Jetsettersblog

Het Westen van de cruise 26 Reisroutes in 29 Landen in 2009

Schepen van het Westen van de cruise staan negen kleine (met capaciteit die zich van 78-138 gasten uitstrekt) voor het handelsmerk van het bedrijf „omhoog-dichte, toevallige en persoonlijke“ ervaring, een kans niet toe die door grotere cruiselijnen wordt geboden. Cruises range from three-night/four-day to 24-night/25-day, and start from $1,149 per person.

“Our Quyana Members (past guests) asked us to add new destinations and Cruise West listened by delivering four new distinctive itineraries and reintroducing Vietnam in 2009,” said Dick West, chairman and managing director. “I personally scouted the Galapagos itinerary and the Danube River cruise. In honor of Cruise West’s first European river cruise, I will host a Chairman’s cruise on the first departure. As with all Cruise West voyages, these new itineraries will offer guests the hallmark Cruise West adventure - an authentic experience.”

NEW & REINTRODUCED 2009 ITINERARIES

• Cruise West introduces the GALAPAGOS onboard the luxurious 40-guest Isabela II. The 10-day tour will start with two days in Quito before flying to Baltra Island to board the ship for an eight-day cruise. A post-cruise Machu Picchu Land Tour option is available. Three departures will be initially offered on August 23, August 30 and September 6, 2009.

• Cruise West ventures to Europe for the first time with its 11- or 12-day Danube River cruise VIENNA TO BUCHAREST onboard the elegant new 148-guest Amadeus Diamond ─ 2009 marks this vessel’s inaugural year. This cruise highlights exclusive tours in Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and cruising in the Danube Delta. Four departure dates will be offered: July 16 and 24, 2009; and October 13 and 21, 2009. Add on a pre- or post-cruise Prague or Transylvania Land Tour.

• VIETNAM is reintroduced by popular demand. Originally offered in 2007, this 12-day itinerary cruises Haiphong to Ho Chi Minh City via Ha Long Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang and the Mekong River. One departure will be offered on November 21, 2009 onboard Cruise West’s flagship, the 120-guest Spirit of Oceanus. Add-on a pre- or post-cruise Cambodia and Angkor Wat Land Tour.

• Cruise the exotic East Indies, SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY for the holidays onboard the Spirit of Oceanus. Offered December 16, 2009, this new 17-day itinerary transits the waters of early European explorers and will feature mysterious cultures steeped in ancient history in Indonesia. Spend New Year’s Eve in Sydney! Port calls to be announced fall 2008.

• Extraordinary islands throughout Melanesia are featured on the new 17-day SYDNEY TO FIJI voyage departing December 28, 2009. Visit isolated cultures and pristine waters in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and more. Port calls to be announced fall 2008.

2009 Itinerary Updates

• COLUMBIA RIVER CRUISES: Twenty additional departures of the Columbia River itineraries have been added. Four spring and six fall departures of the delicious Taste of the Pacific Northwest epicurean cruise have been added, increasing from three initial departures in fall 2008. Ten spring and 15 fall departures of the popular and historically based River Voyage of Discovery itinerary will be offered, up from 12 total departures in 2008.

• PANAMA & COSTA RICA: An extended season, one enhanced and two new land tours are offered on the nine-night Between Two Seas itinerary, traveling from Panama City to San José, Costa Rica or reverse, onboard the recently upgraded 100-guest Pacific Explorer. Highlights include traversing the entire Panama Canal and visiting the remote Emberá Village in the Darién Jungle. The enhanced cruise/land tour includes the 10-day cruise plus five nights of accommodations and adventures in Sarapiquí and Arenal, Costa Rica. The two new land tours include a two-night/three-day Monteverde Cloud Forest visit and a four-night/five-day stay in Tortuguero National Park.

• ALASKA: Alaska’s Inside Passage itinerary will offer an extended cruise season with value pricing and two new add-on land tour options: two nights at a Denali Backcountry Lodge in conjunction with the four- or five-day Glaciers of Prince William Sound cruises; or a four day fully escorted Denali land tour traveling roundtrip from Anchorage in conjunction with the nine-day Alaska Whales & Wilderness cruise.

For further details on Cruise West’s itineraries, visit www.CruiseWest.com or call (800) 689-1783.

Swim with Whale Sharks with Baja AirVentures

Six-Day All-Inclusive

ProgramDeparts San Diego by Air Sept / Oct Mondays

SAN DIEGO, CA,

While not necessarily soft and cuddly, the up to 60-feet whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, eat plankton – not people.

This makes observing and, yes, swimming with them a people treat in September and October when the whale sharks make their annual fall return to the nutrient-rich waters of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.Las Animas Wilderness Retreat, a remote, eco-friendly lodge, offers a high-end, all-inclusive safari experience with a focus on whale sharks as they’re feeding in the Sea of Cortez just 300 miles from San Diego.

This is the closest whale shark experience offered near North American shores and one of only four locations in the world where they congregate.Weekly on Mondays from Sept. 15-Oct. 27 guests access Las Animas by a 2.5-hour private, scenic flight with Baja AirVentures direct from San Diego over the Baja Peninsula.

Upon landing they boat in to spend six days at Las Animas. Each six-day program accommodates up to 16 guests in eight beachside yurts. The per person double cost is $1,895 exclusive of a 10 percent Mexican Government IVA tax. In addition to air, included are accommodations, all meals, beverages, a guide plus land and boat transportation.The rustic retreat offers eight romantic private beachside yurts with bathroom, solar shower, twin and king-size beds with comforters and high thread-count linens, and covered patios with hammocks.

Lodging is built around a large centrally located yurt with a large attached patio which serves as kitchen, central dining area, cantina bar, and communal lounging and game area. Guests spend up to five hours daily observing and swimming with these rare leviathans of the deep. While the focus is on snorkeling with whale sharks that naturally feed close to the surface, there are also cruises of isolated islands and coves frequented by up to 10 species of whales (including fin and blue whales), as well as dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles and manta rays. The boats carry a maximum of five guests and a guide for the daily snorkeling excursions. “By utilizing our private aircraft, we deliver easy access to one of the wildest regions of Baja, saving clients valuable vacation time and travel hassles.

With us guests spend more quality time in the water with the whale sharks than they would with any other tour company,” states Kevin Warren, owner of Baja AirVentures. “In the fall, the climate and conditions couldn’t be more inviting. Average water clarity ranges from 35’ – 60’ or deeper while water temperatures hover between 78F – 80F. The region enjoys a cooler microclimate with daytime temps up to 95F and evenings a pleasant 76 – 78F,” explains Warren.

For details on the whale shark program www.bajaairventures.com/bajawhalesharktours.html

as well as any of the other vacation packages offered year-round by Baja AirVentures please see http://www.bajaairventures.com

See The Chihuahua & Hike The Canyon

Journey from the sparkling Sea of Cortez to the arid canyons of Mexico’s Sierra Madre along the spectacular Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad, then hike the world’s largest canyon system, the magnificent Copper Canyon, deeper and grander in places than its more famous US counterpart. Later, sip margaritas at sunset and rest weary limbs in stunningly located wilderness lodges and beautifully restored haciendas. Walks Worldwide’s 11-day Copper Canyon In Style fully guided hiking tour departs London 24th October 2008.

The journey begins with a spectacular rail journey on the Copper Canyon railroad, officially known as the Chihuahua al Pacifico, into the Sierra Madre Mountains, through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges and vertiginous viaducts, to the wild-west town of Urique.

Overnight at a wilderness lodge perched precipitously on the rim of the canyon. Walking boots at the ready, cross the Urique River and ascend rapidly through thorn forest to a beautiful campsite in a grapefruit grove. Hike in the cool shadows of the towering canyon walls, climbing up through chaparral and ever-changing vegetation to the summit of La Yesca (4,399ft) where views open out every which way over the stunning Urique Canyon.

Moving on, explore the Cerro Colorado Canyon - traversing whispering pine forests and trekking from alpine to more tropical terrain. Spend time with the indigenous Tarahumara communities living perched on the edge of the canyon walls with ‘mule only’ access, before arriving in the frontier town of Batopilas.

Explore the cobbled streets of this atmospheric settlement before transferring to Creel and the fascinating town of Chihuahua, one of Mexico’s most important cultural and historical centres, where a farewell fiesta sets travellers on their way home.

The tour costs £2,525 p/p including scheduled flights (BA), transfers, camping, lodge and hacienda accommodation, most meals and expert guiding.

Walks Worldwide
01524 242000
sales@walksworldwide.com
www.walksworldwide.com

Delta Vacations Offers Mexico Bonuses

Delta Vacations is offering spa discounts and credits, reduced rates and free nights at Royal Solaris Los Cabos, Aqua Cancun and select Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts in Mexico. Aqua Cancun, Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos, Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach and Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun are offering reduced rates and 25 percent off spa treatments, food and beverages.

Kids 12 and under stay free-of-charge at Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos, Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach and Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun when staying in the same room as paying adults.

Savings are valid on all new bookings made by Aug. 31 for travel through Sept. 16. At Royal Solaris Los Cabos travelers will receive a fourth night free, a $100 spa credit (valid on full-body massage) and one fine cut dinner with a bottle of wine. The all-inclusive beachfront resort features spacious accommodations, a kids club and mini water park. This promotion is valid on all new bookings (minimum of four nights) made by Oct. 31 in deluxe or deluxe oceanview room categories, for travel through Dec. 19.

Delta Vacations land packages include hotel accommodations, roundtrip hotel transfers and hotel tax. All-inclusive packages additionally feature all meals, drinks, and snacks, bellman/chambermaid gratuities, nightly entertainment and non-motorized watersports where applicable.

As an incentive, Delta Vacations is offering travel agents up to 15 percent commission plus American Express Gift Cheque bonuses up to $75 per booking. Through the Delta Vacations Summer Sensations booking bonus, travel agents will receive American Express Gift Cheques in the amounts of $25 (three to four nights), $50 (five to six nights) and $75 (seven nights or longer).

The booking bonus is valid on new reservations only that include air on Delta Air Lines made now through Sept. 30 for travel through Dec. 15.

Win a Vacation to the Mexican Coast

LuxuryLink.com, the world’s premier online luxury travel resource, announces a partnership with Canon and Secrets Resorts & Spas to offer an exclusive travel package giveaway designed to deliver picture perfect vacation moments, and the ultimate camera to capture them all.

This unique sweepstakes showcased on LuxuryLink.com, combines a 5-night stay at your choice of Secrets Resorts & Spas destinations in the Riviera, Mexico, along with a Canon EOS Rebel Xsi camera. Surrounded by warm water and pure white sand beaches, Secrets Resorts &

Spas provide couples with Unlimited-Luxury , a new and better way to have it all. The winners of this unforgettable escape will travel to the Mexican Coast in style with their brand new EOS Rebel Xsi from Canon. This new innovation from Canon provides point-and-shoot ease of use, letting photographers save memorable moments with a click.

“By partnering with Canon and Secrets Resorts & Spas, we really found a winning formula to provide our loyal users with a totally unique luxury experience,” said Luxury Link VP of Advertising Greg Maltzman. www.LuxuryLink.com has brought together these two leading brands to create unforgettable memories for one lucky couple. The contest runs  ends August 15, 2008, so enter today for your chance to win.

There is no purchase necessary to enter the contest. Click here to enter:

http://www.luxurylink.com/mini/canon.php

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.- Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.”

About Secrets Resorts & Spas- Secrets Resorts & Spas offer adults an extra measure of romance and sensuality in exquisite luxury settings. With Unlimited-Luxury everything is included: Elegantly appointed rooms and suites with 24-hour concierge and room services. Multiple gourmet restaurants and lounges serving premium beverages. Endless day and evening activities, all in spectacular settings.

About LuxuryLink.com

LuxuryLink.com is your gateway to over 1000 luxury hotels, resorts, and vacation packages from around the world. Since founding in 1997, visitors have enjoyed free access to exclusive vacation auctions at special Web-only prices. Customers can choose to bid on a live auction, or eliminate every risk with a “Buy Now” offer.

There is no purchase necessary to enter the contest. Click here to enter: http://www.luxurylink.com/mini/canon.php

AZULITOS KID’S PROGRAM in Mexico

Exclusively Designed Play Space, Toy Library and Kid’s Check-In Enhance Vacation Experience for Families Traveling With Young Children

MIAMI — Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive® properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, today announced a relationship with Fisher-Price®, a worldwide leader in infant and pre-school toys and subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT) headquartered in East Aurora, N.Y.

Azul Hotels and Fisher-Price will create the Azulitos Kid’s Program, a play program dedicated to children under five years old. Azulitos will open in conjunction with Azul Hotels’ new family-friendly properties – Azul Sensatori Hotel, by Karisma (October 1, 2008) and Azul Fives Hotel, by Karisma (December 1, 2008) in the Riviera Maya. Azulitos Kid’s Program will also be featured at Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma, a hip boutique property for families located on a nine-mile stretch of secluded white sand beach, Bahia Petempich.

“We are thrilled to be working with Fisher-Price to enhance the guest experience at Azul Hotels by Karisma for young children and their families,” said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Worldwide Marketing, exclusive representatives for Azul Hotels by Karisma. “Fisher-Price is one of the most recognized and trusted names for parents everywhere. We are excited to team up with such a respected and valued company.”

“Fisher-Price looks for partner brands that are committed to enriching experiences for families, and Azul Hotels are designed especially to bring family members together,” said Kevin Curran, general manager and senior vice president at Fisher-Price. “They have a number of unique family playtime offerings that resonated with us, such as s’mores parties and sandcastle building contests. Our goal is to help create even more memorable family bonding moments at their properties with experiences like our fun, themed playgroups and an exercise program for mom and baby.”

The Azulitos Kid’s Program, designed exclusively for Azul Hotels by Fisher-Price, begins at check-in, when parents receive a colorful brochure detailing services and fun-filled adventures available during their stay. Children are given their own scrapbook-like activity booklet filled with games and areas to chronicle their favorite moments throughout the vacation. Azulitos Kids will also be directed to the Jugueteca, a Toy Lending Library where they can check out the coolest Fisher-Price toys for complete entertainment.

All kids love down-on-the-floor playtime, and they will not be disappointed when they enter the Azulitos Kid’s Club Room, a play space designed exclusively for Azul Hotels by Fisher-Price. The colorfully decorated Azulitos Kid’s Club Room will be a favorite haven for children under five to have fun and interact together without older kids around. The room will also be used for Fisher-Price playgroup sessions where parents or grandparents can enjoy themed events with the kids like Ritmo de la Mañana (active beat) with Fisher-Price musically oriented toys for babies 6 to 18 months; Mundos Maravillosos (marvelous worlds) with Little People® toys for toddlers 18 to 36 months, and Planet Heroes™ Aventuras Azulares (solar adventures) for kids three to five years old.

There are more surprises outdoors. Exercise-minded moms can borrow a jogging stroller and join Mom’s Morning, a jogging/yoga program designed especially for mothers and their babies. Mom’s Morning will start the day with a refreshing exercise program and healthy breakfast spread of granola, fruit, yogurt and other good-for-you treats.

In addition to its Azulitos Kid’s Program, Azul Hotels by Karisma feature a variety of Gourmet Inclusive offerings catering specifically to families such as kid’s clubs, teens clubs, kid’s splash park, face painting, piñata parties, DVD library with free popcorn, and a playground, among others. At Azul Sensatori Hotel, families will enjoy suites that comfortably sleep two adults and three children, or three adults and one child. Groups traveling together can take advantage of guaranteed connecting suites. Azul Fives Hotel offers families one-, two- and three-bedroom suites accommodating up to eight people. Azul Beach Hotel boasts three pools, beach butler service with ample beach beds, and a fresh fish market where families can choose their catch to be prepared by a chef during a beach barbecue. Azul Hotels by Karisma also provides parents with strollers, cribs, monitors, bottle warmers, baby bathrobes, Gourmet Gerber for babies and toddlers, and free childcare one night a week so parents can drop off their kids at the Kid’s Club and enjoy a romantic evening.

Reservations at Azul Hotels by Karisma can be booked through a Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant or by calling 1-888-280-8810 or visiting www.azulhotel.com Guests can call to learn more about a special 20 percent discount off their stay at Azul Sensatori and Azul Five Hotels by Karisma.

LAST SUMMER FLING AT TESORO RESORTS

Ixtapa, Manzanillo & Los Cabos Beach Locations Offer Fun for All

For those who just can’t bear the end of summer and all the sun, sand, surf and fun that go with it, Tesoro Resorts is offering travelers a last summer fling this Labor Day weekend at resort locations in Ixtapa, Los Cabos, and Manzanillo, Mexico

Whether your idea of a final Labor Day hurrah is a romantic couple’s getaway, a family trip before school starts, or one last chance for some summer loving, Tesoro’s “Last Summer Fling” package features a three-night stay in deluxe accommodations, all-day dining, a relaxing 60-minute Swedish massage per person and welcome bit of the bubbly.

The “Last Summer Fling” package offers travelers everything to make this last hurrah quite special – comfy accommodations with modern amenities, sun-drenched beaches and cool, relaxing pools, and delicious regional cuisine, as well as off-site golf, horseback riding, ATV action, and more.

The “Last Summer Fling” package is available August 29-September 2, 2008 only at all three Tesoro resort locations in Ixtapa, Los Cabos, and Manzanillo, Mexico. Rate is $89.50 per person/per night (based on double occupancy) including tax and gratuities. Three-night stay minimum required. Offer based on availability. To make your reservations, visit us online at www.tesororesorts.com. Be sure to enter promo code FLING when booking.

About Tesoro Resorts

Tesoro Resorts are a collection of vibrant oceanfront hotels in Ixtapa, Los Cabos and Manzanillo, Mexico. With specialties in spa, corporate meeting and family-friendly properties, Tesoro Resorts offer an array of memorable vacation experiences. Tesoro Resorts are managed by IHR/Steadfast Hospitality Management, LLC operating as IHR de Mexico, a joint venture management company between Steadfast Companies and Interstate Hotels & Resorts.

For more information and reservations, call US/Canada 1-866-99-TESORO or from Mexico 800Tesoros or visit www.tesororesorts.com

Crystal Savings on World Cruise Segments

Crystal Cruises is offering new savings incentives and added value to guests booking the first two back-to-back segments of its 14th annual 2009 World Cruise.

The 26-day voyage from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand, now offers free air transportation back to the U.S., a combination-fare discount, a full payment discount, and no fuel surcharge.

The new savings are valued between $2,000 and $3,300 per couple. Further, guests taking two segments of the World Cruise receive a $200-per-person onboard spending credit and two complimentary shore tours, as well as the added entertainment, classes and activities on a Crystal World Cruise.

Free air transportation from Auckland back to 20 U.S. gateways is valued at about $600 per person. Five percent combo savings — usually offered to guests taking two or more non-World Cruise voyages — have been extended to the first two segments of the 2008 World Cruise for savings of up $2,900 per couple. In addition, guests can save 3.5 percent by paying for the back-to-back segments in full by Oct. 27, 2008, for savings of up to $1,924 per couple.

With the $12-per-person, per-day fuel surcharge waived, guests can an additional $312 per person. In all, the savings is up to $6,600 per couple.

Added World Cruise value includes $200 shipboard credit and complimentary Crystal Adventures shore excursions in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Noumea, New Caledonia. The World Cruise segments also feature more onboard Creative Learning Institute enrichments classes and more lecturers and special-interest guest speakers.

From Los Angeles to Auckland, Crystal Serenity will call in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands; French Polynesia’s Rangiroa, Moorea, Papeete and Bora Bora; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Suva, Fiji; Noumea, New Caledonia; and Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand. Cruise fares start at $12,910 (after 5 percent savings) per person, double occupancy, less all of the special offers. Crystal Serenity’s full World Cruise — “Pacific Circle Celebration” — visits 46 ports of call in 17 countries in the South Pacific, Asia, Africa and Europe. The seven segments range from 12 to 22 days.

Los Cabos Hotels Romantic Escapes

Several hotels and resorts in Los Cabos, Mexico, are offering romance packages. Among them is the Energy Balance Getaway, available at the Cabo Villas Beach Resort & Spa (866-962-2268, www.cabovillasbeachresort.com) through the end of 2008.

The four-night package includes accommodations in a one-bedroom deluxe room, daily breakfast for two and two chakra sensorial ritual massages at the new SpaRitual. The package price is $1,273.20 with taxes and tips included. Other properties in Los Cabos that also have romance offers include Casa Natalia Hotel (888-277-3814, www.casanatalia.com); Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos (800-345-5094, www.fiestaamericanagrand.com); Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort (877-354-1399, www.hiltonloscabos.com); Marquis Los Cabos (877-238-9399, www.marquisloscabos.com); and ME by Melia Cabo (866-43-ME, www.mecabo.travel).

For more information on Los Cabos, call 866-LOS-CABOS or visit www.visitloscabos.travel

Cruise West Specialty Cruises in Mexico

Cruise West is offering five specialty cruises that will be among its 14 eight-day Mexico’s Sea of Cortés Whales & Wildlife sailings aboard the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown for the 2008-2009 season.

Also new is an optional post-cruise excursion to benefit the La Paz Children’s Home in Baja, Mexico. The specialty itineraries include John Steinbeck-inspired cruises with literary experts aboard, a Pentax photography cruise with professional photographers and two holiday itineraries.

Guests aboard the March 7, 2009, sailing can opt to disembark in La Paz to assist in a “work party” at the La Paz Children’s Home. The work party is part of Cruise West’s “Our Bear Cares” program and was created in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, the travel organizer for the World Affairs Councils of America. Volunteers will spend two nights in La Paz with one full day working at the children’s home. The optional excursion costs $225 per person, double.

The Christmas sailing, departing Dec. 20, 2008, will feature a traditional Nochebuena Christmas Eve feast and Mexican holiday activities on a remote beach.

The New Year’s cruise, departing Dec. 27, will include a midnight toast and late night buffet, as well as a stop in La Paz to celebrate the Epiphany, or Three Kings day. On the Jan. 3 and 10, 2009, sailings, guest speakers, including John Steinbeck scholars, will explain how the author’s 1940 expedition to the region inspired The Log of the Sea of Cortez.

The Pentax photography cruise, sailing Jan. 17, 2009, features a Pentax professional photographer who will assist passengers in photographing the area. Cruise fares start at $2,199 per person, double. Guests will save up to $350 on departures in Dec. 2009 by booking and paying in full by March 27, 2009. Guests will save up to $175 on departures from January through March 2009 by booking and paying in full by Sept. 5, 2008.

Call 800-689-1783 or visit

www.cruisewest.com/destinations/sea_of_cortes