Jetsettersblog

St. Martin Radisson Guest Enrichments

The new Radisson St Martin Resort, Marina & Spa, scheduled to open in late summer, has introduced a signature Guest Enrichment Program designed to enhance the total guest experience.

Guests at the resort can add to their experience with a cooking class, instruction in massage techniques and French lessons. Currently undergoing an $80 million transformation, Radisson St Martin is slated to open in late summer at Anse Marcel — a secluded cove on the French side of St Martin.

The ocean-front luxury property will feature 63 suites and 189 guestrooms; a signature beachfront restaurant with al fresco dining; casual, market-style eatery; lobby tapas bar; showcase zero-entry infinity pool; full-service spa and fitness center; 7,500 square feet of meeting space and 150-slip marina.

Radisson St Martin Resort, Marina & Spa is part of Radisson Resorts ongoing expansion in the Caribbean and will be their second resort in the Caribbean along with the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa.

Call 800-333-3333 or visit www.radisson.com/stmartin

Holland America Cruises New Pan-Asian Restaurant

Holland America Line’s new Eurodam features a new Pan-Asian restaurant called Tamarind. The 144-seat restaurant will serve reservations-only lunch and dinner. The complimentary lunch menu will feature dim sum, an assortment of Asian dumplings and fusion sauces for dipping.

Soup and salad, as well as desserts-such as green tea tiramisu and mango sorbet-will also be included on the lunch menu.

For dinner, guests can order Asian-inspired cuisine off of the menu or choose Rijsttafel, a Dutch adaptation of the traditional Indonesia dinner. To complement the traditional offerings at Tamarind, Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has created Asian-inspired entrees.

The Silk Den, a new lounge adjacent to Tamarind, will overlook the magradome, offering guests a view of a new, poolside water feature. A full menu of Asian-themed specialty cocktails including Sakétinis will be served.

Dinner at Tamarind will cost $15 per person with the Rijsttafel costing $20 per person. Lunch is complimentary.

The 2,104-guest Eurodam was christened July 1 in Rotterdam with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, followed by a maiden voyage in the Baltic region.

The ship will offer its first trans-Atlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008.

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.

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.

Discovery Fishing for Angling Visitors

Discovery at Marigot Bay on the scenic west coast of St Lucia is offering a special summer package which is sure to reel in fishing enthusiasts.

During the summer months, the waters surrounding this eastern Caribbean gem become calmer and clearer as the tradewinds diminish and the temperatures get warmer.

They also become fertile fishing grounds with an abundance of Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish and Dorado.

Taking advantage of the ideal fishing conditions, anglers can now enjoy a four night stay at the beautiful five star Discovery at Marigot Bay with the added bonus of two exciting sport and game fishing excursions on a private fishing boat.

You don’t have to be a professional to have fun… If you’ve never fished before, don’t worry, our experienced fishing boat crew will be happy to show you the ropes. Meanwhile, experienced anglers can come and enjoy the thrill of new fishing grounds.

What’s included:

+ Four nights accommodation in a Resort View room or a Resort View Suite for two persons including all taxes at the luxurious Discovery at Marigot Bay resort

+ Full American breakfast each morning

+ Airport transfers

+ Two, half day Sport Fishing outings for two persons (this includes Captain, crew, fishing equipment, soft drinks, beers, rum punch and water on board. Max four per boat)

Total Cost

Resort View Room: US$2091
Resort View Suite: US$2655
Extra adult sharing (in suite only, sofa bed): US$580 (includes breakfast and fishing) Child under 12 sharing (in suite only): US$290

Additional Night Rate

Resort View Room Accommodation US$264.00
Resort View Suite Accommodation US$405.00

Valid to November 21, 2008

For more information, visit the Discovery website:

www.discoverystlucia.com or telephone: +1 758 458 5300

Discovery at Marigot Bay blends into its beautiful surroundings enhancing the natural loveliness of the bay described as “the most beautiful in the Caribbean” by novelist James A Michener. Opened November 30, 2006, the luxury Discovery resort provides guests with every possible modern facility. The 57 suites (half with private plunge pools) and 35 rooms feature spacious verandahs affording stunning views of the bay below. The interiors are a stylish combination of contemporary chic, state of the art fittings and Caribbean pizzazz. The world class Lapli Spa, fitness centre, watersports, marina, shopping, bars and restaurants make Discovery at Marigot Bay the ultimate holiday experience. Discovery is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World.

Continental Airlines Vacations Launches Riu Sale

Continental Airlines Vacations has launched a sale on Riu Hotels & Resorts, offering savings of up to 37 percent on packages to a choice of 17 all-inclusive Riu properties in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Bookings are being accepted now for travel throughout summer 2008.

Savings of 30 percent or higher are available on packages to eight Riu Resorts, including Riu Tropical Bay Negril (37 percent), Riu Paradise Island (35 percent), Riu Bambu Punta Cana (32 percent), Riu Santa Fe Cabo San Lucas (31 percent) and Riu Caribe Cancun (30 percent) where kids also stay free. Savings of 20 percent or higher are available on packages to seven Riu Resorts, including Riu Palace Riviera Maya (27 percent), Riu Jalisco Vallarta Nayarit (23 percent), Riu Cancun (23 percent) and Riu Tropical Bay Negril (20 percent).

This promotion is valid on new bookings of air-inclusive packages to select Riu Hotels & Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. Effective travel and booking windows vary by resort. Fly/drive packages and group bookings are not eligible, and additional booking, ticketing and travel restrictions may apply.

Miami Cruise Capital of The World

(MIAMI) – Long known as the “Cruise Capital of the World,” Miami is ranked 8th among the nation’s leading seaports and is now home to nine major cruise lines. The Port of Miami handles more than 3.7 million cruise passengers annually and on a single day in December 2007 served a record nine cruise ships carrying 30,000 passengers.

Cruise travelers can choose from a wide variety of destinations, including the Bahamas, Mexico, Caribbean, South America, Europe, the Far East and other exotic ports of call around the world. Fun-filled itineraries range from just four days to fourteen days or more.

What savvy travelers have learned, however, is to add a few days to their travel plans to take full advantage of pre- and post-cruise activities in Greater Miami.

Families love to explore the Florida Everglades, Jungle Island, Miami Children’s Museum and the Miami Seaquarium, while trendy South Beach, with its world-famous Art Deco District is a must-see for everyone. The Miami Design Preservation League offers self-guided taped tours or guided walking/ biking tours of the most astounding of the 800+ Art Deco buildings.

Miami has also been on a meteoric rise as a serious culinary destination. The city is home to more than 6,000 dining spots ranging from casual al fresco cafes to serious seen-and-be-seen restaurants serving flavor-packed “Floribbean” cuisine. The nightlife – which has been attracting big name celebrities in droves – is also legendary for its chic bars and red-hot dance clubs.

For those who love to shop, venues include the nearby Bayside Market Place, as well as the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops and Village at Merrick Park. Lincoln Road and “Miracle Mile” in Coral Gables are also chock-a-block with shops. Ladies – and increasingly gentlemen – may also want to indulge in a day at one of Miami’s many top-notch spas.

Those who want to squeeze in a little history or culture pre- or post-cruise should head straight to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or one of Miami’s other fine museums, including the Miami Art Museum, the Wolfsonian Museum and the Bass Museum.

Fueled in part by the skyrocketing success of Art Basel Miami Beach, art galleries also abound.

Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in world-class fishing, sailing wreck diving and snorkeling. Kayaking is a great way to navigate the waters of Biscayne Bay and Miami’s inland waterways and canoe trips for every possible interest are offered by the Miami Dade Parks and Recreation Department. Award-winning golf courses and tennis complexes also punctuate the landscape.

Cruise visitors can also partake in the colorful festivals staged by Miami throughout the year. Among the most notable are Art Deco Weekend (January), Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami International Boat Show, and South Beach Wine & Food Festival (February), Carnaval Miami (March) showcasing Miami’s Latin flavor, and Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival (May/June), where Coconut Grove is transformed into Nassau’s Bay Street. Every August and September, more than 60 of the city’s top restaurants take part in Miami Spice Restaurant Month, offering their patrons substantial savings on three-course meals.

While Miami rolls out the red carpet for its cruise visitors – including a state-ofthe- art passenger terminal and reasonable fares for long-term parking – the city also extends a warm welcome for those who want to extend their stays and sample all the sophisticated, multicultural city has to offer.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com  or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000.

Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com  Logon now.