A note from the publisher:

Dear Guests,

We are constantly searching the globe for interesting opportunities on sea and land for your enjoyment.

Hope you enjoy this list of some of the most fascinating shore excursions we have ever seen. Contact a CruiseCompete member agent for more details.

Warmest Regards,
Heidi Allison-Shane
Publisher

From fighter jets to Arctic Circle reindeer to Aboriginal paintings, when your sense of adventure peaks and cost is no concern, the cruise industry offers plenty of unique – shore excursions guaranteed never to be forgotten:

1. Exploring the Italian countryside by air (balloon)
Location: Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy
Duration: Approximately 5 1/2 hours
Price: $1,695 and up, per adult

Azamara guests looking for a unique vantage point of the Chianti countryside can climb aboard a hot air balloon for a truly memorable experience high above rolling countryside. No two rides are the same, with air currents directing the trip. This excursion includes a gourmet dinner at Villa La Massa and your return trip to Livorno.

2. Piloting the Alaskan bush
Location: Ketchikan, Alaska
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Price: $2,984 and up

The untouched beauty of Alaska comes into full view aboard a private floatplane tour, identical to ones flown by Alaska’s famed bush pilots. NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line guests will soar through Misty Fjords National Monument, encompassing 2.3 million acres of wilderness, featuring soaring cliffs and peaceful lakes, not to mention abundant wildlife, including whales and bears.

3. Viewing Venice in a moonlit gondola
Location: Venice
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Price: $799 per person; $999 per couple

There’s no better way to explore Venice than by traversing its famed canals, especially under the moonlight. Windstar guests board their gondolas near St. Mark’s Square. Combine Italian champagne with the serenade of two violinists and your boat ride becomes a truly unforgettable, incredibly romantic, affair.

4. Pushing the envelope in a MiG fighter jet
Location: Moscow
Duration: One night
Price: $38,695

Adrenaline junkies will surely get a fix of a lifetime by climbing aboard a MiG fighter jet at Sormovo Airbase for a thrilling flight at two times the speed of sound over Russia’s landscape. This adventure is not for the faint of heart, so a brief physical exam is required before you climb aboard. Crystal Cruises combines this exclusive ride with a full-day of sightseeing in Moscow and brief visit to historic Nizhny Novgorod.

5. Driving a sports car of one’s dreams

Location: Monte Carlo to Venice
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Price: $3,922

The dream of driving a Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati can become a reality during an exhilarating sightseeing tour of Monaco in one of these exotic Italian sports cars. The vehicle will be waiting for you at the pier near where the Crystal Cruises ship moors. There is nothing quite like touring Monte Carlo’s twisting roads and scenery at breakneck speeds – although guests are encouraged to abide by local speed limits.

6. Jetting to Lapland and the Arctic Circle – Take your Children on This One
Location: Baltic
Duration: Approximately 9 hours
Price: $8,174

The legend of Santa Claus comes full circle for guests visiting the Arctic Circle during a full-day adventure to Finland’s Lapland. Guests are transported by private jet to Lapland. A special riverboat tour is combined with a visit to an authentic reindeer farm – complete with Lappish food, cultural demonstrations and sightseeing of this remote northern land. Tourists also have the chance to explore Santa Claus Village, located on the Arctic Circle, and meet the real Santa compliments of Crystal Cruises.

7. Mingling with the jet-set at the Monaco Grand Prix
Location: Monaco
Duration: 3 days
Price: $2,400

The renowned Grand Prix in Monaco provides the perfect setting for Windstar guests to mingle with the world’s most glamorous jet-set – and view one of the most difficult and prestigious racing spectacles anywhere. In addition to the event, you will enjoy a private reception at the Rainier Private Auto Collection Museum, featuring 100 of the most famous automobiles ever built from manufacturers across the globe.

Jumbo “Carnival Seaside Theatres” have become so popular on the first five Fun Ships equipped with the 270 square-foot screens (12×22 feet wide) that the cruise line will be adding them and their accompanying 70,000-watt sound systems to another five vessels over the next year. Guests enjoy a variety of programming day and night on the massive screens, which use the same technology featured in large stadiums and in New York’s Times Square. This includes movies, concerts, news, sporting events and shipboard entertainment. In addition, during Carnival’s lively deck parties, music videos, along with shots of the revelry, are shown on-screen.

The first Seaside Theatre debuted on the Carnival Liberty in 2005 and the positive response prompted the cruise line to incorporate into all new ship projects moving forward. The Carnival Splendor debuted this month and Carnival Dream is scheduled to be launched next fall. The Carnival Destiny and Triumph will be retrofitted with the theatres this fall, with the Carnival Glory and Conquest scheduled for next.

Crystal offering great saving on 2009 Asia cruises

Cruise travelers planning voyages to Asia next year can take advantage of Crystal’s new stateroom upgrades worth $1,800 and penthouse savings of $2,000 on select cruises departing during March and April aboard the Crystal Symphony. Plus, CruiseCompete Specialists will have extra goodies for you.

The following highlights the details of these special offers:

China and Japan

• Two-category upgrades to verandah suites, worth more than $1,800 per person, or $3,600 per couple.
• Savings of $2,000 per person off of penthouse accommodations.
• Complimentary three-day Beijing land program, including luxury hotel stays, all meals and sightseeing.

March 27, Hong Kong to Beijing – 15 days, including three-day post-cruise Beijing “Fashion and Style” program. Overnight visits to Kobe and Hiroshima, Japan and Shanghai, plus a stop in Dalian, China.

April 5, Beijing to Hong Kong – 15 days, including three-day pre-cruise Beijing “Mind, Body and Spirit” program. Overnight visits to Hong Kong; Osaka, Japan; and Shanghai.

Southeast Asia

• Two-category upgrades to verandah suites, worth $1,800 per person or $3,600 per couple.

April 20, Hong Kong to Singapore – 11 days, including “Golf Experience of Discovery” hosted by PGA pro and chance to play at some of Asia’s finest golf courses. Overnight visits to Bangkok, Thailand; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Singapore.

Truly festive atmosphere – After Thanksgiving, the cruise lines get in the holiday spirit by decorating their ships from bow to stern. Some cruise lines spend in excess of $100,000 annually on holiday decorations.

Special guests – Christmas-time cruises would not be complete without visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elf friends. They make appearances on many ships during the holiday season leading up to Christmas Day.

New Year’s fun – Ringing in the New Year is a splash aboard a cruise ship. Elaborate parties take place at sea for persons of all ages and tastes. Special food, entertainment, toasts, party favors and more make the night memorable. New Year’s Day features special football tailgate parties.

No snow – A holiday cruise is ideal for persons looking for a change of scenery as colder weather moves in at home. With Caribbean temperatures in the low 80s during this time of year, the closest one will come to cold weather on a cruise ship is the snow falling in the ship’s atrium. It’s man made, however, and designed to melt in the air.

Great food – Nobody goes hungry on a cruise vacation, especially during the holidays. Cruise menus fit the season, with world-class chefs preparing traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, plus special kosher foods during Hanukkah.

Kid’s activities galore – With children on holiday break from school, many families love to cruise during December. There is so much to do on a cruise, including a range of supervised activities for kids ages 3-17, pool activities, special lounges and dedicated nightclubs for tweens and teens.

True relaxation – Leave the hustle and bustle (and accompanying stress) of the holidays behind and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. There is no better way to spend an afternoon in December than lying poolside, enjoying a massage or sunbathing on a cruise line’s private island beach.

Unique gifts – A cruise vacation is one holiday gift that will be truly appreciated. Plus, there is world-class shopping onboard the ship and in various ports. Special shipping arrangements can be made to get the gifts home.

CruiseCompete offers top reasons to enjoy a cruise during 2008 holidays
DES MOINES, Iowa, July 16, 2008 – Enjoying summer weather? Come November and December, cold and snow will be here just in time for the holidays – and a Caribbean cruise vacation.

Whether traveling as a couple, with friends or family, holiday cruises over Thanksgiving and the December holidays are some of the most popular offered by the cruise lines. Rather than wait to book these vacations, the cruise specialists at CruiseCompete.com encourage travelers, especially those in groups, to plan and book their holiday cruises now. This will help assure the best selection of ships, itineraries and cabin choices – not to mention best deals.

“For many people, a holiday cruise is not traditional, but it can also provide their vacation budgets with a break, considering the great value of a cruise,” said Bob Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete. “Cruises feature all-inclusive pricing, with ship accommodations, food, entertainment and other amenities included. Plus, people of all ages and interests find plenty to do aboard a holiday cruise.”

For those still looking for a reason to cruise over the holidays, here are several:

Truly festive atmosphere – After Thanksgiving, the cruise lines get in the holiday spirit by decorating their ships from bow to stern. Some cruise lines spend in excess of $100,000 annually on holiday decorations. Christmas trees, lights, garland and even artificial snow bring the festive season alive at sea. Hanukkah celebrations also are observed. Religious services are held aboard each ship.

Special guests – Christmas-time cruises would not be complete without guest appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elf friends. They make appearances on many ships during the holiday season for fun and relaxation leading up to Christmas Day. As expected, Santa’s bag of goodies is full for the kids on board.

New Year’s fun – Ringing in the New Year is a splash aboard a cruise ship. Elaborate parties take place at sea for persons of all ages and tastes. Special food, entertainment, toasts, party favors and more make the night memorable. For sports fans, many of the cruise lines offer special all-day tailgate parties to watch New Year’s Day football.

No snow – A holiday cruise is ideal for persons looking for a change of scenery as colder weather moves in at home. With Caribbean temperatures in the low 80s during this time of year, the closest one will come to cold weather on a cruise ship is the air conditioning. Some ships do feature snow falling in the ship’s atrium, but it is manmade and designed to melt before hitting the floor.

Great food – Nobody goes hungry on a cruise vacation, especially during the holidays. A variety of eats are available 24/7. Cruise menus fit the season, with world-class chefs preparing traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, plus special kosher foods during Hanukkah. There are no shortages of gingerbread, cookies, pies and other deserts.

Kid’s activities galore – With children on holiday break from school, many families love to cruise during December. There is so much to do on a cruise, including a range of supervised activities for kids ages 3-17, pool activities, special lounges and dedicated nightclubs for tweens and teens. Vacation with your children yet without any stress.

True relaxation – Leave the hustle and bustle (and accompanying stress) of the holidays behind and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with the family on a cruise vacation. There is no better way to spend an afternoon in December than lying poolside instead of cooking, while sailing across the ocean or snorkeling through a secluded reef on a cruise line private island.

Unique gifts – A cruise vacation is one holiday gift that will be truly appreciated. Plus, there is world-class shopping onboard the ship and in various ports. Special shipping arrangements can be made to get the gifts home. If Santa is going to visit the kids, the cruise lines recommend small token gifts that are easy to hide and transport. Leave big gifts at home to open before or after the trip.

In addition to one’s own family, larger groups of extended families – grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and others – are enjoying holiday cruises in growing numbers. Careful planning is necessary Levinstein said. Plan well in advance – at least several months out, if possible.

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What a Site: CruiseCompete.com listed on “36 Web Addresses You Should Know”
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Travelers of all ages and fitness levels can now join the Wii revolution aboard Norwegian and Princess cruise ships. Nintendo of America has teamed with both cruise lines to bring the popular Wii Fit experience to passengers. A variety of active video game contests and tournaments aboard the ships showcase one’s athletic skill in four categories, including yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance. The events are led by crew members specially trained by Nintendo this spring. Wii Fit contests are being held in a variety of locations onboard, including ship atriums, poolside (on giant screens where available) and other public places.

Ultra luxury spa staterooms make debut on Holland America’s ms Eurodam

Luxury reaches new heights on the ms Eurodam, Holland America’s latest ship, with 56 spa staterooms located on the two highest decks. In addition to being located close to the ship’s renowned Greenhouse Spa and Salon, the rooms feature their own spa ambiance with organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a Burmese teak mat for baths and showers, an invigorating showerhead, body buff Loofah Mitt and aroma therapy bath salts. The spa staterooms also feature an iPod docking station, yoga mat, a pedometer for use aboard the ship, fitness DVD, mini bar stocked with specialty waters, cut fruit and a spa concierge to book treatments. Rooms are decorated with soft earth-tone hues and bright, fresh green accents and a water feature provides a natural, soothing ambient background sound. The nightly turn-down service includes organic chocolate truffles, orchids and special Belgian chocolates fused with herbs known for their calming and relaxing benefits. Guests staying in the spa staterooms can order exclusive Greenhouse Spa packages in advance. These include Body of Indulgence with a hot stone massage and facial bamboo massage; Skin Renewal with facial rejuvenation acupuncture and marine facial; His Sanctuary with grooming treatment, shave and deep tissue massage; and Bliss for Two couple’s cabana massages.

More penthouses being added to the already posh Crystal Serenity

With more upscale cruisers looking for penthouse accommodations, Crystal Cruises is responding by remodeling the Crystal Serenity in November by adding eight new such suites. While many cruise ships are adding more rooms into limited space, the Serenity construction project will actually the ship’s guest capacity.

The 403 square-foot penthouses feature personal butler service, a large private verandah, sizeable living area, complimentary bar stocked with wine and liquor, Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, walk-in closet, flat screen television, DVD and CD player, Riedel glassware and complimentary pressing. Penthouse guests also can enjoy 24-hour in-stateroom dining from the Crystal dining room, or they can order-in from the ship’s specialty restaurants during dining hours.

After the dry dock conversion, the Serenity penthouses increase to 72, as well as 32 penthouse suites and four lavish 1,345 square-foot Crystal penthouses. Four of the new penthouses will connect with penthouse suites.

Private villas on Norwegian Gem offer plenty of private space for families and others

Norwegian Cruise Lines has taken cabin envy to a whole new level with the introduction of 4,390 square-foot Garden Villa staterooms aboard the new NCL Gem cruise ship. Each villa has three bedrooms and bathrooms, a living and dining room, whirlpool, wet bar and steam room. A shared courtyard and pool is surrounded by luxurious patio furniture and lush, potted plants. The villas are being targeted toward multi-generational families, reunion groups and friends who want to cruise together and share private space. NCL’s new Freestyle 2.0 program aboard the ship allows guests to dine at any of the 10 restaurants aboard the ship whenever. Guests can book dinner reservations or just show up. Television screens around the ship tell one where tables are available.

New ResortCompete.com Site for All-Inclusives Going Strong

All-inclusive resorts have a natural appeal for cruises who like the all-inclusive nature of cruising, but are ready to try something different. ResortCompete provides detailed information about individual resorts, and provides the same competitive quotes from sellers to help you get the best deal. Check it out today at: ResortCompete.com

The Caribbean remains a top destination among cruisers, and more are bringing their children along for the journey, according to a new survey by the Cruise Lines International Association.

Cruise experts also say that, in response to rising fuel costs, cruise lines are increasing surcharges and changing their itineraries. Some are skipping Aruba, once a popular port, because of the extra fuel it takes to get there.

(story continues…)

Even with no end in sight to rising gas prices, cruising is not expected to decline, says Heidi Allison-Shane, spokeswoman for CruiseCompete .com. The overall satisfaction ratings are high: 95 percent of all cruisers rate their experience as satisfying and more than three-fourths of past cruisers plan to take another cruise within three years.

Read the entire story at Newsday.com

Top reasons why cruises are perfect gathering places for generations

Looking for an alternative to the traditional family reunion, or a perfect family holiday? Then make a splash with everyone in your family by planning a reunion cruise at sea. There are still cabins available for family gatherings on popular cruises scheduled to set sail this summer and fall, as well as the holiday season.

Following are the top reasons family reunions at sea are more popular than ever:

Superior Value – The all-inclusive pricing of cruise vacations includes a family’s accommodations, meals, 24- hour room service, most onboard activities and top entertainment – and groups often receive special amenities. Cruise ships offer families a variety of staterooms to fit any budget and travel needs. Some cabins have been specially designed to sleep four or more guests. Suites also are available for the disabled and folks who want more room and luxury amenities.

Convenient Departure Points – Traveling to board a cruise ship has never been easier. Ships depart from more than 20 ports throughout North America. Today, cruise ships are located within driving distance or a short flight of many U.S. cities.

Spa Sensations – Men and women alike who want to be truly pampered are invited to enjoy an incredible spa experience aboard a cruise ship. Spa staffs make relaxation and rejuvenation the focus of one’s visit.

Children’s Programs – For parents who may want a break from their children – and vice versa – most of today’s cruise ships offer plenty of structured and supervised recreational programs for kids ages 3 to 17. Special lounges and nightclubs for tweens and teens abound for the younger generations of families to hang out in supervised settings.

Food Galore – Cruise ships feature more dining choices than ever. They still have formal dining rooms, but most also feature more casual restaurants, grills and poolside dining options – plus 24/7 room service. Specialty restaurants, founded by some of the world’s most famous chefs, also are found on many cruise ships.

No Worries – On a family reunion cruise, there is no cooking or cleaning to worry about – just relaxation. Plus, the weather is usually warm and pristine. Once everyone’s bags are unpacked, the ship’s crew does the rest.

Floating Fun – There is never a dull moment on a cruise ship. Guests enjoy swimming pools and water slides, rock climbing walls, surf riders, ice-skating rinks, roller blade tracks, spa services, kids programs, nightclubs, gambling, shopping, dining, libraries, Internet and video arcades, enrichment seminars and guest lecturers, yoga and plenty more. A highlight for many families is the visit to the cruise lines’ private islands that dot the Caribbean – full of fun and relaxation.

ResortCompete.com All-Inclusive Site–Thanks!

Thanks to all of you who tried our new ResortCompete.com site for all-inclusive resorts during the initial launch phase. We’re continually adding new sellers and features to the service, and have been able to greatly increase the response per request. If you’re considering a vacation at an all-inclusive resort, we hope you’ll check out what our new service has to offer at http://www.ResortCompete.com.

The Caribbean remains a top destination among cruisers, and more are bringing their children along for the journey, according to a new survey by the Cruise Lines International Association.

(story continues…)

Cruises are also a superior economic value for families, says Heidi Allison-Shane, spokeswoman for CruiseCompete.com, adding that her college-aged children have run up thousands in room service bills on non-cruise vacations.

”You can have as much as you want to eat,” she says. “You can have your children with you and yet everyone has their own activity.”

Read the entire story at the Miami Herald

Let Agents Compete for your All-Inclusive Resort Vacation

We are pleased to invite you to try our new service: ResortCompete.com. Based on the same model as CruiseCompete, ResortCompete lets you select an all-inclusive resort and receive competing quotes from resort specialists. You can then compare offers and contact sellers for more information or to book.

We have built a brand-new software platform to operate ResortCompete. As with any new effort, we don’t expect to be perfect from day one, so any feedback you can provide to us would be greatly appreciated. We hope you will give ResortCompete a try!

Beauty at Sea – NCL’s latest spa innovation: BOTOX at sea

Tooth whitening, microdermabrasion and cellulite removal have been available at sea for some time, now, select Norwegian Cruise Line medi-spas operated by Mandara now offer a variety of BOTOX Cosmetic and Restylane and Perlane facial aesthetic treatments for cruise guests. They are currently available on the Norwegian Dawn, Gem and Spirit, with plans to launch the program fleet-wide this fall. All of the procedures are under the supervision of Steiner Transocean medical director Dr. Brad Herman, a Miami-based, board-certified plastic surgeon and his team of medically licensed doctors who have been trained specifically in these treatments. Guests interested in safely and effectively soften facial lines and wrinkles while on vacation can schedule a 30-minute consultation with the medi-spa physician on board, who will create an individualized treatment plan.

West coast cruisers entranced by Disney Magic’s return to Los Angeles

Summer will be magical at the Port of Los Angeles, with the return of the Disney Magic cruise ship for a limited engagement of seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera. The ship is in the midst of 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, running through August 10. Cabo San Lucas treats guests to a white sand beaches, crystal-blue waters and picturesque mountain vistas. Mazatlan provides a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture, while Puerto Vallarta features 100 miles of scenic coastline and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the country. Shore excursion opportunities include, among others, a waterfall and hot springs tour in Cabo San Lucas and a private villa at Caletas in Puerto Vallarta. Disney’s onboard entertainment includes Minnie’s Fiesta Grande, Pinta parties and plenty more fun for all ages.

Silversea welcomes addition of Prince Albert II to expedition ship roster

Earlier this month, the expedition ship Prince Albert II officially joined the luxury Silversea fleet and welcomes its first guests this week as part of its inaugural season of voyages focusing on polar adventures. The Prince Albert II sets sail to the Arctic Circle; Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, and then repositions to South America and Antarctica for fall and winter voyages. The ship features the largest average-size accommodations of any expedition ship at sea, with 20 premium suites of 350-675 square feet of living space. In addition, all 66 ocean-view cabins are well appointed and have private marble bathrooms and bathtubs. Silversea is a provisional member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic. It also is a member of the Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.

Onboard, savor a convivial cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually found only on larger ships, including a spacious Library with an Internet Cafe, boutique shopping, a full-service spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna and two top-deck whirlpools. Prince Albert II even features live evening entertainment and The Humidor, where connoisseurs can enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs – diversions offered by no other expedition ship.

Celebrity Solstice setting sail earlier than planned; three cruises added

Celebrity Solstice is now scheduled to enter service with a Thanksgiving holiday Caribbean cruise embarking November 23, three weeks prior to its previously announced launch of December 14. The trip departs roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, with stops at San Juan, Puerto Rico, Philipsburg, St Maarten, and Basseterre, St. Kitts. This is followed by two additional seven-night Caribbean cruises, November 30 and December 7. Guests who booked cabins on the Solstice’s originally scheduled maiden voyage on December 14 can switch to the November 23 sailing without penalty through June 12.

This summer’s highlight for many kids will no doubt be the first-ever nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean, which sets sail August 10-17 on the Freedom of the Seas. Non-stop fun and activities are promised on the Western Caribbean cruise, including a special kick-off sail away party; evening shows; Nick character breakfasts, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants; Dora the Explorer; Diego; The Backyardigans and Jimmy Neutron; a Nick Live Poolside “Slime Time” interactive game show; special screenings of The Naked Brothers Band and SpongeBob SquarePants; Nick Karaoke and many other opportunities to meet favorite Nick characters. Autograph signings with iCarly stars Jennette McCurdy and Nathan Kress also are scheduled. In addition, families can disembark on the cruise line’s private island of Labadee for Nick’s Let’s Just Play Family Beach Day, featuring beach games and fun with a special Nickelodeon twist.

Teen guests now use prepaid cash cards on MSC Cruises

There is no need for teenagers to continually pester their parents for cash aboard MSC cruises. The cruise line is now selling the prepaid My Teen Card to use for purchases and as room keys. The program is targeting kids ages 12-17 and can be used to buy sodas and gift shop items. On Caribbean sailings, passengers can buy a $30 card with $5 bonus or a $50 card with $10 bonus. In Europe, the prepaid cards cost 30 Euros with a five euro bonus or 50 Euros with a 10 euro bonus. The next question is how many of these prepaid cards can a typical teenager go through in a single cruise?

Celebrity offers first-ever Antarctica cruises

To celebrate its tenth year cruising South America, Celebrity Cruises will be will be heading even further south during it’s first-ever Antarctica sailings in 2010. The Celebrity Infinity will be leaving Buenos Aires, Argentina for two 14-night Antarctica sailings, departing January 31 and February 14, 2010. While there, guests will gaze upon glaciers, rare wildlife and other natural wonders as they cruise past Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Gerlache Strait. The Antarctica voyages also will include traveling through Cape Horn, with visits to Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia and Puerto Madryn, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay.

Luxury cabanas treat guests extra special on Eurodam

Holland America’s first Signature-class ship, Eurodam, will feature private tented cabanas on two decks when it debuts in July. Guests will be charged $30-$75 per day for the luxury cabanas, which will be located on the Observation Deck in an area called the Retreat and by the midship pool on the Lido Deck. Each cabana will feature chaise lounges, ottomans and settees, plus bathrobes, towels, handheld fans, an Evian spray mister and iPods with preloaded music. If that is not enough, chilled water and iced fruit skewers will be served in the cabanas during the morning. Afternoon delights will include frozen grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne.

Holland America’s 2008 roster of guest chefs will delight

One of the most popular attractions aboard Holland America cruises is the line’s Culinary Arts Center, co-sponsored by Food & Wine magazine, which attracts renowned chefs from around the country. The program was started four years ago and 2008 is slated to be its best ever. Guest chefs and experts slated this summer and fall include:

· Eric Villegas, host of the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, Fork in the Road, ms Veendam, June 13-20;

· Sally Bernstein, San Francisco restaurant critic and culinary educator, ms Zaandam, June 8-15;

· Chef Gustav Mauler of Amsterdam-Dover, ms Prinsenda, July 3-17;

· Pichet Ongvasit of Copenhagen, ms Rotterdam, July 16-28;

· Johnny Iuzzini, executive pastry chef, Jean Georges (N.Y.), ms Noordam, July 26-Aug. 5;

· Max McCalman of Artisanal Cheese (N.Y.), ms Noordam, August 5-15;

· Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of the “Ultimate” cookbook series, ms Eurodam, Aug.14-29;

· Mark Frasier and Clark Gaier from Mediterranean (Venice), ms Zuiderdam, Sept. 17-29;

· James Mazzio, executive chef of Via (Denver) and Food & Wine’s Best New Chef 1999, ms Amsterdam, Sept. 19 – Oct. 22; and,

· Harold Dieterie, Perilla (N.Y.) and Top Chef Season 1 Winner, ms Amsterdam, Oct. 22-Nov. 4.