Wednesday, August 29, 2018

TIME Reveals List Of The 100 World's Greatest Places


TIME Reveals List of the 100 World's Greatest Places
TIME reveals its first annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, which highlights 100 destinations that are breaking new ground, leading industry trends and offering visitors an extraordinary experience.
To create the list, TIME solicited nominations across a variety of categories—including museums, parks, restaurants and hotels—from TIME editors and correspondents around the world, as well as dozens of industry experts. TIME evaluated each one based on several key factors, including quality, originality, innovation, sustainability and influence. The result is a list as diverse as the world it reflects, with entries spanning six continents and 48 countries.
World’s Greatest Places is the latest addition to TIME’s robust lineup of editorial franchises, which also includes the TIME 100 Most Influential People, Best Inventions, Person of the Year, Next Generation Leaders, and more.
Highlights from the 2018 World’s Greatest Places:
Morgan's Inspiration Island, San Antonio — the world's first water park built for people with disabilities: "The words ultra-accessible guided the park’s design, from wheelchairs that are waterproof and powered by compressed air to water areas that are set to different temperatures, for those who can’t handle the cold.”
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives (pictured) — featuring the world’s firs transparent-walled, under­water restaurant and soon, an underwater residence: "Following its opening of the first transparent-walled, under­water restaurant in 2005, the Conrad is now on track to unveil an under­water residence in November.… the $15 million, two-story hotel villa will be partially submerged more than 16 ft. below the surface of the Indian Ocean.”
Generator Madrid, Madrid — reinventing the hostel: "Generator Madrid, which opened in June, sits on the edge of the trendy Malasaña district and boasts a bar, a rooftop lounge with whirlpool baths and even a quirky origin story: the building itself, which was built in the 1930s, has also been a parking garage and a gas station…. beds in shared rooms at Generator Madrid start at $11."
Sunder Nursery, New Delhi — the city’s first arboretum: "Between the pollution and the crowds, it’s hard to get away in Delhi. But now the Indian capital offers a respite: the city’s first arboretum… The eventual goal is to link up with a neighboring zoo and fort to create a 900-acre sanctum of greenery.”
Icehotel 365, Jukkasjärv, Sweden — the first year-round ice hotel: "There’s no hotel quite like Sweden’s new Icehotel 365, whose suites—featuring ice sculptures of animals, staircases and more—remain open all year. To prevent melting, the structure relies on solar-powered controls, which keep temperatures at 23°F.”
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi – a hotel that also serves as a sanctuary for endangered giraffes: "At this Kenyan retreat, guests can get up close and personal with a local herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who roam the grounds—140 acres of indigenous forest—and even pop their heads into the main dining room during meals.”
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho — America’s best place for stargazing: "Last year, a 1,400-sq.-mi. region in the central part of [Idaho] became the first site in the U.S.—and only the 12th in the world—to be named a Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association, meaning that its traits (clear air, 10,000-ft. elevation) are ideal for star­gazing."
Oriental Science Fiction Valley, Guizhou, China — China’s first virtual-reality theme park: “The park will eventually feature 35 virtual- and augmented-reality attractions, enabling guests to battle aliens on distant planets, fly through Guizhou and more.”
Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg – a concert hall with next generation acoustics: "As visually striking as the Herzog and de Meuron–designed concert hall is… it’s the acoustics that steal the show… The central auditorium is covered in 10,000 gypsum-fiber white acoustic panels, each with a unique series of divots that scatter or absorb sound. No two panels are alike, but together the undulating, interlocking panels create an optimal sound map across the entire auditorium.”
Binhai Library, Tianjin, China — the library of the future: “The nearly 363,000-sq.-ft. facility… looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, replete with stark white interiors and terraced shelves that cascade from floor to ceiling… Binhai Library remains one of China’s buzziest new attractions, which could help reduce the country’s already low adult literacy rate.”
Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda — a luxury lodge that brings guests to gorillas: “The lodge invites guests on daily treks where a face-to-face encounter with families of ambling primates is all but guaranteed—baby gorillas are known to reach out to touch visiting humans… Part of the rate goes to reforestation and conservation efforts…”
Norwegian Bliss – the cruise with the longest go-kart track at sea: "If this ship’s 984-ft. go-kart track—the longest at sea—sounds like something a kid might concoct, that’s because it is: the idea originally came via the grandchildren of Frank del Rio, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. But this $1 billion, 4,000-guest ship… offers attractions that cater to adults too, including an onboard casino and a 20,000-sq.-ft. observation lounge.”
Pandora: The World of Avatar, Bay Lake, Florida — a next-gen theme park that brings Avatar to life: "The World of Avatar is reinventing the modern theme park… The park’s flagship is Flight of Passage, a ride that combines 3-D projections and virtual reality to create the illusion that guests are flying atop a living, breathing mountain banshee... The park says it’s the highest-rated attraction at Walt Disney World, per guest surveys.”
Snow Bear Chalets, Whitefish, Montana – the world’s first ski-in, ski-out treehouses: "At these chalets… the ski-in, ski-out convenience is only half the draw. The rest is the whimsical design aesthetic, which owner Gail Goodwin describes as Harry Potter meets Hansel and Gretel—think wood paneling, turrets and murals of constellations on the ceiling.”
COO Boutique Hostel & Sociatel, Singapore — a hostel that helps guests connect in real life: "Once travelers book stays at this hostel… they can access COO Connect, an online platform that enables them to meet other guests based on mutual interests, such as food, photography and music.”
Cycling Through Water, Genk, Belgium — a bike path that leads cyclists through a pond: "The 212-m track… slices through a large pond in the De Wijers nature reserve; in the middle, it dips low enough to put riders at eye level with the water. The project, which was completed in 2016, is part of the Limburg province’s efforts to bolster its 1,240 miles of biking trails.”
See the full list of the World’s Greatest Places herehttp://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2018
Source: https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/time-reveals-list-of-the-100-worlds-greatest-places

Friday, August 24, 2018

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Announces Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic As An Adults-Only, Entertainment-Focused Property

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Currently Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Green and being renamed Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine as of November 1st, hotel guests will enjoy revamped amenities and a revitalized entertainment offering

 – Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts – the leading all-inclusive resort chain with properties in the Caribbean, Mexico and Spain – has announced the opening of Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine, the first adults-only hotel under the Grand Bahia Principe brand. Set to welcome guests starting November 1st, 2018, the 498-suite property will combine tranquility and tropical fun at Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

“At Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, we pride ourselves on providing upscale yet approachable hospitality in the Caribbean and we’ve recently taken the initiative to clearly segment and develop each one of our property’s personalities,” said Lluisa Salord, senior vice president of global sales, contracting and distribution, Grupo Piñero. “With the opening of Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine, we hope to strengthen our adults-only business while ensuring consistent quality across our accommodations, amenities and distinct entertainment program. We experienced a demand for an adults-only Grand property in Punta Cana, and we are confident that Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine will exceed our guests’ expectations.”

Featuring rejuvenated day and nighttime entertainment for guests 18 years and older, Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine will be the ideal property for travelers to unplug and enjoy themselves while soaking up the Caribbean sun. From wine tasting classes to rum mixology lessons, from card and board game tournaments to themed parties with live music and shows, the all-inclusive resort will be a well-rounded entertainment destination within the Bahia Principe Bavaro complex. Other events to be hosted at the property include burlesque performances, foam parties and DJ socials at the hotel lobby. For fitness aficionados, new wellness and sports activities will be held throughout Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine, including TRX workouts, CrossFit, Zumba, HIIT training and merengue and salsa dance lessons. 

As part of Bahia Principe’s commitment to elevating the all-inclusive experience, guests of Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine will be allowed unlimited a la carte dinners and access to the three other Grand Bahia Principe hotels of the complex. The complex holds a la carte dining establishments that serve mouthwatering dishes from across the globe, including traditional Dominican fare, Italian specialties, Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, and juicy meat cuts mimicking an American steakhouse.

For use by guests of Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine and all Luxury brand properties, Bahia Principe’s Bavaro complex will also receive some upgrades of its own, including a brand-new sports bar and fitness center exclusively for adults. Catering to sports enthusiasts, the new sports bar will have ample indoor and outdoor seating, multiple LED flat screens as well as an extended beverage menu. At the complex’s new fitness center, guests can expect a revitalized look with floor to ceiling windows and modern workout machines.

Guests who reserve a stay at the new Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine will be privy to a multitude of benefits including 24-hour complimentary Wi-Fi. For adults seeking to unwind in style, the serene Bahia Spa, features treatments that are centered on finding balance between mind and body. For those looking to let loose, the brand’s signature shopping and nightlife center, Bahia Principe Village, combines local culture and opportunities for fun and excitement such as live music and karaoke.

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort Los Cabos Is Open

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos To Open September 1st
Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos is opening September 1st, occupying a coveted 34 acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, midway between the bustling vacation city of Cabo San Lucas and the quaint historic town of San Jose del Cabo. This will be the first hotel in Baja California Sur for The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts brand.
From its inception, the 128-room luxury resort was meant to pay tribute to Baja California, both in its design and guest experience, as it celebrates the magnificent landscape and exquisite cultural marvels endemic to the region. The team collaborated with the very best Mexican talent – from artists and architects to chefs, to ensure a truly authentic experience. Some standout features include:
  • Accommodations – Sophisticated and modern, each masterfully designed guest room and suite at Solaz Resort feature a private entrance and patio, contemporary furnishings, original art and Bluetooth technology that will set the room ambience, with touch screen remote control access to the curtains, lighting and music. Floor plans blur the lines between indoor and outdoor space, as private terraces provide unobstructed views of the sea. The resort’s location, nestled between two natural rockbeds, offers guests one of the only swimmable beaches in the area.
  • Art & Design – Designed by renowned Mexican architectural firm Sordo Madaleno, the resort's cascading terraces blend desert vegetation with quarry stone, granite, marble and wood to create a literal architectural work of art. Celebrating the distinctive endemic landscape of Baja, the property features a sustainable lush “dry jungle” featuring only endemic species and flora. This unique design puts Solaz Resort in a class of its own; however, it’s not just the creative landscaping and architectural beauty that set the resort apart from other luxury locations. Celebrating art at every turn, Solaz Resort features original works throughout the property — all masterfully created by famed Mexican artist César López Negrete, who travelled throughout Baja for years studying the region’s land, water, history and folklore. Negrete’s research inspired him to create thoughtful sculptures and specialty crafted furnishings, fostering a transformative experience for visitors. El Gabinete “Del Barco” is the resort’s indigenous gallery, showcasing regional artifacts such as a 43-foot-long whale skeleton and a historical map collection.
  • Experiences – While other hotels may claim that they are inspired by the surrounding area, Solaz Resort has truly captured the region’s authenticity and incorporated this into every aspect of the resort, including its guest programming. The property has a large selection of tailor-made, exclusive experiences that are sure to touch the soul of each guest. From private helicopter trips to explore the rare Cave Paintings of Baja and swimming with whale sharks, to Baja-inspired culinary classes and enjoying a heartrending night under the desert stars, visitors can be immersed in a destination unlike any other with these locally inspired, luxury expeditions. Each room will have a dedicated Artisan butler who will help create these one-of-a-kind, tailor-made experiences.
  • Gastronomy – Culinary offerings at Solaz Resort are as authentically inspired as the property itself, with four unique restaurants and lounges designed for visitors with discerning palates. Mako, one of the resort’s restaurants, will offer a trendy al fresco dining experience during the day, featuring clean food options such as salads from local biodynamic farms and artisanal wood-fired flatbreads, and at night the Mako Dinner Grill menu will include dry aged steak, local live lobsters and the sea’s freshest fish prepared in house by Executive Chef Pedro Joaquin Arceyut and his team. All of the resort’s restaurant menus have been developed to incorporate the captivating stories of local farmers that grow organic produce, fishermen that supply fresh and sustainable seafood, and the local artisanal craftsmen who specialize in traditional cheeses. Those looking for lively libations can enjoy the property’s impressive wine cellar at La Cava, offering a selection of more than 2,500 vintages, many of which are local to the region. The resort is also home to Xocolatl, a modern chocolate shop and ice cream boutique that sells organic and indigenous chocolate from Mexico’s diverse region.
  • Meetings – Solaz Resort offers the largest meeting space at any luxury hotel in Los Cabos, with 20,000 sq. feet of meeting, wedding and event space that can accommodate more than 1,000 guests and includes a 3,500 sq. ft. ballroom and 11,000 sq. ft. outdoor deck. A team of expert event planners ensures attention to every detail for intimate or grand-scale event.
Source: https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/solaz-a-luxury-collection-resort-los-cabos-to-open-september-1st 

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Travelore News: American Airlines Expands European Footprint And Modifies Asia Service



New service to Germany, Italy and Croatia set to begin next summer
 American Airlines is expanding its European network next summer with nine new routes designed to meet customer demand:
  • CLT: Daily year-round service to Munich Airport (MUC)
  • DFW: Daily summer seasonal service to Dublin Airport (DUB) and to MUC
  • ORD: Daily summer seasonal service to Athens International Airport (ATH) in Greece
  • PHL: Daily summer seasonal service to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in Scotland; new summer seasonal service to Berlin-Tegel Airport (TXL), Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) in Italy and Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) in Croatia
  • PHX: Daily seasonal service to London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Additionally, given the current fuel and competitive environment, American will suspend service between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in October and seek a dormancy waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the route authority. American will also reduce service between ORD and Narita International Airport (NRT) in Japan from daily to three days per week, effective in December.

Network update at a glance

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Europe

American will add three new destinations to its network with the introduction of service between Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and TXL, BLQ and DBV next summer. These seasonal flights will be operated June through September on Boeing 767 aircraft, featuring lie-flat business class seats, Cole Haan amenity kits and chef-designed meals with award-winning wines.
“By providing the only nonstop service from North America to Bologna and Dubrovnik and adding Berlin to our international footprint, American is making it easier to see the world,” said Vasu Raja, Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “Through our Atlantic Joint Business, we have seen increased interest to these markets from the U.S., and adjusting our network to introduce these destinations will provide more choices for customers on both sides of the Atlantic.”
This summer, American launched seasonal service from PHL to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) in Hungary and Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) in the Czech Republic, as well as from ORD to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Italy and from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Iceland, all of which will operate through the end of October and return in 2019.
American will also add a new nonstop flight from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix to LHR, complementing existing service from PHX provided by Atlantic Joint Business partner British Airways. With the addition of American’s PHX–LHR service, American and British Airways together will operate more than 70 flights per day to London from North America.
“We are in the business of making the world more accessible, and with the success of Budapest and Prague, as well as the new flights we’re announcing today, we continue to make the world a little bit smaller for our customers,” said Raja. “We are pleased to work with our partners at British Airways to design a schedule that complements the full joint business.”
Atlantic Joint Business partner Finnair has also announced new service between Helsinki Airport (HEL) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which will begin March 31.
American’s new flights will be available for sale Aug. 27.

2019 additions:

RouteAircraftSeasonFrequency
CLT–MUC*A330-200Begins March 31Daily
DFW–DUB*787-9June 6–Sept. 28Daily
DFW–MUC*787-8June 6–Oct. 26Daily
ORD–ATH*787-8May 3–Sept. 28Daily
PHL–EDI*757April 2–Oct. 26Daily
PHL–TXL*767June 7–Sept. 28Four times weekly
PHL–BLQ*767June 6–Sept. 28Four times weekly
PHL–DBV*767June 7–Sept. 27Three times weekly
PHX–LHR777-200March 31–Oct. 26Daily
*Subject to government approval

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Asia

American will remove nonstop ORD–PVG service from its schedule in October and seek a dormancy waiver from the DOT to permit a return to the market once conditions improve. The last westbound flight will be Oct. 26 and the last eastbound flight will be Oct. 27. Customers holding reservations after these dates will be reaccommodated on other flights and can continue to reach PVG directly through American’s hubs at DFW and LAX and from ORD via NRT in conjunction with Pacific Joint Business partner Japan Airlines (JAL).
“We remain strongly committed to Asia and will continue to serve the region through our hubs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles,” added Raja. “Our Chicago–Shanghai service is unprofitable and simply not sustainable in this high fuel cost environment and when we have opportunities to be successful in other markets.”
American will also reduce its ORD–NRT service from daily to three days per week starting Dec. 18. Together, American and JAL will continue to provide nonstop service from ORD to NRT 10 times per week. During the peak summer season between June and August, JAL will increase its service on the route so that combined, the carriers offer twice-daily service that captures peak demand out of Tokyo.
“These adjustments to our Asia service are necessary in this high fuel cost environment, but we remain committed to the network we’ve worked hard to build,” added Raja. “As with Shanghai, American will continue to serve Tokyo through our hubs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles.”

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Paris: Take Your Time


Paris

Paris is one of the best cities on the planet to visit. According to Reuters.com, in 2017, 33.8 million visitors arrived in Paris and the Ile de France. Paris is a city that should not be rushed. Like a good love affair, the relationship should not be rushed. Design your schedule so that you have at least 5 days to get a sense of the city and the “uniquely French” way of life.
So Much to Love
Infatuation with Paris
1. Subway/Metro. There is a difference between the Metro/subway, RER and SNCF. The Metro is the subway (inside the city), the RER is the suburban train system, and the SNCF is the rail system throughout France.
The excellent news is that the French rail system works (although all cars may not be air conditioned)! The Metro is the quickest and most efficient method for getting around the city while the SNCF (using Rail Europe) is the best way to travel throughout the country.
While accessing the Metro and bus systems are not easy/peasy – even for a New Yorker, there is some logic to the operation, and thanks to Google Maps, can be navigated with a significant degree of accuracy and efficiency.
Most of the time Google is spot on, however, there are parts of London that have not been fully integrated into the Google system, and the old-fashioned methods of paper maps and asking shopkeepers and people on bicycles for directions continues to be the best resources for getting to a location.
Read the full articleat wines.travel

Saturday, August 18, 2018

AAA Inspector's Best of 5 Diamond Awarded to Grand Velas Los Cabos

Image result for Grand Velas Los Cabos


Resort Received a Rating of 5.4 out of 5 by the Inspector, Putting it in the Top 20% of All Five Diamond Inspected & Approved Properties
CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico, -- Grand Velas Los Cabos has been distinguished among the best of the best by AAA, now named among the AAA Inspector's Best of 5 Diamonds collection. Less than 2 years after opening, the resort received a rating of 5.4 out of 5 by the inspector, putting it in the top 20% of all Five Diamond Inspected & Approved properties. Resorts recognized by Five Diamonds have demonstrated "ultimate luxury, sophistication and comfort with extraordinary physical attributes, meticulous personalized service, extensive amenities and impeccable standards of excellence" to an anonymous inspector according to the AAA website.
Grand Velas Los Cabos offers the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities including a selection of gourmet specialty restaurants led by top chefs, including two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte; oversize designer suites, some with plunge pools; a world class spa; staff ratio of 3 to 1; exceptional meeting facilities, and a commitment to the environment. The beachfront property has enhanced signature facilities and services of Grand Velas resorts including duplex wellness suites with juice bars, wine-based features inspired by the proximity to the region producing Mexico's fine wines, and dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort.
Rates at Grand Velas Los Cabos' all-inclusive resort start at $582 per person per night in double occupancy. Rate includes luxury suite accommodations, 24-hour in-suite service, gourmet, premium branded beverages, nightly entertainment, taxes, gratuity, and more. For reservations or additional information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/.
About Grand Velas Los Cabos:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos on Mexico's Baja Peninsula offers the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort. Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the beachfront property features 304 ocean view suites, all over 1,180 sq. ft. with private terraces and some personal plunge pools. Duplex wellness suites have designated fitness amenities, a personal Wellness Concierge and healthy food and beverages in suite. Grand Velas Los Cabos features five gourmet restaurants led by top chefs, including two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte, complemented by an extensive beverage program and wine based features inspired by the proximity to Mexico's fine wine region. A staff ratio of 3 to 1; 16,370 sq. ft. convention center with the capability for 20 breakout rooms; 35,000 sq. ft. Se Spa with 16 treatment rooms and hydrotherapy facility; three pools; and pool and beach concierges are available. Rounding out the list of amenities and services are a Technogym Fitness Center with personal trainers, exercise programs, yoga, Pilates and meditation; recreational activities program; separate teens' and kids' club facilities and activities program; 24-hour personal concierge service; baby concierge; and 24-hour in-suite service. Opening soon, a gallery of contemporary art will continue the company's commitment to bringing the art, fashion and culture of Mexico to guests. The curved, half-moon design of the hotel catches eyes along the corridor with an iconic grand entrance that's open air, three stories high and over 300 ft. above sea level. All of this beachfront, just 35 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport which directly services over 40 destinations in the United States, Canada and Latin America. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Los Cabos was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/.


SOURCE Grand Velas Los Cabos

Friday, August 17, 2018

Enjoy 2-For-1 Tickets For More Than 20 Broadway Shows With Performances September 3 Through September 16—

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New York City— NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, announced NYC Broadway Week tickets are on sale to the public today beginning at 10:30am EST. The popular biannual program, now in its eighth year, will run September 3 through September 16, 2018, offering visitors and New Yorkers the opportunity to purchase two-for-one tickets to more than 20 Broadway shows. Of the participants, eleven are new to the program for fall 2018. Tickets for NYC Broadway Week can be purchased now at nycgo.com/broadwayweek.

“Seeing a Broadway show is a quintessential New York City experience, always offering visitors a unique and memorable opportunity to sample some of the best talent our destination has to offer,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “Whether it’s sampling a new production for the first time or taking in a classic, NYC & Company’s 2-for-1 Broadway Week promotion gives locals and visitors the chance to sample incredible theater at an advantageous price point.”

The 24 shows participating in NYC Broadway Week fall 2018 are:*

Aladdin
Anastasia
The Band's Visit**
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Bernhardt/Hamlet**
Carousel**
Chicago The Musical
Come From Away**
Frozen**
Gettin' the Band Back Together**
Head Over Heels**
Kinky Boots
The Lion King
My Fair Lady**
The Nap**
Once on This Island
The Phantom of the Opera
The Play That Goes Wrong
School of Rock
SpongeBob SquarePants
Straight White Men**
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical**
Waitress
Wicked
*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.
**New participants in NYC Broadway Week.

“There is truly something for everyone to enjoy on Broadway—from classic favorites to new musicals and plays including family-friendly productions, adaptations, comedies, revivals and more—with so many choices you can’t go wrong,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League. “Our long-standing partnership with NYC & Company on NYC Broadway Week allows visitors to easily experience the greatest theater destination in the world, New York City!”

NYC & Company will once again host the NYC Broadway Week Sweeps, a new program element that launched last year. Broadway fans will have an opportunity to enter for a chance to win a free pair of tickets for performances from September 5‒16. Visit nycbroadwayweeksweeps.com to enter (official rules and terms and conditions apply; see website).

NYC Broadway Week is produced by NYC & Company in partnership with, The Broadway League, Ticketmaster, Telecharge, Audience Rewards and with support from AARP. NYC Broadway Week will be promoted through exclusive content on NYCgo.com, out-of-home media in the five boroughs, print and digital advertising, commercials running in NYC taxicabs and through social media posts on @nycgo and with hashtag #NYCBroadwayWeek.

Since its launch in January 2011, NYC Broadway Week has cumulatively sold more than 1,225,000 tickets, generating nearly $84 million in revenue for Broadway.

For more information and tickets, visit nycgo.com/broadwayweek.



About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official destination marketing organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com.

Monday, August 13, 2018

10 Unusual Cruise Ship Amenities #Cruise

CNN) — Cruise industry folks know that vacationers have literal boatloads of sailing options to choose from these days, inspiring the trend to outfit ships with the most whiz-bang attractions and amenities at sea.
Today you'll find souped-up ships oozing outrageous features -- such as amusement park-worthy diversions (racetracks with hairpin turns), high-tech innovations (robot bartenders) and Instagram-worthy settings (from ice bars to underwater lounges) -- as the lines try to one-up each other to get you to travel with them.
Here are 10 unusual cruise ship amenities to ensure you'll be anything but bored once you're onboard.

Submarine on Crystal Cruises

This pressure- and temperature-controlled submersible, large enough for a pilot and two guests, can bring passengers down to depths of nearly 1,000 feet.
The sophisticated C-Explorer 3 vessel is outfitted with a see-through, 360-degree acrylic capsule for optimal observation. It is agile enough to allow viewing of whatever ocean treasures await below -- from colorful coral reefs to shipwrecks -- on the roughly 30-minute dives.

Robot bartenders on Royal Caribbean International

Let Royal Caribbean's robotic bartenders shake things up on your next cruise. A duo of them literally shake and stir drinks up at the "mixology meets technology" Bionic Bar, found aboard several Royal Caribbean ships (including Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and the line's three Quantum-class ships).
Place your drink order via tablet. You can pick from specialty drinks or design customized cocktails with more than 30 spirits on tap. Then watch the show-stealing pair of robotic arms get to mixing before serving up your concoction.

The one caveat? There's no program for them to listen to your problems -- yet.

Racetrack on Norwegian Cruise Line


This is one way to get your vacation on track.
This is one way to get your vacation on track.
Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line
Got a need for speed that your ship's leisurely knots just can't satisfy? Norwegian answers the call with the largest racetrack at sea aboard its new Norwegian Bliss.
The open-air, 1,000-foot-long track offers great views out over port and sea -- that is if you manage to catch them while reaching speeds of up to 30 mph.
The winding, two-level track offers hairpin turns and the chance to leave your competition (of up to 10 drivers) in the dust -- though note you won't be able to actually rev your engines since the electric race cars run silently.
Call it recycling? The Silversea cruise ship company is spending over $100 million to make a very big cruise ship out of a smaller one they already own.​

Snow Grotto on Viking

Part of the LivNordic Spa's thermal suite area aboard Viking's four ocean-going sister ships, the "snow grotto" pays tribute to the line's Nordic heritage and Scandinavian sensibility.
Designed to invigorate and stimulate the circulatory system of guests who don't mind a chill, the small, snow-covered room pipes in cold air as snowflakes fall from the ceiling.
And if your preferred way of chilling out is to heat up, you can always get your fill at the adjacent steam room and sauna.

Underwater lounge on Ponant



Finally, a chance to find out what cocktails taste like underwater.
Finally, a chance to find out what cocktails taste like underwater.
Courtesy Compagnie du Ponant
Upscale French expedition line Ponant is rolling out an industry-first underwater lounge dubbed the Blue Eye aboard six of its new Explorer-class ships, debuting through 2020 (the first, Le Laperouse, launched in June 2018).
Designed by architect Jacques Rougerie -- known for creating transporting underwater structures -- the high-tech space is angling for a multisensory experience that will invite guests to a mod, vibrating lounge set below the ships' water line.
There, two large glass portholes offer a window out onto the underwater world, further augmented by digital screens projecting live images from a trio of underwater cameras, as well as a sound system streaming in subaquatic hydrophone-captured sounds.

Bike ride in the sky on Carnival Cruise Line


Get ready for your very own E.T. moment aboard the SkyRide aerial attraction, found aboard Carnival's newest ships, Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon.
The innovative offering lets adventurers put their pedal power to an 800-foot-long suspended outdoor track that's elevated atop the ship's top deck, 150 feet above sea level.
The quartet of dangling recumbent-style bicycles can reach speeds of up to 18 miles an hour on twin tracks, but you may want to take it slower to enjoy the killer views.

Skydiving simulator on Royal Caribbean International


Want to try skydiving, but afraid of heights? This is a good compromise.
Want to try skydiving, but afraid of heights? This is a good compromise.
Roy Riley/Royal Caribbean International
Innovator Royal Caribbean -- responsible for industry firsts such as rock climbing, ice skating, zip lines and surfing simulation -- has also brought the first skydiving experience to sea with its RipCord by iFLY attraction, available on its Quantum-class ships.
Adrenaline-seekers can get a taste of simulated skydiving on an open-air deck -- affording stunning sea views as they spread their "wings" and experience what it's like to float on air in the 23-foot-high wind tunnel.
A brief training course, flight gear and hands-on instruction help ensure that levitating like a pro is a (strong) breeze.

Ice Bar on Norwegian Cruise Line


When they said it was a cool bar, they meant it.
When they said it was a cool bar, they meant it.
Courtesy Susan Seubert/Norwegian Cruise Line
The coolest bar on the high seas, Norwegian's Skyy Vodka Ice Bar invites cruisers to bundle up and throw back a frosty drink aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Epic.
Temperature-controlled at a brisk 17 degrees Fahrenheit (- 8 C), the $20 admission gets guests 45 minutes to chill out at the frozen bar and take in the decorative ice sculptures; two specialty beverages (including Skyy vodka-based cocktails), served in carved-from-ice glassware; and, mercifully, the use of hooded parkas and gloves.

Planetarium on Cunard Line



How to see the stars from the sea.
How to see the stars from the sea.
Courtesy Cunard Line
Cunard Line's refined Queen Mary 2 boasts the only full-sized planetarium at sea, which is housed in its Illuminations theater.
Passengers can partake in plenty of programming under the giant dome (it's large enough to accommodate 150 reclining seats), such as narrated star shows, virtual reality rides and special presentations and lectures in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society.
If you're a true outer space enthusiasts, board during the ship's "Transatlantic Space Week" voyage (embarking New York City on October 7, 2018) to share the planetarium -- and the rest of the ship -- with special guests that include a former NASA astronaut.

Glass-bottomed 'SeaWalk' on Princess Cruises


Walking on water is par for the course when you sail on one of three Princess ships (Regal Princess, Royal Princess and Majestic Princess) outfitted with the line's signature overwater SeaWalk feature.
See the sea from a bird's-eye perspective while strutting across the 60-foot-long, glass-bottomed walkway, which cantilevers the ships' sides by 28 feet.
Those lacking a head for heights needn't apply: SeaWalk overlooks the ocean waves 128 feet below, from a perch atop the ships' 16th or 17th deck.