Cruise Advice Topics

It is sometimes difficult to find good advice on your next cruise that is not given by the cruise lines themselves with the hidden agenda of selling their own products.

Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine offers an extensive selection of pages on advice, from everything for seasoned travelers to first time cruisers, without the hidden agenda pf trying to sell a cruise for any particular cruise line.

Here are just some of the topics - from A - C:

• Advice for an Alaska cruise
• Avoiding putting on weight
• Bringing Alcohol Onboard
• Cabin Fever
• Child Free Cruises
• Choosing a Cabin
• Cold Climate Cruising
• Cruise Dress Codes
• Cruise Etiquette
• Cruise First Aid
• Cruise High Fashion
• Cruise Ship Entertainment
• Cruise Ship Laundry
• Cruise Ship Libraries
• Cruise Ship Officers
• Cruise Vocabulary


For more visit the extensive advice section at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-advice-tips.html

2 Awards for Norwegian Cruise Line

In the last ten days, Norwegian Cruise Line has been named the “World’s Leading Large Ship Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards, and has also been honored with a Maritime Safety Award

The 19th World Travel Awards recognize travel companies for delivering an outstanding customer experience and are voted by travel agents worldwide. This is the first time Norwegian, which has received the award for Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for five consecutive years, has been honored on a global scale by the World Travel Awards.

Norwegian Cruise Line is also proud to accept the 2012 Quality Ship Management Award from American Maritime Safety (AMS). This prestigious honor, which was bestowed during the maritime trade association’s annual safety awards in New York City, recognizes Norwegian’s extensive safety standards and pervasive safety culture.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

For more news about all the cruise lines visit Prow's Edge Cruise News

All About Ports and Shore Excursions

Holland America Line has dramatically increased its video library on www.hollandamerica.com with the recent addition of 325 short videos showcasing the line’s shore excursions in Alaska and select ports around the world. 

Featuring 275 videos on Alaska tours and 53 port overviews with shore excursion details, guests can get a glimpse of select tours before departing on a cruise and deciding which ones to book. Whether it’s a flightseeing tour in Anchorage, Alaska, or exploring the streets of Quebec City — the premium line’s top-rated port call — the videos show the beauty and diversity of each port while highlighting a particular tour.

“Videos are the best way to show our guests what’s in store when they book a tour and to let them know what they can expect,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “We have more than 4,000 shore excursions, so these videos help our guests select the right tour that fits their desires.”

When in port, guests on a Holland America Line cruise can choose from several diverse shore excursions including Overland Adventures, off-the-beaten-track explorations, Signature Collection private-car touring and exclusive Medallion Collection excursions.

For stories about cruises experienced with Holland America Line  visit:

http://www.prowsedge.com/cruise-articles-reviews-alaska-holland-america-line.html 

http://www.prowsedge.com/cruise-articles-reviews-alaska-holland-america-line-2.html

http://www.prowsedge.com/cruise-articles-reviews-panama-canal-holland-america.html

and more at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine at http://www.prowsedge.com

Win a Free Cruise with Carnival

Carnival Cruise Lines today kicked off the “Carnival Breeze-A-Thon,” a fun on-line sweepstakes awarding a free cruise for two as well as a variety of prizes inspired by Carnival Breeze’s innovative dining, bar and entertainment options in the week leading up to the ship’s official naming ceremony.

Carnival Breeze recently arrived in Miami to kick off a year-round program of six- and eight-day cruises to the Caribbean, becoming the largest Carnival Cruise Lines ship ever based in South Florida.

Hurry now to take part before the sweepstakes entry period at Carnival’s Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/carnival comes to a close on the 6th December this week.

On the 8th December, the day of Carnival Breeze’s official naming ceremony, prizes will be awarded each hour between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., interspersed with a series of videos showcasing many of the ship’s fun and fantastic features.  The final video of the day will feature highlights from the naming ceremony.

Entering the sweepstakes is easy: “like” Carnival on Facebook, visit the “Carnival Breeze-A-Thon” tab and enter to be eligible to win a wide range of fun and memorable prizes.

For more information about Carnival Cruise Lines visit www.prowsedge.com/cruise-lines-carnival-cruise-lines.html at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine where you can find information on over 80 different cruise lines.

Pandaw Mekong Short Cruises

Pandaw Cruises are now offering a new Mekong short cruise for 3 or 4 nights only between Saigon and Phnom Penh as well as between Siam Reap and Phnom Penh from December 12th to March 13th.

For those wanting to enjoy 10% to 20% discounts visit Pandaw Cruises now at www.pandaw.com

Pandaw Cruises is known for its extensive adventures in which travelers are cushioned with incredible comfort, fine dining, great cocktails and choice wines, as well as extraordinary levels of service.

A feature of all river cruises is the once or twice daily shore excursions led by expert local guides to explore Buddhist temples, historical sites, markets and handicraft workshops.

With ten luxury ships exploring four countries, Pandaw is the largest luxury river cruise company in Asia.

For accounts of experiences with Pandaw Caruise visit:

Cruise article and cruise review about cruising the Rajang River, written for Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine by Robert Tilley to include news on the Rajang River ... at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-articles-reviews-asia-rajang-river-pandaw-river- cruises.html


Cruise article and cruise review about cruising the Mekong, written for Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine by Robert Tilley to include news on Mekong River cruises , ... at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-articles-reviews-asia-mekong-pandaw-river- cruises.html


Cruise article and cruise review about cruising in Myanmar (Borneo) with Pandaw River Cruises, written for Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine by Stu Lloyd to ... www.prowsedge.com/cruise-articles-reviews-asia-myanmar-pandaw-river- cruises.html

AmaWaterways Aids Los Angeles

In an unusual connection, Europe cruises and an USA hospital, AmaWaterways has donated two European river cruises to support the Los Angeles California Hospital Medical Center.

In recognition of the 125th anniversary of the California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC), AmaWaterways donated two 7-night Paris & Normandy river cruises to benefit the nonprofit at its recent black-tie gala, the 22nd Annual La Grande Affair. The event was attended by more than 500 of Los Angeles’ top business and community leaders, with proceeds to benefit the Los Angeles Center for Heart Health at the California Hospital Medical Center.

Two bidders amicably battled it out over an AmaWaterways Paris & Normandy cruise for two.

AmaWaterways Vice President of Marketing Rob Rothmann stepped in and made an on-the-spot decision to contribute a second cruise.

“This is one of our newest itineraries and it’s great to see how excited people are about it,” Rothmann said. “Donating another cruise was truly a win-win for everyone, as it raised a significant amount of money for a good cause.”

Amawaterways 7-night Paris & Normandy cruise on the Seine River includes visits to the village of Giverny, where artist Claude Monet spent decades cultivating his iconic water gardens; Honfleur, a charming French harbor town made famous by generations of artists;  Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy; an excursion to Normandy’s D-Day beaches; the charming town of Les Andelys; and two nights in Paris. The cruise embarks aboard the AmaLegro, which offers spacious staterooms and suites, most with French Balconies, as well as Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations, free-flowing wine and beer at every dinner, unforgettable shore excursions, flat-panel TVs and an in-room Infotainment System featuring hit movies, music channels and complimentary Internet access, live nightly entertainment, onboard salon and spa services and much more. AmaWaterways even provides a complimentary fleet of bicycles for guests to use on their own or on a guided bike tour.

For more information about AmaWaterways visit:
Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine - all about AmaWaterways

or take a look at:
www.amawaterways.com

Traveling to Canada with a DUI

Problems with entering Canada from the USA after having been convicted of a driving under the influence (DUI) offence, or driving while intoxicated (DWI) offence can be a problem for many taking a cruise that begins in the USA and which has several stops at Canadian ports of call, or indeed a cruise that begins or ends at a Canadian port of call.

This can be very awkward for many travelers even when their conviction was not based on an event that resulted in horrific results.

The good news is that (depending of course on the severity of the offence) there may be a way to deal with this situation and finally make the dream of a trip to Canada come true.

The two main chances of achieving this are by "Criminal Rehabilitation", a process in which  in which a person who is deemed inadmissible to Canada requests from the Canadian Government that their inadmissibility be abolished on a permanent basis, and/or by the procurement of a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) which allows a person to enter Canada.

For full details about this, visit:
www.prowsedge.com/cruise-news-traveling-to-canada-with-a-DUI.html

For more information about FWCanada visit:
www.canadianimmigration.net

Reasons to Cruise

Taking a cruise is not just a way to take time off work or to spend your vacation.  There are all sorts of reasons why people take cruises, and Princess Cruises has recently published several more such reasons on their blog at http://inspiredtocruise.com/.

One good reason is to grant someone a last wish, as was the case of John Hedley of North Carolina who traveled to Alaska with one of his former comrades-in-arms on a final cruise before his friend succumbed to cancer.

Another great reason is to bond with your family, as Bob Taylor of Ohio did to know the sisters he’d only recently met when they spent time together on a Caribbean cruise, and as Naomi Cornelius of Texas did when after a lifetime of distance from her father, she reconnected with him on a Panama Canal cruise .

Still more reasons exist such as Jessie Work and her husband of Connecticut,  used their time at sea to revive their floundering marriage, and Sheryl Tarkoff of Chicago who connected with nephews, cousins, siblings and her children during her cruise up the Eastern Seaboard.

Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, an exclusive alliance that also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and Seabourn.

Competition for Cruise Travel Agents

Travel Agent Chance to Win a 7-Night Mekong River Cruise

As AmaWaterways continues to expand and become even more of an award-winning river cruise line than ever before comes a chance for travel agents specializing in cruises to win a 7-night trip for two people on the Mekong River.

From now until Nov 15, 2012, travel agents are invited to take the free, online course at TAU or LTU. Upon course completion, one lucky travel agent will win an unforgettable seven-night voyage for two exploring Vietnam and Cambodia in December 2012. Please visit www.amawaterways.com/specialistincentive for AmaWaterways Mekong Contest information, terms and conditions.

“With the industry moving so quickly, AmaWaterways is constantly updating our ships, shore excursions and service to exceed our guests’ expectations,” said AmaWaterways Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst.   “Travel agents have always played a very special part in AmaWaterways success and this contest is a fun way to keep our valued partners up-to-date on the latest developments and AmaWaterways marketing tools.”

TAU and LTU are designed to help travel professionals ‘learn and earn’ at their convenience, through a combination of online training courses, loyalty booking programs and various other informational and relationship-building resources. Visit TAU or LTU to become an AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist today.

For more information on AmaWaterways please visit:
www.AmaWaterways.com

New Norwegian Cruise Ships Ordered

Norwegian Cruise Line has now announced  that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017.  

The new ship, at 163,000 gross tons and approximately 4,200 passenger berths, will be larger than the Company’s Breakaway class ships currently under construction at MEYER WERFT and incorporate many of those vessels’ unique design elements and innovations. With the project name “Breakaway Plus,” this new vessel will be the largest in Norwegian’s fleet.

“Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have garnered significant attention in the marketplace with their innovative design, rich stateroom mix and world-class amenities.  Building on that momentum, along with MEYER WERFT’s expertise and efficiency in the design and construction process, we are extending the excitement and anticipation with a new, larger edition Breakaway Plus class ship to further distinguish the Norwegian brand,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “This new order further solidifies our commitment to continued innovation in terms of the guest experience and will incorporate technical and environmental advances as well.”

MEYER WERFT, based in Papenburg, Germany, is currently building Norwegian’s two new 146,600 gross ton, 4,000-passenger Breakaway class vessels: Norwegian Breakaway, scheduled for delivery in late April 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, scheduled for delivery in mid-January 2014.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line visit Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine at :

http://www.prowsedge.com/cruise-lines-norwegian-cruise-line.html 

or check out the Norwegian Cruise Line website at : 

http://www2.ncl.com/

Award for AIDA Cruises

AIDA Cruises has been awarded the "Innovation Prize 2012" by the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW).

The Association has honored that the company revolutionized the German cruise market and has made a niche product into a product for everyone, but also that the company has an eye on future issues and actively approaches difficult subjects with new ideas.

Statement from Michael Ungerer, President AIDA Cruises, on the occasion of the awards ceremony:

"We are delighted with this award," said Michael Ungerer, President AIDA Cruises. "For us, it means the recognition of the work of our AIDA family, constituting 6,000 people from 25 nations. To break new ground is an important part of the corporate culture of AIDA. We take today's prize as an incentive to surprise in the future with new concepts and to leave the beaten path. Our guests will benefit from our innovative power. In the coming years we will continue our successful growth with products that further inspire the fascination of cruising and will be trendsetting for our industry."

Further information about AIDA cruises take a look at the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-lines-aida-cruises.html

Winning a free Carnival Cruise for Two

A great chance to win a seven-day Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines is now on offer by visiting http://www.carnival.com/pinterest.

Begin the contest by choosing one of four cruise destinations – the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska or Hawaii – then describe what your dream cruise to that location would look like by pinning various images to the newly created contest board.
           
Participants need to pin at least five images or videos from any of Carnival’s social media sites or carnival.com, while the rest of the board can feature any other images of their choice.  Consumers can enter the contest up to four times by simply re-visiting the contest page, choosing a new destination, and entering again.

This fun competition runs through October 14, 2012.

At the end of the contest period, judges from Carnival will select the top 10 boards based on beauty, creativity and originality and the grand prize winner will be chosen by guest judge and “pinning rock star” Mike Dew who has more than three million followers on Pinterest .  To inspire participants, Dew will also be creating his own board specifically for the contest.

“Pinterest is a terrific social media platform for discovering different vacation choices and this contest allows consumers to create and share their idea of the perfect Carnival vacation,” said Jordan Corredera, vice president - digital for Carnival Cruise Lines.

In addition to a grand prize Caribbean cruise for two, the participant whose board has the most followers will win a $250 Fun Ship Dollars gift certificate.

For insights and examples of Caribbean cruises take a look at 12 articles and experiences of such cruises at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine at  www.prowsedge.com/cruise-articles-reviews.html
           

CLIA National Cruise Vacation Week

An annual cruise event coming up again soon is CLIA’s National Cruise Vacation Week.

Planned to take place from October 21 to October 27, this special event offers the cruise industry’s most  exclusive promotions and features a wide array of special events and offers from twenty-five CLIA member cruise lines representing more than 200 cruise ships.

Planned special deals include up to $13,000 in bonus savings on a luxury cruise, $1,500 per couple savings on a river cruise in Europe, two-for-one pricing, free airfare, complimentary shore excursions, and up to $500 in shipboard credits.

Visit CLIA’s special NCVW page, www.cruising.org/vacation/welcome to find impressive potential savings as well as credits for shipboard spending valued at up to $500, upgrades to suites, or other incentives such as complimentary shore excursions, free airfare, free hotel packages, deposit waivers and more. 

Some of the cruise lines involved are AmaWaterways, American Cruise Lines, Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Louis Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Windstar Cruises.

Keep track of the Prow's Edge blog here for actual details of the special cruise deals.

Baseball Greats on MSC Cruises

Designed with baseball fans in mind, MSC Cruises has announced a number of Caribbean sailings aboard the MSC Poesia featuring baseball legends representing leading teams.

On these special cruises, guests will be invited to meet with former major league baseball stars on several “Baseball Greats” theme cruises in 2012 and 2013.

In fact, this is the ninth year MSC Cruises has featured these popular cruises with a changing lineup of players. Top features include a number of guest/player activities including a player-hosted trivia game, a question-and-answer session, a guest pitching contest and a lively storytelling session as well as baseball players hosting hitting, fielding, base running, and defense strategy clinics.

A free autograph session is one of the most popular aspects of the “Baseball Greats” experience.

Host and emcee for all of the onboard activities on each cruise is former New York Yankees star pitcher, Stan Bahnsen.

Special “Summer Sale” rates begin at $799 for the 10-night “Baseball Greats” cruise and $549 for 7-night cruises. Fares are per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional. Bookings must be made by Sept. 30 to receive “Summer Sale” rates.

For more information about MSC Cruises and its “Baseball Greats” theme cruises, visit us online at www.msccruisesusa.com, call 877-665-4655, or contact a local travel professional.

Or for more about MSC Cruises visit Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine

International Expeditions December Amazon River Cruises

If you are looking for an unusual and exotic way to spend your December holidays this year, International Expeditions has come up with some great bargains on very novel Amazon River cruises.

International Expeditions has been leading Amazon River cruises for 32 years, and this year they are offering $750 off their usual fares, or even no single supplement fees on the two Amazon cruises on the 21st and 28th December.

This is all a welcome surprise considering that most cruise lines and holiday operators take the chance of Christmas and New Year to charge more than usual for all sorts of cruises.

This Christmas, those wanting to take a trip organized by International Expeditions may even be able to save up to 44 percent.

“December is a month when everyone wants to get away,” commented  International Expeditions President Van Perry, “and exotic destinations are terrific places to create unique memories.”

International Expeditions has been named seven times to Travel + Leisure’s list of “World’s Best” tour operators & safari outfitters and to National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine’s list of “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.”

For more information visit : http://www.ietravel.com/

More Good Advice on Cruises

Here is the final batch of the current topics of advice and information that make the advice section of Prow's edge Cruise Magazine such a popular and useful web source.

Many of these pages cover topics that may not be of immediate use, but certainly may come in very handy and which may make your cruise a more delightful and successful experience.

This particular blog page refers to the last of the main topics of good advice from Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine covering all sorts of themes from phoning on a cruise, to figuring out your table assignments.


• Phoning from a Cruise
• Rewards Programs
• Safety at Sea
• Saving Money on a Cruise
• Seasickness
• Shore Excursions
• Smoking on Cruise Ships
• Sun and the Topics
• Swine Flu
• Table Assignments
• Taking Alaska photos
• The real cost of cruises
• Tipping on Cruises

More Good Advice on Cruises - More Topics

Following our current blogs drawing your attention to the many pages of FREE advice that Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine offers you on all sorts of topics, here is a list of the next 20 topics of interest- many of which you may never need to have to make use of, but many of which may make your cruise a more delightful and successful experience.

Many of these topics refer to medical issues and physical health on your cruise.

The whole section of advice at Prows Edge Cruise Magazine features over 50 pages of useful information – this blog features the next twenty (20) of the main topics of good advice from Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine covering all sorts of themes from how to deal with seasickness and the unlikely event of food poisoning and all sorts of general hints about healthy cruising from maintaining mental health to general medical preparedness and details about the infamous Norovrius and Norwalk viruses.

• Cruise High Fashion

• Cruise Ship Entertainment

• Cruise Ship Laundry

• Cruise Ship Libraries

• Cruise Ship Officers

• Cruise Vocabulary

• Dealing with Disabilities

• Disembarking

• Early/Late Seating for Dinner

• Family Cruises

• Food Poisoning

• Healthy Cruising

• Internet on a Cruise Ship

• Jet Lag

• Lifeboats on Cruise Ships

• Maintaining mental health

• Medical Preparedness

• Norovirus/Norwalk

• Packing for a Cruise

• Packing for a Cruise (more)

Good Advice on Cruises - 1st Ten Topics

The secret of a successful cruise is in being prepared for all eventualities - not that you have to be worried about everything going wrong - but it's a good idea to be know where you can go to for good advice on any topics about a cruise that might give you cause for concern.

Once you know how to take care of yourself. never mind what happens, you're more likely not to worry about things too much, and more likely to enjoy the whole experience so much more.

The whole section of advice at Prows Edge Cruise Magazine, over 50 pages of useful information covering almost every topic you can think of, is a good place to start to be prepared for your next cruise, whether it be your very first experience at sea, or the next one in a whole life time of constant sea voyages.

Here is a list of the first ten of the main topics of good advice from Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine.

• Avoiding putting on weight

• Advice for an Alaska cruise

• Bringing Alcohol Onboard

• Cabin Fever

• Child Free Cruises

• Choosing a Cabin

• Cold Climate Cruising

• Cruise Dress Codes

• Cruise Etiquette

• Cruise First Aid

American Queen Increases Popularity

Those experiencing a trip with American Queen Steamboat Company Voyages are coming up with lots of praise.  In fact, guest satisfaction ratings are currently averaging 96 percent. And proof of the praise is showing up in the numbers of repeat guests and those recommending the trip to friends and family.

Proof of their new success is evident in the fact that the American Queen Steamboat Company has recently reported that bookings in the second week of August were the best in its history, nearly doubling the previous weekly booking volume benchmark.  

As American Queen Steamboat Company CEO Jeffrey D. Krida explains: “There has been tremendous word-of-mouth support from agents and guests alike as they clamor for remaining space in 2012 and for the newly announced 2013 season. Many who have booked for this fall and winter had already traveled aboard the American Queen since her launch this past April and are back again.:

Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, fares begin at an affordable $1,095 per guest based on double occupancy, and include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay, shore tours in every port onboard deluxe SteamcoachesSM, the acclaimed cuisine of legendary chef Regina Charboneau  and complimentary wine and beer with dinner.

A variety of holiday lengths ranging from five to fourteen days.

For more information visit : www.AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com

Holland America Line Rescues Stranded Sightseers

Yesterday, on the 19th August, Holland America Line’s ms Volendam rescued 70 persons from a disabled sightseeing boat, the 79-foot sightseeing vessel Baranof Wind, which had struck a rock near Russell Island in Glacier Bay disabling its steering and propulsion and causing the boat to take on water.

The ms Volendam rescued the 69 tourists and one Glacier Bay park ranger and cleared them all through security, gave them a safety briefing and then provided a meal.

“It’s the code of the sea to provide assistance in an emergency, and Captain Peter Bos and his crew responded quickly and professionally to render aid to the passengers of Baranof Wind,” said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line. 


The ms Volendam rendezvoused with an Allen Marine boat at around 6 pm to transfer the rescued passengers back to Bartlett Cove, where their excursion had originated.


The ms Volendam then proceeded on to its next port call at Ketchikan, where it arrived on schedule today.

The USA Coast Guard thanked the crew of the ms Volendam for their quick response to the emergency.

Main Windjammer Fall Specials

Summer may be coming to a close, but the magic of Fall sailings with the Main Windjammer fleet is only just beginning – a time that is particularly perfect for Windjammer cruises  because  of the steady Autumn breezes, the unique Fall weather of warm, sunny days and cool evenings ideal for gatherings around the woodstove, the wealth of hawk and warbler sightings and the colorful foliage of this time of year.



Adding to the attraction of a Fall Windjammer Cruise this Fall are the value prices at 10 - 20 % less than the summer rates.



Special cruises include the popular 3 to 6 day WoodenBoat trips in September 11 that include a rendezvous at the WoodenBoat waterfront in Brooklin and a tour of the world-famous WoodenBoat School, and the Labor Day Weekend events when the  entire fleet congregates in Camden for a Parade of Sail, live outdoor music, schooner crew talent show, fireworks and more.


Fall specialty cruises cover everything from wine-tasting, puffin-scouting, lighthouse touring, and knitting to even lobster feasts and bacon lover’s cruise.

For more information visit :  http://sailmainecoast.com/

For more on other specials to wet your appetite can be found at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine.

Fresh Lobster on Your Cruise

Following the news from award winning writer, photographer and investigative journalist, Greg Latimer about Maine urging visiting cruise lines to buy local lobster, here is a reminder about some of our favorite lobster recipes from respected cruise chefs collected by Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine.


• Grilled Lobster Asian Style presented by Chef Prom Nhorn of Pandaw River Cruises

• Fresh Scottish Lobster offered by Chef de Cuisine Marc Calderbank of Hebridean Island Cruises

• Galapagos Spiny Lobster Ceviche described by Chef Angel Choez, executive chef aboard the M/Y Grace of Quasar Expeditions

• Pan Seared Maine Lobster detailed by Georges Blanc – one of France's most revered and recognized master chefs

Take a look at the other pages of the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine food section for even more tasty recipes.  See : www.prowsedge.com/cruise-food-cruises-chefs-recipes-news.html

Some of the famous chefs featured in this section include:

• Georges Blanc (Carnival)
• Marc Calderbank (Hebridean)
• Angel Choez (Quasar)
• Paul Dorr (Maine Windjammer)
• Dirk Helsig (Fred Olsen)
• Gregory Hoop
• Franck Jeandon (Regent)
• Palle Jorgensen
• Sudesh Kishore (SeaDream)
• Cara Lauzon (Maine Windjammer)
• Aimee LePage (Maine Windjammer)
• Chef Nader (Windstar)
• Daryl Neamtu (Windstar)
• Prom Nhorn (Pandaw)
• Jacque Pépin (Oceania Cruises)
• VR Purificacion (Costa Cruises)
• Walter Rosner (Silversea)
• Pedro Miguel Schiaffino (Aqua)
• David Shalleck (Windstar)
• Manfred Schaller (Crystal)
• Rudi Sodamin (Holland America Line)
• Sarah Swan (Maine Windjammer)
• Wolfgang Wasshausen (HAL)
• Stefan Wilke (Hapag-Lloyd)
• Ann Williamson (Maine Windjammer)
• Karl Winkler (Cunard)
• Chef Zoran (Elegant Cruises)
• Jean-Marie Zimmermann (Cunard)
• Bernhard Zorn (Uniworld)

New Sagaing Pandaw



Launched in Vietnam at the beginning of the year, the new RV Sagaing Pandaw will transfer to Burma (Myanmar) next year to sail the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers in response to the increasing demand for quality river expeditions.



The new RV Saigon Pandaw has only 30 classic Pandaw staterooms and is the perfect expedition vessel for exploring the upper stretches of the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers. 

Two week cruises on the Irrawaddy begin at from Prome (Pyay) and cruise up to the Upper Irrawaddy and then back to Mandalay. 

Ten night ‘Golden Land’ cruises will operate downstream from Mandalay to Prome (Pyay). 



A special cruise, offered once a year, sails from Rangoon to Mandalay and on the Chindwin. 

One of the major issues that make the Sagaing Pandaw very attractive to many cruisers is that the ship is only available to individual travelers and not groups. 



Early bird discounts of 10% are available for bookings made prior to one year before departure. 



For more information visit : www.pandaw.com 

For Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine articles describing experiences with Pandaw cruises, take a look at:

• Slowly Down the Mekong – with Robert Tilley

• Journey into the Unkown – by Stu Lloyd

• Upstream on the mighty Rajang River in Sarawak, Malaysia – by Petra O’Neill

• Along the Irrawaddy to Bygone Times – Petra O’Neill

Kosher Cruises with SeaDream Yacht Club

Not a very typical or common cruise news headline, but the idea and need for "Kosher" cruises is growing, and as unusual as it might seem to some, this is not the first time that Prow's Edge has reported on this topic.

This time, the focus is on SeaDream Yacht Club who are now offering gourmet Glatt-Kosher cuisine for private charters. Together with Jon Greenseid, a nationally recognized kosher consultant, SeaDream is now ready to accommodate Glatt-Kosher private charters under strict rabbinical supervision.

As Bob Lepisto, President of SeaDream Yacht Club, commented,  “The kosher industry continues to grow at an astounding rate. Starting this fall, on voyages sailing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico we’ll be able to accommodate kosher private charter weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, charity benefits, corporate and personal events.”

Known for their up-market style, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom yachts offer an elegant mix of informality and good taste, with top grade facilities, personal service provided by a crew of 95, inclusive open bar and gratuities, ocean view accommodations, luxury spa and world class cuisine.

For more details about SeaDream visit www.SeaDream.com.

Norwegian Cruise Line Legends in Concert

One of the highlights of a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line on board Norwegian Epic starting in November are the Legends in Concert performances in which tribute artists perform as some of the world's most recognized entertainers – Michael Jackson, Donna Summer and Jimmy Buffet.  

Originating in Las Vegas, a  favorite show on the Las Vegas center strip for over 25 years, Legends in Concert is the pioneer of live tribute shows and has assembled the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look alikes in all of show business.

"Our guests absolutely love the Legends in Concert performances on board Norwegian Epic. The next round of tribute artists, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer and Jimmy Buffet, three extraordinary performers, are destined to be fan favorites," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer.  "With Norwegian Epic returning to its home port in Miami, this is the perfect time to introduce these three talented performers to guests sailing to the Caribbean."

Legends in Concert on Norwegian Epic features three celebrity tribute performers taking the stage in the Epic Theater for six 45-minute shows over three days during a seven-day cruise. 

In addition, a Legends “Unplugged” show is performed on three additional nights in the Manhattan Room, the ship's New York-inspired supper club, providing an unprecedented dining and entertainment experience. 

The celebrity performers change every four months, keeping the show fresh and exciting.

For more information visit : www2.ncl.com/cruise-ship/epic/overview

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line and other cruise lines offering amazing Caribbean cruises, take a look at www.prowsedge.com

Norm Schriever Travel Advice

Each year an estimated 60 million US citizens travel abroad on vacations, everything from cruises to desert expeditions, for business, or to study or volunteer.

Unfortunately, many of them will fall prey to petty thefts, robberies, or even more serious crimes.

An expat who currently lives in Costa Rica, Norm Schriever has recently  published a travel memoir called 'Pushups in the Prayer Room', describing the year he spent backpacking around the world.

One of the most popular chapters in the book, ‘Wolf Tickets’, outlines all the scams, and hustles, he himself experienced during his travels.

"Unfortunately I found out about most of them the hard way!" he says.

In fact, this particular chapter has proven to be one of the most popular in the book and readers say it's both funny and fascinating, but very practical because it outlines the nuts and bolts of criminal techniques you may encounter in foreign countries and specific tips how to best ensure your safety.

Norm Schriever is a humorist, adventurer, enemy of the comfort zone, and author who lives in Nicaragua with a surfboard and a laptop.  His recent book outlined above, 'Pushups in the Prayer Room', is a wild, irreverent, and hilarious memoir about a year he backpacked around the world. 

For more information visit :  http://www.NormSchriever.com

Crystal Cruises Fall Special Deals

A whole variety of special offers are being featured this fall in the ultra-luxury line, Crystal Cruises' latest announcement.

Beginning in September, nearly a dozen Mediterranean, South Pacific and trans-ocean voyages aboard Crystal Serenity and a freshly-redesigned Crystal Symphony offer several new opportunities to save on luxury.

Savings aboard Crystal Serenity include a number of specials from $1,000  savings on Penthouse, Penthouse Suite and Crystal Penthouse accommodations, to $1000 savings per couple for luxury staterooms boasting spacious private verandahs, and low single fares that significantly reduce solo supplements. There are even specials for children, in which those under 17 years of age may sail for free on certain cruises

There are savings to be had aboard Crystal Symphony as well, including hundred dollar savings per person for luxury staterooms with private verandahs.

For a good look at what Crystal Cruises are all about visit the Prow's Edge Crystal Cruises Profile

For details about which cruises these specials apply, take a look at www.crystalcruises.com

Variety Cruises Weddings and Honeymoons

What can be more romantic than a wedding or a honeymoon at sea on a cruise?

Not much!

Making sure that more may enjoy this romantic start to wedded life, Variety Cruises has now started to concentrate on providing special things for those in the bridal and honeymoon segment.

Variety Cruises, the Greece-based, family-run company that operates a fleet of mega yachts carrying up to only 72 passengers, has released a host of new honeymoon packages and cruise options, available to newlyweds, as well as couples renewing their vows.

Advantages of these special packages include the ship’s captain taking part in the ceremonies, a 25 percent price reduction for the bride, a cabin with a double or king bed for the happy couple, a celebratory bottle of Champagne and fresh fruit, a candle-lit dinner in a private, secluded place on board, or in a preferred restaurant in Santorini or Mykonos, and even a complimentary massage for two.

Before you think that this may be fun, even if you're not getting wed, note that there has to be proof of marriage and that the cruise has to take place within  six months of the actual wedding ceremony.

For more information visit the Prow's Edge profile of Variety Cruises or take a look at the Variety Cruises website at:
http://www.varietycruises.com

Silversea at the Olympics

Silversea Cruises has been in the heart of the excitement of the 2012 Olympics in London as the Silver Cloud made its way through London and passed under the  London's Tower Bridge to find its birth nearby.



As part of the excitement of the huge event, and in recognition of being a part of it all, guests on Silversea Cruises, Silver Cloud received an iconic Olympic experience not soon to be forgotten.

As Silversea Cruises point out - this is just another example of how Silversea provides guests with uniquely enriching cultural connections.

The amazing photo of the Silver Cloud at rest not far from Tower Bridge is an image to remember for many years to come.

Holland America Increases Alaska Opportunities

Many cruisers have claimed that a cruise to Alaska is “old news” now and that every one has already done that particular kind of cruise and that no one has any wish to repeat the experience.



Simply not true!

Cruising to Alaska continues to be a popular option for first time cruisers as well as for cruise “experts” who have been there before – several times.

What else would Holland America Line now increase its presence in the region with more departures and more guests than in previous years.

Although Holland America Line still only has seven vessels cruising the area each year, the ms Amsterdam will double its departures on new seven-day roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As a result, Alaska-season departures will increase 8.5 percent and guest capacity will increase 6 percent over 2012.


And to make the idea of an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line even more tempting, Early Advantage savings feature complimentary upgrades and free and reduced fares for third or fourth guests who share the same stateroom on select sailings.  

By planning ahead, a family of four can take advantage of fares on select departure dates starting at $699 per person for the first and second guest in a stateroom, and the third and fourth sailing free.  Taxes are additional.

For more information visit www.hollandamerica.com

For a taste of Alaska cruises with Holland America Line take a look at some Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine experiences.

•  Hot Boullion and Icy Waters – by Kevin Retief

•  Gone Fishin’ with the Rotterdam – by Ruby Turner

Dancing and Dining on Fred. Olsen Cruise Line

From hit television shows all concentrating in good old fashioned ballroom dancing and the increase in ballroom dancing classes in most towns, it is no surprise that cruise lines, like Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, are making 'good old' dancing a feature of their cruises.

On their 28-night ‘Black Sea’ cruise on board Black Watch this autumn, departing from Dover on 25th September 2012, Fred. Olsen’s favorite dance instructor, Debbie Snashall, and dance-duo Joanne Almond and Leighton Jones will be on board to make sure that good old fashioned dancing becomes an important and fun part of the whole cruise experience.
 
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was voted ‘Best Educational Cruise’ for its Vistas "on-board enrichment program" – now a favorite part of Fred.Olsen Cruise lines cruises, – a feature that is showcasing a number of exciting speakers, such as Antiques Roadshow expert Lars Tharp and gardening guru Charlie Dimmock, in its 2012/13 program.

Find out more about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines by visiting the website at www.fredolsencruises.com  or take a look at the many articles about the cruise line at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine like the food recipes ( a perfect reward for efforts on the dance floors ) from:

1: Chef Palle Jorgensen's recipe for Seafood Salad

and
2: Executive Chef Dirk Helsig's recipe for Gravlaks

Luxury Yacht Cruises with The Moorings

For something really different for regular cruisers looking for something beyond the usual huge cruise ships, The Moorings are debuting a brand new premium yacht for crewed yacht charter vacations in the British Virgin Islands beginning in December 2012. 



The fleet’s new flagship catamaran, the Moorings 5800 offers extraordinary space in a 3-tiered design with five guest staterooms – all with private en-suite baths.

Complete with a professional Captain and Chef, the 58-foot yacht offers personalized itineraries complete with gourmet, Chef-prepared meals, a full bar and the chance to enjoy a wide selection of water sports from paddling in kayaks and on paddle boards to exploring the seas with expert snorkeling gear. 



Under the expert care of the Moorings’ captains, passengers aboard their vessels are able to travel where regular, large cruise ships cannot venture, along  customized itineraries that enable passengers to plan their cruise to suit themselves, to stop when they want, and stay where they want.



The Moorings is fast becoming recognized as the world's premier yacht charter company, especially for crewed yachts with captain and chef. 

And this is just the beginning – plans are underway to ensure the existence of at least four Moorings 5800 yachts offering similar cruises and experiences such as the trips suggested by the first of the Moorings 5800 yachts due to arrive in the British Virgin Islands in December, 2012.



For more information visit :  http://www.moorings.com


2015 on Crystal Cruises

Looking way ahead – comes news that Crystal Cruises will be offering an amazing world cruise in 2015.

In honor of its 20th World Cruise, and 25th anniversary of the company, the ultra-luxury cruise line will be offering a brand new route around the world from Miami starting January 15, 2015. 

This really is looking ahead - an unusual step for cruise lines.

The 108-day, warm weather voyage aboard Crystal Serenity will consist of six all-inclusive segments that will traverse Central and South America, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, and the Caribbean.

Specific segments of this unique cruise are as follows:

·         Miami to Callao/Lima (16 days)
·         Callao/Lima to Auckland (19 days)
·         Auckland to Perth (21 days)
·         Perth to Cape Town (21 days)
·         Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro (15 days)
·         Rio de Janeiro to Miami (16 days)

Itinerary highlights include maiden calls in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Albany, Australia; Ambodifotra and Taolagnaro, Madagascar; and Richards Bay, S. Africa (in addition to three other South African calls), and stops in Easter Island, Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne, Reunion Island, Buenos Aires, Cartagena, Turks & Caicos, and more. 

Full World Cruisers receive a host of complimentary perks such as private enrichment classes, fitness programs, entertainment, social invitations, and mementos. 

Full details have only now been just posted at www.crystalcruises.com

2013 Cruise Savings with Holland America Line

There is an advantage for those booking their 2013 cruises way in advance with Holland America Line.

The "Early Advantage" savings on a wide selection of 2013 cruises are well worth convincing would be cruisers to book their cruises well in advance of departure.
 
Advantages include free upgrades on select sailings, as well as savings of up to 50 % by combining two cruise itineraries on select Collectors’ Voyages in Europe.

There is also a wide selection of free and reduced cruise fares for third or fourth guests who share the same stateroom on various cruises to more than 415 destinations around the world, from Alaska to Antarctica and everything in between.

Examples of specific savings with Early Advantage bookings are 14-day Collectors’ Voyage cruises now on offer for as little as $1,799 per person, with free upgrades from inside staterooms to ocean-view suites, and 14-day Australia/New Zealand cruises starting at $1,699 with similar upgrades as pafrt of the deal.
 
Popular seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises from Seattle, Washington., or Vancouver, British Columbia, are available for only $699 for inside staterooms or $999 for verandahs, with free upgrades available.
 
For more information on Holland America Line’s Early Advantage savings, consult a professional travel seller or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Prows Edge articles about specific cruises with Holland America Line can be found at:

•  Cruising to Puerto Rica – by Sharon Spence Lieb

•  Cruising Alaska – by Kevin Retief

•  Cruising the Panama Canal – by Brooke Cunningham