Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Travel Adventures

245-Day Roundtrip Journey Embarking Tomorrow in London is the
Longest-Ever Continuous Passenger Cruise

This week Viking® (www.vikingcruises.com) guests will embark on the new Ultimate World Cruise itinerary, a 245-day journey spanning six continents, 51 countries and 111 ports. Sailing from London on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest Viking Sun®, the longest-ever continuous cruise will fully circumnavigate the globe bringing guests to some of the world’s most legendary cities, iconic landmarks and far-flung destinations, before returning to London in May 2020. In beginning this journey, Viking will attempt to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the “longest continuous passenger cruise;” upon the return of Viking Sun to London next year, an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Adjudicator will confirm the successful attempt with a certificate presentation. "For more than 20 years we have been committed to connecting travelers to culturally immersive experiences allowing them toexplor3e he world in comfort," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.

Viking’s Ultimate World Cruise offers an eight-month journey, allowing guests to explore Scandinavia, the Caribbean and destinations throughout South America before calling on the remote tropical islands of the South Pacific. Viking Sun will then continue its journey along the coast of Australia and through Asia before returning to the Mediterranean and Europe.

Like all Viking itineraries, Ultimate World Cruise guests will enjoy an included excursion in each port of call and free unlimited Wi-Fi; they also receive Business Class airfare and all gratuities and service fees, along with an extensive list of added-value inclusions in their cruise fare. The Viking Way of exploration offers additional, optional excursions that provide insight into Local Life, Working World and offer Privileged Access® visits to cultural institutions. Overnight stays in 23 cities allow guests to delve deeper into destinations; and Viking’s Culture Curriculum® offers additional enrichment on board with regional entertainment and lectures, as well as learning opportunities as part of the Viking Resident Historian® program. Full details on the Ultimate World Cruise can be found on Viking’s website here; highlights include:

Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities whether on the rivers or at sea, featuring regional cuisine and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences on shore, on board, and even at home, through premier partnerships such as National Geographic, PBS’ MASTERPIECE, Downton Abbey: The Exhibition and the upcoming new film Downton Abbey from Focus Features and Carnival Films, only in theaters this September. And only The Viking Way® of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences. Local Life excursions shine a light on everyday activities and include experiences such as Viking Chef-hosted trips to local farmers markets, tea at home with local residents and visits with local schoolchildren. Working World excursions feature behind-the-scenes “making of” experiences, illuminating destinations through their most famous exports, such as factory and farm visits. Privileged Access excursions include experiences such as a behind-the-scenes tours at Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey;” visiting St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum “behind closed doors;” a private cooking class in a Tuscan castle; an intimate organ concert in the Berlin Cathedral; and an exclusive dinner in the Churchill War Rooms in London.

In addition, Viking offers a compelling value compared to other cruise lines. Every cruise fare includes an outside stateroom, a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative restaurant dining; free Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.

From September 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019, U.S. residents can take advantage of Viking’s Anniversary Sale, offering special cruise fares on select 2020-2021 ocean and river itineraries.

Viking was founded in 1997 with the purchase of four ships in Russia. Designed for discerning travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. In its first four years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 “World’s Best” Awards. Viking currently operates a fleet of 78 vessels, offering scenic cruising on rivers and oceans around the world. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as “Best Overall” Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, “Best River Cruise Line” and “Best River Itineraries,” with the entire Viking Longships® fleet being named “Best New River Ships” in the website’s Editors’ Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or visit www.vikingcruises.com.

What’s the fastest game bird in Europe? This was the question that inspired the founding of Guinness World Records back in 1955. Starting with a single book published from a room above a gym, GWR has grown to become a global multi-media brand, with offices in London, New York, Miami, Beijing, Tokyo and Dubai. Today, we deliver world-class content, not just through Books, but via TV shows, Social Media and Live Events. Our in-house consultancy works closely with brands and businesses around the world to harness the power of record-breaking and deliver award-winning campaigns and business solutions. Our ultimate purpose is to inspire people - individuals, families, schools, groups, companies, communities and even entire countries – to read about, watch, listen to and participate in record-breaking. To join this record-breaking community – and find out the answer to that original question – visit guinnessworldrecords.com.  

Carpinteria is a charming oceanside community with residents who love their city and have put great effort in creating a place that fills the bill in the most inviting way. From a lush garden center to a collection of fascinating art shops and numerous unique eateries and chocolate venues it's all good. A tiny theatre on the main drag is captivvating and the Bee Hive Coffee Shop is a must for breakfast. My favorite Sly's Restaurant has closed but a new Italian eatery was packing them in for lunch while I was on Lynden. The new Art Center offers exhibitions and art lessons.

The marsh area and the beachfront living areas make this such a unique and close to nature experience where life seems so easy. This is a sweet destination for a girls day out or mother-daughter lunch date. Visit:www.CarpinteriaChamberofCommerce.Org.

The Big Yellow House in Summerland can be seen from the 101 and has a bevy of strange stories attached to it, including ghosts of former employees and owners of the once hotel. At one time this community was filled with spiritualists who lived rather phlebean lives, but the founder of the community succumed to oil well lust and things changed. Today the histoic looking buildings lining the main drag are filled with antiques and gifts for sale.

There is a magical place at the end of the road The Sacred Space, a gift shop filled with items to take home to create your own sacred space, as well as a couch the Dalhi Lama gave a disertation from at UCSB. They serve guests tea in a blissful meditation garden and offer meditation group sessions on specific evenings. If you were ever a devotee of the Bodhi tree in West Hollywood you will adore this beautiful escape into zen. Visit: www.Chamberofcommerce/CA/Summerland.org, or Visit: www.VisitSantaBarbaraCA.com.

The City of Monticeto suffered great losses from fire and flooding a few years ago, but is once again back in the groove with many new shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. Old Coast Road is home to a bevy of established and newly opened restaurants offering renowned steaks to vegan, plant-based plates that attract people from throughout the Santa Barbara area, The chic designer shops over an array of lifestyle apparel to meet every need, as well as products and wines to savor.

The Montecito Inn, which took a huge hit from mud flooding, but is bussling with activity today. The boutique hotel was originally owned by Charlie Chaplin, and is a historic jewel as well as a hotel with a pool and outstanding restaurant. It is located in the middle of everything, a short walk to Butterfly Beach, and a two minute drive to Lotusland, an exquisite garden with docent tours. For details go to www.SBChamber.org.

The Vienna City Card just got even more flexible and attractive!

Vienna’s official city card added various new benefits in April 2019. The much-loved discounts and concessions that come with the Vienna City Card are now joined by flexible transportation options.