Noosa Dreamboats Classic Boat Cruises win award

The business that has made dreams come true for many experienced it for themselves recently, when Sunshine Coast based Noosa Dreamboats Classic Boat Cruises won the 2012 Tourism Award for best tourism experience at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards. The business was also recently recognised as a Finalist in the 2012 Queensland Tourism Awards, continuing their journey from strength to strength.

Owners Michael and Sandy Guthrie established Noosa Dreamboats only 3 short years ago after deciding a change of pace was on the cards, relocating to Noosa from Sydney. In that short period of time, they've made quite an impact on tourism in the area, as well as the many couples who have chosen to celebrate special occasions with Noosa Dreamboats – often traveling from interstate to do so.

Said Michael and Sandy of the win, "We want to say a very big "thank you" to all our wonderful customers and also to our colleagues in the tourism industry for supporting our tour experience with such enthusiasm. When we launched this business nearly 3 years ago we hoped that our vision for a glamorous, unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Noosa would be embraced and it is so rewarding to receive such wonderful feedback and affirmation".

On private guided tours of the Noosa River and Lakes, guests experience the glamour, style and excitement of a bygone era on board a gorgeous 1940's style speedboat. In addition to tours that showcase the area's natural beauty, Noosa Dreamboats also provide wedding cruises, romantic private sandbar picnics and unique special occasion packages with leading Noosa restaurants and spas.

Says Michael, "One of the most rewarding aspects of what we do is helping people to celebrate the special occasions in their lives, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and marriage proposals. It's an absolute privilege to be involved in these occasions and to help create memories that can last a lifetime."

Bookings: 0414 990 708  info@noosadreamboats.com.au   www.noosadreamboats.com.au

Hawaiian to Add Fleet of Long-Range, Single-Aisle Aircraft

 

Hawaiian Airlines today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with airframe manufacturer Airbus to acquire 16 new A321neo aircraft between 2017 and 2020, with rights to purchase an additional nine aircraft.

 

The long-range, single-aisle aircraft will complement Hawaiian's existing fleet of wide-body, twin-aisle aircraft used for long-haul flying between Hawai'i and the U.S. West Coast.

 

Virgin Atlantic crew uniform in magazine cover shoot

The Virgin Atlantic crew look every bit the part as they're groomed to perfection on the cover shoot for their in-house magazine, Runway.

Why not check out the crew in action, by having a look at the amazing new advert which features the very special talents of the airline’s staff.

If you’d like to experience their service in person, head over to the Virgin Atlantic site and book yourself a flight.

In 2011, Virgin Atlantic crew were voted the world's most attractive

The Final Ride for Blue Mountains' Iconic Scenic Railway

The world's steepest passenger railway incline at 52 degrees on a journey that has thrilled 25 million people on almost 700,000 journeys to the pristine rainforest floor.

The Katoomba-based train, fondly known as the 'Mountain Devil' will be replaced by a $30 million train, tracks and new visitor experiences in April.

Scenic Railway Facts

• The historic railway was built in 1878 to service mining activities in the valley;

• Harry Hammon purchased the lease in 1945 turning the Scenic Railway into a major tourist attraction;

• The railway track spans 310m through a cliff side tunnel and through a rainforest corridor;

• The top station is 604 metres above sea level;

• The current carriage takes 84 passengers and operates every 10 minutes;

• In 1945 the Scenic Railway cost 1 shilling to ride and sixpence for children;

• Each train has been named “Mountain Devil’ after the native plant;

• The term ‘Scenic Railway’ dates back to late 19th Century England amusement rides;

• The new Scenic Railway train will be the sixth and will operate at the same speed of 16km an hour.

Ferry scam leaves Sydney NYE revellers high and dry

source: Travelmole




Police and fair trading officials are expected to probe a phantom New Year's Eve cruise on Sydney Harbour which left people stranded on the dock.

Up to 150 people found themselves stranded on a Darling Harbour ferry wharf and AUD450 out of pocket when the boat they had bought tickets for, the MV Eve, failed to show, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Many of those who bought tickets for a champagne cruise that offered a New Year's Eve experience "like never before" have made formal complaints to the New South Wales Police and NSW Fair Trading.

Ticket holders were told to meet at King Street Wharf by 6.30pm for a six-hour cruise that was supposed to include views of the Sydney fireworks, DJ and unlimited food and drink.

By 8.30pm the group realised their planned evening had sunk without a trace.

Repeated calls were made to the mobile phone and office numbers that Eve Harbour Cruises had supplied, but no one answered.

When TravelMole called the mobile phone number on the Eve's website - which is still advertising Sydney Harbour cruises - it went through to an automatic answering service.

The operators of the vessel describe the MV Eve as a "three level boat that has been fully renovated".

"The under ground level is the spacious men's and ladies toilets and powder room. The middle level is the dance floor, DJ box and laser lights, plasma and a very classy bar. The 3rd Level is an open deck area for perfect viewing of Sydney Harbour and relaxation."

But not, clearly, on New Years Eve.

TD breaking news - Air New Zealand Holidays to return

AOT announces Australian return of Air NZ Holidays

AOT Group ceo Andrew Burnes has just announced the return of Air New Zealand Holidays to the Australian market.

The move follows the joint venture signed just over a year ago between AOT and Air NZ (TD 24 Oct 2011), which has seen AOT operate and market the Air NZ Holidays brand across the Tasman.

Burnes said this had "proved to be an extremely successful partnership, with the brand going from strength to strength in New Zealand.

"As a result, we believe the time is right for the brand to re-enter the Australian market," he said.

Air NZ Holidays was withdrawn from Australia in 2007, but Burnes said the brand is still well recognised and respected, and will provide a "particularly strong product offering for New Zealand and the South Pacific, as well as other key global destinations".

The reintroduction into the Australian market has been timed in conjunction with the Boxing Day release of The Hobbit movie which Burnes said was expected to stimulate enquiry to New Zealand.

A flyer promoting several packages will be released next week, and will be followed by a range of brochures specifically for the Australian market.

"This is a very exciting phase of the Air New Zealand Holidays journey and we are very much looking forward to working with the industry to ensure its success," Burnes said.

More information in today's TravelDaily.

KLM announces new route to Scandinavia, with flights between Amsterdam and Alesund, Norway

Gateway to spectacular natural attractions
Faster, more convenient access to Norway

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will commence flights from Amsterdam to Alesund, Norway, from 04 April, 2013, providing a new gateway to some of the most extraordinary natural attractions of Scandinavia.

Alesund is the seventh KLM destination in Norway and the 15th in Scandinavia, providing easy access to the spectacular Norwegian fjords, including Geirangerfjord, which has UNESCO world heritage status.

The town also is the base for hiking in the Sunnmore Alps, as well as cross-country skiing, fishing, diving and even bird watching on the neighbouring island of Runde, which is home to the widest variety of sea bird species in Scandinavia.

KLM will fly between Amsterdam and Alesund twice daily, except for Saturdays when there will be a single service.

Flight KL 1327 will depart Amsterdam at 8:40pm daily, arriving in Alesund at 10:45pm, while the return service, KL 1322 will leave Alesund at 6:30am, arriving back in Amsterdam at 8:45am. Journey time is two hours and five minutes.

In addition, every day except Saturday, flight KL 1325 will depart Amsterdam at 2:25pm and arrive in Alesund at 4:30pm, then return as flight KL 1326, departing at 5:05pm and arriving at 7:15pm.

KLM's flights between Amsterdam and Alesund will be operated with single class Fokker 70 twinjets, each seating 76 passengers.

As well as providing a new entry point into Norway, KLM's flights to Alesund will provide an easier way for travellers to reach the region, which currently requires many passengers to fly from continental Europe via major Scandinavian hubs.

KLM offers over 100 flights per week from Australia to Europe, with code share services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to Asia on partner carriers Malaysia Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Etihad Airways, and onward service to Amsterdam

The AIR FRANCE KLM group serves a combined total of more than 125 destinations throughout Europe.

For more information or to make a booking contact your preferred travel agent, or contact KLM Reservations in Australia on 1300 392 192.  For more information about KLM, visit www.klm.com.au