There currently are several openings for experienced speakers who can address a variety of topics on the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Must be able to commit to an onboard contract lasting three to four months. Compensation dependent on qualifications. I am NOT the one hiring, however I would be happy to forward your resume or CV to the agency in the UK that is. Good luck!

With higher fuel prices, the travel industry fears that the summer of 2008 will be one in which travel plans are curtailed or postponed. The American Automobile Association has cited changing patterns in US driving habits due to higher gas prices. Yesterday all the major US air carriers added a $20 fuel surcharge to their fares. � Yours truly had to cancel a long-awaited holiday to France due to the falling dollar and rising cost of accommodations and food prices in Europe. So, what to do? Stay home?

Well it seems there still are bargains to be found and they are package tours and cruising. Like package tours, cruises are booked and paid for in advance. Many offer all inclusive programs and all advertised prices are guaranteed. Even if the cost of food or fuel goes up; you as the traveler will not be affected. Like the airlines many cruise lines have added fuel surcharges to their fares but those monies are collected at the time of booking. That means no surprises when you get onboard. So, you can relax and enjoy knowing your budget is in tact.

Every year the press scares the public with stories about virus and disease onboard cruise ships. So what are the facts?

To many the perfect cruise is basking by the pool with a piña colada in hand while the turquoise sea slips by. Though many images associated with cruising are outdoors, cruise ships are really indoor environments; self-contained, floating hotels in which surfaces are touched by thousands of people and air is re-circulated greatly increasing the potential for germs. The combination of climate change, long flights, fatigue and the excitement (anxiety) of the trip may lower resistance to any bug lingering onboard. The result could be sniffles, sneezing and tummy upsets. So, what do you do? Here are some tips from someone who has worked onboard cruise ships for the past nineteen years and has manage to stay (knock on wood) healthy – me!

Tip #1 - Bring a sweater, jacket or wrap.

Though every effort is made to keep the ship as comfortable as possible, temperature in public rooms is notoriously inconsistent. Though it is balmy and beautiful outside, the air conditioning in a restaurant or lounge may be relentless. Here’s where that sweater or wrap can save your cruise from becoming a disaster. Be prepared. Also a word of caution about the whole inside outside thing; remember if you are on the beach in St. Barth’s or a glacier in Juneau, the change of temperature from outdoors to indoors can be dramatic. Prepare accordingly by wearing layered clothing that can be adjusted depending on temperature.

Tip #2 - Wash your hands

The greatest culprit in the spread of germs is public surfaces. Hand rails, door knobs, counter tops, etc. are whipped-down everyday by crew; however it only takes one person with a virus to deposit new germs. So, wash your hands frequently and use the hand sanitizers provided before and after entering public places like gangways, gym equipment, computer rooms, buffets, etc.

Tip #3 – Watch what you eat

What? Part of the fun of being on a ship is the food! But fact is, too much of a good thing can make you sick. Excessive eating and drinking can lead to GI problems especially if you are not used to a particular kind of food. We want you to enjoy everything in moderation. Same thing is true of eating onshore; many problems treated on ship were actually caused on shore. Rule of thumb for shore side meals - when in doubt stay away from local water, ice in drinks, and raw foods that were not prepared or peeled by you.

Tip #4 – Keep up your routine

Remember to bring your medication, any vitamins you normally take and continue with your exercise routine. Many of us onboard – myself included – swear by 2,000 mg of Vitamin C everyday to help keep up resistance. Some people use preventive products like AirBourne. Personally, I also pack Grapefruit Seed Extract and Chinese Curing Pills. I take the grapefruit seed extract at the first sign of a cold and the Chinese curing pills for any weird stomach things. Both are natural and work!

Hot tubs, swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms can also harbor germs. Ironically, according to the CDC the chlorine used to clean tubs and pools loses its disinfecting properties at temperatures over 84°F. Therefore it is mandatory that the water and filters be regularly checked. Onboard this is done twice a day in compliance with the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program guidelines. Best advice is to shower before and after use of hot tubs, swimming pools, steam rooms and saunas.

Finally, in addition to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, as a cruise passenger you should know each ship sailing in US waters is required to pass regular inspection by United States Public Health. These inspections are unannounced and are meant to keep everyone on their toes. For results on your favorite ship’s ratings you can go to http://wwwn.cdc.gov/vsp/InspectionQueryTool/Forms/InspectionSearch.aspx

For my fellow Mesoamerican enthusiasts; please check out your local listings for “Cracking the Maya Code” - the Nova special on the Maya and the work that has been in the decipherment of the hieroglyphic code. The program has been airing repeatedly this month and according to my local PBS station will continue throughout the spring. Informative and entertaining the program features interviews with the premier Mayanists in the world including Michael Coe, Bill Fash, David Stuart and the late Linda Schele. It offers a very good explanation of the evolution of Maya writing and the history of its translation from Diego de Landa to Yuri Knorosov.

Recently, guests on board the Seven Seas Mariner were asked for their input in designing the next ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. In an open forum called the “townhall meeting” President Mark Conroy said the company was responding to the impact of $100 a barrel oil on fuel and was looking for ways to economize and conserve while staying open to the comments and suggestions of its loyal guests on how to expand and improve. Among the considerations were structural and mechanical issues; Mr. Conroy said that a new ship would have a traditional shaft and screw propulsion system rather than the problematic exterior “azipods.” He also said that longer itineraries and investment in amenities like an enhanced health spa and dedicated venues for cooking classes would emphasize a more adult oriented clientele – read “no children.”

During the “townhall meeting” the most popular topic was the bathroom; suggestions from the audience � included additional electrical outlets, nightlights, handrails, two sink vanities, more clothes hooks, and the ever popular free standing shower stall. Only one guest voiced what I thought was the most important comment made and that was for a good old-fashioned, wrap-around promenade deck!

A follow-up questionnaire was distributed asking: Would you like gym equipment in your suite? Would you enjoy suites decorated by noted designers? Is spa cuisine important to you? Would you have Botox injections in the spa? Though I am sure a market research study prompted these questions I was disappointed no more practical questions were asked like: Would you like to know more about where you are going? or What kind of� accurate references would help you appreciate the destinations you have chosen? � But that’s just me and my priorities.

Mama mia! When the SeaDream I, sailed into Gustavia Harbor, in St. Barts - she turned heads! This sleek, sexy ship has 54 outside staterooms that measure 195 square feet. The master suite has 450 square feet with private master bedroom and bath, living and dining room and guest bath. There is a spa, fitness center, casino, 24 hour room service and boutique onboard plus beautiful bars and dining revenues. Their slogan is, “its yachting, not cruising,” and they promise once you try a SeaDream yacht you will never cruise again.

The SeaDream I is elegant and the people I met onshore were very happy with what they were experiencing. Being so impressed with the grand entrance she made, I went online to look at their website. It looks like the perfect environment for the independent, motivated traveler who wants comfort and luxury without the fuss. With longer stays in port and a more low-keyed environment onboard, it feels like one’s own yacht. Certainly it won’t be for everyone – there’s no “big” entertainment, activities or events – however, there is staff, equipment and resources for enjoying days at sea and exploring in port. As I said, I think SeaDream Yachts are ideal for the independent and self motivated traveler who wants comfort and luxury without the fuss. Sounds great to me!

These days many people rely upon their Blackberry or iPhone for more than telephone calls; these portable devices have become indispensable for the storage of everything from personal information to photographs. Compact and user friendly they are the perfect travel companion for anyone needing to stay in touch friends, family or the office. So what if the unthinkable happens – you lose it!

Now there are several services that allow you to register your product online. Simply sign-up for the free lifetime membership; enter the product information for your items and they are automatically submitted into the data base. If anyone finds you phone, camera, whatever – there is a telephone number and email address to contact; everything remains anonymous. The service then contacts you with instructions on how and where to collect your belongings. Security labels with all the printed information can be purchased for less than $5 USD.

For more information contact zReturn.com or search for any online service specializing in tagging goods.

It is gift giving time! But what if, the kids are grown and no one needs another pair of gloves, slippers or a toaster? Many people are opting to give gifts that truly do keep on giving. In lieu of a traditional gift, many charitable organizations – whether it is your favorite community project or a cause you believe in – accept contributions made in the name of a friend or family member. My newest favorite is Heifer.com.

Heifer International is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance & sustainability. It sponsors programs throughout the world.

The fun part of the process of online gift giving with Heifer is the ability to create your own customized gift registry. Once the registry has been funded in the name of family and friends, they can go online and choose what form their gift will take. Though Heifer sponsors many programs to help people in need their primary focus is the gift of domesticated animals and livestock; from sheep and goats to cows and llamas! But there is a catch called, “Passing the Gift” which means recipients agree to share the offspring of gift animals with others in need, making them equal partners with Heifer in the fight to end world hunger. And, so you don’t show up empty handed on Christmas Day, you can also create your own customized gift card online explaining Heifer International and how the program works.

For more information contact: www.Heifer.org

Many people fear getting caught in a storm at sea. Bad weather means rough seas; rough seas mean sea sickness! After seventeen years cruising the world, I have run into one or two bad storms but they are harder and harder to come by. Thanks to state of the art stabilizers new ships are so smooth, salty sailors long for the “good ol’ days” when ships rocked and rolled.� � Nevertheless, given the fear and apprehension, cruises to the nastiest waters in� the world like Cape Horn and the Tasman Sea are some of the most popular. Why?

“It’s a gamble.” “It could be dangerous.” “Never have been there.” “It’s exciting.” These are some of the answers I recently received as we headed for Petropavlosk on the Kamchatka Peninsula from Kodiak, Alaska. Crossing the North Pacific can be bad; storms swell up overnight. Though we had made this cruise three years in a row without incident, there always is the first time.

From the NOAA weather station on Kodiak the captain received reports that two large low pressure systems were swirling north and south of the Aleutian chain. To dodge the storm the captain would use the islands for protection. The strategy worked – until we ran out of islands.

Off Attu, the last island in the Aleutian chain, we hit the convergence of the two storms. Our “Perfect Storm” had 30 foot swells and 75 mph sustained winds. During his 24 hour vigil on the bridge, the captain saw a rare sight – a hole in the ocean! Caused by three waves cresting together at the same time they form a shaft-like hole that can swallow a small fishing boat. Onboard with us was Jean Michel Cousteau, who said he knew of this phenomenon but had never seen it himself in all his years at sea.

For the safety of all guests, onboard activities were cancelled for two days as shipboard life ground to a halt. All passengers and non-essential crew were encouraged to stay in their rooms. Those hearty enough to have an appetite ordered room service which was delivered via the stairs as all elevators were shut down. Though there was damage to glassware, china and other unsecured items, luckily no one was injured or hurt.

The exceptional comfort of the ship under such extreme conditions was the result of good maritime engineering and a great team of proactive deck officers. Just as a pilot takes a plane to a smoother altitude, the captain can set a course for smoother seas. Monitoring information from weather stations as well as other ships in the area, course adjustments can be made. Speed can also affect the degree to which the ship will rock and roll. Slowing down by 5 knots may mean a late arrival in your next port, but most would agree the sacrifice is worth it if it means a smoother, safer ride.

Many thanks to Linda Garrison, cruise critic for about.com. If you haven’t read her review (and all her other great cruise industry comments and tips) check it out! http://cruises.about.com/od/cruisereading/gr/alaska_guide.htm