Carnival Dream Christened, Debuts In North America

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest fun ship, the 130,000-GRT Carnival Dream, has been christened in the New York by her godmother Marcia Gay Harden. The award-winning actress swung an official Yankees baseball bat autographed by player Alex Rodriguez at a 1.8-meter tall faux bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne onstage in the ship’s theater, triggering the release of a real bottle against the ship’s hull.

 

The festivities, hosted by Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald, continued throughout the ship and guests at the Encore! show lounge were treated to a live dance performance by Carnival Dream’s Fun Force dance troupe. Dressed in blue track suits, the performers breakdanced and cartwheeled to techno music, with one performer being revealed at the end of the number to be Carnival Cruise Lines CEO Gerry Cahill.

 

The 3652-guest Carnival Dream is the largest ship in the Carnival fleet and offers a host of innovations, including the Ocean Plaza indoor/outdoor dining and entertainment venue and a 2,206-square meter Cloud 9 Spa. The ship also features the longest water slide at sea as part of the Carnival Waterworks aqua park, to be christened with a ride down by Hailee Steberger, the winner of Carnival’s “Virtual Book of Dreams” contest.

 

Constructed in Italy, Carnival Dream entered service in September 2009 , sailing in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to New York, making her North American debut. She will operate a series of short cruises before repositioning again to homeport in Port Canaveral in Florida to operate Caribbean cruises throughout the year.

 

For more information, visit www.carnival.com.

Air France Takes Delivery Of First A380

French carrier Air France has taken delivery of its first Airbus A380, becoming the first European airline to operate the double-decker jet. The aircraft, registered F-HPJA, landed at Charles de Gaulle International Airport at 1627 hrs following its delivery flight from Hamburg.

 

Configured in a 3-class layout, Air France promises greater space and comfort for the 538 passengers onboard. In the La Première cabin located at the front of the main deck, passengers are guaranteed high levels of privacy and exclusivity with only 9 seats available. The seats have also been improved with seat covers made from “Climatex” fabric and a new innovative handset. La Première passengers will also have their own private changing cabin with a dressing table opposite 2 built-in shelves containing beauty products from Clarins and a wardrobe where they can place their belongings. An exclusive bar with magazines and a buffet selection will also be available for passengers to mingle and relax.

 

Located on the upper deck, the Affaires business class cabin accomodates 80 passengers in a 2-2-2 configuration. With the larger cabin of the A380, Air France has fitted an improved version of its Affaires seat onboard. The 2-meter long seat has a more comfortable seat recline for takeoff and landing, with an in-seat power supply and 15-inch personal screen, the largest in business class across the Air France fleet. In a world first, Air France has dedicated the area in the front of the upper deck as a gallery for its premium passengers. The open-plan space incorporates 38-centimeter screens showcasing artwork from major museums and artistic institutions worldwide, with the famous Louvre museum offering the theme of “Titan, Tintoretto, Veronese…Rivals in Renaissance Venice” in November 2009.

 

449 Voyageur economy class seats are located on the main and upper decks. Fitted in a 3-4-3 configuration, passengers will enjoy greater space with the enhanced seats featuring armrests that are 30% wider and better legroom. A large 8.4-inch personal screen delivers inflight entertainment, while passengers can charge their laptops at sockets located around the cabin. Air France has also fitted 3 self-service bars (2 on main deck and 1 on upper deck), which are stocked with refreshments throughout flights.

 

The Air France A380’s inaugural flight from Paris to New York will take place on 20 November 2009, with the airline donating the proceeds from an auction of its seats to charity. The aircraft will then enter scheduled service on the route daily from 23 November 2009, with Johannesburg being introduced in early 2010. Air France is the 4th airline to operate the A380, after Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qantas.

 

For more information, visit www.airfrance.com.

Doubletree Opens Largest Property In Orlando

Hilton Worldwide’s Doubletree Hotels has opened its largest hotel in Orlando, Florida. Formerly the International Plaza Resort and Spa, the 1,094-room Doubletree Resort Orlando-International Drive has undergone a USD35 million transformation. The resort now features a Balinese-inspired theme with contemporary dark wood furnishings and Indonesian design accents again the tropical landscape. Located in the heart of the city’s tourism corridor, the property is easily accessible from Orlando International Airport, while the Orange County Convention Center and Seaworld, as well as shopping and dining facilities, are within walking distance of the hotel.

 

A variety of accomodation options, ranging from Resort Guestrooms, Tower Accomodations and Suites are available to guests. Each guestroom is furnished with the signature Sweet Dreams by Doubletree bed, bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and products by Neutrogena, 32-inch LCD television with clock radio featuring iPod connectivity, high-speed internet access, 2 telephones with voicemail capability, workdesk with power and connector ports, in-room safe, microwave, minibar and coffee-/tea-making facilities. In addition to standard amenities, the Suites include a comfortable, oversized living room, separate dining room with table and a kitchenette.

 

The Doubletree Resort Orlando-International Drive presents 3 unique dining options for guests. Max’s Deli offers casual dining, with breakfast pastries and Starbucks coffee on the menu, while the Bamboo Grille is a full-service, 270-seat all-day dining restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine with an Asian fusion twist. For drinks, guests can head to the Red Parrot Pool Bar and Tropical Isle located by the resort’s swimming pool, where they can enjoy signature drinks and frozen specialties.

 

Catering to both business and leisure travellers, the resort offers  conventions and recreational facilities within its 28 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Over 5,574 square meters of indoor and outdoor event space, ranging from large ballrooms at the Oceans Convention Center to the elegant and intimate outdoor spaces at the Tower Terrace. Each facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, business services and amenities. Guests on vacation will enjoy facilities such as the 3 swimming pools, mini-golf course, full-service day spa and fitness center, or the quiet solace of a palm-shaded hammock or a Polynesian hut. A high-tech children’s lounge with computers and Nintendo Wii game consoles will entertain younger guests, while shuttle services to Orlando’s renowned attractions (Walt Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios) complement Doubletree Resort Orlando-International Drive’s facilities.

 

Doubletree boasts a portfolio of distinctively designed hotels and resorts in more than 200 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, including Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Dar es Salaam, Lima, London, New York City, Qingdao, San Juan and Washington DC.

 

For more information, visit doubletree1.hilton.com.

Continental Airlines Now A Star Aliiance Member

Houston-based Continental Airlines has joined Star Alliance as its 25th member airline, completing its switch from rival alliance Skyteam. The entry of Continental Airlines is expected to enhance the alliance’s customer benefits of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless travel.

 

Passengers can now have access to 19,500 daily flights serving nearly 1,701 airports in 171 countries, with network enhancements in North and South America, transpacific and across the North Atlantic, including the prestigious London (Heathrow)-New York route. Continental adds its 3 hubs in Cleveland, Houston and Newark, offering greater connectivity and access to its extensive Caribbean and South American network. Across the Pacific, the airline adds flight options to mainland China, Hong Kong and Japan, while affiliate Continental Micronesia offers services from Guam.

 

Apart from network enhancements, travellers will also benefit from Continental’s operational integration with other Star Alliance member airlines. Effective immediately, through check-in will be available for any itinerary involving a Continental flight with another Star Alliance flight at the originating airport, eliminating the need to repeat the process at connecting airports. The airline will also physically move airport operations to co-locate with other member airlines at locations such as Bangkok, Chicago, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Munich and Tokyo (Narita). In case of flight irregularities, Star Alliance Connection Centres will also include Continental-operated flights, looking after passengers and baggage transfers.

 

Continental’s entry also integrates its frequent flyer program with Star Alliance. OnePass Members can now accumulate and redeem miles on all Star Alliance member airlines, with Gold and Platinum Elite members automatically accorded Star Alliance Gold status and benefits while Silver Elite members will enjoy automatic Star Alliance Silver status. Members of the frequent flyer programs of the other 24 member airlines will also be able to earn miles when travelling on Continental Airlines.

 

Continental Airlines is the 3rd US member in Star Alliance, joining United Airlines and US Airways. For more information, visit www.continental.com and www.staralliance.com.

Japan Airlines Enhances Offerings On Chicago, Los Angeles Routes, Reopens Frankfurt Lounge

Tokyo-based Japan Airlines has introduced several enhancements in the air and on the ground to selected North American and European services respectively. Passengers flying to and from Chicago and Los Angeles can now enjoy the improved product onboard the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, while the airline’s lounge in Frankfurt has reopened following the completion of renovations.

 

Boeing 777-300ER Service On Chicago And Los Angeles Routes From Tokyo (Narita)

First introduced in summer 2008 on the New York and San Francisco routes from Tokyo, Japan Airlines has deployed the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its flights to Chicago and Los Angeles. The aircraft, configured in a 4-class layout, has been operating the daily JL 009/010 and JL 061/062 services to both cities respectively from 25 October 2009.

 

First Class passengers will be able to enjoy the comfort of the JAL Suite reminiscent of a traditional lounge chair and convertible into a full-flat bed. JAL Executive Class – Seasons passengers are accomodated in the JAL Shell Flat Neo seats, which are softer than previous generation seats and feature slip-proof upholstery, repositioned seat controls and 15.4-inch personal screens.

 

Japan Airlines will also offer a Premium Economy product on the Chicago and Los Angeles routes with the new aircraft. The award-winning JAL Sky Shell seat offers 20% more legroom than in Economy Class, with its shell-shaped slide down recline ensuring each passenger’s personal space is maintained throughout the flight. In Economy Class, new seats incorporate a ‘hammock headrest’ for added comfort and a 9-inch personal monitor installed in the seatback. All passengers onboard enjoy Japan Airlines’ state-of-the-art MAGIC III on-demand entertainment system. 132 channels of movies, music, videos and games can be accessed at their convenience throughout the flight.

 

The twin-engined aircraft will also allow Japan Airlines and passengers to reduce their carbon footprint whilst flying.  Offering better fuel efficiency, the jet produces 20% less carbon dioxide than the 4-engined Boeing 747-400 it replaces on the routes.

 

Renovated Lounge Reopens In Frankfurt

In Europe, Japan Airlines has reopened its departure lounge at Frankfurt International Airport. Recently renovated, the new facility comprises a separate First Class Lounge and Sakura Lounge and is a convenient 2-minute walk from the departure gates.

 

Modelled after the Japan Airlines’ lounges at Narita International Airport, the revamped Frankfurt lounge is spacious and well-equipped with amenities to allow passengers to relax or catch up with work before their flight. Following feedback from passengers, the facility now incorporates amenities such as shower rooms, complimentary high-speed internet access and power outlets, in addition to comprehensive business and dining options.

 

Japan Airlines flies connects Frankfurt with Tokyo daily, operating a 4-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the route. Passengers can connect at Frankfurt to other destinations across Europe through the airline’s Oneworld alliance partners.

 

For more information, visit www.jal.co.jp.

Aloft Arrives In The Middle East

Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Aloft brand makes its debut in the Middle East, with the opening of the new Aloft Abu Dhabi today. Located within the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), the 408-room hotel is minutes away from the airport, downtown Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, which hosts the emirate’s inaugural Formula One grand prix next weekend.

 

One of Abu Dhabi’s largest hotels, the property incorporates several environmental sustainability features in its design and construction. Guests are greeted by park-like landscaping upon arrival and natural materials such as cork and sustainable wood veneers can be found throughout the hotel. 560 solar panels, covering a total area of 2,300 square meters, will supply 90% of the hotel’s hot water and saving an estimated 870 mega watt hours of electricity every year.

 

Each room and suite at Aloft Abu Dhabi features the brand’s signature platform bed, spacious bathrooms with oversized showerheads and amenities from Tried and Blue by Bliss, extra-large windows, minibar and complimentary coffee/tea. Entertainment and connectivity facilities include a 42-inch LCD television, plug & play connectivity station, telephones and high-speed internet access.

 

A selection of innovative dining options is available at the hotel. The 24-7 re:fuel by Aloft self-serve gourmet eatery offers sweet, savoury and healthy treats, while Dine serves international cuisine from its open kitchen. The w xyz bar lets guests meet and mingle in its lively and abuzz surroundings. On the rooftop, relax@12 and Maï Cafe provide locations to relax and chill-out over snacks, drinks and shisha.

 

Aloft Abu Dhabi offers facilities catering to both business and leisure travellers. A 24 hour business center is available in the hotel, as well as 2 tactic rooms totalling 54 square meters of meeting space that can be easily configured to suit individual needs and equipped with a full suite of multimedia tools. Larger conventions can be catered for at ADNEC’s 55,000 square meters of multi-function exhibition space. After a day of meetings, guests can unwind at the re:mix lounge where they can watch television, play a game of pool, or lounge over their favorite book. Guests who prefer to workout can utilize the re:charge gymnasium and splash outdoor pool on the rooftop. Younger guests at the hotel can join camp Aloft, a program designed to ensure fun for them and peace-of-mind for parents as they proceed for meetings or personal time.

 

A vision of W Hotels, Aloft combines urban-inspired design with accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. Aloft Abu Dhabi joins 38 other Aloft properties around the world in locations such as Beijing, Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, Montreal and New York.

 

For more information, visit www.alofthotels.com.

Etihad To Return To Colombo In 2010

The national carrier of the UAE, Etihad Airways, has announced it will resume flights from its Abu Dhabi base to Colombo. Beginning January 2010, the airline will operate a 2-class Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 20 Pearl Business and 120 Coral Economy class seats 4 times weekly between both cities.

 

Flight EY 266 will depart Abu Dhabi International Airport at 2155 hrs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport at 0345 hrs the next day. The return flight, EY 267, takes off from Colombo at 0445 hrs and lands back in Abu Dhabi at 0800 hrs.

 

The airline has timed the flights to allow passengers convenient connections with key destinations in its network, including Moscow, New York and Toronto. Etihad is targeting increased tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka following the end of the civil conflict, as well as the large expatriate Sri Lankan community in the UAE and the Middle East.

 

Etihad stopped flying to Colombo in September 2007, but maintained service with codeshare partner Sri Lankan Airlines. With the resumption of flights, Sri Lankan Airlines will place its ‘UL’ code on the Etihad-operated services.

 

For more information, visit www.etihadairways.com.

The Peninsula Shanghai Opens On The Bund

Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels has expanded its hotel portfolio with the opening of The Peninsula Shanghai along the bank of the Huangpu River. Located next to the former British Consulate Gardens, the grand and glamourous property is the first new building on the city’s celebrated Bund in over 60 years and marks the company’s return to its Shanghai roots.

 

Built in the style of a noble 1920s and 1930s residence, the hotel combines art deco features with subtle Chinese influences to reflect Shanghai’s glorious heyday. Special features include an elevator large enough to deliver a limousine to the ballroom, a custom-made 1930s Schindler cage lift, a full-scale replica of a 1930s seaplane and a fleet of customised Rolls Royce Phantom limousines.

 

The 235 guestrooms and suites are amongst the largest in the city and boasts views of Huangpu River, Pudong skyline or the former British Consulate Gardens. Each room is furnished with luxury bedding, a marble bathroom with separate bathtub and shower, 46-inch flat screen plasma television, CD/DVD player with sound system and iPod connectivity, in-room safe, minibar and Nespresso coffee machine. Business travellers will enjoy complimentary high-speed internet access, dual-line telephones with voicemail function, a 3-in-1 fax, printer and photocopier machine, VOIP and spacious workdesk.

 

4 themed suites (Astor, Majestic, Palace and Peninsula Suites) provide unique, private accomodation for discerning guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows open out to a landscaped terrace with its own table and whirlpool, making them perfect for romantic retreats. The Peninsula Shanghai’s most luxurious accomodation, the 900-square meter Palace Suite, promises utmost privacy and exclusivity. Accessed by a dedicated private lift, the suite features a large foyer with 3 grand reception rooms perfect for private parties and events, complemented by the wraparound outdoor rooftop terrace.

 

The Peninsula Shanghai brings 5 unique restaurants and bars to Shanghai, spearheaded by Sir Elly’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace serving modern European cuisine. At Yi Long Court, Executive Chef and China’s first Michelin Star winner Tang Chi Keung offers mouthwatering Cantonese and regional dishes. The Lobby recreates the world of a wealthy noble house of the 1920s where guests can enjoy breakfast in the mornings, exquisite afternoon tea and drinks in the evenings. Guests preferring a more intimate venue can proceed to The Compass Bar, where the dark timber floor, deep navy and purple furnishings combine with nautical memorabilia to create a cozy haven for meetings and socializing. In the basement, Salon de Ning provides a glimpse of Shanghai’s decadence during the 1930s with 4 private alcoves (Azure, Indian, L’Atelier and Cinema).

 

Business travellers and meeting planners have 6 flexible venues at their disposal, including the spectacular Rose Ballroom, which is capable of accomodating up to 1,000 guests for a cocktail reception. Recreation facilities at the hotel include a fully-equipped gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment, a 25-meter long indoor swimming pool with its own fireplace, vitality pool and glass doors that open onto an outdoor terrace, as well as a Peninsula Spa by ESPA. The expansive facility boasts 7 treatment rooms and 2 VIP suites, tropical rain showers, steam rooms and saunas with iridescent light features and shaved ice fountains, where guests can indulge in holistic massages and treatments with spa products from ESPA.

 

The Peninsula Shanghai is the 9th hotel for Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, joining other Peninsula properties in Bangkok, Beijing, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Hong Kong, Manila, New York and Tokyo. The group is slated to further expand its portfolio with The Peninsula Paris when it opens in the French capital in 2012.

 

For more information, visit www.peninsula.com.

InterContinental Hotels Group Opens New York City’s First Hotel Indigo

InterContinental Hotels Group has added a new property to its Hotel Indigo portfolio. The 122-room Hotel Indigo New York City – Chelsea is the brand’’s first hotel in New York City and is located at the heart of Manhattan’s art, fashion and flower districts. Major attractions such as Broadway, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and Times Square are within walking distance from the hotel.

 

The guestrooms and Executive Club level rooms are furnished with luxury bedding, private bathroom with spa-inspired shower and Aveda bath products, 32-inch LCD television, ihome mp3 docking station and alarm clock, complimentary high-speed internet access, telephones with voicemail function, workdesk, in-room safe and minibar. In addition to the standard amenities, 2 Penthouse Suites feature a separate living room with custom furniture inported from Italy.

 

Dining options at Hotel Indigo New York City – Chelsea is spearheaded by the BLU Restaurant and Bar. The newly designed restaurant serves American bistro fare with a local perspective, under the direction of Chef Roberto Bellissimo, formerly of the renowned Le Cirque restaurant. Glass Bar, the rooftop lounge located on the 20th floor, offers guests a relaxed environment to enjoy spectacular views of the New York skyline over drinks.

 

Business travellers at the hotel have a 24-hour, full-service business center at their disposal while events and meetings can be organized at the 46-square meter Indigo Room. The facility can be configured in a boardroom style for 20 guests, or cater for up to 40 guests in a banquet setting. A 24-hour health and fitness center allows guests the flexibility of working out at any time of the day.

 

Hotel Indigo is scheduled to open an additional 4 properties in the USA by year-end, including hotels in Asheville, Baltimore and San Antonio. The brand is forecasted to almost double its footprint in the Americas and is expanding globally with the recent announcement of a new property to open in 2012 in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district.

 

For more information, visit www.hotelindigo.com.

Refurbished Mandarin Oriental Jakarta Opens

Following a comprehensive 20-month renovation, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has reopened the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and gala event attended by the Indonesian capital’s society elite. Located at Jalan M. H. Thamrin, the hotel is easily accessible to Soekarno-Hatta Interantional Airport and the business district.

 

The 272 rooms and suites have been outfitted in a classic, contemporary design by renowned interior design firm Lim, Teo & Wilkes, blending Indonesian culture with the group’s oriental heritage and modern amenities. Each room is furnished with luxury bedding, a large marble bathroom with mood lighting, separate rain shower and bathtub, in-room entertainment system with 42-inch LCD television, CD/DVD player and surround-sound stereo, iPod connectivity and multi-function data port, high-speed internet access, workdesk with telephone, in-room safe, minibar and coffee-/tea-making facilities. 56 spacious Mandarin rooms measuring 64 square meters in size feature a living area that can be separated from the bedroom by sliding doors, while the luxurious Oriental and Mandarin Suites also offer guests complimentary use of the Executive Club Lounge facilities and the group’s renowned personalised service.

 

The hotel’s 4 new restaurants serve a range of international cuisine, including authentic Gallic fare at Lyon, the French fine dining restaurant. Each dish is carefully prepared according to traditional techniques with fresh seasonal ingredients, accompanied by the vintage selection from the wine cellar. Specialising in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines, guests dine on authentic dishes, premium dim sum and a wide selection of Chinese teas amidst the ornate decor at Xin Hwa. For casual dining, Cinnamon showcases classic dishes from across Asia prepared at live cooking stations, while the signature Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop returns to offer guests freshly made pastries, cakes, chocolates and savouries, paired with afternoon tea in a casual and comfortable setting. Located on the 5th floor next to the swimming pool, guests will find exotic cocktails, smoothies, fresh juices and beverages at Azure, before partying the night away to the beats of the DJs at MO Bar.

 

Business travellers at the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta have a fully-equipped business center at their disposal, with a comprehensive range of secretarial, translation and interpretation services. The hotel also offers 9 flexible function rooms, including a Grand Ballroom which seats up to 350 guests for a dinner banquet. Following a day of meetings, guests can relax in the freeform swimming pool, or enjoy a workout at the state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel can also book a round of golf for guests at one of the numerous courses in Jakarta.

 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group currently operates hotels and resorts around the world in the Americas, Asia and Europe, including Bangkok, Geneva, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manila, New York, Prague, San Francisco, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington DC. The group’s portfolio is slated to further expand with new developments announced in Barcelona, Beijing, Chicago, Las Vegas, Macau, Marrakech, Moscow and Paris.

 

For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com.