SeaDream and New Ship Rumor

With new luxury vessels on the way from Oceania, Seabourn, and Silversea, the rumors have been flying that other lines will follow suit. CruiseCritic.com has a story today about SeaDream's potential new ship that will accommodate 200 passengers. Click here for their full story.

QE2's Farewell Voyages On Sale 6/27

Cunard's special QE2 'farewell voyages' go on sale today. This storied ship will stop sailing as of November 2008 when ownership transfers to The Palm Jumeirah resort complex in Dubai. The QE2 will begin a new life as a first-class hotel, retail, and entertainment destination.

According to Cunard, two voyages already programmed for 2008 have been replaced by a British Isles voyage and two Transatlantic Crossings, while her final voyage to Dubai has also been added. These special voyages offer the perfect opportunity for guests to share in QE2's farewell to her country, where she has long been regarded as the flagship, and also to experience a farewell tandem crossing of the Atlantic, where she will bid farewell to New York, her second home. These voyages also offer a final opportunity for those who have always wanted to experience a voyage on this iconic Grand Dame of the Seas.

"These voyages will signal the eminent completion of QE2's service in the Cunard fleet and offer the opportunity to celebrate her widely heralded and illustrious career. She will make final calls to ports that are home to many of her most loyal fans, beginning with the British Isles, followed by two tandem Transatlantic Crossings," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. "Guests who sail these voyages will take their place in history on the longest-serving, most famous Cunarder and will no doubt be greeted by groups of well-wishers who will salute her one last time," added Marlow.

Farewell to the British Isles
QE2's Farewell to the British Isles voyage will depart Southampton on September 30, 2008 and replaces the previously announced Canary Islands Splendour voyage. The 10-night voyage will include maiden calls to Dublin and Belfast and an emotional call to the Clyde (Greenock) where QE2 was built, as well as calls to Cork (Cobh), Liverpool (Cunard's ancestral home), Edinburgh (South Queensferry) and Newcastle. Fares start from $2,455 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $5,695 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.

Final Transatlantic Crossings
On October 10, QE2 will leave Southampton with Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 and both vessels will depart on a final tandem crossing to New York. The six-night Final New York Arrival Crossing will arrive in New York on October 16 where QE2 will say farewell to what was her North American home, when she was Queen of the Atlantic for 34 years. Fares start from $1,175 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $4,395 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.

Later that day both liners will leave New York as QE2 begins her Farewell to America Crossing. This will be QE2's 806th and final Atlantic crossing and both ships will arrive in Southampton on October 22. Fares start from $1,065 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $4,295 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.

These two Atlantic voyages have replaced a Mediterranean voyage scheduled to depart on October 12, 2008.

QE2's Final Voyage
In addition, Cunard has also announced QE2's Final Voyage which will leave Southampton for Dubai on November 11 and will call at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Civitavecchia, Naples, Malta, Alexandria and transit the Suez Canal before arriving on November 27. Fares start from $4,615 for a M6 grade stateroom, up to $11,995 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.

QE2 is likely to attract huge crowds at each port on each of these voyages and special onboard programming will be incorporated into these voyages to honor the completion of QE2's service in the Cunard Fleet.

Guests booked on voyages that are impacted by these changes will be given the opportunity to rebook on one of the new voyages. If they book one of the new voyages replacing their cancelled voyage in the same grade, their original fare will be protected. If the fare on the same grade is lower, then the lower fare will be honored. If a guest decides to book any other 2008 voyage, the applicable fare for that voyage will be charged. Rebooked guests will be offered a $300 onboard credit and those who wish to cancel will be refunded.

The new voyages will be open for booking Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 9:00am (ET) / 6:00am (PT).

Seabourn Names New Ship “Odyssey”

Today, Seabourn announced the name of their new ship currently being built in Italy. Dubbed Odyssey, over fifty past passengers from Seabourn Club correctly guessed the moniker. Thousands of Seabourn connoisseurs made a guess and one duo who guessed correctly— John and Hazel Coleman of Monaco—was randomly selected as the winner of a cruise aboard the all-suite, 450-guest ship during her maiden year at sea. Seabourn Odyssey will be officially christened in Venice in mid-2009.

How did Seabourn winnow down potential names for the ship? Seabourn president Pamela C. Conover explains: “There were literally hundreds of names that we considered and we pursued dozens of different directions. But in the end, we wanted her name to reflect her primary purpose, which is to wander the globe, carrying our guests to the world's most exciting and fascinating destinations, in signature Seabourn luxury and style.”

Beginning last May, more than 8,500 tons of steel is being cut and welded to form the sleek hull and graceful superstructure of the line's new, $250 million flagship, which, when she is launched, will be the first addition to any fleet in the ultra-luxury segment of the cruise industry in six years.

Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, Seabourn Pride, Spirit, and Legend, Seabourn Odyssey will carry just over twice as many guests, and boast the same ratio of staff to guests and among the highest space-per-guest ratios in the cruise industry. In addition, the new vessel will offer more dining options than her sisters, as well as more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues, and enhanced spa and recreational facilities.

Plans for maiden year itineraries are still being finalized, but the initial level of interest and excitement prompted Seabourn to devise a system for accepting reservations that will be at once equitable to its loyal guests and supporters, and manageable for the company's internal staff.

Guests who wish to sail on voyages during the maiden year can secure a spot on a waitlist by making a standard Seabourn deposit of $1,000 per person, or $2,000 per person for the actual maiden voyage. These deposits are being accepted now.

Seabourn expects to publish the details of Odyssey's maiden year schedules by the end of 2007. At that time, waitlisted persons will be notified in advance and given priority booking access, which will allow them to select the specific voyage and accommodation they prefer. These reservations will be accepted according to the following criteria:

• Guests who sail with Seabourn in 2007 or 2008 will have first priority. They will be notified in advance and given a two-week priority booking window. This will include anyone who books and sails on a cruise departing by the end of 2008.
  
  
• Past guests of Seabourn who do not sail in 2007 or 2008 will be granted the second priority notification and a second two-week booking access.
  
  
• A third priority booking period will be available to first-time Seabourn guests who have deposited for the waitlist.
  
  
• After that, reservations will be accepted from anyone for remaining space on maiden year voyages, based on Seabourn's standard deposit and booking policies.

Travelers can experience Seabourn's award-winning style on cruises of seven to twenty-eight days or more in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, India, and Arabia. Cruise itineraries explore landmark ports and lesser-known gems where larger ships cannot go.

For information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit Seabourn's website at www.seabourn.com.

Seabourn Says "Don't Give Up on the Med This Summer"

The past few summers have been tough for travelers like myself that want to cruise the Mediterranean but must often book a cruise at the last minute due to work obligations and complicated schedules. Pamela Conover, president of Seabourn is urging us not to give up on our dream cruise, even though this season's itineraries are sailing close to capacity.

"It's true that Seabourn is having a terrific year and our ships are sailing at very nearly full capacity," admits Conover. "But we definitely have limited space on a variety of departures, and if you are flexible about departure dates and itineraries, we can still accommodate you in 2007."

For prospective travelers who have encountered full ships in the summer, but still want to visit Europe this year, Conover advises cruising later in the season, for the best value. "A cruise in August, September or October will still save you a bundle over luxury land-based options," she notes. "Besides," she added, "in many ways autumn is the very best time to visit the region."

Conover went on to suggest seven-day voyages aboard Seabourn Legend, departing from Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome on August 25, September 15, 22, 29, and October 13. The September 22 and 29 cruises can be combined for a two-week vacation at savings of 50 percent off brochure fares. For those who prefer the Eastern Mediterranean, Seabourn Spirit has limited space available on voyages departing September 1, October 6, and October 27. Some of these departures offer savings up to 50 percent and fares from $3,133 per person, based on double occupancy.

(Lower airfares from the states have also recently popped up from Air France, Alitalia, and Iberia. Do some comparison shopping for flights at Kayak.com.)

Carrying just 208 pampered guests each, Seabourn Legend, Spirit, and Pride have earned top ratings in guidebooks and consumer travel publications. Extremely high customer satisfaction has also translated into an enthusiastic base of multi-repeat guests, who often book their next cruises while still on board.

"But check with your travel agent or give us a call," urges Conover, "because you want to sail in Europe on Seabourn, and we don't want you to settle for anything less."

For information or to secure space on a Seabourn cruise, call 1-800-929-9595 or visit www.seabourn.com.

Oceania Finalizes Contract for New Ships

Seabourn's not the only high-end line with new ships on the horizon. Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri have finalized an agreement for two new 1,260-guest mid-size cruise ships for delivery on September 30, 2010 and July 30, 2011. (There is also an option for a third vessel to be delivered on May 30, 2012.)

The total value of the contract, including the option for the third ship, is $1.6 billion dollars. The ships will be constructed at Fincantieri’s Sestre Ponente facility in Genoa, Italy. “I am delighted to have finalized the contracts for these magnificent ships and I am confident that Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri will set new standards with the new Oceania Class when they debut in just a few short years,” stated Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Oceania Cruises. Now that all technical specifications have been finalized, Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri will now move forward with detailed design work for the interiors. The world-renowned architectural firm of Yran & Storbratten has been retained to design the ships’ luxurious accommodations and dramatic public areas. “Fincantieri and Oceania Cruises share a legacy of innovation and superior product delivery, and I am certain that our guests and travel agent partners will find that the new Oceania Class will elevate our upper premium experience to new heights,” said Del Rio.

The design specifications for the Oceania Class call for the vessels to be 782 feet long, 105 feet wide, with a draft of 24 feet, and will accommodate 1,260 guests on 11 guest decks. The ships will feature 630 staterooms and suites that are on average, 50 percent larger than the Regatta Class; 98 percent of all guest accommodations will feature sweeping ocean views, and 95 percent will boast oversized, private teak verandas. The ships will be powered by diesel-electric engines and operate with twin screw propellers, with a speed of 20 knots. They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability, and will also be “green ships” employing environmental systems and technology.

This new class of mid size cruise vessels will retain all of the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta Class while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and many new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20 percent faster than the Regatta Class. In addition to their greater speed, the Oceania Class will have a greater range that enables them to undertake itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide.

The new Oceania Class vessels will set a new standard in culinary excellence, featuring six open-seating gourmet restaurants which boast the capacity to seat 150 percent of the ship’s guests in a single seating. The Grand Dining Room will be an opulent space crowned with a magnificent frescoed domed ceiling. The four specialty restaurants will feature the line’s signature Polo Grill and Toscana along with two new specialty dining venues, an elegant French bistro and a Pan-Asian restaurant. hese new ships have been designed with all the signature elements that guests and travel agents cherish, and the décor will be imbued with the same warmth and charm that the Regatta Class is renowned for.

Signature public spaces will include the Martinis, Horizons, The Patio, and a Grand Staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. Public areas and accommodations will include rich wood paneling and granite accents, opulent furnishings and a museum quality art collection that will include many rare nautical antiques.

For additional information, contact Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658.

Cunard QE2 Sold to The Palm in Dubai

Sky News is reporting this morning that Cunard's QE2 has been sold to Istithmar/Dubai World for approximately $99 million. The ship will be converted into a luxury hotel and will be berthed at The Palm Jumeirah development. The Palm is a unique resort that consists of a man-made island in the shape of a Palm tree with each branch reaching out into the Persian Gulf.

Click here for the full story.

Queasy Drops: Do They Work?

I recently read about Queasy Drops, an all-natural, non-drowsy seasickness remedy, and wonder if they work. Have any of you tried them? Click on "Comments" below and let me know what you think.

The drops come in four flavors: color, ginger, green tea with lemon, and sour raspberry. "Pops" are also available (cinnamon, cola, ginger, green tea with lemon, papaya, peppermint, sour lemon, and sour raspberry).

I've got pretty good sea legs—crossed the Bering Sea without any problems—but I usually carry Bonine and Sea Bands, just in case. I may add Queasy Drops to my cruising kit for the future.

Crystal Offers Half-Off Biz Class Upgrades

Crystal Cruises has extended its reduced business class air promotion on select 2007 summer European cruises booked by June 30, 2007. The special business class air upgrade fares of $999 and $1,998 are one way and round trip, respectively, and are in addition to Crystal Cruises' published coach class add-on fares. Available from selected major gateways in the U.S. and Canada, the upgraded airfares are approximately 50% lower than unrestricted business class airfares to Europe.

The Northeastern gateways are New York (JFK), Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. (Dulles); the Central and Southeastern cities are Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Detroit, Minneapolis and Miami; the Western cities are Los Angeles (LAX), Denver, San Francisco, Portland, Phoenix and Seattle; the Canadian cities are Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver. The offer is capacity controlled and subject to space availability.

For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625.

Katie Couric on QM2 Today

The American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) held a first-ever charity luncheon on Sunday, June 10 aboard Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 to present the Freeing Voices, Changing Lives Leadership Awards. Pictured from left: Queen Mary 2 Captain Christopher Rynd; CBS News anchor and event emcee Katie Couric; honorees fitness guru Jake Steinfeld, NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin with the Denver Nuggets and award-winning singer songwriter Carly Simon.

Event co-chair and literary luminary Tina Brown said, “I can’t imagine a more striking setting than Queen Mary 2 for this important occasion. Creating awareness and raising funds for the study and treatment of this often misunderstood speech disorder aboard this magnificent ocean liner is a privilege.” Among the luncheon guests at the event were actors Sam Waterston and Kevin Kline, actress Lauren Hutton, designer Norma Kamali, news anchor John Stossel, author Candace Bushnell, NY Senator Charles Schumer, and Jack and Suzy Welch.

Terry Breen Leaves Regent for HAL

Regent's well-liked onboard destination specialist, Terry Breen, announced today that after eight years of service she is leaving the line. She's been hired by Holland-America as manager of onboard enrichment programs for their entire fleet. Terry posted to her blog: "My job will give me the opportunity to share my approach to destination information and 'edu-tainment' with a huge audience through the placement of other like-minded speakers at sea."

Terry is thrilled to take on this new challenge and move back to her hometown of Seattle. We wish her the best of luck at HAL, but will miss her smiling face on Regent's ships.

More Details on Seabourn's New Ships!

Seabourn fans have been anxiously awaiting news about the line's forthcoming ships. Today the company announced that the first steel plates for the first yacht were cut on May 9. According to a press release, more than 8,500 tons of steel will eventually be cut and welded to form the hull and superstructure of the line's $250 million flagship, which is scheduled to enter service in mid-June 2009.

The yet-to-be-named vessel is being designed by the architecture firm of Yran & Storbraaten of Norway and constructed in Italy by T. Mariotti S.p.A. The ship's designers have mirrored the distinctive silhouette of the existing Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend while adding additional facilities and amenities. Indeed, past guests will appreciate a familiar scheme to the general layout of public rooms and accommodations.

"We've been careful to incorporate Seabourn's signature features while designing the next generation of ultra luxury ship to satisfy the desires of a new generation of luxury travelers," said Pamela C. Conover, the line's president and CEO.

Seabourn's new yacht will offer more dining options, more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues and enhanced spa and recreational facilities. Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, the new vessel will carry just over twice as many guests (450 passengers), boasting among the highest space-per-guest ratio (71.1) in the cruise industry.

13 Categories of Suites
In response to feedback from past passengers, the new ship will offer a range of luxury accommodations. Seven of its 11 passenger decks will feature 225 ocean-view suites, measuring from 277 to over 1,300 square feet. Approximately 90 percent of the suites will include private verandas providing from 68 to 344 square feet of outdoor living space. Decks 9 and 10 are home to 22 penthouses with 450-square-foot interiors and verandas measuring nearly 100 square feet.

The most expansive guest quarters on board will be five Owners Suites that measure over 700 square feet (including veranda) and four, two-bedroom Grand Suites providing over 1,300 square feet of private living space. All suites will feature granite bathrooms, with separate tub and shower, twin sinks and a stunning glass vanity.

Four Dining Venues
The Restaurant—the ship's gourmet, open-seating dining room, where guests savor multi-course dinner menus designed by acclaimed celebrity chef Charlie Palmer; Veranda Café—a stylish, yet casual restaurant serving regional specialties, with both indoor and outdoor seating; Restaurant 2—an elegant and intimate specialty restaurant featuring innovative tasting menus; and Patio Grill—where guests can enjoy pizza and grilled items, poolside. In addition to a 24-hour, in-suite service menu, during dinner hours guests can order from The Restaurant menu, dining course-by-course if they wish.

Six Open Bars
Anticipating the desires of sophisticated travelers, the newest addition to the Seabourn fleet will offer a selection of lounges and bars to satisfy a myriad of moods and entertainment styles. With an open-bar policy that ensures fine wines, champagnes and spirits flow freely, choices will include:

Grand Salon—the main showroom and home to Seabourn's dance band, features a unique living room-like foyer furnished with inviting booths and arm chairs, in addition to tiered banquettes that surround the dance floor.
The Club—with both indoor and outdoor seating, is where a pianist, duo or trio will perform a variety of musical genres throughout the evening.
Sky Bar—this popular icon of the existing Seabourn yachts overlooks the ship's central, outdoor living space: Poolside Patio.
Patio Bar—in the evenings, guests can enjoy live, alfresco entertainment, weather permitting.
Coffee Bar—situated portside at Seabourn Square, traditional Italian espresso, cappuccino and café latte are complimented by champagne, wine and spirits.

With a dramatic square bar as its focal point, the ship's forward-facing observation lounge is located atop the navigational bridge and boasts panoramic views; high-powered, motion-dampened spotting scopes and binoculars-behind-the-bar for use by patrons.

Other Facilities & Amenities
Seabourn Square - the heart of the ship and home to the pursers and tour desks, Internet center, library and three duty-free retail shops.

The Marina—a beloved icon of the current Seabourn fleet, a fold-down teak platform provides a staging area for guests to enjoy complimentary water sports including waterskiing from the ship's own speed boat, banana boat rides, paddleboats and kayaks.

Sun Terraces—Stepped terraces, on Deck 11, at the ship's highest and furthest-forward point, are home to another intriguing amenity. There, protected by a glass windbreak, guests will find a terraced enclave furnished with large sun-beds.

Spa at Seabourn—With a thallasso whirlpool as its focal point, the spa will feature his and hers Finnish saunas, a selection of aromatic steam rooms, separate gym and aerobics areas and two outdoor decks, for exclusive use by spa guests.

Swimming pools and whirlpools—Guests can choose from swimming pools on Decks 8 and 5, plus a total of seven whirlpools.

Travel + Leisure Names Top Cruise Lines

Be sure to pick up the June 2007 issue of Travel + Leisure magazine to read the results of their 2006 World's Best Awards. Readers selected their favorite cruise lines in a variety of categories:

Top 10 Cruise Lines Based on the Level of Service

#1. SeaDream Yacht Club with a score of 97.86
#2. Yachts of Seabourn with a score of 96.47
#3. Abercrombie & Kent with a score of 94.51
#4. Crystal Cruises with a score of 93.13
#5. Silversea Cruises with a score of 92.89
#6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises with a score of 92.88
#7. Windstar Cruises with a score of 90.16
#8. Oceania Cruises with a score of 88.51
#9. Grand Circle Cruise Line with a score of 85.88
#10. Celebrity Cruises with a score of 85.31


Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines

#1. Yachts of Seabourn with a score of 89.13 (was #1 last year)
#2. Silversea Cruises with a score of 86.85 (was #2 last year)
#3. Abercrombie & Kent with a score of 86.69 (not on last year's list)
#4. SeaDream Yacht Club with a score of 86.07 (was #3 last year)
#5. Grand Circle Cruise Line with a score of 80.63 (not on last year's list)
#6. Windstar Cruises with a score of 80.36 (was #5 last year)
#7. Lindblad Expeditions with a score of 79.17 (was #4 last year)
#8. Star Clippers with a score of 78.10 (was #7 last year)
#9. Viking River Cruises with a score of 77.08 (was #9 last year)
#10. Peter Deilmann Cruises with a score of 76.51 (not on last year's list)


Top 10 Large-Ship Cruise Lines

#1. Crystal Cruises with a score of 88.28 (was #1 last year)
#2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises with a score of 87.37 (was #2 last year)
#3. Oceania Cruises with a score of 82.88 (was #3 last year))
#4. Celebrity Cruises with a score of 79.72 (was #5 last year)
#5. Orient Lines with a score of 78.67 (was #9 last year)
#6. Disney Cruise Line with a score of 78.31 (was #4 last year)
#7. Holland America Line with a score of 77.84 (was #7 last year)
#8. Cunard Line with a score of 77.02 (was #8 last year)
#9. P&O Cruises with a score of 76.63 (not on last year's list)
#10. Princess Cruises with a score of 76.15 (was #6 last year)

Travel + Leisure Names SeaDream #1 for Service

For the third year in a row, SeaDream Yacht Club snagged the top spot for "Service" in Travel + Leisure magazine's 2006 World’s Best Award Readers Survey. (Check the June 2007 issue of the magazine for full details.)

SeaDream’s President & CEO Larry Pimentel announced to the press, “I’m always delighted when we receive such accolades, but I want to add that there are some truly fine travel choices at this luxury end of the spectrum. The fact is, all of the passenger shipping operations included in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are extremely good."

Pimentel went on to say, “Happily, what I can always say with confidence is that SeaDream is not only an extremely fine leisure travel choice on a good-better-best scale, but it is unique. SeaDream is simply a different product—I put the emphasis on the world different—in what is frequently acknowledged by travel industry observers as a sea of sameness."

Seabourn Security Team Honored by Queen Elizabeth II

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

Check out the full story at Cruise Critic.

Albania on Oceania Anyone?

Oceania's Regatta became the first major North American cruise ship to call upon Sarande, Albania earlier this month. Located at the southwestern end of the Adriatic Sea, Sarande has just recently become accessible to western tourists. Ten more calls are scheduled for 2007 and 2008.

“Our guests are experienced travelers who appreciate Albania’s fascinating history and diverse cultures," said Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. "We originally anticipated that our guests’ primary interest would be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, but many chose excursions that provided them with a glimpse into Albanian culture and offered opportunities to immerse themselves in the local color."

Oceania Cruises plans two more calls in Sarande during 2007; guests sailing on Insignia’s September 3 and October 17 departures of the Path of the Phoenicians will have the opportunity to explore the region, including excursions to the ruins of Butrint, its Amphitheatre, Basilica, and the five-centuries-old settlement which has been excavated over the past fifty years. In 2008, Oceania Cruises plans eight calls in Sarande: Nautica’s voyages departing on May 20, July 19, September 5 and 17, October 13 and 25, and Insignia’s August 20 voyage.

Guests on these voyages will also have the opportunity to visit Lekuresi Castle and Blue Eye, a natural deep-water lake with unusual coloring; the ancient city of Foenike, the church of Mesopotami, and the medieval village of Gjirokastra. Also, because of its proximity to Italy, shopping bargains abound on items such as Murano glass, marbled paper and Venetian masks.

“We look forward to our continuing relationship with Sarande, and the warm and endearing people of Albania who provided our guests with such tremendous hospitality,” added Binder.

Kids Sail Panama Canal for Free Aboard Crystal

Have you made your Thanksgiving vacation plans yet? If not, consider one of two Panama Canal cruises aboard Crystal Cruises. They invite children 11 and under to cruise for free this Thanksgiving when sharing a stateroom with two adults. Part classroom, part adventure, children of all ages will marvel at the science of transiting the Canal and the drama of experiencing nature from the wilds of Costa Rica to the tranquility of the Caribbean. With the new promotion and special savings fares, travelers can save up to 60% off brochure fares.

Both of Crystal’s award-winning ships will offer Canal transits on Thanksgiving cruises in 2007:

Crystal Symphony travels from Caldera, Costa Rica to Miami, Florida on a 10-day cruise, November 14-24, with calls in Curaçao/Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles; St. Barts/Gustavia, French West Indies; and Tortola/Road Town, British Virgin Islands.

Crystal Serenity journeys from Miami to Caldera on an 11-day cruise, November 19-30, with calls in Turks & Caicos/Grand Turk, UK; St. Barts/Gustavia, French West Indies; St. Maarten/Phillipsburg, Netherland Antilles; and Aruba/Oranjestad, Dutch West Indies.

The “kids sail free” promotion is capacity controlled and limited to triple-berth staterooms. Per adult, double occupancy fares start at $2,195 and $3,380 for the 10- and 11-day cruises, respectively.

“This Thanksgiving, families can enjoy the luxury of a Crystal cruise and the opportunity of being together at a great value during the holiday,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, Crystal Cruises. “Guests can share a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings, while enjoying all of Crystal’s luxurious amenities and the technical wonder of a Canal transit.”

New Ports for SeaDream in 2008

SeaDream Yacht Club announced its 2008 schedule this morning and the line will be calling on many new ports in Europe and the Caribbean.

Next year's schedule will split the sailing seasons with 176 days in Europe, 168 days in the Caribbean and 22-days in transatlantic voyages back and forth.

New European ports for 2008 include:

• Mahdia, Tunisia
• Yasmine Marina, Tunisia
• Trapani, Porto Empedocles
• Volcano Island, Sicily
• Ponza, Italy
• Porto Banus, Spain
• La Gomera Island, Spain
• Saint Florent, Corsica
• Pythagoreion, Greece
• Nassabur, Bulgaria
• Setubal, Portugal
• Cascais, Portugal

Among new Caribbean ports for 2008 are:

• Lucaya, Grand Bahamas
• Egg Island, Bahamas
• Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos
• Samana, Dominican Republic
• Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
• Trois Ilets, Martinique

SeaDream II will also make a call on Miami in November for a seven-day voyage including ports in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicaos, St. Barts and Jost van Dyke.

For the full 2008 schedule, visit SeaDream's website.

SeaDream I Emerges from Dry Dock

SeaDream I just emerged from two weeks in dry dock in Barcelona, Spain. She underwent regularly scheduled maintenance, plus:

• New carpeting in public rooms, corridors and staircases
• New carpeting in staterooms as needed
• New upholstering of furniture in public rooms, including in the Main Salon and Dining Salon
• New upholstering in staterooms, with new color schemes
• New teak decking as needed, including around the swimming pool and forward on the Bridge Deck.
• Complete upgrading of tenders
• Upgrades to its sound systems in the Main Salon, Pool Bar area, Piano Bar and top of the Yacht Bar areas
• Upgrades to the ship's satellite system—receiver, decoder, stereo and mono audio matrix and TV antenna

SeaDream II underwent similar dry docking last October.

Silversea Updates Wi-Fi Coverage Across Its Fleet

Great news! The Silversea fleet now enjoys 100 percent Wi-Fi coverage. This means you'll be able to surf the Internet and check e-mail right from your suite as well as public areas.

Expanded wireless Internet access is the latest in a number of enhancements the line is introducing to ensure its guests continue to enjoy a luxury travel experience. In January, Silver Shadow was outfitted with new Sealy Posturepedic Plush EuroTop mattresses in all its standard suites. Also, the top suites—Owner's, Grand, Royal and Rossellini—now feature Stearns & Foster Plush ultra-luxury beds. The new bedding is being installed aboard Silver Whisper this month and will debut aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Wind later in the year. New flat-screen TVs are also planned for all suites and will be installed aboard Silver Whisper in November, Silver Shadow in January and the rest of the fleet in the following months.

Crystal Guests Pick Top 10 Caribbean Adventures

Crystal Cruises has released the survey results of its Top 10 rated Crystal Adventures shore excursions in the Caribbean. Based on surveys of guests on the luxury line's 2006 and early 2007 Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises, more than half of the excursions on the list were rated a perfect 10.

Water excursions dominated, with shark feeding a unanimous favorite. Parasailing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and racing adventures placed in the Top 10. Thrill-seekers who like their kicks on land also highly rated Crystal's ATV Adventure in St. Barts for the chance to motor to secluded villages and beaches and to climb into the hills for stunning panoramic views. Other notable mentions include a kayaking adventure in St. Kitts and a 100-foot submarine plunge under the sea to explore coral reefs in Grand Cayman.

Travelers can experience these Caribbean adventures first hand as Crystal returns this fall to cruise the Caribbean and Panama Canal. Throughout November and December, the award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will feature eight voyages ranging from 7 to 14 days.

"After the vistas at sea, it's only natural that even non-beach goers would want to experience that gorgeous, tropical water in the ports," says John Stoll, Crystal's director, land programs. "Typically designed for as few as 10 to 20 guests, Crystal's water adventures make for very intimate groups and a more personalized experience. Plus, there is a terrific camaraderie that develops between travelers who explore a reef, encounter wildlife or learn to scuba dive together."

Crystal's Top 10 Caribbean Adventures offer travelers the chance to:

1) Witness a shark feeding from 30 feet beneath the surface in St. Maarten
2) Parasail in Key West
3) Learn to scuba dive in Grand Turk
4) Kayak, snorkel and swim with dolphins in Key West
5) Captain a 12-foot aqua boat for snorkeling and swimming in Grand Turk
6) Light tackle fish in the waters of Key West
7) Race an authentic America's Cup yacht in St. Maarten
8) Interact with dolphins from a submerged platform in Tortola
9) Swim with stingrays and snorkel a private reef in Grand Turk
10) Walk the ocean floor during a helmet dive in Aruba

Seven-day round-trip departures from Miami also offer families the chance to sample the luxury line with shorter, closer-to-home options, including during Thanksgiving. Additionally, Crystal's 10- and 11-day Caribbean/Panama Canal voyages between Miami and Caldera, Costa Rica, allow guests the chance to extend their travels with a three-day eco-adventure through Costa Rica's North Pacific Riviera.

Ports of call for Crystal's fall season in the Caribbean include the islands of Tortola, St. Bart's, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Turks & Caicos, Aruba, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua; and Key West, Florida. Additional calls include Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and transits of the Panama Canal. Fares begin at $1,645 per person, double occupancy depending on voyage and stateroom selected.