Destinations
Blue Diamond to Open New Grand Lido Negril
A new au-naturel all-suite experience for adults over the age of 21 is set to open on the shores of Negril, Jamaica in February. Grand Lido Negril, a luxury boutique resort, will offer 26 premium ocean view suites with butler service and other exclusive amenities in addition to full-use of the facilities and services of the neighbouring Royalton Negril and Hideaway at Royalton Negril. “We're delighted to offer a top-of-the-line luxurious clothing-optional vacation experience for adults,” said Jordi Pelfort, managing director of Blue Diamond Resorts. “We're confident that fans...
Volunteer Vacations Connect Travellers With Locals
With the holiday season upon us, many people start to think of ways they can give back and help others over the coming weeks and year. Vacations with a purpose continue to be on the rise with travellers to Jamaica, as many people want to lend a hand to a local project while enjoying their vacation. Many visitors, particularly groups and weddings, also want to donate to a local charity as part of their stay. “Volunteer vacations give travellers the opportunity to connect with Jamaicans in a very real way,” said Philip Rose, regional director for the Jamaica Tourist Board in...
The World’s Most Idyllic IslandEscapes Are Calling
Goway has released its 2017-18 World's Most Idyllic Islands and Boutique Cruising brochure, showcasing a variety of the world’s most alluring island destinations including the islands of Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Bali. Newly added this year are The Greek Islands and sailing trips in Croatia. Travel ideas include a nine-day Island hopping from Athens to Mykonos and Santorini, as well as an eight-day Spectacular Croatia Cruise. Also included in the 52-page brochure are a range of island resorts from boutique to ultra-luxury, sample vacation...
Hilton Keen on Bali Resort’s Setting
Hilton Hotels & Resorts has opened the Hilton Bali Resort, a property it says is designed for travellers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, and which brings “breathtaking views, extensive recreation facilities and magnificent event space to the Nusa Dua beach enclave on Bali’s southern peninsula.” Hilton Bali Resort is situated atop a 40-metre cliff. While offering direct access to one of the most picturesque beaches on the island, Hilton Bali Resort is also within 1.3 km of the 18-hole Bali National Golf Course and various watersports centres, and 3.7 km from the Bali Nusa...
Air Transat Inaugurates Four New Flights
This week, Air Transat inaugurated four new flights – Toronto-Managua, Montreal-San Salvador, Ottawa-Cayo Coco and Toronto-Cartagena. These direct flights will be offered until the end of March 2017: Toronto-Managua (Nicaragua), every Thursday to March 23; Montreal-San Salvador (El Salvador), every Thursday to March 23; Ottawa-Cayo Coco (Cuba), every Thursday to March 23; Toronto-Cartagena (Colombia), every Friday to March 24. Air Transat’s 2016-17 winter flight program offers travellers 35 Sun destinations and flights from 22 Canadian cities, in addition to a variety of...
Goway Ticks All The Boxes
Anyone who doubts Goway Travel has a global presence need only look at the Christmastime apparel that company kangaroo mascot, Skippy, was sporting during his holiday season wanderings in Toronto, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. The marsupial – who joined Christmas sweater-and-Santa hat sporting- colleagues on promotional visits – was wearing a hat that tells of southeast Asia and a headdress around his neck that would help the Australia native look somewhat at home in Jordan or other Middle Eastern nations. And, says John McGonigle, Goway's...
Crystal CEO to Host Line’s First Holy Land Voyage Since 2012
Crystal chairman and CEO Edie Rodriguez will host the annual “President’s Cruise” in 2017 aboard Crystal Symphony, as the ship sails from Rome to Dubai on Nov. 4. The voyage marks the return of Crystal’s ocean ships to the Holy Land – the last voyage being in 2012 – and Arabian Peninsula, featuring calls to Limassol, Cyprus; Haifa and Ashdod, Israel; transit of the Suez Canal; Aqaba, Jordan; and Salalah and Muscat, Oman. For the 18-day sailing, Rodriguez and her husband, Tom, will join guests for festive receptions and parties, as well as specially planned experiences...
NCL Opens Books On Cuba Sailings
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened for sale its 2017 cruises to Cuba aboard Norwegian Sky. NCL is offering a series of five, four-day cruises from Miami to Cuba in May that will include an overnight in the capital of Havana. On May 1, Norwegian Sky will set sail on its first voyage to Havana, arriving on Tuesday morning and staying alongside until Wednesday evening, allowing guests the opportunity to go ashore and experience the island’s rich cultural traditions. Norwegian will also offer OFAC-compliant shore excursions, where guests aboard Norwegian Sky will have the...