Huntsville High teen's fishing tale is no lie

Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Huntsville Times
Fish usually grow in size with time, with a pound or two added by the time the boat reaches the marina and whopper status achieved within a few hours.

PJ Rodriguez doesn't have to fib about his most recent fishing excursion.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, the one of Rodriguez standing beside his Pacific black marlin is worth, oh, about 660 pounds.
Six hundred sixty pounds is a lot of fish. A whole lot.

Rodriguez was vacationing at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with his family during the recent fall break. He's a senior at Huntsville High School. Between the sand, surf and seafood at the popular Pacific getaway, he and his father Paul took an offshore fishing trip in the Sea of Cortez.

Black marlin are among the world's most sought-after big game species. They are pelagic, meaning they roam the oceans. Their sharp bill is used for protection and foraging; marlin and swordfish slash at other fishes and then feed as the injured or dead fish sinks.

Some have been found in the colder waters of the Atlantic and are believed to have migrated around the Cape of Good Hope deep in the southern hemisphere. In any case, they are grand game and quite a trophy.

While trolling, the black marlin hit and Rodriguez jumped to take the rod. Remarkably, it took just 45 minutes for the big fish to succumb and come to the boat. It typically takes longer to subdue such a large fish, but Rodriguez fought it valliantly and smartly.

The marlin was so large it would not fit in the boat. In a harkening to Ernest Hemingway's classic, "The Old Man and the Sea," a rope was secured around the marlin and the jubilant Rodriguez crew returned to shore.

Hemingway's protagonist, the aged Santiago, went 84 days without catching a fish. On the 85th, the determined Cuban ventured farther out and into the Gulf Stream, where he fought a monstrous marlin for three days before landing it. On his return, with his body sapped of strength and the great beast tethered to his skiff with a rope, blood from the fish attracted sharks that eventually devoured it. Only the head, skeleton and tail remained for the astounded onlookers who knew nothing of Santiago's epic fight.

But there were no sharks to gorge on Rodriguez's 660-pounder, and slack-jawed onlookers got the full story after the triumphant return.
A great fish tale, if there ever was one.

Holland America Line Increases Mexico Sailings, Adds Third Ship and More Sea of Cortez Cruises in 2007

SEATTLE, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line is expanding its
sun-splashed cruises to Mexico in 2007 by offering more wildlife-abundant Sea
of Cortez sailings and adding a third ship featuring Mexican Riviera cruises.
The ms Zaandam returns to the Mexican Riviera to join the ms Oosterdam and ms
Ryndam in 2007 to offer a total of 42 Mexico cruises -- 10 more than in 2006
-- sailing roundtrip from the convenient homeport of San Diego.
In 2007 Holland America Line will continue to be the only major cruise
line sailing the pristine Sea of Cortez on 10-day, roundtrip San Diego
cruises. The Ryndam will feature 11 such departures in winter/spring and fall,
providing a wide range of dates. The Oosterdam continues to sail the popular
seven-day Mexican Riviera itinerary, offering 28 cruises. The Zaandam will add
two 10-day Mexican Riviera cruises -- and the Ryndam will sail one -- in the
fall for guests who have more time to explore as far south as Acapulco.
"From vibrant Mexican Riviera ports to amazing wildlife in the Sea of
Cortez, and with several hundreds of exciting shore activities to choose from,
Holland America Line continues to offer more diverse premium cruise choices
for Mexico travelers," said Richard D, Meadows, CTC, senior vice president,
marketing and sales. "In addition, Holland America Line's Mexico cruises
offer the convenience of sailing from San Diego's cruise port, just minutes
from the city's airport, and a popular city for pre- and post-cruise options."

Seven-day Mexican Riviera Cruises
The 1,848-guest Oosterdam features 28 Mexican Riviera cruises with
Saturday departures from Jan. 6 to Apr. 21 and Sept. 29 to Dec. 15, 2007.
These seven-day sailings visit the popular Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San
Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, providing a full day in each port for
guests to explore. Cabo offers sea kayaking, whale-watching and
snorkeling/diving opportunities; Mazatlan is renowned for its golden beaches
and cosmopolitan resort flavor; and Puerto Vallarta provides a mix of colonial
charm, bustling markets and superb shopping.
The itinerary also includes three relaxing days at sea when guests can
pamper themselves at the Oosterdam's Greenhouse Spa and Salon and laze in the
sun around the ship's two outdoor swimming pools. The ship accommodates
families well with its comprehensive Youth Program including Club HAL for kids
ages 3 to 12 and The Loft, a teens-only lounge. Cruise fares start at US$749
per person, double occupancy.

10-day Sea of Cortez Adventures
The 1,258-guest Ryndam showcases the Sea of Cortez with seven spring
cruises from Feb. 21 to Apr. 22 and four fall sailings from Oct. 11 to Nov.
10, 2007. These 10-day itineraries combine a taste of Puerto Vallarta and
Mazatlan with highlights of the Sea of Cortez including Topolobampo and
Loreto, an exclusive Holland America Line port call.
From Topolobampo, guests can opt for the full-day excursion to Mexico's
spectacular Copper Canyon, and in Loreto they can visit historic San Javier
Mission, founded in 1697 as Mexico's first Jesuit mission. Then they enjoy
scenic cruising past the Sierra de la Giganta mountains to call at La Paz and
Cabo San Lucas. Exciting shore excursions are offered in each port, from
snorkeling at Los Islotes (home to a sea lion colony) near La Paz to sport-
fishing for tuna, marlin and billfish in Cabo San Lucas. Cruise fares start at
US$1,049 per person, double occupancy.

10-day Mexican Riviera Sailings
For guests seeking more than seven days on the Mexican Riviera, the 1,432-
passenger Zaandam offers two cruises departing Oct. 1 and 26 and the Ryndam
features one cruise departing December 13, 2007. These leisurely 10-day
sailings call at Manzanillo, a perfect "10" (like the movie filmed here) for
its flawless beaches; Acapulco, international glamour magnet; Zihuatanejo,
tranquil fishing village just five miles from modern resort Ixtapa; Puerto
Vallarta; Mazatlan; and Cabo San Lucas. En route, guests enjoy three full days
at sea to relax and enjoy all the shipboard amenities and services. Cruise
fares start at US$1,049 per person.

-- http://www.hollandamerica.com --

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
(NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
With the introduction of the 1,848-passenger ms Noordam in early 2006,
Holland America Line's fleet grows to 13 ships, offering nearly 500 cruises
from more than 25 home ports. The award-winning premium cruise line excels at
providing gracious and attentive service. Holland America Line's $225
million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements feature new programs
and amenities including product and service enhancements in stateroom
accommodations, dining, service, enrichment programs and activities, and
worldwide itineraries. Six ships are completed with the rest to be finished
by the end of 2006. For more information, consult a travel agent, call
1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line
is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also
includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise
Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each
guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide
range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer
exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable
destinations.


Contact: Rose Abello
Phone: 206/301-5318; 206-313-7673 cell phone
Fax: 206/262-5934 E-mail: pr@hollandamerica.com

United eyes Mexico

CHICAGO — United Airlines said Monday that it has applied to fly five new routes from Chicago and Los Angeles to cities in Mexico under a new bilateral agreement between the two countries. The service will begin this winter if it gets government approval, United said. The Chicago routes would include service on United's discount carrier Ted to Cancun 11 times a week and daily service to Puerto Vallarta. The airline also wants to fly three daily Ted routes between Los Angeles and Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

United Boosts Its International Expansion Into Mexico

Applications Filed for Five New Routes From Chicago and Los Angeles

Service Begins This Fall Between San Jose del Cabo and Chicago; Denver and
Cozumel; and Denver and Mexico City

CHICAGO, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of the new bilateral
agreement between the United States and Mexico, United has applied for five
new routes* from Chicago and Los Angeles to Mexico. If accepted, the service
will begin this winter season.
The applications are all for peak-season service and include two new
routes between Chicago and Mexico, including Ted(SM) service to Cancun 11
times a week and daily United service to Puerto Vallarta. In addition, United
also applied for three new daily Ted routes between Los Angeles and Mexico --
specifically to San Jose del Cabo (Cabo San Lucas), Puerto Vallarta and
Cancun.
"Our application for five new leisure routes into Mexico from our hubs in
Los Angeles and Chicago reinforces our commitment to strengthening our
international service and significant growth into that country," said
Greg Taylor, senior vice president - Planning. "By serving Mexico from all
five of United's hub cities, customers can connect to more destinations in the
world."
In addition to these applications, other new services that are boosting
United's expansion into Mexico include:

-- United added a second daily flight between Los Angeles and Mexico City
in June of 2005.
-- United will begin Saturday service between Chicago and Los Cabos,
Mexico in October 2005. Beginning Oct. 22, United will add Sunday
service between the two cities, and beginning Dec. 15, service will
increase to four times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday).
-- United will begin Saturday service between Denver and Cozumel, Mexico
in November 2005.
-- United will begin daily service between Denver and Mexico City in
December 2005.


Customers who book and fly a paid, qualifying roundtrip flight through
united.com by Dec. 31, 2005, earn 1,000 bonus miles by booking their travel at
united.com/onlinebooking. United also guarantees you will find their lowest
fares on United.com.

* Subject to government approval

About Ted
Ted, launched by United in February 2004, currently operates an average of
214 flights per day, carrying more than 27,000 customers to destinations from
its hubs in Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Chicago.
Ted continues to offer customers low fares that are simple and easy to
understand. Ted operates Airbus A320s that are configured with 156 seats,
including a large Economy Plus section of 66 seats with four inches more
legroom. Combining outstanding service with unique onboard amenities and
entertainment, including Tedevision, TedTunes and TedSelect SnackBoxes, along
with full participation in United's award-winning Mileage Plus program, Ted
offers a unique experience among low-fare carriers. More information and
current fares can be found at flyted.com.

About United
United Airlines (OTC Bulletin Board: UALAQ) operates more than 3,400
flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic
and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-
Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest
international carriers based in the United States. United is also a founding
member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 790
destinations in 138 countries worldwide. United's 58,500 employees reside in
every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and
other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at
united.com.

CONTACT: Worldwide Press Office:
Days: 847.700.5538
Evenings/Weekends: 847.700.4088

TheDenverChannel.com - News - Hurricane Wilma Puts Damper Travel At DIA

Many Airports In Florida Closed

DENVER -- Hurricane Wilma may have weakened to a Category 2 storm, but its 110 mph winds are still wreaking havoc across South Florida.

They also wrecked the plans of some travelers trying to get in or out of Denver International Airport.

The FAA closed more 14 airports in Florida Friday while Frontier has grounded flights to and from Cancun -- and arrivals from Fort Myers.
Delta Airlines is the only airline expected to be flying to that city today, and United hopes to resume service to Miami and Fort Lauderdale as soon as the airport reopens.

Rick Boxer and his family were supposed to leave last Friday for Cancun, but decided at the last minute not to go because of Wilma.
The storm slammed into Cancun on Friday, and assaulted the Caribbean coastline for two days.
The family was able to change plans, though, and left Monday for Cabo San Lucas.
The airport at Cancun sustained heavy damage from Hurricane Wilma and was not expected to reopen until at least Wednesday.
Travelers whose plans include Florida or Mexico-bound flights from DIA were urged to contact their airlines.

Princess ship a good choice even if it weren't only option

Spud Hilton

Sunday, October 23, 2005

If you plan on taking a cruise out of San Francisco in the next five months, the overwhelming odds are that you'll be on the Dawn Princess.
And you'll be going to Mexico.

Whereas in recent years, there were a few ships offering roundtrip fall and winter cruises out of the Bay Area -- Crystal Harmony and Celebrity's Mercury, among others -- this season the 1,950-passenger Dawn Princess is a one-ship fleet. Its voyages every 10 days to the Mexican Riviera are the only consistent passenger business (not including ferries and tour boats) that the Port of San Francisco will see between now and April.

Because of the virtual monopoly, I took a tour of the Dawn Princess during a recent stop and came back with a basic profile. Some impressions:

-- Despite the Personal Choice label, Dawn Princess will appeal to more traditional cruisers. The dining focus is on assigned seating in the two main dining rooms, and the lone alternative restaurant is an afterthought (a sectioned-off corner of the Horizon Buffet); the Promenade Deck is open, wide, wrap-around and (gasp!) actual teak; most of the decor in the public rooms is elegant without the over-the-top Vegas glitz.

-- At just 77,000 tons, the ship isn't as large as Princess's newest vessels, which is good if you have mobility problems or get lost easily, but also means it will move around more in the choppy coastal Pacific waters.

-- Dawn Princess has plenty of the standard diversions and luxuries to keep most passengers busy -- or pleasantly sedate -- including the requisite spa and fitness center (more on that later), four swimming pools and five hot tubs, a 550-seat theater, a 480-seat cabaret lounge, a wine and caviar bar and a casino.

-- The layout of the Oasis Spa complex -- ocean-view fitness center, spa, small pool flanked by hot tubs, pool bar -- is really well integrated and seems like it would be difficult to leave.

-- While it isn't the newest ship (launched in 1997), the upkeep appears to have been thorough and the wear and tear minimal.

-- While not terribly unique or earth-shaking, there is little to fault on Dawn Princess, and the fact that it's the only ship regularly serving San Francisco for almost half a year makes it noteworthy. Especially if, like me, you can take a cab to the port.

The 10-day itinerary includes four days at sea and stops in Catalina, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and San Diego. Prices online start at $870 per person, double occupancy, including tax. For more information, call (800) 774-6237, go to www.princess.com or contact your travel agent.

Young Turk port: The Grand Turk Cruise Terminal, which Turks and Caicos officials believe will handle a quarter million people its first year, is on schedule to open in February. The $40 million project, which will include shops (including local vendors) and restaurants, is "the first of its kind to be built directly on the beach so that passengers can exit the cruise and step onto the sand," according to spokeswoman for the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board.

Several projects are under way to improve services and facilities for the expected increase in day visitors to the relatively quiet island of Grand Turk.

Quick wit: "The first qualification for food to be excellent, in my book, is that somebody else prepare it, and all I have to do is show up and eat it. ... On a cruise, somebody else does all the cooking and apparently they do it round the clock because there is food everywhere you look, whenever you look." -- Jill Conner Brown, from "God Save the Sweet Potato Queens," excerpted in the travel anthology "The Thong Also Rises: Further Misadventures from Funny Women on the Road" (Travelers' Tales, $14.95)

On the dock of the Bay: Cruise ships expected at the Port of San Francisco (Piers 30, 32 and 35) during the next two weeks: Norwegian Spirit, today and Saturday; Yorktown Clipper (Clipper Cruise Line), Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Nov. 4; Dawn Princess, Oct. 31. For updates, go to www.sfport.com and select the "Maritime" and "Passenger Cruises" links.

The Best of Baja: Pensinsular Packages from $439, Fourth or Fifth Nights Free and More

By Charis Atlas Heelan
October 21, 2005
Baja is an 800-mile long mountainous peninsula that lies south of California but it's a slice of Mexican heaven for travelers who are looking for luxurious resorts and private villas, pristine white sandy beaches and a vast array of water sports including diving and game fishing.

First settled in the 16th century, Baja is steeped in history, from the cave paintings of Sierra de San Francisco to the architectural masterpieces of the early Jesuit Missions. Modern Baja is a tourist's delight from the border crossing mayhem of Tijuana to the spa indulgences of Cabo San Lucas, whale watching in La Paz to fishing in Loreto, the cliffs of Rosarito to the cultural heart of Ensenada.

Cheap Caribbean (tel. 800/915-2322; www.cheapcaribbean.com) is currently having a fall sale with a package that includes airfare and accommodations at an all-inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas. Prices start at $539 per person based on dual occupancy and this deal includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (other departure cities are available for additional cost), four-nights in a deluxe garden view room at Presidente Intercontinental Los Cabos, all meals, beverages, non motorized water sports, tips and gratuities. Kids stay and eat free. Airport transfers and taxes are additional. Add $249 from New York, St. Louis or Toronto, or $199 from D.C., Orlando or Milwaukee. Bookings must be completed by October 26, 2005. These prices are valid for travel from now until December 20, 2005.

Pleasant Holidays' (tel. 800/742-9244; www.pleasantholidays.com) current Baja special is a four-night vacation package. The deal includes round-trip airfare on Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles, four-nights at the Costa Real Cabo Resort and airport transfers. Priced from $439 per person based on dual occupancy, this offer is valid for travel on Sundays or Mondays from November 13 to December 18, 2005.

Alaska Air Vacations (tel. 800/468-2248) has a website full of special accommodation deals for the Los Cabos area of the Baja Peninsula.

Book a deluxe room at the Los Cabos Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat and Spa for five-nights and get the fifth night free when you book by December 5, 2005, for travel between January 2 and April 30, 2006 (blackout dates February 16 to 20 and April 9 to 16, 2006). Book four-nights and get the fourth night free when you book by March 10, 2006, for travel between May 1 and June 30, 2006 (blackout dates May 25 to 29, 2006), or book by June 15, 2006, for travel between July 5 and October 31, 2006 (blackout dates September 1 to 4, 2006).

Book a five-night stay at the Pueblo Bonito Rose, also in Los Cabos and get the fifth night free. Good for travel until December 24, 2005, or book by March 10, 2006, for travel April 30-June 30, 2006. Blackout dates apply. Book seven-nights and get the seventh night free when you book by December 5 for travel between January 2 to April 30, 2006. Valid for Junior Suites only and some blackout dates apply.

Stay at the Solmar Suites in Los Cabos from November 27 to December 21, 2005, and save up to $30 per room per night in a Garden View or Junior Suite only. Book four-nights and get the fourth night free when you stay in any room type. Receive two complimentary dinners with three-night minimum stay, and three complimentary dinners with four-nights or more.

Stay at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort and Spa and enjoy great deals. Book four-nights in a Virreyes Suite and get the fourth night free from January 1 to April 24, 2006. Book three-nights from April 25 to October 11, 2006, and get the 3rd night free. Also with the free night promotion you get a free buffet breakfast for four people and free access to the fitness center.

Book five-nights at the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos and get the fifth night free. Book by October 31, 2005, for travel until December 15, 2005. If you stay a minimum of three nights from October 16 to December 24, 2005, you get $100 dinner credit at Rosato Restaurant or $100 credit at the spa for treatments and services. Must be booked between October 1 and December 15, 2005.

Once you are in Baja, there are a multitude of activities to keep you busy, or you can just lie on the beach or by the pool and do absolutely nothing -- the choice is yours.

North Star Adventures (tel. +928/773-9917; www.planetcharters.com/vacation/1015) has a special seven-day Kayaking and whale-watching adventure trip in Magdelena Bay that departs from La Paz in February at the height of the whale-watching season. Priced at $1,250 per person based on double occupancy, the trip includes hotels before and after the trip, all kayaking and camping equipment, tents, van transport, boat charters, safety equipment, kayak instruction, and guides. The package price does not include airfare to La Paz, airport transfers, sleeping bag and pad, snorkeling equipment or staff gratuities. From October to April, North Star runs guided sea kayak adventures, also priced at $1,250 for eight-day trips out of La Paz.

Baja Travel Vacations (tel. 800/221-9283; www.bajatravelvacations.com) is an eco-tourism company that runs several multi-activity tours. Their ultimate five-day "Baja Whale Watching Vacation" starts in San Diego and includes private aircraft transportation to two top whale watching locations (Scammons Lagoon and San Ignacio Lagoon), five separate whale watching excursions, a one-day tour of the Viscaino Biosphere Reserve including the Indian Pictographs site, four-nights Mexican bed and breakfast accommodations, special whale watching education presentation, cultural immersion meal outings, a Spanish language class and a Mexican cooking class.

Each tour has a maximum of 10 participants with two to three staff. Departure dates are February 27, March 6, 13 and 20, 2006. This trip is priced at $1,995 (plus 10% Mexican IVA tax) all-inclusive with round-trip private flights from San Diego, lodging, food and beverages, whale watching, ground transportation, classes and a lifetime of memories.

Baja Wild (tel. +52/624-1425300; www.bajawild.com/en/packages/allbaja.html) has a seven-day "Inn-to-Inn Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Surfing and Whale Watching Adventure" that allows you to experience the beauty of Baja, snorkel and kayak its turquoise waters, hike its remote desert mountains, tour its picturesque mission villages, cruise for whales and even learn to surf.

Spend three nights at the secluded East Cape village of Cabo Pulmo staying at the Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort on the Sea of Cortez. Enjoy a beach bon fire and a festive welcome-to-Baja dinner, sea kayak and snorkel in the Cabo Pulmo National Park, once described by Jacques Cousteau as the aquarium of the world, scouting for dolphins, manta rays and whales, kayak up to four miles, swim with sea lions, hike or mountain bike among wild figs and palms, explore an ancient petroglyph site, snorkel, wind surf, rock climb, fish or just plain relax. The package includes six-nights accommodations, equipment for included activities, all meals, airport transfer, park fees, professional guides and all taxes and is priced at $1,495 per person based on dual occupancy (airfare is additional). Tour dates for the remainder of this year are November 20-26 and the December 24-30, 2005 trip is $1,595. Four to 14 people required or for two to three participants, a $200 supplement applies. Airfare is additional.

Round-trip flights between Los Angeles and San Jose del Cabo (Los Cabos) during the month of December 2005 start as low as $129 flying with Alaska Airlines through Travelocity (www.travelocity.com). Flights from New York range from $306 to around $470 from now until the end of November 2005 on United, American Airlines or Continental. From Chicago, prices range from $300 on United (www.united.com) to $400 on Mexicana (www.mexicana.com) during the fall season.