Jetsettersblog

New for 2012, Oceania Cruises will offer theme cruises for the first time. The new `Signature Sailings’ include 10 voyages exploring culinary, wine, music and health & wellness themes. Guests will enjoy seminars, hands-on classes, concerts and wine tastings. Depending on the voyage, Chef Jacques Pépin, up-and-coming jazz musicians, and noted editors will be among the special guests.

Food and Wine Feature Prominently on 2012 Signature Sailings

Jacques Pepin Cruise

Master Chef Jacques Pepin has served as Oceania Cruises’ executive culinary director for eight years. On this sailing, he’ll be sure to hold court in Jacques – his first namesake restaurant – as well as in the Bon Appétit Culinary Center leading Q&A sessions, cooking demonstrations and signing books.

Marina “Tuscan Artistry” – May 12, 2012; 10 days, Barcelona-Rome

Spring Music Fest

A broad range of jazz styles will be featured. Six guest musicians, including four headliners, will perform individual main stage shows in addition to more casual jam sessions. There will also be special dance sets and dance instructors.

Nautica “Mediterranean Tapestry” – May 14, 2012; 10 days, Athens-Barcelona

Oceania Club Reunion Cruise – two sailings

Oceania Cruises’ loyal past passengers are the guests of honour for two special reunion cruises, which include memorable surprises both onboard and ashore.

Riviera “Iberian Odyssey” – June 17, 2012; 10 days, Lisbon-Rome

Regatta “Radiant Rhythms” – March 6, 2013; 12 days, Buenos Aires-Rio de Janeiro

Italian Wine Immersion Cruise

Highlights include lectures, tastings and special Wine Bars, where guest experts and special musical performers will create the perfect vibe to explore and experience great wines.

Regatta “Italian Interludes” – July 27, 2012; 12 days, Rome-Venice

Vitality & Wellness Cruise – two sailings

In addition to healthy eating and fitness tips, guests will gain insights on enhancing their mental wellness to live life to the fullest. Spinning, yoga and Pilates classes are also offered at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub and gourmet Canyon Ranch spa cuisine is available.

Regatta “Pearls of the Aegean” – August 8, 2012; 10 days, Venice-Athens

Riviera “Accent on Italy” –
October 24, 2012; 10 days, Rome-Venice

Bon Appétit Wine & Food Festival – two sailings

Epicureans rejoice! The experts at Bon Appétit magazine are assembling culinary stars and wine experts or editors for a palate-pleasing voyage.

Riviera “Enchanted Grandeur” – October 14, 2012; 10 days, Athens-Rome

Marina “Temples & Palaces” – October 22, 2012; 10 days, Athens-Istanbul

Discover the World in Comfort and Style with Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta and Nautica are intimate ships acclaimed for their open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm, attentive service. Facilities include four open-seating, gourmet restaurants, casino and Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

The 1,250-guest Marina and new Riviera were purpose-built for epicureans with six open-seating, gourmet restaurants – including a French bistro by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Facilities also include a Bon Appétit Culinary Center and Artist Loft enrichment centre. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand staircase, elegant public rooms, spacious accommodations and Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.

For more information about Oceania Cruises’ new Signature Sailings, contact Oceania Cruises on 0845 505 1920 or visit www.oceaniacruises.com

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises® offers unrivalled cuisine, luxurious accommodations, exceptional personalised service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 330 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas aboard the 684-guest Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. The line’s 1,250-guest Marina debuted in January 2011 and will be followed by Riviera – a sister ship – in April 2012.

The benefits of yoga for health are well documented, but Silver Travel Advisor (www.silvertraveladvisor.com ) – the online forum for over fifty year old travellers – has come across the following tips for alleviating the stresses and strains of travelling long haul.

Full time yoga teacher Katy Appleton spent ten years flying around the world with the Royal Ballet and the English National Ballet. She now teaches Vinyasa, Hatha and Astanga Yoga; and Pilates at her three London studios and is a doula – a qualified birth partner.

Here are Katy’s top tips to keep mind and body in good condition during long-haul flights.

1. The day before travelling, avoid caffeine and alcohol, it’ll make you feel lighter and healthier. Don’t forget, the system gets much slower when you’re up in the air.

2. To keep the energy moving during the flight, with so much time in a small seat, make time to do a `yoga flow’ before you leave home, or even at the airport. This is a series of postures arranged to flow together one after the next.

3. Pack a golf ball and use it during the flight to massage thoroughly the bottom of the feet. It works with all the little meridian points – like reflexology – and keeps the energy grounded. For many people, particularly those with DVT problems, the golf ball keeps the circulation going on a physical level.

4. Pack a tennis ball and use it on the back of the legs. When sitting, move it down from the sitting bone to the knee joint, where the knee is on the back of the chair, and then down the hamstrings and play around with it on the back of the legs. Katy Appleton also recommends wiggling the tennis ball down each side of the bony spine to relieve tension in the lower back muscles.

5. Hummmm. Called Bhramari, it’s a gentle humming mad inside the chest. It helps reduce anxiety, especially in turbulence. (Hopefully the noise of the plane will be louder than your hum).

6. Alternate Nostil Breathing can be done in an airplane seat which has a calming, balancing effect on the nervous system.

Check out the technique here

http://www.appleyoga.com/yoga/yoga-exercises/nostril-breathing.html

7. Move around the plane frequently

8. Find a space, rise up and down on the balls of the feet, bending the knees, moving one foot and then the other up and down, and making ankle circles just to get the circulation moving through the leg.

9. Try doing mini calf stretches. Take one foot back behind the other and then lean forward while stretching the back leg.

10. Once off the plane, try to find somewhere to “get your legs up the wall.” Lie on your back, wiggle towards the wall, swing your legs up against the wall and relax.

For more information about Yoga techniques for travellers visit www.appleyoga.com

With thanks to http://viviennedubourdieu.com  and http://travlark.com

With the 100-year anniversary of the Machu Picchu discovery all eyes are on Peru this year: it was on 24 July 1911 when Hiram Bingham stumbled upon jungle-and-vine-coated ruins during an expedition to find an ancient Inca Empire in the Andes mountains.

Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and in 2007 it was crowned as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World via a worldwide Internet vote.

World Expeditions is offering free permits on all its nine South America trips that take in Peru, including: the popular family friendly itinerary; the multi-activity journey that combines rafting, hiking and cycling; and trips that venture into nearby Bolivia.

All Inca Trail itineraries combine the historical and natural attractions of Peru with a trek along the classic Inca Trail, a must-see trip for many. Covering different levels of activity, the trips appeal to everyone wishing to visit Peru, from experienced hikers to those aiming for a softer approach to adventure.

The offer applies to new bookings made by the 30th of November 2011 and for trips departing in 2012 (subject to trip and permit availability and minimum number requirements).

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk  or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions’ all-inclusive policy ensures there are no local payments.

Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

If you are after >>> Adventure

The beautiful, rainforest landscapes of Dominica are far more inspiring than any gym. Forsake the rowing machine for an ocean kayak, or the treadmill for some brisk hikes in the hilly landscape to make exercise enjoyable. Swimming spots are also plentiful, with numerous freshwater rivers on the island. Some are even naturally heated thanks to the island’s volcanic nature.

The package: Located in the heart of the tropical rainforest, Jungle Bay Resort and Spa (www.junglebaydominica.com , +1 767 446 1789) offers special adventure spa packages, with daily hikes, yoga classes, spa treatments and accommodation in private rustic-luxury jungle cottages.

Activities include a visit to an organic farm, as well as the world famous Boiling Lake, Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls. Prices start from $229 (£145) per person per night based on double occupancy.

If you are after >>> Mind and body wellness

Relieve aching muscles with a dip in one of Dominica’s many hot springs, which occur naturally across the island and where the water temperature is comparable to a hot bath. Dominica’s volcanic nature is also responsible for its mineral-rich mud, which is used across the world in spa treatments to draw toxins and impurities out of the body. Take advantage of abundant supplies in areas including the Valley of Desolation and at the ocean’s edge near Soufriere.

The package: Hideout Cottage (http://www.hideout.ch/hideout-e,  +1 767 446 4642) now offers hideout wellness packages, which include visits to local hot springs and waterfalls, organic and vegetarian meals, accommodation, airport/ferry transfer and activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Four night packages start from $325 (£205) per person based on double occupancy.

If you are after >>> Rejuvenation

It’s time to escape, slow down and get back into balance… Dominica offers an experience in pure relaxation, comfort and rejuvenation.

What’s more, in Dominica, visitors can be assured that they have chosen a destination that has gained worldwide recognition for its efforts in sustainable tourism. Dominica was the first country in the world to be benchmarked by Green Globe 21.

The package: Fort Young Hotel

(www.fortyounghotel.com, +1 767 448 5000) offers a seven-night rejuvenation package, which includes accommodation at the historical, luxury hotel, five yoga classes, massage treatments, visits to the organic farm, sulphur springs, and waterfalls with all the hotel amenities. From $1,295 (£819) per person based on double occupancy.

Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-ee-ka) is a spectacular green island of rugged mountains, lush rainforests and rushing rivers in the Eastern Caribbean, lying south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique.

For more information about Dominica please call 0800 0121 467 or visit www.discoverdominica.com  and www.youtube.com/discoverdominica

A selection of short video guides about the island can be downloaded for free on www.iTunes.com  and you can keep up to date with the latest news on Facebook www.facebook.com/discoverdominica  and Twitter www.twitter.com/nature_island

The new 2012/13 Mountain Kingdoms brochure is out now – call 01453 844400 for a copy or email info@mountainkingdoms.com

Packed with 120 exciting holidays, there are 23 fabulous new treks and tours in addition to lots of old favourites.

Highlights include four new trips to the must see destination of 2012, Burma, some wild and remote treks in Nepal, and the southernmost trek in the world in Tierra del Fuego.

Once again the Mountain Kingdoms Early Bird booking incentive will reward those keen to book, and this year applies to all 2012 flight inclusive holidays featured in the new brochure.
Clients booking before the 30th November 2011 will receive a £50 discount – visit www.mountainkingdoms.com  for details and conditions.

NEW TREKS & TOURS

Bhutan

Birding in Bhutan – an exceptional specialist tour created for true birding enthusiasts in a paradise of rare and endemic birds.

Dragon Kingdoms of Burma & Bhutan – an easy walking and sightseeing holiday to two of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist kingdoms.
Mount Chomolhari & the Bonte La – magnificent high mountain trekking beneath snowy peaks, through remote valleys and across high passes.

Nepal

Village Trails of Nepal – the perfect gentle walking holiday combining relaxed day walks, comfortable hotels and the spectacular Himalaya.

Annapurna & Everest Panorama Trek – two short tea house treks amidst the breathtaking scenery of Nepal’s two most famous mountain ranges.

Everest Base Camp in Style – exhilarating strenuous trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar, staying in the Khumbu’s best lodges.

Rolwaling & Bigu Gompa – a glorious trek to one of Nepal’s best ‘off the beaten track’ mountain valleys, next to the Tibetan border.

Api Base Camp with Tashi Tenzing – a reconnaissance trek led by Tenzing Norgay’s grandson, in a remote, little visited, corner of Nepal.

The Kagmara La Pass to Dolpo – a thrilling trek in ‘Wild Nepal’, from the calm waters of Rara Lake, over the Kagmara La to isolated Upper Dolpo.

India & Sri Lanka

Incredible India & Brahmaputra River Cruise – an enthralling tour encompassing both the frenetic energy and serene beauty of India.
Leh & Indus Valley Trails – a delightful short summer walking holiday to the mountains and monasteries of ‘Little Tibet’.
Trails of Buddha’s Island, Sri Lanka – a gentle walking holiday visiting the island’s main historical, cultural, wildlife and scenic highlights.

Mongolia & Central Asia

Genghis Khan Trails & Naadam Festival – take the Trans-Mongolian train from Beijing to experience ancient cities, desert travels, mountain walks and traditional festivities.

Nomads & Ibex Trek – a two week magical, mountain adventure in the remote northwest corner of Mongolia.
K2 & Gasherbrum Base Camps – a sensational trek through wild, dramatic and unspoiled scenery into the heart of the Karakoram mountains.

Burma

First Class Tour of Burma – a relaxed exploration of the cultural and scenic highlights of the Golden Land, staying in quality hotels throughout.

Dragon Kingdoms of Burma & Bhutan – an easy walking and sightseeing holiday to two of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist kingdoms.

Golden Trails of Burma – gentle walks, cultural highlights and comfortable accommodation – the best way to explore this remarkable country.
Mount Phongun & the Burmese Himalaya – trekking in the remote highlands of northern Burma, with an ascent of Phongun Razi (3,635m/11,920ft).

Other destinations

Northern Lights & Husky Sledding, Norway – an action-packed winter adventure in Norway’s icy north, aiming to see the dazzling Northern Lights and taking in a thrilling sledding experience.

Tierra del Fuego – the Ultimate Adventure – from the southernmost trek in the world to Patagonia, via a voyage through the Beagle Channel.

Bedouin Trails of Jordan – easy walking and sightseeing in Jordan, from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea.

Serengeti Walking Safari – unspoiled landscapes, impressive wildlife and luxury camping – the best way to experience wild Africa.

Ngorongoro Highlands & Serengeti Wilderness – a fabulous walking safari in style in two of Africa’s most pristine wildlife areas.

New airport and airline

Around two thirds of the population left Montserrat, after Plymouth was evacuated in 1997, but in the last few years the population has risen again to over 5,000 people. The island was further opened up to persons in the Diaspora and visitors with the opening of the new John A Osborne Airport in 2005.

Locally based airline, FlyMontserrat, also launched scheduled services in 2009, with several direct flights from Antigua and SVG airline, based in St Vincent and the Grenadines, commenced their services in 2011.

New capital city

The second phase of the development of a new capital city in Little Bay in the north of the island will bring further infrastructure for tourism, including: hotels, restaurants, retail shops and other attractions. The new capital city will be a catalyst for strong economic growth and development in the island, and attracting additional visitors as well as investors.

New National Museum

Work began earlier this year on Montserrat’s new National Museum. The museum is located in what will be the Heritage Park and the Green Development area of Little Bay, and following completion, it will be the third building to be erected in the new capital of the island. The new National Museum will have exhibition areas, a souvenir shop, meeting room, café and activity area. The museum will also be equipped to accommodate those with disabilities.

New Montserrat Cultural Centre

A pioneering cultural regeneration project led by legendary producer Sir George Martin has seen the inauguration of the new state-of-the-art Montserrat Cultural Centre in Little Bay.

A 1997 concert at Royal Albert Hall was part of the fundraising effort for the new centre, which includes a 700-seat auditorium, conference rooms, a bar and restaurant. The Centre, which was completed in 2007, provides a national focal point for the islanders where they can meet, hold events and rebuild a sense of community. Montserrat remains one of the safest and least commercialized islands in the Caribbean and rebuilding a sense of community is vital for its future.

New Mooring Project and Port

Shamrock Mooring’s Plus, a new mooring project, has been launched and aims to offer safe mooring and anchorage facilities to visiting sailboats and yachts. Visitors have the option of anchorage at either Little Bay, the site of the new capital city that is being developed, or Rendezvous Bay, the only white sand beach on the island. Plans are afoot to construct a new port facility in Little Bay which will provide safe anchorage for small cruise ships, yachts, boaters, as well as the ferry that currently services the Antigua-Montserrat route.

Modern Volcanic Observatory and Volcano Social History Centre

To monitor the ongoing volcanic activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat has one of the most modern Volcanic Observatory in the world, with the latest technology and research facilities. The role of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) is to provide impartial advice to the authorities on the volcanic activity and its associated hazards and risks. Construction of a new Volcano Interpretation Centre combining a Social History Centre in the Little Bay area is also slated to commence within the next few months.

For more information about Montserrat visit www.visitmontserrat.com  or call 020 7928 1600.

Princess Cruises will operate two ships in the Canada and New England region in 2012. Emerald Princess and Caribbean Princess will offer 11 voyages on three itineraries — a week-long roundtrip from New York, a 10-day voyage between New York and Quebec City and a 12-night cruise from Quebec to Fort Lauderdale.

The Caribbean Princess will operate seven-day roundtrips from New York to Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport. There are seven departures between Sept. 8 and Oct. 20.

Emerald Princess offers 10-day cruises between New York and Quebec City to Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown. There is an overnight stay in Quebec City. There are three departures between Sept. 26 and Oct. 16.

The East Coast repositioning cruise departs Quebec City on Oct. 26 and visits Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York and Charleston.

Crystal Cruises will host TV personality Regis Philbin on the March 13 cruise from Hong Kong to Osaka. Crystal announced the news on Nov. 18, Philbin’s last day hosting his daytime show, “Live with Regis and Kelly.”

Philbin, who holds the Guinness World Record for “most hours on camera,” will deliver talks about his life and legendary career and have a Q&A with cruisers. His wife, Joy, will accompany him.

The “Kingdoms of Silk & Jade” Crystal Serenity sailing includes overnights in Hong Kong before visiting Xiamen, Shanghai (overnight), and Dalian, then heads inland to Beijing for a complimentary three-day inland adventure, followed by calls in Seoul/Incheon (overnight), Nagasaki and Osaka (overnight). For more information, call 800-446-6620.

Western River Expeditions is offering a series of lodge-to-lodge rafting trips on Oregon’s Rogue River, with three- and four-day trips scheduled weekly from June 3 through Aug. 26, 2012.

The all-inclusive camping adventures differ from the operator’s main product in trading the camping component for stays in lodges. The new program blends wildlife including deer and black bear with cabin comforts and family-style meals in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, a region so remote that mail boats still deliver letters to isolated residents on waters running over 200 miles from the Cascade Mountains near Crater Lake to the Pacific.

The all-inclusive rate for three days per adult is $939, $879 for ages 5 to 16; for four days the rate is $1,245 adult, $1,165 for ages 5 to 16 (plus tax). Trips begin and end at Morrison’s Lodge near Merlin, 43 miles from Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in Medford, Ore.

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah, and Fredonia, Ariz. The company provides Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, Idaho rafting and now Oregon rafting trips.

For information, visit www.westernriver.com

Caribbean shore-tour and excursion provider Island Routes has expanded to the Cayman Islands, with a variety of packages that showcase the Caymans’ distinctive and diverse tourism activities. Activities include excursions to the Cayman’s Stingrays City, where gentle stingrays swim with visitors to their sand bar; up-close dolphin encounters; kayaking through the mangroves filled with upside-down jellyfish and iguanas; and amphibious bus rides that delve into Cayman’s reefs.

Also available are ocean-side horseback rides and swimming or snorkeling among Cayman’s beautiful coral gardens, featuring turtles weighing from six ounces to 600 pounds. Excursion packages to Seven Mile Beach, George Town and Fort George and the town of Hell, which features unusual rock formations, are also available.

For more information, call 877-768-8370 or visit www.islandroutestours.com