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World Tour Rome to Venice Cruise
Currently Sailing
- Cruiseline
- Costa Cruises
- Ship
- Costa Deliziosa
- Departs
- Rome (Civitavecchia)
- Returns
- Venice
- Departure Date
- 9 Jan 2020
- Duration
- 108 nights
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
Departure Date: 9 Jan 2020
Duration: 108 nights
Ship: Costa Deliziosa
Star rating:
Departs: Rome (Civitavecchia)
Returns: Venice
Ports of call: 41
Itinerary and Ports Show / Hide Port Details
|Thu 9 Jan 2020
|Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
|Rome, the capital, and largest city of Italy, is full of unending possibilities. It can be reached from the port of Civitavecchia in approximately ninety minutes either by train or coach. Rome greets visitors with a multitude of faces, such as the Ancient City with ruins like: the Colosseum; the seven hills; the Roman Forum; and the Sacred Way, the path used for triumphal processions. There is Renaissance Rome, full of winding streets and sun-dappled piazzas, and the Vatican, home to the Pope. Also popular are the Sistine Chapel with Michaelangelo's famous Creation of Adam fresco, and his masterpiece, La Pieta, at St. Peter's Cathedral. more info
|Fri 10 Jan 2020
|Marseille, France
|Located on the SE coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is France's largest commercial port, and is also the largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. It serves as a gateway to the lush fertile region of Provence and all its cultural contributions to gastronomic excellence, impressionistic art, and ancient architecture. This cosmopolitan city with 300 days of sunshine a year, clear blue skies and the down-to-earth warmth of its residents, boasts a trading history that goes back more than 2,500 years. It is renowned for its beaches, a wide range of water sports, and particularly teaching scuba diving. more info
|Sat 11 Jan 2020
|Barcelona, Spain
|Barcelona, located in Catalonia Spain, is Europe's largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, and one of the world's major global cities. Today, Barcelona balances itself on the cutting edge of architecture, intellectual life, and style. Indeed Barcelona won the 1999 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture, the first time that the winner has been a city, and not an individual architect. The 'Gothic Quarter' is the centre of the old city of Barcelona, where many of the buildings date as far back as the Roman settlement. The Art Nouveau architectural style has a great number of buildings listed as World Heritage Sites. more info
|Sun 12 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 13 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Tue 14 Jan 2020
|Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
|Santa Cruz de Tenerife (commonly known as Santa Cruz) is the capital the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. The port is of great importance and is the communications hub between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with cruise ships arriving from many nations. Not surprisingly, the city has a real cosmopolitan mix due to immigrants from Latin America, Africa and Western Europe. Santa Cruz is the second largest city of the European Union outside of Europe, and is also the capital of the island of Tenerife. Don't miss the Museum of Nature and Man as it has become a world reference in regard to the preservation of mummies. more info
|Wed 15 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 16 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Fri 17 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Sat 18 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 19 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 20 Jan 2020
|Bridgetown, Barbados
|The city of Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the island country of Barbados, a major tourist destination in the West Indies. The city has numerous attractions, landmarks, monuments, museums, and art galleries of an international standard. It is also a starting point for visiting many other popular cities on the island. This historic city and its nearby Garrison are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure to take a virtual tour to explore the area. While tourists devote at least a portion of their time in Bridgetown to see the monuments and museums, duty free sales also attract a great deal of attention. more info
|Tue 21 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Wed 22 Jan 2020
|Oranjestad, Aruba, Netherlands (Antilles)
|In the southern Caribbean, Oranjestad is the capital of the small island of Aruba, and an island territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is an attractive and historic harbour town just 27 km north of Venezuela. It can be divided into Upper and Lower Towns. There are a number of colonial era 18th C. ruins in the area around the bay, submerged buildings at the seafront can be explored by snorkelling, while more recent commercial and residential developments are found in the Upper Town. The main historical site is Fort Oranje, a well-maintained 17th C. fort overlooking the waterfront. With its town walls, gates, cannons, and fortifications, this is an absolute 'must-see'. more info
|Thu 23 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Fri 24 Jan 2020
|Cristobal, Panama
|Cristóbal lies at the northern entrance to the Panama Canal. It is part of the province of Colón, a port city at the entrance to Limon Bay, at the Atlantic (Caribbean) entrance of the canal. (Interestingly, Cristóbal Colón is the Spanish translation for Christopher Columbus.) The port, Old Cristóbal, was first built by the Panama Railroad Company in the 1850s, and dredged material became landfill for the present Cristóbal. From 1904 the town was the port of entry for construction equipment and materials, most canal workers, and supplies and provisions. Today's Cristóbal is now part of the city of Colón, Panama, and the port thrives under private management. more info
|Sat 25 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 26 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 27 Jan 2020
|Manta, Ecuador
|Manta is a major commercial and holiday resort centre and the second major port of Ecuador. It is possibly best known for the Playa (beach) Murciélago area of the Malecón, where not only is the seafood excellent, but also on offer is great music, beach aerobics, parties, and general night life ambience. Gathering momentum among tourists is the fact that this is the home of seeds of particular palms that are almost indistinguishable from ivory after they have been dried. Buttons, jewellery, and small sculptures made from these seeds are quickly gaining in popularity. The most visited beaches include El Murciélago, and Barbasquillo. more info
|Tue 28 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Wed 29 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 30 Jan 2020
|Lima (Callao), Peru
|Lima, although a sprawling desert city, is the capital and largest city of Peru. The Historic centre of Lima is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era. In particular, visit the Plaza Mayor with the 16th century Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. The numerous churches are also popular as they date from the 16th and 17th centuries. The most noteworthy of these are the Cathedral of Lima and the Monastery of San Francisco. These contain paintings from various schools of art and finely sculpted wood furnishings, as well as being connected by their subterranean catacombs. more info
|Fri 31 Jan 2020
|At Sea
|Sat 1 Feb 2020
|Arica, Chile
|The seaside resort city of Arica in the north of Chile lies just 18 km south of the border with Peru. Known as the City of Eternal Spring - as it is sunny virtually every day of the year - it is located on the coast of the driest desert in the world. It has a great beach where visitors can enjoy the sun and take a swim. A tour or rental car enables visitors to explore the Green Uta valley that cuts through the desert, with water from rain and melting snow higher up in the Andes Mountains, and is also filled with the history and remains of ancient life. more info
|Sun 2 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 3 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Tue 4 Feb 2020
|San Antonio, Chile
|San Antonio, Chile, is a Pacific port 63 km south of the port of Valparaiso. San Antonio is the largest freight handling port on the western coast of South America. The city lies on hills and coastal dunes north of the mouth of the Maipo River. It was seriously affected by earthquakes most recently in 1985 and 2010. The port connects to the capital Santiago 116 km by a good road to the east; and to the heritage city of Valparaiso 62 km to the north. San Antonio is the hub of the area's fishing industry. more info
|Wed 5 Feb 2020
|San Antonio, Chile
|San Antonio, Chile, is a Pacific port 63 km south of the port of Valparaiso. San Antonio is the largest freight handling port on the western coast of South America. The city lies on hills and coastal dunes north of the mouth of the Maipo River. It was seriously affected by earthquakes most recently in 1985 and 2010. The port connects to the capital Santiago 116 km by a good road to the east; and to the heritage city of Valparaiso 62 km to the north. San Antonio is the hub of the area's fishing industry. more info
|Thu 6 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Fri 7 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Sat 8 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 9 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 10 Feb 2020
|Easter Island, Chile
|Most cruise ships make a scenic pass of the island, and as few as 30% tender successfully to shore, there being no harbour and the weather is problematic. (Serious sight-seers arrive by air from Chile mainland.) One of the most isolated islands in the world, this triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific is 2,300 km off the west coast of Chile. It is intriguing, its history is as unclear as it is mysterious. Isolated for centuries from the outside world, Rapa Nui, the people of the island, developed their own distinctive culture. Huge figures carved of volcanic rock, called moai, stand on rectangular stone platforms known as ahu. (You can see one on the roadside in Viña del Mar, Valparaiso.) more info
|Tue 11 Feb 2020
|Easter Island, Chile
|Most cruise ships make a scenic pass of the island, and as few as 30% tender successfully to shore, there being no harbour and the weather is problematic. (Serious sight-seers arrive by air from Chile mainland.) One of the most isolated islands in the world, this triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific is 2,300 km off the west coast of Chile. It is intriguing, its history is as unclear as it is mysterious. Isolated for centuries from the outside world, Rapa Nui, the people of the island, developed their own distinctive culture. Huge figures carved of volcanic rock, called moai, stand on rectangular stone platforms known as ahu. (You can see one on the roadside in Viña del Mar, Valparaiso.) more info
|Wed 12 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 13 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Fri 14 Feb 2020
|Pitcairn Island, Pitcairn Islands
|NOTE: Tenders to shore are infrequent. Locals from the island do come out to the anchored ship. Pitcairn Island (pop. 50), the main island of a loosely grouped handful of four tiny islands, is a sub-tropical paradise in the South Pacific, located halfway between New Zealand and Peru. The islands are the last British colony in the South Pacific. The rugged main island was settled by the infamous mutineers of the Bounty and their Polynesian companions, and most of Pitcairn's approximately fifty current inhabitants are their descendants. Of interest to many is the sale of valuable postage stamps, honey and handicrafts. more info
|Sat 15 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 16 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 17 Feb 2020
|Papeete, French Polynesia
|The city of Papeete (Tahitian Pape'ete; pop. 27,000) is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian Islands. With its pleasant warm tropical climate, city-lovers will enjoy Papeete's chic shops, specialist stores and boutiques, together with the lively mix of French, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures. Shop around for the best hire car deal and enjoy driving along the broad avenue by the famous waterfront, and then venture forth along the four-lane express way that links the city with the trendy suburban districts of Punaauia and Paea on the west coast. Its suburbs creep up the mountains overlooking the city and sprawl for miles along the coast in both directions. more info
|Tue 18 Feb 2020
|Bora Bora, French Polynesia
|Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The mysteries and romance associated with the words Bora Bora bring an almost mystical presence to the island; it is arguably the most famous island in the world. Part of the allure has to be its almost unbelievable beauty. Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate the centre of the island and make an impressive backdrop to an assortment of blue waters that dazzle the eyes. Whatever one chooses to do, visitors will thoroughly revel in this wonderful Polynesian island paradise. more info
|Wed 19 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 20 Feb 2020
|Rarotonga, Cook Islands
|Rarotonga is the emerald jewel of the South Pacific. It lies midway between French Polynesia to the east, and Samoa and Tonga to the west. One of 15 Cook Islands, it is a popular tourist destination. Its chief town is Avarua, a tender port on the north coast. A 32 km peripheral road will take you around the island, and bush walks reveal lush inland scenery and volcanic peaks. Te Manga, at 658 m, is the highest peak on the island. The island is surrounded by a lagoon, best seen to the S and SE. more info
|Fri 21 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Sat 22 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 23 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 24 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Tue 25 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Wed 26 Feb 2020
|Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand
|Rotorua (Tauranga) is a centre of tourism and a place of extraordinary natural beauty. It is a smallish city on the shores of a lake of the same name, in the crater of an ancient volcano in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The entire area is thermally active, and the smell of sulphur, a 'rotten eggs' smell that is never far, results in the nicknames 'Sulphur City' and 'Rottenrua'. The surrounding geothermal wonderland including 16 beautiful lakes and the lush green of the abundant native flora, soon causes one to get used to the odour. more info
|Thu 27 Feb 2020
|Auckland, New Zealand
|Auckland is New Zealand's larget city (the capital Wellington is slightly smaller), multicultural, with the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. The 'City of Sails' is located on an isthmus at the northern end of North Island, with harbours facing west to the Tasman Sea and east to the Pacific Ocean. The city straddles a dormant volcanic field with 48 volcanic cones. The cruise terminal berths at the city centre, with transport services and hop-on hop-off bus service at hand. Walk to the city centre's iconic Sky Tower (and jump off with a harness). Places to visit in the city include the inner city park known as the Domain, and the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its colonial era homes. more info
|Fri 28 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Sat 29 Feb 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 1 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 2 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Tue 3 Mar 2020
|Melbourne, Australia
|Cruise ships dock 4 km from the Melbourne CBD at Station Pier, Port Melbourne, in Port Phillip Bay. Trams commute to the city centre, and a regular coach service links the railway station with Tullamarine Airport (with long-term parking). Station Pier is also the terminal for Spirit of Tasmania, a passenger-vehicular vessel that crosses Bass Strait to Tasmania. The Pier is closed to the general public during cruise ship visits. There is limited short-term parking at Waterfront Place nearby. Smaller (and occasional larger) cruise ships also dock SW of the city at Geelong (75 km) and SE of the city at Phillip Island (78 km). more info
|Wed 4 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 5 Mar 2020
|Sydney, Australia
|Cruise ships berthed at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) access sweeping views of the harbour, Opera House, CBD, Circular Quay ferry terminal, and Sydney Harbour Bridge – all within a few minutes' walk. The White Bay Cruise Terminal for mid-sized vessels that can pass under the Bridge docks two cruise ships. White Bay is 30 minutes' drive by taxi or shuttle bus from the CBD and Central Station, or take a ferry from Circular Quay (am) or Darling Harbour (pm) on cruise days. Long term car parking is not too far away from each terminal. During the crowded summer season cruise ships occasionally tender passengers from Athol Buoy and Point Piper Buoy. QM2 has docked at Garden Island Naval Base. more info
|Fri 6 Mar 2020
|Sydney, Australia
|Cruise ships berthed at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) access sweeping views of the harbour, Opera House, CBD, Circular Quay ferry terminal, and Sydney Harbour Bridge – all within a few minutes' walk. The White Bay Cruise Terminal for mid-sized vessels that can pass under the Bridge docks two cruise ships. White Bay is 30 minutes' drive by taxi or shuttle bus from the CBD and Central Station, or take a ferry from Circular Quay (am) or Darling Harbour (pm) on cruise days. Long term car parking is not too far away from each terminal. During the crowded summer season cruise ships occasionally tender passengers from Athol Buoy and Point Piper Buoy. QM2 has docked at Garden Island Naval Base. more info
|Sat 7 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 8 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 9 Mar 2020
|Cairns, Australia
|Cairns, located on the warm waters of Trinity Bay, 400km south of the northernmost tip of Queensland, is the gateway to the Tropical North. The Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal (a $120M upgrade opens early 2020, for ships to 300m) is a few minutes' walk from the heart of town. Nearby are the Great Barrier Reef (90 min. by boat) and the Daintree National Park. The city itself has several theme parks that offer an overview of its natural surroundings. These include: Rainforestation Nature Park, Tjaipukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This is a gondola cableway over the rainforest canopy, between Cairns and Kuranda, offering unsurpassed views of ravines and waterfalls within the Barron Gorge National Park. more info
|Tue 10 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Wed 11 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 12 Mar 2020
|Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
|Rabaul is a town on the Gazelle Peninsula in East New Britain province, Papua New Guinea. A busy commercial centre, it is situated on Simpson Harbour, a sheltered inlet of Blanche Bay. Almost the entire old town of Rabaul is buried under volcanic ash, the result of a volcanic eruption in 1994, and one is in awe of the scenery, which resembles an alien prehistoric landscape. Mt Tavurvur is still active and makes for a very interesting trekking tour. Also of interest are visits to the innumerable WWII sites, littered with fascinating debris from the well-known Battle of Rabaul in 1942. more info
|Fri 13 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Sat 14 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 15 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 16 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Tue 17 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Wed 18 Mar 2020
|Kobe, Japan
|Kobe is the capital of the Hyogo Prefecture and lies on the southern side of the main island of Honshu, Japan. A cosmopolitan port city with an international flavour it is hemmed in by Mt. Rokko, and it constantly comes up number one in expatriate rankings of the best place to live in Japan. The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, with its collection comprising sculptures, prints and paintings, built following the horrific earthquake in 1995, is a tribute to the spirit of mankind. Visit Chinatown west of Sannomiya, then visit Kitano where westerners built their homes, and take a stroll in the area with its many trendy cafes and boutiques. Take a ride on the Shin-Kobe Ropeway cable car. more info
|Thu 19 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Fri 20 Mar 2020
|Nagasaki, Japan
|Nagasaki City, on the island of Kyushu in Japan, lies at the heart of Nagasaki-hanto Peninsula. As one of Japan's closest port cities to the Asian mainland, Nagasaki has played a prominent role in foreign trade relations for many centuries. This is a port city that developed up the steep slope of a mountain, while also stretching horizontally to hug the Nagasaki Gulf. For an excellent view of the city one should go to the top of Inasa. The night view is absolutely amazing. Nagasaki is best known for being the second and last city in the world to be subjected to nuclear attack. more info
|Sat 21 Mar 2020
|Busan, South Korea
|Busan (formerly Pusan), the second largest city and principal port of South Korea, is situated in the SE of the peninsula on the Korea Strait. The city has many steep hills, creating a delightful mix of mountains and ocean. While Busan was relatively untouched during the Korean War, the flood of refugees has shaped the city. Tourists often come to this region to hike and to visit the Buddhist Temples located deep within the region's mountains. The Beomeosa Temple, founded in 678 AD, is perhaps one of the most frequented temples in the area and is always packed with worshipers and tourists. For art buffs, Busan offers several museums and historical buildings. more info
|Sun 22 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 23 Mar 2020
|Shanghai, China
|Shanghai, at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the mid-coast of mainland China, is the most populous city in the People's Republic. It is the largest centre of commerce and finance on mainland China, and the show-piece of the world's fastest-growing major economy. It is a major cruise port rivalling Hong Kong and Singapore, and the largest container port in the world. Check your visa requirements. Go to the Bund to watch ships on the river and marvel at the huge variety of architectural styles on display. Watch the crowds pass by in People's Square. Shoppers, make a beeline for the Fabric Market where you can have a suit or dress tailor-made at bargain prices. more info
|Tue 24 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Wed 25 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 26 Mar 2020
|Hong Kong, Hong Kong
|Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Then take the famous Escalator and the Tram to the Peak, the tallest point on the island, with some of the most expensive homes to be found anywhere. When there, take a short walk to escape the crowds and be rewarded with some excellent harbour views. more info
|Fri 27 Mar 2020
|Hong Kong, Hong Kong
|Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Then take the famous Escalator and the Tram to the Peak, the tallest point on the island, with some of the most expensive homes to be found anywhere. When there, take a short walk to escape the crowds and be rewarded with some excellent harbour views. more info
|Sat 28 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 29 Mar 2020
|Nha Trang, Vietnam
|Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khánh Hòa province, Vietnam. It is possibly best known for its bay, one of the most beautiful in the world, and the excellent scuba diving. It is a popular destination for locals, international tourists and large numbers of backpackers. The setting is stunning, with towering mountains looming up behind the city and the sweeping beach stretching into the distance, the turquoise waters dotted with little islands. The beachfront has been given a huge makeover in recent years, with parks and sculpture-gardens spread along the shorefront. The city has the alluring combination of being pleasant on the eye, inexpensive and culturally interesting. more info
|Mon 30 Mar 2020
|Phu My, Vietnam
|The port of Phu My in the Mekong delta is a gateway to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC; 2 h. NW) and the seaside resort of Vung Tau (40 min. SE). Ships dock at a commercial port, and tourists take a tour connection to HCMC or Vung Tau. Vung Tau offers: Saigon Atlantis resort, Vung Tau Aquarium, and a Disney-land type entertainment park. The Hydrofoil Fast Ferry departs here for HCMC. Since many visitors head for HCMC, look for: The National History Museum and Reunification Hall; the War Remnants Museum with artifacts from the war; and Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace where tanks crashed through the gate ending the Vietnam War. Be sure to visit the basement to see the war rooms. more info
|Tue 31 Mar 2020
|At Sea
|Wed 1 Apr 2020
|Singapore, Singapore
|Singapore is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 km N of the Equator, just south of the Malaysian state of Johor. One of the few remaining city-states in the world, Singapore is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is brimming with diversity and has a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture and a world famous variety of cuisine. You'll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping, including gargantuan malls, and numerous beaches. You will certainly not be surprised to know that over ten million tourists visit Singapore each year. more info
|Thu 2 Apr 2020
|Singapore, Singapore
|Singapore is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 km N of the Equator, just south of the Malaysian state of Johor. One of the few remaining city-states in the world, Singapore is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is brimming with diversity and has a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture and a world famous variety of cuisine. You'll find historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping, including gargantuan malls, and numerous beaches. You will certainly not be surprised to know that over ten million tourists visit Singapore each year. more info
|Fri 3 Apr 2020
|Kuala Lumpur (Kelang), Malaysia
|Kuala Lumpur - or KL as it is known - is situated midway along the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, and as the nation's capital city it is the focal point of the new Malaysia. The city truly brings together Malaysia's past and present and its varied cultures. Visitors can appreciate the evocative British buildings as well as the unbounded spirit of progress that symbolises Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. Indeed it is home to the Petronas Twin Towers, among the tallest twin towers in the world. It is also a shopper's paradise, with vast shopping centres like Suria KLCC that offer everything from designer goods and upmarket electronics to arts and crafts. Exceptional dining opportunities are also on offer. more info
|Sat 4 Apr 2020
|Penang, Malaysia
|Penang Island is located on the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, by the Strait of Malacca, while Penang State includes a narrow hinterland that is separated from the island by a channel. All tourists should visit the World Heritage Listed site of George Town. Take a trishaw ride or a guided walking tour to explore the nooks and crannies of George Town which, with its unique architectural and cultural townscape, and where every clanhouse and building represents a page of its colourful history, is definitely a 'must-see'. Perhaps take a thirty minute cable car ride, or a three-hour hike through lush foliage of the rainforest to Penang Hill with its amazing views. more info
|Sun 5 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 6 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Tue 7 Apr 2020
|Colombo, Sri Lanka
|Colombo is the largest city, and the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Despite its frenetic traffic and the general hustle and bustle of being where you can see some of the tallest buildings in Asia, it does offer some interesting attractions. In the northern part of the city you can find the British fort, dating from the 19th C, as well as the gracious old buildings of previous colonial eras. Visit the national museum, and the Pettah bazaar district where the streets are crammed with shops and stalls selling everything from vegetables to gemstones. more info
|Wed 8 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 9 Apr 2020
|Goa, India
|The small Indian state of Goa, with a 100 km coastline and extending 50 km inland, is situated at the centre of the western shores of India, facing the Arabian Sea. For 450 years Goa was a Portuguese province, until annexed by India in 1961. As India's smallest and richest state, it offers the best quality of life in the country. The major Indian port Vasco da Gama (named for the first European to reach India by sea) is also Goa's largest city. The capital, Panaji, is about 25 km distant by road. Tourism is Goa's primary industry. more info
|Fri 10 Apr 2020
|Mumbai, India
|Mumbai, with its natural deep harbour on India's west coast, is its most populous city as well as the richest. Comprising seven islands that once were home to communities of fishing colonies, over time, joined to form the city earlier known as Bombay. It is now the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Surprisingly, the townscape is more reminiscent of a prosperous 19th-century English industrial city than anything you'd expect to find on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Glistening skyscrapers and malls full of designer labels, Bollywood cinema, cricket on the Oval Maidan, and red double-decker buses flourish. more info
|Sat 11 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 12 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 13 Apr 2020
|Salalah, Oman
|Salalah, which lies in the southern Dhofar region, is the second largest city in Oman, and is known for its glorious history, heritage, rich culture, traditions and wonders of nature. The beautiful beaches are also very popular, with scuba diving and bird watching favourite tourist activities. Not surprisingly, it is known as the 'Stunning Jewel' of Oman. Don't miss Wadi Darbat, a natural park with majestic views of waterfalls, lakes, mountains, wildlife, and lush green vegetation. There is a 100m waterfall, and many cave chambers with old stalactites and stalagmites, as well as unusual coloured animal paintings on the cave walls. more info
|Tue 14 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Wed 15 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 16 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Fri 17 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Sat 18 Apr 2020
|Aqaba, Jordan
|Aqaba, in the far south of Jordan, is the country's only port city and, due to the rich coral reefs in the Gulf, is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Cooled by a steady northerly breeze, and ringed by mountains that change in colour with the change of hours, many visitors simply just relax on the sandy beaches. Aqaba is the port for the 3800 year-old 'hidden city' of Petra, 100 km to the north. Expect 20 tour coaches to meet your ship for a Petra tour! The red sand-stone Treasury, carved into a vertical rock face, is one of the world's most recognised tourist attractions. more info
|Sun 19 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Mon 20 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Tue 21 Apr 2020
|Haifa, Israel
|(NOTE: Check that your cruise still visits Haifa due to current safety concerns.) Israel's third largest city and one of its prettiest, Haifa is situated on the Israeli Mediterranean Coastal Plain, the historic land bridge between Europe, Africa, and Asia. The city is split over three tiers. The lowest is the centre of commerce and industry including the Port of Haifa, the middle level is on the slopes of Mount Carmel consists of older residential neighbourhoods, while the upper level is known for its modern suburbs. From here there are some fascinating views. Also enjoy the 17 km of beaches. Traditional, contemporary, sophisticated and relaxed, Haifa is a winning combination. more info
|Wed 22 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Thu 23 Apr 2020
|Heraklion, Crete, Greece
|Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region, and the economic centre of this Greek Island. It is a town with modern buildings, but it is probably the surrounding area of amazing beaches, delightful villages, and impressive gorges that accord it its popularity. Heraklion is home to some of Greece's most important archaeological sites. Just five kilometres south of Heraklion is Knossos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, and remains the legendary centre of the Minoan civilization from 1900 to 1400 BC. more info
|Fri 24 Apr 2020
|Katakolon, Greece
|The scenic seaside Greek town of Katakolon, with a population around 3,000, is your typical small-town cruise port with delightful cafes along the waterfront, shops that sell T-shirts, hats and jewellery, and a small beach that draws swimmers and sandcastle-builders. But that's not why ships make the town a destination. They arrive because Katakolon serves as the cruise gateway to ancient Olympia, just 40 km away, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. More than 3 million people annually visit the site and its companion facility, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, a treasure trove of pieced-together sculptures and statues that once adorned the ancient structures. more info
|Sat 25 Apr 2020
|At Sea
|Sun 26 Apr 2020
|Venice, Italy
|Located at the head of the Adriatic Sea between the mouths of the Piave and Po Rivers, an intricate web of 118 tiny islands and canals make up the enchanting city of Venice in Italy. Considered to be an extremely beautiful and romantic destination, it is not surprising that Venice has played an important role in the history of symphonic and operatic music. One must take a gondola ride along some of the over 150 canals, including the Grand Canal. Be amazed at the numerous bridges – such as the Rialto bridge – and absorb the glorious renaissance architecture with its panorama of superbly detailed facades. Plans to restrict large ship movements in the Canal past St Mark's Square have been scrapped. more info
All aboard the Costa Deliziosa over 108 relaxing nights on this World Tour Rome to Venice Cruise exploring Africa & Middle East. Your ship departs from Rome (Civitavecchia) and visits 41 ports in 28 countries before arriving at Venice. This 3.5 star voyage from Costa Cruises has 1 more forward departures. We have a limited number of cabins available from $0 per person/day, twin share. So call now and get expert, friendly advice.
Costa Deliziosa Overview
Costa Deliziosa began a 112-night World Cruise in January 2020 that will visit Australia. Departing from Venice (or Civitavecchia or Barcelona), she heads west vis the Panama Canal, Chile, scenic Pitcairn Island, overnight at Easter Island, French Polynesia, and New Zealand to berth at Melbourne and Sydney (overnight). From Australia Costa Deliziosa heads for Japan and other countries in E and SE Asia, then India, the Red Sea (do visit Aqaba and Petra the 'hidden city'), Greece, and finally Venice. Costa Deliziosa will then cruise the Mediterranean from Venice. Seven-night cruises call at Bari in Italy, and four ports in Greece. The 7-night cruise highlights are the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, the latter pictured on every postcard of Greece. Unfortunately the ship leaves some ports early, which limits time exploring these iconic sites. The ship doesn't stay overnight at ports, so sightseeing must be planned well. Of course, possibly the greatest highlight is the departure ad return to Venice, with St Mark's Square prominent. See how the stone city is built on wooden poles – amazing.
Costa Deliziosa offers the highest number of veranda accommodations in the entire Costa fleet: 772 of its 1,130 cabins. Two-thirds of cabins have an ocean view. Of these 662 come with balconies and 106 are suites with balconies. Inside cabins number 180. Fifty-two staterooms and four suites are built around and have direct access to the Samsara Spa, for guests who want to focus on health and well-being while travelling; and dine in the Samsara Restaurants. Suites come with pillow menu, bathrobes, walk-in closet, and other extras.
Food and Dining
The two-deck high Ristorante Albatros is the main dining venue, with two seatings for dinner. The more intimate Club Restaurant (by reservation and with cover charge) provides specialty a la carte dining prepared a la minute under the guidance of a master chef. Expect a mixture of European dishes, with Italian cuisine a stand-out. The Buffet Muscadins is the self-serve casual eatery, with European and North American type choices.
The three-level Theatre Duse, with over 800 seats, presents grand productions with the latest computer-controlled lighting - quite breath-taking. Relax with a tropical drink in the Piano Bar with its dance floor. Lie back in the Etoiles 4D Cinema in seats that move, and wind, fragrances and water sprays are part of the special effects. Sharazad Disco with its giant screen, laser effects and greatest hits of all time is the place to let your hair down. If you need quiet time, try the Velvet Library Internet Point with its timber and leather warmth. Other features are the Gaius Casino, and Mirabilis Grand Bar for drinks and, again, dancing.
Other Ships
What's included?
- All main meals on-board
- Welcome Aboard Buffet
- Ice water, hot water, tea bags
- Use of ship facilities - indoor & outdoor
- Entertainment - live music and/or shows, movies
- Activities - organised & individual
- Bridge director on select cruises
- Family oriented programs
- Kids clubs & teen programs (3-17 yrs)
- Cruise Director & all English speaking staff
- Special needs requests & service animals allowed
- Destination seminars and/or lectures
- Ship-shore-ship transfers
- Internet access & Wi-Fi (common areas, cabins)
What's excluded?
- Airfares, accommodation & transfers not specified
- Shore & land excursions and meals not specified
- Alternate specialty dining venues (unless specified)
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks
- Room service menu items (unless specified)
- Casino gaming
- Items & services of a personal nature
- Medical services, vaccination costs
- Laundry and/or valet charges
- Wi-Fi, Internet, satellite/mobile phone & fax charges
- Childcare services
- Passport & visa fees
- Insurances of all kinds
- Increases in third party charges or taxes
- Customary land tour gratuities are welcome
- Service charge: US$10/11 or €7 pp/night; 4-14y 50%, under 4y free.
- Service charge: beverages 15%
What's onboard?
- Atrium social centre
- Shopping Centre
- Main Restaurants, 2 seatings
- Buffet restaurant
- Room service 24h, b'fast
- Specialty restaurant
- Specialty restaurants (4)
- Spa food restaurant
- Pizzeria
- Bars (11)
- Coffee & patisserie
- Show lounge
- Night club/disco
- Live music, dance floor
- 4-D Cinema
- Giant screen
- Swimming pools (3)
- Whirlpools (4)
- Spa, therapy treatments
- Gym, fitness centre
- Solarium
- Sun deck
- Jogging/roller track
- Sports court
- Grand Prix simulator
- Golf simulator
- Putting green
- Library/Internet point
- Disco
- Casino
- Chapel
- Teen's centre Squok Club
- Children's corner
- Virtual world
- PlayStation entertainment
- Wedding, anniversary packages
- Wi-Fi in public areas, cabins (pay)
- Laundrette self-service
- Wheelchair access good
- Elevators (12)
- Cabin power 220/115V
- Medical centre
- Daily newsletter
You will then have the option to send us an enquiry or you can call us for FREE and speak to one of our Cruise Specialists who will check availability and find you the best possible price.
Select Cabin Category
|9 Jan 2020 (Thu)
Prices are twin share per person in AUD, include all taxes and are subject to change.
View the current location for Costa Deliziosa here!


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Some people call it the boob tube….well, I've come up with another name now that I'm a coastal property owner…. The Salt Box. You are probably wondering why I'm talking about a television when I'm supposed to be discussing my tiny house build. Let me explain...
Building a tiny house is just the start of a path to a simpler life. Join me on this journey of cultivating freedom. Welcome to my tiny world!

subset: commoncrawl


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This is my view looking out the jeep window. . .it's the spot where D is supposed to have his soccer pics, but instead they headed to the school gym. I swear it was dark, windy, and pouring rain five minutes ago!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
This and That.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Personally, I don't see it on me. Scott says my face is thinner. I just don't see it. I don't feel it. I think when I hit the 25 pound marker I will start getting excited. I also think that I'm not seeing it/feeling it because I feel that I am so overweight, it takes a good chunk before the results start showing.
I am also noticing that I am facing some self-esteem issues. I keep doubting that this will even work on me because I don't think I am "good enough", or that I am worth it. Even though the scale says I've lost some weight, I have this internal expectation that it's all a joke and I'll gain it all back in a few days. I feel like I've been given a gift and it'll be snatched back. I don't want to be disappointed.
Meanwhile, I have been walking everyday, at least a half hour. Today is really nasty out, so I will probably ride the indoor bike today. Besides, Scott went back to work today and so I've lost my walking partner and I absolutely despise walking alone.
I am also eating like a bird. And I'm supposed to be. I think my calorie consumption for the day is somewhere around 1200-1300 calories. Also, it supposed to take me 20-30 minutes to eat a meal. And the meal is small. I just had breakfast that consisted of one scrambled egg with cheese sprinkled on top. That fills me up. The bites have to be small and chewed beyond recognition. And then I wait a few minutes between each bite. This new practice is extremely difficult for me. I was raised with a bunch of boys and if you didn't grab your food and wolf it down, they'd do it for you. So, needless to say, I have always eaten fast. When I eat too fast now, my stomach gets a heaviness to it and I feel a little sick. It passes but it's uncomfortable.
The water I have to drink is incomprehensible to my little brain. I have never been a water drinker. I am the type that just hasn't required much. I could, in the past, go a few days without a single glass of aqua. Now, if I'm not eating, I'm drinking water. I can't drink a half hour before or after meals, but other than that, I am sipping water every five minutes. I bought myself a new water bottle at Target and it's always with me. The goal for constantly drinking water is to be drinking before thirst sets in. Because of the size of my "new" stomach, I just can't down a glass of water when I'm thirsty. I would throw up. The first week, I was choking it down; I just don't like water. But now it's a little easier. Unfortunately, I am back to drinking Crystal Light, which is really bad for anybody, but that's the only way I can drink the water. I am keeping my eyes peeled for other options.
So that's my haps about me in my little world. How are you?
Friday, March 15, 2013
P.S. Thank you.
I just wanna thank all the people that have sent me texts, phone calls, and messages of encouragement. I was feeling pretty lousy and then you guys brightened up my world! My progress is because of you. Thank you.
Tattoo's, Pee & Healing.
I have also decreased the feedings today from four times a day to three. So now they eat at 7 a.m., 1p.m., and 7p.m. I made the change because they hardly touch their morning bottle, so I wanted to stretch their night bottle's so that the next morning they will eat a full bottle.
Also, I HAVE to tell you this hilarious--true--story. Today, when Scott was holding down Orion as we tattooed him, Scott says, "Oh man!" We all look down to see what he's fussing about: Orion peed right in Scott's crotch so it looked like Scott peed himself! It was soooooo funny and then Melinda tops it off by walking away so she could go get all the farmhands so they could see! (Be sure to let Scott know you know this eventful moment!)
Today was physically hard because I did the tattoo-ing and I did a lot of bending down and stretching over. I went the entire day without pain meds, too. I don't even bother with the Tylenol because it doesn't help at all and it just ends up upsetting my tummy.
Speaking of tummy. . . my gosh, have I got a gurgle-y tummy! I drink, it gurgles. I eat, it gurgles. I sit, it gurgles. That thing is always talking to me now! And it makes me burp a lot! And I can't hold them in, or it hurts! It's funny now, but when I want to be polite somewhere, I'm just gonna end up embarrassing myself! Hopefully, it's just part of the healing process and it'll pass. Something to ask the doc on Monday at my post-op appointment.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
I can drink liquids and take my pills now! Yay!
I didn't realize how hard this was going to be. All the testimonials I had heard from the support group I went to never once mentioned the emotional aspect of bariatric surgery. Or how much support you need from loved ones.Maybe it's just me and I'm a big baby? I need friends more than ever right now. I keep turning to find one and there is no one there.
But I was pleasantly surprised yesterday. It was at the end of the day. I had just finished crying (told ya I'm a big baby) and was wallowing in self pity, I guess. And I got a text from someone who spoke very encouraging words. It was like a sun break on a stormy day. It was just what I needed. You know who you are. Thank you!
Today will be challenging because I am by myself all day. Scott went to a field trip with Nina. I even have to feed the goats at noon. Physically, I still hurt a lot. The incision made to pull my stomach out hurts the most. So it'll be interesting to feed the goats alone. I can't let them climb on me. And I can't hold them while I feed them.
I'm just ready to move forward on so many levels in so many ways. I can't dwell on what was and yet I am stuck in this kind of limbo stage before moving forward. Very discouraging.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I'm in the general surgery clinic because we had a little glitch. Since Monday, I've been feeling more nauseous and throwing up. We called the nurse and I ended up with an appointment for today. Now, I'm lying on a hospital bed with an iv. Apparently I'm very dehydrated. They are trying to get the nausea under control so that I can take in meds, liquids and food again.
All this is making me very emotional because I thought I would be recovering towards my happily ever after. Instead I'm wondering if I should have ever done this at all.
P.S. Scott is typing this so parden any errors in ay shape or form...just try to find them...
Saturday, March 9, 2013
My view.
This is the view from my hospital room. Sucky part is, my bed ain't the one next to the window, lol!
Gettin down to business.
Gross update first: my cathater has been removed! But my drain tube is still in. I took a picture of my drain tube. Looks like a hand
grenade, huh?!
I'm still on an i.v., but I am practicing sips of water, isopure (protein water), beef broth, and jello. (This regime is also pictured, lol.) I dunno how they want me to consume all this, considering it is supposed to take me twenty minutes to drink one of those medicine cup thingy's in the picture.
I was on morphine but had a reaction to it; it made me so itchy, it felt like my skin was on fire. So around 1a.m. I stopped taking it and finally told a nurse about it around 8a.m. So I got benadryal for itchiness and oxycoten for pain. But I'm still a little itchy and in pain. I guess it just comes with the territory. I feel like I'm being a big baby.
Meanwhile, I wait for my hubby for good company! Yay!
Friday, March 8, 2013
So surgery went really well. I'm bummed tho cause I have a cathater and drain tube. Not fun. The surgery itself went about an hour long. I'm on morphine, but I'm not all loopy like I thought I'd be. Darn, lol. I'm surprised I can actually type, tho, I am a little slow at it.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Soooo. . . I made a change today. I actually spent money on myself, for one. Two, I gotta haircut! I've attached pictures. . . I don't know how that's gonna turn out cause it's from my phone . . .
The cool things about my haircut: it's shorter and bouncier. And I cut off so much (like ten inches) that it's being donated to Locks of Love! I was stoked when she told me I could do that. Made my day!
Also to note, Nina and I received our first pedicures today! It's true--we've never had pedicures. I missed getting a picture. Bummer cause we had fun.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
My Little Man.
Skinny dreams.
So after the doc talk, I headed to anesthesiology for blood draws and surgery prep. They took ten tubes of blood from me. The nurse was like, here have some water. I drank it and she said, here, have some more. Lol!
I found out I am the third case of the day, so I won't be showing up til like around noon the day of. I find out for sure on Thursday. I will stay in the hospital til Sunday afternoon/evening. Then I get to be loopy at home for the next week or so. Scott will be taking off from work til the following Monday.
I am not so anxious for the surgery as I am for other things. I am more worried if my goats will get fed on time. Or people answering the craigslist ads for the goats (they are for sale now) and us not being available. Or the goats getting sick while I am recovering and what if I don't catch it? Or the goats getting their weekly wormer. I guess I am worried about goats, lol. I know that sounds obsessive, but I have a lot of time and heart invested in these four-legged creatures.
At night I fall asleep doing the math on how much weight I'll lose by certain dates. The doc says by the end of March, I should shed 25lbs. I like the sounds of that. It's not going to be easy tho. Liquid diet until the end of March, or even beyond? That'll be tough. Then the issue of no more of the things I love. . . not even in moderation. When I went to the support group we were required to attend, I listened to people talk about the process. One lady said that she was accused for taking "the easy way out" by having the bariatric surgery. She was irate because nobody, unless personally experiencing it, gets what goes into the process. It requires a lot of self-discipline. My goals are set, now it's just time to accomplish them!


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It's been more than 6 years since someone called me a hybrid designer. When I first heard the description I thought it sounded like a medical condition, not a skill. While I've mixed career paths, I've avoided drawing attention to this due to the emphasis our culture places on specialization.
But I can't help it, life is too interesting, specialization too narrow, and I don't think I'm alone in thinking this. When projects call for us to hybridize our thinking the results are often amazing.
Multilayered, cross-pollinated, intersectional, hybridized thinking has led to some of the most exciting and innovative thinking on the planet.
Sometimes design is a business problem. Sometimes value-chain models and monetization are where the creativity secretly lie. And sometimes technology gives us a window into a whole new business model, and fuels creativity. This overlap and inversion of roles has been a crucial part of the best teams and projects I've been a part of, but this overlap has me thinking…
Should we be taking a more diagonal view of our processes and roles? What else out there crosses boundaries, cuts across the grain, and gives us a more complete story?


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This global map of asteroid Bennu's surface is a mosaic of images collected by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft between Mar. 7 and Apr. 19, 2019.
This global map of asteroid Bennu's surface is a mosaic of images collected by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft between Mar. 7 and Apr. 19, 2019.
The solar system formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago. Numerous fragments that bear witness to this early era orbit the Sun as asteroids. Around three-quarters of these are carbon-rich C-type asteroids, such as 162173 Ryugu, which was the target of the Japanese Hayabusa2 mission in 2018 and 2019.
Itokawa would normally be a fairly average near-Earth asteroid - a rocky mass measuring only a few hundred metres in diameter, which orbits the sun amid countless other celestial bodies and repeatedly crosses the orbit of the Earth.
Billions of years ago, asteroid collisions resulted in the ejection of fragments hundreds of kilometers across and sharing similar orbits. The resulting groups are known as asteroid families.
After a year scoping out asteroid Bennu's boulder-scattered surface, the team leading NASA's first asteroid sample return mission has officially selected a sample collection site.
Shortly after NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft arrived at asteroid Bennu, an unexpected discovery by the mission's science team revealed that the asteroid could be active, or consistently discharging particles into space.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is just days away from selecting the site where the spacecraft will snag a sample from asteroid Bennu.
Analysis of the impact craters on Ryugu using the spacecraft Hayabusa 2's remote sensing image data has illuminated the geological history of the Near-Earth asteroid.
This morning it was announce that the formal name of the distant object 2014 MU69 is "Arrokoth" which means 'sky' in Powhatan.
The metallic asteroid Psyche has mystified scientists because it is less dense than it should be. Now, a new theory by researchers including scientists at the University of Arizona could explain Psyche's low density and metallic surface.
A newly discovered comet has excited the astronomical community this week because it appears to have originated from outside the solar system.
Knowledge is power and NASA has just invested $19 million into the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico to gain a lot of knowledge about asteroids.
New images taken by a lander on the surface of the near-Earth asteroid Ryugu have yielded clues into the composition and origins of its rocks, which bear strong similarities to primitive meteorites called carbonaceous chondrites.
After months grappling with the rugged reality of asteroid Bennu's surface, the team leading NASA's first asteroid sample return mission has selected four potential sites for the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft to "tag" its cosmic dance partner.
The named features on Bennu will include several terrain classification types that the IAU also approved for asteroid (162173) Ryugu's surface features (currently being explored by the Japanese Space Agency's Hayabusa2 spacecraft).
A fireball as bright as the full moon was observed by the Western University All-Sky Camera Network across southern Ontario and Quebec 4:44 a.m. ET this morning (Wednesday, July 24).
Astronomers have spotted an unusual asteroid with the shortest "year" known for any asteroid.
On October 19, 2017, astronomers discovered the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system.
On June 12, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft performed another significant navigation maneuver--breaking its own world record for the closest orbit of a planetary body by a spacecraft.
Designed to explore a metal asteroid that could be the heart of a planet, the Psyche mission is readying for a 2022 launch.
The first interstellar object, `Oumuamua, was discovered in the Solar System by Pan-STARRS in 2017, allowing for a calibration of the impact rate of interstellar meteors of its size ∼100m.
The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) coordinated a cross-organisational observing campaign of the asteroid 1999 KW4 as it flew by Earth, reaching a minimum distance of 5.2 million km [1] on 25 May 2019.
Citizen scientists assemble! NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission to the asteroid Bennu needs extra pairs of eyes to help choose its sample collection site on the asteroid - and to look for anything else that might be scientifically interesting.
Incoming asteroids have been scarring our home planet for billions of years.
NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission released its fifth year of survey data on April 11, 2019.
Metallic asteroids are thought to have started out as blobs of molten iron floating in space.
This three-dimensional view of asteroid Bennu was created by the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA), contributed by the Canadian Space Agency, on NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.
A small asteroid has been caught in the process of spinning so fast it's throwing off material, according to new data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories.
On Dec. 18, 2018, a large "fireball" -- the term used for exceptionally bright meteors that are visible over a wide area -- exploded about 16 miles (26 kilometers) above the Bering Sea.
A Southwest Research Institute-led team has discovered that the surface geology on asteroid Bennu is older than expected. Early observations of the near-Earth asteroid (NEA) by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission indicate a surface that is between 100 million and 1 billion years old.
A NASA spacecraft that will return a sample of a near-Earth asteroid named Bennu to Earth in 2023 made the first-ever close-up observations of particle plumes erupting from an asteroid's surface.
The farthest object ever explored is slowly revealing its secrets, as scientists piece together the puzzles of Ultima Thule -- the Kuiper Belt object NASA's New Horizons spacecraft flew past on New Year's Day, four billion miles from Earth.
This trio of images acquired by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft shows a wide shot and two close-ups of a region in asteroid Bennu's northern hemisphere.
Just as dust gathers in corners and along bookshelves in our homes, dust piles up in space too. But when the dust settles in the solar system, it's often in rings.
In late 2018, the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft arrived at Bennu, the asteroid it will be studying and sampling over the next several years.
Cross your eyes and break out the 3D glasses!
A popular theme in the movies is that of an incoming asteroid that could extinguish life on the planet, and our heroes are launched into space to blow it up.
The mission team called it a "stretch goal" -- just before closest approach, precisely point the cameras on NASA's New Horizons spacecraft to snap the sharpest possible pics of the Kuiper Belt object nicknamed Ultima Thule, its New Year's flyby target and the farthest object ever explored.
An evocative new image sequence from NASA's New Horizons spacecraft offers a departing view of the Kuiper Belt object (KBO) nicknamed Ultima Thule -- the target of its New Year's 2019 flyby and the most distant world ever explored.
Scientists have discovered a possible second impact crater buried under more than a mile of ice in northwest Greenland.
Astronomers have discovered an asteroid looping through the inner solar system on an exotic orbit.
ESA's planet-defending Hera mission will set a new record in space.
For the first time ever, astronomers have detected a 1.3 km radius body at the edge of the solar system.
The wonders - and mysteries - of Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 continue to multiply as NASA's New Horizons spacecraft beams home new images of its New Year's Day 2019 flyby target.
Place names for locations on the surface of Ryugu were discussed by Division F (Planetary Systems and Bioastronomy) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (hereafter IAU WG) and approved in December 2018.
This movie shows the propeller-like rotation of Ultima Thule in the seven hours between 20:00 UT (3 p.m. ET) on Dec. 31, 2018, and 05:01 UT (12:01 a.m.) on Jan. 1, 2019, as seen by the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) aboard NASA's New Horizons as the spacecraft sped toward its close encounter with the Kuiper Belt object at 05:33 UT (12:33 a.m. ET) on Jan. 1.
When ESA's planned Hera mission journeys to its target binary asteroid system, it will not be alone.
Data from NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which explored Kuiper Belt object Ultima Thule earlier this week, is yielding scientific discoveries daily.
Scientists from NASA's New Horizons mission released the first detailed images of the most distant object ever explored -- the Kuiper Belt object nicknamed Ultima Thule.
NASA's New Horizons spacecraft flew past Ultima Thule in the early hours of New Year's Day, ushering in the era of exploration from the enigmatic Kuiper Belt, a region of primordial objects that holds keys to understanding the origins of the solar system.
New Horizons has phone home and is healthy. Data should arrive later today.
At 2:43 p.m. EST on December 31, while many on Earth prepared to welcome the New Year, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, 70 million miles (110 million kilometers) away, carried out a single, eight-second burn of its thrusters - and broke a space exploration record.
The December 2018 close approach by the large, near-Earth asteroid 2003 SD220 has provided astronomers an outstanding opportunity to obtain detailed radar images of the surface and shape of the object and to improve the understanding of its orbit.
A team of astronomers has discovered the most-distant body ever observed in our Solar System.
On Dec. 3, after traveling billions of kilometers from Earth, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft reached its target, Bennu, and kicked off a nearly two-year, up-close investigation of the asteroid.
NASA's Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft completed its 1.2 billion-mile (2 billion-kilometer) journey to arrive at the asteroid Bennu Monday.
In November 2017, scientists pointed NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope toward the object known as 'Oumuamua -- the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system.
The entire history of human existence is a tiny blip in our solar system's 4.5-billion-year history.
This set of images shows the asteroid Bennu rotating for one full revolution.
NASA's mission to perform the first reconnaissance of the Trojans, a population of primitive asteroids orbiting in tandem with Jupiter, passed a critical milestone today. NASA has given approval for the implementation and 2021 launch of the Lucy spacecraft.
This "super-resolution" view of asteroid Bennu was created using eight images obtained by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on Oct. 29, 2018 from a distance of about 205 miles (330 km).
A team of Hungarian astronomers and physicists may have confirmed two elusive clouds of dust, in semi-stable points just 400,000 kilometres from Earth.
This artist's illustration shows the wayward interstellar visitor 'Oumuamua (pronounced oh-MOO-ah-MOO-ah) racing toward the outskirts of our solar system.
Investigating the earliest and least known phases of the history of the Solar System, when the young Sun was still enveloped by the disk of gas and dust where its planets began to form, is probably one of the most complex challenges in modern planetary science.
Asteroid Ryugu, an ancient space rock roughly 300 million km from Earth, is now home to three Earth-born inhabitants bouncing across its bouldery surface.
Carnegie's Scott Sheppard and his colleagues -- Northern Arizona University's Chad Trujillo, and the University of Hawaii's David Tholen -- are once again redefining our solar system's edge.
The MINERVA-II1 rovers were deployed on September 21 to explore the surface of asteroid Ryugu.
Using data from ESA's Gaia stellar surveyor, astronomers have identified four stars that are possible places of origin of 'Oumuamua, an interstellar object spotted during a brief visit to our Solar System in 2017.
@haya2e_jaxa "This dynamic photo was captured by Rover-1A on September 22 at around 11:44 JST. It was taken on Ryugu's surface during a hop. The left-half is the surface of Ryugu, while the white region on the right is due to sunlight."
NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has made its first detection of its next flyby target, the Kuiper Belt object nicknamed Ultima Thule, more than four months ahead of its New Year's 2019 close encounter.
Japanese research group clarifies the chronology of near-Earth asteroid 25143 Itokawa.
The detection of "mini-moons" -- small asteroids temporarily captured in orbit around Earth -- will vastly improve our scientific understanding of asteroids and the Earth-Moon system, says a new review published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Science.
Seen on a microscopic support, this sharp-edged grain of rock is an extraterrestrial object - a tiny sample from the Itokawa asteroid, retrieved by Japan's Hayabusa mission and now being tested by ESA researchers.
On March 11, 1998, asteroid astronomers around the world received an ominous message: new observational data on the recently discovered asteroid 1997 XF11 suggested there was a chance that the half-mile-wide (nearly one kilometer) object could hit Earth in 2028.
New observations by three of the world's largest radio telescopes have revealed that an asteroid discovered last year is actually two objects, each about 3,000 feet (900 meters) in size, orbiting each other.
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The abalone is regarded by the Chinese as one of the most well-loved ocean treasures. The Chinese name for abalone 鲍鱼 (bao yu) bears the literal meaning of definite abundance. Chinese people give each other gifts of abalone during the festive season to wish each other abundance of wealth in the coming year. Besides its meaningful and auspicious name, the abalone's unique texture and taste is also one of the reasons why the Chinese are willing to part with their money to indulge themselves in this delicacy. In recent years, the market has seen a spike in the prices of abalone - one of the prized Mexico canned abalones can easily cost over S$100.
So the question is, how do you get the most out of any abalone without splurging hundreds of dollars?
Well, let's look at the preparation method. It's common practice to consume abalone just as it is after opening the can. There is absolutely nothing wrong eating abalone in this way - the abalone is already cooked (steamed) by the fishermen before it is sealed into the tin can. However, with just an extra step, your abalone can actually taste even better!
What will you need? A can of abalone. A pot filled with water. And 4 hours of your time (it pays to be patient!).
The above preparation process will tenderise the abalone's meat and further enhance its flavour. So go ahead, make a comparison between the abalones and let us know if the time is well spent!
The entire content on laobanniang.com.sg is protected by copyright laws and owned by Geck Huat Trading Pte Ltd. It may not be used in any form without expressed permission from the company.


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What is a Nofollow Link and 5 best ways to Check it ?
Links are still necessary for SEO however not all link varieties are equal. 'No follow' links don't have a right away impact on your SEO. In this post, i'll make a case for everything you would like to understand regarding 'no follow'…Read More »


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Check out these fast Garnacha/Grenache pairing tips so you have one less thing to think about this season. Grab a few and store them in the pantry so you never show up empty-handed to a gathering and so you have a bottle on hand to offer to your holiday guests.
Tag: garnacha
One says Garnacha, another bottle reads Grenache. What gives? How can a grape be both Spanish and French? It's European! Let's dive into the wonderful world of Garnacha/Grenache wines!
If you've ever spent time studying a wine label, you might have noticed that some European wines have a special logos, stamps and acronyms. But what do they mean? Check out these tips to hacking a Garnacha wine label's meaning.
We're busy. You're busy. It's a crazy time of the year! Just because you don't have time to cook a big dinner, doesn't mean you can't have a nice meal paired with wine. Check out these takeout and Garnacha wine duos.
Creating a European tapas spread revolving around Garnacha/Grenache wines: a delicacy from the old world
Garnacha aka Grenache aka "The Mediterranean Grape" is one of the world's oldest grape varietals. Being extremely versatile and delicious, it's a classic for a reason. This famed can be found growing in countries around the globe, but truly thrives in its hometown European regions in northeastern Spain and southern France.
Savory ricotta and pumpkin empanadas have slight maple and bacon hints for a beautiful autumn appetizer that is perfect with a fruit-forward Garnacha wine.
Filled with mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and spices, mushroom and parmesan bites are packed with flavor and a perfect party appetizer, easy to pair with wine.
The flavors of a luau kalua pig enter your slow cooker for a perfect party food needing just a few ingredients. Tender, smoky, bold-flavored, all you need is a glass of wine to match.
This soup is ready for a dinner party in just 30 minutes. Pair the warm bowl with a crisp white Garnacha wine for a wonderful contrast on a fall day.
Food and wine for entertaining doesn't have to be complicated. Make simply delicious roasted tomato and puff pastry bites paired perfectly with a bottle of Garnacha wine.
A salty party appetizer is perfect to pair with and encourage the drinking of wine. Try this sun-dried tomato and goat cheese spread topped with an olive and best served with Garnacha wine.
Flavorful chorizo filled mushrooms is a great, spicy tapas appetizer that can easily be paired with a fruity Garnacha red wine.
Great on game day, classy rosemary-infused turkey sliders are topped with red wine onions, goat cheese, and arugula. A perfect pair with a Garnacha wine.
Chorizo and cornbread stuffed pepper bites make a great appetizer and are easy to make. Bell peppers are filled with chorizo and spicy pepper jack cheese.
Grilled polenta is topped with honey roasted plums, goat cheese, basil, and balsamic reduction. An elegant appetizer paired with Garnacha red or white wine.
Homemade potato chips are piled with chorizo, Iberico cheese, olives, figs, and more for an appetizer great for game day or a casual dinner with wine.
Crunchy crostini feature the last of golden, sweet summer corn with creamy avocados, queso fresco, cilantro and chili. A perfect creamy and spicy duo to be paired with versatile Garnacha wine.


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This week, a commercial diving team continues to explore the possible Griffin shipwreck in Lake Michigan. After finding a timber team in the lake where LaSalle once explored, an expedition team has received a permit to examine the possible ship. The project began this month, with the goal of finding if the ship belonged to the 17th century French explorer. If the timber is found to be the shipwreck, some gaps in history may be filled in.
However, for the divers exploring the area, it's important to have the proper precautions, such as commercial diving insurance. As one example shows, shipwrecks can often be a dangerous and unknown area, and one caused the death of a qualified diver last year.
The mother of Staci Jackson is filing a lawsuit against the diving school that allowed Jackson to explore the Yukon shipwreck site off the San Diego coast in December 2012. According to ABC, when Jackson didn't resurface, officials found her body in a crevice of the ship. Jackson's mother has stated that she was knocked unconscious by an ocean surge and should not have gone out in the first place.
A Navy-trained diver, Neal Matthews, also told the news source that even experienced divers can have trouble at the Yukon site due to the intense ocean currents, and that he wouldn't be making any dives to the shipwreck site again.
For commercial diving teams that regularly send divers down to unsafe sites, having the proper equipment and safety protection is vital. With commercial diving insurance, businesses and agencies can provide their divers with the highest level of security.


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- Cognac age
Learn more about the different Cognac ages here
- Growth area
Learn more about the different growth areas here
- Bottle size
- 700ml
- 40%
- Brand
- Maxime Pinard
Maxime Pinard VS Cognac
The Maxime Pinard VS Cognac is a wonderful example of the youngest of all Cognac qualities. Created from a blend of wines grown on the family estate located on the Ile d'Oleron. Each component has been aged for a minimum of three years, and is a top quality young blend that offers a multitude of uses.
The craft house of Maxime Pinard has been in existence since 1889, and today boasts vineyards of 90 hectares. The location, close to the Atlantic Ocean, leads to Cognacs with the unique taste of the sea grown into their very core. And this vibrant VS is certainly no exception.
This VS Cognac is presented in a simple, traditional style Cognac bottle. It can be enjoyed in many ways. For those who enjoy the fire of youth, try it neat or over ice. It's a wonderful Cognac to pair with tonic, or in a cocktail. And for those who love to add the exotic flavour of Cognac to their cooking, it's great for this, or for flambé dishes.
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About Maxime Pinard
The tiny Cognac house of Maxime Pinard is located on the beautiful Ile d'Oleron, and is the epitome of a small, traditional, working producer and artisan brand. The expertise and passion of both Cognac and wine making has been handed down through the generations since 1889. Today they offer a small, delightful range of Cognacs that encompass each of the age qualities. The current owners show true entrepreneurial spirit, not only creating their Cognacs, wines, Pineaux, and liqueurs, but also have embraced tourism with the inclusion of a small holiday home where people can stay to further discover the delights of the region.
Read more about Maxime Pinard


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Susan Galer, SAP
Debates on the pros and cons of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) often overlook how these online sessions fundamentally change the dynamic of learning. I've been writing about the emergence of MOOCs in businesses like SAPas a flexible, fast option to teach developers about the latest technologies. While online surveys have yielded a significant amount of student feedback, I decided it was time to hear first-hand from some developers who have participated in recent SAP MOOCs, including Introduction Software Development on SAP HANAand Introduction to Mobile Software Development for the Enterprise.
As for the future, the students I spoke with had a number of suggestions to make the SAP MOOCs even more valuable:
downloadable podcasts of video content from courses
easily searchable course discussion forums categorized by topic
flexibility to earn a percentage of award points when exams aren't completed on time—this would motivate participants who unavoidably miss sessions
more detailed pre-requisites and preparation materials
Article here


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Bill Gates thinks cryptocurrencies have 'caused deaths in a fairly direct way'
Bill Gates answered questions from the Reddit hive-mind in one of his periodic AMAs today, and as you'd expect from the internet today, the topic quickly turned to cryptocurrencies.
While Bitcoin mania has overtaken casual gambling addicts and Ponzi schemes of late, established figures in technology and finance have been much more cautious. Although Gates doesn't seem to think that Bitcoin is as much of a fraud as other investors, he thinks it poses significant problems for governments worldwide.
BGR Top Deals:
- Bose's answer to the AirPods are $50 off right now on Amazon
- This $9 Fire TV Stick and Roku Stick accessory will help you cut another cord
Trending Right Now:
- Asus' blatant iPhone X ripoff convinced me that Apple made the right choice with the notch
- Of course Samsung made fun of the iPhone X's notch at its Galaxy S9 event
- Scientists worry that Elon Musk's flying Tesla could contaminate Mars with bacteria from Earth
Bill Gates thinks cryptocurrencies have 'caused deaths in a fairly direct way' originally appeared on BGR.com on Wed, 28 Feb 2018 at 07:35:03 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


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What's your BU future?
If you're caught up in the BU buzz, you might not feel ready to leave us just yet. So why not stay for a bit longer?
You're already on the way to a bright future, but you can make it even brighter with a Master's degree from BU. There are plenty of reasons to continue your journey with us, but here are just a few:
- Further enhance your career prospects by developing new skills and broadening your knowledge base
- Explore your chosen subject in more depth
- If it is a specific requirement in your chosen career
- For the intellectual and personal challenge
- Conversion courses are available if you'd like to change your subject.
However you want to build your future, we offer a range of full-time, part-time and distance learning courses to suit your lifestyle. Search our courses to explore your options.
If being in the lab or doing desk research is more your thing, explore our postgraduate research opportunities.
If you fancy taking a break from your studies, you can return to BU for further study at any time in the future.
A helping hand
Great news, the government are now offering postgraduate student loans up to a maximum value of £11,222 (non-means tested) for 2020/21 entry, paid directly to students over three instalments during the academic year.
If you're not sure you can afford further study, you might be interested to hear about the support available. BU graduates can benefit from:
- 20% off your tuition fee for being a BU graduate*
- Non-repayable scholarships from £1,500* when you achieve a 2:1 or above
Eligible postgraduate Doctoral students can now apply for a loan of up to £26,445 (2020/21 entry) to contribute to overall costs. Find out more.
What next?
There's no better way to explore further study than to attend a Postgraduate Open Day. You can meet with an academic, ask questions and find out about your options after graduation. Book your place now!
If you want to know more about life as a postgraduate student, visit our Student Blog.
If you've got more questions about postgraduate study, why not pay AskBU a visit? Our friendly team is located at The Base in Poole House or the 1st floor of the library in Bournemouth House. You can also discuss postgraduate study options with a Careers Adviser from our Careers & Employability Team, visit MyCareerHub to make an appointment online.


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Process Control Systems
As a medium-sized company, we focus on the individual needs and wishes of our customers and can thus, freed of the constraints that system manufacturers face, offer customised economic and overall solutions that are consistently well thought out. Our profile covers the complete automation of process engineering systems in the most diverse industries with state-of-the-art process control systems or scada solutions. Regardless of whether it is in the context of continuous process plants or complex batch processes with the highest security and availability requirements, we act as your competent and reliable partner.
Ihr Ansprechpartner
Roman Olwig
Sales Manager
Fon: +49 (0) 351 2166 1592
Fax: +49 (0) 351 2166 3592


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The Ultimate 40-Day Plan to Reduce OTA Commissions
OTAs are good for you only when you can utilize them in your favor, as a part of a well-conducted distribution and marketing strategy. But you already know it. You know that when OTAs take over, when your revenue is completely dependent on their performance – it's time for a change; it's time to take control.
If you don't control your distribution chain, your rates, your marketing communication and your online performance, or let's make it simple – every aspect of a prospected revenue generation – then there is absolutely no reason for OTAs not to take advantage of you and squeeze as much out in commissions as they can. With a hand on your heart, you know that this is how the system works, and you probably know several hoteliers that would have acted the same being on the OTA side.
Now, I don't know if you noticed, but the solutions is in the problem itself. See it now?
Yes. The word is CONTROL. Your control over your distribution, your pricing, your marketing communications, and your online performance. The control you have over these parameters is going to be the variable that will define any future deals between you and even the most powerful OTAs.
So you ask yourself what's next?
There is some bad news and good news.
The bad news is that there are almost no hacks that can quickly solve your pain.
The good news is that there is a plan that if you'll follow it, then it'll get you on the right direction towards a healthy distribution and pricing strategy, and a sustainable direct bookings online channel.
It's a 40 day plan, and I call it – The BookingDirection Way.
Ready? Let's Go!
Reduce OTA Commission in 40 Days – Day 1-8
Website audit and online performance analysis:
- Find out if your website is optimized for search engine discoverability. If it's not, you may be not visible to guests who are searching for your hotel by name online when they search of impressions and guest reviews of your hotel. Make sure your meta tags, titles, and images are optimized for search engines. If your website doesn't show up in the first few results when you search for your brand name, you may have a problem. It's also recommended to open a Google My Business page to maximize visibility on the search engine results page.
- Calculate your website conversion rate.
Bookings on site / Visits to site = Conversion Rate
If your website conversion rate is less than 1% it means that you have a serious issue with your website booking follow user experience. However, conversion rate above 5% means that you probably have a pretty effective online marketing strategy. Anything in between 1% and 5%, means that you can do much better.
- Calculate your marketing ROI (or ROAS). If you run ads online, or have an online marketing budget, calculate the return on that spend.
Revenue from online marketing – Cost of online marketing / Cost of online marketing = ROI (or ROAS)
If your ROI (or ROAS) is negative for a period of more than 3 months, it means that something with your marketing strategy isn't right, and you should probably rethink it.
- Map traffic source. Find out from where you are getting visits to your website. Is it social networks, search engines, meta search websites, or referrals? Compare this to the conversion rate per each channel to understand which channels are worth investing in.
- Mobile compatibility. Make sure the mobile experience on your website is the best it can be. While most online bookings happen on desktop devices, the customer journey to booking begins 45 days before, and is mostly conducted on mobile devices. If your website has a bad mobile experience, you won't be able to convert the prospects that visited your website during their journey towards booking.
Reduce OTA Commission in 40 Days – Days 9-19
Optimize website booking flow and conversion rate:
- Most of today's hotel websites don't maximize their full conversion potential due to poor user experience throughout the booking flow. Make sure you chose an online booking engine that has a great experience, is mobile compatible, has a secured payment system, is fast and simple to understand. Make several bookings yourself from multiple devices to make sure that the process works smoothly.
- Pricing and value-for-money are playing a huge role here. If you can't beat out OTAs in terms of pricing, then at least make sure that you provide a better value-for-money by offering extras.
Unfortunately, even if your direct prices are lower that OTAs prices, the online customer won't always be able to notice that. Therefore, you need to make sure that you can communicate it properly on your site. A great way to achieve that is to use Hotel Price Check Widget. It's a simple line of code that you put on your website (no booking engine / CRS integration required) and what it does is it shows your potential customers the direct prices on your websites compared to the prices for the same rooms on OTAs' websites.
Want to see how our price check widget will look like on your website? We'd love to show you, go here to get it to your email.
- If you haven't yet done so, open social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter and start posting images of your hotel's view, amenities, staff, and management on a regular basis. You don't have to post every day but do try to stay consistent. Why is that important? First of all, potential customers are checking out your social media accounts. One thing they don't want to see there is an empty garden. Show them that you are alive and kicking, show your smile and your true spirit of adventure. After all, travel is all about experiences.
- Consider bidding on your brand name keywords on Google AdWords. If you remember, in the previous part I mentioned that it is important to be visible on the search engine results page for your brand search queries. If your website wasn't optimized well enough for search engines, it might take time for it to be indexed on the first page. A quick way to get there will be by using Google Ads (called AdWords). You can bid on your hotel name keywords and create a text ad that will show on the top result position every time someone searches for your hotel name on Google. Don't worry, brand name keyword bidding is usually not expensive.
Reduce OTA Commission in 40 Days – Days 20-31
Now that your website conversion rate has gotten better, your search engine visibility has improved, and your hotel's social media presence looks legit, it is a great time to start bringing in more traffic to your website. There are several sources that would be great for hotels:
- Facebook Ads:
Facebook has an amazing advertising platform. It's not difficult to operate, you don't have to pay in advance to start running ads, and a minimum spend is not required. Run Facebook to two sorts of audiences:
A – People who visited your website. It will require you to install a Facebook Pixel on your website. The pixel sets a cookie on the web browser and later allows you to show Facebook ads to previous website visitors. It's a very effective way to target potential customers that are already interested in your hotel offers, but who haven't made a decision yet. If you run an ad with a special offer or a discount coupon code, you will be surprised by the high performance such ads can drive.
B – New prospects. Try reaching potential customers by targeting Facebook users based on their interests, or even by building Lookalike audiences based on your customer lists. More on Facebook Lookalike audiences – here.
- Google AdWords: Google's ad platform is especially great for capturing potential customers that are now searching for information regarding a product or service.Yes, you are right – it's very hard to compete with OTAs on the Google ad platform. But there are many opportunities as well. OTAs run ads in bulks. They don't really pay attention to the long tail keywords campaigns. If your website conversion rate is good, and you know that your direct offers are better than OTAs' offers, then take the risk and bid on long tail keywords on Google.For instance, let's say that you are a hotel in London. So bidding on the keyword "hotels in London" may be not effective and expensive. But if your hotel is pet-friendly, why not make sure that when someone is looking for a pet-friendly hotel in London, your ad is the most visible?
- Metasearch website:
Metasearch is a very different kind of online traffic channel compared to Facebook and Google. Metasearch users are usually "Ready-to-buy" users. The most important factor when considering a metasearch campaign is your website conversion rate. Unlike Facebook and Google ads, which you can use to establish your brand by providing useful content with your ads, it's a different story with metasearch. These users are looking to book, they have already conducted their research regarding their destination and pricing. Therefore, if the booking experience on your website isn't good enough, they will bounce and probably never remember visiting your hotel brand, as they are only interested in a quick and safe online booking.
Metasearch campaigns are a little bit more complicated technically. Running a metasearch campaign requires an integration between your booking engine / crs inventory and their ad platform. Metasearch ad platforms are also less flexible than Google or Facebook platforms where you can easily change bids and daily budget. In many metasearch platforms, you will be allowed to change bids and budget only a couple of times per week, making this ad operation riskier for hotels.
But again, the upside is the great conversion rate and the opportunities to be able almost instantly drive direct bookings.The top metasearch platforms today are: Google hotel ads, Kayak, Trivago & Skyscanner.
Reduce OTA Commission in 40 Days – Days 32-40
After the first 32 days, you should be reaching the point where you have an online direct booking channel that drives bookings. It probably won't be optimized and your budget won't yet be spent wisely. To get there you have to go through an optimization of your marketing campaigns and budget.
- Choose a metric that will be used to measure the effectiveness of marketing budget spend. It might be ROI (or ROAS), conversion rate or cost per booking. Although ROI (or ROAS) is the definitely the most accurate one, you might find at the beginning the Cost Per Booking metric easier to use for optimization.
While the ROI (or ROAS) metric takes under consideration the total revenue generated, the Cost Per Booking metric focuses on the ability of each marketing channel/initiative to drive direct bookings. After you've mapped the channels that drive the most direct bookings and prioritized them by Cost Per Booking, you'll be able to optimize each one individually towards a ROI (or ROAS) goal.
- Focus on the channels that delivered the best results according to the chosen metric. Try to understand why certain channels worked better than others and use different conversion attribution models to understand how channels affect each other. (More about attribution models – here.)
- Based on your findings, set goals and targets for each channel based on its performance. Plan an annual marketing budget that will be performance based per each channel. Invest more in the channels that create the most value for you, but do not completely neglect other channels, as they might have a role of pursuing potential customers across the long path of their journey towards direct booking.
Don't waste any time. Get started on your plan to reduce OTA commissions and develop a sustainable direct booking channel.
There are 2 extra things that I'd like to send you over by email:
1. A checklist to begin your 40-day plan to reduce OTA commissions.
2. A free demo of BookingDirection hotel price check widget that will help you increase your direct bookings conversion rate.
If you only want to sign up for a free demo, fill your email address in the box below.