TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

SEABOURN’S 2009/2010 COLLECTION

Latest brochure includes new ports in Europe, Australasia; save 50% when booking early

The Yachts of Seabourn has published their latest catalogue, with 140 pages of luxurious voyages aboard its intimate cruising yachts for 2009-2010. Titled "The Yachting Collection," the catalogue includes complete details of 143 voyages, visiting over 220 ports in 66 countries on five continents. Ports which are new for Seabourn, or which the Seabourn yachts have not visited in several years, include St. Raphael, Bandol and Antibes on the French Riviera; Opatija and Split in Croatia; Brindisi, Bari, and Trieste, Italy and Lundy Island and the Isles of Scilly in the United Kingdom. Seabourn Odyssey's World Cruise, in early 2010, will also add areas in the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand that have been missing from Seabourn's itineraries in recent years. Early Booking Savings of up to 50 per cent off brochure fares apply for those who book in advance, plus additional savings for combining two or more consecutive cruises. [Full text and pictures]

ISRAEL CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY

60th Anniversary will be feted with series of summer concerts in Israel

PM Stephen Harper greets concertgoers. Photo, Canadian Press

Toronto celebrated Israel's 60th Anniversary on May 8th at the Ricoh Coliseum; Master of Ceremonies was film producer Ivan Reitman. The event was attended by over 7,000 enthusiastic members of Toronto's Jewish community and other well-wishers including dignitaries representing Canada's Federal and Provincial governments. The Right Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, made a special appearance and addressed the audience proclaiming his governments continued support of Israel. Entertainment included the visiting Israel Defence Forces Ensemble, dancers from the Israel Ballet and head-liner Israeli Hip-Hop sensations Hadag Nachash who brought everyone to their feet. There will also be a series of concerts in Israel this summer featuring international artists. Read on for more. [Full text and pictures]

ENCORE CRUISE ESCAPES’ NCL WINNER

Magalie Desrosiers from Voyages Fontainebleau, Blainville QC wins one-week Caribbean cruise with NCL

Magalie Desrosiers from Voyages Fontainebleau and Berthe Haddad-Rezende from Encore CruiseEscapes

The first winner of Encore CruiseEscapes’ NCL ‘Best Value of the Season’ promotion has been named, and the lucky agent is Magalie Desrosiers from Voyages Fontainebleau in Blainville, Quebec. She has won a one-week Caribbean cruise for two on NCL, including return air from Montreal to Miami or New York. There are still two cruises left to be won in this contest! As part of Encore CruiseEscapes’ ‘Best Value of the Season’ promotion, with every NCL booking you make, you will receive a ballot that will be automatically entered in a draw to win a cruise. The next draw takes place later this month and the third and final draw will take place in June. Read on for full details. [Full text and pictures]

BOOMERANG BORA BORA SAVINGS

Stay a minimum of 4 consecutive nights and receive free full board meals every day!

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa

Boomerang Tours is offering clients booking the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa free full board meals daily when staying 4 consecutive nights. That’s a savings of almost $600 per couple. Clients taking advantage of this deal must stay a minimum of four consecutive nights in an overwater bungalow category and travel and book before December 21st 2008. Guests will enjoy a continental breakfast daily, “a la carte” menu for lunch and 3 course menus for dinner, all lunch and dinner drinks are included. The resort, which is located on the island of Motu Toopua, is the ideal destination for honeymooners and those looking for the ultimate romantic getaway. The resort features 44 overwater bungalows, the only treetop spa in Polynesia, world class dining facilities and plenty of activities and excursions for those looking to explore the islands. Read on for more details. [Full text and pictures]

UNIGLOBE AGENTS IN JAMAICA

Top 10 UNIGLOBE Peak Performers from Eastern Canada rewarded with one week trip to Negril

UNIGLOBE delegation in Negril, Jamaica

Recently, the top 10 UNIGLOBE Peak Performers, from UNIGLOBE Eastern Canada, were rewarded with a week at the Grand Lido Negril, Jamaica. The Peak Performers and their companions were accompanied by Monique Audet, Vice President UNIGLOBE and Suzanne Fleming Director of Sales, SuperClubs Canada – and what a well-deserved week it was. Peak Performers from Ontario include Mary Draga and Sandra Titton from UNIGLOBE Travel Plus, Carolyn Livingstone and Dawns Fairbanks from UNIGLOBE Discover Travel. From Québec, the lucky attendees included Suzanne Blondin and Sylvie Tessier from UNIGLOBE Voyages Solerama, Carole Cournoyer from UNIGLOBE Voyages Carolann, Francine Girard and Julie Vecera from UNIGLOBE Le Centre de Voyage Dorval and Suzanne Poitras from UNIGLOBE Supręme.

ACV EUROPEAN ESCAPADES AND CRUISES

Enjoy Europe with 30 newly added hotels on city escapades; cruise along Europe’s waterways

Notre Dame cathedral in Paris

Explore the treasures of Europe with Air Canada Vacations’ flexible Escapades Air & Hotel packages, now featuring 30 newly-added hotels throughout London, Paris and Rome. Or opt for a nautical adventure sailing into unforgettable ports along Europe’s northern countries or sunny southern shores. Jet set to London, Paris or Rome on a three night or more getaway with Air Canada Vacations. Wine and dine in Europe’s trendiest restaurants, or discover the culinary delights of the café around the corner. Have tea in London, a croissant in Paris, or a gelato in Rome. Three-night packages start at $769 for travel this summer. Read on for all the possibilities. [Full text and pictures]

US OUTBOUND TRAVEL TO INCREASE

Forecast says international travel will increase despite economy
Canadian Press

More Americans will take international leisure trips this summer

The economy is troubled and the dollar is weak. But one forecast suggests that Americans aren't giving up international travel. Travel organization AAA and Global Insight, a forecasting company, predicted 25.1 million Americans will take leisure trips outside the U.S. this summer, up 2.6 per cent from last year. The forecast counts Canada and Mexico among international destinations. ``Those that choose to make these trips are reallocating their budgets,'' said Ken McGill, executive managing director of Global Insight, a forecasting company. ``Leisure travel has become not only a necessity to many American travellers, it's become almost a divine right.'' [Full text and pictures]

RBC INSURANCE ENHANCES PRODUCT

More coverage options for cruises; new Client Insurance Guide sales tool

RBC offers more coverage for cruises

RBC Insurance has announced enhancements to its travel insurance products and services. These improvements, which are now in effect, include an increase to benefits and two new risks relating to cruise vacations, as well as the introduction of a new sales tool that helps travel agents discuss insurance with their clients. Enhancements include: -The Client Insurance Guide: this new tool allows agents to review with clients, at the time of sale, coverage details on any stand alone coverage as well as any travel insurance package, including covered situations, benefits and exclusions due to pre-existing medical conditions. Agents can also provide this guide to their clients for future reference on their travel insurance needs. Read on for full details. [Full text and pictures]