Destinations
Galveston, Royal Caribbean Sign Long-Term Agreement
The Port of Galveston, the fourth most active cruise port in North America, has signed a long-term contract with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) for a new US$100 million cruise terminal. Through the public-private partnership, RCL will build the terminal, then lease it from the port for an initial term of 20 years, with four 10-year extension options. The two-storey terminal will have a footprint of approximately 170,000 square feet on 10 acres in the eastern section of the port known as Pier 10. Construction is expected to begin in April. Anticipated to open in fall 2021, the...
Kia Ora Auckland
Air Canada has launched seasonal service between Vancouver and Auckland, New Zealand, with flights operating four times weekly until the end of March 2020. Mark Galardo, vice-president, network planning at Air Canada, said: “We are excited to launch our newest South Pacific route to Auckland which offers additional opportunities for North Americans travelling to enjoy New Zealand's summer season, and for New Zealanders travelling for a Canadian winter vacation. Our Auckland flights are timed to conveniently connect at our extensive Vancouver trans-Pacific hub to and from a multitude...
An Ace In Jamaica
The 25th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament wrapped up at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica on Dec. 1 following two days on the green complete with skill testing challenges, teamwork and generous helpings of Red Stripe and jerk chicken, reports Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. Presented by Baxter Media and Sandals Resorts, the special milestone anniversary gave Gary Sadler, sr. VP of sales for Unique Vacations, Inc., the worldwide marketing company for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the opportunity to reflect on the history of the...
Port of Quebec Concludes Strong Season
The Port of Quebec concluded another successful cruise season with 236,715 cruise passengers visiting from 148 ships calling worldwide. Quebec City is a growing embark/debark port with 22 turnarounds in 2019. In addition to its strong passenger growth and more lines calling, nine ships made inaugural visits with first-time visits from five cruise lines including Hurtigruten, MSC, TUI, Scenic and Peace Boat. Construction of a second terminal (see rendering above) is underway and set to launch in fall 2020. The new 100,000 square-foot facility will accommodate vessels up to 4,000...
WestJet Adds Boston to Calgary Hub
WestJet is giving travellers a chance to pack more business and leisure into their travel itineraries with new seasonal daily non-stop service between the airline's home in Calgary and Boston, starting May 14. “Fantastic routes need fantastic schedules and WestJet is offering guests convenient flight times between our extensive hub out of Calgary and the capital of Massachusetts,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet chief commercial officer. “While other carriers may fly the route, WestJet continues to build our schedule for the region's business and leisure travellers. It's...
The Moorings Sails Into Brazil
Premier yacht charter company The Moorings has expanded its operations to include a new partner base in Paraty, Brazil. Surrounded by towering jungles plummeting into the waters of Baia Carioca, this charter cruising region features bays boasting islands and world-famous beaches. Paraty adds to the charter company’s more than 20 worldwide yacht charter vacation destinations. Centrally located between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Paraty (pronounced “Para-chee”) holds the key to many natural wonders that can only be discovered by boat. Backed by mountains on Brazil’s Costa...
Savouring the Flavours of Israel
In celebration of a third consecutive record year for tourism to Israel with 4.5 million visitors – of which 100,000 were Canadian – the Israel Government Tourist Office held an event in Toronto yesterday (Dec. 12) inviting participants to get a taste of the destination with a lavish breakfast spread at Parallel restaurant. “It’s the conclusion of 2019, which was the best year in history in regards to tourism to Israel,” Gal Hana, the new director for Canada for the Israel Government Tourist Office told PressToday. “What better way to experience what we’re talking about all...
Surfing showcased
Honolulu’s Bishop Museum has opened its new exhibit “Mai Kinohi Mai: Surfing in Hawaii,” running through May 3, 2020, in its Castle Memorial Building. The exhibit invites visitors to explore surfing as a culture, an art, a sport and a way of life. Using the museum’s research and collections in partnership with the local surfing community, the exhibit displays the oldest surfboards known to exist, some owned by Hawaiian royalty. Rare memorabilia as well as archival photos and manuscripts help to tell the story of surfing from its roots in traditional Hawaiian culture to its...