At ATE 2006 our group started a tradition of sharing our WOW of the day each evening. Each one of us would come up with what supplier we saw that day that really made us think WOW what a product!
Well I just had my WOW today in Sydney. Cruise Like A Local with Sea Sydney Cruises is like having a family member or good friend living on Sydney Harbor come to pick you in Circular Quay on their 52 foot yacht and you get to spend the day truly cruising around the harbor "like a local".... not to mention they serve you a fantastic gourmet meal, all the drinks you want and provide wonderful commentary along the way. There were six of us on the trip today (maximum is 10). Each one of my other fellow cruisers could not say enough about how this was definitely a highlight of their trip - not just their stay in Sydney but their entire trip to the South Pacific (two ladies from Florida, a couple from Seattle and a single women from Western Australia).
You start by being picked up on the wharf at the floating dock by the Park Hyatt. You feel pretty special hopping on to your private yacht. Tim, the captain for the day explained exactly where we were going to be cruising and off we went. We were offered drinks and then Sean started sharing some of his insights about the sites along the way. You cruise pass some of the wealthiest homes in Sydney, cruise by some great beaches, make an unbelievable turn around near the racing yachts that sail from Sydney to Hobart each year on Boxing Day, do a quick swing by Doyles and then pull up to your private beach location for lunch. Those that want to can go for a swim before sitting down to a magnificent three course meal. Then off you go heading to Darling Harbor where again you can practice your parade wave at the poor folk hanging out on shore while you are enjoying time on your yacht. The itinerary varies and Sean lets the captain for the day select his route.
It was one of the best four hour experiences I have ever had while in Sydney. This product is now available as a full day trip with DUA - a combination of a morning tour with Australian Wild Escapes and then the afternoon and lunch with Sean on Calypso. The product is called Wild Ways to Sea Sydney. Or it can be booked alone for the afternoon as Cruise Like A Local.
This is really one of those that I will be suggesting to every client I have coming to Sydney. They definitely will not be disappointed from the responses I heard from those on board today!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Blue Mountains with Australian Wild Escapes
Monday, March 2
Today was spent touring the Blue Mountians with Craig from Australian Wild Escapes. I have used AWE for quite some time now but have never had the opportunity to tour with them before. It had been about 10 years since I had been in the Blue Mountains as well.
The day was really wonderful! There were 10 people on tour and Craig was an amazing guide. Grant always seems to find some of the most knowledgeable people with wonderful customer service skills. Craig was actually a Kiwi and has only been living in Australia for about 2 1/2 years now - you would never have known (except for the accent) - he really knew an amazing amount about Australia's wildlife, history, flora and the Blue Mountains in particular. Several of the other passengers commented on the fact that he was one of the best guides they have had so far.
We did some of the usual Blue Mountain stops like Euroka for morning tea and kangaroo spotting. But what I really liked was the fact that Grant obviously lets the guides somewhat create their own favorites so that the tour is a little personalized even though a stock tour. They view the Three Sisters from a vantage point that is much less used then the usual stop in Katoomba - so there were only a few other people there instead of the tour bus crowds at the Katoomba location. The viewing was really wonderful from this vantage point as well.
Then we went to several other unique viewing spots - places I had never been on previous trips. We ended with one of Craig, our guides favorites, and I am not sure anyone else visited this spot on a regular basis. It was an incredible location called Anvil Rock and it has the added bonus of a spectacular wind cave.
Lunch was also a special treat. It consisted of steaks, corn on the cob, potatoes, a wonderful salad, some appetizers of cheese, crackers and fruit all accompanied by Australian Wine of course. This was all served and prepared out in the bush at a great Eco Lodge called Jemby-Rinjah just outside of Blackheath.
All in all it was a wonderful day outside the hustle and bustle of Sydney....still something I will continue to include in every itinerary for clients staying in Sydney.
I noted that I have not commented on the Sofitel Wentworth where I am staying. It is a really nice hotel with a great location - easy walking distance to both Circular Quay and Darling Harbor. Just up Philips Street from the Intercontinental. The rooms are very nicely appointed and well planned out. Not real big but well equiped with all the amenities you would expect in a hotel in this category. Very nice and attentive staff as well. I would definitely recommend it and will be using it in the future. The only thing it is lacking is that Sydney Harbor View and as we all know that is certainly not a priority for everyone.
Well I am off to Cruise Like A Local - something I am really excited about. I will let you know tomorrow about this newer product that DUA has brochured this year. I just found out that it is also available thru AWE as a full day tour with City Sights in the AM and then Cruise Like a Local with lunch in the afternoon.
Today was spent touring the Blue Mountians with Craig from Australian Wild Escapes. I have used AWE for quite some time now but have never had the opportunity to tour with them before. It had been about 10 years since I had been in the Blue Mountains as well.
The day was really wonderful! There were 10 people on tour and Craig was an amazing guide. Grant always seems to find some of the most knowledgeable people with wonderful customer service skills. Craig was actually a Kiwi and has only been living in Australia for about 2 1/2 years now - you would never have known (except for the accent) - he really knew an amazing amount about Australia's wildlife, history, flora and the Blue Mountains in particular. Several of the other passengers commented on the fact that he was one of the best guides they have had so far.
We did some of the usual Blue Mountain stops like Euroka for morning tea and kangaroo spotting. But what I really liked was the fact that Grant obviously lets the guides somewhat create their own favorites so that the tour is a little personalized even though a stock tour. They view the Three Sisters from a vantage point that is much less used then the usual stop in Katoomba - so there were only a few other people there instead of the tour bus crowds at the Katoomba location. The viewing was really wonderful from this vantage point as well.
Then we went to several other unique viewing spots - places I had never been on previous trips. We ended with one of Craig, our guides favorites, and I am not sure anyone else visited this spot on a regular basis. It was an incredible location called Anvil Rock and it has the added bonus of a spectacular wind cave.
Lunch was also a special treat. It consisted of steaks, corn on the cob, potatoes, a wonderful salad, some appetizers of cheese, crackers and fruit all accompanied by Australian Wine of course. This was all served and prepared out in the bush at a great Eco Lodge called Jemby-Rinjah just outside of Blackheath.
All in all it was a wonderful day outside the hustle and bustle of Sydney....still something I will continue to include in every itinerary for clients staying in Sydney.
I noted that I have not commented on the Sofitel Wentworth where I am staying. It is a really nice hotel with a great location - easy walking distance to both Circular Quay and Darling Harbor. Just up Philips Street from the Intercontinental. The rooms are very nicely appointed and well planned out. Not real big but well equiped with all the amenities you would expect in a hotel in this category. Very nice and attentive staff as well. I would definitely recommend it and will be using it in the future. The only thing it is lacking is that Sydney Harbor View and as we all know that is certainly not a priority for everyone.
Well I am off to Cruise Like A Local - something I am really excited about. I will let you know tomorrow about this newer product that DUA has brochured this year. I just found out that it is also available thru AWE as a full day tour with City Sights in the AM and then Cruise Like a Local with lunch in the afternoon.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
V Australia Flight
V Australia flies out of Terminal 3 at LAX - same terminal as Virgin America and Alaska/Horizon. The terminal was decorated with balloons and lots of photo ops. They have redesigned the check in area in it has very retro fell to it. The staff was pretty nervous and there were some computer issues but they did get everyone checked in and with a slight delay before take off we did manage to get in the air.
The interior of the aircraft is extremely comfortable and very well laid out. The color scheme is basically based around different shades of plum and teal (although I think Kirk referred to economy class as being pink and blue).
I was flying in Premium Economy although I did spend some time in both other classes of service - economy and business class.
Business Class - lie flat beds (6'2" long), Welcome drink served in Riedle glassware, Eat whenever/whatever off of a pretty extensive menu, PJ's, doonas, Noise cancelling headphones, massage function available in your seat, very nice amenity kits (slippers, eye mask, tooth brush, toothpaste, mouthwash, ear plugs - very attractive case as well)seat to seat chat, 12.1" screen on your entertainment system, work station with full power, USB and reading light, self service bar with 6 bar stools and full compliment of drinks and snacks. 2 - 2 -2 configuration with privacy curtains around each section.
Premium Economy - leather seats (very comfortable), foot rests, pretty good recline, wonderful amenity kits (same as business class), seat to seat chat, work station with full power, USB and reading light, noise cancelling headphones, welcome drink, food - a couple of options for both dinner and breakfast, alcohol included, great self service bar with drinks and snacks, 10.6" screen. 2 - 4 - 2 configuration
Economy - I did go back and sit in an economy seat just to get a feel for the leg room, recline, etc. They were not bad and with a 3 - 3 - 3 configuration they felt more spacious then some of the competition. 9" screen, alcohol is not included but available for purchase - you do get one free drink with dinner, self service refreshment kiosk available, USB port but no power workstation.
Some of the most striking things about the aircraft and the flight were the mood lighting - I know it sounds a bit tacky but it was really wonderful and created a great atmosphere. The mood lighting changed from area to area - business class even had "stars" come out at night! It really was a very nice addition - not something you noted conciously but it definitely added to a very warm feeling.
The entertainment system is probably the most striking feature. I talked to several passengers and they all thought that it was absolutely the best. The main difference between the three classes of service was the size of the screen. The movie selection was amazing - very current and a lot of options, you also have several TV show options, wonderful music options - and the ability to create your own playlist for the flight, lots of games and a great kids section that includes kid movies, TV and games. You can use the USB port and plug in your own IPod, MP3 or whatever and play it thru the system as well. In business and premium economy you can also do seat to seat chat - kind of fun! The best part is the majority of the functions were touch screen so no more controller tucked into the arm of your seat.
The last most striking feature was staff. If you have read any of Richard Branson's books you know that Virgin has a bit of a different atmosphere for its employees and really tries to create a very positive and unique work environment. I think this definitely came thru with the staff on the flight and in the terminal. They also are trying to add a bit of fun to the long haul flight experience - you just have to watch the safety video and the pre flight videos to see they want you to smile and relax and enjoy the experience.
I did try to talk to several "paying" customers just to get their impression, etc. The only real negative that I heard that we all need to be aware of is that V Australia does not have interline agreements with most of the US carriers (Northwest/Delta is really the only one right now) so if your clients are flying in on other US carriers they have to pick up their luggage and get it to terminal 3 and as you all know that is not always the easiest at LAX. I talked with a women that was very upset that she had to pick up her two suitcases and her skis and get on and off a shuttle bus to get from American to V Australia.
All in all I was extremely impressed with the whole operation and would not hesitate to book a client and recommend V Australia. They will be flying into Brisbane beginning in April and then adding Melbourne in September.
Sydney - day one - really crazy day here in Sydney - four cruise ships here in town. I just talked to Grant from AWE and he told me over 8500 people off the ships! The Rocks Market was just absolutely jam packed and it was the busiest I have every seen Sydney.
I am off on AWE's Blue Mountians High Country Eco Tour tomorrow - so will give everyone an update tomorrow evening.
If you have any questions about the V Australia experience please shoot me an email - rhonda@indigojourneys.com
The interior of the aircraft is extremely comfortable and very well laid out. The color scheme is basically based around different shades of plum and teal (although I think Kirk referred to economy class as being pink and blue).
I was flying in Premium Economy although I did spend some time in both other classes of service - economy and business class.
Business Class - lie flat beds (6'2" long), Welcome drink served in Riedle glassware, Eat whenever/whatever off of a pretty extensive menu, PJ's, doonas, Noise cancelling headphones, massage function available in your seat, very nice amenity kits (slippers, eye mask, tooth brush, toothpaste, mouthwash, ear plugs - very attractive case as well)seat to seat chat, 12.1" screen on your entertainment system, work station with full power, USB and reading light, self service bar with 6 bar stools and full compliment of drinks and snacks. 2 - 2 -2 configuration with privacy curtains around each section.
Premium Economy - leather seats (very comfortable), foot rests, pretty good recline, wonderful amenity kits (same as business class), seat to seat chat, work station with full power, USB and reading light, noise cancelling headphones, welcome drink, food - a couple of options for both dinner and breakfast, alcohol included, great self service bar with drinks and snacks, 10.6" screen. 2 - 4 - 2 configuration
Economy - I did go back and sit in an economy seat just to get a feel for the leg room, recline, etc. They were not bad and with a 3 - 3 - 3 configuration they felt more spacious then some of the competition. 9" screen, alcohol is not included but available for purchase - you do get one free drink with dinner, self service refreshment kiosk available, USB port but no power workstation.
Some of the most striking things about the aircraft and the flight were the mood lighting - I know it sounds a bit tacky but it was really wonderful and created a great atmosphere. The mood lighting changed from area to area - business class even had "stars" come out at night! It really was a very nice addition - not something you noted conciously but it definitely added to a very warm feeling.
The entertainment system is probably the most striking feature. I talked to several passengers and they all thought that it was absolutely the best. The main difference between the three classes of service was the size of the screen. The movie selection was amazing - very current and a lot of options, you also have several TV show options, wonderful music options - and the ability to create your own playlist for the flight, lots of games and a great kids section that includes kid movies, TV and games. You can use the USB port and plug in your own IPod, MP3 or whatever and play it thru the system as well. In business and premium economy you can also do seat to seat chat - kind of fun! The best part is the majority of the functions were touch screen so no more controller tucked into the arm of your seat.
The last most striking feature was staff. If you have read any of Richard Branson's books you know that Virgin has a bit of a different atmosphere for its employees and really tries to create a very positive and unique work environment. I think this definitely came thru with the staff on the flight and in the terminal. They also are trying to add a bit of fun to the long haul flight experience - you just have to watch the safety video and the pre flight videos to see they want you to smile and relax and enjoy the experience.
I did try to talk to several "paying" customers just to get their impression, etc. The only real negative that I heard that we all need to be aware of is that V Australia does not have interline agreements with most of the US carriers (Northwest/Delta is really the only one right now) so if your clients are flying in on other US carriers they have to pick up their luggage and get it to terminal 3 and as you all know that is not always the easiest at LAX. I talked with a women that was very upset that she had to pick up her two suitcases and her skis and get on and off a shuttle bus to get from American to V Australia.
All in all I was extremely impressed with the whole operation and would not hesitate to book a client and recommend V Australia. They will be flying into Brisbane beginning in April and then adding Melbourne in September.
Sydney - day one - really crazy day here in Sydney - four cruise ships here in town. I just talked to Grant from AWE and he told me over 8500 people off the ships! The Rocks Market was just absolutely jam packed and it was the busiest I have every seen Sydney.
I am off on AWE's Blue Mountians High Country Eco Tour tomorrow - so will give everyone an update tomorrow evening.
If you have any questions about the V Australia experience please shoot me an email - rhonda@indigojourneys.com
Friday, February 27, 2009
From Minneapolis to LA - Friday, February 27
I am off on the first leg of my journey to Sydney. On the Northwest Flight from Minneapolis to Los Angeles I got talking with the flight attendents (I do fly this route an awful lot so we have gotten to know each other). I told them I was coming out to fly on the inaugural flight of V Australia and they were even more excited then I am! They told me flying on something like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity - I kind of guessed that - but they were very impressed and I pretty much feel like a celebrity already!
This blogging thing is new to me and anyone that knows me knows that I like to talk. I will try to keep this short and sweet and give you my impressions and experiences in as small amount of space as possible.
This blogging thing is new to me and anyone that knows me knows that I like to talk. I will try to keep this short and sweet and give you my impressions and experiences in as small amount of space as possible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)