Travel Briefs

The precarious financial status of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises (www.windjammer.com) forced it to cancel certain sailings in November and December 2007, and more sailings may be canceled.

Rumors and conflicting statements abound as to whether the company will formally enter bankruptcy or struggle on with a ship or two. Passengers holding tickets for future cruises should contact their travel agents.

Passengers who have had cruises canceled and are seeking refunds should call...

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Several companies are quickly selling trips for the July 22, 2009, total solar eclipse, which will be visible for nearly five minutes on a path through China and the Pacific Islands.

TravelQuest International (Prescott, AZ; 800/830-1998, www.travelquestinternational.com) offers two China itineraries, with the eclipse to be viewed from a beach near Shanghai: a 9-day trip at $2,840 (plus $800 single supplement) and a 6-day, $2,230 (plus $600). 

Eclipse Tours/Future Travel, Inc. (...

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Disney Destinations is offering a 9-night, family-based, guided tour, “Discovery Down Under Australia,” that includes Sydney, Ayers Rock, a Great Barrier Reef catamaran, Aboriginal cultural centers, a Mossman Gorge hike and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Tours run June 2008 to April 2009. Land-only prices are US$3,999-$4,499 per adult and $3,559-$4,049, child under 12.

Contact a travel agent or a tour operator such as Affordable Tours (800/935-2620, www.affordabletours.com)...

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The website www.TVTrips.com offers video tours of many hotels in Europe. On city maps, visitors to the site can click on a numbered hotel and a video pops up showing the surrounding area, the hotel’s public areas and each class of room. Sample prices are listed.

The Singapore Flyer, a state-of-the-art, luxury Ferris wheel, will open in March 2008. Rising 541 feet (42 stories), it will provide panoramic views of Marina Bay and the Singapore financial district skyline.

Running 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily, rides will last about 37 minutes, and each of the 28 fully air-conditioned capsules will hold up to 30 people. Rides will cost S$29.50 (US$20) adult, S$23.60 senior and S$20.65 child.

For info or to prebook a ride, visit www....

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Travelers to Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, can explore the city and the surrounding area by trolley and see historic and natural sites. Riders can choose any of five tours: Historical, Heritage, Gardens, Outskirt and Beach. All include an English narration.

The trolley departs from Lagarta’s quisque (kiosk) on Avenida Infante D. Henrique and runs 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in winter and 9-11 in summer. Tickets, €4 ($6). Contact Lagarta (phone 296 629 446, www.lagarta....

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A series of free, downloadable travel guides aimed at cruise passengers gives information on things to do and see during short-stay port calls. Along with local history and essential background info, topics covered include public transport, local tours, recreational activities, shopping and eating out.

Available for over 200 destinations, each “A Day In™” guide can be downloaded from the website www.a-day-in.com either as a complete document or in separate sections. Detailed local...

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Lonely Planet has released three pocket-sized phrase books: ”Fast Talk French,” “Fast Talk Italian” and “Fast Talk Spanish.” Each has essential tourist phrases plus an audio CD so travelers can actually hear the phrases.

Each book costs $6.99 and is available at http://shop.lonelyplanet.com or at booksellers like Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com. The books are also offered in MP3 format to download off the website for $5.50 each.