Jetsettersblog

Tauck World Discovery launched its third new riverboat in three years in Passau, Germany.

Three generations of Tauck family members gathered with local dignitaries, business colleagues and other guests on April 24 to christen the Swiss Jewel.

The ceremony alongside the Danube River included remarks by Passau’s Lord Mayor Jürgen Dupper, readings by Tauck family members, and music provided by a local brass band.

The christening culminated with a blessing and the traditional breaking of champagne on the ship’s bow by the ship’s godmother, Kiki Tauck Mahar, daughter of company chairman Arthur Tauck Jr. and wife of Tauck CEO Dan Mahar.

The Swiss Jewel joins its sister ships Swiss Sapphire, which was launched last April, and Swiss Emerald, launched in 2006. “Our goal is not to be the biggest river cruise line, but to be the best,” Mahar said.

The Jewel’s hull was constructed at the Vahali Shipyard in Belgrade, Serbia, and then towed to the Vahali facility in Gendt, the Netherlands, where its engines and other major components were installed.

The remaining construction and final outfitting took place in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, the Netherlands. The 361-foot Swiss Jewel accommodates 118 guests, versus 150 or more on other similarly sized vessels.

The Jewel offers a total of 59 outside staterooms, including 14 suites and seven junior suites.

As on Tauck’s other vessels, the Jewel’s 300-square-foot suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, French balconies, walk-in closets and marble baths with full-size tubs.

The additional 45 junior suites and cabins range from 150 to 183 square feet, with 85 percent of all accommodations including floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies.

Each of the Jewel’s suites, junior suites and cabins feature plasma TVs, mini-bars, terrycloth robes, radios, safes, individual air conditioning and L’Occitane toiletries.

The Jewel also has a second onboard dining option, the Lido bar, where bistro-style food is offered as a more casual alternative to the ship’s main dining room.

Other onboard amenities include a 24-hour hot tub, lounge and wellness center.

Along with a ship’s crew of 29, the Jewel has an onboard staff of three Tauck directors and one cruise director. Following the christening ceremony, attendees boarded the Swiss Jewel for a celebratory overnight cruise on the Danube.

The ship officially entered service two days later when the first Tauck customers embarked on the cruise portion of the company’s 12-day “The Blue Danube” itinerary.

The Jewel will also operate on four additional itineraries — “Budapest to Amsterdam,” “Budapest to the Black Sea,” “The Black Sea to Prague,” and the transcontinental, 24-day “Grand European Cruise.”

For more information, call 800-468-2825 or visit www.tauck.com

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Europe’s fifth-largest low-cost carrier, has announced that it is equipping its entire fleet with high-speed in-flight broadband. The airline will use a satellite-based broadband solution from Row 44. Norwegian, winner of Air Transport World’s 2009 Market Leadership Award, will be the first European airline to equip its fleet with high-speed in-flight broadband.

Norwegian will be able to offer passengers uninterrupted broadband services — Internet browsing, live international television, movies, music, mobile phones, texting, and e-commerce — to all of the airline’s 84 destinations across Europe.

In addition to its current fleet, Norwegian has orders for nearly 50 new planes — all of which the airline will equip with Row 44’s broadband service. For more information, visit www.norwegian.no

Barcelona’s GoCar story-telling cars have doubled the size of their city tour, with more than 800 “trigger points” in the GPS guided audio tour using a combination of directions, information, sound effects and music.

The three-wheeler cars, which launched in Barcelona last year, take a driver and one passenger on a tour of the city’s landmarks providing clear directions and a running commentary.

“The cars have become a great talking point on the streets of Barcelona and within a year have become a star attraction in their own right.

It’s definitely the coolest way to explore the city. The tour is now bigger and better, but we’ve held the price at last year’s level. It means visitors and locals get to see more of this amazing city for their money,” said GoCar’s European Director Damien Harris.

The advanced navigational capabilities of the Global Positioning System deliver an informative tour, highlighting specific locations throughout Barcelona as you drive.

Prices are 35 euros ($46) for the first hour, second hour for 25 euros ($33), additional hours at 20 euros ($26) or for a full day for 99 euros ($129).

It is recommended to book in advance. GoCar now operates in three European cities — Barcelona, Lisbon and Valencia.

They are also in the U.S. in San Francisco, San Diego and Miami. To drive a GoCar you need to be over 18 and hold a driver’s license. GoCar’s staff takes clients through a thorough vehicle briefing and then you’re ready to go.

For more information, call 011-00-34-93-269-1792 or visit www.gocartours.es

Hilton Hotels Corporation has entered into a franchise license agreement with Adriatic d.d. to open a new Hilton-branded property in the Croatian city of Split. Scheduled to open towards the end of 2009, the full-service hotel will become the company’s second property in Croatia, joining the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, which opened in 2005. Situated directly on a prime waterfront location, just a short walk from the city’s historic center, the 314-room Hilton Marjan Split — formerly known as the Hotel Marjan — is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment program.

When complete, the hotel will offer a range of dining options, including several bars and restaurants complete with a promenade terrace, as well as a 3,000-square-meter spa and wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools.

Meanwhile, for the conference and incentives market, the property will provide one of the largest MICE facilities in the city with 2,500 square meters of flexible meetings space complemented by a 24-hour Hilton business center.

The hotel refurbishment will take place over three phases, with the first scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2009 and consisting of 220 rooms, lobby, restaurant/bars, spa and wellness facilities as well as three smaller conference rooms.

The remaining phases will complete in the first quarter and third quarter of 2010, adding the main conference facilities and the final 94 guestrooms, respectively.

Senses Resorts & Spas will open its first spa in Egypt at the Intercontinental The Palace Port Ghalib Resort, in Marsa Alam.

The Six Senses Spa will service the three resorts located at Port Ghalib Resort.

The spa at Port Ghalib occupies 1,700 square meters, comprising 16 treatment areas including three couples’ rooms, two Thai treatment rooms and one wet treatment room with classically designed stone beds.

The spa includes a sauna, steam room, changing rooms, fully equipped gym and traditional hammams. A separate wet room offers a steam room and shower, plus a state-of-the-art ice room.

The spa menu delivers spa experiences that support Six Senses’ commitment to SLOW LIFE: Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wholesome Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences.

Six Senses uses local ingredients including organically grown herbs, spices and fruits and Red Sea healing therapies combined with Asian and Six Senses’ signature treatments to enhance health and improve the condition and vitality of the body.

Local signature body wraps detoxify and revitalize using protein-rich Red Sea algae and freshly crushed Egyptian olive oil.

Expertly trained Six Senses Spa therapists offer all the traditional treatments such as Thai, henna and aroma massages, as well as a comprehensive bath menu. More specialized programs are offered, as well, including typical private hammam rituals and fitness training sessions customized to achieve personal lifestyle and fitness goals.

The Six Sense Spa boutique offers a range of spa-related products, allowing the spa experience to continue after departure.

The Six Senses Spa at Port Ghalib is located just five minutes from Marsa Alam International Airport on the Red Sea and is only two-and-a-half hours, by road, from the Valley of the Kings.

It is an ideal destination for guests looking for a unique and enriching wellness experience to balance the senses, ensuring a positive impact on their well-being.

For more information about Six Senses Resorts & Spas, call   visit www.SixSenses.com

The Bill Bensley-designed Spa Indochine at Cambodia’s Hotel de la Paix has been singled out for recognition by both industry leaders and international spa guests at recent award presentations in Asia and the U.K. The three-story spa, with a central courtyard overlooking pools and sculptured gardens, consists of four double and two single treatment rooms, a Thai massage room and an expansive rooftop relaxation terrace.

Products used are specially blended for the spa after careful consideration of the local Khmer Culture and traditions ensuring a wonderful enriching experience for guests.

Nick Downing, general manager for Hotel de la Paix, said, “Siem Reap is slowly but surely being recognized as a desirable spa destination where even the most experienced guests will find respite and relaxation after a long day of visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex.”

An array of holistic treatments are available at Spa Indochine, including aromatherapy with essential oils, spices and aromas; body wraps such as the hard to refuse Chocolate Dessert Wrap; selected authentic massages; and facials using specialist Clarins products.

Additionally, in conjunction with the hotel’s Executive Chef Joannes Riviere, Spa Indochine will soon launch its newly evolved range of light and healthy spa cuisine dishes, with a focus on local fresh, organic ingredients.

Three-night hotel packages are available with treatments at Spa Indochine including the “Intimate Experience” with a hands-on “Pamper your Partner” massage lesson for couples.

The “Revitalise Experience” offers a salubrious Stimulator Massage and organic lunch or dinner at the spa. Both packages are available from $810 (per couple) including accommodation, breakfast, temple tours and airport transfers. For more information, visit www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com

The Lake House at Chelan, located three hours east of Seattle at Lake Chelan, will open May 1. The Lake House features 40 luxury one- and three-bedroom residences, as well as a 4,000-square-foot pool house with amenities including a fitness center; a recreation room with pool table; a year-round, heated outdoor swimming pool; a large hot tub; a kid’s water feature; and a gas fire pit.

Owners and resort guests have access to all amenities and services including pre-arrival grocery shopping, dining reservations, golf tee times at any of the area’s courses, and wine tours at one of the 13 neighboring wineries.

Located in downtown Chelan, the Lake House is surrounded by golf courses, swimming, boating, beach volleyball, bicycle tours, basketball, tennis, walking paths, a skateboard park, a water park, skiing, snowmobiling and tubing.

For more information, call 877-293-5982 or visit www.thelakehousechelan.com

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Michael Thomas, Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise President Michael Speller and members of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council joined Mashantucket Pequot Tribal elders at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly enhanced Great Cedar Casino at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The improvements feature the addition of enhanced gaming options including 24 new table games — two roulette tables, three three-card poker tables, four mini-baccarat tables, two Spanish 21 games, three Pai Gow poker games, and 10 blackjack tables.

In addition, all blackjack games in the Great Cedar Casino now offer a new option called “Match The Dealer,” an exciting side-bet that rewards players when their hole cards match the dealer’s up card.

The Great Cedar Hotel and Casino made its grand debut in 1992 and officially launched casino gaming in the northeast.

Since that time the resort casino has grown into the largest and most respected resort destination in North America.

These recent additions enhance the property’s overall entertainment value and are part of a broader expansion plan designed to ensure that Foxwoods Resort Casino customers continue to enjoy an unparalleled gaming experience. Culinary options for guests will become even more diverse with several additions on the horizon including the Scorpion Bar Mexican Cantina, a new buffet and Dunkin’ Donuts, the East Coast’s favorite coffee shop.

These new options will add to the existing line-up of restaurant selections at the property including the gourmet Paragon, Alta Strada, Craftsteak, Juniors, Gelato Cafe, David Burke Prime and Shrine Asian Kitchen, Lounge and Nightclub.

For more information, call 800-FOXWOODS or 866-MGM-0500 or visit www.foxwoods.com  or www.mgmatfoxwoods.com

GREAT RIVER JOURNEY INC.
CONTACT: Maxine Mattinson
TEL: 867-456-2421 ext. 1
EMAIL: mmattinson@greatriverjourney.com
WEB: www.greatriverjourney.com

YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA— More than 100 years ago thousands of wide-eyed stampeders came to the Yukon searching for fortune and fame during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.

This summer Great River Journey is offering you the chance to travel the same extraordinary route from Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse, to Dawson City, a National Historic Site of Canada, in luxury and comfort. Each stop on the intimate eight-day tour takes you further back in time and deeper into the territory’s unspoiled wilderness.

The Yukon is a land of a thousand stories. Cruise through Lake Laberge, made famous by the Robert Service poem, The Cremation of Sam McGee; come face-to-face with local wildlife in a place where caribou outnumber people seven to one; kick up your heels with local First Nation dancers and learn about the land’s history and culture from Yukon elders.

Along the way the journey passes through remote ghost towns such as Fort Selkirk, which was an important stop for traders and travelers along the Yukon River for centuries. The tour ends in Dawson City, where guests can stroll the wooden boardwalks or try their luck at the tables of Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall.

Great River Journey is run through a unique partnership with four of the Yukon’s First Nations. In 2008 it was named one of the Significant 30 Aboriginal Tourism Products & Cultural Experiences in Canada.

“We look forward to welcoming Great River Journey guests into our traditional lands and showcasing our history and culture, says Chief Ruth Massie, of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. “We know we will have a special relationship with our guests.”
Take your Great River Journey this summer.

For more information on this unique tour visit www.greatriverjourney.com  or call 867-456-2421.

Beyond Boundaries Travel
CONTACT: Jeannie Barresi
TEL: 719-471-0222
 jeannie@beyondboundariestravel.com 
www.othgi.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.- Over the Hill Gang, International (OTHGI), in partnership with Beyond Boundaries Travel, offers active travel adventures, special discounts, and extra savings on trips to destinations around the world.

This 4-day, 3-night affordable and action packed journey through Colorado’s Wine Country takes place on the “California Zephyr”, an Amtrak train car starting at Denver’s Union Station.

This scenic trip through the stunning Colorado Rockies takes visitors into the heart of the wine country and to Grand Junction, a charming town surrounded by red rock landscapes and fertile valleys—the perfect place to produce spectacular wines.

The brand new Wine Country Inn, Colorado’s first wine-themed hotel, will welcome visitors with a wine reception and offers perfect accommodation for rest and relaxation after days of biking, rafting, hiking, and vineyard touring. Priced at less than $900, this offers 50+ travelers a great value.

Trip Highlights Include:

A journey aboard the California Zephyr from Denver to Grand Junction with wine tasting and a Colorado Historian joining the trip
3 nights deluxe accommodations at the Wine Country Inn
Daily Wine Country breakfast buffet
Welcome Dinner and Farewell Winemakers Dinner
Rafting trip with a river-side dinner
Choice of a bicycling tour through the vineyard region OR a tour of the Grand Mesa
Hiking in Colorado National Monument
Guided vineyard tours and tastings
Private coach transportation back to Denver
Professionally-trained and experienced OTHGI Trip Host

Trip cost: $869 per person, Single supplement: $175, Deposit: $300, Balance: July 1, 2009.

Reservations should be made before June 15, 2009 to ensure a spot on the trip. This trip is available to both members and non-members, so it’s a great introduction to OTHGI trips.

For more information, please visit www.othgi.com  or call Jeannie Barresi at 719-389-0022.