Great Wolf Lodge Concord, NC

Hello Friends: A neighbor woman friend and I just escaped for 36 hours to stay at the Great Wolf Lodge outside of Charlotte, NC proving that great girl getaways can be pretty simple. Although Great Wolf is billed as a family destination we left her four children at home and planned it for ourselves with a limited budget. It would be easy to leave husbands and children at Great Wolf for the day or if your "guys" were at the races (Lowe's Speedway), never leaving the Great Wolf premises with your kids for a day, part of your time there, would work too. But we enjoyed looking at other people's kids this trip as she left her four at home. Nothing like the unlimited shopping mecca of Concord, NC which like Potomac Mills, VA or Mall of America in Minnesota may be the biggest attraction in these states. This was shop till you drop time. Without encumbrances like children, spouses, or partners time is not an issue and 45 minutes in Victoria's Secret examining seamless underwear or push-up bras that magically make one at least two sizes larger was wonderful. Although we did decide the seamless items felt like they were made of balloon-like material. Great Wolf Resorts fits many situations and needs and would be wonderful for any type of multigenerational time and being here in North Carolina we saw many families that included soldiers about to be deployed overseas. Save airfare and check Great Wolf Lodge for one near you. Regards, Mary Gallagher

New largest cruise ship Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Dear friends:

Cruise news from this confirmed enthusiast:

Check with Direct Line Cruises to book your cruise on the new Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the industry offering features unheard of on any cruise ship such as the Central Park Neighborhoods, Tide Bar, Loft Suites and so much more. In one of seven distinct neighborhoods, the Boardwalk, families will enjoy the AquaTheater and first ever Carousel at sea. Boardwalk offers games, amusement and attractions plus being surrounded by restaurants, including Johnny Rockets and the Seafood Shack, a coffee and donut shop, bars, candy shop and kids and teens can shop for the latest trends.

The Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas will offer 7- Night Eastern & Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida starting December 2009.

Every season, everyone and every budget is right for a cruise! No matter what time of year there is a cruise that will take you away to someplace special and whether you have three days or a year cruises can fit the bill on your schedule. Looking for a destination for three generations of your family? Not a problem. A single looking to meet someone special or just new friends? Every situation can be accommodated by Direct Line Cruises a cruise-only travel agency who are the specialists for many lines including Royal Caribbean.

Mary Gallagher, cruiser