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South Pacific Cruises ? Planning a Cruise in and Around Australia

There is a great deal that goes into planning a cruise around the coastal waters of Australia to tour the islands of the South Pacific. While they’re one of the best ways to see that region, cruises do require a bit of thought and planning getting all the details down. Thankfully a good agent can help you sort out the details however some items will be left to you for final decision.

One of the big things to consider when you’re planning a South Pacific cruise is the stateroom or cabin.

From small ships to massive cruise liners, you’ll often have a variety of choices (with some ships numbers more than a dozen room types). Each of these different rooms has a different location on the ship, a different view, different amenities and of course a different price.

When putting together a cruise package, a common question posed by travelers is how to get a free upgrade on a room – or basically how to get something a little better without having to spend more.

Keep in mind that there’s no secret to getting a free or reduced upgrade when you’re planning a cruise. Sometimes what you pay is left to luck – much like hotels and airlines. There are however a number of things you can do while planning your vacation in the South Pacific that can improve your chances of getting a better room – something with better portholes, a private veranda, or a room near the galley or library.

Book your Cruise Early On

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Cruises tend to sell out of the more expensive and the cheapest rooms first, so if you book early there’s a chance you might be able to work out an upgrade. Be one of the first to book a cheap cabin and you get upgraded as the cruise gets closer (while demand for your cabin category increases)

Cruise Frequently

If this is your first cruise, this may not apply but if you plan on taking more than one trip to the South Pacific with the same company then a Cruise line award you with an upgrade – again much like an airline or hotel. Other comps can include free net access, free laundry or some other kind of perk depending on how many days you’ve sailed. Of course, this does have its disadvantages as a cruise line may not comp or upgrade someone that already loves to sail with them.

Be a First-Timer on your South Pacific Cruise

It’s not uncommon for a cruise line to upgrade someone in order to get them “hooked” on using their cruise services. Upgrades are a great marketing method to keep new cruisers in love with a certain company to ensure that they return and boast about their great experience.

Ask your Agent!

Talk to the agent who is handling your travel to the South Pacific when you’re ready to book your cruise and talk about it some more as the trip gets closer. If you’re working with an agent that’s experienced in working with the cruise liners that sail in the South Pacific then they may know which ships are more likely to upgrade. Remember, it never hurts to ask.

Book a Guarantee Cabin

If you book a Guarantee it just means that you’re booking within a specific category and not a specific room. The guarantee is that you either get the room within your category or a nicer one if that category fills. This gives you a greater advantage and a higher likelihood of an upgrade than those who book a specific room on the ship.

Monitor the Price Before & After you Book

Many agents and cruise lines offer a low price guarantee so keep an eye on the prices after you book – don’t just let it be. The booking price may plummet or even drop just a little after your booking. With a low price guarantee, if that happens you’ll get a refund or shipboard credit. That can give you some extra funds toward an upgrade if you feel like pampering yourself.

You’re spending a lot to pamper yourself with a little Australian and South Pacific travel, there’s no harming in doing what you can to work on a room upgrade for your next cruise. Whether you’re cruising around New Zealand or hopping onto one of many Fiji cruises, there’s always an opportunity to save a little money – especially if you get the right package by booking with an agent that knows their way around the South Pacific Islands.

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She waited 500 yards offshore in the tropical warm eastern Pacific ocean off Ostional Beach. Only fifteen the olive ridley sea turtle was in a small land that Christopher Columbus had named “Costa Rica”, the “rich coast” 500 years earlier.

The nearly daily afternoon rains of October had ended as the marine turtle waited expectantly. The moon was in its final quarter and, though she did not know why, it was having an effect on her.

A dozen meters away, a second olive ridley sea turtle joined her, followed by a dozen, then hundreds, thousands, and soon tens of thousands, all waiting quietly. For epochs the moon has silently passed its timeless phases that affect the world’s tides-and today it was bringing her ashore this night, just as it had led her forebears to ancestral nesting beaches for more than one hundred million years.

Nature is always magical. Just a few months ago, this turtle was living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean more than 2,500 miles away. And the multitude of sea turtles now alongside her were scattered over more than a million square miles of ocean.

Though food was plentiful far out in the Pacific, something was stirring inside her. She and hundreds of thousands like her felt the same need to return to Ostional Beach. They had to go back to where they had hatched.

Now, as she waited in the soft moonlight, she was ready. Over the thousands of miles she had swum she had been bred by several different males in the clear tropical waters because, somehow, they, too, were being affected by something unseen, a force primeval. It was something so compelling that it had been bringing her species back to the same Costa Rica beach since the days of dinosaurs.

In the tropical night this olive ridley sea turtle was waiting. She had somehow found to the very beach where she had hatched in 1995. We do not know how a Pacific marine turtle finds the exact beach where she started life. There are only a few nesting beaches on earth and they are not very big. Indeed Ostional Beach is only a few hundred meters in length. Now part of Costa Rica’s Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, it is without a doubt the most important olive ridley marine turtle nesting site on the planet. Wonderfully, in 1995, the year this turtle hatched, perhaps as many as 500,000 female olive pacific sea turtles had come ashore to nest here in huge waves. These massive invasions are called “arribadas.”

Unfortunately, our sea turtle’s mother will not join her to nest at Ostional this year even though for the last two decades, she had been part of massive Ostional arribadas several times every year. Not long ago, she drowned in an illegal shrimping net on her way back to the ancient nesting grounds. It was a needless waste since it could have been avoided by the simple use of an internationally required, but typically ignored, law requiring a turtle escape device. Thousands more were destroyed in what is politely called “incidental catch” by long line fishermen who refuse to use larger hooks that would prevent tragedy to this magnificent and ancient creature. And, no one knows how many thousands were killed awfully by eating carelessly discarded plastic bags. And, of course, there has been the ceaseless pillaging of nests: millions of eggs from just a few small, precious beaches.

Of course, the hundreds of thousands of olive ridleys just offshore know none of this. As we look out over the water in the pale moonlight, there are now so many that it almost seems one could walk on their backs for at least a mile. We stand in awe at the sheer magnitude of God’s creation. They don’t know or comprehend that they were on this planet long before there was a Tyrannosaurus Rex. They don’t know that we are waiting for them to come ashore so that when they lay their eggs on this tiny wildlife refuge, men, women, and children will legally raid their nests and take 1,000,000 eggs in return for protecting the rest of the clutches and preserving the species. They only know that this is where they are meant to be.

Then, though we do not know why, it happens. It is as though the same quiet voice that told them to come and provided flawless directions to a tiny sand beach thousands of miles away, the same silent command that demanded they wait offshore, now tells them it is time to come ashore. As quietly as they first appeared offshore, as silently as they gathered for days and weeks, their patience has been rewarded. They begin to come to the beach. A single olive ridley marine turtle is followed by a second, then another and another. Soon there are hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands—even more than that. All on a particular little beach. They come in increasing numbers all night. More arrive in the day. All day, day after day. It is the magnificent Ostional Arribada of Costa Rica. As timeless as the moon itself, it is the spectacular reaffirmation of life itself.

From luscious designer cocktails and microbrews, to themed dance clubs, with vibrant interiors and art events after dark, Honolulu nightclubs are proof that fun in the sun isn’t the only thing Hawaii has to offer.

From hip gathering spots in Chinatown, modern urban venues in well known hotels, upscale national chains and overboard faux tiki bars, a revival is going on in Honolulu nightlife.

There is a certain appeal to a brewpub with more than 100 beers on tap piped through five miles of icy-cold metal pipes. The hour long wait on weekends at brew chain Yard?s House in Waikiki Beachwalk is evidence of that.

Join in with the buzzing throngs of twenty and thirty-somethings as they taste sampler beer six packs, or try one of more than 40 different specialty martinis between each delicious appetizer.

Trendy Pau Hana(after work) Hangout

See and be seen at The Rumfire at Sheraton Waikiki. Previously decorated in dark interiors, the 7,000 sq ft beachfront lounge is now bathed in spectacular floor-to-ceiling views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.

The local pau hana crowd heads to treat themselves to affordable happy hour drinks, along with $6.00 specialty cocktails. But when the stars arrive on the scene, move to a spectacular drink menu with upwards of 100 different rums and pricey designer cocktails.

The Best of Honolulu Nightclubs

The hip and urban Pearl at the Ala Moana Shopping Center has been named as one of the best Honolulu nightclubs. It features private tables, well stocked bars, and a cocktail menu created by a master mixologist from Las Vegas. If you stay into the wee hours, it becomes a clubbing attraction until 4 am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Although not necessarily a part of the Honolulu nightclubs scene, ArtafterDark, a premier art and food event by the Honolulu Arts Academy, is a good show. Held on most last Fridays of the month, recent events have included, Bhutanese monks painting on surfboards, Tibetan sand painting and exquisite Indian miniature paintings.

Don’t worry about the early closing time; with so much to choose from, there’s always another night time hotspot to go to. For example, high-end wine bars are becoming more popular among Honolulu nightclubs. Amuse Wine Bar boasts more than 80 different wines on the menu. Patrons buy wine “credit cards” and use high-tech electronic carousels that dispense a customer’s choice of wine after swiping the card. Sunday nights are a great deal, since $25 will buy you double the amount of vintage blends.

Chinatown First Fridays

First Fridays in Chinatown are an experience every Honolulu traveler should enjoy. Modern and edgy art galleries open their doors and have a street party for art fans. Clubbers head on to Bar 35, where they sample delicious gourmet pizzas, enjoy specialty cocktails, taste beers from all over the world, and sip bubbly champagne in roof top and indoor bars. The entertainment is complete with live bands and hot DJs to get the party started and keep it going all night.

Another among the many happening Honolulu nightclubs in China town is Next Door. With its high ceilings and brick walls, this converted warehouse resembles a New York City loft. DJs known all over the nation play house, hip hop, and techno, and art films are screened there throughout the week.

For those with energy to spare after a day in the sun, Zanzabar plays hip-hop, trance, house, techno and top 40 to meet all tastes. In Egyptian influenced d?cor, the club also offers salsa classes, improv comedy and room enough to fit 800. High on sophistication and variety, Honolulu nightclubs are the real deal.

There are some outstanding luxury hotels in Guatemala. When looking at Antigua Guatemala luxury resorts La Reunion offers some of the best golf and sports fishing experiences. Antigua luxury resort, La Reunion, is only 17 kilometers away from Antigua Guatemala. In 1979 UNESCO declared Antigua Guatemala a world heritage site. Here is an overview of La Reunion Luxury Golf Resort:

La Reunion is different from most Antigua Guatemala luxury resorts. It combines a residential zone, a sport club, a golf course and Antigua Guatemala luxury hotels. The architecture is elegant and is able to embrace the colonial feel of Antigua Guatemala. It is a fantastic collaboration between wonders of nature and luxury.

La Reunion Antigua luxury resort has 26 colonial hacienda style suites. Each has a private terrace with an outside pool, Jacuzzi and shower. The suites have relaxing ambiance. There are traditional highly detailed Guatemalan wood crafts and furnishings in each unit. Every unit offer views of the four volcanoes.

The master suites have two queen beds and a bathroom. The Suite Gran class has one king size bed, a living room with an ergonomic chair, and a bathroom. A Golf cart is included with the suites. The golf cart is to be used for transportation to the club house and around the resort. The suites also include an LCD TV, a bar, IPod base and CD player.

La Reunions was originally a coffee plantation. Now it is an example of Antigua Guatemala luxury. There are four imposing volcanoes that frame the Antigua luxury resort. They are Agua, Fuego, Acatenango and Pacaya. Volcanoes and mountains are believed to be full of spirit. They are places that provide purifying and rejuvenating energy. Shamans still perform sacred ceremonies on Guatemalan volcanoes and mountainsides. La Reunion has wonderful scenic views of the volcanoes.

La Reunion has a stunning 18-hole professional golf course, Fuego Maya or Mayan Fire. The golf course offers spectacular views of the Fuego volcano and the Pacific coastline. This is a beautiful place to play golf in Antigua Guatemala. The course is designed to demonstrate similarities between the millenary Mayan calendar and golf.

The Mayan calendar has 18 20-day months with an extra period of five days. The first nine holes are connected to the first nine months. In the Mayan calendar the first nine months follow the sun moving north. The last nine holes connect with the last nine months following the sun as it travels south. Wayeb, the last five day period is for relaxing and preparing for the journey ahead. Much like the club houses so fondly known as the 19th hole.

Sports fishing on the Pacific is very popular in Guatemala. It is only 40 minutes from La Reunion golf resort to Guatemalas sport fishing marina. There Billfishing Adventures offers fishing tours or angling adventures. An exhilarating chance to catch sailfish, blue marlin, Dorado, tuna and all varieties of marine life. Sailfish offer a great battle between fish and angler. Sailfish are about 8ft long and 80lbs. They fight when hooked, providing acrobatic displays and speedy runs. A challenge for any sports fisher. La Reunion Antigua Guatemala luxury resort offers the opportunity to combine a golf vacation with sports fishing.

Costa Rica is a great vacation destination for a wide variety of reasons and a wide variety of travelers. This intimate country boasts stunning tropical weather, abundant flora and fauna, an incredible national park system, amazing beaches, stunning mountains, a vast array of activities, diversity of ecosystems in a compact area, strong relative value, huge range of accommodations from exotic luxury options to nature-based ecolodges, etcetera! However, what really stands out to me after over 6 years of traveling to this country and living here for the last 4 and a half years, is what an incredible haven this is for family travel.

The Costa Rican people, affectionately known as ticos, love families and babies and generously express a special touch for the young, old and in-between. You will hear estoy para servirle often, which means I am here to serve you. As long as your behavior is gracious, it will be completely sincere. From the moment you arrive at Juan Santa Maria Airport in San Jose and proceed through customs, this will be apparent. There is a special line for families with young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with medical or special needs. Our first visit was when my youngest daughter was a tender 6 weeks old, and as soon as they saw me and my bundle, older daughter of 3, and husband, we were whisked into the expedited line and sent right through. Genuine hospitality will find you, whether you are with family, children, or not. However, when you are with children and/or elders, there is a wonderful extra effort made and the sincere desire to go above and beyond to accommodate will impress you. I cant think of a more enjoyable country for any family trip; there are activities to delight any age group and any fitness level.

A Costa Rica family adventure is such a great opportunity for you and yours to bond in a unique way, away from the crazy daily races that most of us participate in. I love the process: you have a clear planning stage, beginning, middle, end, and the post-travel memories and experiences that can last a lifetime. To top it off, there is a common goal all can work toward together: to have a great time! Start by narrowing down destinations and activities. Even if you have various priorities and opinions, you will likely be able to cover it all in Costa Rica. We have cloud forests, rainforests, Pacific beaches, Caribbean beaches, surf camps, snorkeling, whitewater rafting, hiking, horse back riding, camping, all-inclusives, you name it! Engage your kids to help in the planning and execution however they can contribute. Encourage them to document the trip by keeping a journal, taking pictures, and collecting memorabilia. Pick out some travel books together. There are beautifully illustrated field guides of flora and fauna to identify the numerous amazing creatures you see here in Costa Rica. The airports here have a nice selection, but if you do this in your hometown it could be a helpful part of the planning stage. Your son or daughter might decide they have a burning desire to see a Tapir, so you would then need to choose the right area near the appropriate National Park. A Costa Rica family adventure is not only a great time together; it can be super educational as well.

I am consistently impressed with tours in Costa Rica. Just because you are relaxing at a beach destination doesnt mean you cant enjoy an estuary trip, or volcano excursion, or a zip-line through the cloud forest. From all destinations there are half-day and day trips for all kinds of tours. When deciding on tours, I recommend always choosing the guided option. Generally the guides here are college educated, super friendly, and take great pride in their unique knowledge which really makes the experience an excellent added value. My husband and I took our girls for a guided waterfall hike at Lapa Rios in the Osa and if it werent for the terrific guide we would have missed out on so much. He knew just where to find a bat in a furled leaf, the dust-like spores of a fern that left perfect imprints on our clothing, cup-like mushrooms, frogs, and so much more. The two big highlights for us were when he scraped some sap from what he called a kerosene tree, placed it on the end of a walking stick and lit it up like a lantern and when he stopped to show us the clever spider that intentionally weaves in small twigs into its web which happens to match the body color of the spider. The spider leaves a small gap between the twigs where he can hide, making the appearance of one continuous twig-amazing! We were so enthralled that we waited to see if the spider would retreat to the camouflaged position, and sure enough we were able to see it! I have been so happy to have had the guides on every guided tour that I have taken in Costa Rica. I have found that they are also sensitive to ages and abilities which will make a big difference for your group as well.

Some of my favorite places to go with my family:

1. Lapa Rios Eco Lodge in the Osa Peninsula: For up close and personal nature, a truly sustainable experience, great food, views, excellent service, and luxury in the jungle, adventure. This lodge really is best for outdoorsy, somewhat adventurous families and kids 5 and older. It is my gold standard for eco-lodges.

2. Punta Islita on the Pacific Coast: They have tours, services, and even spa treatments geared for families. The spacious villas can accommodate families beautifully. The cuisine, service and views are wonderful; kids of all ages will love it. The tiny local community is a treat.

3. Harmony Hotel in Nosara: Very elegant, sustainable, healthy cuisine. Yoga for all levels. Great beach for boogie boarding, swimming and surfing. The locals and the clientele have relaxed international flair. Kids of all ages will do well; baby/toddler friendly pool.

4. Hotel Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo: This is a Swiss-run charmer on one of my favorite beaches ever. The pool and restaurant are totally family-friendly. You have the benefit of a bustling community with lots of services, amenities, and restaurants, however when you stay at Capitan Suizo you are in your own lovely little world. The beach is one of the best Ive experienced for kids of all ages where you all can swim, surf, and boogie-board. The staff is great. There are several local surf schools that are fantastic for all levels.

Travel is good food for the soul. I dont think there is a better way for a family to refresh, bond and create memorable experiences together. If you choose Costa Rica for your family adventure you will have memories to cherish; you will be delighted. In my experience, those that visit enjoy themselves so much they return because there is so much here to savor!

Costa Rica Family Adventures – Tico Style By Lisa Khajavi