Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Offers Musical Theme Cruises This Spring

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has added a special "Musical Theme" to a number of its springtime cruises to the Canary Islands and Western Mediterranean onboard the sister ships Black Watch and Boudicca. Featured on different cruises are Jimmy Jermain (a/k/a Sir Cliff Richard), Liberty Mounten (a/k/a Elvis), Jane McDonald as herself and

Maxine Barrie (a/k/a Dame Shirley Bassey). These are dynamic performers with thrilling shows for the guests.

Fred. Olsen's "The Arts Club" features unique  "special interests cruises on a wide selection of itineraries throughout the year. Orchestrated to appropriate to the ports visited, Fred. Olsen cruises feature themes on antiques, wildlife, gardening, painting,

photography, music, wine, history, civilizations, dance, bridge, comedy, theater, geology, archaeology and pottery. Also available on many itineraries is a special golfing theme featuring four or more rounds on some of the finest golf courses along the itinerary. Further information may be obtained at www.fredolsencruises.com.

Holland America Line

New ‘ms Noordam’ Offers Ten-Day European Cruises In 2006

With Europe, an ever popular cruise destination, Holland America Line is adding a fifth ship, the new ms Noordam, to sail the Mediterranean throughout the summer. The Noordam makes her European debut starting with a 16-day Atlantic crossing from New York to Rome followed by a full summer of 10-day cruises exploring the romantic and beautiful Mediterranean round trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) from May through September.

The Noordam offers two itineraries for guests to choose from: the Mediterranean Enchantment, which features the Western Mediterranean, and the Roman Empire, which showcases the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Isles. Each ten-day cruise may be combined back-to-back for a 20-day complete Mediterranean adventure.

-- The works of Gaudi, Picasso and Michelangelo, ancient cities and lost civilizations, bustling markets of Italian leather and north African treasures—these are just a few of the highlights of a 10-day cruise featuring the Western Mediterranean aboard the Noordam. The itinerary includes visits to the tiny principality of Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno, Italy for excursions to Florence and Pisa; Gaudi and Picasso's mesmerizing Barcelona, Spain; the island of Palma de Mallorca, Spain; La Goulette, Tunisia; Sicily's intriguing Palermo; and Naples, Italy with optional excursions to Capri, Pompeii or Sorrento. Cruises depart May 1 and 21, June 10 and 30, July 20, August 9 and 29 and September 18, 2006.

-- Medieval art and architecture, magnificent ruins of ancient temples and baths, dazzling white houses clinging to 1,000 foot-high cliffs—these are a few of the highlights of a ten-day cruise featuring the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Isles aboard the Noordam. The itinerary includes visits to enchanting Dubrovnik, Croatia; the idyllic islands of Corfu, Katakolon and Santorini, Greece; the ancient wonders of Kusadasi, Turkey; Valletta, Malta; and sailing the Strait of Messina off Italy's southern tip. Cruises depart May 11 and 31, June 20, July 10 and 30, August 19 and September 8, 2006.

The ten-day Mediterranean cruises are priced from $1,749 and depart between May 1 and September 18, 2006. Combination 20-day Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises start at $2,999.

16-day Transatlantic Big Band Cruises

Departing April 15 and September 28, 2006, the Noordam's 16-day transatlantic cruises feature the sounds of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Benny Goodman, to name a few. On April 15, 2006, Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians with Al Pierson will share their distinctive style with over 500 hit songs to their credit including "Auld Lang Syne." On September 28, 2006, the Nick Ross Orchestra will perform each night of the cruise with a line-up of classic Big Band sounds of the 1940s. The Noordam's 16-day transatlantic cruises start at just $1,999.

Food and Wine Experts Headline the Noordam's Culinary Arts Center

Holland America Line welcomes acclaimed culinary experts Gerald Dawes and Charles Dale aboard the Noordam this summer to headline the Noordam's Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art "show kitchen at sea." Gerald Dawes will share his expertise on Spanish food, wine and culture aboard the Noordam's July 20, 2006 Mediterranean cruise and Charles Dale, culinary visionary and founder of Aspen's Range and Rustique, will entertain and enlighten with his expertise on rustic yet modern cuisine aboard the Noordam's September 18, 2006 Mediterranean sailing.

For a 2006 Europe cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Norwegian Coastal Voyage

NCV Offers $300 Per Person Savings On Antarctica Cruises Booked By March 31

Norwegian Coastal Voyage offers savings of $300 per person on its 19-day Antarctica and the Chilean Expedition Voyages received by March 31. In the 2006 – 2007 seasons the Antarctica itinerary has been modified and passengers stay an extra day on the “Ice Continent”, stop in Puerto Natales and spend more time exploring Beagle Channel, the Strait of Magellan and Ushuaia.

Designed for active, experienced travelers, the 19-day Antarctica sailings, departing Buenos Aires and Santiago, November 2006 - March 2007, on the MS Nordkapp and the MS Nordnorge, both rated Ice Class C, feature five days of exploration in Antarctica with new possible landings, weather permitting, at Ukrainian Vernadsky Base; Neko Harbor-home to hundreds of gentoo penquins; Polish Arctowski Base; and Petermann Island. The South American portion of the trip has passengers spending more free time in Ushuaia; a full day in Puerto Natales, gateway to beautiful natural landscapes like Torres del Paine National Park; passing close by the penguin-inhabited Tucker Island; and extensive exploration of the spectacular Beagle Channel and the extraordinary Strait of Magellan. Published fares start at $5,480 per person, double. Website www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us  

NCV Introduces Three Theme Cruises In 2006 Departing From Bergen

Norwegian Coastal Voyage is introducing three theme cruises with five departures from Bergen between April 12 and September 16: the seven-day Norwegian Maritime Traditions on April 12 aboard the 482-berth MS Nordlys, and the seven-day Norwegian Life and Heritage, April 26 and September 16, on the 490-berth MS Nordkapp, both priced at $1,303 to $2,540 per person, double occupancy; and the nine-day Life and Music of Edvard Grieg, the country’s most famous composer, on April 30 and August 29, at $1,738 to $4,576, on the 674-berth MS Trollfjord. 

An AARP member discount of $70 per cabin and a senior savings of $105 per person for travelers age 67 and up can be combined. The single supplement is waived in some cabin categories on the April and September departures. Cruise rates cover expert guest lecturers giving daily talks on Norwegian culture and history against a changing backdrop of mountain and fjord landscapes, six nights’ accommodations in cabin category selected, all meals, taxes, port charges and gratuities; the Grieg-theme cruise adds two nights accommodation in Bergen.   

The Trollfjord sailings celebrating the music of Grieg (1843-1907) feature daily recitals by award-winning pianist Rune Alver and lectures by Eilif Løtveit, manager for Bergen International Festival concerts at the Grieg estate; a concert at Troldhaugen (Troll Hill), the composer’s delightful Victorian home near Bergen; the Ringve Music Museum in Trondheim, where young music students play historic instruments; and two nights at a Bergen hotel with breakfast.   Lecturers on the Nordlys are led by Professor Bard Kolltveit, director of research at the Norwegian Maritime Museum in Oslo, and on the Nordkapp, by Dr. Fenella Bazin, retired director of post-graduate studies at the Centre for Manx Studies on the Isle of Man and Norwegian Coastal Voyage aficionado.

An alternative to traditional cruising, the vessels are a unique combination of first-class cruise ship and a lifeline to remote towns and villages along the 1,250-mile coast, carrying local passengers and cargo to 34 ports from Bergen to Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle.  Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc. is at 405 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022; (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; website: www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

Oceania Cruises

Select 2006 European Voyages Available With Free Airfare

European cruises have never represented a better value than this year. For a limited time, consumers may choose from a variety of Mediterranean and Western European voyages with free airfare and two-for-one cruise fares starting at $2,299 per guest. With air fares rising dramatically and an exchange rate that makes land travel in Europe increasingly expensive, Oceania Cruises is pleased to present a selection of voyages it believes to be the best value in European travel. A unique approach to air-sea travel, this special offer from Oceania Cruises provides free round-trip economy airfare from 20 North American gateways, many of which are located on the west coast. While many of the 2006 European voyages are sold out, consumers may still take advantage of free airfare and thousands of dollars in cruise fare savings on some of the line’s most sought after voyages to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia, and Western Europe.

A leader in destination cruising, Oceania Cruises offers extraordinarily affordable voyages which sail to the most fabled centers of history and culture in Europe. With a bounty of overnight port stays, guests are afforded the unique opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the history, culture and cuisine of this diverse continent. Through the line’s award-winning shore excursion program, guests may choose from hundreds of unique and enriching tours allowing one to truly experience Europe’s most alluring destinations. Oceania Cruises’ unique brand of casual elegance, with open seating dining and a country club-casual ambiance, provides the perfect way to experience the grandeur of Europe.

For a limited time, Oceania Cruises is offering free airfare and two-for-one cruise fares on the following voyages. Reservations must be made no later than March 31, 2006, and space is limited.

-- Barcelona to Lisbon─12−Day Voyage *New Itinerary*—May 21, 2006

Barcelona • Rome • Sorrento • Amalfi • Taormina • Valletta • La Goulette • Gibraltar •

Casablanca • Lisbon Fares From $2,599 Per Guest

-- Barcelona to Stockholm─16−Day Voyage—May 21, 2006

Barcelona • Gibraltar • La Coruña • Paris • Bruges • Amsterdam • Kiel Canal • Copenhagen • St. Petersburg • Tallinn • Stockholm

Fares From $3,599 Per Guest

-- London To Stockholm─14−Day Voyage—July 10, August 1, August 13, August 15, August 29, 2006. London • Bruges • Amsterdam • Kiel Canal • Berlin • Copenhagen • Gdansk • Helsinki • St. Petersburg • Tallinn • Stockholm.

Fares From $3,599 Per Guest

-- London to Barcelona─14−Day Voyage—August 27, 2006

London • Saint-Malo • Bilbao • La Coruña • Oporto • Lisbon • Gibraltar • Seville •

Palma de Mallorca • Port-Vendres • Saint-Tropez • Provence • Barcelona

Fares From $3,299 Per Guest

-- London to Rome─14−Day Voyage—September 12, 2006

London • Saint-Malo • La Coruña • Seville • Casablanca • Malaga • Barcelona • Provence • Monte Carlo • Florence • Portofino • Rome

Fares From $3,299 Per Guest

-- Barcelona to Rome─Ten-Day Voyage—October 20, 2006

Barcelona • Palma de Mallorca • Sete • Provence • Nice • Florence • Naples • Rome

Fares From $2,299 Per Guest

-- Venice to Lisbon─14−Day Voyage—November 11, 2006

Venice • Umbria • Dubrovnik • Rome • Florence • Portofino • Monte Carlo • Provence •

Barcelona • Seville • Lisbon

Fares From $2,999 Per Guest

For additional information or reservations, please contact your Travel Agent or Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658. Website: www.OceaniaCruises.com

Peter Deilmann Cruises

Deilmann Expands Garden Cruise Programs On Ocean Sailings

 Peter Deilmann Cruises is expanding its European garden theme cruises this year on its ocean liner Deutschland sailings on Atlantic, Mediterranean and Baltic seas.  The five Deutschland garden theme cruises offer free air from 16 U.S. gateways and the gardens visited are some of Europe’s most renowned in countries from the Baltic to the Mediterranean.

There are five gardening theme voyages on the five-star Deutschland with the first one to Italy and Sardinia, April 11-24.  A Mediterranean and Atlantic sailing from Malaga to Hamburg, May 5-18, visits gardens in Spain, Morocco, Portugal and France.  Other sailings feature gardens in England, Ireland and Scotland, May 25-June 9; Germany England and Ireland, August 11-25; and the German Isle of Rugen, St. Petersburg, Tallin, Stockholm, Riga and Copenhagen, August 27-September 10. 

The programs include garden shore excursions, the services of a gardening escort and onboard gardening seminars.  Rates for a 12-night garden ocean cruise start at $4,752 per person, twin occupancy, including free air.  

The Summer Gardens in Southern England and Ireland theme cruise on a 14-day Deutschland sailing roundtrip from Hamburg, August 11-25, features on-board morning seminars, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Thames River gardens and parks, subtropical gardens on Garinish Islands, the forest landscape garden of Ardnamona, 18th century Castle Ward Garden of Belfast and the baroque Dillon villa garden in Dublin.  Package prices start at $5,505 per person twin for this 13-night cruise including free air transportation from New York and 15 other U.S. cities. 

Air supplements cost just $60 to $70 from 19 Midwest cities and $150 to $170 from 13 cities in the West.  For those passengers arranging their own air, there is a $750 reduction from the cruise fare.  In addition to the free and low-cost air transportation, the Deutschland gardening theme cruises include the cruise, airport transfers, local transportation, entrance fees, meals and snacks, if applicable, local guides and a noted landscape architect as tour escort. Non-gardening companions deduct between $700 and $800 from these garden theme ocean cruises.           

Full details are available from travel agencies or Peter Deilmann Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by e-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com. 

P&O Cruises/UK

P&O Cruises/UK Promotes Short Breaks

P&O Cruises has published a 2006 City and Short Breaks brochure that promotes cruises to popular European destinations as a break from a land-based short vacation.

P&O Cruises is offering city and short breaks from two to seven nights duration this year with itineraries including a two-night party cruise on-board Oceana, departing Southampton on April 21, and traveling to Bruges, priced from £339 (US$585.28) based on a two people sharing a twin cabin per person.

Slightly longer seven-night city breaks from Southampton include a voyage to St Peter Port in Guernsey, Bruges and Amsterdam on Oriana, a fjords adventure on-board Arcadia, traveling to Norwegian ports including Vik and Bergen, and traversing fjords such as Sognefjord and Nordfjord in June and a September sailing on Artemis to Vigo, Lisbon, La Rochelle and Brest. More information at www.pocruises.co.uk

Seabourn Cruises

Hidden Gems Highlight Seabourn Mediterranean Voyage

Linking famous and fawned-over ports with fabulous, but yet-to-be-discovered ones is the particular genius of a 14-day Splendors of the Mediterranean cruise being offered this

summer aboard the intimate, all-suite cruise ship Seabourn Legend. The voyage departs July 22, sailing round trip from Monte Carlo.

Along with Malta and Santorini, Seabourn Legend will visit several other celebrated destinations, taking advantage of its intimate proportions to bring its guests closer to the main attractions. At Taormina on Sicily, Seabourn Legend is able to anchor right off the town and its famous ruins, rather than at Messina down the coast. Likewise at

Amalfi, the ship will anchor right in the harbor, rather than transferring guests from Naples or Salerno. The sleek, yacht-like Seabourn Legend can slip between the high walls of the narrow Corinth Canal, which is a thrilling experience in its own right, and one which allows the ship to call at the Greek port of Itea, close by the ruins of

Delphi. Other cruise calls include Ogygia, Mylos, Sousse (Tunisia), and Santorini.

With Early Booking Savings of up to 25 percent, fares start from $7,998 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite. Travelers who have previously cruised with Seabourn, or any of  the other Carnival brand cruise lines—Carnival, Cunard, Costa, Holland America, Princess, Windstar—are eligible for VIP Club Signature Value Savings of 50% and fares starting from $5,333 per person, double

occupancy. For information, contact your travel agent, call Seabourn at

1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com .

Adventure Land Excursions Inject Pep Into Seabourn European Cruises

Ultra luxury cruise pioneer Seabourn Cruise Line has created a European "Adventure Collection" of shore excursions that offer its guests opportunities to feel the burn while seeing the sights in ports of call from Norway to the Greek Isles. The adventurous, active experiences are designed to satisfy vacationers who believe that sybaritic shipboard indulgences like the line's sumptuous dinners and herb-scented bubble baths should be complemented by a certain amount of vigorous exertion. For example, Seabourn offers guided bicycle excursions in Madeira; Sardinia; Taormina, Sicily; Florence, Athens, Helsinki, around Stockholm's Royal Djurgaarden park and, in Denmark, at Skagen and on the island of Bornholm. Guests are also offered chances to explore the French island of Corsica, the slopes of Sicily's Mt. Etna, the Greek isle of Corfu and the vineyards and flower fields of Provence on mountain bikes.

For those seeking something even more strenuous, Seabourn offers excursions involving the popular European activity called "canyoning," in which participants swim, jump, climb, rappel and float down scenic river canyons, one located near Nice, France and another at the Alcantara Gorge on the island of Sicily

A variety of guided walking tours are available in nearly twenty of the line's European ports of call, including cliff walks on the isle of Guernsey; walking the moors of Dartmoor from Plymouth, England; exploring the Art Nouveau section of Aalesund, Norway on foot; following Cezanne's footsteps from Nice, strolling Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, an "insider's" walking tour of Mykonos and volcano hiking on Santorini.

Some Adventure Collection excursions feature highly specialized activities, such as a sea-kayaking tour of the waters around Dubrovnik, sailing on the Turkish coast and a truffle-hunting expedition near Rovinj on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast.

Adventure Collection tours are offered in Europe along with Seabourn's award-winning "Signature Series" tours, which often feature privileged entry into museums and other attractions when they are closed to the general public, exclusive receptions with local dignitaries, or introduction to fascinating local features that are well-known to insiders, but remain off the typical tourist's itinerary.

Back on board, Seabourn's active guests will appreciate the ship's fully-equipped, sea-view gym and the award-winning Spa at Seabourn, even as they enjoy a continuing series of thoughtful enhancements to shipboard and shoreside services called Signature Delights that add luxury and value for guests aboard the three 208-guest Yachts of Seabourn: Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend. Signature Delights include free Massage Moments on deck; complimentary service of spirits and wines including French champagne throughout the cruise, gourmet cuisine created by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, indulgent Pure Pampering therapeutic bathing selections from Molton Brown and an Exclusively Seabourn complimentary shoreside experience on every cruise.

The Yachts of Seabourn sail cruises of seven to 18 days or longer on itineraries in the Mediterranean, Western and Northern Europe. With Early Booking Savings of up to 35 percent, fares start from $3,996 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite. For information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Welcomes Noted Glass Artist Dale Chihuly On The ‘Wind Surf’

–Renowned artist Dale Chihuly joins the msy Wind Surf’s voyage from Rome to Nice departing June 11, 2006. Chihuly, best known for his glass artwork, will board the 308-guest msy Wind Surf with his family for a week of cruising in the Mediterranean. 

Guests are invited to see the artist in action along the way. Instead of glass art, Chihuly will create five paintings. All paintings will be done pier side.  One painting will be auctioned off on board the ship with proceeds donated to Chihuly’s designated charity— The Hilltop Artists in Residence Program, an at-risk program for teens located in Chihuly’s hometown of Tacoma, Washington “We are looking forward to welcoming Dale Chihuly and his family on board the Surf this summer,” says Diane Moore, Windstar’s vice president of marketing and sales.  “It’s not everyday you have the chance to meet a legendary artist like Chihuly and seeing him in action painting on the pier will be a highlight.”

Chihuly will host a cocktail reception aboard the ship one evening. All guests will be invited to attend.

Known for his avant-garde blown glass artwork, Dale Chihuly is a leader in the development of glass as a fine art. His work is included in over two hundred museum collections worldwide and he’s been the recipient of many awards, including eight honorary doctorates and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.  The founder of Pilchuk Glass School in Washington, Chihuly was introduced to glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington. He has created many well-known series of works, among them the Baskets, Persians, and Seaforms, but he is also celebrated for large architectural installations such as Chihuly Over Venice and Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem.

Other ports visited on this itinerary include Rome; Porto-Vecchio, France; Portoferraio, Elba; Livorno and Portofino, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Nice.  The ship will overnight in Livorno and Monte Carlo to allow guests more time for shoreside exploration and dinner ashore. Cruise rates for the June 11 voyage with Chihuly start at $2,449 per person based on double occupancy. Website: www.windstarcruises.com

Windstar Adds New Itinerary and More Departures in the Greek Isles In 2006

Windstar Cruises' three elegant and intimate motor sailing yachts will spend seven months this year sailing in the Mediterranean and Greek Islands. Windstar's Greek Islands cruises have proven extremely popular, and the company is increasing its number of sailings in 2006 from 27 to 38. The Wind Star and Wind Spirit will both sail the popular Athens to Istanbul itinerary, visiting Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and Kusadasi. New for 2006, the Wind Spirit will sail five Greek Islands cruises on a new itinerary between Istanbul and Athens that includes visits to Canakkale and Izmir Turkey; Patmos, Agios, Kos and Naxos, Greece; and Nikolaos, Crete. The new itinerary allows guest to combine two Greek Island cruises for a 14-day voyage with no repeating ports of call.

Between April and November, the 308-guest Wind Surf and 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit will sail a total of 40 voyages in Europe. Homeports include Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Monte Carlo, Malaga, Marseille, Nice and Venice. The Wind Surf will sail the Western Mediterranean from April through November including a 14-day Nice-to-Nice itinerary to coincide with the Grand Prix race in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The Wind Star and Wind Spirit will each sail three seven-day cruises beginning late April and then again in late October.

The Wind Star will also operate a series of eight cruises between Athens and Venice in July and August. Ports of call on the Athens to Venice itinerary include Monemvasia, Katakolon, and Corfu, Greece and Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Venice to Athens itinerary visits Rimini, Italy; Hvar and Dubrovnik, Croatia and Cephalonia and Kythira, Greece.

The company has adjusted its itineraries to allow for later departures and more overnights in ports, so guests can enjoy more time for shopping, shore excursions and nightlife in favorites such as Monte Carlo, Monaco; Ibiza, Spain; Santorini, Greece; Sorrento, Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Taking the adventure from ship to shore, Windstar has organized shore excursions in port ranging from active and adventurous to relaxing and luxurious. If romance is in the air, a gullet ride for two in Bodrum, Turkey is a romantic sailing experience through the magnificent coves of the Bodrum Peninsula. A delicious lunch of local specialties and chilled white wine will be served on board. For adventure, see Monaco by helicopter or take the tram 3,000 feet up to the top of Mount Capanne in Portoferraio, Italy.

Windstar has made reservations at fine dining hot spots. At the Hotel Splendido overlooking the picturesque harbor in Portofino, Windstar has arranged for the maitre d'hotel to meet guests, present the lunch menu, and discuss different types of olive oil used in Italian cuisine. In Mykonos, dinner is served at La Maison de Katrin, a romantic and classy restaurant in town often visited by stars. In Monaco, a private helicopter whisks guests to Moustiers village for lunch at La Bastide de Moustiers. Famous Chef Alain Ducasse prepares a three-course lunch of French Provencal cuisine.

New Tours for 2006

-- In Canakkale, Turkey, Ancient Troy takes guests to the famous site of the legendary city destroyed in the Trojan War. In Izmir, Turkey, the Pergamum Acropolis & Asclepion tour visits the site's ruins and includes a lunch of Turkish cuisine in the city center

-- In Katakolon, Greece, Ancient Olympia takes guests 2,000 years into the past. A guided tour includes one of the seven wonders of the ancient world- the Temple of Zeus.

-- The Deluxe Granada & the Alhambra tour in Malaga, Spain visits the stunning Muslim-Hispano 14th century Alhambra. Lunch will be served at Ruta del Veleta, one of Spain's finest restaurants. Often visited by Spain's royal family, the restaurant is known for their creativity with Spanish and Andalusian cuisine.

-- In Portofino, guests may opt for the five-hour tour to Genoa, the main commercial port of Italy, also known as a genteel seaside resort. A guide will narrate the town's history and sights.

In 2006, a collection of 20 voyages are designated Foremast Sailings for alumni. On these sailings, alumni guests will receive 50 percent or more off the brochure tariff.

Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar's Degrees of Difference initiative adds new luxury amenities and enhancements to the lines' three ships. Additions include new Signature Cuisine menus from Chef Joachim Splichal, Apple iPod Nanos and Bose SoundDock speakers, Riedel stemware, luxury linens and mattresses, L'Occitane bathroom amenities, hammocks built for two and more. The initiative will be completed in stages during winter 2006.

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.

Windstar Cruises Rolls Out Pre -and Post-Tour Packages in Istanbul

Guests traveling to the Greek Islands on a sleek, four-masted Windstar yacht now have the option to extend their stay pre- or post-cruise with Windstar’s Istanbul Discovery tour package. A one-, two- or three-night package wraps hotel, excursions, guides, transportation, selected meals, and of course, the planning, into a convenient package purchased before leaving home. Tour groups are kept small to complement the small-ship sailing experience.

The Istanbul Discovery packages were carefully thought out and put together by a knowledgeable local tour partner in Istanbul, Sea Song Tours.

Day one of the three-day package includes visits to top highlights including the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, the famous Grand Bazaar, and at the end of the day, an orientation drive around the old city. A traditional Turkish lunch is served at the Green House Garden, an old Ottoman house.  

Day two includes visits to St. Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom, known as one of the greatest buildings in the world; the Underground Cistern; and the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul.  

Day three visits the Suleymaniye Mosque, regarded as the most beautiful of all the imperial mosques; a nearby Egyptian Bazaar to explore the second-largest covered market in Istanbul; and lunch at Hamdi Restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus.  After lunch, guests will cruise the Bosphorus Strait aboard a private motor-yacht.  On view will be magnificent palaces, old seaside mansions, and impressive fortresses.

The 148-guest motor sailing yachts Wind Star and Wind Spirit sail in the Greek Isles from May through October. The Wind Star and Wind Spirit will both sail the popular Athens to Istanbul itinerary, visiting Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and Kusadasi.  New for 2006, the Wind Spirit will sail five Greek Islands cruises on a new itinerary between Istanbul and Athens that includes visits to Canakkale and Izmir Turkey; Patmos, Agios, Kos and Naxos, Greece; and Nikolaos, Crete. The addition of this new itinerary allows guests to combine two cruises for a 14-day Greek Isles cruise without repeating ports of call. Guests may purchase a one day package for $185, two days for $325 and three days for $585.  All rates are per person based on double occupancy.  Windstar guests stay at the five-star Hilton Istanbul hotel. Website: www.windstarcruises.com