Grand Bahama: The All-Inclusive Island
Monday July 13, 2009
We've all heard of all-inclusive resorts, but an all-inclusive island? Book a package under the new
Club Grand Bahama program, and you'll pay one price for accommodations, tours, two meals daily, transfers and shuttle services, including activities and dining throughout the island regardless of where you stay.
Five hotels (Flamingo Bay, Pelican Bay, Port Lucaya Resort, Our Lucaya Reef Village and Radisson Our Lucaya) are taking part in the program created by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, along with three golf courses, 21 restaurants, and several activity providers. Discovery Cruise Lines also is participating, offering two- to seven-night, cruise-inclusive stays. Three levels of accommodation (and pricing) are available: Silver starting at $88 per person per night; Gold starting at $149 per night; and Platinum starting at $198 per night.
Check the Club Grand Bahama site for more details.
More Information on Travel to the Bahamas
World's Worst Tourists? Mon Dieu!
Friday July 10, 2009
Who do you think the worst tourists are? It may surprise some that the answer is not the 'Ugly Americans.' Sure, we U.S. tourists get poor marks for how we dress, but a recent
survey from Expedia found that Americans also get some love for their generosity (tops in the world). American tourists also got credit for at least attempting to use the local language when traveling abroad, a finding I found to be a pleasant surprise.
However, U.S. tourists got low marks for cleanliness, being too loud, and complaining too much.
So, who are the worst tourists? The French. Expedia found that French tourists are most likely to be called rude, cheap, and reluctant to speak anything other than French when traveling. Japanese tourists were rated the best for their cleanliness, politeness, and uncomplaining attitudes.
In top-to-bottom order, Expedia ranked the best overall tourists as being from Japan, Britain, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Australia, Sweden, the U.S., and Denmark.
How about it, Caribbean travel people -- Do you agree?
Cayman Brac on Comeback Trail
Thursday July 9, 2009
The opening of the new 31-room Alexander Hotel heralds the return of Cayman Brac, which was battered last year by Hurricane Paloma,
Travel Weekly reports.
The island suffered extensive damage from the storm, with tourism put on hold as resorts and other infrastructure were rebuilt and repaired. In addition to the Alexander -- which is located at Salt Water Pond -- the Brac Beach Resort is reportedly on schedule to reopen in November, and the Carib Sands Beach Resort also plans to reopen later this year, according to Travel Weekly.
More Information on Travel to the Cayman Islands
Seaborn Unveils New Luxury Cruise Ship
Friday July 3, 2009
The Seaborn cruise line last week launched the Seabourn Odyssey, billed as an "ultra-luxury" addition to the line's fleet of "yachts."
The 32,000-ton vessel can accommodate 450 guests in 225 luxury suites -- most with verandas -- and features the "largest spa on any luxury yacht, four restaurants and a host of luxury amenities," according to company officials.
The spa is indeed large -- 11,400 square feet -- and features a hydropool, Kinesis wall, herbal steam rooms, and two spa villas with private balconies. The ships have 11 decks with two outdoor pools, six whirlpools, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and more.
The Seabourn Odyssey will debut in the Mediterranean but will sail Caribbean itineraries during the winter 2009/10 season.
More Information on Seabourn
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