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The Master of Design: Joe Farcus, Carnival Cruise Line's Ship Architect
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved

Who in the world came up with these ideas? Aboard the Carnival Celebration you’ll find yourself transported into the heyday of New Orleans Mardi Gras. On Fascination and Hollywood, you can step back into the golden era of ocean liners with vintage designs throughout the ships. But who thinks up and executes these amazing design plans? Joe Farcus, that’s who!

Joe Farcus is the ship architect for Carnival Cruise Lines. It is his vision passengers see each time they step foot onto a Fun Ship . Raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Farcus always fantasized about ships. His constant sketching of ocean liners was no doubt part of the reason he pursued an architectural degree. After graduation from the University of Florida in 1967, Farcus landed his first Carnival project - the redesign of the Carnivale - while employed for a local architectural firm.

Described as bold, daring and sometimes even brash, Farcus creates interior designs from his heart and his imagination. Working from an initial central concept, Farcus expands from idea to application, as his vision touches every part of the ship. From atriums to restaurants to staterooms, full control of the aesthetics of the ship is placed in the hands of this one man, as he gives each ship its own distinct personality.

Miracle is whimsical with an array of fictional characters splashed about throughout her common areas. Spirit is refined, featuring a Louis XIV-inspired casino and Chippendale Internet Caf . Destiny is dazzling and bright with a towering mirrored atrium elevator that stretches nine-decks high.

Where do the ideas come from? The Amber Palace show lounge (on Glory) was fashioned after the Amber Room in Russia while the Starry Night Jazz Club (aboard Pride) was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s painting of the same name.

What lies ahead for future ships? Freedom, set to debut in 2007, will carry a central theme of Decades Through the Centuries. From ancient Babylonia to the Victorian era to 1970s disco and beyond, passengers will walk through time, as they sail the sea. When asked about the concept, Farcus replied, “I thought it would be interesting to go back in time to find inspiration for the various public rooms. As always, I tried to use the function of the room to suggest how the room will reflect the central design idea.”

And other ships? What does Farcus hold in store for them? Splendor is slated to enter service in the fall of 2008, and Carnival has a super liner (yet to be named) under construction and scheduled for delivery in fall 2009. “I design each ship to tell a story, and it gives me great joy to be able to share these stories with guests.” So much so, in fact, that Carnival will soon be broadcasting videos aboard ship highlighting Joe Farcus and his design process.

With a seemingly never-ending supply of brilliant design concepts, Joe Farcus will surely continue to contribute to the fun that the Carnival Fun Ships have become so famous for.

Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a> from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a> and others.

Alaska Cruises Are The Ideal Way To Visit Alaska And Experience The Unique Alaskan Cruise Wonders.
Have you ever wanted to go to Alaska and explore the unique beauty of this state? Try planning your vacation by taking an Alaska Cruise. An Alaskan cruise can take you to the great wonders of this majestic place.

Most of you have not experience the Alaskan cruise experience. This is because when someone talks about cruises, people tend to think about beautiful and exotic beaches of the tropical paradises of the Caribbean. Cruise vacations in Alaska also exist, and anyone can enjoy a relaxing Alaskan cruise with all the amenities and services you would get on a cruise vacation in the Caribbean.

Alaska cruises offer a lot of things to vacationers or tourists different from what you would usually find on a regular cruise in a tropical paradise. If you want something different for your vacation, why not consider taking a vacation cruise in Alaska.

One great feature of Alaska cruises is that most cruises to Alaska give you the chance to experience pleasurable things onboard and also view the incredible glaciers and varied wildlife unique to Alaska. This type of vacation is perfect for the whole family.

Alaska is the 49th state in the U.S. It is known for being cold. There are so many things that someone can enjoy and witness in this state. Most people feel that Alaska is incomparable especially for cruising and discovering. It is the largest state of the United States of America with lands reaching up to 586,000 square miles. Just imagine the many things that you will enjoy on an Alaskan cruise.

Here are some of the attractions available that will fill you with fun and awe.

Wildlife
Helicopter trip
Train rides
Bus trip to Denali State Park
King Salmon fishing

Most people would say that it would take two lifetimes to experience all of these things. But on an Alaska Cruise, you will experience them in a week or two.

With the Alaska s huge wilderness, it will give you the chance to viewing nature from up close or from a distance. For instance, cruisers will have the chance to witness the large eagle population in this part of the world. It will definitely amaze you, whether you re a nature lover or just a curious person who wants to see these wonderful birds in flight. Alaskan cruises offer a view of huge glaciers and snow capped mountains.

This incomparable trip on an Alaskan Cruise will be a memory that you will cherish. Witness the glacier formations and the remarkable waterfront towns. An Alaskan cruise will certainly invite you to discover and observe Alaska s unique beauty and magnificence.

One of the best means to view this incredible state is by cruising the Inner Passage. Being on one of Alaska cruise ships is the best and easiest ways to discover the wonders of Alaska in comfort and style.

In addition, on an Alaskan cruise all the basic needs such as the meals, transportation and accommodation have already been handled and cruisers have the choice of selecting any events and activities in which to participate.

You will also have the opportunity to go whale watching or have a helicopter ride that lands on a glacier. It all depends on which town you drop by. Another fun excursion is to take a ride on the amazing White Pass Railroad. Or you could experience a jeep trip on different roads and off road trails.

Each town you visit will have their own unique culture and beauty with many historical events. Museums are also available where you can find out all about Alaska s history and culture.

Visiting Alaska in fall will let you experience the fantastic light display of the Aurora Borealis.

Many people believe that Alaska got all the wonders that the nature can give, from the world s most popular parks and volcanoes to the mighty glaciers and Fjords.

Because of Alaska s unique beauty it is expected that Alaska will soon become one of the most famous and favorite cruise vacation destination of every cruiser. Make Alaska a destination that you have visited and enjoyed.

What are you waiting for?

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida which allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Gardening, Cruising and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseGold.com, and http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com

You Don t Cruise, You Lose!
Mexico offers a wide variety of options for cruisers Cruises to Mexico aren t what they used to be they re much, much more. Whether you re single or married, gay or lesbian, with or without children, on a low-carb diet or abandoning it, blind, a nudist, or just a die-hard Disney fan, Mexico has the cruise for you. As an added bonus, those who travel to Mexico via a cruise wont need a passport to do so until 2008! While millions of tourists flock to Mexico every year by land and air, the country has also become the world s top cruise destination, with cruises becoming more popular and lifestyle specific every year. According to recent statistics released by Mexico s Tourism Secretariat (Sectur), some 6.5 million passengers arrived to Mexico s ports in 2005. The most popular port is by far on the island of Cozumel, located just south of Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. According to Mexico s Communications and Transportation Secretariat, 754 ships arrived to Cozumel in the first ten months of 2006, carrying some 1.5 million passengers. The second most popular port is Costa Maya on the Mexican Caribbean, which received 263 ships, carrying more than 500,000 in the first ten months of 2006. Mexico boasts two dozen port cities. Apart from Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan are the most popular ports along the Pacific coast, while Costa Maya in Quintana Roo State and Puerto Progreso in Yucatan State are the most popular on the Caribbean side. In addition to being bustling metropolises in their own right, offering the best in shopping, cultural activities and cuisine to the traveler, most ports are also located just a stone s throw from the country s leading archaeological treasures and other attractions. Part of the popularity of cruises can also be attributed to the traveling public s desire to experience more destinations in one vacation, with most cruises offering stops in at least three or four different destinations. According to Sectur, in the past two decades the number of cruise ships stopping in Mexican ports has increased dramatically, with most major cruise lines now serving the Gulf, Central Pacific and Caribbean, having incorporated these popular destinations into their itineraries. In 2005, the Mexican government invested more than US $7 million in the development of the Port of Chiapas, Mexico s newest cruise destination. The port welcomed its first passenger vessel in February 2006. As the number of cruise passengers increases, the demand for a variety of services and themes have also increased, what the cruise industry often refers to as lifestyle cruises. Below are just some samples of new cruise offerings: Sun salutations The Radisson Seven Seas hosts several lifestyle cruises, among them a yoga cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Cozumel, featuring Michael Lechonczak and Robin Whitney Levine, a New York City-based husband and wife yoga team, who will bring the art and science of yoga to guests of the luxurious 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner. Their daily onboard program will offer a variety of options for men and women, yoga beginners and experts of all ages. Classes on meditation and aromatherapy will round out the mix. Food & wine The Radisson Seven Seas also offers a special Food & Wine spotlight cruise on the Mariner in March. The cruise, which sails from Los Angeles and stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco in Oaxaca, features a Cordon Bleu cooking school and Sonoma Valley wines. Max McCalman, chef formageur from New York s Picholine Restaurant will provide expert tips, instruction and 24/7 wine tasting. Mickey on board Disney Cruise Line is also increasing its presence to Mexico, offering a variety of cruises to Mexico including calls to Cozumel on the Caribbean side, as well as calls to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific side. Disney offers special programs for children, teens and as well as adults, offering something for the entire family. The Disney Magic ship to Mexico s western ports has been enhanced by a 24-by14 foot jumbo LED screen for poolside movies and an expanded fitness and spa center for adults. Low carbs and smart kids Carnival s Fun Ships will make more than 1,100 calls to Mexican ports in 2005, with Mexico being by far the most popular destination for Carnival. Carnival has also diversified its offerings by adding low carb meals to its menus and expanding its kids programs to focus on art, music, science, reading and physical fitness. Gay travel Atlantis (www.atlantisevents.com) is one of the largest gay travel tour operators offering cruise packages to Mexico. The Mexican Riviera cruise is one of the most popular, offering five Mexican destinations in eight days on the new Radiance of the Seas ship. Rated by Conde Nast Traveler s Readers Choice as one of the best ships in the world, Radiance of the Seas offers among its many amenities a rock-climbing wall, two pools and an African-themed solarium complete with 17-foot high stone elephants and waterfalls. In Mexico, the ship will visit Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Clothing optional For au naturel travelers, Bare Necessities offers a variety of clothing-optional cruises. And nudetravel.com also offers clothing optional packages including information on nudist resorts in Mexico. Blind cruises Damar Travel at 800-999-6101 offers cruises for the blind to Mexico. Below are some of the many cruise lines that dock in Mexican ports as part of their regular routes: Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, P&O Cruises About the Mexico Tourism Board The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. # # # Erick Laseca Mexico Tourism Board 312-228-0517 erick.laseca@bm.com

Erick Laseca works for Burson-Marsteller as public relations liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago.

Mystical Palawan Island
Off to the west of the Visayas, Palawan is a long thin island stretching down to the malaysian state of sabah. Things to do here are stroblgy connected to nature: Islands, Scuba, diving, caves, Cruising the many bays and wildlife. Many of the Philippines endangered species can be found here. Travelers most rate the peace and quiet and last-frontier atmosphere.

Getting there is easy as WG&A ( the biggest shipping lines in the Philippines) sails to Puerto Princessa ( palawans capital city) twice a week ( cost around $23) or you can fly in from Manila to El Nido ($180)

When you arrive you’ll definitely want to see the 8 km underground river of St. Paul in Sabang- you can get their straight by boat or walk the monkey trail through the most beautiful and pre-historic rain forest in the world.

There are many places to stay and eat in Sabang - but mostly ranging from simple and idyllic, the sea food though is plentiful and cheap Lobster, prawns, crabs , tuna and marlin can be had fresh round the day for less than $5!

For the frontiersman / Archaeologist in you go visit the South of Palawan , there’s a museum showcasing pre-historic finds from the nearby Tabon caves - home of the Philippines earliest human resident.

There is of course another beautiful beach in Tabon called -well-Tabon beach. They have fan cooled rooms there for only 2$ a night.

The most captivating place to visit in Palawan is the bay that embraces El Nido. A picturesque little village surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and great beaches like Corong-corong.

Cruise’s abound all over Palawan and you can board an outrigger and boat around the many islands for less than 10$ a day - you’ll see flying fish, dolphins, Whales and late in the day when the water has receded in some parts of the islands - you will chane upon deer and wild boar crossing the slim channels to get to their nocturnal habitats.

Palawan is for the adventurous and mystical minded traveler - wether your cruising underground caves or hiking Jurassic rain forests or simply lounging around in pristine enclaves - the unbridled beauty of this remote island will stay with you forever.

Franz von Muhlfeld

For more mystical places and adventurous cruises visit http://www.deluxecruisenews.com

40 year Veteran of the travel industry

Holidays in France
France is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for a wide range of holidays.There are absolutely thousands of camping sites all over France, where you can pitch your own tent, go touring with