Jetsettersblog

Visiteurope.com, the official website of the European Travel Commission, launched a series of themed days on July 18 via its official Facebook and Twitter pages. Focusing on a different European region each week, ranging from the Adriatic Coast to Scandinavia and everything in between, the themed days will encourage fans to learn more Europe’s most compelling culture, gastronomy, history and travel offerings. Theme days will include the following:

Monument Mondays (#MonMondays) will feature interesting and little-known facts about iconic landmarks, monuments and historic attractions throughout the various regions in Europe. Wine Wednesdays (#WineOnWed) will educate fans on the various wine-producing regions throughout Europe and feature daily trivia to test wine lovers knowledge. Photo Fridays (#PhotoFridays) will encourage fans to upload photos and share memories from various European countries and regions each week on the Facebook wall. The visiteurope.com Theme Days launched on Monday, July 18 via Facebook featuring information and trivia regarding the Adriatic Coast. For more information, visit www.visiteurope.com

iVenture has introduced the See Hong Kong Pass, a sightseeing smart card. The See Hong Kong Pass grants tourists one to three days of unlimited access.

Prices range between $399 ($51) to $899 ($115) to the city’s most popular attractions and experiences. Following the success of iVenture smart cards in Australia, Asia, and Singapore, the See Hong Kong Pass is the first of its kind in China.

For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com/usa

for as Low as US/CDN $123 for a One-Week Program

Cactus Language Training teaches more than 30 languages in 60 countries at 500 destinations worldwide, each year adding new destinations, immersive cultural opportunities and enticing incentives that enhance the process of learning a new language through culturally enriching vacation experiences.

With an emphasis on affordability and authenticity, Cactus’s new 2011 vacation programs include learning Spanish and Latin Dance in Leticia, Colombia at a school on the banks of the Amazon; studying German in the low-key, less touristy Bavarian town of Lindau overlooking the Swiss Alps; and mastering Russian in culturally diverse Kiev, Ukraine near Belarus. One-week programs begin at US/Cdn $123 per person.

Accommodations are additional and are customized according to desired budget to include home stays, resorts, hotels and other options. Prices for all Cactus programs are guaranteed in US /Cdn dollars.

The new Colombia location is one of 70 destinations in which Cactus offers Spanish language instruction; others include Argentina, Costa Rica, and two in Spain. Likewise, those who seek to speak French fluently can choose among 26 destinations, including Monaco; coastal Biarritz and Bordeaux in France; or Montreal. If ease with Italian is the goal, Cactus offers 22 locations across Italy. Thai, Turkish and Brazilian Portuguese are among the 30 languages offered by Cactus.

Special Offers

Seasonal bonus offers include:

4 weeks for the price of 3 in Annecy, France. US/Cdn $1032. Accommodations are additional.

3 weeks for the price of 2 in Sorrento, Italy. US/Cdn $660. Accommodations are additional.

Free private lessons in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. US/Cdn $543 for a 2-week group course, with free private tuition.
Free half-day tour in Faro, Portugal. If you book a two-week course (starting now through October 3), a half-day bird watching or luxury boat tour is included. US/Cdn $703 for a 2-week course.

Cactus believes that “one size does not fit all” and tailors its broad range of programs to fit the individual needs of the learner. Adding a further dimension to its in situ programs, Cactus incorporates cultural experiences, ranging from wine tasting and cooking to dance and diving, to strengthen and reinforce the day’s language lessons.

Cactus also offers courses for children, teenagers, families and mature travelers, as well as executives.

About Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations
Cactus is one of the world’s leading language training companies. Founded in 1998, with headquarters in New York and the UK, Cactus’s expert team delivers quality language training to individuals and businesses.

Cactus helps more than 15,000 people every year learn more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide. Programs include language vacations for both adults and children, comprised of classes mixed with tours and activities (such as dance, yoga, wine tasting, cooking, music, art, diving, surfing and photography); cultural awareness training; and full-immersion language holidays. For those unable to travel, evening and part-time group language courses are also offered. www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/us 1-888-577-8451 Twitter: @cactuslanguage Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cactuslanguagetraining

Tagging work in southern California highlighted in Great White Invasion

Pioneering efforts by the Monterey Bay Aquarium (www.montereybayaquarium.org ) to tag and track juvenile great white sharks off southern California will be featured in Great White Invasion – the show that will help launch the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week 2011 on Sunday, July 31

(http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/shark-week).

The program will debut at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time.

Great White Invasion features research projects in coastal waters from California to South Africa – places where great whites are found close to shore. It was created by documentary filmmaker Jeff Kurr, who has filmed more than two dozen programs for Shark Week, including the acclaimedAir Jaws.

Monterey Bay Aquarium and its research partners have tagged 43 young great white sharks in southern California since 2002, and has documented how young sharks use waters there and in Baja California during a critical phase in their lives.

Great White Invasion highlights tagging and related work by one aquarium partner, Dr. Chris Lowe’s Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach (www.csulb.edu/web/labs/sharklab/).

Lowe and his students are also investigating high levels of pollutants found in young great white sharks to learn the sources and what impact – if any – this is having on the survival of the young sharks.

In collaboration with colleagues in Mexico, the aquarium research team is also documenting the extent to which juvenile great white sharks are being caught – intentionally or accidentally – in commercial fishing gear.

The research team will begin its tenth southern California field season in August, tagging juvenile sharks and potentially bringing a young shark back to Monterey for exhibit.

The aquarium has kept five other great white sharks since 2004, after exhibiting them for up to six-and-a-half months.

All five were successfully returned to the wild, carrying tracking tags to monitor their movements.

Of the five, only one is known to have died following release. It was caught in 2010 in a commercial fishing net off the coast of Baja California.

In 50 years of attempts, no other aquarium in the world has successfully exhibited a great white shark for more than 16 days.

With partners at Stanford University and other colleagues, the aquarium is also involved in tagging and tracking adult great white sharks that migrate annually from the Central California coast to waters as far west as Hawaii.

Details about the aquarium’s white shark research can be found at www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/whiteshark.aspx  and in the new book, Project White Shark, available in the aquarium’s gift and bookstores or online at www.montereybayaquarium.org/store/

The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and South St. Seaport!

Stay in the Big Apple while enjoying a special “Shop and Stay” Package – full of discounts to shop at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and South Street Seaport.

This package is valid only at Hilton Times Square, Hilton New York Fashion District, Doubletree Suites by Hilton Times Square, Doubletree by Hilton Metropolitan Hotel, Hampton Inn Manhattan Times Square North, Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street and Hilton Garden Inn Times Square and includes the following:

- Overnight accommodations at one of seven participating hotels

- One Woodbury Common Premium Outlets VIP Coupon Book (full of discounts to shop at the country’s largest designer outlet center!)

- Two discount transportation coupons each worth $5.00 off Short Line/Coach USA bus fare to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (via Port Authority Bus Terminal)

- One savings certificate valid for complimentary appetizer at Applebee’s (Woodbury Common’s location only)

- One savings coupon book for South Street Seaport, full of shopping, dining and entertainment savings certificates

Guest must request Plan Code “WOO” in order to book the reservation. Book your stay today by visiting us online at www.hilton.com/nyc-woodbury  or by calling 1-800-HILTONS and mentioning plan code WOO.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is just a short bus ride from Manhattan, and 220 of the world’s most sought-after designer and brand name outlets in a colonial-American village setting, all offering savings of 25% to 65% every day. Stores include Ann Taylor Factory Store, Anne Klein, Banana Republic Factory Store, Barneys New York Outlet, Burberry, Chico’s, Diesel USA, Escada Company Store, Giorgio Armani, Lacoste, Max Mara, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Cole Haan, Tod’s, Crate and Barrel, and more.

The Debut Of Long Bar And Vintage – A Wine Boutique, And Launches Giveaway To “Party Around The World”

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – This summer, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will once again raise the bar in Atlantic City, offering an action-packed summer season of performances by the biggest names in entertainment – including pop superstar Rihanna, Soundgarden and comedy stars Jerry Seinfeld and Daniel Tosh – as well as unveiling a new bar concept, Long Bar, in addition to Vintage – A Wine Boutique, and launch one of the biggest Borgata Nightlife Rewards giveaways to-date, offering customers the one-of-a-kind experience to “Party Around the World” in some of the world’s hottest cities.

Premier Entertainment

The only destination in the market to have two venues named to Pollstar’s prestigious “Top 100 Worldwide Theatre Venues”, Borgata presents a summer entertainment lineup that rivals that of the largest concert venues in the country, while offering guests an intimate concert experience with the biggest names in music and comedy.

Kicking off the season with unforgettable performances by Weezer, Paul Simon, Miranda Lambert and Kid Rock, Borgata continues to bring the world’s top artists to Atlantic City this summer with Sheryl Crow, Dennis Leary, Soundgarden, Jay Leno, Rihanna, Elvis Costello, Daniel Tosh, Stone Temple Pilots, Jerry Seinfeld, Russell Brand and more. Visit www.theborgata.com to view Borgata’s complete entertainment schedule in The Borgata Event Center and Music Box theatre.

Introducing Long Bar

Debuting this summer at Borgata, Long Bar presents a cosmopolitan atmosphere to enjoy cocktails and small plates, reminiscent of your favorite city bar.

Whether it’s enjoying a signature cocktail, unwinding with a glass of wine after dinner, meeting friends before the show or catching the big game, Long Bar is the perfect destination to begin or end an evening at Borgata.

Located conveniently off the casino floor, Long Bar features a 38-foot, custom-designed high bar; seven flat screen TVs; plush leather benches; and several high-top tables throughout the space for socializing.

Borgata’s Executive Chef, Ron Ross, has sweetened the deal with a menu of light bites and bar fare to satisfy any appetite, including Housemade Fresh Salsa and Guacamole with Blue Corn Tortilla Chips; Seafood Tostados with Shrimp, Taylor Bay Scallops, Mango, Lime and Avocado; and Long Bar Sliders with Roasted Chile Relish, Avocado Mayo and Tomato Confit.

Long Bar is open daily from 4PM to 2AM on Sunday through Thursday, and from 2PM to 2AM on Friday and Saturday.

Vintage – A Wine Boutique

As one of the preeminent destinations for food and wine on the East Coast, boasting a talented team of sommeliers and over 30,000 vintages on property, Borgata is pleased to announce the debut of a new retail experience at The Shoppes at The Water Club. Vintage – A Wine Boutique will offer over 200 labels of wines, champagnes and sakes, as well as a complete line of wine accessories, including books, decanters and more.

Following the property’s mantra that “wine should be fun, and not intimidating,” the boutique will uniquely offer an in-store sommelier who will be on hand to offer guests enthusiastic advice and tasting notes, while also featuring an Enomatic wine preservation and serving system for guests to taste over 30 bottles available in-house.

An interactive kiosk will provide a touch-screen for customers to search all available wines by way of variety, color, country, producer and price, including a selection of several bottles served in Borgata’s signature restaurants.

Under the direction of Borgata’s Wine Director, Anjoleena Griffin-Holst, Vintage will also welcome winemakers and enthusiasts from all over the world to host tastings within the store for guests to explore wine in an intimate and enjoyable setting.

Party Around the World

This summer, Borgata Nightlife Rewards – the first of-its-kind loyalty program designed exclusively for nightlife customers – proves that it pays to party at MIXX, mur.mur, Gypsy Bar and B Bar, with the launch of one of its most unique giveaways to-date.

“Party Around the World” offers Nightlife Reward members the opportunity to win trips to some of the world’s most exciting party capitals including Ibiza, Amsterdam, London, Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Drawings on July 23rd and September 5th will select six winners who qualify throughout the summer.

Eight years after first blazing a trail as a premier nightlife destination, home to some of the nation’s best deejays under one roof – including Samantha Ronson, DJ Vice, Questlove, Ruckus, Rev Run, Jermaine Dupri and Jesse Marco – Borgata continues to lead nightlife in Atlantic City with the debut of the hottest electronic music series on the East Coast.

“I Love House” will bring some of the world’s most sought after deejays – including Steve Aoki, Laidback Luke, A-Trak, Kaskade and Manufactured Superstars – to MIXX and mur.mur nightclubs this summer. Visit www.borgatanightlife.com  for more details.

To learn more about summer concerts, nightlife, dining specials and summer giveaways, visit www.theborgata.com.

About Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Located at Renaissance Pointe in Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa features 2,000 guest rooms and suites; 161,000 square feet of gaming; 182 gaming tables; 3,475 slot machines; an 85-table poker room; 11 retail boutiques; 6 acclaimed fine dining restaurants by renowned chefs; 6 casual dining options; a 54,000 square foot spa; 70,000 square feet of event space; 4 signature nightlife experiences; and parking for 7,100 cars. The resort also features Atlantic City’s first cosmopolitan hotel experience, The Water Club at Borgata, with 800 guest rooms and suites; a 36,000 square foot spa; 18,000 square feet of meeting space; 6 designer retail boutiques; and 5 heated indoor and outdoor pools.

For more information on Borgata or to obtain a copy of this press release, please visit www.theborgata.com  or follow Borgata on twitter.com/BorgataAC

Weekend summer program supervised by museum pros
Miami’s coolest museum is coming to Four Seasons Hotel Miami this summer for a special program of kids’ activities.

Run by Miami Children’s Museum professionals, Manny’s Club, named after the Hotel’s mascot Manny the Manatee, is available every weekend now through August, 31, 2011 and costs USD 95.00 per child, inclusive of a yummy, healthy lunch.

Based on the museum’s motto of “play, learn, imagine, create,” the program focuses on art, culture and community.

Activities will range from art and environment to culture.

Kids will understand the importance of being green, learn about the great masters while trying their hand at creating their own artwork — Rodin (clay), van Gogh (painting) and Picasso (portraits) — and experience dance and food from countries around the world. And there will still be plenty of time left for splashing in the Hotel’s children’s pool.

“We are thrilled to have an opportunity to connect our younger guests with the Miami Children’s Museum.

It is an opportunity to incorporate education with play under the guidance of education pros,” says the Hotel’s General Manager Simon Pettigrew.

Each weekend will feature a theme.

At the 4th of July “Splashes of Summer,” kids made fingerprint flags, visors, frisbees, ice cream cone magnets and a placemat with glitter fireworks. Other planned themes include “Ocean in Motion” where children create a mosaic Rainbow Fish (after the popular book’s hero), coffee-filter jellyfish and a yarn octopus.

In addition to the special program, the Hotel’s younger guests are invited to spend time at Manny’s Club, which offers from a variety of toys and games to the latest computer gadgets.

Family fun at Four Seasons Hotel Miami starts at check in when the little ones are invited to choose a toy from a red wagon and continues in-room with a chocolate version of Manny. Older kids also receive an age-appropriate treat from the chef. To help families enjoy their getaway to the fullest, the Concierge is always on-hand to plan a fun day out or to arrange a babysitter. In addition, kids five and under eat free at the Hotel’s main restaurant and child-sized bathrobes, toiletries and cribs are available free of charge.

About Miami Children’s Museum

Founded in 1983, Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to reach their highest potential. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine and create.

The 56,500-square-foot (5250 square metres) facility includes 14 galleries, classrooms, and a 200-seat auditorium.

The museum offers hundreds of bilingual, interactive exhibits; programs and classes, including special needs classes; Subway restaurant; KidSmart educational gift shop and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication.

Norwegian is also continuing with the popular Spa Suites introduced on Norwegian Epic. There are 16 Spa Suites with a spa décor, king-size bed, dining area and an in-suite whirlpool.

These Spa Suites also feature easy access to the adjacent spa and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the thermal spa suite during operating hours.

The bathroom features an oversized spa-like shower with a waterfall shower head and multiple body spray jets, along with a separate hand-held shower head and two vanity sinks.

Each of the Project Breakaway ships will be 144,017 gross tons and will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths.

They are scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014. For more information, visit www.thehaven.ncl.com  or www.ncl.com/breakaway.

Albuquerque, NM – The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is gearing up for the world famous celebration of ballooning, the 2011 Balloon Fiesta will take place October 1 through October 9.

“The Greatest Show Off Earth” is this year’s theme.

This year will mark the 40th time that pilots, volunteers and guests have gathered from around the world to watch as New Mexico skies fill with hot air and gas balloons.

What started as a radio promotion in 1972, with 13 balloons in attendance, has grown to be the largest gathering of balloons and most photographed event in the world.

This year’s event will feature more than 500 hot air and gas balloons taking to the skies during the nine day event.

This year’s 40th event is special in many ways and will be dedicated to Sid Cutter – the “Father of Balloon Fiesta” who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. Cutter helped establish the Balloon Fiesta in 1972 and had been a key supporter and partner.

In addition to the majestic mass ascensions and more than 90 special shape balloons, pilots will have a chance to win $100,000 in the Sandia Resort & Casino $100,000 Challenge, a new event for the 40th Balloon Fiesta.

Come and visit, take in the sights and sounds of our Krispy Kreme Morning Glows, Mass Ascensions, America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race, balloon glows and Special Shape Rodeo™.

Of course, since it is the 40th event, there will be commemorative celebrations, events and entertainment to mark the occasion.

Check for details on www.balloonfiesta.com

About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual festival of hot air balloons that takes place every October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world.

For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our websitewww.balloonfiesta.com  and follow us in on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.

 the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination.

For more information, please call 505.842.9918 or visit our web site at

www.itsatrip.org

Crystal Cruises is offering new six- and seven-day fall Mediterranean getaways.

The three cruises start at $2,995 per person, including free roundtrip air from New York, ship/airport transfers, and $500 per person shipboard spending credit.

The new itineraries are an Oct. 17 to 24 voyage from Monte Carlo to Athens, visiting Florence/Livorno, Rome/Civitavecchia, Sorrento, Kusadasi and Mykonos.

Fares start at $3,550 per person.

The new Nov. 10 to 16 cruise sails from Athens/Piraeus and visits Santorini, Kotor, Dubrovnik and an overnight in Venice; fares start at $2,995 per person. The Nov. 16 to 23 sailing from Venice to Rome/Civitavecchia visits Koper, Dubrovnik, Sicily and Naples and starts at $3,200 per person.

Guests may opt out of the complimentary air from New York-JFK for an $800-per-person air credit. Air from other major U.S. gateways can be added on at fares starting at $199 per person.