Travel news from the sources

Bird watching and golf on Scotland's west coast

News from Connoisseurs Scotland

Inver Lodge, overlooking the quiet village of Lochinver, and Blanefield House, an exclusive-use property a stone’s throw away from the island of Ailsa Craig, have joined Connoisseurs Scotland’s impressive collection of properties – and Inver Lodge is celebrating with a special offer for the coming season.

Both provide luxury accommodations on the breathtaking west coast. Each offers a unique experience defined by stunning vistas, award-winning cuisine and outdoor activities ranging from championship golf to bird watching.

Cruising Norway in the exciting Arctic Circle

Dog sled rides, icy swims, snow hotel and Aurora Borealis highlight voyage called Hunting the Light

News from Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten offers unique opportunities to explore remote regions and learn about different cultures, including the west coast of Norway in the winter.

From November 15 through March 15, Hurtigruten takes passengers on Hunting the Light voyages – an exploration that offers dog sledding, the nightly viewing possibility of the spectacular Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights), overnights at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, swims in the Barents Sea, incredible vistas, wonderful meals, and presentations on the history and cultures of Norway.

Deilmann books 2010 Europe river cruises

Peter Deilmann EuropAmerica Cruises has seven floating hotels offering luxury river cruises in 2010. The ships have exceptional passenger-to-crew ratios of 2.5 to 1 for 1989 European river departures between March 22 and November 7, 2010,

The boats sail the classic rivers of Europe on 4- to 11-night itineraries, with the vast majority running seven nights.  The company also offers 9- to 17-day all-inclusive cruise-tour vacations. In 2010, there are nine itineraries with nearly 100 departures, combing cruises with shore excursions, hotel stays and sightseeing.

Carnival Dream offers high-energy laser show

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream will introduce the line’s first outdoor laser shows that will combine the latest in laser technology with rock music to provide guests a unique and exciting nighttime entertainment option.

Carnival Dream’s laser shows will be the first ever for a North America–based cruise ship.

The 15-minute nighttime laser shows will feature choreographed lasers projecting brilliant aerial patterns of blue, red and green set to music by popular artists such as Styx, Rush, Van Halen, Boston and Pink Floyd. 

Smoke machines will be used to enhance the laser light effects in the starry, moonlit sky, creating an ideal setting for guests to relax on Carnival Dream’s expansive open deck.

Next cruising Queen Elizabeth has a keel

With a the keel laying, Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth begins to take shape at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy.

When Queen Elizabeth debuts in October 2010, she will join Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in a fleet of famous ocean liners, one the youngest fleets in passenger travel.

A keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment.

Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of Queen Elizabeth. She will take to the water for the first time at her float out in December 2009.

Ports for cruising Europe 2010 with Azamara

Azamara Cruises will send both of its deluxe mid-sized ships to Europe for the summer of 2010.  The 694-passenger Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will focus itineraries on spending additional time in ports -- including overnight stays -- and will offer a slate of port visits new to the brand.

Azamara Cruises selected ports linked to towns rich with culture, history and tradition, and will visit nine European ports for the first time in 2010.

Rent a London house or flat this summer

August and September is the only time you can get inside two of London's most famous and historic buildings -- Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).

The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will be open daily from July 26 to September 30. This is the ONLY time the public can see the inside of Buckingham Palace, the Queen's official residence in London. More details and tickets.

The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) will open from August 3 - October 3, with tours operating every few minutes. While British citizens can arrange to go any time, the Houses of Parliament are ONLY open to foreign visitors between these dates. More details and tickets.

Where to stay?

One idea is to "live like a local," staying in a house or flat (that's what the British call an apartment) rather than a hotel. As well as having much more space than a hotel, for larger groups it works out much cheaper. 

Coach House Rentals are the leading specialist in short term central London rentals. The company has more than 70 properties, ranging from cosy apartments for 2 to grand mansions that will sleep up to 12. They are a fully accredited member of Visit London, the official visitor organization for London.

New Carnival Dream adds new cruise shows

The new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream will debut Sept. 21 

The massive scale of Carnival’s newest and largest “Fun Ship,” combined with recent

technological advancements and the incredible imagination of the line’s entertainment

team, have created the most spectacular shows at sea that raise the bar on shipboard 

entertainment. 

In addition to three production revues that will feature elaborate

sets and costumes, state-of-the-art video technology and sophisticated 

special effects, Carnival Dream will offer a multitude of entertainment choices, 

everything from solo singers, comedians, and live bands to “Fun Force,” the 

line’s high-energy acrobatic team, which will perform in different areas 

throughout the ship.

Finland's summer music, film festivals

Along with the “white nights” of the Finnish Summer come unique and exciting summer festivals. 

Go to www.festivals.fi 

The following are highlights:  

 

Midnight Sun Film Festival, Sodankylä, 10 June—14 June 2009

This 24-year-old festival founded by directors Aki and Mika Kaurismäki brings leading Finnish and international directors and their works to the everlasting sunshine of the Lapland summer.

www.msfilmfestival.fi

 

Seurasaari Midsummer Bonfires, Helsinki, 19 June—20 June 2009

A traditional Finnish Midsummer celebration for the whole family takes place in the in the vicinity of the Helsinki city center, on the Seurasaari Island, with Finnish folk dance and music, handicrafts, and food. The evening concludes with bonfires and Midsummer dances.

www.seurasaarisaatio.fi