Carnival Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises
Costa Cruises
Crystal Cruises
EasyCruise
Holland America Line
Hebridean International Cruises
Hurtigruten/Norwegian Coastal Voyage
MSC Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Ocean Village
P&O Cruises
Peter Deilmann Cruises
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Silversea Cruises
Star Cruises

 

Carnival Cruise Lines

Month-Long Festivities On Carnival Ships Celebrate Halloween
Halloween is always a fun and memorable time aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships. Guests sailing with Carnival can enjoy a variety of fun-filled activities, everything from costume contests and Halloween-themed giveaways to scary movies, and, of course, trick or treating, with candies and other goodies from M&M’S®. The “Frightfully Fun” promotion, which is also sponsored by Coca Cola, will be held on all Carnival voyages departing between October 13 and 30, 2007.
Guests sailing on Carnival during the period are encouraged to bring their costumes and they can compete for a variety of prizes during the always-interesting costume contest and parade. Carnival crew members will be dressed in costume, as well, and guests can have their photos taken with Carnival’s own “Fun Ship” Freddy.
Guests ages one to 14 are also invited to go trick or treating along the ships’ promenades and through various public rooms and areas, stocking up on M&M’S® signature candies, including MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, SKITTLES®, STARBURST® and TWIX®, all along the way.
For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com .

 

Celebrity Cruises

Last Minute Sunshine On ‘Century’s October 12 Mediterranean Cruise
Escape the autumn blues with a Mediterranean cruise onboard Celebrity Cruises' recently refurbished, popular ship Celebrity Century. To experience the Mediterranean sunshine, head to Barcelona to embark on a Western Mediterranean ten-night cruise-only from  only  £675 pp (based on two sharing an inside cabin) . The price includes a ten-night cruise departing from Barcelona (Spain), calling at Marseilles and Nice (France), Florence, Pisa and Rome (Italy), Ajaccio (Corsica), Valencia (Spain) and Gibraltar; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Departure available on October 12, 2007
For further information or to book visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk  or call 0845 456 0523.

 

Costa Cruises

Costa Hosts Tango Cruise Aboard ‘Costa Concordia’
Guests may saunter and slide into tango perfection without even visiting South America during Costa’s upcoming seven-night Tango Cruise aboard the g Costa Concordia, departing  November 25. Featuring numerous tango lessons, dance sessions and performances from Argentina’s best tango stars, this week-long Western Mediterranean getaway is perfect for travelers looking to learn the dance for the first time, spectators interested in watching from the sidelines, or for tried and true tango lovers looking to perfect their dance moves.
Departing from Civitavecchia on November 25, this seven-night tango getaway aboard the 114,500-ton Costa Concordia features stops in Savona, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Tunis, Valletta and Palermo. Fares, which include all lessons and events, begin at only $699 per person, based on double occupancy.
Special tango stars conducting workshops and giving performances include:
Sebastian Arce & Miriana Montes—Known as one of the most revolutionary tango couples in the world and dancing together since 1997, Arce and Montes have participated in many international tango shows and taught at numerous tango festivals worldwide such as Tango-Magia in Amsterdam, Madrid Tango Festival, Berlin Tango Festival, and Sitges Tango Festival in Spain. In addition, they both teach at CITA in Buenos Aires, which is known as one of the top tango festivals in the world.
Esteban Moreno & Claudia Codega—Since the 1990’s, Moreno and Codego have trained in many styles of dance including tango, contemporary, and classical. Their first trainer was the great Antonio Todaro, followed by Pepito Avellaneda, and Mingo Pugliese. They have participated in many competitions including the Second London International Tango Festival and currently are abroad working on a series of workshops and dance festivals.
Marcela Guevara & Stefano Giudice—Trained by the best teachers from Argentina including Pedro Monteleone, Gustabo Naveira and Osvaldo Zott, Guevara and Giudice have been dancing together since 2002.  Both recognized as Tangueros from the new, younger generation, they have starred together in Maria de Buenos Aires and have performed with several Tango orchestras as well as other shows independently.  Every year Marcela and Stefano organize the International “Torino Tango Festival” which takes place in Torino, Italy.
The Costa Concordia (114,500 tons and 3,780 passengers) was inaugurated in July 2006 and is one of two Costa flagships, along with the Costa Serena. This stunning ship offers incredible innovations including the Samsara Spa—one of the largest spas at sea, two swimming pools with retractable magrodomes, and an authentic Grand Prix race car driving simulator.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com .

 

 

 

Crystal Cruises

‘Crystal Serenity’ 2008 World Cruise To Offer Treks Into The High Himalayas
In spring 2008, Crystal Cruises will take guests into the high Himalayas to explore the remote, land-locked Kingdom of Bhutan. Following is another unprecedented journey into the heart of India to showcase Delhi, the fabled pink city of Jaipur, and Agra and the Taj Mahal.  Both exotic overland adventures are all new experiences created as optional pre- and post-cruise land tours for Crystal Serenity's 2008 World Cruise, and in conjunction with the ship's celebrated return to Mumbai, India, which the line has not featured as a turnaround port since 1999.
The Kingdom of Bhutan and Journey to Jaipur, Agra and Delhi packages are available as optional pre- and post-cruise programs departing from Mumbai during Crystal Serenity's Indian Ocean Exploration, a 14-day voyage from Singapore to Mumbai, March 27 to April 10, 2008, and Exquisite Empires, a 16-day journey from Mumbai to Rome, April 10 to 26, 2008.
The six-night Kingdom of Bhutan adventure departs Mumbai and explores Delhi, the cultural and historical capital of India, before journeying to the ancient temples, peaceful monasteries, and bustling marketplaces of Bhutan and its imperial city of Thimphu - the only world capital with no traffic lights. Nestled high in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, Bhutan is the last Buddhist Himalayan state and was not opened to tourism until 1974.  As recently as the 1960's telecommunication was non-existent and travel within the kingdom could only be done by horseback or on foot. 
The four-night Journey to Jaipur, Agra and Delhi takes guests into the heart of India to explore the country's most fabled cities and sites.  Guests will discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Delhi, the striking architecture of Jaipur, and the beauty of experiencing the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset.  Throughout the journey guests will enjoy luxury accommodations at Oberoi Hotels including the Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel, a royal fortress set amid 32 acres of lush gardens.
With Crystal Adventures® Extended Land Programs, all guides, accommodations, transfers, meals and itineraries are planned and included in the package, allowing guests to relax, enjoy their travels, and benefit from the inside knowledge of experienced guides and local travel experts.
Crystal Serenity's 14-day Indian Ocean Exploration, March 27 to April 10, 2008, begins in Singapore and calls upon the exotic port cities of Kuala Lampur/Port Kelang, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand; Yangon, Myanmar; and Cochin and Mumbai, India.  The voyage features two overnights in Yangon and an overnight in Mumbai at the end of the cruise.
Exquisite Empires, Crystal Serenity's 16-day journey, April 10 to April 26, 2008, will take guests from Mumbai, India to the timeless cities of Salalah, Oman; Luxor & Karnak/Safaga and Alexandria/Cairo, Egypt; Crete/Aghios Nikolaos, Greece; Sicily/Catania and Naples, Italy; concluding in Rome.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at crystalcruises.com.

 

 

easyCruise

New ship: easyCruise Life
easyCruise Announces Its 2008 season  And Adds To Vessel To Fleet
After a successful first summer in Greece, easyCruise has announced that a second ship named easyCruise Life will join the easyCruise fleet on a new seven-day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. From April 2008, easyCruise Life will be cruising to six different Greek Islands, from laid back Syros and Samos to lively Kalymnos, Kos, Paros and Mykonos for a 24 hour stay. easyCruise will visit Turkey for the first time with a full day and night in Bodrum. Customers can choose where to join the cruise – in Athens on Saturday or in Bodrum on Monday.
easyCruiseOne will also remain in Greece with its established weekend Aegean Escape cruise featuring Poros, Mykonos, Paros and Sifnos. A new itinerary ‘Around the Ionian Sea’ will cruise through the Corinth Canal to the islands of Ithaki, Paxos, Corfu, Kefallonia and Zakynothos. Both ancient and modern cultures can be enjoyed with calls in Corinth, Itea (for Delphi) Preveza and, in another first for easyCruise, Agioi Saranta in Albania.
Unlike traditional cruising, easyCruise sails for just a few hours each morning arriving at each destination at around lunchtime so that you can enjoy the rest of the day and night (until the next morning) having fun ashore and enjoying each destination to the full. Prices vary according to season and demand and like easyJet they generally rise as the ship fills up, so to get the best price the advice is to book early.
For more information or to book, visit www.easyCruise.com, see your travel agent or call +30 211 211 6211.
--easyCruise Life—seven night cruises to Greek Islands & Turkey. Prices start from $132 per person (based on two people sharing a standard twin inside cabin). 2008 departures on Saturdays from Athens: April 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11
easyCruise Life—seven-night cruises to Aegean Islands from Bodrum. Prices start from $132 per person (based on two people sharing a standard twin inside cabin)
2008 departures on Monday from Bodrum: April 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25; September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; October 6
All cabins are made up with fresh linen and towels on arrival and have shower, washbasin and w.c. Meals, drinks, spa treatments, tours and housekeeping services can be purchased onboard. Customers make their own travel arrangements to get to and from the port.
-- easyCruiseOne—ten night cruises around the Ionian. Prices start from $379 per person (based on two people sharing a twin cabin with window). 2008 departures on Mondays from Athens: May 12; June 30; July 14, 28; August 11, 25; September 8, 22
easyCruiseOne—four-night Aegean Escape. Prices start from $180 per person (based on two people sharing a twin cabin with window). 2008 departures on Thursdays from Athens: May 8, 22; June 13*, 26; July 10, 24; August 7, 21; September 4, 18
* June 13 departs on a Friday for 4 nights
Prices are for accommodation only onboard easyCruiseOne and include port taxes.
All cabins are made up with fresh linen and towels on arrival and have shower, washbasin and W.C. Meals, drinks, spa treatments, tours and housekeeping services can be purchased onboard. Customers make their own travel arrangements to get to and from the port.

 

Holland America Line

Holland America’s 2008 Grand Africa Cruise Circles The Exotic Continent In Style
Holland America Line’s 73-day Grand Africa Voyage aboard the elegant 793-passenger ms Prinsendam introduces travelers to the breathtaking scenery, exotic wildlife and legendary safari’s that only an African adventure can conjure.
Three day stays in Cape Town, South Africa and Mombasa, Kenya allow time to explore the wild interior of Africa on safari and other unusual adventures. Late night departures from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Funchal, Madeira; Durban, South Africa; Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; Safâga and Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt; and Malaga, Spain, allow ample time to shop, dine and enjoy local nightlife in these exciting cities. The itinerary weaves together 28 extraordinary ports in 18 countries covering more than 20,500 nautical miles along the way, and offers the only full circumnavigation cruise of the African continent in 2008. 
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale on March 11, 2008 the Prinsendam embarks on an Atlantic crossing, and then hugs the Ivory Coast and Gulf of Guinea before rounding the Cape of Good Hope to explore the treasures of the Indian Ocean. The ship passes next through the legendary Suez Canal en route to North Africa, sailing the Mediterranean before disembarking guests in Lisbon, Portugal on May 23, 2008.
 Shore excursions run the gamut and include visits to richly-appointed palaces, vibrant outdoor markets, stilt villages, and newly celebrated wine regions.
The Grand Africa Voyage gives guests ample time in the most dramatic destinations. Savor a taste of the Caribbean on a port call to sun-splashed Grand Turk; and relax on a restful ocean crossing then relish romantic Casablanca, Morocco. Wander amid a kaleidoscope of tapestries in the open-air markets of French-influenced Dakar, Senegal. Watch for pelicans, flamingos, springbok, ostrich and other rare creatures near the pristine natural lagoon of Walvis Bay, Namibia. In picturesque Bavarian Lüderitz, Namibia, learn about diamond mining and desert life at the Lüderitz Museum.
Additional highlights of the itinerary include a day of sailing along the spectacular sea cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope followed by three days in Cape Town, South Africa’s gateway to safari country. Next, the exclusive tropical islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles demand relaxation on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Then the ship arrives in Mombasa, Kenya for a three day stopover full of awe-inspiring scenery, rich culture and amazing wildlife in the famous Masai Mara Reserve.
In Egypt, an all-day stay takes cruisers on a journey to Luxor from Safâga that reveals towering pillars, magnificent statues and mysterious hieroglyphics. A daylight transit of the impressive Suez Canal carries cruisers to Africa’s northern coast where guests may travel inland from Alexandria to stand in awe before the Sphinx and the great pyramids at Giza.
The Grand Africa Voyage — Rates for the 73-day Grand Africa Voyage departing March 11, 2008 to the exotic ports of Africa start at $14,749 per person, double occupancy. This cruise also is offered in two segments: 33 days on the outbound from Fort Lauderdale to Cape Town disembarking April 13, or embarking in Cape Town that same day for the 40-day sail to Lisbon; with fares starting from $7,729.
To reserve space or for a brochure on the Grand Africa Voyage and more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

HAL’s 2008 CruiseTours to Alaska & the Yukon Offer In-depth Experiences
From Alaska’s incomparable Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks to the Kenai Peninsula, Arctic and Yukon Territory, Holland America Line’s 2008 Alaska CruiseTours will explore natural wonders and provide guests with in-depth wilderness experiences. With 29 CruiseTours ranging from 10 to 20 days in length, Holland America Line combines an exceptional Inside Passage cruise with land tours designed to show guests the best of the North’s wilderness, wildlife, native culture and eventful history.
Holland America’s comprehensive CruiseTours indulge guests with a relaxing north or southbound cruise aboard five-star ships and exciting land travel via the luxury, domed McKinley Explorer®railcars and custom-built, highway Explorer Coaches.TM. Introduced in 2007, the Explorer CoachesTM with just 45 seats, provide 50 percent additional leg room over the 54-seat version. The new coaches feature first-class amenities: leather seats, battery-charging stations for guests traveling with electronic equipment, LCD monitors and a mini-galley serving beverages and snacks. Every seat is equipped with a headset and eight-channel audio.  
The 2008 itineraries and optional excursions encompass 14 national parks and wilderness areas. In addition to Denali, Glacier Bay, Kluane and Tombstone, they include the Kenai Fjords, Gates of the Arctic, Klondike (Skagway), Wrangell-St. Elias and Sitka national parks, plus the Klondike Historic Site (Dawson City), Yukon Charley National Preserve, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Misty Fjords National Monument and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.
Most Holland America Line itineraries feature Denali National Park stays that offer more time to experience this untamed wilderness. A total of 18 Holland America CruiseTours feature Double Denali—two nights at a classic wilderness lodge near the gates of Denali National Park to provide more time there, plus a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour offering the best wildlife and Mt. McKinley viewpoints. Ten other CruiseTours include a one-night Denali stay and either the Tundra Wilderness Tour or Denali Natural History Tour.  All Double Denali tours include tour directors to ensure excellent guest satisfaction.
Great Land Klondike CruiseTours in 2008 offer 11- to 15-day adventures that let guests experience Denali National Park; Dawson City with optional excursions to Tombstone Territorial Park; Fairbanks; an exciting Yukon River cruise aboard the mv Yukon Queen II; and Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory. Some cruisetours also include Kluane National Park and the White Pass & Yukon Railroad with Lake Bennett excursion.  All departures have tour directors.
Great LandWilderness CruiseTours range from ten to 13 days and provide a more affordable wilderness experience. They feature Denali, Whitehorse, Kluane, the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, Beaver Creek and Fairbanks, with travel along the most scenic stretch of the Alaska Highway. These CruiseTours feature three new attractions: Uncommon Journeys, where sled dogs demonstrate their skills during summer training near Whitehorse; a tour of the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks; and a natural history presentation at the entrance to Kluane National Park.  All four itineraries feature tour directors.
All 19 Glacier Discovery CruiseTours in 2008 treat guests to the stunning icescape of Glacier Bay National Park or mammoth Hubbard Glaciers on a seven-day cruise. Glacier Bay departures also include scenic cruising in College Fjord. These CruiseTours range from 11- to 20-days. In addition, most offer the two-night “Double Denali” stays, the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour and tour directors.
Guests who wish to travel above the Arctic Circle or cruise the Kenai Fjords National Monument can do so on several of these CruiseTours. Another tour explores the Kenai Peninsula – a favorite vacation spot for Alaskans – to visit Homer on Kachemak Bay and Cooper Landing on the Kenai River.  Guests also can opt for a luxurious, two-night stay at the Alyeska Resort near Anchorage, plus the Portage Glacier tour aboard the mv Ptarmigan.
This fall, Holland America Line celebrates its 60th anniversary as the leader in Alaska travel with eight premium ships offering a total of 156 cruises in 2008. These include 59 sailings on three ships home-ported in Seattle and 97 cruises on five ships based in Vancouver, BC.
CruiseTours start at $1,249 per person, double occupancy. For more information about booking an Alaska cruise or CruiseTour, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

 

Hebridean International Cruises

Autumn Savings On Select Cruises Offered By Hebridean International Cruises
Hebridean International Cruises are offering the chance of joining Hebridean Spirit this coming autumn with the added attraction of a 25 percent saving off the full tariff prices.  Furthermore a complimentary one night hotel stopover at one of our specially selected airport hotels will be awarded to reservations made before the end of September.
-- Mysteries of the Moors—October 12 and 23—11 nights— Barcelona, Spain to
Santa Cruz, Tenerife—22 percent off tariff price. E grade double cabin was £6,041, now £4,712 per person.
As the Moors, led by Tariq ibn-Ziyad, crossed the Straits of Gibraltar to rule the Kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula for more than 500 years, they brought with them a rich and vibrant culture full of color and mystique. Enter a world of decadent palaces, fabulous mosques, stunning mosaics and medinas as Hebridean Spirit sails from Spain, through the Kingdoms of the Moors to Morocco and the Canary Islands.
 -- Islands of Contras—October 23, November 1—nine nights from Santa Cruz, Tenerife to Funchal, Madeira—25% off tariff price. E grade double cabin was £5,140, now £3,855 per person
Savor the distinctive flavors of a paradise archipelago: sweet pineapple, roast almonds, honey rum and goat’s cheese quesadillas. As exotic and diverse as the islands themselves with their snow-capped peaks, giant lizards, lush green subtropical vegetation, fiery volcanic calderas and golden, dune-fringed beaches. Sample the hidden delights of the dramatic Canary Islands and Madeira.
-- Through the Fortunate Isles—November 1 and 13—12 nights from Funchal, Madeira
To Cape Verde—25 percent off tariff price. E grade double cabin was £6,660, now £4,995 per person
Floating gardens, snow-capped peaks and shimmering blue lakes in the desert. Not a mirage but the spectacular scenery on a stunning voyage through the lush archipelagos of the Atlantic to the deserts of southern Morocco and the shores of the Cape Verde Islands.
-- Verdant Isles—November 13 and 26—12 nights from Santiago Islands, Cape Verde to
Funchal, Madeira—25 percent off tariff price. E grade double cabin was £6,660, now £4,995 per person
Lush green plantations, bountiful vegetation and soft sandy beaches: the exotic ingredients for a voyage of discovery, from the unhurried islands of Cape Verde to Madeira. Add mountain vistas, dramatic volcanic landscapes and vibrant cosmopolitan culture for an enchanting, delectable experience.

Special Savings on ‘Hebridean Princess’ This Fall In The Scottish Isles
October 4 and 11—seven nights roundtrip from Oban—12.5% off tariff price. I grade double cabin was £2,770, now £2,424 per person
There is no finer way to embrace the eternal spirit of the wildly beautiful north-west of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides than on foot; at one with nature; breathing pure air on remote trails; away from it all; in the comfort and elegance of Hebridean Princess. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, Footloose itineraries offer a variety of paces and the freedom of a challenging route one day, followed by a leisurely stroll or a castle tour the next. Why not join us, footloose and fancy free through the Inner Isles?
-- In the Footsteps of the Drovers—October 18 and 25—roundtrip from Oban—12.5% off tariff price. I grade double cabin was £2,720, now £2,380 per person
Before the fated Highland Clearances, hardy Highland drovers herded their black-hooved cattle along ancient paths to the Lowland Trysts of Crieff, Falkirk, Stirling and Dumfries, thence to England and the Empire. Many of these routes were transformed into military roads by General Wade and Major Caulfield and later into motorways by Telford and his successors. A few survive untouched, to be enjoyed in the company of our specialized walking guides. Feel the echoing pulse of the untamed wilds, pure, fresh air and wide-open spaces. Follow the footsteps of the Highland drovers in Hebridean style.
 -- Highland & Island Treasures—November 1 and 7—six nights roundtrip from Oban—
12.5% off tariff price. I grade double cabin was £1,810, now £1,583 per person
The Highlands and Islands are heavenly in spring and autumn; unfurling in a vibrant kaleidoscope of muted gold, amber, copper, bronze, myriad greens, oranges and yellows between snowcapped peaks and crystal waters of emerald, turquoise, sapphire and indigo, mirrored in glittering rainbows. In surreal landscapes painted by nature, discover a hoard of hidden Scottish treasures on an extraordinary six-night break - and perhaps return for more.

 

Hurtigruten/Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Festive Norwegian Yuletide Traditions On Hurtigruten’s Holiday Voyages
God Jul is Norwegian for Merry Christmas and is often heard during special holiday departures of Hurtigruten’s Discover Winter Norway cruise tours (formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage).  Revelers experience the traditions and customs of the Norwegian Yuletide combined with the peaceful scenery of snow-clad coastal landscapes with lights glowing from villages, towns and lighthouses, and when atmospheric conditions are right, the shimmering Northern Lights flashing across the sky.  Six- to eight-day holiday cruise tours, departing Bergen and Tromso between December 19 and 26, are priced at $1,999 to $2,499 per person, including port charges and gratuities.
Food is an important ingredient of Norwegian Yuletide festivities and passengers sample local holiday delicacies at a festive Christmas Eve feast, including an extravagant Scandinavian smorgasbord.  Guests can join the crew in reading from the Christmas gospel and singing carols by the tree and all will receive a visit from Santa Claus.  New Year’s Eve activities include a gala dinner, dance and midnight champagne toast and for some, joining the celebrations in Tromsø. 
The seven-day Bergen-Tromsø sailing, exploring both cities and the Lofoten Islands, can be extended to eight days with a night in Oslo where the traditional Christmas market is a must-see. The eight-day Tromsø-Kirkenes-Tromsø spends the entire time above the Arctic Circle increasing the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis and for those looking to combine the traditional with the unusual, the “Killer Whale Safari” is a six-day adventure in Tromso, Svolvaer and Oslo, with the focus on viewing orcas as they breach, lobtail and hunt.
Optional shore excursions during this season showcase Norway’s history and lifestyle -- a snowmobile safari from Kirkenes, followed by a snack of dried reindeer meat in a Sami tent; a dogsledding outing in Tromsø; a trip from Honningsvåg through the desolate polar landscape to the North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe; a five-course Arctic gourmet dinner; and tours of the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund and the 1,000-year-old city of Trondheim.
Holiday cruises include three- and four-star hotels in Oslo and other cities with breakfast; meals on ships and safaris; inside or best available double cabin aboard ship – outside cabins are $59 additional per person, per day; specified transfers; and a tour manager.  Additional information and reservations can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten at 405 Park Avenue, NY, NY 10022; (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; for brochures, (800) 582-0835, 24 hours per day. Websites: www.hurtigruten.us or www.hurtigruten.com  

 

MSC Cruises

Special Midwest Gateways Air/Sea Rates On Jan 9  MSC Lirica Sailing
MSC Cruises is offering travelers flying from selected Midwest gateway cities a special air/sea rate on the Januar 9, 2008 ten-night roundtrip Deep Caribbean sailing of MSC Lirica from Fort Lauderdale
 Rates begin at $1,199 per person, double occupancy for an interior stateroom, including airfare from the following gateway cities: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville and St. Louis. Transfers, government fees and taxes are additional. Ocean view staterooms begin at $1,399 in US dollars for residents of the U.S. and Canada. Offer is capacity controlled and subject to availability. Restrictions apply. The Midwest Air/Sea offer expires Oct. 30.

Experience Autumn In The Mediterranean With MSC Cruises
This autumn, let yourself become part of the vibrant Ramblas in Barcelona, transport yourself to the exotic bazaars in Tunisia, and admire the elegance of timeless St. Tropez or cruise along the Turkish coastline and the Greek Islands under the mild autumn sun, as MSC Cruises offers seven different itineraries with a rich selection of ports on board MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Melody, MSC Lirica and MSC Opera.
Rates quoted are based on MSC Cruises’ Best Fare, Best Room promotion. Pricing for this promotion has been simplified into categories of interior, oceanview, balcony, etc., depending on the ship.  All prices reflect interior accommodations and are USD, cruise only, per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.
 As an added bonus, North American residents who place a reservation need only place a $100 deposit per person, based on double occupancy. Prices vary by sail date and category. In addition, kids sail free when staying in a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
 The following are a sampling of MSC Cruises’ autumn Mediterranean itineraries; additional departure dates are available. Shore excursions are optional and available for purchase.
-- MSC Orchestra departs from Venice Saturday October 27 (Sunday, October 28 from Bari) with the following itinerary: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia (seven nights). Ports of call include Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik before returning to Venice. Prices from $995. Optional excursions include: Matera (from Bari): Visit the famous Rocks of Matera, real caves inhabited up to a few decades ago and where Mel Gibson recently filmed his film, “The Passion”. Ephesus (from Izmir): Tour  of the prestigious Hellenic –Roman city, with the Odeon Theatre that hosted up to 1,400 spectators, the Library of Celso and  Adrian’s Temple with its well preserved bas-relief.
-- MSC Musica departs from Barcelona Friday, October 26 (Sunday, October 28 from Genoa and Monday, October 29 from Naples) with the following itinerary: Spain, France, Italy, Tunisia, Balearic Islands (seven nights). Ports of call include Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, Tunis, and Palma de Majorca, before returning to Barcelona. Prices from $995. Optional excursions include: Palermo and Monreale:Transfer to Monreale to visit the Duomo, famous for its splendid mosaics. Then onto Palermo to view the Cathedral at the church of Martorana, Piazza Pretoria and the Massimo Theatre. In Palma of Majorca there is a tour to discover the capital of Balearics stopping off at the Bellever Castle, visit the majestic Cathedral and Plaza de Toros, free time at the Gothic Barrio.
-- MSC Sinfonia departs from Rome (Civitavecchia) Sunday, October 28 (Monday, October 29 from Genoa) with the following itinerary: Italy, Principality of Monaco, Spain, Malta, Tunisia (seven nights). Ports of call include Genoa, Monte Carlo, Valencia, Valletta, and Tunis, returning to Rome. Prices from $995.
Optional excursions include: Valencia: City coach tour to include walking tour of the ancient alleyways and piazzas. Stop off at the Cathedral for a guided tour. In Tunis:, visit the Medina of Tunis, typical Arab market with lively streets and shops, offering artisans’ wares.
-- MSC Armonia departs from Venice Sunday, October 28 (Monday, October 29 from Bari) with the following itinerary: Italy, Greece, Croatia (seven nights).  Ports of call include Bari, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu, Dubrovnik and return to Venice.  Prices from $995.
Optional excursions include: Santorini: Tour of Oia, traditional island village with its lattice streets and blue tiled roofs typical of the Cycladic Isles. Corfu: Visit the Palace of the Achilleion, summer home to the Empress Sissi, beautifully decorated surrounded by splendid gardens.
-- MSC Melody departs from Livorno Saturday, October 27 with the following itinerary:
Italy, France, Spain, Balearic Isles, Tunisia (seven nights).  Ports of call include St. Tropez, Barcelona, Ibiza, Tunis, Messina and Naples before returning to Livorno.  Prices from $795. Optional excursions include: Ibiza: Tour of this typical Mediterranean island, stopping off in the Saline and the white church of San Josè. Free time at St Anthony’s for a stroll along the streets of this old city. Naples: Tour on foot to discover this amazing city, stopping off at Saint Gregory Armeno, to the Church of the New Christ, the Basilica and the cloister of Saint Chiara.
-- MSC Opera will depart from Trieste Monday, October 29 with the following itinerary:
Italy, Greece, Croatia (seven nights). Ports of call include Ancona, Gythion, Sparta, Piraeus, Corfu and Split, returning to Trieste. Prices from $945. Optional excursions include:
Gythion and Sparta: Panoramic tour, visiting Monemvasia, city on the edge of the sea, with its Byzantine Church of Christ and the Church of Santa Sofia. >From here travel on to Sparta, one of the most important Greek cities with views to ancient Acropolis and the Sanctuary of Athens. Split: Visit this ancient city, constructed around the Palace of Diocletian during the Roman era.
-- MSC Lirica will depart from Genoa Saturday, October 27 with the following itinerary:
Italy, France, Spain, Morocco (seven nights). Ports of call include Marseille, Valencia, Tangiers, Malaga and Civitavecchia before returning to Genoa.  Prices from $995.
Optional excursions include: Avignon (from Marseille): Visit the Palace of Popes and enjoy a stroll in the historic city. In the afternoon visit Les Baux de Provence, typical provincial town sculptured from a limestone spur. Tangiers: Tour of the city that spans Europe and Africa, with its sensational souks and fragrant markets.
 For more information about MSC Cruises and its fall Mediterranean itineraries, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or a local travel professional.

‘MSC Armonia’ Visits Exciting Ports On Both Sides Of The Atlantic
There’s still time to see both Europe and South America in one unique cruise experience onboard MSC Cruises luxurious MSC Armonia. MSC Armonia departs from Venice Saturday, December 1 on a repositioning itinerary that allows guests to enjoy exciting destinations on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The 18-night itinerary visits Italy, Croatia, Tunisia, Spain, Morocco, Canaries, and Brazil, as well as several sea days. Ports of call include Venice, Dubrovnik, Tunis, Malaga, Casablanca, Tenerife, Recife, Salvador, Buzios and Rio de Janeiro.  
Optional excursions during the sailing include: Casablanca: Excursion to Marrakech, the Pearl of the South, visiting places of major interest: the Tomb Saadiane, the Gardens of Menara and Bahia Palace. Last stop of the tour is piazza Djeema-El-Fna, with its snake charmers, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. Salvador de Bahia: Panoramic tour by bus along the long beaches of Bahia, including Mirante del Ondina, Amaraina.
This is also a Hobby Cruise with games, courses, tournaments, art & crafts plus many more special onboard activities in addition to the many. 
Prices begin at $1,349 for an interior stateroom and $1,649 for an ocean view stateroom. Rates quoted are USD, cruise only, per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.   As an added bonus, U.S. and Canadian residents who place a reservation need only place a $100 deposit per person, based on double occupancy. Prices vary by sail date and category. In addition, kids sail free (paying only government fees and taxes) when staying in a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.  

MSC Cruises Offers Bridge Players Colorful Itineraries  
To improve your tactics of the game or play the joker, join MSC Orchestra or MSC Lirica to play bridge and cruise -- plus lots more!
-- MSC Orchestra will depart from Venice on November 3 on an 11-night itinerary that calls at historic Dubrovnik. The ship then sails onto Piraeus, to reach Athens and the splendid Parthenon, before arriving in Rhodes, part of the Dodecanese archipelago. Following onto Heraklion, on the ancient island of Crete, and then Tunis, to lose yourself in the small streets of the Kasbah. Finally, you will arrive in Palma, capital of Majorca, Balearic Isle. Next stop is Barcelona and its exciting Ramblas, followed by Marseille, to discover pretty Provence. The cruise finishes Wednesday Nov. 14 in the port of Genoa.
-- MSC Lirica departs Fort Lauderdale on March 29, 2008 on a 17-night transatlantic itinerary that calls at San Juan, St. John, Fort de France, Funchal, Vigo and Le Havre before arriving in Dover.
The bridge program combines different sessions of bridge and strategy games. There will be multilingual qualified instructors, in-depth terminology and rules, advice and tricks by the experts, as well as mini-tournaments for players at different levels of bridge and burraco.  A program of entertainment will also follow, with the magic and card games of a magician, beverages in the evenings as well as art & crafts and fun games and quizzes tied into card games.
Staterooms on MSC Orchestra’s Bridge Cruise are going fast; oceanview staterooms begin for as little as $1,395, per person, double occupancy. Prices on the MSC Lirica sailing begin at $1,249 for an interior stateroom and $1,549 for an oceanview stateroom.
For more information about MSC Cruises, visit a local travel professional or www.msccruisesusa.com.
 
Play Golf While On A Cruise Aboard ‘MSC Sinfonia’
This October you can join an exclusive seven-night golf clinic as you cruise the western Mediterranean on MSC Sinfonia with Chuck Cook, director of the renowned Chuck Cook Golf Academy in Texas and one of the top 10 golf instructors of the world.
During the cruise there will be lessons for all levels- from accomplished golfers, to those with a passion for technical precision as well as those looking to learn the secrets of the sport. Chuck Cook will give seminars on the theory of golf and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes and tips gleamed from his years of experience coaching some of the best professionals in the field.
This cruise will depart Genoa October 22, calling into Monte Carlo, Spanish Valencia, Valletta in splendid Malta, Tunis with its ancient ruins at Carthage, and then Civitavecchia/Rome.
 The golf program includes seminars, evening tournaments and individual coaching plus lessons for various levels. Three packages are available:
-- Basic: for those looking for instruction at a rudimentary technical and practical level, with professionals on hand to assist all the way.
-- Advanced: for those who can play and are looking to improve their swing and technical knowledge.
-- Chuck Cook Golf Academy: reserved for players with a handicap. There will be two groups: the first for those with a handicap 0-18, the second for handicaps from 19-36. Every group will be coached in rotation by Chuck Cook and his pool of experts to provide direction for the approaches, the putts and getting out of a bunker - fundamentals needed to obtain excellent results on the green.
On the sixth day, at Civitavecchia, the grand finale will take place for the Golf Punk Trophy Cup. A tournament for all participants will take place at the Querce di Sutri course.
This cruise is the perfect location for a golf clinic, offering a golf cage with double carpeting, putting green, golf simulators and Mini Golf, all located on MSC Sinfonia’s Schubert Deck. On board, guests can enjoy a high level of comfort in any one of the 800 cabins, plus the excellent service of qualified staff. There are many facilities including 4 adult and children’s pools, 4 restaurants, a cigar room, theater, mini-club, disco and an elegant Spa Beauty Center, plus a sauna, gym and relaxation room.
MSC Cruises’ Best Fare, Best Room rates begin at $995 for an interior stateroom and $1,195 for an oceanview stateroom. All prices are USD, cruise only, per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.                                                                                        
Special golf packages (per person) include the Chuck Cook Golf Academy, $1,020; Advanced Golf, $780; Basic Golf, $650; participation in the final match, $390 (and $180 for additional person).
For more about MSC Cruises and the special golf cruise, visit a local travel professional or www.msccruisesusa.com.
 
Celebrate New Year Onboard ‘MSC Lirica’
Sparkling wine and music on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship under the Caribbean stars at savings of at least 50 percent off retail combine for a Romantic New Year with MSC Cruises.
 
Cruise-only rates for MSC Lirica’s seven-night December 28 Western Caribbean sailing begin at $899 for an interior stateroom and $1,049 for an oceanview stateroom; all prices are per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes of $54.84 per person are additional. In addition to the promotional rates, couples who book the Romantic New Year promotion will receive one complimentary bottle of spumante per stateroom.
 The roundtrip sailing from Fort Lauderdale calls at Key west, Fla.; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and includes two days at sea.
As an added bonus, North American residents who place a reservation need only place a $100 deposit per person, based on double occupancy.
The Romantic New Year offer is valid only on bookings made by residents of the U.S. and Canada by September 30. Prices are capacity-controlled. Restrictions may apply. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion.
 For more information about MSC Cruises, visit a local travel professional or www.msccruisesusa.com.

MSC Cruises Combines Baseball Theme With Holiday Sailing
MSC Cruises is offering North American travelers the opportunity to enjoy an extended holiday Caribbean cruise – and an extraordinary baseball experience – at a special rate.
Guests who book MSC Lirica’s seven-night December 21 holiday sailing to the Eastern Caribbean at the starting Early Booking rate of $799 per person, double occupancy (interior stateroom) can add on the seven-night Dec. 14 Western Caribbean/Baseball Greats sailing at rates starting from just $299 per person. Departing Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 14, guests will begin their extended cruise with calls at Key West, Montego Bay, Georgetown and Cozumel, with two sea days.
 The sailing features a lineup of baseball greats (former New York Yankees greats Stan Bahnsen and Tom Tresh, former New York Mets star Ed Kranepool, slugger Ken Griffey Sr. and former catcher/Major League manager Jeff Torborg) and baseball-related activities, including free interactive passenger/player activities, including a player-hosted trivia game, question-and-answer sessions, a passenger pitching contest and pitching, hitting, fielding and base running clinics – and a free autograph session.
After a turn-around in Fort Lauderdale, the ship will head for the Eastern Caribbean on its holiday cruise, calling at San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, Cayo Levantado (the line’s private paradise) and Nassau, and includes two days at sea before returning to Fort Lauderdale on December 28.
All prices quoted are cruise only, per person, double occupancy; government fees/taxes additional for all guests. Offer is capacity controlled, subject to availability and restrictions apply. The 14-Night Holiday Promo offer expires September 30 and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. In addition, North American residents who place a reservation need only place a $100 deposit per person, based on double occupancy. 
For more information about MSC Cruises, contact a local travel professional or visit www.msccruisesusa.com.

 

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises Releases The 2008 European Collection Brochure
Oceania Cruises is pleased to announce that it has published its 2008 European Collection brochure. Featuring a bold and dramatic cover of lush vineyards, the cover’s art bridges the exquisite culinary and wine experience found onboard with the exceptional destination experience for which Oceania Cruises is renowned. For 2008, the line has added Haifa, Israel; Pula/Rovinj, Croatia; Alghero (Sardinia), Italy; Tangier, Morocco; and Hamilton, Bermuda to its already the stellar line up of boutique and marquee ports.
Oceania Cruises’ intimate and mid-sized ships enable guests to experience smaller ports that many larger ships simply cannot access, such as Monte Carlo, Saint–Tropez, Sarande, Portofino and Kotor. These are in addition to Oceania Cruises’ perennial favorites like St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Venice and Rome.
The 2008 European Collection features four Grand Voyages that range from 24 to 28 days in length. Guests sailing aboard these longer voyages can savor a diverse range of ports and explore at a more leisurely pace due to an abundance of overnight port stays. Grand Voyages are unequalled in their breadth and scope. Ranging from 22 to 28 days, they span several continents and afford guests the opportunity to experience all of Europe, from the eastern Mediterranean to the outer reaches of Scandinavia and as far west as the Americas.
Guests can also explore mystical Egypt and ancient Israel on an enticing 14-day voyage from Barcelona to Istanbul.
The 4th Annual Oceania Club Reunion Cruise is a magnificent 12-day journey through the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic Seas from Istanbul to Athens on August 20, 2008.
Sail with world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin from Barcelona to Miami on November 11, 2008, and gain a unique insight into his world of culinary artistry.
With free airfare from 20 North American gateways and cruise fares that begin at just $2,499 per guest, these extraordinary voyages are the pinnacle of value. Consumers are urged to contact their travel agent or Oceania Cruises today to reserve their preferred sailing and accommodations. Website: www.oceaniacruises.com

 

Ocean Village

Ocean Village Launches New Seven-Night Sailings From Montego Bay
Casual cruise company Ocean Village is launching two brand new, seven night Caribbean, Mexican and Latin American options for its winter season. The original Ocean Village ship will offer two seven night itineraries—Reggae & Rainforests and Toucans & Tequila—this winter, giving passengers the chance to roam among Mayan pyramid temples on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, explore the rainforests of Central America, catch the rhythm of South America and soak up the sun on dream Caribbean beaches. 
Ocean Village’s new seven night holidays start from just £799* per person, with flights to Montego Bay included, and departures from 27 November 2007 to 18 March 2008. 
-- The Reggae and Rainforests itinerary heads south, taking in Cartagena in Colombia, known as the ‘Emerald City’ for its gemstones, the watery wonders of the Panama Canal, Costa Rica’s celebrated cloud forests and the beaches of Ocho Rios, before returning to Montego Bay, party capital of the Caribbean.

-- The Toucans and Tequila itinerary goes west to Progreso and Cozumel on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula – as famous for their Mayan temples as their unspoiled beaches, the former British colony of Belize, the ‘Robinson Crusoe’ island of Roatan off Honduras and the sting-ray paradise of Grand Cayman, returning to Montego Bay.
For passengers with a little more time, there are 14-night cruises which combine these two itineraries from just £1,189* per person.
Ocean Village Two, the new addition to the fleet, meanwhile embarks on its debut Caribbean season in November 2007. Based at Barbados, Ocean Village Two will visit Isla Margarita off Venezuela, Grenada, St Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent, where the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film was shot, on the Sugar and Spice itinerary.  The Coral and Calypso itinerary sets sail from Barbados and visits Tortola, St Maarten, St Kitts, Antigua and Dominica. Prices currently start from £769* per person for a seven-night sailing.

High Octane Adventures On New ‘Ocean Village’ Sailings From Montego Bay
New for its inaugural Caribbean, Mexico and Latin American itineraries, the original Ocean Village ship introduces a brand new, action-packed, Action Ashore program for 14 night sailings from its new base in Montego Bay this winter (November 07-March 08). Thrill seekers can get their kicks on a number of ‘aerial adventure’ options, riding zip-wires through lush rainforest, clambering up rope ladders and scrambling over wire bridges. Aerial adventures are available in half of the destination calls including Costa Rica, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Belize and Roatan, a small island off Honduras.  Alternatively people can explore the rainforest at a more leisurely pace on an aerial tram ride through Costa Rica’s tree canopy, keeping an eye out for toucans and tree-frogs.
Speed demons onboard can hop on a quad bike in Montego Bay, explore by dune buggy in Cozumel, saddle up for horse-riding through the surf in Montego Bay, try mushing a dogsled team in Ocho Rios, have a go at kite-surfing in Belize or crank up the power on The Thriller speed-boat ride from Grand Cayman.  
Water babies will find plenty of choice, drifting downstream by bamboo raft in Ocho Rios, or going for the full white water rafting experience in Costa Rica.  River cave-tubing’s on offer in Belize – miner’s helmet lights and inflated inner-tubes provided! – while scuba divers can admire the stalactites and stalagmites of the world’s most extensive underwater cave system on a cavern diving trip from Cozumel. 
For more of a cultural take on the destinations, there are trips from Progreso on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula to Chichen Itza, recently designated as one of the ‘new seven wonders of the world’ for its impressive Mayan pyramid temple ruins, and from Cozumel to Tulum, where iguanas flit among the clifftop Mayan ruins. 
Nature lovers can gen up on native animals at the Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica or the monkey refuge for howler, white-faced and spider monkeys in Roatan, or learn about local wildlife at the Xcaret Nature Park from Cozumel. 
Mountain bike options, riding direct from the ship’s gangway over tracks and trails to see the highlights of each destination are also on offer – the ship carries its own fleet of bikes.
Ocean Village is one of the best equipped ships in its class. With no fixed timetables and no formal dress codes it comes packed with restaurants, pools, boutiques, more bars than there are days of the week, an Ocean-view gym and Karma Spa and even its very own fleet of mountain bikes which all passengers can use to explore each exotic destination independently. After action-packed days ashore, passengers can take advantage of the wealth of onboard evening entertainment ranging from stand up comedy, dance shows, tribute acts, and even deck laser spectaculars. Families can also take advantage of the fantastic supervised children’s facilities onboard, including a night nursery for the young ones and a separate zone for teens.
To book contact your ABTA travel agent for details, call 0845 358 5000 or visit www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk 
*Prices are subject to availability and based on two adults sharing an NN grade cabin, flying from Gatwick. Regional flight supplements apply to Manchester flights.

 

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises Announces 2009 World Voyages Program
Responding to increased demand for exotic holidays, the new P&O Cruises 2009 World Voyages program is its biggest ever, with three ships visiting 71 destinations in 34 countries.
The world voyage shore excursions program features a diverse range of organized tours and activities, from the cultural and interesting to the extreme and active. Highlights include the Shakaland Zulu village in Durban, koala sanctuary in Brisbane, America’s Cup sailing in Auckland and dune buggy safari in Dubai.
To coincide with the launch of the program, visitors to the P&O Cruises website can now explore the three itineraries and each of the destinations using Google Earth software*.  Google Earth is a revolutionary new way of exploring the world, using software that maps high-resolution satellite imagery and aerial photography onto a 3D globe.
-- Superliner Arcadia is making her world voyage debut in 2009, embarking on a 101-night cruise concentrating on the Middle East, India, the Orient and Australia. New ports of call include Nagasaki in Japan, Xingang for tours to Beijing or the Great Wall and Sihanoukville in Cambodia.  Prices start from £8,999 for the full 101-night Grand Voyage.
-- Oriana will sail for 82 nights around the globe on her westbound World Cruise departing on January 8, 2009. Classic worldwide hotspots such as Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore are interspersed with new, more unusual, ports of call such as Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. Oriana will also transit both Panama and Suez Canals.  Prices start from £7,899.
The 2009 Aurora World Cruise is a 93 night eastbound circumnavigation of the globe, featuring more calls than ever before in New Zealand including new port Tauranga. Other new ports of call are East London in South Africa, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and Townsville in Australia. Prices start from £8,599.
45% Pricebreakers early booking discount is available and bookings made before  November 30, 2007 will receive double on board credit, up to £500 per person on Aurora and Oriana and £750 per person on Arcadia.
A total of 18 line voyages to and from Australia and New Zealand are also available as part of the program, offering holidaymakers the opportunity to sail for less time and tailor make their holiday with a pre- or post-cruise stay in one of these popular cities: Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney. Line voyages range from 36 to 65 nights in duration and are priced from £3,949. A one-night stay in Auckland starts from £99 and a three-night stay in Sydney from £249. All prices are per person based on two sharing.
To request a coy of the 2009World Voyages brochure visit www.pocruises.co.uk  or see your local travel agent.
*To experience the three world voyages with Google Earth visit
http://www.pocruises.com/pocruising/google-earth.aspx.
All cruise fares given are per person and based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin inclusive of a maximum 45% Pricebreaker early booking discount. Prices are inclusive of accommodation, all main meals, entertainment and facilities as detailed in the brochure. Pre- and post-cruise city stay prices are per person and based on two adults sharing a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis. All transfers between the ship, hotel and airport are included.

 

Peter Deilmann Cruises

‘MS Deutschland’ Explores Italy, Greece, France, Portugal Turkey And Spain
Spring in the Mediterranean is an explosion of colorful flowers, festivities and fewer crowds -- and Deilmann has timed four sailings to the region aboard its deluxe flagship, MS Deutschland, to capitalize on this special time of year.  The five- to 12-night April and May cruises sail to a variety of culturally wealthy, romantic and ancient ports in France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Turkey and Montenegro.  As an added incentive, Deilmann Cruises is offering a $99 air and shore excursion package that provides round-trip air from 67 US gateways, a package of  pre-arranged shore excursions valued up to $700 per person and free transfers between airports and the ship.
-- The five-star MS Deutschland, a richly styled ocean liner that recalls the golden era of cruising, begins its Mediterranean season with a ten-night, multi-country adventure, embarking from Turkey’s Istanbul after spending a night in that mysterious city before heading to the 5,000-year-old port of Izmir.  The Grecian ports of call are Mykonos, with its Cycladic architecture; Piraeus, first settled in the days of Themistocles; and Kerkyra (Corfu), which boasts a number of ancient castles.  Two nights are spent in Montenegro’s Kotor, where one day of sightseeing takes in Croatia’s Dubrovnik, whose old town is a World Heritage site, with the voyage ending in the “Queen of the Adriatic,” Venice.
-- The April 14, 2008 sailing is priced from $5,159 to $12,369 per person, double occupancy with singles’ fares offered on select cabins starting at $5,679. 
-- A five-night sailing, departing April 27 from Venice, spends a day at sea before making landfall in Argostoli, Greece, whose charming narrow streets are ideal for leisurely exploring.  Italy’s Messina, on the island of Sicily, offers excellent examples of Gothic architecture and the stunning scenery of the Peloritani Mountains; and in Salerno, on the Amalfi Coast, guests can visit the ancient Arechi Castle with its commanding view of the city and bay or tour the 14th-century Cloisters at San Francesco.  Civitavecchia, port city for Rome, is the point of disembarkation.  Rates are $3,900 to $7,550; singles’ cabins begin at $4,160.
Rome, Spain and France are the focus of the eight-night, May 2 departure that begins and ends in Civitavecchia.  Other Italian ports include Salerno; Cagliari, where optional excursions include a tour of the city and the surrounding area and a mountain bike ride that takes in the Salt Lake of Molentargius; and Livorno, a city of canals and fortified walls.  In Spain, the MS Deutschland stops at the unblemished isle of Mahon with its cliff-top monastery; culturally rich Barcelona, whose medieval Gothic center remains virtually intact; and Toulon, France, where waterfront cafés and shops abound.  During the stay in Civitavecchia, guests can enjoy a number of optional excursions: an excursion to Umbria, and a private luxury train journey complete with an in-depth tour of Rome and the Vatican City, are two examples.  Prices range from $4,172 to $9,952; singles’ cabins start at $4,922.
--  A 12-night sailing, combining three historic Mediterranean ports with several in Western Europe, departs Civitavecchia on May 10 and spends a day in Ischia, home to 29 thermal spas, several dating back to the Roman Empire.  A stop on the fun-loving island of Ibiza, Spain, precedes the passage through the Straits of Gibraltar and ports in Portugal: Portomäo, with its plentitude of beautiful beaches, numerous golf courses and big game fishing; Lisbon, the country’s capital city for nearly 900 years; and Porto, where the historic Centre of Porto is a World Heritage Site.  France’s Hendaye, which borders Spain, boasts a wonderful town square and 15th-century church, while the final port of call, Bordeaux, is equally famous for its wines, splendid Gothic cathedrals and 18th-century mansions.  Fares are $5,482 to $13,912; singles’ cabins begin at $6,202.
Deilmann’s MS Deutschland has an extensive and eclectic 2008-09 voyage roster, including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Spitsbergen and the North Cape.
The ocean liner, with 286 staterooms, is designed in the elegant style of the Edwardian and 1920 eras and provides travelers with a more intimate cruising experience than can found on today's mega-vessels. There are 16 categories of staterooms, all with fine moldings and artwork, classic furnishings, picture windows, ample closet space and marble-tiled bathrooms with full-size showers; suites are also equipped with bathtubs.  The international, English-speaking staff of 280 provides more than a 2-to-1 crew to passenger ratio.  The ship offers passengers a choice of three gourmet restaurants, an outdoor dining terrace plus seven diverse bars and cafes, each featuring its own distinct ambience.  Other features of the nine-deck ship include a spacious library lounge; outdoor and indoor pools; three sun decks; open-air promenade deck; grand ballroom for nightly entertainment and dancing; and a wellness center equipped with fitness and spa facilities.
For those travelers arranging their own air, an allowance of $750 per person is deductible from the cruise fare.  Deilmann Cruises also offers Business Class fares for an additional supplement on selected itineraries.  For details on the cruises contact a travel agent or Peter Deilmann Ocean Cruises at 1-800-348-8287 or by E-mail at pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com .  Cruises itineraries, deck plans and ship photos are online at www.deilmann-cruises.com.

 

 

Princess Cruises

Princess Introduces 126 Adventures Ashore for Fall 2007-08 Caribbean Season
When Princess ships start their fall season sailing throughout the Caribbean this year they will introduce 126 new shore excursion options for passengers. Whether travelers want meet the area's friendliest crocodile, take a mud bath in a "volcano," explore underwater through an unmanned ROV, or try some of the Caribbean's most unusual experiences such as dog sledding or camel riding, Princess offers the perfect opportunity for passengers to enrich their vacation time ashore. Among the new choices are Princess' first excursions offered at the line's private island, Princess Cays.
These new tours are part of the line's approximately 800 Adventures Ashore? in 41 ports during the 2007-08 Caribbean and Panama Canal season. In addition to these new experiences, the excursions program offers passengers a wide array of opportunities to experience Caribbean ports including choices ranging from scenic sightseeing and visits to historic attractions to highly active adventures such as zip lines, golfing, scuba diving and other water sports.
Some highlights of the new Caribbean excursion options include:
-- Dog Sledding in Jamaica (Ocho Rios) While common on Princess’s Alaska cruises, dog sledding in Jamaica is an experience unto itself. The very unique Jamaica Dog Sled Team is made up of former street and shelter dogs who now love to race their wheeled sled. Passengers can choose from two excursion options - one where they get to ride on the dogsled and another where they can watch the fun. Both tours allow for time to meet the dogs and reward them with treats.
--Meet Pocho - An Amazing Crocodile (Limon) - Princess Exclusive - This excursion offers the opportunity to witness Costa Rica's own "crocodile whisperer" in action. Pocho is a 16-foot American crocodile who was shot by poachers, then found and nursed back to health by "Chito," a local fisherman. Today Pocho has bonded with his savior to such an extent that Chito can swim with him, tickle him, make him do rolls, and hand feed him. Passengers will watch this amazing interaction between man and beast from a secure area that is still close to the action.
-- Mud Volcano & Scenic Drive (Cartagena) - A mud bath like no other, this opportunity is unique in the Caribbean. Cartagena's famous mud volcano is a 50-foot mud cone formed by bubbling mud that resembles a miniature volcano with a crater at the top. Filled with a rich mud offering reputed healing properties, the volcano offers passengers the opportunity for an unusual mud bath, which can be followed by a dip in a nearby freshwater lake to rinse off.
-- Camel Trek and Dunn's River Falls (Ocho Rios) - Another unique experience found nowhere else in the Caribbean. Passengers can channel their inner Lawrence of Arabia with a camel ride through the scenic countryside of Prospect Plantation. Participants will also enjoy a bike ride and a cooling climb of Jamaica's famed Dunn's River Falls.
-- Underwater Remote-Operated Vehicle Eco Tour (Tortola) - A completely unique experience in the Caribbean, this excursion offers passengers the opportunity to view the underwater world in comfort as a state-of-the-art remote-operated vehicle (ROVprovides a close-up look at the mysteries of the deep on a large plasma screen. Participants will view the workings of this unique technology plus be able to experience "diving" among reefs and ship wrecks without getting wet.
-- Catamaran Sail & Swim to Anguilla with Lunch (St. Maarten) - Princess' first tour of the low-key island of Anguilla takes passengers to the island in style aboard a luxury catamaran and includes an introduction to the area plus plenty of time to enjoy Shoal Bay Beach rated as one of the top-10 beaches in the world and one of the finest in the Caribbean. A great option for passengers who have been to St. Maarten before and are looking for a new experience.
-- Veragua Rain Forest (Limon) - A visit to a brand new nature-themed park just one hour from the port of Limon, allowing for more time to explore Costa Rica's rich rain forest. Passengers can learn about many of the forest species with unparalleled exhibits designed by a world-renowned research and conservation organization. The park features a state-of-the-art gondola that travels through the forest canopy, a dramatic 65-foot waterfall, and an informative research station.
-- Sea Eye Glass-Bottom Hydrofoil (Barbados) - One of only two such vessels in the Caribbean, the Sea Eye offers passengers the opportunity to combine a fun fast-moving hydrofoil ride with the wonders of viewing the undersea world through the ship's glass bottom. The ship's speed will enable visits to several scenic stops where passengers can view a shipwreck as well as reef life and exotic fish through the huge glass bottom, the first of its kind in the world.
-- Complete Mustique Retreat with Lunch as Basil's (Bequia) - One of the line's first tours to Mustique, a private island that has long attracted the rich and famous. An island tour will take passengers throughout this limited-access island, including an opportunity to see the homes of many local luminaries, plus a three-course lunch at Basil's restaurant - a scenic local landmark overlooking the Mustique fishing village. Visitors will also have some free time to explore or visit the beach.
-- Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise (Princess Cays) - Come aboard Princess' newest vessel - the state-of-the-art glass-bottom SeaView Princess. The first excursion option on Princess' own private island, this tour offers a view of the area's pristine coral reefs and the multitude of sea life that make their home there. This hour-long tour adds a new dimension to a day at Princess Cays, one of Princess passengers' favorite destinations. A new scuba dive excursion also debuts on the island.
Eight Princess ships will sail throughout the Caribbean and Panama Canal in the 2007-08 season, including the new Emerald Princess which sails these waters for the first time. The line's amenity-filled ships present an array of itineraries that vary from week-long getaways to 16-day explorations of the Caribbean's less-known locales.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com .

Princess Offers New Local-Culture Programs On Hawaiian Cruises
The welcoming spirit of Hawaii will be more apparent than ever aboard Princess ships as the line introduces an extensive new onboard program highlighting the traditions and culture of the islands. Offered in partnership with a variety of local Hawaiian organizations, this multi-faceted cultural program includes demonstrations by local artisans, a hula show from students of one the islands' most respected schools, and guest lecturers who highlight natural history and Hawaiian customs. The new programs are available on all Princess Hawaiian Islands and Hawaii/Tahiti sailings aboard Diamond Princess and Pacific Princess.
The new Hawaiian cultural program features local artisans demonstrating traditional crafts such as bone carving or the fine art of creating a shell lei from the private island of Niihau; performing arts such as a hula show from the talented keiki (children) of the Halau Hula Olana; and onboard presentations from experts on topics from marine biology to the ancient art of Hawaiian storytelling. Passengers will also enjoy a feast of local dining tastes; while ashore they'll enjoy cultural tour options throughout the islands.
The "forbidden" island of Nihau is inhabited solely by native Hawaiians and is largely closed to the rest of the world. Although outsiders generally cannot visit there, Princess passengers will have the unique opportunity to share in the island's traditional culture when some of Nihau’s skilled artisans come onboard for a unique shell lei making demonstration.
Also unique to Princess, native bone carver Dean Kaahanui comes aboard during Big Island calls to present a workshop on the history of his craft and demonstrate the art of bone carving. During the workshop, he'll also explain the inspiration for his work, which is often based on Hawaiian legends.
In Honolulu, keiki from the award-winning Halau Hula Olana, one of the islands' most respected hula schools, will perform onboard. These charming young dancers will present an entertaining show that highlights the children's commitment to learning their halau's (school's) unique hula tradition that has been passed down from generations of kumu (teachers), Hawaiian language and the stories of Hawaii.
And for passengers who want to immerse themselves further in some Hawaiian culture, onboard instructors teach such local skills as orchid lei making and ukulele playing. In addition, a variety of guest lecturers and naturalists provide insight on the wonders of the islands, including such topics as marine biology, whale migration, the islands' unusual endemic species, and storytelling in the Hawaiian culture.
The ship's movie and television program is also offering a variety of Hawaiian topics. Princess has partnered with the National Park Service to produce an exclusive video presentation on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to give passengers a preview of this spectacular attraction.
The Hawaiian Islands offer a seemingly endless array of activity options to please everyone from the beachgoer to the adventure seeker. With more than 100 tours offered in Hawaii, Princess presents passengers with a myriad of ways to spend their days ashore. Some of the more popular options take in the islands' icons such as Pearl Harbor, Kilauea Volcano and Maui's Haleakala Crater. But for passengers who'd like to steep themselves in the culture of the island, Princess offers some unique ways to share in the history of the people and experience some of the seldom seen parts of Hawaii. On Oahu, passengers can explore the Polynesian Cultural Center which preserves the customs and cultures of old Polynesia. On Maui, they can travel along the "forbidden road" around the West Maui Mountains to Kahakuloa Valley - a part of Maui rarely visited by outsiders - to experience a part of ancient Hawaii.
The Big Island offers a number of off the beaten track options - literally in fact in the case of the Waipi'o Valley excursion, in which passengers explore this remote tropical valley by 4WD van to experience the longest valley on the island and the former home to many Hawaiian rulers. In Hilo, the Tsunami Museum documents how tsunamis have reshaped the land and the history of the area. Kahua Ranch, a genuine working cattle ranch operating since 1928, produces some of Hawaii’s finest beef and lamb and hosts visitors on a memorable wagon ride that allows them to try their hand at roping or horseshoes.
And passengers can go "behind the scenes" with a tour on Kauai that visits the film sites of movies and television shows such as South Pacific, Blue Hawaii; Gilligan's Island; Six Days, Seven Nights; Fantasy Island; Lilo & Stitch; Honeymoon in Vegas and many others.
Regional Hawaiian Cuisine - Visitors to Hawaii always look forward to the islands' bountiful local fare - fresh fruits such as pineapples and mangos, unique fish and seafood, luau staples such as roast pig, and treats like coconut and macadamia nuts. Princess chefs have used this abundance of flavors to create the line's largest ever showcase of regional Hawaiian cuisine with new menu items for the dining room such as pupu starters and entrees such as Lehua Honey BBQ Pork Spareribs, Togarashi Seared Red Snapper or Macadamia and Panko Crusted Mahimahi. A new Hawaiian Island Night is debuting as well, complete with a full buffet feast laden with local taste treats.
For the 2007-08 season, Princess will showcase the Hawaiian Islands on 26 sailings. Diamond Princess offers the popular round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles with a popular 15-day voyage that includes Hilo, Kilauea Volcano Scenic Cruising, Kona, Honolulu, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Maui. The ship sails on 15 cruises between September 19, 2007 and April 16, 2008.
Meanwhile, the intimate Pacific Princess will also cruise the tropics with a series of Hawaii/Tahiti sailings. The 670-passenger vessel will offer six of these 11-day sailings between Honolulu and Papeete, calling at Kauai, Maui, Hilo, Christmas Island, Bora Bora, and Moorea, departing between September 21 and December 4, 2007.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

Princess Offering Free Air Around Australia To Sydney And Melbourne
Princess Cruises is offering free return economy air travel from around Australia to Sydney and Melbourne to join its ‘Discovery Voyages’ to be operated by Sun Princess and Dawn Princess in 2008/09. The company is also providing free return coach transfers from Newcastle, Gosford, Wollongong and Canberra for sailings ex-Sydney and from Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Gippsland for the Melbourne departure.
The line has also released a dedicated Discovery Voyages brochure for Sun Princess’ 75-night ‘rand Pacific World Cruise departing Sydney July 14 next year which is being sold in five segments, Sun Princess’ 28-night round voyage to Tahiti from Sydney on October 21 next year and Dawn Princess’ 42-night Cherry Blossom cruise from-Sydney March 7, 2009, that includes Shanghai, Nagasaki, Osaka and Yokohama. The brochures also details the circumnavigation of Australia by Dawn Princess from Sydney on October 26, 2008 and roundtrip Australia voyages by Sun Princess from Melbourne on November 20, 2008 and from Sydney on March 5, 2009. Brochure rates are in Australian dollars. More information at www.princess.com.

 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

RSSC Announces Its Spring 2008 Cabaret Convention At Sea Cruise
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC will treat fans of the intimate nightclub entertainment known as cabaret to a journey to remember!  RSSC’s all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager will host the fourth edition of the Mabel Mercer Foundation (MMF)’s annual “Cabaret Convention at Sea 2008.” The event will be featured aboard Seven Seas Voyager’s 14-night transatlantic journey from Fort Lauderdale to Spain, departing April 30, 2008.
The “Cabaret Convention at Sea” will feature a cast of talented and distinguished Broadway cabaret stars, including Marilyn Maye, Billy Stritch, K T Sullivan, Steve Ross and James Followell, who will entertain guests with shows throughout the voyage. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with the stars at special, “members-only” events. The Cabaret Convention at Sea will be hosted by Arie Boris, Editor of CruiseGourmet.com magazine.
The event is a tribute to Mabel Mercer (Feb. 3, 1900 – April 20, 1984), a famous cabaret artist and one of the foremost interpreters of popular American music. A portion of every Cabaret Convention at Sea fare will go to MMF, a nonprofit arts organization that honors Mercer’s memory through the support of events that celebrate the American songbook through the art form of Cabaret.
Seven Seas Voyager’s transatlantic journey departs Fort Lauderdale on April 30 for a crossing to Hamilton, Bermuda; Horta, Azores; Funchal, Madeira; and Malaga, Valencia and Barcelona, Spain. The itinerary also features seven luxurious days spent at sea.
Rates for the MMF Cabaret Convention at Sea 2008 start at $5,170 per person, double occupancy. Please call Hartford Holidays Travel (800-828-4813) for reservations, or visit www.cruisegourmet.com.

TV/Broadway Legends To Appear At RSSC’s Theatre At Sea 2008 Cruise
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will host an all-star collection of Broadway, Hollywood and TV greats aboard the all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner during Theatre at Sea 2008, cruise, a 12-night Amazon River cruise from Manaus, Brazil to Fort Lauderdale.
Departing February 21, 2008, the 35th Theatre At Sea, presented by the Theatre Guild, will feature a cast of talented and distinguished actors including TV and Broadway legend Ed Asner; four-time Drama Desk Award-winning actress Tovah Feldshuh; acclaimed film and television actress Anne Jackson; Broadway star Karen Mason; Academy Award-winning actress Patricia Neal; television star and former Miss America Susan Powell; Helen Hayes Award-winner and director Lee Roy Reams; Broadway leading man Richard White and legendary theatre, film and television icon Eli Wallach.
These legends of stage and screen will entertain guests with eight performances throughout the voyage, and will also join passengers at exclusive “Green Room” parties after each show. Guests will also have the opportunity to interact with these sought-after stars at special, “members-only” events.
Seven Seas Mariner’s Amazon journey will depart Manaus to call at Parintins and Santarem, Brazil; Devil’s Island in French Guiana; plus Barbados, Dominica, San Juan and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos, before concluding in Fort Lauderdale. Highlights include a trip to Manaus’ Opera House, shopping excursions, a reception with the Governor of Barbados and a call at Brazil’s Boi Bumba Festival. The itinerary also features three luxurious days spent at sea.
Rates for the Theatre at Sea 2008 voyage range from $5,295 to $20,395 per person, double occupancy. Chartered economy airfare is available for $700 per person. Contact Theatre at Sea, 135 Central Park West, Suite 4 South, New York, N.Y., 10023. Telephone: 800 752 9732.

RSSC’s Announces Its 2008 Circles Of Interests Enrichment Programs
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is announcing its Circles of InterestSM enrichment program for 2008. Circles of Interest offer Regent Seven Seas Cruises guests exclusive onboard and shore-side experiences, featuring world-class lecturers, instructors and authorities from the realms of art, cuisine, history, environmental conservation, photography and wellness.
Circles of Interest voyages will be offered throughout 2008 aboard the 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony ships Seven Seas Mariner® and Seven Seas Voyager®, the 490-guest, all-suite Seven Seas Navigator® and the 330-guest luxury vessel Paul Gauguin®. These sought-after journeys offer rare opportunities to discover destinations through the lens of a particular interest. The voyages also feature the insight and perspective of knowledgeable hosts, plus the camaraderie of an intimate community of guests who share similar interests. These in-depth programs will be available on 45 departures between January 16 and December 27, 2008, at rates ranging from $165 to $455 per person, exclusive of cruise fare.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 2008 Circles of Interest itineraries encompass a broad range of topics. For example, highly regarded nutritional counselor and life-extension specialist Dr. Oz Garcia will lead “Wellness and Balance with Oz Garcia” aboard two Seven Seas Voyager summer Mediterranean cruises. Commodore Jamie Miller, the United Kingdom’s Naval Regional Commander for Wales & Western England and a survivor of the sinking of the HMS Coventry during the Falklands War, will share personal stories of his adventures in the Falklands and around the world during a winter sailing to South America aboard Seven Seas Mariner.
With its partnership with renowned culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu®, the line offers exclusive food and wine programs and workshops. In addition, celebrity chefs including Walter Scheib, the White House executive chef from 1994 to 2005, will share their world-class culinary skills with guests during summer Mediterranean voyages. Regent’s partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society drives unique educational programs for young guests through Ambassadors of the Environment programs in Alaska and Tahiti. Special art and photography Circles of Interest complete the program.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer Circles of Interest aboard the following 2008 departures:
Wellness
-- Seven Seas Voyager, May 26 and June 2 with nutritionist-to-the-stars Oz Garcia, featuring personal health assessments and one-on-one consultations
The Arts
-- Seven Seas Navigator, July 26 and September 9 art program with Lisa Hahn, founder of Art Horizons International, including behind-the-scenes access to select Mediterranean art museums
-- Seven Seas Voyager, June 9 (also with Lisa Hahn in the Mediterranean); and July 26; August 2, 9, 16 and 23 with private access to the Hermitage Museum’s Restoration Rooms in St. Petersburg
Environment and Marine Life
 Ambassadors of the Environment program with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society
-- Paul Gauguin in Tahiti, June 7, 14, 25; July 5, 16, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 27; December 20 and 27
-- Seven Seas Mariner in Alaska , June 4, 11, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 17, 23, 30; August 6
Food and Wine
-- Seven Seas Mariner, January 16; April 7 and 30; May 27; September 18 Le Cordon Bleu culinary programs
--  Seven Seas Navigator, June 7 ( with former White House celebrity chef Walter Scheib) and June 21 (with celebrity chef Cindy Pawlcyn of Mustards Grill in Napa Valley)
-- Seven Seas Voyager, June 9 and September 9 Le Cordon Bleu culinary programs
History
-- Seven Seas Mariner, January 16 with British Navy Commodore and Falklands War veteran Jamie Miller
--  Seven Seas Navigator, June 14 and August 16, with Elyse Weiner, Emmy®-award winning journalist and founder of iJourneys® walking tours
Photography
-- Seven Seas Navigator, October 8 and 23, November 1 with renowned photographer Ken Haas, including an African photo safari
Further details on these programs can be at www.TheRegentExperience.com.

 

 

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Returns To Australia In Winter 2008-09
Royal Caribbean International today announced 14 Australia cruises and two transpacific voyages aboard Rhapsody of the Seas for winter 2008-09. Ranging from seven to 15 nights, vacationers will have more sailings from which to choose a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation to the continent made famous by its awe-inspiring, rugged landscapes; unique wildlife; and diverse and welcoming people.
-- Five roundtrip voyages from Sydney to the Coral Sea will take Rhapsody’s guests to New Caledonia, Vanuatu Islands, and Society Islands. A 13-night itinerary, departing October 19, 2008, includes calls at Noumea, Poum, and the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia; Luganville and Vila, Vanuatu; and Ouvea (Wadrilla) and Lifou in the Loyalty Islands. A shorter ten-night itinerary, departing November 1, 22 and December 13, includes calls in New Caledonia and at Vila, while an 11-night sailing on April 2, 2009, includes Luganville.
-- Rhapsody also will offer two Barrier Reef adventures on November 11 and December 2, 2008. On the 11-night roundtrip voyages from Sydney, guests will cruise by Willis Island and call at Cairns (Yorkey’s Knob), Port Douglas, Cooktown, Brisbane, and Hamilton Island (among the Whitsunday Islands) in Australia.
-- Additionally, a seven-night Tasmania voyage on January 6, 2009, will sail roundtrip from Sydney, and take guests to Burnie, Port Arthur and Hobart in Tasmania; and Melbourne.
-- Vacationers also can choose among four roundtrip sailings from Sydney for an exciting 14-night New Zealand adventure. Rhapsody of the Seas will visit at Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, as well as cruise through Dusky, Doubtful and Milford sounds in Fjordland National Park. On voyages departing December 23, 2008, and January 27, 2009, guests will also visit Napier, while those on the January 13 and February 10 sailings will enjoy a scenic cruise past volcanic White Island.
-- Travelers with the luxury of time can combine two spectacular sailings for a 35-night Down Under exploration cruise to the four corners of the Australian continent. On the 17-night voyage, sailing on February 24 from Sydney, guests cruise the Coral Sea to Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, and sail to cities along the northern Australian coast to Perth (Fremantle). On the following 18-night voyage, sailing on March 13 from Perth to Sydney, guests call at cities on the southern Australian coast and the Island of Tasmania, and cruise the Tasman Sea to New Zealand and its beautiful fjordlands.
-- Vacationers also can choose one of two sailings on Rhapsody’s eastward transpacific crossing. The 16-night sailing on April 13 from Sydney to Honolulu will take guests across the International Date Line to call at ports in the Society Islands of the Pacific and Maui. The following ten-night sailing, departing April 28, will spend five days among the Hawaiian Islands before continuing on to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Royal Caribbean Cruisetours
Guests on Rhapsody’s Australia voyages also can extend their vacation with a cruisetour. Cruisetours offer vacationers the best of both worlds by combining a cruise with an escorted adventure on land by an Aussie or Kiwi expert. Royal Caribbean Cruisetours includes hotel-stays, transfers, most meals, and scheduled tours and activities. On most sailings, guests can choose a five-night pre-cruise cruisetour to explore the capital city of Sydney; learn about the aboriginal Liru at Ayers Rock; visit Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, the best place to see crocodiles and native wildlife; and venture out to the Great Barrier Reef.
On sailings departing November 11 and December 2, 2008, and February 24, 2009, guests can choose a six-night pre-cruise New Zealand cruisetour. Vacationers will arrive at Auckland, New Zealand, and experience a slice of Kiwi life as they visit a sheep farm; taste some of the world’s most exclusive vintages at a Rotorua winery; cruise through the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound; and fly to Australia to uncover the excitement of Sydney before boarding Rhapsody.
For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) Royal-Caribbean. For travel professionals, go to www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Mariner Of The Seas Makes Epic Voyage Around Cape Horn In 2009
Adventurers will have a rare opportunity to circumnavigate the South American continent on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, the line’s first Voyager-class ship to chart a course around Cape Horn. Starting in January 2009, Mariner will take guests on one of three cruises, calling at some of the most spectacular destinations in South America, or a combined 46-night cruise for an extended South America adventure.
-- Mariner will begin the southerly ocean-crossover on January 4, 2009 from Port Canaveral on a 15-night voyage to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Guests will call at St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Barbados, and Salvador De Bahia, Brazil, as well as CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas. The sailing will conclude with an overnight stay in Rio, regarded as South America’s most sizzling destination.
-- Mariner will continue with a 15-night sailing on January 19 to round the southern tip of South America departing from Rio to Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile and including calls at Montevideo, Uruguay and Ushuaia, Argentina – the southernmost city in the world. Guests also will cruise along the majestic Chilean fjordlands and enjoy overnight stays in Buenos Aires – the “Paris of South America” – and Valparaiso.
-- Mariner will conclude her epic journey with a 16-night sailing from Valparaiso (Santiago) on February 3. Guests will enjoy calls at Arica, Chile; Lima (Callao), Peru; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; and Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, debuting in her new homeport of Los Angeles on February 19.
Guests booking the 46-night voyage by December 15, 2007 receive a 50 percent reduced deposit and a $500 onboard credit.
Voyager-class ships revolutionized the cruise industry in the ‘90s by introducing an onboard rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and Royal Promenade – a boulevard running the length of the ship that is lined with lounges, stores and restaurants, including a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop.
For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com  or call (800) Royal-Caribbean. For travel professionals, go to www.cruisingpower.com  or call (800) 327-2056.

ROC Offering Charter Flight For UK Travelers to Santa Domingo In March
Royal Caribbean will charter a dedicated direct non-stop flight from Sheffield, England to Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic, to join the Vision of the Seas ship sailing on March 15, 2009. The breathtaking cruise will visit nine different ports of call, including Guadeloupe, Martinique, Barbados, St Lucia, Santa Domingo, St Maarten, Dominica, Margarita Island and Aruba, a Dutch-Caribbean island, off the coast of Venezuela.
Prices for the new cruise departure start at just £1245 per person, based on an interior cabin, and can be booked now through local travel agents.
Interestingly, cruising is one of the most popular holiday types chosen by the people of Sheffield.  Looking at UK wide figures, with the exception of Southampton, Sheffield has more cruise passengers than anywhere else in the UK. “We are pleased to be able to announce this fly cruise departure from one of the best known cruise names in the business,” said Steve Adamson, Product Development & Communications Manager at Robin Hood Airport. “This will be great news for hundreds of consumers across the airport region, who keep telling us they want more flights to get to more cruise ships”
The new fly cruise departure went on sale this week.  Both Airport & senior executives at Royal Caribbean are predicting a mad rush of bookings through the region’s travel agents. To book on to this cruise, future passengers should visit their local Travel Agent without delay.
Robin Hood Airport* Doncaster Sheffield’s new Cruise Class product, exclusive to long haul fly cruise passengers departing from Doncaster Sheffield, not available as standard from any other UK airport, is offered to passengers on this new Royal Caribbean departure.
The additional benefits available on long haul fly cruise departures, as part of the new Cruise Class service, include:
• Dedicated Cruise Class ground crew present to offer a friendly helpful service
• Fast track Cruise Class check-in as standard
• A dedicated Cruise Class departure area
• Complimentary drink served prior to boarding
• Award Winning car parking facilities
Plus, passengers making bookings within the first two weeks of the cruise going on sale will be able to take advantage of half price car parking, when booked through a travel agent.
* Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield is part of the Peel Airports Group, the Airport Group for the North of England.  The Peel Group consists of a number of leading property and transport companies in the UK, with assets valued at over £5bn.  Robin Hood Airport is the first and only Airport in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire & the Humberside area to offer direct non stop services to long haul destinations including Canada, USA, Mexico & the Caribbean, and short haul services to new destinations like Katowice, Gdansk, Poznan & Wroclaw.  Website:  www.robinhoodairport.com.

Psychic Access, Inc. Announces Psychic Cruise 2008
Douglas Christman, CEO of Psychic Access, Inc. announced hat Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas has been selected as its venue for Psychic Cruise 2008 (http://psychiccruise2008.com/ ). Join professional psychic advisors from PsychicAccess.com and PsychicWeb.com under the radiant glow of the full moon for a five-night Western Caribbean cruise November 10-15, 2008.
Selected as the exclusive travel agent for Psychic Cruise 2008 is Becky Ryan of Cruise Brothers, RI. Becky has been in leisure travel over 10 years and has specialized industry designations; most prominent are CTA and MCC.
Psychic Cruise 2008 offers attendees free classes (Tarot Reading & Rune Reading) as well as many free workshops and seminars. Private readings with the psychics will be available for a very low price. In addition to the classes, workshops, lectures and readings, there will be prize giveaways, including free private readings, a lifetime membership to http://psychicweb.com, $500 in reading time to http://psychicaccess.com  and a three-night Bahamas cruise for two. There will be a gala cocktail party the night before the cruise and several cocktail parties during the cruise.
Ports of Call include Key West, Cozumel and Belize City. At each port, attendees and psychics will be able to choose from a myriad of excursions, such as exploring the spiritually rich Mayan ruins. Of course, for those simply wishing to relax, the recently updated "Enchantment of the Seas" offers a tempting array of leisurely luxuries.
Psychic Cruise 2008 is open to the general public but to participate in any of our offerings cruise bookings must be made through the cruise's exclusive travel agent, Becky Ryan. For more detailed information about the cruise and on-line registration, please visit http://psychiccruise2008.com or call Becky Ryan (toll-free) at 1-800-827-7779 x643. Register today and set sail with the psychics in November 2008.

 

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Signs John Cleese To Join Enrichment Line-Up For World Cruise 2008
Actor and comedic legend John Cleese is the latest celebrity speaker to sign on for a starring role in the expansive enrichment program Silversea is planning for Silver Shadow's World Cruise 2008.  He is set to join a stellar mix of guest speakers and enrichment specialists that includes actress Polly Bergen, film critic Rex Reed, TV chef Cat Cora, cookbook author and TV personality Ted Allen, photojournalist Steve McCurry, and fashion and celebrity photographer Stephanie Pfriender Stylander.
John Cleese will entertain Silversea guests with his famous British wit as he hosts the January 16 segment (#3802) from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego.  One of television and cinema's most gifted artists, he will offer Silversea guests a grand -- and possibly rowdy -- look at some of his best works, including the Emmy-nominated BBC documentary The Human Face, the movie A Fish Called Wanda, and favorite episodes from the television comedy classics Monty Python's Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers.  Cleese will share insights and anecdotes from a fascinating career that goes well beyond television and cinema.
The same January 16 segment will also welcome famed cookbook author Ted Allen, whose food and wine advice is featured regularly on NBC and Bravo television networks and in articles for Esquire, Bon Appétit and Epicurious.com.
--George Losey, professor of zoology and marine biology at the University of Hawaii, will join the January 30, San Diego-to-Honolulu segment (#3803).  His talks will illustrate both the natural and cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands.

-- Norma and Maurice Joseph, acclaimed travel photographers and fellows of Britain's Royal Geographic Society, will host the Honolulu-to-Hong Kong voyage (#3804), departing February 8.  Their colorful presentations bring to life the diverse lands and cultures visited during a career of exploration and adventure in over 100 countries.  Highlights include traveling by jeep through Tibet and traversing Burma's Irrawaddy River by log raft and riverboat.
-- The March 1, Hong Kong-to-Singapore segment (#3805) will feature destination expert and art historian Denise Heywood, offering illustrated talks on Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Southeast Asia.  Heywood has lived in Paris, New York and, most recently, in Cambodia where she worked as a journalist for three years. She has just completed a book on the Buddhist temples of Laos, titled Ancient Luang Prabang.
-- On the March 15, Singapore-to-Mumbai segment (#3806), two of the world's hottest photographers will step out from behind the camera to share their talents and insights.  Guests will enjoy presentations hosted by Stephanie Pfriender Stylander, best known for her illuminating celebrity portraits of such icons as Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas, and Aretha Franklin; and Steve McCurry, the award-winning photojournalist whose haunting photograph of an Afghan refugee girl has been described by many as the most recognizable photograph in the world today.
-- Also tapped to add regional and cultural perspectives on the same voyage is Royston Ellis, a British-born novelist and guidebook writer who has lived for the past 28 years in Sri Lanka. The author of bestselling historical novels set in the Caribbean, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, he began his career as a pop poet in England in 1960 performing with John, Paul, George and Stuart who later became the Beatles.  Joining Ellis is acclaimed Associated Press photographer Gemunu Amarasinghe.
-- Cat Cora, renowned television personality and Bon Appétit executive chef, is slated to host a culinary program on the March 26, Mumbai-to-Athens segment (#3807), sailing to some of the world's most exotic destinations in Oman, Egypt and Jordan.  Chef Cora will present Greek-inspired specialties -- prepared with her trademark brand of fresh inventiveness and style -- as guests traverse the history-rich waters of the Aegean.
-- Scheduled to add historical insights on the same voyage is Robert Brier, one of the world's leading Egyptologists.  The author of several books including The Murder of Tutankhamen: A True Story and The Daily Life of the Ancient Egyptians, Professor Brier will be joined by his wife, Patricia Remler, an accomplished author, photographer and art historian.  
-- And rounding out the enrichment roster on this segment is Stephen F. Dachi, a foreign policy specialist who served for 30 years as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service.  He is an expert on the history, culture, religions and politics of India and the Middle East and is in charge of educational seminars at the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of State.
-- Celebrity film critic Rex Reed, whose presentations scored a huge hit with guests aboard World Cruise 2007, is returning to host the second edition of his innovative Silver Screen Cinema program.  A renowned author, actor, talk show host, and film historian, his name is synonymous with Hollywood.  Reed will share anecdotes and insights as he hosts screenings of cinematic classics aboard the April 19 segment (#3809) from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale.  Guests will enjoy an insider's view of Hollywood with Reed and the program's guest entertainer, Emmy winner Polly Bergen, a star of both film and television.  Their lively interview and intimate coffee-and-conversation session will offer fascinating glimpses into the lives and careers of these distinguished film professionals.
Departing January 16, 2008 from Fort Lauderdale, Silver Shadow's World Cruise 2008, appropriately themed The Rhythms of the World, will host no more than 382 privileged and pampered guests on a wondrous odyssey, encircling the world and embracing the cultures of more than 25 countries and over 50 different destinations.  Fares for the full 110-day voyage start at $62,400 per person, based on double occupancy.
For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

 

 

Star Cruises

‘SuperStar Gemini’ To Offer Six 21-Night South China Sea Sailings In 2008
Star Cruises has announced SuperStar Gemini’s Asian itineraries for the new season commencing in April 2008. She will continue to offer a combination of seven-, ten-, 11-  and 21-night cruises from Singapore to more than ten destinations across Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong which have been proven popular with various markets last season.
The itineraries offer a varied choice of cruising options and destinations which provide a fascinating blend of history, culture, adventure and scenery, ranging from the beaches of Phuket, Ko Samui and Krabi, the pagodas of Bangkok and the mystique island of Langkawi to the colorful street markets in Ho Chi Minh City, historical Penang, cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur and the rugged rainforests of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia as well as bustling Hong Kong.
The new season will see an increased total of six 21-night South China Sea itineraries sailings on a return journey from Singapore to Hong Kong, calling at Ko Samui and Bangkok in Thailand, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Halong Bay and Nha Trang in Vietnam and Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in East Malaysia.
Incorporated within this itinerary are options for either at en-night Singapore to Hong Kong or 11-night Hong Kong to Singapore cruise with six departures each in the new season. The seven-night itineraries from Singapore will call at Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang and Langkawi Island in Malaysia and Krabi and Phuket in Thailand. 
Overnight calls in Halong Bay with an option to visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket feature as part of the itineraries which will allow guests the opportunity to leisurely explore the many attractions that each of these destinations have to offer.
The SuperStar Gemini offers guests the best in comprehensive facilities, entertainment, recreation activities coupled with informality and flexibility for the discerning modern holiday-maker. Apart from its 400 cabins, the cruise vessel is also equipped with six restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, hair salon, spa, karaoke rooms, and many more that will cater to all types of passengers, young and old, singles and family makers.