Sandals & Beaches Resorts Weddings Update

We are excited to announce the MORE inclusions and savings that are effective immediately with the Sandals & Beaches Weddings by Martha Stewart.

Weddings

• Beautiful Beginning weddings are now free at Sandals Royal Plantation for any bookings of six nights or longer*
• Beautiful Beginning weddings are now free at Sandals Emerald Bay if traveling between September and January for bookings of six nights or longer.  If you travel between February and August then the cost is $350 if booking is six nights or longer.*
• Sandals has reduced the prices to Seaside Serenade, Chic and Natural and Island Paradise (please see below). 
• Also added a photo package to Seaside Serenade.

Updated pricing

	Jamaica	Bahamas, St. Lucia, Antigua	Turks & Caicos
Flutter of Romance	$1600	$1800	$2000
Vision in White**	$2600	$2800	$3000
Seaside Serenade **	$2800	$3000	$3200
Chic and Natural	$3100	$3300	$3500
Island Paradise	$3500	$3700	$3900

** Includes DVD & 12 (5x7) photos with album

*Government and administrative fees are waived for stays of 6-nights or longer at Sandals Resorts in concierge categories or higher and in premium categories or higher at Beaches Resorts. Government and administrative fees for each destination as follows: Jamaica - $250; Antigua - $500; St. Lucia - $500; Bahamas - $500; Turks & Caicos - $700

Twilight Hour

The twilight hour is no longer tied to Island Paradise.  Couples wishing to get married at sunset hours can now do so in combination with ANY wedding theme for an additional $600

Twilight Wedding Ceremonies are performed:

- November 1st – March 31st at 5:00p.m.

- April 1st – October 31st at 5:30p.m.

Renewal of Vows

Renewal of Vows has now been standardized and will be $500 on all islands.  Additional inclusions were also extended:

- Beautiful Beginning Ceremony**

- Personal Wedding Consultant

- Picturesque Wedding Location

- Bridal Bouquet & Groom’s Boutonniere

- Pre-Recorded Musical Accompaniment

- Marriage Officer

- Sparkling Wine & Chilled Hors d’oeuvres Reception

- for Bride, Groom and Two Guests (30 minutes)

- Two-tiered Wedding Cake

- One (1) 5x7 Wedding Photograph

- Renewal of Vow Certificate

- Romantic Dinner for Couple in an existing Resort Restaurant

- Continental Breakfast in bed the next morning

**Couples are also able to select a Specialized Martha Stewart theme for an additional cost.

· Payment policy for the standard Renewal of Vows Ceremony is a $200 deposit within 7 days of booking. Final balance is due 60 days prior to travel.

· Standard payment policies apply for Specialized Martha Stewart Themes

· Cancellation policy for Renewal of Vows is non-refundable within 45 days to travel.

Why Use A Travel Agent?

"Why should I use a travel agent?" As a veteran travel executive, that's a question I'm often asked. Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information (the Internet, cable television, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it's no wonder the consumer is confused. Yet that's precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.

In January, the television news magazine, 20/20, reported the results of a test in which travel agents beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares. However, it is much more than the "lowest fare" that provides the compelling argument for a good travel agent.

The best thing an agent can do is to match up a traveler with the vacation that's right for them. The professional travel consultant builds relationships with their clients to learn their interests and lifestyles, as well as their dispositions.

Below is a list of some of the important services, which are either provided FREE or for a nominal charge, by travel agents:

1. Distilling the product information: Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, the agent becomes a travel expert.

2. Investigating and supplying competitive information: No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or a better fare is available on a competing carrier.

3. Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions: Via daily faxes, agent-only e-mail transmissions, and their relationships with their district sales managers, agents are obtaining the most current promotional information.

4. Analyzing the current promotions: The cheapest is not always the best.

5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions: Again, the benefits of a professional's experience can save a traveler money . . . and headaches.

6. Making recommendations for travel-related options: Travel agents share the to pack for different travel options.

7. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction: Like a personal shopper, agents can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations and hotel stays - with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier.

8. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities: Agents can add to the client's experience by sending a bottle of wine, providing a special land package, a specific escort or other customer amenities.

9. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations: Whether it's airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel agent has more buying power than the consumer.

10. Getting problems resolved: The agent serves as the consumer's advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong.

The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn't questioned. Similarly, if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional.

www.island-breeze-travel.com

Airlines begin new Turks & Caicos (PLS) flights

The Turks and Caicos Islands are about to become a lot more accessible with several new flights from the U.S. that started last week.

JetBlue’s sold out inaugural flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport touched down at the Providenciales International Airport on February 17th with 150 passengers on board.

The flight was greeted by the fire dept with an impressive water cannon salute. The captain then waved the TCI flag from the cockpit window, drawing cheers from the crowd of dignitaries and airport staff anxiously awaiting its arrival.

His Excellency the Gov. Gordon Wetherell and JetBlue executives who came in on the flight cut a ribbon at bottom of stairs, ushering in a new era of air service for the country. 

JetBlue Chief Commercial Officer Robin Hayes said he was "so happy to be here" and said he expects much more to come, including JetBlue vacations, 100 of which have already been sold this year. The airline is also considering adding flights to Providenciales from Ft. Lauderdale, he said.

On Friday, Feb. 18, Continental brought its first flight to the TCI from Newark Liberty International Airport.

JetBlue also be landed a flight from Boston on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 2:45 p.m., making a total of eight flights per week for the low-cost U.S. carrier to the TCI.

The addition of these new flight makes a total of eight non-stop destinations from the U.S. to Providenciales, including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, New York City, Newark and Philadelphia.

Currently two airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, service the TCI from Canada with several weekly direct flights from Toronto and Montreal. British Airways also offers weekly service to London’s Heathrow Airport via Nassau.

Air Turks & Caicos also offers direct international services to the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Haiti.

Currently more than 200 flights arrive and depart the airport weekly.

The TCI Airport Authority is in the process of redeveloping the airport to accommodate the increasing traffic, including lengthening of the runway. The new runway will allow for larger planes to arrive directly from Europe and other long-haul destinations. Phase two of the expansion planned for next year also includes a new modern airline terminal.

Pricing & Availability to Providenciales Can Be Found by Clicking our FunJet Vacations Link

New flights - Continental Airlines

Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, converting to daily service on March 6.

Newark (EWR) to Providenciales (PLS)
Depart 9:35 a.m. — arrive 1:10 p.m.
Providenciales (PLS) to Newark (EWR)
Depart 2:05 p.m. — arrive 5:45 p.m.

New Flights - Jet Blue Airlines

Daily non-stop service

New York (JFK) to Providenciales (PLS)
Depart 9:10 a.m. — Arrive 1 p.m.
Providenciales (PLS) to New York (JFK):
Depart 2 p.m. — Arrive 5:40 p.m.
Saturday weekly winter service

Boston (BOS) to Providenciales (PLS)
Depart 11:00 a.m. — Arrive 2:45 p.m.
Providenciales (PLS) to Boston (BOS):
Depart 3:40 p.m. — Arrive 7:20 p.m

http:www.island-breeze-travel.com

Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas becomes the first ship to dock at the new Falmouth Jamaica Port

After months of delays, Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas on Feb. 17 became the first ship to call at the Historic Falmouth port. Located between the cruise ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Historic Falmouth is a thematic cruise port and gateway to more than 60 land experiences along the north coast of Jamaica.





“We are delighted to see Voyager of the Seas make the first-ever ship call at Historic Falmouth,” said Craig Milan, senior vice president of land operations for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “By partnering with the Port Authority of Jamaica, we are working to deliver our shared vision of Falmouth’s rebirth. Together, we are bringing the town’s historic sites to life and integrating the culture and authenticity of this destination into a superior guest experience.”





The grand opening celebrations will take place on March 22 when Oasis of the Seas makes its maiden call. Other Royal Caribbean ships that will call at Falmouth include Freedom of the Seas on Feb. 23, Navigator of the Seas on Feb. 24, and Allure of the Seas on March 30. Shore excursions from Falmouth include a visit to Good Hope Great House, an 18th century plantation, for a horse-and-carriage ride, river-tubing and ATV exploring; climbing Dunn’s River Falls; sampling rums at Appleton Estate; and river rafting on a 30-foot bamboo raft.

“Falmouth has an important place in the cultural history of Jamaica. It is especially rewarding for us to use that history as an entrée for a new generation of guests,” said Mike Henry, Jamaica’s minister of transport and works, who has responsibility for cruise shipping. “Our sights have always been set on being the pre-eminent cruise destination, and with the best-in-class berthing facilities at the Historic Falmouth port, we’ll now easily welcome the world’s largest ships.”





The revitalization of Historic Falmouth is a multi-phased development project with the first phase near completion; it offers a two-berth pier, retail and restaurant services, and a transportation center. Subsequent phases will include onsite attractions and experiences, hotel and residential developments, and additional retail and restaurant options. The town also has many prominent houses, shops and public buildings built in the 18th and 19th centuries that are still standing, but are in need of refurbishment. The restoration and preservation of several historic buildings in Falmouth is currently underway.

Falmouth was founded in 1790 from land owned by Edward Barrett. His granddaughter was poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. At that time Jamaica was the world’s leading sugar producer, and this was most evident in Falmouth with more than 80 sugar estates nearby. The town was mapped out in the Colonial tradition, with streets named after British royalty and heroes—King Street, Queen Street, Rodney Street (after 18th century naval leader Admiral Lord George Rodney) and Wellington Street (after Arthur Wellesley, First Duke of Wellington).





The density of historic Georgian architectural buildings, which residents have lived in and maintained, is reflective of the town’s heritage. Its public amenities included the first piped water supply system in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1799. The town prospered throughout the first half of the 19th century and was the birthplace of the abolition slavery movement. Falmouth was the site of many revolts, and many of the buildings in the town served as safe houses for those who had escaped. In fact, a prominent Falmouth reverend, William Knibb, whose house still stands in the town, was granted Jamaica’s highest civil honor, the Order of Merit, in 1988, 150 years after the abolition of slavery. For more information, visit www.cruisejamaica.com

Sandals Resorts Launches "Greatest Love Story" Contest

Sandals Resorts is launching a “Greatest Love Story” contest, under which consumers can upload a video of their personal love story to the Sandals website.

The contest coincides with the resort’s 30th anniversary.



In every month for six months thereafter, a Sandals Resorts panel of judges will pick a finalist, and the public will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite video. Videos that are chosen each month will become eligible for either the contest's grand prize or runner-up prizes.

The couple whose story is considered by Sandals to be the most compelling will win a seven-night vacation to Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica, the company's first resort, and will be invited to attend the company's exclusive 30th anniversary celebration. The couple will stay in one of the resort's luxurious, butler-serviced Love Nest Suites, complete with private luxury airport transfers, and will be treated to a Beautiful Beginnings-themed Sandals Wedding by Martha Stewart or a complimentary vow renewal ceremony.

In addition to roundtrip airline tickets, the grand prize winner will also receive a signature West Indian couples' massage at the award-winning Red Lane Spa, plus a sunset catamaran cruise from Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours. The six remaining finalists will win three-night vacations for two to any Sandals Resort in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua or The Bahamas. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 14, 2011, for consideration. For more information, visit http://www.sandals.com/greatestlovestory



or visit us at Island Breeze Travel

Wyndham Sugar Bay, St. Thomas, USVI Announces 2011 “Hot Dates”

Email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com for details.