Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival S Announces New Ship Deployments On East Coast
Carnival Cruise Lines will switch the homeport deployments of its 2,124-passenger SuperLiners Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle beginning in spring 2007.
-- Carnival Legend, which currently sails from New York and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will be deployed to Tampa, Florida to operate year-round seven-day western Caribbean voyages departing Sundays from that port beginning April 15, 2007.  
-- Currently based in Tampa, Carnival Miracle will be relocated to New York and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to operate eight-day Caribbean cruises from those ports beginning April 25, 2007
Since Carnival Miracle and Carnival Legend are sister ships, guests’ reservations will be automatically shifted to the new vessel with booking and stateroom numbers remaining the same.
-- Carnival Legend’s new seven-day schedule from Tampa begins April 15, 2007, and includes extended calls at four magnificent Caribbean ports – Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Costa Maya, each offering excellent beaches and interesting historical sites and attractions. 
Prior to the start-up of its new seven-day itinerary, Carnival Legend will operate a special one-time four-day eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale departing Monday, April 9, 2007, and visiting Grand Turk in the Turks & Caicos Islands; and Nassau, The Bahamas.
Carnival Legend will operate from Fort Lauderdale through the departure of April 1, 2007, before redeploying to Tampa.
--  Carnival Miracle’s eight-day Caribbean schedule from New York begins April 25, 2007, and includes three different tropical destinations – San Juan, St. Thomas/St. John, and Tortola/Virgin Gorda – renowned for their spectacular beaches, outstanding restaurants and shops, and excellent duty-free bargains.
Prior to the start-up of this program, Carnival Miracle will sail on a six-day cruise from New York to King’s Wharf, Bermuda; and Newport, R.I., departing April 19, 2007, as well as a two-day cruise departing October 18, 2007 (both voyages were originally scheduled to be operated by Carnival Legend).
Carnival Miracle will operate from Tampa through the departure of April 1, 2007, after which the ship will undergo an 11-day dry dock before re-deploying to New York.
Carnival Miracle’s Winter Season in Fort Lauderdale
Following its eight-day cruise program from New York, Carnival Miracle will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for alternating eight-day “exotic” southern and “exotic” western Caribbean cruises beginning October 22, 2007. 
On this route, southern Caribbean cruises include St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts -- three tropical islands offering a lush landscape and magnificent beaches, along with myriad water sports and shopping and dining opportunities. 
The western route features Colon, Panama; Limon, Costa Rica; and Belize City, Belize, offering guests a diversity of landside experiences, from ecotourism and centuries-old archeological sites and ruins, along with gorgeous white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters teeming with tropical fish.
Carnival is currently accepting reservations for both the Carnival Miracle and Carnival Legend’s new departures from Tampa, New York and Fort Lauderdale.  Prices for the Carnival Legend’s seven-day cruises from Tampa start at $549 per person while eight-day cruises from New York or Fort Lauderdale on Carnival Legend begin at $619 per person, based on double occupancy. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom and round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways are also available. Website: www.carnival.com

Affordable ‘Fun’ From New Orleans Aboard Carnival’s ‘Fantasy’
 To celebrate the return of Fun Ship cruising from New Orleans this fall, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering four and five-day Mexico voyages on the SuperLiner Fantasy starting at just $279 per person. The Fantasy’s new schedule from New Orleans begins October 26, 2006, and encompasses four-day cruises to Cozumel departing Thursdays and five-day cruises to Cozumel and Costa Maya departing Mondays and Saturdays.
Pre- and post-cruise land stays providing guests opportunities to experience New Orleans’ legendary cuisine, entertainment and nightlife are also available.
The namesake vessel in Carnival’s Fantasy-class, the 2,056-passenger SuperLiner offers a variety of on-board amenities, including three restaurants, three swimming pools, a jogging track, a cascading water slide, and a 12,000-square-foot spa. Also featured is an Internet café, including Wi-Fi access in a variety of public rooms and areas, as well as cellular phone service. “Camp Carnival” and “Club O2,” offering supervised activities and expansive facilities for children and teens, respectively, are available, as well. 

A variety of shore excursion opportunities, everything from scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and snorkeling to golfing, kayaking and Mayan ruins tours, are available during port calls in Cozumel and Costa Maya.
In addition to four- and five-day cruises aboard the Fantasy, Carnival will launch seven-day Caribbean cruises from New Orleans aboard the Carnival Triumph beginning September 2, 2007.   Prices for these week-long cruises begin at $429 per person.
Carnival will be the only cruise line to operate two ships year-round from New Orleans.  Together, the Fantasy and Carnival Triumph are expected to carry some 320,000 guests annually from New Orleans.
Carnival is currently accepting reservations for all of its various New Orleans departures. 
For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, bookccl.com.

‘Carnival Freedom’ To Offer Special ‘Mediterranean/Greek Isles Cruise In March
Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom will operate a special one-time nine-day cruise in March 2007 featuring visits to five magnificent ports in Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey. The voyage begins with an overnight call in Venice March 5 and includes day-long stops at Dubrovnik, Croatia; Katakolon and Athens, Greece; Izmir, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; and Naples, Italy; before arriving in Rome (Civitavecchia) on March 14, 2007.
The nine-day cruise offers guests a variety of unforgettable shoreside experiences, including visiting the legendary Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon in Greece, as well as the ancient cities of Olympia, Priere, Didyma and Miletus—four of the best-preserved settlements of Grecian history. During the extended call in Turkey, guests can visit the fabled Blue Mosque and Topkapi Museum.
Carnival Freedom’s nine-day inaugural cruise is just one of several exciting itinerary choices available aboard the 2,974-passenger vessel, which will also operate a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean and Mediterranean/Greek Isles cruises March 14 – October 16, 2007, round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) followed by a 14-day transatlantic crossing departing Rome (Civitavecchia) October 28, and arriving in Miami Nov. 11, 2007. The ship will then begin year-round service from Miami with seven-day cruises alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean beginning November 17, 2007. Prior to the start-up of this program, Carnival Freedom will operate a special four-day western Caribbean cruise from Miami Nov. 12, 2007.
Prices for the nine-day cruise begin at $699 per person based on double occupancy. Round-trip air supplements and special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom are also available.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

 

 

Costa  Cruise Lines

Experience A Stress-Free Thanksgiving At Sea With Costa
Families can enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving at sea this year, all while experiencing the love, laughter and la dolce vita of cruising with Costa in the Caribbean. A special Thanksgiving sailing departing from Ft. Lauderdale on November 19 aboard the beautiful Costa Magica will sail the Western Caribbean on a seven-night getaway where kids may sail free!
In Costa’s Caribbean, guests can expect fun-filled days that may include playing bocce ball to savoring authentic, Italian lunches al fresco. By night, they’ll be able to learn tarantella dancing and experience lively Roman Bacchanal parties. An extensive children’s and teen’s program features fun, educational and age-appropriate activities, ensuring a great experience for the whole family.
The Costa Magica, one of the newest and largest ships in the Costa fleet, will depart from Ft. Lauderdale on November 19 and sail the Western Caribbean with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. Early Booking Fares for the sailing begin at $499, and are cruise only, per person, and based on double occupancy. Government taxes are additional. All fares are subject to change and based on availability. Guests who take advantage of Early Booking Fares can sail with their kids in the same cabin for free, excluding government fees. Additional savings and amenities are also available to past World?s Leading Cruise Lines (WLCL) guests.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

Costa Unveils 2007/2008 Caribbean Itineraries
From November 2007 through April 2008, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line will sail in celebration throughout the Caribbean as 2008 marks 60 years of cruising for the Italian cruise company. The season also features the introduction of the beautiful Costa Fortuna to the region, while the breathtaking Costa Mediterranea will return with new Saturday-to-Saturday itineraries. The complete Costa Caribbean 07/08 brochure will be released at the end of September.
Costa Fortuna Newly Deployed to Caribbean
Inspired by grand Italian liners of the past, the 105,000-ton Costa Fortuna will sail the Eastern, Western and Southeastern Caribbean for the first time in the 07/08 season. Inaugurated in 2003, this sister ship to the Costa Magica has a double occupancy capacity of 2,720, with many staterooms featuring ocean views and balconies. Stunning design elements of the ship include a spectacular display featuring 26 models of past and present members of Costa’s fleet showcased from the ceiling of the main atrium. Western Caribbean ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. In the Eastern Caribbean, ports of call featured include San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Catalina Island and La Romana, Dominican Republic; and Nassau, Bahamas. Southeastern Caribbean ports of call include San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten, Leeward Islands; Tortola, British Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.  
Costa Mediterranea Returns with New Saturday-to-Saturday Itineraries
With design features inspired by the lavish palazzos of Italy, the 86,000-ton Costa Mediterranea boasts spectacularly designed public spaces, making the ship feel much like a floating palace. Also inaugurated in 2003, this ship has a double occupancy capacity of 2,114 and features numerous staterooms with ocean views and balconies. Western Caribbean ports of call include Key West, Florida; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. Eastern Caribbean ports of call featured include San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Catalina Island and La Romana, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
Only Cruise Line Sailing to Bermuda from Ft. Lauderdale
The only cruise line sailing to Bermuda out of Ft. Lauderdale, Costa will feature one April itinerary to the popular island getaway for the 2007/2008 season. One seven-night sailing departing Ft. Lauderdale on April 6 aboard the Costa Fortuna features two overnights in King’s Wharf.
Guests booking in advance can take advantage of Costa’s Early Booking Fares, which offer savings of up to 45% for seven-night cruises. Early Booking Fares begin at $549 and are cruise only, per person, and based on double occupancy. Government taxes are additional. All fares are subject to change and based on availability. In addition, travel agents should inquire about Costa’s Early Group Booking special promotion, which offers outstanding savings and is available through December 21, 2006.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com.

 

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises Announces 2008 World Cruise
For the first time in three years, Crystal Cruises' 2008 World Cruise will take guests on a 108-day odyssey through Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, India, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean.  Responding to travel agents anxious to promote its 2008 World Cruise, Crystal Cruises has set its 13th annual World Cruise earlier than ever. This is the first of the luxury line's 2008 itineraries to be announced.
The 2008 World Cruise will span the globe visiting 45 ports of call in 22 different countries, departing Los Angeles on January 19, 2008, and arrive in Southampton, England, on May 7.  The global journey features overnight stays in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, India, Egypt and Monaco, and maiden calls at Crete/Aghios Nikoloas, Greece, and La Coruña and Valencia, Spain.  The complete itinerary is posted at www.crystalcruises.com.
Crystal's 2008 World Cruise is offered in eight different segments ranging from 11 to 18 days with departures from Los Angeles; Papeete, Tahiti; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong, China; Singapore; Mumbai, India; and Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy.

26 Theme Cruises On Crystal Ships For 2007
From ballroom dancing to wellness, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises will showcase 12 different theme cruise topics on nearly half of its worldwide itineraries in 2007.  Together, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will offer 64 destination rich cruises, of which 26 will feature dedicated theme programming.  New topics such as ballroom dancing and cabaret performances join established favorites including golf, jazz, comedy, film and the line’s renowned Crystal Wine & Food Festival.
Also new next year are two Mind, Body & Spirit cruises offering a holistic, more balanced focus on overall wellness beyond traditional exercise regimes.  Extended courses in music by Yamaha, language by Berlitz and even computer studies are offered as part of the line’s progressive Creative Learning Institute, and a Tall Ships cruise with an overnight in Stockholm showcasing the impressive participants in the world’s largest sailing event. 
The 2007 theme cruise line-up includes:
-- Big Band & Ballroom Dance – plugging into the ballroom dance craze sweeping the nation, Crystal adds dance instruction to a Trans-Atlantic Big Band cruise, recalling the gilded days of oceanic crossings. November 9; 10-day Trans-Atlantic; Lisbon to Miami; Crystal Serenity
-- Cabaret at Sea – the Mabel Mercer Foundation, so named for the legendary cabaret performer, celebrates great American composers.   March 4; seven-day Mexican Riviera; round-trip Los Angeles; Crystal Symphony
-- Mind, Body & Spirit – guest instructors focus on yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and overall wellness aboard and ashore. February 25; 7-day Mexican Riviera; round-trip Los Angeles, Crystal Symphony; and November 19; 11-day Panama Canal; Miami to Costa Rica; Crystal Serenity
-- Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute – expanded curriculums of progressive study offered in music, art and language; a computer course at the line’s Computer University@Sea offers transferable college credit during Crystal Serenity’s 2007 World Cruise. March 11; 17-day Trans-Pacific; Los Angeles to Hong Kong; Crystal Symphony
-- Crystal Comedy Club at Sea – featuring talented comedians from the nation’s top comedy clubs. January 5; 7-day Caribbean; round-trip Miami; Crystal Serenity
-- Film & Theatre Festival – guest speakers and film authorities salute films and theatre during a London to New York Trans-Atlantic crossing. August 31; 14-day Trans-Atlantic; London to New York; Crystal Symphony
-- Golf – PGA instructors and golf celebrities host clinics and share stories on the PGA Tour.  Optional Crystal Adventures shore excursions offer play at famous courses throughout the British Isles. August 20; 11-day British Isles; round-trip London; Crystal Symphony
-- Jazz – ensembles perform soulful sounds and industry experts explore this art form on a cruise through the Caribbean. December 1; 7-day Caribbean; round-trip Miami; Crystal Symphony
-- President’s Cruise – Company President Gregg L. Michel and his family host a special Canary Island sailing. October 28; 12-day Canary Islands; Rome to Lisbon; Crystal Serenity
-- Smithsonian Journeys – destination-specific lectures from the cultural and educational arm of the Smithsonian Institution bring added enrichment to destinations steeped in centuries of history, from China and Southeast Asia to Turkey, Greece and Italy. ·         February 14; 17-day South America & Africa; Buenos Aires to Cape Town—Crystal Serenity;
March 29; 14-day China & Japan; Hong Kong to Beijing—Crystal Symphony;
April 20; 11-day Southeast Asia; Hong Kong to Singapore—Crystal Symphony;
May 25; 12-day Mediterranean; Istanbul to Venice—Crystal Serenity
October 17; 11-day Mediterranean; Athens to Rome; Crystal Serenity.
-- Tall Ships Cruise – an overnight stay in Stockholm spotlights the more than 80 ships measuring 325 feet during the world’s largest sailing event. July 29; 11-day Baltic Sea & Russia; Stockholm to Copenhagen; Crystal Symphony
Crystal Wine & Food Festival – world-renowned chefs and wine experts share their talents at lectures, special meals and tastings on board and ashore during the line’s 11th annual festival offered on 10 different voyages. Crystal's theme cruises are a vital component of the Crystal Visions® Enrichment Program of renowned speakers and celebrity guest lecturers offered on every Crystal cruise including
January 12; 15-day South America; Miami to Valparíaso
Crystal Serenity; February 11; 14-day Panama Canal; Miami to Los Angeles, Crystal Symphony
April 19; 12-day Western Europe; Rome to London, Crystal Serenity
May 1; 12-day Western Europe; London to Rome; Crystal Serenity
May 17; 14-day Africa & Red Sea; Dubai to Rome; Crystal Symphony
May 25; 12-day Mediterranean; Istanbul to Venice; Crystal Serenity
August 9; 11-day Western Europe; Copenhagen to London; Crystal Symphony
October 6; 11-day Mediterranean/Egypt; Istanbul to Athens; Crystal Serenity
October 24; 11-day New England; Montréal to Miami; Crystal Symphony
November 4; 10-day Panama Canal; Miami to Costa Rica; Crystal Symphony
For additional information, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

 

 

Cunard Line

Cunard Line 2008 World Cruise Brochure Now Available
Continuing a grand Cunard tradition started nearly 85 years ago, the line will embark on two historic World Cruises in 2008: Sailing roundtrip from New York, Queen Victoria will embark on her inaugural world cruise, a 105-day Pathway to the Explorers voyage that is destined to spark worldwide celebration as nearly every port will be a maiden call, and Queen Elizabeth 2 will embark on her 26th world cruise, a 90-day South America, Pacific & Far East Odyssey.
Affording unparalleled opportunities to see the world from the deck of two of the world's most famous ocean liners, these dual journeys are richly detailed in Cunard's new 75-page 2008 World Cruise brochure. In addition to full World Cruises, the ships offer a wide range of Liner and Segment Voyages.  Now available for booking, these shorter voyages are ideal for travelers who wish to explore a specific part of the world or those whose busy schedules rule out an around-the-world journey.
Guests who book by January 31, 2007 can save up to 20 percent per person off brochure fares with Bonus Early Booking Savings and enjoy generous onboard credits, ranging from $250 to $3,600 per stateroom, on full World Cruise and Liner Voyages, based on the ship, voyage and stateroom category.
Queen Victoria's 2008 Maiden World Cruise features a total of five Segment Voyages, ranging from 13 to 22 days.
-- Tale of Two Coasts - A 17-day voyage from New York to Los Angeles includes stops in Aruba, Costa Rica and Mexico, as well as a Panama Canal Transit.  Fares start at $2,964.
-- -- Pacific Seas and Sunsets - A 24-day trip from Los Angeles to Sydney, with stops in Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.  Fares start at $5,411.
-- Enchantment of the East - From Sydney to Singapore, this 23-day itinerary includes stops in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.  Fares start at $4,300.
Empires of the Exotic - A 13-day journey from Singapore to Dubai, with stops including Kuala Lumpur, Sri Lanka and Mumbai.  Fares start at $1,966.
-- Cradles of Civilization - Queen Victoria's final segment is a 22-day voyage from Dubai to Oman and Egypt, through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean with stops in Athens, Naples, Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon, concluding in Southampton.  Fares start at $4,376.
Queen Elizabeth 2's World Cruise features five Segment Voyages.  They range from six to 24 days and include:
-- Cape Horn Exploration - A 24-day voyage from New York to Valparaiso, Chile with stops in Barbados, Brazil, Uruguay and the Falkland Islands.  Fares start at $3,858.
-- South Pacific Serenade - From Valparaiso to Sydney, an 18-day sail with stops in Chile, French Polynesia, Tonga and New Zealand.  Fares from $3,152.
-- Australian Adventure - A 14-day itinerary departing from Sydney with stops in five ports along Australia's southern coast, continuing on to Singapore.  Fares from $1,985.
-- Pearls of the Pacific - From Singapore to Los Angeles, this 21-day journey calls in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Japan and Hawaii.  Fares from $3,171.
-- Panama Canal Discovery - Queen Elizabeth 2's final segment is a 13-day journey from Los Angeles to New York, featuring stops in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and Jamaica.  Fares start at $1,816.
Bonus Early Booking Savings fares apply for all above-referenced pricing.  Fares must be booked before January 31, 2007, and are based on double occupancy.
For guests who book their travel by January 31, 2007, the 2008 World Cruises and Liner Voyages offer significantly higher onboard credits than in previous years.  Aboard Queen Victoria, World Cruise passengers receive up to $2,000 per stateroom in onboard credits, as well as five exclusive shore events throughout the world journey.  In addition, full World Cruise guest benefits include complimentary hotel & dining charges (a value of $1,089 per person); a gala World Cruise dinner and special commemorative gifts.
The ship's Liner Voyages offer onboard credits up to $1,000 per stateroom based on accommodation.  Grill guests on Liner Voyages also enjoy between two and four complimentary shore events, depending on the voyage.
Aboard Queen Elizabeth 2, World Cruise passengers receive up to $3,600 in onboard credits based on accommodation as well as five complimentary shore events throughout the world.  In addition, full World Cruise guest benefits include complimentary hotel & dining charges (a value of $990 or more); a gala World Cruise dinner and special commemorative gifts.
The ship's Liner Voyages offer onboard credits up to $1,800 per stateroom based on accommodation.  Grill guests on Liner Voyages also enjoy between two and four complimentary shore events, depending on the voyage.
All onboard credits are based on double occupancy.
For more information and to receive a brochure about Cunard's 2008 World Cruises, contact a travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com

 

 

Discovery Cruise Line

Discovery Cruise Line Announces New Cruising Categories
Discovery Cruise Line, which carries nearly 200,000 passengers annually between Ft. Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island, has announced new cruising categories. "A new 'Coach' category is being introduced effective September 29, 2006, which will provide passengers with transportation and cruise amenities in the price of the ticket, without meals,” says Hanns J. Hahn, General Manager. “Historically, the cruise has been all-inclusive of three lavish buffet meals. However the new category now allows passengers to choose whether or not to have the three meals included in the price of the cruise. Of course, buffet meals can also be purchased onboard and other food and beverages are available at various locations onboard should passengers desire refreshments or food."
The 'Standard' category includes the usual three lavish all one-can-eat buffet meals on the roundtrip cruise. And, the 'Plus' category for Cruise 'N Stay Getaways includes priority check-in and debarkation, two lavish buffet meals on the way to Grand Bahama, seven-course dining on the return cruise, transfers to and from hotels on island (Cruise 'N Stay Getaway Vacations only), and the use of a private lounge on board, The Florida Room. These two categories existed previously but now have new labels."
The new Coach rate for Grand Bahama Party Day Cruises is $39.99, the Standard rate is $49.99, and the cost of Plus is $59.99 (same as Standard but including the seven-course gourmet dinner). All rates are per person, each way, based on a roundtrip cruise.
Cruise 'N Stay Getaway Vacations can be categorized with 2 day, 1 night Coach packages priced from only $119.99 per person, double occupancy. The roundtrip cruise on Discovery includes games, entertainment, a swimming pool, spacious sun decks, lounges and a Las Vegas-style casino with slots, blackjack, roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, and much more.
Discovery sails daily from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, departing at 7:45 am and returning at 10 pm. Discovery offers same day roundtrip Bahamas Party Cruises as well as cruise and stay getaway packages at most of the island's hotels. The convenience of daily non-stop service makes it easy and convenient to travel to Grand Bahama, no matter where you fly or drive from.
For more information or reservations, call 1-800-93-SHIPS or visit our web site at www.discoverycruise.com .

 

 

Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines

UK based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announces that the latest addition to its fleet, Balmoral, will use Miami as its base port for winter-time Caribbean cruising. The shipis due to arrive in Florida on March 1, 2008 and will operate four cruises before it returns to Europe for the summer. It is expected that the following winter the ship will be based in Miami for the entire season.
Balmoral will begin cruising on January 30, 2008. Balmoral’s first Florida cruise pattern will consist of two 10-night Eastern and two 11-night Western Caribbean itineraries, both of which will combine popular with more unusual ports of call. For instance St Kitts and Santo Thomas de Castilla mix with Antigua and Jamaica to provide a more unusual and interesting experience in the Caribbean. Nigel Lingard, marketing director for the line, said: “The size of Balmoral will complement the existing fleet perfectly, and whilst her name is resolutely Scottish, the decorative style on board will resemble an elegant English country house hotel and will retain the essentially British nature of the décor and atmosphere so familiar to Fred. Olsen passengers.”
Cruises on all Fred. Olsen ships can be booked in the USA and Canada through Borton Overseas on 0800 843 0602. Website: www.fredolsencruises.com 

 

 

Holland America Line

Holland America Line Wraps Up the Holidays With 19 Winter Cruise Escapes
From the exotic -- enjoying the Christmas spirit with penguins in Antarctica or toasting the New Year down under -- to a popular Caribbean or Mexico cruise, Holland America Line invites travelers to celebrate the season this December on one of 19 holiday escapes.
From December 16 through 31, 2006, Holland America Line offers several cruise departures ranging from 7- to 20-days and accommodating the varied schedules of busy professionals, school kids and grandparents. Destinations, both close-to-home and far-flung, include:
  -- The beaches and azure waters of the Caribbean -- the perfect warm winter retreat with 14 holiday cruises, ranging from 7 to 14 days, traveling round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia, and New York City with the maiden Holiday voyages of the ms Noordam.  Most itineraries feature a visit to Half Moon Cay, the
line's award-winning private Bahamian island.
  -- The mystery and beauty of the Mexican Riviera on a seven-day cruise traveling round-trip from San Diego for Christmas or New Year's.  In a country known for its festive celebrations, guests may experience the excitement of Las Posadas, the nine days before Christmas, or Ano Nuevo, New Year's.
 -- Journeys to exotic locales -- 14-day Panama Canal Sunfarer round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, 15-day Hawaii itinerary round-trip from San Diego, a 14-day New Zealand/Australia adventure from Auckland to  Sydney, and a 20-day exploration of South America and Antarctica from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Valparaiso, Chile.
Each holiday voyage features clergy to conduct Catholic, Protestant and Jewish services (for the 12/16 Noordam cruise over Hanukkah). Holland America Line's on-board festivities for the entire family include holiday decorations, special movie showings, traditional dinner selections, religious services, a visit for the kids from Santa -- sometimes arriving by parasail -- activities and crafts for the Club HAL kids program, strolling carolers, tree lighting ceremony, eggnog in the atrium, Christmas brunch, Santa's milk and cookie late-night snack, a Christmas show by the crew on Christmas Eve, and a turndown gift on Christmas Eve. The line also holds a New Year's Eve Gala and arranges to broadcast some college bowl games on board the ship.
Extended Families Enjoy Special Group Fares and Extras
Families will enjoy the spirit of the holiday with the premium cruise line's Family Reunion Program, rewarding those who book five staterooms or more with special pricing and extra amenities. The special program features extras such as a fountain soda card for each family member, family photos, and dinner in the line's specialty Pinnacle Grill Restaurant. Caribbean-bound families might enjoy free rentals of snorkel gear and swim mats on Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's award-winning private island.
Per person fares begin at US$799 for a 7-day Caribbean cruise. In addition, third and fourth berth fares on the 11-day December 16 Noordam holiday sailing are $99 for insides and outsides and $199 for verandahs and suites.
For more information about planning a holiday cruise, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com .

HAL Explores Europe With Five Ships and 46 Itineraries in 2007
2007 will mark the longest European cruise season in recent history for Holland America Line with sailings over the course of nine months. A fleet of five ships will embark on one third more sailings next year with 46 different itineraries. Sailings to Europe begin March 12 and run through November 3, 2007 and range from 10- to 56-days. With 136 ports of call in Europe, including 13 new maiden ports -- guests may choose from a total of 82 cruise departure dates.
Holland America Line displays a flair for seeking out intriguing places off the beaten track. First time maiden port calls to ports such as Jupivogur, Iceland; Sochi, Russia; and Koper, Slovenia add an element of emotion and excitement. Unique sites including Djupivogur and Seydisfjordur in Iceland, the Lofoten Islands off the coast of Norway and Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, spotlight spectacular natural beauty. Ports in Slovenia and Albania plus seldom-visited cities like Lorient, France; Lubeck, Germany; Peterhead, Scotland; and Greenwich, England provide singular perspectives for a well- rounded understanding of wide-ranging countries and cultures. The program of 2007 itineraries that also includes ten quintessential Transatlantic crossings and journeys to the North Cape and Polar Icecap.
Shore excursions are an essential cruise element and Holland America Line's 2007 European cruises feature more than 500 diverse shore ventures. These optional tours can be booked online in advance through the cruise line and highlight each region's local culture and rich heritage including classical ruins and historic monuments, cosmopolitan capitals and seaside resorts, adventurous physical pursuits and visual performances, and flavorful visits to markets, restaurants and even private homes for an authentic meal.
Enhancing the European experience onboard each ship are region-specific enrichment opportunities such as the Explorations Speaker Series and food and wine demonstrations and classes in the onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food and Wine magazine. Foodies may savor certain European sailings hosted by notable chefs such as Andrew Carmellini of A Voce, or Alexandra Guarnaschelli of Butter, both at the helm of these New York City hotspots; as well as James Boyce of swank Studio at Montage Resort in Laguna Beach or sweets connoisseur extraordinaire Fran Bigelow of delectable Fran's Chocolates in Seattle.
The European quintet of ships includes the state-of-the-art 1,848- passenger ms Westerdam with open, airy spaces; the premium line's flagship the 1,316-passenger ms Rotterdam; the five-star 1,258-passenger ms Veendam (newly deployed to the region) and ms Maasdam; and the 793-passenger ms Prinsendam, the "Elegant Explorer" designed for longer cruises.
-- 10- to 32-day Northern Europe. Celebrating its European heritage, Holland America spotlights the natural beauty and epic history of Scandinavia and Russia with 16 itineraries from Copenhagen, London, Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Two full days in St. Petersburg for in-depth excursions to the Hermitage Museum, Summer Palace at Peterhof and other celebrated attractions is just one of many highlights. Select cruises also showcase the Norwegian Fjords and North Cape, transits of the Kiel Canal and a circumnavigation of the British Isles on 10-, 12- and 14-day vacations. Collector's Voyages ranging from 24 to 32 days are designed for those with a true passion for longer, more in-depth cruise travel. Sailings depart spring through fall and start from $1,999 per person, double occupancy.
-- 10- to 28-day Mediterranean, Northern Africa & Black Sea. Monuments built by ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations, sun-washed playgrounds bustling with a modern-day buzz, Holland America blankets the Mediterranean with 12 different itineraries encompassing natural and man-made wonders. Cruises sail from Rome, Venice and Athens and spotlight major cities like Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Alexandria, Jerusalem and Istanbul. Sophisticated travelers are drawn to exotic North African ports like Tunis and Carthage and the re-emerging Black Sea ports of Varna, Constanta, Yalta and Sochi. Cruises depart spring through fall and begin at US $1,999 per person, double occupancy.
-- 14- to 28-day European Treasures. European cruises that bridge the continents northern and southern climes feature itineraries that weave a cultural tapestry from the Greek Isles to the British Isles. These artful immersions are ideal for those seeking to sample many flavors and capitals throughout the Mediterranean and Western Europe. Cruises depart spring through fall from Athens, Venice, Rome, London and Amsterdam and feature as many as 21 ports in 16 countries. Sailings start at US $2,599 per person, double occupancy.
-- 12- to 56-day Transatlantics. Immortalized in the days of the grand ocean liners, crossing the Atlantic is a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Holland America, one of the first lines to sail between Europe and North America, proudly offers ten exceptional passages in 2007 that are much more than an ocean crossing. In addition to the ultra relaxing sea days, shorter crossings of less than 16 days offer as many eight port calls while the longer voyages from 17- to 56-days visit between six and 30 ports highlighting the storied towns that rim the mighty Atlantic.
-- Eight traditional spring and fall voyages sail 10- to 27-days to or from Athens, Copenhagen, Ft. Lauderdale, New York, Rome, Rio de Janeiro and Tampa. Two spectacular sailings offer double the fun while circling either the North or South Atlantic roundtrip from North America. On March 12, a 56-day Grand Mediterranean and North Africa voyage aboard the Elegant Explorer Prinsendam cruises roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale and is available in varying lengths of 25-, 28-, 53, or 56-days with a Rome mid-point. While Maasdam's annual mid- summer adventure sails July 7 roundtrip from Boston and can be purchased as a 17-, 18- or 35-day voyage featuring Rotterdam as the half way marker. Fares for Transatlantic crossings start at US $1,849 per person, double occupancy.
Guests can benefit from Holland America Line's Early Advantage pricing which represents 10- to 30-percent off current brochure fares on select sailings booked by September 30, 2006. For a 2007 Europe cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Holland America Line Announces the Biggest Alaska Cruise Season Ever for 2007
Favorite Alaska cruise itineraries continue in 2007 with Holland America Line. Three Vista-class ships Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, and new to Alaska, Noordam offer more suites than ever before. Each Vista-class ship features 162 suites in seven categories, plus 461 (479 on the Noordam) Deluxe Outside Verandah staterooms. With 156 total departures and eight ships, there's ample opportunity to come aboard and embrace this magnificent 49th state -- Alaska.
Alaskan Explorer cruises, roundtrip from Seattle, boast 58 departures with port calls to Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC. Two new Seattle-based ships, 1,918-guest ms Noordam, Sunday departures, and 1,380-guest ms Amsterdam, Friday departures, join 1,848-guest Oosterdam, Saturday departures. Noordam visits Glacier Bay on all departures while Amsterdam visits either Tracy Arm & Sawyer Glaciers or Glacier Bay (May 18, 25; June 29; July 13; August 24, 31; and September 14th). Oosterdam continues cruising to immense and memorable Hubbard Glacier.
-- Glacier Bay Inside Passage, roundtrip Vancouver cruises, include port calls at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan plus Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. Choose from 40 departures onboard 1,848-guest Zuiderdam (Saturdays) or 1,432-guest Zaandam (Wednesdays) or four departures during early and late season onboard Ryndam and Volendam, (Glacier Bay only).
-- Glacier Discovery Cruises, between Vancouver and Seward include port calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway or Haines plus Glacier Bay and College Fjord, which boasts sixteen tidewater glaciers. All 36 departures onboard the 1,258- guest Ryndam and Statendam (both ships depart Sundays) visit magnificent Glacier Bay.
New to the Glacier Discovery cruises is 1,432-guest Volendam, Friday departures, making 18 one-way sailings between Vancouver and Seward with port stops at authentic Icy Strait Point, which was introduced in 2006, Skagway or Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan. The Volendam visits spectacular Hubbard Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Cruise-only fares start at US $849, per person, double occupancy for Glacier Bay Inside Passage; $899 per person, double occupancy for Alaskan Explorer; and $949, per person, double occupancy for Glacier Bay Discovery cruises.
At every port of call, Holland America Line offers diverse shore excursions designed to showcase Alaska's beauty and rich history. With a wide range from excursions to choose from, guests may be as active, adventurous or laid back as they choose. Excursions include flightseeing and dog-mushing or glacier trekking, fly fishing, whale watching, glacier and garden visits, float trips, kayaking, Alaska-style salmon bake, historical tours by foot or historic vehicle, wilderness safaris, and more.
For a copy of the new 2007 Alaska Cruises brochure, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

HAL's Culinary Cruises Offer Guests a Recipe for Enrichment in 2007
Featuring more than 40 celebrated chefs, wine experts and cookbook authors, Holland America Line offers guests a culinary arts enrichment program unparalleled in the cruise industry. Trendsetters such as Marcus Samuelsson, executive chef and owner of New York's perennial favorite, Aquavit; hotspot holders Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter in New York and Michael Bloise of WISH, Miami; and shaking things up, master mixologists Julie Reiner, of New York's Flatiron Lounge and Ryan Magarian of Seattle's Liquid Kitchen, are several of the 2007 guests headlining Holland America's onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine.
Holland America Line launched its innovative culinary program in 2005 with the installation of state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Centers aboard each of its 13 premium cruise ships offering culinary demonstrations, tastings and hands-on cooking classes aboard every sailing. The line then took the concept further by partnering with Food & Wine magazine to provide guests on select Holland America Line cruises an opportunity to experience demonstrations and seminars conducted by culinary experts covered in the magazine such as 2000 "Best New Chef" winner Andrew Carmellini of New York's hip Italian restaurant, A Voce, who is scheduled to sail aboard the ms Rotterdam in June.
Following is the current lineup of Food & Wine chefs and culinary experts -- with more to be added to Holland America's Culinary Arts Center program for 2007:
  -- Dave Lieberman, host of the Food Network programs Good Deal and Eat
     This, cruising the ms Ryndam Panama Canal sailing, January 5 - 22.
  -- Anthony Marini, owner/executive chef of Local Restaurant (Birmingham,
     AL), cruising aboard the ms Veendam in the Caribbean, January 6 - 14.
  -- Suvir Saran, co-executive chef of Devi (New York City) and Veda (New
     Delhi) and author of Indian Home Cooking, cruising aboard the ms
     Rotterdam in South America, January 11 - 31 and the ms Amsterdam's
     Grand World Voyage March 5 - 22.
  -- Anoosh Shariat, director of culinary operations, Park Place on Main
     (Louisville, KY), aboard the ms Statendam's Australia/New Zealand
     cruise, January 19 - February 2.
  -- Paulette Mitchell, author of 11 cookbooks and culinary instructor,
     sailing aboard the ms Ryndam's Hawaii/Tahiti/Marquesas cruise, January
     22 - February 21 and aboard the ms Prinsendam in the Mediterranean and
     transatlantic, November 3 - 24.
  -- Keegan Gerhard, pastry chef and Food Network host, cruising aboard the
     ms Amsterdam's Grand World Voyage, January 23 - February 4.
  -- Jason Wilson, chef/owner, Crush (Seattle, WA), aboard the ms
     Oosterdam's Mexico cruise, January 27 - February 3.
  -- H. Alexander Talbot and Aki Kamozawa, executive chefs, Keyah Grande
     Resort (Pagosa Springs, CO) aboard the ms Statendam's Australia/New
     Zealand cruise, February 2 - 16.
  -- Victor Scargle, chef, Julia's Kitchen at COPIA Center (Napa, CA),
     aboard the ms Statendam's Australia/New Zealand cruise, February 16 -
     March 2.
  -- Richard Chamberlain, executive chef, Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House
     (Dallas, TX) and Envy (Las Vegas, NV) cruising the Caribbean aboard the
     ms Zuiderdam, February 17 - 24.
  -- Matthew Karp, owner/executive chef, PLATES (Larchmont, NY), cruising
     aboard the ms Veendam in the Caribbean, February 18 - 25.
  -- Holly Turner, winemaker, Three Rivers Winery (Walla Walla, WA),
     cruising aboard the ms Oosterdam in Mexico, March 3 - 10.
  -- Emily Luchetti, cookbook author and executive pastry chef, Farallon
     (San Francisco, CA), cruising aboard the ms Rotterdam in South America,
     March 7 - 20. (2004 James Beard Award winner for Best Pastry Chef)
  -- Thierry Rautureau, chef/owner, Rover's (Seattle, WA), cruising aboard
     the ms Westerdam in the Caribbean, March 4 - 11.
  -- Marcus Samuelsson, executive chef Aquavit and Riingo (New York City),
     cruising on ms Noordam in the Caribbean, March 10 - 21.
  -- Shea Gallante, executive chef, Cru (New York City) cruising on the ms
     Zuiderdam in the Caribbean, March 10 - 17.  (2005 Food & Wine Best New
     Chef)
  -- Rafih Benjelloun, chef/owner, Imperial Fez (Atlanta, GA), aboard the ms
     Prinsendam's Transatlantic cruise, March 12 - April 9.
  -- Raphael Lunetta, chef, JiRaffe (Los Angeles, CA), aboard the ms
     Rotterdam's South America cruise, March 20 - April 5. (1997 Food & Wine
     Best New Chef)
  -- Linton Hopkins, executive chef, Restaurant Eugene (Atlanta, GA),
     cruising aboard the ms Zuiderdam in the Caribbean, April 7 - 14.
  -- Beau MacMillan, executive chef, Elements Restaurant (Paradise Valley,
     AZ), cruising aboard the ms Noordam in the Caribbean, April 11 - 21.
  -- Ryan Magarian, master mixologist, Liquid Kitchen, (Seattle, WA) aboard
     the ms Amsterdam's Grand World Voyage April 13 - 20.
  -- Johnny Iuzinni, executive pastry chef, Jean Georges (New York City),
     cruising aboard the ms Rotterdam's South America to Europe
     transatlantic crossing, April 5 - 20.
  -- Bradford Thompson, chef de cuisine, Mary Elaine's at the Phoenician
     (Scottsdale, AZ), cruising aboard the ms Statendam's China/Japan
     cruise, April 19 - May 3. (2004 Food & Wine Best New Chef)
  -- Michael Symon, executive chef, Lola (Cleveland, OH) and Parea (New York
     City), cruising aboard the ms Veendam in the Mediterranean, April 19 -
     29. (1998 Food & Wine Best New Chef)
  -- Ken Oringer, chef, Clio (Boston, MA), cruising aboard the ms
     Statendam's transpacific Asia and Alaska cruise, May 3 - 20.
  -- Julie Reiner, co-owner/mixologist, Flatiron Lounge (New York City),
     cruising aboard the ms Rotterdam in Europe, May 14 - 30.
  -- Dean Max, executive chef, 30/30 Ocean (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), cruising
     aboard the ms Veendam in the Mediterranean, May 19 - 29.
  -- Alexandra Guarnaschelli, executive chef, Butter (New York City),
     cruising aboard the ms Rotterdam's Baltic cruise, May 30 - June 11.
  -- Philip Mihalski, executive chef, Nell's (Seattle, WA), cruising aboard
     the ms Amsterdam in Alaska, June 8 - 15.
  -- Marlin Kaplan, executive chef/owner, One Walnut (Cleveland, OH),
     cruising aboard the ms Veendam in Europe, June 8 - 23.
  -- Jose Gutierrez, master chef, Encore (Memphis, TN), cruising aboard the
     ms Westerdam in the Mediterranean, June 9 - 19.  (1990 Food & Wine Best
     New Chef)
  -- Andrew Carmellini, executive chef, A Voce (New York City), cruising
     aboard the ms Rotterdam in the Baltic, June 23 - July 5.  (2000 Food &
     Wine Best New Chef and 2005 James Beard Award winner for Best New York
     City Chef)
  -- Brian Duncan, wine director, Bin 36 (Chicago, IL), cruising aboard the
     ms Prinsendam in Europe, June 26 - July 10.
  -- Matthew Gennuso, executive chef, Chez Pascal (Providence, RI), aboard
     the ms Maasdam on a Canada/New England cruise, June 30 - July 7.
  -- Pichet Ong, pastry chef, P*ONG (New York City), cruising on the ms
     Noordam to Alaska, July 1 - 8.
  -- Peter Marks, wine director, COPIA (Napa, CA), cruising aboard the ms
     Oosterdam in Alaska, July 28 - August 4.
  -- Bruce Sherman, chef and partner, North Pond (Chicago, IL), aboard the
     ms Ryndam's Alaska cruise, August 5 - 12.
  -- Nick Maglieri, pastry chef, cookbook author, aboard the ms Zaandam in
     Alaska, August 22 - 29.
  -- Andrew Shotts, chocolatier, Garrison Confections (Providence, RI),
     aboard the ms Veendam's transatlantic cruise, August 22 - September 9.
  -- David McMillan, executive chef, 62 Main (Dallas, TX), cruising aboard
     the ms Westerdam in the Mediterranean, September 8 - 18.
  -- Fran Bigelow, founder, Fran's Chocolate (Seattle, WA), cruising aboard
     the ms Rotterdam in Europe, September 18 - 30.
  -- Kent Rathbun, executive chef, Abacus and Jasper´s (Dallas, TX), aboard
     the ms Volendam's Panama Canal cruise, November 3 - 13.
  -- Michael Bloise, executive chef, WISH (Miami, FL), aboard the ms
     Statendam's Australia/New Zealand cruise, November 4 - 18.
In addition to partnering with Food & Wine to secure top experts, Holland America showcases its own culinary stars during each of more than 500 annual cruises with demonstrations, tastings and hands-on cooking classes given by the ships' executive chefs and culinary staff. Plus, with the release of the premium line's new cookbook by Rudi Sodamin, A Taste of Excellence, guests can learn preparation techniques for some of Holland America's most delectable dishes and lavish libations as part of the Culinary Arts Center experience.
A state-of-the-art "show kitchen at sea," the Culinary Arts Centers resemble the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity chefs on television cooking programs. Each facility features a theater-style venue, with two large plasma video screens to display overhead and close-up video views of food preparation, and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from the masters. Culinary demonstrations also are filmed and aired on in-stateroom televisions. Holland America Line invested more than $13 million to create and install the Culinary Arts Center facilities on each of its ships as part of a $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative.
For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

 

 

MSC Cruises

Baby Boomers, Seniors Can Save Up To 60 Percent On Select Caribbean Sailings
Baby Boomers and Seniors can save up to 60 percent off retail rates on selected 2007 Caribbean and Panama sailings of MSC Lirica and MSC Opera. The Senior Saver prices for the 11-night roundtrip cruises from Fort Lauderdale begin at just $695 per person, double occupancy (cruise only, not including government fees and taxes). At least one guest in the stateroom must be 50 years of age on the departure date.
 The offer is valid for new reservations (including groups) made through Nov. 30 on MSC Lirica’s 11-night sailings Jan. 20 through April 18 and MSC Opera’s 11-night itineraries Jan. 14 through April 1. 
MSC Cruises takes travelers to the Deep Caribbean and Panama to explore the tropical destinations, their history and culture. Deep Caribbean itineraries include port calls at San Juan, St. Maarten, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola and Samana (including shore excursions available to the cruise line’s private paradise at Cayo Levantado in the Dominican Republic). The Panama itineraries include visits to Ocho Rios, Cartagena, San Blas, Cristobal (Panama), Puerto Limon and Roatan Island.
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.

Fall Transatlantic Crossings Bring ‘MSC Lirica,’ ‘MSC Opera’ Back To Caribbean
MSC Opera and MSC Lirica – will sail magical themed transatlantic voyages to return to their American homeport in Fort Lauderdale for the exciting 2006-2007 Caribbean vacation season. Guests on these special journeys will have the opportunity to explore exciting ports on both sides of the Atlantic and enjoy leisurely days at sea.  Special themed programs will immerse travelers on the MSC Lirica in beautiful music and invite MSC Opera passengers to enrich their well-being and partake in special holiday celebrations on the transatlantic crossings, adding another dimension to the “Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.” experience found only on MSC Cruises.
-- Celebrate Music on MSC Lirica
MSC Cruises celebrates the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth with MSC Lirica’s westbound transatlantic itinerary. The journey is dedicated to beautiful music and insights into the history and universal language of music. MSC Lirica departs Genoa October 29, calling at Barcelona, Casablanca, Funchal, Barbados, Margarita Island, Martinique and San Juan and offering a total of eight days at sea before arriving in Fort Lauderdale November 15. Prices begin at $1,195, interior, and $1,445 oceanview; Prices are per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.
MSC Lirica’s 2006-07 Caribbean season features exotic 11-night Deep Caribbean and Panama itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale through April 18. The Dec. 18 Panama itinerary is a special Holiday sailing, and guests can celebrate the arrival of the New Year on the Dec. 29 Deep Caribbean itinerary. The ship begins her return journey to Hamburg on April 29. MSC Opera’s Well-Being Cruise
-- MSC Opera departs Genoa December 16 on a 17-night “Well-being Cruise” that focuses on relaxation and regeneration. Guests can learn the magical techniques of massage and aromatherapy, as well other fitness and beauty treatments available at the expert hands of the Bali masseuses. Plus, they can celebrate the holidays at sea Italian-style with this Holiday/New Year’s itinerary. Prices begin at $1,295 interior and $1,595 oceanview. The ship visits Barcelona, Casablanca, Tenerife, Martinique, San Juan, St. Thomas, Samana and Nassau and spends a total of eight days at sea before arriving at Fort Lauderdale January 2.  Prices are per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.
Caribbean Itineraries
MSC Opera begins its Caribbean season Jan.14, alternating 11-night Panama and Deep Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, before departing for Kiel on April 12. Nearly all of MSC Cruises’ winter 2006-07 Caribbean season sailings feature a special “Kids Sail Free” offer, available to youngsters ages 17 and under sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults on most itineraries. Since a limited number of staterooms are available in conjunction with this offer, guests are encouraged to book early. For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.com or a local travel agent.

2-for-1 Stateroom Specials on Select ‘MSC Lirica’ Caribbean and Panama Sailings
For a limited time only, MSC Cruises is offering a special 2-staterooms-for-the-price-of-1 promotion on selected Caribbean and Panama sailings of MSC Lirica. Prices start from just $50 per person per day (after discount, not including government fees and taxes). The offer is valid for new reservations made through Oct. 15 in available category 1-10 staterooms on MSC Lirica's 11-night Nov. 15 and Dec. 7 Deep Caribbean itineraries and the Nov. 26 and Jan. 9 Panama itineraries.
On the Deep Caribbean sailings, for example, the average rate for four passengers starts at $550 per person, double occupancy after the 2-for-1 stateroom offer, while the starting average rate on MSC Lirica's select Panama itineraries begins at $600 per person, double occupancy.
-- MSC Lirica's Deep Caribbean roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale include three days at sea and port calls at San Juan, St. Maarten, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola and Samana (including the cruise line's private paradise at Cayo Levantado in the Dominican Republic).
-- The Panama itineraries include four days at sea and visits to Ocho Rios, Cartagena, San Blas, Cristobal (Panama), Puerto Limon and Roatan Island before returning to Fort Lauderdale.
On each itinerary, guests can explore the tropical destinations, their history and culture, with ample time to enjoy the elegance, Italian cuisine, ambiance, and exceptional service onboard an MSC Cruises' ship.
For more information about MSC Cruises, visit http://www.msccruises.com or a local travel agent.

Special MSC Cruises Air & Sea Packages Exclusively For America’s Heartland
MSC Cruises has announced special fly and cruise packages designed specifically for residents of America’s Heartland. These packages offer an incomparable value.  Guests will enjoy roundtrip airfare and 11 nights onboard MSC Lirica's Deep Caribbean and Panama itineraries departing Fort Lauderdale November 26, December 7, January 9 and March 16 and MSC Opera’s February 27, March 10 and 21 and April 1 sailings. Gateway cities include Cedar Rapids, Chicago (O’Hare), Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Des Moines, Detroit, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Lincoln, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Southbend, St. Louis, Tulsa, Waterloo and Wichita.
Prices (including roundtrip air, transfers and cruise) begin at $1,195 per person, double occupancy for an interior stateroom and $1,495 per person, double occupancy for an oceanview stateroom. Airport facility charges, government fees and taxes are additional.
The offer is valid for residents of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin only and expires November 1.
Guests onboard the November 26, 2006 sailing will have the added bonus of rubbing elbows with some of the greatest baseball players to have ever graced the field.  This special “Baseball Greats” sailing features complimentary autograph signings with Bob Feller, Ken Griffey, Frank Howard, Graig Nettles and Stan Bahnsen.
Offer is capacity controlled and space is limited. For more information, visit www.msccruises.com  or your local travel agent.
 

 

Norwegian Coastal Voyage
       
NCV Offers Killer Whale Safari to the Lofoten Islands
As part of the new Arctic Adventures winter program, Norwegian Coastal Voyage is excited to introduce the 7-day Killer Whale Safaris in the Lofoten Islands. From Tromso to Svlovaer, experience the migration of more than 600 orcas killer whales to the Lofotens this winter as they feed on the Norwegian herring in the long, narrow Tysfjord. Enrich and extend your trip with an extra night at the hotel and whale safari; join a zodiac safari; choose to snorkel with killer whales; attend a Viking Banquet; or go on a dog sledging excursion. NCV also features a New Year Safari departure and special family departures for both adults and children.
For reservations and information please contact Norwegian Coastal Voyage, (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; for brochures, (800) 582-0835. Website: www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us  

Both Ends Of The Earth On Sale With Norwegian Coastal Voyage
Norwegian Coastal Voyage has announced early-booking specials on its Antarctica and Greenland air-inclusive cruise packages as well as a free Antarctica cabin upgrade.  Booking any 2007 Greenland program before December 31, 2006 saves $300 per person.  Booking any of five January 17-February 14 departures of the 19-day “Antarctica and Chilean Fjords” by October 31 saves $300 per person and a one-category cabin upgrade (selected categories and space available).  Both offers can be combined with AARP member discounts of $150 per cabin.
These two soft-adventure cruise destinations are designed for active, experienced travelers who want to be stimulated with interesting company and take home an appreciation of what they have seen.  Norwegian Coastal Voyage uses naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers and PolarCirkel boat landings to focus on exploring these pristine polar regions of glaciers, huge icebergs, abundant wildlife and the historical, cultural and traditional aspects of the local people. 
Both programs include first-class hotels and breakfast daily while on land, all meals aboard ship, naturalist guides, shore excursions, port charges, air taxes and transfers.  Antarctica fares include round-trip flights between New York and Buenos Aires or Santiago and charter air to Ushuaia and Punta Arenas; the Greenland program has air between New York and Reykjavik and charter air to Greenland where the cruise commences.
The new 318-berth, eight-deck MS Fram, the first cruise ship built exclusively for sailing in Greenland, begins its season in May with a 12-day land/sea package from Iceland’s Reykjavik to the eastern and southern Greenland coasts (reversing the itinerary at the September end of the season) followed by eight-day programs in the Disko Bay region and 15-day itineraries combining the Disko Bay region and Thule in the far northern area of Greenland.  The packages offer sea and land-based excursions, presentations on numerous aspects of life in Greenland, included and optional activities, and two to three nights in Iceland’s lively capital city of Reykjavik.  Normal prices range from $4,148 to $20,562.
Gentoo and chinstrap penguin colonies, seabirds, humpback and killer whales, elephant and fur seals are only some of the wildlife seen on the “Antarctica and Chilean Fjords” voyage.  New in 2006/07 is a sixth day on the Antarctic Peninsula, a day at Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, and more time to enjoy the dramatic fjords and glaciers of the Southern Andes mountains along the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel.  Normal pricing is $6,235 to $9,800 per person, double; the higher prices are for suites. 
Contact Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc., (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; website: www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us .

 

 Ocean Village

Ocean Village Offers Twice As Much Fun In The Caribbean For Winter 2007/08
Casual cruise company Ocean Village launches its new Winter 2007/08 Preview which sees the company doubling capacity in the Caribbean with Ocean Village Two’s debut season there, and the introduction of brand new Jamaica-based sailings to Mexico, South America and beyond aboard the original Ocean Village ship. 
The original Ocean Village ship strikes out with a brand new series of 14 night cruises, based on Montego Bay in Jamaica, with weekly departures from November 27, 2007 to April 1, 2008.  These two week sailings offer A Bigger Caribbean Adventure and are designed to appeal to active adventure-seekers who are looking for more than a pina-coladas-and-palm-trees Caribbean experience. 
Two itineraries are available:
-- Reggae and Rainforests and Toucans and Tequila - each calling at the same mix of destinations in the Caribbean and beyond over the two weeks, but in a different order.  After a flight to join the ship in Montego Bay, Reggae and Rainforest’ passengers set sail for Cartegena in Colombia, Colon for the Panama Canal, Limon for Costa Rica’s cloud forests and Ocho Rios for Jamaica’s beaches before spending a day in Montego Bay.  The cruise continues to the island of Cozumel off Mexico, the Mayan ruins at Costa Maya in Mexico, the former British colony of Belize, the island of Roatan off Honduras and Grand Cayman, a perennial favorite, before arriving back in Montego Bay. 
Passengers on the Toucans and Tequila sailings join in Montego Bay and in their first week call at Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, Roatan and Grand Cayman, returning to Montego Bay to sail on their second week to Cartagena, Colon, Limon and Ocho Rios.
Prices are from £1189 per person for the two week holiday and include return flights to Jamaica from London Gatwick (or Manchester for a supplement) and all basic tips on board.
With the accent on upbeat as well as relaxing activities, Ocean Village’s Action Ashore options for these new sailings are more enough to keep adrenaline junkies entertained with kayaking on Lake Gatun in the Panama Canal, white water rafting in Costa Rica, river tubing in Ocho Rios, off-roading by jeep in Montego Bay, submarine and scuba dives to the coral gardens of Cozumel, power boat rides in Grand Cayman, and  zip-wire tree-top rides in Belize. 
Slower-paced options include aerial tramrides through the Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy, a close-up look at the Panama Canal - one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering - as well as horse rides on the beach in Montego Bay, swimming with dolphins in Honduras and tickling sting rays in Grand Cayman.   
Ocean Village Two – Hot New Ship In Barbados
As the company’s hot new pleasure zone in the Caribbean, Ocean Village Two features all the signature Ocean Village facilities plus a Spa and more balconies than any other ship in its class.  The new addition to the fleet embarks on its debut Caribbean season in November 2007, doubling the company’s capacity in the area.  Based out of Barbados, Ocean Village Two will offer seven-night and 14-night cruises as well as 14-night Stay and Cruise options from 14 November 2007-16 April 2008.  The ship will offer two distinct week-long itineraries that take in islands at the heart of the Caribbean, calling at best-loved islands such as Antigua and St Lucia and including the French Caribbean island of Martinique for the first time. 
-- Sugar and Spice sails from Barbados to Isla Margarita off Venezuela, Grenada, St Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent, where the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film was shot.  Action Ashore options include diving in St Vincent’s, yachting around the exclusive islands of Mustique and Bequia, visiting the replica Sacre Coeur church in Martinique, riding on the beach in St Lucia and a kite-surfing from the beaches of Isla Marguerita.  Prices start from £849 per person for 7 nights including flights from Birmingham (Gatwick and Manchester available at a supplement).
-- Coral and Calypso calls at Barbados, Tortola, St Maarten, St Kitts, Antigua and Dominica.  Adventure-seekers are well catered for with the Action Ashore options which include sailing the America’s cup yacht in St Maarten or touring the island on a Harley Davidson ‘Fat Boy’, quad-biking in Antigua, creeping through sandy grottoes in Tortola and zip-wiring through the rain forests in Dominica, plus many more.  Prices start from £889 per person for seven-nights.
For those wishing to combine the Sugar and Spice and Coral and Calypso cruises into a 14-night adventure, prices start from £1242 per person.
Ocean Village Two’s Stay and Cruise options gives holidaymakers the chance to relax into the Caribbean mindset with a week in Barbados before embarking a week-long island hopping cruise.  There’s a choice of five beach-front 4-star and 5-star hotel options.   Prices for a 14-night stay and cruise option start from £1269 per person.
The arrival of Ocean Village Two in Barbados meanwhile takes the Ocean Village concept another step further ahead, with more balconies than any other ship of this class and a Spa complex that more than matches up to spas ashore.  Ocean Village Two is not only the cruise for people who don’t do cruises, says the company spokesperson, but also very much the cruise for people who do Spa holidays. Website: http://www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk/
Note: All prices are based on two people sharing an NN grade inside cabin.

 

Oceania Cruises

Renowned Culinary Expert Susie Heller To Sail Aboard ‘Nautica’
Oceania Cruises announced that Susie Heller, Executive Producer for Jacques Pépin and Culinary Producer for Julia Child on a total of six series and three specials, will share her keen culinary insights aboard Nautica’s January 6, 2007 sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore. Having worked with more than 50 of the world’s most famous chefs and culinary personalities of our day, she has authored or collaborated on numerous best-selling cookbooks, including The French Laundry Cookbook and Bouchon with Thomas Keller. Heller’s enthralling lectures will take guests into the behind the scenes worlds of some of the greatest chefs and culinary personalities of our time.  In addition to her keen insights, the culinary experience will include special menus featuring a selection of favorites from Susie, Jacques Pépin and Julia Child.
Sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore on January 6th, four overnight port stays highlight this magnificent voyage allowing guests to immerse themselves in the fascinating history, culture and cuisine of the fabled lands of China, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore. This voyage represents unrivaled value with 2 for 1 cruise fares that include free airfare start at $3,299 per guest.

 

 

P& O Cruises/Australia/New Zealand

P&O Cruises Issues New 2007 Cruise Brochure
P&O Cruises' new brochure features 18 cruises from Auckland aboard Pacific Star in 2007/2008, making it the biggest cruise year ever for New Zealand. This, coupled with the best-ever early booking discounts and a range of unique voyages, means cruising is really set to shine. The new program will see Pacific Star sail from Auckland on seven round-trip departures to the South Pacific between May and August 2007, including one cruise during the July school holidays. Pacific Star will complete the season with an eight-night South Pacific cruise that finales in Brisbane
Then, following a short spring base in Brisbane, Pacific Star returns to Auckland for her maiden summer season of nine round-trip departures, six of them during summer school holidays.
The summer season features a series of convenient eight-night cruises perfect for families during the school holidays, plus two 11-night cruises on the ever popular Fiji circuit.
The season concludes with a 12-night "Queensland Explorer' cruise from Auckland that takes in some of the Queensland coast highlights, including Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville and Whitsundays before ending in Brisbane.
P&O Cruises' Pricebreaker discount has been increased from 20 to 25 per cent on all departures from Auckland for the 2007/08 season and fares start from less than NZ$2,313* for an eight-night cruise.

In Australia, Pacific Sun continues to sail from Sydney through winter 2007 before the October arrival of P&O Cruises' new ship Pacific Dawn. At that time, Pacific Sun relocates to Brisbane for a series of seven-night cruises, including the Queensland coastal itineraries so popular with Kiwis.
Fares include all accommodation, main meals and activities onboard. Pricebreaker fares start from just NZ$2,313 per person quad share for an eight night cruise (R720 Brisbane ­ Auckland 21 May). All fares subject to availability. Conditions apply)
Website: P&O Cruises New Zealand) http://www.pocruises.co.nz/

 

P&O Cruises/UK

New Line Up of Shows On P&O/UK Cruise Ships Debuts This Month
Passengers on board Oceana will be dancing in the aisles to the chart-topping hits of 2006 when P&O Cruises launches a new line up of showsthis month. Traditional cabaret steps aside to make way for vibrant new show Bodyrockers, a pop tour-de-force featuring recent releases such as The Black Eyed Peas ‘Pump It’, The Pussycat Dolls “Don’t Cha” and James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful”.
P&O Cruises head of brand marketing Philip Price said contemporary andinnovative Oceana aims to provide a wide variety of entertainment, especially that which reflects popular culture and as a consequence appeals to a younger demographic.
“Oceana is glamorous, contemporary and great fun. Her positioning within our fleet of five ships makes her attractive to people who are new to cruising and she is also perfect for families. “These passengers are younger and demand is strong, so we’re looking beyond traditional cruise ship entertainment by introducing shows like Bodyrockers, ” said Price.
In addition to Bodyrockers, Oceana also launches the new show Strictly Dancing in response to the dance craze currently sweeping the UK. With dazzling lights and daring costumes, Strictly Dancing takes passengers through all their favorite dance steps. From tap to tango to a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Morris Dancing, there’s something to get everyone tapping their toes.
Not forgetting the popularity of West End shows, Oceana’s talented singers and dancers will be performing WWW.Westend, a concert of hits from  the latest and greatest stage shows, from sold-out, home-grown hits Billy Elliot, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, through to standing-room only Broadway imports Spamalot, Chicago and The Producers.
The new shows commence on Oceana’s 14-night Spirit of the Mediterranean cruise, which departs Southampton on September 30, 2006.
P&O Cruises has been operating cruise ships for more than 160 years and combines innovation, professionalism and unrivalled experience on its fleet of five ships dedicated to the British market.  Its newest and most innovative ship, Ventura, launches in spring 2008.

 

Peter Deilmann Cruise Line

Free Air, Shore Excursions & Hotel Nights On Canary Islands Sailings In March  
Travelers from the U.S. who want to discover Spain’s Canary Islands, an archipelago of seven islands 700 miles off the coast of Africa, can take advantage of the free air, free shore excursions and free hotel nights offer from Peter Deilmann Cruises on sailings in March 2007 on the line’s European ocean liner, the five-star MS Deutschland.  The cruises, six and 11 nights in length, feature not only the well-known islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote, but also the lesser-known ones of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma, the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores and two cities in Morocco.   
Deilmann Cruises is offering free air transportation on these sailings from New York and 16 other US gateways and very low air supplements from an additional 34 cities in the Midwest and West.  Each sailing also offers free shore excursions, valued up to $600 per person, and free airport-ship transfers.  The free air cities include Boston, Hartford, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Pittsburgh and seven others.  
Air supplements from the other 34 cities are just $110 from those in Zone 2 and $150 for those in Zone 3.  Zone 2 cities include Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Memphis, Minneapolis, Nashville, St. Louis, San Antonio and seven others and Zone 3 cities include Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Honolulu and five others.  Free airport-ship transfers are provided for any air Deilmann arranges.  Those who make their own flight arrangements can deduct $750 per person from the cruise rates.
In addition, two of the cruises begin with a two-night complimentary stay in Las Palmas at the four-star Reina Isabel, a classic Spanish hotel in the downtown area that opens onto the beachfront promenade with good restaurants nearby. The land and cruise packages depart the U.S. March 14 and 20, the six-night cruises begin Mar. 16 and 22.  The first of the sailings calls at Puerto de la Estaca on El Hierro, San Sebastian on La Gomera, Funchal, Madeira, and Santa Cruz, La Palma, the world's steepest island. The other one visits Santa Cruz, Tenerife; Arrecife, Lazarote; Agadir, Morocco, and Funchal, Madeira. Cabin rates for both cruises begin at $3,140 per person twin and $3,437 single.  
An earlier 11-night cruise visits the Canary Islands, the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores as well as Casablanca, Morocco, March 5-16.  This itinerary takes cruisers from Santa Cruz, Tenerife, to the other Santa Cruz on the smaller island of La Palma and then to Ponte Delgado in the Portuguese islands of the Azores; Funchal on the island of Madeira; Casablanca, Morocco; Arrecife, the principal town on Lanzarote, and finally to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.  Starting cruise rates are $4,215 per person twin and $4,759 single.   
The Romans called the Canaries the Fortunate Islands when they stumbled upon them more than 2000 years ago.  Today, the islands form one of the 17 autonomous communities of Spain and their pleasant warm temperatures year-round make them a favorite vacation destination. The archipelago consists of five main islands – Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and La Palma – and the two small islands of La Gomera and El Hierro and several tiny uninhabited islands. 
The islands sub-tropical climate, with a latitude similar to Orlando, Florida, is cooled by trade winds and the warm Gulf Stream.  Known as the  “land of eternal spring” with average temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Farenheit, the islands offer a wide range of natural attractions  -- vast volcanic craters, spectacular black beaches, ancient forests and crystal clear waters inhabited by whales and dolphins. The quieter islands are a paradise for nature lovers and the more popular ones have highly sophisticated resorts.
        Tenerife, the biggest island, offers Puerto de La Cruz, the islands' oldest resort dating from the 1700s with its beautiful Lago Martianez seaside park of pools and gardens designed by the famous Lanzarote architect Cesar Manrique, beachfront resorts in the warmer south, ancient pyramids and Spain’s highest mountain.  Gran Canaria, appeals both to sun seekers and those who want to enjoy Canarian culture and quiet country villages. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria's capital, has a distinctly Canarian character, museums and historic buildings including one where Christopher Columbus stayed enroute to his voyages of discovery. Elsewhere on the island are snow capped mountains, traditional villages virtually untouched by tourism, a desert landscape and tropical fruit plantations.
The easternmost island of Lanzarote lies closest to Africa. It offers spectacular landscapes that include petrified lava formations, volcanic craters, amazing underground cave systems and black sand beaches and vineyards.  The most westerly islands—La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are more lush, green and unspoiled. They attract artists, walkers and nature lovers.   
Two of the cruises offer special interest golf programs and the third has a garden theme program.  Deilmann also offers Wellness programs, introduced this past year, while shore excursions on these cruises feature hiking, biking, horseback riding, whale and dolphin watching.
The 286-cabin Deutschland, launched in 1998 and refurbished annually, is a classic ocean liner recalling the 1920s’ golden era of cruises with a very high level of service.  Decorated in art nouveau and art deco styles, the ship boasts many works of art throughout the public rooms and corridors from Peter Deilmann’s private collection. 
Cabin prices on the two six-night sailings with free and low-cost air from the U.S., free shore excursions, two free hotel nights in Las Palmas, including breakfast and hotel taxes, and free airport/ship transfers, start at $3,140 per person for a twin-bedded cabin and at $3,437 for a single.  Copies of the 2007-2008 Grand Hotel Voyages brochure on the Deutschland cruises are available from Deilmann Cruises by calling at 1-800-348-8287 or by e-mail at  pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com . To view and download the Canary Islands brochure, log on to www.deilmann-cruises.com.

 

 

Princess Cruises

Majestic Canadian Rockies Add to Princess Cruisetour Options
Majestic mountains, dazzling ice fields, and Western's Canada's most celebrated national parks highlight Princess' 2007 Canadian Rockies Cruisetours. Designed specifically to complement the line's popular Gulf of Alaska or Inside Passage cruises, Princess' five- and six-night land packages to the heart of Canada's spectacular mountains include stays at the area's premiere resort properties and landmark historic hotels.  Combined with a seven-day Alaska cruise, these cruisetours offer a full 12- or 13-night land/sea vacation.
Passengers will enjoy group camaraderie as they visit the natural wonders of Banff, Jasper and Yoho national parks, plus such attractions as the alpine city of Banff, the brilliant glacial waters of Lake Louise, a snowcoach tour of Athabasca Glacier, the Olympic city of Calgary, British Columbia's Kamloops, Vancouver, and other local highlights.
Two cruisetour options are available, each including most meals, gratuities, and the personal attention of a professional Princess tour director to coordinate travel details throughout the land portion of the journey.
-- Royal Heart of the Rockies. This 12- or 13-night Canadian Rockies cruisetour originates in Calgary, home of the world-famous Calgary Stampede.  Passengers will travel via motorcoach to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and Kamloops, featuring dramatic scenery along the Icefield Parkway and a stop at the Athabasca Glacier for a ride aboard a specially designed glacier snowcoach.  Tours include overnight stays at some of the Rockies' most famous and historic properties—the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
-- Royal Heart of the Rockies Plus Rail.  A 13-night cruisetour that covers the same attractions and historic hotels as the Heart of the Rockies tour, but adds two days of daylight travel between Jasper and Vancouver aboard Canada's luxury Rocky Mountaineer train.  From the train passengers will view spectacular scenery including the towering Mt. Robson and Thompson and Fraser River Canyons and whitewater rapids at Jaws of Death Gorge.
Both tours are combined with Princess' Gulf of Alaska cruises between Vancouver and Whittier or round-trip Inside Passage sailings from Seattle, or can be booked as a land-only vacation.
Early booking fares for Canadian Rockies cruisetours begin at $2,599 per person based on double occupancy, including a Gulf of Alaska cruise.
Additional information 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’s Passengers Explore Their Passions With Cruise Lecturers & Hosts
Guests sailing on select Regent Seven Seas voyages in the next several months will have an opportunity to participate in enrichment programs led by celebrities and leaders in their field of expertise. Regent Seven Seas’ Spotlight Series and enrichment programs feature onboard seminars and activities that provide compelling themes for individual sailings. Renowned names such as songwriters Paul Williams and Richard Adler, actor Ernest Borgnine, newscasters Garrick Utley, Judy Woodruff and Al Hunt and political satirist Mark Russell will provide insights about their life experiences for guests. Famed ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau will also be part of the line’s onboard enrichment program, through Regent’s ongoing exclusive partnership with Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.
-- Williams, Adler and Borgnine will be featured aboard the 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner. They will be part of the line’s Spotlight…is on Film series during the 18-night December 3, 2006, Auckland to Los Angeles segment of the Mariner’s Grand Asia Pacific Voyage. Per person Early Booking Savings prices start from $5,499. All Regent Seven Seas fares include shipboard gratuities, wine with dinner and an in-suite bar set-up.
-- As part of Regent Seven Seas onboard enrichment, Utley, Russell, Woodruff and Hunt will be onboard the 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager during different segments of its 111-night World Cruise. Utley will be onboard during the February 3, 2007, 21-night Cape Town to Singapore segment, departing from Mombasa.  Per person Early Booking Savings prices start from $12,944. On the March 10, 2007, 21-night Hong Kong to Muscat segment, Russell will be onboard departing from Mumbai. Per person Early Booking Savings prices start from $11,996. Woodruff and Hunt will speak during the April 15, 2007, 15-night Monte Carlo to Ft. Lauderdale segment, departing from Tenerife. Per person Early Booking Savings prices start from $5,998.
-- Cousteau will also be onboard during the World Cruise April 15 Monte Carlo to Ft. Lauderdale segment. Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society lecturer program will be offered on all segments of the Jan. 9, 2007, 59-night Circle South America voyage roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale aboard the Seven Seas Mariner as well. Per person Early Booking Savings segment prices start from $5,246.

 

Seabourn Cruise Line

Sky Grill Dinners: Another Seabourn Casual Dining Option
If it’s true that choice is the ultimate luxury, then Seabourn Cruise Line is living up to its ultra luxury reputation by offering its pampered guests yet another casual alternative dining option aboard the three, all-suite Yachts of Seabourn.  The award-winning line has begun occasional service of freshly grilled seafood and sizzling steaks for dinners in the open air at the popular Sky Bar location atop the intimate ships. “When the weather and the mood are right, there’s no finer place to be than up at Seabourn’s Sky Bar,  with the ocean view, the soft music and the stars overhead,” says Seabourn president Deborah L. Natansohn. “I was up there one evening and I thought, ‘I’d really rather eat right here than dress and go down to the Restaurant.’”
As it happened, Seabourn’s vice president of fleet operations Larry Rapp had already been working with corporate executive chef Tony Egger on a plan for serving casual grill fare in the al fresco setting when the opportunity arose. The choice has been enthusiastically embraced by the line’s guests, and Sky Grill Dinners are now scheduled a couple of nights a cruise, weather permitting.
The fare is simple and suited to the on-deck ambience. Steaks, seafood and other perfectly-grilled specialties are the centerpieces of the menus. The Sky Grill can accommodate about 40 of the ship’s 208 guests per night, by reservation, and in keeping with Seabourn’s highly-inclusive, club-like atmosphere, there is no extra charge.
Sky Grill Dinners join the generous range of dining alternatives presented to Seabourn’s guests. Each ship’s elegant, open-seating Restaurant serves award-winning Progressive American cuisine designed by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer. A more casual alternative is offered by “Tastings@2”, serving innovative, small plates tasting menus.
And, of course, Seabourn guests also have the signature option of ordering from the Restaurant menu and having their dinners served, course by course, by a waiter in the privacy of their suite, where they may choose to dress in anything from formal finery to fluffy bathrobes and slippers.
Sky Grill Dinners is the latest in a series of enhancements and upgrades to Seabourn’s Signature Delights: a myriad of thoughtful touches and pampering plusses that have earned the line a spot on every annual edition of Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List. Recent additions include Vintage Seabourn, a premium wines pre-purchase package; Seabourn to a Tea, an upgraded menu of rare estate teas, unique blends and herbal tisanes being served on board; Seabourn’s Personal Shopper service providing luxury cars and specialized shopping guides in various ports worldwide; WorldPhone global cell and satellite telephone rental services, and Seabourn’s innovative Personal Valet luggage shipping service.
For information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit Seabourn’s award-winning website at www.seabourn.com. 

 

Star Cruises

Exciting New Season Planned For ‘SuperStar Gemini’
Star Cruises’ SuperStar Gemini is offeringfor the new season beginning in October 2006 a spectacular array of activities for families, “love-birds”, children and even meetings and incentive groups. Cruisers will be able to fully enjoy these activities on the magic at sea cruises to Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur), bustling capital of Malaysia, historical Penang, colourful Krabi, exotic Phuket and mystical Langkawi.
Have a whale of a time with the family and friends with adventurous Family Hunt specials which will run every Monday commencing November 30 for 5 weeks until December 18, 2006. There will be a run on each cruise over five days (Mon-Fri) whereby guests onboard set out to hunt for the clues found on SuperStar Gemini and on shore in Penang, Krabi, Phuket and Langkawi. A fabulous two-night cruise on SuperStar Virgo for two awaits each weekly winner.
Children will explore the majestic bridge with Special Bridge tours arranged to view the Captain and his officers maneuvering SuperStar Gemini on the high seas. "The activities coupled with the onboard dining, entertainment and recreation options will most definitely provide a great holiday experience for everyone on SuperStar Gemini as she visits some of the most enchanting destinations in the region," said Ms. Jean Teo, Star Cruises’ Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
 Other activities for all to enjoy include exciting ship tours, fun quizzes, line dancing, laugh yoga, fruit and vegetable carving demonstrations, beautiful arts and crafts and crazy coconut bowling to name a few.
Some of the onboard programs have also been tailor-made to cater to those wishing to combine a unique and memorable cruise experience with business such as meeting and incentive groups. Highly effective corporate training programs on 'Assertive Management’ comprising of modules such as ‘Building Self Esteem’, ‘Taking Risks’, ‘Handling Criticism’ among others and other self-development training courses which include topics such as Learning the Art of Listening and Public Speaking, the Do’s and Don’ts are options that can be incorporated into the program itinerary of a company planning to sail onboard.
SuperStar Gemini at 19,093 gross tons is a world-class cruise ship with international and Asian dining, entertainment and recreation facilities. Her facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant and bars, hair salon, spa, well-appointed Karaoke rooms and many more that can cater to all types of passengers, young and old, singles and family members.
Star Cruises is represented in more than 20 locations worldwide with offices in Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Website: www.starcruises.com

 

Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s Caribbean Itineraries Visit A Diverse Selection of Ports
Windstar Cruises’ 148-guest msy Wind Spirit and 308-guest msy Wind Surf set sail in the Caribbean this winter on 41 voyages featuring six different itineraries roundtrip from St. Thomas and Barbados. Sailing from December through March, both ships combine out-of-the-way and quaint Caribbean ports with an intimate experience akin to sailing on one’s personal mega-yacht. “We’ve put a lot of thought into creating itineraries for both one week and two week cruises in the Caribbean,” says Diane Moore, Windstar Cruises’ vice president of marketing and sales.  “The two week voyage on the Wind Surf visits popular ports such as St. Barts and St. Martin, and also gives guests a glimpse of a quieter side of the Caribbean with less visited islands such as The Grenadines and Tobago.”
-- The Wind Spirit sails roundtrip from St. Thomas visiting St. John, St. Martin, St. Barthélemy, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.  The variety of islands visited provides guests an interesting mix of the Caribbean.  Guests can shop in chic St. Barts, explore unspoiled St. John where more than two-thirds of the island is a U.S. National Park, and see the famous Baths on Virgin Gorda.  Holiday and New Year’s cruises feature slightly different itineraries with a day spent at sea for celebrating the holidays.
-- The Wind Surf sails alternating seven-day northbound and southbound itineraries roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados. Combined, they offer an ideal opportunity to sail for 14-days visiting islands in the windward and leeward chain.  The northbound itinerary visits Nevis; St. Martin; St. Barthélemy; Basse-Terre and Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; and St. Lucia. To experience an even more tranquil side of the Caribbean, the southbound itinerary visits Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, The Grenadines, Grenada and Tobago.   Both itineraries offer a mix of attractions—white sand beaches for sunning and swimming, tropical forests for nature hikes, quaint towns for a peek at how the local’s live, and parks and historic sites to explore.
For the 2006 holiday season, an eight-day New Year’s cruise includes a day at sea and a late-night departure to ring in the New Year from Castries, St. Lucia.
Complimentary water sports from the water sports platform include kayaking, wind surfing, boat rides, sailing, water skiing and ski tubing.  Snorkeling gear may be checked out for the week.  Scuba diving excursions for novice and experienced divers are available for a fee and organized shore excursions are available in most ports.
For seven-day cruises, rates on the Wind Spirit begin at $1,599 per person, double occupancy and on the Wind Surf rates begin at $1,499.  Rates are per person based on double occupancy. On 14-day cruises, part of Windstar’s Connoisseurs’ Collection, guests receive  up to 10% off the total cost of the cruise depending on date and itinerary.
Website: www.windstarcruises.com