Fairy Penguins On Parade

click images to enlarge

We arrived at our final tour destination, the main attraction of our Go West Tours day long adventure, The Penguin Parade.  It was about 7 PM when we arrived.   There was time to have something to eat and explore the visitor center before heading out to the viewing platform. 

While eating in their cafe, we checked our emails and saw the email from Princess Cruises, that due to Coronavirus, our cruise would be terminated in Fremantle, Australia.  It was supposed to continue to Thailand and end in Singapore, where the ship would go into dry dock for some enhancements.

Not even this news could dampen our excitement to see the Fairy Penguins march from the sea to their nesting places.   By now, the weather was getting worse, however.  It was cold, windy, and raining.  Fortunately, we had worn rain gear, so we were pretty comfortable.

There are several different vantage points to see the Penguin Parade.  General seating is included in the base tour price or you can upgrade them. We purchased "Penguins Plus" tickets which got us preferred seating on an elevated platform.

The image above was enhanced to add in some Fairy Penguins.   The arrow shows the path they take from the sea. 

Important Tip: Sorry! No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. 

Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area they ask you do not use your cameras, camcorders or camera phones at the Penguin Parade.

Download their free app for access to a gallery of images that are yours to keep and share! You can also view and download free photos at their online gallery (Google Chrome browser recommended).

We've included Phillip Island Nature Park's video so that you can get an idea of what we experienced.  The parade started around 8 PM or so.   We watched for awhile and then started the walk back along the boardwalk.   This was actually the best viewing as the penguins were walking alongside us as we headed back to the visitor center.

"Experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia"

What an amazing day.  Each stop on the Go West Tour was better than the one before.  The only thing that would have improved the tour, would have been nicer weather, but that is out of our control.  We met our driver around 9 PM and we all settled in for the 3 hour drive back to our hotels. 

We highly recommend Go West Tours Melbourne Australia.   If this is representative of their other tours, you won't go wrong selecting any of them.

For more images from our Penguin Parade stop, see our Phillip Island Penguin Parade photo album.

We'll talk more about our first day in Melbourne in another post.  For more images, see our Shutterfly Photo Page.
Hopefully, you've followed us live on our social media channels as well.  Don't worry if you didn't, as our anchor post will tie everything together for you.  Just click the image (left) to our diary post.

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Take advantage of these resources to assist in you in planning your dream vacations.  Of course, we are always available to answer any questions you might have about travel and the industry.

Where is the Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat Last Seen on Carnival Breeze Last Week

Boys and Girls, Moms and Dads, the Cruise Director and Staff all met at the Liquid Nightclub lounge (deck 5 aft) on Carnival Breeze last Monday at 4 PM in hopes of finding the Cat in the Hat.    

Where was that cat?

They searched from the lounge all the way to the Ovation Theater (deck 3 forward). They went down the hallway on deck 5 to the stairway and followed the winding staircase down two decks below. Still they had not found the Cat in the Hat.

Oh my, what to do now ... They continued their quest onto the stage in the Ovation Theater.

We were there live and captured all the action in three videos.  In the first video, we see the search party descending the staircase.  In the second, they continue onto stage where some volunteers are requested to help the Cruise Director and team.   Finally, the Cat in the Hat appeared and the reading of the Dr. Seuss book "The Cat in the Hat" was hosted by Cruise Director, Matt, with character appearances and audience participation.   Sit back and relax as we bring you live from Carnival Breeze...

SEUSS-A-PALOOZA PARADE & STORY TIME

     

Carnival Seuss at Sea Program

 

Late last year, Carnival Cruise Lines unveiled an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. to bring the beloved children’s brand to the lines fleet of 24 ships. In an industry first, the Carnival Seuss at Sea program will offer a variety of exciting and immersive on board youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences featuring the beloved characters and words of Dr. Seuss.

Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast

On the final sea day, you and your children can join the Cat in the Hat and friends for green eggs & ham breakfast.   Reservations are required and there is a nominal charge added to your sail 'n sign card.  (Read More...)

Carnival & Dr. Seuss Enterprises Comment on Program:

Our youth and family programming continues to be highly rated and extremely popular with the millions of families who sail with Carnival, but we’re constantly challenging ourselves to uncover unique and interesting ways to further enhance our guest experience,” said Mark Tamis, senior vice president of guest operations for Carnival Cruise Lines. “We are thrilled to bring the fun, whimsical and wonderful world of Dr. Seuss to life for our guests of all ages to create even more fun and memorable moments during our cruise vacations"

“Dr. Seuss inspires imaginations across generations and encourages a playfulness and whimsy that is often lost in today’s ‘always on’ society,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “We’re excited to be working with Carnival Cruise Lines to bring some of the timeless magic of Dr. Seuss to the families that sail each year. Seuss at Sea will let kids and parents alike explore their imaginations through the memorable onboard experiences we’re building together.”

The Seuss at Sea program is available across the full fleet; coming soon to Carnival Panorama and Carnival Sunrise.  Learn more about Seuss At Sea here:  www.carnival.com/seussatsea

Images courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

We applaud the two companies for partnering to expand the youth programs across the Carnival fleet.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat 

We will be co-hosting a very special #FoodTravelChat for #ChooseCruise month

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.

Where is the Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat Last Seen on Carnival Breeze Last Week

Boys and Girls, Moms and Dads, the Cruise Director and Staff all met at the Liquid Nightclub lounge (deck 5 aft) on Carnival Breeze last Monday at 4 PM in hopes of finding the Cat in the Hat.    

Where was that cat?

They searched from the lounge all the way to the Ovation Theater (deck 3 forward).   They went down the hallway on deck 5 to the stairway and followed the winding staircase down two decks below.   Still they had not found the Cat in the Hat.  

Oh my, what to do now ... They continued their quest onto the stage in the Ovation Theater.

We were there live and captured all the action in three videos.  In the first video, we see the search party descending the staircase.  In the second, they continue onto stage where some volunteers are requested to help the Cruise Director and team.   Finally, the Cat in the Hat appeared and the reading of the Dr. Seuss book "The Cat in the Hat" was hosted by Cruise Director, Matt, with character appearances and audience participation.   Sit back and relax as we bring you live from Carnival Breeze...

SEUSS-A-PALOOZA PARADE & STORY TIME

     

Carnival Seuss at Sea Program

 

Late last year, Carnival Cruise Lines unveiled an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. to bring the beloved children’s brand to the lines fleet of 24 ships. In an industry first, the Carnival Seuss at Sea program will offer a variety of exciting and immersive on board youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences featuring the beloved characters and words of Dr. Seuss.

Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast

On the final sea day, you and your children can join the Cat in the Hat and friends for green eggs & ham breakfast.   Reservations are required and there is a nominal charge added to your sail 'n sign card.  (Read More...)

Carnival & Dr. Seuss Enterprises Comment on Program:

Our youth and family programming continues to be highly rated and extremely popular with the millions of families who sail with Carnival, but we’re constantly challenging ourselves to uncover unique and interesting ways to further enhance our guest experience,” said Mark Tamis, senior vice president of guest operations for Carnival Cruise Lines. “We are thrilled to bring the fun, whimsical and wonderful world of Dr. Seuss to life for our guests of all ages to create even more fun and memorable moments during our cruise vacations"

“Dr. Seuss inspires imaginations across generations and encourages a playfulness and whimsy that is often lost in today’s ‘always on’ society,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “We’re excited to be working with Carnival Cruise Lines to bring some of the timeless magic of Dr. Seuss to the families that sail each year. Seuss at Sea will let kids and parents alike explore their imaginations through the memorable onboard experiences we’re building together.”

Roll-out of the Seuss at Sea program will begin aboard Carnival Splendor in March 2014 with implementation across the full fleet by 2015, as well as Carnival Vista when that ship enters service in early 2016.

Learn more about Seuss At Sea here:

www.carnival.com/seussatsea

Schedule: 

Carnival Legend (August 2014), Carnival Liberty (September 2014)

This Experience Is Available On: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Magic, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Sunshine.

Images courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

We applaud the two companies for partnering to expand the youth programs across the Carnival fleet.

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.

Princess Cruises 2013 Carnival in Rio

What a spectacle: The Vila Isabel samba school performs during the carnival parade
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, earlier today Read more

Rio de Janeiro

Carnival

Mardis Gras concludes tonight at midnight as Fat Tuesday draws to a close and the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.  The AP photo above captures Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.  It is the largest celebration in the world with over 800,000 tourists attending the extravaganza.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

Christ, the Redeemer watches over Rio de Janeiro and is one of the seven wonders of the world.   One of the best ways to get there is via a cruise ship.

2012-2013 Cruise Season

Princess Cruises has announced a new 19-day Brazilian Adventure with overnight in Rio during Carnival, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to  Buenos Aires for the 2012-2013 season.  

Itinerary:  Ft. Lauderdale, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad, Fortaleza, 

Salvador, 2-day Rio de Janeiro Experience (includes 2 full days & overnight), Buenos Aires.  This cruise, on the Grand Princess, begins on January 26, 2013.  The itinerary will be among the voyages that will go on sale later this month.

South American cruises have a short season with limited availability, so you'll want to plan early if Carnival in Rio is on your bucket list.

Entertainment Value on Allure and Oasis of the Seas

On Oasis of the Seas® and Allure of the Seas SM, Royal Caribbean’s most innovative ships yet, guests will experience a collection of amazing experiences that challenge all limitations—except the limitations of their wallet. That’s because on ships offering more activities, dining venues, and entertainment options than any other vessel, nearly everything is covered by your fare. The extensive list below details the Oasis class’ complimentary onboard experiences.

ENTERTAINMENT

The DreamWorks Experience®

Memorable moments with favorite characters
from Shrek®, Madagascar®, Kung Fu PandaTM and other films, in shows, parades, mealtime appearances, and photo opportunities.

 
Aqua shows

Dancers, divers and acrobats perform in the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater, against a spectacular backdrop of synchronized, backlit fountains and the wide open ocean.

Broadway shows

It’s all that jazz and much, much more, with stage favorites including Hairspray and Broadway hit Chicago: The Musical in the state-of-the-art Amber and Opal Theaters.

Plus….

• Ice skating shows
• Parades and parties on the Royal Promenade
• Comedy club
• Live jazz club
• Nightclubs
• Karaoke bar
• Sing-along piano bar


All this entertainment is included in your cruise fare making a vacation on Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas an outstanding value. Check our FB fan page for more photos and information about these ships.