Cruise Guide: Silversea taps Cronkite, Buckley to headline 2007 world cruise
By Michael Coleman One of the most trusted men in America, legendary broadcaster Walter Cronkite, and political commentator William F. Buckley, Jr. headline a who’s who list of celebrity speakers scheduled to appear on an ultra-luxurious Silversea world cruise in 2007. The 126-day voyage, aboard the elegant, 382-guest Silver...
Cruise Guide: Mexican Riviera: The new ‘it’ place in the sun
By Michael Coleman Flawless beaches, superb golf and fishing, great weather and an enriching cultural component may indeed be adjectives to describe coastal living in California or Florida but cruise ship passengers are flocking in droves to the new ‘it’ place in the sun: The Mexican Riviera. A major cruise association...
Cruise Guide: D.C. power couple to pontificate at sea
By Michael Coleman Political junkies need not worry about missing the latest election news from home while sailing abroad this summer. The husband and wife tandem of James Carville and Mary Matalin, Democratic and Republican political commentators respectively, will share their insights during Crystal Cruises’ 12-day voyage from...
Cruise Guide: Small ship cruises offer something for everyone
By Mike Coleman Some of the world’s best cruises, even for kids, are not necessarily found on amenity-laden mega-ships. Small ship cruises offer something for everyone, and the 2006 summer season is no exception. ¨¨Passengers can return to a bygone era of steamship travel or enjoy nature’s canvas on a whale-watching...
Cruise Guide: Da Vinci code, Cannes Film Fest, Monaco Grand Prix entice passengers
By Mike Coleman Taking a Da Vinci Code-based tour in Rome, hob-nobbing with the stars in Cannes or hearing the roar of Monaco’s famed Grand Prix are just a few of the heady perks awaiting cruise passengers in the Mediterranean this summer. Capitalizing on the fame of bestselling author Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code, …...
Cruise Guide: Cruise lines navigate troubled waters
By Michael Coleman The major cruise lines, having enjoyed years of calm seas and growing popularity, now find themselves navigating through troubled waters. This column typically highlights the newest vessels and latest trends, but industry news of late, particularly this month, is somber to say the least. Last week alone, a deadly...
Cruise Guide: ‘Wave Season’ features oceans of cruise values
By Mike Coleman The best cruise vacation deals in 2006 are being offered now through March. Industry insiders call it “Wave Season,” the time of year when the major cruise lines offer attractive advance-purchase incentives that are sure to please the pocketbook. From hefty fare reductions, stateroom upgrades and two-for-one...
Cruise Guide: Silversea, Seabourn unveil golf, insider tip programs
By Michael Coleman Two of the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise lines – Silversea and Seabourn – are rolling out exclusive programs that will make the golf lover smile and the adventurer in all of us beam with contentment. Golf enthusiasts sailing on the 382-guest Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper can live and...
Cruise Guide: A novel cruise concept – Authors gone wild
By Mike Coleman Book lovers are in for a special treat this April. Top-selling writers are scheduled to bring their prose to life on a week-long “Authors at Sea” Mexican Riviera cruise aboard Carnival Pride, round-trip from Los Angeles (Long Beach), April 2 to 9, 2006. Port calls include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo...
Cruise Guide: Loren, Matlin, Egyptian expert to wow passengers
By Michael Coleman If you’ve taken a cruise lately you’ve likely noticed a new onboard trend. Your fellow passengers are younger, affluent and they’ve been looking for a hassle-free vacation experience, according to the folks who analyze such trends. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released...