Maui Is Open To Respectful Visitors

Maui Ocean Center is open and ready to welcome back kamaʻāina and visitors seeking comfort following last week's devastating wildfires. The park — which closed briefly last week as employees helped those displaced by the fires — is now open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

"Mahalo for everyone's support, actions and donations to those who suffered so much here on Maui," said Tapani Vuori, general manager of Maui Ocean Center. "Our community is now shifting from response mode to recovery mode. As we focus on the displaced, we are now also looking at the broader Maui community. An employed Maui is a resilient Maui. Many of our local businesses depend on the visitor community, and as that dwindles, the hardships on our island multiply. We need the resources to manage the long-term efforts it will take to restore our island community."

At the onset of the tragedy, many messages sent in pain, need, and devastation have been, at times, mixed regarding the visitor economy. The island is now rallying around maintaining a vibrant Maui economy. As Hawai'i Gov. Josh Green stated, "… decisions we made can affect everyone across the islands. So what we're saying now is travel should not be to West Maui. But the other parts of Maui are safe." While Lāhainā remains out of bounds, properties in Napali, Kaanapali, and Kapalua just to North are helping with housing the displaced and also will, at some point, be able to hire back the residents of Maui.

"Maui welcomes respectful, thoughtful tourism," Vuori added. "While we request that you respect Lāhainā and its residents by giving them the space and resources they require, we welcome you to visit the rest of our island. The island is large and diverse, with many places far from the devastation our community is addressing."

For those who wish to support the island financially, Maui Ocean Center endorses Hawai'i Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong. Guests may also round up their entrance and in-park purchases to help support efforts.

Additionally, Maui Ocean Center continues to collect donations of food and toiletries at the park's front gate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through this Sunday, Aug. 20.

For the past 25 years, Maui Ocean Center has aimed to foster wonder and respect for Hawai'i's marine life — and help protect it for future generations. Whether it's walking through an underwater tunnel next to sharks and rays or coming eye-to-eye with a humpback whale in an immersive 3D film experience, Maui Ocean Center seeks to inspire as it brings you below the water's surface. Recognized by the Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association for its "commitment to sustainability," Maui Ocean Center is listed among the "Top 10 Aquariums in the World" by TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice.

Maui Seeks To Quickly Implement New Tax On Tourists

KAHULUI, Hawaii (AP) — Officials on Maui are moving quickly to implement a new tax on tourists.

The move comes after state lawmakers overrode a veto by Hawaii Gov. David Ige this week.

Hawaii lawmakers overrode Ige’s veto of a bill that overhauls how the state funds the Hawaii Tourism Authority and allocates tourism tax revenue to the counties.

The new law allows Hawaii’s counties to collect a 3% tax from visitors staying at hotels and other short-term rentals.

Before the new law, the state collected a 10% hotel tax and distributed a share to each county. Now, the counties can levy their own surcharge to the tax and keep the money for local needs.

The bill would stop funding the tourism agency with money raised by the transient accommodations tax. Lawmakers intend to pay for the agency with money from the general fund, though for the current fiscal year they appropriated federal coronavirus relief funds.

“This will help tremendously,” said Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee.

Lee said that will bring Maui nearly triple the revenue, Hawaii News Now reported Thursday.

“Instead of $23 million, we’ll probably receive in the neighborhood of $50 to $70 million,” Lee said.

Maui has seen a sharp increase in tourism since pandemic restrictions have eased.

State Rep. Sylvia Luke, the House Finance Chair, said under the old system, Oahu got the bulk of the money because it is the most populous island in the state. Now counties will be receive money based on how many visitors they get.

Luke said Maui could benefit the most.

“The island is just overrun with tourists,” said Luke. “And you look at the population of Maui, compared to Oahu, there’s a lot more tourists per capita.”

California visitors Phil and Diana Asenas think the law is unfair.

“Taking a little bit of an advantage of people who truly want to get out and have been locked down for two years now,” said Phil Asenas.

“They’re definitely taking advantage of us,” Diana Asenas said. “But at the same time, if we want a vacation, we have to suck it up too. But it’s not right. It’s definitely not right.”

Travelore News: Maui To Require 2nd Virus Tests For Tourists, Visitors

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — Maui County in Hawaii will soon require second coronavirus tests for out-of-state and international visitors.

Tourists flying into Maui County from outside Hawaii will now need negative, pre-travel coronavirus tests and negative tests when arriving at the Kahului Airport, Mayor Michael Victorino told reporters on Wednesday.

People who refuse either test will be required to quarantine for 10 days in Maui. The pre-travel virus tests must occur at most 72 hours before passengers take their flights.

“This secondary test has been designed to determine if visitors and returning residents are contributing to the large rate of COVID-19 here in Maui,” Victorino said.

Victorino estimated that the program may take up to 10 business days to put in place.

A study conducted in November by Maui health officials found that two out of every 281 travelers who consented to second, follow-up coronavirus tests at the airport tested positive, the Maui News reported.

A county spokesperson could not be reached for comment Wednesday by the Maui News regarding how much the new testing program will cost.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, breathing trouble, sore throat, muscle pain and loss of taste or smell. Most people develop only mild symptoms.

But some people, usually those with other medical complications, develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia. Sometimes people with a coronavirus infection display no symptoms.

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas: Opening Summer 2017, Maui's Newest Resort Now Confirming Reservations

Opening Summer 2017, Maui's Newest Resort Now Confirming Reservations

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas kicks off bookings with exclusive Cyber Sale from Nov. 18­–Dec. 4

KAANAPALI, Hawaii -Discover nanea (relaxation and repose) at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, which will

 become Maui's newest resort when it opens in summer 2017.   The highly anticipated 390-villa resort

 situated on 16 oceanfront acres of North Kaanapali Beach announced that it has begun confirming reservations.

"The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas will offer guests a luxurious experience that is steeped in rich Hawaiian

 culture and tradition," said Angela Nolan, area managing director, Hawaii Villas, 

Vistana^TM Signature Experiences. "Upon its completion, a hinai (fish basket) will be featured at the

 center of the lobby. The hinai symbolizes both the stories of old Hawaii and the unwritten stories o

f our guests. We are thrilled to begin taking reservations, which kicks off the memory-making and

 story-writing of our guests' Kaanapali vacations."

To celebrate the start of bookings, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas will offer a limited-time rate 

during its Cyber Sale. When booked from Nov. 18, 2016 through Dec. 4, 2016, rates will start at

 $625 per night (plus taxes and fees) for a two-bedroom resort-view villa for stays between

 July 1, 2017 and Sept. 4, 2017. This is up to a 20% discount. The reservations for this exclusive

 offer must be prepaid at the time of booking, are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled.

Comprised of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is designed to 

be a relaxing haven replete with culturally inspired programs and distinctive Hawaiian experiences.

 Under the careful guidance of the resort's director of culture, Makalapua Kanuha, Hawaiian culture

 has been carefully woven into design elements throughout the property. Additionally, the Puuhonua

 o Nanea Cultural Center will be at the resort's heart. Its innovative and educational cultural offerings

 will honor local history, language, art, crafts, music and dance.

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas' world-class amenities will include an expansive lagoon-style 

swimming pool, children's beach pool and play area, oceanfront cabanas and a WestinWORKOUT^® 

Fitness Studio. Mauka Makai Restaurant (mauka: toward the mountains; makai: toward the ocean), the

 resort's full-service restaurant, will pay tribute to the farming and fishing cultures of ancient Hawaii.

 With an emphasis on farm-to-table, Mauka Makai will utilize indigenous plants and vegetables

 grown on-site and from local farms to complement popular local dishes. It will also feature the

 Westin^® brand's signature SuperFoodsRX^TM menu with nutrient-rich and delicious options to

 tempt every palate. Additionally, the Inu (Drink) Pool Bar will provide a relaxing setting to enjoy

 oceanfront views, cocktails and lighter fare. Guests will also enjoy access to resort amenities at

 The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas located next door, including 

Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westin^®.

Each of the villas at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas will offer many of the key amenities of home,

 combined with signature Westin touches. The master bedrooms will include king-size signature

 Westin Heavenly^® Beds and Westin Heavenly^® Baths with showers, bathtubs and vanities. The

 living areas will offer armoires, queen-size sofa sleepers and private furnished lanais. Villas will

 also come with fully equipped kitchens and washers and dryers.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit westinnanea.com.

About The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Situated on Maui's North Kaanapali Beach, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is designed to

 provide a relaxing haven complete with culturally inspired programs and authentic Hawaiian

 experiences. Every feature of the resort — from the Puuhonua o Nanea Cultural Center to the

 locally sourced art — celebrates native culture and traditions. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas

 offers world-class amenities including an expansive lagoon-style pool, full-service restaurant

, beach bar and a WestinWORKOUT^® Fitness Studio. All villas offer many of the key amenities

 of home, combined with signature Westin^® touches, such as the Westin Heavenly^® Bed and

 Westin Heavenly^® Bath. Villas also feature fully equipped kitchens and washers and dryers. 

Visit westinnanea.com.

About Vistana Signature Experiences, Inc.Vistana^TM Signature Experiences, Inc., an operating business of ILG (NASDAQ: ILG), is the

 exclusive provider of vacation ownership for the Sheraton^® and Westin^® brands under license

 from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, LLC and is an authorized partner of the SPG^®program. 

More than 220,000 families own at the company's 20 villa resorts in the U.S., Mexico and the

 Caribbean, which operate under the Westin and Sheraton brands. Vistana offers a flexible vacation

 lifestyle, giving Owners and Members the ability to vacation within a collection of villa-style resorts

 in the best locations within the most sought-after destinations. Customers also enjoy privileged

 access to trade their ownership for stays at more than 1,300 hotels and resorts in nearly 100 countries

 through Starwood Preferred Guest^®, one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, allowing

 members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no 

blackout dates. Headquartered in Orlando, FL, and with over 4,300 employees in North America, 

Vistana continues to build on its more-than-35-year history of excellence in vacation ownership

 and leisure travel. For more information, please visit vistana.com.

Four Seasons Resort Maui At Wailea Has Added A Special Underwater Photography Exhibition To Its Grown-Up Spring Break, April 13 Through June 19, 2016

Guests Invited to "Submerge" Themselves in an Unexpected Art Exhibit 

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has added an underwater photography exhibition to its long list of complimentary extras for the Resort's Grown-Up Spring Break, set for April 13 through June 19, 2016.  Award-winning underwater fine art photography duo, the Cesere Brothers, will feature their work weekly, submerged in the resort's adults-only pool.  Guests are invited to view the underwater gallery by strolling poolside or by taking a dip, if they prefer a closer look.  The art show will be part of an afternoon pool party at the Resort's illustrious adults-only Serenity Pool.

Bi-weekly pool parties at the adult pool join a Grown-Up Spring Break calendar that also includes local craft beer tastings, cooking demos, sushi-making classes, trunk shows, morning yoga, snorkeling, outrigger canoe paddling, and more. Guests will also enjoy the Resort's popular fitness class, stand-up paddleboard yoga, on a complimentary basis exclusively for this time period.  Of course, for those who want to explore more of Maui, the expert concierge team will tailor personalized itineraries including anything from exhilarating helicopter tours to picturesque sunset sails.  

The Forbes Five-Star Resort is offering Grown-Up Spring Break room rates starting at $499 with no resort fee and a busy schedule of activities, many of which are complimentary.  And there's more: the Resort is doubling their "Experience More" package allowing guests to receive up to USD 100 daily resort credit, which can be applied toward the renowned spa, upscale boutiques, and award-winning restaurants.  Grown-Up Spring Break promises to be the perfect escape for couples, friends, or single travelers looking to take advantage of the resort's best value of the year and more.

To make reservations, call 1-800-334-MAUI (6284) or e-mail: reservations.mau@fourseasons.com.

Most Travelers Don't Know That These 6 Hotel Upgrades Are Actually Worth The Cost

If you've ever been on the phone with a hotel reservationist (you know, like back in 1999) or have dealt with the sales pitch people at mega-resorts, you're probably in the group of people who turn down a hotel room upgrade no questions asked -- and understandably so. More often than not, these "upgrades" involve a lot of extra cash and not a lot of additional perks. However, a real deal can be found in the occasional gem of an upgrade. We plugged in August dates and found six hotel rooms where the upgrade from one room type to the one directly above it is well worth the indulgence.

-- Jane Reynolds, Oyster.com

Standard Double Room at The Tophams Hotel, London

Though a luxury hotel, London's The Tophams offers various budget-friendly room categories, the most standard being the Single Room with a Shared Bathroom. This option will certainly save you some cash, but -- for just about $40/night extra -- the Standard Double Room comes with more space, a comfier bed and an en-suite bathroom.

Ocean View Prime Room at the Four Seasons Maui

A stay at the Four Seasons Maui does not come cheap, so it makes sense that guests try to save money where they can. But when you're already paying hundreds upon hundreds of dollars a night for your lavish digs, 50 extra doesn't seem so bad -- and that's what an upgrade from the Ocean View Room to the Ocean View Prime Room will cost you. These rooms not only offer better views (thanks to positions on higher floors), but they also are generally quieter as they overlook the hotel's gardens.

Collection Room at Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej

At Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej, you pay an extra $30/night for less square footage -- bear with us. Though the Collection Rooms are indeed smaller than the Superior Rooms (the category below), their amenities are far superior (ironic, we know). These rooms come with iPods, Nespresso coffeemakers, and bathrooms with slippers, robes, and separate bathtubs and showers -- all of which Superior Rooms lack.

One Bedroom Beach Front Suite at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort, St. Lucia

Upgrading from the Deluxe Beach Front Room to the One Bedroom Beach Front Suite at St. Lucia's Bay Gardens Beach Resort may hike up the nightly rate by $100, but we say it's worth it. Opting for the higher-tiered suite means an additional 250 square feet, as well as a full kitchen, separate living room with a queen pullout bed, dining area, powder room, and master bathroom outfitted with his and hers sinks. After all, you can't put a price on having your own space in front of the mirror!

The Deluxe Room at the Shangri-La Hotel Paris

When you're dropping thousands on some of the chicest accommodations in Paris, what's an extra $55/night? That's what you pay when you switch from the Superior Room at the Shangri-La to the Deluxe Room, which offers more space and a separate soaking tub in the bathroom. Be sure to ask for a Deluxe Room with a balcony.

Junior Suite at Hotel Saratoga, Majorca

For about $40/night, guests can upgrade from a Deluxe Room at Hotel Saratoga to a Junior Suite. We saved the best upgrade for last: Opting for this higher-category room means the addition of a top-notch speaker system as well as a ton more space -- which includes a large sitting area with leather couches and a desk, and a wraparound balcony.

Follow Oyster on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Oysterhotels

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Top 10 Maui Travel Experiences

Admit it – you’re grinning already, even before you step on the plane. It starts with the idea of Maui… the anticipation. With the abundance of white beaches, waterfalls, and waves, what is there not to love? With all this island has to offer, you may be wondering where to start – never fear we got you covered with our top ten picks.

1. Road to Hana

Ready for an adventure? Of all the heart-stoppingly dramatic drives in Hawaii, this is the Big Kahuna. A roller-coaster of a ride, the Hana Highway winds down into jungly valleys and back up towering cliffs, curling around 600 twists and turns along the way. Some 54 one-lane bridges cross nearly as many waterfalls – some of them eye-popping torrents and others so gentle they beg a dip. But the ride’s only half the thrill. Get out and swim in a Zen-like pool, stroll a ginger-scented trail and explore the wonders along the way.

Pin this imageThe road to Hana! Image by Gopal Venkatasen / CC BY 2.0

2. Halaekalā National Park

Picture yourself huddled at predawn, blanket wrapped around you in the frozen air, surrounded by hundreds of people trying to keep warm. Everything seems surreal and there’s a sense that something unworldly is about to unfold. Then a soft, orange glow pierces the darkness on the summit. Everyone lets out a gasp – followed by cheers. Rich tones of amber and ocher light up on the crater floor below, inviting exploration. The aptly named Sliding Sands Trail crunches beneath your feet as you descend into the lunar-like world of Haleakalā.

Related articles:

Hana: not just the end of Maui's most famous roadIsland buzz: new coffee, distillery and brewery tours on MauiAn island of sweet surprises: Maui for honeymooners

Pin this imageStanding over the clouds. Image by Ewen Roberts / CC BY 2.0

3. Snorkeling at Maluʻaka

Don your mask and snorkel on the shores of stunning Maluʻaka Beach in Makena and start swimming in the direction of the tour boats. Before you get halfway you’ll likely spot a magnificent green sea turtle nibbling algae on the ocean floor. Welcome to ‘Turtle Beach’ – where the underwater scenery is nothing short of mesmerizing.

4. ‘Iao Valley State Park

Nowhere is Maui’s verdant, moody beauty better captured than at ʻIao Valley, where the ʻIao Needle – a phallic-shaped, emerald-green pinnacle – shoots straight up from the valley floor. The pinnacle is the centerpiece of this mystical state park. Snuggled sensuously into deep folds of lush rainforested mountains, ʻIao is such a sumptuous sight it’s easy to understand why Hawaiian kings placed a kapu (taboo) on the valley, forbidding commoners from laying eyes on it. Luckily for you, the kapu has been lifted. You brought your camera, right?

5. Old Lahaina Luau

They had us at aloha, but who are we to refuse the cool mai tai and fresh orchid lei that followed? At Maui’s most authentic luau, Hawaiian history, culture and culinary prowess are the focus, presented like a gift from the most hospitable of hosts. Highlights? The unearthing of the imu-cooked pig, the dancing of the hula kahiko, and, of course, the savoring of the feast – a spread of hearty salads, fresh fish and grilled and roasted meats. But it’s the sense of shared community that will linger longest in your memory.

Pin this imageUnearthing the dinner pig. Image by JoshBerglund19 / CC BY 2.0

6. Whale watching

Seems humpback whales find Maui romantic, too. Every winter, thousands of them frolic off Maui’s western coast, courting, mating, calving and breaching in what can only be described as pure joy. If you’re in Maui at the same time, treat yourself to a whale-watching cruise. Whales are also readily spotted from lava-rock lookouts such as Makalaupuna Point, from west-facing beaches, and from your oceanfront condo – just about any place will do. Snorkelers and divers who stick their heads underwater at the right time can even hear them singing – love songs, we presume!

7. Upcountry drive

Ramble any back road in these fertile hills and you can’t go wrong. Upcountry bursts to the brim with rolling pastures and bountiful gardens. No surprise this region that supplies Maui’s locavore cuisine is heaven to foodies. Sample tangy cheeses at Surfing Goat Dairy, munch on aromatic scones at Aliʻi Kula Lavender, sip Maui-grown coffee at Grandma’s, join a pick-your-own organic lunch tour at Oʻo Farm. Then get yourself over to Maui's Winery and cap off your day with a toast to green Maui.

8. Diving Molokini Crater

Hawaiian legend says that Molokini was a beautiful woman turned to stone by a jealous Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Today Molokini is the stuff of legends in the diving community. The crescent-shaped rock, which sits about three miles from the South Maui coast, is the rim of a volcanic crater. The shallow waters cradled within are a hospitable spot for coral and a calling card for more than 250 fish species. For an iconic Hawaiian dive, this is the place.

Pin this imageSnorkeling at Molokini Crater, Maui. Image by SnorkelingDives / CC BY 2.0

9. Pi’ilanihale Heiau

Standing in front of Hawaii’s largest temple – five stories high – it’s impossible not to feel dwarfed by the scale of Pi’ilanihale Heiau. The remote setting on a windswept coast adds to the sense of being in a sacred place. Be still. You can almost hear the footsteps of the ancients and see the high priest walking up the terraced stone steps to offer sacrifices to the gods. The surrounding Polynesian gardens – swaying coconut palms, sturdy breadfruit trees – add depth to the vision of how it must have looked centuries ago.

10. Big Beach (Oneloa) Makena State Park

Close your eyes and conjure up the idyllic Hawaiian beach. An endless expanse of gleaming sands, no development in sight, unbelievably blue water, a surfer scanning for the next perfect wave. Open your eyes – you’re at Big Beach, the heart of Makena State Park. If one beach captures the spirit of Maui, this is it: wild, vast and in a completely natural state. But unvisited, no. This is where Mauians come to celebrate Maui the way it used to be. Join them. Worship the waves. Applaud the sunsets. Big Beach is big enough for everyone.

This article was published in November 2012. It was updated in April 2015 by Alexander Howard.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/hawaii/maui/travel-tips-and-articles/77543#ixzz3dKVWStd2

Travelore News: Maui's Fairmont Kea Lani Completes $70 Million Renovation

The all-suite and villa Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui recently announced the completion of an extensive $70-million renovation project.

Improvements have touched every corner of the 22-acre Wailea property over the past three years, resulting in a luxurious vacation experience for guests.

Highlights include the $5.1 million rebuild of Kō restaurant, which showcases the diverse culinary history of the sugarcane plantation era with innovative Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese dishes. Led by Executive Chef, Tylun Pang, the menu features family recipes and utilizes over 90% local produce, fish and beef.

In January 2014, the all-suite resort débuted the acclaimed Willow Stream Spa. The 9,000 square foot sanctuary doubled the size of the previous facility and was voted Top Spa in Hawai’i by Travel + Leisure Magazine within six months of opening. The luxury spa features Hawaiian-inspired treatments and amenities such as Maui rain showers and a soothing pālolo (mud) bar. Guests may also experience the latest in spa technology such as the revolutionary WaveMotion table, which tilts, rotates and rocks to create a weightless sensation, and the K-Lift Facial, developed by NASA to instantly firm skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more about Willow Stream Spa Maui.

In addition to the restaurant and spa, every 413 one-bedroom suite has been renovated, offering a new tropical contemporary design. Each suite now includes a ceramic tile entry with granite countertop, as well as new carpet, furniture, décor, lighting and local artwork. Sleeper sofas and other amenities, such as microwaves and mini refrigerators, remain.

The resort’s luxurious 37 two-story villas have also been refreshed with new furniture, carpet, décor and lighting. Local art hangs in the recently remodeled kitchen and the terrace with private plunge pool boasts new outdoor furniture.

“The resort is in better shape today than the day it opened,” said General Manager, Charles Head. “The addition of a signature restaurant and an award-winning spa, coupled with refreshed suites and villas make for a top-notch resort experience. We’re eager to share the many improvements with guests this year.”
Travelers can experience the newly remodeled resort firsthand 20% off the best available rate through April. VisitFairmont.com/KeaLani to learn more about the Seasonal Savers offer.

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Travelore News: Holland America Line's Cruise Ship Rescues Pilot From The Ocean Off The Coast Of Maui, Hawaii

 On Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at 5:21 p.m. local time while en route to Lahaina, Hawaii, Holland America Line's ms Veendam answered a request for assistance from the United States Coast Guard to rescue a pilot who had ditched his single-engine Cirrus SR-22 after he experienced a mechanical issue with the fuel system. The pilot was located approximately 225 nautical miles off the coast of Maui, Hawaii.

In partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, Veendam was able to successfully rescue the pilot, who deployed the aircraft's airframe parachute system and safely exited the plane into a life raft. Holland America Line crewmembers brought him aboard Veendam and provided him food and accommodations. The pilot, who was in good condition, disembarked today, Jan. 26, at Lahaina.

"Congratulations to the team on ms Veendam for coming to the aid of the pilot and for working together with the Coast Guard to conduct this successful rescue operation," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "January has been an eventful month for our ships with several rescues around the world, and we are honored to be able to assist in any distress situation when needed."

Veendam currently is in the middle of an 18-day Circle Hawaii cruise roundtrip from San Diego, Calif., which departed Jan. 20.

This is the third rescue at sea by a Holland America Line ship in 2015. On Jan. 3, ms Zuiderdam rescued eight crewmembers from a sinking vessel in the Caribbean, and Jan. 4 ms Zaandam came to the aid of seven stranded crewmembers at the Arctowski Polish research station at King George Island in Antarctica.

Travelore News: Alaska Cruises Dethrones Las Vegas As Top US Destination For 2015

Today, Travel Leaders Group unveiled the 2015 results of its authoritative annual Travel Trends Survey. Based on the findings, there is a major shake-up among the most popular U.S. destinations heading into the New Year – the rugged and untamed beauty of Alaska, enjoyed via cruising, has dethroned Las Vegas and stands at #1 in an extremely tight contest that also includes Orlando, Maui, and New York City. The single, hottest destination trend in travel last year – European river cruising – jumps up another spot in 2015 to #4 on the Top International Destinations list, just behind Caribbean cruising, Cancun (Mexico) and London, respectively. This year's survey results also reveal that 96.5% of travel agents surveyed state client spending will be the same or higher in the coming year and 85% of agents indicate that 2015 bookings are on par or greater than this time one year ago.

This survey, based on actual booking data, was conducted by Travel Leaders Group from November 11 - December 8, 2014, and includes responses from 1,226 U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers and frontline travel agents from the flagship Travel Leaders brand, along with those affiliated with Travel Leaders Group's Cruise Holidays, Cruise Specialists, Luxury Travel Network, Nexion, Protravel International, Results! Travel, Travel Leaders Corporate, Tzell Travel Group and Vacation.com units.

"For the past a decade and a half, Las Vegas and Orlando have jockeyed for the top spot in our survey. So what we are seeing – even if mere tenths of a percentage point separate our top four destinations – is a seismic shift for American travelers in 2015. Alaska is vast, so cruising enables one to see so much more of this enormously and stunningly beautiful area – plus, this type of vacation, which can be perceived as slightly rustic, can be as luxurious as one desires," stated Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben. "Internationally, while Caribbean cruising leads the way, Europe is drawing in Americans in the highest numbers we've seen this millennium. Eight of the top 15 international destinations this year are 'across the pond,' including London (#3), European river cruises (#4), Rome (#5), Mediterranean cruises (#6) and Paris (#7). The strong interest for those destinations plays a definite factor in our agents stating nearly 97% of their clients will be spending the same or more on their vacations in 2015."

Liben added, "An interesting headline from last week was on the 'Great Divide' in which Wall Street is bullish and 'Main Street' is still a bit gloomy. From a travel industry perspective, our travel agents have never been more optimistic. Nearly 98% of Travel Leaders Group agents polled state they are positive or neutral on the outlook for their business in the coming year. What they have working for them is their passion, knowledge and expertise in matching the right vacation to the right individual and making certain each of our clients are getting the most value for the hard-earned money they are spending on travel."

Top Destinations: U.S. and International Based on Actual 2015 Bookings:

The following lists display the top domestic and international destinations for 2015 (agents were asked to name up to five top destinations they're already booking for 2015):

Rank 2015 Top Domestic Destinations 2015% Rank '14

1 CRUISE – Alaska 33.56% 4
2 Orlando, FL 33.22% 2
3 Maui, HI 32.55% 3
4 New York City, NY 32.13% 5
5 Las Vegas, NV 29.61% 1
6 Honolulu, HI 20.97% 6
7 San Francisco, CA 16.36% 7
8 Chicago, IL 15.44% 11
9 Los Angeles, CA 15.18% 10
10 Washington, D.C. 12.67% 12 (tie)

Rank 2015 Top International Destinations 2015% Rank '14

1 CRUISE – Caribbean 37.5% 1
2 Cancun, Mexico 31.8% 2
3 London, England 27.6% 6
4 CRUISE – Europe (River) 25.1% 5
5 Rome, Italy 21.3% 4
6 CRUISE – Europe (Mediterranean) 20.6% 3
7 Paris, France 19.0% 8
8 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 15.7% 7
9 Montego Bay, Jamaica 13.5% 10
10 Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Mexico 11.0% 9

Top "Up and Coming" International Destinations:
When asked for their expert findings, Travel Leaders Group agents nationally indicate the following as the "up and coming" international destinations within Europe, the Pacific, Africa, Asia/Southeast Asia and Central/South America.

• Europe "Up and Coming": Croatia (25.2%), Greek Islands (21.0%), Iceland (17.8%), Czech Republic (10.3%), Portugal (8.8%). Last year the top destinations in this category were: Croatia, Iceland, Turkey, Czech Republic and Portugal, respectively.

• Central/South America "Up and Coming": Costa Rica (30.5%), Peru (11.2%), Ecuador and Galapagos Islands (10.2%), Cuba (9.4%), and Belize (7.9%). Licensed American travelers currently have the limited ability to visit Cuba as part of a "people to people" educational exchange. With the announcement on December 17, 2014, that the U.S. is normalizing relations with Cuba and reducing travel limitations, pent up demand and more ways for U.S. citizens to immerse themselves in Cuba's history and culture will continue to boost Cuba's placement among Travel Leaders Group's "up and coming" destinations.