Royal Caribbean International

There is no better way to span two continents in one holiday than onboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise. The cruise line known for the industry’s most innovative cruise ships announced Ocean Voyages, a collection of special sailings that offer unique onboard programming, new shore excursion packages, and unbeatable value on 2014 sailings between Europe and the Americas.

Holidaymakers can choose among 11 Royal Caribbean International ships that call at more than 35 exciting destinations on Ocean Voyages, which also include late 2014 sailings onboard the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship Oasis of the Seas, and the next-generation Quantum of the Seas, introducing its variety of new at sea firsts to the industry.

“Royal Caribbean International’s collection of Ocean Voyages offers unique and enriching WOWs,” said Carol Schuster, senior vice president of Marketing for Royal Caribbean International.

“Our ships are world-renowned for their wide range of exclusive and innovative onboard features and our friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Combined with exciting onboard enrichment and interesting itineraries, guests on these sailings will enjoy a distinctive experience that can only be found on Royal Caribbean International.”

Delivering the Royal Caribbean International WOW in a whole new way, each Ocean Voyage will feature a guest expert, who will lead a line-up of entertainment programming and engaging activities, which feature spotlight topics such as culture, dance, film, visual arts, photography, and wines and cuisine. A highlight of every Ocean Voyage will be the Black & White Masquerade Party, so guests are encouraged to bring along a special outfit for the occasion.

Guests can also sign up for new shore excursion packages at the exciting ports of call for even more memorable experiences along the way. Ocean Voyages shore excursion packages include a choice of three options from a prix fix menu of some of Royal Caribbean International’s most popular shore excursions at each port of call. Each ship’s shore excursion package is customised to its specific itinerary; start at $99 per guest; and offers a great value on shoreside adventures.  Options include visiting side-by-side caldera lakes, on “Sete Cidades Crater Lakes” at Ponta Delgada, The Azores; or explore Mt. Teide National Park in Tenerife, the Canary Islands, on “Canadas del Tiede” for one of the best examples of alpine volcanic ecosystems. At Funchal, Madeira, guests can choose “Emblematic Madeira & Ribeira Brava” to enjoy an incomparable view from Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest sea cliff, and sample Poncha, a local drink made with rum and honey.

On board, guests will finally have the opportunity to fully enjoy Royal Caribbean International’s innovative and exclusive features, including surfing to their hearts content on the FlowRider surf simulator on Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas; ice skating their way across the Atlantic in the Studio B ice rinks onboard Adventure of the Seas; and becoming a billiards expert on the self-leveling pool tables onboard Brilliance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas.

All Royal Caribbean International ships to sail Ocean Voyages will also have completed revitalisation by early 2014. Guests will not only enjoy the special Ocean Voyages programme, but more entertainment, delectable dining experiences and technology upgrades. On Radiance and Vision class ships, guests will be WOW’ed by the award-winning aerial-acrobatic entertainment production, which spans throughout the ship’s multi-story Centrum. Guests also can savour each of the many new or signature restaurants, up to 10 per ship, such as the exclusive Chef’s Table, Chops Grille Steakhouse, Izumi Asian Cruise, Giovanni’s Table, and Rita’s Cantina for an additional charge, and complimentary restaurants, such as the Park Café gourmet deli and Boardwalk Dog House.

Costa Concordia captain blames helmsman

Francesco Schettino, captain of the Costa Concordia, which sank off Italy in 2012, has blamed his Indonesian helmsman for the accident. Schettino claims the helmsman failed to obey orders to slow down and steered the ship onto rocks. The captain is presently fighting charges of causing the shipwreck and abandoning ship.Thirty-two people died when the cruise ship capsized in January 2012. Helmsman Jacob Rusli Bin has already been convicted of manslaughter in a separate trial. He was one of five Costa employees who were granted plea bargains in return for mild sentences in a separate proceeding. He was given a sentence of one year and eight months. Investigators have said previously language problems between the captain and the helmsman might have played a role in crash. Schettino claimed if the helmsman had quickly executed the correct manoeuvre, the Concordia would have steered away from the jagged reef that sliced a hole in its side.

Win 2 Nights at a Protea Hotel of your choice - SA only

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Like & Share our Facebook page and you could win 2 Night’s accommodation for you and your partner at a Protea Hotel of your Choice!! (South Africa only)

*Please note - Prize is based on two people sharing in a standard room at any Protea Hotel situated in South Africa (All extras charged at Hotel will be for your own account). Prize is non-transferable or redeemable for cash and must be used between 01 Oct – 30 November 2013. Subject to Hotel Availability.

Supplier Terms & Conditions Apply – Holiday Café & XL Travel by Arrangement  act as agents and are not liable for actions, error and omissions on the part of carriers or third parties who are governed by their respective rules, regulations and conditions.

Holiday Cafe / XL Travel by Arrangement PTY (Ltd)

T: 011 794 4900
E: holidaycafé@travelbyarrangement.com

W: www.holidaycafe.co.za

W: www.travelbyarrangement.com

First Floor Trinity Village, 65 Knoppiesdoring Street

Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg

FREE Bag Wrapping Service for SA Express Passengers

FREE Bag Wrapping Service

In an attempt to reduce pilferage, SA Express is offering customers a three months free bag wrapping service. Statistics reveal that the wrapping of bags reduces pilferage by up to 70%.

This trial run commences on 1 August 2013 and will only be available to the Domestic markets only at the following airports: Bram Fischer, OR Tambo International, Cape Town International and King Shaka International.

We encourage you to make use of this value added service.

For any flight quotes please contact us:
Holiday Cafe / XL Travel by Arrangement
T: 011 794 4900
First Floor trinity Village
65 Knoppiesdoring Street
Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg

MAURITIUS up to 22% cash back with Discovery Card

Discovery Card is the Visa credit card that rewards you with cash back for booking your dream holiday. You can get up to 22% cash back (land portion only) when you book and pay for your holiday through us using your Discovery Card. Your cash back percentage is based on your Vitality status. Here is how much cash back you can get with Discovery Card

Vitality status  Vitality status cash back percentage

Blue     15%

Bronze 18%

Silver   19%

Gold    20%

Diamond 22%

Terms & Conditions Apply

Please call us for full details and to find out which Hotels/Resorts apply for the above discounts.

Holiday Cafe / XL Travel by Arrangement
E: holidaycafe@travelbyarrangement.com
T: 011 794 4900
W: www.holidaycafe.co.za
W: www.holidaycafecruises.com
W: www.travelbyarrangement.com

First Floor trinity Village
65 Knoppiesdoring Street
Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg

What Are the Benefits of Using a Travel Agent?

With the dozens of online travel sites and the ability to book directly with almost any airline, hotel or other travel service, it would seem that travel agents might go the way of the dinosaurs. The American Society of Travel Agents, though, reports travel agents sell 85 percent of all cruises and 70 percent of all packages and tours, as of 2008. Agents are still in demand, and offer plenty of benefits when you are booking your vacation.

Time and Money Savings

Sometimes, spending hours on the computer searching for the best travel deals gets you results -- and other times, it just leads to frustration. When you work with a travel agent, she does that legwork, searching out the travel options that best meet your needs and budget. In most cases, travel agents have access to information about rates and routes that average consumer might not have, saving you time and money, even when you consider the agent's fee. Using a travel agent can also help you score a great deal on a package or promotion. Agents generally receive information and access to promotions from resorts, cruise lines and other travel providers that aren't available to the general public.

Travel Assistance

You're en route to a Caribbean cruise a when a snowstorm in Detroit delays your flight in Philadelphia. If you booked your travel through an agent, you can call him to get assistance with rebooking your travel arrangements. When you book through an online travel site, you might not be able to get that level of personalized attention, or you could have trouble finding someone who can help you get where you need to be. If something goes wrong when you arrive at your destination, such as your room is unacceptable or the transportation to the resort never shows up, your travel agent can usually resolve those problems.

Travel Recommendations

Perhaps you've always wanted to take a cruise, but you're not sure which cruise line is best for you or where you want to go. Maybe you want to take the kids to Disney World, but you're having trouble navigating the endless array of ticket and package options. A travel agent can help. Many travel agents specialize in a particular type of travel, such as cruises, Disney or Europe, and are able to make recommendations and help you plan a trip that meets your needs and budget. Their inside knowledge helps you avoid wasting time and money on the things you're not interested in, and lets you focus instead on taking the trip.

Perks

Travel agents who book a high volume of trips often have access to perks that you might not be able to get on your own. Whether it's a room upgrade, a fee waiver or even reservations at a hot resort or on a popular tour, travel agents often add perks into your vacation plan. If you are planning a trip for a special occasion, such as a marriage proposal, a travel agent has access to the resources and people who can help you plan the perfect event.

Germany joins chorus warning against Egyptian Red Sea travel

Germany has warned its citizens not to travel to Red Sea tourist resorts in Egypt as the political situation in the destination continues to deteriorate.

Officials had previously excluded holiday areas from its travel advice.

However, Germany has decided against issuing a full travel warning that would mean tourists being evacuated.

The US, Sweden and Finland have already issued alerts for the resorts, advising against travel to the whole of Egypt.

The UK continues to advise travel to Red Sea resorts is safe.