The Travel Journal - travel news

New Features on refurbished Carnival Sensation

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:01:00 +0000

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation and emerged with a host of new facilities and features, including a sprawling water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, and redesigned tropical themed main pool. Ninety-eight balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Circle C facility for 12- to 14-year olds was added, as well.

The extensive renovation, which took place during a 35-day dry dock, is part of Carnival’s “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Sensation is the fourth “Fun Ship” to receive the upgrades, joining the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Fantasy which have already been renovated. The four remaining Fantasy-class ships will be refurbished over the next few years.

Carnival Sensation resumed its year-round three- and four-day Bahamas cruise program from Port Canaveral, Fla., last week. On this route, three-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Nassau while four-day voyages depart Sundays and call at Freeport and Nassau.

“With its wide variety of on-board facilities and convenient three- and four-day schedule from Port Canaveral – located in close proximity to Central Florida’s many attractions and theme parks – Carnival Sensation has been a popular choice for ‘Fun Ship’ guests, particularly families,” said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival’s senior vice president of hotel operations. “And with the new water park, updated pool area, and other guest-pleasing features, we’re making a terrific, value-packed vacation choice even more attractive to consumers,” she added.

Exciting Open Deck Upgrades
A highlight of the “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, a sprawling aqua park that is designed to appeal to guests of all ages. Towering over Verandah Deck, the expansive open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long water slide – the longest at sea – along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus.

Another signature element of “Evolutions of Fun” is the redesigned main pool area. Located mid-ship on Lido Deck, the area has a distinctive resort-style ambiance, with colorful, oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing, vibrant tile work and other tropical-themed design elements.

Serenity Adults-Only Retreat
Also new on the Carnival Sensation is Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat located aft on Promenade Deck. Designed as an ocean-going oasis for comfort and relaxation, Serenity offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, and two large whirlpools. Shade is provided by oversized umbrellas, along with an area covered by thatched roofing. Within Serenity, guests can enjoy a wide range of icy cocktails and frozen drinks or partake in various dining options at the nearby, casual Seaview restaurant.

Ninety-Eight New Balcony Staterooms
Ninety-eight existing ocean view staterooms on the Carnival Sensation have been retrofitted with balconies, creating expansive new cabins measuring approximately 230 square feet. Twenty-four of the new balcony cabins are located mid-ship, 12 are located near the stern, and the other 62 are located aft, with several of these accommodations featuring extended balconies. Additionally, a number of the Carnival Sensation’s suites have been modified to feature larger, extended balconies to create a more spacious environment for guests.

New Circle C Facility, Other Enhancements
Carnival Sensation’s refurbishment also included the creation of a new Circle C facility on Atlantic Deck 8. Catering to the 12- to 14-old age group, Circle C includes a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox and gaming pods with the latest games and consoles.

All of the Carnival Sensation’s 1,026 staterooms have been completely remodeled with new wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Additionally, virtually all dining, dancing and entertainment venues, as well as all guest corridors, have been renovated with a host of cosmetic enhancements.

Celebrity Cruises' Equinox to Soft-Launch in Norwegian Fjords

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Amidst ongoing rave reviews of its new Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises today announced that the pace of construction of sister ship Celebrity Equinox is proceeding so well, the cruise line will offer a soft launch prior to the ship's maiden voyage of August 8.

The eagerly anticipated Celebrity Equinox will now present a cruise departing July 31 through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, roundtrip from Southampton, England.

The 8-night cruise through the Norwegian Fjords features visits to Stavanger, Flam, Geiranger, and Oslo, Norway.

Guests on every sailing of Celebrity Equinox will experience the series of brand-defining, industry-first attributes that guests, travel agents and press have praised about Celebrity Solstice, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass, unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals. The 2,850-guest vessel also will have spacious staterooms and bathrooms, and several categories of accommodations, including Celebrity's new, spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms.

Cruising with Little Ones is Child’s Play Onboard Disney Cruise Line

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:25:00 +0000

Traveling with infants and toddlers on Disney Cruise Line will soon be easier than ever thanks to a cruise industry-first service that delivers baby supplies directly to guest staterooms and a host of child-friendly offerings onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.

Beginning March 15, families preparing to sail on Disney Cruise Line with little ones will have access to an online service that allows them to order baby supplies in advance of their cruise and have them delivered to their stateroom. The new service is exclusive for Disney Cruise Line guests and provided by Babies Travel Lite, an online retailer offering more than 1,000 brand-name baby products including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items.

By visiting disneycruise.com, guests will be able to access a special section of the Babies Travel Lite Web site where they can create orders for familiar brands in quantities customized to the duration of their cruise.

“Disney Cruise Line prides itself on delivering a vacation experience that caters to every member of the family including our youngest cruisers,” said Tom Wolber, senior vice president of operations for Disney Cruise Line. “The new delivery service eliminates the challenges of packing for infant travel, while onboard conveniences simplify family travel for parents looking to relax during their cruise vacation.”

The new delivery service is just one of the many products and services available to families traveling with children under 3. Guests also have access to a host of onboard services to facilitate traveling with toddlers in tow:

Diaper Genie units, cribs and playpens are available complimentary upon request from the stateroom host/hostess for use during the cruise.
Bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers and strollers are available complimentary at Guest Services for use during the cruise.
At Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, wagons are available to facilitate navigating the island’s sandy beaches.
Baby supplies are available for purchase on the ships.

These amenities are the perfect complement to Disney’s infant-care center at sea, Flounder’s Reef Nursery. The nursery features an “under the sea” soft play area themed to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” where children 12 weeks to 36 months can enjoy themselves under the watchful eyes of trained Disney caregivers. Even Mickey Mouse or another Disney pal might swing by for a surprise visit involving fun and games.

Also for infants and toddlers is Mickey’s Splash Zone, a water playground inspired by The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Disney’s “Fantasia.” This extension to the Mickey Pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains, a soft play surface and whimsical splash zones, creating an inviting environment for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers.

Guests sailing on seven-night cruises can enjoy some ‘together’ time with their little ones during Family Time Sessions at Flounder’s Reef Nursery. Families have the opportunity to explore the nursery and meet the team of counselors who supervise the children.

Also on seven-night cruises, guests can enjoy Toddler Time at the Oceaneer Club and at Mickey’s Splash Zone. Families can join their little ones and explore the world together as they participate in musical games and fine motor skills exercises led by Disney’s youth activities counselors.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a cruise experience that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs.

Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available.

Lte Airways suspends flights with immediate effect

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:53:00 +0000

LTE Airways is forth Spanish low cost carrier to stop flights. In the past few weeks other Spanish carriers; Futura, Lagunair and Flysur also discontinued their services.

At the moment, there is no indication of how the advance reservations or refunds will be handled.

On its website Lte International Airways states:

Lte International Airways S.A. wish to inform you that due to the financial situation of the company, that make it difficult to meet the operational expenses in the next days, we have had to suspend our charter and scheduled operations.
Lte is doing everything to minimize the impact of this suspension of services on its clients and providers. After 20 years operating with maximum dedication to our clients it just was not possible to avoid this situation given world events lately.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to our passengers, clients and suppliers.
Lte International Airways S.A.

Virgin and British Airways cut fuel surcharges

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:57:00 +0000

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are reducing fuel surcharges paid by their customers from midnight on October 15th.

In response to falling oil prices Virgin Atlantic yesterday announced the cut in fuel surcharge for its economy and premium economy passengers. Depending on class and a route the flight tickets are going to be cheaper by up to £26.

According to British Airways, its move to cut the fuel surcharges for up to £13 has nothing to do with the price of oil – as British Airways, hedges the cost of fuel to avoid unpredictable price changes.

Royal Caribbean to sail from Dubai

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:49:00 +0000

Dubai is also emerging as new the cruise destination.

Following Costa Cruises, the Royal Caribbean will become the second major cruise line to base a ship in Dubai. Between January and April 2010, the ship will run seven-night sailings from Dubai, with details yet to be confirmed.

Carnival to drop fuel surcharges

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:24:00 +0000

From 31st October, the Carnival Corp cruise operator will eradicate fuel surcharges on new bookings for 2010 at Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn and raise fares instead.

Holland America Line’s MS Veendam is setting for South America

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:59:00 +0000

South America is becoming more and more popular cruise destination. In answer to this demand Holland America Line’s MS Veendam is set to cruise South America for the fall 2009 and the winter and spring 2010 season.

Newly-refurbished MS Veendam will offer its guests some of the most scenic cruising in the world in10 sailings ranging from 16 to 20 days. Concentrating on port-intensive itineraries MS Veendam will spend more time in ports than most major cruise lines and is the only premium cruise line offering overnights in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires on select cruises.

For those who want to extend their vacation, Holland America Line offers several pre- and post-cruise land tours. Guests can opt to spend an extra night or two in Rio de Janeiro and Santiago de Chile, take overland 2 to 5 days tours to the famed ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, Iguacu Falls, located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, and Chile's wine country.

Crystal Cruises' exclusive land tours on spring 2009 China and Japan itineraries

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:39:00 +0000

It seems quite a few cruise updates we have today.

Crystal Cruises are adding exclusive land tours to their spring 2009 China and Japan itineraries.

Crystal Cruises' five-night pre- and post-cruise land program includes a to journey to mystical, magical Tibet and a visit to meet the rare and nearly extinct Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Breeding and Research Centre in Sichuan province.

"Bridging the best of land and sea, the China and Tibet extended land program offers excursions to regions of the world that few travellers will ever have the chance to see," said John Stoll, director, land programs. "A Crystal vacation isn't confined to the port cities and surrounding areas. With great attention to detail and Crystal care, we transport guests thousands of miles inland to expand their experience."

Human Advertising - New Zealand style

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:59:00 +0000

Remember Gordon Brown advertising Fiji? Remember Ryanair's sexy schoolgirl?Well, we have a new kid in town who would like to show us all how well their creative juices are flowing.

Starting later in October, Air New Zealand will advertise at Los Angeles airport with… "cranial billboards". Air New Zealand decided to hire a bunch of bald scalps and temporarily tattoo them with slogans like "Need a Change? Head Down to New Zealand". Yes, scalps are firmly attached to the human being.

Air New Zealand Marketing Manager Steve Bayliss said: "The cheeky sense of humour in the campaign has sparked people's imagination," and when human billboards are not on airport duty they are "making new friends and being stopped on the streets to talk about the campaign."

India banned smoking in public places

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:52:00 +0000

Even though the list of countries with smoking ban in public places is long, the smoking bans are much rarer in Asia. Now, India is following footsteps of Hong Kong and Singapore prohibiting smoking in many public places.

From the 2nd October smoking in hospitals, train stations, offices, hotels, restaurants and even bars in India is banned. According to government, there are over 120 million smokers in India, most of them under 30 years old.

The violators of the smoking ban will get a $5 fine initially, however India officials consider to raise the penalty to $25 in future.

Virgin Galactic says no to space porn movie offer

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:27:00 +0000

With space flights scheduled for 2009 it was bound to happen… Someone came up with an idea of making galactic porn and supposedly offered Virgin Galactic $1 million for a “location setting”.

Taking under consideration that regular flight on Virgin Galactic will cost $200,000, $1 million does not look very profitable… Let me think; two actors plus camera man plus light man plus sound man plus director plus wardrobe plus set designer plus props master plus make-up artist plus at least one assistant… No wonder Virgin Galactic refused, offer came at least $1million short.

Photo source: wikipedia

New Qantas uniforms

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:41:00 +0000

Qantas said today it would launch a new version of its cabin crew uniforms to coincide with the commencement of its A380 flights in October.

Qantas Group General Manager Customer Product and Services, Ms Lesley Grant, said the new colour had been created by the uniforms' designer, Peter Morrissey.

"Qantas launched its current Morrissey designed uniforms in 2003," she said.

"While the uniforms remain stylish and distinctive and are popular with both our crew members and customers, the time is right to introduce a new colour palette, in keeping with our increasing focus on contemporary design and to coincide with the arrival of the new generation A380."

Ms Grant said Qantas and Peter Morrissey had continued to work with the textile design Wirriyarra from the Balarinji Design Studio.

"Australian wool suits in black are combined with Wirriyarra scarves or ties in a new 'dusk' print - characterised by silver and blue tones - and a dusk print dress has been created for female flight attendants," she said.

"Qantas Customer Service Managers will also wear new ties and scarves, including 'platinum' box weave silver for men and platinum silver for women.

"Qantas cabin crew are the face of our airline and this updated uniform is fresh, contemporary and reflects our premium style."

In 1938, Qantas' first male cabin crew dressed in white waiters' jackets when serving dinner to passengers. In 1947, female crew joined Qantas and wore a military style uniform. Qantas' cabin crew uniform has been re-designed nine times since - in 1959, 1964, 1969, 1971, 1974, 1985, 1993, 2003 and 2008 - created by leading designers such as Emilio Pucci, Yves Saint Laurent and George Gross and Harry Who.

London Gatwick airport for sale

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:41:00 +0000

Do you have spare $3.5 billion, more less? If yes, here is your big chance to buy yourself UK second largest airport.

You might have some competition though. Australian company Macquarie, Germany's Fraport and Virgin Atlantic expressed their interest. However, if you miss this opportunity, you may always bid for Stansted airport, which is going to be sold next.

Qantas to introduce online check-in

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Qantas said today it would introduce new online check-in options, including paperless check-in, from early 2009 to make the process faster and easier.

Qantas Executive General Manager, Mr John Borghetti, said the new check-in options included:
- online check-in for international customers, building on the successful domestic online check-in options already available;
- the option for customers to select their seat from the point of booking, for both domestic and international flights;
- the option for customers who have not made their booking online to select their seat via the 'Manage Your Booking' service on qantas.com; and
- the ability for customers who select their seat online before departure to be automatically checked-in and have a 2D barcode sent to their mobile phone, portable device or PC.

"Domestic customers electing to receive their boarding pass on their mobile phone or portable device can have a paperless experience, from booking, to check-in to boarding. Customers with baggage can proceed directly to the bag drop facilities before heading straight to their flight," he said.

"For our international customers, passengers who have already checked-in will proceed straight to a dedicated online bag drop counter."

Mr Borghetti said these technological enhancements formed part of a broader mobile strategy for Qantas, giving customers access to information and services via portable devices.

"As part of this strategy, Qantas is working to ensure all services are available for customers with the iPhone 3G," he said.

Regardless of which option they use, all passengers and their baggage will continue to pass through all required airport security screening.

Azamara Journey Brand Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:42:00 +0000

Review of Azamara Cruise by Mike Graham and Stuart Pearce

30th of August – 1st of September 2008 – 2 nights

Overview

This product is definitely ‘ premium luxury ‘

At first you realise how much more compact it is ( but this is versus Royal ships – which I know we cannot really compare against ), however after 24 hours you realise it has a real ‘ country club ‘ feel to it with a taste of what cruising was like in the old days.

We met Niyazi Korkmaz ( the hotel director, who has been with the company 18 years, 3 yrs Royal, 14 yrs Celebrity and 1 yr on Azamara Journey ) He kindly spent 45 minutes with us discussing the guest profile, main competitors, feedback from guests and what makes Azamara so different to other cruise ships. I have met several people on Royal who have always been very helpful but I couldn’t help but feel that he was giving us a much more personal service and he was extremely proud of the Azamara Journey.

The 1 hour Bridge tour was fantastic and they also do this for guests if they ask for this ( and galley tours ) – which they do not do on Royal or Celebrity.

General Feedback
Glass of champagne when you first step onboard.
1.5 litre bottle of mineral water which is complimentary is in your stateroom on arrival.
Rose on pillow and bed turned down on returning to stateroom at night.
Daily flowers in a vase.
The butler is dressed as a butler and consistently asked if there was anything he could do, I had no pen and he came back with one within 15 minutes
The announcements are limited to the Captain, no tannoy announcements around the pool, the atmosphere is very relaxed and on the day at sea there are still sunbeds free.
The towels in your stateroom are real bath towels, double the size of towels on Royal and Celebrity.
In suites the guests are given a bottle of their favourite spirit complimentary for their stay.
Age of guests mid 40’s upwards.
Guests can order free espressos, cappuccinos after their meal in any restaurant.
Penthouse and Royal suites each cruise are invited to have dinner with the Captain where the library room is converted to a private restaurant where the chef flambés the food and the Captain and officers host the suite guests.
Diesel converts to electrical power to propel the ship along which is better for the environment.
The highlight for both Stuart and myself was the specialty restaurant, Aqualina. The service was outstanding, I would honestly say one of the best meals I have ever had – we had 8 courses, the wine sommelier gave us the history of the wine chosen and was very knowledgeable, the Food and Beverages manager, Restaurant manager and the Executive Chef came to see us to ask how our meal was which was a lovely touch.
We were invited to, and attended the Captains Club and Elite Party where me met a lovely couple from Ireland who were very impressed with Azamara. They had only ever travelled on Royal and Celebrity in the past and definitely preferred this type of cruise.
Specialty restaurants – guaranteed 2 sittings ( 3 if in suites ) However if there is availability guests can dine there more than this for just the 5 dollars per person gratuity ! – This really is something we need to shout more about.
Most people are in bed by 11pm ( after dinner ), the busiest place was the casino.

Overall I would call Azamara Journey a luxurious ‘ floating boutique hotel ‘ at sea.

Zoom Airlines cancels all flights

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Zoom Airlines sincerely regrets to advise its customers that it has suspended operations with effect from 19:00 hrs on Thursday 28 August 2008. Both Zoom Airlines Inc and Zoom Airlines Ltd, the Canadian and UK airlines, have started administration proceedings in their home countries.

All Zoom flights have been cancelled and aircraft grounded.

For customers who have future travel plans involving a Zoom flight for which reservations and payment have been made, you should refer to your credit or debit card company to apply for a refund.

We have set out details of other airlines who operate the same or similar routes to those flown with Zoom in the hope that this may assist you in making alternative travel plans to replace the flights that you had booked with Zoom.

If your travel arrangements have been made as part of a holiday package originating in the UK and booked through a holiday company, you may be able to make a claim under the CAA's Air Travel Organiser's Licence scheme. For information on this, please consult the CAA ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

Hugh and John Boyle, the founders of Zoom, said tonight: "We deeply regret the fact that we have been forced to suspend all Zoom operations. It is a tragic day for our passengers and more than 600 staff.

"We are desperately sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment that this will cause passengers and those who have booked flights.

"We have done everything we can to support the airline and left no stone unturned to secure a re-financing package that would have kept our aircraft flying. Even late today we believed we had secured a new investment package to ensure future operations but the actions of creditors meant we could not continue flying. Having been unable to complete the investment package the directors of Zoom had no option but to instigate administration proceedings.

"The suspension of operations is a result of the exceptionally difficult trading conditions which have affected all airlines over the last 12 months. We have worked hard over the last seven years to build up a successful business but have incurred losses in the current year due to the unprecedented increase in the price of aviation fuel and the economic climate. The increase in the price of oil has added around $50 million to our annual operating costs and we could not recover that from passengers who had already booked their flights.

"We would like to thank the many thousands of passengers who chose to travel with Zoom during the last seven years and efforts of the airline's staff. We are extremely sorry for today's unavoidable actions."

Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have indicated that they will be offering special fares to customers whose travel plans have been affected by Zoom's suspension of flights.

Services offered by other airlines which may be of assistance to Zoom customers:

London Gatwick to Toronto Canadian Affair, Air Canada, Fly Globespan, British Airways
London Gatwick to Vancouver Canadian Affair, Air Canada, Fly Globespan, British Airways
London Gatwick to Calgary Canadian Affair, Air Canada, Fly Globespan, British Airways
London Gatwick to Montreal Canadian Affair, Air Canada, British Airways
London Gatwick to Ottawa Canadian Affair, Air Canada
London Gatwick to Halifax Canadian Affair, Air Canada
London Gatwick to Winnipeg No direct flights. See Air Canada for options to change planes at airports in Canada to fly on this route.
London Gatwick to Bermuda British Airways
London Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale No direct flights. See British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines for flights to Miami; or other US airlines for flights via hubs in America.
London Gatwick to San Diego No direct flights. See British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Air New Zealand and United Airlines for flights to Los Angeles or other US airlines for flights via hubs in America.
Glasgow to Ottawa No direct flights
Glasgow to Halifax No direct flights
Glasgow to Calgary Canadian Affair, Fly Globespan
Glasgow to Vancouver Canadian Affair, Fly Globespan
Glasgow to Toronto Canadian Affair, Fly Globespan
Manchester to Vancouver Canadian Affair, Fly Globespan
Manchester to Toronto Canadian Affair, Fly Globespan
Belfast to Toronto Canadian Affair, Fly Globespan
Belfast to Vancouver No direct flights.
Cardiff to Toronto No direct flights
Cardiff to Vancouver No direct flights

Airline removes life vests

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:20:00 +0000

Toronto Star reported that Jazz airlines, Air Canada's regional affiliate, have removed life vests from all of its planes; including those that fly over water. The reason? Saving money of course.

According to Transport Canada regulations, the carriers that fly within 50 nautical miles of shore may use flotation devices instead of vests. So Jazz airlines passengers in the "unlikely event of a water landing" will hold to their floating seat cushions.

Me thinking: children, me thinking: cold water, me thinking:... insane.

Zimbabwe travel FCO update

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:45:00 +0000

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its travel advice for Zimbabwe.

We advise against all but essential travel to Zimbabwe at this time. The situation remains unpredictable and incidents of violence across the country continue: it could deteriorate further, without warning. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.

Full travel advice from FCO on travel to Zimbabwe is available here.

Hotel Missoni opens in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:07:00 +0000

Iconic Italian fashion house Missoni teamed up with the Rezidor Hotel Group on Hotel Missoni projects. The first two hotels should be open in early 2009 in Edinburgh and Kuwait City.

Hotel Missoni Edinburgh – will offer 136 bedrooms and suites, the signature Cucina Missoni restaurant, Bar Missoni, a fitness suite and several meeting spaces. The supposed colour scheme is blacks, whites and silver to match Hotel Missoni Edinburgh business nature.

Hotel Missoni Kuwait - will offer 200 bedrooms, all with views of the Arabian Gulf, Cucina Missoni restaurant; a Six Senses Spa, conference rooms and a ballroom. Hotel Missoni Kuwait is going to be leisure orientated, therefore its colour scheme allegedly will feature saturated colours.

Hotel Missoni is planning to open in another 8 locations across the world in the next five years

Attention, attention possible Czech beer shortages...

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:05:00 +0000

in Russia that is.

In response to Czech plans to host a United States radar station, Russia, amongst the other commercial and political moves, is considering banning Czech beer.

So far, Czech Republic did not replied whether it is planning to ban Russian vodka.

Acupuncture Added To Crystal's Wellness Options

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:56:00 +0000

Enriching its portfolio of wellness opportunities, Crystal Cruises is introducing onboard acupuncture, along with a menu of Chinese herbs revered for restoring and enhancing health, beauty and longevity. A menu of optional acupuncture treatments, launching this month on Crystal Serenity, focuses on weight loss, pain management, stress reduction, detoxification, smoking cessation, facial rejuvenation and even sea sickness.

"For many, a vacation offers the freedom to try something new," says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. "Whether one is just curious or one wants to pursue new treatments, acupuncture complements Crystal's myriad of onboard wellness activities, which have transformed guests into devotees of disciplines like yoga or reflexology or Spinning®."

Crystal also offers complimentary yoga, Pilates and newly introduced "Tour de Spin" cycling classes, and an exclusive Walk on Water® program utilizing weighted vests to increase resistance.

In December 2008, and in 2009 both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity host Mind, Body & Spirit theme cruises, focusing on general wellness through classes and discussions with guest instructors in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates and general fitness.

Edinburgh Dungeons "bans" English visitors or much ado about nothing

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:30:00 +0000

In revenge for slaughter of Scots in the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, the Edinburgh Dungeons yesterday “banned” English tourists from visiting their popular attraction. The English visitors were supposed to be allowed entry only after signing a scroll swearing allegiance to Scotland.

And then came uproar of ‘national discrimination’ over ‘something that happened 700 years ago and people nowadays cannot be responsible for’.

As it turned out, the Edinburgh Dungeons did not ban anyone, instead they asked people to swear their allegiance to William Wallace, whoever refused was then threatened by Wallace-a-like into doing so. Some signed, many refused.

Honestly, why so little people see the positive side of it? It was a laugh, a history lesson made easy, a PR stunt. Cheer up people :D

picture: kbolino

Ciao Chow on Spanish Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Italian cities are cracking down on ‘misbehaving’ tourists. After Venice banning picnics and bare torsos from St Mark’s Square, now Rome bans … snacking near the tourist attractions in historic centre during the tourist season (the ban was put in place last weekend and stays in effect until the end of October). The fine can set you back €50.

Check-in business

noreply@blogger.com (Your Travel Buddy) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:12:00 +0000

Did you notice that airplanes are pretty much ads-free little bits of heaven? Buses and tubes are full of ads, but not airplanes… (trains are pretty OK, but you can glimpse cheeky ad here and there). I must say, I do wonder why? What keeps advertisers from filling the planes with ads from top to bottom…

All these thoughts were spun on me by the announcement that Delta airlines are testing advertising on their online check-in site. So now, you will have the privilege of printing ads at your own expense. Oh yes, there is a button for printing 'the' full page, or a text link to print just your boarding pass. But if one is big and orange button, and the other looks like a red text link, which would you click?

online check-in demo