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Crystal Cruises has reduced fares on two eight-day Health
& Fitness-themed Caribbean cruises departing December
6 and 14 on the award-winning Crystal Symphony.
Guests can now book a deluxe outside stateroom for just
$1,795 per person, representing a savings of $200 and
the lowest rates available for Crystal Cruises' Caribbean
season. Additionally, both voyages offer complimentary
specialized fitness instruction and life-enhancing lectures
by distinguished guest speakers and institutions.
Round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale, Crystal Symphony's December
6 cruise will visit Belize City, Belize; Grand Cayman,
British West Indies; Cozumel, Mexico; with a maiden call
to Roatan Island, Honduras. Ports of call on the December
14 cruise, also round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale, include
St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles; St. Barts, French West
Indies; and St. Thomas, USVI.
The Health & Fitness collection features a specialty
on Pilates or yoga depending on the sailing:
-- December 6 -- Health & Fitness: Pilates classes
and lectures will be led by Darcie Osborn, Pilates studio
manager for the Nevada Ballet Theatre Academy in Las Vegas.
Award-winning medical journalist, Dr. Ruth Jacobowitz,
will share her knowledge and insight on the human aging
process and offer tips on longevity.
-- December 14 -- Health & Fitness: With 22 years
experience and instruction from over 19 yoga masters worldwide,
Pat McFrederick will share her knowledge in a series of
yoga classes and lectures. Dr. Barbara Udell, director
of the Health and Wellness Program at the CuisinArt Resort
and Spa in Anguilla, British West Indies and director
of lifestyle education at the Prithkin Longevity
Center in Aventura, Florida, will expound on her experience
as a keynote speaker for Weight Watchers and Diet Centers
of America.
This cruise is also host to The Cleveland Clinic Wellness
Seminars, featuring leading-edge information, Q&A
periods, and Meet the Doctor sessions on topics ranging
from cardiology and spine to nutrition and dermatology.
Crystal Cruises also offers an extensive lineup of Health
& Fitness-related Crystal Adventures ashore, including
a biking adventure and eco hike from St. Thomas, a bike,
hike and swim experience from Belize and an exploration
of St. Barts by horseback.
The Heath & Fitness Theme Cruises are complemented
by Crystal Cruises' stateof-the-art Feng Shui-designed
spa and fitness facility, PGA golf instruction using Taylormade(R)
golf clubs, 360 degree teak promenade deck for walking
and jogging, healthful menus, including low-carb and low-fat
selections, and Crystal Cruises' exclusive Walk on Water
program, featuring The WALKVEST(R) Training System which
revolutionizes walking simply by adding resistance (added
weight) to your walk.
Fares quoted are based on per person, double occupancy
accommodations and do include port charges. A fuel surcharge
of $4.00 per person, per day will be added to the cruise
fare.
For additional information or reservations, please contact
a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury
line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.
When Queen Mary 2 departs New York on January
15, 2006, her guests will be embarking on an historic
voyage to the bottom of the world on the largest ship
to ever cruise around Cape Horn. Queen Mary 2's New York
to Rio sailing is the first leg of the 38- or 36-day adventure,
and will offer guests a colorful blend of the Caribbean
and Brazil on the ship's journey southward. Alternatively,
guests have the option of departing from this dazzling
South America city on the last leg of the 38- or 36-day
eastbound reverse itinerary, departing Rio on April 3,
and arriving in Ft. Lauderdale on April 13 and in New
York on April 15.
Tracing a two-day path along the Eastern Caribbean, guests
arrive in the charming capital city of Basseterre, St.
Kitts, considered one of the most picturesque colonial
cities in the Caribbean. Here, visitors enjoy Brimstone
Hill Fortress, a magnificent 17th century citadel offering
panoramic views of the coastline, countryside and neighboring
Caribbean islands. One of the best preserved historical
forts in the Americas, it is a 300-year-old fortification
perched 780 feet above sea level and the site of more
battles between the British and French than any other
in history. Other must-see sights include the batik studio
in secluded Romney Gardens and, for hikers, a guided tour
up St. Kitts highest peak, Mt. Liamuiga, an extinct volcano.
The voyage continues to Bridgetown, Barbados the next
day, where the island's rich British history is reflected
in its architecture and attitude. Orchid World inspires
quiet meandering along fragrant, winding paths while Andromeda
Gardens is home to an outstanding collection of tropical
plants. Travelers with a penchant for history will enjoy
a glimpse of Gun Hill, a former British lookout post,
and the 300-year old sugar estate, Sunbury Plantation
House.
From Barbados, Queen Mary 2 cruises the Atlantic for
four days before sailing into port in Salvador de Bahia,
Brazil. Designated a world heritage site by UNESCO, Salvador
is a historic and fascinating city that is particularly
engaging to those who appreciate architecture. A walking
tour through the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho, the
city's historic district, reveals the highest concentration
of Baroque architecture in Latin America. On the Itapagipe
Peninsula, the 18th century Bonfim Church draws thousands
of visitors each year. Shoppers enjoy Mercado Modelo,
featuring shops selling traditional handicrafts such as
Brazilian lace, embroidery and hammocks.
Following another day at sea, Queen Mary 2 reaches Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil. From Carnivale to samba, Rio captures
the energy and excitement of the Brazilian Rivera at its
best. Here, must-see excursions include visits to Sugarloaf
Mountain and Christ the Redeemer Statue, two of Rio's
most prominent landmarks; the Sambodroma District, home
to Rio's legendary Carnivale parades; and famed Copacabana
Beach. Other Rio excursions include a visit to 19th century
Petropolis, the mountain retreat of Brazil's last emperor,
and a tour of the historic Imperial Palace.
Fares for the 12-day "Route to Rio" segment
begin at $2,799 per person, double occupancy.
Cunard Line's 2006 "Path of Magellan" South
American Liner Voyages feature two 38-day (36 days if
embarking in Ft. Lauderdale) eastbound and westbound South
American Odysseys, bringing guests around Cape Horn via
the Drake Passage, Beagle Channel and the Straits of Magellan,
calling on 15 ports in 12 countries in total. The 38-day
westbound voyage departs New York on January 15 and the
36-day voyage departs Ft. Lauderdale on January 17. The
eastbound journey reverses the itinerary, beginning in
Los Angeles on March 8 and concluding in Ft. Lauderdale
on April 13 and in New York on April 15.
Queen Mary 2 is the largest (151,400 tons), longest (1,132
feet), tallest (236 feet), widest (135 feet) and most
expensive ($800 million) passenger vessel ever built.
There are 1,310 suites and cabins available in degrees
of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to
almost unimaginable luxury in the ship's famed Grill-level
accommodations. Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded
travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable
White Star Service(TM), fine dining, sophisticated adventure
and legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.
For more information about Cunard or Queen Mary 2's 2006
Path of Magellan South America itineraries, call 1-800-7-CUNARD
or go to www.cunard.com .
When it comes to navigating the locks of the Great Lakes,
you need a ship that has been designed for precision steering.
C.Columbus is just such a ship, and some of its
special abilities can be previewed on a new website: http://www.great-lakes-cruises.com
.
Not only is C.Columbus beautifully engineered, but as
part of the legendary Hapag-Lloyd fleet of cruise ships,
it is the largest and most luxurious full ship that travels
along the world’s largest body of fresh water. During
three Great Lakes trips—September 2-12; September 12-21;
and September 21-October 1, 2005—C.Columbus will welcome
more than 1,200 passengers who will visit four states
and two Canadian provinces, and will have the opportunity
to sample Hapag-Lloyd’s world renowned brand of impeccable
service and hospitality.
C. Columbus’ trip through the St. Lawrence Waterway showcases
an engineering marvel that ranks with the Panama and Suez
Canals. Spectators on land cheer the 472-foot vessel as
it traverses each lock, while passengers watch from the
decks and the glass observation area. Aboard the ship,
lectures, menus, announcements, and entertainment are
provided in English. Americans and Germans constitute
most of the ship’s population.
Coinciding with the splendor of fall foliage, these Great
Lakes trips are part of C.Columbus’ loop around the world.
Cities like Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Cleveland
are visited by C.Columbus. Providing excellent value for
the price, it is the only passenger vessel on the Lakes
that features all amenities of a luxury ship, with international
cuisine, lounges, sports, massage, swimming pool, and
more.
During the cruise from Chicago to Sarnia, September 12
– 21, guests can enjoy an all-inclusive experience. Drinks
and Cocktails at the bar, selected shore excursions and
tips are included in the rate.
Since 80percent of Americans have expressed a desire
to explore domestic vacations, a cruise ship navigating
the Great Lakes with visits to home own turf is safe and
exhilarating at the same time. Visit http://www.great-lakes-cruises.com
for a preview. For ticket information contact: www.greatlakescruising.com.
With 30 different Panama Canal cruises offered in 2006,
Holland America Line showcases the eighth wonder of the
modern world with more experience and more choices than
before. Building on its rich maritime tradition, the
premium cruise leader offers 15 diverse itineraries including
roundtrip sailings and full transit voyages ranging from
10 to 34 days aboard the newest five-star fleet in the
Panama Canal.
From Pacific rain forests to Atlantic reefs, seven Holland
America Line ships offer epic adventures with intriguing
explorations of the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Guatemala,
Nicaragua, and Mexico, as well as the spectacular locks
of the Panama Canal. The line’s popular 10-day Panama
Canal Sunfarer itinerary travels roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale,
while longer full transit cruises feature the added convenience
of customizing cruise length with flexible embark and
debark options in major east and west coast cities.
-- Ten-to-22-day Panama Canal Transits: Winter, Spring
& Fall.
The year begins with a 16-day winter canal transit aboard
the ms Ryndam that departs San Diego on January 6 en route
to Tampa, Florida. April features seven departures of
14 to 22 days aboard seven different ships sailing from
Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa or San Diego to gateways from Los
Angeles to Vancouver. Four September cruises offer 14-
to 21-day flexible itineraries from Vancouver or Seattle.
With rates starting at just US$1,749 per person, double
occupancy, ports of call may include: Victoria, British
Columbia; Astoria, Oregon; San Diego and San Francisco,
California; New York City; Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta,
Acapulco, Mazatlán, Zihuatanejo, Santa Cruz Huatulco and
Cozumel, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puntarenas,
Costa Rica; Panama Canal; Cartegena, Colombia; George
Town, Grand Cayman; La Romana, Dominican Republic; San
Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Oranjestad, Aruba; Grand Turk,
Turks & Caicos Islands; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola,
British Virgin Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Half Moon
Cay, Bahamas.
-- Ten- and 13-day Panama Canal Sunfarer Cruises
The ms Zaandam and ms Amsterdam travel round trip from
Ft. Lauderdale showcasing the Canal on 17 ten-day Southern
Caribbean itineraries, cruising to Gatun Lake with a stop
in Colón, Panama, and then sailing to Puerto Limón or
Puerto Moin, Costa Rica. Additional ports of call include
the line’s private island Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Oranjestad,
Aruba; and Willemstad, Curaçao. With rates from US$1,149
per person, double occupancy, cruises sail January 4 through
April 4, 2006 and again between October 30 and December
9, 2006. A 13-day itinerary departs New York City on
October 17, 2006, returning to Ft. Lauderdale.
-- Thirty-to-34-day Transcanal & Amazon River
The ms Veendam sets off from Vancouver on the ultimate
voyage on September 24, 2006 with options to join the
ship in Seattle, Los Angeles or Acapulco on a transcanal
cruise highlighted by a journey into the spellbinding
Amazon River. Travelers will also discover the Mexican
Riviera, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean. Per person, double
occupancy rates for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure
begin at US$4,399.
--Fourteen-Day Panama Canal Holiday
Perfectly timed to encompass Christmas, Hanukkah and
New Year’s 2006, the ms Amsterdam’s December 19, 2006
holiday cruise travels roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale visiting
the Panama Canal; the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and
Curaçao; Puerto Limón, Costa Rica; George Town, Grand
Cayman, Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; and, Half Moon
Cay, Bahamas.
A Panama Canal historian travels as part of the Exploration
Speaker Series on every sailing, providing insight and
answering questions. In addition, James Mazzio, executive
chef of The Studio at Long Grove in Chicago and a 1999
Food and Wine magazine Best New Chef, will sail on the
Sept. 30, 2006, departure of the ms Zuiderdam from Vancouver
to Fort Lauderdale. On board, Chef Mazzio will provide
complimentary culinary demonstrations as well as teach
private optional cooking classes.
Website: www.hollandamerica.com
In 2006 Holland America Line will debut a fresh itinerary
that calls at the new port of Saguenay, Quebec; offer
more Eastern Canada/New England cruises; and add a second
ship to the fall foliage cruise season. The ms Amsterdam
joins the ms Maasdam to feature four ten-day cruises
that highlight this new port in the spectacular Saguenay
Fjord. Together, the two ships will sail a total of 22
cruises from April 28 to October 7, 2006.
The Maasdam will again sail mainly cruises between Boston
and Montreal, plus offer a spring Ft. Lauderdale-Montreal
sailing and a fall Montreal-Norfolk cruise. Flagship
Amsterdam will sail between New York and Montreal. “The
Canada/New England cruising region is really an up and
comer for our industry, especially among families seeking
summer cruises,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior
vice president, marketing and sales. “The region is perennially
famous for its fall color, but the cruise guest base has
grown because of the area’s historic seaports, international
cities, stunning scenery and sea life make spring and
summer attractive for family vacations.
“We’re especially excited to add the new port of Saguenay
in 2006. Saguenay is surrounded by three national parks,
including a marine preserve, so the opportunities for
wildlife and marine viewing, kayaking, fishing and flightseeing
are exceptional. We’re currently developing shore excursions
around these activities, plus cultural, culinary and tree-top
canopy tours.”
Meadows also noted that Canada/New England cruises are
port-intensive and include a full day in Quebec City,
consistently rated the most popular port on the itinerary.
Holland America Line’s Medallion Shore Excursions let
guests enjoy a wide range of experiences from elegant
tea at Quebec City’s famed Chateau Frontenac to biking
in Acadia National Park.
--Holland America Line begins its 2006 Canada/New England
season with the Maasdam’s 15-day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale
to Montreal departing April 28. The ship calls at Charleston,
South Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; New York City; New
London, Conn.; Newport, Rhode Island; Bar Harbor, Maine;
Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Quebec City, the
“heart of French Canada.” Cruise fares start at US$1,799
[CAN $2,219] per person, double occupancy.
-- The Maasdam then sails a series of seven-day cruises
between Montreal and Boston from May 13 to Sept. 30. The
ship cruises the Saguenay Fjord and calls at Quebec City;
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (Anne of Green Gables
tour option); Halifax and Sydney (Cabot Trail and 18th
century French fortress of Louisbourg tour options); and
Bar Harbor (Acadia National Park tour option). Cruise
fares start at US$999 [CAN $1,239] per person, double
occupancy.
Seven-day cruises are ideal for multi-generational family
travel, and Holland America Line now offers a Friends
and Family Program that provides extra amenities to families
who cruise together. The program rewards families booking
five or more staterooms with special group pricing, cabin
upgrades, beverage and dinner packages, and a family photo
per stateroom.
-- In 2006, the Amsterdam offers four 10-day cruises
between New York and Montreal departing September 7 to
October 7 for prime fall color viewing. These leisurely
sailings call at Newport, Rhode Island; Gloucester, Mass.;
Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Saguenay
and Quebec City. They also include scenic cruising of
the St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord. Cruise fares
start at US$1,699 [CAN $2,099] per person, double occupancy.
-- The Maasdam also sails a Canada/New England cruise
on October 7, concluding the season with a relaxing ten-day
sailing from Montreal. It calls at all the same ports
as the seven-day cruises and continues on to Norfolk.
Cruise fares start at US$1,699 [CAN $2,099] per person.
Website: www.hollandamerica.com
Holland America Line is featuring two special coastal
cruises this September in conjunction with its recently
enhanced, onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food
& Wine magazine. Both cruises depart Sept. 25, 2005
from Vancouver, BC:
-- The ms Ryndam showcases Mike Davis, chef and owner
of 26 brix Restaurant in Walla Walla, Washington, on its
three-day cruise to San Diego
-- The ms Veendam highlights wine-tasting with Susan
and Alison Sokol Blosser of Oregon's acclaimed Sokol
Blosser Winery on its four-day sailing to Los Angeles.
The first Holland America Line ship to receive Signature
of Excellence enhancements, the ms Ryndam features the
new Culinary Arts Center, where guests can watch and learn
from acclaimed Chef Mike Davis as he demonstrates his
cooking techniques in this state-of-the-art facility.
Chef Davis is known for the synergistic style he calls
"neoclassical," combining Northwest cuisine
with classical European techniques and is an enthusiastic
supporter of turning the Walla Walla culinary scene into
the "Napa of the Northwest."
Davis was recently appointed spokesperson for Walla Walla
sweet onions and created a 10-course menu, alla Walla
Extravaganza, featured at the famed James Beard House
in New York City on June 27, 2005. He decided to be a
chef at the early age of nine and gained his culinary
training at such acclaimed restaurants as Ponti Seafood
Grill in Seattle, The Village at Breckenridge and The
Lodge and Spa at Breckenridge in Colorado. He also served
as executive chef at The Salish Lodge and Spa at Snoqualimie
Falls, Washington.
--- Guests can learn from Chef Davis during the Ryndam's
three-day cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, plus experience
truly premium cruising during two relaxing days at sea.
They can enjoy the ship's Greenhouse Spa and Salon, fully-equipped
Fitness Center, award-winning entertainment ranging from
Las Vegas-style production shows to comedians, superb
Northwest cuisine at the reservations-only Pinnacle Grill,
and elegant dishes and service in the main Dining Room.
Cruise fares start at just US$299 per person, double occupancy.
-- Passengers on the Sokol Blosser Wine-Tasting Cruise
on ms Veendam departing September 25 from Vancouver, can
enjoy Sokol Blosser's world-class Pinot Noir in particular
during informative wine tastings with the famed mother-daughter
team. Guests will also learn what is really involved in
producing premium, handcrafted wine. Sokol Blosser wines
include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Evolution, a unique blend
of nine white varietals, and Meditrina, a red blend named
for the Roman goddess of wine and health.
Sokol Blosser is the first winery in Oregon to introduce
a Pinot Noir with the new Dundee Hills appellation, which
was designated an American Viticultural Area in January
2005. The family-owned winery has been growing grapes
in Dundee Hills since 1971 and has won many awards for
its sustainable produced wines, especially Pinot Noir.
Susan Sokol Blosser is owner and president of the winery;
daughter Alison is director of marketing.
In addition to this special wine-tasting cruise opportunity,
guests on the Veendam's Vancouver-Los Angeles sailing
will enjoy a full day in Seattle and two relaxing days
at sea before arriving in Los Angles September 29. Cruise
fares start at just US$389 per person, double occupancy.
When guests cruise with Holland America Line, they have
the opportunity to fully experience each port of call
through in-depth and often unique shore excursions. For
example, they can mingle with Hussars at an exclusive
evening at the historic Yusupov Palace in St. Petersburg,
Russia; try high-speed Formula One racing in Barcelona;
become a Soldier for a Day in Halifax’s 1870 Citadel in
Nova Scotia; traverse a rain forest canopy suspended by
cables in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and view Antarctica’s
awesome scenery on a spectacular fly-over.
Each year, Holland America Line offers a more than 2,500
shore excursions in 296 ports of call in 60 countries,
including active, exotic, cultural, historic, nature and
adventure tours. These Medallion excursions range from
a few hours to full-day in length and include many excursions
suitable for families as well as adult adventures such
as the Formula One racing.
The majority of Holland America’s shore excursions are
offered in its three most popular cruise destinations:
Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska. Many excursions also
are featured on cruises to Mexico, Hawaii, Panama Canal,
South America, South Pacific, Southeast Asia and Eastern
Canada and New England. In addition, on Grand World Voyages
multi-day overland excursions are offered where guests
can tour regions in depth and meet the ship in a future
port of call.
HAL’s shore excursions are designed to offer more than
the usual land tour offered.
For example, guests can opt for a 9½-hour excursion from
Helsinki, Finland by air across the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi,
Lapland. There they board a riverboat for Kemijoki North
to visit a Lapp family’s reindeer farm, learn about the
region’s culture and get a lesson in Lappish lasso-throwing.
They also visit Santa Claus Village right at the Arctic
Circle. Or in the Caribbean, guests can take a high-speed
boat up the Sabun River, then a Land Rover, on the Caves
& Jungles of Belize tour to explore the Mayan Groto
Caves and surrounding rain forest. Other adventures include
learning falconry at the British School of Falconry in
Gleneagles, Scotland; viewing South America’s Iguacu Falls
from a plane and climbing the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge
in Australia.
As part of its Medallion excursions, Holland America
Line has created the Signature Collection for guests who
want personalized tours. These excursions feature a private
luxury vehicle, professional driver and English-speaking
guide. They are ideal for parties of two to eight who
want their own exclusive tour with built-in flexibility.
Holland America Line will custom-design such tours in
four- and eight-hour segments.
To learn more about Medallion and Signature Collection
excursions, as well as Holland America Line’s entire award-winning
shore excursions program, visit www.hollandamerica.com
and click the book shore excursions
button.
Cat Cora, the first American woman Iron Chef and host
of the Food Network's Cat Cora Show, and Mark Bittman,
New York Times food writer and cookbook author, headline
an impressive list of celebrated culinary experts added
to Holland America Line's growing palate of names for
its new Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine
magazine. The program will feature more than 50 culinary
experts on Holland America Line cruises and provides guests
with an opportunity to experience demonstrations and seminars
conducted by top chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook
authors.
Cora joins the January 7, 2006, cruise to Australia and
New Zealand aboard the ms Statendam. Bittman sails
aboard the January 11, 2006, ms Rotterdam voyage
to South America. The initiative is part of the line's
Culinary Arts Center program, which is offered on every
sailing. Holland America Line is spending more than $13
million to create and install the Culinary Arts Center
facilities, which are already on half of the line's 13-ship
fleet and will be in place across the fleet by mid-2006.
Resembling the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity
chefs on television cooking programs, each Culinary Arts
Center features an innovative theater-style venue. The
state-of-the-art "show kitchen at sea" has large
plasma video screens to display overhead and close-up
video views of the food preparation, and a large cooking
display counter where guests can learn new cooking techniques
and dishes.
The Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine
magazine will bring the pages of the epicurean magazine
alive on dozens of sailings of the world's leading premium
cruise line. Guests will learn tricks-of-the-trade from
top professionals and can try their hand at preparing
dishes and tasting wines representative of specific ports-of-call.
Food & Wine also will design and provide recipe cards
and wine-tasting notes that guests can take home along
with copies of the magazine. Other opportunities might
include book signings, question-and-answer sessions, market
tours in ports of call, specially designed on-board menus
and more.
Culinary experts joining the Culinary Arts Center presented
by Food & Wine magazine are:
-- Michelle Bernstein, executive chef/owner of MB Restaurant,
Co-host of
"Melting Pot," sailing on the September
9, 2005, Alaska cruise aboard
the ms Statendam.
-- Jimmy Bradley, chef/owner, Beanstalk Restaurants,
sailing on the
September 10, 2005, Alaska cruise aboard the ms
Zaandam.
-- Greg Atkinson, director at Culinary Consulting,
sailing on the
September 11, 2005, Alaska cruise aboard the ms
Ryndam.
-- Paulette Mitchell, author of 11 cookbooks, sailing
on the September 18,
2005, Europe cruise aboard the ms Westerdam.
-- Charles Dale, founder, Range and Rustique, sailing
on the September 24,
2005, Panama Canal cruise aboard the ms Zaandam.
-- Mike H. Davis, chef/owner, 26 brix, sailing on the
September 25, 2005,
Pacific Coastal cruise aboard the ms Ryndam.
-- Susan and Alison Sokol Blosser, owners, Sokol Blosser
Winery (Oregon),
sailing on the September 25, 2005, Pacific Coastal
cruise aboard the ms
Veendam.
-- Ying Chang Compestine, chef and cookbook author,
sailing on the October
6, 2005, Asia/Pacific cruise aboard the ms Amsterdam;
and the December
22, 2005, Hawaii cruise aboard the ms Amsterdam.
-- Three Divas: Vicky McCaffree, chef; Cameon Orel,
chef; and Jessica
Campbell, pastry chef, sailing on the October 14,
2005, Europe cruise
aboard the ms Rotterdam.
-- Dean Max, chef, 3030 Ocean, sailing on the November
2, 2005, Hawaii
cruise aboard the ms Statendam.
-- Fran Bigelow, chocolate expert, founder of Fran's
Chocolates, sailing
on the November 7, 2005, Mexico cruise aboard the
ms Ryndam.
-- Cornelius Gallagher, executive chef, Oceana, sailing
on the November
13, 2005, Caribbean cruise aboard the ms Westerdam.
-- Cat Cora, Iron Chef America and host of "The
Cat Cora Show," sailing on
the January 7, 2006, Australia/New Zealand cruise
aboard the ms
Statendam.
-- Mark Bittman, New York Times food writer, chef and
cookbook author,
sailing on the January 11, 2006, South America cruise
aboard the ms
Rotterdam.
-- Laura Werlin, cheese expert, sailing on the January
21, 2006,
Australia/New Zealand cruise aboard the ms Statendam.
-- Marko Karakasevic, artisan vodka maker of Charbay
Vodka, sailing on the
January 22, 2006, Caribbean cruise aboard the ms
Volendam.
-- Brad Farmerie, chef of Public Restaurant in New
York City, sailing on
the March 20, 2006, Asia/Pacific cruise aboard the
ms Statendam.
-- Bradford Thompson, chef, Mary Elaine's, sailing
on the April 3, 2006,
Asia/Pacific cruise aboard the ms Statendam.
-- Johnny Iuzzini, executive pastry chef, Restaurant
Jean Georges, sailing
on the April 5, 2006, Caribbean cruise aboard the
ms Noordam.
-- Hsiao-Ching Chou, Seattle Post-Intelligencer food
writer and food
historian, sailing on the April 17, 2006, Asia/Pacific
cruise aboard
the ms Statendam.
-- Max McCalman, Maitre Fromager and dean of curriculum
at the Artisanal
Cheese Center, sailing on the April 22, 2006, Hawaii
cruise aboard the
ms Statendam.
-- Jacques Torres, chocolatier extraordinaire and creator
of his own
confectionery shops in New York City, sailing on
the May 7, 2006,
Alaska cruise aboard the ms Ryndam.
-- Patricia Yeo, chef of Sapa in New York City, sailing
on the May 14,
2006, Alaska cruise aboard the ms Veendam.
-- Robert Kinkead, chef/owner, Kinkead, sailing on
the May 26, 2006,
Europe cruise aboard the ms Rotterdam.
-- Michael Lomonaco, chef, professor, author and co-host
of Epicurious on
the Discovery Channel, sailing on the July 28, 2006,
Europe cruise
aboard the ms Rotterdam.
-- John Howie, chef/owner, Sport and SeaStar, sailing
on the July 30,
2006, Europe cruise aboard the ms Noordam.
-- Mark Fiorentino, master bread baker at the renowned
Daniel Boulud
Restaurants in New York City, sailing on the August
11, 2006, Europe
cruise aboard the ms Amsterdam.
-- John Besh, executive chef, Restaurant August, sailing
on the September
8, 2006, Alaska cruise aboard the ms Statendam.
-- Aaron Sanchez, chef, Paladar, and regular on TV
Food Network, sailing
aboard the September 17, 2006, Alaska cruise aboard
the ms Westerdam.
-- Charles Dale, founder, Range and Rustique, sailing
on the September 18,
2006, Europe cruise aboard the ms Noordam.
-- James Mazzio, executive chef, The Studio of Long
Grove, sailing on the
September 20, 2006, Panama Canal cruise aboard the
ms Zuiderdam.
-- Marcus Samuelsson, chef/owner, Aquavit and Riingo,
sailing on the
October 22, 2006, Mexico cruise aboard the ms Zaandam.
-- Anthony Giglio, wine expert, sailing on the November
25, 2006, Mexico
cruise aboard the ms Oosterdam.
-- Jose Andres, chef/owner, Jaleo, Cafe Atlantico,
sailing aboard the
December 8, 2006, Australia/New Zealand cruise aboard
the ms Statendam.
Website: www.hollandamerica.com
Norwegian Coastal Voyage will increase its capacity in
Antarctica 100 percent when the MS Nordkapp joins
the MS Nordnorge for NCV Expedition Voyages from
November to March, marking the first time the line will
deploy two vessels there. The contemporary ships, built
in 1996 and 1997 and limited to 350 persons each, are
small enough to sail close to icebergs and for passengers
to go ashore in inflatable boats. They provide modern
comfort with Jacuzzis, saunas, suites, panoramic lounges,
Internet café and Norwegian artworks.
Antarctica and Chilean fjords 19-day expeditions from
New York to Buenos Aires and Santiago have doubled departures,
from eight to 16, from November 2 to February 15, 2006.
Featuring naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers and
Polar Cirkel boat landings, the ships sail on 15-day soft-adventure
cruises between Ushuaia, Argentina, the world's southernmost
city, and Puerto Montt, Chile, via the Drake Passage,
the Antarctic Peninsula’s polar landscapes, desolate Cape
Horn, the Strait of Magellan and the rugged, fjord-indented
Chilean coast.
On the White Continent icebergs, glaciers, gentoo and
chinstrap penguins, whales, elephant seals and seabirds
may be seen as the ships ply the narrow Lemaire and Neumayer
Channels and, weather permitting, landings are made at
Paradise Harbor, Port Lockroy and Greenwich, Half Moon,
Deception and Cuverville Islands.
The cruise price of $4,980 to $8,290 per person, double
occupancy, includes roundtrip Lan flights from New York
to Buenos Aires and back from Santiago or vice versa,
five-star hotel and breakfast in both cities, Buenos Aires-Ushuaia
and Santiago-Puerto Montt flights, selected cabin or suite
category, all meals aboard ship, naturalist guides, some
shore excursions, port charges, air taxes and transfers.
The AARP member discount is $150 per cabin. Add-on airfares
from other gateways, optional excursions and extra hotel
nights are available.
Two 21-day special departures on October 17 and February
22 explore Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands
Island at $4,890 to $8,950. Norwegian Coastal Voyage
is at (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; for brochures,
(800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; and www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us
.
Eight Princess ships will be sailing through the sunny
Caribbean during the 2006-07 season, giving passengers
more choice than ever with a selection of 11 itineraries
including Southern Caribbean cruises aboard the new Crown
Princess and an inaugural season of sailings from
the new homeport of New Orleans.
The cruises will range from seven to 14 days, aboard
some of the youngest and most amenity-filled ships in
the region. Crown Princess, which will sail on her first
full program of Southern Caribbean cruises from San Juan,
and Golden Princess, which will inaugurate Princess' first
sailings from a new homeport in New Orleans, will be joined
by Caribbean Princess in the Eastern Caribbean, Star Princess
in the Western Caribbean and Grand Princess sailing the
Western Caribbean from Galveston. Sun Princess and Sea
Princess will offer longer voyages sailing the length
and breadth of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, with
Sun Princess offering 10-day cruises and Sea Princess
returning for a second season of 14-day journeys. And
Coral Princess will join the Caribbean fleet for a special
holiday sailing in the Eastern Caribbean.
Princess' 2006-07 Caribbean season features:
-- Crown Princess. The newest addition to the Caribbean
fleet, Crown Princess will be based in San Juan for alternating
Saturday departures on seven-day cruises to the Southern
Caribbean. The ship offers 13 sailings on a Classic Southern
Caribbean itinerary featuring calls at Barbados, St. Lucia,
Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. The Southern Caribbean
Explorer route meanwhile includes 13 departures with visits
to St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba.
In addition, following her previously announced summer
season in The Big Apple, Crown Princess will start her
fall run with an eight-day repositioning cruise from New
York to San Juan on October 27, 2006 including stops at
St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica and St. Kitts. The ship's
Caribbean season runs through April 28, 2007.
-- Caribbean Princess. The ship offers her third season
sailing Princess' Classic Eastern Caribbean itinerary
roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale. The vessel shifts to Sunday
departures for 27 sailings of an itinerary that travels
to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess Cays. Sailings
run between October 29, 2006 and April 29, 2007. Caribbean
Princess will also offer a complete summer season in 2006
with alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
The May 6 to October 21, 2006 season features both 12
Eastern Caribbean sailings and 13 Western Caribbean sailings
to Princess Cays, Ocho Rios (or Montego Bay), Grand Cayman
and Cozumel.
-- Golden Princess. A new homeport for Princess, New
Orleans will be the base for Golden Princess' Western
Caribbean itinerary. The ship will offer three sailings
on an itinerary that travels to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman
and Cozumel. Golden Princess sails on December 16, 23
and 30, 2006.
-- Grand Princess. Grand Princess returns to her Galveston
homeport to sail on a series of seven-day Western Caribbean
cruises. The 2,600-passenger vessel departs on Saturdays
on a new itinerary that calls in Costa Maya, Roatan (Honduras),
Belize and Cozumel. The ship offers 24 sailings on this
itinerary between November 18, 2006 and April 28, 2007.
-- Star Princess. Star Princess will again offer a series
of seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries, departing
from Ft. Lauderdale on Saturdays. The ship will offer
25 sailings between November 11, 2006 and April 28, 2007,
featuring calls at Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and
Princess Cays.
-- Sun Princess. Sun Princess will offer alternating
ten-day sailings roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale - one to
the Southern Caribbean and the other to the Eastern Caribbean.
The Southern Caribbean Medley itinerary is offered on
ten sailings and includes calls at Curaçao, Isla Margarita,
Barbados, Dominica, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. The
Eastern Caribbean Voyager itinerary is featured on nine
sailings and offers calls at Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada,
Martinique, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. Sun Princess'
Caribbean season runs between October 11, 2006 and April
9, 2007.
-- Sea Princess. Sea Princess again offers an intriguing
a series of 14-day Caribbean adventures, featuring two
alternating itineraries sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.
The ship will offer six sailings on the Grand Caribbean
Adventurer with calls at Princess Cays, Tortola, St. Maarten,
St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, Trinidad,
Bonaire and Aruba. Six sailings of the Grand Caribbean
Islander itinerary feature calls at Princess Cays, Tortola,
Antigua, Dominica, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, Isla
Margarita, Curaçao and Montego Bay. Sea Princess sails
between November 11, 2006 and April 14, 2007.
-- Coral Princess. Coral Princess will join the Caribbean
fleet for a special holiday Eastern Caribbean sailing
on December 22, 2006. This seven-day escape features visits
to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess' own Princess
Keys.
Early booking fares for Caribbean cruises begin at $599
per person, based on double occupancy, for a seven-day
sailing. Ten-day sailings begin at $899 and 14 day sailings
are priced from $1,349.
Additional information is available through a professional
travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting
www.princess.com.
In a new luxury cruising initiative, Radisson Seven Seas®
has launchedf “The Travel Concierge,” a multifaceted tour
and hotel program that expands upon the line’s distinctive
roster of destination offerings with the addition of exclusive,
more highly customizable land options. Land options include
Concierge Choice, Concierge à la Carte, “Concierge Collection
and Hotels à la Carte options. The new “Travel Concierge”
program gives guests the freedom to go beyond traditional
land and city tours to explore each destination in greater
depth - imparting a more personal, experiential touch
in every locale. Guests will now be able to choose from
an exciting array of optional services including intimate
group tours and the opportunity via personalized one-on-one
consultations to tailor their time ashore to their own
interests, resulting in fully customized, individually
designed experiences in ports of call. A dedicated toll
free phone line is available for guests to discuss and
set up their own customized programs with the Concierge
department.
--Concierge Choice. Available only to a limited number
of participants, groups will be kept intimate and experiential
on such tours as The Amalfi Coastline by Helicopter and
the Island of Capri, featuring a spectacular ride above
the Italian Riviera and the famous Blue Grotto, with lunch
at the legendary Grand Hotel Quisisana. All Concierge
Choice tours will be listed on Radisson Seven Seas’ website,
www.rssc.com and in
shore-excursion books. Guests may make pre-requests via
the web or fax before their cruise departure.
-- Concierge à la Carte. For guests seeking something
other than regular shore programs, the flexible Concierge
à La Carte service will provide the practical means. Guests
may create pre- or post-cruise land and/or hotel programs
as well as shore excursions in any of Radisson Seven Seas’
300 ports of call.
Using the dedicated toll free phone line, 1-888-TOUR-321,
guests will talk with knowledgeable Concierges who will
offer compelling choices for experiences that can be designed
as tailor-made programs or customized from existing programs
to fit individual requests. The personalized programs
must be booked by phone once guests have a deposited cruise
reservation. There is a $100 per port non-refundable charge
for the “Concierge à La Carte” service, unless the arrangement
cannot be secured.
-- Concierge Collection. The Concierge Collection is
a new series of packages, pre-bookable with cruise reservations,
featuring multi-night pre- and post-cruise hotel programs
in turnaround cities, like Paris Magnifique, with two
nights at the Plaza Athénée, a personal shopper and dinner
catered by two-star Michelin chef Jean-Pierre Vigato on
the Yachts de Paris. Pre- and post-cruise land programs
such as Lake Titicaca, with five nights traveling the
world’s highest navigable lake, as well as over land programs
like Journey of The Maharajas by Private Jet, with tented
luxury accommodations in Jaipur and a Taj Mahal view room
at the Amarvilas Hotel in Agra.
-- Hotels à la Carte. Guests booking pre- or post-cruise
hotel packages will now have the added choice of select
or landmark hotels in major cities. They may opt for a
five-star property like London’s Savoy, or a historic,
venerable establishment like Claridge’s, in the heart
of London’s upscale shopping district. Hotels must also
be pre-booked with cruise reservations.
From a Voyager-class ship in Europe to new options in
Alaska to new departures from Philadelphia, Royal Caribbean
International is offering an unparalleled mix of ships
and destinations in 2006.
-- Voyager of the Seas. In May 2006, the ship that revolutionized
cruising will depart Miami for Barcelona, Spain, marking
the 3,114-guest Voyager of the Seas' European debut. From
May 27 to July 8, 2006, and again Sept. 9 through Nov.
11, 2006, Voyager of the Seas will offer seven-night Mediterranean
sailings roundtrip from Barcelona, calling on Marseille
and Villefranche (Nice), France, and Livorno (Florence/Pisa),
Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples, Italy.
Voyager of the Seas also will sail seven-night Mediterranean-Malta
sailings July 15 through Sept. 2, 2006, making stops in
Villefranche (Nice); Civitavecchia (Rome); Palermo (Sicily),
Italy; Valletta, Malta; and Palma De Mallorca, Spain.
In addition, guests on either itinerary have the option
of extending their vacation with one of two cruisetour
packages - a three-night tour to Madrid and Barcelona
or a five-night tour to Seville, Madrid and Barcelona.
Voyager of the Seas remains one of the most innovative
ships at sea. Introduced in 1999, Voyager was the first
cruise ship to feature a rock- climbing wall, an ice-skating
rink, an in-line skating track and the Royal Promenade,
a horizontal atrium featuring shopping, dining and entertainment
venues. Voyager of the Seas offers guests six restaurants
and more than a dozen lounges and bars from which to choose,
as well as a state-of-the-art theater, the Las Vegas-style
Casino Royale, and the outstanding Adventure Ocean youth
program.
-- Explorer of the Seas Adds Options from Cape Liberty
Cruise Port. When Voyager of the Seas heads to Europe,
Explorer of the Seas will take her place from May to November
at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey to
offer new, nine-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries, as
well as the five- night Bermuda sailings first introduced
by Voyager in 2005. Explorer of the Seas' Eastern Caribbean
cruises will take guests to explore Charlotte Amalie,
St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto
Rico; and Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee,
Hispaniola.
--Empress of the Seas is Bermuda-Bound from Philadelphia.
Starting April 29, 2006, Empress of the Seas will begin
a series of seven- night Bermuda sailings from Philadelphia,
marking the first time Royal Caribbean will sail a full
season from the historic Pennsylvania city. Empress of
the Seas' new cruises will call on St. George's and Hamilton,
Bermuda, until Oct. 28, 2006, when Empress repositions
to San Juan for the winter.
-- Vision of the Seas Embarks on Alaskan Adventures.
Vision of the Seas moves to Seattle in May 2006 to offer
a series of seven-night roundtrip Alaska Fjord sailings
until September 1, 2006. Vision's Alaska cruises call
in Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, and Victoria,
British Columbia, in addition to cruising through the
breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord and the Inside Passage.
-- Radiance of the Seas to "Cruisetour" Alaska.
On May 27, 2006, Radiance of the Seas will begin sailing
alternating, seven-night, one-way northbound and southbound
sailings between Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver, British
Columbia. The northbound itinerary includes calls in Juneau,
Skagway, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, in addition
to cruising the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier. Southbound
sailings replace time in Sitka with a call in Ketchikan,
Alaska.
Radiance guests looking for additional adventures can
book one of Royal Caribbean's 20 Alaska cruisetour packages
- exploring Alaska's natural wonders by deluxe motorcoach
and the Wilderness Express luxurious, glass-domed railcars.
Add-on land excursions include unforgettable experiences
such as white-water rafting, glacier flight-seeing and
heli-hiking.
-- Freedom of the Seas Sets Sail. Bookings opened in
March for Royal Caribbean's newest ship, the 3,600-passenger
Freedom of the Seas. Set to debut in the United States
in May 2006 and enter service on June 4, 2006, Freedom
of the Seas will be the most innovative and forward-looking
ship the line has introduced to date. Featuring an interactive
water park called H2O Zone, a dedicated sports pool, and
cantilevered whirlpools extending 12 feet over the sides
of the ship in the adults-only Solarium, Freedom of the
Seas will offer a wide range of unique activities for
guests of all ages. Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-night
Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.
Full itineraries for each of Royal Caribbean's 19 ships
are available at http://www.royalcaribbean.com.
From a delicate Crab & Asparagus Napoleon appetizer
with caviar cream and preserved lemon to a scrumptious
Bittersweet Chocolate & Orange Tart with chocolate
sauce for dessert, in the months to come, cruise guests
aboard the intimate, all-suite Yachts of Seabourn will
discover an array of taste-tempting new choices gracing
their dinner menus. Award-winning chef/restaurateur Charlie
Palmer, one of only three chefs to earn a spot on Forbes'
annual Celebrity 100 list this year, has designed over
50 new gourmet culinary indulgences to be added to the
award-winning fare served to guests in the open-seating
restaurant aboard Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend.
The new dishes, which were developed in collaboration
with Seabourn's Corporate Manager of Food & Beverage,
Chef Tony Egger, enhance every course of the dinners,
and will be rotated into the line's Palmer-designed, 28-day
menu cycle through the end of 2005.
Seabourn's ongoing collaboration with Chef Palmer has
been a dramatic success, pleasing both the line's guests
and professional reviewers and experts. Among the new
recipes, thanks to Chef Palmer's imagination, a traditional
hot appetizer of Sautéed Escalope of Foie Gras receives
an exotic accent with a Peppered Mango Tatin and basil
oil, while a Double Consommé of Beef is enlivened with
tiny duck confit cannelloni and roasted shallot petals.
In a Mediterranean-inflected fish entrée, Pan Seared Halibut
arrives Studded with Anchovies, adorned with a warm, Nicoise-style
salad, crisp giant capers and black olives. For those
in a meat-and-potatoes mood, a Grilled Hanger Steak is
paired with a Guinness Braised Short Rib and complemented
by grain mustard mashed potatoes and tomato compote.
Chef Palmer's ingenious and flavorful vegetarian entrées
are among the most popular on Seabourn's menus, and new
variations include Potato Leek Crepes with Gruyere, young
vegetables and garlic confit or a Crisp Polenta &
Mushroom Cake with creamy leek stew and tomato sauce.
Renowned for his sumptuously rich and playfully-presented
desserts, Palmer adds ten new fanciful finales for Seabourn
feasts, including a Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter
Bombe with bittersweet chocolate sorbet and roasted peanut
anglaise, and a fresh take on the comfort-food classic
Pineapple Upside Down Cake, smartened up with pineapple
coulis and coconut ice cream.
Guests can enjoy Chef Palmer's cuisine aboard The Yachts
of Seabourn during ultra luxury cruise vacations of seven
to 72 days or more in the Mediterranean; Northern Europe;
the Americas and Caribbean; Southeast Asia; Africa, India
and Arabia; Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
For information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn
at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.
Mount Vernon, the stately plantation home of George and
Martha Washington in Virginia, has received many distinguished
visitors in its time, from European royalty to the signers
of the Declaration of Independence. Today, the beautifully
restored estate receives over a million visitors a year,
most of whom arrive by car, bus and, in a few cases, by
boat. But on October 21, the Seabourn Pride will
glide up the Potomac and drop anchor across the river
from the picturesque mansion, giving its 208 fortunate
guests a privileged overnight visit.
Maintained and operated by the private nonprofit Mount
Vernon Ladies' Association since 1853, the 500-acre riverside
property is located about 16 miles from Washington, D.C.
and consists of some 20 structures and 50 acres of gardens,
faithfully restored to working condition as they were
in 1799. Aside from the mansion itself, Seabourn guests
can visit a working farm demonstrating many pioneering
agricultural achievements, including a 16-sided treading
barn and a water-powered grist mill.
The cruise is also the occasion for Seabourn's Third
Annual Great American Food & Wine Festival, featuring
celebrity guest chefs, onboard cooking demonstrations,
tastings and exclusive culinary excursions in many of
the ports. Chefs appearing on board will be Charlie Palmer,
one of only three chefs included in Forbes' annual Celebrity
100 List; Sue Torres, the acclaimed chef/owner of New
York's Mexican-inspired Suenos; and famous New World Cuisine
maven Alan Susser of Chef Allen's in Aventura, Florida.
The yacht-like ship will call at Mount Vernon during
a 14-day cruise departing October 16 from New York to
Nassau, stopping at many of America's most important colonial
cities. Other ports of call include Newport, Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Yorktown, Charleston, Savannah, Amelia Island
and Port Canaveral.
Many ports of call will feature specially created culinary
excursions, such as:
-- Philadelphia: a comparative tasting of Philly Cheese
Steaks on site at the rival Geno's and Pat's and a morning
Shopping with the Chef tour in the Italian Market section.
-- Baltimore: a classic luncheon feast of steamed blue
crabs at Bo Brooks' crab shack and, afterward, exploring
the historic 220-year old Lexington Marketplace.
-- Charleston: Amanda Dew Manning leads a tour of Low
country culinary heritage, including a demonstration and
luncheon. Our free Exclusively Seabourn experience is
a ride by horsedrawn carriage to a traditional Southern
tea in a 19th century home.
-- Savannah: a walking tour of the town's stately squares
and a family- style lunch of Southern specialties at the
famous Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse.
-- Amelia Island: a luncheon at The Florida House Inn,
Florida's oldest surviving hotel, in the Victorian-era
Fernandina Beach Historic District.
-- Port Canaveral: Follow the Wild Ocean Shrimp boat
tour of the Indian River Lagoon, a shrimp processor and
feast on local shrimp at the famous Dixie Crossroads.
With Early Booking Savings of up to 39 percent, fares
start from $6,948 per person, based on double occupancy
of a 277-square-foot ocean-view suite. Past guests of
Seabourn or any member line of World's Leading cruise
Lines (Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard
Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line or Windstar
Cruises) qualify for Signature Value Savings of 50%, and
fares from $5,695 per person, double. For information
or to reserve a suite, contact your travel agent, call
Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit http://www.seabourn.com.
On December 6, 2005, Silversea's ultra-luxury Silver
Shadow will embark on an exciting schedule of 11 voyages
visiting the most intriguing corners of the Far East and
South Pacific, including brand-new ports such as Eden,
Exmouth and Kangaroo Island, Australia. From the g'days
and golden beaches of the "Land Down Under",
to Bangkok's dazzling temples and palaces, to Beijing's
world-famous Tiananmen Square, it's every hour better
than the one before for the privileged guests sailing
in the pampering luxury of the intimate, six-star Silver
Shadow. In addition to savings of up to 30 percent, guests
will enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations, most with
private veranda, award-winning gourmet cuisine, personalized
service, warm Italian hospitality, and Silversea's unmatched
selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including
complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout
the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage
cabinet and all gratuities. Plus, complimentary Butler
Service is now available in the Grand, Royal, Rossellini
and Owner's Suites
Destination specialists known for unlocking doors that
would be closed to the casual traveler, Silversea offers
guests a selection of carefully tailored, optional shore
excursions to enhance their time in the Far East and South
Pacific. And a special complimentary Silversea Experience®
in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, on Voyages 3607 and 3612, will
take guests aboard traditional red-sailed junks for a
relaxing voyage through the scenic wonders of this famous
waterway and World Heritage Site that is also known as
the legendary Bay of Dragons.
Guests can extend their voyage with optional pre- and
post-cruise land programs featuring deluxe accommodations,
all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and
some meals. Prices start from $1,425 per guest. Highlights
include:
-- From Bangkok or Singapore, the legendary Eastern &
Oriental Express train offers four-, five- or seven-night
explorations of the Far East's bustling cities, timeless
temples and colorful cultures in classic style. Amid
an elegant oriental ambiance, guests savor Western and
Asian gourmet delicacies and experience the countryside
firsthand on the open deck of the Observation Car.
-- From Bangkok, the five- or six-night Siam Sojourn
offers cultural riches and exotic sights with a gracious
hospitality. Guests visit an elephant training camp, orchid
and butterfly farm and savor traditional Khan Toke Thai
cuisine. Other highlights include the famous Golden Triangle
in Chiang Rai and a tour of Bangkok's Grand Palace.
-- From Singapore, the six-night Cambodia and the Mysteries
of Angkor Wat program takes guests to one of the world's
most exotic destinations for a tour of ancient history
with visits to temple sites in Phnom Penh, including the
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, before journeying to the
mysterious ruins of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, located
in the lush jungle of Siem Reap, once the site of the
ancient Khmer culture.
-- From Hong Kong, the six- or seven-night The Roof of
the World: Exploring Tibet program takes guests to one
of the world's most exotic destinations where they can
discover the mysterious city of Lhasa and explore Potala,
the former Winter Palace of the Dalai Lama; the Jokhang
Temple; the Barkor, Lhasa's bustling market; and Drepung,
the largest monastic university.
-- From Sydney, the four-night Outback Discovery combines
the spectacle of Sydney with the myths and magnificence
of Australia's famed Outback. Guests witness the ever-changing
colors of Ayers Rock as they enjoy an elegant dinner of
local delicacies under the wide desert sky. From Alice
Springs, guests explore the heart of the country on a
camel safari, then rise early for a pre-dawn balloon adventure.
Detailed information and complete itineraries are available
at www.silversea.com. A colorful self-mailer describing
the Far East and South Pacific voyages, plus several optional
land programs, is also available to travel agents and
can be ordered online at www.silversea.com.
-- Passage Down Under:
a 16-day voyage (3537) departing December 6, 2005 from
Singapore to Sydney with calls in Semarang, Indonesia;
and Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Whitsunday Islands and
Brisbane, Australia. Silver Sailing fares start at $6,857
per person (30 percent savings).
-- Tasman Holidays: a
14-day voyage (3538) departing December 22, 2005 from
Sydney to Auckland with calls in Melbourne and Hobart
(Tasmania), Australia; and Stewart Island, Dunedin, Akaroa
Bay, Christchurch (Lyttleton) and Picton, New Zealand.
Early Booking Incentive fares start at $8,456 per person
(ten percent savings).
-- Across the Tasman Sea:
a 15-day voyage (3601) departing January 5, 2006 from
Auckland to Sydney with calls in Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch
(Lyttleton), and Dunedin, New Zealand; and Hobart (Tasmania),
Geelong, Melbourne and Eden, Australia. Early Booking
Incentive fares start at $8,546 per person (ten percent
savings).
-- "Australian Discovery:
a 13-day voyage (3604) departing January 27, 2006 from
Sydney to Fremantle with calls in Eden, Melbourne, Devonport
(Tasmania), Kangaroo Island, Adelaide and Albany, Australia.
Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,736 per person
(ten percent savings).
-- Western Australia &
Mystic Isles: a 14-day voyage (3605) departing February
9, 2006 from Fremantle to Singapore with calls in Exmouth
and Broome, Australia; and Bali, Semarang and Kura Kura,
Indonesia. Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $6,746
per person (25 percent savings).
-- Cambodia & Vietnam
Impressions: a nine-day voyage (3606) departing February
23, 2006 from Singapore to Hong Kong with calls in Sihanoukville,
Cambodia; and Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $4,636 per person
(20 percent savings).
-- South China Sea Sojourn:
a nine-day voyage (3607) departing March 4, 2006 from
Hong Kong to Bangkok with calls in Ha Long Bay and Da
Nang, Vietnam; and Ko Samui, Thailand. Advance Payment
Bonus fares start at $4,476 per person (20 percent savings).
-- Indochina Interlude
I: a ten-day voyage (3608) departing March 13, 2006 from
Bangkok to Singapore with calls in Sihanoukville, Cambodia;
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $4,956 per person
(20 percent savings).
-- ccent on Vietnam:
an eight-day voyage (3610) departing April 9, 2006 from
Hong Kong to Bangkok with calls in Da Nang, Nha Trang
and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Advance Payment Bonus
fares start at $3,671 per person (25 percent savings).
-- Indochina Interlude
II: a ten-day voyage (3611) departing April 17, 2006
from Bangkok to Singapore with calls in Sihanoukville,
Cambodia; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $4,496
per person (25 percent savings).
-- Indochine Vistas:
a nine-day voyage (3612) departing April 27, 2006 from
Singapore to Hong Kong with calls in Ho Chi Minh City,
Da Nang and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Advance Payment Bonus
fares start at $4,046 per person (25 percent savings).
Star Clippers' new Fall 2005-Spring 2007 brochure, covering
the line's Caribbean, Far East, Mediterranean and Transatlantic
itineraries, has just been released. The brochure describes
new itineraries for the line's three tall ships. Ten-
and 11-night sailings from Cannes to Dubrovnik, Croatia,
and debut calls at the ports of Kotor, Montenegro, and
Palermos Bay, Albania, will highlight the itineraries
of flagship Royal Clipper and Star Clipper next summer.
Star Clipper also will sail an additional 10-night departure
between Cannes and Lisbon featuring calls in the Balearic
Islands, Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Star Flyer's five-
and seven-night summertime eastern Mediterranean cruises
are described as well, including previously unannounced
10- and 11-night Greece and Croatia itineraries. During
spring and winter, the ships sail the Caribbean and Far
East.
Experienced cruisers also will appreciate the longer
ocean crossings. Star Flyer's 37-night sailings between
Athens, Greece, and Phuket, Thailand, sold out early in
2005 due to the exotic itinerary and excellent value.
Similarly, the transatlantic sailings of Star Clipper
and Royal Clipper have proven to be very popular with
past guests and sailors, who look for the ultimate sailing
adventure -- crossing the Atlantic Ocean under full sail.
New land tours are highlighted in the brochure including
a six-night Vietnam and Thailand tour, which is combined
with the seven-night sailings between Phuket and Singapore
exploring Malaysia or the round-trip cruises from Phuket,
Thailand, which sail to the pristine islands of the Andaman
Sea. Star Clippers is pleased to return Star Flyer to
its winter homeport of Phuket, which has fully recovered
from the impact of the tsunami last year.
New land tours also are offered in Lisbon and Dubrovnik,
allowing guests to explore these exciting cities before
or following the new 10- and 11- night sailings.
The annual Antigua Regatta sailing also is included in
the new brochure. The nine-night cruise explores the southern
Caribbean before dropping anchor at Antigua for two days
of sailing maneuvers and viewing classic yacht races.
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.
To make a reservation, contact a travel professional,
for information call Star Clippers at 1-800-442-0551 or
visit www.starclippers.com . To request a brochure,
call 1-800-442-0556.
Tis the season to escape for the holidays to the warm
waters of the Caribbean aboard a Windstar Cruises luxury
motor sailing yacht – the 308-passenger Wind Surf or 148-passenger
Wind Spirit – exploring uncommon ports of call on a ten-
or 11-day cruise; places like Tobago, Bequia, Roseau,
Mayreau and Gaudeloupe.
-- The Wind Surf’s ten-day holiday cruise departs December
18 round trip from Bridgetown, Barbados, calling on Tobago,
West Indies; Mayreau and Bequia, Grenadines; Pigeon Island,
St. Lucia; Roseau and Cabrits, Dominica; Basse-Terre,
Gaudeloupe, known by locals as "The Pearl of the
French West Indies,” and Iles des Saintes, French Antilles.
Special holiday cruise rates start at $2,695 per person,
double occupancy.
-- The Wind Surf’s 11-day New Year’s cruise departs December
28 round trip from Bridgetown, Barbados and features
Charlestown, Nevis; St. Martin and Virgin Gorda, British
Virgin Islands; St. Barthélemy and Iles des Saintes,
French Antilles; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; and Bequia
and Mayreau, Grenadines. Special cruise rates start at
$3,095 per person, double occupancy.
Optional shore excursions include hiking one of the oldest
rainforests in the Western hemisphere to a three-tiered
cascading waterfall from Tobago; horseback riding on the
beach at St. Lucia; snorkeling the crystal clear waters
of Mayreau; or whale watching at Roseau.
-- The Wind Spirit also spends the holidays in the Caribbean,
with a ten-day cruise departing December 17, 2005 roundtrip
from St. Thomas. Ports of call include St. John, Saba,
Iles des Saintes, Pigeon Island, Bridgetown, Bequia, Roseau,
and Virgin Gorda. Cruise rates start at $2,995 per person,
double occupancy.
-- The Wind Spirit’s 11-day New Year’s cruise departs
December 27, 2005, roundtrip from St. Thomas and features
St. John, Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Iles des
Saintes, Pigeon Island, Mayreau and Virgin Gorda. Cruise
rates start at $3,295 per person, double occupancy.
Optional shore excursions include a new Windstar exclusive
five star champagne brunch at St. John’s Caneel Bay Resort.
Following brunch, guests may relax on one of seven secluded
beaches bordering the resort’s 170 lush acres, with opportunities
to snorkel and experience marine life up close with a
nature guide and snorkeling specialist.
Aboard the Wind Surf and Wind Spirit, a special holiday
menu features traditional fare, such as roast beef tenderloin
and roasted turkey with chestnut dressing along with favorites
such as grilled duck breast and crispy salmon. Dinner
may begin with an appetizer of foie gras with toasted
brioche and a lobster and mango salad. Desserts such
as plum pudding or a traditional banana split wrap up
the holiday menu.
Holiday festivities blend traditional decorations, such
as beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the lounge
and garlands on the banisters, with added cultural activities
based on the ship’s itinerary. Catch a glimpse of another
culture as the talented crew performs native and local
carols at a festive holiday show. At the New Year’s eve
party aboard the Wind Surf, the oldest member of the crew
rings out the old year on the ship’s bell, and the youngest
rings in the new year.
After the holiday season, the Wind Surf will sail new
seven-day roundtrip Barbados itineraries until April.
Northbound and southbound itineraries visit different
ports making it conducive to back-to-back cruising with
no repeating ports of call. Guests aboard the Wind Surf
will explore unique ports in the heart of the Southern
Caribbean.
Rates quoted above are per person, double occupancy including
non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are
additional. 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.
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