Search Results forPacific Pearl
PONANT Pulls Out of Paspaley Pearl Sailings in the Kimberley
In a surprising turn of events, luxury cruise line PONANT has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated Paspaley Pearl sailings in the Kimberley region. This decision marks the end of a promising partnership between PONANT and the renowned South Sea pearling company, Paspaley. The End of a Promising Partnership The Paspaley Pearl by PONANT was set to debut on January 10, 2025, offering an exclusive and intimate cruising experience with just 30 guests on board. The ship was designed to provide unparalleled access to some of the most remote and beautiful destinations in the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, and East Indonesia. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the project has been shelved. In a statement, Deb Corbett, PONANT’s CEO for Asia Pacific, expressed regret over the cancellation: “The PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT project is not proceeding. PONANT remains dedicated to exploring the Kimberley, Australia’s Far North, Papua New Guinea, and East Indonesia with over 40 explorations on PONANT’s Le Soleal and Le Jacques Cartier over the next two years.” Impact on Guests and Travel Partners Guests who had booked the Paspaley Pearl sailings have been notified and will receive a full refund or a travel credit with additional savings for future PONANT cruises. PONANT has assured that all travel agent commissions, and advertising costs will be fully protected. Paspaley Pearl expressed disappointment over the cancellation, highlighting the planned unique experiences, including exclusive access to pearl farms during harvest and seeding seasons. The boutique size of the ship was expected to unlock numerous destinations in the Kimberley that larger ships could not access. Looking Ahead Despite this setback, PONANT continues to innovate and develop new experiences for its guests. The company remains committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences and exploring some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. With the continued operation of Le Soleal and Le Jacques Cartier, PONANT aims to maintain its presence in the Kimberley and beyond. For those affected by the cancellation, PONANT’s customer service team is available to assist with rebooking and exploring alternative itineraries. The company looks forward to welcoming guests on board its other luxurious vessels and continuing its tradition of excellence in expedition cruising. Stay tuned for more updates and future announcements from PONANT as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of luxury travel.
Ponant Paspaley Pearl to sail To In Kimberley
According to Ponant’s Chair Asia Pacific, Sarina Bratton AM, the company’s recent partnership with pearling company Paspaley to launch the new Paspaley Pearl (“marks a milestone in the development of boutique expedition travel”). Bratton, in announcing the 30-passenger luxury vessel, said the ship would offer a “new and different standard of excellence in this pristine region.” “This venture is a testament to our joint commitment to sharing unique and exclusive experiences with discerning travellers, given our long-standing relationship and vast combined experience.” Nicholas Paspaley AC, Paspaley Executive Chairman, said, “Sharing the routes that my crew and I pioneered in the 1970s onboard our peal luggers will provide wonderful opportunities for guests.” Ponant and Paspaley have a combined 85 years of experience in the Kimberley region and remote maritime experiences.” Formerly sailing with the now-defunct Island Escape Cruises, the Paspaley Pearl will be the first boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies. For about $5.5 million, or approximately a tenth of the estimated price of the ship that was delivered in 2021, Paspaley won the auction. Offering journeys to the Kimberley, Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands in Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, Paspaley Pearl will operate locally all year round. The ship’s debut season in the Kimberley will begin in June 2024, and bookings will open in November
Pan Pacific Singapore unveils Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore, the flagship property of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, has unveiled Pacific Emporium, a new dining and retail space that is home to authentic local flavours, artisanal produce, and specially curated gifting options from local brands and designers. Pacific Emporium features four distinct areas, The Kitchen, The Bar, The Deli, and The Gifting, each offering different experiences that encapsulate the Panache of Singapore. With a vibrant open space bedecked with fresh produce, plush and inviting seating choices, and elegant marble accents, Pacific Emporium combines a touch of luxury with warm comfort, creating a welcoming destination for all hotel guests. Pacific Emporium is open daily from 8:00am to 11:00pm, with last orders at 10:30pm. The Kitchen – A Celebration of Singapore’s Diverse Culinary Heritage A gastronomic tour of Singaporean flavours awaits at The Kitchen, with a menu that boasts a mixture of traditional recipes and beloved hawker favourites. Conceptualised by award-winning Executive Chef Nicholas Shadbolt, the menu offerings showcase the best of Singapore’s fare, from timeless classics to new favourites. Signature Menu Items Peranakan Wagyu Beef Burger – A surprising but sublime combination of a classic cheeseburger with fish otah and ginger-infused lemongrass mayonnaise. Braised Pork Belly Burger – An homage to the kong bak bao, with pillowy buns and fork-tender meat, encompassed by an Asian slaw and cilantro mayonnaise. Heritage Chicken Rice – A hearty serving of Singapore’s national dish with fragrant rice, moist steamed chicken and assorted condiments from minced ginger to the iconic garlic chilli sauce. • Lobster Laksa – Indulge in a beloved Singaporean classic, elevated to new heights – our Laksa, now adorned with an opulent layer of succulent lobster meat, complementing the rich coconut gravy. The Bar – Imbibe in Infusions and Concoctions Featuring Singaporean Flavours Quench your thirst at The Bar with an assemblage of beverages from original blends with local twists, to freshly pressed juices, each named after colloquial ‘Singlish’ slang. The menu includes explanations of each term, to bring foreign guests a little taste of Singaporean culture from the comfort of the hotel. Signature Menu Items Boba-Cane – A unique beverage bringing together new and old favourites, with fresh sugarcane juice accompanied by your choice of topping, from white pearls, grass jelly and more. Die Die Must Try – A selection from the “Fizz-ical” menu. The concoction combines the delicate sweetness of fermented peach with a hint of spice and aromatics from pink peppercorn and basil. Catch No Ball – A selection from the “Fizz-ical” menu. A delightful mix of the richness of cherry and acidity of lime with the earthy tones of clove and cinnamon. The Deli – A Discovery of Epicurean Treasures from Sweet to Savoury A cornucopia of exquisite delights adorns the counters at The Deli, with fine charcuterie and handmade sausages from the in-house Pan Pacific Butchery helmed by Master Butcher Haiko Mayer, along with carefully sourced gourmet cheeses, freshly baked pastries, and a selection of the finest patisserie. Signature Menu Item Sakura – Delicate and aromatic ingredients meld together to form an exquisite teacake, with soft black sesame sponge and airy Sakura mousse. Singapore’s creativity and craftmanship shine at The Gifting In lieu of a traditional gift shop, Pacific Emporium seamlessly blends retail offerings into the dining space, highlighting Singaporean designers and producers through a selection of unique high-end designs, accessories, food products, and souvenirs that embodies Singapore's heart and artistry. Conceived in partnership with Singapore Fashion Council’s (SFC) platform, Design Orchard, The Gifting is furnished with the best of local brands. Artfully arranged on fixtures by LA Design, one of Design Orchard’s partner brands, retail items are displayed throughout the Pacific Emporium space for guests to peruse at their leisure. With a mission to empower and inspire Singapore brands, the SFC collaborates closely with diverse partners, such as Pan Pacific Singapore, unlocking new opportunities for impactful growth. Design Orchard’s vision to provide homegrown brands with the opportunity to showcase their creativity to the world fuses beautifully with the Pacific Emporium space, bringing the Panache of Singapore to life. Signature Brands Coconese – COCOONESE was created to showcase the beauty of handmade masterpieces. They are committed to creating exquisite and unique women's bags with designs that are representative of Asian culture. COCOONESE's products are hand-made in Singapore. All their bags are lovingly sewn and hand-stitched, as a result, their stocks are very limited, which also makes each design unique. Strait Lights – Inspired by Singapore’s city of villages, Strait Lights is a luxury design studio creating unique products to elevate everyday life and celebrate the place we call home. Inspired by Singapore’s city of villages, Strait Lights is a design studio that creates luxury scents and lifestyle goods that celebrate life in the Lion City. Made slowly by hand, our products are filled with soul and subtle details. Everything we create is intended to strengthen the connection between people and place and celebrate the quiet but evocative message of belonging. The Animal Project – The Animal Project (TAP) is a social enterprise which celebrates, showcases, and supports the abilities of persons and artists with special needs. Its beautifully designed range of products include art pieces, gifts, home and lifestyle products. They are embellished with animal illustrations drawn by artists with special needs. The artists earn royalties through the sale of these products. TAP also provides employment to persons with special needs.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific expands presence in Vietnam and Thailand
Wyndham Danang Golden Bay Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 1,600 hotels in approximately 20 markets and territories in Asia Pacific proudly unveiled its 13th and 14th hotel in Vietnam on 30th December 2022. The first marquee hotel is the Wyndham Danang Golden Bay. Standing at 29-stories tall, the hotel is the 1st hotel for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in Danang and the 13th hotel in the country. In addition, this is the second hotel that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts opened with Hoa Binh Group; the first being Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake, signifying the strong partnership and high levels of trust between both parties. The hotel has 949 rooms comprising of presidential suites, 2-bedroom suites and guestrooms. Upon entering the magnificent property, guests will be awed by a 24k gold-plated display of the 10 wonders of the modern world located in the main hall. Guests can immerse themselves in a lap of luxury by taking a dip in the 24k gold-plated infinity-edged swimming pool while admiring the sunrise and sunset over the coast. Strategically located within a 5km range of the historic Han River and the iconic My Khe Beach, guests can explore the wonders of Danang – with spectacular architecture and scenic views such as the Dragon’s Bridge, Cham Museum and Son Tra Peninsula awaiting them. Additionally, the hotel has a 408-metre square ballroom, making it ideal for hosting business conferences and events. The property is a 20-minute drive from Danang International Airport and provides great accessibility for arriving and departing guests alike. Heading north towards Việt Trì, the capital city of Phú Thọ province, the second property in Vietnam to be unveiled is Wyndham Vuon Vua Thanh Thuy. Surrounded by lush vegetation, fresh air, and picturesque views of Lotus Lake, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat for guests, away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Fusing European country architecture with modern amenities, guests can relax in one of the stylishly designed villas which surround the different lotus lakes, or soak in the soothing waters of the hot mineral pools located in the middle of the resort. As they step out of the resort, guests can explore nearby attractions such as Lang Suong Temple, K9 Da Chong Monument and Green Pearl Island Tourist Area. With its 400-metre square meeting space, golf and entertainment, spa wellness facilities, the hotel is well poised to cater to both business and leisure travellers alike. Located in Southern Thailand, Phuket is the biggest island of Thailand and is surrounded by magnificent beaches such as Rawai and Patong. Wyndham La Vita Phuket opened its doors to guests on 21 December 2022. Designed as one of the island’s stylish playground, guests and their families can retreat into this futuristic hideaway with calming water features and lush landscaping. With 516 spacious rooms, guests have the option to select rooms with views overlooking the gardens, swimming pool or the Andaman Sea. Heading out of the resort, guests can easily enjoy seafood cuisine at the nearby Rawai seafood market. The property is Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific’s 9th hotel in Phuket. It joins the Wyndham family of brands including Wyndham Grand, Wyndham, Ramada by Wyndham, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, and Days Hotel by Wyndham, providing a wide range of quality accommodation for leisure and business travellers to Phuket. Ben Schumacher, Vice President of Operations South East Asia & Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts said, “With the openings of Wyndham Danang Golden Bay, Wyndham Vuon Vua Thanh Thuy and Wyndham La Vita Phuket, we look forward to welcoming our new and returning guests from around the world with our iconic “Count on Me” service culture. Looking ahead, Vietnam and Thailand continue to be strategic markets for us, and we will continue to grow our presence throughout this year and in those to come. We remain committed to fulfilling our mission of making hotel travel possible for all, by providing high-quality hotels in sought-after destinations, catering to both business and leisure travellers alike.”
Marriott International signs agreement with Vinpearl to add eight hotels in Vietnam
Marriott International, Inc. has announced a strategic agreement with Vinpearl, Vietnam's largest hospitality and leisure chain, to convert and develop close to 2,200 rooms across eight hotels in Vietnam - significantly expanding its portfolio of world-class hotels and resorts in the country. This collaboration expects to see the debut of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand in the country, while other planned openings span the following brands: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and Four Points by Sheraton. “The Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection is expected to debut as Vietnam’s first Autograph Collection hotel. The hotel is in a 461-meter tower on the banks of the Saigon River” “The Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection is expected to debut as Vietnam’s first Autograph Collection hotel. The hotel is in a 461-meter tower on the banks of the Saigon River” "We are thrilled to be working with Vinpearl to accelerate our growth in Vietnam," said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. "With the country's solid foundation for a resilient economy, and continuous growth of its infrastructure especially in the tourism sector, we are confident this collaboration will enable us to better cater to our guests' needs." Of the eight hotels, six are conversions that are expected to be part of Marriott's system later this year: Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection is expected to serve as Vietnam's first Autograph Collection hotel. The lifestyle hotel will join a diverse and dynamic collection of over 260 independent hotels around the globe hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspective on design and hospitality. Currently known as Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81, the hotel is set high up in a gleaming 461-meter tower on the banks of the Saigon River and is anticipated to feature 223 rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, 12 function spaces, a business centre, spa, outdoor pool, and fitness centre. Danang Marriott Resort & Spa is expected to fly the Marriott Hotels brand flag following the rebranding of Vinpearl Luxury Danang. Nestled on Non Nuoc Beach, close to downtown Danang, the retreat is anticipated to feature 200 rooms and suites, 39 villas with a modern, residential design, and locally-inspired accents, catering to providing guests with enriching experiences alongside its signature spaces and heartfelt service. Design plans call for five different food and beverage outlets, eight event spaces, an infinity pool, a spa, a kids club, tennis court and a wealth of water sports, including a dive centre. Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is situated on the west coast of Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, and is a rapidly emerging tourism hotspot. Rebranded from the existing Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, the resort is anticipated to feature 500 modern and residential rooms, suites, and villas, three food and beverage outlets, extensive conference space, three pools, a spa, and a kids club. Sheraton Hai Phong, currently known as Vinpearl Hotel Imperial, Hai Phong, is expected to become one of the city's top choices for business and leisure travellers and a hub for conferences and events in the centre of Vietnam's largest port city. The property is anticipated to feature 362 modern, residential rooms and suites, four food and beverage outlets, a ballroom and four function spaces, a pool, spa and fitness center. Sheraton Can Tho expects to be a landmark property in the thriving Mekong Delta city. Currently operating as the Vinpearl Hotel Can Tho, the 262-key hotel is set on the banks of the Can Tho River, surrounded by multiple attractions. Guests can unwind at the restaurant, lobby lounge, terrace café and outdoor swimming pool with pool bar. There is also extensive event space, including a grand ballroom. Four Points by Sheraton Lang Son is a 21-story hotel in the heart of the charming northern city of Lang Son, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. Currently known as the Vinpearl Hotel Lang Son, it is expected to become the first internationally branded hotel in the city. The hotel is anticipated to feature 127 rooms and suites, four food and beverage venues, a spa and a ballroom, all catering to the needs of today's everyday traveller through its vintage modern design, stylish comfort, authentic sense of the local, and genuine service. Two new-build hotels are expected to open in 2025 – the Sheraton Vinh and Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang. Both are located in unique locations promising to attract not only domestic but also international travellers. Marriott International currently operates 10 hotels and resorts in Vietnam. The company recently announced its plans to more than quadruple its portfolio in Vietnam with a signed pipeline of 30 hotels. Today's announcement brings the company's pipeline in Vietnam close to 40 hotels. As a leading tourism - resort - entertainment brand in Vietnam, Vinpearl currently operates 35 hotels and resorts spanning 17 cities and provinces, with a total of more than 18,500 hotel rooms and villas. The cooperation with Marriott International is part of Vinpearl's strategy to advance and internationalize the brand in the hospitality field. This perfect combination expects to elevate domestic and foreign tourists' diverse experiences through Vinpearl's signature local 'all-in-one' complexes and world-class standard services by an international prestigious hotel company.
Hello Pearl of the Orient! Courtyard by Marriott makes debut in Malaysia with Penang property
Courtyard by Marriott has announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Penang – the first Courtyard debut in Malaysia. Located along the bustling Jalan Macalister in the heart of Penang’s UNESCO-listed George Town, the new 199-room hotel is set to provide the best hotel experience so guests can pursue their personal and professional passions while on the road. “We are thrilled to continue to grow our presence in Malaysia with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Penang,” said Rajeev Menon, president of Asia Pacific (excluding China) in Marriott International. “Designed for today’s ambitious and enterprising traveller, the opening of the property marks Marriott International’s 17th brand in Malaysia and further compliments our growing footprint in the country.” Famed for its cultural heritage, historic charm, and palm-fringed beaches, Penang is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is known as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’. The new hotel features rooms and suites designed to be smart and spacious, boasting 360 unobstructed views of Georgetown and the Straits of Malacca. Each room is fitted with thoughtful amenities and come with high technology equipment and an ergonomic work area, perfect for business or leisure travellers. The public spaces are inviting and flexible to stimulate ideas, along with a business centre in the lobby with everything guests need to move forward. The hotel offers one signature dining venue, and a bar that serves up a vast selection of drinks.
“Kissed by the gentle sea breeze”: Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach GM on the Pearl of the Andaman Sea
On a glorious April morning, I had had the opportunity to fly down to Thailand's largest island, Phuket, to spend a couple of nights on the sun-drenched tropical idyll as a guest of the spectacularly placed Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach (watch this space for my full review of this special property) overlooking the Andaman Sea. As I swanned around the hotel, delighting in the beachfront location, and the dense jungle -- which frames the resort, lending it an almost dreamlike quality where serene luxury meets proterozoic plantlife creating a unique vibe which will linger with me for years to come -- I had the opportunity to speak to Gerd Kotlorz, the charismatic GM of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, to discover what sets it apart from the competition, MICE and weddings and a whole lot more. How does the property stand out from the crowd in such a busy market like Phuket? There are several factors, including our location, our awards and our hospitality. Our location: Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach offers accessible seclusion. We are the only international five-star hotel on the secluded northern stretch of Nai Yang Beach. We have a stretch of private beach surrounded by Sirinath National Park, but we are also just fifteen minutes away from Phuket International Airport. This makes us the ideal destination for quick beachfront breaks and destination weddings, as it allows all guests to travel with ease. We take advantage of our beachfront location with our 15 luxurious pool villas, which are located directly on the sand. Our awards: We have won multiple awards for our design and services. These include Thailand’s Best Interior Design Hotel, Thailand’s Best Wedding Venue and Asia’s Best Wedding Venue at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2018. Most prestigiously, we won the title of Best International Wedding Venue in the world at the International Hotel Awards 2017. Our hospitality: We aim to offer “authenticity with a twist of today.” Our exceptional service is something we are always proud of; we aim to provide personalized services while inspiring our guests to “Travel Brilliantly,” in line with Marriott’s global standards. With our lush landscaped gardens and extensive facilities including restaurants, bars, tropical pools and the Quan Spa, overlooking the golden beach and azure Andaman Sea, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach is perfect for every type of stay, from romantic couple’s retreats to family vacations and beachfront events, including weddings. Can you describe, in your own words, the design theme and visual appeal of the location? Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach is a stunning low-rise property that combines contemporary style with classical Thai elements to deliver the ultimate beach resort experience. We aim to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, including Sirinath National Park and the Andaman Sea, through semi-alfresco spaces. This allows guests to be kissed by the gentle sea breeze and showcases the authentic beauty and spirit of our destination. MICE facilities are an important component for hotels and resorts, what kind of facilities do you have for meetings, events and weddings? We have three meeting rooms and several outdoor spaces, allowing us to host a wide variety of different events, from corporate gatherings to destination weddings. Our Paksa Sawan Ballroom can host up to 104 guests with a choice of set-up options, while the 56-guest Leelawadee function room and 25-guest Thipmontha Board Room present options for more intimate events. All our indoor function spaces are supported by high-tech audio-visual equipment. Events are our resort come to life, however, when they are hosted in our idyllic outdoor areas. Beautiful Nai Yang Beach, the Andaman Sea and Sirinath National Park provide the perfect backdrop to any event, especially as the sun sets over the ocean. This stunning scene also creates an amazing setting for event videos and photography. Being a resort destination, we also provide plenty of activities outside the meeting room, including CSR projects and local area activities that all delegates will enjoy. We work with many local wedding suppliers, including photography, videography, decorations, entertainment and other tailor-made enhancements. Our F&B team can also create a wide choice of catering options, including exquisite alfresco receptions and beachfront dinners. As mentioned earlier, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach won the title of Best International Wedding Venue in the world at the International Hotel Awards 2017. To-date, we have hosted 47 weddings, mostly from Thailand, China and Hong Kong. We can host many types of ceremony, including Indian, Chinese, Western and Thai weddings. And what kind of support do you have in place? Everything we do at the hotel is underpinned by great teamwork. We provide genuine Thai hospitality and deliver outstanding service and experiences to all guests. There are also technological demands, especially among MICE groups, so we need to be fully equipped with the latest technology and be able to connect our event planners with the best suppliers on the island. Essentially, we want to provide a “one-stop service” for all of our customers. What is your favourite part of the hotel and why? The views of Nai Yang Beach and the Andaman Sea from our lobby are hard to beat. It is the first impression guests are greeted with upon arrival and it really helps to relax the mind. This welcome experience is helped by our Thai herbal drink, “Bugha Anda” - a secret recipe that includes butterfly pea flowers and other healthy leaves. This will open your senses and taste buds, reflecting the enchanting experience that awaits at our resort. The natural scenery of Nai Yang Beach and Sirinath National Park create the perfect setting for a hideaway holiday, which we hope to enhance with our outstanding service and facilities. What are your plans for the hotel? One of our core pillars this year is to be “Doing great in every direction,” in according with Marriott International Serve360 campaign. As such, we will be rolling out a series of CSR initiatives this year. For example: We will continue to participate in a mangrove planting project, which has already helped to plant an incredible 24,000 mangrove saplings across 5.4 hectares of coastal land in Phang Nga province, neighbouring Phuket. We are also taking action to reduce plastic waste, including a campaign to eliminate plastic bags and drinking straws. The resort has helped to educate local schoolchildren about the important issue of road safety through its Helmet Painting Project – a campaign that will continue in the future, as we aim to save the lives of young people in Phuket and beyond. Finally, we will continue to partner with Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort in Phuket to support local sporting events, including King of the Mountain races, cycling events, triathlons and more.
Top 5 Tips to Visiting Pearl Harbor
Visiting a national park or monument is always special, but there is nothing quite like spending a day at Pearl Harbor, just two miles from the Honolulu airport on the island of Oahu. Paying tribute to the service men and women and civilians who died at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 is inspirational. Here is how to make the most of it: 1. Getting Tickets If you take your own car versus having a tour pick-up from your hotel, drop someone off while you park the car so they can get ferry boat tickets. Only 1,300 tickets are given out daily. Because no one knows how much energy they will have two months in advance or what the weather will be on any given vacation day, arranging a tour or deciding to visit Pearl Harbor can be done when the mood and weather is right. If you like to plan things and assure admission, online reservations are available 60 days in advance at www.recreation.gov . Up to 12 tickets per person are available online. Admission is FREE (your tax dollars at work), which offers welcome relief to a vacation budget. 2. Have Your Coffee Before You go There are limited food facilities onboard, so grabbing your cup of Kona coffee, tea, juice, and breakfast is a must. While there are hot dogs, sandwiches, and snacks to fill the void, but there isn’t a restaurant on the Arizona. If you want to bring your own food, you can enjoy it in the Visitor Center. 3. Getting Ready for the Day You can’t carry anything larger than what will fit in the palm of your hand on to government sites any longer for security reasons. This will require that you wear something with pockets to hold your cash and credit cards. You may only carry a bottle of clear water. Small lockers rent for $3 if you don’t know this and come to the admissions area with a contraband purse or backpack. Comfortable shoes are key because the grounds and vessels are huge. 4. Audio and Video Tour Get your return ferry tickets before you do much else once you get on board so that you aren’t standing in line for them later when your feet are tired and your energy may be flagging. You may stand by for an earlier ferry if you finish touring before your chosen exit time, but at least you will have a ticket to get out. Just like taking a city tour when visiting a new city or country, watching the video to get oriented in historical places and national parks is a wise starting point, so start there. There is a 23-minute video showing regularly in the Arizona auditorium, which should be your first stop. Do invest the small fee ($7.50 in 2017) for the audio tour. It will add valuable information and enhance your experience. It is available in many languages. You control whether you look at every item in the order they have it or just areas of interest to you. It isn’t practical to share a headset. Get your own. 5. Four Sites to See and It All Takes Time The Arizona is the main draw for a Pearl Harbor visit. While everyone favors peace on the planet, learning about the tales and accomplishments of the 900-foot-long battleship and its important service in World War II will impress. The systems required to feed and house over 1,000 men and women is daunting. The technology of the time led the way and is still in use in some cases. The scope and size of the vessels built in record time to meet the demands of war pay tribute to American ingenuity and the power of the governmental purse. Visitors come away awe-inspired. It is sobering to see the Arizona and know all of the people who died in it are still there. The airy, sunlit hall with the contemporarily cut windows where names of all of the company casualties are engraved pays beautiful tribute to those lost in the bombing on that fateful December day. Any of the company who were fortunate enough to not be on board at the time of the bombing can ask to be buried with their shipmates. The Arizona is opened whenever a WW II veteran on the company list wants to be buried at sea with their pals. Survivors of the day are often onboard the Arizona to share stories and take a picture with you. The USS Missouri The “Mighty Mo” can be explored on your own or on one of the two daily tours or with an audio guide. Shuttle buses from the Visitor Center get you there. You will see where WWII actually ended on this vessel. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park offers a glimpse into what it was like to live on a submarine in the World War II era. Access to this is also near the Visitor’s Center. The Pacific Aviation Museum houses vintage aircraft and offers a flight simulator. Use this link to get more fully oriented: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m621PsbfIOc . People often say that words don’t adequately describe a place or circumstances. Pearl Harbor is one of those. The phrase about being proud to be an American where you know you are free will have new meaning after a visit to this hallowed site. Beth Holt is a contributing editor to Travel Daily Media, USA. She is an experienced traveler and author
CMV takes delivery of their new flagship Columbus
Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) has this week taken delivery of their new flagship Columbus in Singapore. The ship had arrived at the Singapore Cruise Centre under her P&O Cruises Australia livery as Pacific Pearl at the end of her farewell voyage from Australia before transferring to the Sembcorp Marine Shipyard to complete the handover formalities as the re-named and re-flagged Columbus . Chris Coates, Commercial Director at CMV said “We are delighted to have taken delivery of this fine traditional cruise ship and look forward to comencing cruise operations under the CMV flag. This follows some reburbishment and lounge adaptation works before her official Naming Ceremony in London Tilbury on Thursday 8th June 2017. Columbus will homeport in London Tilbury year round with a 31,000 passenger capacity programme and her introduction to the CMV fleet has attracted unprecedented interest with very strong bookings being recorded both during her debut season and further ahead to 2018”. Over 300 crew members and 100 specialist outfitters are completing the required maritime formalities including re-classification and provisioning works before embarking on a ballast voyage via the Suez Canal to the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam. During the voyage the refurbishment works will continue with completion in Europe including her re-livery works. Columbus is scheduled to arrive in Tilbury on Monday 5 June ahead of the Naming Cermony and overnight gala dinner and launch party. Her debut season also includes luncheon and overnight consumer and trade showcase events on Friday 9/10 June before Columbus commences her CMV maiden cruise season which starts on Sunday 11 June with a 3 night cruise to Amsterdam and Antwerp. The lounge adaptation works include the existing children’s areas and teenage centre being converted into the Columbus Observation Lounge, Trumps & Aces Card & Bridge Room, the Ship’s Library and a Crafter’s Studio. The existing large casino is also being scaled down into a combined Captain’s Club & Casino while the existing Captain’s Lounge will be changed into the Taverner’s Pub.
Meliá Hotels International adds Kobi Onsen Resort Hue to Asian portfolio
Meliá Hotels International formalised an agreement with Vietnamese hotel management firm BB Group Hospitality to bring Kobi Onsen Resort Hue into its Asian portfolio. Meliá Hotels International chairman and CEO Gabriel Escarrer stated: “Through BB Group, we are continuing to grow our presence in the country with trusted partners who are also passionate about building the tourism industry in Vietnam in a sustainable manner. Following the Meliá Vinpearl Hue, this unique hot spring resort is Meliá’s second hotel in Hue and its 20th hotel in Vietnam. The company began managing the property under the name of Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá on 1st September. It will then undergo a rebranding process over the next 12 months, emerging as Meliá Hue Kobi Onsen Resort next year. Meliá’s management director for the Asia-Pacific Ignacio Martin said the latest addition to the portfolio aligns with one of the company’s key values: ensuring the overall wellbeing of guests. Martin said: “Through properties like Kobi Onsen Resort Hue we are helping raise awareness of the importance of living a balanced life while also showing our passion for caring for all our guests' wellbeing on a holistic level.” A comforting destination Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá is located on the outskirts of Vietnam's former capital, close enough to explore the Imperial City but far enough away to reap the benefits of the property's serene and healing setting. Tapping into the natural mineral-rich hot springs of My An, the main draw of this spacious 155-key resort is its broad range of curative waters, along with wellness facilities and treatments that draw inspiration from the region. In addition to a traditional onsen with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths separated by gender, the resort features a range of wellbeing facilities, including a steam bath, soda bath, dry sauna, and Himalayan salt sauna. Wellness treatments integrate oriental medicine and massage practices once used by the royal family in Hue, as well as herbal treatments used by the Red Yao people, who are renowned for their healing herbal baths. The resort features tranquil Japanese-style gardens and the largest koi pond in Hue designed to offer a feeling of serenity. The Japanese carp within the waters symbolise good fortune and good luck. Other wellbeing offerings include an outdoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness centre and a golf simulator.
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