News from Paul Gauguin- guests aboard the line’s lovely ship will now find themselves on a  thoroughly updated and redecorated  vessel,  allowing  them to enjoy even more luxury and comfort!

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.

One of my favorite indulgences while cruising is fine dining… and the cruise line have some of the best cuisine to be found- both at sea and on land.  This is due in great part to the effort they put into recruiting the best chefs, as demonstrated by the fact that  Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be aboard Crystal Serenity in May as Executive Chef in Silk Road and the Sushi Bar, his specialty restaurants with Crystal Cruises.

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.

European Waterways, for those of you who are not familiar with the line, has a series of hotel barges that cruise the inland waterways of nine European countries.  They visit canals, rivers, lakes, lagoons and lochs, and are ideal for people looking for an intimate cruise, either travelers of similar interests, or for those choosing a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.

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.

Thinking of a holiday cruise? Princess Cruises goes above and beyond for their holiday cruise celebrations, including “snow flurries” in their ship’s multi-storied atriums, holiday décor (including a Christmas tree mounted to the mast), and strolling carolers. The holiday spirit is carried on through the ship with gingerbread house-building competitions, holiday card making, turkey-carving demonstrations and a holiday variety show. Other entertainment options include a special holiday-themed Pop Choir, screenings of favorite holiday films, and a virtual Yule log that will turn the giant screens into the “world’s largest holiday fireplace.”

And of course Santa makes visit, with passengers receiving their own stocking on Christmas Eve.

Religious services are held on board, and passengers can choose a Catholic mass or a non-denominational church service performed by onboard clergy. Those observing Hanukkah can celebrate the Festival of Lights onboard with special Hanukkah activities, as well.

Those traveling on board can expect traditional Christmas dinner, replete with turkey, stuffing, and sumptuous desserts.

Children will be well entertained with a host of holiday activities… crafts, cookie decorating and caroling. They’ll be greeted by Santa Claus, and read “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve, as is a tradition with the line.

(Note: parents who want to enjoy a late-night holiday evening will benefit from free group kid-sitting sessions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.)

Hanukkah is not forgotten, with special celebrations from December 20-28. There will be services, menorahs and fresh flower arrangements in blue, silver and white on display. Kosher meals are available, and kid’s centers will include activities such as a reading of “Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah.”

The line also puts on festive New Year’s Eve parties, which include music, noise-makers and a balloon drop to ring in the new year. On New Year’s Day, college bowl will be shown on the giant Movies Under the Stars screens or in shipboard lounges.

Need some ideas for great gift-giving while on a cruise? Check out this great article about being mobile for the holidays… and making gift-giving a cinch!

A cruise, especially one on a small ship or river cruise, is inherently romantic… a slower pace, time to explore some of the most beautiful places on earth, fine wine and cuisine.  I definitely recommend them for a romantic occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary trip.

One of the awards given in the cruise industry is “Most Romantic Cruise Line” which was recently awarded (for the 7^th time in a row!) to Windstar Cruises by Porthole Cruise Magazine.  The 13th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards tallied several thousand reader’s ballots, and once again proclaimed Windstar the winner due to the yachts’ romantic ambience. (Windstar’s Wind Surf was also voted “Best Tall Ship”.)

In addition to its Porthole Cruise Magazine honors, Windstar Cruises has been recognized in 2011 by some of the most notable names in the travel and lifestyle world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines’ prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises “Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line” on their Platinum List for the fifth time in a row. Condé Nast Traveler listed Windstar on its Annual Gold List of “Best Cruise Lines,” named Windstar a “Top Small-Ship Cruise Line,” and all three of Windstar’s yachts were recognized in the magazine’s “Best Small Ships” Readers’ Poll. Earlier this year, Windstar was selected by Travel + Leisure as one of the top five “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Lines.”

Learn more about Windstar.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• “Christmas and New Year’s Cruise aboard the MS AmaLyra.”  A 2-night Prague pre-cruise program followed by an 8-night Nuremberg to Amsterdam cruise which includes a complimentary night on board the ship in Amsterdam. The U.S. departure date is December 22, 2011, with a cruise embarkation date of December 25, 2011.

• “Christmas and New Year’s Cruise aboard the MS AmaLegro.”  A 2-night pre-cruise program in Prague followed by a 9-night Nuremberg to Amsterdam cruise which includes two complimentary nights on board the ship in Amsterdam. The U.S. Departure date is December 20, 2011, with a cruise embarkation date of December 23, 2011.

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.

Fall is a gorgeous time of year in Europe, and a wonderful time to cruise there; I especially love visiting the “Old World” vineyards on the Rhine during the autumn.  AmaWaterways agrees: they have put together a wonderful set of “In Celebration of Wine Cruises” itineraries… they include the October 14 and November 13, 2011 “Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel”; the November 6, 2011 “Europe’s Rivers and Castles” cruise; the November 12, 2011 “Enchanting Rhine” itinerary and the November 14 and 21, 2011 departures of “The Romantic Danube.”

These voyages will visit the beautiful European wine country, but with a twist… guest also will sample wines from renowned “New World” California wineries, including Trinchero Napa Valley, Farrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma, Rodney Strong Vineyards and St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in Santa Rosa.

These complimentary wine tastings are a delightful addition to AmaWaterway’s onboard lectures from celebrity wine hosts, wine pairings, beer tastings and outstanding complimentary shore excursions. These “Old World” voyages will include special wine-themed shore excursions such as the Medieval Wine Fest in the Mosel town of Zell; a traditional “Heuriger” tasting of new wine in the villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna; a tour and tasting at the historic Bergweiler Winery in Bernkastel; an introduction to Alsatian wines at the “Wunsch et Mann” winery in Wettolsheim and an unforgettable candlelit evening and wine tasting at the Hofkeller, or cellar of the famous Residenz in Wurzburg.