Luxury And Adventure Cruising

Celebrity Cruises Floats Out Celebrity Eclipse

Last summer we sailed aboard Celebrity Equinox, the second in Celebrity Cruises’ $3.7 billion Solstice Class fleet. Last Thursday the cruise line floated out the next ship in the series: Celebrity Eclipse.

Take a look at this video from Celebrity Cruises and learn a bit more about this terrific new ship that starts sailing this April:

Celebrity Eclipse will sail round-trip itineraries out of Southampton, England between April and the end of October, when she’ll cross the Atlantic and begin her winter season in the Caribbean.

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

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Chimu Adventures Offers 25% off Antarctica Expeditions

Latin America and Antarctica specialist Chimu Adventures is offering 25% off the MS Expedition Antarctica cruises.

The special is valid for all departures in the 2010/2011 season and all expeditions such as the classic 11 day voyage and the longer 20 day ‘Spirit of Shackleton’ route.

Director of Chimu Adventures, Greg Carter, believes the deal gives people the opportunity to pick up a real bargain in getting to Antarctica. Carter claims, “with the 25% off discount, prices are starting from around $AUD 3775 for the 11-day classic expedition. This is really unbeatable value!”

The offer is available for bookings made before 30th April 2010 and is commissionable for agents.

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Quark Expeditions Announces Arctic 2010 Expedition Leaders

Five experienced Expedition Leaders are returning to the Arctic in 2010, announced Vermont-based polar adventure specialist Quark Expeditions. “Expedition Leaders are the X factor,” said Patrick Shaw, president. “The best ELs add something extra to an expedition through their personalities and passion for the regions through which they lead travelers.”

To celebrate the announcement, travelers who book one of four select Arctic voyages will receive a free extended stay in Oslo, Norway or Reykjavik, Iceland. These packages have a retail value of $1100 and $663 per person respectively.

Quark’s Expedition Leaders have various backgrounds. Some are scientists, some historians, many are wildlife specialists and some are skilled yachtsmen and kayakers. All have worked their way up through the ranks to the position. The experience they gained as Zodiac drivers, naturalists, and lecturers is essential for their role as Expedition Leader.

New Zealander Graham Charles is an internationally renowned kayaker with an irreverent sense of humor and unquenchable enthusiasm. Graham will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Eastern Greenland, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic from July 8 to August 20, 2010.

Dr. Kirsten le Mar uses her training and experience as a field biologist as Expedition Leader aboard the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov. Kirsten will lead three End of an Era expeditions from Anadyr, Russia to Resolute, Canada in 2010.

Canadian Brandon Harvey studies orcas when he is not leading an Arctic voyage. Between June and September 2010, he will lead expeditions to Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland aboard the 46-passenger Akademik Shokalskiy.

David “Dutch” Willmott has always been drawn to adventure travel in wild places. He has sailed and raced yachts all over the world. He will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Svalbard in June 2010.

David “Woody” Wood started working on expedition vessels as a bartender, so his people skills are well honed. He is an experienced Zodiac driver and can handle firearms — essential in the Arctic. He will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Svalbard from July to August 2010.

Jan Bryde will lead Quark’s Arctic trip to the North Pole, July 9 to 23, 2010. 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest nuclear-powered icebreaker is Jan’s home away from home.

Extend Your Stay

The Oslo extended stay offer is available on three departures: Introduction to Spitsbergen, June 21 to 28; Spitsbergen Explorer June 27 to July 7 or July 14 to 24, 2010. Guests who book any of the listed expeditions will receive a package that includes 1 night in Longyearbyen and 2 nights in Oslo.

The Reykjavik extended stay offer is available on Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, August 3 to 20, 2010. Guests who book this voyage will receive a package that includes 4 nights in Reykjavik, Iceland.

To receive more information about the Arctic offer and Quark’s Expedition Leaders go online or call toll free 888-892-0171.

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Cruise West’s Spirit of Oceanus Inaugural World Voyage Commences

Singapore by night

Cruise West’s (www.cruisewest.com) maiden world voyage aboard the 60-suite Spirit of Oceanus set sail from Singapore on March 6, 2010, with 71 delighted guests (including two solo travelers who are participating on the entire 335-day circumnavigation) and 72 crew.

Guests were welcomed to a special gala at the legendary Raffles Hotel on March 5 that included the hotel’s signature Singapore Sling cocktail, entertainment by a traditional Chinese orchestra, a mystical fortuneteller accompanied by a parrot with ‘divination’ capabilities, a warm welcome by Captains Reidulf Maalen, Malcolm Scanlan and Boris Tsvetkov and a sumptuous dinner featuring Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine. In addition, each guest received a monogrammed fan with hand painted Chinese calligraphy of his or her name, ending the evening with a city tour by night via Trishaws. Concluding the festivities on embarkation day, March 6, was a champagne toast and a colorful, raucous Lions Dance, said to be an auspicious way to begin such an extraordinary series of voyages.

Captain Maalen remarked, “This is truly a grand moment for the Spirit of Oceanus, her guests and her crew. No other line, big or small, has endeavored to circumnavigate the world in 335 days. I am thrilled to be at the helm of five of the 24 voyages and be a part of making history.”

The first of 24 distinct voyages, a Southeast Asian journey, will travel for 15 nights from Singapore to Chennai, India, making stops at Malacca, Malaysia; Georgetown, Penang; Langkawi; Phuket and Kho Yao, Thailand; Similan Islands; Rangoon, Myanmar; and the Andaman Islands en route to Chennai. This is not an ordinary voyage – guests will enjoy exclusive and fascinating included excursions, further exploration of remote islands via Zodiac and presentations by expert guest lecturers.

There’s still time to book one or multiple segments of the 2010 or 2011 world voyages that range from 9 – 18 nights. Each meticulously crafted itinerary from Asia to the Mediterranean, Europe to the Americas and throughout the South Pacific offer the most discerning and well-traveled guests an array of distinctive choices and authentic experiences. Savings are still available. To book a Cruise West voyage or for more information call 1-800-689-1783.

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Silhouette Cruises in the Seychelles

Silhouette Cruises Ltd was established in 1997, offering Seychelles cruises aboard S.V. Sea Shell. In response to the enthusiastic interest generated by this unique brand of cruises, a sister ship S.V. Sea Pearl, was acquired in 1999. Since then, Silhouette Cruises have introduced two modern and luxurious sailing yachts, S.Y. Sea Star and S.Y. Sea Bird, capable of covering greater distances and reaching further destinations.

All four vessels follow standard itineraries for part of the year mainly in the “inner islands” of the Seychelles. They can also be chartered for tailor-made cruises around any of the islands of the Seychelles. The directors of Silhouette Cruises have unequalled knowledge and experience of the islands and have operated boats in the region for many years and are happy to give advice on itineraries to suit clients’ needs.

Contact:

Silhouette Cruises
P.O. Box 336
Victoria, Mahé
Seychelles

Office tel (248) 32 40 26
Mobile (248) 51 40 51
Fax (248) 32 43 65
E-mail cruises@seychelles.net

Web site: www.seychelles-cruises.com

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Mein Schiff, ex Celebrity Galaxy Cruise Ship Review

Mein Schiff, ex Celebrity Galaxy Cruise Ship Review
If you want to experience a vacation to fit your budget without sacrificing great amenities, Mein Schiff cruise ship provides the perfect middle ground for you. It is not too expensive yet not too mass-market. It gives the vacationer a break from the usual day-to-day stress because the usual clientele belongs to the mature and sedate 35-65 age group. Family groups do not usually take the Mein Schiff.

The room is a most pleasant surprise because of its size. It does not feel cramped and claustrophobic even though it was an inside cabin. There is enough storage space even for a pack rat like me. Room service is available 24 hours. There is more variety if you call for one during mealtimes because you can choose from the buffet menu. The food on boardof Mein Schiff is good. Don’t expect extraordinary fare, but whatever is served is more than adequate. Little touches like being served by white-gloved waiters add to the calming experience of dining. Midnight buffets are done by themes. It’s fun looking out for the next one. Some of the midnight buffets were held poolside. It was a blast because there was a band playing as well.

The one thing I loved most about the Mein Schiff is their awesome Theater. It is huge. The theater reminds me of an opera house because of the box seats at the sides. The one thing I noticed is the lack of supporting columns in the whole seating area. This means there is no obstruction when one watches the show from any seat in the house. It does not feel like being on a cruise ship because of the lay-out of the theater. If you like casinos, there is an adequate one called Fortunes Casino. What’s cool though is the in-cabin interactive TV system that allows you to play even in the room. There is no need to dress up to play blackjack.
Photo by JeanbaptisteM http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeanbaptistem/4028245851/

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VARIETY CRUISES LAUNCHES NEW RIVERS OF WEST AFRICA CRUISE IN DECEMBER 2010

Variety Cruises will set sail on its new cruise adventure to West Africa in December 2010. The Rivers of West Africa cruise will explore a land of lush vegetation and cultural beauty by way of the winding Saloun and Gambia rivers. Passengers will spend eight days aboard the newly renovated PEGASUS mega yacht. Embarking from Dakar, Senegal, the program sails from December 17, 2010 through March 18, 2011, with fares beginning at $2,490 per person, per week. An excursion package is available at an additional cost.

THE PEGASUS

Passengers will sail aboard the mega yacht Pegasus, which hosts just 46 guests with 23 cabins in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. The vessel, which will be fully refurbished in March 2010, affords magnificent sea views as guests stroll 2,500 square-feet of open deck, furnished with comfortable deck chairs and spaces for delightful al fresco meals. Passengers can relax with friends in the handsomely appointed lounge, browse in the well-stocked library or enjoy ocean-view dining in the spacious restaurant area. A platform on the stern enables swims right off the ship when weather and anchorage conditions permit.

Life on board centers around the indoor/outdoor lounge and the American bar on the upper deck. Friendly service on-board is provided by the captain and his experienced marine and hotel crew members. Cabins are equipped with twin or queen size beds with large windows or portholes. All cabins offer en suite bathrooms with shower, TV/DVD players, hairdryers, individually controlled air conditioning and safety deposit boxes.

ITINERARY

The Rivers of West Africa cruise departs Fridays from Dakar in Senegal and sets sail to Djiffere via the Saloun River. From Djiffere, passengers have the unique opportunity to explore the vibrant village of Joal Fadiout, a fishing community built entirely of shells.

The cruise continues along the Gambia River to the following ports of call:

* Tendaba, home to Kiang West National Park and the Baobolong Reserve
* Kuntaur, a thriving port village on the Gambia river
* Janjangbureh, location of River Gambia National Park, a conservations sanctuary for chimpanzees, hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles and many bird species
* Banjul, the capital city of Gambia and nearby the Nature Reserves of Abuko and Makasutu

The Rivers of West Africa cruise fares begin at $2,490 per person, per week, which includes:

* Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
* American buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
* Coffee, tea and water free all day.
* Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability).
* English speaking Gambia River Expert.

Fares do not include shore excursions or crew gratuities.
Optional pre or post land program extensions feature seven days in Mali and Timbuktu. Explore the charming local markets of vibrant Mopti, and revel in the beauty of the impressive mud brick Grand Mosque of Djenné. Spend a full day in Timbuktu, and discover why it is has earned the nickname “City of Mystery.”
For more information on Variety Cruises’ Rivers of West Africa program, please visit www.varietycruises.com, or call 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) and 1-800-319-7776 (US).

About Variety Cruises

Variety Cruises offers luxury, premium and casual experiences in old-world or cosmopolitan locales. Founded in 2005, it is one of the largest small ship cruise company worldwide with a fleet of more than 17 fully owned vessels, including cruise ships and luxury yachts. The family-owned company offers scheduled tours through Greece, Turkey, the Adriatic Sea, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, and a charter yacht program that further traverses the globe. Itineraries are a unique opportunity to savor the cultural, architectural, historical and natural diversity of each port. With a private, convivial and relaxed ship environment, fine cuisine and personalized service, the company is positioning itself to become the choice for travelers seeking a superb small ship cruise experience. Variety Cruises is affiliated with key travel organizations, including: United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Ensemble, Vacation.com, Central Holidays, TravelSavers, Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN), National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA), Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST), International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) Vacations.

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American Safari Cruises Releases 2011 Dates and Rates

In advance of its 2011 comprehensive all-destination brochure due out this summer, American Safari Cruises announces dates and rates through November 2011 for four destinations: Alaska’s Inside Passage, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia and Snake rivers, and the Pacific Northwest.

“Because our yachts have small guest contingents and seasonal sailings, space fills up rapidly,” says Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing, “and we want to give travel agents plenty of time to secure their clients’ preferred dates and destinations.”

Alaska

In 2011, all three of the company’s luxury yachts will spend two full days in Glacier Bay National Park on eight-day, seven-night cruises roundtrip from Juneau.

• The 145-foot, 36-guest Safari Explorer will sail May 13 through Sept. 2 on 17 departures; prices begin at $4,895 per person double occupancy.

• The 120-foot, 22-guest Safari Quest will cruise May 20 through Sept. 2 on 16 departures, including two Kids-in-Nature sailings geared for families with young children; prices begin at $5,495 per person.

• The 105-foot, 12-guest Safari Spirit sails May 13 through Aug. 26 on 16 departures; prices begin at $6,095 per person.

The three yachts also offer two 15-day, 14-night cruises between Seattle and Juneau: The Safari Explorer departs Seattle April 29 and Juneau Sept. 9 with prices beginning at $8,095; the Safari Quest departs May 6 and Sept. 9 beginning at $8,295; and the Safari Spirit departs April 29 and Sept. 2 beginning at $9,995.

All yachts are available for a full private charter, which includes the crew, fuel, port taxes, from-yacht excursions, food and spirits; prices begin at $78,995.

Mexico

The Safari Spirit’s eight-day, seven-night cruises in the wildlife-rich wilderness of Mexico’s Sea of Cortés run Nov. 20 through Dec. 27, 2010, and Jan. 8 through March 19, 2011, roundtrip from La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. A burro trail ride, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming with sea lions, whale watching and hiking are all included activities. Prices begin at $6,995.

Columbia and Snake rivers

For its eight-day, seven-night cruises on the ruggedly beautiful Columbia and Snake rivers, American Safari Cruises offers six river expedition and seven wine and culinary theme departures aboard the Safari Explorer in spring 2011 and Safari Quest in fall 2011.

The wine and culinary cruises will feature guest sommeliers and executive chefs to help guests expand their knowledge of wines and how to pair them with specific menus; guests will tour five Washington wineries. The river expedition cruises will focus on the plentiful wildlife, Columbia Gorge cliffs and waterfalls, eight lock and dam transits, and the colorful history of the area. Both cruises include a jet boat tour of Hells Canyon; prices begin at $4,295 per person.

Pacific Northwest

The Safari Spirit has five scheduled eight-day, seven-night cruises roundtrip from Friday Harbor, Wash., in September and October 2011. The itinerary includes the San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands, Princess Louisa Inlet and city stops at Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. Prices begin at $6,095 per person.

American Safari Cruises’ inclusive sailings feature gourmet cuisine; complimentary fine wines and premium spirits; all from-yacht activities; onboard kayaks and motorized skiffs for close-up exploration; and a 2 to 1 guest-crew ratio. Staterooms offer private bathrooms with heated floors (some Jacuzzis), DVD players and Tempur-pedic mattresses.

Hawaiian Islands weeklong yacht explorations to Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island begin Oct. 26, 2011, and run to May 3, 2012. Dates and rates are available now; full details will be released by the end of March 2010.

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New Luxury Cruise Vacations for 2011–2012 from Yachts of Seabourn

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Yachts of Seabourn. Today the luxury line released its itineraries for 2011 and 2012. There are some fantastic routes so it’s time to start planning! And, if any 2011 European or Asian cruise piques you’re interest, you’ll be pleased to learn more about Seabourn’s special promotion that includes two-for-one pricing on some itineraries starting at $3,250 per person. Value air add-ons are also on special from $699 per person in economy and from $2,299 in business class.

So, where will Seabourn take you in 2011 and 2012? Just about anywhere says cruise line president and CEO Pamela Conover:

“With the launch of Seabourn Quest in June 2011, our six intimate yachts will enable us to provide the unique, Seabourn yachting lifestyle to travelers anywhere they wish to explore, from the beaches of St. Tropez to the jungles of Borneo. From Iceland to Queensland and Beijing to Barcelona, you can travel the world, and travel it well, on a Seabourn yacht.”

New Itineraries

• Canada and New England aboard Seabourn Sojourn

• “Patagonian Passage”—Chilean fjords, Cape Horn, and Falkland Islands aboard Seabourn Sojourn
• Singapore to Bali with stops in Borneo, Sulawesi, and Java aboard Seabourn Pride
• “Indian Oceans Delight” series of cruises aboard Seabourn Legend
• 60-Day “Stars of the Southern Cross” from Los Angeles to French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii aboard Seabourn Odyssey
• 7-Night St. Petersburg & the Baltics aboard Seabourn Sojourn
• and more!

There are a lot of new itineraries mixed in with old favorites. It’s worth your while to study the new PDF Cruise Calendar. I’ve had some time to study the options and here’s one cruise that I know will be fantastic!

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

Photo courtesy of the Yachts of Seabourn

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Cruise West Ventures to Patagonia 2011 — By Land and By Sea

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world’s leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, ventures to rugged and mysterious Patagonia in 2011 with four departures aboard the spacious 64-cabin mv Via Australis. The new 8- or 10- night journey highlights hotspots in Chile by land and cruising through renowned channels, scenic bays and glaciated fjords from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. Save $600 per person by paying in full by April 30, 2010.

Patagonia is like no other place on earth offering impressive landscapes, beautiful vegetation and a variety of marine mammals and wildlife. The journey includes two nights in the thriving city of Santiago where guests will partake on a private walking tour, lively folkloric dinner show and a full day touring Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s supreme wine regions, and historic Valparaiso, once the residence of poet Pablo Neruda. Board the mv Via Australis in Punta Arenas, an included flight away, and head out to sea on a custom-designed 5-night voyage, cruising through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel that separates the islands of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, making a stop at Magdalena Island to visit the immense colony of Magellanic Penguins.

Continue onto Ainsworth Bay located inside the Alberto De Agostini National Park that offers a sun-polar Magellanic forest, and if the timing is right, elephant seals lounging on the beach; explore a scenic amphitheatre of glaciers via Zodiacs in Brookes Bay; and search for marine mammals around Carlos III Island and Rupert Inlet, known for its unique biodiversity. After navigating across Desolation Bay en route Pia Fjord, explore smaller inlets by Zodiac, stopping to hike to a look out point offering spectacular views of the entire glacier tongue of Pia Glacier.

Last day of exploration includes majestic ‘Glacier Alley;’ Cape Horn National Park, declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005; and Wulaia Bay, once the site of the largest Yamana aboriginal settlement. Disembark in Ushuaia and continue by plane to Argentina’s capital city of Buenos Aires for one last night of fun including a farewell Tango dinner show and city tour.

The 10-night program includes two extra nights in Puerto Natales with private escorted tours of majestic Torres Del Paine National Park and Milodon Cave, where in 1895 the remains of extinct animals such as the Sabre Tooth Tiger and the Milodon (giant sloths) were found.

Choose from four departure dates: January 26, 31; and February 5 and 10, 2011. Prices start at $6,095 per person for the 8-night and $6,795 for the 10-night program, before savings, and include internal flights, all excursions and hotel nights as listed. Save $600 per person by paying in full by April 30, 2010. Note the journey operates one-way between Santiago and Buenos Aires or reverse, depending on departure date. For further details, visit www.CruiseWest.com, call 800-296-8307 or a contact a travel professional.

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