Silversea to Add Luxury Amenities to Lifeboats

In an effort to further separate themselves from others in the Luxury Cruise Industry, Silversea has added luxury furnishings including flat screen televisions, an open bar and butler service to lifeboats aboard Silversea's fleet. Stephan Alport, the designer of these new luxury appointed lifeboats quipped that "Silversea will treat distressed guests better than most cruise lines treat their guests." Thurston Howell III, eat your heart out.

MSC Introduces Fun New Theme Night To All Cruises

MSC Cruises has test marketed their new theme night "Fig Leaf Night" and it's a hit. Not to be outdone by Costa Cruise's toga night, MSC Cruises has experimented with the new Fig Leaf Night for several weeks in Europe to rave reviews. Fig Leaf Night consists of cabin stewards giving Fig Leaves to guests in their staterooms, and client¿s wearing these fig leaves (and little else) to the various evening events aboard the vessel. MSC¿s Activities Directory Pablo Capenelli, stated "Fig Leaf Night fits MSC to a tee. Our company's roots in Italian culture are supported by this theme night. Our company's slogan of Beautiful, Passionate, Italian is made a reality by the execution of this theme." Fig Leaf night will be held the last night of each MSC cruise.

If you have cruised aboard a MSC cruise, please share your experiences.

Regent Seven Seas Makes Pledge to Environmental Group

Regent Seven Seas Cruises were being protested by the group Save The Trees. Save the Trees is a group of environmentalists who were upset by their ship's "excessive use of teak". In an effort to be more eco-friendly Regent has pledged to use more artificial materials in the construction of their ships.

Royal Caribbean International Announces Newest Feature on Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International announced Oasis of the Sea's newest feature at the Water-Skiing Hall of Fame today. Company President Richard Fain made the announcement while skiing behind a jet boat stating "Oasis will be the first ship to offer waterskiing behind the ship." It is believed that as many as 10 people can ski simultaneously behind the ship. Water ski enthusiasts are encouraged by this move and look forward to this amazing development. Costs to water-ski behind the ship start at just $49 for a half-hour session or $499 for an unlimited skiing package. Stockholders have expressed enthusiasm for the additional revenue opportunity, and have stated that they expect an increase in travel insurance sales as a result of this new venture.

New ships coming in the near future !

MSC Splendida, MSC --- July 4, 2009 --- 3,959 passengers
MSC Splendida will accommodate guests of all ages with a plethora of onboard activities, amenities and entertainment. The 4.5-star ship's state-of-the-art Aurea Spa will feature a sauna, yoga and a complete beauty salon, while younger guests will enjoy the children's water park or hanging out in teen centers with video games and karaoke. Passengers can also try their hand at basketball, tennis, swimming, virtual auto racing and miniature golf. The Splendida will feature a diverse selection of dining venues, each serving up its own unique cuisine. Another highlight is the large percentage of cabins and suites with balconies, allowing guests to privately take in the ocean views.

MSC Magnifica, MSC --- March 7, 2010 --- 3,013 passengers
Sister to the Musica, Orchestra and Poesia, the MSC Magnifica will offer 236,000 square feet of public space, making her one of the largest ships in the fleet. An impressive 80% of the staterooms aboard this 4.5-star ship will offer ocean views. Passengers can relax in the spacious, 13,000-square-foot spa or take a dip in one of the two pools. The ship's main pool will feature a Magrodome (retractable roof) so guests can swim rain or shine. Dining options will include four unique restaurants, including a specialty sushi bar.

Costa Deliziosa, Costa --- February 25, 2010 --- 2,828 passengers
Billed as one of the "diamonds" of the Costa fleet and featuring a one-of-a-kind design palette, the 4.5-star Costa Deliziosa will feature marble, mother-of-pearl and Murano glass accents, beautiful furniture and breathtaking art collections throughout the ship. Onboard entertainment will include a race car simulator, a 4-D movie theater, a roller rink and a golf simulator. The Deliziosa will also feature the Samsara Spa, which has become a popular feature on several other Costa ships. Spanning two decks and boasting panoramic views, the spa will provide its clients with the ultimate in relaxation

Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn --- June 6, 2010 --- 450 passengers
The 6-star Seabourn Sojourn will feature an elegant, yacht-like atmosphere and individualized service provided by a highly trained and incredibly attentive staff. The Sojourn boasts all-suite accommodations, 90% with private verandas. All suites will offer walk-in closets with personal safes; interactive flat-screen televisions with music and movies; fully stocked bars; refrigerators; and granite bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Dining options will range from the formal, elegant atmosphere of The Restaurant to the laid-back ambience of the poolside Patio Grille. In addition to 24-hour room service, guests can also opt for private, course-by-course meals served in their suites. Other amenities will include a fitness center, six bars and lounges, and a built-in marina, which will allow guests to enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing, right from the stern of the ship.

Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn --- June 24, 2009 --- 450 passengers
Boasting one of the highest space-per-passenger ratios at sea, the first new 6-star vessel in six years will have 225 suites, 90% featuring full-size balconies. All accommodations on the Seabourn Odyssey will have granite bathrooms with a separate tub and shower and twin sinks. Public spaces include four dining venues, offering options from casual grilled food to gourmet tasting menus; six bars and lounges, where complimentary fine wines and spirits flow freely; and the spa, which features a thalassotherapy whirlpool, Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms, a gym and an aerobics area. The first two sailings on this ship are sold out. .

Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America --- July 4, 2010 --- 2,104 passengers
The design and decor of the 5-star Nieuw Amsterdam will reflect the glamour and history of New York City, which was known as Nieuw Amsterdam in the 17th century. The ship will feature several Holland America favorites, such as the Explorations Café and Pinnacle Grille, as well as new venues including a premium wine-tasting lounge, the Explorer's Lounge Bar and a luxury jewelry boutique. Other amenities include the Greenhouse Spa and Salon; a huge fitness center; extensive youth facilities including the teens-only Loft; and the Culinary Arts Center, where experts will provide demonstrations and intimate classes in state-of-the-art kitchens.

I have been on several Holland America cruises, and have 2 week cruise planned for August 23, to Alaska ! I have only been on one Costa Cruise and enjoyed it ... Time has not permitted for me to try another one, though I have truly wanted to !
If you have sailed with any of the above cruise lines, please share your experiences.

Viking River Cruises - 2010 - Book by July 31

See the world with Viking River Cruises in 2010

Viking River Cruises operates the largest and best fleet in the river cruise industry, where every stateroom is a river-view stateroom. We take you to the heart of every destination, and each day you enjoy guided tours, enlightening demonstrations, hands-on activities and leisure time to explore, shop and mingle with local people. Back on board, you indulge in the pleasures of river cruising, including fine dining in our relaxed, open-seating restaurant. Return home enriched with new cultural understanding and fond memories of an unforgettable Viking journey. And with these all-inclusive itineraries, you receive great value for your travel investment.

Early Booking Discount
• Receive 2-for-1 cruise pricing
• Plus $800 off per couple on roundtrip international air
• Plus complimentary wine

Book now to take advantage of this unprecedented incentive and get your first choice of departure date and stateroom category. Must book and pay in full by July 31, 2009.

New for 2010: Best ships in France

Enjoy deluxe staterooms with hotel-style beds in France on Viking Neptune and Viking Spirit! Enjoy delectable cuisine, wine and artistic inspiration on our 8-day Portraits of Southern France itinerary, or combine the magic of Paris with the beauty of France’s Norman countryside on our 8-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy or, combine these two cruises for a 15-day France’s Finest adventure with 12 tours.

I love river cruising and wish I had time for more !!

If you have been on a river cruise or cruised with Viking, please share your experiences.

Celebrity Cruises in the Panama Canal - This Fall !

Exotic. Historic. The Panama Canal is a voyage that has no equal. And the adventures that it offers are simply unforgettable: lush rainforests, unique wildlife, volcanic springs, living coral reefs, and the incomparable experience of sailing one of man's greatest achievements—the Canal itself.

What's more, your experience promises to be every bit as spectacular aboard our top-rated ships, with amenities such as award-winning cuisine, one of the finest spas at sea, and Celebrity's Star Treatment.®

Celebrity's Constellation - November 22 from $ 999 pp; December 6 from $ 949 pp.
Celebrity's Infinity - November 22 from $ 999 pp.

I've been to the Panama, maybe 5 times. I love it. Loved it my most this past March of 2009.

Please share your experiences, if you have cruised the Panama Canal.

Video link to part one of highlights of legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor's recent voyage aboard Queen Mary 2's June 19 eastbound Transatlantic

Click title to open & see You Tube video.

Holland America - Select Fall sailings on Sale !

Select sailings ... Find these itineraries as low as:

$599 insides – 7day Caribbean

$599 insides – 7day Mexico

$1099 insides – 10day Panama Canal

$1199 – 14day Southern Caribbean

$1199 – 16day South America

Use the Cruise Finder to the left. Look through fall sailings, to discover the sailing with the prices you like best ! Please note, these rates are limited and can sell out as you are reading this !

Royal Caribbean - OCEANS OF VALUE TOO GOOD TO PASS UP - Fall sailings - Book by Aug 7

Why not get more out of your vacation this Fall?

With amazing deals to the Caribbean and Europe you can cruise for just dollars a day. As the weather cools down in your town, visit the beautiful sunny beaches of Costa Maya, Belize and Cozumel — or a multitude of other Caribbean ports starting at only $80*† a day. Upgrade to a balcony-category stateroom and receive up to $50 onboard spending money per person*. (Code MZS6)

If the picturesque coasts of Spain, Greece and Egypt are more your style, there is no season more perfect than Fall in Europe, plus when rates start at just $100**† per day, there's no time more affordable. Act now and reserve a balcony stateroom and receive up to $100 onboard spending money per stateroom**. (Code MZW7)

**All reservations must be made by August 7, 2009, to receive the onboard credit per stateroom.

I love cruising in the fall, especially to the Caribbean, when it's not as hot. Sure, it's hurricane season. However, odds are not neccessarily high, AND the c.l.'s usually just changed itineraries, AND, the rates are lower !

Please share your fall cruise experiences and cruises you have taken in Europe.

Princess Cruises - THE BALCONY BONANZA IS BACK!

Save up to $1,100 on select Winter & Spring 2010 sailings. Free Balcony Upgrades apply to select Winter/Spring 2010 sailings only on a space-available basis at time of booking and are based on Oceanview Launch Fares. Can be withdrawn at any time.

Check out your destination and sail date on the Cruise Finder to the left.

Please share why you choose Winter or Spring for cruising, most often.

Cunard - 2010 World Cruise

2010 looks to be another exciting year to cruise a Cunard voyage on either
the Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria. There are a number of unique and
exciting voyages. Most notably are the two world cruises scheduled for next year.

This is the "time of year" that cruisers book their future world cruise ! So don't miss the boat on the savings !

Both the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria will be departing New York in January. The Queen Mary 2 leaves on January 4 and the Queen Victoria on January 12. You may not be able to stay away the entire length. In that case, Cunard’s has segments to choose from, to customize your voyage. Look for up to 30% off 2010 World Cruise early booking fares.

If you have been on a Cunard cruise or a World Cruise, please share your experiences

Celebrity Cruises - Video - Examining White Wines - The Starring You Network

Click title to view video.

If I had any insight to wine, I would offer it. However, I have no experience and can not share any info.

Please share your experience in wine or Celebrity cruises.

Princess Cruises in the Caribbean

Caribbean – Six Princess ships will visit more than 25 ports throughout the idyllic Caribbean with 14 itinerary choices. The 135 departures include a variety of vacation options exploring the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean.

• Ruby Princess/Seven-Day Eastern Caribbean – Ruby Princess takes over sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with roundtrip cruises from Fort Lauderdale on Sundays. The itinerary features calls at the line’s own Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. Ruby Princess will offer 28 sailings between October 24, 2010 and May 1, 2011.

• Crown Princess/Seven-Day Western Caribbean – Crown Princess sails on 25 roundtrip seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, visiting Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel and Princess Cays. Crown Princess’ season will run from October 30, 2010 through April 30, 2011. The ship will also offer two special itineraries – a five-day Eastern Caribbean Sampler on December 18, calling at Grand Turk and Princess Cays, and a nine-day Southern Caribbean Holiday sailing to Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, St. Thomas, and Princess Cays departing on December 30.

• Caribbean Princess/Seven-Day Southern Caribbean – Caribbean Princess sails from San Juan on two alternating seven-day itineraries. The Classic Southern Caribbean route sails to the ports of St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados, while Southern Caribbean Explorer sailings travel to St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. In total 27 cruises will depart between October 31, 2010 and May 1, 2011. The ship starts the season with an eight-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean sailing from New York to San Juan on October 23, 2010, featuring calls at Bermuda, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Thomas.

• Emerald Princess/10-Day Eastern and Southern Caribbean – For a more in-depth island vacation with the convenience of roundtrip travel from Fort Lauderdale, Emerald Princess offers alternating 10-day roundtrip itineraries – one to the Southern Caribbean and the other to the Eastern Caribbean. The Southern Caribbean Medley itinerary calls at Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. The Eastern Caribbean Voyager itinerary offers calls at Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. Emerald Princess will offer 23 sailings between September 19, 2010 and April 27, 2011.

• Grand Princess/14-Day Caribbean Collection – Grand Princess offers more islands to explore on a 14-day Caribbean Collection itinerary roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The ship sails to Aruba, Curaçao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk. Grand Princess will offer 15 departures between October 11, 2010 and April 25, 2011.

• Sea Princess/14-Day Sailings from Barbados – Sea Princess will offer a series of alternating 14-day Caribbean voyages from Barbados. The Grand Caribbean Islander route feature calls at Tobago, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, Tortola, Antigua, St. Kitts and Dominica. The ship will also offer a Grand Caribbean Adventurer itinerary that features stops at Grenada, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grand Turk, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Trinidad. To begin her season, Sea Princess offers a seven-day Southern Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados featuring calls at Princess Cays, Tortola, St. Maarten, Martinique and St. Lucia. In spring the ship sails back to Fort Lauderdale from Barbados with a seven-day sailing to Martinique, Dominica, St. Kitts, Tortola and Princess Cays. Sea Princess will sail on 14 departures between October 25, 2010 and April 18, 2011.

Princess is one of my most favorite cruise lines. Besides the fact that they do feel like "the Love Boat", I like the fact that their breakfast and lunch, on the Lido deck do not end till the next meal begins ! This way, if I want to sleep in late and have a late breakfast or I don't want to come back onboard for lunch till 4pm, lunch will still be there (not like other cruise lines).

Please share your Princess experiences.

Celebrity Equinox August 8th Maiden Voyage

Guests on the "maiden voyage" August 8, 2009 will receive a gift.

If you have been on one of Celebrity's newest ships, please share your experiences.

10 Night Holyland cruise on Royal Caribbean - Oct 9 or 30, 2009. Book by July 10

Royal Caribbean has 2 sailings on sale, to include the Holylands, aboard the Vision of the Seas.... October 9 & 30.

October 9 from $ 1099 pp; October 30 from $ 1099 pp. Government fees and airfare/transfers additional.

If you live in one of the following states, there may be an added discount in "select categories", however, not the lowest category. CA NH NC DC MD VA NY NJ CT FL PA MA RI IL GA TX. Also, there may be senior rates available in select categories, to save you monies, however, not in the lowest category.

Book by July 10 to receive $ 100 onboard credit if you book in a balcony or delux balcony cabin. Space Limited, and may not last till July 10. Call today !

I was on the Vision, years back, for a transatlantic crossing, from Belgium, to Holland, to Paris, to Ireland, and to Scotland, prior to sailing to Boston. One of my best cruises was "this" opportunity of ports !

If you have ever been to the Holylands, please share your experiences.

Royal Caribbean - Passport requirements

Click title to view info.

Celebrity - Video - Behind the Curtain - Wine served

In Cork, the second episode on The Starring You Network, culinary expert Jacques Van Staden and Cellarmaster Zhivko Narlev lead us from wine tower to table aboard Celebrity Solstice to explain how a broad selection of fine wine complements your onboard dining experience.

Click title to view video.

I've been on several Celebrity cruises, and my customers love them and keep coming back !

Please share your Celebrity experience.

Cunard Cruise Line - Upcoming Speakers

Christopher Buckley - November 5, 2009 - Westbound Transatlantic - Cunard Insights features award-winning authors and playwrights on select Transatlantic Crossings as part of the Literature and Liners series. Through September 2009, your clients can look forward to engaging Q&A discussions, enlightening lectures, book signings and readings with acclaimed authors such as Christopher Buckley.

Mr. Buckley is the author of 14 books, including The White House Mess, Wet Work, Boomsday and Thank You For Smoking, which was made into a motion picture in 2005. He has also written over 60 comic essays for The New Yorker and is a regular contributor to The New York Times. In addition to being a prolific writer, he has also been the managing editor of Esquire magazine and chief speechwriter to President George H.W. Bush.

Lorella Brocklesby - August 23, 2009 - Eastbound Transatlantic
Lorella Brocklesby is a specialist in the cultural, architectural and design history of America and Europe. Brocklesby has been teaching at Parsons The New School for Design for 13 years where her courses have included "The History of Interior Design" and "Connections", a course which examines the stylistic developments of interiors, decorative arts and fine art. In addition to her work at Parsons, Brocklesby is an Adjunct Professor of Humanities at New York University where she has received an Award for Teaching Excellence. She also lectures frequently at many area museums and throughout Europe and Australia.

More:
John Guare - September 8, 2009 - Eastbound Transatlantic - Cunard Insights features award-winning authors and playwrights on select Transatlantic Crossings as part of the Literature and Liners series. Through November 2009, your clients can look forward to engaging Q&A discussions, enlightening lectures, book signings and readings with acclaimed writers such as John Guare.

John Guare has won the Obie, Tony, London's Olivier Award and three NY Drama Critics Circle Awards for such plays as The House of Blue Leaves, Six Degrees of Separation (for which he wrote the screenplay), and Two Gentlemen of Verona. He was also nominated for an Oscar for his screenplay of Louis Malle's Atlantic City. In addition to his writing, Guare founded and co-edits the Lincoln Center Theater Review, is a member of the Dramatists Guild and teaches playwriting at the Yale School of Drama.

CHRIS BENN - November 5, 2009 - Eastbound Transatlantic - Chris Benn is head of astronomy at the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, a site boasting one of the best night skies in the world for astronomy. Using the best of Europe's optical telescopes, including the world's largest, this renowned scientist investigates quasars and searches for planets around stars. He began his career as a physicist and radio astronomer and has also worked at Britain's first hands-on science centre before joining the Royal Greenwich Observatory. Benn is also the creator of the world's first four-dimensional crossword puzzle.

KATHY SULLIVAN - November 11, 2009 - Westbound Transatlantic - U.S. astronaut Dr. Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, joins the November 11 Westbound Crossing. As one of just 35 people selected from over 8,000 inaugural shuttle program applicants, Sullivan flew on three missions in 15 years with NASA and played major roles in the launch and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope. She has also served as the Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, lead COSI, a premier hands-on science education centre, and co-authored two books. Today, Dr. Sullivan leads a new centre focused on mathematics and science education policy at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs (Ohio State University).

Cruising on Cunard, from the US to England is fun ... You feel like you're headed to see the Queen !

If you have taken a transatlantic or participated in any of Cunard's Enrichment Speaker programs, please share.

AMA Waterways - The roads best traveled in Europe are by water

Click title to learn more !

I have been on a few river cruises, and I totally love this experience (Paris, the Nile, and US destinations) !

If you have been on a river cruise and/or with AMA Waterways, please share your experiences.