SeaDream and New Ship Rumor

With new luxury vessels on the way from Oceania, Seabourn, and Silversea, the rumors have been flying that other lines will follow suit. CruiseCritic.com has a story today about SeaDream's potential new ship that will accommodate 200 passengers. Click here for their full story.

QE2's Farewell Voyages On Sale 6/27

Cunard's special QE2 'farewell voyages' go on sale today. This storied ship will stop sailing as of November 2008 when ownership transfers to The Palm Jumeirah resort complex in Dubai. The QE2 will begin a new life as a first-class hotel, retail, and entertainment destination.

According to Cunard, two voyages already programmed for 2008 have been replaced by a British Isles voyage and two Transatlantic Crossings, while her final voyage to Dubai has also been added. These special voyages offer the perfect opportunity for guests to share in QE2's farewell to her country, where she has long been regarded as the flagship, and also to experience a farewell tandem crossing of the Atlantic, where she will bid farewell to New York, her second home. These voyages also offer a final opportunity for those who have always wanted to experience a voyage on this iconic Grand Dame of the Seas.

"These voyages will signal the eminent completion of QE2's service in the Cunard fleet and offer the opportunity to celebrate her widely heralded and illustrious career. She will make final calls to ports that are home to many of her most loyal fans, beginning with the British Isles, followed by two tandem Transatlantic Crossings," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. "Guests who sail these voyages will take their place in history on the longest-serving, most famous Cunarder and will no doubt be greeted by groups of well-wishers who will salute her one last time," added Marlow.

Farewell to the British Isles
QE2's Farewell to the British Isles voyage will depart Southampton on September 30, 2008 and replaces the previously announced Canary Islands Splendour voyage. The 10-night voyage will include maiden calls to Dublin and Belfast and an emotional call to the Clyde (Greenock) where QE2 was built, as well as calls to Cork (Cobh), Liverpool (Cunard's ancestral home), Edinburgh (South Queensferry) and Newcastle. Fares start from $2,455 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $5,695 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.

Final Transatlantic Crossings
On October 10, QE2 will leave Southampton with Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 and both vessels will depart on a final tandem crossing to New York. The six-night Final New York Arrival Crossing will arrive in New York on October 16 where QE2 will say farewell to what was her North American home, when she was Queen of the Atlantic for 34 years. Fares start from $1,175 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $4,395 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.

Later that day both liners will leave New York as QE2 begins her Farewell to America Crossing. This will be QE2's 806th and final Atlantic crossing and both ships will arrive in Southampton on October 22. Fares start from $1,065 for an M6 grade stateroom, up to $4,295 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.

These two Atlantic voyages have replaced a Mediterranean voyage scheduled to depart on October 12, 2008.

QE2's Final Voyage
In addition, Cunard has also announced QE2's Final Voyage which will leave Southampton for Dubai on November 11 and will call at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Civitavecchia, Naples, Malta, Alexandria and transit the Suez Canal before arriving on November 27. Fares start from $4,615 for a M6 grade stateroom, up to $11,995 for a Q1 grade Grand Suite.

QE2 is likely to attract huge crowds at each port on each of these voyages and special onboard programming will be incorporated into these voyages to honor the completion of QE2's service in the Cunard Fleet.

Guests booked on voyages that are impacted by these changes will be given the opportunity to rebook on one of the new voyages. If they book one of the new voyages replacing their cancelled voyage in the same grade, their original fare will be protected. If the fare on the same grade is lower, then the lower fare will be honored. If a guest decides to book any other 2008 voyage, the applicable fare for that voyage will be charged. Rebooked guests will be offered a $300 onboard credit and those who wish to cancel will be refunded.

The new voyages will be open for booking Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 9:00am (ET) / 6:00am (PT).

Seabourn Names New Ship “Odyssey”

Today, Seabourn announced the name of their new ship currently being built in Italy. Dubbed Odyssey, over fifty past passengers from Seabourn Club correctly guessed the moniker. Thousands of Seabourn connoisseurs made a guess and one duo who guessed correctly— John and Hazel Coleman of Monaco—was randomly selected as the winner of a cruise aboard the all-suite, 450-guest ship during her maiden year at sea. Seabourn Odyssey will be officially christened in Venice in mid-2009.

How did Seabourn winnow down potential names for the ship? Seabourn president Pamela C. Conover explains: “There were literally hundreds of names that we considered and we pursued dozens of different directions. But in the end, we wanted her name to reflect her primary purpose, which is to wander the globe, carrying our guests to the world's most exciting and fascinating destinations, in signature Seabourn luxury and style.”

Beginning last May, more than 8,500 tons of steel is being cut and welded to form the sleek hull and graceful superstructure of the line's new, $250 million flagship, which, when she is launched, will be the first addition to any fleet in the ultra-luxury segment of the cruise industry in six years.

Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, Seabourn Pride, Spirit, and Legend, Seabourn Odyssey will carry just over twice as many guests, and boast the same ratio of staff to guests and among the highest space-per-guest ratios in the cruise industry. In addition, the new vessel will offer more dining options than her sisters, as well as more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues, and enhanced spa and recreational facilities.

Plans for maiden year itineraries are still being finalized, but the initial level of interest and excitement prompted Seabourn to devise a system for accepting reservations that will be at once equitable to its loyal guests and supporters, and manageable for the company's internal staff.

Guests who wish to sail on voyages during the maiden year can secure a spot on a waitlist by making a standard Seabourn deposit of $1,000 per person, or $2,000 per person for the actual maiden voyage. These deposits are being accepted now.

Seabourn expects to publish the details of Odyssey's maiden year schedules by the end of 2007. At that time, waitlisted persons will be notified in advance and given priority booking access, which will allow them to select the specific voyage and accommodation they prefer. These reservations will be accepted according to the following criteria:

• Guests who sail with Seabourn in 2007 or 2008 will have first priority. They will be notified in advance and given a two-week priority booking window. This will include anyone who books and sails on a cruise departing by the end of 2008.
  
  
• Past guests of Seabourn who do not sail in 2007 or 2008 will be granted the second priority notification and a second two-week booking access.
  
  
• A third priority booking period will be available to first-time Seabourn guests who have deposited for the waitlist.
  
  
• After that, reservations will be accepted from anyone for remaining space on maiden year voyages, based on Seabourn's standard deposit and booking policies.

Travelers can experience Seabourn's award-winning style on cruises of seven to twenty-eight days or more in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, India, and Arabia. Cruise itineraries explore landmark ports and lesser-known gems where larger ships cannot go.

For information, contact a travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit Seabourn's website at www.seabourn.com.

Seabourn Says "Don't Give Up on the Med This Summer"

The past few summers have been tough for travelers like myself that want to cruise the Mediterranean but must often book a cruise at the last minute due to work obligations and complicated schedules. Pamela Conover, president of Seabourn is urging us not to give up on our dream cruise, even though this season's itineraries are sailing close to capacity.

"It's true that Seabourn is having a terrific year and our ships are sailing at very nearly full capacity," admits Conover. "But we definitely have limited space on a variety of departures, and if you are flexible about departure dates and itineraries, we can still accommodate you in 2007."

For prospective travelers who have encountered full ships in the summer, but still want to visit Europe this year, Conover advises cruising later in the season, for the best value. "A cruise in August, September or October will still save you a bundle over luxury land-based options," she notes. "Besides," she added, "in many ways autumn is the very best time to visit the region."

Conover went on to suggest seven-day voyages aboard Seabourn Legend, departing from Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome on August 25, September 15, 22, 29, and October 13. The September 22 and 29 cruises can be combined for a two-week vacation at savings of 50 percent off brochure fares. For those who prefer the Eastern Mediterranean, Seabourn Spirit has limited space available on voyages departing September 1, October 6, and October 27. Some of these departures offer savings up to 50 percent and fares from $3,133 per person, based on double occupancy.

(Lower airfares from the states have also recently popped up from Air France, Alitalia, and Iberia. Do some comparison shopping for flights at Kayak.com.)

Carrying just 208 pampered guests each, Seabourn Legend, Spirit, and Pride have earned top ratings in guidebooks and consumer travel publications. Extremely high customer satisfaction has also translated into an enthusiastic base of multi-repeat guests, who often book their next cruises while still on board.

"But check with your travel agent or give us a call," urges Conover, "because you want to sail in Europe on Seabourn, and we don't want you to settle for anything less."

For information or to secure space on a Seabourn cruise, call 1-800-929-9595 or visit www.seabourn.com.

Oceania Finalizes Contract for New Ships

Seabourn's not the only high-end line with new ships on the horizon. Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri have finalized an agreement for two new 1,260-guest mid-size cruise ships for delivery on September 30, 2010 and July 30, 2011. (There is also an option for a third vessel to be delivered on May 30, 2012.)

The total value of the contract, including the option for the third ship, is $1.6 billion dollars. The ships will be constructed at Fincantieri’s Sestre Ponente facility in Genoa, Italy. “I am delighted to have finalized the contracts for these magnificent ships and I am confident that Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri will set new standards with the new Oceania Class when they debut in just a few short years,” stated Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Oceania Cruises. Now that all technical specifications have been finalized, Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri will now move forward with detailed design work for the interiors. The world-renowned architectural firm of Yran & Storbratten has been retained to design the ships’ luxurious accommodations and dramatic public areas. “Fincantieri and Oceania Cruises share a legacy of innovation and superior product delivery, and I am certain that our guests and travel agent partners will find that the new Oceania Class will elevate our upper premium experience to new heights,” said Del Rio.

The design specifications for the Oceania Class call for the vessels to be 782 feet long, 105 feet wide, with a draft of 24 feet, and will accommodate 1,260 guests on 11 guest decks. The ships will feature 630 staterooms and suites that are on average, 50 percent larger than the Regatta Class; 98 percent of all guest accommodations will feature sweeping ocean views, and 95 percent will boast oversized, private teak verandas. The ships will be powered by diesel-electric engines and operate with twin screw propellers, with a speed of 20 knots. They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability, and will also be “green ships” employing environmental systems and technology.

This new class of mid size cruise vessels will retain all of the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta Class while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and many new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20 percent faster than the Regatta Class. In addition to their greater speed, the Oceania Class will have a greater range that enables them to undertake itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide.

The new Oceania Class vessels will set a new standard in culinary excellence, featuring six open-seating gourmet restaurants which boast the capacity to seat 150 percent of the ship’s guests in a single seating. The Grand Dining Room will be an opulent space crowned with a magnificent frescoed domed ceiling. The four specialty restaurants will feature the line’s signature Polo Grill and Toscana along with two new specialty dining venues, an elegant French bistro and a Pan-Asian restaurant. hese new ships have been designed with all the signature elements that guests and travel agents cherish, and the décor will be imbued with the same warmth and charm that the Regatta Class is renowned for.

Signature public spaces will include the Martinis, Horizons, The Patio, and a Grand Staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. Public areas and accommodations will include rich wood paneling and granite accents, opulent furnishings and a museum quality art collection that will include many rare nautical antiques.

For additional information, contact Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658.

Cunard QE2 Sold to The Palm in Dubai

Sky News is reporting this morning that Cunard's QE2 has been sold to Istithmar/Dubai World for approximately $99 million. The ship will be converted into a luxury hotel and will be berthed at The Palm Jumeirah development. The Palm is a unique resort that consists of a man-made island in the shape of a Palm tree with each branch reaching out into the Persian Gulf.

Click here for the full story.

Queasy Drops: Do They Work?

I recently read about Queasy Drops, an all-natural, non-drowsy seasickness remedy, and wonder if they work. Have any of you tried them? Click on "Comments" below and let me know what you think.

The drops come in four flavors: color, ginger, green tea with lemon, and sour raspberry. "Pops" are also available (cinnamon, cola, ginger, green tea with lemon, papaya, peppermint, sour lemon, and sour raspberry).

I've got pretty good sea legs—crossed the Bering Sea without any problems—but I usually carry Bonine and Sea Bands, just in case. I may add Queasy Drops to my cruising kit for the future.

Crystal Offers Half-Off Biz Class Upgrades

Crystal Cruises has extended its reduced business class air promotion on select 2007 summer European cruises booked by June 30, 2007. The special business class air upgrade fares of $999 and $1,998 are one way and round trip, respectively, and are in addition to Crystal Cruises' published coach class add-on fares. Available from selected major gateways in the U.S. and Canada, the upgraded airfares are approximately 50% lower than unrestricted business class airfares to Europe.

The Northeastern gateways are New York (JFK), Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. (Dulles); the Central and Southeastern cities are Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Detroit, Minneapolis and Miami; the Western cities are Los Angeles (LAX), Denver, San Francisco, Portland, Phoenix and Seattle; the Canadian cities are Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver. The offer is capacity controlled and subject to space availability.

For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625.

Katie Couric on QM2 Today

The American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) held a first-ever charity luncheon on Sunday, June 10 aboard Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 to present the Freeing Voices, Changing Lives Leadership Awards. Pictured from left: Queen Mary 2 Captain Christopher Rynd; CBS News anchor and event emcee Katie Couric; honorees fitness guru Jake Steinfeld, NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin with the Denver Nuggets and award-winning singer songwriter Carly Simon.

Event co-chair and literary luminary Tina Brown said, “I can’t imagine a more striking setting than Queen Mary 2 for this important occasion. Creating awareness and raising funds for the study and treatment of this often misunderstood speech disorder aboard this magnificent ocean liner is a privilege.” Among the luncheon guests at the event were actors Sam Waterston and Kevin Kline, actress Lauren Hutton, designer Norma Kamali, news anchor John Stossel, author Candace Bushnell, NY Senator Charles Schumer, and Jack and Suzy Welch.

Terry Breen Leaves Regent for HAL

Regent's well-liked onboard destination specialist, Terry Breen, announced today that after eight years of service she is leaving the line. She's been hired by Holland-America as manager of onboard enrichment programs for their entire fleet. Terry posted to her blog: "My job will give me the opportunity to share my approach to destination information and 'edu-tainment' with a huge audience through the placement of other like-minded speakers at sea."

Terry is thrilled to take on this new challenge and move back to her hometown of Seattle. We wish her the best of luck at HAL, but will miss her smiling face on Regent's ships.