Jetsettersblog

More Dover sailings for MSC in 2009

MSC Cruises will run 12-day cruises from Dover as part of an expanded 2009 programme featuring two new ships.

MSC Lirica will operate northern Europe sailings from the UK port to Amsterdam, Bremerhaven, Gothenburg, Talinn, St Petersburg and Copenhagen on May 9, July 14 and August 5 next year.

A two-day stopover in St Petersburg is included in many of the Italian line’s itineraries for next year.

Prices for the sailings from Dover lead-in at £700.

The company also introduces two new big ships –

MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida

next year in addition to newly launched MSC Poesia.

MSC Fantasia’s maiden voyage will be a Christmas cruise departing from Genoa in December this year, starting at £905 or £2,600 in the ship’s ‘six-star’ MSC Yacht Club suites with butler service. The ship will first be christened in Naples.

Sister ship MSC Splendida will sail from Barcelona on its inaugural cruise on June 7, 2009 calling at Genoa, Civitavecchia/Rome, Messina/Taormina, La Goulette/Tunis, Genoa and Marseille.

Prices lead-in at £970 for standard accommodation, or £2,300 for an MSC Yacht Club including flights.

The line will have three ships sailing from Venice in 2009 – MSC Poesia, MSC Musica and MSC Armonia – each running different eight-day itineraries.

A 17-day journey from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Dover on MSC Orchestra departing on May 2 includes two days in New York City.

UK and Ireland managing director Claudia Baino said: “In the 08/09 season we will be visiting several new and exciting destinations, including South Africa and New York, as well as offering some fantastic Christmas and New Year breaks.

New Flights to Britain 2008

A number of airlines are launching new routes to Britain from the US in spring 2008. American Airlines is doubling frequency on their route into London Stansted Airport. US Airways, Northwest Airlines, Air France, Continental Airlines and United Airlines are all launching new services into London Heathrow Airport. And Zoom Airlines is launching new seasonal routes to London Gatwick from San Diego and Fort Lauderdale.

The Open Skies agreement enables more airlines to fly into London Heathrow Airport and, at the same time, London’s third and fourth most popular airports – London Stansted and London Luton – are becoming popular with transatlantic services.

American Airlines are flying into London Stansted Airport daily from New York JFK; and this increases to twice daily from August 1, 2008. London Stansted is especially convenient for the city’s financial and business districts, and the East End, with the Stansted Express train service taking just 45 minutes from the airport to Liverpool Street Station.

US Airways begins service from Philadelphia to London Heathrow Airport from March 29, 2008. The airline will operate their flagship international aircraft, the Airbus A330, offering 29 Envoy and 259 economy seats on flights departing daily at 10.45pm, arriving at Heathrow at 11.05am the next day. Return flights depart Heathrow at 12.50pm, arriving in Philadelphia at 4pm the same day. US Airways serves 19 million customers annually at its Philadelphia hub, from where it already operates daily flights to Manchester and Glasgow (seasonal).

Northwest Airlines will launch daily flights from three US cities to London Heathrow Airport in spring 2008. Minneapolis to London commences March 29, 2008; Detroit to London commences May 1, 2008; Seattle to London commences June 1, 2008. In addition to the flights from Detroit to London Heathrow, Northwest will continue to operate daily flights between Detroit and London Gatwick Airport. The new service from Minneapolis to London Heathrow will replace the airline’s current service to London Gatwick. Northwest Airlines operate a new fleet of A330 aircraft and premier World Business class service. Their hubs in Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul offer easy connections from across the US.

Air France begins daily service from Los Angeles to London Heathrow Airport from March 30, 2008. The flight departs Los Angeles at 8.25pm, arriving in London at 2.40pm the next day. The return flight departs London at 5pm and arrives back in Los Angeles at 8.15pm. It will be operated with Boeing 777 aircraft.

Air France has a joint venture agreement with US carrier Delta Airlines. Therefore, they also sell tickets on 10 code-share direct flights between the US and Britain commencing March 30, 2008…

Delta Airlines operates:
Daily flights: Atlanta to London Heathrow; Atlanta to Manchester; New York JFK to Manchester; New York JFK to Edinburgh; New York JFK to London Gatwick; Cincinnati to London Gatwick.
Twice-daily flights: New York JFK to London Heathrow; Atlanta to London Gatwick.

United Airlines launches new nonstop service between Denver and London Heathrow on March 30, 2008. Their Denver hub will serve as a gateway to London, and the new route enables their customers to fly nonstop to London Heathrow from any of United’s five hubs. United will operate the flight using a Boeing 777 aircraft configured with 12 “United First Suite” seats, 49 United Business seats and 197 United Economy class seats, including 83 Economy Plus seats.

Zoom Airlines, who already operate low-fare transatlantic flights from New York JFK to London Gatwick, are to launch two new seasonal routes. From June 20, they will fly twice-weekly flights from San Diego to London Gatwick Airport, departing Mondays and Fridays at 4.35pm, and arriving in London at 11.05am the following day; return flights will depart from London at 11.30am on Mondays and Fridays, arriving in San Diego at 2.50pm the same day. From May 22, 2008, the airline will fly twice-weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale to London Gatwick Airport.

Continental Airlines are launching new twice-daily flights from its hubs in Newark (New York) and Houston to London Heathrow Airport from March 29, 2008. London Heathrow will be the eighth UK airport to be served by Continental. Flights from Newark will depart at 9am (arriving in London at 9.15pm the same day) and at 6.40pm (arriving in London at 6.45am the next day). Return flights from London Heathrow depart at 10.25am and 4pm. Flights from Houston will depart at 6.25pm and 10.25pm, arriving in London at 9.35am and 2.05pm respectively; return flights from London to Houston depart at 8.30am and 11.15am.

Orlando World Marriott Aquatica & SeaWorld Package

The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, an official hotel partner of SeaWorld Orlando, is featuring an Aquatica & SeaWorld package. Available now through Dec. 31, 2008 from only $294 per room, per night to include: a one-night stay; length-of-stay tickets to Aquatica and SeaWorld; SeaWorld Guest Value Booklet with special offers encompassing: “Ride Again” passes for the most popular rides and upgrade to preferred parking at regular parking rate and in-park dining discounts; and a Shamu plush toy per child upon arrival.

For more information or reservations, call 888-99-WORLD and ask for rate code THM, or visit www.worldsbestvacation.com

Omni Orlando, Omni Texas Tax Specials

The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate and the Omni Hotels Texas Collection are unveiling the “We Pay the Tax and You Just Relax” weekend package. Travelers have the opportunity to enjoy a getaway, complete with a $25 American Express gift card, a $25 hotel food & beverage gift certificate and breakfast in bed for two. Additionally,

Omni Hotels will pay all local and state taxes on the guests’ stay rather than guests giving a portion of their extra money back to the government. The “We Pay the Tax, You Just Relax” package is available at the Omni Orlando Resort and the Omni Hotels Texas Collection from May 1 to Sept. 30, 2008. Prices begin from $179 per night based on double occupancy, subject to availability and based on a two night minimum stay.

For additional details, call 800-THE-OMNI or visit www.omnihotels.com

United Vacations Tax Refunds for City Stays

United Vacations is encouraging travelers to use their tax refunds to purchase that long-awaited, much-needed getaway. With busy schedules and tight budgets travelers are looking for great ideas and big savings on their vacation purchase.

United Vacations Big City Sale offers significant savings on big city getaways to 14 of America’s most popular cities. With this sale clients will receive $75 off the package price for vacations of three nights or more. In addition, some select hotels are offering free nights. And for the customer who loves to rack up their bonus miles, they can receive 1,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles (in addition to those earned from their flight) just for booking online. It’s the perfect solution for the traveler looking for a quick, affordable getaway and some rest and relaxation.

The Sale is valid for vacations purchased by April 30 for travel through Dec. 31. Promotion code CITY must be used at the time of booking. Cities included in the Sale are: Anaheim, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Calif.; Chicago; Clearwater/St. Petersburg/Tampa and Orlando, Fla.; Denver; Las Vegas; Miami; New York City; Phoenix, Ariz. and Reno.

Sunsail now in The Bahamas

Sunsail celebrated the opening of its new base in the Bahamas last weekend. The new Sunsail base, which offers bareboat charter, skippered and flotilla sailing vacations, is located at Marsh Harbour, a chain of islets and cays known as the Abacos.

Attendees included Don Cornish, director of tourism-Abaco and Cephas Cooper, senior island adminstrator, who both took the podium to welcome Sunsail and congratulate base manager Samanth Cornish. The reef-protected oasis known as the Sea of Abaco, features miles of sheltered cruising grounds with short sails between islands to picturesque colonial harbors and long, white sand beaches. Sunsail’s fleet consists of brand new Lagoon catamarans and Jeanneau monohulls, featuring double staterooms, complete electronics and fully equipped galleys, ideal for cruising.

Services at the Conch Inn Marina include on-site laundry, shower facilities, 24-hour security service, hotel accommodation and a dive shop. To celebrate the new base opening, Sunsail is offering 25 percent to 35 percent off its Bahamas fleet between June 1 and Oct. 31 for bookings made by May 30.

The new location joins recent base openings in Koh Chang, Thailand; Palermo and Tropea, Italy; Orhaniye, Turkey and an innovative new environmentally-friendly location in the British Virgin Islands.

Call 800-772-3500 or visit www.sunsail.com

Panama City Beach Summer White Sale

Panama City Beach, Fla., on the Gulf of Mexico, launches its Summer White Sale, which includes more than 50 beach accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sale features 75 different discounts that offer a total value of more than $6,000. All offers are valid now through Aug. 31, 2008. More local businesses can join in for additional savings to roll in all spring and summer long.

For more information, call 800-PCBEACH or visit www.pcbwhitesale.com or www.thebeachloversbeach.com

Windstar, Majestic America $100 Shipboard Credit

Sister companies Majestic America Line and Windstar Cruises are offering a $100 shipboard credit for guests using their American Express card. This offer applies to any 2008 cruise aboard any Windstar or Majestic America vessel, including Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Surf, Empress of the North, Queen of the West, Columbia Queen, American Queen and Delta Queen.

This promotion expires on Dec. 31 and is offered to guests making deposits and final payment using an American Express card. This offer applies to previous bookings under deposit if the final payment is made with an American Express card.

For more information, call Windstar at 800-258-7245 or Majestic America at 800-434-1232, or visit www.windstarcruises.com  or www.majesticamericaline.com

Fort Lauderdale Summer Savings Program

Greater Fort Lauderdale invites travelers to take advantage of the “Summer of Discovery” program, featuring a variety of two-for-one offers. From June 1 to Sept. 30, 2008, visitors can experience Greater Fort Lauderdale’s water culture, natural attractions and beach atmosphere while saving along the way.

A complete list of “Summer of Discovery” two-for-one offers and participants is available on the Greater Fort Lauderdale Web site at www.sunny.org/summer. In addition, visitors to Greater Fort Lauderdale this summer will receive a “Summer of Discovery Beach Starter Kit” when booking a vacation through www.sunny.org/summer

Valued at $20, the kit includes an official Greater Fort Lauderdale beach towel and beach ball. Call 800-22-SUNNY or visit www.sunny.org/summer

Naples Lemon Tree Inn Refund Package

Lemon Tree Inn of Naples, Florida is offering a Fun with the Refund Package which includes a five night stay at Lemon Tree Inn, Town Car service (four hours) to area shopping malls and golf for two.

The Fun with the Refund Package is $750. Located just two blocks from Fifth Avenue South; popular for galleries, shops, and restaurants; and eight blocks from the beach, the Lemon Tree Inn features a heated swimming pool, courtyard garden, and 34 unique tropical guestrooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary lemonade and continental breakfast daily. To reserve please ask for the Fun with the Refund package.

Call 239-262-1414 or visit www.lemontreeinn.com