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Subject: [The NetLetter] NetLetter nr 832 Jun 23/04 - The NetLetter
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 16:19:22 -0700
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T H E _| TCA |_
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N E T L E T T E R > CANADA <
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( For retirees of the new Air Canada family)
Number 832 June 23rd.,2004. We first published in October 1995.
Circulation: 2700+
Chief Pilot - Vesta Stevenson - Co-pilot - Terry Baker
To get in touch with either editor/pilot our email address is
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. Nice to know.
From the Pionairs newsletter issued by Gord Dalziel -
Recent inquiries of Employee Travel Services have revealed that No Passing
Along of the Nav Can fees to Retirees is contemplated at this time, by this
department. Although these charges have been charged since January, it was
decided to advise the Public of this recently.
Many of you inquired if our Pass Travel Rates would increase as a result of
this and we've been advised, No increase is planned at this time.
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. Air Canada news.
The first ever non-stop service to link Toronto with Hong Kong - with a
flight time of 15 hours 30 minutes - is due to start on August 1st. Air
Canada will operate the flight with its new Airbus A340-500 aircraft.
At the same time, Air Canada is introducingin-flight amenities in all
cabins. Executive with 42 seats, Hospitality with 225 seats. Executive will
have lie-flat seats with a 63 inch pitch and have adjustable privicy
dividers, stowage area, reading lights and personal large screen monitors.
Hospitality will also be able to enjoy video on individually-controlled
personal monitors. The Hospitality cabin has a 2-4-2 layout with 33 inch pitch.
Employees have been eager to know when our new Airbus A340-500 aircraft,
complete with their state-of-the-art lie-down beds, will be arriving and if
they will get a chance to see one of them first hand. The first aircraft,
FIN 952, will arrive in Montreal from Toulouse on Tuesday, June 29,
complete with a number of employees who were selected to participate in
this inaugural flight. Upon its arrival, there will be an aircraft display
event held from 4:30 – 8 p.m. All active and retired Air Canada and
subsidiary employees are invited to come and see it, and to bring their
family and friends along – you will be required to present a valid Air
Canada identification card. We will have similar display events in Toronto
on July 13, from 5 – 8 p.m., and in Vancouver on July 24, from 2 – 6 p.m.,
so employees at these bases will also get a chance to ‘kick the tires’ of
the newest addition to our fleet. If you feel like trying out one of the
beds for size, this could be your chance.
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. Recently, your co-pilot went on yet another cruise -
14 day Alaska cruise on Sun Princess May 17th thru May 31st 2004.
Monday May 17th
For our third & fouth Alaska cruise, our group was 3 couples, we took
friends with us.
One couple live near us, and the other couple reside in Ontario, and drove
out for the cruise and some local sightseeing.
At 9:30 a friend collected us, while another friend gathered the luggage,
and we proceeded to Nanaimo Harbour to board the HarbourLynx catamaran fast
foot ferry to Vancouver Harbour, docking right next to Canada Place where
our cruise for Alaska, the Sun Princess was awaiting us. Cost on the
HarbourLynx is ca$25.00 p.p. one way.
We had to carry our luggage 2 blocks before we got to the cruise check-in
desks. Check-in was simplified as each deck of the ship had their own
identified check-in position, and it was fast and efficient.. We traveled
ticket less, but had a Pier Pickup Document.
Make sure to pickup a free copy of the ‘Destination Alaska’ booklet which
has many pages of coupons for the shops you will encounter at each port
visited. Well worth the effort for some great bargains. This booklet is NOT
available on the ship.
After labeling our luggage, we proceeded through U.S. Immigration and
walked on to the ship, located our cabins, and rushed up to the dining room
for lunch, the gorging begins - yummy!
Back to the cabin to unpack before the inevitable lifeboat drill.
Different from every other drill on other cruises, this time we assembled
in the theatre and no roll call.
After dinner, we took in an excellent show, then a stroll around the
decks viewing the sunset and picking out the lights of towns on Vancouver
Island.
Our friends from Ontario received a complementary bottle of wine and a
coupon for a free photo courtesy of Dargal Interline who had arranged for
our cruise. Naturally, we all shared the wine!
Princess lines allows you to take wine or champagne onboard, unlike other
cruise lines we have been on. We all went well armed with wine, and we even
had a bottle of champagne which your co-pilot had received from Norwegian
Cruise Lines during a previous Alaskan cruise.
Tuesday May 18th,.
The weather today was cloudless with a temperature of 65 degrees, just
right for the day at sea cruising the inner passage.
We listened to a very boring talk about shopping deals in the ports of
call. It seems that most of the jewelry stores mentioned were, in fact,
part of the Princess group. However, there are lots of stores eagerly
awaiting your US dollars. Don’t forget your discount coupons
A talk by the naturalist on board was very interesting and pointed out
some of the wild life which may be seen during the cruise.
After dinner, we saw another excellent show with a comedian/magician.
The movies available were reasonably recent releases ‘Pirates of the
Caribbean’, ‘Somethings got to give’ and ‘Callender Girls’ for example.
Wednesday May 19th.,
Weather today was cloudless, temperature in the mid 70’s.
The cruise ship docked right opposite the city centre, and an easy walk.
After breakfast we disembarked at Ketchikan, armed with a multitude of
discount coupons.
Princess sells bottled water for us$3.00, but, with a discount coupon,
you can get a bottle for us$0.49, a six pack of bottled water for us$2.29,
a golf hat for us$1.49, at another port the same hat for us$0.49, ‘Fruit of
the Loom’ sweat shirts at us$7.99. Bargains, with your discount coupons too
numerous to mention!
Normally, you see tourists with their heads buried in tourist maps - not
these trips - they are buried in discount coupon books!
. The Diamonds International store in Ketchikan gives out a gold plated
bracelet and a charm and a card, which allows you to collect another charm
at the next port. The card is good for the Caribbean too.
Beware, they are quite strict about jay walking, stick to the cross
walks. Offenders are warned by the blowing of a whistle - we know!
We did a leisurely walk around the town, including Creek Street a must.
While we were away, the Regal Princess arrived and docked behind us.
Back on board for lunch and early departure. We watched many float planes
landing next to our ship on their way to the various seaplane terminals. We
pass the Ketchikan International Airport which is well served by Kittyhawk
Airlines and Air Alaska.
No surprise at all the aircraft movements as Ketchikan is only approached
from the sea.
. A B727 was sitting on the ramp as we passed. In an unusual arrangement,
the runway, which is several yards above the ramp, is reached by graduated
slopes at each end.
After the show, we saw some spectacular sunsets and, after sunset, we were
passed by the latest cruise ship on the Princess fleet the Diamond
Princess all lit up it seemed to be floating in mid air.
Thursday May 20th
Today we reach Juneau. Weather still an unbelievable cloudless sky and mid
70’s.
This weather is quite unusual, but has been like this for the past two weeks.
Our ship is docked about 1/2 mile from the city centre, and Princess
offer a shuttle for us$1.00 for an all day pass to the Mount Roberts
tramway, or if you choose to walk, the shuttle is free to return.
We took the tramway to the top of Mount Roberts us$21.95. If you have
not pre-booked always a consideration due to weather conditions, then you
can buy a ticket at a kiosk on dockside operated by Princess and can be
charged to your cabin. Well worth the trip for some spectacular views.
Usual trip around the various stores armed with more coupons, and a visit
to the Douglas Museum.
Back to the ship for lunch and a lazy afternoon.
The Regal Princess and Holland America’s Volendam were also in port, so
the shops were pretty crowded.
Friday May 21st.,
Today we visit Skagway.
Weather still cloudless skies, temperature 75 degrees with no wind.
The shuttle to the end of the pier is free, and the walk into town is only
about 15 minutes
from there. Cost of mini bus to town centre is us$2.00. on the S.M.A.R.T.
bus, pay the driver, the return is free.
On the rock face next to the pier are many paintings done by the various
crews from past inaugural visits very colourful and some very innovative.
One wonders how the painters managed to climb so high.
After visiting the museum, free, next to the Visitors Bureau, and saw the
30 minute film ‘Days of adventure, Dreams of Gold’, we hit the shops again!
Coupons coupons and more coupons!
A free conducted walking tour of 45 minutes can be had from the visitors
bureau.
Back on board for lunch before we take the train trip to the summit.
Princess prebooked cost is $89.00, but we understand that the same trip can
be had for us$35.00, however, you risk the train being fully booked,
especially if there are several cruise ships in port.
The trip is well worthwhile from the scenery alone, especially in the
type of weather we had. There are free bottles of water on the train, the
bottles being in the shape of the railway car. The trip is 3.00 hour round
trip and includes a commentary.
After supper, another spectacular sun set.
We cancelled to automatic tipping at us$10.00 per person per day we
prefer to hand out our own tips.
Saturday May 22nd
Today we visit the Glacier Bay. This is a National Park, and we had to
take on two park Rangers who will provide a commentary. To protect the
environment, only a limited number of cruise ships are allowed to enter the
Bay each day.
Today the weather was cloudy, but was better for photography of the
glaciers as the blue colour of the ice shows better. We stayed about 150
yards from glacier Marjorie and, during the hour we were hove to, we saw 7
different calving ice breaking off the glacier, including one very large
piece. One could hear the ice groaning and cracking all the time. The
glacier is 350 foot tall. The other glaciers we passed were John Hopkins,
Grand Pacific and Lampugh all about 150 foot high.
A soon as the water had settled after a calving, small birds would descend
to the water looking for food. During the cruise in the Bay, we saw four
separate sightings of brown bears, they were on the shores and very easy to
spot. At the entrance to the Bay, we saw several humpback whales.
In the afternoon, the park Rangers gave a slide show which was very
interesting
So more in another NetLetter to come!
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. Terry's travel tips.
8 day London*
Independent Package Includes: 6 nights accommodations in your choice of
hotels and Continental breakfast daily.
from $262
12 day Enchanting Italy*
Visit Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento. Escorted Package Includes: 10
nights First Class accommodations, 16 meals: 10 buffet breakfasts, 6
dinners with wine, Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned
motor coach.
from $1451
8 day Vienna & Prague by Rail*
Independent Package Includes: 6 nights accommodations in your choice of
hotels, breakfast daily, transportation between cities via First-Class rail
with reserved seats.
from $443
11 day Crown of Europe*
Visit Budapest, Vienna, Prague. Escorted Package Includes: 9 nights First
Class accommodations, 11 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners, Sightseeing per
itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach.
from $738
8 day Athens & Corfu*
Guided Package Includes: 6 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels:
2 nights Athens, 4 nights Corfu, 10 meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners.
from $762
9 day Costa Rican Explorer*
Visit San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde. Escorted Package Includes:
8 nights First Class accommodations, 16 meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5
dinners, Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach.
from $820
15 day Affordable Thailand with Angkor Wat*
Visit Bangkok, Phitsanulok, Lampang, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap.
Escorted Package Includes: 13 nights First Class accommodations, 18 meals:
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners, Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern
air-conditioned motor coach.
from $836
Presenting China Regal river cruises!
Upstream Itinerary
5 Nights: Wuhan, China; Sailing; Three Gorges, China; Wushan, China;
Wanxian, China; Chongqing, China.
Downstream Itinerary
3 Nights: Chongqing, China; Fengdu, China; Badong, China; Sandouping,
China; Wuhan, China.
from $390
Sailing dates available from now through November 2004.
Land Excursions and Transfers are included!
***Extend your stay in exotic China with a pre- or post-cruise Gate 1
tour!***
8 day Best Buy China*
Visit Beijing. Guided Package Includes: 6 nights accommodations in your
choice of hotels in Beijing, 8 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, Sightseeing
per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach.
from $229
9 day Affordable China*
Visit Beijing, Xian, Shanghai. Guided Package Includes: 7 nights
accommodations in your choice of hotels, 9 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches,
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach.
from $779
* Friends & Family can book for only $50 more per person! Air and transfer
add-ons available. Optional sightseeing tours and theatre tickets can be
booked at an additional cost.
Not included in pricing: restaurant tips, optional tours, tips to local
guides, driver, and tour escort/manager.
Rates are land only and quoted in U.S. dollars per person (based on double
occupancy). Taxes, fees and Dargal's $20 Service Charge per room are
additional. All rates are subject to change, availability and eligibility.
All offers apply to new bookings only, are capacity
controlled and may be withdrawn without notice.
For more information on these & other Dargal Interline specials:
Call Toll Free: 1-800-690-3223
International Toll Free:
(International Country Code)-800-2832-7425
AFRICAN FOREST SAFARIS - KENYA
6 DAYS KENYA HIGHLIGHTS: MOMBASA / LAKE NAKURU / MASAI MARA .
DAY 1: Mombasa / Nairobi
Transfer from your hotel to the railway station. 19.00 hrs: You depart on
the overnight train (1st class) to Nairobi on half board basis (dinner,
beddings and breakfast provided).
DAY 2: Nairobi / Lake Nakuru
Met at the Nairobi Railway Station and departure for Lake Nakuru National
Park. After lunch, game viewing around the lake, famous for its seasonal
pink flamingos. Dinner and overnight in Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara
Early morning game drive. After breakfast depart for the world famous game
sanctuary of Masai Mara, arriving at Sarova Mara camp or similar for lunch.
Afternoon game spotting in the Masai Masai, renowned for its abundance of
game, including the “Big Five”, predators like lion, cheetah, leopard,
jackal, etc. Dinner and overnight in Mara Hippo lodge or similar.
Day 4: Masai Mara
Whole day dedicated to game viewing in Mara, all meals and overnight at
your lodge. Optional visit to a Masai Village or a hot-air balloon ride
which departs at 06.00hrs and ends with a Champagne breakfast on the plains.
Day 5: Masai Mara / Nairobi / Mombasa
After breakfast route for Nairobi, game viewing en route with lunch at the
famous Carnivore restaurant. After lunch you will be conducted on a city
sightseeing tour. Around 18.00 hrs transfer to the railway station for your
overnight train to Mombasa, departing at 19.00 hrs. You are on half board
basis (1st class, dinner, beddings and breakfast provided).
Day 6: Arrive at Mombasa railway station, met and transferred to your beach
hotel.
Price per person = 589 US$, min. 4 pax
Welcome to Eastern Canada and the 1000 Island Escape
Sponsored by CanaDream Motorhomes
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Canada, drop your motorhome in Montreal (YUL) and wing your way back home.
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Here’s the deal for:
$99 Canadian!!
That's about $73 USD or $60 EUR.
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1200 Kilometers. That's roughly 750 miles
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Convenience Kits that contain dishes, cookware, pillows, linen, towels,
sleeping bags, lawn chairs, & cleaning equipment
Come visit http://www.startrips.com for these and many more Interline deals. .
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