Regent just launched a new service called iJourneys that caught my attention. It’s such a terrific idea for the active and independent traveler. An iJourney is a personal iPod walking tour hosted by Elyse Weiner, Emmy-award winning television producer.
The downloadable tours are compatible with Apple iPod or MP3 players and are available on all Mediterranean voyages starting this spring. Additional tours are under development for select ports worldwide.
"As we see more and more Regent guests traveling with digital audio players such as iPods, it seemed only fitting to harness this technology to create a personalized and fun new way to explore individual ports of call," said Darius Mehta, Regent director of land programs.
iJourneys walking tours will be available for Regent guests to purchase onboard for a variety of Mediterranean ports of call including Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, and Barcelona. Each one and a half hour tour comes with a map and features insightful commentary, historical context, a touch of humor, and exclusive tips such as back entrances and shorter lines at popular attractions. For example, through a downloadable walking tour of ancient Rome, "The Imperial City in the Age of the Caesars," guests can stand at the spot where Marc Antony delivered his eulogy for Julius Caesar, enter the Coliseum through a secret ticket booth with no lines, see the ingenious Roman water system in action and sample sweet water still running from ancient springs.
Each iJourney tour is produced and narrated by Elyse Weiner, a seasoned foreign news producer who in the past has worked with such television programs as Tom Brokaw's NBC Nightly News and Peter Jennings' ABC World News Tonight.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Silversea at the America's Cup in June
This just in from Silversea regarding the America's Cup regatta...
Silversea has announced details of the itinerary and special activities planned for the Silver Whisper's presence at the 32nd America's Cup regatta. The prestigious yachting tournament is scheduled to be held this summer in Valencia, Spain, marking the first time Europe will host the race for the oldest trophy in sport. Switzerland's Team Alinghi, the defenders of the title, swept the last competition in five straight wins, and Silversea guests will have the best seats in the house from June 23 to 29 for what is shaping up to be another amazing contest.
"The prime positioning of Silver Whisper for this spectacular event will give our guests a terrific opportunity to view the races from a grandstand position in absolute comfort without all the problems associated with getting to and from vantage points around the course," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "The combination of one of the world's most revered sporting events with the award-winning luxury of Silversea will provide a truly exciting and memorable occasion."
Silver Whisper's guests will board the ship in Barcelona on June 22 and sail south to Valencia. On June 23 and 24, the intimate, all-suite ship will be positioned in Valencia Bay directly alongside the race course, giving guests a front-row seat to experience all the drama and excitement of this most celebrated global event. Witnessing the graceful yachts as they slice through the whitecaps and into view will be a rare privilege for those on board, as the race cannot be fully viewed from the port or shoreline.
June 25, a rest day for cup competitors, provides the chance for Silver Whisper's 382 guests to take in new sights and go exploring as the ship journeys to Algiers, North Africa. Optional escorted shore excursions will reveal the culture and history of this fascinating destination before guests return to Valencia to enjoy the next exciting race days of the America's Cup competition (June 26 and 27).
On June 28, the second scheduled rest day for race competitors, guests will have ample time to explore Valencia, one of the most historic cities in Spain. This charming city, with its centuries-old Moorish flair, famous cuisine and exciting nightlife, offers the perfect opportunity for an enriching cultural experience.
Silver Whisper guests will celebrate the fifth scheduled race day in grand style on June 29 with an elaborate poolside barbecue to commemorate Team Alinghi's stunning five-race sweep in 2003 and offer a toast to this year's winner, who could well repeat the feat and be crowned the holder of the America's Cup, in full view of Silver Whisper's guests, on the same day of the fifth race in this best-of-nine series of match racing. Silver Whisper then sets sail for Barcelona and guests will disembark in the Catalan capital on June 30.
Throughout this extraordinary 8-day voyage there will be top sailing officials and experts on board Silver Whisper providing guests with background knowledge on the America's Cup history and rules, professional insights on the teams taking part, and full commentary on every race as it happens live in front of the ship. Noted guest speakers Gary Jobson, the Emmy-winning ESPN sailing commentator who won the 1977 America's Cup as tactician for Ted Turner, and John Rousmaniere, a lifelong sailor, writer and America's Cup historian, will be happy to share personal anecdotes and give guests an insight into the mindset and activities of the crew of the racing yachts as the races unfold. There will also be "surprise" competitors and officials from the 2007 race coming on board to meet with guests and join them for dinner in the evenings.
Other advantages exclusive to Silversea guests for this America's Cup voyage will be Silver Whisper's close proximity, when docked in port, to the America's Cup Village. Guests will be entitled to free entry and complimentary shuttle bus transfers from the ship to the America's Cup Village, which will take just 10 minutes.
This comprehensive package offers guests the ultimate America's Cup experience. All-inclusive, cruise-only fares start from $6,915 per person, including all port charges, government fees, taxes and special event fees, and a 10% Early Booking Incentive discount.
For more information, visit Silversea's website.
Silversea has announced details of the itinerary and special activities planned for the Silver Whisper's presence at the 32nd America's Cup regatta. The prestigious yachting tournament is scheduled to be held this summer in Valencia, Spain, marking the first time Europe will host the race for the oldest trophy in sport. Switzerland's Team Alinghi, the defenders of the title, swept the last competition in five straight wins, and Silversea guests will have the best seats in the house from June 23 to 29 for what is shaping up to be another amazing contest.
"The prime positioning of Silver Whisper for this spectacular event will give our guests a terrific opportunity to view the races from a grandstand position in absolute comfort without all the problems associated with getting to and from vantage points around the course," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "The combination of one of the world's most revered sporting events with the award-winning luxury of Silversea will provide a truly exciting and memorable occasion."
Silver Whisper's guests will board the ship in Barcelona on June 22 and sail south to Valencia. On June 23 and 24, the intimate, all-suite ship will be positioned in Valencia Bay directly alongside the race course, giving guests a front-row seat to experience all the drama and excitement of this most celebrated global event. Witnessing the graceful yachts as they slice through the whitecaps and into view will be a rare privilege for those on board, as the race cannot be fully viewed from the port or shoreline.
June 25, a rest day for cup competitors, provides the chance for Silver Whisper's 382 guests to take in new sights and go exploring as the ship journeys to Algiers, North Africa. Optional escorted shore excursions will reveal the culture and history of this fascinating destination before guests return to Valencia to enjoy the next exciting race days of the America's Cup competition (June 26 and 27).
On June 28, the second scheduled rest day for race competitors, guests will have ample time to explore Valencia, one of the most historic cities in Spain. This charming city, with its centuries-old Moorish flair, famous cuisine and exciting nightlife, offers the perfect opportunity for an enriching cultural experience.
Silver Whisper guests will celebrate the fifth scheduled race day in grand style on June 29 with an elaborate poolside barbecue to commemorate Team Alinghi's stunning five-race sweep in 2003 and offer a toast to this year's winner, who could well repeat the feat and be crowned the holder of the America's Cup, in full view of Silver Whisper's guests, on the same day of the fifth race in this best-of-nine series of match racing. Silver Whisper then sets sail for Barcelona and guests will disembark in the Catalan capital on June 30.
Throughout this extraordinary 8-day voyage there will be top sailing officials and experts on board Silver Whisper providing guests with background knowledge on the America's Cup history and rules, professional insights on the teams taking part, and full commentary on every race as it happens live in front of the ship. Noted guest speakers Gary Jobson, the Emmy-winning ESPN sailing commentator who won the 1977 America's Cup as tactician for Ted Turner, and John Rousmaniere, a lifelong sailor, writer and America's Cup historian, will be happy to share personal anecdotes and give guests an insight into the mindset and activities of the crew of the racing yachts as the races unfold. There will also be "surprise" competitors and officials from the 2007 race coming on board to meet with guests and join them for dinner in the evenings.
Other advantages exclusive to Silversea guests for this America's Cup voyage will be Silver Whisper's close proximity, when docked in port, to the America's Cup Village. Guests will be entitled to free entry and complimentary shuttle bus transfers from the ship to the America's Cup Village, which will take just 10 minutes.
This comprehensive package offers guests the ultimate America's Cup experience. All-inclusive, cruise-only fares start from $6,915 per person, including all port charges, government fees, taxes and special event fees, and a 10% Early Booking Incentive discount.
For more information, visit Silversea's website.
Carnival to Sell Windstar Cruises
Here’s some interesting news from Carnival. They have announced an agreement to sell their Windstar Cruises brand for $100 million to Ambassadors International, Inc. If all goes well, the deal should close at the end of the second quarter of 2007. The three-vessel Windstar brand is a wholly owned subsidiary of Holland America Line, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc.
According to Micky Arison, Carnival CEO, "Windstar is an outstanding and unique cruise product and has garnered an extremely loyal following, however, Carnival Corporation & plc's growth strategy is focused on expanding our core growth brands and opening new markets. We made the decision to exit from the niche cruise business some time ago and the sale of Windstar is in line with that strategy. Last year, we made a decision to cease operation of UK's Swan Hellenic and transfer its one ship to the Princess Cruises brand. Both of these are excellent products, but simply do not fit into our future growth plans."
Windstar loyalists are already getting a bit anxious about the transition but Holland America Line president and CEO Stein Kruse is trying to quell those fears. "We are pleased to have a committed buyer like Ambassadors International to take over Windstar. The transaction has been structured to ensure a smooth transition for all parties. Holland America Line will continue to operate the company through a transitional services agreement in the short term which includes vessel, reservations and other operational functions."
Some travelers fear that Ambassadors International will place more emphasis on meeting and incentive travel, thus eliminating cruise inventory for leisure travelers. Only time will tell, but this will be the cruise line to watch for the next few months.
According to Micky Arison, Carnival CEO, "Windstar is an outstanding and unique cruise product and has garnered an extremely loyal following, however, Carnival Corporation & plc's growth strategy is focused on expanding our core growth brands and opening new markets. We made the decision to exit from the niche cruise business some time ago and the sale of Windstar is in line with that strategy. Last year, we made a decision to cease operation of UK's Swan Hellenic and transfer its one ship to the Princess Cruises brand. Both of these are excellent products, but simply do not fit into our future growth plans."
Windstar loyalists are already getting a bit anxious about the transition but Holland America Line president and CEO Stein Kruse is trying to quell those fears. "We are pleased to have a committed buyer like Ambassadors International to take over Windstar. The transaction has been structured to ensure a smooth transition for all parties. Holland America Line will continue to operate the company through a transitional services agreement in the short term which includes vessel, reservations and other operational functions."
Some travelers fear that Ambassadors International will place more emphasis on meeting and incentive travel, thus eliminating cruise inventory for leisure travelers. Only time will tell, but this will be the cruise line to watch for the next few months.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Regent Voyager Named #1 Medium-Size Ship
If you're a fan of Regent Seven Seas' fleet of ships, you'll no doubt be pleased to hear that the Voyager was recently named the #1 medium-size ship in the Conde Nast Traveler 2007 Cruise Poll. The crew and Regent's guests are sure to be celebrating aboard Voyager right now as she sails the second segment of her 2007 World Cruise, somewhere between Cape Town and Mombasa on the way to Singapore.
What's so special about Voyager?
Historically speaking, Regent (formerly Radisson Seven Seas) was the first cruise line to launch an all-suite, all-balcony ship with the Seven Seas Mariner in 2001. The Voyager – making its debut two years later in 2003– was the line's second all-balcony ship. Now, cruisers fall into two camps: those who can't go back to cruising without a private veranda and those who are somehow able to make due without one. (I prefer balcony access and feel it adds so much to the cruise experience. There's nothing like enjoying a glass of wine on your private veranda as your ship departs a port of call!)
The intimate size of Voyager– 354 suites –and impressive space-per-guest ratio is part of what makes this ship so endearing to Regent die-hards. You never feel crowded on any of Regent's ships, but Voyager's logical layout emphasizes personal space for each cruiser.
Even entry-level suites (Category H) are larger – at 356 square feet, including balcony – than similar staterooms on all other cruise lines. The amenities are comparable to any five-star hotel on land. Personally, I find the European king-size beds on the Regent line – with down comforters and Egyptian cotton linens – to be incredibly comfortable! The bathrooms are accented with marble and a walk-in closet is roomy enough to store your luggage – even if you're prone to overpacking! The entire Regent fleet is being refurbished and part of the initiative includes flat-screen TVs with a CD/DVD system added to each suite. The 88 butler suites also include an iPod/Bose music system.
In 2007, Regent went "all-inclusive." This means the per person price of the cruise includes all shipboard gratuities; beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; 24-hour room service; in-suite bar setup in butler suites; and refridgerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water (replenished daily).
Dining aboard Voyager is a treat, with four unique open-seating restaurants that feature varied cuisine. Open-seating dining gives Regent guests the flexibility they require: You can dine any time, at any restaurant, with anyone. Of course, you do have to make advance reservations for Signatures and Latitudes, the ship's two "specialty" restaurants.
The menu at Signatures is inspired by the French chefs of the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris. Le Cordon Bleu manages this dinner-only establishment and they also offer a special cooking workshop on many of Regent's itineraries aboard the Voyager and her sister ship, Mariner. A meal at Signatures may start with a poached lobster salad. You then move on to creamy mushroom soup with candied garlic before being served a sorbet palate cleanser. It's tough to select your main dish with options often including sauteed salmon filet, roast duck breast with an orange reduction, or roast venison. Dessert is a no-brainer: creme brulee!
Latitudes, the second reservations-only dining room, offers "Indochine" cuisine and presents a sampler menu with some tableside presentations. Think appetizers like spring rolls, shrimp toast, and beef satay followed by a marinated cucumber salad. Main courses – of which you'll be served a little of each offering on the menu – may be something like lobster with lime leaves, garlic-marinated chicken thighs, and rack of lamb.
However, some cruisers prefer Voyager's main dining room Compass Rose for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This lovely room – highlighted in pastel hues of peach, yellow, and green – offers upscale Continental cuisine. At dinner, you can select a la carte menu items or go for the chef's menu degustation (tasting menu). There's also a "Light & Healthy" menu, vegetarian options, and no added salt selections. Popular meals here include Dover sole, filet mignon, and Coq au Vin.
For a more casual dining experience, visit La Veranda with its indoor and outdoor seating. Breakfast and lunch are treated as buffets at this location. At dinner, it's transformed into an Italian trattoria with an antipasto and dessert buffet. You order your soup, pasta, salad and entree in an a la carte fashion. Don't miss the polenta or ossobuco!
Where Does She Sail?
No matter where you wish to vacation, Voyager probably ventures there once or twice a year. In the spring, summer and fall, you'll find her in the Baltic and Mediterranean. If you've got your heart set on a Caribbean cruise, the Voyager will take you there in late fall/early winter. (In December 2007, she'll also visit the Panama Canal.) And, at the beginning of January 2008, she'll depart for her 115-night World Cruise that wraps up on April 30.
What do you love about Regent's Voyager?
If you've sailed Voyager, tell us what you love about her. Just click on "Comments" link at the bottom of this post. Anyone can post...you don't need to be a member of Blogger.
For more information about Regent Seven Seas Cruises, call your travel agent, visit Regent's website or request a brochure from them at (866) 284-4079.
Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
What's so special about Voyager?Historically speaking, Regent (formerly Radisson Seven Seas) was the first cruise line to launch an all-suite, all-balcony ship with the Seven Seas Mariner in 2001. The Voyager – making its debut two years later in 2003– was the line's second all-balcony ship. Now, cruisers fall into two camps: those who can't go back to cruising without a private veranda and those who are somehow able to make due without one. (I prefer balcony access and feel it adds so much to the cruise experience. There's nothing like enjoying a glass of wine on your private veranda as your ship departs a port of call!)
The intimate size of Voyager– 354 suites –and impressive space-per-guest ratio is part of what makes this ship so endearing to Regent die-hards. You never feel crowded on any of Regent's ships, but Voyager's logical layout emphasizes personal space for each cruiser.
Even entry-level suites (Category H) are larger – at 356 square feet, including balcony – than similar staterooms on all other cruise lines. The amenities are comparable to any five-star hotel on land. Personally, I find the European king-size beds on the Regent line – with down comforters and Egyptian cotton linens – to be incredibly comfortable! The bathrooms are accented with marble and a walk-in closet is roomy enough to store your luggage – even if you're prone to overpacking! The entire Regent fleet is being refurbished and part of the initiative includes flat-screen TVs with a CD/DVD system added to each suite. The 88 butler suites also include an iPod/Bose music system.
In 2007, Regent went "all-inclusive." This means the per person price of the cruise includes all shipboard gratuities; beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; 24-hour room service; in-suite bar setup in butler suites; and refridgerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water (replenished daily).
Dining aboard Voyager is a treat, with four unique open-seating restaurants that feature varied cuisine. Open-seating dining gives Regent guests the flexibility they require: You can dine any time, at any restaurant, with anyone. Of course, you do have to make advance reservations for Signatures and Latitudes, the ship's two "specialty" restaurants.
The menu at Signatures is inspired by the French chefs of the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris. Le Cordon Bleu manages this dinner-only establishment and they also offer a special cooking workshop on many of Regent's itineraries aboard the Voyager and her sister ship, Mariner. A meal at Signatures may start with a poached lobster salad. You then move on to creamy mushroom soup with candied garlic before being served a sorbet palate cleanser. It's tough to select your main dish with options often including sauteed salmon filet, roast duck breast with an orange reduction, or roast venison. Dessert is a no-brainer: creme brulee!
Latitudes, the second reservations-only dining room, offers "Indochine" cuisine and presents a sampler menu with some tableside presentations. Think appetizers like spring rolls, shrimp toast, and beef satay followed by a marinated cucumber salad. Main courses – of which you'll be served a little of each offering on the menu – may be something like lobster with lime leaves, garlic-marinated chicken thighs, and rack of lamb.
However, some cruisers prefer Voyager's main dining room Compass Rose for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This lovely room – highlighted in pastel hues of peach, yellow, and green – offers upscale Continental cuisine. At dinner, you can select a la carte menu items or go for the chef's menu degustation (tasting menu). There's also a "Light & Healthy" menu, vegetarian options, and no added salt selections. Popular meals here include Dover sole, filet mignon, and Coq au Vin.
For a more casual dining experience, visit La Veranda with its indoor and outdoor seating. Breakfast and lunch are treated as buffets at this location. At dinner, it's transformed into an Italian trattoria with an antipasto and dessert buffet. You order your soup, pasta, salad and entree in an a la carte fashion. Don't miss the polenta or ossobuco!
Where Does She Sail?
No matter where you wish to vacation, Voyager probably ventures there once or twice a year. In the spring, summer and fall, you'll find her in the Baltic and Mediterranean. If you've got your heart set on a Caribbean cruise, the Voyager will take you there in late fall/early winter. (In December 2007, she'll also visit the Panama Canal.) And, at the beginning of January 2008, she'll depart for her 115-night World Cruise that wraps up on April 30.
What do you love about Regent's Voyager?
If you've sailed Voyager, tell us what you love about her. Just click on "Comments" link at the bottom of this post. Anyone can post...you don't need to be a member of Blogger.
For more information about Regent Seven Seas Cruises, call your travel agent, visit Regent's website or request a brochure from them at (866) 284-4079.
Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
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