How to get from Port of Civitavecchia to Central Rome

There are a couple options when making your way on your own into Central Rome after disembarking the Port of Civitavecchia.

Depending on where your ship docks, you can take the free shuttle to either Largo della Pace or Fort Michelangelo.

From Largo della Pace, walk a short distance to Argo Bus to transfer to Civitavecchia Train Station

From Fort Michelangelo, cross the street and head south (5 blocks) to Civitavecchia Train Station.

The difference is you will be pulling your luggage for a short distance when arriving at Fort.

Tickets can be purchased in the train station, and travel to several stations along the way.  The most popular train route travels to Station de Roma Termini as most visitors are staying nearby.  Once you arrive in the station, catch a quick taxi to your hotel.

Contact Diane for more information (949) 652-5177, recommend hotels, sights, activities and free PDF overview of Rome.

Below are some helpful maps:

What is a Resort for a Day Pass?

In select Caribbean and Hawaiian destinations you may opt to enjoy your port of call by visiting a Resort for a Day!

There is a fee associated with this day pass, the pass is purchased "before" departing on your trip.  

Perfect for families, couples, single or group.

This can be an "off the beaten" experience as the number of tickets for the resort will be limited as you are enjoying a resort property along with guests staying at the property.

Resort Day passes can include the following:

   Beach & pool access

   Lounge chairs and towels

   Unlimited food & drinks

   Swim-up bar

   Non-motorized water sports

   complimentary internet access

   water park access (if applicable)

   daily activities program

   transfers (on select Caribbean destinations)

Who would benefit from a Resort for a Day pass?

Everyone!

Call Diane for more information (949) 652-5177

Rediscover your WORLD in a new way, introducing the Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Eclipse - Come along with us as we preview this amazing yacht 

Been there done that?

We are looking for an vacation experience like no other. We believe that the Scenic Eclipse will deliver enriching experiences that will fancy our sense of wonder. We are forming an interest list for those who would like to reserve their suite when books open. The deposit is $1000 per person.

So, this picture is pretty incredible and makes a grand statement. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between.

What is the experience onboard & onshore?

Scenic boasts that their on board and on shore luxury is always standard and claims that the staff will anticipate your needs before you do. I have personally sailed over 28 ships and have not had this experience.

Scenic Eclipse will be cruising to some of the most spectacular; untouched and remote locations on Earth!

What included?

Commitment to World-Class safety

Excellence in design and luxury appointments

1:1 Staff to guest ratio

All suites with Balcony, lounge area with Butler

Choose unique experiences with your Discover Team member that is a specialist in their field

Local expert guides will offer a range of activities, tailored to fit your pace.

Five dining venues offering diverse cuisine that can be enjoyed al fresco, in-suite or in dinning room.

Unlimited complimentary beverages throughout your time on board
Pre-paid gratuities


Do I have your attention?

Indulgences on board?

Keep fit with gym, yoga and pilates studio, Lounge in the Indoor heated pool with retractable roof or dip into the shallow plunge pools while basking in the sun.

On board Theater will host a range of performances, presentations, concerts and more.

Unique feature that allows you to see underneath the water and where the ship is heading from the comfort of your suite.

Innovative Design with highest Ice Class rating for Arctic regions.

The Scenic Eclipse offers a modern sleek feel, a hull designed to glide through the ocean currents with ease.

For cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica, they have a hull rating of Ice Class 1A (Polar Class 6), enabling navigation for full access to the broadest range of landing sites.

With two (2) twin-engine helicopters on board your experiences just got upgraded to awesome.

Swim with creatures under the sea. How about a submarine that is capable of depths of 650 feet?

Go exploring on your own, with one of the twelve (12) custom built Zodiacs

Kayaks and e-bikes

Scuba diving equipment

Concerned about safety while at Sea?

Which type of Suite will fulfill your needs?

From 345-2500 square feet, there is a perfect suite just for you.

All suites boasts elegant lounge areas, oversized bathrooms and the most luxurious of bed linen and comfort. The suites are stocked with lavish toiletries and all the amenities you would expect when staying at a 5-star hotel.

Elegant furnishings, HDTV, climate control, pillow menu, night turn down service, WiFi throughout and even a 24-hour in-suite dining option for those nights that you may desire something special before retiring for the evening.


For additional information, please contact Diane (877) 251-9329 or Dreamvacationsbydiane.com

Royal Caribbean - Last Minute Discounts

Effective immediately, consumers and travel agents can no longer expect deep discounts on it's brands (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Club cruises); when booking last minute.

One exception will be the shorter three and four day voyages.

Discounting last minute creates a disparity between a higher price paid by a traveler a year out versus a lower one booked a few weeks out.  Believe it or not, people who book last minute tend to brag about what they paid either online in a community board atmosphere or while on board their cruise.

Royal Caribbean's new pricing integrity policy may cause some staterooms to remain empty through 2016 sailing, but expects it will even out in 2017.

I commend Royal Caribbean International for pioneering this new policy, and hope that other cruise lines will jump on board as well.

DreamVacationsbyDiane

Why You Should use a Travel Professional

Staying In-the-Know of Daily Promotions  -  Travel agents get emails and faxes of daily money saving promotions.  It Makes Traveling Easy  -  Travel agents make your dream vacation a phone call away. Once you find a good travel agent, your dream vacation is just a phone call away.  Travel Expertise - Many agents are considered experts in the area you are traveling.  Not all 5 star hotels are treated equally. Many times photos are photo shopped or outdated and information about the hotel you are considering may not be true. Travel Agents can have a network of opportunities to make sure that what you are seeing beforehand is what you get.  Saves You Precious Time - Both planning your vacation and sharing tips to make your trip as perfect as possible.   Why spend hours researching on the internet when a travel professional can help you sort out the details for you?  Someone to turn to in the case of misfortune -  If that slim chance were to occur that you do not get what you were promised, you have a real person to go back and complain to.   Travel agents will work hard to rectify the matter. They will work as hard as they can to make sure you are happy so that this doesn't happen and so you will use their service next time.  Changing Your Travel Arrangements  -  If you have already booked your trip but want to change some details your travel agency can help get all the necessary steps done, leaving you without the headache and confusion.

Southwest Pilots to picket at Dallas Hub

Southwest Airlines has spent the past four years negotiating with its pilots, whose last contract expired in 2012. Though they have continued to fly during this time, the pilots are now growing impatient. After United gave its cockpit employees a generous contract extension, the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association (SWAPA) has let it be known that they are growing tired of the years-long impasse. 

A short press release was sent to the media yesterday explained this frustration and announced that pilots would take the unprecedented step of picketing Southwest headquarters at Dallas Love Field:

"Southwest Airlines pilots have been without an acceptable contract since 2012. After nearly four years in negotiations toward a new contract, SWAPA has decided to demonstrate their collective displeasure to management, the flying public, and Southwest shareholders. 

Four years, particularly during a time of record profits, is far too long for a company known for its “LUV” to not provide a worthy contract offer to its operational front line leaders – the pilots. After numerous sacrifices to help ensure the current financial success, it is time for Southwest Airlines management to finalize a contract with its professional pilots and move forward together toward a prosperous future."

The protest is scheduled for the afternoon of Feb. 3. Pilots will picket at the entrance of the airport and also inside the lobby of Southwest’s headquarters. The release calls this an “informational picket.” It is the first such event at Southwest headquarters, but it is not the first move that SWAPA has ever made. They have been hinting at the possibility of a strike for some time, first announcing a “strike preparedness” plan in May of last year. 

It remains to be seen if the picketing inspires Southwest to change the sticking points that led to the failure of the November vote. 

Carrie Underwood partners with Carnival to raise money for Operation HomeFront

Carnival announced today that it had entered into a partnership with country music superstar Carrie Underwood to raise money for Operation Homefront, an organization that helps military families.

Underwood attended a press conference Thursday in Jacksonville, Fla., to announce the year-long Honor.Family.Fun program with Carnival President Christine Duffy and retired Brigadier General John Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. The singer kicks off her Storyteller Tour Saturday night in Jacksonville.

The tour will conclude Nov. 4 with a concert aboard the new Carnival Vista at the Port of New York for hundreds of military families. Underwood also will perform onboard an as-yet unnamed Carnival ship in early 2017 as part of the Carnival LIVE! concert program.

“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family,” Underwood said. “As far as Operation Homefront, all of the things you guys do just blows my mind. Country music definitely has always been extremely supportive of military members and their families. I’m honored just to be working with you guys. Very excited.”

In 10 cities during The Storyteller Tour, select military families, chosen with Operation Homefront, will be treated to a meet-and-greet with Underwood before her concerts. A video series highlighting the meet-and-greets and the families’ stories will be featured on Carnival’s website.

Carnival will invite contributions to Operation Homefront with a “Donate Now” button on the company website. Also, commemorative dog tags will be available for purchase at merchandise stands at and during Storyteller Tour concerts and in shops on all Carnival fleets. All proceeds will go to Operation Homefront.

Underwood said she hasn’t been able to take a Carnival cruise yet, but that she has toured the Carnival Breeze.

“I was just so impressed. People were getting on the boat and they were just very, very excited to be there. We got to see all of the restaurants, and all the activities and all the kid-friendly things. I was just blown away by just how much love and effort is put into making the family experience one to remember, and so that they can bond and just have fun and relax. I look forward to going on a cruise really soon.”

To which Duffy quipped “She has a standing invitation!” and Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald wondered out loud if she’d hog the karaoke machine.

In coming weeks, Carnival will launch a new shipboard military appreciation program. Each ship will host a special event on board to recognize active and retired military personnel and their families and will kick off with a welcome video featuring Underwood.

Contact David and Diane for more information on Carnival's new military appreciation program.