Getaway cruises to feature a Grammy artist every week

Norwegian Getaway

She didn’t get as much fanfare here in Bermuda as her sister ship the Norwegian Breakaway did, but the Getaway has begun her inaugural year of sailing out of Miami.

One of the unique things on the Getaway is the Grammy Experience.

Latin jazz flutist Nestor Torres is on the ship this week and jazz percussionist Sammy Figueroa will be the headliner when the Getaway begins its February 15 sailing.

Two of Figueroa’s three albums have received Grammy nominations for Best Latin Jazz Album. He has played on Grammy-winning hit records including Mariah Carey’s MTV Unplugged; David Bowie’s Let’s Dance; Miles Davis’ Man With A Horn; Sonny Rollins’ Road Shows II; Average White Band’s Cut The Cake; Nile Rogers’ Chic; and countless other albums. For music- lovers, the Getaway promises to offer a Grammy artist every week to add to the entertainment value the ship provides.

Carnival

It is ‘Wave Season’ for the cruise lines as they try to lure people to book during the slow months of winter. Carnival is offering two- to five- day cruises starting at $129 and cruises of six days or longer at $319. Go to www.carnival.com to get more details.

Airline fees

It’s getting harder and harder to price compare between airlines with all the extra fees they tack on. Here’s a guide for some of the most common add-ons: 

First and second checked bags: Air Canada (to Toronto in economy) first free, (second $20); American $25, $35 (first bag is normally free on international flights); Delta $25, $35; JetBlue free, $40; United $25, $35; US Airways $25, $35.

Book ticket by phone: American $35 (international flights); Delta $35; JetBlue $25; United $25; US Airways $35.

Preferred seat: Air Canada (Tango and Flex) $40; American $4 to $99; Delta $9 to $99; JetBlue $10-$99; United $9 to $235; US Airways $15 to $99.

Priority boarding: American $9 to $40; Delta $10; JetBlue NA; United $9 to $59; US Airways $10 to $75.

Pay to play

USAToday reported that Hilton Worldwide is going to allow guests to have faster WiFi speeds, but at a price. The average cost for the faster speeds will be around $3.95 and will be available at Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites and Home 2 Suites later this year. 

Starwood Resorts

The chain is offering a ‘pay your birth year’ rate. If you were born in 1964, like the Bermuda Sun, you would pay $64 for your
second or third night of your stay. Regular prices apply on the first night. Also, certain Starwood hotels and resorts will add to your birth year rate. The promo code is NBR and you can book online at www.americas.starwoodoffers.compayyourbirthyear or phone 1-877-782-0108.