Jetsettersblog

MLT Vacations launched a Caribbean sale offering up to 10,000 bonus miles per person and reduced rates or additional amenities at select resorts throughout the Caribbean through the Delta Vacations and United Vacations brands. The sale is open for bookings through Feb. 18, for travel April 1 to Sept. 30.

MLT is promoting its Caribbean product in an effort to build on an impressive year in the Caribbean in 2011, when the company grew business in the Caribbean by 46 percent over the previous year.

MLT Vacations offers a variety of hotels, rental cars and activities in the Caribbean. MLT Vacations manages multiple vacation brands, including Delta Vacations, in partnership with Air France Holidays and Alitalia Vacations, United Vacations, and Worry-Free Vacations.

For more information, call 800-727-1111.

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.

Seven-Day Sailings From $1,599 Per Person

Seattle- Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, launches “Caribbean On Sail,” offering exceptional savings on seven-day Caribbean voyages with fares starting from $1,599 per person, based on double occupancy, when booked by November 15, 2011.

Three itineraries are available on “Caribbean On Sail” and each one features intimate and exclusive island-hopping experiences in the tropics all while sailing on a luxurious sailing yacht.

Windstar’s Flavors of the Caribbean Voyage presents a unique collection of islands and highlights diverse countries, styles, landscapes and cultures of the Caribbean. Seven-day sailings on Wind Surf roundtrip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy.

Flavors of the Caribbean Departures:

• December 17, 2011 with fares from $1,599 per person, double occupancy

• December 31, 2011 with fares from $2,399 per person, double occupancy

• January 14; and February 11, 2012 with fares from $2,099 per person, double occupancy

• January 28; February 25; and March 10, 2012 with fares from $1,999 per person, double occupancy

Experience the glitter and glam of the Caribbean’s yachting scene with overnights in Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Windstar’s Yachtsman’s Caribbean Voyage.

Seven-day sailings on Wind Surf roundtrip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten visit Soper’s Hole, Tortola; Jost van Dyke, B.V.I. (overnight); Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. (overnight); Basseterre, St. Kitts; Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; and Gustavia, St. Barthelemy.

Yachtsman’s Caribbean Departures:

• January 7; February 18; and March 3, 2012 with fares from $1,999 per person, double occupancy
• February 4, 2012 with fares from $2,099 per person, double occupancy

Visit the unspoiled islands of the southern Grenadines, overnight in the beautiful Tobago Keys and discover the rugged natural beauty of St. Lucia and beyond on Windstar’s Jewels of the Windward Islands Voyage.

Seven-day sailings on Wind Spirit roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados visit Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Bequia, St. Vincent, Grenadines; Tobago Keys, St. Vincent, Grenadines (overnight); Mayreau, St. Vincent, Grenadines; and St. George’s, Grenada.

Jewels of the Windward Islands Departures:

• December 17, 2011 with fares from $1,599 per person, double occupancy

• December 24 and 31, 2011 with fares from $2,399 per person, double occupancy

• January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 25; March 10, and 17, 2012 with fares from $1,999 per person, double occupancy

• February 4, 2012 with fares from 2,099 per person, double occupancy

Fares listed are per person, based on double occupancy, for Category B stateroom. Fares are in US dollars, cruise only, and include non-discountable amounts. Taxes are additional. Offer is not combinable with any other promotional offers. New bookings only. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at Windstar’s discretion at any time. Certain restrictions apply. Offer expires November 15, 2011.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious yachts of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at WindstarCruises.com. Windstar Cruises can also be followed on Windstar’s Facebook and Twitter fan pages.

Co-organised by Montserrat Running Club, the Montserrat Tourist Board and Sports Department, a strenuous but unique Caribbean running course has been set against a backdrop of glorious mountain and sea views. Not for the faint-hearted, this hilly and challenging course passes close to some of the key tourism attractions on the island, in particular the active Soufrière Hills Volcano (which, after laying dormant for over half a century, rumbled back to life in 1995 and has been active ever since).

Other sights along the route include the Blakes Football Field, Carrs Bay, Little Bay, the Montserrat Cultural Centre, Runaway Ghaut and the entrance of AIR Studios, which has seen many famous faces such as Sting, Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney.

Building on the success of the half marathon in the first two years, this run is pegged to be even more popular than before. The route of this year’s Volcano Half Marathon has changed slightly and will start from Lookout Point, to accommodate higher numbers of runners. This year there will also be a bigger cash prize, totalling £3,145.

Lush green and mountainous, Montserrat lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of Leeward Islands.

It can be reached from neighbouring Antigua in less than 20 minutes by plane or just over ninety minutes by ferry. The island has a range of high quality, friendly guesthouses, self-catering villas, one hotel and a new eco-lodge and campground, where runners interested in participating in the Volcano Half Marathon and Fun Run can stay.

For more information about Montserrat and for registration visit http://www.volcanorunner.com/ or for more information on the island visit www.visitmontserrat.com  or call 020 7928 1600.

Montserrat is gearing up to host its third annual Volcano Half Marathon, the only event of its kind in the world, on 26 November – but if the event sounds too strenuous for you, here are some more reasons to visit one of the few islands that represent what a true Caribbean holiday used to be like, before massive cruise ships, casinos and hotels took over…

1. Fast Food Chains And Traffic Jams – We Don’t Think So! Montserrat has no fast food chain restaurants. Local delicacies include sumptuous lobster burgers, fried mountain chicken (frog legs) or goat water (like an Irish Stew but with goat meat chunks). You will also find no traffic jams. ‘Congestion’ involves about five cars and the occasional goat or donkey.

2. Luxury Villa Holidays At Bed & Breakfast Prices – Montserrat boasts a number of luxurious villas at rental rates that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Weekly rates for a fully furnished villa with a pool, full kitchen, garden and all amenities start around $700 (about £440) per week. The villas offer ample room, lots of privacy and of course stunning views.

3. Montserrat’s Free Pouring Rum Shops – Lime the night away in one of the island’s many rum shops (bars). Don’t be surprised when you order a mixed drink to be given the entire bottle for you to pour it for yourself – at no additional cost. Talk to the locals in the bars where stories are told about Sting, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Elton John and other celebrities who frequented Montserrat often in the 1980s to use the famed Air Recording Studio. Make sure you try some bush rum (various local herbs steeped in strong white rum), which locals say will cure any cold.

4. Irish Heritage – Originally settled by the Irish, Montserrat boasts a strong Irish Heritage. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday with a week of colourful celebrations, Montserrat style. As soon as you arrive and the Immigration Officer puts a green shamrock stamp in your passport, you will realise that you are in an extraordinary place.

5. Montserrat Still Growing In Size – Montserrat is the only part of the British Empire that is still growing (the island is a British territory). Pyroclastic and other flows in the Exclusion Zone areas as a result of volcanic activity continue to increase the physical size of the island. Officially, Montserrat is 39 square-miles but in reality, it’s more like 41 square-miles.

5+1. Everyone’s A Volcanologist – Montserrat has the highest number of volcanologists per capita in the world. Start a conversation with any resident and easily, terms like pyroclastic flows, lahars, deformation, hybrid earthquakes, conduit, lava chute and Teutonic plates become integrated into the conversation. Be patient and take in the geography lesson, as you might be told to “kiss my ash.”

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

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.

Shamrock Moorings Plus will also offer convenient amenities to visiting boaters such as ice delivery, garbage removal, laundry, and boat bottom cleaning services. These services will allow visitors to have more time to experience the island’s culture and local attractions such as volcano watching, white and black sand beaches, scuba diving, snorkelling, guided tours, hiking and local cuisine.

Another important advantage to the new mooring project is the reduction of environmental impact to the coral reefs as a result of falling anchors. Little Bay and Rendezvous Bay are perfect locations for scuba divers and snorkellers as they are located only two minutes from some of the island’s most popular dive sites, and preserving these is vital.

Mooring rental starts from US$20 (£12) per day for smaller vessels and if five days or longer are booked the last day will be free of charge.

For more information and rates on the mooring project visit https://sites.google.com/site/shamrockmooringsplus/home

or for more information about Montserrat visit

www.visitmontserrat.com

or call 020 7928 1600.

MSC Cruises is offering “Baseball Greats” theme cruises in the Caribbean aboard the MSC Poesia, featuring former Major League Baseball stars, from $549 plus government fees and taxes. The host and emcee for all of the onboard activities on each cruise is former New York Yankees pitcher Stan Bahnsen.

The cruises offer free guest/player activities, including a player-hosted trivia game, a question-and-answer session, a guest pitching contest, a story-telling session and a free autograph session, as well as hitting, fielding, base running and defense strategy clinics hosted by baseball players.

All of these cruises are roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and include

a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise departing Nov. 19;

a 10-night Western Caribbean cruise departing Dec. 6;

a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise departing Jan. 14;

a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing Feb. 18;

and a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing March 3.

For more information, call 877-665-4655 or visit

www.msccruisesusa.com

Star Clippers is offering free roundtrip air and savings of up to $400 per person off brochure fares on select Caribbean and Costa Rica sailings during the upcoming winter season.

The departures from November through March range from six to 11 days.

Eleven gateways qualify for the free roundtrip air either to Barbados, St. Maarten or San Jose, Costa Rica, while several West Coast gateways feature reduced round-trip rates for as low as $145.

Royal Clipper, the 227-passenger flagship, sails two seven-night, roundtrip Barbados itineraries. The Windward Islands itinerary calls at St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique.

The Grenadine Islands itinerary calls at the Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent, Bequia, Martinique and St. Lucia. Two special 10- and 11-night sailings in March also qualify for the offer.

The 170-passenger Star Clipper sails two seven-night itineraries roundtrip from St. Maarten. The Treasure Islands itinerary calls at Anguilla, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, Tortola, Jost van Dyke, St. Kitts and St. Bart’s.

The Leeward Islands itinerary visits Nevis or Saba, Dominica, Iles de Saintes, Guadeloupe, Antigua and St. Barts.

Star Flyer returns to Costa Rica for a second season with two seven-night itineraries roundtrip from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica.

The first route calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; and Playa del Coco, National Park Santa Rosa, Puerto Carrillo and National Reserve of Curu/Isla Tortugas, Costa Rica.

The second itinerary calls at Isla Gamez, Panama; and Golfito, Isla del Cano, Quepos and National Reserve of Curu/Isla Tortugas.

Cruise fares for both Caribbean and Costa Rica sailings begin at $1,990 per person, double occupancy, which includes the free air, up to $400 off the brochure rates and port charges.

An air tax and transfers are additional to the cruise fare.

For more information, call 800-442-0551

or visit

www.starclippers.com

Getting to Montserrat just got easier with the announcement of new daily flights between Montserrat and Antigua by SVG Air (St. Vincent Grenadines Air).

Two daily return flights (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) will commence on Tuesday 15 March, just in time for the busy St. Patrick’s Festival on Montserrat – it is the only country outside Ireland where St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. The one-way airfare per passenger is US$74 (£45) plus taxes.

Montserrat is only a 20-minute flight from Antigua. Fly Montserrat also offers daily flights between the two islands.

Montserrat is also accessible from Antigua by ferry (approximately a two-hour journey).

The island is becoming a favourite day trip destination for for British holidaymakers in the Caribbean, with year-on-year figures showing that UK day visits to the island more than trebled (216 from January to July 2010, as opposed to 68 in the same period in 2009).

For more information about the new flights please contact abm-air@svgair.com  or monair@candw.ms

For more information about visiting Montserrat please go to

www.visitmontserrat.com

 or call 020 7928 1600.

Montserrat is becoming a firm favourite for British day trippers in the Caribbean, with year-on-year figures showing that UK day visits to the island more than trebled: according to the latest official statistics, 216 British passport holders visited the island from January to July 2010, as opposed to 68 in the same period in 2009. In total, the island received 1,029 day trips.

The island is easily accessible from Antigua, either by plane (a short 20-minute flight) or by ferry, approximately a two-hour journey, while helicopter tours are also available. A famous celebrity hangout in the 1980s, Montserrat was severely battered by hurricane Hugo in 1989 and, a few years later, the Soufrière Hills volcano woke up, covering the southern half of the island with ash and mudflows.

Today Montserrat’s feeling of ‘the way the Caribbean used to be’ strikes a real chord with British day trippers: the island combines breathtaking beautiful landscapes and the Caribbean’s friendliest people with colourful festivals and, of course, an active volcano!

Ernestine Cassell, Director of Tourism of the Montserrat Tourist Board, commented:

“We are very heartened by these optimistic tourism numbers for 2010, especially since the tourism sector in Montserrat has had some difficult years. We have an excellent tourism product to offer the discerning and adventurous traveller and we are committed to our product development initiatives on the island, in order to ensure further development of the tourism sector, and even more visitors for 2011″.

Montserrat has more Facebook fans than inhabitants and, through its Facebook page, it keeps its solid community of fans up to date with events, activities and the latest developments on the island. It also serves as an interactive platform where people can share images, exchange ideas and get in touch directly with the Montserrat Tourism Board.

For more information about visiting Montserrat please go to www.visitmontserrat.com or call 020 7928 1600. For the Montserrat Facebook page please go to www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat