welcomed to its Maine Coast & Harbors the newest vessel to the fleet, the American Star. The American Star spent her inaugural summer season in 2007 cruising along Maine’s spectacular coast & scenic harbors taking passengers on 7-night cruises from Bangor to Bucksport, Bar Harbor, Rockland, Castine, Camden, and Belfast.
In response to the increased demand for the Maine Coast & Harbors itinerary, American Cruise Lines positioned the brand new ship in Maine, doubling the amount of berths from last year. “The enthusiasm we have received for the Maine Coast & Harbors itinerary is exciting,” says Vice President Timothy Beebe. “By putting this beautiful brand new ship in Maine will help us meet the demand.” The American Star will cruise along the Maine Coast and Harbors from June 16th thru September 29th. The 49-passenger American Glory will also join the American Star in August for three departures. While in port, guests can explore some of the most picturesque towns on the Penobscot and Blue Hill Bays, visiting forts that date back to the Revolutionary War, fishing villages, and some of Maine’s sixty-four lighthouses. Passengers will breathe in the refreshing sea air and gaze upon spectacular mountain vistas, while keeping an eye out for seals, puffins and whales.
The 100-passenger American Star is 215 feet long, and will have a similar modern design to the American Spirit. The new modern luxury ship will feature 52 oversized staterooms many with private verandahs, and all staterooms will have the large opening picture windows, a trademark of American Cruise Lines. Every room is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and DVD player, individual climate control, Internet access and many other modern conveniences and amenities expected by the discerning traveler. The ship’s layout will include an elevator to all four decks, wireless Internet computer for passengers, four lounges of various sizes, a spacious observation deck, a well-stocked library and a dining room with surrounding windows providing spectacular landscapes and coastal scenery as you dine.
For the complete 2007 & 2008 Maine Coast and Harbors schedule visit www.americancruiselines.com or call 1-800-814-6880.
Azamara Cruise line has smaller, more intimate ships, designed to take you to exotic, out-of-the-ordinary ports of call that will deliver memorable experiences. You’ll explore a multitude of unique destinations in South America, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean – many of which larger cruise ships can’t reach. Traveling to more than 180 destinations in 65 countries, there are many itineraries to choose from, including our masterful World Cruise.
12-Night South America on Azamara Journey. Starting From $1499* Cruise Only
10-Night Europe on Azamara Journey. Starting from $2,599** Air Inclusive
Shore Excursions - Off the Beaten Path -- As a guest aboard Azamara Journey or Azamara Quest, you can immerse yourself in unique shore excursions that are off the beaten path. Our Azamara destination specialist can help you gather insightful information about the culture and history of each port of call based on your preferences.
Onboard the experience is every bit as amazing with graceful amenities at every turn. Guests of Azamara enjoy butler service in every stateroom, upgraded amenities, two specialty restaurants serving the finest cuisine at sea, a world class Spa, more verandas than most cruise ships and so much more.
*Prices per person, double occupancy, cruise only inside stateroom on select sailings. Government taxes and fees are additional. Certain restrictions apply. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. All itineraries and prices are current at time of broadcast and subject to change without notice.
**Air inclusive is roundtrip air from the top 50 gateways in the United States. Prices are per person, double occupancy, on select sail dates and in U.S. dollars. All itineraries and prices are current at time of broadcast and subject to change without notice. Government taxes and fees are additional. Certain restrictions apply
For more information, contact Azamara Cruises, 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132; call 1-888-305-9153; check web site www.azamaracruises.com, or contact your travel agent.
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New, 10-night Easter Cruise, roundtrip from Miami. Ports of call include: St John, USVI; Marigot, St. Martin; Roseau, Dominica; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
12-night, roundtrip from Miami. Azamara Journey will rotate three 12-night itineraries with only St. Barts & Virgin Gorda repeating on each, providing the ideal balance of "Beach", "Eco", and "Shopping" ports.
16-night, roundtrip from Miami or San Diego. Visit Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Aruba.
For more information contact Azamara, 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132, or go to web site www.azamaracruises.com
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Azamara Quest will visit 21 ports in 13 different countries, including three new ports: Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Nagasaki, Japan; and Phuket, Thailand. No other deluxe cruise brand offers more ports, nor can they match the exceptional dining, service and distinct itineraries of Azamara.
Sail Hong Kong to Singapore - or reverse on the 18-night. Includes overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Singapore. On the 14-night sailing, dock less than 30 minutes from the city center in Bangkok. On the 18-night, sail through Ha Long Bay, famous for the thousands of limestone islands that dot its landscape.
Sail Hong Kong to Shanghai. Overnight in the cultural center of Beijing - home of the Forbidden City. In addition, see: Taipei, Taiwan; Nagasaki, Japan; Seoul, Korea; and Dalian, China.
Sail Athens to Singapore. Includes overnight stays in Dubai and Bombay. Plus, sail the Suez Canal and visit remarkable ports like Alexandria, Egypt; Cochin, India; and Phuket, Thailand.
For more information, contact Azamara Cruises, 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132 or check web site www.azamaracruises.com
For active travellers hoping to hit the high seas this summer, outfitters Butterfield & Robinson offer up three great choices for Mediterranean getaways. Having perfected the art of the “uncruise”, B&R trip planners design one-of-a-kind journeys aboard the small ship Callisto that feature daily onshore walks or bike rides. Summer 2008 destinations include the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik to Athens, and the Black Sea with special guest and wine expert Zoltan Szabo.
“Each of these trips offers an exciting, modern twist on the classic Mediterranean cruise,” says By Sea program director Graham Lewis. “Our travellers want to really connect with a place and explore—they want to wander through spice markets in Odessa and hike to cave churches on the Bulgarian steppe.”
Indeed, no matter where in the world B&R By Sea navigates, travellers are guaranteed an active holiday that emphasizes cultural immersion, onshore discoveries and onboard luxury. Carrying a maximum of just 32 guests, the Callisto offers all the ambience and understated elegance of a floating boutique hotel.
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The Black Sea is the world’s most isolated sea, and the region bordering it harbours some of Eastern Europe’s most interesting and historical sites. On B&R’s new 9-day Black Sea By Sea, guests travel from Istanbul through the Bosphorous to explore four different countries. On foot, travellers encounter strongholds of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires, enjoy dramatic coastal walks, and visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As a special summer treat, on-ship B&R guides are joined by Transylvanian-born sommelier Zoltan Szabo. A cultural interpreter and expert on Eastern European wines, Szabo hosts evening tastings highlighting the region’s budding wine industry, and provides entrée into the exclusive Varna Wine Club in Bulgaria. Seven nights aboard the Callisto are complemented by one night at the spectacular Four Seasons Istanbul. Summer departures start August 8 and August 15.
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B&R’s new Crete & the Peloponnese By Sea (September 26 and October 3) explores the Byzantine ruins and tiny ports of the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Benson Cowan, B&R’s CEO and president, will join the inaugural departure. Highlights include a day in Athens to explore the treasures of Ancient Greece, a Century Ride to the city-state of Sparta, walks through olive and almond groves to Mycenae and Monemvasia, and taking a subterranean boat ride through the caves of Diros. The Classic Greek Islands By Sea (September 12 and 19) spends one night at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens before alighting for the mythical Dodecanese and Cyclades islands. Stops include Symi, Tilos, Amorgos, Santorini, Sifnos and Paros.
Other B&R By Sea journeys include Sicily & the Aeolian Islands, the Turquoise Coast, and the Galapagos Islands (adult and With the Kids). Ship-based journeys are also popular choices for private Bespoke trips, perfect for family reunions or group getaways.
Prices aboard the Callisto start at US$8,995 per person, double occupancy.
Butterfield & Robinson offers more than 90 innovative itineraries in 60 destinations worldwide. Their motto since 1966 remains “Slow down to see the world.” Imaginative trip design, exquisite service and a tireless pursuit of the world’s most fascinating places continue to make B&R a leader in active travel. For details check web site www.butterfield.com
10/11 Night Ultimate Caribbean - roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. 10-night sailing visits five ports from St. Thomas to St. Maarten. 11-night sails Grand Cayman to Mexico, visiting six exotic ports.
14 Night Exotic Southern Caribbean - roundtrip from Miami. Spend Christmas and New Year's at sea and visit 8 ports of call along the way, including Curacao, Aruba, and Barbados, to name a few.
In addition to the new itineraries listed above, be;pw are popular favorites:
7 Night Eastern Caribbean - roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale. Includes late night departures in San Juan and Philipsburg, giving time to experience the nightlife.
7 Night Eastern Caribbean - roundtrip from San Juan. Ports include: St. Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, and Aruba.
4/5 Night Western Caribbean - roundtrip from Miami. 4-night sails to Key West and Cozumel. 5-night ports are Key West, Ocho Rios, and Georgetown.
For more information, contact Celebrity Cruises Inc., 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132 or check web site www.celebritycruises.com
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Discover a comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experience aboard Celebrity’s enchanting new ship, Celebrity Journey. With slightly more than 700 guests, Celebrity Journey offers a traditional Celebrity cruise experience in a more intimate environment. Enjoy well-appointed accommodations, Sensory Heaven spa treatments by Elemis and our award winning gourmet cuisine made only from the freshest ingredients. Of course, Celebrity’s unparalleled service with one staff member for every two guests ensures every wish is anticipated and effortlessly granted.
Michael's Club
Soak up the sounds of a grand piano as you share an intimate nightcap in this locale. The rich tones and deep, welcoming chairs of Michael's Club make it the ideal place to savor a single-malt scotch or late-evening cordial.
Martini Bar
The sophisticated Martini Bar offers 20 variations of this famous libation. Gather with friends to warm up the evening before dinner or celebrate all in this trendy hot spot before heading over to the disco.
Online@Celebrity
You will probably want to share your cruise experience with your friends and family - before you return home. Visit the ship's onboard Internet stations and send an email.
Aquaspa®
Relax in the impressive AquaSpa and be transported to a whole new world with treatments inspired by rituals from exotic cultures. Discover a state of complete tranquility as you experience the most luxurious spa afloat.
Engage in one of Celebrity's cruise vacations and experience an incredible journey. Whether you enjoy hiking among ancient ruins, venturing to remote corners of the globe, or sipping cappuccino in a quaint sidewalk café, Celebrity takes you there with an unparalleled cruise experience.
Destinations include:
Alaska -- Alaska's sprawling glaciers, native heritage and vast wildlife will combine to take your breath away.
Australia/New Zealand -- Let Celebrity turn your winter into a lushly indulgent summer.
Bahamas -- A distinct blend of warm trade-winds, tropical ease and inviting locals make these islands famous for unwinding.
Bermuda -- Equal parts island charm and British pageantry, Bermuda offers an abundance of shopping, golf and colorful sights
Canada / New England -- Serene villages, brilliant autumn leaves and rich nautical history unite on the picturesque coast of North America.
Caribbean -- A kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, inviting people and fascinating cultures make up the Caribbean islands.
Europe -- Prepare for a history lesson as you encounter the vast, enchanting lands of Europe.
Galapagos -- Wonder at flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth when you sail the fabled waters of these isolated islands.
Hawaii -- The allure and mystique of Hawaii are hard to resist. Let the magic of these islands stir your every sense.
Pacific Northwest -- A feast for the soul, the Pacific Northwest boasts splendid scenery, towering timber and a mix of the eclectic and pristine.
Panama Canal -- Marvel at man-made engineering as you pass through the locks of the "Eighth Wonder of the World".
South America -- From cosmopolitan cities to wild, untamed rainforests and tundra, South America is a study in contrasts.
For more information, contact Celebrity Cruises Inc., 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132; 1-800-647-2251, or visit web site www.celebritycruises.com
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Indulge in a unique culinary experience at sea with the fourth annual Savor the Caribbean cruise series. For those who love gourmet cuisine, fine wine and new experiences, the Savor program provides the perfect way to enjoy a 7-night Celebrity cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.
Meet and learn from internationally-acclaimed guest chefs at cooking demonstrations, where they prepare signature dishes and share their culinary perspectives. Taste expertly-prepared dishes, ask questions, take home recipes and have cookbooks signed.Take part in exclusive hands-on cooking classes* with guest chefs. Become a Mojito mixologist in Bacardi's fun-filled Mojito-making class,* including souvenir muddler and glass. Enjoy wine tastings* and wine-pairing seminars* with Celebrity's master sommeliers. Tour unique island restaurants where you'll enjoy specially-prepared meals and intimate encounters with award-winning local chefs*
Join the fun aboard the magnificent Millennium, on any of the six 2007 Savor the Caribbean sailings out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and bring your appetite for the finer things in life.
*Not included in cruise price
Note: The Savor the Caribbean program may vary by sailing and is subject to change without notice.
Choose a sailing date and book a Savor the Caribbean cruise online; call a Certified Vacation Planner at 1-888-305-9153 ext 80837; call your travel professional.
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A Celebrity Alaska cruise is more than a vacation; it’s an adventure. Departing from the spectacular city of Vancouver, you’ll step aboard some of the World’s Best Large Ships, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. With the finest cuisine and our careful attention to detail, you’ll discover why sailing with Celebrity is a journey unmatched.
The seven night itineraries include such ports of call like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, sailing the Inside Passage or Hubbard Glacier. Celebrity gives you more reasons than ever to explore the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Voted “Best City in the Americas” three years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler, Vancouver ranks high in culture, fine dining and shopping. You may want to extend your stay in Vancouver with a pre or post package, and with cruises departing from Canada Place, you’re just minutes away from Stanley Park, Robson Street, and Gas Town, the second largest Chinatown in North America. View Itineraries.
With over 158 Shore Excursions to choose from, some of the newest ones include:
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Traveling by floatplane to watch – and photograph – bears feeding on spawning salmon. Or fish for them yourself from a private skiff.
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Board an 1890s-style Parlor Car to the Yukon’s White Pass Summit in British Columbia.
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Experience a Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour where you'll set sail on the same vessel seen on the Discovery™ Channel's popular Deadliest Catch™ program.
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Visit a real Tlingit village with the hospitable Hoonah Tlingit people as your hosts. And that’s just for starters.
*Prices per person, double occupancy, cruise only inside stateroom on select sailings. Government taxes and fees are additional. Certain restrictions apply. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. All itineraries and prices are current at time of broadcast and subject to change without notice.
For more information, contact Celebrity Cruises Inc., 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132 or check web site www.celebritycruises.com
Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), a leading innovator of small-ship voyages, has announced eight designated PENTAX Photographers‚ Cruises for the 2009 season designed to help photography buffs capture the natural beauty of their worldwide voyages. The specialty sailings are in partnership with PENTAX Imaging Company, a leader in digital photography, and will feature field events and onboard workshops all co-hosted by professional PENTAX photographer Kerrick James. The PENTAX cruises are at no additional cost to guests and will allow both novice and seasoned cameramen and women to take advantage of personalized instruction on an array of related topics as well as access to a variety of the newest PENTAX products.
'We are so pleased with the glowing reports we've had from guests who participated on the 2008 PENTAX cruises, that we have increased the offerings for 2009,' said President & CEO Dietmar Wertanzl. 'Each Photographers‚ Cruise combines small-ship sailing with the world‚s most photogenic destinations including Mexico‚s Sea of Cortes, Panama & Costa Rica, British Columbia, Alaska, and new in 2009, Europe‚s Danube River. Our ships provide an engaging classroom!'
Kerrick James has photographed the American West, Mexico and the Pacific Rim for over 25 years, and his work has appeared on more than 80 book covers, 85 magazine covers and in numerous feature stories in travel and in-flight magazines. James will give hands-on instruction and constructive workshops for guests seeking to capture on film the stunning vistas and once-in-a-lifetime moments inherent in every Cruise West experience.
Departure dates include: the nine-night Between Two Seas tour in Panama & Costa Rica on December 2, 2008 and March 2, 2009 (starting at $3,799; the seven-night Whales & Wildlife itinerary on Mexico‚s Sea of Cortés on January 17, 2009 (starting at $2,599 per person); a seven-night Pacific Northwest Coastal Escape sailing on April 26, 2009 (starting at $2,999 per person); four Alaskan itineraries including the eight-night Alaska's Whales & Wilderness (May 30 and July 4, 2009, starting at $4,449), the four-night (June 30, 2009, starting at $2,599 per person), and the eight-night Alaska's Inside Passage (August 22, 2009, starting at $4,449); and the new 10-night Danube River, Vienna to Bucharest (October 13, 2009, starting at $4,899).
In addition to Kerrick James‚ expertise, all Photographers‚ Cruise guests will benefit from Cruise West's distinctive Exploration Leaders Program, in which onboard experts provide guests with a wealth of insider knowledge and a passion for the history of the region. Curious minds on Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Panama Canal & Costa Rica, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Danube River itineraries will gain insight from Exploration Leaders throughout their journey, broadening their experience with a deeper understanding of the indigenous culture, history, flora and fauna of the region they are cruising.
For additional information regarding Cruise West‚s Photographers‚ Cruises visit <http://www.cruisewest.com/photocruise/default.aspx>http://www.cruisewest.com/photocruise/default.aspx or call 1-800-296-8307. For more information on PENTAX products, visitwww.pentaxslr.com
~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia, South Pacific and Europe. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West‚s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships‚ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings.
~PENTAX Imaging Company~
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the leader in small-ship voyages, will offer four memorable international itineraries to commemorate 2008‚s fall and winter holidays. Intrepid explorers can combine an enriching cultural exchange with traditional holidays by celebrating Thanksgiving in Asia, Christmas and New Year's Eve in Mexico's Seas of Cortés or Panama & Costa Rica, and New Year's Eve in the South Pacific.
Chairman Richard West will host the November 24, 2008 departure of the 18-night Grand Asia itinerary (www.cruisewest.com/destinations/grand_asia/). The Grand Asia cruise highlights gardens, temples, coastal ports, castle towns, bustling cities and remote villages in Japan, China and Vietnam. To commemorate the Thanksgiving holiday, guests will enjoy special excursions and hosted dinners with Mr. West and family. The voyage travels from Kobe, Japan, to Hanoi, Vietnam, making port calls at Miyajima; touring the peace parks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki; a visit to Shanghai, China‚s premier cultural, commercial and financial center; Xiamen; Hong Kong; and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ha Long Bay; Hoi An and Hue, Vietnam‚s Imperial City. Guests can extend their journey with pre- and/or post-land tours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Angkor Wat and/or Kyoto. Prices start at $7,549 per person.
Festive Costa Rican & Panamanian holiday activities and traditional cuisine complement a relaxing Christmas on the December 20, 2008 departure of the 9-night Between Two Seas (www.cruisewest.com/destinations/costa_rica_panama/) voyage, sailing Panama City to San José, Costa Rica or reverse, onboard the 100-guest Pacific Explorer. Revelers will ring in Feliz Año Nuevo on the December 29 New Year's sailing. Festivities include a New Year's bash with a midnight toast and late night buffet. Additional highlights include the San Blas Islands and a Kuna Indian Village, Portobelo and traversing the entire Panama Canal. Guests will continue to the remote Emberá Village in the Darién Jungle, Coiba National Park, Golfo Dulce, Caletas Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its prolific wildlife and bird viewing. Prices start at $4,399 per person based on double occupancy.
Serenity-seekers will unwind for a Feliz Navidad on a remote beach with festive Mexican holiday activities on the Sea of Cortés Whales & Wildlife (www.cruisewest.com/destinations/sea_of_cortes/) cruise, offered on the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown. Guests aboard the Christmas sailing, departing December 20, 2008, will enjoy a traditional Nochebuena Christmas Eve feast. New Year's guests on the December 27, 2008 departure will celebrate the Feliz Año Nuevo with a midnight toast and late night buffet. All Sea of Cortés cruises are eight days, round trip from Cabo San Lucas and include the picturesque seaside village and mission town Loreto and Isla Espiritú Santo, home to several plant and animal species only found on this island. Active guests will enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and nature walks at the serene islands Los Islotes and Isla Partida. Guests may also add on a spectacular four-night Copper Canyon post-cruise land tour. Prices start at $2,599 per person.
The 16-night Legends of the Pacific (www.cruisewest.com/destinations/south_pacific/) journey will ring in the New Year while exploring Micronesian islands, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Departing December 28, 2008, this evocative itinerary travels between Guam and Fiji onboard Cruise West‚s flagship vessel, the 120-guest all-suite Spirit of Oceanus. Guests will explore areas seldom visited by other travelers on an insider‚s expedition of native villages, World War II sites and tiny islands. SCUBA divers can choose from three separate scuba excursions in Honiara/Guadalcanal, Chuuk and Pohnpei. Prices start at $7,249 per person.
For additional information or to book a Cruise West cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.
~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West‚s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through insightful shore programs, onboard narrative and presentations by local experts from a wide variety of backgrounds. In addition, destination specific materials and an array of books are provided in the onboard library on every vessel. Cruise West considers it a privilege to access some of the world‚s most pristine wilderness areas and culturally rich countries. With this in mind, Cruise West views itself as good stewards and encourages crew and guests to act responsibly with respect to the environment and diverse cultures visited. For more information, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.
Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), a leading innovator of small-ship itineraries, announces its eight-day Mexico's Sea of Cortés Whales & Wildlife schedule for 2008-2009. Whales & Wildlife sails aboard the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown and will offer 14 departures, including five specialty cruises and a new, optional post-cruise excursion to benefit the La Paz Children's Home in Baja, Mexico. The specialty itineraries include John Steinbeck-inspired cruises with literary experts aboard, a PENTAX photography cruise with professional photographers, and two holiday itineraries.
After experiencing seven days of exotic wildlife and idyllic beaches, guests aboard the March 7, 2009 sailing can opt to disembark in La Paz to assist in a 'work party' at the La Paz Children's Home. The work party is part of Cruise West's 'Our Bear Cares' program and was created in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, the travel organizer for the World Affairs Councils of America. Volunteers will spend two nights in La Paz with one full day spent working at the children‚s home. The optional excursion is $225 per person, double occupancy.
Guests aboard the Christmas sailing, departing December 20, 2008, will enjoy a traditional Nochebuena Christmas Eve feast and unwind for a Feliz Navidad on a remote beach with festive Mexican holiday activities. New Year's guests on the December 27, 2008 departure will celebrate the Feliz Año Nuevo with a midnight toast and late night buffet, as well as a stop in La Paz to celebrate the 'Epiphany' or 'Three Kings' day.
On the January 3 and 10, 2009 sailings, guest speakers, including John Steinbeck scholars, will explain how the author's 1940 expedition to the region inspired his The Log of the Sea of Cortez. The PENTAX photography cruise, sailing January 17, 2009, features a PENTAX professional photographer onboard to assist budding Ansel Adams imitators as they create masterpieces with their cameras.
All Whales & Wildlife guests will experience firsthand the Sea of Cortés's abundant concentration of marine life, from dolphins to sea lions to pelicans. Highlights on the eight-day itinerary include guided nature walks through lush islands, snorkeling, kayaking, whale watching aboard a panga boat in Magdalena Bay (the whales can typically be found from mid-January thru March), tours of historic missions and churches and a fiesta complete with Mexican music, dancers and a piñata. Adventure seekers can add on a four-day post-cruise Copper Canyon Tour, including a railroad ride into the Sierra Madres through six interconnecting canyons, immersion in Tarahumara Indian culture and exploration of Pancho Villa‚s hometown of Chihuaua.
Rates begin at $2,199 per person based on double occupancy. Guests will save up to $350 on departures in December 2009 by booking and paying in full by March 27, 2009; guests will save up to $175 on departures from January through March 2009 by booking and paying in full by September 5, 2008.
For additional information regarding Cruise West‚s Sea of Cortés voyage visit www.cruisewest.com/destinations/sea_of_cortes/ or call 1-800-296-8307.
~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West's nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships‚ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings.
For more information, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.
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As a result of demand, Cruise West, the leader in small-ship voyages, has announced two additional spring departures and six themed cruises to its 2008 and 2009 Between Two Seas itinerary. Additionally, one enhanced and two new land tours are offered as add-ons. Guests may choose from two holiday cruises, two PENTAX photography cruises or the option to travel in the company of a Panama Canal expert on two departures.
The 10-day, 9-night Between Two Seas voyages sail onboard the 100-guest Pacific Explorer and take in the sights of the San Blas Islands and a Kuna Indian Village, Portobelo and traversing the entire Panama Canal. Guests continue to the remote Emberá Village in the Darién Jungle, Coiba National Park, Golfo Dulce, Caletas Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its prolific wildlife and bird viewing.
Festive Costa Rican and Panamanian holiday activities and traditional cuisine complement a fun, relaxing Christmas on the December 20, 2008 departure. Guests will ring in Feliz Año Nuevo on the December 29, 2008 New Year‚s sailing amid the comforts and amenities of the Pacific Explorer with a New Year‚s bash including a midnight toast and late night buffet.
Guests on the two PENTAX photography cruises, offered December 2, 2008 and March 2, 2009, will benefit from onboard workshops with hands-on instruction by professional PENTAX photographer, Kerrick James. A Panama Canal guru will share knowledge about the history and future expansion of the canal on the December 11, 2008, and April 7, 2009 departures.
Highlighting the stunning flora and fauna native to Panama and Costa Rica, the two new land tours include a 2-night, 3-day visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest or a 4-night, 5-day stay in the Tortuguero National Park. Guests will immerse themselves in the serenity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest with a guided walk through its butterfly and hummingbird gardens. Alternatively, they can observe turtles nesting via a boat or canoe excursions to Tortuguero National Park.
The enhanced tour includes six days and five nights of accommodations and adventures in Sarapiqui and Arenal, Costa Rica. Guests visit the world-class Gold Museum, the majestic La Paz Waterfall Gardens and an Eco-Center tour in the company of local school children. At the Hacienda Pozo Azul, guests have the option to participate on the thrilling canopy zip line tour, a float or river rafting trip or a chocolate and pineapple plantations tour.
Prices start at $3,799 per person based on double occupancy. Guests can take advantage of early booking incentives of up to $175 per person when paying the full amount by September 5, 2008 for departures January 2009 through May 2009 or receive savings of $350 per person when booking the cruise and paying in full by March 27, 2009 for departures October through December 2009.
For additional information or to book a Cruise West cruise, call (800) 689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com.
~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West‚s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through insightful shore programs, onboard narrative and presentations by local experts from a wide variety of backgrounds. In addition, destination specific materials and an array of books are provided in the onboard library on every vessel. Cruise West considers it a privilege to access some of the world‚s most pristine wilderness areas and culturally rich countries. With this in mind, Cruise West views itself as good stewards and encourages crew and guests to act responsibly with respect to the environment and diverse cultures visited.
Cruise West, a leading small-ship cruise line with worldwide journeys, will offer seven distinct SCUBA excursions on its three 2009 South Pacific itineraries. The January through March cruises sail on Cruise West’s flagship, the 120-guest Spirit of Oceanus, through the untouched beauty, remote villages and tiny atolls of the South Pacific islands. All three itineraries offer numerous additional activities and excursions with focus on the culture, history and marine biology of these spectacular islands.
~2009 South Pacific Itineraries with SCUBA Excursion Options~
Pearls of Polynesia
SCUBA divers can explore Beqa Lagoon/Carpet Cove or Taveuni/Rainbow Reef on the Pearls of Polynesia itinerary, a 12-night trip that sails to Polynesia and Melanesia.
Beqa Lagoon is renowned for its spectacular soft coral and abundant sealife; Carpet Cove houses a fishing shipwreck, sunk in 1996 and now host to a vibrant array of sealife, including the rare juvenile Blue Ribbon eel. Cost per two-tank dive: $185
The second dive option is in two parts: first is Taveuni, called the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” for its vibrant corals; the second is Rainbow Reef, where divers can expect 60-70 feet of visibility. Cost per one-tank dive: $139
The 12-night Pearls of Polynesia sails between Fiji and Papeete and visits Beqa, Fiji, to watch a traditional firewalking ceremony; the Cook Islands including Atiu, “The Land of the Birds,” which is not visited by many other tourists; and Tonga to meet with local villagers, participate in a kava ceremony and snorkel in the pristine waters. Pearls of Polynesia travels on January 12 and February 13, 2009, and starts at $5,399 per person with maximum early booking savings.
Island Sanctuaries
The 11-night Island Sanctuaries itinerary visits the remote oasis of French Polynesia, where SCUBA divers can choose from two adventures.
The first dive at Bora Bora/Tapu is located on the outside of a lagoon down a mooring line in 30 feet of water filled with dozens of black-tip reef sharks, moray eels, rainbow jackfish, triggerfish and large schools of butterflyfish. Cost per one-tank dive: $135l The second dive will investigate the calm waters of Fakarava’s lagoon, the second largest in Polynesia, and bring divers face to face to dolphins, manta rays, barracudas, blue fin tunas, sharks, angel fish and parrot fish. Cost per one-tank dive: $130
On this round-trip journey from Papeete, guests will visit a local pearl farm in Takapoto and travel through the Marquesas Islands to meet with villagers and explore the plush terrain. This itinerary sails on January 23 and February 2, 2009, and starts at $4,099 per person with maximum early booking savings.
Legends of the Pacific
The 16-night Legends of the Pacific journey explores Micronesian islands, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, traveling between Guam and Fiji. SCUBA divers can choose from three separate excursions.
· The Honiara/Guadalcanal trip explores the Western Battlefields of World War II at the beach of Ruanui, where divers will investigate a Japanese transport ship teeming with coral and pelagic fish life; the second dive will search another Japanese transport ship with anti aircraft guns on the wreck. Cost per two-tank dive: $120
· The Chuuk dive explores “Operation Hailstorm,” a battle that sank more than 60 ships more than 60 years ago. Schools of jacks patrol the outside of the ships while stunning soft corals are attached to the ribs and beams. Cost per two-tank dive: $199
· The third SCUBA excursion, at Pohnpei’s largest surrounding lagoon, offers a choice of three world-class dive sites: Palaikir Pass, home to a “shark city” of 100 grey reef sharks; Mwand Pass, with branching green tubstreas, gorgonian fans, and schools of colorful small reef creatures; and Manta Road, an underwater channel located between two reefs where manta rays are spotted nearly every day of the year. Cost per two-tank dive: $185
The Legends of the Pacific brings guests to areas seldom visited by other travelers, on an insider’s expedition of native villages, World War II sites and tiny islands. The itinerary sails on December 28, 2008, and February 26, 2009, and starts at $6,449 per person with the maximum early booking savings.
For additional information on the South Pacific itineraries visit www.cruisewest.com/destinations/south_pacific or call 1-800-296-8307.
~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West’s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships’ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings. For more information visit www.cruisewest.com.
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~Save Up to 75% for Kids on 3- or 4-Night Cruises ~
Cruise West, the leader in small-ship cruising, offers multi-generational groups and families the opportunity to connect while exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonderland of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Special pricing for kids ages 18 and under is available on all 2008 Glacier Bay Highlights departures, with savings of up to 75 percent off adult fare in a AAA cabin or 50 percent 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.
“One comment we feel that needs to be made is in respect of children Ñü our two boys, ages 11 and 13 have been on two Cruise West Alaska cruises with us, and they have had the most amazing experience each time,” said Joanna Finn and Murray Tonks, guests of a Glacier Bay Highlights cruise in 2007. “There does not need to be any special attraction for children onboard as the wildlife and scenery, the company of like-minded adults, and the attention of the fantastic crew and Exploration Leaders are all that is needed. So if anybody asks, would this interest my child, yes is most definitely the answer.”
Glacier Bay is a living classroom with massive tidewater glaciers, lush forests and a large concentration of whales, bears, seals, sea otters, mountain goats and wolves Ñü an ideal environment for a family to share spectacular, memory-building moments. Cruise West’s three- and four-night Glacier Bay Highlights cruises are onboard the newly named and new to Alaskan waters, 102-guest Spirit of Glacier Bay, offering up-close and personal encounters that large ships just can’t offer.
Each day, presentations or casual conversation with the onboard Explorations Leaders, National Park Service Ranger and local Tlingit Cultural Interpreter lead to understandings and perspectives on the history, geology and wildlife of this Glacier Region. There are no formal kids’ programs, but special onboard 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 port call at the historic town of 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 any optional excursions in Haines.
Contact a travel agent or Cruise West at (800) 296-8307 for details regarding additional special pricing for children.
~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West’s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships’ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings.
For more information visit www.cruisewest.com.
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Cruise West, America’s leading small-ship cruise line, has announced its inaugural Taste of the Pacific Northwest itinerary, which will highlight for the first time in the company’s history the rich culinary traditions and distinctive wines of Oregon and Washington. The Taste of the Pacific Northwest, the third epicurean-inspired voyage for Cruise West, will join the popular Culture of the Vine and Vintner’s Choice cruises in 2008, both featuring the California wine region.
The 2008 Taste of Pacific Northwest cruise, with departures on September 28, October 5, 12 and 19, 2008, will sail on the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery. The 8-day/7-night itinerary will explore the Columbia River through Washington's Wine Country round trip from Portland, OR. Ports of call will include: The Columbia River Gorge; Walla Walla, WA; Hanford Reach National Monument; Horse Heaven Hills & Red Mountain; Hood River; Astoria; and Portland, OR. Prices begin at $3,149 per person, round trip.
Each day offers guests varied adventures, from culinary to oenophilic to scenic: visits to family-owned wineries and vineyards set amidst stunning rivers and mountains; floating the route pioneers used for barges loaded with covered wagons; intimate tastings and meals with owners and growers; and strolls along cobbled walkways and tours through winery cave systems.
Other activities include: a tractor tour through the Hood River Valley’s renowned family-run Fruit Company, plucking pears and apples along the route; approaching the spillway of the Bonneville Dam and passing through the intricate locks structure; private motorcoach tour with a local farmer through the Hanford Reach National Monument’s towering bluffs and expansive vistas; and participation in a cooking demonstration at the Seafood Consumer Center in the historic maritime town of Astoria, OR.
The California Wine Country Cruises (Culture of the Vine and Vintner’s Choice) are designed for both wine novices and connoisseurs who seek a personalized wine country experience that will include learning about "hand riddling" and other secrets of making fine champagne, sipping sparkling wine on the terrace of a French-inspired chateau, and touring a mountainside vineyard by a tractor-pulled tram. Guests will admire dramatic scenery, including San Francisco’s dazzling evening lights, Alcatraz and Angel Island, and will indulge in frequent tastings and interactive discussions onboard and off. Visits ashore will explore areas of distinctive estates in Napa Valley, Sonoma and Carneros that are typically off-limits to the casual drop-in visitor. Participants will soak in the wide variety of architectural styles of the estates, including French chateaux, mission-style, and Victorian, and will benefit from guest speakers including winemakers and hospitality directors.
The 5-day/4-night Vintner’s Choice cruise departs on the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown from San Francisco in September and October 2008 and begins at $2,049 per person, round trip. The 4-day/3-night Culture of the Vine itinerary, also on the Spirit of Yorktown, departs September and October 2008 and begins at $1,349 per person, round trip.
~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West’s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships’ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings.
For more information, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.
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In a move designed to help meet demand for its 85 optional Alaska shore excursions, Cruise West is making all these excursions available for booking on its website www.cruisewest.com.
These excursions are in addition to those included shore excursions that are offered in every port on every Cruise West itinerary. Previously guests had to call to book at least 21 days before departure or wait until they began their cruise to book the optional excursions. The new online booking option is designed to provide a better opportunity for guests to ensure they receive their first choices.
“We’re trying to make it easier for guests to further personalize their Alaska experience by choosing additional activities that are suited to individual interests,” stated Jeff Krida, president and CEO. “Now on our Website they will be able to book in advance everything from historical tours to world-class fishing, heli-hiking and kayaking, with a wide range of activity levels from easy to moderate to strenuous.”
Optional excursions operated by Cruise West are specially designed and operated to match the up-close, personal, and casual style found onboard the vessels. Cruise West Land Guides are trained by instructors from the National Association of Interpretation, so guests know they have the best experience available when they book a Cruise West operated tour.
Among the excursions recommended by Cruise West staff include scenic options such as the LeConte Glacier Flight with Kupreanof Air in Petersburg and the peaceful Chilkat River Float in Haines. For a more thrill-oriented excursion, Cruise West offers a Canopy Adventures & Wildlife Expedition in Ketchikan, complete with seven zip lines and 4,500 feet of high-tension cables and three aerial bridges. Another popular option is a Glacier Landing by ski-plane in Denali National Park and Preserve, where guests land in the Sheldon Amphitheater and actually hear seven echoes.
To book, go to www.cruisewest.com/excursions and follow the online prompts. All a guest needs to pre-book is the specific cruise itinerary name, departure date and a credit card. All bookings must be made at least 21 days in advance of departure date.
Cruise West offers eight Alaska itineraries, eight ships and 167 departures in 2008, and has more permits than any other line to enter Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Tours to Denali National Park and Preserve may be added onto all cruise itineraries – guests also have the option to stay at a rustic Wilderness Lodge in the heart of the Denali.
For additional information or to book a Cruise West cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.
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Cruise West, the leading small-ship cruise line, will offer more departures, an upgraded ship, early booking savings, and the debut of the Spirit of Glacier Bay for its signature Alaska cruises in 2008.
A total of 160 Alaska departures will be offered by Cruise West in 2008, up from 146 in 2007. The Spirit of Yorktown will be upgraded this fall with a new cabin category that offers private balconies, a new Alaskan art collection, and a refurbished lounge. The Spirit of Glacier Bay, formerly known as the Spirit of Nantucket, will make its Alaska debut in 2008 sailing Glacier Bay Highlights cruises, and increasing the number of Cruise West ships sailing in Alaska to eight.
Land tours of the Denali National Park and Preserve, home of towering Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest peak, can be added to any Cruise West Alaska itinerary, allowing guests to experience Alaska’s pristine interior.
Traverse the Inside Passage
Cruise West offers three distinct itineraries that allow guests to get up-close and personal with the wonders of Southeast Alaska – abundant wildlife, charming ports, jagged peaks, and immense glaciers. Alaska’s Inside Passage sails from Ketchikan to Juneau, or reverse, from May thru August. The nine-day cruise takes guests through Misty Fiords National Monument, Frederick Sound, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Visits to Metlakatla, Alaska’s only Tsimshian community, and the fishing village of Petersburg, where the Leikarring Dancers will perform in the Sons of Norway Hall, are also included. Alaska’s Inside Passage will be offered on the Spirit of ’98, the Spirit of Endeavour, and the enhanced Spirit of Yorktown, and starts at $4,449 per person, double occupancy.
Alaska’s Whales & Wilderness is round trip from Juneau, and gives guests the opportunity to see the splendor of Alaska’s wildlife, including humpback whales, sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise. Guests will visit Sitka, explore the tiny Inian Islands by inflatable craft and visit one of a handful of small Alaskan villages to see what life is like in a wilderness community. The itinerary is nine days, offered May – August on the Spirit of Alaska and the Spirit of Discovery. Rates start at $3,599 per person, double occupancy.
Gold Rush Inside Passage traces the path of the original stampeders from the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. From Seattle to Juneau, or reverse, guests will see the beautiful San Juan Islands, Strait of Georgia, and the coast of British Columbia. Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of Alaska,” and Haines, renowned for its local artists, are among the ports of call. Gold Rush Inside Passage is 11 days, offered in May, August and September starting at $3,599 per person, double occupancy.
Alaska Getaways
Guests can see the best of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Prince William Sound on four- or five-day getaways in 2008. Glacier Bay Highlights are four or five day cruises that give guests the chance to see this World Heritage Site and Biosphere Preserve. Optional activities in Juneau include flightseeing the Juneau Icefield, zipline adventure or hiking. Glacier Bay Highlights run round trip from Juneau, May – September, on the Spirit of Glacier Bay. Rates begin at $1,799 each person, double occupancy.
Glaciers of Prince William Sound, round trip voyages from Whittier/Anchorage, are also four or five days. Guests will see the fjords, islands, passages, and glaciers of Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula. The five-day includes a stop at the tiny fishing village of Cordova, famous for its Copper River salmon. Glaciers of Prince William Sound is available May – August on the Spirit of Columbia starting at $1,049 per person, double occupancy.
Grand Voyages
Extended journeys from Vancouver to Nome and points in between provide guests with an unparalleled experience of culture and nature. Guests will enjoy Cruise West’s flagship Spirit of Oceanus, with picture windows or nautical portholes in every suite. Guests who book a Grand Voyage prior to December 7, 2007 will receive $400 - $1,100 off the price of their cabin, and those who book before February 29, 2008 can save $200 - $550.
Coastal Odyssey gives guests 13 days of cruising from Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage, or reverse. Ports of call include Metlakatla, Skagway and Sitka. The Spirit of Oceanus will troll the waters of the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia and Alaska Inside Passage, the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound. The itinerary is available May – September starting at $7,599 per person, double occupancy.
Voyage to the Bering Sea is 14 days, and takes guests from Anchorage, around the Alaska Peninsula, and north to the Russian Chukotka Peninsula. The cruise continues to the edge of the Arctic Circle before culminating in Nome, where guests pan for gold on the beach before returning to Anchorage by plane. The itinerary is available July 7 and 19, 2008, starting at $9,749 per person, double occupancy.
In Harriman’s Wake provides an extraordinary, 25-day journey from Vancouver to Anchorage along the path of railroad magnate Edward Harriman’s 1899 scientific expedition. The In Harriman’s Wake itinerary combines the Coastal Odyssey and Voyage to the Bering Sea itineraries for a cruise that is beyond comparison. It sails on June 27 or July 19, 2008, starting at $17,149 per person, double occupancy.
For additional information or to book a Cruise West cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.
Captain’s Choice has partnered with Australia’s leading expedition cruise operator, Orion Cruises, to offer luxurious, privately chartered cruises to fascinating and normally unreachable destinations within Australia, Antarctica and Papua New Guinea.
Book any of these exceptional vacations with APT/Captain’s Choice and add, at no charge, a very special 4 day stopover in Cairns or Sydney!
For further information about The Captain’s Choice Tour Orion Cruises contact Ward Reid, US Sales Manager; Tel: 1 888 299 1428
Today's unfavorable exchange rate is making the quest to travel and see the world more challenging than ever but experienced travelers know that, right now, those same currency fluctuations are making one of travel's ultimate "trophy trips" more affordable than ever. Priced in US dollars and immune to exchange rate variations, Cunard's World Cruises aboard flagship Queen Mary 2 and the new Queen Victoria - as well as a host of shorter segment voyages that bear all the hallmarks of a classic Cunard World Cruise - combine the tradition, elegance and glamour of the Golden Age of Ocean Travel with compelling itineraries to some of the world's most storied and celebrated ports of call.
Available fares make Cunard's legendary World Cruises more sensible than comparable five-star travel experiences on land since, at sea, meals and entertainment are included. For travelers without the luxury of time to sail a full World Cruise, both ships offer shorter segment voyages ranging from 15-30 days with fares starting at $122 per day, per person.
Space is still available on some of the most popular segments including Queen Mary 2's day Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles segment with fares starting from $122 per day, per person; 15-day Los Angeles to Sydney segment with fares starting from $160 per day, per person; and 31-day Singapore to New York segment with fares starting from $171 per day, per person.
Queen Victoria's 17-day New York to Los Angeles segment offers fares from $200 per day, per person; the 23-day Los Angeles to Sydney segment offers fares $209 per day, per person; 27-day Sydney to Singapore segment offers fares from $237 per day, per person; and 32-day Singapore to Southampton voyage offers fares from $215 per day, per person.
"More than ever, today's luxury travelers seek experiences that bring both value and meaning to their lives," says Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "Across all levels of accommodation, a Cunard voyage is a pinnacle travel experience which continues to include all gourmet meals, entertainment and enrichment programmes."
Whether guests are onboard for the full World Cruise or a shorter segment voyage, they'll have the opportunity to experience the Line's award-winning Cunard Insights Enrichment Programme. Among the speakers scheduled to appear are oceanographer-meteorologist Joe Bishop, astronaut Walter Cunningham, ocean liner authority and color commentator William Miller and adventurer Harvey Mann.
Queen Mary 2
Departing from Ft. Lauderdale simultaneously with her sister ship Queen Victoria on January 13, 2009, Queen Mary 2's Epic Expedition features 26 port calls on five continents. Included is a port call to Alexandria (for Cairo/Giza) affording visits to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Maiden calls include Lima, Peru; Osaka, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; and Salalah, Oman.
The ship will journey in a westward direction, sailing around South America to Los Angeles, then across the Pacific Ocean to Honolulu, Hawaii. From there, stops include Pago Pago, American Samoa; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The voyage culminates in New York on April 14, 2009.Fares for Queen Mary 2's 90-day Epic Expedition World Cruise start from $19,362 per person, double occupancy.
Queen Victoria
Eighteen exciting maiden calls are highlights of Queen Victoria's westbound circumnavigation. Her first-time visits include Apia, Western Samoa; Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Cairns (Yorkey's for the Great Barrier Reef), Australia; Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand; Nagasaki, Japan; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Nuku'alofa, Tonga; Phuket, Thailand; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Pusan, South Korea; Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; and Willemstad, Curaçao.
The ship will transit the Panama Canal and Suez Canal and visit some of the world's most captivating ports, including Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Shanghai, China; and Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, as well as an overnight call in Sydney, Australia. Queen Victoria will also call on the port city of Mormugao in Goa, on the west coast of India, which is known for its pristine beaches and Portuguese architecture; and the charming port city of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia's second oldest city. Her journey concludes in Southampton on April 20, 2009, where guests may opt to continue their voyage with a legendary six-day transatlantic crossing to New York aboard Queen Mary 2. Fares for Queen Victoria's 99-day Exploration of Distant Horizons World Cruise start from $20,955 per person, double occupancy.
For more information and to book 2009 World Cruise segment voyages on Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.
About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British finesse since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. A new Queen Elizabeth joins the fleet in autumn 2010.
Once again, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 played consummate host to the performing arts - this time, Martha's Vineyard acclaimed organization, The Yard, joined with members of the Jose Limon Dance Group and performed a unique presentation of Shakespeare's Othello in the ship's Royal Court Theatre on Saturday, May 10 while docked in Brooklyn. In an unusual twist on this famed production, selected sections of the play were enacted via a combination of ballet, opera and recitation, comprising the 30-minute program performed for special guests including donors and their Board of Directors.
Following the performance, guests dined in the two-storey Britannia Restaurant and then toured the grandest ocean liner in the world.
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The Boston Symphony Chamber Players, one of the world's most distinguished chamber music ensembles, will perform on Queen Mary 2's eastbound Transatlantic Crossing departing New York on September 4. Cunard Line, the Official Cruise Line of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, will welcome these players and the Boston Symphony Orchestra's esteemed Artistic Administrator, Anthony Fogg, for special performances and lectures held throughout the voyage.
"There is no better way to celebrate the partnership between the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Cunard Line than for the Boston Symphony Chamber Players to perform their extraordinary music aboard the magnificent Queen Mary 2," said Mark Volpe, managing director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. "The Boston Symphony Chamber Players have performed to critical acclaim in the great concert halls around the globe and we are excited to add performances on the world's grandest ocean liner to our list of accomplishments."
The Boston Symphony Chamber Players' engagement is a highlight this season of many illuminating performances and appearances that comprise Cunard InsightsTM, the Line's award-winning enrichment programme, which is now available on all three of its celebrated ocean liners. "Live classical music remains a Cunard hallmark to this day and showcasing a world class chamber orchestra of this notoriety will be a truly memorable event for our guests," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.
The Boston Symphony Chamber Players were founded in 1964 to ensure the BSO could share the unique qualities of the full chamber repertoire with concertgoers. Cunard Line is entering its second season as sponsor of the Boston Pops at Tanglewood Series and the Tanglewood Jazz Festival.
To learn more about the upcoming schedule of speakers for Cunard Insights, visit www.cunard.com and search for a specific voyage itinerary.
To book passage aboard Queen Mary 2's September 4 Transatlantic Crossing, or for general information and reservations for Cunard, contact your travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.
About the Boston Symphony Chamber Players
One of the world's most distinguished chamber ensembles sponsored by a major symphony orchestra and made up of that orchestra's principal players, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players have received worldwide acclaim. In addition to their regular series of concerts in Boston and appearances at Tanglewood, they tour both nationally and internationally on a regular basis. The group has toured to Japan, South America, and the former Soviet Union, and most recently returned to Europe for the first time in nearly a decade in 2002. The Chamber Players have a number of distinguished recordings to their credit, including a critically acclaimed disc of the Mozart and Brahms clarinet quintets with the late BSO principal clarinet Harold Wright on Philips. In December 2006, the Boston Symphony Orchestra released "Mozart: Chamber Music for Winds and Strings," an all-Mozart recording by the Boston Symphony Chamber Players. Released on the BSO's own label, BSO Classics, this marked the first new recording by the Boston Symphony Chamber Players since 1998, and is the first disc to feature the BSO's current principal wind players.
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Nothing quite says "bon voyage" for an ocean-going adventure like a glass of bubbly so it's most appropriate that Cunard Line and Veuve Clicquot raise their glasses (figuratively) to say "cheers" and toast the announcement that they are continuing their brand alliance with the debut of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar onboard Queen Victoria. On December 10, Cunard's Queen Victoria will be officially named by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall in the presence of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in Southampton, England and will christen the ship with a magnum of the renowned champagne house's Yellow Label.
"The tastes of our discerning guests are appropriately matched with the enjoyment of drinking Veuve Clicquot Champagne and we are delighted to, once again, feature a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar aboard our new Cunard liner," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line, referencing the two companies' successful partnership that was started with the same venue onboard Queen Mary 2.
Located on Deck 2 of the triple-height Grand Lobby, the 1920's Art Deco-style champagne bar will serve Veuve Clicquot Champagne exclusively. Appropriately, the Champagnes are paired with fresh delicacies during the pre-dinner and post-dinner hours, a further demonstration of Cunard's appreciation for the finest culinary traditions.
An elegant space featuring marbleized glass elements, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar is sure to become a popular gathering place offering vintage champagnes from the Champagne-Ardenne region of northern France. Accommodating 34 guests, the Bar's design elements form a subtle backdrop for curved glass "showcase" panels with inset boxes featuring a variety of the brands premium Champagnes.
Queen Victoria will enter service on December 11, embarking on a 10-day maiden Christmas Markets Voyage to the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Belgium.
For more information about Cunard Line and Queen Victoria, contact your travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com .
About Queen Victoria
The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will offer the very best of the heritage and traditions of Cunard Line, along with all modern day luxuries including some exciting innovations. These will include the first traditional West End-style private boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia along with the first two-storey library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase. The ship will also feature the line's celebrated Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with an exclusive deck terrace and an al fresco dining option.
From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the sophistication that differentiates a Cunard liner. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers. There will also be a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof.
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 168-year history (she joins the world's grandest liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous and best-loved liner, QE2).
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In a move that underscores Cunard's tradition of British heritage and ongoing attention to historical detail, the Line will introduce the sport of fencing - a favorite pastime of Prince Albert, husband and consort of Her Majesty Queen Victoria - aboard its newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria. To craft the programme, which is another cruise industry first, Cunard turned to Leon Paul Fencing Equipment, the British company whose name has been synonymous with fencing for nearly a century. Run by and for competitive fencers, members of the Leon Paul family have competed in 20 Olympic Games and 30 World Championships, winning 25 national titles.
"Much like the award-winning enrichment programmes aboard our ships, the sports and recreation programme is designed to provide unique and stimulating guest experiences. The addition of fencing, which relies on keen strategic thinking, does just that," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.
"Fencing is often described as physical chess," said Ben Paul, the forth-generation president of Leon Paul. "It's tactically challenging while also providing great exercise. We are delighted to use our knowledge of the sport to provide Queen Victoria guests with an authentic fencing experience using the same state-of-the-art equipment selected by competitive fencers."
Cunard guests will have an opportunity to learn fencing basics or fine-tune their fencing skills with a fully certified instructor using equipment identical to that used by world champions. The fencing programme can accommodate up to 10 aspiring or accomplished fencers at a time for foil fencing, the preferred method for elementary fencing classes due to the flexible and lightweight blade and blunted tip. Fencing instruction for guests aged 16 and up will be provided daily by a fully certified fencing instructor.
Other recreational activities include paddle tennis, shuffle board, chess, deck quoits (the maritime version of horse shoes), ping pong and golf in two golf nets.
For more information about Cunard Line and Queen Victoria, contact your travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com .
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Confirming Cunard Line's dominance in the world cruising category, the well-traveled readers of Porthole Cruise magazine have named Cunard operator of the "Best World Cruise Itineraries" for the fifth consecutive year. The Line was also awarded "Best Onboard Educational Programs" in the magazine's annual Readers' Choice Survey, which appears in the December 2007 issue.
"Few awards are as gratifying as those that come from seasoned travellers," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "To be recognized as offering the best world cruise itineraries and most meaningful educational programmes confirms that we are delivering compelling experiences that exceed the expectations of our guests while upholding a cherished Cunard legacy."
"Cunard Line exudes elegance and style," said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. "Our sophisticated readers have applauded the Line by voting it 'best' in two Readers' Choice Awards categories, and I couldn't agree more."
World cruising is an 85-year-old tradition at Cunard, dating back to Laconia, which made the first passenger circumnavigation of the globe in 1922. In 2008, two Cunard ocean liners will offer World Cruises:
Queen Victoria will embark on Pathway to the Explorers, her maiden 105-day World Cruise, and Queen Elizabeth 2 will embark on her 26th and final World Cruise, the 90-day South America, Pacific & Far East Odyssey.
For more information about Cunard Line, contact a travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com .
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Heart-felt anecdotes and historic artifacts related to Cunard Line's three 20th century Queens are captured in Cunardia, the museum exhibit that is poised to become one of Queen Victoria's most captivating features. Queen Victoria is the first Cunard ship to carry a fully curated exhibit of Cunard memorabilia, artifacts and vintage souvenirs including Queen Mary's log book and her historic Zig Zag clock - the vital timekeeping device that prevented World War II U-Boat attacks against the famed liner.
Masterfully created by the Open Agency, the same team of researchers and designers responsible for several other popular Cunard exhibits and publications, Cunardia tells the story of Queen Mary (1936), Queen Elizabeth (1940) and Queen Elizabeth 2 (1969). Through five engaging storylines, the exhibit explores:
Creating a Queen, showcasing the histories of the iconic ocean liners
A Queen's Day, tracing a "typical day" at sea from the perspective of both passenger and crew member
Queens at War, featuring the role of the Queens as troop carriers during World War II and the Falklands War in 1982
Queens Do Not Race, an in-depth history of the Atlantic Blue Riband highlighted by a life-size replica of the famed Hales Trophy
Inspired by a Queen, detailing the Queens' far-reaching impact on many aspects of creativity
Harnessing Cunard's rich image archive and the latest audio-visual technology and contemporary display design, the exhibit immerses guests in the Line's unparalleled history.
In addition, retired Commodore Ronald Warwick, former Master of Queen Mary 2 and QE2, will serve as Honorary Curator of the Cunard Queens exhibit. Warwick, an avid Cunard historian, was a natural choice, not only due to his own place in the Cunard family, but also because his father, Captain William E. Warwick, captained Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and QE2. Interestingly, Commodore Warwick has traced the history of all Cunard captains and he and his father are the only father-and-son captains in the Line's 168-year history.
"I am delighted to accept the invitation to become Cunardia's first Honorary Curator, particularly as the exhibit focuses on Cunard's Queens. I look forward to sharing the illustrious history of these renowned ocean liners with Cunard enthusiasts sailing aboard Queen Victoria," said Warwick.
"The excitement surrounding this exhibit is unprecedented," says Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "Anecdotes, artifacts and memorabilia continue to pour in - a stirring testament to Cunard's singular place in the hearts of maritime enthusiasts around the world." To tap this interest, the Open Agency conducted extensive research within Cunard's own archives and issued public appeals to past guests, crew and renowned Cunard collectors in both the United States and Great Britain. According to Martyn Routledge of the Open Agency, "the timing is ideal as most guests and crew of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth are now in their 80's or older and are extremely proud of their Cunard experience and eager to share their memories."
Among the most significant pieces to be exhibited are:
A copy of the Hales Trophy awarded to the winner of the Atlantic Blue Riband. Although Queen Mary broke the speed record in 1936 and held it unchallenged from 1938-1952, Cunard Line refused to accept the award on the grounds that the Line still followed Samuel Cunard's mandate to his captains in 1840 to put safety before speed at all times.
A zig-zag clock from Queen Mary during her wartime service. The clock was kept on the Bridge to alert navigators as to when to change direction during the operation known as zig-zagging. Regularly changing course was a tactic designed to confuse U-boats. Hitler had put a price on the ship as a target and as a trophy of war.
Other exhibits include a section of Queen Mary's deck rail carved with the initials of some GIs who contributed to her unbroken record of carrying the largest number of people on a ship; the first log book of Queen Mary (handwritten by Sir Edgar Britten, Captain during her maiden voyage); collections of never-before-published images illustrating the celebrity hey-day of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth; detailed ship models and souvenirs; artifacts and stories related to the "Cunard Yanks," the young crew who brought back the latest New York fashions in clothing and music to post-war Britain.
While focusing on Cunard's 20th century history, Cunardia also gives a nod to the present with exhibit references to Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, including the cork from the bottle of prosecco that was broken over Queen Victoria's bow by Maureen Ryan as the ship met open water for the first time. With its typical flair for tradition and ceremony, Cunard chose Ryan, the only known person to have served on four Queens, to serve as the ship's godmother during Queen Victoria's float-out celebration. Similarly, in December, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will perform the naming of the ship, joining a long line of royals who have launched a Cunard liner.
About Queen Victoria
The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will offer the very best of the heritage and traditions of Cunard Line, along with all modern day luxuries including some exciting innovations. These will include the first traditional West End-style private boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia along with the first two-storey library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase. The ship will also feature the Line's celebrated Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with an exclusive deck terrace and an al fresco dining option.
From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the sophistication that differentiates a Cunard liner. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers. There will also be a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof.
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 168-year history (she joins the world's grandest liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous and best-loved liner, QE2).
For more information about Cunard or Queen Victoria, contact your travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com .
Eleven ships sail the spectacular fjord-filled west coast of Norway from Bergen to Kirkenes and back with 34 ports of call. For over 100 years, this popular journey has been offering travelers a unique combination of history, culture and incredible vistas. The line’s newer series of Expedition Cruises caters to soft-adventure travelers, visiting Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, the unspoiled nature and wildlife of Spitsbergen, and Greenland.
The company also offers Escorted and Independent Vacations combining the voyage with extensive land programs.
For more information check web site www.hurtigruten.us
Pearl Seas Cruises has announced that their first ship, which was launched in March, is in its outfitting stage. “It is progressing with over 150 people working on the ship daily at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, Nova Scotia” said Vice President Tim Beebe. The joiner work and the electrical installation are being completed at this time. The cruise line plans to announce the ship’s name on Thursday August 14th. Pearl Seas Cruises expects the first ship to be delivered in the first quarter of 2009.
The new ship will carry 210 passengers and have international cruises in the Canadian Maritimes, St Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New England, and in the Caribbean.
The ships’ spacious suites (each measuring 302-580 square feet) will all have private balconies with large opening picture windows. All staterooms will also feature flat-screen satellite TV's, DVD players, have individual climate control and Internet access.
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Pearl Seas Cruises has announced that the name of its new cruise ship is Pearl Mist, which was launched in March. The 210-passenger cruise ship is undergoing outfitting and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2009. It’s seven, ten, eleven and fourteen night itineraries will include travel to the Caribbean, Canadian Maritimes, Eastern Canada, Newfoundland, The Great Lakes and New England.
The oversized suites are all out side with private balconies. It will have all the amenities and services offered by modern cruise ships; including spa and fitness facilities, several lounges, and Internet service throughout the ship. The ship is currently is being built by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
For more information, visit www.pearlseascruises.com
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Pearl Seas Cruises announced today that its first ship built for world service would be a larger design with a passenger capacity of 210 and 330 feet in length. The ship is currently under construction and is proceeding quickly and on schedule.
The first ship began cruise service in August 2008. The 109 staterooms and suites will have a size range of 240 to 460 square feet and all 109 stateroom suites will have private verandas. Pearl Seas Cruises is creating the optimum ship, small enough to sail intriguing places unavailable to most of the larger vessels while also providing a smooth, comfortable ride in deep-water cruising. In addition, these ships will offer the intimacy and service expected on a small deluxe cruise ship while also affording all of the modern amenities of a larger cruise ship. The first ship will begin with international cruises in the Canadian Maritimes, St. Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New England, and followed later in the year with itineraries in the Caribbean and Mexico Riviera.
The ships have been designed with the most innovative advanced designs including state of the art technologies and modern amenities: including a spa, elevators to all six decks, Internet access throughout the ship, and oversized suites all with private verandas and large opening picture windows offering spectacular views. Every stateroom is fitted with many modern conveniences and amenities expected by the discerning traveler. The ship is fully stabilized, and meets the newest and most stringent safety and environmental standards. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting, much like that of a fine private club, offering “Luxury Adventure™” with every cruise experience.
For more information on Pearl Seas Cruises’ 2008 and 2009 schedule call 1-800-983-7462 or visit www.pearlseascruises.com .
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Pearl Seas Cruises recently announced that they have joined the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the official trade organization of the cruise industry.
Pearl Seas Cruises offers discerning travelers a luxurious cruising experience aboard a brand new fleet of small cruise ships for world service. These new ships will carry 166 and 214 passengers enabling our crew to provide the highest level of service. The first ship is scheduled to begin cruise service in July 2008 with international cruises in the Canadian Maritimes, Newfoundland, New England and the Caribbean. Pearl Seas Cruises’ new ships have innovative modern designs including state of the art technologies and luxury amenities. The ships will be fully stabilized, and meet the new more stringent safety standards, and will include private balconies, a spacious dining salon to seat all passengers at one time with surrounding windows for panoramic views, a spa, several lounges, and a well-stocked library. The ships’ design will also include an elevator to all decks, and three spacious observations decks. The new ships will also be “green ships” employing the latest features in environmental technologies and safeguards.
The oversized suites (over 240 to 490 square feet) with 94% featuring private balconies will have large opening picture windows or sliding glass doors to their private balconies offering spectacular views. Every stateroom will be fitted with flat-screen satellite TV and DVD player, individual climate control, Internet access and many other modern conveniences and amenities expected by the discerning traveler. By teaming up with CLIA, travel agents worldwide will become educated, trained, and able to explain to their clients the value of cruising with Pearl Seas Cruises.
To learn more about Pearl Seas Cruises and their affiliation with CLIA, or for the new 2008-2009 Pearl Seas Cruises schedule call 800-983-7462, or check web site www.pearlseascruises.com.
Most cruise ship passengers are aware that behind the scenes of their relaxing cruise vacation there’s a bustle of activity to deliver an excellent experience, but few have gotten an up-close look at these inner workings. This will change in November with the debut of Ruby Princess as Princess Cruises introduces an industry first, The Ultimate Ship Tour, an exclusive opportunity to experience an array of “back of house” areas that are key to a ship’s daily operations.
This pioneering concept will give passengers the unique opportunity to explore beyond the public areas with visits to the ship’s engine control room, medical center, print shop, laundry, photo lab, bridge and other spaces for a rare insider’s view of many areas typically seen only by the ship’s crew. Participants will also receive a variety of themed mementos at many of the stops along the route.
“This tour is really the ultimate opportunity for some of our passengers to get a very unique view of the new Ruby Princess, and meet some of the ship’s senior officers in their working environment,” said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. “I’m sure people will be amazed at what goes into running a city at sea, particularly since our onboard staff makes it appear so easy.”
The Ultimate Ship Tour lasts approximately three hours, and will be offered once or twice per cruise on a sea day. Space is limited for the tour, which will be available for $150 per person, and can be reserved onboard at the Passenger Services Desk. Following its debut aboard Ruby Princess, the program will be introduced aboard all Princess ships.
The innovative tour will feature:
Back Stage Area – Passengers start the tour with a glimpse behind the glitz in the Princess Theater, home to Princess’ sparkling stage productions. They’ll meet the cast and production staff, who will show them all that goes into making sure the show goes on night after night – including costumes and dressing areas, scenery and technical operations such as lighting and sound.
Galley and Food Production Areas – In the galley, guests will meet the executive chef, learn about the process of providing thousands of passengers meals each day, and see the inner workings of the ship’s kitchen areas while enjoying a glass of French champagne, caviar and canapés. In addition, passengers will get a peek into some of Ruby Princess’ vast food storage and production areas, each specially equipped and temperature-controlled for a specific type of food. Each guest will also be presented with an official chef’s jacket.
Engine Control Room – At the center of the vessel’s mechanical and electrical systems, the engine control room is where the ship’s technical team monitors everything from the operation of the ship’s propellers to the water supply in each stateroom. Participants will meet the chief technical offer and his staff who will explain the numerous functions overseen by the control room, including the vast amount of power generated to operate Ruby Princess.
Print Shop – Passengers will see where their daily Princess Patter, among other things, is produced. The ship’s printer will meet the group and demonstrate the printing equipment and explain which materials passengers see each day are printed right onboard Ruby Princess. To mark their visit, each passenger will receive their own set of personalized stationery printed on board.
Photo Laboratory – Princess was the first cruise line to go completely digital, and each ship operates a full photo lab with the latest in digital printing equipment. The group will meet the Ruby Princess photo staff and learn how they manage the thousands of pictures taken and printed each day. Participants might even see their own smiling faces print out during their visit.
Medical Center – The ship’s doctor will meet the group to show them the state-of-the-art medical facilities, including treatment rooms, laboratory facilities, intensive care unit, and digital x-ray system. Participants will learn how the ship’s doctors and nurses – all full-time maritime medicine specialists – keep both passengers and crew healthy and handle medical emergencies. They’ll also learn about the most common reasons passengers visit the medical center.
Main Laundry – Ruby Princess’ onboard laundries operate 24 hours a day to wash tons of passenger and crew linens, towels, and clothing – including more than 20,000 towels a day alone. Here visitors will meet the laundry master and will see this impressive operation in action. Participants will also receive a luxurious bath robe usually reserved for suite passengers.
Funnel – The group will then travel to the upper most deck of the ship to join the staff captain for the opportunity to peek inside the ship’s funnel area high atop Ruby Princess, where they will be treated to spectacular views of the ship and the surrounding ocean.
Bridge – The tour concludes at the ship’s command center, where passengers will meet the captain and his bridge team and learn about the state-of-the-art navigational equipment and safety systems aboard Ruby Princess. Passengers will also take in the dramatic front-of-ship views from the bridge’s wraparound windows, while they enjoy special refreshments and pose with the captain at the ship’s wheel for a complimentary photo. The framed photo and a tour completion certificate signed by the captain will later be delivered to each participant’s stateroom.
Ruby Princess, a sister ship to Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, will debut on November 8. Ship features include a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess' signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an Italian restaurant, a seafood and steak house, and "Movies Under the Stars," a giant outdoor movie screen. The 113,000-ton vessel will feature an inaugural season of Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, followed by a program of Mediterranean voyages in summer 2009.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's web site at www.princess.com
About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).
Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. .
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In celebration of National Romance Week, Princess Cruises has announced that celebrity couple Trista and Ryan Sutter will christen the newest cruise ship in the Princess fleet, Ruby Princess, on November 6 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Sutters, who met on ABC’s hit reality series, The Bachelorette, the most romantic franchise on TV since the Love Boat, will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary this fall, and will mark this milestone event during the Ruby Princess inaugural, which will be themed around “romantic moments and milestones.”
Trista and Ryan are one of the best-known romantic duos in recent broadcast history, as they are the first and only couple from the The Bachelor and Bachelorette franchises who have actually gotten married. The Sutters also recently celebrated the first birthday of their son, Max.
“Princess Cruises has long stood for romance and reconnection, and so we’re delighted to have Trista and Ryan christen Ruby Princess as they celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary,” said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises. “While slightly unconventional, their courtship and marriage was exciting to watch as it unfolded, and we think their fascinating love story epitomizes our inaugural theme of celebrating romantic moments and milestones.”
Trista and Ryan Sutter met in 2002, when she was America’s first Bachelorette. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette on ABC-TV were the first and are still the most popular reality dating shows in which one man or woman searches for their soul mate out of 25 potential suitors. Over the course of the show, the bachelorette bestows roses on those bachelors she wishes to continue dating. Trista presented Ryan with her final rose and he then proposed on the show’s finale in November 2002. The couple wed on December 6, 2003 in an elaborate television ceremony watched by 26 million viewers, making it one of the most widely viewed episodes in the history of reality TV and one of ABC’s top rated shows of the year. After their highly visible courtship, Trista and Ryan moved to Vail, CO, where they currently reside with their son, Max. In addition to frequent TV interviews and promotional appearances, he is a firefighter and she is a stay-at-home mom and designer for her new diaper bag line, Trista Baby.
“We’re incredibly honored to be invited to be the godparents of Ruby Princess,” said Trista Sutter. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since we got married. This is a wonderful way to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and also to remind people about the importance of marking not only the key milestones in a relationship, but also making time to incorporate romance into our everyday lives. We are so excited to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
The 3,070-passenger Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers. Passengers will also enjoy Princess' other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini's Italian trattoria and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary.
The new cruise ship will also offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, multiple entertainment venues, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies -- perfect for enjoying a scenic Caribbean islands cruise.
During Ruby Princess’ inaugural season she will make seven-day weekly sailings from Fort Lauderdale, FL to the Western Caribbean. Calls include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico and Princess Cays in the Bahamas. Next spring the ship will move to Europe for 12-day sailings in the Mediterranean and Greek Islands.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's web site at www.princess.com.
About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).
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"We are so lucky that we have Alaska ... everything is different here - it is all so unique." This view from Denali National Park Ranger Patrick Gamman is one of 12 Alaska voices featured in "The Heart of Alaska," a dramatic new video produced by Princess Cruises. This production has already received widespread praise from the film and travel communities, and has been honored with acceptance into two film festivals.
Shot exclusively by Princess in high-definition format to showcase the Princess cruisetour experience, "The Heart of Alaska" beautifully depicts the land, wildlife and people of Alaska, with interviews from some of the people who make the state unique, and who tell a compelling story of life in the untamed wilderness of Alaska's interior.
Available exclusively from Princess, the 26-minute film was photographed and directed by Princess Video Editor Scott Martin. Filmed over nine days last summer in Alaska, the production was coordinated by Becky Buxton, manager of Princess Tours in Alaska. The video will be shown on board Princess ships in Alaska and can be purchased on the ships and at Princess' five Alaska wilderness lodges. "The Heart of Alaska" is the first of a series of Princess videos taking a unique look at many of the company's destinations.
"The Heart of Alaska" has been accepted into the First Take Film Festival and the prestigious New York Independent Film & Video Festival, where it will compete this summer in the best documentary category.
"We wanted to create something that really captures the spirit of this extraordinary destination - particularly the diverse people who make the state so unique," said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. "This is a unique production for us - it not only gives our guests a stunning look at so many aspects of this amazing place, it does so in brilliant high definition. We believe that this new view of the Great Land easily outshines the quality of the traditional Alaska travelogue."
The documentary offers a unique introduction to the wonders of the state as it is seen through the eyes of Alaskans. Viewers will meet rangers from both Denali and Wrangell St. Elias National Parks, Alaska natives, homesteaders and dog mushers who share an insiders' perspective of life in the 49th state. Other voices include a bush pilot, a captain from Fairbanks' iconic riverboat and a mountain climber. The film also brings the audience up close to the wildlife of Denali National Park, including bears, moose, dall sheep, and caribou. Soaring photography takes viewers high above the world's tallest peaks, including 'The Great One,' Mt. McKinley.
"The Heart of Alaska" tells its story through many Alaskan voices, each with a unique perspective on life in the state. Among the observations shared on screen are:
"Being Alaskan to me means being connected to everything around you. My dad had always told me that people live the way the land tells them to - they follow the rhythm of the waters that they're nearest." - Alaska Native Quentin Simeon.
"We have glaciers the size of states - the Malaspina Glacier is the size of Rhode Island" - Wrangell St. Elias National Park Ranger Kelly L. Vandenberg.
"It is quite a humbling place because we quickly realize just how small we are in the scheme of things" - Mountain Climbing Guide Laurent Dick.
"People here do what they do - they don't retire. They have a lifestyle and they live it to their last day" - Homesteader Janel Porterfield.
"They teach me something constantly. No two days are alike when you live with 18 dogs" - Musher John C. Fowler.
"Still today when I see a moose alongside the road, I have to stop and look at it myself as if it's the first one I ever saw" - Wildlife Conservation Center Executive Director Mike Miller.
"The Heart of Alaska" video also includes special features on the Princess cruisetour program, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Inside Denali, and trailers for the Heart of Alaska.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's web site at www.princess.com.
About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).
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Princess Cruises has announced a new season of cruises to the sun swept Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. These relaxing, seven- to 14-day voyages offer passengers the opportunity to experience these colorful ports filled with dramatic scenery, diverse cultures, white-sand beaches and ancient ruins, while enjoying the youngest fleet in the Caribbean and some of the largest and most amenity-filled vessels sailing the Mexican Riviera.
In the Caribbean, Princess will sail six ships on 13 itineraries with 129 departures visiting more than 25 ports in these fabled islands. Ruby Princess will take over the line's 10-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries, offering some of the less-visited ports in the region. Emerald Princess sails on the line's Eastern Caribbean itinerary and Crown Princess will feature the Western Caribbean with an enhanced itinerary now featuring the lovely island of Roatan, Honduras. Caribbean Princess continues to sail on alternating seven-day Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan. Grand Princess returns with an extensive 14-day Caribbean Collection route and Sea Princess will again sail on 14-day voyages from Barbados.
On the Pacific side, Princess again returns to its "south of the border" cruising roots with two ships - Sapphire Princess sailing on the classic seven-day Mexican Riviera route from Los Angeles and Star Princess cruising on 10-day voyages from San Francisco.
"The Caribbean and Mexican Riviera both offer the delightful sense of fun and make for a wonderful warm weather escape," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "And passengers will also be able to enjoy an array of fantastic ships on these routes, including Caribbean Princess and Star Princess with brand new piazza-style atriums and a number of new features."
Princess' Caribbean and Mexican Riviera itineraries for 2009-10 include:
Caribbean
Emerald Princess - Emerald Princess sails to the Eastern Caribbean, with roundtrip cruises from Ft. Lauderdale on Sundays. The itinerary features calls in line's own Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. Emerald Princess offers 28 sailings between October 11, 2009 and May 2, 2010.
Crown Princess - Crown Princess takes over the line's roundtrip seven-day sailings to the Western Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale with an enhanced itinerary that now offers calls in Roatan. The ship will sail on 27 Saturday departures with stops at Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel and Princess Cays. Crown Princess' season will run from November 7, 2009 through May 8, 2010.
Caribbean Princess - Caribbean Princess sails from San Juan on two alternating seven-day itineraries. The Classic Southern Caribbean route features 14 sailings to the ports of St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia, while 14 Southern Caribbean Explorer sailings travel to St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. Cruises depart between November 1, 2009 and May 9, 2010. Caribbean Princess will also offer one eight-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean sailing from New York to San Juan calling at Bermuda, St. Kitts, Antigua and St. Thomas, departing October 24, 2009.
Ruby Princess - Ruby Princess offers a set of alternating 10-day sailings roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale - one to the Southern Caribbean and the other to the Eastern Caribbean. The Southern Caribbean Medley itinerary, offered on 10 sailings, includes calls at Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. The Eastern Caribbean Voyager itinerary, featured on nine sailings, offers calls at Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. Emerald Princess' Caribbean season runs between October 25, 2009 and April 29, 2010.
Grand Princess - Grand Princess offers more time to explore the islands with a 14-day Caribbean Collection itinerary roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale. The ship sails to Grand Turk, La Romana, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Vincent, Barbados, Trinidad, Curaçao and Aruba. Grand Princess offers nine departures between December 21, 2009 and April 23, 2010. The ship also offers a new 11-day Grand Southern Caribbean sailing on January 4, 2010, calling at Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba.
Sea Princess - Sea Princess will offer a series of alternating 14-day Caribbean voyages from Barbados. Seven sailings of the Grand Caribbean Islander route feature calls at St. Lucia, Trinidad, Grenada, Bonaire, Curaçao, Montego Bay, Samaná, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua and Dominica. The ship will also offer seven sailings on a Grand Caribbean Adventurer itinerary that features stops at St. Vincent, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Samaná, Tortola, St. Kitts, Antigua and Dominica. To begin her season, Sea Princess offers a seven-day Southern Caribbean sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Barbados featuring calls at Princess Cays, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua and St. Lucia. In spring the ship sails back to Ft. Lauderdale from Barbados with a six-day sailing to Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. Sea Princess sails between October 10, 2009 and May 1, 2010.
Mexican Riviera
Sapphire Princess - Sapphire Princess will again set sail from the Port of Los Angeles on 32 departures to the sunny Mexican Riviera. This favorite seven-day roundtrip route takes in the prime ports of call of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. Sapphire Princess will depart on Saturdays between September 26, 2009 and May 1, 2010.
Star Princess - Star Princess will a offer a longer, 10-day roundrip Mexican Riviera voyage from San Francisco featuring calls at Acapulco, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. The ship will sail on two cruises on April 16 and 26, 2010.
Caribbean and Mexican Riviera cruises are available for booking on June 5, 2008. Escape Fares for seven-day sailings start at $599 per person, based on double occupancy. Past Princess passengers are eligible for up to $50 in Captain's Circle Launch Savings on bookings made by December 31, 2008.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's web site at www.princess.com.
Loyal Princess passengers who book early to reserve their favorite destination and accommodations can now receive extra savings with the line's new Princess Captain's Circle Launch Savings benefit. This new discount offers Circle Members up to $300 off when they make their cruise reservations shortly after new cruise schedules are announced. The program offers one of the industry's best past passenger values, as it can be combined with other promotional fares.
Debuting with summer 2009 itineraries, the savings vary by destination and apply to all cabin categories. The program is offered to Circle Members at all membership levels - Gold, Platinum and Elite. For 2009-2010 departures, Europe and Alaska cruises must be booked by September 30, 2008 and all other destinations must be booked by December 31, 2008.
"We have many loyal past passengers who routinely book their sailings soon after we announce our new schedules," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "So we created this new discount to offer them extra rewards for their loyalty and for booking their cruises early. And unlike many other cruise industry discounts, these savings apply even if the passenger qualifies for other offers - whether a special group rate or subsequent fare specials."
Once booked, Launch Savings remain in effect, and can be applied to most other subsequent promotions, allowing past passengers to always have the best fares for which they qualify. The savings can be combined with Escape Fares, group rates, regional promotions, and other past passenger discounts.
The Princess Captain's Circle has received acclaim for offering some of the richest loyalty benefits in the cruise industry. Among the many perks available to the most loyal past Princess cruisers are a free mini-bar set up, free Internet packages, free laundry services, priority tender embarkation, complimentary wine tasting, a boutiques discount, and preferred embarkation and disembarkation.
For more information about the Princess Captain's Circle, visit the Circle Center at https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/jsp/captainCircleHome.jsp, and click on "Member Benefits."
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's web site at www.princess.com.
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Prompted by enthusiastic response from its passengers, Princess Cruises' ground-breaking "pocket of tranquility" - The Sanctuary - has become such a popular haven for passengers looking to escape to a serene hideaway, that it will be added to the entire fleet of Princess ships.
Beginning this summer, the line's trademark retreat will be added to Island Princess, followed by Grand Princess and Star Princess by the end of the year. Additional ships will have The Sanctuary added through 2010.
The Sanctuary, which debuted in 2006 aboard Crown Princess, was an instant success as it gave passengers the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a private getaway with a plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting, complete with massage cabanas, signature beverages, light meals, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment. The exclusive adults-only retreat enjoyed continued popularity on sister ship Emerald Princess, and will also be available on Ruby Princess, debuting in November.
"The Sanctuary has come to personify Princess' essential philosophy of escape coupled with personal service," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "Passengers have told us they love this opportunity to completely relax in such a peaceful and pampering environment, so we're delighted to introduce this special Princess feature on all our vessels."
Depending on the ship, The Sanctuaries will be created in different areas onboard, suc