Italy Issues New Driver License Requirements

The new driver license rules in Italy apply to all visitors renting cars, who come from non-
European countries.

An International Driving License is now mandatory in Italy for all renters with non-European driving licenses. The International Driving License must be accompanied by a renter's original driving license from their home country. Rental cars will no longer be delivered without the required documents.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent for more information!

Makepeace Island Now Available for Rent

Beautiful Makepeace Island is one of two very private islands owned by Sir Richard Branson, the other being Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.

Makepeace Island, which is located 20 minutes from Noosa in Queensland, is now available to rent. The once muddy patch of land floating in the Noosa River has been transformed into an ultra-luxurious Balinese-style retreat. The property features a main long house with a giant bar, a four-bedroom guest house, several two-bedroom villas, a boat house and a lagoon pool with a lap lane, dive spots and a 15-person spa. It can accommodate up to 22 guests.

The island, once called Pig Island, has its own riverboat to transfer guests, full-sized tennis court, outdoor cinema, two-story open-air Balinese wantilan "for relaxing and gatherings", a game room and office facilities.

Makepeace is available for whole of island rental only. It costs $7900 a night for between one and eight guests and up to $14,990 a night for between 20 and 22 guests.

Norwegian Cruise Line Releases Details of "Project Breakaway"

NCL announced the exclusive suite complex on the two Project Breakaway ships will be named "The Haven by Norwegian" and that name will be carried over to five other ships.

The Haven will offer extra services, including a butler certification and a Courtyard pool valet will also be added. The suite complexes on five vessels-Norwegian Epic, Gem, Pearl, Jade and Jewel will also be named The Haven by Norwegian. On the new builds, The Haven, consisting of 42 suites on Decks 15 and 16 forward, includes a private restaurant, a cocktail lounge and a concierge desk where passengers can relax, have a drink and make dining, entertainment and spa reservations through the dedicated concierge.

There is a two-story courtyard area with a pool that has a deep end for swimming and a shallow area for relaxing, two whirlpools and a private sun deck, along with two private massage rooms, changing areas and a sauna. The Haven guests also have direct, private access to the ship's spa and fitness center.

The 21 Two-Bedroom Family Villas feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The separate living room and dining area includes a single sofa bed, writing desk and bar. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony. The master bath includes an oversize oval tub that looks out to the sea. The second bedroom includes a double sofa bed and bathroom.

There are 17 Courtyard Penthouses which feature a king-size bed, living and dining area, a single sofa bed, writing desk and ample storage spaces. There are 16 Spa Suites on each new build that have easy access to the spa and fitness center, and free access to the thermal spa suite.

Contact a Cruise Specialist today to book your next cruise vacation!

A Shantytown in Rio to Become Tourist Area

The President of Brazil announced plans to turn Rio's Complexo do Alemao shantytown into a tourism spot as recent police operations significantly reduced crime there.

The government is carrying out a major facelift of the shantytown and improving living conditions with the construction of a cable car line, a state-of-the-art 3D movie theater, a family clinic, a school, and several other renovations. The new cable car line was inaugurated last week. It connects to a neighboring train station and will facilitate travel to and from the remotest corner of the shantytown on a hill.

Rio has several tourist attractions in shantytowns. Some hotels located in slums near the beach offer beautiful views of the city.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent to book your vacation to Brazil!

Royal Caribbean Behind the Scenes Tour

Last week Royal Caribbean announced it's plans for elaborate behind-the-scenes tours for passengers on their ships.

For $150, the three and a half hour guided tour will take guests through the shipboard areas such as the bridge, engine control room, the galley, and even behind the scenes look at the main theater. Royal Caribbean says it's responding to a growing demand from passengers to see behind-the-scenes. These tours will be available to purchase onboard beginning this month.

Carnival and Princess Cruises have already added such tours on their cruises in recent years.

Contact a Cruise Specialist today to book your next cruise!