News

ROYAL CARIBBEAN TO TRANSFER MONARCH OF THE SEAS TO PULLMANTUR

MIAMI, Mar. 20, 2012 - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced the transfer of Monarch of the Seas from its Royal Caribbean International cruise brand to its Pullmantur brand, a cruise and tour operator based in Madrid. Monarch of the Seas will transfer to Pullmantur on April 1, 2013, following its last sailing for Royal Caribbean International, which departs on March 29, 2013.
“We are very proud of Monarch of the Seas for delivering great service and outstanding destinations to vacationers since her maiden voyage,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “She will go on creating wonderful travel memories through her final sailings for our brand through next March and then continue doing the same for Pullmantur’s guests.”
With the incorporation of Monarch of the Seas, Pullmantur will increase its total guest capacity by nearly 25 percent and meet a rising demand for the brand’s distinctive All Inclusive-style cruise holidays.
”The transfer of Monarch of the Seas will reinforce Pullmantur in our Latin American growth strategy, and help us become one of the most widely recognized brands,” said Pullmantur’s President and CEO, Gonzalo Chico Barbier.

Monarch of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique (now STX France) in St. Nazaire, France and sailed its maiden voyage on November 17, 1991. The ship is part of the Sovereign class of cruise ships, which were the world’s largest and most innovative of their time.
Pullmantur is the leading Spanish Tour Operator and Cruise Company, founded in 1971, and famous for introducing the ‘All Inclusive’ concept to cruising. Pullmantur is leader of the cruise market in Spain and Portugal, currently operating a modern fleet of four vessels, with a daily passenger capacity of 9,000, cruising worldwide, and calling on approximately 100 destinations. The company offers a unique door-to-door flight service, operated by its in-house air travel division with a fleet of four Boeing 747-400. Pullmantur Air provides charter flights to the European Cruise Port Embarkations and long-haul flights between Spain and the Caribbean Sea for the company’s tour-operation division. Spain based Pullmantur, operates through satellite offices in Brasil, Mexico, Portugal and France.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand currently with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage - the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for nine consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter, @RoyalCaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.
Royal Caribbean International and Pullmantur are part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG. The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has one under construction and two under agreement.

Our new vacations 2012 flyer is here! More and more the vacation experts at Maduro Travel are noticing that to book early is to save money, and with that in mind we are encouraging our clients to book their Vacation 2012 as early as they possibly can. Deals for Disney include 7 nights packages including flights AND hotel accommodations starting at Afl 1287.00 p/p!!! This is usually what you pay for the FLIGHT only if you book later in the year…as most of our clients have already experienced.

For 2012 we have selected some exciting and NEW destinations as well as our popular destinations, such as Cruising for Herfst Vakantie and Costa Rica for the Summer vacation. New destinations include SMOKY MOUNTAINS, Tennessee  with direct flights to Atlanta on Airtran and QUITO and surroundings with direct flights on Tame. Our vacation selections are based on the best value for your money and with these two new destinations, we have certainly achieved this!

We invite you to pass by one of our branches to start planning your 2012 vacation NOW! that way we can secure the very best deal for you, which will save you money, and who does not want to save money in 2012??!! Maduro Travel can help you…

Surinam Airways needs no introduction in Aruba. The friendly carrier has been serving the island for a few years earning a reputation as the affordable carrier to Aruba.

While the airline always offers the same warm and friendly service, it now boasts a very convenient schedule with a Sunday departure from Aruba, permitting locals a head-start on the new week - a feature attractive to business people and vacationers.

The airline lists very reasonable fares, and is the only one to also offer children’s airfares, so that at the price of airline tickets on Surinam Airways, any Miami vacation starts from the moment you step foot on the plane. You don’t have to wait until you reach Miami to begin your vacation. From the moment you cross the doorstep of the Surinam Airways Jet, you are already set free from daily worries.

The atmosphere is just better than you have come to expect from other airlines: there’s more leg room at your seat, and the cabin staff serves complimentary meals and free Surinamese Prabo beer, the crew is sweet and helpful, and the cabin is infused with light tropical music, prepared to switch you into a Miami state of mind. The cabin crew of Surinam Airways genuinely cares about your comfort, and by the time the plane lands, you are already refreshed and ready to enjoy what comes next on your Miami adventure. Best of all the airline offers all passengers two free checked pieces of luggage, which is especially beneficial for Arubans who fly to Miami to shop!

Surinam airways operates a modern fleet of classic Boeing 7373-300 and Airbus 340- 300, offering both passenger flights and cargo air service from Paramaribo, Surinam, to destinations including Aruba, Curacao, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Belem, Manaus in Amazonas Brazil, as well as Miami, USA, via a direct flight from Aruba.

Surinam Airways Boeing 737-300 planes offer 126 seats, including 8 in business class and rare and currently hard to find, in-flight amenities, such as full food services and complimentary beverages including the local Parbo beer. The airline holds code-share agreements with GOL Airways operating in Brazil and Argentina as a regional Airline, as well as DELTA, CONTINENTAL.

The new route leaves Aruba on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday, then turns around departing Miami on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, presenting the public with a great value-added flight alternative. With three weekly flights from Aruba directly to Miami, the public now has a more affordable option to do business and shop. And the airline’s departure time connects to most major airlines flying out of Miami and even offers checked through baggage.

Booking a flight is always easy. In Aruba, Surinam Airways offices are located on Rockerfellerstraat # 3 and are open Mon - Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Offices are also located in Miami at 7270 NW 12^th street, Suite 255, Miami, Florida, Tel.: 1+ 305 599 1196. You can also book on line via EXPEDIA and FLYSLM.com. Passengers in the US may also call toll free + 1 866 992 4623.

Surinam Airways winter schedule, starts on Nov 5th, 2011.

Written by Rona Coster

Another great chance to board in Aruba on Island Princess - route Panama Canal- disembark in Fort Lauderdale

Itinerary: Aruba - Cartagena- Panama Canal - Colon- Limon- at sea - Ocho Rios -at sea - Fort Lauderdale

Date are October 13, November 22, December 03, December 22, 2011

Prices starting from Afl 2,960.00 per person for an inside cabin based on double occupancy

Excluding

• Airfare Fort Lauderdale or Miami to Aruba approximately Afl  400.00 with Surinam Airways
• Tips on board Usd 11.50 per person per day

Over the next 16 months, five all-new cruise ships will be launched for four different cruise lines. That’s not counting the Seabourn Quest, which set sail on its maiden voyage earlier this month.

As is always the case when new ships hit the market, all of this new inventory will ensure a continuing supply of deep discounts — on virtually all ships — for Maduro Travel Aruba customers, especially those who can wait to book within 90 days of departure.

Below are some highlights of each of these exciting new vessels, including. If you are interested in being among the first passengers to sail on any of these ships, I recommend calling us as soon as possible. The early sailings of any new-build are generally in very high demand.

Seabourn Quest, Seabourn — June 9, 2011 — 450 passengers
Like her sister-ships Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest is three times larger than the original ships in Seabourn’s fleet, but carries just over twice as many passengers, ensuring one of the highest space-per-passenger ratios at sea. The 6-star ship has 225 suites, 90% with full-size balconies. All accommodations boast a roomy, granite bathroom with a separate tub and shower and twin sinks.

Public spaces include four dining venues, offering options from casual, grilled food to gourmet tasting menus; six bars and lounges, where complimentary fine wines and spirits flow freely; and the spa, which features a thelassotherapy whirlpool, Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms, a gym and an aerobics area. Several of this ship’s early sailings are sold out.

Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity — July 23, 2011 — 2,850 passengers
The fourth ship in Celebrity’s Solstice class, the 5.5-star Celebrity Silhouette will feature wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions in oversized staterooms (85% of which will boast private balconies) and an excellent selection of onboard shops and boutiques.

Other amenities and diversions will include the Lawn Club, featuring real grass where guests can relax with a game of croquet or a picnic, as well as several specialty restaurants, including Qsine, featuring out-of-the-ordinary, artfully presented dishes; Tuscan Grille, a steakhouse with Italian flare; and the new Lawn Club Grill, which focuses on the joys of outdoor grilling..

Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line — March 31, 2012 — 4,000 passengers
Sister-ship to Disney Dream, the 5-star Disney Fantasy is 40% larger than the line’s current ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) and in typical Disney style, offers fun for the whole family. Kids will love meeting some of their favorite Disney characters onboard while participating in age-appropriate, supervised activities in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. ‘Tweens and teens can chill out in spaces designed just for them.

When you’re ready for some adult time, parents and grandparents can retreat to one of the kids-free areas of the ship such as the Cove Café, featuring coffee, cocktails and Internet access; the Quiet Cove pool; Palo or Remy, specialty restaurants featuring Italian and French cuisine, respectively; or Meridian, a bar with indoor/outdoor seating that sits between Palo and Remy.

Riviera, Oceania Cruises — April 14, 2012 — 1,258 passengers
Sister-ship to the Marina, the 5.5-star Riviera is about twice the size of the other ships in Oceania’s fleet. Six open-seating dining venues offer a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Asian Fusion, and from French to American Continental. Fans of Oceania’s signature spaces such as The Patio, Horizons and the Grand Bar will not be disappointed, as each of these venues have a place on this ship.

More than 95% of accommodations boast private balconies and all have large, marble-and-granite bathrooms, LCD flat-screen televisions and exclusive Tranquility beds. Other amenities on the Riviera include the Bon Appétit Culinary Center, offering cooking lessons with experienced chefs, and the Artist Loft, providing instructional courses in fine arts.

Carnival Breeze, Carnival — June 3, 2012 — 3,690 passengers
Like its sister-ships Carnival Magic and Carnival Dream, the 4.5-star Carnival Breeze will feature the WaterWorks aqua park, the tranquil, kids-free Serenity area and extensive children’s and teens’ areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the huge Cloud 9 spa, as well as the scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship’s beam.

Other new features include the laid-back RedFrog Pub, home to Carnival’s exclusive house brew, ThirstyFrog Red and Cucina del Capitano, specialty restaurant featuring family-style Italian fare. Accommodation options include “cove” balcony staterooms located close to the waterline, deluxe oceanview staterooms featuring two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and spa privileges.

Celebrity Reflection — October 12, 2012 — 3,030 passengers
When it debuts, the 5.5-star Celebrity Reflection will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity’s popular Solstice class. Now-familiar Solstice-class features, such as the Lawn Club and AquaSpa are represented, along with new venues such as the Lawn Club Grill; The Alcoves, a cabana-style retreat; and the Art Studio, with hands-on instruction in things like painting, drawing, beading, mixology and cooking.

New AquaClass Suites feature 40-inch LCD televisions, large verandas and the service of a butler. Guests staying in these suites receive priority seating at the exclusive Blu restaurant, and unlimited access to AquaSpa facilities, including the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room.

Attention all Clients. All tickets issued on Insel and/or DAE to Curacao to connect onto any flights to Amsterdam will not be valid.

Thank You.

Check out our CHRISTMAS SPECIALS now - just click on the cruise specials to find your last minute family Christmas Cruisin’ for 2010!

Maduro Travel ta regelabo un anochi gratis! On our Christmas shopping specials with surinam Airways to Miami, if you book Hyatt Summerfield Suites, you receive the 4th Night Free! So you can extend your shopping trip for an additional day - Stay a full midweek for the same price as staying for the weekend. Travel on Monday return on Friday for a more relaxing shopping experience…. Hyatt Summerfield Suites offers:

Amenties Included in Rate:

• Hot Buffet Breakfast
• Shuttle Service to and from Miami International Airport (5AM-12AM)
• Parking
• Free Local & 800 Calls
• Wireless High Speed Internet
• 24hr Fitness Center
• 24hr Business Center
• Mangers Reception Monday to Thursday from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, includes Wine & Beer.
• Outdoor Pool & Spa Jacuzzi

Click on Miami Shopping packages to Download flyer.

American Airlines is to charge a fee to customers who want to sit in the first few rows of the economy class cabin, continuing a trend among airlines to bolster revenue with creative fees on perks that used to be included in the ticket price.

The carrier said the programme called “Express Seats” lets passengers pay to sit in those seats and enter the plane in the first group, to speed boarding and exiting.

The fee starts at USD$19 for short flights such as St. Louis to Chicago and rises to USD$39 for longer trips such as Chicago to Honolulu. The programme applies to travel within the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Customers may purchase the seats only at airport self-service check-in machines any time from 24 hours to 50 minutes before departure.

Cash-strapped airlines have been tapping into new ancillary revenue streams to offset historically low ticket prices and volatile fuel costs. Some of the more controversial fees, like one to check a single bag, has been broadly adopted by the US airline industry.

Airlines also have experimented with fees to sit in exit rows and in aisle seats.

 

 

 

 

The US is to start charging travellers to apply for permission to enter the country.

The charge applies to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, which tourists have been required to fill online since January 2009 before being granted entry to the U.S. The 35 countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program which requires them to complete an Esta form. The form takes up to 72 hours to be approved and gives air passengers prior approval for entry to the US. It is currently free, lasts for two years and is an alternative to applying for the more complex full visa.

Travellers could avoid the fee if they apply for the ESTA now.

For more information, click here.

On Friday June 4^th 2010 the candidates of Miss Teen Aruba boarded flight PY463 to Miami, tickets sponsored by Surinam Airways. They will be spending a weekend in Miami enjoying a full city tour including a boat trip over the Biscayne Bay where they will have a glimpse of the rich lifestyle of South Beach.

To top it off, the candidates will be making a stop at the DASH store (Kardashians) where they hope to meet Kim or Khloe. They will be staying at the HYATT SUMMERFIELD SUITES, the latest addition to the Miami Package Collection, courtesy of Maduro Travel.

The candidates will be doing several photo shoots and will be shooting an extensive TV program on Thursday June 10^th to be aired on channel 22. 

Surinam Airways flies to Miami three times a week and is often picked over American Airlines as the choice of airline. The service onboard is as always sublime, accompanied by warm plate of Bahmi or Nasi with a side of deep fried plantain and of course a PARBO to finish it off. 

For more information contact: