The Royal Sea Aquarium News

Charter service through April responds to Canadians’ demand for Curaçao

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – November 17, 2011 – Getting cold feet about winter?Curaçao is now closer for Canadians than ever with the launch of Sunquest’s seasonal, weekly charter. Sunquest is flying a Thomas Cook Boeing 757 from Toronto to Curaçao, Sundays from November through April. Sunquest offers 217 seats, all configured in economy class to Curaçao.

“Having Sunquest sign on for a seasonal charter for the 10th consecutive year demonstrates the increasing demand for Curaçao as the island continues to grow as a favorite Caribbean destination for Canadians,” said Curaçao Tourist Board CEO Ghatim Kabbara.

“Curaçao has seen a 15 percent increase in arrivals from Canada, year to date, and we anticipate this number will grow through April.”

Curaçao offers an array of hotel options, from all-inclusive resort options to boutique hotel properties.

When booking a trip to Curaçao with Sunquest, for only $79 per person, travelers may select the “RUBY” service upgrade, providing advance seat selection, Park n’ Fly discounts, priority check in, priority baggage handling, Premium Lounge access in Toronto, priority boarding, and several in-flight amenities, including a complimentary headset, two complimentary alcoholic drink and snack vouchers, a comfort kit, luggage tags and a $10 duty free voucher.

We are excited to share that Curaçao has been voted as a “Top 10 Destination for 2012” by Frommer’s!

Frommer’s serves as one of the most widely-read, top-respected travel and destination guides in the world. The online edition of Frommer’s reaches more than 747,000 unique visitors monthly, while the more than 300 different Frommer’s Travel Guide Books reach innumerable readers across the globe.

Curaçao is the only Caribbean destination featured on the Top 10 list, which includes other destinations such as Ghana; Chongqing, China; Beirut; and Kansas City, Missouri, among others.

The journalist writes, “Curacao is not your quintessential Caribbean island. Sure, it has curvaceous white beaches, cerulean seas, and a coral reef brimming with exotically hued marine life. But Curacao offers even more, with one of the region’s most cosmopolitan cultures and a standout capital in Willemstad, a child’s paintbox of giddy Caribbean colors and gabled colonial architecture.”

Read more here: www.frommers.com/micro/2011/top-destinations-2012/curacao.html.

The news was also featured today online with USA Today, which reaches more than 16 million unique visitors monthly. Please find the news at the following link: http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2011/10/the-top-destinations-to-visit-in-2012/557388/1.

Live underwater camera

Underwater live view of the Curasub

Willemstad, 06 September 2011 – Approximately a year ago, Curacao reminded the entire world of the uniqueness of this small island in the Caribbean, when Substation Curacao opened its doors to the public with the most unique attraction in the world, a 5-person submarine that takes you to depths beyond Scuba diving limits. Today we added a new piece of technology to enhance our operation − an underwater camera mounted permanently on the Sea Aquarium reef. Everyone can now become part of this adventure when the Curasub descends daily to the abyss. Through this camera our passengers will have the unique opportunity to send a live personal message to their family and friends around the world!

And for those that can’t afford a trip with the submarine, we are auctioning some of our special trips on Ebay, such as one that goes to 1,000 ft. deep.  For just $350, you could be a lucky winner for one of our unique trips.  With our auction we want to give everyone the opportunity to be able to experience one of our deep sea expeditions. On the 1,000-ft dive you will go beyond the average tourist dives and be part of our scientific hunts for new species.

NEDERLANDS

Live onderwater camera

Live beeld van de Curasub

Willemstad, 06 September 2011 – Ongeveer 1 jaar geleden herinnerde het eiland Curaçao de wereld aan de unieke dingen die het te bieden heeft, toen Substation Curaçao zijn deuren openende voor het publiek met de 5-persoons onderzeeër die voorbij de maximum duikerslimieten gaat. Vandaag hebben we een nieuw technologisch snufje toegevoegd aan onze dagelijkse programma’s – een onderwatercamera die permanent bevestigd is op het rif van Sea Aquarium. Iedereen kan nu deel uitmaken van onze dagelijkse expedities wanneer de Curasub afdaalt naar deze ongerepte dieptes van de zeebodem. Via deze onderwatercamera krijgen onze passagiers de mogelijkheid om een persoonlijke boodschap te sturen naar familie en vrienden over de hele wereld!

En voor diegene die een trip met de sub niet kunnen betalen, verloten we speciaal een aantal tickets via Ebay tegen een zeer gereduceerde prijs, zoals een duik naar 1,000voet (300meter). Via deze online veiling willen we iedereen de kans bieden om met een van onze expedities mee te kunnen. Met de 1,000voet (300 meter) duik ga je dieper dan de standaard programma’s en krijg je de mogelijkheid om deel te  nemen aan deze wetenschappelijke jacht naar nieuwe soorten onderwater.

NEW Saturday Flights Make Curaçao More Accessible to Canadians

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – September 19, 2011 –Air Canada will launch weekly, non-stop service to Curaçao International Airport (CUR) from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011.

Travelers can book now to take advantage of the inaugural Air Canada flight, departing Toronto at 10:05 a.m. and arriving in Curaçao at 4:20 p.m. starting on Dec. 24, 2011. The flight schedule is as follows:

“We are excited to announce the launch of Air Canada’s first non-stop flight from Toronto to Curaçao,” said André Rojer, Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager North America.

“The new non-stop flight brings huge potential for growth in arrivals from Canada, which remain consistently steady with tourism arrivals to date, year over year. We anticipate this new flight on Air Canada will increase demand for Curaçao in the Canadian marketplace and open the door to a new wave of first time visitors.”

Air Canada Vacations is offering special savings on travel to Curaçao in celebration of the new service. Book an air and hotel package to Curaçao by October 3, 2011 and save 50 percent on an executive class upgrade. The $299 package is now $149 roundtrip. In addition, Air Canada Vacations will include complimentary seat selection. Limited space is available. The promotion is valid for travel Dec. 24, 2011 to April 7, 2012.

One of the best experiences I ever had!!

After 3 days monitoring September 18th was spawning night. The nights before some pre-spawning. During the spawning we were surrounded by lots of fishes.

A group of researchers (SECORE) with special nets we collected egg and sperm cells (from the coral montastraea faveolata), so they can do the fertilization in the Curacao Sea Aquarium.

Later when the larves are settled they will be put back on the reef.

I feel so lucky that I was able to be a volunteer in such an important research, everything was posible thanks to CURious2dive, a local dive shop who’s working and helping SECORE on the research and preservation of this beatiful reef.

Thanks to all the volunteers who joined CURious2DIVE to help make this project a succes.

Yesterday an international sail contest started in Curacao. This tournament is hosted in Lyons Dive Resort (right next to The Royal Sea Aquarium Resort).

One of the participants (and favorites) is BRUCE BRANDT, marine biologist and one of the pilots of the Substation Curacao submarine. He is 39 years old, married and with two beautiful children!

Bruce was born in Curacao from dutch parents. His sailboat is #4117 and we wish him the best. Yesterday he ended within the first 15 of the 75 participants!

The race can be seen from the villa’s balcony or from our beautiful walk way around the pool. The race starts at 10 am and the participants return between 1:00 and 2:00 pm

DO YOU ‘LIKE’ CURAÇAO!?

‘Like’ the Hottest Destination in the Caribbean on Facebook for a Chance to Win an All-Inclusive Family Vacation for Four

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – June 3, 2011 – Do you ‘Like’ the Caribbean? Do you ‘Like’ uncrowded beaches? Do you ‘Like’ unique culture and history? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ll want to ‘Like’ the island of Curaçao on Facebook for a chance to win an all-inclusive family vacation to this Caribbean paradise!

“This new campaign will serve to increase the awareness of Curaçao with travelers in the U.S. and Canadian markets, continuing to propel the island onto a list of must-see destinations for consumers,” says Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager for North America Andre Rojer. “The trip giveaway is our way of thanking our current fans and future fans for supporting our island.”

A family of four will experience an all-inclusive, four-night stay at Breezes Curaçao Resort, Spa and Casino located on a 1,500-foot white sand beach overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. The package includes all meals and multiple dining options; land and water sports, entertainment; airport transfers; as well as complimentary airfare for four from the continental U.S. or Canada, provided by the Curaçao Tourist Board.

The family vacation prize to Curaçao includes an experience of a lifetime going beneath the sea at 1,000 feet in the Curasub , the world’s first mini submarine for tourists, at Substation Curaçao . The winning family can then swim with the dolphins atDolphin Academy Curaçao!

For more information on the island of Curaçao, please visit Curacao.com . To ‘Like’ Curaçao on Facebook , please click here !

About Curaçao
Selected as one of the ‘Top 21 Places We’re Going in 2011 ’ by Fodor’s , one of the ‘Hottest Destinations for 2011’ by AOL Travel and one of the ‘Destinations to Watch in 2011 ’ by SmarterTravel , Curaçao is a unique Caribbean island paradise, boasting 35 uncrowded beaches, and an eclectic mix of history and culture. Explore the vibrant, culturally diverse capital city of Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with its distinctive architecture, museums, monuments and world-class shopping. Indulge in Curaçao’s vast selection of flavorful restaurants, with a mix of sophisticated international and tasty local cuisines. Discover Curaçao’s abundant natural beauty, pristine dive sites and spectacular snorkeling at secluded beaches – including Cas Abao Beach, selected as one of the ‘Top 10 Beach Destinations for 2011 ’ by SmarterTravel . Curaçao offers idyllic weather, situated on the fringe of the Hurricane Belt. To learn more about the island of Curaçao visit Curacao.com . To request a FREE Curaçao information package click here or call toll free 1.800.328.7222.

Introductory Fares Start at $337 Roundtrip through June 22, 2011

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – May 9, 2011 – Starting June 22, 2011, InselAir, Curaçao’s national carrier, is launching twice weekly, nonstop flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Curaçao International Airport (CUR).

InselAir Flight 7I913 will depart Curaçao at 9:10 a.m. and arrive in Charlotte at 1:25 p.m. Insel Air Flight 7I914 will depart Charlotte at 2:35 p.m. and arrive in Curaçao at 6:40 p.m. The flight schedule is as follows:

“We are thrilled to announce InselAir’s nonstop, twice weekly flights to Curaçao from Charlotte, increasing the seat capacity for U.S. travelers to visit Curaçao,” said Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager North America André Rojer.

“The new service brings huge potential for growth in arrivals to Curaçao from Charlotte, North Carolina, the surrounding area and feeder markets. With twice weekly flights from Charlotte, we hope to introduce Curaçao to more American travelers, making the destination more accessible from the Middle Atlantic States, North Carolina and South Carolina.”

InselAir currently services Curaçao with daily flights from Miami, Sunday through Friday, accounting for more than 55,000 seats each year. With the new nonstop service from Charlotte to Curaçao, InselAir adds an additional 15,808 seats per year, boosting its total seats out of the U.S. to 71,136 annually. The new service helps to increase Curaçao’s capacity to nearly 191,000 seats per year from the U.S.

InselAir is offering special savings to Curaçao in honor of the new service. Travelers can book roundtrip airfares starting from $337, including taxes, excluding Curaçao’s airport departure tax. Tickets must be issued before June 22, 2011 for travel before December 15, 2011. This special introductory fare may book booked at: www.fly-inselair.com.

About Curaçao
Selected as one of the ‘Top 21 Places We’re Going in 2011’ by Fodor’s, one of the ‘Hottest Destinations for 2011’ by AOL Travel and one of the ‘Destinations to Watch in 2011’ by SmarterTravel, Curaçao is a unique Caribbean island paradise, boasting 35 uncrowded beaches, and an eclectic mix of history and culture. Explore the vibrant, culturally diverse capital city of Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with its distinctive architecture, museums, monuments and world-class shopping. Indulge in Curaçao’s vast selection of flavorful restaurants, with a mix of sophisticated international and tasty local cuisines. Discover Curaçao’s abundant natural beauty, pristine dive sites and spectacular snorkeling at secluded beaches – including Cas Abao Beach, selected as one of the ‘Top 10 Beach Destinations for 2011’ by SmarterTravel. Curaçao offers idyllic weather, situated on the fringe of the Hurricane Belt. To learn more about the island of Curaçao visit Curacao.com. To request a FREE Curaçao information package click here or call toll free 1.800.328.7222.