Windstar Cruises 2013 Voyage Brochure

Luxury Windstar Cruises has just published its 120-page Voyage Collection Brochure featuring 2013 sailing schedules.

Featured are cruises to the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Italy, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Greek Isles, and trans-Atlantic crossings.

Exciting new itineraries will debut in 2013 exploring origins of world religions with Footsteps of Faith, and Gaelic Explorers which will take cruisers through the hills, highlands, castles and pubs of Ireland and Scotland.

The 2013 brochure also features the floor-plans for the recently renovated Wind Star and the soon-to-be renovated Wind Surf and Wind Spirit.

Check this out! For a limited time, enjoy 2-for-1 fares on all 2013 voyages when you book by September 1, 2012. Visit the site for more info NEW in 2013 from Windstar

Storyteller Mobile App by Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is the first luxury cruise line to create an iPhone app to help travelers share custom postcard images of their cruise via social media, email and even “snail mail.”

Incorporating the personalized memoir look and feel of the line’s just-launched “Begin a New Story” brand campaign, “The Storyteller” photo-customization app is available for free download from iTunes.

The user-friendly app invites both tech-savvy and tech-timid travelers to snap a memorable moment, stunning view, or new friend with their iPhone, and then use the app to add professional-style effects and share the image on your own Facebook page, Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page, or via email.

The “Storyteller” even provides an option to create an actual paper postcard that can be personally signed and mailed to friends and family with the tap of a touchscreen.

Users can customize their photos with:

• Color Filters in black and white, sepia, high-contrast, or de-saturated 

• Frames, with different black and white clean, classic, or more artistic border options

• Captions, with choice of handwriting-style typeface, font color (white or black), and word positioning on the photo.

Crystal’s Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/crystalcruises) will have a “Never Ending Journal” section, compiling all photo submissions into an online group journal.  Categorized by cruise, the images will serve as emotional, peer-to-peer testimonials and rich visual depictions of the many adventures offered on a Crystal cruise.

A video with step-by-step app instructions can be viewed on Crystal’s website and Facebook page.

The application is compatible with 3GS, 4, and 4S iPhones.  Upcoming guests will receive app brochures with their cruise tickets, so they can be ready to share their travel stories as soon as their trip begins.  Crystal fans can also look forward to other extensions of the “Begin a New Story” campaign soon, including animated Aurasma videos.

Also check out savings for upcoming cruise at
http://www.crystalcruises.com/

Why Luxury Cruises Are Investing More In First Class Sections

Dennis Nienkerk, a luxury cruise specialist with Strong Travel Services in Dallas, recently returned from a week-long cruise on the Norwegian Epic, which sailed round-trip from Miami. 

I fell in love with the sea while in the Navy in the late 1960’s, and spent over 700 days “cruising” on a guided missile frigate, which gave me the opportunity to see much of the world.  

After beginning my business career, my first real cruise was on the Cunard Princess in 1977 and I was hooked forever, and went on to take at least 12 cruises over the next 25 years.  


Ten years ago I walked into a travel agency to book my first post-retirement cruise and knew so much more about the industry than the agent I talked to that I told the owner that if he hired me I would be his top agent within six month.  I was, and moved into specializing in luxury cruises.  In total, I’ve taken over 40 cruises and now take 3-4 every year.


In a Q&A, Nienkerk reviewed his experience and discussed a new trend in luxury cruising.
Why Luxury Cruises Are Investing More In First Class Sections - Forbes

Ultimate Luxury Yacht Vacations

Why settle for a crowded cruise ship when one can vacation and 

cruise on a privately crewed yacht? 

Booking these luxury vessels by the stateroom provides an all inclusive opportunity not previously presented to the public.

Take advantage of this new trend in luxury cruising - Enjoy all the benefits of a private yacht without all the expenses. Ultimate Yacht Vacations provides private staterooms aboard some of the world’s finest yachts for a single, low, all-inclusive price.

Ultimate Yacht Vacations' charter yachts include a full crew with a highly trained captain, chef, and stewardess. Safety and comfort are the top priorities, with the yacht’s crew providing everything from navigation to chilled cocktails.





Most of the yachts feature three configurations to choose from priced according to their size, amenities, and appointments and are the Master, the VIP and the Deluxe stateroom. All staterooms are fully air-conditioned, and most have state-of-the-art entertainment systems and of course, private bathing facilities.



Packages Include:
4 or 8 days on the yacht of your choice
Choose from three stateroom levels: Master, VIP, and Deluxe
All meals prepared by onboard chef
Open bar throughout your trip
Access to all sporting equipment available upon your chosen yacht
Experienced captain and crew
All cruising permits, fuel and docking fees

First Time Cruiser Specials: Save up to $1500.00 per person on charters through 2011 when booked by February 15th. Mention promotional code "FTC".


Source: PR Web

Silversea Solo Traveler Fares on Select 2011 Voyages

Initially launched last summer on select 2010 voyages, SilverSea's specially reduced Solo Traveler fares proved such a popular incentive with independent travelers that the company is extending the offer to select 2011 itineraries.

All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite (most suites feature a private veranda), attentive butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment and entertainment programs, and all on board gratuities.

The ultra-luxury line has reduced the single supplement on more than 20 sailings in 2011 to just 10% to 25% (above the per-person, double-occupancy fare) for Vista, Veranda and Midship Veranda suites.

Also, on several voyages, Gentlemen Hosts will be on board, which is a real plus for single female guests looking for a dining companion or a dance partner.

Following is a sampling of 2011 voyages offering a 10%  single supplement:

Arabian Peninsula 2101 : Silver Wind, January 3 - 10, Dubai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,058 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

Caribbean Voyage 1103 : Silver Cloud, January 22 - 29, San Juan to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at $3,078 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

Caribbean Voyage 1109 : Silver Cloud, March 14 - 24, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,442 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

Caribbean Voyage 4113: Silver Whisper, April 27 - May 7, Fort Lauderdale to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,442 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

Northern Europe Voyage 5111 : Silver Spirit, May 19 - 26, Southampton to Barcelona. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,926 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

Following is a sampling of 2011 voyages offering a 25% single supplement:

South America Voyage 4103 : Silver Whisper, February 5 - 23, Santiago to Fort Lauderdale. Solo Traveler fares start at $8,798 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

Far East Voyage 3106 : Silver Shadow, April 6 - 15, Singapore to Hong Kong. Solo Traveler fares start at $6,648 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

Far East Voyage 3109  : Silver Shadow, May 7 - 17, Shanghai to Tokyo. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,398 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

All fares listed above are per person based on single occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that can range from $100 to $575 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary.

Solo Traveler, Silver Savings and $250 Shipboard Credit are capacity-controlled programs and subject to availability.

The Shipboard Credit is offered per suite, not per voyage, and only once to guests sailing on consecutive voyages. Shipboard Credit is valued in U.S. dollars, regardless of booking currency.

*FREE AIR: A free roundtrip economy air package, that includes transfers between airport and pier on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, is available from 22 gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada. It is a capacity-controlled program offered for a limited time. Additionally, there are specially priced air programs available from another 50 cities.

Click here for complete list of 2011 sailings offering single supplements from 10 to 25%, or visit Silversea.com and click on Special Offers.


Deal Dates: October 14, 2010 - December 31, 2010

Source: Travel Agent Central 

Luxury Cruise Auctions

Luxury Cruise Vacations - Fantastic Destinations.
 

Discover a spectacular collection of luxury cruises on ships that keep guest counts low and service levels high.

Luxury Link is proud to offer exciting cruises to destinations from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, Auckland to Alaska and even entirely around the world.

Whatever cruise vacation you desire, rest assured that Luxury Link's collection of cruise vacations will take you to unforgettable places in incomparable style.



LuxuryLink.com

YACHTS OF SEABOURN - SEABOURN ODYSSEY

Seabourn launched the spacious luxury 450 passenger Odyssey in June 2009. All drinks and tips are included in the five restaurants, and 24 hour room service is available.

There is a large area for dancing, movies and other ship board entertainment.
Odyssey has spacious outdoor areas with two swimming pools, hot tubs, and ample seating for relaxation in the sun or shade.

This latest addition to the Seabourn family has one of the largest spa's in the fleet -covering two decks with seven spa treatment rooms. There is also a full gym.

Smaller onboard suites cabins are quite large measuring 295 sq ft, and the larger suites measure over 1600 sq ft. Approximately 95% of the suites have private balconies.

All cabins have flat screen CD/DVD TV's, separate tubs and shower, vanity and spacious walk in closets.

Odyssey sets sail January, 2010.
http://www.seabourn.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/