Louisville, Kentucky

As the site of the recent National Fraternal Order of Police Conference, several of our agents found themselves in Louisville, Kentucky for the first time. As we all try to learn about the areas we are working in, we decided to share some of the information we gleaned from the area!

Louisville is banked along the Ohio River, and is the 16th largest city in the United States. It boasts as "home" to the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger, the city is also home to boxing great Mohamed Ali and Col. Harland Sanders as well as others.

Two riverboats, the "Belle of Louisville" and the "Spirit of Jefferson" can help you relax while meandering along the Ohio River after an exciting day at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. And if that's not enough, some of the nations finest bourbon calls Louisville home (Maker's Mark), and some of the finest ribs can be had in hidden away restaurants and during the street parties along 4th Street in the downtown area.

Many fine hotels and restaurants can be found and Louisville International Airport is one of the cleanest airports around. The city is easily accessible by Interstates 64,65 and 71. Locals are friendly and the atmosphere is laid back.

Carnival's Legend and Inspiration

Recently four agents from Your Travel Experts had the opportunity to participate in ship inspections on Carnival Cruise Lines Inspiration and Legend.
Over a two day period, our agents toured both ships from top to bottom and experienced lunch - both casual lido deck style and in a "sit down" dining room venue.
The Inspiration is heading into a much needed dry dock September 1. There, she will receive a full renovation. The "refit" will bring the ship flat screen televisions in all cabins, new comfort bedding and more "neutral" colors, as well as getting rid of all the "glittery" colors of the main atrium. Cabin bathrooms are to be refitted with new sinks and counters similar to all of Carnival's more recently built ships. When the "drydock" is complete, it is easy to see the Inspiration will be one of the best values around. The addition of 50 connecting rooms will be a welcome addition to families.
The Legend - what a beautiful ship. Part of the Spririt class of ships, this ship has rich woods, breath-taking art and a suspended glass stairway 10 stories above the atrium. A state of the art spa with individual as well as couples massage, seaweed wraps, hot rock massage and more. The styling salon offers manicure, pedicure, cuts, color, styling and a full gym with yoga and aerobics classes - a lot to offer.
Cabins on the Legend offer comfort bedding and roomy baths. The "recessed and hidden in the ceiling" beds for 3rd and 4th passengers give everyone more room to navigate and connecting rooms give larger families more options.
Lunch on board the Legend was excellent. The dining room has a variety of glass art that illuminates in different shades, changing the ambiance. This is definitely a ship to consider.

Passport Update, Once Again!

It should be noted that the latest update to the State Department shows that passport MAY BE required as early as mid 2008. To say that is vague is putting it mildly, but again, we do recommend everyone go ahead and get passports as soon as they possibly can. It's the safest way to deal with the issue. Please keep in mind, without paying extra fees, you can be looking at several months to get your passport, so this is definitely a case where early planning is important.

Kim Rodgers, CEO, Your Travel Experts