Celebrating Australia Day

At the conclusion of our 13 Day Sydney Australia to New Zealand Cruise, we extended our trip in Sydney staying an additional two nights.  This allowed us to spend more time seeing the sights of Sydney and surrounding area.  The highlight of our stay was participation in the Australia Day festivities which were being held at Sydney Harbour.  

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Observed annually on 26 January, it marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and raising of the Union Flag by Arthur Phillip following days of exploration of Port Jackson in New South Wales. In present-day Australia, celebrations aim to reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community.

In contemporary Australia, the holiday is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Australia Day Honors list and addresses from the governor-general and prime minister. It is an official public holiday in every state and territory. With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies, the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day has become the biggest annual civic event in Australia.

Indigenous Australian events are now included. However, since at least 1938, the date of Australia Day has also been marked by Indigenous Australians and supporters mourning what is seen as the invasion of the land by the British and the start of colonization, protesting its celebration as a national holiday. 26 January is referred to as Invasion Day, Survival Day, or Day of Mourning. Indigenous Australians are people with familial heritage to groups that lived in Australia before British colonization. They include the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.

Australia Day festivities in Sydney lasted the entire day.  They started with Lord Mayor's Citizenship Ceremony followed by various acts on the Tallawoladah Stage, Ferrython, Salute to Australia, Tug & Yacht Ballet, In the Sky, Harbour Parade, Tall Ships Race, Australia Day Regatta, and concluded with Australia Day Live including various entertainers, concluding with an amazing  fireworks display.

We'll post some more information and videos.  Meanwhile, see our Australia Day photo album.

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Happy Halloween Great Time to Vacation

Plan a Vacation for Halloween

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween can come early for you if you visit Disney Magic Kingdom during the month of October.  The park is decked out for this magical time of year and there's even a private party that you can attend.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

Happy Halloween Great Time to Vacation

Plan a Vacation for Halloween

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween can come early for you if you visit Disney Magic Kingdom during the month of October.  The park is decked out for this magical time of year and there's even a private party that you can attend.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

Streamwood Summer Celebration 2013

Meet us at the show

Once a year we participate in our local Chamber of Commerce hosted Summer Celebration. 
This will be our 8th appearance at the show.  I am Chairman of the Chamber's Summer Celebration Committee once again and am excited to report that the Business Expo will be even  bigger than last year.  I will be splitting my time between the Chamber Booth and my personal one, and look forward to meeting many of our fans during the three day event.

For those in the area, it is your chance to meet us in person to discuss your vacation plans, pick up some brochures, and take advantage of our exclusive offers.   Here is one of those specials that we will be featuring during the event July 26th - 28th.  We also extend the offers to our readers - ask us for complete details.  (click the link above for times and location)

Drawing on or about August 12, 2013 (click to enter)

Click for Schedule of Events

Brochures

We get several calls for cruise ship and land vacation brochures.   In this day and age, the majority of the suppliers have cut down on printed materials and replaced them with online versions.

We stock brochures that are available from our suppliers on a regular basis and increase our stock in time for this annual event.   If you are in the area, this is a great opportunity for you to browse our "wish books".

Did you know that was how I convinced my husband to take an Alaska cruise?  He had said, "It's cold there.   We live where it's cold.  Why would I go on a vacation to somewhere that is cold?"   Well we've been back to Alaska several times since that initial look at an Alaska brochure.

What's on your wish list?   If we don't have a brochure, we'll be happy to do some research and provide you with all the details.

Come see us if you are in the area this weekend - or call us afterwards to discuss your wish list.

Norwegian Breakaway Class News

Norwegian Breakaway Begins Her Conveyance Along the Ems River (4 photos)

Norwegian Breakaway took another major step towards her highly-anticipated delivery early this morning when she departed Meyer Werft on her conveyance along the Ems River. Leaving Meyer Werft at approximately 6 a.m. Germany time, sailing backwards, Norwegian Breakaway successfully cleared the first set of locks, and then continued along the river to her final destination in Eemshaven, The Netherlands.

Norwegian Breakaway is the largest cruise ship to ever be constructed in Germany; therefore, it required very precise maneuvers in order to pass through the narrow passage of the initial locks. The ship, measuring 1063 feet long and 130 feet wide; only had 1.6 meters clearance on the starboard side when it passed through the locks. A team of two were in control of the maneuvers, one in control of the bow and one in control of the stern, to ensure that the passage took place at minimum speed and only placed minimum pressure on the bumpers that lined the inside of the locks.

It is an interesting sight to see a ship traveling backwards, but the reason for this is due to the strong propulsion in the aft section of the vessel. Therefore, traveling backwards, or stern first, helps with maneuverability which is a key component when navigating the vessel through such narrow passages.

Just Announced: Norwegian Getaway to feature The Illusionarium! (4 photos)

Just announced: Norwegian Getaway will bring the excitement and allure of the Magic City to sea with an all-new entertainment experience, The Illusionarium. A first of its kind, the Illusionarium will envelop guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects! Also announced, Norwegian Getaway, like her sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will feature Fireworks at Sea, a five-slide Aqua Park and Three Story Sports Complex! Norwegian Getaway sets sail from Miami in February 2014!

Summary of Getaway's features:

• Illusionarium – Only Norwegian offers meals with amazement, where guests can enjoy an intimate dinner as world-class magicians perform in our unique round top venue
• Aqua Park – Features five multi-story waterslides including the fastest at sea, two thrilling drop slides, two main pools and four hot tubs
• Sports Complex – Like her sister ship, her three-story Sports Court will feature the largest ropes course at sea, basketball, rock wall, mini golf and more
• Fireworks Show – An environmentally-friendly pyrotechnics display will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week
• Spice H20 - An Ibiza-inspired, adults-only beach club by day and outdoor dance club by night with a giant LED screen that projects vibrant visuals   

Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft and Norwegian Cruise Line.  Be sure to visit often as more news about these new ships is unveiled.

Fireworks Illuminates Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway Courtesy of NCL
Introducing Norwegian Breakaway (click here)

Norwegian Breakaway
To Light Up the Sky

When Norwegian Breakaway debuts this May in New York City, it will feature  an exciting fireworks show on every cruise during her summer inaugural season.

The environmentally-friendly pyrotechnics display will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, after the ship departs Bermuda. 

To view a short animation of the fireworks show, please click here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFOSvMKzI1E&feature=youtu.be

1980s Deck Party

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their entertainment such as The Second City Comedy and Blue Man Group.  They also are known for deck parties and on the new Breakaway, they'll be taking things to a new level. Building on the electrifying theme of the ship’s headlining Broadway show, ROCK OF AGES, the awe-inspiring fireworks will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party and will be set to a specially-selected playlist of classic 1980s hits by artists like Madonna, Devo and Prince.

“All the incredible entertainment and amenities on Norwegian Breakaway are going to wow our guests,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO. “We wanted one additional element that would really blow them away and this incredible fireworks show is going to take the cruise to a new level of excitement.” 

Guests will party the night away under the  stars in the open-air Spice H20 venue at the aft of the ship while enjoying the  fully-produced show featuring a visual masterpiece that is set to a playlist of classic 80s hits including “Come on Feel the Noise,” by Quiet Riot; “Whip It,” by Devo; “Cherish,” by Madonna; “Final Countdown,” by Europe; and “Purple Rain,” by Prince. In a breathtaking finale, a mesmerizing color-filled fireworks show will light up the night sky, right above the ship. New Yorkers are very familiar with fireworks shows set to music, with the annual Fourth of July spectacular hosted by Macy's.   We suspect this show will be as exciting as that annual event.

The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013 after its arrival in her year-round homeport of New York City on May 7th. From October 2013 through April 2014, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean. 

Not the First Ship to Offer Fireworks

While Norwegian Cruise Line often is the first to introduce new ideas at sea, they unfortunately can't claim the fireworks show.   Disney Cruise Lines offers a similar experience onboard their ships during their "Pirates in the Caribbean" show.  Pirates chase each other around the deck as music blares and culminates as the nighttime sky is lit by colorful exploding bursts of light.  We'll have to wait and see if Norwegian Breakaway's show comes in first or second place in guest rankings.  Be sure to plan your cruise during this inaugural season so that you'll be able to see what promises to be an exciting show.

View Norwegian Breakaway Itineraries (click here)  

Click image for complete coverage of the new Norwegian Breakaway & Current Offers

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

October is Halloween Time at Disney Parks

Halloween came early for us this year. In fact it occurred  in the midst of our National Conference at Walt Disney World Resort on Tuesday, October 16th.  Following a day of meetings, it was time to unwind in the Magic Kingdom.

  
Private Party - You are Invited to Attend If You Dare

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  The park is closed to other guests for the evening.

Click for More Pictures

During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. There are several locations where you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.  We didn't dress up, but we did take part in the trick-or-treating.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

• Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
• Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
• Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
• Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

We've posted some pictures from the event on our Facebook Fan Page.

Welcome Reception at Epcot

Disney Welcomes Us in Style

Our 2012 Creating Magical Memories National Conference kickoff was a Welcome Reception at Disney's Epcot Center.  Disney Cruise Line buses picked up the 700 conference attendees at Coronado Springs and whisked us away the back way into Epcot.

We had a fantastic buffet meal and then were greeted by executives of various Disney Destinations organizations including Disney Cruise Line of course.

Wandering around the room, we wondered where they dessert was hidden.   We soon learned that we would have dessert outside in a private area of Epcot that had an excellent view of the spectacular nighttime highlight IllumiNations.

We had a short walk from the banquet room to the dessert stations.  The first table had various pastries such as eclairs.  Walking a little further we found two Epcot employees making fresh churros, sometimes referred to as a Spanish doughnuts.  Complementing the fried-dough pastries there was brown sugar coating and vanilla ice cream.  These soon became the hit of the party as more and more agents discovered them.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth


Seen from anywhere in Epcot with a view of the World Showcase Lagoon, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is a spectacular 14-minute, live pyrotechnic show that brings together the past, present and future of our planet and its colorful nations.

The show features breathtaking fireworks, brilliant bursts of fire, laserlight effects, dramatic fountain barges, a stirring musical score, first introduced in 1999 for the Millennium Celebration, and the world's first spherical video display system—the 350,000-pound Earth Globe.  The show can be intense for young audiences, so be sure to select a viewing location with that in mind.

It wasn't long before the announcements began, warning that the lighting would be dim during the show and encouraging everyone to find a location and plan on staying there for the duration of the entire show.

We've seen the show before, but never from this private vantage point.  This is a show that you never grow tired of seeing.


When planning your day at Epcot Center, we'd suggest that you conclude your visit in World Showcase, perhaps with dinner in one of the authentic restaurants of a country that you'd like to visit.  After dinner complete your visit to the other countries and head over to the lagoon to select your spot for the show.

Behind the Scenes

Have you ever wondered what it is like behind the scenes at Epcot Center?  Check out our album on Facebook to get a glimpse behind World Showcase as well as some images from the show.

Epcot IllumiNations Fireworks (Click to view Video)

Welcome Home Disney Dream

Photo by Katie Werling - DIS Unplugged

Fireworks filled the pre-dawn sky over Port Canaveral January 4th as the latest Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Dream, pulled into its new home in Florida.   The Disney Dream completed its Transatlantic crossing on schedule.  Special thanks to DIS Unplugged for capturing this event in pictures and video (click the link for more images).

When You Wish Upon a Star ....



Disney Dream's naming ceremony will be held January 19th in Port Canaveral with its maiden voyage occurring on January 26th.  As customary for new ships, there will be a series of short cruises for cast members, travel agents, and media between now and the maiden voyage.

The most innovative new features on the Disney Dream are the AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea, and the virtual portholes for inside cabins which provide a live view via some Disney magic.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas, from Port Canaveral.  Sister ship Disney Fantasy is currently in production at the MEYER WERFT shipyard and is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage on April 7, 2012.  It will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral.


Related Blog Posts:


Disney Dream Delivered
Disney Dream Conveyance
Disney Dream Unveiled

Another storybook page turns as the Disney Dream begins final preparations for the arrival of the first guests.     Welcome to your home, Disney Dream.    Pixie Dust all around - let the magic begin.

An Epic 4th of July Event

Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship, Norwegian EPIC, arrived in New York City in time for this year's 4th of July celebration from New York Harbour.   The largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet was christened by Reba McEntire on July 2nd. 

Macy's 34th Annual Fireworks

Broadcasting Live from EPIC

The largest fireworks display in America will light up the New York skyline tonight starting at 9 PM Eastern.   The skies over the Hudson River will be ablaze with 40,000 dazzling displays of color as the nation's largest fireworks show marks the July Fourth holiday in New York.  Some of the effects will shoot 1,000 feet into the air so that they can be seen above Manhattan's skyscrapers.

Tonight's show will be broadcast live from the Norwegian Epic cruise ship and will feature performances by teen sensation Justin Bieber and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  As always, a special musical score,this year's entitled "American Harmony", will help set the stage for this moving pyrotechnic display. 

For more information about the event, see Macy's website.  For more information about Norwegian Epic, see Norwegian Epic Delivered to NCL.

Happy 4th of July

Independence Day 2009

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States

I hope that you are enjoying a wonderful Fourth of July with family and friends. Across the globe, there are many families that are apart from loved ones. Those are the men and women of the Armed Forces who are serving to protect those freedoms that we celebrate today. Let us salute those men and women who sacrifice so that we can enjoy this holiday.

The photo in this article was not taken on the Fourth of July, but rather when I was onboard Disney Wonder for a Southern Caribbean voyage. Across America today, you'll see similar displays in the night skies (weather permitting). Enjoy your freedom today.

I'd like to thank all the military personnel, past and present, for serving their country. Many of the cruise lines offer military discounts. If you know someone who has served, make sure they are aware of these discounts - it's the least we can do for them that have made this day possible.