CARIBBEAN TRAVEL

On April 8, visitors to the Caribbean island of Curacao will be treated to a rarely seen hybrid eclipse, where initially the moon appears smaller than the sun, then larger, and then smaller again. The last one occurred in 1987, and the next one is due in 2023.

In recognition of this opportunity, Papagayo Beach Resort is offering a special Eclipse Package from April 4-20, with a three-night stay in a large two-bedroom sea-view villa for $325 a person, based on double occupancy. The eclipse can be viewed from nearby Jan Thiel Beach, and the package includes complimentary local transportation.

For reservations, call 800-652-2962 or e-mail chrissy@caribresortstms.com.

CRUISES

World-renowned master chef Jacques Pepin will host a 14-day culinary odyssey aboard Oceania Cruises’ Insignia. Sailing from Lisbon to Venice on August 25, guests will explore the Mediterranean’s celebrated ports of call. Mr. Pepin will treat guests to evenings of signature menus, and by day, guests can participate in culinary demonstrations.

To complement the culinary experience, master sommeliers and guest wine experts will lead tastings and compare appellations, vintages, and varietals from wine-producing regions around the world.

Until March 30, this voyage is available with free airfare and 2-for-1 cruise fares beginning at $3,499 a guest.

For more information, call 800-531-5658 or visit www.OceaniaCruises.com.

THE NILE

In conjunction with the new Imax film “Mystery of the Nile,” Mountain Travel Sobek is launching a trip tracing the river’s journey from Ethiopia to Egypt.

Starting at Addis Ababa, the 14-day journey follows Ethiopia’s “Historic Route.” After a visit to Lalibela, one of the country’s most holy sites, participants fly to Bahar Dar, on the shores of Lake Tana. From there, they drive to the river’s source, hike down its drainage, and raft several sections. They will also circumnavigate Tissisat Falls. The journey winds its way to Cairo, Egypt, and then to the terminus of the Nile River at Rosetta. Tickets cost $3,990 a person based on 11-18 participants.

For more information, call 888-MTSOBEK or visit www.mtsobek.com.

SURFING

Children and teens can hit the waves with Beach Break, a learn-to-surf package at Santa Monica’s historic Georgian, while mom and dad relax in the refurbished 1933 Art Deco hotel. Offering the ultimate Southern California experience, the package lets youngsters hang 10 California-style, with experienced surfers from Blue Rider Surf. From a quick, two-day lesson to a one-week course, youngsters work at their own skill-level.

The package features five nights in a deluxe suite, breakfast, surf camp (with use of wet suit, rash guard, long board, and an experienced instructor), and lunch. It costs $1,650 and runs June 20 through Labor Day weekend. Reservations can be made online, beginning April 11, at www.georgianhotel.com.