Jetsettersblog

HOUGHTON, Mich.– The weather surrounding Lake Superior and at the remote Isle Royale National Park can change in an instant.

That’s why the National Parks Service commissioned the Ranger III, one of the most unique ships to sail the Great Lakes.

Unlike other Isle Royale ferry services, the Ranger III was designed by the National Park Service specifically to bridge the gap between the mainland and the Island.

It was built to withstand the Lake’s fierce storms and its ice breaking capabilities assist in opening the park in the spring. The Ranger III is also available for passenger transport to the island.

Departing from Houghton, MI, guest can travel in style to the Rock Harbor Lodge to enjoy a four- or five-night all-inclusive wilderness vacation.

This package includes transportation from Houghton, Michigan to Rock Harbor Lodge on the Ranger III Ferry; 4 or 5 Night’s lodging at Rock Harbor Lodge, Isle Royale’s ONLY full-service lodging and dining facilities; 3 MEALS including breakfast, lunch and dinner per person each day,

Half-Day sightseeing Trip of Isle Royale National Park and free half-day rental of a canoe (availability & weather permitting.)

Prices: 2 Adults, 4 nights: $1,793 (July 7-September 1), $1,728 (June 2- July 4); 2 Adults, 5 nights: $2,173 (July 7-September 1) $2,095 (June 2- July 4).

www.isleroyaleresort.com

Oceanwide Expeditions’ new 3,434-ton 110-berth polar vessel PLANCIUS was named at Vlissingen, the company’s home base, on November 14. Sponsored by Carla Peijs,

Queen’s Commissioner for the Province of Zeeland, she is now on her way to Ushuaia, where she will undertake her maiden Antarctic voyage on January 8, 2010.

Oceanwide made the news twice that week as it was simultaneously named the “World’s Leading Polar Expedition Company 2009″ at London’s World Travel Market .

“We welcome the PLANCIUS,” said Kevin Griffin, managing director of niche cruise agent The Cruise People Ltd of London, who attended the event, “especially as she has some magnificent viewing areas compared with some of the vessels that have sailed Antarctic and polar waters before her. We look forward to booking many happy passengers on her, as happy passengers are the ones who return.”

According to Griffin, “One of the first things that one notices on touring the ship is the excellent views that can be had not only from her main observation lounge, forward on deck 5, but also from the windows either side of her dining room aft on deck 3 and from the outside decks.”

Built in 1976 as the Royal Dutch Navy’s oceanographic research ship TYDEMAN, the PLANCIUS has been totally rebuilt over the past two and a half years into a top-notch ice-class passenger vessel capable of operating in polar regions.

Forward of the main lounge is an accessible open deck area and from here passengers can reach the bow. Passengers are also allowed onto the bridge, where views are possible in most directions, although the forward view is obscured somewhat by the layout of navigation instruments and controls that cover the lower window area, but there are better views from the open bridge wings.

Both lounge and dining room double as lecture halls when it comes time to learn about wildlife, geology, Antarctic base camps and local history.

And off her main lounge is a library stocked with various reference materials. The ship’s decor is pleasing, with grey leatherette banquettes featuring in both lounge and restaurants while the ship is carpeted throughout in blue. Companionway bulkheads are decorated with very good still wildlfie photography.

Deck 3 outside is laid with teak and contains an embarkation area and zodiac boarding area on the starboard side while the port side contains the ship’s galley. Aft there is a rather attractive teak-laid barbecue area with views over the stern.

The upper decks are quite extensive and on certain decks it is possible to walk completely round the superstructure, making for superb viewing of wildlife and scenery.

The new ship’s cabins have been simplifed into three basic types of accommodation, all en suite.

Ten superior cabins located on the top two decks, 5 and 6, contain double beds, and thirty-nine twin cabins on decks 2, 3 and 4 contain twin beds, while four triple cabins have an additional third, upper, berth and are located on the lowest deck, 2.

In addition to the double bed, the superior cabins feature a sofa and double windows.

Being a former oceanographic ship, the PLANCIUS has attractive hull lines and it is also obvious that much thought has been put into her new internal layout. She will be staffed by an experienced Russian crew recruited from the 1,753-ton 50-berth PROFESSOR MOLCHANOV and PROFESSOR MULTANOVSKIY, two ships that Oceanwide has been operating on charter for many years, while the expedition team and hotel manager are from Oceanwide’s own experienced personnel. Among them, these three ships will offer more than 30 Antarctic departures over the 2009/10 season.

As well, Oceanwide will operate the PLANCIUS together with the 2,180-ton 84-berth Chilean-owned ANTARCTIC DREAM, a ship that was built in the Netherlands for the Chilean Navy, during the Spitsbergen season. All four ships can be booked through The Cruise People.

For further details on Antarctic and Spitsbergen departures as well as other expedition voyages please contact The Cruise People’s Miri Lopusna at 020 7723 2450, Freephone 0800 526 313 or cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk  or visit their web site at www.cruisepeople.co.uk

If taking the least populated path to Peru’s most popular sights sounds appealing, Southern Explorations’ Alternative Inca Trail Peru tour offers the ideal Macchu Picchu trip.

This less traveled tour takes explorers on a journey to experience the Incas’ cultural traditions and engineering feats through the Sacred Valley where these ancient peoples worked and worshipped.

This tour also offers an opportunity to meet and mingle with the indigenous populations who today make their home in the Inca heartland.

An undiscovered alternative to the much traveled classic Inca Trail, this is one of Peru’s most awe-inspiring treks and one of the most informative of all Peru tours.

Highlights include visiting Cusco and the Sacred Valley, interacting with local communities and schools high in the Andes, horse supported and horseback riding options on portions of the Inca Trail, hiking Machu Picchu Mountain (not to be mistaken for Huayna Picchu), and much more.

11 Days starting at $2440 per person.

www.southernexplorations.com

SANTIAGO, Chile — Cape Horn, is a sheer, 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory, and in the past it was the only entrance ships could use to reach the Pacific Ocean.

This place is known as the “End of the Earth”, and it’s the last territory before Antarctica.

The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO – protecting the area and creating harmony between man and nature — in June 2005.

A Cruceros Australis cruise can you get there.

Go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest Yamana aboriginal settlements.

Charles Darwin landed here on January 23rd, 1833, during the voyage of the HMS Beagle.

This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography.

Guests walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coihues, Canelos, ferns, and other native vegetation to reach a look-out point for a trip to remember.

www.australis.com

Discover France Adventures, an award winning specialist in journeys to France, recently announced that it is among a select handful of tour operators worldwide that are officially licensed to sell Tour de France tours in 2010.

As officially licensed tour operators for the Tour de France, Discover France Adventures will offer trips that provide cycling enthusiasts with exclusive and elite access to all major Tour de France events.

Guests on Discover France’s VIP Tour de France itineraries will be granted access to the Tour Village before the start of each day’s stage as well as special access to the team and press areas after each stage finishes.

This access is usually only reserved for race officials, pro athletes and other VIP’s, but Discover France’s guests will be able to mix and mingle with the pros. In addition,

VIP guests will have the opportunity to cycle our along the route of the Tour on the same day as the pro stage and just ahead of the pro riders themselves.

Guests will be able to access the final kilometers of the race and ride to the finish line and then access the famous podium for pictures. Discover France Adventures will offer both “Challenging” and “Moderate” VIP and “Domestique” cycling tours for the 2010 Tour de France.

www.discoverfrance.com

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo— Today’s youth are considered the most inactive generation in history because of reductions in physical education programs, more time watching television and playing video games and on the computer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 30% are overweight and need at least an hour or physical activity per day. Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Colorado is the perfect outdoor destination for the family to stay active together.

Less than an hour from Denver, travelers can find Breckenridge – the coolest little mountain town above 9,000 feet.

While people at low elevation are busy sucking up the abundant amount of oxygen, locals and visitors in ‘Breck’ are busy cycling through the majestic Rocky Mountains or whitewater rafting down one of the three rivers close to town. Another option is a family hike to admire the summer wildflowers or discover an old gold mine.

The Breckenridge Recreation Center can provide a full day of activity, with its swimming pool, indoor climbing wall and more. Celebrate Breck’s history during Kingdom Days in June or enjoy a week long cycling festival during Breck Bike Week in July.

A short drive north of Denver, vacationers will have to resist unpacking their bags forever and settling in Fort Collins, voted Money magazine’s ‘Best Place to Live’ in 2006.

Countless manicured parks line the streets and the beautiful Cache La Poudre River and the Rockies serve as the backdrop in this charming town of around 125,000 people.

Cycling is the preferred mode of transportation in Fort Collins.

Casual visitors can borrow cruisers from the local Bike Library and explore Old Town – which served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street. Hike to the top of iconic Horsetooth Rock and look over all of Northern Colorado at 7,256 feet.

Families can ignite a bit of friendly competition at Fort Fun, where kids can have a go at laser tag, mini golf, go carts, batting cages and more.

Plan for a trip in August and attend New West Fest to attend outdoor concerts and shop at local artisans’ booths.

Travelers should contact the Breckenridge Resort Chamber or the Fort Collins Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau, respectively, to plan their soft-adventure, family fun!

www.gobreck.com

www.visitfortcollins.com

SHERIDAN, Wyo. – When one thinks of cowboy food, barbecue and baked beans over the fire come to mind. However, the cowboy town of Sheridan, Wyoming offers a more contemporary menu to go with its historic sites.

Foodies from across the country gather at the summer’s 5th Annual Best West Arts Festival, where the local university campus is transformed into a metropolis of culinary, visual, and performing art.

Ranked as one of the top art festivals in the nation by the Art Fair Source, the event is particularly marked by its tasty spread. Vendors serve up their most scrumptious concoctions and local culinary students whip up past-fair favorites like berries and Bavarian cream.

This year’s cook-off, a new addition to the celebration, will challenge food aficionados with the task of preparing award-winning barbeque for attendees to sample.

Festivities take place on the first weekend of August this year.

During a stay in Sheridan, travelers can also enjoy the authentic cowboy cuisine offered up by local restaurants.

The Historic Sheridan Inn, once the home of Buffalo Bill Cody and the site where he auditioned acts for his Wild West Show, is now the home to the 1893 Grille and Spirits restaurant, which opened about 1 ½ years ago.

Its menu features bison chili and elk stew, along with steaks. Oliver’s Bar and Grill offers a contemporary and western menu with big-city ambiance.

Another great spot for steaks is the Sugarland Mining Company.
Finally, don’t leave town until you’ve visited the very unimposing Silver Spur Café in the Historic Main Street District.

It’s known for good, down-home food and its giant cinnamon rolls were featured on Good Morning America.

www.sheridanwyoming.org

The BVI’s Scrub Island resort will begin taking reservations for travel starting Feb. 11. After several years in the making, Scrub Island will debut a selection of deluxe ocean-view guest rooms and one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites as well as a full-service marina, luxury spa and health club.

With the Preview a Private Island Paradise offer, guests can book an ocean-view room at www.scrubisland.com/ocean-view-guest-roomsat

Scrub Island Resort for $399 a night. Breakfast daily and a nightly cocktail reception are also included. This special will only be available from Feb. 11 to March 31.

Scrub Island features a lagoon pool with a cascading waterfall as well as a pool area surrounded by comfortable chairs and umbrellas; lounge chairs and umbrellas on the island’s pristine Turtle Beach; a marina, which will offer 53 deep-water berths available for long-term or transient docking, including vessels up to 150 feet in length; excursions including day trips to other islands, snorkeling and scuba diving;

the Dive BVI shop, boutique and provisions store will be in the process of opening; transfers to and from Scrub Island via the Scrub Island Yacht; a spa as well as in-room massage treatments; a health club; and ocean-view rooms with amenities.

or more information, call 877-890-7444 or visit www.scrubisland.com

The h2hotel is slated to open next spring in Healdsburg, Calif., in the Napa Valley. The 36-room, LEED-certified hotel will feature design elements including a broad glass entryway and an undulating green roof. Interior décor includes earthy tones and ample light, as well as 11-foot ceilings in all guestrooms.

Many of the custom furnishings are fabricated from reclaimed woods such as American elm, acacia, and black walnut.

All textiles, including rugs, linens and seating fabrics, are loomed from natural fibers.

The hotel is being built on a relatively small footprint, rising four stories. Its open lobby will feature an all-in-one “Receptobar” for staff to accommodate guest check-in, provide concierge services, and host a daytime coffee bar that becomes a wine bar in the evening.

The “Receptobar” will also serve as a mini bar stocking station and entertainment counter, where complimentary DVDs, games and outdoor supplies are available to guests.

As its name implies, water is a central theme that will be highlighted throughout the property with amenities like the “Spoonfall,” a whimsical water sculpture visible upon arrival and sustained by an underground cistern replenished by natural rainfall.

Other water features will include water bars with purified sparkling and still water on each floor, the hotel’s outdoor swimming and dipping pool, and its commitment to the Foss Creek Restoration Project in partnership with the Russian Riverkeepers and Trout Unlimited organizations.

All room types will feature town or garden views, sustainable hardwood floors, entry foyers with built-in closets and full length mirrors, king beds that convert to two twin beds, outdoor balconies, and glass, walk-in showers.

Junior suites will have Japanese-style soaking tubs, pull-out sofa beds and original designer furnishings.

The larger suites will feature separate living rooms with pull-out beds, separate powder rooms and walk-in closets.

Room amenities will include flat-screen televisions; DVD players; natural bath products made from local, organic ingredients; glass water carafes, glassware, thermoses and herbal teas to use at the water bars; wireless Internet and iPod music and television connections; organic linens and robes; in-room refrigerators; and in-room safes.

The hotel will also offer a light-filled event space that opens onto a native garden and accommodates meetings and special events for up to 47 people.

This private meeting area will be fully outfitted with audio-visual equipment and can be catered by the hotel’s cafe.

The property’s art program will include original pieces from Bay Area artists and will take on an environmental slant.

This emphasis will come through in such elements as the use of environmentally conscious materials and concepts.

The hotel will provide complimentary Dutch cruising bicycles for exploring Healdsburg and an onsite bike storage cube and service station.

For more information, visit www.h2hotel.com

There are few resorts in Asia that can compete with Malaysia’s Sutera Harbour Resort in terms of its vast range of facilities.

This modern resort in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah boasts a 104 berth marina, its own private island just fifteen minutes away by ferryboat, a championship 27 hole six kilometre golf course that can be played at night, a fitness club, squash and tennis courts, Olympic sized pool, a bowling alley and its own cinema, amongst other attractions.

Located on the shores of the South China Sea with majestic Mt. Kinabalu as its backdrop, Sutera Harbour Resort encompasses 5-star accommodation in The Pacific Sutera,

The Magellan Sutera and the world class facilities of the Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club. The resort is also affiliated with major tourist drawcards, the North Borneo Railway vintage steam train and North Borneo Yachting.

When the need to explore kicks in, guests can visit and stay at a unique range of sanctuary eco-lodges spread across the region, co-managed with the Sabah Park authorities by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.

These include lodges at the World Heritage Site Kinabalu Park, Laban Rata, Mesilau Nature Resort and Poring Hot Spring & Nature Reserve.

In Australia to promote the resort and the Sabah region, Sutera Harbour’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ravindran Kathiravelu, believes that working closely with industry partners like Tourism Malaysia, airlines, agents and the MICE sector is the key to attracting a new wave of Australians to this near Asian neighbour.

“At Sutera Harbour Resort, we offer our guests a combination of world class luxury and excellent facilities, with the option to explore the rest of Sabah by staying at our ecolodges. We feel that this flexibility holds tremendous appeal to Australians, who enjoy their sport and five star facilities, but are often keen to explore more of the local region and its culture as well,” he said.

“We cater to every conceivable sector of the market – families, groups, singles, honeymooners, adventurers and when they arrive, they are usually amazed at the array of facilities, whether its yachting, golfing, dining at any of our 14 restaurants and bars, playing with the children in the bowling alley or relaxing at our famous Mandara Spa,” Mr Kathiravelu added.

Sutera Harbour Resort has created a range of packages to celebrate its Australian visit.

For details, visit www.suteraharbour.com

Sutera Harbour Resort is represented by the Unique Tourism Collection. www.uniquetourism.com .