MORE Flights to Curacao just added from MIAMI

American Airlines New Celebrity Chef Designed Menus

On Oct. 1, American will begin offering signature menu items designed by Chef Sandoval onboard flights between the U.S. andEurope, Asia and Latin America in American's premium class cabins. Also beginning Oct. 1, American will debut the New American Table menu featuring original creations by Chef Samuelsson. His offerings will be available for purchase on domestic flights more than two hours in length as part of the Main Cabin dining program.

"American revolutionized the airline industry when it first introduced original menu items from some of the world's top chefs more than 20 years ago. Today, American continues to leverage the expertise of some of the most prominent and well-respected chefs to help define the direction of our inflight dining experience," said Rob Friedman, American's Vice President – Marketing. "Chef Sandoval and Chef Samuelsson – two highly-talented members of the culinary community – will further enhance the onboard travel experience for our customers by providing a broader range of options to satisfy our customers' diverse tastes."

Specializing in modern Latin cuisine, Chef Sandoval has developed fresh and innovative entrees exclusively for American Airlines using authentic Latin ingredients and international flavors. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Sandoval gained the attention of New Yorkers with the opening of Maya, his first modern Mexican restaurant. Sandoval has been recognized as Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine for his blend of traditional Mexican ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques that define Maya's cuisine. Since the opening of Maya, Chef Sandoval has applied his mantra of "old ways, new hands" to diverse Latin concepts, ranging from Coastal Mexican Cuisine at Pampano to Latin-Asian at Zengo. He was named "Restaurateur of the Year" in 2006 by Bon Appetit and today acts as Chef and Owner of Richard Sandoval Restaurants, a leading international restaurant group with more than 20 locations around the world.

Check out more coverage here and here.

A Little Truth About Seat Assignments

After 12 years in business, it is amazing that we are still learning the "tricks of the trade". Yet understandable, considering how drastically the travel trade has changed in the last 12 years. I don't normally use this blog to speak negatively about travel suppliers or relay the personal woes of our industry, but this most recent episode regarding seat assignments is worth sharing.

Pay attention to this statement: All airlines reserve the right to change your seating assignments at any time, for any reason, without warning or notice. 

As agents, we have zero control over this process. At the time of booking, we select seat assignments for our clients, seating the entire party together on all flights where the seating chart is available to us. If a flight is particularly full at time of booking, or for random other reasons, sometimes the seating charts are not available to us. (or to the consumer on the airlines website) When this happens, we pass along the airline's message that seats will be assigned upon check-in at the airport and advise our clients to arrive a little early to ensure enough time to discuss seating at the ticket counter. 

All of the above is manageable, until an airline edits the seating on a reservation where a minor is involved. Recently, this occurred and forced the separation of a family of three into 3 different rows and 2 different areas of the plane. The minor child was only two years old. Upon realizing this change, 3 weeks prior to departure, we called the airline to inquire and request our clients be moved back to their original seats. We were told there was no 2 year old noted in the record. I contested as I was holding travel documents that clearly stated "2 years old" next to the young man's name. The airline representative went on to inform me that they were showing this child as having a birth date in 2001 - and being 10 years old, which apparently the airline considers old enough to sit alone. Countless calls and emails up the chain of command at Continental Airlines and I was met with "NO" the entire way and repeatedly told that the plane was full and the clients would have to be reassigned at the airport on the day of travel. No apology.

As a mother, I understand the enormous amount of stress and anxiety of having to wait until arrival at the airport, not knowing if you will be able to sit by your child on the longest leg of your 16 hour journey from the West Coast to the Caribbean. 

Fast forward to the client's post-travel report and as feared, the situation was not resolved in a satisfactory manor. Continental was unable to rebook the child near a parent until 15 minutes before the flight departed and after all other passengers where seated. And even then, the other parent was in another section of the plane causing more stress because Mom had been depending on Dad's help with the two year old since it was his first time flying. 

It is most upsetting that we are increasingly being shown airline passengers have really no rights. These clients booked their trip 4 months in advance, when the seating charts on each leg were wide open. We did our job and selected adjacent seating at time of booking. It appears Continental ran into a seating issue and in order to move the 2 year old away from his parents, someone changed the child's birth date so it wouldn't cause any alarm. Whether this was intentional or not, it is NOT acceptable. 

Continental is not a discount airline, but a competitor with all other major full fare airlines. Their lack of assistance in helping this family is shocking. When selecting suppliers to partner with in our business, we focus more on how a supplier deals with troubling situations rather than their day to day operations with satisfied clients. This trouble situation was caused by Continental. Because of this, we certainly expected more. We give Continental a big fat FAIL and will think twice before booking any families on their airline in the future.

Better luck next time,

New St. Lucia Airport Development Tax

The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) wishes to inform all travelers that effective May 1st, 2011, the sum of US$35.00 will be included on all airline tickets purchased worldwide for voyages to and from St. Lucia.

I have verified with the St. Lucia Tourist Board that this is not a departure tax, as is common on other islands, but in fact a tax to help the island further development their existing airports to serve a growing number of visitors to the island. Other islands have been adding a "departure tax" to airline ticket costs for years so if you've visited the Caribbean, you've likely already been paying similar taxes. With the launch of this new tax in St. Lucia, we are excited to see the upcoming changes at the airports. 

Let us know if you have any questions! 

Happy Travels,

Caribbean Journey mentioned in the Wall Street Journal!

What a lovely late holiday present - a little mention in the Wall Street Journal!

A few weeks ago I gave an interview about the current status of the Caribbean Airfare Market - not my favorite subject, as reflected in the article. Even though many discount airlines, such as Jet Blue, are increasing their airlift to the Caribbean, it hasn't had enough of an overall effect to help bring down prices or create more seat availability. If you are reading this post, I likely don't need to tell you this because if you've tried planning a Caribbean trip in the past 12-18 months you know that there are fewer nonstop options, ticket prices are more expensive, and all of the extra fees are nothing but a headache. 

Read the full article here and contact me if you'd like help maneuvering the wild airfare market and planning your Caribbean Vacation.


{image from Cerulean Villa, Anguilla}

Enjoy,

How to get to Anguilla?

Most of my clients ask "How do we get to Anguilla?" before we even begin looking at Anguilla accommodation options. 

American Eagle does fly directly into Anguilla from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flight times are limited and the price is high. This leads most visitors to fly into St. Maarten, and take a ferry or small plane over to Anguilla.

{The view from my June ride on GB Express!}

My preferred ferry provider is GB Express. They are very reliable and reply quickly to any questions you might have. Recently, I booked a clients to spend a week on Anguilla and a week on St. Barths and GB was able to assist me in coordinating the Anguilla ferry with the St. Barths ferry and made my job so much easier! {Thank you, Cara!} Rates for GB Express start at $35/per person, each way. Click here to view their schedule. 

I usually recommend my clients take the ferry one direction and if they can afford it, fly another direction. {as long as you aren't afraid of small planes} On my recent trip, I few with Anguilla Air Services and they too were super reliable and helpful. Rates start at $80/per person, each way. Check out their schedule here.

I highly recommend a small plane transfer because it will double as a sightseeing tour and give you a bird's eye view of the Caribbean. Below is one of my favorite shots - and click here for more. Stay tuned - I'll be posting a video of my flight soon! 

As a full service travel company, all of our agents at CaribbeanJourney.com are able to book your entire vacation package to Anguilla - international airfare to St. Maarten, ferry and/or small plane charter, and resort or villa accommodations. Just another reason why you should use a Travel Agent.

 We look forward to hearing from you! 866-236-1924 or info@caribbeanjourney.com 

Happy travels,

14,000 EXTRA Delta SkyMiles for Sandals & Beaches Vacations!

Looking for a great reason to go ahead and book your Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resort Vacation? 

Book between today & August 16, 2010 and earn up to 14,000 Bonus SkyMiles from Delta! 

Why Book a Sandals or Beaches Vacation: 

Sandals Resorts have one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive plans in the industry. They include luxury accommodations, scuba diving & water sports, and championship golf. When you stay at a Sandals Resort, if there is another nearby, you may enjoy that property too!

Why Book Your Sandals & Beaches Resort with Caribbean Journey:

Caribbean Journey  agents have been to EVERY Sandals & Beaches Resorts - multiple times! We know exactly what room category, which restaurants, and what activities are the best for your vacation and why. Also, if you book your vacation and notice a few months later that the price has dropped, all you have to do is call us and we will rebook the trip for you!  

I just returned from Sandals Grande Antigua and my dive specialist, Christy Mackley just returned from Sandals Grande Ocho Rios in Jamaica. Ready to book? Let us know - info@caribbeanjourney.com

{**As with any giveaway, restrictions apply. Please inquire!}

Cayman Airways Super Sale!

Happy Birthday to Cayman Airways! 

They are celebrating their 42nd Birthday with super low fares! 

If you book from July 30 - August 7, Cayman Airways will offer fares as low as

US$142.00 roundtrip for Miami and Tampa, and US$242.00 roundtrip for New York.

Contact us & we will combine these great fares with a hotel stay for a great Cayman Vacation Package!

What's so great about Tobago?

Ask this question to most people in the US and you'll get a blank stare. For this reason, I've had success selling this island to many clients who seek the last of the exotics. They haven't heard of the island so the thought process is, it must be a gem. 

You've surely heard of Trinidad, home to the second most fabulous Carnival outside of Rio, correct? Well Tobago is just a hop, skip, and a jump to the Northeast.

Most of the hotels on the island are small and intimate, cozy and private, like the Half Moon Blue. At only 10 rooms, the epitome of a cozy Caribbean cottage:

 

Two of my favorite larger hotels, are Coco Reef Resort & Spa:

And Blue Haven Hotel complete with some of the chicest rooms on the island:

Tobago is also easy to get to from Europe with cheap flights daily and nonstop flights from London.

Enjoy,

Summer Airfare Sale to St. Lucia!

Delta Airlines flies to St. Lucia 7 to 10 times a week. They have dropped the rate to $488/per person roundtrip from Atlanta to St. Lucia for travel between May 19 and July 31. Hurry - this great deal must be booked by May 31. 

For more information on St. Lucia, visit the St. Lucia Toursit Board's website and check out our previous St. Lucia Vacation blog posts!

Your Companion Flys FREE to the Bahamas!

Nassau, Paradise Island ~ Free Companion Airfare* Promotion!

Instantly receive the amount of the base ticket price for a companion airfare traveling from any gateway city in the United States (except Alaska and Hawaii) to Nassau Paradise Island!

To receive the Free Companion Airfare, book an air-inclusive vacation package for 4 consecutive night† or longer and stay at any of the following hotels:
Atlantis, Paradise Island (Beach, Coral and Royal Towers)
Best Western Bay View Suites
British Colonial Hilton Nassau
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
The Cove Atlantis
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant
Harborside Resort at Atlantis
One&Only Ocean Club
Paradise Island Harbour Resort All-Inclusive
The Reef Atlantis
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
(Luxury-Included®)
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino (All-Inclusive Available)

Booking Window: December 14th, 2009 - March 3rd, 2010

Travel Window: January 4th, 2010 - June 23rd, 2010

Blackout dates: March 19th, 2010 - April 18th, 2010

*Certain government-imposed taxes and fees on free air travel are additional.

St. Kitts is Easier to Reach this Winter!

Pssst! Breaking News! Delta added another flight from Atlanta to St. Kitts, that's 2 flights every week from December 23 to April 7!!

Updates from Jamaica

I spent last evening at a dinner hosted by The Jamaican Tourist Board - you know, the folks responsible for the groovy commercials and catchy tagline "Once You Go, You know.". Yes, it was lively, colorful, and delicious... a little taste of the island in Atlanta. Just when I thought there was nothing more I could possibly learn about this island I have visited oh so many times... there is. Below are the updates and facts I found most interesting:

• Jamaica welcomes over 3 Million tourists EVERY year!
• 75% of all visitors to Jamaica are booked through Travel Agents.
• Due to improved roads, it only takes 1 HOUR to get from the airport in Montego Bay to Negril.
• Due to the same road improvements, it only takes 1 HOUR & 20 mins to get to Ocho Rios from the airport.
• However, due to current improvements in Montego Bay town, avoid arriving at rush hour or you will add 45 minutes to your trip simply trying to get out of town. This improvement will be completed in December '09.
• JetBlue is adding nonstop service to Montego Bay from Orlando in January.
• AirTran is adding nonstop service to Montego Bay from Atlanta in February.

The only fact I learned that I am NOT happy to hear is the increase in departure tax. As of today, October 1 2009, the departure tax for the island of Jamaica is now $20/per person. This is a jump from $11. You can read more about this here.

Air Jamaica Revises Baggage Policy

See larger print by clicking the flyer or here.

Air Jamaica Executive Lounge Day Pass

Air Jamaica has announced that travelings may purchase entry to their Executive Lounges in Kingston and Montego Bay Jamaica for $30/per person. The pass may be purchased at the ticket counter in both airports.

"We are pleased that we can now offer this facility to our passengers in Economy Class. Our Lovebird Executive Lounge will allow them a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with wireless Internet access, cable television, newspapers, beverages and snacks while they wait for their flight,” said Sue Rosen, senior director of customer service.

Make a Difference - AA's Miles for Kids in Need

How Your Miles Can Help!

American Airlines is one of the top producers of flights to the Caribbean. Their Miles for Kids in Need program provides worldwide support for children and their families, as well as for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with needs for medical, educational, social services issues and/or for those that heighten public awareness of children's issues.Since 1989, AAdvantage members have donated miles to help kids in need. Last year alone, members generously donated over 30 million of their unused AAdvantage miles to help provide transportation to over 500 kids through this program. If you can help us replenish some of these miles, we (and the kids) will really appreciate it. Please check your mileage balance and consider making a donation today. More details...

Breaking News... Spirit buys Air Jamaica!

The Associated Press & the Jamaica Gleaner have both reported that discounted carrier, Spirit Air, has recently acquired Jamaica's national airline in an effort to help save Air Jamaica! I am not sure what this means to the market, but it will be interesting to watch! Maybe a drop in fares? Maybe a drop in service? Let's see!

So you booked your hotel deal... and need airfare?

Air Jamaica is on sale too! Their New Year's Sale must be purchased by Jan 9 or 12th in some markets. An example of the great rates... $49/each way from Florida to Jamaica or $119/each way from Baltimore to Jamaica... plus tax, of course.

HUGE Air Jamaica Sale! Buy by December 11!!!!

CaribbeanJourney.com is offering great CARIBBEAN VACATIONS including the following sale on Air Jamaica! Book by December 11 for travel January 9 to March 31, 2009! Rates are ONE WAY and exclusive of TAXES - but still a GREAT deal!

From Baltimore & Philadelphia

$123 to Jamaica

$167 to Barbardos

$167 to Grenada

$176 to Curacao

From New York

$123 to Jamaica

$167 to Barbados

$167 to Grenada

$182 to Curacao

From Miami/Fort Lauderdale

$47 to Jamaica

$137 to Barbados

From Orlando

$77 to Jamaica

From Atlanta

$93 to Jamaica

$161 to Barbados

$161 to Grenada

$167 to Curacao

From Chicago

$133 to Jamaica

$190 to Curacao

$218 to Grenada

From LA

$157 to Jamaica

$208 to Curacao

Contact ME to book your Caribbean Vacation and take advantage of this great sale!

Caribbean Airlines

Small isn't necessarily a bad thing in the travel industry. In fact, for years I have seen a growing trend in my clients requesting smaller, more intimate hotels, namely boutique hotels. Whether or not Caribbean Airlines wants this title, I feel they do qualify as a boutique airline. The beauty of smaller companies is often more attention to detail, a lower staff to guest ratio, and overall more personalized service. Well, the Trinidad based Caribbean Airlines offers all of the above.

I don't usually take a stand on recommending one airline over another - honestly, at this point in time all the major players have disappointed me and my clients with last minute inconvenient schedule changes, fare hikes, and commission cuts. I am loyal to Air Jamaica - primarily from my own wonderful experiences of flying with them on over 50 occasions. But, the smaller Caribbean Airlines deserves attention too! Caribbean Airlines is available to book directly or through many wholesalers, including one of my favorites, Travel Impressions. Caribbean Airlines service the following islands: Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Caracas, Guyana, and Surinam from Fort. Laurderale, Toronto, Miami, London, or New York.
Let me know if I can arrange your next vacation with Caribbean Airlines!