WELCOME
Friday, January 28, 2011
Norwegian Breaks Booking Record
On January 31, Norwegian will continue with its popular Wave Season promotion “Free Upgrades For All” (www.ncl.com/upgrade) by offering balcony upgrades on its Alaska sailings. New reservations booked through March 27, 2011 receive up to a four-category upgrade, along with e-coupons in on-board savings of up to $400. In addition, bi-weekly special offers on select ships and destinations will continue featuring Hawai’i, Bermuda, Bahamas and Florida, as well as another Epic offer.
For an UPDATED overview of Norwegian Cruise Line visit the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine Cruise Line Profile section.
Guests can make a reservation on any of the line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships by calling Norwegian at 866-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visiting www.ncl.com, or contacting a travel professional
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
New Oceania Cruises Marina
Oceania Cruises’ new ship
The 13-day passage to North America will call at
A ship of firsts, Marina features the Bon Appétit Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school at sea, Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s first namesake restaurant at sea; Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites; luxurious accommodations by designer Dakota Jackson; Wine Spectator wine program; and Lalique grand stairway. Moreover,
“
When she arrives in
After the christening festivities in
Oceania Cruises’ new
For an overview about Oceania Cruises visit the Oceania Cruises profile at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine, or for more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel professional, visit Oceaniacruises.com or call Oceania Cruises toll-free at 800-531-5658.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Secrets of The White Sea
The White Sea is an area with a long history that is mostly unknown to the West. The Russian navy was established in the port of Arkhangelsk by Peter the Great; in the Middle Ages the city became Russia’s gateway to commerce with northern Europe; and, in the last century, a long line of explorers departed from here on many famous polar expeditions.
The Solovetskiy Archipelago played a major role in Russian religious and political history. In the early 15th century, a small monastery founded on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island by hermit monks. By the 17th century, the monastery had spread across several islands, with a network canals to connect buildings and to transport fresh water from the interior lakes. What began as a remote hermitage developed into a strategic defense post and grew into an important political force in the White Sea region.
Between the late 18th century and the Russian Revolution in 1917, the monastery fought brutal battles with invading Swedes, Germans, and Finns who sought to raid the island coffers, art treasures, and vast library collection that had been amassed there. In the early 1920's, the Bolsheviks under Stalin closed the monastery, killed most of the clergy, and turned the buildings into the Solovki Camp of Special Designation—a concentration camp for their ideological enemies: teachers, writers, artists, men of the church, etc.
The 'Gulag Archipelago', as the Solovetskys came to be known, was the first of a Russia-wide system of labor camps where millions of Russians were imprisoned and killed. The conditions at Solovki were unspeakable and thousands of prisoners died here before the camp was finally closed in 1938.
The 10-day 'Secrets of the White Sea' voyage departs Murmansk on 17 July 2011 and finishes in Arkhangelsk. Voyage prices start from US$6,90, and include overnight accommodation and a city highlights tour in Murmansk, plus group transfers in Murmansk and Arkhangelsk.
For an overview of Aurora Expeditions take a look at the brand new Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine profile for Aurora Expeditions, or visit the official web site at http://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum
The first Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum: The Challenge for Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea will take place on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd of June 2011 at the recently opened prestigious Onassis Cultural Centre in Athens, Greece.
With the rise in the popularity of the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea for cruisers and cruise lines, this highly anticipated event should throw up some interesting light on the region.
This is a new Posidonia event that will examine the potential for sea tourism and its significant role in the development of the economies of Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea region.
The event will focus on three different dimensions of Sea Tourism: Cruise, Yachting and Inter-island Passenger Shipping. Issues to be addressed at the Forum will include how countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea can benefit through collaboration and by investing in a long-term strategic approach to the further development of sea tourism in the region.
For the programme and further information on the event please visit www.PosidoniaSeaTourism.com
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Best Cruise Ships of 2011
In particular, the market leader in travel guides and a branded imprint of Wiley Publishing, Inc. cited Allure of the Seas as the newest and most groundbreaking ship with “undoubtedly the best entertainment ship at sea, with truly exceptional programming for both adults and kids.”
Judges praised the 225,282 gross-registered-ton, 5,400-guest cruise ship and her sister-ship Oasis of the Seas, for "letting light and air into the center of the ships" via a radical new superstructure design.
Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. With a cache of distinct onboard activities and amenities, Allure of the Seas offers one-of-a-kind entertainment performances, culinary concepts, retail venues and technology innovations. An architectural marvel at sea, Allure’s neighborhoods are divided into seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. She spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas alternates a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
For an overview of Royal Caribbean take a look at the PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE CRUISE LINE PROFILE - ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Monday, January 17, 2011
The two luxury cruise liners, who sailed in tandem from New York, are coming off the heels of the historic Cunard Royal Rendezvous that occurred there just three days earlier, when all three of Cunard’s Queens met in New York for only the second time in the Line’s 171-year history. Welcoming Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria to this popular maritime port was the honourable Mayor John P. "Jack" Seiler, along with travel agents, media and local dignitaries.
Upon departing Fort Lauderdale, Queen Elizabeth continues her Maiden World Voyage on to Aruba and then will traverse the Panama Canal to Mexico and ultimately call on the Port of Los Angeles on 29 January. Following this voyage, Queen Elizabeth will spend the remainder of the year in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, calling on exotic and unique ports such as the Norwegian Fjords, St. Petersburg, the Holy Land and Canary Islands.
Queen Victoria will continue on her debut Americas season, traversing between the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts via the Panama Canal, and calling on Los Angeles four times between January and March (30 January, 13 February, 17 February and 3 March). She will sail two roundtrip voyages from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and sail a brief Getaway voyage to Mexico.
For more information about Cunard and to book a voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria, consult your travel agent, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.
For an overview of Cunard Line take a look at PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE- PROFILE - CUNARD LINE
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Cunard Royal Rendezvous in New York
Queen Mary 2 offers 14 spacious decks of opulent public areas, extravagant dining rooms, ballrooms, theatres, lounges, and even the only Planetarium at sea.
Combining the best of a luxury Cunard ocean liner, Queen Victoria, also known as QV, is famous for the dramatic three-tier Grand Lobby with a magnificent grand staircase and eye-catching artwork.
The newest luxury ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, or QE as she is affectionately known, recalls the rich heritage of the first Cunard ship to bear the name.
This rare maritime event is only the second time in Cunard’s 170-year history that three regal Queens have docked together in New York Harbour. Then, just three days later, on January 16, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth rendezvous again in Fort Lauderdale during Queen Elizabeth’s Maiden World Voyage and Queen Victoria’s debut Americas Season.
For brief overview of Cunard Line visit the updated Prow’s Edge Cruise Magazine Cruise Line Profiles - Cunard Line, or visit the official Cunard web site at www.cunard.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Latest in Cruise Food News
Do you know what the Holland America Line Culinary Council is all about? Have you even heard of the Holland America Line Culinary Council?
Do you know about the popular Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs interactive cooking school aboard Silversea Cruises?
And do you know about the plethora of new dining options for passengers aboard Oceania Cruises new Marina ?
If not - no need to worry - the new Cruise Food section at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine includes a page dedicated to the latest news about food on cruises, including news about the latest meeting of the Holland America Line Culinary Council and how they provide guidance on the line’s culinary initiatives; news about the 10 new voyages from Silversea Cruises offering the only Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs cooking school at sea; and news about Oceania Cruises’ 10 dining venues, six of which are no-charge, gourmet restaurants aboard the new Marina.
Take a look at CRUISE FOOD NEWS at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Crystal Cruises Sails to Libya
Libya’s doors have been closed to American tourists since the US imposed sanctions on the country almost 20 years ago. With Libyan authorities lifting its ban on tourist visas, Crystal has added Tripoli to its November 16 “Italian Splendor” Mediterranean cruise.
“Libya is enigmatic, exotic, and incredibly rich in history,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales & marketing. “Providing a rare glimpse into this Middle Eastern nation will add tremendous depth to travelers’ experiences of ancient corners of the world. With over a thousand miles of Mediterranean coastline to the north, Egypt to the east, and central Africa to the south, Libya is truly a crossroads of cultures, past and present, which no world traveler should miss.”
Augmenting an itinerary already steeped in wonders of antiquity and cultural immersion, the addition of Tripoli enables travelers to visit what some consider the last unspoiled country in North Africa. Beginning and ending with overnights in Venice and Barcelona, the 11-day voyage also boasts visits to Dubrovnik and Sicily, Naples, Civitavecchia (for Rome), and Livorno (for Florence and Tuscany).
Guests can explore Libya’s largest city, Tripoli; see some of the best-preserved cities and archaeological relics in the world from Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician, and Arab-Islamic civilizations; mix with local and tribal ethnicities; feast on traditional cuisine; and sift through the sand of the Saharan desert, which covers roughly 90% of the country.
With so many educational opportunities for all ages on this Thanksgiving cruise, families can create once-in-a-lifetime memories -- and enjoy free berths, group perks and family savings via the “Crystal Family Memories Program.”
A “Two-for-One” promotion offers per person, double occupancy, fares starting at $5,470, including $1,000 “All Inclusive–As You Wish” shipboard spending credits and complimentary air transportation from many North American gateways (or cruise-only fare reduction).
Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have earned the company top service ratings from international travelers for two decades.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
For an overview of Crystal Cruises take a look at the PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE CRUISE LINE PROFILE - CRYSTAL CRUISES
Monday, January 10, 2011
Oceania Cruises offers options for food lovers
The ship’s eight no-charge dining venues and two exclusive options:
1. The Grand Dining Room – Tuxedo-clad wait staff serve a six-course menu in a classic setting reminiscent of a five-star restaurant at one of Europe’s grandest hotels. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
2. Toscana – Three, illuminated etched-glass panels provide a dramatic backdrop to savory specialties, many of them family recipes handed down from Oceania Cruises’ staff and crew. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
3. Polo Grill – Plush and supple leather upholstery, a rich palette of crimson, gold and green, and gold-edged mahogany wall panels evoke the glamour of a vintage Hollywood steakhouse. Fine cuts of Prime, dry-aged beef, as well as chops and fresh seafood, are featured. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
4. Jacques – The first-ever restaurant at sea for its renowned namesake, Jacques Pépin, draws inspiration from fabled brasseries of Paris and his hometown of Lyon. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
5. Red Ginger – Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese flavors are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddhas carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centerpiece. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
6. Terrace Café – Shades of burgundy, burnt orange, gold and lemon create a bright and pleasant ambiance or guests may dine al fresco. Regional delicacies and sumptuous buffets are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
7. Waves – This relaxed, open-air bistro serves gourmet burgers, swordfish, chicken and other grilled items, and features a salad bar and homemade ice cream bar. Open for lunch, weather permitting.
8. Baristas – This coffee bar adjoining the library is the place throughout the day to enjoy Illy espresso and cappuccino, plus homemade biscotti and coffee cake.
Two other exclusive options include:
1. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – This intimate venue hosts tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines; reservations required.
2. Privée – This posh private dining room offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalized menu featuring such specialties as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings, reservations required.
For more information about Oceania Cruises visit their web site at www.oceaniacruises.com and be sure to keep to date with the latest in cruise food news at the CRUISE FOOD section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine.
Photo: Oceania Cruises
Alaska Cruises still top the bill for Princess Cruises
One-fourth of respondents resolved to travel to the 49th state in the coming year. Other questions revealed that most are looking for a relaxing vacation and plan to travel with their spouse or significant other – but would be quite willing to travel with Oprah as their choice for celebrity travel companion.
Princess’ own Essential Experiences blog also offered travelers inspiration for their bucket lists, with most respondents eager to try dog sledding on an Alaskan glacier or to plan a visit to the “lost city of the Incas,” Machu Picchu, in Peru.
“Most people have a travel bucket list,” said Princess executive vice president, Jan Swartz, “and with New Year’s resolutions top-of-mind right now, we wanted to learn which destinations and experiences our fans are most excited about this year.”
For a brief overview of Alaska cruises, take a look at the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine information page on Alaska Cruises.
For news about Princess Cruises in Alaska, see their official web site at http://www.princesscruises.com
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Year Savings with Celebrity Cruises
Each week this month, Celebrity is offering up to $150 in stateroom credit, for select cruises in particular destinations.
The savings will be issued in the form of a shipboard credit. Offered to help vacationers make the most of their time onboard, the credit can be used for spa treatments, specialty dining, shopping, shore excursions and more. The promotion is intended to offer guests an added opportunity to enjoy Celebrity’s line-up of onboard experiences as well as to get to know the destinations on the itinerary through shore excursions.
This week (through January 9), guests booking 2011 Australia/New Zealand, Panama Canal and Hawaii sailings are eligible for onboard credit.
From January 10 through January 16, 2011, guests who book Caribbean cruises sailing from March through December 2011 are eligible for onboard credit.
Europe and Transatlantic cruises departing from April through November of 2011 are the focus of the onboard credit offer.
And for those guests booking cruises from January 17 through January 23, 2011, and from January 24 through January 30, guests who book Alaska sailings taking place from May through September of 2011, will be eligible for onboard credit.
For an overview of Celebrity Cruises, take a look at the PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE CRUISE LINE PROFILE - CELEBRITY CRUISES or visit the official web site at www.celebritycruises.com
Thursday, January 6, 2011
MSC Mediterranean Cruises from $499
The 8-, 9-, 10-, and 11-night Mediterranean cruises sail to some of Europe’s most historic locales and remarkable landscapes, allowing guests to experience the destinations while enjoying the European and Italian ambiance of MSC Cruises.
Here are some highlights of the Golden Odysseys Mediterranean cruises:
- MSC Magnifica: 8-night, Western Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Venice, calling in Bari, Italy; Rhodes, Greece; Alexandria, Egypt; Katakolon, Greece; and Dubrovnik, Croatia; February 28 and March 8; rates from $499 per person plus $58.80 in GFTs
- MSC Splendida: 11-night, Western Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome) or Genoa, calling in Barcelona, Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; S. Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), Spain; Funchal, Portugal; and Malaga, Spain; February 5 and 6; rates from $889 per person plus $47 or $55.90 in GFTs, respectively; (Other available dates include March 9 and 10)
- MSC Splendida: 11-night, Eastern Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Genoa or Civitavecchia (Rome), calling in Katakolon, Greece; Heraklion, Greece; Marmarmis, Turkey; Alexandria, Egypt; Piraeus, Greece; and Palermo, Italy; February 16 and 17; rates from $889 per person plus $44.25 or $33.30 in GFTs, respectively
- MSC Splendida: 9-night, Eastern Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Genoa or Civitavecchia (Rome), calling in Katakolon, Greece; Heraklion, Greece; Alexandria, Egypt; and Piraeus, Greece; February 27 and 28; rates from $599 per person plus $36.85 or $27.09 in GFTs, respectively
- MSC Fantasia: 11-night, Western Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Genoa, calling in Barcelona, Spain; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Funchal, Portugal; S. Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), Spain; Arrecife de Lanzarote, Spain; Malaga, Spain; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; March 3 and 25; rates from $599 per person plus $63.40 in GFTs.
In addition to experiencing Europe the European way, guests onboard MSC Cruises will also enjoy the following:
- A family-friendly vacation, with activities, facilities and menus designed with the youngsters in mind. Plus, kids 11 and under cruise free on all European cruises when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
- International cuisine with an emphasis on Italian and regional specialties
- Exciting international entertainment
- Superior wellness activities, including the latest spa treatments
For more information about MSC Cruises’ Golden Odysseys this winter, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional or for an overview of MSC Cruises take a look at PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE CRUISE LINE PROFILES - MSC CRUISES
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Cunard Float Wins Queen's Trophy at Roses Parade
Cunard’s float, themed “A Grand Celebration at Sea,” depicted the Cunard fleet of three Queens – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and the new Queen Elizabeth – and illustrated the ultimate sense of occasion experienced on a luxury cruise vacation aboard Cunard, including Veuve Clicquot champagne toasts, the Royal Court Theatre, ballroom dancing and big band music.
In floral and architectural celebration of Cunard’s rich tradition of elegance and grandeur, the float stood at 24 feet high, 18 feet wide and 55 feet long as it made its way down the parade route. A big band orchestra and ballroom dancers animated the Line’s famed Royal Nights Themed Balls. Representing Cunard’s hallmark brand of service, eight White Star Bellmen walked alongside the floral liner. A whistle sound from the new Queen Elizabeth, who will make her maiden call in Los Angeles on 29 January, completed the Cunard float.
Black Magic roses, purple phalaenopsis orchid sprays, green cymbidium orchids and hypericum, and white Casablanca lilies bordered the float, while more than 45,000 red Opium roses carpeted the steps and floors. Layers of black onion seed and crisp white sweet rice accented the distinctive shape of Cunard’s elongated bow, while shimmering deep brown flax seed replicated the rich texture of hand-polished mahogany woods throughout the architectural features. White roses, dendrobium orchids and phalaenopsis orchids swept over oceans of light and dark blue iris, delphinium and hydrangea blossoms to create the water waves of the high seas.
For more information and to book a voyage aboard a Cunard ocean liner, contact your travel agent, call toll free 1-800-7-CUNARD (1-800-728-6273) or go to www.cunard.com.
For an overview of Cunard Line take a look at the PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE CRUISE LINE PROFILE FOR CUNARD LINE or see what it was like across the Atlantic with Cunard in CROSSING THE POND.
Crystal Hawaii Golf Cruise
The 14-day itinerary conveniently sails round-trip from Los Angeles April 24, with play in Kauai, Oahu and Maui. The courses, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery on the islands, include:
Poipu Bay Golf Course (Kauai) – Named one of the top courses in Hawaii by the likes of Golf.com and The Los Angeles Times, where one is just as likely to reach the surf as the green.
Ko’olau Golf Course (Oahu) – Listed as one of Golf Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Places You Can Play’, the course encompasses over 280 acres of plush forest, and poses a fun challenge for low-handicappers.
Ka’anapali Golf Resort (Maui) – The Royal Course at Ka’anapali has hosted greats from Arnold to Nicklaus, featuring broad fairways and sloped greens.
In addition to play at the destination’s top-rated courses, Crystal’s “Hawaiian Dreams” golf programming also features on board presentations and tips from former U.S. Open champion Ken Venturi and golf historian Jack Mishler.
The Crystal Golf Program includes onboard practice with brand new TaylorMade equipment – the No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour – cocktails, caddy and cart service on the greens, and complimentary cleaning and storage of golf clubs and golf shoes after each round.
The cruise calls in Hawaii/Hilo, Kauai/Nawiliwili, Oahu/Honolulu, Maui/Lahaina, Hawaii; and Ensenada, Mexico. Promotional, Two-for-One cruise fares start at $4,955 per person, double occupancy, and include complimentary air transportation and $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credit.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
For general information about Crystal Cruises take a look at PROW'S EDGE CRUISE LINE PROFILES- CRYSTAL CRUISES and cruise with Ursula and Eldrid Retief to Alaska aboard the Crystal Harmony in INTO THE LAST FRONTIER.
Photo: Poipu Bay Golf Course