U.S. House Supports Delay in Passport Regulations

U.S. House Supports Delay in Passport Regulations
Published on: June 19, 2007

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Friday by 379-45 to delay July 2009 new rules requiring passports for U.S. land and sea travelers entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The House provision matches one included in a Homeland Security spending measure approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee last Thursday. The U.S. State Department has been flooded with passport applications since new rules requiring passports for air travelers went into effect in January. The resulting backlog has caused delays of up to three months for passports and ruined or delayed the travel plans of thousands of Americans. In response, the government last week temporarily waived a passport requirement for air travel until Sept. 30, provided travelers can demonstrate they have applied for a passport.

But the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is still pressing ahead to require passports for everyone driving across the border into Canada or Mexico beginning in January 2008, a rule that some experts believe will lead to a fourfold increase in demand for new passports. Last year, the State Department processed 12.1 million passports. This year, officials expect to process about 18 million. The department received one million applications in December, 1.8 million January and 1.7 million in February. “Nobody can say with the straight face that the federal government is ready for this,” said Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio). “My amendment simply asks the DHS to slow down and get it right this time.”

The passport application surge is the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative that since January has required U.S. citizens to use passports when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean by air. It is part of a broader package of immigration rules enacted after the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Lawmakers have been besieged with pleas of help from infuriated constituents who cannot get their passports even though they applied for them up to four months ago.

Last year, Congress gave the departments of Homeland Security and State additional time to get ready for the new passport rules, but they opted not to take advantage of the leniency. Now, increasingly frustrated lawmakers want to mandate the 17-month delay. “The administration is walking blithely toward a cliff with this program, and they’re threatening to take millions of Americans with them,” said Sen. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.). “Their competence in being able to get this right was already in question, and when they keep insisting they’ll be ready in six months, so is their judgment.”

On Monday, Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) introduced a bill that would refund passport processing fees and international travel costs that result from unreasonable delays in passport application processing times and other purposes. The Passport and Travel Cost Reimbursement Act of 2007 says the Dept. of State has failed to anticipate the increased level of demand for passports after implementing new WHTI rules required by Congress and that this failure has cost U.S. citizens thousands of dollars in unused or cancelled transportation, accommodation and tour reservations. The bill calls for the State Department’s proposal to refund fees for failed expedited processing “insufficient relief.” The bill would refund travelers for costs such as an economy class transatlantic ticket for travel between Jan 23 and Dec. 31, 2007, if travelers are unable to timely acquire a passport in order to take the flight.

Cunard Sells QE2 to Dubai World

Cunard Sells QE2 to Dubai World
Published on: June 19, 2007

Cunard Line on Monday announced the surprise sale of the Queen Elizabeth 2 to Dubai World in a $100 million deal that will turn the iconic liner into a floating hotel at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, the world’s largest man-made island. The QE2 will be delivered to Dubai World in November 2008, where it will be refurbished. From 2009, the vessel will be berthed at a specially constructed pier to create a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination.

The ship, which was launched in September 1967, is the longest-serving ship in Cunard’s 168-year history, and was its longest-serving flagship. Since it came into service in 1969, the QE2 has undertaken 25 world cruises, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and carried more than 2.5 million passengers. QE2 has been purchased by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, a wholly owned company of the government of Dubai. Nakheel, developer of The Palm Jumeirah, is also a Dubai World company.

Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard, said: “We are delighted that when her legendary career as an ocean liner ends there will continue to be a permanent home for her that will enable future generations to continue to experience fully both the ship and her history.” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said: “QE2 is without a doubt one of the wonders of the maritime world, and is easily the most famous serving liner in the world today. I am delighted we will be able to create a home for her on the newest wonder of the world, The Palm Jumeirah. Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be cherished.”

Istithmar said its refurbishment program will aim to recreate QE2’s original interior décor and fittings. The QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will also include a museum celebrating the history of the ship.

Princess Christens Royal Princess in Portofino

Princess Christens Royal Princess in Portofino
Published on: June 18, 2007

Princess Cruises’ new Royal Princess was christened Thursday in the harbor of Portofino by the line’s most-traveled cruise passenger, Lorraine Arzt, who has spent more than 11 years sailing aboard Princess ships. With the words, “I name this ship Royal Princess, may God bless her and all who sail in her,” Arzt released the lever which broke the champagne bottle over the ship. Having spent more than 4,100 days at sea, Arzt is likely the most traveled passenger in the cruise industry, according to Princess. At a ceremony celebrating her loyalty to Princess, she was feted by Princess executives and the passengers and crew of Royal Princess. Last month when the ship entered service, Arzt, who spends approximately 10 months cruising each year, moved onto her “home away from home” — a suite aboard Royal Princess. She plans to travel exclusively on the 710-passenger vessel, when not at her shoreside residence in Beverly Hills.

“Watching Lorraine christen ‘her’ vessel was a special treat for us at Princess,” said Princess President Alan Buckelew. “She is so deserving of this special honor, which pays tribute to her loyalty to Princess over many years.” Bucklew added that by naming Arzt godmother, the line was also recognizing the importance of all Princess’ loyal past passengers. Arzt has been a regular resident aboard various Princess ships over the years. She began cruising with her late husband, Joe, in the early 1970s aboard P&O’s Spirit of London, which later became the original Sun Princess. The Arzts, professional dancers who later became successful in the real estate business, discovered that their first voyage to Mexico sparked a life-long love of cruising. The couple, whose marriage Lorraine describes as “a 46-year romance,” spent 17 of those years as regular passengers aboard the original Royal Princess.

Following the transfer of that ship to P&O, Arzt sailed regularly aboard Sea Princess until the recent debut of the new Royal Princess. The Portofino ceremony marked a first for Princess in this picturesque Italian Riviera port. The christening voyage — a new 12-day “Mediterranean Collection” itinerary — began in Rome and also calls at Monte Carlo, Corsica, Sorrento, Messina, Valletta, and Corfu, in addition to the new Princess ports of Kotor, Montenegro; Split, Croatia; and Ravenna, Italy; before ending in Venice. A sister ship to the line’s Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess, the 30,200-ton Royal Princess offers a boutique version of Princess’ onboard options, including a variety of dining and entertainment choices and a large number of cabins with private balconies. The vessel and its sisters offer “off-the-beaten-path” itineraries and a small-ship experience.

The World Launches New Golf Cruises

The World Launches New Golf Cruises
Published on: June 18, 2007

The World, a private residential community at sea, is offering new golf voyages. Each golf voyage is two weeks and includes accommodations, meals and three rounds of golf. In 2007, golfers can choose from voyages throughout Europe as well as Morocco. When not out on the course, golfers can take advantage of The World’s Country Club, an onboard golf club with three artificial grass greens, a sand bunker, a simulator that portrays 52 famous courses, and golf pros available for individual and group lessons, as well as golf clinics. Among the golf voyages this year is the “Baltic Adventure,” Aug. 23-Sept. 7, which includes rounds at the Moscow City Golf Club, the Ozo Golf Club in Latvia, and other courses in Finland and Estonia. The golf cruise is priced from $13,725 per person, based on double occupancy. Another highlight is the cruise to Spain and Morocco, Dec. 4-20, which includes rounds at Golf de Andratx in Palma de Mallorca, Royal Golf d’Anfa in Morocco, and courses in Malaga, Casablanca and Tangier. Fares start at $12,350 per person, double occupancy. Golf voyages include accommodations aboard The World, green fees, dining, select wines and spirits, gratuities and port fees. Each golf voyage includes three rounds of golf per person. Additional rounds can be arranged.

To make your reservation, call Amy at A Room With A View.

Carnival Set Marketing Campaign with “Hairspray”

Carnival Sets Marketing Campaign with “Hairspray”
Published on: June 18, 2007

Carnival Cruise Lines and New Line Cinema have teamed up for a marketing partnership on “Hairspray,” a film due out this summer. The partnership includes “Hairspray”-themed programming and prize giveaways aboard Carnival’s fleet of 22 ships, a prize promotion, and an exclusive “Hairspray” movie trailer and behind-the-scenes footage viewable only at www.carnival.com/hairspray. The promotion also includes sneak preview showings of the movie for travel agents in 20 cities throughout the U.S. The partnership marks the first time Carnival has been involved in a major motion picture promotion, and is expected to reach millions of consumers in the month of July alone.

“Hairspray” features a cast that includes John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, Allison Janney, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley and newcomer Nikki Blonsky in the lead role. Consumers who book a Carnival cruise between June 15 and July 31 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a trip for four to New York City to see the “Hairspray” musical on Broadway and receive make-up and wardrobe makeovers. Consumers may also enter to win without purchase. To enter the contest or to view the official contest rules, visit www.carnival.com/hairspray. A national print advertising campaign promoting the partnership and prize giveaway will launch in mid-June in several consumer magazines, including People, Oprah, More, InStyle and Women’s Health.

Throughout July, guests sailing on Carnival ships will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of “Hairspray”-themed activities including “Hair-aoke,” a take-off on karaoke, incorporating songs from the movie and the 1960s, and a “Hairspray Hop” theme party within the cruise line’s popular teen program. Participants will receive a variety of “Hairspray” prize giveaways, including cameras, movie tickets, posters, tank tops, lip balm and other items. “Hairspray” dance lessons will also be offered, providing guests the opportunity to learn dance moves performed by the characters in the movie. Carnival guests can also view a 30-minute DVD airing on the in-cabin TVs that shows movie clips and behind-the-scenes highlights.

For more information, or to make your reservation call Amy at A Room With A View.

HAL Starts Kids Culinary Program

Holland America Starts Kids Culinary Program
Published on: June 18, 2007

Holland America Line is launching a kids and teen Culinary Arts Center activity program. Taking advantage of the fleetwide million-dollar show kitchens, the premium line now offers classes that teach kids and teens how to make dishes from breakfast to dinner. The program, which launches this summer, offers complimentary 45-minute classes. All kids, tweens and teens are welcome to attend whether or not they are registered for the Club HAL and teens program. Kids under eight years old will learn to make Bear Tracks (Alaska theme cookies), fruit leather (fruit roll-ups), ice cream sandwiches, salad people art, and Denali Peaks (Alaska theme scones). Kids eight and over will make soft pretzels, granola bars, pita chips and hummus, and saltwater taffy.

Class topics and times will be communicated through daily programs and Club HAL programs. Teens are also welcome to attend adult culinary demonstrations. As a part of the line’s $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative, Holland America Line spent more than $13 million to create and install the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, which is offered on every sailing of its 13 ship fleet. The Culinary Arts Centers features theater-styled venues with large overhead plasma video screens and a large cooking display counter. More than 60 top chefs, wine experts and cookbook authors will sail in each year, and classes and demonstrations will be offered on every sailing.

Contact Amy at A Room With A Viewto make your reservation!

Midwest Boardroom Battle Looms Over AirTran Bid

Midwest Boardroom Battle Looms Over AirTran Bid
Published on: June 15, 2007

Midwest Airlines said that based on a preliminary review of the proxies voted at yesterday’s annual meeting, it appears that shareholders have elected three directors nominated by AirTran Holdings, Inc., which allows AirTran to take its battle for Midwest into the boardroom. For the first time, Midwest said its board will permit AirTran Holdings to make a presentation to the Midwest Air Group board regarding AirTran’s proposal. The board noted that it has made no determination to engage in negotiations with AirTran and no date for the session has been established. Timothy Hoeksema, Midwest’s chairman and chief executive officer, said that the election of directors constitutes a definitive action by shareholders.

“While we are disappointed by today’s results, we recognize that our shareholders have spoken,” Hoeksema said. “If today’s election says anything at all, it says that our shareholders want us to listen and that is what we intend to do. The board remains fully committed to creating value for Midwest shareholders.” Joe Leonard, AirTran’s chairman and CEO, called the election results an important victory for Midwest shareholders. Meanwhile, Midwest passengers continue to log their opposition to the merger with postings on www.savethecookie.com, a site launched by Midwest response to its passengers’ calls for a way to stave off takeover.

Iberostar Opens New Rose Hall Resort in Jamaica

Iberostar Opens New Rose Hall Resort in Jamaica
Published on: June 12, 2007

Continuing its expansion into the Caribbean, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts announced the grand opening of Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, the first of three planned Jamaican resorts. Located in Rose Hall Beach, a high-end resort area near Montego Bay about 20 minutes from the international airport, the hotel offers an upscale, European elegance complemented with a Caribbean flair. “The continued growth of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts worldwide includes a significant expansion throughout the Caribbean,” said John Long, vice president of sales and marketing. Each of the hotels’ 234 garden and pool view rooms, 100 ocean view rooms and 32 spacious junior suites has a balcony or terrace, air conditioning and ceiling fan, complimentary mini-bar, color satellite TV, iron with ironing board, coffeemaker, direct-dial telephone and built-in safe.

Other features include a large swimming pool and infinity pool with a swim-up bar, a kids club, four restaurants, three of which are reservation-only specialty restaurants – a family-style steakhouse, a Japanese restaurant and a Cajun restaurant. There are also four bars, including a theater bar and cigar bar. Activities include aerobics, volleyball, table tennis and dance lessons. There is also an on-site CDC PADI Gold Palm Resort Dive Center, operated by Dressel Divers International, offering a wide range of local boat diving and snorkeling, as well as dive and snorkel excursions, dive courses and several other water sports activities. The hotel’s location offers guests proximity to several world-class golf courses.

Contact Amy at A Room With A View to make your reservation!

RCCL 2008-2009 Caribbean Itineraries

Royal Caribbean Sets 2008-09 Caribbean Itineraries
Published on: June 12, 2007

Royal Caribbean International will offer 42 Caribbean sailings aboard Grandeur of the Seas and Vision of the Seas during the 2008-09 winter season. The offerings range from four- to 10-night Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean voyages from Tampa or Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Grandeur and Vision sailings are currently open for bookings. Travelers may choose from 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruises or four- and five-night Western Caribbean roundtrips starting Nov. 10, 2008, aboard Grandeur of the Seas. Eastern Caribbean ports of call include San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua and Tortola.

The five-night Western Caribbean sailings call at Progreso and Cozumel or Costa Maya and Belize City. The four-night voyage will visit Key West and Cozumel. In early 2009, Vision of the Seas will operate two seven-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean. Sailing roundtrip from Santo Domingo, it will call at Guadeloupe, Martinique, Barbados and St. Lucia. The alternate itinerary calls at St. Maarten, Dominica, Margarita Island and Aruba. Travelers also can choose a 14-night eastbound Panama Canal repositioning cruise, sailing on Jan. 4, 2009, with calls at Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco, Mexico; Puntarenas and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cristobal Pier, Panama; and Montego Bay.

To make your reservation, call Amy at A Room With A View.

New HAL Ship To Be Built

Carnival Corp. Exercises Option for HAL Ship
Published on: June 12, 2007

Carnival Corp. & plc exercised its option for a new 86,000-ton vessel for its Holland America Line brand. The 2,100-passenger ship will be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard at an estimated all-in cost of €425 million (about $568 million on Monday). Delivery is scheduled for fall 2010. “Holland America Line is performing very well and its growth is consistent with our business strategy for the premium segment of our business which seeks to capitalize on the increasing affluence of the baby boomer generation,” said Micky Arison, Carnival Corp. chairman and CEO. “The exercise of this option is another opportunity to strengthen Holland America’s position as the leading premium cruise brand in the world.”

Stein Kruse, Holland America Line’s president and CEO, noted that the new vessel will be a sister to the Eurodam, which is already under construction at Fincantieri and due to debut in summer of 2008. Eurodam’s size has been increased slightly since originally announced and both ships will have a lower-bed capacity of 2,100. Kruse added that the two ships, to be the largest in Holland America’s fleet, will maintain the brand’s commitment to mid-sized vessels, larger staterooms, and richly appointed dining areas, lounges and other public rooms. “The addition of these two ships represent a 23 percent increase in our capacity over the 2008 through 2010 time period and will allow us to continue our premium leadership position and achieve a greater share of the growing cruise market,” he said.

The new vessel will continue the evolution of the Holland America Line brand with features that will include a topside 144-seat specialty restaurant, a diversity of live music and entertainment facilities, outside-view glass elevators at mid-ship, and an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool. Of the new ship’s 1,050 staterooms, 85 percent will offer an ocean view and 67 percent will feature private verandahs. All staterooms will offer plush Mariner’s Dream beds, flat-panel TVs and DVD players. The vessel will feature such Holland America facilities as the Crow’s Nest Lounge, Explorations Café, Pinnacle Grill and the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, offering cooking demonstrations and classes in state-of-the-art show kitchens. With today’s announcement, Carnival Corp. & plc has 17 new ships on order, 12 of which are being constructed by Fincantieri.