Cruise News

7-Night Bahamas Cruise w/Credit from $599

Elina Vaysbeyn — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:00:17 +0000

Most cruise ships stationed in New York Harbor set sail to New England or nearby Bermuda, so a cruise from the Big Apple that reaches as far south as the Bahamas is a rare find indeed. However, on Memorial Day weekend, the Norwegian Jewel ships off to the Bahamas from New York City, for a pithy starting rate of $599. This 7-night, round-trip voyage on Norwegian Cruise Line pushes off from the coast on May 29 and features a Mastercard Gift Card promotion of up to $500 (based on cabin price), $75 onboard credit, and up to $400 per cabin in onboard savings!

To book, visit www.cruise.com or call 1-800-833-2718.

About the Cruise: Leaving New York for a week of leisure and excitement, the Jewel idles in the spring-thawed Atlantic waters until it reaches Florida’s bustling Port Canaveral—a detour on the way to NCL’s secluded private island, Great Stirrup Cay. If the writers of the film, Castaway, had marooned Tom Hanks there instead of the South-Pacific, he’d hardly mind the beach barbecues, calypso bands, strung-up hammocks, and sparkling waves lapping at his feet. After a day of undisturbed paradise, the ship sails to Nassau, for more tropical scenery, shopping, and culinary indulgence. The cruise concludes with two more nights on the Jewel, allowing passengers to soak in the NCL premiere travel experience, which includes a cabaret lounge, spa, tennis courts, and more.

Carnival Cruise Lines Passenger Caught Red-Handed

Elina Vaysbeyn — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:34:01 +0000

For John Phillip Struble, a paradise cruise to Mexico with his fiancé turned into a nightmare. On Valentine’s Day, the ship became the passenger’s holding cell after stolen drugs were discovered in his cabin. Struble was arraigned in court on March 8 for theft of a laundry list of sedatives, in addition to more than a few morphine syringes, from the medicine supply aboard the Carnival Paradise.

According to Southern California Public Radio, after receiving analgesics the night before from the onboard physician for alleged kidney stone pain, he was also sighted near the medical center in the early morning. Struble claimed he never breached the door and left empty-handed when he found it was locked.

Despite his testimony, he spent the rest of the cruise captive in Paradise’s brig, and was taken off the vessel and questioned by the FBI when he returned to Long Beach. At the arraignment, he pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles court. Struble’s trial is scheduled for April 6.

What degree of punishment should Struble receive? Should he have been prescribed painkillers on the ship?

$1000 Off Luxury French River Cruise

Amber Nolan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:43:15 +0000

The Luxury Experience Avalon Waterways, whose unique cruise/land tours, combined with outstanding service and a sleek, modern fleet, landed the company one of Sherman’s Travel 2009 Smart Luxury Awards. The 138-guest Avalon Scenery glides along the Saône and Rhône rivers through the French countryside of Burgundy and Provence on 7-night sailings to Arles, in Provence (followed by a one-night hotel stay in Nice). Guests board the ship in Chalon-sur-Saône (about 185 miles from Paris) after bunking down for two evenings in the French capital (premium hotels are included in rate). Port highlights include the Beaujolais wine region, Lyon, Avignon, and others –complimentary shore excursions and guided sightseeing are offered for each.

The Value The April 4 itinerary, including sailing and three nights’ hotel, is priced at $450 less per person than the same itinerary in late spring. Plus, as part of the Spring Fling offer, each stateroom is reduced an additional $1,000, bringing the rate down to $2,469 per person.

The Catch April in France still sees cooler temperatures – bring a beret!

The Details 877-797-8791, www.avalonwaterways.com

From the Feb/March 2010 issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

17-Nt Europe, United States, and Canada Cruise from $899

Elina Vaysbeyn — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:00:58 +0000

Embark on Costa Cruises’ epic voyage across the Atlantic on the fabulous Costa Atlantica, traversing the most unlikely itinerary in the span of 17 nights. For $899, a steep discount of $1,600, this once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure whisks passengers away to 10 ports in the United States, Canada, and Europe that scarcely convene under one roof (or route). While the cruise commences on May 5, the Costa Atlantica won’t leave New York’s harbor until May 8 (read: tourists from around the globe can explore The Big Apple without paying a dime for a hotel!). In addition, this genuine “smart luxury” deal includes up to $50 onboard credit per cabin.

Go to www.vacationstogo.com and register for free to see the deal or reserve a spot.

About the Cruise: From NYC, the vessel sails on to the summer yachting community in Newport, Rhode Island, where passengers can tour the historic mansions built during the Industrial Revolution. The Atlantica stops in the Boston harbor en route to Mount Desert Island in Maine, and then wanders down the Canadian shore to the maritime communities of Sydney and Halifax, laden with national parks, churches, and coves. On day 14, the ship finally arrives in Paris, allowing passengers to peruse the classical riches of France before departing for the hometown of Buckingham Palace and the Queen. The last few days of the cruise are spent lounging on the North Sea, exploring Bremerhaven, Germany, and celebrating a long-awaited arrival in Copenhagen, known for its exceptional transformation into a global model of financial stability and its rapid ascent into culinary greatness (13 Michelin star restaurants reside in Copenhagen).

Cruise Industry Gets Sneak Preview of Two New Ships

Amber Nolan — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:08:02 +0000

Last week, the Oceania Marina successfully “floated out” of the shipyard in Genoa, Italy – marking a milestone in the designer ship’s construction. When Marina debuts in January 2011, it will feature a renowned Canyon Ranch Spa Club and lavish suites by New York-based Tocar Interior Design, as well as nine unique dining venues. Surprisingly, all the extra attention to detail isn’t being tacked on to the price tag – the 14-night inaugural cruise is priced from just $1,499 – including airfare!

In other sneak-preview news, the Celebrity Eclipse faced daylight on February 28 when she emerged from the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany – marking her first public appearance. Eclipse is the third ship in the Solstice class and will begin sailing from Southampton on April 26, followed by a series of cruises in the Canary Islands.

Rogue Wave Strikes Cruise Ship Killing Two

Amber Nolan — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:44:46 +0000

A 26-foot wave pummeled the front of the Mv Louis Majesty yesterday, shattering glass windows while cameras were rolling. Frantic passengers fled the scene as water rushed into the ship, leaving two people dead and fourteen injured. The ship was carrying nearly 2,000 people and on its final day of a Mediterranean voyage when incident occurred. The Cruise Lines Spokesperson, Michael Maratheftis issued the following statement:

“The cruise ship returned safely to the port of Barcelona last night. Arrangements have been made for all passengers to fly home today. We cancelled the next cruise so as to enable for repairs to take place for the safety and comfort of our passengers. She will undergo these repairs the next couple of days in Barcelona. She will then sail to Genoa and on March 12th she will resume her normal operations.”

Click here to view the passenger footage. (The video will start following a brief advertisement.)

Set Your Own Pace on a Caribbean Sailing

Amber Nolan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:25:22 +0000

The Luxury The SeaDream Yacht Club has the perfect fallback plan for travelers should the last leg of winter just not want to quit: Carrying only 112 passengers, the SeaDream I will set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 23 and spend five nights plying the Caribbean. The ship’s small size will allow it to dock at less crowded ports, including the stunning bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico; as well as Gustavia on St. Barts; and two of the British Virgin Islands: Norman Island and Jost Van Dyke. (Norman Island served as the backdrop for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.) SeaDream offers a more unstructured vacation than what’s granted on most cruise lines: Guests can linger in ports without feeling rushed and dress casually while enjoying a luxurious experience.

The Value Berths, originally priced starting at $5,400, are now just $2,499—a 46 percent savings.

The Catch The staterooms, which provide ocean views, don’t come with the private balconies common on other luxury cruise lines.

The Details 800-707-4911, www.seadreamyachtclub.com

From the Feb/March 2010 issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

Pick Your Price: South American Cruises

Elissa Richard — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:35:49 +0000

The hardest part of planning a trip to South America? Trying to fit its far-flung cities and sites into one doable itinerary. From well under $3,000 to over $4,000, these cruises visit both popular and remote spots, while adding on exciting excursions and amenities without breaking the bank.

LESS THAN $3,000

Cruise Line: Holland America

About: Steeped in tradition, this 136-year-old mainstay sails mid- to large-size ships with spacious quarters.

Itinerary: The 12-day trip around Cape Horn goes from Valparaiso to Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, all in Chile, then to Ushuaia in Argentina, and the Falkland Islands, and ends in Buenos Aires.

Ship Life: In 2009, Holland America completely refurbished the 1,350-passenger MS Veendam. It has a multimillion dollar art collection and new lanai and spa staterooms.

The Draw: The Falkland Islands, a penguin haven, and Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, are otherwise hard to reach.

The Details: Rates for veranda rooms on the South America Passage cruise start at $2,599; oceanview rooms go for as little as $1,499. Cruises embark November 2 and November 26.

Book It: 877-724-5425, www.hollandamerica.com

Alternative: Costa Cruises, the Italian arm of Carnival, offers a chance to mingle with a largely European clientele onboard the 2,720-passenger Costa Magica. A nine-night trip sails from Santos to Rio de Janeiro and Porto Belo (all in Brazil), then to Buenos Aires, and Punta del Este, Uruguay. From $1,249 for veranda cabins and $2,039 for suites; embarks on March 8; www.costacruise.com

MORE THAN $3,000

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises

About: Expect itineraries that include many destinations as well as superior service and top-drawer cuisine.

Itinerary: Cruise 12 nights from Rio de Janeiro with stops in Brazil (Buzios, Ilha Grande, Parati, São Paulo, Santos, and Rio Grande), Uruguay (Punta del Este and Montevideo), and dock in Buenos Aires.

Ship Life: On the 684-person Insignia, passengers can dine at the Tuscan-style Toscana or Polo Grill steak house at no extra charge. There’s also a Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

The Draw: Spend next Christmas and New Year’s at sea, and snag two-for-one fares and free round-trip airfare from the U.S.

The Details: For the Samba Serenade cruise on December 21, oceanview berths run $3,799 and up per person, including airfare from some 20 U.S. cities. Book before March 31.

Book It: 800-531-5658, www.oceaniacruises.com

Alternative: Compagnie du Ponant is known for its fantastic food and exotic itineraries. A Panama Canal trip aboard the 226-passenger Le Diamant leaves from Manta, Ecuador; traverses the canal; then sails to Cartagena, Colombia; Venezuela’s Los Roques islands; and ends with three days in the Caribbean. From $3,600 a person for 12 nights; leaves on March 19; www.ponant.com

$4,000 & UP

Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises

Itinerary: Sail eight nights from Rio de Janeiro along the coast of Brazil (São Paulo, Santos, and Rio Grande do Sul), and on to Uruguay (Punta del Este and Montevideo) and wind up in Buenos Aires.

Ship Life: The 382-passenger, all-suite Silver Whisper has elegant, varied cuisine (with 24-hour in-suite dining), one of the finest spas afloat, alfresco
movies, and a casino.

The Draw: The sophisticated ship offers personal butlers and one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea, yielding top-notch service.

The Details: Early-booking rates for Voyage 4032 start at $4,438 per person, which reflects a 60 percent savings and includes drinks and tips. The ship departs November 9.

Book It: 800-722-9955, www.silversea.com

Alternative: Aqua Expeditions’ luxe M/V Aqua sails through remote parts of Peru along the Amazon River and its tributaries with just 24 guests. Guided excursions include jungle walks and village visits. From $5,250 a person for seven nights with meals, excursions, drinks, and airport transfers; departs from Iquitos, Peru, on select Saturdays year-round; www.aquaexpeditions.com

From the Feb/March 2010 issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

Costa Ship Slams Into Pier Killing 3 Crew Members

Amber Nolan — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:24:43 +0000

Unexpected wind gusts and bad weather conditions are reportedly at fault for the Costa Europa’s crash late last night, which left three crew members dead and three others injured. While in route from Dubai to Savona, the ship slammed into the side of a pier in Sharm El Sheik resort, Egypt. The tragic incident comes just days after Costa celebrated the launch of its newest ship, the Costa Deliziosa.

Although passengers have been evacuated and moved to hotels, some have already reported on various cruise blogs that the ship was “taking on water,” and has “suffered serious damages.”

American Safari Cruises Creates New Sister Line

Amber Nolan — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:41:05 +0000

InnerSea Discovers, the spawn of the 13-year veteran, American Safari Cruises is introducing a way for adventurous travelers to experience the uncharted areas of Alaska – without being strapped to a backpack full of survival gear. The new expedition cruise line – set to debut in May 2011 – will attempt to fill the gap in moderately–priced voyages in the secluded areas of the Inner Passage that are often ignored by larger cruise companies. Passengers can go “into the wild” by going hiking, kayaking past ice bergs, spelunking, river-rafting, or by joining an icy polar-bear swim (that’ll really get your heart rate up).

These 8-day itineraries will be offered on two small cruise ships (carrying just 66 to 88 passengers) after both vessels receive extensive refurbishments. Once completed, guests can expect modern comforts such as iPod docking stations, Tempur-pedic mattresses, hot tubs, and saunas – perfect after a day of wilderness exploration. Rates start at $2,500 per person and will include meals, onboard informational guides, equipment for activities, port charges, and transfers. Cruises are expected to go on sale in March 2010.

For more information, visit www.innerseadiscoveries.com.