Jetsettersblog

Every year, thousands of passengers snap gorgeous photos of Maine’s unique coastline, beautiful gleaming wooden decks, and smiling faces from around the globe.

But for people who are professional photographers or who want to put some real time into improving their frames, the Maine Windjammers are offering specialty cruises focused on the craft of photography.

A number of captains are hosting top professional photographers who are available all week with pointers, hints and suggestions.

These instructors are at the top of their game and happy to lend a hand to anyone intent on taking the craft a little more seriously.

Here’s a list of our members offering special photography cruises in 2012:

American Eagle: June 3-8 (Greg Gettens, instructor)

Angelique: June 17-23 (Neal Parent, instructor);

Heritage: June 12-18; Aug. 8-Sept. 3 (Fred LeBlanc, instructor)

Isaac H. Evans: Aug. 8-12 (Bruce and Eric Arnold, instructors)

Mary Day: June 25-30 (Jim Dugan, instructor)

Stephen Taber: Sept. 2-8 (John Shipman, instructor)

Be sure to check out individual schedules and websites to get details. For more information about these and other Maine Windjammer cruises, visit our website! http://www.mainewindjammercruises.com/

in Spring 2012
VIP Hotel Packages Available At Luxury Hotels

Denver, CO – Paris. Madrid. Denver. The internationally acclaimed exhibit Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective will make its only North American stop at the Denver Art Museum, March 25 – July 8, 2012. This sweeping retrospective of the designer’s 40 years of creativity features a stunning selection of 200 haute couture outfits along with numerous photographs, drawings, and films that illustrate the development of Saint Laurent’s style and the historical foundations of his work.

Organized thematically, the presentation melds design and art to explore the full arc of Saint Laurent’s career, from his first days at Dior in 1958 through the splendor of his final runway collection in 2002. Highlights include:

The Gender Revolution galleries, where visitors will see how Saint Laurent bent (and sometimes broke) the rules of what women were expected to wear crafting the wardrobe for today’s modern woman;

The Yves Saint Laurent and Women section, displaying the clothing of the historic women who wore and supported Saint Laurent, including Catherine Deneuve, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Paloma Picasso;

The Last Ball section, featuring exquisite evening dresses from the glory days of haute couture complete with a red carpet;

and the Colors of Yves Saint Laurent gallery, where guests will enjoy vibrant examples from his collections and hundreds of fabric samples.

Denver Hotels Create Yves Saint Laurent:

The Retrospective VIP Packages

A dozen Mile High City hotels are offering Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective VIP packages, many of which are now available to book online on the YSL Denver website. Guests who purchase the VIP hotel packages will receive two tickets valid for any date and time along with an audio guide for the stunning exhibition for each room booked.

The tickets allow guests to enter the exhibit at the next available time slot, completely bypassing any lines.

Participating hotels include: The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa; the Comfort Inn; Four Seasons Hotel Denver; Grand Hyatt Denver; Hilton Garden Inn – Denver Cherry Creek; Hotel Monaco Denver; Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center; JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek; The Ritz-Carlton Denver; Sheraton Denver Downtown; The Curtis; and the Westin Downtown Denver.

Each hotel offers additional fashionable amenities with their Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective VIP package, such as:

The Four Seasons Denver’s Parisian Pampering Package includes two VIP tickets to see the exhibit, a $40 credit toward brunch or lunch at EDGE Restaurant and a $100 credit to be pampered at The Spa at Four Seasons, not to mention a special YSL Beauty sample courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

The JW Marriott Denver’s Cherry Creek Couture Getaway includes two VIP exhibit tickets, a $100 Cherry Creek North shopping gift card, a $25 credit at the JW’s Second Home Kitchen + Bar and complimentary valet parking.

The Ritz Carlton Denver’s Haute Heights Package includes two VIP tickets, a choice of four fashion-inspired spa treatments and a YSL-inspired amenity upon arrival – a sweet chocolate stiletto or Sultry ‘LBD’ cocktail (Champagne/Chambord/St. Germain garnished with a black grape)

Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective is organized by the Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum. Funding is provided by the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and the generous donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign.

About The Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is a private, nonprofit, educational resource for Colorado. The mission of the museum is to enrich the lives of Colorado and Rocky Mountain residents through the acquisition, preservation and presentation of artworks in both the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, and by supporting these works with exemplary educational and scholarly programs. The Denver Art Museum is located on 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock Streets in downtown Denver. Open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. General admission for Colorado residents: $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $3 for visitors 6-18, free for children 5 and younger. Admission for non-Colorado residents: $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $5 for visitors 6-18, free for children 5 and younger.

For information in Spanish, call 720-913-0169. For more information, visit the Denver Art Museum online or call 720-865-5000.

About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Celebrating more than 100 years of promoting the Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. A record 12.7 million visitors stayed overnight in Denver in 2010, generating $3 billion in spending, while supporting nearly 50,000 jobs, making Tourism the second largest industry in Denver. Learn more about Denver on the VISITDENVER website and at TOURISMPAYSDENVER, on Twitter @visitdenver and the VISIT DENVER Facebook page, or by phone at 800 2 DENVER.

As 2012 rapidly approaches, Shore Hotel in Santa Monica, CA is offering a New Year’s Resolution package, perfect for those looking to start the New Year in a healthy way.

Santa Monica, Los Angeles’ quintessential beach town, is known for being an active and healthy city. Shore Hotel has partnered with Pressed Juicery, ASICS America, and Tikkun Spa to offer a New Year’s Resolution package to kick off a healthy 2012. Shore Hotel’s New Year’s Resolution package is available January 1-31, 2012 and offers:

• Overnight accommodations at Shore Hotel

• One-day cleanse by Pressed Juicery (includes choice of cleanse delivered to the hotel)

• Sports accessory provided by ASICS America

• One-hour training session with personal trainer

• Signature 60-minute massage from Tikkun Spa

• Rates start at $435 per night

*Package is currently based on single occupancy, however the package can be modified for double occupancy.

Shore Hotel, the newly built and recently opened LEED-registered hotel on the famed Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, is offering guests the chance to stay beachside.

Guests will enjoy the property’s eco-conscious resort-style amenities including a solar-heated pool, 24-hour fitness center and spa appointments by Tikkun Spa. Shore Hotel is also in walking distance to many popular activities and attractions including the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place and a multitude of restaurants and bars.

Guests who wish to book the New Year’s Resolution package can call Shore Hotel reservations at 310-458-1515.

Every year as the clock nears midnight on December 31st, the eyes of the world turn to the dazzling lights and bustling energy of Times Square.

Here is your opportunity to join the festivities in this annual tradition, as the famous New Year’s Eve Ball descends from the flagpole atop One Times Square. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Times Square has the BEST Times Square location and is currently offering two New Year’s holiday packages – for a limited time only.

Select from the following two packages:

Package 1 – NY Eve Ball Drop Special. Watch the New Year’s Eve Ball drop on Times Square.

This package includes a New Year’s Eve ball drop view suite (floors 20-43) plus breakfast for four, welcome amenity upon arrival (fruit and cheese platter with a bottle of wine), four tickets to the New Year’s Eve Gala (must be 21 or over to attend), two bottles of champagne (December 31st only), early check-in (1pm on 12/31/11) and late checkout (2pm on 1/1/12). Visit http://bit.ly/n8TBtj  to book or call 1-800-222-TREE and request plan code BW1. Rates from $4999.

Package 2 – New Year’s Eve Gala Package.

Spend New Year’s Eve in the city that never sleeps.

This package includes a premium suite with a view of Times Square North (no ball drop views) plus breakfast for four, welcome amenity upon arrival (fruit and cheese platter with a bottle of wine), two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Gala (must be 21 or over to attend), two bottles of champagne (December 31st only), and late checkout (2pm on 1/1/12).

Visit http://bit.ly/qS8p2N  to book or call 1-800-222-TREE and request plan code PK0. Rates from $3299.

Bid farewell to 2011 and stay at the symbolic center of the Big Apple as the clock strikes twelve with either of these great packages from DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Times Square.

A non-refundable deposit of 50% of stay is due at the time of booking for both packages and reservations for both packages are non-cancellable. 2-night minimum length of stay required.

Don’t miss out on your chance to stay in Times Square during this iconic Big Apple tradition!

Please email sales@dtnyc.com  for rates and availability on either package.

Airberlin is expanding its flights schedule between the U.S. and Germany by adding a new gateway — Las Vegas.

It will start twice weekly service between Las Vegas and Dusseldorf next summer. The first flight will be May 10.

With the new services, airberlin will be offering nonstop service from seven gateways in North America (New York-JFK, Miami, Fort Myers, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Vancouver) to the airline’s hub in Dusseldorf. In addition, airberlin offers nonstop flights from New York-JFK, Miami and Los Angeles to Berlin.

Las Vegas—Witty impressionist, actor and comedian Dana Carvey brings the laughs to The Orleans Showroom, February 3 and 4, each evening at 8 p.m.

Carvey rose to national prominence during a six-year run as a cast member of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” where he created memorable characters “Church Lady,” “Garth” and “Hans” and spot-on impersonations of President George H.W. Bush, Johnny Carson, Ross Perot and Regis Philbin. Carvey’s work on “SNL” garnered him six Emmy Award nominations, including a win in 1993 for “Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.” He also received multiple American Comedy Awards.

In addition to “SNL,” Carvey appeared on several other television programs – in guest and starring roles – including “One of the Boys,” “Blue Thunder,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Just Shoot Me,” “The Fairly Odd Parents,” and his self-titled 1996 series, “The Dana Carvey Show,” which also featured fellow comedians Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and Robert Smigel.

On the big screen, Carvey appeared in supporting roles in “This Is Spinal Tap,” “Racing with the Moon” and “Tough Guys.” He starred in films “Opportunity Knocks,” “Wayne’s World,” “Wayne’s World 2,” “Clean Slate,” “The Road to Wellville” and “Master of Disguise.” Most recently, he had a cameo appearance in “Jack and Jill.”

Showtime each evening is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $54.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Coast Casinos Box Office, by calling 702.365.7075, or visiting www.orleanscasino.com.

About The Orleans Hotel and Casino

Located at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., The Orleans includes more than a dozen restaurants, an 18-screen movie theater, 70-lane bowling center, 827-seat showroom featuring theater-style seating, and a 9,500-seat Orleans Arena. The property has a 135,000-square foot casino with 60 table games including Blackjack-21, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps and Pai Gow. Guests will also find more than 2,800 slot and video poker machines. Additionally, The Orleans includes a bingo parlor, keno lounge and race and sports book. More information on The Orleans Hotel and Casino can be found at www.orleanscasino.com , on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orleanscasino) , and Twitter (@orleanscasino). The Orleans Hotel and Casino is a property of Boyd Gaming. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 17 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and Louisiana. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com

Beloved Hawaiian Variety Act Society of Seven at the Suncoast Showroom

Las Vegas—Formed in Hawaii and perfected in showrooms throughout Las Vegas and the Islands, Society of Seven brings its lively variety show to the Suncoast Showroom, January 21 and 22.

Joined by “The Concert King of the Philippines” Martin Nievera and American Idol’s Jasmine Trias, Society of Seven will perform each evening at 7:30 p.m.

The famed Hawaiian-bred group offers an energetic variety show that combines comedy sketches, celebrity impersonations, dance and live music performances, including popular standards, Top 40 hits and Broadway showstoppers.

In what has been called an entertainment experience that rolls a classic Hollywood movie, Broadway show and Vegas spectacular into one, Society of Seven has been entertaining fans for more than 40 years.

Nievera is a popular recording artist with several platinum albums, including “Martin…Take One,” “The Best Gift,” “Forever,” and its sequels “Forever Forever” and “Return to Forever.” He has appeared in 11 films and seven television series and specials, including “Penthouse Live!,” “Martin and Pops Twogether,” and “Martin After Dark,” which ultimately became “Martin Late@nite.”

Trias rose to national fame on season three of American Idol, where the Hawaiian native finished in third place thanks to strong support from residents of the Islands. Her self-titled album was released in both the United States and the Philippines (where it reached platinum status).

Tickets are available starting from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Coast Casinos box office, by calling 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com

On April 21-22, the city of Coronado presents the 87th Annual Coronado Flower Show, a cherished Coronado tradition since 1922 and the largest tented flower show in the West.

Each year this floral fete draws thousands of gardening and flower enthusiasts to Spreckels Park. This year’s theme is “A Floral Olympiad.” Flower exhibits are displayed inside tents surrounding a grand central gazebo, which becomes the stage for trophy presentations and live entertainment.

There is also a flower marketplace and food pavilion. Tickets are $5 for adults; children aged 12 and under are free.

Visitors can also visit award-winning “Home Front” gardens throughout Coronado, designated by ribbons displayed in the yards or windows of the homes. A list of the winners with addresses is available at the Flower Show.

A number of free events coincide with the Flower Show weekend including: Art-in-the-Park, an outdoor gallery in Spreckels Park, showcasing local artists on April 21-22; MotorCars on Main Street, a classic car show, featuring 300 pre-1973 hotrods, trucks and custom cars on April 22 and the Friends of the Library Book Fair on April 21 in Spreckels Park, across the street from the Coronado Public Library.

On May 13, guests are invited to step back in time and view several historic Coronado homes during the annual Coronado Historic Home Tour.

This popular neighborhood outing features an eclectic mix of architecture and time periods along with stories of World War II and its effect on Coronado life in the 1940s.

Tickets cost $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers of the Coronado Historical Association.

Kicking off on May 27 and continuing through September 9, Coronado’s Promenade Concert in the Park Series is a beloved local tradition that takes place every Sunday at 6 p.m. in Spreckels Park.

Performances include:

Coronado’s Lamb’s Players Theatre

and popular bands like the Coronado Community Concert Band,

Navy Band Southwest Show Band,

Marine Band

and Coronado Big Band.

Click for Fishing Adventures

Starts Fishing August 12-18, 2012

Mark your fishing calendars for another exciting Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT) scheduled for August 12-18, 2012 in Kona, Hawaii.

This prestige Tournament built on strict International Game Fish Association (IGFA) rules for world records, kicks off Sunday August 12 as teams register, draw for their tournament boats and participate in the HIBT parade through Historic Kailua Village. Then starting Monday, August 13 at 8am sharp, teams begin five days of tournament fishing.

Last fishing day ends Friday, August 17 at exactly 4:30 pm. On Saturday August 18, teams, anglers, friends, captains and crew gather for the annual Crying Towel and Awards Dinner.

So far, International teams from Papua New Guinea, Japan, and the U.S. have registered for the 2012 HIBT.

Be expecting a show of teams from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, China, California, Florida, Hawaii and North Carolina.

For more information or to request team registration, log onto www.hibtfishing.com

About HIBT

The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament is underwritten by the generosity of the County of Hawaii, Research and Development and sponsored in part by KWXX Radio and numerous corporate and community donors.

Future HIBT fishing dates include:

2013 HIBT August 4-10, including five days of fishing August 5-9

2014 HIBT July 27-August 2, including five days of fishing July 28-August 1

For more information on the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, including team listings, IGFA world-record rules and a daily video recap of tournament standings, log onto www.hibtfishing.com.

Tournament Contact

Peter Fithian, Founder & President
Phone: 808-836-3422
email: hibtkona@aol.com  or hibt@hawaii.rr.com

The second Jazz and Blues Festival will be hosted in Fiji from the May 10-13, 2012. Featuring an exciting line up of stars from the jazz and blues worlds of United States, England, Australia and New Zealand, the event is going to be held on Denarau Island’s Port Denarau Marina. Former Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Officer Josefa Tuamoto stated that “the event cements Fiji’s role as the hub of South Pacific tourism and is expected to become an annual fixture of Fiji’s calendar of events! Special flight and accommodation packages will be available from Air Pacific and the festival’s travel partners.

Information: www.fijijbfest.org