Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Destiny To Launch Cruises From San Juan In January 2008
Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny will operate a new five-port, seven-day itinerary from San Juan featuring a rare overnight call in La Romana/Casa de Campo, along with day-long visits to St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados and St. Thomas/St. John.  The new itinerary begins January 8, 2008.
Five Magnificent Island Destinations
The overnight call in Casa de Campo, at La Romana in the Dominican Republic, provides Carnival Destiny guests with additional opportunities to explore this elegant resort area. Its many attractions include Altos de Chavon, a quaint 16th century Mediterranean village replica offering myriad daytime and evening entertainment options, a wide variety of nightclubs, restaurants and shops, and world-class golfing and beaches. A shore excursion option to Santo Domingo—the country’s historic capital—will be offered as well.
The breathtaking island of St. Kitts offers a landscape of rugged mountainous interiors and dense rainforest. The popular destination also features excellent examples of West Indian and Creole architecture, as well as centuries-old fortresses and plantations, myriad shopping opportunities and beaches ranging in color from black to golden. 
Barbados is a friendly British isle boasting particularly beautiful aqua-blue waters and white sand beaches, along with a diversity of shopping, dining and watersports opportunities. 
The largest of the Windward Islands, Dominica is a 289-square-mile island with lush mountains, hot springs and volcanoes, as well as gorgeous white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish. 
St. Thomas is one of the Caribbean’s most popular islands boasting excellent duty-free shopping bargains and world-famous beaches. The stop includes an optional shore excursion to St. John, a 20-square-mile island paradise whose Trunk Bay Beach consistently ranks among the world’s best.
One of the largest cruise ships at sea, the 101,353-ton Carnival Destiny was the first cruise ship to exceed 100,000 tons and ushered in the era of the mega-liner, introducing a host of new and exciting innovations. The vessel underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2005 that included the addition of a new teen club – part of the line’s popular “Club O2” program – along with a renovated Lido restaurant and children’s pool, redesigned casino, and updated suites. Also featured are 18 lounges and bars, four restaurants, four swimming pools, Carnival’s signature 214-foot-long Twister Waterslide, an on-board duty-free shopping mall, a 15,000-square-foot spa and health club, a “Camp Carnival” children’s program with spacious facilities and fun-filled activities.  A comprehensive golf program offering opportunities to play top Caribbean courses is also available.   
Of its 1,321 staterooms, 60 percent offer either an ocean view or private balcony – perfect for scenic Caribbean cruising. All accommodations feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.
Carnival is currently accepting reservations on the Carnival Destiny’s new five-port, seven-day schedule from San Juan. Prices begin at $479 per person based on double occupancy.   Special discounts for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways are also available.
For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-5782 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com.        

Carnival Cruise Lines Adds 20 New Shore Excursions For 2007 Alaska Season
For its 2007 Alaska cruises – set to kick off in May aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Lines has added 20 new shore excursions – including “zip line” canopy tours, luxury SUV and 4 x 4 excursions, and a train ride on a vintage parlor car – providing guests with even greater opportunities to experience and explore the Last Frontier. With the new excursions, guests sailing on Carnival’s Fun Ship Alaska cruises have 120 different shore excursion options on the line’s seven-day Glacier Route and Glacier Bay voyages operating May – September 2007.
A sampling of shore excursions include:
-- Rain Forest Canopy & Zip Line Adventure (Juneau) – This thrilling eco-adventure begins with a “zip line” canopy tour across suspended “sky-bridges” that link a mile-long network of platforms mounted on Sitka Spruce trees. The treetop vantage points provide participants with a bird’s eye view of a number of landmarks, including Bullion Creek and historic downtown Juneau.  Certain age and weight restrictions apply.
-- Exclusive Touring by Luxury SUV (Ketchikan) -- This customizable excursion includes an expert local guide and use of a luxurious-yet-rugged SUV limousine that visits three distinct attractions, each rich in history and culture: Saxman Village, where participants observe Native American totem carving first-hand; Libby Cannery, an important part of the state’s fishing industry; and charming Creek Street, Ketchikan’s former red light district offering a variety of shops, restaurants and boutiques.
-- 4 x 4 Wilderness Adventure (Sitka) – Following a boat ride across majestic Sitka Sound - home to whales, seals, otters and other marine life - participants board two-person Yamaha Rhino 4x4 off-road vehicles and enjoy an exhilarating ride through Southeast Alaska’s lush temperate rain forest and visit North Beach with its unique black-sand beaches. This excursion operates in the Tongass National Forest under a Special Use Permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service.
-- Alaska Up Close and Personal (Sitka) – Participants have their choice of activities on this fun and educational marine expedition, in which a knowledgeable and experienced captain guides a state-of-the-art 30-foot catamaran while pointing out sea life such as whales, sea lions, and porpoises, as well as volcanic formations, glaciers, and other natural wonders along the way.  Weather permitting, the tour may also include a visit to St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge, breeding grounds for thousands of sea birds such as puffins, auklets and murres. 
-- Bennett Lake, Yukon Wilderness Express Train (Skagway) – On this tour, guests view the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls from the comfort of a vintage parlor car on a scenic railroad built during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. Also included are stops at several historic and quaint towns where participants can relive the Gold Rush days, complete with a traditional “prospector’s meal.” The tour concludes with a ride on the White Pass Train that parallels Lake Bennett and includes magnificent views of Tormented Valley. 
These new tours complement the wide variety of shore excursions available on Carnival Spirit’s Alaska 2007 sailings, ranging from leisurely paced city walks and nature tours to more active pursuits such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, and alpine lake snorkeling.
Carnival Spirit’s 2007 Alaska program consists of 16 seven-day Glacier Route and three seven-day Glacier Bay cruises.  Glacier Route cruises depart May 16 to August 29, either northbound from Vancouver or southbound from Whittier/Anchorage.  Cruises in both directions feature Prince William Sound, College Fjord, Lynn Canal, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and the Inside Passage. 
Three week-long Glacier Bay cruises will operate round-trip from Vancouver May 9, and September 5 and 12 and feature full days cruising Glacier Bay National Park and the Inside Passage, as well as visits to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
For additional information and to purchase Carnival Spirit’s Alaska shore excursions, visit the company’s Web site, carnival.com. Guests are also welcome to stop by the Carnival Spirit’s shore excursion desk once on board to book shore excursions.
Information and reservations on Carnival’s Alaska cruises are available by calling the line’s Alaska Desk at Carnival’s Alaska Desk at 1-800-529-6792 or visiting the line’s travel agent Internet portal, bookccl.com.

 

Celebrity Cruises
                                     
‘Celebrity Quest’ Presents Cruises Through A Europe Less Traveled
Celebrity Quest, the luxurious 710-guest vessel that will join Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Expeditions brand extension later this year, will pair the best of Celebrity with exceptional experiences in European destinations less traveled. “The upscale, smaller nature of Celebrity Quest allows us greater versatility in deployment, so our itineraries feature destinations that are likely to be new discoveries for even the most experienced European travelers,” said Celebrity President Dan Hanrahan. “Our Celebrity Expeditions fleet offers unparalleled service, including butler service and concierge-style amenities in every stateroom; extraordinary dining experiences; and revitalizing spa programs – all within a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere, and paired with truly exotic destinations and unique shore excursions.”
  Celebrity Quest rounds out the Celebrity Expeditions brand extension when she joins sister ship Celebrity Journey, along with the megayacht, Celebrity Xpedition, which sails year-round in the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Celebrity Quest – Exotic Europe Itinerary Highlights
 Celebrity Quest will single handedly introduce 25 new ports in Europe for the Celebrity brand, including a series of exceptional overnight stays, allowing guests a richer, more immersive experience in intriguing destinations.
Celebrity Quest begins Celebrity Expeditions’ inaugural Europe season with a 14-night transatlantic voyage that departs Miami on April 12, 2008, featuring the brand’s first calls on Alicante and Gijon, Spain, and Bonifacio, Corsica.
The ship then presents a 14-night Best of Italy cruise from Rome that holds true to the itinerary’s name, with overnight stays in Sorrento, Venice, and Livorno (Florence/Pisa), and visits to Monopoli, Ravenna and Sardinia, Italy, as well as Split, Croatia, and Taormina, Sicily.
  An early-season, special-interest cruise allows film enthusiasts to pair the pleasure of the silver screen with the sheer beauty of the Mediterranean on Celebrity Quest’s Cannes Film Festival cruise round-trip from Civitavecchia (Rome) on May 10, including three consecutive nights in Cannes when the city hosts what is widely considered the world’s most prestigious film festival.
At the height of her European season, Celebrity Quest’s unparalleled 14-night Mediterranean sailings round-trip from Rome from May through September feature overnight stays in both Livorno and Barcelona, Spain; and visits to Sorrento, Portofino and Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; Malta; Tunisia; Monte Carlo, Marseilles (Provence) and Sete, France.
Celebrity Quest will offer guests several special sailings in Europe. The ship sails through the mysterious Black Sea on a 14-night cruise from Rome to Athens on July 5 and August 2, with overnight stays in both Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul, Turkey, and including visits to the fascinating coastal communities of Sinop, Turkey; Yalta, Sevastopol, and Odessa, Ukraine; and Varna, Bulgaria.
Ancient empires await those who select Celebrity Quest’s 14-night itineraries of the same name in June, October or November, with visits to five locations in Turkey, including an overnight stay in Istanbul; the captivating Greek islands of Chios and Santorini; Limassol, Cyprus; Alexandria, Egypt, and Sorrento, Italy.
Additionally, three 14-night sailings departing Athens on June 21, July 19 and August 16 feature a series of overnight stays in Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey, Sorrento, and Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy, and several visits to Greece’s lesser-known island gems.
Guests sailing on Celebrity Quest will enjoy a more exclusive guest experience. Celebrity Quest and her sister ship, Celebrity Journey, offer 15 classes of accommodations, all featuring butler service as well as concierge-style amenities, including fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit, Elemis toiletries, complimentary use of Frette cotton robes, two complimentary pairs of plush slippers, plasma TVs and European bedding.
 Despite the ships’ smaller size, Celebrity is offering two specialty restaurants onboard – a first for the brand. Guests staying in suites will receive one night of complimentary dining in one of the two specialty restaurants. The ships, which will not require formal attire for dining, also feature open seating in the main dining room.
The two ships are the first in Celebrity’s fleet to feature a wine bar, which will offer wine and champagne tastings, seminars, and mini-pairings of food and wine, in addition to its standard menu of fine wines by the glass or bottle.
Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Quest will offer an enhanced emphasis on spa and relaxation. The ships’ AquaSpa facilities will offer spa treatments not available on any other ships in Celebrity’s fleet. Guests in suites will be able to enjoy certain spa services in the privacy of their room. The ships will also offer an outdoor spa relaxation lounge and an aesthetics suite offering Celebrity’s popular Acupuncture at Sea, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion.
The two ships will each feature an onboard xcursion expert, who will not only help guests select shore excursions based on their personal interests, but also serve as a destination guide, offering information about the culture and history of each port of call.
Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Quest this year, Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, and Celebrity Eclipse in 2010. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

Celebrity Cruises To Bring “Four Stars” Back To Europe
Even before its 2007 season in Europe begins, Celebrity Cruises has announced plans to return to the region in 2008 with four ships consistently rated among the world’s best.        
 Bookings opened today for Celebrity’s 2008 European season on Celebrity Century, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Galaxy, and Celebrity Summit.
Celebrity’s European Itinerary Highlights 2008
-- Celebrity Century on April 28, 2008, will depart Miami, Florida, on a 14-night transatlantic voyage to Amsterdam, where the ship will present round-trip, 12-night Scotland and Ireland sailings, a series of 12-night Scandinavia and Russia cruises, an Arctic Circle and North Cape voyage, and a 10-night Ireland and Norwegian Fjords cruise, before repositioning to Barcelona to cap the season with a series of Western Mediterranean and Morocco sailings. Celebrity Century departs Barcelona December 1 on a 14-night transatlantic voyage to Miami, where the ship will resume round-trip Caribbean sailings.
-- Celebrity Constellation crosses the Atlantic on April 11, 2008, departing Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on a 13-night voyage to Harwich, England, a new port of embarkation for Celebrity. There, Celebrity Constellation will present a round-trip, nine-night Scotland and Ireland cruise before launching a series of 14-night, round-trip Scandinavia and Russia cruises. Celebrity Constellation’s 2008 season in Europe concludes with a transatlantic voyage departing Barcelona September 8, featuring visits to Morocco, Spain, Portugal, the Azores and Newfoundland, and concluding in Cape Liberty, New Jersey, where the ship resumes Canada and New England sailings.
-- Celebrity Galaxy presents a series of ten- and 11-night sailings from May to December, round-trip from Rome, each featuring an overnight stay in Istanbul, Turkey. Celebrity Galaxy concludes its European season in 2008 with a 14-night transatlantic voyage from Barcelona, highlighted by visits to the exotic Moroccan ports of Casablanca, Tangier and Agadir, along with Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Santa Cruz, Canary Islands, ending in Miami, Fla.
-- Celebrity Summit opens the European season on April 29, 2008, with a 12-night Best of Europe cruise from Southampton, England, to Barcelona, Spain, highlighted by Celebrity’s first calls on Gijon, Spain, a coastal community rich with culture and located between two beaches. Celebrity Summit then presents a series of 12-night Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Venice, featuring overnight stays in Venice. The ship’s 2008 Mediterranean season concludes with a series of 14-night voyages featuring overnight stays in three stunning locations: Venice; Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul, Turkey; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Celebrity Summit sets sail on a 14-night transatlantic crossing departing Barcelona on November 29.
For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.
               
Celebrity Cruises’ Naturalists Enhance Alaska Itineraries
Celebrity Cruises has found a way to make its unforgettable Alaska cruises even more memorable: The top- rated line's onboard enrichment program features the expertise of knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalists who offer free, ongoing educational presentations about the region's flora, fauna and natural history.
Marine researcher Brent Nixon is scheduled to offer onboard enrichment programs in Alaska on Celebrity Mercury and Celebrity Infinity this year. Nixon has been exploring Alaska for over 25 years. His comprehensive array of onboard presentations includes an overview of Alaska's land and people and glimpses into the lives of humpback whales, dolphins, killer whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins; brown and black bears, and bald eagles of the Pacific Northwest.
Nixon is known for dazzling guests with personal accounts of tangling with bears, swimming with orcas, and sitting in eagles' nests. A former U.S. Army cold-weather survival and climbing instructor who also has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service, Nixon was instrumental in establishing and managing the nation's first non-captive whale-watching park. He also has contributed extensively to the creation of the Marine Mammal Sanctuary in the Hawaiian Islands.
This year, Nixon is also scheduled to sail on Celebrity Century in Europe, offering discussions on topics including humpback whales of the North Atlantic; Atlantic puffins, bottlenose dolphins and killer whales; the difference between seals and sea lions; and glacial geography.
Naturalist and Santa Cruz, California public radio personality Milos Radakovich will LEAD onboard enrichment programs on Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Summit in 2007.
Radakovich has been producing a series of science-oriented radio spots titled "Life on the Planet" for National Public Radio (NPR) station KUSP-FM 88.9 in Santa Cruz. He has led walking, cycling and kayaking tours along the West Coast for 25 years, has been widely recognized for his work in education and conservation. Radakovich, who has been the recipient of numerous awards for his work in education and conservation, will offer Celebrity guests the chance to learn about wildlife of the open ocean; volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis; marine mammals; and global climate.
Naturalist Leneh Wingard is scheduled to share her passion for the Alaskan wilderness with guests sailing on Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Mercury this year. Wingard, who holds a Master of Science degree in environmental education from the Audubon Expedition Institute, once spent several months living in a tent in the Alaskan wilderness while studying its geology, botany and wildlife, and trekking more than 70 miles over some of the state's most prominent glaciers. A past lecturer for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pacific Whale Foundation, Wingard has worked to find new species of deep sea animals in the Monterey Canyon and has spent hundreds of hours watching whales in the waters around Maui. Wingard will discuss the formation of glaciers; the life cycle and cultural significance of salmon in Alaska; and the wildlife of Alaska and the North Pacific Ocean, including humpback whales, eagles, elk, bears and killer whales.
In addition to Alaska, Celebrity also offers naturalist-led enrichment programs during certain cruises in the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, Europe and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also will offer naturalist enrichment programs when Celebrity Mercury begins sailing in Australia and New Zealand in November.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, authentic five-star dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Antarctica, Bermuda, California, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and South America, and will begin sailing in Australia and New Zealand this year. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour division. Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Quest this year, Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, and Celebrity Eclipse in 2010. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit http://www.celebritycruises.com .

Celebrity Cruises Charts Course In Wine Country
Celebrity Cruises is raising a glass to the rolling hills of coastal Pacific wine country by offering two wine cruises in the region in the spring and fall of this year.
Celebrity Mercury will precede its 2007 Alaska season when the ship sets sail from San Francisco on April 27 for a seven-night wine cruise to Vancouver. Ports of call will include Monterey, Calif.; Astoria, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Victoria, British Columbia. On November 2, Celebrity Mercury will depart Vancouver for a 10-night wine cruise to San Diego, with ports of call in Victoria, Seattle, Astoria, and Catalina Island, in addition to an overnight stay in San Francisco.
The cruises will be enhanced by onboard food- and wine-themed activities, including wine talks by a California winemaker or wine expert, wine appreciation seminars, wine and cheese tastings, blending courses and culinary demonstrations. Guests can also enjoy wine-and-food-themed shore and land excursions, including:
Monterey, California
·        Monterey Wines and Tastings*
·        Monterey Winery and Carmel Mission*
Astoria, Oregon
·        Seafood Cooking School and Wine Tasting
·        Willamette Valley Wine Excursion*
·        Astoria Underground: Premier Northwest Wines*
·        Ultimate Oregon Coast Adventure
Seattle, Washington
·        Yakima Valley Wine Growing Region*
·        Woodinville Wine Country*
·        Woodinville Wine Cellar Sampler*
Victoria, British Columbia
·        Butchart Gardens, Wine and Chocolate
·        Gardens, Wine and Poetry on Canvas*
·        Winemakers Luncheon*
·        Sniff, Sip and Dip*
Vancouver, British Columbia
·        City Sights and Wine with Airport Drop-off*
·        Chef & Chauffeur with airport drop-off
San Francisco, California
·        Napa Valley Wine Enthusiast*
·        Taste of Napa Valley Wine Country*
·        Taste of Sonoma*
·        City Lights with Dinner and Wine Pairings*
·        Napa Valley Overnight Extravaganza*
*Celebrity offers these excursions exclusively during its wine cruise itineraries.
Highlights include an overnight stay in Napa Valley, with visits to Sterling Vineyards, The Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, Opus One Winery, Jarvis Winery, Rubicon Estate Winery, Robert Mondavi Winery and Domaine Chandon; a post-cruise, chauffeured culinary adventure through British Columbia’s Fraser Valley; and a tour of Oregon's most prominent Willamette Valley Wineries, Willakenzie Estate and Ken Wright Cellars.
For more details on the full range of shore excursions available during Celebrity’s wine cruises and throughout the year, visit www.celebritycruises.com .

 

Costa Cruises

Experience The Best Mediterranean Itineraries With Costa,
From the sun-soaked beaches of Mykonos to the Mauresque medinas of Morocco—Costa offers the best of the Mediterranean in year-round cruises spanning from seven to twelve nights. In 2007, the Italian cruise line will offer guests over 350 itineraries in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean aboard its fleet, including the new Costa Serena and Costa Concordia.
This summer, the new flagship Costa Serena will set sail on seven-night cruises departing from one of Italy’s most beloved ports, Venice, where palazzo-lined canals bring to mind the romance and beauty for which Italy is known. From there, guests will visit the historic port city of Bari, Italy, home to some of Italy’s best nightlife, before continuing on to Katakolon, Greece, historic site of the first Olympic games. The itinerary then continues on to Turkey, where guests will experience two stops in the country—the first in the 5,000 year-old city of Izmir, also known as the Pearl of the Aegean Sea and then on to Istanbul, the only city to span two continents. Travelers have long enjoyed the centuries-old port city for its many treasures, including the incredible Tokapi Palace and Blue Mosque, as well as its famous Grand Bazaar. With a day to relax at sea, guests will then venture to Dubrovnik, Croatia, one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers in the region, filled with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Riviera and arguably one of the most picturesque spots in the world. Select fall sailings feature special fares beginning at $799 per night, based on double occupancy.
Autumn and winter months are some of the best times to take advantage of Costa’s Mediterranean itineraries with the Italian cruise line’s Mediterranean Value Voyage Collection. Many travelers have long known the benefits of cruising the region during these seasons—lower priced airfare offers more affordable travel, while fewer crowds at ports of call make for easy exploration at the numerous historical sites. In addition, temperatures in the region are relatively mild, providing a comfortable vacation experience onboard and ashore.
The Western Mediterranean’s ports of call provide a sunny, enjoyable cruising experience in the autumn months. Beginning in October 2007, the Costa Magica will sail select dates on an 8-night itinerary through Spain and Portugal, offering a glimpse into the most beautiful coastal cities of the two countries. Departing from Savona, Italy, guests will enjoy stops in Málága, Spain, the premier city of the Costa del Sol; from there, they will continue on to Cádiz, where excursions include visits to Seville and the orange-scented groves of Andalusia. The itinerary then continues on to Lisbon, Portugal, the famous baroque capital city, and on to Gibraltar, “the rock” that guards the entrance to the Mediterranean. Afterwards, a stop in Alicante, Spain, the resort city with incredible beaches enjoyed year-round and a visit to the exciting, sophisticated city of Barcelona complete the trip before returning to Savona. Thiseight-night itinerary begins at $899 per person, based on double occupancy.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

 

Crystal Cruises

New Savings On Select Summer Crystal Cruises
Luxury travel enthusiasts who have not yet booked their summer getaway can save 10 percent on select summer voyages aboard Crystal Cruises’ award-winning Crystal Serenity. Two August Mediterranean departures feature overnight calls in Monte Carlo and Venice, visits to Italy’s most beloved cities, and for guests booking their travel by April 30, 2007, the chance to save 10 percent per person for savings of $1,036 to $1,590 per couple, depending on stateroom and itinerary selected.
This special 10 percent savings applies to new reservations only for all Deluxe Staterooms with private teak verandahs or with large picture windows (categories C-AA) aboard the 12-day August 19 and August 31 cruises. 
-- The 12-day Canals to Casinos voyage embarks August 19 with an overnight aboard ship in Venice, Italy, and features calls in Dubrovnik, Croatia; Taormina (Sicily), Sorrento, Rome/Civitavecchia, and Florence/Livorno, Italy; concluding with an overnight call in Monte Carlo, Monaco.  The voyage also features an overnight in Sorrento, offering guests two full days to explore nearby Capri, Naples, Pompeii, and the charming towns and stunning views of the Amalfi Coast.  With the new savings, fares start at $4,945 per person, double occupancy.
-- The 12-day Classic Mediterranean Odyssey begins on August 31 with an overnight aboard ship in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and features calls in Rome/Civitavecchia and Sorrento, Italy; sun-splashed Santorini/Thira, Návplion, and Corfu, Greece; the jewel of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik, Croatia; concluding with an overnight call in Venice, Italy.  With the new savings, fares start at $4,662 per person, double occupancy.
In addition to this new offer, Crystal Cruises is offering special savings fares on cruises throughout the Mediterranean from April through November. The weak U.S. dollar against the Euro and the resulting high rates of Europe’s top luxury hotels make luxury cruise travel an exceptional value.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625 or visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

New Active Adventures During Crystal's Summer Northern European Season
Ice climbing on a prehistoric glacier in Norway.  Pushing the envelope on a MiG jet flight over Moscow.  Golfing at four championship courses in the British Isles.  This summer, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is debuting 63 new Crystal Adventures showcasing Northern Europe with a continued focus on active experiences.  And in St. Petersburg, an expanded collection of culturally enriching shore tours provide exclusive access to legendary palaces.  The new tours are among the more than 300 shore excursions now available for online review and booking at http://www.crystalcruises.com.
From June through August, the Crystal Symphony explores the majesty of the Baltic, British Isles and Northern Europe on eight destination-rich itineraries - offering up to 50+ shore tour options during a single voyage. Most itineraries feature three full days in St. Petersburg, a port of call that spotlights five new Crystal Adventures (over 30 in all) including an exclusive masquerade ball at Yusupov Palace, a visit to the presidential palace of Vladimir Putin, a master class at the Imperial Porcelain Factory, and a two-day overland adventure to Moscow.
From truly active adventure to more leisure pursuits celebrating art, culture and cuisine, the 2007 Northern European collection of Crystal Adventures offers guests tremendous choice:
-- Flight in a MiG jet fighter over Moscow (two nights from St. Petersburg);
-- Biking tours spotlight Amsterdam's art, Bordeaux's finest vineyards and Hamburg's Alster Lake;
-- Golfing at St. Andrews (from Edinburgh), The K Club (from Dublin), the Royal Belfast Golf Club (from Belfast), and the Harbour Point Golf Club (from Cork) - all on a single cruise;
-- Hiking the woodlands near Loch Garve (from Invergordon), the prehistoric Larsbreen Glacier (from Spitsbergen) or the four-billion-year-old granite rock face of Mt. Little Malene (from Nuuk, Greenland); and
-- Sailing a "jolly boat" along the Alter Strom into the open Baltic Sea and alongside Crystal Symphony (from Warnemünde, Berlin).
-- Flying in a historical bi-plane and exploring a former Russian spy submarine (from Warnemünde, Germany); and,
-- Discovering Viking lore at the Fyrkat Viking Fortress (circa 980 AD) and sampling real Viking food (from Aarhus, Denmark);
-- Exploring Blue Lagoon, famous for its mineral-rich waters and home to Islendinguer, a seaworthy replica of a Viking vessel (from Reykjavik); and,
-- Visiting The Raffles Vier Jahreszeiten Hotel spa on the banks of Alster Lake (from Hamburg).
-- A chartered plane to Dresden, the "Florence of the Elbe," to Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera house (from Warnemünde, Berlin);
-- Exploring Amsterdam's famed Rijksmuseum during a private evening tour; and,
-- Cruising the Seine River to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and more (from Honfleur, France).
-- Sampling the world-famous beverages at the Heineken Brewery (from Amsterdam) and the Carlsberg Brewery (from Copenhagen), as well as the renowned coffees at Kaffeeröstereie Burg (from Hamburg); and,
-- Enjoying an exclusive evening at the Château Kirwan, an 18th century estate for wine tasting and dinner (from Bordeaux).
Crystal Symphony's 2007 Northern Europe collection features cruises of seven to 14 days departing from London, England; Stockholm, Sweden; and, Copenhagen, Denmark. Pre- and/pr post-cruise hotel stays are available in each city. Depending on itinerary selected, per person, double occupancy fares begin at $3,145.

New Crystal Cruises' Portfolio Of European Pre- And Post-Cruise Hotel Options
Venice's venerable Hotel Cipriani and Hotel Danieli, Istanbul's Ritz-Carlton and Athens' Hotel Grande Bretagne are the grand new additions to Crystal Cruises' 2007 European Crystal Adventures Hotel Program. The four new hotels join an expanded collection of Europe's most prestigious properties—15 in all—offering savvy travelers luxurious options to extend their Crystal vacations with a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay.
Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity offer 29 European itineraries from April through November.  In several of the cruise departure and arrival cities, guests may choose from more than one hotel including:
--     Venice, Italy: Hotel Cipriani (new) Hotel Danieli (new); Hotel Bauer; Il Palazzo at the Hotel Bauer
--     Monte Carlo, Monaco: Hotel Hermitage
--     Rome, Italy: Grand Hotel Parco Dei Principi; St. Regis Grand
--     Lisbon, Portugal: Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
--     Istanbul, Turkey: The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul (new)
--     Stockholm, Sweden: The Grand Hotel
--     London, England: Renaissance Chancery Court London; The Berkeley Hotel
--     Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen Marriott
--     Athens, Greece: Hotel Grande Bretagne (new); Athenaeum InterContinental Hotel
The Crystal Adventures Hotel Program is offered on each cruise in all nine departure and arrival cities, which include Athens, Copenhagen, Istanbul, Lisbon, London, Monte Carlo, Rome, Stockholm and Venice.  For the two Crystal Serenity cruises that end or begin in Toulon, France, guests may extend their travels to Monte Carlo or Venice.
The Crystal "Classic" program includes luxurious hotel accommodations, meet and assist arrangements, transfers between airport and hotel, direct transfer from hotel to ship, priority embarkation for pre-cruise guests, hotel tax and porterage, and a Hospitality Desk staffed by a Crystal representative providing valuable insights into each city's main attractions.  In most locations, a Crystal "Classic-Plus" upgrade option is available offering additional services and amenities.
Depending on the hotel selected, per person, double occupancy rates begin at $225 for the first night, with a reduced rate available for second and third nights.
With their cruise, guests can also customize their European shoreside experience with individualized Crystal Private Adventures and choice of more than 600 boutique tours.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625 or click. http://www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal Adventures Can Now Be Booked Online At www.CrystalCruises.com
From biking in Funchal to an exclusive dinner at a private Venetian palace, the details of more than 350 Crystal Adventures are now available for online viewing and booking at www.crystalcruises.com. Guests traveling aboard any one of Crystal Cruises' 22 Mediterranean cruises from April through November will discover a rich collection of shore excursions that will bring them closer to the active, cultural and culinary opportunities for which the region is famous.
Regarded for its intriguing shoreside experiences, Crystal is debuting 41 new Mediterranean adventures designed to showcase each destination with intimate authenticity such as scaling the wall of Dubrovnik, an evening of ballet at the Odessa Ukrainian Drama Theatre, or a dinner and wine tasting at a Tuscan wine cellar.  And with the line's signature focus on choice, guests may choose from as many as 70 different Crystal Adventures on a single voyage.
Hosted in smaller groups, all 357 Crystal Adventures emphasize experiences that are unique, exclusive and personally enriching.  Among the new tours:
--  Exploring Rome and Barcelona by helicopter;
--  Biking around Funchal; and,
--  Diving Gibraltar's unique underwater world.
--  Navigating the channels of the Danube Delta (from Constanta, Romania), transiting the Corinth Canal aboard a "caique" (from Athens), or relishing a private gondola ride in Venice; and,
--  Discovering the tapas bars, flamenco clubs and Picasso Museum in Barcelona.
--  Visiting Venice's famed La Fenice Opera House;
--  Touring Rome's exclusive Palazzo Colonna and its exceptional art collection; and,
--  Journeying to historic Aphrodisias (from Kusadasi).
--  Attending an exclusive dinner at Ca' Vendramin Calergi palace (from Venice);
--  Learning to prepare gnocchi 'a mano" in the kitchen of a private Tuscan home (from Sorrento)
-- Tasting famed vintages at San Michelle vineyard (from Taormina).
From April through November, the ultra-luxurious Crystal Serenity explores the romance and history of the Mediterranean on voyages from seven to 12 days.  Cruises depart from Athens, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey; London, England; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Rome, Italy; Toulon, France; and Venice, Italy, with pre- and/pr post-cruise hotel stays available in all cities except Toulon.  Depending on itinerary selected, per person, double occupancy fares begin at $2,780.

 

 

Cunard Line

Queen Victoria Sets Sail on Distinctive European Voyages in 2008
2008 will mark an exciting year on the Cunard calendar.  For the first time in history, three Cunard Queens will be in service simultaneously and the newest, Queen Victoria, will embark on 21 captivating voyages that will include dozens of celebratory maiden calls around the world.  Queen Victoria's 2008 program is highlighted by Cunard's exciting return to Scandinavia and Russia, as well as eight different Mediterranean itineraries affording guests' an in-depth exploration into the renowned cities and ports of the region. The schedule also features visits to Norway, the Canary Islands and the Caribbean on itineraries of four to 22 days.
Among the highlights are three 14-day Russian Rendezvous itineraries circling the Baltic Sea and featuring two full days in St. Petersburg, Russia; a full range of Mediterranean ports featuring Egypt and the Greek Isles, and the best ports of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean including Monte Carlo, Florence and Instanbul; and a 22-day Caribbean Holiday voyage.  These voyages follow Queen Victoria's 106-night Maiden World Cruise and will be detailed in Cunard's 2008 Voyages brochure to be published in mid-April.
An extraordinary shipboard experience awaits Queen Victoria's first passengers.  Long regarded as the trend-setter in glamorous ocean travel, Cunard voyages offer the epitome of luxury and refinement and Queen Victoria is no exception.  The ship's sumptuous surroundings, fine dining and renowned White Star ServiceSM, together with sharply focused itineraries and myriad entertainment and enrichment programs, are sure to captivate passengers and confirm Cunard's place as purveyor of the world's most extraordinary ocean voyages.
In her first full year at sea, Queen Victoria's itinerary features a collection of engaging Mediterranean voyages, including:
-- Mediterranean Delights - A 14-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on May 6 with stops in Seville, Corsica, Rome, Naples/Capri, Valletta, La Goulette and Gibraltar.  Voyage fares start from $2,975.
-- Legends of the Mediterranean - Two 12-day voyages departing Barcelona on August 25 and October 24, with stops in Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Naples/Capri, Valletta, Crete, Izmir, Athens, Sicily and Rome.  Voyage fares start from $2,395.
-- Classical Mediterranean - Two 12-day voyages departing Venice on August 13 and October 12, with stops in Dubrovnik, Katakolon, Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Sicily, Rome, Florance/Pisa, Marseille and Barcelona.  Both departures feature an overnight stay in Venice.  Voyage fares start from $2,445.
-- Jewels of the Mediterranean - A 12-day voyage, departing Southampton on August 1 and ending with an overnight stay in Venice, with stops in Gibraltar, Cannes, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Sicily, Corfu and Dubrovnik.  Voyage fares start from $2,995.
-- Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean - Two 12-day voyages, departing on November 5 and November 17 from Rome and Athens, respectively, with stops in Naples/Capri, Sicily, Valletta, Alexandria (for Cairo/Giza), Port Said, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Kepez, Volos and Athens.  Voyage fares start from $2,295.
-- Connoisseur's Mediterranean - A 12-day voyage, departing Rome on November 29 and ending in Southampton, with stops in Naples/Capri, Sicily, Katakolon, Dubrovnik, Valletta, La Goulette and Malaga.  Voyage fares start from $2,295.
-- Greek Isles and Aegean Shores - Two 12-day voyages, departing Rome on September 6 and September 30, with stops in Naples/Capri, Santorini, Izmir, Istanbul (overnight), Samos, Athens, Zakinthos, Dubrovnik and Venice.  Voyage fares start from $2,695.
Crimean Coasts - A 12-day voyage, departing from Venice on September 18 and ending in Rome, with stops in Kusadasi, Istanbul (overnight), Odessa, Yalta, Athens, Sicily and Rome.  Voyage fares start from $2,795.
Cunard returns to the Baltic with Queen Victoria's voyages to Scandinavia and Russia during the summer months.  The voyages, which circle the Black Sea, include:
-- Russian Rendezvous - Three 14-day voyages, departing roundtrip from Southampton on May 27, June 22 and July 18, with stops in Zeebrugge, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg (overnight), Tallinn and Gdansk.  Voyage fares start from $3,375.
Norway also figures prominently on Queen Victoria's calendar, with captivating voyages including:
-- Norwegian Fjords - A seven-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on May 20, with stops in Bergen, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Aalesund and Stavanger.  Voyage fares start from $1,675.
-- Voyage of the Vikings - Two 12-day voyages, departing roundtrip from Southampton on June 10 and July 6, with stops in Bergen, Tromso, Honningsvag (for the North Cape), Trondheim, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Olden and Stavanger.  Voyage fares start from $2,895.
Other alluring Queen Victoria voyages in 2008 include:
-- Canary Islands Splendour - A ten-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on April 22, with stops in Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lisbon and Vigo.  Voyage fares start from $1,775.
-- Spring Getaway - A four-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on May 2, with stops in Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.  Voyage fares start from $995.
-- Caribbean Holiday - A 22-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on December 11 with stops in Ponta Delgada, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Madeira and Vigo.  Voyage fares start from $5,695. 
All pricing is based on Early Booking Fares, per person, double occupancy and reflect 35 percent off Brochure Fares for Transatlantic and up to 30 percent off Brochure Fares on other voyages.
The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will not only be a classic ocean liner, offering the very best of Cunard’s heritage and traditions, along with all modern day luxuries, but will also feature many exciting innovations.  These will include the first traditional West End-style private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre; the first floating Cunardia museum display, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia and the first two-story, 'spiral staircased' library at sea.  The ship will also feature the line's celebrated luxury Grills accommodation and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with exclusive deck terraces and an al fresco dining option.
From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at what differentiates a Cunard liner from a standard cruise ship.  This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant double- and triple-height public rooms featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers.  There will also be a grand, colonial-style Winter Garden complete with a retractable glass roof.
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 168-year history.  She joins the world's grandest ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous ship, Queen Elizabeth 2.
For more information about Queen Victoria's 2008 itineraries, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

Queen Mary 2 Expands Transatlantic Season With New Calls To And From France
In 2008, the iconic ocean liners Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 continue to uphold the grand traditions that define Cunard Line. The ships' spellbinding 2008 itineraries, calling on some of the world's most exciting cities and picturesque ports, underscore Cunard's premier place as the world's leader of luxury ocean travel.  Overall the Cunard fleet will offer more than 40 itineraries and over 95 ports of call in 2008.
The year will start in celebration with the spectacular January 13 meeting of all three Cunard Queens (Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria) in New York Harbor for a Royal RendezvousTM - marking the first time in the company's 168-year history that three Cunard Queens have been in service simultaneously.
In addition to its signature Transatlantic voyages, Queen Mary 2 offers five ten-day Southern Caribbean Calypso voyages operating roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, explores the Mediterranean on two captivating voyages, offers three holiday Getaway sailings from New York and travels up the Eastern Seaboard to Canada and New England.  The 2008 program culminates with a 14-day Caribbean Celebration voyage coinciding with the Christmas holidays and New Year's.
Queen Mary 2 - A Most Civilized Way to Cross
In 2008, Queen Mary 2 increases the number of Transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York to 24 and builds on the success of its 2006 transatlantic voyages to/from Hamburg, Germany, with the continuation of four such voyages in 2008.
New for 2008, she'll make two transatlantic voyages to/from Cherbourg, France, one of which departs July 15, the day after Bastille Day. "Transatlantic crossings continue to distinguish Cunard Line," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.  "We've added even more voyages this year and their timeless elegance resonates with an audience seeking our singular combination of history, elegance and glamour. The demand for Transatlantics continues unabated."
-- Six-day eastbound Transatlantics, from New York to Southampton, are scheduled April 16, 28; May 10, 27; June 8; July 8, 22; Aug. 7,19; September 4; October 4 and 16. 
-- Westbound Transatlantics, from Southampton to New York, are scheduled April 22; May 4, 16; June 2, 26; July 16; Aug. 1, 13, 29; September 21; October 10 and 22.  Of these, six sail to/from Hamburg and Cherbourg with stops each way in Southampton.
-- Seven-day Transatlantic Crossings to/from Cherbourg sail on July 8 (eastbound) and July 15 (westbound).  Eight-day eastbound Transatlantic Crossings to/from Hamburg, Germany sail on July 22 and August 19 and westbound sailings sail on July 30 and August 27.
Transatlantic Voyage fares start from $1,195.
In addition to her six Caribbean sailings in early 2008, Queen Mary 2 will offer seven Caribbean voyages in the second half of the year.  These are:
-- Southern Caribbean Calypso - Five 10-day voyages, departing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on November 9, 19, 29 and December 9 and January 2 with stops in Willemsted, Curacao; St. George's, Grenada; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and St. Thomas.  Fares start from $1,645.
-- Caribbean Adventure - An eight-day voyage, departing from New York to Ft. Lauderdale on November 1, with stops in Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. George's, Grenada; and Kralendijk, Bonaire. Fares start from $1,295.
-- Caribbean Celebration - A 14-day voyage over the holidays, departing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on December 19, with stops in Cristobal, Panama; Kralendijk, Bonaire;  St. George's, Grenada; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Road Town, Tortola. Fares start from $3,295.
The Mediterranean is also on the ship's itinerary, with two voyages in June and September:
-- Mediterranean Explorer - A 12-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on June 14 with stops in Vigo, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Naples/Capri, Gibraltar and Lisbon. Fares start from $2,695.
-- Riviera Rendezvous - An 11-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on September 10 with stops in Vigo, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Gibraltar and Lisbon. Fares start from $2,395.
Once again, the ship will offer its popular seven-day Splendours of Autumn voyage, departing roundtrip from New York on September. 27, with calls in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Portland, Maine; Boston, Mass. and Newport, R.I. Fares start from $1,795.
Queen Mary 2's popular Getaway sailings, ranging from four to six days, include:
-- Memorial Day Getaway - A five-day voyage, departing roundtrip from New York on May 22, with stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Boston, Mass. Fares start from $1,195.
-- Independence Day Getaway - A six-day voyage, departing roundtrip from New York on July 2, with stops in Boston, Mass.; Bar Harbor, Maine and Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The ship will be in historic Boston on July 4th and will depart at 10:00pm allowing guests to enjoy the local festivities and celebrations.  Fares start from $1,495.
-- Halloween Getaway - A four-day voyage, departing roundtrip from New York on October 28, with a stop in Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. Fares start from $795.
--Despite being the most traveled ship of all time (having sailed almost 5.5 million nautical miles), Cunard has scheduled some new ports for the legendary liner to visit in 2008:  Cephalonia in Greece (May 11), Split in Croatia (May 14), Propriano in Corsica (July 24) and Grandafjordur in Iceland (August 4).  A special welcome is expected during each of these maiden calls.
Queen Elizabeth 2's 17-voyage program includes a half-dozen diverse Mediterranean sailings, as well as voyages to the Canary Islands, Norway, Iceland and North America.  All voyages sail roundtrip from Southampton.
Travelers seeking to explore the Mediterranean can choose between seven itineraries, varying in length from 10- to 16-days.  They are:
-- Mediterranean Adventure - A 16-day voyage, departing on May 5 with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Valletta, Cephalonia, Dubrovnik, Trieste, Split, Corfu and Cadiz.  Fares start from $2,695.
-- Mediterranean Treasures - A 12-day voyage, departing on May 21 with stops in Naples/Capri, Rome, Florence/Pisa, Cannes, Barcelona and Gibraltar.  Fares start from $1,995.
-- Mediterranean Splendour - A 15-day voyage, departing on July 2 with stops in Lisbon, Sardinia, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Trieste, Valletta and Gibraltar.  Fares start from $2,795.
Mediterranean Mosaic - An 11-day voyage, departing on July 20 with stops in Lisbon, Corsica, Rome, Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Gibraltar.  Fares start from $2,095.
Mediterranean Odyssey - A 15-day voyage, departing on October 27 with stops in Lisbon, Sardinia,
-- Naples/Capri, Messina, Dubrovnik, Zakinthos, Athens, Gibraltar and Vigo.  Fares start from $2,495.
-- Taste of the Mediterranean - Two 10-day voyages, departing on Aug. 12 and October 12 with stops in Lisbon, Sardinia, Cannes, Barcelona and Gibraltar.  Fares start from $1,695.
Mediterranean Sojourn - A 14-day voyage, departing on August 27 with stops in Lisbon, Sardinia, Athens, Zakinthos, Palermo, Naples/Capri and Valencia.  Fares start from $2,495.
In summer, Queen Elizabeth 2 will visit Iceland and Norway on three voyages:
-- Land of the Midnight Sun - A 13-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on June 2 with stops in the Norwegian ports of Bergen, Trondheim, Gravdal (Lofoten Islands), Longyearbyen, Tromso, Hellestylt, Geiranger and Stavanger.  Fares start from $2,295.
-- Norwegian Wonders - A seven-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on June 25 with stops in Bergen, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Flaam, and Stavanger, Norway.  Fares start from $1,495.
-- Lands of Fire and Ice - A 12-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on July 31 with stops in Reykjavik, Grundarfjordur, Akureyri in Iceland and Hellesylt, Geiranger, Flaam, Stavanger and Oslo in Norway.  Fares start from $2,395.
Other voyages operating roundtrip from Southampton are:
-- Atlantic Isles Idyll - A 10-day voyage, departing on June 15 with stops in Bilbao, Funchal, Santa Cruz Tenerife, Las Palmas and Lisbon.  Fares start from $1,695.
-- Summer and Fall Getaways - Three- or five-day voyages depart on July 17 (3 days), August 22 and October 22 (five days) with stops in Rotterdam and Zeebrugge, or Bilbao, La Rochelle and St. Peter Port.  Fares start from $695.
-- Autumn Colors - A 20-day sailing departing on September 10 and includes an overnight in Quebec City, Quebec, as well as stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Mass.; Newport, R.I.; New York, NY and St. Johns, Newfoundland. Fares start from $4,195.
-- Canary Islands Splendour - A 12-day voyage, departing on September 30 with stops in Madeira, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Malaga, Gibraltar and Lisbon. Fares start from $2,095.
All pricing is based on Early Booking Fares, per person, double occupancy and reflect 35 percent off Brochure Fares for Transatlantics and up to 30 percent off Brochure Fares on other voyages. For more information about the 2008 itineraries for Queen Mary 2 and QE2, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

In October, A Most Civilized Literary Adventure On QM2
Like Cunard Line's unique place in the history of ocean travel, The New Yorker has occupied a distinguished place in magazine publishing since its first issue in 1925.  On October 7, 2007, these two iconic names come together in A Most Civilized Literary Adventure Transatlantic crossing aboard Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2.  A trio of award-winning New Yorker authors, whose work runs the gamut from thought-provoking essays to side-splitting humor, will be introduced aboard the ship's New York-to-Southampton crossing. The authors are:
-- Adam Gopnik - On The New Yorker staff since 1986, Gopnik writes New York Journal.  He has also served as the magazine's art critic and has written fiction and humor pieces, book reviews, profiles, reporting pieces and dozens of stories for The Talk of the Town.  Onboard, he will tackle contemporary culture in a dynamic multi-media presentation.
-- Anthony Lane - A New Yorker film critic since 1993, Lane is the author of "Nobody's Perfect," a book of his New Yorker pieces.  Onboard, Lane will screen a film and lead an in-depth film discussion.
-- Andy Borowitz - Humorist, author, Hollywood producer and personality, Borowitz is considered one of America's leading comic voices.  He appears on CNN's American Morning and National Public Radio's Weekend Edition Sunday and he writes a popular Internet column.  Onboard, he will do stand-up comedy.
Each author will participate in one group conversation and give two presentations exclusively created and centered on his primary focus. In addition, each will give one reading and host a book signing.  The sailing will afford guests multiple opportunities to interact with the authors, learn about the creative process and who and what inspires them. “A Most Civilized Literary Adventure continues Cunard's long history of stimulating literary pursuits," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. The line has long been a favorite of literary luminaries, ranging from Tennessee Williams and J.B. Priestly to Mary Higgins Clark.
Cunard Line's onboard enrichment program introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, debates, workshops and social gatherings, guests will connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. In addition, guests can enjoy intellectual pursuits as well as a relaxing respite in the ship's library, the largest at sea with more than 8,000 volumes.
Voyage fares for Queen Mary 2's A Most Civilized Literary Adventure start from $1,349 per person, based on double occupancy. Website: www.cunard.com
      

 

easyCruise

easyCruise Announces Additional Greek Cruise Dates And More Cabins
easyCruise has announced that its summer season in Greece will be extended, a new Classical Greece itinerary will be added and 23 extra cabins will be made available in order to offer customers additional cruise dates.  The announcement comes following the high demand the company has seen for its new itinerary since it first became available just three months ago.
The Greek itinerary, originally scheduled to run from May 31st, will now commence on May 18th, with a new inaugural cruise followed by a serious of weekend and short breaks before easyCruiseOne commences its regular cruise itineraries which will allow travelers to take anything from a weekend break to a two week holiday.  Cruises start from as little as $39 per person for a two night mini break, based on two people sharing a standard cabin.
In addition, the new Classical Greece itinerary, available in October and November, will take passengers on a tour of Ancient Greece, visiting some of the most amazing archaeological sites in the World.  It will enable passengers to experience the Acropolis by night and witness a Sounion sunset as well as see the historical sights of Mycenae, Nemea, Olympia and Delphi and immerse themselves in such legends as that of Ulysses and Apollo - all in a seven night cruise which starts from just $135 per person, based on two people sharing a standard cabin.
The new, additional cruise itineraries are:
-- Three- night inaugural weekend break: May 18th – May 21st from $93 per person. Starting in Piraeus (Athens), the capital and largest city in Greece, the itinerary takes you to Mykonos, one of the most cosmopolitan islands famous for its nightlife and Sifnos a beautiful mountainous island before returning to Piraeus on Monday 21st.
-- Four-night inaugural long weekend break: May 18th – May 22nd $112 per person. This itinerary is perfect for those who want to spend more time exploring Athens.  Starting in Piraeus (Athens), you will visit the islands of Mykonos and Sifnos giving you the opportunity to explore the cosmopolitan and the authentic side of the Aegean before spending a further two days in Athens.
-- Three-night midweek break: May 22nd – May 25th $58 from £30 per person. The perfect way to relax and see the authentic side of the Aegean, this itinerary begins in Piraeus (Athens) and will then take you to Poros, one of the most authentic, unspoilt and picturesque islands in the area and Spetses, an island rich in vegetation with stunning long sandy beaches and secluded bays before returning to Piraeus.  
-- Four-night Bank Holiday weekend break: May 25th – May 29th from $124 per person.
The perfect bank holiday getaway, this itinerary allows you to experience both the cosmopolitan and more relaxed islands.  Starting in Piraeus (Athens) you will visit Mykonos, a great island to enjoy both the day and nightlife, Paros, one of the most popular islands in the area with its mixture of tradition and modernity and Sifnos, with its breathtaking scenery before returning to Piraeus.
-- Two-night midweek mini break: May 29th – May 31st from $39 per person. If you don’t have much time to take for a holiday then this is the itinerary for you.  The cruise allows you to spend time in both Athens and Spetses, giving you time to fully enjoy Greece’s capital city with its great shops, bars and restaurants as well as take time out and relax on one of Spetses stunning sandy beaches.
-- Three-night midweek break: October 18th – October 21st from $58 per person. The perfect way to relax and see the authentic side of the Aegean, this itinerary begins in Piraeus (Athens) and will then take you to Poros, one of the most authentic, unspoilt and picturesque islands in the area and Spetses, an island rich in vegetation with stunning long sandy beaches and secluded bays before returning to Piraeus.
-- Seven-night Classical Greece: leaving on October 21, October 28, November 4 and November 11 from $135 per person. This is a voyage of discovery to some of the most magnificent historical sites in the world, and there’s no easier way of exploring so many ancient treasures in just seven days. Starting in Piraeus (Athens) you will visit Ancient Corinth and Nemea (or Mycenae), then Ithaki the island home of Odysseus, Katakolon to see Olympia, Itea to see Delphi and Aegina where you can see the Temple of Aphaea, before returning to Athens where you can see the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
As well as seeing some of the best destinations the Aegean has to offer, passengers can take advantage of a range of on board facilities.  These include a new Apivita spa where passengers can enjoy treatments including massages, manicures and pedicures.   Passengers also have use of the new sauna or can relax in the hot tub, enjoy a leisurely meal or drink in the new bar and restaurant, sunbathe on one of the two sundecks, work out at the gym or listen to the sounds of the resident DJ well into the early hours before heading back to their cabins (available in twins/doubles, quads and suites).
easyCruiseOne’s Greek itinerary is now on sale for departures from May 18th – November 11th 2007.  All costs are based on two people sharing a standard cabin. Prices do not include flights.  The best way to travel is to fly to Athens on a Thursday or Monday. To book, visit www.easyCruise.com, see your travel agent or call 1-650-385-0563.

 

 

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Book The  MV Columbus Before She’s Gone
Known as the ship that started the revitalization of passenger cruising on the Great Lakes, traveler favorite MV Columbus will not be returning to the Great Lakes in 2008-and possibly not for many years to come.
With a capacity of 420, the German-owned MV Columbus has been the largest cruise ship sailing the Great Lakes since 1998, with sailings offered exclusively through the Great Lakes Cruise Company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The ship is an impressive sight from land and an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of the shoreline and these legendary waters. Satisfied passengers have come from all over the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as from Europe and as far away as Japan, all of them delighted not only by the breathtaking scenery, but also by the ship's state-of-the-art facilities.
During her final season on the Great Lakes, three 10- and 11-night cruises will be offered aboard the MV Columbus in fall 2007: September 17 - 27; September 27 - October 8; October 8 - 18.
For more information, visit http://www.greatlakescruising.com or call toll-free 1-888-891-0203.

 

Holland America Line

HAL Europe Cruises Offer Great Value With Current Exchange Rate
With the fluctuating exchange rate of the Euro, Americans looking to get the most for their money while traveling in Europe will appreciate the value of cruises. With only minimal shoreside expenses such as souvenirs, consumers have found that planning a cruise is a proven money-saver as well as a stress-reducer.  To meet the increasing demand for European holidays, Holland America Line is offering diverse cruise itineraries and incredible savings on a premium cruise vacation experience for the 2007 Europe season.
A recent comparison of a 10-day land tour versus a cruise vacation revealed that a family of four could save up to 45 percent by booking a 10-day Mediterranean cruise over a 10-day deluxe escorted land vacation.  The evaluation included typical expenses such as accommodations, transportation between cities in Europe, food, entertainment and tours.  Estimated costs for a family of four totaled $11,359 for the 10-day cruise vacation and $20,728 for the deluxe escorted Europe land vacation. “When you look at the overall experience, more travelers are catching on to the fact that cruising, especially in Europe, is an incredible value,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “There’s no easier way to avoid the common travel headaches than by taking a cruise. For example, guests wake up in a new port each day, but only unpack once. They are pampered with the finest cuisine and amenities, and are able to better plan their expenses than on a land-based vacation.”
In 2007, the line will sail its longest Europe season ever, visiting more than 136 cities, including 13 maiden ports of call. European cruises runs from March 12 through November 3, 2007, and range from ten to 56 days. Holland America is cruising to more regions in Europe than ever before, including the Baltic, Scandinavia, Norwegian fjords, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Greece and the Black Sea.
Guests seeking longer vacations in Europe can select from Holland America’s Collectors’ Voyages cruises of 20 to 32 days made by combining two shorter itineraries with little or no port repetition and significant discounts on cruise fares. Guests booking “Collectors’ Voyages” receive up to 27 percent additional savings as well. 
Holland America Line currently is offering the significant savings on verandah staterooms. Guests can save $850 per person by booking a verandah stateroom for $2,199 on the 10-day, Westerdam May 10 or 30, or June 9, 2007 cruises sailing roundtrip from Rome.
For cruise brochures or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

MSC Cruises

MSC Orchestra: Line’s Newest Jewel Debuts May 14
MSC Orchestra, another jewel in MSC Cruises’ rapidly expanding modern fleet, will be christened in the port of Civitavecchia on May 14. Second of the line’s ‘Musica’ class, this new addition to the fleet replicates the high standards of construction evident in other MSC Cruises’ ships and sets the benchmark for the larger ships in the fleet.
Following her inaugural May 16 sailing, MSC Orchestra will embark on a mini-cruise to Venice, where she will be positioned all summer season. She will depart Venice on roundtrip seven-night itineraries every Saturday from June 2 till October 27. The ship will call at Bari, Katakolon (where passengers can visit the archaeological site of Olympia or relax on the beautiful beaches), Izmir, Istanbul, Dubrovnik in Croatia (where guests can enjoy a walk on the famous ‘stradun’) and back to Venice.
Cruise only rates start at $995 interior, $1,195 ocean view and $1,295 balcony, per person, double occupancy. Government fees and taxes are additional.
In winter 2007-2008, MSC Orchestra will be positioned in the Mediterranean, joining sister ship MSC Musica. The new flagship will depart November 3 for 11- and 12-day cruises, departing Venice and calling at Dubrovnik, Athens, Rhodes, Iraklion, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Marseille before arriving in Genoa on November 14 to begin its winter itineraries.
Cruise only rates start at $999 interior, $1,295 oceanview and $1,499 balcony, per person, double occupancy. Government fees and taxes are additional.
When making reservations, be sure to ask about the special “kids sail free” offer.
For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.com or a local travel professional.

Baby Boomers, Seniors Savings On Select MSC Cruises Europe Sailings
Baby Boomers and Seniors can save more than 40 percent – and as much as 51 percent – off retail rates on selected 2007 Europe sailings of MSC Cruises’ ships.
The Senior Saver prices are available on bookings made through April 30. Prices begin at $745 for Mediterranean cruises and $1,095 for Northern European cruises.  All rates are per person, double occupancy (cruise only, not including government fees and taxes). Restrictions apply. At least one guest in the stateroom must be 50 years of age on the departure date. “
Senior Saver rates are available on selected MSC Cruises’ sailings in both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, including MSC Orchestra, the line’s newest ship, which begins sailing 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Venice to Greece and Turkey this spring, and MSC Musica, offering 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries. In Northern Europe, Senior Saver rates are available on 7-night Baltic Capitals and Norwegian Fjords sailings of MSC Opera and MSC Lirica.
On each itinerary, guests will be surrounded by the line’s ‘Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.’ cruise experience, including the elegant décor, authentic Italian cuisine, European ambiance, and exceptional service found onboard every MSC Cruises’ ship.
For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.com  or a local travel agent.

 

 

Norwegian Coastal Voyage

NCV In-Depth Exploration Of Norway's Coast, Fjords, Towns And Cities
Norwegian Coastal Voyage is offering four 13- to 18-day one-stop shop cruise tours—fully-escorted vacations with an in-depth exploration by land and by sea of Norway’s majestic coastal scenery, world-renowned fjords, quaint villages, historic towns and cosmopolitan cities, and on one itinerary, Denmark and Sweden as well.  Scheduled from May 18 to September 15, the programs include transatlantic flights from New York, stays at first-class hotels and on a Millennium ship, and extensive sightseeing.  Tour rates ranging from $4,699 to $7,169 per person, double, can be reduced by a discount of $125 per person on most 13- and 15-day programs and, except on June and July departures, a senior savings of $75 to $135 each for passengers age 67 and up and an AARP member discount of $100 to $150 per cabin on all itineraries.  Add-on fares from dozens of US gateways are $100 to $350.
Scandinavian Smorgasbord," the newest of the programs, is a 16-day adventure combining a six-day coastal voyage from Kirkenes, on the border of Norway and Russia, with visits to the capital cities of Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo as well as fjord Norway and Lapland; cost is $5,369 to $6,709.  The 13-day "Naturally Norway", with a six-day southbound sailing at $4,699 to $6,079; the 15-day "Spectacular Norway", with a seven-day northbound cruise from Bergen at $5,239 to $6,239; and the 18-day "Norway Splendor", with a 12-day round trip at $4,969 to $7,169, are all-Norway trips.  Fares also cover cabin category selected and all shipboard meals, most meals on land, tour director, local guides, transportation and transfers.
The centerpiece of each NCV Escorted Vacation is a one-way or round-trip sailing aboard a modern Norwegian Coastal Voyage ship along Norway’s spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast between Bergen and Kirkenes with calls at 34 ports ranging from fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands to Art Nouveau Alesund and bustling cities like Tromso and Trondheim.  Optional shore excursions range from Midnight Sun concerts in Tromso’s Arctic Cathedral to sea safaris on the Pasvik River to the Russian border and can be booked before departure.
Itineraries vary but typical land segments feature the Viking Ships Museum and Vigeland sculptures in cosmopolitan Oslo, the Hanseatic Museum and Grieg's home in charming Bergen, a Sognefjord cruise, the Flam and Bergen Railway rides, and Lapland's wilderness and indigenous Sami culture. 
Contact Norwegian Coastal Voyage, (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

NCV Offers New 16-Day Scandinavian Smorgasbord Cruise Tour Norwegian Coastal Voyage Escorted Vacations has introduced the 16-day "Scandinavian Smorgasbord", a new air-inclusive, escorted cruise tour that offers a taste of the capital cities of Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo; the stunning fjords, mountains and waterfalls in coastal Norway; and the indigenous Sami culture and vast wilderness of Lapland.  Early-Bird savings of $275 per passenger is good for most departures booked by March 31. Six departures, priced from $5,369 to $6,709 per person, double, are scheduled from New York, May 24 to September 14.  Scandinavian Smorgasbord is the fourth NCV Escorted Vacation, joining the 13-day Norway Naturally cruise with a six-day southbound sailing from Kirkenes; 15-day Spectacular Norway, with a seven-day northbound cruise from Bergen; and 18-day Norway Splendor, with a 12-day round-trip voyage. 
The land segment features Stockholm, the beautiful Swedish capital on 14 islands; the mining town of Gallivare, Sami handcrafts and a traditional dinner in a turf hut in Karasjok village, reindeer herds and stark landscapes in Lapland; the charming Hanseatic port of Bergen, a ferry cruise on two narrow branches of the Sognefjord, rushing waterfalls, the thrilling 2,600' ascent on the Flam Railway and roads with hairpin turns in the mountains of the fjord region; monumental Vigeland Sculpture Park and Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, capital of Norway; and as the finale a city tour and farewell dinner in Copenhagen, the fun-loving Danish capital.
Norwegian Coastal Voyage's Art-Nouveau-style MS Finnmarken and modern MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol, built in 2002 and 2003, carry 643 to 674 passengers between Kirkenes and Bergen to 34 ports ranging from fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands, the Art Nouveau town of Alesund and bustling cities like Tromso and Trondheim.  A unique combination of first-class cruise ship and a lifeline to remote coastal towns, the ships are floating art galleries of contemporary Norwegian art with panoramic lounges, restaurant, cafés, bars, Internet café, shop, Jacuzzis, pool and saunas.
Included are round-trip flights from New York; a six-day sailing from Kirkenes to Bergen on a Millennium ship with cabin category selected and all meals while cruising; overnight express train from Stockholm to Swedish Lapland and overnight cruise from Oslo to Copenhagen; first-class hotels, breakfast daily and most dinners on land; extensive sightseeing, tour director and local guides; travel by train, ship, ferry and motorcoach in Scandinavia; port charges and airport transfers.
Promotional offers, which can be combined, include a senior savings of $75 per person for passengers 67 and older and an AARP member discount of $100 per cabin, except during June and July.  
Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc., (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

The World's Most Beautiful Voyage
When the Norwegian Coastal Voyage started in the late nineteenth century, it was named Hurtigruten, meaning Coastal Express, since it was the fastest means of traveling between southern and northern Norway. Today it’s known as the World’s Most Beautiful Voyage. And for good reason. Norway’s magnificent fjords have earned the ranking of the “world’s top destination” by the National Geographic Traveler, and have recently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. And what better way to experience this majestic coast line than by ship?
One of 13 ships departs daily to journey between Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, close to the Russian border. Choose from a seven-day northbound, a six-day southbound, or the 12-day roundtrip voyage. With a year-round schedule you can experience the magical Midnight Sun or the mystical Northern Lights, while exploring 34 picturesque ports along the way. And with a variety of engaging shore excursions your experience will be even more satisfying. The Norwegian Coastal Voyage is also the centerpiece a variety of conveniently packaged air- inclusive Independent and Escorted Vacations. For information and reservations please call your travel agent or 800.323.7436 • www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us

Norwegian Coastal Voyage Introduces Shorter Itineraries
For travelers interested in exploring Norway and its fjord-indented coast but are faced with limited vacation time, Norwegian Coastal Voyage has introduced four ten-day to 16-day, air-inclusive NCV Independent Vacations.  Priced at $2,710 to $9,775 per person, double occupancy, these unescorted programs are slightly shorter versions of the company’s 12-to-17-day Independent Vacations packages and offer a resultant savings of $224 to $605 per guest.  Booking before March 31 offers $125 to $250 additional savings on most departures.  Every itinerary features a one-way or round-trip sailing along the stunning scenic coast of Norway between Bergen and Kirkenes, described in Lonely Planet’s Bluelist as the world’s most beautiful voyage.  Air-inclusive, daily departures are scheduled from New York from May 17 to September 2, 2007.
The revised cruise tours—ten-day Highlights of Norway, at $2,710 to $7,182; 12-day Scandinavian Sampler, combining Norway and Iceland, at $3,189 to $7,709; 12-day Norwegian Holiday, at $2,965 to $6,630; and 16-day Grand Norway, at $3,438 to $9,775—are one or two days shorter.  The trips use Bergen, instead of Oslo, as an international gateway either on the flight to or from the U.S., and omit one day at leisure in Oslo and a rail trip between the two cities.  Typically priced from $400 to $450 per person below their longer counterparts, savings of up to $500 are offered in some ship cabins and suites for the 12-day "Scandinavian Sampler," and up to $605 on large suites on the "Grand Norway" package.  The longer versions of the same programs cost between $3,159 to $8,109 for 12 to 14 days and $3,869 to $9,999 for 17 days during the same time period.
Passengers can secure additional combinable savings: a senior savings of $75 to $135 per person for passengers age 67 and older; and an AARP member discount of $100 to $150 per cabin except in June and July.  A special discount of $150 is being offered on the 12-day Norwegian Holiday on most departures. So a passenger, 67 and older who is an AARP member, can save upwards of $535 more on the shorter version “Grand Norway” package or $450 on the “Norwegian Holiday” package by booking before March 31.  A reduced cost upgrade from economy seats to Saga Class on all flights between North America and Bergen is $420 to $820 each way for Icelandair passengers, depending on gateway and date.
Flexible NCV Independent Vacations are designed for travelers who enjoy the convenience and cost advantages of air-inclusive tours but prefer sightseeing and meals on their own.  Tour prices include round-trip transatlantic flights from New York to Norway, flights between Kirkenes and Oslo, six- or seven-day one-way or 12-day round-trip voyages between Bergen and Kirkenes in the cabin or suite category selected and all meals while cruising, first-class or superior first-class hotels with buffet breakfast daily, Oslo and/or Bergen Cards, port charges and specified transfers.  Add-on airfares for other U.S. cities and extra hotel nights in Bergen and Oslo are available.
A unique combination of first-class cruise ship and a lifeline to remote coastal towns and villages, 11 vessels on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage route carry 323 to 674 passengers to 34 ports ranging from fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands to the Art Nouveau town of Alesund and bustling cities like Tromso and Trondheim. 
Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc., (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

 

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises Introduces The 2008 European Collection
Oceania Cruises is pleased to announce the release of the new 2008 European Collection. With three ships positioned in Europe for the season, Oceania Cruises will offer guests an unrivaled array of itineraries that call on Europe’s most enticing ports. Oceania Cruises will offer 54 European voyages in 2008, introduce six new itineraries, and make maiden calls at new and intriguing ports. From the elegant avenues of Saint Tropez, to the majestic beauty of Kotor's dramatic fjords and the Czarist splendors of St. Petersburg, Oceania Cruises presents the cultural and historical gems of this fabled continent to the most discerning travelers.  Sailing to the Western Mediterranean, the Greek Isles and Scandinavia, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica will sail to more than 70 ports throughout Europe.
Oceania Cruises continues to set the benchmark for destination cruising in Europe with more overnight port stays than any other cruise line in its class. This unique and trend-setting approach to cruising provides travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich and abundant history, culture and cuisine of Europe’s most alluring cities. With a keen focus on the destination experience, every aspect of the line’s 2008 European Collection has been meticulously planned with the discriminating traveler in mind.
Oceania Cruises has added several new and exciting ports to its already stellar line up of boutique and marquee ports, Haifa, Israel; Pula, Croatia; Alghero, Italy; Tangier, Morocco; and Hamilton, Bermuda. Oceania Cruises’ intimate and mid-sized enable guests to experience smaller ports that many larger ships simply cannot access, such as Monte Carlo, Saint Tropez, Sarande, Portofino and Kotor. These are in addition to Oceania Cruises’ perennial favorites like St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Venice and Rome.
2008 European Collection voyages range from 10 to 16 days in length and feature an abundance of port time and a minimum number of sea days. On average, 10- and 12-day itineraries will feature no more than one sea day and 14-day itineraries will feature no more than two sea days.
Highlights of the 2008 European Collection
-- The Mediterranean and Greek Isles offer 42 different opportunities to explore these fabled lands rich in culture, cuisine and history.
-- New 14-day Barcelona to Istanbul itinerary that includes both Egypt and Israel.
-- Regatta traverses virtually all of Europe with voyages to the Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Western Europe and the glittering, great northern cities of St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Gdansk, Poland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Bruges, Belgium.
-- Haifa, Israel - Visit the land of miracles--Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus.
-- Pula, Croatia – Rich in Roman political history, visit the majestic Arena which dates back to the 1st century or stroll the quaint, medieval streets of the city’s old quarter.
-- Alghero (Sardinia), Italy – Although Italian, many in this quaint, Genoese influenced city speak Catalan. Marvel at the ancient Phoenician buildings or the imposing
 -- Tangier, Morocco - An ancient Phoenician town, founded by Carthaginian colonists in the early 5th century, Tangier is an eclectic wonderland of cultures, cuisines, histories and cultures.
-- Hamilton, Bermuda - This British colony is pretty as a picture. Blessed with a perfect climate, pink sugar-sand beaches and an air of civility that is second to none, Bermuda is synonymous with paradise.
With Free Airfare from 20 North American gateways and two-for-one cruise fares, these extraordinary voyages are the pinnacle of value. 2 for 1 cruise fares start at just $1,699 per guest and guests are urged to make their reservations as early as possible to ensure that they take advantage of the free airfare and receive the accommodations of choice on their preferred voyage. Certain restrictions apply.
For additional information, to make a reservation, or to order a brochure, please contact your Travel Agent or Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658 or visit www.oceaniacruises.com

 

Orient Lines

Ten-Day Treasures Of Germany And The Baltic On ‘Marco Polo’
The new Orient Lines 2007-2008 Antarctica & South America brochure is now available! To request your copy, visit www.orientcatalogs.com to place your order. Brochures will not be sent without a request.
With splendid landscapes of lakes and fjords, cathedrals and palaces, and some of Europe’s finest cities on the itinerary, this 10-day CruiseTour is truly a mid-summer night’s dream. This amazing CruiseTour begins in Stockholm and ventures to Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany and Denmark, visiting lands of castles, kings and Vikings – all the while cruising aboard Marco Polo with her small ship friendliness and big ship comforts.
 Departure Dates: July 20, 2007 (Promo Code MPOTGEBTG) and August 11, 2007 (Promo Code MPOTRGRBSP)
Cruise rates include meals and entertainment onboard; two-night, post-cruise first class hotel stay in Copenhagen; and sightseeing tour and a full day of leisure in Copenhagen
More information at www.orientlines.com

 

P&O Cruises/UK

Itineraries Announced For Ventura, The New Superliner Designed For Britain
P&O Cruises is to publish a dedicated brochure for new superliner Ventura,
detailing itineraries, prices and the innovative features that will be onboard from her launch in April 2008. Holidays on Ventura can be booked from April 2,2007.
Ventura will be based in Southampton from April to October, offering holidays of between two and 16 nights in duration in the Mediterranean, Baltic and Atlantic Isles. From October 2008 to March 2009 she will offer 14 night Caribbean fly-cruise holidays from Barbados.
Early booking discounts of up to 45 percent are available, along with free car parking in Southampton, free child places on selected itineraries and heavily discounted fares for children sharing a family cabin throughout the season.
Ventura is being designed to appeal to British passengers and will offer a wide choice of dining, entertainment and relaxation. Two of Ventura’s three main restaurants will be dedicated to Freedom Dining (dine when you like with whom you like) and her other
dining highlights are a restaurant created by Marco Pierre White, a casual family restaurant, Ramblas tapas restaurant and balcony dining – also by Marco Pierre White.
Ventura has an array of evening venues to rival any cosmopolitan city.
These include Metropolis with its 20 meter floor to ceiling plasma wall
showing different city skylines in ‘real time’, Cuban-inspired salsa bar
Havana, a comedy club and seven other bars and clubs. There is also
Fortunes casino and The Arena—a 785 seat theatre featuring state of the
art production facilities and flying performer capability. There will be a number of at sea innovations in family entertainment, including a 3D cinema, Scalextric at sea—a giant six car digital race track with Grand-Prix events, Cirque Ventura – a contemporary circus skills school with bungee trampolines, juggling, stilt walking and trapeze, and
Rock School where teenagers can perform and record their own songs.
In a new partnership, Ventura will be joined by experts and artists from Tate Modern to present Tate Talks, an enriching program of talks, interviews and creative workshops which bring the world of modern art to life.
Britain’s finest restaurateur and creator of The White Room, Marco Pierre
White, will also be on board, hosting Coffee with Marco, an opportunity
for passengers to ask any questions they have over coffee in Tazzine, and
Dinner with Marco special gourmet evenings in The White Room. Marco will travel on four itineraries in the 2008 season: 14-night Canaries Discovery departing May 9; 14-night Magical Mediterranean departing July 18; a 12-night Atlantic Isle Adventure departing August 31; and 15-night Caribbean Paradise 31 Isles departing November 22.
Tate Talks’ is available on six itineraries in the 2008 season: 14-night Riviera Romance departing May 30, 14-night Baltic Splendours departing June 20; 14-night Canaries Delight departing July 4, 14-night Riviera Romance departing August 17; 14-night Mediterranean Legacies departing  September 14; and 15-night Spirit of the Caribbean departing October 24.
Other highlights of the brochure include:
-- Tranquil Fjords, June 13 – 20, 2008 (N807) calling in Bergen, Flaam, cruise in Sognefjord, Olden; cruise in Nordfjord, and Stavanger. Starting from £649.
--  The Weekender, September 12 – 14, 2008 (N814) calling in Bruges (from
      Zeebrugge). Starting from £189.
-- An Indian Summer, October 10 – 24, 2008 (N817) calling in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (from Livorno), Elba, Rome (from Civitavecchia), Alicante and Gibraltar. Starting from £1,129.
-- Paradise Isles, 21 November – 5 December 2008 (N820) calling in Barbados, Antigua, Grand Turk, Cayo Levantado, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Tortola, Dominica, St. Vincent and Barbados. Starting  from £1,169.
Bookings on Ventura can be made from April 2, 2007. All prices given are per person and based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, inclusive of a maximum 45 percent Pricebreakers discount.
To order a copy of the brochure call P&O Cruises on 08705 726 726 or visit www.pocruises.co.uk. For more information on Ventura visit www.virtualventura.co.uk.

 

 

Peter Deilmann Cruises

2007/08 Voyages Sail To Thailand, Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong, Vietnam &  China
The 513-passenger ocean liner MS Deutschland of Peter Deilmann Cruises is sailing to Southeast Asia countries on four cruises between December 18, 2007 and February 21, 2008 and Deilmann is wooing U.S. travelers with free air from the US, free transfers and free shore excursions. The voyages vary in length from 14 to 19 nights.
For travelers from North America, the 2007-2008 Southeast Asia cruises and dates are: Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Hong Kong, December 17-January 6; Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore, January 5-23; Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Japan, January 21-February. 9; and Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar (Burma), February 8-23.   
Free air transportation is available in conjunction with these cruises from New York and 16 other U.S. cities and Deilmann also has very low air supplements from an additional 34 cities in the Midwest and West. The cruise line will also provide a package of free shore excursions with each voyage valued up to $600 per person along with free airport-ship transfers roundtrip.  Flight itineraries for Deilmann’s air program operate via Frankfurt to break up the long air journey to Asia.  One-night pre and post accommodations at the Frankfurt Sheraton at the airport are included at no extra charge.
Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Miami, Buffalo, Charlotte, Pittsburgh and eight other cites are among the free air gateways in the East.  The low air supplement of $110 is available from Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Louisville, St. Louis and 12 other cities in the central states and the low air supplement of only $150 is available from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Seattle and eight other western gateways.  
-- The first Southeast Asia voyage, a 20-night sailing boarding December 18 in Phuket, Thailand, begins with an overnight stay in the Thai city and in Singapore, two nights in Benoa on the island of Bali and two in Hong Kong. The ship calls at Pare Pare on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, Sandakan, gateway to Borneo's wildlife, in Malaysia, and Puerto Princesa, known for tropical birding, in the Philippines. The ship arrives in Hong Kong on January 4 so passengers can explore the city and enjoy two nights aboard the deluxe vessel. 
-- The second cruise begins in Hong Kong with two nights aboard ship and departs January. 8 for Haiphong, Vietnam.  From here, passengers visit Hanoi, where they take a walking tour through the walled courtyards of the Temple of Literature and enjoy a luncheon of local delicacies. The ship sails on to Da Nang for a full day to visit Hoi An, a newly recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, the local market and the Hoi An Museum. There are two full days in bustling Ho Chi Min City, popularly known as Saigon, with guided tours to the major sites of the city and underground network of tunnels used by soldiers during the war. Other highlights of the 18-night cruise are Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh and the island city-state of Singapore for a two-night stay.
-- The third cruise begins January 22 with two full days in Singapore, calls at Phnom Penh, Da Nang and Hong Kong before visiting the island of Okinawa in Japan and Shanghai and Xiamen in China.  The sailing concludes with an overnight in Hong Kong, February 8. The final 14-night voyage begins February 9 with two days in Hong Kong, visits De Nang, and has overnight stays in Singapore, Phuket and Yangon, the former capital city of Rangoon, in Myanmar (Burma), surrounded on three sides by water.         
Peter Deilmann built the MS Deutschland as a classic ocean liner with just 286 staterooms for discriminating travelers seeking a traditional cruise experience recalling the golden era of grand ocean travel. The gleaming ship, designed in art nouveau and art deco styles, has a high level of service with a 2-to-1 ratio of passengers to crew.  
The luxuriously appointed staterooms offer ample storage space, well-designed bathrooms with roomy storage shelves, Molton Brown toiletries from England, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers.  Other amenities include mini-bar, color TV with CNN and MSNBC news and English-language films. Three attractively designed restaurants and an outdoor dining terrace provide formal and informal settings for dining, while intimate lounges with music provide before and after dining entertainment.
Free airport-ship transfers are included in any air arranged by Deilmann Cruises and the cruise line offers a $750 deduction from cruise rates for those who prefer to use frequent flyer miles instead of Deilmann’s air program.  Canadians receive a $1,000 air allowance deduction from cruise rates through Exclusive Tours, Deilmann’s general sales agent in Canada.
Cruise rates on these sailings, including free air, free shore excursions and transfers, start at $6,606 per person for a twin-bedded cabin for the 14-night sailing.  Cruise travel planners can view and download the Southeast Asia brochure by logging on to www.deilmann-cruises.com .  Information on the cruises is also available from Peter Deilmann Cruises by calling 1-800-348-8287 or by e-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com.

Deilmann Features Golf Programs on Ocean Sailings With Free Air
 Six ocean sailings on the MS Deutschland of Peter Deilmann Cruises feature golf theme cruises in 2007 with free air transportation and free transfers for golfers and non-golfers from the U.S.  Golf courses played in these far-ranging cruises are in Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Canadian islands, Dubai, India, Thailand, Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong.  Deilmann’s golf and sailing holidays on the 513-passenger ocean liner MS Deutschland include two itineraries that focus on the British Isles – the Britannia Golf Cup, July 31-Aug. 11, with play at St. Andrews and Gleneagles in Scotland and four courses in Ireland, and the Great Britain Golf Cup, September 3-17, with play in Scotland, Isle of Man, Liverpool, Milford Haven in Wales and Wentworth, venue of the British Open.
The cruise line offers free air transportation on these cruises from New York and 16 other U.S. cities and low air supplements of $110 and $150 from an additional 34 cities in the Midwest and West.  The sailings also provide free airport-ship transfers and deductions for non-golfers of between $800 and $1,310 per person. 
-- The Britannia Golf cruise combines an 11-night sailing with rounds of golf in Scotland at the 18-hole link courses at St. Andrews and the world-famous 36-hole Gleneagles and four courses in Ireland: Ballybunion in Foynes, Fota Island in Cobh, Old Kinsale Head in Kinsale and Marriott Druids Glen and Hotel Country Club in Dublin.  Prices start at $5,706 per person for a twin-bedded cabin and all meals, roundtrip air from the U.S. to Hamburg, airport-ship transfers, six rounds of golf, transfers to the courses, green fees, golf escort, pull carts and tips.
-- The 14-night Great Britain Golf theme cruise also begins with an overnight flight from the U.S. to Hamburg and includes play at three courses in Scotland – Gleneagles in Leith, the 27-hole Greenock course and the parkland course at Mount Murray on the Isle of Man – and the Royal Liverpool Golf Club surrounded by dunes and the ocean, Tenby in Milford Haven, Wales, and the Wentworth Golf Club, site of the British Open, in Surrey near London.  
-- A 20-night sailing with golf from Phuket, Thailand to Hong Kong, December 18, 2007-January 6, 2008, has overnight stays in Phuket and Singapore and two nights in Benoa on the island of Bali and in Hong Kong. The ship calls at Pare Pare on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, Sandakan, gateway to Borneo's wildlife, in Malaysia, and Puerto Princesa, known for tropical birding, in the Phillippines.
Golf is played at the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket, Raffles Country Club in Singapore and Mission Hills in Hong Kong, largest golf resort in the world with 10 courses designed by ten top golfers. Deilmann passengers play on courses designed by Jack Nicklaus or Nick Faldo. Cruises rates for this sailing for U.S. participants also include round-trip air transportation from Frankfurt and one-night pre- and one-night post accommodations at the Frankfurt Sheraton Airport Hotel.  

 

 

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruisetours Go Beyond the Sea To Explore Wonders on 5 Continents
The ultimate traveler's wish list might include visits to such monuments as the mysterious Machu Picchu or the long-hidden Angkor Wat, natural wonders such as the vast Australian Outback or the dramatic Yangtze River, and such historic spots as colonial-era Williamsburg in Virginia or China's Terra Cotta Warriors from the Qin Dynasty.
Locations such as these await Princess passengers with its collection of cruisetours spanning five continents. By combining a cruise with a specially developed land journey, Princess creates a seamless land/sea adventure encompassing many world treasures not easily accessible on a cruise alone.  Princess passengers can select from 14 global cruisetour itineraries in such diverse locations as Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Europe and South America.  In addition, the line features more than 20 cruisetour choices in Alaska.
Cruisetours are easier than ever to choose as they've now been added to Princess' innovative Searchlight online tool.  This quick, intuitive system makes finding the perfect cruisetour a breeze by searching for the ultimate vacation with just a few mouse clicks.  The revolutionary function can search simultaneously by a variety of criteria including destination, date, ship, travel sequence and duration and instantly displays the results to help pick out the best cruisetour option in seconds.
Princess worldwide cruisetour choices include:
--Australia - Four different tour options await passengers headed Down Under.  Combined with a 12-day Australia and New Zealand cruise or a 31-day Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific Voyage, these land tours take passengers to some of continent's undisputed wonders, starting with tours around cosmopolitan Sydney, including its world-famous Opera House and Bondi Beach.  Those who want to explore the extensive Great Barrier Reef will enjoy a high-speed catamaran tour of this living marvel.  Other tour options include visits to the famed Uluru (Ayers Rock), and an new tour to majestic Kakadu National Park, featuring extensive wetlands, diverse wildlife and the largest number of accessible Aboriginal sites in Australia.
-- Bangkok and Angkor Wat - Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the legendary Angkor Wat temple complex was abandoned by the Khmer civilization in 1431 and appeared lost to the world until it was rediscovered in 1860 when a botanist stumbled upon it deep in the jungle.  After years of civil war, Angkor Wat, one of the world's most important archaeological sites, is once again open to travelers and forms the highlight of Princess' new Bangkok and Angkor Wat cruisetour.  Passengers taking this unforgettable journey have the opportunity to explore the best of this fascinating part of Southeast Asia, with a six-night tour featuring stays in Bangkok, the northern city of Chiang Mai, and Cambodia's Siem Reap.  In addition to the stunning Angkor Wat temples, visitors will enjoy sites such as Bangkok's Golden Buddha Temple, a cruise on the Chao Phraya River, and an elephant camp near Chiang Mai.  This tour combines with a 16-day Bangkok/Beijing cruise for a full 23-day adventure.
-- China - The splendor of the world's most populous country will impress travelers on two custom-designed Princess cruisetour itineraries that combine with a Beijing/Bangkok or Bangkok/Anchorage sailing. Both options feature the opportunity to explore the capital city of Beijing, including such highlights as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.  Participants also travel to Xian to walk along the excavation pits housing thousands of life-size Terra Cotta Warriors - one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Plus one cruisetour itinerary also features a three-night cruise through dramatic gorges of the legendary Yangtze River.
-- South America -Two South America tour options offer passengers the opportunity to visit the famous ruins of Machu Picchu or Rio and the dramatic Iguazu Falls.  Passengers on a Princess Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan cruise or Antarctica and South America Adventure can choose to add one or even both options to their vacation for an opportunity to fully explore some of the continent's most talked about sites.  Travelers headed to Peru's mystical "Lost City of the Incas" at Machu Picchu will also explore Cusco, the cradle of the Incan Empire, as well as the bustling capital city of Lima.  On the Rio and Iguazu Falls cruisetour, visitors will enjoy the city sites and beaches of Brazil's legendary city, plus will contemplate the majesty of the more than two miles of falls that cross the Brazil/Argentina border.
-- Europe - Three European adventures take passengers beyond the continent's seaports to explore Ireland, Tuscany or the Danube region.  Connecting with British Isles or Northern Europe cruises, the Ring of Kerry tour includes travel through some of the Emerald Isle's most inspiring landscape with visits to Shannon, Killarney and Cork.  Expanding on Princess' Scandinavia and Russia sailings, the Cathedrals and Castles of Imperial Europe tour features four capitals that have figured prominently in history—Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin.
For travelers in the Mediterranean, the Under the Tuscan Sun tour highlights the charms of Italy with visits to Florence, Siena and Milan.
-- Canada/New England -- Passengers exploring the tradition and natural beauty of fall foliage season in New England and Canada can also travel back through historic America with a tour through Washington, D.C.; Williamsburg, Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia; Gettysburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and New York.  Or they may choose to see more of Canada with travel to Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto.
-- Alaska Cruisetours - Princess' most extensive cruisetour lineup features ten- to 16-night land/sea vacations in the heart of "The Great Land."  All Princess Alaska tours offer at least two nights at either of the two Denali-area Princess wilderness lodges, ensuring that travelers enjoy more time among the wilderness and wildlife they came to see.  Passengers can travel directly to their Princess lodge from the ship with Princess' exclusive Direct to the Wilderness rail service.  Princess' Alaska cruisetours include accommodation at the line's five exclusive wilderness lodges, with scenic riverside settings in some of the state's most desirable locations.
Additional information about Princess cruisetours is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

Caribbean Princess to Make New York Debut in Summer 2008
Princess Cruises' popular Caribbean cruises from New York will return for a third season in 2008, this time featuring Caribbean Princess. The amenity-filled vessel's debut in the Big Apple will offer two different nine-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries, enabling passengers to plan the perfect escape to idyllic islands and favorite ports of call such as the pink sands of Bermuda and the resort amenities of Grand Turk.
Caribbean Princess' summer season from New York will include 11 departures between May 17 and August 15, 2008 on two Eastern Caribbean itineraries.  Ports of call on eight of these nine-day roundtrip voyages include Bermuda (West End), San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.  In addition, three sailings will feature calls in San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.  Caribbean Princess will also offer one seven-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean sailing from New York to San Juan departing on October 26 and calling at St. Kitts, Antigua and St. Thomas along the way.
Caribbean Princess features the many hallmark amenities that define the Princess experience, including the dramatic Movies Under the Stars outdoor movie screen; multiple dining venues including specialty restaurants and the regional Café Caribe; Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating; Lotus Spa with fitness center; an extensive children and teen's center; a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.
Early booking fares for nine-day Caribbean Princess summer Caribbean cruises begin at $1,199 per person, based on double occupancy. Sailings open for booking on March 24, 2007.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

 

 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Unveils 2008 Program
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has unveiled its cruise program for 2008. The cruise line's fleet of four vessels —Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Voyager®, Seven Seas Navigator® and Paul Gauguin®— will literally traverse the globe with 165 cruises, calling on more than 300 ports of call on all seven continents. Of particular note is the unveiling of the first ever Discovery Collection, an extended exploration of Africa, the Middle East, India and South America. Other highlights include maiden calls at lesser-visited gems such as Sarande (Albania), Koper (Slovenia), Marmaris (Turkey), Tunis (Tunisia) and Rijeka (Croatia). Finally, 2008 brings a greater selection of 10- and 11-night cruises, with a broad array of ports and experiences and numerous opportunities for combinable cruises.
The Discovery Collection: From Diamonds and Gems to the Great Pyramids
The Discovery Collection, an 82-night, five-continent odyssey aboard 490-guest, all-suite (90% with private balconies) Seven Seas Navigator, is comprised of six combinable cruise segments, and developed based upon feedback from Regent guests. The Discovery Collection was created for seasoned travelers eager to explore new destinations, as well as first-time guests with a taste for the exotic.
The voyage begins in Monte Carlo (Monaco) with an 11-night "Grand Mediterranean" sailing departing on September 27 and culminating in Athens, Greece.  From Athens, Seven Seas Navigator sets sail on October 8 for a 15-night voyage of Egypt, the Red Sea and Arabia, crossing the Suez Canal and offering guests an opportunity to visit the Great Pyramids before ending in Dubai, the "pearl of the Middle East." Onward on October 23, a nine-night sailing from Dubai to Mumbai includes calls in Bahrain, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates, as well as two days cruising the Arabian Sea. On November 1, she'll sail a 20-night voyage from Mumbai for an "Indian Ocean Odyssey," with calls on the islands of the Maldives, Seychelles and Madagascar as well as Mombasa (Kenya), then crossing the Tropic of Capricorn before returning to the continent of Africa in Cape Town (South Africa). This is followed by a 13-night "Diamonds and Gems" voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, featuring a call in Walvis Bay (Namibia) and a rare visit to Jamestown (St. Helena), founded in 1659 by the English East India Company. Four days of peaceful cruising in the South Atlantic await guests before arriving in splendid Rio de Janeiro and embarking upon the fourth continent of the voyage. Finally, on December 4, Seven Seas Navigator departs Rio for her home in Ft. Lauderdale, making several calls along the coast of Brazil and crossing the equator for calls in Bridgetown, Barbados, Dominica, Puerto Rico and Turks & Caicos.
Upon completion of the World Cruise, she will head to Europe to be based in Northern Europe for the duration of the summer, offering such cruise options as "Baltic Showcase" and "Captain's Homecoming," a 15-night Norway cruise to the North Cape and Spitzbergen, hosted by Captain Dag Dvergastein.
During the spring and fall, she will sail the Mediterranean and Western Europe, with voyages in the British Isles, Greek Isles, Western Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea, including maiden calls to Sarande (Albania), Koper (Slovenia), Marmaris (Turkey) and Tunis (Tunisia). (Seven Seas Navigator will also call in Sarande, Koper and Rijeka.) Finally, in early December, a trans-Atlantic crossing brings her home to Ft. Lauderdale for a series of Caribbean cruises, featuring a return to Aruba, Curaçao, St. Kitts and St. Lucia after an interval of several years. 
Seven Seas Mariner Highlights
Meanwhile, 700-passenger, all-suite all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner begins the year with a 60-night ‘Grand Circle South America' cruise departing round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale on January 4 and featuring calls to 30 ports in 15 countries including Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Brazil and French Guyana, as well as several Caribbean islands. The South America cruise is followed by a 16-night Panama Canal cruise departing Ft. Lauderdale on April 30 (and combinable with the Voyager's 115-night World Cruise).
In the spring of 2008, she will offer a selection of Caribbean voyages before heading to San Francisco and onward to the Gulf of Alaska, offering a full season of seven-day Alaska cruises during the summer. Finally, she'll head west into the Pacific for a ‘Grand Asia Pacific' cruise.
Seven Seas Navigator Highlights
Seven Seas Navigator will spend the first four months of 2007 offering Caribbean cruises out of Ft. Lauderdale, as well as a Bermuda and Colonial America voyage. She will be deployed exclusively in the Mediterranean from late April to early October, offering a number of 10- and 11-night cruises as well as a complement of combinable seven-night cruises.  In addition to The Discovery Collection voyage departing on September 27, highlights for 2008 include two 10-night Black Sea cruises with such rarely-visited ports as Sochi (Russia) and Trabzon (Turkey), both in the Eastern Black Sea, as well as a maiden call to Rijeka (Croatia).
Paul Gauguin and Tahiti Voyages
The 330-guest Paul Gauguin, the most elegant vessel to be deployed in Tahiti year-round, will offer seven-night cruises on Saturdays from Papeete (Tahiti), visiting Raiatea, Tahaa (for a call at Regent's private islet of Motu Mahana), Bora Bora and Moorea. She will also operate an expanded series of 10-night Society Island/Tuamotus voyages as well as 11- and 14-night Society Island/Tuamotus/Marquesas itineraries. In summer, the ship boasts a joint program with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, called "Ambassadors of the Environment" which promotes ocean responsibility and engages youngsters with fun learning activities. Full details regarding Paul Gauguin's 2008 program will be announced shortly.
2008 Antarctica Voyages
Regent Seven Seas has announced two Antarctica itineraries for 2008, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the stark beauty and abundant wildlife of the White Continent amid the comfort of the world's top-rated expedition cruise ship, Explorer II. Both round-trip itineraries will depart from Ushuaia (Argentina), the world's southernmost city, sailing the Falkland Islands, Drake Passage and Antarctic Peninsula. A new, extended 14-night itinerary also includes South Georgia Island.
For further information, contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33334. For brochures, call toll-free (866) 284-4079; for reservation information call toll-free (800) 285-1835; or visit: www.TheRegentExperience.com.

Regent Announces New Food And Wine Circles Of Interests On 2007 Sailings
Guests sailing aboard select Regent Seven Seas Cruises® in 2007 may select from eight new Food and Wine Circles of InterestSM. Developed to emphasize the culinary delights of Regent's itineraries and expand the palette of a small group of guests from ship to shore, the 2007 Food and Wine Circles of Interest offer guests an epicurean discovery of Italy, Scandinavia and France, with private tastings of local delicacies, hands-on cooking workshops and private tours with special guest hosts. Also new for 2007, many of the ever-popular Le Cordon Bleu® culinary workshops have been expanded to become Circles of Interest. 
The 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner® and Seven Seas Voyager® will offer the following Food and Wine Circles of Interest on select voyages in the Mediterranean, Western Europe and Asia beginning May 26 and continuing through December 3, 2007. Each Circle includes several exclusive components, both on board and on shore; highlights of each are detailed below while full descriptions can be found on www.TheRegentExperience.com.
-- Italian Culinary Adventure —Guests aboard the May 26 Mediterranean sailing of Seven Seas Voyager are invited to experience An Italian Culinary Adventure with Alan Tardi as he explores the multi-faced cooking of Liguria and Italy's finest wines. Alan Tardi, writer, restaurant consultant and previous owner of top New York City restaurant Follonico, leads this Circle with the utmost passion for Italian cuisine and wine. On board, guests will enjoy a dinner and wine tasting co-hosted by Mr. Tardi and Italian winemaker Nicola Biscardo, demonstrating the combination of climate, soil and care that makes this area's cuisine and wines unique. On shore, guests will travel to the small town of Recco for an exclusive visit to the area's most acclaimed restaurant, Da O Vittorio, and a lesson in preparing trofie pasta led by the restaurant chefs. ($275 per guest)
-- Norwegian Epicurean Delights—The beautiful cities of Scandinavia offer some of the world's greatest delicacies and are a fitting backdrop for "Norwegian Epicurean Delights," offered aboard the June 23 Baltic sailing of Seven Seas Voyager. Guests are invited to join host Chef Fredrik Hald, one of the most prominent chefs in Scandinavia, for a visit to his hometown of Bergen, Norway, and Lucullus restaurant, where he is owner and chef de cuisine. The afternoon will be spent enjoying a specially-prepared lunch while co-host and James Beard award-winning wine expert Lyn Farmer shares three wines to showcase Chef Hald's exemplary cuisine. On board, guests will enjoy a private tasting of specialties from Norway's fjords including the delicately flavored "fjord trout" and a toast with a well-aged bottle of Norwegian aquavit. ($250 per guest)
-- A tasting of four classic Bordeaux grape varieties and the experience of creating a unique blend are all highlights of the Adventures for Wine Lovers"program aboard Seven Seas Voyager's June 2 sailing. This Circle is hosted by Clay Mauritson, a seventh-generation grape grower and expert winemaker, and Max McCalman, the United States' first Maître Fromager and a living legend for his expertise and passion for fine cheeses. Mr. Mauritson and Mr. McCalman will share their expertise in wine blends, even allowing guests to try their hand at developing a blend. On board, a private dinner will include wines from Spain, France and California, including the limited production Mauritson Bordeaux Blend red wine and an array of artisanal cheeses. On shore, the hosts will lead Circle guests to the extraordinary Château Beychevelle for a private, exclusive visit where they will have the opportunity to taste several Grand Cru Classe vintage wines from 1955 to 1999 in the company of the château's general manager. The wines are paired with an elegant lunch in the château's dining room and a tour of the estate. Later, Circle guests will stop at the beautifully restored Château Pichon-Longueville for a sampling of other famous vintages before returning to the ship.  ($380 per guest)
Expanded Le Cordon Bleu Programs
Many of Regent's Le Cordon Bleu culinary workshops have been expanded for 2007 to include on shore components in Asia, Alaska and Europe. Through an exclusive partnership with the venerable Parisian cooking school, Le Cordon Bleu Circles of Interest offer a dynamic, hands-on introduction to the art of French cooking and bring the culinary aspects of select ports of call alive for a small group of Regent guests. Limited to just 16 guests, the programs include three intensive two-hour workshops and a chef-led local market visit in a specific port of call. In Papeete, Cairns, Hakodate or Cadiz (depending upon the voyage), guests will learn how the chef chooses the best local delicacies and uses them to prepare a delicious meal. Upon completion, guests will enjoy a celebratory dinner at Signatures restaurant with their chef instructor and receive their own chef's apron and hat, a tea towel, a special Le Cordon Bleu cookbook and a certificate of participation.
Le Cordon Bleu Circles of interest are available on the following sailings: Nice to Dover aboard Seven Seas Voyager (June 2, 2007); Seward, Alaska to Osaka aboard Seven Seas Mariner (September 12, 2007); Dover to Monte Carlo aboard Seven Seas Voyager (September 12, 2007); Singapore to Sydney aboard Seven Seas Mariner (November 4, 2007); and Auckland to Los Angeles aboard Seven Seas Mariner (December 3, 2007). ($395 per guest)
For brochures, call toll-free (866) 284-4079; for reservation information call toll-free (800) 285-1835; or visit: www.TheRegentExperience.com.

 
Regent's New Art-Travel Program Invites Guests To Set Sail
As part of Regent's recently announced Art Experience and Endowment Program, Regent Seven Seas Cruises®(www.TheRegentExperience.com ) is partnering with US and international museums to create tailored endowment programs. Regent has committed to donating money to art museums when travelers book select cruises directly through the museum. Through Regent's first museum partnership, with Miami's Bass Museum of Art, art enthusiasts can set sail on one of ten European cruises and Regent will donate $400 per booking to the museum in their name. In addition, Regent will reward the same travelers with $200 per suite shipboard credit, which can be used at the ship's boutique, spa or for participation in the cruise's various Circles of InterestSM programs.
Regent's Circles of Interest are enrichment programs in Food and Wine; Art, Design and Culture; Photography and other topics, featuring expert guest hosts and exclusive onboard and on-shore programs.
Bass Museum Executive Director and Chief Curator Diane Camber will lead two Art, Design and Cultures Circles of Interest during each of three voyages in 2007. 
-- Sailing aboard Regent's 490-guest all-suite luxury vessel Seven Seas Navigator®, Camber's Circle of Interest participants will trace a path through the Mediterranean, embarking on art excursions in the ports of Sorrento, Venice, Monte Carlo and Livorno (for Florence). In Camber's expert company, guests will have the opportunity to explore Roman ruins, survey Michelangelo's masterpieces throughout Florence and view the private collection of billionaire collector Francois Pinault at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice. On board, Camber will provide unique insights into the life and work of artists such as Gaudí, Miró, Picasso and Caravaggio. Following are the Regent voyages led by Camber.
Barcelona to Monte Carlo - July 19, 2007
Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia (for Rome) - August 11, 2007
Civitavecchia to Venice - August 18, 2007   
-- Seven additional voyages are also part of the Regent-Bass initiative and can be booked directly through the Bass Museum of Art, including four Baltic sailings on Seven Seas Voyager that feature a Circle of Interest on Art, Design and Cultures, From Restoration Rooms to Gallery Walls: The Hermitage from a Personal Perspective, led by Russian art and literature expert Vadim Palchun.
Barcelona to Civitavecchia on Seven Seas Navigator - May 14, 2007 
Monte Carlo to Piraeus (for Athens) on Seven Seas Voyager - May 19, 2007 
Civitavecchia to Nice on Seven Seas Voyager - May 26, 2007 
Stockholm to Copenhagen on Seven Seas Voyager - July 28, 2007  
Copenhagen to Stockholm on Seven Seas Voyager - August 4, 2007   
Stockholm to Copenhagen on Seven Seas Voyager - August 11, 2007 
Copenhagen to Stockholm on Seven Seas Voyager - August 18, 2007
Per person prices start from $4,476 for the May 19, 2007 Monte Carlo to Piraeus voyage. Cruise fares include all shipboard gratuities; complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; complimentary 24-hour room service; refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily; and an in-suite bar setup in butler suites. Per person prices for the Art, Design and Cultures Circles of Interest begin at $175 aboard Seven Seas Navigator and are $255 aboard Seven Seas Voyager.
For more information and reservations, contact Julia Gerstman at the Bass Museum at 305-673-7530, extension 1015; or via e-mail at jgerstman@bassmuseum.org.

Explore the Jewels of the Pacific with Regent ‘s 2007 Grand Asia Pacific Voyage
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® will operate its longest ever Grand Asia Pacific Voyage, a 107-night journey featuring calls to 53 ports in 19 countries. Sailing from Vancouver on September 5, 2007, guests aboard the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner® will enjoy the utmost luxury onboard as she follows the 'Ring of Fire' from Alaska, calling on some of the most memorable sights on earth: Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, the ancient treasures of the Far East, New Zealand and the wonders Down Under, and the intoxicating islands of French Polynesia.
In addition to several complimentary shore events, onboard enrichment programs and Concierge Choice shore excursions, each segment offers either two-for-one savings or free economy air from 86 North American gateways. Select segments feature optional Le Cordon Bleu® Circles of InterestSM, hands-on cooking workshops and chef-guided local market tours. A total of eight segments allows guests to select specific regions or combine them for up to 15 weeks of extended adventure:
-- Vancouver to Seward, Anchorage (September 5 - 12) - Seven-night voyage from Vancouver to Seward through Alaska's breathtaking Inside Passage, calling at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and cruising by Hubbard Glacier. Fares from $3,697 include complimentary economy air.--  
-- Seward to Osaka (September 12 - 26) - 14-night sailing across the Bering Sea and International Date Line, including a call in Eastern Russia's remote Kamchatka Peninsula before sailing onward through the Kuril Islands archipelago and Sea of Okhotsk for a maiden call to Yokohama, Japan and an overnight in Osaka. Features an exclusive Ocean Futures Society lecture program with famed ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau himself. An optional Le Cordon Bleu Circle of Interest is available ($395 per person).  Fares from $5,297 reflect 2-for-1 savings.
-- Osaka to Hong Kong (September 26 - October 10) - 14-night discovery of Japan, South Korea and Eastern China sails the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and Formosa Strait and includes overnights in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong as well as a visit to Nagasaki and maiden call to Pusan, South Korea. Features a Spotlight on Antiques enrichment program. Fares from $8,236 include complimentary economy air.
-- Hong Kong to Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) (October 10 - 22) - 12-night voyage begins with an overnight in Hong Kong before cruising the Gulf of Tonkin for a week-long exploration of Eastern Vietnam including calls in Hanoi (overnight) and Ho Chi Minh City. In Thailand, she will make a maiden call to Ko Samui before sailing into Laem Chabang (for Bangkok). Also features Spotlight on Food & Wine onboard enrichment program. Fares from $6,746 include complimentary economy air.
-- Laem Chabang to Singapore (October 22 - November 4) - 13-night sailing features a rare two-night call to Yangon, Myanmar, the dazzling capital of ancient Burma, closed to foreigners from 1961 until recent years. Highlights include shore excursions to Bagan and its ancient Angkor temples and the 2,500 year-old Shwedagon Pagoda. Also includes overnights in Laem Chabang, Thailand and Singapore and a call to Phuket, Thailand. Fares from $7,496 include complimentary economy air.
-- Singapore to Sydney (November 4 - 19) - 15-night voyage includes the awe-inspiring islands of Indonesia's Java Sea: Bali and Komodo. Cruise the coast of Australia to Darwin, Cairns and Hamilton Cove, as well as the Great Barrier Reef before arriving in beautiful Sydney Harbor. Le Cordon Bleu Circle of Interest is available ($395 per person). Fares from $7,276 include complimentary economy air.
-- Sydney to Auckland (November 19 - December 3) - 14-night voyage calls at fashion capital Melbourne and Hobart before cruising the Tasman Sea to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's North and South Islands, made famous by Lord of the Rings. Features Spotlight on Food & Wine enrichment program. Fares from $8,236 include complimentary economy air.
-- Auckland to Los Angeles (December 3 - 21) - 19-night voyage to the bewitching islands of French Polynesia: the Cook and Marquesas islands and beautiful Tahiti, followed by five days of peaceful Pacific sailing before returning home to Los Angeles on December 21, 2007.  Le Cordon Bleu Circle of Interest is available ($395 per person). Fares from $5,449 reflect 2-for-1 savings.
Available only to a limited number of participants, Concierge Choice shore excursions are intimate and experiential. Among those featured on the Grand Asia Pacific Voyage are an up-close experience of Bangkok's historic homes; lessons in coral preservation and opportunities for world-class snorkeling in Bora Bora; a private motor cruiser and picnic lunch in Sydney Harbor; and from Christchurch, an exploration of the volcanic landscapes of Banks Peninsula. Guests may also choose from a number of multi-night, overland Concierge Collection adventures ashore or two- to four-night pre- and post-cruise land packages available through The Regent Travel Concierge.
Per person prices for the entire 107-night Grand Asia Pacific voyage start from $42,995. Cruise fares include all shipboard gratuities; complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; complimentary 24-hour room service; refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily; and an in-suite bar setup in butler suites.
As with all Regent Grand Voyages, guests partaking in the entire 107-night voyage receive special savings and gifts, including complimentary first-class roundtrip airfare from 86 North American gateways, between $1,000-$2,000 per suite in shipboard credits. Guests sailing individual segments receive shipboard credits depending upon suite class. Segments three through eight also feature a complimentary, exclusive shore event. (Visit www.TheRegentExperience.com  or contact a travel agent for details.)

 

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean Deploys Record Seven Ships to Europe in Summer 2008
Royal Caribbean International will deploy seven ships in Europe in 2008. Choosing from four- through 14-night cruises, guests will be able to tour Europe aboard the new Independence of the Seas, the first Freedom-class ship in the region; two Voyager-class ships, Navigator of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas; and Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Legend of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas. Bookings for Royal Caribbean's 2008 Europe cruises will open on March 14, 2007. "Our increased capacity in Europe reaffirms Royal Caribbean's strong commitment to the region, which has shown tremendous growth in the recent years," said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International. "The Europe cruises will take guests to some of the most spectacular locations throughout the continent aboard some of the world's most innovative ships, offering travelers a range of exciting itineraries and experiences that best accommodate their needs. Active travelers, families and first-time cruisers will marvel at the rich history and culture of the region while enjoying the elements of our style of cruising that have made our brand globally recognized as an award-winning vacation experience."
Guests aboard Royal Caribbean's Europe cruises will enjoy the cruise line's signature amenities. Independence of the Seas will feature the revolutionary FlowRider surf simulator and regulation-size boxing ring. Navigator and Voyager belong to the first class of ships in the world to offer guests an ice-skating rink and the Royal Promenade - the ship's entertainment hub. Jewel and Brilliance boast self-leveling pool tables and golf simulators and allow guests to relax in expansive, themed solariums while kids play in the ships' Adventure Beach water park. Legend and Splendour feature a 12-hole mini-golf course for families and a retractable glass roof. All ships offer an extensive range of spa services, fitness and wellness classes, engaging Adventure Ocean kids and teen programs, top-rated Broadway-style theater productions, and multiple restaurants and lounges from which to choose.
-- The highly anticipated Independence of the Seas will embark on her maiden voyage in mid-May 2008, offering 14-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Southampton, England to the Spanish, French and Italian Riviera. Independence also offers travelers four voyages to the Canary Islands on ten- and 11-night itineraries.
-- From Harwich, England, guests aboard Jewel of the Seas embark on 11- to 13-night voyages to the majestic Norwegian coast and grand Baltic cities. Jewel also will sail on a series of three- and four-night North Sea short cruises departing from such ports as Amsterdam, Holland; Oslo, Norway and Hamburg, Germany, offering a call at one popular Northern Europe city per sailing, including Copenhagen, Denmark and Brussels, Belgium.
-- Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas will sail from Barcelona, Spain on four- to 12-night itineraries throughout the Mediterranean. Perfect for first-time or time-strapped cruisers, Navigator's four- and five-night sailings - beginning in April - give travelers a great opportunity to sample the Western Mediterranean and enjoy the innovative amenities of a Voyager-class ship. In addition, Navigator also offers a series of ten to 12-night sailings from Barcelona to the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey. On certain sailings, guests will make an overnight call at Istanbul, Turkey to explore this gateway to the East. In July, Navigator will embark on seven-night voyages from Rome (Civitavecchia) to the Eastern Mediterranean.
-- Voyager follows the French Riviera to Sicily, Italy on weekly seven-night sailings from Barcelona through November. Voyager will call at some of the most popular cities in Europe, including Nice (Villefranche), France; and Florence/Pisa (Livorno) and Naples/Capri in Italy.
-- Being deployed year-round at Barcelona, Brilliance of the Seas offers travelers ten- and 12-night sailings that combine popular Italian port cities with the Greek Isles, or with the Dalmatian Coast. On the voyages through the Adriatic, guests also will enjoy a two-day call at Venice.
-- From Venice, Splendour of the Seas alternates roundtrip Turkey and Greece, and Greek Isles voyages ranging from six to eight nights. On the eight-night voyage, Crete is an additional port of call.
-- Legend of the Seas alternates between 12-night Greece and Eastern Mediterranean and 13-night Italy and Croatia itineraries, both roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia). Guests on the 13-night voyage will enjoy an in-depth Italian peninsula experience with two full days in Florence/Pisa (Livorno) and Venice.
For travelers in search of more in-depth experiences, Royal Caribbean International's cruisetour program offers pre-cruise packages as an extension of their European cruise vacation, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the customs and cultures of the locations they are visiting. The cruise line's signature cruisetours makes travel planning simpler by taking care of all arrangements including air travel, hotel, land transfers and land-tours. Each cruisetour is led by experienced tour directors, who provide expert historical and cultural insights giving guests a deeper understanding of the attractions visited. Personal concierge services also provide anything from dinner reservations to the purchase of VIP museum, show or attractions tickets, allowing guest to avoid long lines.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and three under construction. Liberty of the Seas, the cruise line's newest ship which debuts in April 2007, will share the title of largest cruise ship at sea with sister-ship Freedom of the Seas. At 160,000 GRT with a capacity of 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Liberty of the Seas will sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand through its cruisetour division. For additional information or to make reservations, go to www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) 327-6700. For travel professionals, go to www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

RCI’s Vitality Program Encourages Guests to Achieve Wellness and Life Balance
Vacationers in search of better balance in their lives can experience a total mind, body and soul vacation with Royal Caribbean International’s new Vitality program.  Launching in April 2007 on the cruise line’s newest ship, Liberty of the Seas, the program provides an integrated approach to wellness, offering guests more choices to foster a healthier lifestyle. The program covers every aspect of the cruise experience, including new fitness and spa offerings, wholesome culinary options and active onboard and shoreside activities.
Fitness Classes and Spa Treatments
The Vitality program provides guests with opportunities to incorporate sports and fitness of every activity level into their cruise vacation. In addition, a variety of spa treatments are aimed at helping guests find their individual lifestyle balance. Tai Chi and meditation classes, therapeutic Chinese herbal medicinal offerings and acupuncture at sea round out the new roster, taking everyday relaxation to the next level. For an outward boost of confidence, guests are encouraged to participate in the revamped “New Look & New You” program, which offers mini-makeovers. The “Eat More to Weigh Less” program includes a personal tour of Windjammer Café, the cruise line’s buffet restaurant, with an instructor who provides tips on healthier food choices and information on developing eating habits for lifelong health.
Onboard and Land-Based Activities
Guests eager to go the extra mile for a healthier, more balanced perspective on life can look to the Vitality program lecture series developed by a health and wellness expert for advice on stress and relaxation, weight management, and health and fitness.
Brand partner New Balance is bolstering the Vitality program by installing a virtual personal-trainer kiosk on the line’s Freedom-class ships to assist guests in creating a customized cruise vacation fitness regimen as well as a post-vacation exercise plan. Land-based Vitality fitness offerings will be available in various ports of call as well as New Balance self-guided running maps and an extensive running course on Labadee, Haiti, the cruise line’s private island destination.
A lifestyle balance extends well beyond the onboard experience, and Royal Caribbean’s popular shore excursions also will reflect the new Vitality program. Recommended excursions are perfect for active families and singles ready to hit the ground running, biking or zip-lining, including the Dragon's Flight Zipline on Labadee, Haiti; the Jungle Bike Adventure on Cozumel, Mexico; the Kayak, Snorkel and Beach Experience in George Town, Grand Cayman; and Jungle River Tubing in Montego Bay, Jamaica. These Vitality excursions are paired with discounted onboard spa treatments to rejuvenate guests’ senses after an exhilarating day shoreside.
The Vitality program will offer guests more dining choices to reinvigorate the body and recharge the soul. Energy bars, protein and green tea drinks, and Tazo iced- and hot-teas have been added to menus in locations like the popular “Squeeze” juice bar. Without sacrificing flavor and taste, healthier menu options, including trans-fat-free meals, all-natural ingredients and freshly prepared breads and meals, will be offered ship- and fleet-wide, alongside staple favorites.  

Royal Caribbean’s New Generation of Megaships to Set Sail in Europe in 2008
Plans to base a brand new 3,600-berth cruise ship, the largest in the world, in the UK have been unveiled by Royal Caribbean International.  Longer than three football pitches, Independence of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship to ever to be based from the UK beating the QM2 by 8,400 GRT and 1,008 berths. The ship will be bigger than the recently announced P&O Ventura, billed as the largest cruise ship built for the UK
market, and can accommodate 1,070 more passengers. Groundbreaking facilities onboard Independence of the Seas will include a FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and children’s adventure waterpark, the H2O zone.
 Independence of the Seas will start sailing from Southampton in summer 2008 and is a significant development for the UK cruise industry.         
Cruises from Southampton onboard Independence of the Seas start from £349 per person for a four-night cruise calling at Cork (overnight stay) and St Peter Port. A 14-night Mediterranean cruise starts from £1,299 per person.
  Cruises available include a four-night Cork (Ireland) short taster cruise, a ten-night Canary Islands cruise, and two different 14-night options taking in the best of Spain, France and Italy.
Bookings are now available.
Following a series of preview sailings in Oslo, Norway; Hamburg, Germany; and Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn To Sail From Olde England To New England
Seabourn Cruise Line is offering a complimentary two-night pre-cruise stay at London's sumptuous Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel and 50 percent savings on Seabourn Pride's 11-day transatlantic voyage departing on September 18, 2007.
The Seabourn-style crossing begins with two nights' accommodation at the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, one of London's finest luxury hotels. Once a distinguished Victorian gentlemen's club, the impressive building has been resurrected as a fashionable and thoroughly modern hostelry that commands one of London's most advantageous addresses, in the heart of the upscale Knightsbridge shopping district. Guests can enjoy theater, museums, gardens and galleries and all the history, pageantry and charm that London has to offer, during the two-night pre-cruise stay.
Sailing from Dover's celebrated white cliffs, guests will enjoy visits to the friendly ports of St. John's, Newfoundland; Halifax, Nova Scotia and Bar Harbor, Maine. The voyage ends in the picturesque fishing town of Gloucester, Massachussetts, just a short coastal drive from Boston. With special 50 percent savings, fares for this exceptional experience start from $3,898 per person, based on double occupancy, of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite.
For details, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

 

 

SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Introduces Portal to Portal Luggage Transfers
Guests of the twin ultra-luxury, mega-yacht cruisers SeaDream I and II, now have no need to muscle their bags from their land-based homes to their seagoing, SeaDream yacht home-away-from-home. Now all they really need to carry is their passport, their voyage documents, a toothbrush and a good book.
SeaDream’s new Dream Luggage Express is a new way to handle luggage to and from their SeaDream yacht. Not just to the yacht but right in their stateroom. Luggage service from SeaDream yacht to the guests’ home is available from most destinations as well.
To provide the luggage service—cost of which ranges from approximately $705    for a Caribbean Voyage to $1,565 for a Mediterranean Voyage—SeaDream Yacht Club has contracted with Luggage Express of Boca Raton, Florida. Estimated prices based on two suitcases shipped roundtrip weighing approximately  50lbs each coming from the Northeast USA.
The SeaDream guests simply go to www.seadream.com  and click on Dream Luggage Express which takes them directly to the Luggage Express website. A few entries and a few more clicks and it’s a done deal.
Travel agents who book SeaDream guests may use the service and earn a 10 percent commission.

SeaDream Introduces  Its Unique Brand of Caribbean Cruise Itineraries
SeaDream Yacht Club is introducing its own unique Caribbean, an intriguing series of five, seven and nine night sailings from November 2007 through April 2008 that includes 22 small, intimate yachting ports---a confident expansion of its previous presence in the region. For the Caribbean’s winter season, the mega-yacht cruisers SeaDream I and II will sail more than 30 itineraries in the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, the French West Indies, Netherlands Antilles and in the Windward and Leeward Islands.             In commenting on SeaDream Yacht Club’s Caribbean, Larry Pimentel, the company’s President and CEO, said “Our Caribbean is not the Caribbean of the major cruise operators, many of which have tenders that hold more passengers than SeaDream I and II. Our Caribbean is intimate, elegant, casual and active. There is a difference. For example, each SeaDream yacht has an Asian Spa facility with eight, highly trained masseuses. This is more spa therapists per guest than any passenger vessel operating today,” he stated.
The 55-stateroom SeaDream I and II will use San Juan, St. Thomas and Barbados as embarkation-debarkation ports. The yachts are not only ideal for discerning travelers seeking an unstructured experience but also for small meetings and incentive groups or individual private family gatherings. They are available for full charter.
Ports of call include: , Dewey, Culebrita Island, Puerto Rico; Esperanza, Vieques, Puerto Rico; Anegada, British Virgin Islands; Saba, Netherlands Antilles; Gustavia, St, Barts, French West Indies;  Charlestown, Nevis, Leeward Islands; Marigot, St. Martin, French West Indies; Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Peter Island, British Virgin Islands; White Bay, Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands; Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands; Sandy Ground, Anguilla, British West Indies; Spanish Town and North Sound, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; Little Bay, Montserrat; Iles Des Saintes, Guadaloupe, Windward Islands; Port Elizabeth, Bequia, Grenadines; Grand Bay, Canouan, Grenadines; Hillsborough, Carriacou, Grenadines; Tobago Cays, Grenadines, Mayreau, Genadines; Soufriere, St. Lucia, Windward Islands; Trois Ilets, Martinique, French West Indies.
SeaDream’s embarkation and debarkation ports are at major international air gateways.
In the Americas the SeaDream Yacht Club reservations number is 1 800 707-4911. In Europe it is +47 23 28 96 60. The website is www.seadreamyachtclub.com.

 

 

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Enhances 2007/2008 Schedule With New Series Of Elegant Explorations
Silversea, known for its luxurious ships and exotic destinations, unveiled a new series of 25 specially tailored Elegant Explorations for 2007 and 2008.  Created exclusively for the sophisticated traveler who has the time and passion to indulge in travel on a grand scale, this special collection offers new extended voyages ranging from 27 to 69 days.  These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard the line's elite, award-winning ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must-see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path all on one cruise. "Our Elegant Explorations are all-inclusive extended escapes perfectly suited to those guests who have the time to indulge their wanderlust at a leisurely pace, in unabashed luxury and comfort," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.  "You can explore the most desirable ports of Western Europe for 28 days, sail for 36 days from the Mediterranean through the Red Sea to Egypt, Kenya and the Seychelles or take a 62-day voyage from Venice and Dubai to Singapore and Sydney.  Throughout each unforgettable journey, you'll enjoy superb accommodations coupled with Silversea's famous personalized service and gracious hospitality."
Highlighting the program are generous savings incentives and onboard spending credits of $500 per suite (based on double occupancy) for guests sailing 44 to 65 days and $1,000 per suite for guests sailing 66 to 109 days. Complimentary Business Class air upgrades are also available with the purchase of the optional air program on voyages of 50 or more consecutive days.
Listed below is a small sampling of Elegant Explorations and the current best-available starting fares, which are cruise-only rates (based on double occupancy) that may include Early Booking Incentive savings of up to 30 percent; Silver Sailing Savings of up to 50 percent; an additional 5 percent Advance Payment Bonus savings when payment is made six months prior to sailing; Extended Voyage savings of 5 percent; and Venetian Society savings of 5 percent.  
In 2007
-- Silver Cloud departs July 30, 2007 on a 39-day voyage from Venice to Istanbul with calls in Croatia, Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria.  Best-available fares start at $25,068 per person.
-- Silver Shadow departs August 18, 2007 on a 69-day journey from Stockholm to Ft. Lauderdale with calls in Finland, Russia, Estonia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands, Senegal, Cape Verde Islands, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Bart's, St. Kitt's and Virgin Gorda.  Best-available fares start at $32,629 per person.
-- Silver Whisper departs November 4, 2007 on a 62-day voyage from Venice to Sydney with calls in Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, United Arab Emirates, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.  Best-available fares start at $26,716 per person.
-- Silver Wind departs November 13, 2007 on a 38-day voyage from Manaus to Santiago with calls in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Falkland Islands and Chile.  Highlights include cruising the Amazon River and Chilean Fjords.  Best-available fares start at $16,688 per person.
In 2008
-- Silver Whisper departs January 19, 2008 on a 40-day voyage from Auckland to Singapore with calls in New Zealand, Australia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Vietnam.  Best-available fares start at $19,588 per person.
-- Silver Shadow departs May 16, 2008 on a 27-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver with calls in Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, California, British Columbia and Alaska.  Highlights include cruising the Panama Canal and Alaska's Glacier Bay and Inside Passage.  Best-available fares start at $11,331 per person.
-- Silver Shadow departs September 17, 2008 on a 53-day voyage from Los Angeles to Los Angeles with calls in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Robinson Crusoe Island, Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, French Polynesia, Marquises Islands and Hawaii.  Best-available fares start at $23,013 per person.
A colorful self-mailer describing the Elegant Explorations collection is now available to travel agents and can be ordered online at www.silversea.com.  
For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

Silversea Announces Culinary And Wine Cruises For 2007
Silversea Cruises is spicing up its 2007 schedule with an enticing collection of 6 Culinary Arts and 5 Wine Series voyages. The popular enrichment cruises will showcase the artistry of award-winning chefs of top dining establishments from around the world, including Relais & Châteaux—Relais Gourmands, the distinguished international association of boutique hotels and restaurants, while wine experts from an array of prestigious estates and wineries will be on hand to host the Wine Series voyages.
On 6 culinary sailings, guest chefs will display their exceptional talents during informative and entertaining cooking demonstrations. Guests can taste and learn firsthand the secrets of enticing signature dishes created by award-winning chefs like Anne Desjardins, the CAA/AAA Four Diamond chef/owner of L'Eau à La Bouche in Ste-Adèle, Québec; Cal Stamenov, executive chef of Marinus, the Mobil Four-Star restaurant at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley, California; and Gale Gand, host of Food Network's Sweet Dreams cooking show and executive pastry chef and partner of Chicago’s Tru, a Mobil Four Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant. The Culinary Arts enrichment voyages also feature escorted trips to international markets, food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes, and a five-course grand gourmet dinner.  Throughout these special voyages, the featured guest chef and Silversea’s executive chef are on hand to share their culinary expertise and answer any questions.
Discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling some of the world’s finest vintages and visiting world-famous wineries, cellars and vineyards aboard 5 wine-themed cruises. Top experts like David Elswood, international head of the wine department at Christie's, the world's oldest auctioneer of fine wines, and Eduardo Pulenta, Jr. of the award-winning Pulenta Estate, one of Argentina's hottest new winemakers, will be on board to provide enriching lectures, conduct special tastings of vintage blends and guide Silversea’s guests on excursions to celebrated wineries and vineyards in select ports of call.
-- Silver Whisper's 9-day Famous Fortresses cruise from Nice to Athens, May 28 - June 6, 2007 (Voyage 4718).  Guest Chef:  Anne Desjardins, L'Eau à La Bouche, Ste-Adèle, Québec.  Silver Sailing fares start at $4,557 per person.
Silver Whisper's six-day "Bon Vivant Collection" voyage from Barcelona to Rome, June 30 - July 6, 2007 (Voyage 4722).  Guest Chef:  Cal Stamenov, Marinus at Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley, California.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $4,330 per person.
-- Silver Cloud's special seven-day Privileged Passage from Athens to Istanbul, July 13 - 20, 2007 (Voyage 1718).  Guest Chef:  Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat, Chiva-Som luxury health resort, Thailand.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $5,350 per person.
 -- Silver Whisper's seven-day Realms of Myth and Legend cruise from Athens to Venice, August 3 - 10, 2007 (Voyage 4727).  Guest Chef:  Gale Gand, Tru, Chicago, Illinois.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $5,036 per person.
-- Silver Whisper's seven-day Timeless Treasures cruise from Venice to Rome, August 10 - 17, 2007 (Voyage 4728).  Guest Chef:  Renato Piccolotto, Hotel Cipriani, Venice, Italy.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $5,036 per person.
-- Silver Shadow's seven-day Realm of the Romanovs IV cruise from Copenhagen to Stockholm, August 11 - 18, 2007 (Voyage 3720).  Guest Chef:  Jean-Paul Bondoux, La Bourgogne, Punta del Este, Uruguay and Restaurant Jean-Paul Bondoux, Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $5,485 per person.
The wine series of cruises are:
-- Silver Whisper's  nine-day Mediterranean Collection voyage from Athens to Monte Carlo, May 2 - 11, 2007 (Voyage 4713).  Hosted by David Elswood, International Head for Christie's Wine Department.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $6,115 per person.
-- Silver Cloud's ten-day Landscapes and Legacies"cruise from Venice to Nice, July 30 - August 9, 2007 (Voyage 1720).  Hosted by Bellavista Winery of Franciacorta (Lombardy), Italy.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,036 per person.
-- Silver Whisper's seven-day Prestige and Traditions cruise from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, September 14 - 21, 2007 (Voyage 4733).  Hosted by Virginie Coutou, General Manager of Diva Wines, Madrid, Spain.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $4,925 per person.
-- Silver Wind's eight-day South American Sojourn from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires, November 27 - December 5, 2007 (Voyage 2732).  Hosted by Eduardo Pulenta, Jr., Export Manager of Pulenta Estate, Mendoza, Argentina.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $4,670 per person.
-- Silver Cloud's 11-day African Odyssey from Port Louis to Cape Town, December 11 - 22, 2007 (Voyage 1734).  Hosted by Duimpie Bayley, South African wine expert.  Silver Sailing fares start at $4,286 per person.

Steve Kroft Among Luminaries Set To Host Silversea Enrichment Programs
Award-winning 60 Minutes co-editor and CBS News correspondent Steve Kroft is set to join a remarkable lineup of talent slated to host enrichment programs for ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises this year.  Other distinguished personalities include Jennet Conant, bestselling author of Tuxedo Park; Rex Pickett, whose novel Sideways became a mega-hit film; Terry Hughes, award-winning British TV producer and director; Michael Buerk, legendary BBC news correspondent and anchor; James F. Hoge, Jr., editor of the venerable Foreign Affairs magazine; and David Garrard Lowe, renowned cultural historian and author.
Steve Kroft and Jennet Conant will team up to host a series of presentations aboard Silver Cloud's ten-day Landscapes and Legacies voyage, sailing July 30 from Venice to Nice with calls in Hvar, Dubrovnik, Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Portovenere.  (Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,036 per person.)  Kroft was named a correspondent of 60 Minutes in May 1989 and delivered his first report that fall.  The 2006-2007 season is his 18th on the broadcast and his 27th year as a CBS News correspondent. He is a recipient of three George Foster Peabody Awards and eleven Emmy Awards.  His wife, Jennet Conant, is the author of the 2002 New York Times bestseller Tuxedo Park:  A Wall Street Tycoon and the Secret Palace of Science That Changed the Course of World War II.  A former journalist, Conant has written for Vanity Fair, Esquire, GQ, Newsweek and The New York Times.
Rex Pickett came to prominence when his novel Sideways was made into an Academy Award-winning hit film chronicling the adventures of two friends on a road trip through California's Santa Barbara County wine region.  Pickett will host screenings and discussions on the art of film-making, including a special screening of Sideways highlighted by a Pinot Noir tasting that's sure to delight wine lovers.  His presentations are slated for Silver Shadow's 15-day Pacific Interlude voyage, sailing December 8 from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale with calls in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Costa Rica and San Andres Island.  Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $6,146 per person.  
Award-winning British TV producer and director Terry Hughes is uniquely qualified to offer an insider's perspective on British and American comedy.  Hughes, a former head of BBC TV Variety, oversaw production of such shows as the long-running comedy The Two Ronnies, for which he earned seven BAFTA nominations and one award.  After relocating to Los Angeles, his many achievements include a Directors Guild of America Award, six Emmy nominations and an Emmy Award for outstanding directing for the situation comedy The Golden Girls.  Join Hughes when he hosts Silver Wind's 15-day Mosques and Monuments cruise, sailing June 7 from Istanbul to Rome, with calls in Mykonos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Tartous, Alexandria, Crete, Malta, Sicily, and Sorrento.  Silver Sailing fares start at $8,746 per person.
British broadcast journalist Michael Buerk, whose distinguished career at BBC News spans over 30 years, is perhaps best known for his reports on the famine in Ethiopia in 1984, inspiring Bob Geldof to organize the famous Live Aid appeal. Silversea guests will enjoy his presentations aboard Silver Whisper's 11-day Indian Ocean Journey, sailing December 9 from Mumbai to Singapore and again on the 16-day Barrier Reef Discovery voyage, departing December 20 from Singapore to Sydney.  Silver Sailing fares for the December 9 sailing start at $3,957 per person.  For the December 20 cruise, Advance Payment Bonus fares start at $9,516 per person.
Silver Cloud will have the pleasure of welcoming James F. Hoge, Jr. and David Garrard Lowe to lecture and lead discussions aboard its seven-day Minarets and Revelations cruise, sailing July 6 from Istanbul to Athens with calls in Mykonos, Thessaloniki, Bodrum, Crete and Nauplia. (Silver Sailing fares start at $4,406 per person.)  Hoge is currently the editor of Foreign Affairs, a  leading US journal on international affairs and foreign policy published by the Council on Foreign Relations.  He spent more than three decades in newspaper journalism, including serving as editor in chief and publisher of The Chicago Sun-Times.  Lowe is a leading authority on architectural history, a cultural historian and author.  His books include Stanford White's New York, Chicago Interiors, The Great Chicago Fire, Beaux Arts New York and Art Deco New York. He will lecture on Greek and Roman architecture.
Website: www.silversea.com  

 

Star Clippers

Savings On Select Mediterranean Cruises In 2007 Offer
Star Clippers has introduced special summer Mediterranean savings of $1,000 off cruise and air packages on the seven-night round-trip Cannes, France, cruises aboard Star Clipper. That includes $600 off the cruise fare, plus save $400 off the add-on air fare from major U.S. cities. With these savings, fares begin at just $1,545 per person, double occupancy.
The 170-passenger vessel sails two distinct round- trip Cannes itineraries. The Tyrrhenian itinerary includes calls at Calvi and Bonifacio, Corsica; Costa Smeralda, Sardinia; Portoferraio and Portofino, Italy, and St. Tropez, France.
The Ligurian cruise visits the ports of Ile Rousse/St. Florent and Bastia, Corsica; Portovenere and Portofino, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Porquerolles, France.
Guests also can take advantage of the savings on the May 5, 2007, seven-night cruise that sails round-trip Barcelona, Spain. During the voyage, Star Clipper will have an overnight call at Valencia, as well as visits to La Sabina and Ibiza, Spain; Palma, Mallorca, and Mahon, Menorca.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact a travel professional, call Star Clippers at 1- 800-442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com. To request a brochure, call 1-800-442-0556.

 

Star Cruises

Star Cruises Returns To Taiwan With Superstar Libra In June 2007 
Star Cruises, will reposition SuperStar Libra to Keelung, Taiwan for a seasonal deployment between June and October 2007. After two years, Star Cruises will return to Taiwan to yet again bring to this part of the world her magical cruises.
SuperStar Libra ends her current season in India on  May 25,2007. Thereafter, she will undergo renovations to especially cater to the Taiwan market in areas like dining with the addition of an International buffet and a Chinese family style restaurant.
This charming vessel is scheduled to arrive in Keelung on 29 June 2007 where she will commence offering a combination of two- and three-night cruises to destinations in Taiwan and Japan. The two-night cruises will call at the new and popular destination of Penghu, located off the southeast coast of Taiwan and Ishigaki in Japan while the three night itineraries will call at Ishigaki and Naha, Okinawa in Japan. The new season will see SuperStar Libra making her maiden call to Penghu on  July 4.
Cruisers will continue to enjoy an exciting array of onboard facilities and activities including international performances, themed parties, food and beverage specials, fitness center, golf driving range, swimming pool, twin hot tubs, sports deck and a never ending string of other fun activities. “SuperStar Libra’s stint in Taiwan will provide an opportunity for the Taiwan market to once again experience cruising as an exciting holiday option at sea featuring a combination of onboard dining, says Jean Teo, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing of Star Cruises. “The ship will undergo preparations to cater to the needs and demands of cruisers from this region in line with Star Cruises’ philosophy of always offering the best cruise experience possible to all its cruisers.”
SuperStar Libra is a 42,000 gross-tonnage ship with 740 well-appointed cabins with a passenger capacity of 1,480 lower berths. Measuring 216m long and 28m wide, she has eight restaurants and bars, seven entertainment outlets, meeting facilities and a host of sports, health and recreational facilities