Silversea Cruises new Wine Series cruises for 2009

The ultra-luxurious cruise line Silversea Cruises is introducing the New Year with an enticing new collection of 11 Wine Series voyages for 2009. Each wine themed cruise will offer the discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines the chance to sample great vintages and to learn about the tradition and art of winemaking with special lectures hosted by wine professionals, vineyard owners, winemakers and other epicurean specialists. On many of the Silversea Cruises voyages guests will also get the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions with guided shore excursions.

Famous contributors include California's Justin and Wente wineries, Italy's Castello Banfi and Chile's Santa Alicia Winery, to name a few. Of special note is the participation of Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the Italian fashion visionary. Renowned for their signature handbags and footwear, the Ferragamo family also owns Il Borro, an acclaimed wine-producing estate in Tuscany. Ferragamo is set to host Silver Wind's July 6 wine-themed sailing from Lisbon to Monte Carlo.

"Our Wine Series cruises are a great way for guests to broaden their understanding and appreciation for one of life's most cherished luxuries – fine wine," said David Morris, Silversea Cruise's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "We've invited top experts from some of the world's most acclaimed vineyards and wineries to visit and interact with our guests, guiding them through entertaining tastings and lectures that add a unique and enriching dimension to their cruise experience."

Crystal Cruises charitable giving

Crystal Cruises have introduced a charitable donation program that invites all its employees, guests, travel agents and the general public to help save the lives of children under the age of five around the world. Nearly 10 million children in impoverished countries die every year of preventable illnesses before they reach the age of five because of the lack of fundamental amenities – clean drinking water, basic medicines, mosquito netting and nutrition.

In September 2008 Crystal Cruises became a founding partner of the Conde Nast Traveller Five & Alive Fund, a program supporting children five and under in more than 30 countries around the world by helping to prevent and treat malaria, water-borne illnesses, pneumonia and malnutrition.

Contributions can be made by a link at crystalcruises.com and onboard guests can make a cash or cheque donation via an in-stateroom envelope, charge to their shipboard folios or donate their shipboard credits. Starting in January, Crystal Cruises is offering a selection of retail merchandise in which 100% of net profits will benefit the charity. Gift shop products include high end bracelets designed by Hubert Gems, specially designed polo and t-shirts and the coveted Webkinz® stuffed toys, all of which will be available in Crystal's onboard shopping boutiques.

Not only this, but in 2009 Crystal Cruises will be organizing four onboard auctions conducted by the Cruise Directors on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. The auctions will include various Crystal Cruises memorabilia, as well as unique and exclusive experiences such as appearing on its in-room television program or behind the scenes private events with the executive chef and head sommelier. Auctions are planned for the line's March 9 Trans-pacific cruise from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, its April 16 World Cruise finale from Yokohama to Los Angeles, its May 17 cruise from Dubai to Athens, and the November 12 Transatlantic cruise from Lisbon to Miami.

Norwegian Cruise Line and STX come to an agreement

Norwegian Cruise Line and STX France Cruise SA, STX Europe’s French shipyard, have come to an agreement to revise the original F3 order but are continuing to move forward with the construction of the first F3 cruise ship. STX France is now building only one F3 ship and at 150,000 tons with a total of 4,200 passenger berths it will be the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet.

Building will continue of the original hull which is at the moment in the early stages of construction and delivery is set for late May 2010, as originally planned. The planned second vessel, only in the preparatory stages, will not be built. Any further terms of the agreement have not been released.

"With this agreement, we can all focus on completing the new vessel successfully,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO. “We are looking forward to the arrival of our much-anticipated F3 ship as it represents a major step forward for NCL in terms of ship size, design and innovation.”


"We are pleased that the ongoing construction of the ship for NCL will continue. We, along with our subcontractors, will now make the necessary adjustments to our plans for this project," said Jacques Hardelay, president of STX France Cruise SA.



Norwegian Cruise Line to date have kept details of the F3 ship close to their chest and have only released information regarding F3’s staterooms and nightlife. No doubt there will be further exciting details released as construction progresses.



Known as the innovator in cruise travel with a 42-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line introduced Freestyle Cruising which allows guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, NCL has the youngest fleet in the industry with 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea. NCL is presently building a new third generation Freestyle Cruising project known as F3, for delivery in 2010.

Glenn Miller Orchestra to feature on Crystal Cruises 2009 transatlantic cruise

The Glenn Miller Orchestra, considered by many to be the most popular Big Band in the world today, is set to get Crystal Cruises gets feet tapping on a 10-day Transatlantic Big Band cruise from Miami to Lisbon on 23 May 2009. The Glenn Miller Orchestra has a unique jazz sound and is one of the most sought after Big Bands of all time.

Led by famous jazz trombonist Larry O’Brien, the 19-piece Big Band will amaze Crystal Cruises onboard guests with their extensive repertoire of hits made famous in the 30s and 40s, including Moonlight Serenade, Tuxedo Junction and In the Mood. Guests can enjoy daily live performances and evening dancing, as well as musically themed lectures, swing dance lessons, trivia contests and classic Big-Band themed films.

"We are honored to have the Glenn Miller Orchestra as part of our 2009 music roster as classic Big Band music is riding a trend of renewed interest and popularity that spans several generations," says Bret Bullock, Crystal Cruises’ vice president, entertainment. "On this Crystal Serenity ocean crossing, guests can take dance lessons, participate in stimulating discussions and dance the night away without skipping a beat."

The 10-day cruise will depart from Miami, stopping at Hamilton, Bermuda and Ponta Delgada, Portugal before arriving in Lisbon. West Coast guests can extend their Crystal Cruises experience - and add convenience by preceding their transatlantic cruise with a Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles. Guests can also extend with a Mediterranean cruise, which continues on a rich itinerary to Venice. In addition to a full music program, Crystal Cruises are also planning an array of topical lectures and classes, as well as impressive fitness program and luxurious spa treatments.

Crystal Cruises remove fuel surcharge for 2009

Crystal Cruises are removing fuel surcharges for cruises in 2009 as a result of the continuing drop in oil prices. New bookings will not be charged a fuel surcharge and for bookings under deposit, Crystal Cruises will adjust each booking within the next two weeks, eliminating the fuel charge. For those guests that have already paid in full, they will receive a shipboard credit in the amount of the accessed fuel surcharge. This revised policy will apply to all cruises departing after January 1 2009.

"The decreased price of crude oil is significant enough to warrant the elimination of the fuel surcharge at the present time," said Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. "We will continue to monitor fuel costs. Fortunately, the price trend is currently positive for us and for the consumer."

Happy Birthday Cunard Queen Victoria!

Cunard Cruises Queen Victoria is to celebrate her first birthday on December 11 2008, following her amazing world debut last year. She first embarked on her maiden voyage in December 2007, a day after being named by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall with HRH The Prince of Wales in attendance.

Since that momentous occasion, Queen Victoria has sailed 111,828 miles, made 222 port calls and carried 54,827 guests, many of whom enjoyed the experience so much that they have cruised several more times with the ship already. Cunard Queen Victoria will spend her first birthday in her home port of Southampton before heading off to the Caribbean for Christmas.

Quickly establishing herself in the Cunard fleet, Queen Victoria continues the line’s traditions that were set in motion nearly 170 years ago. Queen Victoria has become one of the most celebrated ships to be introduced in maiden years and 2008 has seen her complete her maiden World Cruise as well as ten voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean roundtrip from Southampton, 9 Mediterranean ‘fly-voyages’ from a choice of ports and two ‘Ibero-Med’ voyages – voyages which included Cunard’s return to the Baltic and ‘fly-voyages’.

In 2009 Cunard Queen Victoria will offer her second World Cruise and then be based in her home port of Southampton with sailings to the Mediterranean, the Baltic and an inaugural 24-night voyage to Canada and New England.

Queen Victoria is all about style, not size although she is the second largest Cunarder after the line’s flagship Queen Mary 2. The ships interiors draw on a rich history of previous Cunard ocean liners, with double and triple height spaces, a design feature of grand liners of the past. Public spaces are elegant yet understand British charm, with many contemporary touches and some exciting innovations. The first being the traditional West End-style private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre.

Other ‘firsts’ include, the first Cunardia exhibit display at sea, housing Cunard artefacts and memorabilia and the first two-storey library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase. The ship also features the line's celebrated sumptuous Grills accommodation and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with exclusive deck terraces and an al fresco dining option.

For futher information on Cunard Cruises visit www.jetlinecruise.com or call 0870 850 7227.

P&O Cruises Arcadia refit - new boutique cinema and 34 extra staterooms

P&O Cruises child-free ship Arcadia is currently receiving a multi-million pound refurbishment at the Lloydwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. Having arrived in the yard on the 26 November, Arcadia will return to Southampton on 20 December 2008 with a number of new features, including 34 new staterooms.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “This is Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are taking the opportunity to enhance and improve the features of this already very successful child free ship. The work that we are undertaking will add to Arcadia’s contemporary charm and she will emerge with even more facilities to surprise and delight her passengers.”

The new area of staterooms with private balconies will be added to the aft end of the ship, resulting in the creation of an enlarged deck area around Aquarius Pool. This is already a very popular area of the ship with guests who will be able to further enjoy this improved area with the introduction of a larger, more stylish bar.

The existing Cyb@Study will be replaced with a new 30-seat boutique cinema, a dedicated space for films on board. Wireless internet access will continue to be offered on board Arcadia.

There will be other enhancements throughout P&O Cruises Arcadia, including new carpets, soft furnishings and upholstery added in areas including the Spinnaker Bar, Neptune Pool and passenger cabins. New teak furniture will enhance open deck space and a sprung wooden floor in the gym will improve delivery of exercise classes.

The refit comes in Arcadia’s fourth year of service with P&O Cruises, just a few weeks before she departs for her maiden 101 night Grand Voyage. The first lucky guests to experience her new look will be leaving on a 16 night Mediterranean cruise from Southampton on the 20 December 2008.

Crystal Cruises announce exciting new 2010 itineraries

To celebrate their 15 years of awards as the world’s number one cruise line, Crystal Cruises has designed an inspiring collection of 2010 cruise itineraries spanning 174 ports in 70 countries on 62 voyages across the globe. There will be exciting new calls in Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as well as the Sea of Cortez and Hawaii.

Crystal Cruises 2010 cruise collection will feature cruises celebrating the rugged charm of Australia and New Zealand, the intriguing history of the Middle East, safari-rich Africa, the mysteries of North America and the cosmopolitan centres of Europe. Crystal Cruises ships, the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, will be putting an emphasis on port intensive, destination lead itineraries with a range of overnight stays in port available.

New in 2010:

108-day "Exploration of Ancient Empires" World Cruise, including maiden calls in Manama, Bahrain; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Fujairah, UAE; Khasab, Oman; and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Maiden calls in Topolobampo, Mexico; Holyhead, Wales; Portland, England; Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Sevastopol, Ukraine; and Almeria, Spain.

Seven-day British Isles cruise.

10-day Mexico cruise, featuring the Sea of Cortez.

Fall New England/Canada cruises with overnights in New York.

10-day fall Mediterranean itineraries.

Nine-day Canary Islands cruise.

Holiday cruise to Hawaii, round-trip from Los Angeles.

Panama Canal cruise from New York to Los Angeles, including Philadelphia and Charleston.

Cruise series in Australia/New Zealand and Mexican Riviera.

Combination of European ports in Western Europe, Black Sea, Middle East, British Isles, Baltic, North Cape and Canary Islands.

Expanded choices of Mediterranean cruises and North European cruises, which can be combined to create extended voyages without repeating ports.

For more information visit Jetline Cruise at www.jetlinecruise.com

MSC Fantasia received by MSC Cruises

‘The most beautiful ship in the world’ was today handed over to MSC Cruises at a ceremony at STX France shipyard in St Nazaire, France. The ceremony saw the lowering of the French flag and the flag of STX France and the raising of the MSC Cruises flag, along with the flags of Italy and Panama.

MSC Cruises four year old godmother, Asia Aponte granddaughter of MSC Cruises owner Gianluigi Aponte, was there at the ceremony. MSC Cruises’ CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, and Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of the shipyard, were also present.

At the ceremony, Mr Vago said: “I am particularly proud to launch this new ship, which is a revolution in the cruising world, due to the technologically advanced systems on board. Not only does MSC Fantasia stand out for her technical innovations, but also for her environmentally-friendly systems and structure.

“This ship will capture the imagination of every single guest who comes onboard, as she is a destination in herself and so beautifully designed. She features the stunning MSC Yacht Club, which introduces a new concept in luxury sailing, and our signature MSC Aurea Spa, for the ultimate in well-being.

“With so much choice of activities and entertainment on board this visually stunning ship, I am sure you will agree MSC Fantasia truly is the most beautiful ship in the world,” Mr Vago added.

MSC Fantasia will be the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, with a total capacity of 3,959 passengers. The ship will also launch the lines new MSC Yacht Club, a new class of cruising, with a luxury area with 24 hour butler service and concierge service. This is the sixth ship STX France has built for MSC Cruises and will be followed by her sister ship MSC Splendida in July 2009. There will be a further three ships - MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa – by 2012, giving MSC Cruises the fastest-growing and most modern fleet in the world.

MSC Fantasia will now sail to Italy via Lisbon, Gibraltar, Alicante, Barcelona and Marseilles, to reach Naples, where her christening will take place on December 18. Following her inaugural cruise, MSC Fantasia will be home ported in Genoa sailing the Mediterranean year round.

Regent Seven Seas add new dining venue

Regent Seven Seas will be introducing a new dining venue on Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager. The new restaurant to be called Prime 7 will be added as part of Regent Seven Seas $40 million fleet-wide refurbishment programme taking place throughout December 2008 and January 2009.

“We are very excited about our new restaurant concept,” said Mark Conroy, President of RSSC. “Based on feedback from our loyal past customers, Prime 7 will prove to be an extremely popular venue aboard both ships as it provides cuisine with universal appeal in a beautiful, intimate setting to create a very special luxury dining experience for our guests,” he added.

Prime 7 will be a glamorous yet contemporary version of the classic steakhouse, with a unique décor and innovative menu with only the finest prime-aged steak and chops, as well as fresh seafood and poultry specialties. Sure to rival the most upmarket of restaurants ashore, Prime 7 will feature a rich colour palette of green and golden hues specially chosen to create an ambiance of luxury and intimacy. Guests will be able to relax on supple leather chairs, with polished granite and burnished woods accented by custom Prime 7 china, gleaming silver and dazzling crystal.

All of Regent Seven Seas alternative dining venues on board their all-suite ships are available to guests at no additional supplementary charges; the same will apply with Prime 7. Guests wishing to dine at any of the alternative dining venues are urged to book ahead.

Holland America introduce The Retreat

Holland America Line’s next phase of their Signature of Excellence program will include the addition of a new resort-style pool area on the aft of the Lido deck. Holland America Line’s ms Statendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam and ms Veendam will be dry-docked for nearly a month and the pool area, to be called The Retreat, will be one of the highlights catering to the preferences of today’s upscale travellers.

The Retreat will feature a shallow area with forty-four lounge chairs allowing guests to relax and dip their fingers and toes in the water. The pool will be divided into three main sections separated by low, curving walls. The middle section is 16 inches deep with built-in benches in the water so guests can dangle their legs. The two side sections feature lounge chairs in eight inches of water and there are waterfalls and spouts all enhancing the decor, as well as a hot tub for total relaxation.


“The Retreat is a totally new approach for us to this area of the ship,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We’re creating an area where guests can relax outside in a sophisticated environment, and we’re adding other fun and convenient features such as a whirlpool, a band and DJ stand and even a pizzeria.”


Holland America Line has also introduced an upscale pizzeria called Slice and there will be tables and comfortable, padded chairs under a sunscreen for dining al fresco. There will even be a stage for low music and an LED screen and sound system for playing movies.


The first of the dry-dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and ends with the Maasdam in early 2011. Improvements will also include a new bar concept called Mix featuring different areas - Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Staterooms will receive a makeover and there will be 38 lanai staterooms added which give direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck. New spa staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon will offer special in-room spa amenities.


Holland America Line has invested a total of £525 million to their Signature of Excellence program, ensuring their position as the premium cruise line.

Princess Cruises offering festive Chritsmas cruises

As Christmas draws steadily closer, Princess Cruises are preparing their ships for the festive holiday season and are anticipating unusual flurries of snow on board. Following an extremely good response last year, snow will again fall as if by magic in the ships atriums, transforming them into winter wonderlands throughout December.

"What's better than the romance of a white Christmas, especially when it's an unexpected surprise?" said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "Our snowfalls were such a huge hit last year that this has now become a new tradition on Princess ships."

The falling flakes of snow are created by an innovative process which means they vanish on contact, allowing guests to enjoy the magic of snow flurries without the cold and consequently the need to wrap up. Princess Cruise’s ships will all feature a daily snow fall except for the lines three smaller ships – Pacific Princess, Tahitian Princess and Royal Princess – which do not have large, multi-story atriums.

The enchanting snow falls are just one aspect of what Princess Cruises have planned for the Christmas period. A merry atmosphere will be found throughout the ships, which will be decked out in full holiday décor – even the masts will be decorated with a Christmas tree – and carolers strolling the ships will enhance the festive spirit with the sounds of the season.

Special events will include a ‘gingerbread challenge’, where teams have to build the most impressive gingerbread structure; a turkey carving demonstration from on board culinary experts and a reading of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ by the captain or cruise director. There will be a variety of seasonal shows all adding to the cheer and religious services will be held as well, with guests having the opportunity to attend midnight mass.

Princess Cruises culinary team will be serving up spectacular holiday feasts and on Christmas Day guests can sit down to a traditional dinner with all the trimmings. Guests will even receive a stocking turndown gift and for junior cruisers Father Christmas will be making a special appearance with a sack full of toys.