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Holland American Line
MS Rotterdam/Alaska Cruise
300 Elliott Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
tel 877 932 4259

by J.D. Brown and Margaret Backenheimer North to Alaska by sea, roundtrip from Seattle, via Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan — with whales and glaciers, eagles and totems along the way — what better way to explore America’s true wilderness than in luxury? Holland America’s newly outfitted cruise ship MS Rotterdam makes this weekly foray along the beautiful shores of the last frontier a midsummer’s delight.

The Rotterdam looms large on the water, although it is now but a boat among mega-ships, carrying up to 1,400 passengers and 600 crew at a swift pace with ease. It is massive enough to contain its own casino, a $2 million art collection and a Las Vegas-style theater, but not so vast as to drown its passengers in a labyrinth of endless decks and corridors.

This is the first season in Alaskan waters for the Rotterdam, Holland America’s standard-bearer. Before venturing up the northern shoreline of the 49th state, the Rotterdam underwent exhaustive enhancements in December 2009. What we came to admire about the redesign of this vessel is how it now seamlessly combines the classic elegance of upscale sailing with the latest technological and recreational advances of a sleek deluxe hotel.
Between ports of call we sampled the Culinary Arts Center, where smiling Executive Chef Thomas Schumann and his team offered interactive gourmet cooking lessons in a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen. We also wedged our way into the Digital Workshop, where instructors can get you up-to-speed with that new camera or put you online with the latest tips on social networking. We even treated ourselves to ocean views and stone massages in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, and more than once we dipped our toes into The Retreat, a resort-style facility with lounges anchored in shallow outdoor pools.

The accommodations on the Rotterdam are freshly redesigned, too. The upper-deck Deluxe Verandah and Penthouse Verandah Suites include a private lounge with concierge, very much like the executive floor of a 5-star hotel. Our particular cabin, a few decks below, was a Lanai stateroom, Holland America’s latest innovation, in which the deck windows have been refitted with reflective-glass sliding patio doors. The Lanai doors afford wide views of the sea, as well as wonderful opportunities for people-watching. These 39 new staterooms are not only spacious and luxuriously appointed, but equipped with enough storage to unpack fully, something we always seek, but seldom find, on a seven-day cruise.

The Rotterdam’s showcase is its Explorations Café, a sprawling coffeehouse with baristas on hand, an extensive, well-organized library lining the walls, tables for the largest jigsaw puzzles and comfortable sea-view seating for reading and napping. Above all there is an abundance of workstations with the latest PCs for Internet browsing. This is the finest media complex we have seen on a cruise ship — no tiresome waits for a computer or for a latté.

Less to our taste was the Rotterdam’s inviting, but maddeningly slow, buffet line, the Lido. Its cooking stations proved to be understaffed. While the Lido’s offerings were abundant and tasty, we soon gave up on the slow lines and phoned for room service, which was always a prompt delight.

The dining was better in the main La Fontaine Dining Room, but heading our list was the Pinnacle Grill, renowned for its steaks, wine list and table settings. Reservations and a $20 surcharge are required here, but the ambience, service and cuisine are worth the investment.

All in all, our voyage to Alaska on the “new” Rotterdam was extremely well run, and the upgraded facilities, refreshing. The vessel’s state-of-the-art engines were able to turn on a dime when we explored the scenic highlight of this voyage, an unobstructed close-up survey of Alaska’s spectacular Hubbard Glacier, with nary another vessel in sight. Topping it off almost every night with the classic dessert of the north, baked Alaska, we decided there was nowhere else north by northwest we’d rather be.

Score: 4/5

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Aegean Airlines Joins Star Alliance

Just 14 months after its acceptance into the Star Alliance, Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flagship carrier, is officially the network’s newest member, further expanding its reach and proving to the world that despite the country’s economic woes, its aviation industry remains as vibrant and viable as its European counterparts.

Since its founding 11 years ago, Aegean has grown exponentially, accumulating both passengers and a bundle of honors. In 2009, one year after surpassing Olympic as the country’s largest carrier, Aegean was named “best regional airline in Europe” by SkyTrax. For each of the past 10 years, Athens International Airport has recognized the young airline for its industry-leading on-time performance.

With 98 percent coverage of the domestic market and service to 20 international destinations — Madrid (MAD), Vienna (VIE), Belgrade (BEG) and Tel Aviv (TLV) were added last year alone — Aegean is well-positioned as the 28th member of the Star Alliance.

“This country has always been a center for trade and tourism,” Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht told an overflowing audience at Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport (ATH) on June 30. “Greek people were traveling the world long before many others…You have set the stage for further growth by combining the Greek airline industry forces in the interest of the traveling public,” he said, referring to the merging of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airways, announced last February.

The Aegean–Olympic merger was a product of necessity, said Aegean Airlines Chairman and CEO Theodoros Vassilakis: “We believe it’s the only answer to the size of Greece and to the financial situation.” – Patrick Adams

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Airport Scanners Linked To Cancer

Do airport body scanners heighten the risk of cancer among frequent travelers? The jury is still out on that question, but according to Dr. David Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research and the Higgins professor of Radiation Biophysics at Columbia University Medical Center, the average radiation dose from a front and back scan is about 0.15 µSv. While statistically small, the exposure amounts to 20 times the average dose.

Brenner sent Global Traveler a copy of the PowerPoint presentation he referenced during a June 2010 speech on Capital Hill. “The implication is that as you lower the dose, you proportionately lower the risk, but there is no dose where the risk is zero. This is where we need more research,” Brenner told Congress.

While individual risk is statistically small, Brenner said the population risk has the potential to be significant. Among his concerns: X-rays are effective at breaking molecular bonds in organic molecules, such as DNA, resulting in damage to chromosomes and chromosome damage in a single cell can be the first of many steps on the path to cancer.

According to Brenner’s research, susceptibility to X-rays differs by individual. At-risk subsets of the population include children, developing embryos and fetuses and genetically sensitive groups.

Brenner told Congress the new full-body backscatter scanners do not emit a uniform dosage of radiation throughout the body. Some parts of the body will receive larger doses than others and the largest doses from this type of technology will affect the skin. The 0.15 µSv is a relatively low dose of radiation, but still higher than average.

His report also cited basal cell carcinoma as one of the most common cancers associated with X-ray exposure, particularly after exposure in childhood. Radiation acts as a multiplier of natural cancer rates, so any increases in cancers as a result of X-ray scanner irradiation of children would not likely appear for decades.

Brenner, who throughout his speech, reiterated his belief that the overall risk is very low, is rallying for more research into the effect of full-body scanner exposure on the general population balanced with the potential benefits of safer flying.

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DOT Finalizes Tokyo Decision

The battle over take-off and landing slots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) is over. U.S. regulators have finalized a decision that gives Delta Air Lines slots for two daily flights. American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will each get one slot. United Airlines and Continental Airlines were denied access to airport slots. A new runway will open in October and flights will begin shortly thereafter.

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Delta, US Airways To Sue FAA

Delta Air Lines and US Airways are headed to court, announcing they plan to sue the Federal Aviation Administration over the conditions the FAA imposed for a proposed slot swap between the two airlines. The airlines announced their decision in a letter sent to the general counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the chief counsel of the FAA.

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Airlines Await Fines

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines face fines following violations of the three-hour tarmac delay rule. During the month of May, five flights were delayed for more than three hours. United operated four of them; Delta operated one. The airlines face fines of up to $27,500 per passenger and are currently awaiting the results of a Department of Transportation investigation into the incidents. Carriers are not fined if planes were delayed for safety and security reasons.

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Aloft Minneapolis
900 Washington Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55415
tel 985 624 3697

by Barbara & Jim Twardowski Aloft Minneapolis is less than two years old and located in the downtown, revitalized Mill District. In the 1800s, the mills built along the Mississippi River, near St. Anthony Falls, jettisoned the area into the largest producer of flour in the world. By the 1960s, flour production ceased and the buildings stood empty or were demolished. Today, the remaining mills have been converted to loft homes. Across the street from the hotel are the Mill City Museum, a National Historic Landmark, and the internationally acclaimed Guthrie Theatre.

The modern exterior of Aloft blends well with its neighbors. The hotel is a new brand for Starwood and describes itself as “a vision of W Hotels.” A hip, happy and hospitable hotel, every room was reserved on the day we arrived.

Hotel guests are greeted with neon-colored signage, 42-inch LCD televisions mounted to the wall, music that complements the time of day (soothing in the morning and a club beat at night) and chic, modern decor. Self-parking for $15 a day is available in an outdoor lot or at a condo complex beside the hotel.

Staff members work inside a circular desk. From this strategically placed spot, they assist guests who are checking in and out of the hotel, serve as concierge — dispensing maps and information — and ring up items bought at Re: fuel (the 24/7 grab-and-go gourmet station). No matter what time of day we passed the front desk, the staff was busy and always paused to say, “Hello.” Young and professional, they could be students from the nearby University of Minnesota.

The first floor of the hotel is the heart of the property. During our visit, patrons sipped drinks at the Wxyz bar and young men were racking up balls at a fuchsia-colored pool table. Another guest was leaning over a computer checking Mapquest and a couple sat chatting on the couch by the fireplace. Just down the hall are a glass-enclosed indoor swimming pool and a workout room. In the evening, the courtyard space became the stage for a local band.

Our fourth-floor room had two queen-size beds, huge windows and a long desk. A plug-and-play connectivity station allowed us to view a PowerPoint presentation on the 42-inch television mounted to the wall. Internet service is free throughout the property. The room was nearly 300 square feet with an oversized bathroom. Amenities included a safe, a mini-refrigerator and a coffee/tea set-up. Complimentary newspapers were located in the lobby.

Aloft Minneapolis, like the city, is energetic, engaging and exciting.

Score: 5/5

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Solar Plane’s Overnight Flight

A solar-powered experimental airplane completed a 24-hour test flight last week. The flight took place overnight and was powered by energy collected from the sun during the day. According to The New York Times, the flight was the longest and highest solar-powered aircraft. It reached an altitude of more than 28,000 feet above sea level. The plane took off and landed in Payerne, Switzerland and was in the air for exactly 26 hours and nine minutes.

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Rebak Island Resort
P.O. Box 125, Kuah Langkawi
Kedah Darul Aman
Malaysia
tel 604 966 5566

by Alexandra Young On a Saturday morning, I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and hop a 50-minute flight to the famed Malaysian island of Langkawi. Landing in Langkawi, I disembarked the aircraft to a small, clean and modern airport. Walking through the arrivals gate, a friendly member of the Rebak Island Resort, Langkawi, a Taj Hotel, staff was waiting to greet me.

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Ho Chi Minh Hotels

Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon - 5Star

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Choose a deluxe room or suite with large desk and ample lighting, luxurious bedding, in-room coffee and tea service, high-speed Internet, safe and well-stocked mini-bar

    Hotel : Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon
    Rating: 5 Star *****
    Address: 8-15 Ton Duc Thang street, District 1 • Ho Chi Minh • Vietnam

Overview
Food, Drink and Entertainment
Check in & out
Facilities
Room Amenities

Located in the heart of Saigon's business district, the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon offers first-class amenities and hospitality. From our spectacular hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy incredible views of the Saigon River and stroll to museums, galleries and area attractions. Choose a deluxe room or suite with large desk and ample lighting, luxurious bedding, in-room coffee and tea service, high-speed Internet, safe and well-stocked mini-bar. After a day of meetings or sightseeing, relax at our poolside terrace or enjoy a leisurely dinner at Kabin, known as one of the finest Chinese restaurants in the city. Free wifi offered at Atrium Lounge. Take a dip in our rooftop pool and visit our Health Club for an invigorating workout. When planning a conference or social event, our upscale business hotel in Saigon features event planning and culinary delights to make every event unforgettable. Whether your travels to Ho Chi Minh City are for business or leisure, you'll find ultimate luxury at the Renaissance.


City View Room	River View Room	Club lounge access - City View

Club lounge access - River View	Club lounge access - Suite River View	Presidential Suite

Restaurant

Riverside Cafe

International food

Riverside Café is the hotel's all day dining restaurant, overlooking the bustling street life and ferries arriving and leaving on the Saigon River. The restaurant features chef crafted buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

* Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
* Dress code: Casual

Kabin Chinese Restaurant

Chinese food

Renowned as one of the best Chinese restaurants in town, Kabin specializes in Cantonese cuisine, with culinary highlights of Szechuan and other regional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is perfectly suited to cater to international and Asian clients.

* Open for lunch and dinner
* Dress code: Casual

Lobby Lounge

Fast Food

Lobby lounge is the perfect place to meet with business associates and friends, serves speciality coffees, take away coffees, cookies and a selection of light snacks and quick bites.

* Open for lunch and dinner
* Dress code: Casual

Dink

Pool Bar

Bar-B-Q

The Poolside bar offers sweeping views over the Saigon River and the city skyline making it the perfect place for a relaxing drink with friends.

* Open for lunch and dinner
* Dress code: Casual

Atrium Lounge

Coffee House

The Atrium lounge is an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, offering fashionable drinks and upscale food in cool stylish surrounding. Being the internet free zone, it is a great place to relax and unwind.

* Open for lunch and dinner
* Dress code: Casual

Earliest Check-In (HH:MM)	12:00
Latest Check-In (HH:MM)	14:00
If there is a available room before check-in time, It is posible to take it ?	Yes
Latest Check-Out (HH:MM)	12:00
Late check-out ( after 12:00)	50% room charge
Room Service	24 hours

Available

Not Available

	babysitting	meeting facilities
	bar/pub	nightclub
	bicycle rental	pets allowed
	business center	poolside bar
	car park	restaurant
	casino	room service
	coffee shop	room service 24hr
	concierge	safety deposit boxes
	disabled facilities	salon
	elevator	shops
	executive floor	smoking room
	family room	tours
	hotel/airport transfer	valet parking
	laundry service/dry cleaning	WiFi

Available

Not Available

	air conditioning	internet access (wireless)
	balcony/terrace	ironing board
	bathrobes	jacuzzi bathtub
	bathtub	kitchenette
	coffee/tea maker	microwave
	complimentary bottled water	mini bar
	daily newspaper	non smoking rooms
	desk	private pool
	DVD/CD player	satellite/cable TV
	hair dryer	separate shower and tub
	in room safe	shared bathroom
	in room video games	shower
	inhouse movies	television
	internet access	television LCD/plasma screen
	internet access (charges apply)	wireless internet access (charges apply)
	internet access (complimentary)	wireless internet access (complimentary)

Validity	Room Type	Room Rates ( USD )				Instant Confirmation
Today	Room Type	Single	Double	Triple	Board Basic	Instant Confirmation
Price update Saturday, 04 September 2010	City View Room	USD 140	USD 140	USD 180	Bed & Breakfast	Book it
	River View Room	USD 160	USD 160	USD 210	Bed & Breakfast	Book it
	Club lounge access - City View	USD 200	USD 200	USD 250	Bed & Breakfast	Book it
	Club lounge access - River View	USD 220	USD 220	USD 260	Bed & Breakfast	Book it
	Club lounge access - Suite River View	USD 350	USD 350		Bed & Breakfast
	Presidential Suite	USD 1,800	USD 1,800		Bed & Breakfast


Rates are inclusive of VAT, government taxes and service charges. All rates in US Dollars and per room (single or twin occupancy). Any cancellations received less than 7 day(s) before arrival will be subject to a cancellation fee, in the amount of 100% of total amount. Failure to arrive at your hotel will be treated as a late cancellation. This will incur 100% of total amount.

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Ho Chi Minh Hotels

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Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh Hotels

Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon - 5Star

Overview

Food, Drink and Entertainment

Check in & out

Facilities

Room Amenities

Restaurant

Dink