August 12, 2004

TIMES TRAVELS

Disney Cruise Line offers West Coast cruises in 2005

In celebration of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, Disney Cruise Line® is offering a limited number of sailings from Los Angeles during the Summer of 2005. Beginning May 28, 2005, the Disney Magic® will embark on the first of seven-night sailings to the Mexican Riviera, visiting the ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.

Passengers will depart L.A. and spend two relaxing days at sea before arriving in Puerto Vallarta. The next day, passengers will visit Mazatlan, famous for its golden beaches and blue lagoons. Snorkeling, sunbathing, and partying are some of the many activities in Cabo San Lucas on day six. Spend another day at sea, and you’re back in Los Angeles. Disney has also planned two 14-Night Panama Canal itineraries, the first originating from Port Canaveral, Florida, and the second from Los Angeles.

Cabins are selling quickly for the new Disney cruise itinerary. Call today before all of the cabins are sold. Call the Travel Desk in Almaden at (408) 723-0283, or visit their Web site at www.traveldeskonline.com.
IT’S MAGIC – Bon Voyage on the Disney Magic Cruise ship scheduled to sail from the Los Angeles in 2005.

Cruise ships serve as floating hotels

Your favorite cruise ships may be missing from their regular itineraries this coming week, but there is no need to panic. They are likely to be seen in Piraeus, the port of Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games, where they have become floating “hotels.” More than 15,000 visitors, state officials and dignitaries will be aboard at least eight cruise ships. Queen Mary2 will host a number of high profile people, including French President Jacques Chirac and the U.S. mens basketball team. Russian President Vladimir Putin will spend the night on Holland America’s Westerdam. George W. Bush is expected to spend the night on an undisclosed cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean earns culinary award

Royal Caribbean International is scheduled to receive an Achievement of Culinary Excellence Award from the nation’s oldest and largest organization of professional chefs, the American Culinary Federation (ACF), Inc. This is the first year a cruise line is being recognized by the federation for superior food service. ACF launched its culinary excellence awards to recognize establishments that exemplify commitment to excellence in food service in their respective markets. The 2004 winners were chosen by a committee of culinary experts. For more information and reservations, call the Travel Desk in Almaden at (408) 723-0283, or visit their Web site at www.traveldeskonline.com.

—By Sean Eastwood