Jetsettersblog

SPECIAL SCUBA DIVING PACKAGES TO FIJI

CARADONNA DIVE ADVENTURES AND TRIP-N-TOUR PACIFIC ANNOUNCES

All of the packages, highlighted below include air from Los Angeles, inter-island air transfer where applicable, accommodations, diving, airport transfers and all hotel taxes. The noted packages are just a few of the many packages offered throughout the various dive regions of Fiji.

Bligh Water Dive Region:

Wananavu Dive Experience

Includes seven nights in a garden view bure at Wananavu Beach Resort, three meals a day and five days of two-tank boat diving. $2,726.00 per person based on double occupancy, valid for travel through March 31, 2009.Nai’a Live-aboard Cruise

Includes seven nights in an air-conditioned twin cabin, three meals a day and up to five dives per day. $4,051.00 per person, valid for travel through March 31, 2009.

Beqa Lagoon Dive Region:

Beqa Lagoon Resort 

Includes seven nights in a deluxe Fijian bure, five-days of two-tank reef dives, all meals and a free 50 minute “Apres-dive” aromatherapy massage per person. Upgrade reef diving to include an “Ultimate Shark Encounter” for only an extra $75.00 per person. $2,795.00 per person, based on double occupancy, valid for travel through March 31, 2009. 

Savusavu Vanua Levu Dive Region:
 
Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa

Includes seven nights (one free) in an ocean view bure, all meals, six-days of two-tank diving (one is free) and a 60 minute Rainforest Massage. $3,099.00 per person based on double occupancy, valid through March 31, 2009.

Taveuni/North dive region:
 
Matangi Private Island Adventure

Includes five nights (one is FREE) at Matangi Private Island Resort in an island bure on a 240-acre private island, four days of two-tank dives, all meals, welcome drink, fruit basket, free gift sulu, laundry service, sea kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and nature hikes on Matangi Island. $3,196 per person, valid from November 15, 2008 through March 31, 2009.
 
Taveuni/Somosomo Strait dive region:
 
Garden Island Resort in Taveuni
 
Includes seven nights at Garden Island Resort including daily continental breakfast, lunch and dinner and five days of two-tank diving. $2,676.00 per person, valid through March 31, 2009.

Tui Tai Adventure Cruise

Includes five nights in an Expedition cabin with private bath, all meals, up to 13 dives plus other adventure activities including kayaking, hiking, village visits, waterfall treks and more. $4,662.00 per person, valid through March 31, 2009.
 
Mamanuca Island dive region:
 
Castaway Island Escape $3,268

Includes five nights in an island bure at Castaway Island with unlimited diving. $3,268.00 per person, valid from November 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.
 
 

 
For more information, contact Caradona Dive Adventures at 800-328-2288, E-mail sales@caradonna.com  or visit. www.caradonna.com  or Trip-N-Tour Pacific at 800-248-0842, e-mail infor@trip-n-tour.com  or visit www.trip-n-tour.com

Orion’s 2008 Voyage of Discovery expeditions

PNG Highland Cultures and Coral Sea, Louisiade and Trobriand Islands

11 Night Papua New Guinea Highland Cultures voyages: 22 September, 2008 – CAIRNS, Alotau (Milne Bay), Samarai and Kwato Islands, Fergusson Island, Tufi, Tami Islands, Madang, Sepik River, RABAUL (overnight onboard, optional charter flight to Cairns). Also 3 October, 2008 (reverse itinerary, Rabaul to Cairns). Fares begin from $8,315 per person, twin occupancy, ocean view stateroom.

11 night Coral Sea, Louisiade and Trobriand Islands Voyage of Discovery expedition: 14 October, 2008 CAIRNS, Alotau (Milne Bay), Kitava the Trobriands, Fergusson Island, Dobu, Egum Atoll, the Louisiades, Doini Island, Samarai and Kwato Islands, CAIRNS

Fares begin from $8,315 per person, twin occupancy, ocean view stateroom.

Rated #2 expedition cruise ship in the world (Berlitz Guide to Cruising) Orion is Australia’s only 5 star purpose-built expedition cruise ship, featuring an unmatched range of onboard facilities. With 75 crew and a maximum of just 106 passengers Orion offers the highest staff to guest ratio and guest to public space ratio of any ship based in Australian waters.

A selection of high resolution photos is available at
www.orionexpeditions.com/aboutorion/photo_gallery or contact Michael Corbett for assistance.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website
www.orionexpeditions.com For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate). Email: info@orioncruises.com.au

Orion’s Papua New Guinea 2008 expeditions

For those seeking paths less travelled, Papua New Guinea provides one of the world’s most fascinating geographic and cultural landscapes. Untouched by mass tourism PNG abounds with a rich colonial past, WWII relics and historic sites, isolated unspoilt villages, world class snorkelling and scuba diving, active volcanoes, hot springs, pure white beaches, extraordinary wildlife and outstanding fishing.

The isolation of this land has helped preserve distinct ancient cultures; exampled by 800 individual languages and as many tribes. Dense tropical rainforests and rugged terrain conspire to make PNG difficult to explore, however the purpose-built expedition cruise ship Orion is the perfect base for those seeking adventures in this tropical paradise.

Time spent ashore, interacting with locals as fascinated by you as you will be by them, is enhanced by Orion’s permanent on-board expedition team and specialist guest lecturers’ informative discussions and comprehensive briefings relating to the day’s activities.

These experts share their first hand knowledge on subjects as diverse as reef ecology and marine habitats, anthropology, island cultures and traditions, politics, history, indigenous art, exploration, environmental impact, flora and fauna.

Orion’s three 11 night PNG Highland Cultures and Coral Sea, Louisiade and Trobriand Islands Voyage of Discovery expeditions provide guests with remarkable opportunities to experience these totally unspoilt parts of the world - and are especially appealing to adventurers seeking a stimulating expedition into a world largely unchanged for hundreds of years.

For further itinerary information visit this link
 

Happy Hour At flypacificblue

SALE FARES ONLINE

Pacific Blue is promising even more great deals for Kiwi travellers with the launch of ‘Happy Hour’ on its website, flypacificblue.com.

Happy Hour will run from midday to 1.00pm (NZST), Monday to Friday, and will offer deeply discounted fares on Pacific Blue’s international and domestic New Zealand network.

Pacific Blue’s General Manager, Commercial, Adrian Hamilton-Manns said Virgin Blue led the way when it launched Happy Hour as a world-first a few years ago.

“We’re very pleased to now be able to offer this innovative, ongoing sale to New Zealanders as well,” he said. “We advise people to be ready at their keyboards at midday tomorrow because we’re going have some very, very low fares to celebrate the New Zealand launch.”

The aim of Happy Hour is to provide a permanent sale product which will offer bargain flights on routes that have some spare seats that would otherwise fly empty. One domestic and one international destination will usually be offered, with different routes on sale on different days.

Happy Hour on flypacificblue.com will be able to offer cool prices from New Zealand to hot holiday spots like Cairns, Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin, as well as to South Pacific destinations and for domestic travel.

“Since launching our domestic service we’ve had some of the biggest air fare sales New Zealand has ever seen and also introduced Mid-Week Mini fares for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays”, said Mr Hamilton-Manns. “Launching Happy Hour reflects our determination to continue to offer market-leading fares and innovative products.”

About Pacific Blue, Polynesian Blue, and Virgin Blue Airlines

Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, along with Australian domestic airline Virgin Blue, operate a fleet of 63 modern Boeing 737 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 22 Australian and seven international destinations including New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands.

Virgin Blue’s Velocity Program

Velocity release attachments.doc Virgin Blue Airlines has reinforced its position as an innovator in the aviation market as the loyalty scheme model it introduced to the Australian domestic market almost three years ago inspires industry change.

Virgin Blue’s “Velocity” program was launched in November 2005 to offer value and real rewards and recognition for its loyal frequent flyers. The scheme was specifically developed to avoid the angst that traditional frequent “frustration” programs had created in terms of lack of availability of redemption flight options.

Velocity’s “any seat any time” model has proven to be hugely popular in allowing travellers to redeem their Points for any seat, on any flight, at any time, with Velocity’s airline partners. Velocity Members can redeem their Velocity Points for flights on Virgin Blue as well as other global airlines partners including V Australia^, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Malaysia, Hawaiian Airlines and of course Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue.

For the past three years in a row, Velocity has been recognised as having the best rewards in the Asia Pacific region by the prestigious global frequent flier awards, The Freddies.

Virgin Blue’s “Velocity” has transformed the domestic Australian frequent flyer proposition by being the first Australian based airline to offer any seat redemption.

With Velocity, there are two types of seats you can redeem your Points for:

• Reward Seat - These are the lowest prices with limited availability, (similar to sale fares) so get in early so you don’t miss out.

• Any Seat - Gives you access to any available seat on the plane. Prices vary depending on the fares available.

Velocity Members can use their Points for any available seat on Virgin Blue or any of Velocity’s airline partners

Velocity offers true value through its reward seats. On some flights, the other airline’s program requires in excess of 10% more points for a reward seat (at least 1,000 extra Points). For some examples, please see the attached document.

- Velocity often discounts these already affordable fares even further, through special offers and
promotions. Many Velocity flights on Virgin Blue are discounted for the month of July. Over half of all Velocity redemptions have taken advantage of a special offer.

- Redemption seats are plentiful and easily available – if there is a seat available on the flight, it can be redeemed with Velocity Points.

• INTERNATIONAL REDEMPTIONSM

- Through Velocity’s Partners, Members can earn or burn on flights right across the globe. Popular destinations include London, Los Angeles, and Kuala Lumpur.

• NON AIR REWARDS

- Velocity offers a wide range of non-air rewards such as vouchers for example: Myers, Target, Coles, Bunnings and Caltex), as well as scooters and jet fighter rides.

- Velocity offers good value through all rewards including non-air. For example:

• FREE TO JOIN

- Velocity is free to join online. Virgin Blue doesn’t require its Guests to pay for their loyalty.

For more information on Velocity, visit www.velocityrewards.com.au

V Australia flights will commence 15 December 2008 subject to regulatory approvals

* Velocity Points values are based on Virgin Blue redemption class fares unless otherwise indicated. Taxes, fees and surcharges are payable in addition to Velocity Points redeemed. Redemption values are valid as at 30/06/08 and are subject to change. Qantas Frequent Flyer Points values are based on one way economy class redemption fares with Qantas unless otherwise indicated and are shown on the points calculator at www.qantas.com.au

# Additional taxes, fees and surcharges may apply for some products. Unless otherwise indicated, prices displayed for hotel and car rental are based on the minimum Points cost. Point values are subject to change. Qantas points values are as shown on the Qantas website www.qantas.com.au 

Velocity is operated by Velocity Rewards Pty Ltd as trustee of the Loyalty Trust. Velocity Membership is subject to the Velocity Rewards Terms and Conditions of Membership available at www.velocityrewards.com.au

Take a Break with Hilton Minibreaks

Hilton Minibreaks launches in Australasia Packaging short-stay breaks and discounted accommodation for families

Sydney, Australia, 16th June 2008… Hilton Hotels Australasia today announced the launch of Hilton Minibreaks in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Hilton Minibreaks is a flexible, short-stay package perfect for families and singles looking to tailor-make the perfect getaway.

Ashley Spencer, Vice President Operations, Hilton Hotels – Australasia said, “Hilton Minibreaks is the perfect way to take a short break for families, singles and couples. These days people have a lot less time to travel and can often find the cost prohibitive when travelling with children, Hilton Minibreaks allows people to take short breaks packaged to be cost effective and simple to book.

It could be a Thursday and you decide you want to take your family away for a long weekend, booking a Hilton Minibreak is as simple as getting online and selecting where you want to go and choosing your package inclusions; the best news is that children under the age of 10 stay and eat for free. Alternatively should you require a second room for the family you will receive a 50% discount on that room .”

Available on any day of the week at all Hilton Hotels throughout Australasia, Hilton Minibreaks offer a range of options including full service, bed and breakfast or room only and additional benefits including lazy breakfast served until 11:00am and late check-out until 6:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays .

Families are not forgotten with the introduction of My Little Hilton a specially designed offering for our younger guests as part of the Hilton Minibreaks package. My Little Hilton includes free stays for children when sharing their parent’s room, a second room at half price and free food and beverage from the children’s menu for children up to the age of 10.

Travellers can select and book their Hilton Minibreaks online at www.hilton.com/australia  where they will be guaranteed the best available rates.

Inflight Entertainment from Boarding to Landing

Customers flying on Air New Zealand 777 and 747 aircraft can now enjoy their personal seat-back entertainment system from the moment they sit down till the moment the aircraft lands.

Previously the system could only be turned on once the aircraft was airborne and was turned off again early in descent to prepare the cabin for landing.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager International Airline Ed Sims says the enhancement provides on average an extra hour of viewing time per flight to enjoy more than 250 movies and TV programmes and extensive CD library.

“Customers can spend a significant amount of time in their seat prior to departure, especially with the time it takes to board a wide-body aircraft seating more than 300 people. There’s also up to half an hour prior to touch-down without access to the entertainment system.

“On short-haul flights across the Tasman or to the Pacific Islands where we sometimes use these aircraft, the impact of additional access time to enjoy the entertainment options is especially noticeable.”

“We have had the process in place for just a few days and the initial feedback from customers has been amazing. It also makes for a very quiet cabin prior to take off!

“There are very few, if any airlines that we’re aware of with regulatory approval providing this service to their customers.”

Departure and arrival procedures have been reworked to accommodate safety briefings and in-flight announcements which pause the entertainment system, as well as other pertinent operational requirements including the few seats with in-arm video screens being stowed during takeoff for safety reasons.

From August, Air New Zealand’s short haul fleet of Boeing 767 and A320 aircraft will be progressively fitted with new on-demand touch-screen entertainment providing the same boarding to landing entertainment facilities.

As a result, by December all of Air New Zealand’s international short haul and long haul aircraft will have personal seat-back entertainment.

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.