Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy goes 3D planet-wide

by Chris Owen on

More than 50 million people world-wide have traveled the globe to see ultra-quality Cirque productions in theaters, Las Vegas casinos, theme parks, at sea and on Broadway. Cirque took Broadway by storm in 2008 as the only circus/cirque show of its kind. Now, Neil Goldberg’s Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy production joins with stereoscopic pioneer N4D to create a never-before-seen spectacle.

Cirque will incorporate Atlanta-based N4D’s patented technologies to create a variety of layers and textures both on and off the stage that previously never existed that they claim will “reinvent the current dimensions of theater.”

“Since 1993, audiences have come to expect Cirque Dreams’ artistry to unfold live, right before their eyes-pop off stage and soar through the air while defying gravity with limitless imagination.” Goldberg said “Adding the new dimension available through stereoscopic visualization implemented with unique N4D technology will not only heighten the experience, but will also create a sense of intimacy that brings live artistry and audiences together as one.”

To be unveiled in 2013, count on some spectacular productions as Cirque founder Neil Goldberg and N4D CEO Cliff Parker join forces to bring a never-before-seen spectacular to the stage.

This should be something to see.

Photo: Cirque Productions

Michael Jackson theme park planned for Gary, Indiana

by Joel Bullock on

A Michael Jackson theme park has been planned for the late Pop star’s hometown of Gary, Indiana. The developers announced that the theme park will be part of a larger $1 billion project that will also include a museum, golf course, 300-room hotel, and a performing arts center. Spokesperson Odie Anderson shared that they hope to break ground later this year.

The theme park and surrounding attractions will be built out in phases over the next decade beginning with the museum. Eventually, the park will include rides from Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and a roller coaster themed after his mega hit “Thriller”. I would have thought that a Micheal Jackson theme park would have sprung up out of the remnants of the Neverland Ranch in California. But, a park in Indiana has the advantage of being closer to more of the country’s population which will give more visitors a shorter trip to the park.

A different kind of Spring break cruise

by Chris Owen on

Cruise vacations are a popular option for Spring breakers looking for a good time. Major cruise line ships fill fast with party-going students, often at a premium price. It’s the stuff high school and college memories are made of to be sure. This year, a different kind of student-focused sailing will make for some different memories.

Last year, students on Ocean Classroom Foundation’s Harvey Gamage sailed to Hispaniola. There, they built a house in just one week, from foundation to roof, for a poverty-stricken family. Their effort resulted in lots of good stuff. Two of the families children had been sharing a mattress placed on a dirt floor each night before they went to bed. One of the children had been living elsewhere for lack of resources and space. When the students left, that family had a good roof over their heads and those students came away with a life-changing experience.

“This type of service immersion is an invaluable experience on many levels,” said Alyson Graham, Ocean Classroom’s educational director.

In February, 17 high school students from seven US states will begin a similar voyage in the Caribbean that will sail through Spring break and end in the land of “I made a difference” in May. Called “SEAmester Spring 2012” the immersive voyage departs from St.Thomas on February 24Th arriving in New England May 5Th.

Sailings are being planned for Summer and Fall too. See Ocean Classroom Foundation for more information.

The Ocean Classroom Foundation is is a nonprofit organization committed to sending students and their teachers to sea on voyages in which the traditions, values and adventure of maritime life provide a unique context for education.

Photo: Ocean Classroom Foundation

Photo of the day – Lunch in Serbia

by Meg Nesterov on


One of the best parts of traveling is indulging in a few vices. The “hey, I’m on vacation!” attitude enables you to order dessert, have a glass of wine with lunch, and not worry about the calories you’re taking in, especially as you figure you’ll burn them off walking around museums or hiking the countryside. This photo by Flickr user eolone in Serbia shows some of the best travel food groups: the sausage group, the fried group, even the “hey, I’m in Europe!” tobacco group. Just switch out the water for a beer and you’d have the perfect guilt-free (for now) vacation meal.

Enjoy any food vices on your last trip? Take a photo for our Gadling Flickr group and it could be our next Photo of the Day!

Beatles infest cruise ship, give back

by Chris Owen on

But this is a good thing.

Beatles Tribute Cruise 2011 is on sale now and for fans of the fab four it doesn’t get any better than this. “8 days a week” is exactly how long fans will sail on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas along with pretty much anybody who’s anybody in the world of Beatlemania.

Sailing from Miami with tribute-band The British Are Coming! and other special guests, fans will visit St Maarten, St Thomas, San Juan and Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Labadee in Haiti where Royal Caribbean is still helping, a year after a devastating earthquake rocked the island nation with donations of supplies each week.

Along for the ride is two-time Grammy award winning guitarist Laurence Juber, Beatles artist Shannon, TV and radio personality Tony Perkins, Beatles historian Tony Bramwell and Joe Johnson, the host & creator of the nationally syndicated radio show “BeatleBrunch“.

An annual event, this year’s cruise will be a fundraiser for Thrive/Survive Los Angeles to support young adult cancer survivors. On-board, a raffle will be held with close to 100 Beatles-related items to be given away during the sailing including a special Ultimate Weekend Tickets To Ride package for Abbey Road on the River along with autographed DVD’s from assorted post-Beatles artists.

For donation or ticket information contact Woody Lofton or register online.

Photo: Beatles Tribute Cruise