Smartphones: Our national obsession
By John D. Sutter, CNN
Editor's Note: This is the first story in a five-day series about smartphones and their impact on our lives and culture.
(CNN) -- Doug Wilson takes his smartphone everywhere.
When the 28-year-old wakes up, he snatches the phone from the nightstand to read Twitter feeds and Facebook messages before he gets out of bed.
During the day, he tends to carry the iPhone 4 in his hand. Putting it in his pocket would be too risky, he said, because he might miss a photo opportunity -- like that crazy "rat tail" hairdo he saw at a fast-food spot recently. ("I was like, 'I've GOT to take a picture of this!'")
And at night, access to this on-all-the-time gizmo is arguably more important than ever. First, there's the dog. Wilson uses his phone's LED camera flash to guide his steps as he takes Lucy, a bichon frise, outside. "I live in Arkansas, so I don't want to step on a snake or anything," he said.
Then there's his wife, Ashlee, whom he accidentally impregnated one evening after forgetting to look at an iPod app that explains the details of the rhythm method.
"That's how we got pregnant," he said, "because I lost my [iPod Touch]."
While the couple from Russellville, Arkansas, are now thrilled about their expected baby girl, Doug Wilson said the slip-up was yet another reminder that his phone should be turned on, in his hand, ready to accept alerts -- all the time.
Otherwise, he said, things tend to go awry.
He's not alone in this hyperconnected world. It seems America is getting hooked on the smartphone. We depend on these modern Swiss Army knives for everything from planning our schedules to checking the news, finding entertainment and managing our social networks. Oh, and they also make calls -- a fact that's sometimes forgotten these days as text messages become a preferred means of communication for younger generations. (Nearly 90 percent of teen cell-phone users send and receive texts, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project; on average, they send 50 messages per day.)
Only about one in five Americans owns a smartphone, according to a recent report from Forrester Research. But for those who have purchased these devices -- which typically cost more than $150 -- the experience can be life-changing. Gone are the days when you could wait a full day to reply to an e-mail, or respond to a text message on a several-hour delay, without violating new and rapidly evolving social norms.
Few locations today are off-limits to smartphones. That's partly because texting, internet browsing and game playing can be done quietly, and because institutions like public schools -- once enemies of the phone culture -- are starting to embrace these tools.
Some members of the mobile generation love these changes. They say they can't live without their phones and the always-connected lifestyle they promote. Just try to watch a movie in a theater these days without seeing the glare of a smartphone screen in a nearby seat.
There are serious questions, however, about what these gadgets may be doing to our brains. Some researchers say intense multitasking degrades a person's ability to focus deeply, think creatively and, in the end, be more productive. Smartphones are among the technologies promoting this mode of thinking, where people toggle continually between streams of information.
A 2009 Stanford University research study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that multitaskers -- those who try to view two or more types of media simultaneously -- are more easily distracted.
"They're suckers for irrelevancy," Stanford professor Clifford Nass said in a written statement about the study, which examined 262 university students. "Everything distracts them."
For these reasons, some people have developed love-hate relationships with their phones. Richard Glover, a 23-year-old political science student at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, is dependent on his phone, he said, as much as he depends on a car to get him from place to place.
It's essential that he's able to check the latest political news all the time, he said, and to be able to respond instantly to text messages.
But in 2008, he took a trip to Yosemite National Park. He couldn't get cell phone service there, so he left his phone in the hotel room.
"It felt liberating not to be connected to it," he said, "but at the same time, I was very happy to get back to it -- to feel connected again."
Bud Kleppe, a 32-year-old real estate agent in St. Paul, Minnesota, said he can't be away from his BlackBerry for any amount of time. He's more likely to sell a home, he said, if he responds to client e-mails within 20 minutes and to texts instantly.
He likes that feeling of instant connectedness.
"It pretty much lives in my hand," he said of the phone. "If it's missing on me, I go into a little bit of a panic. My phone is probably never more than an arm's grab away from me."
He says he couldn't go back to his pre-smartphone existence.
"No, I couldn't see functioning," he said. "To me, it's not a curse. I love it. So I couldn't -- I would probably go into the shakes if I didn't have it for a day or something."
Technology won't stop evolving, so perhaps figuring out how to manage this tech-infused, mobile life may be the way of the future. Kenny Fair, a 60-year-old graphic designer in Overland Park, Kansas, said he's had to learn to control himself and his gadgets since purchasing a Palm Pre smartphone in August 2009, an event he described as "an immediate love affair" that changed his life.
If he doesn't manage his smartphone use, he said, he can get lost in the constant "flow of information" from his phone to his head.
Wilson, the smartphone user in Arkansas, said there are moments when he feels as though he disappears into the smartphone's tiny screen, particularly when he's just sitting around the house watching TV with his wife.
"I'll be on my phone looking at Twitter and Facebook and playing 'Angry Birds' and I should be showing her affection and stuff like that. Sometimes I forget to do that," he said.
"I'm just out of touch with reality sometimes because of my phone -- I can just look at all the apps and stuff like that and just dream about the iPad and whatever -- wishing my screen was bigger -- and without realizing it, well, I haven't said anything to my wife for an hour. It's not that great."
Wilson said he's happy to take his iPhone everywhere.
At Arkansas Tech University, where he's a student, one sociology professor does not allow phones in his classroom, Wilson said. But instead of leaving his phone at home -- one possible way to abide by this rule -- Wilson goes through extra preparations to keep it at his side.
"When I go into that class, I put it into airplane mode and silent [mode] and I turn it off," he said.
He even uses the phone during church services.
Once, when asked to read a scripture in front of the congregation at the West Side Church of Christ, Wilson used a Bible app on his iPhone to load up the correct verses.
"I bought it for like $7," he said of the app. "It's really awesome."
Not everyone at church thought this use of technology was appropriate, he said. Several attendees approached him after the reading, he said, wondering if he was text messaging or something during his performance.
Wilson used to tote around a paper Bible.
But now that book is in the trunk of his car.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Report: Facebook apps sharing user info
Report: Facebook apps sharing user info By Steven Musil, CNET
(CNET) -- Many of Facebook's most popular apps are sharing personally identifiable information of their users with dozens of advertising and Internet-tracking companies, in violation of the social-networking giant's own rules, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The issue provides access to users' names and, in some cases, the names of the app user's friends to at least 25 advertising and data firms, the Journal reported.
The issue could affect tens of millions of users, according to the report. The Journal found that the 10 most popular apps, including Zynga's FarmVille, were transmitting user IDs -- which can be used to look up a user's name -- to third-party companies.
Data-gathering firm Rapleaf was able to link information gathered from those apps to its own database of Internet users, the report found.
The San Francisco-based start-up provides a people search engine that lets you retrieve the name, age, and social-network affiliations of anyone, as long as you have his or her e-mail address.
The Journal reported that Rapleaf transmitted some of the information it obtained to third parties but told the newspaper that the transmission was unintentional. Rapleaf did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the issue.
A Facebook representative said in a statement to CNET it was taking steps to "dramatically limit" exposure of users' personal information to companies like Rapleaf.
"Our technical systems have always been complemented by strong policy enforcement, and we will continue to rely on both to keep people in control of their information," a Facebook representative said the statement.
The revelation spotlights the challenge Facebook faces in keeping user data private. In May, for instance, the massive social network grappled with a bug in its "Preview My Profile" feature that allowed some Facebook users' live chat messages and pending friend requests to be briefly visible to their contacts.
Earlier this month, Facebook announced a series of new features designed to give users more control over apps, including revamped groups, a profile downloading tool, and a cleaner way to manage access to third-party applications.
One of those features was a "dashboard" for managing which applications you're connected to and which data permissions have been granted to them.
(CNET) -- Many of Facebook's most popular apps are sharing personally identifiable information of their users with dozens of advertising and Internet-tracking companies, in violation of the social-networking giant's own rules, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The issue provides access to users' names and, in some cases, the names of the app user's friends to at least 25 advertising and data firms, the Journal reported.
The issue could affect tens of millions of users, according to the report. The Journal found that the 10 most popular apps, including Zynga's FarmVille, were transmitting user IDs -- which can be used to look up a user's name -- to third-party companies.
Data-gathering firm Rapleaf was able to link information gathered from those apps to its own database of Internet users, the report found.
The San Francisco-based start-up provides a people search engine that lets you retrieve the name, age, and social-network affiliations of anyone, as long as you have his or her e-mail address.
The Journal reported that Rapleaf transmitted some of the information it obtained to third parties but told the newspaper that the transmission was unintentional. Rapleaf did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the issue.
A Facebook representative said in a statement to CNET it was taking steps to "dramatically limit" exposure of users' personal information to companies like Rapleaf.
"Our technical systems have always been complemented by strong policy enforcement, and we will continue to rely on both to keep people in control of their information," a Facebook representative said the statement.
The revelation spotlights the challenge Facebook faces in keeping user data private. In May, for instance, the massive social network grappled with a bug in its "Preview My Profile" feature that allowed some Facebook users' live chat messages and pending friend requests to be briefly visible to their contacts.
Earlier this month, Facebook announced a series of new features designed to give users more control over apps, including revamped groups, a profile downloading tool, and a cleaner way to manage access to third-party applications.
One of those features was a "dashboard" for managing which applications you're connected to and which data permissions have been granted to them.
Flights to France threatened by pension protest
Flights to France threatened by pension protest
Blockade of refineries hits fuel supplies; Exxon Mobile says 'the situation is critical'
PARIS — France is asking airline companies to reduce flights in and out of the country by up to 50 percent on Tuesday, when unions have called for a day of national protests and strikes over pension reforms.
The French DGAC aviation authority said in a statement Monday that airlines were being asked to reduce flights to Paris's Orly airport by 50 percent and to all other airports by 30 percent.
The announcement came as a growing number of pumps in French gas stations were drying up at the start of a second week of action by refinery and port strikers.
They have blocked fuel supplies as part of the campaign against the pension reform bill, which would raise the minimum retirement age from 60 to 62 and the age at which the full state pension is paid from 65 to 67.
The government says this is the only way to stem a ballooning pension deficit.
Rail workers, truck drivers, high-school students and other protesters also maintained pressure on French President Nicolas Sarkozy in a make-or-break week before Wednesday's deciding Senate vote.
Unions called over the weekend to harden the protests, but the government said it would resort to force if necessary to prevent paralysis in the economy.
"When one sees the government's tougher stance, it only reinforces the motivation of the troops," one CGT union official for workers at Total's refineries said.
"As long as the government won't budge, we won't budge," he added.
It was unclear how many of France's 12,000 stations were experiencing shortages.
"The situation is critical," a spokeswoman with Exxon Mobil said. "Anyone looking for diesel in the Paris and Nantes (Western France) regions will have problems," she said.
Nationwide strikes over the pension changes have spread to the country's 12 oil refineries over the past seven days, adding to the impact of a three-week-long strike at France's largest oil port, Fos-Lavera, over working conditions and a port reform.
Refinery and port strikers showed no sign of giving ground, with the prospect of the stoppages continuing at least until a new day of nationwide protests called by unions for Tuesday.
Workers piled up tires Monday in front of the entrance to a refinery at Grandpuits, east of Paris, after authorities issued a legal order demanding that some striking workers re-open the facility.
Workers said Monday they would refuse that demand.
French youth who have rallied to the cause, meanwhile, burned tires or set up blockades outside some schools in Paris and nearby suburbs Monday.
French truck drivers also staged go-slow operations on highways and rail services were also badly disrupted Monday.
'Government is in control'
Government ministers stressed the country had plenty of fuel and that airports in particular have ample supply.
"The government is in control," Industry Minister Christian Estrosi told RTL radio on Monday. "There will be no blockade for companies, no blockade for transport and no blockade for road users."
However France's UFIP oil industry lobby has said France could see serious fuel supply problems by mid-week, meaning the government may have to look at tapping emergency reserves.
The main points of Sarkozy's pension bill have passed through both houses of parliament and following a Senate vote Wednesday on the full package, the bill could soon be signed into law.
Prime Minister Francois Fillon has warned protesters that blockading vital infrastructure is illegal.
"The right to strike is not the right to bar access to a fuel depot, that's an illegal action," Fillon told TF1 television Sunday. "I will not let the French economy suffocate from a blockage of fuel supply."
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Blockade of refineries hits fuel supplies; Exxon Mobile says 'the situation is critical'
PARIS — France is asking airline companies to reduce flights in and out of the country by up to 50 percent on Tuesday, when unions have called for a day of national protests and strikes over pension reforms.
The French DGAC aviation authority said in a statement Monday that airlines were being asked to reduce flights to Paris's Orly airport by 50 percent and to all other airports by 30 percent.
The announcement came as a growing number of pumps in French gas stations were drying up at the start of a second week of action by refinery and port strikers.
They have blocked fuel supplies as part of the campaign against the pension reform bill, which would raise the minimum retirement age from 60 to 62 and the age at which the full state pension is paid from 65 to 67.
The government says this is the only way to stem a ballooning pension deficit.
Rail workers, truck drivers, high-school students and other protesters also maintained pressure on French President Nicolas Sarkozy in a make-or-break week before Wednesday's deciding Senate vote.
Unions called over the weekend to harden the protests, but the government said it would resort to force if necessary to prevent paralysis in the economy.
"When one sees the government's tougher stance, it only reinforces the motivation of the troops," one CGT union official for workers at Total's refineries said.
"As long as the government won't budge, we won't budge," he added.
It was unclear how many of France's 12,000 stations were experiencing shortages.
"The situation is critical," a spokeswoman with Exxon Mobil said. "Anyone looking for diesel in the Paris and Nantes (Western France) regions will have problems," she said.
Nationwide strikes over the pension changes have spread to the country's 12 oil refineries over the past seven days, adding to the impact of a three-week-long strike at France's largest oil port, Fos-Lavera, over working conditions and a port reform.
Refinery and port strikers showed no sign of giving ground, with the prospect of the stoppages continuing at least until a new day of nationwide protests called by unions for Tuesday.
Workers piled up tires Monday in front of the entrance to a refinery at Grandpuits, east of Paris, after authorities issued a legal order demanding that some striking workers re-open the facility.
Workers said Monday they would refuse that demand.
French youth who have rallied to the cause, meanwhile, burned tires or set up blockades outside some schools in Paris and nearby suburbs Monday.
French truck drivers also staged go-slow operations on highways and rail services were also badly disrupted Monday.
'Government is in control'
Government ministers stressed the country had plenty of fuel and that airports in particular have ample supply.
"The government is in control," Industry Minister Christian Estrosi told RTL radio on Monday. "There will be no blockade for companies, no blockade for transport and no blockade for road users."
However France's UFIP oil industry lobby has said France could see serious fuel supply problems by mid-week, meaning the government may have to look at tapping emergency reserves.
The main points of Sarkozy's pension bill have passed through both houses of parliament and following a Senate vote Wednesday on the full package, the bill could soon be signed into law.
Prime Minister Francois Fillon has warned protesters that blockading vital infrastructure is illegal.
"The right to strike is not the right to bar access to a fuel depot, that's an illegal action," Fillon told TF1 television Sunday. "I will not let the French economy suffocate from a blockage of fuel supply."
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Royal Caribbean's cuisine criticised
Royal Caribbean's cuisine criticised
Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is the worst of the world's major cruise lines for cuisine and service, according to a new guide.
By Charles Starmer-Smith
In the annual Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, the author, Douglas Ward, gave the cruise line an overall rating of just over five out of 10 for its cuisine.
The dining room, afternoon teas and wine lists on board RCI ships were particularly poor, he said. RCI, which owns the world's largest ship (Oasis of the Seas), earned a rating of more than six out of 10 in only one category: informal dining/buffet.
Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Cruises fared little better, with Carnival achieving the lowest mark for afternoon tea and Costa the lowest score for "informal dining" of any of the 11 cruise lines examined.
The best-performing lines, according to the guide, were Cunard, Celebrity and Princess Cruises.
"Some of the major cruise lines, such as Carnival and RCI, score less well on cuisine simply because they spend less on passenger food costs than some of the other major lines," said Mr Ward, who has sailed on more than 1,000 cruises and spent more than 5,600 days at sea.
"Many passengers tell me that the food delivered on board doesn't quite come up to the expectations promised in glossy brochure photographs. Examples include cheaper cuts of meat – using pork rather than beef or lamb."
Other factors that contributed to poor ratings included a lack of green vegetables, herbs or garnishes; the quality of pastry items; the choice of salt, pepper or olive oils; and a lack of fresh fish.
RCI and Carnival finished bottom for service. Knowledge of wine and the way it was served were the weakest areas for both lines, according to the guide.
A spokesman for Carnival said: "Our own customer service surveys, which we conduct regularly, report a high level of satisfaction with regard to our service and food offering."
Mr Ward said there had been a rise in passenger complaints about poor communication on cruise ships. He argued that there was little incentive for waiters to improve when cruise lines automatically added gratuities to on-board accounts.
"Service is all about staffing costs, training and supervision," he said. "The lines with the lower service scores tend to hire personnel who are untrained, couldn't possibly describe a sauce or gravy, and pour wine like it is Coca-Cola because of poor knowledge and training."
A spokesman for RCI said the company was surprised by the results. "Customer satisfaction is our number one priority. We have a very robust customer feedback system that we measure our on-board experience through. Some 250,000 guests have completed the survey this year. Over 90 per cent have scored our on-board service as meeting or exceeding their expectations.
"While we respect Mr Ward as an expert in his field, his ratings reflect his own personal opinions and differ strongly from the feedback from our many millions of paying guests."
Cunard and Celebrity again topped the tables, the service in their bars and cabins winning the highest ratings given to any lines.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Liberty Travel Is Giving Away A 7-Day Cruise With Norwegian Cruise Line
Liberty Travel Is Giving Away A 7-Day Cruise With Norwegian Cruise Line
Liberty Travel is giving away a 7-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world's best and most popular cruise lines. Entry forms can be submitted at http://www.libertytravel.com/.
The giveaway is part of Liberty Travel's CruiseFest 2010, the travel agency's biggest annual sale on cruise vacations. CruiseFest 2010 boasts up to $2,200* in savings (on an Danube River Cruise with Avalon Waterways, details available at libertytravel.com), as well as exclusive offers on shipboard credit, stateroom upgrades and reduced deposits.
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the world's premier cruise lines, known for its unique "Freestyle Cruising®" approach that gives travelers a high level of flexibility in how they enjoy their vacation. There are no set dining times and no assigned seating at meals, there is a robust roster of diversions on every ship that let passengers choose between relaxation and active fun, fantastic programs for kids and teens (NCL is very popular with families traveling with kids of all ages), and a wide selection of stateroom accommodations.
NCL has garnered much attention in the past year with the debut of the Norwegian Epic, a cruise ship that boasts some of the most extravagant features at sea, including an exclusive performance by the Blue Man Group and the SVEDKA Ice Bar, where the tables, seating and entire interior is made of ice and kept at a chilly seventeen degrees.
The giveaway is currently accepting entries, and will close for entries on October 29, 2010 at 4:00pm. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on November 9, 2010 and will be notified by phone or email.
The prize includes an ocean view stateroom for two guests on a 7-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. The winner will be provided with booking instructions.
Travelers who don't want to wait to see if they've won and would like to book a cruise today can call a Liberty Travel Vacation Expert at 1.877.LIBERTY or by visit http://www.libertytravel.com/ to inquire online.
About Liberty Travel:
America's Vacation Experts, Liberty Travel is one of the largest and most experienced travel agencies in the United States. Founded in 1951, Liberty Travel currently has 160 convenient store locations staffed by more than 800 Vacation Experts, and offers expert planning, one-on-one customer service, and the guaranteed best prices on vacations, flights, cruises, escorted tours, group travel and more.
Liberty Travel is giving away a 7-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world's best and most popular cruise lines. Entry forms can be submitted at http://www.libertytravel.com/.
The giveaway is part of Liberty Travel's CruiseFest 2010, the travel agency's biggest annual sale on cruise vacations. CruiseFest 2010 boasts up to $2,200* in savings (on an Danube River Cruise with Avalon Waterways, details available at libertytravel.com), as well as exclusive offers on shipboard credit, stateroom upgrades and reduced deposits.
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the world's premier cruise lines, known for its unique "Freestyle Cruising®" approach that gives travelers a high level of flexibility in how they enjoy their vacation. There are no set dining times and no assigned seating at meals, there is a robust roster of diversions on every ship that let passengers choose between relaxation and active fun, fantastic programs for kids and teens (NCL is very popular with families traveling with kids of all ages), and a wide selection of stateroom accommodations.
NCL has garnered much attention in the past year with the debut of the Norwegian Epic, a cruise ship that boasts some of the most extravagant features at sea, including an exclusive performance by the Blue Man Group and the SVEDKA Ice Bar, where the tables, seating and entire interior is made of ice and kept at a chilly seventeen degrees.
The giveaway is currently accepting entries, and will close for entries on October 29, 2010 at 4:00pm. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on November 9, 2010 and will be notified by phone or email.
The prize includes an ocean view stateroom for two guests on a 7-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. The winner will be provided with booking instructions.
Travelers who don't want to wait to see if they've won and would like to book a cruise today can call a Liberty Travel Vacation Expert at 1.877.LIBERTY or by visit http://www.libertytravel.com/ to inquire online.
About Liberty Travel:
America's Vacation Experts, Liberty Travel is one of the largest and most experienced travel agencies in the United States. Founded in 1951, Liberty Travel currently has 160 convenient store locations staffed by more than 800 Vacation Experts, and offers expert planning, one-on-one customer service, and the guaranteed best prices on vacations, flights, cruises, escorted tours, group travel and more.
Digital photos can reveal your location, raise privacy fears
Digital photos can reveal your location, raise privacy fears
Many digital photos contain data that can reveal, say, via Google Maps, exactly where they were taken.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
• Images can contain the precise GPS coordinates for where a photo was taken
• Pictures on Flickr, Photobucket and Picasa Web Albums can contain location data
• Other services, like Facebook, TwitPic and Yfrog, strip that data
• Digital photo experts express concerns over privacy implications
(CNN) -- Skim through the photos on Flickr or Photobucket, and you'll find pictures of cats pawing at living-room sofas, children playing in backyards and mothers gardening at home.
Dig a little deeper, and you can unearth the exact locations of many of those homes, embedded in data within the pictures.
Images often contain a bundle of information and various traces left by digital cameras or photo manipulation software.
This data, called Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF), is a key tool for many professionals. It can detail whether the photographer used a flash, which digital effects were applied to a picture and when the photo was taken.
EXIF can also contain the precise GPS coordinates for where a photo was taken. This information is readily accessible and can be plugged into software such as Google Maps -- leading some security and photography experts to express concerns about amateurs unknowingly disclosing private information, such as the location of their home.
"What could go wrong with that?" Roger Thompson, the chief research officer for digital security firm AVG, said sarcastically.
Thomas Hawk, an active Flickr user and the former chief executive of competing photo site Zooomr, said EXIF is an important part of his archival process. But he has also used that data to track down someone who was harassing him online and managed to coerce an apology, he said.
"I don't geotag any pictures to my house," Hawk said on the phone last week. "I think it's a huge concern. I think a lot of people don't realize or recognize what's in all of the EXIF data that they're publishing."
Most gadgets ignore the geotagging component of EXIF because relatively few cameras contain the GPS chips needed to tag them. However, many smartphones, such as those from Apple and Google's Android system, let users employ this feature.
Apple's and Google's systems ask each user once or a few times for permission to access their location in order to provide additional services. If they click "OK" on that popup, every photo they take is tagged with GPS coordinates.
Smartphones are fast becoming the camera of choice for many people. Cameras on newer phones have come to rival dedicated point-and-shoots, and many smartphone owners carry them just about everywhere. Smartphone sales have increased 50 percent since last year, according to a report by research firm Gartner.
Millions of images are uploaded to Facebook using the company's iPhone, Android and BlackBerry applications. The iPhone 3G is the most popular shooter among photographers on Yahoo's Flickr website, according to a report on that site.
Judging by the abundance of pictures in Flickr's database that include geolocation data in the EXIF, some smartphone owners aren't thinking twice about opting into their devices' GPS feature. Doing so can facilitate useful tools. For example, software like iPhoto and Picasa can group images by location and display them on a map.
But amateur photographers may not realize that this info stays with the image when it's uploaded to Flickr, Photobucket, Picasa Web Albums and some other photo-sharing services. (Facebook says it strips the EXIF data from all photos to protect its users' privacy.)
Pictures uploaded to Photobucket by one woman show her children preparing lunch and bathing in a kitchen sink. The location data, which is displayed directly on each photo's webpage, can be inputted into Google Maps to find a satellite image of her rural home in Edmond, Oklahoma. The woman couldn't be reached for comment.
"We added EXIF data a few years ago at the request of our users," Rob Newton, a spokesman for Photobucket, wrote in an e-mail. "To date, we have not received any complaints from users who were previously unaware of the GPS tagging feature."
Displaying the GPS coordinates on the page can be disabled in a user's settings panel, Newton noted.
However, anyone could still download the original file using a link on Photobucket and view the location info in Adobe's Photoshop or in software included with every new Mac and Windows 7 computer.
Flickr's and Picasa's pages don't show the coordinates by default. But the services similarly offer links to access the original files, which can contain EXIF.
"Having the ability to download the original version of photos on Flickr is an important feature for our members," a Flickr spokeswoman wrote. "However, we help people maintain their privacy by stripping the EXIF data of an image from view on the site and making the default control option to keep this information private."
Users who don't want their photos tagged with GPS data can either disable the option on their cameras or run the images through software, such as Photoshop, that can remove the EXIF.
"We realize not everyone wants to share this information with others," a Google spokeswoman wrote in an e-mail. She notes how to disable GPS tagging, but added: "This is a popular Picasa feature that many people find useful."
Some photo services, including Facebook, TwitPic and Yfrog, strip EXIF once a file is uploaded and don't offer a way for users to access the original.
For Yfrog, the lack of EXIF is a byproduct of automatic image optimizations done by the system, not something designed specifically with privacy in mind, Mike Harkey, a spokesman for the ImageShack-owned Yfrog site, wrote in an e-mail.
While Facebook's system compresses some photos, it doesn't do so for every one.
"For those that we don't compress, we still strip out EXIF data," Facebook spokeswoman Jaime Schopflin wrote in an e-mail. "We do this since users can unintentionally leak sensitive information in EXIF data."
Thompson, the security expert from AVG, commended these efforts.
"Chalk one up to Facebook for that one," he said. "One of the alarming things is that every [Facebook] application wants to access your profile and your contacts and your photos. So if they weren't stripping that [EXIF data], it would be particularly alarming."
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
• Images can contain the precise GPS coordinates for where a photo was taken
• Pictures on Flickr, Photobucket and Picasa Web Albums can contain location data
• Other services, like Facebook, TwitPic and Yfrog, strip that data
• Digital photo experts express concerns over privacy implications
(CNN) -- Skim through the photos on Flickr or Photobucket, and you'll find pictures of cats pawing at living-room sofas, children playing in backyards and mothers gardening at home.
Dig a little deeper, and you can unearth the exact locations of many of those homes, embedded in data within the pictures.
Images often contain a bundle of information and various traces left by digital cameras or photo manipulation software.
This data, called Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF), is a key tool for many professionals. It can detail whether the photographer used a flash, which digital effects were applied to a picture and when the photo was taken.
EXIF can also contain the precise GPS coordinates for where a photo was taken. This information is readily accessible and can be plugged into software such as Google Maps -- leading some security and photography experts to express concerns about amateurs unknowingly disclosing private information, such as the location of their home.
"What could go wrong with that?" Roger Thompson, the chief research officer for digital security firm AVG, said sarcastically.
Thomas Hawk, an active Flickr user and the former chief executive of competing photo site Zooomr, said EXIF is an important part of his archival process. But he has also used that data to track down someone who was harassing him online and managed to coerce an apology, he said.
"I don't geotag any pictures to my house," Hawk said on the phone last week. "I think it's a huge concern. I think a lot of people don't realize or recognize what's in all of the EXIF data that they're publishing."
Most gadgets ignore the geotagging component of EXIF because relatively few cameras contain the GPS chips needed to tag them. However, many smartphones, such as those from Apple and Google's Android system, let users employ this feature.
Apple's and Google's systems ask each user once or a few times for permission to access their location in order to provide additional services. If they click "OK" on that popup, every photo they take is tagged with GPS coordinates.
Smartphones are fast becoming the camera of choice for many people. Cameras on newer phones have come to rival dedicated point-and-shoots, and many smartphone owners carry them just about everywhere. Smartphone sales have increased 50 percent since last year, according to a report by research firm Gartner.
Millions of images are uploaded to Facebook using the company's iPhone, Android and BlackBerry applications. The iPhone 3G is the most popular shooter among photographers on Yahoo's Flickr website, according to a report on that site.
Judging by the abundance of pictures in Flickr's database that include geolocation data in the EXIF, some smartphone owners aren't thinking twice about opting into their devices' GPS feature. Doing so can facilitate useful tools. For example, software like iPhoto and Picasa can group images by location and display them on a map.
But amateur photographers may not realize that this info stays with the image when it's uploaded to Flickr, Photobucket, Picasa Web Albums and some other photo-sharing services. (Facebook says it strips the EXIF data from all photos to protect its users' privacy.)
Pictures uploaded to Photobucket by one woman show her children preparing lunch and bathing in a kitchen sink. The location data, which is displayed directly on each photo's webpage, can be inputted into Google Maps to find a satellite image of her rural home in Edmond, Oklahoma. The woman couldn't be reached for comment.
"We added EXIF data a few years ago at the request of our users," Rob Newton, a spokesman for Photobucket, wrote in an e-mail. "To date, we have not received any complaints from users who were previously unaware of the GPS tagging feature."
Displaying the GPS coordinates on the page can be disabled in a user's settings panel, Newton noted.
However, anyone could still download the original file using a link on Photobucket and view the location info in Adobe's Photoshop or in software included with every new Mac and Windows 7 computer.
Flickr's and Picasa's pages don't show the coordinates by default. But the services similarly offer links to access the original files, which can contain EXIF.
"Having the ability to download the original version of photos on Flickr is an important feature for our members," a Flickr spokeswoman wrote. "However, we help people maintain their privacy by stripping the EXIF data of an image from view on the site and making the default control option to keep this information private."
Users who don't want their photos tagged with GPS data can either disable the option on their cameras or run the images through software, such as Photoshop, that can remove the EXIF.
"We realize not everyone wants to share this information with others," a Google spokeswoman wrote in an e-mail. She notes how to disable GPS tagging, but added: "This is a popular Picasa feature that many people find useful."
Some photo services, including Facebook, TwitPic and Yfrog, strip EXIF once a file is uploaded and don't offer a way for users to access the original.
For Yfrog, the lack of EXIF is a byproduct of automatic image optimizations done by the system, not something designed specifically with privacy in mind, Mike Harkey, a spokesman for the ImageShack-owned Yfrog site, wrote in an e-mail.
While Facebook's system compresses some photos, it doesn't do so for every one.
"For those that we don't compress, we still strip out EXIF data," Facebook spokeswoman Jaime Schopflin wrote in an e-mail. "We do this since users can unintentionally leak sensitive information in EXIF data."
Thompson, the security expert from AVG, commended these efforts.
"Chalk one up to Facebook for that one," he said. "One of the alarming things is that every [Facebook] application wants to access your profile and your contacts and your photos. So if they weren't stripping that [EXIF data], it would be particularly alarming."
Norwegian Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
by on October 15, 2010
Norwegian Cruise Lines is wholly supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning their traditional White Hot Party into a pink festive occasion for this month. Details and the press release are presented for your reading below.
Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that their popular fleet-wide White Hot Party, the line’s signature dance party, on board its Freestyle Cruising ships turns pink for the month of October to help commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The White Hot Party is a heavenly theme party held on board Norwegian’s ships where guests come dressed in head-to-toe white. The party’s Angel Dancers keep the crowd moving late into the night in spectacular venues including the aft outdoor beach club Spice H2O on Norwegian Epic; Norwegian Sky’s vast pool deck, as well as the Bliss Ultra Lounge. The party takes place once per cruise and features specialty cocktails such as the Angeltini and the Heavenly Coladatini. The usual White Hot Party t-shirts sold in the on-board gift shops will be available in the well-known pink color to help spread the word on fighting breast cancer. The limited edition Pink Hot Party t-shirts will be available on board throughout the month of October for $18 each with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. “Breast cancer affects more than 1.3 million women a year, so it is a cause that continues to need attention and one that everyone can support,” said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It’s a great way for our ships, crew and guests to all be a part of spreading awareness.” Nine of the line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships are participating, including: Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun and Pride of America. The Susan G. Komen Foundation is dedicated to the education and research about causes, treatment and the search for a cure. They have invested over $1.5 billion in finding a cure for breast cancer.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.
Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.
Norwegian’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Norwegian Cruise Line parties for charity
Norwegian Cruise line announced today a fleet-wide promotion to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness month.
On each sailing of a Norwegian ship, there is a dance party called a "White Hot Party" where guests are encouraged to wear all white head-to-toe. The usual White Hot Party t-shirts will be sold in the on-board gift shops in pink to help spread the word on fighting breast cancer. Sold for $18 each, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure.
Norwegian, like most cruise lines, is no stranger to giving back. Through the NCL Cruise Donation Program they support worthy charity organizations and their efforts in communities around the world. The company donates more than 100 cruises a year to organizations that have a broad, community-wide appeal in the areas of heath and welfare, children's issues, arts and culture and civic programs.
Who's in the kitchen on today's cruise ships?
Who's in the kitchen on today's cruise ships?
US-based cruise line Holland America has become the latest cruise line to turn to celebrity chefs to add some culinary sparkle on board its ships.
Unveiling its new advisers, tasked with devising signature recipes to be rolled out on board all of Holland America's 15 ships, the line said that its new "Culinary Council" placed it at the forefront of culinary initiatives within the industry.
The firm's lineup includes Dutch chef Jonnie Boer (of De Librije in Zwolle, one of the Netherlands' two restaurants to be awarded three Michelin stars), American serial restaurateur David Burke, Swedish chef Marcus Samuelsson (who cooked the first state dinner for US President Barack Obama), television chef and chocolatier Jacques Torres and US television chef Charlie Trotter.
The chefs will also consult on the ships' enrichment programs, helping to devise new learning experiences for the onboard Culinary Arts Centre cooking school.
Holland America's kitchen lineup may impress some guests, but it has serious competition - celebrity chefs have become the latest "must-have" for innovative cruise companies looking to appeal.
Disney's Dream, set to debut next year, will feature a restaurant from French culinary star Arnaud Lallement, while Costa Cruises sources homegrown recipes from Italian Ettore Bocchia.
P&O's new Azura features an upmarket Indian restaurant from high-profile British chef Atol Kochhar, but the line also employs UK chefs Marco Pierre White for restaurants on board Venture, Oceana and Aurora and Gary Rhodes to create dishes for Arcadian and Oriana.
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has a restaurant by Todd English, who hosts his own hit TV show on American network PBS, while Seabourn has a long-standing relationship with American chef Charlie Palmer.
Earlier this year, US television channel the Food Network teamed up with Celebrity Cruises for an entire food-themed cruise, which starred the network's own Cat Cora and Aaron Sanchez.
US-based cruise line Holland America has become the latest cruise line to turn to celebrity chefs to add some culinary sparkle on board its ships.
Unveiling its new advisers, tasked with devising signature recipes to be rolled out on board all of Holland America's 15 ships, the line said that its new "Culinary Council" placed it at the forefront of culinary initiatives within the industry.
The firm's lineup includes Dutch chef Jonnie Boer (of De Librije in Zwolle, one of the Netherlands' two restaurants to be awarded three Michelin stars), American serial restaurateur David Burke, Swedish chef Marcus Samuelsson (who cooked the first state dinner for US President Barack Obama), television chef and chocolatier Jacques Torres and US television chef Charlie Trotter.
The chefs will also consult on the ships' enrichment programs, helping to devise new learning experiences for the onboard Culinary Arts Centre cooking school.
Holland America's kitchen lineup may impress some guests, but it has serious competition - celebrity chefs have become the latest "must-have" for innovative cruise companies looking to appeal.
Disney's Dream, set to debut next year, will feature a restaurant from French culinary star Arnaud Lallement, while Costa Cruises sources homegrown recipes from Italian Ettore Bocchia.
P&O's new Azura features an upmarket Indian restaurant from high-profile British chef Atol Kochhar, but the line also employs UK chefs Marco Pierre White for restaurants on board Venture, Oceana and Aurora and Gary Rhodes to create dishes for Arcadian and Oriana.
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has a restaurant by Todd English, who hosts his own hit TV show on American network PBS, while Seabourn has a long-standing relationship with American chef Charlie Palmer.
Earlier this year, US television channel the Food Network teamed up with Celebrity Cruises for an entire food-themed cruise, which starred the network's own Cat Cora and Aaron Sanchez.
T.G.I. Friday's Coupon
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Choosing a Cruise
9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Choose a Cruise
Matching your tastes and personality to the right cruise ship isn't so hard if you ask yourself these simple questions.
By Heidi Sarna
October 13, 2010
I get asked by friends and acquaintances all the time how they should figure out what cruise to take. Well, of course I tell them to read the hundreds of articles I've written and the cruise guidebooks I've co-authored with Matt Hannafin. But some still want more, they want a check list. Here are some questions to ask yourself before figuring out which cruise suits your personality best:
Would you rather jump off a cliff than take a bus tour or wait in line behind 500 hungry shipmates in a buffet line?
If you're more of a fleece and Crocs person than a gold sandals and designer bag gal, go for small and hands-on and join the active egg heads attracted to lines like Lindblad Expeditions, Travel Dynamics International, Quark Expeditions, Hurtigruten and Celebrity Xpeditions. The lecturers are excellent and you'll definitely get your feet wet exploring remote regions in places like Antarctica, the Arctic, Galapagos Islands, and Africa.
Do you have high-class tastes, but you're not old or stuffy?
A line like SeaDream Yacht Club fits the bill -- the line's pair of mini-cruise liners carry 200 passengers in casually elegant yacht-style surroundings with five-star food and service sans the cuff links and the Rolls Royce attitude. Along similar lines, the sleek yachts of Windstar are also a good bet. On these ships, the focus is as much on water sports off the side of the ships as it is on decadent dollops of caviar and swilling champagne.
Do you want a genteel experience, marble-clad suites, proper service and dressy dinners?
The high-end lines of Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas offer well-accoutered suites with marble bathrooms and fancy toiletries, doting service, five-star food, and low-key entertainment. You'll be cruising with a few hundred others, instead of thousands, and wouldn't subjected to loud music by the pool, exuberant art auctions, ubiquitous photographers and the other trappings of the larger mainstream ships.
Do you have a posse of kids under age 10?
Your choices are easy: warm weather itineraries on giant family-friendly ships from the majors – Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Do you have young children under age 3?
Drop-off kids programming starts at age three on most ships. If your kids are younger, NCL's and Carnival's programming starts at age two, Cunard's QM2 at age one and Disney's at three months. If you want to dine out sans kids in the evening and your children are good sleepers, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America and Crystal offer private in-cabin babysitting for an hourly fee -- an off-duty cabin stewardess will sit in your cabin and mind your offspring for a few hours (this worked great for me when my kids were between about nine months and two years).
Do you want to put together a girls-only getaway for you and a couple of your 30-something best friends?
Avoid the top lux lines like Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas where the average age is in the 50s and 60s and the vibe is sedate. Avoid anything longer than a week, which will also attract an older, chilled out crowd. The biggest party will be on weekend cruises aboard the bustling biggies of lines like Carnival, NCL, and Royal Caribbean.
Are you cruising with your elderly parents and your young kids?
To please all ages, choose a big ship that offers childcare and kids' activities as well as adult activities ala lectures, seminars and classics like bridge tournaments as well as musical and cabaret-style entertainment. If your budget is big, go for higher-end Crystal or Disney, if you'd rather spend less than more, go for Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Costa, Carnival, NCL, Princess, or Holland America.
Are you the Las Vegas type?
It sounds cliché, but it's true: If you like the buzz and vibe of a glitzy casino, then a big ship ala Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Costa will work for you. It's splitting hairs, but for a somewhat muted Vegas vibe, go for Princess, Holland America, or Celebrity; they offer slightly more toned-down ships but still with plenty of entertainment and dining options.
Do you think you'll hate everything about a cruise and are only considering it because your best friend or husband or mother really wants you to come along?
If so, choose an anti-cruise -- from the swashbuckling tall ships of Star Clippers to the steamer-style Asia-based river boats of Pandaw and cozy 6- to 12-person barges that ply the canals of France and focus on gourmet cuisine and top regional wines with companies like French Country Waterways and the Barge Lady. Or go exotic, say, with Hurtigruten up the coast of Norway, Lindblad Expeditions to Antarctica, or Paul Gauguin Cruises in French Polynesia -- you'll be so bowled over by the destination you won't even remember you're on a ship.
Matching your tastes and personality to the right cruise ship isn't so hard if you ask yourself these simple questions.
By Heidi Sarna
October 13, 2010
I get asked by friends and acquaintances all the time how they should figure out what cruise to take. Well, of course I tell them to read the hundreds of articles I've written and the cruise guidebooks I've co-authored with Matt Hannafin. But some still want more, they want a check list. Here are some questions to ask yourself before figuring out which cruise suits your personality best:
Would you rather jump off a cliff than take a bus tour or wait in line behind 500 hungry shipmates in a buffet line?
If you're more of a fleece and Crocs person than a gold sandals and designer bag gal, go for small and hands-on and join the active egg heads attracted to lines like Lindblad Expeditions, Travel Dynamics International, Quark Expeditions, Hurtigruten and Celebrity Xpeditions. The lecturers are excellent and you'll definitely get your feet wet exploring remote regions in places like Antarctica, the Arctic, Galapagos Islands, and Africa.
Do you have high-class tastes, but you're not old or stuffy?
A line like SeaDream Yacht Club fits the bill -- the line's pair of mini-cruise liners carry 200 passengers in casually elegant yacht-style surroundings with five-star food and service sans the cuff links and the Rolls Royce attitude. Along similar lines, the sleek yachts of Windstar are also a good bet. On these ships, the focus is as much on water sports off the side of the ships as it is on decadent dollops of caviar and swilling champagne.
Do you want a genteel experience, marble-clad suites, proper service and dressy dinners?
The high-end lines of Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas offer well-accoutered suites with marble bathrooms and fancy toiletries, doting service, five-star food, and low-key entertainment. You'll be cruising with a few hundred others, instead of thousands, and wouldn't subjected to loud music by the pool, exuberant art auctions, ubiquitous photographers and the other trappings of the larger mainstream ships.
Do you have a posse of kids under age 10?
Your choices are easy: warm weather itineraries on giant family-friendly ships from the majors – Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Do you have young children under age 3?
Drop-off kids programming starts at age three on most ships. If your kids are younger, NCL's and Carnival's programming starts at age two, Cunard's QM2 at age one and Disney's at three months. If you want to dine out sans kids in the evening and your children are good sleepers, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America and Crystal offer private in-cabin babysitting for an hourly fee -- an off-duty cabin stewardess will sit in your cabin and mind your offspring for a few hours (this worked great for me when my kids were between about nine months and two years).
Do you want to put together a girls-only getaway for you and a couple of your 30-something best friends?
Avoid the top lux lines like Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas where the average age is in the 50s and 60s and the vibe is sedate. Avoid anything longer than a week, which will also attract an older, chilled out crowd. The biggest party will be on weekend cruises aboard the bustling biggies of lines like Carnival, NCL, and Royal Caribbean.
Are you cruising with your elderly parents and your young kids?
To please all ages, choose a big ship that offers childcare and kids' activities as well as adult activities ala lectures, seminars and classics like bridge tournaments as well as musical and cabaret-style entertainment. If your budget is big, go for higher-end Crystal or Disney, if you'd rather spend less than more, go for Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Costa, Carnival, NCL, Princess, or Holland America.
Are you the Las Vegas type?
It sounds cliché, but it's true: If you like the buzz and vibe of a glitzy casino, then a big ship ala Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Costa will work for you. It's splitting hairs, but for a somewhat muted Vegas vibe, go for Princess, Holland America, or Celebrity; they offer slightly more toned-down ships but still with plenty of entertainment and dining options.
Do you think you'll hate everything about a cruise and are only considering it because your best friend or husband or mother really wants you to come along?
If so, choose an anti-cruise -- from the swashbuckling tall ships of Star Clippers to the steamer-style Asia-based river boats of Pandaw and cozy 6- to 12-person barges that ply the canals of France and focus on gourmet cuisine and top regional wines with companies like French Country Waterways and the Barge Lady. Or go exotic, say, with Hurtigruten up the coast of Norway, Lindblad Expeditions to Antarctica, or Paul Gauguin Cruises in French Polynesia -- you'll be so bowled over by the destination you won't even remember you're on a ship.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Pain-Free Cruising: Norwegian Cruise Line Goes Freestyle
Jenny Block
Posted: October 12, 2010 12:56 PM
The idea of going on a cruise causes many a traveler to hyperventilate. What if we miss the boat? Won't it be too many people? Where do I put all my stuff? Will I have to shower over the toilet? Do we have to sit with the same people at the same time in the same place every night for dinner? How about if we don't want to see the musical review on Thursday? And what if I just want to sit and read for seven days and my partner wants twenty-four hour entertainment?
The thing is, cruising is a great way to have as much fun on the journey as you do at the destination. Not to mention a great way to see a number of places all in one trip without breaking the bank. It'd be a shame to miss out on all of the benefits of cruising because you think all cruise lines are the same. The truth is, there are as many styles of cruising as there are types of potential cruisers. It's all about how you choose to cruise.
1. Choose the cruise line that's right for you. If traditional cruising with all of that assigned dinner seating and pre-scheduled entertainment rubs you the wrong way, find a cruise line that suits how you like to travel. Norwegian Cruise Line for example has a massive new ship named the Epic on which passengers can enjoy "freestyle cruising." Dining, entertainment, even disembarking is all at the discretion of the passenger.
2. Choose to arrive one day early. Forget flying in the day of the cruise. With all of the airline delays lately, it's more likely that you'll miss the boat than that you'll make it. So fly in the night before and stay at a local hotel convenient to the airport and the cruise terminal. In Miami, Florida, for example, guests can stay at the Epic Hotel and spend the next morning enjoying the hotel's hip pool instead of pacing the airport terminal hallways.
3. Choose what you bring wisely. If you're not sure if you'll need it, you probably don't. The less you have, the less you'll have to put away. And unless you're renting the Presidential Suite, even some of the best cabins have close quarters. Word to the wise, book a room with a balcony if you can swing it. On NCL's Epic, it's like having a second, outdoor living area all to yourself.
Although cruise lines are certainly getting wiser to consumers' distaste for lack of space. Norwegian's Epic has a curved wall design that allows for ample shower space far from the toilet and even the halls allow for passing by without rubbing shoulders with strangers.
4. Choose what you want to do. There's no right way to cruise. So if it's the thought of all of that shuffleboard and bingo that makes you cringe, not to worry. You can do practically anything and everything on cruise ships these days. The Epic alone boasts three waterslides, two rock walls, two bowling alleys, performances by Blue Man Group and Second City, a bevy of shops, Nickelodeon's Slime Time Live, a casino, an "ice" rink, and almost every activity you can imagine from bingo to art auctions.
5. Choose to get off the ship. One of the complaints people have about cruise ships is that they get tired of being on them. So, get off. On port days, you can choose to go ashore and shop, hit the beach, or visit local attractions. You can also sign up for excursions like snorkeling, zip-lining, city tours, and the like.
In Nassau, Bahamas, for example, you can opt to spend that whole day at Atlantis where you'll find a state-of-the-art water park, aquarium, beach access, dolphin adventures, snorkeling, and more than eleven swimming pools. Definitely worth jumping ship for the day. The place is heaven for adults and kids
Of course, port days can also be a great time to simply stay on board and have almost the whole place to yourself. And that may be the best cure for cruise claustrophobia of all!
6. Choose when to go. If you book a cruise over spring break, holiday vacation, or much of the summer, there will be lots of kids around. If that's what you're looking for, you know what to do. But if you're looking for a quieter trip on the high seas, book your cruise for less kid friendly times of year.
Some cruise lines even offer "themed" cruises. NCL, for example, offers an "All Access Nickelodeon" cruise with characters onboard and Nick themed activities for the kids. So, be sure to book early if you want in. (Or to not book during those dates if slime isn't your gig.)
Cruising isn't what it used to be. Thank goodness. Cruise lines, some of them anyway, are starting to pay attention to what consumers want. And the truth is, they want it all. Great food. Great entertainment. And space to enjoy it all. These days it's possible to get exactly what you want when you cruise from all-day sunbathing to all-night partying. It's all about how you choose to cruise.
Monday, October 11, 2010
US travellers deterred by European terror warning
US travellers deterred by European terror warning
Nearly one fifth of US travellers have cancelled plans to visit Europe following recent warnings of an increased threat from terrorism, according to a new poll.
By Oliver Smith
More than half claim that the warnings have put them off travelling to Europe.Last week the US State Department warned its citizens of “the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure” in European cities.
Similar warnings were issued by the Foreign Office and by the French, Swedish and Japanese governments.
The survey of 500 US citizens was carried out between October 4 and 6 by the website OneNewsPage.com. Nineteen per cent of respondents said they had "actually cancelled" travel plans because of the warnings, 52 per cent said the warnings had deterred them from visiting Europe, while 54 per cent said their fear of terrorism had increased during the last year.
Dr Marc Pinter-Krainer, the CEO of OneNewsPage, said that the impact on tourism “could be very damaging”.
Last week Tom Jenkins, the executive director of the European Tour Operators Association, criticised the warnings, and suggested that they would “add to the hysteria and compound the damage al-Qaeda or other groups are trying to inflict”.
Meanwhile, Skyscanner, the price-comparison website, has already reported a decline in searches for flights. It said that searches made last week by US residents for flights to Britain, Germany and France had fallen respectively by 35 per cent, 40 per cent and 42 per cent compared with the previous week.
Abta, the travel association, suggested that although British travellers would respond as phlegmatically as usual, the warnings might deter some Americans from visiting Europe.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches regional flights programme
Norwegian Cruise Line launches regional flights programme
Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a 2011 schedule of direct regional flights, now available for agents to sell through a new, streamlined fly-cruise booking process.
Agents can offer customers the ease of flying from Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Glasgow Newcastle and London Gatwick to join popular peak-time fly-cruise itineraries departing from either Venice or Barcelona from May to October 2011.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s partnership with airline Jet2.com means agents can book guests on flights from Manchester and Edinburgh direct to Venice to join Norwegian Jade’s Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. Thomas Cook will provide flights from Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle and London Gatwick to Barcelona’s Reus Airport for brand new ship Norwegian Epic’s seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings.
As part of its ongoing commitment to working closely with the trade, Norwegian Cruise Line has simplified its fly-cruise booking process. By making one call to a contact centre reservation agent, travel partners can now get all flight information including times and airlines so they can advise customers of the details at the time of booking.
Sally-Anne Beasley, Director of Passenger Services at Norwegian Cruise Line said, “We want to provide customers with comfort and convenience so their booking runs as smoothly as possible and they can get away easily. That’s why it’s important to offer flights from major regional airports. This is a strong selling point for agents and we are sure it will generate more leads.
”Listening to agent feedback is a priority for us and we know there is a need for more efficient flight booking processes. Agents shouldn’t have to wait to find out simple flight details, so we have invested in providing a smarter way to book fly-cruises. This will save time and ensure travel partners can provide customers with as much detail as possible at the time of booking.”
Regional departures are available on itineraries including
* Fly from Manchester or Edinburgh with Jet2.com for Norwegian Jade’s Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Isles seven-night fly-cruise, travelling to Venice – day at sea – Corfu, Greece – Santorini, Greece – Mykonos, Greece – Katakolon, Greece – day at sea – Venice / return to Manchester or Edinburgh.
* Fly from Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle or London Gatwick with Thomas Cook for Norwegian Epic’s Western Mediterranean seven-night fly-cruise, travelling to Barcelona (Reus)– day at sea – Livorno, Florence / Pisa – Civitavecchia, Rome – Naples, Pompeii – day at sea – Palma, Majorca – Barcelona (Reus) / return to Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle or London Gatwick.
* Fly from Manchester or Edinburgh with Jet2.com for Norwegian Jade’s Eastern Mediterranean, Adriatic, Greece and Turkey 14-night fly-cruise, travelling to Venice – Dubrovnik, Croatia – day at sea – Piraeus, Athens – Izmir, Ephesus – day at sea – Split, Croatia – Venice, Italy – day at sea – Corfu, Greece – Santorini, Greece – Mykonos, Greece – Katakolon, Greece – day at sea - Venice / return to Manchester or Edinburgh.
Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a 2011 schedule of direct regional flights, now available for agents to sell through a new, streamlined fly-cruise booking process.
Agents can offer customers the ease of flying from Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Glasgow Newcastle and London Gatwick to join popular peak-time fly-cruise itineraries departing from either Venice or Barcelona from May to October 2011.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s partnership with airline Jet2.com means agents can book guests on flights from Manchester and Edinburgh direct to Venice to join Norwegian Jade’s Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. Thomas Cook will provide flights from Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle and London Gatwick to Barcelona’s Reus Airport for brand new ship Norwegian Epic’s seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings.
As part of its ongoing commitment to working closely with the trade, Norwegian Cruise Line has simplified its fly-cruise booking process. By making one call to a contact centre reservation agent, travel partners can now get all flight information including times and airlines so they can advise customers of the details at the time of booking.
Sally-Anne Beasley, Director of Passenger Services at Norwegian Cruise Line said, “We want to provide customers with comfort and convenience so their booking runs as smoothly as possible and they can get away easily. That’s why it’s important to offer flights from major regional airports. This is a strong selling point for agents and we are sure it will generate more leads.
”Listening to agent feedback is a priority for us and we know there is a need for more efficient flight booking processes. Agents shouldn’t have to wait to find out simple flight details, so we have invested in providing a smarter way to book fly-cruises. This will save time and ensure travel partners can provide customers with as much detail as possible at the time of booking.”
Regional departures are available on itineraries including
* Fly from Manchester or Edinburgh with Jet2.com for Norwegian Jade’s Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Isles seven-night fly-cruise, travelling to Venice – day at sea – Corfu, Greece – Santorini, Greece – Mykonos, Greece – Katakolon, Greece – day at sea – Venice / return to Manchester or Edinburgh.
* Fly from Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle or London Gatwick with Thomas Cook for Norwegian Epic’s Western Mediterranean seven-night fly-cruise, travelling to Barcelona (Reus)– day at sea – Livorno, Florence / Pisa – Civitavecchia, Rome – Naples, Pompeii – day at sea – Palma, Majorca – Barcelona (Reus) / return to Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle or London Gatwick.
* Fly from Manchester or Edinburgh with Jet2.com for Norwegian Jade’s Eastern Mediterranean, Adriatic, Greece and Turkey 14-night fly-cruise, travelling to Venice – Dubrovnik, Croatia – day at sea – Piraeus, Athens – Izmir, Ephesus – day at sea – Split, Croatia – Venice, Italy – day at sea – Corfu, Greece – Santorini, Greece – Mykonos, Greece – Katakolon, Greece – day at sea - Venice / return to Manchester or Edinburgh.
International Packing Tips
Smart Traveler: How to Pack for an International Flight
When planning your international trip, follow these 5 travel tips for smarter -- and more efficient -- packing.
By Zach Honig
October 11, 2010
Whether your suitcase gets lost in transit or you simply forgot to pack something, smart packing can save you from scrambling in a foreign country to replace travel essentials. Be prepared to handle any unexpected travel snafus by follow these 5 packing tips for international trips.
Packing Tip #1: Make a packing list. Every destination has unique packing needs, so start with a list of items that you'd need for any trip. Then customize your list by adding items that depend on the weather and duration of your trip. It may be helpful to keep a smaller bag packed with basic travel essentials, such as medication and cosmetics, so you don't risk leaving items behind. Create a list on your computer and print it out, or write it out by hand. You can also download Frommer's free iPhone app, which includes a handy packing-list tool. However you do it, check off items as you go, and don't forget to include accessories, such as cell-phone chargers and camera batteries.
Packing Tip #2: Research your destination. There are an infinite number of variables when it comes to international travel. Finding a bottle of potable water might present as much of a challenge in one destination as buying your favorite shampoo or sunscreen in another. I once planned a 700-mile trek from Beijing to Shanghai after nearly running out of deodorant, for example. That near-disaster ended up providing a hilarious excuse for an incredible adventure, but I still would have preferred to make the trip on my terms, not because I needed to replenish essential supplies. Also, keep in mind that the voltage and plug style may (and likely will) differ abroad, so check ahead (I typically use search terms like "UK Plug" on Google) and buy an adapter before you go. Most electronics are dual-voltage, but check your power adapter before plugging in. Keep in mind that hair dryers and curlers are not electronics, and most of these items are not dual-voltage capable.
Packing Tip #3: Check a bag. You may be able to check up to two 50-pound bags free of charge on your international flight, so check with your airline before you fly. You'll still want to bring a carry-on just in case your baggage doesn't arrive on the same flight as you do, but checking a bag even on quick trips can allow for more flexibility when returning home. At the very least, bring a carry-on bag that can then ride below on your trip home (any liquids purchased abroad will need to be checked, and duty-free purchases may be confiscated if you have a connecting flight in the U.S.) If checking more than one bag, split items evenly between each bag, just in case one bag arrives and another does not. Use this approach when packing for family trips as well. Also, keep in mind that restrictions on domestic checked baggage have made their way to some other countries, so plan ahead if you have an intra-country flight during your trip abroad.
Packing Tip #4: Carry it on. While checked luggage may come in handy on your way home, consider the worst possible scenario when packing a carry-on bag: that your checked bag may not arrive on time. You should keep vital supplies, including medication and a couple days' worth of clean clothes, with you on the plane. I carry the same large backpack on every flight, and each essential travel item is (informally) assigned to a specific pouch or zippered compartment. That way I don't need to dig around to find a pair of earplugs, and if my passport goes missing, I'll know right away.
Packing Tip #5: Use Space Bags. The infomercials may initially have pulled me in, but space-saving bags really do work wonders. Now I won't travel without them. I use the generic version -- purchased at Target (www.target.com) a few years ago -- but these bags can really make a difference when packing for long trips. These bags allow you to pack several clothing items, zip the seal like a sandwich bag, then roll out all the air, which significantly reduces the volume of packed items. I use one bag to pack a full-size pillow in my carry-on for use on long flights, and use the rest of the bags in my checked luggage. Even if you can fit everything without them on the trip over, the bags still may come in handy when accommodating souvenirs on the way home.
This is certainly not an all-inclusive list, so use your best judgment when packing your bag. It may also be helpful to take note of items you wouldn't mind having on your next trip, and consider updating your list as you go.
Staying local? Learn How to Pack for Domestic Flight.
Having visited nearly 30 countries on 5 continents in the last decade, Zach Honig's fascination with travel has clearly become an obsession. Follow Zach on Twitter (@zachhonig), or check out his blog, Tech, Travel and Tuna, to keep up to date on his latest adventures.
When planning your international trip, follow these 5 travel tips for smarter -- and more efficient -- packing.
By Zach Honig
October 11, 2010
Whether your suitcase gets lost in transit or you simply forgot to pack something, smart packing can save you from scrambling in a foreign country to replace travel essentials. Be prepared to handle any unexpected travel snafus by follow these 5 packing tips for international trips.
Packing Tip #1: Make a packing list. Every destination has unique packing needs, so start with a list of items that you'd need for any trip. Then customize your list by adding items that depend on the weather and duration of your trip. It may be helpful to keep a smaller bag packed with basic travel essentials, such as medication and cosmetics, so you don't risk leaving items behind. Create a list on your computer and print it out, or write it out by hand. You can also download Frommer's free iPhone app, which includes a handy packing-list tool. However you do it, check off items as you go, and don't forget to include accessories, such as cell-phone chargers and camera batteries.
Packing Tip #2: Research your destination. There are an infinite number of variables when it comes to international travel. Finding a bottle of potable water might present as much of a challenge in one destination as buying your favorite shampoo or sunscreen in another. I once planned a 700-mile trek from Beijing to Shanghai after nearly running out of deodorant, for example. That near-disaster ended up providing a hilarious excuse for an incredible adventure, but I still would have preferred to make the trip on my terms, not because I needed to replenish essential supplies. Also, keep in mind that the voltage and plug style may (and likely will) differ abroad, so check ahead (I typically use search terms like "UK Plug" on Google) and buy an adapter before you go. Most electronics are dual-voltage, but check your power adapter before plugging in. Keep in mind that hair dryers and curlers are not electronics, and most of these items are not dual-voltage capable.
Packing Tip #3: Check a bag. You may be able to check up to two 50-pound bags free of charge on your international flight, so check with your airline before you fly. You'll still want to bring a carry-on just in case your baggage doesn't arrive on the same flight as you do, but checking a bag even on quick trips can allow for more flexibility when returning home. At the very least, bring a carry-on bag that can then ride below on your trip home (any liquids purchased abroad will need to be checked, and duty-free purchases may be confiscated if you have a connecting flight in the U.S.) If checking more than one bag, split items evenly between each bag, just in case one bag arrives and another does not. Use this approach when packing for family trips as well. Also, keep in mind that restrictions on domestic checked baggage have made their way to some other countries, so plan ahead if you have an intra-country flight during your trip abroad.
Packing Tip #4: Carry it on. While checked luggage may come in handy on your way home, consider the worst possible scenario when packing a carry-on bag: that your checked bag may not arrive on time. You should keep vital supplies, including medication and a couple days' worth of clean clothes, with you on the plane. I carry the same large backpack on every flight, and each essential travel item is (informally) assigned to a specific pouch or zippered compartment. That way I don't need to dig around to find a pair of earplugs, and if my passport goes missing, I'll know right away.
Packing Tip #5: Use Space Bags. The infomercials may initially have pulled me in, but space-saving bags really do work wonders. Now I won't travel without them. I use the generic version -- purchased at Target (www.target.com) a few years ago -- but these bags can really make a difference when packing for long trips. These bags allow you to pack several clothing items, zip the seal like a sandwich bag, then roll out all the air, which significantly reduces the volume of packed items. I use one bag to pack a full-size pillow in my carry-on for use on long flights, and use the rest of the bags in my checked luggage. Even if you can fit everything without them on the trip over, the bags still may come in handy when accommodating souvenirs on the way home.
This is certainly not an all-inclusive list, so use your best judgment when packing your bag. It may also be helpful to take note of items you wouldn't mind having on your next trip, and consider updating your list as you go.
Staying local? Learn How to Pack for Domestic Flight.
Having visited nearly 30 countries on 5 continents in the last decade, Zach Honig's fascination with travel has clearly become an obsession. Follow Zach on Twitter (@zachhonig), or check out his blog, Tech, Travel and Tuna, to keep up to date on his latest adventures.
Domestic Packing Tips
Smart Traveler: How to Pack for Your Domestic Flight
With restrictions on checked baggage and even some fees for carry-on luggage, packing for your domestic trip has never been so complicated. Breeze through airport security with these 5 travel tips for domestic travel.
By Zach Honig
October 11, 2010
Recent restrictions on airline baggage allowances have made packing for a domestic flight unnecessarily complex. As airlines and the TSA take the fun out of preparing for a quick trip across the country, simplify your next trip with these 5 packing tips for domestic travel.
Packing Tip #1: Make a packing list. You may not have trouble finding items in California that you can buy at home in Kansas, but making a travel packing list (and checking it twice) will guarantee that you don't leave any essentials behind. Make a list of items that you'd need for any trip, then add seasonal items specific to your destination. I always have a quart-size, clear plastic bag packed with miniature 3-ounce toiletries ready to go, but lists come in handy when it comes time to remember easily overlooked items, such as socks and cell-phone chargers.
Packing Tip #2: Carry it on. There are endless advantages to checking a bag, and just as many to carrying it on board. If you're able to adhere to the TSA's somewhat-granular liquids restrictions, then avoid baggage delays and checked luggage fees by rolling your bag on board. Every airline has a published list of carry-on bag size restrictions, but most gate agents have become more flexible in light of recent checked bag fees -- from my personal travel experience, at least. This means creative passengers may be able to board with both a wheelie suitcase (22-inches and under) and a backpack large enough to accommodate every "personal item" that you own (make sure the backpack can still fit under the seat in front of you). Keep in mind that bulkhead seats don't offer any floor storage at all. With everyone competing for space in the overhead compartment, avoid being the last to board, or you may not have room for your rolling carry-on.
Packing Tip #3: Compare the carry-on fees. Believe it or not, some airlines still allow you to check a bag for free. JetBlue (www.jetblue.com), for example, doesn't charge a fee for the first checked bag, and Southwest (www.southwest.com) even allows you to check a second bag without fees. Now infamous for its fees for carry-on baggage, Spirit Airlines (www.spiritair.com) charges a whopping $45 fee at the gate (or $30 at check-in) if you want to bring your carry-on bag on board (personal items are free). You'll actually save money by checking your bag -- the fee is $25 per bag, for the first and second checked bag per passenger -- so unless you're flying out for lunch, expect to pay some kind of additional fee for each leg of your trip.
Packing Tip #4: Leave it at home. One advantage to domestic travel is that your destination will generally sell anything that you'd find at home. It may be more cost-effective to purchase oversize liquids once you arrive, rather than paying a fee to check your bag. If you're visiting friends or family, you can ask to leave your prohibited items behind for your next trip, or you can simply offer to give any unused portions to your host. Alternatively, use solid toiletries whenever possible (small bars of soap instead of body wash, for example), and stock up on sample-size shampoos. Some hotels even offer toothbrushes with mini tubes of toothpaste, which also come in handy on future trips.
Packing Tip #5: Use Space Bags. Also great for international trips, space-saving bags (the generic versions work just fine) allow you to fit much more in your carry-on bag. Pack clothing items into each airtight plastic bag, and roll out the excess air. Don't be surprised if your bag feels heavier than it used to -- clothes will weigh just as much without the excess air, but you'll be able to pack more into your carry-on bag.
Having visited nearly 30 countries on 5 continents in the last decade, Zach Honig's fascination with travel has clearly become an obsession. Follow Zach on Twitter (@zachhonig), or check out his blog, Tech, Travel and Tuna, to keep up to date on his latest adventures.
Planning a trip overseas? Learn How to Pack for an International Flight
With restrictions on checked baggage and even some fees for carry-on luggage, packing for your domestic trip has never been so complicated. Breeze through airport security with these 5 travel tips for domestic travel.
By Zach Honig
October 11, 2010
Recent restrictions on airline baggage allowances have made packing for a domestic flight unnecessarily complex. As airlines and the TSA take the fun out of preparing for a quick trip across the country, simplify your next trip with these 5 packing tips for domestic travel.
Packing Tip #1: Make a packing list. You may not have trouble finding items in California that you can buy at home in Kansas, but making a travel packing list (and checking it twice) will guarantee that you don't leave any essentials behind. Make a list of items that you'd need for any trip, then add seasonal items specific to your destination. I always have a quart-size, clear plastic bag packed with miniature 3-ounce toiletries ready to go, but lists come in handy when it comes time to remember easily overlooked items, such as socks and cell-phone chargers.
Packing Tip #2: Carry it on. There are endless advantages to checking a bag, and just as many to carrying it on board. If you're able to adhere to the TSA's somewhat-granular liquids restrictions, then avoid baggage delays and checked luggage fees by rolling your bag on board. Every airline has a published list of carry-on bag size restrictions, but most gate agents have become more flexible in light of recent checked bag fees -- from my personal travel experience, at least. This means creative passengers may be able to board with both a wheelie suitcase (22-inches and under) and a backpack large enough to accommodate every "personal item" that you own (make sure the backpack can still fit under the seat in front of you). Keep in mind that bulkhead seats don't offer any floor storage at all. With everyone competing for space in the overhead compartment, avoid being the last to board, or you may not have room for your rolling carry-on.
Packing Tip #3: Compare the carry-on fees. Believe it or not, some airlines still allow you to check a bag for free. JetBlue (www.jetblue.com), for example, doesn't charge a fee for the first checked bag, and Southwest (www.southwest.com) even allows you to check a second bag without fees. Now infamous for its fees for carry-on baggage, Spirit Airlines (www.spiritair.com) charges a whopping $45 fee at the gate (or $30 at check-in) if you want to bring your carry-on bag on board (personal items are free). You'll actually save money by checking your bag -- the fee is $25 per bag, for the first and second checked bag per passenger -- so unless you're flying out for lunch, expect to pay some kind of additional fee for each leg of your trip.
Packing Tip #4: Leave it at home. One advantage to domestic travel is that your destination will generally sell anything that you'd find at home. It may be more cost-effective to purchase oversize liquids once you arrive, rather than paying a fee to check your bag. If you're visiting friends or family, you can ask to leave your prohibited items behind for your next trip, or you can simply offer to give any unused portions to your host. Alternatively, use solid toiletries whenever possible (small bars of soap instead of body wash, for example), and stock up on sample-size shampoos. Some hotels even offer toothbrushes with mini tubes of toothpaste, which also come in handy on future trips.
Packing Tip #5: Use Space Bags. Also great for international trips, space-saving bags (the generic versions work just fine) allow you to fit much more in your carry-on bag. Pack clothing items into each airtight plastic bag, and roll out the excess air. Don't be surprised if your bag feels heavier than it used to -- clothes will weigh just as much without the excess air, but you'll be able to pack more into your carry-on bag.
Having visited nearly 30 countries on 5 continents in the last decade, Zach Honig's fascination with travel has clearly become an obsession. Follow Zach on Twitter (@zachhonig), or check out his blog, Tech, Travel and Tuna, to keep up to date on his latest adventures.
Planning a trip overseas? Learn How to Pack for an International Flight
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Cruise to mark 100th anniversary of Titanic sinking nearly sold out
Cruise to mark 100th anniversary of Titanic sinking nearly sold out
By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY
A controversial cruise to mark the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking is close to selling out -- 18 months in advance of sailing.
The UK's Travel Weekly reports only a few cabins are left to sell on travel agent Miles Morgan's Titanic Memorial Cruise, which is scheduled to take place in 2012 on a chartered Fred Olsen Lines ship.
The 1,230-passenger vessel, the Balmoral, will sail from Southampton, England on April 8, 2012 (almost exactly 100 years to the day after the Titanic set sail from the port town on its doomed maiden voyage), and will follow the ship's original route westward across the Atlantic to New York.
Travel Weekly says Americans account for the largest number of bookers, followed by residents of the UK and 24 other countries. Thirty passengers have ancestors who died on the original voyage, the news outlet says.
The sailing will include a memorial service on the morning of April 15, 2012 in the exact location where the Titanic went down. The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912.
Organizers of the voyage have drawn some criticism for what some say is the commercializing of a tragic event. Organizers have touted plans to sail with 1,309 paying passengers - the same number that sailed on the Titanic -- and serve food that matched the original voyage.
Some passengers also are planning to dress up in period costumes.
Morgan isn't the only one planning a Titanic memorial cruise to mark the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking. Bill Willard, a self-described Titanic enthusiast, has teamed up with upscale line Azamara Club Cruises to offer another anniversary voyage to the exact spot where the Titanic sank.
Dubbed Voyages! Titanic 2012, the nine-day Azamara trip will take place on the 700-passenger Azamara Journey sailing out of Boston. The ship will depart the city on April 10, 2012.
By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY
A controversial cruise to mark the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking is close to selling out -- 18 months in advance of sailing.
The UK's Travel Weekly reports only a few cabins are left to sell on travel agent Miles Morgan's Titanic Memorial Cruise, which is scheduled to take place in 2012 on a chartered Fred Olsen Lines ship.
The 1,230-passenger vessel, the Balmoral, will sail from Southampton, England on April 8, 2012 (almost exactly 100 years to the day after the Titanic set sail from the port town on its doomed maiden voyage), and will follow the ship's original route westward across the Atlantic to New York.
Travel Weekly says Americans account for the largest number of bookers, followed by residents of the UK and 24 other countries. Thirty passengers have ancestors who died on the original voyage, the news outlet says.
The sailing will include a memorial service on the morning of April 15, 2012 in the exact location where the Titanic went down. The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912.
Organizers of the voyage have drawn some criticism for what some say is the commercializing of a tragic event. Organizers have touted plans to sail with 1,309 paying passengers - the same number that sailed on the Titanic -- and serve food that matched the original voyage.
Some passengers also are planning to dress up in period costumes.
Morgan isn't the only one planning a Titanic memorial cruise to mark the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking. Bill Willard, a self-described Titanic enthusiast, has teamed up with upscale line Azamara Club Cruises to offer another anniversary voyage to the exact spot where the Titanic sank.
Dubbed Voyages! Titanic 2012, the nine-day Azamara trip will take place on the 700-passenger Azamara Journey sailing out of Boston. The ship will depart the city on April 10, 2012.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Princess Cruises Ships Begin Plugging into Shore Power in San Francisco
Princess Cruises Ships Begin Plugging into Shore Power in San Francisco
Island Princess Inaugurates Port's New Facility, Helping to Reduce Air Emissions in the "City by the Bay"
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (October 6, 2010) -- Today Island Princess helped inaugurate the Port of San Francisco's new shore power facility by "plugging in" to electric power from shore.
The new shore power technology at the Port of San Francisco cruise ship terminal enables Princess Cruises' ships, and other equipped vessels, to use power from the city's grid instead of the engines to power the ship's onboard services--reducing emissions when docked in San Francisco.
The port becomes the fourth in the world where Princess Cruises' ships can take advantage of this innovative technology. The new shore power installation in San Francisco is a cooperative effort by the Port of San Francisco, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Environmental Protection Agency, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
"We know that local air quality is an important issue in the Bay Area, so we're pleased to join with the port to debut this important environmental initiative," said Dean Brown, Princess Cruises' executive vice president. "Our commitment to shore power technology began nearly 10 years ago, and we're very pleased we can now 'plug in' our ships in San Francisco."
Princess' shore power program made history when it debuted in Juneau, Alaska in 2001. It expanded to Seattle in 2005, and then to Vancouver in 2009. Shore power connections are planned to roll out in other ports that have made commitments to the technology, including Los Angeles and San Diego. Currently nine of the line's ships are outfitted with the capability to "plug in" to a shoreside power source, representing an investment for Princess of nearly $7 million in equipment alone.
To create this unique power system, also known as "cold ironing," Princess has outfitted its ships with custom-built connection cabinets that join the ship's electrical network to the local electric system ashore. The electric power is transmitted from a landside transformer to the vessel via four 3½-inch diameter flexible cables. The actual cable connection on a vessel is a traditional, though quite large, plug and socket. The length of time needed to connect a ship to shore power and shut down the vessel's diesel generators is approximately 40 minutes. Once connected, the ship's engines are powered down and, simultaneously, the necessary amount of power is delivered to run the ship's services while in port.
The Princess ships currently equipped with shore power technology include:
Coral Princess
Dawn Princess
Diamond Princess
Golden Princess
Island Princess
Sapphire Princess
Sea Princess
Star Princess
Sun Princess
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Princess Cruises Launches Blog Featuring the Ultimate Travel Bucket List
Princess Cruises Launches Blog Featuring the Ultimate Travel Bucket List
Company's Own Destination Experts Share Their Inspiring Picks for "50 Essential Experiences" to be Revealed Weekly Over Coming Year
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2010) -- Princess Cruises today launched a new blog that will reveal the top travel bucket list experiences recommended by the line's own well-traveled destination experts. "50 Essential Experiences: The Travel Bucket List" (www.50essentialexperiences.com) will be gradually unveiled over the next year in a series of weekly posts, each authored by one of Princess' longest-serving shipboard and shoreside employees.
The 50 selected experts -- each who have been with the company for more than 15 years and traveled thousands of sea and air miles visiting hundreds of countries, cities and sites -- will share one of their inspiring experiences chronicling their unique perspective of must-see travel spots around the globe. Each blog entry will be a personal story, and readers will also meet the expert through a "revealing" questionnaire.
"Few people have seen more of the world than Princess' own destination experts," said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess Cruises. "And because they've been to so many destinations, they're often asked to recommend those don't miss' experiences that people should be sure to put on their travel bucket list." Swartz emphasized that the blog is not just a list of places, but instead a list of experiences Princess hopes inspires others.
The experts featured in the blog will represent an array of departments and positions within Princess, including those in shoreside positions such as itinerary planning, ship operations and marketing, along with those who sail aboard its ships such as captains, hotel managers and cruise directors. Their posts will gradually be revealed through September 2011.
Crystal Morgan, director of market planning for Princess Cruises, authored the first blog post. She started her cruise career as an onboard shore excursion manager sailing to worldwide destinations and, after moving shoreside, now oversees itinerary planning for the line's fleet of ships. Morgan shares one of her most memorable travel experiences, when she traced her grandmother's footsteps to visit the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, the most celebrated monument in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a place that held a special meaning for her grandmother who had visited the site some 70 years earlier.
In her post she writes, "I didn't hear about my grandmother's visit to this famous statue until I told her that I was being deployed to South America aboard Pacific Princess. It dawned on me that I would have the opportunity to trace her footsteps to this world-renowned landmark so many decades after her visit. Our circumstances could hardly be more different. She was barely a teenager on her journey up the mountain, traveling with her family, including several younger siblings for whom she cared. I would have charges of my own, but not children."
Blog visitors will be encouraged to share their own essential experiences, and a different reader experience will be selected and showcased each week.
All of the destinations described in the blog will be ones that passengers can travel to aboard a Princess ship, and links will help readers discover how they, too, can embark on similar adventures.
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.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Travel tips that can save your life
I came across this article and thought it might be useful to my readers:
(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39504765/ns/travel-travel_tips/#)
Travel tips that can save your life
Ex-Secret Service agent offers advice to stay safe on the road
During the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, a woman named Geraldine Larkin was browsing a bookstore near the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower when she heard what she thought were fireworks. Instead of immediately seeking shelter, she wandered back to the hotel. Some alert hotel patrons grabbed her and took her to the hotel’s restaurant, which they barricaded with a piano, then turned off the lights.
Larkin survived the attacks thanks to the quick thinking of a few folks. Some 175 others weren’t as lucky.
While it is impossible to predict a terrorist attack, taking some precautions and preparing oneself should be a priority for all travelers, says Christopher Falkenberg, a former Secret Service agent who now runs Insite Security, a risk management and security consulting firm that services corporations and high-net worth families.
With Europe under an unprecedented terror alert, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert, warning of potential terrorist attacks. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies in Europe and the U.S. are concerned that terrorists have targeted airports, hotels and tourist attractions for attacks in the mold of those that took place in Mumbai, where 175 people were killed and 300 wounded by terrorists using small and relatively low-tech explosives and guns.
If you have to travel to Europe, you can take some steps to minimize your risk, says Falkenberg. His advice, he says, “is relevant for everyone traveling, from the backpacker to the CEO.” (Full disclosure: Christopher Falkenberg is the husband of Forbes editorial counsel, Kai Falkenberg.)
Airports
Safety starts at the airport, which Falkenberg says is a dangerous place. Most attacks at airports happen in the unsecured area outside of security. Falkenberg’s advice is to get the airport, check in, then get past security as soon as possible. “Duty-free shopping on the unsecured side is not worth it,” he says. The “pre-security” parts of airports have been mentioned as possible targets in the European terror alert.
Luggage
Falkenberg also advises that people secure their luggage with plastic ties. Transportation security generally frowns at locks, but will allow ties. The ties serve two purposes: 1. baggage thieves generally prey on luggage that’s the easiest to enter and 2. a broken tie lets you know that someone has rummaging around in there.
Ground Transportation
Also of utmost importance, Falkenberg says, is “nailing down your ground transportation.” Travelers are most vulnerable when traveling by car, bus or train. Falkenberg points out that in the history of U.S. presidential assassinations, only one president (Abraham Lincoln) was not traveling when he was assassinated.
Know exactly who is meeting you when you arrive at the airport. Have a photo of the driver if possible, and have the driver use a pseudonym for you and not your last name when holding up a placard. When you walk to the car or taxi, put away your phone and be aware of your surroundings.
Hotels
Falkenberg also suggests that travelers choose hotels wisely. He suggests avoiding international chains or high-profile hotels (like the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai). “An attacker will choose the most high-profile place,” says Falkenberg. Stay at a local hotel instead.
And choose your room wisely, as well. Get one that you can easily get out of. Falkenberg suggests a room between the 2nd and 7th floors, since most fire department ladders do not reach any higher than that. Also, get a room that faces a courtyard and not the front entrance, which is more exposed to car bombs. Do a walk-through of all potential exits.
Flashlights
Always carry one, wherever you go. “This can be your most valuable escape tool,” says Falkenberg. You can get out of a blacked-out hotel. You can use one to momentarily disorient an attacker. Falkenberg recommends one that uses lithium batteries. “Flashlights are legal everywhere and the TSA won’t hassle you,” he says.
Visualize your response
This might be the most important tip. Airplane crashes, hostage situations and terrorist attacks are “so far removed from our everyday life, that people freeze and don’t make rational decisions,” says Falkenberg. “During the Mumbai attacks, people who didn’t believe the sound they were hearing was indeed gunshots were vulnerable. The people who put time and distance between themselves and the shooters had a better chance at surviving.” In a hotel, plan your escape route. In an airplane, listen to the safety instructions, identify the exits and visualize a plan of escape. “People who read the safety cards and plan ahead have a better chance of survival,” he says.
(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39504765/ns/travel-travel_tips/#)
Travel tips that can save your life
Ex-Secret Service agent offers advice to stay safe on the road
During the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, a woman named Geraldine Larkin was browsing a bookstore near the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower when she heard what she thought were fireworks. Instead of immediately seeking shelter, she wandered back to the hotel. Some alert hotel patrons grabbed her and took her to the hotel’s restaurant, which they barricaded with a piano, then turned off the lights.
Larkin survived the attacks thanks to the quick thinking of a few folks. Some 175 others weren’t as lucky.
While it is impossible to predict a terrorist attack, taking some precautions and preparing oneself should be a priority for all travelers, says Christopher Falkenberg, a former Secret Service agent who now runs Insite Security, a risk management and security consulting firm that services corporations and high-net worth families.
With Europe under an unprecedented terror alert, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert, warning of potential terrorist attacks. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies in Europe and the U.S. are concerned that terrorists have targeted airports, hotels and tourist attractions for attacks in the mold of those that took place in Mumbai, where 175 people were killed and 300 wounded by terrorists using small and relatively low-tech explosives and guns.
If you have to travel to Europe, you can take some steps to minimize your risk, says Falkenberg. His advice, he says, “is relevant for everyone traveling, from the backpacker to the CEO.” (Full disclosure: Christopher Falkenberg is the husband of Forbes editorial counsel, Kai Falkenberg.)
Airports
Safety starts at the airport, which Falkenberg says is a dangerous place. Most attacks at airports happen in the unsecured area outside of security. Falkenberg’s advice is to get the airport, check in, then get past security as soon as possible. “Duty-free shopping on the unsecured side is not worth it,” he says. The “pre-security” parts of airports have been mentioned as possible targets in the European terror alert.
Luggage
Falkenberg also advises that people secure their luggage with plastic ties. Transportation security generally frowns at locks, but will allow ties. The ties serve two purposes: 1. baggage thieves generally prey on luggage that’s the easiest to enter and 2. a broken tie lets you know that someone has rummaging around in there.
Ground Transportation
Also of utmost importance, Falkenberg says, is “nailing down your ground transportation.” Travelers are most vulnerable when traveling by car, bus or train. Falkenberg points out that in the history of U.S. presidential assassinations, only one president (Abraham Lincoln) was not traveling when he was assassinated.
Know exactly who is meeting you when you arrive at the airport. Have a photo of the driver if possible, and have the driver use a pseudonym for you and not your last name when holding up a placard. When you walk to the car or taxi, put away your phone and be aware of your surroundings.
Hotels
Falkenberg also suggests that travelers choose hotels wisely. He suggests avoiding international chains or high-profile hotels (like the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai). “An attacker will choose the most high-profile place,” says Falkenberg. Stay at a local hotel instead.
And choose your room wisely, as well. Get one that you can easily get out of. Falkenberg suggests a room between the 2nd and 7th floors, since most fire department ladders do not reach any higher than that. Also, get a room that faces a courtyard and not the front entrance, which is more exposed to car bombs. Do a walk-through of all potential exits.
Flashlights
Always carry one, wherever you go. “This can be your most valuable escape tool,” says Falkenberg. You can get out of a blacked-out hotel. You can use one to momentarily disorient an attacker. Falkenberg recommends one that uses lithium batteries. “Flashlights are legal everywhere and the TSA won’t hassle you,” he says.
Visualize your response
This might be the most important tip. Airplane crashes, hostage situations and terrorist attacks are “so far removed from our everyday life, that people freeze and don’t make rational decisions,” says Falkenberg. “During the Mumbai attacks, people who didn’t believe the sound they were hearing was indeed gunshots were vulnerable. The people who put time and distance between themselves and the shooters had a better chance at surviving.” In a hotel, plan your escape route. In an airplane, listen to the safety instructions, identify the exits and visualize a plan of escape. “People who read the safety cards and plan ahead have a better chance of survival,” he says.
Travel in Europe
If you haven't heard, the United States has issued a travel alert for those traveling to Europe. I found this article on the subject to be very informative: (http://www.ohio.com/news/nation/104229034.html)
Again, threats will always exist but there are ways that you can lessen the chances of being a victim of crime in your own country or when traveling abroad. More information can also be found at a variety of websites including the U.S. Department of State.
WASHINGTON: The Obama administration will warn U.S. citizens to be vigilant as they travel in Europe, updated guidance prompted by al-Qaida threats, American and European officials said Saturday.Remember to always do the following:
Such a move could have negative implications for European tourism, business and diplomacy if travelers fear there's a possibility of terrorist attacks.
The State Department will issue a travel alert for Europe today that advises Americans to stay vigilant on the continent because of threat information, senior U.S. officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, because a final decision has not been announced.
''This travel alert is a cumulative result of information we have received over an extended periods,'' one senior administration official said. ''We are constantly monitoring a range of threat streams and have monitored this and others for some time.''
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley declined to comment on the matter. But he said the administration remains focused on al-Qaida threats to U.S. interests and will take appropriate steps to protect Americans.
A European official briefed on the talks said the language in the U.S. alert is expected to be vague. It won't address a specific country or specific landmarks, the official said.
European and U.S. officials have not identified any specific targets that terrorists might be considering, the official said. Officials have called the threat credible but not specific. Officials have been concerned that terrorists may be plotting attacks in Europe with assault weapons on public places, similar to the deadly 2008 shooting spree in Mumbai, India.
On Friday, Sweden announced it has raised its threat alert to the highest level ever because of an increased threat of terrorist attacks. But Swedish security officials said there did not appear to be an immediate threat, nor did they cite any possible targets.
The United States has told European leaders that the State Department alert is intended to raise the guidance to match the information about the would-be attack that surfaced last week, the European official said.
There had not been strong opposition to the proposed alert from European leaders, the European official said.
But some U.S. allies in Europe expressed concern that the U.S. guidance might include a warning for Americans to stay away from public places in Europe, saying that would be an overreaction to the threat information. Some administration officials agreed, and the White House adamantly denied such a blanket warning was being considered.
Intelligence officials believe Osama bin Laden is behind the terrorist plots to attack several European cities. If this is true, this would be the most operational role that bin Laden has played in plotting attacks since Sept. 11, 2001.
Eight Germans and two British brothers are at the heart of an al-Qaida-linked terrorist plot against European cities, but the plan is still in its early stages, with the suspects calling acquaintances in Europe to plan logistics, a Pakistani intelligence official said Thursday. One of the Britons died in a recent CIA missile strike, he said. The Pakistani official said the suspects are hiding in North Waziristan, a Pakistani tribal region where militancy is rife and where the United States has focused many of its drone-fired missile strikes.
''We remain focused on al-Qaida's interest in attacking us and attacking our allies,'' Crowley said. ''We will do everything possible to thwart them and will take steps as appropriate.''
Implications of alert
A travel alert is less serious than a full-on warning, which could have big implications. There are hundreds of thousands of Americans in Europe at any one time, including tourists, students and business people.
While the government cannot stop people from traveling there or force them to return home, a formal travel warning could result in canceled airline and hotel bookings, as well as deter non-U.S. travelers from going to Europe. Many U.S. college and university study-abroad programs will not send students to countries for which a warning is in place due to liability issues.
Under a ''no double standard'' rule, the government is obliged to share threat information that it has given diplomats and other officials with the general public.
The Pentagon declined to say Saturday whether it had increased security levels at any of its European bases.
''As a matter of policy we don't discuss specific force protection measures or levels. Commanders continually evaluate the local security environment and take appropriate and prudent security measures to protect personnel and facilities,'' said Army Maj. Tanya Bradsher, a Defense Department spokeswoman.
The Italian Interior and Foreign Ministry, German Foreign Office, French Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry, the national police and the Paris police all declined to comment.
- Use common sense.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep your money safe.
- Have a record of important phone numbers. This list should include the US Embassy in the country you are visiting, your credit card companies, and emergency contacts in your home country.
- Notify family of your travel arrangements.
- Notify the US Embassy–or the Embassy for your country–of your travel plans. You can do this online. For US citizens, use this link to register your visit with the Embassy: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
- Know how to contact emergency officials.
- Be smart and know the area especially when traveling at night.
Again, threats will always exist but there are ways that you can lessen the chances of being a victim of crime in your own country or when traveling abroad. More information can also be found at a variety of websites including the U.S. Department of State.
Travel alert issued for U.S. citizens in Europe
Travel alert issued for U.S. citizens in Europe
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/03/europe.terror.advisory/index.html
(CNN) -- The United States issued a general travel alert for Americans in Europe on Sunday amid concerns that al Qaeda or related groups plan attacks similar to the 2008 massacre in the Indian city of Mumbai.
"U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling," the notice from the U.S. State Department said. "We continue to work closely with our European allies on the threat from international terrorism, including al Qaeda."
The advisory is not meant to tell Americans to avoid travel, but to take "common-sense precautions" in case of trouble, Undersecretary of State Patrick Kennedy told reporters Sunday.
"If they see unattended packages or hear loud noises or see something beginning to happen that they should quickly move away from them," he said. The warning urges them to be cautious in public places like tourist sites and airports or while riding public transportation, and Americans should know how to contact the U.S. Embassy and consider registering their travel plans there, he said.
In addition, thousands of U.S. troops based in Germany were placed under a curfew Friday night and were ordered not to wear their uniforms off base, according to an order obtained by CNN.
Kennedy said the State Department has issued travel alerts for Europe for "a variety of reasons" in the past, including the recent eruption of a volcano in Iceland that snarled air travel across the continent.
The State Department said worldwide travel alerts have been issued for U.S. citizens in the past, most recently in early September after the pastor of a small Florida church threatened to burn copies of the Quran, the Islamic holy book.
Previous alerts were issued after the 2004 al Qaeda bombings of commuter trains in Spain's capital Madrid and after the 2005 bombings of subway trains and buses in London, England.
News emerged last week that Western intelligence officials were looking at information about a possible "Mumbai-style" attack in cities across Europe, and a British security source said Saturday that intelligence related to such a plot was being looked at very seriously on both sides of the Atlantic.
Mumbai, India's financial hub, was the site of a three-day terror attack in November 2008 that left more than 160 people dead. Ten men launched the carefully planned assault, targeting two major hotels, the historic Victoria Terminus train station and a Jewish cultural center.
Kennedy would not comment on specific intelligence sparking the report, but said it followed a "cumulative" process.
"We have been monitoring this carefully for at least several weeks," he said.
Don Hamilton, a former State Department counterterrorism expert told CNN Sunday that the alert is "about the mildest thing they can say."
"The State Department is historically extremely cautious about these things," he said. It doesn't want to be accused of failing to warn Americans if they have some information about a possible attack beforehand, but Hamilton said the alert is less severe than a more formal travel warning involving concrete threats.
A U.S. official said Saturday that the alert was prompted by the volume of intelligence on possible terror threats, rather than any new intelligence.
At the White House, spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said President Barack Obama "has been following the threat information on a daily basis."
"From the day we became aware of this latest plot, the president made clear we need to do everything possible to disrupt this plot and protect the American people," Shapiro said. Sunday's alert "is responsive to the president's direction that we spare no effort," he said.
A senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Obama met with members of his national security team Friday night and Saturday morning and received another briefing Sunday morning. The official said European allies are "all in sync" with the United States, "both in terms of our assessment of the threat as well as our shared conviction that governments have an obligation to keep their citizens informed of terrorist threats."
Several European governments said Sunday that they are not raising their already-high alert levels as a result of the latest reports. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that the U.S. advisory was "in line with the general recommendations that we have addressed to the French population."
"The indications provided by the U.S. authorities, in particular regarding terrorist threat in Europe are, of course analyzed, cross-referenced and where appropriate included in our national assessment of the threat, which still relies on a series of elements," the ministry said. "The terrorist threat remains high in France, the alert level remains unchanged at level red."
Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office changed its travel advisory for British citizens in France and Germany from a "substantial" threat of terrorism to a "high" threat, but the FCO said it does not comment on intelligence matters and thus can't specify whether the change is related to the U.S. travel alert.
Germany's interior ministry said in a statement that the warning for Americans comes in light of recent threats and that Berlin was informed by the U.S. of the decision to issue the alert. Germany will analyze and evaluate the intelligence data coming in but will not be changing its current threat level at this time, according to the statement.
Also, a spokeswoman for Spain's Interior Ministry told CNN that the country will remain at Level 2 alert, which indicates a "high, probable risk" of a terror attack. Spain has remained at this stage since January of this year.
CNN's Ed Henry, Elise Labott, Bharati Naik and Al Goodman contributed to this report.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/03/europe.terror.advisory/index.html
(CNN) -- The United States issued a general travel alert for Americans in Europe on Sunday amid concerns that al Qaeda or related groups plan attacks similar to the 2008 massacre in the Indian city of Mumbai.
"U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling," the notice from the U.S. State Department said. "We continue to work closely with our European allies on the threat from international terrorism, including al Qaeda."
The advisory is not meant to tell Americans to avoid travel, but to take "common-sense precautions" in case of trouble, Undersecretary of State Patrick Kennedy told reporters Sunday.
"If they see unattended packages or hear loud noises or see something beginning to happen that they should quickly move away from them," he said. The warning urges them to be cautious in public places like tourist sites and airports or while riding public transportation, and Americans should know how to contact the U.S. Embassy and consider registering their travel plans there, he said.
In addition, thousands of U.S. troops based in Germany were placed under a curfew Friday night and were ordered not to wear their uniforms off base, according to an order obtained by CNN.
Kennedy said the State Department has issued travel alerts for Europe for "a variety of reasons" in the past, including the recent eruption of a volcano in Iceland that snarled air travel across the continent.
The State Department said worldwide travel alerts have been issued for U.S. citizens in the past, most recently in early September after the pastor of a small Florida church threatened to burn copies of the Quran, the Islamic holy book.
Previous alerts were issued after the 2004 al Qaeda bombings of commuter trains in Spain's capital Madrid and after the 2005 bombings of subway trains and buses in London, England.
News emerged last week that Western intelligence officials were looking at information about a possible "Mumbai-style" attack in cities across Europe, and a British security source said Saturday that intelligence related to such a plot was being looked at very seriously on both sides of the Atlantic.
Mumbai, India's financial hub, was the site of a three-day terror attack in November 2008 that left more than 160 people dead. Ten men launched the carefully planned assault, targeting two major hotels, the historic Victoria Terminus train station and a Jewish cultural center.
Kennedy would not comment on specific intelligence sparking the report, but said it followed a "cumulative" process.
"We have been monitoring this carefully for at least several weeks," he said.
Don Hamilton, a former State Department counterterrorism expert told CNN Sunday that the alert is "about the mildest thing they can say."
"The State Department is historically extremely cautious about these things," he said. It doesn't want to be accused of failing to warn Americans if they have some information about a possible attack beforehand, but Hamilton said the alert is less severe than a more formal travel warning involving concrete threats.
A U.S. official said Saturday that the alert was prompted by the volume of intelligence on possible terror threats, rather than any new intelligence.
At the White House, spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said President Barack Obama "has been following the threat information on a daily basis."
"From the day we became aware of this latest plot, the president made clear we need to do everything possible to disrupt this plot and protect the American people," Shapiro said. Sunday's alert "is responsive to the president's direction that we spare no effort," he said.
A senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Obama met with members of his national security team Friday night and Saturday morning and received another briefing Sunday morning. The official said European allies are "all in sync" with the United States, "both in terms of our assessment of the threat as well as our shared conviction that governments have an obligation to keep their citizens informed of terrorist threats."
Several European governments said Sunday that they are not raising their already-high alert levels as a result of the latest reports. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that the U.S. advisory was "in line with the general recommendations that we have addressed to the French population."
"The indications provided by the U.S. authorities, in particular regarding terrorist threat in Europe are, of course analyzed, cross-referenced and where appropriate included in our national assessment of the threat, which still relies on a series of elements," the ministry said. "The terrorist threat remains high in France, the alert level remains unchanged at level red."
Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office changed its travel advisory for British citizens in France and Germany from a "substantial" threat of terrorism to a "high" threat, but the FCO said it does not comment on intelligence matters and thus can't specify whether the change is related to the U.S. travel alert.
Germany's interior ministry said in a statement that the warning for Americans comes in light of recent threats and that Berlin was informed by the U.S. of the decision to issue the alert. Germany will analyze and evaluate the intelligence data coming in but will not be changing its current threat level at this time, according to the statement.
Also, a spokeswoman for Spain's Interior Ministry told CNN that the country will remain at Level 2 alert, which indicates a "high, probable risk" of a terror attack. Spain has remained at this stage since January of this year.
CNN's Ed Henry, Elise Labott, Bharati Naik and Al Goodman contributed to this report.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Norwegian Cruse Line - Magellan Awards!
For a full listing of winners, please click here
A little more information about The Magellan Awards and Travel Weekly:
Travel Weekly is proud to present the premier award for the travel industry, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. From design to marketing to services, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. All winners are featured in a special issue of Travel Weekly in September that will feature a special section dedicated to this year's winners. Winners will also receive a custom produced statuette made by the same company that produces the Oscar® and Emmy® awards.
About the Magellan Awards
Leveraging our expert knowledge of the travel industry, Travel Weekly is proud to present the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. From design to marketing to services, The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. Winners are featured in an issue of Travel Weekly in September that will include a section dedicated to this year's winners. Winners will also receive a custom produced statuette made by the same company that produces the Oscar® and Emmy® awards.
Honoring a broad range of industry segments including Hotels and Resorts, Travel Destinations, Cruise Lines, Online Travel Services, Airlines and Airports, Travel Agents and Agencies, Tour Operators and Car Rental Companies, the Magellan is the award to win if you are in the business of travel. The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards is your opportunity to earn the recognition you deserve as one of the best in your industry.
You can't win if you don't enter. This is your opportunity to enter and earn the recognition you deserve, as judged by the biggest names in the industry. Simply by entering, you are honoring the incredible work that your team does every day. And by winning you are showing the rest of the travel world exactly what you can do. This is your chance to celebrate and shine in front of the entire the travel industry.
About Travel Weekly
Travel Weekly and TravelWeekly.com are the most influential B2B news resources for the travel industry. Via a multimedia portfolio of products, Travel Weekly and TravelWeekly.com deliver all the late-breaking news, analysis and research that travel professionals need to succeed.
In a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace, Travel Weekly and TravelWeekly.com provide travel professionals with a necessary global perspective through in-depth coverage of every business sector, including airline, car rental, cruise, destination, hotel and tour operator as well as technology, economic and governmental issues. Through its leadership events and key industry alliances, Travel Weekly extends its position as the most influential business publication in the industry.
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