Regent Voyager Snags Fishing Net; Pod Damaged

Captain Dag of Regent Seven Seas Cruises must be cursing those rogue fishing nets right about now. Four months ago, a net got caught in one of Voyager's pods during a transatlantic itinerary. The damage reduced the ship's sailing speed and the cruise was extended one day, impacting the following "Spotlight on Chocolate" itinerary out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Now it's been reported on various community message boards and blogs that one of Voyager's pods has once again snagged a fishing net. This time, the net is inconveniencing a 14-night segment of the World Cruise.

Singapore to Dubai

• March 18: Singapore
• March 19: Penang, Malaysia
• March 20: Phuket, Thailand
• March 21–23: Sea Days
• March 24: Cochin, India
• March 25: Sea Day
• March 26: Mumbai, India
• March 27–28: Sea Days
• March 29–30: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• March 31–April 1: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

(The next segment of the World Cruise, Dubai to Istanbul, is schedule to depart Dubai on April 1.)

News is sketchy at this point but it's believed that the ship snagged the fishing line somewhere in Singapore and then sailed on to Penang at a much-reduced speed. The following day, Voyager arrived four hours late to Phuket, Thailand, where the damage to the pod was assessed by the captain and executive officers.

On Saturday, March 21, world cruiser Sherry Kinne wrote this on her blog:

"We departed [Phuket] around 6 pm and learned later that evening that a fishing line had wrapped itself around one of the pods and our speed is permanently reduced to 14 knots. The Captain and another officer worked for over an hour to remove the line. It caused some damage to the seals which need to be replaced. We will miss a port or two, probably in India, and they are looking into repairing it as soon as possible. The Captain assured us that we have plenty of fuel, food, and ice. It will give us extra sea days, which we love, so there won't be a lot of pictures, but will keep everyone posted on the situation."

According to reports from other cruisers, a representative from the pod manufacturer will join the ship in Cochin, where further damage assessments will take place. The ship will arrive at Cochin one day late and will skip its scheduled calls on both Mumbai and Abu Dhabi. Voyager will sail on to Dubai at about 12 to 13 knots.

It's not clear if dry dock will be necessary or, if it is, if facilities will be available in Dubai. Regent will need to make further assessments before advising current cruisers and those set to join the ship in Dubai on April 1. Stay tuned as more details become available about the Voyager's pod problem.

Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

For more luxury cruise news and unbiased luxury cruise reviews, please visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.

Antarctica Slide Show from Vacations to Go

A lot of cruise travel agencies send out electronic newsletters touting their latest deals. Nothing new there. But a few agencies, like VacationstoGo.com, actually add a personal touch. Alan Fox, chairman and CEO of this online agency, almost always adds enlightening commentary to each e-blast and discusses a cruise or land-based trip he's recently taken.

His March 17 missive recounts his recent Antarctica cruise aboard the Regent-chartered Minerva. Alan also uploaded a fantastic Antarctica slide show to his website. Don't miss it!

While Regent won't be chartering the Minerva next season, Abercrombie & Kent will. For more information, contact VacationstoGo.com or your own travel agent.

For more cruise news and unbiased reviews, please visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.

Lindblad Webinars: Galapagos & Alaska

Have you ever attended a "webinar"? It's an interactive online conference where you can see photos and/or video and hear audio. You can often ask questions of the moderator and panelists via a dialogue panel on your computer screen.

On Wednesday night I attended just such a webinar presented by Lindblad Expeditions. Elizabeth Crabill aptly hosted the evening that focused on the company's Galapagos Islands cruise packages and Peru land journeys.

Elizabeth kicked off the 30-minute webinar by introducing expedition leader Lynn Fowler. (Yes, she is related to zoologist Jim Fowler who hosted Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Jim is her uncle.)

Lynn has been with Lindlad for decades and has spent over 30 years in the Galapagos Islands. It was refreshing to hear her enthusiasm for this very special archipelago at the Equator. Lynn's credentials speak for themselves:

• B.A. in Biology from Earlham College, Richmond, VA
  
• M.A. in Zoology from the University of Florida
  
• In 1978, she was one of the first female naturalist guides in the Galapagos National Park
  
• Doctorate from the University of Florida, based on giant tortoise research
  
• Elected to the Charles Darwin Foundation's General Assembly

Lynn took webinar viewers on a virtual journey to the year-round destination of the Galapagos Islands, explaining what visitors can expect to see on these volcanic islands—sea lions, seals, giant tortoises, sea turtles, crabs, stingrays, iguanas, penguins, comorants, the waved albatros, frigatebirds, red- and blue-footed boobies, and finches.

Lindblad's two Galapagos ships—the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander and the 110-passenger National Geographic Endeavour—were also discussed. Itineraries are 10 days; 16 if you also book the Peru land add-on.

After Lynn's slideshow, participants were introduced to Lynda Prono. Lynda is a reservations specialist for Lindblad and she discussed the Galapagos options as well as the add-on land package to Peru and Machu Pico.

In addition to Lindblad's current 25% off cruise fares for certain dates in 2009, webinar guests were also offered $250 off per person if they booked within a week.

If you're thinking of traveling with Lindblad, definitely invest the time and attend one of their webinars. Check Lindblad's website for the full webinar schedule. The next event, focusing on Alaska vacations, takes place on March 25 at 7 pm EST. Sign up for the Alaska webinar now!

For more information about Lindblad Expeditions and their partnership with National Geographic, talk with your travel agent or visit Lindblad's website.

Photo courtesy of photographer Michael S. Nolan and Lindblad Expeditions.

For the latest cruise news and unbiased reviews, please visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.

Cruise Lines Offer Military Discounts

Reader Colonel (Retired) Wes Weiner e-mailed me a few days ago to let me know about a few luxury cruise lines that are currently offering discounts to members of the military. Thanks for the heads-up, Wes!

Top-tier cruise lines offering special rates right now include Azamara Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Windstar Cruises. (Cruise lines beyond the luxury category are also offering discounts: Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.)

Requirements differ by cruise line but discounts are generally offered to active, reserve, and retired members of the U.S. military (and also sometimes Canadian Forces).

To stay on top of these deals, bookmark this military discounts search page at VacationstoGo.com, the travel agency these special rates are offered through.

Here's a sample of the many military discounts that are available:

• 7-night Tahiti cruise in May on Regent's Paul Gauguin for $1,575 pp (listed at $2,140 pp without the discount)
  
  
• 7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage in July on Regent's Mariner for $2,450 pp (listed at $2,895 without the discount)
  
  
• 7-night Mediterranean cruise in June from Istanbul to Athens aboard Windstar's Wind Star for $900 pp (listed at $3,449 without the discount)
  

For more information on military discounts, contact VacationstoGo.com at (800) 338-4962.

(Unfortunately, not all travel agents are authorized to offer these military rates so your usual agent may not be able to quote similar prices for these itineraries.)

Silversea Says "Butlers For All!" Here! Here!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Economic recessions cause each of us to innovate, develop new ways of doing business, and create opportunity. The luxury cruise lines have met this challenge head-on this year and have reinvented themselves. The result? Compelling new itineraries, competitive pricing, free shore excursions, generous shipboard credits, and with Silversea's recent announcement, complimentary butler service for everyone.

Previously, only those in Silversea's Royal, Grand, and Owner's Suites received personalized assistance from a butler. Over the next few months, Silversea will roll out this complimentary service in all cabin categories across its fleet.

The first phase—butler service in the Silver and Medallion Suites in addition to the Royal, Grand, and Owner's Suites—is as follows:

• May 7: Silver Wind
• May 17: Prince Albert II
• May 19: Silver Whisper
• May 30: Silver Cloud
• June 7: Silver Shadow

Butler service will then be extended to all accommodations on all ships as follows:

• September 21: Prince Albert II
• October 9: Silver Cloud
• October 24: Silver Whisper
• November 9: Silver Wind
• December 2: Silver Shadow

When the cruise line's newest ship, Silver Spirit, sets sail this December, all cabins will feature complimentary butler service.

"By expanding the butler service, we're essentially elevating the qualifications and caliber of our hospitality staff to ensure we continue to deliver a guest experience of unsurpassed quality," said Christian Sauleau, executive vice president of fleet operations for Silversea. "Our butlers come to us from some of the world's finest hotels and grandest homes, already highly trained in the art of recognizing guest preferences and anticipating their needs, ever attentive yet in the most unobtrusive manner."

Sauleau added, "Each butler, assisted by a suite attendant, is empowered to troubleshoot problems and provide special service touches, if desired by the guest—for example unpacking and packing clothing, facilitating a dry cleaning request, or preparing a scented Jacuzzi bath—ultimately creating a suite environment where one can relax and feel totally cared for."

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Silversea's website.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Joines CLIA

Fans of the m/s Paul Gauguin, one of the most beautiful ships sailing French Polynesia, know that as of January 6, 2010 Regent Seven Seas Cruises will no longer manage the vessel. Come the new year, Paul Gauguin Cruises—current owner of the ship—will take over all aspects of her management, from advertising and marketing to reservations to onboard operations.

In light of these changes, it's no surprise to see that Paul Gauguin Cruises has become a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Twenty-four cruise lines belong to this consortium, along with 16,000 travel agents.

According to David A. Giersdorf, President & CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises, “We are pleased to continue the long-established relationship with CLIA that the m/s Paul Gauguin has enjoyed over the years and to demonstrate our strong support for, and confidence in, the professional travel agents who are CLIA members.”

Paul Gauguin Cruises is taking reservations now for its 2010 season and is offer a 5% loyalty discount to any traveler who has previously sailed with Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, or Windstar Cruises.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Paul Gauguin Cruises' website.

Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Chef Nobu to Sail Crystal Serenity in July

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, one of the most famous restaurantaurs of our generation, always encourages his fans to add kokoro or heart to everything they cook. He feels only then can we effectively communicate through the meals we prepare for the ones we love.

In addition to his 25 land-based restaurants across the globe, Chef Nobu also designed Silk Road and The Sushi Bar dining experiences for Crystal Cruises. Fusing Asian and Peruvian cuisines, Chef Nobu's menus are inventive and delicious.

Some items that have appeared on the Silk Road menu include:

• Lobster Spring Roll with Lobster Chunks, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Shiso Leaves...Served with Maui Onion-Tomato Salsa
  
  
• Seaweed Salad with Lemon-Soy-Bonito Flavors
  
  
• Grilled Wagyu Beef Rib Eye Steak with Wok-Fried Vegetables and Three Kinds of Anticuccho, Teriyaki, and Nobu-Style Wasabi Pepper Sauce
  
  
• Vanilla and Coconut Tapioca Soup served with Green Tea Ice Cream

(Click here to download a sample Silk Road menu.)

The chef has cruised with the line in the past and he'll do so again on July 28 when he joins Crystal Serenity in the Mediterranean.

He'll prepare a series of chef's choice menus in addition to greeting guests, signing cookbooks, and demonstrating various cooking techniques.

This 12-day itinerary visits Venice, San Marino, Corfu, Rhodes, Bodrum, Istanbul, Mykonos, and Athens. Cruise fares start at $6,055 per person, double occupancy. An all-inclusive "As You Wish" promotion provides a $2,000 per couple shipboard credit to customize one’s cruise experience. The Crystal Assurance Plan offers reduced deposits and cancellation periods, as well as the assurance that guests will be protected at the reduced fare if a stateroom category is later reduced.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Crystal's website.

Video: Cunard QM2 Balmoral & Windsor Penthouses

Check out this wonderful video tour of the Balmoral and Windsor Penthouses aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2.



For more information about suite accommodations aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2, talk with your travel agent or visit Cunard's website.

SeaDream I to Spend 2 Weeks in Dry Dock

SeaDream Yacht Club's SeaDream I yacht will spend two weeks in dry dock in Lisbon, Portugal from May 15–June 5. In addition to regular upkeep and repair tasks, craftsmen will also transform a space that was once the boutique into two newly designed Admiral Suites. (Never fear: the boutique was relocated elsewhere on the ship.)

At 375 square feet, the new oceanview Admiral Suites—with three panaromic windows—will bump up passenger capacity to 56 couples (112 passengers). Admiral Suites are ideal for those who may wish to entertain while onboard. The suite features a separate living-dining area with a table seating four, one and a half baths, and a master bedroom. The living area features a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, minibar, and writing desk.

The spacious master bedroom comes standard with a queen-size bed, flat-screen TV, and marble bathroom with a multi-jet shower massage, tub, and vanity.

These special Admiral Suites were added to sister ship SeaDream II last year.

Other accommodations options aboard SeaDream I include the 450-square-foot Owner's Suite, the 390-square-foot Commodore Suites, and 195-square-foot Yacht Club Staterooms.

For more information, speak with your travel agent or visit SeaDream Yacht Club's website.

Photo courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club.

Oceania Celebrates as Marina's Keel is Layed

Frank Del Rio, chairman & CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings (left) and Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. (Photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises.)

Oceania Cruises' management and development teams had a lot to celebrate on March 7, when a keel laying ceremony for Marina was held at the Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa, Italy. This ship, being built by Fincantieri, is Oceania's first purpose-built vessel and it will accommodate 1,252 passengers and 780 crew members. Marina will be the first Oceania-class vessel to sail the seven seas and incorporates the best aspects of the Regatta-class ships—Insignia, Nautica, and Regatta—while increasing cruising speed by 20 percent.

Oceania fans are especially looking forward to cruising aboard the Marina with her six open-seating restaurants and spacious suites, 96 percent of which feature teak verandas.

"This is a momentous day in the history of Oceania Cruises, one which only be eclipsed on the day we take delivery of Marina in 2010," said Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings and founder of Oceania Cruises. "We want to express our sincere thanks to our loyal guests, travel partners, and the entire Oceania Cruises team for all their dedication and hard work in making this new ship become a reality."

Members of Fincantieri and Oceania's management teams were on hand for the keel laying ceremony. As you know, during this ceremony coins are often welded into the keel for good luck. The coins selected for Marina included a U.S. silver dollar and a pre-Castro silver Cuban peso.

For more information about Oceania Cruises, talk with your travel agent or visit Oceania's website.

Video: Orca Whales Race Alaska's Inside Passage

Movie: Orca Whales Race Alaska's Inside Passage, originally uploaded by Luxury Cruise Bible.

When people ask me why I love cruising Alaska, I always tell them the same thing: it's one of the most beautiful places in the world and if you love animals, you'll have the opportunity to view bears, whales, eagles, sea lions, seals, and so much more.

I taped this video clip last summer while sailing aboard the Safari Spirit 12-passenger yacht with American Safari Cruises. We were on the yacht's skiff and were somewhere on the Chatham Strait between Red Bluff Bay and Baranof Island.

The orcas were fascinating! It was amazing to get this close to a pod. We were traveling really fast so the footage is a bit jumpy. It was tough to watch the whales and keep the camcorder focused at the same time! This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime travel moments.

See my complete Inside Passage cruise review or visit American Safari Cruises' website to learn more about their Alaskan yacht cruises.

Video courtesy of Andrea M. Rotondo

James Taylor to Perform Aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2

In my younger years, I was a music journalist and wrote for many publications including the venerable Musician magazine, Billboard, Mix, Pro Sound News, and others. During that time, I spent my days (and nights) interviewing high-profile musicians in the rock and pop categories. It was my job and I never got flustered meeting these talented individuals—except once. That was the day I met James Taylor. I had loved his music for years—"You've Got a Friend," "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," "Carolina in My Mind"—and had seen him in concert a handful of times. He always made singing look so effortless; I suppose it is for him.

Sony was opening a recording studio in Manhattan and I was invited to the party. So was JT. He blew into the room and a friend introduced us. I just looked into his eyes and completely blanked out! That's the first and last time that ever happened to me and I still smile when I think about it.

To be honest, it's been many years since I last saw James Taylor in concert but a recent announcement from Cunard may change that. Mr. Taylor will be the featured artist aboard the Queen Mary 2 on her June 19 eastbound transatlantic crossing. The musician plans to perform in the ship's Royal Court Theatre twice during the six-day voyage.

What brought these concerts about? According to Taylor, "I've always wanted to take an ocean liner back to Europe. It's such a civilized way to go, and the Queen Mary 2 is the last word in first-class travel. It was a dream to use the passage to transport and rehearse our summer tour: band, crew and family; kit and caboodle. I'm looking forward to the pair of concerts at the end of the trip and, hallelujah, no jet lag."

At rates starting at just $925 per person, this is a tempting summertime getaway.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Cunard's website.

Photo courtesy of Cunard.

Silversea Seeks Price Break on 2nd Ship

John McLaughlin of Lloyd's List reported a very interesting story today regarding Silversea and its intention to exercise an option on a second ship build from Fincantieri.

In an effort to put a stop to rumors that Silversea wouldn't go through with the second ship build—the first being the 540-passenger Silver Spirit that was recently floated at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard—company CEO Amerigo Perasso talked with McLaughlin.

Perasso said, in part, "We are still interested, because ours is a long-term view. We have to look beyond the second half of this year and the first half of 2010. Hopefully, in the second half of 2010, we will begin to see signs of recovery."

The Silversea exec went on to say that he doesn't expect to take delivery of a second vessel for several years after the launch of the Silver Spirit, whose inaugural voyage starts on December 23, 2009. He also hinted that the cruise line may renegotiate the deal with shipbuilder Fincantieri due to falling commodity prices (i.e., a reduction in steel prices).

In the here and now, the line is well positioned to take advantage of fuel savings in the face of the weak global economy. The company is also making concerted efforts to meet and exceed the expectations of its guests. If Silversea can continue to do that, the line will be ready for whatever the future may bring.

For more information about Silversea, visit their website or talk with your travel agent.

Special thanks to reporter John McLaughlin for developing this story, which is available by subscription only at Lloyd's List.

7 New Luxury Cruise Ships on the Horizon

If you're like me, you've had just about enough of media reports pointing to cut-backs in consumer spending in the travel category. Some pundits are forecasting less-than-rosy scenarios for the next 18–24 months. And while I agree that the economy is in very serious straits, I don't want to lose sight of the wonderful things that are happening right now in the luxury cruise category.

Think about it: we've got some gorgeous new luxury ships coming down the pike:

• Seabourn's 450-guest Odyssey—sailing June 2009
  
  
• Silversea's 540-guest Silver Spirit—sailing January 2010
  
  
• Seabourn's 450-guest Sojourn—sailing June 2010
  
  
• Oceania's 1,260-passenger Marina—sailing September 2010
  
  
• Cunard's 2,092-guest Queen Elizabeth (to replace the QE2)—sailing Fall 2010
  
  
• Seabourn's 450-guest unnamed ship—sailing 2011
  
  
• Oceania's 1,260-guest unnamed ship—sailing July 2011

These new ship launches will ultimately be good for the luxury cruise lines and for you and me as consumers.

Will there be too many staterooms to fill in the coming years? Perhaps in the short term, but that may cause increased competition for the cruise lines to either provide impeccable service or offer lower price points.

Will all of the cruise lines make it through the recession? I certainly hope so, but if they don't there will be consolidation and an opportunity for combined teams to come together with new ideas to meet the challenges of the future.

We're already seeing some innovative strategies to entice new bookings (i.e., Regent's free shore excursion offer and Paul Gauguin Cruises' loyalty program that offers discounts to travelers who've sailed with a select group of cruise lines in the past).

These are all good things for the luxury cruise market. I'm looking forward to seeing all of these new ships take to the seas in the next few years.

Tahiti Loses Another Cruise Ship: Star Flyer

French Polynesia's new tourism minister Jacqui Drollet, who took office just weeks ago on February 11, must not be sleeping very well at night. He's tasked with increasing Tahiti's tourism at a time when long-haul trips are being eschewed by Americans and Europeans who don't want to spend and arm and a leg just to get to and from their vacation havens.

The economic woes of the world have not only hit travelers, they've made a mark on cruise company bottom lines. Last year Princess pulled the Tahitian Princess out of French Polynesia (although the Pacific Princess still sometimes call upon these islands) and Silversea announced that it was canceling Prince Albert II's 2009 summer season in the area.

Now, Star Clippers has also announced plans for its 170-passenger Star Flyer to leave the Society Islands in early spring 2010. The company plans to reposition the sailing ship in the Mediterranean—closer to potential customers.

Sad news all around at a time when French Polynesia's president Oscar Temaru has been quoted in Tahitipresse as saying the current tourism outlook is "catastrophic." He also admitted that “There are days when hotels on Moorea and Bora Bora have occupancy rates of less than 20 percent."According to Tahitipresse, there was a 10 percent decline in tourist arrivals in 2008 from 2007.

Air Tahiti Nui also recently cut back its nonstop service from New York's JFK. Instead, travelers will now have to connect at Los Angeles' LAX for nonstop service to Papeete, Tahiti.

So what does this mean for cruise aficionados who want to cruise French Polynesia in 2010? Well, only the luxury ships remain in the area. The options as it stands now include:

• m/s Paul Gauguin—Currently managed by Regent Seven Seas, all aspects of this 330-passenger all-inclusive ship will be taken over by the vessel's owner, Paul Gauguin Cruises, as of January 6, 2010.
  
  
• Ti'a Moana and Tu Moana—Two luxury yachts currently sail the Society Islands under the auspices of Nomade Yachting Bora Bora. Perhaps the most expensive all-inclusive cruise option in the South Pacific, these 40-passenger yachts also provide the highest level of personal service.
  
  
• Haumana—This 24-passenger catamaran from Haumana Cruises offers 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries around Rangiroa.

So how will the loss of the Star Flyer affect bookings on other French Poly cruise ships? Only time will tell. There are some good values to be had right now aboard the Paul Gauguin and the departure of the Star Flyer may actually open up opportunity for other lines that were previously eyeing this region.

For more information about French Poly cruise options, read "Sailing French Polynesia: Your Best Bets" or visit Tahiti Tourisme's website.

Photo courtesy of Star Clippers

Addicted to Frequent Flyer Miles & Loyalty Points?

I have a confession to make: I'm addicted to earning frequent flyer miles and hotel loyalty program points. It all started about two years ago when I was planning my first trip to Africa. I knew I wanted business class seats for the long journey, but I didn't have enough frequent flyer miles in one account to book the seats. I wasn't sure what to do until I found the FlyerTalk forum.

FlyerTalk is an interactive community of frequent flyers, but all types of travel reward programs are discussed (air, hotel, car rentals, etc.). There are forums for just about every airline, hotel program, and several reward credit cards.

Within weeks of reading posts at the forum I learned how to leverage the frequent flyer miles and American Express Membership Rewards that I had built up. I also learned what fare classes to search for when it comes to award tickets and upgrades using frequent flyer miles. (Subscribe to ExpertFlyer.com to read more about airline fare classes and inventory buckets. If you're about to book an award ticket, you shouldn't do so without consulting ExpertFlyer first.)

With these tools, I transferred miles from Amex Membership Rewards to my Continental account. I then called Continental's award desk, armed with several itinerary options, and was able to book two business class tickets on partner airline, Delta (JFK to DKR to CPT and JNB to DKR to JFK).

Success! And I Become Obsessed

The addiction began to grow after that initial conquest. I turned my attention to my American Airlines account. I had a few miles, but not enough to book a trip anywhere. So, I began playing word games at Live Search Club in order to convert winning tickets into frequent flyer miles. Seventy-five thousand miles later I booked tickets to Papeete, Tahiti.

My AA AAdvantage account kept growing due to various promotions, the use of a branded credit card, and the program's online shopping mall.

Moving On to Hotel Loyalty Programs

As I learned more about travel rewards, I realized that hotel loyalty programs were another avenue for low-cost, luxury getaways. For my Africa trip, I took advantage of a sign-up bonus for the American Express Starwood card. I focused all of my spending on this card for the next few months and built up a vacation's worth of points to be used at hotels across the globe.

And, just recently I found out that American Airlines miles can be converted to Hilton HHonors points...yet one more excellent way to plan an inexpensive but top-notch vacation.

Resources to Bookmark Now

If you aren't yet mesmerized by the possibility of loyalty program rewards, visit the following resources to learn more:

• FlyerTalk forums
  
• ExpertFlyer.com subscription database to view airline award and upgrade availability
  
• Inside Flyer print magazine covering loyalty program information
  
• SeatExpert.com and SeatGuru.com for airplane seat selection guides

If you've got additional frequent flyer/loyalty program hints and tricks, please let me know. My compulsion to snag low-cost, high-class travel isn't going away anytime soon!

Candles Restaurant Expands to the Wind Spirit & Wind Star

Last summer, Windstar Cruises augmented the Wind Surf's restaurant options by creating Candles. Accommodating just 30 diners per evening, subject to weather conditions, guests are treated to alfresco dining at the poolside grill. From hypnotic ocean waves to stunning sunsets to star-filled skies, Candles is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two.

The menu focuses on grilled steaks and fish accompanied by vegetable skewers and topped off with tiramisu for dessert.

For more information, visit Windstar's website or give them a call at 1-(800) 258-7245.

Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises.

Luxury Cruise Bible Now on Twitter

I've just joined Twitter, a social networking site that allows individuals to stay in touch with their friends, family, and the news that's most important to them. Messages are simple and short (never more than 140 characters). It's just enough space to link to a blog post, website page, or online video.

If you'd like to stay up-to-date with Luxury Cruise Bible and the writing I do for other magazines and websites, follow me at Twitter.

A Trio of Luxury Cruise Bargains to Snag Right Now

The economic crunch means that cruise bargains are easy to come by right now; even the luxury lines are looking to fill staterooms and suites. Here are three hot deals I'm following:

Springtime in the Mediterranean
$899 pp Aboard the Azamara Journey
This May 16, 2009 seven-night itinerary is a wonderful value for those 55 years of age or older. If you fall into that category, rates are available from $899 per person. You'll embark in Rome and call upon Florence and Portfino, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Bonifacio/Corsica, France; and Tunis, Tunisia before debarking in Barcelona, Spain. Seriously, can you pass up a Med cruise for less than $130 pp per night?

5-Night Caribbean Sailing from SeaDream Yacht Club
Just $1,799 pp
Are you free on April 12, 2009? If so, avail yourself of SeaDream's knock-out rate of $1,799 per person for a five-night Caribbean sailing aboard the SeaDream I. You'll sail from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to San Juan, Puerto Rico and will call upon Cruz Bay, St. John; Gustavia, St. Barthelemy; Anguilla; and Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.

71% Off Regent's French Polynesia Itineraries
Aboard the Paul Gauguin
If you've got some frequent flier miles to burn, you may want to consider a trip to French Polynesia this summer. Regent Seven Seas is offer an amazing 71% off rack rate for the following dates: May 26; June 13, 20, 27; July 4; August 8, 15, and 22. Cruise 7 nights from $2,195 per person or 11 nights from $2,795 pp.

For more information about these cruise lines and ships, don't miss the cruise line database at Luxury Cruise Bible.

Photo of the Paul Gauguin courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Silversea's Silver Spirit Launched in Ancona

Today was a special day for Silversea and ship builder Fincantieri: Silversea's newest luxury cruise ship, the Silver Spirit, was launched in Italy's Ancona shipyard.

The ceremony was presided over by Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio and CEO Amerigo Perasso. Mrs. Silvia Lefebvre d’Ovidio, sister of Manfredi, was dubbed godmother of the Silver Spirit. Fincantieri chairman Corrado Antonini and CEO Giuseppe Bono joined the Silversea contingent.

Silver Spirit's inaugural voyage will begin on January 21, 2010. Dubbed "The Spirit of South America," the 91-day itinerary calls upon 45 ports in 20 countries. This new 36,000-ton ship will welcome 540 guests. Silversea says the ship will have the largest suites in its fleet and 95 percent will feature a private veranda.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Silversea's website.

Seabourn 60% Sale: Book February 9–16, 2009

If you've been dragging your feet booking your next Seabourn cruise, you may want to consider signing on the dotting line next week when the cruise line offers savings of up to 60 percent on a variety of 7- and 14-night 2009 sailings. Per person cruise fares start at $2,840.

The following itineraries are included in this promotion:

Seabourn Pride
March 18 Portugal Passage I—Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon 13 days
March 31 Grand Mediterranean—Lisbon to Athens (Piraeus) 14 days
April 14 Mediterranean Panorama—Athens (Piraeus) to Lisbon 14 days
May 12 Grand Harbors of Europe—Dover to Copenhagen 11 days
June 13 Norwegian Fjords—Round Trip Copenhagen 9 days
June 22 Scandinavia & Russia—Round Trip Copenhagen 12 days

Seabourn Spirit
June 20 or July 11 Italian Idyll—Venice to Rome (Civitavecchia) 7 days

Seabourn Legend
Apr 16 Iberian Spring—Lisbon to Barcelona 10 days
June 20 Cote d’ Azur & Spanish Isles—Monte Carlo to Barcelona 7 days
June 27 The Yachtsman’s Riviera—Barcelona to Monte Carlo 7 days
July 11 Sardinia, Corsica & Cote d’Azur—Rome (Civitavecchia) to Monte Carlo 7 days

Seabourn Odyssey
July 18 Aegean Odyssey—Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus) 7 days
July 25 Greece & Dalmatian Delights—Athens (Piraeus) to Venice 7 days

To learn more about the above-mentioned discounts, contact your travel agent or Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391. In order to snag the discount, you must book between February 9 and 16.

Photo courtesy of Seabourn.

Windstar to Sail the Canary Islands in November 2009

There is one silver lining to our current economic crisis: Cruise lines are starting to think more creatively and are offering deep discounts (Oceania Cruises), complimentary shore excursions (Regent Seven Seas), and new itineraries to entice all of us to book another vacation...soon.

Windstar Cruises just announced two new seven-night Canary Islands voyages that are sure to pique some interest with fans of the line who were getting bored with the repeating itineraries in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and the Mediterranean.

Ten years ago, Windstar offered a similar adventure in this region. On November 14, 2009, and again on November 21,2009, Windstar's 148-passenger Wind Spirit motor-sail-yacht will call upon the following ports:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• At Sea
• Casablanca, Morocco
• At Sea
• Agadir, Morocco
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Las Palmas, Spain
• Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain

Double occupancy per person cruise fares start at $1,999.

These two voyages are expected to sell out so call your travel agent or Windstar (1-800-258-7245) for more information or to book a cruise.

Casablanca's Mosque Hassan II is pictured above. Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.

Unique Sea of Cortez Photography Cruise

With winter officially here and snow covering much of the United States, you may now be searching for a sun-filled vacation to get you through the duration. If you're also a photography buff who enjoys the warm, brilliant waters of Mexico's Sea of Cortez, consider the March 8, 2009 cruise aboard American Safari Cruises' 22-passenger Safari Quest.

This seven-night voyage through the "Aquarium of the World" travels between La Paz and Loreto. In the company of an onboard naturalist, you'll enjoying skiffing and kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, hiking and beach combing.

Reknown photographers Ellen and Hank Barone will also be on hand to help you get the best shots of whales, dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and all other manner of wildlife. Ellen and Hank will be at your elbow for one-on-one instruction as you frame the perfect photo. They'll also present a few informal demos and workshops.

In a recent conversation with Ellen Barone, she stressed that passengers need not be photography experts to enjoy this specially themed cruise. She maintains that amazing photos can be taken by both point-and-shoots as well as expensive professional SLR cameras.

Here's the gear that Ellen travels with:

• Two Canon digital SLR camera bodies: the 5D and 50D
• Lenses: Canon EF 16 - 35mm f/2.8L, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L, and Sigma 18 - 200 f/3.5-6.3
• Canon 430 EXII flash
• Canon 1.4xII tele-extender
• Compact Flash cards
• Extra USB and Firewire cords
• A Joby gorillapod
• Extra batteries and chargers
• Power and adapter cords
• Visible Dust sensor cleaner
• Portable hard drives
• Micro fiber lens clothes
• 15-inch MacBook Pro for downloading and simple editing
• Lowe Pro Dry Pack

Ellen has written and photographed for many magazines, including National Geographic Adventure, Outside, Condé Nast Traveler, Islands, The Los Angeles Times Sunday Travel Section, and Spa.

All-inclusive cruise fares for this itinerary begin at $5,495 per person. For more information, talk with your travel agent or call American Safari Cruises at (888) 862-8881.

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises.

Windstar Rescues Catamaran Off Guadeloupe

Windstar to the rescue! According to Vanessa Bloy, a spokesperson for the cruise line, Windstar's Wind Surf assisted in a rescue at sea on the evening of December 23, 2008 in the Caribbean Sea.

A catamaran called Sofrane was experiencing engine problems off the north coast of Guadeloupe in 16-foot seas with winds at 40 knots. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre asked the Wind Surf to help and the ship did so by acting as a windbreak for the catamaran. The Sofrane and its one passenger waited in the calm water created by the Wind Surf for over two hours until a French rescue boat arrived on the scene. The Wind Surf then continued on to St. Martin.

For more information on Windstar Cruises, talk with your travel agent or visit Windstar's website.

American Safari Featured in Cruise Travel Magazine

"It's not down in any map; true places never are." That line from Moby-Dick—by adventure-seeking novelist Herman Melville—is the type of philosophy American Safari Cruises embraces each and every day as the line's fleet of four luxury yachts grace the waters of Alaska's Inside Passage, the Pacific Northwest, and Mexico's Sea of Cortez. These vessels beckon guests to choose the path less traveled in order to discover the essence of a destination's indigenous culture and wildlife."

...to read my complete article about American Safari Cruises, check out the November/December 2008 issue of Cruise Travel magazine, available on newsstands now. To subscribe, visit BarnesandNoble.com.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Seabourn's Innovative "Between Friends" Promo: Save $1,500

Here's an interesting new promotion from The Yachts of Seabourn that will net you a $1,500 per couple cruise credit to be used for private shore excursions on most 2009 European itineraries.

Dubbed "Between Friends," the promotion encourages you to invite two or more couples to sail with you on a 2009 European voyage. One couple must be first-time Seabourn guests. If your group meets this criteria, each couple will receive a $1,500 onboard credit to be used for private shore excursions through Seabourn's Signature Service Desk.

Your group can tour together or separately, with your own guide, driver, and private vehicle. Seabourn can suggest a variety of tour itineraries, including:

• Joining a top Italian chef for a hands-on, three-hour cooking class in Florence.
• Going on a tasting tour in Rapallo, Italy, with specialty food expert Guido Porrati who will introduce you to focaccia, pesto, olive oil, salame Sant’Olcese, Avetano cheese, strusciata cake and excellent local wines.
• Sailing via private yacht to Birla, Sweden to tour Viking Age ruins, including an in-depth tour of Gronsoo, a privately owned castle on the lake.
• Riding a mountain bike through the wonderful landscape of the Mounts of Malaga in Spain.
• Letting an expert local shopping guide show you around Stockholm’s most famous boutiques with the most internationally acclaimed brands.

To learn more about this promotion, contact your travel agent or call Seabourn at 1-(800) 929-9391.

Save 60% in Europe with Seabourn in 2009

Still shopping for the perfect holiday gift? How about a 7-, 9-, or 14-day Seabourn cruise at 60% off brochure fares? The cruise line has announced a one-week sale on the following European itineraries:

Seabourn Legend
June 20, 2009: Cote D'Azur & Spanish Isles from Monte Carlo to Barcelona (7 days)
July 11, 2009: Sardinia, Corsica & Cote D'Azur from Rome to Monte Carlo (7 days)

Seabourn Spirit
June 20, July 11, or August 1, 2009: Italian Idyll from Venice to Rome (7 days)

Seabourn Pride
April 14, 2009: Mediterranean Panorama from Athens to Lisbon (14 days)
August 20, 2009: Norwegian Fjords Copenhagen roundtrip (9 days)

For more information, contact your travel agent or call Seabourn at 1-(800) 929-9391.

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

American Safari Delays Entry to Hawaiian Cruise Market

With the Dow closing under 10,000 today, many of us are reevaluating our business and leisure plans for 2009. Cruise lines are no different. Rising fuel costs, tighter airline capacity, and a soft U.S. economy are affecting all companies and sometimes tough decisions must be made. American Safari Cruises made such a decision today by deferring entry into the Hawaii inter-island cruise market. The line's newly rennovated Safari Explorer was set to sail Hawaiian itineraries starting this November.

According to Capt. Dan Blanchard, president and CEO of American Safari Cruises, "It's the wise and prudent thing to do. We plan to inaugurate our Hawaii cruises when liquidity returns to the capital markets."

Guests who are booked for Hawaii cruises will receive full refunds, future cruise savings of 15 percent, and allowances for air ticketing. They also will be given first priority to secure space in American Safari Cruises' other active warm water destination, Mexico's Sea of Cortés. The 22-guest Safari Quest begins the eighth season in Mexico on November 13 with seven- or nine-night sailings through April 7, 2009. Re-accommodated Hawaii guests will also receive a $250 per person air credit.

While this is disappointing news, I hope all affected travelers will be able to rebook an alternative American Safari experience. This is one of my favorite cruise lines and I look forward to when Hawaii cruises are added back to American Safari's agenda. In the meantime, check their website for other fantastic itineraries in Mexico, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest.

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises

Silversea's 2009 South Pacific Season Announced

Ever since Silversea's new 132-passenger expedition ship, Prince Albert II, was launched earlier this year, fans of the cruise line have been anticipating details about the ship's upcoming visits to the South Pacific from mid-March to late October 2009.

The itineraries have been released and there are some outstanding options that include lesser known ports of call in the Austral Islands, the Marquesas, and the isolated Tuamotu Islands. Perhaps the best news is that these Polynesian cruises will follow only a loose itinerary, allowing for the flexibility to stay longer at one location or make a slight detour due to weather conditions.

The following itinerary descriptions were provided by Silversea:

Austral Island Adventures
Nestled in the Tropic of Capricorn, the remote Austral Islands lie hundreds of miles south of Tahiti and enjoy a slightly cooler climate. Tubuai, largest of these volcanic islands, is probably best known for the failed landing attempts of the H.M.S. Bounty. (The island's villagers assaulted the unwelcome ship with a barrage of stones, and ultimately the mutineers sailed off to Pitcairn.) Prince Albert II and her fleet of eight Zodiac boats will explore the unique culture, flora and fauna of Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rurutu, and Rimatara on five 11-day, roundtrip journeys from Papeete.
Silver Sailing fares start at $3,897 per person, based on double occupancy.

Journeys to the Marquesas
The mountainous islands of the Marquesas are located nearly 900 miles northeast of Tahiti and just south of the equator. With a lush, vibrant terrain bursting with myriad exotic flowers and fruit trees, it's easy to understand how this tropical paradise captivated the artist Paul Gauguin, who made the Marquesas his adopted home. On four roundtrip journeys of 14 days from Papeete, Prince Albert II's expedition team will lead in-depth explorations of Fatu Hiva, Pua Mau, Hiva Oa, Atuona, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, and Tahuata, as well as Manihi and Fakarava Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands of Bora Bora and Tahaa.
Silver Sailing fares start at $4,917 per person, based on double occupancy.

Tuomotu Expeditions
The isolated Tuamotu Islands, northeast of Tahiti, comprise the world's largest chain of atolls. Its 78 sparsely populated coral islands span over 900 miles of aquamarine waters. Dotted with quaint villages, coral churches and an abundance of wildlife—from bottlenose dolphins and coconut crabs to the rarest of birds, this remote archipelago offers endless possibilities for real Robinson Crusoe-style adventures. Departing from Papeete, Prince Albert II will embark on five 10-day expeditions to the Tuamotu islands of Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava, as well as Raiatea, Maupihaa, and Huahine in the Society Islands.
Silver Sailing fares start at $3,597 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Prince Albert II is a luxury expedition ship offering an all-inclusive experience featuring spacious staterooms (many with French balconies or full verandahs) and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.

For more information about Prince Albert II, talk with your travel agent or visit Silversea's website.

Photos courtesy of Silversea.

Maiden Voyage Guests Named Godparents of Seabourn Odyssey

I really like the way Seabourn executives think. First they held a contest for guests to name their forthcoming vessel, due to start sailing in June 2009. (The winning entry dubbed the new ship the Seabourn Odyssey, by the way.) Now the cruise line has announced that all 450 guests sailing on the ship’s maiden voyage on June 24, 2009, will be named a "godparent." What a clever way to tip their hat to the very people who’ve helped make Seabourn what it is today. (In fact, just this month Seabourn was named third-best Small-Ship Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure magazine’s venerable World’s Best Awards ’08. The award has staying power since actual travelers vote, and not magazine editors sitting in their ivory towers…far away from the open seas.)

Upper management at Seabourn certainly appreciate the kudos from past guests and feel they owe maiden voyage travelers something special. “Everything we do at Seabourn is focused on our guests who, in a very real sense, are the reason this superb vessel is being built,” says Pamela C. Conover, president and CEO of The Yachts of Seabourn. “Those joining Odyssey’s maiden voyage will not only be treated like a celebrity, but will become a part of the vessel’s history, representing the many guests who have sailed with us in the past and those who will sail on her in the years to come.”

Maiden voyage guests will hold the title of godparent throughout the life of the Seabourn Odyssey and their names will be engraved on a plaque that will be proudly displayed onboard the yacht.

Departing from Venice, Italy on June 24, 2009, the 14-day maiden voyage will call upon ports along the Dalmation coast, the Greek islands, and Turkey.

The 32,000-ton, 450-passenger Odyssey is actually one of three new ships being built for Seabourn. Ninety-percent of the all-suite accommodations—measuring from 290 to over 1,600 square feet—will have private verandas. Guests will enjoy five restaurants, five lounges and bars, a pool and sunbathing area, and a very special 11,400-square-foot two-deck, indoor/outdoor spa facility. The next two ships from Seabourn will debut in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

In 2009, the Odyssey will sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean before heading off on Seabourn’s first World Cruise in January 2010.

For more information, contact your travel agent, call Seabourn at (800) 929-9391, or visit their website.

American Safari's New Safari Explorer

We returned from Alaska two weeks ago and we still can't believe we were lucky enough to spy such varied wildlife. The journey especially sparked our interest in whales and we've been doing a bit of research on whale songs. If you're visiting Alaska with American Safari Cruises, ask your expedition leader/naturalist to explain how whales communicate. It really is fascinating!

As I mentioned last week, while in Alaska we also got to visit the Safari Explorer: American Safari's newest 36-passenger yacht (manned by a crew of 16). She'll sail Alaska each summer and Hawaii in the winter. This 145-foot yacht was christened in May and began her season on May 30 in Juneau.

It's a lovely ship and quite different from the Safari Spirit. The biggest difference is the size. While the Safari Spirit can accommodate 12 passengers, the Explorer welcomes 36 guests per voyage. Since the ship is larger, the Safari Explorer also offers additional amenities such as suite accommodations complete with Jacuzzi tubs and balconies, complimentary massages from the onboard masseuse, and yoga classes.

Here are the stateroom categories aboard the Safari Explorer:

• Commodore Suites (2)—king or twin beds, separate sitting area, sliding glass door overlooking a small balcony, bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower
  
  
• Admiral Staterooms (4)—king or twin beds, windowed door or view window, bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower
  
  
• Captain Staterooms (2)—king or twin beds, view window, windowed door, bath with shower
  
  
• Mariner Staterooms (9)—queen or twin beds, view window, windowed door, bath with shower
  
  
• Single Stateroom (1)—single bed, view window, windowed door, bath with shower (pullman berth available)

*Note: Both Commodore Suites and two Admiral Staterooms are available as triple accommodations.










Outfitted with two skiffs (larger than the one used by the Safari Spirit), the Safari Explorer offers a larger dining room (with eight tables) and salon, as well as a bar and wine library. And, two naturalists sail with this ship to easily accommodate all guests.





All the guests we met aboard the Safari Explorer were having a ball and it was evident in the camaraderie they displayed amongst each other. So, while there are more guests on that ship compared with the Safari Spirit, the atmosphere still seems quite intimate.

The Safari Explorer's seven-night Alaska itinerary, Voyagers' Glacier Country, takes passengers roundtrip to and from Juneau, visiting Funter Bay, Glacier Bay National Park, Sitkoh Bay, Icy Strait, Frederick Sound, Admiralty Island, Saginaw Bay, Brothers Islands, Petersburg, Tongass National Forest, Gambier Bay, Ford's Terror, and Endicott Arm to view Dawes Glacier.

When cruising the Hawaiian Islands, the Safari Explorer visits Kailua-Kona and Hilo on the Big Island, Molokini, Lahaina on Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. This seven-day itinerary includes a helicopter tour of Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, a sail-by of Kahoolawe, an excursion to Maui's Haleakala National Park, and a day-long mule ride down a mountain ravine on Molokai to visit Father Damien's 19th-century leper colony on the Kalaupapa Peninsula.

To learn more about American Safari Cruises, visit their website.

Photos courtesy of American Safari Cruises.

Double Keels Laid for Seabourn's Newest Vessels

Pamela Conover, CEO and president of Seabourn, has got to have the coolest job in the business these days. With three luxury vessels on order—the first, the Odyssey, making its maiden voyage next June—Pamela is always jet-setting around the world to check on the progress of her team.

Here she is on July 1 in San Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy, with Marco Bisagno, president of T.Mariotti S.p.A. The duo are holding coins that were ceremoniously welded onto the keel blocks for two yet-to-be-named vessels that will be launched in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

T.Mariotti is also the shipbuilder responsible for the Seabourn Odyssey, which is currently at the company's facility in Genoa where finishing work is being done before the ship sets sail in June 2009.

This is all exciting news for Seabourn fans since capacity will increase 217% over the next three years! Hopefully this means it will be easier to snag your favorite suite category the next time you book a Seabourn voyage.

For more information, talk with your travel agent, call Seabourn at (800) 929-9391, or visit their website.