Today's Caravan Stop: Win a First Ascent Day Pack & ExOfficio Gear from EllenBarone.com

Happy Saturday! Today the Travel Bloggers' Caravan visits EllenBarone.com. Head over to Ellen's site, comment on today's blog post, and you'll be entered to win a day pack (a $79 value) from First Ascent, a new extreme adventure line of gear and clothing by Eddie Bauer and partners.

In addition, ExOfficio will be providing the ultimate travel ensemble! You could be trekking the globe in the latest ExOfficio outfit including; 1 Shirt, 1 Pair of Pants and 1 Pair of ExOfficio Underwear. (approximately $200 value)

Travel expert Ellen Barone did what many of us only dream of doing: at the age of 35, she traded a successful academic career for the wild blue yonder and set out to explore the world and herself.

In the decade since that intrepid decision, she has turned passion into profession, journeying to more than 60 countries in search of evocative images and life-enriching adventures.

Founder of the travel website EllenBarone.com—a popular online portal "keeping travelers in the know and on the go"—hundreds of thousands of visitors turn to Ellen hoping to better inform their travels and their lives. Catering to individuals who enjoy a traveler’s lifestyle, the site is one-stop shopping for expert advice, vacation tips, product reviews, photo galleries, and travel articles to help readers travel better, smarter, and more inspired.

With an eye for the best, the authentic, the innovative and the irresistible Ellen loves little more than sharing information that will inspire readers travel now, travel smarter, and travel often.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of EllenBarone.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!

Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Today's Caravan Stop: Win a Caribbean Guidebook & World Grounding Adaptor Set from CruiseDiva.com

The only cruise-related blogs taking part in this year's Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveway are LuxuryCruiseBible.com and Linda Coffman's CruiseDiva.com. Today, the Caravan stops at her terrific website. Linda writes about all things cruising and I personally value her opinion when it comes to which ship to book and what itineraries are not to be missed. She's also a prolific guidebook author and I've got many of her books on my shelf.

Linda is giving away a copy of her recently released Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises as well as a World Grounding Adaptor Set courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies. This combo is just what you need for pre- and post-cruise adventures and smooth sailing.
Linda Coffman is an award-winning freelance travel writer who has been dishing out cruise travel information and advice in print and on the Internet for more than a dozen years. An avid cruise passenger who enjoys sailing on ships of every size to any port worldwide, Linda spends most of her time cruising the Caribbean and writing for Fodor's Travel Publications. She is the author of Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises, The Complete Guide to European Cruises, and contributes to six other Fodor's guidebooks.

In addition, Linda created CruiseDiva.com in February 2001 to provide unbiased and practical cruising information to the thousands of Internet users who research their travel choices online. CruiseDiva.com was named a "Best of the Web" Leisure Travel web site by USA Today. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says, "The Cruise Diva's site has good information, lots of practical tips and lots of attitude." When not at sea, Linda makes her home in Georgia.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of CruiseDiva.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!

Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Today's Caravan Stop: Win a Mountainsmith Camera Bag at JtheTravelAuthority.com

Today's Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway is going on right now at JtheTravelAuthority.com. Just visit that site and comment on today's post by travel expert Jeanine Barone and you'll be entered to win a Mountainsmith Tour FX camera bag (see below).

Jeanine Barone is a New York City-based travel writer who's written for just about every major travel magazine, from National Geographic Traveler to Travel + Leisure, as well as the Boston Globe, and other newspapers. She also blogs and is frequently asked to guest blog about her journeys. Her adventures can also be heard on various radio programs, such as KPAM in Portland, Oregon.

When she's roaming the world, she's seeking out what she calls "hidden treasures," in other words authentic experiences that provide insights into the heart of the land and its people. Aside from travel, she also pens articles on food, wine, design, and architecture.

Whether she's hiking through the volcanic landscape and vineyards on remote Pico Island in the Azores or mountain biking in Israel's Negev Desert, Jeanine provides her readers with vivid, intimate experiences. So much so, that many have commented that reading one of her articles or blog posts makes them want to pack their bags and head straight for the airport. Known as an ultra savvy traveler, Jeanine is frequently asked to write about her travel tips (including how to stay healthy on the road) and her packing strategies, considering she prides herself in never checking luggage, even on a 7+ week journey.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of JtheTravelAuthority.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!

Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Azamara Goes All-Inclusive & Rebrands as Azamara Club Cruises

In the crowded cruise marketplace, it's imperative that each line differentiate itself from the competition. That's why Azamara Cruises is launching a major rebranding effort so you and I will better understand what they're all about.

To begin with, the cruise line's name has changed from Azamara Cruises to Azamara Club Cruises with the tagline, "You'll love where we take you." This change points to the refined focus on destination exploration.

According to Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, "This isn't a strategy of going from 'good to great.' This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional."

A lot of interesting changes are on tap and most go into effect in April 2010.

• House wines will now be complimentary at lunch and dinner
  
  
• Complimentary coffee (including specialty coffees), soda, and bottled water
  
  
• Gratuities for cabin stewards and dining staff will be included in the cruise fare
  
  
• More late nights and overnights in ports, even on 7-night itineraries
  
  
• Overnights in Istanbul, Turkey; Sorrento, Italy; St. Petersburg, Russia; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand; Singapore; and Hong Kong
  
  
• New shore excursions will place more emphasis on the local community and culture
  
  
• Some new excursions include a Ferrari driving tour in Civitavecchia, Italy and a "In the Steps of the Beatles" tour in Liverpool, England
  
  
• Free shuttle service to/from port communities, where available
  
  
• No need to pack quarters! The self-service laundry is now complimentary.
  
  
• Suite guests may dine at no extra charge at Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-inspired Aqualina
  
  
• Butlers will receive additional training at English butler schools; butlers will only be deployed to suite guests
  
  
• Azamara Club Cruises will launch a dedicated guest loyalty program, called Le Club Voyage, in April 2010

Azamara Club Cruises will continue to be one of the best deals available, but cruise fares will rise. In fact, you'll notice that pricing has been going up over the past few months and will do so again as of December 14, 2009.

Azamara has some brilliant itineraries and the new management team, focusing solely on Azamara Club Cruises, invites you to sail with them and experience their unique strengths. As they're fond of saying, "You'll love where we take you."

For more information about Azamara Club Cruises, talk with your travel agent or Azamara at 1-(877) 999-9553.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Today's Caravan Stop: Nancy D. Brown's What a Trip for a Chance to Win Luggage & Cell Phone Cases

One of the most-followed travel writers on Twitter is Nancy D. Brown, author of the What a Trip blog. The Caravan stops at her blog today and she's got some compelling prizes in store for those who enter to win. She'll be giving away two Otterbox cell phone cases ($50 value each) and a Briggs and Riley Baseline 20” Carry-On Expandable Wide-Body Upright ($369 value).

To enter, visit the What a Trip blog today and comment on her post. It's as simple as that.

Nancy D. Brown is the Uptake.com Travel Editor, writes the What a Trip blog, and is a Contra Costa Times Lamorinda Sun columnist. She is the online travel editor for Diablo magazine and writes the “Traveler Making a Difference” column for Escapes magazine. An avid equestrian, Nancy reviews horse properties at www.writinghorseback.com. She enjoys speaking on panels and specializes in adventure and luxury travel. Recent trips include hiking Switzerland, snorkeling Mexico’s Paradise Reef, and paddling with the Hawaiian Sailing Canoes. Next stop: horseback riding in Germany and Norway.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of NancyDBrown.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!

Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Today's Caravan Stop: JohnnyJet.com & the Chance to Win Travel Books & Magellan's Gift Certificate

John DiScala, aka Johnny Jet, is probably one of the most influential travel bloggers on the planet. He spends more time on the road than almost anyone I know and is continually investigating the best travel deals to share with his readers. If you don't already subscribe to his newsletter, you should. And, you can find him on Twitter as well.

The 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan stops at JohnnyJet.com today and he's giving away a terrific prize pack that includes the Great Alaskan Toursaver and Seattle Toursaver books (a $198 value) plus a $50 Magellan's Travel Supplies gift certificate. This is the perfect prize for anyone who's planning an Alaskan land or cruise vacation in 2010. Visit John's blog, comment on the post of the day, and you'll be entered to win.

John travels around 150,000 miles and visits over 20 countries each year. He and his website JohnnyJet.com have been featured over 1,800 times in major publications, including USA Today, Time, Fortune, and The New York Times, and he has appeared on ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, FOX News Channel, and PBS. JohnnyJet.com has been named "one of the top best money-saving web sites for travel" by Budget Travel Magazine, while the L.A. Times calls it "one of the top 10 essential travel resources on the internet." Outside Magazine touted Johnny for having one of the world's best "dream jobs". Every week, Johnny hosts a "travel website of the week" for several radio stations around the country, he writes weekly for Frommers.com, and he has written for USA Today, The Boston Herald, LAX Magazine, and Coast Magazine.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of JohnnyJet.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!

Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Enter Celebrity Cruises' "Eclipse of a Lifetime" Sweepstakes

Today Celebrity Cruises launched its "Eclipse of a Lifetime" sweepstakes, which runs through January 14, 2010. Ten winners and their guests will win a trip to Dusseldorf, Germany, where they will spend some time before heading to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg on March 13, 2010. From there, winners will board the brand new Solstice-class ship Celebrity Eclipse for the "conveyance" of the ship on the narrow River Ems to Emshaven, Netherlands. Sweepstakes is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.

What's unique about this?

• You'll be the first passengers aboard the ship, excluding Celebrity staff and crew.
• You'll be one of few people who have experienced a conveyance where the ship actually navigates backwards down the River Ems.
• You'll experience the Meyer Werft shipyard, one of the most modern facilities in the world.
• You'll meet Celebrity's President and CEO, Dan Hanrahan, who will personally lead you on a tour of the ship.
• You'll enjoy AquaClass staterooms and enjoy creative menus developed by Chef Jacques Van Staden, Celebrity's VP of Culinary Operations.
• You'll mix and mingle with the ship's senior officers.

Here's some more information about the conveyance from Celebrity:

During the "conveyance" through Germany's River Ems, more than 75,000 residents are expected to line the river banks - in cars, on bikes, on horseback and in RVs—to watch and cheer as one of the largest ships ever to transit the river meanders past charming villages and quaint farmlands. An indisputable rarity in cruising, the conveyance takes the ship along a truly challenging course: At its tightest points along the way, there will be as few as two feet between each side of the 1,040-ft-long, 121-ft-wide Celebrity Eclipse and the locks. The depth of the river and the draft of the ship allow for mere inches—or less—beneath the ship. Celebrity and shipbuilder Meyer Werft have essentially created a science all their own, to closely and carefully monitor the position of the moon and tidal conditions to pinpoint the precise moment when the depth of the river is ideal for the ship to depart the shipyard.

"The science and precision of the process is actually more complex than transiting the Panama Canal," said Hanrahan. A railway bridge must be completely dismantled, and normal train schedules adjusted, to allow for the ship's passage at one point on the course, among other narrow passages. The journey will take between 12 to 15 hours to complete, and is likely to be the most challenging ride the ship will encounter in its life. Only one captain in the world—who sweepstakes winners will have the exclusive opportunity to meet—is licensed and qualified to take the helm during the conveyance. The limited space available for navigation, the nature of sailing in reverse, and the number of narrow passages and bridges to transit are factors cruise ship captains normally don't have to deal with; but, it provides the chance for them to test the ship's maneuverability at slow speeds."

Enter Celebrity Cruises' "Eclipse of Lifetime" sweepstakes. Winners will be announced on January 28, 2010.

For more information about Celebrity Cruises, talk with your travel agent or contact Celebrity at 1-(800) 437-3111.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Today's Caravan Stop: Win a Napa Valley Getaway from CiaoBambino.com

Today we visit CiaoBambino.com, the seventh stop on the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.
Ciao Bambino is a family travel resource. Written by and for parents, travel experts Kristi Marcelle and Amie O'Shaughnessy publish destination travel tips, advice, and comprehensive reviews of the best accommodations for families with kids of all ages.

In celebration of the season, CiaoBambino.com is giving away a one-night stay at the Westin Verasa in Napa, California, along with a gourmet lunch for two aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

To enter, visit CiaoBambino.com today, comment on the blog post, and wait to see if you're the winner (one lucky person will be randomly selected).

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of CiaoBambino.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!

Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Today's Caravan Stop: Win Belize Travel Advice & the Moon Belize Guidebook

Hello! It's Day #6 of the Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway. Today, we're unlocking the magic of Belize with expert travel advice from Joshua Berman, author of the new Moon Belize guidebook. Head to Joshua's website, The Tranquilo Traveler, today and comment on his blog post and you'll be entered to win a copy of Moon Belize plus additional travel planning advice from the author.

Joshua Berman is an award-winning Spanish teacher and trip leader who has spent most of the last decade living, traveling, and working throughout Central America. He is the author of Moon Belize, and the coauthor of Moon Nicaragua and Moon Living Abroad in Nicaragua.

His articles have appeared in a range of print and online publications, including National Geographic Traveler, The Boston Globe, Yoga Journal, and Transitions Abroad. His website is joshuaberman.net and don't miss his Facebook page.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of The Tranquilo Traveler. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!

Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.