King Edward Point
Published by iv in Antarctica, Cruise, Fishing, Georgia



Access is by boat or ship based helicopter. There are no medical facilities for visitors. All travel has inherent risks.
Published by iv in Antarctica, Cruise, Fishing, Georgia



Published by iv in Camping, Cruise, Europe, Fishing, Relaxing, Swimming, Walking


Published by Asya in Chillin, Cruise, Relaxing, Restaurants, Ships




Published by Asya in Cruise, North America, Romantic, Ships, Travel Stories, United States of America




Published by Asya in Asia, China, Cruise, Ships





Published by toun in Chillin, Cruise, Eating, Fitness&Gym, Restaurants, Ships, Sightseeings

The Costa Mediterranea has a unique personality inspired by Italy’s 17th and 18th century palazzi and castles, while the decks are dedicated to mythology in the Mediterranean Sea–a crossroads of cultures and civilizations. The spectacular Maschera d’Argento Atrium spans 10 decks high and features an incredible sculpture of dancers suspended mid-air. This unique Costa fleet boat is reminiscent of an aristocratic Sicilian palace, the two-level Degli Argentieri Restaurant is adorned with exquisite objects d’art and frescos. The interior spaces on board this 86,000 ton Costa fleet ship are truly an expression of an inimitable, unique style.
The Mediterranea’s 12 spacious and panoramic passenger decks offer an impressive array of facilities including 5 restaurants, 4 bars, 3 pools (one with a retractable roof), a theater extending over three decks, a casino, disco, ballroom, conference center, library, and internet cafe. Children and youngsters can enjoy ample sources of entertainment at the Squok Children’s Room and Arcade.
Costa Mediterranea is a near-sister to Carnival Cruise Line’s “Spirit-class” of ships – a sleek, fast, amenity-filled group of highly successful vessels. But any similarity begins – and ends – with their deck plans. Costa’s interior design teams have made every effort to bring a distinctive, crisp and sophisticated look and feel to the Costa Mediterranea. To those achievements, add in the tireless efforts of a genuine, engaging, willing shipboard crew and staff and Costa’s “Cruising Italian Style” becomes reality.
Of the ship’s 1,057 cabins, 678 have balconies. Both standard outside and balcony cabins (210 square feet) feature dressing tables; efficient hair dryers; TVs; and beds convertible from queen to two twins. Many cabins, including 71 of the 212 inside cabins (160 square feet) have a third and fourth bed that pull down from the ceiling. Closet and drawer space is ample for a seven-day cruise. There are outlets for American electrical plugs, though they aren’t always clearly marked. All cabins have a minibar and easy-to-use safe. Bathrooms are compact with showers only. Shampoo (no conditioner) and lotion are provided. Eight accessible rooms span several categories.
The ship’s 58 suites are especially attractive and come in three categories, ranging in size from 352 to 650 square feet (including balcony). All suites have good-sized, granite-tiled bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and double sinks. The balconies have teak furnishings, including lounge chairs. Passengers in these quarters get a variety of special services: VIP check-in and early disembarkation; butler service; sparkling wine; full-course in-suite dining; complimentary meal at Club Medusa; plus such added amenities as terry robes, slippers, and a daily fruit basket.
Dining
The Restaurant degli Argentieri, based on a splendid 18th-century palazzo, is split into two levels and is the ship’s main dining venue. The restaurant works on an assigned, two-seating basis and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seatings for dinner are geared to European dining customs, and so the late seating is quite late (6:15 PM first seating and 8:45 PM for second—9 PM on formal nights). Dinner menus play up the Italian theme, with a different region of Italy highlighted each night. Vegetarian options are always available and listed on the main menu, while Costa’s “Salute e Benessere” (”health and well being”) menus offer low-fat, low-carbohydrate options. The wine list is with a predominance of Italian wines.
During regular mealtimes, the sprawling Perla del Lago Restaurant serves uninspired buffet fare. The numerous stations offer different dishes, so it pays to explore. (The pizzeria, for example, is a separate station near the rear of the buffet area.) And while soft ice cream machines are scattered throughout, different ones are switched on at different times. During off-hours, choices are slim, although the ship offers round-the-clock food service. The 24-hour room service menu lists a few soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Only suite passengers may order off the full restaurant menus for complete in-suite dining, including hot dishes for breakfast. All passengers may order espresso or cappuccino with their Continental breakfast, however, a nice touch.
Entertainment
At the heart of the ship, the Atrium – Marchera d’Argento Hall – stretches over ten decks. The main lounge, Teatro Osiris, is three decks high and seats 1,170 guests. A new design feature for this series of ships is the location of the show lounge/night club, here the Salone Giardino Isolabella, underneath the main lounge. The main restaurant, Ristorante Degli Argentieri, is two decks high and seats altogether some 1,300 guests.
Fitness & Recreation
Costa Mediterranea’s fitness facility and spa are combined on two decks. The Olympia Gym, tiered so that everyone gets a sea view, has an impressive array of workout machines that allow passengers to set them manually or use a “key card” that prompts the computer to guide them through their workout . Classes are available, although some, such as yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing h. Other fun features include a forward-view whirlpool and separate men’s and women’s steam rooms, saunas, and shower cabinets with multiple heads.There is a two-level health and fitness centre, the Ischia Spa, four swimming pools, one featuring a retractable dome, five whirlpools, a large casino and more than ten themed bars, lounges and public areas for activities and entertainment. In addition, there is a shopping area, a wedding chapel and large facilities for children and youngsters. There is also a library, a conference centre and a cascading water slide.
The two central pools on Deck 9 each have a whirlpool, usually busy, and one has a retractable roof so it can be used in all kinds of weather. A smaller pool, located aft away from the crowds, has both a whirlpool and a bar. A neat waterslide is on top of Deck 11 but has limited hours. On the top deck above the gym is a small jogging track and netted basketball/volleyball area.
Published by vanhal in ACTIVITIES, Australia, Australia, CONTINENTS, COUNTRIES, Chillin, Cruise, Eating, Fishing, Hotels, Kayaking, Kite, Resorts, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Ships, Snorkeling, Surfing, Swimming, TOPICS, Travel Tips
Spirit of the Pacific is a 35 metre square-rigged topsail schooner.
The crew will explain the basics of sailing a tall ship and invite you to lend a hand with the sails. Though nights are spent ashore in two-person bures at Liku Bay on Waya Island, limited cabin and dormitory style sailors berth accommodation is available on board at no extra charge. Fiji is rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty from psychedelic fish and marine creatures to tree-clad mountains. The pace is slow, the sea warm and crystal clear. What better place to be?
Cruise the Yasawa Islands by tall ship on a 2 or 3 night Sailing Safari and experience a unique Fiji adventure. Spirit of the Pacific is a 108ft topsail schooner which sets sail every Monday and Thursday from Denarau Marina, Nadi for the Yasawa islands. Experience a new adventure every day– swim with manta rays, snorkel, trek overland, visit islands and traditional villages, go fishing, laze on deck or gain a few tips on tall ship sailing. Each evening return to the Barefoot Lodge where sunset swims, volleyball, night fishing tours, star gazing, Fijian ‘lovo
‘ feasts and nightly entertainment are all part of the fun. All meals, activities and accommodation are included in the price.
accommodation
Whilst the facilities are basic at Barefoot Island Resort on Drawaqa Island, the experience is five star – nights lit by lanterns and a million stars, lazy hours spent alternating between the hammock and lagoon; and adventure packed days sailing the Yasawa Islands by tall ship. The accommodation is traditional and rustic – there is no electricity in the bures, the roof is
thatched, and the showers and toilets are communal (cool fresh water). Each bure has two single beds which can be pushed together if you prefer (linen supplied).
The Barefoot Island Resort caters for a maximum of 40 persons in twenty traditional village bures. Individual 2-person bures mean you only share with 1 other, or you can book you own private bure at additional cost. A large meeting bure, communal toilets & showers (cool fresh water) and tropical gardens are located in the resort.
Published by nerdeff in ACTIVITIES, Asia, CONTINENTS, COUNTRIES, China, Cruise, Monuments, Sailing, Ships, Sightseeings, TOPICS, Travel Stories, Travel Tips

The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each bend of the limpid river under the blue sky. You will also see Water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts.

Elephant Trunk Hill
Situated majestically on the western bank of Li River, the hill resembles an elephant sucking water from the river with its long trunk. It is supposed to be the landmark of Guilin landscape, which you can find on travel brochures or books. The most impressive is said to be the water reflection of a moon-like cave when the moonlight sprinkles over the river, hence the name ‘Moon over the Water’.
Pagoda Hill
A few minutes down from the Elephant Hill on the west bank is a small hill topped with a pagoda. The hexagonal pagoda is called Longevity Buddha Pagoda (Shoufo Ta) dating from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is said the second floor has stone Buddha figurines on display and the hill is compassed in Chuanshan Park. In autumn, the hill illuminated with red maples is very charming.
Daxu Town
Guilin Li River Perching on the northern bank of Li River, the ancient town keeps in its antique style from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). A flagging street, lined with old residences, shops and stalls, runs two kilometers along the river bank through the town. Some well-preserved residences hidden behind the street door may give you surprises you when you occasionally explore further into a shop. These are quarters for businessmen in the past times. Have a try on various dumping snacks on the stalls or peddle cars along the street. Some will surprise you with both its taste and cheap price. People in the town are very kind to tourists. Further to south, there is a single-arched bridge in the town named Longevity Bridge.
The town is really a sight off-the-beaten track. Opposite the town on the other side of the river, a millstone-like rock with the running waters creates the scene of Grinding Grain.
Crown Cave (Guanyan)
A crown-like crag earns the hill its name. What makes the hill a worthy stop for both river cruise tourists and those arrive from Guilin City by bus tour is its twelve kilometer long water-eroded cave. It is a wonderland of various stalactite, stone pillars and rock formations in the cave. Since it is open to tourists in 1995, illuminating lights, sound control tour guide system and escalators are equipped in the scenic area and sightseeing cars and boats enable visitors to tour inside the cave. The government plan to build this site as an all-round tourist area including cave visiting, country sightseeing and ethnic minority exploration. It is estimated to become an important excursion site along the Li River. Tourists can stay in the hotels and villas in the scenic area.
Half-Side Ferry (Ban Bian Du)
Not very far from the Crown Cave on the western bank, a huge rock descends into the river and cuts off a footpath by the water edge. Villagers have to take a ferry to reach the other side and continue the way. So, this spot gets its name Half-Side Ferry (for usually ferry means to transport people by boat across a body of water and reach the opposite bank)
From Yangdi to xingping
Down stream from Yangdi to xingping, the river passes an endless procession of distinct peaks and bamboo groves and the stunning landscape. This part is the highlight of the cruise. Pinnacled peaks pop up and surprise visitors at each bend of the river. Water buffalos patrol on the fields; ducks paddle in the waters; peasants reap paddies in front of village houses; fishermen use the cormorants to catch the fish and return them to the boat and kids go home singing songs. All these create an idyllic and beautiful scene of the life removed from concrete cities.
A reputed attraction is Mural Hill, a 100-meter-high cliff face, which has been weathered and has stratified rock surface in various shades of colors. It is rumored that the colors present nine horses and a person who can identify them out is considered smart. Legendary stories are given to hill rocks and peaks and it is a delightful experience to appreciate the stunning landscape while listening to tour guide’s interpretation of the stories behind it.
Fisherman and cormorants
Guilin-Li River cruiseCormorants are good sized birds who enjoy diving underwater in search of fish. Fishermen use the cormorants to catch the fish and return them to the boat. The picture shows a cormorant fishergirl. But I think the girl is just a model for shots. Usually fishermen seem to be more sun-tanned. The fisherman drive the birds into the water where they dive below the surface in search of fish. When the birds catch a fish they return to the boat and the fisherman removes the fish from their throat and places it in the basket. The secret is that the fisherman places a cord around the bird’s neck to keep the bird from swallowing the fish.
Water Buffalo
You will see buffalos gazing along the river bank or patrolling on the fields. They seem to be indispensable friends of peasants, especially for kids.
Yellow Cloth Shoal
Li River of GuilinBoating downstream southward from the Mural Hill about 500 meters, peaks become steep and the river become wide and quiet. A huge yellow flagstone lying under the limpid waters can easily be seen. It is like a cloth piece and people called it Yellow Cloth Shoal. There are seven green peaks standing nearby. A legend goes that the seven peaks are fairy girls from the heaven who took baths in the river. Enthralled by the charming scene, they stayed here and become into the peaks. With verdant bamboos, the green peaks under the blue sky reflected on the quiet waters create a spectacular scene. Sometimes, people doubt they see boats floating on hill tops. Many Chinese paintings and poems present this charming scene and tourists run out of their films for it.
xingping
The river takes a big turn at xingping and endowed with beautiful and poetic scenery. It has been reproduced in many Chinese landscape paintings. Even the newly-issued 20 RMB note has the scenery on its back. A photographer once said: ‘Shots from any perspective for this place turn to be impressive and stunning’.
A ‘village’ on the river bank is worthy a visit. Chinese call it a ‘village’ because of the fact that nowadays it is inhabited by villagers. Actually, it is an age-old castle complex survived from over 500 years ago. Although some courtyard buildings have weathered through ages, the simple but elegant flying-eaves, roofs with colorful paintings, lattice windows and unique timber structures present the folk residence from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The villagers have the same surname of Zhao, so it is rumored that they are descendents of the imperial family in the Song Dynasty. Both Dr. Sun Yet-sun, the pioneer of China’s democratic revolution and US president Colinton paid a visit to the village on their visits to Li River.
Yangshuo
Li River cruise makes the small town known to foreigners. Located some 90 kilometers south of Guilin City, this town is the downstream end of the cruise but not the least. The enchanting fairyland of Yangshuo is renowned as the best in Guilin.
The town is very small that everyone will know you after one month. The West Street in the town lined with western cafes, restaurants and hotels is the best choice for people who want to explore Chinese life.
Yangshuo is a great place for hikes and cycling excursions. There’s no doubt that taking a close-up exploration to the country villages, you will have a taste of the rural life. One thing surprised us is the one-hour bamboo raft trip along Yulonghe River. We didn’t expect the scenery to be such a paradise.
That are some of the things, because of which Li River is considered for Travel Wonder in China.
Published by nerdeff in ACTIVITIES, Chillin, Cruise, Eating, Fitness&Gym, Hotels, Relaxing, Resorts, Restaurants, Sailing, Ships, Spa
A seemingly growing trend in the cruise world is the residential cruise ship. And leading the way is The Magellan, at 860 feet long and weighing an incredible 72,000 tons. Facilities on-board include, restaurants, a spa, an indoor pool, an observatory, a greenhouse, a helicopter landing pad, a nightclub and a 450-seat live, satellite broadcast theatre. And, if that wasn’t enough, twelve new condos and a tennis court have now just been announced.
It is designed for the discerning traveler and if you have millions of dollars it will surround you with unparalleled luxury as you circumnavigate the globe.
With its unsurpassed craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, the Magellan redefines luxury. It boasts 15 public and residence decks, with 212 exclusive homes, lavish amenities and impeccable service.
This premier residential ship is limited to only 212 private homes, including 16 penthouses. Named for an exotic port of call, each residence offers unprecedented levels of luxury, enhanced by breathtaking views.
To ensure your ultimate comfort, each home features: Pioneer Elite audio-visual systems; Satellite Internet access, phone and TV; Top-of-the-line Whirlpool Architect stainless steel kitchen appliances; Jacuzzis; Walk-in closets; Picture windows and outside Terrace; Complete collection of furnishings, artwork, china and linens.
Starting in mid-2009, the Magellan will sail to Portugal, Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Tunisia, Malta, UK, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt, Libya, Gibraltar, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Faeroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, USA, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Grenada, Venezuela, Nether Antilles, Columbia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina.
Owners of luxury residences of the Magellan cruise ship will have an opportunity to participate in a professionally-managed rental program comparable to that in condo hotels on land. Prices range from $1,875,000 to $6,200,000 for full ownership or 1/12th this amount for month-long fractionals.