This has got to be one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. If you don’t agree – that’s fine.

But you have to admit it’s extremely unique.

You know those big concrete tubes? The ones used for sewer lines and water? I remember a new neighborhood going in as a kid and we played in these tubes for days on end. (At least until they were buried – never to been seen again.)

An Architectural firm called T3arc has taken these massive tubes and recycled them into hotel rooms for guests located approximately 45 minutes outside of Mexico City. This very affordable hotel has been open since 2010 and offers lodging for Tepoztlan tourist in a rugged, yet panoramic view of the Sierra del Tepozteco.

While the TuboHotel wouldn’t be considered a Five Star Resort by any stretch, it does offer most of the creature comforts. Tubes come furnished with a queen size bed, small desk, desk light, fan, and under-bed storage.

Personal hygiene is also taken into consideration with bathroom houses supplying hot water, private showers and private toilets. They do recommend a robe, flip-flops, shampoo, soap and your own Tubo-Rubber-Ducky. (Clean towels and hangers are provided inside the tubes.)

One review we found expressed “The hotel is very clean; basic but comfortable.” Not bad for about $45 US dollars per night.

The T3arc architects created these two-story mini hotels with triangular modules, large enough for a family of four. The rooms are stacked in a pyramid shape, reflecting the Aztec pyramid of El Tepozteco that overlooks the town. Being concrete, the tubes maintain their temperature during the day and night. Cool during the day and warm at night.

Not to obstruct the panoramic views found on site, tube opening provide a glass enclosure in the front, complete with a door for access. Curtains provide your privacy while changing and sleeping.

The best part of this whole TuboHotel is what it does for our environment. Concrete creates huge problems for landfills. More times than not, it arrives in extremely large quantities (like say…these tubes) and has a very long lifespan. Repurposing these cylinders in this way provides new life to massive objects that would otherwise end up in our refuse system.

As a kid, I would have loved a fort like this to play in all day long. Heck, I played in them all day anyway and they didn’t have a bed or a desk in them. Add the panoramic views of Sierra del Tepozteco and you have a unique guest experience for the eco-conscious and average traveler alike.

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Maybe it’s my 70′s gen rock and roller coming out – but the first thing I thought of when I saw this announcement was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Call Me The Breeze“. For me, that’s what cruising is all about – just laid back rock and roll that’s a ton of fun, and very – very cool.

Day before yesterday, Carnival announced the name of its 24th ship to set sail in the spring of 2012 – The Carnival Breeze. It’s the third ship of the Dream Class and like the Dream and the Carnival Magic, Carnival’s Breeze will debut in Europe for a while before finding a home in the Port of Miami in November 2012.

We’ve yet to set sail on a Dream Class ship, but have plans to enjoy a family vacation on the Carnival Dream out of Port Canaveral in April of next year. (That is, if the kids Spring Break works out the way we think it will – but we’ll find out in a couple of weeks.)

I really miss the days when it was just Ronda and I sometimes – or even before the kids were in school. Now, everything revolves around school and activities.

Don’t get me wrong – I love these times and the kids need school and these extra activities, but the more I promote this Class of Ship – the more I want to experience it for myself.

There was a time when a new ship would come out, and we would find a way to set sail on the latest and greatest Carnival had. Victory, Triumph, Legend, and Glory where all like that. Now it’s just a pain in the “you know what” to find the time with the kid’s schedule – especially a 7 day, even during the summer.

We might have to steal some time, even with the shortened summer this year. After reading this press release and talking about it, I’m starting to twitch again. ;-P

Here’s the Press Release Direct from Carnival:

Carnival Cruise Lines’ New 130,000-Ton Ship to be Named Carnival Breeze

Carnival Breeze has been selected as the name for the line’s new 130,000-ton cruise ship scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.

To be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze will be the third in the line’s Dream class. The series’ namesake vessel, Carnival Dream, entered service in 2009 and a sister ship, Carnival Magic, is currently under construction at Fincantieri and is scheduled to debut in Europe in May 2011.

Carnival Breeze will offer many of the popular innovations featured on Carnival Dream as well as some exciting and unique new elements created just for this vessel that will be detailed at a later date, along with homeport and itinerary information.

“Carnival Breeze promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet and its name reflects the continued evolution of our brand while conveying the fun and carefree spirit associated with a Carnival cruise,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Signature Dream-class elements featured on Carnival Breeze will include expansive facilities for children and teens, a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides.

Other features will include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza and a wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean views with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families.

Carnival Breeze will be the 24th vessel in Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet, which operates three- to 15-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda and Europe.

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When I ran into this marriage of eco-friendly travel and iPhone app – I fell in love. Both happen to be two of my favorite subjects in the whole world right now. I’ve always been a technology geek, and love how it’s used to increase productivity and speed. When it helps out the environment too – it’s simply a slam dunk.

I’ve collected an entire page of “green” applications on my iPhone over the years. (Probably installed at least two pages, but condensed it down to the applications I use most.)

Catherine Mack is responsible for creating a brand new application in iTunes called Ireland Green Travel. Catherine is a travel writer specializing in green, eco, responsible and ethical tourism. She also holds a Masters degree in Responsible Tourism Management. Her new application for the iPhone features the best green accommodations, activities and hiking adventures, along with eco-friendly places to stay in Ireland.

Green places to stay include lakeside lodges, yurt camps, island retreats, eco-castles, grand houses “with more than just grand green gestures”, yoga retreats, community-run hostels, switched-on hotels and activity centers throughout the island of Ireland, North and South of the border. The application also features how to get there without using a car.

Catherine wrote a book called Eco Escape: Ireland some years ago and wanted to update it. What she ended up with was not only an update on all the eco-friendly places and activities that are popping up all over the Ireland – but an update in technology with this cool new mobile app.

According to Catherine, she was a bit hesitant about creating an application instead of the tried and true guidebook. After launching the new application however, Catherine admits there are a myriad of benefits for both her and the end user. Her biggest surprise was how she could update the application with new tours and activities without having to re-write a new book or application. End users also have to capability to interact and connect through the application with Google Maps, YouTube videos, train timetables; links to walking trails, and eye catching photos.

The new iPhone app is moderately priced at $2.99 and can be found in the iTunes store. You can also search for the application directly on your iPhone under “Ireland Green Travel”.

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I was working on our Newsletter to our subscriber base this weekend and regrettably had to give them a heads up that cruise “fuel supplements” may be back for another round in the months ahead. When gas prices went through the roof in 2008, cruise lines implemented a fuel surcharge to passengers to cover the rising price of crude oil. A typical charge would be anywhere from an additional $3 to $6 per person – per day to help these large ships stay afloat.

We’ve all noticed the prices at the pump. In January, I saw news about fuel surcharges returning in Europe. Then, last week, Cunard announced that they will be increasing its fuel surcharge from $6 a day to $9 per day for cruises booked after February 28th here in the States.

The cruise industry has held a very special place for me from the moment I first stepped into the Grand Atrium of the Imagination more than twelve years ago. After our first cruise experience I had been telling anyone who was willing to listen that “a cruise is the best vacation money could buy”. The value is one of the best in the industry, with pampering and service that’s hard to match. The reintroduction of fuel surcharges however, could very well put a damper on the value and allure cruising.

While some will focus on higher fuel costs being the problem – frankly, I see an opportunity here to change for the better.

And maybe – just maybe – we’ll find a cruise line that will make it happen.

Back in 2007 Royal Caribbean had an opportunity to become the outright leader in the cruise industry surrounding environmental impact with alternative fuels. RCCL not only had a 7% stake with a company called Imperium Renewables, but agreed to purchase 18 million gallons of biodiesel from the company starting in 2008. Less than a year later however, Royal Caribbean not only pulled the plug on its contract, but sold its 7% share of the plant. Besides completely dropping the ball on this, I can’t help but wonder if the $13 million in sales the company threw overboard by cutting off a Top 50 Host Agency could have made a difference.

Typical of Royal Caribbean at the time – they were more concerned with perception rather than being bold or doing what was right.

Fortunately, there are smarter companies who are willing to invest in our Nation’s future and the need for renewable fuels. Today, Imperium Renewables refinery in Grays Harbor produces 100 million gallons of renewable fuel annually with an emphasis on aviation – not cruise ships.

Which begs the question (for me at least) that if we have the capability to produce 100 million gallons of biofuel for aviation – bunker oil for cruise ships would be a walk in the park – right? Bunker fuel after all, is a waste product. The dredge that remains after all of the refining processes and the high octane fuels have been produced and the diesel products have been extracted from the crude oil.

Which brings me back oddly enough to algae. Algae are not only naturally occurring in many oceans, but they happen to be the main reason we have the fossil fuels we’ve been burning over the last 100 years. Many think it was dinosaurs, but the truth is, it was algae that created this black gold millions of years ago. It not only multiplies at a very rapid pace, it’s capable of producing in excess of 30 times more oil per acre than corn and soybean crops. (On land or water not suitable for crops no less.)

Two companies that have caught my eye in the last year have been Solazyme and Sapphire Energy. Both have been working with the Department of Defense and last month Solazyme provided biofuel for the Navy for field test. According to the report, the Navy couldn’t tell a difference between the biofuel mix and the normal fuel. Within the next ten years, the Navy has plans to power its fleet using 50% biofuel. That means big money is dropping into companies like Solazyme and Saphirre Energy and with the help of Government backing from the DoD, these companies are well on their way.

Now imagine a cruise line that’s environmentally conscious. One Cruise Line who has stepped up to the plate in reducing our overall carbon footprint is Holland America. The cruise line won the 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards as Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Line. The Lines commitment to responsible environmental practices include, waste reduction and recycling, use of cleaner-burning propulsion technology and cutting-edge cleaning solutions. Holland America Line also has a history of embracing new environmental technologies such as shore power while ships are in port which not only saves fuel, but is far cleaner for the surrounding port.

A true Eco-Friendly leader such as Holland America could (or maybe should) jump at the chance to pick up were Royal Caribbean dropped the ball. What I also like about Holland America is they happen to be part of Carnival Corporation, which form the largest fleet of cruise ships out on our oceans today. If a green initiative with Holland America is successful using biofuels, it could spread rapidly to Princess, Carnival, Costa, and Cunard – which in turn will help the entire industry get off bunker crude oil to a much cleaner – renewable form of fuel.

But there’s still the problem of price with biofuels as it stands today. While Sapphire Energy would like to get the price down between $60 and $80 per barrel, the mass production to create a viable replacement isn’t there, and therefore the price is still not as cheap as fossil fuel. But what if a company like Holland America decides to increase its overall edge in Eco-Friendly cruising and uses the impending fuel supplement charges to change over to bio fuels instead of fossil fuel? Even if it’s going to cost more than an average of $3 to $6 per day per person per day?

Obviously, I can’t speak for anyone but myself on this issue, but the idea of paying a fuel supplement when I’m actually helping the advancement of biofuels and helping our environment at the same time brings the meaning of value and allure back to where it should be in an industry I love. The current situation of fuel surcharges actually creates a window of opportunity for a company that’s committed to being more responsible and eco-friendly.

I’ve always liked people and companies that take problems and turn them into solutions. It’s just the way I roll. Anyone committed to making this solution happen would certainly get my business. What about you?

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Before we had kids – Ronda and I went on a number of Valentine’s Week cruises. Our last cruise during this week was in 2003, when Ronda was pregnant with Brian. An eight day Southern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Legend.

If you think cruising is romantic – you really should try it during Valentines. There’s nothing like it. We would do it again in a snap, but with the kids in school now it’s just not an option – for now. Oddly enough, leaving a bowl of food and water in the corner while we whisk off on another cruise getaway doesn’t cut it according to Ronda.

Let’s face it. It’s cold outside and we’re thinking of some place warm. With the way this winter has hit everyone with snow, it’s probably more prevalent than in years past.

BandBVacations.com, YTB Travel Network, and Carnival Cruise Lines can help you out with those winter blues with a Winter Warm-up Sail-A-Thon right from the comfort of your own home.

Carnival and YTB was the first to offer this type of free webinar several years ago – and they’ve been a huge hit with clients, agents, and Carnival. I’ve lost count on how many we’ve done with them – but it’s super easy to do for them, and super easy for you to participate. Just hit our booking engine tomorrow night.

It all starts at 7:oo pm – 6:00 pm Central. YTB Travel Network President Kim Sorensen will also be interacting on Facebook with trivia questions and posting cruise pictures on his fan page. The broadcast will re-air each hour during the evening, so if you miss it at 7:00 pm, you can catch it again at 8:00 – 9:00 – 10:00 and 11:00.

This is a great time of year to be booking a cruise for the summer. Carnival has an Early Saver program that can save hundreds on the cost of a cruise.

Prior to launching year-round Caribbean service from Galveston, Carnival Magic will operate a series of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing Oct. 28, 2011.

These European cruises will be going fast on this brand new ship – so if you’re looking for Europe, you’ll need to do it now.

If Europe isn’t your thing; Carnival has 19 ports they sail out of and 23 ships that are currently sailing this year. (The most in the industry.)

If you want to warm up and get yourself out of the winter blues – this is just the ticket.

Join us tomorrow night for this Winter Warm-up Sail-A-Thon and book what we consider is the best vacation money can buy!

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It’s that time of year again – CLIA’s annual World’s Largest Cruise Night!

Every year in October, Travel Agencies from around the country round up clients in hotel rooms, office buildings, and even homes to promote what we’ve always considered “the best vacation money can buy” – a cruise. For Agencies it’s a great way to get a jump on sales for the coming year, and clients have an exciting vacation to look forward to.

CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) came up with the idea six years ago and both cruise lines and travel agents have fallen in love with the idea as a way to boost sales in what “was” traditionally the slowest month for travel sales.

Today, CLIA, cruise lines, and travel agents all come together in the month of October to make this time of year the single biggest cruise promotion of the year. Last years event generated $45 million in cruise sales and nearly $6 million in new commissions for travel agents.

This year, YTB Travel network teams up with “The Most Popular Cruise Line in the World” to bring both savings and cruise upgrades which are available on virtually all “Fun Ship” departures through December 2011. Carnival will not only be offering the Best Available Upgrades on the majority of their sailings, but up to a $200 onboard credit per stateroom for all Carnival Magic Europe voyages booked on October 13.

The best part of this sale is YTB and Carnival comes to YOU via the World Wide Web in a special webinar hosted Wednesday night at 7:00 pm Eastern, 6:00 pm Central to showcase the largest fleet of cruise ships available, from the largest selection of ports in the industry. A special rebroadcast will air during the evening, so make sure you log in at some point during the evening.

YTB and Carnival will feature “Best Available Upgrades” which are available on virtually all sailings through December 2011 – and when booked on October 13th, use Fare Code: PCN when booking. Carnival’s bonus offer includes the Best Available Upgrade PLUS up to a $200 onboard credit per stateroom on European sailings – just use Fare Code: OCL. The sale is valid on new individual bookings made on 10/13/10. Best available upgrade available on like to like categories (interior to interior, oceanview to oceanview and balcony to balcony). Promotion is applicable on all sailings between through 12/31/11.

Best of all this is a fun learning opportunity. Cruising is all about you. You can find adventure, culture and education or, relax the day away. Dine on fine cuisine. Indulge at the spa. Reconnect with family. Share romantic moments. All this, in the destination of your choice, for a few days, a week or more, on a cruise that’s right for you.

Do something that’s just for you. Join us tomorrow night from the comfort of your own home for the World’s Largest Cruise Night Carnival Sale event and take advantage of Carnival’s exclusive offers and special promotions.

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• Carnival Cruise Lines – Check!
• Pleasant Holidays - Check!
• Princess Cruise Lines - Check!

Tonight, we’d like to introduce a brand new vendor for the VERY popular Sail-A-Thon series right on our booking engine!

Please welcome MSC Cruises to the growing list of vendors that YTB Travel Network has highlighted over the years – offer incredible deals for you tonight, Tuesday September 14th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm CST. (Special rebroadcast that same night at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm CST.)

Here are the details and specials you’ll find tonight;

• $599 Fall Balcony blow out. All sailings in fall except the Thanksgiving cruise.
• ALL Fall sailing early booking discount $50.00 per person
• Fall cabin upgrades
• Winter Caribbean cabin upgrades
• $599 Winter Mediterranean on the Magnifica
• More specials to be announced live on Tuesday, September 14th.

**All rates are Per Person.

Not familiar with MSC or know what’s offered by the cruise line? Now’s your chance to find out directly from MSC on this one hour webinar. It’s truly a very classy cruise line, and boasts the newest fleet of cruise ships sailing today.

MSC offers the perfect blend of European charm and modern Italian elegance. MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia also offer the “MSC Yacht Club”, an exclusive ship within a ship offering the ultimate in luxury cruising. A haven of peace and refinement with exclusive butler service and a complete spectrum of private facilities to bring you an unforgettable luxury cruise experience.

It’s a class all by itself.

But don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself right from the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is join us tonight to find out more about YTB Travel Network and MSC Cruises.

Who knows – you could possibly book the best cruise of your life with us on MSC Cruises.

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