Carnival Cruises

‘Carnival Freedom’ Debuts With Mediterranean/Greek Cruises In 2007

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom will operate an exciting inaugural schedule in 2007, encompassing 12-day cruises that include the line’s first-ever visit to the Greek Isles and Turkey, as well as extended calls at a variety of magnificent Mediterranean ports.

Carnival Freedom’s inaugural season kicks off March 14, 2007, and includes seven 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises and 12 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” voyages through Oct. 16, 2007. All voyages operate round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia).       “For Carnival Freedom, we’ve assembled two terrific itineraries that feature new destinations for Carnival—the Greek Isles and Turkey—as well as a variety of spectacular European ports to enable guests to experience the region’s broad diversity of cultures, cuisine and history,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.  “These new 12-day cruises to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles not only provide exciting itinerary choices for our guests but represent the continuing evolution of the ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience,” he added.

-- The 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises include eight ports:  Naples, Italy; Rhodes, Greece; Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey featuring scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia). The seven 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises depart March 14 and 26; April 7 and 19; June 18; August 5; and September 22, 2007. These cruises offer guests a variety of unforgettable landside experiences, including visiting the legendary Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon in Greece, as well as the ancient cities of Olympia, Priere, Didyma and Miletus, which are four of the best-preserved settlements of Grecian history. 

With the overnight call in Civitavecchia, guests can enjoy a shore excursion to Rome to see the centuries-old Coliseum or to Vatican City to tour St. Peter’s Basilica, while during the extended call in Istanbul, guests can visit the fabled Blue Mosque and Topkapi Museum. On the departure from Istanbul, Carnival Freedom will sail the spectacular Sea of Dardanelles, which connects the Aegan Sea with the Sea of Marmora.

-- The 12-day “Grand Mediterranean cruises visit seven ports: Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (two-day call); Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.  The 12 voyages depart May 1, 13 and 25; June 6 and 30; July 12 and 24; August 17 and 28; September 10; October 4 and 16. On these voyages, guests can visit captivating European cities such as Capri, Taormina, Monte Carlo, Florence and Pisa, which are home to some of the world’s most celebrated museums and centuries-old historical landmarks and attractions. Particularly noteworthy is the two-day call in Venice, where guests can sample the city’s excellent restaurants, view stunning architecture, and visit magnificent museums and cathedrals. 

Carnival Freedom will offer a wide range of signature Fun Ship amenities:  22 lounges and bars, a 13,300-square-foot spa, a jogging track, Internet café, and four swimming pools—one with a 214-foot-long water slide. A nine-deck-high glass-covered atrium provides easy and convenient access to the various areas.

Dining choices include twin two-level formal restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists, a 1,400-seat casual poolside eatery featuring a 24-hour pizzeria, and an reservations-only supper club serving prime steaks and other upscale cuisine. These venues will feature Georges Blanc Signature Selections created by the talented French master chef.

Carnival Freedom will also include a comprehensive golf program, a 1,100-square-foot conference center, a duty-free shopping mall, and expansive facilities for the line’s Camp Carnival and Club 02 programs catering to children and teens, respectively.

Of the ship’s 1,487 staterooms, 60 percent will offer an ocean view with 60 percent of those featuring private balconies.

Prices for Carnival Freedom’s new 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises begin at $999 per person and the 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages at $1,449 per person, based on double occupancy.  Round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, along with special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, are also available.  Carnival is now accepting individual and group reservations. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, or visit www.carnival.com.

‘Carnival Liberty ‘To Operate Year-Round From Fort Lauderdale November 2006

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 110,000-ton Carnival Liberty will be deployed year-round from Port Everglades on six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises beginning in November 2006. It is the only program of its kind from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Carnival Liberty, which currently operates seasonal six- and eight-day voyages from Fort Lauderdale and 12-day European cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia), launches year-round service from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 19, 2006, following a 16-day transatlantic voyage. On its year-round program from Fort Lauderdale, six-day cruises departing Sundays visit Freeport, The Bahamas; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Costa Maya, while eight-day voyages departing Saturdays alternate to the eastern and western Caribbean.

Eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages feature five ports: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; Antigua, Lesser Antilles; Tortola/Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.; and Nassau, The Bahamas. Western Caribbean cruises include Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama and Costa Maya , Mexico.

-- On Carnival Liberty’s six-day cruises, guests can enjoy three distinctly different island experiences—Freeport, Grand Cayman and Costa Maya—each of which offer magnificent beaches, local shopping and a host of watersports. Because of the six-day duration, these cruises also offer a tremendous vacation value.

-- Carnival Liberty’s eight-day eastern Caribbean cruises feature five ports—San Juan, St. Thomas (optional shore excursion to St. John), Antigua, Tortola (optional shore excursion to Virgin Gorda) and Nassau—providing consumers a diversity of shoreside options. In addition to excellent dining and shopping, a wide range of shore excursions are offered, including horseback riding, scuba diving, hiking and kayaking. During an extended evening stay in San Juan, guests can also sample that city’s legendary nightlife.

-- Eight-day western Caribbean cruises visit Costa Maya, Mexico; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama, which, in addition to historical sites and attractions, including centuries-old ruins, offer a multitude of dining, shopping and watersports experiences. A number of adventure-type tours, including canoeing, and white-water rafting, are featured, as well. From Colon, guests can experience all the wonders of the Panama Canal and even a unique bi-coastal railroad adventure.

Both of these eight-day cruises offer visits to ports that are usually available only on cruises of ten-day or longer durations. In addition, these cruises depart on Saturdays and return on Sundays, which allow them to fit into the consumer’s traditional one week vacation pattern.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Liberty’s year-round six- and eight-day cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from more than 170 North American gateways, are also available.

Prices for the Carnival Liberty’s six-day cruises start at $459 per person, while eight-day cruises begin at $629 per person, based on double occupancy. Special rates for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom, as well as round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also available.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com.

Presidential Wine Club Cruise’ On ‘Carnival Valor’ December 3-10, 2006

Following the tremendous success of the inaugural Presidential Wine Club Cruise last December, Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that a second wine-themed voyage will be held, this time aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor in December 2006.         Hosted by Carnival President and CEO Bob Dickinson—the namesake behind the Presidential Wine Club—the week-long voyage will operate round-trip from Miami Dec. 3-10, 2006.  Featured ports include Nassau, St. Thomas/St. John, and St. Maarten.

World-renowned French master chef, restaurateur and winemaker Georges Blanc, who, through an exclusive alliance with Carnival, is introducing his Signature Selection menu items fleetwide aboard the line’s ships, will be sailing on this voyage. Blanc, who has maintained the coveted three stars from the Michelin Guide for the past 25 years, will share his vast knowledge and expertise of fine food and wine to Presidential Wine Club Cruise participants. “The inaugural ‘Presidential Wine Club Cruise’ attracted several hundred wine enthusiasts who enhanced their knowledge and appreciation for wine through interesting and thought-provoking seminars and tastings by leading wine experts.  I’m delighted to host the second in this popular series as the ‘Presidential Wine Club Cruise’ becomes an annual event,” Dickinson said. “With only 300 cabins available for Presidential Wine Club Cruise participants, wine enthusiasts should reserve their spot early for what’s sure to be an exciting week,” he added.

The Presidential Wine Club Cruise will include a wide range of wine-related events, including a Welcome Aboard Reception and Gala Tasting hosted by leading wine experts and featuring fine wines from around the world. Seminars include “Fundamentals of Wine,” covering a broad range of topics, from wine making to wine appreciation.  There will also be food pairings where Dickinson will personally suggest wines for guests to purchase to accompany their meals in the Valor’s Lincoln or Washington dining rooms.

Launched last year, the Presidential Wine Club provides members with two bottles of select boutique wines each month from the world’s great winemaking regions, including California, France, Italy, Spain, Chile, Argentina and Australia. Members are also eligible for special discounts on wine and accessories through the club’s Web site, presidentialwineclub.com, which serves as an on-line wine information and communication resource with interactive message boards and a monthly “Ask Bob” feature by the cruise line president.  A helpful About Wine section offers wine trivia, tips on storage and decanting, and background on the various types of wine.

Membership is available by visiting www.presidentialwineclub.com  or by calling toll-free at 1-888-292-2582.  The cost of the “Presidential Wine Club” is $39.99 per month plus $9.99 shipping and handling.

Prices for the Presidential Wine Club Cruise begin at $599 per person for members, based on double occupancy. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom and round-trip air supplements from more than 170 North American gateways are also available. Participants must request fare code CPWC when making the reservation; members of the Presidential Wine Club may request fare code CPW2.  Participants need not be members of the Presidential Wine Club to sail on this voyage. For additional information on the Presidential Wine Club Cruise, visit www.presidentialwineclub.com.  For reservations, call 1-866-299-5862 or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com.

Crystal Cruises

New York Is Homport For Three New England/Canada Cruises This Fall

For its 2006 New England and Canada season, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is featuring more fall foliage cruises traveling round-trip from New York.  From September through October, the award-winning Crystal Symphony showcases the fall splendor and rich history of this unique part of the world on five destination-rich itineraries including a new 11-day and two new seven-day round-trip departures from New York, as well as two 11-day itineraries between New York and Montréal.

-- The season begins with two new week-long itineraries departing from New York on September 14 and 21. Included are visits to Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts (overnight); Bar Harbor, Maine; and, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

-- The new 11-day cruise, also from New York, departs on October 20 and features a call at Québec City and scenic cruising of the Saguenay River.  With an added dash of flavor, one of New England's best loved chefs, Christian Thornton of Atria in Martha's Vineyard, brings his talents aboard as part of Crystal's Wine & Food Festival at Sea.

-- At the heart of Crystal's New England & Canada season are two 11-day cruises journeying into the heart of French Québec, each showcasing a maiden port of call for Crystal. From New York on September 28, Crystal Symphony visits Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport, calling on the maiden port of La Baie des Ha! Ha!, Canada; spending a full day in Québec City; and, ultimately arriving in Montréal for an overnight.  The October 9 departure from Montréal features the same itinerary with a maiden call at St. John, New Brunswick in place of Le Baie des Ha! Ha!.

Cruise fares for Crystal's New England & Canada cruises begin at $2,140 per person, double occupancy, depending on itinerary plus port taxes and a fuel surcharge.

The Award-Winning Crystal Difference

For reservations and additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625.  Visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal Cruises Celebrates Thanksgiving And Fall Sailings With Family Values

Luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises celebrates this Thanksgiving with a tropical flair and extraordinary savings of up to 50 percent off brochure fares.  Families seeking a holiday getaway will appreciate all of the luxury, tradition and savings available with Crystal's Thanksgiving cruises aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Offered in November and December, Crystal's late fall Value Collection features sailings of seven to 15 days on itineraries through the Panama Canal and Caribbean, as well as a southern transatlantic crossing.  Fares start at less than $250 per person, per day for vacations aboard the ships recently voted by Condé Nast Traveler readers as the two best ships in the world. 

Thanksgiving Cruises—During the Thanksgiving holiday, Crystal goes to great lengths to ensure its ships provide a festive ambience with all the trimmings of the season.  Both the Trans-Atlantic crossing aboard Crystal Serenity and the Panama Canal transit on Crystal Symphony will host a traditional five-course feast prepared by the line's acclaimed culinary team.   Days at sea offer an array of stimulating activity, as well as time to indulge oneself in a lavish spa treatment.  Thanksgiving cruises at savings up to 50 percent are scheduled on the November 12; 12-day Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Caldera, Costa Rica; starting at $2,380 (Crystal Symphony) and the November 15 ten-day crossing from Lisbon to Miami, including an overnight stay in Bermuda; starting at $2,875 (Crystal Serenity)

Fall Value Collection—As November and December brings cold weather to much of the U.S., late fall is an ideal time to escape to the tropical warmth of the Caribbean and Central America.  Luxury cruises listed below offer savings up to 50 percent, except as noted: 

* November 24; 12-day Panama Canal cruise from Caldera to Tampa; starting at $2,380 (Crystal Symphony)

* December 5; 10-day Caribbean cruise round-trip from Miami; starting at $2,950 - up to 45 percent (Crystal Serenity)

* December 6; 15-day Panama Canal cruise from Tampa to Los Angeles; starting at $2,930 (Crystal Symphony)

* December 15; seven-day Caribbean cruise round-trip from Miami; starting at $2,165 - up to 45 percent (Crystal Serenity)

Note: Fares quoted are per person and based on double occupancy accommodations.

The Da Vinci Code Inspires New Crystal Adventure in Italy

Fans of Dan Brown's best-selling “Angels & Demons,” the prelude to his blockbuster novel “The Da Vinci Code,” will relish the opportunity to follow the Path of Illumination on a new Crystal Adventure in Rome this summer. Given the growing fascination with The Da Vinci Code and works of Leonardo da Vinci, Crystal Cruises will also welcome the author of “Math and the Mona Lisa” aboard two new Mediterranean cruises this summer. "With the motion picture release of The Da Vinci Code just two months away, interest in Dan Brown's novels is at an all-time high. From the Sistine Chapel to the Castle St. Angelo, the Angels & Demons tour offers a topical look at some of Rome's most historic, artistic and architecturally significant monuments and churches—all with a dash of religious and scientific intrigue," says John Stoll, Crystal Cruises' director of land programs.

Walking in the steps of protagonist Robert Langdon, the new shore excursion showcases the four symbols along the Path of Illumination together with the exceptional works of renowned Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini:

  * Earth -- the Chigi Chapel where "Habakkuk and the Angel" points the way

    down the Path of Illumination;

  * Air -- the "west wind medallion" in St. Peter's Square;

  * Fire -- the "Ecstasy of St. Teresa" at the church of Santa Maria della

    Vittoria; and,

  * Water -- the "Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi," or Fountain of the Four

    Rivers, in Rome's famed Piazza Navona.

Showcasing the key symbols and landmarks in Angels & Demons, the tour also visits the Spanish Steps and the Church of St. Ignatius; the Pantheon, Rome's best-preserved ancient temple devoted to the goddess of the earth; St. Peter's Basilica, the largest shrine on earth; and, the many Egyptian obelisks so prominently displayed throughout the city and featured throughout the book.

With the escalating buzz surrounding The Da Vinci Code, Crystal will also welcome author Bulent Atalay aboard two Mediterranean cruises (July 19 and July 26) to discuss his book “Math and the Mona Lisa.” A mathematician and scientist, Atalay's amazing lectures examine the unity of art and science in all of Leonardo Da Vinci's works— including two of the most famous paintings in history—The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.

The 10 1/2-hour Angels & Demons excursion is $249 per person and includes a three-course lunch at a local restaurant. Fares for cruises that offer this tour in Rome start at $3,395 per person, double occupancy. The two Mediterranean cruises featuring Bulent Atalay start at $2,390 per person, double occupancy.

For additional information, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

Cunard Line

Cunard Offering Enrichment Programs On ‘QM2’ This Fall

Lectures and demonstrations by well-known industry trendsetters in the worlds of art, design, dining and literature will be a highlight of Queen Mary 2's autumn transatlantic voyages.  A Cunard hallmark, the engaging, thought-provoking enrichment programs are presented in partnership with Condé Nast Traveler, The New Yorker, Gourmet, Architectural Digest and Departures.

-- A "Literary Retreat on the High Seas" is the subject of the September 6, 2006 eastbound transatlantic voyage. Presented by Condé Nast Traveler and The New Yorker, the journey brings together three well-known authors for lectures, book-signings and Q&A sessions on their works and diverse areas of expertise, including fine wines and southern culture.  The accomplished authors are Joe Ward, senior wine editor of Condé Nast Traveler and author of How to Buy Fine Wine; Robert Hicks, historian of Southern culture and author of The Widow of The South, and Kathleen Tessaro, best-selling author of contemporary women's fiction, including her newest work, Innocence.

-- On Queen Mary 2's October 24, 2006 eastbound crossing, Departures magazine presents Modern Dance on the High Seas.  Featuring Janet Eilber, chief choreographer of the Martha Graham Modern Dance Company, the oldest and most celebrated contemporary dance company in America, this voyage-long program offers an interactive series of events commemorating the work and legacy of dance pioneer Martha Graham.  Highlights include a series of five lectures by Eilber, including solo and duet performances. Guests will also enjoy the opportunity to participate in daily dance classes led by members of the Company. A meet-and-greet Q&A session with Eilber and company dancers completes the voyage.

-- On QM2's November 5, 2006, eastbound crossing, Gourmet magazine and Architectural Digest team up to present Fine Living on the High Seas.  Offering expert insight into the art of fine living well will be Dave Lieberman, host of the Food Network's Good Deal with Dave Lieberman and author of Dave's Dinners:  A Fresh Approach to Home Cooked Meals and Jamie Drake, well-known New York-based interior designer and author of Jamie Drake's New American Glamour.  Lieberman will engage passengers with a series of three cooking demonstrations in the ship's Chef's Galley, while Drake will inspire the design-minded in three lectures that capture his bold take on glamorous interiors.  Both speakers will follow their presentations with book signings.

In 2006, Queen Mary 2 will cross the Atlantic 20 times including four 8-day transatlantic crossings to/from Hamburg and one seven-day voyage from Southampton to Ft. Lauderdale. For more information about Cunard, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

2007:  An Historic Year for Cunard Line

In the grand Cunard tradition, 2007 promises to be another historic year for the world's most famous ocean liners.  Demonstrating the line's historic ties to its home port of New York, Queen Mary 2 will offer an expanded season of transatlantic travel, as well as introduce a collection of six four-day Getaway sailings and 12 ten-day Connoisseur's Caribbean voyages in 2007 and 2008—all originating from New York. Queen Mary 2 will call on six ports as far south as Barbados on the Connoisseur voyages, highlighting the ship's fast sea-keeping abilities.

Longest-serving Cunarder Queen Elizabeth 2, will celebrate her 40th anniversary with a special commemorative voyage around the British Isles.

The year wraps with the highly anticipated maiden voyages of the new Queen Victoria, marking the first time in Cunard's 167-year history that three Cunard Queens will be in service simultaneously. "Interest in ocean travel is at an all-time high," says Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.  "More than ever, we are crafting genuinely intriguing itineraries that satisfy the growing demand for meaningful luxury adventure travel.  From our flagship Queen Mary 2 to the soon-to-debut Queen Victoria and the quintessential Queen Elizabeth 2, Cunard is the line of choice for travelers charmed by a singular blend of history and innovation."

Transatlantic Crossings, Short Getaways and More Aboard QM2

The only ocean liner offering regularly scheduled transatlantic service between New York and Southampton, Queen Mary 2 will offer 22 six-day crossings between New York and Southampton, April through October 2007.  In addition, QM2 will introduce one seven-day crossing from Le Havre, France and four eight-day crossings from Hamburg, Germany in 2007; all include calls in Southampton for sightseeing in and around London.  Fares for QM2's Transatlantic voyages start from $1,299 per person.

-- Queen Mary 2 will also introduce a collection of six four-day Getaway voyages in 2007 and 2008.  Coinciding with popular long weekend holidays, four are roundtrip sailings from New York to sunny Eleuthera, Bahamas, overlapping with Memorial Day 2007, Fourth of July 2007, President's Day 2008 and Easter 2008.  Another four-day Getaway voyage is offered from Fort Lauderdale on January 6, 2007 and a Labor Day 2007 Holiday Getaway voyage travels to picturesque Halifax, Nova Scotia from New York.  These voyages are priced from $749 per person.

-- In September, the ship's Splendors of the Fall itinerary takes leaf-peeping passengers on a roundtrip journey from New York to five historic seaports: Newport, RI; Boston, MA; Bar Harbor, ME; Halifax, Nova Scotia and Quebec City, Quebec.  Pricing for this nine-day voyage begins at $1,999 per person.

-- Another addition to Queen Mary 2's 2007-2008 deployment is a series of 12 10-day Connoisseur's Caribbean voyages, traveling roundtrip from New York, and two 13-day Panama and the Caribbean voyages.  The Connoisseur's Caribbean itineraries include stops in classic Caribbean ports of call, including Road Town, Tortola; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and are priced from $1,599 per person, depending on departure date.

-- In April, QM2 makes back-to-back journeys to Caribbean ports on two eight-day itineraries:  Caribbean Adventures, which sails from Fort Lauderdale to New York, and the Taste of the Caribbean, a New York roundtrip.  Pricing for these voyages starts at $1,249 and $1,499 per person, respectively. In December, the ship's 14-day Caribbean Celebration takes passengers on an extended holiday journey to eight Caribbean ports of call. Rates begin at $3,299 per person.

-- Interspersed in QM2's transatlantic schedule are three European voyages, departing from Southampton, which are ideal add-ons to transatlantic crossings.  Departing in May and September, the 12-day Mediterranean Explorer and Mediterranean Medley voyages call in such romantic destinations as Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Marseille and Lisbon and are priced from $2,749 per person.  In June, the 10-day Norwegian Odyssey traces a path through the magnificent fjords of Norway with calls in eight ports with fares from $1,899 per person.

Queen Mary 2 will offer a new dining option for 2007. Guests in 46 AA category staterooms will enjoy delicious five-star cuisine in an exclusive private dining area within the Britannia Restaurant. This single-seating club-like restaurant will offer the Britannia Restaurant menu, plus various a la carte options and table-side flambé service.

Queen Elizabeth 2 Celebrates A Special Birthday

In September 2007, the grand dame Queen Elizabeth 2 will celebrate the 40th anniversary of her launch by The Queen. To commemorate this event, Cunard plans a QE2 40th Anniversary Celebration voyage with stops in Newcastle, England; Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland; and Liverpool, England, where a public anniversary party is scheduled.

Other QE2 highlights in 2007 include three longer roundtrip voyages from Southampton to North America, including a 16-day Caribbean Crossing voyage via New York in April; a 19-day Autumn Colors voyage in September, with calls in Canada and throughout New England; and a 21-day Caribbean Calypso voyage in December.

The balance of QE2's full schedule will be spent traversing the waters of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on 19 voyages of varying lengths, ranging from two-day Getaway voyages to Zeebrugee, Belgium to a 16-day Mediterranean Odyssey, with calls to Malaga, Spain; Sicily, Italy; Crete and Athens, Greece; Marmaris, Turkey; Valletta, Malta; and Gibraltar.

Cunard Showcases Rich Ocean Liner Heritage with the Launch of Queen Victoria

The year ends on a high note, with the December 2007 launch of the 90,000-ton Queen Victoria, a quintessential Cunard liner that includes all the hallmark features associated with the line together with exciting innovations, including private viewing boxes in the Royal Court Theatre, alfresco dining for Grill guests, a floating museum of Cunard memorabilia, and a two-story library with 6,000 books.  She will debut with two special maiden voyages—a Christmas Markets Voyage on December 11, and a Canary Islands Festive Celebration in December.

For those who book a 2007 voyage prior to May 31, 2006, savings of up to 45 percent on Queen Mary 2, and savings of up to 50 percent on QE2 will be available, subject to availability.

For more information about Cunard, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com. 

Discovery Cruise Line

Discovery Offers Special Rate to Medical Professionals During May

Discovery Cruise Line, the region's largest tour operator to Grand Bahama Island carrying nearly 200,000 passengers a year, is once again recognizing the area's medical professionals by offering an industry rate of $99.99 per person on same day roundtrip cruises to any registered nurse or other medical professional who sails during the month of May and who presents proper credentials at check-in confirming their professional status. According to Hanns J. Hahn, General Manager of Discovery, "South Florida boasts one of the largest and most qualified medical industries in the world, and Discovery especially wants to recognize the medical profession that is so essential to the quality of care given our residents and others who choose to visit medical facilities in the area."

The cruise price includes three meals on the roundtrip journey, entertainment, games, activities, even a Kid's Club. Plus, you have plenty of room to stretch your legs on one of the spacious decks.

Discovery sails daily from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, departing at 7:45 am and returning at 10 pm. Discovery offers same day roundtrip cruises as well as cruise and stay vacation packages at most of the island's hotels.

For more information or reservations, call 1-800-93-SHIPS or visit our web site at http://www.discoverycruiseline.com.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Announces First-Ever Mediterranean Cruises

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line is adding European flair to its itinerary offerings, repositioning the Disney Magic for the summer of 2007 to the Port of Barcelona in Spain and offering alternating ten- and 11-night Mediterranean cruise vacations to Europe. "Our guests have told us they would love to take a European vacation, but all of the planning and logistics can be daunting. These special sailings will offer a hassle-free way to experience the beauty and culture of Europe combined with the fun of a Disney cruise," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin.

With eight European ports of call, which provide gateways to familiar cities such as Florence, Rome, Pisa and Cannes, these new Mediterranean itineraries present the family vacation of a lifetime.

The four 11-night itineraries depart on Saturdays: May 26, June 16, July 7 and July 28; while the four ten-night itineraries depart on Wednesdays: June 6, June 27, July 18 and August. Both itineraries will depart from Barcelona for the summer.

In addition to the Mediterranean cruises, two 14-night trans-Atlantic sailings bookend the ten- and 11-night adventures with the eastbound itinerary departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, May 12, and the westbound starting from the Port of Barcelona, August  18.

Bookings for these special and very limited itineraries are scheduled to open on April 4, giving interested guests time to plan with their families and friends. Starting rates for the Mediterranean 10- and 11-night itineraries range from $2,399 to $3,499 and are based on double occupancy.

Disney Cruise Line specifically designed its ships with areas and activities that appeal to the unique vacation needs of every member of the family. As a result, its vacations offer guests an unbelievable cruise experience not found anywhere else.

The ship features nearly an entire deck that is dedicated just to kids where they can enjoy fun, supervised activities designed for especially for different age groups. Additionally, an experienced staff cares for infants and toddlers at Flounder's Reef Nursery, allowing parents the opportunity to explore ports of call or adult areas on the ship, such as a special pool, the spa, a nighttime entertainment district and a romantic dining experience.

The Walt Disney Theatre provides a magnificent showplace of state-of-the-art sound, lighting, staging and set design. The curtain is lifted after the sun drops and original Disney musicals, family-friendly variety acts and first-run films entertain all ages.

While sailing on a Disney cruise, guests also get to enjoy three different themed restaurants through the voyage. Guests travel from the casual elegance of Lumiere's to the colorful, island-inspired Parrot Cay and Animator's Palate, where Disney animation springs to life throughout their meal. Along the way, they enjoy the familiarity of having the same wait staff with them at each restaurant they visit. Adults may also opt to dine at Palo, an exquisite restaurant featuring sweeping views and northern Italian cuisine.

The 877 family-friendly staterooms aboard each Disney ship were designed to offer maximum comfort. Most feature an industry first—a bath-and-a-half with two separate areas; one offering a shower and sink, the other a sink and toilet.

Guests interested in booking a Mediterranean cruise to Europe with Disney Cruise Line should call (888)-DCL-2500, visit www.disneycruise.com  or contact their travel agent.

Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines Offering Savings For Cruises Booked By April 30

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just been awarded "Best Classic Ship Operator" AND "Best European Cruise Operator" awards from UK-based trade magazine, "Selling Cruising."

As part of its celebration, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is placing much of its available 2006 Northern Summer inventory on sale with discounts ranging from 30 to 50 percent. 

Featured cruises include very desirable itineraries into the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, Iceland and Greenland and a fabulous seven- night Celtic Cruise in September.

These deep discounts apply to bookings under deposit by April 30, 2006.  Offers can be withdrawn or amended at any time, without prior notice and are subject to available space at the time of booking.

Clients wishing to take advantage of the savings and the award winning product are encouraged to contact a NCMA member travel agency or visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line Introduces Signature Master Chef's Dinner

 Dancing waiters! A napkin ballet! Flying pepper grinders and a plate-spinning kick-line! "Dinner theater" takes on a whole new meaning on Holland America Line with the debut of the entertaining and innovative Signature Master Chef's Dinner which combines the premium line's award-winning cuisine, service and entertainment into an engaging new fine dining concept at sea. We are well-known for our outstanding service, excellent food and innovative entertainment," said Richard D. Meadows, vice president of marketing and sales. "Our new Signature Master Chef's Dinner builds on these strengths while creating an unforgettable dining experience."

Guests are greeted by more than 75 smiling service staff including dining room stewards, cruise activities staff as well as the ship's singers and dancers, all dressed as "chefs," wearing dazzling white hats and jackets.  crisp, pleated chef's hat festooned with a clever collector's menu in the shape of kitchen utensils describes the evening's dining and wine selections. Stewards welcome guests to the special dinner event and invite them to join in the fun and don the honorary chef's hat, which when lifted off the plate reveals a fresh-baked dinner roll also in the shape of a chef's hat.

Musicians set the tone for the evening with custom-made "foodical" instruments such as drums shaped like cakes sitting on bread-stick stands, a banana saxophone, and a pear-shaped bass. The lights dim as the music begins.

Act 1, the "Waltz of the Napkins," involves the precise delivery of napkins by staff in a choreographed waltz. The dancers orchestrate each movement culminating in the presentation of a domed silver platter containing the "Chef's Amuse Surprise," a small treat that is a welcoming gesture from the executive chef. The "Chef's Amuse Surprise" selections are served on a rotating schedule and include delicacies such as Mushroom Mousse with Asparagus in Bouche, Smoked Salmon Mousseline with Chive and Dill, and Foie Gras Petit Four with Caramelized Anjou Pear.

Act 2, the "Show Salad Spectacular," literally brightens the air with blurs of red, green and yellow as stewards juggle colorful vegetables into an over-sized salad bowl. Singer "Pepper Romaine," costumed in a sequined, full- length green salad gown, accompanies the action. The atmosphere pulsates with servers cavorting around the salad bowl tossing baby greens, peppers, mushrooms, scallions and cherry tomatoes. The juggling is raised a notch as pepper grinders join the airborne entourage. Salads are then delivered direct from the galley as servers point out to guests the delectable choice of starters and entrees detailed on the menu's rolling pin and butcher knife.

The menu offerings feature an array of starters, including Alaskan Salmon Tartare with Avocado, Golden Baked Brie in Phyllo Dough, Lobster Bisque or Oxtail En Croute. The evening's highlight comes in the form of a choice of entrees that are a food-lover's delight. Whole Roasted Tenderloin of Beef; Grilled Lamb Chops with Oregano and Apple Chutney; Duck Breast a l'Orange; Sauteed Shrimps "Provencale"; Apricot Glazed Salmon with Soya Garlic and Ginger Splash; Tagliatelle with Roasted Chicken and Portobello Mushroom; or Wild Mushroom Strudel. The band provides background music during the starter and main courses.

The Signature Master Chef's Dinner "Grand Finale!," Act 3, features Master Chef Rudi Sodamin's "Hats Off" dessert—an incredible creation that captures the dynamic, nuanced flavor of bittersweet chocolate in a luxurious mousse, surrounded by rubies of macerated berries and topped with a white chocolate chef's hat with Chef Rudi's signature in dark chocolate.

As guests receive and enjoy their signature "Hats Off" desert, the sweet sounds of The Archie's hit song "Sugar, Sugar" resonates throughout both levels of the stylish dining room. Next, the spectacle turns to the ship's real chefs who emerge from behind-the-scenes to line the dramatic balcony. The clever choreography continues as the servers dance through the audience with dinner plates spinning high in the air and then line up to form a kick-line. The rousing finish has guests singing and clapping along with the music as confetti flies through the air.

The Signature Master Chef's Dinner will be featured in the elegant two- tiered main dining room once on every Holland America Line cruise by fall of 2006. The event has debuted on the ms Volendam and will be rolled out on the ms Amsterdam in May. By early July, the dinner theater show will be on the ms Rotterdam, ms Zaandam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam and ms Veendam. The dinner show debuts on the ms Prinsendam in late July and will be on board the Vista-class ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam in the fall.

The event is the creation of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, who serves as culinary consultant for Holland America Line's fleet of five-star ships. Sodamin, a driving force behind the enhancement of Holland America Line's already superb dining offerings has developed a fresh line of full-concept dining "experiences" for Holland America Line guests. One of the hospitality industry's most accomplished chefs, Sodamin brings excitement, innovation, and unparalleled quality standards to menus at sea. Together with the Holland America Line Culinary Arts Team, Sodamin continues to whip up more cruise line and food industry firsts, such as the new Signature Master Chef's Dinner.

For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises USA Announces Revised Itineraries And Deployment

MSC Cruises has announced revised itineraries and vessel deployments in conjunction with the rapidly growing cruise line’s recent newbuild orders and its expanding presence in Europe and around the world.  The moves will help position the cruise line for current and future growth, according to company executives. “Our original plans to bring the MSC Musica to Florida in the fall of 2006 and MSC Lirica to New York by spring 2007 will be delayed,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA). Instead, MSC Cruises will add additional 11-night Caribbean cruises from Florida and continue sailing MSC Musica in Europe for winter 2007. “The revised deployment will enhance our ability to address increased demand for these popular programs and vessels in Europe and the Caribbean,” adds Sasso.

Previously scheduled cruises from New York in 2007 will be postponed.  MSC Cruises has advised Bermuda that it will not be operating the MSC Lirica there in 2007 but will continue to discuss opportunities for 2008. “With the MSC Musica now scheduled to stay in Europe all year, we will bring MSC Opera back to Florida to join MSC Lirica and revise our fall and winter Caribbean sailing calendar to include many more 11-night cruises to the deep Caribbean and Panama, itineraries that have been extremely successful for us in previous years,” says Sasso.

The new Caribbean deployment schedules for winter 2006-07 are as follows:

-- MSC Opera departs Italy December 2 on a 17-night transatlantic sailing to Fort Lauderdale, where she will do two 7-night holiday sailings before beginning a series of 11-night Deep Caribbean and Panama itineraries. MSC Opera then departs Florida May 9, 2007 for Copenhagen.

-- MSC Lirica will maintain her previously scheduled sailing calendar, departing Italy on October 29 and arriving November 15 in Fort Lauderdale. She will also sail Panama and Deep Caribbean itineraries, including 11-night Christmas and New Year’s sailings. She will depart April 29, 2007 on a 17-night transatlantic sailing to Hamburg, Germany.

Guests booked on any of the previously scheduled cruises will be accommodated and given special consideration for the new Caribbean sailings.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.com.

Norwegian Coastal Voyages

US’s First Female Spacewalker Joins NCV For 12-Day Cruise As Guest Lecturer

Norwegian Coastal Voyage has announced that Dr. Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, will be host and guest lecturer on a special air-inclusive cruise-tour, From Vikings to Astronauts, departing June 29, 2006.  Dr. Sullivan, who earned her doctorate mapping the deep seafloor of the western North Atlantic, will lecture on her experiences in space, what we learn about Earth from space and the who, what and why of early 21st-century space exploration. The 12-day program, featuring a northbound Bergen-to-Kirkenes Coastal Odyssey voyage aboard the 482-passenger MS Polarlys and two and three days respectively in Bergen and Oslo, is priced from $4,600 to $5,215 per person, double with AARP members receiving a $100 per cabin discount.

Fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands, Alesund with its many art galleries, the spectacular cliff-lined Geirangerfjord, and the bustling cities of Trondheim and Tromso are some of the 34 ports the ships call at between Bergen and Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle.  Land highlights include traveling on the scenic Bergen Railway, named one of the top 20 rail experiences in the world; touring the Viking Ships Museum and sculptures in Vigeland Park in Oslo, Norway’s capital, and in Bergen, where guests explore independently, the Hanseatic wharf Bryggen, the Fish Market, the Troldhaugen home of composer Edvard Grieg and Old Bergen.

Dr. Sullivan joined NASA in 1978 as one of 35 astronauts in the first space shuttle class, the first group to include women and minorities and is a veteran of three shuttle missions.  The cruise-tour includes round-trip flights between New York and Oslo, hotel and some meals in both cities, cabin category selected and all meals on the cruise, shore excursions, transfers, port charges, air taxes and gratuities.  Add-on airfares are available from other U.S. cities.

Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc. is at 405 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022; (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

NCV Offers Repeat Guests Savings On Most Cruises

Norwegian Coastal Voyage’s “Repeat Passenger” savings program, providing special discounts to its loyal guests, is now being offered throughout 2006 on nearly all of the company’s product lines: three Special Interest itineraries—Western Fjords, Lofoten Islands and Fjords to the North—are $100 per person less with AARP members saving an additional $100 per cabin; the 19- and 21-day Antarctica & the Chilean Fjords offers $300 savings to each returning passenger and $150 discount per cabin for AARP members; and Coastal Odyssey, Independent Vacations and Escorted Vacations are $75 to $150 per person less, except in June and July.  Independent and Escorted Vacations are combinable with AARP member cabin discounts of $100 to $150 except in June and July.

-- Ten- and 11-day Special Interest cruise-tours, aboard the 171-berth MS Lofoten, focus on three scenic regions - the breathtaking Sognefjord and remote villages of Norway’s northern coast; the stunning scenery and picturesque fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands; and Norway’s most beautiful fjord region along its west coast.  The voyages from Bodo or Bergen, May to August 2006, are normally $3,230 to $5,025 per person, double. 

-- Designed for active, experienced travelers, the 19- and 21-day Antarctica sailings, departing Buenos Aires and Santiago, November 2006 through March 2007, on the MS Nordkapp and the MS Nordnorge, include five days of exploration in Antarctica with possible landings at Ukrainian Vernadsky Base, Neko Harbor—home to hundreds of gentoo penguins, Polish Arctowski Base in Admiralty Bay and Petermann Island.  The South American portion of the trip includes visits to Ushuaia and Puerto Natales, passing close by the penguin-inhabited Tucker Island; and on the 21-day itinerary, extensive exploration of South Georgia and the Falklands Island.  Normal pricing ranges from $5,495 to $9,800. 

-- The Coastal Odyssey itinerary, along the fjord-indented coast of Norway between Bergen and Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle, has 34 port calls (on the roundtrip) including Bergen, a Viking and Hanseatic city; the Art Nouveau architecture of Alesund; the spectacular Trollfjord; 1000-year old Trondheim; fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands; Tromso, the lively capital of Arctic Norway; and Hammerfest, the world's northernmost town.  Regular fares for six-day voyages are $869 to $1,871 per person, double, seven days are $1,058 to $2,279, and for the 12-day round-trip $1,580 to $3,402; rates are highest in June and July. 

-- NCV Escorted Vacations offers cruise tours featuring the best of Norway on three 13- to 18-day itineraries—in-depth land and fjord exploration combined with the majestic scenery and intimate villages.  Departures run between May 14 and September 13, priced from $4,825 to $7,060.  NCV Independent Vacations are flexible 12-day to 17-day air-inclusive programs combining the coastal voyage with first-class hotels, breakfast daily, Oslo and Bergen Cards, and the Oslo-Bergen train journey; they operate daily year-round except two tours: one that adds Iceland and the other, Finland; cabins cost $2,920 to $5,330 per person, double.  

The 312- to 674-berth ships are stylish, comfortable, convivial and floating art galleries of works by leading Norwegian artists in the public areas.  They are equipped with glass-enclosed non-smoking and smoking lounges, a dining room, children’s playroom, conference facilities, shop, Laundromat, Internet cafés on the three Millennium ships, and, except on the Narvik, saunas and a fitness room as well as elevators and cabins for disabled passengers. 

Previous bookings must be confirmed by NCV.  For cruise information and reservations contact Norwegian Coastal Voyage at (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; web site, www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

Ocean Village

Ocean Village Offering New Itineraries In Eastern Med For Summer 2007

Ocean Village unveiled the name of its second ship, Ocean Village Two, and revealed itineraries and prices for the ship's inaugural Mediterranean season beginning April 2007.  In addition, two brand new Eastern Mediterranean itineraries are announced for the original Ocean Village ship in the summer of 2007.

The new ship more than doubles Ocean Village's capacity, embodying the same informal style and high standards as the original Ocean Village, but has the benefit of 198 cabins with private balconies (more than any other ship of its class) and an outstanding 14,000 square foot spa and gym complex.

On board, guests will be able to enjoy a fantastic new spa experience in the luxurious sauna, steam and treatment rooms.  Tooth-whitening, Oxyjet facials and other leading treatments and therapies will be on offer as well as state of the art gym equipment with floor-to-ceiling ocean views and a separate mirror-walled room for aerobics, bike spinning, Pilates and yoga sessions.  The new ship also features two Jacuzzis, two pools, a theatre, casino, children's centre and more bars than there are days of the week.

Sailing out of Palma (Majorca) between May and October 2007, Ocean Village Two will offer cruise-goers two exciting Western Mediterranean itineraries taking in some of the region's best known destinations. 

-- Marinas and Medinas sails from Palma to Tunis, Naples, Florence and Pisa, Monte Carlo (from Villefranche) and Ajaccio (Corsica) while Villas and Vineyards heads from Palma to Tunis, Rome, Genoa, St Raphael and Barcelona.  Prices for a seven night 'Marinas and Medinas' cruise start at £599 including flights.  Seven night 'Villas and Vineyards' holidays cost from £629 including flights.

-- Between May and October 2007, the original Ocean Village ship will trail blaze two brand new island-hopping itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean, based on the island of Crete.  The 'Temples and Tavernas' itinerary takes in a mixture of classical sun baked cities and the stunning Dalmatian coast, starting in Heraklion and sailing to Dubrovnik, Corfu, Cephalonia, Katakolon (for Olympia, birthplace of the Olypmics) and Athens.  The 'Olives and Ouzo' option sails from Heraklion for Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes, Ephesus (Turkey), Mykonos and Santorini.  Prices for a seven night 'Temples and Tavernas' cruise start at £659 including flights to/from Heraklion.  A seven night Olives and Ouzo holiday starts at £629 including flights. Itineraries can be combined to create a fourteen night cruise in either the Eastern or Western Med.

In addition, each cruise can be combined with a week's hotel stay ahead of a week spent on board. Popular with first time cruisers, the 14 night Stay and Cruise option gives people a choice of six hotels in Crete (before joining the original Ocean Village ship) or Majorca (before joining Ocean Village Two). Prices start from £779 per person for two weeks.

Also new for 2006 are four additional UK departure airports offering increased choice for Ocean Village passengers: Cardiff and Luton for Eastern Mediterranean sailings from Crete (plus Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow), and East Midlands and Bournemouth for Western Mediterranean sailings from Palma (plus Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow).

'With the launch of Ocean Village Two, we remain the brand with the newest, largest and best equipped ships in this class, " said Peter Shanks, Managing Director of Ocean Village. "In addition we're doubling our capacity and opening up the Eastern Med to people who connect with Ocean Village's informal, upbeat take on holidays afloat."

Ocean Village operated its first cruise in May 2003. The original Ocean Village ship has 1,578 berths in 789 cabins including 64 with private balcony.

Ocean Village Two will operate its first cruise in April 2007. The new ship will have 1708 berths in 854 cabins including 198 with private balcony. Each seven-night cruise calls at six destinations each week.

Ocean Village is a division of Carnival UK which includes P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Swan Hellenic. 

Ocean Village will visit eleven new destinations in 2006, that  include:

-- Dubrovnik—Famous for its red-tiled roofs and medieval stone walls, Dubrovnik is one of Croatia's best loved destinations.  The city boasts a beautiful medieval old town and stunning monuments such as The Franciscan Monastery, numerous fortresses and cathedrals.  Dubrovnik is also an ideal base for exploring nearby Croatian villages or nosing around the stunning Dalmatian islands by boat.

-- Cephalonia—Cephalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and visitors will find a haven of picturesque small villages and towns, steep cliffs, quiet winding beaches and bright blue waters, perfect for whiling the day away on shore.  Visitors may also recognize the scenery as it's most famous as being the stunning backdrop in the film Captain Corelli's mandolin. 

-- Katakolon—Katakolon is the stopping off point for Olympia, the birthplace and spiritual home of the Olympics.  Still sporting marble starting blocks, visitors can also see the remains of temples, changing rooms the stadium where the competitions were held.  The Olympic flame is still lit at the site before the modern games using sunlight and a lens.

For more information about Ocean Village please contact Samantha Darlaston or Marie Wardell at Consolidated Communications on 020 7287 2087 or email oceanvillage@consol.co.uk.

Note: Prices quoted are per person based on two adults sharing an NN grade cabin departing Gatwick or Stansted for Ocean Village Two and Gatwick or Luton for Ocean Village. Stay and Cruise based on two adults sharing a room at the Punta Del Mar hotel in Majorca on a half board basis followed by a week on board Ocean Village Two in an NN grade cabin.

Peter Deilmann Cruises

Free Air, 10% Discounts On Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Sea Voyages This Summer

Peter Deilmann Cruises is offering Americans five cruises this summer to the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Sea destinations and Greenland on the five-star MS Deutschland with free air and 10 percent reductions in cabin rates.  The nine- to 21-night voyages sail to Bergen, Tromso, Norway’s fjord-cut coast and Spitzbergen, to Stockholm and all the Scandinavian capitals, to St. Petersburg, Gdansk, Iceland and Greenland.  Passengers can fly free roundtrip from 16 U.S. cities and save up to $2,089 on the cruise rates alone. 

An added attraction for U.S. travelers to these Grand Hotel Voyages is the 50 percent reduction on pre-arranged packages of English-language shore excursions and free airport/ship transfers. Reduced prices on these cruises begin at $3,464 per person twin for a nine-night sailing while single staterooms start at $3,815 including air transportation.    

-- The Norwegian Fjords voyages, June 12-28 and July 10-19, offer the savings as does the 21-night Greenland Discovery voyage on the North Sea to the Hebrides Islands, Reykjavik (Iceland), Greenland ports and Aberdeen (Scotland), July 22-August 12. Dates of the two Baltic Sea voyages that visit Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Riga, Visby, Gdansk and Copenhagen are June 28-July 10 and August 28-September 10.

The free round-trip air transportation is available from New York City and 15 other eastern U.S. gateways. Air supplements from 19 Midwest cities cost just $60 to $70 and $150 to $170 from 13 cities in the West.  For those passengers arranging their own air, there is a $750 reduction from the cruise fare.

-- Sailings to the Norwegian fjords, nine and 16 nights, begin in Kiel, Germany, and sail to the ninth-century seaside town of Bergen, explore the village of Honningsvåg surrounded by forests and waterfalls, cruise through the fjords of Spitzbergen, discover the pristine wilderness of Longyearbyen and visit the fishing village of Gravdal.  The dramatic waterfalls of Hellesylt, charming village of Geiranger and Eidfjord, home to one of the world’s largest reindeer herds, are also on the itineraries.

-- The Baltic voyages, 12 and 13 nights, sail roundtrip from Kiel and Travemunde, Germany.  The first sailing, June 28-July 10, overnights in Stockholm and St. Petersburg and visits Visby, Sweden, as well as Helsinki, Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia), Gdansk and Copenhagen.  The second cruise, Aug. 28-Sept. 9, also overnights in St. Petersburg and visits the Isle of Rugen, Klaipeda in Lithuania as well as the Scandinavian capitals, Riga, Tallinn and Kalmar, Sweden.

-- The three-week Greenland adventure, July 22-Aug. 12, sails from Hamburg, Germany, to the Hebrides Islands and to Reykjavik, Iceland, for an overnight stay and to see glaciers, volcanoes and vast lava deserts. Along the coast of Greenland, passengers can view majestic fjords, rocky reefs, giant icebergs, whales and seals and go ashore in the quaint towns. The return voyage includes a visit to Aberdeen, Scotland.

A classic ocean liner, launched in 1998 and meticulously refurbished every year, the nine-deck ship is richly decorated in art nouveau and art deco styles reminiscent of earlier days of ocean travel. The ship’s three beautifully designed restaurants and outdoor dining terrace provide formal and informal settings for dining, while intimate lounges and cafes with music provide before and after dining entertainment. The high level of service adds to passengers’ comfort with a two-to-one ratio of passengers to crew.

The Deutschland’s 286 staterooms are well appointed with ample storage space, color TV, min-bars, bathrobes and slippers; bathrooms offer quality toiletries and hairdryers.  Passengers are greeted on arrival with champagne and a gift tote bag. Outdoor and indoor swimming pools, three sun decks, open-air promenade deck, an elegant theater for film screenings and lectures, fitness center, sauna, Turkish bath, grand two-level ballroom with dancing and international revue shows, shopping boutique, beauty salon and infirmary are among other features of the ship.   The ship’s expanded Wellness Spa offers Thalasso Therapy, Cleopatra Bath, a broad range of massage therapy and other health and beauty treatments.  There are daily classes in Pilates, Nordic walking and aqua jogging, make-up and fitness consulting sessions.      

The cruise savings and free or nearly free airfare provides a luxury cruise experience at value prices. For solo travelers, the Deutschland offers 67 single cabins and charges considerably less for single supplements than other cruise lines.  Details on the sailings and the Grand Hotel Voyages brochure are available from travel agencies and Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by e-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.  To view and download information on the ship and sailings, log on to www.deilmann-cruises.com . 

Deilmann’s South America Sailings Offer Free Air, Free Shore Excursions

The Chilean Fjords, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Cape Horn Passage, the Falkland Islands and Buenos Aires are among the highlights of the first of two South America voyages Peter Deilmann Cruises is offering U.S. travelers looking for a grand-hotel voyage aboard the five-star MS Deutschland, January 25-February 14, 2007. The second sailing for travelers seeking both scenic and historic South America destinations and relaxing days at sea spends time in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro at Carnival time and colonial Salvador, before crossing the South Atlantic via the Cape Verde Islands to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, February 14-March 5, 2007. 

Free air from New York City, free shore excursions worth up to $796, free reserved Carnival tickets and transfers and free airport-ship transfers are among the added inducements to these sailings that depart from Valparaiso, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.  In addition, there are very low-cost air supplements from up to 40 other gateways that cost only $50 to $200.  Air rates start at just $50 from Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and six other eastern cities, $150 from Los Angeles and $175 from 19 other gateways. Those arranging their own air can deduct $1,000 per person from the cruise fare.

-- The first South America cruise begins with an overnight in Valparaiso and a tour of the city and to the seaside resort of Viña del Mar. Other ports of call on the sailing are Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas in Chile, Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Buenos Aires in Argentina and Port Stanley on the remote Falkland Islands.  The ship cruises the Chilean Fjords and through the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Canal and Cape Horn Passage.    

From Puerto Monnt, there is a full-day excursion that explores the redwood forest park, Puerto Vargas overlooking the continent’s third largest lake and at Monteverde, the archaeological site of the oldest known human settlement of the Americas uncovered in 1977. From Ushuaia, cruise passengers visit Tierra del Fuego National Park where the lakes and forests provide stunning views. An excursion from Puerto Madryn takes cruisers to the world’s largest colony of Magellan penguins at Punta Tombo where two million penguins arrive each year to procreate.  Since penguins do not fear people, visitors can stroll the footpaths to view them at close range.  In Buenos Aires, Deilmann passengers tour the city in the morning and enjoy an authentic tango show and Andean band musical performance in the evening.     

-- The second cruise begins with a two-night stay in Buenos Aires that includes city sightseeing and tango at El Viejo Almacen.  The first port of call in Brazil is Itajaí, a European-influenced fishing port city founded in 1860 known for its beautiful beaches.  The ship sails on to Rio for an overnight stay and the Carnival with reserved seats at the parade.  The Deutschland is one of just a few ships that will be docked in Rio for the parade.  City sightseeing includes the Corcovado train ride through the lush forest up to the top of the mountain and the statute of Christ the Redeemer.    

The next port call is Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s third largest city, for an overnight stay.  Passengers see the colonial city's oldest architecture on a walking tour through the historic downtown district, Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The ship also calls at Natal, Brazil, before crossing the South Atlantic to the mountainous Cape Verde Islands discovered by the Portuguese in 1456.  The final call and overnight stay is in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, largest of the Canary Islands with the most varied landscape.  Here, the excursion travels up through dense laurel forests into moon-like terrain for panoramas of volcanic mountains, fertile valleys and a view of El Teide, Spain’s highest mountain. 

The 286-cabin MS Deutschland, launched in 1998 and refurbished annually, is a classic ocean liner designed in art nouveau and art deco styles that recall the days of grand ocean travel.  The five-star ship has elegantly appointed staterooms for a maximum of 520 passengers and provides a high level of service with one crewmember for every two passengers.  Highly rated for the cuisine, the ship’s restaurants offer multi-course gourmet menus and an outdoor dining terrace, intimate salons with music and friendly cafes provide other choices. 

Rates on the cruises from New York City begin at $5,852 per person twin for the 20-night Valpariso-Buenos Aires sailing and single staterooms start at $6,604 including air transportation.  Cabins on the Buenos Aires-Santa Cruz de Tenerife cruise start at $6,324 per person twin. For more information, contact Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287, by e-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com  or visit www.deilmann-cruises.com.  

Princess Cruises  

Princess Offers the Ultimate in Alaska Adventures with 21 Tour Options in 2006

Travelers visiting Alaska with Princess will have 2l new excursions to choose from this season. Between an off-road 4x4 adventure, snorkeling in a dry suit, searching for wildlife or tasting local treats at a crab feast, Princess offers something uniquely Alaska for everyone. In 2006, passengers who are planning their days during an Alaska cruisetour have 15 new Adventures Ashore® while in port and six new Optional Land Excursions from Princess' wilderness lodges. These new options add to Princess' already comprehensive program for a grand total of 238 tour choices including many unique excursions exclusive to Princess.

The 2006 season's new Adventures Ashore ® include:

-- Juneau—Juneau Steamboat Cruise (Princess Exclusive). An opportunity to embark on a cruise through Juneau Harbor aboard Alaska's only wood-fired passenger steamboat.  Travelers will learn about the workings and history of steam engine travel, plus many colorful stories from Juneau's past, as they cruise amidst Juneau's scenic beauty.

-- Alaska's Whales & Rain Forest Trails. An intimate eco-tour in which passengers can experience Alaska's abundant wildlife by both land and sea without the crowds.  Visitors travel in an intimate 20-passenger boat for truly up-close whale watching (sightings are guaranteed).  Afterward, participants can stretch their legs along a tranquil, secluded trail accompanied by a certified interpretive guide.

-- Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier. One of Alaska's most popular visitor activities, this tour features one of the originators of helicopter glacier flightseeing for a dog sledding adventure on Juneau's most famous ice, the Mendenhall Glacier.  Iditarod mushers share tales from the trails as the dogs pull passengers across the glacier.

-- Ketchikan—Canopy Adventure & Wildlife Expedition. The ultimate nature experience features the opportunity to glide through the rain forest on zip lines, aerial bridges and nature trails.  Seven zip lines and dramatic suspension bridges offer unique angles from which to view the forest reserve's abundant wildlife.

-- Exclusive Flightseeing & Crab Feast. A VIP tour offering the intimacy of travel with a small group, this tour combines two unique Alaska experiences: flightseeing over the Tongass National Forest and fine dining featuring Alaskan Dungeness crab. Passengers fly to the remote George Inlet Lodge for a gourmet lunch in a private dining room.

-- Skagway—Experience the Yukon & Suspension Bridge. The opportunity to experience the Klondike's newest attraction—the Yukon Suspension Bridge. The tour includes travel up the White Pass summit and a barbecue lunch before traveling to the new bridge over the Tutshi River for a dramatic walk to savor the fresh mountain air and watch the spectacular scenery as the river rages below.

-- Klondike Scenic Highlights.  A tour combining three of Skagway's most scenic highlights:  the famed White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, the new Yukon Suspension Bridge and the lovely Jewell Gardens, where passengers will enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring local ingredients fresh from the garden itself.

-- Takshanuk Mountain Trail by 4x4. Passengers of all ages and abilities can wind their way through breathtaking wilderness via a four-wheel-drive Kawasaki mule.  Designed to be easily accessible, these rugged vehicles are perfect for exploring forest and mountain spaces filled with beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear lakes.

-- Sitka—Sitka Photography Tour (Princess Exclusive). Participants can connect with their inner Ansel Adams as they join an experienced local photographer on a tour customized for shutterbugs who want to capture images of Sitka seldom seen by visitors, whether historic sites, wildlife, flora, harbors, or even spawning salmon.

-- 4x4 Wilderness Adventure. An opportunity to experience the beauty of Alaska on an exciting off-road adventure on Sitka's Kruzof Island. Participants will navigate Yamaha Rhino 4x4 vehicles through the island's lush temperate rain forest.

-- Dry Suit Snorkel Adventure. A unique way to get up close and personal with Alaska's underwater life. The buoyant dry suit slips conveniently over passengers' street clothes making it easy to enjoy the colorful life in the waters of Sitka Sound.

-- Sea Otter Quest & Alaska Raptor Center.  A convenient combination of two of Sitka's most popular attractions: the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest and a guided tour through the Alaska Raptor Center. Passengers are guaranteed to spot at least one otter, whale or bear.

-- Victoria—Double-Decker Tour. A chance to experience Victoria's old-world charm with a guided tour aboard an authentic open-air English double-decker bus.  Highlights include Chinatown, Old Town, Beacon Hill Park, Marine Drive, Antique Row, Fisherman's Wharf, Legislative Buildings and other scenic areas.

-- Multi-Media Self-Guided Walking Tour. Touring goes hi-tech with this novel way to explore Victoria's highlights at an individual pace.  Participants are equipped with a handheld personal computer that guides visitors on a walk directly from the cruise ship pier. An audio/visual presentation provides insightful information about each designated stop.

-- Craigdarroch Castle & Butchart Gardens Gourmet Picnic. An opportunity to enjoy a visit to a stunning historic mansion followed by a gourmet picnic set among the lovely floral displays of Butchart Gardens. Visitors are supplied with picnic baskets and a scenic dining location to enjoy this VIP visit to the gardens.

Along with these new Adventures Ashore, six new land excursions also debut this season, offering some intriguing new opportunities to passengers staying in Princess' own wilderness lodges. New options include an Alaska Adventure Walking Tour in Denali; the opportunity to visit the seldom-seen Devil's Gorge or tour the kennels of a World Champion musher from Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge; or two new fishing expeditions and a river walk from the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge.

All Alaska Adventures Ashore® are currently available for pre-reservation.  Passengers who are already booked on an Alaska cruise can reserve their tours by logging on the Cruise Personalizer on princess.com, to ensure they get the excursions of their choice.  As many Princess tours fill up quickly, passengers are encouraged to make selections as early as possible. Princess pioneered online shore excursion booking, and this season marks the sixth year in which Alaska passengers have been able to use this convenient reservation system.

These new tour options are offered as part of Princess' 2006 Alaska season.  In total, Princess will offer 122 departures on seven ships, offering a variety of experiences on vessels that range from 1,590 passengers to 2,670 passengers.  Travelers can choose from a Gulf of Alaska cruise or cruisetour or round-trip Inside Passage sailings from Seattle and San Francisco.  More than 20 cruisetour options are available, many featuring the line's exclusive new Direct to the Wilderness rail service that debuted to rave reviews last year.  This industry first features trains ready and waiting right at the Whittier dock to whisk passengers directly to Princess' two Denali park-area lodges. And Princess remains the only company to offer Alaska's two most popular attractions—Denali National Park and Glacier Bay—on every cruisetour. Website: www.princess.com

New Pre-Purchase Program Debuts for Princess' Alaska Lodge Excursions

For the first time, Alaska cruisetour passengers can take advantage of an opportunity to pre-purchase land excursions offered by Princess' wilderness lodges. This convenient new program enables travelers to leave home feeling confident that every last detail of their vacation is finalized. "Whether they choose to soar over Mt. McKinley, explore the historic Kennicott Mines or enjoy the challenge of a fishing expedition, our guests can now assure themselves a spot on the perfect tour long before their trip," said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours.

This exclusive program frees up valuable vacation time as visitors can make all their arrangements at home instead of at the lodge, and eliminates the worry about sold-out excursions so that travelers can relax and enjoy their time in Princess' luxury wilderness lodges.

Passengers on cruisetours will receive personalized tour reservation forms with their pre-cruise documents, which will indicate the closing date for tour reservations. These order forms can be mailed or faxed to Princess Tours, and tour purchases can be refunded up to 14 days prior to the cruisetour departure date.

Along with this new program six new Optional Land Excursions debut this season, offering passengers even more choices to pre-purchase.  New tours include an Alaska Adventure Walking Tour in Denali; the opportunity to visit the seldom-seen Devil's Gorge or tour the kennels of a World Champion musher from Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge; or two new fishing expeditions and a river walk from the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Princess' Optional Land Excursion program includes 92 tours offered by the company's five exclusive wilderness lodges: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge and Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.

Lodge stays are featured on the line's more than 20 cruisetour options, offering a complete land/sea exploration of the Great Land.  In total, Princess will offer 122 departures on seven ships, offering a variety of experiences on vessels that range from 1,590 passengers to 2,670 passengers. Travelers can choose from a Gulf of Alaska cruise or cruisetour or round-trip Inside Passage sailings from Seattle and San Francisco.

Many of the company's cruisetours feature the exclusive new Direct to the Wilderness rail service that features trains ready and waiting right at the Whittier dock to whisk passengers directly to Princess' two Denali park-area lodges.

Princess Unveils Unprecedented Europe Season in 2007

In its most dramatic deployment in Europe to date, Princess has unveiled the details of a 2007 Europe season offering the ultimate in diversity with five ships ranging from 680 to 3,100 passengers, itineraries running from seven to 24 days and destinations as varied as Iceland and Egypt.  Two vessels, Royal Princess and Emerald Princess, make their Princess debut with European sailings, as do five new boutique itineraries, featuring four new European ports and Princess' return to the Holy Land.

In total, Princess' 2007 Europe season offers the widest variety of itineraries and ships in the industry, with 81 departures on 31 unique itineraries, calling at 110 ports.  Passengers can choose from Royal Princess' new Elite Mediterranean itineraries, Emerald Princess' debut in the idyllic Mediterranean, Grand Princess in northern Europe, Star Princess in the Baltic region and Sea Princess sailing a variety of one- and two-week itineraries from Southampton. The extended Europe season begins on April 11 and runs through December 3, 2007.

Princess' 2007 Europe season includes:

--Royal Princess' Elite Mediterranean—The 680-passenger Royal Princess joins the Princess fleet in 2007 and will offer five unique new itineraries, including Princess' first sailings to the Holy Land in more than five years.

-- Connoisseur's Mediterranean—A route between Barcelona and Athens featuring calls at St. Tropez, Portofino, Rome, Sorrento/Capri, Malta, Santorini, the new port of Canakkale (for Troy) and Istanbul.  The ship will offer seven sailings of this 12-day itinerary, departing on April 26, May 8 and 20, July 19 and 31, August 12 and 24.

-- Holy Land—Sailings between Athens and Rome offering stops at Patmos, Santorini, Kusadasi, Haifa (for Galilee/Nazareth), Ashdod (for Jerusalem), Port Said (for Cairo/Giza), Alexandria, Sorrento/Capri. This 12-day voyage departs four times, on June 1, September 5, October 23, and on a modified Athens/Venice itinerary on November 4.

-- Mediterranean Collection—A series of 12-day voyages between Rome and Venice with calls at Portofino, Monte Carlo, Corsica (Ajaccio), Sorrento/Capri, Sicily (Messina), Malta (Valletta), Corfu, and the new ports of Kotor (Montenegro), Split (Croatia) and Ravenna.  Five departures are offered on June 13 and 25, September 17 and 29 and November 16.

-- Crimean & Aegean Coasts—A unique 12-day itinerary from Rome to Athens with port calls in Sorrento/Capri, Santorini, Volos (for Meteora), Varna (Bulgaria), Odessa (Ukraine), Yalta (Ukraine) and Istanbul, departing on July 7.

-- Mediterranean Mosaic—A 12-day roundtrip Rome sailing that visits Sardinia (Cagliari), Malaga (for Granada), Gibraltar, Casablanca (for Marrakech), La Goullete (for Tunis/Carthage), Malta (Valletta), Sicily (Messina) and Sorrento/Capri, with one departure on October 11.

-- Three Continents Transatlantic—An opportunity for passengers to travel from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale while also taking in stops in Africa and South America.  The 24-day sailing travels to Portofino, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Casablanca (for Marrakech), Dakar (Senegal), Fortaleza (Brazil), Devil's Islands, Dominica, and the new port of St. Barthelemy, departing on November 28.

Emerald Princess' Inaugural Season

Europe's newest vessel will offer her 3,100 passengers Princess' favorite Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, including its signature Mediterranean route and two different choices for luxuriating in the sunny islands of the Aegean.

-- Grand Mediterranean—Princess' classic 12-day itinerary runs between Venice and Barcelona with calls at Athens (Piraeus), Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Istanbul, Mykonos, Naples/Capri, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno) and Marseille/Provence. Eight sailings depart on May 17 and 29, June 10 and 22, July 28, August 9, and September 14 and 26.

-- Greek Isles—A 12-day route between Venice and Rome that takes in Naples/Capri, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus), Katakolon (for Olympia), Corfu and Dubrovnik.  Four sailings depart on April 11 and 23, July 4 and August 21.  Also offered on Grand Princess on May 26 and Star Princess on October 16 and 28, and November 9.

-- Greek Isles & Mediterranean—A Greek Isles itinerary calling at Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Naples/Capri, Santorini, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus), Katakolon (for Olympia) and Corfu.  The 12-day itinerary is offered on three sailings, departing May 5, July 16, and September 2. Also offered on Grand Princess on May 14, and Star Princess on October 4.

-- Mediterranean Transatlantic—An opportunity to cross the Atlantic from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale with calls in Naples/Capri, Rome (Civitavecchia), Cannes (for Monte Carlo), Barcelona, Seville (Cadiz), Lisbon and Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada).  This 17-day crossing departs October 8.

Grand Princess in Northern Europe

The 2,600-passenger Grand Princess not only takes passengers to European dream destinations such as Paris, Rome and Barcelona, but also the stunning Norwegian Fjords, the remote beauty of Iceland and the charming British Isles. The ship will additionally offer Greek Isles sailings at the beginning of the season, sailing on the same itinerary as Emerald Princess.

-- European Explorer—A 15-day sojourn between Rome and Southampton, offering calls at Naples/Capri, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Cannes (for Monte Carlo), Barcelona, Gibraltar, Casablanca (for Marrakech), Seville (Cadiz), Lisbon, Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), Rotterdam (for Amsterdam), and Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), departing on June 7.

-- Iceland, Norway & British Isles—Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, Grand Princess calls at Bergen, Olden (Nord Fjord), Hellesylt, Geiranger, Aalesund, Akureyri, Reykjavik and Belfast. This 12-day sailing departs on June 22.

-- British Isles—A 12-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton calling at Guernsey (St. Peter Port), Holyhead, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow (Greenock), Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Inverness (Invergordon), Edinburgh (South Queensferry) and Paris/Normandy (Le Havre).  Grand Princess offers three departures on this itinerary, on July 4 and 28, and August 21.

-- North Cape & Norwegian Fjords—This popular annual voyages sails roundtrip from Southampton on a 12-day journey up the coast of Norway to Stavanger, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Trondheim, Honningsvag (for North Cape), Tromso, Flaam (Sogne Fjord) and Bergen, departing on July 16.

-- Western Europe & British Isles—Grand Princess sails roundtrip from Southampton on a 12-day voyage to Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), Copenhagen, Oslo, Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Glasgow (Greenock) and Dublin.  The ship departs on August 9.

-- Mediterranean Transatlantic—A 16-day crossing from Galveston (or 13-day from Ft. Lauderdale) to Rome, stopping at the Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada), Lisbon, Barcelona, Cannes (for Monte Carlo), and Florence/Pisa (Livorno).  The cruise departs on April 28.

-- Iceland, Greenland & Norway Transatlantic—This 16-day fall crossing from Southampton to New York calls at Bergen, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Faroe Islands (Torshavn), Akureyri, Reykjavik, Prins Christian Sund Scenic Cruising (Greenland), Qaqortoq (Greenland), and St. John's (Newfoundland), departing on September 2.

-- Star Princess in Scandinavia & Russia—The 2,600-passenger Star Princess returns to this favorite destination.  With two alternating itineraries, passengers can choose to visit Oslo or Berlin in addition to the highlights of Scandinavia and two full days in St. Petersburg.  In addition, the ship offers some late-season Mediterranean sailings, including Greek Isles (see Emerald Princess) and the opportunity to visit the wonders of Egypt.

-- Scandinavia / Russia with Oslo—Sailing roundtrip from Copenhagen, Star Princess takes passengers to  Stockholm (Nynäshamn), Helsinki, St. Petersburg (overnight), Tallinn, Gdansk (Gdynia) and Oslo.  Nine departures of this 10-day cruise are offered on May 22, June 1 and 11, July 1 and 21, August 10, 20 and 30, and September 9.

-- Scandinavia / Russia with Berlin—An alternate 10-day option, offering an overnight in Copenhagen on the return and calling at Stockholm (Nynäshamn), Helsinki, St. Petersburg (overnight), Tallinn, Gdansk (Gdynia), Warnemünde (for Berlin) and Helsingør (for shore excursions).  Sailings depart on June 21, and July 11 and 31.

-- European Explorer—A 15-day journey from Copenhagen to Rome, calling at Rotterdam (for Amsterdam), Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Casablanca (for Marrakech), Gibraltar, Barcelona, Cannes (for Monte Carlo) and Florence/Pisa (Livorno).  The cruise departs on September 19.

-- Egypt & Aegean—Sailing roundtrip from Rome, Star Princess takes passengers to Naples/Capri, Athens (Piraeus), Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Istanbul, Mykonos, Port Said (for Cairo/Giza) and Alexandria.  This special sailing departs on November 21.

-- Western Europe Transatlantic—A 17-day transatlantic from Ft. Lauderdale to Copenhagen with stops in  the Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada), Lisbon, Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), Dover (for London), Brussels/Brugge (Zeebrugge), Rotterdam (for Amsterdam) and Oslo, departing on May 5.

-- Mediterranean Transatlantic—This 16-day Rome to Ft. Lauderdale crossing offers visits to Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Genoa (for Milan), Cannes (for Monte Carlo), Barcelona, Cartagena (Spain), Gibraltar, Casablanca (for Marrakech), and Madeira (Funchal), with a sailing that departs December 3.

Sea Princess from Southampton

Sea Princess again offers her 1,950 passengers a series of different one- and two-week voyages with convenient roundtrip departures from Southampton.  Travelers will visit the Mediterranean, Iberian Peninsula and Scandinavia with these popular itineraries.

-- Mediterranean Medley—A 14-day journey to Seville (Cadiz), Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Sardinia (Alghero), Mallorca (Palma) and Gibraltar.  Five sailings depart Southampton on April 28, June 2 and 30, August 4, and September 1.

-- Mediterranean Adventurer—This 14-day itinerary travels to Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Barcelona, Cannes (for Monte Carlo), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples/Capri, Corsica (Ajaccio), and Gibraltar on five sailings departing May 12, June 16, July 21, August 18 and September 22.

-- Spanish Splendor—A seven-day sailing to La Coruña (for Santiago de Compostela), Bilbao, Bordeaux (Le Verdon), and Guernsey (St. Peter Port), departing on May 26.

-- Scandinavia—A one-week getaway to Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen, and Helsingborg, departing on July 14.Iberian Interlude. There is another week-long Spanish option with calls at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, La Rochelle and Brest, departing on September 15.

--Tropical Transatlantic (spring)—This 14-day Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton journey sails to Princess Cays, Tortola, Dominica, Antigua, and the Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada), and departs on April 14.

-- Tropical Transatlantic (fall)—A 14-day Southampton to Barbados crossing offering stops at the Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada), Antigua, Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica and St. Vincent, and departing on October 13.

Cruisetour Options

Passengers can add to their European adventure with a choice of cruisetour options offering in conjunction with Grand Princess, Emerald Princess and Star Princess sailings.  These fully escorted tours include Under the Tuscan Sun, highlighting Florence, Siena and Milan; Cathedrals and Castles of Imperial Europe, featuring the four capitals of Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin; and the Ring of Kerry, with visits to Shannon, Killarney and Cork.  All tours are designed to mesh seamlessly with Princess' cruise itineraries for a complete land/sea vacation.

Early booking fares for Europe cruises start at $1,590 per person, based on double occupancy.

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

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The ‘Paul Gaugin’ Resumes Cruises After Multimillion Dollar Refurbishment

The Paul Gauguin® luxury cruise ship has resumed her full schedule in Tahiti and the South Pacific. Managed since 1997 by Regent Seven Seas Cruises (formerly Radisson Seven Seas Cruises) under a contract that continues through the end of 2008, the vessel sports a new piano bar, casino and five additional staterooms with aft-facing balconies. New soft goods, seating and carpeting in the public areas were also installed.

The Paul Gauguin’s intimate size, tasteful elegance and all ocean view accommodations (more than 50% with private balconies) embrace the dramatic panoramas of French Polynesia, much as the artist Paul Gauguin’s bold brushstrokes captured these enchanting island settings more than a century ago.

The ship’s seven-night roundtrip sailings depart Papeete on Saturdays and visit Raiatea (the cultural heart of Polynesia), Tahaa (for a call at the ship’s private islet of Motu Mahana), Bora Bora (for two full days on the island James Michener used as the model of his idyllic “Bali Hai”) and two days in Moorea (the inspiration for Herman Melville’s novel Omoo). 

This year she also sails two 14-night Marquesas cruises; one 14-night Cook and Society Islands, Australs and Tuamotus voyage; three 11-night Society Islands, Tuamotus and Marquesas voyages; three ten-night Society Islands and Tuamotus cruises; and two nine-night Society Islands Holiday voyages which include calls at Huahine. 

In response to demand for more adventurous South Pacific itineraries, select departures of the Paul Gauguin’s seven-, ten-, and 14-night sailings will feature an optional seven-night post-cruise land program including three nights in Auckland, New Zealand and four nights in Sydney, Australia from just $1,795 per person.

Among the wide array of new, optional shore excursions are a Capture Moorea Photo Adventure, Botanical & Agricultural Walk (Moorea), Sunset Sail Aboard the Margouillat (Moorea), Romantic Escapade at Bora Bora Pearl Beach (overnight), and a Clear Kayak Safari to Motu Ofetaro (Raiatea).  Other choices include island and lagoon explorations, parasailing, shark and stingray feedings, off-road mountain adventures, wave-runner tours and helicopter flight-seeing expeditions.

Launched in 2003, the Paul Gauguin’s Ambassadors of the Environment program will again be offered to youngsters on the June 10 to August 23 sailings. In partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, the program aims to give young cruise guest participants aged nine to 15 interactive experiences with and knowledge of marine and island ecosystems, emphasizing the critical importance of coral reefs, sustainable lifestyles and traditional Polynesian culture.

To make reservations contact your travel professional. Website: www.theregentexperience.com

Eight Inaugural Regent Seven Seas Sailings Aboard  ‘Seven Seas Voyager’

Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, in response to the popularity of its innovative Circles of InterestSM concept which launched in October 2005, announced today that eight of its seven-night Baltic voyages aboard the Seven Seas Voyager® this July and August will offer an expanded enrichment program that feature a choice of exclusive packages with ship and shore activities linked by a common theme. 

Three Circles of Interest programs—Art, Design and Museums, Active Exploration and Wellness, and Performing Arts: Jazz will be available on eight Seven Seas Voyager Stockholm/Copenhagen voyages between July 1 and August 19. These highly customizable ship-to-shore options feature onboard lectures and workshops plus specially created excursions and events led by Circle guest experts. The variety of packages allow guests to adjust their experiences in various ports through their own personal worldview—all while building camaraderie and forging friendships with like-minded guests. 

The eight Baltic sailings, with convenient weekly Saturday departures, feature two onboard overnights in the gilded city of St. Petersburg and calls in Tallinn, Estonia, and Visby, Gotland, two of the best-retained medieval towns in Europe.

Voyages sailing from Stockholm to Copenhagen include a call in Helsinki, Finland, and voyages sailing from Copenhagen to Stockholm include an onboard overnight in the Swedish capital city.

Guests participating in the Active Exploration and Wellness package will find fellow travelers enjoying a wealth of active pursuits both aboard and ashore. Circle of Interest tours include: Visby by Bicycle, a nine-mile ride with dramatic views of the medieval Swedish town and cathedral; Finnish Forest Hike and Canoeing Adventure, a vigorous climb through a natural park and a canoe trip through valleys forged in the Ice Age; and a Walking Tour: Experience Daily Life in St. Petersburg, with an insider’s view to the city’s rich history.

Onboard, guests will maintain their active glow with Pilates, yoga and stretching classes, a personal fitness assessment and training session, a half hour European in-suite massage, Secrets of Healthy Cooking class, and a private dinner and reception.  This “Circle of Interest” package is $395 per person.

Participants of the Art, Design, and Museums package will get to experience the cultural essence of St. Petersburg during a Private Tour and Ballet Performance at the Hermitage in the Winter Palace’s elegantly intimate theater with the night capped off by a cocktail reception plus dessert at the noted Aquarel restaurant. A Walking Tour and Concert in Tallinn will guide guests through the historic cobble stoned streets, to the Baroque Toompea Castle and impressive Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with a visit to the partly ruined Dominican Monastery for a concert of medieval music. 

Shipboard activities include a Master Challenge quiz with prizes, lectures on regional Baltic art and culture and a private reception and dinner hosted by a Circle expert.  The package is $350 per person.

Jazz in the Baltics—While jazz was born in the West, this soulful musical genre has developed a passionate following in the former Soviet Union and its Baltic neighbors.  Onboard Seven Seas Voyager sailings, jazz Circle enthusiasts will enjoy lectures and master classes led by a guest jazz ensemble, in addition to a private group reception and dinner. Ashore, “Jazz at ‘Street Life’ in St. Petersburg” will further bring the music to life, as a well-respected local band will bridge two cultures over a common sound by hosting a jam session with the ship’s guest musicians.  During Jazz at the Kloosti Ait in Tallinn, jazz artists will play at the cozy Estonian café while cruise guests nibble on local canapés and relax sipping wine and beer. Onboard activities include lectures, open rehearsals, and master classes by the Jazz Group, a Master Challenge Quiz with prizes, and a private reception and dinner hosted by jazz musicians. The package is $160 per person.

Further enhancing the cruise programs during these northern latitude journeys, gala celebrations and special inaugural festivities will take place on each sailing and guests will also receive a complimentary personalized Regent commemorative album. From ship to shore, cruise guests can extend their Regent ExperienceSM with a special Regent Berlin two-night pre- or post-cruise stay for only $299 per person including breakfast.  Air programs are also available.

Per person prices for these eight Seven Seas Voyager Baltic voyages start from $5,276.  All fares include shipboard gratuities, wine with dinner, an in-suite bar set-up, and Inaugural Season Savings* offers: a choice of roundtrip economy class air from 86 North American gateways, $499 business class upgrade when an economy class air add-on is purchased (roundtrip business class airfares starting at $1,828), or $1,000 savings off the cruise fare.

*The Inaugural Season Savings offers are limited, subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time.

For further information, contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33334; or toll-free 800-477-7500; for brochures and reservation information toll-free 800-285-1835; or visit www.rssc.com.

Regent Seven Seas Announces Pre- And Post-Cruise The Da Vinci Code Program

From the halls of the famed Louvre Museum to a junior suite at the Hôtel du Louvre, guests of the Seven Seas Voyager® and Seven Seas Navigator® can explore Paris, the city that had Robert Langdon on the run, with The Da Vinci Code pre- and post-cruise land program.  Seventeen 2006 European sailings from Nice and Monte Carlo offer the optional two-night luxury hotel stay including a tour of the Louvre, pointing out real life highlights of the best-selling novel and soon to be released movie.

 “I must pass on the secret,” says Jacques Saunière as he lies on the floor of the Grand Gallery.  And so begins a web of intrigue and secret societies that take Langdon from Da Vinci’s fêted Mona Lisa to a startling discovery in a foreign land. 

Surrounded by famous landmarks in each direction—the Opéra House Garnier, Louvre Museum, Comedie Francaise and Palais Royal—the cultural and historical pulse of Paris beats all around the Hôtel du Louvre.  One of the most beloved hotels in France, the elegantly appointed boutique property features rich colors, modern style and Directoire architecture.  

In addition to two nights in a junior suite at the hotel, the pre- or post-cruise program also features a guided half-day tour of the world-renowned Louvre, with a decided Da Vinci Code twist plus a complimentary copy of “Fodor's Guide to The Da Vinci Code: On the Trail of the Bestselling Novel.”   

Guests can search for the Medallion embedded in the museum courtyard - one of 135 Prime Meridian markers stretching across Paris; seek out the inverted pyramid “chalice”; and where Saunière re-created The Vitruvian Man.

Per person fares for The Da Vinci Code pre-/post-cruise land program is $1,895 per person based on a double occupancy ($2,825 single occupancy). Included in the package is two nights in a junior suite at the Hôtel du Louvre, a half-day tour at the Louvre Museum, Fodor's Guide to The Da Vinci Code, breakfast daily, one-way flight Paris/Nice (pre-cruise) or Nice/Paris (post-cruise), and transfers where applicable.

For further information, contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33334; or toll-free 800-477-7500; for brochures and reservation information toll-free 800-285-1835; or visit the Web site: www.rssc.com .  To make reservations contact your travel professional.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Opens Bookings For 2007-08 Cruises

Ultra luxury small ship specialist Seabourn Cruise Line has opened bookings for its three yacht-like, all-suite ships through the first quarter of 2008. The 15-month schedule includes 125 cruises aboard Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, calling at more
than 225 ports in 64 countries between January 2007 and April 2008. The schedule can be found at the company's website located at www.seabourn.com.
New for 2007 are several "Sail & Stay" packages combining cruises with luxury pre- and post-cruise extensions in popular destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Istanbul and Athens. While the sailing regions for the three Seabourn ships are familiar to longtime devotees, the actual day-to-day itineraries contain a wealth of new ports of call, and returns to others which have been missing from the ships' itineraries for a few years.
In the first quarter of 2007, Seabourn Spirit returns to China after an extended absence, with a nine-day voyage round trip from Hong Kong that provides a generous three-day stay in fascinating Shanghai. Seabourn Legend will cruise northward from Caldera, Costa Rica to Los Angeles, on a pair of ten-day voyages exploring Guatemala and the Mexican Riviera. Seabourn Pride repeats her perennially-popular circuit of South America., a 72-day odyssey that is available in segments of from seven to 18 days.
The Mediterranean provides a myriad of intriguing ports accessible to the yacht-sized Seabourn Spirit and Legend, and in 2007 notable additions or revisits include a bevy of beauties along the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic, such as Split and Zadar in Croatia and
Kotor Fjord in Montenegro. These are added to Dubrovnik, Korcula and Rovinj in this increasingly popular cruising region. Monopoli, in Italy's southern Puglia region, and the volcanic Aeolian island of Lipari are new in 2007, as are Tarragona in Spain and lovely
Belle-Ile-en-Mer off the coast of Brittany. More ports along Turkey's Turquoise Coast include Fethiye and Alanya, with a return to the popular seaside resort Marmaris.
Seabourn Pride's fall foliage cruises sail 10 days between Gloucester, Massachusetts and Montreal in 2007, adding more ports such as Summerside on Prince Edward Island, the French territory of St. Pierre & Miquelon and St. John, New Brunswick.
Nearly 30 percent of the line's cruises in the 15-month period are being marketed in cruise lengths of six to eight days. The bulk of the seasonal cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean for Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend are available in the form of seven-day cruises, designed to be easily combined for longer voyages of up to five
weeks' sailing with different port content.
Generous Early Booking Savings of up to 50 percent mean that travelers can enjoy the award-winning, all-inclusive style of Seabourn yachting life for fares from $1,595 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite.
For more information, consult your travel agent, call Seabourn
at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

Seabourn Pride Will Sail Under London Bridge Again This Summer

Ultra luxury small-ship specialist Seabourn Cruise Line has announced that, for the summer of 2006, calls of its yacht-like ship Seabourn Pride at London will once again involve sailing under the city's famous Tower Bridge. The bridge transit, which requires the drawbridge to be lifted to allow the ship to berth alongside the historic museum ship HMS Belfast in the heart of London, had been deleted in 2005,  when the ship instead used a floating dock situated just downriver from the landmark bridge.

The intimate, all-suite Seabourn Pride is one of the few cruise ships able to navigate the Thames River above the Tower Bridge. The 208-guest ship will call at London on June 3, following a 14-day European Food & Wine festival cruise from Lisbon, and again on September 29 to begin a 14-day transatlantic voyage In the Wake of the Pilgrims. The unique itinerary of the latter voyage includes visits to Old England's Plymouth and the one in Massachusetts, as well. The voyage ends in the picturesque port of Gloucester, Massachusetts, near Boston. Fares are being offered at savings up to 50 percent, with single supplements as low as 110 percent. For more information about Seabourn cruise vacations, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

 

SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Offers Ferrari Program

Here’s your chance to live out one of your Walter Mitty fantasies (or Wanda Mitty for that matter) just like New Yorker author-humorist James Thurber’s famed short story.

Consider this: Sail aboard ultra-luxury mega yacht SeaDream II for seven days and drive an Italian dream car—a latest model Ferrari.

SeaDream Yacht Club voyages in the Mediterranean, beginning or ending in Rome this summer from July1 to September 3, will offer Mitty-like dreamers a pre- or post-sailing, four-day, three-night Ferrari adventure from Rome to Florence. Drive a Ferrari F430 Spider F1, an F360 Spider FI, or perhaps a 575M Maranello F1. If you wish, try all three on those panoramic Tuscan roads. Sound good?

There’s more. Add the following and stir and enjoy:

-- One night at the 17th Century Villa La Posta that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea,

Two nights at the posh, 17th century Tuscan resort, Fonteverde Spa and Hotel, several glorious Italian meals,

-- The chance to shop until you drop in Rome and Florence,

-- A local expert who not only accompanies you throughout but washes and fuels your Ferrari.

-- Also included are some baggage handling, gratuities, sightseeing and transfers.

The Tuscany by Ferrari experience is strictly limited to six fantasists sailing with SeaDream II on the following voyages: #2627, #2628, #2629, #2633, #2634, #2635 and #2636. Details are available on SeaDream’s website www.seadreamyachtclub.com.  

The Ferrari adventure costs US$ 5,590 per person, based on double occupancy aboard one of the selected SeaDream II voyages.

So Walter and Wanda Mitty should first book their SeaDream voyage. Then contact Red Travel Italia, tour operator based in Torino, Italy, through whom this Ferrari package is exclusively booked. Telephone: +39 011 56155219. Fax: +39 011 3035952. E-mail: info@red-travel.com.

SeaDream Yacht Club Opens Books On 2007 Sailings

SeaDream Yacht Club has opened its 2007 inventory of voyages for individual bookings and for charters. The year 2007 will see SeaDream I and II, the ultra-luxury operator’s twin, mega yachts, sailing primarily seven- to ten-day voyages in Europe in the summer and South America and the Caribbean in the winter. SeaDream’s 2007 schedule and itineraries are posted on its website: www.seadreamyachtclub.com.

The 2007 schedule features more beaches, more overnights and more late evening stays in various ports. Among new ports for 2007 are: Anegada, Barbuda, Vieques and Culebrita in the Caribbean; Paxoi, Paros, Molyvos, Syros, Kos and Ithaki in the Greek Islands and Port Camargue, France on the Mediterranean coast.  

While SeaDream has regularly sailed in Europe and the Caribbean since its introduction in the fall of 2001, it is introducing new South America sailings in the upcoming winter season. As with both Europe and the Caribbean, SeaDream’s South America itineraries emphasize the smaller, more exclusive yachting ports.  

SeaDream Yacht Club Introduces Advance Online Asian Spa Booking

SeaDream Yacht Club has introduced an advance online booking system for the highly-rated Asian Spas aboard its twin-mega yachts SeaDream I and II. The system is reached through the internet by accessing SeaDream’s website www.seadreamyachtclub.com and then linking to the spa booking site, or by going directly to www.seadreamspa.com. The system is accurate and easy to operate.

SeaDream’s Spas offers an extensive range of Asian treatments such as the well-known traditional Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Javanese Lulur Body Scrub. There is a wide range of health and wellness, therapeutic experiences—massages, body wraps and scrubs as well as a series of facial therapies. All spa offerings are for men as well as women. Along with the spa therapies SeaDream’s Asian Spa operates a salon with services including manicures and pedicures and other beauty treatments. These may be booked in advance online as well. The spas are open from 8am until 8pm daily.

SeaDream Yacht Club is a member of the highly-regarded Thai Spa Association. Also, for the size of its twin mega-yachts, accommodating only 55 couples in elegantly appointed staterooms with eight massage therapists aboard each vessel, SeaDream offers the highest ratio of masseuses per guest of any passenger ship operating today.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Teams Up With National Geographic Traveler

Silversea Cruises and National Geographic Traveler magazine have joined forces to offer an innovative package of amenities and enrichment presentations aboard Silver Shadow's World Cruise 2007. Headlining the program is award-winning photojournalist Steve McCurry, whose haunting photograph of an Afghan refugee girl has been described by many as the most recognizable photograph in the world today. McCurry is slated to host a series of presentations aboard Silver Shadow as the 382-guest, ultra-luxury cruise ship journeys on its first segment, The Empire of Time.  This 16-day voyage from January 15 to 27, 2007, cruises through the Panama Canal, taking guests from Fort Lauderdale to Santiago to explore the beauty and wonders of South America.

Other highlights of the National Geographic Traveler program include an exclusive photography exhibit of Steve McCurry's work that will be on board Silver Shadow throughout the World Cruise.  For this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, guests will also receive their own autographed copy of the book Portraits, a collection of McCurry's hand-picked photographs of people he has met on his journeys around the world.

Steve McCurry, recognized universally as one of today's finest image-makers, has won many of photography's top awards.  Best known for his evocative color photography, McCurry, in the finest documentary tradition, captures the essence of human struggle and joy.  Most recently the National Press Photographer's Association recognized McCurry as the Magazine Photographer of the Year.  In the same year he won an unprecedented four first prizes in the World Press Photo Contest, and has won the Olivier Rebbot Memorial Award twice.

Departing January 15, 2007 from Fort Lauderdale, Silver Shadow's World Cruise 2007 will cross three oceans, seven seas and six continents, visiting 61 different ports, and conclude on the originating coast, in New York City, on May 22.  For more information on the World Cruise, visit www.silversea.com.

Silversea's New "Wellness Program" Pampers Mind, Body And Soul

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is catering to today's health-conscious travelers with a new "Wellness Program" that fully integrates classes in nutrition and exercise, fitness activities, spa therapies and healthy dining options to create the opportunity for a complete rejuvenation of mind, body and soul while at sea.

Every day of every voyage, Silversea's privileged guests receive a schedule in their suite of the day's Wellness Program—activities and seminars developed by the fitness experts of its award-winning Mandara Spa, which is again ranked among the "Top 50 Spas" in Condé Nast Travelers'  latest readers' poll published in the magazine's April issue. This comprehensive fitness regimen, which includes popular workout programs such as aerobics (including aqua and step), Pilates, circuit training, and yoga, is perfectly paired with a daily collection of light and low-carb menu selections designed by Silversea's master chefs.  "To accommodate the growing popularity of our fitness programs, we're also expanding the fitness centers aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, adding nearly 300 additional square feet for new cardiovascular training equipment said David Morris, Silversea's senior vice president of sales for North America.  Silver Shadow had the work done in drydock last month in Singapore, and we'll do the same with Silver Whisper during a scheduled drydock next year."

A typical day on the Wellness Program might include a sunrise morning walk and yoga class followed by a late-morning seminar on nutrition, exploring the pros and cons of popular diets.  The afternoon might offer a seminar on healthy backs and abs, followed by a workout with circuit weights. Guests could wind down their day with exercises to stretch and relax their bodies, under the careful guidance of their professional fitness instructor.  And what better way to reward oneself for such good behavior then by indulging in an exotic coconut rub and body wrap, or a soothing scalp and face massage followed by a gentle foot massage, or maybe even a relaxing Bali-style, finger-pressure shiatsu massage? These are just some of the many therapeutic options available to create a complete wellness lifestyle for Silversea guests.

Whether the goal is better health or weight control, the Wellness Program guide offers a daily sampling of lunch and dinner selections to complement the roster of fitness activities and seminars. And creating healthy dining alternatives does not mean sacrificing taste or creativity when placed in the capable hands of Silversea's master chefs.  Many of the light and low-carb options are from the line's Collection du Monde signature dishes, created in collaboration with Relais & Châteaux chef Jacques Thorel, owner of Michelin two-star L'Auberge Bretonne, a "Relais Gourmand" restaurant in La Roche-Bernard, Brittany, France.

Light (Low-Calorie) Menu:  A typical low-calorie lunch might start with a spicy salmon ceviche, followed by an entrée of grilled fresh fish, and topped off with an apple and pear pavé for dessert.  To achieve a moderate daily intake of calories, the line's light menu selections feature fresh fish, lean meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables, olive oil and sugar substitutes, and vary between 100 and 300 calories.  Sugar-free desserts are under 200 calories.  

Low-Carb Menu:  Low-carb dining options feature appetizers, soups and salads containing no more than five grams of carbohydrates and main courses that vary between ten and fifteen grams.  For dinner, carb-counting guests can enjoy smoked salmon and caviar as an appetizer, or fillet of veal with creamy morel sauce as an entrée, or a sumptuous key lime cheesecake soufflé for dessert -- all without any guilt.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options:  A host of enticing gourmet vegetarian and vegan selections is also available, including such delicacies as grilled teriyaki-glazed tofu steak with stir-fried vegetables, honey and sesame sauce; a bamboo basket with steamed Chinese greens and vegetable dumplings; and oven-roasted Mediterranean vegetable mille-feuille with homemade tomato sauce, to name a few.

Silversea guests can now get their day off to a healthy start with a refreshing Carrot and Tangerine Cooler, a Mango, Peach and Apricot Fizz, or a Thyme-Scented Plum Crush -- just a few of several new "vitamin booster" juice blends served at breakfast that meld together only the freshest raw fruits and vegetables.  Also available for breakfast are new low-fat yogurt smoothies with tantalizing names like Mango and Banana Tango, Cucumber and Mint Reviver, and Fragrant Fusion (made with fresh mango, papaya and passion fruit).

Each of Silversea's four all-suite, all ocean-view ships features an elegant Mandara Spa, featuring dry and steam saunas, a beauty and hair salon, and a sizable fitness center and aerobics studio equipped with circuit weights, state-of-the-art treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, fit balls, step blocks and yoga mats.  Additionally, the spa offers a complete menu of restorative body treatments that combine exotic Indonesian traditions with classic international therapies. Highlighting many of the treatments are Elemis aromatherapy products, featuring essential oils and plant extracts of unsurpassed therapeutic value.  

Private poolside cabanas are another enticing Mandara Spa option that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in a natural and holistic massage experience infused with gentle sea breezes.  Guests can also indulge in an exotic and rejuvenating Balinese massage in the privacy and comfort of their suite.  

All organized group fitness classes and seminars are complimentary.  Personalized, one-on-one training programs and spa therapies are offered at an additional charge.  

For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent.

For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

‘Silver Shadow’ World Cruise Events Designed To Enrich And Entertain

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is set to offer a unique selection of custom-tailored, land-based events during Silver Shadow's World Cruise 2007. Guests sailing the full 126-day cruise will enjoy five complimentary shoreside events showcasing the unique cultures, art, history and culinary traditions of a diversity of regions across the globe, hosted from select cities including Santiago, Auckland, Dubai, Safaga and Rome.

Guests sailing the full 126-day voyage will be treated to a complimentary two-day, one-night excursion to Luxor escorted by acclaimed Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, who is also slated to host a series of shipboard presentations as Silver Shadow journeys from Dubai to Alexandria from April 12 to 27, 2007.  For guests who participate in this exclusive Treasures of Luxor event from Safaga, Dr. Hawass, Egypt's secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, will personally escort them on a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of some of Egypt's most renowned archaeological sites.  Highlights include the magnificent temple complex of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the tombs of Seti I, Nefertari and the Ramoza Tomb in the Valley of the Nobles. This special event also includes a gala dinner at the magnificent Habu Temple on the west bank of the Nile.

Other complimentary events for 126-day World Cruise guests will include the following:

-- From Santiago, wine and nature lovers will enjoy an outing to the Matetic Vineyards, set in Chile's best-known and most scenic wine regions -- the San Antonio Valley.  A tour of the Manor House offers stunning views of the vineyards and beautiful Rosario Valley.  Other highlights include wine tasting and a delicious lunch with entertainment.

-- From Auckland, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, renowned host of numerous international regattas, will welcome World Cruise guests with an exclusive performance by the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, followed by a presentation on past America's Cup races.  Guests will have a chance to explore the club at their leisure and enjoy a three-course dinner, accompanied by select New Zealand wines.

-- From Dubai, a spectacular evening awaits at the famous Burj Al Arab, arguably the world's most luxurious hotel. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, this award-winning architectural marvel dominates the Dubai coastline.  World Cruise guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing in its exquisite, two-tiered, domed Al Falak Ballroom.

-- From Rome, art and history enthusiasts will especially appreciate the chance to explore the grandeur of Italy's rich past during a private visit to the Palazzo Colonna, followed by a sumptuous luncheon.  This splendid Renaissance palace was built for the Colonna family, one of the most powerful houses of Italian nobility. The palace boasts an impressive collection of original masterpieces from painters such as Bronzino, Tintoretto and Reni.

Departing January 15, 2007 from Fort Lauderdale, Silver Shadow's World Cruise will cross three oceans, seven seas and six continents, visiting 61 different ports, and conclude on the originating coast, in New York City, on May 22.  

For more information on World Cruise 2007, visit www.silversea.com.

Star Clippers

Save Up To $700 On Star Clippers Fall And Winter Caribbean Sailings

Next fall and winter, travelers will have another reason to leave the cold weather behind and head to the warm waters of the Caribbean aboard an authentic sailing ship. Star Clippers has introduced special savings of up to $700 off cruise and air packages on seven-night Caribbean sailings aboard Royal Clipper and Star Clipper. The offers are available to U.S. and Latin America residents on a variety of departures from November 2006 through April 2007.

Savings of $700 per person, double, are available on sailings from November 11, 2006, to January 21, 2007. That includes $400 off the cruise fare, plus $300 off the add-on airfare from major U.S. cities. Cruise-only savings of $600 per person also are available.

From January 27 to April 15, 2007, guests can save $500 per person, double, on Caribbean sailings. That includes $300 off the cruise fare, plus $200 off the add-on airfare from major U.S. cities. Cruise-only savings of $400 per person also are available.

Royal Clipper, the 227-passenger flagship of the fleet, sails two different seven-night, round-trip Barbados itineraries. The Windward Islands itinerary features calls at St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles de Saintes and Martinique. The Grenadine Islands itinerary includes calls at The Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent, Bequia, Martinique and St. Lucia.

The 170-passenger Star Clipper sails two seven-night Caribbean itineraries round-trip from St. Maarten. The Leeward Islands itinerary offers calls at Nevis, Iles de Saintes, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Antigua and St. Barts. The Treasure Islands itinerary features calls at Anguilla, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, Jost van Dyke, St. Kitts and St. Barts.

Star Clippers combines the pampered luxury of mega-yacht cruising with the exhilarating thrill of sailing aboard an authentic clipper ship. Guests rediscover what sailing was like during the glorious age of the tall ships while visiting intimate ports of call untouched by larger cruise ships. The four- and five-masted clipper ships feature a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Passengers dress in resort-casual attire and dine in one unhurried, open seating. Whether unwinding in the bowsprit net while gazing at the sea below or climbing the mast for a panoramic view of the horizon, a unique sailing adventure awaits.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact a travel professional, call Star Clippers at (800) 442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com. To request a brochure, call (800) 442-0556.

Free Six-Night Land Tours Highlight Star Clippers' Asia Cruises

With Thailand re-emerging as one of Asia's hottest tourist destinations, Star Clippers is offering its guests three ways to get the most out of a journey to the Far East. Tour the ancient wonders of distant lands on a seven-night cruise aboard Star Flyer, and enhance the cruise vacation with free or discounted six-night land tours.

Star Clippers is offering the free tours of Bangkok, Singapore and Thailand on round-trip Phuket, Thailand, sailings and sailings between Phuket and Singapore. Passengers on cruises departing Phuket also can opt to experience the six-night Vietnam and Thailand tour for 50 percent off of the tour rate. These exclusive offers are available to North America and Latin America residents on select sailings from November 2006 to March 2007.

-- For passengers sailing on itineraries between Phuket and Singapore, the Bangkok and Singapore tours include four nights pre- or post-cruise in Bangkok, the exciting metropolis of more than 10 million inhabitants, and two nights pre- or post-cruise in Singapore, a city rich in history and culture.

-- The four-night Vibrant City Tour in Bangkok includes a stay at the five-star Montien Riverside Hotel, breakfast daily, a half-day city tour with a visit to the Grand Palace, the short flight between Phuket and Bangkok, transfers and a cultural dinner show. Guests will taste exotic delicacies and explore the amazing pagodas and temples that line the city's waterways.

-- During the two-night visit to Singapore, guests stay at the Orchard Hotel Singapore, located in the island's premier shopping and business districts near the well-known Orchard Road. The tour also includes a half-day city tour, breakfast daily and transfers.

Guests who sail round-trip Phuket have the option of adding the free Bangkok and Phuket tours, including the four-night pre- or post-cruise Vibrant City Tour in Bangkok and a two-night tour in Phuket, Thailand's largest island.

The unforgettable pre- or post-cruise Phuket Fantasea tour features the best of Asian culture, including an evening performance of Phuket Fantasea. That spectacular show includes traditional Thai shadow puppets and daring acrobats, and dinner before the show. The tour also includes a seafront hotel stay at the Merlin Patong Hotel, breakfast daily and transfers.

On this five-night pre-cruise and one-night post-cruise extension, guests will discover the wonders of Vietnam and Bangkok. The tour provides guests the opportunity to visit Hanoi and Saigon, Vietnam, where they can visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and the famed labyrinth tunnels of Cu Chi constructed by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

In Hanoi, guests stay two nights in the Sofitel Metropole, with a full-day city tour and dinner with a traditional water puppet show. Traveling south, passengers then spend two nights at the Caravelle Hotel, including a morning countryside and Cu Chi tunnel tour and afternoon Saigon city tour. Prior to boarding the ship, one night in Bangkok is spent at the Montien Riverside Hotel with a Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha tour. After the cruise, guests return to Bangkok for another night and a cultural show at Piman Restaurant. Breakfast, flights and transfers between Hanoi, Saigon, Bangkok and Phuket are included. Discounted Vietnam and Thailand land tour rates begin at $698 per person, double occupancy.

The seven-night sailings between Phuket and Singapore include calls at pristine islands such as the Similans, Phang Nga, Ko Hong, Ko Khai Nok, Ko Lipe, Ko Miang and Ko Adang, Thailand; and Penang or Langkawi and Malacca, Malaysia. The fare, including the two-night Singapore tour and four-night Bangkok tour, starts at $1,775 per person, double occupancy.

The seven-night round-trip Phuket Southern Route sailing includes calls at Batong Group, Penang, Ko Lipe, Ko Khai Nok, Phang Nga/Ko Hong and Similan Islands. The seven-night round-trip Phuket Northern Route sailing calls at Surin Islands, Similan Islands, Ko Rok Nok, Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga/Ko Khai Nok and Langawi. The fare, including the pre-cruise Phuket tour and post-cruise Bangkok tour, starts at $1,775 per person, double occupancy.

Star Flyer combines the pampered luxury of mega-yacht cruising with the exhilarating thrill of sailing aboard an authentic clipper ship. Guests rediscover what sailing was like during the glorious age of the tall ships while visiting intimate ports of call untouched by larger cruise ships.

The four-masted clipper ship features a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Passengers dress in resort-casual attire and dine in one unhurried, open seating. Whether unwinding in the bowsprit net while gazing at the sea below or climbing the mast for a panoramic view of the horizon, a unique sailing adventure awaits.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact a travel professional, call Star Clippers at (800) 442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com. To request a brochure, call (800) 442-0556.

Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic bids farewell to Minerva II

Minerva II will cease to operate as a Swan Hellenic vessel in April 2007, after the Winter 2006-7 program has been completed.  But there is still space on Minerva II’s last remaining sailings prior to April 2007.

This summer sees Minerva II heading towards Europe and the Mediterranean, and the program includes popular destinations like Iceland, the Baltic, the Black Sea and North Africa.

For winter 2006-7 Minerva II will cross the Atlantic to the Americas. The highlight of the winter season is Minerva II’s 66 day circumnavigation of South America. The inclusive fares as always represent excellent value for money, and as there is already limited availability on the remaining cruise program.

For more information on Minerva II’s exciting destinations for 2006 and early 2007 can be found at www.swanhellenic.com. To make a booking, call Reservations Department now on 0845 3 555 111 (UK) or +44 (0)2380 683606 (International) or contact your preferred travel agent.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises Announces 2007/2008 Deployment

Windstar Cruises’ three upscale sailing ships—the 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit and 308-guest Wind Surf—offer cruise vacations 180 degrees from ordinary in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Mediterranean, Greek Isles and on Transatlantic voyages in 2007 and 2008. A new 18-month deployment calendar allows groups and individual guests to plan vacations further out and reserve the ship and date of their choice.

Adding to Windstar’s Degrees of Difference, a recent multi-million dollar initiative features new luxury amenities on board all three ships.  Windstar’s tech-savvy guests will enjoy wireless internet, laptops for rent and Bose SoundDock speakers for playing music from mp3 players or Nanos.  Apple iPod Nanos may be checked out complimentary from the reception desk.

For the second year in a row, Windstar has increased the number of sailings offered in the Greek Isles  along the popular Istanbul to Athens route. The four-masted Wind Spirit and Wind Star will sail the Greek Isles from May to September along with a sprinkling of Mediterranean itineraries in early spring and late fall.

In the Greek Isles, both ships will sail an itinerary between Athens and Istanbul (and reverse) visiting Kusadasi and Bodrum Turkey; and Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos, Greece.  The Wind Spirit will also sail a new Greek Isles itinerary which will allow guests to combine two weeklong cruises into a 14-day cruise adventure without repeating ports of call.  The new itinerary between Istanbul and Athens visits Canakkale and Izmir, Turkey; and Patmos, Naxos, Ermoupolis, and Navplion, Greece. 

Windstar has recently assembled its Connoisseurs’ Collection, a selection of seven-day cruises ideal for booking back-to-back for a longer voyage.  The itineraries have been coordinated for a seamless 14-day voyage without repeating ports.

The five-masted Wind Surf will sail seven-day cruises in the Western Mediterranean from April through November. Homeports include Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, Nice, Venice and Monte Carlo.  A new seven-day itinerary from Rome to Venice visits picturesque harbors of Amalfi, Italy; Taormina, Sicily; Corfu, Greece; and Dubrovnik and Hvar, Croatia.  On the reverse, from Venice to Rome, the Wind Surf visits Dubrovnik and Korcula, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Sorrento, Italy.

A new port for Windstar in 2007, Korcula is known as the greenest island in the Adriatic and often described as a little Dubrovnik. Other new ports in the Mediterranean include Palamós, Spain along the Costa Brava; Tarragona, Spain, 60 miles southwest of Barcelona in Catalonia; and Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city situated on the Mediterranean. 

An eight-day cruise on the Wind Surf coincides with the Formula One Grand Prix race in Monaco and the Cannes Film Festival in France. The cruise departs Nice roundtrip on May 20 and overnights one night in Cannes, two nights in Monaco, and visits St. Tropez, France and St. Florent, Corsica.  An optional special event to view the Grand Prix race in Monaco will be planned.

The Wind Spirit and Wind Surf sail seven-day cruises in the Caribbean from December through March.  The Wind Spirit sails roundtrip from St. Thomas visiting St. John, St. Martin, St. Barthélemy, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. The Wind Surf sails roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados on two different itineraries.  The northbound itinerary visits Nevis; St. Martin; St. Barthélemy; Basse-Terre and Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; and St. Lucia. For a different taste of the Caribbean, the southbound itinerary visits Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, The Grenadines, Grenada and Tobago. 

The popularity of cruising in Costa Rica lures the Wind Star back for another year.  The ship will sail  seven-day cruises roundtrip from Puerto Caldera. The Pacific Coast itinerary visits San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Playa del Coco, Quepos, Drake Bay, Curu (National Wildlife Refuge), and Tortuga Island, Costa Rica.   Three 14-day Panama Canal cruises sail between Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica and Bridgetown, Barbados departing March 31 and November 24, 2007 and April 5, 2008.

In all staterooms, guests enjoy luxury linens, plush Sealy Euro-Top mattresses, bathroom amenities by L’Occitane, flatscreen televisions and DVD/CD players.  In The Restaurant, new Signature Cuisine menus by acclaimed Chef Joachim Splichal are served on Rosenthal china and an updated wine list offers more boutique labels.  Riedel stemware graces the tabletop.  The dining experience now includes an amuse-bouche (small bite) complements of the chef, a cheese course serving fresh, artisan cheeses, and petit-fours to finish the meal.

Other enhancements include hammocks built for two on deck, sorbet served in a chilled orange half and lemon-scented iced towels offered on deck on hot days, and dinner available course by course via room service.

Complimentary water sports are offered from the ship’s water sports platform which lowers into the water at anchor creating a private marina.  Activities include water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, boat rides, ski tubing and sailing.  Snorkeling equipment may be checked out complimentary for the week.  PADI-certified dive instructors lead scuba diving adventures for novices and experienced divers for a fee.

Windstar offers optional trip cancellation protection that provides cash back when you cancel for any reason prior to 24-hours before departure. For more information including brochures, rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

The World of ResidenSea

‘The World’ Travels Across The Silk Route

Imagine uncovering the marvels of the enigmatic temples of Hong Kong, the wonders of Shanghai’s Jinamo Tower’s 88th floor observatory, or Beijing’s Great Wall from the privacy of your second home aboard The World. Indeed, during May and June 2006, Residents and Guests vacationing in homes aboard the only private residential community at sea will do just that. The vessel will spend six weeks discovering 38 of the most impressive ports of Southeast Asia, giving passengers aboard an in-depth opportunity to discover this fascinating, sprawling country, all while being surrounded by the top-notch accommodations and amenities of this unique luxury vessel.

Bidding farewell to South Korea on May 3, the vessel will arrive in China on May 7, making her first call in Dalian, a major port and trading gateway in northeast China. Through the month of May and part of June, The World will afford Residents and Guests spectacular travel experiences in the metropolises that make China the international hot spot it is, including two nights in the frenetically paced, ancient Forbidden City of Beijing, on May 9 and May 10; 5 days in cosmopolitan Shanghai, from May 19 to May 22; and six days in the towering urbanity of Hong Kong, from June 5 to June 10.

To aid in navigating the labyrinth of fascinating voyage options, Guests vacationing aboard The World can choose from several recommended travel dates while in China, which will provide ample time for an extensive overview of the country, its culture and traditions, including:

-- Beijing to Shanghai: May 10-20—Residents and Guests can explore the bustling city of Beijing, before sailing to Qingdao on May 15. Qingdao, a beautiful seaside city on the southern coast of the Shandong Peninsula, is the place from where passengers can set off on a day excursion to Laoshan Mountain, which lies to the east of the city. Extending 54 miles around Laoshan Mountain, the coastline is dotted with 18 islands, providing a marvelous panorama. An important center of Taoism in China for many centuries, Laoshan Mountain houses two famous temples with a male and female god in each one, believed to bestow a spouse upon whoever prays before them. Also noteworthy is the impressive Taiquing Palace whose 140 rooms and halls were built during the reign of the first Emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty about 1,000 years ago. Residents and Guests can embark on a rare journey to understand the ancient – and almost extinct – religious art form of Taoism through this excursion, led by an authentic Lao Tao master. The tour promises a rare insight into an important part of Chinese culture. Following Qingdao, the vessel cruises The Yellow Sea for a day, before arriving in Shanghai on May 18.

-- Beijing to Nanjing: May 13-24—Those looking to immerse themselves in the ancient art and culture of China may avail of this 12-day voyage, beginning when the vessel sails from Beijing on May 12 to Nanjing, one of the four ancient capitals of China. Reputed as a major cultural center attracting intellectuals from around the country, Nanjing was the seat of poetry during the Tang-Song period and the official imperial examination center for the Jiangnan region during the Ming and Quing dynasties. En route to Nanjing, the vessel will sail through Qingdao, where Residents and Guests can embark on a day excursion on May 15, through the scenic Badaguan area. Named after eight famous passes in China, Badaguan or “Eight Passes” is a quaint town filled with grand trees and flower-draped paths. Interestingly, the town’s architecture is a melting pot of international influences, including those from Russia, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, resulting in charming villas and majestic temples such as the Buddhist Zhanshan Temple, which will be visited during the tour. Residents and Guests will conclude their visit with a demonstration of the beer making process at the Tsingtao Brewery Museum, China’s largest beer brewery.

-- Shanghai to Hong Kong: May 22-June 6—For an extensive voyage through Asia spanning a fortnight, Residents and Guests can sail from Shanghai on May 22 to Hong Kong, crossing Nanjing, the sacred mountain of Putoshan and the economically important harbor town of Xiamen, along the way.  An exciting voyage is offered on June 3, in the form of a full-day excursion to Quanzhou, one of the largest ports in the Orient, and home to a variety of nationalities including Persians and Indians, during the Song Dynasty over a thousand years ago. Residents and Guests will visit Quanzhou’s Kaiyuan Temple, formerly known as the Lotus Flower Temple and home to over a thousand monks. The temple is renowned for its unique architectural design, which includes a hundred stone columns supporting the roof of the main hall, many of which are adorned with delicate carvings of musicians holding instruments or sacrificial objects. Another feature of note is the two stone pagodas which flank Mahavira Hall, one of the temple’s prayer rooms, which are the most well-preserved pagodas of their kind in China. Following lunch at a local restaurant, participants will stroll through Tumen Street, the commercial center of Quanzhou, before visiting Qingjing Temple, a product of the city’s numerous religious influences, ranging from Buddhism to Hinduism, Islam, Manichaeism and Taoism. Residents and Guests will then travel back to The World and board in time for her departure to Hong Kong.

-- Shanghai to Shangri-La: May 22-29—Another voyage option of note is the vessel’s eight-day journey from Shanghai, beginning on May 22, crossing through Nanjing and Putoshan, before arriving in Zhenhai on May 29. The vessel will also sail across the famous Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, on May 27. In the harbor town of Zhenhai, Residents and Guests may visit the splendid Zhenhai Tower, a five-story edifice built during the Ming Dynasty, which commands a bird’s eye-view of the entire city. The Tower now houses the City Museum. Beginning May 29, another adventure offers interested Residents and Guests the opportunity to further explore the most remote, yet beautiful parts of China during a six-day overland excursion to Jiuzhaigou, a secluded valley located in Nanping County. Beginning with a flight to Chengdu, Residents and Guests will enjoy a day of leisure before flying to Jiuzhaigou on May 30. Here, participants will visit Songpan, a lively city located at an altitude of 3,000 meters, where Tibetan clothing and artifacts are in abundance. On May 31, participants will depart on a full-day visit to Jiuzhaigou’s scenic valley, with its 100 lakes, its calcium waterfalls and lush, green forests. Visits to Pearl Shoal, a fan-shaped calcium beach, and to the naturally rugged Sword Cliff, round out the day. On June 1, participants will visit Huang Long Valley, widely known as “fairyland on Earth.” Situated in the Sangpan County, this scenic spot includes China’s easternmost glaciers, snow-capped peaks, spectacular limestone formations and hot springs. Residents and Guests may also glimpse giant pandas and Sichuan gold snub-nosed monkeys wandering the area.  After a flight back to Chengdu on June 2, participants will proceed to spend the day at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, the most famous conservation and protection center for giant pandas, where luxurious bamboos and flocks of wild birds abound. Residents and Guests will explore this important research center and mingle with the 39 giant pandas on site, all under the watchful eye of a research specialist. The afternoon will be spent at the quaint thatched cottage residence of Da Fu (712-770), one of China’s most famous poets, and at the Wu Hou Monastery, which houses stone tablets, tripods and other relics from the reign of Prime Minister Zhuge Liang. On June 6, Residents and Guests will fly to Xiamen, from where they will transfer back to The World.     

Residences aboard The World range in approximate price from US$825,000 to US$7.3 million. Many are available for rent.  Three styles of accommodations: two and three-bedroom private apartments; one and two-bedroom studio apartments; and veranda studios are available. Rental rates begin at $1,250 per night for two guests, vary by itinerary, and require a six night minimum stay. Onboard dining, select wines and beverages, onboard gratuities and port charges are included.

For the complete 2006 itinerary and more, please visit www.aboardtheworld.com.  

The World® is the only private residential community at sea with a continuous worldwide itinerary. The World promises gracious and personal service in a warm, inviting ambiance much like that of a private yacht, seaside villa or exclusive country club. For rental guests, stays are booked at daily fares. For more information about The World's residential purchase options, please call ResidenSea at +1-305-264-9090; for inquiries regarding rental stays onboard, call 1-800-970-6601 in the U.S. or Canada or +1-305-779-3399 outside the U.S.; or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.