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Copyright © June 2003

Table of Contents
  • "Cead Mile Failte"
    One Hundred Thousand Welcomes
  • Ireland's Emerald Package
  • The Leprechauns Left Their Magic
  • Oh...We Sail the Ocean Blue...
    and our Saucy Ship's a Beauty...
  • Your Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon Dive Adventures

Welcome! to Psssss.....t!—Your Flight To Quality webZine—Your One-Stop Information Center. Here is everything you need!—"Click" on most resources mentioned in the following articles...


Shamrock Club

"Cead Mile Failte"
One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Tourism Ireland just certified Marilyn King as Ireland Specialist. Their Shamrock Club is the official organization for preferred agents promoting Ireland. Marilyn enrolled in their course December 2002 and successfully completed it with honors May 2003. We dedicate this issue to Ireland.

Cead Mile Failte Cead Mile Failte Cead Mile Failte Cead Mile Failte

 

 

 

 

 

Ireland's Great Vacation Deals
Air, Car & 6 Nights
From $399

A glance out of the window of your plane as you approach Ireland—is all that's required to learn why this ancient land is known as the Emerald Isle. Forty shades or more of green sewn together in a patchwork quilt of lush countryside. A rich, rolling, vibrant land combining youthful vigor and a long tumultuous history into an alluring combination. Cliffs and craggy coastline—quaint villages and castles—crystal lakes and rolling glens. Ireland has much to offer you!!

Emerald Package—

Ireland's most popular vacation package inclusive of Air, Car, and 6 nights B&Bs from $399

Emerald Castle Package—

Popular week in Ireland includes the charm of local B&Bs and the luxury of an ancient 5 star castle from $499

Treasures—

The most memorable of Ireland experiences available all year round. The most complete 8-day luxury escorted vacation available from $999

Sights & Sounds Pub Tour—

Best Priced European Escorted Vacation in November including Air, Hotels & Transfers from $499

 
My Irish Castle Wish

For Information and Reservations—

Please note: Package is based on 2 people traveling, double occupancy accommodations and midweek travel. Non-Changeable, Non-Refundable & Subject to availability. Departure taxes are not included.

 

 

 

The Leprechauns Left Their Magic
Emerald Isle! Castles! History! Magic! Romance!

While leprechauns are distinctly on the wane, there is still something magical about the Emerald Isle. Perhaps—the ghostly presence of ruined castles and ancient Celtic graves, called dolmens. Perhaps—the green terrain, combining the rugged with the gently pastoral. Or perhaps—it is merely the linguistic pyrotechnics of the people, who seem to think—and speak—in metaphor, impregnating their environment with secret meaning.

Whether you travel to the Lakeland counties of Monaghan and Cavan, the ancient Kingdom of Munster in the lovely southwest (which includes the alliteratively named counties of Clare, Cork and Kerry), or the beaches along the east coast, you will never be far from a Catholic church—or a pub—or traditional Irish hospitality.

Feature Hotels: Best Loved Ireland

We are proud to feature a collection of our superlative Irish Hotels. Some you may have heard of others may be new to you but we assure you each offers excellent value for money in a characterful and interesting setting.

Western Ireland

Aghadoe Heights - Killarney (Kerry) Aghadoe Heights - Killarney (Kerry)
The luck of the Irish will certainly grant you hospitality and good food in this little bit of heaven.
Type: Luxury hotel 50 Rooms

Ballygarry House - Tralee (Kerry) Ballygarry House - Tralee (Kerry)
A wonderful welcome and the drama of Ireland's breathtaking Atlantic coast.
Type: Country house 46 Rooms

 

 

 

Killarney Park - Killarney (Kerry) Killarney Park - Killarney (Kerry)
Old-world courtesy and charm honed to perfection by three generations of expertise.
Type: Luxury hotel 71 Rooms

 

 

 

 

 

 
Ross Lake - Rosscahill (Galway) Ross Lake - Rosscahill (Galway)
A wonderful old house at the gateway to Connemara with a warm and friendly family atmosphere.
Type: Country hotel 13 Rooms

 

 
 

Knockranny House - Westport (Mayo) Knockranny House - Westport (Mayo)
Irish hospitality and an island for every day of the year in Clew Bay.
Type: Victorian style house 54 Rooms

 

 

 

 
Glin Castle - Glin (Limerick) Glin Castle - Glin (Limerick)
Art and architecture in the Knight of Glin's unique and historic home. The 29th Knight of Glin and Madame FitzGerald welcome you in style.
Type: Historic house 17 Rooms

 

 

Wineport Lodge - Glasson, Athlone (Westmeath) Wineport Lodge - Glasson, Athlone (Westmeath)
An epicurean oasis with stunning lakeside views and brilliant hospitality.
Type: Lakeside Inn 10 rooms

 

 

 

Eastern/Northern Ireland & Dublin

Waterford Castle Hotel - Ballinakill (Waterford) Waterford Castle Hotel - Ballinakill (Waterford)
Take the ferry to a secluded island with luxury hotel and golf course, and world of legend and folklore.
Type: 15th century castle 19 Rooms

 

 

 
Castle Durrow - Durrow (Laois) Castle Durrow - Durrow (Laois)
Feel like Lord and Lady of the manor and get a taste of the high-life.
Type: 18th century manor 26 Rooms

 

 

 

Tinakilly House - Wicklow - Rathnew (Wicklow) Tinakilly House - Wicklow - Rathnew (Wicklow)
Splendid fresh food in rich and elegant Victorian surroundings. A romantic secret hideaway.
Type: Victorian Country House 51 rooms

 

 

 
Aberdeen Lodge - (Dublin) Aberdeen Lodge - (Dublin)
A peaceful, private address in Dublin's fashionable Embassy District, providing high standards of comfort and service.
Type: Edwardian town house 17 Rooms

 

 

 

 
Merrion Hall - (Dublin) Merrion Hall - (Dublin)
Secluded, comfortable and great value close to downtown Dublin. The virtues of a great location with the peace and tranquility of a well-established and fashionable residential quarter.
Type: Town House Hotel 24 Rooms

 

 

The Bushmills Inns - Bushmills (Antrim) The Bushmills Inns - Bushmills (Antrim)
An intriguing inn by the world's oldest distillery near The Giant's Causeway.
Type: Country inn 32 Rooms

 

 

 

For Information and Reservations—

 

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Oh...We Sail the Ocean Blue...
and our Saucy Ship's a Beauty...

Be a Part of Nautical History...Where once the great explorers of legend steered their sailing craft through the oceans and seas of the world, you can now embark a comfortable cruise ship and follow their historic routes in style and comfort. To begin your own world exploration at sea, explore the cruise offerings we present below, and consider which sea-faring path through history you want to pursue. There's a whole world of cruises waiting for you!

Grandeur of the Seas
7-Night Canada and New England Cruise from Boston
7 nights from $699 (USD)
—Visit a land brimming over with history. See the majestic beauty of the coastline, landmark lighthouses, quaint seaside towns and unspoiled wilderness. Uncover history around every turn of Boston's famous Freedom Trail and along the walls of the Citadel, Halifax's 19th-century bastion fortification. Be inspired by the same powerful seascapes in Portland, Maine, that gave poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow his muse. The stories unfold along the sea.

Norwegian Majesty
Bermuda Cruise from Boston
7 nights, oceanview cabin, from $799 (USD)
—Discover the Caribbean aboard the Norwegian Majesty. Visit Bermuda in the Atlantic, over 500 miles east of North Carolina, and discover a romantic destination rich in British cutsom and island heritage. Come see the pastel houses, "wedding cake" roofs, pink sand beaches and the only golf course in the world with a tradewind hazard. This lush tropical island is an earthbound heaven.

Ryndam
7-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise
7 nights, oceanview cabin, from $719 (USD)
—Seeking a vacation with a touch of international intrigue that's also close to home? Think Mexico - friendly, festive and just far enough away to escape routine. Shopping for shiny silver bracelets one day, trolling for trophy-size marlin the next. All while enjoying the spacious surroundings and award-winning service of your luxurious Holland America ship. And did you know? Every winter, and estimated 15,000 gray whales migrate from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska to breed and give birth in the balmy "birthing bays" of the Baja's Pacific Coast.

Viking Europe
European Adventure - Amsterdam to Vienna
12 nights from $2689 (USD)
—In addition to the beautiful Rhine River, this 12-night adventure through the heart of Europe also cruises along the charming Main and Danube Rivers, visiting historic regions in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. This river cruise exploration sails amidst some of Europe's loveliest countryside, encountering history and tradition in every port. Don't miss the breathtaking views as you navigate through Austria's delightfully scenic Wachau Valley, and in Southern Germany, visit some of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns and villages. Enjoy the allure of Vienna, Nuremberg, Mainz, Regensburg and Amsterdam. It's a journey not to be missed.

Wind Star
7 Day Tahiti Cruise
7 nights from $2995 (USD)
—What can we tell you about a Windstar cruise in Tahiti? That it's an experience that will spoil you for other vacations? That it is romantic and luxurious and liberating? It is all that and more. You breeze past fruit vendors and shell sellers down to the picturesque harbor in Papeete, in the middle of which, with tall white masts, is a ship. Not one of the common boats dancing on buoys: she's sleeker, sportive, more yacht-like and fine. It's hard to imagine a more perfect pairing than this place and this ship.

Marco Polo
Connoisseur's Europe - London to Lisbon
13 nights from $1795 (USD)
—If Europe's glittering capitals are a feast for the mind, then the countryside is a banquet for the senses. Here you will find storybook castles and scenic beauty, medieval villages and art masterpieces, regions of renowned vintages and epicurean delicacies, and churches that provide a glimpse into the soul: Romanesque basilicas, miraculous shrines and glorious Mont St. Michel in Normandy.

Infinity
12 Night Hawaii Cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu
12 nights from $1300 (USD)
—Romantic Hawaii is waiting for you! As you close your eyes and reminisce on your private veranda, the crimson sun dips slowly into the endless horizon. You bask into the last remnants of golden light. Sipping a fruity drink, your mind journeys back to the day's events. You smile at the notion that you spent the entire day in only a bathing suit and sandals. The traditional coconut-braided hat that dips low on your head is an indication of found treasures. Reaching for the fragrant lei around your neck, you wonder how to prolong this dream.

Convince your "significant other" to take a cruise with you!—

 



Find My Lowest Air Fare on FareBeater®!

 



Soft Scuba

Soft Scuba
"The Soft Scuba Adventurer"

 

Diving Two-by-Two

Very Special Announcement—We have re-hosted
Soft Scuba

We are re-doing all webpages there—at this date the Homepage, Tobago page and Dominica page have been re-written in a new format...watch for more improvements.

Your diving and accommodations cost about the same—whether you use our services or our competitors'. We simply give you better service. We want your repeat business to our dive adventure destinations. When we work together, you receive customized service. We "mother hen" a little. You deserve your best-possible underwater adventure. We want you back with us again...and again.

Let's talk about airfare. Airfare can vary considerably. Many times, if you reserve with sufficient lead time, we can get the lowest fares through bulk air contracts. We always compare our bulk fares with what our wholesalers offer. Wholesale fares can be lower than bulk air! We also make use of the leading Internet technology available. Our FareBeater® Engine sometimes beats our wholesalers! For your FREE consumer report about how much FareBeater® fares are lower than those offered by Orbitz®, Expedia® and Travelocity® visit—

FareBeater® Engine beats Travelocity®, Orbitz®, and Expedia® by up to $341 per ticket!
[Yes, you may use it!—test fly it and compare!]

Micronesia Map

Dive Micronesia!
Truk Lagoon, Palau, Yap, Guam,
Kosrae, Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Pohnpei, Ulithi, and Bikini

Micronesia comprises a vast area in the South Pacific. Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon, Palau and Yap are very popular dive adventure destinations. Discover new Micronesian dive adventure destinations—Bikini, Guam, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Saipan, Tinian & Rota, and Ulithi. Many WWII Pacific Campaign battles were fought throughout Micronesia. Well-preserved wrecks are "artificial" reefs over half a century young. Overgrown with great variety of sealife! World-class diving!
DivingYou travel from around the world. Experience Micronesia's most valuable treasure...it's coral reefs and spectacular wrecks. Visibility often exceeds 100 feet. You have a choice of islands. Enjoy drift diving, shallow and deep wreck diving and greater variety of colorful sea life. Marine biologists have discovered more species in Micronesia than in any other part of the planet.
EntryYou need a Passport—and a return or ongoing airline ticket.
Weather & WaterEnjoy your best conditions from January through May—which is low season as far as prices are concerned. Water temperature remains ~84 deg.F. year round. Visibility is usually over 100 feet.

Your Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon Dive Adventures
Wrecks or Reefs?

Shinkoku Maru Wrecks—Truk Lagoon has been rated "Number One Shipwreck Diving" location for three decades. The sunken fleet of over 60 ships is the standard by which all other wreck dives are measured. In February of 1944, Japan's fortress of Truk Lagoon was attacked by Task Force 58, "Operation Hailstorm" - a group of nine aircraft carriers and related cruisers, destroyers and subs. During two days and one night, planes from these aircraft carriers conducted continuous bombing, strafing and torpedo runs on ships anchored in the lagoon, Those two days of devastating air assault created what is known today as "Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon."

Under Chuuk Lagoon Reefs—For over a half century, these wrecks have remained undisturbed on the bottom of Truk Lagoon. A combination of unusually warm tropical water, prolific marine life and lagoon currents have served as a natural incubator. "Swords of Destruction" have been beaten into "Ploughshares of Beauty. Fujikawa, Shinkoku, Sankisan, Seiko, Hino, Kanso, Hoki, Hoyo, Rio de Janeiro, and Yamagiri Marus are incredibly gorgeous artificial reefs, offering you, the privileged underwater visitor, photographer or videographer a full-spectrum of colorful, brilliant underwater life.

Ecology—Truk Lagoon, along with Palau, offers greater underwater bio-diversity than any other location on this water planet. Marine biologists conclude that perhaps this area was, and maybe still is, the original Garden of Eden where marine life began. Scientists from around the world gravitate to this mecca of sea life in their attempts to better-understand the multitude of unknowns in the mystery of the food chain, and how this knowledge will benefit the healthy continuance of our civilization.

Close—So very, very close, once there! Using the Island of Moen as a base, your average boat ride to most of these wrecks is only twenty minutes. Maximize your underwater exploration time—bring your computers. The sites are so close. Spend your long surface interval back on Moen. Enjoy your picnic lunch. Explore nature and WWII fortifications on other islands.


SS Thorfinn SS ThorfinnFormerly a Norwegian whaling ship, the 170–foot long SS Thorfinn was converted into a fully air–conditioned custom live aboard. Loaded with amenities, the Thorfinn boasts guest rooms with private facilities, queen beds, TV, VCR and Hi-Fi. A continual flow of delicious meals, snacks and freshly baked foods are prepared daily by the ship's crew. A cozy recreational lounge provides the ultimate in relaxation. The Thorfinn has a fleet of four dive tenders, each manned by expert local dive guides. Utilizing the mother ship principle, the Thorfinn puts divers on four different wrecks simultaneously. Five dive trips are scheduled daily.

Truk Aggressor
II Truk Aggressor IIis a 110–foot long monohull—custom designed with dive gear compartments, vertical tank storage, air fill station, freshwater dip tank, spacious camera table for photo/video equipment, large dive platform and fresh water showers. Guest rooms have queen and single bed with private bath. A cozy, comfortable lounge is equipped with color TV, VCRs and stereo. A wide range of services includes dive and photo equipment rentals, daily E–6 processing, photo supplies and certification courses.

Truk Odyssey Truk OdysseyThe 132–foot Odyssey, fully air–conditioned, offers—personal dive lockers, 2 gear rinse tanks, large dive platform, 2 dive ladders, fixed safety/deco bar, freshwater shower, warm deck towels, free nitrox, DIN or yoke valves, certifications, 2 camera rinse tanks, battery charging station, E–6 processing, photo and video courses. Spacious staterooms have king or 2 twin beds with private baths. A separate entertainment lounge has TV, VCR, stereo, library, large slide table and bar. Delicious meals, snacks and beverages are included. Divers enjoy up to 4 dives daily and one night dive. Technical diving and customized charters are also available.

LiveAboards—

          S.S Thorfinn, 8 days aboard * All meals Onboard * Beverages * Twin Cabin * Private Bath * Hot Tub * Unlimited Diving * Daily $345, Weekly $1495.
          Truk Aggressor II, 8 days aboard * All meals Onboard (except one dinner) * Beverages * Twin Cabin * Private Bath * Hot Tub * Unlimited Diving * Weekly $1995.
          Truk Odyssey, 8 days aboard * All meals Onboard (except one dinner) * Beverages * Twin Cabin * Private Bath * Hot Tub * Unlimited Diving * Weekly $2953.

Land-Based—All prices are land only, per person, double occupancy plus tax. Prices include boat, guide, 2-tanks daily, weights/weightbelt. Prices do not include transfers or dive permits.

          Truk Stop Hotel, 7 nights * 5 dive days * $782.
          Blue Lagoon Resort, 7 nights * 5 dive days * $864.


More Dive Adventure Options

Dive adventures can be custom-tailored re: length of stay, number of dives, type of room, and divers vs. non-divers in party. Do you want a Resort Course, to become certified, go for advanced certifications and specialties, use the OW Referral to complete your basic certification? If you don't see what you are looking for here, please ask.

You travel all that distance...you want to dive more than one island. We offer you many "specials"—depending upon when, where...and... how long. Explore your options. Make some plans. Get back with us. We will customize your best deal—we guarantee it! Fin over now—

Visit Truk and other Micronesian destinations in pictures.
Subscribe and download your FREE eReport—
"How to Enhance Your Dive Adventures"

Soft Scuba
Voice: (941) 331-2086
Fax: (208) 955-7705
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We offer you more Dive Adventure Destinations.
Visit us now!— Soft Scuba

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