Category Archives: Travel news / opinion

A different ship, stellar lineup highlight third Soul Train Cruise

Posted on by alanwhitt

Here we go again. Soul Train Cruise 3, scheduled for February 23-March 2 in 2014, has announced another spectacular musical lineup and a new ship.

Alan Whitt

Alan Whitt

The cruise is shifting from Holland America’s Westerdam to the newer Eurodam, and departs from Ft. Lauderdale with stops at St. Barths, St. Maarten and the cruise line’s private island – Half Moon Cay.

Check out these performers:

The Isley Brothers (featuring Ronald & Ernest Isley); Charlie Wilson; Roberta Flack; The Commodores; Stephanie Mills; Peabo Bryson; Morris Day & The Time; Jody Watley The Manhattans (featuring Gerald Alston & Blue Lovett) Maxi Priest, The Chi-Lites; Honey Cone (featuring Edna Wright; Ray, Goodman & Brown; Blue Magic; Peaches & Herb; DW3 and comedian Alonzo Bodden.

You do not want to miss the third sailing of “The Hippest Trip at Sea,” but if you can’t wait that long cabins remain available for the Oct. 5-12 sailing out of San Diego with stops at Cabo San Lucas and overnight in Puerto Vallarta.

That lineup includes Earth Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, Jeffrey Osbourne, The Ohio Players, The Dazz Band, The Whispers, Freddie Jackson, The Bar-Kays, Jennifer Holliday, Billy Paul, Con Funk Shun,  Jody Watley, Regina Belle, Mary Jane Girls, A Taste of Honey, Lakeside & DW3

Book these and any other Entertainment Cruise Productions cruise – including the inaugural Country Music Cruise, the Jazz Cruise and the Smooth Jazz Cruise – through Allure Quest Travel Experience. Call 615-818-8241 or email alan@allurequest.com.

She went from luxury of a Disney cruise ship to a jailhouse cot

Posted on by alanwhitt

Cigarettes are hazardous to your health. But for one woman they were also detrimental to her freedom.

Alan Whitt

Alan Whitt

A Connecticut woman found out too late that you’ll pay for your crimes sooner or later … even if you stole something as insignificant as a pack of cigarettes 22 years ago.

And Robin Hall’s case also illustrates how when police throw out the big net to haul in terrorists, a few small fish get caught as well.

Hall, her husband and two kids didn’t have a care in the world when they set sail on a Disney Dream cruise.

So far, so good. They probably took in the usual Disney fun stuff such as interaction with famous characters, dining at a different restaurant every night, family-friendly production shows and just plain relaxing on the high seas.

But on their return last Thursday, a reception was awaiting and it wasn’t Mickey Mouse and friends. It was Port Canaveral police, who were called in when a routine terrorist search zeroed in on the poor woman for other reasons.

Seems Mrs. Hall had an outstanding warrant for her arrest dating back to 1991, when as a teenager she was arrested for shoplifting cigarettes at a Walmart and never paid $85 in court costs.

Oops!

Complicating matters, she wasn’t allowed to post bond, could only be released to Connecticut authorities and because of the holiday she was forced to remain jailed brought the weekend.

All over $85? Seems as if it will cost Connecticut way more than that to transport her back.

Visit Allure Quest Travel Experience and We 2 R 1 Honeymoons on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Nashville is No. 3 on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of places to visit in 2013

Posted on by alanwhitt

I’m used to sending people from Nashville on vacation elsewhere. If you live here you never really think of our little city as a travel destination.

Alan Whitt

Alan Whitt

I guess I should have known. After all, this is Music City – the country music capital of the world.

But Condé Nast Traveler’s “Daily Traveler” lists Nashville as one of the “Best Places to Go in 2013” – coming in at No. 3 behind Amsterdam and Seoul.

Why Nashville? Here’s what the “Daily Traveler” has to say: “The new Nashville offers two things worth traveling for: a hot, trendy new food scene and its famous, funky music scene. The “haute southern” cuisine is flourishing in Nashville at restaurants like The Patterson House and The Catbird Seat. Not to mention some of the tastiest and most creative cocktails we’ve ever tried. At night, you can’t walk two blocks without coming across some incredible live music, from bluegrass to brass bands, zydeco to country.”

I don’t know much about “haute southern” cuisine. Just give me a bowl of grits and a couple biscuits from Loveless Cafe and I’m good.

Of course, there’s more to Nashville than the music scene with Gaylord Opryland, major professional sports (yes, the Titans), major college football (yes, Vandy) and a host of first rate college basketball programs … not to mention the cultural scene and other offerings.

And for those Nashvillians who wouldn’t think of vacationing here, next on the “Daily Traveler” list is very drivable New Orleans – complete with a multimillion dollar facelift in anticipation of next month’s Super Bowl.

Visit Allure Quest Travel Experience and We 2 R 1 Honeymoons on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Royal Caribbean at it again with four newbuild ships over six years

Posted on by alanwhitt
As Royal Caribbean's enthusiastic fans continue to speculate about the line's new Project Sunshine ship, images such as this one from Falmouth, Jamaica, continues to make the rounds. The vessel on the right is said to be the ship in question, but Royal Caribbean has released nothing to confirm it.

As Royal Caribbean’s enthusiastic fans continue to speculate about the line’s new Project Sunshine ship, images such as this one from Falmouth, Jamaica, continues to make the rounds. The vessel on the right is said to be the ship in question, but Royal Caribbean has not confirmed it.

I’m trying to decide which Royal Caribbean newbuild news excites me more – the fact that they’ve building a third (2016) and possibly fourth (2018) Oasis-class ship … or the new generation Project Sunshine ship scheduled for delivery next year.

Alan Whitt

Alan Whitt

Since I’ve sailed on Oasis of the Seas, I guess the inquisitive side of me is more anxious for the Project Sunshine ship. That’s because I know that Royal Caribbean has to have a few surprises up their collective sleeves for their very enthusiastic fans.

Not much has been released on the Project Sunshine ship. If the ship is successful (and do you doubt it will be) Royal Caribbean has an option for a second ship in 2015.

Right now the message boards are all over the place with speculation as to what will be added … including a ferris wheel! This ship will be slightly larger than the line’s three Freedom-Class ships at 158,000 tons and will carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy.

The new Oasis-class ships will weigh in at 225,282 tons and carry 5,400 passengers just like Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

When Oasis of the Seas debuted in late 2009 many wondered if Royal Caribbean was pricing itself out of the range of normal cruise passengers. That theory was immediately rebuked with sold out ships at premium prices.

“The Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have fundamentally transformed the cruise experience for our guests,” said RCCL Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain. “These ships have consistently generated outstanding guest satisfaction ratings and continue to produce superior financial results. We are thrilled to be adding a sister to this extraordinary class of vessels at a compelling price. Being back building in France just adds to the pleasure.”

The many original amenities have proven so successful that Royal Caribbean is currently undergoing a fleet-wide revitalization program to add those innovations to all of their ships in some form.

Visit Allure Quest Travel Experience and We 2 R 1 Honeymoons on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

2nd Soul Train Cruise soars to new heights with amazing lineup

Posted on by alanwhitt

Wow!

If you thought the first Soul Train Cruise musical lineup was spectacular, the second edition is even more amazing.

Alan Whitt

How about Earth Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight (the greatest female singer ever!), Jeffrey Osbourne, The Ohio Players, The Dazz Band, The Whispers, Freddie Jackson, The Bar-Kays, Jennifer Holliday, Billy Paul, Con Funk Shun,  Jody Watley, Regina Belle, Mary Jane Girls, A Taste of Honey, Lakeside & DW3!

The second Soul Train Cruise is scheduled for October 5-12, 2013 onboard Holland America’s Westerdam out of San Diego, with a stop at Cabo San Lucas and an overnight in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

You can book this September 25, at which time pricing will be announced. That’s the good news. The bad news is that there are 2,000 Soul Train fans ahead of you – people who where shut out of the inaugural cruise scheduled for February 17-24, 2013.

That cruise should out in an unheard of 75 days.

The fully sanctioned Soul Train Cruise is the latest brainstorm of Entertainment Cruise Productions, the world’s largest music cruise company and now in its 10th year.

Although pricing won’t be announced until September 25, pricing for those waitlisted are available. Cheapest rate is $2,250 per person for an inside cabin, based on double occupancy.

And you can’t book this cruise through just any travel agent. But you can book it through Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241. Or email your information to alan@allurequest.com, including names, addresses, phone numbers, dat e of birth, tee-shirt sizes.

Visit Allure Quest Travel Experience and We 2 R 1 Honeymoons on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Smooth transition: Iconic jazz cruise creates West Coast version

Posted on by alanwhitt

The “Greatest Party at Sea” is heading West.

Entertainment Cruise Productions, the largest private music ship charter company in the world, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of it perennially sold-out Smooth Jazz Cruises by adding a West Coast addition for the fall of 2013 out of San Diego.

Alan Whitt

If you’ve never heard of The Smooth Jazz Cruise … WAKE UP! It provides the best in jazz with spectacular artists in an environment perfectly suited for the occasion – smooth sailing on a luxurious cruise ship.

“As we enter the second decade of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, we want to keep things fresh for our loyal family of cruisers that comes back year after year,” says Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of St. Louis-based Entertainment Cruise Productions. “Thanks in part to their suggestions, we decided to spread the love by creating a sensational West Coast cruise.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise West – hosted by Brian Culbertson and Boney James – will set sail on the Holland America’s m/s Westerdam October 12-19, 2013 from San Diego and visit Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Baja Coast.  Joining Culbertson, and James will be David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Kenny Lattimore, Earl Klugh, Oleta Adams, Brian Simpson, DW3, comedian Alonzo Bodden and special guest Tower of Power.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2014 will cruise on the m/s Eurodam from Fort Lauderdale January 11-18 with stops in Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay.  The parade of performers will consist of Sanborn, Miller, Culbertson, James, Butler, Dulfer, Simpson, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Sheila E, Keb Mo, Keiko Matsui, Maysa Leak, Mindi Abair, DW3, Bodden and special guest Jeffrey Osborne.

To book either of these cruises or any Entertainment Cruise Productions voyage, contact Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or email Alan Whitt at alan@allurequest.com.

Visit Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Carnival set to initiate fee-based early embarkation program

Posted on by alanwhitt

If I’m going to duplicate a business model with the intent of being successful I certainly wouldn’t turn to the airline industry for guidance.

Alan Whitt

I’ve said it for years and I stand by it: The legacy airlines have to be one of the worst business models ever.

So the reasons why the world’s most popular cruise line would follow along that path escapes me.

Although airlines have collected a boatload of revenue from the proliferation of add-on fees they haven’t made many friends in the process.

And now Carnival Cruise Line appears to be pulling up to that same pier.

Beginning with two ships – Carnival Imagination on Aug. 20 and Carnial Liberty on Aug. 25 – the Fun Ship folks are initiating an early embarkation program … for a fee.rough that same canal.

Beginning with two ships – Carnival Imagination on Aug. 20 and Carnial Liberty on Aug. 25 – the Fun Ship folks are initiating an early embarkation program … for a fee.

Called Faster to the Fun, the program includes other benefits such as early access to staterooms, express luggage delivery, disembarkation choices and priority dining seating and tender boarding.

The price will be $49.95 per stateroom. The Faster to Fun program is free for Diamond and platinum members.

Of course, Carnival is spinning this as cruise line always do, saying that this is what passengers want. I don’t personally know anyone asking to shell out more money.

If you’re scheduled for either of these ship you can sign on for the Faster to fun benefits at the Carnival website.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Kenya Air passenger dies in flight, women gets compensation

Posted on by alanwhitt

I met a woman today who says she would rather die than fly.

She tired it once and freaked out so much that they let her off the plane … before it took off, of course.

Alan Whitt

Believe it or not there are actually people who do die on planes, but usually not from fear of flying.

A Swedish woman sought and won reimbursement of her Kenya Airlines airfare when a passenger died early during an overnight flight and the man’s body was draped across three seats directly across from her … for the last eight hours of the flight.

Unlike a cruise ship and airplane does not include a morgue and with passenger cabins being a lot tighter than years ago there was no place else to place the body.

But that didn’t mean anything to Lena Patterson. When she returned home Patterson sought the reimbursement. Months later she was finally granted half her airfare, collecting approximately $713.

Good news: Second Soul Train cruise set for October 2013

Posted on by alanwhitt

OK. So you missed out on the first Soul Train Cruise for whatever reason.

You don’t want to make that mistake again.

Alan Whitt

Unfortunately for those who waited it took just 75 days for the Soul Train Cruise scheduled for Feb. 17-24, 2013 to officially sell out – with a waiting list of more than 100 music lovers searching for cabins.

But there is good news.

The first Soul Train Cruise sold out so quickly that Entertainment Cruise Productions has added a second cruise, scheduled for Oct. 5-12, 2013.

When … where …  and names of performers are unknown. But you can bet your last dollar that the second cruise will be just as hot of a ticket as the first.

Those who are on the wait list will be afforded priority pricing and access to cabins so don’t delay … email alan@allurequest.com or call 615-818-8241 to sign up.

Learn from your mistakes and be prepared to book your cabin as soon as they become available. The first information on the second soulful music cruise will be announced by the middle of July.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

These two military-influenced cruises are worthy causes to consider

Posted on by alanwhitt

Here’s an opportunity to book a great cruise and show your patriotism at the same time.

Jump onboard the “Cruise to the End of the World” scheduled for December 16-23 on NCL’s Norwegian Star … and $100 of your cruise fare will be donated to The Wounded Warrior Project.

And if you’re a military veteran, there’s an eight-day cruise that may be your cup of tea – the 4th Salute to Veteran Cruise on Carnival Freedom.

The price of a cabin on the  “End of the World” cruise includes a $50 onboard credit and a private onboard cocktail party. Pricing begins at $850 per person, based on double occupancy. The initial deposit is $250 per person, with final payment due in late September.

Your fare on the “Salute to Veterans” cruise comes with a $100 onboard credit, a private cocktail party, a group photo and a commemorative shirt. Pricing begins at $825 per person with a $50 per person refundable deposit.

The name “Cruise to the End of the World” is a reference to the Mayan calendar and the theory that the world cataclysm will take place on December 21, 2012.

On that day the ship will port at the island of Cozumel, with an extra special excursion to Mayan ruins in Tulum. However, you’re also to visit ruins at every stop, including Costa Maya, Belize and Roatan.

It’ll be extra convenient for military personnel and supporters in the Southwest. This cruise leaves from New Orleans, an easy drive from many military bases in Florida, Tennessee and Alabama.

The Wounded Warriors Project is a program designed to aid injured service members on their return home.

The veterans cruise sails from Ft. Lauderdale May 4-12, 2013 with stops at Grand Turk; La Romana, Dominican Republic; Curacao and Aruba. Like the previous versions of this cruise, you can expect a guest speaker onboard.

If you’re interested in either of these cruises contact Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.