Conde Nast Top 126

I have just been honored by being named one of Wendy Perrin's TOP 126 Travel Agents! This is the 10th year in a row that I have been so designated, but it is still a thrill. This is what she said about me:

"Mary Ann Ramsey, Betty Maclean Travel, Naples Florida
Ramsey, whose reputation in both the cruise and hotel worlds is golden, can concoct seamless itineraries that combine sea and land and keep the kids occupied, the grandparents pampered, and everybody happy. Use her if you know you want Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, Holland America, Linblad Expeditions, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, or Tauck Bridges (800-865-8111; maryann@BettyMacleanTravel.com "

Wow! Thank You Wendy!

White Knight Two

Yesterday, I got to witness the landing of White Knight Two, making its first public appearance. White Knight Two is the "Mother Ship" that will transport the Virgin Galactic sub orbital spacecraft to the edge of space! I am in Oshkosh Wisconsin attending the EAA AirVenture where White Knight Two is making its debut. The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association's )Fly In showcases all types of aircraft, but this year White Knight Two is the star of the show. I am a Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agent and am here to get an up close and personal tour. I can't tell you how exciting this is. It won't be long before I am able to send people on sub orbital flights to space! Amazing!

For more detailed information about Virgin Galactic call me @ 239.513.0333 or email me MaryAnn@BettyMacleanTravel.com

London

Any time I make it "across the pond" I just have to visit London. It's one of my favorite cities in the world. After leaving Venice I was attending Travel & Leisure's Advisory Board meeting at the London Langham Hotel. The hotel is 140 years of history. The hotel has just undergone an extensive renovation and is a visual delight. The restaurants and bars just exude old world charm but everything is leading edge. Even the ice used in the bars and cocktail lounges is made with a special process that makes the ice denser and colder than normal ice.

The rooms and suites are "extravagantly comfortable" and have all the modern amenities.

The service was impeccable but not ostentatious. After all they have had a lot of practice attending to the needs of travelling elite. It is located in the heart of the city and is a wonderful sanctuary from a day of business or sightseeing. The Langham is a true 5 star experience

Seabourn Odyssey

I just returned from Venice where I was a guest aboard The Yachts of Seabourn's beautiful new ship, the Odyssey. I was invited to preview the ship prior to its maiden voyage. The Odyssey accomodates 450 guests in 225 Luxury Suites. The Odyssey is loaded with innovative concepts, the largest spa on any luxury cruise yacht, and they have incorporated a coffee bar, upscale shops, a library, and terrace in their Concierge Lounge. The finishes are simply gorgeous, and 90 % of the suites, have private verandas. There are four different restaurants each offering a unique dining experience. Celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer, created the menus and was on board, and in the galley while I was there! There are also SIX bars where you can relax and enjoy a glass of Champagne or the top shelf beverage of your choice. The highlight of my stay aboard was sailing down the Grand Canal where throngs of people lined the banks to wave as we passed majestically by! The ship is just spectacular and was well planned and designed for Luxury Cruising. My agency, Betty Maclean Travel Inc. has been selected to host a Voyager Club Holiday Cruise in December of 2009. I hope you can join us!