Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas Kicks-off 2011 Enrollment of 'Houseboating University'

PAGE, Ariz., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Concerns about the difficulty of operating and navigating a houseboat are two of the main reasons why travelers put their dreams of a houseboating vacation on hold, according to a recent focus group of potential houseboaters by Brand Outlook. To help overcome these uncertainties, Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas is bringing back its popular Introduction to Houseboating weekend for a second year.  The affordable and fun program is designed to show potential houseboaters how easy and accessible a houseboating vacation can be.

"This is the time to book our signature two-day educational travel experience designed for anybody who has ever contemplated a houseboat vacation," says David Sloma, vice president of operations for Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. "Our 'students' will learn the ropes of houseboating with a licensed captain while enjoying time with a friend or loved one at breathtaking Lake Powell."

People seeking to book the Introduction to Houseboating package can visit the website or call 888-486-4665 using the Promo code: HBINTRO.  The package is the only houseboating education program of its kind and will be offered on the weekends of April 29, May 13 and May 20, 2011, at Wahweap Marina, located on the Arizona-Utah border, and the weekend of May 13 at Bullfrog Marina in Utah.  

Affordably priced at $299, the package* includes a double occupancy, two-night stay at Lake Powell Resort or Defiance House Lodge and daily breakfast for two in addition to the hands-on training.  The $1,100 value gives interested houseboaters the ability to preview a houseboating vacation through viewing Lake Powell Resort & Marina's facilities and boat options in addition to learning the ins and outs of houseboating.  Full-day powerboat rentals may also be added at 60 percent off, with starting prices at $149 for a 19-foot powerboat at Wahweap Marina and $199 for a 20-foot powerboat rental at Bullfrog Marina.

Guests can relax after arriving on a Friday and then embark on a six-hour training course on Saturday.  During the training, a certified captain and deckhand familiarize visitors on all of the houseboating systems and provide personal instruction on navigation and boating rules.  Participants also have the opportunity to practice beaching, anchoring, piloting, in addition to towing and securing a power boat.  Boxed lunches are provided and guests can enjoy downtime sunbathing and taking photos of magnificent Southwest scenery.  

Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, America's favorite houseboating destination, offers guests a wide variety of houseboats with all of the amenities of home, including full kitchens, staterooms, and bathrooms, and luxury models that feature propane fireplaces, outdoor gas grills and hot tubs.  For a complete listing for available houseboats and amenities, please visit www.lakepowell.com.

*Disclaimer: the package price is based on double occupancy. Offer valid on a first come first serve basis and has limited availability. Not good with any other discounts or offers. Room type is based on availability.

About Lake Powell

Lake Powell, the second largest manmade lake in the U.S., is located on the border of Utah and Arizona in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and offers nearly 2,000 miles of spectacular shoreline with towering red rock sandstone cliffs, more than 90 major canyons, blue-green water and sandy beaches.

About Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas

Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas provides houseboat and powerboat rentals, lodging and scenic tours. For more information or to book a houseboat vacation, call (888) 486-4665 or visit www.lakepowell.com.  Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by ARAMARK, is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

About ARAMARK Parks and Destinations

ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, a division of ARAMARK, delivers authentic and memorable experiences at national and state parks, national forests, specialty hotels, museums, and other tourist destinations throughout the United States.  In partnership with its clients, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations seeks to enhance the guest experience by offering industry-leading hospitality, environmental stewardship, recreational, and interpretive programs. For more information on ARAMARK Parks and Destinations and its properties, visit www.aramarkparksanddestinations.com.

SOURCE Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas