airlinesEtihadWhatsApp
airlinesEtihadWhatsApp Etihad Airways has launched a WhatsApp Business solution, allowing guests to communicate instantly with the airline via the popular messaging app.The airline says its new service will provide an enhanced offering to premium guests when they are at Abu Dhabi International Airport, allowing them to chat with the airline’s agents about their flights in a fast, personal, and efficient way.In addition to communicating with customer service agents, the WhatsApp Business solution will be expanded in the future to enable guests to receive important messages like flight reminders by opting into WhatsApp communications on the Etihad Airways booking confirmation page.During the initial trial phase, the Etihad Airways WhatsApp number will be exhibited in Premium check-in at Abu Dhabi Airport.
CuscohotelsMountain Lodges of PeruPeruX.O. Art House Local Peruvian hotel operator, Mountain Lodges of Peru, has opened the doors to a new property in Cusco – X.O Art House, a luxury, boutique-style experience housed in a converted casona (a large traditionally-built home from the Spanish colonial era.)The property offers seven independent superior and superior deluxe guest rooms with interiors inspired by Cusco’s flourishing contemporary art scene. Each guest room has been uniquely decorated with current works by artists from the local arts consortium, Totemiq, led by Berenice DÃaz. Guest room features include iPads and Amazon Alexa for round-the-clock virtual communication and information, while superior deluxe rooms also feature a fully-equipped kitchenette for flexibility and independent dining. Conveniently located in the arts quarter of San Blas, X.O Art House is only a few blocks from the Plaza Nazarenas and the Plaza de Armas.Keeping with Mountain Lodges of Peru’s mission to deliver highly personalised service, guests staying at X.O Art House will be treated to service from the Grand Host, who is available on site to fulfil any request from grocery items to restaurant reservations and city tours.“X.O Art House is a great option for families and groups looking for a more intimate experience. It can even be booked for exclusive use,” said Enrique Umbert, Co-founder & Manager at Mountain Lodges of Peru. “Since many of our hotel guests also travel with us to Machu Picchu on one of our signature adventure programs, by offering increased accommodation opportunities in Cusco, we can offer a seamless end-to-end visitor experience to more our guests.”Contact rebeca@uniquelatinamerica.com.au for more information.IMAGE: Superior Deluxe Room
airlineschatbot Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines customer service is now also available via Messenger App now have access to a digital assistant. The Bots Elisa (Lufthansa), Nelly (SWISS) and Maria (Austrian Airlines) – based on the names of the first female flight attendants of each of the three airlines – are available to customers around the clock every day. The new digital customer service complements the existing service. Simple questions can be answered quickly, picking up on customer inquiries that the bots cannot answer.Customers need Facebook Messenger to start the dialogue with one of the digital helpers. On smartphones enter lh.com/bot, swiss.com/bot or austrian.com/bot in the browser.
Comments Share Last football season was ugly and the Arizona Cardinals’ disastrous quarterback situation was to blame.There, I said it.But this year things are turning around with the acquisition of former Philadelphia Eagle Kevin Kolb and a decent backup being developed in John Skelton.Yes, the same Skelton who went 60-for-126 and just two touchdowns in five games. He also threw two interceptions and fumbled twice.In his first preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, Skelton went 6-for-10 and a touchdown. Extrapolated over three additional quarters, Skelton could have gone 24-for-40 with four touchdowns. That’s a decent enough game for a backup quarterback. Nevada officials reach out to D-backs on potential relocation D-backs president Derrick Hall: Franchise ‘still focused on Arizona’ “He didn’t start of as smoothly as you’d like in a game, but he certainly got into a rhythm and played very well,” said Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt of Skelton’s performance.While he may have played well, Skelton needs to establish himself as a team leader. There have been few successful football teams in which the quarterback does not play an integral role, both on and off the field.Whisenhunt said that Skelton needs to work on his play calling and figuring out exactly what those plays mean for himself and his teammates. But that will come with time.Skelton was forced into the starting role much too early, as last year’s season showed, but the experience was good for him. He learned what it meant to lose and now, under the wing of Kolb, could learn what it means to win as a solid backup quarterback.
Top Stories What an MLB source said about the D-backs’ trade haul for Greinke Cardinals expect improving Murphy to contribute right away
Kevin Kolb wants to play every week, but this Sunday’sgame may carry a little more importance.The Cardinals are traveling to Philadelphia to take on theEagles, the team that traded the QB to Arizona before theseason began.“It’s a big game for me, it’s a big game for us, and Iwant to be out there at all costs,” Kolb said.Kolb said he’d be lying if he said the game didn’t mean alot, and that while it will be nice to go back and see oldfriends he’d really like to be in uniform playing. D-backs president Derrick Hall: Franchise ‘still focused on Arizona’ Top Stories Cardinals expect improving Murphy to contribute right away Unfortunately for Kolb, a turf toe injury combined with abone bruise has left his status for Sunday up in the air,and while he said he felt better Wednesday that does notmean he’ll be ready to go Sunday.Kolb did not practice with the team Wednesday, and headcoach Ken Whisenhunt said getting on the practice fieldwould go a long way towards playing at Lincoln FinancialField.“I think it’s important, since he missed last week, thathe would be able to actually take some reps do some thingsin practice in order to feel comfortable with the plan,”Whisenhunt said. “Since he’s not very long in our offenseanyway it’s not like he can just pick up and go.”Which means Kolb must get better — quickly — if he wantsto get back on the field.“I think the main thing is it just not affecting throwsand having trust in it completely,” the QB said. “You justdon’t want it nagging on you at all.“The pain’s not the issue.”Arizona Sports’ Kyndra de St. Aubin contributed to thisreport
Comments Share What an MLB source said about the D-backs’ trade haul for Greinke Nevada officials reach out to D-backs on potential relocation
Nevada officials reach out to D-backs on potential relocation Top Stories What an MLB source said about the D-backs’ trade haul for Greinke 0 Comments Share Whatever you do, please don’t read too much into this next sentence:John Skelton will get the start at quarterback for the Cardinals Friday against the Chiefs.Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt announced the decision Tuesday, according to AZCardinals.com’s Darren Urban.It has been the plan all along.Skelton and Kevin Kolb are battling it out to be the team’s starting QB this season, with Kolb getting the start last Sunday against the Saints. The plan all along has been to alternate between the signal callers, so this latest news should come as little surprise.
D-backs president Derrick Hall: Franchise ‘still focused on Arizona’ Cardinals expect improving Murphy to contribute right away This is a big moment for Skelton, who enters the game presumably with the lead in the QB race. A good performance could really put him in the driver’s seat, whereas a bad one may allow Kolb to regain the edge.
When you have a hole on the roster, there seems to be a trend ongoing in the NFL of doubling up on that weakness in the draft.We saw the Cardinals do this with one of the weakest positions on the roster in offensive guard, getting the uber-talented Jonathan Cooper and the equally intriguing small school prospect Earl Watford from James Madison University.Then it happened again later in the draft, and it was a much more… puzzling development. Against Virginia Tech in the 2011 ACC Championship game we see Ellington follow the down blocks and he has the responsibility of making one man miss in the hole. Well he’s successful there, but then we see what makes Ellington a unique talent, in that he’s able to break arm tackles and then use a one cut move and get to daylight.When I talk about Ellington lacking creativity in his runs it means he’ll often miss cutback lanes, and doesn’t bounce runs out effectively when there is an opportunity. The Cardinals had what I liked to call a “prove it” backfield coming into the draft. Rashard Mendenhall looked to be the man, but only has a one-year deal. The new regime has no attachment to the perennially injured Ryan Williams and both William Powell and Alfonso Smith are interesting prospects, but they never really got the chance to be the answer, and with a new coaching staff change typically takes place.I had been vocal about spending early picks on a running back, as I was comfortable with where they sat in terms of in-house talent, even taking into account Williams’ injury-plagued past. If they did take a running back I wanted to see it on day three, and they did that with one of my favorite prospects in the draft, and a guy I had a third round grade on in Stepfan Taylor.To say I was shocked at the Cardinals second pick in the sixth round would be a total understatement, but when you take into account total value, and the reality that the Cardinals are doing business the right way finally, taking a prospect that was universally graded as a second round type of guy in Andre Ellington makes all the sense in the world.What does Ellington bring to the table? He shows an excellent blend of quickness to the hole and balance through it in this run here against Auburn.What you see from Ellington is a back that will work through the garbage with power and balance, even if he isn’t a bigger back.Ellington isn’t necessarily a creative runner, meaning he isn’t going to be able to create something out of nothing or see small creases and expose them, but he follows his blockers and takes what the defense gives him.That often can lead to 1-2 yard gains, but he isn’t the type to get frustrated, and when the play is blocked correctly, you will see Ellington take advantage. Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires Ellington at times follows his blockers too much, as he’ll run up their backs in the hole, and gain minimal yardage. Top Stories While not a burner, he is fast enough, posting a 4.51 despite a troublesome hamstring at his pro day, and he shows an ability to make defenders miss with some wiggle to his runs. – / 48 Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo One of the biggest plusses for Ellington in the Arians offense is that he’s a true three down back. When you watch him run the ball it’s obvious that he understands following the schemes and assignments and he often does a very good job of catching the ball out of the backfield, even if that isn’t a huge necessity in Arians offense.What makes him even more intriguing, though, is his willingness as a pass blocker.While he isn’t nearly as clean and effective right now as Taylor, he tries hard. 0 Comments Share That may sound a little Pop Warnerish, but the reality is getting a back that’s happy to stick their nose into an oncoming rusher’s chest is something that isn’t always a priority to some running backs, and Ellington does it.Ellington is a different kind of runner than Taylor. He isn’t nearly as instinctive or powerful, but he understands how to follow his blocks, has exceptional balance and does a great job of taking what is there with each and every run.While he may not be as rugged a back as Taylor, he offers the Cardinals a more pure runner and he is definitely a weapon that can be used on special teams and on kick returns. Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling
Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires PHOENIX, Ariz. — The NFL draft starts Thursday, and while the Cardinals say they don’t have much in the way of needs, ESPN’s Todd McShay says that’s not exactly the case.In an insider piece going over every team’s needs entering the draft, the analyst provided a handful for Bruce Arians’ team.The Cardinals’ linebackers struggled in pass coverage last season, recording their lowest number of sacks since 2010 with just 35. LaMarr Woodleyand Sean Weatherspoon are short-term stopgaps, but they could use an upgrade, particularly at outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. The Cards signed Cory Redding and Corey Peters this offseason to help replace Darnell Dockett and Dan Williams, but adding talent alongside standout Calais Campbell should be a priority. They need a starter at corner opposite Patrick Peterson to replace Antonio Cromartie, who left for the Jets in free agency. 2014 second-rounder Troy Niklas saw his rookie season derailed by an ankle injury, but he’s more of a blocker anyway, so Arizona could look to add a pass-catching TE. The Cardinals ranked No. 31 in the league in rushing yards per game last season, and they’d do well to add a power back alongside Andre Ellington, who wore down over the course of last season and ended up on IR. With picks 24, 55, 86, 123, 159, 198, 241 and 256, the Cards are at the mercy of 23 other teams scheduled to pick before them. The Cardinals are coming off an 11-5 season, locking up an NFC Wild Card spot despite some terrible luck in the health department. Hopes are key players like Carson Palmer will return from their injuries and join a talented 2015 draft class to bring the Cards to the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Will the Cardinals be influenced by their biggest positions of need, as McShay broke down, or will the team choose to take the highest-ranked prospect on their board? 0 Comments Share The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Top Stories Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact
Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires Comments Share Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling It should be a real treat for anyone who considers themselves a Cardinals fan, though the show is likely to be enjoyed by fans of any team. While some shows, like “Hard Knocks,” have given a glimpse of life in the NFL, “All or Nothing” is a different animal altogether.“What hasn’t been done is, take it from that point where the 53-man roster is set for at least Week 1, and then spend the next five months with these guys,” the show’s director and producer, Steve Trout, told Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.We can’t wait to see it, though a couple of our own already got to watch one of the episodes.Earlier this month many members of the organization traveled to Los Angeles to watch Episode 7, which featured the team’s Divisional Round victory over the Green Bay Packers. Ron Wolfley and Paul Calvisi joined players, coaches and management in getting an early look at the show.We’re jealous, but the duo took some time to help those of us who have not yet seen an episode by sharing some thoughts.
Beginning July 1, football fans will be able to get an inside look at the 2015 Arizona Cardinals courtesy of the Amazon series “All or Nothing.”The eight-episode show — the entirety of will be available online upon the series’ release date — will give viewers a level of access they have never had, with footage taken on the field, in the locker room, during team meetings and in the players’ and coaches’ homes. The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Top Stories 
Arizona Cardinals defensive back D.J. Swearinger (36) celebrates his interception against the New York Jets with teammate atrick Peterson (21) as New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson (11) looks on during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires The departures of cornerback Jerraud Powers and safety Rashad Johnson during the offseason could been an excuse for the Arizona Cardinals’ secondary to take a step back in 2016. Maybe Tyrann Mathieu’s recovery from his ACL surgery caused the production to sag as well. Still, the Cardinals defensive back unit wasn’t too shabby during the team’s 7-8-1 season. Pro Football Focus ranked the secondary No. 9 in the NFL. Indeed, Mathieu’s injury struggles didn’t help matters, and neither did what PFF said was a slight dip from cornerback Patrick Peterson. Production from safeties Tony Jefferson and D.J. Swearinger made up for that, at least a little bit.Patrick Peterson had another good year, although not quite to the level he performed in 2015. Still, his 14.0 coverage snaps per reception allowed was third-most for cornerbacks this season. Safety Tony Jefferson was one of the best run-defending safeties in the league, and led the position with a 7.8 run-stop percentage. At the other safety spot, D.J. Swearinger’s turnaround has been quietly impressive, considering where he was at a couple years ago (cut after just two seasons after being drafted in the second round).Jefferson, in a contract year, piled up 96 tackles, two forced fumbles and five passes defensed. Per PFF, he had the Cardinals secondary’s best overall grade and was the No. 2 run defender among defensive backs in the NFL.Meanwhile, Swearinger resurrected his career and posted the seventh-best coverage grade in the league. The second-round pick in 2013 played in 16 games in each of his first two seasons with the Texans but appeared sparingly in 2015 with Tampa Bay and then Arizona. This year, he played in every game for the Cardinals to record 66 tackles with three interceptions and eight passes defensed. Top Stories Comments Share Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact
The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Barkley (9) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Barkley is a 27-year-old alumnus of USC who has seen NFL playing time with the Eagles and Bears after spending 2015 on the Cardinals’ inactive list. In six career starts, all last season with Chicago, he completed 61.2 percent of his passes and recorded eight touchdowns with 12 interceptions.The quarterback, a fourth-round choice by Philadelphia in 2013, joined the San Francisco 49ers this offseason but was released Sept. 1.Miller, Arizona’s sixth-round draft pick in 2016, played in two games at the end of 2016 for the Cardinals, recording six tackles and an interception.Carter played for Arizona during the preseason after going undrafted out of Trinity International. – / 32 The Arizona Cardinals signed quarterback Matt Barkley and elevated safety Harlan Miller from the practice squad on Monday after a rash of injuries hit in their Thursday loss to the Seattle Seahawks.Cornerback Jarell Carter was additionally added to the practice squad.Arizona placed safety Tyvon Branch (knee), tackle D.J. Humphries (knee) and tight end Ifeanyi Momah (ankle) on the injured reserve. All are out for the season. Top Stories Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires 6 Comments Share 
Go back to the e-newsletter >Fiji Airways has announced plans to commence twice weekly direct services to Singapore from 5 April, 2016. The flights will operate from Nadi International Airport on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flights times to suit onward connections to India and South East Asia. The airline also announced special launch fare from Nadi to Singapore, starting from F$999** all-inclusive. This sale starts Monday 9 November.Making the announcement in the Fijian Capital, Suva today, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen said the introduction of direct Singapore flights was excellent news for Fiji Airways customers and all Fijians.“We will be flying direct to a destination considered as Asia’s leading hub,” Mr. Viljoen stated. “The attractions of Singapore are numerous, from the world’s best airport, Changi, to world-renowned shopping and entertainment. Fijians will now be able to enjoy the comfort of our A330 aircraft on this 10-hour flight, departing Nadi late night and arriving in Singapore fresh in the morning ready to explore all that this bustling metropolitan city-state has to offer.”He added that onward connection times to other key destinations would make transiting through Singapore extremely convenient. “Changi Airport is served by 100 airlines connecting 300 cities in 80 countries and territories, making it one of the most important air transport hubs in the world. Transit times for most onwards flights to key cities in India, Indonesia and Malaysia are under three hours, which adds to the appeal of flying through Singapore. With this, we’re making good on our promise of taking Fijians to the world.”Changi Airport Group CEO, Mr Lee Seow Hiang said, “This is a significant milestone for Changi Airport, with Fiji Airways’ new service bridging new direct links between Singapore and the South Pacific Islands. For travellers in Singapore as well as other parts of Asia and Europe, this development makes accessible to them new and exciting holiday destinations in the South Pacific. This certainly adds to Changi’s attractiveness as an air hub. For Fijian travellers, Singapore is already among their top destinations within Southeast Asia, and we believe this is set to grow further.” “We are excited about the growth potential of Fiji Airways at Changi Airport, and will work closely with the airline, as well as other tourism and travel partners to maximise growth opportunities.”The special launch fare of F$999 (limited seats available) will be on sale from Monday 9 November to 22, with travel from 5 April, 2016. Fijian passport holders do not require a visa for Singapore.Go back to the e-newsletter >
Go back to the enewsletterSmall Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is adding five new properties to its collection in February and March 2019, including two mountain lodges.They include:Quinta Da Comporta Wellness Retreat, Comporta, Portugal61 Deluxe rooms, four Pool Villas and three bedrooms from AU$254 per night including breakfast.Opens 15 March 2019Nestled on a 17-hectare estate surrounded by umbrella pines and cork trees, wild sand dunes, rice fields and over 60 kilometres of pristine, white-sand beaches, the hotel features whitewashed walls and cool-toned touches, reflective of both traditional Portuguese style and contemporary design. Each room has a luxurious beach hut feel, with rustic-style furniture drawn from a natural colour palette and sun-bleached woods that merge seamlessly with the hotel’s beautiful surroundings.Faarufushi Maldives, Raa Atoll, Maldives80 rooms from AU$1,215 per night including breakfast and dinner.Opens March 2019Bringing barefoot luxury to the remote northern Raa Atoll, Faarufushi Maldives will welcome guests from March 2019 with 80 spacious villas that offer a striking realisation of contemporary design amid a naturally stunning seascape. Hidden among palm trees are 10 Beach Bungalows and 27 Beach Retreats, while 39 sleek Ocean Retreats with Pool are positioned over the island’s sparkling azure lagoon. For the ultimate indulgence, the Island Residence comes complete with an individual expansive infinity pool overlooking its very own stretch of the Indian Ocean.Hotel Nantipa, Santa Teresa de Cobano, Costa Rica15 rooms from AU$507 per night including breakfast.Opens February 2019Immersed in the surf culture of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula, Hotel Nantipa is set to make waves in this picturesque part of Costa Rica with every design element inspired by the ocean and the sky, right down to its name, which means ‘blue’ in the native Nicoya tribal language. The cloud-nine boutique retreat offers beach-edge suites and bungalows with hammocks and garden, pool or ocean views, ensuring guests have the sand between their toes and the sound of the sea in their ears from dusk till dawn. Beautifully positioned right on the beach, Nantipa’s restaurant serves creative Costa Rican cuisine with a side of sunset views.Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt, Switzerland95 rooms from AU$541 per night including breakfast.Reopened 21 December 2018Recently acquired by Michel Reybier, the iconic Schweizerhof Zermatt is located at the foot of the Matterhorn in the heart of The Alps. The hotel was reopened on 21 December, transformed and ready for the 2019 ski season. The new style is warm and bold, with alpine charm including soft rugs and timber finishings which are present throughout. The Spa by Schweizerhof offers an exclusive list of spa treatments created with cosmeceutical products from Nescens, the Swiss anti-ageing science. Guests will also be kept entertained with an indoor swimming pool, three saunas open 24/7, a Turkish bath and a fitness centre, while yoga masterclasses and a private fitness coach are also available. Hotel Montchalet, South Tyrol, Italy17 rooms from AU$713 per night including breakfast.Set in the idyllic mountain village of Ortisei in Val Gardena, Hotel Montchalet is surrounded by the soaring natural wonders of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property combines four ranges of luxury suites (Silver, Gold, Platinum and VIP) featuring pebble tones and crisp whites, silver tints and charcoal accents alongside beautifully exposed wood. Some of the suites even include their own private, infrared saunas, as well as steam baths and outdoor Jacuzzis. Its spa and wellness area has been designed to ensure deep relaxation boasting facilities such as futuristic floating sunbeds by NU RELAX, an indoor pool, experience showers and a fitness area with Technogym machines.Lead image: Faarufushi Maldives – a new member of Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldGo back to the enewsletter
Go back to the enewsletterCoral Expeditions will offer an annual 14-night expedition cruise circumnavigating the Tasmanian coastline departing Hobart on 1 January 2020 aboard Coral Discoverer.This special 14-night circumnavigation itinerary joins Coral Expeditions’ newly announced 35th Anniversary circumnavigation of Australia and Sulawesi Circle aboard the new Coral Adventurer, also due to set sail in 2020.Coming on the back of a successful third season basing Coral Discoverer in Hobart during the Tasmanian summer, the 14-night Tasmania expedition will focus on the same key themes of wildlife and nature, maritime and convict history, local characters and communities and the culinary tastes of the island state.Skirting the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, Coral Discoverer will explore the rugged Tasmanian coastline, with abundant and majestic sea life including mega-pods of dolphins, magnificent fur seal colonies and rare birdlife. Many of the areas visited are hard to access by road.Highlights of the expedition itinerary include:The rarely seen Bass Strait Islands including King Island, with visits to beef and dairy farmlands, a kelp factory, Martha Lavinia Beach and the historic Cape Wickham lighthouseHikes through breathtaking Strezlecki National Park on Flinders IslandHistoric maritime sites including the lighthouses and wrecks of the Tasmanian CoastExplore and learn at the historic anchorage of Adventure Bay, including the history of Captain Cook, Captain William Bligh and French Admiral Bruni D’EntrecasteauxSail down the Tamar River, Australia’s longest navigable tidal estuaryWinemakers’ dinner event in the renowned Josef Chromy Wines vineyard in the Tamar Valley region, winner of an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat in 2017Catering to an active and adventurous traveller, the itinerary will also offer guests the opportunity to explore Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness, enjoying treks off the tourist trail including the Fluted Cape and Mt Beattie tracks, and navigating the ‘narrows’ at Bathurst Harbour on the Xplorer tender.Many of the new itinerary features of the Tasmanian Circumnavigation including food events with local producers will be carried over into the regular 2020 expedition season in Tasmania. The seven-night departures start on 27 January and run back-to-back until mid-March.Circumnavigation prices start at $10,990 per person twin share and are inclusive of shore excursions, meals and beverages.See www.coralexpeditions.comGo back to the enewsletter
Go back to the enewsletterSilversea Cruises this week gave us a long-awaited preview of the first ship of a new flotilla that will be joining the ultra-luxury cruise line’s fleet over coming years. Silver Origin will enter service in around 14 months in the Galapagos. It will be joined by two new Silversea Evolution Class ships and three new expedition vessels.In Australia recently, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Development Expeditions & Experiences, Conrad Combrink – and Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Adam Armstrong – gave LATTE an insight on the upcoming vessels. Here’s what Combrink had to tell us during an exclusive interview about Silver Origin, the new-build ship that will be replacing Silversea’s existing ship vessel in the Galapagos Islands, Silver Galapagos.Silversea Managing Director Australia & New Zealand, Adam Armstrong and Senior Vice President of Strategic Development Expeditions & Experiences, Conrad Combrink“We’ve got Silver Origin coming next year. She really is a spectacular, spectacular ship. “We’re expecting Silver Origin at the very end of April 2020. She will then reposition to the Galapagos. She will be based in Ecuador and carry the Ecuadorian flag. We expect the first commercial trip to be around June next year”.“We’ve changed a little bit on the approach. We’ve used different interior and architectural design firms than what we’ve traditionally used. In the brief we were very, very clear. Our brand evolution is all about the destination and everything that we do with our ships is to break down the barrier between the ship and the destination. “Our ships are travelling to some of the most incredible destinations in the world and we feel that with our new ships, with Origin, the Evolution Class ships, that we need to focus our energy on breaking down the barrier and bringing outside in. So it’s a bit of a departure, but again, nothing over the top. It’s very understated, and what our guests are used to.Armstrong added that Silver Origin is the first purpose-built, new-build expedition fleet ship that Silversea has ever had. “Our existing fleet has been modified tonnage that we have acquired or already had in fleet. This is our first opportunity to build from the ground up.”Combrink noted the joint venture with Royal Caribbean had given Silversea Cruises the ability to work with highly experienced ship designers, architects and the ship yards.“Royal Caribbean have a team of 300+ just working on newbuilds,” Combrink said, with Armstrong noting that compares to Silversea’s team of “just two!”.Combrink continued: “So it’s an incredible, incredible difference and it’s been an exciting journey that we embarked on last year towards the end of July. And it’s really given us the opportunity to do everything that we always wanted to do with new ships. It’s very exciting.“And as I always say, we are staying very true to our DNA on delivering pure expedition product and focusing on delivering the destination with the ships. The ship is a catalyst if the destination isn’t.”Conrad, can you tell us more about the Evolution Class of ship?“Technically they are not expeditions ships, they are an evolution of Silver Spirit, Muse, Moon and Dawn.“We haven’t released a lot of information about these ships yet. They are in the final stages of development, and in fact we only last week had a final signing off with Meyer Werft. They are going to continue to push the boundaries. Very innovative ships, but really staying true to our DNA in the sense of understated luxury and really focusing on creating the beautiful on board atmosphere that Silversea is used to.”“The Evolution Class [of ship] is going to have around the same capacity as the Silver Spirit, Muse… so we are going at 600.What can you share with us about Silversea’s new Expedition ships?“We are quite bullish with the growth in the expedition market. And of course through our partnership with Royal Caribbean it does allow us to accelerate the growth that we’ve always wanted for Silversea. “Having one family-owned operation and having Royal Caribbean’s backing is very different so we are definitely able to accelerate our growth and that is with the Evolution class, as well as with our Expedition class. “We’ve announced that Silver Wind will be joining the expedition fleet next year. She will undergo a massive transformation. It’s quite invasive with the work that we are doing on that. She will be taken out of service for three months.”So where will the new purpose-built expedition ships sail?“We’ve got a very clear vision on what we want to do with our expedition fleet. We generally work 5 to 7 years ahead, and that gets revised every six to 12 month.“At the deployment meetings we take into consideration past performance, geopolitical situations, and we take into consideration what the market leaders feel they can achieve good results in with their markets.“We as a company are not afraid to try new things. In fact that’s one of the things that I’ve always loved about Silversea. About 30% of our deployment is in the polar regions. The rest is in other destinations.“Polar regions are incredible destinations and will always be the base of our expedition products but it is really how we diversify from there that makes a successful and well-rounded expedition company.“We were the first company to ever do an expedition of the West Coast of Africa, and the first ever to do an expedition to Bangladesh, and we continue to look at ways to challenge ourselves and to come up with new products.“A big difference between Silversea and a lot of the other operators is our experience. Every single one of the team members that I’m fortunate to work with have all worked on ships and we all still go out to the ships at least a couple of times a year. We go out and we actually work on board so that we don’t lose that connection with the product. I personally lead the Christmas voyage on Silver Cloud to Antarctica. The reality is that we firmly believe that we need to stay connected with the product and only because of that can we push the boundaries and we love finding new destinations.“So can I tell you exactly where we’re going? Not until September when we launch the new 2021/2022 itineraries, but we do have some exciting destinations up our sleeves and we are very excited about that.While Combrink wasn’t in a position to disclose itineraries he did indicate the program would go well beyond the Poles.“In the past, most companies have been focused on the Arctic and Antarctic. They didn’t spend a lot of time developing those repositioning voyages. It’s been ‘problem-likely’ – something that expedition companies struggled with. How do we fill our ships between Antarctica and the Arctic? And we just took the approach that it shouldn’t be a problem if we invest in the development of these destinations.“So we’ve spent a huge amount of time and resources travelling to these places, making local connections and understanding what it is that we can and cannot do. Each itinerary that we’ve put together has been years in development, scouting, travelling to these destinations, really understanding it. And once you’ve done that, your repositioning voyage no longer needs to be called that as it is as strong as your polar voyages.”Go back to the enewsletter
RelatedFlights from Tallinn to be introduced by RyanairFlights from Tallinn to be introduced by RyanairSpain Strike AdviceHere’s some advice on how the Spanish strike may affect you flightSkyscanner search traffic jumps following cancelled Edinburgh Ryanair flightsPassengers stranded by Ryanair’s Edinburgh flight cancellations are searching Skyscanner for alternatives Cheap flights operator Ryanair has called for EU action against ATC strikers, after revealing it has cancelled 1,400 flights and delayed a further 12,000 already this year because of industrial action across Europe.Flights to France, Spain and Belgium were all disrupted last week as a result of walkouts by air traffic controllers.The frustrated carrier explained that airlines and passengers suffer the costs of such action without any recourse against unions that decide to strike.It is now urging the European Commission to remove the ‘right to strike’ from vital airport services such as the ATC, because it believes existing legislation is “unfit for purpose”.Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary asked: “How many more times will Europe’s airlines and their passengers be disrupted by unnecessary airspace closures, strikes and work to rules before the EU Commission finally takes some action?”Last month, the airline operated ‘hand baggage only’ flights to Spain and back on September 29th, to avoid further cancellations due to strike.ReturnOne wayMulti-cityFromAdd nearby airports ToAdd nearby airportsDepart14/08/2019Return21/08/2019Cabin Class & Travellers1 adult, EconomyDirect flights onlySearch flights Map
A cheap weekend break is always pretty much top of our ‘things that get us through the week’ list so it’s probably no surprise that we’re fans of new flights popping up.In saunter easyJet with their winter flights (and in good ol’ easyJet fashion this also means cheap trips to most of Europe) so we’ve dug out some of the best deals and popped them down there to make life a little easier.Need a little help deciding where to go? Check out where’s hot in October, November, December & January.Onto the good stuff so put down that pen, tilt your screen slightly so your boss can’t see what you’re doing and start plannig those trips.All easyJet flights from the UK Jen Rankine // @CensoredPixel Slightly obsessed with anything Internet related, you’ll often find Jen in every nook and cranny she can possibly wiggle her way into. If she’s not on social media, you’ll often find her trying to frame a nice shot of something that looks slightly strange, cross-stitching, failing miserably at a game or trying to find the best burger available. Bristol to Portugal from £31 London to Barcelona from £41 *Published 23rd March 2017. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability.Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car hire. Belfast to Reykjavik from £34 ReturnOne wayMulti-cityFromAdd nearby airports ToAdd nearby airportsDepart14/08/2019Return21/08/2019Cabin Class & Travellers1 adult, EconomyDirect flights onlySearch flights Map Glasgow to Geneva from £37 About the author Edinburgh to Cyprus Paphos from £31 Untitled Document easyJet winter flights Newcastle to Berlin from £60 —-###**Nothing caught your eye? Try using this instead ** RelatedFlash sale: Norwegian St Patrick’s Day flight sale to America from £134Norwegian have just announced a huge St Patrick’s Day sale with flights to America from only £134! This four day sale offers 15% off flights in summer from the UK and Ireland. Things you need to know: – These are super limited and end 19 March. Embrace your inner Sonic…Flash sale: up to 15% off easyJet flightsReady for another easyJet flash sale? The low-cost airline is offering a 15% discount on 300,000 seats. The small print you need to know: – Only available on selected flights to/from the UK – Travel must be between 20th September and 13th December 2017 – Sale ends midnight 5th September…2018 January Flight DealsThere’s no better time to find cheap flights than the ‘January sales’. There are great deals to be had from leading airlines and travel agents, whether you want to grab a last minute flight for a city break or plan your summer holiday, it’s the time to find low cost…
by The Associated Press Posted Mar 19, 2018 11:12 pm PDT Last Updated Mar 20, 2018 at 12:00 am PDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email Celeb birthdays for the week of March 25-31 March 25: Film critic Gene Shalit is 92. Singer Anita Bryant is 78. Singer Aretha Franklin is 76. Actor Paul Michael Glaser (TV’s “Starsky and Hutch”) is 75. Musician Elton John is 71. Actress Bonnie Bedelia is 70. Actress-comedian Mary Gross is 65. Actor James McDaniel (“NYPD Blue”) is 60. Saxophonist Steve Norman of Spandau Ballet is 58. Actress Brenda Strong (“Desperate Housewives”) is 58. Actress Marcia Cross (“Desperate Housewives”) is 56. Actress Lisa Gay Hamilton (“The Practice”) is 54. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is 53. Turner Classics Movies host Ben Mankiewicz is 51. Singer Melanie Blatt of All Saints is 43. Actor Domenick Lombardozzi (“Boardwalk Empire”) is 42. Actor Lee Pace (“Pushing Daisies”) is 39. Comedian Alex Moffat (“Saturday Night Live”) is 36. Singer Katharine McPhee (“Smash,” ”American Idol”) is 34. Comedian Chris Redd (“Saturday Night Live”) is 33. Rapper Big Sean is 30. Producer Ryan Lewis of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is 30. Actor Matthew Beard (“The Imitation Game”) is 29. Singer-actress Aly Michalka of Aly and AJ (“Hellcats”) is 29. Actor Kiowa Gordon (“Twilight”) is 28.March 26: Actor Alan Arkin is 84. Actor James Caan is 78. Singer Diana Ross is 74. Actor Johnny Crawford (“The Rifleman”) is 72. Singer Steven Tyler of Aerosmith is 70. Singer-actress Vicki Lawrence is 69. Actor Martin Short is 68. Country singer Ronnie McDowell is 68. Drummer Monte Yoho of The Outlaws is 66. Country singer Dean Dillon is 63. Country singer Charly McClain is 62. Talk-show host Leeza Gibbons is 61. Actress Jennifer Grey is 58. Actor Eric Allan Kramer (“The Hughleys”) is 56. Actor Michael Imperioli (“Life on Mars,” ”The Sopranos”) is 52. Guitarist James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins is 50. Country singer Kenny Chesney is 50. Actress Leslie Mann (“Knocked Up,” ”This Is 40″) is 46. Actor T.R. Knight (“Grey’s Anatomy”) is 45. Rapper Juvenile is 43. Actress Amy Smart (“Road Trip,” ”Felicity”) is 42. Actress Keira Knightley is 33. Rapper J-Kwon is 32.March 27: Actor Julian Glover is 83. Actor Jerry Lacy is 82. Actor-director Austin Pendleton is 78. Actor Michael York is 76. Keyboardist Tony Banks (Genesis) is 68. Keyboardist Andrew Farriss (INXS) is 59. Jazz musician Dave Koz is 55. Movie director Quentin Tarantino is 55. Bassist Johnny April of Staind is 53. Actress Talisa Soto is 51. Actor Ben Koldyke (“Masters of Sex,” ”How I Met Your Mother”) is 50. Actress Pauley Perrette (“NCIS”) is 49. Singer Mariah Carey is 48. Drummer Brendan Hill of Blues Traveler is 48. Actress Elizabeth Mitchell (“V,” ”Lost”) is 48. Actor Nathan Fillion (“Castle”) is 47. Singer Fergie of Black Eyed Peas is 43. Actress Emily Ann Lloyd is 34. Actress Brenda Song (“The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”) is 30. Singer Kimbra is 28. Actress Taylor Atelian (“According to Jim”) is 23.March 28: Actress Conchata Ferrell (“Two and a Half Men”) is 75. Actress Dianne Wiest is 72. Country singer Reba McEntire is 63. Actress Alexandra Billings (“Transparent”) is 56. Rapper Salt of Salt-N-Pepa is 52. Country singer Rodney Atkins is 49. Actor Vince Vaughn is 48. Rapper Mr. Cheeks of Lost Boyz is 47. Actor Ken L. (“The Parkers”) is 45. Singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson is 45. Guitarist Dave Keuning of The Killers is 42. Actress Julia Stiles is 37. Singer Lady Gaga is 32. Musician Clayton Knight of Odesza is 30.March 29: Comedian Eric Idle is 75. Singer Bobby Kimball of Toto is 71. Actor Bud Cort (“Harold and Maude”) is 70. Actor Brendan Gleeson (“Harry Potter”) is 63. Actress Marina Sirtis (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) is 63. Actor Christopher Lambert (“Highlander”) is 61. Singer Perry Farrell of Porno for Pyros and Jane’s Addiction is 59. Comedian Amy Sedaris is 57. Model Elle Macpherson is 55. Singer-harmonica player John Popper of Blues Traveler is 51. Actress Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) is 50. Country singer Regina Leigh of Regina Regina is 50. Country singer Brady Seals is 49. Actress Megan Hilty is 37.March 30: TV personality Peter Marshall is 92. Actor John Astin is 88. Actor Warren Beatty is 81. Drummer Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues is 77. Musician Eric Clapton is 73. Actor Paul Reiser is 62. Actor Ian Ziering (“Beverly Hills 90210”) is 54. Singer Tracy Chapman is 54. TV host Piers Morgan is 53. Drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig, Queens of the Stone Age) is 52. Actress Donna D’Errico (“Baywatch”) is 50. Singer Celine Dion is 50. Singer Norah Jones is 39. Actress Katy Mixon (“Mike and Molly”) is 37. Country singer Justin Moore is 34. Country singer Thomas Rhett is 28. Rapper NF is 27.March 31: Actor William Daniels (“St. Elsewhere”) is 91. Actor Richard Chamberlain is 84. Actress Shirley Jones is 84. Musician Herb Alpert is 83. Actor Christopher Walken is 75. Comedian Gabe Kaplan (“Welcome Back Kotter”) is 74. Actress Rhea Perlman (“Cheers”) is 70. Actor Robbie Coltrane (“Harry Potter” films) is 68. Actor Ed Marinaro (“Hill Street Blues,” ”Sisters”) is 68. Guitarist Angus Young of AC/DC is 63. Bassist Bob Crawford of The Avett Brothers is 47. Actor Ewan McGregor is 47. Rapper Tony Yayo is 40. Actress Kate Micucci (“Raising Hope”) is 38. Actor Brian Tyree Henry (“Atlanta,” ”Book of Mormon”) is 36. Jazz trumpeter Christian Scott is 35. Guitarist Jack Antonoff of fun. and of Bleachers is 34. Actress Jessica Szohr (“Gossip Girl”) is 33.
by The Canadian Press Posted Apr 30, 2018 2:07 pm PDT Last Updated Apr 30, 2018 at 2:40 pm PDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email Joni Mitchell waves to the crowd during her 70th birthday tribute concert as part of the Luminato Festival at Massey Hall in Toronto on Tuesday June 18, 2013. Saskatoon City Council announced today it will be naming a walkway along River Landing in recognition of the accomplishments of Joni Mitchell. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Vincent Elkaim SASKATOON – Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell is being honoured twice over in the Saskatchewan city where she spent her early childhood.Saskatoon city council has announced that a walkway downtown near the South Saskatchewan River will be named Joni Mitchell Promenade.And the University of Saskatchewan will be recognizing her accomplishments by awarding Mitchell an honorary degree on June 4.Mitchell’s first professional shows of a decades-long career of international acclaim began in Saskatoon.The promenade is to be officially renamed with a ceremony on June 10, although Mitchell will not be able to attend.A plaque on Broadway Avenue, a trendy area of restaurants and shops, will also be unveiled to acknowledge the Louis Riel Coffee House where Mitchell used to play.“So many of Ms. Mitchell’s powerful songs that have influenced the world are rooted in the places and lives of our community,” Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said in a release Monday.“She wrote honestly and prophetically. She was ahead of her time in writing about reconciling relations with each other and the land we live on.”City officials have been working with community members to develop a way to honour Mitchell and are pleased to have had her input and approval, Clark said.He said the group could not think of a more fitting way to honour her than to dedicate her name to an area along the river that inspired some of her music.
Saskatoon promenade, honorary university degree for musician Joni Mitchell
AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email by The Associated Press Posted Jan 7, 2019 5:35 am PDT NANTUCKET, Mass. — The Latest on the arraignment of Kevin Spacey (all times local):8:30 a.m.Journalists have packed the Massachusetts courtroom where Kevin Spacey is due to appear to answer a sexual assault charge.Media trucks lined the usually quiet street where the Nantucket courthouse sits before dawn Monday. Locals on the island, which teems with tourists in the summer but largely shuts down in winter, drove by slowly to take pictures of reporters standing in line in the cold.When the doors opened, more than two dozen journalists filed into the courtroom hours before Spacey was scheduled to appear in late morning.The Oscar-winning actor is accused of groping the son of a former Boston TV anchor in a crowded bar on the island. He has said he plans to plead not guilty to felony indecent assault and battery.___1 a.m.Kevin Spacey is set to appear in court on accusations that he groped an 18-year-old man in 2016.The disgraced actor is scheduled to be arraigned in the Nantucket District Court on Monday on felony indecent assault and battery. He has said he will plead not guilty.He’s accused of groping the son of a former Boston TV anchor in a crowded bar on the small Massachusetts island.Spacey’s lawyer has sought to poke holes in the case, noting during an earlier hearing that the teen didn’t immediately report the allegations.Spacey tried to get out of appearing at his arraignment, saying his presence would “amplify the negative publicity already generated” by the case.It’s the first criminal case brought against Spacey after several sexual misconduct allegations crippled his career in 2017.The Associated Press
The Latest: Media pack courtroom where Spacey is to appear