Jetsettersblog

In Time For Cuban Revolution Anniversary

To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Cuban Revolution on the 1st January 2009, South American travel specialist Journey Latin America has created a number of ‘revolutionary’ itineraries to help travellers to Cuba explore the historical and social impacts of the movement.

The new itineraries also tie in with the widely anticipated release of ‘Che;’ a biopic based on the Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara, which is being released in two parts to UK cinemas on the 2nd January 2009 and 20th February 2009.

Journey Latin America has a number of itineraries on offer, from eight night group tours taking in all of the country’s highlights, to tailor-made self-drive packages and more luxurious escapes.

Below we have listed the top picks for those wanting to discover the real Cuba this January:

Revolutionary Cuba
6 nights from £582pp based on two sharing and excluding flights Starting in Holguín, this tour takes you to the beautiful eastern region of the island, which inspired and reinforced Fidel and Che’s patriotism. Visit Cayo Saetia for a wildlife safari and swimming on the pearl white beach, continue to Baracoa and visit a UNESCO protected reserve by boat, drive through stunning mountain scenery to Guantánamo Bay for a tour of the town and then spend some time in Santiago de Cuba and visit the Castillo del Morro and the Sierra Maestra.

New for 2009 – Caracara – Self Drive Cuba

10 nights from £804pp based on two sharing and excluding flights
This brand new tailor-made itinerary allows travellers to choose their own time and rhythm by driving their own hire car on a round trip from Havana to Trinidad, taking in the fertile country of Pinar del Rio, the coastal Cienfuegos ‘pearl of the south’ and the wooded Escambray mountains where you’ll find waterfalls and rivers only accessible by car.

New for 2009 – ZunZun

8 nights from £1358pp, including flights

This small group tour will give you an insight into the traditional, colonial and rural Cuba in just a week. Experience real Cuban life staying and eating in family homes, drive through the evocative streets of old Havana in a classic car, explore the enchanting Viñales Valley on foot or horseback and visit the UNESCO protected Trinidad.

New for 2009 - Cuba - Affordable Luxury in Cuba

11 days: £995, excluding flights.

Fancy a top-quality, grown-up Caribbean holiday, with a bit of culture and history thrown in, without breaking the bank? It can be done: Cuba, one of the most fascinating of all the islands, where tropical joie de vivre is spiced up with a Latin beat.

For more information on Journey Latin America’s trips in Cuba, please visit this link.

3rd edition Faraway Shores winter 2008, 2009 – winter 2009, 2010

Thomson has launched its new year-round 3rd edition Faraway Shores brochure for Jan/09 – Apr/10, available in store and on-line. Highlights include daily flights to Cancun, a new range of twin centres as well as a host of new properties in Aruba and Barbados.

NEW: DAILY FLIGHTS TO CANCUN
For winter 2009/10 the newly branded airline will be flying as Thomson Airways and due to popular demand, Thomson will be offering daily flights from a range of UK airports to the popular Mexican resort of Cancun a destination which is ideal for a winter break offering beach focused holidays, a tropical climate plenty of water sports and some of some of Thomson’s finest accommodation options.

NEW: CUBA YEAR ROUND PROGRAMME: 2 NEW RESORTS, VARADERO AND HOLGUIN
Cuba is now available to book for summer 2009 and will continue for inclusion into a year round programme for Thomson which features a range of all inclusive hotels from 3T – 5T. Highlights include the new all-inclusive 3T+ Blau Costa Verde Hotel in Guardalavaca which is located on the beachfront. It’s exclusive to adult’s whist boasting a range of facilities including 5 restaurants.

NEW: THOMSON LAUNCHES FOUR NEW FARAWAY PROPERTIES

The 4T Bucuti Beach Resort sits right on the edge of Eagle Beach in Aruba and comes with the accolade of being voted 10th best in the world for romance by Trip Advisor, making it particularly suitable for adults.

Barbados hosts 3 new properties for inclusion in the Faraway Shores brochure. The 5T The Crane hotel is set on the cliffs overlooking a beach that has been voted ‘one of the ten best beaches in the world’. In addition, the hotel features a range of dining options coupled with luxury facilities. The 4T Almond Casuarina is a newly refurbished all-inclusive property set within close proximity to St Lawrence gap and well suited for families, offering a Kids Club and a host of activities and entertainments. The 3T Silver Sands resort offers board basis’s from self-catering to all-inclusive and stands within close proximity to all the main resorts.

NEW: THOMSON TWIN CENTRES AND TOURS

In both Sri Lanka and the Maldives, there are a variety of new twin centre offerings which boast new superior room upgrades. The upgrades are available at the Water Villa in the Maldives and as part of the Discover Sri Lanka tour.

The Jammin in Jamaica Tour is new to the Faraway Shores brochure and offers a great way to explore the island with visits to Bob Marley’s home, climbs up Dunn’s River Falls and rafting along the Rio Grande.

NEW: THOMSON WORLDWIDE

Thomson is featuring 3 destinations for inclusion in the new Faraway Shores brochure. Thailand, Dubai and Mauritius make their debuts in the brochure and with daily departures, there’s complete flexibility on when you can travel.

SRI LANKA: THOMSON’S LATEST DESTINATION, FEATURING A RANGE OF HOTELS FROM BAMBURI TO BERUWELA

If you’re looking for outstanding scenery, unsurpassed exotic culture, Sri Lanka is flanked by outstanding beaches on all parts of the island. Thomson will be providing captivating holiday experiences to this Indian Ocean country for Winter 2009/10.

THOMSON’S KEY ARUBA PROPERTIES

For winter 2008/2009 Thomson will be showcasing the 5T Riu Palace Aruba on Palm Beach and the 4T Divi Aruba on Eagle Beach, two all-inclusive properties, well placed to enjoy the benefits of great beaches. Inside there’s a variety of restaurants, from seafood and Japanese to Brazilian.

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has unveiled its new website, which is which is designed to streamline pertinent information to the organization’s hotel and affiliate members, while allowing for new capabilities such as an online membership directory, access to CHTA publications, and the ability to register online for conferences and events.

Through the website, members can access their profile in the CHTA membership directory at any time to update company profiles and records as well as employee contact information. The site also features CHTA manuals, publications, committee minutes and presentations.

The new website will provide information on conferences and events, as well as the ability to register online. Registrations processed online will receive immediate confirmation.

A new feature CHTA expects to have in place shortly is the ability for members to renew their membership dues online. Online purchases such as membership dues and conference registration will require credit card payment through PayPal, a secured credit card transaction company.

For more information, email marketing@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com  or visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com

Up to $350 Spa Credit - Grand Lido Resorts & Spas

Even more Super-Inclusive than ever! Now through December 20, 2007 you’ll earn up to $350 in Grand Lido Spa credits. Indulge in our completely pampering, full-service Spa facilities.

The Spa Credit special is NOT combinable with our Spring and Fall Sales or the Presidential Perks package(s).

The Spa Credit special IS combinable with our Cruise Promo, Wedding/Honeymoon Free Night specials and our Lido Sampler.

All rates are valid only for each room category listed. Free upgrades are not permitted to qualify for Spa Credit. All Spa credits are per room, per stay. For travel through December 31, 2007. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Offer may be changed or discontinued without notice.

All bookings must be booked in the Spa Package Code (SPA07) in order to qualify for the Spa Credit. Please mention code SPA07 when booking by phone or with your travel agent.

For online bookings you must select the appropriate Spa Package. Spa credits will not be issued on other packages.

The CTO UK Chapter has now released its 56-page 2009 Guide to the Caribbean. The team’s UK Chapter will, in the coming weeks, be launching the full colour, glossy, A4 publication, circulating it to 50,000 consumers and members of the travel trade.

The CTO’s main fulfilment piece for the UK and Ireland, the guide will be sent out in response to all enquiries made to the CTO London office. The CTO UK team will also distribute the guide at all the trade and consumer shows they attend in order to communicate the latest news and factual information on the region’s 32 destinations, helping and encouraging agents and consumers to plan travel to the Caribbean with increased knowledge and insight.

To guarantee penetration of the UK and Irish travel trades the guide has also been distributed within BMI’s Selling Long Haul publication, thereby reaching travel agencies, home workers, online agencies and tour operator reservation, contracting and marketing departments.

The guide will be used throughout the year for a range of further purposes, from training to sales packs, direct mailings and other promotions.

In addition to the printed publication an exact downloadable electronic copy will exist online which can be viewed on www.caribbean.co.uk

The contents of the guide including chapters on island hopping, regional news, beaches, nature the green side of the Caribbean, diving, exploring, family holidays and business facilities, as well as a detailed factfile on each of the 32 destinations.

Julia Hendry, the CTO’s director of marketing for the UK and Europe, said, “Our guide is the definitive manual to the entire Caribbean region and we’re delighted that the CTO UK Chapter will have so many opportunities and channels to distribute the 2009 edition.

“We’re particularly pleased that next year’s guide is going to be available electronically as we’re acutely aware of the importance to both the trade and consumers of online access to travel information and news.

“The CTO UK Chapter looks forward to using the guide for training and marketing throughout the year and continuing in our endeavours to continually raise awareness of the countless faces of the Caribbean and its colourful charisma which we are confident will keep drawing visitors despite the current economic difficulties.”

Two new winter sailings to the Caribbean from Southampton have been introduced by P&O Cruises.

The five-week sailings both depart in early 2010 on Oriana and have been scheduled instead of a traditional world voyage.

The first departs on January 8, 2010 covering a range of Caribbean islands and Central American ports over a duration of 36 nights. Ports of call include St Lucia, Barbados, Limon, Santo Tomas de Castilla and Montego Bay and a partial transit through the Panama Canal. Prices start at £2,499 per person including a 45% early booking discount.

The second voyage sails on February 13, 2010 and visits 13 ports in the Caribbean and US over 35 nights, including St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, New Orleans, Tampa and Princess Cays. Prices lead-in at £2,399 per person.

Both ‘Caribbean Connoisseur’ itineraries depart from and return to Southampton, avoiding airports and lengthy flight connections.

The new itineraries feature in the second edition of P&O Cruises’ 2009/10 brochure, and are on sale now.

The brochure features holidays to more than 180 destinations in 60 countries, and is destination led, to be easy to use for customers.

The 45% early booking offer is available before November 30, 2008.

P&O Cruises’ managing director Nigel Esdale said: “These new holidays will offer UK holidaymakers a more leisurely and relaxing way to escape the British winter and visit warmer climes.

“They should be highlighted to customers who want a Caribbean holiday without having to set foot on an aeroplane, and who want a lengthy break from the British winter but who can’t be away for such a long period of time as a world voyage.

“Our expanding fleet means we can offer more variety and choice for our customers and we work closely with agents to ensure they understand the breadth of choice with the P&O Cruises product. This is in terms of deployment, destinations and length of holiday.

“This is our most varied winter programme yet with a choice of two-week fly cruises, month long explorations and leisurely three month worldwide voyages – something for every kind of customer.”

More Flights, More Sun, More Sand this Winter

ATLANTA – Delta Air Lines announced the addition of seasonal frequencies to its current schedule to seven Caribbean destinations to satisfy the rising demand for warm destinations during the winter season.*

Starting Dec. 20, 2008 Delta will add nonstop service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to each of the following destinations where it already offers service:

-Aruba (second daily flight);
-George Town, Cayman Islands (second Saturday flight);
-Montego Bay, Jamaica (third daily flight);
-Providenciales; Turks and Caicos (second Saturday flight);
-Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (second daily flight); and
-St. Maarten (second Saturday flight).

Delta also will add four weekly flights between Atlanta and St. Thomas effective Dec. 18. Schedule details are available at delta.com.

“The Caribbean is a perennial favorite spot for tourists during the winter months, and Delta is making it easier and more convenient for customers to reach their preferred beach destination,” said Miguel Lopez, regional director of Sales for Central America and the Caribbean for Delta.

In December, Delta also will inaugurate new year-round nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Buenos Aires, Argentina** (Dec. 18); Atlanta and Tegucigalpa, Honduras** (Dec. 18); New York-JFK and Bonaire** (Dec. 20), and Atlanta and Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic (Dec. 20).

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 312 destinations in 61 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 44 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 393 weekly flights to 47 destinations. Delta’s marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 500 worldwide destinations in 105 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com.

* Travel for some itineraries may be provided by Delta Connection carrier Pinnacle Airlines, Inc., until December 18, 2008.

**Subject to foreign government approval

American Airlines is increasing its winter service to Jamaica, offering new service from Chicago and increasing service from Dallas and Miami.

The airline also currently offers flights to Jamaica from New York and Fort Lauderdale. Beginning Jan. 31, American Airlines will offer new service five times a week out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Beginning Dec. 18,

American Airlines will increase its frequency from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to MBJ, offering daily flights. American will add a third daily flight, AA Flight 478, from Miami International Airport (MIA) to MBJ. The airline also currently operates three daily flights from MIA to Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).

With the Atlantic hurricane season under way, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. continues to relieve travelers’ concerns and worries with its “Starwood Caribbean Travel Interruption Policy.”

The policy protects groups and individual travelers in the event of a hurricane and provides peace of mind for those vacationing at Starwood resorts throughout the Caribbean. The Travel Interruption Policy goes in to effect when an area where a Starwood Caribbean resort is located is placed under a Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning.

Guests holding confirmed and non-refundable deposited reservations who cannot travel to a Starwood Caribbean resort due to a hurricane closure of the resort or airport will receive the option of a full refund or a one-room category upgrade on their next stay if they visit within a year.

Guests whose vacation at a Starwood Caribbean resort is interrupted by a hurricane and who wish to depart early will not be charged a cancellation fee and will receive a refund for any unused portion of their deposit.

Starwood will replace the balance of a reservation for individual and transient and group bookings, including room and applicable taxes. Replacement vacations must be taken at the resort within one calendar year.

Reservations for comparable accommodations are based on availability and black-out dates apply.

Other expenses including but not limited to airfare, food and beverage, or catered services are not included or covered by this policy. The policy is subject to change at management’s discretion at any time without notice. Certain other terms and conditions apply. Starwood Caribbean Travel Interruption Policy applies to a hurricane as defined and validated by the National Hurricane Center only.

A hurricane is typically a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 74 mph or greater. Hurricane season runs through November 30.