Nov 18, 2009 by Amber Nolan - 1 comment
Amber Nolan is on deck with the latest cruise deals, industry news, ship reviews, and advice on finding the perfect voyage to suit your personality.
Hurtigruten, the Norway-based expedition cruise line known for its adrenalin-inducing, off-the-beaten-path itineraries (plying the waters to destinations like Greenland and Spitsbergen), has announced three itineraries for the coming Antarctic cruise season that will venture further south into the White Continent than most of its competitors. Setting out on the MS Fram – the cruise line’s newest ship (it debuted in 2007) – the sailings will trace the same route to Antarctica first followed by Norwegian explorers to the South Pole back in 1912 (the first successful party to reach the pole, the crew had in fact traveled onboard a ship touting the very same name). 
As the travel industry increases its green initiatives, Antarctica may be joining the endangered destination list. When sailing to this region, new regulations are causing cruise lines to use cleaner – and more expensive - fuel compelling a number of companies to “86” future itineraries. Among the operators discontinuing these once-in-a-lifetime cruises are Voyages of Discovery, Saga, Swan Hellenic, and most recently Crystal Cruises.
Crystal’s 19-day holiday cruise setting sail from Buenos Aires this December will be the last Antarctic voyage for the Crystal Symphony. The ship’s “hulls” will be decked out for the occasion in over $100,000 of seasonal décor including giant toy soldiers and handcrafted ornaments. Prices for this “last call cruise” by no means reflect those of a going out of business sale- interior cabins start at whopping $8,995 per person, based on double occupancy.
For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.
As we’ve reported, the recent swine flu epidemic has caused a number of cruise lines to cancel port stops in Mexico, and instead many have re-routed ships to the Pacific Northwest. (Many have announced they will be resuming the regular service soon.) Although some passengers feel that they have been short-changed on their vacation, other travelers are jumping at the opportunity to visit ports that are not as heavily trafficked as the destinations in Mexico. What’s even better, is that while sailing the Pacific Northwest can be costly, because cruise operators are desperate to fill cabins prices have dropped drastically, and a 7-night cruise can be had for as little as $459.
