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

Crystal Cruises Sails to Libya

Crystal Cruises is removing the cloak of mystery surrounding Libya as a travel destination by adding its historic capital, Tripoli, to its fall season.

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

Oceania Cruises offers options for food lovers

Good news for food lovers and epicureans everywhere, as Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will be offering her passengers a wealth of dining options with six, open-seating gourmet restaurants, two private-dining venues and two casual eateries.

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

With New Year’s resolutions fresh in consumers’ minds, Princess Cruises fielded a poll to its Facebook fans to learn which destinations and travel experiences top their bucket lists in 2011. And respondents decisively answered that their number-one destination choice for the coming year is Alaska.

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

New Year Savings with Celebrity Cruises

Premium vacation brand Celebrity Cruises has kicked off a “New Year, New Cruise” booking promotion aimed at helping vacationers to make the most of their time off.

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

MSC Mediterranean Cruises from $499

MSC introduces a variety of cruises this winter to the temperate Mediterranean with rates starting from $499 per person plus.

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

Cunard Float Wins Queen's Trophy at Roses Parade

Cunard Line made its inaugural debut on the streets of Pasadena, California today at the 122nd Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda, winning the prestigious Queen’s Trophy for best use of roses.

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

On Crystal Symphony’s first-ever Golf Experiences of Discovery to the Hawaiian Islands, golfers can tee off at three of the region’s most stunning courses, and perfect their swings with instruction from PGA pros on the way.

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