Carnival Magic to have pub, Italian specialty restaurant

By: Johanna Jainchill

August 24, 2010

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic will feature the first ropes course at sea as well as Carnival Cruise Lines' first pub, serving its own private-label beer.

Calling the 130,000-ton ship its most innovative to date, Carnival said the Magic would have an outdoor sports complex with a ropes course, an outdoor weightlifting area and a giant water dump bucket.

The ship will also feature a new specialty restaurant, Cucina del Capitano, or the Captain’s Kitchen. Carnival says the restaurant pays homage to the Italian lineage of its captains and recognizes that its ships were built in Italy.

Carnival’s first Italian specialty restaurant will feature recipes selected by Carnival’s captains as well as archival photography from their personal collections. Dinner will carry a surcharge. During the day, the space will be utilized as a complimentary made-to-order pasta bar.

The Carnival RedFrog Pub will have a Caribbean vibe, said Carnival, and serve ThirstyFrog Red, a private-label draft beer. The100-seat indoor/outdoor pub also will feature a Caribbean menu and Caribbean rums.

"With a nod to Carnival Magic’s Caribbean itineraries which kick off in November 2011, RedFrog Pub’s décor is decidedly British West Indies meets Key West, evoking the warmth and friendliness of a local island watering hole," Carnival said.

Check out all our Carnival cruise specials on www.wilcoxtravel.com .

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Salzburg, Austria is located right beside the German border and has breathtaking views of the nearby Alps. Much like the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the town sits on flat land with huge mountains right behind it, making for a beautiful sight.

Salzburg is a very lively town with a lot going on. The city is split by a river separating the old and new. The old town of Salzburg features most of the 20+ churches in the town and is home to the most popular shopping district. With some buildings built into the rock cliff hundreds of years ago, there is always something very interesting to see.

Opposite of the old town is the newer side with buses, cars, taxis, and more shopping. Regardless of which side of the river you find yourself on, there is always something to do and beautiful scenery surrounding you. Luckily, Salzburg is along the way during one of our Passion Play tours so you won't miss out on this amazing city. 

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If you are thinking about a Passion Play tour with Wilcox Travel, consider the Austrian Itinerary. This particular tip will included visits to palaces and old towns throughout Austria and the Austrian Alps.

This tour begins in the city of Vienna and includes tours of St. Stephen's Cathedral, a guided tour of the city, Schonbrunn palace, and more. Vienna is a beautiful city and a wonderful place to enjoy. If you can't make it on one of our Passion Play tours, you should make time in the future to visit this city!

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To think of traveling half way around the world for a play can be overwhelming. Passion plays are very common by churches all over the world. Therefore, a question so frequently asked is, "what's so special about Oberammergau?" Take my personal experience as an example of just how special a trip to Oberammergau can be.

Traveling to a refreshing destination is always good fun. Even luckier are those like myself who get paid to do this for a living. Coming out of college, I was looking forward to a long summer of sun and laziness. Soon after my plans had been made, I received a phone call from "upper management" at Wilcox Travel and Tours/American Express and immediately my plans were changed.

Four exams and 20 days later, I am sitting  in the Turmwirt Hotel, in the middle of Oberammergau, Germany. I am anxiously waiting to see the second half of the 2010 Passion Play. Along my trip, which began 9 days ago, I have encountered some of the most wonderful people I never would have met otherwise. Everyone from tour guides to the bus driver have been friendlier than I could have imagined. The best part is, the relationships I have made with other people on the tour, the bus driver, and the family owners of the Turmwirt Hotel are all additional to the inclusions of the tour.

Aside from the relationships are some of the world's most beautiful and famous places. Tours of palaces, churches, castles, and old cities are all included along with breakfast and dinner every day. Every morning I have woken up excited to see something new, ready to see the next European village and learn its history. With every day getting closer and closer to Oberammergau and the Passion Play, it makes arriving here that much sweeter.

Understanding the purpose of the play is what makes this one so special. Way back in the 1600's Europe was being hit by the Black Plague. Luckily, with controlled borders, the town of Oberammergau was surviving the plague until a local townsman brought it back with him. Unfortunately, a chain reaction began and the town was no longer safe. Towns people bean to die from the plague and after losing 1/4 of the town, the villagers came together and vowed to God that they would preform a Passion Play every 10 years if he would spare the town. After their vow, no more townspeople died from the plague and they knew they must keep their promise. Like the wonderful people they are, the town of Oberammergau has kept this promise with a Passion Play taking place every 10 years. A wonderful and honest story about this village's past keeps this play going as it is passed from generation to generation. There are people in town who have taken part in 7 and 8 plays throughout their lifetime. To read this story and to experience it are two different things, as I have done both and it is hard to fully understand until you are here.

I have now been here in Oberammergau for two days and have continuously spoke to friendly townspeople who are also excited about the summer season the Passion Play brings with it. Beginning at 2:30 in the afternoon and ending at 10:30 at night, the play is long but also very accurate. There is a 3 hour intermission for dinner and some time to relax which I am enduring right now. The entire play is in  German, but don't worry because an English translation is provided with your ticket.

Are you ready for the good news? This year, unlike all years past there are tickets available and I might add the seats are the best in the house. Visit Wilcox Travel's Passion Play Website at www.passion-play.com and check out the tour dates. I encourage you to take a look and if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call. I would be more than happy to personally tell you about my experience and help in any way I can.

 

Tyler Wilcox-Marketing Department
Wilcox World Travel and Tours/American Express
www.wilcoxtravel.com

828-254-0746 Ext. 317

 

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After months of great anticipation, Sandals Emerald Bay , Great Exuma, Bahamas officially opens its doors, welcoming guests to another new and exciting Luxury Included® vacation destination. Following a soft-opening on January 22, 2010, the resort additionally hosted more than 30 top tour operators and travel agents for a first-hand look at the newest property in the Sandals Resorts portfolio.

“This is an exciting moment in the history of Sandals Resorts,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts.  “For years we have been committed to providing the very best Luxury Included® experience in the Caribbean, and the grand opening of our latest resort only further proves our dedication to exceeding our guests’ expectations. Sandals Emerald Bay sits on one of the most spectacular beaches in the region, and we are thrilled to be able to share this piece of paradise.  We look forward to welcoming new and returning Sandals Resorts guests for years to come.”

 

In addition to the grand opening, guests traveling to the highly acclaimed, all-new Sandals Emerald Bay have extra reason to celebrate with the resort’s Companion Flies Free, Up to 65 Percent Off and Free Night promotions.  Vacationers traveling to Sandals Emerald Bay who book a minimum four-night Luxury Included® stay will receive complimentary airfare for their companion for travel until December 22, 2010.* In addition to the Companion Flies Free promotion, guests who book a minimum seven-night stay at Sandals Emerald Bay by February 18, 2010 will also receive up to 65 percent off regular rack rates and one night free.  

 

Acquired in summer 2009, Sandals Emerald Bay , Great Exuma, Bahamas is a former Four Seasons, and now the 14th Sandals Resort in the Caribbean. Expanding on the company’s Luxury Included® concept, Sandals Emerald Bay is the first Sandals Resort to offer a Greg Norman-designed golf course, world-class marina and professionally-trained butlers in all 183 beachfront rooms and suites.  Additionally, the new Sandals Emerald Bay , set on one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful Out Islands, offers gourmet dining in a choice of five à la carte restaurants, premium brand wine and spirits, land and watersports including six Har-tru tennis courts all lit for night play, airport transfers and gratuities.  An exclusive 16,000 sq. ft. Red Lane® Spa is also available to guests, featuring 17 treatment rooms and premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region.  

For more information, or to book a Luxury Included® vacation at the new Sandals Emerald Bay , Great Exuma, Bahamas, please call Wilcox World Travel and Tours @ 1-800-438-5828 and ask to speak to Fred Reed our Platinum Certified Sandals Specialist.

*Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) yesterday issued a new rule that significantly strengthens protections afforded to airline passengers. One important ruling included the establishment of a three-hour time limit after which U.S. airlines must allow passengers to deplane delayed domestic flights. The rule also requires airlines to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of an aircraft being delayed.

Wilcox World Travel and Tours/American Express CEO Wallace Wilcox said, "We are glad at the decision of the Department Of Transportation (DOT) for standing up for airline passengers who are stranded in extended tarmac delays. We endorsed federal legislation in August to provide passengers with basic standards of customer service in these infrequent but unacceptable situations. We are now pleased to see DOT's leadership in issuing these landmark regulations to protect passengers and accomplish one of Wilcox Travel's main policy goals."

The new rule also includes:

• Prohibits airlines from scheduling chronically delayed flights, subjecting those who do to DOT enforcement action for unfair and deceptive practices;
   
• Requires airlines to designate an airline employee to monitor the effects of flight delays and cancellations, respond in a timely and substantive fashion to consumer complaints and provide information to consumers on where to file complaints;
   
• Requires airlines to display on their website flight delay information for each domestic flight they operate;
   
• Requires airlines to adopt customer service plans and audit their own compliance with their plans; and
   
• Prohibits airlines from retroactively applying material changes to their contracts of carriage that could have a negative impact on consumers who already have purchased tickets. 

The rule goes into effect 120 days after date of publication in the Federal Register.   The rule may be obtained at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2007-0022.

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 Learn more about the 2010  Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany and join one of our Passion Play Tours at www.Passion-Play.com .

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Top 2009 Summer Travel Trends and Our Tips on How and Where to Find the Best Deals! Topping the List of Money-Saving Strategies:

•    Using Credit Card Rewards Points
•    Frequent Flyer Miles
•    Taking Advantage of Last Minute Travel Deals
•    Booking Closer-to-Home Trips

American Express has just released our network’s new survey of more than 600 American Express Travel agents, of which we are one of the agencies, suggests that Americans are being savvier travelers and making smart tradeoffs to help offset their travel costs while still continuing to book summer vacations. In fact, the vast majority of agents polled say their clients are adjusting to the recession by making slight changes to help offset their summer vacation costs. And according to Ninety-two percent (92%) of agents surveyed, topping the list of popular money-saving strategies is using credit card rewards points and/or frequent flyer miles toward the cost of summer vacations.

"Consumers are looking for ways to stretch their travel dollars," says Tracey Beberman, vice president of Membership Rewards Marketing & Partnerships, American Express. "We're certainly seeing this at American Express. Our Cardmembers are using Membership Rewards points to book everything from flights to cruises to vacation tour packages. It's a smart strategy to help get more out of a summer vacation while spending less."

At Wilcox World Travel and Tours our travelers use other popular money-saving strategies that include booking vacations closer to dates of travel to take advantage of last-minute deals, taking closer-to-home trips, and choosing destinations where the dollar goes further.

Sixty-Six percent (66%) of agents surveyed say that their travelers simply feel that their summer vacation is too important to their mental health to give up all together, in spite of the economy. In fact, Forty-five percent (45%) of agents surveyed said that travelers are booking about the same length summer vacation this year as in the past, and one in four agents report hearing from their clients that they are sacrificing other luxuries in order to go on their summer vacation.

However, a key-determining factor to take that trip is their ability to find a good value and deal. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of agents surveyed report receiving more inquiries about deals this year than in the recent past.
While travelers are willing to make cost-saving tradeoffs for their summer vacation, they are more flexible with some elements than others. For example, when asked to rank which trip elements travelers tend to be most flexible on, surveyed agents said dates of travel, destinations, and types of accommodations top the list. According to agents, travelers tend to be less flexible on the length of their travel and are also very unwilling to take a connecting flight to save money, preferring to fly direct.

In some cases, travelers are trading up. Almost half forty-eight percent (48%) of surveyed agents report that some travelers are taking advantage of the abundance of travel deals currently available allowing them to "trade up" or upgrade in other areas of their summer vacation. According to travel agents, the most popular trip elements that travelers are applying their savings from deals and discounts toward are room upgrades, first-class airfare, optional land tours on cruises and a longer length of stay.

"Sixty-five percent (65%) of surveyed agents say that their clients are more curious about the travel benefits available on their credit cards this year," says Audrey Hendley, vice president of Marketing, American Express Travel. "They're also taking greater advantage of those benefits to help cut costs and upgrade their summer vacations. In fact, we are seeing more Cardmembers using the benefits on their Cards to have a richer travel experience including complementary room upgrades, continental breakfasts, late check outs and special hotel amenities."

Sixty percent (60%) of agents polled say that they see more travelers seeking their assistance to help find the best deal this year than in the recent past, explaining that a professional travel agent can guide travelers to those suppliers that are offering the best value for their money.

In 1965 Wilcox World Travel and Tours became an American Express Travel Service Representative and has received several awards for outstanding sales and service to American Express card members and travelers across the USA.

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American Express Travel Club is presently offering a unique 14-day Black Sea & Mediterranean Cruise slated for this October. Originating in Rome, Holland America Line's MS Oosterdam winds its way through the Mediterranean and circles the Black Sea before returning to Athens.

"Officially christened in 2003 by Her Dutch Royal Highness, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, the ms Oosterdam is the second in our series of Vista-class ships. As such she embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system that maximizes maneuverability."

Activities aboard the MS Oosterdam include a Culinary Arts Center, a fully equipped Fitness Center, (featuring basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, yoga, and a golf simulator), and a variety of youth and teen-friendly facilities.

Holland America Line has purposefully designed their itineraries to allow guests maximum time in each port. As for shopping, the multiple ports of call on this trip include Olympia, Navplion, Istanbul, Sochi, Batumi, Trabzon, Sinop, Sevastopol, Ephesus, and of course Athens. Holland America Line's Guaranteed & Recommended Shopping Program will help you find the perfect gift or souvenir with significant savings below U.S. retail prices. 

Another unique feature of the MS Oosterdam are the "digital workshops" offered by Microsoft:

"Free workshops led by Microsoft-trained "techsperts" will show even the most novice camera or computer user how to take better vacation photos, make movies, edit pictures and create scrapbooks using a variety of Microsoft Windows and Windows Live services. Guests will learn how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking — so friends and family can see where they've been cruising even before they return home. "

With Fall being one of the ideal seasons for a Mediterranean cruise, now is the time to start clearing your schedule for the latter half of October by calling Wilcox World Travel & Tours at 828-254-0746 or Toll Free 800-2-WILCOX with questions or for more info.

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Whether you're getting married, renewing your vows, or going on your honeymoon, Sandals has a Caribbean package just for you.

"We offer a spectacular collection of weddings and vow renewals — including our incomparable free weddings. And we take care of every detail, so instead of thinking of your wedding day, you can focus on each other. Best of all, your honeymoon begins the moment you say, 'I do.'"

 Sandals weddings are all-inclusive, complete with a personal wedding consultant, a Caribbean wedding cake, documentation and wedding licence preparation, and a honeymoon dinner followed by breakfast in bed. Exclusive designs by "wedding planner to the stars" Preston Bailey will make this important day even more memorable. Sandals also features a wedding blog with advice, tips, and details about the latest wedding news and trends.

For those planning a honeymoon, Sandals Honeymoon package includes a waiting chilled bottle of sparkling wine, flower petals arranged on your bed, from which breakfast will be served to you and yours with more fresh flowers.

Sandals also offers a Renewal of Vows Ceremony  if you want to say "I do" all over again. This package includes the services of a wedding coordinator and marriage officer, as well as a cake, a bouquet for the bride, champagne, and a commemorative certificate. (All you need to bring is a copy of your marriage certificate.)

To get started on planning that special event with that special someone, give Wilcox World Travel & Tours a call locally in Asheville at 254-0746 or Toll Free: 800-2-WILCOX and we'll help you make that magical day just that much more magical.

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