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At Azamara Club Cruises®, our top priority is ensuring our guests have the best possible travel experience. To make certain we deliver on this promise, the itineraries for the upcoming April 24, May 6 and May 16 voyages on Azamara Quest ® have been updated. These voyages also now include a special offer unique to these three sailings.
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Tuesday, February 15
Azamara Quest Itinerary Changes
Friday, February 11
Cunard Fuel Supplements
11 February 2011
Due to the continued escalation of fuel prices, Cunard Line will increase our fuel supplement from $6.00 (USD) to $9.00 (USD) per person per day. This supplement will not exceed $300.00 per person, per voyage. The supplement applies to each paying guest travelling, including 3rd and 4th person fares and paid children's accommodations.
The new fuel supplement will apply to all new bookings made on or after 28 February 2011 for voyages departing on or after 14 April 2011.
We regret having to take this action, but as fuel prices continue to rise we now find it necessary to implement this additional supplement.
Thank you for your business and continuous support.
Sincerely,
Jan Swartz
Executive Vice President
Sales, Marketing & Customer Service
Wednesday, February 9
Hebridean Island Cruises N.American Debut
HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT
Offering Unique 5-Star, All-Inclusive Small Ship Cruising
FORT LAUDERDALE (February 9, 2011) – Hebridean Island Cruises, serving the ultra-luxury small ship cruising market, has launched its North American presence with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a new North American website (www.hebrideancruises.com).
Carrying only 50 guests with a passenger to crew ratio of close to one-to-one, Hebridean Island Cruises’ Hebridean Princess (2,100 gross tons) offers an exclusive number of guests the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodations together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era.
“We are delighted to introduce this new and exciting cruise brand to our U.S. and Canadian region, especially at a time in our industry when avid cruisers and mature travelers are seeking a one-of-a-kind vacation experience,” states Steve Novello, President of All Discovery Cruising, North America. “Initial sales and market feedback have been extremely positive, and we are seeing incredible interest from our new web site,” adds Novello.
The Hebridean Princess has attracted many loyal guests over the past 20 years. The Hebridean Princess was especially pleased to welcome back Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and members of her family when the ship was privately chartered in 2010.
In 2011, Hebridean Princess offers a collection of 4-to-10 night cruises to majestic and idyllic ports along the Highlands and Islands of Scotland – one of the last remaining unspoiled regions in Europe – as well as to Ireland, England, Channel Islands, Wales and Northern France. Most cruises depart from the Scottish home port of Oban. Other departure ports are Greenock, Invergordon, and Leith in Scotland; Portsmouth and Tilbury (London) in England; and Cardiff in Wales. As the smallest luxury cruise ship afloat, the Hebridean Princess sails to remote coastal villages, picturesque islands, and inaccessible locations in bays and lochs that are normally visited by only private yachts. Hebridean’s signature “Footloose” cruises incorporate a spectacular walking adventure along the awe-inspiring Scottish Highlands, and are tailored to both seasoned walkers and those who prefer a gentle stroll. Itineraries are carefully designed to visit unforgettable destinations that inspire and enrich the minds of inquisitive travelers. Guests who prefer a mysterious element will enjoy the 7-night “Hebridean Surprise” itinerary departing October 4th (round trip Oban) where only the Captain knows the full details of the itinerary that will be unveiled…
Cruising in British country elegance, the Hebridean Princess offers a 5-star, all-inclusive cruise experience that is remarkably exquisite. All meals (including picnics ashore), beverages and select wines, spirits and champagne are included, as well as privately escorted tours, a distinguished guest speaker program, and all port charges and gratuities (“no tipping” policy). Also included are a variety of activities such as the use of the ship’s bicycles to explore ashore, fishing, bridge, speedboat rides and more. Guests will savor fine dining and tantalizing culinary delights in The Columba Restaurant fused with fresh local ingredients, and black-tie gala dinners are one of the highlights of every cruise.
The Hebridean Princess, equipped with all the comforts and décor of a warm and elegant country home, has a total of 30 cabins (with 10 single occupancy cabins), each individually designed and poetically named after Scottish Isles, castles, lochs and sounds (such as her largest cabin, the Isle of Arran Suite). An extraordinary onboard feature is the welcoming Tiree Lounge with a large Inglenook-style fireplace and mesmerizing views through its large panoramic windows. Relaxation is the key emphasis with an intimate ship ambience that invites you to unwind and escape to a world of discovery, friendships, insight, and light evening entertainment. The Hebridean Princess with her five passenger decks offers a well-stocked library, a waterfront deck gym, two lounges, a conservatory, and a restaurant.
Hebridean’s new comprehensive North American website www.hebrideancruises.com provides a wealth of information for consumers, travel agents, and anyone wishing to learn more about Hebridean Island Cruises. The site includes access to virtual tours and online brochures, and the opportunity to attend webinars and receive periodic news and promotional offers.
Hebridean Island Cruises’ “small is personal” philosophy is echoed throughout the company – both onboard, with an exceptional crew that has earned Hebridean Princess a world-class reputation for superior service, and ashore with a dedicated North American team that delivers a “boutique” approach to service.
“We look forward to welcoming our U.S. and Canadian guests aboard the Hebridean Princess and reaching a similar level of recognition as she received in Europe over the years. We’ve made it easier for our market to consider a Hebridean Princess cruise as guests and travel agents are now able to book in U.S. Dollars and establish a local relationship with our North American team. Together with her sister brands, 2010 marked a successful sales year for the North American region, with fourth quarter results that almost doubled our gross quarter revenue for the same quarter in the prior year,” states Novello.
Most cruises aboard the Hebridean Princess sell well in advance of her March through November season with 4-to-10 night all-inclusive fares starting at $1,860per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Hebridean Island Cruises – North America Toll-Free at (877) 600-2648 or visit www.hebrideancruises.com.
Travel agents can become a discovery cruising expert on Hebridean Island Cruises and her sister brands by accessing All Discovery Cruising’s easy-to-follow video-based training site www.discoverycruisingexpert.com.
All Discovery Cruising (www.alldiscoverycruising.com) is the marketing trade arm for all cruise brands in its portfolio – Hebridean Island Cruises, Swan Hellenic, and Voyages of Discovery – and serves the North American region from its office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The three niche brands, each with their own distinctive characteristics and unique style, share a combined focus on discovery cruising with destination, enrichment, and small ship cruising as key product attributes. All Discovery Cruising is part of All Leisure Group PLC, the largest-British owned cruise ship company operating a fleet of four vessels – Hebridean Princess (Hebridean Island Cruises), Minerva (Swan Hellenic), Discovery (Voyages of Discovery), and Alexander von Humboldt (the newest addition, to be introduced in the future). A Swan Hellenic river cruising program is available. All Leisure Group PLC, publically-traded and listed on the London Stock Exchange, is the only UK listed cruise company to have maintained shareholder dividend payments in the current global economic climate.
Tuesday, February 8
Oceania welcomes the Marina
"While larger than her consorts Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica, Marina remains comfortably mid-size, adroitly utilizing the additional space for even greater amenities. She rewards guests with our signature 'finest cuisine at sea' in six restaurants, including two new gourmet venues - Jacques and Red Ginger. Her new Yacht Club holds enlightening wine and food pairings. For special coffees and snacks, there is Biscottos Coffee Bar. The new Bon Appetit Culinary Center offers hands-on cooking instruction under the guidance of master chefs. Similarly, artists-in-residence teach fine arts in The Studio, a new enrichment center. Intimate lounges abound. Accomodations in every category are incredibly spacious, especially with regard to the lavish bathrooms."
Our very own Cathy & Alan Rosen sailed on the inaugural preview cruise and came back raving about how phenomenal their experience was. The cuisine was nothing short of extraordinary, the cabins were luxurious, and the entertainment was excellent. You may view their photos here & read what they had to say here.
Monday, February 7
Air Jamaica Baggage Information
Checked & Carry-On BaggageSunday, February 6
Hot Promos for the Week of 2/6/2011
Here are this week's hot promotions from Sand & C Travel®!
-7 Night Eastern Caribbean on Oasis of the Seas departs Feb 26 from $849* Inside/$849* Outside/$949* Balcony! (must be booked on Feb 8 [Crown & Anchor members can book this on Feb 7])
-10 Night Ultimate Caribbean on Celebrity Equinox departs Apr 1 from $799* Inside/$849* Outside/$899* Veranda! (must be booked on Feb 8)
-10 Night Mediterranean Enchantment Vacation Vignette on Noordam departs Jul 10 from $1699* Inside/$2039* Outside/$2399* Verandah, includes a concierge host, cocktail reception and complimentary shore event!
-12 Night China & Japan Explorer on Ocean Princess departs Mar 8 from $799* Inside/$899* Outside/$1199* Balcony!
-15 Night Mediterranean Passage on Ruby Princess departs May 1 from $999* Inside/$1699* Outside/$1699* Balcony!
-9 Night Ft. Lauderdale to Bridgetown on Silver Cloud departs Feb 17 or Mar 5 (reverse), Vista Suite from $3638* includes free round-trip air and $1000 per suite shipboard credit!
Sand & C Travel's Alan Rosen is trying to figure out who to root for in the big game on Sunday…..
Enjoy the Superbowl!
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The Sand & C Travel ®Presentation Series
Your opportunity to learn more about the destinations, cruise lines and tour operators that offer the vacation that you desire.
February 16, 2011 ---Celebrity Cruises
March 2, 2011 --------Princess Cruises
April 6, 2011 --------- Isram World of Travel
May 4, 2011 --------- Viking River Cruises
June 2, 2011------Oceania Cruises
All presentations begin at 7:00PM and will take place in our office.
PLEASE RSVP AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION BY CALLING OUR OFFICE OR E-MAILING US AT INFO@SANDCTRAVEL.COM AND INCLUDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER,
E-MAIL ADDRESS AND DATE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND.
Space is limited and guests will be limited to attending 2 of the above events.
Contact Sand & C Travel® for more information today!
(561) 736-3880 or (877) 736-3880
9851-F Military Trail
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
info@sandctravel.com www.sandctravel.com
*-All rates are per person, cruise only, no air, based upon double occupancy, and subject to availability at time of booking. Offers are subject to immediate withdrawal at any time by the respective cruise line or tour operator. Significant restrictions apply. Rates include non-commissionable cruise fare. Government taxes, fuel surcharges, and fees are additional. When air booking is processed through Sand & C Travel, either through the tour operator, cruise line or separately, an agency service fee will apply. Gratuities, which are mandatory with certain cruise lines, are also additional. Optional insurance is strongly recommended for an additional charge. Offers are for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other promotion, including groups, shipboard credits, etc. See respective cruise line or tour operator's brochure for complete terms and conditions, as we ll as respective ship's registry, if applicable. All offers based upon faxes or e-mails received by Sand & C Travel, Inc. during the period Nov 26-Dec 3, 2010 from the respective cruise line or tour operator. Note that outside and/or balcony cabin pricing may include obstructed view cabins. Offers may apply to limited or categories. Sand & C Travel is not responsible for mis-prints or typographical errors. All passengers are required to carry proper proof of citizenship. For cruises or tours with a total cabin commissionable cruise fare of under $500, a Sand & C Travel booking fee will apply in addition to the cruise line or tour operator charges.
Wednesday, February 2
Egypt Tourism
A travel warning has been issued for all US citizens traveling or planning to travel to Egypt. All non-emmergency government employees have been ordered to leave and all tourists are encouraged to avoid travelling to Egypt at thsi time.
A message from Sand & C Travel regarding travel to Egypt
Ya'lla Tours USA
January 31, 2011- Ya'lla Tours USA has confirmed that all guests currently in Egypt are safe, registered with the US State Department for voluntary evacuation, and that all upcoming tours have been cancelled. Travelers may choose another departure or opt to receive a refund.
Globus Family of Brands: Cosmos & Avalon Waterways
As the safety of passengers is the utmost concern, all cruises and tours to this region have been cancelled through February 28, 2011. Only Cosmos tours and Avalon Waterways cruises have been affected at this time. Clients may choose to receive a refund or rebook the trip without penalty. Globus Family of Brands will continue to monitor the situation.
Abercrombie & Kent
Passengers travelling with Abercrombie & Kent in this region are safe. A&K staff are in contact with local authorities and the US office to ensure safety. All travelers who are scheduled to travel to this region through February 1 have been contacted & A&K is continuing to monitor and assess the situation.
Trafalgar
As of January 31, all upcoming tours have been cancelled through until February 28. Passengers may choose an alternate departure date or opt to receive a refund. As of February 2, Trafalgar clients have all departed Egypt at this time or are in a hotel in Cairo until their commercially scheduled flight. Trafalgar is in the process of/or has notified the travel agents of all current hotel & air reservations for their respective clients.
Cruises cancelling port visits & altering itineraries:
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Delta
Initially, all flights to Cairo were cancelled Friday January 28 but resumed Tuesday February 1 in an effort to help get people out of Egypt. While Delta is the only carrier flying directly from the US to Egypt (New York to Cairo), this flight would require an overnight in Cairo. Delta has joined with AirFrance-KLM to fly passengers from Cairo to Athens before heading back to the US. (WSJ)
British Airways
British Airways is also helping to get people out of Egypt as the current political atmosphere continues to deteriorate. They have altered flight times to avoid night curfews. Many flights have been suspended or altered. (Reuters)
Check back as we continue to monitor the situation in Egypt and continue to provide updates on suspended or altered cruises, tours, and air travel.
Travel Weekly: Tour, Cruise, & Flight Cancellations