Survey Results Change Course for SeaDream 1/3/03

     SeaDream Yacht Club has altered 2003 sailing schedules for the SeaDream I and II as a result of a European SeaDream survey that included interviews with more than 500 of the line’s past guests and would-be guests, 200 travel agents and more than 50 yacht charter experts in Europe.

     The results – high demand for more Mediterranean cruises and deeper Caribbean ones.
So the line added some of both to this year’s cruise line-up.

      SeaDream has added a series of seven-day round-trip cruises out of Monte Carlo to increase its Mediterranean voyages for 2003. There will be seven Monte Carlo round-trip voyages, a Monte Carlo to Malaga sailing and a Malaga round-trip.

      The ships’ 2003 Caribbean sailings now include several Barbados, seven-day, round-trip voyages, including a year-end holiday sailing. The line also has opened bookings for its eastbound transatlantic sailings of both SeaDream I and II in April, which it originally had planned to reposition to Europe without passengers.

     “Clearly, our target market both in North America and Europe is enthusiastic about the Mediterranean,” said Larry Pimentel, CTC, Chairman and CEO of SeaDream. “Not only did our European upscale target market and the travel agent community register a desire for us to increase our Mediterranean presence, but those whose business is full yacht charters for corporate meetings, incentive programs and individual families, found favor with additional SeaDream Mediterranean sailings.”

     The revised 2003 schedule includes a series of new SeaDream ports of call to be added in both the Mediterranean and in the Caribbean. Among these in the Caribbean are: Charlotteville, Tobago; St, George’s, Bequia, Cariaccou and Mayreau in the Grenadines and Rodney Bay and Soufriere in St. Lucia. In the Mediterranean -- Malaga, Cartegena, Mahon and Barcelona have been added.

     The new schedules and itineraries can be found on SeaDream’s website, www.seadreamyachtclub.com.

Queen for Sale 1/2/2003


     American West Steamboat Company is offering reduced rates on Queen of the West sailings in February and March. On cruises departing February 15, 22, March 1, 8 and 15, 2003, guests can save up to 43 percent or $2,600 per couple off regular low season rates, depending on cabin category. Special rates start at $837 to $2,099 and include all shore excursions.

     Cruises departing February 15, 22 and March 1, 2003, feature the rivers of the West, the Columbia, Willamette and Snake Rivers aboard the Queen of the West. The seven-night itinerary will visit Multnomah Falls, the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, Lewis & Clark’s Fort Clatsop, a jet boat ride into Hells Canyon, a rodeo demonstration in Pendleton and excursions to Astoria and Cannon Beach, Oregon.

      On March 8 and March 15, 2003, the Queen of the West will operate seven-night itineraries featuring the lower Columbia River, where Lewis & Clark first caught sight of the Pacific Ocean. Each cruise will feature special guest historian and author, Rex Ziak. Points of interest include Station Camp, Fort Clatsop, the Bonneville Dam, The Dalles, a the Multnomah Falls, a visit to Mt. St. Helens, a tour of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, and excursions to Astoria and Cannon Beach, Oregon.

     Call your travel agent or 1-800-434-1232 or visit www.columbiarivercruise.com.

Double Savings on Radisson 12/31/02


     Vacationers who book and make a deposit on a 2003 Radisson Seven Seas Cruises trip by February 28 will receive an extra 10 percent off of the early booking rate. The savings apply to most of the line’s seven- to 12-night voyages on the Seven Seas Voyager, Radisson Diamond, Song of Flower and Seven Seas Navigator in the Baltic, Western Europe and Mediterranean.

     The additional Early Booking Savings are five percent in the following categories: Seven Seas Voyager Master Suite through Seven Seas Suite; Seven Seas Navigator Master Suite through Navigator Suite; Radisson Diamond Master Suite; and Song of Flower A and B Staterooms.
Call your travel agent or 1-800-285-1835 or visit www.rssc.com.

Seattle Revealed 12/28/02

     Cruise vacationers planning an Alaska or West Coast cruise out of Seattle next year will receive a new cruise guide to the Washington home port. Launched by WHERE Seattle and Cruise Terminals of America, Home Port Seattle-The Official Cruise Passenger’s Guide to Seattle will be distributed to all passengers who embark and disembark ships in Seattle during the 2003 season.

     Published April through October, the new guide will detail the hot spots of Seattle, provide detailed maps, and include an editorial feature on the city’s history.

     According to Holly Shook, director of marketing for Columbia Hospitality, partner-owner of Cruise Terminals of America, the new format is more user-friendly. “The new design and name of the cruise guide, Home Port Seattle, now gives cruise passengers the ability to quickly and thoroughly navigate through Seattle’s uniquely individual neighborhoods,” she said.

     The Port of Seattle will boast more than 220,000 passengers next year. Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Cruise West, Glacier Bay Cruiseline, Princess Cruises, American Safari Cruises, and Lindblad Expeditions will all sail out of Seattle next year.

Hilton at Sea 12/26/02

     Hilton International is hitting the high seas. The company has collaborated with Festival Cruises – known as First European Cruises in the U.S. – to offer the first Hilton-branded product in cruising.

     The venture, named "Hilton Floating Resort on Festival Cruises,” will be launched in the beginning of 2003. Under the agreement, 'Hilton Suites' and service will be available on three of Festival's ships - European Stars, European Vision, and Mistral - for cruise 2003 programs to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, Northern Europe and the Caribbean.

     The new "Hilton Suites," which are to be marketed and promoted by both Festival and Hilton, are aiming to attract discerning leisure travelers who seek the upscale standard of comfort and service long associated with the services and amenities generally found in Hilton Executive rooms, combined with Festival product quality.

     Suites on Festival's ships are equipped with a private balcony and offer dedicated in-cabin service by multi-lingual stewards. The new program provides for special services to Hilton customers, including special check-in and check-out facilities as well as priority handling and additional benefits for onboard dining, entertainment and excursions.

Concierge Service Gets Fluffy 12/26/02

     According to a 2002 poll by the National Sleep Foundation, Americans sleep about 6.9 hours every weeknight. Over the years, that number has continued to fall and complaints about sleepless nights and tired mornings continue to rise.


    Cunard Line is attempting to put an end to their passengers’ restless sleep. In 2003, the line will add the first pillow concierge service at sea on the Queen Elizabeth 2. Through the new concierge service, guests will be able to choose their own pillows -- from king-size feather blend, standard- and king-size synthetic, 100 percent goose down, U-shaped, neck rolls, companion and head support cushions.

     Pillows can also reduce snoring, but Cunard is not making any guarantees! Research shows that neck roll and U-shaped pillows are thought to reduce snoring because the contoured foam elevates the chin from the chest, keeping the jaw forward and airways open, which makes snoring less likely.

      Among the more unusual pillows in the group are neck roll head supports. These look like a typical, rectangular pillow, but with a neck roll pillow attached on one side. The roll supports the neck while the head rests on the pillow and can be used for sleeping on your back or side.

     U-shaped pillows are also offered. Shaped more like a candy cane than a horseshoe, these hypoallergenic pillows are typically designed for those who sleep on their sides. When properly used, the head rests along the curve, permitting the sleeper to cradle the long, straight section.

     Cunard Line offers 100 percent goose down pillows as well.

     Sleep tight – and long!

RSSC Voyager Sets New Course 12/24/02


     Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has announced its first-ever 94-night Grand Asia Pacific Voyage aboard the new 700-guest all-balcony suite Seven Seas Voyager – slated to debut in Monte Carlo on April 1, 2003.

     The ship will set sail for its port-intensive itinerary round-trip from Los Angeles on January 10, 2004 – visiting 41 ports in 18 countries. Guests can start booking the entire voyage or five shorter, combinable segments of 15 to 23 nights beginning January 6, 2003.

     "We are excited to announce the 2004 Grand Asia Pacific Voyage on the Seven Seas Voyager, setting our new ship on a new course, calling at eight new ports of call," said Mark Conroy, president and CEO of Radisson Seven Seas. "Recent booking trends and our guests' interests influenced our decision to develop this extended, concentrated Asia Pacific program. This first-ever itinerary offers our guests the benefit of extended touring time in 10 major cities with a total of 13 overnights in port."


     The Seven Seas Voyager will call at the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, Tonga, New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China,
Taiwan, Japan and Hawaii, with extended overnight calls in Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle (Perth), Singapore, Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tianjin (for Beijing), Kobe and Tokyo.

     First-time visits for the line include Ile des Pins in New Caledonia; Adelaide in Australia, Fremantle & Perth, twin cities on the Swan River; Albany and Broome, renowned for its seawater pearls; Taipei and Kaoshing in Taiwan; and Tianjin, near Beijing.

      Those who book the 94-night cruise by May 31, 2003, will receive 10 percent early booking savings, with prices starting from $38,695 per person, including first class air from 84 North American gateways and up to $1,000 shipboard credit.

     Call your travel agent or 1-800-285-1835 or visit www.rssc.com.

South Pacific Sojourn 12/23/02

    Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth 2 is heading to the French Polynesia. On January 24, 2003, the ship will sail from Hawaii to Tahiti on an 11-night cruise, offering two-for-one savings.

     QE2 will set sail from Honolulu to Papeete, Moorea, and Auckland. The itinerary also includes a full day and overnight stay onboard the ship in Auckland prior to disembarkation. Rates start at $999 per person, double occupancy.

Call your travel agent or 1-800-7-CUNARD or visit www.cunard.com.

Windstar Sets New Sailing Schedule 12/21/02


     Primarily due to the redeployment of the Wind Star in Tahiti, Windstar Cruises has announced new schedules and cruise itineraries for 2003.

     During the 2003 European cruise season, the 148–passenger Wind Spirit will now operate a blend of the Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises originally scheduled onboard both the Wind Star and Wind Spirit as published in 2003 brochures. There will be no changes to the published cruise schedules of the 308-passenger Wind Surf featuring first time calls in the Baltics and Northern Europe.

     The line will maintain it’s year-round presence in Tahitian waters, resuming seven-day cruises on January 24, 2003 aboard the Wind Star. As previously reported in the December issue of CruiseReports, the Wind Song was damaged in an engine room fire and was pulled from its Tahiti itinerary. The Wind Star will replace the Wind Song’s cruises through December 2003 – a total of 42 sailings round-trip from Papeete to Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Moorea. On September 26, 2003, the ship will sail a 14-day route from Papeete to the Marquesas Islands.

      Windstar will shorten its Greek Isles season from 24 to 10 sailings onboard the Wind Spirit, sailing seven-day itineraries between Athens and Istanbul. Four cruises departing May 10 through 31 and six running from September 13 through October 18, 2003, will visit the Aegean islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, and Kusadasi.

     The Wind Surf will maintain its published 2003 itineraries in the Mediterranean offering a total of 16 sailings in May, June, September, October, and November 2003. The Wind Spirit will now offer 18 Mediterranean cruises departing April through November 2003. The seven- to 11-day Mediterranean cruises depart from Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Nice, France; Rome, Italy; Grand Harbour, Malta; and Venice, Italy.

     In July and August of 2003, Windstar visits the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe for the first time ever on a total of eight cruises. The Wind Surf will sail four 10-day cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark with a St. Petersburg, Russia overnight. While repositioning to and from the Baltic Sea, Wind Surf will sail two 10-day cruises between Lisbon and Dover and two 12-day cruises between Dover and Copenhagen. Port calls include St. Petersburg, Moscow, Paris, London, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Oslo, Talinn, Helsinki, and Berlin.

     The line will of course continue its Caribbean journeys as well, with a total of 32 sailings in 2003, featuring the addition of Isla Culebra, Puerto Rico. Wind Surf will call there during its cruises from St. Thomas to Barbados. The ship also will sail two repositioning cruises between St. Thomas and Ft. Lauderdale, visiting the Bahamas. St. Thomas will be the Wind Spirit’s homeport in 2003, offering 14 Caribbean cruises to St. John, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda.

     In April and November of 2003, the ships’ crew will be aiming to break the record of 103 hours under sail power alone during four trans-Atlantic cruises. The 14-day voyages will depart April 5 and November 22 on the Wind Spirit; and on April 20 and November 16 aboard the Wind Surf. The latter will sail from Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale, while the others will sail between Lisbon and St. Thomas

Cruise ‘N Stay in London 12/20/02


     Cunard and Virgin Vacations are teaming up again in 2003 to offer more 10-day trips to England. In addition to a six-day transatlantic crossing aboard aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, the program includes a three-night hotel stay in London at the Crowne Plaza St. James, airfare to or from the United States and more.

    Rates start at $1,499 per person, and includes one-way economy class air on Virgin Atlantic Airways between London and eight U.S. gateways: Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

     Air add-ons are available from Boston for $149, Los Angeles for $299, Miami for $229, Orlando for $249, San Francisco for $299 and Washington, D.C. for $199. Call your travel agent, or call 1-800-7-CUNARD or visit www.cunard.com.

Short Stint 12/19/02

     Royal Olympic Cruises is introducing a new weekend cruise to Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas this spring aboard the Olympia Voyager, with rates beginning at $204 per person.

     The ship will depart round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, April 12, 2003 at 3 p.m., and return Monday morning, April 14 at 9 a.m.

     Call your travel agent or 1-800-872-6400, or visit www.royalolympiccruises.com.

Create More Cruises 12/17/02


     Silversea Cruises has expanded its “Personalized Voyages” program to all of its ships. First announced in July for 2003 voyages aboard Silver Cloud, the custom-made cruise options will be available on the Silver Wind, Silver Whisper, and Silver Shadow beginning next month.
 
     With Silversea's Personalized Voyages guests can choose the length of their voyage as well as points of embarkation and disembarkation.

      "The overwhelming response and favorable feedback to Personalized Voyages have encouraged us to roll out the program on all our vessels," said Albert Peter, Silversea's Chief Executive Officer. "The great success of Personalized Voyages is attributed to the fact that it addresses the needs of today's luxury traveler by giving them total vacation flexibility. We're enabling guests to customize their vacation experiences to fit their needs, not the other way around."

     The company's 2003 revised Cruise Atlas, due out shortly, contains a listing of over two hundred approved embarkation and disembarkation ports, daily rates, plus complete terms and conditions of the program. Guests can cruise for as long as they desire, with a minimum of five nights in a row. To determine the cost of a Personalized Voyage, guests select a desired suite category, then add up the daily rate of the days they plan to be onboard. Guests will need to arrange their own air transportation, but Silversea will assist with hotel and/or transfer arrangements in select ports.

     Guests opting not to book under the Personalized Voyages program can still confirm a Silversea cruise vacation by booking either an air/sea fare or cruise-only fare.

     To build a custom itinerary on the line’s web site – www.silversea.com --visitors can use the section's "Search Button" to select the month, destination, or desired embarkation port. Then select the desired ship, port of embarkation, port of disembarkation, and suite category desired, and the cruise-only fare will be displayed.

Luxury Goes Exploring 12/16/02


     Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is offering exclusive, complimentary shore excursions on four segments of the Seven Seas Mariner’s first 108-day world cruise.

     The first segment is a 31-night voyage from Los Angeles to Sydney departing January 21, 2003. In Nuku Hiva (Marquesas Islands), following the traditions of Polynesian sailors, guests will gather at a sacred marae (temple). In Hobart, among the ruins of the Port Arthur Penal Colony, a "Tasmanian Heritage" dinner show will take guests back to a time to Australia's history as they witness a full costume reenactment of convict arrivals by ship.

     The second segment is a 34-night voyage from Sydney to Singapore on February 21 with an overnight stay at Bangkok's Shangri-La hotel. The third segment is a 21-night voyage from Singapore to Cape Town on March 27, where guests can set out on a Tsavo East National Park safari, exploring the lands of the Big Five. The forth segment is a 22-night voyage from Cape Town to Ft. Lauderdale on April 17, including a Transatlantic crossing to Brazil. In Walvis Bay, Namibia -- the oldest desert in the world – guests will have dinner under the stars. Optional Enrichment

     Additionally, Le Cordon Bleu chefs will host "Classe Culinaire des Croisières" hands-on cooking classes and workshops on segments one and four, guests can dice it up with skilled Le Cordon Bleu® chefs during the workshop series. Participants will learn how to prepare selections from the ship's Le Cordon Bleu menus served at Signatures - the Seven Seas Mariner's 110-seat reservations-only dinner restaurant. Cost is $395 per person.

    Single combinable segments of 21 to 34 nights begin at $10,075 per person and include economy airfare. Guests will also receive a $200 shipboard credit.

Deilmann Expands European Cruise-Tours 12/16/02

     Peter Deilmann Cruises has expanded its European cruise-tour program for 2003, featuring seven- and 14-nights of cruising on nine deluxe river ships that sail the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Elbe, Po and other rivers from late March through early November.

     Deilmann has more than doubled the number of “Great Rivers of Europe” departures. Among the 18 cruise tours for next year are three new ones focusing on Lake Como and northern Italy, northern Germany and Poland and Vienna, German wine regions and Amsterdam.

     The 14-day "Spires to Windmills" program combines the cities of Vienna, Cologne and Amsterdam with a seven-night cruise on the 79-passenger Katharina sailing on the Danube, the Main-Danube Canal and the Rhine. In Franconia on the Main-Danube Canal, the ship will sail to castles and historic towns of Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg and Würzburg. The cruise also visits Rüdesheim. The 12-night program, with six departures between May 13 and October 28, is priced from $3,460 per person double occupancy, including two hotel nights in both Vienna and Amsterdam and one in Cologne.

     The line’s 12-day "Best of Northern Italy" cruise-tour begins with three days on Lake Como at Villa d'Este in Cernobbio and continues to Venice for a seven-night Po River cruise to Cremona on the 96-passenger Casanova. Visits include Bologna, Ferrara, Verona Burano, Torcello and Murano on the Venetian Lagoon. The final night is spent in Venice aboard the ship. There are eight departures on this 10-night program between May 27 and September 16, priced from $3,470 per person, double occupancy.

     The 15-day "Discovery Route-Dresden to Krakow" begins with a seven-night Elbe River sailing on the Dresden, with visits to Berlin, Warsaw and Krakow. The trip includes an overnight in Dresden and tours in Meissen and Wittenberg. There are 11 departures on this 13-night program between May 2 and October 3, priced from $2,890 per person, double occupancy.

     Call your travel agent or 1-800-348-8287 or visit www.deilmann-cruises.com.