A Luxury Travel Blog

New and refurbished ships in 2007 - as well as new ports of call - look set raise the standards offered in the cruise industry yet again. Seven new ships debuted in 2006, and a further nine are scheduled to launch in 2007.  And with trends suggesting that novice and veteran cruisers are indulging on upgrades, longer trips and more exotic locations, the future certain looks bright for the industry. What’s more, it’s predicted that Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) message that advance bookings gives the best deals is one that cruisers will continue to take heed of, throughout 2007.

A video celebrating 50 years of nationhood (is there such a word?!)…

The editors at Frommer’s Travel Guides and Frommers.com have come up with a list of 12 emerging destinations that they recommend we visit in 2007.  Making the shortlist of places not to be missed are:

• Krakow, Poland
• Tokyo, Japan
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Panama
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Ethiopia
• Portland, Oregon
• Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
• Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
• Glen Canyon, Utah
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Portland, Maine

To learn more about why these destinations are deemed worthy of your presence next year, see the full article here.

According to Tripadvisor, New York and Sydney aren’t the only ones that know how to put on a party.  They suggest the following ‘top 10′ for a different kind of New Year’s celebration:

• Edinburgh
• Rio de Janeiro
• Vienna
• Berlin
• Miami
• Shanghai
• Prague
• Madrid
• Vail, Colorado
• Brugge

Where will you be seeing the New Year in?

Dubai continues to thrive and will soon see hotels bearing the names of the likes of Versace, Armani and Trump.  One hotel to look out for will be the 18-storey, pyramid-shaped Raffles Dubai in the heart of the city’s premier business and shopping district, Wafi City. It is expected to open with 248 rooms (all with private balconies with views of the city) in the summer of 2007.  If you really want to indulge, check into one of the four palatial 480 sq. m. Royal Suites.

Bid a fond farewell to 2006 and rock in 2007 with live performances at Universal Studios City Walk Orlando from recording legends Cyndi Lauper and Tower of Power.   You’ll get to enjoy all-you-can-eat gourmet food at one of Orlando’s hottest spots for entertainment, be given a midnight Champagne toast as the New Year comes in, and be treated to a huge firework display. Tickets cost $109 + tax or you can upgrade for a further $60 + tax and have access to an open bar.

A year ago today, I did my first post on A Luxury Travel Blog.  At that point in time, I couldn’t have imagined how popular things would become in such a short space of time.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you - my readers - for visiting so regularly and in such numbers. Without the kind emails, and the healthy visitors stats, there wouldn’t be quite the same motivation to post as regularly as I do!

Get along to Tampa’s Florida Aquarium and see the New Year in with a splash! The ‘Aqua-Eve’ event runs from 9pm until 1am on New Year’s Day and you’ll be treated to delicious food, cool beverages, live entertainment and dazzling fireworks. Downtown chic attire. Tickets now cost $90 for those last minute bookings.

Remember the $1000 sundae I mentioned ages back? Well… I just stumbled upon this YouTube video which talks you through it.

Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel (according to the World Travel Awards 2006) is The Sarojin in the Khao Lak National Park, owned by Andrew and Kate Kemp.  It opened its doors in October 2005, a little later than anticipated due to it being hit by the tragic Boxing Day tsnunami of 2004.  But it’s been worth the wait.  Not only did it do well at the WTA, but it also made it into the Condé Nast 2006 Hot List (both the hotel list and the spa list). It’s just one hour north of Phuket Airport, so why not add this gorgeous new boutique resort to your 2007 travel plans?

Emerging from the heart of the desert, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is an elegant desert resort in a traditional Arabic fort setting.

Experience all the excitement and celebrations of Australia Day on Captain Cook Cruises special Sydney Harbour two night Cruise from 25th to 27th January 2007 onboard the MV Captain Cook’s Explorer. Your Australia Day cruise begins with a welcome dinner and the lights of the spectacular city as the backdrop. Spend the night anchored in Farm Cove in front of the famous Sydney Opera House and wake up on Australia Day in the heart of the harbour action! Prices start from $595 per person for a twin share inside cabin.

Hank Freid’s Marrakech Hotel NYC at 103rd and Broadway has just gotten chicer with the opening of Kazbar, a trendy bar and lounge located in the lobby of his 125-room Upper West Side hotel. Open only a few weeks, Kazbar has already become a hot spot for the young, international tourists who frequent The Marrakech for its fashionable and comfortable, yet affordable, lodging.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers of A Luxury Travel Blog. Wherever in the world you happen to be spending today, I wish you a very Merry (and luxurious!) Christmas. Now then… get away from the computer and enjoy the festive celebrations…

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington D.C. has been named the overall top-ranked hotel in Institutional Investor’s 2006 survey of the world’s best hotels. Known for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodation, including a nine-room presidential suite and 10,000-square-foot spa, the hotel scored highest in the magazine’s annual poll of CEOs and senior executives from the United States, Asia and Europe.

RockResorts International, LLC, a luxury hotel company based in Colorado, has announced that the 56 room and suite Marquis Hotel & Spa in Miami, Florida has been added to its collection of high-end properties. RockResorts will manage the hotel, scheduled to open in February 2009, under a long-term management contract with its owner Leviev Boymelgreen Developers of Florida.