Emirates Airlines Chauffeur Drive

Complimentary Chauffuer Service for South Africa Passengers From 01 November 2013

All chauffeur drive bookings required for travel from 01 November 2013 for Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban is provided within a 110 driven Km instead of 110Km radius.
The service will be provided by Budget Door 2 Door.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON THIRD OASIS-CLASS SHIP

World’s Largest Global Cruise Line Celebrates Steel Cutting in Saint-Nazaire, France MIAMI, September 23, 2013 – Royal Caribbean International cut the first piece of steel today for its third Oasis-class ship, marking the first construction milestone for a vessel that, at approximately 227,700 GRT, will be the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Richard D. Fain and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, Adam Goldstein together with Laurent Castaing, chief executive officer, STX France, attended the event at the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where the ship will be built. The cruise line’s third Oasis-class ship is expected to be delivered in mid-2016. “The Oasis-class ships have fundamentally changed the cruising landscape with the cornucopia of amenities and innovations that can be found on-board,” said Fain. “We are delighted to be offering a third Oasis-class vessel for our guests as well as to be back at STX France after such a long tradition of building amazing ships together.” “We are excited to once again partner with Royal Caribbean International,” said Castaing, “We have built 12 ships for Royal Caribbean and are extremely proud of the strength of our relationship. Oasis 3 is one of the biggest challenges ever undertaken in the history of our company and our teams are excited and ready to make this a successful project.” Oasis 3 joins sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas which took the cruise industry by storm with their introduction in 2009 and 2010, respectively, featuring a revolutionary design with a split superstructure and the cruise line’s neighbourhood concept of seven distinct themed areas. At 225,282 GRT and spanning 16 decks with 2,700 staterooms, the Oasis class ships also introduced extraordinary “firsts” at sea such as an 82 foot-long zip line, a handcrafted carousel, the Rising Tide elevating bar, the AquaTheater high-diving performance venue, and the Central Park with more than 12,000 live trees and plants. The Oasis class also offers amenities that can only be found on Royal Caribbean, such as twin FlowRider surf simulators, cantilevered whirlpools, an ice-skating rink, the H2O Zone kids aquapark, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that stretches nearly the length of the ship and flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques, among many others. “Our Oasis-class ships have led the charge in delivering the WOW for which Royal Caribbean is known,” said Goldstein. “We are delighted to get the building process underway and look forward to the next chapter of this amazing class of ships.” Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas sail weekly, alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In October 2014, Oasis of the Seas will sail a short autumn season in Europe from Barcelona, Spain before entering dry-dock for routine maintenance at the Képpel Verolme shipyard in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Details of the third Oasis-class ship will be revealed in the coming months. Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards. - See more at: http://www.cruises.co.za/news/royal-caribbean-international-begins-construction-on-third-oasis-class-ship#sthash.MkQpseCp.dpuf

CRYSTAL WINS 20THYEAR AS CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS’

2013 Score is Highest of All Small, Midsize, and Large-Ship Cruise Lines

 LOS ANGELES, October 16, 2013 – For a record 20th year, Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers have voted ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises the industry’s “Best Cruise Line” (Midsize).  Crystal’s winning score of 94.4 is the company’s highest since 2004, second highest ever, and highest overall score of all Small, Midsize, and Large-ship cruise lines.  Crystal significantly outranked its luxury peers in almost all the voting categories, including Itineraries, Excursions, Service, Food, Activities/Facilities, and Design.  The line also bested its own previous top scores in the Service and Food categories, and tied its past personal best in Itineraries.  All Readers’ Choice winners and scores are listed at www.cntraveler.com/rcawill be featured in the U.S. magazine’s November 2013 issue.

With ground-breaking enhancements to its vacation experience and $120 million invested in redesigns, while retaining the service, choices, and quality for which the line has been known, Crystal’s ratings have consistently climbed in recent years.

 “To earn this award once is an incredible achievement; to be recognized by discerning travelers for an unprecedented 20 years is astounding,” said Edie Bornstein, Crystal’s new president and chief operating officer, who joined the company today.  “While I have long admired Crystal from afar, it was only when I recently sailed that I fully grasped why this experience receives such consistent accolades.  Every single member of the Crystal team works incredibly hard to give discerning vacationers a Six-Star standard of luxury travel that is unwavering, while leading new developments within cruising.  I want to personally thank all of Crystal’s crew, employees, associates, and guests for their part in this humbling, momentous win, and look forward to leading the company into the next two decades of record-breaking awards.”

Crystal’s product enhancements from the past year’s voting window have included new, exclusive Boutique Adventures; private cars and drivers ashore; adding more connecting staterooms; new America’s Got Talent’s iLuminate and Magic Castle at Sea entertainment on every cruise; the first Living Wall at sea; digital filmmaking education on every voyage, in partnership with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts; and a $15 million Extreme Makeover of Crystal Symphony’s Avenue Saloon, Palm Court, Galaxy Lounge, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, passenger boarding area, and Fantasia and Waves “junior cruisers.”  Recently-announced additions to Crystal’s offerings include PURE allergy-friendly staterooms; Crystal Celebrations global event planning services; a new Connoisseur Beer menu; optional or inclusive land programs in Tibet, Thailand, and Cambodia; new theme cruises in 2014-15; and a $17 million Extreme Makeover of Crystal Serenity planned for next month.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most preeminent in travel, honoring the best hotels, airlines, cruise lines, cities, rental car companies, and islands from around the world.  Almost twice as many readers voted this year as last -- a record 79,268 -- ranking their personal experiences with cruise lines’ Itineraries, Excursions, Service, Food, Activities/Facilities, Staterooms, and Design. 

The renowned Crystal Experience has been rated “World’s Best” more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history.  The newest “Best” award is but the latest in a string of readers’ choice awards Crystal has won it its size category this year, including Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 and #2 cruise ships, Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Cruise Line and Service and Cruise Critic’s Best Dining, Entertainment, and Public Rooms.

Luxury cruises of 5-108 days, up to early 2016, on the line’s Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, are available in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia/Baltic & Russia, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, South America, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, and a sumptuous World Cruise.  Until October 31, all-inclusive, value-priced “Book Now” fares start at just $1,215 per person, double occupancy.

Silversea’s second expedition ship Silver Galapagos sets sail

Luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea has launched its second expedition ship. Fresh from a major refurbishment, the 100-guest ship (formerly named Galapagos Explorer II) embarked 28 September on her first-ever voyage as Silver Galapagos.

Prior to setting sail, a christening ceremony was held on board, attended by local dignitaries and company executives. Highlighting the occasion were speeches by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Silversea’s chairman; Santiago Dunn, vice president of Silversea, Ecuador; and Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s director of expedition cruises. Following the traditional blessing by a priest, the chairman’s daughter, Costanza Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the ship’s godmother, officially welcomed Silver Galapagos into the Silversea fleet by cutting a ceremonial ribbon.

The all-suite Silver Galapagos has just completed a major stem-to-stern refurbishment. All public spaces and guest suites have been refreshed with new upholstery, carpeting, curtains, and wall treatments. Each suite is highlighted by a totally renovated bathroom, enhanced with rich marble detailing. Besides a new walk-in rainforest shower, each bathroom features a new vanity, shelving, mirrors, lighting fixtures, and wood flooring. Plus, all guest suites have been outfitted with new flat screen TVs, new mattresses (custom-made exclusively for Silversea), and luxurious Pratesi bed linens.

Other ship enhancements include the installation of Wi-Fi access throughout the ship (including all suites) and a new complimentary service providing streaming movies and live television news broadcasts for guests to enjoy on their portable devices.

And rounding out the renovations are a new fitness centre, massage room, beauty salon, outdoor Jacuzzi, outdoor furniture, and Silversea’s signature outdoor dining venue, The Grill.

In his remarks at the christening ceremony, Lefebvre d’Ovidio stated, “It is our aim that this ship will not only offer our guests the highest level of comfort and service, but also enlighten them to the rarity and beauty of the Galápagos Islands.”

Silver Galapagos sails Saturday to Saturday on seven-day roundtrip voyages from Baltra Island, following either a western or north central route. These expedition cruises offer adventurous travellers the life-enriching chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. On complimentary expeditions ashore guided by an experienced expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea’s guests may experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife that includes sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, colourful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin’s famous finches.

Fred Olsen to offer meteor shower cruise

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be offering guests the chance to take in one of nature’s most spectacular light shows, the ‘Perseid Meteor Showers’, with Braemar’s 13-night M1422 ‘Canaries Meteor Showers’ cruise, sailing from Dover on 4th August 2014.

This exciting ‘experience’ cruise will give guests the opportunity to view the stunning, multi-coloured ‘Perseid Meteor Shower’ at the optimum time, whilst visiting the beautiful Canary Islands and Portugal. The ‘Perseids’ are so-called because the point from which they appear to come, called the ‘radiant’, lies within the constellation, ‘Perseus’. Referred to by many as ‘Nature’s celestial firework display’, the ‘Perseid Meteor Showers’ are the result of material falling from the tail of the comet Swift-Tuttle. Best seen during the early evenings and nightfall within the first two weeks of August, guests on board this cruise can channel their ‘amateur astronomist’, as they look out for these ‘shooting stars’ – which reach a rate of 60 or more per hour at their peak – in stunning surroundings.

This cruise visits Funchal, on the lovely ‘Garden Isle’ of Madeira, for an overnight stay. Compact enough to explore on foot, the island has some fine museums, and its climate and rich soil allow for some exquisite gardens.

Next, Braemar visits Santa Cruz in Tenerife.  Here, guests can discover the wonders of the extinct volcano, Mount Teide, in El Teide National Park, explore the mix of modern and historic buildings, or take a tour to the Pyramids of Guimar. These incredible pyramid-shaped structures date back to the 19th Century and are located in the fascinating ‘Secret Garden’, which contains some of the most dangerous plants in the world.

Braemar then calls at the largest island, Gran Canaria, where the ship docks in Las Palmas. This popular island boasts a fascinating history; in Plaza Santa Ana, there are bronze statues of dogs, referencing the Romans’ naming of the islands after legendary canines.

Arrecife, Lanzarote is the next port of call, a bustling port with two splendid castles overlooking the harbour area, which date back to the 16th and 17th Centuries. The older of the two buildings, ‘Castillo San Gabriel’, houses the Ethnographic Museum, which tells the story of the original inhabitants of the island, the Gaunche. Guests venturing slightly further out of the town can explore the lunar landscape of the Timanfaya National Park.

Lisbon, Portugal’s bustling capital, is the final port of call, a city rich in maritime history. There is much to explore, including monasteries, museums, and Gothic cathedrals. Other attractions include ‘Rossio Square’, the city’s old quarter, and the ‘April 25th’ suspension bridge, one of the world’s largest. For more adventurous guests, there is an exhilarating Jeep Safari tour in the imposing Sintra Mountains.

Etihad launches new flights to Los Angeles

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of direct flights to Los Angeles.

The expansion of its US operation will see the airline commence non-stop daily flights between its Abu Dhabi home-base and Los Angeles from June 1st, 2014, subject to regulatory approvals.

The Californian city will be Etihad Airways’ fourth US destination, joining Chicago, New York and Washington DC, and will see the airline provide 28 return flights each week between the UAE and US.

The announcement was made by James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president, Los Angeles.

Hogan said: “We are delighted to add Los Angeles, a major US and global destination with a significant metropolitan population and growing economy, to the Etihad Airways’ network in 2014.

“This expansion will see Etihad Airways offer air travellers daily flights, from our Abu Dhabi hub, to four destinations across the United States.

The new service will increase Etihad Airways’ operations in the US market by 33 per cent and cater for growing leisure and business traffic demands in Los Angeles, as well as the considerable catchment area of the city.

Los Angeles, one of the world’s most iconic, popular, and multicultural destinations with a metropolitan population area of more than 18 million people, is the second largest in the US.

It is classified as a ‘global city’ with strengths in business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, education, medicine and research.

Hogan added: “The expansion of the US network also will be of considerable benefit to the growing commercial and cultural ties between the US and UAE, with trade between the two countries set to increase beyond the current annual level of USD 22.5 billion.”

Sugar Beach Mauritius

Sugar Beach blends escape, Excitement and indulgence. With cutting-edge facilities, thoughtful details and classic plantation-style architecture. Step into this lush Mauritian hideaway and encounter your choice of tastes, refreshment, entertainment, experiences and excursions – whether you dream of sun and sea outdoors, the latest spa treatments and leisure indoors, or both. Sugar Beach features top amenities, world-class facilities, stunning contemporary décor, exceptional finishes, and a host of heavenly extras. The majestic architecture and rolling lawns are complemented by a deluxe spa and 300m2 high-tech gym.
The inviting turquoise pool is twinned with a glorious second. And the atmosphere of pleasure lingers, together with 4 restaurants, 6 bars, superb conference facilities and fun-filled kids’ clubs. Sugar Beach’s beloved character is in harmony with the latest technology, styles, sports and features.

Distances Airport: 55km (+/- 60 minutes) Port Louis: (the capital) 20km (+/- 25 minutes) Curepipe: 25km (+/- 45 minutes) Black River: 10km (+/- 15 minutes) One&Only Le Saint Géran: 60km (+/- 70 minutes) Le Touessrok: 63km (+/- 65 minutes)

Long Beach Mauritius

Long Beach brings a carefree piazza-style living to the longest and widest stretch of white-sand coastline of any Mauritian resort. Beyond the beach, the tropical lagoon with its crystal clear blue waters and rare coral formations is a snorkelling paradise. The focus of the resort’s layout and its life is the urban-style piazza with restaurants, shops and bars. Architecture brings tropical interpretations to contemporary urban themes, softened by natural forms, local detailing and materials. Buildings integrate with the resorts extensive lush tropical gardens. A unique architectural feature is the adjustable “wind breaks” that modulate the offshore breezes.

Accommodation There are 255 rooms arranged in three ‘crescents’. Every room has a view of the ocean and a minimum 109m² of its own beach space. The chic contemporary designs blend together open-air and indoor living. Magnificent king-sized beds and stylish furniture harmonise well with the soft furnishings in tones of apple green, coral red, white and ash grey-white. 42’’ LCD flat-screen TVs receive satellite sports, entertainment, international news and kids’ channels.

These are available in English, French, German and Italian. Rooms also have international dial-direct telephones, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, iPod stations, digital clocks, radios, electronic room safes, hairdryers, individually controlled air-conditioning and electrical shaver points (110/220 volts). All rooms have fully stocked mini-bars, tea and coffee making facilities. They have separate shower, toilet and bath.

La Pirogue Mauritius

Inspired by the famous fishing boats of Mauritius from which the resort takes its name, La Pirogue’s unique architectural style is enhanced in its guestrooms by the  added rustic warmth of wood and thatch.
The resort boasts a magnificent pool of over 1000 square metres, that merges into the Indian Ocean. A harmonious combination of intimately cosy coves and open play areas, this “pool of pools” with its islets, Paul & Virginie restaurant and the Beach bar are at the heart of La Pirogue.
La Pirogue is a celebration of the best in world gastronomy, with marked emphasis on demonstration, generosity and variety, both at its main restaurant Thatches and at Paul & Virginie, around the pool and by the beach.

More than ever La Pirogue reasserts its vocation as a resort dedicated to the sea and to its pleasures, shared with a loved one, or with family or friends, for the most wonderful of tropical-holiday memories.

Distances Airport: 55 km (+/– 60 minutes) Port Louis: (the capital) 20 km (+/– 25 minutes) Curepipe: 25 km (+/– 35 minutes) Quatre Bornes: 20 km (+/– 15 minutes) Black River: 20 km (+/– 15 minutes) One&Only Le Saint Géran: 60 km (+/– 70 minutes) Le Touessrok: 63 km (+/– 65 minutes)

Ambre Resort & Spa Mauritius

Ambre hotel is a contemporary adult retreat for passengers 16 years and older.
Ambre hotel is located at Palmar, on the east coast of Mauritius. The resort is one hour away from the airport; 50 minutes from Port Louis, the capital city and 15 minutes from Ile aux Cerfs. The resort boasts a 700-metre long white natural sandy beach running along a sheltered bay. The adjacent tropical bay is a haven for fish and marine life, with plenty bathing areas and diving pots. Ambre is a 4-Star adults-only (above 16 years) resort set in a lush tropical, easy-going environment, where island living can be experienced at its best. The 297 rooms of the resort are gently sheltered by a tropical garden. All rooms offer a stunning mood where white elegant tranquil shades are slightly enhanced by natural and sparkling tones. This is a totally modern and fresh tropical feel with furniture, fabrics and material fitting these tones to give a modern and peaceful touch to each room.