Holland America Eurodam Offers Spa Staterooms

Holland America Line's new Eurodam offers 56 Spa Staterooms located on the two highest decks of the Signature-class ship.

The 2,104-guest Eurodam is the first ship in Holland America's fleet to offer spa accommodations. The Spa Staterooms are located near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and offer in-room spa amenities.

Each room reflects a nature theme with walls of soft earth tones, green accent colors, fern-like patterns and charcoal-colored carpeting. A water feature in each stateroom provides a soothing ambient background sound.

Amenities in the Spa Staterooms include organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a Burmese teak mat for bath and shower, an invigorating showerhead, a loofah mitt and aromatherapy bath salts.

In addition to standard stateroom furnishings, Spa Staterooms also include an iPod docking station, a Yoga mat, a pedometer for use aboard ship, a fitness DVD, a no-host minibar stocked with specialty waters, a cut-fruit tray at embarkation and a spa concierge to book treatments. Nightly turn-down pillow gifts include organic chocolate truffles, orchids and a line of chocolates called Elements, which are herbal-infused chocolates blending Belgian chocolate with specialty herbs.

Guests booking the Spa Staterooms may order spa stateroom-only packages in advance or during the cruise.

Four packages include a hot stone massage and facial bamboo massage for $256 and skin renewal with facial rejuvenation acupuncture and marine facial for $289. Other packages are a man's shave and deep-tissue massage for $189 and couple's cabana massages for $242.

An in-room dining breakfast card features a selection of Greenhouse Spa breakfast items including fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice, fresh carrot juice, fresh fruit, bran muffins, yogurt and Kashi granola, Eggbeater or egg white omelets, turkey bacon, chicken apple sausage or an organic soy meatless patty. An all-day room service menu offers Greenhouse Spa selections that vary daily based on selections in the main dining room. Guests may also order from the standard room service menu.

The 56 Spa Staterooms include two Superior Verandah Suites, 36 Deluxe Verandah Outside Staterooms, four Large Ocean-view Staterooms and four Large Inside Staterooms on Panorama Deck.

The 10 Spa Staterooms on Observation Deck are all Deluxe Verandah Outside rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and scalloped verandahs.

Eurodam debuts this summer with a July 1 naming ceremony in Rotterdam with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, followed by a maiden voyage in the Baltic region.

Whale Watching Cruises from Captain Cook

Australia's Captain Cook Cruises is again operating its daily Whale Watching cruises throughout the Whale Watching season of May 27 to Nov. 15, 2008.

The Whale Watching cruise takes passengers past the Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and the homes located in the bays of Sydney Harbour and then out through the heads and onto the open waters.

Here the direction of the vessel is totally dependent on where the whales have been sighted -- north towards Manly or south towards Coogee. All Whale Watching cruises are held on a 75-passenger, 16 meter super sea-catamaran purpose built for Whale Watching and featuring two decks both offering spectacular open air viewing and an all-weather lounge for the entire family.

Captain Cook Cruises offers a whale guarantee - if a whale is not sighted in the months of May to November 2008 passengers can rebook another cruise free of charge or for those cruising in June and July.

They also have the choice to receive 50 percent of their money back. Whale Watching cruises depart daily from Circular Quay at 1.30pm and twice daily from Darling Harbour at 9 a.m. and 1:15 pm from May 27 to Nov. 15, 2008.

Whale Watching Cruises are priced at: adults $69, concession $59, child ages four to 14years old pay $39, and families with two adults and two children pay $179. An additional child in the same family is $30.

For further information visit www.captaincook.com.au

Carnival and NCL Raise Fuel Supplements

Carnival has raised its fuel supplement from $7 per person, per day to $9 per person per day for all new bookings beginning June 12 for six of its brands—Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn.

Carnival also is increasing the fuel supplement on third, fourth and fifth passengers in a stateroom from $2 to $4 per person, per day. The fuel surcharge will not exceed $126 per person, per voyage for first and second guests and $56 per person, per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth guests in a stateroom. Carnival first implemented a fuel supplement in November to the tune of $5 per person, per day, raising it to $7 in April.

Following Carnival's lead, Norwegian Cruise Line is doing the same, increasing its from $9 per person per day to $11 per person per day for first and second passengers in a stateroom, and $5 per person per day for additional passengers in the same stateroom.

For NCL, the adjustment will apply to new individual reservations made on or after June 20, 2008.

For NCL group reservations, the increase also goes into effect on or after June 20, but will also apply to group space held before June 20 without specific names and a full confirming deposit by June 19.

Spirit of Alaska Hits Bottom - Ends Voyage

Cruise West's Spirit of Alaska transferred its 41 passengers to another vessel June 5 after scraping the bottom in Tracy Arm early June 4 in Alaska.

The company said the 78-passenger vessel "briefly touched bottom during the process of getting under way after anchoring overnight in the vicinity of Williams Cove near Tracy Arm." The company reported no injuries to passengers or 22 crew members, nor any threat to marine life or the environment.

The U.S. Coast Guard received a call from the Spirit of Alaska requesting assistance. The ship reported unknown damage affecting its rudder, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

The Coast Guard sent a 47-foot motor lifeboat, a helicopter and the cutter Liberty to the scene. In addition, the Coast Guard deployed an inspector and investigator to the vessel to assess damage. An investigation is standard practice following the unintentional grounding of any commercial vessel.

Cruise West said the ship proceeded to Juneau under its own power, arriving at approximately 1:30 a.m. June 5.

Guests had breakfast onboard the ship and were to transfer to another Cruise West vessel, Spirit of Endeavour, to depart Juneau on a nine-day cruise of Alaska's Inside Passage.

Windstar Ranked #1 by "Celebrated Living"

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts, was recognized for the second consecutive year as the best small-ship cruise vacation by the readers of "Celebrated Living."


The honor was published in the 2008 Platinum List, an annual readers' choice guide to what the publication touts as the "best-of-the-best" travel and vacation experiences in the world.

For more information visit www.windstarcruises.com

Carnival Pride Sailing Out of Baltimore

Carnival Cruise Lines will launch the first year-round cruise program from the Port of Baltimore with seven-day cruises aboard the 88,500-ton, 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride beginning in fall 2009.

The new program kicks off Sept. 13, 2009, and encompasses two weeklong itineraries departing Sundays. The "Exotic Eastern Caribbean" cruises will call at Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Freeport, while the Bahamas/Florida departures will visit Port Canaveral, Nassau and Freeport.

Carnival expects that the Pride will carry more than 115,000 guests annually from the Port of Baltimore.

Including its new Baltimore program, Carnival will operate from 17 North American departure points, including 11 year-round homeports, which it says is the most of any cruise operator.

Prior to the start-up of year-round seven-day cruises, Carnival Pride will operate a one-time six-day voyage round-trip from Baltimore Sept. 7 to 13, 2009. Featured ports on this voyage include Freeport and Port Canaveral.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the new departures from Baltimore.

Royal Caribbean Returns to South America Cruising

Royal Caribbean International is returning to South America in winter 2009-2010 with nine 11- to 15-cruises aboard Radiance of the Seas. Bookings opened on Thursday.

Four-night pre- or post-cruise cruise-tours give guests the opportunity to explore Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Iguazu Falls along the Argentina and Brazil border.

Cruise-tours are escorted and include deluxe hotel accommodations, air and ground transfers, certain meals, and time for individual pursuits. Six cruises will go around the horn of South America and through the Straits of Magellan.

These 12- to 14-night itineraries alternate departures from Valparaiso, Chile, and Buenos Aires, featuring a cruise through the glacier-filled Chilean fjords, and a call at Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.

Three sailings include a shipboard overnight in Buenos Aires at the beginning or end of the cruise.

An 11-night itinerary, departing on Feb. 10, 2010, features three days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Carnival. The cruise is round-trip from Buenos Aires and includes an overnight on the ship.

Two Pacific equatorial crossings sail from San Diego to Valparaiso on Nov. 21, 2009, and return on March 7, 2010.

Princess Announces Caribbean, Mexico Itineraries

Princess Cruises announced Tuesday a new season of cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

In the Caribbean, Princess will sail six ships on 13 itineraries with 129 departures visiting more than 25 ports in the islands.

Ruby Princess will take over the line's 10-day eastern and southern Caribbean itineraries, offering some of the less-visited ports in the region.

Emerald Princess sails on the line's eastern Caribbean itinerary and Crown Princess will feature the western Caribbean with an enhanced itinerary now featuring the island of Roatan, Honduras.

Caribbean Princess continues to sail on alternating seven-day Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan.

Grand Princess returns with an extensive 14-day Caribbean Collection route and Sea Princess will again sail on 14-day voyages from Barbados. Sapphire Princess will be sailing on the seven-day Mexican Riviera route from Los Angeles and Star Princess will be cruising on 10-day voyages from San Francisco.

Visit www.princesscruise.com

European River Cruises

Tour Europe's most vibrant cities and beautiful scenery on the intimate and luxurious setting of a small cruise boat.

Cruise Lines Raising - Adding Fuel Surcharges

Constantly rising oil prices continue to affect the cruise industry, influencing several lines to raise the per person fuel surcharge for upcoming trips.

After Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and NCL Corp. hiked their rates in April, several other cruise lines are following the trend.

Oceania Cruises will raise its fuel surcharge to $10 per person per day for all new reservations as of May 1. Oceania says the decision is in response to the "continually escalating price of fuel." The fuel surcharge, however, only applies to the first two passengers in the stateroom, not to third or fourth guests.

Even Mickey Mouse isn't immune to the affects of rising fuel prices.

Disney Cruise Line announced that it is implementing a fuel surcharge of $8 per person per day for the first two passengers in a stateroom, and $3 per person per day for any additional passengers in the stateroom. The supplement will be effective for new bookings made on or after May 28, 2008. In addition, the fuel surcharge will be capped at $112 each for first and second stateroom passengers and $42 for additional passengers. Disney Cruise Line advises travel agents to alert their clients to the now new additional fee before they book.

Meanwhile, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is upping its fuel supplement to $6.30 per person per night for the first two passengers in a stateroom and $2.70 per person per night for third and fourth stateroom occupants. The supplement's cap will be approximately $126 per passenger.

Supporters Plan Rally to Save Delta Queen

Supporters who want to save the Delta Queen riverboat are holding a rally at 12 noon on May 5 in Cincinnati at the National Steamboat Monument, just above the Public Landing, where the Delta Queen will be docked.

The Save the Delta Queen Campaign has scheduled speakers, including Gordon C. Greene, former vice president of Greene Line Steamers, as master of ceremonies; U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, who has introduced a bill to allow the Delta Queen to operate after November; Dan Hurley, assistant vice president for history at the Cincinnati Museum Center; Alan Bernstein, owner of BB Riverboats and former Delta Queen crew member; and Mike Berry, president of the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Organizers say the Delta Queen is the last traditional steamboat carrying overnight passengers on America's inland waterways and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. In 1966, it was "inadvertently caught in the technical provisions of the Safety at Sea Act, which was intended to cover ocean-going ships, not riverboats.

Recognizing the difference between boats that operate on rivers, within yards of the shore, and ships that sail the high seas, Congress established an exemption for the Delta Queen in 1968. Since then, the exemption has been renewed nine times, in virtually every case by near-unanimous votes in both the House and the Senate," the campaign says.

Without congressional action, the current exemption will expire on Nov. 1. Bipartisan legislation to extend the exemption, H.R. 3852, was introduced by Chabot, a Republican from Ohio, on Oct. 16.

The bill remains in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure because Committee Chairman James Oberstar of Minnesota "refuses to release it to the floor," the campaign says.

For more information, visit www.save-the-delta-queen.com

Princess Cruises Teams Up With The Bachelor

Princess Cruises has enlisted Alex Michel, the first bachelor on ABC's "The Bachelor" reality show, to serve on the company's Department of Romance.

The 37-year-old Michel is still a bachelor since he made his appearance on the first show in 2002. His first assignment is to help judge the line's "Are You the Greatest Romantic?" online video contest at the end of this month.

Princess' Department of Romance, a tribute to the company's legacy as the setting for " The Love Boat," is made up of actor Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed Capt. Stubing on the TV show; Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a couples therapist; Trish McDermott, vice president of love at Engage.com; and Lisa Light, destination wedding expert and author.

Michel will join the other department members to select the five finalists for the "Greatest Romantic" contest, who will be announced on April 1.

The public will then have the chance to vote for their favorite entry, with the winner joining the Department of Romance for one year and featured on the company's website offering romantic advice through articles and a podcast. The winning romantic will also receive a seven-day cruise for two to the Mexican Riviera or the Caribbean.

After "The Bachelor," Michel served as a spokesman for the online dating service Match.com, providing commentary on romance and courtship through television and radio shows, newspaper and magazine articles and live appearances. A graduate of Harvard University, with an MBA from Stanford, Michel is currently an executive at a media and technology company.

Michel will offer his advice and observations at www.princess.com/romance. The site also features tips and articles from the other romance experts ranging from the best ways to reinvigorate your romance, to tips on planning a destination wedding. It also features a series of podcasts, inspiring quotations and romantic desktop downloads.

Royal Caribbean Sets 2009 Cruises from U.S. Northeast

Royal Caribbean International announced the line's summer and fall 2009 itineraries sailing from the U.S. Northeast.

The company is offering 17 itineraries to Canada and New England, Bermuda, and the Caribbean on 66 sailings from New York, Boston, Baltimore and Norfolk. Bookings for these cruises are open.

The cruises will be operated by Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas (shown).

Explorer of the Seas offers nine-night roundtrips from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J, with calls at Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Quebec City, Quebec, the line's highest rated port of call. Guests also cruise the Saguenay River. The 15 Canada and New England cruises depart from June through October 2009.

Jewel of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas will make maiden calls at Rockland, Maine, as the largest cruise ships to call at the port. In addition to the variety of restaurants, galleries and museums, Rockland will turn the city's main street into a pedestrian mall for the cruisers.

From Boston, Jewel of the Seas will take guests on five- and seven-night round-trips, while Grandeur of the Seas will offer eight- and nine-night round-trips from Baltimore. Jewel and Grandeur will call at the Canadian ports of St. John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as the Maine ports of Portland, Bar Harbor and Rockland.

Royal Caribbean will sail to Bermuda and the Caribbean in 2009 with two ships, Explorer of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas. From Cape Liberty, Explorer of the Seas will continue to offer alternating five- and nine-night Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries. The nine-night voyage includes a call at Kings Wharf, while the five-night itinerary overnights there.

During April through mid-June, Grandeur will offer alternating five-night Bermuda and nine-night Eastern Caribbean round-trip itineraries from Norfolk. The five-night itinerary also features an overnight call at Kings Wharf, and the nine-night sailing calls at Labadee, Haiti, Royal Caribbean's private beach destination.

In June, Grandeur repositions to Baltimore to offer similar and alternating itineraries through November.

Featured Cruise Deal - Carnival Freedom

Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival Freedom – 12 Night Grand Mediterranean from $1,049

Visit seven European ports on this eye-opening voyage aboard a brand-new ship! You’ll dock in Italy, Sicily, Spain, and France. Experience the rich history and timeless beauty of cities like Naples, Cannes, and Barcelona, all in the easiest, most affordable way possible.

More info on this cruise, along with hundreds of other cruise deals

NCL Announces 2009 Cruise Schedule

NCL Corp. unveiled its 2009 Alaska, Bermuda and Europe deployment and itineraries by nine Freestyle Cruising ships.

The 2009 cruises go on sale March 20. In summer 2009, the Norwegian Pearl will operate seven-day Glacier Bay cruises roundtrip from Seattle that visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. Norwegian Star offers a seven-day Sawyer Glacier itinerary, roundtrip from Seattle, calling at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Prince Rupert, B.C.

Norwegian Sun will operate the seven-day Sawyer Glacier itinerary roundtrip from Vancouver, calling at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Beginning March 30, NCL will deploy a ship year-round in Europe, a first in the company's 41-year history. The 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jade will remain in Europe through spring of 2010. Norwegian Jade offers nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco cruises roundtrip from Barcelona, 12-day Eastern Mediterranean roundtrips from Barcelona, and 21-day Eastern Mediterranean, Canaries and Morocco cruises roundtrip from Barcelona.

Norwegian Gem will operate a seven-day Western Mediterranean itinerary, roundtrip from Barcelona, that calls at Valletta, Malta; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Cannes or Nice (Villefranche), France. Norwegian Jewel will sail 12-day Baltic Capitals voyages roundtrip from London (Dover) to Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden.

http://www.ncl.com

Royal Caribbean Revises Fuel Supplement

Here's the latest update from our previous posting on the fuel surcharges by Royal Caribbean - Linda


Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) on Monday announced it has voluntarily agreed to eliminate its fuel supplement on bookings made prior to the announcement of the fuel supplement on Nov. 16.

After working with the Florida Attorney General's office, RCCL said it will eliminate the fuel supplement for any guests who had a booking made prior to Nov. 16.

Guests booked before Nov. 16 who paid the fuel supplement and have taken their cruise will receive a refund through the form of payment used to purchase their sailing. Guests booked before Nov. 16 who paid the fuel supplement and have not taken their cruise will receive their refund as an onboard credit during their sailing.

As originally announced, the company did not charge the fuel supplement to guests with bookings made and paid in full before Nov. 16. It will now eliminate the fuel supplement for guests with bookings made, but not paid in full, before that date. These latter guests were also provided with a three-week period in which to cancel their sailing without penalty. The company said it has been in discussions with the Florida Attorney General's office to ensure the fuel supplement was implemented "in a fair and reasonable manner."

The fuel supplement, which remains in place for North American bookings made on or after Nov. 16, involves three RCCL brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises.

The fuel supplement consists of a $5 charge per guest, per day, for sailings that depart on or after Feb. 1. The fuel supplement applies to the first and second guests in each stateroom and does not exceed $70 per person per sailing.

RCCL said the announcement will have no impact on the company's revenue projections, and that the company reaffirms its previous yield guidance.

Also see first posting from Feb 11
Cruise Fuel Surcharges Come Under Scrutiny in Florida

European River "Space Ships" from Scenic Tours

Wow! This gives a whole new meaning to "river cruises"! - Linda

Scenic Tours is preparing to christen the Scenic Emerald, the first of a duo of what it calls "space ships."

The Emerald will embark on its inaugural cruise down the Rhine and Danube rivers on June 2, between Amsterdam and Budapest, on the 15-day "Jewels of Europe" cruise. Almost completely sold out for the 2008 season, Scenic Tours recommends booking now for prime weeks in 2009.

The "space ships" feature spacious staterooms, of which more than 80 percent have private balconies, measuring over 25 square feet. Staterooms on the superior Danube Deck have private balconies and butlers, who can be summoned at the touch of a button.

On a "Jewels of Europe" river cruise, meals, tours, transfers and entertainment are included. Fares include FreeChoice's guided shore tours and sightseeing opportunities, onboard meals, wine with dinner, airport transfers and all gratuities.

Each day offers Scenic FreeChoice, which provides various activities allowing travelers to choose tours.

Scenic Tours was launched in 1987 as an international luxury leisure tour operator. The Australian-based company entered the European river cruising market in 2005 and has invested $100 million to build the new ships.

The Scenic Sapphire and the Scenic Emerald will sail the Rhine and Danube rivers, offering 20 percent more space than traditional river cruise ships. All cabins and suites will include roomy bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, mini-bars and Internet accessibility.

For more information, visit www.scenictours.com

Holland America Launches Eurodam Website

Holland America Line added a link on its website to preview its newest ship, the Eurodam.

The site features videos, photographs, animation and renderings. An invitation to explore the Eurodam greets visitors to the site. A rendering features animation and a fly-over shot gives a 360-degree view of the ship.

Stateroom renderings show the contemporary, monochromatic design accented with bursts of color, a departure from the line's usual floral schemes. Eurodam ship renderings and animation are used in combination with photos and narrated videos from other Holland America Line ships to give visitors an idea of what it will be like to sail aboard the 2,104-guest Eurodam.

Content on the site is arranged around Holland America's five "brand pillars": elegant ships and accommodations, sophisticated dining, gracious service, extensive activities, and compelling itineraries.

Links at the bottom of the site connect visitors to the Find Cruises tool on Holland America Line's website, as well as the Eurodam blog. Visitors also can share the site with a friend via email.

The Eurodam sets sail on a three-day prelude cruise July 2, prior to its maiden voyage from Copenhagen on July 5.

Visit www.hollandamerica.com

Windstar 2008 Season with 146 Sailings

Windstar Cruises announced its 2008 sailing season, with a total of 146 sailings aboard its three luxury yachts.

In the Caribbean, the Wind Surf is offering seven-day sailings roundtrip from Barbados with a variety of ports of call on northbound and southbound itineraries, and the Wind Spirit is offering seven-day sailings roundtrip from St. Thomas.

In Latin America, seven-day Costs Rica sailings are available roundtrip from Puerto Caldera and the Wind Star's 14-day cruises feature a transit through the Panama Canal with ports of call in Central America, South America and Caribbean islands.

In Europe, Windstar Cruises is offing six-, seven- and eight-day cruises aboard all of its yachts with departures from Lisbon; Málaga, Spain; Rome; Venice; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Nice, France; and Monte Carlo, Monaco.

In the Mediterranean, the Wind Star will sail seven-day itineraries to Santoríni Red Beach and Istanbul's Blue Mosque. Ports in the Greek Isles include Gythion, Návplion, Ermoúpolis, Athens, Sorrento, Katákolon, Mykonos, Rhodes, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Monemvasia, Corfu, Sarandë, Cephaloniá and Kýthira. Four 14-day transatlantic voyages also will be available.

The line recently completed fleet-wide enhancements in its Degrees of Difference initiative, which focused on structural and technical operations, along with upgrades to guest areas, remodeled bathrooms in staterooms and an expanded beauty salon and spa.

On the Wind Star and Wind Spirit, the Lounge, Veranda and Pool Bar were renovated. On the Wind Surf, the Yacht Club replaced the library and provides comfortable seating, a large flat-screen television, an espresso bar and computers offering Internet access.

Two new luxury suites were built on the bridge deck and feature a living and dining area, a separate bedroom and a whirlpool tub. In addition, Apple iPod Nanos, Bose SoundDock speakers, wireless Internet, flat-screen televisions, luxury linens and mattresses, and L'Occitane bathroom amenities were added in each stateroom across the fleet.

Visit www.windstarcruises.com

Crystal Offers Newspaper Direct Program

Crystal Cruises is introducing Newspaper Direct, a same-day service enabling guests to receive a choice of more than 370 full-format newspapers from 65 countries.

Effective immediately with the World Cruise on Crystal Serenity and later in the year on Crystal Symphony, the papers are ordered onboard and delivered directly to one's room. Since its inception, Crystal has distributed news onboard but from a limited number of sources. The line's international guest mix has increased almost 30 percent in the past five years.

Newspaper Direct uses satellite communications to create full-format, same-day editions of an extensive menu of worldwide newspapers.

In addition to 74 U.S. editions and more than 40 from the U.K., the newspaper menu includes:

New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, Albuquerque Journal and Charlotte Observer. Special interest publications available include Barron's, Investor's Business Daily, Hollywood Reporter, and Playbook (available for football and basketball).

International selections include:
Canada's Globe and Mail, Great Britain's Daily Telegraph, Australia's Sydney Morning Herald, Japan's Okinawa Times, Mexico's El Economista, Germany's Financial Times Deutschland, Brazil's O Globo, and South Africa's Sunday Times of Johannesburg.

The service will offer multiple publication choices from many of the regions. Many papers are offered daily, while some are offered only on selected days. Papers are available for $6.50 each, with a full list of selections and order forms in every stateroom.

www.crystalcruises.com

Luxury Cruises

Everything you need to know about upscale sea travel in one resource.

Celebrity Match Up: Which Cruise Suits You?
Are you Sean Connery, Regis Philbin, Catherine Deneuve or Meg Ryan? Hitch your star to the right ship.

Ship Review: Seabourn Legend
This elegant and intimate vessel strikes a fine balance between classic ambience and contemporary lifestyle.

Virtual Cruise: Antarctica
Our adventurer discovers that the concept of luxury is relative during his expedition cruise to icy Antarctica.


http://www.cruisecritic.com/luxurycruises/

Wind Surf 8 Offers Cannes Film Festival/Monaco Grand Prix

Cannes Film Festival
May 18, 2008
From $2,899 per person
St. Tropez, Cannes (overnight), Santa Margherita, Monte Carlo (overnight)


Monaco 66th Grand Prix Package
Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 23-25, 2008

3 day package - $2,400pp (in addition to cruise cost)
Limited space available!
Book now to ensure your place at this very special and exclusive event.

Back by popular demand, the Grand Prix package is an unforgettable way to take in the most exciting Formula One race in the world, along with the glitterati of its glamorous venue. From the moment a hostess welcomes you at the pier, to your reserved Tribune K seating for the time trials and the Final Race,
everything is taken care of in Windstar VIP style.

Package includes reserved seating on:
Saturday May 24, 2008 (time trials); Sunday May 25, 2008 (final race)

Friday May 23, 2008
Special private "Welcome to Monaco" Cocktail Reception on board
Special private Gala Dinner on board
*Exclusive Package Pillow Gifts - Bushnell Binoculars, Official 66e Grand Prix de Monaco program,
fficial Monaco Auto Club Ticket holder, Souvenir hat, Souvenir jacket

Saturday May 24, 2008
Tribune K Reserved Seating ticket for the Time Trials
Private evening Reception at HSH Prince Rainier III Private Auto Museum catered by �Lenotre�

Sunday May 25, 2008
Special private breakfast on board
Tribune K reserved seating for the Final Race

**All the above tours are not handicap accessible, they do require walking over various levels of terrain.**

SeaDream Yacht Club Ships & Review

Ultimate boutique cruise--much like a private club or your own yacht. Relaxed atmosphere with informal dress in the daytime and country club casual at night.

Ultra-luxury lifestyle with the highest level of service, comfort, quality, and amenities at an all-inclusive price. The relaxed, comfortable SeaDream "theme" is felt throughout the ships, from the SeaDream beds on deck to the luxurious linens in the cabins to the exceptional service from all the crew.

SeaDream Yacht Club Ships - and more . . .

SeaDream I - - SeaDream Yacht Club Small Luxury Cruise Ship Tour and Review

Countdown to the Last Paper Airline Ticket

Paper Tickets On Way to Museum - They're Out!

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has begun an important countdown - 100 days to 100% e-ticketing. 100% electronic ticketing eliminates lost tickets, makes itinerary changes easy and enables a wide array of self-service options.

"In 100 days the paper ticket gets put in a museum. On June 1, 2008 we will achieve 100% electronic ticketing," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and CEO.

For more information, visit www.iata.org/stbsupportportal

Carnival's "Funtennial" Incentives and Giveaways

Carnival Cruise Lines will roll out the first-ever "Funtennial" celebration offering a variety of special offers and giveaways throughout March, commemorating the anniversary of the cruise line's inaugural voyage in March 1972.

The month-long promotion will feature a different booking incentive each week during March, including free stateroom upgrades, shipboard credits, special savings and more.

Additionally, each week in March, a drawing will be held awarding a free cruise, along with a number of digital cameras, to those who book any "Fun Ship" voyage that week. The weekly cruise giveaway encompasses a four- or five-day Western Caribbean voyage in an owner's suite on the Carnival Imagination from Miami or Carnival Inspiration from Tampa.

Consumers who book a cruise during the promotional period are automatically registered to win one of 10 Fuji digital cameras to be given away each week.

Consumers may enter to win without purchase. Visit http://www.bookccl.com

Costa's Serena Godmother Wins Academy Award

The Costa Serena's godmother, French actress Marion Cotillard, won the Academy Award for "Best Actress in a Leading Role" on Sunday for her performance portraying Edith Piaf in "La Vie en Rose."

She christened the Costa Serena in May 2007. Cotillard was chosen as godmother when "La Vie en Rose" was released.

Costa inaugurated the ship in France, Cotillard's home country. Cotillard inaugurated the Costa Serena on May 19, 2007, in front of 1,500 guests in Marseille.

For more information, visit www.costacruises.com

Seabourn Yacht Promotion

The Yachts of Seabourn has expanded a promotion offering two-for-one international business-class airfares to include more nine- to 15-day Europe cruises.

The complimentary airfare, with a value of up to $5,800 per couple, may be combined with savings of up to 40% off the brochure fares.

The airfares are available roundtrip from 38 North American gateways to voyages embarking in Lisbon, Venice, London, Copenhagen, Rome, Istanbul, Athens, Nice and Barcelona for itineraries in the Adriatic, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Western Europe, the Baltic and Norwegian fjords.

The cruises depart between March 30 and Nov. 8. With savings of up to 40%, cruise fares start at $3,597 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite.

Seabourne Yachts

Mariner of the Seas Specials

Customer Favorite! Departs Port Canaveral aboard Royal Caribbean's – Mariner of the Seas

Sailing Date(s): May 2008, Jun 2008, Jul 2008, Aug 2008, Sep 2008, Oct 2008

Check out sale prices for September and October - Under "Caribbean & Mexico", click on Royal Caribbean 7 Night Eastern Caribbean for Mariner of the Seas Fall Specials.

Paper Tickets On The Way Out!

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has begun an important countdown - 100 days to 100% e-ticketing.

100% electronic ticketing eliminates lost tickets, makes itinerary changes easy and enables a wide array of self-service options.

"In 100 days the paper ticket gets put in a museum. On June 1, 2008 we will achieve 100% electronic ticketing," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and CEO.

The "Simplifying the Business" program drive by IATA began back in June 2004, with the goals of making travel more cost efficient, along with making travel and shipping more convenient. Back then only 18% of the tickets issued around the globe were e-tickets, but today the number has risen to 93% overall.

But there are still challenges to getting everyone around the globe onboard. E-ticketing in Africa is 83%, along with the Middle East having reached 84%.

But, the real concern is Russia, and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) that used to be part of Russia - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. They are all currently at just 54% e-ticketing because of recent government changed legislation.

For more information, visit www.iata.org/stbsupportportal

American Canadian Caribbean Savings on East Coast Sailings

American Canadian Caribbean Line Inc., a family-operated small-ship cruise line popular with active mature travelers, is offering a 15% discount on six cruises this spring and summer aboard the 100-passenger Grande Caribe - pictured here.

The discounted itineraries, which range from 5 to 14 nights, depart from various ports between April and August and cover the eastern U.S. seaboard from Maine to Florida.

The expedition-style Grande Caribe is designed to travel close to shore, exploring America's historically rich coastal regions via waterways that larger ships cannot navigate.

For spring, the following cruises are eligible for the 15% savings offer:
"American Liberty," 11 nights departing April 26 from Alexandria, Va.
"East Coast Discovery," 12 nights departing May 9 from Philadelphia
"Atlantic Coastal Waterways," 14 nights, departing May 23 from ACCL's homeport of Warren, R.I.

For summer, three New England cruises are eligible for the savings, as follows:
"Cape Cod and Islands," five nights, departing June 8 from Warren, R.I.
"Historic New England," five nights, departing July 6 from Warren
"Coast of Maine," seven nights, departing July 12 from Portland, Maine.

ACCL's discount can total up to $632 off per person, double occupancy, based on the cruise and cabin category.

For more information visit www.accl-smallships.com

Cunard Queens Have Rendezvous in Australia

Cunard's two ocean liners Queen Victoria and QE2 will both call at Sydney, Australia, this weekend.

The Royal Rendezvous follows just one year the meeting of QE2 and Queen Mary 2 in the city. Queen Victoria will make its first call at the city on Feb. 23, to be followed by QE2 the next day.

QE2, currently on her farewell World Cruise, will be making her 29th and final call at the port, exactly 30 years after its first call there on Feb. 24, 1978.
The highlight will occur at 6 p.m. local time on Feb. 24 when both ships will leave their berths and head for a historic sail past at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Each will pass on either side of Fort Denison and will greet each other with a whistle salute which will be heard over 10 miles away.

QE2 will then head for Circular Quay where it will remain until the final departure from Sydney on Feb. 25.

For more information, visit www.cunard.com

Cruise Deals - Lock in Your Price Now!

If a cruise is not in your schedule right now, take a look at cruise vacations this Fall - especially in the month of September.

You can book now to lock in some great prices. After the summer rush, and the kids have gone back to school, September can be the perfect time to get away for a great cruise vacation.

These cruises will sell out quickly at these rock bottom prices, so act quickly! Of course you may luck upon a cruise deal without waiting until the Fall season.

Featured Cruise Deals


Happy Cruise Deal Hunting,
Linda

Carnival PokerPro Challenge 2008

Carnival Cruise Lines is hosting the 2008 Carnival PokerPro Challenge, a series of No Limit Texas Hold'em poker tournaments to take place on its ships, and a tell-tale sign that the fervor for poker has spread to the sea.

The tournaments will occur on select cruises through June 30, with winners of the preliminary tournaments squaring off for $45,000 in the Grand Final Playoff during Carnival Fantasy's October 4 voyage.

First-place winners of the preliminary tournament will win $750, plus entry to the Grand Final Playoff. The entry fee for play is $150 per player.

Visit www.carnival.com

Cruise Passenger ID and New Pre Departure Requirements

New Cruise Passenger Pre-Departure Requirement - if you are planning or have made reservations for a cruise vacation, please be advised of this new pre-departure time requirement.

As of Feb 18, all cruise passengers departing from U.S. ports must be on board at least one hour prior to sailing, a new pre-departure requirement of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Cruise ships are required to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection a full passenger and crew manifest an hour before leaving port. So when flying into your port of departure, you should factor this new time frame into your airline flight schedule, as well as the time it will take you to get from the airport to the cruise port terminal.

As of January 31 ruling that all U.S. citizens 19 or older traveling by LAND OR SEA ports or borders, must prove their identity and citizenship with a valid U.S. passport, or provide TWO other documents that prove identity and citizenship - a valid driver's license or government issued ID AND an original or certified birth certificate. No copies of birth certificates are accepted.

As of January 31, oral declarations of citizenship, which were allowed are no longer accepted.

Having a valid U.S. passport proves both your identity and citizenship. Passport processing is back on schedule. If you apply for a U.S. passport, or need to renew your passport, the time frame to receive your passport is currently six weeks.

Bon voyage to bigger bellies?

Saw this article in the Seattle Times - and it's true that you don't have to go off your diet while cruising - some take advantage of the new lighter cuisine, while others opt for the traditional "over eating" at the midnight buffet's - Linda

Sailing away on a cruise ship with a midnight buffet no longer means waving goodbye to your diet.

Keeping with the times, cruise lines are promising spa-like cuisine alongside the buttery lobster and piles of crab legs. The hope is that lighter selections will lure health-conscious baby boomers and others who fear being trapped at sea with a 24-hour pizza bar.

Read full article by clicking here

American Safari Brings Luxury Yachts to Hawaii

American Safari Cruises is bringing its brand of luxury yacht cruising to Hawaii beginning December 2008.

The company is entering as NCL America is withdrawing two of its large U.S.flagged ships from the islands. All American Safari vessels are U.S. flagged, and therefore can operate inter-island cruises without stopping at a foreign port.

The company will operate the 36-passenger, 145-foot Safari Explorer in the islands. The yacht is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation in Seattle. The cruises will focus on traditional Hawaiian culture and will offer opportunities for guests to get to know local residents by visiting their land and their homes. The all American crew will include Hawaii residents, especially captains and naturalists who have personal knowledge of the area.

The yacht travels only during the day and will visit Molokai, Lanai, Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island and several snorkel/dive sites.

Guests will also have an included Volcanoes National Park helicopter tour and explore backcountry waterfalls and exotic terrain on foot.

American Safari's inaugural Hawaii cruise season is Dec. 19 to May 9, 2009; the Safari Explorer will return in November 2009 for a second season.

For more information, visit 888-862-8881 or www.amsafari.com

Cruise Line Fuel Surcharges Bring Class Action Suit

A class action suit has been filed against several cruise lines including Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd and Norwegian Cruise Line claiming the lines acted in cahoots to fix questionable fuel surcharges.

The suit comes only a week after the Florida attorney general's office said it was investigating Carnival Corp and Royal Caribbean over improperly disclosed fuel surcharges.

The class action suit was filed last Tuesday on behalf of a New York resident who said he was negatively affected by the fuel surcharges. The suit seeks action on behalf of anyone who purchased cruise fares after January 1 from one of the cruise companies named in the complaint.

Carnival Corp was the first to announce fuel surcharges of $5 per day per passenger that would go into effect February 1. More cruise lines soon followed with fuel supplements of their own as high, in some cases, as $8.50 per person per day.

The suit claims that the domino effect of nearly identical fuel hikes is proof of collusion and price fixing.

Discovery Adds Two Wednesday Sailings in March

Discovery Cruise Line, which operates between South Florida and Grand Bahama Island every day except Wednesdays, will sail on two Wednesdays in March -- March 12 and 19.

"This year the month of March features spring break for college students as well as Easter. It is also a busy period for short vacations as well as a time when Bahamians visit friends and relatives in South Florida," said Hanns Hahn, general manager of Discovery.

"For these reasons, Discovery wants to accommodate people who want to travel to Grand Bahama and South Florida during the month also on those two Wednesdays."

Discovery's cruise amenities include a casino, live entertainment, games, activities, a show, a disco, and a Kid's Club.

Discovery sails from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, departing at 7:45 a.m. and returning at 10 p.m.

Discovery offers same day roundtrips as well as cruise-and-stay packages at a wide selection of hotels from budget to deluxe, including Pelican Bay Hotel & Suites at Lucaya, Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club, Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort, Taino Beach Resort & Clubs, Viva Wyndham Fortuna, and The Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort.

For more information, call 888-377-2784 or visit www.discoverycruiseline.com

Disney Gives Family a Day Alone on Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line awarded the Acoba family from Port Orchard, Wash., a day with no other passengers on Castaway Cay, the line's private Bahamian island.

Sarah and Jeff Acoba, along with Sarah's younger brother Zach Schafer and family friend Mike Rauch, were pampered by lifeguards, spa therapists, shore excursion providers and Disney characters.

The family was selected for the experience by "Good Morning America" viewers during a promotion to launch Disney Parks' "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

During the Acoba family's visit to Castaway Cay, they swam with stingrays, kayaked through the island mangroves, enjoyed a meal served on the beach and hung out with Disney characters.

Jeff and Sarah enjoyed a seaside couples massage, while Zach and Mike had a banana boat ride. Their day was capped off by an overnight stay on an 88-foot yacht. "This has been a dream come true for me and my family," Sarah Acoba said. The Acoba family enjoyed two nights aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship prior to arriving at Castaway Cay.

More than 3,500 families wrote to "Good Morning America" for a chance to win the vacation. The Acoba family was voted the most deserving family by viewers of the show.

Sarah and Zach's mother passed away on Mother's Day 2006. Since that time, Sarah and Jeff have been raising Zach.

Castaway Cay is a stop on all Disney cruises originating out of Port Canaveral, Fla.

Disney offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Also available are land-sea packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort.

View Castaway Cay, and activities on Disney's private island

Windstar Cruises Adds Adriatic Sailings in 2008

Windstar Cruises is offering new sailings on the Adriatic aboard Wind Star and Wind Surf this year.

The cruises operate between Venice and Dubrovnik. Seven-day cruises from Venice to Dubrovnik include Koper, Slovenia; and Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Korcula, Croatia.

Seven-day cruises from Dubrovnik to Venice include Kotor, Montenegro; Trieste, Italy; and Ploce, Hvar, Sibenik and Rab, Croatia.

Cruise rates begin at $2,649 per person, based on double occupancy.

MSC Fantasia Debuts Yacht Club Staterooms

When MSC Fantasia makes its December debut in Italy, it will be the first MSC ship to offer an exclusive block of staterooms called the Yacht Club, specifically designed to create a luxury experience for a limited number of passengers.

The area will consist of 99 suites (up to 700 square feet big), a bar, solarium, two Jacuzzis, a pool with sky dome, and concierge and butler service to assist with check-in and oversee transport of luggage and unpacking, among other things. In addition, butlers can pre-book tables at restaurants or arrange for spa treatments.

MSC Fantasia will carry 3,959 passengers, and 80 percent of its 1,637 staterooms will have ocean views. Sister ship MSC Splendida will join the fleet in June 2009.

Visit www.mscruisesusa.com

Carnival Speeds Up Embarkation Process

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!


Carnival cruise passengers can now register their credit cards online, which will save time and expedite the embarkation process.

Previously, Carnival customers had to register their credit cards at the port when they embark, so onboard purchases made with their "Sail & Sign" card could be linked to a credit card.

Now the cruise line has enhanced the "Fun Pass" embarkation portal to allow guests to safely register credit card information online in advance.

The portal is available at www.carnival.com/mycruise

NYC's Circle Line Launches First New Vessel in Decades

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises in New York City will add a new ship to its fleet this spring, the first of three to be added over the next year and a half.

Currently under construction in Somerset, Mass., the Circle Line Manhattan is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage in early June.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, which has served more than 60 million guests, will host a commencement event to celebrate the ship's christening.

The Circle Line Manhattan will offer upgraded amenities while maintaining the iconic silhouette. Holding 600 passengers and made of steel, the 165-foot vessel is a modern version of a traditional and functional ferry design.

Those wishing to witness the ship's construction can find pictures on Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises website at www.circleline42.com, beginning in April.

The Circle Line Manhattan will replace the 76-year-old Calypso, which is set for retirement. Before joining Circle Line's fleet, the Calypso was assigned as a convoy escort that in 1944 navigated the Atlantic seaboard and rescued survivors from torpedoed ships.

For more information, visit www.circleline42.com

Crystal Cruise New Adventures Over Italian Skies

Crystal Cruises is introducing new Crystal Adventures in the skies over Italy.

The helicopter excursions, which range from $1,995 to $3,268, include adventure options that fly over the Amalfi Coast, Mount Etna, the Dolomites and the Italian countryside.

The aerial excursions are included in a portfolio of 18 new Crystal Adventures debuting in Italy alone this year. They were created as a result of guests' requests for one-of-kind excursions, regardless of cost.

Available from Rome, Venice, Taormina and Sorrento, programs include Mount Etna by helicopter; the Dolomites by helicopter including Venice and a landing in Cortina d' Ampezzo for lunch.

Etruscan landscapes by helicopter, taking flight from a farmhouse near Tarquinia over Lake Bracciano, Lake Vico, Rome, and Civita.

And a flight over the Amalfi Coast to Capri, flying over Positano, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and Naples, and dining at Capri's Grand Hotel Quisisana.

Crystal's Mediterranean season runs from April through October, with seven-, 11- and 12-day itineraries from Rome, Venice, Barcelona, London, Athens and Monte Carlo.

Cruise fares start at $2,995, per person, double occupancy. Crystal's Mediterranean sale offers additional savings off most levels of accommodations with most departures.

www.crystalcruises.com

Carnival Announces New Kids-Focused Program

Now is a good to be between the ages of 12 and 14, particularly if you are going to be sailing with Carnival Cruise Lines.



The cruise line has introduced "Circle C," a new onboard program children's program designed explicitly for the 12- to 14-year-old age group.

Circle C is the third such kid-centric program, joining Camp Carnival for younger kids and Club O2, which targets the 15- to 17-year-old age group.

Circle C will include dedicated facilities and activities, such as custom clubs with video-gaming pods and sports programs. Its taking on the motto: "cruise.chill.connect."

Circle C facilities already exist on Carnival Legend, Carnival Pride, Carnival Victory and Carnival Valor.

Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Glory are scheduled to be retrofitted by the end of this year. The rest of the Carnival fleet will have facilities in place by 2010.

The focal point of "Circle C" activities is custom-designed clubs with a dance floor with high-tech sound and lighting systems, 42-inch plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, and a touch-screen jukebox stocked with the latest hits.

Also featured are gaming pods with video games and consoles, with 20-inch plasma-screens positioned throughout the room and used exclusively for video gaming. The facilities offer a sleek modern design with oversized picture windows, and plush seating.

The "Circle C" program also offers a schedule of activities, which include sports such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong and water games to late-night movies and pool parties.

"Circle C" activities are listed in a special edition of Carnival Capers printed daily. A new logo and branding campaign incorporating the "Circle C" theme of "cruise.chill.connect" has also been created.

Also new is Carnival WaterWorks, an aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long twister water slide, dual-lane racing slides and water spray apparatus, currently rolled out as part of the "Evolutions of Fun" refurbishment program on select ships.

Carnival Splendor, set to debut in July, will boast Carnival's largest play area to date and a water spray park. Other fleetwide features include babysitting services, stroller rentals, children's menus, and dozens of inter-connecting cabins.

Cruise West Alaska Cruise Family Discounts

Cruise West is taking note of the expansion in family and multi-generational travel and is offering special pricing for passengers under the age of 18 on its Glacier Bay Highlights cruises.

Cruise West is offering special pricing for kids ages 18 and under on all 2008 "Glacier Bay Highlights" departures, with savings of up to 75% off adult fare in a AAA cabin or 50% off the adult fare in a category A or AA cabin.

Fares start at $1,799 per adult and $900 for one child sharing an A cabin. Cruise West's three- and four-night "Glacier Bay Highlights" cruises are on the newly named and new to Alaskan waters, 102-guest Spirit of Glacier Bay.

On each cruise are explorations leaders, National Park Service Ranger and a local Tlingit cultural interpreter. There are no formal kids' programs, but family activities may take place on an ad hoc basis including a photo wildlife scavenger hunt and movie and burger night.

Both the three- and four-night cruises spend two days in Glacier Bay and the four-night makes a call at Haines.

Cruising roundtrip Juneau from May to September, special pricing for children ages two to 18 is available in multiple categories of travel, from one adult and one child sharing a cabin to two children ages 13 to 18 sharing a double cabin. Pricing is all-inclusive except alcohol and optional excursions in Haines.

For more information, visit www.cruisewest.com

Celebrity Solstice Debuts in December

When Celebrity Solstice debuts in December, cruisers will be treated to a total of 10 restaurants, all with different themes and cuisines.

Solstice’s dining venues will include the two-level Grand Epernay, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Tuscan Grille, bringing the Old World charm of Italy onboard; Silk Harvest, for Asian cuisine; and the Oceanview Cafe and Grill, a casually chic European environment with a rotating menu based on the destination the ship is visiting. There will also be a bistro specializing in crepes, and a cafe and gelateria.

For spa enthusiasts, Solstice will offer Blu, whose food is categorized as “clean cuisine.” The venue is intended for guests booked in the ship’s AquaClass accommodations, but will be open to other passengers on a space-available basis.

A holdover from the Celebrity Century ship will be Murano, a blend of classic and modern Continental cuisine, from spice-roasted duck to pan-seared turbot.

http://www.celebritysolstice.com/

Cruise Fuel Surcharges Come Under Scrutiny in Florida

Florida’s Attorney General’s office is looking into consumer complaints about fuel surcharges that have been implemented by many lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, in response to skyrocketing fuel prices.

Attorney General Bill McCollum has received 150 complaints from customers regarding the surcharges, according to a spokeswoman from his office, Sandi Copes. Many complaints stemmed from consumers not receiving adequate notification or disclosure of the fuel surcharges, which amount to $5 per day per person on Carnival brands and is higher on some other lines.

Customers also voiced concern over fuel surcharges on cruises that had already been paid for in full. “We are reviewing complaints about whether cruise lines can retroactively impose a fuel supplement/fuel surcharge to passengers,” Copes told the Associated Press.

Tim Gallagher, a spokesperson for Carnival Corp., told the AP: “We believe that our fuel supplement complies with all applicable laws.” In most cases, when cruise lines announced fuel surcharges, they established dates of booking or travel when they would become effective.

Source: Travel Agent Central

Silversea Announces 13 New "Elegant Explorations" Sailings

Silversea Cruises has created 13 new "Elegant Explorations," which are extended voyages of 24 to 92 days in 2009. These voyages combine visits to must-see traditional ports with exotic destinations that are off the beaten path.

"Our Elegant Explorations are all-inclusive extended escapes perfectly suited to those guests who have the time to indulge their wanderlust at a leisurely pace, in unabashed luxury and comfort," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.

"You can explore the most desirable ports of the Mediterranean for 24 days, sail for 46 days around South America and the Caribbean or take a diverse 53-day voyage that spans from Tokyo to Barcelona."

Highlighting the program are savings incentives and onboard spending credits of $500 per suite (based on double occupancy) for guests sailing 40 to 57 days and $1,000 per suite for guests sailing 58 to 91 days.

For the Grand Pacific Voyage, guests who sail the full 92 days will receive an onboard credit of $2,000 per suite. Complimentary business-class air upgrades are also available with the purchase of the optional Silver SKY Air Program on voyages of 50 or more consecutive days.

The company's first-ever Grand Pacific Voyage is timed to coincide with prime regional seasons of the Pacific Ocean.

Departing Los Angeles on March 7, 2009, Silver Shadow will visit 45 ports in 15 countries and two hemispheres, with overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo. In addition to the $2,000-per-suite spending credit, other amenities for full-voyage guests include complimentary hotel accommodations in Los Angeles on the eve of departure, plus transfer and baggage handling between airport, hotel and ship. Fares start at $55,170 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Grand Pacific Voyage is also available in six segments, and they are . . .
"Enchanted Polynesia" - March 7-23, 2009, Los Angeles to Papeete, 16 days

"Escape to Dreamland" - March 23-April 11, 2009, Papeete to Sydney, 16 days

"Adventures of the Imagination" - April 11-29, Sydney to Singapore, 18 days

"Oriental Mystique" - April 29-May15, Singapore to Tokyo, 16 days

"Bridge Across Time" - May 15-28, Tokyo to Seward, 14 days

"Of Mists and Majesty" - May 28-June 7, Seward to Vancouver, 10 days.

Other "Elegant Explorations" for 2009 may include early-booking savings of up to 30%, an additional 5% advance payment bonus when payment is made six months prior to sailing, an extended voyage savings of 5%, and Venetian Society savings of 5%.

For more information, visit www.silversea.com

2008: More Destinations and Onboard Fun

Last year was a very good one for the cruise industry, with a spike in passenger numbers and a flurry of ship construction. But now it's time to look ahead to the top sailing trends for 2008.

Oh, Caribbean, we shall miss you, but we'll think of you while basking in the Mediterranean sun.

Air travelers from the United States may be souring on Europe, but those arriving by sea are just gearing up for the Continent.

"Europe is so hot this year," said Paul Motter, editor of CruiseMates, an online cruising guide (www.cruisemates.com). "The farther the dollar drops, the more popular (seeing Europe by cruise) becomes." Specifically, the most scorching itineraries are in the Mediterranean and Baltic.

One of the biggest reasons to cruise Europe is the industry's booking arrangement, which allows Americans to pay in dollars and therefore avoid the weak currency exchange rate. Unlike ground travelers who feel the pain every time they pay for a meal, hotel or transportation, cruisers pay one lump sum that covers all of their major expenses.

Read full article at Chicago Tribune

Wave Season Cruise Deals - Catch Em' While You Can

Wave Season occurs the first few months of every year. This is the peak booking period for cruise vacations, and all the major cruise lines offer exceptional deals during what we in the industry refer to as the Wave Season.

For the month of February, there are still many specials available on cruise rates, onboard credits, and even deposit waivers on some cruise lines. You can save more than 50%, and here's a sampling of offers that have been extended through February 29, 2008 - and some specials extend even longer . . . Linda

Azamara Cruises: Onboard credits valued at $300 to $800 on any 2008 Europe sailings booked at an ocean view or higher category of stateroom.

Carnival Cruise Lines: Special rates of $249 to $339 per person on select departure dates for three- to five-day voyages on Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration, both with new Serenity adults-only decks and Carnival Waterworks aqua parks.

Celebrity Cruises: Onboard credits of $50 to $200 per stateroom, based on the length of voyage, on cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe.

Costa Cruises: Savings of as much as 60% on 423 sailings throughout the world in honor of the line’s Diamond Anniversary.

Crystal Cruises: Ten percent savings on new bookings of all verandah and non-verandah staterooms; five percent savings for penthouse accommodations. The savings apply to virtually all of Crystal Serenity’s Mediterranean cruises this summer. This offer has been extended to bookings made through March 31.

Cunard Line: Onboard credits of up to $300, plus a waiver of deposits for second guests on select Queen Mary 2 sailings and Queen Victoria maiden European voyages.

Holland America Line: Savings of up to $450 off brochure rates plus upgrades for as little as $100 depending on sailing. The View and Verandah promotion applies to the company’s eight ships offering select 2008 Alaska departures.

Hurtigruten: Savings of up to $3,600 per person on the company’s Expedition cruise to Antarctica, a 22-day voyage that also features the Falkland Islands, plus savings of up to $500 per person on cruise-only fares for Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

Majestic America Line: Complimentary stateroom upgrades and free airfare on select departures of American Queen (March sailings) and Queen of the West. The offer is good for bookings by February 28; Early Advantage Savings are available for bookings by February 22.

MSC Cruises: “Senior Saver” offers on Caribbean sailings and Senior Saver rates beginning at $599 per person on European itineraries, a 50% savings. At least one person in the stateroom must be 50; children 17 and under sail free.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Weekly special offers, including on-board credits and stateroom upgrades for select destinations, are offered as part of NCL's "Freestyle Resolution Sales Event" and can be found at www.ncl.com. The promotion also includes the chance to win a free cruise.

Princess Cruises: A special “Alaska Wilderness Sale” features savings of $200 per couple plus a $200 onboard credit on Princess cruise tours, with rates starting at $1,399 for an 11-day sailing. The offer is available on many Alaska sailings.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Shipboard credits of up to $500 per suite in addition to normal published offers for new guests of Regent. The offer applies to sailings in Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska and Tahiti.

Royal Caribbean International: Onboard credits of up to $200 per stateroom on select Alaska sailings/tours for 2008.

Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line is offering 2-for-1 business class airfare from 38 North American gateways, plus savings of up to 40% for cruises of nine to 15 days in Europe aboard its Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend.

Silversea Cruises: Forty percent savings on cruise-only fares for a wide variety of voyages worldwide is part of the line’s “Silver Sailings” program. For last minute shoppers, this includes the 14-day Silver Cloud cruise from Mahe to Dubai, departing February 23.

Windstar Cruises: Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf will all feature special rates and savings on cruises in the Caribbean, Europe and throughout the Mediterranean.

Notice: Travelers Reminded of New Document Requirements Beginning January 31, 2008
Documents Proving Citizenship, Identity Will be Required when Entering U.S. Through Land and Sea Ports.
For more information, click here

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