Azamara Club Cruises
Carnival Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Louis Cruises
MSC Cruises
P&O Cruises/UK
Ponant Cruise Line/France
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seabourn (Yachts of)
Silversea Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Azamara Club
Cruises
Website: www.azamaraclubcruises.com or www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk
Azamara Club Cruises
Offers Free Flights And Onboard Credit
Azamara Club Cruises is offering guests free flights and up
to $1,000 spending money on selected cruises this summer. To grab a slice of the action guests
simply need to make a booking before August 31. 2010 onboard one of the
selected 2010 Europe and 2010/2011 winter cruise itineraries. The offer applies
to selected itineraries on specific departure dates onboard Azamara Journey or Azamara Quest. Spending money will be offered in the form of
onboard credit that guests can use for purchases such as onboard shopping in
the boutique stores, treatments in the spa or to book shore excursions at the
itineraries’ ports of call.
The onboard spend of up to $1,000 is valid for selected sail
dates onboard either of Azamara Club Cruises’ intimate Azamara Journey and
Azamara Quest. These ships offer
an all-inclusive approach to life onboard, Azamara Club Cruises is renowned for
providing access to hidden gems, worldwide festivals, events and famous
journeys. A recent rebrand saw the
cruise line’s onboard butlers undergo traditional English butler school
training and the move to become more all-inclusive with house wines with lunch
and dinner, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas, all meals and room
service, housekeeping and dining gratuities, shuttle bus service to/from port
communities and self-service laundry all at no additional charge.
Celebrate the Diamond
Jubilee Year of the Royal Tattoo
Against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the world
famous Tattoo will play host to a number of celebrations including pipers,
gymnasts, singers, dancers and even a motorcycle display team.
Be part of the action by joining Azamara Club Cruises for a
12-night British Isles fly/cruise onboard Azamara
Journey from £2,207.00 per person (based on two people sharing an inside
cabin). Price includes return flights from London Heathrow; transfers, a
12-night British Isles cruise departing Copenhagen (Denmark) calling at Kiel
Canal (Germany), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Waterford (Ireland), Liverpool
(England), Dublin (Ireland), Edinburgh (Scotland) and Oslo (Norway) before
returning to Copenhagen (Denmark), meals and room service;
destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; housekeeping and
dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the voyage; house wines with meals;
specialty coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based
on August 17, 2010 departure.
Carnival Cruises
Website: www.carnival.com
Carnival To Base
Third Ship In Los Angeles Area Beginning In Fall 2011
Carnival Cruise Lines will return to the Port of Los Angeles
when the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit launches a series of five- and nine-day Mexican Riviera voyages in fall 2011.
This marks the first time the line has offered a regular program from the San
Pedro cruise terminal in eight years.
Carnival Spirit will also offer two 15-day Hawaii sailings round-trip
from Los Angeles and San Diego in 2011 and 2012, marking the first time the
line has offered round-trip voyages to the Aloha State. Carnival Spirit’s new
Los Angeles-based schedule will encompass 12 departures between September 2011
and January 2012.
Carnival Spirit’s five-day voyages will spend two days at
the popular resort town of Cabo San Lucas, distinguished by its distinctive
rock formations, lush landscape and gorgeous white-sand beaches, while nine-day
departures will also feature a two-day call in Cabo San Lucas, as well as
visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and La Paz.
Carnival also operates two ships year-round from nearby Long
Beach, California--the 2,052-passenger Carnival
Paradise, operating three- and four-day Baja cruises, and the
3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor,
sailing weeklong Mexican Riviera cruises. Carnival will be the only cruise
operator to homeport three ships in the Los Angeles area, providing consumers
with a wide variety of affordable cruise options in Southern California and the
surrounding region.
New 15-Day Hawaii Voyages
For the first time, Carnival will offer 15-day Hawaii
voyages round-trip from either Los Angeles or San Diego, providing consumers
with a more convenient and cost-effective means for visiting the breathtaking
island chain. Both departures include day-long stops at five spectacular ports:
Hilo, Maui (Kahului), Honolulu, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Kona.
Voyages operate round-trip from Los Angeles December 2, 2011
and from San Diego April 13, 2012.
Alaska Cruises
Carnival Spirit will continue to offer seasonal Alaska
cruises as well as five- and nine-day Mexico cruises from San Diego this
fall/winter and in 2012.
Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival
Spirit’s new five- and nine-day voyages from Los Angeles as well as the 15-day
Hawaii voyages.
Celebrity Cruises
Website: www.celebrity.com
Celebrity Cruises
Aims To Intrigue With New Istanbul Itineraries
Celebrity Cruises has designed three new 12-night,
port-intensive itineraries sailing roundtrip out of Istanbul in the early fall
of 2011, aimed at connecting discerning cruisers with the Byzantine city of
Istanbul and three new ports of call. The cruises opened for booking now.
Celebrity’s introduction of these new cruises marks the
first time the cruise line has offered roundtrip cruises from the city on the
famed Bosphorus Strait that connects Asia and Europe, a unique placement that
has long intrigued travelers due to its multiple cultures.
Presented on
the newly revitalized, 2,034-guest Celebrity
Constellation, the Greek Isles and Turkey cruises, sailing on September 19
and October 1 and 13, 2011, will each begin with an overnight in port in
Istanbul, before spending a day at sea. Then, guests will enjoy stops in
Ephesus (Kusadasi), Bodrum and Marmaris, Turkey; Rhodes, Santorini, Athens
(Piraeus), Mykonos, Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece, before spending one more day
at sea and returning to Istanbul. Bodrum, Marmaris and Chania are new ports for
Celebrity Cruises and examples of ways the cruise line is designing unique
experiences in exotic destinations to appeal to discerning cruisers.
The Istanbul itineraries will be bookended by Mediterranean
sailings taking place on September 7 and October 25, 2011. On September 7,
Celebrity Constellation will sail a 12-night itinerary from Amsterdam to
Istanbul, featuring visits to Brugges, Belgium; Cherbourg, France; Vigo, Spain;
Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Sicily, Italy and Athens. The 11-night October 25
cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona features an overnight stay in port in
Istanbul, then visits to Athens; Naples, Rome, and Florence, Italy; Provence,
France; and Palma de Mallorca. On November 5, Celebrity Constellation will
reposition from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida during a 14-night
transatlantic voyage, featuring visits to Cartagena, Spain; Gibraltar; Madeira,
Portugal; and Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands.
Guests who wish to extend their Istanbul experience can
combine the October 13 roundtrip Istanbul cruise, the October 25
Istanbul-to-Barcelona cruise, and
the November 5 transatlantic cruise, without repeating any ports except Athens,
for a 37-night extravaganza.
Celebrity
Cruises/UK
Website: www.celebritycruises.co.uk
Celebrity Cruises
Unveils Its UK & Ireland Brochures
Celebrity Cruises has unveiled its UK and Ireland brochures
for cruises in 2011 and 2012 alongside a special edition Europe and the
Mediterranean brochure to cover the bumper five-ships based in the region in
summer 2011. A worldwide brochure also features cruises throughout the
Caribbean, Alaska, and South America.
The focus for
the UK and Ireland office is the return of newly launched Celebrity Eclipse to Southampton in 2011. Tweaks to the cruises on
offer compared to the inaugural 2010 season include alternative Mediterranean
and Baltics cruises throughout May, June, July and August 2011, more Italian
Mediterranean ports of call, and more longer 16-night cruise options.
All four of the
newest Solstice-class ships – Celebrity
Solstice (launched September
2008), Celebrity
Equinox (launched July 2009), Celebrity
Eclipse (launched April 2010) and Celebrity
Silhouette (launching in July 2011) – will be based in European home
ports in 2011 and the Mediterranean and Europe based fleet will be joined by Celebrity Constellation based from
Amsterdam. Celebrity Constellation was refurbished in May 2010 to feature
highlights of the new Solstice-class such as popular restaurants and bars.
A 16-night Western Mediterranean and Adriatic onboard
Celebrity Eclipse starting from Southampton costs from £1,699 per person based
on an inside cabin; and a 12-night fly/cruise to the Mediterranean onboard
Celebrity Solstice from Barcelona costs from £1,653 per person based on an
inside cabin.
To support the new brochures, a sales toolkit highlighting
the brands award winning Solstice Class ships will be distributed to over 5,000
trade partners and travel agents throughout the UK and Ireland. Included in the sales toolkit is
the latest incentive to win one of this year’s most sort after gadgets, a new
iPad. Travel agents booking any Celebrity Cruises holiday will be entered into
the weekly prize draw.
The summer 2011 season from Celebrity Cruises will see
Celebrity Eclipse based from Southampton for the second consecutive year
offering cruises ranging from short four-night taster options to popular
16-night Mediterranean cruises; Celebrity Equinox based from Rome
(Civitavecchia) operating ten and 12-night cruises; Holy Land 12-night cruises
from the new Celebrity Silhouette also based from Rome (Civitavecchia);
12-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona onboard Celebrity Solstice; and a
combinations of 12-night Europe and the Baltics cruises from Amsterdam and
seven-night Greek Islands and Holy Land cruises from Athens (Piraeus) from
Celebrity Constellation.
New ports of
call for Celebrity Eclipse include Cartagena in southern Spain and La Coruna in
northern Spain. New ship Celebrity Silhouette will introduce Bari in Italy to
the range of destinations offered by Celebrity Cruises on a nine-night
Mediterranean cruise in August 2011.
For winter
2011-2012 Celebrity Cruises will offer a range of cruises throughout the
eastern and western Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Alaska and
specialist ship Celebrity Xpedition will continue to operate in the Galapagos
Islands. Celebrity Century will replace Celebrity Mercury – the ship
transferring to the TUI Cruises fleet – in Alaska and offer additional
balcony accommodation to meet demands of travelers in the destination.
Celebrity
Millennium will include two ten-night west coast America wine cruises featuring
calls at popular destinations to visit vineyards such as Catalina Island in
California and San Francisco, California in May and September 2011 departing
San Diego and Vancouver respectively.
New ship
Celebrity Silhouette’s first winter Caribbean season will be based from
Bayonne, New Jersey from 6 November 2011 until April 2012 offering 12-night
eastern Caribbean cruises. From Fort Lauderdale during winter 2011-2012
Celebrity Solstice will introduce alternating eastern and western Caribbean
cruise options having sailed just in the eastern Caribbean region.
The Panama Canal and South America cruises from Celebrity
Infinity will increase from 14-nights to 15-nights to 2011-2012 to allow the
addition of Colon, Panama as an extra port of call.
For more information travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk.
Crystal Cruises
Website: www.crystal.com
New 2011 Cruise
Guide: 167 Destinations And Inspired Crystal Innovations
Crystal Cruises has published its 2011 Cruise Guide,
featuring the 59 worldwide cruises, 167 ports and savings and innovations for
Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in 2011. A full page details Crystal’s
extensive value propositions, including Two-for-One promotional pricing; All
Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard spending credits; Save Now, Save Later;
and its Crystal Family Memories program. Special attention is given to newly
introduced programs Perfect Choice Dining™ featuring Open Dining by
Reservation, and the Priority Check-in and Planning Center.
A layout of the six-star elements comprising Crystal’s
winning formula of service, space, quality and choices, boasts a “What’s New”
top banner detailing these and other new enrichment and shoreside programs.
Crystal’s acclaimed Experiences of Discovery theme cruises are also featured.
A preview to the 150+-page Crystal Cruises Worldwide Atlas
available later this summer, the 30-page, full color brochure is conveniently
color-coded by destination, and includes deck plans for the award-winning vessels
with comprehensive listings of the luxurious appointments and new features in
the staterooms and penthouses.
In addition to Crystal’s epic 110-day Grand Exotic
Expedition World Cruise, new for 2011 is a return to cruising Alaska for the
first time since 2005 aboard Crystal
Symphony, with eight visits to Glacier Bay, and to West Africa for the
first time since 2001; all Baltic and Mediterranean cruises aboard Crystal Serenity, with added North Cape
and Black Sea voyages; a final voyage to Antarctica; overnight calls in Ashdod,
Melbourne, Barcelona, Cannes, Istanbul, New York and others; two-night stays in
Dubai, Cape Town and St. Petersburg; maiden visits to Argostoli, Kefalonia;
Fethiye, Turkey; Komodo Island, Indonesia; Koper, Slovenia; and Marigot Bay,
St. Martin; and a Christmas holiday cruise to Mexico round-trip from Los
Angeles.
To order a 2011 Cruise Guide, contact a travel agent, or
download it at www.crystalcruises.com.
Tomorrow's Stars
Shine Today On Crystal Serenity Mediterranean Voyage
Through its alliance with the Music Center - Performing Arts
Center of Los Angeles County, Crystal Cruises will showcase the Center's young
talent aboard its October 8 Mediterranean cruise. The 'Emerging Artists' set to
perform on the Experiences of Discovery voyage are Grand Prize Finalists of the
Center's coveted Spotlight Awards, and already boast impressive resumes.
* Lisa Algozzini, 23 - Lisa is a soprano who has been
recognized by some of the top names in opera, and was accepted to esteemed
programs at Juilliard and the Renata Scotta Opera Academy;
* Vijay Venkatesh, 19 - A classic pianist and composer and
already internationally recognized, Vijay has performed in Argentina, France,
England and India, and was the 2008 Spotlight Award Grand Prize Winner;
* Erika Peterson, 19 - Erika is a non-classical vocalist
awarded such top honors as the Spotlight Awards 2009 Grand Prize finalist and
Vocalist of the Year for Southern California's MACY Awards.
Joining the performers is Music Center Master Class
instructor, Julia Gregory.
The 12-day cruise visits Monte Carlo, Portofino, Florence,
Rome, Sorrento, Sicily, Kusadasi, Mykonos and Athens. With its Two-for-One
promotion, cruise fares start at $5,345, per person, double occupancy,
including free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways -
free Business Class air for penthouse guests - and $1,000 per person 'll
Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credits.
Disney Cruise Line
Website: www.disneycruise.com
Kids Sail Free On
Seven-Night Mexican Riviera Cruises On Disney Wonder
Disney Cruise Line is making it easier to experience the
magic of Disney Cruise Line on the West Coast with a special Kids Free offer on
seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera starting January 2011. Guests 17 and
under can sail free on seven-night voyages aboard the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two full-fare paying guests
occupying the same stateroom (government taxes and fees excluded). This offer is valid for most sailings
from Jan. 23 to March 20, 2011, and covers a variety of stateroom categories,
ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside
staterooms (categories 4 to 11). However, there are a limited number of staterooms available for this
special offer.
Guests sailing to the Mexican Riviera aboard the Disney Wonder
will experience exciting ports of call combined with a family-friendly cruise
only Disney can deliver. The
seven-night cruises include visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto
Vallarta coupled with three fun-filled days at sea. Onboard, guests will enjoy
dazzling stage spectaculars, including “Toy Story-The Musical,” inspired by the
Disney•Pixar films; over-the-top deck parties, featuring the only fireworks
display at sea; nearly an entire deck dedicated to youth activities;
sophisticated offerings for adults and fun experiences for the entire family.
Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at
$639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double
occupancy. To book a vacation or
to get complete details on the “Kids Free” special offer, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com/kidsfree, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500
or contact their travel agent. Guests should mention or input booking code “KFMR” when making the
reservation.
Fred Olsen Cruise
Lines
Website: www.fredolsencruises.com
Whether clients are eager to fully embrace the holiday
season this year, or, they want to run away from it, Fred. Olsen has the perfect
holiday cruise for them. Two departures call at historic European ports that
are positively magical with holiday shopping markets, candlelit cathedrals,
traditional food and drinks, special events, and other seasonal enjoyments. The
Fred. Olsen collection of holiday cruises also includes itineraries in warmer
destinations featuring the Canary Islands and the Caribbean. Warm weather
departures sail on: December 20, December 21, and December 23, 2010.
Copenhagen is featured on both European cruises; travelers
will have a chance to visit the world famous Tivoli Gardens. This amusement
park reopens for Christmas, turning into a spectacularly illuminated winter
wonderland of colorful stalls selling locally produced goods, arts and crafts.
The gardens are filled with excellent restaurants and friendly bars, with musicians
and dancers performing throughout the park.
--November 29, 2010 - Balmoral:
Gothenburg, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; Cruise Kiel Canal; Hamburg, Germany;
Amsterdam, Netherlands. Oceanview cabins start at $1,176 per person, plus $75
onboard spending per cabin.
--December 10, 2010 - Black
Watch: Ljmuiden, Netherlands; Cruise Kiel
Canal; Copenhagen, Denmark; Travemunde, Germany; Ostend,
Belgium. Oceanview cabins start at $1,073 per person.
Both cruises depart from Southampton.
Louis Cruises
Website: www.louiscruises.com
Louis Cruises Offers
Up to Half Off on Fall Cruises
Louis Cruises is offering Smart Rates, with up to 50 percent
on fall sailings in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean. The rates are per
person, double, and are valid from August to November. Smart rates start at
$960 for the 11-day Adriatic Coast, Italy and the Ionian cruise, sailing
roundtrip from Marseilles, France; $710 for the seven-day Mediterranean
Highlights cruise from Genoa to Sicily, Italy; the eight-day Spanish Odyssey
& Tangier cruise from Genoa to Barcelona; $850 for the 11-day Moorish Coasts
cruise from Marseilles to Barcelona; $850 for nine-day programs in Italy,
Greece, the Ionian Islands and Albania; the Iberian Coasts; and Tunis, Malta
and Italy; and $1,000 for an 11-day cruise through the Corinth Canal. Email lclusa@louiscruises.com for more
information.
Louis Cruises presents two special holiday itineraries in
the Western Mediterranean onboard the Louis
Majesty -- featuring Smart Rates savings that invite travelers to book
early to get the best deals.
--The nine-day Christmas Cruise will depart from Genoa,
Italy on December 19, 2010 and visit Marseilles in France, then Tangier and
Casablanca in Morocco, before sailing to Malaga, Spain where an overnight stay
in included, then sail on to Barcelona, Spain and return to Genoa - Smart Rate
starting at $830 (down from $1670).
-- On December 27, 2010 Louis Cruises' New Year's Cruise
will depart from Genoa, Italy and visit Marseilles in France; Tangier and
Casablanca in Morocco; then Malaga, Alicante and Barcelona in Spain - Smart
Rate starting at $990 (down from $1990). The Christmas Cruise and New Year's sailings can be combined for a
spectacular 18-day combination cruise. Travelers will enjoy the splendors of
the holiday season enhanced by the traditions of each local culture, plus
onboard celebrations with festive menus, holiday-themed entertainment and decor
throughout the vessel. Smart Rates are commissionable to travel agents.
MSC Cruises
Website: www.msccruises.com or www.msccruisesusa.com
Kids 17 and Younger
Cruise Free
MSC is offering a roundtrip, 13-night, fall foliage cruise
from New York for less than $70 per day or $899 per person (plus government
fees and taxes, GFTs) through August 31. Guests interested in shorter fall
foliage cruises can sail from $499. Plus, it’s an affordable family vacation because kids 17 and younger
cruise free (only pay GFTs starting from $79.25 per child) on all Canada/New
England cruises when sharing a stateroom with two paying adults.
This 13-night, roundtrip cruise from New York on October 16
calls in the coastal Atlantic ports of Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova
Scotia; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island known for their seafood and
national parks and featuring a special overnight stay in Quebec City, Quebec. The
voyage continues through historical Boston, Massachusetts to explore such sites
as the Freedom Trail. Then, onto Newport, Rhode Island where the Vanderbilt and
other well-known family mansions are located, prior to MSC Poesia’s return to New York.
Other six-, seven- and nine-night Canada/New England cruises
include:
--Seven-night Captivating Colors of Canada, cruise from New
York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia;
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Quebec City, Quebec. October 16; rates
begin at $499 (plus $79.25 pp. GFTs);
--Six-night Maple Leaves & Mansions, cruise from Quebec
City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode
Island; and New York, New York. October 23; rates begin at $899 (plus $81.40
pp. GFTs).
--Nine-night Autumn Leaves to Palm Trees, cruise from Quebec
City and calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode
Island; New York, New York; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. October 23; rates
begin at $1,199 (plus $102.40 pp. GFTs);
Rates are
available for residents of the US and Canada; offer is per person, based upon
double occupancy, cruise only, and subject to availability.
MSC Offers Caribbean
Cruise Balcony Blowout Sale from $599
MSC is offering balcony staterooms on select seven-night,
Caribbean cruises for bookings made by August 31, 2010, providing savings of
more than 25 percent on an affordable Caribbean cruise vacation where kids 11
and younger cruise free. Rates begin at $599 per person for balcony staterooms
on select 7-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean on MSC Poesia when she returns to the
U.S. for her inaugural Fall foliage cruises to Canada/New England in September.
The special
rates are for new bookings for balcony stateroom, while space is available, on
the following seven-night, Caribbean cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale:
--Eastern Caribbean cruise, calls in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin
Islands; Philipsburg, St.
Maarten; and Nassau Bahamas; departs November 28 and
December 12, 2010; rates from $629 and $599, respectively, (originally started
from $879) for a $250 savings or more than 25 percent plus government fees and
taxes (GFTs) of $69.62;
--Western Caribbean cruise, calls in Key West, Florida; Ocho
Rios, Jamaica;
Gerogetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico; departs
December 5, 2010; rates from $599
(originally started from $879) for a $250 savings or more than 25 percent plus
GFTs of $81.35;
Cruise-only rates are per person based on double occupancy
for U.S. and Canadian residents. Government fees and taxes for all guests are
additional; restrictions apply.
Kids ages 11 and younger cruise free (GFTs are additional)
when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. All cruises offer
just a $100 deposit.
P&O Cruises/UK
Website: www.pocruises.co.uk
New World Cruise
Shore Adventures Offered With P&O Cruises
World cruise expert P&O Cruises is offering five world
cruises, 18 line voyages and 72 shorter cruise holidays, departing in spring
2011 and early 2012. The 2011/12 world cruise brochure will be available on
line at www.pocruises.co.uk or via
travel agents and is available to book from today.
--Arcadia, 72-night Grand Alaska Adventure departs Tuesday
April 12 2011
--Adonia, 87-night South America Grand Adventure departs
Friday January 13 2012
--Arcadia, 109-night Grand Odyssey departs Monday January 9
2012
--Aurora, 98-night westabout full world circumnavigation
departs January 4 2012
· Oriana, 97-night eastabout full world circumnavigation
departs January 5 2012
The 2011/12 World Cruise program encompasses 177 ports in 55
countries and will include landmark sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge and
Panama Canal; overnight stays in ports such as Manaus, Cape Town, Istanbul and
New Orleans; cultural experiences and, of course, city tours, often with exclusive
entry into museums and art galleries.
Ponant Cruises/France
Website: www.ponant.com
Early Bird Discounts
Of Up To 25 Percent Off All Sailings
Premium French cruise line, Compagnie du Ponant will be
sailing to Asia this year for the first time in its cruising history. Ponant’s
intimate three-masted ship, Le Ponant along with the majestic exploration
vessel, Le Diamant will offer cruises
to scenic towns and magnificent ports in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore,
Cambodia, Malaysia and China starting from November 2010.
To celebrate Ponant’s first cruising season in Asia, the
cruise line is offering discounts of up to 25 percent off all Asia sailings for
guests who book before August 31,2010.
--Six Malaysian ports feature on Le Diamant’s nine-night
Diamonds of Siam and Pearls of Malacca cruise from Phuket to Singapore.
Departing on November 23, 2010 and
March 11, 2011, guests will visit Langkawi, Penang, Belawan, Pangkor, Port
Kelang and Malacca, Malaysia.
--On December 2, 2010, Le Diamant will sail a 14-night
Mekong Delta to Ha Long Bay itinerary from Singapore to Hong Kong, featuring
ports such as Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Chang May (Hue),
Halong Bay and Hai Phong, Vietnam. This cruise is priced from AU$4,707 per
person twin share.
--Le Diamant will also offer a 12-night Reveries on the
China Sea cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore, which takes place during
the festive New Year period. Departing on December 28, 2010, the itinerary
highlights include Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Ko Kut or Ko Chang, Bangkok and Koh
Samui, Thailand; as well as Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
As the largest ship in Ponant’s fleet, the 8,282-ton Le
Diamant was built with exploration and comfort in mind. Offering 113 air-conditioned
cabins with full ocean views, Le Diamant has numerous leisure and entertainment
facilities, including a panoramic observation lounge, three restaurants, a
deckside pool and a lively club lounge.
In 2011, Le Ponant will offer three eight-night Thailand and
Malaysia cruises sailing roundtrip from Phuket. The itinerary offers ports of
call in Langkawi and Penang, Malaysia; Butang, National Park Koh Lanta, Similan
Marine National Park, Phi Phi National Park and Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. Three
departures available on January
25; February 2 and 10, 2011.
Guests will cruise in the intimate yacht-like atmosphere of
Le Ponant. With just 32 cabins, Le Ponant offers two sophisticated restaurants
and lounges, a sun deck and luxuriously furnished cabins. The cruise line’s
distinctive French touches include menus prepared by a French chef, a wide
selection of wines and superior service from the ship’s attentive crew.
Princess Cruises
Website: www.princesscruises.com
Princess Cruises
Details Down Under Cruises For 2011-2012
Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2011-2012 Australia and
New Zealand season, offering a range of cruise and cruisetour options for
exploring these dynamic destinations. As the largest cruise operator in the
region, Princess will provide myriad ways to explore the sixth largest country
in the world (Australia) and the youngest country on earth (New Zealand). Princess itineraries range from classic
Australia & New Zealand sailings to Australia & Asia adventures, aboard
ships both large and small. Travelers can also opt to add a land tour to one of these voyages for a
full land/sea adventure. Passengers can also choose to cruise “Aussie style” aboard Princess’
three locally based ships.
The delights of Australia range from distinctive Sydney
Harbour and its iconic Opera House – a UNESCO World Heritage Site –
to the expanse of the outback and the world’s largest reef, the Great Barrier
Reef. This unique land, famous for
the unmistakable sound of the didgeridoo, also features the lowest population
density in the world – only two people per square kilometer – plus
more than 10,000 beaches, the most of any country.
Cruise passengers can explore the country’s wineries,
history and wildlife with calls in Melbourne and Hobart, Tasmania. Here travelers may catch a glimpse of
Australia’s many unique creatures, including kangaroos, koalas and the
Tasmanian devil; ride horseback through the region’s finest vineyards; or even
visit the country’s last penal settlement, the infamous Port Arthur.
If travelers choose to extend their time with an Australian
cruisetour, they can experience much more of this surprising land. Highlights include the outback landmark
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, Australia’s sacred Aboriginal site and the
world's largest monolith. The
Great Barrier Reef is famous throughout the world for its outstanding diving and
snorkeling, brilliant tropical fish and scores of sea life. Northern Australia’s Kakadu National
Park surprises guest with everything from aboriginal rock art formations to an
amazing habitat of birds and other wildlife.
When cruising through New Zealand, the one attraction
guaranteed to get everyone up on deck is the scenic sailing through Fiordland
National Park. This must-see
attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the striking Fiordland
crested penguin, as well as 14 towering fjords and five icy-blue lakes.
In The Land of
the Long White Cloud passengers will also learn about the fascinating Maori
culture and may take in an entertaining haka performance, a native dance. Near Tauranga, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders also get attention with
fascinating steaming craters, exploding geysers and boiling mud. In a country where there are nine sheep
to every person, a trip to a farm for a sheep shearing or dog herding
demonstration is also a popular option; and daredevils will fit right in with
bungee jumping, which originated here.
Princess offers several cruise options for exploring these
dramatic countries, including voyages between Australia and New Zealand or
Asia. Travelers can choose either
a large amenity-filled vessel or small intimate ship, or they can opt to sail
aboard one of Princess’ three ships based in Australia year-round.
--Australia & New Zealand sailings – Princess
offers exploring down under with a season of Australia & New Zealand
sailings aboard Diamond Princess. These 12- or 13-day voyages travel
between Sydney and Auckland, calling at Melbourne, Hobart (Tasmania), Fiordland
National Park scenic cruising, Dunedin, Christchurch, and Tauranga along the
way, with a call in Wellington, New Zealand also on the 13-day voyages. Sailings run from December 2011 to January
2012.
--Australia & Asia sailings – Travelers can visit
the best of two continents aboard Diamond Princess with sailings between Sydney
and Singapore or Beijing. The
Australia & Asia itinerary takes passengers on a 19-day journey from
Singapore to the Asia ports of Ko Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Mihn City, and Bali;
plus Australian calls at Darwin, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach for the Great
Barrier Reef. The 23-day Australia
& China route also sails via northern Australia and adds ports such as
Taipei, Nagasaki, Busan (South Korea), Shanghai and Dalian. Sailings depart November 27, 2011 and
February 4, 2012.
--Ocean Princess offers several journeys between Australia and the wonders of Asia or the
beautiful islands of the South Pacific, featuring the intimate, classic
cruising atmosphere of a small ship. The 20-day Australia & Asia voyages sail to northern Australia,
including the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef and Darwin; plus call in
Bali, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Bangkok and Ko Samui in Thailand. Ocean Princess sets sail on November
12, 2011 and March 17, 2012. The
ship’s 16-day South Pacific & New Zealand voyages travel between Sydney and
Papeete, Tahiti, with calls in Tauranga, Auckland, and the island paradises of
Suva (Fiji), Apia (Samoa), Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Sailings depart on December 2, 2011 and
February 29, 2012.
--Aussie Experience sailings – Locally based ships Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess offer Aussie-style
cruising to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific from Sydney, Melbourne
and now Brisbane. Featuring
Australian dollars as the onboard currency plus dining and entertainment
options geared to Australian tastes, these sailings offer a true local
experience to passengers from all over. Itineraries include voyages to Tasmania, New Zealand, Northern Australia
and Round Australia sailings that circumnavigate the continent. These ships also feature sailings from
Australia to the South Pacific, Asia and World Cruise options roundtrip from
Sydney. Sailings depart throughout
the May 2011 to May 2012 season.
Cruisetours
Three guided land tours of Australia can be added to a
cruise to create a full land and sea vacation, covering some of the continent’s
undisputed wonders. All cruisetours include a 12- or 13-day Australia and New
Zealand cruise, plus time in cosmopolitan Sydney, including its world-famous
Opera House and Bondi Beach.
Those who want to explore the extensive Great Barrier Reef
will enjoy a high-speed catamaran tour of this living marvel with the Tropical
Highlights tour, featuring four nights on land, including two nights in Sydney
and two in Carins. Travelers will
spend a day Great Barrier Reef, plus visit with some crocodiles, explore Kuranda
Rainforest Village, and learn about the locals at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural
Park.
--The six-night Australian Outback Adventure visits the
Great Barrier Reef and ventures into the vast Australian Outback with two
nights in Sydney, one night at Ayers Rock, one night in Alice Springs and two
nights in Cairns. In the outback,
travelers will visit the famed Uluru (Ayers Rock), touring the Olgas and 36
mysterious domes plus viewing Ayers Rock at sunset. They’ll also enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience. In the town of Alice Springs travelers have
the option to ride a camel and visit Desert Park to experience local wildlife.
--The seven-night Ultimate Australia tour features the Great
Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock plus visits to Darwin and the majestic Kakadu
National Park. This land itinerary
offers two nights in Sydney, one night at Ayers Rock, one night at Kakadu, one
night in Darwin and two nights at Port Douglas for the Great Barrier Reef. Travelers will experience Kakadu’s
extensive wetlands, diverse wildlife and the largest number of accessible
Aboriginal sites in Australia. In
Darwin, visitors will explore the city, including the Darwin Museum and Windows
of the Wetlands visitor center.
Princess Cruises
Announces Details of 2011-2012 Asia Cruise Season
For the Fall 2011–Spring 2012 Asia season, Princess
Cruises will offer 14 itineraries that include more than 60 vibrant ports
throughout Asia and beyond, plus land and sea cruisetours to visit more of
mainland China. The world’s largest and most populous continent, Asia
encompasses a rich collection of nations, peoples, sights and sounds. From the grandeur of China’s Great Wall
to the jeweled palaces of Bangkok, the continent’s attractions dazzle on a
variety of Princess itineraries, including Southeast Asia and China routes,
roundtrip voyages from Australia, and multi-continent adventures that include
travel to and from Alaska, Australia, or Africa. Passengers can choose to sail on Diamond Princess, the
intimate Ocean Princess, or even aboard one of the Princess ships based “Down
Under.”
--In China, cruisers can see the ultramodern and the ancient
juxtaposed at the port of Shanghai, as the city’s gleaming skyscrapers clash
against its colorful temples. In
bustling Hong Kong, passengers can explore the former British colony from its
harbor or narrow streets. This
duty-free capital of the world offers endless shopping and unique dining
experiences on floating restaurants. On some itineraries, passengers can enjoy extra time in Hong Kong
including an overnight stay with Princess’ signature Two-Day Experience.
Travelers who opt for a China cruisetour spend extra time in
Beijing, where they can explore a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
including the massive Forbidden City where they can wander through its 250
acres of palaces, pavilions and courtyards. Once designed to keep invaders out, The Great Wall presents
an unforgettable sight, stretching more than 4,000 miles. In Xian, travelers discover one of the
20th Century’s greatest archaeological finds – more than 8,000 Terra
Cotta Warriors and horses. On the
Yangtze River cruise, passengers sail through the region’s renowned gorges, and
visit the Three Gorges Dam site.
--The cities of Japan and South Korea offer another look at
Asia, including the juxtaposition of war and peace in Nagasaki. Once a symbol of the horrors of war,
this beautiful setting today draws visitors to its Peace Park and atomic bomb
museum. Busan, South Korea’s second largest city, is the gateway to a
fascinating land that is the second-oldest country in Asia.
--Among the distinct countries of Southeast Asia, passengers
can experience the rich culture of Thailand with a visit to Bangkok, home to
gilded temples, monks in saffron-colored robes and a maze of canals. In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, the
former Saigon, bustles with activity and offers fascinating sites such as the
National History Museum, the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels. Singapore, the commercial center of
Southeast Asia, is a gleaming mix of cultures and a shopper’s paradise. As a new itinerary feature this season,
many Princess routes are now scheduled to sail in or out of Singapore, giving
passengers an opportunity to spend additional time exploring this diverse
cosmopolitan society.
Princess offers passengers a variety of Asia itineraries, to
explore China, Southeast Asia, or even multi-continent voyages. Travelers can also choose Aussie style voyages
sailing to Asia from the Australian ports of Sydney, Brisbane or Perth.
--Southeast Asia & China Sailings – Passengers can
enjoy the best of Asia as they travel between Beijing and Singapore. This 16-day voyage takes travelers to
Busan, Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City in
Vietnam, and Bangkok, with the option to add an overland excursion to
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Sailings depart
throughout the Fall 2011-Spring 2012 season aboard Diamond Princess from
October 2011 until April 2012.
--Australia & Asia sailings – Travelers can
explore two continents aboard Diamond Princess with sailings between Sydney and
Singapore or Beijing. The
Australia & Asia itinerary takes passengers on a 19-day journey from
Singapore to the Asian ports of Ko Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali;
plus Australian calls at Darwin, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach for the Great
Barrier Reef. The 23-day Australia
& China route also sails around northern Australia and adds ports such as
Taipei, Nagasaki, Busan, Shanghai and Dalian. Sailings depart November 27, 2011 and February 4, 2012.
--Australia & Asia Small Ship Experience – Ocean
Princess offers journeys between Australia and the wonders of Asia, featuring
the intimate, classic cruising atmosphere of a small ship. The 20-day Australia & Asia voyages
sail to northern Australia, including the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier
Reef and Darwin; plus call in Bali, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Bangkok and
Ko Samui in Thailand. Ocean
Princess sets sail on November 12, 2011 and March 17, 2012.
--Alaska &
Far East Sailings – Princess passengers can also explore the northern
reaches of the Pacific with voyages between Alaska and the heart of Asia. Diamond Princess sails on 15- or 19-day
itineraries between Beijing and either Anchorage or Vancouver. The ship takes passengers across the
international dateline and calls at Sapporo (Muroran), Vladivostok, Busan, and
Qingdao and Dailan in China. Sailings depart on September 24, 2011 and May 1, 2012.
--Mediterranean, India & Asia – For a far-flung
adventure, passengers can sail on a 28-day voyage from Rome to Singapore aboard
Ocean Princess. The small ship will
take cruisers to Sorrento, Athens, and Kusadasi before transiting the Suez
Canal and continuing on to Sharm El Sheik, Aqaba, Safaga, Dubai, Muscat,
Mumbai, Cochin, and Kuala Lumpur. Ocean Princess departs on October 15, 2011.
--Africa, India & Southeast Asia – The intimate
Ocean Princess also offers a 30-day journey from Singapore to Cape Town.
Passengers can enjoy the small ship experience on an itinerary to Kuala Lumpur,
Penang, Maldives, Mumbai, Muscat, Dubai, Mauritius, Reunion, Durban, and East
London, plus an overnight call in Cape Town. Travelers have the option to visit the Taj Mahal in India or
take a safari to Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The sailing departs on April 6, 2012.
--Roundtrip Asia Sailings from Australia – Australia-based
Sea Princess and Sun Princess offer a variety of sailings to Asia roundtrip
from Australia. These “Aussie
Experience” cruises offer activities and cuisine that reflect local tastes and
use Australian dollars as the onboard currency.
--Sun Princess sets off from Perth on a roundtrip Southeast
Asia Explorer itinerary that ventures to a variety of ports in a 21-day
adventure. With calls at Bali, Ho
Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore,
travelers will experience the rich diversity of Southeast Asia. The ship departs on August 11, 2011.
--The Treasures
of Asia Grand Adventure encompasses voyages to and from Singapore from Perth,
combined into an unforgettable 25-day roundtrip grand voyage. Sun Princess will call at Phuket,
Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville,
Bangkok, Ko Samui and Bali. The
adventure begins on June 18, 2011.
--The 42-day China & Japan journey sails roundtrip from
either Sydney or Brisbane. Passengers on these voyages will calls at ports such as Airlie Beach,
Darwin, Kota Kinabalu, before spending two days in Hong Kong on Princess’
signature Two-day Experience. Other stops include Shanghai, Busan, Nagasaki, Osaka, Tokyo, Iwo Jima
scenic cruising, Guam and Rabaul (Papua New Guinea). Sailings on Sea Princess and Sun Princess depart on
September 21, 2011 and Mar 4, 2012 respectively.
--Covering
several continents, the South Africa & Indian Ocean Odyssey, sails
roundtrip from Perth, on a 46-day adventure. Sun Princess will call at Asian ports such as Singapore,
Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket, then move on to India with visits to Mumbai,
Goa, and the Maldives. After crossing the Equator, the ship visits the
Seychelles, and the South African ports of Richard’s Bay, Cape Town, Port
Elizabeth, and Durban. The ship
calls at Reunion Island and Mauritius before returning to Perth. Sun Princess departs on May 3, 2011.
Cruisetours
Princess creates a full land and sea vacation for travelers
to see more of the treasures of China. Passengers can choose from two land
packages to that combine seamlessly with Diamond Princess Asia sailings. These five- or eight-day tours both
highlight China’s most dramatic attractions, including many UNESCO World
Heritage Sites.
The five-night Best of China cruisetour starts in the
bustling city of Beijing, and offers three nights in the Chinese capital and
two nights in Xian. In Beijing,
passengers will experience the ancient wonder of the Great Wall plus the Summer
Palace and Temple of Heaven (all UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the Forbidden
City and Tiananmen Square. The
mysterious Terra Cotta Warriors (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) highlight
the Xian portion of the tour, along with the Wild Goose Pagoda and a dinner
show at the Tang Palace Theatre.
The eight-night
Yangtze Experience also incorporates the highlights of Beijing (three nights)
and Xian (one night), plus includes a three-night cruise of the Yangtze River
and a night in Wuhan. Passengers
will also visit a zoo in Chongqing to view pandas before embarking on their
Yangtze River cruise vessel. Along the river they will enjoy several excursions
and cruise the Three Gorges Dam locks.
Princess Cruises
Launches Caribbean Super Sale
Princess Cruises has launched a new “Caribbean Super Sale”
offering customers significant savings on select 2010 and 2011 voyages through
the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. Travelers can choose to sail among the sun-swept islands for seven to 14
days, with fares starting at just $399.
Tropical itinerary options and pricing (per person, based on
double occupancy) available in the Caribbean Super Sale include:
--Seven-day Classic Southern Caribbean on Caribbean Princess
– starting at $399
--Seven-day Western Caribbean on Crown Princess –
starting at $449
--Seven-day Eastern Caribbean on Ruby Princess –
starting at $449
--Seven-day Southern Caribbean Explorer on Caribbean
Princess – starting at $449
--Eight-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean on Caribbean
Princess – starting at $549
--Ten-day Eastern Caribbean Voyager or Southern Caribbean
Medley on Emerald Princess or Star Princess – starting at $749
--Fourteen-day Caribbean Collection on Grand Princess
– starting at $999
These exceptional fares have limited availability. The Caribbean Super Sale promotion is
open to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Additional information about the
promotion is available at http://www.princess.com/caribbeansupersale.page
Regent Seven Seas
Cruises
Website: www.rssc.com
Free Safari Or Golden
Triangle Land Tour On Arabia, India & Africa Cruise
Dubai, Bombay,
the Seychelles, Mauritius and Africa’s Cape of Good Hope – each place
name conjures up exotic images. Regent Seven Seas Cruises visits all of them
and more on a 25-night luxury cruise, departing November 8, 2010. As an added
bonus, guests receive a free African safari or Taj Mahal land tour or $2,000 if
they book by
September 30.
The Indian Ocean Odyssey from Dubai to Cape Town visits
Fujairah, UAE; Mumbai (best known as Bombay), Goa, New Mangalore and Cochin in
India; Mahé and Praslin, Seychelles; Port Louis, Mauritius; Pointe des Galets,
Réunion; and Richards Bay and Durban in South Africa.
For a limited time, guests who reserve their cruise by
September 30 can enjoy a complimentary three-night, mid-cruise land tour to
India’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, which
they will visit on exclusive tours at sunrise and sunset. Alternatively,
cruisers can extend their vacation with a three-night photo safari to South
Africa’s game reserves. Both escorted land tours include luxury hotel
accommodations, all transfers, meals, wines and spirits. In lieu of the land
tours, travelers can save an additional $2,000 per person. With the bonus
savings, rates start from $14,780 per person, based on double occupancy.
Seabourn (Yachts
of)
Website: www.seabourn.com
Exciting Speakers For
2011 Seabourn Sojourn World Cruise
The Yachts of Seabourn has announced an exciting line-up of
prominent personalities as guest speakers for its Enrichment Program aboard the
new Seabourn Sojourn’s 111-day maiden
world cruise, departing January 5, 2011, from Los Angeles and ending in London
on April 27, 2011. Among the array of impressive luminaries is successful film
producer and studio executive Sherry Lansing, the first woman to head a major
Hollywood film studio; British journalist, author and media personality Carol
Thatcher, the daughter of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; and
the legendary restaurant critic and author Gael Greene, who helped shaped the
way many Americans think about food, and is a co-founder and board chair of the
restaurateurs’ charitable organization Citymeals-on-Wheels.
Seabourn will host the following distinguished speakers
during the world cruise:
--Onboard during segment voyage from Los Angeles to Sydney,
January 5 to February 6, 2011:
George Losey, Jr. – historian, marine biologist and
expert in South Pacific history, culture and marine life.
Mimi Shapiro – artist and instructor, who will teach
guests how to create a unique travel journal, mixing narrative with art,
photography and objects.
David Frazier and Joe Garry – Theater veterans who
have collaborated for the past 35 years. Frazier has performed more than 150
leading roles, while Garry has directed hundreds of plays and musicals.
Thomson Smillie –author and opera historian who has
worked most of his life for opera companies, including the Scottish Opera,
Wexford Festival in Ireland, the Opera Company of Boston, and the Kentucky
Opera in Louisville.
Dr. Roy Willis – world historian and avid global
traveler, Dr. Willis is a former history professor at the University of
California, Davis, who has received numerous prestigious awards and fellowships
for his scholarly works.
--Onboard during segment voyage from Sydney to Hong Kong,
February 6 to 26, 2011:
Alan Patching – one of Australia’s internationally
recognized leaders, Patching has been described as the Australian project and
business leadership guru. He is best known as Chief Executive Officer of the
entity that owned Sydney's Olympic Stadium, and he is also an expert on
Australia’s history.
John Stainton – Australian film producer and director
of documentaries and The Crocodile Hunter television series for his close
friend, the late Australian naturalist Steve Irwin.
Rick McKay – multiple award-winning producer,
director, writer and cinematographer of the hit film Broadway: The Golden Age.
Lawrence Blair – documentary filmmaker who co-produced
the internationally-acclaimed and Emmy Award-nominated BBC/PBS television
series Ring of Fire, highlighting his ten-year exploration of Indonesia.
--
Onboard during segment voyage from Hong Kong to Singapore,
February 26 to March 12, 2011:
Sherry Lansing – first woman to head a Hollywood film
studio, 20th Century Fox; responsible for blockbuster hits such as Forrest
Gump, Braveheart, Titanic, and founder of the Sherry Lansing Foundation, which
supports cancer research and other philanthropic projects. Lansing was awarded an Oscar for her
humanitarian work.
Pang Eng Fong -- former Singapore Ambassador to U.K.,
Ireland, Belgium and the European Union, South Korea, and Mongolia. Dr. Pang is
an author and professor at Singapore Management University, and former
professor at the National University of Singapore, Columbia University and
University of Michigan.
-- Onboard during segment voyage from Singapore to Dubai,
March 12 to 26, 2011:
Daniel Silke – an independent political analyst with a
special interest in political parties and elections, and a renowned Futurist
lecturing widely on globalization and the future of the world.
Hugh Thomson – a writer and filmmaker, who has
produced numerous documentaries exploring different regions around the world,
including Machu Picchu, the Himalayas, India and many more.
Bruce Riedel - a Senior Fellow in foreign policy at the
Saban Center for Middle East Policy of the Brookings Institution; a former CIA
analyst, counter-terrorism expert, and author.
--Onboard during segment voyage from Dubai to Rome, March 26
to April 15, 2011:
Ambassador Adrian Sindall – Former British diplomat
and Ambassador to Syria and British High Commissioner to Brunei.
Rick Senat – film historian, and founder and director
of the London Film Museum.
--Onboard during segment voyage from Rome to London, April
15 to April 27, 2011:
Caroline Boyle-Turner – founder of the Pont-Aven
School of Contemporary Art, historian and author on European art of the 19th
and 20th centuries.
Carol Thatcher – British journalist, author, media
personality, and daughter of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Gael Greene – legendary American restaurant critic and
co-founder and board chair of the culinary charity Citymeals-on-Wheels.
The intimate, all-suite Seabourn Sojourn entered service
June 6, 2010, bringing the number of ultra-luxury yachts in the Seabourn fleet
to five. It offers travelers highly personalized service in a relaxed, sociable
and luxurious atmosphere. The yacht carries 450 guests in 225 spacious suites,
90 percent of which have private verandas. All suites feature separate living
areas and bedrooms, writing desks with personalized stationery, iPod and MP3
connections, and spacious granite bathrooms with separate bath and shower and
twin sinks.
The two-deck, state-of-the-art Spa at Seabourn features a Spa
Villa for hours of pure indulgence and relaxation, as well as a Kneipp Walk,
herbal bath facility and an aroma steam bath with salt inhalation. Guests
aboard the new vessel enjoy dining at four venues, all without any additional
charge, as well as six bars and lounges serving a full range of beverages
including fine wines and spirits, with Seabourn’s compliments.
Fares for the full 111-day world cruise begin at $49,995 per
person, based on double occupancy, and include many valuable bonus benefits and
amenities, such as a pre-cruise Bon Voyage event with dinner and luxury
overnight in Los Angeles, numerous special shoreside events and exclusive
complimentary shore excursions, Personal Valet luggage shipping service, and
shipboard credits of $2,500 per guest. Gala onboard celebrations and special
gifts will also be offered to guests during the voyage.
For travelers who cannot sail on the entire world cruise,
shorter segments from 16-to-69 days are available, several of which also offer
value-added benefits. Segments start from $5,050 per person.
Note: Seabourn’s Enrichment Program speakers and lecturers
and dates aboard Sojourn’s world cruise are subject to change without notice.
Silversea Cruises
Website: www.silversea.com
Silversea's Top 4
Reasons To Travel Solo
Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has just sweetened the deal
for single travelers by reducing the single supplement to a mere 10 percent
(above the per-person, double-occupancy fare) for Vista, Veranda and Midship
Veranda Suites on four voyages this year. Plus, 9 new sailings have a single
supplement of just 25 percent.
Recognizing that a growing number of men and women are
traveling alone today, either by choice or necessity, the luxury cruise line is
rolling out new Solo Traveler fares that make independent travel a most
affordable and enticing option. This is the perfect time for single travelers
to treat themselves to a luxurious Silversea cruise, visit fascinating
destinations, and make friends along the way.
All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite
(most suites feature a private veranda), attentive butler service,
complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment and
entertainment programs, and all onboard gratuities.
The following voyages offer a 10 percent single supplement:
--Mediterranean Voyage 2027: Silver Wind,
August 20 to- 27, Venice to Athens. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,651
(reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from
select gateway cities.
--Caribbean Voyage 4030: Silver Whisper,
October 14 to 24, New York City to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at
$4,057 (reflecting a 55 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is
available from select gateway cities. Social Ambassadors will also be on board.
--Mediterranean Voyage 5035: Silver Spirit,
October 16 to 23, Barcelona to Lisbon. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,530
(reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from
select gateway cities.
--South America Voyage 4034: Silver Whisper, December 3 to 19, Santiago to Buenos Aires.
Solo Traveler fares start at $7,698 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount).
Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
The following new voyages offer a 25 percent single
supplement:
--Northern Europe Voyage 1026: Silver Cloud, September 1 to 11, Reykjavik to London. Solo Traveler
fares start at $5,848 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free
Air is available from select gateway cities.
--Mediterranean Voyage 2032A: Silver Wind, October 10 to 20,
Rome to Nice. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,848 (reflecting a 60 percent
Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway
cities.
--South America Voyage 4031: Silver Whisper, October 24 to
November 9, Barbados to Rio de Janeiro. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,248
(reflecting a 60 percent Silver
Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
Social Ambassadors will also be on board.
--Far East Voyage 3030: Silver
Shadow, October 29 to November 6, Bangkok to Singapore. Solo Traveler fares
start at $6,072 (reflecting a 55 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free
Air is available from select gateway cities.
--South America Voyage 4032: Silver Whisper, November 9 to
17, Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Solo Traveler fares start at $6,241
(reflecting a 55 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available
from select gateway cities.
--Africa & Indian Ocean 2035: Silver Wind, November 9 to
25, Athens to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $9,148 (reflecting a 60
percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select
gateway cities. Social Ambassadors will also be on board.
--Arabian Peninsula Voyage 2036: Silver Wind, November 25 to
December 2, Dubai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,298 (reflecting a
60 percent Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select
gateway cities.
--Indian Ocean Voyage 2037: Silver Wind, December 2 to 11,
Dubai to Mumbai. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,898 (reflecting a 60 percent
Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway
cities.
--Indian Ocean Voyage 2038: Silver Wind, December 11 to 20,
Mumbai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,898 (reflecting a 60 percent
Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway
cities.
An additional 15 voyages offer a 25 percent single
supplement. Click here for complete list of sailings offering single
supplements from ten to 25 percent, or visit Silversea.com and click on Special
Offers.
All fares listed above are per person based on double
occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees
that can range from $150 to $500 per person on these sailings, depending on the
itinerary. Solo Traveler and Silver Savings are capacity-controlled programs
and subject to availability.
*FREE AIR: A free roundtrip economy air package, that
includes transfers between airport and pier on the day of embarkation and
disembarkation, is available from 22 gateway cities in the U.S. and
Canada. It is a
capacity-controlled program offered for a limited time. Additionally, there are
specially priced air programs available from another 50 cities.
Circle Australia
Adventure: 30 Amazing Days Aboard Silver Shadow
In 2011 Silver Shadow will sail on a 30-day,
Sydney-to-Sydney Voyage 3102. From January 19 to February 18, the 382-guest,
luxury ship will follow a counterclockwise course around the vast island
continent with calls in Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Port Douglas, Cooktown,
Darwin, Broome, Exmouth, Perth, Albany, Port Lincoln, Adelaide, Geelong,
Melbourne and Hobart (Tasmania).
Throughout this special voyage, guests will enjoy an
exciting enrichment program, headlined by distinguished speakers from the
worlds of film, art, nature, academia, winemaking and cuisine:
--Prof. Geoffrey Blainey, one of Australia's best-known
historians and commentators, will share his interesting perspectives on the
Sydney-to-Darwin segment, January 19 to 29, 2011
--Mathew Macartney, executive chef of the Yarra Valley's
famed Chateau Yering (a Relais & Châteaux member property), will join the
ship January 25 to 29, Port Douglas to Darwin, to host culinary presentations;
--Prof. Craig Franklin, professor of zoology at the
University of Queensland, will discuss Australian marine wildlife, January 29
to February 11, Darwin to Adelaide;
--Noel Miller, artist renowned for his landscapes of the
Australian outback, will discuss Aboriginal art, January 29 to February 11,
Darwin to Adelaide;
--Lyn Farmer, wine consultant for Silversea and James Beard
Foundation Award-winning wine and food writer, will share his expertise, Darwin
to Port Lincoln, January 29 to February 10;
--Jamie Sach, chief spokesperson for the iconic Penfolds
Wines, will share his extensive knowledge of the wine industry, February 6 to
10, Perth to Port Lincoln;
--Simon Johnson, epicurean expert, will provide insight into
Australia's rich abundance of artisan produce, February 11 to 14, Adelaide to
Melbourne;
--George Francisco, executive chef of Jonah's, one of
Australia's oldest and most respected hospitality establishments and a Relais
& Châteaux member property, will present cooking demonstrations, February
13 to 18, Geelong to Sydney;
--John Stainton, the director and producer who directed all
of naturalist Steve Irwin's documentaries, will lecture on Australian film,
February 14 to 18, Melbourne to Sydney;
--Dr. Mark Elovitz, government advisor, historian and
director of the Center for Strategic Geopolitics, will share his insights into
world affairs throughout the 30-day voyage;
--Ian Denton, a native Australian and world explorer, will
also be on board the entire voyage to host lectures as Silversea's destination
consultant.
And to further showcase the region's intriguing cultures,
dramatic natural beauty and exotic wildlife, the line is offering two new
optional mid-voyage excursions:
** Kangaroo Island Luxury Eco Expedition -- Widely regarded
as Australia's Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is brimming with diverse wildlife and
natural beauty. Enjoy luxurious accommodation at the South Ocean Lodge and a
staff of naturalist guides to lead your exploration of the island's unique
attractions. Memorable sightings might include kangaroos, rare Cape Barron
Geese, koalas and sea lions. This three-day adventure, priced at $4,799, is
offered from Adelaide. Rejoin ship in Melbourne.
** Australian Frontiers & Train Journey -- Discover the
heart of the Australian outback by rail aboard the glamorous Indian Pacific
train as you watch unique landscapes unfold. Visit the opal-mining town of
Coober Pedy, then travel to Adelaide to enjoy a culinary and wine adventure
that takes in the famous Barossa Valley. This six-day adventure, priced at
$7,799, is offered from Fremantle (Perth). Rejoin ship in Adelaide.
The prices listed above are per person, based on double
occupancy. The optional mid-voyage land programs feature deluxe accommodations
(if overnight stays are required), all transportation, transfers, guided
sightseeing and some meals.
Aboard the Silver Shadow, guests will enjoy a crew-to-guest
ratio of nearly one to one, an all-inclusive policy that includes a premium
assortment of wines and spirits, impeccable service from a courteous and efficient
staff, and luxurious onboard amenities. The ship's all-suite accommodations
include ocean views, butler service, 24-hour room service; and fine dining
features signature dishes by Relais & Châteaux. Silver Savings fares for
this special 30-day Australia voyage start at $17,637 per person, based on
double occupancy.
Silver Whisper Heads To Russia In 2011
Departing Stockholm on August 20, 2011, Silver Whisper heads
east to St Petersburg, where a two-night stay allows guests to explore the
city’s many cultural and historical charms. The vessel then heads to Helsinki
and Mariehamn in Finland, Visby in Sweden and the Danish capital of Copenhagen.
Germany is next on the itinerary, with Silver Whisper first calling at Rostock,
before transiting the Kiel Canal to Hamburg for an overnight stay. The next
ports of call are Amsterdam in the Netherlands; Zeebrugge, Belgium; the French
towns of Honfleur and St Malo; St Peter Port in Guernsey, and Southampton, UK.
From here, Silver Whisper sails to Fowey in Cornwall,
Waterford and Cork in Ireland, followed by four days at sea where guests can
enjoy the luxurious onboard lifestyle, from indulgent spa treatments to
fascinating lectures by guest speakers. Reaching Canadian shores, the vessel
calls at St John’s in Newfoundland, then Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia.
Moving to US waters, Silver Whisper visits Newport, Rhode Island and arrives at
her final destination, New York City, on 21 September.
All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from AU$17,251* per
person, double occupancy for the full 32 day voyage, AU$6,863* for the 11-day
Stockholm-to-Hamburg sector; AU$3,898* for the seven-day Hamburg to Southampton
voyage, and AU$6,013* for the 14-day Southampton-to-New-York cruise.
*Rates in US or European currency available on website.
Silversea Lines Up
Ted Koppel And Mary Higgins Clark As Guest Lecturers
Silversea Cruises has landed two renowned celebrities from
the worlds of journalism and literature to guest lecture aboard two Silver
Whisper voyages. ABC News veteran Ted Koppel will host the ten-day,
Stockholm-to-Southampton voyage (#4025) departing August 23, 2010, and
bestselling suspense novelist Mary Higgins Clark will be the featured speaker
on the 16-day, Buenos Aires-to-Santiago cruise (#4102) departing January 20,
2011.
Ted Koppel is the managing editor for the Discovery Channel,
the largest cable network in the United States. In this role, he anchors Koppel
on Discovery, a series of programs examining major global topics and events.
The Emmy Award-winning journalist spent 42 years at ABC News. From 1980 until
2005, he was the anchor and managing editor of ABC News Nightline, one of the
most honored broadcasts in television history.
Mary Higgins Clark is known as America's Queen of Suspense.
The worldwide bestselling author -- whose books have sold over one hundred
million copies in the U.S. alone -- has penned dozens of suspense thrillers,
including one set on the high seas, Santa Cruise, co-authored with her daughter
Carol Higgins Clark. Her latest novel, The
Shadow of Your Smile, published in April, is already a New York Times
bestseller.
On their respective Silver Whisper voyages, Koppel and Clark
will host lectures and a Q&A session.
Windstar Cruises
Website: www.windstar.com
Windstar's Wind Surf
Sails The Greek Isles For First Time In Six Years
Windstar
Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden
harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers
guests exceptional opportunities to experience the mythical beauty of the Greek
Isles aboard 7-day voyages on Wind Surf in 2011.
Guests will enjoy the rich history and culture of the
region, limestone cliffs, whitewashed villages, sandy beaches and azure waters
while sailing through the Greek Isles aboard the luxurious Wind Surf.
--Wind Surf's seven-day Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey
sailings depart July 16; September 24; and October 8, 2011, visiting Mykonos,
Greece; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Kusadasi, Turkey
with rates from $3,499 per person, double occupancy.
--Wind Surf's seven-day Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece
sailings depart July 23; October 1; and October 15, 2011, visiting Kusadasi,
Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; and Mykonos, Greece
with rates from $3,499 per person, double occupancy.
Wind Surf also offers 2011 itineraries that combine the
Greek Isles and Italy or Croatia:
--Wind Surf's seven-day Athens, Greece to Rome, Italy sailings
depart July 30 and October 22, 2011, and visit Milos, Greece; Monemvassia,
Greece; Messina, Italy; Amalfi, Italy; and Ischia, Italy with rates on the July
30, 2011, sailing from $3,399 per person, double occupancy and rates on the
October 22, 2011, sailing from $2,599 per person, double occupancy.
--Wind Surf's seven-day Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece
sailing departs September 17, 2011, and visits Pula, Croatia; Trogir, Croatia;
Dubrovnik, Croatia; Pylos, Greece; and Monemvassia, Greece with rates from
$3,599 per person, double occupancy.
Wind Surf's deluxe, oceanview staterooms include beds with
luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock
speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous
L'Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area.
Wind Surf recently introduced new spa suites which include all the amenities of
a suite along with luxurious microfiber linens, spa robes, an orchid flower
arrangement, specialty pillow menu, daily fresh fruit platter, O SPA London
products, WindSpa spa experiences and events as well as unlimited Pilates and
Yoga classes. Bridge Suites offer
everything in a suite along with the additional luxury of a spacious private
living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Guests enjoy culinary wonders in Wind
Surf's The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marche and Candles. Wind Surf also features a lounge, Yacht
Club, WindSpa, casino, three bars, two pools, two hot tubs, a shop, photo
gallery and watersports platform.
