Jetsettersblog

American Cruise Lines’ multimillion-dollar renovation of the Queen of the West, which operates one-week cruises from Portland, Ore., is nearing completion. Reconstruction of major areas, including passenger staterooms, community areas, the galley and engine room, continues in Portland and progress remains ahead of schedule. New furniture for the entire ship, custom-built in North Carolina, is ready and has arrived in Portland.

A new paddlewheel has been built, along with additional propulsion equipment that allows for quieter, smoother cruising while having less impact on the environment. Other additions, such as larger staterooms, more private balconies and a new library have already been completed. New carpet is being laid, and decoration throughout the Queen of the West is being revamped. For more information, call 800-814-6880 or visit www.americancruiselines.com.

Qatar Airways has announced an array of special offers and promotions for travelers around the world to celebrate its 100th destination launch. The airline will reach the historic milestone on April 6 when it begins scheduled flights to the ancient Syrian city of Aleppo, a mere 14 years after the airline launched operations. Customers can sign up for a chance to win free airline tickets to an ever-expanding global network. The airline has 100 pairs of Qatar Airways economy class tickets to give away to passengers.

The airline’s frequent-flyer rewards program Privilege Club is offering members bonus Qmiles and a special discount on award tickets redeemed at www.qmiles.com. For Qatar Airways’ QNB co-branded credit card holders, additional bonus Qmiles are on offer. Further details on these offers are available at Qatar Airways Holidays, the airline’s holiday division, is introducing an attractive Doha stop-over package at special rates giving travelers a chance to explore the sights of Qatar before continuing to their onward destinations. The Doha-based carrier will also announce a special offer to be unveiled before the 100th destination launch. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com

Two resorts on Hawaii’s Big Island — the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (800-332-3442, www.fourseasons.com/hualalai) and the Kona Village Resort (800-367-5290, www.konavillage.com) — have closed in order to undertake repairs and clean-up caused by last week’s tsunami, which reached the shores of Hawaii from Japan. Both properties are located on the Big Island’s Kona Coast.

The Four Seasons sustained minimal debris-related damage in some public areas, primarily landscaped areas and the beach, according to the hotel’s website. While all guests and employees are safe, and guests have been relocated, the resort is temporarily closed for clean-up efforts and is slated to reopen on March 21. The hotel’s reservations department is contacting all guests with reservations prior to March 21 to make alternate arrangements.

The Kona Village Resort’s website posted a notice saying that all employees and guests have been safely evacuated, and the property did sustain some damage due to the water surge and is closed until further notice. At press time, the hotel’s phone lines were down but were being worked on to bring them back up as soon as possible.

In addition, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua Village is open, contrary to some reports, and sustained no damage to guest rooms. According to the hotel’s website, “The rooms were untouched by the water. Some of our guests are choosing to stay at the hotel, since only the public areas have been affected; however, we are happy to work with our guests to relocate elsewhere, if desired.”

Despite reports that the Kailua Pier was “condemned” by the U.S. Coast Guard (which does not have the authority to condemn the pier), some boat charters are operating. Maggie Brown, owner of Body Glove cruises, said her company is running whale watches and historical cruises. She canceled snorkel trips only because of poor visibility caused by swirling surges and waves that have now subsided.

There were no deaths or serious injuries reported in Hawaii as a result the tsunami. All airports are open, flights are on time, and nearly all roads, including Ali’i Drive in Kailua Village, are now open.

“It’s business as almost-usual,” said George Applegate, executive director of the Big Island Visitors Bureau. “We had plenty of advance warning from our government agencies, and we were able to coordinate and prepare for the worst. What can be damaging for visitors is bad information.”

Meanwhile, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, which closed after the surge as National Park Service officials assessed damage there, is now partly open. Kaloko-Honokohau National Park is also open, but the unimproved road that leads to Kaloko Fishpond is closed. Hulihe’e Palace is also temporarily closed due to flooding in the basement, but the artifacts were successfully relocated.

“Overall, Hawaii Island escaped with minimal damage,” Applegate said. “The best way to help us is to come visit and enjoy all be have to offer, which is an inspiring experience and vacation. We send our aloha and heartfelt sympathy to the people of Japan, and to everyone who sustained losses due to the earthquake and tsunami.”

Elsewhere in the islands, reports from across the state confirm there was very little damage, particularly related to visitor industry infrastructure, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. On Oahu, the 300-slip Keehi Lagoon harbor was the worst hit and sustained an estimated $3.08 million in damage. On Maui, Kahului Harbor is open, and tours are up and running from Lahaina and Maalaea Harbors. On Lanai, while harbor issues are being resolved, the shuttle between Maui and Molokai/Lanai is operating with smaller vessels.

Meanwhile, the destination is adjusting its projected tourism numbers downward due to an expected decrease in visitors from Japan, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser. For more information, call 800-464-2924 or visit www.gohawaii.com

Adventure Center is offering a last-minute escape for those who ran out of time to plan their spring break adventure, or those who are trying to get away from the madness surrounding the school vacation — an eight-day Italian exploration of Umbria that runs from Venice to Rome.

In Venice, a walking tour takes in the city’s major sights and shops; in Gubbio, guests ride a funicular up Mt. Ingino, where the mummified body of Saint Ubaldo rests; in Assisi and Spello, religion, ancient Roman monuments and great wines rule the days; and Rome’s list of great sights and possibilities is endless. Two days are spent at each of the cities and the price of $1,240 per person, double for the April 17 departure of “Umbrian Discovery” includes all accommodations, transport and a maximum of 12 per group. Departures after April 17 start at $1,550. Meals and flights are additional, departures are guaranteed.

Adventure Center has provided world-class, affordably priced adventure travel experiences with one-on-one advice for more than 35 years. Formerly known as Trek Escapes/Trek Holidays in Canada and Adventure Center in the U.S., the company’s travel specialists have personally traveled to more than 130 countries and offer knowledgeable guidance to guests in selecting an “adventure of a lifetime.” For more information, call 800-228-8747 or visit www.adventurecenter.com

Vail Resorts, Inc. has announced its season pass lineup and kicked-off its spring pass sales period for the 2011-12 ski and snowboard season. There as passes for skiers and snowboarders going on multiple ski vacations. This Epic pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to seven world class resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe, as well as at Arapahoe Basin for $649 for adults and $329 for children (ages 5 to 12).

The Epic 7-Day is for skiers who know they will won’t ski more than seven days. The Epic Local Pass (formerly known as the Colorado Pass), for $499, is perfect for Colorado locals who can navigate a more restrictive pass. New this year, the pass is now available to purchase online at www.epicpass.com. The Epic Local Pass offers unlimited skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin and includes 10 restricted days at Vail or Beaver Creek. New this year, it also includes skiing or riding at Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe with limited restricted days. Summit Value Pass is a great option for people who only plan to ski Summit County.

Prices on all pass products are guaranteed through May 30, 2011, and now are available to purchase at www.epicpass.com. Skiers and riders should lock in their pass for next year now, as these prices are only guaranteed through May 30, 2011. Vail Resorts is giving guests the option to lock in these prices with a $49 down payment now and the remainder of the balance due in mid-September 2011. Passes are non-refundable, but pass insurance covers pass holders in the event of unexpected events including sickness, injuries and job loss. For more information, visit www.epicpass.com

More than a month after evacuating all of its travelers from Cairo on Jan. 30, and following a personal visit to Egypt in early March, General Tours World Traveler president Bob Drumm has announced the company will resume travel to Egypt. After visiting hotels and sites, working with the company’s Cairo-based manager and staff, and meeting with the owner of their new Nile Ship, Drumm returned with strong optimism about Egypt’s continued appeal for American travelers.

Drumm’s on-the-ground reports from Cairo can be read in their entirety on the company’s Facebook page. Also available for viewing is a short video taken during his recent trip. Armed with his personal observations, General Tours has updated its nine-day River of the Pharaohs trip. Travelers can now enjoy four nights at the new Kempinski Nile Hotel. After two full days of sightseeing in and around Cairo with experienced Egyptologists, travelers fly to Luxor for a four-night Nile cruise aboard the Alexander the Great. With only 30 outside suites, this five-star cruiser features private docking facilities along the Nile and is a member of the Chaïne des Rôtisseurs. After disembarking in Aswan, guests fly to Abu Simbel to visit the Temples of Ramses II before returning to Cairo by air.

Recognizing that transitions are ongoing in Cairo and other parts of the country, General Tours has lowered its prices by $1,000 per couple for travel through early May. In addition, the company is providing $600 per couple savings on international air for travel anytime in 2011 – whether air is purchased from General Tours or through another source. These offers can be combined with General Tours’ Family & Friends discount with additional savings of $50 to $150 per person when three or more travel together. For bookings and information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com

Pleasant Holidays expanded its Continental USA Product offerings with three new cities and 30 hotels in Boston, Chicago and New Orleans. The Continental USA Product now features 20 cities and 175 hotels, providing a comprehensive product line for travel agents and their clients. “Pleasant Holidays launched the Continental USA Product in October 2010 with 100 hotels in four states. We will continue to expand our portfolio throughout 2011 with a total of 24 cities and 220 hotels by the end of the year,” said Jack E. Richards, president and CEO.

In Boston, Pleasant Holidays’ collection of hotels includes the Boston Marriott Copley Place, Hyatt Regency Boston, Hyatt Harborside at Boston’s Logan International Airport, Hotel Marlowe, Nine Zero Hotel, Sheraton Boston Hotel, The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers, The Fairmont Copley Plaza, The Langham Boston Hotel and The Westin Boston Waterfront. Hotels in Chicago include the Allegro Hotel Chicago, Fairmont Chicago Millenium Park, Hilton Chicago, Hotel Palomar Chicago, Omni Chicago Hotel, Palmer House Hilton, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, The Avenue Crowne Plaza Hotel and Suites Chicago Downtown, The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago and W Chicago Lakeshore. The New Orleans hotels include the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans — French Quarter, Bienville House, Courtyard New Orleans Downtown Hotel Near the French Quarter, French Quarter Holiday Inn, Hotel Monteleone, JW Marriott New Orleans, New Orleans Marriott, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and W New Orleans.

Pleasant Holidays offers a variety of airlines from cities nationwide plus Hertz Car Rentals, featuring the Hertz Prestige Collection, convertibles and SUV/minivans for families. The Pleasant Holidays Group Department and Wedding Travel Desk assist with family reunions, sports events, weddings and honeymoons. Pleasant Holidays is one of the leading travel companies to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Costa Rica, the South Pacific and the Continental United States, serving more than 10 million travelers since 1959. The company provides vacation packages and travel-related services through its portfolio of four brands — Pleasant Holidays, Hawaii World/Distinguished Resorts, Pleasant Activities, and Air By Pleasant. For more information, call 80 0-448-3333 or visit www.PleasantAgent.com

The Shore Hotel, which is being designed to earn a Silver-LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation, is set to open this summer in Santa Monica, Calif. The independent property will offer 164 guestrooms decorated in shades of teal and orange and outfitted with custom-made teak tea wood furniture. Each room and suite will offer a private balcony facing the ocean. Additional design elements will include cream-colored sandstone walls in the lobby, an open floor plan in the reception area with glass walls, and native vegetation planted throughout.

The main building is U-shaped and includes an outdoor pool and patio situated under a steel-trestled roof. The main building also boats a three-tier sky bridge that connects it to a second collection of rooms. Hotel amenities will include two dining establishments, a fitness center, meeting and event spaces, and underground parking with 300 public parking spaces. The hotel also features a public-use space designed to blur the line between the sidewalk and the hotel entrance with park benches.

Two existing motels — the Pacific Sands and Travelodge — were removed to make way for the Shore Hotel, and more than 50 percent of the construction waste materials were salvaged or recycled. Additional green initiatives include roof-mounted solar panels, an occupancy sensor system, high-efficiency boilers and burners, a storm-water management plan that captures and treats storm-water runoff, the use of native plants in landscaping, and installing high-efficiency toilets and low-flow showerheads. Lobby chairs are upholstered with 100 percent pre-consumer recycled polyester. Guestroom carpet is manufactured with minimum of 25 percent recycled content. Bath vanity and desktops in guestrooms contain ecologically safe solvents and adhesives.

Shore Hotel will also initiate rigorous green housekeeping policies designed to reduce guest and staff exposure to potentially hazardous chemical. In addition, the hotel plans to provide employee incentives to carpool or bicycle to work. Nightly room rates will start at $250. For more information, email info@shorehotel.com  or visit www.shorehotel.com

The New Orleans Hotel Collection has announced that the organizers of San Fermin in Nuevo Orleans festival (also known as the Running of the Bulls) have named the collection the official festival hotel sponsor. The Running of the Bulls, taking place in New Orleans, July 7 to 10, 2011, is a recent addition to the burgeoning popularity of festivals in a city known for its spectacular events throughout the year.

The seven hotels in the New Orleans Hotel Collection are in locations that provide superb and easy access to festival events and special hotel rates are available to guests who wish to attend the festival. Nola Bulls, LLC started the Running of the Bulls festival five years ago, and the festival mimics the festival that has taken place for centuries in the town of Pamplona, Spain. Each year has seen phenomenal growth in the activities and participation, and this year’s festival offers visitors and locals a full cadre of events, including the centerpiece Saturday morning run with more than 300 “Rollerbulls” from leagues around the country. Visit www.nolabulls.com for complete schedule and information. For more information on the partnership, visit www.neworleanshotelcollection.com/san-fermin-in-new-orleans

The Sands at Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos launched a new website with new features including a scrolling banner on the homepage that allows visitors and travel professionals to easily access links to view the hotel’s current special offers. Also available is the latest romance and wedding package information, outdoor and water sport excursions offered through Ocean Vibes, Spa Tropique treatments and services, a YouTube video tour of the resort, and recent hotel accolades. Each page also now offers the ability to check resort availability and make reservations alongside a “What’s New” sidebar that instantly feeds hotel Facebook and Twitter messages as they are posted.

The hotel is also offering two new special rate packages in the site’s “Sizzling Savings” section. Travelers who purchase stays of three consecutive nights or more between May 1 and Dec. 21, 2011, receive a fourth night free. Also, The Sands’ exclusive “11/11/11 Destination of the Wedding Decade” package offers features 11 wedding package elements including an 11:11 a.m. wedding ceremony on the beach, a private sunset cruise with champagne, an evening beach bonfire and a celebratory fireworks display to conclude the evening at 11:11 p.m. The one-of-a-kind package will be offered on a first-reserve basis for up to two couples looking to throw the “Wedding of the Decade” for their families and friends on Nov. 11, 2011. For more information, visit www.thesandstc.com