The new “Crystal Adventures” excursions offer the opportunity to hike, drive, ride, fish, climb, sail, row, bob, fly or surf in Northern Europe from May to September.  Here’s a listing from the line of some of the new inclusions:

• River Raft Iceland’s glacial Hvitá River (outside Reyjkavik).
• Rock Climb Ireland’s Mourne Mountains (CS Lewis’s Narnia-inspiration) outside Belfast, or rappel down a Dalkey quarry after taking in the view of Dublin.
• Surf in Biarritz, with Quicksilver’s world-class surf school instruction (from St.-Jean-de-Luz).
• Tank-Drive a vintage WWII battle tank for two miles near Portland.
• Helicopter over Paris and Versailles (from Honfleur), Bordeaux wine country, or Iceland’s recently-erupted Eyjafjallajökull volcano (from Reykjavik).
• Olympic Wheelbob down Lillehammer’s Olympic Bob & Luge Track outside Oslo.
• Horseback Ride through the “Garden of Ireland”/County Wicklow outside Dublin, Finnish countryside and forest near Helsinki, or mountains outside maiden call Akureyri, the latter on the back of Icelandic horses descended from the Viking Age.
• Kayak past colorful Copenhagen via its harbor and canals or the natural beauty of coastal northern Norway (from Tromso).
• Hike the chalky Dorset coastline in Portland, England or Norway’s highest mountain, Mt. Ulriken (in Bergen).
• Fish the Finnish Archipelago, Geirangerfjord or near Reykjavik (sea angling).
• ATV or 4×4 Drive through North Cape’s gateway, Magerøya Island (Honningsvåg) or past glacial Icelandic landscape to either a lobster lunch or snowmobile adventure (Reykjavik).
• Boat past Helsinki’s seaside villas and lighthouses by catamaran; discover caves and orkas in maiden call Heimaey, Iceland by RIB or motorboat; spot puffins on a RIB sea safari to Runde Island (near Ålesund, Norway);  or scout for sea eagles by Zodiac in Lofoten, Norway (maiden call).
• Soak weary, post-activity bones in a natural geothermic/volcanic lagoon en route to stunning Godafoss, a.k.a. “Waterfall of the Gods” (from Akureyri).

And for those of you who are looking for a unique shore excursion without the adrenalin infusion, there are a large variety of one-of-a kind intellectual and cultural additions, as well:

• Blown Glassmaking near Saint-Malo: Fashion your own blown glasswork at a local studio.
• Venturing Off-the-Beaten-Path in Berlin: Explore living as the locals do, with shopping at the fruit and vegetable market, riding the Underground, and going inside a typical local apartment.
• Painting in St. Petersburg: Take a painting master class at Russia’s largest private modern art gallery.
• Evening Walking with a Night Watchman in Copenhagen: Take a different type of walking tour, at night, with a traditional uniformed, and informed, local “night watchman.”
• “Titanic Experience” in Belfast: Visit the new Titanic museum on the centennial anniversary of the ship’s sinking.
• Gourmet Dining and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: From slow food to Médoc wine, join local experts in exploring the region’s legendary estates, including a gala dinner at Château Haut-Bailly.

Here’s a tip if you’re looking a booking a cruise with Crystal: Until April 30, “Book Now” fares for these Crystal’s Northern Europe cruises start at $2,965 per person/double occupancy for eleven days sailing from London to Hamburg.  Additional savings are available for combining select voyages, groups of six or more, or sharing the experience with someone new-to-Crystal.

Find out more about booking with Crystal Cruises here, and be sure to ask your agent about these wonderful new excursions.

What’s significant about this voyage is that it will be a PBS American Experience cruise, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, and will premiere the highly-anticipated PBS documentary “This Republic of Suffering.”

“This Republic of Suffering,” is the latest production by American Experience; those participating in the cruise will have a sneak peek at the final product weeks ahead of its national debut on PBS stations across the country. The documentary is based This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War, a book by historian and Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust.

The content of the documentary examines how the previously unmatched death toll of the Civil War changed American cultural attitudes and federal government policies regarding soldiers.

Join Emmy Award-winning writer, director and filmmaker Ric Burns and acclaimed executive producer of American Experience Mark Samels as they premier and discussing the upcoming PBS production with passengers aboard.

Other esteemed guests for this unique American Experience voyage include…

Also appearing…

• Brian Still Wills, historian
• James I. “Bud” Robertson, Jr., historian
• Barry Meadows, tribute artist: General Ulysses S. Grant
• Al Stone, tribute artist: General Robert E. Lee
• Cathy Barton & Dave Para, Civil War era musicians
• Bobby Horton, Civil War historian & musician

Find out more about the Great American Steamboat Company and its ship, the American Queen.

Now, it seems, Oceania has turned its attention to its itineraries, and following a one year absence, Oceania Cruises will return to Alaska in 2013.  The line will run cruises from May through mid-August 2013 with a choice of 7 itineraries.

Gateway to Alaska – (Departing 5/9/13) Nine days-  San Francisco to Vancouver, visiting Astoria, Oregon, Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Fjords and Frontiers – (Departing 5/19/13) Seven days.  Roundtrip from Vancouver, ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Wrangell.

Majesty of Alaska – (Departing 5/26/13). 10 days. Vancouver to Seattle (a maiden port for Oceania Cruises), calling at Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah and Ketchikan.

Alaskan Wonders – (Departing 6/5, 6/12, 6/29, and 7/6/13) Seven days. Seattle to Vancouver, with visits to Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Alaskan Wilderness – (Departing 6/19 and 7/13/13) 10 days roundtrip from Seattle. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah, Sitka and Victoria, BC.

Glacial Passage – (Departing 7/23, 7/30, 8/6/13) Seven days. Seattle to Vancouver, calling at Sitka, Wrangell and Ketchikan.

Alaskan Grandeur – (Departing 8/13/13) 10 days. Vancouver to San Francisco, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Victoria, BC and Astoria, Oregon. Departure: Aug 13.

Look for special savings on these itineraries, Oceania will be offering two-for-one cruise fares, free air and savings of up to $3,500 per stateroom, Oceania Cruises is offering two-for-one savings on its new. The Unlimited Passport Collection package promotion, which has a value of up to $999, will also be available for guests who book an Alaska cruise by June 30, 2012.

The ship will also feature a new fresh water production system that takes 40% less power, making it a greener alternative to previous versions.

The MSC Divina will, however, stay true to its sister ships’ MSC Yacht Club feature, which showcases 69 suites in a “ship-within-a-ship” concept.   Guests of the MSC Yacht Club enjoy personal butlers, complimentary wines and spirits, and the MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive lounges and pool area. This ultra-exclusive area includes several private venues, including Le Muse panoramic restaurant and the Top Sail Lounge.

All MSC Divina guests will enjoy three restaurants and a Tex-Mex “alternative dining restaurant”, and the Acqua Park.  The ship will also feature the MSC Aurea Spa with Balinese-inspired treatments, children’s and teen areas, interactive 4-D Cinema, and entertainment in the 1,603-seat Pantheon Theatre.

The ship will be christened May 26 in Marseille, France,  then embark on a 6-night cruise to Venice, calling at Civitavecchia, Messina, Valetta and Dubrovnik.

Once the maiden voyage has been completed, the ship will make voyages of 7-night Eastern Mediterranean roundtrip itineraries from Venice and Bari, calling in Katakalon, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik, through October 2012.

Now, they’ve added a program sure to have  guests singing their praises: the Cunard Wedding Programme.  For the first time in the Line’s 172-year history, beginning in April 2012, guests will be able to celebrate an unforgettable wedding day at sea!

Please read on for a quick Q&A regarding this impressive addition to the line’s amenities:

Is a wedding program offered on Cunard?

Yes! Beginning in April 2012, guests can celebrate an extraordinary wedding at sea, aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. They are available on Cunard’s worldwide voyages lasting seven nights or more.

Who performs the weddings on Cunard?

Ceremonies are conducted by the Captain.

Where do the Cunard weddings take place?

Various venues are available aboard each ship depending on the size of the wedding party, from elegant lounges to award-winning restaurants, including The Verandah on Queen Elizabeth and Todd English on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

Where are Cunard receptions held?

Venues vary according to wedding party size (see above).

How many guests can be accommodated at a Cunard wedding?

Weddings are performed at sea; attendees must be Cunard guests- please speak with a coordinator about wedding size.

What time of day are Cunard weddings performed?

At either 11:00 a.m. or 3:30 p.m., and the ceremonies will take place on days at sea.

Cunard Wedding Package information:

Cunard has created a Wedding Package – with a tempting array of optional extras – to meet all requirements.  The main package includes the ceremony conducted by the Captain, traditional wedding music, a White Star Bellman escorting the bride, floral arrangements, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and, of course, the wedding cake as well as priority check-in and luggage delivery.

A never-to-be-forgotten day is available for $2,500 plus a marriage license fee of $575.  An array of Cunard’s “Finishing Touches” are also available for purchase and include items such as a Bride and Groom’s Champagne and Caviar Breakfast in Bed, or a three-tiered fruit cake.  In addition, wedding gifts of fine wines, champagne and spa treatments can be purchased in advance and arranged for on board.

What’s included in the Wedding Package:

• Priority luggage delivery
• Press service for bridal outfits
• Priority embarkation (and disembarkation) for the bridal couple
• Services of a wedding coordinator on board
• Two fresh floral arrangements for the ceremonial room
• Bridal bouquet and bridegroom’s boutonniere, with a choice of roses,   lilies or exotic flowers
• One-tier wedding cake
• Traditional wedding music
• Elegant wedding ceremony venue
• White Star Bellman to escort the bride to the ceremonial room
• Ceremony at sea conducted by the Captain
• Commemorative wedding certificate
• Commemorative printed wedding menu
• Bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne
• Bride & Groom Breakfast in Bed
• Wedding invitations and Thank You cards for voyage guests

Cunard Wedding Receptions:

Weddings can be tailored with Cunard’s “Finishing Touches” to reflect individual requests and preferences, from an accompaniment by the ship’s own harpist, to a beautiful ice sculpture.  Under the guidance of Cunard’s global culinary ambassador, Chef Patron Jean-Marie Zimmermann, the ships’ world-class culinary teams will prepare wedding canapés, a delicious wedding lunch or an exquisite wedding dinner.

Find out more about Cunard here.

Paul Gauguin Cruises has proudly revealed the completion of a $7 million renovation, which took place during the ship’s 10-night crossing from Tahiti to Brisbane, Australia, as well as during the 11-night dry dock that followed.

Extensive improvements were made to both the interiors and exteriors of The Gauguin, and include new flooring and carpeting, stylish furniture, new window treatments and decorative wall panels, and new signage.  All suites and staterooms now have teak railings on the balconies and new bathroom flooring.

The ship’s restaurants also boast changes- La Veranda, the has a redesigned entrance, refinished indoor and outdoor furniture, and solar shades throughout. Le Grill features new decorative partitions, as well as a new buffet area and  lighting. L’Etoile also showcases a redesigned entrance and  new video equipment for conferences.

Promenade Deck 5 now has a built-in banquette and expanded Le Casino, and Deck 6 now has an integrated display case for books and art. La Palette has incorporated an ornamental stone band across the bar, and a new lighting system and outdoor furniture. Le Grand Salon and La Palette now have refurbished dance floors for hours of dancing entertainment.

Foodies will be delighted to hear that world-renown Japanese chef plans to give cooking instructions, personally prepare dishes, take pictures with guests, and sign autographs during a 12-day western European/Mediterranean voyage departing May 24.

Oceania reports that the chef will provide the following opportunities for guests on that cruise:

• Nightly appearances and guest mingling in Silk Road and the Sushi Bar
• Special add-on “Omakase” dinner, with sake and sake champagne pairings chosen by Sake Master Fumio Hazu, the man behind Nobu’s exclusive “living” Hokosetsu sake, plus explanations of each course by both.
• Intimate hands-on cooking class in Crystal’s kitchen for 10-12 guests
• Cooking demonstration for all guests
• Autograph signings of “NOBU’S Vegetarian Cookbook” and “NOBU the Cookbook”
• Photo opportunities
• Sake tasting with Japanese hors d’oeuvres, hosted by Mr. Hazu

Chef Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion has been served on board the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity since 2003 and 2008, respectively.  His role with Crystal is to personally train all chefs, design all menus, and make ship visits for ongoing improvement of the program.

In addition to Chef Matsuhisa, Chef Heinz Beck (of Rome’s three Michelin Star La Pergola), Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, and Master Sommelier Bob Bath are also scheduled to host tastings and demonstrations during the May 24 “Wine and Food”-themed cruise.  A seven-course “Ultimate Vintage Room Dinner” prepared by Beck and Bath will feature impossible-to-purchase fine wines for approximately $1,000/person.

The “Bordeaux and Beyond” sailing departs from London/Dover for Bordeaux/Bassens (overnight), Lisbon, Gibraltar, Monte Carlo (overnight), Florence/Livorno, Porto Venere, and Rome/Civitavecchia.

This year, European Waterways has announced in their 2012 brochure that they are making a new addition to their fleet- the Panache.

The Panache is a 12-passenger, 128-foot luxury hotel barge that will cruise the canals of Holland and France.   It features 6 double/twin en-suite cabins, sundeck and spa pool, along with large public areas and a saloon with panoramic windows.

Voyages are beginning this spring (April and May) with a series of “tulip” cruises that begin and end in Haarlem.  These journeys will include a number of guided visits to attractions such as the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, the world famous Delft pottery and the cheese centre of Gouda.

European Waterways reports that after cruising from Bruges down to Paris in late May, the Panache will reposition and cruise the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin from Nancy to Strasbourg in Alsace Lorraine.  This region has a unique mix of French and German cultures, Baroque and Romanesque architecture, storybook hamlets and wonderful white wines. Shore excursions will feature hilltop villages and chateaux, private wine tastings and negotiating the world’s largest ‘barge lift’ at Arzviller.

European Waterways’ hotel barge cruises aboard the Panache include a 6 night cruise, accommodation in an ensuite twin/double cabin, all meals and fine wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters are also available.

On this route, Carnival Paradise departs Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cozumel and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day voyages to Cozumel and Grand Cayman.  (The Carnival Inspiration has relocated to Long Beach, Calif., to operate year-round three- and four-day cruises. )

Carnival is the only cruise line to offer year-round cruises from Tampa and has maintained a year-round presence since it launched seven-day Caribbean cruises in 1994.  This year, the line’s two-year-round ships, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Legend, are expected to carry an estimated 300,000 passengers from Tampa – a 10-fold increase versus Carnival’s first year of operations there.

Carnival Paradise offers a distinctive décor with dramatic public spaces that pay homage to great ocean liners of the past, with memorable venues such as the Queen Mary Lounge, Normandie Theater, Rotterdam Bar and the Leonardo Lounge.

The ship also features spacious, modern facilities and programming for children in three age groups, along with a three swimming pools, including one with a spiral water slide.  Dining options include two formal restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists and an expansive poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria.  Other features include a 12,000-square-foot health and fitness center, a jogging track, and Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat.

Created by master-perfumer Olivier Decoster, ‘About Rose’ blends rich product  and fragrance formulations to offer superior hair, bath and body products for both men and women.  Catered to the discerning traveler, these products will provide a spa-quality experience, right in a traveler’s own stateroom.

Decoster, the founder and artistic director for HD Fragrances, is widely recognized across the world for having created exclusive perfumed and fragrances for some of the world’s leading hotels, fashion design and interior design brands.  Trained in Grasse, France, perfume has been Decoster’s lifelong passion and he is one of few perfumers who also holds a medical degree.