Titanic 2: Thousands sign up for maiden voyage.

It seems on the surface, Clive Palmer's audacious project to build a replica Titanic has been embraced with open arms by an adoring public who yearn to see her sail once again. Reportedly some 40,000 people have signed up for her maiden voyage in 2016. However, many of those attending the flurry of presentations he has conducted around the world seem rather more dubious. Is this a genius idea, or simply a foolhardy project doomed to failure from a man with clearly too much money to burn. Palmer, a mining mogul and one of the richest men in Australia, sees the rebirth of the Titanic (an almost exact replica with a few modern additions, particularly in the health and safety category)  as a way of creating the ultimate romantic cruise; a piece of history yet to be written. Titanic finally sailing in to the port it was destined to. Others see it as a floating Edwardian theme park and quite possibly a cruise in the worst possible taste. Cunard who currently have the only Southampton to New York route, are naturally dismissive, primarily because they see it as "morally wrong", but I see their response as simply a way of dealing with a potential threat. There is no denying it is a fantastic  brand, after all, with one cruise ship looking just like any another on the high seas these days, you won't have much difficulty spotting Titanic. 

Titanic 2 is currently being built in China at a state owned ship yard that has never before built a passenger liner. That said, the new ship will have the best of both worlds; the exact style and luxury of the original, with the modern technology of today's super cruisers. The maiden voyage will leave Shanghai for Southampton under escort from the Chinese navy and continue on to New York. The British navy has been invited to escort it across, whilst the US Navy will bring it back on its return journey.

With some passengers rumoured to be offering up to £1M for a first class ticket, this will either be a project of visionary genius, or disaster waiting to happen again.

Tablet and E Reader take off and landing rules to be abolished?

In a recent study commissioned by the FAA (The Federal Aviation Administration) the thorny issue of passenger electronics was investigated. We've all had experience of having to switch off our e-readers, tablets and phones before take off and landing, even though many have flight mode enabled (the sole reason for having it there in the first place) and wi-fi and Bluetooth switched off too.

It seems the results indicate tablets and e-readers show no obvious interference with aircraft systems, and the FAA is seriously looking at allowing these devices to be used, by the end of 2013. Phones however, are still considered  to be a threat.

This does seem perfectly logical, after all pilots use iPads themselves in the cockpit, so it makes sense we should be allowed to carry on reading or playing games during take off and landing.
But this does beg the question about portable phones anyway. I know there has been the odd time when I have mistakenly left my phone switched on in my jacket stowed in the bin above and survived to tell the tale. I've also seen many passengers simply ignore the rules and leave them on anyway.
I'm sure if we were told that doing this would lead to our demise, no one would attempt to argue with impending doom, but there is simply no stringency in this area, with many flight attendants just giving a cursory check as they walk down the aisles.

There must be firm guidelines and this study is a welcome move in the right direction.

Let's just hope the rest of the world follows the FAA's example.

Air New Zealand, the World's best airline?

I recently flew to Los Angeles with Air New Zealand and tried out their Premium Economy Spaceseat and Economy Skycouch services. For me, this airline has long led the way in passenger facilities and service, but its new aircraft fleet  of Boeing 777-300's is another level entirely.
The funky music playing in the toilets and the in seat ordering and texting was a first indicator that this flight may be a little different. After all, the simple act of ordering a hot drink and a snack from the comfort of my seat  gets a thumbs up from me for a start. The full menu was available for me to look at too, along with a host of other interesting flight tit bits to browse  if the mood takes.

The Premium Economy Spaceseat however was a triumph. Equal to many other business class seats, this was a revelation. A wide pod like seat with a full size comfy pillow and a bean bag to rest my feet on, it's an area designed for you to literally use as a temporary home. Snuggle up with both feet on the seat (there is enough space) or stretch out and use the bean bag to support your ankles.The seats along the centre of the cabin are designed with couples in mind, sharing the combined space for even more comfort, facing each other for a meal or lying together. True cuddleclass!

The Spaceseats seats don't recline, they don't need to, so no infringing of personal space from the person in front of you. The meals were very impressive: proper plates and cutlery, a great choice and good New Zealand wine to back it up. There's even the same choice of power as business class,  USB and world compatible sockets so no danger of batteries running dry.

Skycouch is simply a genius idea. Whether you're a couple looking for some extra space or you have restless kids this solution provides you with your own row of three economy seats. But this is where the clever bit comes in. The arm rests fold up and the foot rests come up level with your seat to create what is effectively a flat bed space. You get two full size pillows each and special belts to keep you secure while you're sleeping.
Air New Zealand has set the benchmark for comfort for all classes, not just for those passengers who turn left when they board. The Premium Economy fare can be double that of economy, but well worth the money in my book and considerably less than business class. Skycouch at around $200 extra per person is an absolute must for anyone flying economy. Is Air New Zealand the best airline in the world? It certainly is right up there.
http://www.airnewzealand.co.uk/home

Air Cruising is the new way to travel!

Do you like the idea of flying in a private plane? No airport security lines, no long winded check in and you can drive right up to your plane! Just got back from trying out Mauiva Air's Air Cruise service which gives you exactly that and more.
Not only do you get the use of a private plane but you also have all your hotel accommodation , breakfast and dinner and guided tours included too.
Currently, Mauiva has three tours available: The Western Wonder which takes you around the
 
USA west coast including LA, San Francisco, The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Las Vegas, The Eastern Experience taking in New York, Toronto, Washington and Niagara, and a sun and fun  adventure across  the Caribbean Islands.
I had a great trip! The tour bus drove right on to the air strip next to the plane,  the bags were transferred while I boarded  and the hotels were all four star standard.

 
If you want to grab a slice of the celebrity life, check out Mauiva Air Cruising.
www.mauivaaircruise.com

Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge

Another box ticked on my bucket list, or anyone's bucket list for that matter. Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must do experience if you ever travel to Sydney and want to see probably the best view of this stunning harbour as you could ever get.
This is a three and a half hour adventure where time simply whizzes by. I can honestly say there wasn't one moment when I felt in the least bit concerned for my safety, although the onesey you have to wear may not be too flattering.
The climb can be done during the day, or at night when a whole new dimension takes shape.
You don't need any climbing experience, it's not physically demanding and you are attached at all times to the bridge structure.
Take it from me, this will be one of the biggest thrills you'll ever get.
www.bridgeclimb.com

Flying with Cathay Pacific today

Taking a flight with Cathay Pacific for the first time today. Voted best business airline last year, Cathay Pacific has been quietly rising up the ranks of the major carriers which comes as no surprise to many people in the airline industry.
The London to Australia route is one of the busiest in air travel and competition for passengers is fierce. Cathay's impressive Hong Kong base gives it something of a advantage over say Emirates who have to fly via Dubai.
Does the cathay service live up to the billing. We'll find out soon enough!

New Year's Eve in Istanbul

With over 120 years of history behind it, the Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi , Istanbul's oldest tavern has celebrated quite a few New Year's Eve's in its time, nevertheless, the live Ottoman music, the great food and the non stop raki and wine ensured a night to remember for me.

Tucked away in a tiny street off İstiklal Avenue Istanbul's famous pedestrian thoroughfare in the Pera district, Cumhuriyet offers everything you would expect from an historic Raki Tavern, and by the number of locals packing out the place, it was clear to me i was in for an authemtic Turkish experience.

A hot and cold meze was followed by a choice of meat or fish for a main course with copious amounts of raki and wine inbetween. All this for 120 TL.

It was quite something to be in the middle of a throng of people all singing along with the band who were knocking out seemingly popular Turksh numbers, each one as incomprehensible as the one before. This was clearly a band who knew exactly what their audience wanted, weaving between the tables in a collective celebration of life together on the banks of the Bospherous.

At 2am we bid a sad farewell to our hosts and joined the rest of humanity strolling along Istiklal Avenue towards Taksim Square.