April 2009 Archives

In the hottest part of the summer, Marylanders and tourists can immerse themselves in cool jazz. From July 21-31, some of the brightest stars on the scene will teach and perform at the Maryland Summer Jazz Festival in Rockville, near the nation's capital.

For the fifth season, musicians can anticipate exciting workshops and jams to raise the bar on their playing. Jazz fans can look forward to four major concerts featuring acclaimed artists from the US and Canada.

The Artists

International trumpet sensation Ingrid Jensen makes her first appearance at the festival this year. The young Canadian Juno Award winner is one of the most sought-after performing artists in the world.

Fellow Canadian saxophonist and composer Jeff Antoniuk is known as Maryland's "Pied Piper of Jazz." With many popular recordings and continental tours under his belt, he is a teacher, performer and the artistic director of Maryland Summer Jazz.

This year guitar-lovers can enjoy two artists at the top of their game. Tim Miller offers a distinctive voice to the world of jazz guitar. Guitar Player Magazine characterized his playing as "pure melody consciousness with remarkable control." His career has taken him to Paris, New York and Boston, where he teaches at Berklee College of Music.

Steve Herberman returns to the Maryland festival with his unique seven-string guitar. Consistently lauded by critics, his latest release, Ideals, rose to No. 10 on the US jazz charts.

Trumpet player Tom Williams has toured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and was a featured soloist with the Jazz Ambassadors and Army Blues ensembles. He has also performed with Pattie LaBelle, Anita Baker and Stevie Wonder.

These artists will join over a dozen others onstage and in festival classrooms.

Jazz Camp for Grown-Ups

At the heart of the festival is a jazz day camp featuring two sessions of intensive instruction for adults. Scholarships and internships encourage younger talent from high school to college age.

Workshops are structured to help gifted amateurs and semi-pros improve technique and improvisational skills, moving them "from the basement to the bandstand." Teachers represent many university jazz programs and are the same fantastic players heard in the public concerts.

Public Performances

Public performances continue to expand. The event kicks off with a July 21 concert featuring Ingrid Jensen with Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update at Blues Alley, the nation's premiere jazz club, located in the Georgetown district of Washington, DC.

Co-sponsored by the City of Rockville, a free family-oriented community concert will be offered at twilight on July 23 at the Rockville Town Square.

Additional all-stars and student concerts will be held on both July 24 and 31 at Saint Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville at 10701 Old Georgetown Road.

The deadline for jazz workshop registration is June 30. Concert tickets are available May 1, 2009, and concert admission ranges from free to $25. Early purchase is recommended since all events sold out last year. For more information, call 443-702-7016 or visit website. 

From the verdant Salinas and Carmel valleys to the watery refuge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey County offers everything from farm to table and sea to sustainable platter year round. The unparalleled culinary tradition sprouts from a perfect mix of climate and geology that combine to nurture produce of all kinds. With 40,000+ acres of vines and nine different American Viticultural Areas (AVA's) this region's bounty of harvest outpaces entire states with its abundance of unique offerings. These gifts and the picturesque backdrop of the crashing surf and white sand beaches lend itself to Monterey County creating the ultimate in California cuisine.

"A" TABLE CHEFS

Monterey County proudly proclaims some of the most celebrated chefs in the world. Of the hundreds of restaurants in Monterey County, many have been honored with the food industry's highest awards, including DiRoNa (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) and Wine Spectator's awards for excellence.

Here you will find legendary culinary creators such as Cal Stamenov, Mark Ayers and Michel Richard and renowned restaurants such as Aubergine Restaurant, Anton & Michel, and Casanova. These chefs not only participate in the Pebble Beach Food & Wine -- an annual event that brings more than 60 legendary chefs from all over the world to the Monterey Peninsula, they also play a part in the Monterey Bay Aquarium's annual sustainable seafood conference -- Cooking for Solutions -- and forage the daily farmers markets and local fisheries. These chefs and others in Monterey County shine a light on what it means to be stewards of the land and sea by using fresh vegetables and sustainable seafood to create delicious delicacies such as Pisoni asparagus with a seared day boat scallop, black truffle vinaigrette and morel mushroom revealed that morning by a local fungi forager. www.bernardus.com/ www.pacificsedge.com www.citronelle.com/ www.laubergecarmel.com/ www.antonandmichel.com www.casanovarestaurant.com/ www.montereybayaquarium.org

TWICE ON SUNDAYS

Foodies can literally find a Farmers Market every single day of the week, and often twice on Sundays! A visit here delivers the heartbeat of the region, with farmers proudly displaying local artichokes, broccoli, herbs, micro-greens and an abundance of sealife. The county has a number of regular farmer's markets in Old Monterey, Monterey Peninsula College, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Marina, Soledad and Carmel. Visitors can purchase fruits and vegetables straight from the folks who grow them. Many of the outdoor markets also feature booths selling freshly prepared seafood, barbecue and foods from around the world. www.SeeMonterey.com

GREEN IS GOOD

Monterey County, and in particular the Salinas Valley, is perhaps known best as the "Salad Bowl of the World." The county is one of the nation's leading agricultural producers, and the third largest agricultural economy in California. A temperate climate, rich soils, and unparalleled infrastructure make the both Salinas and Carmel Valley an ideal place to grow cool-season vegetables like artichokes, raspberries, strawberries and flowers in every color and variety of the rainbow. Take an agricultural tour, wine trek or visit the nation's first (and largest) working organic farm -- Earthbound Farms. Monterey County also commands nearly 90 percent of the packaged salad and pre-cut fresh vegetable market. In short, agriculture is big business here. The Farm also offers a child-proof working farm providing insight into the daily drill that delivers America's freshest produce. Grab a fork and go! www.agventuretours.com www.thefarm-salinasvalley.com www.ebfarm.com/

INK THE DEAL

Since the arrival of Portuguese fishermen, local squid has been a mainstay in the waters off Monterey Bay. On a busy night, dozens of fishing boats can be spotted on the bay, trolling for these giant cephalopods. Much of the local catch goes to Japan and some is jet-set to San Francisco, but a large portion of the catch stays right here in Monterey, heading to local restaurants to be used in fried calamari and squid salads. Local chefs are trained and skilled in the proper preparation, to bring out the subtle tastes -- the squid is tender yet firm -- a pure white patty with a simple flavor. Perhaps no fish is more representative of Monterey Bay and can be enjoyed year round.

Farm-raised California Red Abalone is also sustainably raised by Monterey Abalone Company at the tip of Commercial Wharf #2. Here, visitors can purchase and take home fresh abalone in a hermetically sealed pack or dive into any local restaurant from the Sardine Factory to seasonal "Super Abs" tasting menu at The Highland's Inn. The U.S. market is primarily in California; hence travelers rarely find this delicacy elsewhere. Abalone is so succulent that a seared filet over cauliflower puree with lobster butter simply melts in the mouth. Paired with a delicious Robert Talbot Vineyard's chardonnay or Benardus Winery Sauvignon Blanc, this combo creates an explosion of decadence that is hard to replicate. www.montereyabalone.com www.talbottvineyards.com www.bernardus.com

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Known for the rugged coastal beauty of Big Sur and the charm of Carmel, Monterey lies within the Central Coast AVA and is home to nine distinct AVA's, including top-ranked Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Hames Valley, Monterey, San Antonio Valley, San Bernabe and San Lucas. The deep, cold waters of Monterey Bay deliver morning fog and strong cooling afternoon winds, making Monterey County particularly well-suited to cool climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Those interested in Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet and Merlot should visit Carmel Valley for a flight of outstanding varietals. A cache of certified organic vineyards also lay claim to this region including Heller Estate Organic Vineyards, Morgan Winery and DeTierra Vineyards.

Though local winegrowers have fostered extensive Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir programs, the region's diverse micro-climates and terroir allow growers and vintners to experiment with lesser-known varietals such as Syrah, Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio. "Here we have a great growing region, with a long cool growing season. With no real heat spikes in the summer, rain in the fall or frost in the winter, which creates the perfect climate for our temperate chardonnay and pinot noir," states Gary Francione from the Santa Lucia Highlands, "each varietal has different characteristics dependent on where it is grown, but the consistency and quality of our grapes is what differentiates our wines." It is the unique combination of inventiveness, craftsmanship and scenery that makes Monterey County the ideal destination for the adventurous wine and food lover. There are more than 65 Monterey County wineries, 30 of which have individual tasting rooms. www.montereywines.org www.SeeMonterey.com

VISITOR INFO:

Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 40,000 acres of premium vineyards, 25 golf courses and over 200 lodging properties. Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley. The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area's major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO). www.SeeMonterey.com.

SOURCE Monterey County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

Conde Nast Traveler's 13th annual May "Hot List" issue is the ultimate insider's guide to the newest and hottest hotels, restaurants, spas, and nightclubs opened all over the world in the past year. The editors scoured the globe to check out hundreds of new properties, rigorously evaluating each one on a standard set of criteria. The result is a definitive guide to the world's most exciting new establishments destined to become instant classics.

The 2009 Hot List features 140 new hotels and resorts, 50 new restaurants, 35 new nightclubs, and 50 new spas, whose design, service, and amenities transcend industry standards.

The hotel findings range in size from a three-pavilion hideaway outside of Sydney to a 2,034-room high-rise on the Vegas Strip, and in price from $89 at a Palm Springs hot spot to $2,050 for a sprawling safari tent in northern Botswana. Hot and trendy doesn't have to mean pricey -- check into 43 of the hottest hotels for under $250-per-night. The 140 hotels and resorts on this year's Hot List span 53 countries and include new-to-the-list destinations Israel, Mongolia, Peru, Slovenia, and Zimbabwe.

    U.S. properties named to the list include:
    InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley, Ariz.
    Montage Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, Calif.
    London West Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif.
    SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Calif.
    Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, Calif.
    Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs, Calif.
    Se San Diego, San Diego, Calif.
    Cavallo Point, Sausalito, Calif.
    Bardessono, Yountville, Calif.
    Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Colo.
    Capella Telluride, Telluride, Colo.
    The Regent, Bal Harbour, Fla.
    Viceroy, Miami, Fla.
    Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, Fla.
    Mondrian South Beach, Miami Beach, Fla.
    Mansion on Peachtree, Atlanta, Ga.
    Avia, Savannah, Ga.
    Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii
    The Blackstone, Chicago, Ill.
    Dana Hotel and Spa, Chicago, Ill.
    Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, Me.
    Mandarin Oriental, Boston, Mass.
    Hotel Ivy, Minneapolis, Minn.
    Encore Wynn, Las Vegas, Nev.
    Encantado, Santa Fe, N.M.
    Greenwich Hotel, New York, N.Y.
    Thompson LES, New York, N.Y.
    The Nines, Portland, Ore.
    Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, Tex.
    Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa, Dallas, Tex.
    Arctic Club Hotel, Seattle, Wash.
    Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle, Wash.
    Donovan House, Washington, D.C.
    Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee, Wis.

When we travel we still need -- and love -- to eat out. The most sought-after reservations are for gussied up gastropubs with stellar cocktails or pocket-sized restaurants with just a handful of tables. From a $25 prix fixe lunch at Maison Boulud in Beijing to a $59 four-course dinner at Convivio in New York, our list of 50 restaurants has amazing values abound.

    U.S. restaurants on the Hot Tables List include:
    California: Palate Food & Wine, Glendale; Kogi BBQ, Los Angeles;
     Zinnia, San Francisco
    Florida: Sra. Martinez, Miami
    Georgia: Holeman & Finch, Atlanta
    Illinois: L2O, Chicago
    Louisiana: Cochon Butcher, New Orleans
    Massachusetts: Hungry Mother, Cambridge
    Nevada: Wazuzu, Las Vegas
    New York: Convivio, Corton, John Dory, L'Artusi, New York
    Oregon: Lincoln, Portland
    Pennsylvania: Zahav, Philadelphia
    Washington: Poppy, Seattle

    *Hungry for more? Go online to cntraveler.com/hotlist for 65 additional
    tables

A little R&R is just what the doctor ordered, and as luck would have it, this past year delivered a bumper crop of superlative spas from Macau to Mexico. Our reviewers left no hot stone unturned in their effort to identify the 50 transcendent spots for head-to-toe pampering.

    U.S. spas on the Hot Spas List include:
    California: Spa Montage, Beverly Hills; Spa at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach
    Colorado: RockResorts Spa at the Arrabelle, Vail
    Florida: Icon Brickell at Viceroy Miami; Lapis at the Fontainebleau,
     Miami Beach
    Georgia: 29 Spa at the Mansion on Peachtree, Atlanta
    Nevada: Spa at Trump, Las Vegas
    New Mexico: Spa at Encantado, Santa Fe
    New York: Caudalie Spa at the Plaza Hotel; ESPA at the Peninsula; Sense,
     a Rosewood Spa, The Carlyle; Shibui Spa, Greenwich Hotel, New York City
    Texas: Stoneleigh Spa, Dallas

    *For 30 more new spas, go to cntraveler.com/hotlist

Just when we all needed a drink, nightlife got serious. This year, absinthe made a comeback and hotel bars got their glam on. From Beijing to Bogota -- we have 35 of the hippest hangouts in which to get your groove on.

    U.S. nightclubs on the Hot Nights List include:
    California: Bardot Hollywood, Los Angeles; Infusion Lounge, The Press
     Club, San Francisco
    Colorado: Liquid Sky, Snowmass
    Florida Louis, Sunset Lounge, Miami Beach
    Illinois: Vertigo Sky Lounge, Chicago
    Nevada: Frankie's Tiki Room, XS, Las Vegas
    New York: Apotheke, Rose Club, New York City
    Texas: PM at the Joule, Dallas

    *For the runners-up, 10 more bars worth swinging by to see, check out
    cntraveler.com/hotlist

Full reviews of each hotel, restaurant, nightclub and spa can be found in the May issue of Conde Nast Traveler, on newsstands April 21, 2009 or at www.cntraveler.com/hotlist

SOURCE Conde Nast Traveler

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, today announced an alluring set of voyages designed specifically to highlight the best of what the South Pacific has to offer - both onboard the enchanting m/s Paul Gauguin and among the many exquisite destinations she visits. With 38 unique itineraries ranging from 7 to 15 nights, the multi-award-winning ship is designed to bring guests closer than ever before to some of the world's most exotic locales. Amidst a backdrop of relaxed luxury, guests will have the opportunity to explore the innate romance, vibrant culture and spectacular natural wonders of Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand.

"The m/s Paul Gauguin is renowned for her carefully crafted itineraries, and we are thrilled to provide both classic and new voyages in 2010 that will emphasize the magical ambiance of these captivating islands," said David Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises. "Whether enjoying the many onboard amenities or engaging in a wide array of exotic port calls and adventures, our guests will experience only the best as they forge unforgettable memories."

Professional Travel Agents can assist guests in hand-selecting their dream vacations with exclusive itineraries that feature the best destinations in the South Pacific:

Tahiti & Society Islands

As French Polynesia's westernmost archipelago, the Society Islands are home to well-known gems Tahiti, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Moorea. Believed to have been named by Captain James Cook in honor of the Royal Society, these volcanic islands have enticed artists and mutineers alike for centuries, and continue to allow an escape to their awe-inspiringly verdant peaks, crystalline waters and pristine beaches. Here, guests can explore the region's natural accessories with an extraordinary array of activities, from dolphin-watching at Moorea to snorkeling off Bora Bora to an unforgettable day on the cruise line's own private islet off Taha'a, Motu Mahana. The beauty of these coveted islands is matched only by the warmth of the Polynesian hospitality that awaits.

Cruises highlighting Tahiti and the Society Islands range from 7 to 15 nights and start from $2,995 per person. On these voyages, guests will enjoy Paul Gauguin's exclusive Motu Mahana private retreat and use of the private beach in Bora Bora. Also, depending on length of the cruise, overnight calls at Moorea, Bora Bora or Papeete allow for extended activity options.

The Tuamotus

The largest chain of coral atolls in the world, the Tuamotus boast some of the most renowned snorkeling and diving on earth. As the m/s Paul Gauguin makes anchor at Rangiroa, this sheltered lagoon's dolphins, rays and colorful tropical fish will mesmerize adventurers at heart. Nearby Fakarava also plays host to gorgeous black sand beaches, a black pearl farm and a plethora of rare birds and plants that can be found nowhere else.

Cruises featuring the tropical splendor of the Tuamotus range from 9 to 14 nights and start from just $3,995 per person, featuring overnight calls in Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete as well as the private retreat on Motu Mahana and private beach at Bora Bora.

The Marquesas

Cloaked in mystery and wrapped always in a gentle mist, the Marquesas include 12 islands - only six of which are inhabited. Almost completely untouched by European exploration, the isolation of these faraway islands has established an intense pride among the native people and, in turn, a fascinating culture. The wilderness is essentially untapped here - wild stallions run free on Ua Haku, Fatu Hiva boasts only one road, and the purity of thousand-foot waterfalls and gargantuan mountains remains unprecedented.

With only four voyages this year, 14-night cruises featuring the mystic beauty of the Marquesas start from only $5,495 per person. Guests will experience the South Pacific natural history and beauty at its best as they enjoy in-depth exploration of four islands in the Marquesas, Fakarava, and the Society Islands, as well as the Motu Mahana private retreat and Bora Bora private beach visit.

New Zealand

Providing a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure, this is the ideal port stop for those looking for a little of both. The last-discovered major landmass and youngest country in the world, New Zealand allows guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant Maori culture as they absorb some of the most distinctive natural features in this corner of the world. Auckland, the country's capital and aptly nicknamed the "City of Sails," is surrounded on three sides by water, the Bay of Islands is known for having one of the bluest skies in the world and Tauranga for its miles of golden-sand beaches - each promising to etch a unique memory in the mind's eye of discerning guests.

Perhaps the most exciting addition for 2010, two exclusive 14-night voyages between Papeete, Tahiti and Auckland will highlight the vibrant culture of New Zealand. These cruises start from just $6,195 per person and feature both the Motu Mahana private retreat and Bora Bora private beach.

The Cook Islands

Comprised of 15 islands, the Cook Islands are characterized by a stark topographical contrast - from the largely flat landscape of Aitutaki to the dramatic peaks and valleys that make up Rarotonga. Here, guests will be endlessly charmed by the natives' strong traditional culture as they are delighted to authentic song, dance, legends and crafts.

Voyages featuring the Cook Islands provide the ultimate combination of island discoveries, and will be featured among just four amazing cruises in 2010, ranging from 11 to 15 nights and starting from only $4,395 per person.

Fiji

The exotic islands of Fiji are one of the South Pacific's most in-demand destinations, with 300 islands featuring soaring mountains, lush vegetation, shimmering turquoise waters and a seemingly endless set of immaculate white sand beaches. Here, guests can fulfill their utmost tropical vacation fantasies as they snorkel in the crystalline water directly off the beach at Malolo Island or discover the lush rain forests just steps away from the vibrant and culture-infused towns of Savusavu or Suva, Fiji's capital.

Just two itineraries will feature the exquisite beauty of Fiji in 2010 with an option of either a 13- and 15-night cruise, starting from $5,695 and $6,545 per person respectively. The m/s Paul Gauguin will cross the International Dateline at sea as guests experience the island ambiance like never before.

Tonga

Gently nudging the International Dateline, the breathtaking Kingdom of Tonga, also known as the "Friendly Islands" is the first country in the world to greet the new day. Unlike most any other travel destination, the waters are so crystal clear that the ocean floor can be seen at an astonishing depth of 130 feet. Guests can indulge themselves by swimming to the majestic Swallows Cave, or discover these amazingly calm waterways by sea kayak. While immersing themselves in paradise onshore, guests can revel in nearly-deserted white sand beaches with only a smattering of tourists.

Cruises highlighting the pristine nature and exquisite beauty of Tonga range from 13 to 15 nights and start from only $5,695 per person.

Early Booking Ensures the Greatest Savings and Best Ever Value Pricing

Guests planning a vacation with Paul Gauguin Cruises can currently take advantage of several opportunities to save, including:

• Early Booking Savings of up to 45 percent, representing savings from $2,500 to $18,650 per person, when booked by July 31, 2009- prices listed above are according to Early Booking Savings discount, plus
• Airfare savings of $1,250 to $2,500 per couple are available on all sailings when booked by July 31, 2009 as a result of Free or Two-for-One Roundtrip Airfare between Los Angeles and Tahiti based upon length of cruise selected, plus
• Paul Gauguin Society Savings provide any past guest of Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club or Windstar Cruises an additional 5 percent off any m/s Paul Gauguin curse fare, representing between $149 to $1,137 off Early Booking Savings fares based on length of cruise and stateroom category, plus
• Families planning a voyage on m/s Paul Gauguin may take advantage of the "third person in stateroom sails free" promotion when booked by July 31, 2009.

All Early Booking Promotional Savings are capacity-controlled, and subject to availability at time of booking.

Reservations are being accepted now and guests are encouraged to book early for the best values, choices of departures and accommodations. Due to the exclusive and limited guest capacity of the vessel, the number of repeat guests, its international appeal and only 38 departures in 2010, early reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations must be made by July 31, 2009 to receive special air promotions from Los Angeles and the "third person in stateroom sails free" promotion. A new 68-page catalog detailing the m/s Paul Gauguin's superb collection of experiences is also now available. Guests should contact their Professional Travel Agent or call 1-800-848-6172 to reserve a cruise or request a brochure. For additional information, please visit www.pgcruises.com.

SOURCE Paul Gauguin Cruises

To celebrate its 20 years as a leader in luxury cruising, Crystal Cruises is launching its 2010 fares with its most dramatic and compelling promotional savings ever. Crystal's gifts to guests offer special anniversary pricing in advance of the vacation, spending credits during the cruise, and birthday programs for big savings in the future.

Guests sailing in 2010 will enjoy:

• "All Inclusive - As You Wish" shipboard credits on every individual voyage in 2010. Most cruises offer $2,000 per couple, all the way up to $10,000 per couple for the full World Cruise;
• 20th Anniversary Fares with up to $3,000 per couple savings on all Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages booked by December 31, 2009;
• Birthday Bonus! Book your 2010 birthday cruise by December 31, 2009 and save 50% on a future Crystal cruise taken before your next birthday;
• 20th Anniversary events and activities on every 2010 cruise;
• Exclusive events added to four special sailings: the 20th Anniversary President's cruise, the Crystal Society (repeat guest) Reunion cruise, and the cruises aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity that occur during July 20, 2010, which commemorates the anniversary of Crystal's first ship christening.
• Crystal Family Memories program offers a free cruise incentive to celebrate one's own anniversary, birthday or reunion with friends and family.
• Value Collection Fares, Crystal Society Savings and Early Full Payment Savings!

"The sheer amount of fares savings, plus the scope of applicable voyages - even during prime seasons - plus a spending credit on every sailing, makes this the most significant collection of savings we've ever offered," says Gregg Michel, Crystal's president. "Our All Inclusive - As You Wish spending credit on every cruise is the ultimate luxury anniversary gift - to have what you want, when you want. Our guests have the freedom to choose whatever is meaningful to them, from soothing spa treatments to boutique shore excursions to rare wine vintages."

Sailing to 174 ports in 70 countries on 62 voyages, Crystal Cruises' 2010 program will feature a continued emphasis on distinctive destinations and port intensive itineraries including many overnight calls. New offerings include maiden calls in Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on the World Cruise to new North American cruises to the Sea of Cortez and Hawaii. While most voyages are 11-13 days in length, Crystal has set 15 cruises at 10 days or fewer. Several combination cruises sail from 15 to 115 days without ever repeating a port.

Crystal's 2010 cruise fares begin at $2,165 per person, double occupancy. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the line's website, crystalcruises.com.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

Michelin announced today that it will publish in October the MICHELIN guide Kyoto Osaka 2010, offering a selection of the best hotels and restaurants in those two cities. The MICHELIN guide Kyoto Osaka will be available in two languages: Japanese and English. This is the second MICHELIN guide in Japan, following MICHELIN guide Tokyo whose second edition was launched last November.

Jean-Luc Naret, Director of MICHELIN guides commented, "We aim to continue our international development, by publishing the first edition of MICHELIN guide Kyoto Osaka in October 2009. One of the best Japanese gastronomy and the cooking traditions since more than 1,200 years are in Kyoto. As for Osaka, it's the second biggest city in Japan and it has a wide and diverse gastronomic scene."

Bernard Delmas, President of Nihon Michelin Tire expressed, "The first MICHELIN guide was born in 1900, at the dawn of the automotive era, to offer useful information for drivers to make their trip safe and comfortable. The mission of the MICHELIN guide which has always been the same as that of the Michelin group is summed up in its corporate signature 'A better way forward.' As Tokyo edition, MICHELIN guide Kyoto Osaka is made by inspectors and editorial based in Japan. Those guides written originally in Japanese, are aiming firstly the Japanese consumers."

Michelin inspectors have been on the ground in Kyoto and Osaka since the Autumn 2007. Employees of Michelin, who are experienced hospitality industry professionals, the inspectors conduct visits and anonymously dine in restaurants and sleep in hotels to judge the quality and consistency of meals and services as any other customer.

Stars judge only "what's in the plate," meaning the quality of the cooking. The criteria of the stars are the same, whatever the country, whatever the city. In this way, the level of the selection and the value of stars are consistent in all the MICHELIN guides.

The stars have the same meaning:

m: "a very good restaurant in its category"

n: "excellent cooking, worth a detour"

o: "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey"

A restaurant that receives one or more stars is not only one of the best in its city or country but also one of the best in the world.

Regardless of the country or type of cuisine, five criteria are taken into account to award star(s): product quality, preparation and flavors, the "personality" of the chef's cooking, consistency over time and across the entire menu, and value for money. Decisions to award stars are made collectively. All the inspectors who have evaluated a meal in a given restaurant present and support their opinions, based on their experiences and reports.

Comfort is rated by fork-and-spoon symbols for restaurants. This is completely independent from the number of stars, and assesses the establishment's equipment such as exterior and interior, and service. For hotels, pavilion symbols indicate the comfort.

The first MICHELIN guide France was published in August 1900 to offer practical information to enjoy driving. 109-years later, MICHELIN guide covers 23 countries with 26 titles. MICHELIN guide Kyoto Osaka will be 27th title of the collection.

Source: Michelin

Is spring fever prompting you to head for the beaches or some other vacation getaway? If you're planning to travel during the spring holidays this year, you can help protect your home while you're away by following these tips from the Florida Association of Realtors(R) (FAR):

• Make it look like you're home. Install timers on interior lights so they turn on and off periodically. Many timers cost less than $25. Some more costly products are capable of varying the time that your lights turn on. Also consider leaving your radio on and tuned to an all-news or talk show station.
• Disconnect and remove all exterior electrical decorations before you leave to reduce the chance of fire and theft. Install exterior lights controlled by motion sensors to make your home a more difficult target for prowlers.
• Discontinue your newspaper delivery temporarily. Be sure to give several days notice so your order can be processed in time.
• Ask someone to collect any free papers or sales materials left near your house. When fliers and papers are left on a driveway day after day, it's a sure sign that no one is home.
• Have the post office hold your mail. This can be initiated by calling the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 and listening to the option for putting a vacation hold on your mail. You can make arrangements up to 30 days in advance of your vacation; at minimum, two days will be needed to process your request. Or you can go to the Postal Service Web site at https://dunsapp.usps.gov/HoldMail.jsp and follow the instructions.
• Ask a friend or neighbor to park a car in your driveway occasionally and keep an eye on your place. If police regularly patrol your neighborhood, give law enforcement authorities your schedule so they'll watch for suspicious activity. If there's a crime-watch program, notify the person in charge.
• If you have an alarm that is monitored, tell the alarm company you will be away. If possible, provide a phone number where you can be reached.
• If you're going to be away for two weeks or more, ask a friend to mow the grass or hire a lawn service.

Before traveling for spring break, take these simple steps to help protect your property.

SOURCE Florida Association of Realtors