Jetsettersblog

Value World Tours is offering a 10 percent discount on all 2009 river cruises to new passengers under deposit by Feb. 1. The company’s 32-page brochure includes cruises on the Eastern Danube, the Adriatic Sea, Russia and Ukraine. The Six-Country Danube Cruise is a 13-day program between Vienna and Bucharest. Fares begin at $2,699 plus $180 port charges per person, twin. The eight-day Five-Country Adriatic Cruise follows the Dalmatian coastline roundtrip from Koper, Slovenia. Fares start at $1,299 plus $192 port charges per person twin. A pre- and post-cruise hotel night package in Vienna is available. The 12-day Russian Waterways cruise between Moscow and St. Petersburg is priced from $1,999 plus $180 port taxes. In Ukraine, a 16-day itinerary between Kiev and Istanbul and a 13-day cruise between Kiev and Odessa are offered. The 13-day program begins at $1,599 plus $180 port charges.

A 16-page brochure offers 15- to 19-day China and Yangtze River programs. Land-cruise packages that include China’s major cities and balcony cabins start at $2,199 plus $80 port charges per person twin. A 15-day Mekong Delta Cruise in Vietnam and Cambodia includes Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap (gateway to the Angkor Wat temples), and a nine-night Mekong River voyage on the new 48-passenger Indochine. Land-cruise rates begin at $2,799 plus $132 port tax. A Grand Thailand Cruise includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and a four-day Kwai River cruise on a 20-passenger barge. The 12-day program begins at $1,899 plus $42 port taxes.

The 16-page Egypt brochure has programs ranging from 10 to 14 days. Cairo with a deluxe Nile cruise begins at $1,099 plus $60. Alexandria and Jordon extensions are available. Two new river cruise programs on India’s Brahmaputra River and Hooghly River, with Taj Mahal extensions, are also available.

 For more information, call 800-795-1633 or visit www.valuecruises.net

Orient Lines has revamped its rate structure in response to the current financial crisis. The line’s owner, entrepreneur Wayne Heller, has launched a new Leadership Pricing initiative, with 11-day Europe cruises priced from $1,799 per person, based on double occupancy. “The economy is still in a very, very precarious place,” Heller said.

“This is the time for Orient Lines to take a leadership position in the industry and truly do something that helps consumers. Our new Leadership Pricing translates to savings of up to $5,000 per cabin off brochure rates.” Heller purchased the assets of Orient Lines and is resurrecting the destination specialty line. Under the new rate structure, two 11-day Mediterranean cruises are priced from $1,799 per person, double, reduced from $2,999. Two 16-day Baltic cruise-tours, which include an overnight hotel stay and sightseeing in Berlin, are priced from $2,999 per person, double, reduced from $4,649.

The 11-day Aegean Odyssey departs Port Said, Egypt, on April 29, and visits Cyprus, Rhodes, Antalya, Didim and Kusadasi and Istanbul.

Overnights are scheduled for Cairo and Istanbul. Black Sea Explorer is an 11-day roundtrip from Istanbul departing May 9. Ports of call include Trabzon, Turkey; Batumi, Georgia; Sochi, Russia; Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa, Ukraine; and Nessebar, Bulgaria.

The round-trip Istanbul voyage includes an overnight aboard ship before departure. The line’s 16-day Great Baltics I and II cruise-tours operate between Dover (London) and Szcezin, Poland, and include a one-night hotel stay and city tour in Berlin. The highlight of the cruise is three full days in St. Petersburg, Russia. Ports of call include Amsterdam; Travemunde (Lubeck), Germany; Copenhagen; Stockholm; Helsinki; Tallinn, Estonia; and Riga, Latvia.

Savings are also offered on fall voyages. The Passage to Rio, departing Nov. 8, 2009, is a 20-day cruise from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro, priced from $1,799 per person, double. Ports include Malaga and Cadiz (Seville) in Spain; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Lanzarote, Canary Islands; Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands; and Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. An overnight is scheduled aboard ship in Rio de Janeiro.

As part of Orient’s Leadership Pricing initiative, the number of air gateways has doubled to 40 in North America. Round-trip economy class air add-on fares to Europe are priced from $695 from the East Coast, $795 from the Midwest and $895 from the West Coast. The maiden voyage of the Marco Polo II is set for April 15. The classic 650-guest Marco Polo II features four open-seating dining venues, six bars, a show lounge, cinema, casino, library and Internet center, card room, fitness center, spa with indoor pool and outdoor swimming pool. Experts from the fields of academia, politics, science and the diplomatic corps will be featured on every voyage.

On longer voyages, gentleman hosts will be along to dance and dine with unescorted female travelers. For more information, call 800-333-7300 or visit www.orientlines.com

Europcar - Prius - final.docWorkers and residents in and around London can now escape the city whilst saving fuel, congestion charge costs and their conscience with the availability of the Toyota Prius from Europcar. The UK’s leading vehicle rental organisation is now offering the Prius, the world’s first and most successful hybrid power vehicle, from all of its London locations.

Driving pleasure, comfort and space haven’t been sacrificed to provide an eco-car. Instead the Prius combines style and superb handling with state of the art technology needed in these environmentally conscious times.

The fleet of vehicles are exempt from the London Congestion Charge and can be driven certain distances using electric power only at the press of a button. This means zero emissions, less noise and better fuel economy – perfect for city and country driving alike.

“The availability of the Prius provides customers with an opportunity to put the hybrid to the test following news that Toyota aims to sell at least 1 million hybrid vehicles annually in the early part of the next decade.” said Catriona Lougher, Marketing Director for Europcar.

“Renting a car with Europcar is already a green choice as all our vehicles are on average just 3 months old and fitted with the latest technology to cut emissions. The average CO2 emission of our fleet is 157 g/km compared to the UK car parc of 164.9 g/km*. However, by making the Prius available we are bringing our customers a new way to drive greener that will also help them cut costs in terms of fuel and congestion charges. It’s all part of our commitment to exploit new manufacturer developments to bring customers the latest models to hit the road and a great rental experience.”

*Source SMMT 2007 report.

Reservations Phone: 1-800-626-0126Website: www.amawaterways.com

The Large and Luxurious Ship In Europe Offers Guests The Best In Service, Facilities, Amenities and More

MSC - sailing in fantasy with MSC Fantasia _Chi_ .pdfRaising the bar for the industry and setting a new standard in cruising, the MSC Fantasia will be christened on December 18, setting sail as the largest cruise ship ever built for a European operator. At 333 metres long, 38 metres wide and nearly 60 metres tall, the MSC Fantasia has – even before its launch – established itself as a pioneer in luxury cruise ship holidays.

Offering guests a staggering 27,000 square metres of public space with a host of choices for dining, relaxing, exercising and amusement, the ship’s offerings include: the Aurea SPA, 5 gourmet restaurants, 4 swimming pools, 1 with sliding glass roof, 12 state-of-the-art hydro-massage pools, shops, 20 bars, wine bar, coffee bar, a specially designed children’s area with the “water slide”, a Formula 1 simulator, a casino, and an interactive 4-D cinema.

A special addition to MSC Fantasia, this breathtaking ship will be the first to feature an exclusive, ultra-luxury VIP area, the MSC Yacht Club, which will offer discerning international travellers a choice of 99 spacious suites, a bar just for VIP guests, a skydome swimming pool, 2 hydro-massage pools and a dedicated observation lounge with a full-service bar. And, while relaxing in the impeccably designed VIP lounges or in the magnificent suites, VIP guests have access to a 24-hour butler service. The MSC Yacht Club has one mission: to delight its guests.

The care and attention to detail that the 1,325 crew members take to ensure that all 3,959 passengers enjoy a fabulous cruising experience is what sets MSC apart. Key to this is a corporate culture in which the beauty and joy found at sea are secured for years to come. In line with its efforts to implement sustainable programmes to safeguard the environment, the MSC Fantasia has been built with the most innovative, energy saving systems, water treatment programs, and the collection of recyclable goods like aluminium drink cans. Having won awards from a number of prestigious international bodies for its eco-conscious efforts, guests on the MSC Fantasia will know not only are they travelling in style, but they are also travelling green.

The health of the environment and of all guests is paramount to MSC, and the Aurea SPA, one of the world’s largest floating spas, has been designed to ensure the ultimate in relaxation and well-being. This authentic Balinese wellness centre will offer innovative treatments ranging from massages and body treatments, reflexology and lava stones, as well as uniquely-designed anti-ageing and muscular treatments performed by highly trained specialists. The 1,500 square metres of the Aurea SPA are divided into several areas: the Thalassotherapy Room, the Thermal Area, the Gymnasium, and the Relaxation Area.

With unparalleled size, never before seen luxury offerings, and some of the most unique spaces for total relaxation and indulgence, the MSC Fantasia marks a new era of cruising, and a revolutionary opportunity for holidays.

After MSC Fantasia comes into service this December, its sister MSC Splendida, which is also the largest fleets by European ship owner, will be christened next spring.

From Holiday Options

Holiday Options has launched its 2009 ‘Mediterranean & Atlantic Islands’
brochure – featuring Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Port Santo, Madeira, The
Azores, La Gomera and Cape Verde – and offering a wealth of new ideas and deals

There’s expansion in Corsica, with chambres d’hotes – often part of a family home - making their debut. An ideal way for visitors to experience rural life on the island, these village rooms are on offer in the Patrimonio and Porto Vecchio areas and are all inspected and licensed by local tourist boards.

Prices start at the twin share rate of £715 per person inclusive of return flights from Gatwick and half-board accommodation. Car hire can be arranged on request and flights are also available from Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester.

Other additions in Corsica include villas with pools, new hotels – including a former Franciscan monastery in Calvi – and a ‘Great Scenic Rail Adventure’ travelling through the mountains from Bastia to Ajaccio.

Further new ideas in the 2009 programme include:

• Madeira – ‘The Family Experience’ with ‘soft’ adventure and whale watching
• The Azores – short breaks in Ponta Delgada and/or Furnas, plus two UNESCO World Heritage Hotels
• Cape Verde - direct flights from Birmingham to Sal, plus a family-run boutique-style guesthouse on Boa Vista
• Sicily – the island of Pantelleria, plus more three-star hotels in Taormina and Giardini Naxos
• Sardinia – new flight from Edinburgh to Olbia
• The Canaries – the introduction of Tenerife

Prices in the brochure, valid between November 2008 and October 2009, lead in at £399 per person for seven nights at the Hotel San Marco in Sardinia inclusive of return flights from Gatwick, transfers and accommodation with breakfast.

Early booking incentives, for reservations made by 30 April 2009, include savings of up to £800 per couple on 14-night holidays on selected dates at the four-star Relais and Chateaux Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa on Corsica.

ATOL-bonded Holiday Options also offers the option of flexible holiday durations from three nights upwards, utilising a choice of airlines including scheduled, low-cost, as well as their own charters.

Reservations: 0844 477 0452, www.holidayoptions.co.uk

It’s a win, win, win situation. Book your ski holiday before 31st October and save £100 per person off the brochure price. This offer is valid on all Snowline and VIP chalets in all resorts for the weeks of 4th/11th/18th January 2009 and 8th March 2009, plus Christmas week in Morzine (21st December 2008).

Snowline and VIP offer an extensive range of chalets in some of the most desirable ski resorts in the Alps. From chic contemporary apartments to substantial, detached properties, each chalet has its own individual charm and unique style. Many are ski in or out, most have hot tubs and all come with DVD libraries and board games for cosy evenings around the fire. Whether it’s for larger families or couples, there is a chalet to suit everyone.

The early bird definitely gets the worm and with Val d’Isère, Zermatt and La Plagne all located at high altitudes, you are guaranteed snow throughout the season. It’s also guaranteed you’ll enjoy a warm stay and superb service; post piste spa treatments and massages, fine dining and all-day care for children by fully qualified and vetted nannies. So what are you waiting for…get ahead of the crowds and book now

Sample Saver Week Prices:

VIP (0844 557 3119; www.vip-chalets.com) offer 7 nights at Chalet Madrisah (sleeps Saver Week on 8 January 2009 at £779 per person including return flights from London, transfers and accommodation on a catered basis.

Snowline (0844 557 3118; www.snowline.co.uk)  offer 7 nights at Chalet Atilla (sleeps 14) Saver Week on 11 January 2009 at £509 per person including return flights from London, transfers and accommodation on a catered basis.

Two new ski-in/ski-out chalets

Free ski instructor or ski guide early booking offer

The best chalet cooked meals available in Les Trois Vallées

Chalet specialists Fish & Pips has added to its reputation as the market leader in supplying quality, gourmet ski holidays to Les Trois Vallées, by expanding its ski-in/ski-out chalet portfolio in Méribel for the 2008/9 ski season.

Staying true to its original philosophy, the programme is once again focused towards providing guests with exceptional cuisine, an outstanding collection of chateau and domaine-bottled wines and highly qualified staff.

Now in its fourth year the company was founded by experienced seasonaires and Cordon Bleu trained chefs Holly Fisher (the ‘Fish’) and Philippa Eyles (the ‘Pips’). Eyles comments: “The two new chalet additions fit perfectly with our existing portfolio, which has been very well received by visitors – with over 65% of our guests either being recommended to us or coming back for yet another ski holiday with Fish & Pips.”

New for 2008/9 are the ski-in/ski out five-bedroom Chalet du Guide (sleeps up to 12) and three-bedroom Chalet L’Ours (sleeps six). Both chalets are picturesque, traditional Savoyard style properties and are situated just moments from the ski lifts and village centre.

The price of a week’s stay at the Chalet du Guide, which also has its own hot-tub, starts from just £495 pp (week commencing 13 December), rising to £935 pp during half-term week (commencing 14 February).

A week’s stay at Chalet L’Ours starts from just £715 pp (week commencing 21 or 28 February), rising to £875 pp during half-term week (commencing 14 February).

Continues Eyles: “We continue to be 100% focused towards providing our guests with exceptional cuisine, and the only way to achieve this is by employing highly qualified and experienced chefs (unlike other tour operators who send inexperienced staff on a one week learn-to-cook course). With complete autonomy in the kitchen, allowing them to let their creative juices flow, we are confident that our chefs will provide guests with the best chalet cooked meals available in Les Trois Vallées this winter.”

As an added bonus, guests booking an entire chalet this winter, will also receive a free afternoon of ski guiding or instruction from a Parallel Lines ski instructor. Whether beginner or advanced, skier or snowboarder, adult or child, the British instructor will adapt the afternoon to fit with your requirements.

All prices include seven nights’ catered chalet accommodation (daily breakfast and afternoon tea plus a four-course evening meal six days a week with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks). Flights and transfers extra.

Please telephone Fish & Pips on 01483 421 777, or visit www.fishandpips.co.uk or further details.

Pierre Graff, chairman and CEO of Aéroports de Paris, and Jean-Cyril Spinetta, chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM, inaugurated the new terminal 2G at Paris-Charles de Gaulle on Sept. 9, in the presence of Christine Lagarde, Minister for the Economy, Industry and Employment of France. The decision to build Terminal 2G corresponded to two fundamental desires — AirFrance and its regional subsidiaries, Brit Air, City Jet and Régional, wanted to consolidate their traffic in a single location, and Aéroports de Paris wanted to increase its handling capacity to support the growth in traffic within the Schengen area.

The new terminal has more gate parking stands, improved connections for passengers and a new lane for aircraft to minimized taxiing time and save on fuel. It also has gate-parked aircraft, easier international connections, rapid baggage check-in system and simplified access, all designed to reduce operating costs. The new terminal is designed to handle the needs of disabled and reduced-mobility passengers, and has new services for business travelers.

Once terminal 2G enters into service, flights will be operated to the following 20 destinations: France: Clermont-Ferrand (Brit Air & Régional), Limoges (Airlinair for Brit Air), Mulhouse-Basle (Régional), Pau (Régional), Rennes (Airlinair for Brit Air), Strasbourg (Brit Air);? Germany: Bremen (Régional), Hanover (Régional), Leipzig (Régional), Munster (Régional), Nuremberg (Régional); Spain: Bilbao (Brit Air), Vigo (Régional); Italy: Florence (City Jet), Genova (Brit Air), Pisa (Brit Air), Trieste (Brit Air), Verona (Régional); Slovenia: Ljubljana (Régional); and Sweden:

 Gothenburg (City Jet, Régional). There is a 750-space parking lot adjacent to the terminal, 18 self-service check-in kiosks, 10 self-service transfer kiosks, 12 baggage drop-off points including one specially designed for reduced-mobility passengers, 8 customer information points including one specially designed for reduced-mobility passengers, 20 boarding gates and 12 disembarkation gates. The new terminal can handle about 70 flights per day.

For more information, visit www.aeroportsdeparis.fr

The Eurail Group is bringing out several special edition extended rail passes, offering free travel days good for travel throughout Europe in the spring. With fewer crowds, lower airfares and more availability in hotels, spring is a good time to travel to Europe.

Tourist attractions, such as museums and monuments, are less crowded and the weather is also pleasant. Eurail is launching a special off-peak promotion, offering free travel days on two of its products: the Eurail Select Pass and the Eurail Global Pass.

The Eurail Select Pass allows customers to choose three or more adjoining countries in which to travel, enabling a tailor-made rail pass. For those wishing to cover more ground, a Eurail Global Pass gives travelers access to 21 participating countries from January.

Customers buying a 15- or 21-day Eurail Global Pass will instead receive 21 days or one month, respectively. The Eurail Select Pass 3 Countries, valid for six or eight days within two months, now comes with an additional two travel days.

These passes go on sale worldwide (outside of Europe) from Oct. 1.

To be eligible for the additional travel days, passes must be purchased before the end of November. Travel can start as from March 1 and must be completed by May 31.

All Eurail Passes are available from Eurail’s network of authorized Sales Agents worldwide: ACP Rail International (www.eurail-acprail.com);

Eurail (www.Eurail.com); Flight Centre (www.flightcentre.com);

www.OctopusTravel.com;

Rail Europe (North America: www.raileurope.com,

rest of the world: www.raileurope.fr),

and STA Travel (www.statravel.com)