www.star-telegram.com M Sunday, April 10, 2011 11E

Dianna Hunt 817-390-7084 TRAVEL [email protected]

THE ITINERARY

Compiled by Dianna Hunt

The spa entrance on the Celebrity Eclipse Celebrity Cruises/Simon Brooke-Webb Savings on the high seas Just in time for International Spa Week this week, Celebrity Cruises is offering special onboard spa package deals. The deals, in partnership with Elemis Spa, include: I Facial rejuvenation package, which includes a Botox treatment for crow’s feet, an oxyder- my facial, brow sculpting and a skin assess- ment, for $449 (usually $564) I Detox and body package, which includes a The Royal Clipper is the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship in the world. Special to the Star-Telegram/Debbra Dunning Brouillette full-body seaweed massage, use of a thermal suite (like a sauna) for seven days, Pilates, yoga and a body composition analysis, for $245 (usually $417). I Pain management package, which includes three acupuncture treatments, use of the thermal suite for seven days and an herbal Classic Clipper consultation, for $399 (usually $634). The deals are good through the end of the year. www.celebritycruises.com (click on Sailing the Caribbean on a smaller craft “specials”). makes for a more relaxing journey, with stops at less-crowded ports of call By Debbra Dunning Brouillette gone by. Mikael Krafft, Swed- Special to the Star-Telegram ish born owner-founder of We were about to set sail from Star Clippers, fulfilled his Bridgetown, Barbados, lifelong dream of reviving the aboard the Royal Clipper, the golden age of tall sailing ships largest and only five-masted in 1991, with the construction fully rigged sailing ship in the of the Star Flyer, followed by world. Along with most of its its identical twin, Star Clip- passengers, my traveling per, a year later. In 2001, the companion and I gathered on Royal Clipper set sail, in- the top deck to witness the spired by the Preussen, raising of 56,000 square feet launched in 1902 as the larg- of sails, not by motor, but by est, fastest sailing ship the the hands of trained sailors. world had ever seen. Throughout the week, passengers are given the opportunity to climb Illuminated by the moon It’s a powerful draw for ro- up to one of the crow’s-nest lookout stations for an unbelievable view. and countless stars and ac- mantics, sailing enthusiasts Courtesy of Clark and Sue Hamilton companied by Vangelis’ Con- and active travelers who want quest of Paradise over the PA a small-ship experience with system, it was a majestic its smaller, out-of-the-way sight, one that was repeated ports of call and low-key Elvis circa 1956 is the focus of an art contest. each evening as we embarked nightly entertainment. The Associated Press for yet another island desti- Get creative, Elvis fans nation. Cabins Attention, Elvis fans: Elvis Presley En- For the next seven nights, Our outside cabin, located on terprises is holding a national art contest to the Royal Clipper was our the second deck, was attrac- celebrate Elvis Week 2011. You can win a free floating hotel. Our Windward tive and efficiently designed trip to Memphis — and lots more Elvis-related Islands itinerary covered over to maximize storage space. goodies — by submitting an entry in any art 700 nautical miles and visited Each cabin has its own con- form, including sculpture, pencil drawings or six ports, including St. Lucia, trols for the A/C, a TV for painting. The art needs to honor Elvis in 1956 Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, those who can’t bear to miss — 55 years ago — when he began his rise to Iles des Saintes and Marti- the news of the world, a safe superstardom, according to the contest nique. for locking up valuables, a planners. The winner also will receive tickets While large for a sailing roomy marble bathroom, and for Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil in Las ship, the Royal Clipper is in surprisingly comfortable Vegas, a cabin on the 2012 Elvis cruise and a the “small ship” category beds. Every afternoon, as we Dominica is lush, mountainous and unspoiled. radio package from Sirius XM. Deadline for (500 passengers or fewer) as returned to our cabin from Special to the Star-Telegram/Debbra Dunning Brouillette entries is April 28. Elvis.com far as cruises go. It carries a the day’s activities, we found maximum of 227 passengers a different animal created iest. My travel companion three-story atrium, much and is crewed by an interna- from towels awaiting us on fared quite well, with only grander and more impressive tional staff of 106, with 15 na- the bed. The cabin stewards minor queasiness on those than one would imagine in- tions represented. Its smaller were not only efficient but nights, while I — the “old side a sailing ship. The Royal Hackers visit TripAdvisor sister ships, the Star Clipper extremely creative as well. salt” — was not affected. To Clipper is upscale, even ele- The travel site TripAdvisor (www.tripad- and Star Flyer, carry 170 pas- Passengers prone to sea- me, the nighttime movement gant, with its piano bar and visor.com) says hackers broke into its data- sengers and are crewed by 72. sickness should come pre- was actually quite soothing, lounge areas, which lead to base and stole part of its 20 million-member Dwarfed by the mega pared with medication for like being gently rocked in a the dining room on the lowest e-mail list. Some members might start receiv- cruise ships, which travel the motion sickness — a patch or cradle. level via a winding staircase. ing unwanted spam as a result. TripAdvisor seas under electrical power wristband — and be aware wouldn’t say how many members were af- carrying up to 5,000 passen- that the first and last nights at Three-story atrium Dining fected, only that “a portion” of e-mail ad- gers, the Royal Clipper harks sea, those with the longest The focal point of the ship’s Many cruise-lovers put food dresses were taken, and passwords remain back to the tall ships of days passage, are usually the rock- interior public spaces is the More on SAILING, 12E secure. TripAdvisor, owned by Expedia Inc., is one of the world’s largest Internet travel sites. It provides links to hotel booking sites and is best-known for the millions of reviews its users post about their hotel experiences. It doesn’t collect credit card information or sell There’s so much to savor on Martinique or rent its member list. TripAdvisor is a part 7 For culinary pleasures, sounds, and especially the of TripAdvisor Media Group, which includes the island c’est magnifique! tastes of this “little bit of 18 travel sites, among them www.airfare- France in the Caribbean.” watchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, By Debbra Dunning Brouillette En route to our first sched- www.cruisecritic.com and www.virtualtourist- Special to the Star-Telegram uled appointment at a gour- .com. The sites operate in 27 countries. FORT-DE-FRANCE, Marti- met chocolaterie, we stopped — The Seattle Times nique — Delights for both the at the River Madam just as eyes and palate awaited us as fishermen were arriving to we met our driver and guide display and sell their bounties for our day in Martinique. My of the sea at the fish market. FUN FACT friend and I were the latest Baskets overflowed with fly- “celebrities” in his charge, or ing fish and needlefish. Ta- Top 10 riverboat cruises at least we convinced our- bles were piled with tuna, Looking for a new kind of boat excursion? selves it was so, as we stepped snapper, mahi-mahi (known Here’s ShermansTravel.com’s list of the best into his Mercedes taxi. The there as dorado); scales were places to take a riverboat cruise. previous week, his VIP visitor at the ready. By lunchtime, 1. Amazon River was Ségolène Royal, French chefs throughout the island 2. Danube River President Nicolas Sarkozy’s would magically transform 3. Hudson River and St. Lawrence Seaway female opponent in the 2007 the fishermen’s bounty into 4. Mekong River election. In the late ’90s, he the gourmet fare for which 5. Mississippi River squired Pierce Brosnan and Martinique has become 6. Murray River Rene Russo during filming of known. 7. Nile River The Thomas Crown Affair. We next strolled through 8. Seine River With limited time to expe- the nearby spice market, 9. Volga River and Russian waterways rience all that Martinique has where vendors also display 10. Yangtze River Needlefish and snapper are among the day’s catch at the fish market to offer, we set out to fill our juices, fruits and vegetables, Donna Schlegelmilch More on MARTINIQUE, 13E — Houston Chronicle along the River Madam in Fort-de-France. senses with the sights, 12E Sunday, April 10, 2011 M www.star-telegram.com

our cabin each afternoon at 10 p.m. Sailing outlined the next day’s schedule. Two special Ports of call Continued from 11E events involved photo- A variety of shore excur- graphing the ships under sions were offered to pas- full sail. We sailed along- sengers. Sign-ups were re- high on the list when it side one of the smaller sis- quested at the excursion comes to rating their cruise ter ships, the Star Clipper, desk by noon the previous experience, and I am no on the second morning of day. At some ports, tender exception. Mealtimes the cruise. We learned service was provided to aboard the Royal Clipper that passengers are af- both beach and town loca- were quite satisfying and forded this opportunity on tions. Those who chose to beautifully presented. most cruise weeks in the enjoy a beach day could Breakfast and lunch are Caribbean. Later in the take advantage of water served buffet style; the week, all who wished to sports activities, while evening meal is ordered photograph our own ship, others arranged taxi tours from the menu. A preview the Royal Clipper, under on their own or walked to of the evening’s six-course full sail boarded one of two nearby shops and sights. menu in the Piano Bar, tender boats that circled complete with plated ex- the ship until dusk, allow- St. Lucia amples of the starters, en- ing shutterbugs like me to The ship’s first anchorage trees, and desserts, was a capture plenty of images. was Rodney Bay on St. nice touch. Wine at dinner One opportunity I Lucia’s northwest coast. could be ordered by the missed was to climb the As we arrived, St. Lucian Visitors learn the process of making batik fabrics at the Caribelle Batik factory in St. Kitts. glass or bottle; open bot- mast to one of the crow’s- families were enjoying Special to the Star-Telegram/Debbra Dunning Brouillette tles were re-corked and nest lookout stations. An- Sunday at the beach, frol- marked for serving the other was to soak up the icking in the sea and play- Champagne Beach. Rated then hiked to the top of next evening. wealth of knowledge of- ing in the sand. Chicken among the top five snor- Bird Island and snorkeled Ready to sail? Open seating and casual fered by a marine biolo- and pig tails, a common keling sites in the Caribbe- the nearby reefs. The Royal Clipper and the dress (no jackets, ties or gist, who gave on-ship Caribbean comfort food, an, Champagne Beach’s Star Clipper spend the winter eveningwear required; no lectures on marine life and sizzled on a grill as we underwater geothermal St. Kitts and spring in the Caribbean, shorts or swimsuits) kept schooled snorkelers on made our way to Pigeon springs vent gasses, giving Among the sites not to be repositioning to the Mediter- mealtimes relaxed. Two fish identification. Point National Park, site of snorkelers the feeling of missed on St. Kitts is ranean for summer and fall. delightful solo female trav- Early birds could start the remnants of Fort Rod- swimming through a giant Brimstone Hill Fort, a Our mid-February cruise was elers from Canada became out most days with yoga or ney. We climbed to the glass of champagne. UNESCO World Heritage one of the last of the Caribbe- our dinner companions, morning gymnastics. A lookout point where Brit- Site, considered to be the an season for the Royal Clip- and crew members and spa and fitness center on ish Adm. George Rodney Antigua best-preserved historical per, but it will return in No- other passengers some- the bottom deck awaited monitored the French fleet Antigua bills itself as hav- fortress in the Caribbean vember. Caribbean itineraries times joined us. those who chose to either on Martinique, ending in a ing 365 beaches, “one for and the Americas. The Ca- include the Windward Islands, pamper themselves with a 1782 battle when the Brit- every day of the year,” and ribelle Batik Studios, at Grenadines, British Virgin Activities spa treatment or work out ish emerged victorious, is a haven for sailors. We Romney Manor, is another Islands, Treasure Islands and Passengers became famil- while sighting fish gaining control of the is- marveled at multimillion- must-see, where we Leeward Islands. iar with the ship’s cruise through the portholes. land. dollar mega-yachts docked learned how batik fabrics The Star Flyer spends the director, Angela, soon after Watersports enthusi- at Falmouth Harbor, in- are created and shopped winter and spring in Costa boarding, as she oriented asts could enjoy snorkel- Dominica cluding the Maltese Fal- for souvenirs. Then we Rica, repositioning to the us to life on the ship. She ing, sunfish sailing, wa- Lush, unspoiled, and con, one of the largest pri- strolled the lush gardens Mediterranean in the summer continued throughout the terskiing, and windsurf- largely covered by rain for- vately owned sailing yachts on land originally owned and fall. week to provide briefings ing. Scuba diving for cer- est, Dominica (Do-muh- in the world. While others by William Jefferson, How much on all the ports, as well as tified divers and Discover NEEK-uh), known as “the learned of Antigua’s Royal great-great-grandfather of Cruise prices (double occu- make announcements Diving instruction was Nature Island,” was our Navy history at Nelson’s U.S. President Thomas pancy) for Caribbean and about on-board events available at additional second port of call. My Dockyard, swam with Jefferson. Our excursion Costa Rican itineraries start at throughout the day and charge. friend and I chose an ex- stingrays, or participated ended at a lookout point $1,875; Mediterranean cruise evening in three languages Night owls gathered in cursion to Trafalgar Falls, in a yacht race, we opted where the Caribbean Sea prices begin at $2,075. Re- — English, German, and the Tropical Bar after din- twin waterfalls in the for an afternoon excursion and Atlantic Ocean meet serve early for advance pur- French. ner to take in the evening’s midst of the forest, fol- exploring the coastal man- on the island’s east end. chase discounts. A newsletter placed in entertainment, beginning lowed by snorkeling at grove ecosystem by kayak, Getting there Iles des Saintes Flights to Barbados from Few cruise lines visit Ter- D/FW Airport on American Your Guide To That re-de-Haute, Iles des Airlines are available daily Saintes, the largest in a through Miami. Direct flights Perfect Getaway cluster of eight small is- from D/FW on American lands off the coast of Gua- Airlines depart Thursdays, deloupe. After learning Saturdays and Mondays. that its healthy reefs at- I U.S. dollars and/or major tract divers from around credit cards were readily the world, I scheduled a accepted on Barbados and morning dive with Royal the six islands we visited. On Clippers’ dive team. The the French islands of Isles des ship’s marina platform Saintes and Martinique, euros lowers from the stern for a are needed for purchases variety of watersports, in- from some local vendors, but cluding scuba diving. they can easily obtained via There was still time for an an ATM. afternoon of shopping and exploring the small, pic- More info turesque fishing village For more detailed informa- before the last tender boat tion, visit www.starclipper- arrived to return us to the s.com. Access the Voyage ship. Planning Tool under “Plan Your Sailing” to search for a Martinique cruise by sailing month, GLEN ROSE, TX Our taste of France in the length of cruise, by ship, or THE LODGE AND FOOTHILLS SAFARI GLEN ROSE, TX Caribbean continued in CAMP AT FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER GLEN ROSE, TX by destination. DINOSAUR CAPITAL OF TEXAS INN ON THE RIVER Spend a night on the wild side at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center at Located only 60 minutes from the metroplex. Martinique with a pre- either The Lodge or Foothills Safari Camp. The Lodge provides Designated a Texas Historical Landmark & 1.5 — Debbra Dunning Brouillette Historic downtown square, Fossil Rim Wildlife blocks from the historical Downtown Square. arranged taxi tour, begin- rustic luxury while Safari Camp offers an unforgettable getaway Center, Dinosaur Valley State Park, The Promise in the comfort of a safari-style tent. Located in a peaceful and 22 distinctive guest rooms w/private baths, ning with a visit to a gour- & Dinosaur World. More than 25 unique nestled on the banks of the Paluxy River. secluded area of Fossil Rim’s ~1700 acre wildlife preserve 55 lodging options. Request Visitor’s info. met chocolaterie and end- miles SW of Fort Worth near Glen Rose, Texas. 1-888-346-6282 1-800-575-2101 254-897-2960 www.GlenRoseTexas.net www.InnOnTheRiver.com ing with a gourmet meal. www.fossilrim.org Every stop was a sensory countryside to the island’s delight. We experienced unique Balata Gardens. the sights and sounds of Our special day in Marti- SCROGGINS, TX CANTON, TX DEER LAKE CABINS To Advertise PLUM LAKE CABIN RENTALS the local fish market, took nique ended at gourmet (2 hours East of Dallas off I-30) Your Getaway Private Cabin, Hot Tub-Fireplace. in the smells of spices that French restaurant La Cave Secluded lakeside cabins On secluded 7ac. Plum Lake permeate the Big Market, a Vins, a hidden gem in the on rustic guest ranch call Trayce Moore Romantic Weekend Escape. 903-860-3898 903-848-1033 then traveled through the heart of capital Fort-de- www.DeerLakeCabins.com at 817-390-7585 www.PlumLake.com island’s mountainous France.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS 4, 5, 7 Nt. Cruises from On The Danube! GALVESTON! Dec. 2-11, 2011 - Fabulous Offer from We also • 7 nts. RIVER CRUISE (Budapest-Prague) specialize in • 2 nts. Hotel in PRAGUE • All Sightseeing $ • Personally Escorted by Tom & Rita Paul 399/pp GROUP CRUISES! GIDDY UP (Family, Club, See Column $ Class Reunions) from 2,849/pp for Details Ask for details! Rates/person/dbl., occ/subj. to avail./taxes & airfare addn’l. PaulsCruises.com DFW Metroplex Nationwide Arlington/Mansfi eld and SAVE with 941 Melbourne 800-327-3533 5767 SW Green Oaks (1 blk se of NE Mall) Visit our website: (SE corner of I-20) PRESS PASS (817) 589-SHIP www.PaulsCruises.com (817) 572-PAUL Free admission for four, T-shirt and trackpack to —BREAKING NEWS — Experience the magic closer to home ALL Press Pass than ever when Disney Cruise Line® cardholders! sets sail out of Galveston in 2012 Bookings are open now! Lone Star Park For the best availability, contact AAA Travel Opening Weekend by calling 888-467-4957 and pressing 4 An AAA Travel agent April 14 - April 17 will be happy to serve you! Receive free General Admissions for up to four (4) guests, plus receive a free t-shirt, one free program and one free large soft drink. This is a combined total value of $41.95! One t-shirt/program/soft drink per valid Press Pass account (while supplies last). Offer valid prior to start of 8th race only during opening weekend. (Not valid after 9 p.m. Friday, April 15 or after 5 p.m., Saturday, April 16.) Not valid with any other offer. Present your valid Press Pass at the designated tables outside the Lone Star Park grandstand admission gates. For more information, call 972-263-RACE (7223) or visit www.lonestarpark.com www.star-telegram.com M Sunday, April 10, 2011 13E TravelTravelAdvertorial

ColumnColumn Debbie Barrera-Ruiz 817-390-7164 Email your travel questions to [email protected]

The Kauai Marriott Resort sits on Kalapaki Bay and offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Explore the best parts of Hawaii both in and out of the water by using AAA Travel-Pleasant Holidays’ activity voucher to pre-book on the Hidden Falls Kayak Adventure located in the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge. Known for its lush greenery, Huleia has been the site of fi lming for a wide range of major motion pictures. After tying up the kayaks, you will be led through the sights and sounds of Hidden Valley, a pristine rain forest valley. This adventure puts emphasis on fun, and interpretation of natural history, culture, folklore and legends. Kids 17 and younger stay free at the Kauai Marriott Resort, which is just one of the Vendor displays at the spice market in Fort-de-France include handcrafted dolls dressed in 34 family-friendly properties in AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays’ “Aloha Days” program. Aloha Days is an annual effort between AAA Travel, North America’s largest full-service travel native plaid dresses. Special to the Star-Telegram/Debbra Dunning Brouillette agency, and Pleasant Holidays, a leader in the South Pacifi c for more than 30 years, to bring guests the best savings at Hawaii’s top accommodations. Book an Aloha Days getaway with AAA by April 30, and get money off on accommodations and island activities, as well as a complimentary Hertz car rental for the length of your stay. For even more value, Aloha Days includes deeply Martinique discounted airfare for kids 17 and younger. To book, or for more information, contact the most convenient of AAA Travel’s 14 locations from Continued from 11E Fort Worth to Frisco. Call 888-467-4957, press 4, and a representative will be happy to serve you! along with handicrafts — dolls dressed in Catalonia Riviera Maya native plaid dresses and brooms made of In the heart of the Riviera Maya opposite the sea, on the Mexican Caribbean coast, we fi nd palm fronds. Puerto Aventuras, the town where Catalonia Riviera Maya resort is located. Puerto Aventuras is This very French yet very Caribbean an ideal setting with a beautiful marina for yachts and dolphin pools. Moreover, there is a vast leisure area containing bars, shops and restaurants, as well as a 9-hole golf course. island has begun to take center stage in Catalonia Riviera Maya has 423 rooms, all with terraces. All rooms are recent years among the area’s tourist equipped with: air-conditioning, direct phone line, complete bathroom destinations, and its inclusion on Royal with hairdryer, cable TV, safety deposit box, complimentary mini Clipper’s Windward Islands itinerary al- bar, coffee maker, bathrobes and slippers, plus many more lowed me to find out firsthand what the amenities. fuss is all about. This hotel has been designed for you to enjoy your stay with Accolades for its fabulous food were us and the chance to do various sports, leisure activities and received in 2008 and 2009, when the is- enjoy our delicious varied food through the All Inclusive system. land was named Best Gourmet Island of Included is all food and freefl ow national alcoholic and soft drinks at all restaurants, snack bars & disco. the Year by Caribbean World magazine. A team of professionals will provide you with fun and entertainment from the multiple Caribbean Travel & Life readers named it options available as part of the installations and services our resort offer both the young favorite Caribbean destination for delec- and old. Sports activities include non-motor water sports, diving, windsurfi ng, sailing, kayaks, table dining in 2009, and About.com’s pedal boats, aerobics, water aerobics, water polo, beach and pool volleyball, table tennis, travel site gave the island a thumbs-up in shuffl eboard, basketball, archery, cycle rides and tennis, diving class in the pool. Our sports bar 2010, calling Martinique its Best Carib- High-quality chocolates in more than 30 fla- is fully equipped sports channels on the TVs and various games including a full golf simulator bean Destination. vors are overlaid with artistic designs at Fréres with swing. We have evening shows at our theatre, theme nights with competitions and prizes, Finally, it was time for our appoint- Lauzèa. a gymnasium, multi-use sports court, children’s club, daily transport to Playa del Carmen, and more. All taxes and service charge are included. ment with “le chocolat” at gourmet Special to the Star-Telegram/Debbra Dunning Brouillette chocolaterie, Fréres Lauzèa. Brothers For more information please contact: Thierry and Jimmy Lauzèa are the own- Getting there GULLIVERS TRAVEL AFFORDABLE TRIPS ers and overseers of the shop, which pro- Flights on American Airlines from D/FW to 817-924-7766 817-281-3922 [email protected] [email protected] duces creative candy varieties made San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) connect daily to from dark, milk and white chocolate ga- Martinique (FDF) via American Eagle. RUFE SNOW TRAVEL TRAVEL LEADERS OF FORT WORTH nache. Ginger, rum raisin, lime, coffee, 817-498-2455 817-332-6811 guava, soursop, mint, honey, cinnamon, [email protected] [email protected] and hot pepper are some of more than 30 magnificent gardens below. natural flavors combined with the deca- Our day in Martinique ended with Free Things to Do & See in Las Vegas dent, top-quality chocolate, then lunch at the highly recommended La stamped with identifying designs made Cave a Vins, in the heart of downtown Harrah’s Las Vegas Carnaval Court from colored cocoa butter that are, in Fort-de-France. We chose a table in the You can have it all at the most exciting outdoor entertainment bar on the Las Vegas Strip-the themselves, pieces of art. A more appro- sunny conservatory, featuring glass sky- Carnaval Court Bar & Grill. Boasting some of the world’s top fl air bartenders, Carnival Court priate gift for the chocoholic in your life lights and beautiful wall murals of was voted one of the best fl air bars in the country. Live bands take the Carnival Court stage could not be found. French wine country. As we sipped our daily, performing a wide range of music like pop, jazz and beach music. We next headed north of Fort-de- wine (French, of course!), delightful There are many great kiosks selling everything from sunglasses and clothing to hotdogs France through Martinique’s mountain- owner Clementine Grouvel graciously and pretzels. Hours are Sunday - Thursday 12pm to 1am Friday-Saturday 12pm to 3am. ous countryside, stopping briefly at Ba- translated the menu descriptions into Bally’s Las Vegas Light, Water & Sound Show lata Church, a one-fifth replica of Paris’ English. Starters of octopus salad and Experience a brilliant light, water and sound extravaganza on Las Vegas Boulevard at the Sacred Heart Basilica, before arriving at casserole of sea urchins were followed by entrance to Bally’s Hotel & Casino. Shows are every 20 minutes nightly after dusk. the Balata botanical gardens. Formerly our entrees. Portions of tuna that Grou- You can book a package of roundtrip nonstop air and hotel from DFW with the Travel Guy at 1-888-272-8002 or go online at www.travelguy.com. The Travel Guy has lots of part of a private estate, the gardens were vel had purchased that morning at the coupons and he will also do your seat assignments for you on the plane. created by Jean-Philippe Thoze, a botan- fish market were seared rare and topped ical and landscape gardener, over a span with a Rossini sauce of warm fois gras of two decades. Its dramatic displays of and morel mushrooms. CHRISTMAS MARKETS on the Danube River hundreds of varieties of tropical flowers Feeling sated in every way, I re-board- and trees are in keeping with the island’s ed our ship with dreams of returning to December 2 – 11, 2011 Carib Indian name, Madinina, which this welcoming French Caribbean island means “Isle of Flowers.” We strolled for a longer stay. There are rum distiller- along flower-bedecked paths, then gin- ies to tour, the ruins of Mount Pelée’s gerly made our way across 50-foot-high 1902 eruption to explore, and more gas- suspended wooden bridges that stretch tronomical pleasures to experience. over the tops of hundred-year-old trees Martinique had quickly made its way in- for breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the to my heart (and stomach).

RETAIL FOREIGN CURRENCY RATES Christmas Markets in Nuremberg Shop for handmade crafts Linz, Austria Country Sell Buy Australia 1.116 0.941 Experience the Disney Magic Ready for a magical Christmas season that you will long remember Canada 1.108 0.967 Limited sailings from Galveston - Fall 2012 and cherish? A very special trip for very special people! England 1.733 1.523 Join owners, Tom & Rita Paul, of Pauls Cruises & Travel, for this once Euro 1.513 1.328 Join us for Pizza & Cake April 14 6-8pm in-a-lifetime fairy tale Christmas event! Drift lazily up the beautiful DANUBE Japan 0.013 0.011 Central Market - Southlake RIVER thru 4 countries of Europe as castles, churches, vineyards, farms & Mexico 0.090 0.076 Hong Kong 0.141 0.117 1425 E Southlake Blvd quaint little villages pass by. Plus, these charming cities will be decorated Switzerland 1.179 1.022 Call 817-489-2465 to RSVP the “old fashioned” way in their Christmas lights, trees, holiday décor and Foreign currency in US Dollars Book by April 20 & receive unbelievable Christmas Markets! Shop to your heart’s content in Christmas Source: Gulliver’s Travel Markets in places such as BUDAPEST, VIENNA, SALZBURG, REGENSBURG, Rates effective 4/5/11, subject to change. A Disney Collectible with Final Payment NURMEBERG and PRAGUE. Foreign Exchange Services 80 Countries Buy/Sell This 9 night deluxe package features a 7 night river cruise as well as an Gulliver’s Travel www.dynamictravel.com extended 2 night stay at a deluxe hotel in Prague to allow time to explore 817-924-7766 and shop this exciting city. To really keep you in the holiday spirit – special onboard music, folklore shows, theme dinners, tree decorating, Christmas carols & other events await. America’s Favorite Vacation Company! This inclusive adventure includes all shore excursions, meals onboard, champagne breakfasts daily, and even unlimited wine, beer or soft drinks with dinner! The Riverboat holds less than 150 passengers, Cancun Square $ 99* Gran Bahia Principe $ 99* so do not wait and be disappointed – special Deal 4åPlus from 349 Bavaro 5å Punta Cana from 699 group space is limited! Call your friends 3nights,ALL-INCLUSIVE! MO, Apr 25-May 30, We'll advise 3nights,ALL-INCLUSIVE! TH, Jun 2-23, Junior suite! Includes at Pauls Cruises & Travel NOW! In the NE Mall area/Mid-Cites you of your hotel just prior to departure, guaranteed to be exchange privileges with Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana! @ 817-589-7447 or visit them at 941 Melbourne, just se of NE Mall-in the 4åPlus or better! Secrets Silversands Riviera $ 99* “Subway” shopping strip. In Arlington/Mansfi eld at 817-572-7285, located at 5767 SW Green Ocean Maya Royale 4åPlus $ 99* Cancun 6å Riviera Maya from 649 Oaks – se corner of I-20/Green Oaks-next to Panchos. Outside of the DFW area: 800-327-3533, Unlimited-Luxury® Riviera Maya from 459 3nights, SU/MO, May 1-Jun 20, Junior or e-mail [email protected]. Visit their website at www.PaulsCruises.com. suite! Includes $200 in resort coupons per room, per stay! 3nights,ALL-INCLUSIVE! MO, (restrictions apply) May 2-30, Adults (18+) only! $ 99* Melia Caribe Tropical 5å $ 99* Mexico El Cozumeleno Beach Resort 4å Punta Cana 849 Cozumel 549 from Many Texans are repeat travelers to Mexican resort destinations, especially from the DFW from 4nights,ALL-INCLUSIVE! SU, Jun 5-26, 3nights,ALL-INCLUSIVE! FR,Jun3-24 Deluxe junior suite! area. With the increasing drug violence on the border, there are several questions about safety and security for Mexico travel in general. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with the Mexico Tourism board to inquire about these issues, and they shared with me some statistics Ask An Agent! Call About Additional Exclusive Savings! that I would like to pass on to hopefully ease any hesitations travelers may have while deciding Rufe Snow Travel, www.rstravel.com ...... (817)498-2455 on a vacation destination this year. - Mexico has had 22.6 million visitors in the past 12 months Travel Leaders, www.travelleaders.com/fortworthtx ...... (817)332-6811 - Of the 22.6 million visitors, not one of them was hurt as the result drug-related gang violence Gullivers Travel, www.gullivers.com ...... (817)924-7766 - No tourist of any nationality has been killed in drug-related violence anywhere in Mexico Ridgmar Travel, www.ridgemartravel.com ...... (817)731-8844 - The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other North Hills Travel, www.northhillstravel.com ...... (817)595-2900 visitors to major tourist destinations - In a survey conducted by tour operators with customers who just returned from a AllPortsTravel,www.allportstvl.com...... (817)469-1414 Mexican vacation found that 94% of its respondents were satisfi ed with their vacation, *Prices per person and including round-trip airfare from DFW (unless otherwise stated) on Sun Country Airlines or other US certified air carriers, and 97% of travelers would return to Mexico for vacation round-trip airport/hotel transfers, hotel taxes and baggage handling, fuel surcharges and the services of an Apple Representative. Hotel accommodations are based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Prices do not include $2.50 per segment September 11 Security Fee, I was told that the only worries one should have with traveling to Mexico are: other governmental taxes/fees ($100.95-$152 per person) and $10 Dominican Republic Tourist Card fee if applicable. In some instances, pricing may specifically apply to one of multiple flights on select departure days. Checked bag fees from the air carrier may apply, ranging from $10-$100 - Getting so tanned that you would have to spend extra money on aloe vera gel per bag. Please see the individual air carriers website for a full detailed description of baggage charges. “ALL-INCLUSIVE” and “Unlimited-Luxury®” - Heartburn from overeating so many delicious foods resorts include all meals, drinks, non-motorized watersports and more. Square Deals are discounted air and hotel packages guaranteed to be at least the Apple rating indicated–no meals/food and beverage are included unless otherwise stated.For bookings within 14 days of departure, add $10 per - Having so much fun that you might forget to check your facebook person. Prices apply to select departure dates within a specified range. Restrictions/blackout dates and surcharges may apply. Prices based on the lowest fare class available and are subject to availability and change without notice. Promotional pricing may only be available for a limited Finally, be a smart traveler, use common sense, be respectful, pack your bags, call your time. Apple Vacations not responsible for errors or omissions. See the Fair Trade Contract ©2011. travel agent, and enjoy Mexico!