Seabourn 2-for-1 Biz Class + 40% Off Cruise Fare

This deal from Seabourn—offering 2-for-1 business class airfare and a 40% discount on select European cruises—definitely made me consider adding a Seabourn voyage to my 2008 vacation plans.

Ten European cruises—ranging from nine to 15 days—aboard the Pride, Spirit, and Legend are part of this deal. According to Seabourn, the 2-for-1 biz airfare deal is a $5,800 value. The fact that you can combine it with the 40% off cruise fare deal means some potentially big savings.

The airfares are available roundtrip from 38 North American gateways to voyages embarking between March and July, 2008 in Lisbon, Venice, London, Copenhagen, Rome, Nice, and Barcelona and exploring itineraries in the Adriatic, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Western Europe, and Norwegian fjords.

According to Seabourn president and CEO Pamela Conover, "A Seabourn cruise already offers the best value in luxury travel to Europe this year. The comfort and convenience of business class travel is something that our guests use and value," she continued, "So this offer is consistent with the style they have come to associate with Seabourn."

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Seabourn's website.

Follow Queen Victoria's World Cruise

I don't often write about Cunard, but there's an excellent blog you should bookmark if you're interested in this line: The Bon Vivant Traveler. Two young New Yorkers are enjoying a world cruise honeymoon aboard the Queen Victoria and they're blogging about their adventures.

Their 105-day journey, which begain on January 13, will take them from New York to the Caribbean before transitting the Panama Canal to Costa Rica and then on to Mexico. A quick stop in Los Angeles and then its across the Pacific to Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. By early March, they'll visit Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, and India. On March 31, they'll begin calling upon ports in the Middle East, including Dubai (UAE), Oman, and Egypt before island hopping across Greece on their way to Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The world cruise comes to an end in Southampton, England. However, these intrepid bloggers will transfer from the Queen Victoria to the Queen Mary 2 to make the transatlantic trip back home to Manhattan.

Happy cruising, guys!

Photo of Queen Victoria calling on Fort Lauderdale is courtesy of Cunard.

10 Years of Regent's Paul Gauguin in the South Pacific

Regent has a lot to be happy about these days, including their recent celebration in the South Pacific to commemorate Paul Gauguin's 10 years sailing these islands.

Fireworks lit up the sky above Papeete Harbor in Tahiti and fireboats streamed water skyward as French Polynesian Tourism Minister Marc Collins presented Mark Conroy, president of Regent, with a commemorative plaque honoring the ship’s 10th anniversary. Collins thanked Conroy for Regent’s decade of fidelity in deploying the popular vessel year-round in Tahiti. The ceremony was highlighted by traditional music and dancing.

“From her very first cruise, Paul Gauguin has provided our guests with a unique experience featuring an authentic Polynesian flavor,” said Conroy. “We could not have achieved this success without the spirit of welcome and cooperation we continue to receive from the Tahitian government and people. Regent is proud to operate this magnificent ship in this beautiful destination, and to introduce Tahiti’s charms to discerning travelers from around the world.”

Paul Gauguin first arrived in French Polynesia’s Society Islands in January 1998, having sailed from its shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, via the United States mainland and the Hawaiian Islands. Arriving amidst much fanfare, Paul Gauguin ushered in a new era of cruising in Tahiti, introducing outstanding onboard luxury and gracious, friendly service combined with generous and insightful exploration into Tahiti’s cultures and unrivaled natural beauty.

Paul Gauguin has completed more than 400 South Pacific cruises, carrying more than 120,000 guests and contributing tens of millions of tourism dollars to Tahiti’s economy. Since its construction, the ship has undergone four refurbishments at a cost of more than $15 million.

Paul Gauguin offers year-around, seven-night cruises departing roundtrip from Papeete to Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The ship’s schedule also features 11-night voyages that include Rangiroa and Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands; 10-night cruises that include Huahine; and 14-night journeys that include Fatu Hiva and Ua Huka in the Marquesas and the remote Cook Islands. Seven-day rates start at $2,195 per person.

Photo of Bora Bora is courtesy of Regent Seven Seas.

New Pre/Post Land Options for American Safari Alaska Cruises

If you’ve booked your own pre- or post-cruise arrangements in Alaska, you know it’s not always so easy to find a high-end experience that matches your onboard cruise expectations. American Safari Cruises has taken steps to create land packages that will retain the same level of service their guests enjoy onboard one of their yachts sailing Alaskan waters.

To that end, the line is now offering a five-day tour featuring two remote fly-in wilderness lodges: Winterlake Lodge and Redoubt Bay Lodge. Both lodges offer complimentary wine service and gourmet dining. The itinerary includes suite accommodations at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage; two full days at Winterlake for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, world-class hiking on the Iditarod Trail, complimentary massage; and a full day at Redoubt Bay for a pontoon-boat excursion to a creek where bears feed. Cost begins at $3,900 per person double occupancy.

A four-day, three-night tour direct to Redoubt Bay for extended bear viewing also includes time for hiking, kayaking, sport fishing, and optional flightseeing, plus a Hotel Captain Cook suite overnight in Anchorage. Cost begins at $2,030 per person double occupancy. American Safari Cruises also can tailor a land tour to include travel on the Alaska Railroad GoldStar dome train, an overnight deep inside Denali National Park with wildlife viewing, and a stay in Fairbanks.

American Safari Cruises operates four yachts in Alaska between April 30 and September 13 on five itineraries, including some multiple-day visits to Glacier Bay National Park.

For more information, call your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at (888) 862-8881.

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises

Crystal Tightens Rules for Smokers

Crystal Cruises announced today that it will tighten smoking restrictions aboard all its ships. Smokers will not be happy about this news; non-smokers will be thrilled.

Beginning in May 2008, Crystal Cruises is prohibiting smoking on verandahs of all staterooms and suites aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

Most areas of Crystal ships have been non-smoking for several years, including restaurants and the main entertainment lounges. Non-smoking areas dominate most bars and lounges, although there are some tables that permit smoking. Cigarette smoking is permitted in private accommodations, although pipe-smoking and cigars are only permitted in the Connoisseur Club and most open decks.

According to Crystal Cruises' president Gregg Michel, "The majority of our guests are non-smoking, and travelers are used to more non-smoking environments today. We respect that smoking is a personal lifestyle decision but there is growing discomfort from non-smokers about verandah smoke negatively impacting the enjoyment of their personal outdoor living space."

As with the current policy, guests who do not observe the non-smoking policy will first be asked to comply. Failure to do so can result in a guest being asked to leave the ship at his/her own expense.

The new smoking policy takes effect with the May 7, 2008 London-to-Rome cruise on Crystal Serenity and the May 25, 2008 Athens-to-London cruise on Crystal Symphony.

Wind Star Upgrades Completed

Over the past year or so, Windstar Cruises has spent several million dollars upgrading each of its ships with what it calls "Degrees of Difference" enhancements. This cruise line is one of my favorites and the enhancements to the Wind Surf blew me away when I sailed with Windstar last March.

Now, it's the Wind Star's turn to shine. The 148-guest, four-masted msy Wind Star is the last ship to receive this special treatment. Upgrades include remodeled bathrooms in all staterooms, an expanded beauty salon, and a refurbished lounge.

In your stateroom, you'll immediately recognize the changes to the bathroom that now includes new fixtures, glass shelving, new cabinets, granite countertops, porcelain sinks, and a magnifying mirror. The teak floors were kept and refinished. Full length mirrors and slippers are also a new addition to the staterooms.

In the Lounge, the bar was relocated to a central and visible location near the back of the room and refreshed with reupholstered furniture, new carpet, ceiling, lighting, and wall coverings.

The Salon moved from deck one to deck three by the Lounge providing a more serene spa experience with space for relaxation. Expanding into the area vacated by the bar, salon space doubles with a new waiting area, two separate massage rooms, an area for facials and hair/nail treatments, and pedicure chair. The number of massage appointments available for guests has doubled and new spa treatments have been added including La Therapie Hydralift Facial, Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage, and Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction Program. The expanded spa menu turns the former salon into a complete spa facility.

Other additions in guest areas include new tables and chairs in the Veranda, a new couch and ceiling in the Lobby and upgrades to public bathrooms. In the Pool Bar, a new bottle display area, new lighting, and wall and ceiling coverings update the look. Upgrades were also completed for the technical operations of the ship.

The Wind Star will sail roundtrip from Costa Rica January through March 2008 with a limited amount of Panama Canal cruises in the spring and winter, returning to the Greek Isles from May to October and offering a few Mediterranean itineraries in late spring and late fall.

The 312-guest Wind Surf completed Degrees of Difference upgrades in December 2006 and the 148-guest msy Wind Spirit completed upgrades in April 2007.

Regent Dumps Gold Points as of 3/31/08

If you're a Regent Seven Seas cruiser with a Gold Points Reward account, you need to be aware of important program changes. As of January 2, 2008, Gold Points Reward Network announced it is changing to a redemption-only program. The last day to earn Gold Points at any network partner or by shopping goldpoints.com is March 31, 2008.

Also effective January 2, 2008, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will no longer be issuing Gold Points for any new bookings, or adding Gold Points to any existing bookings. Gold Points do not expire. However, redemption of Gold Points with Regent will end on March 31, 2008 and you will only be able to redeem your Gold Points at www.goldpoints.com or www.points.com starting April 1, 2008.

Regent does have a process in place to redeem your existing Gold Points for future cruise credits. Here are the details from Regent's website:

GOLD POINTS REWARD NETWORK

Changes in Gold Points Reward Network effective Janaury 2, 2008

GOLD POINTS REWARD NETWORK CHANGE
On January 2, 2008, Gold Points Reward Network announced it is changing to a redemption-only program. The last day to earn Gold Points at any network partner or by shopping goldpoints.com is March 31, 2008. Also effective January 2, 2008, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will no longer be issuing Gold Points for any new bookings, or adding Gold Points to any existing bookings.

REDEMPTION OF GOLD POINTS ACCUMULATED PRIOR TO JANUARY 2, 2008
Gold Points do not expire. However, redemption of Gold Points with RSSC will end on March 31, 2008 and you will only be able to redeem your Gold Points at www.goldpoints.com or www.points.com starting April 1, 2008. In order to assist you in using your Gold Points, RSSC has changed its redemption process.

Until March 31, 2008, RSSC is offering a one-time opportunity to acquire Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) with your Gold Points, even if you do not have a cruise booked with us yet. Only one FCC can be purchased per Gold Points Reward Network account, and the FCC can be redeemed with RSSC on bookings made up to one year after issuance. Simply fill out this form and e-mail it to RSSCRESV@regentexperience.com or fax it to (402) 501-5599. Please allow up to 10 days for processing.

The chart below details how much FCC can be acquired with your Gold Points:

Points needed for Future Cruise Credits
50,000 = $200 FCC
100,000 = $400 FCC
200,000 = $600 FCC
300,000 = $800 FCC
400,000 = $1,000 FCC

$200 will be added to the FCC for each subsequent 100,000 Gold Points over 400,000.

2008 AND 2009 BOOKINGS PRIOR TO JANUARY 2, 2008
In addition, 2008 and 2009 sailings booked prior to January 2, 2008 and associated with a Gold Points member number will be issued a FCC per the schedule below once the cruise is completed. These FCCs are equal to or better than what you would have received through the Gold Points Rewards Network. You will have one year from issuance to book a cruise with this FCC as opposed to using Gold Points by March 31, 2008. (If a current eligible booking is cancelled or rebooked to a different sailing, it will no longer be eligible for this FCC.)

Points That Would Have Been Earned (per person)
Up to 25,000 = $100 FCC
25,001 - 50,000 = $200 FCC
50,001 - 75,000 = $300 FCC
75,001 - 100,000 = $400 FCC
100,001 - 150,000 = $500 FCC
150,001 - 200,000 = $600 FCC

$100 will be added to the FCC for each subsequent 50,000 Gold Points.

If you need assistance with your Gold Points account, including your balance, please visit www.goldpoints.com.

Glimpses of Royal Land Itinerary

The exiting tour of "Glimpses Of Royal Land" was of the duration 11 days. From Jaipur we proceeded further to other places before reaching back Delhi. The stays were made at comfortable budget hotels. Some of the places we stayed for 2 nights and others only for 1 night. The itinerary we followed is as follows:

The sight seeing begins with the first place of Mandwa.

2-for-1 Alaska from Regent Seven Seas

On December 27, I wrote about the upcoming Alaska cruise season. Today, Regent Seven Seas announced a terrific 2-for-1 deal for three of their fantastic Alaskan itineraries on the Mariner.

The embarkation dates you'll need to mark on your calendar are May 27, June 11, and June 25.

If interested, you'll need to book your suite no later than January 12, 2008. Talk with your travel agent or call Regent Seven Seas Cruises at (877) 505-5370. Reference referral source C4CEA068M.