Group Travel News
Princess Passengers to Receive New Digital Documents
Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:46:15 -0600
Princess Cruises has debuted an innovative array of digital documents designed to transform the way passengers plan for and learn about their upcoming cruise. The all-new electronic format will deliver more information about their cruise than ever before, arriving conveniently by email and right to their computer desktop from the time of booking and continuing through departure. The timely digital documents include a brand-new email series filled with personalized pre-cruise information, a downloadable Princess Countdown Connection widget that delivers useful and entertaining information to a passenger’s computer, personalized online luggage tags and customizable shore excursion eBooks. The change from printed information to fully digital documents applies to all North American passengers on voyages departing on or after Jan. 21, 2010. Princess’ new digital documents include: Personalized Pre-Cruise EmailsAs soon as passengers book their cruise, they will begin to receive a new series of four emails that are timed to deliver just the right information needed for each stage of the cruise planning process. Replacing a printed Cruise Answer Book, the emails include the passenger booking details -- including the travel agency name -- and interactive content that gives passengers a fun, engaging way to learn more about the amenities and activities they will experience on their ship. The information will be customized to the itinerary and the ship the passenger is sailing, and greetings are featured from some of the senior officers who will be sailing on their cruise. Also provided are links to such things as ship videos and virtual tours, bridge cams, dining options, entertainment choices, shipboard features and amenities, travel logistics, weather information, packing tips, frequently asked questions, Captain’s Circle benefits, important notices and reminders, and how to stay connected to family and friends while onboard. Travel agents may view their clients’ pre-cruise emails at any time by visiting the Cruise Personalizer, which is available through Princess’ POLAR Online. Princess Countdown ConnectionTo help passengers anticipate and prepare for their upcoming sailing, the innovative Princess Countdown Connection widget is an eye-catching online clock that ticks down the days, hours and minutes until their cruise departs. The new application, which can be downloaded from the pre-cruise emails, can live right on a passenger’s computer desktop, and will automatically deliver an array of personalized information to them about their upcoming sailing such as dining, onboard activities, shore excursions and notices. Personalized Online Luggage TagsPassengers will also be able to print their own personalized luggage tags from their home or office computer. These new tags not only include the passenger's name, but also feature their Captain's Circle membership status, cabin number and embarkation information. Passengers will be able to print as many tags as needed to ensure all their luggage is properly marked prior to boarding the ship. The printable luggage tags debut for all voyages departing after Dec. 1, 2009, and are accessible through the Cruise Personalizer. They can be printed up to 75 days prior to the sailing date. Generic luggage tags will continue to be available at the pier for passengers who may need them. Shore Excursion eBooksBeginning in December, passengers will be able to print their own personalized shore excursion eBook for their cruise. Using this innovative tool, passengers will be able to select their favorite excursions from the wide array offered in each port, and create their own customized eBook of shoreside experiences. Further details will be available next month. Additional information about Princess is available through the line’s online travel agent center at www.onesourcecruises.com. To contact the travel agent customer service department, call 800-421-1700.
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Gettysburg Awaits Unveiling of Lincoln Statue
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:51:00 -0600
The Gettysburg Foundation will unveil a life-sized bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln on Nov. 19, the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, at the front of the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park. The sculpture is a gift from philanthropist Robert H. Smith, whose Robert H. Smith Family Foundation funds the David Bruce Smith Education Initiative, focusing on Lincoln programming.The sculpture is the work of Brooklyn-based StudioEIS and Ivan Schwartz, the studio’s founder and director; and an environment for the sculpture is being created by landscape architect Andrew Balderson of Donovan, Feola, Balderson & Associates. Landscaping work will begin later this month.The Foundation’s Lincoln sculpture is the latest in a series of presidential statues supported by Smith and created by StudioEIS. Their partnership has made possible statues of Dolly and James Madison at Montpelier, Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon and Abraham Lincoln at Lincoln’s Cottage. Gettysburg’s sculpture completes the series. StudioEIS also created life-sized bronze sculptures of the signers of the U.S. Constitution for the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, among many other public projects. (www.gettysburgfoundation.org)
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Mesa Releases 2010 Visitors Guide
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:42:01 -0600
The Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau has just released its 2010 Official Mesa Visitors Guide, a fact-filled guide to Arizona’s third largest city. This year’s edition includes full-length features paired with comprehensive listings on Mesa businesses in the following categories: Museum & Cultural Venues, Attractions & Activities, Golf, Sports & Recreation, and Shopping. New sidebar features have been added on Green Tourism, Pet-Friendly Locales, Wine Bars and a two-page spread on Outdoor Adventure including popular hiking trails, tips before exploring the Sonoran Desert and stargazing in the desert. (visitmesa.com)
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Pirate Exhibit Coming to Norfolk Museum
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:30:25 -0600
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship will run from Nov. 21- April 4, 2010, at Nauticus, the marine science museum on the downtown waterfront in Norfolk, Va. The touring exhibition, organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, tells the true story of the Whydah, a pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod nearly 300 years ago. Featured are treasure chests of gold coins and jewelry, plus 18th century cannon, pistols and swords. The artifacts were recovered from the ocean floor over the last 25 years. Visitors can hoist a pirate flag, tie pirate knots and go “below deck” of the Whydah in a life-size replica of the ship’s stern. As a companion exhibit to Real Pirates, Nauticus and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum have created Piracy Today: Modern Terror on the High Seas. The centerpiece is the actual Maersk Alabama lifeboat, on loan from the Navy Seal Museum in Florida, from which Navy personnel rescued Capt. Richard Phillips from Somali pirates in April 2009. (757-664-1021, nauticus.org)
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American Airlines to Launch Daily New York-Madrid Service
Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:47:00 -0500
American Airlines will launch service from New York to Madrid on May 1, 2010. Daily nonstop flights will operate between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) aboard 182-seat Boeing 757-200 aircraft in two-class configuration. American Airlines’ flight #94 will depart New York at 5:40 p.m., arriving in Madrid at 7:20 a.m. the following morning. The return flight on American #95 will depart Madrid at 10 a.m., arriving back at JFK at 12:30 p.m. the same day. (800-433-7300, www.aa.com)
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San Antonio Awaits World's Largest JW Marriott Resort
Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:26:59 -0500
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, opening in January 2010, will be the world's largest JW Marriott Resort. Located less than 20 miles from the San Antonio International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown, the 600-acre property is comprised of rolling hills, meandering creeks and live oak trees. Activities include two PGA TOUR Tournament Players Club (TPC) championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman, plus a 26,000-square-foot spa with its own spectacular views, outdoor heated swimming pool, and a grill and fine dining area. Water fun includes a 650-foot rapid river ride, slides, lazy river with children’s pools, an adult pool, hot and cold plunge pools, whirlpools, and an expansive activity pool. (www.jwsanantonio.com)
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Scottsdale Resort Destination Announces Group Tour Packages of Yavapai Nation
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:38:14 -0500
Experience the adventurous side of Scottsdale at Fort McDowell Resort Destination. Learn about the Yavapai Nation while relaxing at a beautiful resort in the majestic Sonoran desert. A premier Scottsdale resort destination, Fort McDowell is now offering a one to four day group tour vacation package, where guests can relax and tour the historic Yavapai nation.Guests can choose from four Arizona vacation packages steeped in Southwestern Yavapai Nation culture and traditions. All tours include deluxe accommodations at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino, which offers world-class casino gambling at Fort McDowell Casino, Southwestern cuisine, and more.Groups may choose the complete four-day package, a one-day package or any combination of days in this offer. Groups must have a minimum of 10 guests to participate. The exciting Scottsdale resort destination packages include:• The Wild West Experience Tour: A guided bus tour throughout the reservation. Guests will view the tribal farm, Verde River, the original army fort location and delight in an authentic cowboy cookout.• The Yavapai Experience: Experience the cultural heritage tour at Fort McDowell Adventures and enjoy a Native American Dinner prepared by Native chefs.• The Boulder House Tour: Walk through history with a guided tour of the historic Boulder House, viewing ancient petroglyphs. Then partake in a Native American dinner.• Rosa’s Ranch Experience: Enjoy a guided hike through Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and finish the day with a Mexican Fiesta at Rosa’s Ranch.These adventurous Arizona vacation packages start at $229.00 per person, per day with double occupancy. This Scottsdale resort destination has many optional afternoon adventures including Hualapai Grand Canyon experience, Sedona Vortex Tour, We-Ko-Pa Golf, Cattle drives and more. Come experience the adventurous side of Scottsdale, and book a group tour package today.Arizona Vacation Packages Offer Group Tours to Discover the Adventurous Side of ScottsdaleRadisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino announces discounted group tour rates for a unique Southwestern vacation. Great for corporate teambuilding, family reunions or reconnecting with old friends these Arizona vacation packages are sure to rejuvenate and create lasting memories. This Scottsdale resort destination offers upscale accommodations with scenic views of the Arizona desert.Groups can experience all the excitement of the Yavapai Nation, while enjoying the non-stop gaming of the Fort McDowell Casino. Group packages include bus tours of the Yavapai Nation, cultural heritage tours, authentic Native American cuisine and entertainment and much more. Guests can also enjoy a guided hiking tour, tee-off at We-Ko-Pa Golf Course or enjoy an afternoon shopping in Scottsdale. This Scottsdale resort destination has everything guests desire in a Southwestern vacation.Make reservations today and experience the adventurous side of Scottsdale. For more information about Arizona vacation packages at this Scottsdale resort destination please visit: http://www.FortMcDowellDestination.com/.
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Byways Magazine Goes Digital
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:14:44 -0500
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Nature Center Opens in Wilmington, Delaware
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:36:38 -0500
The $11-million, four-story DuPont Environmental Center has opened in the Russell Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in downtown Wilmington, Del., just off I-95. The facility has multimedia exhibits, viewing posts and an extensive network of boardwalks that interpret the 212-acre reclaimed marsh along the tidal Christina River and is an important addition to the redeveloped riverfront. Visitors can arrive by foot, car or water taxi. Admission is free. The center is operated by the Delaware Nature Society. (302-656-1490, www. duponteec.org, www.delawarenaturesociety.org)
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American Banjo Museum Opens in Oklahoma City
Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:33:08 -0500
The American Banjo Museum opened its doors last month in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown entertainment district. Visitors follow the banjo’s evolution from its humble African roots through its 1920s Jazz Age heyday to 1950s and ’60s folk music and the present-day bluegrass scene. The museum features the world’s largest collection of banjos on public display, video theaters and a recreation of a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor restaurant. Groups can book the Shakey’s room for a meal and sing-along fun. The room is decorated with stained glass, signs and furnishings from an original Shakey’s, the first national pizza chain. Popular from the mid-1950s to mid-’70s, the franchises featured banjo players and other entertainment. The American Banjo Museum previously was located in Guthrie, Okla. (405-260-1323, www.banjomuseum.org)
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