Enrich Your Life through "Time Travel" - Visit a Museum This Summer

I recently stepped back in time when I visited The No. 1 British Flying Training School museum in Terrell, Texas. I was not familiar with the history of the school, but a 10-minute video gave me an overview of its background and historical importance.  

In the summer of 1940, Great Britain was under siege by the German Luftwaffe.  Britain needed a place where weather and war would not hinder the training of pilots to carry on the European air war. The moderate climate and expansive land available in Texas made it the ideal location for military training operations. The first and largest of six British Flying Training Schools in the United States was located in Terrell. After the United States entered the war, American Aviation Cadets also trained at this school. More than 2,000 Royal Air Force and American Army Air Force pilots earned their wings over North Texas between 1941 and 1945. Terrell’s citizens welcomed the student pilots to their community and many life-long bonds were forged. Thirty-five trainees married American women and returned to live in the U. S., many in Texas.

The school's museum, which is located near the Terrell Municipal Airport, shares the history and importance of cooperation between the British Commonwealth and the United States during war and peace.  The museum’s archives contain the most extensive record of the No. 1 British Flying Training School that exists, including: log books, training materials, photos, and other WW II memorabilia and uniforms.  Displays at the museum feature a “Link Trainer” flight simulator, a scale model of the school and an RAF uniform.

Evidence of the World War II era and reminders of its impact on Texas can still be found across the state. The war’s legacy can be observed at active military installations like Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Fort Bliss in El Paso and Fort Hood, which covers sections of  the the Texas counties of Coryell and Bell. The war’s influence is also evident in municipal airports and harbor facilities. Across the state there are remote, abandoned or forgotten sites that still bear evidence of once active air bases, industrial plants, USO canteens and enlistment centers, and wartime structures still exist. Some have been re-purposed for businesses, museums, churches and other uses.  Perhaps the most important legacy of the war resides in the lives and memories of those who experienced it firsthand. Today, more than 300,000 World War II military veterans live in Texas.  As that number dwindles we lose parts of a collective memory about the places and people of that historic era.  

The No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum is located at 119 Silent Wings Blvd., Terrell, TX.  For more information about the museum, contact Michael Grout, Curator, at 972-524-1714.  

Support your local museums and enrich your life through history.  For a list of historical, cultural and natural treasures in the Lone Star State, visit: http://www.thc.state.tx.us/explore-texas.

www.world-war-2-planes.com

Cruise Industry Adopts Passenger Bill of Rights

Contributed by David Peikin (permission to re-print granted 5/24/13)

WASHINGTON, DC, May 22, 2013 — Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced that its Board of Directors approved the adoption of a “Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights” detailing CLIA members’ commitment to the safety, comfort and care of guests in a number of important areas.

The CEOs of CLIA North American member cruise lines are each immediately verifying in writing that they have adopted the Passenger Bill of Rights, which is a condition of membership in the Association. CLIA also will submit the Passenger Bill of Rights to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requesting formal global recognition and applicability under the IMO’s authority over the international maritime industry. The Passenger Bill of Rights will be effective immediately for U.S. passengers who purchase their cruise in North America on CLIA’s North American member cruise lines, regardless of itinerary.

CLIA and its member cruise lines are actively communicating the Passenger Bill of Rights to the public and cruise line guests. CLIA and its member lines will post the Passenger Bill of Rights on their respective websites, and CLIA has provided to its nearly 14,000 travel agent members materials to communicate the Passenger Bill of Rights to current and prospective customers looking to book a cruise.

“The Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights codifies many longstanding practices of CLIA members and goes beyond those to further inform cruise guests of the industry’s commitment to their comfort and care,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “By formally adopting industry practices into a “Passenger Bill of Rights,” CLIA is further demonstrating consistent practices and transparency across CLIA member lines. The cruise industry is committed to continuing to deliver against the high standards we set for ourselves in all areas of shipboard operations.”

1In addition to adopting the Passenger Bill of Rights, other recent and proactive initiatives by the cruise industry to focus on passenger safety, comfort and care include:

 Establishment of an industry-wide Operational Safety Review in 2012 resulting in the adoption of 10 safety-related policies that were submitted to the IMO;

 Launch of a Preparedness Risk Assessment in March 2013 to review and address redundancies related to power systems that provide essential services in the rare event of a loss of main power; and,

 Successful completion in early April of a multi-day emergency drill involving authorities from the U.S. and Bahamian governments, led by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Following is the full text of the Passenger Bill of Rights, as adopted by CLIA’s members unanimously.

INTERNATIONAL CRUISE LINE PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS

The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. To fulfill this commitment, our Members have agreed to adopt the following set of passenger rights:

1. The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such as food, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannot adequately be provided onboard, subject only to the Master’s concern for passenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirements of the port.

2. The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanical failures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due to those failures.

3. The right to have available on board ships operating beyond rivers or coastal waters full-time, professional emergency medical attention, as needed until shore side medical care becomes available.

4. The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in the itinerary of the ship in the event of a mechanical failure or emergency, as well as timely updates of the status of efforts to address mechanical failures.

5. The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures.

6. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure.

7. The right to transportation to the ship’s scheduled port of disembarkation or the passenger’s home city in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. 

8.     The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures.

9. The right to have included on each cruise line’s website a toll-free phone line that can be used for questions or information concerning any aspect of shipboard operations.

10.    The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each line’s website.

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About CLIA

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations, and various industry business partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA's Associate Member and Executive Partner program includes the industry's leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog.

CONTACT: David Peikin (754) 201-2131

dpeikin@cruising.org

Dive-In to Summer! Best Dive Resorts in the Caribbean

If you're a scuba diving fanatic or nature lover, then you'll have another reason to visit the Caribbean in 2013.  Today's article offers only a partial listing of some of the most popular dive destinations in the Caribbean, along with some information on resorts that have teamed up with local dive companies to offer vacation packages with lodging + dive packages (and in some cases, meals).


Bonaire is located in the southern Caribbean (outside of the hurricane belt) and has clear waters, plentiful marine life and pristine reefs.  It is also known for its popularity as a great windsurfing, sailing and kayaking location.   Bonaire resorts that offer lodging + dive packages include:  Sand Dollar Condominiums, Den Laman Condominiums, and Buddy Dive Resort (Scuba Diving's Reader's Choice 2013 Best Dive Resort). If you're in the market for an all-inclusive hotel plus dive package, The Plaza Bonaire offers a 7-night package with meals, beverages, boat diving and shore dives (free nitrox) provided by Toucan Diving -- 7 nights for around $1,250-$1,700 per person, depending on the room selection.

Curaçao is located near Aruba and Bonaire, and was voted the Favorite Caribbean Destination for 2012 by readers of About.com.  It is a paradise for scuba divers, hikers and nature lovers, with lush terrain and more than 60 diving locations.  Sunscape Resort in Curaçao offers an all-inclusive + dive package.

Barbados is located far southeast in the Caribbean.  It is a coral island formed by volcanic activity.  On its west coast are beaches of fine white sand, with coral reefs fringing the shoreline, providing a wonderful place to snorkel and scuba dive. 

Dominica is northwest of Barbados and southeast of Puerto Rico, and is known for its volcanic vents, colorful reefs, soft corals, and plunging sea walls.  Soufriere Scott's Head Marine Reserve, located in the southwest, is the oldest reserve on the island.  With virtually no current, The Cabrits National Park Marine Section in the north is renowned for its large variety of rare fish.  The Salisbury Marine Reserve in the central west has dozens of sites with some of the best reef diving in the Caribbean. Castle Comfort resort offers a package with accommodations, breakfast, transfers and shore diving.

St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands, and offers unique diving opportunities from vibrant reefs to sunken ships.  Sea life is very abundant, with more than 500 species of fish, and 40 types of coral.  See interesting marine life, like the "silvery horse-eye jack, or the "queen triggerfish."  As the sun sets, octopus, seahorses and moray eels make their appearance.  Hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles also call the USVI home.  If you're lucky, you might get a chance to witness turtles hatching on one of the many turtle nesting grounds.  The Carambola Renaissance in the US Virgin Islands offers a discounted rate with dive packages.

NOTE: Some of the lodging + dive packages described above are restricted to certain travel dates and are subject to availability. 

If you're interested in scuba diving in the Bahamas, Galapagos or Turks & Caicos, you might consider taking a "Liveaboard" excursion with Explorer Ventures. They offer weekly packages in the southern Bahamas, based in George Town, Great Exuma (see map below), departing also from Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.  Guests experience pristine walls and reefs with secluded diving at uninhabited islands in the remote "out islands" of the Bahamas.  The Gulf Stream waters and assorted rifts running through these areas provide the perfect environment for a large and varied population of marine species.  If you would like more information about a particular destination, resort or excursion, contact Sue at price4travel@yahoo.com.

If you have a favorite Caribbean destination or resort to share, please let us know in the comments section below.  

Inner Space -- The Last Frontier: Underwater Hotels

There's a new wave of hotels cropping up on sea floors that allow guests to get up-close and personal with marine life through acrylic walls and even glass-bottomed Jacuzzis! 

 COMING SOON: The Poseidon Undersea Resort, Poseidon's Mystery Island in Fiji, includes 225 acres surrounded by a 5,000 acre lagoon.  The resort has a dive shop, 2 restaurants (one on land and one below the sea), a library/lounge, theater area, wedding chapel, private splash pools, fitness center, spa, and a 9-hole executive golf course.  Adventure-lovers can scuba dive, maneuver a personal Triton submarine through the lagoon or explore the depths of the ocean as a passenger of the 1,000-foot luxury submersible.  You can register online to be notified when the resort begins taking reservations.



Poseidon's Mystery Island - Fiji

DIVERS DREAM:  Jules' Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida was named in honor of Jules Verne, author of "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."  Guests visiting this hotel must actually scuba dive through the Emerald Lagoon's tropical mangrove to a depth of 21 feet beneath the surface of the sea to enter the lodge.  A five-by-seven foot "moon pool" entrance in the floor of the building makes entering the hotel much like surfacing through a small swimming pool.  The lodge has cozy beds, a well-stocked kitchen, books, music and video movies.  The 42-inch windows create an underwater terrarium, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of tropical fish and other sea creatures.

The unique characteristic that sets Jules' Undersea Lodge apart from similar attractions is that it began its existence as a research laboratory.  It was an underwater habitat used to explore the continental shelf off of the coast of Puerto Rico.  The Lodge provides scuba gear, PLUS an unlimited supply of tanks to its guests, which makes Jules' Undersea Lodge the perfect location for dive enthusiasts.  The Lodge can only accommodate a small number of guests, due to size limitations, so advanced planning is recommended if you would like to make a reservation.

According to information provided on the website, "Larger underwater lodges are on the drawing board for the future...which will feature an original design using concrete and acrylic," and "will be substantially larger and provide even more gracious comfort with spectacular views through six-foot diameter windows."

Jules' Undersea Lodge

 

 

 

No Tipping Allowed at These "Super-Inclusive" Resorts

Most all-inclusive air + hotel packages include taxes and gratuities, and then there are the "SuperClubs" properties in Jamaica and the Bahamas, where your "Super-Inclusive" vacation starts when you arrive at your destination. The SuperClubs Airport Reception Lounge is the newest amenity, and SuperClubs makes arrangements for your hotel transfer based on your scheduled time of arrival.

 

Tipping is not permitted at any of the SuperClubs resorts, where you enjoy the finest beaches, gourmet dining, and unlimited drinks (including premium brand cocktails). Meals include breakfast buffets and dinner feasts, plus late-night snacks. 

 

A variety of land and watersports are available, with professional instruction and top-notch equipment. For example, at the award-winning Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa in Jamaica, you can scuba dive, wind surf, get pampered at the spa, enjoy the live entertainment, work out in the fitness center, take a nature walk, or play a round of golf.  Even the green fees are included! 

 

Prices for the SuperClubs are more affordable than you might think.  Currently, Vacation Express is offering a promotion for the Grand Lido, 4 nights plus round trip air, starting at $634 per person (airfare from Fort Lauderdale). For more information about a customized vacation package, send an email to price4travel@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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