Mariachi Workshop For Kids Launches This Summer At Velas Vallarta In Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Starting this summer, kids visiting Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta can now learn to be a true mariachi. Believed to have originated in Jalisco, the state in which Puerto Vallarta is found, in the 18th century, mariachi music is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Dressed in traditional mariachi clothing, children from 4-12 years old will be given guitar and maracas lessons from a local musician. The resort’s social media community manager will be available to take pictures of the kids in the mariachi clothing to share with parents. Held every Thursday, this class will last an hour and a half. Velas Vallarta showcases Mexico’s cultural customs with traditional arts & crafts workshops, a weekly Mexican fiesta, Mexican cuisine, and nightly musical performances from Mariachi Vallarta 2000. Led by Romero Figueroa, son of Felipe Romero Huerta, founder of the legendary mariachi “Los Pipianes” (1950 – 1982), the group has performed for 365 days a year for the last 12 years. Velas Vallarta’s extensive Kids’ Club program features an indoor area with cozy spots for arts and crafts, video games and movie entertainment and outdoor fun for the entire family. Activities such as tennis clinics, cooking lessons, magic comedy, bonfires on the beach, Mexican bingo, karaoke and more all included in the resort’s nightly rate. This summer, rates start at $180 per person per night in double occupancy. Kids and teens rates are $36 and $48 respectively per night. All-inclusive rates include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or more information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visithttps://www.velasvallarta.com. About Velas Vallarta Velas Vallarta is an all-inclusive family resort located on 10 oceanfront acres with lush gardens in Puerto Vallarta, walking distance of Marina Vallarta Golf Course, five minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport and just minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Situated on the emerald waters of Banderas Bay, Velas Vallarta features 345 suites in three eight-story buildings, a high-tech Convention Center that can accommodate up to 700 people, three swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa along with spa cabins seaside, fitness center, multiple restaurants, and an inviting lounge with live music. Nightly theme dinners and local specialties are sure to please even the most discerning palate, and room service is available around the clock. When it comes to daytime and evening entertainment, guests can choose from an exciting and original array of activities and events, from Straw Mosaics, making piñatas and jewelry, yoga on the jetty to Mexican fiestas and casino nights. The Kids' Club also welcomes children under 13 with supervised activities like treasure hunt, face painting, sand castles to crafting with beads, allowing parents to indulge in a choice of exciting or relaxing pursuits like a game of golf, a variety of excursions or pampering at the spa. In addition, the resort was one of the first in the destination with a Green Globe certification, dating back to 2008. Puerto Vallarta features championship golf courses, world-class spas and magnificent beaches, not to mention various sports and activities up in the Sierra Madre Mountains. The possibilities for rest and relaxation, or fun and excitement, are endless. Velas Vallarta was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side.

Disney Cruise Line Introducing Even More Fun For All Ages With New Spaces and New Experiences Debuting On The Disney Magic In 2018

Exciting new spaces and new experiences designed for guests of all ages are coming to the Disney Magic in March 2018. From family dining in an enchanted kingdom, to a transformed teen club, to a sophisticated café exclusively for adults, the ship’s newest highlights include:

An Enchanting Dining Experience for Families

The Disney Magic embodies the Disney Cruise Line tradition of blending the elegant grace of early 20th century transatlantic ocean liners with contemporary design to create a stylish and spectacular cruise ship. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) (PRNewsfoto/Disney Cruise Line)

At Rapunzel’s Royal Table, families will delight in an all-new dining experience inspired by the beloved story of Disney’s “Tangled.” The first table service restaurant themed to “Tangled” that features characters and live entertainment will transport Disney Magic guests to the kingdom of Corona for an evening of music and interactive fun featuring Rapunzel and the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs.

Guests will step inside a regal ballroom in the royal castle, lit by glowing wish lanterns and adorned with colorful drawings that reflect Rapunzel’s artistic talents. Here, the King and Queen of Corona invite everyone to take part in a festive celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and the anniversary of her return to the kingdom.

Throughout dinner, guests of all ages will be treated to live entertainment, including spirited singing and dancing led by the maître d’, a merry band of musicians, the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs and of course, Princess Rapunzel herself.

The family fun is complete with themed menus, special activities and a lively parade to cap off the evening in Corona. The charm and enchantment of “Tangled” in Rapunzel’s Royal Table is the perfect pairing to “Tangled: The Musical” – the spellbinding original production that delights guests during each Disney Magic sailing.

Redesigned Retreat Just for Teens

Vibe, the space on the ship reserved for teens ages 14-17, is being transformed into a trendy urban loft environment. At Vibe, teens can enjoy a new coffee and smoothie bar, play video and virtual reality games, and check out other cool activities like a DJ spin-off and movie making. Activities at Vibe are organized and hosted by trained Disney counselors who facilitate the fun and interaction among teen guests. 

Refined Escape Exclusively for Adults

Adults can relax at Cove Café, an adult-exclusive retreat that will be redesigned in a sophisticated tropical style. It’s the perfect place to sip a specialty coffee or tea throughout the day, or indulge in wine or a cocktail and light bites during the evening hours. 

In this serene setting by the Quiet Cove Pool, adult beverage tastings are also available at select times for an additional fee. Just steps away, the adjacent Signals Bar will also be transformed with a similar look.

Elsewhere around the Disney Magic, other enhancement highlights include the addition of Club Disney Junior in Disney’s Oceaneer Club for children and a redesigned Rainforest Room with steam and hydrotherapy in Senses Spa for adults.

The new enhancements debut on Disney Magic starting March 9, 2018, on sailings from Miami, Fla.The four- and five-night Disney Magic sailings from Miami visit Key West, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Beginning on May 14, 2018, the Disney Magic repositions to Europe for the summer season.

These additions are part of an overall commitment by Disney Cruise Line to invest in their ships, helping to deliver incredible family vacation experiences for years to come. While making these enhancements to the Disney Magic, crews perform regularly scheduled and wide-ranging maintenance to keep the fleet in tip-top shape, further demonstrating the unwavering commitment by Disney Cruise Line to continually elevate the guest experience.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

SOURCE Disney Cruise Line

Summer 2017 Travel Season Begins at Family-Friendly Bahia Principe Resorts

Photo of Bahia Akumal beach by Allen Barkus

Bahia Principe’s state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for guests of all ages make all-inclusive Caribbean travel an exciting and affordable option for families

 – Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, the leader in all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, with properties in Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica, is making Caribbean summer travel an exciting option for families with dedicated facilities, amenities and programs created with younger travelers in mind and a Kids Stay Free offer that will have parents eager to book their next vacation.

Bahia Principe hotels offer top of the line, five-star quality service. Kid-friendly touches abound, from family suites in select hotels where welcome packages include children’s bath kits and bathrobes, minibars come with milkshakes and soft drinks, children’s mini-clubs and even kids spa treatments. Babysitting services let parents take a romantic break too. For guests looking for adventure, the Bahia Scouts program combines fun, learning and excitement in supervised activities split by age group.

“We have taken fantastic steps to make summer 2017 not only more kid-friendly than ever, but even more affordable as part of our commitment to offering all-inclusive luxury travel the whole family can enjoy,” said Helen Montijano, VP of Sales, USA. “From the new waterpark at Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica, to the new five-star Luxury Bahia Principe Fantasia Don Pablo Collection in the Dominican Republic, Bahia Principe knows how to turn family vacations into memorable Caribbean fairy tales – all while offering competitive rates.”

Aside from tours for children and families, for example, exploring the Riviera Maya region’s natural settings to learn about its flora and fauna, Bahia Scouts offers activities ranging from making a piñata, karaoke, fruit carving, tree planting, eco-tours and more. Sports also keep kids active, including water polo, soccer and mini-Olympics games. The brand recently unveiled a new waterpark at Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica in Runaway Bay offering all-out fun for kids with slides and wading areas. The newly-opened Luxury Bahia Principe Fantasia Don Pablo Collection in Punta Cana features a pool with a fairy tale castle, complete with its own moat and bridge, a delight for children of all ages. Other family-friendly features in the new Fantasia include entertainment for all ages and a Kids Club with costume workshops, arts and crafts activities, cooking classes, expeditions and a waterpark. The Fantasia Teens Club for guests aged 12 to 17 is equipped with a gym, movie theater, DJ dance floor, video consoles, pool table, and spa.

The Kids Stay Free offer at select Bahia Principe properties makes family-friendly vacations more affordable. Available for stays through October 31, 2017, the offer includes the new five-star Luxury Bahia Principe Fantasia Don Pablo Collection and Grand Bahia Principe Turquesa, where the first child stays free; and Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana, where up to two kids stay free.

For more information, visit www.bahiaprincipe.com

ABC Travel Guides for Kids Names Top 7 US Family Travel Destinations for 2016

Philly takes the top spot for best family destinations, 3 Florida cities are featured and Detroit's comeback continues. 

 1. Philadelphia, PA Time for an authentic Philly cheesesteak and a visit to the City of Brotherly Love as Franklin Square turns 10 and the National Constitution Center hosts Headed to the White House this election year. Kimpton, Omni and Loews Hotels love families. Best ice cream parlor is The Franklin Fountain.

2. Chicago, IL The Cubs are going to win the World Series in 2016 and Chicago's Museums, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Art Institute all remain among our nation's best.  Stay at Residence Inn's 700th hotel or the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.

3. Orlando, FL More than just the theme park capital of the world, Disney Springs and nearby Kennedy Space Center's Heroes and Legends attraction features the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.  Stay at The Hard Rock Hotel.

4. St. Petersburg, FL Take a "Bird Quest" through the areas museums, parks and hotels and let your senses go wild at the hands-on exhibits at Great Explorations, Sunken Gardens and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club is a great choice for families.

5. Detroit, MI  Only in Motor City can you visit the largest penguin facility in the world; stop at a LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and enjoy an afternoon of Beatles at The Magical History Tour at The Henry Ford.  For dinner kids will love the iconic Buddy's Pizza.  Hyatt Place Detroit/Auburn Hills or Hyatt Place Detroit/Utica are great options for families.

6. Miami, FL  A Miami Culinary Tour in Little Havana is life changing and GameTime Miami, Jungle Island, Coral Gables Venetian Pool and Lincoln Road provide unique experiences for everyone.  The Pizza Bar and Bodega are fun.  The Palms Hotel & Spa is incredible for families.

7. Hilton Head, SC Beaches, bike trails, kayaking and water sports, horseback riding and we're just getting warmed up. Families will think they are in the Caribbean at Omni's Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort.

For more details please visit: www.kidstravelguides.com

2015 Best Amusement Parks For Families Named

Family Vacation Critic has released its annual list of the Best Amusement Parks for Families. The list was chosen based on family perks, nearby accommodations and new rides and attractions.

"Amusement parks are a quintessential part of summer break for families," explains Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. "Whether you're on vacation, or staying home, a day at an amusement park can be an extra-special treat for kids, and a fun bonding experience for the entire family. With so many new rides and attractions, it's the perfect time to visit one of these top parks."

This year's list includes:

• Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH
What's New: Rougarou, a floorless roller coaster, and extensive renovations at Hotel Breakers, an affiliate hotel.

Savings Tip: Stay at Cedar Point's onsite hotels and receive discounted admission of 37 percent off.

• Carowinds – Charlotte, NC
What's New: Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga-coaster.

Savings Tip: The park's onsite campgrounds and hotel both offer free shuttle service and discounted admission to the park.

• Knoebels – Elysburg, PA
What's New: Impulse, a steel tower roller coaster.

Savings Tip: With no admission cost, visitors pay per ride or game – with rides starting around $1 each.

• Hersheypark – Hershey, PA
What's New: Laff Trakk, the first indoor, spinning glow-coaster in the U.S.

Savings Tip: Stay at Hersheypark Camping Resort, or at an official resort of Hersheypark, for discounted admission to the park and area attractions.

• Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, TN
What's New: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, featuring two pools, a kids' club, family suites and a spa.

Savings Tip: Buy a "Splash and Play" three day, multi-park ticket and save over 30 percent on the combined cost of daily tickets.

• Six Flags Great Adventure – Jackson, NJ
What's New: El Diablo, a looping coaster inspired by the Jersey Devil.

Savings Tip: Save up to $25 when purchasing tickets online.

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA
What's New: Tempesto, a new coaster hurling riders at speeds of over 60 mph.

Savings Tip: Save $20 when purchasing Bounce Tickets online – including admission to Busch Gardens, Water Country and Colonial Williamsburg.

• Silver Dollar City – Branson, MO
What's New: 10 new family attractions at Fireman's Landing, including a free-fall drop ride and water spray area.

Savings Tip: Enter the park after 3 p.m. and return the next consecutive day for free.

• Knott's Berry Farm – Buena Park, CA
What's New: Voyage to the Iron Reef, an interactive 4-D ride.

Savings Tip: Purchase tickets online – three days or more in advance – and save $25 on each ticket.

• Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX
What's New: Batman The Ride, with 4-D features and two 90-degree drops.

Savings Tip: Purchase tickets online and save up to $20 on admission.

Adventures By Disney Announces First-Ever River Cruising Itineraries

Additional Dates Added as Disney's Guided Group Travel Experts
Sail with AmaWaterways to Create Innovative New Style of Family Vacationing

Just one month after the introduction of its first-ever river cruising itineraries, Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide, announced additional sailings have been added to the 2016 river cruising lineup. Sailing with AmaWaterways, the travel industry’s premier luxury river cruise line, Adventures by Disney river cruises offer a new way for families to experience the heart of Europe in a way that is active, immersive and easy. Now, five sailings along the Danube River in the summer of 2016, as well as two holiday themed sailing in December 2016, will give adventurous travelers the opportunity to experience iconic locations and hidden gems in eight destinations across four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Combining the award-winning service and luxury of AmaWaterways with the proven family travel expertise of Adventures by Disney, this new style of vacationing will deliver an unmatched experience that is immersive, all-inclusive and hassle-free. The Adventures by Disney river cruise departures will take guests off the beaten path in search of the culture, art and unique stories intrinsic to each European city and town visited. From revisiting scenes from the movie “The Sound of Music” in Salzburg and exploring Devin Castle in Bratislava to taking a traditional Austrian folk dancing lesson in Melk, the opportunities for exploration are seemingly endless.

River cruises also offer maximum port time in each city, arriving at dawn and departing late night. That means more time for travelers to discover the destination through guided activities and individual exploration for a completely tailored and customizable vacation experience. Eight Adventures by Disney Adventure Guides on each sailing add to the already renowned crew of AmaWaterways, creating an unprecedented level of support for guests. It’s a degree of service unique to Disney, with guides serving as hosts in each destination and onboard the ship. Local experts will also be on hand at each port to bring the authentic culture to life for visiting guests.

“Celebrating 10 years in the family tourism industry, Adventures by Disney is always looking for new ways to deliver extraordinary vacation experiences that are both memorable and effortless for our guests,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. “Recognizing the untapped potential and broadening appeal of the river cruising market, we worked with AmaWaterways to provide families with an immersive, personalized experience unlike anything we’ve presented before.”

River Cruising on the Newest Vessel from AmaWaterways

Adventures by Disney guests will sail aboard the all-new, 170-passenger AmaViola, a river cruise ship that is being custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind. New family-friendly design elements include specific room configurations, including six sets of connecting staterooms, as well as some rooms and suites that accommodate three- and four-person families, and other unique details that lend themselves to luxury family vacations. Shipboard spaces are being reimagined to provide for specially designed activities geared towards kids, teens and adults. The small size of the river cruising vessel allows for an intimate and deeply immersive cruising experience, ensuring guests’ needs are not only met but exceeded.

“We are so very excited to bring the beauty of river cruising to the family market through these special sailings with Adventures by Disney,” said Kristin Karst, co-owner and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “River cruising presents a terrific opportunity for immersion into the sights, history and culture of the world’s most magical destinations. We look forward to working together with Adventures by Disney to offer innovative experiences that help families create unforgettable memories.”

Shipboard activities will offer something for everyone. Adults can enjoy wine tasting, music, dancing and an onboard fitness center, along with some of the finest cuisine and service available. Special Adventures by Disney activities for Junior Adventurers include activity nights, movies, karaoke, relay games, life-size chess lessons, video games and more. Teens will also find activities and themed nights created specifically for them.

Joining an existing line-up of more than 30 other guided group vacations to destinations on six continents, river cruising is a natural extension for Adventures by Disney, a brand known for providing exceptional service and hands-on, active experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages. The new Adventures by Disney river cruising departures are designed to meet the needs and interests of all participating family members – allowing grandparents, parents and children alike to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Adventures by Disney exclusive sailings will take place July 7-14, July 14-21, July 21-28, July 28 – Aug. 4 and Aug. 4-11, 2016. Highlights of the 8-day/7-night adventures include:

·       Tour of Mirabell Gardens and adventures through a salt mine (Austria)

·       Nighttime Illuminations Cruise (Budapest)

·       Horse show at Lazar Equestrian Park (Hungary)

·       Medieval activities at Devin Castle in Bratislava (Slovakia)

·       Private marionette performance and strudel making demo at Schonbrunn Palace (Austria)

·       Falconry show at Hohenwerfen castle (Austria)

·       Walk along the tree tops at a unique outdoor adventure center in Kopfing (Germany)

·       Oktoberfest event at a local brewery (Germany)

·       Themed meals and culinary activities, such as interactive goulash and strudel making

·       Biking in every port

The special holiday themed sailing departing Dec. 15, 2016, will also include visits to the renowned Christmas markets along the Danube, a private performance and cocktail reception at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, a private visit to Schlosshof and more. The Dec. 22, 2016, holiday sailing will include visits to Christmas markets in Budapest and Vienna, a Vienna Boys Choir Christmas performance in the Hofburg Palace Chapel, a special holiday menu lunch and more.

Guests looking for even greater immersion into local culture can add an Adventures by Disney 3-day/2-night pre- or post-stay experience in Prague, Czech Republic, that includes a variety of active experiences, such as a cultural immersion tour of Prague with a local guide, dinner at Folklore Garden with traditional music and dance, a Prague river cruise featuring monuments and architectural highlights, a guided walking tour of the charming medieval UNESCO World Heritage site Český Krumlov, and more.

For more details and to book reservations, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent.

About Adventures by Disney

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable group guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Asia and Australia. Adventurers traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary and customized experiences at locations including: the South African plains, the great cities of Europe, Costa Rica’s rich rainforest, the ruins of Pompeii and Machu Picchu, Australia’s Outback, the Great Wall of China and some of America’s most iconic destinations, from big cities to big sky country and beyond.

Over the past ten years, Adventures by Disney has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its excellence in family tourism. Adventures by Disney was recently named North America’s Leading Tour Operator at the 2014 World Travel Awards, and was previously named the World’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator in the 2012, 2010 and 2009 World Travel Awards. Adventures by Disney was also ranked No 1 among Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters for Families in 2011 by Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards.

Offering Disney-trained Adventure Guides on each trip, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney vacations are crafted to excite and delight everyone. Visit AdventuresByDisney.com, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent to learn more.

About AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers award-winning river cruises around the world, including Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. The company has received numerous honors and accolades over the years, including Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick Award and an overall 4-Star Plus rating in the inaugural Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe. AmaWaterways’ European fleet includes AmaStella (2016), AmaViola (2016), AmaVista (2015),AmaSerena (2015), AmaReina (2014), AmaSonata (2014), AmaPrima (2013), AmaCerto (2012), AmaVerde (2011), AmaBella (2010), AmaLyra (2009),AmaDolce (2009), AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008), AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). The company’s “The Exotics” division featuresAmaPura (2014) on the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, AmaVida (2013) on the Douro River in Portugal, AmaLotus (2011) and AmaDara (2015) on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Zambezi Queen (2009) on the Chobe in Botswana.

Travelore Tips: What Your Family Should Know Before Booking A Galapagos Cruise

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Todd Smith
Offers Advice for Families 
Considering Cruising the Galapagos on a Small Ship

Todd Smith wears many hats. For starters, he’s a dad, and during the work week, he’s the visionary force and face behind AdventureSmith Explorations, the small ship cruise experts (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/).

These two hats alone make him a compendium of knowledge when it comes to cruising with young families. Following are his tips for nature-loving families who may be considering a trip-of-a-lifetime small ship cruise in the Galapagos Islands.

• Consider if a cruise is family-focused or simply family-friendly.
• Don’t expect child discounts on cruises offering quality experiences for families or cruise departures over popular holiday periods.
• Be flexible as to travel dates if mingling with other families is a priority.
• Plan to arrive in Ecuador minimally 48 hours before the cruise departure to allow for flight delays and weather.
• Kids age six and older will enjoy family cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Keep in mind that there are no babysitting services aboard small ships. 

“Not all family cruises are the same,” said Smith. “Family-focused cruises create an environment for multi generations to interact with each other, young and old experiencing and enjoying life together on the ship and on-shore. These cruises usually are offered over school holidays and in the summer and most likely include other families with children similar in age.”

Check out his full blog post and story on family travel in the Galapagos at: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/galapagos-family-cruises-1

Are family-focused cruises parent and youth centric?

“Yes, and with great results,” Smith said. “Young and old alike will be clamoring for the latest reports from a youthful birder, or encouraging a teenager trying out his fledgling language skills on someone else’s grandfather who speaks only Spanish.  As age boundaries disappear, enjoyment levels increase.”

Smith suggests these questions to ask when choosing a family-focused cruise:

• Are guides and crew are trained to work with younger travelers?
• What are some of the family bonding activities offered?
• Are menus and meal times designed with younger travelers in mind?
• Will children of similar ages be traveling on the same cruise? 

AdventureSmith Explorations’ choices for top family-focus cruises in the Galapagos include:

• Eric/Letty/Flamingo http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/eric-letty-flamingo-galapagos-cruises
• Eclipse http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/eclipse-galapagos-cruises
• Evolution http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/evolution-galapagos-cruises 

Family-friendly cruises usually offer children’s menus and entertainment but aren’t as youth-centric as family-focused cruises. Smith’s recommendations for family-friendly cruises include those offered by National Geographic, “a perfect blend of activity and education with onboard experts.” The expedition leaders and naturalist staff aboard the 48 guest Islander and 96 guestEndeavour are tops in their field. This cruise is perfect for families willing to pay a premium for National Geographic leadership resulting in an intellectual and educational experience.

“On any cruise you select, remember that most of children today are wired in to their worlds at home. To help them disconnect and focus on where they are, photography and travel journals are ways they can record their experiences and collect material for show and tell and class work down the road. It is important to be sure each child has a camera,” said Smith.

Some clients prefer to travel just with their own family and friends. In these instances he suggests arranging a private family charter for a minimum of 12 and up to 100 people. The same professional level of staff and guide services are secured for charter cruises as are provided on departures open to the public.

For more information, cruise options, availability and 2015-2016 reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

About AdventureSmith Explorations
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. Today they are considered the global leader in small ship, expeditionary cruise vacations. In 2014 Smith was elected to the board of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association(IGTOA), a nonprofit association of travel companies, conservation organizations and other groups that are dedicated to the complete and lasting protection of the Galapagos. Their mission is to preserve the Galapagos Islands as a unique and priceless world heritage that will provide enjoyment, education, adventure and inspiration to present and future generations of travelers.

Follow AdventureSmith Explorations:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AdventureSmithExplorations
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adventuresmith
Website: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/

Millennium Hotels And Resorts Offers "Spring Blooms” Package With Rates Starting At $79 From NYC To LA At 14 US Hotels

Get ready to push winter jackets aside and smell the roses! Starting March 1, 2015, Millennium Hotels and Resorts will fuel travelers’ wanderlust with its “Spring Blooms” package, featuring 10 percent off Best Flexible Rates, 10 percent off Food & Beverage, complimentary Wi-Fi and rates starting at just $79 per room per night ($199 in gateway cities).

Magnolias in Manhattan, poppies in LA, and fresh snowmelt waterfalls in Boulder are just a few springtime highlights to enjoy once travelers shake off the winter doldrums.  Spring in New York City is unlike anywhere else, and visitors of The Premier Hotel New York can take advantage of the outdoors by appreciating the picture-worthy vistas at Macy’s Flower Show taking place March 22-April 4. Or, enjoy the downtown location of the celebrated Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, just a quick stroll to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the acclaimed Los Angeles Music Center.  Colorado visitors can mingle with artists, food vendors and more on the famous Pearl Street marketplace and enjoy Rocky Mountain views at the refurbished Millennium Harvest House Boulder.  Those looking for fun and sun will find it at The McCormick Scottsdale, an idyllic lakeside retreat with stunning newly renovated accommodations framed by views of Camelback Lake and the McDowell and Camelback Mountains. Guests of Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago can indulge in warmer-weather retail therapy and stroll Magnificent Mile featuring stores such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Cartier.  Find the perfect springtime moment in these cities or at other Millennium hotels located in Anchorage, Buffalo, Boston, Cincinnati, Durham, Minneapolis or Nashville.

Parents can make their spring stay extra sweet for little ones with the Ask Alfred Children’s Concierge program, featuring the signature Alfred bear as part of a custom-designed children’s amenity kit, in partnership with leading toy company Melissa & Doug® and organic candy maker Surf Sweets®. For an additional $15 per child, kids will receive a cinch backpack filled with goodies including: a cuddly Alfred bear, Surf Sweets® Gummy Bears, a Melissa & Doug® crayon activity set, Alfred’s Lovable Stickables and a set of 12 collectible Color Me postcards. Millennium Hotels and Resorts will donate $2 from each Ask Alfred amenity sold to The Dream Factory, which grants the dreams of critically and chronically ill children.

The “Spring Blooms” package is valid from March 1 to May 31, 2015 and is subject to availability. M&C Loyalty Club members enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the next room category when booking this package. Terms and Conditions apply. For reservations, call 1-866-866-8086 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com.

About Millennium Hotels and Resorts North America:
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc (M&C), listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1996, is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and/or operates a worldwide portfolio of over 100 hotels across seven distinct global brands – Grand Millennium, Millennium, Grand Copthorne, Copthorne, M Hotel, Studio M and Kingsgate – throughout Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and North America.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) was established as a global brand by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc to provide a common marketing and operating platform across its entire portfolio.  Founded on the philosophy of genuine hospitality, this dynamic hospitality group has an outstanding reputation for excellence, taking pride in exceeding the needs of its business and leisure travelers.  The strategic locality of its properties in gateway cities such as London, Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok makes MHR the perfect address to conduct your business or indulge yourself while on holiday.

Established in the United States in 2000, the North American arm of MHR includes a portfolio 14 hotels in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Anchorage, Boulder, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Durham, Minneapolis, Nashville and Scottsdale.  www.millenniumhotels.com