Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Taking a break from the usual top cruise lines pandering the usual destinations around Alaska and the Caribbean, many cruisers are now looking for something different and are finding it with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™.

LATEST NEWS ABOUT UNIWORLD CAN BE FOUND ON PROW'S EDGE NEWS PAGES AT  http://www.prowsedge.com/cruise-news-Uniworld-Boutique-River-Cruises-Asia.html

 

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure.

In fact, Uniworld was voted the“#1 River Cruise Line in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List and their Platinum Circle for having made the list consistently for the past five years, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Queen and River Beatrice #1 and #3 of all cruise ships in the world, respectively, along with eight other highly ranked ships in the top 40 river ships category.

Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®, with Uniworld being the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions fully hosted by local experts, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning, personalized hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

For more details, visit uniworld.com or visit Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine for even more cruise lines that are not the norm.

Norwegian Cruise Line private cabanas

Norwegian Cruise Line have introduced exclusive private cabanas with VIP service and amenities,  on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas.

The launch of “Cabanas on the Cay” marks another significant addition to the island as part of the $25 million dollar enhancement project.

Located to the west of the island’s main beach, these perfectly-appointed private Cabanas boast exclusive service and amenities to provide guests with the ultimate island escape and total relaxation.

Available for $249 per day, each Cabana accommodates up to six guests and is fully furnished with lounge chairs, tables, cooler, beach towels and a shower. Cabana rental also includes a $50 food and beverage credit; up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide, a $120 value; and one large float, a $25 value; for guests to enjoy during their time on the island.

Guests who reserve one of the 10 “Cabanas on the Cay” will enjoy priority tender service to the island and, upon arrival to their private cabana, will receive six complimentary bottles of water and a refreshing fruit basket. As they relax on one of the comfortable lounge chairs, guests will have the opportunity to use their $50 food and beverage credit towards pre-ordered “Cabanas on the Cay” food and beverage  selections.

For more information visit  www.ncl.com.

St Helena Island RMS Cruise

The unique cargo-passenger ship, the RMS St Helena, one of the last working Royal Mail ships in the world, offers several exiting cruises including one to Saint Helena Island in the South Atlantic.

One of the most remote, inhabited islands on earth, St Helena offers everything from desert landscapes and 1,000 ft-high cliffs of volcanic rock, to luscious green valleys playing host to unique plants and wildlife.

Cruising en route to St Helena Island, the RMS St Helena takes in several unique ports of call, from Capetown in South Africa to Weymouth Bay and Portland Port, and unspoilt and peaceful Ascension that is known for it's wild landscapes and 44  volcanic craters rather than gaudy, modern resorts and hotels.

Carrying under 130 passengers, the 6,767 gross toned St Helena offers a cruise unlike the usual offerings from more commercial cruise lines in that it also works as a local lifeline for residents at St Helena.

Life on board is without the usual gaudy over-kill of theatres and casinos, but nevertheless offers high class accommodation and leisure areas as well as world renowned food including everything from traditional afternoon teas to a six-course dinners.

For more information take a look at http://rms-st-helena.com/

MSC Divina launched in Marseille

Very recently, in Marseille, France, the latest jewel in the MSC Cruises’ fleet, MSC Divina, was christened by international screen legend Sophia Loren.



The exclusive high-profile event included a gala dinner and entertainment from illustrious performers in the company of international celebrities, selected guests, media, authorities and the top management of MSC Cruises.



The festivities marked not only the addition of the 12th ship to the MSC Cruises’ ultra-modern fleet, but also the Mediterranean heritage of which the company is so proud.



Every detail of the onboard experience and the christening was carefully planned to reflect the colors, scents, history and the culture of the area, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the region’s celebrated values of authenticity and warm hospitality.



“Since 2003 we have built our ships on French soil, partnering with the French shipyard and heavily contributing to employment and the economy,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO, MSC Cruises. “We celebrated this long-established relationship, paying homage to the country’s oldest and biggest port at the christening ceremony of our latest flagship, MSC Divina.”



The highlight of the evening was when Sophia Loren – treasured godmother of the MSC Cruises’ fleet - cut the ribbon and named MSC Divina to a crescendo of champagne, confetti, and sparkling fountains.



The nest day, the new MSC Divina took to the seas for her long-awaited first season.



For more information about MSC Cruises take a look at the Prow’s Edge Cruise Magazine profile of MSC Cruises, or visit the MSC Cruises web site.

Cunard Savings Across Atlantic

From 1 June through 7 June, Cunard Line will offer significant savings on select 7-day Transatlantic Crossings on board flagship, Queen Mary 2 in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The only liner to provide regularly scheduled Transatlantic service, Queen Mary 2 offers the ultimate luxury cruise vacation, rich in classic British traditions, fine cuisine and stimulating on board enrichment.  This year’s season includes several new offerings, such as new theatrical productions, jazz workshops, lecture programmes, dining menus and spa treatments.The seven-day Diamond Jubilee Sale offers fares starting as low as $795, Complimentary Double Upgrades, and up to $150 in On Board Credit (per person, based on double occupancy).Dates for the Diamond Jubilee Sale include:

7-Day Eastbound

• 6 July 2012
• 3 August 2012
• 28 August 2012
• 2 October 2012
• 28 October 2012
• 27 November 2012
• 3 January 2013

7-Day Westbound

• 24 June 2012
• 27 July 2012
• 21 August 2012
• 14 September 2012
• 14 October 2012
• 20 November 2012
• 15 December 2012
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For lots more information abut Cunard Line - basic information and cruise experiences with Cunard visit Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine

Specific Savings – Vairety Cruises

Here are the specific cruise savings as mentioned in the previous blog at Variety Cruises Savings

2012 Greek Cruises

ANTIQUITY TO BYZANTIUM: Discover Ancient Greece aboard the Harmony G starting in Athens with visits to the tombs at Mycenae, Olympia and the spectacular Oracle Temple of Delphi; book select dates starting November 2.

JEWEL OF THE CYCLADES: Board in Athens on the M/S Galileo, a classic steel motor sailer, en route to the Aegean Islands with stops in Santorini, Mykonos and off the beaten path islands such as Paros and Folegandros; book select dates starting May 18.

CLASSICAL GREECE: Board the Harmony V mega yacht in Athens and explore stops in Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, the hidden-gem island of Kythira and more; Book select dates starting May 25.

AEGEAN ODYSSEY: Cruise through the Aegean Islands and Turkey aboard the Panorama (spring/fall) or Panorama II (summer) experiencing the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean's rich cultural heritage; Book select dates starting May 11.

New Itineraries

THE SEYCHELLES - CRUISES IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN: The latest addition to Variety Cruises, guests can island hop in perfect harmony with this unspoiled paradise visiting centuries-old rain forests and take in unique wildlife and flora and fauna. Book select dates starting December 1.

DODECANESE MOSAIC: Travel on the three-masted Panorama sail cruiser embarking from Rhodes or Aghios Nikolaos sailing through the beautiful ports of Bodrum, Santorini and the islands of Karpathos and Amorgos; Book select dates starting June 30.

ROMANTIC RIVERAS: The French and Italian Rivieras come to life as the new 223-foot Variety Voyager mega yacht travels through chic hotspots such as Nice, St. Tropez, Portofino, Monte Carlo and more; Book select dates starting July 14.

TREASURES OF SOUTH ITALY AND MALTA: Board the new Variety Voyager mega yacht as it cruises around Sicily exploring Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento and Cephalu, with stops in Capri, Malta and Lipari; Book select dates starting September 15.

ARABIAN JOURNEYS 2012/13: Experience the wonders of the Arabian Gulf and the Omani Coast departing from Abu Dhabi to Muscat aboard the new Variety Voyager mega yacht; Book select dates starting November 29.

RIVERS OF WEST AFRICA: Operating from Dakar to Senegal, the Harmony V mega yacht will sail up the Gambia River, with stops in colorful fishing villages, nature and wildlife reserves; Book select dates starting December 21.

For more information visit www.varietycruises.com for more information on participating sailing dates or call 1-800-319-7776 (US) and 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) to receive the 2012/13 Variety Cruises brochure.

Variety Cruises Savings

Variety Cruises is offering hot deals on last-minute bookings made on select sailings through 2012/13.

Special offers are available on new and classic itineraries, with visits to hotspot destinations like Dubrovnik and The Seychelles and off-the-beaten-path ports larger ships cannot access like Kythira in the Greek Islands.

With its signature style of small-ship cruising, the family-run, Greece-based Variety Cruises is the premier line for life-enriching journeys for inquisitive travelers.

Specials on all programs include the following on select departure dates:

·       2-for-1 offers with 2nd passenger free, no single supplement

OR

·       50% discount for 2nd passenger, 25% single supplement

All offers are available for reservations made until June 15, 2012 except for the Arabian Journeys, Antiquity & Byzantium & Seychelles Cruise for which the booking deadline is Aug 31; port charges are excluded from these discounts. When booking a special offer, please reference code: SPECIAL OFFER / MAY 2.

FOR DETAILS OF THESE SAVINGS VISIT: Specific Savings – Vairety Cruises 

For more information visit www.varietycruises.com for more information on participating sailing dates or call 1-800-319-7776 (US) and 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) to receive the 2012/13 Variety Cruises brochure.

Princess Love Boat Captains

What’s in a name? Well, at Princess Cruises the name Gavin MacLeod naturally is associated with the famous TV captain of “The Love Boat.” But it turns out that the line coincidentally also has a real-life bridge officer with the same name. And the long-time Princess ambassador couldn’t wait to meet him.

When Island Princess Third Officer Gavin MacLeod, who hails from Inverness, Scotland, joined Princess in 2010, he never gave much thought to the fact that he shared a name with the actor who made the role of “Captain Stubing” an iconic part of television history.

But last week when Island Princess called at the port of Los Angeles, the two men met on the ship’s bridge and enjoyed lunch together at Sabatini’s restaurant. The pair also signed several navigational charts to be auctioned for charity.

Frequently filmed aboard Princess ships throughout its 1977-86 run, “The Love Boat” created a lasting legacy in the cruise industry. Actor Gavin MacLeod has continued his association with the cruise line ever since, serving as an ambassador who travels regularly aboard Princess ships and represents the company at a variety of events throughout the year.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

For more cruise and cruise line information visit Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine