Down Under Answers’ Travel Deals and Qantas Airways’ Non-Stop Route from Dallas to Brisbane Making Holiday Travel to Australia More Accessible

DUA Expects More Midwest, Southeast and East Coast Travel to Australia

     

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(September 23, 2011)—For U.S. travelers looking for international alternatives to spending another bone-chilling winter in the States, the Southern States of Australia offer the best value for a warm-weather holiday vacation Down Under.

Down Under Answers (www.duatravel.com), is expecting more travelers from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas to take advantage of the company’s new “Southern Splendor” (www.duatravel.com/south) vacation offerings as a result of Qantas Airways’ recently launched non-stop from Dallas Forth Worth to Brisbane.

“The new route to Brisbane has essentially made it easier to access the southern states of Australia from the U.S.,” explains Kirk Demeter, Down Under Answers President and CEO. “Before the Dallas to Brisbane route was introduced, travelers from the Midwest and Eastern U.S. would have to first fly to Los Angeles before boarding their onward flight to Australia. Now, travelers have a convenient international gateway from the U.S. that offers additional seating capacity to Australia to connect with flights to regional Australia.”

The DUA “Southern Splendor” vacation packages include such getaways as a 12 night air and land inclusive vacation from $2,599 per person U.S.

Demeter went on to say, “The Southern States of Australia are the most lush and scenic part of the country, and offer the greatest value and experiences for travelers. Packages like these with options for travel through much of the peak season are not often seen.

For more about Southern Splendors Vacation Packages and ideas visit www.duatravel.com/south.

Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and seasonal surcharges.  Advertised priced reflects lowest season pricing. Add-on fares available from other U.S. cities. Seats/Rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking. A higher class of service may be offered as an alternative. U.S./foreign taxes/fees, including September 11th security fee, are not included, and are approximately U.S. $190-$250/person.  Amendment fees and cancellation penalties apply. 

About Down Under Answers
Down Under Answers, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012, is the recognized industry leader in vacation packages to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. The Bellevue, Washington-based tour operator offers a wide variety of travel package options ranging from escorted tours to self-drive vacations, adventure travel, island escapes, groups and special interest travel, as well as customized independent arrangements. The company has repeatedly been voted the “Best Travel Wholesaler” by Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialists and Tourism New Zealand’s Kiwi Specialists as well as “Best Travel Wholesaler” by Australian Supplier Partners. For additional information, visit www.duatravel.com or call 800-889-1464.

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Down Under Answers Extends Spectacular Savings to Australia with $1999 Per Person Travel Package

Australia Travel Specialist Offers 12-Night Australian Treasures Vacation with Over $1225 Per Person in Savings

BELLEVUE, Wash. — (September 9, 2011) — Down Under Answers, the leading wholesaler for Australia and New Zealand vacation packages, has extended its Australian Treasures package with a limited sale window through September 19, 2011. This package deal is priced from $1,999 offering huge savings to the southern regions of Australia with special emphasis on Tasmania, Adelaide, and Melbourne.

This vacation package is per person and includes round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles, 12-nights hotel accommodation, and fuel surcharges all in the $1,999 per person price.

Travel is based on double occupancy for departure from Los Angeles from September 11-24, 2011; November 11-14, 2011; and May 1-31, 2012.  Add-on fares available from other U.S. cities.

According to Kirk Demeter, President of Down Under Answers, "The southern region of Australia is truly unmatched in its beauty and provides such varying and spectacular experiences. This destination is perfect for a wide range of travelers including repeat vacationers who want to experience another side of Australia; vacationers who love to participate in adventure activities; price-conscious families who are looking for the best value for their travel dollar; and the upscale market who seek touring via private aircraft, five-star hotel accommodations, and more.

The 12-night Australian Treasures package includes the following:

• Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Melbourne, Hobart, and Adelaide
• 3 nights hotel in Melbourne
• 3 nights hotel in Hobart
• 3 nights hotel in Adelaide
• 3 nights hotel in Sydney
• Applicable fuel surcharges

Prices are from $1,999 per person, based on twin share in U.S. $ and traveling Qantas Airways from Los Angeles.  Packages are available for travel September 10, 2011 through May 31, 2012. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and seasonal surcharges.  Advertised priced reflects lowest season pricing.  Add-on fares available from other U.S. cities. Seats/Rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking. A higher class of service may be offered as an alternative. U.S./foreign taxes/fees, including September 11th security fee, are not included, and are approximately U.S. $190-$250/person.  Amendment fees and cancellation penalties apply. Book by:  September 19, 2011.

For additional information on this great package and more, visit www.duatravel.com/sale.

About Down Under Answers
Down Under Answers, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012, is the recognized industry leader in vacation packages to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Dubai. The Bellevue, Washington-based tour operator offers a wide variety of travel package options ranging from escorted tours to self-drive vacations, adventure travel, island escapes, groups and special interest travel, as well as customized independent arrangements. The company has repeatedly been voted the "Best Travel Wholesaler" by Tourism Australia's Aussie Specialists and Tourism New Zealand's Kiwi Specialists as well as "Best Travel Wholesaler" by Australian Supplier Partners.  For additional information, visit www.duatravel.com or call 800-889-1464.

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Waterways Cruises Welcomes Adrienne Baerny as Senior Account Manager for Private and Group Events; Promotes Colleen Guay to Operations Manager

          

         Colleen Guay                                     Adrienne Baerny

SEATTLE, Wash.—(August 25, 2011)— Waterways Cruises is pleased to announce the hiring of Adrienne Baerny as Senior Account Manager for Private and Group Events and the promotion of Colleen Guay to Operations Manager.

Guay started her career with Waterways Cruises in September 2007 while a student at the University of Washington, where she worked as a steward for private events and public cruises. Guay was later promoted to Cruise Director, managing Waterways’ events. As Operations Manager, Guay will oversee crew scheduling and management, event coordination and internal operations.

“An increase in business has given us the opportunity to build our team from within, while also allowing us to bring in new talent to help us meet demand,” says Hilton Smith, CEO and Founder of Waterways Cruises and Events.

Baerny comes to Waterways Cruises with 16 years of experience working in sales and marketing, with her focus being in tourism and event management. Prior to Waterways Cruises, she held a Group Sales Manager position at Clipper Vacations, managing events for customers and creating familiarization trips for travel agents and tour operators. She also co-owns a tour operator company, organizing and promoting land tours in the United States and Canada.

As Senior Account Manager for Private and Group Events, Baerny’s primary focus will be on private charter sales to Waterways Cruises’ corporate, tour and travel, and wedding markets.

Waterways Cruises was founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith and grew from a small family operation into Seattle’s most upscale cruise and event company.  Originally starting with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to three luxury vessels (Emerald Star, Olympic Star, and Destiny), accommodating upwards of 40,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations, and dining cruises.

In 2010 Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, departing from the Southport Pier & Promenade in Renton and from the Waterways’ HomePort in Seattle.  Featuring seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes and exciting entertainment options, Lake Washington Dining Cruises brings fine dining experience and sightseeing opportunities to Seattle’s lakes.

Follow Waterways Cruises and Events Online
Website: http://www.waterwayscruises.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/waterwayscruise
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/waterwayscruises

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Waterways Cruises Enhances Operations with New HomePort on North Lake Union

Dinner Cruise Company Focuses on Enriched Guest Experience; Executes Major Reuse and Revitalization of North Lake Union Property

SEATTLE, Wash.—(August 22, 2011)—Waterways Cruises and Events (http://www.waterwayscruises.com) has a new Seattle home. In a recently completed move the preeminent dining cruise and private yacht charter company signed a 15-year lease with Seattle Marina for 27,000 square feet of Lake Union waterfront at 2441 N. Northlake Way, transforming a former industrial site into their spacious new HomePort.

A functioning boat yard for 50 years, the property includes four separate buildings and 200 linear feet of waterfront, in addition to almost 500 feet of moorage. The new location offers on-site guest parking, a new commissary, a spacious outdoor patio with a striking view of the Seattle skyline and a covered tent area for guests waiting to board their cruises in inclement weather.

As part of an ecologically friendly refurbishment project, Waterways undertook a thorough clean-up of the site, repaired and repainted the structures and added 300 feet of landscaping along N. Northlake Way, while still honoring the maritime legacy of the Wallingford and Lake Union surroundings.

Founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith, Waterways Cruises began with a single yacht designated for private charters exclusively, and presently operates a fleet of three luxury dining and entertainment yachts (http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/waterways_cruises/fleet)—M/V Emerald Star, M/V Olympic Star, and M/V Destiny. Waterways Cruises hosts upwards of 40,000 guests per year for private events, dinner cruises and specialized on-the-water tours.

In 2010, Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, which depart from both the Lake Union HomePort and Southport Pier in Renton, offering new menus, scenic routes and entertainment options. Over 7,000 passengers enjoyed happy hour, dinner, brunch and special event cruises in 2010.

Thanks in large part to the Southport cruise offerings, Waterways more than doubled their dining cruise business in 2010, a highly successful year by any measure. “Bookings for dining cruises in 2011, at the end of June, are again 100 percent ahead of those for the same period in 2010. Private yacht charters have also increased significantly, fueled by the return of the corporate entertainment market from Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Amazon and many other Seattle and Eastside companies. All-in-all our advance bookings for 2011 are 48 percent ahead of 2010,” says Waterways Cruises’ founder and CEO Hilton Smith.

Continuing, Smith said, “We’re very excited about this new location because it reemphasizes what Waterways is all about—an enriched Seattle experience of being out on the water enjoying good food and drink on beautifully appointed yachts. Locating in a former boat yard brings us closer than ever to Seattle’s century old maritime tradition on Lake Union and Lake Washington.”

Waterways Cruises and Events currently maintain a staff of 20 to 25 in the off-season and 50 during peak summer season.

Follow Waterways Cruises and Events Online
Website: http://www.waterwayscruises.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/waterwayscruise
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterways-Cruises/82709613073

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Waterways Cruises Invites Guests to Experience Weekly Lake Tours Showcasing the Space Needle, Mt. Rainier and Waterfront Mansions

Sweepstakes to Win Two Tickets for a Two Lakes Cruise Tour from August 18 through August 25

SEATTLE, Wash.—(August 19, 2011)— A relaxing lake cruise aboard Waterways Cruises (http://www.waterwayscruises.com) is the perfect way to see Seattle’s wonderful sights. From August 18 through August 25, visit Waterways’ Facebook page for a chance to win two tickets for a Two Lakes Cruise Tour. Winners will be drawn every day. For additional information about how to enter, visit http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/company/specials/contest/.
The newest Waterways’ cruise was designed with sightseeing in mind. Featuring the highlights of Lake Union and Lake Washington, the Two Lakes Cruise Tour (http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/public_cruises/cruise_tours/lakes_cruise_tours/ ) offers views of the iconic Space Needle, downtown skyline, floating homes on Lake Union and the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium.

Lake Washington attractions include Bill Gates’s legendary home and other grand waterfront mansions, as well as picture-postcard views of Mt. Rainier. Snacks are available for purchase. During every tour, Waterways’ captain educates and entertains guests by pointing out sites and providing facts about Seattle’s culture and rich maritime history.

Waterways Cruises also offers a variety of dining cruises to fit different schedules and budgets. For a romantic evening, the two-and-a-half-hour Sunset Dinner Cruise (http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/public_cruises/dining_cruises/dinner_cruises/) tenders a four-course, Northwest-inspired gourmet meal with optional cocktails and paired wine.

The best Weekend Brunch Cruise in Seattle (http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/public_cruises/dining_cruises/brunch_cruises/) offers an array of mouthwatering buffet selections, accompanied by Lake Washington views and the captain’s witty narration.

With its youthful, end-of-the-week vibe, the Friday afternoon Happy Hour Cruise(http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/public_cruises/dining_cruises/cocktail_cruises/) lets guests enjoy a lavish Chef’s Taco Bar while taking in all the sights.

Says Hilton Smith, founder and owner of Waterways Cruises, “Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a local looking for ways to entertain visiting family or friends, there’s really no better way to experience Seattle than on the water. We invite people of all ages not only to relax and view the sights in comfort, but to enjoy excellent food, outstanding service and the informative storytelling of our ships’ captains. Each cruise is an unforgettable trip.”

For more information about Waterways Cruises, visit www.waterwayscruises.com.

Waterways Cruises was founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith and grew from a small family operation into Seattle’s most upscale cruise and event company.  Originally starting with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to three luxurious vessels (Emerald Star, Olympic Star, and Destiny), accommodating upwards of 40,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations and dining cruises.

In 2010 Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, departing from the Southport Pier & Promenade in Renton and from the Waterways’ HomePort in Seattle.  Featuring seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes and exciting entertainment options, Lake Washington Dining Cruises brings fine dining experience and sightseeing opportunities to Lake Union and Lake Washington.

Follow Waterways Cruises and Events Online
Website: http://www.waterwayscruises.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/waterwayscruise
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterways-Cruises/82709613073

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Olive Crest Hosts Annual Golf Tournament on September 26 to Benefit Foster Children

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(August 11, 2011)— Olive Crest will host its annual golf tournament at the Overlake Golf and Country Club on September 26. All proceeds from Olive Crest’s 10^th Annual Golf Tournament directly benefit Olive Crest’s mission of preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children, and preserving the family. Last year 120 people attended the golf tournament and Olive Crest raised $45,000.

WHO: Olive Crest

WHAT: Olive Crest’s 10^th Annual Golf Tournament

Golf package
· Includes a continental breakfast, lunch, a round of golf, a special gift, and a cocktail and appetizer awards reception
· Cost is $250 per person
· Golf tournament winners receive a glass etched trophy

Golf Ball Drawing
· $20 per golf ball
· $2,500 prize for winner

Virtual Golfing
· Virtual golfing gives people who are unable to attend the event the opportunity to help raise funds for Olive Crest by creating a First Giving fundraising page

WHEN: Monday, September 26, 2011
            Register by September 21, 2011
            Golf tournament registration starts at 9:30 a.m.
            Golf tournament starts at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Overlake Golf and Country Club
             8000 Northweast 16th Street Medina, WA

For those who cannot attend the event but wish to make a contribution, donations can be made online at any time, or mailed to Olive Crest, 515 116^th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 50,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families. We work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. With unwavering compassion, the Olive Crest family maintains a lifelong commitment to the youth and families we serve even after they have graduated from our programs. Olive Crest serves nearly 1,000 children and families each day throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. For more information call 1-800-550-CHILD (2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org.

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Down Under Answers Offers Spectacular Savings to Australia

Australia Travel Specialist Features 24 Packages Including 11-Night Australian Treasures Vacation Priced From $1,799 Per Person

BELLEVUE, WA — (August 10, 2011) — Down Under Answers, the leading wholesaler for Australia and New Zealand vacation packages, is launching a series of 24 competitively priced Southern Splendors packages which will highlight the southern regions of Australia with special emphasis on Tasmania, Adelaide, and Melbourne.  The company's lead travel deal is an 11-night Australian Treasures package priced from $1,799 per person including round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles, 11-night hotel accommodation, and fuel surcharges.

According to Kirk Demeter, President of Down Under Answers, "The southern region of Australia is truly unmatched in its beauty and provides such varying and spectacular experiences." Mr. Demeter adds that this destination is perfect for a wide range of travelers including repeat vacationers who want to experience another side of Australia; vacationers who love to participate in adventure activities; price-conscious families who are looking for the best value for their travel dollar; and the upscale market who seek touring via private aircraft, five-star hotel accommodations, and more.

Down Under Answers' first package in the Southern Splendors series is the 11-night Australian Treasures package which includes the following:

• Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Melbourne, Hobart, and Adelaide
• 3 nights hotel in Melbourne
• 3 nights hotel in Hobart
• 3 nights hotel in Adelaide
• 2 nights hotel in Sydney
• Applicable fuel surcharges

This package is priced from $1,799 per person, based on double occupancy for travel from Los Angeles from August 10 to September 10, 2011.  Package is available for travel through March 31, 2012 at higher rates due to seasonal surcharges. Add-on fares available from other US cities. Advertised pricing reflects lowest season pricing. Seats/Rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking. A higher class of service may be offered as an alternative. US/foreign taxes/fees, including September 11th Security fee, are not included, and are approximately US $205-$230/person.  Amendment fees & cancellation penalties apply. For additional information on this great package and more, visit http://www.duatravel.com/southtz\.

About Down Under Answers|
Down Under Answers, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012, is the recognized industry leader in vacation packages to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Dubai. The Bellevue, Washington-based tour operator offers a wide variety of travel package options ranging from escorted tours to self-drive vacations, adventure travel, island escapes, groups and special interest travel, as well as customized independent arrangements. The company has repeatedly been voted the "Best Travel Wholesaler" by Tourism Australia's Aussie Specialists and Tourism New Zealand's Kiwi Specialists as well as "Best Travel Wholesaler" by Australian Supplier Partners.  For additional information, visit www.duatravel.com or call 800-889-1464.

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