We work with several terrific travel partners and can recommend resort properties at each of these destinations to match your family's interests and budget. From deluxe all-inclusive resorts with every amenity imaginable included, to accommodations that include kitchenettes and a variety of children's activities and programs. We will also arrange your air fare and rental car and whatever else you might want or need to make sure your vacation is the best ever. We've highlighted for you a few popular "sand, sea and family fun" destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii and showcased some of the many attractions, activities and sites that your family might enjoy. Please give us a call or stop by and let us help you plan your family's upcoming summer vacation. As always, wherever you want to go . . . we can get you there!
Caribbean
. . . Cayman Islands. The people of the Cayman Islands have long had a history tied to the turtle. In the 1600s and 1700s, the Cayman Islands became a provisioning stop for vessels sailing the Caribbean because of an abundance of green sea turtles. In addition to turtles, sand and sun, this destination offers a lot of history, including the Pedro St. James National Historic Site, a historically accurate reconstruction of the original 1780 Great House and one of the country's genuine treasures. Of course, you won't want to miss the Turtle Farm, home to more than 12,000 turtles – ranging from hatchlings to 600-pound-plus adults. It has become the islands' largest tourist attraction.
. . . Dominican Republic. Looking for family-friendly activities and attractions? Then look no further than the Dominican Republic – considered a great place for families and children, regardless of age. For example, guided tours are available at many of their national parks – either through independent tour operators and guide services or by hiring a park ranger. Guides can make sure that the activities are age-appropriate and that you see the most important natural and historic sites. Next, museums. With so much history and so many cultural traditions, it's no surprise that the DR has a variety of museums where families can not only learn about the destination of the Dominican Republic, but also have a good time doing it!
Bavaro and Punta Cana constitute the granddaddys of all beach resort areas in the Dominican Republic, if not the entire Caribbean Basin. This is where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet in a wide-open expanse of emerald seas sprinkled with a million shades of cobalt, turquoise and sapphire blues.
Today, Bavaro and Punta Cana are the island's new tourism frontier, and its fastest growing region by far. All in all, besides incredibly beautiful beaches, the Dominican Republic offers diversity: Tropical forests, arid semi-deserts and four mountain ranges. In addition, the DR boasts the oldest colonial city in the New World, is one of the largest breeding grounds known to man for the elusive humpback whale and showcases the Caribbean's highest mountains as well as the longest rivers.
Mexico
With more than 6,000 miles of beaches, Mexico has a beach to fit just about any family's profile. Some of the most popular Mexican destinations include Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Vacation activities can include water sports such as snorkeling and diving, or sightseeing Mayan ruins. You can look forward to kayaking off the "Costa Maya," mountain biking in Oaxaca, river rafting in Vera Cruz, shopping and sightseeing, or simply relaxing on a sunny beach. Resorts run the gamut from ultra-deluxe, all-inclusive to family-friendly properties that feature a multitude of supervised, age-appropriate children's activities and programs. We have all the details and can help you make your plans.
. . . Los Cabos. This paradise on the tip of the Baja California peninsula always seems to have something new for us to enjoy – including some of the finest golf course, superb fishing, fun marine excursions and fabulous hotels. Here, you and your family can experience an interesting variety of excursions – ranging from whale watching in Pacific lagoons to viewing ancient cave paintings. We think you will agree: Almost everything in Los Cabos involves "natural beauty," such as isolated beaches, desert landscapes, unique rock formations and scenic bluffs. Shopping is also popular in local boutiques, galleries and shops.
. . . Mazatlán. Located at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Mazatlán is situated on Mexico's northern Pacific coast. Here, you will appreciate the chance to experience a flourishing seaport, as well as authentic Mexican culture, as the locals love to share their heritage, traditions and pride in their jewel on the Mexican Gold Coast. There is a wide range of activities to enjoy – in addition to beautiful sunny beaches. Take a stroll around Old Mazatlán (Centro) with its colorful colonial-style architecture restored to pristine condition. Because of this impressive revitalization program, Old Mazatlán's streets are among Mexico's tourist hot spots. Once a commercial hub, this charming historic district now offers delightful shops, museums, alfresco dining, contemporary dance, jazz clubs and concerts, as well as its unique neoclassical architecture. Mazatlán is an ideal, affordable family vacation choice with endless possibilities: Aquatic sports, kid activities, fishing, bird-watching, golf, tennis, horseback riding, fine dining, shopping and nightlife.
. . . Puerto Vallarta. Few destinations can combine both sophistication and charm as successfully as Puerto Vallarta does. The city center is lined with art galleries, elegant restaurants and historic architecture. The area's hotels both in town and just outside (e.g. Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta), offer an impressive array of amenities. As well, there is an exceptional variety of activities to enjoy – ranging from golf, tennis and water sports to nature excursions and day trips to the villages in the hills. Snorkeling is popular at Los Arcos – a set of large rocks known for the caves formed under them that showcase a variety of brilliantly colored tropical fish. City tours are a great way for everyone to get acquainted with the area. Puerto Vallarta is also considered one of the best places to purchase fine works of art and exquisite folk art.
. . . Riviera Maya. This stunning stretch of coastline just south of Cancun has quickly built a reputation for outstanding accommodations and beautiful scenery, and it is also near many of Mexico's most famous Mayan ruins. Among the area's top attractions are its ecoparks, including Kantun Chi Park, Xel-Ha park and Xcaret – home to archeological monuments and ecological and cultural attractions. Here you can swim with dolphins, snorkel through underwater tunnels, admire animals in their natural habitats and enjoy traditional dance and music performances.
Hawaii
With summer just around the corner, now is the time to plan your family's getaway to Hawaii – the Pacific playground where ideal weather and breathtaking surroundings will have you enjoying endless outdoor activities, fun festivals and so much more – morning, noon and night! Just think . . . you and your family can swim with dolphins, kayak where green sea turtles play and snorkel amid brilliantly colored tropical fish. You can surf or tee off on championship courses. You can witness the sun rise atop a volcano, explore secluded beaches, hike, bike and horseback ride. Learn to hula and build a canoe. In other words . . . spend your summer in paradise . . . Hawaiian style! We've highlighted just a sample of what to look forward to on three of the islands.
. . . Oahu. On this island, you can play the emerald greens of championship courses, cycle through beautiful valleys, visit sacred Hawaiian sites, attend festivals and stroll through markets selling handcrafted arts and crafts. Attractions include the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Sea Life Park Hawaii and the Honolulu Zoo.
. . . Hawaii – The Big Island. Regardless of whether you choose to fly over an active volcano, dive in crystal clear waters or experience the excitement of an Hawaiian rodeo – The Big Island never fails to deliver outstanding adventures, fun festivals and breathtaking sights. Be sure and make time for the Kilauea Volcano Adventure at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here an interpretive naturalist will guide you and your family through a native rain forest, a lava tube and remarkable volcanic formations while explaining the geological and historic significance of each location.
. . . Maui. Here you can watch the sun rise over a volcano, discover the secrets of the rain forest, hike along a soaring sea cliff and watch master craftsmen build canoes using age-old traditions. The Haleakala National Park at sunrise remains one of Maui's most awe-inspiring attractions. You and your family will arrive at the 10,023-foot summit an hour before sunrise. Watch the first rays of sun streak across the sky and then peer down into the 3,000-foot deep crater. After a van tour of the park, you will head downhill by bike – dropping 3,000 feet in 10 miles and 29 switch-backs. Be sure and stop often to take photos of the incredible ocean and island views.
Cruising . . .
Family cruises, anniversary, milestone birthday celebration cruises, and family reunion cruises are special and often once-in-a-lifetime events for entire families to have fun together and to nurture that family bond and unity. Family cruises are available for numerous destinations. Depending on where you want to go, you can explore the islands of the Caribbean, coastlines of Mexico, Alaska, Europe, the exotic and enticing South Pacific or South America. Not only can we match you and your family with the right ship at the right time, with the right itinerary and at the right price, but we will work with you to make air arrangements for your group and to be sure that any special needs are handled.
SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS. Together with one of our special travel partners, Smithsonian Journeys, we are featuring an incredible 10-day family expedition cruise along the Amazon River, with an optional extension to the awe-inspiring destination of Machu Picchu, Peru. Set for December 26, 2008 – January 4, 2009, the Family Amazon Voyage aboard the La Amatista is expressly designed to introduce, educate and inspire youngsters (ages 8-14) as well as their parents, grandparents and friends about the world's largest and most diverse wilderness: The amazing Amazon River and Rainforest. This Smithsonian Journeys' Voyage includes: An expert Smithsonian study leader, a youth activities director and a tour manager throughout; a 7-night cruise, hotel accommodations in Lima both before and after the cruise, special "Welcome" and "Farewell" dinners, roundtrip
intra-country air from Lima/Iquitos, tours of both cities, airport transfers, port charges and all gratuities for guides and drivers.
A multi-generational vacation opportunity, this Family Amazon Voyage will cruise the upper Amazon River in a classically styled riverboat and will include daily excursions into the rainforest to look for wildlife. You can expect to see over 100 varieties of birds, monkeys putting on shows from treetops, and possibly even catch a glimpse of a family of endangered giant river otters who live deep in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (the largest wetland reserve in the world!). You will learn how to fish for piranhas and feast on your catch. You will get to go canoeing with pink river dolphins. And, you and your children will visit with local youngsters from river villages (Riberenos) and visit their school.
Your flight to Lima, Peru, begins the journey, followed by a flight the next day over the Andes Mountains to Iquitos, where, time permitting, you will enjoy a brief city tour prior to boarding the riverboat. This cruise will also debark at Iquitos. Your expedition continues with a flight back to Lima, a city tour, then the afternoon free prior to transferring that evening for a flight back to the U.S. An optional tour of Machu Picchu can be easily arranged and we have all the details. We think you will agree: Smithsonian Journeys offers the "Best in Educational Travel." Please call us for details and to make your reservations for "the greatest voyage in natural history"!
CRYSTAL CRUISES. Ready to enjoy and experience a bit of Mediterranean Magic? We have two incredible cruises to share with you that offer exclusive amenities to you, our valued American Express Travel client. First is Crystal's annual President's Cruise that departs August 24, 2008. On this 12-day "Isles of Antiquity" voyage aboard the stunning, award-winning Crystal Symphony, you will cruise from Athens to Rome and visit such exciting ports as Kusadasi, Rhodes, Santorini, Agios Nikolaos, Corfu and Taormina, and conclude with an overnight stay in Sorrento before docking in Civitavecchia (Rome.) Onboard during this special President's Cruise, you can look forward to meeting (or visiting with again) Crystal Cruises' president, Gregg Michel and his wife, Adriana. Special onboard amenities will include a Gala Welcome Aboard Party, commemorative gift to celebrate the special voyage and the opportunity for all guests to take part in the president's shore excursion. One of the special lecturers, as part of the Crystal Visions® Enrichment Program, will be Tom Lippman, a former Middle East Bureau Chief of The Washington Post and frequent television and radio commentator. In addition, Mr. Michel will offer his popular Q&A session for all guests. If you prefer to sail the Med during the lovely fall months, the Crystal Serenity's 12-day "Mediterranean Majesty" voyage departs October 18, 2008 and sails from Rome to Barcelona. Ports of call will include Naples, Catania, Gibraltar, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona. An overnight stay in Barcelona is included. The American Express exclusive value-added amenity offered for these two sailings may include a $250 per person (up to $500 per stateroom) shipboard credit. Please ask us for details to see if you qualify. It is also important to note that your cruise (including shore excursions) is to be paid in U.S. dollars – thus avoiding any further fluctuation in the value of the dollar to the Euro. We hope you will agree: Crystal Cruises offers exceptional value in luxury cruising. Come onboard . . . you'll see the difference is Crystal Clear.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE. It's almost summer! Have you planned your family vacation? Options abound, including the opportunity to make history by sailing onboard the new ms Eurodam during her inaugural season this year. Aboard the Eurodam, you and your family can look forward to spacious accommodations, an incredible variety of fine and casual dining venues, the largest gymnasium and sports area ever built for Holland America Line and superb entertainment options. If you have children, they will look forward to the programs offered through Club HAL® – Holland America's dedicated youth supervised facilities, programs and activities for youngsters ages 3-12. (All activities are offered in age appropriate groups.) Additionally, your teens (ages 13-17) can look forward to spending time at The Loft – an area designed exclusively for teenagers to have fun, socialize, and just hang out with their new friends. (And new for this year is a video editing facility now a part of The Loft.) With Holland America, you will pay for your cruise with U.S. dollars, so you will know before you depart what is included and what your costs should be. All in all in 2008, this 135-year-old cruise line – considered "the most experienced cruise line in Europe" – will showcase the Continent aboard six distinctive ships, will visit nine maiden ports and will offer more overnight stays and late departures in such prime ports as Venice, Barcelona and Istanbul. Please call us now for specific details about each of Holland America Line's ships sailing in Europe and what will be best for your family.
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Holland America Line's ms Prinsendam
If you have been considering a world cruise or a cruise to exotic, far-reaching destinations and want to experience such a journey on an intimate, mid-sized ship, then look no further than Holland America's ms Prinsendam. Now freshly enhanced and "more elegant than ever," this delightfully intimate 793-guest vessel will provide you with the feel of a classic yacht combined with the spaciousness of a cruise ship. Indeed, the ms Prinsendam – or "the Elegant Explorer" – is truly a vessel worthy of her name. Many of you will remember the Prinsendam as the Royal Viking Sun. Now completely refurbished, this is one magnificent vessel! Please call us for all the details.
LONDON, England – The London that we know today began to take shape in the 11th century when Edward the Confessor built Westminster Abbey. Over the next 10 centuries London will have survived William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion in 1066 and the bubonic plague of the 1300s; prospered under Tudor rule of the 16th century (where the city actually almost tripled in size); survived the separation of the English church from Rome and subsequent religious persecution, and welcomed the arrival of one London's greatest artistic 
