American Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines
Costa Cruises
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Cunard Line
easyCruise
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Coastal Voyages
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
American Cruise Lines
Pirate Cruise Aims at Piracy Sophisticates
This fall, American Cruise Lines is offering a voyage back in time as it will be offering a cruise themed Pirates, Pearls and Patriots of the South. Return to the cavalier days of doubloons and daggers, beards and booty, ransom, sword-fights and scurvy. The seven-night cruise will walk the plank aboard the 49-passenger American Glory on December 2, 2006. American Cruise Line is also in the process of planning future Pirate-themed voyages.
With its itinerary focusing on piracy during the Antebellum South, an era when sea bandits ruled the surrounding ports and waterways, the cruise beings in Charleston. There, crew members will force passengers to relive the helpless horror of common southern folk as they watched Captain Blackbeard blockade the entire harbor, and pluck up several fat nobles for the purposes of ransom. The dues were paid, and Blackbeard took his vessel, Queen Anne's Revenge, to head for cover in Beaufort, South Carolina. In his haste, he's reputed to have run aground on a sandbar, lampooning several of his men in the process. It is at this historic point that American Glory will make its second eerie stop.
Then it's on to Daufuskie Island, where the famous pirate hunter David "Money" Mongin made his trade. As a result of his success in reducing the pirate scourge, English king George III granted Mongin control of the island. Together with its neighbor, Hilton Head Island, legend has it that these lands are home to untold buried treasures!
All aboard as the ship heads to Savannah, birthplace to the legends of some of history's most fearsome marauders. It was on a nearby isle that a chest full of the finest riches was reportedly buried. A stop in Savannah will also give guests the chance to enjoy traditional pirate victuals and revel in pirate lore at the world famous Pirate's House restaurant.
Passengers will then move on to St. Simon's Island, where buccaneers of the late 17th century made repeated raids, pillaging the villages of the Native American Guale peoples, who were uprooted, never to return.
The final stop on the Pirate tour is Amelia Island, Florida, where French pirate Luis Aury made his "X" on history. Aury arrived in 1817 claiming to be a Mexican officer only to annex the island in the name of his supposed country. The Americans arrived three months later and crushed his efforts, but it's whispered that his ghost still haunts the jail on third street where he was kept. And as passengers retrace the careers of these professional brigands, they'll enjoy swashbuckling shore excursions on the very lands where the pirates once set foot. Naturalists, historians, and even local jewelers will come aboard to offer insights on the rich pirate heritage that colors the history of Southern U.S. waterways.
American Cruise Lines, one of a handful of U.S.-flagged lines that specializes in domestic enrichment cruises, was founded in 2000 by the Chesapeake Ship Building Company. The East Coast-based line currently operates three ships, American Glory, American Eagle and American Spirit. A fourth, American Star is due out in 2008. The ships are known for their intimate sizes that offer personal cruise experiences, stops at less-trafficked cruise ports, as well as fine food and upscale accommodations. Website: www.acl.com
Carnival Cruise Lines
Country Cruise Getaway Set for January 28-31, 2007 Aboard ‘Carnival Liberty’
Tim McGraw will anchor the next Country Cruise Getaway scheduled for January 28- 31, 2007, headlining an intimate, exclusive concert onboard Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship, Carnival Liberty, during a three-day cruise to the Bahamas. The Country Cruise Getaway starring Tim McGraw will set sail on January 28, 2007 aboard the 2,974-passenger ship, offering passengers a musical jaunt through paradise accompanied by some of country music's hottest new stars.
Embarking in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the Country Cruise Getaway will kick things off right as passengers are welcomed aboard with a special bon voyage deck party featuring live entertainment and cocktails. The Carnival Liberty will then cruise to Nassau, Bahamas where passengers will have plenty of time to explore the island before returning to the ship for Tim's historic concert onboard.
While at sea, music fans will be treated to a variety of live concerts with some of country music's hottest young performers and songwriters, and have the opportunity to participate in "behind the music" Q&A sessions with all of the artists onboard, including Tim McGraw. Passengers will also have a shot at winning the $20,000 grand prize during the cruise's Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament.
Tickets go on sale on Monday, August 28, 2006 for this special musical cruise. Reservations and accommodations are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on this unique fan adventure, go to the official website at www.CountryCruiseGetaway.com
Carnival, Masterfoods USA Offers ‘Spooktacular’ Time Aboard ‘Fun Ships’
Carnival Cruise Lines and Masterfoods USA, one of America’s leading snack food manufacturers, have teamed up for a unique Halloween promotion where guests sailing aboard the “Fun Ships” can participate in costume contests, enjoy scary movies and ghost stories and, of course, go trick or treating for a seemingly endless array of Halloween goodies. The new “Frightfully Fun” promotion will be held on every Fun Ship cruise departing between October 9 and October31, 2006.
Highlighting the festivities will be a costume contest and parade where Fun Ship guests can dress up in their favorite costume and compete for a variety of prizes, including “M&M’S”â Character plush toys. Crew members throughout the fleet will be dressed in costume, as well, and guests can have their photo taken with their favorite “M&M’S”â Character. Kids ages one to 14 will be invited go trick or treating through the ships’ various public lounges and areas, stocking up on a variety of delicious Masterfoods USA Fun Size candies.
For additional information on the “Frightfully Fun” promotion and for reservations on Carnival’s “Fun Ship” cruises, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.
Two New Show Productions To Be Presented On ‘Fascination’
Fiesta Latina and Far From Over: the 80s–two lavish revues featuring fast-paced musical numbers and elaborate costumes and sets–will be featured on Carnival Cruise Lines’ Fascination following a scheduled dry dock in September. The new shows will be among the varied entertainment options available on the 2,052-passenger SuperLiner, which operates year-round three- and four-day cruises from Miami.
Making its Carnival debut is Fiesta Latina, which like the name implies, pays homage to the pulsating Latin and Caribbean rhythms of these two musical genres. The show takes viewers on a journey through various musical hotspots, opening with a visit to a sultry Havana nightclub with an elaborate number featuring varied versions of the mambo.
Next, it’s on to Jamaica where colorfully clad singers and dancers perform a host of Latin and reggae numbers. The last stop is Brazil featuring a dramatic backdrop resembling the Amazonian jungle, followed by a show-stopping finale.
The second show Far From Over: the 80s celebrates the era of “big hair,” leg warmers and, of course, unforgettable music. Featuring a set of oversized icons of the decade, the show kicks off with a captivating laser display, and includes tributes to the music of the ‘80s.
To accommodate the extensive technical capabilities of these two new shows, the Fascination’s 1,300-seat Palace Lounge will be completely overhauled and feature a new revolving turntable, orchestra pit and a recessed speaker system enhancing the room’s already impressive sound quality and overall visibility. New stage lighting and a computerized audio/visual communications network will be added, as well.
The 70,000-ton Fascination sails year-round from Miami on three- and four-day cruises. On this route, three-day cruises depart Fridays and overnight in Nassau while four-day voyages depart Mondays and stop at Key West and Cozumel.
Carnival is currently accepting reservations on all of the Fascination’s three- and four-day departures. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.
Carnival Cruise Lines To Deploy Second Ship To New Orleans In August 2007
Carnival Cruise Lines will deploy a second year-round ship in New Orleans next August 2007. The Carnival Triumph will begin year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from the Port of New Orleans September 2, 2007, becoming the largest cruise ship based at that port.
Carnival will be the only cruise line to operate year-round from New Orleans and, with the deployment of the line's 2,056-passenger Fantasy to New Orleans next month, it will now offer four-, five- and seven-day cruises to the western Caribbean.
Carnival Triumph's Seven-Day Cruises From New Orleans
Carnival Triumph will operate a special one- time five-day cruise August. 28, 2007 from New Orleans to Costa Maya and Cozumel prior to the beginning of regular seven-day weekly cruises on September 2, 2007. Available on an alternating basis from November to April, the weekly cruises will offer two different western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios; and Belize, Cozumel and Progreso.
Guests can extend their stay in New Orleans with a variety of pre- and post-cruise land packages providing an opportunity to explore the city's many excellent restaurants, shops and historical landmarks.
More than three football fields in length, the 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph encompasses 13 passenger decks housing a 15,000-square-foot spa, cellular phone service, an Internet cafe, including wireless access in virtually all public rooms and areas, a jogging track, full casino gambling, and 18 themed lounges and bars with dramatic interiors inspired by the world's great cities. Dining options include twin two-level restaurants offering extensive menus and wine lists and a casual poolside eatery featuring 24-hour pizza and ice cream/frozen yogurt. All Carnival Triumph dining venues feature "Georges Blanc Signature Selections" created by the world-renowned French master chef who has maintained the coveted three stars from Michelin for the past 25 years. Also available are "Camp Carnival" and "Club O2," offering supervised activities and expansive facilities for children and teens, respectively.
Carnival will begin accepting reservations for the Carnival Triumph's 2007 departures from New Orleans on September 6, 2006.
‘Carnival Freedom’ To Launch Seven-Day Cruises From Miami In November 2007
Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom will operate year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from the Port of Miami beginning in November 2007, becoming the newest Fun Ship to operate from that port.
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Maghera, Italy, the 2,974-passenger SuperLiner will launch alternating weeklong eastern and western Caribbean cruises from the Port of Miami beginning November 17, 2007. Prior to the start-up of this program, Carnival Freedom will operate a special one-time four-day cruise from Miami to Key West and Cozumel November 12-16, 2007.
Carnival Freedom’s new Miami-based schedule will begin November 17, 2007, and consist of seven-day cruises departing Saturdays alternating to the eastern and western Caribbean. Each itinerary features a variety of scenic island destinations, with magnificent beaches and watersports opportunities, excellent duty-free shopping, and a diversity of historical attractions and landmarks.
Eastern Caribbean cruises will call at the popular islands of San Juan, St. Thomas/St. John, and St. Maarten, while the western route will visit three different tropical ports of call - Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios.
The fifth in Carnival’s highly successful “Conquest-class,” Carnival Freedom will offer an array of exciting on-board amenities and facilities, including 22 lounges and bars with dramatic interiors inspired by prominent design themes and styles employed over the past decades and centuries. A wide range of dining options, including full-service multi-course meals in twin two-deck-high formal restaurants, an upscale reservations-only supper club offering U.S.D.A. prime aged beef and other gourmet cuisine, and a 1,400-seat casual poolside restaurant featuring extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, Asian and American specialty areas, and 24-hour pizza and ice cream, will be available. All dining venues will feature “Georges Blanc Signature Selections” created by the French master chef who has maintained the coveted three stars from Michelin for more than 25 years.
A number of family-friendly amenities, including a 4,200-square-foot children’s play area, part of the fleetwide “Camp Carnival” program, and a 1,800-square-foot “Club 02” teen dance club/recreation area, will also be featured. The ship will also house a 13,300-square-foot health club, jogging track, four swimming pools, and a comprehensive golf program with professional instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions. In addition to cell phone service and an Internet café, Carnival Freedom will offer “100 percent bow to stern” wireless Internet capabilities.
Carnival will begin accepting reservations for the Carnival Freedom’s Caribbean departures from Miami September 6, 2006. Prices for the weeklong sailings begin at $599 per person; rates for the special one-time four-day cruise start at $299 per person based on double occupancy. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom and air supplements from a variety of North American gateways are also available.
For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com.
Costa Cruises
Holistic Holiday at Sea Slated for March 4, 2007
As Americans continue to focus on staying fit and trim, people are paying more attention to what they eat -- even when on vacation. While vacations are almost synonymous with overeating, a cruise ship will offer healthy natural foods and the world's leading authorities and experts as part of the Holistic Holiday at Sea IV: Voyage to Well-Being, March 4-11, 2007. The seven day cruise, cosponsored by Taste of Health and Vegetarian Times, will stop at several ports in the Eastern Caribbean, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; La Romana, Dominican Republic; and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands.
An array of over 25 prominent speakers and teachers will present over 100 classes including 10 cooking classes. Prominent among these:
-- Christina Pirello, Emmy Award-winning TV host and author of the best-
seller "Cooking the Whole Foods Way"
-- Cornell University professor Dr. T. Colin Campbell, author of "The China
Study," a book that is profoundly changing America's eating habits
-- Vegan research scientist, and founder of Physicians Committee For
Responsible Medicine, Dr. Neal Barnard
-- Yoga sage Yogi Desai
-- Insight meditation teacher Bhante Gunaratana
-- Shiatsu master Ohashi
-- Macrobiotic teacher Dr. Larry Kushi
The healthy ambiance onboard will extend to the kitchen, where Mark Hanna, an internationally known natural food chef, will personally design non-dairy vegan/natural cuisine using mainly organic ingredients. Prices begin at $1,175 per person double occupancy. Included are organic/natural meals; holistic lectures; classes in yoga, meditation, Pilates, and natural foods cooking; nightly entertainment; and the use of all basic spa/health club and onboard facilities. A few special workshops, individual consultations, and land excursions are additional. For information or to purchase tickets, call 1-800-496-0989 or visit http://www.atasteofhealth.org.
Costa Marina To Operate Five Winter Cruises From Singapore This Winter
Costa Marina’s is being redeployed to Singapore where she will operate five round voyages between December and February. The 1,000-passenger ship will make three 14-night voyages to Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Brunei, departing Singapore December 22, January 17 and February 11. On January 6, she is schedule to make an 11-night cruise to Thailand and Malaysia; and on January 31 she operates another 11-night voyage to Indonesia and Malaysia. Website: www.costacruises.com
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises Delivers World Cruise Grandeur In 24-Day Voyage
Crystal Cruises is offering travelers the opportunity to experience all of the luxurious trimmings and expanded onboard programming of its renowned World Cruise in a condensed 24-day voyage from Istanbul to London. The luxury line's 2007 World Cruise Grand Combination Voyage gives travelers the opportunity to embrace exotic Mediterranean antiquities combined with the wonders of Western Europe, as well as an expanded program of onboard enrichment and guest lectures. The April 7 -May 1, 2007 combination voyage marks the last two segments of the full 109-day Crystal Serenity World Cruise.
For the 24-day cruise, guests will also receive the added trimmings and extras designed especially for Crystal's World Cruise, including exceptional parties, exclusive gifts, a $400 per couple onboard ship credit and two complimentary shoreside Crystal Adventures (one on each of the 12-day segments). While fares start at $11,200 per person, double occupancy, guests can enjoy a $4,236 savings per couple if paid in full 180 days prior to departure. The two segments are:
-- Embracing Exotic Antiquities: April 7 - 19, 2007; 12-day; Istanbul, Turkey (overnight) to Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy. Visiting Kuþadasi, Turkey; Rhodes/Lindos and Návplion, Greece; Gabès, Tunisia; Taormina/Sicily and Naples, Italy.
-- Wonders of Western Europe: April 19 - May 1, 2007; 12-day; Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy to London/Southampton, England. Visiting Genoa, Italy; Marseille, France; Málaga, Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; Oporto/Leixoes, Portugal; Le Verdon/Bordeaux, France (overnight).
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Website: www.crystalcruises.com
Ten-Day Caribbean Cruise Focuses on Overall Wellness and Prevention
Doctors from the renowned Cleveland Clinic will take to sea aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity this December with experts on yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and even a PGA golf pro. Guests intent on restoring life balance will enjoy progressive seminars, wellness programs and fitness-focused shore excursions during Crystal Cruises’ ten-day Caribbean Health & Fitness cruise.
Doctors from The Cleveland Clinic lead a healthy roster of experts in presenting wellness seminars on progressive topics such as:
-- Dr. Tanya Edwards, MD, M.Ed. Medical Director of The Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine, presents an overview of complementary and alternative medicine;
-- Dr. Jane Ehrman, M.Ed., Clinical Hypnotherapist and mind/body coach at The Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine, addresses cancer recovery, stress management, women and wellness, and spirituality; and,
-- Carol Spear, MS, RMT, CMP, CD (DONA) is a Reiki Master also at The Cleveland Clinic, specializing in this Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation to promote healing;
-- Dr. Fedon Lindberg focuses on diet and lifestyle modification as a means to prevent and treat obesity, diabetes and heart disease, with a special emphasis on Mediterranean diets. Adding an active balance to the wellness programs are sessions of progressive fitness programs, many with their roots based in ancient healing practices:
-- Dr. Martin and Emily Lee of the Tai Chi Cultural Center in Los Angeles offer lectures and daily classes;
-- PJ and Emily Haring of Kamalalova Yoga also in Los Angeles host daily classes emphasizing use of meditation and intuition to allow students a deeper yoga experience;
-- Crystal’s own exclusive Walk-on-Water program features the Walkvest® Training System that has revolutionized the benefits of walking by simply adding resistance (added weight) – guests enjoy incredible views as they walk Crystal Serenity’s promenade deck; and,
Throughout the cruise, Crystal’s own fitness director will conduct daily exercise classes and personal training sessions in the state-of-the-art gym. The Crystal Spa is designed in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, the Oriental Art of Placement to evoke health, prosperity and happiness, and offers a variety of treatments applying these principles to the body. Fresh fruit, fresh fish, creative salads and low-calorie or low-carb meals are available throughout the ship. For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625.
Crystal Jazzes Up Thanksgiving Crossing With Syncopated Rhythms
Crystal Cruises has set three popular jazz groups and distinguished industry lecturers for its November jazz-themed Trans-Atlantic voyage from Lisbon to Miami. From the soft and soulful to the bright and energetic, the Michael Royal Trio, the Peter Appleyard Quintet, and the Kit Moran Duo will provide a vibrant range of jazz music throughout the 10-day sailing. Also joining the sailing for enrichment lectures is Jazz at Lincoln Center Curator Phil Schaap.
The November 15-25, 2006 cruise aboard Crystal Serenity sets sail from cosmopolitan Lisbon, Portugal, and takes travelers to Ponta Delgada in the Azores Islands and an overnight stay in Hamilton, Bermuda en route to Miami, Florida. On November 24 at sea, Crystal's award-winning culinary team will showcase its talents with a traditional, albeit stylized, five-course Thanksgiving feast.
The jazz theme complements Crystal's wide array of creative programming and entertainment set for the days at sea. San Francisco entertainment reporter Jan Wahl joins the heady roster of lecturers and instructors. Classes in dance, language, art, computers, golf, fitness and hands-on Yamaha keyboard instruction fill the days, while five lavish production shows, an assortment of pianists, vocalists, a classical guitarist, a full orchestra, a pop musical group and the three jazz groups dazzle guests throughout the evenings.
Performers include:
-- Pianist Michael Royal has performed extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia showcasing his unique style of jazz steeped in the heritage of his mentors. His aesthetically sensitive and technical expertise reflects the influence of jazz greats Bill Evans, Coltrane and Monk, as well as the classical Debussy and Ravel. He will perform throughout the cruise with Richard Drexler on bass and Johnny Moore on drums.
-- Vibraphonist Peter Appleyard has performed with many jazz greats, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and Oscar Peterson. His regular tours around the world include playing before 500,000 fans at a Trafalgar Square concert in London earlier this year. He has also appeared on numerous television and radio programs, and performed with several symphonies. Appleyard is the recipient of the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian award. He will perform on board with Dave Young on bass, John Sherwood on piano, Reg Schwagen on guitar and Kevin Dempsey on drums.
-- Kit Moran has performed with a long list of legendary jazz performers, including Bert Bacharach, Rosemary Clooney, Vic Damone, Buddy Grecco, and Michael Legrand, among others. She was the featured vocalist for eight years at Merv Griffin's Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, and has headlined in many Atlantic City and Las Vegas casinos, as well as Michael's Pub, The Blue Note and the Village Vanguard in New York City. Moran will be accompanied by Mike Moran on the keyboard during Crystal's jazz cruise.
--Phil Schaap, the Curator of Jazz at Lincoln Center and WKCR radio personality, was raised by jazz-loving parents and members of the original Count Basie Orchestra. He has broadcast jazz on the radio since 1970 and is best known for his daily Charlie Parker show Bird Flight. As an educator, Schapp has taught jazz at Columbia, Rutgers, Princeton, and at Lincoln Center. He has garnered many Grammy Awards throughout his career for producing, historical writing and audio engineering.
As a special bonus, the Trans-Atlantic cruise is part of Crystal's Value Collection starting at only $2,875 per person, double occupancy. Guests can realize an additional 10 percent savings by extending their voyage with the Canary Islands cruise before the crossing or with the following 10-day Caribbean cruise.
For additional information, visit www.crystalcruises.com
Crystal’s 2007 Value Collection Sailings Announced
Luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is allowing savvy travelers the opportunity to plan ahead and realize extraordinary savings of up to 52 percent off regular cruise fares aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in 2007. Crystal's 2007 Value Collection features six diverse sailings of ten to 17 days through the Panama Canal, Western Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Caribbean and a Trans-Pacific voyage from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Cunard Line
2007 Select Sailings On ‘Queen Mary 2’ Up To 45 Percent Off
Choose from transatlantic eastbound or westbound crossings and save up to 45 percent. Enjoy six pampered days and six glamorous nights dedicated to your sheer enjoyment. Uninterrupted days at sea invite idyllic relaxation or a whirl of dazzling entertainment. Afternoons bring white-gloved afternoon tea, evenings sparkle with incomparable black-tie glamour and service is only ever immaculate.
Available dates: April 18 & 30; May 18; June 4 & 10.
Sailaway fares
Queens Grill
£3,239
£3,339
£3,439
Princess Grill
£2,399
£2,499
£2,599
Club Balcony
£1,729
£1,839
£1,949
Balcony
£1,099
£1,199
£1,299
Oceanview
£1,069
£1,169
£1,269
Inside Cabin
£899
£999
£1,099
2006 Fort Lauderdale Crossing
For an alternative to the classic transatlantic crossing, join Queen Mary 2 as she sails from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale on the 7 night Sunshine Retreats Voyage departing 18 November 2006. With fares from £699 per person, why not experience the famous Cunard service for yourself? Website: www.cunard.com
easyCruise
easyCruise Announces New Caribbean Itinerary From Just £9 Per Person
easyCruise has announced it is returning to the Caribbean with a new itinerary that will take in the island paradises of St Maarten, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts & Nevis and Antigua. From December 8, complete with new livery, easyCruiseOne will take to the seas from as little as £9 (US$17) per person per night.
Arriving at some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands, the new itinerary will allow passengers to immerse themselves in a diverse mixture of cultures, stroll along numerous white sandy beaches, dive in and explore the depths of the clear blue coastal waters or simply visit the islands chic boutiques or enjoy an espresso in one of the continental-style cafés.
The new itinerary follows a successful season sailing the French and Italian Riviera, which finishes on October 30. easyCruiseOne will then spend three weeks being transformed to carry the new easyCruise livery of graphite grey with orange trim and be completely refitted with a new café, bar and restaurant. In addition windows will be added to nearly sixty cabins, in line with customer feedback. easyCruise founder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou commented: “We are incredibly excited about this new Caribbean itinerary. We have spent many months looking into different options, including Miami and the Bahamas and also returning to Barbados where we were last year. In line with our business philosophy of asking the various regions to compete with each other, I am glad to say that St Maarten and the nearby islands came out on top! “Some of the reasons for this decision are that we felt that a new set of islands has more appeal to our repeat customers who are already following us from season to season. We are already working on a new Greek Islands itinerary for the summer of 2007. As well as this, the St Maarten/Antigua itinerary not only takes in some of the most exclusive and fascinating destinations in the Caribbean, it also offers good international airlift (Antigua has non stop flights from London and St Maarten is well connected from the US, France and Holland). In addition the local authorities and the management teams of the ports have been incredibly welcoming.”
Unlike any other cruise, easyCruise allows consumers the freedom to explore each destination at their leisure. Sailing each morning, easyCruise arrives in a new port by late morning allowing passengers to enjoy the day and nightlife in some of the Caribbean’s best destinations.
easyCruiseOne's Caribbean itinerary is now on sale for departures from December 8 to April 12 2007 with prices from just £9 (US$17) per person per night. Website: www.easycruise.com
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Americans To Enjoy The Ultimate Adventure Ship In 2007 On ‘Ms Bremen’
Looking for a true adventure on a real expedition ship? Explore Nature’s last unspoiled reserves and seldom-visited lands in 2007 aboard MS Bremen, an expedition cruise ship for only 164 passengers from the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet which has lived the “learning enrichment concept” for more than a decade. Thanks to the company’s commitment to expanding the schedule of its bilingual cruises in 2007/2008, Americans can choose from five exciting itineraries to places where they have never been before.
The following Bremen 2007 cruises will be run guaranteed bilingual English/German:
-- Amazon and Cuba expedition cruise: From Iquitos to Havana: April 21, 2007- May 13, 2007 including stops at Parintins, Manaus, Rio Jutai, Leticia and Pevas. There will be many additional Zodiac trips along the Amazon River during the cruise.
-- Canada and Greenland expedition cruise: From and to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland: July 16, 2007 – 30, 2007 including stops at Baffin Island, Cape Dorset, Uummannaq, cruising in Disco Bay, Sisimiut.
-- Gambia River and Cape Verde Islands expedition cruise: From Tenerife to Dakar: October 20, 2007 – November 1, 2007 including stops at Cape Verde Islands (Sao Vicente, Santo Antao, Sal and Sao Tiago), cruising on Gambia River beginning at Banjul.
-- Antarctica: The sixth continent expedition cruises: : From and to Ushuaia, Argentina: January 9, 2008 – 24, 2008 including South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula, passing the South Polar circle. A second cruise is scheduled from and to Ushuaia, Argentina: January 24 – February 11, 2008 including Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetlands, and Antarctic Peninsula
For booking information in in the US, those interested should contact:
Ingrid Schacht, Euro Lloyd Travel Group; Tel: 800-782-3924: Website: www.eurolloyd.com or email Ingrid@Eurolloyd.com
Annemarie Victory, Annemarie Victory Organization, Inc., 136 East 64th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021; Tel.: (212) 486-0353 / Fax: (212) 751-3149
Chuck Cross, Expeditions, Inc., 20525 SE Dorchester Rd., Bend, OR 97702; Tel.: (541) 330-2454
Lisa Wilson-Schmitt, Nonstop Travel, Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Suite 111, Torrance, CA 90502, Tel. (310) 324-5500 / Fax: (310) 324-7623
Holland America Line
HAL’s Early Advantage Provides Special Cruise Values On 2007 Sailings
Guests who book select 2007 Holland America Line cruises by September 15, 2006, will receive up to an additional $1,200 off per person with special Early Advantage cruise fares. Early Advantage pricing represents 10- to 30-percent off current brochure fares and is available on more than 250 premium cruises departing in 2007.
With special Early Advantage fares, guests save up to $1,200 when booking a verandah suite at $3,899 per person on the August 22, 2007, ms Rotterdam’s 15-day Jewels of Europe (Harwich, England, to Piraeus, Greece). They can also save up to $500 when booking an outside stateroom and $650 when booking a verandah stateroom on the July 30, 2007, ms Westerdam’s ten-day Mediterranean Enchantment roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.
In other regions, on the May 5, 2007, ms Oosterdam’s seven-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle, guests save $200 when booking a verandah suite at $1,579 per person. And, on the January 4, 2007, ms Maasdam’s ten-day southern Caribbean roundtrip sailing from Fort Lauderdale, guests save $200 when booking an inside starting fare at $949 per person.
For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com .
Holland America Line Announces New Luxury Explorer Coaches™ in 2007
Guests will enjoy even greater comfort as Holland America Tours creates a new fleet of 39 coaches for the 2007 Alaska season. Having more legroom, spiffy leather seats, an enriched narration program including topical handouts, exclusive visuals designed to inspire and educate guests while en route to the next Great Land destination, guests will ride in style. Also, newly introduced are two new Tombstone Explorer Coaches™ for popular Tombstone Park excursions.
Three new MCI LX coaches will join the fleet in 2007 and 36 existing vehicles will be retrofitted, updated and improved to the standards set by the new coaches, creating a new fleet. Seating on motor coaches operating on the Great Land and Direct-to-Denali tours will be reduced from 54 to 45, providing 50 percent additional legroom - equivalent to the legroom on a domestic first-class flight.
The coaches will be equipped with leather seats with a fabric insert containing the Holland America Line logo, aisle carpeting and a mini-galley offering cold snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Each coach will have six new LCD monitors and every seat will be equipped with a headset and eight-channel audio. For those traveling with electronic equipment, the convenience of a battery charging station will be located in the galley. The exterior of each Explorer Coach will have a dramatic design depicting one of three Alaskan wildlife themes -whales, bears or moose.
Enhanced CruiseTour Narration Programs in 2006
Holland America Line and Gray Line of Alaska have also made innovative enhancements to the motor coach experience on all CruiseTours and Gray Line of Alaska package tours for 2006. The redesigned narration program reinforces, visually and in print, the stories of the Great Land that driver/guides and tour directors tell guests. Having more than 27 props, as well as 29 topical handouts and 49 Highway Journals with full-color photos, a list of the day's events and feature stories relating to guest experiences are just the start. Tour directors also use "show and tell" boards for discussion about indigenous Alaskan wildlife, plants and local arts and crafts. For example, one board explains the Athabascan beadwork of Shirley David-Jimerson who designed a beaded Forget-Me-Not on moose hide, especially for Holland America Line and Gray Line of Alaska.
CruiseTour guests have the unique opportunity to travel the famous Dempster Highway in two new 23-guest "Tombstone Explorer" coaches on Great Land Klondike CruiseTours 1 - 6 and Glacier Discovery CruiseTours 27 and 28. Deployed from Dawson City, the coaches allow for optimum viewing on the Tombstone Park excursion, "Exploring along the Dempster," starting July 2006. The coaches feature domed rooftop and huge side windows, air-conditioning, camera and viewing screen to improve wildlife viewing, low clearance and they are wheelchair friendly. The coaches are modern replicas of touring coaches used in Glacier and Yellowstone National parks.
HAL Offers More Itinerary Choices to Experience Panama Canal in 2007
With 28 cruises, 12 different itineraries and five ships, Holland America Line will lead premium lines with an extensive collection of Panama Canal cruises in 2007, featuring more New York departures, new February full transit crossings and a new port of call, Puerto Chiapas, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Savvy travelers will appreciate the variety with cruises ranging from the popular 10-day Sunfarer and 14- to 22-day full transit crossings to a new 23-day Pan-America and Panama Canal cruise.
-- 14- to 22-day Full-Transit Panama Canal - Winter, Spring & Fall
From January through April and September through December, the awe-inspiring eighth wonder of the modern world is explored aboard the ms Amsterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Volendam, ms Noordam and ms Zuiderdam. This one of a kind voyage offers a full transit of the Panama Canal and explores the Mexican Riviera, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Guests may choose from 11 different itineraries ranging from 14 to 22 days departing from New York, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles and San Diego. Holland America Line's newest ship, the Noordam, will make its first Panama Canal crossings in spring and fall. Flagship Amsterdam will also make a November full transit of the Panama Canal.
Ports of call may include: Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Santa Cruz Huatulco and Zihuatenjo, Mexico; San Blas Islands and Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama; Puerto Caldera and Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands; Oranjestad, Aruba; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles, California; Astoria, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia; and Key West, Florida.
-- New 23-day Panamerica & Panama Canal
New in 2007, the Ryndam offers a rare opportunity to explore the Americas, sailing roundtrip from convenient San Diego on November 20, 2007. The 23-day cruise features six countries including Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Port visits include Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Santa Cruz Hualtulco, Zihuatanejo, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Puntarenas and the scenic Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica; Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama; Manta, Ecuador; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; and Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.
-- 10-day 'Sunfarer' Panama Canal
In January and March and again from October through December, the Volendam travels roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on 15 ten-day 'Sunfarer' Southern Caribbean itineraries showcasing the marvels of the Canal. With visits to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - the line's award-winning private island, Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curacao, the ship enters at Cristobal to explore the canal and cruise Gatun Lake with a stop in Colon, Panama, before sailing on to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and ultimately returning to Ft. Lauderdale. In addition to the 10-day Dec. 23 holiday sailing on the Volendam, the Amsterdam will sail a 14-day roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on December 21 with additional calls in Bonaire, Honduras, Mexico and Grand Cayman.
A Panama Canal historian travels on every sailing, providing insight and answering questions about one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century. Ashore, extensive exploration awaits with Holland America Line's exclusive Medallion Collection of shore excursions including gourmet cooking lessons with Jamaica's finest chefs, a visit to Guatemala's colonial La Antigua with lunch at the convent Casa Santo Domingo, or a champagne catamaran cruise to St. John.
Panama Canal cruise fares start from $1,199 to $3,299 per person, double occupancy, depending on the itinerary length. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises Features Sports Theme Itineraries
MSC Cruises invites sports fans to step up to the plate or tee off with its sports themed itineraries while enjoying the ‘Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.’ cruise experience.
Baseball fans can rub elbows with some of the greatest players to have ever graced the baseball diamond – including All-Stars and Hall-of-Famers – on MSC Lirica’s 11-night November 26 and April 18 Caribbean sailings, while golfers can hone their skills on MSC Sinfonia’s May 7 and October 22, 2007 Mediterranean sailings with one of the world’s leading golf trainers.
-- All-Star Caribbean Lineup
Former Yankees Graig Nettles, Frank Howard and Stan Bahnsen, Hall-of-Famer Bob Feller and slugger Ken Griffey make up a powerful lineup of players on MSC Lirica’s November 26 sailing. The 11-night roundtrip itinerary from Fort Lauderdale calls at Ocho Rios, Cartagena, San Blas, Cristobal, Puerto Limon and Roatan Island.
Four-time All-Star Vida Blue, Earl Weaver, Stan Bahnsen, Randy Hundley, and Cito Gaston are in the lineup for the April 18 sailing, which calls at San Juan, St. Maarten, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola and Samana.
Each baseball theme cruise includes free interactive passenger/player activities, including a player-hosted trivia game in which guests test their baseball knowledge, question-and-answer sessions with the players, and a lively story-telling session in which the players share candid revelations about some of the “characters” of the game. Players will also host pitching, hitting and defensive strategy clinics. Perhaps the most popular activity is the free autograph session at the end of the cruise.
-- Tee Off with MSC Cruises
Onboard MSC Sinfonia’s May 7 and October 22 seven-night Mediterranean itineraries, golfers can improve their game under the guidance of famed trainer Chuck Cook and other professionals via seminars, a theory and demonstration session, putting green and shore-side golf tournaments, and then practice their new skills at the golf simulator, mini-golf course and golf cage. Golfers can play at some of Europe’s best courses, as they sail roundtrip from Genoa to visit Monte Carlo, Spain, Malta, Tunisia and Rome.
On each itinerary, guests can explore the destinations, their history and culture, with ample time to enjoy the elegance, Italian cuisine, ambiance, and exceptional service onboard an MSC Cruises’ ship.
Cruises has a wide variety of theme cruises slated for the coming year, including hobbies, culture, cuisine, music, well-being and much more. For more on MSC Cruises’ theme cruises, visit www.msccruises.com or a local travel agent.
Norwegian Coastal Voyages
NCV’s Cruise Tours Celebrate Traditional Norwegian Holidays In December
Traditional Norwegian Christmas and gala New Year’s Eve celebrations highlight special departures of Norwegian Coastal Voyage’s new, air-inclusive seven- to ten-day cruise tours from December 20 to 28. The itineraries give a choice of Christmas and New Year’s festivities at sea; a Christmas pre-cruise visit to fun-loving Copenhagen and its famous Christmas market in Tivoli Gardens; and New Year’s celebrations at the North Cape, Europe’s northernmost point; a Northern Lights Festival concert in Tromso’s distinctive iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral; or with fireworks and Sami traditional singing (Joik) in Karasjok, capital of Norwegian Lapland.
The holiday breaks, priced at $2,145 to $3,130 per person for the best-available double cabin, provide two to four nights aboard a 490- to 674-berth contemporary or Millennium ship sailing between Tromso, capital of Arctic Norway, and Bergen, Trondheim or Kirkenes along snow-clad coastal landscapes with lights glowing from villages, towns and lighthouses, and when atmospheric conditions are right, the shimmering Northern Lights flashing across the sky.
-- Norwegian Yuletide traditions on NCV ships include Christmas Eve celebrated together by passengers and crew with holiday specialties at dinner, carol singing by the tree and a visit from Santa Claus; a lavish Scandinavian smorgasbord on Christmas Day; and an after-dinner dance on Boxing Day. December 20 departures feature an eight-day all-Norway tour, at $2,390, with the MS Midnatsol from Tromso to Bergen and the opportunity to attend a Christmas Eve church service ashore in Rorvik; a ten-night program, at $2,865, adds Tivoli Gardens, lunch and a city tour of Copenhagen before the MS Finnmarken voyage from Bergen to Tromso.
-- New Year’s departures are scheduled December 24, 25, 27 and 28. On the seven-day MS Nordly’ package at $2,145, New Year's Eve is at sea with a gala banquet, dancing in the bar, fireworks and a midnight champagne toast. A special dinner will be served on the MS Midnatsol before celebrating New Year’s at the 1,000-foot-high North Cape plateau overlooking the vast Arctic Sea and home of the world’s northernmost champagne bar; cost of seven days is $2,780.
-- On the MS Polarlys’ nine-day program at $2,630, passengers enjoy a New Year’s Eve concert in the Arctic Cathedral followed by a reception and three-course dinner, disembarking in lively Tromso in time midnight buffet and toast to 2007. Sami Encounters—ten days with a two-night Nordlys cruise at $3,130—spends two nights in Karasjok, home of the indigenous Sami (Lapp) people’s parliament and the base for included trips to Sapmi Magic Theater, a reindeer farm and the wilderness.
Shipboard activities include the Arctic Circle crossing ceremony and lectures on Norwegian Christmas traditions, the Northern Lights, Sami culture and history, Lofoten Islands fishing and Tromso. Depending on the itinerary chosen, optional excursions may take in dog sledging, snowmobiling, King Crab Safari from Kirkenes, a walking tour of Alesund, and Trondheim, Norway’s first capital.
Norwegian Coastal Voyage vessels, which operate daily year-round between Bergen and Kirkenes on the "world's most beautiful voyage," are a unique combination of first-class cruise ship and a lifeline to remote towns and villages along the 1,250-mile coast with ports ranging from the bustling cities of Trondheim and Tromso to remote fishing villages in the Lofoten Islands.
Christmas and New Year’s cruise tour prices cover round-trip flights from New York and local flights in Norway, three- and four-star hotels with breakfast daily, best-available double cabin, all meals aboard ship and in Karasjok, specified holiday program, transfers, port charges and air taxes. Single and triple rates are available. The winter brochure and reservations can be obtained from Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc., (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day. Website: www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us
Killer Whale Safaris To Norway's Lofoten Islands Announced
NCV has introduced air-inclusive, seven-day Killer Whale Safaris to Norway's rugged Lofoten Islands from October 22 to December 26 as part of its new Arctic Adventures winter program. More than 600 orcas (killer whales) migrate to the Lofotens in winter to feed on the vast shoals of Norwegian herring in the long, narrow Tysfjord. In winter, fishing villages with red wooden houses nestle below snow-clad mountains and the Northern Lights dance across the sky in green, yellow or red flashes in winter when atmospheric conditions are right.
Whale safaris combine Tromso, capital of Arctic Norway and home of the world's northernmost university and brewery; the Norwegian Coastal Voyage from Tromso through the Vesteralen Islands and Raftsund Strait to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands; the whale-watching excursion to the Tysfjord; a stay in a restored fisherman's cottage at Svinoya Rorbuer; and Oslo, the capital of Norway.
Seven-day packages, costing $2,300 to $2,465 per person, double occupancy, also include round-trip flights from New York to Tromso and back from Oslo, a local flight, first-class hotels in Tromso and Oslo, breakfast daily and free time to explore both cities, all meals aboard ship and in the Lofotens, port charges and transfers.
Family departures on October 22 and December 26 welcome adults and children age five and up. The eight-day New Year Safari at $2,795, spends an extra day in Svolvaer and celebrates New Year's Eve in Borg with a horse and sleigh ride, weather permitting, to the 250-foot long replica of a Viking chieftain's house for a view of Viking daily life and a gala dinner at long tables, traditional songs and dances in the banquet hall.
The trip can be enhanced by the options of extending the safari one day, adding an extra hotel night and whale-watching excursion at $295; switching from a traditional fishing boat to a sturdy inflatable Zodiac in the Tysfjord for up-close views of a pod of whales at $140; snorkeling with orcas and observing their underwater behavior on the December 4 and 6 departures at $355; attending a Viking banquet in a chieftain's reconstructed long house at the Viking Museum in Lofoten on the November 14 and 28 trips at $145; and riding a dog sledge pulled by huskies across the open plains of Tromso at $160.
Since whales travel in groups, sighting a pod of 20 or more is common. The captain will adjust the boat's direction and speed to give the best views of whales breaching, blowing, or stunning whales with their flukes. The snorkeling safari, combining an express boat, Zodiac and ferry ride, must be reserved in advance. Special suits are provided for Zodiac travel and snorkeling.
Svinoya Rorbuer, on an island in the oldest part of Svolvaer, contains comfortable fishermen's cabins (rorbu) restored and modernized for guests, Borsen Spiserei seafood restaurant in an old quayside warehouse, and an art gallery. Norwegian Coastal Voyage vessels, which operate daily year-round between Bergen and Kirkenes on the "world's most beautiful voyage," are a unique combination of first-class cruise ship and a lifeline to remote towns and villages along the 1,250-mile coast.
NCV offers Arctic Adventures in the Lofoten Islands, Norwegian Lapland and Spitsbergen. The winter brochure and reservations can be obtained from Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc., (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 582-0835; website: www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.
Princess Cruises
Princess' Exotic Cruisetours Span the Globe in 2007-08
The worldwide wonders of places such as long-hidden Angkor Wat, the dramatic vistas of Machu Picchu and Australia's stunning Great Barrier Reef highlight Princess' Exotics cruisetour offerings, now offering passengers additional options for seamless land/sea vacations in some of the globe's most fascinating destinations.
New land tours for the 2007-08 season include a new Ultimate Australia tour and a Thailand and Angkor Wat tour. These new options combine with Princess' Asia and Australia/New Zealand cruises for an unforgettable land/sea vacation. Popular exotic cruisetour programs are also offered in South America and China.
Princess' cruisetour program offers passengers the opportunity to add a pre- or post-cruise land tour to their cruise, enabling them to further explore some of the world's most memorable places, while enjoying a seamless transition between land and sea, handpicked hotels, most meals, knowledgeable escorts and exemplary Princess service throughout.
Princess' Exotic cruisetour lineup includes:
-- Australia - A new Ultimate Australia tour joins the lineup for a total of four tour options 'down under.' The new seven-night tour features many of Australia's highlights plus visits to Kakadu National Park and Darwin. The tour includes two nights in Sydney, one night at the famed Uluru (Ayers Rock), one night in Kakadu, one night in Darwin, and two nights in Port Douglas for the Great Barrier Reef. This new pre-cruise option joins Princess' three other tour offerings, Highlights of Australia (Sydney and Cairns), the Australian Outback Adventure (Sydney, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs and Cairns), and Australian Explorer (Sydney, Ayers Rock, Port Douglas).
-- Thailand and Angkor Wat - A new Thailand and Angkor Wat tour offers passengers the opportunity to explore the best of this fascinating part of Southeast Asia, with a special visit to Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The six-night tour features two nights in Bangkok, two nights in the northern city of Chiang Mai, and two nights in Siem Reap in Cambodia. Visitors will enjoy sites such as Bangkok's Golden Buddha Temple, a cruise on the Chao Phraya River, an elephant camp near Chiang Mai, and of course the stunning temples of Angkor Wat.
-- China - Princess' popular China cruisetours return, offering travelers aboard Sapphire Princess cruises the opportunity to venture to the country's unforgettable sites. Two tours, Beijing and the Terra Cotta Warriors (four nights) and Beijing, Xian and Yangtze River Cruise (eight nights) have been custom designed to feature the best of China. Depending on the itinerary, visitors will experience Beijing's Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and Summer Palace, the dramatic Terra Cotta Warriors or a three-night cruise on the Yangtze River.
-- South America - Princess offers two South America tour options in conjunction with Star Princess Cape Horn/Straits of Magellan sailings. The enhanced five-night Rio and Iguaçu Falls tour now includes two nights at the spectacular falls, plus two nights in Rio de Janeiro and a night in Buenos Aires. The popular four-night Machu Picchu Explorer option features a full day at the dramatic ruins of Machu Picchu, two nights in Cusco and two nights in Lima. These pre- and post-cruise tours can be combined for a full South American exploration.
Cruisetour fares begin at $3,099 per person based on double occupancy for a 20-day land and sea package. Several tours can be combined on one cruise for a $200 per couple fare discount. Additional information about Princess' Exotic cruises and cruisetours is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Returns To The Caribbean For The 2006-2007 Holiday Season
Returning to sail the Caribbean and Mexico for the first time under the Regent flag, the cruise line's newly refurbished Seven Seas Voyager®, Navigator® and Mariner® will kick off the 2006-2007 holiday travel season on November 13, 2006 with departures out
of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida through April 20, 2007. In addition to recent soft furnishing and technology upgrades, the 2006-2007 holiday season marks the addition of two new ports of call (in Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic and Chiapas, Mexico), a new inclusive liquor policy, and the expansion of The Regent Travel ConciergeSM.
Giving guests the freedom to go beyond traditional land and city tours to explore each
destination in greater depth, The Travel Concierge is designed to impart a more personal, experiential touch in every locale. All three ships will also feature the return of such popular programs as Club Mariner, Regent's complimentary youth program, and Regent's signature special interest program, Spotlight Series, bringing aboard expert chefs and wine connoisseurs to share their knowledge and expertise with guests.
The 700-guest all-balcony, all-suite Seven Seas Voyager will feature five four- to 11-night sailings with departures out of Ft. Lauderdale beginning November 30. The 490-guest all-suite Seven Seas Navigator will also embark from and return to Ft. Lauderdale for a total of fourteen seven- to 11-night sailings beginning November 13. Additionally, the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner will begin the season with an eight-night sailing departing out of Los Angeles on December 18, followed by a 14-night New Year's cruise through the Panama Canal, an 11-night Caribbean cruise to the Amazon in January, plus seven- to ten-night sailings out of Ft. Lauderdale in March and April, 2007.
Among the Seven Seas Navigator, Voyager and Mariner's many exciting ports of call in the Caribbean and Mexico are Bridgetown, Barbados; Belize City; Cabo San Lucas; Cozumel; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Key West, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; Princess Cays; Puerto Vallarta; San Juan; St. Barts; St. Maarten; St. Thomas and Virgin Gorda. All cruises currently feature 40 to 50 percent special savings. Additionally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a Nordstrom gift card in the amount of $100 per person (for a maximum of $200 per suite) for each new booking made between now and September 30, for any of these sailings in November and December.
Per person prices start from $1,598 for the 4-night cruise departing November 30, and from $2,248 per person for seven-night cruises in November and December. All fares include shipboard gratuities, wine with dinner and an in-suite bar set-up.
Recent refurbishments to the three luxury vessels include upgraded suite
design, décor, amenities and technology. All three ships now include new
Anichini bedding and linens, faster wireless Internet access and iPod® players
with Bose® speakers in butler suites.
Other unique programs available this season include Spotlight Series, where guests are invited to partake in onboard seminars and lectures catered to their hobbies and passions. Featured Spotlight Series during the 2006-2007 sailings include "Food and Wine," featuring a special Thanksgiving dinner prepared by guest chefs and wine experts aboard the Navigator's 11-night sailing departing November 20 out of Ft. Lauderdale; and "Sweets with Hotel Plaza Athenée Paris," led by noted pastry chef Christophe Michalak, who will treat dinner guests to his gold medal-winning creations and host two cooking
demonstrations aboard the Navigator's seven-night sailing departing December 11
out of Ft. Lauderdale. The December 18 Mariner sailing out of Los Angeles also features an onboard lecture program with naturalists from Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society.
For further information, contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33334. For brochures, call toll-free (866) 284-4079; for reservation information call toll-free (800) 285-1835; or visit www.rssc.com.
Cousteau Celebrity Host On November 2006 Sailing of the ‘Paul Gauguin®’
Guests sailing the waters of French Polynesia aboard Regent Seven Seas'® Paul Gauguin® this November will have an opportunity to participate in an environment and marine life-themed enrichment program led by renowned ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, as part of the line's onboard enrichment program. Through an exclusive partnership with Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, Regent Seven Seas will welcome Cousteau himself aboard its 330-guest, all ocean-view Paul Gauguin, the most elegant vessel based in French Polynesia year-round.
Cousteau, the son of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, and an acclaimed oceanographer, educator and environmentalist, most recently produced and hosted a multi-part HDTV series for PBS on sharks and gray whales of the Pacific Ocean. During the 14-night sailing, departing November 18 from Papeete, Tahiti, Cousteau will share his broad knowledge of the region's ecosystems with, videos, lectures and scuba diving
excursions. It will be Jean-Michel's seventh cruise on the Paul Gauguin as a celebrity guest lecturer.
This 14-night sailing departs Papeete, Tahiti on Saturday and visits Bora Bora (for two full days on the island James Michener used as the model of his idyllic "Bali Hai"); Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands; Fatu Hiva, Omoa; Hiva Oa, Atuona; Ua Huka, Vaipaee; Nuku Hiva, Taiohae; Taha'a (for a call at the ship's private islet of Motu Mahana), and Moorea (the inspiration for Herman Melville's novel Omoo). 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)
and "Romantic Escapade at Bora Bora Pearl Beach" (overnight). Other choices include island and lagoon explorations, parasailing, shark and stingray feedings, off-road mountain adventures, wave-runner tours and helicopter flight-seeing expeditions.
Per person prices for voyages aboard the Paul Gauguin start from $4,395. All fares include shipboard gratuities, wine with dinner and an in-suite bar set-up.
The acclaimed Paul Gauguin recently underwent a $6 million renovation, where she was outfitted with new soft goods, a new lounge/piano bar and additional staterooms. The
ship's intimate size, tasteful elegance and all ocean-view accommodations (over 50 percent with private balconies) embrace the dramatic panoramas of French Polynesia, much as the artist Paul Gauguin's bold brushstrokes captured these enchanting island settings over a century ago.
Through an exclusive Regent partnership with Ocean Futures Society, guests can enjoy a selection of lectures, tours and experiences highlighting the marine life on a range of itineraries. Cousteau and his experts share their broad knowledge and insights with enrichment programs, videos, lectures and shore excursions, allowing guests to learn about regional eco-systems.
For further information, contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 1000 Corporate
Drive, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33334. For brochures, call toll-free
(866) 284-4079; for reservation information call toll-free (800) 285-1835; or
visit: www.theregentexperience.com.
RSSC Invites Guests To Capture The Mediterranean This Fall
Guests sailing the Mediterranean and Greek Isles aboard Regent's Seven Seas Voyager® this fall will have an opportunity to participate in photography expeditions led by noted travel photographer Jesse Kalisher, as part of the line's exclusive Circles of InterestSM series. Kalisher will be a featured "Circle" host aboard the 700-guest, all-suite/all-
balcony Voyager through October 21, 2006, teaching small groups of guests how to nurture their own "photographer's eye."
Each sailing, beginning with the September 16, 2006 Nice to Civitavecchia (for Rome) voyage, will include two small group excursions with Kalisher; depending on individual cruise itineraries, guests may capture stunning landscape photography in Santorini,
Greco-Roman ruins in Taormina or natural beauty and the naturally beautiful ports of call of Portofino or St. Tropez.
In addition to the on-shore photography expeditions, guests participating in the Circle of Interest program will receive a personal photo critique and be invited to attend a private reception and dinner for participants hosted by Kalisher. The package also includes a group photo, priority dispatch on shore excursions and film processing or digital rendering to a CD of photos taken on adventures ashore. Kalisher's wife, accomplished graphic designer Helen Kalisher, will also be onboard the Voyager, leading workshops on Adobe® Photoshop® Elements and demonstrating to guests the art of at-home retouching and photography publishing.
Launched in October 2005, Circles of Interest are themed enrichment programs featuring customizable ship to shore options with onboard lectures and workshops, specially created excursions and events led by "Circle" guest experts. A variety of packages allows 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 photography-themed Circle of Interest program featuring Jesse Kalisher will be available on September 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14 and 21 Voyager sailings this fall at an additional cost of $395 per person. These seven Mediterranean sailings with convenient weekly Saturday departures feature calls in Monte Carlo, Nice, Portofino, Calvi/Corsica, Livorno (for Florence), Poltu Quatu, Naxos (for Taormina), Sicily, Sorrento, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Santorini, Kusadasi, Rhodes and Nauplion, among others. Per person prices for Mediterranean voyages aboard the Seven Seas Voyager
start from $4,946. All fares include shipboard gratuities, wine with dinner and
an in-suite bar set-up and "What a Fare Deal"* options: 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, or $1,000 savings
off the cruise fare. Select sailings, with limited availability, feature a two-for-one
cruise fare. Additionally, as part of celebrations for Regent Seven Seas' Inaugural Sailings, guests will be included in special festivities and on-board events and will each
receive a complimentary personalized Regent Commemorative Album, a one-of-
a-kind book created using digital photographs shot during their voyage or through file sharing with other guests. For reservation information call toll-free (800) 285-1835; or
visit: www.theregentexperience.com.
Regent Seven Seas® Introduces Custom-Published Commemorative Photo Albums Further enhancing its personalized luxury cruise experiences, Regent Seven Seas® has partnered with SharedBook Inc., a pioneer in custom publishing, to provide guests
individualized commemorative albums on Tahiti, Alaska, Mediterranean and Baltic programs.
Guests sailing now through November in Europe aboard the luxurious, 700-guest all-balcony suite Seven Seas Voyager® will each receive a complimentary commemorative album as part of Regent Seven Seas' inaugural season celebrations. Additionally, guests sailing in French Polynesia aboard the elegant 330-guest Paul Gauguin®, in Alaska aboard the 700-guest all-balcony suite Seven Seas Mariner® or in the Baltic and Mediterranean aboard the 490-guest all-suite Navigator® will have the opportunity to create a personalized album for purchase, to be printed as a one-of-a-kind vacation
memento.
Using SharedBook's patent-pending Web technology, guests can create personalized Regent commemorative albums by adding their own materials to an interactive, online template featuring scenic views from the ship, facts about the destination and highlights of onboard activities. Additionally, individuals can easily upload up to 200 pages of text and photos to create an elegantly bound hard- or soft-cover keepsake album, at a cost of $98.95 or $54.95, respectively. Families can work collaboratively on a group book, and
friends can swap photos and "write" in each other's books. Each full-color, completed book is as unique as its author.
For reservation information, call toll-free 800-285-1835; or visit www.theregentexperience.com.
