Continental Adds Flights To Turks and Caicos (PLS)

Continental Airlines announced this week that it will begin non-stop flights between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Providenciales on Feb. 18, subject to government approval.

Initially flights will operate four times a week — on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays — converting to daily service on March 6.
“We are pleased to offer convenient access to Providenciales, a world-class getaway and an exciting new addition to the list of Caribbean destinations served by Continental and United,” said John Slater, United Airlines vice president of sales. “Our merger allows us to offer new flights to new destinations as we begin to efficiently utilize the combined fleet of both carriers.”

The approximately 3½-hour flight will depart Newark at 9:35 a.m. and arrive in Providenciales at 1:10 p.m. The return flight will depart Providenciales at 2:05 p.m. and arrive in Newark at 5:45 p.m.
Continental will use a Boeing 737-800 for the new service, with seating for 160 passengers — 16 in first class and 144 in economy.
"The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes the decision of Continental Airlines, a leading international airline, to operate nonstop flights between New York and Providenciales in time for winter travel," said government CEO Mark Capes, now serving as acting governor. "Continental's decision demonstrates continuing confidence in the TCI and in our tourism product.
"Tourism, as the predominant industry of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its main income generator, is an important part of the interim government's agenda. With various initiatives, such as the Tourism Working Group, the aim is to grow, promote, and support the industry in order to expand the target markets and range of tourism activities. This in turn will provide economic stimulus in the hospitality sector as well as in retailing and other related activities."
For more information on travel to Turks and Caicos – contact us at 517-917-0510 or email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com

Or – you can click this link for the latest deals to Turks and Caicos from Funjet Vacations.
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Disney Fantasy Maiden Voyage, 2012 Itineraries Released

Disney Cruise Line® is pleased to announce selected itineraries for 2012, including the maiden voyage of its fourth ship. The Disney Fantasy™ is scheduled to set sail on April 7, 2012, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Bookings for the Disney Fantasy started at 8 a.m. EDT on Oct. 20, 2010.

Building on the classic style of her sister ship, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy™ is the regal fourth cruise liner in the expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet. Featuring 14 towering decks, a ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet, the 128,000-ton vessel includes 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers—along with the over 1450 Cast and Crew Members who tend to the needs of every cruise Guest each and every day.

Want great food? Take a look at the Official Disney Fantasy Dining Page Here

To book, visit us at www.island-breeze-travel.com or email info@island-breeze-travel.com or call us at 517-917-0510

Fall Savings at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Palace Resorts is pleased to announce that effective November 1, 2010, Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort will officially transition into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana!

As the world's first all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the resort will be the ultimate vacation destination, offering guests the signature rockin' Hard Rock experience, combined with the lavish, five-star service and amenities of a Palace Resorts all-inclusive escape.

Plus, this Fall when you book at the all inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana you will enjoy a 20% discount off the rate and a $1,500 Resort Credit that can be used towards golf, spa services, room upgrades, tours, romantic dinners and much more!

Destination(s):Punta Cana - Departure City(s):All

Hotel(s):Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana

Travel Dates: 10/12/10 - 12/23/10

Book By:12/23/10

$1,500 RESORT CREDIT DETAILS:   

Receive up to $1,500 resort credit per room, per stay with a minimum 5 night stay and apply them to any of the services and/ or amenities included below or $750 resort credit per room when you stay 3 or 4 nights when you stay at  Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort. Valid for arrivals from June 1st, 2010 through December 23, 2011.

TOURS: Use up to $1,500 resort credit towards any of these select tours when you stay 5 nights or longer and 750 resort credit with a 3 or 4 night stay. Activities: Dominican Experience and Snorkeling in Paradise.

GOLF:Use up to $1,500 resort credit towards green fees, rental clubs and shared cart with a minimum 5-night stay or $750.00 credit when you book 3 nights or more. Golf Course: Cana Bay Palace Golf Course. The unlimited golf package and the golf with spa option package are combinable with this promotion.

SPA/ BEAUTY SALON SERVICES:Use up to $300 resort credit on spa and/or beauty salon services with a minimum 5-night stay or $150 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights.  Services are subject to availability.

ROMANTIC DINNER: Use up to $1,500 credit on a Romantic Lobster Dinner (includes Moet & Chandon champagne) when you book a 5-night stay or $750.00 credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights. Adults only.

UPGRADED WINE LIST: Use up to $1,500 resort credit from selected award winning wines when you book a minimum stay of 5 nights or $750 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights.

CASINO: Use up to the equivalent of $100 with a stay of 5 nights or longer or the equivalent to $50 for a 3 or 4 night stay to apply them to casino match play.

NIGHTCLUB: Effective fall 2010 use up to $1,500 resort credit at award-winning night club when you stay 5 nights or longer and $750 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights. It applies to admission fee and drinks.

ROOM UPGRADE: Use up to $1,500 resort credit in room upgrade available upon arrival when you stay 5 nights or longer or $750 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights. Upgrades available on certain room categories and subject to availability. Restrictions may apply.

WEDDINGS: Use up to $1,500 resort credit on select Precious Collection Wedding Packages exclusively when you stay 5 nights or longer or $750 resort credit when you stay 3 or 4 nights.

For a customized quote, email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com

www.island-breeze-travel.com

Live it Up and Dive FREE at Sandals and Beaches Resorts

LIVE IT UP AND DIVE is an event for scuba divers who like to vacation in paradise, dine in world-class restaurants and enjoy premium-brand beverages, plus hang out with friends and family while diving in the world’s most beautiful destinations!

Taking place only between September 1 and October 31, 2010, LIVE IT UP AND DIVE can be found this year exclusively at Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, Beaches Negril Resort & Spa and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa!

In addition to a phenomenal diving experience, guests will experience a variety of exclusive LIVE IT UP AND DIVE weekly activities, which include: Dive In cocktail pool party - one day per week, Dive Treasure Hunt one day per week, new SCUBAPRO equipment demos, Beach Bonfire and Photo Show and Tell activities.

There’s no additional charge for divers to participate in these events. All guests who book through this promotion will be invited to participate. Each of the resorts listed above will plan the days and times for the LIVE IT UP AND DIVE activities, and may vary at each resort.

This promotion is in addition to all existing promotions and discounts being offered by Sandals and Beaches.

For more information and to Book this great promotion, contact us at 517-917-0510 or email Mark at mark@island-breeze-travel.com or Ann at ann@island-breeze-travel.com

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com

Dreams Cancun Launches New Mobile Site

We just got an email from Apple Vacations featuring a new and very innovative Mobile Concierge Website focused on Dreams Cancun.

The new Mobile Concierge site allows you to research resort information, available spa services, local Cancun information and more – all at your fingertips while lounging under your Cabana!

As of this writing, I have not been able to do an on-site Wi-Fi connectivity test so if you are reading this and you have been or are going soon, please share with us how well the connection is. You can also access Dreams Cancun’s Mobile Concierge site using your wireless carriers data plan, but that can be pricey. Please check with your carrier on applicable rates.

On the main page of the Mobile Concierge Site, you can request a room upgrade. The nice feature on this, is Dreams Cancun asks you where you can be located in the resort area to confirm the upgrade. 

You can find us at the middle palapa closest to water on the small beach (grin).

On the Food and Beverage tab, you can learn more about the available dining options, dress codes, hours of operation, and have a look at the menu’s. We like the Shrimp and Scallop Skewers at Himitsu, the Japanese Restaurant!

We also like the 24 hour Room Service feature that you can order off the Mobile Concierge site. Because really, if you are on your patio, who really wants to get up and walk over to the phone when the sun is just right and you are overlooking the Delphinus Dolphin experience.

You also have a bit of information on the Bars and their themes on the site.

Many of the most popular excursions are also listed along with pricing through the link to Amstar’s Mobile Site..

Nightlife is also featured and on top of the list is one of our favorites, Coco Bongo. At roughly 300 yards away, Coco Bongo is a must see if you enjoy great nightlife combined with a Las Vegas styled high energy show.

There is also a very handy, updated daily activity schedule on the Mobile Concierge Site. Dont miss the Beach Volleyball in the Lagoon area at 11:00am! Speaking of daily schedules, you also have the Explorers Club for kids schedule updated daily and available at your fingertips. How about the Giant Snakes and Ladders Game at 4:00pm in the Explorers Club.

One feature that is sure to be used frequently, is the Pevonia Spa Experience.  From this tab, you can view and book available spa treatments. You must book these packages 24 hours in advance but how nice to have a feature where you can book your Mani-Pedi right from your lounger at poolside!

One more very nice feature, is Dreams Connect. This feature allows you to communicate while at the resort using the free Wi-Fi service. Dreams Connect includes services like SMS text messaging to home, a Group Chat feature that's password protected which is great for meetings, and access to Twitter.

Another wonderful feature is the ability to book a candelight dinner right on the Mobile Concierge site. You need to make these at least 8 hours in advance and report to the Concierge 2 hours prior to re-confirm your dinner. You also have the ability to keep the dinner a surprise if you like. You are also able to select from 5 different locations at the resort. We like the Dock location out on the water!

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Airport Improvement Project Begins

After years of waiting, the day finally arrived Monday, July 12, when dignitaries and local community leaders gathered to celebrate the ground breaking for the expansion of the Providenciales International Airport.

Not even the impressive downpouring of rain could dampen the spirits of those in attendance who believe the extension is a sign of better things to come for the country currently feeling a major financial squeeze.

“This morning we assemble here to mark a major milestone in preparing the Turks and Caicos Islands for recovery in the global economy,” said Acting Governor Mark Capes.

Phase one of the airport expansion project is now underway, with the primary focus of extending the runway from its current 7,600 feet to a length of 9,200 feet. This extension is expected to facilitate new long-haul flights from Europe and Asia to the TCI, allowing for planes such as the Boeing 777 and 747 to land at the airport.

Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association CEO Caesar Campbell, who also addressed attendees, said they were already in talks with a carrier who is interested in adding the TCI to its routes.

“The construction of the new runway is an important step towards creating a modern, safe and efficient international gateway that will enhance the appeal and competitiveness of the TCI,” said Capes.

“Economic success in the TCI will critically depend on our ability to grow and diversify our tourist base in a competitive global marketplace. Some forecasters suggest tourist arrivals in the region could grow by around 4 percent each year. There are already encouraging signs that visitor numbers are rebounding, and we must be ready to consolidate and build on this.

“So it is vital that we should have the modern infrastructure and services we need to compete effectively for international tourism and to attract a wider variety of visitors. This in turn will help fill our resorts and create more business opportunities in leisure, retailing and other service sectors.”

In addition to the long-term potential offered by the airport runway project, Capes said there are also early benefits for the TCI.

“It will inject several million dollars directly into the economy, safeguarding many local jobs during this difficult period of economic recession that confronts the region,” he said.

Taking on the one-year project, weather permitting, is Dexter Construction, a Canadian firm who will work together with local partner Cove Construction. As part of the contract with the government, Dexter is required to have a minimum of 70 percent local involvement and adds a mechanism is already in place through the TCIAA to ensure this standard is adhered to.

Dexter will also be establishing a scholarship programme for a number of Belongers working on this project who will have a first-class opportunity to study at training facilities in Canada. This will help to bring on young local talent and build a skilled indigenous workforce, ready to contribute to the future of this country, according to Capes.

TCI Airport Authority CEO John Smith said the public can expect a safe, efficient, world class facility at the end of the project.

While there was clearly much enthusiasm about the start of the project, Smith also warned their will be some patience required by the travelling public.

The new terminal and parking will only come in phase two of the project, which Smith says will only start towards the completion of phase one.

However, some renovations have already been undertaken in the current airport facility, such as improving the air conditioning system. Smith says they will also be taking on some other minor projects to de-clutter as well as put some new procedures in place to fast track entry into the country.

For more information on vacations to Turks and Caicos:

http://www-island-breeze-travel.com or info@island-breeze-travel.com

U.S., Barbados Reach Open-Skies Aviation Agreement

Published on: July 6, 2010

The United States and Barbados have reached an Open-Skies Agreement that will liberalize U.S.-Barbados air services for airlines of both countries.

Barbados will become the 99th U.S. Open-Skies partner. Once the agreement is signed, airlines from both countries will be allowed to select routes, destinations and prices for both passenger and cargo service based on consumer demand and market conditions.

For those of us who enjoy travel to Barbados, this is a very big deal and it should bring more competitive airlift to Barbados. In addition, watch for the Barbados Tourism Authority and resorts on the island to team up and offer special incentives for those who are considering a visit to Barbados.

The agreement, which was reached on July 1, for the first time provides airlines of both countries with code-sharing and intermodal rights.

The previous U.S.-Barbados air service agreement, signed in 1982, contained restrictions on the cities that carriers could serve and placed limits on charter operations. The new agreement will remove these restrictions and provide important enhanced cargo rights.

For more information, or if you would like to stay current on all the latest Barbados developments, email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com

http://www.island-breeze-travel.com or call us at 517-917-0510