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Cruise prices have continued to plummet in
the past two weeks, to levels not seen since
immediately after 9-11.
Hurricanes Gustav, Hannah and Ike first
softened bookings, then the bad economic news
and plunging stock market moved more cruise
buyers to the sidelines.
But cruise lines are masters of managing their
inventory, and unlike airlines and hotels that
accept empty seats and rooms during slow
periods, cruise lines are determined to sail
full. All lines except the four 6-star cruise
lines will slash prices as low as they need to
in order to fill every cabin.
There are two reasons. First, on most lines, a
significant percentage of the crews'
compensation comes from tips--and there are no
tips from empty cabins. Second, venues such as
casinos, spas, boutiques, photography studios
and excursion desks are completely dependent
on onboard purchases, which of course are
directly related to the number of people
onboard.
All of this is resulting in some amazing
bargains for folks still in the market, and
Vacations To Go is the best there is at
finding and offering the lowest discounts in
the industry, frequently selling them out
before other agencies are even aware they
exist.
As the prices have fallen, we've had some
extraordinarily busy periods, especially in
the evenings. If you are one of the folks who
had trouble getting straight through to an
agent, I apologize.
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Good news from Galveston: After
suffering damage from Hurricane Ike, the Port
of Galveston is again able and ready to accept
cruise ships.
Ike's 14-foot storm surge flooded most of the
ground-level embarkation area, as well as the
cargo facilities and the cruise terminals.
Recovery efforts were expedited by a $55
million emergency grant from the port's board
of trustees, although the cost of full repairs
to the port and the surrounding district is
estimated to reach into the hundreds of
millions.
The Carnival Conquest (7-night cruises)
and the Carnival Ecstasy (4- and
5-night cruises) were the only ships sailing
from Galveston when Ike hit, and both
temporarily relocated to the Port of Houston's
new Bayport Cruise Terminal. These ships will
return to Galveston with their next scheduled
departures--November 1 for the Ecstasy and
November 2 for the Conquest. Royal
Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas will
reposition to Galveston in mid-December and
offer 7-night cruises until mid-April.
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Disney Cruises is headed to Europe in
2010. The elegant, family-friendly Disney
Magic will offer a small number of 10- and
11-day Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona
and an even smaller number of 12-day
Scandinavia sailings departing from Dover,
England.
Disney primarily sails Caribbean and Bahamas
itineraries and already sells out earlier than
any other cruise line (with the possible
exception of Oceania), so when the line
repositions to other destinations, it is wise
to book as early as you can.
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One of the best aspects of a cruise vacation
is the all-inclusive price, especially when it
comes to dining. But in a highly controversial
move, Royal Caribbean has added a
$14.95 surcharge for every 10-oz, "all
natural" New York strip steak ordered in
the main dining rooms aboard the Freedom of
the Seas and the Majesty of the Seas.
According to the cruise line, this surcharge
is part of an ongoing trial to determine
whether passengers are interested in paying an
additional fee for a higher-quality cut of
meat.
Initially, there was some confusion as to
whether the 10-oz strip, with its additional
charge, would replace the 7-oz Black Angus
steak traditionally offered in Royal
Caribbean's dining rooms. However, the cruise
line has confirmed that the 7-oz steak will
still be available along with its other
regular entrees, at no extra expense.
The 10-oz steak is also being tested in Chops,
one of Royal Caribbean's specialty
restaurants. However, the surcharge will not
be applied to steaks ordered in this venue,
since this restaurant already has a cover
charge.
It will be interesting to see how passengers
react to this new onboard expense, or if other
cruise lines decide to follow suit. I'll keep
you posted as this situation develops.
The Queen Elizabeth 2 is wrapping up
her final sailing this week before
repositioning to Dubai, where she will undergo
extensive refurbishment and reopen as a
floating hotel at the Palm Jumeirah, the
world's largest artificial island.
Originally launched in 1969, the QE2 has had a
long and distinguished career and is arguably
the most famous cruise ship of all time. She
has crossed the Atlantic Ocean more than 800
times, offered an unprecedented 25 world
cruises, and traveled almost 5.7 million miles
around the globe.
More than 2.5 million passengers have sailed
on the QE2, including Princess Diana, Bob
Hope, Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman, not to
mention Beatrice Muller, an 89-year-old widow
who lives aboard the ship, having booked every
QE2 sailing back-to-back for the past nine
years. (No word yet on Ms. Muller's future
plans.)
In 1982, the QE2 was commissioned by
then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher to
participate in the Falklands War, in which she
ferried 3,000 soldiers of the Fifth Infantry
Brigade to the South Atlantic. The ship was
fitted with three helicopter pads prior to the
journey, and her public areas were refurbished
to serve as dormitories. More than 650 Cunard
crewmembers volunteered for the voyage.
Queen Elizabeth II paid a farewell visit to
the QE2 in Southampton this past June, on the
anniversary of her coronation. She originally
launched the ship in 1969, signing the
visitor's book before the first passenger on
the vessel's maiden voyage.
Many are sad to see such a grand ship leave
service, but her fame saved her from the ship
breakers at Alang, and her new life as a
floating hotel in one of the world's top
resort destinations is highly anticipated.
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The Unofficial
"Value Season*
Between the first of September and
mid-December, prices for cruises in many
regions of the world drop to the lowest level
of the year. It's the unofficial "value
season" for cruising.
The weather is generally excellent in
September, but when children go back to
school, overall demand and prices fall. By the
end of the month, the season ends in Alaska,
and in October and November, Northern Europe,
Bermuda, the Mediterranean and Canada &
New England all wind down.
The great majority of the ships in these
regions then converge on the Caribbean, Mexico
or the Bahamas. There, the extra inventory
inevitably triggers price cuts and fare wars,
all to the consumer's benefit.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica is the home of a
major new tourist attraction. Rainforest
Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain
celebrated its grand opening last month and is
predicted to draw at least 100,000 visitors
each year.
The multimillion-dollar, eco-friendly
attraction features a ride through the
tropical forest in custom-designed bobsleds
inspired by the famous Jamaican Olympic
bobsled teams of the '80s and '90s. Passengers
on the 3,280-foot, gravity-driven ride travel
on winding, stainless steel rails through
Jamaica's lush rainforest, controlling their
descent with individual handbrakes. The
bobsled track was designed and laid so as not
to disturb the natural landscape.
Other highlights include a state-of-the-art
chairlift ride that takes visitors above the
treetops to the 700-foot peak of Mystic
Mountain, a zip-line canopy tour and the
Jamaican Railway Station & Mystic
Pavilion. The Jamaican Railway Station is a
replica of an early 20th-century Jamaican
railway station, and features a lookout tower
with spectacular views of Jamaica's north
coast, a bar and restaurant, retail outlets,
and a photo shop. The Mystic Pavilion is home
to an island culture and heritage center.
Rainforest Bobsled at Mystic Mountain promises
to be a high-demand shore excursion for
travelers visiting Jamaica. Carnival Corp.
was a partner in developing the project, and
several cruise lines (including Carnival,
Princess, Celebrity, Royal
Caribbean and Fred. Olsen) have
signed contracts to offer excursions here for
the 2008/2009 season during their port calls
in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Port Antonio.
Attention singles... How would you like
to celebrate Halloween this year while
cruising the tropics as part of a casual and
fun-loving group? The Singles Division at
Vacations To Go is offering two 7-day cruises
for your consideration.
Sail from Long Beach on October 26 aboard the Carnival
Pride, visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan
and Cabo San Lucas. Or, leave Miami aboard Royal
Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas on October
26 to visit Labadee, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman
and Cozumel.
Halloween sailings are always frightfully
packed, so book soon to guarantee your spot
onboard.
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Upcoming "Inaugural" Cruises
During an inaugural cruise, there is a certain electricity in the air
as the ship pulls away from the dock and crew
and passengers settle into their roles for the
first time. Guests on these sailings get an
extra kick out of being the first to sail on a
new ship, the first to sleep in a new
stateroom, the first to dine in the new
restaurants.
In the next 14 months, nine brand-new ships
will embark on their maiden voyages for six
different cruise lines. That's not counting
Holland America's new Eurodam or
Carnival's new Carnival Splendor, which
both departed on their maiden voyages last
week.
Below are some highlights of each ship
debuting between now and next September, plus
links to more information and dates and
discounts. It's wise to call soon if you wish
to book any of the inaugural cruises. New
ships tend to sell out earlier than older
ones, and inaugurals are generally in very
high demand.
Ruby Princess, Princess --- November 8,
2008 --- 3,080 passengers
Sister ship to the Emerald Princess and
Crown Princess, the Ruby Princess
greets guests with a dramatic piazza-style
atrium, featuring a variety of cafes and
eateries along with a host of street
performers. In addition to three main dining
rooms, the 5-star ship will offer two
specialty restaurants -- Sabatini's Italian
trattoria and Crown Grill, serving steak and
seafood. Onboard amenities include the Lotus
Spa, the poolside Movies Under the Stars, an
adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an
extensive children's and teens' center and a
wedding chapel.
Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity --- November
23, 2008 --- 2,852 passengers
The 5-star Celebrity Solstice is the first of
the line's new Solstice class, and 85% of the
staterooms will include private balconies. The
Solstice's roomy cabins will feature
flat-screen televisions, plenty of storage
space and spacious bathrooms. Celebrity will
debut an all-new class of veranda staterooms
on the Solstice, called "AquaClass."
Passengers traveling in these accommodations
will have unlimited access to the AquaSpa
relaxation room and the Persian Garden, a
unique aromatherapy steam room. Additionally,
AquaClass guests will receive complimentary
dining in Blu, an exclusive and intimate
specialty restaurant. Availability on the
inaugural cruise of the Celebrity Solstice is
extremely limited.
MSC Fantasia, MSC Cruises --- December 20,
2008 --- 4,100 passengers
Eighty percent of the staterooms on this
4.5-star ship will feature ocean views, and 99
of the 107 suites will make up the exclusive
MSC Yacht Club, a private, V.I.P. area that
will include its own bar, pool, solarium and a
concierge. Suites in the MSC Yacht Club area
will also offer butler service. The MSC
Fantasia will feature five restaurants, four
pools, a children's area and the Aurea Spa
well-being center.
Costa Luminosa, Costa --- May 5, 2009 ---
2,828 passengers
As her name implies, the 4.5-star Costa
Luminosa is dedicated to light. Keeping with
that theme, the ship will feature special
lighting effects during evening performances
in the main show lounge and an innovative 4-D
cinema. Other Costa firsts on the Costa
Luminosa include a roller-skating rink, an
18-hole golf course simulator and the Club
Restaurant, where guests can see right into
the large kitchen. Sixty-eight percent of the
ship's cabins feature private balconies.
Costa Pacifica, Costa --- June 6, 2009 ---
3,780 passengers
Like her sister ships, Costa Serena and
Costa Concordia, the 4.5-star Costa
Pacifica boasts the state-of-the-art Samsara
Spa. This 20,500-square-foot space houses a
wellness center, spa, salon and fitness
center. Elsewhere on the ship, guests will
find a Formula 1 racecar driving simulator,
pools with retractable roofs and 13 bars and
lounges. Each public area is inspired by a
different genre of music, and throughout the
ship passengers will have opportunities to
enjoy arrangements composed especially for
Costa.
Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn --- June 24,
2009 --- 450 passengers
Boasting one of the highest
space-per-passenger ratios at sea, the 6-star
Seabourn Odyssey will have 225 suites, 90%
featuring full-size balconies. All
accommodations offer a granite bathroom with a
separate tub and shower and twin sinks. Public
spaces include four dining venues, offering
options from casual, grilled food to gourmet
tasting menus; six bars and lounges, where
complimentary fine wines and spirits flow
freely; and the spa, which features a
thalassotherapy whirlpool, Finnish saunas,
aromatic steam rooms, a gym and an aerobics
area.
Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity --- August 8,
2009 --- 2,852 passengers
The second in Celebrity's new Solstice class,
the 5-star Celebrity Equinox will feature the
innovative Lawn Club, a half-acre-sized area
with real, growing grass and a country club
atmosphere. The Patio on the Lawn offers a
spot where passengers can relax and mingle or
take in glassblowing demonstrations and
lectures at the Hot Glass Show. Staterooms on
the Celebrity Equinox and other Solstice-class
ships will be 15% larger than those on other
Celebrity ships and boast flat-screen
televisions and wireless Internet
access.
Carnival Dream, Carnival --- September 21,
2009 --- 3,646 passengers
When it launches, the 130,000-ton Carnival
Dream will be the largest vessel in Carnival's
"Fun Ship" fleet. Featured among the
4.5-star Dream's services and amenities are a
two-level miniature golf course, the
WaterWorks aqua park, the Piazza -- an
indoor/outdoor cafe and live music venue --
and extensive children's and teens' areas with
program activities for three age groups.
Adults will enjoy the 23,750-square-foot Cloud
9 spa, Carnival's largest health and wellness
center to date, as well as the scenic
whirlpools extending beyond the ship's beam.
The Carnival Dream will offer several new
categories of staterooms including
"cove" balcony staterooms located
close to the water line, deluxe oceanview
staterooms featuring two bathrooms and spa
staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities
and spa privileges.
Another ship, MSC Splendida, is due in
June 2009, but this ship is not listed here
because full ship details, prices and
itineraries have not yet been announced.
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June 2008
In the next couple of years, the cruise
industry will welcome ground-breaking new
ships and bid farewell to two of the most
famous vessels of all time. Let's start with
the launches.
When they debuted, Royal Caribbean's
Freedom-class ships (Freedom of the Seas,
Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the
Seas) made waves as the largest and most
innovative passenger ships in history. Next
year, the cruise line will outdo itself when
it launches the first of its Project Genesis
ships.
At 220,000 gross registered tons, the Oasis
of the Seas (debuting in late 2009) and Allure
of the Seas (debuting in 2010), will be
significantly larger than the Freedom-class
ships (160,000 tons), feature 16 decks, 2,700
staterooms and a previously unimaginable
passenger capacity of 5,400 guests.
The size of these ships isn't the only thing
that will set them apart.
Though little information has been released,
Royal Caribbean has confirmed that each ship
will be comprised of seven different
"neighborhoods," one of which will
be called Central Park. The most notable
feature of Central Park is its radical design.
At the center of the ship, six decks of
balcony staterooms will face inward to
overlook Central Park, an area roughly the
size of a football field, open to the sky,
with lush, tropical landscaping. These will be
the first non-ocean-view balcony staterooms at
sea.
According to Royal Caribbean, Central Park
will act as the ship's "town
square," offering a peaceful atmosphere
during the day and serving as an upbeat
gathering place at night, with al fresco
dining, outdoor concerts and street
performances. Dining options in Central Park
will include the upscale 150 Central Park,
casual Central Park Café, Italian restaurant
Giovanni's Table and Royal Caribbean's
signature Chops Grille steakhouse.
A number of bars and lounges will be found
throughout Central Park, including the Rising
Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea. A feat
of architecture and engineering spanning three
decks, Rising Tide will give guests the chance
to enjoy a cocktail or two as they slowly
ascend into Central Park and then descend back
into the public areas below. Central Park will
also offer upscale boutiques, quiet reading
corners, a chess garden and a sculpture
garden, featuring the works of internationally
renowned artists.
Norwegian Cruise Line has two new ships
on order that will also feature innovations in
design. These 150,000-ton, 4,200-passenger
vessels, scheduled to debut in 2010, will be
the first in the line's newest generation of
Freestyle cruising ships, the F3-class.
To start, 100% of outside cabins will offer
private balconies, a total of 1,415 balcony
staterooms per ship. We've seen all-balcony
ships before (though always on much smaller
vessels), but the accommodations on the
F3-class ships will also incorporate
distinctive design elements such as curved
walls, rounded mattresses and living areas
arranged to maximize space. The bathrooms of
these "New Wave" staterooms will
feature separate showers and water closets and
modern vanity sinks. Concealed LED lighting
and domed ceilings will complete the relaxing,
futuristic atmosphere.
The New Wave stateroom will feature upgraded
bedding, linens and towels, Euro pillows,
Elemis bathroom products, flat-screen TVs,
mini-bars and MP3 connectivity upon request.
Balcony and deluxe staterooms will offer
additional amenities such as plush bathrobes,
a customized fruit menu, priority restaurant
reservations and reception hotlines, along
with fresh-baked cookies at turn down on the
last night of each sailing.
More details about the F3 ships--including
information on public spaces, dining, onboard
entertainment and nightlife--will be coming as
the launch dates approach. I'll supply details
as they are released.
The Celebrity Solstice will launch in
November and offer interesting features
including the Lawn Club (a half-acre-sized
area with real, growing grass), a
glass-blowing studio and new theater
productions developed in partnership with Poet
Theatricals. Staterooms will be 15% larger
than those on other Celebrity ships.
Celebrity has just announced that the Solstice
will launch three weeks earlier than expected,
creating three new sailings departing November
23, November 30 and December 7. The latter two
sailings have been deeply discounted
because of the short time remaining (by cruise
line standards) to fill the ships. At the time
of this writing, prices start at $789 per
person for inside cabins, and just $829 per
person for balcony cabins. In addition to
these great rates, Vacations To Go customers
will receive shipboard credits of $75 per
cabin on these two sailings.
Reservations for the new inaugural sailing on
November 23 are currently open only to
passengers who were booked on the original
inaugural date--December 14--in case they
prefer to switch. On June 13, the November 23
sailing will be open to the public for
booking.
As I mentioned at the top, we'll also bid
farewell to two legendary vessels this fall.
Majestic America Line will retire the
famous Delta Queen steamboat in
November, 2008. With its big, red paddle wheel
churning the water and its antique,
steam-powered calliope whistling old-fashioned
tunes, the beloved ship has long been a
fixture on the Mississippi and other rivers of
America's heartland.
The Delta Queen was built in 1926 with a steel
hull and a wooden superstructure. Coast Guard
regulations eventually prohibited
superstructures made of wood, but Congress
provided a special exemption for the Delta
Queen more than 40 years ago. The exemption
has been extended six times over the years,
but unfortunately, Congress has chosen not to
do so again. Without this extension, the Delta
Queen--a National Historic Landmark--will not
be permitted to cruise after this year.
Efforts to save the Delta Queen are ongoing,
but a rescue is increasingly unlikely. Many
sailings between now and the vessel's November
retirement date are sold out, but there are
still a few dates with availability.
Also, last year Cunard Line announced
that one of the most famous ocean-going ships
in history, the Queen Elizabeth 2, had
been sold and would be converted into a
floating hotel in Dubai. The QE2 will sail for
Cunard until November 2008, when she will be
delivered to her new owner.
Inaugurated in September 1967 by Queen
Elizabeth II, the QE2 is the longest-serving
ship in Cunard's 168-year history. By the time
she retires, the QE2 will have sailed 25 world
cruises, crossed the Atlantic more than 800
times and transported more than 2.5 million
passengers around the globe.
Cabins on the last few sailings of both of
these vessels are sure to go quickly, so call
right away if you see a cruise that interests
you.
Celebrity is making a stir with
their recent announcement that, beginning in
October, all staterooms and stateroom
verandahs and most public areas on every ship
will be designated "no-smoking."
Currently, smoking is permitted in staterooms,
on stateroom verandahs and in several indoor
and outdoor public areas. After the new policy
is in place, designated smoking areas will
include the port side of one lounge per ship,
a designated area in each ship's casino and
certain areas of the outer decks.
Passengers who violate Celebrity's new smoking
policy once it is implemented may be charged a
$250 cleaning fee.
Norwegian Cruise Line's oldest and
smallest ships--Norwegian Dream and Norwegian
Majesty--have been sold to Cyprus-based Louis
Cruises. The sale of these ships, both
built in 1992, helps NCL maintain their
position as having one of the youngest fleets
in the cruise industry. For Louis Cruises, a
budget line not marketed in North America, the
new ships represent an upgrade to the fleet.
Louis will charter both ships back to NCL
temporarily for the completion of already
announced itineraries. The Norwegian Dream
will continue to sail for NCL until November
2008, and the Norwegian Majesty will sail for
NCL until the end of 2009.
Princess Cruises has announced a new
discount program for past passengers, designed
to reward those who book early. Called
"Princess Captain's Circle Launch
Savings," the program will offer
additional discounts of up to $300 when past
passengers book within a certain amount of
time after new cruise schedules are announced.
New schedules are typically released 12 to 15
months in advance.
The program makes its debut with the recent
release of itineraries for summer 2009 through
spring 2010, and the discounts can be combined
with most subsequent promotions, ensuring that
past passengers always receive the best fares
for which they qualify.
To take advantage of the additional savings,
2009 Alaska and Europe cruises must be booked
by September 30, 2008. Cruises to other
destinations in 2009 must be booked by
December 31, 2008.
Last spring, Holland America's Zaandam
was outfitted with a system designed to reduce
pollution caused by engine emissions. The
Krystallan scrubber, developed by a subsidiary
of BP Marine, uses seawater to reduce sulfur
dioxide and particle emissions from diesel
exhaust.
Holland America launched the $1.5 million
scrubber project with the assistance of
several North American environmental
regulatory agencies. The company is hopeful
that the scrubber technology--if proven
effective--can be expanded throughout the
cruise industry and the larger maritime
industry.
Initial results released by the Emissions
Research and Testing Division of Environment
Canada are encouraging. According to the
agency's report, the Krystallon scrubber
reduced sulphur dioxide emissions by 75% and
cut particulate matter by 57%. Additional
testing and measurements are planned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One
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suppliers!
River Cruises through Europe
Viking River Cruises is a leading
river cruise line, operating the world's
largest fleet of 22 deluxe vessels built
specifically for river travel. Viking was a
pioneer in Russia river cruising and has
recently upgraded its Russian flagship, Viking
Surkov. Its China ships, Viking Century
Sun and Viking Century Sky, are
among the best on the Yangtze River, featuring
a balcony in every stateroom -- so you never
miss the view.
Viking's programs are geared toward
experienced travelers with an interest in
geography, history and culture. The company
has some of the most knowledgeable staff in
the business and has received numerous awards
and accolades.
Viking's all-inclusive packages offer a
terrific travel value. The fare includes just
about everything -- from meals, enrichment
lectures and shore excursions to hotel
accommodations on cruise tour itineraries. And
for U.S. citizens traveling in Europe, with
its unfavorable exchange rate, there is
another exceptional value with Viking -- you
pay in U.S. dollars. Once you have paid in
full, your price is locked in, with no worries
about currency fluctuations.
Viking has released its cruising program for
2009, including some new destinations and
amenities. I'll tell you about them in this
newsletter, but first, here are some great
money-saving promotions from the company for
sailings in both 2008 and 2009.
Promotions for 2008 river cruises
include:
Two people cruise for
the price of one on select river
cruise vacations in Europe and Russia
-------------------------------------------------.
Many European River cruises sail the
Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, and depending
on the itinerary, they start or end in
Budapest, Nuremberg or Amsterdam. Some of the
vacations include hotel stays in Prague,
Krakow, Warsaw or Budapest at either end of
your cruise. Below, I've outlined a few
highlights in these beautiful European cities.
The Danube flows right through the center of Budapest.
Hilly Buda flanks one side of the river, while
flat Pest is on the other side. Top sights in
the Hungarian capital include the neo-Gothic
Matthias Church, with its fine frescoes and
stained-glass windows, and St. Stephen's
Basilica, the dome of which can be seen from
all over the city. For panoramic vistas of
Budapest, head to the Citadel atop Gellert
Hill.
Nuremberg is a beautiful medieval
German city on the Danube. Thick walls
punctuated by 80 towers encircle the historic
Old Town, and timber-framed buildings face the
river. Kaiserburg Castle overlooks the scene
from its high perch, a great place for
far-reaching views of Nuremberg.
In Holland's capital, Amsterdam,
visitors can cruise canals in a glass-topped
boat, past weathered houseboats and tall,
narrow homes with distinctive gables. The Anne
Frank Museum is a top draw here, in the home
where Anne, her family and others hid from the
Nazis during World War II. The main building
of the city's famous Rijksmuseum is under
renovation, but works by Rembrandt, Vermeer
and other Dutch masters still can be viewed in
its Philips Wing.
Many architectural styles converge in Prague,
from Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance palaces
to neoclassical, art nouveau and contemporary
structures. Top sights in the Czech capital
include the 15th-century Astronomical Clock at
the town hall, the medieval Prague Castle and
beautiful Charles Bridge, embellished with
statues and a popular spot for street
performers and artists.
In Krakow, Market Square is Europe's
largest medieval square and the hub of life
for residents of the Polish city. On
sightseeing excursions, Gate 1 travelers also
stop at Wawel Castle and St. Mary's Church,
whose stained-glass window dates to 1370, as
well as the Jewish Quarter.
Galleries, cafes and restaurants line the
alleys and streets of the Old Town in Warsaw,
Poland's capital. Despite its aged appearance,
the Old Town is only a few decades old,
meticulously reconstructed after the original
was decimated during WWII. Frequently visited
sites include the neoclassical Lazienki
Palace, also called the "Palace on the
Water" because it was built on an island
in the middle of a lake, and the Warsaw Ghetto
and Jewish Cemetery.
One Search covers all suppliers!
Top 10 picks of river cruises
offered
by the world's most respected operators. All
prices are per person, based on double
occupancy, and subject to availability.
1) Romantic Danube (Budapest to
Nuremberg), 8
days with Viking River Cruises. Begins
in Budapest and ends in Nuremberg with stops
in Vienna, Passau and Regensburg. Save
$1,000 per couple when you book and pay in
full. Land/cruise-only starting from
$1,748. Departures from May 11, 2008
through November 16, 2008.
2) America's Heartland: St. Louis to St. Paul,
8 days with Majestic America Line.
Begins in St. Louis and ends in St. Paul with
stops in Alton, Hannibal and La Crosse. Receive
a free pre-cruise hotel stay and city tour
package. Land-only starting from $2,158. Departures
from July 5, 2008 through August 30,
2008.
3) Cruise of the Glaciers on the Empress of
the North, 8 days with Majestic America
Line. Begins and ends in Juneau with stops
in Skagway, Sitka and Wrangell. Exclusive
Vacations To Go rates! Land/cruise-only
starting from $1,818. Departures from May
10, 2008 through July 5, 2008.
4) 9 Day Danube River Cruise (Nuremberg to
Budapest on MS Royal), 9 days with Gate 1
Travel. Begins in Nuremberg and ends in
Budapest with stops in Regensburg, Vienna and
Bratislava. Save $2,000 per couple.
Land/cruise-only starting from $2,524. Departs
August 30, 2008.
5) Magical China & the Yangtze River, 13
days with Globus. Begins in Shanghai
and ends in Beijing with visits to the Three
Gorges Dam, the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian
and the Great Wall of China. Save $400 per
couple off the air-inclusive price.
Land/cruise-only starting from $2,839. Departures
from May 6, 2008 through October 14,
2008.
6) European Serenade (Amsterdam to
Vienna), 14
days with Uniworld. Begins in Amsterdam
and ends in Vienna with stops in Cologne,
Nuremburg and Regensburg. Save $2,000 per
couple. Land/cruise-only starting from
$3,423. Departs November 9, 2008.
7) China's Cultural Delights (Beijing to
Shanghai), 16 days with Viking River
Cruises. Begins in Beijing and ends in
Shanghai with visits to Shibaozhai, the Terra
Cotta Warriors of Xian and Wuhan. Save
$2,000 per couple when you book and pay in
full. Land/cruise-only starting from
$3,462. Departures from May 12, 2008
through November 8, 2008.
8) 15 Day Danube River Cruise (Budapest to
Nuremberg) on MS Royal, 15 days with Gate 1
Travel. Begins in Warsaw and ends in
Prague with stops in Krakow, Bratislava and
Regensburg. Save $2,000 per couple.
Land/cruise-only starting from $3,524. Departs
September 2, 2008.
9) Legendary Rhine & Moselle (Amsterdam to
Basel), 14 days with Uniworld. Begins
in Amsterdam and ends in Basel with stops in
Koblenz, Bernkastel and Speyer. Save $700
per couple. Land/cruise-only starting from
$3,533. Departures from May 27, 2008
through October 13, 2008.
10) Grand Asia Cruise (Northbound), 19 days
with Cruise West. Begins in Hanoi and
ends in Kobe with visits to Halong Bay, Hong
Kong and Nagasaki. Exclusive Vacations To
Go rates! Land/cruise-only starting from
$6,998. Departs November 24, 2008.
-----------------------------------Search
Cruises-----------------------------------------
Around the Cruise World
The Globus family of brands celebrates
its 80th
anniversary this year, making it one of the
oldest travel companies in the world. It is
also one of the largest, operating escorted
and independent vacations around the world,
including Europe, Great Britain, the United
States, Canada, Central and South America,
Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Africa.
To commemorate this anniversary, Globus is
offering special discounts on many of its
trips. Right now, on select trips in Europe,
Great Britain, the United States, Canada,
South America, Asia or Australia and New
Zealand. To qualify, you must book by May
31.
Last spring, all-new Azamara Cruises
was launched by parent company Royal Caribbean
Cruises. The line offers exotic,
off-the-beaten-path itineraries, outstanding
service and world-class amenities on two
710-passenger ships.
Originally built for Renaissance Cruises in
2000, Azamara's ships--Azamara Journey and
Azamara Quest--underwent $38 million in
refurbishments prior to joining the fleet. All
staterooms feature butler service, fresh fruit
baskets, fresh-cut flowers, personal
stationery, plush European bedding and
complimentary use of binoculars, umbrellas and
Frette cotton robes. Both ships offer two
specialty restaurants, a spa and wellness
center, and wireless Internet service
throughout.
Upscale Holland America will
introduce a new line of Signature-class ships
when the Eurodam makes its debut in June. The
ships will feature three alternative dining
venues, a show lounge with theater-style
seating and an atrium bar area.
On the line's existing ships, Holland America
has implemented its Signature of Excellence
program of updates and enhancements, including
a Culinary Arts Center--an onboard show
kitchen where guest chefs provide cooking
demonstrations and classes--and all new cabin
amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and
plush-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
Royal Caribbean is widely acclaimed for
its large ships and innovative amenities. Of
its 21 ships, 15 accommodate more than 2,500
passengers, and its three Freedom-class
ships--Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the
Seas and Independence of the Seas (debuting in
May)--accommodate more than 4,300, making them
the largest ships afloat.
Some of the more unusual amenities passengers
will find on Royal Caribbean ships include
rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks
(some ships). On the Freedom-class ships, look
for waterparks, the FlowRider wave generator
for surfing and full-size boxing rings.
Uniworld is one of the world's leading
river cruise companies, operating in Europe,
Russia, Egypt and China. Its high level of
service and commitment to river cruising has
earned the company its spot as one of the Top
10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines in Condé Nast
Traveler magazine.
On a Uniworld river cruise, you'll unpack just
once and visit several different destinations
aboard a boutique-style floating hotel,
accessing inland regions that larger ships
can't reach. Uniworld docks within footsteps
of city centers, close to historic and
cultural sites. And passengers never wait in
long lines to get off the ship--the company's
small vessels accommodate no more than 134
passengers.
Over the next couple of years, Princess
will offer its most extensive range of
destinations ever, with cruises and cruise
tours to the Mediterranean, the Black Sea,
Tahiti, the British Isles & Scandinavia,
South America, Alaska, Asia, Australia and the
Middle East.
A lucky few passengers will participate in the
new Chef's Table dining experience. Recently
implemented on all but Princess' three
smallest ships, the Chef's Table allows 10
passengers per night to witness the hustle and
bustle of the ship's galley at dinner time
while enjoying appetizers, then dine at a
private table in the dining room, indulging in
a multi-course menu specially created by the
executive chef and complemented by selected
wines. Also, each couple receives an
autographed copy of Princess' best-selling
cookbook and a photo taken with the chef.
African Travel, sister company to Trafalgar
and Insight, has operated on the
African continent for more than 30 years and
offers individual and small-group safaris as
well as customized safaris for groups of as
few as four people. The company offers a wide
selection of safaris to Tanzania, South
Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia,
Rwanda and Uganda, plus trips to Egypt and
tantalizing add-ons to places like The
Seychelles, Zanzibar and Morocco.
Advanced
Cruise Search
One of only four 6-star cruise lines, Crystal
Cruises has been voted "Best
Large-Ship Cruise Line" by readers of Condé
Nast Traveler magazine an unprecedented 14
times. The line is known for its impeccable
service, fantastic food and diverse enrichment
opportunities. Crystal operates two
ships--Crystal Symphony and Crystal
Serenity--offering cruises to destinations
around the world, including Asia, Australia,
Europe, South America, Canada and New England,
the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.
More cruise news in the Archives
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