bahamas - Furey and Associates
Transcription
bahamas - Furey and Associates
Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY & W IBahamas N T E R EBermuda SCAPES Caribbean, Bahamas Bermuda & What’s New Bahamas Harbour Island, a Bahamas Out Islands, was named “Best Island in the Caribbean” by Travel & Leisure magazine. Harbour Island’s Sand Beach was also featured in the Travel Channel’s “World’s Best Beaches.” Old Bahama Bay, Grand Bahama Island, received the environmental Blue Flag award from the Foundation for Environmental Education extending the Bahamas winning streak as Conde Nast Traveler named The Bahamas “The Hot Island” in 2004. www.bahamas.com Puerto Rico is home to 23 golf courses including Hilton Ponce’s recently opened Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club. Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club is opening a second $6.5 million Dorado Plantation golf clubhouse and golf pavilion shortly. The 18-hole Caguas Real Golf Club in Caguas opened earlier this year. www.gotopuertorico.com Bermuda Just two hours by air from the East Coast, vacationers can enjoy a three-night or more escape by booking a vacation to the chic island of Bermuda and receive a $300 air credit for their companion. This program is available for booking now through Feb. 28, 2006 for travel from Nov. 1, 2005 – Apr. 16, 2006. www.bermudatourism.com. Dominican Republic A warm greeting and a friendly face always awaits you in sunny Puerto Rico. Why Vacation In The Caribbean? C Bahamas just off the east coast f irst landfall for Christopher destination for a range of of Florida down to Aruba in the Columbus on his voyage in 1492 activity seekers. While the southernmost Caribbean just off when he discovered America. mountain ranges and rapid the coast of South America, the B e r mu d a i s o u r s e m i - waters of the north coast offer nations of the Caribbean provide tropical sister island just 600 perfect conditions for extreme toes! Listen and you can almost vacationers with a hear the calypso music and tropical paradise rhythmic beat of the steel drums. that smells as sweet Imagine sitting back, relaxing a s t h e f r u i t t h a t poolside as you tap your flip- hangs plentiful from flops to the magical beat! Relax t h e l u s h g r e e n and you can almost smell the forests. There are English fresh mango and papaya. I m a g i n e e n j oy i n g t h e s e islands — Barbados tantalizing fruits at breakfast a n d S t . L u c i a , each morning as the breeze of French islands — Martinique and the crystal blue sea cools you. Does this conjure up images Guadeloupe, Dutch of what you would like to find islands — Aruba, on your next vacation? If so, Bonaire and Curacao t h e n yo u a r e g o i n g t o t h e and Spanish islands — Puerto Rico and Caribbean. From the Islands of the t h e D o m i n i c a n Discover your tropical paradise, the Islands of the Bahamas. Republic. There are islands for nature lovers miles off the coast of North sports seekers, quieter, more laid s u c h a s D o m i n i c a , Carolina. Its British background back areas are just right for lowMontserrat and Grenada continues to prevail in today’s key excursions. Whichever suits and there are “hot” islands culture. Everything is pink and best, the Dominican Republic such as Anguilla and St. pretty in Bermuda making it a p r ov i d e s a u n i q u e n a t u r a l Barts where you will see favorite honeymoon pick. Hotels playground for all types of stars during the day as and cottages around the island adventures, from kite boarding well as at night. offer discounted specials for and cascading to horseback W h y v i s i t t h e couples seeking to have the riding and whale watching. Caribbean on you next perfect honeymoon. The weather Jamaica is home to Reggae vacation? Here’s a small in winter is perfect for golf, music and jerk chicken. The sample of the islands and tennis and other active sports. beaches of Negril are neverwhat you will find. Visit www.bermudatourism.org. e n d i n g a n d t h e r ive r s a n d In the Islands of the The Cayman Islands are waterfalls that dot the island Bahamas you will find a back and beautiful following its provide a cooling contrast. diverse number of islands makeover after being hit by a Climbing Dunns River Falls near including sophisticated hur ricane in 2004. Unique Ocho Rios remains one of any Nassau, vibrant Grand attractions such as the turtle visitor’s highlight in Jamaica. Bahama Island and the farm and Stingray City provide Jamaica is a Caribbean many remote Out Islands opportunities for visitors to get vacation paradise for both the s u c h a s E l e u t h e r a , up close and very personal with adventuresome traveler seeking E x u m a , C a t I s l a n d, sea life. the many unique outdoor Bimini, Harbour Island The Dominican Republic activities, which the island offers and others including San provides one of the most diverse in abundance, as well as for ecological environments in the Fabulous Punta Cana golf course Salvador, the island that is in the Dominican Republic. most recognized as the Caribbean making it an ideal Continued on page 2 lose your eyes and you can almost see the soft, white sand. Imagine it running through your The Dominican Republic has celebrated the opening of various hotels this past year including: Casa Colonial, Puerto Plata; Hilton Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo; Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana; Altabella Samana, Samana; Sun Village Juan Dolio, Juan Dolio; Roco Ki Resort by Westin, and Atlantica, Luperon. www.dominicanrepublic.com Cayman Islands and BET Jazz will be hosting its second annual International Jazz Fest Dec. 1-3 with jazz legends George Duke, Al Jarreau, Yolanda Adams, Earl Klugh, and Ravi Coltrane. The format includes an intimate evening with the artists, one large outdoor event and one afternoon event appropriate for the entire family. www.caymanislands.ky Aruba For the first time ever, travelers can book online on Aruba’s Web site, www.Aruba.com where vacationers can customize an Aruba-escape with options that include: activities; air-only; Aruba Experts; vehicle rentals; hotels; package; preferred partners; and restaurants like the new LG. Smith’s at the Renaissance Aruba hotel. Hilton Hotels Hilton Caribbean and Coral by Hilton have come up with the perfect wedding packages for couples dreaming of a fairytale beginning. Rates start at $305-$600 per couple and are applied as a supplement to any room rate booked. The package includes the planning services of a professional wedding coordinator and many amenities. www.hiltoncaribbean.com or www.coralbyhilton.com Sandals Sandals’ Beaches Resorts has fall savings of up to 50 percent of rack rates for travel now through Dec. 24, 2005. Ultra all-inclusive rates begin at $159 per adult, per night and $51 per child (two to 15 years of age). Families can also buy exclusive breakfasts with Sesame Street characters and Red Lane spa certificates. www.www.beaches.com. Our Lucaya The Westin and Sheraton at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort on Grand Bahama Island has a three-night Procreation Vacation package to help couples make babies. It includes sea moss elixir for the future dad (the Caribbean’s answer to Viagra) and pumpkin soup for the would-be Mom plus one 50-minute couples massage. www.weston.com/ourlucaya.com or www.sheraton.com/ourlucaya Cable Beach Resorts The Crystal Palace Casino at the Cable Beach Resorts, Nassau, Bahamas, is introducing daily live poker plays seven days a week. The company is also preparing to host major tournaments to attract many of the world’s top players. The casino already boasts a state-of-the-art Race and Sports Book, providing a total gaming and entertainment showcase. www.CableBeachResorts.com Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY 2 Why Vacation In The Caribbean? Continued from page 1 those wanting to be pampered at the island’s many luxury resort spas, or lavished upon at one of the all-inclusive Caribbean resorts which line the legendary Northern Gold Coast. If you want to experience the culture and the people f irst-hand, n o t h i n g b e a t s a va c a t i o n package to Jamaica. Jamaica also runs a very successful and popular “Meet the People” p r og r a m t h a t m a t c h e s u p families of similar interests. Puerto Rico has become the hub of the Caribbean with airline connections to and from the U.S. and many of the other islands, making it easy to visit even if you are on your way to another destination in the region. Puerto Rico pulsates to the Latin beat. And yet, it is very much Americanized with most people speaking English. The hotels, restaurants and attractions m a ke t h i s a ve r y p o p u l a r destination. Old San Juan, at more than 500 years old, is one of the real treasures in the region. Visitors from around the world come to experience that special magic that is known as Caribbean time – a time to rest, a time to vacate the strains that wrap our normally complex daily lives. This is truly a place to vacation. And for those that want more than just eating, sleeping and drinking in the culture, there is sightseeing at historic locations where Columbus f irst landed and wars were fought. There is shopping in dutyfree markets where treasures can be found. And there are sports that will tire even the most active vacationer including scuba diving, mountain climbing, tennis, golf and c r i c ke t f o r t h o s e t h a t a r e really in the know. Wi t h t h e e n d o f 2 0 0 5 p a r a d i s e , i s marketplace, boasting worldhome to 23 golf class dining and shopping c o u r s e s , venues, including a Starbucks i n c l u d i n g 1 7 and a Jamba Juice. championshipN ew d i n i n g o p t i o n s a t l eve l c o u r s e s Marina Village include Chef with more on the Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s way including: Café Martinique, Carmine’s The Hilton Italian restaurant and Johnny Ponce Golf & Rockets, an all-American 1950s Casino Resort style diner. Atlantis will also recently open- become home to Bahamian ed the much- outposts of world-renowned a n t i c i p a t e d restaurants Nobu and Bobby C o s t a C a r i b e Flay’s Mesa Grill in late 2005. Golf & Country Visit www.atlantis.com. Club. The golf Tr ave l e r s l o o k i n g f o r a a n d c o u n t r y pleasant golf and spa retreat club, adjacent during the upcoming winter t o t h e h o t e l , season should look at Bermuda f e a t u r e s a with spring-like temperatures 27-hole Par-72 ranging from 70°F to 74°F and PGA Champion- more golf courses per square Enjoy the tranquility of the Caribbean at Our Lucaya, The Bahamas. s h i p c o u r s e mile than anywhere else in the d e s i g n e d b y world. Bermuda’s Pink Beach rapidly approaching and 2006 f o l l o w i n g n e w h o t e l s , B r u c e P e s s e J r. , a n d just around the cor ner the r e s t a u r a n t s , s h o p s a n d features Puerto Rico’s C a r i b b e a n h a s s o m e n ew amenities may just what you f irst island green. The things in store for visitors n e e d t o m a k e y o u r club also has a 32,000 this coming year. While you n e x t C a r i b b e a n v a c a t i o n sq. ft. beachfront can always count on perfect complete. s a n d, s u n a n d s u r f , t h e Puerto Rico, t h e g o l f e r ’s clubhouse offering private lounges, saunas, massage rooms, swimming pool and dining. Slated to open in the fall at the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club is a second United Airlines is concentrating its efforts from the Washington$6.5 million Dorado Dulles gateway with service to Nassau, Bahamas, Punta Cana, DominiPlantation golf clubhouse, can Republic, St. Maarten, as well as five times weekly service to Mongolf pavilion, as well as a tego Bay, Jamaica. United will increase service to Aruba and St. complete renovation of Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit www.United.com for more details. New intra-Caribbean routes to come include American Eagle two of the resort’s four between San Juan and Fort-de-France, Martinique and daily service signature Robert Trent between San Juan and Vieques, Puerto Rico. Visit www.aa.com Jones Sr. courses. or call 800-433-7300. The 18-hole Caguas Bahamasair expands its direct service to Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Real Golf Club in Out Islands, Bahamas, with a new flight from Ft. Lauderdale. Visit Caguas opened earlier this www.bahamasair.com or call 800-222-4262. in the falls at Radisson Cable year, offering s c e n i c Fun Caribbean Sun launches air service to St. Eustatius from San Beach & Resort, The Bahamas. v i ew s o f t h e C e n t r a l Juan, Puerto Rico. Air service also links St. Eustatius with nearby St. Mountain region of Puerto Rico. Club & Cottages, in Tucker’s Kitts and Dominica. Caribbean Sun is introducing new non-stop The Islands of the Bahamas Town, promises a refreshing and daily service from Dominica to San Juan. Visit www.flycsa.com or call 866-864-6272. have quite a few new and rejuvenating vacation getaway at Starting this month, Cayman Airways reintroduces non-stop service exciting things happening in the a savings of more than 25 percent to Grand Cayman from Chicago and Boston. Visit www.caymanairupcoming season. In August, off the resort’s standard, high ways.com or call 800-GCayman. Kerzner Inter national Ltd. season rates. From Nov. 1, 2005 For more information about Caribbean vacations, visit u nve i l e d t h e n ew M a r i n a through Mar. 12, 2006, rates at www.doitcaribbean.com. Village at Atlantis, Paradise Continued on page 4 Island, a 65,000 square-foot More Flights Makeit Easier to Gettothe Caribbean The Caribbean remains a popular vacation destination choice among U.S. travelers and the airlines are starting to take notice to meet the demand by adding flights and gateways. Here’s a look at some of the new service. Spirit Airlines announces plans to serve 11 Caribbean destinations within the year becoming the low fare airline of the Caribbean. Spirit added new Orlando and Tampa, FL service to San Juan. Ft. Lauderdale to St. Thomas and Grand Cayman to come in 2006. Visit www.spiritairlines.com or call 800-772-7117. Continental Airlines launched service to five Caribbean destinations and increased frequency on some routes starting with Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 17, 2005 from Newark. Increased December service links Newark Liberty International, New Jersey, to Curacao and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. LaGuardia, New York gets service to Aruba. For more information visit www.continental.com or call 800-231-0856. Delta Airlines’ new Atlanta service to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic starts November 19. Other Atlanta added or expanded service includes Barbados, Antigua, St. Maarten, and St. Lucia. Visit www.delta.com or call 800-241-4141. Jet Blue launched non-stop service from Newark to San Juan with one daily roundtrip flight on November 17, 2005 and introduces Boston to Nassau, Bahamas on February 2, 2006. Visit www.jetblue.com or call 800-JET-BLUE. The weather is here. The price is beautiful. Enjoy a 5th night free this winter $ 859* 5 NIGHTS from Miami/Ft Lauderdale Sample prices for other US Cities (per person) Orlando $ 899 Boston Washington DC Baltimore $ 979 New York Philadelphia $ 925 Atlanta $ 989 1 800 to aruba ~ aruba.com For reservations and information, call Liberty Travel at 800-447-7012 Prices are per person, based on double occupancy at The Mill based on Studio accommodations and are valid for midweek travel on American Airlines booked in “S” class for travel 1/4-2/17/06, supplements apply for other US cities. Prices reflect savings per couple based on 5-night stay. Restrictions and blackouts apply. Upgraded categories and extra nights are available. All rates subject to change without previous notification. US Government taxes, PFC’s, September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 is additional and Foreign Departure Taxes are all additional and may total up to $95 per person. Airfare corrected at time of pricing. Liberty Travel is not responsible for errors or omissions within the content of this advertisement. Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY 3 ©2005 The Islands Of The Bahamas The official birthplace of your screensaver. The Islands Of The Bahamas. Over 700 unique islands with one stunning thing in common. They’re the real deal. And a lot closer than you think. bahamas.com 1.800.BAHAMAS Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY 4 Why Vacation In The Caribbean? Continued from page 2 Pink Beach Club & Cottages start at $320 per room, per night, based on double occupancy, and i n c l u d e a d a i ly M o d i f i e d American Plan (MAP) with full English breakfast, traditional tea and five-course dinner daily. Call (800) 355-6161 or v i s i t www.pinkbeach.com. The Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman is offering a great hotel accommodations and dive package. The p a c k a g e i n c l u d e s : d e l u xe continental breakfast, daily two tank dive, Don Fosters Dive Tshirt, tanks, and weight belt. Rates start at $172 per night, single occupancy, three-night minimum, and are valid now through Dec. 20, 2005. Additional diver rate is $53 per night and additional non-diver is $15 per night. Visit www. choicehotels.com/hotel/ci004. The Intimate Hotels of Barbados are a group of over 40 hotels, including apartment hotels, guesthouses and villas located along the north, south, west and east coasts of the island that have been combined on a web site to help vacationers book Barbados. “Barbados is one of the most beautiful and luxurious islands in the Caribbean,” say the founders of this web site, adding: “our island has been the second home for those who want to get away from the everyday – including B r i t i s h R oy a l t y a n d t h e Hollywood elite.” The Intimate Hotels of Barbados makes Barbados accessible to vacationers and offers great accommodation at the best prices on the island, with secure bookings through its website. Intimate Hotels of Barbados brings vacationers the best possible prices for its member hotels. So if you are dreaming of that of that perfect getaway, stop! Make it a reality by logging on to a piece of paradise at www. intimatehotelsbarbados.com and book your dream holiday at one of the Intimate Hotels o f Barbados. Hilton Caribbean hotels and resorts are now offering the Diving Paradise package, through Dec. 31, 2005. The D iv i n g Pa r a d i s e p a c k a g e , featured at three Hilton Caribbean hotels and resorts, includes accommodations, daily breakfast for two, two dives per stay including equipment rental, non-motorized water sports, and transfers to and from dive facility when needed. Participating hotels offering the D iv i n g Pa r a d i s e p a c k a g e include: British Colonial Hilton Nassau at $360; Hilton Curaçao at $166; and Hilton Tobago Golf & Spa Resort at $220. Call 1-877-GO-HILTON or visit www.hiltoncaribbean.com/scuba — request plan code 4Q. Pa l m S h o re s Vi l l a o n Anguilla, located on one half acre, offers stunning views of St. Martin and St. Barts and best of all – it truly offers a private, uninterrupted getaway. The twoand one-bedroom units are directly on a sand beach with a fresh water swimming pool. Pa l m S h o r e s Vi l l a h a s broadband cable modem, fully equipped, all electric kitchen, full living room and dining r o o m , c a b l e T V, a n d telephone. BBQ grills, coolers, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, and beach towels are provided. Rates start at $233 per day/$1,631per week for the one bedroom unit and $295 per day/$2,065 per week for the two-bedroom valid now through Dec. 18, 2005. Both units can be rented for the rate of $365 p e r d ay / $ 2 , 5 5 5 p e r we e k . Call (800) 258-9283 or visit www.anguillavilla.com. 0 1 P O T N A E B CARIB ES H C A E B T none of Antigua’s individual beaches made the top 10, every one mentioned the islands’ 365 beaches (one for each day of the The beaches of Aruba are among the widest and longest in the Caribbean. year) providing a never-ending variety of secluded escapes to discover. Beach, Negril, Jamaica, both most widely publicized nude #10. Maundays Bay at Cap offer a great stretch of beach with beach in the Caribbean. Once Juluca on Anguilla is a an accompaniment of many just an empty stretch of beach horseshoe shaped beach on hotels for accommodations. for naturalists, today its got all which you may even spot an #7. Le Diamant, Mar- the creature comforts except international star entertainer…or tinique, is a six mile-long beach the need for clothing. two. with a very French atmosphere. #2. The Baths, British Vir#9. Rincon Beach, Puerto This is where both locals and gin Gorda, is a unique rock forRico and Bathsheba on Barba- vacationers get their perfect tan mation along the shoreline dos are two of the best surfing and a cooling swim. where visitors can enjoy calm beaches in the Caribbean. They #6. Trunk Bay, St. John, U. waters that make this cave-like may be the closest you get to S. Virgin Islands, is a picture- structure one of the leading Maui on this side of the Pacific. perfect beach, often used in pho- attractions in the islands. #8. Seven Mile Beach, tos promoting the idyllic tranAnd the number one beach in Grand Cayman and Negril quility of the islands, and a great the Caribbean is: spot for snorkeling. #1. Eagle Beach, Aruba — Sun, shade and a hammock on a peaceful Puerto Rican beach. #5. Bermuda’s unique pink one of the widest and longest sand beaches where you can find beaches in the Caribbean where a secluded cove or grotto at any visitors can stroll along and find number of spots along the wind- their own private stretch of sand ing roads of the island. and sea, escaping the rest of the #4. Grand Anse Beach, vacationers who station themGrenada, has long been consid- selves in front of their hotels. It’s ered one of the most romantic here where you can mimic Bert and picturesque beaches in the Lancaster and Deborah Kerr Caribbean with its soft sloping from that now famous movie sands and picturesque views of scene in “From Here to Eternity,” St. George’s Harbour across the as they rolled in the sand with the bay. water washing over them. Eagle #3. Orient Bay, on the Beach has also been used for the F r e n c h s i d e o f S t . International Windsurfing ChamMaarten/St. Martin is the pionships. ravel writers, travel agents and frequent travelers all participate in a regular ongoing debate as to which is the best beach in the Caribbean. Those really “in the know” will tell you that it all depends. It depends on what you want to do on that beach. If you just want the soft white sand and nothing more, there are many beaches that will suffice. If the waves crashing against the shore are your dream, then you too have your choices. If a shady area is essential so you can escape the sun for a while, then you have other options. Here then is a look at our compilation of the “Top 10” beaches chosen by a collective group of travel writers. It is also interesting to note that while R e l a x fall savings from $139 per night* BOOK NOW AND RECEIVE $300* COMPANION AIR CREDIT Get relaxed. And now, get here for less. Looking for a quick getaway? How about an island that’s only two hours from the East Cost? Discover Bermuda. The island of ultimate relaxation. Unwind with a round of golf, complete with an ocean view. Indulge in a hot-stone massage at one of our luxurious spas. And you can breathe easy, because if you book a trip for you and your companion, we’ll take 300 dollars off the fare. So book now. 800.bermuda x 803 www.bermudatourism.com escape to grand bahama island Autumn is here and The Westin Grand Bahama Resort at Our Lucaya invites you to bask in the sun and enjoy our crystal-clear waters. The resort offers two championship golf courses, a full-service spa, casino, multiple pools, tennis and a myriad of eateries from which to choose. Now, with rates as low as $139, you can afford to do as much as you like...or nothing at all. Book online at www.westin.com/gbi or call 866-716-8108 and mention rate plan SUNNY Royal Palms Hotel *The $300 companion airline credit is based on the purchase of a minimum 3 nights' hotel accommodations at participating properties and are based on midweek travel. Select hotels have added a fifth night free with the purchase of a 4 night package. Rates are per person and based on double occupancy. Packages include 3 nights at participating hotel, roundtrip economy airfare from Selected Gateway Cities, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers in Bermuda, and a US $300.00 air companion credit per booking per stay when booking a Compliments of Bermuda vacation package. Single and triple rates, if available, are available on request. Compliments of Bermuda vacation packages must be booked by February 28, 2006, and travel is valid from November 1, 2005 through April 16, 2006. Actual effective dates may vary by hotel. Rates do not include per person charges of US and international Government taxes, fees and surcharges of up to $70.20, PFCs of up to $18, or September 11th Security Fee of up to $10. Rates may vary according to date of departure, room type, and availability of airfare. Rates and promotion may change without notice and are subject to availability. Seasonal surcharges, blackout dates, and other restrictions may apply. Offer cannot be combined with other offers and is for new bookings. *Offer valid through December 18, 2005. Basic room rates do not include additional per room/per night charges that may be imposed or taxes. Rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy in a traditional island-view room and based on availability. A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates and additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Offer not applicable to groups. Advance reservations required. Not to be combined with other offers or promotions. © 2005 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY 5 Cruising The Caribbean: Not All Ships Are The Same W International’s ships or on Carnival Cruise Lines’ enormous fleet of ships or many of the other lines that cater to a wide audience. They will often be going to the same ports of call and their staffs have been trained to pamper you to the point that you will not want to go home without them. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruises, both cater to a younger guest and first-time cruisers, but you will not find the same amenities and dining on their ships. Dining on board some cruise lines has become legendary. Many people worry that they will eat too much. You probably will. Diet later. Some ships now have flexible dining programs allowing passengers to eat at different times and in different restaurants outside of the regular and regimented mass dining that Cruising the Caribbean will create memories that will last a lifetime. is normally done in two seatings each evening. We don’t find this free-style dining to work well at all. First it detracts from what we have found to be one of the greatest pleasures of cruising – the dining experience where your d e d i c a t e d w a i t s t a ff serves you each day and by day two they know all your preferences and can pamper you even more than expected. They get ant to combine two g reat experiences? Want to travel to the Caribbean and, at the same time, take a cruise vacation? Want to sample a number of islands and not have to pack and repack your suitcases? Take a cruise in the Caribbean. So how do you choose a cruise from the many options that exist in the Caribbean market? This is not a simple decision. Choosing the right cruise for you is layered with options based on ships, itineraries, amenities, timing and costs. And, there is a difference in both the cruise lines and the individual ships that can impact your experience and satisfaction level. Not all cruise lines are alike and not all ships are the same. If you have never sailed before, you can choose to sail on almost any line and be pleasantly pleased and satisfied with a wonderful cruise vacation. You will be pampered and you will dine on an assortment of food that will astound you and you will enjoy both the onboard experience and the ports of call. However, once you sail on cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Silversea, Princess or Radisson Seven Seas, for example you will notice a difference that is unmistakably better than the rest. You will pay slightly more for this experience and it will be worth it. You will notice it in the dining experience and in the onboard activities and amenities. You may even find that the cost difference is not that great when you begin shopping around. We find Celebrity Cruises to be among the best in onboard services and food. The average cost of a cabin is often only about $100 per person more than the lesser quality lines – and well worth the small extra cost. But don’t be put off if you can’t afford one of these more luxurious cruise lines because you can’t go wrong by sailing on one of Royal Caribbean Experience cruising with the finest food, service and amenities possible in Bermuda. to know you and you get to know them, creating a warm and friendly ambiance at dinnertime. Second, these same wait staff can often be wonderful assistants in offering tips for your in-port experiences because they stop there week after week and learn all the ins and outs of each destination. In addition, the “free-style dining” often comes with surcharges in the alternative dining rooms which is not cost effective since you have already paid for all your meals in the upfront cost of the cruise. Whatever you do, be sure to take the time to see the ports that the cruise ships visit, meet the local residents, and bring back memories of the Caribbean. They will last a lifetime and you will find that these memories will draw you back to the Caribbean for more extensive visits on land and sea. Choosing to take a cruise vacation in the Caribbean can be a daunting task. We always suggest using a travel agent to help you choose the right ship and get the best deal, which in the case of cruising is not often found online. Travel agents are often informed of special deals via faxes or e-mails from the cruise lines, including lastminute availability that may still exist when you are ready to book. Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY 6 Bailey who, together with the resort company, has created Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons™ at Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The program features four exciting collections designed by Bailey which brides can choose as an enhancement to the standard WeddingMoon™ package. Sandals is also making available to guests elegant and personalized wedding accessories by the noted Beverly Clark, original wedding cakes designed by the renowned The Caribbean — the world’s leading honeymoon destination, such as The Cayman Islands, provide the joy that lasts forever. Sylvia Weinstock, an exclusive line of Sandals destination wedding gowns by Dessy Creations and special gifts by Wedgwood china and Waterford crystal. More than a decade ago, Sandals developed the he Caribbean has long religion. Scenes like that can visitors to its shores for weddings take care of all the necessary concept of a WeddingMoon™, been synonymous with bring two strangers together. Just and honeymoons for years. Even arrangements including wedding which is the union of wedding romantic settings, such imagine what it can do for lovers. islands like Aruba, in the South- ceremonies and receptions. and honeymoon in one Sandals Today more couples are get- ern Caribbean, are now seeking as warm sunsets on the Sandals Resorts location. beach where a couple walks ting engaged, married and hon- t o g e t o n t h e d e s t i n a t i o n Sandals Resorts has assemCurrently, WeddingMoon™ barefoot along the water’s edge, eymooning in the world’s lead- weddings bandwagon and have bled the top names in the wedguests receive their wedding cerholding hands as toes sink slow- ing honeymoon destination – relaxed local restrictions to ding industry to offer its guests emony compliments of the accommodate couples from the ly into the soft sand. They pause the Caribbean. options for their destination wedresort. A standard WeddingU.S. to get married on their to watch the elusive green flash Destination Weddings ding at the company’s sixteen Moon™ includes a professional shores. as the sun dips beneath the Sandals and Beaches Caribbean wedding coordinator who will Destinations such as Bermuda, Over the last few years, destiCaribbean horizon signaling the resorts. attend to paperwork and logisthe Islands of the Bahamas, Puer- nation weddings have been end of another day. Sandals recently announced tics, as well as special dining for There is nothing more roman- to Rico, Jamaica and the U.S. steadily growing in popularity, its partnership with the internathe couple, personalized gifts, tic, no matter what age, race or Virgin Islands have been luring and the Caribbean, due to its romantic atmosphere and consis- tionally celebrated event design- and of course a romantic cereBermuda ... a great place to take “the plunge.” tently warm weather, sees a larger er and wedding planner Preston mony setting. share of U.S. marriages than any other region. It is now legal to marry in virtually every Caribbean nation. Some couples choose to wed in smaller, less traveled destinations such a Turks and Caicos, Guadeloupe or St. Vincent & the Grenadines for a more secluded romantic atmosphere. Romance In The Caribbean T Wedding Planning Services An added benefit of getting married in the Caribbean – and possibly the deciding factor for many couples – is the ease in planning a Caribbean wedding. All the headaches and hassles involved in planning a traditional wedding are avoided, as many resorts offer wedding planning services and take care of everything from the flowers to the minister. All Caribbean destinations have hotels and companies that TRAVEL TO THE CARIBBEAN flight + hotel 4 nights Start your honeymoon with a romantic sunset sail or a secluded dinner for two at Bolongo Bay Beach Club. Book flights, hotels, rental cars and activities. One place. One price. W hile the Caribbean offers a broad range of vacations from active adventure travel to diving to sports and fishing, honeymoons are strictly about relaxation and pampering and that is what One-of-a-Kind All Inclusive! hiltonescapes.com • 1-888-458-3536 BAHAMAS • BARBADOS • CURAÇAO • JAMAICA • MARGARITA PUERTO RICO (PONCE & SAN JUAN) • SANTO DOMINGO • TRINIDAD • TOBAGO AND FOUR CORAL BY HILTON ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC * Additional rates apply based on destinations and departure city . Above prices are based on 4 night stays, when traveling from New York to San Juan for travel until January 31, 2006. All rates are subject to change without notice and include all taxes. Our dynamic vacation packaging system c ontinuously refreshes our website displaying alternative offers, visit hiltonescapes.com for updates. The Hilton name and logo are trademarks owned by Hilton © 2 005 Hilton Hospitality Inc. Hassel Free Weddings Many resorts in Aruba work with companies such as Aruba Weddings For You, which customizes wedding packages for each couple to create the bride and groom’s dream wedding. Aruba Weddings For You will take care of every last detail for you – from document handling to champagne – doing everything to your exact specification. Many couples marrying in Aruba choose to wed on the beach, though guests at La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort & Casino can take advantage of staying at the only resort on the island with a wedding chapel onproperty. Another option is Ventanas del Mar, Tierra del Sol’s elegant open-air restaurant overlooking the California Lighthouse – arguably one of the finest views in Aruba. Legal Requirements Depending on the country one chooses, wedding requirements may differ. The Caribbean Tourism Organization provides a chart listing the varying legal requirements for getting married in each of the beautiful nations in the Caribbean region. Couples interested in marrying in the Caribbean are urged to contact each country individually for complete details or visit www.DoItCaribbean.com. And Then There’s The Honeymoon $551* RATES FROM... Sandals Resorts is the largest operator of luxury, ultra-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean with a total of 12 couples-only properties, including seven in Jamaica, three in St. Lucia, one in Antigua and one in Nassau, Bahamas. Recently unveiled is the newly refurbished Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort and the brand new Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa. For reservations, call 1-888SANDALS (1-888-726-3257) or visit www.sandals.com. -65 rooms right on the beach -2 seaside restaurants & bars -Great food ~ premium drinks -Complimentary water sports -Friendliest staff on island Reservations 800-524-4746 Web: www.bolongobay.com St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands the Caribbean does best! Many resorts in the Caribbean offer special honeymoon packages that provide newlyweds ample time to spend indulging in each other’s love. Some even provide added-value excursions such as a sunset Catamaran sail or a secluded dinner for two. Bolongo Bay Beach Club in St. Thomas, a popular haven for newlyweds, offers a Deluxe Paradise Honeymoon Package fea- "Best Value onAnguilla" PALM SHORESVILLA www.AnguillaVilla.com turing a welcome bottle of champagne with two keepsake champagne glasses; all meals (seven days a week of a la carte dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner at two of the most popular restaurants on St. Thomas); unlimited beverages including all premium brands; an all-day sail and beach outing to Honeymoon Beach on St. John aboard the resort’s 53-foot catamaran — “Heavenly Days” — with lunch and open bar; a romantic sunset cocktail cruise around Charlotte Amalie Harbor; his & hers half-hour massages (one per person); $50 credit at Bolongo’s gift shop; and gratuities. Cost for an eight-day/seven night stay is $2,975 per couple, now through Dec. 22, 2005 and $3,928 per couple, from Dec. 23, 2005 – April 16, 2006. Call 1-800-5244746 or via e-mail: [email protected]. The name of the promotion must be mentioned at the time of booking and can’t be combined with other promotions. WINTER ESCAPES Publisher: Jim Furey Associate Publisher: Barbara Furey Editor: Kahn Travel Communications Design: B+W Creative Group, NYC Advertising: Furey and Associates Production Coordinator: Lillian Litterio Group Sales Director: Joe D’Alto For more information contact: Furey and Associates at Tel: 212-355-7034 Fax: 212-980-9244 E-mail: [email protected] 111805 Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY 7 Caribbean Cuisine Highlighted By Innovative Chefs, Cultural Fusion W tronomic adventure lasting all evening. hen “Italian” is proposed as a as it is a method of providing nourishment. Hotels in Martinique and better-known choice of meal, the most comMangez-Français? nightspots have menus in English, but many mon image conjured up is that of pasta with a red tomatoOne of the best examples of culinary other places do not, so it is wise to bring based sauce, yet most people are unaware excellence is the French island of Mar- along a French pocket dictionary. that the tomato was not introduced to Italy tinique where cooking is an art practiced by Creole Creativity until the mid-16th century. wizardly chefs who can take something very Many restaurants throughout the As a result of cultural interaction, Italians ordinary and bring forth a soufflé that is Caribbean combine used their own cooking and French cuisine with Crepreparation styles to create a ole, a wondrous mix of refreshingly new cuisine using African, Indian, Eurothe South American vegetable – pean and Caribbean flaone that has endured the test of vors. To classic French time and has become synonydishes, for example, one mous with Italian cooking. might add such exotic There are many examples of local fruits and vegetasuch phenomenon, but none bles as guava, soursop, can be compared to the cuisine cassava, christophine, created by the fusion of cultures breadfruit, okra and and ingredients in the plaintain. Caribbean. Papiamento Due to its rich history, the Paradise Caribbean is home to people and cultures from all around the The Dutch islands of world. While most countries Aruba, Bonaire and have been heavily influenced Curacao – commonly by English, French, Spanish or known as the ABC Dutch culture, there are also islands, are reputed to large Indian and Asian populahave an especially strong tions in certain Caribbean counculinary offering. Aruba tries making the region even in particular offers the more of a melting pot than the unique Papiamento cookUnited States – and let’s not ing style in addition to forget the indigenous people the fusion of styles typinative to the Caribbean! cal to the Caribbean. The mixing of cultures can Sample the culinary excellence that Sandals has to offer. The cuisine level of be seen and heard in all aspects excellence at Aruba’s of Caribbean art – from music and story- positively spellbinding. Hyatt Regency has just been raised a few telling to fashion and architecture – but Magic aside, Martinique also happens notches with the arrival of new executive there is no greater example of cultural to be French, and the nation displays its chef Miguel Garcia. The Hyatt Regency is hodgepodge than the delectable culinary French heritage very noticeably through best known for its Sunday brunch, which offerings of the Caribbean. its love affair with the culinary arts. Many Garcia describes as “a slow and decadent While spices and seasoning are an shops close from noon to 2:30 for the affair which combines opulence with eleimportant part of food preparation, food in sacrosanct tradition of a copious and gance.” the Caribbean is as much an art form leisurely lunch, and dinner is often a gasAlso new to Aruba is Senor Sanchos, a Spanish Flare While Puerto Rican cooking shares many qualities with Spanish and Mexican cuisine, it has its own Caribbean flare and contains hints of African influence as well as Taíno, Puerto Rico’s indigenous culture. Asopao, a traditional Puerto Rican dish, is a gumbo made from either chicken or seafood. Soups and stews are also very popular in Puerto Rico. Chayote and Dragonfly, both in San Juan, come Enjoy the mouth-watering cuisine. highly recommended. fusion restaurant with both Moving over to neighboring French and Mexican influences Dominican Republic, visitors which opened last year on Palm will find another opportunity to Beach Road. Of course fusion test Spanish flavors in restauin Aruba can include just about rants and hotels across a anything as the island enjoys diverse countryside. even more cultural diversity And thanks to very favorthen the average Caribbean able exchange rates between nation. the U.S. dollar and the DominiJamasian Fusion can peso, a gourmet meal Another culinary hot spot is which would cost about $100 Jamaica. Famous for its jerk for two in any major U.S. city, chicken, Jamaica continues to will cost half that in one of the be at the forefront of culinary f i n e r e s t a u r a n t s i n S a n t o trends in the Caribbean. One Domingo. newly-innovated style, popuThe Spice Island larly coined, “Jamasian,” is a fusion of Jamaican and other Another great place to visit West Indian ingredients cooked for mouth-watering cuisine is with Asian techniques and fla- Grenada. Known as the Spice vors. Island, Grenada has long been a Most of the resorts in major source of nutmeg, Jamaica feature on-property cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and restaurants run by accom- cocoa, as well as a host of local plished world-class chefs that spices that are hard to find elseserve everything from Jamasian where on the planet. fusion to International fare. For While Grenada had suffered local cuisine, try Sweet Spice serious damage from a hurriin downtown Negril. cane in 2004, the upside is that For a great view along with many restaurants and hotels dinner, be sure to check out that would not have been renoRockhouse Restaurant at Rock- vated for years to come, have house Hotel, also in Negril. The been rebuilt, such as the gourmoniker Rockhouse, coinci- met La Belle Creole at Blue dentally, is a fitting name as the Horizons Garden Resort. The property is built on the side of a result is a refreshingly new cliff overlooking the sea. Grenada. & Save 25% SALE! Nassau Beach Hotel ..................$195 Charming oceanfront hotel situated directly on a gorgeous 3,000-square-foot white sandy beach. Wyndham Nassau Resort ...........$309 The Wyndham Nassau Resort is located on world-renowned Cable Beach and offers 850 guestrooms and suites featuring private balconies and deluxe amenities. Radisson Cable Beach & Resort ....$499 Beachfront resort with 3 free-form pools and 18-hole golf course. All meals, snacks and drinks included. ALL PACKAGE PRICES ARE PER PERSON AND INCLUDE*: 3-nights hotel accommodations Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers Hotel tax & service BAHAMAS American Express Vacations Exclusive Earn double Membership Rewards® points on American Express Vacations bookings when you use your eligible, enrolled American Express® Card. † For reservations or assistance in planning your American Express Vacations package, contact: American Express Travel at 888-AXP-0075 or visit www.americanexpressvacations.com American Express Vacations tours operated by Travel Impressions, a subsidiary of American Express. *Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy in an Oceanview room at Nassau Beach Hotel, an Islandview room at the Wyndham and a Superior Oceanview room at the Radisson and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations and hotel tax. Blackout, weekend, holiday peak season surcharges apply. Rates valid for booking 10/30/05 - 11/28/05 for travel 12/01/05 - 2/15/06. Advertised rates based on January travel; other travel periods may be slightly higher. Rates and promotions are accurate at time of printing and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in price. $25 late fee applies to all bookings made for travel within 14 days of departure date. †To be eligible to earn points, make your booking through an American Express Travel Services location, be enrolled in the Membership Rewards® program (“Program”) at the time of booking and you must charge your entire American Express Vacations package on an eligible, enrolled American Express® Card. Offer valid on new minimum 3-night bookings purchased between 10/30/05 and 11/28/05 with completion of travel by 2/15/06. Double Membership Rewards® points are awarded on vacation package spend only. Other purchases and arrangements made during your vacation stay, and any charges not included in the vacation package are not eligible for double Membership Rewards® points. Points will be credited to your account within 10-12 weeks after travel is completed. Individual terms and conditions, as well as annual Program fees, apply for certain Card products. For more information on the Membership Rewards® program, visit www.americanexpress.com/rewards or call 1-800-AXP-EARN. Bonus ID-3738. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. American Express acts solely as the sales agent for travel suppliers and is not liable for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. CST# 1022318-10, Washington UBI#600 469 694, ML#1192, TA 002 Registered Iowa Travel Agency, NV# 2001-0126 Promo Code: E2660001 EM046-05.EB.10.12.05. exits. entrées Close to home. Far from expected. Call your travel professional or visit www.caymanislands.ky. 8 Advertising Supplement to USA TODAY