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Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship - Subtle Luxury

Paul Gauguin Cruises in South Pacific

If you read this blog frequently - even occasionally - you will see that I have posted much about my trip to French Polynesia (Tahiti) earlier this year and have several videos on EZTravelPad's YouTube Channel. Why? - simple - it was amazing. The beauty, the people, the food, the other travelers, it is simply one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. It interested me, and I needed to learn more - and sell it more, so recently I completed a specialist course pertaining to Paul Gauguin Cruises. Now I know what I need to know to more fully represent all of the amazing choices that are available on a vacation to French Polynesia.

 

Why Paul Gauguin Cruises? Here are a few of the reasons

Best Dining– 1st Place Small Ship"
Cruise Critic - Cruisers' Choice Award (2011)

That's right - of all the small ships cruising the planet, this ship was named best in dining, and to me that is so important!

Paul Gauguin cruises is owned by a parent company that offers a wide range of options throughout French Polynesia (without going into detail, their land based resorts were among my favorites) and their newest project is building The Brando

The Brando, a luxury eco-resort featuring 47 deluxe bungalow villas on the late actor's remote private island, 100% fully self-sustaining by renewable energy.

When it opens, this place won't just be on my Bucket List - it will be on top of my Bucket List....but back to Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin Cruises French Polynesia and The Cook Islands

French Polynesia

Comprised of 118 islands and atolls scattered over 1.5 million square miles in the South Pacific, the islands are divided into five island groups or archipelagos: the Marquesas Islands (North-East), the Tuamotu Islands (East), the Society Islands(West), the Austral Islands(South-West) and the Gambier Islands (South-East).
Of these, the Paul Gauguin visits the Society Islands, the Tuamotu, the Marquesas as well as the Cook Islands which are owned by New Zealand and in 2012 we will be visiting the Australs.
Each of the islands has its own particular charms and character, and warm, friendly people who have adapted the ancient rhythms of the ocean and the sun to the modern day. Consisting of either "high" volcanic islands or low lying coral atolls, aside from Tahiti itself and Bora Bora, the islands are still sparsely populated and remain mysterious and intriguing even in this modern day.

You will discover ports as varied and spectacular as a South Pacific sunset. Plus, thanks to the ship’s small size, you’ll visit spots that larger cruise ships just can’t reach - all in style and luxury aboard the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin.

Tahiti is a year-round destination! It enjoys pleasant tropical weather that averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round. Situated south of the equator, the seasons in Tahiti are reversed:
-November to March is summer in Tahiti…warm, humid and often sunny.
-April to October is winter in Tahiti…typically warm and sunny.
The French Polynesian Islands enjoy a tropical climate with one of the highest numbers of hours of sunshine per year in the world at nearly 3000! Average air temperature is 79°F; average water temperature in the lagoons is a fairly constant 80°F.

What About Beyond Tahiti?

Moorea- (moh-oh-ray-ah), is only 11 miles from Tahiti and many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see the islands spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's base. The bustle of Papeete is behind you as we spot the sharp volcanic peaks on the horizon, crowned by a few pearly clouds. Shark sighting on nearly every dive makes this island a popular diving destination. At times a tuna will come by or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight.
A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the island's vertical mountains where poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Peaceful meadows flanked by pinnacles of green will fill your senses and renew your belief in the majesty of nature. Pastel-painted houses surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a fantasy of happy, yet simple villages.
Polynesian legend describes the panorama of volcanic ridges as the second dorsal fin of the fish that became the island of Tahiti. These pinnacles later inspired the mythical "Bali Hai" that was based on James Michener's book, Tales of the South Pacific.

What's Included?

Depending on the category of your suite, you can select up to 2 bottles of spirits from m/s Paul Gauguin's extensive standard list; selections are available from the premium list at an additional charge. Soft drinks, bottled water and mixers are all available complimentary.
Additionally, guests can select blankets or duvets and the number and type of bed pillows, and even the types of fruits to be included in their basket!

This, of course, is in addition to excellent Polynesian entertainers on-board

 Ship Features

• Most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis
• Only 332 guests
• Crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
• All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies
• Space to guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest of any ship serving the North American market
• All onboard gratuities included
• Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea served throughout the ship
• Butler service in categories B and above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
• In-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
• State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
• Onboard optional dive program
• Onboard lecture program
• Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side, all with single open-seating dining
• Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
• WiFi hotspots throughout the ship
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary in-room dining
• Complimentary in-room movie channels and movies available

Accessing the tranquil waters of the South Pacific couldn't be easier due to the convenient watersports marina at the rear of the ship

 

More Regarding On-Board Lecture Program & Demonstrations

+ Jean-Michel Cousteau Oceanography Sailings-World-famous oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau joins us at some of the world’s premier diving locations. In addition to lectures with videos of his work, he will accompany several dives from the ship.
+Parisian Celebrity Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato Culinary Sailing -The Chef Proprietaire of the two-star Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris, Chef Vigato will personally prepare gourmet dishes and also offer demonstrations of his culinary techniques.
+ Photography Workshop Sailings Jesse Kalisher & Roger Paperno - accomplished professional artists share their expertise during onboard lectures and hands-on photo-expeditions.

Thinking of Taking Young Ones?

Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society -
Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program
Explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau is committed to the belief that the survival of the world’s oceans depends on capturing the imagination at a young age. In order to ensure that conservation remains a priority among future generations, he created the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program under the auspices of the Ocean Futures Society.
This unique, groundbreaking program introduces young travelers (ages 9 to 17) to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia through direct, hands-on, interactive experiences with marine and island ecosystems. Young Ambassadors explore coral reefs, hike rainforest trails, and visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples). They also learn how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated, how volcanic islands become coral atolls, and how to paddle an outrigger canoe. Parents are encouraged to join children on some of the eco-excursions and other activities aboard and ashore. The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available on cruises during the summer months, as well as select holiday sailings for a nominal fee. Mr. Cousteau is also occasionally a guest on board.

Tip of the Iceberg

While there are no icebergs in French Polynesia, what I have just describes is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you can expect cruising French Polynesia with m/s Paul Gauguin. Here is an example for 10 mights-

The possibilities are endless, but you might

Snorkel with whales, swim with sharks, dive the "wall of sharks", hike, picnic on a private island, learn, experience and fall in love with a place so beautiful it will make you want to cry.

Hey, it's a short life and you better experience all that you can - while you can - and this is one experience that you would never regret splurging on.

For more info, and some unbelievable deals that are currently available, contact "Your friends....in the travel business" EZTravelPad

Free Press is Great Press!! - Appearance on WSBT's Business Break

Scott from EZTravelPad appears on WSBT Business Break

Recently EZTravelPad was invited to a segment called Business Break on South Bend's WSBT TV.

Business Break is a regular segment that features local businesses and community events to help viewers become better informed about what is available in their community.

 

   

Remember- you can go out into the wilderness of the internet on your own to plan your vacation, or you can get help - AT NO ADDITIONAL COST - from an agency like EZTravelPad

The choice is yours

IF you choose to go it alone, here are a few links that can help.

Booking simple flights or flight/hotel combos this link or this link

Booking hotels only at hotels.com

Finding Vegas deals on shows and more at this link

Finding deals in Orlando at this link

Big savings on restaurants all across the US at this link

Beat the fees for checking luggage with a new bag at this link

Find deals on cheap all inclusives and more at this link

Handle your own cruise at this link

Insure your vacation investment with better insurance coverage at this link

Thinnk you're going to save a little money using bookit.com? It's at this link

So these are just some of the best of the multitude of options for handling your own travel planning. There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself so feel free to take my suggestions for some of the best places to shop- but there's also nothing wrong with getting a little help from a travel pro.... a travel pro who will no doubt make your life easier, and makes save you a few dollars in the process!

Oh, there is 1 other place you can go to shop without picking up the phone or composing an email to EZTravelpad, and that is www.eztravelpad.com

Save travels!

 

 

 

Disney Park Discount Tickets - BEWARE

Buyer Beware - Always.... and Especially Disney Discounted Tickets

Walt Disney World has long been a favorite destination for families of all shapes and sizes from all over the world. This happens to be my family more than a few years ago....

 

This has to be one of the first years Disney World was open - early 70s - dig my Dad's shoes!

Yes, so many great memories from those vacations to Florida over Christmas break when it was COLD in Indiana. Nearly every year included a stop at Disney World.

So much opportunity for fun, so much opportunity for disruption....don't let it happen to you

Discounted tickets available on internet sites like Craig's List can come with a heavy cost. There are reports that people are getting scammed when they purchase "discounted" tickets for Walt Disney World theme parks, and perhaps other theme parks as well?

You can purchase a multi-park multi-day pass to Disney. The Park Hopper pass. Say for example you want to go to Disney for 5 nights, it only costs a few dollars more to add a couple more days on to the ticket which can then be used another time - you can even add an option allowing for the tickets to NEVER expire so use them for the grandkids (if you can remember where you put them 25 years from now).

Some people have apparently been reselling these types of tickets, but the thing is they are non-transferable so that when the buyer goes to use the tickets (did you know they are fingerprinting for entry these days?) they are denied entry.

Costly + Embarrassing!

Do the right thing - purchase your tickets from a reputable source (Disney or your travel agent) - EZTravelpad can help. Then, go have the time of your lives and make memories to last a lifetime!

 

 

Live it Up n' Dive Package to Beaches Resort in Turks & Caicos - Read on

Get Ready to Dive in Style at Beaches in Turks and Caicos

Live It Up and Dive

I know, You love to dive but you also love Premium brand liquors and high thread count sheets -you love the best equipment, including Newton dive boats and the crystal clear waters of Turks & Caicos

When you get dry you want your friends Jack, Johnnie & Jim (Daniels, Walker & Beam in case you were wondering) waiting for you at the bar - a bar that does not keep track of how many you have had and you never need to close out the tab!

When coctails hours are over you want a premium steak or fine Italian restaurant, then entertainment for a nightcap...

You want a great spa for the little lady because she doesn't want to dive every day.....

You want to notch entertainment for the kids with the best youth programs with the latest xBox 360, Scratch DJ academy, water parks & beachside games in a tropical paradise.....

I have news for you- YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Get on the phone, call all your buddies, and head down to the islands to LIVE IT UP N' DIVE at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa - This is an event for scuba divers who like to vacation in paradise, dine in world-class restaurants and enjoy premium-brand beverages, plus hang out with friends and family - and diving is included too*!

• "Dive-In" Cocktail Pool Party
• Dive Treasure Hunt
• Equipment Demos
• Beach Bonfire & Photo Show n' Tell and more!

• Unlimited Diving*
• Luxury accommodations
• Dining at 16 specialty restaurants
• Unlimited wine, liquor, cocktails, beer and
  non-alcoholic beverages
• A spectacular array of land and water sports
• Daily and nightly entertainment
• Resort taxes and airport transfers
• LIVE IT UP N' DIVE Activities

 

This package is available at Beaches resort (The family friendly side of Sandals resorts) in Turks & Caicos and EZTravelpad can help get you there!

 

A Closer Look at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort- Like Being in The Big Easy

Walking into Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort takes you right to New Orleans in feel and vibe. Ok, maybe not Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras- but definitely Jackson Square in the French Quarter!

It almost looks like you are entering New Orleans via a train station as you approach-

 

The courtyards have the look and feel of walking around Jackson Square, or maybe some other park like setting in the Big Easy

 

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory allows you to feel like you are taking a break for a snack during Mardi Gras (more kids - less drunks) with the festive decor...this is strictly quick service dining, but there is an option for full service dining on property.

 

The pool area shown here- Doubloon Lagoon features Scales the Sea Serpent water slide- another more relaxing option is the Ol' Man Island pool complex

 

The rooms appeared to be comfortable enough - certainly not luxury - yet affordable for Disney standards with options for 2 Doubles, King, or the ability to accommodate 5 at the Alligator Bayou rooms (1 child would be in a trundle bed) at Port orleans Riverside. I am not a big fan of the quality of bedding, but I am a big fan of clean- and well maintained, and any Disney property is going to rank high on that scale!

 

Pleasant baths with double pedastal sinks make up for the marginal bedding, but who's got time to sleep when you are at Disney- right?

 

no flat screen TVs here yet,  but considering the cost- and convenience of being on property at the Disney World, it's a great value for a Moderate Disney resort

 

 

So when it's time to plan your Disney vacation you have choices- you can go direct to Disney, you can take your chances on the internet, or you can have a professional travel consultant help you with the decisions and make sure you get the best value for YOU - no upsells, no Mickey Mouse games- just great advice from "Your friends....in the travel business" EZTravelpad

Biking in Jamaica's Blue Mountains - Exhilirating Experience!

Biking Expedition in Blue Mountains of Jamaica

What I like about this particular trip  - In a word, DOWNHILL!!

Take in the beautiful scenery as you cruise downhill through Jamaica’s majestic Blue Mountains. Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours is offering the Ride The Blues package, an exhilarating guided bicycle tour with stops at historical sites, and plenty of photo opportunities. Tours originate from Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Trelawny, and end with a secluded swim and fun event for beer lovers. Rates start at $98 per adult and $70 per kid ages 7-12, depending on location. The package includes: round trip transportation; bicycle and gear; brunch and lunch. Package must be booked 24 hours prior to tour date. Find full details at http://www.bmtoursja.com/tours.html.

That sounds easy enough, but how do you get to Jamaica? Your friends....in the travel business can help - contact EZTravelpad for more info and best deals to Jamaica - you can do it yourself, or you can contact a pro. Doing it yourself can be rewarding....contacting a pro can save you time, money, frustration and heartache. The choice is yours :)

Adventures by Disney- Outside the Theme Parks and into National Parks & More

Adventures by Disney Offers Highest Quality Tours

• Not interested in a "tour", but want to take the kids to see the Western US?
• Thought of taking the family on a European vacation but afraid the kids would be bored?
• Interested in the highest quality family trip available right now?

Think Adventures by Disney - here, take a peek...

 

 

 

Adventures by Disney marries the Disney level of exceptional quality with destination tours across the globe - a great Marriage!

Adventures await from close to home-

• Washington, DC
• Grand Canyon
• Yellowstone
• Alaska

to far, far away places such as-

• Italy
• Ireland
• China
• Costa Rica
• South Africa
• Egypt
• Galapagos Islands

A sample itinerary to the Western US looks like this (just the highlights- the whole itinerary looks really amazing!)

Trip Highlights

• Monument Valley Off-Road Excursion

  Climb aboard a 4x4 jeep for your very own Navajo-guided, off-road excursion to the beautiful buttes and magical mesas of Monument Valley. See the secret corners of the Valley and marvel at the geological wonders!

• Grand Canyon Hike

  Discover one of the seven wonders of the natural world as a naturalist guide takes you off the beaten path for a stunning Grand Canyon hike and drive along the South Rim.

• Colorado River Rafting

  Soak up the sights of the spectacular landscape on an exciting yet leisurely Colorado River rafting (Class I-II) adventure for the whole family.

• Cowboy Cookout and Entertainment

  Kick up your heels at a fun-filled cookout on the banks of the Colorado River! Meet a real cowboy and chow down on some down-home cookin'!

• Arches National Park

  Step into a surreal landscape dotted with sky-scraping sandstone land arches and hike to its crown jewel, the Delicate Arch. Learn the living geological history of a million years and marvel at mother nature's wild side.

 

Interested in what you can do? Where you can go? How many memories you can make?

EZTravelpad is a great place to start- you are guaranteed the best pricing and help all along the way! After all, you can trust "Your friends....in the travel business"

Beaches Resorts Offers Sesame Street Characters & Tuck-In Service!

Sesame Street Character at Beaches Resorts Work Overtime for YOU

Beaches Resorts is widely acknowledged as the leader in high quality family friendly Caribbean vacations. Why?

• Quality
• Consistency
• Location
• Repeat Business

But you probably already knew that. You also probably already knew that Beaches Resorts is the family friendly compliment to the Sandals Resorts chain, which offers luxury all-inclusive vacations for adults only (a Honeymoon and Romantic getaway favorite!).

But did you know that when you take the family to Beaches for a family vacation you can arrange for -

• Photo opps with Sesame Street characters
• Character breakfasts
• and perhaps coolest of all- Character Tuck-in Service

How cool would it be? How memorable for your children? How much fun can you have? Think the parents at the PTA meeting or basketball game will get a little envious when they hear about what you did for your children?

Check it out-

Let a Sesame Street^® furry friend help make your child's bedtime wishes come true, even before their head touches the pillow! In a calm, quiet environment, one of five Sesame Street^® characters will join in on some relaxing stretches, a bedtime story, and a sweet lullaby before tucking your child in for the evening.

What's Included

One-Character Tuck-In 

• One 15-minute session with one character

• 5" x 7" commemorative color photograph

• One Sesame Street^® plush toy per child

Two-Character Tuck-In

• One 15-minute session with two character

• Two 5" x 7" commemorative color photographs

• Two Sesame Street^® plush toys per child

Characters Available*

• Elmo

• Zoe

• Abby Cadabby

• Cookie Monster

• Grover

 

You spend so much time and effort working your tail off to provide for your family, but what do you really provide? Sure- food and shelter - security - a new bike maybe - a new Wii and Game cube and Play station and .......

This year think about providing your kids with a memory they will never forget - and that they will love you for forever, then let them play on their friend's Wii.....

At least that's how I see it-

So when it's time to arrange something for youself and your family (or just for yourself) - get with  EZTravelpad "Your friends....in the travel business"

Oh- and this is IMPORTANT - don't make the mistake of so many, by booking it direct with the resort. You can usually save time, AND money by booking with yout travel consutant (agent)! Seriously!

4 Days on board Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas-Beautuful Ship Full of Fun

Cruising on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas was a total pleasure (except the casino- stupid casino...).

Aside from being a gorgeous ship, the food was great - there was plenty of fun to be had - the entertainment was top-notch, and the service was great. Oh, and it was full of beautiful & fun people! What more do you want in a vacation destination?

 

Flopping into Greatness

One of the highlights of the cruise (beside being a judge in the women's bicep competition) was watching the men's belly flop contest. It was a hoot! Several men sporting pot bellies both large and small were more than willing to turn them red by flopping into the pool- all for a chance at the title, and maybe a ball cap. People were lined up all around the pool deck trying to get a better view of the fun.

 

Johnny Rockets

One of the hot spots on Navigator of the Seas is the Johhny Rockets restaurant. In fact it is so popular that they were forced to institue a minimal cover charge. So contrary to popular belief, not all food on the cruise ship is free- but $4.95 for an awesome burger (or 2), fries and a thick milkshake is a bargain compared to what you would find on land!

 

Dodgeball on the Sports Deck - Yeah Baby!

Everyone has plenty of chances to make memories on a cruise ship, and one of my fond memories was playing some dodgeball. I hadn't played dodgeball for the past few decades, and it showed- but it was fun, and my teammates were awesome. I highly recommend getting involved in as many activities as possible. Get outside of your comfort zone- do something you haven't done in a while - line dancing - disco - karaoke - jump into a fun contest - make some new friends, and take a bunch of photos to share when you get home!

 

Premium Dining Options

As mentioned earlier, not all cruise ship food is always included. In fact, there has been a trend lately toward premium dining options on many ships. Premium Italian, Teppanyaki, designer cupcakes and upscale steak restaurants are making their appearance on cruiselines including Carnival, NCL & Royal Caribbean. One night on Navigator of the Seas we had the opportunity to go to Chops Grille - a premium steakhouse. A $25 cover charge earns you the right to enjoy excellent cuisine that is comparable to some of  the premium chop houses in big cities across the country. Is it as good as Ruth's Chris? Only you can be the judge- but I can tell you that these were the best lamb chops I have ever tasted (ok, they are the 1st lamb chops I ever had...but my wife's 10 oz filet was comparable to what I have had at Sullivan's before at twice the price!) Oh, and the shrimp cocktail was awesome- and the Mud Pie for dessert....YUM

 

 

Skating in Studio B

You have probably seen TV ads claiming that on Royal Caribbean you can ice skate across the equator. Yep, you can ice skate on some ships, and Navigator is one of the ships that sports the Studio B ice skating rink. Not only is the rink open to family skating, but also hosts Ice Dancin' - a wonderful show for sure! Having seen it once now, I can't wait to go back. Getting good photos is a challenge as flash photography is strictly prohibited, but this can give you a sense of the costumes during the Rock Me Amadeus number- memorable!

 So cruising isn't for everyone, I get that. But here's a message to the 80% of the US public that has not had a chance to experience cruising yet- TRY IT.

Just try it once, you may get hooked. It's a big world with so much to see, and so little time to see it. There are experiences to be had- and experiences are what make memories...and memories, in the end, are all that we can keep with us for a lifetime.

So what are some of the other things you can do on-board?

• Get a Massage
• Enjoy a Spa Treatment
• Play Bingo (you could win a couple thousand if you play your car right)
• Shop Duty Free
• Climb a Rock Wall
• Play some Nintendo Wii
• Enjoy a Cigar and a fine Cognac in the Connoisseur Club
• Tone your Abs
• Dance to Some Latin Music Poolside
• Watch a New Release Movie
• Compete in a Free Throw Competition
• Compete in the Love and Marriage Gameshow

Make some memories with some good friends, or go out on your own- and make some new friends.... but get out there and see something. Or, take the $600 you would have spent on a cruise vacation and buy a new TV- ultimately, it's your choice.

Attn: WI Badger Fans - Wanna be Rose Bowl Bound?

Hey Badger Fans- Get out of Winter and into The Rose Bowl!

 

 

See the Badgers™ at the 2011 Rose Bowl®!
University of Wisconsin vs. Team to be Announced
January 1, 2011
Complete Vacation Packages from $2,299.99*
Per person, based on double occupancy

You know you want to escape the cold winter this year, what better way to do it than spending some time in sunny California with friends and family - there to root on the Wisconsin Badgers!

 

4-Night Complete Charter Vacation Includes:

• Roundtrip airfare nonstop from Madison or Milwaukee including two free checked bags (up to 44 lbs) and light meal service
• 4-night hotel stay in Los Angeles - choose from the Westin Bonaventure or the Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey
• Ticket to the Rose Bowl® on Saturday, January 1, 2011.
• Ticket to the Badger Blast (SM)/Huddle tailgate party at Rose Bowl® Stadium on January 1, 2011 (party will kick off 2 ½ hours prior to game time)
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers , transportation to the official University of Wisconsin pep rally and transportation on game day
• Luggage delivery from airport directly to hotel room.
• Other available options:
  • Tickets to Rose Bowl® Parade on January 1, 2011 (Due to the timing and traffic on game day, if passengers choose to attend the Rose Bowl® Parade passengers need to remove the Badger Blast (SM)/Huddle tailgate option from their reservation.)
  • Additional tours also available