Azamara Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Costa Cruise Line
Classic Traveller
Cunard Line
Fred.Olsen Cruises
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises/Australia
Seabourn Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Star Cruises
Azamara Cruises
Azamara Cruises Offers Europe’s Treasures At A Gem Of A Price
International travelers who wish to cruise through Europe next year in the deluxe, intimate surroundings of a lushly appointed 694-guest ship can take advantage of a special Azamara cruise vacation booking promotion that includes onboard credit and complimentary standard gratuities.
Guests who book, between August 1 and August 31, 2008, any 2009 Azamara Cruises Europe sailing, will receive onboard credit in the amount of $150 for each oceanview or veranda stateroom or in the amount of $300 for each suite. Additionally, the first and second guests in each room will enjoy complimentary standard gratuities. Azamara’s 2009 Europe sailings are offered at a cruise-only or air-inclusive rate.
Azamara Cruises’ two ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, will sail in Europe between April and November 2009. Itineraries will include 20 new ports and overnight stays in some of the most romantic cities on the continent. In total, Azamara’s series of seven- to 15-night Europe itineraries in 2009 will visit 91 ports in 36 countries, and depart from five different homeports: Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Copenhagen, Denmark; Rome and Venice, Italy. Overnight stays will be offered in Barcelona, Edinburgh, Scotland; Florence and Ravenna, Italy, Istanbul, Turkey; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Stockholm, Sweden. Late-night (10 p.m. or after) departures will be offered in 10 ports of call, allowing guests to capture more of the flavor of each locale’s nightlife.
The 2009 Europe booking promotion is not combinable with any other offer. The offer is not available for European, Middle Eastern and Africa bookings. For individual reservations, the offer only applies to bookings made between August 1-31, 2008. For groups, the offer is only available for individual reservations within that group that are both fully named and deposited within the booking window of August 1-31, 2008. The offer is based on availability. The onboard credit in this offer is per stateroom, and the complimentary standard gratuities are applicable only to the first and second guests in the stateroom.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Offering Savings On Select Southern Caribbean Cruises
Vacationers who crave the blue waters, island breezes and laid-back rhythms of the Southern Caribbean can enjoy great Celebrity cruise vacations with less impact on their wallets by taking advantage of a new sales promotion offering discounted fare on certain Southern Caribbean itineraries.
The sailings included in the promotion range in length from seven to 11 nights, and take place on Celebrity Galaxy and Celebrity Summit. Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, itineraries include ports such as Oranjestad, Aruba; Bridgetown, Barbados; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Willemstad, Curacao; Roseau, Dominica; St. George’s, Grenada; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Castries, St. Lucia; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Guests who book, between August 1 and August 31, 2008, these select sailings, will receive savings in the amount of $200 per stateroom for itineraries 10 nights or longer and $100 per stateroom for seven-night itineraries. The offer applies to all Celebrity Summit sailings between December 13, 2008 and April 11, 2009, and Celebrity Galaxy sailings between December 19, 2008 and March 2, 2009. Regular, pre-discount cruise fares for the seven-night cruises included in the offer begin at $749 per person, based on double occupancy. The ten-night cruises included in the offer begin at $999 per person, based on double occupancy, and the 11-night cruises start at $1,049 per person, based on double occupancy.
This promotion is not combinable with any other offer. The offer is not available for European, Middle Eastern and Africa bookings. For individual reservations, the offer only applies to bookings made between August 1-31, 2008. For groups, the offer is only available for individual reservations within that group that are both fully named and deposited within the booking window of August 1-31, 2008. The offer is based on availability.
Costa Cruise Line
Winter European Off Season Is “On” With Budget Friendly Mediterranean Sailings
With travelers more attuned than ever to the rising cost of enjoying a European vacation, many are discovering what savvy globetrotters have long known – that sailing with Costa in the balmy Mediterranean “off season” winter months is “on.” From November through March, Costa will offer seven-to-12-night cruises throughout the Southern Mediterranean locales of the Canary Islands, Greece, Turkey, Morocco and Egypt with prices beginning at just $799 per person.
Sailing in the Mediterranean winter months offers travelers the best of both worlds in terms of value and experience when visiting Europe. Lower air fare and cruise fares combined with California-like temperatures and fewer crowds give travelers a comfortable, value-driven experience.
One of Costa’s best Winter Mediterranean values takes guests to Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands aboard the new Costa Serena on a ten-night voyage departing on December 8, 2008 with cruise fares beginning at just $799. Guests will depart from Savona (Portofino) and visit Barcelona, Casablanca, St. Cruz de Tenerife, Funchal (Madeira) and Malaga. The 3,000 double occupancy capacity Costa Serena is one of the most innovative ships in the Costa fleet, boasting one of the largest spas at sea, one of the largest enclosable pool decks on a ship and an authentic Grand Prix race car driving simulator. The Costa Serena was created for year-round winter Mediterranean cruising with its expansive wellness center and pool deck that may be enjoyed any time of the year.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.
A Spa Escape That Gives Travelers A Vacation
For many spa-going travelers, top spa retreats in mountain locales and countryside villas have made way for a new type of spa experience – cruising the Mediterranean aboard the Costa Serena and Costa Concordia. Both ships boast the award-winning Samsara Spa, a 23,000 square-foot wellness haven featuring Ayurvedic treatments and European-style spa amenities. Exclusive accommodations with direct access to the spa come complete with spa packages and privileges to a private wellness restaurant, creating a vacation within a vacation for travelers cruising the ships’ Mediterranean routes.
Guests who choose spa accommodations receive a host of luxurious amenities including flat screen televisions, a special set of Elemis bath accessories and a “Welcome Ritual,” all included in the cruise price.
The “Welcome Ritual” features unlimited access to the spa and its European-style amenities including a thalassotherapy pool, rock sauna, steam baths, hot and cold thermal baths, ocean-view solariums, relaxation lounges, and a tepidarium. Guests who reserve these accommodations will also receive two complimentary spa treatments, two complimentary fitness and wellness classes, a personalized wellness consultation with a spa expert, two sun-lamp sessions in the solarium and an invitation to a special Japanese spa tea ceremony. In addition, guests who reserve exclusive Samsara Spa accommodations will have access to wellness cuisine in the Ristorante Samsara. This specialty restaurant features spa-friendly cuisine in an intimate atmosphere.
The 23,000 square-foot Samsara Spa, one of the largest at sea, also features an ocean-view fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, an expansive fitness studio for wellness and meditation classes, and a full service beauty salon. The Costa Serena features a Samsara Spa with 99 accommodations (87 cabins and 12 suites) while the Costa Concordia boasts 67 (55 cabins and 12 suites.) Both provide a veritable extension of the experience at all times with direct access to the spa via elevator and stairs.
Elements of the spa’s invigorating treatments and stunning design are inspired by the meaning of “Samsara,” which is associated with the path to spiritual enlightenment, bliss and balancing of life energies. The Samsara Spa features numerous treatments composed of aromatic herbs, essential oils, exotic plants and Ayurvedic essences. Ayurvedic-inspired treatments include Shirodhara, a treatment where a flow of warm oil is directed onto the third eye (forehead) to induce the alpha state of deep relaxation, integrate brain function and create brain wave coherence. This is followed by luxurious Eastern massage techniques on the scalp, which focus on meridian lines and the crown chakra, bringing harmony and well-being to the body. The popular Shiorobhyanga Massage focuses on releasing tension through the Marma points on the hands, back and feet. Beginning with Shirodhara, a warm stream of oil soothes the third eye, calms the mind and enhances awareness. Warm oil is then slowly drizzled on hands, forearms, feet and back which are then treated to an invigorating massage, releasing blocked energy, stress and tension through Marma points.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com .
Classic Traveller
Classic Traveller Launches First Brochure Of Cruises Aboard ‘Marco Polo’
The Classic Traveller has released its first ever stand-alone brochure of relaxed coastal cruises with saving of up to £800 per person on selected departures. The program features an enticing and varied range of cruise itineraries aboard the Marco Polo, a cruise ship known for its friendly atmosphere, attentive service and extremely high levels of customer satisfaction. With only 425 cabins, the Marco Polo offers an intimate cruising experience, making it a popular choice for the more discerning cruise passenger.
High standards and keen pricing are synonymous with The Classic Traveller and, as with all the company’s holidays, the selection of coastal cruises promises exceptional value for money. Cruises cost from just £69 per person per night, full-board, with all onboard gratuities being included in the price. Seventy percent of the cabins have ocean views and many of the cruise itineraries are sold exclusively to the UK market, so the sumptuous cuisine and quality evening entertainment are very much geared to the British traveler. In addition, The Classic Traveller does not levy any fuel surcharges whatsoever and so once a deposit has been paid, the price is guaranteed no matter how much the cost of oil should rise. This assurance that customers’ holiday costs will not spiral out of control is a great comfort in the currently uncertain economic climate.
Some of the largest savings can be found over the winter period, when the Marco Polo will be offering a number of cruises to the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica, where the ship’s reinforced hull is perfect for plying the frigid waters.
There will be two festive cruises to Antarctica, which offer a thorough exploration of this wonderland of snow and ice during the Christmas and New Year period. The 14-day Christmas in the Ice Kingdom cruise costs from £2,699 per person, saving up to £800 per person. This departs on December 16, 2008, taking in the Falkland Islands and highlights on the frozen continent of Antarctica, with a White Christmas guaranteed! Alternatively, the 16-day New Year in Antarctica cruise, departs on December 27 and follows a similar itinerary, with prices from £2,999 per person, also saving up to £800 per person. Both prices include full-board accommodation, onboard entertainment, port taxes and return flights from the UK.
Further savings are available on the 24-day Voyage to Rio which departs from Tilbury on November 5, 2008 and sails to Lisbon, Madeira and the Cape Verde Islands before touring Brazil’s Atlantic coastline, with stops including Natal, Salvador and finally Rio de Janeiro. The holiday costs from £1,949 per person, saving £550 per person, and includes full-board accommodation, onboard entertainment, port taxes and flights from Rio back to London.
Many of the featured cruises depart directly from British shores, which means that customers can access the ship without the hassle and expense of flying overseas. What’s more, The Classic Traveller has negotiated special rates with National Express to offer coach transfers to the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury from anywhere in the UK from only £29 per person (or £10 per person from London Victoria station). There are 12 ex-UK departures on offer, with prices leading in at £479 per person for the seven-day Norway in the Spring itinerary. Departing on April 22, 2009, the cruise takes in the stunning scenery of the Norwegian fjords at their seasonal best, when spring blooms carpet the hillsides and melting snow cascades down the cliffs to create spectacular waterfalls. The price includes six nights’ full-board accommodation, onboard entertainment and all port taxes.
The brochure features eight brand new itineraries including the nine-day British Isles Highlights cruise, which departs on May 5, 2009 and circles the British mainland, calling at Scotland’s Cromarty Firth (gateway to the Highlands) and the Isle of Skye before moving on to the Isle of Man, Dublin, Guernsey and the French seaside town on Honfleur. This cruise costs from £679 per person, to include eight nights’ full-board accommodation, onboard entertainment and all port taxes.
Also new is the 13-day Scandinavian Highlights & St Petersburg itinerary, which departs on July 14; this costs from £979 per person and takes in four capital cities (Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn) alongside a comprehensive range of optional excursions. The holiday also allows two full days to explore historic St Petersburg; home to many of the artistic and architectural treasures of Russia’s imperial past (including the world-famous Hermitage Museum). Both these cruises feature ex-UK departures with no need to fly whatsoever.
For more information or to book call The Classic Traveller on 0800 988 5843 or visit the website at www.theclassictraveller.co.uk
Cunard Line
Queen Mary 2's European program is proving especially popular for summer 2009 and as a result two new voyages have just been introduced. Choose from an eight-night Iberian voyage departing July 12, 2009 or a four-night voyage departing July 20, 2009.
Both voyages sail round-trip from Southampton so you can forget about luggage restrictions and airport check-ins and begin your holiday from the moment you step on board!
Eight-night Iberian Cruise Fares from:
Queens Grill £3,219 Princess Grill £2,499
Club Balcony £1,799
Deluxe Balcony £1,459
Premium Balcony £1,049
Standard Oceanview £999
Standard Inside from £799
20 - 24 July 2009
Four-night cruise departs Southampton for Zeebrugge for Bruges/Brussels,
Rotterdam, Cherbourg.
Fares from:
Queens Grill £1,619
Princess Grill £1,329
Club Balcony £1,159
Deluxe Balcony £999
Premium Balcony £839
Standard Oceanview £799
Standard Inside from £499
Website: www.cunard.com
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines
Olsen Launches Minibrochure of Select 2008/09 Winter Cruises
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a mini-brochure of selected winter cruises, many of which offer an additional bonus of free onboard credit. There are cruises aboard all five ships – Balmoral, Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar and Black Prince – to destinations including the Caribbean, Canaries, Iberia and West Africa, all offering autumn and winter sun.
-- Black Prince’s Contrasts of Greece cruise departs Liverpool on November 10, 2008 for 21 nights (BP828). Ports of call include Almeria, Cagliari (Sardinia), Souda Bay, Greece, Thira (Santorini), Piraeus (Greece) and Valletta (Malta) and the cruise has an Arts Club theme of Comedy offering extra entertainment for no extra cost. Prices for this cruise start from £1,224 per person, with an additional £200 on board credit per cabin.
-- Braemar’s Pearls of the Caribbean fly/cruise of 15 nights (BM219) departs January 8, 2009, with flights from Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester to join the ship in Miami. The islands visited include Dominican Republic, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua, as well as Florida’s Key West. The cruise also offers a theme of Painting through Fred. Olsen’s Arts Club, and Flagship Golf, an exclusive golfer’s package for £400 per player. Prices are from £1,162 per person and there is an onboard spending credit of £100 per cabin.
-- Balmoral’s Colorful Mediterranean is a 14-night cruise departing from Dover on November 16,2008 (BL027). This cruise visits Malaga, Barcelona, Palma, Valencia, Gibraltar and Lisbon and offers both The Arts Club with a theme of Wine and Flagship Golf, priced at £350 per person in the Mediterranean. Prices start from £984 per person, with an additional onboard spending credit of £100 per cabin.
More details of all these Winter Warmer cruises can be found at www.fredolsencruises.co.uk . Agents can book online via F-OCAL or Amadeus Cruise, or call Reservations on 01473 742424.
Holland America Line
HAL’s 2009 Mexico Cruises Feature Bahia Magdalena and SantaCruz Huatulco
Holland America Line is introducing the new port of Santa Cruz Huatulco, Oaxaca, and scenic cruising through wildlife-abundant Bahia Magdalena on selected 2009 Mexico cruises. A breeding ground for migrating gray whales, Bahia Magdalena highlights the seven-day Mexican Riviera itineraries, while Santa Cruz Huatulco is featured on the new 12-day Pacific Mexico cruises sailing roundtrip San Diego. These – and Holland America’s nine- and ten-day Sea of Cortez cruises – feature the adventurous shore excursion to Mexico’s famed Copper Canyon.
In 2009 the premium cruise line features sun-splashed itineraries ranging from seven to 15 days on the ms Ryndam and ms Oosterdam, most sailing roundtrip from the convenient homeport of San Diego.
-- Seven-day Mexican Riviera Sailings with Bahia Magdalena
In 2009 the Vista-class, 1,848-guest Oosterdam begins with seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises departing Saturdays January 3 through February 21, roundtrip from San Diego. Guests visit the popular ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, plus enjoy scenic cruising through Bahia Magdalena. Renowned for its gray whale watching, Bahia Magdalena is also home to dolphins, sea lions and an amazing array of birds including eagles, pelicans, herons and ibis.
Guests enjoy a full day in each port for exploration. Cabo San Lucas offers sport-fishing, sea kayaking, whale-watching and snorkeling/diving opportunities; Mazatlan is renowned for its golden beaches and cosmopolitan resort flavor; and Puerto Vallarta provides a mix of colonial charm, bustling markets and superb shopping. Guests also have two relaxing days at sea when they can pamper themselves at the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and enjoy many other shipboard amenities and activities.
In the fall, the 1,258-guest ms Ryndam sails the same itinerary departing October 10 through November 21. Cruise fares start at $599 per person, double occupancy; taxes and fuel supplement are additional.
-- Sea of Cortez Cruises, plus Copper Canyon
The Ryndam showcases the Sea of Cortez with ten-day winter/spring cruises departing February 3 to April 24 roundtrip from San Diego. The itineraries feature Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Topolobampo, Loreto, scenic cruising past the Sierra de la Giganta mountains, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.
From Topolobampo, guests can opt for the full-day excursion to Mexico’s spectacular Copper Canyon, accessible only via the Chihuahua Pacifico railway which travels from sea level to 7,200 feet. In Loreto they can visit the Bahia de Loreto Marine Park for scuba diving, fishing and wildlife watching, go climbing and biking in the mountainous terrain of the Sierra la Giganta or absorb history at the two oldest Jesuit posts in the region: 1697 Nuestra Señora de Loreto Mission and 1699 San Javier Mission. Shore excursions from La Paz include snorkeling at Los Islotes, home to a sea lion colony. Cruise fares start at $999 per person, double occupancy.
The Ryndam also sails a nine-day Sea of Cortez itinerary in the fall with departures October 24 and November 28 roundtrip from San Diego. It offers all the above ports except La Paz.
In addition the Ryndam offers two Sea of Cortez cruises between San Diego and Vancouver, both of which call at the new port of Guaymas on the Sonoran coast. A 14-day cruise departs San Diego on April 24, and a 15-day cruise departs Vancouver on September 25. Both include variations of the ten-day itinerary ports of call plus Guaymas, known for its intriguing mix of golden beaches, fishing, scuba diving, golf, colonial buildings, the San Jose de Guaymas Mission and El Sahuaral, a giant cactus area.
In the fall, the Ryndam also sails a 12-day Pacific Mexico itinerary departing November 2 and December 7 roundtrip from San Diego. It visits Manzanillo, Acapulco, Santa Cruz Huatulco — a warm seaside resort also know for its bird-watching opportunities — Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.
Starting cruise fares for the nine- to 15-day itineraries range from $999 to $1,499 per person, double occupancy; taxes and fuel supplement are additional. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
MSC Cruises
Two Of MSC Cruises’ Newest Ships To Sail 2009-10 Caribbean Season
North American guests will be able to experience the Caribbean on two of MSC Cruises’ newest and largest ships when MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica arrive in Fort Lauderdale for their inaugural 2009-10 Caribbean seasons.
In addition to sailing on the two newest of the line’s popular Musica-class ships, guests can select from a variety of roundtrip itineraries that includes seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings and four different 1tennight itineraries. Itineraries feature many of the most popular ports of call as well as several exciting not-so-often visited ports, such as Playa del Carmen, Curacao and Aruba, on select itineraries.
Cruise-only rates begin at $499 per person, double occupancy for seven-night cruises and $749 per person, double occupancy for ten-night itineraries. Government fees and taxes are additional, as is a fuel surcharge.
As with all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids ages 17 and under sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
Both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia feature 1,275 staterooms, of which 80 percent are outside staterooms and 65 percent have a balcony. There will be 236,000 square feet of public spaces, 2 pools and 4 hot tubs, plus a 13,000-square-foot spa. On each ship, guests can select from four restaurants, including a Sushi Bar alternative dining restaurant.
In addition, MSC Magnifica features a Magrodome that allows guests to enjoy the pool area no matter what the elements.
MSC Magnifica will be christened on December 5, 2009 in Hamburg, Germany. She will depart two days later on a 19-night Grand Passage to the New World to Port Everglades that calls in Amsterdam, Dover, Lisbon, Funchal, Fort de France, St. John’s, Charlotte Amalie and San Juan.
Once in Fort Lauderdale, MSC Magnifica will sail roundtrip seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries through April 7, 2010. Eastern Caribbean Enchantment itineraries call at San Juan, Phillipsburg, Roadtown and Nassau; Western Caribbean Island Treasures & Ancient Temples itineraries call at Key West, Playa Del Carmen, Georgetown, Montego Bay and Nassau.
On April 17, 2010 she will sail a seven-night Bermuda – Paradise in Pink itinerary that calls at King’s Wharf, Bermuda and Nassau, Bahamas.
MSC Magnifica will depart April 24, 2010 on a 19-night Bluewater Adventure Across the Atlantic” that stops in New York City, King’s Wharf, Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, La Coruna and Dover before arriving in Copenhagen.
-- MSC Poesia arrives in Fort Lauderdale November 10, 2009 for her inaugural Caribbean season following a 17-night “Grand Transatlantic Adventure.” Her itineraries will feature some of the most popular destinations, such as Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and Panama.
MSC Poesia’s itineraries include:
-- Happy Holidays, Caribbean Style – seven-night Eastern Caribbean departing December 20, 2009, calling in San Juan, St. John’s, Philipsburg and Nassau;
-- Caribbean and Confetti New Year’s – seven-night Western Caribbean celebration departing December 27, 2009, calling at Playa del Carmen, Georgetown, Montego Bay and Nassau;
-- Southern Sunswept Caribbean – ten-night Southern Caribbean itineraries departing November. 10, 2009 and February 17, 2010, calling in Curacao, Bonaire, Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas;
-- Remarkable Rainforests and the Panama Canal – ten-night Deep Western sailings departing December 10, 2009; January 18, 2010 and February 27, 2010, calling in Grand Cayman, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico;
-- Dazzling Dutch Caribbean and the Panama Canal – ten-night southwest Caribbean experiences departing November 20, 2009 and February 7, 2010, calling in Curacao, Aruba, Colombia, Panama and Mexico; and
--Tropical Splendors, European Charm – ten-night southeast Caribbean itineraries, sailing November 30, 2009; January 8 and 28, 2010, calling in Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Barbados, Martinique, St. Maarten and the Bahamas.
The ship will depart North American waters on March 9, 2010 on a 17-night Island-Hopping Across the Atlantic sailing that includes calls in San Juan, Phillipsburg, Funchal, Malaga, Palma, La Valletta and Dubrovnik, before arriving in Venice.
For more information about MSC Cruises and its exciting line-up of ships and itineraries, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or a local travel professional.
Norwegian Cruise Line
‘Norwegian Majesty’ Offers Five Cruises To Bermuda Starting August 30
Norwegian Majesty’s first Bermuda cruises from Philadelphia begin August 30, when the ship embarks on five week-long trips, each offering three days in St. George’s.
This is the first time that Majesty is sailing from the Port of Philadelphia and Camden this season.
Following the Bermuda series, Norwegian Majesty will offer weekly cruises to New England/Canada in October. On November 1, the ship embarks on a 14-day repositioning voyage to Charleston via the Southern Caribbean. Website: www.ncl.com
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises Introduces ‘Once In A Lifetime’ Shore Excursions
P&O Cruises is offering a new collection of shore excursions for holidaymakers setting sail in 2008/09. Designed to meet and exceed the needs of new and more adventurous cruise passengers, the program offers a range of must do activities and experiences on land, sea and in the air.
Highlights of the Mediterranean shore excursion program are:
--Driving a red Ferrari F430 for the day through the streets of Italy from the port of Livorno.
-- Creating a personal fragrance with master perfumers in The Galimard Studio in Grasse, from port of Cannes (from 2009).
-- Learning how to make fresh Tuscan specialties in a farmhouse overlooking the Alps, from the port of Livorno.
In the Caribbean, highlights include:
-- Zip wiring through the rainforest, in Jamaica
-- Racing a private Beneteau 40 yacht, in Antigua.
Highlights in the Baltic / Northern Europe are:
-- Exploring glaciers and ice-fields on a snow truck, from Reykjavik.
-- Floating downstream on the River Suldalslågen, for a two-kilometer (1 1/4 mile) Salmon Safari’, from Stavanger.
For more information on P&O Cruises holidays and shore excursions, visit www.pocruises.co.uk.
P&O Cruises/Australia
Christmas Takes An Aussie Twist With P&O Cruises
Holidaymakers can enjoy Christmas with a distinctly Australian twist on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun this festive season – barefoot beach cricket on an idyllic South Pacific island.
On Christmas Eve, teams of passengers will land on both Isle of Pines and Mystery Island for a game of beach cricket, with the ships’ crew taking on guests as both sides work off their holiday feasting. Back onboard, guests will have the chance to show off their unique talents in front of a supportive home crowd by taking part in special Christmas choirs and traditional Christmas Eve concerts to be held on deck on both ships.
On Christmas Day, guests can frock-up for a formal gala evening complete with cocktail party amongst an amazing Christmas-themed ice carving display, followed by a traditional five-course Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
Cabins are still available on Christmas and New Year sailings from Sydney on Pacific Dawn and from Brisbane on Pacific Sun, with fares including accommodation, all meals and onboard entertainment.
Festive celebrations on Pacific Dawn begin when she sails from Sydney on December 17, 2008, visiting Noumea and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, Ouvea in the Loyalty Islands and Vanuatu’s Vila and Mystery Island. Fares for the ten-night cruise start from $1495* per person twin share.
-- Pacific Sun’s nine-night Christmas at Sea departs from Brisbane on December 20, 2008, visiting New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines, Ouvea in the Loyalty Islands and Vanuatu’s Mystery Island and Vila. Fares start from $1976* per person twin share.
Fares for Pacific Sun’s 12-night New Year cruise start from $2601* per person twin share. Departing Brisbane on December 29, 2008, the voyage includes calls to New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
-- Pacific Dawn’s 12-night New Year cruise departs Sydney on December 27, 2008, visiting New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Fares start from $2926* per person twin share.
Sydney-based superliner Pacific Dawn features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, “The Dome” entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge and fitness centre.
For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on
13 24 69 or visit www.pocruises.com.au.
Seabourn Cruise Line
New Sectors Released for ‘Seabourn Odyssey’s Maiden World Voyage
The Yachts of Seabourn, has released six new sectors for the 108-night maiden world voyage of its new ultra-luxury ship, Seabourn Odyssey.
Australians can experience the best cruising has to offer on sailings to and from Sydney on the 2010 voyage, with early booking discounts of up to 40 per cent making the journey even more enticing.
Opportunities to experience Seabourn Odyssey include:
-- A 17-night cruise sailing from Papeete in Tahiti to Sydney on February 6, 2010 taking in French Polynesia, Kiribati, the Cook Islands and New Zealand. Fares are available from US$10,260* per person twin share.
-- A 20-night cruise sailing from Sydney to Hong Kong on February 24, 2010 visiting the Southeast Asian ports of Bali, Brunei and Borneo. Fares are available from US$12,072* per person twin share.
In addition, six new extended world cruise sailings have been released including two from Sydney:
-- A 59-night voyage to the Greek city of Piraeus departing Sydney February 24, 2010, with fares available from US$33,462* per person twin share.
-- A 43-night cruise through Southeast Asia to Dubai departing February 24, 2010, with discount fares starting from US$25,950* per person twin share.
Seabourn Odyssey’s magnificent 108-day world cruise - a first for Seabourn - will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on January 5, 2010 and will include visits to Melbourne on February 22, Sydney on February 24-25, Cairns on March 1 and Darwin on March 4, 2010. Touching five continents, the world cruise will call at a range of exotic ports including Bora Bora, Bali, Saigon and Istanbul, offering guests opportunities to experience bespoke excursions at each destination, while traveling in the pampered, casually elegant style that is Seabourn’s signature.
For more information on the 2010 World Cruises aboard Seabourn Odyssey, www.seabourn.com.
* Fares are in US dollars and subject to availability. Conditions apply.
Silverea Cruises
Silversea's ‘Prince Albert II’ To Explore French Polynesia March To October 2009
Silversea Cruises has revealed details of its 2009 schedule of expeditions for the Prince Albert II, calling for the ship's deployment in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009. An exciting collection of new itineraries will feature the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. For the balance of the year, the 132-guest luxury expedition ship will offer a series of Antarctic explorations with convenient roundtrip departures from Ushuaia.
The ship's positioning in Tahiti is the result of numerous efforts and successful meetings between Silversea and the French Polynesian government.
Highlights of the 2009 French Polynesia program include:
Austral Island Adventures
Nestled in the Tropic of Capricorn, the remote Austral Islands lie hundreds of miles south of Tahiti and enjoy a slightly cooler climate. Tubuai, largest of these volcanic islands, is probably best known for the failed landing attempts of the H.M.S. Bounty. (The island's villagers assaulted the unwelcome ship with a barrage of stones, and ultimately the mutineers sailed off to Pitcairn.) Prince Albert II and her fleet of eight Zodiac boats will explore the unique culture, flora and fauna of Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rurutu and Rimatara on five 11-day, roundtrip journeys from Papeete. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,897 per person, based on double occupancy.
Journeys To The Marquesas
The mountainous islands of the Marquesas are located nearly 900 miles northeast of Tahiti and just south of the equator. With a lush, vibrant terrain bursting with myriad exotic flowers and fruit trees, it's easy to understand how this tropical paradise captivated the artist Paul Gauguin, who made the Marquesas his adopted home. On four roundtrip journeys of 14 days from Papeete, Prince Albert II's expedition team will lead in-depth explorations of Fatu Hiva, Pua Mau, Hiva Oa, Atuona, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva and Tahuata, as well as Manihi and Fakarava Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands of Bora Bora and Tahaailver Sailing fares start at $4,917 per person, based on double occupancy.
Tuamotu Expeditions
The isolated Tuamotu Islands, northeast of Tahiti, comprise the world's largest chain of atolls. Its 78 sparsely populated coral islands span over 900 miles of aquamarine waters. Dotted with quaint villages, coral churches and an abundance of wildlife -- from bottlenose dolphins and coconut crabs to the rarest of birds, this remote archipelago offers endless possibilities for real Robinson Crusoe-style adventures. Departing from Papeete, Prince Albert II will embark on five 10-day expeditions to the Tuamotu islands of Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava, as well as Raiatea, Maupihaa and Huahine in the Society Islands. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,597 per person, based on double occupancy.
The Prince Albert II offers full-scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style. With the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship, guests will enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations (many with French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalized service (with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1), and Silversea's generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, bottled water, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities. Plus, complimentary Butler Service is provided in the Grand and Owner's Suites.
Detailed information and complete itineraries for Prince Albert II's 2009 expeditions are available at www.silversea.com .
Silversea's 2009 Voyage Atlas Now Available
Silversea Cruises has published its new full-color, 120-page Voyage Atlas for 2009, a visually captivating brochure with a focus on luxury and exotic destinations for its four all-suite ships, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, and the company's new expedition ship, Prince Albert II.
Now available in print and online at www.silversea.com, the comprehensive guide contains over 130 imaginative itineraries offered aboard the line's classic fleet as well as 26 exciting expeditions set for the Prince Albert II. The 2009 schedule features all seven continents, over 80 countries, and more than 300 distinct destinations.
The new Atlas opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea's unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans, savings programs and general information.
Grand Pacific Voyage
A highlight of Silversea's 2009 season is the company's first-ever Grand Pacific Voyage, a 92-day extended odyssey timed to coincide with prime regional seasons of the Pacific Ocean. Departing Los Angeles on March 7, 2009, Silver Shadow will follow the mild trade winds of spring as they dry the skies south of the equator, find northern Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom, and arrive in Alaska as the region awakens from its winter slumber with warmer, longer days. On this epic journey, guests will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
In addition to the $2,000 per suite onboard spending credit, other special amenities available to guests sailing the full voyage include complimentary hotel accommodations in Los Angeles on the eve of departure, plus transfer and baggage handling between airport, hotel and ship. Fares start at $53,453 per person, based on double occupancy.
French Polynesia
Also on next year's schedule is an enticing collection of expedition cruises to French Polynesia aboard Prince Albert II, which will be deployed in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009.
For a complimentary copy of the 2009 Voyage Atlas, visit www.silversea.com.
Star Cruises
Star Cruises’ ‘Superstar Libra’ Unveils New Itineraries For Autumn 2008
Star Cruises’ 1,480 guest SuperStar Libra, which is currently operating a series of two- and three- night short cruises from Keelung, Taiwan, is being redeployed this autumn/winter. Between November 2008 and March 2009, SuperStar Libra will operate a series of alternating three-, four- and seven-night itineraries from Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang – Malaysia), Singapore and Phuket.
Highlight itineraries from SuperStar Libra’s winter 2008-2009 season include:
From Singapore
-- A seven-night Phuket, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi cruise only from £723.60 pp
-- A four-night Phuket cruise-only from £446 pp
From Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)
-- A seven-night Phuket, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi and Singapore cruise only from £723.60 pp
-- A four-night Phuket and Singapore cruise-only from £446 pp
From Phuket
-- A seven-night Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi or Penang and Singapore cruise only from £723.60 pp
Prices are subject to availability.
From November 2008, the 1,960 guest SuperStar Virgo will also be sailing from Singapore, and is offering five night cruises to Phuket (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Port Klang (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia) and Malacca (Malaysia); three night cruises to Penang (Thailand) and Phuket (Thailand), and two night cruises to Malacca (Malaysia) and Port Klang (Malaysia), until the end of March 2009.
The new range of cruises being offered are popular with the UK or North American market as they offer stops in a variety of destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, Phuket Island and Langkawi Island. Plus, the combination of destinations offers an alternative to a tour in the region.
Star Cruises is the only cruise line operating year round in Asia Pacific. For more information call 0845 260 8880 or visit www.starcruises.com.
