For Summer, Conrad Miami ‘Stay Cool’ Package Links Room Rate to Temperature

This summer, Conrad Miami is offering one of the most original travel deals of 2013, the “Stay Cool” package. Conrad Miami is embracing summer’s high temperatures by setting deluxe room rates according to the highest Fahrenheit temperatures for the day of booking, which allows guests to reserve a luxury hotel stay for a very “cool” rate.

Conrad Miami will offer the “Stay Cool” package for the months of July and August. Guests must book between June 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013 and will be able to lock-in room rates based on the highest Fahrenheit temperature of the day of booking, as shown on the Conrad Miami website under the weather section of the hotel’s homepage. For example, a high temperature of 94 degrees means that guests can book a deluxe room for only $94 per night.

To book, call 305-503-6557 and request the “Stay Cool” package.

The applicable deluxe room rate will be determined solely by the hotel and will be the highest Fahrenheit temperature the day of booking. The same applicable deluxe room rate will apply throughout the entirety of the stay. The temperature taken into consideration will be the one posted on Conrad Miami’s website under the “At a Glance” menu under the “Hotel Information” tab or click. To book, call 305-503-6557 and request the “Stay Cool” package.

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AirBerlin Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Los Angeles-Berlin Service

AirBerlin, one of Europe’s leading airlines, here at the gate at New York’s Kennedy International Airport, celebrated its one-year anniversary of Los-Angeles Berlin service © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

On May 11, AirBerlin marked its one year anniversary of the only nonstop service to Berlin from Los Angeles. This summer AirBerlin offers 7 weekly flights to its international hubs Berlin and Dusseldorf from the iconic City of Angels. From its major hubs in Germany guests can take advantage of AirBerlin’s extensive European route network offering convenient connections to exciting destinations such as Budapest, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Warsaw and many more. In addition guests from all over the west coast such as Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego and Tucson can access AirBerlin’s Los Angeles gateway with AirBerlin’s U.S. partner American Airlines offering seamless connections to Germany.

“For the past year, AirBerlin has been the bridge between Berlin, the capital of Germany, and Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. A big thank you must go to AirBerlin for bringing our communities together.” quoted Tom LaBonge, Councilmember, Fourth District, City of Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles continues to be an important strategic market for AirBerlin in the U.S. and Berlin is the third most visited destination within Europe amongst international travelers making it one of our key routes. Berlin and Los Angeles are both extremely creative and artistic cities creating strong synergies. We are very proud of this milestone.” stated Titus Johnson, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Americas.

On board AirBerlin’s newly refurbished economy and business class cabins guests will enjoy on-demand entertainment systems, complimentary beverage service throughout the entire flight and superior culinary selections. And as a member of the airline alliance Oneworld^® AirBerlin guests can accrue and redeem miles with any Oneworld airline partner and enjoy added benefits such as access to oneworld lounges worldwide, priority boarding and increased baggage allowance based on their oneworld membership status..

For more information on AirBerlin and its complete schedule and current fare specials, visit AirBerlin.com.

AirBerlin is one of Europe’s leading airlines and flies to 150 destinations in 40 countries. The second largest airline in Germany carried more than 33 million passengers in 2012. AirBerlin offers a global route network through its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, which is a 29.21 per cent stakeholder, and membership in the Oneworld airline alliance. The airline, with the award-winning service, operates codeshare flights worldwide with 14 airlines. The fleet has an average age of five years and is among the most modern and eco-efficient in Europe.

See:

AirBerlin expands US-Europe service, has booking specials through March 16

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5 Things to Do at North Lake Tahoe, ‘America’s Most Beautiful Lake’

Lake Tahoe, “America’s Most Beautiful Lake,” has specials over Memorial Day and through the summer © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

North Lake Tahoe has several Memorial Day packages and activities to launch the summer travel season:

• Cal Neva Resort Casino Hotel is offering a $49 room special for those in our Armed Forces.
• Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast Cottages is giving guests a $50 voucher to use at Swiss Lakewood when they book three nights in a B&B cottage.

There are scores more of these special deals at www.gotahoenorth.com

Meanwhile, the scenic destination is recommending five things to do at “America’s Most Beautiful Lake” over Memorial Day Weekend and throughout the summer:

Road Cycle Around Lake Tahoe

“America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride,” the immensely popular summer road bike ride around Lake Tahoe, is already sold out. But cyclists can circumnavigate the lake on their own, and for free, this spring, taking advantage of the spring shoulder season that means less traffic at Lake Tahoe and perfect weather for a long road ride. Hop on the road bike and pedal one of the world’s most scenic bike rides — a ride that gives you an open-air, front-row seat to some of the nation’s most stunning scenery, like the aquamarine waters North Tahoe’s east shore. The 72-mile ride is perfect for strong, recreational cyclists. Cyclists can take it slow by stopping at a lakefront restaurant for lunch or lounging on one of North Tahoe’s beaches as a rest stop.

Paddleboard Through Crystal Clear Waters

North Lake Tahoe’s clear waters are internationally famous, but most visitors experience Big Blue during the height of summer, when the lake’s clarity is not at its apex. In spring and early summer, North Tahoe still retains much of the winter’s stunning, gin-clear clarity, while the warming weather makes it comfortable for a lengthy paddle. Remember North Tahoe’s waters are still very cold, and only confident paddlers should venture well out into the lake. But even novice paddle boarders can hug the shoreline, and enjoy a paddle backdropped by snowcapped peaks, over shimmering, translucent waters.

Mountain Bike Dust-Free

Spring and early summer is the secret mountain bike season in North Tahoe. The trails are dust-free and grippy, and the meadows are lit up in iridescent green. While much of the Tahoe Rim Trail might still be under snow, low-elevation trails and south and west facing trails are primed for mountain biking. The world-class Flume Trail on North Tahoe’s east shore is melted out, and trails around Truckee, like the Emigrant Trail, are primed for early season riding.

Golf Under Snowcapped Peaks

Most of North Tahoe and Truckee’s many golf courses are open for business, and in immaculate shape after a very forgiving winter. Sunny skies and snowcapped peaks make a perfect backdrop for an early summer round of golf at North Lake Tahoe courses. Enjoy the thinner crowds and greener fairways before summer’s high season ramps up.

Fly Fish the Truckee or Troll for Monster Macks in North Tahoe, Donner or Stampede

River, stream or lake — the North Tahoe area has enough fishing options to last a lifetime. Stream fishing season is now in full effect, and a day spent reeling in rainbows and browns on a tranquil section of the Truckee River is an unforgettable mountain experience. The Truckee River offers it all — slow water between Tahoe City and Alpine Meadows, and a wild trout fishery below Truckee that harbors large, wild Rainbows and Browns. Or fish for the big boys, by trolling the waters of North Tahoe, Donner Lake or Stampede Reservoir for hungry Mackinaw that can grow up to 30 pounds.

To plan your trip to North Lake Tahoe, view lodging packages, or learn about more activities in North Lake Tahoe, go to www.gotahoenorth.com

 

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ET African Journeys Mama Hope Fund-Raising Trek up Mount Kilimanjaro Features Gourmet Feast by Chef Pierre Thiam at World’s Highest Pop-up Restaurant

African safari and tour provider ET African Journeys has partnered with Mama Hope, a non-profit organization that invests in projects that bring food, security, clean water, education and health care to African communities in need, to offer the Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition, a hike to benefit Moshi, Tanzania’s St. Timothy’s School. Departing on Tuesday, July 30th, this one-of-a-kind trek up Africa’s highest mountain boasts an amenity that no other tour provider offers: a gourmet feast prepared by world-renowned African Chef Pierre Thiam at the world’s highest-altitude pop-up restaurant. Chef Thiam will open the temporary restaurant at a base camp at 12,500 feet above sea level exclusively to celebrate the fund-raising climb. After summiting Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame route, climbers will descend to the base camp restaurant to dine on Chef Thiam’s specially-prepared African regional cuisine, while enjoying views of the surrounding forests and grasslands.

Following the hike, travelers will spend two days volunteering at St. Timothy’s School, a school and children’s home built by Mama Hope and partnering organization, The Tanzania Children Concern, to educate Tanzanian orphans. Mama Hope’s community-centered development approach enabled St. Timothy’s to employ over 600 workers from the local community in the construction of the school.

“We are now focused on funding the construction of a boarding house on the St. Timothy’s compound, which will give the region’s orphans a home as well as an education,” said Mama Hope founder Nyla Rodgers. “This trip is a wonderful way to get Americans to come to Africa and get involved with a very worthy cause.”

“Adventurers who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro don’t typically need much enticing, but this trip offers so much more than the satisfaction of the climb,” added ET African Journeys Vice President of Business Development Gilad Goren, who conceived of the trip concept with Rodgers. “It’s a chance to raise funds for a great cause, volunteer at a school and meet the children they are helping and, as an added perk, enjoy possibly the most unique dining experience of their lives, forgoing trail mix for a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Thiam.”

The Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition is available for $3,500, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Timothy’s School. Price includes lodging, Kilimanjaro climb and gourmet meal. For more information, call 800-662-5406 or visit www.etafricanjourneys.com/mamahope.

Mama Hope works in close partnership with local African organizations to connect them with the resources required to transform their own communities. The organization’s projects are managed for and by partner communities themselves to ensure sustainability. With a mission to fund the completion of schools, health clinics, children’s centers, clean water systems and food security projects.

ET African Journeys is a joint venture by Ethiopian Airlines and Group IST to create exciting, original, thematic, educational and cultural travel programs to Ethiopia and beyond. Working with the most experienced providers in the region, ET African Journeys is able to offer a diverse range of quality tour products at competitive prices to both the individual traveler and the group organizer. Ethiopian Airlines is the only non-stop service between the East Coast of the United States and the East Coast of Africa and is one of the largest and most modern air carriers on the African continent.

Visitors Invited to Watch 50 College Teams Compete in NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition at Kennedy Space Center, May 20-24

Watch as 50 college teams from across the globe gather at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, May 20-24, to compete in NASA’s fourth annual Lunabotics Mining Competition, a university-level competition designed to engage and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Lunabotics Mining competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate program that challenges teams to design and build remote controlled or autonomous robots that can excavate simulated lunar dirt. Eighty-one judges and hundreds of spectators will be present to watch the teams’ designs, known as lunabots, go head-to-head to determine whose machine can collect and deposit the most simulated lunar dust within a specific amount of time. The competition provides an opportunity for student engineers to develop innovative ideas and solutions that could potentially be applied to future NASA missions.

Viewing opportunities of the competition and practice sessions will be available daily from designated viewing areas, which include the official viewing tent, LunArenas, and LunaPits in the Rocket Garden and the Show Pit in NASA Central. Competition viewing opportunities are included in regular Visitor Complex admission.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests can also participate in NASA’s STEM College Recruitment Fair on Friday, May 24 from 1– 4 p.m. The fair is for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in STEM education opportunities available at top colleges and universities across the nation.

For more information on the 2013 Lunabotics Mining Competition or to purchase tickets, call 877-313-2610 and visit www.KennedySpacCenter.com or www.NASA.gov/Lunabotics.

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GaylordHotels’ Four Resorts Offer SummerFest Events, Activities Including DreamWorks Experience

Dancing Fountains, a nightly event, in the spectacular atrium of the Gaylord National, a premier resort just outside Washington DC. Gaylord Hotels are offering SummerFest, with special activities and events all summer © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Gaylord Hotels’ SummerFest, is offering family vacationers an exciting line-up of special events and activities available all summer long – from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at all four Gaylord Hotels.

Located in or near Washington, D.C., Nashville, Orlando and Dallas, the four Gaylord Hotels are destinations unto themselves. Each property’s design provides a stunning backdrop for relaxing fun, whether it’s a family vacation or a couple’s getaway, with entertainment, art and architecture celebrating each area’s local history. Best of all – and new for SummerFest – guests can now earn Marriott Rewards points when they stay at Gaylord Hotels.

As part of SummerFest, guests can enjoy the Summer DreamWorks experience and vacation with the beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Puss In Boots and Madagascar. Interactive DreamWorks-themed activities created exclusively for kids and families will make their stays unforgettable. At each resort, guests will also discover dining options overseen by award-winning chefs who showcase regional delicacies, full-service spas and salons, indoor and outdoor pools, access to golf, shopping and much more. Or, with convenient transportation options available at each resort to local attractions, guests can set off on excursions to explore the exciting offerings found in each region.

SummerFest at Gaylord National Resort (National Harbor, Md.)
Gaylord National, the premiere waterfront resort on the Potomac River and a gateway to Washington, D.C., will embody all-American fun this summer. Guests will enjoy spectacular fireworks shows over the river, food and drink specials, nightly sunset toasts, a weekly Artisanal Cheese Class hosted by the hotel’s Maitre d’Fromage, splashin’ fun at the pool and adjacent sundeck overlooking the waterfront, and exclusive summer spa treatments. Kids and families are in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Dance Parties and the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining). Just steps from the resort, guests can explore the exciting destination of National Harbor, Maryland, which offers dozens of restaurants, shops, art galleries, nightlife venues and weekly outdoor events such as movies along the waterfront, live musical performances, an open-air street market, and popular summer festivals such as the Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival. For packages and more information, go to www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

SummerFest at Gaylord Opryland Resort (Nashville, Tenn.)
Gaylord Opryland brings the toe-tapping magic of Music City to life with live entertainment and easy access to Nashville’s most popular attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry, General Jackson Showboat, Wildhorse Saloon, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. This summer, guests will enjoy live music, culinary tours and demonstrations, carriage and Delta flatboat rides, and many other engaging events all season long. Families are especially in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets, Saturday Family Fun Nights, the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining), and DreamWorks-themed pool parties. For packages and more information, go to www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

SummerFest at Gaylord Palms Resort (Kissimmee, Fla.)
SummerFest at Gaylord Palms is a great way to celebrate what the sunshine state is famous for: sun, music and fun! Guests will enjoy family entertainment, live music, and drink and dining specials all summer long, from our Key West Sunset Celebrations to specialty craft beers in our Wreckers Beer Garden. Kids and families are in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets, ShrekFeast (character dining), afternoon poolside games and the Crack-A-Lackin’ Pool Party at the fabulous Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park with four water slides, Tree House water play structure and “Toddler Bay.” For packages and more information, go to www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

SummerFest at Gaylord Texan Resort (Grapevine, Texas)
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Grapevine (close to Dallas/Ft. Worth), Gaylord Texan celebrates the spirit and unique beauty of the Lone Star State with four-and-a-half acres of gardens and regionally inspired architecture under glass. This summer, guests will enjoy live entertainment such as strolling characters, magicians, stilt walkers and face painters, firework shows every Friday night, culinary events and classes such as junior chef camps, adult cooking classes, poolside music and mimosas, pool parties at Paradise Springs – the resort’s 10-acre pool and lazy river complex, acrylic painting classes for adults and kids, a Texas atrium art tour, sunrise yoga, spa specials and live music all season long. Families are especially in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets and the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining). For packages and more information, go to www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

As part of the Marriott family of brands, Gaylord Hotels® is a collection of hotels and upscale resorts that afford endless opportunities for leisure travelers and conventioneers. The brand’s hallmark—“everything in one place”—provides guests with diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless activities. Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry with properties in the nation’s most desirable destinations. Gaylord Hotels properties include Gaylord Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn.; Gaylord Palms® in Kissimmee, Fla. (near Orlando); Gaylord Texan® in Grapevine, Texas (near Dallas); Gaylord National® in National Harbor, Md. (near Washington, D.C.); and The Inn at Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit http://www.GaylordHotels.com.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, visit our web site at www.marriott.com.

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Virgin Vacations’ ’4-Star London-Downton Abbey’ Tour Features Private Champagne Reception at Highclere Castle

Following its sold-out summer departure, Virgin Vacations has added two special fall “Four Star London with Downton Abbey” tours, each featuring a private cocktail reception at Highclere Castle, where the hit television series was filmed.

The 7-day tour includes round trip flights on Virgin Atlantic to London, 5 nights’ First Class hotel accommodations, transfers, breakfast daily, one dinner, sightseeing, a private cocktail reception at Highclere Castle, travel by motorcoach, and the services of a tour manager throughout. Three nights are spent in London, with two nights in Bracknell, close to Highclere Castle in the center of Berkshire County, an area favored by the Royals for its scenic countryside.

Departure dates are September 16 and October 31, with per person prices from New York beginning at $2,289 and $2,329 respectively. Miami departures cost $2415 for September 16, $2513 for October 31; while Los Angeles costs $2544 and $2505 respectively, and San Francisco is $2694 and $2529.

Highclere Castle Private Benefit Reception

Highlighting the tour is a private cocktail reception at Highclere, where Virgin Vacations’ travelers will be among guests at a benefit hosted by the castle’s owners, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. During the reception, the castle’s public rooms—including the Main Hall, Saloon, Library, and Sitting Rooms – will be open, and guides will be on hand to answer questions. The cocktail receptions each benefit a different charity: Langalanga Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to needy children in Kenya, on the September 16 departure; and the Newbury Cancer Trust for the October 31 departure.

Oxford, Stonehenge & Bath, and London Tours Included

In addition to the Highclere Castle cocktail event, the tour includes a post-reception dinner, a full day excursion to Bath and Stonehenge; plus a morning in Oxford, visiting Christchurch, the grounds of Oxford College, and the countryside where parts of “Downton Abbey” are filmed. The tour also features a morning sightseeing tour of London via a vintage bus, with the Tower of London and a Thames River Cruise; plus a free day in London for individual pursuits.

Booking

Virgin Vacations advises travelers to book early in order to assure a place on the tours. Prices are per person, and based on double occupancy. Airline taxes and fuel charges are included.

For more information and to book the special Downton Abbey fall departures, visit http://www.virginvacations.com, phone 1-877-740-4302, or see your travel agent.

Virgin Vacations offers a wide selection of escorted tours, river and sea cruises, and independent packages worldwide, available with or without air fare on Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and Virgin America, as well as other international airline partners. Virgin Vacations travelers can enroll in Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club or Virgin America’s Elevate frequent flyer programs, and earn points.

For information on other worldwide destinations available through Virgin Vacations, visit www.virginvacations.com. As a member of the U.S. Tour Operators Association, Virgin Vacations protects travelers’ payments up to $1 Million through the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program.

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Princess Cruises Adds New “Medallion” Level to Captain’s Circle Loyalty Program

Princess Cruises has expanded its Captain’s Circle loyalty program with the addition of a new membership category – the Medallion level. The new tier, for passengers sailing on a fourth or fifth cruise, or between 31 and 50 cruise days, fits between the program’s current Gold and Platinum levels. The new level goes into effect with voyages beginning on or after today.

Medallion level members will now enjoy extra benefits in addition to Gold level perks, including a complimentary upgrade to the Platinum Princess Vacation Protection and a discount on the price of a souvenir Reflections DVD. Medallion cruise cards and pins will feature a deep burgundy color.

“This new Captain’s Circle level offers passengers who’ve discovered cruising with Princess a way to move up the program’s tiers at a faster rate.” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We know Gold members are often anxious to reach the next tier, so this new level will add some benefits before they become Platinum members.”

Medallion level benefits include:

Complimentary upgrade to Platinum Princess Vacation Protection – When passengers purchase the standard Princess Vacation Protection, they will receive a complimentary upgrade to Platinum protection. Available for US and Canadian passengers, this added coverage includes double benefits for Accidents & Sickness Medical Expense and Baggage/Personal Effects coverage. In addition, the special cancellation feature increases to a 100 percent credit.

A 10% discount off the purchase of the Reflections Cruise DVD – On each cruise, onboard videographers capture live memories from the sailing, including ports of call, shore excursions, ship events, and behind-the-scenes information about the ship. Medallion members and higher can now take advantage of this new benefit to purchase the cruise souvenir at a 10 percent discount. (where available, cannot be combined with any other promotion, excluding world cruise).

Access to preferred shoreside Captain’s Circle help desk phone line – Medallion members can now enjoy an exclusive shoreside phone number for contact to the Circle Desk. Calls will be routed quickly through to the membership desk to assist with cruise history, membership status, benefits delivery or any other Captain’s Circle-related questions.

Medallion Pin – Members will receive a new two-toned burgundy and gold pin.

All Gold level benefits – Members continue to get benefits such as special cruise pricing, members-only events on board, The Princess Captain’s Circle Quarterly magazine, access to an onboard Captain’s Circle host, and other special features for members.

The Princess Captain’s Circle program offers special onboard recognition to passengers based on their number of completed cruises or days sailed – whichever is most beneficial to the passenger. Members enjoy various ongoing rewards, plus special benefits based on their level. In addition to the new Medallion level, the program includes Gold (after one Princess cruise), Platinum (after five cruises or 50 cruise days) and Elite (after 15 cruises or 150 cruise days) levels.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

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Cunard Line Gives North American Military Personnel up to $250 to Spend On Board

Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth 2. The line is offering North American military personnel $250 in onboard credit.

Cunard Line is offering a new benefit for those who serve in the armed forces in North America. The new program grants On Board Credits of up to $250 per person to members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves, and the Canadian National Defense. Military personnel who are active, retired or disabled veterans are eligible with proper documentation.

The credits apply to all published voyages aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth and are combinable with other On Board Credit offers. The amount of each credit varies with cruise length: $50 per person for a cruise of six days or less; $100 per person for cruises of seven to 14 days; or $250 per person for those 14 days or longer.

Under the terms of the program, retired status applies to enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, medical retirees and the 100 percent disabled. Veterans with an honorable discharge and a length of service that meets certain minimums also are eligible to apply. Military status must be confirmed prior to embarking on the voyage to be eligible for credits.

Cunard has a distinguished history with the military. During World War II, the Queen Mary served as a British Royal Mail Ship and, along with the original Queen Elizabeth, as a troopship. In addition, Winston Churchill credited Cunard with ending the war one year early because of the troop transfer services that both ships provided.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth or to book a voyage, consult your Travel Agent, call Cunard toll-free 1-800-728-6273 or visit http://www.cunard.com.

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Follow in the Footsteps of Hudson River School Painters along Scenic Hiking Trails in New York’s Catskill Mountains

This summer, take an artistic hiking trip through the Catskill Mountains and discover the scenic vistas that inspired America’s first distinctive artistic style, the Hudson River School of Art.

From the front steps of the founding father’s home in Catskill, now the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, the Hudson River School of Art Trail winds along the pristine river valleys and mountain peaks that captivated Cole and his contemporaries. At each of the first eight sites along the Hudson Valley section of the Art Trail, a special metal plaque with a rubbing medallion has been installed, allowing visitors to do a pencil rubbing as a keepsake. The Art Trail includes sites in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with the final site due for installation in Yellowstone National Park later this year.

Hudson River School painters captivated the world in the early-to-mid-1800s with their fierce desire to preserve America’s wild places and raise awareness through art of the fragile balance between nature and civilization. Cole and his contemporaries captured the wild, breathtaking beauty of America’s untouched forests, mountains and rivers, laying the foundation for what would become our National Parks.

Awaken to Adventure along the Hudson River School Art Trail and see Kaaterskill Falls, the highest cascading waterfall in New York State, gaze across the Hudson River Valley from the lofty perch that was once the Catskill Mountain House, and stop at North-South Lake and Sunset Rock. There are 15 Art Trail sites in the Hudson River Valley, and many of the hiking trails offer easy-to-moderate conditions, though some require skill and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Special markers are located at key sites so visitors know which artist stopped to paint at that site.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is open Wednesday to Sunday each week, from May through October. Guided tours of Cole’s house and studio are offered for a fee, though visitors are welcome to tour the grounds, visitor center and gift shop free of charge. For more information about the Art Trail and visiting the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County’s cultural and artistic heritage sites, visit www.greatnortherncatskills.com.

About Greene County:

Greene County is located in the Great Northern Catskill Mountains and the verdant Hudson River Valley.  The region is home to five of the 10 highest Catskill Peaks and the Catskill State Park and is known as the nation’s first wilderness. Greene County is renowned as the home of Thomas Cole’s Hudson River School and the inspiration for Washington Irving’s literary legend, Rip Van Winkle, and was named in honor of American Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene. This 705,500 acre wilderness offers abundant year-round outdoor recreation and unique cultural events.  Learn more about Catskills packages and events at www.GreatNorthernCatskills.com.

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