Jetsettersblog

Transit the Panama Canal on a tall ship
The Panama Canal is a 50 mile-long engineering marvel linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, slicing through the mountainous, serpent-like country of Panama. Experience a full Panama Canal transit through the many locks of this magnificent waterway on board the 170-passenger square rigger, Star Flyer, as she repositions from her summer cruising area in Europe to Puerto Caldera in Costa Rica, and vice versa. Because of her grace and beauty, and small size in comparison to other Canal traffic, Star Flyer is always the focus of much attention during the transit. A 14-night voyage on board Star Flyer from Panama to St Maarten via the Panama Canal, Cartagena, Aruba, Curacao, the British Virgin Islands and St Barths, departing March 30, costs from £2,610pp, excluding flights. Contact Star Clippers on 0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk

Learn to paint and sketch afloat
Learn to draw and paint against the backdrop of a magnificent tall ship under sail on a voyage along the French and Italian Rivieras or, new for 2013, the beautiful Croatian coastline. Both of these themed cruises are led by British artist Richard Nichols, who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes. Daily ‘Art Afloat’ workshops include tuition in a variety of media and the cruise price includes an artist’s backpack containing sketchbooks, paper, watercolours, brushes and pencils. The seven-night Art Afloat cruise cost from £1,599 per person for the French Riviera, on board Star Clipper, departing April 27 and including flights to Nice, transfers, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. Contact Star Clippers on 0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk

Join the Tall Ships Parade in Hamburg
From May 9-12, Hamburg hosts the world’s largest sailing festival, during which 1.5 million visitors from around the world descend on the 800-year-old port to view the magnificent Tall Ships Parade, an assembly of some of the world’s most stunning sailing vessels. Star Flyer, a replica of the trading ships of the 19th century, will be in Hamburg harbour for all three days of the event, including the grand arrival and departure parades of tall ships, historic ships, cruise ships, sailing and motor yachts and other vessels. There will be a water ballet performed by tug boats, a firework display and a culinary festival set up all along the harbour front. A three night stay on board Star Flyer for the Hamburg port party costs from £690pp, including all meals on board and sailing excursions during the event (flights extra). Contact Star Clippers on 0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk

Experience white nights in St Petersburg
Summer cruises in the Baltic mean long, light evenings and the opportunity to sit up on deck at nearly midnight and see the sun finally slip briefly behind the horizon. Experience white midsummer nights in St Petersburg, when the sun only sets briefly in the early hours of the morning. The city’s White Nights festival, or Beliye Nochi, lasts from June 11 to July 2, during which time there are concerts and festivals, and the bridges over the Neva River open all night to let boats through. The magnificent four masted Star Flyer overnights in St Petersburg on her summer Baltic itineraries; a ten-day voyage round-trip from Stockholm departing June 4th costs from £2,270pp, excluding flights. Contact Star Clippers on 0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk

Christmas 2013 sailing the coastline of Costa Rica
Imagine spending Christmas Day with scarlet macaws soaring over the forest canopy and howler monkeys swinging through the trees, before sitting down to a traditional Christmas lunch in the bay of Golfito on board the four masted tall ship, Star Flyer. This magnificent clipper will spend Christmas 2013 cruising the coastline of Costa Rica, stopping at deserted islands for sunbathing and snorkelling and stopping in harbours and ports along the way to allow guests time to explore the national parks, go horseriding along deserted beaches or strolling along the sands. The seven night sailing costs from £1,305pp excluding flights, departing December 22, 2013. Contact Star Clippers on 0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk

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Notes to editors:
Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognised as one of the premier speciality cruise lines.

Passengers can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar and are large enough to offer first class accommodation and dining, but small enough to call into intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships.

The two smaller ships, Star Flyer and Star Clipper, take 170 passengers each, with a crew of 70, while Royal Clipper carries 227 with a crew of 106.

The Moorings is now offering new all-inclusive crewed yacht charters in the Tuamotu Islands in Tahiti from April to August. The Tuamotu Archipelago is home to over 80 atolls across a 2,485-mile barrier, including Rangiroa. Guests on yacht charters can scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, ride horses, fish and visit Tahitian black pearl farms and the wine fields of Rangiroa. The Moorings 4600 yachts offer accommodations for up to six passengers in three staterooms with en-suite bath.

Sail La Vie is the newest recruit to the Red Sea town of El Gouna offering sailing and windsurfing lessons to holidaymakers.

With the tag line “Real Boaters, Don’t Need Motors”, the school is based next to the Sheraton Miramar and teaches holidaymakers how to command the crystal clear warm waters on a range of water vessels.

Examples of the tuition courses include a two hour windsurfing course which costs just 30€ (£25) per person and a two hour sailing course costing just 60€ (£50) per person.

Families can also get out on the water as a group with sailing tuition for children aged seven and up starting from 30€ (£25) per hour.

Experienced windsurfers and sailors can rent a range of equipment and boats at competitive rates starting from just 15€ (£12.50) per hour.

If holidaymakers would prefer to chill-out, relax and let someone else do the sailing for them, Sail La Vie run trips which include soft drinks and snacks and start from just 25€ (£21) per person for a two hour trip, 35€ (£30) for a four hour trip and 60€ (£50) for a six hour sail.

Travellers can even book a four night sailing break directly with the company which includes a 10 hour tuition course and accommodation at the Ali Pasha hotel in El Gouna, on a bed & breakfast basis for 500€ (£419). The hotel is three star and is located a short walking distance from the sailing centre, right in the heart of the vibrant Abu Tig Marina.

Bookings and enquiries can be made to sail_lavie@yahoo.com or call +201001081505.

El Gouna is fast-becoming the Red Sea’s premier watersports town with a new watersports complex due to open in July 2013 for water skiers, wake boarders and wake skaters to hone their skills. It will include an Olympic-sized water ski cable with a slalom course and selection of obstacles.

Thanks to El Gouna’s warm climate and guaranteed sunshine, adrenalin junkies and water babies flock to El Gouna all year round. With spacious beaches, coastal winds and shallow waters, El Gouna attracts droves of kitesurfers to its five kitestations, while the clear waters, reefs and wrecks make it a diver’s paradise. Back on dry-land, there’s plenty of opportunities for holidaymakers to keep active, from golf and tennis to horseback and camel riding.

For more information on the resort, please visit www.elgouna.com

Established in 2010, Excursiopedia began with the concept of connecting global travellers with touring companies and private travel guides all over the world. The idea caught on so quickly that Excursiopedia has recently moved into third place in this niche market with a full 80% of the tourism and travel activity.

The innovative idea for this website is to create a professional social marketplace where travellers and tour guides can connect. Often, tourists are searching for a true and memorable experience. Vacationers today are looking for unique opportunities to experience a region like the French Wine Country or view the famous Etruscan and Roman mosaics and frescoes found in Naples, Italy.

Excursiopedia now offers over 7,500 listings on its website for a wide range of unique vacation and tourist attractions. The offerings include creative travel experiences from over 120 countries and 900 cities and the listings are growing daily. The company has plans to expand their operations during 2013 to reach even more markets throughout the world. The website provides actual reviews from other travellers who have visited a specific destination or locale.

Vacations range from deep-sea fishing adventures in the Baltic Sea to round-the-world freighter cruises or canoe trips in the Arctic Tundra. Studies have found that today’s savvy tourists are no longer interested in ordinary, run-of-the-mill vacations. They want much more from their vacation dollar. This is one of the major reasons why Excursiopedia has become so increasingly popular. It provides an area where you can search through the listings, personalise your trip, then safely book and pay for it.

The Excursiopedia.com website is very user friendly and offers portals for both the vacationer and the tour guide. Even those who have never before thought of offering to host tourists have suddenly realized the earnings potential. Whether you have a fishing hut in Iceland, a cattle ranch in Texas or an exotic sports car race track in Greece, you can register your tour or activity for free at Excursiopedia.com.

In spite of a sluggish world economy, Excursiopedia is seeing a monthly increase of 15-20% and they are quickly becoming a world leader in this niche market. They recently took the Top Honors at TechCrunch Moscow’s Startup Battle finishing ahead of well-known companies like TeamLab, Oh My Stats!, AdEasy and Endorphin.

According to Kirill Sermyagin, CEO and one of the founders of Excursiopedia, “We are extremely pleased to report such remarkable accomplishments for our young company. Our company has plans to expand into the global marketplace by providing high quality services and by strengthening our partner relationships. Our goal is to become the global leader in this niche market.”

About Excursiopedia.com
Excursiopedia.com was established in August of 2010 with offices in Munich, Moscow, Bari, and Barcelona. They are a global leader in providing a social marketplace where travellers and tour guides can connect. Excursiopedia gives you an expansive community of travel and tourism providers to choose from and offers a professional international and multilingual team to assist. The company currently has over 7,500 listings from 120 countries and 900 cities.

For more information, please visit: http://www.Excursiopedia.com

The deadline to take advantage of our 2013 Calendar Specials is fast approaching! You only have until February 14th,(“Old Salts” April 1st).

To receive your discount when booking by phone mention Calendar Specials, or when using our Online Reservation System enter Calendar Specials in the comments section of the reservation form.

If you are not on our calendar list and would like to receive one, please let us know !

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL!

Give the ultimate gift for Valentine’s Day or treat yourself to an unforgettable Maine Windjammer experience – lighthouses, wildlife, fabulous food, congenial company, relaxation and a sense of adventure all in the unsurpassed setting of Midcoast Maine!Read about our Valentine’s Day Special!

EASY TRAVEL PACKAGE

Non-stop flights from Boston to Owls Head!Five flights daily. Package includes round-trip airfare and ground transportation to and from our dock in Camden. Add $150 to any regular windjammer cruise. More information call us at 800-736-7981 or email sail@mainewindjammercruises.com.

TO RESERVE YOUR CRUISES ON LINE GO TO SCHEDULES and RESERVATIONS

OR CALL US AT 800-736-7981

Sunsail plans to open a new yacht charter base in Palma, on the island of Mallorca, in May. This new destination will offer bareboat and skippered yacht charters for cruising the nearby Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.

The new Sunsail base in Palma is at the Marina Naviera Balear in Palma Harbour, just a short walk to the old town of Palma. Mallorca has many fishing ports such as Andraitx, Soller, Porto Cristo, Cala d’Or and Puerto Deportivo as well as several beaches and bays ideal for anchoring overnight. The Sunsail Palma fleet will initially consist of the Sunsail 47 and the new Sunsail 444 catamaran.

With so much to do, see and taste in the dual-island nation, visitors are sure to have many more reasons to visit the True Caribbean

Port of Spain, Trinidad – January 17, 2013. Scenic, cultural and always ready for reason to celebrate, Trinidad and Tobago is the “must-visit” destination for savvy travelers in 2013.

Welcoming guests from around the globe, the dual-island nation has something for every taste, style and mood. From festivals to food, heritage to hiking – these are the 13 best reasons to visit Trinidad and Tobago in 2013:

1. It’s the Caribbean’s biggest party and, in Trinidad and Tobago, everyone is invited. Visitors can play mas like a local while taking in the heart-pounding rhythms and jaw-dropping costumes on the streets of Port of Spain during Carnival, official February 11-12, 2013, but come early that party has already stared.

2. Each year from March to September, as many as 12,000 nesting leatherback sea turtles come to the beaches of Trinidad, having traveled thousands of miles to lay eggs on the beaches where they were born. Not only will visitors have the opportunity to see these gentle marine giants in action but they can assist the researchers and, later in the season, help the baby hatchlings make the perilous journey out to sea.

3. There is almost nothing better than relaxing on the beach while on vacation and, in Trinidad and Tobago, there is definitely an abundance of places to choose from. With both islands surrounded by gorgeous beaches, such as Maracas Bay and Las Cuevas in Trinidad and Pigeon Point and Englishman’s Bay Beach in Tobago, visitors can find many tempting spots to frolic in sparkling cool waters or soak up some sun.

4. Offering spear fishing, big-game tournaments, deep-sea charters and so much more, the waters in and around Trinidad and Tobago are ready for fishermen of all skill levels to land the catch of a lifetime. During the Tobago Game Fishing Tournament, March 13-17, 2013, the best-of-the-best come together to compete and see who has the skills to snag the biggest fish.

5. Ready. Set. GOAT! A unique, unusual and, to some, seriously competitive sport, goat racing is all the rage April 1-2, 2013 on the island of Tobago. Every year, the village of Buccoo prepares for the exciting sporting event held at the Buccoo Integrated Facility as hundreds come to watch the races. Those who would like to show their competitive spirit can cheer on their goat and jockey of choice or participate in the crab races that take place at the same time.

6. Music lovers can get ready to sing and dance the night away during Tobago’s fifth annual Jazz Experience, April 20-28, 2013. With performances by India.Arie, Melanie Fiona, Lianne La Havas and the legendary Dionne Warwick, this year’s event will be sure to impress music fans from around the world.

7. Putting Trinidad and Tobago on the “foodie” map is the shark and bake: a “must-eat” while visiting the dual-island nation. Warm, handmade rolls and fresh catch have customers lining up at Maracas Bay Beach and what really hooks them in is the mix-and-match offer of more than 10 mouthwatering local condiments found at Richard’s.

8. World-class dive sites await underwater lovers in Tobago where divers can experience Caribbean Sea conditions off one coast and Atlantic diving off the other as well as a visit to view the world’s largest brain coral. Visitors can also take part in the Tobago Underwater Carnival, July 22-29, 2013, for a chance to see all the treasures hiding beneath the surface in the waters that surround Tobago.

9. Colorful costumes, cultural festivities and culinary sensations are just the beginning of what travelers can expect at the Tobago Heritage Festival, July 12- August 1, 2013. Visitors will have a chance to experience all the local dishes while celebrating the island’s heritage during the Ole-Time Wedding, where participants dress in costumes with top hats, white gloves and the ladies carry parasols to remember a simpler time.

10. For nature lovers looking to discover the destination’s wildlife, hiking through the UNESCO certified Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected reserve in the Western Hemisphere, in Tobago gives visitors an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the local flora and fauna. Home to an estimated 16 species of mammals, 24 non-poisonous snakes, 16 lizards and 210 species of birds, visitors should keep an eye out for the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird, a rare species that is endemic to Tobago.

11. The birthplace of the steel pan drum, Trinidad and Tobago is the place to visit and learn how to play the instrument that is synonymous with the sounds of the Caribbean. In the streets of Port of Spain and throughout the islands, the melodic sounds can be heard by locals and visitors alike as the gentle notes of the drum float through the island air.

12. Trinidad is aglow during the yearly celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, taking place on November 3, 2013. With more than 40 percent of Trinidad & Tobago’s population listed as being of Indian and East Asian descent, it’s one of the more important holidays on the island and visitors will be in awe of the beauty and traditions of the celebrations.

13. Home to some of the best cacao – and cocoa – in the world, visitors can take tours of the local plantations and learn how the bitter seed pods are roasted and made into delicious, mouthwatering chocolate. While at the plantations, visitors can ask how to do the Dance of the Cacao.

With so much to see and do in and around the destination, travelers can get a head start and begin planning an action-packed getaway to Trinidad and Tobago. It is no wonder that 2013 is being considered the year to go and experience the twin-islands known as the true Caribbean.

About Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago is located in the southeastern region of the Caribbean. With its careful approach to tourism, the dual-island nation offers a distinct blend of culture, eclectic cuisine and an assortment of eco-adventure activities. Trinidad, the ‘cultural capital of the Caribbean,’ is home to the world famous Carnival and the birthplace of the steel pan drum, the only new acoustic instrument to be invented in the 20th century. Tobago, sister island to Trinidad, is the quintessential Caribbean island with secluded beaches, quaint villages, private villas and award-winning eco-attractions that include the Main Ridge Rainforest, the oldest protected reserve in the western hemisphere and the six-time award winner for World’s Leading Ecotourism Destination by the World Travel Awards.

For more information on Trinidad & Tobago visit www.goTrinidadandTobago.com  or www.visittobago.gov.tt

Simpson Bay, St. Maarten (January 15, 2013) – The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is proud to announce that Orange Grove and Patrick Grayham will be performing on Friday the 1st of March, 2013 during the Boardwalk party of the Regatta.

Having traveled and performed throughout the Caribbean, Europe and even the United States, the music of both Orange Grove and Patrick Grayham has reached many music lovers worldwide. Combining a mixture of regional music styles, like Reggae, Soca and Calypso with Rock and Ska, Orange Grove and Patrick Grayham are certain to make everyone feel the Caribbean Rhythm at the Boardwalk, Philipsburg.

Orange Grove is no stranger when it comes to the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, they have performed several times before, once as a warm up act for the Wailers. “Wherever the music takes us that’s where we’ll be, and the St Maarten Heineken Regatta is THE place to be!” says Jacob, guitarist and co-founder of the band Orange Grove.

With their roots in St. Maarten, Orange Grove stays true to the Caribbean sound, spiced up with some rock influences.

Their debut album ‘Genuine Origins’ was launched in 2007, including songs like:

‘These Days’ and ‘Live it Up’. Two years later Orange Grove launched their new album ‘Fingerprint’ including songs like ‘White Daisy’ and ‘Living Easy’ songs with a positive message, being an inspiration to their fans.

Patrick Grayham, who grew up on the Caribbean islands of St. Maarten and Curacao, has performed many times in St. Maarten, but never during the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. Patrick’s debut single ‘Fire’ is a clear example of his music. ‘Fire’ is a seductive soul/zouk fusion (a blend of Soul and French Caribbean music) that has been filling up the dance floors wherever it is played.

Orange Grove and Patrick Grayham will join the previously announced international musical headliners The Commodores to provide smooth sounds for the 2013 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta February 28 – March 3, 2013.

All the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta parties are free and open to the public. Food and drinks are available each night.

For over three decades, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has showcased the top boats and sailing-and has become equally famous for its world-class slate of parties and musical entertainment-in the Caribbean. Now recognized by sailors around the planet as one of the sailing world’s best regattas, each year the event lives up to its worthy motto: Serious Fun.

For full information on the 2013 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including entry information, the Notice of Race, photos, videos, party and band information, and much, much more, please visit www.heinekenregatta.com

Join the Pirate Ship “Formidable” and watch the crew climb the rigging, set sail and share centuries old tales and sea shanties of pirates, privateers, and patriots.

Methuen, MA – Imagine walking down a wharf stepping onto a tall ship, sailing away and becoming a pirate. Join the “Pirates of Fun” for an exciting yet relaxing sail aboard “Pirate Ship Formidable.” History comes alive as the captain commands the crew aloft, hoist the square sails, brace the yardarms and fire the cannons. Sailing experiences are enhanced by the pirate crew’s entertaining and informative manner which engages guests, young and old alike, in an interactive way while driving the boat, setting sails, telling sea stories and singing sea shanties.

The professional crew is made up of enthusiasts of pirates, privateers and other sea rovers looking every bit the part of ”A Pirates Life for Me”. Because of their knowledge and passion they will provide a fun, safe interactive environment that you’ll enjoy and remember forever!

The company, Pirate Ship Charters, offers daily sails (1 ½ & 2 hrs.) and private charters May through October. Rates start at $37.50 adult, $32 senior (62+)/student, $25 child 16 or younger (under 2 yrs free).

Web: www.pirateshipcharters.com  Phone: 978.729.2929

About the Formidable:

Builder: Consolidated Yachts, City Island, NY, 2000
Sparred Length: 72’
Length on Deck: 50.4
Beam: 17’
Draft: 6.3’
Mast Height: 58’
Displacement weight: 50 Tons
Engine: 160 Hp Yanmar
Number of crew: 3-4
Certified: United States Coast Guard

Palau was named as one of the World’s Best Ethical Destinations for 2013 on the Ethical Traveler’s annual survey of the developing world’s top countries for tourism, based on environmental and human rights performance. For the second year in a row, Palau made the list of 10 countries — all in the developing world — that combine best practices with superb scenic and cultural attractions.

The winning destinations have all demonstrated a clear and continuing commitment to environmental protection, human rights and social welfare.

This year’s 2013 top ethical destinations, in alphabetical order, are Barbados, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Ghana, Latvia, Lithuania, Mauritius, Palau, Samoa and Uruguay.

Palau has also been highlighted in the current IMAX film, “The Last Reef,” the Rock Islands were recently inscribed onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the destination has been designated as the world’s first Shark Sanctuary, and Palau is also one of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.”

“We congratulate this year’s winners.

They’re doing a great job showing the world that you can have a successful tourism industry along with sustainability and social justice,” said Ethical Traveler Executive Director Jeff Greenwald. “With the number of international arrivals expected to top the 1 billion mark in 2013, travelers have more power than ever.

Every dollar we spend is a statement about which countries and governments we choose to support.

By visiting the countries on our list, savvy travelers can have great vacations and promote the values we all share.”

Using publicly available data, potential destinations were evaluated on a broad spectrum of criteria, including ecosystem support, natural and cultural attractions, political rights, press freedom, women’s equality, commitment to LGBT rights, and — the survey’s newest indicator — terrestrial and marine area protection.