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Archive for 2008

JetBlue Bolsters its Boston Schedule With Flight to St Maarten Dec 17

St Maarten, , Dec. 17 — – JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU), Boston’s leading airline with service to more destinations than any other carrier, today announces the first step of plans to grow its focus city at Logan International Airport in 2009, giving its customers more choices to more cities.

Expanded Caribbean service

In May, JetBlue will resume seasonal nonstop service to Bermuda and also add daily nonstop service to San Juan, Puerto Rico , a previously winter-only route. New nonstop service to St. Maarten , a new route beginning February 14, 2009 , will operate year-round on Saturdays. JetBlue also offers nonstop service to Aruba and Cancun, Mexico , year-round; to Nassau, Bahamas throughout the winter season; and to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic this holiday season ( December 18, 2009 – January 5, 2009 ).

JetBlue’s summer 2009 destinations from Boston include: Aruba New York (JFK) Austin, Texas Oakland, Calif. Bermuda Orlando, Fla. Buffalo, N.Y. Pittsburgh Cancun, Mexico Raleigh, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Richmond, Va. Chicago (O’Hare) San Diego Denver San Francisco Fort Lauderdale, Fla. San Juan, Puerto Rico Fort Myers, Fla. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Jacksonville, Fla. Seattle Las Vegas St. Maarten L.A./Long Beach, Calif. Tampa, Fla. Nassau, Bahamas Washington (Dulles) New Orleans West Palm Beach, Fla.

“With the addition of more flights to 12 top destinations, JetBlue is making it easier than ever to do business in and out of Boston,” said JetBlue’s Vice President of Planning Marty St. George . “With our expanded schedule, easy, same-day trips between Boston and the nation’s top business centers like Charlotte and Raleigh are now a breeze. And when you’re ready for a break, our new year-round flights to places like St. Maarten and San Juan make getting away even easier – and more comfortable.”

“This expanded effort is proof that Boston’s economy remains strong,” said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino . “Despite difficult economic times, families and business people from all over the world continue to make Boston one of their top destinations.”

“This expansion of service by JetBlue is good news for Boston Logan International Airport and the millions of passengers who choose to fly from New England’s gateway,” said Ed Freni , Director of Aviation for the Massachusetts Port Authority, which owns and operates Logan. “In four short years, JetBlue has become a favorite of passengers and now flies nonstop to more destinations than any other carrier. Their success here is indicative of the strong market in Boston for business and leisure travel.”

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The Invitational St.Maarten-St.Martin Classic Yacht Regatta 2009 Nov 14

The schedule has now been finalized by the West Indies Events and the St.Maarten-St.Martin Classic Yacht Regatta Foundation for the upcoming January regatta. The Invitational St.Maarten-St.Martin Classic Yacht Regatta 2009, January 22 – 25, is the first classic regatta of the Caribbean season, with the Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta the second one (February 19 – 22), followed by Antigua Classics, April 16 – 21. West Indies Events is also in the process of establishing a classic regatta in Curacao and in Cuba.

The upcoming St.Maarten-St.Martin January regatta and all social events will be moved from Simpson Bay to Great Bay. By relocating to Great Bay, yachts will not have to enter the lagoon and are not subject to paying the high fees, no extra bridge openings will be needed and the participants can come to the Bobby’s Marina docks or go on anchor right after the races. The existing marina is expanding with a 30 slip mega yacht marina and a 112 condominium and shopping complex. Classic and Vintage Yachts, Schooners and Spirit of Tradition yachts will be accommodated for free on the Bobby’s Marina docks (subject to availability) and will also again receive complimentary docking on Friday afternoon and overnight at Fort Louis Marina in Marigot.

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Non-stop service from Boston to St Maarten Oct 20

JetBlue Airways has announced that it will launch a non-stop service from Boston, US, to St Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles, beginning February 14, 2009, subject to foreign government approval.

The new non-stop service will operate on Saturdays, complementing JetBlue’s existing daily flights to St Maarten via New York.

In addition to its new route to St Maarten, JetBlue will expand services from Boston to Caribbean routes by adding daily non-stop service to both Aruba and Cancun, Mexico, plus extra service to Cancun on Saturdays, effective February 12, 2009.

Marty George, vice president of network planning at JetBlue, said: “This winter JetBlue celebrates five successful years of serving the greater Boston community. We are proud to have so quickly become the carrier of choice for hub travelers, now offering more non-stop destinations from Boston than any other airline.”

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Omar leaves St. Maarten ….. Oct 20

The government of St. Maarten has confirmed that Hurricane Omar, a Category Three storm when it passed St. Maarten in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 16, 2008, did not result in any deaths or significant damages to its infrastructure or hotel sector.

According to the government of St. Maarten, hotels are fully operational and functioning normally, as well as are the established tourist sites, attractions and restaurants.

“While most of the damage appears to be limited to beach erosion and scattered debris that are associated with a storm of this caliber, it is anticipated that within the next 12 hours all public utilities, including electricity, which experienced scattered outages during the storm, will be fully functional,” the government said in a release.

The Princess Juliana International Airport was re-opened Friday morning, as will banks, financial institutions, supermarkets, hospitals, pharmacies and other businesses, St. Maarten officials added.

“We are very thankful that our beautiful island only sustained minor damages and that our residents and guests weathered the storm safely,” commented St. Maarten Tourism Commissioner Roy Marlin. “Currently, we are working to conduct a thorough inspection of all the resorts, hotels and other infrastructure facilities to ensure public safety. We are confident that following this comprehensive inspection, that St. Maarten’s tourism product will sustain its high quality and character into the upcoming high season.”

Omar’s damage on the entire Caribbean community has been a lot less severe than initially predicted, with most destinations claiming the same impact as St. Maarten did.

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Category: Press Release  | Tags: , ,  | Leave a Comment
10 Reasons to Visit St Maarten Sep 22

10. Friendly and Safe. No reason to be trapped in the resort – this island is to be enjoyed and explored. Rental car is a must to experience St. Maarten/St. Martin and its friendly people.

9. European/Caribbean Culture with American Comforts – Foreign enough to be exotic, but English is the most common language and the US-Dollar the usual currency.

8. Best Port for Yachts – Most marinas, boat yards and supply stores – all duty free prices, often cheaper than in the States. Start your cruise or charter here!

7. Great Investment Opportunities - The island is open for business with an investor friendly legislation. Real estate is booming, time to buy your dream vacation home, before prices go through the roof.

6. Most Cosmopolitan Island on Earth – Only 37 square miles, but 2 nations and over 80 nationalities. Showing the world that we all can get along…

5. Instant Island Addiction - Most visitors come back every year, many own a piece of paradise in one of St. Maarten’s world class vacation ownership resorts.

4. Best Caribbean Shopping – Duty free bargains everywhere; look for jewelry, perfumes, liquors, tobacco products and much more.

3. Best Nightlife – Clubs for every taste, 12 casinos. Nonstop action for the party crowd. Drinking age 18.

2. Best Dining – Known as the Caribbean gourmet island, St. Maarten/St. Martin might be a culinary world leader with its restaurant selection.

1. Great Beaches – From an active beach scene to remote stretches of sand, the island has it all; year around sunshine.

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September to be quite active with five named storms according to forecasters Sep 05

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten – On September 2 Colorado State University hurricane forecasters Phil Klotzbach and William Gray came out with their September month prediction and pointed out that September will bring above-average activity with five named storms making it a quite active month.

Four of the five storms will become hurricanes with two reaching major hurricane status with winds over 111 miles per hour.

Currently there are three storm systems in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean area, namely Tropical Storm Hanna, Ike and Josephine.

“Tropical Storm Ike according to weather forecasting models is expected to pass well North of the North Eastern Caribbean islands which includes St. Maarten, but it’s too soon to be sure, and therefore residents should continue to pay attention and monitor weather reports.

“We must be mindful of the fact that we are only half way through the 2008 hurricane season. We must therefore remain alert and prepared,” Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.

Governor Richards reminds residents to be prepared as the 2008 hurricane season continues to become more active. “These storm systems are forming very quickly one behind the next and one may not have much time to take the appropriate measures to protect their home and business.

“You are once again urged to clean up anything around your yards that could become airborne and make sure your disaster plan is in place and your disaster kit has at least three days of supplies (eg water, canned food etc),” EOC Chairman Governor Richards once again reiterated.

Tropical storm systems that have already formed for the season are Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay and Gustav. June and July were very active, with three named storms forming during the two-month period: Bertha, Cristobal and Dolly.

Bertha became the longest-lived July storm on record. August had slightly above-average activity, largely because of Hurricane Gustav according to Colorado State University forecasters.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

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Category: Press Release  | Tags: , ,  | Leave a Comment
American Airlines Puts Select Caribbean Destinations on Sale for Travel Through Early December Sep 02
FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug 28, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ — If you missed out on a getaway to the Caribbean or Mexico this summer, don’t throw in the towel. Instead, grab the sun block, golf clubs, guidebook and anything else you’ll need on a relaxing vacation trip and contact American Airlines immediately.
American and its regional affiliate, American Eagle, have put select destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico on sale for travel Sept. 2 through Dec. 10, 2008.
Fall is a great time for a Caribbean or Mexico getaway. Crowds are smaller and prices are lower, but everything else that makes for a relaxing vacation is still in full swing.
American, a founding member of the global oneworld(R) Alliance, and American Eagle combine to offer extensive service throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, so if and when you’re ready for a great vacation at a great fare, we’re ready to take you there.
Don’t miss the boat — or rather, plane — again. Grab your stuff and fly with American Airlines for a fabulous fall vacation.
    Here are highlights of American's sale:

              American Airlines Sale to the Caribbean and Mexico

    --  Sale fares available from select cities in the continental U.S. to
        select destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.
    --  Begin travel Sept. 2 through Dec. 8, 2008; return no later than Dec.
        10, 2008.
    --  Purchase tickets no later than Sept. 12, 2008.
    --  Other restrictions, including embargo dates, apply.  For rules and
        restrictions, see the terms and conditions below, or visit American's
        Web site, AA.com.

    Here are samples of American and American Eagle's great low fares to the
Caribbean and Mexico.

                              SAMPLE SALE FARES
               City Pair                              Fare Each Way Based
                                                         on Round-Trip
                                                           Purchase*
     Los Angeles - San Jose del Cabo, Mexico                  $95
     New York City - Cancun, Mexico                          $115
     New York City - St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles       $127
     Miami - Grand Cayman, Cayman Is.                        $129
     New York City - St. Croix, U.S.V.I.                     $173
     Miami - Bridgetown, Barbados                            $198
     Chicago O'Hare - Guanajuato/Leon, Mexico+               $228
     Chicago O'Hare - Cozumel, Mexico                        $277
     Kansas City - Monterrey, Mexico                         $286

     *  Fares shown are each way based on off-peak round-trip Economy Class
        travel purchased on AA.com, and are in U.S. dollars.  Fares are valid
        for travel beginning Sept. 2-Dec. 8, 2008; complete travel by Dec.
        10, 2008.  Fares do not include all government-imposed taxes and fees.
     +  Service operated partly by American Eagle.

Travelers can check schedules and fares and book flights by visiting http://www.aa.com. On AA.com you’ll find the absolute lowest fares available for American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) flights — guaranteed. For full details on our Lowest Fare Guarantee, visit http://www.aa.com/benefits.
For an additional $20 per ticket, travel arrangements can also be made by calling American’s reservations number at 1-800-433-7300 (en espanol 1-800-633-3711) within the United States. Outside the United States, call the local reservations number. For an additional $30 per ticket, travel arrangements can be made at an American Airlines Travel Center or Airport Ticket Office. Tickets may also be purchased through a travel agent. Travel agents may impose a service charge for ticketing.
A “Fly Now, Pay Later” deferred payment option on American allows holders of the American Airlines Credit Card(SM) account to enjoy six months of no payments and no interest for tickets purchased on AA.com. For terms and conditions and more details, visit http://www.aa.com/paylater.
AmericanAirlines Vacations(SM) has a number of exciting and affordable travel packages available throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. For more information, visit http://www.aavacations.com.
* Fare Sale Terms and Conditions
Fares shown are each way based on off-peak round-trip Economy-Class travel purchased on AA.com, and are in U.S. dollars. Fares shown are valid for travel Monday-Thursday; other travel days are available at additional cost. Fares are subject to change without notice. International fares are subject to government approval.
Fares do not include (a) a federal excise tax of $3.50 per U.S. domestic flight segment, defined as one takeoff and landing, of a passenger’s itinerary; (b) up to $18 per round trip in local airport charges; and (c) September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. For international/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands destinations, government taxes and fees of up to $180, varying by destination, are not included and may vary slightly depending on currency exchange rates at the time of purchase.
Tickets must be purchased within one day of making reservations, but not later than 11:59 p.m., Sept. 12, 2008 (Central Time).
Fares shown are valid for travel beginning Sept. 2-Dec. 8, 2008; all travel must be completed by Dec. 10, 2008. Travel is not valid Nov. 22-30, 2008. A two-day minimum stay is required, and a 30-day maximum stay is allowed.
Advertised fares are valid only on American Airlines, American Eagle, and the AmericanConnection(R) airlines and do not apply to other codeshare flights. Seats are limited. Fares may not be available on all flights. Schedules are subject to change without notice.
Fares are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Changes to your ticket may be made if you meet the restrictions of the new fare and pay up to a US$150 fee plus any fare difference. Changes must be made before your ticketed flight’s scheduled departure time. If you cancel your flight prior to the scheduled departure time, the ticket will be valid for one year from the date of issue for an unused ticket or one year from travel origination for a partially used ticket. If you do not cancel your flight prior to the scheduled departure time, the ticket has no value.
A portion of or all travel booked on American Airlines may be operated by American Eagle or an AmericanConnection(R) airline. American Eagle is operated by American Eagle Airlines, Inc., or Executive Airlines, Inc., which are wholly owned by AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines. AmericanConnection service is operated by one of the following independent contractors: Trans States Airlines, Inc., or Chautauqua Airlines, Inc.
To purchase tickets on AA.com you must use a credit card with a billing address in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, the United Kingdom, or select Latin American and Caribbean countries.

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Increase in yachts entering St Maarten’s lagoon Aug 28

SIMPSON BAY–Amidst outcry from St. Maarten Maritime Trade Association (SMMTA) that the new harbour and port fees implemented on January 1 are driving yachts away to less expensive destinations, a slight increase in the number of transiting boats entering the lagoon has been recorded for the first seven months of this year.

Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) reported this week that 8,504 vessels of varying sizes had visited the island from January to July, compared to 8,445 during the same period last year.

The figures suggest that the lagoon is becoming quite crowded, because no new marinas or berthing slips have been added in recent years, said SLAC Managing Director Russell Voges. Many times, especially during the season, larger vessels have had to anchor in Simpson Bay awaiting their turn to dock in a marina.

According to SLAC, a survey of businesses bordering the lagoon indicated that the last season was highly successful with annual sale growth in the double digits for most companies.

However, according to SMMTA, this coming season is already shaping up to be a bleak one with major marinas recording a 30 per cent drop in bookings – a development believed to be linked directly to the more than 300 per cent harbour/port fee increase. This drop, they predict, will ripple throughout the local economy affecting hundreds of jobs at marinas, restaurants and other businesses.

The new fees took effect on New Year’s Day and caught captains and owners unaware because no prior notice had been given and the increases had not been discussed with stakeholders.

SMMTA is outraged by the new fees that require vessels to pay a weekly fee even if they stay here for only one day. This reportedly has had a devastating impact on the charter yachting business.

In a full page advertisement, the association points out that stakeholders in the industry are angered not so much about the fee increase, but by the way in which it was implemented. “The fees were increased so suddenly, and without any advance notice to the yachting public, that many vessels returned to St. Maarten after a few days only to find massive increases.”

Further, “this has left many in the yachting industry feeling both understandably bitter and betrayed. Many vessels had no choice but to remain here for the rest of the season due to prior commitments, but the results are now plain for all to see with the current exodus of yachts of all sizes to French St. Martin, Antigua, or St. Thomas, whose fees are still less than half of those in St. Maarten.”

A reevaluation and thoughtful reappraisal of these fees is being called for with government and SLAC requested to consider the alternative fee proposal made by the association in April.

“We ask for a rational and fair implementation of fees across all marine industries and a rapid and sustained public relations effort to repair the damage already done to the last nine years of strong growth and investment on the island,” SMMTA said.

Source : The Daily Herald
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Saint Barthélemy (Also known as Saint Barth or St. Barts) as your new travel destination Aug 21

PHILIPSBURG, St Maarten, August 21, 2008 – Press Release BlueOceanVillas Rentals NV the leading travel agency for the Islands of Saint Maarten, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy.

Press Release
BlueOceanvillas NV, announced Saint Barthélemy (Also known as Saint Barth in French, or St. Barts in English) as its new travel destination. This small, intimate French island is one of the most distinctive islands in the Caribbean. St Barth’s is famous for its casual chic French culture, uncrowded beaches, and world-class restaurants.

BlueOceanVillas will represent 47 private villas on the Island of Saint Barth, which are the primary form of vacation accommodation. These vacation villas ranging from modernist influenced hillside villas to West Indies styled beachfront bungalows, located in the most desirable areas of the Island of St Barts and range from magnificent designer villas with a full range of amenities to quaint beach side villas with the ocean at your doorstep. These luxury villas are the perfect place for a large or intimate gathering.

St Barth (Saint Barthélemy)
St. Barth has long been considered a playground of the rich and famous and is known for its beautiful pristine beaches, gourmet dining in chic bistros and high-end designer shopping. Of the 20 beaches on the small island, several are considered especially inviting. On the southern side of the island, Grand Saline is a pristine beach with no development. On the western edge of the island is Colombier beach, which is only reachable by boat or a hike. St. Jean, Flamands and Grand-Cul-de-Sac beaches are also popular and attractive beaches, which have hotels and other establishments on them. Shell Beach is popular for families with kids as it has little surf.

About BlueOceanVillas Ltd

BlueOceanVillas is St Maarten, St Martin and St Barth’s leading online travel company and offer privately owned luxury accommodations, style, service and privacy for your next villa vacation, with all the comforts of your home. By consistently offering unsurpassed expertise and service we have built and maintained a large base of loyal customers who turn to us year after year to assist them with locating exceptional villas.We provide personal service, which can match you to the perfect property for your Caribbean vacation.

Media Contact : R.H. Detiger, Communication Officer
Phone : 1 877 311 7759
Email : info@blueoceanvillas.com
Website :  http://www. BlueOceanVillas.com

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Classic Yacht Regatta St.Maarten – St.Martin Aug 11

West Indies Events and the St.Maarten-St.Martin Classic Yacht Regatta Foundation are inviting all Tall Ships to come to St.Maarten in January 2009.

A special course for those large vessels has been added in the fourth classic regatta which will be held during the third week of January.

The Tall ships will not have to pay a fee to participate in the St.Maarten-St.Martin Classic Yacht Regatta.

Tall ships like the Stad Amsterdam and the Star Clipper Ships have shown interest to participate already in previous years. The 245 ft (75.5 m) long Canadian build and based barquentine “Caledonia” is the first ship that has registered and the organization hopes to attract many more.Caledonia carries 1,579 square meters of sail and has 32 guest cabins and 22 crew.

The fourth Invitational St.Maarten-St.Martin Classic Yacht Regatta 2009 kicks off on Thursday January 22nd with a skippers briefing and official openings ceremony.

Effective sailing starts the next day on Friday January 23rd from Great Bay to Marigot where the yachts will be complimentary hosted like the previous years at Fort Louis Marina.

Saturday will be the special Tall Ships Day when all classics and the Tall Ships will start out of the bay in Marigot St.Martin and sail towards the finish line in Great Bay.

Organizers received the authorization from the Sint Maarten Port Authorities to dock the Tall Ships at the Pointe Blanche cruise ship pier so that passengers can disembark and an on board VIP reception can be held after the regatta that Saturday evening.

The general public will have the possibility to visit the ships on Sunday morning while they are in Great Bay.

The regular schooners, vintage, spirit of tradition and classic yachts in the regatta will set sail again that Sunday morning for the last regatta day towards Anguilla and return to the finish in Great Bay in the afternoon.

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