Private jet, 4 weeks in hotel, starts at NZ$1

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The bidding starts at NZ$1, but it probably won’t stay there long! New Zealand Luxury is auctioning more than NZ$30,000 in luxury travel with a reserve that’s 0.033% of its value. The package includes four weeks worth of accommodations at an exclusive private villa, flights on a private jet and local trips by helicopter. Oh, and did I mention the yacht? And the chauffeur-driven private car?

Yeah, not bad for NZ$1. Hell, it’s not bad for NZ$30,000.

If you don’t win the big auction for a small price, don’t sweat it. Maybe you’ll be able to pick up some clothing from Untouched World – the proceeds of which to go Untouched World Charitable Trust.

Details about the Cunard ship the Queen Elizabeth

by Jamie Rhein on

The maiden voyage of the Queen Elizabeth, Cunard’s latest cruise ship endeavor, won’t be until October 12, 2010 when it sets sail from England for the Canary Islands. Details about what the ship will feature have begun to be revealed.

It sounds fancy–more than fancy. Polished wood, marble, artwork that depicts the royal palaces, and special dining rooms for people who have paid more money add to the luxury of ocean travel. The ship’s design incorporates aspects of the QE2 and the original Queen Elizabeth.

In this USA Today article about the ship, one line made me laugh a bit. The senior executive for Cunard said that the ship would make passengers feel “‘right at home.'”

Yes, I know he means that people will feel comfortable despite the ship’s wow factor, but whenever I’m around marble and polished wood, I’m reminded about how it doesn’t seem like my home at all. For me, that’s one reason to take a cruise. The photo is of the Garden Lounge that was designed to evoke an image of Kew Gardens’ conservatory.

You can start booking tickets on the Queen Elizabeth on April 2nd. Here’s the booking link.

Flexjet gives rich people new choices

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The wealthy feel pain, just like the rest of us. As we fight the tightening walls of a global recession, Flexjet is making things a little easier for the world’s financial elite. If you’re looking to extend the value of your private jet dollar, these two programs could be exactly what you need. If, on the other hand, you are like me, read something else, maybe the Cockpit Chronicles or Galley Gossip … this sale is too rich for your blood.

The Flexjet 25 “split-payment option” turns the obligation of one payment into two! Instead of having to pay for a 25-, 30- or 35-hour Flexjet 25 Jet Card, you can pay half up front and the other after six months – or when you have scheduled more than half of the purchased flight hours.

The other new development is that cardholders can now split their hours between two types of aircraft without incurring any additional fees. If you are among the privileged few, your choices include the Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 60, Challenger 300 and Challenger 604.

Among the capitally anointed? This is not a deal to be missed!

The best RV money can buy? Globecruiser Action Mobile

by Jamie Rhein on

The Globecrusier Action Mobile sounds like something my 6-year old son would like for Christmas–one of those toys with all sorts of promises of playtime wonder.

Though, I have to say, for the $670,000 price tag, this RV certainly comes well equipped with the wonder factor as in a capital W. Like WOWZA!

This RV includes a satellite navigating system, the ability to go through all sorts of terrain–including water, and a luxurious inside despite its armored vehicle-like appearance on the outside.

The Globecruiser is featured in SQUOB, a newish online magazine dedicated to RVs, campers and travel trailers. Along with the shot featured here are several more photos that accompany the article that highlights the bells and whistles.

For anyone looking to find the latest styles and trends in road travel where you take everything AND the kitchen sink with you, SQUOB is a worthy stop.

One camper that caught my eye when I was browsing is Tonke, a road worthy vessel that combines craftsmanship and cleverness. There are other articles of interest such the one that provides info on how to make your new RV look not so new so thieves don’t bother.

Ocean liner QE2 on its last voyage, this time to Dubai

by Jamie Rhein on

For anyone who would like the experience of a luxury ocean liner vacation without actually leaving land, here are two options.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 has hit forty and is being retired. Instead of ending up in some boat graveyard somewhere like Jeremy has written about in a previous post, the QE2 is on its way from New York City [via Great Britain] to Dubai where it will become a hotel.

The Queen Mary, another retired Cunard ocean liner is already a hotel in Long Beach, California.

If you do stay on the QE2, you’ll be on a ship that has seen some history and mighty fine company. According to this msnbc.com article, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope and Britain’s royal family including Princess Diana have sailed on this vessel.

It was also used to transport wounded soldiers during the Falkland’s War in 1982.

For its last voyage, some of the passengers are folks from the first voyage. Just imagine what a great time they must be having right about now.

In 2010 Cunard is rolling out another luxury liner. The Queen Elizabeth will be even grander than its sea worthy sisters.