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Judy Wolfe's Page

Infinity Naming Gala
Sunday, April 29, 2001

My partner and I were fortunate enough to be the guests of Celebrity Cruises for this most impressive overnight sailing of their newest ship, the Infinity.  The ribbon cutting ceremony sent a champagne bottle about as big as a small car crashing against the hull. The ship’s godmother is Solveig Aars Wilhelmsen, a member of the family who founded the cruise line.

Understated elegance is the theme of the 1950 passenger Infinity.  I was most impressed with the 3 tiered Celebrity Theatre where the view of the stage is fine even on the 3rd level. If the fabulous four act musical was indicative of the ship’s normal entertainment this may take time away from the equally impressive Fortunes Casino. Although a bit smaller and crowded than some ship casinos the décor is stunning.

I love teatime on a ship. The Infinity has a special Tea Room that is very elegant and inviting. Other interesting rooms on board are the bi-level Words (library), Online@Celebrity Cruises (a 24 hours Internet café) and Notes, (a CD musical library.)  Cigar smokers will enjoy the elegant Michael’s Club. The Martini Bar will attract the 25-35 crowd.  A golf simulator and the Aqua Spa will amuse the parents while the children are in the Fun Factory (I was sorry I wasn’t 8 years old again!). There was a terrific (40's music) orchestra in the Constellation Bar that provides a wonderful panorama of the sea with smoking and non-smoking sections).  Have I mentioned all the beautiful shops, coffee and champagne bars and the Cinema Center? You will barely have time to spend in your stateroom!

We happened to be in an inside handicapped room that was very large and the bathroom was almost the same size. In addition to the twin beds that we found to be extra small and hard, there was a small sofa bed, refrigerator and safe. The room service menu includes a full breakfast selection.  Even though we were on the lowest passenger deck it was the quietest cabin ever!  Of course, Celebrity is noted for its cuisine. And although we were treated to a limited selection on this sailing, the dinner was quite good, the waiters were friendly and the Trellis dining room has mostly tables (as opposed to booths, which I hate).

Don’t expect any glitzy, unusual or warm-fuzzy décor and you will be truly impressed with the Infinity. Understated elegance it is! The Infinity is now in Alaska where it will remain all summer.


Club Med Cancun.........Fabulous Beach!!

Having recently returned from a stress-free week-end at the Club Med village in Cancun Mexico, I'm eager to share my findings......... (This village is for age 18 and older only).

Perfect for singles and couples NEWLY RENOVATED! . Far from the touristy hotel strip. But not too far away from the nightlife of town, the charm of the seaside, the ancient Mayan temples and pyramids at Chichen Itza and Tulum. And the sacred lagoons of Xcaret and Xel-Ha.  They say the sand in Cancun is air-conditioned because it never gets hot. Club Med has the best of it. Protected from the elements by a barrier reef to which you can swim. The reef also provides an arena for some phenomenal snorkeling. I couldn't begin to describe the gorgeous beach here.

Accommodations: Two and three-story beach lodgings have 429 air-conditioned double or triple occupancy rooms decorated in local Mexican design, many with balconies overlooking the sea or lagoon. Each has a king or two twin beds and a private bathroom with shower. Voltage: 110. Phone, TV, personal safe.

Other Facilities: Boutique. Beach towels (against deposit). Laundry service, washing machines & dryers. Hairdressing and beauty salon. Photographer. Car rental. Wet suit rental.

Dining : Two restaurants, including "El Mexicano" buffet restaurant divided into several sections. The 'Palapa' beach restaurant (over the water dining) serves late lunch and à la carte/buffet dinner menu. 2 Cocktail lounges.

Water Sports: Snorkeling in a protected underwater reserve. Water skiing and wake board: on the lagoon. ALSO: Wind surfing. Swimming pool. Kayaking. Land Sports: Tennis on 8 composition courts, 4 lighted. Volleyball. Basketball. Weights room. Massage . Beach-volley. Outside the club : 18-hole Golf: Pok-a-Pok Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, 8 miles from village; Caesar's Park Golf Club, 3 miles from village. Scuba diving. Social activities : Evening entertainment.

Club Med is a great vacation. No worries when practically everything is included (meals, entertainment, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, even the tipping). Truly relaxing!

Air inclusive packages to Cancun start at $1389.00 for 7 nights plus membership fees.
Sonora Bay, Mexico from $759.00. A great destination for horseback riding and scuba.
Ixtapa, Mexico from $1129.00.  Great for single parents with children, family reunions.


Trip Tip

Did you know?

It is thrilling to see The Great Wall, which stretches for 2,500 miles through China. It is even more thrilling to climb it, but you've got to be careful. For most tourists, the best point of entry is at Badaling, about an hour from Beijing, where the wall has been carefully restored and there is a handrail. A little further out, Mutianyu has a Japanese-built gondola, which goes to the highest point, and the view is spectacular. The Simitai entrance is only for the most daring - the wall here has not been restored and is crumbling, thus the climbs can be dangerous.

Tips to keep in mind when flying internationally:

For sinus and ear discomfort, take a long-lasting decongestant starting 24 hours before a flight.  If possible, travel first class, try to sleep on the plane, stretch and walk around to ward off blood clots, and drink plenty of water and juices, while avoiding alcohol and caffeine.  Jet lag can't be entirely eliminated, but it is possible to minimize symptoms and shorten their duration.  When traveling to Europe, try to take morning flights, get a half hour of natural sunlight upon arrival and try to make the transition to local time as soon as possible.

 
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