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 Top Story
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Traveler's Tale: Charleston Cruise on NCL
In this latest Traveler's Tale, reader Carol Phillips Blue details her seven-night voyage on Norwegian Majesty from Charleston, SC. While the ship has now completed its series of sailings from the southern port, this reader feedback article provides insight about sailing from Charleston and the NCL onboard product. A former travel agency executive, Carol adeptly provides our readers a snapshot look at her cruise.
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Blog 'Round the South
Flu: A Damper on Cruising?
With the travel industry still working to offset the nation’s recession, the last thing needed is a flu epidemic?! How many consumers will cancel existing voyages or avoid booking new cruise vacations? Much depends on whether the flu scenario unfolds in a bigger way or, as we truly hope, fizzles. Read more about my perspective on the situation, along with some interesting statistics by UBS Warburg analyst Robin Farley. In total, Farley says 5-6 percent of voyage deployments are impacted by the flu situation. Royal Caribbean and Carnival have already shifted Mexican voyages to Caribbean or, in some cases, other locales. What's ahead? Will this flu situation flatten travel? Should you be concerned?
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Southern Cruising Features
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Carnival Fantasy: An Evolution of Fun
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Built in 1990, Carnival Fantasy is one of Carnival's older ships. But in 2009, it has a decicdely new feel -- after receiving a major refurbishment. Highlights include a top deck Water Works aqua park; a new pool area with a tropical flair and palm trees; a redesigned spa; and a new Serenity relaxation area for adults. SouthernCruising.com (TM) sailed on the ship in early February. Come along for our observations.
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Ancient Tulum: City of the Dawn
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Perched atop cliffs overlooking aqua Caribbean waters, Tulum, which flourished between the 12th-16th centuries, was once a major center of trade for the ancient Mayan world. Today, its ruins are an enticing draw for cruise passengers who want to explore ashore during a port call at Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, Mexico. SouthernCruising.com visited Tulum on a recent cruise. Explore via your armchair with our original photos.
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Newly Refurbished: Regent Seven Seas Mariner
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More and more, cruise lines are spending millions to refurbish older tonnage. Two weeks ago, SouthernCruising.com was onboard the refurbished Seven Seas Mariner -- a ship we had sailed on for a week in 2002. This time, we did a one-day walk-through of this Regent Seven Seas vessel at Port Everglades. While we didn't sail, we did discover a totally refreshed ship in tune with today's style. Come along for our foray onto Seven Seas Mariner.
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Enchanted Isle: Half Moon Caye in Belize
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Picture an idyllic island. Then head for Half Moon Caye in Belize as it easily fulfills your dreams of a lush enchanted isle. Coconut palms sway in the breeze. The offshore reef is a cornucopia of colorful fish and coral. Beach goers sink into soft, deserted sands. And nature lovers hike forested trails and observe exotic birds -- including Red Footed Boobies On a recent Caribbean voyage on Silversea Expeditions' Prince Albert II, we sailed to this piece of paradise.
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Reader Cruise Reports
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Travelers' Tale: HAL's Eurodam
In a new feature for SouthernCruising.com, the best tales from travelers will be profiled as full-blown features under the "Travelers' Tale" heading. These are robust reader trips reports selected by the editor for their style, readability and content. In this feature, Don Nelson and Carol Kepler from Maryland talk about their recent cruise on Holland America's new Eurodam. Come along for their perspective from a July 2008 cruise
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