Jetsettersblog

When she debuts in late 2010, Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will be the first ship to offer luxury suites completely appointed from furniture and fabrics to lighting and bedding using the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection.

To accomplish this industry first, the cruise line tapped New York-based Tocar Interior Design because of the award-winning partners’ keen familiarity with the Polo Ralph Lauren esthetic. Susan Bednar Long, co-founder and president, previously oversaw the decoration of flagship retail stores for Polo across North America. Christina Sullivan, co-founder and vice president, began her career at Polo in the store design department, where she launched Double RL Collection Shops across the U.S.

“To appeal to discerning travellers we wanted the best suites on Marina to feel like a luxurious estate home. We thought out-of-the box, insisted on the finest craftsmanship and sought out the most talented residential designers,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “Tocar has designed the first suites at sea exclusively using furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home.”

A Grand Entrance

The three Owner’s Suites on board Marina are unlike any luxury suites at sea. Upon entering the foyer guests will be struck with a sense of awe, as though they have entered an opulent estate home. Walls of inset Georgian wood paneling are finished in an ivory gloss. Art niches on either side are framed with polished stone and mirrored to reflect the statuary.

An ivory marble entryway with a David Hicks inspired black and camel mosaic tile inset is surrounded by plush black carpeting trimmed with a polished nickel metal edge.

The foyer also contains a mahogany gloss bar with three ivory leather and chrome stools, stately burnished silver armchairs covered in faux crocodile and brown and white faux zebra skins and an oversized ivory brocade and black satin chaise in front of floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean vistas. An ebony baby grand piano serves as the room’s focal point while a brilliant alabaster and polished nickel chandelier hangs overhead.

Luxurious Living & Dining

Guests will spend most of their time in the spacious living and dining room, which exudes the rich, clubby and refined elegance of a world-class yacht. Macassar ebony-veneered chests with silver hardware topped by faux Zebra-framed mirrors flank the entrance. Walnut herringbone wood flooring rings a field of camel carpeting with an inset chocolate border. A full wall of windows affords uninterrupted aft views.

A camel-colored, suede L-shaped Modern penthouse sectional is prominently positioned in the corner.

To its side is a mahogany Anglesey end table and oversized, Mayfair tufted armchair upholstered in coffee-brown velvet; the Planar brushed stainless steel and acrylic coffee table centers the seating area. A 42” flat-screen TV mounted atop a striking nickel and mahogany entertainment center is anchored by a black teak and nickel Aldgate étagère.

An elegant mahogany Mayfair dining table with smooth caramel leather Clivedon dining chairs affords seating for six topped with a classic candelabra chandelier finished in nickel complete the dramatic dining area.

Wraparound teak-covered verandas feature stylish pieces custom-crafted from Ralph Lauren in white marine lacquer suitable for outdoor living.

Sumptuous Sleeping Quarters

For restful nights at sea the Tocar designers used ivory wainscoting and plush silvery grey carpeting to set the stage for the high-style and luxurious bedrooms of the Owner’s Suites. The walls above the wainscoting are covered in Austyn cashmere and all windows and balcony doors are dressed with ivory wool sheers and silver drapery panels in a shimmering, silk/cotton blend.

The bedroom’s centerpiece is the distinctive, Bel Air bed in a deep, library mahogany – its headboard, footboard and side rails upholstered in steel-blue mohair with polished nickel nail-head accents. To its left and right are City Modern bedside chests with stainless trim and hardware, finished in rosewood mahogany. Night-stands are topped with Faceted Crystal Prism lamps with white silk shades.

A custom ceiling fixture in polished nickel with teardrop glass balls provides overhead boudoir lighting.

A Mayfair mirror with a burnished silver-leaf frame and beveled glass adorns one wall, framed by polished nickel sconces with white-pleated silk shades. Across the room is the Ralph Lauren Highbridge desk featuring stainless steel sawhorse base with glass top and Noble Estate side chair upholstered in camel wool seat base with contrasting ivory ribbed seat back and polished nickel nail heads. A Noble Estate settee upholstered in taupe leather with polished nickel sabos and two Hasley slipper-chairs upholstered in a light gray cashmere wool blend provide additional seating.

Throw pillows upholstered in both silver textured fabric with contrasting ivory cord and ivory brocade pattern with contrasting blue double-fringe trim add to the elegance.

The finishing touch on this grand boudoir is a marble, six-fixture master bathroom with both a separate shower and large soaking tub. The whimsical mahogany double vanity is topped with double portholes and accented with nickel ceiling-mounted round pivoting mirrors and Ralph Lauren’s classic small sconces with silk fabric shades.

Casual Elegance Meets High Style

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina has been purposefully designed to carry 1,258 guests to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leathers adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

Information about Marina itineraries will be revealed in the coming weeks. Reservations can be made now.

For more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com.au or call Oceania Cruises on +61 2 9959 1370

Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced that Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold and Silver Card members will now be able to receive additional benefits when flying on V Australia and Virgin Blue.

The airlines’ frequent flyer programs first joined forces in July last year when they launched an agreement which allowed Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club Members and V Australia’s Velocity Members to earn Velocity Points or Flying Club Miles on both V Australia and Virgin Atlantic flights.

In addition to earning miles and tier points, this new agreement will allow Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Card members to receive various benefits including priority check-in, priority baggage and lounge access for Gold Card members when traveling with V Australia and Virgin Blue.

Cruise West is offering five new South Pacific voyages this winter.

Starting in November, the five voyages explore Easter Island to Tahiti, the Tahitian Islands to Fiji, the Fijian Islands to New Zealand, the Maori Coast and a New Year’s Eve discovery of Australia. Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an “Ultimate Explorers Experience” (UEE), designed to bring guests into direct contact with people, cultures and natural wonders.

The South Pacific voyages will be operated by the 120-guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus. Guests will save up to $2,900 per cabin when booking and paying in full by March 26.

Voyage 19 sails from Easter Island to Papeete, visiting Henderson and Ducie Islands and Fakarava, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

A highlight is a visit to Pitcairn Island, where Fletcher Christian brought the HMS Bounty following a mutiny against Captain Bligh. Accompanying the cruise will be anthropology expert Dr. Charlie Urbanowicz, a Life Member of the Polynesian Society, and the Association for Social Anthropology of Oceania.

The 17-night voyage departs Nov. 1 and is priced from $11,895 per person before savings.

Voyage 20 sails from Papeete to Lautoka, Fiji, and visits Maupiti, Atiu, Palmerston and Vava’u.

Joining Urbanowicz on this voyage as co-lecturer is Dr. Aldona Jonaitis, an expert on arts and culture of aboriginal people.

This 15-night voyage departs Nov. 17 and is priced from $7,895 per person before savings.

Voyage 21 sails from Lautoka to Auckland, New Zealand, visiting Waitangi and Kerikeri. Highlighting this voyage is ascending the slopes of Mt. Yasur on Tanna Island, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. With Jonaitis continuing as guest lecturer, this 14-night voyage departs Dec. 2; prices start at $7,195 before savings.

Voyage 22 sails from Auckland to Sydney, Australia, visiting Rotorua, Napier, Christchurch, Stewart Island for Christmas, Rakiura National Park, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, and Sydney Harbor for the firecracker spectacle on New Year’s Eve.

Accompanied by guest speaker Dr. Kirt Kempter, an expert in plate tectonics and related volcanism, this 17-night voyage departs Dec. 15; prices start at $14,395 before savings.

Voyage 23 sails from Sydney to Darwin, Australia, cruising up the Brisbane River, visiting a koala sanctuary, exploring the Kuranda rainforest, and delving into Aboriginal culture through art, music, and dance.

Also on the itinerary are heritage sites Hamilton and Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef via a glass-hulled, semi-submersible coral viewer or by snorkeling.

Guest speaker is Clyde Roper, a senior emeritus zoologist in the Smithsonian’s Department of invertebrate zoology.

This 19-night voyage departs Dec. 31; prices start at $10,695 before savings.

The five voyages mark the fifth chapter of the Voyages of the Great Explorers — a series of 24 cruises that combine to form a 335-day circumnavigation of the world along the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers.

Beginning March 5, the world voyage will sail ever westward, returning to Singapore on Feb. 3, 2011. Price per voyage includes a pre-cruise hotel night, all excursions and transfers and a tour of the embarkation city.

Guests who book more than one voyage will save an additional 5 percent. For more information, call 800-689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com

Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s new boutique international long-haul airline, V Australia, and the world’s largest airline, US-based, Delta Air Lines, are pleased to announce that from today members of each carrier’s frequent flyer programmes will enjoy reciprocal points accrual for travel with both airlines and reciprocal lounge access within Australia and the US.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s Velocity Members can now begin earning points to even more global destinations with the addition today of the Delta Air Lines route network.

Having the ability to earn points for travel across the US with the addition of Delta, means Velocity Members can now enjoy the benefits of a truly global loyalty programme with airline partners covering the world.

Delta Air Lines is the only U.S. global airline that flies to six continents and offers customers the world’s largest network of destinations and the world’s largest frequent flier program with more than 70 million members.

Velocity Rewards is the award-winning loyalty program of the Virgin Blue Airlines Group.

In 2009, at the annual Freddie Awards in Florida, Velocity was named Program of The Year among all airlines in the Asia/Pacific Airline category.

The program also won five of the other eight awards this year including Best Award, Best Award Redemption, Best Web Site, Best Member Communications and Best Affinity Credit Card.

Complementing the reciprocal points accrual agreement for Velocity and SkyMiles Members, the two carriers have also implemented a reciprocal airport lounge sharing agreement, allowing Velocity Gold Members and VA Business Class Guests access to more than 50 Delta Air Lines Sky Club locations. Delta’s BusinessELite travelers as well as Delta Sky Club members also will benefit from access to Virgin Blue’s domestic lounge network within Australia.

As part of the ongoing strengthening of the co-operation agreement between Virgin Blue Airlines Group and Delta Air Lines, the carriers have also announced the first phase of their expanded code-share agreement, signaling V Australia’s commitment to expanding its reach beyond Los Angeles and confirming Delta Air Lines as V Australia’s latest code-share partner.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Brett Godfrey, said these new agreements are a huge step forward in the airline group’s commitment to making travel between Australia and the United States easier.

“Our aim is to make trans-Pacific travel as affordable and hassle free as possible; delivering seamless domestic and international connections between V Australia and Delta Air Lines.

“Our Guests can now seamlessly book their V Australia and Delta Air Lines flights at the same time through their travel agent, or via one of our Guest Contact Centres, from their origin port in either the USA or Australia all on one ticket.

“These agreements are also incredibly significant for our Velocity Members, because until now the USA has been the glaring missing piece to our global frequent flyer programme.

” Our Guests can now earn and redeem their Velocity Points when flying with us and our partner airlines right around the globe,” Mr Godfrey said.

V Australia will code on Delta-operated flights between Los Angeles and New York (JFK); Salt Lake City (SLC); Orlando (MCO) and Cincinnati (CVG), placing a VA flight number on Delta Air Lines operated domestic flights, to connect with V Australia flights to/from Los Angeles and to/from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. These flights are available for sale now, for travel effective from 18 January 2010.

“Delta and Virgin Blue make exciting partners for travel between the United States and Australia and we look forward to welcoming Virgin Blue customers onboard our flights to and from L.A.,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president – Network and Revenue Management. “The launch of codesharing between our two airlines is the first step in our collective efforts to make it easier for Delta customers to travel throughout Australia and the South Pacific.”

Delta, in this first phase of the joint code-share agreement, will code on Virgin Blue operated flights between Sydney and Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE) placing a DL* flight number on Virgin Blue (DJ) operated domestic flights to connect with Delta flights to/from Sydney. These flights are available for sale now, for travel effective from 15 February 2010.

Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, operates more than 60 flights a day into Los Angeles International Airport connecting this West Coast gateway to 25 destinations across the America, Australia and Asia. Delta is the biggest US airline and the largest trans-Atlantic carrier, serving 368 destinations in 66 countries. Delta continues to expand its presence in Los Angeles and will provide a good interline feed for V Australia flights in Los Angeles.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group, headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, includes the nation’s second largest carrier, multi-award winning Virgin Blue; international subsidiary airline Pacific Blue; Polynesian Blue, a joint venture airline with the Government of Samoa; V Australia, Australia’s newest international airline; plus its holiday operation, Blue Holidays, and loyalty programme, Velocity.

Together, Virgin Blue, V Australia, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue provide Australian domestic and international services to 45 destinations across New Zealand, the Pacific and also to and from North America, South East Asia and South Africa.

Looking for escape – come, enjoy and revive from the Christmas and New Year rush in the perfect location of Pacific Resort Rarotonga in untouched Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

Located on Rarotonga’s best beach, Pacific Resort Rarotonga is a 4 star resort designed for couples, families or friends. Stunning lagoon front location, this lush tropical garden resort is the perfect place to relax, getaway and have fun in the South Pacific sun.

Dining in the Cook Islands is a highlight and Pacific Resort’s Sandals restaurant is immersed in tropical green vegetation within the resort and offers a delicious menu of fresh Pacific cuisine.

Feel the sand between your toes when you dine in this romantic spot on Muri beach overlooking the lagoon. The Barefoot Bar is famous for its cocktails, handsome waiters and fun beach side service offering true genuine Cook Islands hospitality.

Rarotonga is filled with great things to do or you can just take the slow lane and de-stress. Drive around the island in only 40mins with no traffic lights, two pedestrian crossings and a speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

Hire a convertible or scooter and discover historical sites, villages, interesting art galleries, black pearl outlets and great fresh produce markets.

The growing coffee culture offers many outdoor cafes and there are over 60 restaurants offering a range of different cuisine styles.

Pacific Resort Rarotonga is a perfect place for those who need to revive and simply kick back, relax and have fun with the family, friends or that special someone!

Coral Seas Package including Air New Zealand economy return flights with 5 nights in a Garden Studio including breakfast daily and complimentary return airport transfers with a BONUS NZ$50.00 per room per day food and beverage credit with Coral Seas start from $AUD1,649.00* Ex Sydney, $AUD1,645.00 Ex Brisbane and $AUD1,695.00 Ex Melbourne

Bookings until  31March 10:
Travel: till 31March 10.
See your local travel agent or call Coral Seas Travel on 1800 641 803

* Conditions apply

Australia Pacific Touring is offering reductions of $400 per couple on its 22-day Royal Escorted and 23-day Southern Explorer vacations if booked by Dec. 5. The Royal Escorted package is available Dec. 14, Jan. 4, Feb. 8, 15, March 8 and 15 and April 12.

The Southern Explorer is available Feb. 8 and March 15. APT is cutting $300 per couple from the price of its 15-day South Pacific Highlights, which is available Dec. 19, Feb. 6 and March 6.

For more information, call 800-290-8687 or visit www.aptouring.com

Brendan Worldwide Vacations unveiled its new Asia-Pacific programs for 2010.

These include a luxury Mekong cruise onboard the Jayavarman for eight days and seven nights priced from $1,385 per person double occupancy, cruise/land only.

Inspired by the golden age cruise liner Normandie, The Jayavarman is the first of its kind boutique style river cruise liner.

The guest accommodation consists of 27 expansive and carefully designed staterooms and junior suites with floor-to-ceiling panoramic sliding glass doors onto a private balcony.

It is the ultimate in Mekong River cruising. The journey takes guests from Saigon through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta into Cambodia and ends at the temples of Angkor. Package includes seven nights cruising in a Superior Category; roundtrip transfers; all meals and sightseeing; and local English speaking tour guides and port taxes.

The offer is valid for travel between April 1, 2010, and Sept. 30, 2010. The above rates are based on travel from July 3 to 10, 2010.

Bangkok On a Budget is a six-day/five-night package from $249 per person land only. As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok has changed into a modern and sophisticated city.

It not only offers the cosmopolitan amenities you would expect from big cities, but also the treasures of cultural attractions.

The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples, palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous shopping centers.

Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience a fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a dynamic metropolis.

The package includes five nights accommodation at the Radisson Hotel Bangkok, Superior Category; roundtrip airport transfers; half city and temples tour and all taxes. The above rate is per person double occupancy and is based on stays from Jan. 15 to 20, 2010, at the Radisson Bangkok Hotel in a Superior Room. The package is valid for travel from Dec. 1, March 31, 2010.

Seasonal and weekend surcharges may apply. Offer valid on new bookings only. Rates are based on availability and subject to black-out dates and changes. Other restrictions may apply.

For more information, call 800-421-8446 or visit www.brendanvacations.com

Brisbane is preparing for its next blockbuster art exhibition – the 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art – to be unveiled in December.

The sixth exhibition in the Gallery’s Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art series will occupy the entire Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) as well as the iconic Watermall and adjoining galleries at the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG). APT6 will include the work of more than 100 artists from 25 countries, including collaborations and collectives, which reflect the diversity of practices across Asia, the Pacific and Australia.

The triennial will also feature contemporary art from communities that have not been represented in the APT before, including works by artists from Tibet, North Korea (DPRK), Turkey, Iran, Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma).

APT6 will also feature innovative Asia Pacific performances and music through the Pacific Reggae Project which looks at this musical genre as it has developed in Hawai’i, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and New Zealand.

The always popular children’s programme will also be available for younger gallery visitors.

www.qag.qld.gov.au/apt6

IslandsEscapes by Goway launched a range of long-stay getaways to the Cook Islands priced from $2,679.

Vacations include roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles with Air New Zealand, meet and greet on arrival in Rarotonga, roundtrip airport transfers, and 26 nights’ accommodation, plus early check-in and late check-out. There are also a wide variety of value-added offers at the resorts, including daily breakfast, a free $500 black pearl pendant, free car or scooter rental, and meal credits.

Travelers are eligible to claim $200 cash back on their trip, if booked by Nov. 24 for travel completed by Feb 28, 2010.

More information on Cash In on The Cooks rebate program is available at www.goway.com.

All travel agents who make a Cook Islands Long Stay Reservation with Goway will receive $25 per person loaded to their Goway Incentive Card. For more information, call 800-667-6601 or visit www.islandsescapes.com

Orion Expedition Cruises, a five-star Australian expedition cruise line, has released its full- 2010 brochure.

The brochure features color spreads by Australian photographers Ken Duncan and Earl Carter, along with winners of the Orion photography competition, in which guests were invited to submit their best photographs from an Orion voyage.

The brochure contains information for potential expedition travelers, demonstrating the differences between typical mainstream cruising and the physical and intellectual experiences to be had on an Orion voyage. Additionally, readers can find a useful lift-out reference booklet containing itinerary details by destination, pricing (with savings for early booking), and a calendar of sailings throughout 2010 and early 2011. In addition are destination features on the Kimberley region of Australia, Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea, the Spice Islands, New Zealand and Antarctica.

The cover features a photo of the Orion along a waterfall in New Zealand’s Fjordland. Internal spreads include Orion at the mouth of the Hunter River in the Kimberley, Mawson’s Huts in Antarctica, King George Falls, cultural dance groups and remote beaches in Papua New Guinea and Melanesia, and wildlife encounters on New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctica.

The brochure also details Orion’s accommodation and facilities, including floor plans of staterooms and Owner’s Suites; examples of onboard luxuries such as boutique, massage, spa, elevator and lounges; Sydney chef Serge Dansereau’s cuisine; and a DVD providing a glimpse into the destinations visited and typical cultural, historic and wildlife experiences.

In 2010, the Orion will sail to all Australian states and introduce new seven-night explorations to the Australian East Coast, South Australia and Melbourne. Also in 2010, new itineraries will visit six new destinations in Papua New Guinea and previously inaccessible parts of the exotic Spice and Tanimbar Islands. The company’s Antarctic voyages include the opportunity to visit the historic bases of Mawson, Scott and Shackleton.

An electronic version of the Orion 2010 brochure can be downloaded from www.orionexpeditions.com/ebrochure  For a print version, call 877-ORION-US.