FOXNews.com: Norwegian Epic: the best and worst in cruising

FOXNews.com FOX News Network - We Report. You Decide. // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Norwegian Epic: the best and worst in cruising Mar 27th 2012, 18:54 Sometimes the confluence of time, money and power leads to "one of a kind" creations. The Saturn-V rocket and the entire moon landing are good examples. The economic boom of the early 2000's brought other "wow factor" projects, like Steve Wynn's eponymous Las Vegas hotel and the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The cruise industry also caught "wow-fever" during this time and gave us sailing wonders unlikely to be equaled for decades. In 2006, Royal Caribbean conceived its "Genesis Project," constructing the two largest and most technologically-advanced cruise ships ever -- Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. To compete, the smaller but scrappier Norwegian Cruise Line created its own mega-ship design in 2006. It was dubbed "F3," signifying the third generation of "FreeStyle Cruising" -- a term NCL coined to describe cruise ships with "no set dining times, no assigned tables, a relaxed dress code and more restaurants than days in the week." F3 was touted as the epitome of the "FreeStyle" concept - an would become the third largest ship in the world. Norwegian placed a firm order with a top shipyard in France for two new, identical F3 vessels in 2006 – with the discretionary option for a third. That third ship was never built; in fact, neither was the second. Only Norwegian Epic was finished – and within its "hull and timbers" are some of the best and worst attributes ever built into a cruise ship. For this reason, I like to call Norwegian Epic the "Ugly Duckling" of the cruise industry. I just returned from my second sailing on the ship last week. My first was the inaugural cruise in June 2010, from Southampton to New York City. What is Wrong with Norwegian Epic? Epic is widely regarded as the ugliest cruise ship in existence, as the blog UglyShips.com shows in a pictorial. Carnival's top cruise director, John Heald, wrote on his FaceBook page, "it was a beautiful day in St.Thomas … though there were puddles of vomit along the pier. Then I realized we were docked next to the Epic." But as with the original Ugly Duckling, first impressions can be wrong, and Epic actually has some of the finest cruise ship features at sea. But first a dish of old-fashioned schadenfreude (a German word that means taking joy in the misery of others). The gracious and majestic profiles of passenger ships have been celebrated for centuries. But it is hard to imagine a less appealing visage than Norwegian Epic's -- especially its protruding Frankenstein's monster forehead dominating bow of the ship, evoking exactly the opposite impression of streamlined vessels cutting through the wind and sea. Then there's Epic's body, like a stack of Lego blocks. In an odder-than-life coincidence, I found a picture of a real 1995 Lego Toy Company box known as the Color Line Promotional Set: Cruise Ship. UglyShips.com suggests Norwegian used this picture as the inspiration for the ship design – and they could be right. This actual box from 1995 contains building blocks from the Lego "FreeStyle" product, which Lego created in 1995 -- a decade before Norwegian adopted the word "FreeStyle" in a hale chorus for its style of cruising. Ugly is Not Only Skin Deep And that's not all. Norwegian Epic has the worst stateroom design ever. Norwegian boasted "a unique bathroom treatment where every area is separate, including the shower and a modern vanity sink. The walls are curved to create a modern and chic living experience." In fact, the bathroom treatments are only semi-private and not soundproof at all. The toilet and the shower are only separated from the main room by partially closed frosted glass panels. Anyone inside either "facility" becomes a blurry image with little left to the imagination. To top it off, they are each located on either side of the front door, so if your room steward walks in at the wrong time someone could get an eyeful. The "vanity sink" is a high-capacity faucet directly above a rounded bowl. Like a recurring gag in a Marx Brothers movie, turning on the water often leads to mopping the floor with a bath towel followed by changing your shirt. If you are lucky, you'll avoid soaking your vanity bed. The light switch for the sink area was on the wall under the counter; I had to call reception to help me find it, and when I got down on all fours I still couldn't see it. The "wavy walls" are a contrivance to reduce the square footage of the staterooms to "just large enough for the beds," which tall people claim are several inches shorter than standard. The end of that shortened bed is so close to the opposite wall that people have to take turns crossing the room. The walls then curve the opposite way, accommodating a convex couch that is hard as a rock and could only sleep a third person if he happens to have scoliosis. The public rooms' décor is Reno casino reminiscent with burgundy and gold paisley carpets. But most frustrating is the limited size of the ship's entertainment venues. Most of the shows fill up nightly, so making reservations online pre-departure is mandatory. If you miss your reservation, you can get in a standby line for a bad seat (if you get in at all), and you have to queue up at least 30 minutes before showtime for that. The size of the showrooms is the most serious drawback of Epic,  the exact opposite of the "FreeStyle" concept F3 was supposed to embody. So What is Right with Epic? I just dished some of the worst aspects of Epic, and Norwegian is aware of these things. So let's be clear: I still highly recommend this ship for most cruisers, especially those who care about cruising solo and shipboard entertainment. Single cruisers who want a cabin of their own without paying the "singles supplement" fee have never had a better ship than Epic. Not only does Epic have 128 "studio staterooms" -- small 100 square-foot cabins with queen-size beds -- but these rooms  share a public "living room" where solo cruisers can meet up for dinner and shows. The concept is so simple, logical and helpful for solo cruisers that it is a wonder more ships don't have the same setup. But they don't. Only Norwegian Epic has the studio staterooms, and that is a point of distinction. What's more, despite the tiny showrooms Epic has the best entertainment at sea, in my humble opinion (as a person who has stage-managed several cruise shows and seen the entertainment on every cruise line in North America). Epic does not hire its own cast and put on its own shows, nor does it hire a producer to create "cruise shows" like so many other cruise lines. Instead, Norwegian signs on professional entertainers who bring their land-based shows to its ships. Only Epic has the hit show "Blue Man Group." This is my personal favorite New York show. Epic also has "Legends in Concert," a Las Vegas company that creates complete tribute shows to stars like Madonna, Rod Stewart, Elvis, Michael Jackson or Tina Turner with the same choreography and musical arrangements as the originals. Then there is Second City Comedy – the famous troupe out of Chicago that sent many now-famous comedians to TV programs like Saturday Night Live. Other noteworthy attractions of the Epic include water slides and Nickelodeon characters for the kids; the Fat Cats Jazz Bar that actually features blues music nightly; the frozen "Svedka Ice Bar," where everything from the tables to the vodka glasses is made of ice; and an array of delicious alternative restaurants as options to the "included in the cruise fare" food -- which itself is not bad at all. Speaking of food, one of best spots on Epic is O'Sheehan's Pub. All the food is free and a pint of English ale is just $5. The fish and chips are delicious, and you can even get fresh omelets in the morning. O'Sheehan's is open 24 hours with food service -- the best 24-hour restaurant on the high seas.In a funny twist, the crewmembers cannot pronounce O'Sheehan's, so it is called "Oceans." Ugly Duckling? In the folk tale about the Ugly Duckling, the hatchling grows up to become a beautiful swan -- but Epic is still ugly. Still, the lesson is the same: Don't judge a book by its cover. Yes, Epic has its drawbacks; but it is also one of the best values in cruising and offers excellent entertainment -- and you can take that to the bank.

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FOXNews.com: Hawaii's top 10 cheap hotels

FOXNews.com FOX News Network - We Report. You Decide. // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Hawaii's top 10 cheap hotels Mar 31st 2012, 09:00 These hotel rooms across the Hawaiian Islands are comparatively inexpensive, but still provide safe, comfortable accommodations. These choices will go easy on your wallet, freeing up your dollars for more important expenditures, like luaus and helicopter rides over volcanoes. Some even offer ocean views, while others free breakfast. Here are the top 10 cheap hotels in Hawaii. OAHU Best Western The Plaza Hotel 3253 North Nimitz Hwy. Honolulu, Oahu HI 96819 808-836-3636 Located less than a mile from the Honolulu International Airport, this hotel offers a smoke-free setting, many amenities and a friendly staff. The hotel encompasses a main tower with twelve floors and more than 274 rooms. Each room has one or two beds, air-conditioning, color cable TV, microwave and refrigerator; local phone calls are free, as is high-speed Internet access. Some pet-friendly rooms are available. Read a complete hotel review of Best Western The Plaza Hotel. Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach 400 Royal Hawaiian Ave. Honolulu, Oahu HI 96815 808-954-4000 This smoke-free property features 307 guest rooms and 94 one-bedroom suites, all equipped with flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet, refrigerators and coffee makers with complimentary coffee. Wi-Fi Internet access is available in public areas. When you're not hanging out on nearby Waikiki Beach, you can enjoy the pool deck with two swimming pools, fitness center or spa. On-site Spada Bar & Restaurant offers casual Italian fare and is open for breakfast and dinner with outdoor patio seating. Additional guest amenities include a business center and an entertainment room with a 65-inch flat-screen TV and two Xbox game stations. MAUI Aston Maui Lu 575 S. Kihei Rd. Kihei, Maui HI 96753 808-879-5881, 877-997-6667 This is one of the oldest resorts on Maui's south shore. Founded in 1958 by Canadian Gordon Gibson and named after the yacht he sailed across the Pacific, it was for years a favorite with long-stay guests escaping the cold during the winter months. There have been recent room renovations, the grounds are tropically landscaped and the staff friendly. The swimming pool, shaped like the island of Maui, is a whimsical touch; the property's coconut grove is said to be the oldest on the island. If you're looking for a real bargain, this is it. Ask for the oceanfront rooms located across the street, if you want something totally private with a smashing ocean view. The property also offers free parking and tennis, and many rooms come with refrigerators. Napili Village 5425 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. Lahaina, Maui HI 96761 808-669-6228, 800-336-2185 Nestled among the numerous vacation rentals in and around popular Napili Bay, this budget-oriented property attracts long-term visitors (typically from Canada or Europe) interested in reasonable prices and simple amenities. Napili Village is not hard to locate near tree-lined Lower Honoapiilani, and it is walking distance to the beach and shopping. Restaurants and recreation are easily found in nearby Honokowai and Kapalua. Read a complete hotel review of Napili Village BIG ISLAND Manago Hotel 82-6155 Mamalahoa Hwy. Captain Cook, Hawaii HI 96704 808-323-3451 More than just a budget inn, this property is a landmark and continues to offer simple, affordable accommodations to island visitors and residents. Located in Captain Cook with views of the ocean and the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, this charming property seems to have been plucked from a side street in small town Japan. A wing was added in the 1970s, bringing the room total to 64. Rooms have simple furnishings and either private or shared baths. The tatami room offers a traditional setting and serves as a gathering place for locals. The restaurant is also a gem, providing breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is a collection of simple and authentic regional dishes with Japanese flair. Locals in the know drive miles for the inn's famous pork chops. My Island Bed & Breakfast Inn P.O. Box 100, Old Volcano Rd. Volcano, Hawaii HI 96785 808-967-7216, 808-967-7110 Located in an upland forested area about 45 minutes from the Hilo Airport at the edge of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the village of Volcano, this property offers six simple bed-and-breakfast rooms. Three rooms with shared baths are in a late nineteenth-century, missionary-style home surrounded by botanical gardens and a lush, fern-filled jungle. The other three rooms are garden units with private baths and entrances. There's also a collection of private houses, which are ideal for families, located both on and off the seven-acre grounds. The all-cedar Sauna House is a relaxing hideaway with a fireplace and sauna room. The Forest House stands in a native ohia forest and has a wood-burning fireplace, a full kitchen, a library and a washer/dryer. This lodging is known for its more-than-you-can-eat breakfasts. Naniloa Volcanoes Resort 93 Banyan Dr. Hilo, Hawaii HI 96720 808-969-3333 This 315-room, no-smoking resort, located on the water along scenic Banyan Drive on Hilo Bay, greets visitors with a large airy lobby done in a bright pastel color scheme. Just three miles from Hilo Airport and a 45-minute drive from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this property is a favorite of inter-island business travelers, as well as tourists on affordable overnight visits to the volcano. Amenities include a good-size swimming pool, 24-hour guest services desk and complimentary airport shuttle. Paradise Spa offers oceanfront exercise facilities and a whirlpool, cold plunge pool, sauna and steam room. There are two restaurants on the property, Sandalwood and the Polynesian Room. Ask for a room above the fourth floor to get the best location overlooking the bay. Complimentary hi-speed Internet access is offered in guest rooms and Wi-Fi access in public areas. Shirakawa Motel 956040 Mamalohoa Hwy. Naalehu, Hawaii HI 96772 808-929-7462 Located about 90 minutes from either the Hilo or the Keahole-Kona Airport, this motel is casual, plain and far from beaches, shopping and activities. It's for the more adventuresome traveler, who would like to experience the true aloha spirit of an earlier time in a plantation-era village. Mrs. Shirakawa rents out twelve rooms in a building next to her house. Most rooms share the bathroom at the end of the hall. A few have kitchenettes. Read a complete hotel review of Shirakawa Motel MOLOKAI Aqua Hotel Molokai P.O. Box 1020 Kaunakakai, Molokai HI 96748 808-553-5347, 800-535-0085 This is a popular spot for visiting neighbor-island residents, and it takes a certain type of tourist to really enjoy the unique charm of Molokai. There are no swanky restaurants, no freeway on-ramps and no hip bars and clubs. The town of Kaunakakai is small and simple with lots of island charm. Hotel Molokai is located along the shore just two miles outside Kaunakakai. Views of Lanai and winter migratory humpback whales are delightful in this almost always sunny location.  The 53-room property is a complex of wooden, Polynesian-style A-frame buildings standing dramatically at the edge of the ocean. Although the rooms are fairly modernized with telephones and cable TV, the grounds retain their early twentieth-century, shaded-and-dreamy tranquility. All units have private lanais, and some have kitchens. Complementing the experience of this budget hotel is the Hula Shores Restaurant and Bar which is just about the only entertainment spot on Molokai. The on-site activities desk can help arrange everything from unforgettable mule rides, waterfall hikes and more. KAUAI Kauai Sands Hotel 420 Papaloa Rd. Kapaa, Kauai HI 96746 808-822-4951, 800-560-5553 For those on a budget, this simple hotel is located on six landscaped acres near the Coconut Plantation Marketplace, six miles from the airport and the capital town of Lihue. All of the 200 rooms have mini-refrigerators, air-conditioning, cable TV and balconies. Some have partial ocean views or kitchenettes. The hotel offers basic, convenient accommodations, particularly for travelers more interested in actively exploring Kauai than lazing around a resort pool. It's also one of the state's few hotels owned and operated by Hawaiians. MORE ON GAYOT.com Top 10 Hawaiian Value Hotels Top 10 Hawaiian Bed and Breakfasts More of the Best Hawaiian Hotels

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FOXNews.com: World's best hotel beds

FOXNews.com FOX News Network - We Report. You Decide. // via fulltextrssfeed.com

World's best hotel beds Mar 28th 2012, 15:19 It doesn't matter if you stay in a cheap motel or at an uber-luxe hotel overlooking Central Park — if the mattress isn't comfortable, it can ruin your entire vacation. And as you know, you can't return a bad vacation. So we slept on the job. You've read that correctly; we tested out hotel mattresses around the globe so we can give you the low-down on which mattresses will help you catch some serious zzz's. No more counting sheep! These hotel mattresses will have you sleeping like a baby in no time. Tempur-Pedic Find 'em at: Hotel on Rivington – New York City You'll love it because: Tempur-Pedic mattresses – in every room at the Hotel on Rivington – are like form-fitting, weight-distributing sponges created just for you. Not only are these mattresses designed to adjust with your movement — whether you sleep on your side, stomach, back, or all three – in order to maintain proper spinal alignment, but they are also designed to relieve pain at key pressure points. Other hotels with 'em: The Perry Hotel; Catalina Hotel; The Gallery Inn; Cap Maison Resort & Spa Westin Heavenly Bed Find 'em at: The Westin Colonnade – Coral Gables, FL You'll love it because: One of the Westin's signatures is its Heavenly Bed, which features a luxe, 10-layer, pillow-top mattress and hypo-allergenic pillows. And you don't have to go to a Westin to snuggle up in one – the Westin Heavenly Bed is so popular that queen-size versions are sold at department stores like Nordstrom for about $2,800. Other hotels with 'em: The Westin San Francisco Market Street; The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa; The Westin Boston Waterfront Stearns & Foster Find 'em at: Trump International Hotel Las Vegas You'll love it because: One of the most recognizable names in the biz, Stearns & Foster makes super-supportive beds. Under the quilted surface, individually-wrapped titanium coils allow only a certain amount of movement so you don't toss and turn. At the Trump Tower in Vegas, you'll also snuggle with a thick, Downlite comforter and extra-large pillows. Other hotels with 'em: The Plaza; The Kahala Hotel and Resort; Trump SoHo New York; The Fairmont San Francisco; Fisher Island Hotel and Resort The Affinia Bed Find 'em at: The Liason Capitol Hill – Washington, D.C. You'll love it because: The Affinia Bed (buy it on the chain's website)  is topped with the Sealy Posturepedic Plush Sleep System, which has a box spring that firmly supports the back and extends the mattress's life. Here, guests can also choose a unique pillow from six different options, such as a natural buckwheat version, a memory foam pillow, or one with therapeutic magnets. Other hotels with 'em: Affinia Shelburne; Affinia Manhattan W Hotels Mattress Find 'em at: W San Francisco You'll love it because: The signature featherbeds at the W San Francisco (and at all of the W hotels) are designed by Simmons to relieve pressure points with its special Visco Memory Foam. Plus, at some W outposts cozy extras like colorful cashmere throws add to the experience. Don't be surprised if you fall in love with the bed. The good news, though? You can buy it on the W's website. Other hotels with 'em: W Washington DC; W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island; W Atlanta – Buckhead Sleep Number Find 'em at: Radisson Martinique on Broadway – New York City You'll love it because: Like many of the Radissons, New York's Martinique On Broadway features select rooms with Sleep Number beds, which have 100 different levels that range between incredibly firm and featherbed soft. Sleeping with someone else? No problem — each side of the bed can be adjusted to a different number. Other hotels with 'em: Bayfront Inn 5th Ave; Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino; Domain Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Hotel

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FOXNews.com: Norwegian Epic: the best and worst in cruising

FOXNews.com FOX News Network - We Report. You Decide. // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Norwegian Epic: the best and worst in cruising Mar 27th 2012, 18:54 Sometimes the confluence of time, money and power leads to "one of a kind" creations. The Saturn-V rocket and the entire moon landing are good examples. The economic boom of the early 2000's brought other "wow factor" projects, like Steve Wynn's eponymous Las Vegas hotel and the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The cruise industry also caught "wow-fever" during this time and gave us sailing wonders unlikely to be equaled for decades. In 2006, Royal Caribbean conceived its "Genesis Project," constructing the two largest and most technologically-advanced cruise ships ever -- Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. To compete, the smaller but scrappier Norwegian Cruise Line created its own mega-ship design in 2006. It was dubbed "F3," signifying the third generation of "FreeStyle Cruising" -- a term NCL coined to describe cruise ships with "no set dining times, no assigned tables, a relaxed dress code and more restaurants than days in the week." F3 was touted as the epitome of the "FreeStyle" concept - an would become the third largest ship in the world. Norwegian placed a firm order with a top shipyard in France for two new, identical F3 vessels in 2006 – with the discretionary option for a third. That third ship was never built; in fact, neither was the second. Only Norwegian Epic was finished – and within its "hull and timbers" are some of the best and worst attributes ever built into a cruise ship. For this reason, I like to call Norwegian Epic the "Ugly Duckling" of the cruise industry. I just returned from my second sailing on the ship last week. My first was the inaugural cruise in June 2010, from Southampton to New York City. What is Wrong with Norwegian Epic? Epic is widely regarded as the ugliest cruise ship in existence, as the blog UglyShips.com shows in a pictorial. Carnival's top cruise director, John Heald, wrote on his FaceBook page, "it was a beautiful day in St.Thomas … though there were puddles of vomit along the pier. Then I realized we were docked next to the Epic." But as with the original Ugly Duckling, first impressions can be wrong, and Epic actually has some of the finest cruise ship features at sea. But first a dish of old-fashioned schadenfreude (a German word that means taking joy in the misery of others). The gracious and majestic profiles of passenger ships have been celebrated for centuries. But it is hard to imagine a less appealing visage than Norwegian Epic's -- especially its protruding Frankenstein's monster forehead dominating bow of the ship, evoking exactly the opposite impression of streamlined vessels cutting through the wind and sea. Then there's Epic's body, like a stack of Lego blocks. In an odder-than-life coincidence, I found a picture of a real 1995 Lego Toy Company box known as the Color Line Promotional Set: Cruise Ship. UglyShips.com suggests Norwegian used this picture as the inspiration for the ship design – and they could be right. This actual box from 1995 contains building blocks from the Lego "FreeStyle" product, which Lego created in 1995 -- a decade before Norwegian adopted the word "FreeStyle" in a hale chorus for its style of cruising. Ugly is Not Only Skin Deep And that's not all. Norwegian Epic has the worst stateroom design ever. Norwegian boasted "a unique bathroom treatment where every area is separate, including the shower and a modern vanity sink. The walls are curved to create a modern and chic living experience." In fact, the bathroom treatments are only semi-private and not soundproof at all. The toilet and the shower are only separated from the main room by partially closed frosted glass panels. Anyone inside either "facility" becomes a blurry image with little left to the imagination. To top it off, they are each located on either side of the front door, so if your room steward walks in at the wrong time someone could get an eyeful. The "vanity sink" is a high-capacity faucet directly above a rounded bowl. Like a recurring gag in a Marx Brothers movie, turning on the water often leads to mopping the floor with a bath towel followed by changing your shirt. If you are lucky, you'll avoid soaking your vanity bed. The light switch for the sink area was on the wall under the counter; I had to call reception to help me find it, and when I got down on all fours I still couldn't see it. The "wavy walls" are a contrivance to reduce the square footage of the staterooms to "just large enough for the beds," which tall people claim are several inches shorter than standard. The end of that shortened bed is so close to the opposite wall that people have to take turns crossing the room. The walls then curve the opposite way, accommodating a convex couch that is hard as a rock and could only sleep a third person if he happens to have scoliosis. The public rooms' décor is Reno casino reminiscent with burgundy and gold paisley carpets. But most frustrating is the limited size of the ship's entertainment venues. Most of the shows fill up nightly, so making reservations online pre-departure is mandatory. If you miss your reservation, you can get in a standby line for a bad seat (if you get in at all), and you have to queue up at least 30 minutes before showtime for that. The size of the showrooms is the most serious drawback of Epic,  the exact opposite of the "FreeStyle" concept F3 was supposed to embody. So What is Right with Epic? I just dished some of the worst aspects of Epic, and Norwegian is aware of these things. So let's be clear: I still highly recommend this ship for most cruisers, especially those who care about cruising solo and shipboard entertainment. Single cruisers who want a cabin of their own without paying the "singles supplement" fee have never had a better ship than Epic. Not only does Epic have 128 "studio staterooms" -- small 100 square-foot cabins with queen-size beds -- but these rooms  share a public "living room" where solo cruisers can meet up for dinner and shows. The concept is so simple, logical and helpful for solo cruisers that it is a wonder more ships don't have the same setup. But they don't. Only Norwegian Epic has the studio staterooms, and that is a point of distinction. What's more, despite the tiny showrooms Epic has the best entertainment at sea, in my humble opinion (as a person who has stage-managed several cruise shows and seen the entertainment on every cruise line in North America). Epic does not hire its own cast and put on its own shows, nor does it hire a producer to create "cruise shows" like so many other cruise lines. Instead, Norwegian signs on professional entertainers who bring their land-based shows to its ships. Only Epic has the hit show "Blue Man Group." This is my personal favorite New York show. Epic also has "Legends in Concert," a Las Vegas company that creates complete tribute shows to stars like Madonna, Rod Stewart, Elvis, Michael Jackson or Tina Turner with the same choreography and musical arrangements as the originals. Then there is Second City Comedy – the famous troupe out of Chicago that sent many now-famous comedians to TV programs like Saturday Night Live. Other noteworthy attractions of the Epic include water slides and Nickelodeon characters for the kids; the Fat Cats Jazz Bar that actually features blues music nightly; the frozen "Svedka Ice Bar," where everything from the tables to the vodka glasses is made of ice; and an array of delicious alternative restaurants as options to the "included in the cruise fare" food -- which itself is not bad at all. Speaking of food, one of best spots on Epic is O'Sheehan's Pub. All the food is free and a pint of English ale is just $5. The fish and chips are delicious, and you can even get fresh omelets in the morning. O'Sheehan's is open 24 hours with food service -- the best 24-hour restaurant on the high seas.In a funny twist, the crewmembers cannot pronounce O'Sheehan's, so it is called "Oceans." Ugly Duckling? In the folk tale about the Ugly Duckling, the hatchling grows up to become a beautiful swan -- but Epic is still ugly. Still, the lesson is the same: Don't judge a book by its cover. Yes, Epic has its drawbacks; but it is also one of the best values in cruising and offers excellent entertainment -- and you can take that to the bank.

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FOXNews.com: Top 10 national parks not to miss

FOXNews.com FOX News Network - We Report. You Decide. // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Top 10 national parks not to miss Mar 26th 2012, 16:00 From the peaks of the Rockies to the depths of the Grand Canyon, the United States has some of the most varied and breathtaking landscapes in the world.  Nowhere is this natural beauty showcased in more spectacular fashion than within America's 58 national parks. Millions of visitors each year flock to these vast sanctuaries to explore and appreciate the scenic deserts, mountains, valleys, lakes and forests.  With such a wide variety of landscapes and experiences to choose from, deciding on your next national park adventure can be challenging. So to help you get the most out of America's natural wonders, here are 10 U.S. national parks that are sure to delight .Rocky Mountain National Park Peppered with alpine lakes and vast forests set among towering mountain peaks, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado displays dramatic American landscape at its finest. This picturesque environment is also renowned for its varied wildlife, playing host to all manner of animals, birds and fish. Boasting lush meadows, sheer cliffs and over 355 miles of hiking trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect location for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers alike. Death Valley  Encompassing 3.4 million acres of the hottest, driest desert in the country, Death Valley National Park (in California and Nevada) is the most expansive national park in the contiguous United States. Within this parched land are spectacular natural attractions, including giant sand dunes, vast salt flats and various geological wonders. For those who can stand the heat, a trip to Death Valley can be a truly rewarding experience. Yellowstone Despite its remote location in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, millions of tourists travel to Yellowstone National Park each year to marvel at its majestic peaks, vast wilderness and abundant wildlife. But the park's main attractions are undoubtedly its hot springs, fumaroles and geysers, particularly the world-famous Old Faithful. Fishing, hiking or exploring nature trails are all ideal ways to experience this unique natural wonderland. Yosemite Since its foundation, Yosemite has been attracting tourists from around the globe with its verdant scenery and countless waterfalls. Several well-known rock formations are dotted throughout Yosemite, including the Half Dome and El Capitan. Olympic National Park Olympic National Park spans three distinct ecosystems, containing a staggering array of flora and fauna. Olympic's terrain encompasses snow-capped mountains, undisturbed rainforests and over 60 miles of Pacific coastline beaches. Roads line the outer periphery of the park, but at its core is a vast wilderness waiting to be explored. Great Smoky Mountains With broad stretches of old-growth forests, hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails and wide variety of wildlife, it's no wonder that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is the most visited national park in the U.S. Over 9 million tourists flock to the mountains annually to marvel at the park's coves, waterfalls and trails, all set against the backdrop of the largest U.S. mountain range east of the Rockies. Although the park's main arteries can become crowded during peak seasons, solitude can easily be found by venturing only a few hundred yards from the road. Acadia Located at the very tip of Maine where America reaches into the Atlantic Ocean is a rare natural treasure of the East Coast. Attracted by the area's natural beauty, deep forests and rocky coastline, notable visionaries such as former U.S. president Woodrow Wilson and John D. Rockefeller played integral roles in establishing this 33,000-acre park. Since its foundation, Acadia National Park has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing over 2.2 million visitors annually. Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly among the most famous of all national parks – and with good reason. Considered a must-see tourist attraction in Arizona, the Grand Canyon's immense size and dramatic landscape make for an unforgettable experience. The easily-accessible South Rim section offers sumptuous views and attractions, while a hike to the desolate North Rim makes for a more secluded and serene experience. Everglades Set alongside Florida's southern coastline, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the world. Within these vast wetlands are interdependent ecosystems including cypress swamps and mangrove forests. Some more colorful inhabitants include crocodiles, panthers, manatees, as well as over 700 varieties of plants and 300 types of birds. It is this staggering biodiversity that prompted UNESCO to include the Everglades as a World Heritage Site. Zion National ParkThe towering walls of Zion National Park in Utah are perhaps best experienced from the valley below. From here you can view the brilliantly colored sandstone, limestone and lava rock formations, magnificent waterfalls and shimmering emerald pools of water. Other active pursuits include hiking trails and guided tours to view the area's impressive array of wildlife.

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FOXNews.com: When to buy rental car insurance

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When to buy rental car insurance Mar 30th 2012, 22:11 To facilitate sightseeing and possibly minimize the stress of public transportation, you decide to get a rental car when you're on vacation. Keep in mind that danger will not cut you slack because you are on vacation. There is still a chance you could get into an accident or have something happen to the car. Should you buy extra coverage that applies to your rental car? Do you already have some kind of insurance or are part of a program that will cover the costs of a rental car accident? Here is a guide for those thinking about rental car insurance: Kinds of coverage According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), rental car companies usually offer the following types of products: collision damage waiver (CDW), liability insurance, personal accident insurance and personal effects coverage. CDW, which can also be referred to as loss damage waiver, isn't exactly insurance, but it does protect you from paying a high deductible if you damage or wreck the car. Liability insurance would cover medical expenses and the cost of damages to another person's property in the event of a car accident. Personal accident insurance pertains to the medical bills of the renter and passengers in the case of an accident. Personal effects coverage is insurance covering the loss of personal property from a rented car. You may already be covered The NAIC says your insurance policies that are already in place may make additional coverage unnecessary. For example, health insurance, disability income insurance, or your own car insurance's personal injury protection may cover medical bills from an accident in a rental car.You should check your car and homeowner's insurance to see what kind of rental car-related incidents they cover. If you are on a business trip, your employer's insurance may provide sufficient coverage. If you charged all fees associated with the rental car to a credit card, the card company may provide some coverage. Automobile club memberships, like AAA, may include rental car insurance. Do your homework prior to renting the car. Call your insurance agency and ask exactly what they will cover. Look at all of your options .Read the fine print Determine if your insurance or credit card company will really cover sky-high costs and fees in the case of any kind of accident. If you have multiple credit cards, see how each one handles rental car coverage in relation to your existing auto insurance. It may only kick in once you have exhausted your other options. The whole process can get complicated and come with many stipulations and exclusions. It is important to see if coverage differs in reference to the driver of the rental car. Some car rental companies will not provide service to drivers under the age of 25 or will charge an additional fee. Buy additional coverage If you cannot find rental insurance elsewhere and prefer to take the extra safety precaution, you can purchase insurance through the rental car company. Do not be embarrassed to ask questions.

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FOXNews.com: Airport dog finds illegal food stowed in luggage

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Airport dog finds illegal food stowed in luggage Mar 26th 2012, 14:53 On a recent busy afternoon at Kennedy Airport, a beagle with plaintive-looking eyes was lying on the floor of Terminal 4, oblivious to the chaos of rolling luggage and human activity teeming all around her. There was no prying this dog off the ground — despite the best attempts of Officer Meghan Caffery, her closest companion and partner. "Izzy," Caffery said, a note of exasperation in her voice. "You've only been here an hour." The 6-year-old beagle, who works for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, can't be faulted for taking a break. She spends most of her time trotting briskly around the baggage carousels with Caffery in tow, searching for illegal food stowed in luggage arriving from international flights. Thousands of bags stream through this terminal every hour, and Izzy is the first line of defense against food or plants that could wreak havoc on American agriculture. "Some flights are, you know, just apples or sandwiches that people had from the plane they forgot in their bags," said Caffery, an agriculture specialist canine handler. "Some flights are notorious for bringing in sausages or fresh fruits." Izzy is among a small cadre of luggage-inspecting beagles who live and work at the airport, though federal officials won't disclose the exact number of canines employed. Technically called a "passive response dog," she is trained to sit whenever she smells one of several odors: fruit, meat, plant, seed or vegetable. With just one sniff, Izzy can determine whether a bag is worth searching — a seconds-long appraisal that would take human officers hours to do, given that about 1 million travelers pass through Kennedy Airport in a single month. During her three years of employment, she's found everything from duck tongues to pigs' heads and feet. The agricultural products vary according to the time of year. On average, about 28 pounds of food are collected every day, most of it from people who are trying to sneak in food from their native countries. "We pulled a four-foot fig tree out of a bag one day," Caffery said. "The roots and soil and everything, like it was just dug right out of the ground." Her nose never fails to spot a trace of food, sometimes even picking up the scent of a snack that was removed from a bag hours before. During one lap around a carousel, as they wove in and out of startled passengers, Izzy paused before a pile of bags, tail wagging. Caffery looked around and called out: "Whose bags are these?" The young man who claimed them acknowledged, upon further questioning, that there were indeed an apple and a banana inside. Caffery marked down the items on a blue Customs declaration form. Izzy stayed put, waiting for a piece of food to emerge from Caffery's pocket: Her reward for a successful find. "She'll eat just about anything," Caffery said. Sometimes it's a bit of a struggle to keep Izzy moving after she's found something. Caffery was forced to drag her along the floor a couple of times, urging her to keep going. "Come on, find it," she said. "Come on, you can't lay down." Passengers often take great pains to hide their loot, stuffing it in soda bottles or coffee cans or sewing it into their coats. Some even tape food directly to their bodies. Though a piece of fruit may seem harmless enough, officials say each item is potentially dangerous. "Something as simple as an apple could carry the larva of a Mediterranean fruit fly," said Officer James Armstrong, who supervises the agricultural searches, "which, if it got loose in our citrus crops in the United States, could cost billions of dollars." Confiscated items are brought to the airport's grinding room, which has a long steel table piled with rotting food. That day's haul included sausages, barley, burlap, curry, beets and an assortment of fruits and vegetables, among other things. Officers send out samples to a lab for analysis and then crush the remainder through a hole in the table that acts like a garbage disposal. "This is discovery. You know, this is neat," Armstrong said, waving a gloved hand across the table. "This is where you open it up and you find an insect or a larva or something and it kind of completes the mission, you know? That's what it's all about." Throughout the day, Caffery and Izzy are affectionate with one another, and during a lull in flight arrivals, they can invariably be found hugging or cuddling. "I'm with her more than I'm with my family, for the most part," Caffery said. "It's constant." Luckily for these two, they'll never have to be separated. Izzy will continue working at the airport for several more years. After that, she gets to start a new career: as Caffery's personal pet.

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FOXNews.com: What if you need a passport … tomorrow?

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What if you need a passport … tomorrow? Mar 30th 2012, 12:30 Imagine this scenario: your airline tickets are booked, your bags are packed and you are ready to roll, but you suddenly realize that your passport has expired. Or maybe you just cannot find it. Luckily, there are several options available to the time-crunched traveler.  Here is a guide to getting a passport at the very last minute: Make an appointment with the passport agency If you are traveling within 14 days, you can schedule an appointment with your local passport agency and fill out an application on the spot. Find the nearest agency on the U.S. Passport Agency's website. You can schedule an appointment at any time during the day by calling the automated appointment system. Once there, you will need to bring your ticket with the printed date of travel, proof of citizenship and payment for associated fees. The proof of impending travel needs to show your departure date, and you cannot just show it from your phone–the documents must be printed. You may even want to come prepared with two passport photos, which do not need to be certified, so you can have them done at any local business. In addition to the usual cost of renewing a passport, you will have to pay a $60 expedite fee for your application. Agencies typically accept debit and credit cards, checks or money orders. Before your appointment, fill out the appropriate forms depending on whether you are applying for your first passport or a renewal. You can find the necessary forms on the State Department website. Fill out the single-sided forms using black ink, on matte white paper. Do not mail any of these forms in beforehand, or your application may actually be delayed. If you have all your documentation ready, the passport agency may be able to produce a passport in as little as a few hours — or at least within a couple of days. Try an expediting service Services are available to help you get hold of a passport in a hurry. Companies registered with the U.S. Passport Agency can assist you in getting a passport within 24 hours. Of course, these agencies charge a pretty penny for their services, and obtaining a passport immediately can cost up to $199 in addition to the standard government fees. Popular services include Passport Visa Express, Visa HQ and Travel Visa Pro. You will need to give these agencies the power to apply for a passport on your behalf, through a letter of authorization. You still have to complete the required forms, either the DS-82 for a renewal or the DS-11 for your first passport. Mail two copies of the form, one or two passport photographs and your tickets as proof of immediate travel. If you are renewing your passport, you should also include your expired passport. New passports also require certified copies of proof of identity and citizenship,which can include a driver's license, birth certificate or evidence of naturalization. Send your documents with express shipping, to make sure they are delivered as soon as possible. If you have to travel immediately, find a business with an emergency hotline you can call.

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FOXNews.com: Taking the kids to Dubrovnik

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Taking the kids to Dubrovnik Mar 30th 2012, 11:57 Where is my pedometer when I need it? We're walking Dubrovnik's famous 14th-century walls with their view of red rooftops, the sea, kayakers and sunbathers. Everyone says Dubrovnik is the "jewel of the Adriatic" and it's easy to see why -- its  Old Town  is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a cathedral, a monastery, the oldest drug store in  Europe, operating continuously since 1317 and the second-oldest synagogue in  Europe  dating back to 1652, though today there are so few Jews remaining there is no rabbi. "Everyone assimilates," our young guide Vedrana Vukosan said. "We're one big melting pot." The tiny old town -- just 1,500 residents -- is a wonderful bet to give kids a sense of European history -- ancient and more recent. Just 20 years ago, from  November 1991 to  May 1992 , Dubrovnik was under siege by Serbian and Montenegrin forces. The city was bombarded from the air and sea. More than 15,000 people fled the city. Electricity and water were cut off. "We used the old cisterns in the city," said  Srdan Kristic , who helps run one of the large tour agencies here and was 18 at the time. "It was very hard for everyone." The city's medieval walls helped protect the city and there was tremendous international publicity decrying the bombing of this historic city and in favor of granting Croatia  diplomatic recognition. During the 1990s, money poured in for the restoration of the scarred facades and terra-cotta rooftops. Today, tourists wander the crooked streets, licking ice cream cones, stopping on impossibly narrow streets where tables have been set out, inviting visitors to stop for beer and pizza. Another day we were equally enamored of the Croatian island of Korcula -- just three miles wide -- and its medieval walls. The area is known for vineyards, olives, and  Marco Polo . People here believe the famed adventurer was born here, though there is no concrete evidence to confirm that. Just 3,500 people live here. Our guide,  Katija Tedeschi , shows us churches dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries and explains streets are laid out so that the townspeople would get the maximum sea breezes. I can't believe the 15th-century manuscripts we see with the writing still perfectly legible, the vestments embroidered by nuns in the 15th century, the Tintoretto painting and the fact that there are no crowds. We meander the cobblestone streets and peeked into tiny shops, many selling every variety of  Marco Polo  souvenir. At the very least, it is believed Polo fought and lost a battle against  Genoa here. After his capture, he was allegedly put in prison where he told his fantastic tale of his Chinese adventures to a fellow prisoner who then turned it into a best seller titled "The Million." (Because Marco Polo was always saying he saw a million of this and a million of that.) We found our way to Maje I Tonke a tiny restaurant where the young owner set us up at an outside table and served us some of the house specialties -- grilled eggplant, tuna, homemade goat cheese and homemade smoked ham, marinated anchovies, hummus, marinated zucchini, homemade bread followed by onion marmalade and polenta and the local wine. At just  $80 dollars  for four, it was not only a bargain, but one of the highlights of our entire trip -- sitting outside in the sunshine overlooking the ancient medieval walls and the sea beyond. Croatia , it seems, offers that perfect mix of historic sites, good eats and seaside fun. Kayak or sail along the coast. ( Croatia  has long been considered a premier cruising destination in the Mediterranean, with more than 1,000 islands. Charter a yacht from www.moorings.com, or opt for a family adventure with a company like www.backroads.com or an escorted trip with Abercrombie and Kent . There are vineyards (Southern Dalmatia makes really good wine) to visit, scuba diving and hiking. Since this was our first visit and we had just one day in Dubrovnik, we opted for a tour that took us through the  Historic Old Town  to see the 15th-century  Dominican Monastery , the Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace, originally built in the 15th century but rebuilt several times since. We loved the local market where we bought prize-winning fig jam and sage honey from  Nina Sardi  whose family has a farm nearby. She pocketed our U.S. dollars with a gesture to her 17-year-old daughter who was helping. "For her college fund," she said. There is wild oregano and lavender at all the stands. The majority of tourists come via cruise ship, as we did. (We were aboard Windstar) Read more about our adventures in  Croatia  and  Italy  on the sailing vessel). I'm glad we had time to walk the walls. It's only about a mile and a half around (and  $14  for the privilege), but you go up and down steep stone steps. The views of the Adriatic, the neighboring fortresses, the terra cotta rooftops and laundry hanging to dry were spectacular. Kids we met loved checking out the bastions and the walls -- 80 feet high and up to 10 feet thick on the sea side -- even thicker on the other side. What a place for a history lesson! According to local legend, Dubrovnik first developed in the 7th century. By the 15th century, gold and silver, as well as salt production was important here and it was an important trading center on the coast, a link between the Mediterranean and the Baltic. Most of the original construction took place during the 13th century. Much of Dubrovnik was destroyed by earthquake in the 15th century, killing more than 5,000 people -- but the walls were reinforced with towers over the following 40 years. I try to imagine families walking these walls so many centuries ago. The kids were probably teasing their younger siblings, annoying their parents, complaining that the walk is taking too long and racing ahead laughing. I'm guessing taking the kids hasn't changed all that much in 600 years. Taking the Kids' Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions.  You can also follow her on Twitter. (c) 2012 EILEEN OGINTZ DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

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FOXNews.com: Cruising with small kids can be a snap

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Cruising with small kids can be a snap Mar 26th 2012, 13:00 The thought of changing diapers should never keep you from enjoying a cruise. While traveling with small children can seem like a daunting and potentially exhausting  experience, a cruise can mean smooth sailing on your next family vacation. From babysitting services to activities tailored for toddlers, cruise lines make sure kids have fun while parents enjoy time on their own.  Here is a guide to making the most of cruising with small kids. Check the minimum age Some children are simply too little for big cruise ships. Many cruise lines will have a minimum age for passengers, ranging from 12 weeks to 12 years old. These are important rules to take note of before choosing a cruise line, as ships may not be equipped to handle the special needs of infants and small children. If you plan to embark on an international cruise, you should also contact the cruise line and confirm which legal documents are necessary. Young kids may require passports, or they could get around with just a birth certificate. If the child is traveling with someone like a grandparent or family friend, parents or legal guardians should write a signed letter of consent in preparation for any border crossings. Look into babysitting services Cruises that are prepared to take on young children will usually offer different forms of child care, and certain services may suit your liking more than others. If your child is in diapers, make sure that cruises will accept them at the day care centers. Each cruise has different rules, and some lines require kids to be completely toilet trained before they accept responsibility for them. You might also want to find out how each cruise ship handles children because kids are often organized by age range. Some parents may prefer a wider or smaller age range of peers for their children. Cruises also vary their babysitting services. While a few ships have on-board babysitters that will stay in your cabin for a fee, others may only provide group sitting at a center. Look for family friendly dining You may want luxurious table service during your cruise, but young children may have a hard time sitting through the entire experience. While cruises are a great opportunity for family dinners, kid-friendly dining options can save you a lot of hassle. Services such as 24-hour buffets or specially designed children's menus can lead to delightful family dining. A handful of cruises even have sitters that pick kids up from the dining room, letting parents linger over drinks and desserts. Check out a children's cruise Children's cruises have been designed entirely around entertaining and caring for youngsters. Important details like shore excursions, kid's clubs and nightly entertainment programs have already been arranged, which leaves you more time to relax. Also known as family cruises, these ships have a surprising number of adult-only amenities, often equipped with sports bars, enrichment seminars, yoga classes and anything else a parent may want. Imagine the kids enjoying movie-themed nights while you are out dancing the night away. Then, the next morning you can all enjoy a family breakfast overlooking the water.

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FOXNews.com: Cuban-Americans traveling to homeland see hope in future

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Cuban-Americans traveling to homeland see hope in future Mar 29th 2012, 15:06 Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Cuba drew nearly 300 Americans to the island they or their parents long ago fled. What they found was a country that was different from the one they had imagined, yet somehow still close to the place they had dreamed of. Many had grown up in Miami, hearing bitter tales of loss about their exile parent's beloved homeland. They worried about being followed by police, about the hostility they might face, and about the changes 50 years of communist rule had wrought on the island. Packed into shuttle buses on their four-day visit, they stole what time they could to mingle with ordinary Cubans, visiting neighborhoods, a few relatives and houses their families once called home. Astrid Brana, 39, grew up thinking that a visit to Cuba would be a demonstration of support for the government of Fidel and Raul Castro. She made a mental exception for this trip because it was to see the pope. But her father refused to come. Chatting with Cubans Tuesday, she began to question the broader issue of travel to the island. "I was talking about my father's opposition to the trip. This man, he stopped me real quick and said there are other ways to think," Brana recalled over dinner at a state-run restaurant. "He said we were helping the government, but we are also helping the people put food on their tables," she said. "Now I have to go back and talk to my father." Brana and her mother, who left the island at age 16, said they were both surprised by the openness with which many Cubans spoke about their frustrations. "I thought they weren't allowed to talk," Fabiola Brana said. "There was a minute when I wanted to say, 'Please, be quiet, for your own sake.'" The trip was eye-opening in other ways for the women. Both were angered when security guards refused to let their Cuban relatives enter their hotel room, though paying Cuban customers are now allowed to frequent tourist hotels. "The guards, they told us no, and they trailed us the whole time," Astrid Brana said. "It was like (my cousins) were the outsiders. But we are the outsiders." Lourdes Amorin, who left Cuba for Puerto Rico as a young girl with her family shortly after the 1959 revolution, said she grew up thinking she had nothing in common with Cubans on the island. "Our parents, our relatives got it into our minds that we have nothing to return to. I am going to go home to tell them we have a lot in common. We are human. We are all Cuban," she said. Her comments reflected the feelings of a growing number of Cuban-Americans who have returned to the island in recent years. But it also reflected the differing perspectives of those born outside the island, those who left as young children and those, like Brana's mother, who were old enough to remember the revolution and the upheaval it caused. Amorim saw beauty in Havana. Fabiola Brana saw a shell of the city she once loved. For Sergio Dalmau, the trip brought some moments of joy, as when he visited one of Havana's most popular and beautiful churches. But it also brought bitter memories. Finding the childhood home of his ex-wife in disrepair reminded Dalmau of his departure from Cuba. He left 51 years ago Thursday as part of the so-called "Pedro Pan flights" organized by the Roman Catholic Church to help spirit Cuban children off the island in the early 1960s. On the taxi ride back to his hotel, Dalmau angrily decried the conditions of the once elegant home, of having to leave his family as a young teen and of the sacrifices his father made starting over from nothing in the U.S. As he spoke, Dalmau's cab driver offered a sympathetic ear. Before long, the men's talk turned to baseball — the national pastime of both countries — with Dalmau filling in the driver about where Cuban players who had defected to the U.S. were now playing. Across town, Natalia Martinez, a 25-year-old graduate student who left with her family two decades ago, also had an emotional visit with the current owners of the house where she spent her first six years. "I was looking at the patio tile, and how the woman that lives there had changed it, and I started remembering once hiding out and painting the tile with my mother's lipstick, and then I'm trying to hold back the tears. And it felt so silly because it was just about looking at the tile, but it was so much more," she said. As she rode past the Malecon, Martinez described that famous waterfront strip of historic buildings as a metaphor for the Cuba she had rediscovered. Some of the ornate apartments were decrepit. Others looked rehabilitated from the outside, but inside the old beams remained near ruin. Still other buildings had finally been demolished, new modern structures going up in their place. "And all of this is going on at the same time, in this same tight space," she said. "This is Cuba.

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