NCL Valentine's Day Specials & Menus

Norwegian Cruise Line and NCL America's signature French restaurant Le Bistro on Feb. 14 will offer a special menu for romance, beginning with bubbly upon being seated.

The six-course Valentine's Day menu features a choice of strawberry and chocolate layered crème brulee and cheesecake St. Valentine for dessert. Also, a flower will be placed on each woman's pillow during turndown service, and roses will be displayed around the ship upon embarkation.

Throughout the Valentine's cruises, guests can sip holiday-themed cocktails, such as the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Martini.

Deals available include:
Feb. 8 nine-day Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami by Norwegian Pearl, priced from $999 per person

Norwegian Majesty's Feb. 9 seven-day Western Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Charleston, priced from $549

Feb. 10 seven-day Western Caribbean cruise roundtrip from New Orleans by Norwegian Spirit, priced from $649

Feb. 12 Eight-day Mexican Riviera cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles by Norwegian Star, from $679.

Packages are available such as the "Romance Package," which includes sparkling wine and strawberries in the stateroom upon embarkation, a traditional Mandara Spa pedicure and manicure for one, two 25-minute half-body massages, and tea service in stateroom one afternoon. Price is $249 per stateroom.

The "Deluxe Romance Package" includes sparkling wine and strawberries in the stateroom upon embarkation, choice of Mandara Spa Exotic Frangipani Body Nourishing Wrap or Exotic Coconut and Milk Ritual Wrap for one, two 25-minute half-body massages, tea service in stateroom one afternoon, breakfast in bed on one day of guests' choice, a formal portrait, and dinner for two with a complimentary bottle of wine in Le Bistro. The cost is $329 per stateroom.

The "Honeymoon/Anniversary Package" includes sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, canapés delivered to stateroom one evening, a complimentary sparkling wine and cake party, a keepsake photograph, and dinner for two with a bottle of wine in Le Bistro. Cost is $79 per stateroom.

The "Deluxe Honeymoon/Anniversary Package" includes sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, canapés delivered to stateroom one evening, a sparkling wine and cake party, a keepsake photograph, dinner for two with a bottle of wine in Le Bistro, breakfast in bed on one day of guests' choice, and two 25-minute half-body massages. Price is $229 per stateroom.

Source: Modern Agent

Holland America Offers 250 Alaska Shore Excursions

Holland America Line has added new shore excursions in Alaska for a total of more than 250 excursions offered in 2008.

In Haines, a new tour called "Guide's Choice Photo Discovery" focuses on photographing the wildlife and scenery of the Chilkat Valley. A professional photographer escorts a small group to a choice location and helps guests set up shots.

In Skagway, a new "Golden Glassblowing Experience" takes guests to a glass-blowing shop to blow their own glass art with Alaskan gold incorporated into the design. For a different view of Alaska, snorkeling is offered in Sitka and Ketchikan. Typically a warm-water sport, a wetsuit or dry suit provides protection while participants explore the underwater wilderness of Southeast Alaska accompanied by a narrated tour.

Fans of the Discovery Channel's show "Deadliest Catch," highlighting Alaska's crab fishing industry, might be interested in the "Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour" in Ketchikan. Guests set out on the Aleutian Ballad -- the same vessel as seen on the show but modified for comfort and safety -- with real fisherman who will set and pull pots for an inside look into their life.

A new Ketchikan excursion called "Exclusive Mountaintop Flightseeing and Crab Feast" combines a flight on a floatplane to the George Inlet Lodge.

Another new tour in Ketchikan is "An Alaskan Chef's Table." A five-course tasting menu highlighting Alaska's sustainable bounty is served in a private club room overlooking the harbor. The chef will share stories, tips and secrets for brining, grilling, roasting and smoking.

For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com and click the "book shore excursions" button. Booked guests who already have a six-digit booking number may pre-book excursions specific to their cruise or cruise-tour itinerary before leaving home.

Source: Modern Agent

Sail with SpongeBob on new Nickelodeon Family Cruise

Watch out, Disney. There's a new player in the family cruise business. And it's a biggie: Nickelodeon.

The family-focused entertainment company has chartered the largest ship in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, to launch the first Nickelodeon Family Cruise.

For more info, read article at USA Today Cruise News

Elegant Cruises Introduces Red Sea Program

Elegant Cruises & Tours, a niche cruise line specializing in culturally enriching travel to Europe, introduced a new cruise-tour program for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba aboard the 62-passenger Monet.

The maiden voyage for "Monasteries of the Lonely Desert" will depart Cairo on Dec. 18, 2008 and cruises through the Gulf of Suez to the Red Sea for a 14-day vacation.

Key port calls for the Monet are Safaga (for Luxor and Valley of the Kings), Sharm El Sheikh and Aqaba (for Petra, Amman and Jerash).

Land portions include a full-day excursion to the ancient Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul. Other highlights include Jeep tours of Wadi Rum, the Bedouin village that served as a base for Lawrence of Arabia; the Monastery of the Seven Nuns; St. Catherine's Monastery; the Church of the Prophet Moses; the Karnak Temple Complex at Luxor; the crusader castle of Kerak; the Greco-Roman site of Jerash; plus Amman's Gold Market and bazaars.

Following the maiden voyage, nine Red Sea cruise-tours are planned between Jan. 1 and Feb. 16, 2009.

Prices begin at $3,512 per person, double occupancy, including the cruise, all meals onboard, shore excursions, four nights land in Jordan, one overnight in Cairo, all transfers, and guest lecturers.

The cruise-only package featuring the cruise, meals, lecturer, all shore excursions (exclusive of the land/overnight portions) begin at $2,706 per person. Group and charter fares are also available.

For more information, call 800-683-6767 or visit www.elegantcruises.com.

CruiseFromNewYork.com Details New York Sailings

A new website called CruisingFromNew York.com provides information for travelers seeking to cruise from the three New York area ports -- Manhattan, Brooklyn and Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J.

The site was launched by Anne Campbell, a veteran cruise industry journalist. The website includes information on the three ports, directions, parking and suggested routes. The site also features reviews of ships sailing in and out of New York, year-round itineraries, message boards and cruise discounts.

Those planning a pre- or post-cruise stay in New York will find information on hotels, sightseeing, nightlife and shopping.

For more information, visit www.cruisingfromnewyork.com.

Source: Modern Agent

Carnival Plans Second Blogger Cruise

Carnival Cruise Lines will host another "John Heald Bloggers Cruise" aboard the Carnival Fantasy Feb. 7-12, 2009.

Carnival said the second bloggers cruise was planned following the tremendous response to the inaugural "John Heald Bloggers Cruise" taking place this week with about 1,000 readers aboard Carnival Freedom.

Heald is the senior cruise director on the Freedom. The second bloggers cruise will be a five-day voyage operating round-trip from New Orleans and calling at the Mexican ports of Progreso and Cozumel.

It will bring together enthusiasts of Heald's blog, which has attracted more than 1.4 million visitors since its debut last March. Through his blog (located at www.carnival.com and www.johnhealdsblog.com), Heald offers a behind-the-scenes look at shipboard life. He is often joined by his wife, Heidi, assistant cruise director and regular blog contributor.

Source: Modern Agent

Cunard's New Queen Victoria Welcomed in Aruba

Aruba tourism officials welcomed Cunard's new Queen Victoria Jan. 19 during its World Cruise voyage.


Aruba's port also welcomed three other ships that day -- the AidaAura, Coral Princess and Holiday Dream.

Aruban officials were welcomed onboard for a plaque ceremony. Kathleen Rojer of Aruba Cruise Tourism welcomed Capt. Paul Wright and her colleague Ernest Giel offered a token of appreciation and a book about Aruba. The Aruba officials then toured the ship.

For more information, visit www.ArubaByCruise.com.

Crystal Symphony to Get Two Nobu Restaurants

Crystal Cruises announced that master chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa will travel aboard the Crystal Symphony this spring to officiate the opening of two new restaurants.

Silk Road and The Sushi Bar were conceived in partnership with Crystal Cruises and will feature Nobu's cuisine.

On March 21, at the start of Crystal Symphony's Hong Kong-to-Beijing cruise, Nobu will preside over a traditional sake ceremony for all guests. During the cruise, he will personally oversee the launch of both restaurants and will continue to work closely with his Nobu-trained chefs on his cuisine, a blend of Japanese foods with Peruvian and European influences.

Occupying the former Jade Garden space, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar will accommodate 68 guests and will be open most evenings. While there is no additional charge, reservations are recommended for Silk Road; dining at The Sushi Bar will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The new restaurants represent an expansion of Nobu's culinary alliance with Crystal. Since 2003, his cuisine has been featured on the Crystal Serenity.

The 15-day cruise program (12-day cruise plus three-day land program) includes two ports of call in Japan, including an overnight stay in Kobe and a full day in Hiroshima. China is explored with two days in Shanghai, a call at Dalian and an inclusive three-day overland adventure to Beijing. Fares start at $5,495, per person, double occupancy.

For more information, call 800-446-6620 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

New Northeast Cruise Site

NYCruiseInfo.com Introduces New Northeast Cruise Site

The website www.NYCruiseInfo.com introduced a new site, www.NorthEastCruiseGuide.com, specializing in cruises departing from Norfolk, Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, the Great Lakes and various other northeast cruise ports.

The new site has the latest cruise schedules, ship overviews and other details important to those considering an ocean voyage.

Since the site does not accept bookings, it provides visitors with candid and accurate reviews and recommendations. Both sites serve as resources for both consumers and travel professionals.

Visit www.NYCruiseInfo.com or www.NorthEastCruiseGuide.com.

Seabourn 2-for-1 Business Class Airfares

The Yachts of Seabourn is offering two-for-one international business-class airfares in conjunction with 10 Europe cruises of nine to 15 days.

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 for the cruises.

The airfares are available round-trip from 38 North American gateways to voyages embarking between March and July, in Lisbon, Venice, London, Copenhagen, Rome, Nice and Barcelona. Itineraries explore the Adriatic, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Western Europe and Norwegian fjords.

Cunard's Queen Victoria Makes Maiden Call

Cunard's new Queen Victoria made its maiden call to Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 16, three days after departing on its maiden World Cruise.

Queen Victoria has been sailing in tandem with Queen Elizabeth 2 since departing Southampton, England, on Jan. 6. QE2 embarked on its 26th and final World Cruise and will depart the Cunard fleet in November.

For more information, visit www.cunard.com.

Holland America Upgrades Prinsendam

Holland America Line has completed a $20 million upgrade to the Prinsendam - the smallest ship in the Holland America Line fleet with a passenger count of 793.

The enhancements include new luxury bathrooms in all staterooms, the addition of the Explorations Cafe, an expanded and refurbished shopping promenade, and new carpets and stone flooring.

Stateroom upgrades included remodeled bathrooms and redesigned closet space. New carpet, desks, chairs and other furniture were also installed. New carpeting was laid throughout the dining room and lounges while the Lido restaurant was resurfaced with stone and carpeting. Serving counter and seating areas were upgraded. Some outside decks were recovered, too. On the sports deck, new croquet and bocce courts and two new putting greens were installed.

A new Stuyvesant Room also was created to serve as a meeting room that doubles as Club HAL space for children and the library near the Explorations Cafe was expanded with more space and books.

All balconies received the final improvements to meet recently adopted International Maritime Organization regulations. Additional technical improvements were made with upgrades to radar systems, lifeboats and other nautical equipment.

Prinsendam travels on voyages from 14 to 73 days to exotic destinations worldwide.

For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Record Cruise Passenger Numbers Predicted for 2008

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in its annual report on the status of the cruise industry, predicted a record year for 2008, with member lines projected to carry 12.8 million passengers.

CLIA predicts 10.5 million passengers will originate from North America and 2.3 million from international markets.

The association also released third quarter 2007 passenger carrying results which revealed that member cruise lines are anticipated to have carried 12.6 million worldwide passengers last year, a 4.6% increase over the 12.01 million carried in 2006.

Early reports from CLIA member travel agents on this year's Wave Season, the January-February period traditionally known as the heaviest booking period of the year, shows that 90% of travel agents expect as good or better annual sales results as 2007. And 60% of agents expect 2008 to be better than 2007, along with 20% who expect it will be their best year ever overall for cruise bookings.

Looks like it's going to be a great year!

For more information, visit www.cruising.org.

Victoria Cruises Offers Chinese New Year Cruise

Victoria Cruises is offering a Yangtze River cruise for clients who are interested in experiencing authentic Chinese New Year festivities.


Beginning on Feb. 7, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated with 15 days of merriment and vibrant costumes and artwork.

"The spirit of China is likened to that of a great dragon, and at the turn of every year the dragon awakens for two weeks of colorful festivities during China's longest and most important holiday," said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises.

Victoria Cruises currently offers two itineraries along the Yangtze River -- the "Three Gorges Highlights" and "Three Gorges Explorer" -- and will resume its "Grand Yangtze Discovery" sailing in mid-March.

The "Three Gorges Highlights" operates five days upstream and four days downstream between Chongqing and Yichang. The cruise sails through the valleys that comprise the Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges) and visits the Three Gorges Dam.

The eight-day "Three Gorges Explorer" operates roundtrip from Chongqing and offers different shore excursions in each direction.

In addition to the Three Gorges and Small Gorges, travelers can take shore excursions to New Zigui, a new city built to accommodate families who relocated as a result of rising Yangtze waters; Yichang, the cultural center of the western Hubei Province; and Shibaozhai, known for its 400-year-old, 12-story wooden pagoda.

Depending on river conditions, the excursion to Shibaozhai may be substituted with visits to Fengdu, the "ghost city," or Wanzhou, the "Gateway to the Eastern Sichuan Province."

Visit www.victoriacruises.com.

Caribbean Cruises Tops for International Travel

A survey of travel experts by Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates finds that the most popular international travel destination for 2008 is a Caribbean cruise, followed closely by a trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya in Mexico.

In short: the Caribbean rocks!

Also making the Top 10 list of most popular international destinations is Montego Bay, Jamaica (#7), Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (#9), and Mexican cruises (tied for #10). Among the Top 5 Cruise Destinations, the Western Caribbean ranked #2 (behind #1 Alaska), the Eastern Caribbean was #3, and the Southern Caribbean was #5 (Europe/Mediterranean was #4).

That's a whole lot of Caribbean!

Read Robert Curley's full article at About.com

Dancing with the Star Coming to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International guests can swing into the spotlight in "Invitation to Dance," a new production show featuring guests as stars aboard Explorer of the Seas.

The show was created in conjunction with Louis van Amstel, Emmy-nominated choreographer for ABC-TV's "Dancing with the Stars," and Cheryl Burke, two-time winner on the show. Guests sailing on Explorer have the opportunity to compete for the honor of best ballroom dancers at sea.

Guests can receive guidance of professional dancers, stylists and make-up artists. Chosen during an evening of ballroom dancing at the beginning of each cruise, four couples are selected to participate in the "Invitation to Dance" production show later that week.

The finalists work with Royal Caribbean's professional ballroom couples to learn dance moves and attend costume fittings.

Explorer of the Seas sails year-round from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., on five-night Bermuda getaway cruises and nine-night Caribbean vacations.

Silversea's 2009 Worldwide Cruise Schedule

Silversea Cruises announced its 2009 worldwide voyage schedule and is now accepting reservations.

The company's four ships are set to visit over 320 different ports in 108 countries on 140 itineraries ranging from seven to 92 days.

Of special note is the company's first "Grand Pacific Voyage," a 92-day odyssey that explores the Pacific Ocean. Following a route from Los Angeles to Papeete, Sydney and the Far East, with final stops in Alaska and Vancouver, Silver Shadow will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres on this epic journey. Other highlights include return visits to Alaska plus 10 new destinations: Szczecin, Poland; Malmo, Sweden; Skagen, Denmark; Gozo Island, Malta; Symi, Greece, Koper, Slovenia; Olhahali Island, Maldives; Nemuro, Japan; Visakhapatnam and New Mangalore, India.

Silver Cloud starts the year exploring South America before heading to the Caribbean. From late May through September, the 296-guest ship will be positioned in Northern Europe and the Baltic, offering 11 cruises of seven to 15 days, including several voyages featuring two-night stopovers in St. Petersburg. The ship heads back to the Caribbean and South America for the fall.

The 296-guest Silver Wind begins 2009 with cruises to Africa, the Seychelles and the Arabian Peninsula, highlighted by inaugural calls to uninhabited Olhahali Island in the Maldives (Voyage 2905) and India's Visakhapatnam and New Mangalore (Voyage 2906). From mid-April to early November, the ship will traverse the Mediterranean on over 20 different itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days. The ship repositions to Africa's east coast and the Seychelles for the fall.

Complete itineraries can be found at www.silversea.com.

Crystal Offers Medical History with PocketMD

Crystal Cruises partnered with PocketMD to offer guests a service that uses technology to store one's complete medical record on a CD the size of a credit card.

The service allows travelers to conveniently carry information on medications, allergies, surgeries, vaccinations, lab test results and even actual EKG readings and dental records.

Once guests have purchased the service and have completed the required authorization forms, the experts at PocketMD do the legwork, contacting physicians to obtain the necessary data. PocketMD then organizes, formats and uploads the records without compromising any information provided by medical contacts or physicians.

Compatible with Windows, Macintosh and Linux computer software, this technology is available in all languages and can be used worldwide.

The CD fits into a traveler's wallet or Crystal's keycard holder. "The portability and convenience of this service offers incredible security and peace of mind to travelers who may be managing a specific health issue, or simply want to be able to handle an unexpected medical emergency with ease while far from home," said Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's senior vice president, hotel operations.

"Doctors can quickly read one's medical history, which helps them provide the most appropriate treatment."

Subscriptions to PocketMD cost $149 for the first year, and include unlimited updates. Renewals are available $129.

To purchase this service, access the "Before You Sail" link at www.crystalcruises.com or call PocketMD at 877-633-7915.

Cruise West Savings on Alaska Inside Passage

Cruise West is offering savings from $100 to $550 for those guests who book one of five distinctive Alaska Inside Passage itineraries before Feb. 29, 2008.

Cruise West provides five of its up-close, casual and personal itineraries on its small ships -- including, for the first time, the newly renamed Spirit of Glacier Bay (formerly Spirit of Nantucket).

Several new features designed to help guests fully appreciate Southeast Alaska's abundant wildlife, charming ports, jagged peaks, and immense glaciers have been added to the itineraries in 2008, including optional land tours of incredible Denali National Park and Preserve. All Cruise West Alaska sailings visit the majestic Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve as well.

Itineraries features include the 10-night Gold Rush Inside Passage cruise between Seattle and Juneau available on six ships in May, August and September starting at $3,599 per person, double occupancy.

The eight-night Alaska's Inside Passage cruise sailing between Ketchikan and Juneau from May through August starting at $4,449 per person, double occupancy.

The eight-night Alaska's Whales & Wilderness Inside Passage cruise round trip from Juneau from May through August starting at $3,599 per person, double occupancy.

The 11-night Coastal Odyssey onboard Cruise West's flagship and 120-guest all-suite vessel Spirit of Oceanus between Vancouver, B.C. and Anchorage starting at $7,599 per person, double occupancy.

Also featured is the three- and four-night Glacier Bay Highlights cruises onboard the newly named 102-guest Spirit of Glacier Bay start at $1,799 per person double occupancy.

Source: Modern Agent

Wind Star Features Formula One, Cannes

Windstar Cruises is offering a special eight-day cruise on the Wind Surf that will visit the Cannes Film Festival and a Monaco Grand Prix race.

The cruise departs May 18 from Nice, France. Guests will overnight in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival and spend three nights in Monaco during the Formula One Grand Prix race.

Other ports visited include St. Tropez, France and St. Florent, Corsica.

Guests who wish to attend the Grand Prix may purchase the "Monaco 66e Grand Prix Package Tour," which begins on May 23 and ends on May 25, and includes a private welcome cocktail reception and gala dinner onboard the ship; a gift package of Bushnell binoculars, an official 66e Grand Prix de Monaco program, an official Monaco Auto Club Ticket holder, a souvenir hat and a souvenir jacket. Guests will also receive Tribune K reserved seating at the Formula One Grand Prix time trials on Saturday.

On that Saturday evening, an exclusive Windstar reception will be held at the Prince Rainier III Auto Collection Museum where guests can view 100 cars of all ages as well as six state coaches belonging to the late prince.

The car that carried Rainier and Grace Kelly from the church after their wedding will also be on exhibit. The private reception will be catered by Lenotre of Paris.

On Sunday, a private breakfast onboard the ship is followed by a day of viewing the final Grand Prix race from the same track-side reserved seats.

The rate for the three-day package is $2,400 per person and must be pre-booked. Rates for the cruise begin at $3,299 per person, double occupancy.

Source: Modern Agent

Queen Mary 2 Caribbean Discounts

Cunard Line is offering some great deals on upcoming Caribbean cruises on its biggest liner, Queen Mary 2.

The line is advertising a 10-day Connoisseur’s Caribbean itinerary from New York on Mar. 10 and Apr. 6, calling at Tortola, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Thomas. Pricing begins at $1,199 for a standard inside room.

On Feb. 2 and Mar. 24, Queen Mary 2 will operate a 13-day Panama & Caribbean voyage from New York, visiting Cristobal, Curacao, Bonaire, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Thomas. Standard inside rooms begin at $1,199.

Visit www.cunard.com.

Wind Star "Degrees of Difference" Completed

Windstar Cruises' 148-guest Wind Star is the last of three ships to complete the Degrees of Difference multi-million dollar initiative to enhance the line's fleet of motor sailing yachts.

Upgrades include remodeled bathrooms in all staterooms, an expanded beauty salon and a refurbished lounge. Stateroom bathrooms now have a more contemporary look with new fixtures, open glass shelves, new cabinets, granite countertops, porcelain sinks, and a magnifying mirror.

Teak floors were refinished to retain the nautical style. Full-length mirrors and slippers were added in staterooms. In the Lounge, the bar was relocated to a central location near the back of the room and refreshed with reupholstered furniture, new carpet, ceiling, lighting, and wall coverings.

The Salon moved from Deck 1 to Deck 3 by the Lounge. Expanding into the area vacated by the bar, the salon space doubles in size with a new waiting area, two massage rooms, an area for facials and hair/nail treatments, and a pedicure chair. The number of massage appointments available for guests has doubled and new spa treatments have been added including La Therapie Hydralift Facial, Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage, and Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction Program.

Other additions include new tables and chairs in the Veranda, a new couch and ceiling in the Lobby and upgrades to public bathrooms. The Pool Bar got a new bottle display area, new lighting, and new wall and ceiling coverings. Upgrades were also completed for the technical operations of the ship.

The four-masted Wind Star will sail roundtrip from Costa Rica January through March with a limited amount of Panama Canal cruises in the spring and winter, returning to the Greek Isles from May to October and offering a few Mediterranean itineraries in late spring and late fall.

The 312-guest Wind Surf completed Degrees of Difference upgrades in December 2006 and the 148-guest Wind Spirit completed upgrades in April 2007.

visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Crystal Culinary Tours

Crystal Cruises says the Crystal Serenity's Wine and Food cruise in May will feature an unprecedented number of wine and food-themed excursions and onboard presentations by culinary stars.

Highlighted by an overnight call in Bordeaux, the 12-day voyage from London to Rome offers 18 epicurean Crystal Adventures in the French wine country, Portugal, Spain and the French Riviera, as well as onboard events with Master Chef André Soltner and Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein.

Guests can opt for the complete 12-day voyage or a six-day segment. Of the 57 shoreside experiences featured, one-third are devoted to fine wine and food, including new wine making at Château Margaux; a tour, tasting and dinner at Château Smith Haut-Lafitte; a visit to Soulac and its basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a visit to the cognac region; and wine tasting at Spain's coastal Txakolí Cellar, the underground El Fabulista Cellar and the architectural marvel Ysios Cellar.

New outdoor adventures allow guests to experience a mountain safari in the Serra Sintra region outside Lisbon, sail on a dolphin and whale watching expedition off the coast of Gibraltar; bicycle through Barcelona; visit Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry; or scuba dive around Gibraltar.

Departing London on May 7, Crystal Serenity will call in Bordeaux and Villefranche, France; Bilbao and Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Gibraltar, U.K.; before concluding in Rome. Fares for the 12-day "Epicurean Adventure" from London to Rome begin at $4,595 per person, double occupancy. Fares for the six-day segments begin at $2,530.

Source: Modern Agent

Regent Seven Seas Offers 2008-2009 Land Programs

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer a variety of pre- and post-cruise land programs in combination with its 2008 and 2009 worldwide itineraries.

Regent's land programs are highlighted by unusual transportation modes.

For example, travelers who enjoy riding the rails can go fast from Tokyo to Osaka aboard Japan's Shinkanse, or bullet train, or aboard China's Magalev from Shanghai.

Guests who prefer a more leisurely pace can cross Kent, England, in a 19th century Victorian railway car, journey from Colombo to Kandy in Sri Lanka aboard the Viceroy railway, or take an Indian Pacific Railroad luxury sleeper from Adelaide to Perth.

Airborne adventurers can drift 1,000 feet over Stockholm or soar above Kenya's Masai Mara national reserve in hot-air balloons. Helicopters provide the means to survey the waterfalls of a Central American rainforest or Italy's Amalfi coast.

Regent's 2008 land programs also include "Vintage Railway and Bodiam Castle," available on the Seven Seas Voyager's June 9 and June 24 cruises to and from Dover, includes a ride in a genuine 19th Century railway carriage to Bodiam Castle.

"Kandy by Viceroy Train," available on Seven Seas Voyager's March 13 Singapore-to-Mumbai cruise, includes a ride on the 75 year-old Viceroy Special, a restored, private luxury train, for a journey to Kandy, one of Sri Lanka's most historic destinations.

"Elephant Back Safari at Camp Jabulani" is available on Seven Seas Navigator's Nov. 1 cruise from Mumbai to Cape Town; it includes interaction with a specially trained herd of elephants and daily elephant safaris at the Kapama Private Game Reserve.

For more information, visit www.TheRegentExperience.com.

Crystal Cruises expanded its golf theme cruises for 2008.

During three 11- and 12-day golf cruises, guests can tee off in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and the maritime coast of Canada and New England.

In addition to championship golf ashore and onboard events, golfers can compete in hole-in-one competitions for a chance to win a free Crystal cruise. The optional shoreside golf excursions include tee times, tipping and transportation. Storage and cleaning of guests' golf clubs and shoes are also provided after each round.

PGA pros will join Crystal guests at such courses as the Monte Carlo Golf Club perched 3,000 feet above the French Riviera, Spain's El Saler Golf Course, and Lisbon's Penha Longa Golf Course at the foot of the Sintra Mountain Range.

These special golf cruises feature golf clinics, group and private instruction from the visiting PGA professionals, celebrity hosts and the opportunity to golf in as many as three different countries on a single voyage.

Crystal's exclusive partnership with TaylorMade enables guests to practice their swing with the number one driver on the PGA tour.

The first golf theme cruise of 2008 will be held April 26 to May 7 aboard Crystal Serenity from Rome to London, calling in Monte Carlo, Monaco; Valencia, Spain; Gibraltar, U.K.; and Lisbon, Portugal.

The Crystal Symphony's Sept. 27 to Oct. 8 cruise aboard Crystal Symphony from Montréal to New York will call at Québec, Canada; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bal Harbor, Maine; and Boston.

The Crystal Serenity's Oct. 30 to Nov. 11 cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon calls at Valencia, Málaga and Cádiz/Seville, Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; Canary Islands; and Madeira, Portugal. Cruise fares begin at $3,780 per person, double occupancy.

Golf excursion rates vary by course, and must be pre-reserved.

Windjammer Cancels January Cruises

Windjammer Barefoot Cruise, the financially troubled sail cruise company, has canceled all cruises in January by the Legacy.

The ship remains in Costa Rica and has not operated for months despite several attempts to resurrect the line by Joey Burke, the youngest son of founder Capt. Mike Burke.

The cancellation was announced on the CoconuTelegraph on the company's website. It said booked passengers can rebook for a later date or request a refund by faxing a request to 305-531-1805.

"We are in the middle of restructuring and we need some more time then expected to get the New Windjammer in place. The New Windjammer is going to be as you Old Salts remember it," the company's announcement read. "As you may know, we are running with a skeleton crew (compared to the recent over-staffed office). We look forward to a jolly Windjammer, again, and want everyone to have faith that we are doing the right thing and support for the future Windjammer to come."

For more information, visit www.windjammer.com.