Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Offers Winter Packages

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Offers Winter Packages
Published on Modernagent 10/3/07

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino, is offering several packages this winter including the Alpine Meadows VIP Lift Line, which allows guests to pick up their lift tickets at the hotel before boarding a complimentary shuttle to Alpine Meadows ski area. Package guests also receive VIP lift-line access to ski school/season pass holder lines during their stay. Valid Dec. 1, 2007, through April 15, 2008, the package also features deluxe accommodations, room tax, resort fee and two adult lift tickets at Alpine Meadows for nightly rates of $265 for Sunday-through-Thursday arrivals and $315for Friday and Saturday arrivals. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe also offers ski packages with access to Diamond Peak, Squaw Valley USA, Northstar, Heavenly and Mt. Rose ski areas. Other deals include: the Tahoe Kids offer, valid Oct. 14, 2007 to May 23, 2008 and priced from $259 nightly; the Winter Bed & Breakfast package, valid Jan. 1 to April 1, 2008, with nightly rates starting at $229. Rates are based on double occupancy.

Contact A Room With A View to make your reservation!

DOT Figures Show Airline Passenger Traffic Up

DOT Figures Show Airline Passenger Traffic Up
Published on modernagent: September 14, 2007

U.S. airlines carried 379.5 million scheduled domestic and international passengers on their systems during the first six months of 2007, 2.7 percent more than they did during the same period in 2006, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported in a release of preliminary data. BTS, a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that U.S. airlines carried 2.5 percent more domestic passengers and 3.9 percent more international passengers during the first six months of 2007 than during the same period in 2006. These passengers traveled on planes with average load factors exceeding 79.1 percent.
In June, the most recent month, U.S. airlines carried 69.5 million scheduled domestic and international passengers, 3.4 percent more than in June 2006. The number of domestic passengers increased 3.4 percent in June from a year earlier and international passengers increased 3.3 percent. All-time high load factors were reached in June for combined domestic and international system flights and for domestic flights. The June system load factor for domestic and international flights was 85.8, topping the previous high of 85.0 in July 2006. The June load factor for domestic flights was 86.4, exceeding the previous high of 84.9 in July 2006.

Southwest Airlines carried more total system and more domestic passengers in the first six months than any other U.S. airline. American Airlines carried more international passengers than any U.S. carrier. More total system and domestic passengers boarded planes in the first six months at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International than at any other U.S. airport; and more international passengers boarded planes on U.S. carriers at Miami International than at any other U.S. airport. U.S. carriers operated 5.2 million domestic and international flights in the first six months of 2007, 1.1 percent more than were operated during the same period in 2006. U.S. airlines carried 334.9 million scheduled domestic passengers during the first six months of 2007, up 2.5 percent from the 326.8 million carried during the same period in 2006. U.S. airlines carried 44.5 million scheduled international passengers during the first six months of 2007, up 3.9 percent from the 42.8 million carried during the same period in 2006.

Napa’s Silverado Resort Offers Deluxe Spa Package

Napa’s Silverado Resort Offers Deluxe Spa Package
Published on: August 9, 2007

The Silverado Resort in Napa Valley is offering a deluxe spa package, available year-round. The package includes accommodation in a one-bedroom suite with a fireplace; a choice of a body scrub or a body wrap; a 50-minute spa treatment of the guest’s choice; an 80-minute spa treatment of the guest’s choice; complete use of the spa at Silverado’s heated lap pool, sauna and steam room, whirlpool and exercise classes; a $10 spa gift voucher; and a welcome gift. The package rate is $459 per person, double, including taxes and gratuities.

To make your reservation, contact A Room With A View!

HAL Plans Retail Shops for Eurodam

Holland America Plans Retail Shops for Eurodam
Published on: August 9, 2007

Holland America Line’s first Signature-class ship, the Eurodam, will feature a collection of Signature Shops in a substantially expanded shopping promenade when the 2,104-passenger liner debuts in June 2008. The Signature Shops concept highlights four major additions: high-end Merabella, offering designer jewelry collections; Fine Jewelry, specializing in diamonds and exotic gemstones; Fine Watches, featuring brands from around the world; and Destination & Apparel, which will tailor its selection to the climate in which guests are cruising, plus classic nautical wear. “Holland America Line successfully introduced Merabella, the high-end jewelry store, on the Amsterdam and added it to the Vista-class Westerdam in May,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president-marketing, sales and guest programs. “The positive response from guests convinced us to include Merabella on our new Eurodam as well as introduce it to other ships in our fleet.”

Meadows said guest feedback also prompted the line to add approximately 1,000 square feet of boutique space. “We’re responding to a new trend in cruise guests’ shopping preferences — they definitely want expanded selection and upscale choices while cruising,” Meadows said. Eurodam is scheduled to debut in June 2008 with European inaugural events and then cruise the Baltic region through the summer. The ship will then offer its first transatlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries the remainder of 2008.

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.

Princess Expands Canada & New England Capacity

Princess Expands Canada & New England Capacity
Published on: June 6, 2007

Princess will debut its most extensive Canada/New England season ever in 2008 with an expanded schedule of northeast coast sailings beginning in August, and offering more than 50 percent additional capacity. Caribbean Princess will make her debut in the region, and the program will return to Montreal with a new, longer Connoisseur itinerary that offers more opportunities than ever to experience the dramatic fall foliage, quaint towns and rich history of this colorful destination.

The extended Canada/New England season runs from Aug. 24 and Oct. 29, 2008, featuring 18 voyages on three ships. Itinerary choices include new 11-day Connoisseur sailings on Royal Princess between Montreal and New York, Classic 10-day cruises on Sea Princess between Quebec City and New York and seven-day roundtrip voyages from New York on Caribbean Princess. Royal Princess also offers a 17-day Colonial America sailing. The Connoisseur route also debuts a new port for Princess with calls at New London, Connecticut, the gateway for Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium. This itinerary also offers a cruise up the Saguenay River and the opportunity to begin or end the voyage in Montreal. All cruises include Nova Scotia’s capital of Halifax, Saint John and New Brunswick, quaint Bar Harbor and Maine’s Acadia National Park, and the historic treasures of Boston. Certain itineraries also offer the opportunity to visit the majestic mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, or further explore Canada with visits to the Nova Scotia town of Sydney as well as Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, the home of “Anne of Green Gables.”
The 710-pasenger Royal Princess sails between Montreal and New York on the new Connoisseur’s Canada/New England, an 11-day itinerary featuring Quebec City, Saguenay River Scenic Cruising, Ville Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston, and the new port of New London. The ship offers four departures between Sept. 15 and Oct. 18. In addition, Royal Princess will also offer a special 17-day Canada & Colonial America voyage from Montreal to Ft. Lauderdale. This journey departs on Oct. 29 and features calls at Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Portland, Boston, New London, New York City, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Baltimore, and Charleston.

Princess’ Classic Canada New England on Sea Princess sails between New York City and Québec City. The itinerary offers calls at Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown, plus an overnight stay in quaint Québec City. Four sailings on the 1,950-passenger Sea Princess depart between Sept. 13 and Oct. 13. Sea Princess also offers the opportunity to sail on an extended 19-day Canada & Caribbean Adventure to Barbados. This option extends the Oct. 13 cruise to include additional calls in St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Dominica, St. Vincent, and Grenada.

A new roundtrip Canada/New England on Caribbean Princess features a seven-day roundtrip itinerary that includes the best of the northeast. This route offers regular New York departures from Brooklyn, with visits to Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport. The 3,100-passenger Caribbean Princess debuts in the region with nine sailings between Aug. 24 and Oct. 19. Princess offers escorted pre- or post-cruise land tours in conjunction with these sailings, in which passengers can travel back through historic America or spend further time in Canada with a complete cruisetour.

Early booking fares for seven-day Canada & New England sailings begin at $945 per person, while 10-day cruises start at $1,545 and 11-day voyages begin at $2,095, based on double occupancy. Caribbean Princess voyages are currently open for sale, and Sea Princess and Royal Princess cruises open for sale on June 7, 2007.

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

NCL’s Norwegian Sun Receives Environment Award

NCL’s Norwegian Sun Receives Environment Award
Published on: May 2, 2007

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that the Norwegian Sun received the Port of San Francisco’s Cruise Ship Environmental Award. The port’s program annually recognizes cruise ships whose onboard environmental systems help decrease air and water pollution. The three categories evaluated are air emission reduction, wastewater treatment and recycling and disposal programs for solid waste. “With our clean fuel strategy using low-sulfur fuels while in port, along with reducing air emissions, advanced wastewater treatment and recycling and disposal of solid waste, we have demonstrated our commitment to maintaining the highest level of environmental protection standards,” said Bill Hamlin, NCL’s executive vice president of fleet operations. “The Port of San Francisco commends NCL for its dedication to sustaining a clean environment,” said Peter Dailey, maritime director for the Port of San Francisco.

RCCL Sets 2008-2009 Itineraries from Northeast

Royal Caribbean Sets 2008-2009 Itineraries from Northeast
Published on: April 9, 2007

Royal Caribbean International has opened bookings for 19 2008-09 itineraries from major Northeast homeports. More than 80 sailings, ranging from five to 15 nights, will sail to New England/Canada, Bermuda, and Eastern Caribbean. The cruises depart from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., on Explorer of the Seas and from Baltimore, Norfolk and Boston aboard Grandeur of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas. The Explorer of the Seas will operate eight roundtrip itineraries ranging from five to 12 nights to Bermuda and the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Travelers also can choose among six nine-night voyages to New England and Canada.

Prices start at $649 per person, double occupancy. Grandeur of the Seas will sail roundtrip from Norfolk’s newly constructed Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center on five-night Bermuda cruises, eight- and nine-night voyages to New England and Canada, and nine-night Eastern Caribbean sailings. From Baltimore, Grandeur will sail five-night roundtrips to Bermuda and nine-night Eastern Caribbean cruises. Prices start at $649 per person, double occupancy. Jewel of the Seas returns to Boston in 2008 to sail to New England on four seven-night roundtrips beginning on Sept. 20, 2008. In addition, Boston-area travelers also can choose a shortened itinerary on one five-night sailing on Oct. 13. Prices start at $549 per person, double occupancy. Other 2008 Royal Caribbean itineraries also open for individual, group and incentive bookings this week are four 14- or 15-night Panama Canal voyages aboard Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas.

For more information or to make your reservation, contact Amy at A Room With A View!”

Universal Orlando Offers Healthy Dining Options

Universal Orlando Offers Healthy Dining Options
Published on: February 20, 2007

Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks and three on-site Loews hotels are featuring healthy side dishes and trans-fat-free foods throughout the resort. Universal’s theme parks now offer healthy side choices for guests of all ages at most of its food outlets. Healthy beverage options are also available at many locations throughout the parks. Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios theme parks will begin cooking and frying with 100 percent trans-fat-free oil throughout most of their facilities. Universal also will work to make nutritional information on its foods available to guests, and is targeting the end of 2007 to be entirely trans-fat free for all its food offerings.

“Providing guests with healthier options and trans-fat-free cooking is the right thing to do,” said Dan Cupertino, senior vice president of sales at Universal Orlando Resort. “We want our guests to feel good about the food they eat when they visit our theme parks and hotels. And we know choice is important to them. That’s why our program is about choices rather than absolutes.”

Universal has spent months searching for the right ingredients, testing foods and recipes and getting guest feedback on its new program. Information related to these healthy options can be found on park map guides and at the company websites. Universal Orlando Resort’s three on-site Loews hotels, the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort, will implement a full ban on all artificial trans-fats by June 1. The ban applies to restaurants, room service, banquet functions and even snack foods found in the in-room mini-bar.

On April 1, salad dressings, pastry items such as pie dough, fudge and buttercream frosting, and other frozen foods will be trans-fat free. By June 1, the full ban takes effect, eliminating trans-fats from waffles, pancakes and prepared mixes. The phased-in time frame will allow hotel chefs to experiment with suitable substitute ingredients. Mini-bar options will include products such as Sunchips, Baked Lay’s and Power Bars.

Hyatt Reopens Chicago O’Hare Airport Property

Hyatt Reopens Chicago O’Hare Airport Property
Published on: February 6, 2007

Global Hyatt Corporation announced the re-opening of Hyatt Regency O’Hare, one of the world’s largest convention hotels located in Rosemont, Ill., on Feb. 1, 2007. Although phase I of the $60 million transformation, is not quite complete, guests will immediately notice significant changes throughout the atrium-style hotel. The renovation incorporates innovative design elements in the public spaces and conference center wing, including expanded flexible meeting space to accommodate intimate high-end meetings and large-scale events, and a trove of new amenities for both business and leisure travelers. All major structural changes to Hyatt Regency O’Hare were completed for this month’s re-opening, with a temporary restaurant available to guests while finishing touches are put on the hotel’s stylish new lobby restaurant to be called O’H and the new Red Bar. New meeting facilities are set to debut on March 1, 2007, and the final elements of phase I will be complete by April 2007. Starting rates at Hyatt Regency O’Hare are $269 per night for double occupancy.