Jetsettersblog

Future Vacations New Price Match Policy

Future Vacations launched a new Price Match policy. Under terms of the new policy that will match any competitor’s price on comparable vacation packages within three hours, ensuring that travelers always receive the best value for their vacation dollar.

Travel agents or consumers who book a Future Vacations package and find a lower price on a comparable package elsewhere can call Future Vacations’ new Price Match Hotline – 800-373-7801 – and speak directly to a Price Match Specialist for immediate service.

Comparable packages must feature the same airline, hotel, room category, travel dates and inclusions (e.g.: rental car, ground transfers, theme park/show tickets, etc.). For the fastest service, calls must be made during the following Price Match business hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm EST and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm EST.

Calls made outside of these hours will receive a return call the following business day. If Future Vacations is unable to match the price of a package, travelers will receive a $25 travel credit for future use.

The Price Match Policy is effective now and until further notice on all packages in the Future Vacations portfolio, which spans the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

For telephone reservations, call 800-456-2323.

Savvy Sun Seekers Choose Luxe For Less

Consumers feeling the economic pinch are choosing not to sacrifice their annual foreign holiday and instead are becoming savvier about seeking out the best deals. Leading online operator, key2holidays (www.key2holidays.co.uk)  has identified destinations offering particularly good value for money without compromising on luxury.

Discounts of up to 40 per cent, free night offers and beneficial exchange rates mean that an array of luxury holidays to exotic destinations are available. In addition, analysis of 2007 prices with current holidays available from key2holidays shows that some prices are lower and represent significant price reductions on comparable holidays sold in 2007. Examples include:

Egypt prices are minus 4% plus 3 extra nights compared to last year 9-night holiday from £729 (May 2007) 12-night holiday from £700 (May 2008)

Bali prices are minus 6% compared to last year 7-night holiday from £939 (May 2007) 7-night holiday from £879 (May 2008)

Mauritius prices are minus 10% compared to last year 7-night holiday from £1,159 (May 2007) 7-night holiday from £1,030 (May 2008) 10%

South Africa prices are minus 3% plus 6 extra nights compared to last year 10-night holiday from £2,145 (May 2007) 16-night holiday from £2,115 (May 2008)

Matthew Rushbrooke, product manager, key2holidays commented: “We are finding that consumers are reluctant to let go of their summer getaway. Our expertise and close contacts with suppliers means that we are able to access and negotiate fantastic savings for our clients. Due to the credit crunch, suppliers are also offering even better value with free extras which means our clients can enjoy great value luxurious escapes without having to down-grade at all.”

Heading further afield beyond the Eurozone can offer major savings for many. Holidaymakers can jet off this summer and take advantage of the following special offers with key2holidays:

Cuba: Cultural Caribbean For Less

Cuba is the ideal Caribbean holiday for the whole family with superb beaches, an array of activities, culture and quality all-inclusive resorts offering excellent value. The “post-Castro” effect also make it a “must go” for 2008. A 10-night multicentre holiday combing relaxation on the beach with the exciting city of Havana is available from just £910 per adult and £499 per child including seven nights all-inclusive accommodation at the 4* Iberostar Alameda Varadero, three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Telegrafo Havana, return scheduled flights, transfers and airport tax.

Egypt: Cruise the Nile and Stay In Style For Less

Egypt is particularly good value and offers an exciting five-star quality experience at significantly lower prices when compared to a similar standard product in the Mediterranean. Multicentre holidays including luxury cruises on the Nile offer the opportunity to explore some of the ancient wonders of the world in sumptuous style. A 12-night, deluxe multicentre holiday is available from just £1,225 per person including three nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 5* Mena House Oberoi in Cairo, four nights full board on the 5* Oberoi Philae cruise , five nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 5* Oberoi Sahi Hasheesh, return flights, transfers and UK departure tax.

Mauritius: Plush Tropical Paradise For Less

Take advantage of the massive 40 per cent discount being offered by the 4* Trou aux Biches. Situated on one of this paradise island’s best beaches facing a lagoon and just ten minutes from the stylish shops and nightlife of Grand Baie, guests stay in charming thatched villas scattered amongst tranquil, tropical gardens. A 7-night holiday is available from just £1,229 including half-board accommodation, a half-day sightseeing and shopping tour, return flights and transfers.

South Africa: Deluxe Safari and Sun Adventure For Less

Your holiday spending money goes much further this year in South Africa with the current exchange rate making Sterling even stronger against the Rand compared to 2007.

Properties are also including bonus extras such as free nights and meals so you have even more money in your holiday wallet.

A multicentre holiday here offers the opportunity to combine spotting amazing wildlife with chic Cape Town and the gourmet delights of the Winelands.

A 12-night multicentre holiday is available from just £1,645 per person including three nights full board staying in ensuite treetop tents in the prime ‘Big 5’ territory of the Kapama Private Game Reserve, four nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Belvidere Manor Knysna with a free bottle of wine on arrival and coffee table book, five nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Winchester Mansions Hotel which includes a free night and 120 Rand food voucher to be used at the hotel, return scheduled flights and transfers.

For further information on the holidays above, visit

www.key2holidays.co.uk

or call 020 7963 6697 to speak to a specialist consultant.

YEAR OF THE REEF WITH SPECIAL CONTEST

Explorer Ventures announces “Ventures into the Reef,” a series of competitions in recognition of International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2008). They are inviting people to share their underwater adventures in celebration of the beauty and excitement that reefs provide. There are three categories in which people can participate; best underwater photo, best topside photo and best trip commentary.

To enter the Explorer Ventures “Ventures into the Reef” contests, participants need to fill out a simple entry form and submit their photo(s) and/or trip commentary electronically.

The competition is free. Photos must have been taken between August 31, 2007 and August 31, 2008 and the trip commentary must be from a trip taken within the same dates. The winning entries will be showcased online and will be included in a 2009 Explorer Ventures “Ventures into the Reef” calendar.

The winners of each competition will receive a $500 credit* towards a future trip on any Explorer Ventures boat in Australia or the Caribbean as well as five copies of the 2009 Explorer Ventures calendar.

There are prizes for the runners up as well. For entry forms and complete information, visit this website or email contest@explorerventures.com

*$500 credit can be used on Caribbean Explorer I, Caribbean Explorer II, Turks and Caicos Explorer II, or Nimrod Explorer.

The credit must be used before December 31, 2009, is non-transferable and cannot be substituted.

AGGRESSOR FLEET AIRLINE DEPARTMENT

Booking international flights to exotic destinations is now easier with the help of Aggressor Fleet’s own Airline Department and newest travel expert specialist, Katharina (Kathy) Walker, who boasts over 28 years of airline reservations experience.

Kathy has extensive knowledge and training in airline ticketing software networks including Pars, System 1, Data’s, Worldspan, Delta Term and CMS. As an international airline specialist and travel agency manager,

Kathy knows all aspects of airline travel and the extensive needs of international and group travelers. Aggressor Fleet’s European clients will appreciate her fluency in the German and Croatian languages.

To book your next flight through the Aggressor Fleet Airline Department, you may contact Kathy at airtravel@aggressor.com  or by phone at 800-348-2628 or (985) 385-2628.

BECOME A PLATINUM PRO 5000 DIVER

Being honored with the Platinum Pro5000 Diver Award places you among the world’s most experienced water explorers. The list of cardholders is a “who’s who” of diving, containing the world’s most prominent dive leaders, scientists, photographers, manufacturers, retailers and resort operators. This honor cannot be purchased. Individuals must apply for the award and be recommended in writing by two Platinum Pros.

What makes the SSI Platinum Pro5000 award so special is that it’s all about diving. The unsung dive master on any island and Jacques Cousteau earned their cards the same way–by diving 5,000 times, or diving 2,500 times and making a significant contribution to the diving industry.

Since 1993, the Platinum Pros have been recognized at a party held during the annual DEMA trade show. The party has become one of the signature events at DEMA. At the annual party, Platinum Pro 5000 Divers get to meet one another and are recognized for their achievements. Divers and dealers from around the world come together to honor those who have become Platinum Pro 5000 Divers, and congratulate them on their entrance into this exclusive, historical group.

Divers from any certification agency may apply. This is a non-affiliation award. This award is truly about your achievements and nothing else.

For more information and to download an application visit www.diveSSI.com/platinumpro  or call 970.482.0883.

2008 GUIDE TO UNDERWATER IMAGING

Written for both the novice and those with a little more experience, this will be the ultimate guide to the tools and techniques for capturing better dive photos and videos.

This special, first-of-its-kind publication by the editors of Scuba Diving will go directly to underwater photo and video enthusiasts, making it the perfect vehicle for advertisers who want to reach this targeted market.

15,000 copies will be sent to a pre-determined list of underwater photo enthusiasts.

It will be mailed in October or polybagged with Scuba Diving’s November 08 issue.

A downloadable pdf of the Guide to Underwater Imaging, including all advertisements, will also be offered on

www.ScubaDiving.com.

A special underwater imaging microsite within ScubaDiving.com will go live when the publication is delivered.

LUXURY CRICKET AND CRUISING IN THE CARIBBEAN

ITC Sports, the leading luxury sports tour operator, is delighted to unveil its spectacular Platinum Cricket Cruise to watch England play the West Indies in February 2009 in true style.

Cricket cruises are a speciality for ITC Sports and for 2009 the company has exclusively chartered Silversea’s Silver Shadow for a superb 16 night extravaganza, between the 2nd – 18th February 2009. The cricket will be thrilling, with part of the First Test in Jamaica and all of the Second Test in Antigua, while the cruising will take in beautiful and diverse islands such as St Barths and the Dominican Republic.

Silversea’s “six star” Silver Shadow offers all-suite accommodation, a vast array of facilities, and the highest standards of personal service and attention to detail. Little wonder that Silversea has won award after prestigious award for small ship, luxury cruising.

ITC Sports has brought together a unique, star-studded line up of cricketing celebrities and entertainers, including David Gower, Darren Gough, Derek Underwood, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, David Lloyd, Allan Lamb, Paul Allott, celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson and Mike d’Abo of Manfred Mann. These onboard Hosts will be joined by many other special guests, meaning that evenings on board will be a highlight of the trip, with “State of Play” discussions, interviews with celebrities, live entertainment, and sumptuous dining.

ITC Sports’ Platinum Cricket Cruise Itinerary

West Indies v England, 2 – 18 February 2009

2 February

Departure from London Heathrow aboard your flight to Miami and transfer to Fort Lauderdale to board Silversea’s Silver Shadow.

3 February

A day to relax at sea and enjoy the facilities on board Silver Shadow.

4 February

Day at sea, with the opportunity to watch the start of the First Test, West Indies v England, shown via live satellite feed from Kingston, Jamaica.

5 February

Early arrival in Kingston for your transfer to the second day of play in the FIRST TEST, WEST INDIES v ENGLAND, at Sabina Park.

6-7 February

Daily transfers to the FIRST TEST, WEST INDIES v ENGLAND, at Sabina Park.**

8 February

Disembark in Port Antonio on Jamaica’s North Coast.

9 February

A day of cruising and relaxation.

10 February

Disembark at La Romana, in the Dominican Republic.

11 February

Morning arrival at San Juan, the vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico.

12 February

Disembark in Gustavia for a day in St Barths – always a favourite for its charm and its casual, yet stylish, French chic. Not to mention the fine restaurants and serious retail therapy opportunities!

13-17 February

Daily transfers to the SECOND TEST, WEST INDIES v ENGLAND at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound.

18 February

Transfer to VC Bird International Airport for your return flight to London.

19 February

Early morning arrival at London Gatwick.

** If the final day of the First Test promises to be thrilling, the itinerary will alter to be able to stay and watch it.

Prices start from £6,995 per person sharing a Vista Suite.

What’s included ?? Check the website or call for reservations and further information please contact ITC Sports (01244 355527; www.itcsports.co.uk)

Azamara Journey to Sail Caribbean-Panama Canal

Azamara Cruises’ 694-guest Azamara Journey will operate Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises in late 2009 and early 2010.

The Journey, which underwent a $19 million makeover before its 2007 launch, will sail through the Caribbean and Panama Canal from December 2009 through mid-April 2010, visiting 23 ports in 15 countries.

First-time calls will be made at Castries, St. Lucia; Willemstad, Curacao; and San Diego, Calif. The Journey also will anchor off of the island of Bequia. San Diego, instead of Los Angeles, will be the turnaround port for two 16-night Panama Canal sailings, one westbound from Miami departing on Dec. 18, 2009, and one eastbound to Miami departing on Jan. 3, 2010.

Between the two Panama Canal sailings, Azamara Journey will call at Port Antonio, Jamaica; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Willemstad; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco, Mexico.

A new 10-night Easter voyage sailing roundtrip from Miami on April 1, 2010, will call at St. John, St. Martin, Dominica, St. Kitts and Virgin Gorda. Three 12-night Caribbean itineraries will be operated out of Miami from January through March 2010, featuring calls at Bequia, Castries, Dominica, St. Croix, Antigua, Martinique, St. Barts Guadeloupe and more.

For more information, call 877-222-2526 or visit www.azamaracruises.com

Air Europa new Latin American Flights

Spanish airline Air Europa has opened a UK sales office to support new scheduled services from Gatwick.

The carrier is to run double daily flights to Madrid, with connections onto an expanding long haul network to South and Central America, and the Caribbean.

Air Europa is already well known in the UK market for its European charter services and is expanding its long haul scheduled service network.

Destinations available this summer include Buenos Aires, Salvador De Bahia, Caracas, Santo Domingo, Punto Cana, Cancun and Havana.

Tickets are also available on the connecting flights between Gatwick and Madrid which are operated on an Air Comet Airbus 320.

The scheduled departure times from Gatwick are 10.10 and 17.40 each day of the week.

Air Europa head of international sales María del Mar Ayudarte, said: “The UK market to Latin America is booming and the specialist UK tour operators here are amongst the best in the world.

“Air Europa is well known as a holiday airline to the Mediterranean and our challenge is to make it equally well known as the best way to Latin America, We believe we can do this by working closely with the travel trade here in the UK.”

Thomson Cruises makes Caribbean return

Thomson Cruises is making a return to the Caribbean for winter 2008-09.

Thomson Destiny will make two transatlantic cruises - Tropical Transatlantic and Transatlantic Sunrise - and two seven-night cruises, Coral Islands and Caribbean Gems.

The Tropical Transatlantic cruise is a 14-day itinerary that sees passengers fly to Lisbon to board the ship for a five-day Atlantic crossing to the Dominican Republic, where a seven night Coral Islands or Caribbean Gems itinerary starts. Passengers fly home to the UK from La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

The Transatlantic Sunrise 18-night itinerary starts with a flight to the Dominican Republic, before the Thomson Destiny sails first for seven nights on either the Coral Islands or Caribbean Gems itinerary before crossing the Atlantic from Barbados, taking in Gibraltar, Cartagena, Valencia and Barcelona, Spain before finally arriving back in Palma, Majorca.

The seven night Coral Islands cruise sails from La Romana to St Lucia, taking in Barbados, Guadeloupe, St Kitts and Tortola. The Caribbean Gems cruise sails to Grenada, Dominica, Antigua, St Maarten and Tortola.

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