It’s been years since I was on a cruise as a kid, and it wasn’t on Royal Caribbean. After that experience I thought cruises were for newly-weds and nearly-deads. Royal Caribbean has gained a reputation as a premier cruise line and offers a wide variety of destinations, not just in the Caribbean.

When people think about a cruise their first thoughts are of the Caribbean or a lazy cruise around the Mediterranean. If you are looking for something a bit unusual and see some amazing sights then Australia is another Royal Caribbean destination.

 

Extensive options are available for cruises in Australia, Asia, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean, ranging from three- to 18-night itineraries, aboard one of three Royal Caribbean ships. Brilliance of the Seas will continue its second year-round deployment in Europe in 2010 from Malaga, Spain. Rhapsody of the Seas will embark on its third season in the South Pacific and Australia, and Legend of the Seas will sail Royal Caribbean’s third consecutive winter season in Southeast Asia. Bookings for these cruises open this week.

A five-night Australia cruise tour itinerary begins in Sydney and includes the Great Barrier Reef excursion from Port Douglas and the natural monolith, Ayers Rock. On a six-night New Zealand itinerary, guests explore Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound, and conclude in Sydney. All Royal Caribbean International cruisetours offer regional specialists, and include hotel accommodations, activities, air and land transfers, certain meals, and time for individual pursuits.

Travelocity is offering discounts on many of their Royal Caribbean Cruise packages. You can get up to $200 off your cruise when you book a vacation by June 19, 2008. If you book a vacation that is 6 nights or longer you also receive a free onboard savings book. These offers can be used to reserve your choice of ocean view, balcony, or suite stateroom from August 1 through December 31, 2008.

Jack Nicklaus hosts the Memorial Tournament to honor golf legends this week. This year the honors go to Tony Jacklin who is given credit for revitalizing the Ryder Cup when he was the captain of the European team in 1983.

Joel Enterprises Inc. is one of several creditors seeking judgments against Michael Vick, who is serving jail time at the United States Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas. Joel Enterprises Inc., is owed $4.5 million for breach of contract. Michael Vick

What do you know about Puerto Rico? I know very little so I thought I had better find out something about Puerto Rico's history and politics. So here are some quick facts: Christopher Columbus visited in 1493

Jesse Helms, former NC senator, died on the Fourth of July. He was 86. The chairman of The Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, N.C, said Jesse Helms died at 1:15 a.m. He died comfortably in Raleigh of natural causes, according