National Anthem Day

click to enlarge images

O say can you see, by the dawns early light, a large red, white and blue banner? 

Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner.

We had the opportunity to visit Fort McHenry during our post cruise stay in Baltimore, MD after one of our conferences.

view our Fort McHenry photo album for more pictures

The flag pictured above was flown over the fort.   We were fortunate to be there for the lowering of the flag and raising of a much smaller flag that would fly through the evening hours.

Click here for the story behind the Star-Spangled Banner origin. The original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song that would become our national anthem, is among the most treasured artifacts in the collections of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

Why not take your family on a cruise out of Baltimore, extend your stay, and visit Fort McHenry and the National Museum of American History to bring history to life.  You can read about the flag and the Star-Spangled Banner in text books or the internet, but seeing the actual flag and the fort where the national anthem was created will be an experience to treasure for a life time.

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Luxury Tahiti Cruises at Special Savings

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Announces Savings

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, has announced 2-for-1 limited-time savings on an alluring collection of 7- and 10- night itineraries aboard the luxurious m/s Paul Gauguin throughout 2010.

With 2-for-1 cruise fares and free or 2-for-1 airfare, the opportunity to cruise the South Pacific aboard the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin has never been better! Having been to this magical land, I can attest that the pictures above don't even do justice to the beauty you will enjoy.

The 2010 sailing season will include just sixteen 7-night sailings and just six 10-night voyages in on the following dream itineraries:

7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands

You can explore the spectacular islands of Tahiti, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, and Moorea, whose verdant peaks, crystalline waters, and pristine beaches have enticed artists, mutineers, and vacationers for centuries.

10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus

This itinerary adds the Tuamotus, the largest chain of coral atolls in the world-boasting some of the most renowned snorkeling and diving on Earth.

10-night President's Cruise
On the January 6, 2010, sailing, you'll enjoy a special cruise with President and CEO David A. Giersdorf onboard. This voyage marks not only the year's first cruise, but also the m/s Paul Gauguin's first sailing under the Paul Gauguin Cruises flag. The cruise will be accented by special Polynesian-themed events complete with local dancers and dignitaries, a premium wine-tasting night, and a sunset cocktail party to toast the first members of the Paul Gauguin Society.

These dream vacations are available at a value unheard of for such paradise:

• 2-for-1 Savings on January - March 2010 sailings when booked by September 30, 2009
  
• 2-for-1 roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles — an additional value of up to $1,250 per couple — when booked by September 30, 2009
  
• Early Booking Savings of up to 45% on April - June 2010 sailings (deadlines apply)

To take advantage of these unprecedented savings, you must reserve no later than September 30, 2009. To enjoy the best cabin selection, call me today!