CNA Newsletter Archive
Here you will find a list of link to all of our past newsletters and offer mailings. [...]
New England, Canada & Niagara Falls – Customer comments
A quite fabulous mix of contrasting sights and culture. From Colonial Boston to the quintessential New England scenery of New Hampshires’s White Mountains to Eastern Canada and the wonderous Niagara Falls. Scroll down the page to read customer experiences or click on the link below to view this itinerary.
New York / New England Fly Drive – Customer comments
Click here to view itinerary.
Follow David on our Jaguar Car Enthusiasts Tour
David will be acting as a personal escort for the 2nd USA trip we have helped organise for our friends at the Jaguar Car Enthusiasts Tour. We hope you enjoy following their progress.
Jaguar Car Enthusiasts Tour – USA and Canada 2012
Tuesday 25th September 2012
Today I travel to Washington DC a day ahead of the group of 91 Jaguar Car Enthusiasts 2012 USA & Canada Driving Tour.
The group are shipping their own British Jaguar Cars dating from the 1950′s through to a brand new Jaguar XKR-S , the new Jaguar super road car, to the USA (Baltimore) to drive 2000 miles across the north east corner of the USA and eastern Canada.
As a company CNA handled the same group to drive Route 66 in 2008, this tour promises to be even more awe inspiring.
The cars themselves were shipped to the USA at the beginning of September and arrived several days ago, the mechanics have been to the docks prior to me flying out to check that they all arrived safely and to coax them to life!!
My travel arrangements begin with being transported using one of our personal chauffeur companies from my home in Nottingham to Heathrow Airport.
John arrives ahead of schedule and we are soon on our way for a luxurious ride to Heathrow’s Terminal 3.
I arrive in plenty of time without the stress of the M25 traffic thanks to John, and within minutes I am in the exclusive Virgin Lounge enjoying a glass of champagne and breakfast and looking forward to the adventures to come.
The Virgin lounge is certainly impressive with the option to eat and drink to your heart’s content, chill out playing pool or watching tv, and maybe having a beauty treatment or two to get you in the holiday mood, though this trip for me is of course very much business!!
I board the aircraft and step into the lap of luxury, at CNA we have excellent contracts with all the airlines flying across the Atlantic in every class, so if you wish for extra leg room or are travelling on a special occasion or need your sleep in a flat bed just ask us to check the costs for you, you may be surprised at what good value it is.
Having flown in Business/Club Class with British Airways I would just about give the edge to Virgin’s Upper Class by comparison, the service from the crew was excellent, the food amazing, especially when you consider it is served 7 miles in the air and the champagne, wine and water were flowing.
The flight passed so quickly and now for the challenge that is US Customs and Immigration a process that can take minutes or 2 hours depending on how many flights that have arrived that day – this is my lucky day indeed – 15 minutes and I am in the baggage hall ahead of my cases.
Transferring into the city of Washington is quite simple, there are the usual airport bus shuttles costing $15 per person or take a taxi for just $75 for a swifter journey to your respective hotel.
I take the taxi option with a couple of advance passengers from the group and 45 minutes later we are at our hotel-The Marriott Wardman Park in the Rock Creek area of the city.
The group will all be accommodated in the Wardman Tower section of the hotel, offering very large well appointed rooms for our adventurers.
This evening I just wish to chill out and prepare for the group arriving and I arrange to meet our partners in the USA who have made the hotel reservations for us due to the complexity of the itinerary.
We discuss the three weeks ahead of us and are confident that this is going to be an amazing trip and run as smooth as silk………time will tell.
Wednesday 26th September 2012
This morning I meet the tour leaders and mechanic who have been here for a couple of days already and we get stuck into a fabulous breakfast provided in the hotel restaurant.
Today the whole group arrive, the majority on the Virgin flight, a few with British Airways and a small number with United Airlines.
Ironically all six passengers due to arrive on United Airlines flights have had problems as their aircraft from Manchester and Edinburgh went technical, thankfully the four from Manchester are routed via Heathrow and arrive the same day, but the two from Edinburgh will be delayed a until tomorrow.
The group arrive from the Virgin Atlantic flight, and like me, clear customs amazingly quickly and are with us surprisingly soon, the coaches we have booked are waiting outside in the 80 degree temperatures and we are soon whisked off to the Wardman Tower.
Group check in has been arranged for the group at CNA’s own hospitality desk at the hotel and the guests quickly have their keys in hand and disappear to freshen up.
Tonight we hold a welcome drinks reception at 6pm, a chance for old friends to catch up and a chance for the new members to make new acquaintances, overall a very successful night as all the group, despite their long travels, are in perky moods looking forward to their exploration of this section of the continent.
Thursday 27th September 2012
Today is a free day to visit this stunning capital city, many of the group are pre-booked onto the Hop On Hop Off Bus to give them access to the key sights, while many others choose to make their own separate arrangements.
Tomorrow is going to be quite a critical day as the drivers are transported to the docks at Baltimore to collect their cars and drive back to the hotel, for a few their first driving experience in the USA!!…could be a stressful day for all!!!!
Friday 28th September 2012
The big day arrives, all the drivers are transported on one coach and their partners on a separate one as only the drivers will be allowed into the docks to collect their cars, their co-drivers having to wait patiently.
Although the process is full of red tape, sound preparation has been made to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible and the first group of five cars are on their way.
My Hot Wheels for the Tour a 2012 Jaguar XK Convertible
By 4pm we have all the Jaguars tucked up safely at The Marriott Wardman Park underground car park, what a relief for all.
Tonight the first group meal and a chance for everyone to get together and look forward to their first proper day on the road and the next location which is Staunton in Virginia.
The hotel do the group proud with excellent food and service, everyone seems happy and relaxed, a chance to catch up with a few housekeeping points and to bed for an early night for all.
Saturday 29th September 2012
Today is the first proper day on the road as we head on a picturesque journey along The Skyline Drive of Virginia, over a 100 miles of slow paced driving with magnificent views especially with the vast array of foliage colours at this time of year.
The first stop we all make is at Luray Caverns, just two hours drive from Washington DC and an easy run for the nervous drivers amongst us.
The Caverns are a huge attraction, guided tours operate throughout the day explaining how they were founded and evolved to their present state, the tickets purchased also include access to a small car museum with some amazing American vehicles to check over.
Luray Caverns
Onward along the Skyline Drive, an incredible journey offering many look out points to stop and admire and take numerous photographs.
There are several entry and access points to allow you to drive either the full length of 102 miles or just drive sections, the speed limit is 35 mph so driving the full distance, with stops for photos can take half a day.
We drop off the route at its end and head for Staunton to The Stonewall Jackson Hotel, a superb property and the very efficient team at the hotel ensure we are all checked in smoothly and the cars are safely parked.
Tonight we have a drinks reception kindly sponsored by the Local Staunton Convention Bureau which is very kind, another opportunity for the group to get to know each other a little more.
Saturday night is a busy one in Staunton, with many excellent bars and restaurants to keep the group happy for this one night stay.
Sunday 30th September 2012
Breakfast is served at the hotel and we are on the way to Bedford, Pennsylvania, more of a functional drive today to meet up with the local Fort Bedford Car Club.
The weather is excellent as we drive north until the final 10 miles where the rain begins to drive down in torrents.
The event that has been planned for several months was supposed to be held outside with the cars from each club coming together to talk about each others cars and share a meal outside Fort Bedford by the side of the river, followed by a covered bridge tour around Bedford County.
This has now been cancelled and the meal is moved into the local church.
Warm Welcome From The Fort Bedford Car Club
We re-schedule the afternoon therefore to make the best of the situation, the group meet at the Fort Museum for a very interesting visit and then we lead two convoys around the county to see their famous covered bridges and other sights of interest.
It continues to rain, ironic really as the last time I visited on my Reccy trip it rained here too!!! So we all settle in the local church for a fabulous meal prepared by the ladies and gents of the local club, and finally an opportunity for the members of each club to share their stories and experiences.
Overall it has all worked out to be a great success, even if we had to cancel a couple of other planned events for the day.
The Jaguars move on from the town to the fabulous Omni Bedford Springs Hotel, a huge resort property with its own golf course, spa and three restaurants.
The plan was to park the cars on the front lawn of the hotel for a fabulous photo opportunity, however this is not a realistic option due to the amount of rain that has fallen, but a few cars certainly did some damage to the coiffured lawns!!!
A nice evening is spent at the hotel, being remote it brings everyone together after another superb drinks reception hosted by the hotel.
Monday 1st October 2012-Tuesday 2nd October 2012
A long drive of over 270 miles today and a border crossing into Canada which can be so unpredictable time wise, so the cars get packed up early and on the road, thankfully the weather is a little better today, overcast but dry.
The drive is beautiful directly north through Pennsylvania and ultimately into Ontario, Canada, thankfully for us all the border crossing was a breeze, and most cars are parked up at the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the Lake by mid-afternoon.
We chose to place the group for the next two nights in Niagara on the Lake instead of the Niagara Falls due to the quality of the hotel and the peaceful upmarket nature of the town which matches the group better than the lively areas around Niagara Falls.
Tonight is a free night for the group as they make the most of the various eateries of the town.
This is a two night stay, and most of the group, as you would expect set off to see the Falls, this was my plan too until I heard it was pouring with rain as it was the last time I visited, I therefore hang around the town catching up with preparations for future events on the tour.
Our second night in Niagara on the Lake brings everyone in the group together again for a group meal at The Prince of Wales Hotel.
It can be tricky for restaurants and hotels to ensure the so many people are served quickly and efficiently especially in this case where steak is on the menu and cooked to each individuals liking but the hotel coped admirably and the whole event was a superb success.
Wednesday 3rd October 2012
This morning sees the group revving up their cars and setting out for Kingston, Ontario, the former capital city of Canada and en-route we will need to bypass the city of Toronto.
The initial 90 minutes of the journey are on very noisy concrete roads with huge, loud and dirty trucks thundering along in the mist, not a great journey, especially for the open top cars!!!
We arrive into Bedford early afternoon to set up ready for the group arriving, they don’t travel in convoy, and therefore arrive on each travelling day at various times depending on what has interested them along the way, or how long a lunch stop has taken or even if they have got lost, the ‘window’ of arrival is usually about four hours.
The hotel we are staying at in Kingston is The Radisson Waterfront and they are so excited to see the group and very organised for car parking and check-in, so all goes very smoothly once again.
Kingston is now a quaint city, with large marina and many shops and restaurants, plus a very interesting Old English Fort, Fort Henry.
Tonight everyone is free to go their own way, so I step out into town with Mike and Henry our two tour mechanics for a couple of cheeky beers and a red hot pizza which Mike now regrets having a slice of!!!
Thursday 4th October 2012
This morning we have a car meet with the local Kingston Car Club which results in approximately 70 cars lining up on the village green in the suburbs of the City to show off each others cars and have a chat about anything mechanical.
There are a range of Jaguars that come to visit that are Canadian based along with other makes, the weather holds out for us too, so this proves to be an excellent event, one which I had been working on with my friend Stephen Burnett – and they even have the kindness to provide a fabulous lunch for the Jaguar Enthusiast’s from the UK.
The meet lasts a couple of hours and the local media attend to show off the event on CKWS TV later in the day – click here to see the media clip.
Next stop Ottawa. total driving distance today is just 120 miles and split into three parts. It is not mandatory that the group travels along the exact route suggested nor visit the suggested locations along the way, but many of the drivers choose to follow the roadbook we published and first visit Jones Falls.
Jones Falls near Elgin, Ontario consists of 4 locks, a turning basinand an upper lock, it is arguably the most scenic lockstation on the Rideau Canal.
Slight problem here in that the unpaved road leading to the locks are soon blocked by a pack of Jaguars!! as we arrive at the wrong entrance, so much fun turning them all around to point in the right direction to get out and head up to the next suggested stop at Smiths Falls, Ontario – Russ Beach Airport.
The airport is home to a flying school but we are all there to visit the amazing air museum which houses a dozen rare aircraft, all of which still fly – and we are met by the two local mayors for a civic reception along with several reporters from the local newspaper and radio station.
Enroute to the museum one of the cars overtakes a school bus, this is of course no problem in most cases, but if the lights have started flashing it is illegal to overtake on either side of the road, within seconds a police car is on his tail and pulling him over.
The penalty for such an offence is a minimum $500 fine and six penalty points - thankfully the police officer who’s uncle is restoring an old Jaguar Car is sympathetic and lets our driver off with a stern warning – so remember when driving in the USA or Canada, if you see a school bus with lights flashing you must stop!!
We all complete the final leg of the journey safely into The Westin Hotel in Ottawa, thanks to a poor breakfast in one of the previous hotels (that will remain nameless!!) we have funds for a couple of welcome drinks at The Westin in a fabulous suite on the 23rd Floor with amazing views over the Capital City of Canada.
Twilight View of Ottawa from The Westin Hotel
There are no other plans for the two days in Ottawa, allowing everyone to explore this beautiful city at their leisure.
Friday 5th October 2012
This morning I wake early, yet again, and make a call to Gray Line, the bus company providing ‘Hop On/Hop Off’ bus tickets to half the group combined with a River Cruise, just to re-confirm that I can collect everyone’s tickets and bracelets.
They confirm what I have previoulsy been told, I can collect them from the booth just five minutes walk from the hotel, so i head out after breakfast to collect them all to distribute amongst the people who purchased them from me before I left for the tour.
As a company we have numerous options of tours/excursions/attraction tickets/show tickets to enhance your holiday, just ask us what is possible before you travel.
I also have a ticket for the bus and enjoy a very amusing tour guide travelling around Ottawa, shame it is so windy and chilly on the open top bus!!
I have been told that the CMC Museum (Canadian Museum of Civilization) is a must see in Ottawa, so after my bus tour I head out there to check-it out.
This is a superb Museum, walking the visitor through the ages telling the history of the country and its famous people, definitely a must see for anyone visiting Ottawa.
This evening I head out to The Byard Market Area of the City which houses a plethora of bars and restaurants, the six of us eat at The Fish Market, as the name gives away this is a quality fish restaurant but offers superb value for money.
We all have an excellent meal and head pack to our hotel, not too late!
Saturday 6th October 2012
Another short drive of two and a half hours – 124 miles, to Montreal and into the Province of Quebec.
The plan is for the group to meet at 2pm at The Gilles Villeneuve Formula One Circuit to complete a couple or three laps each.
Jags on the Grid at The Gilles Villeneuve Circuit Montreal
The vast majority of the Jaguars arrive in car park 4 and we head out in a huge convoy around the track, the plan is to all line up on the grid for a ‘team photo’ – not supposed to do this but we do, unfortunately the local official doesn’t see the funny side of us all stopping on the track and tries in vain to move us on!!
Top speed is supposed to be 35 kph, but one or twenty cars decide to push their luck and drive a little swifter, taking great care not to get caught by the local officials.
It is a fun hour or so, shame we can’t bomb around the track, especially as one or two of the group are ex-racing drivers!!
We now have a logistical challenge to get into the very tight car park, like a wine cellar beneath our boutique hotel The Nelligan. We are therefore careful to release just half a dozen cars at each time to keep the pressure off the narrow cobbled streets of Montreal and not block the whole Old Town and the car park!!
All goes fabuloulsy to plan and without too much stress, let’s just wait until we have all the cars out before we relax however!!
A free night for everyone to explore the very very French Montreal, you would honestly think that you are in Paris, rarely hearing an English/American accent.
Sunday 7th October 2012
I have arranged for a private bus tour of Montreal for 42 of the group, a little concerning however when the guide turns to me to say “right what would you like me to show them?” – my immediate though was – isn’t that what you are paid for!
We quickly agree that as all of the guests are visiting Montreal for the very first time that they are shown the major attractions of the city, phew, that was close!!
The group seem to enjoy their three hour tour and now have a free afternoon to explore Montreal in moer detail before our cabaret show this evening.
At 5pm we all meet for our cabaret dinner show, I am a little apprehensive about tonight, this could be a winner or a disaster as it is always difficlut to appeal to so many people’s personal music taste.
A handful of the group do not like the show, a lady called Meredith belting out big band and west end show songs, but the majority are happy and congratulate me on choosing such a great cabaret bar – Le Balcon.
Monday 9th October 2012
Back into the US of A, and another border crossing on Columbus Day in the USA, likely to bring long delays at the border, especially as we are likely to confuse the American Border Officials with all these British Cars.
The queue is not as long as I expected, a wait of less than an hour as we head for Lake Champlain and the bridges that cross it, an absolute stunning drive on a very clear sunny day.
Overall one of the nicest drives of the tour so far, as we head south theorugh New York State and into Vermont, the colours of the foliage are absolutely at their peak.
And we arrive into Stowe – The Trapp Family Lodge where the hills are certainly alive with the history of the musical!!
The hotel is positioned 10 minutes drive above the town of Stowe and well liked by the group as it offers amazing views across the valley.
A quiet night in the hotel for most of the group and a brief chat with one of the original Trapp family members and off to bed.
Tuesday 9th October 2012
On the road again for another iconic drive from Stowe to Bretton Woods passing along the Kancamagus Highway, 32 miles of great views as we pass through the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Our amazing home for the next two nights is the salubrious Omni Mt. Washington Resort, a very famous hotel steeped in history and sitting close to the highest mountain in New England – Mt. Washington whcih stands at over 6200 feet.
There is snow on the mountain tops as I pull into the long drive to this superb property which stands so proudly in the middle of a pristeen golf course – simply stunning.
This is an enormous hotel with several restaurants, top quality spa, 27 holes of golf, shops, bars and even its own nightclub which was once a ‘Speakeasy’ bar back in the 20′s a hotel which is ultimately famous for the Bretton Woods monetary conference which took place in 1944, establishing the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The owners were paid $300,000 for the loss of business and promised a daily room charge of $18 per person for the 19-day conference.
Wednesday 10th October 2012
A quiet morning for most though three of the group have an early 18 holes of golf and a couple have a swing throught the trees on the canopy tour.
This afternoon we have a group meet at The Cog Railway which slowly drives up the side of Mt. Washington, Susan Presby has been working with Complete North America to make this day super special, she is an absoulte star as the welcome to the group is appreciated by all.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway (rack-and-pinion railway). It uses a Marsh rack system and one or two steam locomotives and four biodiesel powered locomotives to carry tourists to the top of the mountain.
The weather is unfortunately rather unpleasant, very windy, rainy and foggy but it doesn’t stop us Brits from boarding the train and heading up the Mountain to even colder and windier conditions in the snow!!
The weather at 6200 feet is freezing with rain blowing at right angles, needless to say, staying outside in this weather was not advisable and all head inside for a hot chocolate, before the journey down the Mountain.
It is a fun afternoon followed by a typical New England boiled meal at the cafe at the bottom of the Mountain, yet another memorable day on the JEC Tour.
Thursday 11th October 2012
Ladies day today as we drive south through New Hampshire and into Massachusetts to The Wrentham Premium Outlets Shopping Mall.
The local Sales Manager Susan Bladd delivers an amazing welcome for 33 of the 43 Jaguars handing each a valuable goody bag that includes a free Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Polo Shirt, extra discount vouchers and numerous free gifts, not to mention a welcome reception at Saks Fifth Avenue.
The weather, though a little windy is glorious, and many bargains are there to be had, I think the men may have actually spent more than the ladies in the end as they ‘reluctantly’ trudge around Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss stores bagging a few deals.
Premium Outlet Malls are located across most US States and offer a relaxed environment to shop in numerous designer stores for genuine bargains and car parking is free at these out of city locations, try popping in the next time you pass one and buy the extra discount voucher booklet for just a few dollars to further reduce your shopping bills.
Once again the local media are here to view the cars, interview the drivers and take pictures/videos for their own newspaper and online articles – click here to view the local media video taken for The Providence Journal.
Click here to view photos and newspaper article taken by The Wrentham Patch.
The onward journey to Cape Cod is a short one, just a couple of hours and we arrive onto the island and into our next luxury hotel for the coming two nights – The Chatham Bars Inn, one of the top hotels on The Cape.
View from The Chatham Bars Inn as the sunsets
This is a fabulous property and one that I am sure that the group will just adore, the various rooms that we require are scattered across the vast area of this property, some rooms with sea views, cozy cottages or Spa Suites – stunning, plenty of room to store all the shopping from the mall visit of earlier.
The hotel has three eating options on site, one being the formal dining room-jackets required and proves very popular with the group, many stating it is the best meal they have eaten all tour.
I choose to dine at an alternate local hotel in Chatham called the Chatham Wayside Inn which Complete North America also feature for clients wishing to be based in the heart of the town of Chatham.
Friday 12th October 2012
The plan today was for about a third of the group to take a whale watching trip, however during breakfast this number reduced to less than 20 as the weather forecast did not look too promising!!
I was one of the brave soles prepared to drive to Provincetown to board the boat to see a few whales leaping around, unfortunately the weather became worse and worse as I got closer to P’Town…….when I went to collect the tickets for the group the young lady looked at me as though I was crazy to head out in such conditions!! good sales technique and so reassuring!!
I put this to the group and we lost more than half of the planned explorers as we were told “it won’t be very pleasant out there, but sick bags and sea sick tablets are provided” – that was it for me too, I didnt fancy three and a half hours of shouting for Rolf!!!
I drove back to the warmer climate of Chatham, amazing how in 35 miles the weather can be so different.
As a group the plan this afternoon is to meet a The Lobster Claw for a typical Cape Cod/New England Lobster Dinner, we were certainly in for a treat – I didn’t need to go whale watching as there was a huge whale dressed as a lobster on my plate – fabulous!!
The group are joined by the gallant whale watchers at the restaurant, and all went well, not a single bit of illness by our hardened seafarers and many whales were seen to make the trip perfect.
The Lobster Claw Restaurant is a family run business in Orleans, just 15 minutes drive from Chatham, and owned by Donald Berig for the last 42 years, and is literally booked up every night of the year – which is hardly surprising as we devour our fabulous shellfish.
Another excellent group gathering is had by all as we head back to our luxury accommodation at The Chatham Bars Inn.
Saturday 13th October 2012
Sadly we only have two nights on Cape Cod and now we must move on to our next and penultimate destination, Greenwich, Connecticut.
We are faced with bad news however on route as I receive a call from Mike the mechanic as one of the cars has broken down and the best course of action is to transport it to the docks as it is a weekend and so close to the end of the tour that by the time the parts are found it will time to go home!
The suggestion to the group is to call into the home of The America’s Cup – Newport, Rhode Island where a seafood festival is in full swing with live music, free food and all the beer you can cope with, an amazing atmosphere.
Before leaving Newport after lunch I drive the amazing Ocean Drive route around the coastline to see the huge mansions located in the tiniest of American States a must do for any visitor.
The onward drive along the Interstate for three hours to Greenwich is very tedious, at least I have a roof on my car, some of the older models are without and the lorries just thunder passed with no concern about the speed limits.
We are now only 38 miles from our final destination, New York City, the decision when planning the tour in the first place was to make the final journey into Manhattan reasonably short as it is likely to be a challenge cossing to our final hotel for the last two nights – fighting with the Yellow New York Taxis!!
Most of the group choose to stay in the hotel after the lenghty drive, the Atrium of The Hyatt Regency housing a semi formal restaurant and a bar area for lighter bites as the drivers get ready for their first ever drive across Manhattan, at least it will be a Sunday morning and the traffic will be a little quieter.
Sunday 14th October 2012
And so to the big test of everyone’s driving skills and nerve to cross Manhattan and to out final hotel, The Intercontinental The Barclay on the East Side of Manhatan next door to the world famous Waldorf Astoria.
It is the first time for me driving into New York by myself, I must admit to being a little aprehensive too, but surprisingly it was not too bad, however I am in a left-hand drive automatic car with GPS, the drivers with an English car with right-hand drive and manual gears have it tough.
It is a busy three hours as the Jaguars arrive, initially to the hotel to drop off their bags and then onto the car park, just two blocks away but 15 minutes with New York traffic!!
You can see the relief on most of the drivers faces as they arrive, just have to contemplate getting out of the City now, buts let’s not worry about that for a couple of days.
The bright lights of Manhattan await for the group, many of which have been before but it is new to the majority.
For me New York is my favourite North American City, the atmosphere is incredible and the variation across the neighbourhoods is fascinating.
The Chrysler Building in New York
I eventually venture out of the hotel at about 8pm for a wander down to Times Square to see the bright lights and soak up the atmospehere, I have luckily been to New York on several previous occassions, but Times Square never fails to amaze me, the atmospehere on such a balmy evening is electric.
Monday 14th October 2012
The last day of the tour and another chance for the group to explore everything New York, a great way to do this is to purchase one of several city passes which offer a selcction of the main sights and activities for a one off discounted price – ask our team for more details when you travel to New York.
I personally spend the day planning/changing the logistics for the departure from the hotel in the morningg.
The original plan is for batches of five cars to drive to the front of the hotel to collect their luggage and then drive onward out of New York – however the potential for chaos at the fron of the hotel is very high and I need to come up with a cunning plan to take the stress and hassle out of the day for everyone as there is still a lot to see and do today for the group before we board our respective flights home.
The plan is now to bring our two transfer coaches, that were originally planned to take the group to the airport this afternoon, to the hotel for 9.15am and assign passengers to each coach as they have different routes to take later, to ensure that passengers and luggage are on the same coach when being transported eventually to the airport.
When I am finally satisfied that the plan and printed schedule for each passenger is now in place I grab a little air and walk along Fifth Avenue for a little last minute shopping.
Tonight we have our final group gathering and our Gala Dinner Event at The Chart House, across the river in Weehawken, New Jersey, caoches arrive at 7pm sharp and in 30 minutes we are through the tunnel and across into New Jersey to our ‘room with a view’ – and what a view The Manhatan City Skyline – wow!!
The private room has an arced window that allows for the most incredible view of the skyline and thankfully it is a very clear night for us to all admire this great sight.
Another excellent meal, made even more special thanks to the view, a few speeches and thank yous and we are whisked away back into Manhattan for our final night and last night cap of the tour.
Tuesday 15th October 2012
The Final Day……
The plan at the hotel which I woroked on yesterday works to perfection, coach one with the luggaage for the Newark Airport and Virgin Terminal/JFK Airport passengers and coach two with the luggage for the passengers to be transported to the British Airways Terminal/Virgin Terminal at JFK – all luggage is loaded in 20 minutes on both coaches and the driver with their navigator/passenger walk to their cars at the car park close by – marvellous!
The next stop for today is The Jaguar Land Rover USA HQ at Mahwah, New Jersey where I am to drop off my beautiful Jaguar XK Convertible, with great regret. It has been a fabulous vehicle to drive with every possible gadget and comfort, may have to add one to my Christmas list?
The journey time to Mahwah is just an hour but we are on a tight schedule today to get the cars back to the docks and the passengers on their flight home, including me.
All cars arrive safely at Jaguar HQ, what a great photo opportunity for all, with selected vehicles parked directly in front of the entrance, and the bonus for everyone is the fcat that the brand new ‘F’ Type Jaguar is unveiled which won’t be on sale until April 2013 at a price in the region of £50k in the UK.
The Brand NEW Jaguar 'F' Type
Our busy day continues with the last driving leg of the tour to relinquish the British Jaguars at Newark Docks by 3pm, another tricky journey across busy freeways and Interstate to the docks from where the cars will be shipped back to the UK.
It is critical that the coaches with the correct passengers/luggage are all aboard and ready to leave by 3.15 as the journey time to the airports is so unpredictable.
The first coach is on the way to Newark by 2.45 to drop off the first 8 passengers and then onward to JFK Terminal 4 for the Virgin Passengers.
The second coach is on the way to JFK to drop both the Virgin and BA Passengers off for their respective flights home by 3.15am, the plan is working, thankfully.
The cars are left with officials from the port to complete the paperwork with four respresentatives from the Jaguar Club and the two mechanics – they will be ready for collection from Southampton Docks around the third week in November.
I escort the second coach directly to JFK Airport, and we are followed by the first coach after it has dropped its Newark Airport passengers for the last couple of miles of the journey, I love it when a plan comes together.
Checked in and in the new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Lounge at JFK – calm, tranquility and peace descend as the responsibility of the group evaporates after a glass or two of champagne – a job well done I think.
Flights home from the States are regularly shorter in lenght than expected due to the prevailing winds, this flight from New York touches down just six hours later at Heathrow – once again excellent service and facilities on board with Virgin Atlantic and a swift transfer through immigration before saying a final goodbye to my fellow travellers – it sure has been a great adventure with many people asking when we are to do it again.
As per my journey on the first day to the airport one of our transfer company’s drivers meets me at the airport and I am soon on my way home reflecting on an amazingly enjoyable project which has been an overwhelming success, even if I do say so myself.
Until next time, thanks for reading, if you have any questions or wish to enquire about similar personal holidays, group tours and/or car club tours please email me at david@completenorthamerica.com or call me here in Nottingham on 0115 9610593.
Kindest Regards
David Mortimer
General Manager
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Here you can read some of the comments left by our customers regarding the service we provide and also about specifically tailored itineraries which are not featured on our website that we have put together. Scroll down the page to read some of the feedback left by our valued customers or click our logo at the top of this page to visit our website homepage.
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