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British Airways in Merger Talks With Quantas

LONDON ? British Airways PLC said Tuesday it is in talks with Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd about a potential merger, sending its shares soaring as it confirmed expectations of consolidation in the hard-hit aviation industry.
BA, which is already pursuing a revenue-sharing deal with American Airlines and Spain's Iberia SA, said it is exploring a "potential merger" with Qantas via a dual-listed company structure.
In a brief statement released in response , BA did not provide any reasoning for the prospective deal but chief executive Willie Walsh has long advocated industry consolidation, arguing that closer cooperation will help airlines cut costs in the current difficult economic climate. BA, the third-largest airline in Europe, added that its discussions with Iberia on a potential merger are continuing."There is no guarantee that any transaction will be forthcoming and a further announcement will be made in due course, if appropriate," BA said in the statement to the London Stock Exchange It provided no further detail on the structure of the potential deal with Qantas but confirmed that talks began in August after it was approached by Australia largest airline. The London-based carrier's stock jumped after the announcement, closing 12.5 percent higher at 157.1 pence ($2.35 Virgin Atlantic Airways, which has already objected to the BA-American-Iberia tie-up, said that BA was attempting to increase its dominance to the detriment of competition. "One day it's Iberia, then it's American, and now Qantas," said Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway. "The only strategy BA seems to have is to lock-up some of the busiest routes in the world, against the consumer interest."
BA and Qantas are already code sharing partners in the oneworld global alliance, which brings together 10 of the world's carriers including Japan Airlines The confirmation from BA on the talks comes a day after the Australian government revealed that it plans to increase the level of foreign ownership> allowed in Qantas, but will not permit a takeover. Australian law currently limits a single foreign holding to 25 percent, while a group of foreign holdings can total 35 percent. A federal government policy paper released Monday proposes lifting the foreign ownership limit ? whether by one company or a group of companies ? to 49 percent. That would allow Qantas and BA to swap equal stakes in each other.Qantas last month slashed its full-year profit forecast to around 500 million Australian dollars ($316 million), down from an August forecast of AU$750 million. It also said it would cut flights to cope with plummeting demand, despite a recent easing in the oil priceWalsh last month warned that that the industry was still "heading into the eye of the storm," shortly after BA reported a first-half net loss of 49 million pounds ($77 million).
Analysts have been expecting greater consolidation in the airline industry after the global economic crisis combined with soaring oil prices earlier this year to severely crimp passenger demand. The International Air Transport Association has reported international passenger traffic declined 1.3 percent in October compared with 2007, following a 2.9 percent drop in September, and forecasts industrywide losses of $2.3 billion this year.
Budget airline Ryanair Holdings PLC on Monday launched a new takeover bid for Aer Lingus, seeking to capitalize on labor unrest at its Irish rival along with the country's economic difficulties.BA has already filed for worldwide antitrust immunity from U.S. authorities for a revenue-sharing deal with American and Iberia that would see the trio set prices together and share seat capacity on trans-Atlantic flights. American would be the non-merged member of the BA-Iberia linking. The agreement is the closest alliance the trio can form under strict U.S. airline ownership laws that all but rule out a full merger and follows two earlier failed attempts by BA and AMR Corp.'s American to forge closer ties.
Virgin Atlantic claims that proposed deal will seriously damage the competitiveness of the lucrative trans-Atlantic route and increase fares for passengers. But American and BA contend that the partnership will merely allow the trio to better compete with the other major airline alliances, Star and SkyTeam, which already have antitrust immunity on trans-Atlantic flights and a large presence at other European airports. BA and American have failed in the past to win an exemption from U.S. competition laws to work more closely together because of their dominance at London's Heathrow Airport, where the pair have more than half the capacity to and from the U.S. Walsh has argued that the competitive situation has changed since the "open skies" agreement between the U.S. and the European Union came into force in March, allowing airlines to fly to and from any point in the U.S. and any point in the EU.

Telemedicine to Debut Aboard Costa Concordia

MIAMI, FL, Nov 19 - Costa, Europe's Number One Cruise Line, will debut telemedicine aboard the Costa Concordia beginning in early 2009. A broadband satellite system has been installed, final touches are being made on a telemedicine suite and training is being completed for staff involved in the project. The telemedicine project is the result of a collaboration between Costa Cruises, TELESAL ? Telecomunicazioni per la salute (Telecommunication for Health), Genoa?s Galliera Hospital, the Genoese engineering company D'Appolonia and C.I.R.M. (Centro Internazionale Radio Medico, or International Radio Medical Center).

TELESAL is creating a telemedicine suite onboard the Costa Concordia, which will enable enhanced health care with advanced medical technology around the clock in the sea-going environment. Testing of the system will commence in the early months of 2009 on the Costa Concordia (114,500 tons, 3,000 double occupancy capacity) when the ship is deployed on 10- and 11-night cruises to Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Cyprus.

The assistance provided onboard by the new service will allow for diagnosis and consultation at a distance for first aid, toxicology, cardiology, radiology, dermatology and ophthalmology with the collaboration of Genoa's Galliera Hospital. This will involve coordination of the hospital's general medicine, surgery and emergency department, headed by Dr. Paolo Cremonesi, with the support of its IT and Telecommunications Services, and under the direction of the Galliera Health Authority. The innovative new service will consist of the exchange of medical data (experimentation will include dermatological, ophthalmologic and radiological images, electrocardiograms, scans), which can be shared via videoconferencing in order to enable real-time consultation between shipboard medical personnel and the Galliera health professionals.

"It is part of our mission to be at the forefront in all aspects of our activity, so we can't help feeling proud to contribute to the first experiment in telemedicine at sea in Europe," announced Costa Cruises President Gianni Onorato. "This is a highly innovative and extremely important project; the aim of this European first is to further enhance the quality of the service for our guests and crew. For this reason we've decided to launch the experimentation on our flagship Costa Concordia. We hope in the future to be able to extend the telemedicine installation project with fleetwide deployment and the involvement of hospitals around the world."

Orient Lines Delays Launch

Celebration, FL, Nov 19 - Orient Lines has announced that due to the current world economic climate, it shall delay the launch of its cruises currently scheduled to commence in April 2009.

Orient Lines' President and CEO Wayne Heller stated that, "All guests that have booked a cruise with Orient Lines shall be given a full and prompt refund and, if requested, we will endeavor to offer them assistance with making alternate cruise vacation arrangements." Heller added, "Even though the launch of Orient Lines is delayed, we are exploring possible options to re-launch our cruise program at a more favorable time in the near future."

Disney and Verizon Team Up for Mobile Magic

November 12, 2008 - Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience - before, during and after guests arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones along with reliable new services at the parks. Early next year guests will also use Verizon Wireless' technology when experiencing Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort.

"With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our Parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom."

Beginning next year, guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort to help them make the most of their Disney experiences. Planned services include an exclusive mobile application that will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more. Verizon Wireless is also continuing to invest in its wireless network from coast to coast, and the relationship with Disney means the wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the Parks.

John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing for Verizon, said, "All of our efforts focus on one goal: making the Disney experience even better for our customers. There are few life experiences that are more memorable than visiting a Disney Park, and now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit - by navigating the Parks easier and faster with instant access to key information such as 'Where?s Mickey now?' and other special features - even when they travel home and share their experiences with family and friends."

In addition, guests visiting Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort in early 2009 will be among the first to experience Disney?s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. An ultra-interactive attraction, Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to team up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. Armed with an official Verizon Wireless "Kimmunicator," guests will use these handheld devices to help maneuver through the mission. The interactive wireless theme park game was inspired by Disney Channel's Emmy® Award-winning animated series, "Kim Possible."

While Verizon Wireless customers will have exclusive access to an array of enhanced features, Disney and Verizon are also working to ensure that some mobile information such as dining locations, show times and locations will be available to all Parks visitors, regardless of their wireless company.

Additional details will be available next year as the companies expect to add a suite of services and functionalities to help guests at Disney Parks have the most magical experience. Disney Parks and Resorts ? Taking Guests to New Frontiers

The agreement between Disney and Verizon is another step in a series of new initiatives that highlight the latest technologies from Disney Parks and Resorts with a continued focus on improving guest experience and providing immersive entertainment. Disney Parks and Resorts continue to exemplify how technologies can be used to build new connections and redefine how guests plan and enjoy their vacations. From the time guests begin planning their vacation using Walt Disney World Resort in 3D on Google Earth or tuning into Disney Travel on Demand, the experience is designed to make their lives easier. Guests can take their vacation experience to a new level with Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive wireless theme park game for families, and by personalizing and sharing their Disney experiences when they return home, using DisneyLink, a desktop application.

Southwest to buy ATA landing slots at LaGuardia

DALLAS ? Southwest Airlines Co. has agreed to pay $7.5 million for bankrupt ATA Airlines' landing slots at New York's LaGuardia Airport, a move that would raise Southwest's profile in the nation's largest air market.

Southwest would get 14 slots, enough to operate seven takeoffs and seven landings per day at LaGuardia.

The deal is dependent on approval by a U.S. bankruptcy court in Indianapolis, where ATA Airlines Inc. is based, according to an ATA court filing Tuesday.

If approved, Southwest expects to begin flying to LaGuardia next year, said Southwest spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger.

Dallas-based Southwest ? the nation's largest carrier by number of domestic passengers ? serves Islip Airport on Long Island but does not fly into LaGuardia, Kennedy or Newark, N.J., airports.

"If you truly want to be in the New York market, you need to be in one of those airports," Eichinger said.

The New York airports, however, are notorious for congestion. Southwest for many years has favored less-crowded secondary airports where it can service planes and get them back in the sky quickly.

Eichinger said serving LaGuardia "is going to be a challenge, but we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't think we could make it work." She noted that skeptics raised the same questions when Southwest began flying into Philadelphia a few years ago, a service that has been a success for the low-fare carrier.

Southwest did not bid for all of ATA's assets. Eichinger said the airline would not seek ATA's two slots at Washington's Reagan National airport.

ATA filed for bankruptcy protection and grounded its planes in April. ATA and Southwest had been marketing partners, selling seats on each other's flights, an arrangement that netted Southwest about $50 million in annual revenue.

In a bankruptcy court filing Tuesday, ATA lawyers said the company received two other bids for its assets, which also included ATA's operating certificate, its license to fly. But the unidentified other bidders dropped out, and ATA and Southwest officials met Nov. 10 in Dallas to negotiate a deal.

ATA said Southwest raised its bid while ATA agreed to drop the Reagan National slots from the package.

 

Holland America Line Debuts New Winemakers & Wedding Group Advantage Programs

 Seattle, WA, Nov 19 - Holland America Line is introducing two creative new tools to help travel professionals capitalize on more cruise business and benefit their clients by booking groups. The Winemakers GAP Package and the Wedding GAP Package expand Holland America Line?s Group Advantage Program (GAP), the most comprehensive group amenities program in the cruise industry.

"These packages offer travel agents two more opportunities to book groups and ensure those groups enjoy exciting onboard experiences," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Groups are one of the most effective ways for agents to increase revenue, and now they can sell the new Winemakers and Wedding GAP Packages in addition to Holland America Line?s Culinary Arts Center, Family Reunion and Charity Group programs."

The Winemakers GAP Package is designed for groups of wine enthusiasts and those who simply want to learn more about the complex world of wine, often in conjunction with the cruise destination. Travel professionals can organize a group around a winemaker, sommelier or local restaurant. Groups can bring their own wine on board for the tasting and Winemakers Lunch?ideal for winemakers wishing to showcase their wines-or opt to focus on the fine wines that Holland America Line serves on board with special wine tastings conducted by Holland America Line Cellar Masters.

With the Winemakers GAP Package, each group receives two one-hour wine tastings in either the main dining room or the Pinnacle Grill restaurant, a Winemakers Lunch with a pairing of three wines in the Pinnacle Grill, and a choice of either chocolate-dipped strawberries or Holland America Line commemorative bottle of wine per stateroom. The package requires a minimum of 25 guests.

The Wedding GAP Package lets couples create their own special, on-board celebration shared by their family and friends. The wedding couple enjoys a free stateroom upgrade with a minimum of eight staterooms booked and free wedding cake for up to 16 guests. The wedding group enjoys a Pinnacle Grill lunch, private wine tasting and chocolate-covered strawberries and bottle of Chase Limogere Brut in their staterooms. Groups larger than 16 guests are accommodated for the wedding cake reception with a nominal charge per additional guest.

"Holland America Line is adding these new group programs because we?re seeing a strong, increasing trend toward affinity groups and celebration travel," said Meadows. "These groups can come from service organizations, reunions, charities, etc., or people who share a common interest such as gourmet cooking, dancing or financial planning. It also includes what we call celebration group travel-or families cruising together for a wedding, anniversary or multi-generational reunion. Holland America Line is especially ideal for these family groups because we offer something for all ages - from on-board programs, including our award-winning Club HAL® for children and teens, to popular ports of call with extraordinary shore excursions."

Meadows said Holland America Line also provides incentive GAP amenities based on GAP points earned and length of cruise. Travel professionals can then select amenities that best customize and enhance the cruise for each particular group to make its cruising experience exceptional. Such amenities include private wine tastings, coffee cards and water sports equipment rentals on Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line?s award-winning private Caribbean island.

Mickey celebrates his 80th birthday

Nov 18, 2008
Mickey Mouse is celebrating his 80th birthday today. Walt Disney's iconic symbol made his debut on November 18, 1928 in "Steamboat Willie."

Disney's first character that gained recognition was Oswald the Rabbit. When Disney lost the rights to Oswald to another studio, the memorable Mouse was created.

Walt's early sketches of Mickey, which closely resembled Oswald, was first dubbed "Mortimer the Mouse." It was Lilly, his wife, who picked the name "Mickey".

Mickey's fame led to the creation of other beloved characters, including Mickey's long term girlfriend, Minnie Mouse.

More than 1 million children signed up to be a part of the original Mickey Mouse Club. Among his fans were President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini and King George V of England.

Over time, Mickey's appearance changed, but the friendly personality that drew a devoted following remains till today.

Mickey's silhouette, known worldwide, has come to symbolize the Disney company. Mickey's image has appeared in every type of merchandise imaginable.

 

Royal Caribbean's Newest Freedom-Class Ship Arrives in the US

Royal Caribbean International's newest Freedom-class ship, Independence of the Seas, made her US debut today at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Sharing the title of world's largest cruise ship with her sister-ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, Independence will be the line's first Freedom-class ship to sail from Port Everglades.

At 160,000 GRT and a capacity of 3,634 guests, Independence of the Seas features all of the industry-first amenities which are trademarks of the Freedom-class ships: a FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone water park with its interactive sculpture garden for families and toddler pool, cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean in the adults-only Solarium, a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite.

Independence also features some of the other distinctive offerings the global cruise line is known for including, an ice-skating rink, a rock- climbing wall, an award-winning youth program, fine to casual dining venues, Broadway-style entertainment and the Royal Promenade - an entertainment boulevard stretching the length of the ship with shops, restaurants, bars and lounges, which provides guests with an endless variety of choices and experiences to suit their taste and preference.

Independence will sail from Ft. Lauderdale and alternate between eight- night Eastern Caribbean and six-night Western Caribbean itineraries. Independence's Eastern Caribbean itinerary will call at San Juan, Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Phillipsburg, St. Maarten and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach destination in Haiti. The Western Caribbean itinerary will call at Belize City, Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico and Cozumel, Mexico.

AirTran Airways Innovates New Ways to Fly Business Class

First Airline to Sell Upgrades Onboard

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today announced that the airline has innovated once again and designed new ways for customers to secure its popular Business Class seats. As the only low-cost airline with a Business Class, AirTran Airways now allows passengers to purchase upgrades two new ways: 24 hours prior to departure while checking in at AirTran.com and also once onboard the aircraft before departure or at cruising altitude.

Passengers checking in for their flight using www.airtran.com may now upgrade to Business Class for $49 to $99 one-way, depending on the length of the flight. With the option of onboard upgrades, passengers will be allowed the opportunity to move to Business Class if seats are available on their flight. Flight attendants will offer customers the opportunity to upgrade at time of boarding, time permitting, or at cruising altitude. The onboard upgrades will be available to all customers, regardless of the fare class of their ticket purchased.

Upgrades range from $49 to $99, depending on the length of the flight. Business Class seats offer more leg room, wider seats, complimentary cocktails and premium snacks.

"By adding these new innovations, AirTran Airways is striving to always create value for our customers - even those who want to see the Business Class product before they purchase. Now they have the opportunity to do just that," said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways. "We are winning new customers every day as a result of our spacious Business Class."

Carnival Cruise Lines Wins big with Porthole Magazine Awards

Carnival Cruise Lines led the way once again in Porthole Cruise Magazine's "Reader Choice Awards," winning in nine different categories, including two new categories - Best Web Site and Best Mexican Itineraries.

            Porthole Cruise Magazine's "Readers Choice Awards" are determined by thousands of the publication's readers who vote on their favorite cruise line in a wide variety of categories. Since the awards were established in 1999, Carnival has taken home an unprecedented 101 "Readers Choice Awards" - the most of any cruise line. 

            Carnival's 2008 "Readers Choice Awards" include:

Best Megaship (Carnival Freedom)

Best Children's Programs

Best Value-for-the-Money

Best Short-Duration Cruise

Best Shore Excursions

Best Web Site

Best Main Dining Room Cuisine

Best Entertainment

Best Mexican Itineraries

"Carnival is truly honored by the consistent recognition over the past nine years by the readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine," said Lynn Torrent, Carnival's senior vice president of sales and guest services. "Winning so many awards - in so many different categories-is a wonderful validation of our efforts to provide guests with fun and memorable vacations at affordable prices."

"Carnival Cruise Lines continues to shine in categories that run the gamut," said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. "Whether on board or on shore, Carnival is a leader in the cruise industry, and our readers clearly recognize that. I congratulate them on all of their much-deserved wins."            

Established in 1993, Porthole Cruise Magazine is a consumer publication offering readers a variety of information about cruising including ship reviews, news, details on popular ports of call and travel tips.

Carnival is the world's largest and most popular cruise line, with 22 "Fun Ships" operating voyages of three to 18 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America.  The line currently has two 130,000-ton ships on order - Carnival Dream, set to debut Sept. 21, 2009, and Carnival Magic, scheduled to enter service in June 2011.

Disney Premieres First-Ever 3-D Cinematic Experience at Sea

11/17/08-Disney Cruise Line is revolutionizing movie entertainment at sea with the debut of Disney Digital 3-D, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience premiering exclusively onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.

Guests will delight as first-run Disney films leap off the silver screen and take on a whole new dimension thanks to Disney Digital 3-D technology being added to both the Walt Disney Theatre and Buena Vista Theatre. Disney Cruise Line is the first cruise line to introduce 3-D entertainment onboard its ships. Disney Digital 3-D will premiere onboard the Disney Wonder during the Nov. 20 sailing and on the Disney Magic during the Dec. 6 sailing.

Leveraging this new technology, Disney Cruise Line will take 3-D into uncharted waters in early 2009 with the debut of a theatrical experience that combines Disney Digital 3-D with vibrant in-theatre effects. Tridimensional images will combine with lasers, fog, streamers, and special lighting effects to create an immersive experience like no other at sea. Guests will feel like they are part of the audience during once-a-cruise special engagements such as 3-D concert experiences.

"With Disney Digital 3-D we can provide extraordinary cinematic experiences for our guests that no other cruise line can offer," said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. "Innovation and high-quality family entertainment are Disney Cruise Line hallmarks, and the addition of Disney Digital 3-D perfectly complements our industry-leading collection of entertainment options already onboard our ships." 

Disney Cruise Line will celebrate the debut of Disney Digital 3-D by hosting a special screening event for Walt Disney Animation Studios' newest animated feature, Bolt, onboard the Nov. 20 three-night Disney Wonder cruise. As the calendar turns from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, guests will be invited to a special midnight screening of Bolt at the Walt Disney Theatre -- complete with meet-and-greet opportunities with lovable walk-around characters from the film. 

The film features super-dog Bolt (voice of JOHN TRAVOLTA), whose every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue?at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet?a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of MILEY CYRUS). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions?a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of SUSIE ESSMAN) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of MARK WALTON)?Bolt discovers he doesn?t need superpowers to be a hero. 

 "Disney Cruise Line picked the perfect time to introduce Disney Digital 3-D to its guests," said Mark Zoradi, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Group. "Bolt kicks off an extraordinary lineup of 3-D movies debuting over the course of the next year, including Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience, Disney?Pixar's Up, G-Force, Disney?Pixar's Toy Story and Disney's A Christmas Carol. The 3-D immersive experience is better than ever."

Disney Digital 3-D is the latest enhancement to join the robust menu of premium guest experiences and amenities included with a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Dazzling Broadway-style musical spectaculars, over-the-top deck parties with the only fireworks display at sea, a unique rotational dining concept, first-run movie releases and fantastic kids programming are just some of the advantages of cruising with Disney.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a cruise experience that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs.

Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort are also available.