Jetsettersblog

In June, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will operate its first itinerary through the Sea of Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East, on the Hanseatic. The bilingual cruise will depart Otaru, Japan, on June 13 and concluding in Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka, on June 30. The 17-day expedition voyage will sail through the Sea of Okhotsk and its many islands, as well as to Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. The cruise is priced from $10,832 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin.

Best Western International continues its global expansion with the addition of the company’s first Plus hotel in Russia, the Best Western Plus Spasskaya Hotel, in the country’s oldest Russian settlement in Siberia, Tyumen. The hotel is a newly constructed hotel and features 84 rooms with mini-bar, free Wi-Fi, interactive TV, beds with orthopedic mattress, antiallergenic pillows and blankets.

The four-star property, which features seven suites (including the Presidential Suite), features a full-service restaurant serving international cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a lobby bar with a grand fireplace. The hotel also features a business center, health club and gift shop. The property is located in the heart of the historical centre of Tyumen on one of the main streets of the city and is Best Western’s third hotel in Russia.

Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts, is introducing three new Baltic itineraries this summer on the 312-guest Wind Surf. All three itineraries feature two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights in embarkation or disembarkation port cities.

“Capitals of Scandinavia” allows guests to experience the beauty, culture and city life of Scandinavia. They can explore Oslo’s parks and architecture; the palaces, canals and copper spires of Copenhagen; and the contrast of minimalist design and spice-colored buildings of Stockholm. Seven-day sailings between Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden visit Stromstad, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark (overnight); Rugen, Germany; and Bornholm, Denmark, and depart July 27 and August 19, 2012. Two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo or Stockholm, are priced from $2,799 per person.

“Best of the Baltic” features an overnight in St. Petersburg. Wind Surf docks close to the center of each port—just steps away from the grand capitals and hamlets. Guests can explore the treasures of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage and the city’s charming cafes.

Seven-day sailings roundtrip from Stockholm, Sweden visit Mariehamn, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Sandhamn, Sweden, with departures Aug. 3 and 11, 2012.

Cruises, including two free hotel nights per cabin in Stockholm, start from $3,699 per person.

“Treasures of Northern Europe” features three sailing days, plus the best of Northern Europe and overnights in Oslo and Amsterdam.

Guests can explore Northern Europe’s legendary cities and stand in the presence of some of the world’s great art masterpieces.

Eleven-day sailings between Lisbon, Portugal and Oslo, Norway visit Le Havre, France; Dover, Great Britain; Antwerp, Belgium; and Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight), with departures July 16 and Aug. 26, 2012.

Cruises with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Lisbon or Oslo, start from $2,499 per person. Seven-day sailings, LeHavre to Oslo or reverse, are also available from $2,199, with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo.

All fares are per person cruise only, based on double occupancy in category B and include non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional ($35-$300 per person).

Two-for-one cruise fares are based on 50 percent of published full cruise fares as shown on select sailings. The two-night complimentary hotel offer is available per booked cabin, is applicable on select sailings and includes one complimentary transfer to or from the yacht, all tips, gratuities, taxes and luggage-handling fees.

General Tours is offering savings of $300 per person on all its Russia trips, including its Small Group,

Privately Guided and Small Ship Journeys products. The eight-day Historic Gems of Russia program explores the must-see sights of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Armory Museum, Catherine Palace, and Peterhof are all incorporated into the itinerary, so clients do not have to purchase optional tours to see them. The program includes less-visited gems like the Church of the Intercession and Alexandrov, the capital of Ivan the Terrible.

With private touring just for the client’s traveling party, Discover Moscow & St. Petersburg is a flexible seven-day tour which guests can tailor to their style and budget with a choice of fine city-center hotels.

From China to Russia by Private Train is a 15-day trip that combines an epic Trans Siberian rail journey with Small Group sightseeing and hotel stays in Beijing, Moscow and St. Petersburg. In partnership with AMAWaterways, General Tours also offers a Russian Waterways trip aboard the inviting MS Katarina — newly reconstructed and renovated for 2012. For more information, call 800-221-2216.

Marriott International has opened the 171-room Courtyard by Marriott Moscow Paveletskaya. Centrally located in the heart of Moscow’s business district and within a five-minute walk of Paveletskaya railway station, the hotel offers easy access to Domodedovo International airport.

The Courtyard by Marriott Moscow Paveletskaya is Marriott International’s sixth Courtyard in Russia. Large well-lit work desks and ergonomic chairs allow guests to maintain productivity while on the road. Health-conscious guests can also take advantage of the on-site fitness center. With more than 910 locations in 36 countries, Courtyard is Marriott’s largest brand. Two-hundred additional Courtyard by Marriott hotels will open around the world over the next three years.

Rezidor has announced the addition of the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel in Sochi to its portfolio of Russian hotels.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide and the leading international hotel operator in Russia/CIS, has announced the addition of a new hotel to its portfolio – the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel, Sochi. The property, located in Sochi, Russia, features 500 rooms and is scheduled to open its doors in Q1 2013.

“We are delighted to add this hotel to our growing Russian portfolio. The property will enjoy a beachfront location and comprise one of the largest conference centers in Russia – it will be a true landmark,” said Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor.

Abbas Aliev, President of Hotel Development CJSC, commented on the project, saying: “Our development will follow the most modern and ecological construction standards. The property will be the first hotel project built within the frame of preparation for the Winter Olympics in 2014. We are glad to start this project together with Rezidor, a highly recognized hospitality company, and are looking forward to a successful cooperation.”

Besides 500 modern guest rooms with Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access, the hotel will offer a comprehensive range of food and beverages, including an all-day restaurant, 2 specialty restaurants, 2 bars and a nightclub. In addition, the 15,000 square meter congress centre will offer a 1,500 square meter banquet hall, numerous conference and meeting rooms, and a dedicated press centre. Leisure facilities will include indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, and a kids club.

Rezidor expects the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel, Sochi to be a year-round destination. In summer, the nearby beaches will beckon sun-starved Russian families. In winter, Sochi’s soon -to-be famous ski slopes will be within easy reach via a planned high-speed rail and during spring and autumn the hotel’s substantial congress centre will accommodate conferences, delegations and other events. The hotel is already under construction and the opening in early 2013 will allow one year of preparation before the Winter Olympics.

Sochi is currently undergoing a major transformation from a regional tourist hub into a global tourism destination. Massive development is underway to improve the infrastructure and create new and modern attractions, including theme parks, stadiums and enhanced ski facilities.

Sochi’s main stadium will also host the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. With such ambitious plans, the Sochi area has become a focus for Rezidor’s business development and the group is already operating the Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel, Sochi. Signed projects under development include two ski resorts in nearby Rosa Khutor (Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson), and two Park Inn by Radisson hotels in the city center of Sochi.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group:
The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 415 hotels in operation and under development with 90,000 rooms in over 60 countries including hotels in Berlin, hotels in Hamburg, hotel Vienna, hotel Sharm el Sheikh and hotel Cape Town.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn by Radisson in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the Club Carlson loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni. In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, based in Minneapolis (USA), is the majority shareholder.

The Corporate office of the Rezidor Hotel Group is based in Brussels, Belgium. For more information on Rezidor, visit www.rezidor.com

The Russian ski resort area of Sochi, site of the 2014 Winter Olympics, continues what may be the largest tourism driven transformation in the world today from a regional tourist hub into a global tourism destination. Massive developments are underway to improve the infrastructure and create new and modern attractions, including theme parks, stadiums and enhanced ski facilities.

The Rezidor Hotel Group will open the 500-room Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel, Sochi in early 2013. The property will be the first hotel project built within the frame of preparation for the Winter Olympics in 2014. Situated directly on the Black Sea, the resort will offer signature Radisson Blu amenities such as complimentary high-speed Internet access. Radisson Blu Sochi will also offer an all-day restaurant, two specialty restaurants, two bars and a nightclub. In addition, the 161,000-square-foot congress center will include a 16,000-square-foot banquet hall, numerous conference and meeting rooms, and a dedicated press center. Leisure facilities will include indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, tennis courts and a kids club.

Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel, Sochi will be a year-round destination. In summer, the nearby beaches will welcome sun-friendly families. In winter, Sochi’s Olympic ski slopes will be within easy reach via a planned high-speed rail. During spring and autumn, the hotel’s substantial congress center will accommodate conferences, delegations and other events.

Sochi’s main stadium will host the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. With such ambitious plans, the Sochi area has become a focus for Rezidor’s business development. The group already operates the Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel, Sochi. Signed projects under development include two ski resorts in nearby Rosa Khutor (Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson), and two Park Inn by Radisson hotels in the city center of Sochi.

The InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya, which was initially announced last year, officially opened on Monday, Dec. 5. The hotel is situated on Russia’s most famous street and is a couple of minutes from important Moscow landmarks including the Kremlin and Red Square.

Thirty minutes from Sheremetjevo International Airport and within walking distance of four of Moscow’s metro stations, the hotel is an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers. Owned by Business Centre on Tverskaya LLC and managed by IHG, the 184-room InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya is part of a new business complex. Designed with the lux style that is customary of InterContinental properties, rooms have parquet flooring, built-in televisions in both the bedroom and bathroom, customized furniture and a glass wall separating the bedroom from the bathroom.

In terms of technology, rooms also offer high-speed wireless Internet access, IP telephones, plasma TVs and iPod docking stations. The property also houses 19 suites, including three Penthouse suites, a Club InterContinental Lounge, a ballroom that seats up to 250 guests theater-style and, coming next year, Spa InterContinental by Elemis and a fitness center. The 126-seat Chekhonte restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Russian cuisine. “Chocolate by day, martinis by night” will be the theme for the lobby lounge and bar P-Square.

Scenic Cruises will offer river cruises in Russia next year. The company purchased a vessel, which it renamed the Scenic Tsar, and is rebuilding it at a cost of more than $4 million. Onboard amenities will include satellite TV, private balconies on 93 percent of the staterooms and suites, a wellness area, a gym, a sauna and two bars.

All-inclusive cruises will feature sightseeing tours, enrichment programs, private concerts, gratuities, airport transfers, an onboard doctor, an English-speaking staff, and complimentary wine, beer and soda during dinner.

The 2012 season offers 15-day sailings between St. Petersburg and Moscow, with five optional land tours, stretching the itineraries to a total of 19 days to 33 days. Departures run from March through October. The 15-day discounted fares range from $7,295 to $10,885 per person, double.

The 15-day Imperial Jewels of Russia River core cruise offers many of Russia’s most popular sites, sailing between St. Petersburg and Moscow.

The ship will spend five days in St. Petersburg, with visits to the baroque Winter Palace, the Hermitage, the Peter and Paul Fortress and Catherine’s Palace, a children’s music school and a traditional Russian lunch at the Old World, wooden Podvorie restaurant.

Four days in Moscow feature the Kremlin, the KGB building, Red Square, the State Armory, the Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City and the Moscow Circus. Enrichment programs include a private Russian ballet concert, a meeting with a cosmonaut, and visiting a local family for tea and piroshkies.

The 19-day Imperial Jewels of Russia River Cruise & Ukraine includes four nights in Kiev, Ukraine’s capital city and one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, while the 27-day Berlin, Baltic States and Imperial Jewels of Russia River package begins with a three-day stay in Berlin, two days in Warsaw and the rest of the time on land split between Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki.

Longer adventures include the 29-day Scandinavia & Imperial Jewels of Russia River Cruise, stopping at Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen, Balestrand, Geiranger, Lillehammer, Stockholm and Helsinki; the 31-day combination of the cruise with Kiev, Berlin and the Baltic states; and the 33-day offering, adding four days in Kiev to the 29-day program. The 29-, 31- and 33-day programs are offered in both directions.

If you’re looking to escape the silly season and experience Christmas with a difference then On the Go still have some late availability on offer to fantastic far flung places. Just grab a flight and head for the sun or snow – the choice is yours!

Egypt -
Party with the Pharaohs – 6 days
The ideal Xmas or New Year’s mini – getaway! Spend Xmas Day or New Year’s Eve relaxing by the pool in sunny Cairo! We’ll reveal the very best of ancient Egypt this Xmas or New Year’s from the legendary Pyramids and antiquity filled Egyptian Museum, to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings and back again! Departs 20 and 26 December – £369 per person excluding flights

Egypt & Jordan -
Festive Road to Jordan – 16 days
The ultimate Egypt & Jordan experience. Pyramids, Petra, Red Sea & Dead Sea – do something out of the ordinary this New Year – spend it under the desert stars in Wadi Rum, sailing the Nile on a felucca cruise or celebrating by the Red Sea in Dahab! Departs 17, 21 or 27 December – £1,129 per person excluding flights

Jordan -
Enjoy XMAS in Petra or New Years Wadi Rum – 8 days
Jordan is overflowing with magnetic attractions. Discover the Rose City of Petra, float like a cork on the Dead Sea and camp under the stars in remote Wadi Rum! Xmas in Petra departs 22 & NY in Wadi Rum departs 27 December – both tours £779 per person excluding flights

Russia -
News Years Red Square – 9 days
Where will you be celebrating on New Year’s Eve? Ring in the New Year in Moscow’s Red Square, journey through Russia’s heartland for some alpine fun and a steamy banya in Pskov before heading north to beautiful St Petersburg. Departs 26 Dec – £599 per person excluding flights

Morocco -
Christmas in Morocco – 8 days
Make your way to magical Morocco this Christmas, a short hop from Europe but worlds apart. An exotic land of spices, ancient Kasbahs, rolling Saharan sands, verdant valleys and bustling souks. Departs 23 December – £579 per person excluding flights

Surf the New Year – 11 Days
Spend a cracking Christmas exploring the Atlas, snap up some bargains in the souks of Marrakech and ring in the New Year beachside in Essaouira, on Morocco’s stunning Atlantic coast! Departs 23 December – £679 per person excluding fights

India -
Shere Khan – 9 days
With all the highlights of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, we also go in search of Shere Khan himself, at Ranthambhore, one of India’s best national parks and home of the tiger! Departs 17 December – £729 per person excludes flights

China- SAVE 10%
A Chinese New Year – 11 days
Enjoy Christmas and 5 star New Year’s Eve climbing the Great Wall, sightseeing in Beijing, tackling terracotta warriors & throwing snowballs at Harbin’s Ice Sculpture festival! Departs 23 December – now £764 per person excludes flights, a saving of £85!