Grumpy's Getaway Guide

Welcome to Grumpy's Getaway Guide where, despite the name, I appreciate your visit.

Cunard's New European Cruise Program

Australians can embark on a royal tour of Europe aboard one of Cunard’s three magnificent Queens in 2013, choosing their ideal itinerary from more than 100 voyages on offer in Cunard’s new European program. The offerings include the chance to cruise in the heart of the Mediterranean on Cunard’s youngest liner Queen Elizabeth, which will operate a series of 11 voyages cruising the waters between Venice, Rome and Athens. The voyages will introduce guests to the wonders of this ancient corner of the world in a setting of unrivalled grandeur and luxury. The remainder of the season will see Queen Elizabeth sailing roundtrip voyages from Southampton to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe including Iceland, Norway’s fjords, British Isles and the Baltic Sea.

Travelport Lets Agents Track Clients Travels

Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, has launched Travelport Journey Reporter to customers in the Asia-Pacific region. Journey Reporter is a new web-based reporting solution that offers travel management companies the ability to track and monitor the location of business travellers around the world. Operating in real time via a secure login, Journey Reporter allows Travelport-connected agents to immediately identify the country, city or airport location of business travellers. As reports are run instantly from the GDS, travellers are located within minutes, which is especially important in crisis situations where timely communication is crucial.

Jetstar Japan Expects To Take Off Shortly

The new Japan based low-cost carrier is on track to start flying five months ahead of schedule, according to the airline’s chief executive after receiving its Air Operators’ Certificate late last week. Receiving the certificate of regulatory approval on operating policies and procedures from Japan’s leaders this month meant fares would go on sale “soon”, with the airline’s head Miyuki Suzuki expecting a May 2012 takeoff instead of its 3 July target. The low-cost airline is expected to kick-start with domestic services to Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa with plans of short-haul international flights expected to be added next year.

Starwood Plans to Open Ski Resort in China

The Westin Changbaishan and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort will become Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide first dual-branded ski resort, set to open in August this year. Adjacent to one of China’s leading ski areas, the slopes of Changbai Mountains, the highly anticipated resort complex extends Starwood’s reputation as the largest international luxury and upper upscale hotel operator in China. The Westin and Sheraton resort complex is a short drive from Changbaishan Airport (NBS) and close to the Yingfu Expressway.? The Changbai mountain range extends through several countries and where guests can enjoy winter activities including downhill trails surrounded by unspoiled pine forests, ice skating and ice fishing.

Introducing My Forum

It occurred to me that I don't give my site's visitors much of an opportunity to ask questions or contribute to any conversations about travel, so I've created a forum (see the "Forum" tab above).

Feel free to participate to your heart's content. Either join a discussion, ask a question or put forward your point of view. Any reasonable discussion is allowed - which means that I won't tolerate foul language or abuse.

Disagreement with others is fine, and your views are welcome.

Of course, you can always comment on any of my stories, but the forum will give you an opportunity to start your own topic, or to respond to someone else's thread.