With Tiger Out, A Golf Cruise is Par for the Course

Despite one of the world’s most famous golfers missing this weekend’s British Open due to knee surgery, his presence still looms large.  Journalists quiz the pros whether a win means as much with Tiger Woods out of the hunt.  Jokes Geoff Ogilvy, ranked third in the world, “I just hope they taught the engraver how to put an asterisk on the trophy.”

            Tiger Woods                                                

Last year’s near winner, Sergio Garcia believes a win is a win.  

“With all due respect, the Open is bigger than any of us, even Tiger Woods.  If I manage to win this week, I’m not going to go, ‘Oh, I won the British Open but Tiger wasn’t there.’ I’ll still have the claret jug, which is the most important thing.”

One wonders if some of the pros may quietly be breathing a collective sigh of relief knowing Woods is out of the picture for the rest of the season.   The TV networks undoubtedly hold a different view, concerned viewership will suffer without Woods, the first major PGA tournament he’s missed in 12 years.

Since Woods won’t be gracing the TV screen the rest of the golf season, perhaps now would be a good time to brush up on a few strokes.  There are several golf cruises available.  The golf itineraries follow some of Europe’s best courses.  Professionals are on hand to offer important tips and the latest video technology is available to help improve your game.  Could be pretty sweet to perfect your swing against a sea and sky background.  By the way, cruise lines provide clubs or you can bring your own. 

Luxury line Silversea offers several golf cruise itineraries throughout the year.  Peter Deilmann also has quite a few golf theme itineraries set.  One quick bit of trivia, golf cruises are one of the most popular theme cruises offered in today’s expanding cruise market.

Happy travels! 

Golf Cruise, Theme Cruise, Tiger Woods,  British Open 2008, Europe Cruise, Luxury Cruise,  Silversea, Smart Money Cruises 

Celebrities at Sea

So if I had a few thousand dollars burning a hole in my pocket and a couple weeks of vacation this summer, there’s one particular cruise I’d book in a heartbeat.  It’s on a luxury cruise line with world-famous guests traveling a storybook European itinerary.  Let me fill in the blanks.

If you check out my cruise website, www.smartmoneycruises.com, you’ll see more than 50 theme categories listed with hundreds of cruises.  But out of all the cruises I’ve researched, this one is definitely at the top of my list.  It’s on Crystal Cruise Lines Serenity, traveling from Monte Carlo to Venice. The special guests on board are award-winning newswoman Barbara Walters and famed composer Marvin Hamlisch.  It also happens to be one of Crystal’s popular Wine and Food Festival themes.  So not only do you get to mingle with A list celebrities but you get the pleasure of enjoying some of the best food and wine, all while journeying from the French Riviera to one of the prettiest cities in the world, Venice, Italy.  Now that’s my kind of cruise!

                                                                                 

It’s departing Monte Carlo this July 31 and docks in Venice on August 12th.  At this date I’m not writing to encourage you to book the trip but I want you to be aware of some of the options available among the many cruise lines today.

We’ve gone far beyond Broadway style shows and casinos for our at-sea entertainment.  I remember my first cruise (a 10-day Royal Caribbean adventure in the early ’80’s).  You ate at designated times and you either gambled or watched the shows.  Honestly, they weren’t that good back then.  But it was something to do in the evening.  There were no workshops, themed-cruises or celebrities traveling.  It’s amazing how far the industry has come, even in the last few years.  (By the way, I loved that cruise and still think of it often.  There’s nothing quite like your first cruise!)

Although there are millions of folks who’ve yet to take their first cruise, there are also many passengers who are repeat cruisers.  They’ve seen a lot of the ports, particularly in the Caribbean.  Many are content to stay on the ship and just enjoy its amenities.  That’s become much easier as the increase of shipboard activities mean the ships themselves are now becoming the destination.  That’s fine with cruise line execs.  As long as you stay on board, so does your money.

By the way, if you want to see more on the Crystal Serenity cruise, you can reach the page at www.smartmoneycruises.com/television-movies.htm.

Happy travels!     

 

 Theme Cruise, Barbara Walters, Marvin Hamlisch, Crystal Cruise, Europe Cruise, Crystal Serenity, Smart Money Cruises

San Diego ~ Part 2

So where did I live off from my last post?  Oh yes, food.  Well, my family is partial to Mexican food and we like the family-run places so I’m giving our vote to an eatery that’s been around since 1940.  It’s called ‘El Indio’.  It’s not fancy, you order at the counter then search for a table.  It’s in an industrial area and parking can be interesting.  So what makes this place worth recommending?

Everything is homemade. Tamales, carnitas, enchiladas, you name it.  All fresh.  You can buy packages of steaming tortillas, sides of guacamole and sour cream to accompany your meal.  It’s totally casual, not as cheap as some, but definitely popular and always a line, especially weekends.  Also very close to the port of San Diego and San Diego Airport.

There’s also a popular burger eatery called Hodad’s and a pasta place named Lotsa Pasta.  Didn’t eat at these but they seem to be well liked.  Googling San Diego restaurants is enlighting.  Everyone has their opinions.   I’ve found restaurant reviews are similar to hotel reviews in that sometimes people can be really picky.  My experience has taught me if even a few folks like it, it’s probably pretty good.  It’s always a good idea to checkout the menus and read as many reviews as possible.  And use your gut instinct. 

                                                             

Things to do in San Diego.  As far as activities go, Sea World San Diego is fun for all ages.  Plan on a full day, possibly two if the little ones need naps.  The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are popular but they’re inland a bit so prepare for warmer weather at those locations during the summer. 

If you’re looking to stay along the beach, we love La Jolla.  It’s about a 15 minute drive from the Mission Bay/Sea World area and neighboring Pacific Beach.  There are a lot of restaurants, bars and funky shops along the main drag of Pacific Beach.  It’s geared to a 20’s and 30’s crowd rather than families.  La Jolla, meantime, has a different vibe, lots of boutique properties, nice shops and romantic restaurants.  It’s pricey but pretty.  Parking is tight and food can be expensive but definitely worth a visit if you have an extra afternoon or evening.

One of our other favorite areas is Coronado Island.  There are a half a dozen places worth staying, everything from motel to high-end resort.  That would be the Del (Hotel del Coronado).  At more than 100 years young, it’s a landmark in the San Diego area and worth a walk around the grounds.  Known for many amenities including it’s oceanfront location and Sunday brunch.

So if you’re taking a cruise from San Diego, allow yourself at least a couple of days to get acquainted with the area.  With its’ impressive downtown skyline it looks like a bit city but with it’s casual beach atmosphere and laid back attitude, it has a smaller-town feel.

One other thing to consider, if you’re cruising from the port of Los Angeles, you could still enjoy the San Diego sights.  Consider flying in to San Diego and spending a couple days there then take a shuttle directly to the pier or ride amtrak to downtown L.A. From there you’d take a bus or shuttle transportation to the pier, about 20 miles away.  The ride between the two areas takes on average about two hours. 

So there are lots of choices.  If you have the time and are taking a week-long cruise, consider extending your trip to a-week-and-a-half or even two weeks.  I’ve lived in Southern California all my life and I still have more to see!

Happy travels.

San Diego, Cruise from San Diego, Sea World San Diego, Port of San Diego, San Diego Weather, Smart Money Cruises