We Did It, Thanks to You! Our Charity: Water Campaign is Fully Funded

I have some excellent news to share with you. As of March 31st, our charity: water campaign is fully funded! With the help of our friends, family, and colleagues, my husband and I raised $5,460 to build a fresh water project in a developing country.

Now the real work begins! charity: water will start by selecting the location of our project. It will be placed in one of 17 developing countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nepal, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, or Uganda.

From now through June, charity: water will work with the community to recruit and train a water committee, hygiene educators, and maintenance support teams. Construction for the project will begin in July and, if all goes well, the community will have a new and reliable source for clean drinking water by the end of 2011. Leonard and I hope to spend some time volunteering in this community for a week in early 2012.

The project itself will be named to honor my parents, Theresa and John, and my deceased grandmother. This means so much to me and my family. We’re still struggling day to day with the challenges of my parents’ illnesses but we are comforted by all the support our friends have shown us.

Leonard and I can’t thank you enough for helping us achieve this goal! Together we are providing 273 people with clean, safe drinking water for 20 years. That’s an accomplishment for which we can all be proud!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

New Mid-Voyage Land Excursions Launched by Silversea

On longer luxury cruises, you may be more inclined to embark on day-trip shore excursions or even spend a few days away from the ship in order to delve deeper into the region you're visiting. Silversea is making this easier to do in 2011 with the launch of seven new—and very cool!—mid-voyage land excursions.

According to Silversea, these single- and multiple-day inland adventures provide guests with a more intimate, in-depth, and personal encounter with the local people, history, wildlife, and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call.

"We continue to develop new programs that will allow our guests to enjoy authentic onshore experiences," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's associate vice president of air and land programs. "These mid-voyage adventures are carefully designed to take guests further into a specific region, giving them plenty of time to actively engage in its scenery, activities and cultural heritage."

Here's a snapshot of a few of the mid-voyage land adventures that are available from Silversea in 2011:

Kangaroo Island Luxury Eco Expedition—Widely regarded as Australia's Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is brimming with diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Enjoy luxurious accommodations at the Southern Ocean Lodge and a staff of naturalist guides to lead your exploration of the island's unique attractions. Memorable sightings might include kangaroos, rare Cape Barron Geese, koalas, and sea lions. To join this three-day adventure, guests disembark Silver Shadow in Adelaide and rejoin the ship in Melbourne. Priced at $4,799 per guest, the program is offered on Silver Shadow's January 19 voyage (#3102), sailing roundtrip from Sydney.

Australian Frontiers & Train Journey—Discover the heart of the Australian outback by rail aboard the glamorous Indian Pacific train as you watch unique landscapes unfold. Visit the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, then travel to Adelaide to enjoy a culinary and wine adventure that takes in the famous Barossa Valley. To join this six-day adventure, guests disembark Silver Shadow in Fremantle and rejoin the ship in Adelaide. Priced at $7,799 per guest, the program is offered on Silver Shadow's January 19 voyage (#3102), sailing roundtrip from Sydney.

The Great Ocean Road—Discover one of Australia's great scenic coastline drives. The road was built by some 3,000 returning servicemen and dedicated as a memorial to those killed in World War I. The Great Ocean Road passes through diverse and dramatic scenery with breathtaking mountain ranges, rainforests, national parks, historic ports, and the famous Twelve Apostles, the craggy limestone stacks that rise from the Southern Ocean. This 12-hour program, priced at $269 per guest, is offered on Silver Shadow's January 19 sailing (#3102) and Silver Spirit's voyage of February 12 (#5105). Guests depart from Geelong and rejoin the ship in Melbourne.

Principality of Andorra—Venture into the eastern Pyrenees and visit the tiny, landlocked Principality of Andorra. Although only about half the size of New York City, Andorra comprises a region of seven narrow valleys and is hemmed in by mountain peaks reaching more than 8,800 feet (2,700 meters). This one-and-a-half-day package, priced at $999 per guest, is offered on Silver Spirit's May 3 sailing (#5110) from Athens to Southampton. Guests depart from and rejoin the ship in Barcelona.

Inverlochy Castle & Scottish Highlands—Enjoy a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the legends and lore of the Scottish Highlands and discover what is considered by many to be Scotland's most stunning scenery and important historic sites. A visit to a well-known distillery offers a taste of Scotland's best-known national spirit, malt whiskey. This two-day package, priced at $1,899 per guest, is offered on Silver Cloud voyages of June 25 and August 26 (#1118 and 1123). Participants will depart and rejoin the ship in two different ports, Edinburgh (Leith) and Invergordon, as determined by the voyage itinerary.

Solovki: Pearl of the Russian North—Take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit Big Solovetsky Island, once a former Soviet gulag and today known as the "Pearl of the Russian North." Visit the famous Solovetsky Kremlin and learn the history of the monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 12-hour adventure, priced at $1,299 per guest, is offered on Silver Cloud's July 30 voyage (#1121), sailing roundtrip from Copenhagen. Guests depart from and rejoin the ship in Archangel.

Arequipa & Colca Valley—The great Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa called it the "Valley of Wonders," a land of imposing, snow-capped volcanoes, deep gorges, agricultural terraces, remote traditional villages, and some of Peru's most celebrated wildlife—llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, and the rare Andean condor. This three-day package, priced at $1,829 per guest, is offered on Silver Whisper's December 20 sailing (#4137) from Santiago to Fort Lauderdale. Guests depart from Matarani and rejoin the ship in Callao.

Expedition Antarctica—For most globe trekkers, this is the ultimate destination. Fly by chartered aircraft to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsula and discover the many natural wonders of the world's last pristine wilderness. Memorable sightings might include penguins, seals, and whales. This 13-hour adventure, priced from $6,899 to $6,959, is offered from Punta Arenas, Chile on Silver Whisper voyages of January 20 and December 4 (#4102 and 4136).

Camp Jabulani—Indulge your senses in this tailor-made adventure trip to Camp Jabulani, set within the Kapama Private Game Reserve of Kruger National Park. Highlights include a ride through the bush atop an elephant's back and an open-vehicle game drive through prime big-game territory that supports elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, and other species. This three-day package, priced at $4,999, is offered on Silver Wind voyages of February 10, 20 and March 2 (#2104, 2105 and 2106). Guests depart from Richards Bay and rejoin the ship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Futuristic Brasilia—Visit Brazil's capital and you'll discover a fascinating city designed for the twenty-first century, a masterpiece of modernist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brazil's finest designers, architects, and artists were commissioned to create Brasilia's monuments and buildings, which attract architecture aficionados worldwide. This three-day adventure, priced at $1,699, is offered on Silver Whisper's November 8 sailing (#4134) from Fort Lauderdale to Rio de Janeiro. Guests depart from Fortaleza and rejoin the ship in Salvador.

The prices listed above are per person, based on double occupancy. The optional mid-voyage land programs feature deluxe accommodations (if overnight stays are required), all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing, and some meals.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Silversea directly at 1-(877) 215-9986.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Trusted Adventures Consortium Presents Extraordinary Active Vacations

If active travel is your thing, it's time to get acquainted with Trusted Adventures. This alliance, headed up by executive director Brad Moss, is made up of like-minded travel providers that focus on cruise and yacht vacations, eco trips, biking and hiking getaways, rafting adventures, and more.

Read about the group and explore each member's website. I guarantee they'll be a few trips you bookmark for future reference.

American Safari Cruises—focus is on active and luxurious yacht cruises in Alaska, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and Hawaii.

Austin-Lehman Adventures—specializes in adult and family vacations around the world, including Yellowstone, Bryce/Zion, Grand Canyon, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies, the Galapagos, South Africa, and several western European countries.

Ciclismo Classico—offers expertly designed biking expeditions in many locations, including Croatia, Norway, Italy, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Great Alaska—this is the place to find sport fishing and wildlife adventure trips to Alas.ka, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

InnerSea Discoveries—this is the sister company to American Safari Cruises (mentioned above); InnerSea offers active cruise adventures at a more affordable price in Alaska.

Myths & Mountains—unusual excursions to Asia (Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Tibet), Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, and Peru).

ROW Adventures—from Idaho rafting adventures to the Galapagos Islands and everything in between...ROW offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing, fly fishing, barge and yacht cruising, biking and hiking trips, and much more.

The Wayfarers—unique walking tours in the British Isles, South Africa, New Zealand, India, and Alaska.

Western River Expeditions—looking for a rafting adventure? Western River Expeditions offers trips in the Grand Canyon, Utah, and Idaho.

Wildland Adventures—Wildland has a varied list of itineraries that feature the best of wildlife viewing and active pursuits in the United States, Africa, Central and South America, the Antarctica, and the Far East.

For more information about these travel companies, visit their websites, call your travel agent, or do some research at Trusted Adventures.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

West Africa River Cruising with Variety Cruises

Now here's something completely different...

Starting in December 2010, Variety Cruises—specializing in a small ship getaways—will offer its Rivers of West Africa itinerary. You'll spend eight days sailing the Saloun and Gambia rivers aboard the 46-passenger M/Y Pegasus megayacht.

From your starting point in Dakar, Senegal, you'll head to Differe via the Saloun River. At Differe you'll explore a fishing village, Joal-Fadiout, built entirely out of shells. The cruise will then continue along the Gambia River and call upon Tendaba for the Kiang West National Park and Baobolong Reserve, the port village of Kuntaur; Janjangbureh for the River Gambia National Park, a sanctuary for chimps, hippos, Nile crocodies, and other bird species; and Banjul, the capital city of Gambia.

These are not traditional tourist hang-outs and each port is certainly off the beaten path. This cruise isn't right for everyone, but it's perfect for those with an intense case of wanderlust.

The inaugural cruise embarks from Dakar, Senegal on December 17, 2010 and the itinerary will be offered through March 18, 2011. Per person cruise fares are very reasonable at $2,490. Fares do not include shore excursions or gratuities. Pre- and post-land programs, including a trip to Mali's Timbuktu, are also available.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Variety Cruises at 1-(800) 319-7776.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo of M/Y Pegasus courtesy of Variety Cruises

South Africa Says "No" to QE2

Dubai World's QE2 won't end up in Cape Town, South Africa after all. That's the word this morning from an article in Maktoob Business, a Middle East news service.

Originally, the former Cunard "queen" was to have been berthed in Dubai where it would be retrofitted into a top-tier luxury hotel. When the bottom dropped out of Dubai's economy, Dubai World looked for other ways to monetize the ship. They considered sailing the ocean liner (without passengers) to Cape Town where she would welcome guests during this summer's 2010 World Cup.

South African authorities nixed the idea however when it was discovered that Dubai World actually wanted to leave the ship in country long after the end of the World Cup.

It will be interesting to see where QE2 ends up now. Stay tuned.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Nakheel

Seabourn Nixes 2010–2011 Indian Ocean Sailings; Fear of Pirate Attacks

There's bound to be some disappointed travelers today due to Seabourn's announcement that Seabourn Legend will not sail its five-month, 15-cruise stint in the Indian Ocean in the latter part of 2010 and early 2011. Caribbean cruises will replace the original schedule.

Seabourn president Pamela Conover said the decision was made with regrets. However, the company feels the risk of pirate attacks is too great. (You'll recall that Seabourn Spirit was attacked in the Indian Ocean in 2005.)

Ms. Conover said in a statement, "It makes me sad to have to cancel these cruises. I personally loved touring Kenya's game parks, and the islands of the Seychelles, Madagascar, and Zanzibar are lovely and exotic destinations where we sincerely had hoped to be able to take our guests. We look forward to a time when the sea routes are controlled enough for us to cruise there for a season."

Seabourn will contact any passengers (via their travel agents) regarding this change and will offer further discounts and onboard credits if they rebook an alternative sailing. If it were me, I'd rebook on one of these itineraries:

Gems of the Java Sea
Seabourn Spirit
January 12, 2011 (10 days)
Singapore to Benoa, Bali (Indonesia) via Kuching, Borneo, Malaysia and the following ports of call in Indonesia: Karimunjawa, Semarang/Java, Lembar/Lombok, and Padang Bay/Bali.

or

Spice Islands Discoveries
Seabourn Spirit
January 22, 2011 (12 days)
Benoa, Bali (Indonesia) to Singapore via Indonesian ports of call Komodo Island, Palopo/Sulawesi, Ujung Pandang; Malaysia stops in Sandakan/Borneo and Koto Kinabalu; and Maura in Brunei.

For more information about the Yachts of Seabourn, talk with your travel agent or contact Seabourn at 1-(800) 929-9391.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Seabourn

Zambezi Queen: Luxury African River Safaris in Botswana

People often ask me if cruising is the only type of vacation I ever book. Well, luxury cruising is my area of expertise so many, many of my trips do include time on a ship. My other passion, however, is any type of safari where I can get up close to animals. That means anything from zipping across icy Alaskan waters on a Zodiac in search of humpback whales, trekking through the jungle of Borneo in search of the elusive orangutan, or riding a 4x4 vehicle in the African bush on the trail of leopard, lion, or cheetah.

Truth be told, southern Africa is one of my favorite regions on Earth. The topography is diverse, animal viewing—including the "Big Five" of African elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and Cape Buffalo—is almost too easy, and the people are incredibly engaging. That's why I was very intrigued to learn about the new Zambezi Queen riverboat—built in 2009—that is now offering safaris on the Chobe River in northeast Botswana.

If you're addicted to HBO's series No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency that's set in Botswana, you know the country's southern border is buffeted by South Africa, to the west and north is Namibia, to the east is Zimbabwe. (A very small portion of the northern border is also shared by Zambia.)

Visitors from all around the world are drawn to several regions of Botswana: the Kalahari Desert at the center of the country, the lush Okavango Delta in the central north, and Chobe National Park to the northeast. It's at Chobe National Park that you'll see the largest population of African elephants (numbering close to 120,000).

The steel hulled Zambezi Queen riverboat explores the Chobe between Namibia's Caprivi Strip and Chobe National Park and ties up just miles from where four countries—Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—meet. (It's an easy trip to the dramatic Victoria Falls from here.)

This brand new riverboat houses 14 cabins, all with private balconies. Four are master suites with air conditioning while the remaining 10 staterooms are cooled via ceiling fans.

You'll enjoy the pool on the top deck (forward) as well as the dining room and lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows that are perfect for spying game all day long.

Onboard guides will take you on safaris via tenders (three aluminum high-speed boats) that allow for super up-close viewing of animals. Land-based game viewing from 4x4 vehicles is also an option in Botswana's Chobe National Park. If you'd like to see what local village life is like, the Zambezi Queen can arrange for a tour. And, there are two fiberglass boats for those who wish to hook some tiger fish and bream.

Two- and three-night safaris are available and are priced in South African rand. Pair your voyage aboard the Zambezi Queen with one or two game lodge stays in Botswana; the Royal Livingstone in Zambia for Victoria Falls; or lodges in South Africa's Timbavati or Sabi Sands Private Game Reserves.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Zambezi Queen at +27 (0) 21 438 0032.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

QE2 in Dubai Dry Dock Before Heading to Cape Town

The beloved ocean liner QE2 is currently in dry dock in Dubai. She's getting a fresh coat of exterior paint as well as upgrades to her plumbing and air-conditioning systems. This is all in anticipation of her move to Cape Town, South Africa's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where she'll spent 18 months as a floating hotel.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup (soccer) games are being held across South Africa and the country has worried about a hotel room shortage. QE2's move to the area will help alleviate those concerns.

Nakheel, a Dubai real estate developer, purchased the ship from Cunard and the original plan was to station her in Dubai. The shaky economy put a temporary hold on that plan.

QE2 will remain in dry dock a bit longer as her seaworthiness is tested and other upgrades are completed. Due to the sales agreement with Cunard, the ship cannot carry passengers during her transit to Cape Town but there's no doubt she'll happily welcome friends—old and new—once she arrives.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Nakheel

African Safaris a Highlight on 2010 Crystal Cruises World Cruise

We are animal lovers and our favorite cruises are those that include opportunities to get up close to wild animals. Crystal Cruises is currently touting 18 "Crystal Overland Adventures" that will introduce its guests to Africa's "Big Five"—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—during the third segment of the 108-day 2010 World Cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity.

Two- to five-night safaris are planned for Botswana's Okavango Delta; Boulders Lodge at Singita Sabi Sand Reserve and Rattray's at Mala Mala Game Reserve in South Africa; and Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara in Nairobi, Kenya.

If you've always wanted to go on a safari and love Crystal Cruises, talk with your travel agent about booking the February 9, 2010 21-day itinerary from Cape Town, South Africa to Mumbai, India. Additional ports include Durban and Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Mombasa, Kenya; Male, Republic of Maldives; Mahe/Victoria, Seychelles; and Cochin and Marmagao, India.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Crystal Cruises at 1-(888) 799-4625.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor (taken at King's Camp, Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa)

QE2 to Call Cape Town Home?

In 2010 South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup and tourism is expected to soar. Dubai World, owner of the Queen Elizabeth 2, is hoping to take advantage of the increase. In 2007 the company bought the storied transatlantic ocean liner from Cunard with the idea that it would be turned into a museum/hotel at Dubai's Palm Jumeirah island.

But you know what they say about the best laid plans. The economy faltered and tourism to Dubai fell off the charts, leaving plans for the QE2 uncertain. That's when Dubai World approached South Africa with an idea. What about making a home for the vessel at Cape Town's Victoria and Albert Waterfront? The plan calls for the QE2 to be turned into a luxury hotel.

For more on this story, read the Financial Times' piece "Cape Town Possible Permanent Berth for QE2" by reporters Richard Lapper and Robin Wigglesworth.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Oberoi Zahra Cruises Egypt's Nile River in Style

Today's post was submitted by luxury tour operator, Ker & Downey.

When one thinks of the word “cruise”, the image it conjures up is one of a massive ship out on the open seas sailing between islands. While that may be prevalent in most of the cruising world, there’s another faction of cruise ships, small luxury liners that sail some of the most famous rivers in the world. One such ship is the Oberoi Zahra luxury Nile cruiser, which sails up and down the Nile River in Egypt and treats you to more luxury than you could ever imagine.

While we’re thinking of those massive cruise ships, we also think about hundreds upon hundreds of people onboard. With Oberoi Zahra, there are only 27 rooms on the ship, making your cruise up the Nile one you will enjoy in great privacy. Two of those rooms are suites, which if you choose to book, gives you a private terrace, separate living room, and open-air jacuzzi. Also included on board this luxury cruise ship is a full spa, a cigar lounge, and fitness center. Everything you need to have a wonderful and luxurious cruise is on board this special ship.

When you dock to embark on an excursion, instead of being hustled onto a tour bus, you are taken on private tours in small luxury vehicles guided by an English-speaking Egyptologist. Oberoi Zahra is also allowed private docking areas along the Nile, so that your travels are met with all of the peace and quiet you deserve on your special holiday.

The ship sails seven-day trips from Luxor to Aswan, or you can do the trip in reverse if you like, whichever fits your travel itinerary. Whichever direction you choose, you know your once-in-a-lifetime vacation will be a luxurious one.

Tour operator Ker & Downey offers packages including passage aboard the Oberoi Zahra. It's a luxury travel company servicing not only Egypt, but other exotic locations around the world.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Ker & Downey's website.

Photos courtesy of Oberoi Zahra

Pirates Attack Yacht Off the Seychelles

On March 27, news agency Reuters reported that Somali pirates hijacked a yacht from the Seychelles in February as it sailed from the islands toward Madagascar. Two men, Gilbert Victor and Andre Conrad, both residents of the Seychelles, were on board.

According to Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers Assistance Program, the yacht is now anchored near Garacad, Somalia and is being heavily guarded by pirates.

Reuters says pirate hijackings have actually fallen in 2009 because of increased patrolling of the Gulf of Aden by international naval forces. However, if pirates are now making long-distance trips to further points in the Indian Ocean, it will be tough to police them.

Interested in luxury cruise news and reviews? Visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.

Port Profile: Cape Town, South Africa

This September I spent several weeks exploring South Africa. It's a fascinating and vibrant country and a place I hope to return to soon! While in Cape Town, I was on assignment for Cruise Critic. Several days of touring included a visit to a colony of African penguins, a shark cage-diving adventure, a meet-and-greet with a cheetah "ambassador," and much more. Read more about this unique port of call at Cruise Critic's website. —Andrea M. Rotondo

Silversea Announces 2008 Silver Sailing Savings

Once again in 2008, Silversea will offer savings of up to 50% on the cruise fare of more than 55 voyages visiting Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Far East, South Pacific, Caribbean, Mexico, South America, Alaska, and the Pacific Coast. The dates have just been announced and are available for a limited time.

Here are few examples of the Silver Sailing savings (fares listed are per person based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges):

Africa and Arabian Peninsula
Silver Cloud departs February 7, 2008 on a 9-day voyage (#1804) from Mombasa to Mahe with calls in Lamu, Kenya; Zanzibar, Tanzania; Dzaoudzi, Mayotte; and the Seychelles islands of Farquhar and Desroches. Silver Sailing fares start at $2,747 (50% savings).

Silver Cloud departs February 23, 2008 on a 14-day voyage (#1806) from Mahe to Dubai with calls in Oman's port cities of Salalah, Muscat and Khasab; Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in the UAE; the Seychelles island of Praslin; Doha, Qatar; and Bahrain. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,097 (40% savings).

Mediterranean and Atlantic Isles

Silver Wind departs May 4, 2008 on a 9-day voyage (#2814) from Las Palmas to Lisbon with calls in the Canary Islands, Azores, Funchal (Madeira) and Oporto. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,747 (50% savings).

Silver Whisper departs June 15, 2008 on a 7-day voyage (#4817) from Rome to Monte Carlo with calls in Tripoli, Malta, Sicily, Sorrento and Sardinia. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,657 (40% savings).

Northern Europe and Baltic

Silver Cloud departs July 26, 2008 on a 10-day voyage (#1822) from Stockholm to Copenhagen with calls in Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Rostock, and Arhus (Denmark), plus a three-day, two-night stopover in St. Petersburg. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,637 (40% savings).

Alaska and Pacific Coast

Silver Shadow departs September 5, 2008 on a 12-day voyage (#3822) from Vancouver to Los Angeles cruising Alaska's Inside Passage and port cities of Wrangell, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan; Victoria in British Colombia; and San Francisco. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,797 (40% savings).

Caribbean and Mexico

Silver Shadow departs May 16, 2008 on a 15-day Panama Canal crossing (#3811) from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles with calls in San Andres Island, Costa Rica, San Juan del Sur and the Mexican ports of Huatulco, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,917 (40% savings).

Silver Shadow departs December 3, 2008 on a 9-day voyage (#3829) from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados with calls in Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Bequia and Grenada. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,237 (40% savings).

Far East and South Pacific

Silver Whisper departs December 4, 2008 on a 16-day voyage (#4838) from Singapore to Sydney with calls in Kura Kura and Bali, Indonesia and the Australian ports of Darwin, Thursday Island, Cairns, Whitsunday Islands and Brisbane. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,747 (50% savings).

South America

Silver Cloud departs December 11, 2008 on an 8-day voyage (#1835) from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires with calls in Paraty, Sao Paulo and Imbituba, Brazil and Uruguay's Punta del Este and Montevideo. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,477 (40% savings).

Additional Savings Programs from Silversea include:

• Early Booking Incentive (EBI)—up to 35% off the cruise fare
• Advance Payment Bonus (APB)—5% when paying the final balance six months prior to your sail date; combinable with eBI
• Venetian Society Savings—5 to 10% for past Silversea guests; combinable with EBI and APB
• Onboard Savings—save 5% when booking a future cruise while onboard a Silversea vessel
• Extended Cruise Savings—save 5% when booking back-to-back cruises

*Savings are capacity controlled and subject to availability.

Silversea cruise ships offer ocean-view accommodations, most with private veranda, fine dining, personalized service, Italian hospitality, and Silversea’s unique all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines, and spirits served throughout the ship; 24-hour room service; stocked in-suite beverage cabinet; and all gratuities.

For more information on Silversea Cruises, contact your travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

Panama Canal photo courtesy of Silversea.

Seabourn Security Team Honored by Queen Elizabeth II

Cruise Critic reported a terrific story today about the security team that helped Seabourn's Spirit outrun a band of pirates in 2005 off the coast of Somalia. Britian's Queen Elizabeth II honored security and safety officer, Michael Groves, and master-at-arms Som Bahadur Gurung for the part they played in keeping Spirit's passengers safe.

Check out the full story at Cruise Critic.