Silverjet Stops Flying

With the high price of oil these days and the shuttering of several other airlines in recent days, it probably comes as no surprise that Silverjet has ceased operations. Billed as an all business class service, Silverjet served a niche market flying to and from New York (Newark), London, and Dubai.

The airline has suspended all flights as of May 30, 2008. If you're holding a Silverjet ticket for future passage, call your credit card company to request a refund. If you're mid-trip, call other airlines serving your destination and ask if they will honor Silverjet tickets or offer a low-cost alternative as a goodwill gesture.

Silverjet executives are speaking with other investors but, at this time, have been unable to procure the funds needed to keep the airline flying.

Seabourn Odyssey News: Hull Arrives at Shipyard

Today was an auspicious occasion for Seabourn's newest luxury yacht, the Odyssey. The steel hull of the ship was delivered from the Gulf of Venice to T.Mariotti S.p.A.'s shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The hull joins blocks of the yacht's superstructure that have been in development in Genoa for the past year.

The shipbuilder will spend the next 12 months completing the vessel that will make her maiden voyage from Venice on June 24, 2009.

The Seabourn Odyssey is the cruise industry's first new luxury ship to be built in six years. And, Seabourn isn't stopping there. Two additional yachts are on order and will debut in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

For more information, talk with your travel agent, call Seabourn at (800) 929-9391, or visit their website.

Photo courtesy of Seabourn.

Introducing American Safari's Newest Yacht

Cruising Hawaii has always been a bit problematic, especially for travelers seeking a unique experience aboard a luxury ship. Previously, if you wanted to cruise the Hawaiian Islands you were locked into an inter-island itinerary from Norwegian Cruise Lines or a longer journey on another cruise line embarking from a west coast city such as San Diego or Los Angeles. Starting this December, you’ll have a new option: the 145-foot, 36-guest Safari Explorer.

This yacht is American Safari Cruises’ first entry into the South Pacific market and it also marks the first mainstream luxury option for cruising the “Aloha State.” The Safari Explorer and its all-American crew will visit Molokai, Lanai, Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island, and several snorkel/dive sites.

The ship will be christened in Seattle on May 23. She’ll then sail Alaskan waters this summer before relocating for the seven-day inter-island Hawaiian cruises and charters that will be offered from mid-December through early May.

If you’ve sailed with SeaDream or Windstar and prefer intimate vessels and attentive service, you’ll appreciate American Safari. If you prefer your cruise ship to have a formal dress code, Broadway-style shows, and a casino, this option is not for you.

Instead, the American Safari experience is all about the destination and active exploration of secluded coves and bays, quaint harbors, and tiny villages. Each itinerary, on the waters less traveled, focuses on hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. Due to the yacht’s size, it can sail where other boats can’t—offering unique experiences not to be duplicated on any cruise ship currently sailing the Hawaiian Islands. Two certified naturalists sail on each voyage and immerse guests in an engaging tour of the indigenous flora and fauna.

Yet, you won’t have to give up comfort for close encounters with nature. The Safari Explorer features elegant balcony suites; master bedrooms and Jacuzzi tubs; a wine library for tastings; and a spa offering complimentary massages from a licensed masseuse, sauna, yoga classes, exercise equipment, and an on-deck hot tub. Attentive service is the order of the day, with a guest-to-crew ratio of 2 to 1.

American Safari Cruises has three other yachts that carry between 12 and 22 guests in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Pacific Northwest, and the Columbia and Snake rivers.

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

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises

Regent’s Autumn Sojourn in the Med to Focus on Music, Food & Wine

On October 18, 2008, 700 guests will embark from Istanbul, Turkey for a 28-night “Autumn Sojourn in the Mediterranean” aboard Regent’s Seven Seas Voyager. The ship will journey to the French and Italian Rivieras, the Cote D’Azur, and the Greek islands.

“For guests who love to cruise, these longer voyages evoke the romance of ocean travel,” said Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “At the same time, they provide a rare opportunity to explore an extraordinary number of exciting Mediterranean ports.”

The Sojourn may be booked as one single journey or in three segments. Each segment will feature a unique event, a variety of entertainment options focusing on classical music, and an in-depth focus on the cuisine of the region.

Of special note: Regent has announced that guests will have an opportunity to purchase Euros at a 1:1 exchange rate against the U.S. dollar, and experience complimentary events on board and ashore.

The individual segments are as follows:

Executive Vice President’s Cruise, Istanbul to Piraeus (October 18 to 25)
Kenneth Watson, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Regent Seven Seas, will host the seven-night Greek Isles journey beginning with an overnight stay in Istanbul and proceeding to Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, and Nafplio in Greece and Kusadasi, Turkey. At Ephesus, the ancient Anatolian city that is today one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, guests will enjoy a concert by the Izmir Chamber Orchestra, featuring Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart and Brahms. Per-person fares start at $4,995.

Three Song of Flower Captains’ Cruise, Piraeus to Monte Carlo (October 25 to November 5)
In addition to being Regent Seven Seas captains, Dag Dvergastein, Knut Hanssen, and Jarle Jensen have another thing in common—all three were previously masters of the iconic luxury ship Song of Flower, once part of the fleet of Regent Seven Seas predecessor Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. Sailing across the Mediterranean from the Greek Isles to the French and Italian Rivieras, the voyage will call at Kusadasi and Marmaris in Turkey; Iraklio, Greece; Valletta, Malta; Ajaccio, Corsica; and Naxos, Sorrento, Civitavecchia, and Livorno in Italy before concluding in Monte Carlo. The three captains will host a series of special events for guests and will be joined by former Song of Flower staff members, including cruise director J.J., shore excursion manager Helen Harrison, and maitre d’hotel Patrick Lescoute. Another highlight of the voyage is an exclusive concert at Valletta’s Manoel Theater. Per-person rates start at $6,850.

President’s Cruise, Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia (November 5 to 15)
Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will host this 10-night voyage into antiquity, accompanying guests as they travel from Monte Carlo to Portofino and Livorno, Italy; Marseilles, France; Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Menorca, Spain; and Ajaccio, Corsica. Guests are invited to an after-hours private tour of the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. Other highlights include a complimentary organ concert at Palma de Mallorca’s Cathedral. Per-person rates start at $5,995.

Guests who purchase individual segments will enjoy one complimentary special event and benefits including free Economy or Business Class air (or $1,000/$3,000 cruise credit, respectively), depending on suite category purchased, plus the option to purchase up to 200 Euros per suite at a 1:1 exchange rate.

Guests who opt for the full 28-night voyage receive two-for-one pricing, free Business Class air (or $3,000 cruise credit), special shipboard events, and a commemorative gift. These guests will also have the option to purchase up to 800 Euros per suite from Regent Seven Seas at a 1:1 exchange rate. Per-person prices for the 28-night voyage range from $14,495 to $44,543.

For more information, call your travel agent or contract Regent Seven Seas at (877) 505-5370.

Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

New "Mind, Body & Spirit" Cruises from Crystal

Crystal Cruises has long focused on healthy options for its passengers, but the line is now introducing two new “Mind, Body & Spirit” cruises this December. The program will include lectures, classes, and workshops given by experts from The Cleveland Institute, Tai Chi Cultural Institute, and the line's exclusive Walk on Water program. The Mind, Body & Spirit focus is set for Crystal Symphony's December 7 South America voyage from Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile and Crystal Serenity's December 12 Panama Canal cruise from Caldera, Costa Rica to Miami.

"Our guests are active and inquisitive individuals looking to continue their healthy lifestyles while on vacation," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's vice president, hotel operations. "The sophisticated programming on the Mind, Body & Spirit cruises allows them to learn about the latest developments in health, fitness and well-being from top experts."

The guest experts will cover topics from medical treatment and prevention, to spiritual healing and growth through tai chi and yoga, to the physical and mental fulfillment of strenuous exercise. They include:

Crystal Symphony—"South American Sojourn”

* Donald Malone, M.D. —The Cleveland Clinic instructor and staff psychiatrist will speak about wellness in relation to mind, body and spirit;

* John McMichan, M.D.—Mayo Clinic staff physician specializing in Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology and Medical Education;

* Dr. Martin Lee and Emily Lee—Dr. Lee, a Stanford University physicist and his wife founded the Tai Chi Cultural Center in 1974, utilizing a pioneering approach to understand Tai Chi, health and the self;

* Debbie Rocker—Founder of Crystal's exclusive Walk on Water program featuring the WALKVEST Training System, revolutionizing walking by adding weight resistance;

* Richard Deutsch—Author of One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome, Deutsch has inhabited every continent, hiking his way through some of the most challenging areas of the world; and

* Cathy L. Greenberg, PhD—Dr. Greenberg delivers time-tested "happiness tips" and is the author What Happy Women Know, What Happy Companies Know; What Happy Parents Know and What Happy Leaders Know.


Crystal Serenity—"Caribbean Jewels"


* Jim Karras—Author of the bestseller The Business Plan for the Body Karras is also a fitness contributor on ABC's Good Morning America;

* Leslie Cho, M.D.—Director of The Cleveland Clinic's Women's cardiovascular center, Cho specializes in heart disease in women;

* Sandra Shaner—Certified by the Yoga Institute and a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, Shaner has been teaching yoga for more than 10 years;

* Mollie Epstein—Epstein oversees Crystal's exclusive Walk on Water program featuring The WALKVEST(r) Training System; and

• Jeff Corbett—Corbett, a member of the Tai Chi Cultural Center will conduct workshops utilizing Dr. Lee and Emily Lee's unique approach to the art.

Shoreside, Crystal is offering several opportunities for guests to expand their healthful horizons with Crystal Adventures shore excursions catering to its wellness-minded guests. A kayaking Eco-Adventure in Cabo San Lucas, a hike through Caldera's tropical rainforest, and "power" snorkeling in Grand Turk all challenge the body and mind, while a day's retreat to a tranquil resort and spa in St. Barts soothes the soul.

For more information, call your travel agent or contact Crystal Cruises at (888) 799-4625.