Great article from USA Today on the newest Carnival ship to hit Galveston!

Early word on the new Carnival Magic: The best 'Fun Ship' ever

By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

And the early word is ... it's a winner.
Cruise reviewers and other travel writers who have sailed aboard the Carnival Magic since its debut earlier this month in Italy are almost universal in their praise for the ship -- industry giant Carnival's 23rd at sea.
Anita Dunham-Potter of ExpertCruiser.com, dubs the 3,690-passenger Magic the 'best Fun Ship yet," and John Deiner of CruiseCritic.com calls it "one wickedly entertaining vessel."
To leading Canadian cruise blogger Phil Reimer of PortsandBows.com, the Magic is "a job well done," and Linda Garrison of New York Times-owned About.com declares it "bright and fun, although not quite as over-the-top as some previous Carnival ships."
What's got the cruise press sounding so upbeat? For starters, a number are noting a somewhat dialed down decor on the Magic (at least in some areas) as compared to earlier Carnival vessels -- a change for the better, they say, that has come about since new management took over the line in recent years.

RELATED: Five things you'll love about the Carnival Magic
GALLERY: A photo tour of the Carnival Magic

There's also lots of praise for the ship's deck-top areas, which feature a number of fun new amusements including the first (suspended-in-the-sky) ropes course on a ship and first outdoor weightlifting area (think Venice Beach at sea). Unlike some other big mass-market lines, Carnival hasn't carved off a large chunk of the deck-top area on its latest ship for an exclusive VIP zone, leaving more room for creative, open-to-all activities.
Cruise reviewers also are liking the ship's Caribbean-themed pub and $10-a-head Italian restaurant, Cucina del Capitano -- both Carnival firsts (see our story on the new pub).
As Donna Tunney of industry watcher Travel Weekly notes this week in a story on the ship, Carnival is adding spaces that CEO Gerry Cahill is calling "destinations within a ship ... a new concept for us."
Not everything about the Carnival Magic is drawing praise. Deiner, for one, points to some serious soundproofing issues in cabins as well as some (probably start-up related) service issues. But so far there aren't a lot of complaints.

RELATED: A Cruise Log Guide to the new ships of 2011

The Carnival Magic isn't for everyone, of course. Budget traveler-friendly Carnival isn't a luxury line, for sure (and it doesn't pretend to be), and passengers on the Carnival Magic shouldn't expect the same sort of service and amenities as on some more expensive lines. As industry watcher Anne Kalosh writes this week in Cruise Week, a leading industry newsletter, the line's executives are determined to keep the Middle America-aimed brand affordable, and that means keeping a sharp eye on costs.
Still, as CruiseCritic's Deiner notes, "the buzz on this baby has been pretty good so far."

Giving Back While You Travel

I wanted to share various ways you can incorporate your travels with giving back. Many consider this concept the ultimate win-win as you get to give while you learn, or give while simply taking a vacation. This article will touch upon Volunteer Travel, Fundraising Cruises and share where 3D Cruise and Travel gives back. If you have had a successful experience with Volunteer Travel or a Fundraising Cruise, I would love to hear about it.

Volunteer Travel is an amazing way to see a place, get to know a culture, and leave a positive footprint. This can be done locally or abroad. You don’t have to travel far to find a place to volunteer. The trick is finding a place you want to visit that also has a volunteer opportunity. Generally, there are two ways to search for a volunteer travel program: by place or by opportunity. Locally, farms, food pantries and a host of non-profits need help. Volunteer a day and spend another day exploring that part of the Austin metro area that you have never experienced. If there is a particular area you have always wanted to venture to abroad, online searches for volunteer opportunities will prove very helpful. Above all, your reasons should be:

*Help Others

*Get Up Close and Personal With a Culture

*Have Fun

While planning your summer vacation see if you can find a volunteer opportunity as part of your travel. If you have a heart to serve, you will be hooked.

Fundraising Cruises are a unique opportunity for Nonprofit Organizations. Many major cruise lines support nonprofit organizations locally and nationally. Because they understand the importance and challenges of fundraising, they have developed a program that allows the organization to raise much-needed funds and at the same time, give supporters all the fun of a cruise vacation. Ideal groups that have benefited from the program are: Civic, Medical Research, Arts, and Churches/Ministries. Basically, the organization marks up the cost of the cruise and that amount becomes a donation. The cruise line matches a particular amount to donate as well. In addition, free staterooms can be earned and the cash value can either be given to the organization OR it can be used to raise additional funds through raffles and the winners will sail free. 3D Cruise and Travel assists with all the details as well as donates. Please call or email for more information.

Lastly, 3D Cruise and Travel is over the top excited to give back to organizations in the community, both in volunteering and donations. 10%+ of all earnings goes back into the community and here are just a few we have been blessed to bless: Faith in Action Caregivers, Summit Christian Academy, Red Cross, Hospice, Round Rock Area Serving Center, Celebration Church, Hope Alliance, Upside of Down, Texas Baptist Children’s Home, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Angel Food Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Round Rock Sertoma and Young Women/Men of Destiny. Get out there and give out there.

Debby Stevens

512-218-0291

Debby @3DCruiseandTravel.com

10 Top Honeymoon Hotspots

Where do newlyweds want to go? Wedding site TheKnot.com gives us the inside scoop on the most frequented romantic destinations.

Hawaii

There are many reasons Hawaii continues to be the most popular spot for honeymooners: the beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, rushing waterfalls, luaus in the sand and warm water.

For West Coasters, a Hawaiian getaway is relatively easy and affordable, particularly during the shoulder season in April and May. But prices jump in the summer months.

Once there, it's easy to book inter-island flights on Hawaiian Air, which is a great way to mix it up, advises Jeanenne Tornatore, a senior travel editor for Orbitz.com.

"Each island has its own atmosphere and level of activity or serenity to fit individual tastes," she said.
By Jessica Dickler

 Jamaica

Although Jamaica is the stomping ground for college kids and families, it has a lot to offer couples, too. There's a slew of world-class, all-inclusive resorts and a wide range of things to do, including horse back riding, exploring dolphin coves and listening to live reggae music.
The off-season is just getting started, making it an inexpensive and convenient option for those looking for a low-key getaway during the spring or summer.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is a quick trip for those on the East Coast, but it still feels a world away. With plenty of sun, sand and water sport, as well as five-star hotels like the One & Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island, the Bahamas is perfectly suited for honeymooners.
There are plenty of deals to be had, particularly during the summer months, but travelers should be wary of going during hurricane season.

St. Lucia

A little more off the beaten path, St. Lucia is gaining in popularity as a destination for honeymoons because of its breathtaking beauty and air of exclusivity.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Piton Mountains, there are rain forests, sulfur springs, botanical gardens and a drive-in volcano.
With limited flights, travel arrangements could "boost the total vacation price upward," cautioned Jeanenne Tornatore, a senior travel editor for Orbitz.com.
But St. Lucia is off-season in the summer months, which makes snagging a deal possible.

Cancun

For honeymoons, this Mexican city offers a lot more than Jell-O shots at Sr. Frogs, although "I would not go during the month of March," noted Jeanenne Tornatore, a senior travel editor for Orbitz.com.
Beyond the Spring Break business, there a plenty of first-class resorts geared towards couples, with oceanfront beach beds in lieu of lounge chairs and champagne on arrival.
There's also snorkeling or hiking through the ancient Mayan Ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula, not to mention the nightlife that put Cancun on the map.

Paris

The city of lights is home to the world's most famous masterpieces, high-end stores, restaurants, cafes and exceptional views along the river Sienne. And no trip is complete without a stop at Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower.
In the summer, paring this trip with a stop over in Nice or Cannes in the South of France ensures some beach time at one of the world's greatest hotspots.

Santorini

The Knot's Kristin Koch calls a honeymoon to Greece one of those "once in a lifetime vacations." She suggests flying into Athens and spending a day exploring the city and its 2,500-year-old architecture and then hopping over to one of the small, beautiful islands outside the capital city. Like Santorini.
With whitewashed houses set on a cliff against a dark blue sea, Santorini is remarkably beautiful and exceptionally unique. Although the summer is the most popular time to go, Erik Halvorson, air inventory manager at Expedia recommends booking a flight and hotel together to shave a few hundred dollars off the cost of the trip.

Las Vegas

Vegas may be seen as more of a destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, but this city has a lot to offer couples, too. There are incredible shows, shopping, fine dining and, of course, the casinos and nightlife.
With about 750 flights a day right to McCarran International Airport and thousands of room options, it's also easy to score a deal.
Koch recommends picking a hotel with a luxe pool and spa, like Canyon Ranch at the Venetian, and then spending a few days at the Grand Canyon or Yellow Stone National Park for a well-rounded experience.

Costa Rica

This Central America hotspot offers a lot in the way of rest and relaxation as well as exploration. There are white and black sand beaches, tropical rainforests and adventure trails through the jungle.
Tourists come for the zip line and canopy tours but honeymooners may enjoy packages that include cutting edge spa treatments like massages with volcanic mud or a post-wedding detoxifying bath at one of the luxury hotels on the coast.
There are plenty of promotional deals during the summer and fall, but it's also particularly rainy during this time.

Barcelona

Spain's second largest city is The Knot's Kristen Koch's top pick for honeymooners. Sightseers will want to take in the Gaudi architecture (above), Romanesque art, live music and fine Spanish cuisine, where dinner starts well after 10p.m. and is often followed by dancing into the late hours of the night.
Those looking for a little more tranquility may want to hit one of the beaches on the city's coast line or head to one of the nearby island enclaves like Ibiza or Majorca.
Summer is the high season though, so a trip to Spain with multiple stops can get pricey. For trips like this, Erik Halvorson, air inventory manager at Expedia, recommends booking at least 60 days in advance.

Alaska!

Destination-by Air, Land or Sea
At more than twice the size of Texas (571,951 square miles to be exact), planning a trip to Alaska can be very intimidating. The terrain includes misty fjords, colossal glaciers, temperate rain forests and sprawling tundra and is by no means a year-round wall of snow. While there’s certainly a lot of that (a quarter of the state stretches into the Arctic Circle), during the high tourist season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can pack in plenty of outdoor adventure. By air, by land or by sea, Alaska is relatively easy to get to, so all you have to do, is map out your optimum itinerary. Here are some great ideas:
Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier
Did you know that Juneau is the only state capital that you must fly into? It’s cut off from the mainland as it’s bordered by water and ice field. It’s a picturesque town filled with history, Native American culture and incredible scenery. Take the Mount Roberts Tram up 1,800 feet to get incredible views of the landscape. Juneau boasts Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible and visited glaciers. You can experience it in many ways, from viewing points to getting up there via helicopter. If you are cruising Alaska, you will more than likely experience sailing through Glacier Bay where you will feel small as you are surrounded by ice.

Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula
In the state’s only true metropolis, urban sophistication lives alongside native culture. Anchorage is home to nearly half of Alaska’s population and you can enjoy much food, nightlife and shopping here. From Anchorage, you can take a coastal highway and check out amazing scenery on your way to the Kenai Peninsula to see Kenai Fjords National Park. Or, take the Alaska Railroad if you prefer not to drive. The Fjords are best seen via a day cruise that typically includes a salmon bake, or for the more adventurous, take a kayak tour.

Skagway
Like a post card from Alaska’s Gold Rush past-complete with wooden sidewalks, restored storefronts and saloons, Skagway is a favorite for cruisers. You can take a ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Railroad or spend some time panning for gold. Quaint and delightful, Skagway is memorable to all.

Denali National Park
Capped by Mount McKinley, this park is Alaska’s most popular attraction, rewarding visitors with wondrous alpine scenery. Take a glass domed train ride from Anchorage or Fairbanks. The views en route are amazing. The park is home to much wildlife—grizzlies, moose, caribou, wolves, and much more. Mount McKinley, the 20,320 foot “beast” can be viewed from many points in the park. The park boasts its own lodges, cabins, and chalets, so spend some time here.

Ketchikan
Another great cruise port which is a mix between fishing and a Native American village.
A main attraction is simply walking down Creek Street and experiencing many quaint shops. The Totem Heritage Center or a visiting the Saxman Indian Village are possible as are float plane tours of the Misty Fjords.

Fairbanks
This is a city on the arctic edge/the northern hub with a gold rush past. It was founded as a mining town and mining is still alive and well. The city is so spread out, that driving is the best way to get around. You can enjoy many museums, parks, and even head 60 miles out to enjoy the Chena Hot Spring.

Alaska is worth seeing and all you need to determine is how much time you have, if you want to fly, drive or cruise and who you will take with you. Alaska just celebrated 50 years, go see what everyone is raving about.

Debby Stevens

Carnival to End Cruises from Mobile, Move Ecstasy to Port Canaveral

Interesting news for our Alabama Cruisers..
from Travelpulse.com

Carnival to End Cruises from Mobile, Move Ecstasy to Port Canaveral
March 10, 2011 3:18 PM

Carnival Cruise Lines will end cruising from Mobile, Ala., moving the Carnival Elation to New Orleans and the Carnival Ecstasy from the Crescent City to Port Canaveral.

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will operate four- and five-day Bahamas cruises beginning Nov. 7. The move bolsters Carnival’s position as Port Canaveral’s largest cruise operator with three year-round ships carrying approximately 600,000 guests annually.

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation will operate year-round four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruises beginning Nov. 5.

“We have made the very difficult decision to discontinue our cruise operations from Mobile effective Oct. 22,” said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to achieve favorable financial results with this program. Although we have consistently filled the ship, it has been at lower relative pricing to the rest of our fleet. We have made every effort to drive higher demand and pricing through our sales and marketing initiatives and the deployment of a newer class of ship in 2009. However, we have not been successful in achieving a sustainable level of acceptable pricing.

“Additionally, the itineraries from Mobile require much higher relative fuel costs to operate and those fuel costs will become even more unfavorable with the implementation of the new ECA requirements starting in 2012,” Cahill said. “We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Mobile community for the friendship and support we have received during the past six years.”

Carnival Ecstasy will depart Thursdays on four-day long weekend cruises visiting Nassau and Half Moon Cay or Freeport. Five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay or Key West. From Port Canaveral, Carnival also offers three- and four-day Bahamas cruises aboard Carnival Sensation and seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages on Carnival Dream.

Prior to repositioning to Port Canaveral, the Carnival Ecstasy will continue to operate from Galveston, Texas, through Sept. 8 and then from New Orleans from Sept. 22 through Nov. 5, as previously scheduled.

From New Orleans, Carnival Elation will depart Thursdays on four-day cruises visiting Cozumel while five-day voyages will call at both Cozumel and Progreso. Carnival Elation’s new schedule from New Orleans replaces the previously announced program from that port on the Ecstasy.

Carnival Elation will join the Carnival Conquest in New Orleans, marking the first time Carnival has operated two ships from New Orleans in six years. Carnival will be the only cruise line with two ships based year-round in New Orleans, carrying more than 350,000 passengers annually.

Guests booked on cruises from Mobile can cancel for a full refund or they can re-book from an alternate homeport and receive a $25-per-person onboard credit.

Guests booked on cruises from New Orleans on the Carnival Ecstasy that will now be operated on the Carnival Elation are being automatically shifted to the Carnival Elation. Itineraries on the Carnival Elation will be identical to those that were scheduled for the Carnival Ecstasy. The two vessels are sister ships with largely similar features, amenities and staterooms. However, guests who were booked in standard balcony staterooms on the Carnival Ecstasy -- a cabin category not featured on the Carnival Elation -- will be contacted individually to discuss their preferences. The movement of bookings from Carnival Ecstasy to Carnival Elation will be completed by March 11.

Carnival will begin accepting reservations for the Ecstasy and Elation’s new programs from Port Canaveral and New Orleans beginning March 11. For more information, visit www.GoCCL.com.

Where in the World Can You Cruise to from Galveston?

Texans are very fortunate to have the Port of Galveston (www.portofgalveston.com) within driving distance from a good half of the state. Many will NOT fly, others do not care to fly, but enjoy traveling to foreign countries, and another group just does not want the hassles of airline travel. Whatever the reason, The Port of Galveston is home to Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and the cruises they offer can be the answer those people are looking for. Here are the island ports of call which can be sailed to from Galveston as well as just a few of the highlights to be enjoyed once you get there:
ROATAN, HONDURAS
This Caribbean island is 35 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. It is surrounded by the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world. Due to that fact, it is well known for the incredible scuba, sailing and snorkeling. Roatan is pretty laid back and not as commercial as much of the Caribbean, but there is lots of fun to be had horseback riding, ziplining and animal watching in the many gardens and lush tropical settings.

FREEPORT & NASSAU, BAHAMAS
The Bahamas is the sum of over 700 islands and cays with water sports, fishing and great shopping and restaurants to explore. Freeport & Nassau are 2 of the islands that ships port at and they offer plenty to do or you can simply find a beach and do nothing at all. You can enjoy one of these islands or venture to another on a catamaran or even a Pirate Ship tour for some sea faring fun.

COZUMEL, MEXICO
“Surf & Turf”-that about sums up activity options on this beautiful island. The incredible reefs are a magnet for divers all over the world. And, just a ferry ride away is rich with Mayan heritage offering landlubbers glimpses of culture that thrived 500 years before Columbus set foot on New World soil. Shore excursions of many kinds await to match any taste.

GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN
The natural environment of The Caymans, complete with palm trees, orchids and butterflies make this destination ideal for nature lovers. Add to it the water life of stingrays at Stingray City and sea turtles at Boatswain’s Adventure Park and Turtle Farm, and you have a fun mix of options to enjoy the day.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
The island of Jamaica is a tourism giant and this Travel Agent will encourage you to get out of Montego Bay to experience the best the island has to offer. Jamaica is for outdoor enthusiasts, those who love culture and history and basically there is something for everyone. Golfing, horseback riding and relaxing on the beach are your normal options. However, only Jamaica offers such incredible adventures as waterfall climbing, bobsledding and dog sledding.

You can get to Cozumel weekly, The Bahamas are only offered once per month and Roatan is only offered during the winter months. On a 4 or 5 night sailing you can spend a day in Cozumel and one other Mexico destination. On a 7 night voyage, you can experience 3 ports during the week and the ports vary by cruise line and week by week. Contact a professional Travel Agent to help you get exactly what you are most interested in for the best price. Do not miss out on fun you can experience right from The Lone Star State.

Debby Stevens
3D Cruise and Travel
Debby

Doctors' Orders!

TAKE A CRUISE and Call Me in The Morning

It’s official! Vacations are good for your health. So say the reports in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. You might respond, “I knew that already.” Ah, but now there is research* to back it up, and lots of it. Cruising is best with friends, family or with just one significant other. So, grab your bathing suit, fetch your passport and tell your boss you are heading out on a cruise—doctor’s orders!

Cruise for your heart: “An annual vacation can cut a person’s risk of heart attack by 50%.”
Rx: A 7-12 day cruise--to Alaska, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, or South Pacific is just the ticket. Spa, rest, service that spoils you and incredible destinations are the thing for whatever ails you. (Not to forget 24 hour room service).

Cruise to de-stress: “Blood pressure, heart rate and levels of epinephrine (stress hormone) decline on vacations of only two days or more.”
Rx: Even a 2-5 day sailings are out there from all over the US. From Galveston, there are 4 & 5 day sailings that take you away from it all as you sample entertainment, top cuisine and plenty of relaxation.

Cruise to refresh: “Recuperation and improvement in exhaustion are facilitated by free time and warmer/sunnier vacation locations.”
Rx: An escape to the beaches of the Caribbean, Mexico or The Bahamas gets you back in the groove. And, add a few days of just floating at sea simply hanging out at the pool OR taking part in the many onboard activities and exhaustion become a thing of the past.

Cruise for your brain: “Travelers experience a 25%-50% increase in performance on vigilance tests after returning from vacation.”
Rx: Stimulate those brain cells with some serious thinking at the blackjack table in the casino—or while reading a great book in a deck chair. Also, taking in fantastic ports of call in history & nature rich Europe, Asia, So. America to gain much knowledge to share.

Plan a cruise—for an attitude adjustment: “Even the anticipation of vacation travel generates an increase in positive feelings about one’s life as a whole, plus family, economic situation and health. “
Rx: Start by planning when you want to go or where your perfect destinations would be. Determine who you will invite to join you. Will it be a family trip for all generations, a Girls Just Wanna Have Fun venture, or a romantic escape? Call a professional to assist you. The only item you will have left after that will be to countdown the days……

There is a big world out there that God created for all to experience. A cruise is a wonderful way to see particular areas and determine if they will be on your list to return to some day. Take this prescription of R&R to get your health cruising in the right direction.
Debby Stevens

*facts pulled from Travel Industry Association website