Windstar Throws in Airfare on 12 Mediterranean Voyages

Windstar Cruises announced a solid deal for 12 of its Mediterranean voyages for this summer and fall. In addition to a low per person cruise fare (starting at $2,199), economy airfare from New York is included.

The cruises including free airfare from New York are:

7-Day Wind Surf Itineraries

August 2, 9 & 16; September 20; November 2

7-Day Wind Star Itineraries

July 4 & 18; August 15 & 29; October 24

7-Day Wind Spirit Itineraries

July 18; October 31

Sample Savings

So, let's take the October 24 sailing on Wind Star as an example. I searched Kayak.com and found the lowest airfare from New York to Rome and Barcelona to New York. British Airways offered the cheapest economy fare at $538 per person.

Subtract $538 from your cruise fare of $2,199 and you're left paying a $237 per diem. That's a pretty good deal. Of course, not as good as the $999 Mediterranean cruise fare from Windstar that was floating around a few weeks ago, but if you didn't snag that deal this one may work for you as well. Happy sailing!

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Andrea M. Rotondo

Win a 33oz Tortuga Rum Cake. Simply comment on any post in this blog (include your e-mail address) or subscribe to have blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail in-box. Learn more about the contest here.

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Comparing Travel Insurance Options

Yesterday I blogged about the importance of purchasing travel insurance, especially if you're worried about one of your travel providers (a hotel, airline, or cruise line) going into bankruptcy.

Below you'll find some links to travel insurance comparison sites and insurance providers. It's worth your time to click around and read a bit about the packages offered.

Travel Insurance Comparison Websites

• InsureMyTrip.com
• Quote Wright
• Square Mouth
• Total Travel Insurance
• Trip Insurance

Travel Insurance Providers

• CSA Travel Protection
• HTH Worldwide
• Medjet Assist
• Travelex Insurance Services

Protect your next vacation with travel insurance. You may never need it, but it's so worth the money when things go wrong!

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Win a 33oz Tortuga Rum Cake. Simply comment on any post in this blog (include your e-mail address) or subscribe to have blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail in-box. Learn more about the contest here.

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How Much Trouble Are the Luxury Cruise Lines Really In?

The prolonged global credit crunch is hurting all segments of industry, but tourism and hospitality has been especially hard-hit. Cruise lines—with their incredibly high overhead and tight profit margins—are battling a decrease in bookings while at the same time additional capacity is coming online. (Seabourn's 450-passenger Odyssey sets sail this June and Silversea's 540-guest Silver Spirit begins sailing in December. Three additional luxury cruise ships—Seabourn Sojourn, Oceania Marina, and Cunard's Queen Elizabeth—will all come online in 2010.)

Each luxury cruise line is drawing its own line in the sand right now. No two companies are approaching this economic crisis in exactly the same manner, but they all have one thing in common: the number-one priority of filling cabins.

The Yachts of Seabourn—A Success Story
The Yachts of Seabourn has been especially focused in charting actionable itineraries, offering preferred pricing up to 65 percent off brochure fares, and building excitement about its soon-to-be sailing Odyssey. Other lines haven't been as aggressive and their bookings have suffered. Meanwhile, Seabourn announced a spike in both first-time guest bookings and first-time travel agent activity. Travelers know a good deal when they see one and that explains why Seabourn's first-time guest percentage rose to 67 percent for bookings during the first three months of 2009. Step Two of Seabourn's plan is to wow these first-time guests and convert them to loyal "Seabournites" that will return to the cruise line again and again in the future—even when rates rise to previous benchmarks.

While the media has been very favorable to Seabourn in recent days, other cruise lines haven't been so lucky. Rumors of possible bankruptcy plague Windstar Cruises (after parent company Ambassadors missed a loan payment last week) and the Norwegian press has been raising a warning about SeaDream Yacht Club. While less dire, Silversea has also been on the receiving end of some press coverage that questions their long-term strategies.

Should we be worried about these reports and rumors? Yes and no.


Can Windstar Cruises Avoid Bankruptcy?
Let's start with Windstar Cruises. They are owned by Ambassadors International (NASDAQ: AMIE). They've been in the news a lot over the past few days because of a missed loan payment and their recently filed 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained therein paints the picture of a company selling most of its assets as quickly as possible to avoid a bankruptcy filing.

Ambassadors owned Majestic America Line, which they mothballed in January 2009 after failing to find a buyer to take the beleaguered line off their hands. Since February Ambassadors has been open about the fact that they plan to focus solely on the Windstar brand in the future and, as such, sold off their travel and events division to Lakeview Equity Partners of Milwaukee. Several weeks ago, CEO Joe Ueberroth stepped down and Ambassadors announced it would move its corporate headquarters to Seattle, where Windstar is located.

I love the Windstar brand and am rooting for the successful restructuring of the company. However, if booking a Windstar cruise you may want to carry the appropriate travel insurance (a policy that includes the financial default of the travel provider). Windstar has some excellent pricing for the Mediterranean this summer and I may still taken advantage of one of the itineraries, but I would book a bit closer to the sail date.

I actually thought about buying some put options on Ambassadors' stock, but they're not being offered. Darn! That would have hedged my bet nicely!


Is SeaDream Yacht Club for Sale or Not?
With its parent company in Norway, definitive information about SeaDream is a bit tougher to come by. Earlier this week newspapers were reporting that SeaDream's parent company, CG Holding, was in financial hot water because of the poor performance of its retail businesses. (The situation is similar to Regent's parent Apollo and the failings of Linens 'n' Things and other retailers under its wing.)

While the media reported that all CG Holding companies were for sale, SeaDream CEO Atle Brynestad came out adamantly on Tuesday saying the luxury cruise line was absolutely not for sale. He told Cruise Week that SeaDream itself is doing well and, in fact, has enjoyed 100 percent occupancy in 2008 and through the first quarter of 2009. (While I can't confirm that percentage, I do hope SeaDream I and II are sailing very close to capacity.)

While SeaDream isn't offering as deep discounts as Windstar, there are still some excellent values to be had for the Mediterranean this summer. Still, being the cautious one, I'd spring for the travel insurance just for peace of mind.


Silversea and Its Long-Term Outlook
While the rumors aren't quite so loud about Silversea's financial fitness, there are some industry insiders and pundits who are actively questioning the future of this gem of a cruise line. If you follow travel agent Eric Goldring's blog, This Is My Yacht, you'll know he's got some strong opinions when it comes to Silversea.

Like the other cruise lines, Silversea is aggressively discounting its sailings in the hopes of increasing occupancy. They are also offering a 15 percent discount for prepayment. They've shuffled the management team and terminated several key employees including David Morris and Marilyn Conroy. Ken Watson, formerly with Regent, joined Silversea last month. And, troubling to many fans of the cruise line, they've put an indefinite hold on the dry dock of Silver Cloud.

What does all that mean? It's hard to tell. I'm less worried about the immediate future of Silversea, but this challenging economic landscape is of long-term concern to all cruise lines.


Ride the Waves
It's important that we are all aware of the financial health of all of our travel partners and make decisions that are in keeping with our personal comfort levels. Let's keep traveling and supporting the brands that we count on to bring us the best in luxury vacations.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Win a 33oz Tortuga Rum Cake. Simply comment on any post in this blog (include your e-mail address) or subscribe to have blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail in-box. Learn more about the contest here.

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Contest: Win a Taste of the Caribbean from Tortuga Rum Company!

LuxuryCruiseBible.com is happy to announce the first of many giveaways. It's our way of saying 'thanks' for supporting this blog and our associated website.

Tortuga Rum Company of the Cayman Islands is our first prize sponsor and they will gift one lucky winner with a scrumptious 33 oz. Tortuga Rum Cake.

If you've cruised the Caribbean before, you're no doubt already acquainted with these awesome treats. It's the quintessential gift to stock up on and share with your friends back home.

The cakes are available in several delectable flavors, including...

• original with walnuts
• chocolate
• coconut
• Blue Mountain coffee
• banana
• Key lime
• pineapple
• cinnamon raisin

Of course, Tortuga Rum Company makes a lot more than just cakes. They are, of course, best known for their rum as well as truffles, fudge, coffee, sauces and jellies, and honey.

The genesis of the company is actually quite interesting. The husband-and-wife team of Robert and Carlene Hamaty dreamed up the concept for Tortuga Rum Company in 1984 when they were still both working for Cayman Airways. They noticed that travelers were leaving the Caribbean with Bermuda Rum, which was actually made in the Caribbean and then shipped to Bermuda for bottling. They decided that the Cayman Islands needed its own brand of rum and their business was born.

Today, the Tortuga label is known and respected throughout the Caribbean.

About the Contest
One lucky reader will be randomly chosen from all entries to win a 33 oz. Tortuga Rum Cake.
Contest starts midnight April 21 and ends Sunday, May 3 at 11:59 pm.
Contest is restricted to residents of the United States.

How to Enter
There are two ways to enter to win:

1. Simply subscribe to the e-mail feed of this blog by typing your e-mail address in the 'Subscribe' box at the upper right of this blog's homepage. (You must confirm and activate your subscription in order to be considered a "subscriber.") OR...
   
   
2. Add a comment to any post. If you decide to leave a comment, you'll need to include your e-mail address so I may make contact if you are the winner.

So, take a chance and enter today! I'll remind you to enter again between now and the contest end date of May 3 at 11:59 pm. Good luck!

And, if you just can't wait to see if you're a winner, you can order a Tortuga Rum Cake now.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Tortuga Rum Company

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Regent Pulls Tokens in Favor of Regent Rewards

Passengers aboard Regent's Seven Seas Voyager are reporting that the cruise line has ended its practice of giving out tokens for participating in certain onboard activities such as playing trivia. These tokens were redeemable for Regent logo items.

Regent will replace the token award system with something called Regent Rewards. I don't have any details about this program as of now but will report back as I dig up more information.

If you've been saving your tokens for something special, it appears that you may be out of luck as rumor has it that existing tokens will not be transferable to the new Regent Rewards program. That's an unconfirmed rumor though so let's wait and see what the Rewards program entails before we get too nervous. Special thanks to Peggy (xrvlcruiser) for this tip.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

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3 Favorite Alaska Itineraries This Summer

Alaska is one destination I could cruise every summer. The landscape is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen and the animal viewing—from bears to whales to eagles to seals to deers—is spectacular. And don't even get me started when it comes to the glaciers. There is something magical when you're out on the water approaching a massive glacier or fjord.

Here are three of my favorite Alaskan itineraries that are still bookable for this summer:

American Safari Cruises
Yachtsman's Crowning Glacier, Whale, and Bear Expedition
7-night Juneau Roundtrip aboard the 12-passenger Safari Spirit

This is a new itinerary from luxury yacht company, American Safari Cruises. I'm an advocate of ASC's for several reasons:

• no set itinerary allows the yacht's captain to follow the wildlife and the unique interests of the guests onboard
  
• small yachts with high crew-to-guest ratios
  
• onboard naturalists
• plenty of time for hiking, kayaking, skiffing, whale-watching, and other outdoor activities
• all-inclusive experience with excellent gourmet cuisine and top-shelf wines, champagnes, and liquors

This voyage begins in Juneau with the first day spent cruising Stephen's Passage. The next two days are spent exploring Admiralty Island and Gambier Bay. This is where you'll likely view brown bears, eagles, deer, whales, and other animals. You'll head to Sail Island, a sea lion haul-out, and Pybus Bay on Day Three. Frederick Sound will be explored on Day Four as you hike The Brothers Islands. This is where you'll often see humpback whales. Later in the day you'll cruise by Five Fingers Island and Windham Bay where you can watch for sharks or go onshore for another hike. Days Five through Seven feature the incredible fjords of Endicott and Tracy Arms and Dawes and Sawyer glaciers.

This itinerary embarks Juneau on May 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20, 27; and July 4. All-inclusive cruise fares begin at $5,495 per person. For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Vancouver, Canada to Seward, Alaska
7-night cruise aboard the Seven Seas Mariner

The Mariner is one of my favorite ships. With just 700 passengers and an excellent crew, you'll love your time spent onboard. This is a smashing Alaskan itinerary for those who don't want to jump in and out of a skiff at the drop of a hat. You'll view the gorgeous Alaskan scenery but you'll experience it at a greater distance than you would from a smaller, more intimate ship that caters to super active travelers.

Your itinerary includes:

• Embark in Vancouver, Canada
• Cruising the Inside Passage
• Ketchikan, Alaska
• Cruising Tracy Arm
• Juneau, Alaskas
• Skagway, Alaksa
• Sitka, Alaska
• Cruising Hubbard Glacier
• Disembark in Seward, Alaska

This itinerary embarks Vancouver on May 20; June 3, 10*, 17, 24*; July 1, 8*, 15, 22*, 29; August 5*, 12, 19*, 26; and September 2* and 9. (* indicates the reverse itinerary.) Regent's cruise fare includes all liquor and shore excursions. There are also special 2-for-1 offers and free airfare deals. Talk with your travel agent or Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Silversea
12-night Roundtrip Out of San Francisco
382-passenger Silver Shadow

This is the ideal voyage for those who want to combine some relaxing sea days with an Alaskan cruise.

Itineraries include:

• Embark from San Francisco
• Two days at sea
• Ketchikan, Alaska
• Wrangell, Alaska
• Cruise Sawyer Glacier
• Juneau, Alaska
• Sitka, Alaska
• Sea Day
• Victoria, B.C., Canada
• Sea Day
• San Francisco

This itinerary embarks June 26; and July 8 and 20. All-inclusive cruise fares start at $6,646 and includes free economy air. For more information, talk with your travel agent or Silversea.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Leonard Hospidor

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Would You Retrace Titanic's Last Voyage?

Am I the only one who finds the idea of a memorial cruise commemorating the 100th anniversary of Titanic's sinking a bit odd?

Reservations are open now for this April 8, 2012 twelve-night cruise aboard the MS Balmoral from Southampton to New York City. Miles Morgan Travel, a British firm, is partnering with Fred Olsen Cruises to present this itinerary that follows the RMS Titanic's itinerary:

• Southampton, England
• Cobh, Ireland
  
• Sail the Atlantic to the site of Titanic's sinking
• Halifax, Nova Scotia
• New York City

MS Balmoral will arrive at the Titanic's resting place on April 14/15, exactly 100 years after that fateful evening. After a memorial service, your ship will continue on to Halifax (where many of Titanic's victims were laid to rest) and then on to New York City, Titanic's original disembarkation point.

Cruise fares start at $4,200 per person for an inside stateroom. Visit the Titanic Memorial Cruise website for more information.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Logo courtesy of the Titanic Memorial Cruise.

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Should We Ban Antarctica "Cruise-Bys"?

Should scenic "cruise-bys" be banned in Antarctica? That's what Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions—one of several cruise operators in the region—thinks. He'd like to see more regulations when it comes to tourism policies in Antarctica.

As you may imagine, limiting access to other cruise lines would ultimately help his business, but there's more to it than that according to the company. That's why this week Lindblad threw his staunch support behind the call from the Obama Administration for stricter enforcement and limits on tourism. (You'll recall that last week I wrote about the suggested amendments to the Antarctica Treaty.)

In essence the amendments will make a formal policy out of the voluntary practices that members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operations (IAATO) follow now.

For example:

• Limit landings to no more than 100 people at a time
  
  
• Provide at least one guide for every 20 travelers
  
  
• Ships with more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land tourists

Lindblad argues that ships with a capacity of more than 500 passengers shouldn't even be allowed access to Antarctica for scenic cruise-bys. Why? It's a simple matter of safety. Those ships don't often sail the region and are less familiar with the poorly charted region and they are usually non ice-class vessels without special reinforced hulls. An accident with a ship like that could lead to the loss of lives as well as negatively impacting the environment.

Lindblad Travel, parent company of Lindblad Expeditions, was one of the first tour operators to offer travel packages to Antarctica. That was back in 1966 and the company has spent decades intimately acquainted with the area and respecting its unique topography and ecology. In fact, Sven Lindblad himself spent 1973/1974 in Antarctica working with his father on the Lindblad Explorer, the first purpose-built expedition ship. "It was exciting, to be sure, but not without danger," says Lindblad. "We were hit twice by storms so intense and without warning that it's still a surprise to me that no serious accidents occurred."

Lindblad went on to explain that today "our ship expeditions are much safer than they were in the 1970s, as we have better weather and ice prediction services, improved emergency communications, and new technology that allows us to navigate our ships more safely. But clearly the most important difference is how much more experience we have now, and our captains and expedition leaders are—without a doubt—the most experienced and knowledgeable in the industry, with many of them having over 100 expeditions in the ice of Antarctica."

"Lindblad Expeditions believes it is important for the entire industry, and not just a segment of it, to operate at the highest standards possible, with well equipped, well built ships and knowledgeable, experienced crews," maintains Lindblad. "I am confident in our ability and experience to test limits and give our guests an exciting expedition by taking them into the real teeth of Antarctica, and also to get them back safely. It makes sense for everyone operating down there to be similarly confident, and we hope these guidelines are formalized."

For more information, visit the…

• Secretariat of the Antarctica Treaty
  
  
• National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs
  
  
• Association of Antarctic Tour Operations
  
  
• Lindblad Expeditions

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Sailing French Polynesia: Your Best Bets

No matter where you live and or which far off lands you’ve already visited, just about all of us dream of traveling to the enchanting islands of the South Pacific. The snow-white tiara Maohi flower, Tahitian black pearls, spectacular snorkeling, and over-the-water bungalows typify a stay in the Society Islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Rangiroa.

The luxury cruise landscape in French Polynesia is changing fast. No longer limited to the Society Islands, cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Nomade Yachting offer off-the-beaten path adventures to the Tuamotu Islands and Marquesas Islands.

Whether you seek a mid-size vessel or the intimacy of a 20-cabin yacht, you’ll find what your heart desires in the South Pacific.

Read more about the luxury cruise ships currently sailing French Polynesia at LuxuryCruiseBible.com. —Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo of Bora Bora courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Le Ponant Pirate Attack Story in Vanity Fair

It's troubling to see that Somali pirates have ramped up their attacks on vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden and throughout the Indian Ocean. Perhaps now the proper motivation—an American ship attacked and a U.S. citizen held captive (luckily freed on Sunday)—is in place for the United States to effectively deal with this crisis.

Previously, ship owners have said it's not possible to carry onboard weapons since insurance premiums would triple. Bean counters made the calculated choice that it would be cheaper to roll the dice and simply pay the ransom when the pirates came calling.

Now with a tense hostage situation playing out, countries and corporations around the world may need to rethink their position on Somali pirates.

Vanity Fair magazine has published a fascinating article by reporter William Langewiesche recounting last spring's Somali pirate hijacking of French luxury yacht Le Ponant. This is a long article but it offers some good background so we may place this week's hijackings in perspective. —Andrea M. Rotondo

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

Luxury Cruise Reviews Now Online

If you read this blog on a regular basis, I hope you're also visiting the companion website: Luxury Cruise Bible.

You'll find...

• Luxury cruise line overviews
  
  
• Cruise ship descriptions
  
  
• Photo galleries
  
  
• Trip planning articles
  
  
• A comprehensive links pages
  
  
• Cruise reviews

The "Cruise Reviews" section is quickly becoming the most visited area of the website and new reviews, written by travelers just like you, are being uploaded every day. I invite you to submit a cruise review.

It's easy to submit a luxury cruise review. Simply fill out the form at Luxury Cruise Bible. Sharing your thoughts with other cruisers is important. You'll help others make decisions about which cruise lines and ships to try and you'll encourage others to share their opinions as well.

Write a cruise review today! —Andrea M. Rotondo

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

Seabourn Odyssey Plans Its Diamond Showroom

Watch out, gentlemen! Seabourn has announced that one of Odyssey's duty-free boutiques will include The Collection. This is the spot your honey will head to try on jewelry and watches from an array of top designers like Hermés, Chanel, Dion, Chopard, and Aaron Basha.

There will also be a private diamond showroom, something not found on other Seabourn ships. The diamonds on display will come from Lady Heart Diamonds, Oliva Diamonds, and Canadian Diamonds.

For more information about Seabourn Odyssey, talk with your travel agent or contact Seabourn. —Andrea M. Rotondo


Photo courtesy of Canadian Diamonds

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And Then There Were Two... New Seabourn Sojourn Photo

While the anticipation is building for Seabourn Odyssey's maiden voyage this June, her baby sister—Seabourn Sojourn—is getting a bit of the limelight today.

Seabourn just released this photo of Sojourn's front hull. Built in San Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy, it was floated earlier this week to Rijeka, Croatia, where it will be joined to the aft section of the hull.

Once the pieces are welded together, the hull will be towed to Mariotti's shipyard in Genoa, Italy. If all goes according to schedule, both the Odyssey and Sojourn will be at the shipyard together for a short period of time.

Mariotti will soon begin building the third ship ordered by Seabourn.

There's still time to book a cabin on one of Seabourn Odyssey's maiden voyages this summer. For more information, talk with your travel agent or Seabourn. —Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Seabourn

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Cunard's Queen Elizabeth Maiden Voyage: Sold Out in 29 Minutes

Brand loyalty can accomplish some amazing things... like sell out all the staterooms on a ship's maiden voyage. That's what happened last week when berths for Cunard's Queen Elizabeth maiden voyage went on sale. The entire ship sold out in a mere 29 minutes. That's pretty astonishing, considering the QE2's farewell itinerary set the previous record when it sold out in 36 minutes in June of 2007.

But that was then and this is now and we're dealing with a global recession. While cruise industry insiders expected Cunard's Queen Elizabeth to draw a lot of attention, I think some eyebrows were raised at the speed at which cabins sold out. And, it wasn't just for the maiden voyage. In two hours, six itineraries—half of Queen Elizabeth's maiden season—also sold out.

For more information about Queen Elizabeth, talk with your travel agent or contact Cunard. —Andrea M. Rotondo

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

Regent Voyager Safely Sails the Gulf of Aden

Everyone who's been following Regent's Seven Seas Voyager world cruise reroute from Dubai to Rome due to a damaged pod is relieved that the ship safely traversed the Gulf of Aden earlier this week. Three other ships—a British cargo ship, a French yacht, and a fishing boat from Taiwan—weren't so lucky. All three were hijacked by Somali pirates on Monday, April 6.

Travelers currently on Voyager reported that Regent beefed up security prior to entering the Gulf. Military escort vessels were visible at times from the cruise ship and two helicopters did "fly-bys" on several occasions. Guards on deck, including a British commander—according to Voyager's Dana Logan—kept vigil until the ship was out of pirate range.

Regent continues to assist passengers rearrange their travel plans and have offered yet another option, as reported by John and Linda on their world cruise blog:

"We have accepted a further option offered by Regent, which is to debark next Monday in Agaba, Jordan, in lieu of just sailing through the Suez and across the Mediterranean to end the voyage in Rome. The still further revised program starts with the planned visit to Petra, but then to Amman for an overnight. The next morning we fly to Cairo, spend three nights in Cairo with an extensive program of visiting pyramids and other monuments, a trip to Memphis, old Cairo and the Antiquities Museum, among other elements. Then we will be flown to Istanbul for a day and one-half visit there. This is almost completely on Regent's nickel." —John and Linda

Despite this unfortunate pod problem, Regent passengers seem to be making the best of the situation. We hope technicians can quickly fix the pod problem once the ship docks in Rome. —Andrea M. Rotondo

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

Limits on Antarctica Cruises Possible Soon

Did you visit Antarctica by cruise ship in 2008? If so, you may have crossed this dream trip off your to-do list at the right moment in time. Cruise cabin capacity to this region may become much tighter soon if the fifty-year-old Antarctica Treaty is amended.

Several years ago, very few people traveled to Antarctica. It was too far away, too expensive, and too risky. But as more cruise lines and expedition travel companies beefed up their itineraries, the number of visitors to the area has grown:

Antarctica Cruise Tourism Growth

• 6,700 passengers cruised there during 1992
  
  
• 29,500 visited in 2006
  
  
• 45,213 sailed Antarctica in 2008

The sheer number of people interested in seeing Antarctica is a testament to how important our natural earth and its inhabitants are to many of us. That interest though, brings danger to the very ecosystem we all so desperately wish to preserve. Just last season two ships were grounded on the continent and, in 2007, a ship sank. All three incidences adversely affected the local ecosystem.

Today, President Obama and many in his administration including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are pushing to strengthen protections placed on this area. They are suggesting amendments to the Antarctica Treaty (printed in its entirety below).

Suggested terms include:

• Cruise ship size (limited to 500 passengers)
  
  
• One ship calling on a "landing site" at one time
  
  
• No more than 100 passengers allowed on shore at a time
  
  
• One guide per 20 tourists while on land
  

While the treaty terms are upheld voluntarily by all parties, everyone seems to be in agreement when it comes to tougher restrictions. Diplomats are meeting this week in Baltimore, Maryland, to discuss possible amendments to the Antarctica Treaty. —Andrea M. Rotondo

For more information, visit the...

• Secretariat of the Antarctica Treaty
  
  
• National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs

Luxury cruise options in Antarctica...

• Lindblad Expeditions with National Geographic
  
  
• Silversea
  
  
• Abercrombie & Kent
  
  
• Hurtigruten

Full Text of the Original Treaty, Signed in 1959

Antarctica Treaty

Preamble

The Governments of Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, the French Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Union of South Africa, The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America,

Recognizing that it is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord;

Acknowledging the substantial contributions to scientific knowledge resulting from international cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica;

Convinced that the establishment of a firm foundation for the continuation and development of such cooperation on the basis of freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica as applied during the International Geophysical Year accords with the interests of science and the progress of all mankind;

Convinced also that a treaty ensuring the use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only and the continuance of international harmony in Antarctica will further the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations;

Have agreed as follows:

Article I Antarctica for peaceful purposes only

1. Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only. There shall be prohibited, inter alia, any measures of a military nature, such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, as well as the testing of any type of weapons.

2. The present Treaty shall not prevent the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes.

Article II Freedom of scientific investigation to continue

Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation toward that end, as applied during the International Geophysical Year, shall continue, subject to the provisions of the present Treaty.

Article III Plans and results to be exchanged

1. In order to promote international cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica, as provided for in Article II of the present Treaty, the Contracting Parties agree that, to the greatest extent feasible and practicable:

(a) information regarding plans for scientific programs in Antarctica shall be exchanged to permit maximum economy and efficiency of operations;

(b) scientific personnel shall be exchanged in Antarctica between expeditions and stations;

(c) scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available.

2. In implementing this Article, every encouragement shall be given to the establishment of cooperative working relations with those Specialized Agencies of the United Nations and other international organizations having a scientific or technical interest in Antarctica.

Article IV Territorial claims

1. Nothing contained in the present Treaty shall be interpreted as:

(a) a renunciation by any Contracting Party of previously asserted rights of or claims to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica;

(b) a renunciation or diminution by any Contracting Party of any basis of claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica which it may have whether as a result of its activities or those of its nationals in Antarctica, or otherwise;

(c) prejudicing the position of any Contracting Party as regards its recognition or nonrecognition of any other State's right of or claim or basis of claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica.

2. No acts or activities taking place while the present Treaty is in force shall constitute a basis for asserting, supporting or denying a claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica. No new claim, or enlargement of an existing claim, to territorial sovereignty shall be asserted while the present Treaty is in force.

Article V Nuclear explosions prohibited

1. Any nuclear explosions in Antarctica and the disposal there of radioactive waste material shall be prohibited.

2. In the event of the conclusion of international agreements concerning the use of nuclear energy, including nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste material, to which all of the Contracting Parties whose representatives are entitled to participate in the meetings provided for under Article IX are parties, the rules established under such agreements shall apply in Antarctica.

Article VI Area covered by Treaty

The provisions of the present Treaty shall apply to the area south of 60o South latitude, including all ice shelves, but nothing in the present Treaty shall prejudice or in any way affect the rights, or the exercise of the rights, of any State under international law with regard to the high seas within that area.

Article VII Free access for observation and inspection

1. In order to promote the objectives and ensure the observation of the provisions of the present Treaty, each Contracting Party whose representatives are entitled to participate in the meetings referred to in Article IX of the Treaty shall have the right to designate observers to carry out any inspection provided for by the present Article. Observers shall be nationals of the Contracting Parties which designate them. The names of the observers shall be communicated to every other Contracting Party having the right to designate observers, and like notice shall be given of the termination of their appointment.

2. Each observer designated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article shall have complete freedom of access at any time to any or all areas of Antarctica.

3. All areas of Antarctica, including all stations, installations and equipment within those areas, and all ships and aircraft at points of discharging or embarking cargoes or personnel in Antarctica, shall be open at all times to inspection by any observers designated in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article.

4. Aerial observation may be carried out at any time over any or all areas of Antarctica by any of the Contracting Parties having the right to designate observers.

5. Each Contracting Party shall, at the time when the present Treaty enters into force for it, inform the other Contracting Parties, and thereafter shall give them notice in advance, of

(a) all expeditions to and within Antarctica, on the part of its ships of nationals, and all expeditions to Antarctica organized in or proceeding from its territory;

(b) all stations in Antarctica occupied by its nationals; and

(c) any military personnel or equipment intended to be introduced by it into Antarctica subject to the conditions prescribed in paragraph 2 of Article I of the present Treaty.

Article VIII Personnel under jurisdiction of their own states

1. In order to facilitate the exercise of their functions under the present Treaty, and without prejudice to the respective positions of the Contracting Parties relating to jurisdiction over all other persons in Antarctica, observers designated under paragraph 1 of Article VII and scientific personnel exchanged under subparagraph 1(b) of Article III of the Treaty, and members of the staffs accompanying any such persons, shall be subject only to the jurisdiction of the Contracting Party of which they are nationals in respect to all acts or omissions occurring while they are in Antarctica for the purpose of exercising their functions.

2. Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article, and pending the adoption of measures in pursuance of subparagraph 1(e) of Article IX, the Contracting Parties concerned in any case of dispute with regard to the exercise of jurisdiction in Antarctica shall immediately consult together with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable solution.

Article IX Treaty states to meet periodically

1. Representatives of the Contracting Parties named in the preamble to the present Treaty shall meet at the City of Canberra within two months after date of entry into force of the Treaty, and thereafter at suitable intervals and places, for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting together on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica, and formulating and considering, and recommending to their Governments, measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty including measures regarding:

(a) use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only;

(b) facilitation of scientific research in Antarctica;

(c) facilitation of international scientific cooperation in Antarctica;

(d) facilitation of the exercise of the rights of inspection provided for in Article VII of the Treaty;

(e) questions relating to the exercise of jurisdiction in Antarctica;

(f) preservation and conservation of living resources in Antarctica.

2. Each Contracting Party which has become a party to the present Treaty by accession under Article XIII shall be entitled to appoint representatives to participate in the meetings referred to in paragraph 1 of the present Article, during such time as the Contracting Party demonstrates its interest in Antarctica by conducting substantial scientific research activity there, such as the establishment of a scientific station or the dispatch of a scientific expedition.

3. Reports from the observers referred to in Article VII of the present Treaty shall be transmitted to the representatives of the Contracting Parties participating in the meetings referred to in paragraph 1 of the present Article.

4. The measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall become effective when approved by all the Contracting Parties whose representatives were entitled to participate in the meetings held to consider those measures.

5. Any or all of the rights established in the present Treaty may be exercised as from the date of entry into force of the Treaty whether or not any measures facilitating the exercise of such rights have been proposed, considered or approved as provided in this Article.

Article X Discourages activities contrary to Treaty

Each of the Contracting Parties undertakes to exert appropriate efforts, consistent with the Charter of the United Nations, to the end that no one engages in any activity in Antarctica contrary to the principles or purposes of the present Treaty.

Article XI Settlement of disputes

1. If any dispute arises between two or more of the Contracting Parties concerning the interpretation or application of the present Treaty, those Contracting Parties shall consult among themselves with a view to having the dispute resolved by negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement or other peaceful means of their own choice.

2. Any dispute of this character not so resolved shall, with the consent, in each case, of all parties to the dispute, be referred to the International Court of Justice for settlement; but failure to reach agreement on reference to the International Court shall not absolve parties to the dispute from the responsibility of continuing to seek to resolve it by any of the various peaceful means referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.

Article XII Review of Treaty possible after 30 years

1. (a) The present Treaty may be modified or amended at any time by unanimous agreement of the Contracting Parties whose representatives are entitled to participate in the meetings provided for under Article IX. Any such modification or amendment shall enter into force when the depositary Government has received notice from all such Contracting Parties that they have ratified it.

(b) Such modification or amendment shall thereafter enter into force as to any other Contracting Party when notice of ratification by it has been received by the depositary Government. Any such Contracting Party from which no notice of ratification is received within a period of two years from the date of entry into force of the modification or amendment in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 1(a) of this Article shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the present Treaty on the date of the expiration of such period.

2. (a) If after the expiration of thirty years from the date of entry into force of the present Treaty, any of the Contracting Parties whose representatives are entitled to participate in the meetings provided for under Article IX so requests by a communication addressed to the depositary Government, a Conference of all the Contracting Parties shall be held as soon as practicable to review the operation of the Treaty.

(b) Any modification or amendment to the present Treaty which is approved at such a Conference by a majority of the Contracting Parties there represented, including a majority of those whose representatives are entitled to participate in the meetings provided for under Article IX, shall be communicated by the depositary Government to all the Contracting Parties immediately after the termination of the Conference and shall enter into force in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of the present Article.

(c) If any such modification or amendment has not entered into force in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 1(a) of this Article within a period of two years after the date of its communication to all the Contracting Parties, any Contracting Party may at any time after the expiration of that period give notice to the depositary Government of its withdrawal from the present Treaty; and such withdrawal shall take effect two years after the receipt of the notice by the depositary Government.

Article XIII Ratification and accession

1. The present Treaty shall be subject to ratification by the signatory States. It shall be open for accession by any State which is a Member of the United Nations, or by any other State which may be invited to accede to the Treaty with the consent of all the Contracting Parties whose representatives are entitled to participate in the meetings provided for under Article IX of the Treaty.

2. Ratification of or accession to the present Treaty shall be effected by each State in accordance with its constitutional processes.

3. Instruments of ratification and instruments of accession shall be deposited with the Government of the United States of America, hereby designated as the depositary Government.

4. The depositary Government shall inform all signatory and acceding States of the date of each deposit of an instrument of ratification or accession, and the date of entry into force of the Treaty and of any modification or amendment thereto.

5. Upon the deposit of instruments of ratification by all the signatory States, the present Treaty shall enter into force for those States and for States which have deposited instruments of accession. Thereafter the Treaty shall enter into force for any acceding State upon the deposit of its instrument of accession.

6. The present Treaty shall be registered by the depositary Government pursuant to Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations.

Article XIV United States is repository

The present Treaty, done in the English, French, Russian, and Spanish languages, each version being equally authentic, shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the United States of America, which shall transmit duly certified copies thereof to the Governments of the signatory and acceding States.

In witness whereof, the undersigned Plenipotentiaries, duly authorized, have signed the present Treaty.

Done at Washington the first day of December, one thousand nine hundred and fifty-nine.

For Argentina:
Adolfo Seilingo
F. Bello

For Australia:
Howard Beale

For Belgium:
Obert de Thieusies

For Chile:
Marcial Mora M.
L. Gajardo V.
Julio Escudero

For the French Republic:
Pierre Charpentier

For Japan:
Koichiro Asakai
T. Shimoda

For New Zealand:
G.D.L. White

For Norway:
Paul Koht

For the Union of South Africa:
Wentzel C. du Plessis

For the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics:
V. Kuznetsov

For the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
Harold Caccia

For the United States of America:
Herman Phleger
Paul C. Daniels

Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto.com

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

Oceania Cruises: New 2010 European Itineraries Plus Unlimited Soda and Water

The 2010 European season from Oceania Cruises went on sale yesterday. Of special note is the fact that the cruise fare will now include unlimited bottled water and soft drinks. (You'll still need to sign a chit for any alcoholic beverages you order.) This semi-inclusive setup begins with the April 4, 2010 Pearls of the Riviera cruise aboard the Regatta. (Cruises scheduled before this date do not include the free soda and water.)

There are 34 itineraries to select from on the Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica. Oceania has added 30 new ports of call and almost three quarters of the routes are new for the line. Per person rates, with free airfare and a $2,000 price reduction off 2 for 1 cruise fares, start at $2,699. —Andrea M. Rotondo

For more information, talk with your travel agent or Oceania Cruises.

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

Azamara Cruises Offers Europe at 2-for-1 Pricing

Looking to cruise Europe this spring or summer? Then consider premium cruise line Azamara Cruises and its recently announced 2-for-1 fares on select itineraries. Fares are based on brochure rates, include a price-protection component, and offer a special incentive to travel agents who book these fares. All you need to do to snag the 2-for-1 is book by April 30, 2009.

Twenty-one different cruises—from the Mediterranean and Greek Islands to the Black Sea to Europe to Iceland and Scandinavia/Russia—are on offer from May through November and range from seven to 15 nights aboard either the Azamara Journey or Azamara Quest.

One particularly good deal is Azamara Journey's seven-night Mediterranean cruise embarking Venice, Italy on May 2. The per person rate is $1,049.

"With these unprecedented two-for-one promotions and their price protection component, when our guests book these sailings early, they can feel secure that they will get the best price, lock in an ideal stateroom assignment, and begin the countdown to their well-deserved vacation,” Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President of Sales, Azamara Cruises, said. "With fantastic cruises available for prices as low as $75 per person per day, quite simply, there has never been a better time to book a cruise."

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Azamara Cruises.

Photo courtesy of Azamara Cruises

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

New Silversea Executives Named to Luxury Cruise Line

As reported earlier this week, David Morris Marilyn Conroy, and Tim Rand have left Silversea. Today the company announced two new executive appointments:

Kenneth W. Watson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Previously an executive in Regent Seven Seas' marketing and sales department, Mr. Watson officially joined Silversea on April 2. He will oversee worldwide sales and marketing and spearhead departments including revenue management and performance, reservations, air/sea, and guest relations. He will report directly to Silversea president and CEO Amerigo Perasso.

Fabio Agostini, Vice President and Chief Information Officer—Mr. Agostini was tapped for his expertise in information technology. He'll report to Alvarino Biasotti, Silversea's financial controller.

President/CEO Amerigo Perasso had this to say about the appointments:

"I'm delighted to anounce these appointments. These will help consolidate the corporate organizational structure and enhance our ability to meet new business challenges and ultimately our long-term strategic goals."

Mr. Perasso went on to thank former executives David Morris, Marilyn Conroy, and Tim Rand for their service to Silvesea. —Andrea M. Rotondo

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

Photo courtesy of Silversea

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

And, don't forget to vote in our Mexico cruise poll on the homepage of this blog!

How to Avoid Norovirus

In February I received some reports of a norovirus outbreak on Azamara Quest, starting with the Valentine's Day itinerary in Asia. The ship has been thoroughly cleaned several times and the number of cases per cruise has greatly diminished. But this is an excellent time to remind everyone that norovirus, and other easily transmitted illnesses, can strike a cruise ship at any time.

How does norovirus make you feel? Not great. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Instead of looking for ways to treat the sickness, try to avoid it completely in the first place.

You can do this by following these tips from the Centers for Disease Control:

• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap (seriously, you can't do this too many times if you're concerned about norovirus)

• Don't wear a piece of clothing if you believe it may have come in contact with the virus; wash the item immediately

• Take advantage of the anti-bacterial lotion dispensers that are placed throughout the ship; if you pass one, use it!

Expert cruisers will also tell you not to touch hand railings or elevator buttons and to avoid buffet meals. (When there is a norovirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship, the buffets are often shut down or require crewmembers to serve each passenger to avoid additional person-to-food contact.)

Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth and use antibacterial wipes to keep your hands clean throughout the day.

Learn more about norovirus, and ways to avoid it, by visiting the CDC's Norovirus Q&A.

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

Official Word from Regent on Voyager

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has released official news regarding Voyager's emergency dry dock in Rome.

"Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) confirmed today that it is necessary to cancel the upcoming April 18th and May 8th cruises of the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager in order to make the necessary repairs to one of its pod propulsion units.

The starboard propulsion unit became entangled with a fishing net on or about March 18th after departure from Singapore and subsequently experienced a mechanical failure which resulted in the shutdown of the pod. While this in no way compromises the ship’s safety or seaworthiness, the damaged propulsion unit substantially reduces the vessel’s cruising speed, thus impeding the ability to operate its scheduled itineraries.

Following thorough inspections in Cochin, India and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it has been determined that the extent of the damage is greater than originally anticipated and the ship must be dry-docked to facilitate the necessary repairs. Seven Seas Voyager will now be withdrawn from service upon arrival in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy on April 18. Arrangements will be made to transport all guests back to their city of origin, including the shipping of luggage, from Rome.

Guests on the April 18th voyage from Istanbul and the May 8th voyage from Fort Lauderdale and are being informed of these cancellations, along with their travel agents.

All guests will be offered a variety of options which may include re-accommodation on an alternative RSSC voyage or voyages or a full refund. Travel Agent commissions are being protected for all affected sailings.

Specific re-accommodation details and refund offers for each sailing will be sent in a separate letter to guests and their travel agents and dedicated team of Regent Seven Seas cruise specialists will be contacting all affected guests and agents. A special toll-free number, 877 505 5632, has been established to answer questions and provide details to those guests and agents with reservations on these sailings."

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. —Andrea M. Rotondo

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

Three Top Silversea Executives Terminated

It's been a rough week for the luxury cruise lines. First the announcement from Regent that its Seven Seas Voyager was cutting its world cruise short in order to fix a damaged pod and now this troubling news from Silversea: three high-level executives—David Morris, Marilyn Conroy, and Tim Rand—were terminated yesterday.

No official word from Silversea as of yet, but rumor has it that these changes surprised many within the company.

• David Morris was executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.
  
  
• Marilyn Conroy was senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas.
  
  
• Tim Rand was vice president and chief information officer.

We wish these three individuals all the best and hope each lands on his or her feet shortly.

According to Seatrade Insider, Silversea has a plan in place to fill these positions. —Andrea M. Rotondo

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

Regent Voyager to End World Cruise & Go Into Dry Dock for Repairs

UPDATE: The following information has been confirmed. Regent's Seven Seas Voyager is ending its World Cruise early.

According to one blog report by a World Cruiser currently sailing on Regent's Voyager, the pod problem was far worse than first suspected and cannot be repaired in Dubai.

Voyager will sail to Rome and go into dry dock, where the pod will be properly fixed.

Passengers have been given three options:

1. Fly home immediately.
   
   
2. Switch to the Mariner and continue cruising.
   
   
3. Stay on Voyager as it heads to Rome, calling on a few ports (50% cost to continue on to Italy).

Voyager is scheduled to leave Dubai at 6:00 pm on April 1. —Andrea M. Rotondo

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

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Voyages On Sale April 2

Six inaugural voyages aboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth go on sale April 2. Now's the time to decide which itinerary has your name on it.

Maiden Voyage
October 12–25, 2010, 13-nights
Roundtrip out of QE's homeport of Southampton, visiting Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz/Seville, Las Palmas, Tenerife, La Palma, and Funchal.

Mediterranean Premiere
October 25–November 8, 2010, 14 nights
Southampton roundtrip, calling on Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Capri (Naples), Cartagena, and Gibraltar.

Aegean Introduction
November 8–26, 2010, 18 nights
Southampton roundtrip, making stops at Malago, Valletta, Venice, Dubrovnik, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Pireaus (Athens), Alicante, and Gibraltar.

Gallic Debut
November 26–December 1, 2010, 5 nights
Southampton roundtrip, calling on Amsterdam, Bruges/Brussels, and Cherbourg.

Iberian Discovery
December 1–14, 2010, 13 nights
Southampton roundtrip, calling on Vigo, Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Las Palmas, Tenerife, Las Palmas, and Funchal.

Festive Debut
December 14, 2010–January 5, 2011
Southampton roundtrip, calling on Funchal, Tortola, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigue, and Ponta Delgada.

Call your travel agent for more details or visit Cunard's website.


Are you interested in luxury cruise news and unbiased reviews? Visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.

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.

KrooozCam.com Bridge & Port Cams

Here's a link you've got to bookmark! KrooozCam.com. It's a very cool, handy site if you feel like "stalking" some of your favorite cruise ships or ports.

The site links to various cruise ship bridge cameras, including Crystal Cruises, Cunard, and Oceania Cruises.

You'll also be able to see live pictures from cams located at various ports around the world.

KrooozCam.com is a fantastically fun time-waster!


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

Regent's Contigency Plan for Voyager

The Regent Seven Seas Voyager is still sailing toward Dubai, where she is expected early on March 31. As soon as she docks, repairs to her pod will begin.

As was reported in the Comments section of my March 26th post about Voyager, Le Tilleul—a member of the Cruise Critic community who is onboard the ship now—posted that the Captain announced that Regent will refund passengers the cost of the Singapore to Dubai segment.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises also has a contingency plan in place for travelers joining the ship in Dubai for the April 1 segment of the World Cruise.

Here's the information from Brown & Keene Travel owner, Ngaire Keene as posted to LuxuryCruiseTalk.com and CruiseCritic.com:

There are. . . . offers in writing to all those booked and boarding in Dubai. There are multiple choices from moving to the Mariner, to a full refund, to compensation if accepting a contemplated revised itinerary and details of additional compensation if this itinerary should change again. They [Regent] are also helping with any other costs such as air that may have been arranged. At this time, all our passengers [Brown & Keene Travel] have decided to continue with their cruise.

Sometimes in the end the passengers are very happy with the outcome of these events.

Ngaire added this information to her website this morning:

Mark Conroy [president of Regent Seven Seas] and Robin Lindsay [executive vp of vessel operations] are flying to Dubai to assist with the situation.

If the pod is not fixed in Dubai this is the proposed new itinerary.

Seven Seas Voyager—Proposed Revised Itinerary:
Date Day Port Country Arrive Depart
1-Apr-09 Wed DUBAI UAE 6 PM
2-Apr-09 Thu FUJAIRAH UAE 8 AM 6 PM
3-Apr-09 Fri MUSCAT OMAN 7 AM 5 PM
4-Apr-09 Sat AT SEA
5-Apr-09 Sun AT SEA (SALALAH)
6-Apr-09 Mon AT SEA
7-Apr-09 Tue AT SEA
8-Apr-09 Wed AT SEA
9-Apr-09 Thu AT SEA (SAFAGA)
10-Apr-09 Fri SAFAGA EGYPT 9 AM
11-Apr-09 Sat SAFAGA EGYPT 5 PM
12-Apr-09 Sun AQABA (SHARM EL SHEIK) JORDAN 7 AM 9 PM
13-Apr-09 Mon AT SEA (SUEZ CANAL)
14-Apr-09 Tue SUEZ CANAL TRANSIT
(ALEXANDRIA) EGYPT 3 AM 4 PM
15-Apr-09 Wed ALEXANDRIA (RHODES) EGYPT 7 AM 4 PM
16-Apr-09 Thu AT SEA (BODRUM)
17-Apr-09 Fri ISTANBUL (LATE ARRIVAL) TURKEY 7 PM
18-Apr-09 Sat ISTANBUL TURKEY Disembark

NOTE: Ports in Parentheses “( )”, refer to the original itinerary/schedule

Stay tuned for more news about Regent's Seven Seas Voyager.

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

Video: Nomade Yachting Bora Bora

The American market hasn't heard much about Nomade Yachting Bora Bora (formerly Bora Bora Cruises) but if you plan to cruise French Polynesia anytime soon, these luxury yachts are worth considering.

Check out this four-minute video depicting Polynesian elegance at its best.

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


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