[ SUNDAY TRAVEL ]
Americans' fascination with all things Titanic continues with an exhibit of items now showing at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle. Titanic opportunity
for Seattle visitorsStar-Bulletin staff
"Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit," the largest collection of such memorabilia ever assembled, features a 15-ton section of the boat's hull, clothing and jewelry worn by passengers and a lifelike copy of the ship's grand staircase.
Continuing through September, the show may well be worth an ocean voyage of your own. (Just don't go by boat!) Call (866) 414-1912 for further information.
Temptation redux
Come on, admit it. You were hooked on the series "Temptation Island," television's foray into the world of beautiful people with commitment issues. Perhaps you've even wondered about the corruptibility of your own significant other.Accordingly, Magnum Belize Tours is offering packages to Captain Morgan's Retreat, the remote island getaway that apparently languished in obscurity until its recent discovery by Fox TV. Tours, which begin in June, start at $831 per person based on double occupancy for a seven-night stay. Call (800) 447-2931.
House of wax
She's a woman given to discovering the limitless possibilities of paraffin. Her name, of course, is Madame Tussaud. And now, her wax figures, which have wowed audiences in London for decades, have finally arrived stateside.Open since November of last year, Madame Tussaud's New York has hosted large crowds in Times Square ever since. Oprah Winfrey, Woody Allen, Al Roker and Bette Midler became some of the personalities captured forever (subject to temperature considerations) in waxy permanence. Call (212) 921-0768 or visit www.madame-tussauds.com.
Three tenors minus two
He may no longer be the King of the High C's, but Luciano Pavarotti remains the most famous tenor in the world, with a voice that still packs stadiums, even if amplification is now a frequent necessity.Look for large crowds at the San Diego Sports Arena on April 21, when the singer performs a concert of famous Italian arias.
And if opera is your bag, don't miss the San Diego Opera's production of Mozart's classic tale of Trojan warriors, "Idomeneo." For both events, call (619) 232-7636.
Exciting excavation
Travel buffs are always digging for the best vacation, and now they can spend their vacation digging at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center near Mesa Verde, Ariz.Between 600 and 1225 A.D., an ancient community was born and thrived at the Albert Porter Preserve near Pueblo, and for the past 17 years, a nonprofit organization has sponsored programs that allow the public to help with the excavation.
Tours begin in early June and continue throughout the summer. Tuition is $900 for a week of digging. For an itinerary, call (800) 422-8975, or visit www.crowcanyon.org.
Musical nubians
Though panned by the critics, the ersatz Egypt of Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" was a big hit with Broadway audiences last season, allowing Disney to complete a hat trick of sorts, with three of its musicals ("Aida," "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King") running simultaneously on the Great White Way.The touring production of this extravagant tale of star-crossed lovers stops in St. Louis from April 27 through May 6 and will be staged at the historic Fabulous Fox Theater as part of the city's Firstar Broadway series. Call (314) 534-1111.
Trespassing encouraged
Virginia Garden Week, an annual affair, allows the public a rare opportunity to trespass on some of the state's most beautiful (and most private) grounds, as more than 250 houses, gardens and landmarks will open their doors to horticultural enthusiasts.From April 21 through 28, tours will be offered of houses dating from the 17th to 21st centuries, including the childhood abode of Thomas Jefferson and a home from Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie period.
Call (804) 644-7776 for information on participating houses, or visit www.VAGardenweek.org.
Oregon cruise
From now through December, cruises down some of Oregon's most beautiful rivers are being offered by the Delta Queen Steamboat Company.The aptly-named Columbia Queen, just a year old, journeys down the Columbia, Snake and Willamette Rivers on 7-night itineraries that leave from Portland. Shipboard activities include a Broadway revue and a salute to the music of the 1950s and '60s.
Prices start at $1,910 per person, double occupancy. Call (800) 297-3960 or visit www.columbiaqueen.com.
West End wonders
The London theater scene is one of the city's acclaimed wonders, but just a few weeks remain before summer airfares kick in, whereupon travel to the sceptered isle becomes prohibitively expensive.On stage now is Macaulay Culkin (yep, the "Home Alone" kid) who is currently impressing the critics in "Madame Melville." A new production of "The Secret Garden" is also a recent arrival.
For information on packages, call the Royal Garden Hotel at (800) 987-9317.
Scandinavian cruise
Crystal Cruises, a fixture of the luxury cruise market, has announced this summer's sailings from Europe.The cruises, which depart on four dates during June and July, set sail for Russia and Scandinavia for 12 and 13-day itineraries. Excursions include a train ride down Norway's Otra River and sportfishing in a Finnish archipelago.
The 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony includes two pools, a spa, a casino and more. Call (800) 820-6663 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Korean festival
Beginning May 4 and continuing for five days is Korea's Chunhyang Festival, an annual pageant of music and crafts that celebrates its 71st anniversary this year.The title of the festival refers to the main character in an ancient novel, a young woman who triumphed over long odds and became a national hero.
Highlights include a prestigious traditional music contest which honors the spirit of this popular figure from the Joseon Dynasty.
Call 82-63-632-5801 or visit www.namwon.chonbuk.kr.