Jetsettersblog

74 Islands in the Whitsundays for Meetings

Tourism Whitsundays Convention Bureau is pleased to announce the release of our new Whitsundays Business Event Planner 2008/9.

Included in this year’s planner are a host of new event venues and an additional section for Event Support Services and Facilities. The layout has been designed in keeping with meeting planners event requirements for experience factors, itinerary suggestions and conference venue highlights to assist in the planning of incentives, pre/post touring programs and conferences all of which are perfectly suited and catered for in the Whitsundays.

The Whitsundays continues to be one of Australia’s most enticing destinations for business and leisure. With its’ tropical climate, easy access, variety of activities, world class resort and conference facilities, catering for groups of 10 to 1000, the opportunities are endless to create a unique and memorable experience for any business event.

The Event Planner is the ultimate guide to holding a business event in the Whitsundays. A comprehensive regional publication highlighting the great range of accommodation, activities and diverse experiences available in the Whitsundays. However it is only a sample of what we have on offer.

Why not take advantage of our local knowledge and expertise. As the official Convention Bureau for the region, we welcome the opportunity to discuss further with business event planners their individual event requirements and provide specific information on any of our resorts, products and services to ensure their event is a success.

Please contact Tourism Whitsundays btc@tourismwhitsundays.com.au  to receive your copy of the Whitsundays Event Planner or receive assistance with an event enquiry.

Waldorf=Astoria hotel in Sarasota

Waldorf=Astoria luxury 225 room hotel to be key component of The Proscenium, a mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota 

NEW YORK, NY, - Lion’s Gate Development, along with the Hilton Hotels Corporation’s Waldorf=Astoria Collection, have unveiled plans to build a luxury 225 room Waldorf=Astoria hotel as a key component of The Proscenium, a mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota, Fla. The project is presently in the city review process and is expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter 2008 with an anticipated year-end 2010 completion. An affiliate of Hilton Hotels Corporation will manage the hotel.

We are thrilled to be able to make this announcement,” remarked Gary Moyer, who is developing The Proscenium along with his wife Karen Cook, and partners Zeb Portanova and Allen Ostroff. “Having a world-renowned luxury brand like the Waldorf=Astoria will draw international attention, not only to The Proscenium, but to the Sarasota/Manatee area as well. Our association with a high-end luxury hotel was a critical part of our plan. The prestige and panache that a Waldorf=Astoria hotel brings surpasses our expectations.”

The Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota will be part of The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, launched by Hilton Hotels Corporation in January 2006. As one of America’s grand hotels, The Waldorf=Astoria name is synonymous with luxurious elegance and service. Creating The Waldorf Collection was a way to extend its cachet, which previously was only available at the exclusive Waldorf=Astoria New York City Park Avenue location.

“We are simply delighted to share in the announcement with Lion’s Gate Development that The Proscenium will include a Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota,” said Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president - Americas Operations, East US, Canada, Caribbean and Central America, for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “We considered many prestigious locations, but the scope and quality of The Proscenium truly complemented the characteristics of a Waldorf=Astoria Hotel and vice versa. In addition, we have been watching the Sarasota market for years and the timing was right to consider a presence there. We look forward to being a part of this sophisticated, culturally rich city.”

The elements of discovery and unique experiences that characterize The Waldorf=Astoria Collection experience will be brought to life through the hotel’s and The Proscenium’s distinct offerings. In addition to the 225 luxury hotel rooms, the hotel will include 38,000 square feet of ballroom, meeting and exhibition space, the iconic Peacock Alley Lounge, signature restaurants, a roof-top pool overlooking downtown Sarasota and the bay front, and a 12,000 square foot spa.

Within the 18-story hotel tower, there will be 67 Waldorf=Astoria Residences, complete with daily 24-hour concierge services and all hotel amenities. Direct access from the hotel’s ballroom and meeting space floor will be provided via a bridge to the VIP lounge of the 800-seat Nederlander performing arts hall. Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment is a division of the Nederlander family of businesses known for over 100 years as a leading worldwide performing arts presenter.

Lion’s Gate Development is also developing a 59-unit annex, on Sarasota’s Lido Beach. Guests at The Proscenium will have use of its luxurious beach amenities. The hotel accommodations will be marketed by Waldorf=Astoria, adding a beachfront property to their offerings.

TURKS & CAICOS UNDERWATER PHOTO COMPETITION

Islands’ Extensive Coral Reef System Sets Stage for Incredible Marine Photography

TURKS AND CAICOS, BWI – The Turks & Caicos Islands, a burgeoning luxury Caribbean destination featuring world-class beaches, will host the Fourth Annual Underwater Photographic Competition June – September 2008, offering $25,000 in prizes.

The competition, which has previously produced exceptional underwater photos in pristine dive conditions, invites both amateur and professional photographers to participate. Grand prize winners will have their photographs published by the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a series of commemorative postage stamps bearing the winning photo, the photographer’s name, and his or her country of origin.

“Our islands have hundreds of miles of barrier reefs, making up the world’s third largest coral reef system and offering visitor’s exceptional underwater sights,” said Lerone Ingham, senior quality control officer at the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board. “Guests are invited to explore our crystal clear turquoise waters, where marine life and sea discoveries are endless. The challenge is not finding a sight worth capturing, but finding time to visit the many spectacular dive attractions.”

Competition coordinators are taking careful measures to preserve the extensive reef system during the competition by implementing strict rules for divers and photographers, reinforcing the competition motto, “Take only pictures-leave only bubbles.”

This year, $25,000 in prizes will be awarded including cash prizes and dive travel, photo equipment, SCUBA gear, and cameras. The top 12 photos taken during the competition will also appear in the Underwater Photo Competition’s international “Out of the Blue” calendar, available for purchase in 2010.

Participants must take their photographs in the Turks & Caicos Islands, June – September 2008, when diving conditions and tropical water temperatures are optimal. Each participant must apply online or on the Islands for an official ID card to be recognized as a competitor, but the competition imposes no restrictions on artistic expression. Photographers are not limited to dive equipment, photographic technology, brand of camera, underwater lights or other equipment. However, final entries are limited to the five photographs each competitor considers his or her best.

Additional rules and regulations are available at the competition Web site, http://www.underwaterphoto.tc  

About Turks & Caicos

The 40 islands of the Turks & Caicos, of which eight are inhabited, are renowned for their award-winning beaches, diving and array of world-class resorts. Additional activities include tennis, golf and horseback riding. The Islands feature a variety of spa and body treatment services and is home to the world’s only conch farm. There are three daily 90-minute direct flights from Miami, a US Airways direct flight from Charlotte, daily direct flights from New York and weekly flights from Dallas, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto. For more information on travel, visit the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board Web site at www.turksandcaicostourism.com  or call (800) 241-0824.

10 REASONS TO VACATION IN THE CARIB in SUMMER

Divi Resorts Offers Summer Fun at a Discount

Chapel Hill, NC (May 6, 2008) - Summer in the Caribbean? Absolutely! Though many travelers think of the Caribbean as a winter-only destination, summer is a good time to visit and explore these amazing islands! People presume that the Caribbean is too hot to be enjoyed during the summer months, but due to constant trade winds, temperatures remain pretty consistent year-long. Summer is just a few degrees warmer. See below for 10 reasons to vacation in the Caribbean this summer:

1. Great beaches. Some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world are in the Caribbean. From lively to remote expanses of sand, the Caribbean has them all.

2. Cheaper airfare. Airline tickets are usually less expensive and easier to secure during summer months.

3. Direct flights. There is easy, non-stop access from major cities to certain locales. For example, fly direct from Houston and Atlanta to Bonaire, New York or Boston to Aruba, Chicago and Newark to St. Maarten, Miami to Barbados, or Atlanta to St. Croix. Other cities also offer direct flights, giving the most vacation time possible.

4. Terrific deals. Deals abound across the Caribbean. Divi Resorts (www.diviresorts.com), which specializes in the Caribbean with nine resorts on six islands, offers a “Summer Fun” sale with room rates reduced 30 percent until August 31 at most of its properties. At the Aruba property, the Divi Golf and Beach Resort, kids stay free in Divi’s all-inclusive summer program with a starting rate of $220 per night, per adult, with a maximum of two kids up to the age of 17. The special includes meals, drinks and non-motorized sports and golf for adults after 3:00 p.m. Divi makes summer last longer in Aruba, extending this deal through December 23. Booking has to be by May 30. Many of the Divi resorts are all-suites properties, making them ideal for family vacations.

5. Cultural multiplicity. Once high tourism season comes to a close in April, Caribbean islands host many festivals such as the Crop Over Festival in Barbados and jump-ups (street fairs) that celebrate local heritage and lifestyle. There are also a slew of water sport competitions to entertain locals and visitors alike under the azure skies.

6. Try something new. Learn to landsail in Aruba, dive in Bonaire, see how rum is made in St. Croix or visit a plantation in Barbados. Take golf lessons at the Divi Golf and Beach resort in Aruba. The excursions, whether they are adventure based or just for leisure, are innumerable!

7. Entertainment for every whim. In many cases, you won’t even have to leave the resort. Beachside activities, delicious meals and live cultural entertainment are often right at the vacation property. However, duty-free shopping, rolling the dice at a casino, dancing at a nightclub, a glass-bottom boat tour, or a hike through a rain forest are only minutes away. Kids will be entertained morning until night.

8. No passport needed. Visitors get a taste of both island life and Danish culture in St. Croix. No passport required to this island, which is part of the US Virgin Islands.

9. Relax. After April, the crowds die down, which means shorter lines, if any, to swim with the dolphins and more available lounge chairs by the pool!

10. Island hopping. Take a boat or a plane to another island for a delightful day trip and a chance to see yet another island culture.

Divi Resorts is the vacation expert of the Caribbean with a collection of nine premium resorts on six stunning Caribbean islands. With vacation stays as well as full and fractional ownership, the resorts provide myriad vacation pleasures from relaxing on white sand beaches and indulging in spa services to embarking on scuba diving adventures and perfecting one’s golf swing. For more information on Divi Resorts call 1-800-367-3484, or visit www.diviresorts.com. The Divi Resorts logo is the Service Mark of Divi Hotels, Inc.; its use represents the group of resort companies owned by the registrant or operating under the registrant’s Divi Resorts brand.

HOLLYWOOD BEACH GIRLFRIEND GETAWAY PACKAGE

-Girls Just Want To Have Fun in Hollywood Beach, Fla.-

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – According to a recent survey by AAA (American Automobile Association), 39 percent of women plan to take a girlfriend getaway in the next three years. As maximizing time in the sun is a pre-requisite for today’s busy ladies escaping board rooms and play rooms, the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Girlfriend Getaway Package fits the bill at an affordable price. Located just ten minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, girls can catch a morning flight and be on the beach before lunch. As the sun moves to the west, they can enjoy Crowne Plaza’s popular Sunset Pool Deck overlooking the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway and even more Florida sunshine.

Florida’s Hollywood is fast becoming a favorite weekend escape for its quaint boutiques, proximity to chic Aventura Mall and downtown emerging arts and music scene. Staying at the brand new Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach, girls can hop on the city trolley for a night out on Harrison Street or the nostalgic beachfront Broadwalk before retiring to their private balcony to make plans for the next day.

Available for stays now – December 18, 2008, the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Girlfriend Getaway Package includes the following:

• Three-night accommodations with a private balcony offering views of the Atlantic Ocean

• Champagne upon arrival

• Breakfast daily at Elements Bistro indoors or al fresco while watching yachts travel the Intracoastal Waterway

• Two drink coupons for tropical cocktails at Tiki Bar & Grille

• A Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach cooler with all the necessary refreshments, snacks and goodies

• Rates for the four-day/three-night Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Girlfriend Getaway Package begin at $199 per night, based on double occupancy and availability. $39 per person, for third and fourth persons in the same room. For Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach information and reservations, call 1-954-454-4334 ext. 231 or visit www.cphollywoodbeach.com.

- About Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach -

Ideally located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami on the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway, the new 10-story, contemporary-designed Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach features 311 well-appointed rooms with expansive balconies, offering views of the Intracoastal or the Atlantic Ocean. Lush tropical landscaping surrounds the resort’s spectacular waterfront infinity-edge, free-form pool, ideal for romantic waterfront dining, special events or relaxing under a cabana. The property also offers two culinary options – Elements Bistro, featuring continental cuisine, and poolside Tiki Bar – 10,000 square feet of meeting space, fitness center, signature holistic Sleep Advantage Program and convenient beach access. Plans call for an adjacent full-service marina.

Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach is located at 4000 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019. For more information, please call (954) 454-4334. Visit www.cphollywoodbeach.com

Hot Summer Offers in Latin America

Despite the credit crunch woes, there seems to be no sign of a drop in demand for exotic holidays this summer. And Latin America is no exception, with Journey Latin America’s best-selling holiday being its 18-night “Luxury Peru” tour. But we do seem to be booking later and all still love a bargain. Read on for Summer Offers and Late Space to Latin America - from boutique boltholes near Rio, or “women-only” cruises in the Galapagos, to classic highlights tours to Panama, Cuba and Peru.

* BEACH BLISS

1) Pousada Picinguaba, Costa Verde - BRAZIL
- Offer: SAVE £286 on a 6-night stay. Valid for travel 01 May – 31 July.
- Price: 6 nights from £709 per person + flights

A beautiful pousada located on a hill overlooking the tranquil fishing village of Picinguaba, four hours’ drive south west of Rio. A peaceful hideaway with 10 tastefully-decorated rooms, nice gardens with a pool and great views of the bay and surrounding Mata Atlantica coastal rainforest. Discover empty beaches and jungle waterfalls; take a boat trip to nearby islands or visit the colonial town of Paratí. The Paratí Literary Festival runs from 02 - 06 July.

2) EL Careyes, Manzanillo – MEXICO

- Offer: Stay 7 nights and pay for 6 (SAVE £197). Plus, enjoy a 20% discount at the restaurant, 10% off spa treatments and a free kayak and horse riding tour. Valid for travel in May.
- Price: 7 nights from £692 pp + flights.

This exclusive retreat is located on a relatively undeveloped stretch of Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast; surrounded by cliffs, lush tropical vegetation and mountains. The 51 luxurious rooms are spacious and light, with suites having private balconies, Jacuzzi or plunge pool. Facilities include a pool, fitness centre, tennis court and an array of water sports. Combine a stay here with a visit to the colonial “silver” cities or the fascinating capital, Mexico City.

* INDIANA ADVENTURES

3) Coppola lodges, Mayan temples & Caribbean – GUATEMALA & BELIZE
- Offer: Book 8 nights at Coppola lodges and pay for 7 (SAVE £175). Plus, receive 1 free massage and a bottle of Sofia Coppola sparkling wine. Valid for travel from 01 Jun – 30 Nov.
- Price: 11-night itinerary from £1230 pp + flights.

With less than a month until the much-anticipated release of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (May 22); where better to head, for anyone looking to recreate their own Indiana adventures, than the lost Maya temples of Guatemala and Belize. And you can now do it style, exploring the rainforest-clad temples by day and staying in the comfort of luxury jungle lodges by night - owned by legendary film director, Francis Ford Coppola. Start your trip in the colonial town of Antigua, and end it in laid-back Placencia, on the Caribbean.

* WILDLIFE WONDERS

4) Pousada Aguapé, Iberá wetlands – ARGENTINA

- Offer: Save 20% on all bookings made before July (SAVE £116 for a 3-night stay).
- Price: 3 nights from £349 pp + flights.

Argentina’s answer to Brazil’s famous Pantanal, the Esteros del Iberá wetlands are located in the country’s north-east corner. The region is absolutely teeming with wildlife and yet it still remains amazingly undiscovered by foreign visitors. Head off on foot, horseback or by boat in search of caiman, capybaras, deer, monkeys and hundreds of species of birds. The ranch-style lodge offers simple accommodation, a pool and a good range of activities. Combine a stay here with the awesome Iguazú Falls, or visit to the ruined Jesuit Missions in the area.

* WOMEN ONLY

5) Galápagos “Women only” cruise – ECUADOR

- Summer departure: 24 August (7 nights) onboard the MV Letty, Eric or Flamingo.
- Price: 7-night cruise from £1742 pp + international flights (includes flights from Quito). No single supplement for those willing to share with other single.

The MVs Letty, Eric and Flamingo are compact yachts which offer comfortable cruising at the top of the “tourist-class” range. Each boat has 10 outside cabins distributed over 3 decks; contemporary interiors with polished teak features; a spacious sundeck and an excellent range of activities – from “onland” nature walks with guides, to snorkelling with sealions and rays off the boat. There are nine crew and two naturalist guides.

* CLASSIC TOURS

6) Inca heritage, Peru highlights in style – PERU

- Summer departures: 27 July and 03 August.

 7) Rivers, rainforest & volcanoes – COSTA RICA & PANAMA

- Summer departures: 25 July and 22 August. - Price: from £2543 pp including all flights.

Cross from the Pacific to the Caribbean with a full-day transit of the incredible Panama Canal. Discover fairyland cloudforest and hummingbirds in Monteverde. Explore the wildlife-rich jungle creeks of Tortuguero; relax in hot springs under the smoking cone of Arenal volcano.

* ORIGINAL ADVENTURES

The Real Cuba, beyond the beach – CUBA

- Summer departure: 27 July.
- Price: 19 nights from £1098 pp + flights.

See the “real Cuba”, staying in and eating at local family homes. Travel from one end of the island to the other, with highlights including colonial Havana and Trinidad; revolution sites in Santa Clara; walking in the Sierra Maestra and exploring jungle rivers and hills near Baracoa.

Note - special offers are only valid for 2008 travel dates as stated. Cost savings are quoted as a total discount per room. Prices are based on double occupancy and do not include international flights (unless stated otherwise). Inclusive prices with flights can be provided.

Ecoventura Galapagos Islands adventures

Through its core commitment to the ongoing sustainability of this fragile and at-threat ecosystem, Ecoventura (www.ecoventura.com) is a case study for communities and regions seeking to discourage the negative effects of irresponsible tourism. We invite our media friends to take a close look at this one small company that is “walking the talk” of sustainable tourism. Through an initiative of President and Owner Santiago Dunn,

Ecoventura has spent upwards of $500,000 since 1999 to refurbish its fleet of touring vessels in order to meet its own stringent ecology-minded standards. It has pledged to collect through client donations and its own infusions $80,000 per year over the next three years for the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund which targets environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources.

On one level this is self-serving; if the fragile ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands are irreversibly damaged by tourism and visits are drastically reduced or altogether banned, Ecoventura is out of business. On the highest level, this small company is doing its part to raise the consciousness of travelers and how collective footprints can either be a disaster or a positive effect. The company began running yacht tours in the Galapagos in 1991 but it wasn’t until 1999 that Ecoventura began “greening” its operations and equipment. Since then it has pro-actively chosen to help preserve the ecological integrity of the Galapagos Islands for both scientific and economic benefits.

 To this end Ecoventura is:• One of the first recipients (in 2000) of SmartVoyager, a voluntary environmental program developed by Corporacion y Desarollo from Ecuador and The Rainforest Alliance from New York. This program gives a “green seal of approval” to tour boats that comply with requirements to tread lightly on the area’s fragile ecosystem.

• The first (in 2006) Carbon Neutral operation in the Galapagos Islands when it chose to completely offset carbon emissions from the company’s four yachts, offices and operations (including business travel). Emissions are now being offset through a portfolio of projects administered by NativeEnergy.

• The first fleet in the Galapagos (2007) to install TRABOLD oil filter systems on all four yachts to reduce fuel consumption, oil lubricants (by 90 percent) and reduce gas emission.

• The first company in the region (2006) to implement a program whereby its guests can donate to a new fund administered by the World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org) in support of the Galapagos National Park. Ecoventura partnered with the WWF to create the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund (GMBF) which targets environmental education and marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources.

Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador with sales offices in Quito and Miami.

 The cruise company transports 3,000 passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. The marine reserve surrounding these two remote Islands supports some of the planet’s most unique biodiversity and is one of the world’s premier diving areas. However, it has also been identified as the most threatened due to continued presence of industrial fishing boats. To date, park statistics demonstrate the highest number of fishing violations have occurred in this area.

Hammerhead and other shark species around the world are being harvested primarily for their fins and the Galapagos Marine Reserve remains one of the last regions where these creatures can be seen gathered by the hundreds. It is vital to establish a local and permanent surveillance and patrolling platform that will deter illegal fishing vessels from entering these waters. Because the park lacks inadequate funding, trained personnel and equipment, it is challenged to prevent illegal fishing by industrial scale boats. In response, the GMBF supports the maintenance of park patrol boats while also helping to make current small-scale fishing practices more efficient.

Funds are also allocated to refurbish and maintain a speed boat that patrols the Bolivar channel between the western Islands of Fernandina and Isabela. These islands are visited by passengers on Ecoventura programs. Funds from GMBF have also been allocated to benefit families of local fishermen by development of a microenterprise for the fisherman’s wives to manage. This will provide an alternate means of income and also set an example to create other tourism related businesses and reduce the need to fish.

For more information on these important environmental initiatives and how Ecoventura is making a difference in the Galapagos Islands please contact: Sara Widness802-234-6704sara@widnesspr.com orDave Wiggins303-554-8821d.wiggins@comcast.net

Mauritius Hotel Special Summer Offer

Beachcomber Tours has announced savings of up to 35 per cent off all new holiday bookings at the popular beachfront resort of Trou aux Biches on the north west coast of Mauritius.

The 35 per cent per person saving is available on holidays booked from May through to the end of September 2008. From October to December 28, 2008 the saving is 25 per cent per person. A complimentary two course lunch throughout the holiday is also included in the offer.

 Thatched bungalows are set in tropical gardens that lead down to a two km white beach, one of the best on the island. There’s a choice of three sea-facing restaurants, complimentary land and water sports, Bob Marlin Mini Club and Wellness Centre.

Prices for 7-nights start from £1322 per person sharing, half board with complimentary lunches, transfers, economy return flights with Air Mauritius and taxes. The Beachcomber saving represents up to £620 per couple.

For further information call Beachcomber Tours reservations team on 01483 445 685.

Winter Warmer Sail with Captain Cook Cruises

Take your partner for a cosy weekend away on Sydney Harbour this winter with partners cruising for half price on Captain Cook Cruises Weekend Explorer Cruise.

 Scheduled winter sailings include June 13, July 4 and August 22.

Captain Cook’s Explorer, Sydney’s only overnight accommodated cruise ship, departs every Friday night from King Street Wharf at 6.00pm and returns Sunday at 3.00pm and provides a unique way for Sydney’s visitors and locals to see and discover a side of Sydney they’ve never seen before.

Passengers will explore the most beautiful areas accessible by water; Watson’s Bay, the Rocks, Bradley’s Head, Botanical Gardens, Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers - over 250 kilometres of foreshore and beaches on one trip.

But the real experience is on-shore. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, discover hidden beaches and caves around Sydney Harbour, explore the historic Rocks district and the old artillery emplacement on Bradley’s Heads, and relax beachside at Watson’s Bay.

 Dining on board is first class. Enjoy hearty buffet breakfasts, al fresco luncheons featuring fresh local seafood, an elegant Captain’s Dinner with live music and dancing and the city skyline as the perfect backdrop to it all.

The ship has 60 cabins for overnight comfort with a choice of twin or double berths all with harbour views and ensuite facilities. Or see Sydney like never before on the Sun Deck which affords 360 degree viewing.

This two night leisurely cruise is packed full of fine food and wine, spectacular views, sightseeing, excellent service, exciting shore excursions, music, dancing and relaxation.

Prices for cruises departing June 13, July 4 and August 22 start from $470 twin share for the first person and from $235 twin share for the second person. All prices include accommodation, meals and most activities and this offer is valid for sale and travel until August 22nd, 2008.

If you can’t wait unt December for Christmas, Captain Cook Cruises July 4th departure is celebrating Christmas in July. The MV Captain Cook’s Explorer will be decorated in Christmas decorations and passengers will receive a special visit and gift from Santa and be treated to a delicious Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

ADVENTURE IN PUERTO RICO’S WEST COAST

RINCON, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico’s west coast jumped to prominence when the town of Rincón hosted the 1968 World Surfing Championship.

Four decades later, Rincón is famed for boasting some of the world’s great areas and beaches for surfing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing, as well as seasonal whale watching and nesting of leatherback sea turtles.

Meanwhile, the town’s secluded location and spectacular sunsets have positioned it as a top destination for romantic getaways and weddings.

At last, they come together with Rincón Beach Resort’s new 2008 packages – the Romantic Adventure Package and the Friends in Paradise Surfing Package, valid through December 21, 2008.

The Romantic Adventure Package is “Simply Perfect” for couples who love a bit of a challenge.

It includes three-nights’ accommodations for two in a romantic oceanfront Junior Suite, plus a fourth night at no extra cost; two full-day surfing lessons with a professional from Rincón Surf School; a post-lesson massage in the room; and daily full American breakfast. 

In addition, couples are received with a welcome cocktail and a stylish tote bag.  The package is $399.00 per night, per couple and all taxes, gratuities, and service charges are included in the rate.

The Friends in Paradise Surfing Package features three-night’s accommodations in a comfortable and stylish one-bedroom villa with the option to stay for a fourth night at no additional cost.

The package also offers two full days of surfing lessons with a pro from the Rincón Surf School. 

Like the Romantic Adventure Package, Friends in Paradise also includes a post-lesson in-room massage, daily full American breakfast, a welcome cocktail and tote bag.

The rate for the package is $589.00 per night, based on double occupancy; all taxes, gratuities and service charges are included.

Two additional adults may stay in the villa for $125.00 per night, per person.  The villas at the Rincón Beach Resort feature dining room and living room areas, fully equipped kitchens with refrigerator, four burner stove, microwave oven, and coffee/tea maker.Guests may opt to stock their kitchens with their favorite drinks and snacks by ordering in advance.

 Rincón Beach Resort is an intimate beachfront property nestled in the sleepy town of Rincón, “town of a thousand sunsets.” The resort has 112 rooms with 24 suites and features an infinity freeform pool with Jacuzzi overlooking the Caribbean Sea and a swim-up bar; boutique wine bar; mini golf putting green; and two restaurants – Brasas, with Caribbean Contemporary Cuisine; and Pelican Grill, featuring lighter fare such as Yellow Fin Tuna in Garlic Pita Bread and ‘peel and eat’ shrimp, as well as hamburguers and wraps.

For more information, call Rincón Beach Resort at telephone 787-589-9000, toll free 866- 589-0009 or visit www.rinconbeach.com