Cruising During Hurricane? Passengers Shouldn't Be Concerned.
9/16/201112:29:41 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Cruises
Cruises During Hurricane Season? Passengers Shouldn't Be Concerned
By
Jason Gallagher |
Yahoo! Contributor Network –
Fri, Sep 2, 2011
Any traveler who has experienced bad weather when on vacation knows how fast that great vacation can turn into a completely forgettable experience. While land based travelers can choose to perform alternative activities that include staying indoors, folks who choose the open seas on a cruise ship are generally not as lucky. Even though much of the East Coast still cleaning up damage and debris from Hurricane Irene, cruise lines have their own interesting way of dealing with hurricanes.
The first question that pops into many travelers' heads is: Why book a cruise during hurricane season? Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, which includes a large chunk of the summer months. Plus, cruise lines tend to offer some great deals during this time period. The math really adds up, great deals, kids out of school, plus a tropical climate, equals a great time to be had by all.
Putting off a cruise because of hurricane season is completely understandable, but probably unnecessary. Cruise ships are equipped with top-of-the-line systems allowing them to detect bad weather, which allows ships to stay one step ahead of the storm. Sure, choppy seas are a possibility, but cruise lines avoid storms rather than head right into them.
One major possibility associated with cruising during storm season is a change of ports. While cruise ships obviously move, islands and ports are not so lucky. Cruise lines have the ability to head to a region not being affected by bad weather or even spend an extra day at sea. However, bad weather that is moving fast can result in passengers being left behind, but they usually catch back up to the ship in short order.
While hurricanes may are able to inflict a lot of damage to private islands, cruise lines are able to outmaneuver the storms. Some headaches can be expected, but for the most part cruising during hurricane season is not any different than the rest of the year-except maybe cheaper.
In short, while some logistical problems are possible, they are usually not something that a good cruise line or travel agent cannot work around. When passengers are on the ship rain can turn into sunshine rather quickly, which is something ground based passengers can long for.
Jason Gallagher is a former travel professional with a decade of experience in the industry. He remains an avid traveler and hotel fan with exposure to technology and trends in properties across the United States.
Mexicana Airlines (Grupo Mexicana) suspends its operations indefinitely
8/31/20101:06:13 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Airlines
Grupo Mexicana deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers, however Mexicana Airlines, MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink flights will be suspended until further notice. Grupo Mexicana will continue seeking out ways of securing the company's long-term financial viability, so passengers can once again enjoy the quality services they are accustomed to. Grupo Mexicana hopes to be back in the air soon and would like to thank everyone involved in this process for their support and understanding.
For information on how to apply for a refund, visit www.mexicanainforms.com (Tickets issued in the United States and Canada; or contact us at 888-882-9994 or 877-801-2010 from the U.S. or Canada.
Mexicana Airlines (Grupo Mexicana) suspends its operations indefinitely
8/31/20101:06:10 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Airlines
Grupo Mexicana deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers, however Mexicana Airlines, MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink flights will be suspended until further notice. Grupo Mexicana will continue seeking out ways of securing the company's long-term financial viability, so passengers can once again enjoy the quality services they are accustomed to. Grupo Mexicana hopes to be back in the air soon and would like to thank everyone involved in this process for their support and understanding.
For information on how to apply for a refund, visit www.mexicanainforms.com (Tickets issued in the United States and Canada; or contact us at 888-882-9994 or 877-801-2010 from the U.S. or Canada.
Mexicana Airlines (Grupo Mexicana) suspends its operations indefinitely
8/31/20101:05:44 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Airlines
Grupo Mexicana deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers, however Mexicana Airlines, MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink flights will be suspended until further notice. Grupo Mexicana will continue seeking out ways of securing the company's long-term financial viability, so passengers can once again enjoy the quality services they are accustomed to. Grupo Mexicana hopes to be back in the air soon and would like to thank everyone involved in this process for their support and understanding.
For information on how to apply for a refund, visit www.mexicanainforms.com (Tickets issued in the United States and Canada; or contact us at 888-882-9994 or 877-801-2010 from the U.S. or Canada.
Marlon Brando's French Polynesian Home on Tetiaroa to be a Resort Opening in Late 2010
8/24/20109:27:47 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Marlon Brando's Home In French Polynesia To Be a Resort
Brando Resort Set to Open in Late 2012 on Tetiaroa
Published on: August 23, 2010
Construction on The Brando, located on the French Polynesian island of Tetiaroa, formerly owned by actor Marlon Brando, is progressing steadily with completion slated for late 2012. Pacific Beachcomber, S.C., developer of the anticipated resort, on Friday provided a number of updates.
Gaston Tong Sang, president of French Polynesia, recently made an official visit to Tetiaroa for a tour of The Brando construction site. Organized by Richard Bailey, CEO of Pacific Beachcomber S.C., and friend of the late actor, the trip was designed to demonstrate the progress made on the project’s construction with the president and his minister of environment, Jules Ienfa, as well as to underscore the facility’s potential for the region in tourism, employment and sustainable development.
“President Tong Sang was impressed both by the progress of the project and by the overall concept for The Brando,” said Bailey. “He also expressed the positive impact the resort will bring to French Polynesia, creating jobs and adding an exciting new dimension to its tourism industry.”
Sustainability remains at the forefront of construction efforts and progress. Pacific Beachcomber said it is committed to the goal of attaining LEED Platinum certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The company hopes to make Tetiaroa a prototype for sustainable development in the hospitality industry.
The Brando will produce as much energy as it consumes—or more in an effort to be carbon neutral. The two principal renewable energies that will be used on the island will be solar panels and bio-fuel generators. The photovoltaic (solar) panels will be installed alongside Pacific Beachcomber’s new airstrip, which was completed in May 2010. The balance of the energy demand will be sourced using bio-fuel.
A major component of Tetiaroa’s goal of energy autonomy is the installation of a seawater air conditioning (SWAC) system, which uses cold water pumped from 930 meters (nearly 3,000 feet) below the surface to cool the water used in the resort’s air-conditioning system. Given the year-round tropical climate in French Polynesia, air conditioning can account for up to 50 percent of electricity consumption. SWAC significantly reduces the demand for electricity and will further Pacific Beachcomber’s goal of creating a 100 percent renewable energy community. This will be the second industrial SWAC system in the world, the first is located at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, which is owned by Pacific Beachcomber. The Bora Bora system has saved approximately 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide per year since it was installed in 2006. The Brando also is planning an innovative wastewater management system that will filter liquid wastewater into water usable for irrigation.
Landscaping efforts are already well under way on the atoll. The master plan for Tetiaroa includes a substantial landscaping program aimed at caring for existing vegetation while also reintroducing various plant species on Onetahi (one of the islets, or motus, of Tetiaroa) that are native to the island. Pacific Beachcomber intends to recreate the island’s original landscape, and nearly all plants that are currently being cultivated are already found on the motus of Tetiaroa. The landscaping program on Tetiaroa is a continual effort that will ultimately be incorporated into the ongoing management of Tetiaroa.
Pacific Beachcomber also said it is a founding member of the newly created non-profit Tetiaroa Society, which is dedicated to research, conservation and education related to the unique and delicate ecology of the island. The non-profit’s goal is to create a scientific and educational window into the biodiversity of Tetiaroa, and raise public awareness regarding its fragile ecology. Tetiaroa Society is named after The Royal Society of London, which financed Captain James Cook’s first expedition to the islands in the 19th century.
In addition, Pacific Beachcomber is building a research facility on Tetiaroa , which will be donated to Tetiaroa Society. In keeping with Marlon Brando’s wishes, students and scientists will have access to the facility for onsite research and education. In addition, another founding member of Tetiaroa Society, Brando Enterprises, which backs Pacific Beachcomber’s project, has committed $100,000 in support of Tetiaroa Society’s conservation and educational activities.
In 2005, after conducting a great deal of due diligence, Brando Enterprises entered into an agreement with TBSA and Richard Bailey for the creation of The Brando on Tetiaroa. Today, Brando Enterprises continues to work closely with TBSA, Richard Bailey and the Brando Beneficiaries to ensure that The Brando is built according to Marlon's original dreams for his island. The Brando will also offer a real estate component, selling 25 residences located on the Eastern shore of Motu Onetahi.
The resort will be the only hotel on Tetiaroa. Purchased by Marlon Brando in 1965, Tetiaroa is a 13-island chain circled by a coral reef 35 miles from the island of Tahiti. The Brando will feature 47 deluxe bungalow villas (each with private plunge pools), a spa, fitness center, community pool, as well as various island activities including scuba diving and archaeological tours of royal Tahitian sites.
With 630 hotel rooms and 166 cabins, Pacific Beachcomber is the country’s largest luxury hotel and cruise operator. In addition to the recent acquisition of the Paul Gauguin (www.pgcruises.com) luxury cruise vessel, Pacific Beachcomber operates six hotels (tahitiresorts.intercontinental.com) InterContinental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa, the Maitai Bora Bora and the Maitai Rangiroa (www.hotelmaitai.com). For more information, visit www.pacificbeachcomber.com or www.tetiaroa.pf.
Delta Airlines Unveil Plans for Enhancement and Expansion of Terminal 4 at JFK Airport
8/20/20107:02:41 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Airport Expansion
Delta Air Lines, the Port Authority of New York and
New Jersey and JFK International Air Terminal Unveil Plans for
Enhancement and Expansion of Terminal 4 at JFK Airport
Project to create a state-of-the-art facility at Terminal 4 at Delta’s JFK hub
$1.2 billion expansion and enhancement project to begin in September 2010
JFKIAT to Manage Terminal Facility
Delta Air Lines, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK International Air Terminal LLC (JFKIAT) today unveiled plans for the enhancement and expansion of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The $1.2 billion project will create a state-of-the-art facility for New York’s fastest growing global airline.
“The newly expanded and enhanced Terminal 4, one of many substantial investments we’re making in New York, will provide significant benefits to our customers, employees and the city of New York for decades to come,” said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. “Following a multi-year effort, we are very pleased to have reached a decision with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFKIAT and Schiphol USA. This plan allows us to move forward with the enhancement of our terminal hub, one that will showcase modern, welcoming facilities and meet the needs of the world’s most competitive and largest aviation market.”
“John F. Kennedy Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, will continue its transformation into one of the nation’s most state-of the-art airports with the approval of this plan and the construction of a new billion dollar extension to the international terminal,” said Governor Paterson. “The Terminal 4 expansion will not only help increase customer service for thousands of travelers and bring much-needed renovations and upgrades to handle the demands of 21st Century air travel, but it will create hundreds of construction jobs for New York residents. I would like to thank Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward and Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson for their commitment to this project, and laying the groundwork for a new, world class terminal at JFK Airport.”
“Ensuring reliable air transportation to and from New York City is crucial to strengthening our economy. And the decision by Delta Air Lines to expand its international terminal at Kennedy Airport will make it easier for even more people to travel to this City in the coming years,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Not only will this $1.2 billion project cement New York City’s status as the nation’s top travel destination, it will also create an additional ten-thousand jobs over the next three years.”
TERMINAL 4 IMPROVEMENTS AND CUSTOMER BENEFITS
Currently, Delta operates predominantly out of Terminal 2 for its domestic flights and Terminal 3, internationally. The expansion of Terminal 4 – which has been successfully managed by JFKIAT for over a decade -- will replace the outdated Terminal 3 facilities to enhance the customer experience for the 11 million passengers Delta serves at JFK annually. Delta anticipates that customers will experience an improvement in operational performance through dual taxiways, resulting in reduced taxi times and better on-time performance. They will also experience improved inter-terminal passenger connectors between Terminals 2 and 4. Delta customers will further benefit from the airline’s ability to continue expanding its international network, which currently includes non-stop service to 96 global destinations from JFK and more than 1,200 weekly departures. International service includes non-stop service to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, with new service being offered to Tokyo, Tel Aviv and Iceland among other destinations.
ECONOMIC IMPACT TO THE REGION
Since making a strategic decision to build New York into a hub earlier this decade, Delta has made major investments across the New York region, boosting its economic impact to more than $13 billion annually. Delta’s current JFK operation generates 49,000 jobs in the region. The Terminal 4 expansion project will stimulate economic development regionally through direct on-airport jobs and construction related work, creating an additional 10,000 jobs in the New York Metropolitan Region by 2014. Over the next 60 months, the $1.2 billion project will generate $500 million of personal income in the region and $1.6 billion of economic output from the purchases of goods and services.
When completed, the total economic impact of Delta’s New York operation will contribute over $19 billion annually to the State.
EXPANSION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2010, with anticipated completion of phase one and relocation of Delta’s Terminal 3 operations to Terminal 4 in May 2013. Delta’s JFK terminal project includes: the expansion of Concourse B at Terminal 4, including nine new international gates; the construction of a passenger connector between Terminal 2 and Terminal 4; expanded areas for baggage claim, Customs and Border Protection, and, ultimately, the demolition of Terminal 3, which will be completed for aircraft parking in May 2015.
Revised Suggested Attire on The Yachts of Seabourn
8/17/20109:57:12 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Cruise Line Attire
Beginning with cruises departing in October 2010*, we will be initiating a revised suggested attire policy on board The Yachts of Seabourn. The revision addresses two issues that have been of concern to some of our guests: formal attire and jeans. Please advise your clients of the revised policies as follows:
During the day
Casual, resort-style attire, including jeans and shorts, is welcome in all lounges and dining venues.
Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for poolside, on deck or in the spa and fitness center.
Evenings (after 6 PM) – suggested attire for all venues on board will be one of the following:
Resort Casual: Slacks and a sweater or shirt for men; sundress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women. Jeans are not considered appropriate in the main restaurant.
Elegantly Casual: Slacks and a jacket over a sweater or collared shirt for men. Dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women. Jeans are not considered appropriate in the main restaurant.
Formal Optional: While Elegantly Casual is always appropriate during the evening, a Formal Optional evening will be provided for guests who wish to dress more formally at least once each seven days.
Formal Optional attire includes a tuxedo or dark suit with tie for men, cocktail dress or other formal apparel for women. On Formal Optional evenings, we request no jeans in any of the lounges or dining venues.
The itinerary in the “Already Booked” section of Seabourn’s website, or in the preliminary document booklet, will inform guests of the number of Formal Optional evenings to expect during any voyage. As a rule of thumb, Formal Optional evenings are scheduled as follows:
Cruises up to 13 days: One Formal Optional evening
Cruises of 14 to 20 days: Two Formal Optional evenings
Cruises of 21 or more days: Three Formal Optional evenings
(Note: Holiday voyages and crossings may be scheduled differently.)
Sincerely,
The Yachts of Seabourn
