The recent political unrest in Egypt has distressed me, but also allowed me to fondly remember the marvelous ancient sites that have wowed western tourists since the 19th century. I was lucky enough to sail through the Suez Canal and visit Cairo and Luxor on a Silver Whisper Red Sea cruise during happier times, and was truly amazed at the myriad of structures and accomplishments of the ancient Egyptians. Many of these artifacts are stored in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and others are found in the desert or at Luxor.

As our thoughts and prayers are with the Egyptian people, let's take a look at some of the marvels that must be preserved for future generations. Many of these have survived thousands of years and will hopefully survive thousands more.

• Pyramids at Giza
• Sphinx of Egypt
• Luxor on the Nile River in Egypt
• Temple of Karnak at Luxor
• Luxor Temple
• Valley of the Kings at Luxor
• Medinat Habu at Luxor

Pyramids at Giza (c) Linda Garrison

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The first new ship of 2011, the Disney Dream was launched earlier this month and is now sailing cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral. Combining a Disney Dream cruise vacation with a stay at the Walt Disney World complex near Orlando is a perfect family vacation. The new Disney Dream has all of the terrific kid's, tweens, and teens areas and activities you would expect from a ship bearing the Disney name. It also has many Disney Cruises' innovations such as rotational dining, enchanted artwork, and inside cabins with "magical portholes". Family members of all ages will love the Disney Dream entertainment, which is filled with Disney music, themes, and characters.

Although the Disney Dream is primarily marketed to family and mult-generational groups, adults will find plenty of exclusive adults-only bars, restaurants, and quiet indoor and outdoor areas to keep them happy. One new addition is the most expensive Disney cruise ship gourmet restaurant, Remy, which has a $75 per person surcharge, with another $99 per person for the wine pairings. On our two-night preview cruise, I didn't have an opportunity to dine at Remy's, but heard glowing reviews from those who did.

This tour of the Disney Dream cruise ship will show that the new ship has many Disney Cruises' favorites, but also has added some exciting new activities (like the AquaDuck water coaster), new dining venues, and new kid's and adult venues.

Disney Dream Photo Galleries and Information - Links to over 100 pictures of the Disney Dream

• Disney Dream Interiors
• Disney Dream Exteriors, Deck Areas, and the AquaDuck
• Disney Dream Cabins and Suites
• Disney Dream Lounges and Bars
• Disney Dream Dining Venues
• Disney Dream in Port Canaveral - Exterior Photos
• Disney Dream Inaugural Christening Celebration

Disney Dream Inside Cabin with "Magical" Porthole (c) Linda Garrison

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During 2011, the cruise industry will welcome eight new cruise ships and six newly built river vessels. These ships will roll out quickly, with the Disney Dream named in January and the other ships following over the next few months. Unlike the past few years when new ships were launched almost every month, the last ship to be launched in 2011, the Celebrity Silhouette, will debut in July.

Two of the new large cruise ships in 2011 are of new design--the Disney Dream and Oceania Cruises' Marina. Three of the river ships--the Avalon Panorama, Douro Spirit, and Amalotus are also new designs.

This 14-page article provides an overview of each of the new cruise ships in 2011.

Disney Dream, First Ship Christened in 2011 (c) Linda Garrison

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Does Disney have a new Princess? Whoopi Goldberg sure looks like one in this photo with Snow White, Cinderella, and Mickey Mouse. Whoopi was just one of several celebrities attending the new Disney Dream inaugural christening celebration.

Disney Dream Photo of Snow White, Cinderella, Whoopi Goldberg, and Mickey Mouse (c) Linda Garrison

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