Jetsettersblog

Elevates River Cruising to a New Level

On March 19th Uniworld Boutique River Cruises inaugurated their new Super Ship, S.S. Antoinette, and those who attended the inaugural weekend festivities were treated to a very special experience that no other river cruise line in the world can deliver. Uniworld is the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line since no other cruise line in the world has a partner and sister company like the award-winning luxury boutique hotel operator, Red Carnation Hotels, to design and train staff on the luxury boutique hotel experience.

Lead by Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder of Red Carnation Hotels, and her daughter, Mrs. Antoinette Tollman, godmother and namesake to S.S. Antoinette, who is also the designer and the visionary behind the S.S. Antoinette’s lavish design and décor, and their lead designer Mr. Brian Brennan, they worked closely with the shipyard De Hoop to bring a new class of ships to the cruise industry.

Mrs. Antoinette Tollman explained the concept of the ship’s design was based on 18th century France in the 21st century as it embodies the spirit of France’s Château de Versailles with all of the conveniences of modern day living. “The design of the ship began with the spectacular blue sapphire 10-foot Baccarat chandelier that adorns the Antoinette’s two-story lobby. This very chandelier once hung in New York’s famous Tavern on the Green restaurant. My family and I dined many times under that chandelier, and when the restaurant closed, we purchased it for sentimental reasons, planning to use it somewhere.”

Wanting to find the perfect home for the chandelier, they placed it in the lobby of the S.S. Antoinette and designed the ship around this beautiful focal point that reflects the sunlight so perfectly.

“From there, we were inspired by Marie Antoinette and 18th-century Versailles to create the beautiful, rich, and opulent, yet classic style. The Salon du Grand Trianon is inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, and the Restaurant de Versailles by the ornamental gardens there. Above all, it was designed to take the guest on a journey and, as I learned from my mother, to give them the absolute best experience possible,” furthered Mrs.Tollman.

When you are a family-run company such as Uniworld and Red Carnation, you have greater passion, greater commitment, and a greater connection to ensuring your hotels – whether on land or on the water – provide guests with the ultimate experience incorporating the finest luxuries and comforts, as evident throughout the S.S. Antoinette and all of Uniworld’s ships A world-class Food and Beverage program as recognized by Zagat; and intuitive and award-winning hospitality as evident by esteemed travel entities including Conde Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure.

Uniworld, the world’s only river cruise line to have been acknowledged by Zagat Survey for “Top Dining,” can certainly be attributed to Mrs. Beatrice Tollman’s philosophy on food and her desire for ensuring both her hotel guests and her family were always treated to sumptuous cuisine using the finest ingredients.

Mrs. Beatrice Tollman wrote her memoir, “A Life In Food,” as a cookbook made up of recipes she has collected over the years during her travels and from people she has met.

She has since refined and personalized the recipes and taught many chefs in her hotels and at Uniworld, including Bernhard Zorn, Uniworld’s Global Master Chef.

In the book, she recounts how she came to learn and love the recipes—many of which have become Signature Comfort Dishes at the hotels and onboard Uniworld’s ships.

Uniworld’s professionally trained culinary team creates these Signature Comfort Dishes, including the more traditional such as “Bea’s chicken soup” to the more exotic “Black peppered prawns” to the sweeter side with “Honeycomb ice cream and Bea’s cheese cake.”

The S.S. Antoinette begins her inaugural season sailing on March 27, 2011 on Uniworld’s popular Castles along the Rhine, and certainly guests traveling on this “Super Ship” will be in for a “Super Experience.”

For more information, please contact your preferred Travel Professional, call Uniworld at (800) 733-7820 or visit uniworld.com.

About Uniworld

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Top Small Ship Cruise Lines; Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List and their Readers’ Poll for Top 25 Small Ships, and their Readers’ Choice Awards for World’s Top Small-Ship Cruise Lines and Best River Cruise Ships, including River Beatrice and River Duchess ranked #1 and #2 in the world; Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick for Best River Cruise Line and Best New River Ship for the River Beatrice; and Top 3 cruise line ranking in Zagat Survey® in the categories of Top Cabins and Top Dining, and is the only river cruise line represented in their cruise survey with the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxuriously appointed boutique cruise ships with an average capacity of 130 guests; expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended, included shore excursions; world-class, gourmet cuisine; and award-winning hospitality from an all-English speaking staff. The company offers over 500 departures on 40 itineraries sailing on over 13 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

About The Travel Corporation

The Travel Corporation is a highly successful international travel group with over 25 award-winning brands which include luxury hotels and boutique river cruise ships, niche tour operators, and other leisure interests. The Travel Corporation brands include Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Lion World Travel, African Travel, and Red Carnation Hotel Collection. The Travel Corporation’s guiding principle is one of providing the most enjoyable, enriching travel experience for its customers across the globe. For more information, please visit www.thetravelcorporation.com.

Uniworld is a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association

AdventureWomen, Inc.
CONTACT: Susan Eckert
TEL: 406-587-3883
E-MAIL: advwomen@aol.com
WEB: www.adventurewomen.com

AdventureWomen, Inc., the longest running adventure travel company for active women over 30, is offering women the world over the chance to explore the world’s most fascinating oceans and rivers on their 2011 water-based girlfriend getaways.

There’s nothing like seeing a new part of the world from the inside of a sailboat, kayak, or raft, and AdventureWomen, Inc. is offering plenty of water adventure for 2011:

Set Sail in the British Virgin Islands

Spend a week aboard the world’s largest trimaran sailboat in a double en suite stateroom. Guests are greeted by sunny Caribbean skies and some of the loveliest tropical scenery in the Islands while relaxing in style and sailing between the BVI’s many hot spots.

Travelers will luxuriate in the Caribbean’s warm turquoise waters and explore its soft white-sand beaches, while experiencing the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean just by stepping off the boat.

Highlights include exhilarating days of sailing in gentle Caribbean breezes, leisurely BVI island walks, and beach-side barbeques as well as gourmet international cuisine.

Guests can also go sea kayaking, sail a Hobie Cat, catch the dinghy to shore for an island hike, relax in a hammock on the deck of the boat, or just read a book in the lounge.

March 6-12. $2,995 pp ($800 deposit).

Paddle Your Way Through Baja

On this paddling adventure, women can hop in a kayak and explore Baja, Mexico, during October’s warm water and pristine weather.

No sea kayaking experience is necessary–only an adventurous spirit is required.

Travelers can explore deserted beaches, go hiking, and snorkel and swim with friendly sea lions.

Guided sea kayaking tours are included each day with expert naturalist-guides to outlying islands, through sea arches, and along deserted cliffs and beaches.

Guests will also celebrate Halloween with a beach party, complete with piñatas and margaritas, and costumes are expected! Other highlights include “catered” camping at a remote safari-style beach camp, plus a Mexican cooking class. Dates: October 27 – November 2, 2011.

Cost is $2,695 all-inclusive from Los Angeles ($800 deposit).

Explore One of America’s National Treasures By Raft

This luxury whitewater rafting trip gives adventurers the chance to spend 5 days whitewater rafting on the world famous Colorado River with professional river rafting guides, paddling through Cataract Canyon–one of the most exciting and beautiful canyons in the world.

Guests will spend the first day exploring Utah’s amazing red rocks country in Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Deadhorse State Park on an all-day, private guided tour. Other highlights of the tour include “Camping in style,” (AKA “glamping”).

This rafting trip is steeped in luxury, wrapped in the comforts of a moving riverside resort, with gourmet cuisine prepared by our own chef. Guests can hike into remote side canyons to see petroglyphs and pictographs, learn about ancient Indian cultures and the geology of Cataract Canyon and also fly on a spectacular flight seeing trip out of the canyon over Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River. Dates: June 26 – July 3, 2011; Cost: $2,995 ($600 deposit).

AdventureWomen, Inc. offers women’s only adventures for 2011 in destinations around the world. For more information about these or other exciting AdventureWomen, Inc. departures, contact Susan Eckert at 406-587-3883 or visit the website.

From the chilled and damp deck of a lobster boat to the bright lights and heat of the stage, Maine’s Luka is flexing his skills and imagination through the power of hip hop.

From the chilled and damp deck of a lobster boat to the bright lights and heat of the stage, Maine’s Luka is flexing his skills and imagination through the power of hip hop. After teaming up with his childhood friend and producer, Jboss, this fresh rap sensation began formulating diabolical rhymes coupled with infectious beats to generate a unique, intoxicating sound. Hot off the release of his debut record, Style Points, Luka is compiling material, inking verses, and spreading his music from coast to coast.

Growing up in Maine, Luka was the youngest of six kids raised by a single mother, and began working as a lobsterman at the ripe age of 12. As the hours on the ocean slowly grew into days, Luka was inspired to compose lyrics, which eventually blossomed into the silky smooth hip hop verses he pens today. Isolated by the sea, his mind is free to roam and unlock the words which fit perfectly with each thumping beat composed by his producer, Jboss. After getting his feet wet in the recording studio with fellow Maine rapper,

Kid Wicked, the trio became known as The Foreside, and launched Luka headfirst into a world drenched in hip hop.

As a lobsterman by day and rap mogul by night, the burgeoning artist is beginning to perform from state to state, eventually making the trek from his home state all the way to the sunny hills of California.

Luka is also working towards a number of international shows in Central America, where he retreats from Maine’s icy winter to surf and relax.

With Style Points picking up momentum and more releases loaded into the chamber, this is just the tip of the iceberg for his budding music career.

Drawing influences from Rick Ross, Notorious BIG, and DJ Quik, Luka mixes the East and West coasts to create his own deep, edgy flow which radiates from Style Points. Featuring 13 tracks of searing hot verses and floor shaking beats, the record will leave his indelible footprint on the industry as he continues to soar skyward.

“I’m Feelin’ You” is one of the first singles to be recognized, and will be featured in the film Clinton Road, which is currently in the production phase.

The popular Coast 2 Coast mixtapes have also recognized his potential, as he will have tracks featured on Volume 155 (hosted by Bobby Valentino) and 156 (hosted by Jeremiah). Also, keep your eyes peeled for Luka’s upcoming self-released mixtapes, which are currently underway.

More information, streaming audio, photos and more are available on his official MySpace and ReverbNation pages. Style Points is available from iTunes now.

http://lukahiphop.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lukahiphop

http://www.reverbnation.com/lukahiphop

Hurtigruten is offering a nine-day “Kingdom of the Polar Bear” voyage on the Polar Star. Prices for the voyage, which has 11 departures between June 9 and Aug. 18, range from $6,419 to $10,080 per person, double.

After a day of guided sightseeing in Longyearbyen that includes the Svalbard Museum and Svalbard Gallery, the Polar Star departs on its roundtrip journey, stopping first in Barentsburg and then Ny Ålesund, the northernmost permanently inhabited Arctic Research Station.

Venturing past the Seven Icebergs and entering North West Spitsbergen National Park, guests explore the whaling history of Magdalenefjorden before sailing past the walrus colonies of Moffen Island and across the 80th parallel toward the North Pole.

After passing through Sorgfjorden and navigating the Hinlopen Strait, the ship arrives at the face of Bråsvell Glacier and continues its journey past snow-capped peaks to Hornsund, a fjord defined by steep cliffs and mammoth glaciers.

Fares include the cabin grade of your choice; transfers as applicable; all meals on board, with a selection of drinks for those in suites; one night in Longyearbyen before the voyage, including breakfast and sightseeing; roundtrip economy-class flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen; and a wind- and water-proof jacket.

For more information, call 877-301-3117 or visit www.hurtigruten.us

Holland America Line said it is strengthening its commitment to the Australian marketplace with the deployment of the Vista-class Oosterdam to the South Pacific for the 2012-13 season.

This will boost Holland America’s capacity in the region by almost 25 percent. In preparation for the increase, the line is opening a dedicated sales, marketing and reservations office in Sydney.

This follows an earlier announcement marking the 2011-12 season as the first time the line will have two ships sailing a series of itineraries in the region simultaneously.

The 1,926-passenger Oosterdam will join Volendam, replacing the 1,432-passenger Zaandam in 2012-13.

Ten to 25-day itineraries will be introduced in and around Australia and New Zealand.

To support the increasing sales demands, Holland America will work directly with Australian travel sellers, transitioning from a general sales agent arrangement with Travel the World. Holland America’s Australia organization will reside at the offices of sister brand Carnival Australia and will include an independent sales team as well as marketing, reservations and administrative support for travel agents.

The transition period is expected to be completed by December 2011.

All current contracts and groups will remain in effect.

“Our relationship with Travel the World has been one of our longest and most successful GSA partnerships,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America’s executive vice president-sales, marketing and guest programs.

“Andrew Millmore, his family, and staff have done a superlative job for us and for that we are extremely grateful. This is a natural next step in our strategy to expand our premium brand internationally. We are inspired by the continued demand for cruising in Australia and are confident this model – similar to what we have in Europe – will be successful in supporting our growth here.”

Detailed deployment for the 2012-13 Australia and New Zealand season will be announced later this year.

Lindblad Expeditions has launched a new microsite dedicated to Antarctica expeditions.

The sites offers information on the ship, staff, heritage, amenities, photography and undersea programs and slide shows. The site also offers a way to order a brochure, DVD, the guidebook and more.

The Itinerary tabs have basic information on one page, a feature of particular interest to travel agents because it shows day-by-day itinerary, a map, offers, dates and rates. Short videos are imbedded in the text to illustrate the copy. The Staff tab has a pull-down feature that shows staff bios for each voyage by date.

For more information, visit www.expeditions.com/antarctica.

Hurtigruten has announced three offers for a selection of voyages in 2011, including itineraries in Norway, Greenland and Europe.

Aside from the classic six-, seven- and 12-day itineraries along the Norwegian coast, the line is offering savings on “Glaciers & Icebergs,” a Disko Bay expedition along Greenland’s west coast, and “Pearls of the Baltic Sea,” which visits half a dozen ports including Copenhagen and St. Petersburg.

The offers are valid for new retail bookings on select departures and cannot be combined with other discounts except for the repeater discount, which gives guests who have traveled onboard Hurtigruten within the last three years savings of up to 10 percent on a subsequent voyage.

The “Spring Fling” deal offers savings of up to 30 percent on six-, seven- or 12-day Norwegian coastal voyages departing on applicable sail dates in April or May that are booked by April 30.

Special prices range from $1,178 to $3,198 per person, double occupancy.

The “Unprecedented Savings” offer gives travelers who book by April 30 to savings of up to $2,984 when they let Hurtigruten assign specific cabin choice at check-in on the day of departure.

This offer is valid on the Greenland “Glaciers and Icebergs” itinerary, with special fares ranging from $5,646 to $7,339, and the “Pearls of the Baltic” voyage, with rates from $2,034 to $3,325.

With the “Half-Off Companion Fare” deal, guests receive 50 percent off a second fare for the six-, seven- or 12-day Norwegian coastal voyages when the first is purchased for the regular price.

This offer is valid on select departures between May 1 and Nov. 6 when booked by May 31.

The half-off companion fares range from $525 to $2,639.

For more information, call 877-301-3117 or visit www.hurtigruten.us

Holland America Line is strengthening its commitment to the Australian marketplace by deploying the Oosterdam in the South Pacific for the 2012-13 season.

This will boost Holland America Line’s capacity in the region by almost 25 percent. In preparation for the increase, the line is opening a dedicated sales, marketing and reservations office in Sydney.

This follows an earlier announcement marking the 2011-12 season as the first time the line will have two ships in the region simultaneously.

The 1,926-passenger Oosterdam will join Volendam, replacing the 1,432-passenger Zaandam in 2012-13.

Ten- to 25-day itineraries will be introduced in and around Australia and New Zealand.

To support the increasing sales demands, Holland America will work directly with Australian travel sellers, transitioning from a general sales agent arrangement with Travel the World.

The Holland America Australia organization will be based in the offices of sister brand Carnival Australia and will include an independent sales team as well as marketing, reservations and administrative support for travel agents.

The transition period is expected to be complete by December. All current contracts and groups will remain in effect.

Detailed deployment for the 2012-13 Australiaand New Zealandseason will be announced later this year.

Travel the World remains the point of contact for travel sellers until further notice.

A detailed transition schedule will be communicated to travel sellers within the next several months.

SAUSALITO, Calif,—Cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard Wild Planet Adventures’ fleet of first-class expeditions vessels.

Discover a world of enchanted volcanic islands with unique species of wildlife. Enjoy the crazy courtship dance of blue-footed boobies, snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins, walk amongst marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies and more.

This is truly The Ultimate Galapagos Wildlife Cruise.

See more wildlife, ride aboard with two biologist/ naturalist guides, and much more.

Wild Planet Adventures is currently offering travelers an “Early Bird Discount” for Galapagos Islands cruises.

Book 180 days or more prior to departure and travelers get a 20% discount.

Book 120-179 days prior to departure and travelers get a 15% discount

Book 119- 0 days prior to departure, take 10% discount.

This offer is valid for the following 2011 Galapagos departures only:

Aug 28-Sep 4, Sep 4-11, Sep 11-18, Sep 18-25, Sep 25-Oct 2, Oct 2-9, Oct 9-16, Oct 16-23, Oct 23-30, Oct 30-Nov 6, Nov 6-13, Nov 13-20, Nov 27-Dec 4, Dec 4-11, Dec.

Visit www.wildplanetadventures.com for more information.
www.wildplanetadventures.com

Adventure travel company, Explore, is launching a new brochure that focuses exclusively on polar adventures.

The first brochure of its kind in the company’s 30 year history, it has been created in recognition of a growing demand for polar trips. To celebrate its launch on 25th February, Explore is offering discounts of up to 30% on the featured tours.

Three ships are used for the polar programme, offering itineraries in the Arctic from May to September and the Antarctic from November to March.

The small size of these ships is a common trait that aligns them with Explore’s small group adventure ethos – the largest takes 126 passengers. Their manoeuvrable size allows them to get closer to the wildlife and scenery and provides the opportunity for more runs ashore in comparison to their larger competitors. Whilst the three ships in the collection offer similar itineraries, all have different strengths and focuses.

M/S Expedition offers excellent value for money. Refurbished in 2009, she is the ideal option for those who are looking for a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

This ship prides herself on her high expedition staff to passenger ratio. Those that book a category two or higher cabin by 10th March, 2011 can enjoy a 30% discount on all summer 2011 Arctic voyages or a 20% discount on all Antarctic 2011/12 trips.

The M/V Polar Star is the smallest ship in the Explore collection, welcoming up to 105 passengers for each voyage.

With an excellent reputation for her friendly and highly knowledgeable staff, this ship’s icebreaker hull allows her to get to places where others can not. Meanwhile, her open bridge policy allows passengers to get amazing 360˚ views of the surrounding wildlife and landscapes.

Customers that book the Realm of the Polar Bear trip that departs on 31st May, 2011 will enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on a K1 or K2 cabin.

The same discount applies for those who book on the Remote Coast of Northeast Greenland trip on 26th August, 2011, if booked by 31st May.

M/V Plancius is the ideal choice for those who are looking for more of an active trip. This newly refurbished ship specialises in water and shore-based activities like kayaking, hiking, snow-shoeing and ice-camping. Customers can enjoy an exclusive 5% discount and free North Face Jacket, worth £200, when they book on the 20th November, 2011 departure of the South Atlantic and Antarctic Peninsula voyage.

Those that book on the Around Spitsbergen itineraries departing on the 29th June and 8th July, 2011or the North Atlantic Odyssey trip departing on 12th June, 2011 will get free flights from/ to Brussels to join the ship.

Ashley Toft, Managing Director of Explore, commented, “These three ships are at the top of their game in terms of the value for money, expertise and sense of adventure that they offer.

All of them operate responsibly and as sustainably as possible, a central and inherent element of all our tours.”

For more information about Explore, visit www.explore.co.uk  or call 0844 875 1890.