Merry Christmas! and Where Luxury Cruise Ships are Spending the Day

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all my cruise friends! I hope you spend the day with those nearest and dearest to you.

Just for the fun of it, here's a snapshot of where a few of my favorite cruise ships are spending the holiday. It's interesting to note that most cruise ships spend Christmas Day at sea.

American Safari Cruises Safari Explorer—Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Azamara Journey—sea day; cruising from Miami to Cartagena, Colombia
Azamara Quest—Bangkok, Thailand

Celebrity Eclipse—sea day, cruising from Labadee, Haiti to Miami
Celebrity Equinox—sea day, cruising from St. Maarten to Fort Lauderdale
Celebrity Solstice—sea day, cruising from St. Maarten to Fort Lauderdale

Crystal Serenity—sea day; cruising the Caribbean Sea
Crystal Symphony—sea day; cruising the Pacific Ocean (from Los Angeles to Maui)

Cunard Queen Elizabeth—sea day; cruising between Dominica and Barbados
Cunard Queen Mary 2—sea day; cruising between St. Maarten and Curacao
Cunard Queen Victoria—sea day; cruising between Gibraltar to Canary Islands

Oceania Insignia—Parati, Brazil
Oceania Nautica—sea day; cruising the Indian Ocean from Mauritius to Seychelles
Oceania Regatta—Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Paul Gauguin Cruises m/s Paul Gauguin—Moorea, Society Islands (French Polynesia)

Regent Seven Seas Mariner—sea day; cruising from Recife to Belem, Brazil
Regent Seven Seas Navigator—sea day; cruising from Cabo San Lucas to Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Regent Seven Seas Voyager—Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Seabourn Legend—sea day; cruising the Caribbean Sea
Seabourn Odyssey—sea day; cruising the Caribbean Sea
Seabourn Pride—Bangkok, Thailand
Seabourn Spirit—Bali, Indonesia
Seabourn Sojourn—sea day; transiting the Panama Canal

SeaDream Yacht Club SeaDream I—Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
SeaDream Yacht Club SeaDream II—Coconut Grove, Nevis

Silversea Prince Albert II—South Georgia, Antarctica
Silversea Silver Cloud—sea day; cruising between Virgin Gorda to Grenada
Silversea Silver Shadow—sea day; sailing Melbourne, Australia to Hobart, Tasmania
Silversea Silver Spirit—sea day; cruising the Caribbean Sea
Silversea Silver Whisper—sea day; cruising the Chilean Fjords
Silversea Silver Wind—sea day; cruising between Muscat, Oman to Salalah, Oman

Windstar Wind Spirit—sea day; cruising from St. Barts to St. Martin
Windstar Wind Star—sea day; cruising from Nicaragua to Costa Rica
Windstar Wind Surf—sea day; cruising from St. Kitts to Barbados

Happy holidays!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Follow Windstar Cruises on Twitter & Win Prizes!

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was fantastic because it started off with a message on Friday night announcing that I had won a prize package from Windstar Cruises in their holiday 2010 Twitter promotion!

I was absolutely thrilled! The photo at left shows the swag Windstar is giving away. I bought one of my favorite, comfy T-shirts on Wind Surf so I already know the quality of Windstar merchandise is very high.

If you'd like to win, all you need to do is follow Windstar Cruises on Twitter. Simply sign up for a Twitter account and then go to http://www.twitter.com/windstarcruises. Click on "Follow."

Then, you need to "RT" (retweet) Windstar's message about the contest. That will be your official entry. This is the text you should retweet:

"RT Let @WindstarCruises prepare you for the next adventure. Follow+RT this to win http://twitpic.com/3fmmqu this week! #HolidayCruise"

Thanks to Windstar Cruises for brightening my holiday season!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos courtesy of Windstar Cruises

2012 Escorted Trip to Antarctica Aboard Silversea Prince Albert II

Ngaire Keene and Ken Hutyra of Brown & Keene Travel will escort a group to Antarctica in January 2012 aboard Silversea's expedition ship, Prince Albert II. The cruise, from January 13–30, 2012, will visit the Falkland Islands, South George, and Antarctica.

Leonard and I traveled to South Africa with one of Ngaire and Ken's groups and it was fantastic! Browne & Keene are luxury cruise experts and have sailed aboard Prince Albert II several times. They can offer expert advice if you plan to book this itinerary or wish to join their escorted trip.

Their website contains tons of useful information, like cabin reports and photos, advice on what to wear, deck plans, flight information, Zodiac landing reviews, and more. Read about Browne & Keene's 2012 escorted Antarctica trip aboard Silversea's Prince Albert II.

Other Browne & Keene Escorted Trips

Regent Seven Seas Voyager Sydney to Beijing (February 23–March 20, 2011)

South Africa ROAR II Luxury Safari (May 18–June 3, 2011)

Regent Seven Seas Voyager Athens to Istanbul (June 17–29, 2011)

AMA Waterways Amakatarina Russian River (August 6–17, 2011)

Regent Seven Seas Voyager Southampton to Monte Carlo (August 19–September 2, 2011)

Regent Seven Seas Navigator Montreal to Fort Lauderdale (October 13–28, 2011)

Regent Seven Seas Voyager Rome to Fort Lauderdale (November 20–December 4, 2011)

Egypt Nile II land trip and river cruise (March 9–20, 2012)

All escorted trips are eligible for BK Rewards, a cash-back reward for booking with Browne & Keene Travel. The amount varies depending on the trip booked.

For more information, visit Browne & Keene's website or call 1-(800) 856-1155 or (972) 701-9292.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Luxury Cruise Lines to Raise Fares in 2011

Just a reminder that several luxury cruise lines plan to raise fares at the end of 2010. That means you've got just shy of two weeks to make plans at lower rates.

Silversea says it will raise rates on certain 2011 voyages but for now you can still snag some good deals. Here's a list of all Silversea special offers.

Perks on some Silversea voyages include...

• 60% off cruise fares
• $1,000 shore excursion credit
• roundtrip economy air and transfers
• $999 business-class upgrades
• reduced single supplements

Regent Seven Seas plans to raise cruise fares as of December 31, 2010. Peruse this list of Regent's current special rates.

Crystal Cruises is offering up to $3,000 per couple in savings on penthouse and verandah bookings. Also consider these other special Crystal fares. Reserve by December 31, 2010.

If you're thinking about booking a cruise for 2011 or 2012, now's the time to talk with your travel agent in order to take advantage of any last-minute savings offered in 2010.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo of Silver Spirit courtesy of Silversea

2012 Silversea Voyages Go On Sale Today, December 15, 2010

Calling all Silversea fans!

The cruise line is revealing its 2012 itineraries today. Head to Silversea.com and pour over the new voyages. Book with your travel agent or directly with Silversea.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Silversea

Two More Cruise Lines Join Twitter: American Safari Cruises and InnerSea Discoveries

Here's a quick tip for those of you on Twitter. American Safari Cruises and InnerSea Discoveries are both now tweeting! Follow @AmericanSafari and @InnerSeaD.

American Safari Cruises is a small ship yacht line sailing itineraries in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The line's three yachts include the 12-passenger Safari Spirit, the 22-passenger Safari Quest, and the 40-passenger Safari Explorer.

Beginning in October 2011, American Safari's Safari Explorer will offer 7- and 10-night inter-island cruises of Hawaii.

InnerSea Discoveries, operated by the principles of American Safari Cruises, dubs itself the "un-cruise adventure company." It operates two 49-passenger ships: the Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Adventurer. Both ships offer action-packed itineraries along Alaska's Inside Passage.

For more information about these cruise lines, talk with your travel agent or contact the cruise line's directly.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises

New Paul Gauguin Ship Review—Sailing French Polynesia

During the past five years, we've been lucky enough to cruise all over the world aboard dozens of luxury cruise ships. There are so many places we still need to check off our "must visit" list. Even so, French Polynesia is one destination that we both agree that we'd return to again and again.

If you're thinking about visiting Tahiti and the Society Islands, we whole-heartily recommend Paul Gauguin Cruises. You can read my review of the rebranded m/s Paul Gauguin at CruiseCritic.com.

"Paul Gauguin is not just a ship passing in the night. It calls upon these islands each and every day of its life. A cruise aboard PG will unlock the secrets of French Polynesia for you in ways that no other mode of travel can."

—from Andrea M. Rotondo's Paul Gauguin ship review for Cruise Critic

If my review piques your interest in Paul Gauguin Cruises, you may wish to sign up for the cruise line's December 14, 2010 live webinar.

Topic: Behind the Scenes of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Date: December 14, 2010

Time: 8pm Eastern • 7pm Central • 6pm Mountain • 5pm Pacific

Register for the Paul Gauguin Cruises webinar now.

We can't wait to return to the islands of French Polynesia!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Congratulations, Richard Bailey of Paul Gauguin Cruises!

Congratulations to Richard Bailey, CEO and President of Paul Gauguin Cruises! Today at the Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas—a trade show produced by Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Agent magazines—he'll be named the Cruise "Leader in Luxury" for 2010.

I was lucky enough to dine with Mr. Bailey on "Tahitian Night" during our 7-night Tahiti & Society Islands cruise last May. His dedication to the m/s Paul Gauguin and his hotel interests (InterContinental Tahiti, Moorea, and two properties in Bora Bora as well as Le Maitai Tahiti and Le Maitai Rangiroa) was impressive. His love of French Polynesia is infectious. I'm so happy that the luxury travel industry is commending Dick for his service to travelers from all over the world.

“Our Leaders in Luxury Awards Class of 2010 truly represent excellence in luxury travel service,” said Ruthanne Terrero, Vice President-Content/Editorial Director for The Travel and HotelWorldNetwork Group. “They are deserving recipients whose leadership, hard work, and dedication are unmatched while continually exemplifying innovation in their respective travel sectors.”

Richard Bailey and his company, Pacific Beachcomber, have 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian travel industry and the company is, in fact, the region's largest luxury hotel and cruise operator.

“At the end of the day, it’s about smiling faces," Bailey admits. "We at Pacific Beachcomber and Paul Gauguin Cruises strive to achieve luxury in a remote, authentic, and well-preserved environment here in the South Pacific, weaving in the Polynesian way of life.”

Paul Gauguin Cruises recently celebrated its one-year anniversary as part of the Pacific Beachcomber portfolio. Bailey has rallied the company to improve services aboard m/s Paul Gauguin and the ship recently received its highest survey results in its 14-year history, scoring 98.9% in excellence by guests of the August 7, 2010, sailing to Tahiti and the Society Islands.

Kudos to Richard Bailey and to everyone at Paul Gauguin Cruises and Pacific Beachcomber!

For rates and reservations for Paul Gauguin Cruises, contact your travel agent or PGC directly at 1-(800) 848-6172.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Thumbs-Down to Facebook-Only Travel Promos

And now, here's my Monday morning rant: I hate Facebook-only travel promotions!

I don't use Facebook and as much as my friends all tell me it's a great way to keep in touch with family and colleagues, I just don't seem to have the bandwidth to add yet one more social network to my daily routine. I tried it last spring and I pulled the plug after only a few days.

Fast-forward to Fall 2010: many, many travel companies seem to forget that not everyone is on Facebook. I've been disappointed a lot lately when I click on a link from a Twitter message expecting to see a cruise photo gallery or information about a trip to only get the loathed Facebook sign-in page. I don't want to join in order to access this information. Can't these companies also post it to their websites or blogs?

I know, I know. They're trying to leverage all types of social media and communications methods, but I feel that us Facebook-free individuals are losing out. Of course I can simply sign up for a FB account so I can take part in travel contests and other promos. I just don't want to. Bah, humbug!

For those of you who have adopted Facebook, any tips for how to minimize the message explosion from those you're connected to? Am I really missing the boat here? I'd love to hear from those who feel they can't live without Facebook. I need to be convinced!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Latest of South India Tour

Latest of South India Tour

New Explore Kerala Beauty

New Explore Kerala Beauty

Of West India Tour

Of West India Tour

New Mid-Voyage Land Excursions Launched by Silversea

On longer luxury cruises, you may be more inclined to embark on day-trip shore excursions or even spend a few days away from the ship in order to delve deeper into the region you're visiting. Silversea is making this easier to do in 2011 with the launch of seven new—and very cool!—mid-voyage land excursions.

According to Silversea, these single- and multiple-day inland adventures provide guests with a more intimate, in-depth, and personal encounter with the local people, history, wildlife, and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call.

"We continue to develop new programs that will allow our guests to enjoy authentic onshore experiences," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's associate vice president of air and land programs. "These mid-voyage adventures are carefully designed to take guests further into a specific region, giving them plenty of time to actively engage in its scenery, activities and cultural heritage."

Here's a snapshot of a few of the mid-voyage land adventures that are available from Silversea in 2011:

Kangaroo Island Luxury Eco Expedition—Widely regarded as Australia's Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is brimming with diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Enjoy luxurious accommodations at the Southern Ocean Lodge and a staff of naturalist guides to lead your exploration of the island's unique attractions. Memorable sightings might include kangaroos, rare Cape Barron Geese, koalas, and sea lions. To join this three-day adventure, guests disembark Silver Shadow in Adelaide and rejoin the ship in Melbourne. Priced at $4,799 per guest, the program is offered on Silver Shadow's January 19 voyage (#3102), sailing roundtrip from Sydney.

Australian Frontiers & Train Journey—Discover the heart of the Australian outback by rail aboard the glamorous Indian Pacific train as you watch unique landscapes unfold. Visit the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, then travel to Adelaide to enjoy a culinary and wine adventure that takes in the famous Barossa Valley. To join this six-day adventure, guests disembark Silver Shadow in Fremantle and rejoin the ship in Adelaide. Priced at $7,799 per guest, the program is offered on Silver Shadow's January 19 voyage (#3102), sailing roundtrip from Sydney.

The Great Ocean Road—Discover one of Australia's great scenic coastline drives. The road was built by some 3,000 returning servicemen and dedicated as a memorial to those killed in World War I. The Great Ocean Road passes through diverse and dramatic scenery with breathtaking mountain ranges, rainforests, national parks, historic ports, and the famous Twelve Apostles, the craggy limestone stacks that rise from the Southern Ocean. This 12-hour program, priced at $269 per guest, is offered on Silver Shadow's January 19 sailing (#3102) and Silver Spirit's voyage of February 12 (#5105). Guests depart from Geelong and rejoin the ship in Melbourne.

Principality of Andorra—Venture into the eastern Pyrenees and visit the tiny, landlocked Principality of Andorra. Although only about half the size of New York City, Andorra comprises a region of seven narrow valleys and is hemmed in by mountain peaks reaching more than 8,800 feet (2,700 meters). This one-and-a-half-day package, priced at $999 per guest, is offered on Silver Spirit's May 3 sailing (#5110) from Athens to Southampton. Guests depart from and rejoin the ship in Barcelona.

Inverlochy Castle & Scottish Highlands—Enjoy a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the legends and lore of the Scottish Highlands and discover what is considered by many to be Scotland's most stunning scenery and important historic sites. A visit to a well-known distillery offers a taste of Scotland's best-known national spirit, malt whiskey. This two-day package, priced at $1,899 per guest, is offered on Silver Cloud voyages of June 25 and August 26 (#1118 and 1123). Participants will depart and rejoin the ship in two different ports, Edinburgh (Leith) and Invergordon, as determined by the voyage itinerary.

Solovki: Pearl of the Russian North—Take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit Big Solovetsky Island, once a former Soviet gulag and today known as the "Pearl of the Russian North." Visit the famous Solovetsky Kremlin and learn the history of the monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 12-hour adventure, priced at $1,299 per guest, is offered on Silver Cloud's July 30 voyage (#1121), sailing roundtrip from Copenhagen. Guests depart from and rejoin the ship in Archangel.

Arequipa & Colca Valley—The great Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa called it the "Valley of Wonders," a land of imposing, snow-capped volcanoes, deep gorges, agricultural terraces, remote traditional villages, and some of Peru's most celebrated wildlife—llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, and the rare Andean condor. This three-day package, priced at $1,829 per guest, is offered on Silver Whisper's December 20 sailing (#4137) from Santiago to Fort Lauderdale. Guests depart from Matarani and rejoin the ship in Callao.

Expedition Antarctica—For most globe trekkers, this is the ultimate destination. Fly by chartered aircraft to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsula and discover the many natural wonders of the world's last pristine wilderness. Memorable sightings might include penguins, seals, and whales. This 13-hour adventure, priced from $6,899 to $6,959, is offered from Punta Arenas, Chile on Silver Whisper voyages of January 20 and December 4 (#4102 and 4136).

Camp Jabulani—Indulge your senses in this tailor-made adventure trip to Camp Jabulani, set within the Kapama Private Game Reserve of Kruger National Park. Highlights include a ride through the bush atop an elephant's back and an open-vehicle game drive through prime big-game territory that supports elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, and other species. This three-day package, priced at $4,999, is offered on Silver Wind voyages of February 10, 20 and March 2 (#2104, 2105 and 2106). Guests depart from Richards Bay and rejoin the ship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Futuristic Brasilia—Visit Brazil's capital and you'll discover a fascinating city designed for the twenty-first century, a masterpiece of modernist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brazil's finest designers, architects, and artists were commissioned to create Brasilia's monuments and buildings, which attract architecture aficionados worldwide. This three-day adventure, priced at $1,699, is offered on Silver Whisper's November 8 sailing (#4134) from Fort Lauderdale to Rio de Janeiro. Guests depart from Fortaleza and rejoin the ship in Salvador.

The prices listed above are per person, based on double occupancy. The optional mid-voyage land programs feature deluxe accommodations (if overnight stays are required), all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing, and some meals.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Silversea directly at 1-(877) 215-9986.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Porthole Cruise Magazine Annouces 12th Annual Readers' Choice Winners

Porthole Cruise Magazine has been running its annual Readers' Choice Awards for the past 12 years and the 2010 results are now in.

The survey includes dozens of categories, but the awards are mainly geared to the mass market cruise lines. Still, luxury favorites like Yachts of Seabourn, Silversea, and Paul Gauguin Cruises get nods, as do premium cruise lines Oceania Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, and Windstar Cruises.

And the winners are...

Best Small Ship (fewer than 500 passengers)
Seabourn Odyssey—Yachts of Seabourn

Best Medium-Sized Ship (between 500 and 2,000 passengers)
Azamara Journey—Azamara Club Cruises

Best River Cruise
Viking River Cruises

Best Luxury Line
Yachts of Seabourn

Best Expedition Cruise Line
Lindblad Expeditions

Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Line
Holland America Line

Best Shore Excursions
Holland America Line

Best Private Island
Half Moon Cay—Holland America Line

Best Megaship (at least 2,000 passengers)
Oasis of the Seas—Royal Caribbean

Best Tall Ship
Royal Clipper—Star Clippers

Best Value-for-the-Money Line
Carnival Cruise Lines

Most Family-Oriented Line
Disney Cruise Line

Most Romantic Cruise Line
Windstar Cruises

Best Short-Duration Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line

Best One-Day Cruise
Discovery Cruise Line

Best Adventure Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean

Best Onboard Activities
Royal Caribbean

Best Main Dining Room Cuisine
Celebrity Cruises

Best Casinos
Carnival Cruise Lines

Best Spa Facilities
Royal Caribbean

Best Medical Facilities
Holland America Line

Best Service
Silversea Cruises

Best Onboard International Experience
MSC Cruises

Best Adults-Only Onboard Options
Celebrity Cruises

Best Accommodations
Yachts of Seabourn

Best Onboard Educational Programs
Cunard Line

Best Alternative Restaurants
Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Computer Facilities
Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Onboard Shopping
Princess Cruises

Best Children's Programs
Disney Cruise Line

Best Entertainment
Carnival Cruise Lines

Best Theme Cruises
Carnival Cruise Lines

Best Web Site
Carnival Cruise Lines
Best Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers
Holland America Line

Best Caribbean Itineraries
Royal Caribbean

Best Mexican Riviera Itineraries
Carnival Cruise Lines

Best Central America Itineraries
Holland America line

Best South America Itineraries
Oceania Cruises

Best South Pacific Itineraries
Paul Gauguin Cruises

Best Trans-Atlantic Itineraries
Cunard Line

Best Africa/Middle East Itineraries
Costa Cruises

Best Bermuda Itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Canada/New England Itineraries
Holland America Line

Best Alaska Itineraries
Holland America Line

Best Hawaii Itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Mediterranean Itineraries
Costa Cruises

Best Northern Europe Itineraries
Holland America Line

Best Asia/Pacific Itineraries
Silversea Cruises

Best World Cruise Itineraries
Cunard Line

Best Australia/New Zealand Itineraries
Princess Cruises

To subscribe to the magazine, visit Porthole Cruise Magazine's website.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Logo courtesy of Porthole Cruise Magazine

Seabourn Pride and Legend to Spend More Time in Southeast Asia in 2012

The latest news from Seabourn is that it has tinkered with the first quarter 2012 schedules of two of its yachts—Pride and Legend—in order to offer more Southeast Asian itineraries. The yachts will spend more time in Cambodia and Indonesia.

Having just returned from Indonesia myself, I can tell you that this region is perfect for cruising. Seabourn's intimate yachts visit places most mega cruise ships just can't access. Pamela Conover, Seabourn President and CEO concurs, saying, “Southeast Asia has been a perennial favorite of our guests for many years, because our yachts can take them places that are difficult to visit otherwise.”

These itineraries will afford you the opportunity to explore exotic ports of call without having to worry about flying in on a puddle jumper or arriving by local ferry. If you haven't yet visited this part of Southeast Asia, these new Seabourn itineraries are tough to beat.

The 208-guest Seabourn Pride, which had been scheduled to sail 12-day cruises of Vietnam and Thailand between Hong Kong and Bangkok, will instead sail between Hong Kong and Singapore on five 14-day voyages that will each include a call at the up-and-coming beach resort community of Sihanoukville in Cambodia.

Departure dates are scheduled between January 4 and March 14, 2012. The revised schedule also includes one 14-day voyage departing February 15, 2012, and sailing round trip from Singapore to Penang, Phuket, Langkawi, Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, the Malaysian metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, and more.



Seabourn Legend will start 2012 sailing among the islands of the Indonesian Archipelago, on 10- and 12-day itineraries between Singapore and Bali that include hard-to-reach places such as Komodo, Sumba, Flores, Gili Sudak, and Kura Kura. Five departures are scheduled between January 3 and February 16, 2012.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact the Yachts of Seabourn directly at 1-(800) 929-9391.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Tuesday Tip: Twitter Handles for Cruise Lines & Travel Experts

This holiday season, it pays to follow as many travel twitter pages as possible. These travel websites and travel providers run contests from time to time. In the past year on Twitter I've won items ranging from lightweight luggage to guidebooks to American Airlines Admirals Club lounge passes.

Even when tweeters aren't giving away swag, you're sure to benefit from useful information, links to cruise and resort reviews, and inside access to bonefide travel tips.

Here's a list of the best travel tweeters on Twitter these days.

Cruise Line Twitter Handles

Abercrombie & Kent - @AKTravel_USA
Aqua Expeditions - @AquaExpeditions
Azamara Club Cruises - @AzamaraVoyages
Carnival Cruise Line - @CarnivalCruise
Celebrity Cruises UK - @CelebrityUK
Crystal Cruises - @crystalcruises
Cunard - @cunardline
Disney Cruise Line - @DisneyCruise
Holland America - @HALcruises
Lindblad Expeditions - @LindbladExp
MSC Cruises - @MSCCruisesUSA
Norwegian Cruise Line - @NCLFreestyle
Oceania Cruises - @CruiseOceania
Paul Gauguin Cruises - @PaulGauguin
Princess Cruises - @PrincessCruises
Royal Caribbean - @OasisandAllure
SeaDream Yacht Club - @seadreamyc
Silversea - @silversea
Uniworld - @UniworldCruises
Viking River Cruises - @vikingriver
Windstar Cruises - @cruisewindstar
Yachts of Seabourn - @SeabournCruise

Travel Magazines, Websites, & Newspaper Coverage

About Cruises - @AboutCruises
Afar - @AfarMedia
Avid Cruiser - @AvidCruiser
Cruise Critic - @CruiseCritic
Cruise Diva - @CruiseDiva
Cruise International - @cruisemag
Cruise Passenger - @CruisePax
Islands Magazine - @islandsmagazine
Porthole Cruise Magazine - @PortholeCruise
USA Today's Cruise Log - @CruiseLog

Luxury Travel Experts

Andrew Harper Hideaway Report - @HarperTravel
The Gallivanter's Guide - @Gallivanters

Hotels & Resorts

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts - @FourSeasons
Hilton Hotels & Resorts - @HiltonOnline
Hyatt - @HyattConcierge
InterContinental Hotels Group - @IHG_Deals
Mandarin Oriental - @mo_hotels
Marriott Resorts - @MarriottResorts
Priority Club - @priorityclub
Ritz-Carlton - @RitzCarlton
Starwood Hotels - @StarwoodBuzz

Travel Accessories

First Ascent/Eddie Bauer - @FirstAscent
Magellan's Travel - @magellanstravel
ScotteVest Travel Clothing - @scottevest

Who are your favorite travel tweeters? Post a comment and let me know.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

The Best of 2011: A Luxury Cruise for Each Month of Next Year

With 2011 just a month away, many of us are reviewing our upcoming cruise plans for next year. If I could wrangle an unlimited amount of vacation time—or could figure out how to bring our two Bearded Collies with us on these adventures!—the 12 cruises I'd take are listed below.

They range from island strongholds like the Maldives, Hawaii, Galapagos, and French Polynesia to Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, Norway, South Africa, and Alaska.

Which are your must-cruise itineraries for 2011?

12 Fantastic Luxury Cruises for 2011

JANUARY 29, 2011
Paul Gauguin Cruises (m/s Paul Gauguin)
11-Night Cook Islands & Society Islands
Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti
Day 2 Huahine
Day 3 at sea
Day 4 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Day 5 Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Day 6 at sea
Day 7 Bora Bora
Day 8 Bora Bora
Day 9 Taha'a (Motu Mahana)
Day 10 Moorea
Day 11 Moorea / Papeete, Tahiti
Day 12 Papeete, Tahiti

Why this cruise? We sailed with Paul Gauguin Cruises last May and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places on earth and Paul Gauguin Cruises has the expertise to show you the hidden gems. We sailed a seven-night itinerary last time around and it wasn't long enough. Next time, I'll go for the eleven-night Cook and Society Islands combo cruise.


FEBRUARY 7, 2011
Four Seasons (Four Seasons Explorer)
7-Night Maldivian Circuit Cruise
This cruise begins on North Male Atoll, Maldives at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and sails to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru on Baa Atoll.

Why this cruise? The Maldives, gorgeous coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, are on my bucket list. The Four Seasons has two exquisite properties in the archipelago as well as a luxury yacht, the Four Seasons Explorer.


MARCH 2, 2011
Silversea (Silver Wind)
10-Night Cape Town, South Africa Round-Trip
Day 1 Cape Town, South Africa
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 East London, South Africa
Day 4 at sea
Day 5 Maputo, Mozambique
Day 6 Richards Bay, South Africa
Day 7 Richards Bay, South Africa
Day 8 Durban, South Africa
Day 9 Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Day 10 Mossel Bay, South Africa
Day 11 Cape Town, South Africa

Why this cruise? We love the crew aboard Silversea ships. The butlers, stewards, bartenders, and waitstaff always strike the right balance of attentive yet friendly service. Likewise, the passenger mix makes it easy to find like-minded dinner companions. Finally, this is a fantastic itinerary for anyone who loves South Africa. These are fantastic ports with no shortage of excellent shore excursions on offer.


APRIL 30, 2011
Cunard (Queen Elizabeth)
5-Night Getaway Voyage
Day 1 Southampton, UK
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 3 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 4 Zeebrugge, Belgium
Day 5 Le Havre, France
Day 6 Southampton, UK

Why this cruise? This is Cunard's newest ocean liner and, to be honest, we've never sailed with this line. It may turn out to be too formal for our liking, but I think every cruise fanatic should sail with Cunard at least once. This five-night itinerary hits some fun ports like Amsterdam, Netherlands and Zeebrugge, Belgium.


MAY 9, 2011
Crystal Cruises (Crystal Symphony)
12-Night Northern Lights
Day 1 San Francisco
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 Victoria, British Columbia
Day 4 Victoria, British Columbia
Day 5 at sea
Day 6 Sitka, Alaska
Day 7 Juneau, Alaska
Day 8 Skagway, Alaska
Day 9 at sea
Day 10 Ketchikan, Alaska
Day 11 at sea
Day 12 at sea
Day 13 San Francisco

Why this cruise? Alaska is one of our favorite cruise destinations and it's nice to see these ports without sacrificing luxury. Crystal Cruises offers up some of the best dining at sea and that's another thing that makes this itinerary so appealing.


JUNE 18, 2011
Azamara Club Cruises (Azamara Journey)
7-Night Spain and Portugal Cruise
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain
Day 2 Ibiza, Spain
Day 3 Ibiza, Spain
Day 4 Granada (Motril), Spain
Day 5 Gibraltar, UK
Day 6 Seville (Cadiz), Spain
Day 7 Lisbon, Portugal
Day 8 Lisbon, Portugal

Why this cruise? Plain and simple: it's the chance to sail the Strait of Gibraltar.


JULY 29, 2011
Oceania Cruises (Marina)
12-Night Treasures of the Continent
Day 1 London (Dover), UK
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 3 Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium
Day 4 Paris (Honfleur), France
Day 5 St. Peter Ports (Guernsey), UK
Day 6 Saint-Malo, France
Day 7 Pont-Aven (Concarneau), France
Day 8 Bordeaux (Le Verdon), France
Day 9 Bordeaux (Le Verdon), France
Day 10 Biarritz (Saint-Jean-de-Luz), France
Day 11 Santander, Spain
Day 12 at sea
Day 13 London (Dover), UK

Why this cruise? Oceania Marina makes its debut in January 2011 and the ship will still have that new ship feel for this summertime cruise. The itinerary is spectacular with stops in Saint-Mao and Bordeaux, France.


AUGUST 14, 2011
Yachts of Seabourn (Seabourn Sojourn)
9-Night Norwegian Fjords
Day 1 Copenhagen, Denmark
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 Flaam, Norway
Day 4 Aalesund, Norway
Day 5 Olden, Norway
Day 6 Bergen, Norway
Day 7 Stavanger, Norway
Day 8 Oslo, Norway
Day 9 at sea
Day 10 Copenhagen, Denmark

Why this cruise? You've got a trifecta with this one: a terrific Norwegian itinerary, the beautiful Seabourn Sojourn mega-yacht, and an end-of-the-summer embarkation date.


SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
SeaDream Yacht Club (SeaDream II)
7-Night Venice, Italy to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 1 Venice, Italy
Day 2 Rab, Croatia
Day 3 Split and Hvar, Croatia
Day 4 Hvar, Croatia
Day 5 Korcula, Croatia
Day 6 Kotor, Montenegro
Day 7 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 8 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Why this cruise? SeaDream is one of our favorite cruise lines (best gourmet cuisine at sea and super-friendly crew) and we've been wanting to get back to Croatia since we visited Hvar last summer.


OCTOBER 10, 2011
Orion Expeditions (Orion II)
7-Night Gulf of Siam Explorer
Day 1 Singapore
Day 2 Tioman Island, Malaysia
Day 3 Kuala Terrangganu, Malaysia
Day 4 At sea
Day 5 Ko Samui, Thailand
Day 6 Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
Day 7 Ko Kut, Thailand
Day 8 Bangkok

Why this cruise? Orion II is new to the line's fleet and recently underwent a major refurbishment. This expedition line combines attentive service with offbeat ports of call. We love Southeast Asia and I can't imagine more compelling destinations than those in Malaysia and Thailand that are visited during Orion's "Gulf of Siam Explorer" cruise.


NOVEMBER 14, 2011
American Safari Cruises (Safari Explorer)
7-Night Hawaiian Seascapes
Day 1 Lahaina, Maui
Day 2 Molokai
Day 3 Molokai
Day 4 Lanai
Day 5 Molokini
Day 6 Ka Lae, Big Island
Day 7 Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Day 8 Kona, Big Island

Why this cruise? American Safari Cruises is an American company with an all-American crew. This small business has always impressed us and I'd sail anywhere with this outfit.


DECEMBER 2, 2011
Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic Endeavour)
10-Night Galapagos Islands
Day 1 Guayaquil, Ecuador
Day 2 Guayaquil / Galapagos / Baltra
Day 3 Floreana
Day 4 Isabela / Fernandina
Day 5 Santa Cruz
Day 6 Santa Cruz
Day 7 Bartolome / Santiago
Day 8 Espanola
Day 9 Baltra / Guayaquil
Day 10 Guayaquil

Why this cruise? Are you on Lindblad's mailing list? If not, get on it. The cruise catalogs are packed with photos of up-close and personal animal encounters in the Galapagos. I listened in on a recent Lindblad webinar and I hope we can make time for a trip to the Galapagos Islands soon.

Comment on this post and let us know where you're cruising in 2011.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos © Leonard Hospidor

Win a Cruise - Sweepstakes to Enter

Here's a roundup of a few current sweepstakes in which you can win a cruise vacation.

Cruise Critic's "15th Anniversary" Sweepstakes
Prize: Celebrity Summit 7-night cruise to Bermuda (prize does not include airfare)
Deadline: 11/30/2010

TLC "Voyage to Alaska" Sweepstakes
Prize: 7-day cruise from Vancouver, BC, Canada to Seward, Alaska for the winner and up to three family members
Deadline: 12/10/2010

Viking River Cruises' "Win a Rhine Getaway River Cruise" Sweepstakes
Prize: Rhine River cruise for two with roundtrip coach airfare
Deadline: 12/17/2010

Royal Caribbean's "Your Ticket to Entertainment: Allure of the Seas" Sweepstakes
Prize: Caribbean cruise for two, roundtrip coach airfare, $1,000 spending money, and two onboard Coca-Cola beverage cards
Deadline: 12/31/2010

Holland America "7- to 10-Day Cruise for Two" Sweepstakes
Prize: 7- to 10-day cruise for two aboard a Holland America ship departing in 2011
Deadline: March 31, 2011

Enter them all and then cross your fingers! Good luck!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Paul Gauguin Black Friday Sale On Until December 10, 2010

Did you snag a cruise travel deal on Black Friday? If not, there's still time to take advantage of the two-week sale from Paul Gauguin Cruises. The company operates the much-beloved m/s Paul Gauguin, which sails French Polynesia year-round.

Sale prices are valid on select 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands itineraries ($3,997 per person) as well as 7-night Tahiti & Society Island cruises ($3,397–$3,647 per person).

The reduced rate is based on the cruise line's previously advertised offer of 50% off standard cruise fares. Additionally, these specials also include free airfare from Los Angeles.

Travel dates are...

March 5, May 14, or June 18, 2011 for the Cook Islands & Society Islands 11-night itinerary
or
April 2, April 9, June 4, or June 11, 2011 for the Tahiti & Society Islands 7-night itinerary.

See our previous Paul Gauguin Cruises coverage, including daily blog posts from a 7-night Tahiti & Society Islands itinerary.

For more information about this sale, talk with your travel agent (I recommend Brown & Keene Travel, who are exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to Paul Gauguin itineraries) or contact PGC directly at 1-(800) 848-6172.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

New Vellore, City of Spears

Vellore (State: TamilNadu) is at a distance 145 kms from Chennai in one direction and in another direction 215 kms from Bangalore. We started from Bangalore in the morning and reached this place in the early afternoon. The city has prominent colleges, ancient temples and one of the best hospitals in India (Christian Medical College & Hospital). (Click on the images for bigger view)

The name 'Vellore' in local language means 'City of Spears'. Ancient history shows that, this place was basically a battle field and it was always left with the abandoned weapons like spears throughout the year. It was the seat of power for various dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, Nayak, Marathas. The major tourist attractions here are:

New India Gate and Rajpath

Situated along the ceremonial Rajpath avenue in New Delhi, India Gate is a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and World War I. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. The cenotaph (or shrine) in the middle is constructed with black marble and depicts a rifle placed on its barrel, crested by a soldier's helmet. Each face of the cenotaph has inscribed in gold the words Amar Jawan (in Hindi, meaning Immortal Warrior). The green lawns at India Gate are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike.

Delhi Tourist Attractions

Modern Delhi centres around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area conceived by Lutyens does not fade in its charm with the numerous summers or winters that go past.

Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the Governor General of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Viceregal Lodge, the name was changed in 1959 after India became a republic. Now it is the Presidential Palace of India.

Thanksgiving Day Menu Aboard SeaDream I and II

Being foodies ourselves, we really appreciate cruise lines that pay attention to every detail of a menu—whether it's a hearty breakfast platter, grill lunch, or seven-course holiday meal.

My husband and I both agree that the best gourmet cuisine at sea can be found aboard SeaDream Yacht Club's two mega-yachts: SeaDream I and SeaDream II.

This is an entree we enjoyed aboard SeaDream II on our cruise in January 2010.

The line's executive chef Sudesh Kishore takes holiday menus seriously and recently shared highlights of what guests will be served today on Thanksgiving with SeaDream I in Nevis and SeaDream II in St. Barts.

SeaDream's Thanksgiving Menu

• Starter: homemade terrine de foie gras with pear compote, black truffle dressing, and toasted brioche
  
  
• Soup: creamy lobster bisque infused with cognac or a cream of pumpkin soup
  
  
• Entree: slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, gravy, cranberry-orange relish, asparagus, and mashed potatoes
  
  
• Alternative main dishes: Dover sole meuniere or grilled jumbo tiger prawns "Caribbean style"
  
  
• Desserts: apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pear and chocolate strudel with vanilla rum sauce, and homemade ice cream and sorbet

Yum! Here's to a happy holiday, everyone!

For more information about SeaDream Yacht Club, talk with your travel agent or contact the cruise line directly at 1-(800) 707-4911.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Take a Holidays Tour to Beautiful Villages

Santorini Beaches

Santorini, officially known as the "Pyramid" is one of the most famous Cycladic islands and is located in the beautiful Aegean Sea about 200 km southeast of Athens, Greece. Santorini is a small island with an area of 76 square kilometers and a population of about 8,500 to 10,000 residents. Her coast about 70 km long. Santorini length reaches 18 km. The extent of 2-6 km range. There are many things to visit and experience in Santorini. Among all the other tourist destinations, Santorini Villages is more remarkable and unforgettable experience for the people who put your whole life.

Santorini is a beautiful village and the heart of the most popular because of their unique characteristics and differentiated appearance. Whitewashed houses with blue windows and doors, blue domed churches, extraordinary scenery, sunsets wild volcanic cliffs, historic monuments, blue sea, beautiful beaches and pleasant climate conditions of the several reasons which Santorini is known as the most popular destination for holidays and festivals around the world.

The villages of Santorini Island is considered the most beautiful villages in Greece. Approximately eighteen villages communicated well developed for tourists. In between each IRA, OIA and Kamari three villages which are the most popular tourist is always full.

Grease - the Capital of Santorini

Ira town is the capital of Santorini island, which stuck close to the cliff at an altitude of 260 meters, and offers a pictorial representation of the largest underwater volcano. Ira is located 10 km from the port Athinios. This is regarded as one of the most beautiful and developed among all villages with about 2000 permanent residents.

Oil settlement extends from the explosion of tourism. Along with Firostefani and Imerovigli, the fat forms a large village on the cliff, offers many places to stay, drink, eat and enjoy the scenery. Oil roads will be filled with jewelry shops and wonderful life, shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Maybe you feel calm and very small church and the Museum of Archaeology. Ira tourist destination for both tourists and cruise ship port to most.

OIA Santorini Villages

OIA is the most beautiful villages and a beautiful view of Santorini, located about 11 km from the IRA. Because it depends from the top of the cliff on the north side of the island was interesting, can offer a view of sunset, where the sun sank in the sea.

OIA beautiful and traditional village houses are equipped with an attractive, blue domed churches and sun porch to enjoy. Its narrow streets have lots of tourist shops, pubs, cafes, and more. He has attracted visitors and artists to sit in an art gallery, stunning scenery and restaurants with delicious and elegant shopping. Can visit the Maritime Museum with a small library and exhibition of marine life in this area. By bringing down the 300 stairs to the harbor and beaches OIA Ammoudi Armenis you can also take a boat to Thirasia.

Maldives Resorts Idea

Luxury Maldives Resorts

Maldives resorts are different from other resorts all over the world. Resorts in Maldives are truly magical because in addition to excellent accommodation.
These resorts also feature swimming pools, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, Bungalow on stilts, Gyms, Water sports, badminton and football grounds, water skiing, snorkeling and spas.

Exotic Accommodation in Resorts

Maldives resorts provide wonderful accommodation facilities for the guests. These resorts are usually set on the beachfront and are full of space and light. The resorts provide a wide selection of luxury, business, tourist, budget and apartment accommodation.
The resorts in the Maldives are blessed with courtyards, which have fountains and secluded corners where you can wine and dine peacefully.
Surrounded by tropical gardens, the villas offer oceanfront living with the gentle caress of the sea winds on your face and seawater on your doorsteps. The spacious interiors of the rooms produce an elegant blend of luxury and natural harmony in a contemporary Maldivian style.

Wonderful Activities in Resorts
Resorts in Maldives offer an array of activities in their own swimming pools and private lounges. The activities include beach volley, fishing, snorkeling, water skiing, catamaran sailing, parasailing, scuba diving, canoeing, wind surfing, tennis, soccer and island hopping. Another exhilarating sport includes kite-boarding, which makes your heart beat faster as you surf through spacious lagoons and through waist deep water.

Exquisite Spas in Resorts
The Maldives resorts have spas, which offer a series of rejuvenating and holistic treatments to provide calm of mind and body. In the sensuous spa environments, your senses are soothed and tired nerves are calmed. There are many ways to rejuvenate your inner and outer self here, ranging from refreshing effects of aromatherapy to heavenly massages amidst sweet floral scents.

Bali Nusa Penida Dive Site, Dive spots In Bali Indonesia

Blue Corner Point

The site offers a sloping reef with terrace at 20 to 30m. The current here is usually stronger than at other places (it may reach 3 to 4 knots). Consider it as one of the best places to see Sun Fish. The marine life is similar to SD Point but not as rich.
Toyapakeh Point
This is a very nice spot as it is protected from swell and current. Although the current is sometimes strong, usually it is negotiable. Many Blue trigger fishes at some point and near the Pontoon, there are usually many Giant Trevally. The shallow area is excellent for snorkeling. Some encounters with big pelagic is common.

Dive Site in Nusa Penida Bali

SD Point
With a strong current flow in the area, generally there are many Anthias around, sometimes big fishes like Giant Trevally, Sharks and if you are lucky, the Sun Fish (the season for sun fish is between July to September). The dive site is stretched over kilometers, along the north coast of Penida Island .
Sampalan Point
The site is located on the north side of Lembongan, the marine life is similar to SD Point with some high lights of underwater structure that is quite different. Some sloping is full of soft coral with reef fish hover to get some nutrient from the rich water.

Nusa Penida is the largest of 3 islands (the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan). The water here is fairly cold (because of the ocean currents) but often startlingly clear, with gorgeous corals and prolific fish, with some turtle, shark (including grey reefs and silver-tips) and – Aug-Sep – Mola-Mola (the weird and wonderful Sunfish).

Bali Nusa Penida Dive Site, Dive spots In Bali Indonesia

New Bahamas Vacation at Pink Sands Resort

Pink Sands Resort is located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, 50 miles east of Nassau. The resort is 20 minutes away from the North Eleuthera International Airport by car and water taxi. North Eleuthera International Airport is serviced from Nassau and other gateways by both scheduled and charter service.

Pink Sands Resort on Harbour Island is a Bahamas vacation getaway, 50 miles east of Nassau. This 18-acre celebrity hideaway offers a combination of luxury, privacy and natural beauty. Harbour Island's sandy beach, sheltered by a barrier reef, is made up of red coral mixed with white sand, giving it a pink tone.

The island is only 3.5 miles long and half a mile wide with a resident population of just 2,000. Many of the buildings on the island date from the early 19th century. The best way to get around the island is by bicycle or golf cart.

Pink Sands offers 25 secluded cottages decorated with sensual Moroccan, Indian and Balinese influences. This luxury Caribbean resort is surrounded with blue waters and the sound of birds, making it a perfect romantic getaway.

The 21 one-bedroom cottages measure 1,000 square feet is size, while the 4 two-bedroom cottages offer 2,000 square feet of space. Guest rooms have central air-conditioning, full bathrooms with Aveda products and private outdoor patios with teak furniture.

The hotel has a freshwater pool, three tennis courts, an exercise studio and a beach restaurant and bar. Snorkeling equipment and boogie boards are made available to guests.

The two restaurants at the resort serve Caribbean-International cuisine. Breakfast and dinner are served at the the Garden Terrace Restaurant, a romantic open-air restaurant with teak furniture and private candlelit corners. The Blue Bar is located on the beach and is open daily for lunch and cool drinks.