Holland America returns to Australia and South Pacific
Starting in winter 2012 and spring 2013 two Holland America Line ships ——ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam —— will sail a series of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises, visiting more than 50 ports where guests can indulge in the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, and explore the exotic landscapes of...
All-inclusive Regent sets sights on longer itineraries
By Michael Coleman Intrepid luxury cruise travelers seeking more of Europe and South America in 2012 have been eyeing new, longer itineraries recently unveiled by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The line’s “Grand Voyages’’ — London to Stockholm, 29 nights in June, 2012; or Monte Carlo to Buenos Aires, 27 nights in November, 2012 —...
Three’s A Charm: Seabourn Quest Debuts
By Michael Coleman Ultra-luxury small-ship operator Seabourn unveiled its third new ship in three years when the 450-guest Seabourn Quest debuted this week. “She is a beautiful vessel, and I have no doubt she will earn as much praise from the experts, and as much affection from our guests as her two sister-ships,’’ said Richard...
Silversea renames expedition ship
By Michael Coleman Silversea Cruises is renaming its globetrotting expedition ship. The ultra-luxury cruise operator is changing the name of its Prince Albert II expedition vessel to Silver Explorer. The change will occur later this month while the vessel is in dry dock at the Lisnave shipyard in Setubal, Portugal, undergoing routine...
Enjoy culinary arts classes with celebrity chefs on Holland America
By Jackie Roseboom Michelle Bernstein, award-winning chef, restaurateur and culinary author, is scheduled to participate in the guest-enrichment program on the June 3, Mediterranean Romance Voyage aboard Holland America’s newest ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam. Bernstein sails on the 12-day voyage departing from Venice,...
Gauguin offers 20-night South Pacific hotel/cruise package
By Michael Coleman The intimate 332-guest Paul Gauguin, fresh from a $25 million makeover, is offering a 20-night hotel/cruise package January 23, 2012 featuring nine distinctive islands in five South Pacific archipelagos. The line’s “South Pacific Discovery’’ cruise will call on Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Cook and...
Silver Whisper pegged for 2012 world cruise
Cruise News Weekly Editor Michael Coleman is aboard the luxurious 382-guest Silver Whisper this week. Here’s his latest dispatch: SPANISH TOWN, VIRGIN GORDA, B.V.I, March 10, 2011 — It should come as no surprise that the 382-guest Silver Whisper has been pegged by its owners to host their 2012 world cruise. Silversea Cruises’...
Living the good life aboard Silver Whisper
Cruise News Weekly Editor Michael Coleman is aboard the luxurious 382-guest Silver Whisper this week. Here’s his latest dispatch: ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA, March 8, 2011 — The pampering began immediately. Weary travelers boarding the 382-guest Silver Whisper, just a few short days ago in Barbados, were greeted by a smiling, receptive...
Crystal Serenity to receive face-lift
By Michael Coleman One of cruise travel’s most luxurious vessels is scheduled for a face-lift. Crystal Cruises will be spending more than $25 million this spring to keep its largest ship, Crystal Serenity, on the cutting edge of luxury style. Some 400 expert technicians flown from around the world, working round the clock for just...
Summit pegged for stylish makeover
By Michael Coleman Celebrity Cruises’ 2,034-passenger Summit will begin 2012 with a bold new look having incorporated some of the most popular attributes found on the line’s newer ships. Since 2008 the Celebrity fleet has expanded to 10 vessels with the addition of the much-heralded Solstice, Eclipse and Equinox. Now, fleet-mates...