TravelingMamas.com sends thoughts and prayers to the crew and passengers involved in the Costa Concordia accident. For recent updates from Costa Cruises, visit the official site.

I was looking at the itinerary for the Carnival Breeze, set to launch in June of this year, when I saw the news about the Costa Concordia. Any time tragedy occurs, especially in the travel industry, consumers and the experts begin to criticize safety, and they analyze what could have or should have been done in the circumstances. One thing I’ve noticed about these types of events is that safety and security comes to the forefront, and in my opinion, now is the one of the best times to take a cruise.

Increase in Safety

I’ve enjoyed a number of cruises over the years, and each one begins with a muster drill. Just in case the unthinkable occurs, there are safety procedures that must be followed. Due to the recent accident, Carnival Corporation & plc, parent company of Costa Cruises and nine leading cruise lines in the world announced a comprehensive audit and review of all safety and response procedures across all the company cruise lines.

As someone who works in emergency services, along with owning this site, I realize that while this was a very sad tragedy, it is also a wake-up call to all cruise lines to review their safety and emergency guidelines. When I worked during Hurricanes Katrina, followed by Rita, we were able to evaluate our own procedures. We learned what worked, and what didn’t work so that the next time the situation occurred we were better prepared.

Drop in Prices

Like any industry that suffers due to tragedy and circumstance, there are consumers who will cancel their long awaited vacations due to fear. It happened after Katrina. It happened after the BP Oil Spill. Tourists cancelled their trips, businesses shut down. For those who braved their fears, there were deals to be had.

Cruise lines right now are offering free balcony upgrades, onboard credit, and tons of other extras to entice consumers into booking a cruise. There are also a number of last minute deals right now due to recent cancellations.

I’m so confident in the current safety and security of the cruise industry that I will be taking my own children to Europe on a cruise. We’ll cruise on the Carnival Breeze and will even visit the same port (Rome, Civitavecchia) the Costa Concordia visited before the tragedy occurred.

For more information on the safety of cruise ships, check out MommyMusing’s post on cruise ship safety tips.

How has the Concordia grounding affected the industry safety? Read Chris Owen’s article on how the Concordia simulation will be the key to future safety in the cruise industry.

Weigh in on John Heald’s Blog, Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director

Have you cancelled your cruise after the Costa Concordia grounding? Are you planning a future cruise?

Beat the winter blahs with a tranquil trip to sunny Florida. Travelers booking a flight plus hotel vacation package for four or more nights to St. Petersburg or Clearwater beaches can save $100 per reservation. Use code SUN100 when booking a flight and hotel on Southwest Airlines Vacations. Choose a participating hotel and receive one night free. Save as much as $120 per person roundtrip with the Bags Fly Free–even golf bags.

Vacations must be booked between now and February 9, 2012, (6 pm CST). Trip must be taken between January 14 and May 25, 2012. Black out dates apply and one day advance purchase is required.

For complete details on this offer, visit: Southwest Vacations

Customized St. Petersburg/Clearwater vacation packages include roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines®, hotel accommodations (including taxes), Rapid Rewards® points on the flight portion, 24-hour traveler assistance, and first and second checked bags fly free (weight and size limits apply)†. Even skis, snowboards, and golf bags fly free!

One hundred hot air balloons will fly over Albuquerque, New Mexico on Valentine’s Day weekend. You and a guest could win a romantic getaway for two and celebrate during the Friends and Lovers Hot Air Balloon Rally.

The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is sponsoring a contest and giving away:

• Two nights accommodations at the Crown Plaza Albuquerque

• Balloon ride for two at the Friends and Lovers Hot Air Balloon Rally

• A $200 Visa card–useful for either airfare, gas, dinner or shopping

Contest entries must be received by 11:59 pm MST January 31, 2012.
Enter online at www.ItsATrip.org/valentines.

The winning entry will be drawn on February 1, 2012. The winner must be available to fly in the balloon at 7am on either February 11th or 12th.

Albuquerque hotels are offering tons of Valentine Day packages and romantic meals– details are online.

This just arrived in my inbox and I wanted to share information about Carnival Cruise Lines‘ New York cruise offerings on the Carnival Miracle.

As part of its new Land vs. Sea marketing campaign, Carnival Cruise Lines has unveiled a massive billboard in Times Square that promotes the line’s new year-round departures from New York aboard the Carnival Miracle, which kick off in April.

Located at the corner of Broadway and 49th Street, the colorful billboard features a shot of a Carnival “Fun Ship” with the New York skyline on one side and an image of a tropical destination on the other.

A smaller billboard with the words “The Caribbean Is Closer Than You Think – Cruising from Midtown” – reflective of the Carnival Miracle’s eight-day Caribbean sailings from the Big Apple – is also featured.

The billboard is part of a new multi-channel campaign designed to promote the quality and value of “Fun Ship” cruising versus traditional land-based vacations. Created by the line’s advertising agency, Boston-based Arnold Worldwide, the multi-channel campaign began December 26, 2011, and blends national and regional executions across TV, out-of-home (billboards) and on-line media, all in an engaging and often-humorous way.

Carnival Miracle’s new year-round schedule from New York begins April 12, 2012, and encompasses three different eight-day Caribbean and Bahamas/Florida itineraries that feature some of the region’s most beautiful and popular destinations.

Today is the first official day of exhibits for CES 2012. This event is so large that it fills up the entire Las Vegas Convention Center Hall and the conference space at The Venetian Sands Expo Center.So far I’ve only managed to see the South Halls of LVCC.

This morning I opted for the monorail since last year I learned just how long one has to wait for a taxi or official shuttle to LVCC. The line to get into the monorail station was already extremely long and was a good indication of how my day would be. Fortunately, Nokia had a promotional dance crew providing entertainment.

Getting into CES wasn’t as crazy as last year for me and I made my way to the South Halls before heading towards the rest of LVCC. My first stop was the Nokia booth so that I could see the legendary Lumia 900 in real life. It was gorgeous!

Then I set off exploring the rest of the South Halls and these are a few of the travel related finds that caught my eye:

M-edge – Last year I was introduced to m-edge and man have they grown since then. Their previous lineup was ebook reader covers that could be customized. They’ve expanded their line with phone cases, custom ebook cases, and these funky military inspired canvas ebook bags.

Golla – Last year I discovered this brand which introduces a new lineup each year. The new products include iPad cases and bags for all your gadgets.

Zagg – This company offers accessories and protective covers for touchscreen devices. They also offer a line of products to keep those devices powered up when your juice is low.

Samsonite – Most everyone is familiar with this brand, but they’ve introduced a number of new product and showcased some of their classic best selling items. The three-in-one travel pillow is one of their top sellers due to affordability and variety of functions. I was glad to see their new backpack, the Viz Air which provides a number of compartments for electronics, and even provides a layer of cushion at the bottom for safety in transporting a laptop.

Verso – I was drawn to this booth due to the tablet covers in various designs. My favorite is the Vera Bradley collection. I can’t wait until this comes to the market because I’ve been hoping Vera Bradley would release a proper tablet cover. Plus, they also have a line of ebook reader lights in a select few of Vera Bradley patterns.

Jaymo – Jaymo is a mom owned company providing custom phone and iPad cases that allow you to insert a favorite photo to display on the back of your device. It’s a cute way to personalize your phone or iPad and showcase your kids.

iBrag – This mom owned company offers fashionable cases for tablets and phones and also provides compact storage options. The phone case is a practical item to take to the theme parks if you no longer have to worry about a diaper bag. It holds the phone, has a photo and wallet area, and wristband.

These are just a smidgen of the many consumer electronics being showcased at CES 2012 this year. Of course there are home and lifestyle products, a plethora of phone cases, and so much more. I’m heading out again in search of interesting travel gadgets during my CES adventure.

The International Consumer Electronics Show has been around since 1967. It is the largest consumer electronics event in the world. While this event showcases the newest innovations in the industry for all interests, I’m attending CES to find some of the coolest gadgets to make travel easier and fun.

Last night was CES Unveiled, a preview of what’s being shown. While there are 30-50 Ultrabooks that will debut, along with super phones, there are also a large number of health and fitness products and lots of TVs. Buyers are interested in wireless and wireless devices, along with lifestyle electronics.

Some of my favorite travel finds so far include:

House of Marley – These Earth-friendly products invoke the soul of the Marley family with The Marley Movement and their line of portable sound devices. There are a variety of headphones available and portable audio systems soon to be on the market, including the Djembe which is my favorite of them all. It’s the smallest and most portable of their audio systems and can be attached to your backpack with a carabiner. The birch wood and canvas makes me want to sip on some Appleton Rum while chilling in Negril listening to my favorite tunes. Will retail at $59.99

MyCharge Folio – If you are like me, taking photos and video of every moment of your travels, your phone battery can drain quickly. Don’t get stuck in a theme park with a late afternoon princess photo opportunity only to find your battery level at 2 percent. The MyCharge Folio is an iPhone case and battery pack in one. What makes it stand out for me is the slim size and colors that pop. Will retail at $79.99.

SolarKindle – SolarFocus has developed the ultimate cover for the Kindle. Just place your Kindle securely inside, close, and then set it out in the sun for an hour to charge. This device recharges your Kindle on the go, is green, and even provides a reading light. This product will be available online as of January 14 and will retail at $79.99.

Powertech Ultraslim USB Outlet Expander – This slim outlet expander is about a half inch thick with a folding collapsible plug which is fabulous for the traveler needing an extra pair of USB power sockets. No word on a retail price just yet. Check out Powertech Industrial Company Ltd. for product news and future availability.

Velodyn Vpulse earphones – These earphones aren’t just comfortable, they also provide crisp and clear sound. They come with a sturdy compact carry case making them the perfect travel companion when watching movies or listening to tunes inflight on your iPad device. This product retails at $89.99 and is for those who are serious about sound quality with their portable media devices.

To keep up with my live updates from CES 2012, be sure to follow me on Twitter: @CajunMama.

I’m currently on my flight to Vegas headed to the International Consumer Electronic’s Show. Thanks to Gogo Inflight and Ford, from January 7 through January 13, all Gogo Inflight WiFi enabled flights to and from Las Vegas will be offering 30 minutes of FREE WiFi once your flight reaches 10,000 feet.

How do you get this FREE WiFi offer?

Turn on your device (laptop, tablet or other mobile device), make sure Airplane mode is turned on and connect to WiFi.

Once the Gogo start screen appears, you’ll be prompted to watch a promotional video about CES sponsored by Ford. You’ll enter your email address and then you’ll be connected for 30 minutes of FREE inflight WiFi.

Have fun on your flight and be sure to say hello if you see me at CES. Follow Gogo on Facebook: http://Facebook.com/Gogo

The Carnival Season is a time of fun and revelry. Most people associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, but did you know that the first Mardi Gras in the US was held in Mobile, Alabama? There are also Mardi Gras parades held all over the southern US and in a few other places around the country, including my home city of Baton Rouge, LA.

The only time I’ve missed Mardi Gras was the year my daughter was born — on Mardi Gras Weekend! She was a preemie born the Sunday before Mardi Gras proper, but we still wore our beads in the NICU that year. I’ve even turned down trips to Europe and exotic islands because they happened to fall during Mardi Gras. After all, it is a state holiday here in Louisiana.

The Carnival Season begins Twelfth Night, January 6th of each year and goes through midnight until Ash Wednesday. The two days preceding Ash Wednesday are Lundi Gras (Fat Monday) and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The entire season is sometimes referred to Mardi Gras or Carnival. It is a religious based event that had become a cultural experience of a region.

Not everyone can get to a Mardi Gras parade this year, but if you are of a mind to take a trip, there are a number of family friendly celebrations along the Gulf Coast states. And yes, I DO BRING MY CHILDREN TO NEW ORLEANS FOR MARDI GRAS sometimes. We however, do not bring them to Bourbon Street. Ever.

How to Celebrate Mard Gras and the Carnival Season

King Cake – Carnival Season begins on January 6 of each year. You can order a King Cake online and have it delivered to your home. This can be expensive because it must be sent overnight or it isn’t fresh. For those one a budget, I have an Easy King Cake Recipe on my personal blog. One of the fun parts of a King Cake (besides indulging your sweet tooth) is finding the baby inside. Tradition says that whoever finds the baby will have good luck all year. Here in Louisiana, in an office setting, it means you have to buy the next King Cake for the office. Lucky you. Last year I had a blast judging a King Cake contest in Baton Rouge.

Decorations – Many people in Louisiana keep their Christmas trees standing through Carnival Season and decorate it in Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green. Fireplace mantles and front doors also bear decorations of ribbons, masks, and shiny things to celebrate. Go to a local craft store and make a Mardi Gras wreath for your front door.

Music – Jazz things up with some Mardi Gras music around your home or office. Mardi Gras Mambo is always a popular choice and will guarantee to have your office dancing a Second Line around the desks. Basin Street Records is one of my  favorite labels for New Orleans music.

Have Your Own Parade – Liven things up in your neighborhood or workplace my holding an impromptu parade. While Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl Parade are popular for their balloons and flowery floats, I think they’re kind of boring. For an authentic Mardi Gras experience, you have to have Throws. Throws consist of beads, promotional items, flowers, and candy. Here in Louisiana, the Zulu Social Club gives throws of the highly sought after golden coconut. In earlier times, Mardi Gras was when the wealthy shared with the community, giving back in the form of these throws. Mardi Gras Krewes are social clubs who give back to their local society throughout the year and also have private social gatherings. Read: Those plastic beads aren’t cheap.

Hold a Mardi Gras Party – Mardi Gras Krewes hold a soiree each year to present their royal courts. Traditionally these soirees, or balls are extremely formal with men in tuxedos and women wearing floor length evening gowns. The Krewe I’ve been a part of is Krewe of Artemis in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For the annual soiree, all gown hemlines must touch the ground or you will not be allowed into the party. Mr. Kevin Kelly, owner of Houmas House Plantation holds a masquerade party annually during Carnival Season at his private home along an iconic New Orleans parade route. This is one of the most exclusive private events in the entire world.

Make a Gumbo – In Mamou, Louisiana there is the Courier de Mardi Gras tradition. Costumed riders go around the area by horseback through the rice fields of Evangeline Parish collecting the ingredients for a community gumbo. Live chickens offered up by homeowners are chased and sometimes caught for the gumbo pot. You don’t have to chase chickens in your neighborhood, or even clean a chicken with my Easy Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe.

These are just a few of the ways to celebrate Mardi Gras where you live. Be creative and have fun!

Do you have any projects or traditions for Carnival Season? Laissez les bon temps roulet!

Hi TravelingMamas – I’m taking a cruise to the Western Caribbean soon and I’d like to get in touch with places so that I can give back while on vacation. The cruise originates in New Orleans with port stops in Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, and Costa Maya. Any assistance is appreciated.

Cruising for a Cause

Hi Cruising for a Cause -

I’m so excited your are taking time from your vacation to give back to those in need. Cruises are a great way to see different destinations, help a variety of charities, and have a vacation as well. I’ve been to all these destinations and have even given back at most of them. I was introduced to giving back while on vacation through Nancy Schretter, founder of Together for Good. We cruised for a cause together a few years ago on the Norwegian Spirit and it was one of my most rewarding trips ever taken.

Before cruising to each of these ports, keep in mind that you will be limited on the amount of donations you can bring into each country. Whatever you bring off the ship will have to be carried a long way by yourself. Here are some tips and suggestions, along with contact information for the port stops on your cruise:

Cozumel

Ciudad de Angeles – This is an orphanage that provides a family-type environment for over 20 children. Their website provides a wishlist of items needed. Contact the orphanage at least 48 hours in advanced and they will give you the best time to drop off items. You will take a taxi to the address given to you when you make arrangements.

Cozumel Chrysalis Group – This non-profit group provides school supplies to low-income families in the Cozumel area. Paradise Beach is a drop off point where backpacks of supplies are collected and then you can spend the rest of your day relaxing on the beach.

Check out all places listed in Mexico on Together for Good.

Belize

Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre – This a convenient place to drop items while on your cruise. This residential childcare facility is located in Belize City and takes donations of a variety of school and care items. You will not be allowed to take photos of the children or interact. I will warn you, this is is not a colorful facility like you might see in the US and you will see that your items are much needed. Contact Karl Menzies by email.

The Liberty Foundation – Located near Ladyville, this residential facility houses 25 children ages 1 to 11. Contact Delfina Mitchell, the director, to make arrangements for dropping off items and visiting with the children. You can also ask here what items are most needed before arriving. She can be contacted via email.

Check out all places listed in Belize on Together for Good.

Roatan

There are a number of places in need on the Island of Roatan. I have not visited any of the places in need listed, but recently a few cruise writers made a stop at a local orphanage while taking a shore excursion. The tour was arranged through Victor Bodden of Bodden Tours.

Check out all places listed in Honduras on Together for Good.

Costa Maya

Uai Nat Ze – Costa Maya is a really good port for mixing voluntourism and fun. There are a variety of opportunities, depending on area needs and the time of year. During a port stop with Nancy, we delivered needed supplies, decorated the kindergarten in Mahahual, and spent the afternoon enjoying an authentic meal with some locals. Contact Kevin at Uai Nat Ze to arrange your visit. You can read all about our day in Costa Maya.

I hope this information is helpful to anyone cruising for a cause. What Nancy Schretter has been able to accomplish with her site Together for Good has been unbelievable. If each cruise passenger brought just one backpack of needed supplies to at least one port on their cruise vacation, then so many children of the ports would benefit.

TravelingMamas.com and friends will be planning a Cruise for a Cause this Spring. As soon as the details are available it will be posted here on TravelingMamas.com and other online outlets. We hope you’ll join us for fun and giving back while on vacation. But you don’t have to wait for a group cruise to do some good. Anyone can help these destinations at anytime they are on a cruise with these port stops.

Have a question for TravelingMamas.com? Send us an email. We’ll do our best to get the answers you need. Please keep in mind, we are not trip planners or travel agents and cannot help you plan your individual travel needs, but we can give you ideas on what to do and where to go.

Last year the HGTV Dream Home was in Stowe Vermont. For 2012, HGTV brought the Dream Home to Utah.

I think Utah is one of the most beautiful states in the USA, with Park City being one of the top ski destinations. But Park City is a wonderful place to visit all year long. This year, HGTV has built its annual Dream Home near picturesque Park City, Utah and YOU have the chance to enter to win it! Here’s a sneak peek video of HGTV’s Dream Home 2012:

Park City offers year ’round adventure, be it on the ski slopes in Winter or hiking the mountain trails during the summer months. The HGTV Dream Home 2012 is just a short drive from Salt Lake City and is located on the Provo River near Park City in Midway, Utah. The home is a modern rustic ranch design and is nestled under the shadow of Mount Timpanogos.

The HGTV Dream Home 2012 offers a home base for the annual Sundance Film Festival, summer activities, ski season, and so much more.

The Prize*:

• HGTV Dream Home 2012 in Midway, UT valued at over $1.5 Million (includes lot)
• Furnishings
• High-End Appliances
• A 2012 GMC Terrain
• $500,000

How to Enter:

Visit HGTV.com and FrontDoor.com daily to enter online.

*Total ARV of entire sweepstakes is $2,038,755 if winner takes title to the property or $1,338,755 if winner takes cash option. Winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2012 is responsible for all taxes, registration, and other expenses listed on the official sweepstakes rules.