Osthoff Resort Debuts Big Band Deal

Osthoff Resort Wisconsin Debuts Big Band Deal
Published on: January 11, 2007

The Osthoff Resort, located on the shores of Elkhart Lake in southeast Wisconsin, is offering the “Big Band Gala” package, available March 2-4. The $469-per-couple rate includes a two-night stay in a one-bedroom suite; a Friday evening welcome reception followed by dancing from 8 p.m. until midnight; dance instruction on Saturday afternoon; a Saturday evening reception followed by a five-course dinner and another evening of dancing; and a breakfast buffet on Sunday.

United Airlines Partners with Chef Charlie Trotter

United Airlines Partners with Chef Charlie Trotter
Published on: January 11, 2007

United Airlines has signed a new partnership with legendary Chicago restaurant owner and chef Charlie Trotter. Customers flying in United’s first and business classes on eastbound flights to Europe and on United’s premium transcontinental service can select cuisine created by Trotter, beginning this summer. “Offering an upscale menu for our customers traveling in our premium cabins is one of the many ways we are enhancing our customers’ overall travel experience,” said Charlie Ahmes, United’s vice president of onboard service. Chef Trotter is the author of 14 cookbooks and is the host of the nationally aired, award winning PBS cooking series, “The Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter.”

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Adds Baby White Rhino
Published on: January 11, 2007

The Walt Disney World animal care team welcomed a healthy baby White Rhinoceros to Disney’s Animal Kingdom family last week. Kendi, an eight-year-old White Rhino, gave birth to her second baby — a male named Tom, early the morning of Jan. 4. Tom is the sixth White Rhino born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and his mother, Kendi, was the first. Tom, the Rhino, was named in honor of Dr. Tom Foose, president of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), who is remembered for his leadership, growth and strengthening of the IRF, and the continued survival of the world’s rhinos for future generations to enjoy. There are five Southern White Rhinos in the herd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — three males and two females of various ages. At one time White Rhinos were nearly extinct, numbering less than 100 animals. Look for Kendi and Tom to join the other rhinos on the savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom soon.

Grand Turk Cruise Center Exceeds Expectations

Grand Turk Cruise Center Exceeds Expectations
Published on: January 11, 2007

Grand Turk, the newest Caribbean cruise destination, finished its inaugural season with 136 cruise ship calls and 295,000 passengers, far exceeding expectations for the number of visitors for its first year of operation. The port officially opened in February 2006. December was a record month with more than 46,000 passengers arriving on 28 cruise ship calls. Twenty of the calls were made by Carnival Corp. & plc brands, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, and Costa Cruises; the remaining eight calls were by Silversea, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Fred Olsen, Hapag Lloyd, and Ships of Discovery. “The inaugural season of the Grand Turk Cruise Center was a tremendous success, with a significantly higher number of cruise ship calls and passengers than originally projected,” said Floyd Hall, deputy premier for the Turks & Caicos Islands. “In less than a year in operation, the facility is already considered one of the finest in the Caribbean and we look forward to providing even more cruise passengers with the opportunity to experience and explore our fascinating and beautiful islands.”

Michael Reimers, the Grand Turk Cruise Center’s new general manager, said that during the port’s inaugural season not a single call was missed due to severe weather — an important consideration for cruise lines in assembling Caribbean itineraries. In addition to accommodating two ships and up to 5,000 passengers daily, the new Grand Turk Cruise Center offers full port agency services. Currently, 90 percent of the port’s shops are open, including the largest Caribbean-themed bar and restaurant, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. A variety of shore excursions have been developed — from snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing to biking, kayaking and horseback riding — with a daily capacity of up to 4,000 people. Additional shore excursions are being planned for the coming year. For more information, visit www.grandturkcc.com.