Month: August 2019

Kuala Lumpur, 20 August 2019 – In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Macao International Fireworks Display to reach its 30th edition this year, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has invited an unprecedented number of twelve extraordinary world-class pyrotechnic teams to present twelve spectacular fireworks displays themed as “Duo Celebrations for Macao” from early September until the 1st October Golden Week.

Instead of inviting ten teams to perform on five fireworks evenings, MGTO has arranged for twelve teams to dazzle on six fireworks nights for the first time, as the Fireworks Contest arrives at the 30th anniversary this year.

The 30th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will stage twelve fireworks shows on 7th, 13th, 21st, 28th September, 1st and 5th October. In the order of performance, the Fireworks Contest will pit twelve teams from Malaysia, Philippines, Portugal, Korea, United Kingdom, Romania, South Africa, Canada, France, China, Japan and Australia against each other. The fireworks companies from Malaysia and Australia will make their debut in Macao, while the other ten teams have joined the Contest in Macao before, with seven of them returning home with titles. All the contestants boast rich experience and extraordinary artistry in creation of fireworks shows. The lineup promises wondrous performances this year.

The 30th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will stage twelve fireworks shows on 7th, 13th, 21st, 28th September, 1st and 5th October. In the order of performance, the Fireworks Contest will pit twelve teams from Malaysia, Philippines, Portugal, Korea, United Kingdom, Romania, South Africa, Canada, France, China, Japan and Australia against each other. The fireworks companies from Malaysia and Australia will make their debut in Macao, while the other ten teams have joined the Contest in Macao before, with seven of them returning home with titles. All the contestants boast rich experience and extraordinary artistry in creation of fireworks shows. The lineup promises wondrous performances this year. 

Diversity of outreach programs
MGTO supports local community organizations and enterprises to organize community tourism activities that resonate with the Fireworks Contest, to enliven the city with stronger vibes during the event. The activities include a weekend program of DIY workshops for the 30th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, scheduled at Anim'Arte NAM VAN on every fireworks evening from 7th September to 5th October, and the 4th Macau International Lantern Festival, to be held along Anim'Arte NAM VAN and the Waterfront Promenade of One Central Macau and Wynn Macau (Avenida de Sagres) from 7th September to 15th October. The activities will enable visitors and residents to soak in a cultural and artistic ambience in Macao while enjoying the dazzling fireworks.

Joy doubles up in Fireworks Carnival
MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau will co-present the Fireworks Carnival next to the Macau Tower from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the six fireworks evenings. The Carnival will be a confluence of culinary delights, performances, parent-and-kid workshops and games, offering a palette of more fantastic experiences. The top three entries in the Songwriting Contest last year will be presented on stage during the Fireworks Carnival. For more event details, please visit The 30th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest’s official website at http://fireworks.macaotourism.gov.mo or Macao Tourism Malaysia’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MacaoTourismMalaysia/.

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Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury travel experience, announces the launch of an exciting new offering for guests headed for the most memorable journeys on the seas. Introducing Seabourn Private Air, a new private chartered jet service available for exclusive transportation to-and-from ports of call, and for mid-voyage overland options for Seabourn cruises all over the world, with bookings opening August 15.

Designed for guests who prefer the luxuries and conveniences of private jet travel to those offered by commercial carriers, Seabourn Private Air utilizes a global network of operators who adhere to the highest international and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration standards, and who appreciate what it means to provide exceptional service with a fleet of private jets that include a range of sizes and models. The Seabourn Private Air service will be able to accommodate groups of any size upon request, with available aircraft including light charter jets capable of carrying 5-8 passengers; mid-size jets sized for 7-8 passengers; and heavy private jets with capacity for 9-16 passengers. Pricing will vary by itinerary and aircraft.

“Time is an incredible luxury and as an ultra-luxury travel operator for three decades, we are always seeking new ways to enhance our guest experience. Seabourn Private Air will provide a world of comforts and conveniences for Seabourn guests en route to or from their cruise of a lifetime,” said Chris Austin, Seabourn’s senior vice president of Global Marketing & Sales.

Unlike many jet card or fractional options on the market today, Seabourn Private Air is designed to provide a guest up front, comprehensive pricing* for the private jet package, which is a similar standard to the Seabourn cruise itself where all dining venues are complimentary, as are selections of fine wines and premium spirits. Guests pay for the aircraft rather than by the seat, so the more passengers onboard, the lower the cost per person. The cost of the Private Air package is offered in addition to the cruise fare.  

Amenities and services of the comprehensive Seabourn Private Air package include:

• Access to thousands of airports, large and small, that serve private aviation, as well as to most major international airports
• WiFi internet capability
• Private Valet luggage service
• Seabourn-standard catering options
• Seabourn-brand food & beverages on every flight, including Regiis Ova caviar, K+M Chocolates, Montaudon champagne, and a range of complementary spirits
• Amenities by Seabourn’s signature fragrance partner, Molton Brown
• Complimentary transfers to-and-from home to the nearest airport and onward to Seabourn’s cruise port**
• Cabin attendants, required on some aircraft, or available upon request*** if not required by aircraft
• Next port protection up to 1,000 miles from original destination.

*Private Air fares are separate from the cruise fare **Mileage limitations apply ***For an additional charge

Regardless of the jet type or passenger capacity, every aircraft offered through Seabourn Private Air will include a variety of conveniences and comforts in keeping with Seabourn standards. And, just like those enjoyed by Seabourn guests at sea, all of the above are included in the flight cost.

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel with intimate ships offering key elements that set the line apart: spacious, thoughtfully appointed suites, many with verandas and all 100% ocean front; superb dining in a choice of venues; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times; award-winning service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home on board. The ships travel the globe to many of the world’s most desirable destinations, including marquee cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and lesser-known ports and hideaways.

Guests who sail on Seabourn will continue to find a number of innovative offerings and programs, including partnerships with a select group of companies and individuals whose dedication to superior quality, exceptional service and consistent customer satisfaction matches Seabourn. These programs include ‘An Evening with Tim Rice’, the new evening entertainment experience created exclusively for the line in association with Belinda King Creative Productions; Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, offering guests a holistic spa and wellness experience that integrates physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being; and The Grill by Thomas Keller, reminiscent of the classic American restaurant from the 50’s and 60’s. Exclusive to Seabourn, The Grill is a unique culinary concept for Chef Keller, focusing on updated versions of iconic dishes. Guests will be treated to table-side preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes, as well as a range of other favorites like premium steaks, whole roasted chicken, and Lobster Thermidor, presented à la carte.

New Veendam itineraries showcase unique Caribbean ports; newest ships set to explore the region; fares starting at $499 per person, double occupancy.

As summer starts to wind down, travelers begin dreaming of a winter getaway to golden beaches, balmy breezes and crystal blue waters. Between October 2019 and April 2020, Holland America Line will have 160 cruises to the sunny Caribbean to choose from, ranging from seven to 21 days. There are seven of the line’s premium, mid-sized ships to choose from including the two newest ships — Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam — all conveniently sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Holland America Line’s vast offering of itineraries features cruises to the eastern, western and southern regions of the Caribbean, including cruises that spend a day discovering the Panama Canal. New Veendam sailings offer a unique mix of calls at some of the region’s most beautiful locales.

“Summer will be over before we know it and there’s nothing like having a Caribbean cruise to look forward to for a winter escape, especially when a day on a private-island paradise is included,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The Caribbean offers that perfect combination of laid-back relaxation, fun and colorful culture, and a cruise gives travelers the most value for their money and easiest way to visit several idyllic islands in one vacation. This upcoming season has several new itineraries and special promotions, such as Save on Sunshine offering up to 50% off on cruise fares, so now is definitely the time to book.”

In the Caribbean, guests can choose a cruise on Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Veendam, Volendam and Zuiderdam, which will sail seven- to 11-day cruises that can be combined into longer, back-to-back Collectors’ Voyages ranging from 14 to 21 days.

Half Moon Cay: Best Private Island & Highest Rated Caribbean Port

Most itineraries include a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. Both Porthole Cruise Magazine and Travel Weekly readers have named Half Moon Cay the industry’s best private island, and Holland America Line guests rate it as their favorite Caribbean port. This quintessential private-island experience features a two-mile expanse of powdery-soft sand and is one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, nestled against a natural 700-acre lagoon. An array of activity choices are available in this paradise, from relaxing in a two-story villa or private cabanas to delicious dining options like the Lobster Shack and island barbecue. Other activities include a children’s waterpark and fun-filled shore excursions for nature lovers, adventurous travelers and explorers, featuring the ever-popular horseback ride through the surf.

New Veendam Itineraries Explore Eight Caribbean Locales

Veendam’s new itineraries kick off with a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises. Beginning in October, Western Caribbean cruises will call at Key West, Florida; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Half Moon Cay. The ship offers three different seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing Nov. 27, Jan. 29 and March 25 that add a combination of the ports of Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Key West, Florida; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

 Exploring the Treasures of the Caribbean 

Nieuw Amsterdam starts the Caribbean season in October with a series of seven-day eastern, western and tropical cruises that are offered through April 2020. The eastern itineraries showcase the ports of Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. The western Caribbean itineraries feature calls at Falmouth, Jamaica; Georgetown and Cozumel or Key West, while the tropical Caribbean itineraries visit ports including Key West, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Amber Cove.

Beginning in November, Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Statendam, will feature similar seven-day itineraries to all three regions, which also can be combined into 14-day Collectors’ Voyages.

Cruisers interested in exploring the less-frequented ports of the southern Caribbean will have longer cruises to choose from aboard Koningsdam. Beginning in November through March, the ship will sail a series of 10-day Southern Caribbean Seafarer and 11-day Southern Caribbean Wayfarer cruises. Guests on the 11-day cruises will visit the exotic ports of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, Saint Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. Thomas; and Half Moon Cay.

The 10-day Seafarer itineraries transport guests to Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestand, Aruba; Amber Cove; Grand Turk; and Half Moon Cay.  Rotterdam sails one 10-day cruise in March 2020 with a similar itinerary.

In November, December and March, Volendam offers itineraries between nine and 16 days to the eastern and southern Caribbean. A 16-day holiday cruise departing Dec. 20 includes two unique southern calls at Trinidad and Tobago — in addition to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Barbados, Curaçao, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Partial Panama Canal Transits Explore Gatún Lake
Guests looking to discover the Panama Canal without going from coast to coast will have the opportunity to experience partial transits aboard Zuiderdam and Eurodam from December 2019 through April 2020. The ships will visit southern Caribbean ports including Oranjestad, Willemstad and Kralendijk as they make their way to Gatún Lake in the Panama Canal for a day of spectacular scenic cruising. 

Combine Back-to-Back Cruises for Longer Collectors’ Voyages
Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages to create the ultimate Caribbean exploration with more economical fares than if booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 14 to 21 days, these artfully crafted, longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries, allowing guests to span more than one Caribbean region and enjoy the ultimate island-hopping journey.

Celebrate the Season with a Festive Holiday Cruise

For those who like to get away for the winter holidays, a total of 12 holiday sailings will ply the warm waters of the Caribbean on far-reaching itineraries that range from seven to 16 days. Several nonrepeating itineraries can be combined to form a longer Holiday Collectors’ Voyage that can be extended up to 21 days.

During the holiday cruises, guests can take part in a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, participate in Hanukkah celebrations, enjoy traditional holiday meals with all the trimmings and indulge in a special Royal Dutch High Tea with fanciful holiday cookies and pastries. The ships’ international crew chorus performs a magical holiday show, while caroling and sing-alongs take place around the ship. Offering something for all ages, kids will delight in a visit from Santa Claus and holiday-themed crafts. The New Year’s Eve sailings are the ideal setting to ring in a new year, featuring a festive holiday ball with a Champagne toast and followed by a day of college football bowl games.

Explorations Central (EXC) Brings the Caribbean to Life on Board

Throughout the cruises, EXC programming brings the Caribbean's local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life on board. Guests who want to learn more about the region can attend an EXC Talk about the ports of call, or head to an EXC Port to Table cooking demonstration, cooking class or themed mixology class featuring local fare. The Dining Room and Lido Market also will showcase the flavors of the Caribbean.

Caribbean cruises feature a diverse selection of Shore EXCursions that focus on culture, history, nature, architecture, adventure, culinary topics and family outings. Exclusive culinary-themed Shore EXCursions in partnership with FOOD & WINE magazine showcase the regions' food scenes from a local perspective.

Caribbean cruise fares start at $499 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Several Caribbean sailings are eligible for Holland America Line’s Save on Sunshine promotion where travelers may save up to 50% on cruise fares. Suite bookings also receive a Premium Internet Package. Guests receive the benefits when bookings are made by Sept. 30, 2019.

Aeroflot has marked 65 years since the launch of regular flights from Moscow to Paris.  The first flight took place on 1 August 1954. Initially, flights were operated with a transfer in Prague. Four years later, the governments of both countries signed an agreement on direct flights. Aeroflot operated the Tupolev Tu-104 aircraft on the line. It took 5 hours 50 minutes to fly the 2,700 km route.  

Today, Aeroflot passengers reach the French capital within four hours. Aeroflot operates five own services daily, and another four flights are made by the French partner Air France based on reciprocal code-sharing agreement. Aeroflot flies to other major French cities – Nice, Marseille, Lyon, in addition to Paris.

Aeroflot Group connects France to both Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Rossiya Airlines provides services to Paris and Nice from Moscow and Russia’s Northern Capital. The flights are operated under Aeroflot’s commercial management.

The Moscow – Paris route is an integral part of the transit connection between Europe and Asia. Thanks to Moscow’s convenient geographical location, transit passengers can save up to three hours of flight time. The airline’s operational costs are considerably lower than those of the peers, which enables Aeroflot to offer its customers flight options unrivalled in price and service quality.  

The ever growing passenger numbers as well as the steadily high load factor of Moscow-Paris flights demonstrate how popular the route is. In the first half of 2019 Aeroflot Group passenger traffic totalled about 300 thousand people.

Source: www.aeroflot.ru