I had the honour of attending a special two day pre-inaugural sailing of the brand new CELEBRITY SOLSTICE a couple of weeks prior to it’s November 23 inaugural sailing.   What a ship!  Experiencing a cruise ship fresh out of the shipyard like that was a real treat, however sailing on Solstice at any time would certainly be a pleasure.

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Sunquest Vacations is having a contest to pick the new ‘faces of Sunquest’, from people across Canada.  The photo with the most votes wins, and the whole family wins a trip and is featured in their upcoming advertising!

We have entered in the family category and need your vote to win! Every time you vote you are entered into a draw to win a free all inclusive vacation to a RIU Hotel - they are giving away 21 vacations!!  You also receive a $200 off coupon for RIU bookings this winter for just voting.

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10 Questions from Cruise Ship Passengers:

1. What time is the midnight buffet?
2. Will the elevator take me to the front of the ship?
3. How do I find my picture?
4. Do the crew sleep on board?
5. Does the ship generate it’s own electricity?
6. Are the entertainer’s paid?
7. Someone asked me this when trying to find a lounge - ‘Can you get there from here?’
8. Is there water all around the island?
9. Is there a train that goes to all of the islands?
10. Where are Cuban cigars from?

And your bonus # 11.  Where is the bus for the walking tour?

We all know that there are no guarantees in life, but now when you purchase a beach vacation you can now get a raincheck if your vacation is rained out!

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Article submitted by Kellie Allen, Director of International Teams for Careforce International, a ‘force of people’ devoted to bringing help, healing and hope to children in need around the world.

Ever come back from a trip feeling like there was just MORE that you should have experienced, learned and done?  

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Royal Caribbean cruise line has just introduced it’s exciting and innovative new marketing campaign, and with it a new nation - The Nation of Why Not.   In this nation there are 21 floating States, dolphins have voting rights, surfing in the middle of the ocean is encouraged, and the motto is ‘Why Not’.

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Ever get off a flight and start to feel ill almost immediately?

Many fliers compain of headache, fatigue, fever or breathing problems. Some of these symptoms may be due to the low barometric pressure, oxygen content and humidity in the air cabin. When combined with jet lag, sleep deprivation, travel stress, (security concerns, long lines, missed flights, delayed and cancelled flights), as well as cramped seating, motion sickness and discomfort from vibration and engine noise, we have ample reason to feel “ill.” And let’s not forget that engine fumes can, on occasion, seep into the cabin.

Of course there’s also the germs… in all their filthy, immune system-attacking microbial nastiness. I may not be able to see them, but they exist alright – in all those hands touching the tray tables, grabbing my seat as they go past, spewing from mouths and nostrils in uncovered coughs and sneezes.

Ready to give up flying? Here’s why you don’t need to:

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With so much to see in this world, you never know what will strike a chord with people - you could spend millions to attract tourists without success, and then along comes a cat in a hat.  ‘Only in Japan’ you say?  These days, who knows…

KISHIKAWA, Japan (CNN) — Tama is a 9-year-old calico cat, who used to live a simple life hanging out at the train station next to her home at the grocery store.

Tama the “Super Stationmaster,” in her hat cocked at a rakish angle, has become a sensation.

But with the addition of a hat, usually worn at a jaunty angle, she’s become a local, national and even international star.

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Costs of weddings are continually soaring, but there are exquisite and affordable options available to you! The typical destination wedding package, even with an added week for a honeymoon, often costs less than a seated dinner at the local country club. Besides being cost effective, destination weddings are very simple, as the on-site wedding coordinator takes care of all the details. Travelling to the Caribbean to say ‘I do’ also means your one special day turns into seven extraordinary days of celebration with family and friends. It is the chance to glide into married life stress-free and with a tan!

Travelonly is partnering with Signature Vacations to host a Destination Wedding Info Session, which will show you how to begin planning your tropical wedding!   We will also tell brides to be how they can join is for a weekend trip to the Mayan Riviera to check out potential wedding locations!

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