More Details on Seabourn's New Ships!

Seabourn fans have been anxiously awaiting news about the line's forthcoming ships. Today the company announced that the first steel plates for the first yacht were cut on May 9. According to a press release, more than 8,500 tons of steel will eventually be cut and welded to form the hull and superstructure of the line's $250 million flagship, which is scheduled to enter service in mid-June 2009.

The yet-to-be-named vessel is being designed by the architecture firm of Yran & Storbraaten of Norway and constructed in Italy by T. Mariotti S.p.A. The ship's designers have mirrored the distinctive silhouette of the existing Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend while adding additional facilities and amenities. Indeed, past guests will appreciate a familiar scheme to the general layout of public rooms and accommodations.

"We've been careful to incorporate Seabourn's signature features while designing the next generation of ultra luxury ship to satisfy the desires of a new generation of luxury travelers," said Pamela C. Conover, the line's president and CEO.

Seabourn's new yacht will offer more dining options, more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues and enhanced spa and recreational facilities. Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, the new vessel will carry just over twice as many guests (450 passengers), boasting among the highest space-per-guest ratio (71.1) in the cruise industry.

13 Categories of Suites
In response to feedback from past passengers, the new ship will offer a range of luxury accommodations. Seven of its 11 passenger decks will feature 225 ocean-view suites, measuring from 277 to over 1,300 square feet. Approximately 90 percent of the suites will include private verandas providing from 68 to 344 square feet of outdoor living space. Decks 9 and 10 are home to 22 penthouses with 450-square-foot interiors and verandas measuring nearly 100 square feet.

The most expansive guest quarters on board will be five Owners Suites that measure over 700 square feet (including veranda) and four, two-bedroom Grand Suites providing over 1,300 square feet of private living space. All suites will feature granite bathrooms, with separate tub and shower, twin sinks and a stunning glass vanity.

Four Dining Venues
The Restaurant—the ship's gourmet, open-seating dining room, where guests savor multi-course dinner menus designed by acclaimed celebrity chef Charlie Palmer; Veranda Café—a stylish, yet casual restaurant serving regional specialties, with both indoor and outdoor seating; Restaurant 2—an elegant and intimate specialty restaurant featuring innovative tasting menus; and Patio Grill—where guests can enjoy pizza and grilled items, poolside. In addition to a 24-hour, in-suite service menu, during dinner hours guests can order from The Restaurant menu, dining course-by-course if they wish.

Six Open Bars
Anticipating the desires of sophisticated travelers, the newest addition to the Seabourn fleet will offer a selection of lounges and bars to satisfy a myriad of moods and entertainment styles. With an open-bar policy that ensures fine wines, champagnes and spirits flow freely, choices will include:

Grand Salon—the main showroom and home to Seabourn's dance band, features a unique living room-like foyer furnished with inviting booths and arm chairs, in addition to tiered banquettes that surround the dance floor.
The Club—with both indoor and outdoor seating, is where a pianist, duo or trio will perform a variety of musical genres throughout the evening.
Sky Bar—this popular icon of the existing Seabourn yachts overlooks the ship's central, outdoor living space: Poolside Patio.
Patio Bar—in the evenings, guests can enjoy live, alfresco entertainment, weather permitting.
Coffee Bar—situated portside at Seabourn Square, traditional Italian espresso, cappuccino and café latte are complimented by champagne, wine and spirits.

With a dramatic square bar as its focal point, the ship's forward-facing observation lounge is located atop the navigational bridge and boasts panoramic views; high-powered, motion-dampened spotting scopes and binoculars-behind-the-bar for use by patrons.

Other Facilities & Amenities
Seabourn Square - the heart of the ship and home to the pursers and tour desks, Internet center, library and three duty-free retail shops.

The Marina—a beloved icon of the current Seabourn fleet, a fold-down teak platform provides a staging area for guests to enjoy complimentary water sports including waterskiing from the ship's own speed boat, banana boat rides, paddleboats and kayaks.

Sun Terraces—Stepped terraces, on Deck 11, at the ship's highest and furthest-forward point, are home to another intriguing amenity. There, protected by a glass windbreak, guests will find a terraced enclave furnished with large sun-beds.

Spa at Seabourn—With a thallasso whirlpool as its focal point, the spa will feature his and hers Finnish saunas, a selection of aromatic steam rooms, separate gym and aerobics areas and two outdoor decks, for exclusive use by spa guests.

Swimming pools and whirlpools—Guests can choose from swimming pools on Decks 8 and 5, plus a total of seven whirlpools.

Travel + Leisure Names Top Cruise Lines

Be sure to pick up the June 2007 issue of Travel + Leisure magazine to read the results of their 2006 World's Best Awards. Readers selected their favorite cruise lines in a variety of categories:

Top 10 Cruise Lines Based on the Level of Service

#1. SeaDream Yacht Club with a score of 97.86
#2. Yachts of Seabourn with a score of 96.47
#3. Abercrombie & Kent with a score of 94.51
#4. Crystal Cruises with a score of 93.13
#5. Silversea Cruises with a score of 92.89
#6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises with a score of 92.88
#7. Windstar Cruises with a score of 90.16
#8. Oceania Cruises with a score of 88.51
#9. Grand Circle Cruise Line with a score of 85.88
#10. Celebrity Cruises with a score of 85.31


Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines

#1. Yachts of Seabourn with a score of 89.13 (was #1 last year)
#2. Silversea Cruises with a score of 86.85 (was #2 last year)
#3. Abercrombie & Kent with a score of 86.69 (not on last year's list)
#4. SeaDream Yacht Club with a score of 86.07 (was #3 last year)
#5. Grand Circle Cruise Line with a score of 80.63 (not on last year's list)
#6. Windstar Cruises with a score of 80.36 (was #5 last year)
#7. Lindblad Expeditions with a score of 79.17 (was #4 last year)
#8. Star Clippers with a score of 78.10 (was #7 last year)
#9. Viking River Cruises with a score of 77.08 (was #9 last year)
#10. Peter Deilmann Cruises with a score of 76.51 (not on last year's list)


Top 10 Large-Ship Cruise Lines

#1. Crystal Cruises with a score of 88.28 (was #1 last year)
#2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises with a score of 87.37 (was #2 last year)
#3. Oceania Cruises with a score of 82.88 (was #3 last year))
#4. Celebrity Cruises with a score of 79.72 (was #5 last year)
#5. Orient Lines with a score of 78.67 (was #9 last year)
#6. Disney Cruise Line with a score of 78.31 (was #4 last year)
#7. Holland America Line with a score of 77.84 (was #7 last year)
#8. Cunard Line with a score of 77.02 (was #8 last year)
#9. P&O Cruises with a score of 76.63 (not on last year's list)
#10. Princess Cruises with a score of 76.15 (was #6 last year)

Travel + Leisure Names SeaDream #1 for Service

For the third year in a row, SeaDream Yacht Club snagged the top spot for "Service" in Travel + Leisure magazine's 2006 World’s Best Award Readers Survey. (Check the June 2007 issue of the magazine for full details.)

SeaDream’s President & CEO Larry Pimentel announced to the press, “I’m always delighted when we receive such accolades, but I want to add that there are some truly fine travel choices at this luxury end of the spectrum. The fact is, all of the passenger shipping operations included in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are extremely good."

Pimentel went on to say, “Happily, what I can always say with confidence is that SeaDream is not only an extremely fine leisure travel choice on a good-better-best scale, but it is unique. SeaDream is simply a different product—I put the emphasis on the world different—in what is frequently acknowledged by travel industry observers as a sea of sameness."

Seabourn Security Team Honored by Queen Elizabeth II

Cruise Critic reported a terrific story today about the security team that helped Seabourn's Spirit outrun a band of pirates in 2005 off the coast of Somalia. Britian's Queen Elizabeth II honored security and safety officer, Michael Groves, and master-at-arms Som Bahadur Gurung for the part they played in keeping Spirit's passengers safe.

Check out the full story at Cruise Critic.

Albania on Oceania Anyone?

Oceania's Regatta became the first major North American cruise ship to call upon Sarande, Albania earlier this month. Located at the southwestern end of the Adriatic Sea, Sarande has just recently become accessible to western tourists. Ten more calls are scheduled for 2007 and 2008.

“Our guests are experienced travelers who appreciate Albania’s fascinating history and diverse cultures," said Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. "We originally anticipated that our guests’ primary interest would be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, but many chose excursions that provided them with a glimpse into Albanian culture and offered opportunities to immerse themselves in the local color."

Oceania Cruises plans two more calls in Sarande during 2007; guests sailing on Insignia’s September 3 and October 17 departures of the Path of the Phoenicians will have the opportunity to explore the region, including excursions to the ruins of Butrint, its Amphitheatre, Basilica, and the five-centuries-old settlement which has been excavated over the past fifty years. In 2008, Oceania Cruises plans eight calls in Sarande: Nautica’s voyages departing on May 20, July 19, September 5 and 17, October 13 and 25, and Insignia’s August 20 voyage.

Guests on these voyages will also have the opportunity to visit Lekuresi Castle and Blue Eye, a natural deep-water lake with unusual coloring; the ancient city of Foenike, the church of Mesopotami, and the medieval village of Gjirokastra. Also, because of its proximity to Italy, shopping bargains abound on items such as Murano glass, marbled paper and Venetian masks.

“We look forward to our continuing relationship with Sarande, and the warm and endearing people of Albania who provided our guests with such tremendous hospitality,” added Binder.

Kids Sail Panama Canal for Free Aboard Crystal

Have you made your Thanksgiving vacation plans yet? If not, consider one of two Panama Canal cruises aboard Crystal Cruises. They invite children 11 and under to cruise for free this Thanksgiving when sharing a stateroom with two adults. Part classroom, part adventure, children of all ages will marvel at the science of transiting the Canal and the drama of experiencing nature from the wilds of Costa Rica to the tranquility of the Caribbean. With the new promotion and special savings fares, travelers can save up to 60% off brochure fares.

Both of Crystal’s award-winning ships will offer Canal transits on Thanksgiving cruises in 2007:

Crystal Symphony travels from Caldera, Costa Rica to Miami, Florida on a 10-day cruise, November 14-24, with calls in Curaçao/Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles; St. Barts/Gustavia, French West Indies; and Tortola/Road Town, British Virgin Islands.

Crystal Serenity journeys from Miami to Caldera on an 11-day cruise, November 19-30, with calls in Turks & Caicos/Grand Turk, UK; St. Barts/Gustavia, French West Indies; St. Maarten/Phillipsburg, Netherland Antilles; and Aruba/Oranjestad, Dutch West Indies.

The “kids sail free” promotion is capacity controlled and limited to triple-berth staterooms. Per adult, double occupancy fares start at $2,195 and $3,380 for the 10- and 11-day cruises, respectively.

“This Thanksgiving, families can enjoy the luxury of a Crystal cruise and the opportunity of being together at a great value during the holiday,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, Crystal Cruises. “Guests can share a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings, while enjoying all of Crystal’s luxurious amenities and the technical wonder of a Canal transit.”

New Ports for SeaDream in 2008

SeaDream Yacht Club announced its 2008 schedule this morning and the line will be calling on many new ports in Europe and the Caribbean.

Next year's schedule will split the sailing seasons with 176 days in Europe, 168 days in the Caribbean and 22-days in transatlantic voyages back and forth.

New European ports for 2008 include:

• Mahdia, Tunisia
• Yasmine Marina, Tunisia
• Trapani, Porto Empedocles
• Volcano Island, Sicily
• Ponza, Italy
• Porto Banus, Spain
• La Gomera Island, Spain
• Saint Florent, Corsica
• Pythagoreion, Greece
• Nassabur, Bulgaria
• Setubal, Portugal
• Cascais, Portugal

Among new Caribbean ports for 2008 are:

• Lucaya, Grand Bahamas
• Egg Island, Bahamas
• Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos
• Samana, Dominican Republic
• Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
• Trois Ilets, Martinique

SeaDream II will also make a call on Miami in November for a seven-day voyage including ports in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicaos, St. Barts and Jost van Dyke.

For the full 2008 schedule, visit SeaDream's website.

SeaDream I Emerges from Dry Dock

SeaDream I just emerged from two weeks in dry dock in Barcelona, Spain. She underwent regularly scheduled maintenance, plus:

• New carpeting in public rooms, corridors and staircases
• New carpeting in staterooms as needed
• New upholstering of furniture in public rooms, including in the Main Salon and Dining Salon
• New upholstering in staterooms, with new color schemes
• New teak decking as needed, including around the swimming pool and forward on the Bridge Deck.
• Complete upgrading of tenders
• Upgrades to its sound systems in the Main Salon, Pool Bar area, Piano Bar and top of the Yacht Bar areas
• Upgrades to the ship's satellite system—receiver, decoder, stereo and mono audio matrix and TV antenna

SeaDream II underwent similar dry docking last October.

Silversea Updates Wi-Fi Coverage Across Its Fleet

Great news! The Silversea fleet now enjoys 100 percent Wi-Fi coverage. This means you'll be able to surf the Internet and check e-mail right from your suite as well as public areas.

Expanded wireless Internet access is the latest in a number of enhancements the line is introducing to ensure its guests continue to enjoy a luxury travel experience. In January, Silver Shadow was outfitted with new Sealy Posturepedic Plush EuroTop mattresses in all its standard suites. Also, the top suites—Owner's, Grand, Royal and Rossellini—now feature Stearns & Foster Plush ultra-luxury beds. The new bedding is being installed aboard Silver Whisper this month and will debut aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Wind later in the year. New flat-screen TVs are also planned for all suites and will be installed aboard Silver Whisper in November, Silver Shadow in January and the rest of the fleet in the following months.

Crystal Guests Pick Top 10 Caribbean Adventures

Crystal Cruises has released the survey results of its Top 10 rated Crystal Adventures shore excursions in the Caribbean. Based on surveys of guests on the luxury line's 2006 and early 2007 Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises, more than half of the excursions on the list were rated a perfect 10.

Water excursions dominated, with shark feeding a unanimous favorite. Parasailing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and racing adventures placed in the Top 10. Thrill-seekers who like their kicks on land also highly rated Crystal's ATV Adventure in St. Barts for the chance to motor to secluded villages and beaches and to climb into the hills for stunning panoramic views. Other notable mentions include a kayaking adventure in St. Kitts and a 100-foot submarine plunge under the sea to explore coral reefs in Grand Cayman.

Travelers can experience these Caribbean adventures first hand as Crystal returns this fall to cruise the Caribbean and Panama Canal. Throughout November and December, the award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will feature eight voyages ranging from 7 to 14 days.

"After the vistas at sea, it's only natural that even non-beach goers would want to experience that gorgeous, tropical water in the ports," says John Stoll, Crystal's director, land programs. "Typically designed for as few as 10 to 20 guests, Crystal's water adventures make for very intimate groups and a more personalized experience. Plus, there is a terrific camaraderie that develops between travelers who explore a reef, encounter wildlife or learn to scuba dive together."

Crystal's Top 10 Caribbean Adventures offer travelers the chance to:

1) Witness a shark feeding from 30 feet beneath the surface in St. Maarten
2) Parasail in Key West
3) Learn to scuba dive in Grand Turk
4) Kayak, snorkel and swim with dolphins in Key West
5) Captain a 12-foot aqua boat for snorkeling and swimming in Grand Turk
6) Light tackle fish in the waters of Key West
7) Race an authentic America's Cup yacht in St. Maarten
8) Interact with dolphins from a submerged platform in Tortola
9) Swim with stingrays and snorkel a private reef in Grand Turk
10) Walk the ocean floor during a helmet dive in Aruba

Seven-day round-trip departures from Miami also offer families the chance to sample the luxury line with shorter, closer-to-home options, including during Thanksgiving. Additionally, Crystal's 10- and 11-day Caribbean/Panama Canal voyages between Miami and Caldera, Costa Rica, allow guests the chance to extend their travels with a three-day eco-adventure through Costa Rica's North Pacific Riviera.

Ports of call for Crystal's fall season in the Caribbean include the islands of Tortola, St. Bart's, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Turks & Caicos, Aruba, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua; and Key West, Florida. Additional calls include Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and transits of the Panama Canal. Fares begin at $1,645 per person, double occupancy depending on voyage and stateroom selected.