Carnival Cruise Lines

Celebrity Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Fred.Olsen. Cruise Line

Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Line

Holland America

MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

SeaDream Yacht Club

Silversea Cruises

Windstar Cruises

 

Carnival Cruise Line

First Year-Round Cruise Program From Charleston Begins In 2010

Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce the first year-round cruise schedule from Charleston, South Carolina with the deployment of the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy in May 2010. Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West, Fla., from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston beginning May 18, 2010.

On Carnival Fantasy’s new Charleston-based cruises, Carnival is expected to carry more than 140,000 passengers annually from the port. Including Charleston, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate from 20 North American homeports in 2010, with 12 year-round departure points.

On its new Charleston-based program, Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages on a variety of departure days beginning May 18, 2010.

Five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.

Carnival Fantasy is currently based in New Orleans and is scheduled to transfer to Mobile for a program of four- and five-day cruises that will operate from that port from Nov. 10, 2009 through May 10, 2010.

Replacing the Carnival Fantasy in Mobile will be its sister ship, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which will reposition from San Diego to launch year-round service from that port May 15, 2010. In addition to four- and five-day cruises from Mobile, Carnival Elation will operate a series of seven-day Western Caribbean voyages in spring, summer and fall 2010.

Prior to the start-up of its new Mobile-based program, Carnival Elation will sail on a 15-day Panama Canal cruise departing from San Diego April 30. Guests will have the option of debarking the vessel in Tampa on May 14 or in Mobile on May 15. Featured ports will include Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; and Puntarenas, Costa Rica; followed by a Panama Canal transit; and visits to Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman. Website: www.carnival.com 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises And Bon Appétit Team Up For The Joys Of Cooking

In December of this year, Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Life Savor Series and Bon Appétit will present their second at-sea experience focusing on the joys of cooking and dining: a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on Celebrity Solstice. Celebrity Solstice will depart Fort Lauderdale, Florida on December 13, 2009, on a round-trip voyage that includes calls at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

The featured guest chef will be one of the foremost chefs in the U.S., Chef Marc Murphy, owner and executive chef of three popular New York City restaurants: Landmarc [TriBeca], Landmarc [at the Time Warner Center] and Ditch Plains. Chef Murphy will lead several culinary demonstrations and share his experiences via two enrichment lectures. During the cruise, Celebrity will feature special custom dishes inspired by Chef Murphy in addition to the traditional menu served in the Grand Epernay Dining Room.

Celebrity’s most loyal guests, members of the line’s Captain’s Club program, will be offered the opportunity to participate in a shore excursion with Chef Murphy (on a space-available basis).

The seven-night sailing will also feature food and wine trivia, a recipe contest, a cooking class and an interactive cooking competition.

Travelers are encouraged to visit www.celebritycruises.com/bonappetit for more details.

Celebrity Century To Return To The Mediterranean In 2010

Celebrity Cruises will redeploy Celebrity Century to the Mediterranean next summer. The new sailings replace the previously announced series of four- and five-night cruises from Miami (Florida) between May and October 2010.

Celebrity Century will continue to sail four and five-night Caribbean cruises from November 2009 until early May 2010.

As a prelude to its European season, the ship will depart Miami on May 20, 2010, on a 14-night transatlantic cruise calling at Ponta Delgada (Azores); Lisbon (Portugal) Seville (Spain) and Malaga (Spain) before porting in Barcelona (Spain). Arriving on June 3, 2010 Celebrity Century will begin a series of 12-night, roundtrip Mediterranean cruises.

Ports of call on the new sailings include; Cannes, Monte Carlo, Nice, Provence, Sicily and Salerno on Italy’s Amalfi Coast; Florence/Pisa and Rome; Venice, Ephesus (Turkey), Athens (Greece) and Dubrovnik (Croatia).

Celebrity Century’s 2010 Europe season will end with a 14-night transatlantic voyage departing Barcelona on 25 October 2010, calling at Malaga (Spain), Madeira (Portugal), Tenerife (Canary Islands) and La Palma (Canary Island) before arriving into Miami (Florida) where Celebrity Century will resume its popular four and five-night Caribbean sailings.

All guests with confirmed bookings on Celebrity Century’s four and five-night Caribbean sailings between May 20 and November 4, 2010, are being contacted with the option to be re-accommodated from their four or five-night cruise on Celebrity Century to a seven-night sailing on Celebrity Solstice, subject to availability, in a similar category at the same price paid.

Crystal Cruises

New Holy Land Journeys Take Crystal Guests To Israel & Egypt

Crystal Cruises is unveiling its first ever Crystal Overland Adventures from Ashdod on its Holy Land cruise this fall. A choice of three three-night journeys transport travelers to such revered sites as the 2,000 year old Rose City of Petra, the Pharaohs’ tombs in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and the Dead Sea, among other astonishing destinations where Christian, Jewish and Islamic civilizations took root. The 12-day cruise sails from Athens to Venice October 8 aboard Crystal Serenity, with visits to Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu and Dubrovnik.

Rejoining the ship in Alexandria, Egypt, all three of the new programs feature the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem’s Time Elevator and Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza, plus Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, with more than 100,000 relics. Attractions specific to each program include:

* NEW! Israel, Petra & Cairo –Jordan’s Petra, the archaeological site hidden for thousands of years, and whose only entrance is through the Siq, a narrow gorge of spectacular beauty;

* NEW! Israel, Luxor & Cairo – Luxor’s Valley of Kings, where Tutankhamen’s tomb was unearthed; and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the only female pharaoh in history; and

* NEW! Israel In-depth & Cairo – Masada, a fortress built by King Herod; and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth with more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world.

The cruise features an Ancient Civilizations Experiences of Discovery focus with guest archeologists and experts providing regional background on board, as well as during select excursions ashore. More than a dozen partial- and full-day excursions from Ashdod are also offered, several of them brand new.

Fares for the Israel and Egypt Crystal Overland Adventures start at $3,679 per person; cruise fares start at $4,940 per person, both double occupancy, including $1,000 per person All Inclusive – As You Wish onboard credits.

For terms and conditions and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal Introduces All-New Lower Fares Plus Added Value For 2010

In response to recent research on today’s affluent travelers’ cruise decision-making priorities, Crystal Cruises announced a complete revamping of its 2010 pricing and promotions with extended value-added features. Effective now, Crystal is introducing:

-- 2-for-1 Cruise Fares

Crystal’s recent consumer travel research confirmed that travelers are most attracted to the “two-for-one” pricing message. More than twice as many responded to two-for one pricing than 50 percent off or even greater savings messages. With this in mind, all Crystal cruises – in every category – boast two-for-one pricing, and, for most destinations, fares are lower than previously published.

-- All Inclusive – As You Wish spending credits of up to $2,000 per couple

Consumer research also indicated that luxury travelers appreciate the luxury of choice and Crystal’s spending credits, which offer a truly customized all-inclusive experience. All 2010 cruises will offer ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard spending credits of either $500 or $1,000 per person, including every segment of the World Cruise. Guests can use these credits toward just about any conceivable shipboard purchase, including any custom Private Adventures, any spa treatment, personal training, one-on-one golf instruction, boutique purchases, rare wines, and/or Vintage Room experiences.

-- Brand New Free Air Program

With few exceptions, Crystal is offering free economy air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways for cruises through Australia/New Zealand, Mediterranean, Baltic, and New England/Canada. New fares also include round-trip Business Class air transportation to Europe for guests in Penthouse accommodations. Research reflected consumers’ strong response to the free air value equation. Even Crystal’s World Cruise, which is endowed with hundreds of enrichment opportunities and special events, will enjoy a new air bonus for any two back-to-back segments. As always, Crystal includes round-trip airport/ship transfers with all of its air/sea programs. Guests can opt to deduct a credit for cruise-only fares.

-- Price Guarantee

Research confirmed that Crystal Cruises’ Price Guarantee resonates more than ever with travelers who feel they might be penalized for booking early. For 2010, Crystal Cruises will retain its Crystal Assurance Plan (CAP), which means that guests are assured they will get Crystal’s lowest published fares, even if the line reduces fares. With the new 2010 fares, Crystal guests will enjoy lower air/sea and cruise-only fares for just about all of Crystal’s 2010 cruises.

-- Birthday Bonus

In celebration of Crystal’s 20th anniversary in 2010, the line is retaining its Birthday Bonus promotion. If travelers book by December 31, 2009 and sail on their birthday in 2010, they can save 50% off a second cruise-only fare taken before their 2011 birthday. In addition, birthday guests can celebrate their 2010 birthday with a special champagne breakfast and a Captain’s Quarters birthday party, as well as enjoy the pampering Crystal experience.

-- Crystal Family Memories

Another program in place for all 2010 cruises is Crystal Family Memories, which supports the huge trend for reunions and multi-generational travel. For as few as six full-fare guests traveling together (three staterooms!), guests will enjoy pre-paid gratuities, $100 per person, shipboard credit, in addition to the All Inclusive-As You Wish spending credit, a group family photo, kids under 17 sail free in a third berth and a $500 credit toward a Crystal Private Adventure. For 10 full-fare guests, the group will get all of the above plus free cruise berth (no air).

Crystal Goes Extreme In Antarctica

In an industry first, Crystal Cruises is offering just six intrepid holiday travelers a new two-day excursion to the windiest, coldest and least populated continent on the planet.

In below freezing temperatures, the brand new rugged and rare overland excursion will take Crystal guests to King George Island, Antarctica. Brave adventurers will trek through remote villages and a petrified arctic forest once covered by glaciers, to scientific research bases, and to the breeding and stomping grounds of three species of penguin, elephant seals and fur seals. Available with Crystal Symphony’s 19-day Christmas/New Year cruise departing December 20 from Buenos Aires, the “Extreme Overnight Adventure in Antarctica” is limited to only six guests. Among other destinations, the voyage features three days cruising Antarctica en route to Valparaiso, Chile.

The adventure departs from Ushuaia, Argentina and rejoins Crystal Symphony in Punta Arenas, Chile. Highlights depend on weather conditions, and include:

* Travel by King Air beach craft from Ushuaia to King George Island;

* Overnight accommodations at the Chilean Antarctic Institute;

* Visits to the Chilean Eduardo Frei Antarctic Base and the Uruguayan Base Artigas;

* Snow coach trek to Collins Glacier, which once covered 90 percent of the island;

* Zodiac excursion to Ardley Island and a penguin breeding ground; and

* Two-hour hiking expedition to observe elephant and fur seals, and Villa Las Estrellas.

Other adventures ashore include a helicopter ride to a humpback whale sanctuary, a 4 x 4 expedition to a King penguin colony, and trekking the mountains of Chile. Fares for the “Extreme Overnight Adventure” start at $9,774 per person, double occupancy.

In addition to Buenos Aires and Valparaiso, the cruise visits Montevideo, Uruguay; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; Ushuaia, Argentina; and Punta Arena and Puerto Montt, Chile. Cruise fares start $8,995 per person, double occupancy.

Website:  www.crystalcruises.com

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Sets Sail for America's Last Frontier:  Alaska In 2011

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

In response to guest demand, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean in 2011 with ten- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis in northern Africa and the island nation of Malta.

Disney Cruise Line also will offer a number of repositioning cruises and special sailings in 2011, including a 15-night Panama Canal crossing, two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a five- and six-night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and Vancouver to Los Angeles, with first-ever stops in San Francisco and Victoria, B.C., and ten- and 11-night holiday sailings to the Mexican Riviera and the eastern Caribbean.

Guests will be able to book Disney Wonder and Disney Magic itineraries for the 2011 season beginning Sept. 28, 2009.

Disney Wonder 2011 Schedule

Departing out of Vancouver, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 18 seven-night cruises to Alaska for the 2011 summer season, calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Book-ending the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera. Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Future Itineraries

In addition to the new ships, Disney Cruise Line continues to expand itineraries, with plans to once again sail the Mediterranean region aboard the Disney Magic during the summer of 2010.  In addition to the popular ports in Spain, Italy and France, the ship will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta and Corsica.  Disney Magic will also visit the historic cities of Northern Europe for the first time calling on Warnemunde, Germany, the gateway to Berlin and St. Petersburg, Russia.  Enchanting Scandinavian ports like Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm, will also be a first for Disney.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit www.disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500 or (407) 566-7000. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

Fred.Olsen Cruises

Celebrate the Yuletide Season Aboard A Fred. Olsen Holiday Cruise

For those seeking to get away from holiday overload or reversely, to fully experience the pageantry and festivities of European ports as they celebrate Christmas, Fred. Olsen has the perfect holiday cruise. Several departures call at historic ports such as Copenhagen and Hamburg that are positively magical with holiday markets, candlelit cathedrals, traditional foods, Yuletide drinks, special events, and other seasonal delights. The Fred. Olsen collection of holiday cruises also encompasses itineraries in warmer destinations including, the Canary Islands and the Caribbean.

One thing is constant on a Fred. Olsen holiday cruise: jubilant British-style celebrations with traditional foods including plum pudding, holiday singing and many other events and festivities.

Select Fred. Olsen holiday cruises feature Holiday Special Saver Fares that represent a significant savings off the published fares. Rates for an outside cabin start at $119 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Special Saver departures are as follows:

-- For less than $110 per person, per night, one can embark on the 1,350-passenger Balmoral, which underwent an extensive refit last year, for a Christmas Markets cruise (BL0922), taking them roundtrip from Dover to: Copenhagen (Denmark), Kiel Canal cruising, Hamburg (Germany), and Amsterdam (Netherlands). The seven-night cruise departs December 12 and is priced from $757 per person for an inside cabin.

-- The 856-passenger Boudicca’s Yuletide Amsterdam & Bruges Cruise (BD0930) departs Portsmouth on December 18 for a four-night mini cruise, calling at Zeebrugge (Belgium) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). Rates begin at $565 per person for an outside cabin. That is less than $142 per person, per night.

-- BW0920 Captivating Christmas Markets is an eight-night cruise aboard the 80seven-passenger Black Watch departing Southampton on December 11.  Ports of call:  Amsterdam (Netherlands), Copenhagen (Denmark), Warnemunde (Germany), (cruising the Kiel Canal), and Bremerhaven (Germany). Rates begin at $949 for an outside cabin. That is less than $119 per night for an outside cabin.

-- Black Watch’s Caribbean Christmas (BW0921) departs and returns to Southampton for a 25-night cruise departing December 19. Ports of call: La Coruna (Spain), Funchal (Madeira), Bridgetown (Barbados), Castries (St. Lucia), Road Town (Tortola), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), St John's (Antigua), Ponta Delgade (Azores), Southampton). Rates start from $5,072 per person for an outside cabin.

Above rates are based on double occupancy.

Additional Fred. Olsen Holiday Cruise departures:

-- BL0924 Canary Christmas, 15-night cruise departs Dover December 21.

-- BD0930 Christmas Mini Cruise, four-night cruise departs Portsmouth December 18.

-- BD0931 Canary Christmas, 14-night cruise departs Portsmouth December 22.

-- BM0927 Caribbean Christmas, 18-night cruise (roundtrip Bridgetown, Barbados) departs December 21.

-- BP0929 Canary Christmas, 16-night cruise departs Liverpool on December 20.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers small ship cruising and a relaxed British atmosphere. Passengers are assured of high on-board standards of accommodation, varied menus composed of the freshest ingredients, friendly staff, top entertainment and itineraries to worldwide destinations. Fred. Olsen currently operates a fleet of five cruise ships based mostly in the UK.

For US residents wishing to book on an Olsen cruise, contact Borton Overseas 1-800-843-0602, or visit www.bortonoverseas.com.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Ranked the top cruise ship in the world, according to the  Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships for the last nine years, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS Europa will celebrate its tenth birthday this month with a grand harbor cruise in Hamburg after returning from a 14-day shipyard stay. During the shipyard stay all of her 204 luxury suites are scheduled to receive fresh new fabrics and colors, and the Penthouses Deluxe Suite (measuring 484 sq. ft.) and the Penthouse Grand Suite (measuring 915 sq. ft.) will be fully renovated.

Since its commissioning in 1999, the EUROPA, has been true to her motto “10 years young,” continuing to mesmerize guests with the addition of modern amenities along the way, which have included: Cruise Net, a complimentary TV information network with private e-mail, movies, music on demand, cruise information and the internet (at an additional charge), the establishment of the Sansibar, upgrades to the golf area with a computer controlled tee-shot analysis, a 2007 newly designed OCEAN SPA with 4 enclosed SPA suites, the enlargement of the fitness loft with ocean views and the addition of 2 children’s areas. All of these additions have been the result of constant investments, numerous constructional modifications, and renovations that have continued to improve the product for new and repeat guests.

In honor of the 10th birthday of the EUROPA, guests will receive special savings on a Far East cruise this spring. This Far East itinerary departs Manila/Philippines on March 7, 2010, and ending in Shanghai/China on March 22, 2010, making stops in Taiwan, Japan, Korea and China along the route. Guests purchasing a category 0 cabin will be automatically upgraded to a category 4 veranda suite, which is $3,100 worth of savings. Rates start at $9,700 per person, based on double occupancy for this cruise.

In addition to the birthday special, for the first time, the EUROPA will be offering a short bilingual introductory cruise. This 4-day Mediterranean itinerary will familiarize new passengers with the Europa, as well as take guests over to beautiful Bonifacio (Corsica), Capri (Italy) and Portofino (Italy).

Also in 2010, the EUROPA will be once again be offering their very popular Ocean Sun Festival, the most prestigious classical music festival at sea. The 15-day music festival departing Kiel, Germany on August 24, cruises around Great Britain and ends in Kiel on September 8, 2010. The Ocean Sun Festival will feature internationally acclaimed classical music stars performing on board, as well as exclusive concerts at historical sites ashore.

Europa is an 408-passenger “all-suites” cruise ship, with staterooms that are never less than 290 square feet, 80 percent of which have a veranda. Bilingual cruises (English/German) are offered. For more information on the EUROPA’s2009/2010 bilingual itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com.

Holland America Line

ms Zaandam To Navigate Hawaiian Islands In Fall 2010

Holland America Line's ms Zaandam is set to discover the Hawaiian Island chain in 2010 with Circle Hawaii itineraries that offer guests the best of both worlds: luxuriously relaxing days at sea and exotic islands to explore. The 1,432-passenger ship will sail five 14-day roundtrip San Diego, California cruises and one 15-day voyage from Vancouver, British Colombia, returning to San Diego. The sailings are from October through December.

Nestled between two stretches of sea days are back-to-back calls at Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui -- plus a call at Ensenada, Mexico -- before returning to San Diego. Included in the Hawaii cruise roster is a holiday sailing departing December 19.

Departing Sundays from San Diego, guests will have several relaxing days at sea before arriving at Hawaii. During this time, they can enjoy a day at the Greenhouse Spa, channel their inner chef at the Culinary Arts Center for a hands-on cooking class, or attend a Digital Workshop powered by Windows to learn how to share memorable photos taken on the voyage. The Speaker Series offers exciting insights into upcoming ports and includes destination-related topics such as Polynesian music and dance traditions.

The first port call is to Hilo on the big island of Hawaii where guests can visit one of Hawaii's best-known landmarks -- Kilauea Volcano -- with its impressive molten lava flows. Other highlights include world-class botanical gardens and the awe-inspiring Akaka Falls. As Zaandam makes its way to Honolulu, the state capital, guests can enjoy an evening at the Polynesian Cultural Centers or other Hawaiian must-dos: whale watching, a traditional Hawaiian luau, a stroll down Waikiki beach or even surfing. For a more reflective view into Hawaii's past, guests can visit the USS Arizona Memorial from World War II.

On route to Nawiliwili, Kauai, cruisers are in for spectacular views as Zaandam sails along the island's dramatic Na Pali Coast. Upon reaching Nawiliwili guests can visit Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) or get an aerial view of the island on a helicopter tour. Thrill-seekers can book a zipline tour through the forest canopy for a unique perspective of the island's inspiring natural setting.

At Lahaina, Maui, guests can explore the stunning beaches and a magnificent volcano, or spend the day shopping at chic boutiques and galleries.

Those sailing on the 15-day voyage departing October 2 have an added call at Kona, once known as the playground of Hawaii's royalty. Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai volcano, a definite must-see for coffee aficionados. Another highlight of this longer voyage is an evening scenic cruise past the famous Kilauea volcano.

Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person for the full 14-day Circle Hawaii and $1,699 per person for the 15-day voyage.

For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line's Grand Voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

MSC Cruises

Culinary Cruise Offered With Italy’s Buon Ricordo Association On October 17

MSC Cruises is hosting a culinary cruise for dining epicureans onboard MSC Poesia during a seven-night cruise departing October 17 and sailing throughout Turkey, Greece and Croatia.

 MSC Cruises is partnering with Italy’s renowned Buon Ricordo Association to offer guests seven fabulous culinary specialties. Guests who dine in L’Obelisco and order the Buon Ricordo specialty meal of the day receive a limited-edition, collector plate handcrafted by Vietri. Each plate carries an inscription on the back, “Crociera del Buon Ricordo - Nave MSC Poesia - ottobre 2009” (Cruise Buon Ricordo - Ship MSC Poesia - October 2009).

Every night, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a different meal from one of the seven Buon Ricordo’s restaurants located in Paris, France; Kanagawa, Japan; and in various regions of Italy including MSC Poesia’s L’Obelisco during this Mediterranean cruise.

This special event takes place on MSC Poesia’s seveb-night Turkish Treasures & Croatian Coasts itinerary. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, the ship calls at Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Greece; Izmir, Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Rates begin at $599 per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in wine tasting and cooking courses.

Master oenologist Genuino Del Duca will lead a wine-tasting demonstration. Special red and white wines sampled at the tasting will be served with regional Buon Ricordo specialties. These include vintages from the Vino della Pace, a unique Friulian cellar with wines from five continents and 600 varieties of grapes.

 Buon Ricordo’s award-winning Chef Paolo Teverini will welcome and oversee the cooking classes where guests will be taught how to prepare the daily specialty. Participants will receive an Italian cooking certificate from the Buon Ricordo chefs.

 The Buon Ricordo Association was founded in 1964 to safeguard and promote local Italian cooking traditions. Websites: www.msccrusies.com or www.msccruisesusa.com.

MSC 2010 Brochures Now Available Online

MSC Cruises’ new 2010 Europe brochure outlines the line’s extensive selections. Guests can choose from 16 Mediterranean and 11 Northern European itineraries featuring more than 60 ports of call as they sail Europe the European way. The 2010 Europe brochures can be ordered online at http://www.msccruisesusa.com.

Visit the hidden treasures of Eastern Mediterranean sites such as Venice, Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini, and Dubrovnik; the historic landmarks of the Western Mediterranean such as Barcelona, Marseille, Naples, Rome, Toulon (St. Tropez), and Monte Carlo; and the richness of the Scandinavian Fjords, the Baltic and the North Cape of Northern Europe.

MSC Cruises’ 2010 Europe season features two exciting firsts:

--The introduction of MSC Magnifica: The newest in the Musica class of ships makes her debut in Europe in March, bringing the number of ships in the fleet to 11. MSC Magnifica will spend the summer of 2010 sailing seven-night roundtrip Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from Venice calling at Bari, Italy; Katakolon (Olympia) Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, before heading across the Atlantic to embark on the line’s first Canada/New England fall foliage cruises.

-- - A new 11-night itinerary to Iceland and the Shetland Islands: MSC Poesia sails a Land of Fire & Ice itinerary roundtrip from Kiel on June 4, calling at Bergen Norway; Torshavn, Faroe Islands, Denmark; Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Hafnarfjordur (Reykjavik), Iceland; and Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

MSC Cruises in the Mediterranean

MSC Cruises will have ten ships sailing the Mediterranean in 2010, including the two newest, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida. These sister-ships with their exclusive MSC Yacht Club areas will sail a variety of seven-night itineraries.

Here are some highlights of the rest of MSC Cruises’ 2010 Mediterranean itineraries:

-- MSC Fantasia: seven-night “Mediterranean Fantasy” itineraries, calling in Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, La Goulette, Palma de Mallorca, April-October.

-- MSC Splendida: seven-night “The Splendid Mediterranean” itineraries, calling at Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, La Goulette, Valletta, Messina and Civitavecchia, March-November.

-- MSC Musica: seven-night “Greek Islands in the Sun” itinerary roundtrip from Venice, calling in Bari, Italy; Corfu, Greece;  Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Katakolon (Olympia) Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; April-October

MSC Cruises in Northern Europe

MSC Cruises will have three ships in Northern Europe in 2010. Experience the folklore and tradition from Copenhagen to Rostock (Berlin), from Stockholm to Helsinki, up to St Petersburg. Enjoy the natural beauty of the fjords and the diverse cultures. Or cruise through the North Sea and south into the Mediterranean, visiting countries that are vastly different. Itineraries include:

-- MSC Poesia: 11-night “Voyage to the Top of the World” and seven-night “Route of the Vikings” and “Baltic Beauty & Russian Riches” itineraries from Copenhagen, June-August.

-- MSC Opera: 11-night “Czarist Russia Revealed,” “Land of the Midnight Sun” and “Fairytale Towns & Fascinating Fjords” from Dover, May-August.

-- MSC Orchestra: alternating seven-night “Baltic Castles and Russian Palaces” from Copenhagen and Kiel and “Fascinating Fjords” from Copenhagen and Kiel, May-August.

For the convenience of our guests, MSC Cruises offers alternate departure ports, such as Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Copenhagen, Dover, Amsterdam, Naples, Genoa, Bari, Marseille, and Kiel on many itineraries, which allows guests to custom-design their European experience.

Dancing under the Stars Featured Onboard Select MSC Cruises’ Sailings 

Latin Dance Theme Cruises are being offered on select transatlantic MSC Cruises sailings of MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Armonia, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Musica across the Atlantic October through December. 

Learn the Tango, Mambo, Salsa, Samba, and Cha Cha during daily dance lessons with instructors teaching dancers of all experience levels—from beginner to more advanced/intermediate levels. Workshops highlighting the origins and special features of the different dance techniques, as well as dance shows, will be featured.

Upon completion of the dance lessons, guests receive a commemorative certificate. Regular dance competitions showcasing the dancers’ skill with the Tango, Mambo, Salsa, Samba, and Cha Cha will be held onboard.

In addition to Dancing under the Stars, guests will be enjoying sports, leisure and entertainment facilities, gourmet food and drinks. So, whether exploring the famous sights of Tunis, Casablanca, Lisbon, and Madeira, while travelling either way across the Atlantic between Amsterdam, Genoa or Venice and Santos or Rio de Janeiro, these Latin Dance Theme cruises are sure to provide a memorable experience.

To find out more, sashay to, www.MSCCruisesUSA.com.

Food and Wine Cruises Added To Select MSC Cruises’ Sailings in 2009-10

Learn the culinary skills needed to prepare fine food and select wines from Italy and around the world on select MSC Cruises itineraries in 2009-10.

 Guests onboard MSC Poesia’s April 10, seven-night Island Treasures & Ancient Temples Caribbean cruise itinerary will experience Festa Italiana. This celebration of “all things Italian” features culinary demonstrations to learn the secrets of cooking European dishes by top Italian chefs or attend lectures on Italian art and architecture, automobiles, fashion and design while enjoying entertainment by opera singers and contemporary Italian vocal artists.

Exclusive “Food and Wine” theme cruises have been created on the luxurious MSC Melody, MSC Armonia, MSC Orchestra, and the new sister ships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, to teach guests many of the culinary secrets that have given them such a special stay while on board.

These special culinary programs are available on the following sailings:

-- MSC Melody: October 23, 14-night repositioning from Genoa to Salvador de Bahia

-- MSC Armonia: November 15, 21-night repositioning from Venice to Buenos Aires

-- MSC Splendida: November 27, 11-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Genoa

-- MSC Fantasia: February 20, 11-night Western Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Genoa

-- MSC Orchestra: August 28, 11-night repositioning from Copenhagen to Genoa

Except for the wine tastings, all the special food & wine programs on these theme cruises are included in the cruise fare. Check out www.msccruises.com  for a wide array of theme cruises. Children ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. All cruises offer just a $100 deposit on all sailings and itineraries.

Royal Caribbean International

Planning Ahead On Oasis Of The Seas

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, entering service in December 2009, will introduce a unique and varied collection of entertainment and activities for all ages and interests.  Highlights include West End-style shows, high diving, acrobatic exhibitions, comedy acts, theme nights and parades.

Royal Caribbean is also making it easier for guests to plan their entertainment and activities with show schedules made available for pre-booking prior to boarding at www.royalcaribbean.com.  Under the Cruise Enhancements page of the Royal Caribbean website, guests can view show schedules by title, day and time and make advance reservations up to three months prior to departure for shows at venues including the Opal Theater, Studio B ice-skating rink, Comedy Live and the AquaTheater.   Reservations made online will be recorded to each guests’ Seapass card, which will serve as the show “ticket.”  A traditional Box Office and a ticketing system using the in-stateroom television will also be available for onboard reservations.

 The headlining shows and entertainment offerings onboard Oasis of the Seas are:

-- Opal Theater -- Seating 1,350 guests, the Opal Theater features a thrust stage and a proscenium extending into the audience to bring the action closer.  The Opal Theater will present three different shows:

Hairspray:  The eight time Tony Award-winning musical is licensed exclusively to Royal Caribbean.  The 90-minute show features original costumes, sets, lighting designs and a cast of performers, who were selected during a four-city audition tour in London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.  Hairspray will be performed four times throughout each cruise.

Come Fly With Me:  This 45-minute show with interactive video, singing and dancing and aerial gymnastics will be performed four times during each cruise.

Headliner Showtime:  Offered three times during each cruise, guests will be delighted by the fabulous acts taking the stage include world-class singers, musicians, magicians and jugglers. 

Behind-the-scenes videos of the auditions and rehearsals of the productions can be viewed at http://www.OasisoftheSeas.com.  

-- Studio B -- The Studio B ice-skating rink will present ice shows and host a variety of themed events:

Frozen in Time: This dazzling show brings classic Hans Christian Andersen works to life with a cast including top-rated figure skaters from around the world.  This ice show will be available seven times during each cruise. 

-- AquaTheatre -- As the first theatre of its kind, this oceanfront amphitheatre-style venue will seat 600 guests and features the largest and deepest pool at sea.  AquaTheatre will host a variety of entertainment, including live music, fountain shows and cabarets and two elaborate dive shows that will take place each day and night. 

Oasis of Dreams: A cast of Olympic and champion athletes from around the world have been selected for this show, including divers, synchronized swimmers and gymnasts.  The show is set to an original soundtrack and synchronized with fountain shows, lighting and special effects.

Splish Splash: Performed five times each cruise, the AquaTheatre’s cast of divers will combine poolside antics with Olympic-style diving, all to an upbeat soundtrack. 

-- Comedy Live -- Located in the Entertainment Place neighborhood, Comedy Live is one of the after-dark venues onboard Oasis of the Seas.  The adult comedy club is a fun and intimate space with décor inspired by a New York subway station.

Comedy Shows: Talented stand-up comics will perform one-hour long shows two or three times nightly. 

-- Theme Nights and Parades -- With a Royal Promenade almost double the width of those found onboard Voyager and Freedom-class ships (previously the largest in service), Oasis of the Seas will continue the tradition of Royal Caribbean’s signature theme nights and parades.

Disco Inferno Street Party: This disco-themed street party will take in the Royal Promenade, the Atlas Bridge, Rising Tide Bar and the mezzanine.

The Royal Promenade Parade: will transform this neighborhood with sights and sounds inspired by popular fairy tales.

When it launches in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world.  An architectural marvel at sea, it will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms.  Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to feature the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.  The ship will sail from her homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale (Florida).

Website: www.royalcaribbean.com

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Epic’s Transatlantic Crossing Set For June 24, 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative ship to date currently under construction in France, will make her inaugural transatlantic seven-day cruise on June 24, 2010, departing from London (Southampton).  The 4,200 passenger Freestyle Cruising ship will arrive in New York, her first port of call in the United States, on July 1, 2010.  In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line also announced that a new seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise has been added to Norwegian Epic’s inaugural season, departing Miami on July 10, 2010, one week earlier than previously scheduled.

After an unprecedented response to a waitlist for Norwegian Epic’s transatlantic last month, Norwegian Cruise Line will give those guests on the waitlist first priority to confirm their booking on the transatlantic today and tomorrow.  A special guest services team will be contacting those guests so that they can choose from Norwegian Epic’s wide range of accommodations from the innovative new Studios to the largest suite and villa complex at sea.  On Wednesday, September 16, 2009, members of Norwegian’s past guest program, Latitudes, will have a special preview sale day to book the cruise. The much-anticipated transatlantic sailing officially opened to the public for booking on September 17, 2009.

Norwegian Epic’s new seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas, will go on sale to the public on September 28, 2009.  Guests currently booked on Norwegian Epic’s July 17, 2010 Eastern Caribbean cruise will have priority to switch to the new sailing date if they so choose by calling Norwegian at 866-234-5609 by September 25, 2009.

In addition, Norwegian Epic’s 2010/11 inaugural season sailings from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean are currently open for sale.  The ship’s alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, available as seven-day individual sailings or 14-day combined sailings, are available through April 2011.

Guests can make a reservation on Norwegian Epic by contacting their travel professional or Norwegian Cruise Line at 866-234-7350. More information about the ship, her itineraries and offerings can be found at http://epic.ncl.com.

Enjoy A very special Christmas With NCL’s Christmas Specials

Fed up with overcrowded department stores, long queues and grey and rainy weather? For all those who would like to leave the Christmas hustle and bustle behind, the Christmas Specials of NCL Freestyle Cruising offer the prospect of relaxed Christmas days, exciting destinations and an outstanding variety in every respect.

For all bookings made until September 30, 2009, cruise lovers can save up to 680 Euros per person depending on the selected itinerary and stateroom category. On Norwegian Jewel’s December 20 sailing Miami & Western Caribbean, for example, Inside Staterooms are available for 649 Euros per person and Oceanview Staterooms for 749 Euros per person. This seven-night cruise departing from Miami calls at Honduras, Belize, Mexico and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

Likewise from December 20, on the 14-night itinerary Christmas in the Mediterranean, Norwegian Jade sets sail from Barcelona for the highlights of the Mediterranean. The ports of call are Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Alexandria, where the ship will stay for two days, Rhodes, Izmir (Ephesus), Piraeus (Athens) and Crete, and the ship arrives back in Barcelona on January 3, 2010. An Inside Stateroom on this cruise is available from 1.299 Euros per person, representing a saving of 300 Euros per person in comparison to the regular price, and when booking a Balcony Stateroom, customers can even save up to 450 Euros as compared with the regular price.

-- Norwegian Sun departs on December 20 from Valparaiso (Santiago de Chile) for a 14-night sailing around Cape Horn to Buenos Aires. The Christmas Special for this cruise, which is available from 1.169 Euros per person, also includes the shore excursion Highlights of Montevideo, where guests can explore the most interesting places of the Uruguayan capital.

Up to 25 different stateroom categories, up to 12 restaurants of different styles and specialties, up to 13 bars and lounges as well as the relaxed Freestyle Cruising atmosphere on board make for an unforgettable Christmas at sea. What exactly is NCL Freestyle Cruising? This innovative way of cruising offered throughout the entire NCL fleet, stands out from the traditional cruise holiday. No strict dress codes, no set mealtimes and seating arrangements as well as an enormous choice of activities and entertainment options are the focus of NCL Freestyle Cruising. And of course the young cruisers are also taken care of on board: Children of up to 17 years of age pay the child price when sharing the stateroom with two adults paying the full price and are in for lots of fun activities in NCL’s Kid’s and Teen’s Crew.

More details about the mentioned Christmas Specials and further offers for NCL’s Christmas cruises for example to Hawaii or the Southern and Eastern Caribbean can be found on www.ncl.eu  or www.ncl.com.

Oceania Cruises

2010-2011 Winter Collection Of Cruises Now On Sale

Oceania Cruises has announced its most extensive and exotic line-up of sailings to Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean for winter 2010-2011. A limited-time offer of free air and bonus savings of up to $3,000 per stateroom off of 2-for-1 cruise

fares means that voyages start at only $1,499 per guest.

Offered November 2010 through April 2011, Oceania Cruises' Winter Collection features 30 new ports of call, including Cape Town, South Africa; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Rangoon, Myanmar, just to name a few. Based on feedback from past guests and agent partners, the line added maiden voyages around Africa, an expanded range of Asia and Caribbean cruises--all tolled, 13 exciting new itineraries.

-- Africa & Asia - Nautica

With itineraries 15 to 35 days, Nautica will focus on Asia with eight unique cruises, seven of which are new. For the very first time, the line will visit majestic Africa. Enchanted Africa is a grand 30-day circumnavigation from Istanbul to Cape Town that is followed by Safaris, Sands & Splendors - a new 35-day cruise from Cape Town to Singapore via the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

-- South America - Insignia

For 2011, Oceania Cruises' Insignia will operate all-new itineraries. Guests can choose from seven 12- to 22-day cruises that visit the exotic coastal villages of Brazil and cosmopolitan icons like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. The ship evens offer a taste of remote reaches on Antarctica & the Fjords, a 22-day voyage that includes the Antarctic

Peninsula, Falkland Islands and Chilean Fjords.

-- Caribbean & the Panama Canal - Regatta

One of the company's most popular itineraries--Amazon Adventure--is a 24-day round-trip sailing from Miami onboard Regatta. This voyage annually sells so briskly the company has added a second departure in mid-March. Also new are two, ten-day Mayan Mystique cruises to western Caribbean ports and a 14-day Southern Treasures sailing, which combines the warmth of the tropics, the history of the Colonial South and the

charm of Bermuda.

For additional information,  

visit www.OceaniaCruises.com or call a travel agent. Travel agents may visit the line's dedicated online Travel Agent Center at http://Agent.OceaniaCruises.com  or call 800-531-5629.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Just A Few Available Staterooms On SeaDream II’s October 3 Cruise From Malta

SeaDream II, is offering a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Valetta on the island nation of Malta, westward across the “Med” to the grand Spanish city, Seville.              Dates are October 3 to 10, and as Bob Lepisto, SeaDream’s President puts it: “There are a few staterooms remaining but when they’re gone, that’s it. And, I am confident we will sell out. It’s an incredible itinerary and an incredible value”

Fares start at $2,999 per person and include all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar with select premium brands, plus use of “water toys” from the vessel’s stern Marina, gratuities and more.

Limited space is available, is capacity controlled and this offering may be withdrawn at any time. Certain restrictions apply. Website: www.seadreamyachtclub.com

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Announces Its 2010 Grand Voyages

Silversea has unveiled 17 specially tailored Grand Voyages for 2010. Designed exclusively for the traveler who relishes a more leisurely pace, this special collection offers extended voyages from 30 to 91 days. These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard intimate, elegant ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must-see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path.

Highlighting the Grand Voyages are generous savings incentives and, for voyages of 50 or more consecutive days, complimentary Business Class air upgrades (available with the purchase of the optional Silver SKY Air Program).

Of special note is Silver Spirit's Grand Inaugural Voyage, a 91-day extended journey designed to introduce Silversea's newest ship to the Americas.  Departing Fort Lauderdale on January 21, Silver Spirit is set to explore over 20 countries and 45 ports for the very first time.   She will set a southward course to Rio (for an unforgettable evening at Carnaval), sail around Cape Horn and through the majestic Chilean Fjords before heading to the Mexican Riviera.  Guests have the option to personalize their voyage by disembarking in Los Angeles, or sailing through the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale, or continuing up America's colonial coast to New York City.

In addition to complimentary excursions and other exclusive onshore events, the array of special amenities available to guests sailing 70 or more days aboard the Grand Inaugural Voyage includes such complimentary perks as private car transfers, luggage forwarding service, business class air upgrade, a commemorative gift, and Onboard Spending Credits of up to $2,000 per suite.  Fares start at $42,108 per person, based on double occupancy.  

A sampling of the Grand Voyages for 2010 includes:

-- Africa & Mediterranean:  Silver Wind departs February 2 on a 64-day Reflections of Time voyage from Capetown to Istanbul, sailing around the southern tip of Africa and northward along the continent's Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean with calls in 16 countries, including exotic Morocco and The Gambia.  Guests will also enjoy such marquee cities as Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome and Athens.  Other highlights include overnight visits in Richards Bay, Walvis Bay and Lisbon.  Best-available fares start at $23,081 per person.

-- Far East:  Silver Whisper departs January 3 on a 42-day Exotic Mystique voyage from Auckland to Hong Kong with calls in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. Highlights include overnight stays in Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City.  Best-available fares start at $16,942 per person.

-- Mediterranean:  Silver Spirit departs August 21 on a 35-day Mediterranean Treasures voyage from Istanbul to Lisbon with calls in Turkey, Ukraine, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.  Highlights include a three-day, two-night stopover in Venice.  Best-available fares start at $19,811 per person.

-- South America:  Silver Cloud departs January 20 on a 40-day Sambas & Sunsets voyage from Santiago to Fort Lauderdale with calls in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, French Guiana, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Thomas.  Highlights include the Chilean fjords, Cape Horn and overnight stays in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.  Best-available fares start at $15,232 per person.

All cruise fares listed above are the current best-available starting fares for a Vista Suite, which are cruise-only rates (based on double occupancy) that may include Silver Savings of up to 60 percent, Extended Voyage Savings of 5 percent and Venetian Society savings of 5 percent. These fares do not include port charges and handling fees that can range from $875 to $2,300 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary.  Silver Savings fares are capacity-controlled, subject to availability and are likely to increase as the sailing date approaches.

For complete itineraries and voyage details, please visit www.silversea.com.

Silversea Announces Golf Voyages For 2010

Silversea Cruises will once again host its popular Silver Links golf program on 12 diverse itineraries aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper in 2010. The program offers golf enthusiasts the chance to perfect their swing on 30 of the most beautiful and challenging courses in 15 countries and island destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Americas.

The Silver Links voyages offer optional golfing excursions in multiple ports arranged and escorted by the ship's golf professional.  From the breathtaking Pacific scenery of the Cape Kidnappers Golf Club in Napier, to the gently rolling fairways at the elegant Fairmont Pierre Marques Golf Club in Acapulco, to the ancient dunes and pine groves at Zeebrugge's Royal Zoute Golf Club, guests will have a chance to perfect their game at some of the world's most challenging and revered championship courses.

The escorted, optional golfing excursions vary in price from course to course and include transfers to and from the select golf courses, pull or power-drive carts (where available), green and any applicable caddy fees. Should guests choose to leave their clubs at home, the finest Nike Golf clubs and golf essentials are available for rental or purchase.   Golf clubs can be rented for as little as $45 per day with multiple-day and equipment packages available.

On each of these exciting voyages rich in golf destinations, guests will also have the opportunity to advance their game aboard ship with the help of a PGA "Class A" certified golf professional, who is available to organize personalized instruction, specialty group clinics, demonstrations and even putting contests.  While some group activities are complimentary, there is a fee for private lessons.

Golfers have the option to further hone their skills aboard ship with sophisticated split-screen swing analysis utilizing the most advanced V1 digital coaching system, the same software selected by PGA.com as their preferred instructional technology.  The cost for private swing analysis starts at just $30.

Guests aboard the Silver Links voyages will enjoy an all-inclusive shipboard ambiance featuring all ocean-view accommodations with butler service.  Other highlights include complimentary beverages served throughout the ship -- including fine wines, spirits and champagnes, in-suite bar and refrigerator stocked with each guest's preferred beverage selections, open-seating dining, 24-hour complimentary room service, and fares that include all onboard gratuities.

Following is a sampling of the 2010 Silver Links voyages and golf courses:

-- Far East & South Pacific:  Silver Whisper's January 3, 15-day cruise (#4001) from Auckland to Sydney with optional golf excursions to the Tauranga Golf Club; Cape Kidnappers Golf Club (Napier); Clearwater Golf Resort (Christchurch); Royal Hobart Golf Club; Royal Melbourne Golf Club; and Sydney's Camden Lakeside Country Club.  Silver Savings cruise fares start at $6,798 per person.

 -- Caribbean, Mexico & Panama Canal:  Silver Shadow's January 22, 16-day cruise (#3003) from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles with optional golf excursions to La Iguana Golf Club (Puntarenas); Fairmont Pierre Marques Golf Club (Acapulco); Club de Golf Marina Ixtapa (Zihuatanejo); Desert Course at Cabo del Sol Golf Resort (Cabo San Lucas); and San Diego's Steele Canyon Golf Club.  Silver Savings cruise fares start at $5,158 per person.

-- Mediterranean:  Silver Whisper's May 31, 12-day cruise (#4014) from Monte Carlo to Southampton with optional golf excursions to the Club de Golf Llavaneras (Barcelona); Club de Golf de Malaga; Penha Longa Golf Club (Lisbon); and St. Malo's Dinard Golf Club.  Silver Savings cruise fares start at $5,798 per person.

-- Northern Europe & Baltic:  Silver Whisper's June 12, 11-day cruise (#4015) from Southampton to Stockholm with optional golf excursions to the Royal Zoute Golf Club (Zeebrugge); Estonian Golf and Country Club (Tallinn); and Helsinki Golf Club (Tali).  Silver Savings cruise fares start at $5,118 per person.

-- Canada & New England:  Silver Whisper's September 14, 10-day cruise (#4027) from New York to Montreal with optional golf excursions to the Newport National Golf Club; Franklin Park Golf Club (Boston); Glen Arbour Golf Club (Halifax); Bell Bay Golf Course (Sydney); Royal Quebec Golf Club (Quebec City); and Club de Golf de l'Ile de Montreal.  Silver Savings cruise fares start at $4,118 per person.

--Canada & New England: Silver Whisper's October 14, 10-day cruise (#4030) from New York to Barbados with optional golf excursions to Port Royal Golf Club and Belmont Hills Golf Club (Hamilton); Palmas del Mar Golf Resort (San Juan); and Cedar Valley Golf Club in St. John's.  Silver Savings cruise fares start at $3,278 per person.

All cruise 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 $475 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary.  Silver Savings is a capacity-controlled program and subject to availability.

For complete voyage details and the latest information on Silver Links cruises, visit www.silversea.com.

Windstar Cruises

 Special Holiday Rates on Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, offers special rates on holiday and New Year's cruises in the Caribbean and Costa Rica.

-- Wind Spirit's holiday and New Year's sailings feature a new St. Martin itinerary. The seven-day Caribbean cruises visit St. Kitts, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and St. Barts. Wind Spirit's holiday sailing departs December 19, 2009, with cruise rates from $2,349 per person, double occupancy. The New Year's sailing departs December 26, 2009, with cruise rates from $2,449 per person, double occupancy.

--  Wind Star’s seven-day holiday and New Year's cruises sail roundtrip from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica and visit San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua and the Costa Rican ports of Playas del Coco, Quepos, Bahia Drake, Curu and Tortuga Island. Wind Star's holiday sailing departs December 19, 2009, with cruise fares from $2,549 per person, double occupancy. Wind Star's New Year's sailing departs December 26, 2009, with cruise fares from $2,649 per person, double occupancy.

-- Wind Surf's seven-day holiday sailing departs December 20, 2009, from Bridgetown, Barbados visiting ports of call in St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Barts and Bequia. Wind Surf's New Year's sailing departs December 27, 2009 and visits Bequia, Martinique, Dominica, St. Kitts, Nevis and Grenada. Cruise rates for both sailings start at $2,249 per person, double occupancy.

On the holiday sailings, each Windstar ship is decorated with beautiful holiday decorations including trees, wreathes, garlands and lights. Guests savor a holiday menu specially prepared by the ships' executive chefs featuring roasted turkey and traditional accompaniments in additional to other culinary delights.

On New Year's voyages, guests will be able to partake in a festive New Year's Eve party complete with party favors, live music, official countdown by the captain and champagne toast.

Web Site: http://www.windstarcruises.com  

 

August, 2009

 

Crystal Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines

Holland American Line

Louis Cruises

MSC Cruises

Princess Cruises

Yachts of Seabourn

 

Crystal Cruises

Record Number Of African Safaris Set For Crystal Guests In 2010

From lions to leopards, white rhinos to wildebeest, a record number of safaris will highlight African wildlife with Crystal Cruises’ 2010 World Cruise. Eighteen Crystal Overland Adventures allow adventurous guests to closely encounter Africa’s “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – throughout Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The two- to five-night adventures take guests from port to some of the most celebrated game reserves in Africa, and then return them to the ship in another port. The 21-day cruise aboard Crystal Serenity departs Cape Town for Mumbai February 9, 2010, the third segment of the epic 108-day World Cruise.

Safaris include:

* Okavango Delta, Botswana – A haven for rare species, this is the only place in Botswana where endangered white rhinos can be seen in their natural habitat;

* Boulders Lodge at Singita Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa – The Singita Sabi Sand Reserve offers intimate views of leopard, zebra, elephant and giraffe living in the African bush, as well as indulgences like reflexology and hot stone therapy.

* Mala Mala Game Reserve, Rattrays – Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, Mala Mala’s spotlight safaris showcase the nocturnal animals on their nightly hunts;

* Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara, Nairobi – Along with the vast 102-square-mile crater, guests will visit elephant and rhino orphanages established in Nairobi National Park, and Lake Manyara for a close look at hippos and giraffes;

The voyage visits Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Mombasa, Kenya; Malé, Republic of Maldives; Mahé/Victoria, Seychelles; Cochin, Marmagao and Mumbai, India. Cruise fares start at $13,190 per person, double occupancy, and include a $500 per person All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard spending credit. The Crystal Overland Adventure safaris are available from $3,055 per person, double occupancy, while partial day safaris start at $155 per person.

For terms and conditions or Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Fall Trips For Foodies: Crystal Voyages Sate Travelers’ Appetites

Crystal Cruises is offering food lovers a myriad of luxury vacation choices in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Amazon. On board, guests can sate their palates with the cuisine and instruction by acclaimed guest chefs aboard back-to-back Crystal Symphony --Wine & Food cruises through the Caribbean and Amazon. With Crystal Serenity Mediterranean voyages, aficionados can enjoy cooking lessons in Barcelona, wine tasting in Italy, authentic Turkish feasts, and other culinary indulgences.

Crystal Symphony’s November 10 and 22 Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery cruises from New York to Miami and Miami to the Amazon, respectively, feature cooking demos and specially-created menus from guest chefs Azmin Ghahreman, Giuliano and Lael Hazan, and André Rochat; wine tasting with renowned sommeliers David Glancy and Kris Margerum, respectively. Cocktail classes will be led by master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, and pastry-making classes by guest chefs and Crystal’s own creative staff.

--Aboard Crystal Serenity’s Mediterranean cruises this fall, guests can savor the region’s cuisine ashore:

* Traditional feasts and folkloric shows in Patmos and Istanbul;

* Cooking instruction in the classic cuisine of Sicily, Morocco, Naples and Monte Carlo;

* Intimate wine tasting sessions in Yalta, Corfu, Florence and Rome;

* Samples of local delicacies such as world-famous Ston oysters in Dubrovnik and seafood paella in Barcelona.

On board, impeccable cuisine is served in a number of elegant venues, including specialty restaurants featuring the signature dishes of master chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio. The Crystal Dining Room features diverse regionally inspired and traditional dishes. Vintage Room experiences showcase the best of Crystal’s impressive wine cellar, boasting more than 20,000 bottles of premier labels.

Fall cruises offer Celebration Savings of $375-$1500 per person and All Inclusive - As You Wish onboard spending credits of $250-$1000 per person. Cruise fares for these fall cruises start at $3,615 per person, double occupancy.

For terms and conditions and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.

Transatlantic To Sweep Crystal Guests Off Their Feet

This November, guests aboard Crystal Cruises’ Ballroom Dance-themed Transatlantic voyage will be swept off their feet on and off the dance floor. By day, the Ballroom Dance theme features dance classes with professional dancers, afternoon tea dances, and even presentations from Town & Country editor Janet Carlson about her book, “How Ballroom Dancing Saved My Life.” Evenings offer dancing and performances, with extra Ambassador Hosts for guests in need of dance partners. The ten-day cruise aboard Crystal Serenity departs November 12, from Lisbon to Miami. Guests on the preceding Barcelona-Lisbon itinerary can extend their vacations with the southern Atlantic cruise back to the U.S., and enjoy extra back-to-back cruise savings.

In addition to the Ballroom Dance programming, the voyage will offer expanded onboard enrichment, including presentations from a veteran baseball pro, a top award-winning television producer and an actual rocket scientist.

The roster of onboard programming will include performances from championship dancers Curtis Collins, Natalie Mavor, Junior Cervila and Beverly Durand, plus presentations from Emmy Award-winning TV host Bill Boggs; professional and college baseball veteran Jerry Kindall; award-winning rocket scientist Dr. Tom Logsdon; and Tony Awards producer Gary Smith, plus others. Crystal’s exclusive Creative Learning Institute will also feature added classes through, including Yamaha music classes and Berlitz language classes.

The cruise visits Lisbon, Miami, Punta Delgada, the Azores; and Turks& Caicos; Grand Turk. Value Collection fares start at $3,165 per person, double occupancy, including a $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credit and Crystal Family Memories amenities.

For terms and conditions and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.

Disney Cruise Line

Combine A Disney World Resort Stay with A Disney Cruise Line Vacation

Guests have greater flexibility than ever when looking to combine a Disney cruise with a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. For travel beginning in 2010, Disney Cruise Line guests will enjoy a wide selection of add-on options to complement their cruise experience, including resort stays and theme park tickets, all conveniently booked under one reservation.

For all cruise itineraries originating from Port Canaveral, including seven-night cruises on the Disney Magic, guests have the option to purchase pre- or post-cruise stays at 18 select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, for any length of stay.

Guests will have the option to add a one- to five-day Magic Your Way Ticket with Park Hopper Option, with a one-night minimum Walt Disney World resort stay.

Adding to the hassle-free experience of a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel prior to their cruise may check in for their cruise at select hotels, with a two-night minimum resort stay.

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean with special voyages to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2010.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit www.disneycruise.com  or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Pop Star Lulu Performs on Fred. Olsen Cruise to Iberia This Fall

Pop legend singer and celebrity Lulu will make her Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines debut this November on one of the line's first departures from Portsmouth, England. Best known for singing the title song and her strong teen portrayal in the blockbuster 1967 movie To Sir, With Love, starring Sidney Poitier, Lulu will perform with the Leo Green band. Leo Green is a noted jazz saxophonist who has played with great artists such as Van Morrison (for 10 years), Jeff Beck, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others.

One of the UK's best-loved stars, Lulu has had a series of massive hit singles across five decades. She has toured with well-known performers including The Monkees, The Hollies, The Beach Boys and Elton John and collaborated with other major stars including David Bowie, Paul McCartney and Sting.

Passengers on board Fred. Olsen's 856-passenger Boudicca, which departs Portsmouth on November 8, 2009 for the ten-night Autumn in Iberian Sun cruise, BD0927, will be treated to Lulu's exceptional entertainment. This cruise brings travelers to the greatest cities of Spain and Portugal at a time of year when the crowds have thinned. The itinerary includes Bilbao (Spain), La Coruna (Spain), Leixoes (Oporto, Portugal), Gibraltar, and Lisbon (Portugal). Trip highlights include Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the third holiest site in Christendom after Rome and the Holy Land.

Cruise rates begin at $1,514 per person, based on double occupancy. Prices include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, taxes, and port charges.

For more information about the Music at Sea program visit www.fredolsencruises.com  and click on brochures.

Holland America Line

HAL Extends 2010 Grand World Voyage To 128 Days Roundtrip From LA

Holland America Line’s flagship ms Amsterdam will usher in 2010 with a 128-day round-trip Los Angeles, Grand Holiday-and-World Voyage featuring 13 overnight calls — the most ever offered by the line. Forty-five ports of call showcase some of the world’s most remote and exotic regions including South America, Africa, India the Far East and scenic cruising in Antarctica.

 An optional 14-day holiday cruise, when combined with the 114-day Grand World Voyage, creates the 128-day roundtrip sailing from Los Angeles, departing December 23, 2009. The voyage begins with calls in Mexico and Central America, including a transit of the Panama Canal.

Guests wishing to sail after the holidays can embark January 6, 2010, at Fort Lauderdale, Florida., on a 114-day World Voyage. Amsterdam will sail the Panama Canal for a daylight transit of the man-made wonder before beginning its southbound exploration of Central and South America. Three overnight stays enable guests to explore Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama; Callao (Lima), Peru, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Other southbound calls include Manta, Ecuador; Callao Peru; Arica, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Isla Robinson Crusoe and Puerto Montt, Chile.

As Amsterdam approaches the tip of South America, guests will enjoy scenic cruising past Darwin Channel, Chilean Fjords, Amalia Glacier, Canal Sarmiento and Strait of Magellan before calling at Punta Arenas, Chile. More scenic cruising follows of Cockburn and Beagle channels, a series of glaciers and Ushuaia, Argentina, before the actual rounding of Cape Horn.

 The itinerary then takes a turn toward the ultimate southern destination — Antarctica, which includes the Wilhelm Archipelago, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Sound. After the three-day Antarctic experience, Amsterdam sails to Stanley, Falkland Islands; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay, where it departs on the trans-Atlantic leg of the cruise.

Amsterdam crosses to Africa to call at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, Namibia, before heading to South Africa for an overnight at Cape Town and calls at Port Elizabeth and Durban.

Upon reaching the Indian Ocean, guests will overnight at Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, then head to India for overnights in Mumbai and Marmagoa before setting off to Port Kelang, Malaysia.

Next, an intense exploration of the Far East begins, including overnight calls in Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Hong Kong; Xingang (Beijing), China; and Kobe (Osaka) and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan. Additional calls include Sihanoukville (Kampong Som), Cambodia; Phu My (Ho Chi Min City) and Halong Bay, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; Cheju City, South Korea; and Kagoshima and Hakodate, Japan. Before heading back to North America, guests will experience Petropavlovsk, Russian Federation, and gain a day when they cross the International Date Line.

Guests then have the option of disembarking in Vancouver, BC, April 25, or Seattle, Washington, April 26, or continuing on to Los Angeles.

The Grand World Voyage features three special celebrity-guest speakers — former television news anchor Sam Donaldson (March 28 through April 1), biographer Kitty Kelley (January 28 through February 7) and Grammy Award–winning musician Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida (January 6 through 11).

Reservations are now open for all four 2010 Holland America Line Grand Voyages, with a variety of early-booking bonus amenities offered to full-cruise guests.  Depending upon the category booked, guests who book by September 30, 2009, may enjoy shipboard credits up to $1,000 per person, an exclusive shore event, liquor service, complimentary luggage delivery service to and from gateways, pre-paid service charges and welcome-aboard champagne.  Cruise fares begin at $17,999 per person for the full 128-day Grand World Voyage.

 New holiday segments of Grand World Voyage, a 47-day Los Angeles to Buenos Aires and a 61-day Los Angeles to Cape Town, also are available for booking and include airfare from select West Coast gateways and select East Coast and Central cities for $200 more. The special cruise-and-air fares for the 47-day segment begin at $7,299 and for the 61-day segment at $9,299.

For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Holland America Line Expands Group Advantage Program Features

 Two new amenity packages and two award classes have been added to Holland America Line’s 2010 Group Advantage Program (GAP), offering the most extensive GAP menu in the industry.  New features include Girls’ Night Out and Guys’ Night Out Package amenities as well as an option to select personalized martini classes for a group.

Holland America Line caters in many ways to groups, providing incentive amenities based on GAP points established by the cruise destination, date and length.  Travel sellers can then select amenities to customize a group’s cruising experience.  In addition to the new packages, the premium line also offers custom GAP packages tailored for weddings, family reunions and culinary groups.  

-- Girls’ Night Out Package

In the first of two new group packages, one complimentary lunch or dinner is included at the Northwest-inspired Pinnacle Grill restaurant for a girlfriend celebration.  Each guest receives a traditional pedicure or manicure in the Greenhouse Spa and Salon with a maximum of five people at one time.  A glass of champagne accompanies the selected spa service.   Five booked staterooms are required to receive the package amenities.

-- Guys’ Night Out Package

For the guys, the second new package features a casino credit of $25 for each guest in the shipboard casinos, offering the latest in Las Vegas-style gaming.  An additional $25 alcoholic beverage card per guest is included for use at any outlet on board.  Five booked staterooms are also required to receive package amenities.

 --Martini Class

As a new group amenity for travel sellers to select for qualifying groups, guests can learn to create and taste various martini beverages, such as the Peartini, Rum Sundae, High Tide Martini or Holland America Line’s signature martini, the Yellow Tulip.  The 45-minute martini class offers guests the chance to make three to six beverages, with six guests limited to each class.

-- Other GAP Amenities

Additional items on the 2010 GAP menu include beverage cards, a shipboard credit of $75 per stateroom, three types of vitamin water per stateroom, a set of five Holland America Line wine charms or a cake for private functions.  Travel sellers also can now arrange for their guests to learn to recreate towel designs with a complimentary 88-page “Towel Creations” book and 45-minute towel folding session.

GAP points are based on a per person value and vary by the cruise region and length.  GAP selections must be selected 90 days prior to the cruise departure.  

 For more information on creating cruise groups and GAP amenities, Holland America Line offers the free guide “Developing Group Business.”  To download or order a printed copy, visit www.travelagentheadquarters.com  and look under the Sales Tools tab or call 1-800-544-0443.   Polar Online can be accessed at the web site as well.

Louis Cruises

Louis Cruises Offers Winter Cruises In The Mediterranean

Louis Cruises will be offering winter cruises in the Mediterranean for the first time in 2009/10 with the launch of Louis Majesty on December 4. The 1,790-passenger ship, formerly Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Majesty, will be sailing eight and 12-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Genoa or Marseilles. Prices start from £319 per person cruise-only. Website: www.louiscruises.com

Louis Cruises Offers Special Holiday Voyages

Onboard the newly introduced Louis Majesty, travelers will revel in the history and culture of Europe on two special Louis Cruises holiday itineraries and become part of the captivating spell cast over the region during the holiday season. The six-day Christmas Cruise will depart from Genoa, Italy on December 20, 2009 and visits Marseilles in France, Port Mahon/Menorca in Spain, Tunis in Tunisia, La Valletta in Malta, and Trapani in Italy before returning to Genoa (specially priced from $500 per person, down from brochure price of $1,165).  On December 26, 2009 Louis Cruises' New Year's Cruise will depart from Genoa, Italy and visit Marseilles in France; Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga and Almeria in Spain; Gibraltar - B.C.C; & Tangier and Casablanca in Morocco (specially priced from $815 per person, down from brochure price of $1,565). 

 The Christmas Cruise and New Year's sailings can be combined for a spectacular 14-day combination cruise. Traveling aboard the Louis Majesty, passengers will enjoy the splendors of the holiday season, enhanced by the traditions of the local culture and the picturesque surroundings as well as onboard celebrations with festive menus and holiday-themed entertainment and décor throughout the vessel, enveloping travelers in the spirit of the season. Website: www.louiscruises.com

MSC Cruises

Ring in the Holidays Caribbean Style with MSC Cruises

When you ring in the holidays with family, Caribbean style on MSC Poesia’s December 20, 2009 seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, you can celebrate with big savings.

MSC Cruises’ “The More the Merrier” offer on a roundtrip cruise from Fort Lauderdale allows guests to pay the regular early booking rate on the first stateroom and 50 percent off the early booking rate on a second stateroom. The promotion is valid when four guests are booked in two staterooms.

For example, rates for interior staterooms begin at $699 per person for guests in the first stateroom, while the two guests in the second stateroom pay $349.50 each. Rates for an oceanview stateroom begin at $899 per person for the two guests in the first stateroom and $499.50 each for two guests in the second stateroom. Rates for a balcony begin at $1,049 each for the first stateroom and $524.50 each for the second stateroom.

Guests can be booked in the same category or in different categories; if they are booked in different categories, the 50 percent discount applies to the lower category.

 “The More the Merrier” offer is valid on new bookings made by Aug. 31, 2009. All rates are cruise-only, per person. Government fees and taxes for all guests are additional. Both staterooms must be booked at the same time and with the same booking number.

This December 20 Happy Holidays, Caribbean Style itinerary includes Christmas Day at sea and port calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. John’s, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas. Website: www.msccruises.com

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises Adds New South Pacific and Hawaii Sailings in 2010-11

Princess Cruises has added seven new sailings to its fall 2010 to spring 2011 schedule aboard Sapphire Princess, including two leisurely Pacific crossings between California and Sydney, plus additional Hawaii cruises.

The two new month-long sailings will visit 13 tropical ports of call to give cruisers a true taste of the idyllic South Pacific. Increased interest in roundtrip Hawaii sailings prompted Princess to add several more of these sailings to its West Coast lineup as well.

 The new Sapphire Princess voyages include:

 -- Two-day Pacific Coastal (Vancouver to San Francisco) – September 20, 2010

-- 30-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific (San Francisco to Sydney) – September 22, 2010

-- 29-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific (Sydney to Los Angeles) – October 23, 2010

-- Ten-day Mexican Riviera (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – January 5, 2011

-- 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – January 29, 2011

-- 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – February 26, 2011

-- 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – March 26, 2011

The new sailings are currently open for sale, with fares starting at $199 per person for the new two-day coastal cruise.  Hawaiian Islands sailings begin at $1,995 per person, and Pacific crossings begin at $4,195 per person.

NOTE:

To accommodate the new cruises, which were added as a result of shifting demand in the West Coast cruise market, Princess has cancelled 15 previously scheduled Mexican Riviera sailings. An additional 17 Mexican Riviera sailings are still available during this time period.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting www.princess.com.

Princess Launches New Cruisetour to Oberammergau Passion Play

Princess has added a rare opportunity to its 2010 cruisetour lineup in Europe – a unique cruisetour designed to include the famed Oberammergau Passion Play, which is performed only once each decade in this small Bavarian village in Germany.

The new 18-day “Oberammergau & Highlights of Germany” tour features two nights in the southern German town of Oberammergau, and includes tickets to the event.  Passengers will also visit a variety of other top German destinations during the eight-day land tour, including Frankfurt, the Black Forest, Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin.  In addition, the tour will connect seamlessly with a ten-day Scandinavia/Russia cruise aboard Star Princess.  Two departures are offered on August 2 and August 12, 2010.

The Oberammergau Passion Play has been held every ten years since 1634 in thanksgiving for deliverance from the Black Death in 1633. The play is now performed in years ending with a zero (except 1984 which was the 350th anniversary), and involves more than 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians, all of whom are residents of the village.  All cast members have lived in the village at least 20 years and must be amateurs of high moral and ethical principles.  Villagers also make all the costumes for the production and, as no wigs are used, participants must grow their hair and beards for several months prior to the performances.

Fares for the 18-day Oberammergau cruisetour begin at $5,319 per person, based on double occupancy. Capacity is limited on these special tours, and could fill quickly.

The Oberammergau & Highlights of Germany cruisetour is one of Princess’ four Europe cruisetour options available next season.  Travelers can also opt for:

--The 18-day Europe’s Imperial Treasures, which features the cathedrals and castles of four capitals that have figured prominently in history – Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin – and includes a Star Princess Scandinavia and Russia sailing. 

-- The 17-day Classic Italy tour offers the charms of Florence and Rome, and can connect to a number of Princess’ Mediterranean sailings. 

-- The 16-day Ring of Kerry tour offers some of the Emerald Isle’s most inspiring landscapes with visits to Shannon, Killarney and Cork, plus a Crown Princess British Isles cruise.

Website: www.princess.com

Yachts of Seabourn

He Yachts Of Seabourn Launches One-Week ‘Bon Voyage Event’

The phrase Bon Voyage is sure to get a cruise enthusiast’s pulse pounding, especially when combined with the word “savings.” The Yachts of Seabourn has announced a one-week Bon Voyage Event that offers savings of up to 65 percent on award-winning, small-ship cruises in Europe, Asia, Central America or the Caribbean this fall or winter.

Bookings must be made between Monday, August 24 and close of business Monday, August 31, 2009, to qualify. Bon Voyage Event savings apply to a dozen cruises of five to 14 days, departing between October 2009 and March 2010. The savings are available on all four of Seabourn’s intimate, ultra luxury yachts, including the brand-new Seabourn Odyssey, on popular itineraries in the Mediterranean, Panama Canal, the Caribbean and Vietnam & Thailand. All-inclusive Bon Voyage Event fares start from $1,349 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite.

The yachts, cruise departures and itineraries included are:

--Seabourn Pride –Asian Capitals & Vietnam February 13 and 27, March 13, 2010

14 days between Singapore and Hong Kong.  Fares from $5,249.

-- Seabourn Spirit --Atlantic Sunsets Transatlantic November 15, 2009

12 days Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale. Fares from $2,765.

-- Seabourn Spirit  --Caribbean Getaway December 16, 2009 

five days from Ft. Lauderdale to St. Thomas. Fares from $1,349.

-- Seabourn Legend–Panama, Belize & Costa Rica November 23, December 7, 2009

14 days between Ft. Lauderdale and Caldera, Costa Rica. Fares from $3,599.

-- Seabourn Odyssey –Caribbean Tapestry November 28, 2009

12 days round trip from Ft. Lauderdale. Fares from $3,999.

In addition, four new special-value segments have been created for the Bon Voyage Event:

-- Seabourn Pride –Mediterranean October 8 - 15, 2009

seven days from Lisbon to Barcelona. Fares from $2,899.

--Seabourn Pride --Mediterranean October 15 - 24, 2009

nine days from Barcelona to Piraeus (Athens). Fares from $3,499.

-- Seabourn Odyssey --Mediterranean October 17 - 23, 2009

six days from Istanbul to Valletta, Malta. Fares from $3,499.

-- Seabourn Odyssey --Mediterranean October 23 - 31, 2009

eight days from Valletta, Malta to Malaga, Spain. Fares from $4,499.

All fares are cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy.

For details, or to take advantage of the Seabourn Bon Voyage Event, contact a professional travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com