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VALERIA LUKYANOVA, THE UKRAINIAN BARBIE DOLL (PHOTOS AND VIDEO)

21-year-old Valeria Lukyanova, from Russia, describes herself as the most famous Russian woman on the Russian-language internet.

With a teeny waist, disproportionately large breasts and wide, icy-blue eyes, 21-year-old Valeria Lukyanova says she is the real natural deal. A real-life Barbie, that is.

That’s what she claims anyway. Many are crying foul to her claims of her au natural Mattel-branded looks. Whether she underwent plastic surgery or uses photoshop to carve out that waist remains unclear. On her blog, the model notes that she is the most famous woman on the Russian Internet because of her doll-like appeal.


Hundreds of photos on her Facebook page show a wide-eyed, nearly fake-looking Lukyanova posing in a variety of scanty outfits. But with nearly 8,000 subscribers to her Facebook page, it’s unclear whether Lukyanova exists at all, or whether it’s all a hoax thanks to the world of photo editing.
She did not return requests for comment, and, upon friending the model, a message from Facebook states, “Sorry, this user has reached the limit of pending friend requests.”
If she is real and does not use photoshop on her photos, she likely underwent a barrage plastic surgery. Dr. Malcolm Roth, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, said plastic surgery should never be used to transform oneself into a favorite celebrity or, in this case, a play toy.








“We believe evaluating any and all issues that may affect our patients’ well-being, including psychological factors, is part of providing total patient care,” Roth said in a statement. “Additionally, Valeria is also only 21, so certain milestones in growth and physical maturity ought to be considered before plastic surgery is performed. ASPS cautions patients to keep in mind that plastic surgery is real surgery with real risks, just as with any operation, so the decision should not be taken lightly.”

Whether Lukyanova is real or fake, photoshopped or plastic surgery, Diane Levin, professor of education at Wheelock College in Boston, said the mystery of her existence is not the issue. The problem is that her flaunted image epitomizes and exemplifies the issue of objectification of women in today’s society.
“Barbie has always been controversial and really changed the discussion on how girls play,” said Levin, author of the book, “So Sexy So Soon: The Next Sexualized Childhood and How Parents Can Protect Their Kids.” ”When Barbie came around, play suddenly became about dressing up and looking right and it eventually played a role in how women wanted to look in real life.”

While Lukyanova is an extreme example of societal expectations of perfect beauty, Levin said, “If society expects women to look like that, it is harder for almost any woman to totally resist it.

“This just feeds into our media screen culture, where being involved with real things are becoming more and more removed for children,” Levin said. “Even if she’s totally photoshopped, the fact that her body is being changed to one that no one actually can attain epitomizes what is happening in our society.”
Levin encouraged parents to have an open discussion with their children about sexualization and objectification in the media.

“Rather than just writing it off as someone or something that is ridiculous, allow your child to share your thoughts and have an open discussion about healthy self-image and expectations for themselves and others,” she said.









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Cycling Boom: Rich and Wealthy Peddle to Impress!

A cycling mania has hit the UK as flashy bikes have become new prized possessions of the country’s affluent class. Already slated as the country’s new status symbols, bikes are selling like hot cakes! Young and rich men and women are gradually stepping away from their Porsches and Ferraris to make way for these uber cool luxury bikes in order to set a new style statement and impress their peers.

Keeping in sync with the recent bike craze that has swept Europe, BMW manufacturing the most expensive and luxurious cars in the world, launched their new bike collection earlier this year. Riding high on the success they received last year, BMW introduced a series of bikes that catered to cycling enthusiasts as well as those who cycle for pleasure. The bikes were up for sale only at authorized BMW outlets and on their online shopping website. Some of the models include the-BMW Mountain Bike endure 2012 costing $4,458 and the BMW M Bike Carbon Racer carrying a price tag of $3,603.

Bike sales in the UK reached as high as 5.7 per cent in the last year, reported Halfords, the country’s largest bike retailers. With increase in sales, UK’s cycling industry is now estimated to be worth £ 1.5 billion. Describing the rising cycle popularity as ‘amazing’, Simon Mottram revealed that the turnover of his company, manufacturing the luxury bike Rapha, has reached £ 13 million. There is an increasing demand for premium bikes and luxury cycles costing around £ 10,000. The most expensive model to have hit the cycling circuit is the S-Works Mclaren Venge costing a whopping £ 12,000. It has been developed by an American company Specialized and co-created by McLaren, whose Formula One drivers Jenson Buttin and Lewis Hamilton have made quite a name in the European Grand Prix.


The boom in UK’s cycling industry is attributed to Mark Cavnedish, Professional Cyclist and also BBC Sports Personality of the year and Sir Chris Hoy and of course also due to the popularity of the MAMIL which simply stands for ‘middle aged men in lycra’! In a research conducted by Mintel, retail analyst, it was found that the chief buyers included the rich and wealthy. It appealed more to affluent men aged 35-45 years for they believe that cycling and owning a bike will further improve their ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘living a healthy life’ image. The research further reports that one in two men from this age group owns a bike. Mr. Mottaram of the Rapha fame now wants to target men between the ages of 30-50 years as he believes that they are “brand conscious and keen on the sport”. While explaining the sudden growth in the cycling industry, he stated that today’s generation, which has both the education and the money, have new and unique ways of leading their lives. They see it “more in terms of personal development, wealth and happiness”.

The cycling frenzy has not yet cast its net of influence on the low income groups who still find it economical to buy a car instead of splurging on a super-luxurious bike. However, with BMW launching the very economical yet savvy BMW Cruise Bike which costs only $915 their perception might just change.
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Find the HemLoft Egg and get lost in Wilderness



Children always dream of having their own little secret room perched on a tree. Living up in a treehouse has always been a fascinating idea not only to the young ones but also their older counterparts. For years, treehouses have been built either for safety purposes or simply for the joy of living amidst nature. Treehouses have served as Bed and Breakfasts and have also been luxury like in the case of Mirrorcubetreehouse. This tree hotel from Tham and Videgard is available in the US and can be installed at your desired location.

Unlike regular treehouses, the HemLoft egg shaped treehouse promises you an enchanting experience. Hiding in the woods of Whistler in the Canadian province of British Columbia, there’s something very secretive about this treehouse built by Ex-Software Engineer, Joel Allen. Its very clandestine location (if you intend to visit this place you will actually have to find it!) and the interesting story behind its coming into being lend an entirely magical aura to this place. Built around a tree, Joel is considering the thought of granting public access to this treehouse, either by turning into a camping site or by making it the subject of a treasure hunt story.
HemLoft and its Charming Story of Construction

Joel Allen’s secret desire to be a carpenter was bolstered by a hippie! While paying a visit the Hills Garlic Festival, Joel happen to bump into the very mystical Old Man John who inspired him to take on carpentry as a profession. And thus begam Joel’s foray in the world of carpentry. His first project, a shed which he made for his parents, was completed in a week. The shed, neat and gleaming, took a serious toll on his health and he was down and under for a year with a Corporal Tunnel Syndrome. Well, there was no stopping Noel and he took on his second project which was on the construction team of a million dollar home over looking the Whistler’s Alta lake.

Despite two great projects, Joel still believed that he had not yet created magic in wood. While on a road trip to Alaska with friends and architecture grads Mark and Jayne, Joel decided on his new project – a treehouse. It was Jayne’s idea to give it the shape of an egg and Joel described that as a “moment of cosmic brilliance”. Once back from their trip, the trio once again set out to find their perfect tree. Away from urban sounds and activities, somewhere near a river and a great view was what was going to be the idyllic location for Joel’s treehouse. After trotting around for two months he finally found what he was looking for in the woods surrounding Whistler.

It was the sun lit moss covered at the top that became his first attraction. The view from the top was breathtaking and now there was no stopping Joel from building his dream work of art in wood. The treehouse stands on Crown land which is the property of the Commonwealth. Little did Joel know about this when he first started construction. Storms, encounters with bears and lack of proper tools hindered his work at regular intervals of time. Undeterred, Joel continued and the egg began to take shape when he had built the floor, the scaffold and the structural ribs. What followed these months of hardwork, was an interlude of romance. Joel met Heidi, a mountaineer, and fell in love. Together they decided to complete this project by summer. When financial constrains were preventing them from buying the remaining material Craigslists came to the rescue and Joel and Heide got their uninterrupted and free supply of materials from them.

As summer was gradually approaching, the HemLoft began to take shape as glass windows were installed and sliding door fitted. It was complete in July and its first occupants became Joel and Heidi who had an idyllic experience. The HemLoft was not a secret for long after they submitted the HemLoft to the Dwell Magazine.

We may not know what awaits the HemLoft but we surely are awaiting a turn to experience the magic that is this divine egg shaped treehouse!

Via Gizmag
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Maine White Barn Inn Maybe the Ultimate Luxury Retreat

The White Barn Inn will be hosting an idealsummer Lifestyle Retreat between June 14 -16, 2012, which is an ultimate escape from your hectic life. The luxury hotel is located in Kennebunkport and offers an amazing experience of dining, lodging and spa. The White Barn Inn has a world class reputation for its superb sea food cuisine, caring service, charm, and relaxing atmosphere. The award winning hotel has been a landmark for one hundred and fifty years in Maine which is well known for rocky coastline, scenery and rolling mountains in the United States.

The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport area offers a lot for the summer vacation. You can try spa treatment in one of the luxury spas, and al fresco dining or a stroll in Kennebunkport Village. Two night events provide conventional wellness getaway. New York City’s experts of wellness, nutrition and style will give diet, health and beauty tips for two days treatments at award winning restaurant of White Barn Inn.


Jamie Whitney at Equinox gives training on latest fitness techniques to the participants. Marissa Lippert a noted dietitian, known for fitness, shape and glamour, will instruct guests about healthy food. She has written a book on diet also. Jenn Falik, beauty expert who appears on TV shows give updated beauty tips.


Famous celebrities and athletes are in the guest lists. Those who are health conscious wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity of two nights stay in an accommodation at the White Barn Inn along with expert spa treatment, workouts expert coaching and suggestion with guidance, wine tasting class, wine pairing along with four course dinner, daily breakfast. The packages are priced at $772 for double occupancy and for single occupancy it would cost $1,186 excluding gratuity and taxes.


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World’s Oldest Austin Mini to be Auctioned

if you thought only a sparkling red Ferrari, a suave Bentley or an uber cool SUV could give you an adrenaline rush, think again. Car aficionados will be in for a pleasant surprise this month as the world’s oldest car, which was found dumped in a garage sitting under a tarp in an unsophisticated state, will find men and women from around the world bidding away to glory in order to claim its ownership. Old and rustic will be the new theme at the Bonham’s Auction house this month. History will get bitterly expensive as the world’s oldest unrestored Austin Mini will be up for sale at a whopping £15,000.

The sale will be conducted at the Royal Airforce Museum, London the 26th of April. Well, the question is why a rich and savvy car enthusiast would splurge on this piece of neglected metal? The answer’s simple for the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust has revealed that the Austin Mini Se7en De Luxe was only the eighth to be made in the UK when it rolled of the production line in 1959. Reason enough to spend all your accumulating cash on this world’s only unrestored Mini. It is said that only three such Minis existed before our tiny Brit made an appearance. While two are in Japan one is a part of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust collection. However, all three of them have been restored. The Classic and Sports Car Magazine in its August 2011 issue devoted six pages to this fine example of British Automotive Engineering.



A Derelict Classic

The grey Mini originally belonged to a Gladys Hobro of Aldwick, West Sussex. David Gallimore later brought it from him in 1986 and since then it has been lying in his garage at Chichester. John Polson from Bonhom’s states that, “Mini is one of the most important car of the 20thcentury and has always been a collectible.”


Everything in the Mini has been retained including its Registration plate XLL 27. The Farina Grey paintwork along with the engine, panels and transmission are in their original state. The car’s 848 cc engine has covered only, 30,041 miles on the clock. It has corroded in the front floors as well around the A panels, sills, doors, rear sea well, boot floor and rear relevance. The interiors of the car have also been kept intact and the only visible change is the carpet. The XLL 27 also has retained its signature Glass Washer Bottle. The only obvious change that appears in the Mini is the driver’s door that has been replaced. No changes have been made in the rear sub frame and the steel hydraulic pipes also appear original.


The engine has not been used for a long time and you can also find a paper brake service label which remains fixed to the door jamb. The label states that “work had been carried out at 17,942 miles.” Certain parts of the XLL 27 have removed for safety purposes and to provide ease at transport. However, they will be provided at the sale along with a Swansea V5 registration document.

The Mini will provide its buyer with ample opportunities to restore and redesign this rare piece of history.


Via The Sun
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Presenting The All-New 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate With A Limited Edition Run

One of the most renowned and highly revered British luxury car manufacturer, Jaguar Cars, is all set launch its bespoke new offering in the form of the all-new 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate, an ultra-luxury sedan that is one of the most stunning special edition vehicles to hit the markets in 2012. The 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate is a near perfect amalgamation of bespoke luxury and high end automobile technology, designed and developed specifically for the most discerning of customers, for whom the buzz word remains, “Unique.” Modeled on the previous model of the XJ sedan, the XJ Ultimate has currently been introduced in China and is slated to make its mark in the U.S markets, with a starting price tag of $155,000, while the company has stated that the new expensive Jaguar sedan will be launched in a limited edition format of only 30 examples.

The 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate has been designed to be aerodynamically friendly with the presence of an aluminum chassis that greatly reduces the vehicle’s overall weight and improves performance. The XJ Ultimate luxury sedan is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers an exceptional 510 horsepower of thrust, while being tethered to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The most fascinating aspect of the 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate is the vehicle’s interiors that carry a distinct elegance of their own. The plush seats are separately crafted from semi-aniline leather, while featuring power adjustments, massaging and even individual temperature control. Being a luxury sedan, the XJ Ultimate has given more attention to those who carry their work with them, by providing an electronically controlled table which can be used to set upon laptops, tablets etc. On the luxury side of the equation, the XJ Ultimate features an embedded champagne chiller that provides optimum cooling to your bespoke drink. The 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate also features a 15-channel, 20-speaker Meridian surround-sound premium audio system that has been equally complemented with twin headrest-mounted screens and wireless headphones.


The passenger cabin of this astounding luxury sedan has been given a herringbone veneer finish, while also sporting gorgeous aluminum trims and bespoke LED lighting. On the outside, the XJ Ultimate comes with chrome lined lower- frontal air intakes, as well as 20 inch ‘Maroa’ alloy wheels.

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Dartz Unveils Limited Edition Gold Aladeen Edition Prombron

Sascha Baron Cohen who plays the part of Admiral General Aladeen drives a gold plated SUV in the upcoming movie ‘The Dictator’ which is slated to release on the 16th of May. Dartz made up mind to celebrate the movie by selling a battle truck by the name of Gold Aladeen Edition Prombron for $750,000. The limited edition vehicle was launched at Marques Show 2012, at Grimaldi, Monaco in the presence of Prince Albert II. The supercar has the technology of a spaceship with a unique protection from level B2 to B7, 3’’ ionized glass, reclining seats for massage, wine racks, champagne bottle chillers, and hand stitched leathers.

DARTZ, the prestigious car brand has been continuing its tradition of manufacturing luxury armored car which was founded a century ago. The cars were known to be driven by the royals, renowned sports persons throughout the history and is associated with the aviation traditions. Still the royals & celebrities are buying the vehicle and in the future too, will continue to buy. It was initially built for Nikolai II, Russian Tzar. This is the only one armored car to fight like a tank. The handcrafted custom built armored car is a luxury version of the tank. The body is made of high quality bullet proof steels. Its three inch thick glass can bear the shots of shotguns and mine blasts. It boasts that it would withstand the hits of rocket propelled grenades. The armored SUV is built in Latvia and is the most expensive car in the world. The luxury car features wood, high quality leather for interiors and message information centre, auto climate control, airbags, ABS and V8 engines of 400 hp.


The company DARTZ GRUPA is located in the historical RussoBalt which is also famous for the engineer, Igor Sikorsky who invented helicopter. The company would sell 10 copies of Aladeen Edition vehicles ranging from $500,000 to $750,000.
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Rotsen turns Wooden Furniture into Gold

If you think it’s time to redecorate your house then Rotsen is the way to do it. A good piece of furniture not only serves a functional purpose but also a decorative one as well. It imparts uniqueness to your house and also in a way reflects your individual taste and personality. So, this time when you go furniture shopping be very careful and pick a brand that re-defines your style. And Rotsen furniture is one such brand. A U.S. based company, Rotsen excels in creating customized designs that suit your specifications. Their brand of furniture is handcrafted for commercial as well as residential projects. Rotsen’s collection of wood includes coffee tables, desks, consoles and other home furnishings. The Rotsen line of furniture also adorns the lobbies of several super luxury hotels like Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and Hyatt. Renowned interiors designer firms also bank on Rotsen for their exclusive line of wooden furniture.

So, what’s so special about Rotsen that it has some of the finest hotels and corporate firms across the world chasing it? Unlike regular furniture, Rotsen uses large reclaimed wood slabs to create products. Their designs are so aesthetic that one hardly notices that the material that went behind making a fine piece of wood art was sourced from a decaying bridge, a demolished structure or a slab of wood from a forest or a barn. Glass, metal and plexiglass are additional materials used to design their products.Rotsen passionately endorses environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of renewable sources of energy and recycling used products. The company manufactures its products in Brazil and has over the years generated employment amongst several small time communities in the country.

Well, this is reason enough for you to grab a unique piece of wood from Rotsen. Read on to know which piece of Rotsen furniture will best suit your home.



Gold Leaf Salvaged Coffee Table

Next time when you invite friends over for dinner do not forget to treat them with some hot coffee and show off your new Gold Leaf Salvaged Coffee Table from Rotsen. Hand crafted with Gold Leaf the coffee table is Rotsen’s most finest and exclusive designs so far.

Gold Leaf Gotas Armoire

Gold seems to dominate Rotsen’s latest line of furniture and the Gold Leaf Gotas Armoire is a fine design. Inspired by Brazilian designs, the Armoire has been created using god leaf, rock crystals and Peroba wood. The Gold Leaf Armoire will add that much needed glitter to your otherwise dull rooms.

Canoa Coffee Table

Created from naturally fallen woods of a Vinhatico tree, the Canoa Coffee table is a fine example of Rotsen’s unique craftsmanship. The table is topped with a beautiful glass and the bottom has natural textures that it makes it look like a salvaged part of a tree trunk. A fine piece of art to admire whilst you are relishing your evening cuppa coffee.

A Curvaceous Coffee Table

Made of mango wood the top has irregular shaped edges on top. However, it’s the table’s metal base with an s-shaped curve that gives this coffee table a very trendy look. It’s just the perfect design and shape if you have a contemporary living room that boasts of lavish furnishings.


Rotsen furniture will not only enhance your house but will also bring about a distinctive change to your living style. Order your piece of Rotsen today!
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A Suite Check in at the Peninsula Beverly Hills

Soak in the sun and get that much wanted tan at the Beverly Hills beaches this summer. After a long day at the beach relax and unwind in the recently remodelled suites at the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel. Known for their “luxurious comfort and impeccable service”, the Peninsula was established in 1928 and is at present serving its third generation of guests! A legend in the hospitality industry, the Peninsula now has luxury properties in nine cities across the world including Tokyo, Beijing, New York and Shanghai.


Its property in Beverly Hills is the most exclusive and sophisticated. The most sought after address in Hollywood, the Peninsula Beverly Hills almost resembles a private residence. Built in the classical Renaissance style, the hotel is a home away from home to many actors, actresses, artists, musicians and of course the world’s richest and most affluent. The hotel’s discrete and private location is ideal for its many guests from the world of entertainment since it keeps away the excited fans and the lingering paparazzi. It’s also the only hotel in South California to have won both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Five Star distinction.

The newly remodelled rooms at the Peninsula Beverly Hills are not to be missed for they offer luxury in a way that you may not have imagined. After a spending almost a year on renovations the hotel revealed the 193 guest rooms this year. The rooms are priced between $625-$8000 per night. If you intend to check in at the Peninsula Beverly Hills and enjoy a time filled with style and luxury, then the hotel’s suites are best suited. Have a look!



The Suites at the Peninsula

Filled with natural light and overlooking the hotel’s fountain, the Beverly Suites offers its guest 750 sq ft of luxury space. The suite comes with a walk in closet and the marble bathroom. A separate livingroom and bedroom and a spacious balcony are the other attractions of this suite.If privacy is what you’re looking for then the hotel’s Superior Suites located at the corners of the hotels are just the perfect choice. Host private parties for friends or business luncheons at the Superior Suites which overlook the neatly manicured gardens of the Peninsula. Also very spacious, the suites provide you with a home like comfort.


The hotel’s Garden Suites offers its guests a luxurious outdoor living experience. The 100 sq ft garden has many features which includes a water body, a firepit with lounges and a dining area. Technological amenities are provided for the in the interior rooms. The rooms are spacious and have a marble bathroom with double sinks, a garnd bedroom and an elegantly designed living room. The Garden Suites sheer openness offers you the much needed tranquillity and peace in the very heart of Beverly Hills.


The Villa Suites are located in the hotels’ Tropical garden. With 825 sq ft of living space, the suite secludes you from the hustle bustle of the hotel and comes with a hidden side and back entrance. The suites wooden floors and patios only add to the villa’s opulent décor. Some of the Villa suites also offer a Jacuzzi and a kitchenette. The hotel’s Royal Patio Suite is synonymous with sophistication and elegance. The 2,250 sq ft has been renovated with creamy white upholstery and hand painted finishes. The suite offers its superstar guest everything from a dining area that can seat 8 people, several LCD screen tvs, a modern kitchen, fireplaces and several sitting areas. The French doors open to a huge terrace and offer a breathtaking view of the hotel.


Have a frolicking time at the hotel’s many suites and also enjoy the view from the hotel’s rooftop pool. The hotel also provides its guests with check in services round the clock and private airport concierges
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The André Rieu Journey by eWaterways Offers a Classical River Cruise

What could be better than travelling along a river in Europe and visiting some of the most enchanting cities in the world? All that you would require is 8 days of your life to do this must-do visit and river cruise that would take you along the lengths of rivers in Europe. eWaterways have added five-star river yacht Royal Crown and would also feature Dutch violinist and composer at the Vrijthof Theatre during the cruise.

The André Rieu Journey would take you through Rotterdam, Willemstad, Veere, Middelburg, Antwerp, Maastricht and Nijmegen. These Dutch cities are known for their beauty and the way they are historically important. All that you would need to do is go ahead and get a breath of fresh air, and spend some money to get on these river cruises. The river cruise begins in Rotterdam and you will get to experience the Andre Rieu concert at the end of the journey.

The classical journey filled with music and culture of Netherlands would cost £1,299.00 per person. It is one of the best river cruises that I have come across and could be a great way to experience Europe at a very nominal fee. So go ahead, and plunge yourself into the murky depths of European culture and classicism. We had also written about a 12 day luxury river cruise along the River Danube. So go ahead, and experience what could be well experienced in a country like Netherlands, as such opportunities do not come every day. I could swear they don’t!



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Summer Solstice In Alaska!

The big cruise news in Alaska is Celebrity has decided to bring one of its very popularSolstice class ships to the area starting voyages 2013. Some may argue that at almost 3000 passengers, a ship this large would be too big for passengers to fully enjoy the experience. One thing that can be said however is that, the deployment of this vessel proves that the Alaska market is once again a desired destination.






Celebrity already have the Millennium and the Century in Alaska. Just to make things confusing the ship joining them will be the Celebrity Solstice of the Solstice Class. The Solstice will sail seven night round trip cruises from Seattle, with visits to Victoria, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as the classic scenic cruising in the Inside Passage and Tracy Arm. 

Before and after the Alaska season, Solstice will offer Pacific Coastal cruises, including a nine-night wine-themed cruise from Ensenada to Seattle in May and a 10-night wine-themed cruise in September that also includes an overnight in San Francisco and a view of the America's Cup finals.
For anybody who is not familiar with the 5 Star Solstice Class, the unique on board facilities include, an half acre grass lawn, hot Glass shows, Aqua Spa, a Vodka and Caviar Ice bar .The unparalleled entertainment program on board is always massively popular, and the cuisine is always a talking point, as it is hard to beat. You do get all your normal facilities also, pools, shows, sports courts, gyms etc. There is something for everyone.So if you are looking for an Alaskan cruise and want a ship with a lot to do on board then the Solstice may just be for you!
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CLIA Opens cruise3sixty Conference, Issues New Report on Travel Agents

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) opened its eighth annual cruise3sixty conference in Fort Lauderdale with about 1,200 agents included in the nearly 2,000 attendees. A main theme of the event is elevating the role of the travel retailer from “travel agent” to “travel advisor.” CLIA distributed an eight-page report on the topic to attendees at the first general session on April 27.

CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy opened the conference by reinforcing the importance that travel agents play in the continuing success of the cruise industry. “Thank you on behalf of the CLIA cruise line members for the role you play and will continue to play in our collective future,” she said.

Duffy also pointed out that the role of agents was especially important and visible after the Jan. 13 sinking of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy. “Travel agents served as a trusted voice to reassure the traveling public that cruising is and will continue to be one of the safest vacation choices,” she said.

The new report, titled “From Travel Agent to Travel Advisor: Defining, Elevating and Promoting the Role of Travel Agents for the Next Generation,” examines how the role of agents has changed over the years. Despite the public perception that the travel agent industry is in decline, in 2011 it processed $95 billion in travel sales, accounting for one-third of all travel sold, according to PhoCusWright. That is projected to grow to $100 billion by the end of 2013.

The 2012 sales figures include 45 percent of all airline tickets, 67 percent of tours and 68 percent of cruises. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts growth in the travel agent workforce, which is poised to increase about 10 percent between 2010 and 2020, on par with the average predicted overall for U.S. job growth. For a full copy of the report, click on CLIA Travel Agent Report.

“Our aim in outlining this case is to begin a meaningful, industry-wide dialogue that articulates the unique role agents play in today’s travel industry and considers the steps necessary to develop a strategic roadmap for developing the next generation of travel agents,” Duffy said. “The travel agent profession is critical to the entire travel industry, yet we have not taken a comprehensive look at its value or considered a coordinated industry dialogue until now.”

Duffy also moderated a panel that included Tony Gonchar, CEO of the ASTA; Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association; and Will Seccombe, chief marketing officer of Visit Florida. “I’d say the number one piece of advice is to give your clients something they can’t Google,” Gonchar said. “Provide value that is extraordinary.”

Keeping in mind the fallout from the Costa Concordia accident, which killed 32 people, CLIA also distributed a tool kit that provides agents with advice on how to deal with consumer concerns about the industry’s safety record as well as noro-virus and other important information. Finally, CLIA also unveiled plans for the 2013 cruise3sixty, which will be held June 19-23 in Vancouver.
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Abraham Lincoln’s Opera Glasses Go Under the Hammer

On the evening of 14 April 1865, Lincoln had carried his opera glasses for a play called “Our American Cousin” when John Wilkes booth shot him at close range with a pistol in the head at Ford’s theatre in Washington D.C. The same opera glassesare going to be auctioned this month. The bids can be made online or by phone on April 30. The auction house has estimated that it will fetch approximately $500,000-$700,000 from the auction. The opera glasses used by president Abraham Lincoln for the show was German and in gold & black. It will be sold by the auctioneer of Los Angeles Nate D. Sanders.

The stage actor John Booth jumped into the viewing box of President while he was watching the second act of the play and the actor shot him in the head. The city guard was able to find the opera glasses outside theatre as he was helping the president to move to Petersen House where he died. According to the statement of Sanders, the opera glasses are the last existing souvenir of first president Lincoln. According to auctioneer Nate D. Sander, Lincoln used to escape from the highly demanding presidency to find solace in theater and literature.


The auction house disclosed in a press release that the three generations of McCamly’s family had kept the glasses. McCamly’s great-grandson was informed by the Ford’s Theatre National Park Collection In 1968 that the case they were housing fit glasses precisely.


Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States is accepted by many historians that Lincoln was the greatest American president. Lincoln’s victory in election changed racial discrimination forever in the United States.
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The Dreaded Single Supplement!

Over the years I have booked many, many people in single cabins. On almost every voyage booked, there has been the dreaded single supplement! I can only imagine the frustration to see a cheap offer in the newspaper or the web, only to call and find out you have to pay twice. Unfortunately this is common place with the cruise lines, but occasionally if you look hard enough, this can be avoided............

The main problem with finding a good price for single cabin, is that a lot of the time the good value cruises are going to bad destinations, at a bad time of year. So unless you want to spend a week cruising the Med in December, or maybe go to the Caribbean in Hurricane season, you are stuck for choice. A lot of people I talk to are fed up with how the cruise lines do this, but unfortunately I don't think this is going to change. The cruse lines are just all too aware that if it is too expensive to book a single, then they will probably re-sell that same cabin to two people, who will also spend twice as much on board.

At the moment I only know of three really good single deals( I'm sure there are probably more out there). We have a 10 night Baltic cruise from Southampton with MSC, starting at around £900 in May. We Also have a Norwegian Fjords cruise also with MSC at around £800 in May. Finally there is a Voyages Of Discovery trip on the 16th April to Istanbul around the Black Sea at £1299. This is for 11 nights includes flights and is an ocean view cabin. 

If you are interested in any of the above, or if you are looking for a single cabin. Let me know as I will probably know of other offers and if I don't I can certainly find one!
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Tom Cruise is likely to film a 'Top Gun' sequel before 'Mission: Impossible 5'. 
The iconic actor is reportedly close to signing a deal to appear in a follow-up to the 1986 movie about an elite US flying school for fighter pilots with Paramount, and the studio's president Adam Goodman has confirmed wheels are in motion to create the film. 

He told The Hollywood Reporter: "We'll likely make a 'Top Gun' sequel with Tom Cruise before the next 'Mission: Impossible'. Jerry Bruckheimer will produce with Tony Scott returning to direct. All parties are moving ahead. We've hired Peter Craig to write the script." 

Speaking about the film previously, Tom confirmed it would have a similar "tone" to the first instalment, but would not give away any details about the storyline.





He said: "We're working on it. I hope we can figure this out to go do it again. If we can find a story that we all want to do, we all want to make a film that is in the same kind of tone as the other one and shoot it in the same way we shot 'Top Gun'."

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