30 Oct
In conjunction with its tenth anniversary in 2012, AmaWaterways will introduce a new destination to its cruise lineup- Africa. The new safari cruise, “Afica Safaris and Wildlife Cruise” will include a four-night cruise aboard the elegant MS Zambezi Queen, specifically designed for wildlife viewing on the Chobe River. The ship will travel along its banks to view the plethora of wildlife on this beautiful continent, and professional guides will lead daily wildlife excursions, offering the opportunity to spot elephant, rhino, hippo, and many more species that symbolize the African safari.
Guests of this itinerary will also have the choice of 3 land tours into the heart of Africa, visiting the expanses of the Serengeti, the awe-inspiring Chobe National Park, or the towering landscape of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each tour finishes with two nights in Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most splendid sights.
In addition to the accommodations aboard the MS Zambezi Queen, passengers will stay at safari lodges, game camps and exclusive hotels throughout Africa. They will also experience a visit to a local village, authentic “boma” dining, and delicious cuisine on board the ship.
Ranging from 16 to 19 days, the Africa program commences in June of 2012.
18 Oct
Thinking of booking a cruise? Now’s the time- it’s National Cruise Vacation Week!
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and 26 of it’s member lines are promoting the largest consumer vacation sale in the travel industry. The lines, listed below, are offering a wide array of discounts, add-ons and credits on travel throughout the world.
| Amawaterways | Up to Double Savings plus 1 category upgrade & transfers |
| American Cruise Lines | Complimentary Shore Tours + $500 per stateroom savings |
| Avalon Waterways | Save up to $2,000 per couple |
| Azamara Club Cruises | Up to $500 onboard spending credit per stateroom |
| Carnival Cruise Lines | Up to $300 cash back per stateroom |
| Celebrity Cruises | Up to $400 per stateroom shipboard credit |
| Costa Cruises | Contact your CLIA travel agent |
| Crystal Cruises | Additional $100 per person savings |
| Cunard Line | Select voyages 2 for 1 |
| Disney Cruise Line | $50 per stateroom onboard credit |
| Holland America Line | Offer to come |
| Hurtigruten | Up to $200 per person onboard credit |
| Louis Cruises | FREE one category upgrade & $100 per person onboard credit |
| MSC Cruises | Up to a $200 per cabin shipboard credit |
| NCL | Reduced deposit and up to $250 onboard credit |
| Oceania Cruises | 2 for 1 cruise fares with free aifare plus up to $5,000 Bonus Savings |
| Paul Gaugin Cruises | Up to $200 per cabin shipboard credit |
| Princess Cruises | Onboard discounts worth up to $325 & reduced deposit of $100, per person |
| Regent Seven Seas | Up to $200 per person shipboard credit |
| Royal Caribbean | Up to $200 onboard credit |
| SeaDream Yacht Club | $100 per stateroom spa credit |
| Seabourn Cruise Line | Value Fares available offering low prices |
| Silversea Cruises | $200 per suite savings certificate |
| Uniworld River Cruises | $100 savings offer combinable with most other offers |
| Windstar Cruises | $200 per stateroom shipboard credit |
26 Sep
Windstar’s experience is that of sailing on a “private yacht”, and these tall ships are very popular with travelers who appreciate casual elegance, alternative dining venues, and varied shore excursions. Now the line has announced that it will undergo a major renovation of all three ships, the Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit as part of their “Full Sail Ahead” program.
Beginning this fall, the new owners of Windstar cruises, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, are launching an $18 million refurbishment of their three luxury sailing yachts. This 18-month revovation will incorporate new furniture, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings
Per Windstar, guests of the line can expect to see the following changes:
Staterooms and Suites:
• Staterooms on all three yachts will be transformed with new leather headboards, stately arm chairs, linen wall coverings, new lighting features, elegant window coverings, plush wool carpeting, art work, stylish bed cushions, and luxurious bed throws.
• Suites will additionally be outfitted with new furniture that is easily convertible to lounging, dining, or accommodating a third occupant.
Wind Surf Public Spaces:
• The Restaurant will be completed with a new seating layout, all new soft goods, and state-of-the art wine display and storage.
• Degrees Restaurant will be transformed into a Mediterranean bistro, anchored by a central wine bar for counter dining as well as an inviting area to relax before and after dinner. Wine tastings and cooking demonstrations will also be conducted here.
• The Compass Rose will be reconfigured to open up expansively to the adjoining outdoor deck, and its interior completely renovated to reflect the sophisticated elegance of a private club.
• The Veranda’s outdoor seating will be significantly expanded, creating an ideal mid-ship area for enjoying breakfast and lunch alfresco. The interior will include a new buffet, new lighting, and epicurean style display counters.
• In the Lounge, wall-to-wall carpeting will be replaced with hard flooring accented with inset rugs, a contemporary mix of furniture, lighter color palette and improved sound insulation around the casino.
• Corridors will be completely renovated from floor to ceiling with all new wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, lighting and art work.
• The Pool Bar will sport new awnings for additional shade, new deck furniture, and improved outdoor dining layout for Candles Grill.
Wind Spirit and Wind Star Public Spaces:
• The Restaurant will receive a complete makeover to create the excitement and drama of an exclusive destination restaurant with luxurious neutral tones and curved design elements.
• The Veranda will be renewed with new lighting, fresh “market-style” buffet arrangements and reconfigured indoor/outdoor seating.
• The Lounge will be contemporized with new furniture, soft goods, seating arrangements, window treatments and AV system, creating an ideal, welcoming space for evening entertainment.
• The Pool Bar will be redesigned to offer a more engaging and upscale social experience and to create additional alfresco seating for sunset dining at Candles Grill.
• The renovations to the Library space will create an intimate, luxurious cocoon for more contemplative pursuits.
• WindSpa will also receive an interior soft goods update, to reflect the sophistication and elegance of relaxing with spa treatments at sea.
17 Sep
I love a Christmas cruise, the lights, the festivities and the spirit aboard a ship during the holidays is just a delightful way to celebrate. AMAWaterways has just posted a great deal for guest who book one of their two special Christmas/New Years cruises: a complimentary stay in Amsterdam.
This free stay is offered on the following cruises:
If you’ve never booked one of these Christmas cruises, believe me, you won’t regret taking one’ Europe’s history looks all the more majestic when the towns are aglow with lights and decorations. Stops at the Christmas Markets allow you to pick up unique toys and ornaments, and, and the ship itself is alight with seasonal décor. You can also expect delicious holiday treats, a traditional Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve feast, along with fireworks and celebrations to mark the holidays.
If you’re thinking about it… book these cruises prior to October 21, 2011 to take advantage of AMA’s special.
12 Jul
In 1988 Royal Caribbean introduced a new era of cruising with its ship Sovereign of the Seas, which is considered the industry’s very first mega-ship. Since then, they have built themselves into the second largest cruise line with the addition of numerous ships that cruise both the Caribbean and beyond.
This successful line has kept their ships in the water for many years, and has decided it’s time for a major overhaul on many of the older ships. This year, they are spending an estimated 70 million on the renovation of two ships, Radiance of the Seas (completed in May), and Splendour of the Seas (scheduled for transformation in November).
And yesterday, Royal Caribbean announced has a renovation in store for many more of its older ships over the next three years, including updates to the onboard electronic technology, cabins (including those designed specifically for families) and dining options.
These enhancements will come at a cost of approximately Royal Caribbean $300 million and will take place during month-long dry dock overhauls. The changes, termed “Royal Advantage Revitalizations” will bring older ships up to date with the newer, adding features that have been guest favorites and enhancing the Royal Caribbean cruising experience.
The renovation schedule is as follows.
2012:
2013 and 2014:
During this time, Royal Caribbean also plans more minor enhancements for three additional ships: Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas.
RCI’s ships Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas saw improvements earlier this year, including the addition of new elements their latest ship, the seven-month-old Allure of the Seas.
28 Jun
As wonderful as all these entertainment options are, adults traveling with children often have issues attending the evening soirees. After all, who watches the children when you’re cruising at sea?
Unless you’ve brought along a helpful babysitter or grandparent, the responsibility for childcare rests squarely on the parent… until recently, when Carnival Cruises introduced Camp Carnival Night Owls to all 23 of their ships.
The premise, which is a children’s program that features parties and late night activities for children ages 11 and under, allows parents to enjoy a “night out” while the children are safely in the care of Carnival’s youth staff. The Night Owls parties, which take place in the children’s playrooms, are divided into 3 age groups and are held at least once each voyage. They carry a fee ranging from $13 to $33 per child.
The Night Owls Camps run from10:00 pm to 3:00am, and for those parents who would rather have their children safely tucked away at bedtime, in-room babysitting services are also offered on all ships at a cost of $6.75 per child per hour.
10 Jun
For years, Windstar, with its unique masted sailing vessels, has visited ports of call inaccessible to large traditional cruise ships, seeing the regions visited in an up close, personal manner. The ships have a relaxed atmosphere with a limited number of scheduled activities, and are a perfect match for people who want to explore at a leisurely pace (typical travelers are in the 40-60 age range, and are repeat visitors on the line).
Want to experience the diversity of the Caribbean, Scandinavian culture, intimate Italian islands, or the hidden treasures of the Aegean? Windstar has a new journey to suit your world exploration desires- here’s their line up for 2012, 18 voyages, 9 of which are completely new.
The Windstar 2012 Voyage Collection is as follows:
ITALY
Islands of Italy – NEW!
7 Day
Rome to Rome
Classic Italy and the Dalmatian Coast
7 Days
Rome to Venice
Yachting the Riviera
7 Days
Nice to Rome
MEDITERRANEAN
Classic Mediterranean – NEW!
7 Days
Rome to Athens
Gems of the Adriatic
8 Days
Venice to Athens
Islands of the West Med
6 Days
Barcelona to Rome
Splendors of Southern Spain
8 Days
Lisbon to Barcelona
GREEK ISLES
Greek Isles & Turkish Delights
7 Days
Athens to Istanbul
Greek Isles & the Mysteries of Malta – NEW!
7 Days
Athens to Malta
CARIBBEAN
Yachtsman’s Caribbean
7 Days
St. Maarten to St. Maarten
Flavors of the Caribbean – NEW!
7 Days
St. Maarten to St. Maarten
Jewels of the Windward Islands
7 Days
Barbados to Barbados
COSTA RICA
Passage Through Panama – NEW!
7 Days
Puerto Caldera to Colon
Naturally Costa Rica
7 Days
Puerto Caldera/Puerto Caldera
BALTIC
Treasures of Northern Europe – NEW!
11 Days
Lisbon to Oslo
Capitals of Scandinavia – NEW!
7 Days
Oslo to Stockholm
Best of the Baltic – NEW!
8 Days
Stockholm to Stockholm
TRANSATLANTIC
Surf Crossing
14 Days
St. Maarten to Lisbon
Star Crossing – NEW!
21 Days
Colon to Bermuda to Lisbon
Spirit Crossing
14 Days
Barbados to Lisbon
Interested in finding out more about this unique line? Visit the AllThingsCruise Windstar Cruises page.
1 Jun
The natural beauty and rich culture of Hawaii is unmatched, and if you want to experience the Big Island from a different perspective than that of a high-end resort or a big cruise ship, there’s now a new option. American Safari will be offering itineraries in Hawaii for the first time this year aboard their 36-guest luxury yacht, the Safari Explorer, becoming the only small-group expedition yacht that offers overnight cruises in the Hawaiian Islands.
The ship will be sailing the Hawaiian Islands during the November 2011-April 2012 season, with weeklong or 10 night that visit Moloka’i, Lana’I and Molokini.
American’s Safari promotes active adventure travel, and their unstructured itinerary allows time for nature lovers to seek wildlife such as Manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales. Two knowledgeable expedition leaders will guide hiking and kayaking tours; there is an additional option of snorkeling tours. The yacht is also well equipped for water sports adventures, with gear like kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, wet suits, sailboats and inflatable skiffs for up-close excursions.
The Safari Explorer yacht’s many onboard amenities include an on-deck hot tub, sauna, exercise equipment, a wine library and two large-screen TVs in the main salon. There is a complimentary bar that offers premium spirits, fine wines and microbrews, and the spa includes a complimentary massage and yoga classes. All staterooms offer Tempur-pedic mattresses, flat screen TV/DVD players and iPod docks. and upper category staterooms feature Jacuzzi tubs and suites have private step-out balconies.
Booking is available now, and the line is offering guests a $150 per person, or $300 per couple, travel credit for reservations made from June through July 29, 2011.
23 May
A six star rating? What does that mean? Quite simply, it means you are the best in the world! For the fourth time in a row, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa is the only cruise ship in the world to be awarded the Six Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.
This highly prestigious honor awards outstanding excellence in the global travel and luxury services sector- and this cruise ship certainly has it in spades. Europa staterooms (accommodation for the maximum of 408 guests) are comprised solely of suites, and are all at least 290 square feet with 80 percent having verandas. These lovely staterooms each have separate living and sleeping areas and a walk-in wardrobe.
The Europa Restaurant (with large panoramic windows), features a single seating and à la carte ordering. The small, intimate “Restaurant Dieter Müller” showcases Asian and Mediterranean nuances to create a unique blend, and The Venezia offers first-class Italian cuisine.
For health and wellness, guest can enjoy a golf area (with golf simulator and the latest in golf video analysis- PGA golf professionals are there to help you to improve your technique 365 days a year), the OCEAN SPA, the fitness room and a pool.
The Europa offers international cruises in German and English. Want the ultimate luxury cruise? Find out more about this exclusive ship!
25 Apr
Disney is perhaps the cruise line best known for its family values; the line has, for years, catered to families in a multitude of ways. And now, in an effort to appeal to passengers who might normally opt to sail on small luxury lines, the line has created a new class system.
After receiving feedback from some passengers that they wanted a more exclusive space, with separate amenities and more luxurious accommodations, Disney has created the “concierge” level on their new ship, the Dream. This concierge level features 41 rooms that have the exclusive use of a sun deck and lounge, complimentary cappuccinos, and iPads on loan.
This private complex is reminiscent of old-style trans-Atlantic crossings of the past, when first-, second- and third-class passengers were assigned separate areas of vessels, and allows those who are willing to pay a premium for perks to avoid the noise and crowds that are sometimes characteristic of a larger ship.
So if you’re interested in the fun and family values a Disney Cruise represents, but want more privacy and amenities, the concierge level awaits! Find out more about Disney and this exclusive option from your VacationCompete agent!