Disney sailing from New York in 2012

Disney Cruise Expands With New Homeports & Itineraries and will be sailing from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas. New destinations for the line includes New England/Canada, Hawaii and the Pacific Coast. The Disney Magic will operate 20 New York departures, beginning May 25, including eight-night Bahamas and five-night New England/Canada sailings. The fare for the Bahamas itinerary includes a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transfers between the ship and Disney World. Beginning Sept. 12, the Disney Magic will then sail 12 seven-night cruises out of Galveston to the Western Caribbean. The Disney Wonder will sail 14 seven-night Alaska cruises from Seattle, beginning May 28. The line will also continue its sailings in Alaska, which it began this year.  From the West Coast will be a 15-night voyage from Los Angeles to Hawaii and seven-night Pacific Coast cruises aboard the Disney Wonder. The Disney Wonder will continue to sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises out of Los Angeles for most of the year. The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries out of Port Canaveral.
Call now to make your reservations for next year since this will fill up fast.

Travel Advisory #1 - Crisis

Recent events in various parts of the world dictate an understanding of how travel has changed.  Weather conditions, world events, wars, etc. require a more diligent approach to being prepared in emergencies.

Funds...in the past, one need only carry a credit/atm card to make purchases or use in emergencies.  However, if computers are down, cash facilities unavailable, you will need to have enough cash with you to get you to a safer place.
Communications...Cell phones may not work, nor texting, nor computers.  Take a phone card with you and it should be a worldwide reliable prepaid card such as AT & T.
Book with a Tour Operator/Travel Agent...If you book online, do you have someone to contact 24/7?
This has become more critical than ever before.  And, of course, never leave home without Travel Insurance, to ensure 24/7 contacts to assist you especially in foreign destinations.
State Department Registration...Register online with the U.S. Department of State whenever traveling outside the U. S.  This will help you in the event of a crisis.
Airlines...If air is affected and you cannot leave on your scheduled air, you will not be able to enter the airport without a valid ticket.  The State Dept. might be able to help you but this is where your tour operator/agent is invaluable.  Your insurance company might also be of assistance.  You will need cash to purchase new tickets/get you to a safe place. 

Bottom line:  Understand your coverage in all areas of your travel arrangements.  While no one can predict exactly what can and might happen, be prepared by having as many resources at your fingertips.  Emergency contacts, phone numbers, travel arrangements left with someone at home and as much information as necessary to help you through any crisis.

Visiting Tahiti (French Polynesia)

The Islands of French Polynesia (March 2010)

I never had an express desire to go to Tahiti/ French Polynesia.  The Caribbean was much closer and a beach is a beach featuring many beautiful resorts.  I decided to go in order to broaden my travel background.  The plane travel from New York to Los Angelos was uneventful.  Once I transferred to Air Tahiti Nui, I was able to first take part in the Polynesian experience and the spirit of the Polynesian people.  Imagine being given a MENU for the two meals served during the flight.  Service with a smile and good food with a selection of beverages and first run movies....wow!  And at no additional charges!  And this was just the beginning.

An overnight stay in Papeete is required before moving on to the other islands.   I took small planes on Air Tahiti Nui as we transferred daily to Raiata, Tikehau, Moorea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora.  Our accommodations were overwater bungalows, with one more beautiful than the other.  Can you imagine standards featuring beautiful wood walls, flooring with glass openings to watch and feed the multicolored sea life, large rain showers, Jacuzzis, and decks with ladders that go directly into the sea.  Amenities generally included irons, ironing boards, safes, all types of toiletries, robes, slippers, ponchos, coffeemakers, and tea.  In short, everything you need.  One need only bring a carry-on with a bathing suit, sunglassses, sun lotion, beach slippers, and casual dress. 

The main feature is the view.  This is where earth began and Paradise existed.  It is very romantic.  You can leave your bungalow and walk a long ways out into the clearest, varying shades of azure water in the most peaceful setting one could imagine.  Coming from New York, it was hard to imagine a place so quiet and serene.

Food is mainly French based and quite delicious.  Meal plans are available in many resorts.  Activities include mostly water sports, diving, and snorkeling.  The staff are wonderfully charming and polite.  And for the shoppers, this is the place to buy your black pearls

Overall, I highly recommend any of the islands of French Polynesia as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of our stress-filled lives.  The cost can be contained to fit many budgets by dividing the time between the islands and accommodations.   

P.S I was particularly happy to learn that Ferdinand Magellan discovered these islands.

Welcome Aboard

Welcome to the weblog of  Magellan Travel.

We have provided quality service to the community for over 10 years and have over 20 years of experience in the travel business.

Our planners have traveled extensively throughout the world and can provide you expertise in a tailormade vacation experiences.

Magellan Travel Ltd. is insured and certified with cruiselines, resorts, and worldwide destinations. 

On this blog we will profile some of the adventures we have taken and arranged for our clients.