News fromTravel Impressions, Pleasant Holidays & More

Tours

Travel Impressions’ Newly Introduced Australia Vacation Options
 
Travel Impressions offers vacationers more than 80 properties in its new Australia product line and a variety of tour options. Available are five-night packages to Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, which can be combined to make an extended vacation. Packages include hotel accommodations for five nights in each location, roundtrip hotel transfers and hotel tax and service charges. Airfare is available from U.S. gateways and can be added to the cost of the hotel package. For hotel stays, rates and tours, contact http://www.travimp.com/destinations/south_pacific/australia.html. Australia reservations must be made via Travel Impressions’ reservations department at (800) 284-0044, (631) 845-8000, or visit http://www.TravelImpressions.com.

Revamped Ritz India, Hong Kong Affordable Tour Visits 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sights

Ritz Tours has revamped its Essence of India program for the fall/winter season, combining the architectural splendor of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra in India with Hong Kong. The nine-day guided tour, taking in six UNESCO World Heritage Sights and comprehensive sightseeing, starts at $2,682 per person, double; single supplements range from $800 to $1,100. The program includes airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco (add $100 per person for New York-JFK departures), taxes, fuel surcharges, sightseeing, travel insurance (at no cost for 2010 brochure tour programs paid 60 days prior), and five-star hotel accommodations. Departures are available Sept. 14, 2010, through Feb. 22, 2011. Hotels used for the program include the Lalit New Delhi, Le Meridien Jaipur and Jaypee Palace Agra in India, and the InterContinental Grand Stanford in Hong Kong. Airfare is available from additional U. S. gateways (including, but not limited to, New York, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago and Dallas) and ranges from an extra $100 to $350 per person. Visit http://www.RitzTours.com.

Adventures by Disney Adds Egypt, Unveils 2011 All-Inclusive Itineraries

Travel agents can book clients for next year to see the land of pyramids, pharaohs and ancient treasures via Adventures by Disney — one of a roster of 18 worldwide destinations offered for 2011. The eight-day Egypt: Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures vacation begins with three days in Cairo then shifts to Southern Egypt for a three-day Nile cruise aboard a felucca (traditional sailing craft). Clients then travel into the Valley of Kings to visit the tombs of pharaohs Tutankhamen and Ramses VI. One additional night in Cairo completes the trip with a farewell banquet. A licensed Egyptologist accompanies clients throughout Cairo and through the Nile Valley. Highlights include riding a camel at the Great Pyramids, learning to make papyrus, writing Egyptian hieroglyphics, receiving temporary Henna tattoos, dressing like an Egyptian and being entertained by Egyptian musicians, belly dancers and whirling dervishes. Junior adventures include an art detective game while at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. The 10-day option adds two exciting days in the city of Sharm el Sheikh, a resort destination at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where clients can snorkel among the tropical fish and colorful coral reefs of the Red Sea.

For more information, visit www.disneytravelagents.com or call (877)728-7282.

August ‘Blowout Sale’ to Hawaii
 
Pleasant Holidays is offering an August Blowout Sale to Hawaii. Travel is from San Francisco to Oahu and Maui, from August 16 to 31. Oahu vacations feature the Castle Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki from $299 and the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani from $329. Both include roundtrip air and three nights’ hotel accommodation. Maui vacations feature the Kaanapali Ocean Inn from $299 and the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa from $399, including roundtrip air and three nights’ hotel accommodation. The fly/drive vacation includes roundtrip air, an economy rental car from for three days and car rental taxes. All rates are per person, double, and include Hawaii ticket tax, but do not include Transportation Taxes of $16.20, Passenger Facility Charges of $3 to $18, a per segment tax of $3.70, or September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement (up to a maximum of $5 per one-way or $10 per round-trip). Travelers also save up to 40% on airport parking at Sky Park near San Francisco International Airport with Pleasant Holidays’ exclusive offer. For details and Hawaii sightseeing tours, visit www.PleasantActivities.com.

Hotels & Resorts

SpongeBob and Dora Appear at ‘Nickelodeon Getaway’ in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
 
A budget friendly commissionable family vacation getaway to Mexico gives the kids a chance to hobnob with SpongeBob Square Pants and Dora the Explorer at the Marriott. Activities with Nickelodeon characters include dive-in movies, poolside shows, Nick Workshop with arts and crafts, and even a mass sliming. What else will the young ones enjoy: newly renovated accommodations; daily buffet breakfast for two adults and complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner (under age of 12); one special Nickelodeon-themed character family breakfast; and Nickelodeon Sleepover Kit with SpongeBob or Dora-themed welcome gift, pillowcase and backpack. And for parents? The resort’s “Secretos de la Familia” program offers an insider’s view of the local culture and traditions, from culinary lessons, marine life education and language exploration to tequila tasting (the resort is one of the only in the world that grows its own agave and has a proprietary tequila brand). SpongeBob or Dora is on hand to say good-bye in the lobby on departure morning. The Nickelodeon Getaway package starts at $171 per room, per night, through August 28, based on availability, and requires a two-night stay. Travel agents can book the package by calling (888) 236 2427; commission is 10% before taxes. Include promotional code ZNL. Visit www.puertovallartamarriott.com.

Beat the Summer Heat Package to Argentina

For clients looking to beat the heat this summer, a trip south of the border where seasons are reversed, could be just the ticket. From August 1 through September 11, a four-night Summer Ski & Wine Getaway package is priced at US $2,840 based on double occupancy at the Algodon Wine Estates, an internationally award-winning Argentinean wine and golf estate in San Rafael, Mendoza, and at the nearby Virgo Hotel & Spa, one of South America’s leading ski resorts. Guests spend Thursday and Friday night at Algodon Wine Estates, where stays include a full day of tennis and golf, breakfast each morning, a winery tour and complimentary bottle of Algodon wine, access to a golf cart during the stay to explore the estate’s 2,050-acre scenic grounds. On Saturday, guests are transported to Virgo Hotel & Spa, in the valley of Las Lenas only 22 yards from the area’s renowned ski lifts. This two-night stay includes breakfast each morning, one dinner and unlimited access to Virgo’s ski lifts, health club and spa, gym, heated pool, kids and teen club and cinema. Visit www.algodonwineestates.com and www.virgohotel.com.ar/winter2010/index.php.

Savings Available at Small Luxury Hotels

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has a Summer Savings special promotion featuring deals including complimentary room nights and discounts of up to 30% inclusive of breakfast and/or special amenity at select SLH hotels. Summer Savings vary by participating hotel and are valid throughout Northern Europe, Italy, Paris, Greece, United Kingdom and Thailand. For example, for bookings through Oct. 31, Select SLH hotels in Italy are offering discounts of at least 15%, including breakfast and special amenity ranging from a private shopping experience at Prada to thermal pool water stretching, massage and more. Guests can opt for Ca’Sagredo Hotel, a 15th-century palazzo overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal or choose the more contemporary Hotel Art by Piazza Di Spagna, tucked away in the artistic heart of Rome. Visit www.slh.com/summersavings.

New Wellness Resort on Riviera Nayarit

Tahéima Wellness Resort & Spa, a boutique property Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast has opened. Situated in Nuevo Vallarta with the dramatic Sierra Madre Mountains as backdrop, Tahéima is located on the edge of the famous El Tigre Golf Course, and has a private beach club. Just 10 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the resort is easily accessible from cities across North America.Accommodation options at Taheima include studio and one to three bedroom suites, each equipped with a kitchenette, phone, individually controlled air conditioning and WiFi and private plunge pools in ground-floor units.  The resort has infinity pools and whirlpools, state-of-the-art workout facility and dance studio featuring classes such as yoga, Zumba, hip hop, stretching, Pilates, etc.  Holistic activities include: Labyrinth Meditation, Tai Chi, Zen Archery, Chi Gong and the indigenous Temazcal. Taheima guests can also enjoy the facilities of Paradise Village – the 18-hole championship El Tigre Golf Course, world-class fitness-center, tennis courts and squash courts, as well as the exclusive Playa Royale Beach Club. Now through Dec. 31, Taheima’s all-inclusive Wellness Passport is priced at $162 per person, per night, double occupancy for a minimum 3-night stay including one bedroom suite accommodations, all meals, one hour massage daily, over 25 classes a week, taxes and gratuities. Children 12 and under participate for free. For more information, visit http://www.Taheima.com or call 1-866 978 7140.

New Director of Sales for El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma
 
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma, a collection of Gourmet Inclusive properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, in Mexico, has announced the appointment of Maira Briceno as director of sales, a 12-year veteran of the luxury, all-inclusive market in Mexico and the Caribbean. She will oversee several of the company’s key tour operator accounts, with the goal of increasing sales through innovative marketing initiatives and promotions. She will also work closely with the tour operator group sales department for El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma.

Airline News

Continental Airlines Installs Upgrades on Business-Class Seats
 
Continental Airlines’ 25th aircraft took to the skies this week featuring new flat-bed “BusinessFirst” seats, which recline 180 degrees and allow for over 6 feet of sleeping space, Seats also have iPod connectivity so passengers can view their personal videos and enjoy music while their iPod is charging, and 15.4-inch video monitors with on-demand movies, music and games. The flat-bed seats made their operational debut last November on certain aircraft on long-haul international routes. In addition, Continental will take delivery of two new Boeing 777 aircraft outfitted with the seats by the end of July, and more are to be installed on many of Continental’s Boeing 767-400 aircraft starting in 2011 and on the Boeing 787 fleet as the new aircraft are delivered to the company.  

Cruise News

Princess Cruises Announces Details of 2011-2012 Cruise and Cruisetour Season
 
For the Fall 2011 to Spring 2012 Asia season, Princess Cruises features 14 Asia itineraries on its 17 modern ships that include more than 60 ports throughout Asia and beyond. Plus Princess land and sea cruisetours will visit more of mainland China, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition, there are roundtrip voyages from Australia and multi-continent adventures that include travel to and from Alaska, Australia or Africa. Passengers can choose to sail on Diamond Princess, the intimate Ocean Princess, or aboard one of the Princess ships based “Down Under.” Visit www.princess.com.

Royal Caribbean Introduces Gourmet Getaways with Celebrity Chefs

Freedom of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International ship, debuts an exclusive “Epicurean Discovery” package beginning at $1,874 per person, double. The package boasts private dinners, wine tasting and lectures with Celebrity Chefs thanks to 12 specialty voyages that are part of the cruise line’s “Epicurean Discovery” series. Designed especially for culinary enthusiasts, this package features a variety of special events devoted to cuisine and fine dining throughout the week, with each sailing hosted by a different renowned celebrity chef, such as “Iron Chef” contender Johnny Vinczencz; 2010 James Beard winner for “Best Chef in the South” Michael Schwartz; and “Top Chef” Chicago contender Spike Mandelsohn. A complete list of chefs and respective sail dates is available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com. Travel professionals, visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056 and www.royalcaribbean.com/epicurean.

M/V Aria to Set Sail in Amazon April 2011

Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli-Zugaro has announced plans to launch in April 2011 the second Aqua Expeditions vessel on the Peruvian Amazon, named M/V Aria. The M/V Aria features 16 specially designed cabins with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, a fully air-conditioned top deck with observation lounge as well as the Aqua Expeditions’ signature Amazon Grill with award-winning Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. The itineraries will also explore remote areas of the Amazon River but will vary from those of its sister ship, the M/V Aqua. The 24-crew member M/V Aria will be staffed with four nature guides and include an Amazon wildlife reference library and an air-conditioned multimedia room. Visit www.aquaexpeditions.com.

Azamara Club Cruises Debuts 13 Cultural Cruise/tours
 
Azamara Club Cruises has announced 13 land-tour itineraries for 2011 and 2012 combinable with an Azamara cruise for upscale packages that offer authentic cultural experiences from tango halls to souks, cathedrals to palaces, and pyramids to the Great Wall. The company prides itself on visiting unique destinations and immersing in the culture. Two- to six-night escorted land adventures are available in Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul and Jordan, and in Israel, India and China. All are escorted by a tour director or local host and feature accommodations in five-star hotels situated in metropolitan centers. They include a full breakfast, additional select meals, all transportation and ground transfers. Pre- and post-cruise cruisetour itineraries are available for purchase a la carte, and travelers have the flexibility to opt for the land-tour extension at any point after they make their cruise booking. For particulars, visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com.

Crystal’s 2011 ‘Experiences of Discovery’ Offer Themed Cruises for All Tastes

Crystal Cruises has announced its 2011 “Experiences of Discovery” special interest cruises. They include cruises, for example, such as a Wine & Food Festival; Mind, Body & Spirit (focus on yoga, pilates, tai chi and general fitness); Emerging Artists (set for seven consecutive Alaska voyages); Science & Technology (latest research developments and newest gadgets); Jazz; Golf; Film & Theater Festival; Big Band & Ballroom Dance; and more. Additionally, Crystal’s annual President’s Cruise and Holiday sailings offer special events and festivities. New for 2011 will be a Floral Design cruise, where a renowned guest floral designer shares techniques of the art. The “Distinguished Speaker Series” offers educational and informative presentations from noteworthy personalities. For full details and special deals for early booking, visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Holland America Continues Weekly Bermuda Cruises in 2011

Holland America Line will offer 24 seven-day cruises to Bermuda aboard the 1,350-guest Veendam in 2011, continuing the schedule established this year. The cruise line returned to regular Bermuda service departing from New York in 2010 after more than 25 years. Voyages in 2011 will begin May 1 and sail roundtrip from New York through Oct. 9, calling one day at St. George’s and two nights at the island’s capital, Hamilton. Fares begin at $699 per person double plus taxes. Visit www.hollandamerica.com.

FAM Trip

Agent October FAM to Baltic Capitals

Europetoo, an Isramworld company, is offering travel agents a fam trip to Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and beyond, October 6 to 14, for $899 per person (land only). Companions are welcomed at a $200 supplement. Tour Features:

• 2 Nights in Tallinn, Hotel Radisson BLU
• 3 Nights in Riga, Hotel Radisson BLU Latvija
• 3 Nights in Vilnius, Hotel Radisson BLU Lietuva
• Service charges and hotel taxes included
• Daily breakfast
• 3 Dinners (1 dinner in each city)
• Assisted arrival and departure airport transfers
• Motorcoach transportation from city to city
• Sightseeing tours as per program, including entrance fees to castles and palaces
• Luggage handling at hotels (one piece per person in/out)
• Optional: Air on LOT Polish Airlines from JFK to Tallinn (Oct. 5, 2010) and from Vilnius to JFK (Oct. 14, 2010).

Inquire at www.europetoo.com.