Marriott’s Spirit of Aloha Tour, a month long traveling road show that will bring the vibrant sights and sounds of Hawaii to a dozen U.S. cities, launched yesterday with a traditional Hawaiian blessing at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix followed by a visit to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Marriott’s Spirit of Aloha TourThe blessing signals the start of a 5,530-mile journey aboard a 45-foot-long tour bus emblazoned with colorful tropical images of Hawaii, that will visit 11 additional cities, traveling across Texas and then to Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, St. Louis, Omaha, Denver and Salt Lake City with a final two-day stop in Los Angeles, February 11-12.

“Our aim is to encourage folks to travel to the Hawaiian Islands in the coming year and stay at one of our beautiful Marriott Resorts on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii’s Big Island,” said Chris Tatum, vice president of Marriott International – North Asia, Hawaii and South Pacific. “Hawaii is already popular across the U.S. – our goal is simply to raise the level of awareness and give people the extra nudge to come see us.”

Also, in support of Marriott International’s environmental strategy to save the Amazona rainforest, Marriott Resorts Hawaii secured an eco-friendly bus for the Tour. The bus was designed to cut down on carbon emission. Last year, Marriott’s Spirit of Aloha Tour had offset its carbon footprint of 6,775 miles by investing in the Juma Sustainable Development Reserve project. In 2008, Marriott International and the state of Amazonas signed an agreement to support the first project of its kind to help protect 1.4 million acres of endangered rainforest.

After the blessing, the first stop for the road show was Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where Jasmine Trias of American Idol fame and dancers and musicians from the Polynesian Cultural Center entertained young patients, their parents and staff.

“Marriott is a longtime corporate supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network,” said Tatum. “We’re happy to bring our aloha to these kids and plan to do the same at a number of other hospitals during the tour.”

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau is partnering with Marriott Resorts Hawaii on the promotional tour and its president and CEO John Monahan traveled to Phoenix for the launch.

“The Hawaiian Islands remain one of the most beautiful and enchanting places on earth to have fun, relax, and rejuvenate,” said Monahan. “Now is a particularly good time to visit because there is tremendous value to be found in our accommodations and activities.”

Traveling on the bus will be Marriott Resorts Hawaii leaders, including general managers and directors of sales and marketing from each of its resort hotels, who will visit with travel partners, groups and media. Performers from the Polynesian Cultural Center will be providing Hawaiian entertainment at each stop.

American Idol Season 3 Top 3 Finalist Jasmine Trias of Oahu, will join the tour as the ambassador of aloha for the Phoenix kickoff and the close of the tour in Los Angeles. Jasmine, who will be making public and media appearances, currently appears with the Society of Seven group at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. She is also working on her long-awaited second album, due for release in 2010.

Hawaiian Airlines, which has partnered in all three of Marriott’s road tours, provides daily nonstop flights between Phoenix and Honolulu, as well as Los Angeles and several other West Coast cities, and is the main carrier around the Hawaiian Islands.

“Marriott’s bus tour has been a great way to remind people why a Hawaii vacation is such a special experience, and that Hawaiian Airlines is the best carrier serving Hawaii,” said Glenn Taniguchi, Hawaiian Airlines senior vice president for marketing and sales.

The 12-city, four-week Marriott’s Spirit of Aloha Tour schedule* is as follows:

January 19-20 Phoenix
January 22-24 Dallas
January 25 San Antonio
January 26 Houston
January 28-29 Atlanta
January 30-31 Charlotte
February 1 Nashville
February 2 St. Louis
February 3 Omaha
February 5-7 Denver
February 9 Salt Lake City
February 11-12 Los Angeles
*Subject to change.

Marriott International in Hawaii is represented by six resort hotels on three major islands: JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach. In addition, there are four Marriott Vacation Club International vacation ownership resorts.

Marriott Resorts Hawaii will also be utilizing its social media networks to provide continuous updates from the road. Follow @MarriottHawaii on Twitter, be a fan of Marriott Resorts Hawaii on Facebook or check out the Marriott’s Spirit of Aloha blog at http://marriotthawaii.com/spiritofaloha/

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,300 lodging properties in 68 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, The Ritz-Carlton Residences and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA and had approximately 146,000 employees at 2008 year-end. It is recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com. For an interactive online version of Marriott’s 2008 Annual Report, which includes a short video message from Chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott, Jr., visit www.marriott.com/investor.

Source: PRWeb

The Kahala Hotel & Resort has kicked up the fun factor with the addition of Keawe Ocean Adventures to their roster of activities, which also includes the popular Dolphin Quest and Kahala Kids programs.

ON THE BEACH

Keawe Ocean Adventures sees the beach as a journey of fun and discovery. Their ocean experts are inspirational guides that make seemingly difficult water activities accessible no matter what age or skill level. Learn how to surf, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel, spear fish, outrigger canoe surf, and fly fish. Guided beach programs are open to all ages, and all activities take place in Maunalua Bay, fronting The Kahala from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Fly Fishing – Bonefish, oio in Hawaiian, thrive in the sandy, shallow waters off The Kahala. Catch five to ten pound oio from an outrigger canoe with light tackle and spinner rods. $150 for 1.5 hours; $300 for 3 hours.
Surfing – Private surf lessons, all the gear you need (including rash guards and reef walkers), and guides that point you to the right surf spot within seconds make for fantastic surf adventure. For advanced surfers, mini surf trips to nearby spots can also be arranged. $100 for 1 hour.

Stand Up Paddling – A blend of surfing and paddling, and a great core workout, hour-long private lessons allow plenty of time to learn this balancing act. $100 for 1 hour.

Outrigger Canoe Surfing – Catch waves in an 18-foot outrigger canoe for an exhilarating Hawaiian roller coaster ride. Session comes with a life vest, safety lesson, and an experienced waterman. $75 per person for 30 minutes.

Snorkeling – Access remote snorkeling areas in an outrigger canoe to see a variety of colorful reef fish. $65 per person for 1 hour.

Spear Fishing – Learn the basics of Hawaiian three-prong spear fishing. $150 for 1.5 hours.
For more information: www.keaweadventures.com.

THE MAGIC OF DOLPHIN QUEST

Guests can interact with Hoku, Kolohe, Liho, Lono, and Nainoa, The Kahala’s resident Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, in the resort’s 26,000 sq.ft. natural lagoon. Dolphin Quest’s Kids Aquatic Adventure program is perfect for children from five to 10 years old ($275 per child). Little ones (four and younger) can also join in the fun with an adult in the Wee Family, Fins and Fun program ($149 per parent/child pair).

KAHALA FOR KIDS

The Kahala keeps kids entertained. Upon arrival, kids are welcomed with fun amenities, such as a Kahala dolphin or honu (sea turtle) stuffed toy and homemade cookies. At the Keiki Club, kids learn about the Hawaiian Islands and culture through activities like reef walking, snorkeling, storytelling, lei making, hula dancing, crabbing, arts & crafts, bamboo pole fishing, and observing Hawaiian marine life. Half-day program is $35 per child or $45 with lunch, and full-day program is $65 per child.

- About The Kahala -

With 338 guestrooms, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is an exclusive oceanfront destination resort known for its impeccable service and hospitality. Just minutes from Waikiki, yet offering the peace and serenity of a neighbor island experience, The Kahala has been Honolulu’s social address for weddings and gatherings since its opening in 1964. Captains of industry and celebrity guests continue to call The Kahala their home-away-from-home in Hawai’i.

The Kahala has five restaurants including the award-winning Hoku’s, a spa, and a lagoon that is home to playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and is long recognized internationally as an icon among legendary resorts. It recently completed a US$52 million renovation of its 338 rooms and suites as well as meeting space and public areas.

For more information, please contact The Kahala Hotel & Resort at (808) 739-8888 or toll-free at (800) 367-2525; or visit their website at www.kahalaresort.com

SOURCE Kahala Hotel & Resort / PRNewswire

RELATED LINKS
http://www.kahalaresort.com

Hawaiian Airlines today introduced a short-term fare promotion giving travelers even more incentive to book a trip this winter.

Starting today, Hawaiian’s “Secret Island” getaway fares promotion offers a special e-certificate discount online at HawaiianAirlines.com that can be applied when booking a round trip in either direction between any of Hawaiian’s 10 gateway cities in the Western U.S. and Kauai, Maui, Hawaii’s Big Island, or Oahu. The special offer will apply to each island on a rotating basis for a limited time, so travelers must check Hawaiian’s website daily to learn which island is being featured.

The “Secret Island” e-certificate can be used to compound the savings of Hawaiian’s current promotional fares online, but travel using the e-certificate discount must be completed by March 11, 2010.

“These are great values that won’t last long so people should watch our website to see when they can take full advantage of the savings on flights to or from their favorite island,” said Glenn Taniguchi, Hawaiian’s senior vice president of marketing and sales.

Hawaiian will provide updates about the special fares and discounts via Twitter (@FlyHawaiian) and on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/flyhawaiian.

Hawaiian is the nation’s largest provider of air service to Hawaii from the Western U.S., as well as the leading carrier for interisland service between the islands of Hawaii.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian is the nation’s highest-ranked carrier for service quality and performance in 2008 in the 19th annual Airline Quality Rating study. Hawaiian has also led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past five years (2004-2008) and has been an industry leader in fewest misplaced bags during that same period (#1 from 2005-2007, #2 in 2008) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumer surveys by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Zagat have all ranked Hawaiian as the top domestic airline serving Hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. ( HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com.

SOURCE Hawaiian Airlines / PRNewswire

RELATED LINKS
http://www.HawaiianAirlines.com

Steeped in ancient wellness practices, Thailand, Myanmar and India are featured destinations on Crystal Cruises’ April 26 “Mind, Body and Spirit” Experiences of Discovery voyage. Optional Crystal Adventures explore the spiritual heritage of the region via personal meetings with Buddhist monks, therapeutic spa rituals and a visit to a meditation center, while guest health experts share insights on life balance, Tai Chi, yoga and family health.

Enlightening experiences ashore include:

Myanmar – A rare conversation with the monks of the World of Buddhist Institute, plus famed meditation center Chanmyay Yeiktha Monastery.

Phuket – Detoxifying Cheraim Spa experience using natural oils and tea. Also, Wat Chalong Temple, the largest of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist monasteries.

Specialists include:

Jim Karas – Acclaimed fitness expert will help guests develop a “Business Plan for the Body”;

Dr. Martin Lee – Founder of the Tai Chi Cultural Institute will teach classes and lecture on youthful longevity;

Dr. Donald B. Ford – Cleveland Clinic expert will address family health and the latest research;

Sandy Shaner – Yoga expert will lead classes in the ancient discipline;

Susanne Sweeny – Author will speak to how to turn stress into strength;

Susan King – Intuitive counselor will highlight the soul faction of the mind-body-soul connection.

“The connection between mind, body and spirit is fundamental to the culture of Asia and India,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. “The programming on board and ashore provides the unique opportunity to examine physical and spiritual health with today’s top experts, in a destination with a centuries-long wellness heritage.”

Guests can also enjoy Crystal Symphony’s Feng Shui-inspired Spa & Fitness Center, 360-degree Promenade deck for walking or jogging, new Nordic Poles walking program, indoor cycling classes and acupuncture treatments. Tropical fruit, fresh fish and salads, low-calorie and low-carb selections are available throughout. Even cocktails include only the freshest fruit purees and juices.

The 16-day voyage visits Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Yangon/Rangoon, Myanmar; Cochin and Mumbai, India; and Dubai, UAE. Two-for-one cruise fares start at $7,390 per person, double occupancy, including $1,000 per person All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard credits and complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband or Julie Dibble (310) 203-4305, mediarelations@crystalcruises.com.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises / PRNewswire

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship has chosen SISCO’s (Security Identification Systems Corporation) A-PASS® Mobile(TM) Electronic Mustering System for the ship’s passengers and crew. When the Oasis departed on its maiden voyage from Ft. Lauderdale on December 1, 2009, passengers and crew aboard the extraordinary vessel could take comfort in knowing that their voyage is protected by SISCO’s most comprehensive and effective system for mustering and identification.

Royal Caribbean strives to utilize only the latest and greatest technology in every aspect of the ship’s unprecedented development and design. For customers like this, SISCO’s A-PASS® Mobile(TM) Electronic Mustering System is the natural choice among SISCO’s systems for tracking, screening and identification of the ship’s personnel, passengers and visitors. Coast Guard regulations and SOLAS require cruise lines to periodically hold fire and lifeboat drills. They are intended to have the crew continually rehearse and show passengers how to respond in the event of an emergency at sea. SISCO is proud of the fact that its A-PASS® Mobile(TM) Electronic Mustering System supports this important exercise completely.

Designed specifically for the cruise line industry, A-PASS® Mobile(TM) is the next generation of total ship management for marine safety and security. The wireless product meets IMO, Coast Guard, and CBP compliance requirements for Mustering, Tendering and Immigration Clearance. As a seamless add-on to existing A-PASS® products, the mobile system provides authorities and ship personnel with the flexibility to conduct screening and clearance inspections of crew, passengers and visitors on land as well as at sea.

About SISCO

SISCO is the leading provider of Identity Management Solutions for the Maritime industry, Education, Healthcare, Corporations, Government and Law Enforcement Agencies. SISCO provides the most superior solution available today as well as expert installation, comprehensive training and unsurpassed customer service which in turn, provides its customers with frontline protection for safer working environments. Please visit www.siscocorp.com

About ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska and Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand and Europe.

SOURCE SISCO / PRNewswire

Line Has Earned Unprecedented 109 Awards Over Past 11 Years – Most In Cruising

Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, took top honors in eight categories, including Best Value, Entertainment and Best Children’s Programs, in the annual Readers Choice Awards sponsored by Porthole Cruise Magazine, the leading consumer cruise magazine.

The awards are based on surveys of Porthole readers who rated their favorite cruise line in a wide variety of product- and service-related categories.

Since the awards were established in 1999, Carnival Cruise Lines has garnered 109 individual honors – the most of any cruise line during this period.

Carnival’s 2009 Porthole Readers Choice Awards include:

Best Value for the Money Line
Best Children’s Programs
Best Entertainment
Best Shore Excursions
Best Megaship (Carnival Splendor)
Best Mexican Riviera Itineraries
Best Theme Cruises
Best Web Site
“To be recognized by consumers as the top cruise choice in so many different categories, particularly in areas such as children’s programming, entertainment and value, which are core elements of the Carnival vacation experience, is a truly wonderful honor,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.

Added Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine, “Carnival Cruise Lines appeals to many different cruisers for many different reasons, which is why our readers continually vote them the best in several categories. From ships to onboard amenities to itineraries, the line continues to be a market leader and I congratulate them on their wins.”

Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 12 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada and New England. The line’s newest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, made its U.S. debut earlier this month. Carnival also has one new ship on order, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, which is scheduled for delivery in 2011.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.

SOURCE: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Norwegian Cruise Line kicked off the second phase of its Norwegian Epic advertising campaign today entitled “That’s Epic,” in support of the line’s largest and most impressive ship to date, set to cruise to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami next summer. The latest installment of the campaign, created by GSD&M Idea City of Austin, Texas, can be seen by residents and commuters throughout Miami with more than a dozen billboards and wallscapes depicting Norwegian Epic’s impressive array of on-board activities and entertainment including Blue Man Group; a multi-slide Aqua Park with the biggest bowl slide on water – the Epic Plunge; the first true Ice Bar at sea; and the largest and first-ever rappelling wall at sea. The billboards can be seen along Biscayne Boulevard, up and down Interstate 95 in Dade, Broward and PalmBeach counties, and as far as Ft. Myers and Tampa. In addition, Norwegian Epic will take to the radio in markets throughout Florida including Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers, Orlando and Tampa, as well as in New York City. Taxi tops in both New York and Miami, and bus shelters throughout Florida will announce Norwegian Epic’s arrival in summer 2010. Both English and Spanish versions of the advertising campaign can be seen and heard in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa.

Epic OOH- 200 FT of OMG Cruise Headlines

The “That’s Epic” advertising campaign launched in late September with national print and rich media online banner advertisements; full website takeovers; online Epic video advertising, as well as print advertisements in national consumer travel magazines.

For more information on Norwegian Epic, or to book a cruise to the Eastern or Western Caribbean call Norwegian at 866-234-7350, visit http://epic.ncl.com, or call a travel agent.