The Greek islands attract people from all over the world and the most popular of these pieces of paradise is Mykonos. It features an exciting nightlife and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracts visitors of all ages who come for a number of reasons. The island is famous for partying, relaxation, picturesque villages and magnificent beaches featuring golden sands and the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea.The weather is usually great, the sky and sea compete to see which is the more spectacular turquoise and everywhere you look are sun bleached white stucco buildings. Spend time strolling thru narrow streets and alleys as you shop for art, local crafts and souvenirs. Cafes and restaurants are everywhere with seating that spreads out onto patios and porches each offering incredible views.
While visiting keep an eye out for the Pelican of Mykonos. Named Petros (Peter) he’s part of the traditions and culture of the island. This mascot of Mykonos strolls leisurely through the city’s many streets and alleyways.
Currently Petros the Pelican is a second generation mascot. He and his predecessor have made Mykonos their home since 1954. The original Petros passed away in 1985 and the current Petros quickly took his place. Both of these Pelicans have have their way into the hearts of the people of Mykonos as well as the many visitors to this enchanted island.
Where Your Ship Docks
Mykonos has a new cruise ship docking pier about a mile and a half from Mykonos City. Shuttle bus service is usually provided and there are good sidewalks around the waterfront but they can be steep in places.
Transportation
The island has a good bus system with routes that connect most towns with the many popular beaches. The Mykonos bus fleet includes 26 buses, some of which are provided especially for the island”s tourist visitors. The fare is between €1 and €3, depending on the distance traveled, and you can buy tickets directly from the driver or at the booths at the terminals. Taxis are also readily available.
Money
The local currency is the Euro (€) and ATM’s are conveniently located.
Attractions
Mostly the island is popular for the beaches with dozens to pick from. A couple of the most popular include:
Paradise beach and Super Paradise beach are 4 miles from Mykonos Town, they are sand beaches very popular with young people that come to play all day and late into the night. It also features diving and watersports and plenty of bars and clubs which flow out onto the beach. Paradise beach has a party vibe with good swimming in beautiful water. It’s also nudist friendly. You can reach the beach by taxi, boat or bus.
Ornos beach is well equipped with loungers and umbrellas along with many cafes and restaurants. There is good for windsurfing, diving and water skiing. It’s less than 2 miles from Mykonos Town, so it’s easy to get to by bus or boat. It’s located in a lovely bay with great views. Although it can get crowded, it is more relaxed than other beaches, so it’s an enjoyable place to spend the day.
The Mykonos windmills are the iconic feature of this island. The windmills can be seen from many points around the village of Mykonos, the island’s principal village and are the first thing you see when coming into the harbor as they stand on a hill overlooking the village.
The Aegean Maritime Museum – a non-profit institution founded in 1985. It’s dedicated to collect, study and promote Greek maritime history and tradition. It features a particular focus on the evolution and activities of the merchant ship, mainly in this historic region of the Aegean Sea. The Aegean Maritime Museum is housed in a traditional 19th century Myconian building, which is located at the centre of the Town of Mykonos.
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos – a museum with collections that include exhibits dating from the Prehistoric to the Hellenistic period. The museum has six rooms that include models and tomb artifacts of Rinia. Also featured are earthenware, Cycladic stoneware and ceramics dated from ninth and eighth century BC. The most popular display is the internment reliefs of the fall of Troy.
Shopping
Specialties include olive products like soaps and oils, spices along with local arts and crafts. Keep a look out for good buys in souvenir shops, high label designer clothes and shoes, art galleries and fine jewelry in the Greek design tradition.
Mykonos Greece – where your ship docks, getting around, attractions to see, beaches to visit, currency and shopping. Part of the Cruise Ports of Call guides from Intend2Travel.
There is something about the sights and sounds of falling water in nature that seems to attract us. It isn’t unusual for us to have hiked for miles and even taken long air trips just to experience a particular waterfall. Maybe it is a combination of the pure power of falling water combined with a feeling of its endurance and consistency that draws us to the spectacle. Here we take this opportunity to offer a few of our favorites.
GULLFOSS FALLS Haukadalur, Iceland. One of the more unique waterfalls we have ever seen in the world. This wild and wide waterfall tumbles on the Hvítá River in two tiers making a 90 degree turn half way down.
Part of the Golden Circle of Iceland’s attractions in the Southwest, it pretty much sat on everyone’s travel itineraries.
YOSEMITE FALLS Yosemite National Park. This waterfall doesn’t flow year round but it drops a spectacular 2,425 feet, making it one of the tallest in the world.
YELLOWSTONE FALLS. Located in the national park on the Yellowstone river, it plunges first over Upper Yellowstone Falls and then a quarter mile downstream over Lower Yellowstone Falls into the 1,000 ft. deep Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
NIAGARA FALLS Ontario, Canada / Buffalo, New York, USA. Easily the most famous waterfall in North America, this powerful waterfall also ranks as the biggest one by volume with a whopping average flow of about 7,000 cubic meters per second! In addition to its raw power, you’ll have no problem visiting the falls given its easy access and no trouble viewing it from all sorts of angles.
IGUAZÚ FALLS (IGUASSU FALLS) Puerto Iguazú, Argentina / Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. With its rim spanning a distance of an incredible one and a quarter miles and its average flow of 1000 cubic meters per second, this falls tops our list of the 10 best waterfalls in the world. The falls actually consists of some 275 individual waterfalls and cascades.
In Georgia it’s AMICALOLA FALLS, one of the more spectacular waterfalls in the state with an easy walk to reach a good vantage point. Also TALULAH FALLS in Tallulah Gorge State Park features ix different falls cascade into the gorge.
Just like airlines and hotels, cruise companies want you to be a frequent customer and they have developed a number of plans to entice you to keep coming back. With names like The Captain’s Club, Mariner Society and Latitudes they generally structure their programs so the more you come back the more status you attain on cruises and rewards you get. Unlike hotel points and airline miles you don’t cash in your rewards, and the more you cruise with a cruise line or company the more benefits you get.
Because the cruise lines know you do have a choice making a cruise selection, more so than with airlines, they want you to have good reason to stay with them. Each cruise line has differences in their programs and some offer better benefits than others the all operate a tiered system of better and better perks the more you cruise with them.
In addition earning frequent cruiser points look for the possibility with some cruise companies allowing you to transfer your status between their family of cruise lines. One example is Royal Caribbean that also operates Celebrity and Azamar. In one example they will allow you to share/transfer your status from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity becoming a Celebrity Elite if you have Diamond status with Royal immediately (going forward points are accumulated separately on each line).
Celebrity Cruise Line
Take Your Vacation to a New Level with Captains Club
Cruising with Celebrity really does have its benefits. Join the Captain’s Club and enjoy an array of cruise rewards. And, the more you sail with us, the greater the rewards. You’ll earn points on every sailing and enjoy discounts, offers, and perks that all add up to an even more incredible cruise vacation experience. Get priority boarding and complimentary laundry service, stateroom upgrades, access to exclusive voyages, and exciting cruise club events on board. As a valued loyalty member, you’ll also receive personal invitations to other members-only events happening on our sailings throughout the world. Simply join our cruise loyalty program and start earning points on your next cruise. As a valued member of the Captain’s Club, you’ll vacation with us like never before.
• Classic 2-149 Club Points
As a Classic member, you’ll receive complimentary access to our Captain’s Club Celebration event. You’ll also enjoy great ways to save with exclusive onboard premium offers.
• Select 150-299 Club Points
As a Select member, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a Classic member, plus discounted Internet and laundry service specials.
• Elite 300-749 Club Points
Our Elite members know that loyalty yields great rewards, including complimentary Internet and laundry services and complimentary Captain’s Club cocktail hour.
• Elite Plus 750-2999 Club Points
In recognition of our most devoted Elite members, we have created Elite Plus – delivering a high level of recognition with greater benefits including; discounts on beverages and specialty dining, unlimit.ed.complimentary cappuccinos and lattes, 240 free internet minutes and much more
CARNIVAL’S VIFP CLUB®
How it works IT’S SIMPLE: CRUISE MORE AND THE PERKS JUST PILE UP.
VIFP CLUB® VIFP RED (Points after 2 Sailings or More)
• Complimentary 1 liter bottle of water (delivered to stateroom on all sailings)
VIFP GOLD (After 5 Sailings or More)
Appreciation drink on 5+ day cruises (on the last evening of the cruise after 5pm)
Gold VIFP pin on every sailing
Priority check-in and boarding
VIFP PLATINUM (Based on Points)
Platinum and Diamond VIFP Party on 5+ day sailings (featuring complimentary drinks and appetizers)
Complimentary beverage at Seaday Brunch (on ships where brunch is not available, complimentary beverage at breakfast or lunch in Main Dining Room)
“Chocolate Delight” strawberry plate (delivered to stateroom on 5+ day cruises)
Unique, collectible pin (noting specific ship and year) received on each sailing
Priority spa reservations
Priority tender boarding (ship to shore only)
Casino: Buy-one-get-one-free tournament entry (Blackjack or Slot only)
$5 worth of complimentary arcade credits (guests under 18 only)
Carnival logo gift on every sailing
Priority Guest Services assistance by phone
Priority line at onboard Guest Services desk
Priority debarkation
Priority reservations at Main Dining Room and Specialty Restaurant
Complimentary Wash & Fold laundry service (2 bags on 3 – 6 day cruises,
3 bags on 7-13 day cruises, 5 bags on a 14+ day cruises)
VIFP DIAMOND (Based on Points)
Guaranteed seating time requested in Main Dining Room for dinner
Priority reservations at Specialty restaurants
Unlimited complimentary Wash & Fold service
Special event invitation from the Captain on each sailing
One-time free cabin upgrade OR third and fourth guests sail free
One-time donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
One-time complimentary meal for two at Specialty Restaurant of choice
VIFP Club luggage tag set (presented once at Diamond level)
Dedicated toll-free number for sales and service
Holland America Line Mariner Society
Join us for any cruise and return a Star Mariner. You’ll feel the special treatment as soon as you come aboard as our way of saying, “Welcome back!” As a Star Mariner, you’ll receive:
Mariner Welcome Onboard Lunch
A special collectible gift presented to you on board
Mariner Brunch with complimentary sparkling wine
A free subscription to the print or digital** version of Mariner® magazine (print version available to US and Canadian residents only)
Special offers on select sailings
A 50% cruise fare discount on kids and extra guests staying in your stateroom on select sailings
As a 2-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:
A complimentary photo of the ship
A 10% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard signature shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
A 15% discount on merchandise from shophollandamerica.com (Discount only available in the United States and Canada)
An annual cruise planner
A special recognition lapel pin
As a 3-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:
A 25% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and on specialty coffees in all dining venues*, wine packages*, and all mini-bar purchases*
A 25% discount on BLEND (available only on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Ryndam)
A 25% discount on individual wine bottles over us$100
Mariner Welcome Onboard Reception
Discounts on select treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Advance information on new itineraries
As a 4-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:
Complimentary cruise fare on kids and extra guests staying in your stateroom on select sailings
A 50% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and specialty coffees in all dining venues*, wine packages*, and all mini-bar purchases* (restaurant packages do not apply to discount and wine packages discounts exclude wine cards, Cellar Master packages, individual bottles, wine-by-the-glass and beverage gift cards)
Complimentary laundry and pressing services*
Priority tender* and check-in*
A complimentary wine tasting
A 15% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
A complimentary one-year subscription to Travel + Leisure® or Food & Wine® magazine (one per household, available to US and Canadian residents only)
Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes Rewards
At Norwegian Cruise Line, we value and reward our loyal guests and take pride in our Latitudes Rewards program. We enhanced the benefits at all tier levels to make the cruising experience with Norwegian even more rewarding.
Bronze
Priority Check-in At The Pier
Bottle Of Sparkling Wine (per stateroom)
Onboard Discounts In Duty-Free Shops1
Additional Internet Minutes
15 free Internet minutes with 100-minute Internet package purchase and 30 free Internet minutes with 250-minute Internet package purchase
Free Artwork For Attending Art Auction
Onboard Latitudes Rewards Representative
Monthly Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers On Select Sailings
(varies for International guests)
Exclusive Offers from Caesars Entertainment
Complimentary Latitudes Rewards Online Newsletter
Silver
Exclusive Cocktail Party
Discounts On Shore Excursions
Discounts On Photos
Onboard Discounts On Spa Signature Treatments While The Ship Is In Port
Gold
Just Water Cartons (per member)
Laundry Service (per member) (discount or free bag)
Priority Tender Tickets (for applicable ports)
Priority Disembarkation (only available to U.S.)
Platinum
Dinner For Two At Cagney’s Or Le Bistro With A Bottle Of Wine (per stateroom)
Dinner For Two At Moderno Or La Cucina (per stateroom)
Free Internet Minutes (no purchase required) Up to 100 free minutes
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries (per stateroom)
Behind-The-Scenes Ship Tour3
Concierge Service to assist you with specialty restaurant, entertainment and shore excursion reservations
Princess Captain’s Circle
Levels and Benefits
Gold
Available after completion of your first Princess cruise
Discounts on cruise bookings made at least a year in advance
Deposit reduced to 10 percent on early cruise bookings
Special offers on select itineraries throughout the year
Access to members-only onboard events
Princess Passport memory book
Collectible destination stamps
Access to a dedicated onboard host
Subscription to Captain’s Circle magazine and e-newsletter
Gold member recognition pin
Access to Captain’s Circle online information center
Chance to win a photo contest for a free cruise
Ruby
Available from your fourth cruise or after 31 cruise days
Receive all Gold perks
Free package upgrade when you purchase a standard Princess Vacation Protection plan
Exclusive access to shoreside Captain’s Circle help line
10 percent off commemorative cruise DVD
Ruby member recognition pin
Platinum
Available from your sixth cruise or after 51 cruise days
Receive all Ruby perks
Complimentary copy of the Cruise Atlas, which includes itinerary details for the coming year and is released annually
Preferred check-in at the start of your cruise
Access to Platinum Disembarkation Lounge, including light refreshments
Free internet credit from 150 to 500 minutes, depending on length of sailing
Platinum member recognition pin
Elite
Available from your 16th cruise or with 151-plus cruise days
Receive all Platinum perks
Priority tendering and disembarkation
Early or late disembarkation upon request
Complimentary shoe shine service
Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning services
One free mini-bar set up
Complimentary in-cabin canapes on formal nights upon request
Complimentary in-cabin afternoon tea
Royal Caribbean
Cruising with Royal Caribbean International® is truly a rewarding experience, especially when you’re a member of our Crown & Anchor® Society. You’ll receive benefits not only when onboard, but also when you’re planning your cruise. And – as your points grow, so do your benefits and status.
Cruising already offers one of the best values in travel and it becomes a better value with Frequent Cruising memberships. Travel the world without having to repack your suitcase every day or two. Enjoy a huge assortment of eating options all included along with daily entertainment programs along with swimming pools, sports, gyms and spas to keep you active.
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This Christiansted landmark church was built as the Dutch Reformed Church sometime before 1740 with the tower added in the early 1800’s. Later it was reconsecrated as the Christiansted Lutheran Church around 1835. The exterior of the building retains much of its original Dutch Renaissance appearance today.
Known as the Steeple Church it was the first Danish Lutheran church on St. Croix. It was at the time the official Danish religion and one of the few government facilities not involved with official international trade. From around 1750 to 1830’s all island government administrators along with the fort’s garrison were required to worship at the church. Official proclamations, like the abolition of Danish slave trade, were read from its pulpit. Today the altar, pulpit, chandeliers, baptismal font, and governor’s box are still much like they were 350 years ago.
The Steeple Church with Fort Christiansted, the Scale House, Guinea Company Warehouse, the old government house and many of Christiansted’s downtown buildings and colonnades are much the same today as when Alexander Hamilton walked these streets in 1765.
It was in May of that year that Alexander Hamilton and his parents arrived in Christiansted from St. Kits for business. His mother operated a store selling provisions to plantations and ships while they lived upstairs at No. 34 Company Street. Later Alexander apprenticed at Beekman and Cruger, as a clerk. While it was normal for a young man to clerk or apprentice in a trade in early adolescence, Alexander was left in charge of the business in 1771 and 1772 while Cruger was off island. It was in that job where young Alexander learned about business, accounting, finance and international trade.
That experience gave Alexander Hamilton the skills to become a gifted financier when he relocated to the “colonies”. During the American Revolution he became George Washington’s military aide and was appointed by President Washington to be the first Secretary of the Treasury becoming the architect of the financial structure of the United States and its instatutions.
These giclée prints are available in several sizes, custom printed for each individual order on archival, museum grade paper using fade resistant inks.
Join us as we visit historic treasures, natural wonders and vibrant cities set against backdrops that are endlessly changing and visually magnificent. Celebrate a world of travel experiences with these decorating accessories that are perfect for framing.
The Turks and Caicos are a group of small islands stretching out into the Atlantic on the southeast edge of the Bahamas chain. They are part of the British West Indies and a British Territory. Most cruise lines have over the years developed “private islands” where their ships usually anchor for a day of beach activities for their passengers. Grand Turk is a twofer. It has good docking facilities right in the middle of great expanses of beautiful beach.
Where the Ship Docks
Grand Turk is equipped with a modern new dock right next to a nice shopping village with all the usual outlets. A short walk down the pier are also restrooms, food venues and tour options.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with.
Port Area Characteristics – This port has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat or has few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Currency
The official currency of these islands is the U.S. Dollar and credit cards are usually welcome.
Transportation
This is a small island and there are a few taxis that offer an opportunity to tour the island. There is also a tour “tram” that travels around the island for about $30.
Attractions
Grand Turk is a very small island and the real attractions are the beaches and water sports. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to characterize virtually the entire island as a beach with the highest point being only about twenty feet above sea level. There are a number of snorkeling and scuba diving options as well as other water sports.
The salt ponds around the island provided a living in the past harvesting salt for export but are now more valuable as home to a number of birds with the most famous being the endangered pink flamingo. There are tours that provide an opportunity to visit ponds for bird watching in addition to the Tram.
Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial. There’s no better time to visit the nation’s Capital than in the Spring when the famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
These giclée prints are available in several sizes, custom printed for each individual order on archival, museum grade paper using fade resistant inks.
Join us as we visit historic treasures, natural wonders and vibrant cities set against backdrops that are endlessly changing and visually magnificent. Celebrate a world of travel experiences with these decorating accessories that are perfect for framing.
The Intentional Travelers 