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

Get A Passport Now
http://www.getapassportnow.com/

Majestic America Line - Kids Cruise Free

This promotion is good on Empress of the North, Queen of the West or American Queen in 2008.


Majestic America Line is allowing children 12 years of age or under cruise free when traveling as the third or fourth passenger, sharing a stateroom with two paying adults.

Cruise rates are waived for children when they share a stateroom with adults outfitted for three or four guests, but port charges, handling fees and fuel surcharge apply for each child. The offer is not combinable with other offers. Space is limited.

Empress of the North visits Alaska from May through mid-September, including Juneau and nearby Mendenhall Glacier, Sitka, Skagway and Petersburg. The 12-night cruise from Seattle to Juneau on April 28 and Juneau to Seattle on Sept. 20 include the same stops as the seven-night itinerary along with calls in Anacortes, Port Angeles and Ketchikan.

On the Columbia and Snake rivers, Empress of the North cruises March 22 through mid-April and October through December, while Queen of the West cruises April 6 through mid-November roundtrip from Portland, Ore.

American Queen's Lower Mississippi itineraries include seven-night New Orleans roundtrips and seven-night cruises between Memphis and New Orleans. Seven-night cruises on the Upper Mississippi sail between St. Paul and St. Louis. Theme cruises include Music of America, Fall Foliage and Cajun Holidays.

Visit www.majesticamericaline.com

Regent Seven Seas Launches Online Magazine

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is introducing "Voyages to Explore Online," an electronic magazine for Regent guests and prospects.

Each issue will feature articles, destination videos and slideshows, plus the latest special offers and cruise information.

Published quarterly, "Voyages to Explore Online" offers articles on featured destinations and attractions; details on shore excursions, pre- and post-cruise land programs, Circles of Interest and Concierge Choice options; videos and slide shows; personalization capabilities allowing Regent to display featured content based on individual preference; real-time links to Regent offers and pricing, a section of featured special offers, and a link allowing users to request printed brochures; opportunities to forward the site to others; and the capability for guests to provide feedback and suggestions.

The debut issue features stories on Alaska's totem poles and their cultural significance, and the artistic and architectural legacies of the Mediterranean.

Also included is information on a new, six-night Circles of Interest culinary odyssey through Australia's wine country, plus a profile of Jean-Michel Cousteau, whose Ocean Futures Society offers family programs aboard Regent ships that focus on environmental responsibility and preservation.

Visit www.VoyagestoExplore.com

Holland America Flash Fares, and MORE!

HOLLAND AMERICA
Fares available between:
Saturday, February 2 - Sunday, February 10, 2008

14- to 18-Day Asia & Pacific Cruises from $1,899
6- to 14-Day Caribbean Cruises from $399
16- to 28-Day Europe Cruises from $1,149
15-Day Hawaii Cruise from $1,549
7- to 10-Day Mexican Riviera Cruises from $449
10- to 19-Day Panama Canal Cruises from $999
16-Day South America Cruise from $1,699

Fares do not include fuel supplement of $5.00 per guest, per day.

CARNIVAL
Save up to 75% off brochure prices on the Carnival Liberty 6 night Western Caribbean cruise from Fort Laudersale.

PRINCESS
Save 25% off brochure price on 12 night European cruise abroad the Grand Princess departing from Italy.

NORWEIGAN
Sve up to $150 dollars in onboard spending & Free Upgrades on selected 2008 cruises

And even more ways to save on your next cruise . . .

• Weekly Top Deals
• Last Minute Deals
• Senior Specials
• Holiday Deals
• Past Guest Rates
• Residency Rates

Check out all cruise specials

Regent Seven Seas Australian Food/ Land Program

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is featuring a journey through Australia's wine region this fall, with stays at boutique hotels, meals paired with regional wines, and exclusive tastings at vineyards.

The "Australian Food and Wine Experience" is a six-night, pre-cruise Circles of Interest enrichment program being offered before a 13-night, Sydney-to-Auckland cruise aboard the Seven Seas Mariner departing Nov. 19.

This is the first Circle of Interest that features an extensive land program which starts Nov. 13, 2008.

The "Australian Food and Wine Experience" is priced at $6,495 per person, exclusive of cruise fare.

For more information, visit www.TheRegentExperience.com/AustraliaCOI.

Cruise West Pacific Northwest Culinary Cruise

Cruise West announced its inaugural "Taste of the Pacific Northwest" itinerary, which will highlight the culinary traditions and wines of Oregon and Washington.

The "Taste of the Pacific Northwest" cruise is the third epicurean-inspired voyage for Cruise West, joining the "Culture of the Vine" and "Vintner's Choice" cruises in the California wine region.

The "Taste of Pacific Northwest" cruises depart on Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12 and Oct. 19 on the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery.

The seven-night itinerary will explore the Columbia River through Washington's Wine Country roundtrip from Portland, Ore.

Ports of call will include:
Columbia River Gorge; Walla Walla, Wash.; Hanford Reach National Monument; Horse Heaven Hills & Red Mountain; Hood River; and Astoria, Ore. Prices begin at $3,149 per person.

The trip includes visits to family-owned wineries and vineyards; tastings and
meals with owners and growers; and tours through winery cave systems.

The California Wine Country Cruises are designed for novices and connoisseurs.

On land, visits will be made to estates in Napa Valley, Sonoma and Carneros that are typically off-limits.

The four-night "Vintner's Choice" cruise departs on the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown from San Francisco in September and October and is priced from $2,049 per person.

The three-night "Culture of the Vine" itinerary, also on the Spirit of Yorktown, departs in September and October and is priced from $1,349 per person.

For more information, call 800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.

New Ruby Princess Floating Out in Italy

Princes Cruises' Ruby Princess, now under construction in Italy, reached a significant construction milestone when water began to fill the building dock, signaling the start of its official float-out.

A ceremony marking the occasion was held at the shipyard in Monfalcone. When the dock is fully filled, which typically takes two days, the ship will be floated to the nearby outfitting dock, where final construction and interior finishing will take place.

The Ruby Princess, a sister ship to Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, will feature a piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and street entertainers, Princess' signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an Italian trattoria, a seafood and steak house, a giant outdoor movie screen and 900 cabins with balconies.

The 113,000-ton ship will begin inaugural sailings in November with a series of Western Caribbean cruises.

For more information, visit www.princess.com.

Try Docking a Cruise Ship

Try this interactive game from easyCruise, and see just how difficult it is to actually dock a cruise ship.

I tried docking several times, and needless to say you do NOT want me as the captain of your ship.

It is a fun interactive game, and let's hope you come away with little damage to the ship - Linda

Here's the link - http://dock.easycruise.com/

Best Cruise Ships and Cruise Ports

Where's the best cruise ports for beach lovers, snorklers, shoppers, nature lovers, and history buffs?

Which are the best cruise lines for romantic cruises, spa's and fitness, best cruise ship cuisine, and golfers?

Visit our site to find out more . . . Linda

Best Cruise Ports and Ships