ways, you could say that the city of Dubai has a childlike attitude. Create massive artificial islands offshore, three in the shape of palm trees and one the shape of a world map, and adorn them with hotels and beachside villas. Why not? Build more than 40 five-star hotels. No problem, but let’s build more. Totally transform a commercial sea-side city into one of the world’s most over-the-top vacation destinations. Sure. Building is fun!

Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates and is located east of Saudi Arabia, hugging the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. A city known for its regal hotels, chic shopping malls, opulent entertainment venues, and non-stop construction, the question is no longer whether Dubai will have a stable economy after its oil reserves dry up but, rather, how much tourism will this fascinating Middle Eastern city be able to accommodate.

For His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai visionary extraordinaire, the answer lies in the 20-year plan set in motion seven years ago, which is already well on its way to transforming the city into an inviting desert playground of luxury and showmanship for all the world to experience.

With more than 50 major shopping malls and numerous souks (bazaars) selling largely duty-free items that cater to any shopper’s desire, Dubai is a shop-‘til-you-drop haven. Its centerpiece event is the Dubai Shopping Festival (December-February), which attracts people from around the world looking to capitalize on rock-bottom prices.   

For sporting enthusiasts, Dubai is the “sports capital of the Middle East” and plays host to some of the world’s most distinguished events such as the world’s richest prize horse race, PGA Championship tournaments, and Dubai Tennis Championships, to name just a few. If you’d rather get into the action, there are beautifully-manicured golf courses, desert safaris, and even indoor snow skiing found at – where else? – a shopping mall.  

The destination, perhaps surprisingly, is also family-friendly. From the 12-acre Wild Wadi Water Park featuring the tallest free-fall water slide outside of the U.S., the huge family fun park at Wonderland Park, to the Dubai Zoo, there are numerous entertainment options for all ages. Recently, Dubai announced plans to build Universal City Dubailand, a version of a Hollywood back lot, which will include about 4,000 luxury hotel rooms and 100 restaurants.

In a city already packed with mind-blowing venues and attractions, Dubai is still in its infancy on its projected path toward offering an unparalleled vacation experience. For more information on Dubai, contact your local Carlson Wagonlit Travel expert.

Caribbean Geography Lesson

            So, you want to take a Caribbean cruise? Fantastic! Is it going to be Western, Eastern, or Southern? If you don’t know the difference between the three, don’t worry, just take your shoes off (you’ll see why), relax, and let’s go through a little Caribbean geography. Your travel expert can help with the details. 

Similar to how Italy resembles a boot, the outline of the Caribbean Sea resembles a foot with the toes, big toe facing northeast, representing groups of islands (just take a side-view of your right foot), and makes for an easy, albeit unconventional, way to envision the region.

Starting slightly above the ankle (where an ankle bracelet would rest) at the back of the foot is Cancun and Cozumel, Mexico; moving straight down the back of the foot (along your Achilles tendon) towards the heel is, first, Belize and at the very back of the heel is Costa Rica; Grand Cayman and Jamaica are in the ankle area; and at the top of forefoot (where you’d kick a ball) is the Dominican Republic. And there you have the major ports usually visited on a Western Caribbean cruise. You’ll have a bit more time on the ship in this region since ports are farther apart; however, since most of the ports are on the mainland or larger islands, shore excursions are often more extensive.

For Southern Caribbean, move your attention toward the smaller toes and the outside of the foot. The second smallest toe is Martinique and St. Lucia, and the smallest (furthest south) toe represents the closely batched islands of Grenada, Trinidad and Tabago and Barbados. From the little toe moving a quarter ways towards the side of the foot (west) are located Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba.

The Eastern Caribbean requires a little imagination. Let’s start with the big toe which represents Puerto Rico, plus St. Thomas and St. John (U.S. Virgin Islands) and the British Virgin Islands. One toe down is St. Maarten/St. Martin and St. Kitts. Now, remember that ankle bracelet? Directly east of the bracelet is the Bahamas, which isn’t technically in the Caribbean, but is a major port visited on sailings.

The islands are relatively close in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean, which allows more time in port to hit the shopping locales and fantastic beaches.

So, now that you’ve got your foot wet (ha!) in Caribbean geography, take the next step and contact your local Carlson Wagonlit Travel expert to start planning your Caribbean cruise.

Travel Troubles

As a business traveler, getting to your next destination is often a menial task. But if you’ve been receiving more attention than you’d like at security check points or by transportation staff during your travels, there is recourse you can take to help smooth out your experience. However, it’s not taking your complaint to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You have to take it up with the Department of Homeland Security's Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP).

DHS TRIP is a service available to legitimate travelers to rectify issues encountered during the check-in and screening process at our nation’s transportation hubs. If you feel you have been mistakenly denied boarding, delayed without reason at border points of entry, been discriminated against by Federal or Homeland Security officers or identified for additional screenings, you can convey your concerns and work to resolve your issue directly with DHS TRIP. 

Travelers can submit inquiries, safely and securely, online at www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/redress. You can also print the submittal form from the Web site and mail your inquiry. 

After your submission, DHS TRIP will notify you of any supporting documentation you may need to mail within 30 days of notification to process your claim. DHS TRIP will then process your inquiry (you can track your inquiry via the Web site) and come to a resolution or, if your complaint requires, have erroneous information corrected in DHS systems.

For more information on the Homeland Security’s Travel Redress Inquiry Program and helpful advice to help make your travel experience smoother, contact your local Carlson Wagonlit Travel expert.