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.

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

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.

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.

Whether it’s a chance encounter with a massive sea animal or succulent meal prepared by regional chefs, travelers are showing strong interest in Canada / New England cruises. These cruises have always been extremely popular so book early if you are dreaming of a Canada / New England cruise this summer or late fall.

Whale Watching

According to the World Wildlife Fund, the coast of Massachusetts is one of the Top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. An encounter with a majestic 50-foot, 40-ton creature will take your breath away.

On-Board Naturalists

Many of the cruise ships and excursion companies offer experienced naturalists who provide onboard interpretation on the habits of the whales and other wildlife being encountered at sea, enriching the experience even further for guests.

Lovely Destinations

From Corner Brook, N.F. to Boston and many points in between, gorgeous summer days and beautiful autumn landscapes and foliage make for breathtaking splendor while visiting historic cities of New England and coastal Canada.

Great Food and Drink

Nobody leaves New England with an empty stomach. Steamed and boiled seafood obviously is a favorite, including a multitude of dishes featuring lobster, crab and clams. Atlantic seafood dishes are popular in the Canadian ports, as well, and the cuisine of Quebec is legendary. Award-winning breweries, brewpubs and wineries dot the land.

Unique Cultural Experiences

The old world meets the new in many of the cities and villages included on the itineraries of Canada/ New England cruises. Unique peoples and traditions abound on both sides of the national border, many of which are centered on the sea.

Short Drives

For many east coast cruisers, no plane ride is needed to reach the port of embarkation for a Canada/ New England voyage. Regular departures are offered from Boston; Montreal; Quebec; New York City; Norfolk, Va.; Baltimore; and Bayonne, N.J.

Substantial Deals on Several Cruise Lines

Carnival, Crystal Cruises, Holland America, NCL, Norwegian, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn all specialize in voyages along the eastern seaboard, with stops at a number of picturesque cities and locales. Rates for 7-day cruise rates range from $449 for an inside cabin to $5,000 and more for a luxury suite.

Travelers aboard cruise ships visiting Alaska this year can experience more than just glacier tours, whale watching, dog sledding and other traditional port excursions. The cruise lines are offering a variety of unique ways to explore the magnificent landscape of the 49th state, including underwater snorkeling and high in the air via zip lines. Holland America and Royal Caribbean, for example, invites guests in Sitka, Ketchikan and other locales to don wetsuits and explore the usually unseen underwater wilderness with snorkeling gear. Princess, Regent Seven Seas and Celebrity offer special Alpine zip line and Alaskan rainforest eco-tours high above the ground. Other excursion highlights include Regent’s “Advanced Volcano Hike” on the remote Kruzof Island, Princess’ Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s tour and Norwegian Cruise Line’s gold mining excursion.

Disney takes “Toy Story” from big screen to high seas

Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends from the beloved Disney Toy Story movie are taking their adventures to the seas in a new musical production aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship. This is the first time the popular Disney-Pixar big screen classic has been adapted for the stage. Preserving the humor and heart of the original film, Toy Story-The Musical explores the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond. The show’s elaborate costumes capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of the animated characters. Guests of all ages will delight in an original collection of show tunes that retell the story in a fun and energizing way during their cruise vacation.

Smoke out on Celebrity ships starts this fall

Starting October 1 2008, Celebrity Cruises will begin enforcing a new policy that promised to provide a breath of fresh air on its voyages. In addition to banning smoking in staterooms and verandas, the new rules will reduce the number of public areas available for guests to smoke onboard. Celebrity expects the new policy to be welcomed, considering surveys indicate 90 percent of its guests are non-smokers. Designated indoor areas where guests can smoke cigarettes under the new policy include portions of one lounge per ship and a slot machine area in each boat’s casino. Outdoor smoking is allowed in select areas on pool decks and sundecks, as well as one outdoor bar on each vessel. Violations to Celebrity’s new smoking policy may result in a $250 cleaning fee charged to the guest’s onboard account and may also be addressed through the line’s guest conduct policy.

New Carnival Splendor built to entertain kids of all ages

Oh, what we would all give to be young again. Living up to its reputation, Carnival has taken the idea of having fun to a new level for kids of all ages on the new 113,000-ton, 3,000-passenger Carnival Splendor, set to debut this summer. The cruise ship features supervised youth programs and activities for specific age groups – Camp Carnival (ages 2-11), Circle C (ages 12-14) and Club O2 (ages 15-17), plus a massive 5,500 square-foot children’s play area divided into separate sections and featuring toys, games, computers, gaming consoles, plasma televisions and a dance floor. If that is not enough, one deck above will be a children’s water park with various water toys and attractions. The water park complements the Fun Ship’s four swimming pools and Carnival’s signature 214-foot long Twister waterslide. At mealtime, kids can order off of special children’s menus in the main dining rooms, enjoy 24-hour pizza and ice cream at the poolside restaurant and eat with the youth staff each day. The children’s turn-down service features fresh baked cookies at bedtime. In addition, Carnival’s popular Fountain Fun Card provided unlimited soft drinks for a special one-time fee.

Travel publisher Fodor’s new book, “The Complete Guide to European Cruises”, includes a special section highlighting the best cruise lines in a number of categories. The following are some of the highlights:

Best regular dining room cuisine

• Carnival Cruise Lines – Believe it or not, Carnival offers the most-improved dining experience at sea. Chef George Blanc’s signature selections make the food tastier, better portioned and nicely presented.
• Celebrity Cruises – Food and service aboard Celebrity ships has historically been a cut above the rest. Each guest is treated as if they are the ship’s VIP that night at dinner.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Creative dishes spiced just right and wines that complement all menus are a hallmark of Radisson ships. The service is attentive, but not intrusive.
• SeaDream Yacht Club – A true gourmet meal can indeed be found at sea, thanks to SeaDream. Every dinner is individually prepared.

Best bathrooms afloat

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises – The marble bathrooms with separate shower and full-size tubs on the Seven Seas Voyager and Navigator epitomize luxury and pampering.
• Seabourn Cruises – They may not be the biggest bathrooms at sea, but Seabourn’s bath amenities are truly deluxe and a cut way above the industry average.
• Silverseas Cruises – Double vanities, marble showers, separate tubs and fluffy, oversize towels are found in the standard suites. The top suites add whirlpool jets.

Best beds

• Holland America Line – The Mariner’s Dream Bed features a Sealy 9-inch innerspring mattress. Hypoallergenic poly or goose-down pillows and a cuddly down blanket are covered in 300-count sheeting.
• Carnival Cruise Lines – The Carnival Comfort Bed features an 8-inch spring mattress, downlike no allergenic pillow and a 100 percent no allergenic down duvet covered by an ultrafine, cotton blend dust cover.
• Oceania Cruises – Instigator of the “bed wars”, Oceania offers its Tranquility Bed with a high-quality mattress, 350-count Egyptian cotton linens and goose-down pillows.
• Royal Caribbean Line – A 9-inch spring mattress with 2-inch microfiber pillow accompanies 200-count cotton blend sheets and cushy microfiber pillows.

Book Royal Caribbean, Celebrity & Azamara prior to May 1st 2008 & Save

As fuel prices globally continue to skyrocket, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has revised its fuel supplement charges. The new charge affects booking on or after May 1, 2008. For a stateroom’s first and second guests sailing U.S. and Canadian waters, as well as cruises to Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific region, the revised supplement will be $8 (U.S. and Can.) per person, per day and no more than $112 per person, per cruise. Additional guests in a stateroom will be charged $3 per person, per day and no more than $42 per person, per cruise. Cruisers to Europe, the Middle East and Africa also will be subjected to a revised fuel supplement charge based on the value of designated European currencies.