Cruise Ship Dress Code Uproar & the Yachts of Seabourn

Every luxury cruise line and cruise ship is grappling with the "great dress code debate" these days. What exactly is the debate all about? Many longtime cruisers love dressing up for formal night and look forward to one or more upscale events per cruise. Other guests, however, are asking cruise lines to loosen up on the rules of formality.

The Yachts of Seabourn just announced a significant change to its formal night policy. (The new rules will make their debut across the Seabourn fleet soon.)

• No black tie optional nights on cruises that are eight nights are shorter
• 1 black tie optional evening on cruises that are 9–13 nights
• 2 black tie optional nights on cruises that are 14–20 nights
• 3 black tie optional events on cruises that are 21 nights or longer

On those special "black tie optional" evenings, men are asked to wear tuxedos or dark-colored suits and women generally wear gowns or stylish cocktail dresses. The Restaurant hosts this gala while guests who wish to dress down (to the Elegant Casual category) are invited to dine at Restaurant 2, The Colonnade, or the Patio Grill).

My husband and I were thrilled to hear about this change. However, I completely understand that many cruisers love dressing up. I think they should continue dressing in whatever manner makes them most comfortable. I know couples who dress up every night for dinner while cruising. Others prefer Elegant Casual most of the time. Each traveler should do what works for them.

I do not think that the new dress code "dumbs down" the Seabourn experience. On the contrary, I think the cruise line will find that it attracts a new demographic of travelers who were afraid Seabourn would be too stodgy for them. I believe these new-to-cruising individuals will be a refreshing addition to Seabourn's passenger complement. After all, anyone who can afford Seabourn's price point knows how to dress smartly for dinner—formal night or not.

What do you think about Seabourn's new black tie optional plans?

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Gujari Mahal, Gwalior

Gujari Mahal is a palace inside the Gwalior Fort. This palace is at a lower region near the base of the fort. It was built by Tomar ruler Man Singh in 1486-1516 for his queen Mrignayani. Rectangular in shape, it measures 71m x 60m. There is a courtyard surrounded by 28 rectangular rooms. On all four corners there are cenotaphs. Entire palace is decorated with color tiles. (Click on the image for bigger picture)

In 1920, the palace is converted int0 a museum. The galleries of the museum display the archeological heritage of the period from B.C. to 17th A.D. The exhibits include stone idols, bronze idols, inscriptions, miniature paintings, terracotta figures, coins and arms and armories.

Timing of this museum is from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily except Monday.

Sun Temple, Gwalior

Actually we started the sight seeing at Gwalior by first visiting this temple and then moved on to see the heritage sites in and around the city. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

It is located 5 kms from city center. This is a very new temple and was constructed in 1988. It is inspired by architecture of the famous Konark Temple in Orissa.

The exterior of temple uses red stone while the interior uses white marble. There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple. The carvings on the exterior of the temple depict various Hindu Gods and they have been carved beautifully.

Even though this temple is pretty new it attracts lot of visitors. The temple premises has a beautiful garden and is a nice place to relax.

To see other ruby participants at: Ruby Tuesday

Sister Rocks, Hampi

Hampi is a rock garden where you will see rocks for miles as far as your eyes can gaze. One can see rocks of all sizes and shapes all around. Some of them have given shape to construct beautiful temples and carvings. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

There are two such natural rocks which have been not given any shape and they can be seen even today as they were from ages. These rocks can be seen on the way to Kamalapur, which is 4 kms away from Hampi . The interesting aspect of these Sister Rocks (popularly known as Akka – Thangi Betta) is they lean against each other and touch each other only at the top tip. Local legend has it that two sisters were walking towards Hampi and the were very tired and the weather was very dry. As a result they insulted Hampi and they were cursed to become rocks.

2010 New York Times Travel Show in New York Next Weekend

I don't know about you, but this time of year is always when I dream about and plan future vacations. (The bitterly cold weather and gray skies probably have something to do with this instinct to flee the Northeast!)

Next weekend, February 27–28, the New York Times Travel Show arrives at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. If you're in the area, you should definitely make plans to attend. You'll learn about more than 150 countries while visiting nearly 500 exhibitor booths.

At this year’s event, travel experts including Arthur and Pauline Frommer, Patricia Schultz, Stephanie Abrams, and experts from the Travel Channel will take questions and offer tips in on-site seminars.

In addition, specialty travel pavilions include those for Adventure Travel, Family Travel, and Cruise Travel.

Learn more at the New York Times Travel Show website.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior

This is the most impressive of all the temples in the Gwalior fort. This temple dates back to the 9th century, and is constructed by the Pratihar Kings. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

front portion

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Inside the fort this is one of the tallest structure and its height is 100ft. This temple architecture is a combination of the Dravidian (from South India) and the Indo-Aryan (North Indian). The roof is typically Dravidian but the sculptures and embellishing inside are Indo Aryan in nature.

one of the sides

Man Mandir Palace, Gwalior

This magnificent palace inside the Gwalior Fort was built by Raja Man Singh of the Tomar dynasty between 1486 and 1516. The palace can be reached by north eastern fort entrance. Because of the richly tiled and painted decorations with elephants and peacocks, and the exceptional fresco with the ducks paddling in turquoise waters, it is also known as Chit Mandir or Painted Palace. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

This palace has four levels, two of them are underground. Six rounded towers crowned with cupolas relieve this 80 feet high structure. The beauty is further enhanced by blue ceramic mosaic and petite trellis work.

It consists of two open courts surrounded by apartments with carved stones, pillars. There are various rooms serving different purpose such as affairs of state, relaxation, decorated ornately with beautiful paintings, different figures of human beings, carved animals and flowers. The walls of these halls were decorated with triangular friezes.

Even the ceilings in each room had different designs carved out as below:

This is one of the few architecture marvel in the fort that has withstood the test of time.

Happy Valentine's Day: Romantic Cruises for 2011

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you're spending the day with the people you love. I'm home with my husband and two wonderful Bearded Collies...nothing, not even a cruise, beats that!

However, a Valentine's Day cruise is always a welcome diversion in February! Why not think about booking a cruise to celebrate the holiday next year?


Andrea's Favorite 2011 Valentine's Day Itineraries

American Safari Cruises in Hawaii
Safari Explorer embarking Feburary 13, 2011 (7 nights)
Kona, Big Island to Maalaea, Maui

Azamara Club Cruises in Southeast Asia
Azamara Quest embarking February 5, 2011 (14 nights)
Hong Kong, China; Hue (Danang), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok (Klong Toey), Ko Samui, Thailand; Singapore

Crystal Cruises in South America and the Caribbean
Crystal Symphony embarking February 6, 2011 (16 nights)
Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Devil's Island, French Guiana; Bridgetown/Barbados, West Indies; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Miami, Florida

Four Seasons in the Indian Ocean
Four Seasons Explorer embarking February 14, 2011 (7 nights)
Departing from the Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa for travel around the atolls of the Maldives

Paul Gauguin Cruises in the Cook Islands and Society Islands
m/s Paul Gauguin embarking February 8, 2011 (11 nights)
Papeete, Tahiti; Huahine; Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Bora Bora; Taha'a (Motu Mahana); Moorea; Papeete, Tahiti

Regent Seven Seas Cruises in Australia and New Zealand
Seven Seas Voyager embarking February 8, 2011 (15 nights)
Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch (Lyttleton), Dunedin, New Zealand; Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney, Australia

SeaDream Yacht Club in the Caribbean
SeaDream I embarking February 13, 2011 (7 nights)
Marigot, St. Martin; Gustavia, St. Barthelemy; Deshaies, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe; Portsmouth, Dominica; Coconut Grove, Nevis; Marigot, St. Martin

Silversea in Southern Africa
Silver Wind embarking February 10, 2011 (10 nights)
Port Louis, Mauritius; Tulear, Madagascar; Richards Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, South Africa

Windstar Cruises in Costa Rica
Wind Star embarking February 12, 2011 (7 nights)
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua; Playas Del Coco, Quepos, Dahia Drake, Curu (Reserve), Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Yachts of Seabourn in Javi, Bali, and the Barrier Reef
Seabourn Spirit embarking February 3, 1011 (15 nights)
Singapore; Karimunjawa, Semarang/Java, Padang Bay/Bali, Komodo Island; Indonesia; Darwin, Cooktown, Cairns, Australia


For more information on any of these itineraries, contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Save our Tigers

Tiger is India's national animal. But sadly it is becoming endangered because, it is poached for its body parts to cater to an illegal market. Another reason is habitat loss due to depletion of forest cover due to interference of humans and encroachment of forest land by people causing fragmentation. Famous Bengal tiger is already declared as endangered species.

By conserving and saving tigers the entire wilderness of ecosystem is conserved. Conserving wilderness is important and crucial to maintain the life support system. Today approximately 1400 tigers are surviving in India. There are several Tiger Reserves in India but man's greed even crosses those boundaries. Please join Save our Tiger initiative. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Above snap of tiger is taken at Bannerghatta National Park. This park is at a distance of around 21 kms from Bangalore city.

West Africa River Cruising with Variety Cruises

Now here's something completely different...

Starting in December 2010, Variety Cruises—specializing in a small ship getaways—will offer its Rivers of West Africa itinerary. You'll spend eight days sailing the Saloun and Gambia rivers aboard the 46-passenger M/Y Pegasus megayacht.

From your starting point in Dakar, Senegal, you'll head to Differe via the Saloun River. At Differe you'll explore a fishing village, Joal-Fadiout, built entirely out of shells. The cruise will then continue along the Gambia River and call upon Tendaba for the Kiang West National Park and Baobolong Reserve, the port village of Kuntaur; Janjangbureh for the River Gambia National Park, a sanctuary for chimps, hippos, Nile crocodies, and other bird species; and Banjul, the capital city of Gambia.

These are not traditional tourist hang-outs and each port is certainly off the beaten path. This cruise isn't right for everyone, but it's perfect for those with an intense case of wanderlust.

The inaugural cruise embarks from Dakar, Senegal on December 17, 2010 and the itinerary will be offered through March 18, 2011. Per person cruise fares are very reasonable at $2,490. Fares do not include shore excursions or gratuities. Pre- and post-land programs, including a trip to Mali's Timbuktu, are also available.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Variety Cruises at 1-(800) 319-7776.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo of M/Y Pegasus courtesy of Variety Cruises

A New Expedition Ship on Antarctica's Block: MV Le Boreal

2010 brings with it a new luxury vessel purpose-built to sail Antarctica: the all-balcony MV Le Boreal. Abercrombie & Kent has chartered the new ship for the 2010–2011 season.

The 14-night "Classic Antarctica" Philanthropic Journey begins in Buenos Aires on December 7, 2010 and will feature Dr. James McClintock, Professor of Polar and Marine Biology at the University of Alabama–Birmingham. He has spent more than 25 years conducting research in Antarctic waters and recently discovered an anti-cancer compound in a marine invertebrate.

The ship has everything you'd expect, including a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, library, salon, steam rooms, spa and fitness center, and a lecture theater.

While MV Le Boreal can carry up to 264 passengers, Abercombie & Kent limits the guest count to 199 for Antarctica voyages. Fewer passengers makes it possible to squeeze in more shore excursions each day and ensures that everyone will enjoy an outside cabin with balcony.

MV Le Boreal will be the ship to watch in Antarctica this year and will give Silversea's Prince Albert II a run for its money.

Book by March 31, 2010 and you'll receive up to 20% off the regular cruise fare.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Abercrombie & Kent at (800) 554-7094.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Artist drawing courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent

Sahastrabahu Temple, Gwalior

The two graceful temples dating between 9th and 11th century stands close to the eastern wall of the Gwalior Fort. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Similar in style but different in sizes adjoining each other are dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sahastrabahu.

The bigger temple was built by Mahipala, a Kachhwaha Rajput Prince of Gwalior in 1093 A.D. Unique feature of this temple is that even though it is several stories high, it is balanced solely with the help of beams and pillars without arches.


In the above shot, the beams inside the temple can be seen through the main entrance sculptured doorway. The doorways, ceilings and four huge pillars are sculpted with graceful figures and intricate patterns. The temple has an ornately carved base and the ceiling is an impressively carved dome.

The smaller temple is more elegant in appearance than the bigger temple and consists of an open-sided porch with a pyramidal roof. This temple is built on a platform, where as the bigger temple is not. This temple has a single level unlike the bigger temple.

SeaDream Launches Its Blog

I think every single cruise line should be blogging and tweeting these days. These are two of the best ways to create an open dialogue with us, their loyal passengers.

A few lines, like Yachts of Seabourn and Silversea, created blogs leading up to the launch of their newest ships. And, of course, Cunard's Entertainment Director Alastair Greener has built an incredibly entertaining and successful blog over the years.

Now, another luxury line has entered the fray: introducing SeaDream's Blog. Congratulations to the team at SeaDream! I've bookmarked the site and plan to visit often as I fantasize about my next yacht adventure!

And, don't miss SeaDream I and SeaDream II's twitter posts.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Flying to Tahiti: Which Airline is Best?

After our fantastic experience aboard SeaDream Yacht Club's SeaDream II in January, Leonard and I couldn't go too long without booking another cruise. So, now we're planning to try the new Paul Gauguin Cruises in May. Yeah!

As you may know, Regent Seven Seas Cruises used to manage the Paul Gauguin but relinquished operations to the ship's owner this past January. Pacific Beachcomber S.C.—owner of five high-end resort properties in French Polynesia—also owns the new Paul Gauguin Cruises.

The line has retained most of the original crew and early reports from those who cruised aboard the PG in January were very positive. We can't wait to investigate the ship for ourselves.

Of course, first we need to actually get to Tahiti. It looks like our options are limited to Air Tahiti Nui and Air France, both of whom fly nonstop from Los Angeles (LAX) to Papeete, Tahiti (PPT).

If we select Air France, we'll be on a Boeing 777-200. Air Tahiti Nui is using the Airbus 340-300.

Can any of you share your experiences flying to Tahiti in economy on either of these carriers? If so, please add a comment to this post. Thanks!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo of m/s Paul Gauguin courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

New Menu at Degrees Aboard Wind Surf

Windstar Cruises has called upon renown chef David Shalleck to reinvigorate the menu at Degrees restaurant aboard the 312-passenger Wind Surf. The food has a decidedly Mediterranean flare. Meal options include an amuse bouche, first courses, pastas and soups, entrees and side dishes, and fabulous desserts.

New Menu Items at Degrees

• Baccalà Mantecato—a delicate creamy blend of salt cod and potatoes
  
  
• Canapé Pissaladierre—a caramelized onion tartlet with Niçoise black olives
  
  
• Assiette Charcuterie—Spanish pork loin lomo, French saucisson, Italian speck and celery root remoulade
  
  
• Pulpo “a la Plancha”—braised and griddled octopus with potatoes and spicy chorizo sausage
  
  
• Provençal Squash and Leek Soup
  
  
• Griddled Tuna “Misticanza”
  
  
• Pan Roast Duck Breast with Apricots
  
  
• Double-Cut Lamb Chops
  
  
• Honey-Coated Calmyrna Figs and Whipped Mascarpone in a Pistachio Tuile
  
  
• Panna Cotta with Pineapples and Dark Rum Syrup

Chef David Shalleck is the founder of VOLOCHEF® Culinary Solutions offering specialized services to the hospitality and media industries as well as private dining for special occasions and events. Shalleck has run the kitchens in noted restaurants and cooked for events in New York, San Francisco, the Napa Valley, Provence, and throughout many of Italy’s famous regions.

As a television culinary producer, he has worked alongside some of America’s most celebrated chefs and hosts. Recent credits include the PBS series “More Fast Food My Way” and “Artist’s Table” with Jacques Pépin, “Made in Spain” with José Andrés, “Chef’s Story at the French Culinary Institute,” and with Cat Cora on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.”

I look forward to trying Chef Shalleck's new menu at Degrees the next time we sail aboard Windstar's Wind Surf.

—Andrea M. Rotondo to LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Have You Booked a Luxury Cruise for 2010?

We're in the middle of Wave Season, that time of year when cruise lines offer enticing packages in the hopes of garnering a bump in bookings. Last year at this time, the deals were incredible. This year, while there are some solid values, nothing amazing has jumped out at me.

Yet, cruise lines are downright giddy about their recent bookings. Deals or no deals, we travelers are making cruise reservations for 2010. According to Crystal Cruises, bookings during January 2010 are 205% over the line's sales during January 2009.

Yachts of Seabourn also announced a record number of bookings during January 2010. According to the press release, "numbers of bookings showed a 106 percent increase compared to 2009, and were up 215 percent compared to 2008. The number of first-time guests booking a Seabourn cruise in January surged 79 percent over the same period in 2009 and 155 percent over January in 2008, which was Seabourn’s best year to date."

Crystal shared a similar interesting statistic, saying 89% of its guests booked for 2010 are new to the line. I have to wonder why that is. Crystal had some terrific marketing materials last year to coincide with their 20th anniversary and it's possible the campaign reached cruisers who've always thought about trying Crystal but never sealed the deal with a reservation. Likewise, Seabourn enjoyed wonderful publicity with the launch of Seabourn Odyssey last summer.

So, why are so many cruisers "jumping ship" from former favorite cruise lines to Crystal, Seabourn, and other new-to-them lines? It could be because of changes in smoking policies, pricing, or shifts in overall service.

Have you booked a 2010 cruise on Crystal, Seabourn, or another new-to-you line? We actually started the year sailing with a new-to-us line: SeaDream Yacht Club. We also hope to book with the new Paul Gauguin Cruises soon.

I'd love to hear about your cruise plans for 2010. Where are you cruising and with whom?

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Gwalior Fort

Back from Mitavali in Gwalior we went straight to Gwalior Fort after covering Jai Vilas Palace. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

The magnificent Gwalior Fort is built by rulers of Tomar Dynasty in the 15th century on a sandstone cliff, which is 2.8km long from the North to the South and 200-850m wide from east to west and 91 m above the surrounding plains. A majority portions of the fort was built during the reign of Raja Man Singh. The fort walls which are 35ft high and two miles in length, has been influenced by both Hindu and Muslim architecture.

This awe-inspiring fort with two main entrances, encloses three complexes, six palaces, temples and a number of water tanks. Inside the fort there are some wonders of medieval architecture. On the eastern side the fort can be approached from Eastern Gate known as Gwalior Gate which leads pedestrian path while on the western side is Urbai Gate which is the motor able way.

The northern end has Jhangir Palace (5), Shah Jahan Palace, Karna Mahal, Vikram Mahal and Jal Johar Kund. These structures without the proper maintenance are sadly getting ruined. Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhod (6) is the new addition to the fort and has been constructed very recently. Near the Eastern Gate is Man Mandir Palace and it has been maintained quite well. Other structures that are maintained well are the temples. In the next sections we will cover the following in some detail:

1. Man Mandir Palace
2. Sahastrabahu Temple
3. Teli-Ka Mandir
4. Gujari Mahal

American Safari Cruises to Launch Hawaiian Voyages in 2011

Starting in November 2011, there will be a new way to discover the Hawaiian Islands aboard the 36-passenger Safari Explorer from American Safari Cruises.

This is the first time unstructured inter-island yacht itineraries are being offered here. The ship's captain and naturalist will have the ability to customize each seven-night voyage to the desires of the passengers, meaning that the ports of call can be remote coves, inlets, and bays that you'll explore via kayak, skiff, or on foot.

Safari Explorer will mostly stick to the leeward side of the eastern-most islands to avoid rocky seas. Marine life and Hawaiian culture will be explored, led by an all-American crew (several of which are residents of Hawaii).

You can book American Safari adventures by the cabin or charter the entire yacht. The inaugural Hawaiian season begins on November 12, 2011 and lasts through May 12, 2012.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or American Safari Cruises at 1-(888) 862-8881.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Windstar Cruises' New "Sweetheart Package"

A platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne, and his and hers 50-minute massages at the WindSpa: do those amenities entice you? Windstar Cruises hopes so.

The line is offering this "Sweetheart Package," a $250 value, to travelers booking any 2010 sailing. You'll just need to put down your deposit between February 1 and 14, 2010. The package is not combinable with other shipboard credits, package offers, or sale cruise fares.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

10 Days Left to Book Asia Aboard Seabourn Pride with Comp Biz Airfare

Lots of news over at Yachts of Seabourn these days. The Odyssey made her debut this past June, Sojourn sets sail this summer, and Seabourn Quest is being built in the here and now. Additionally, the Spirit and Pride recently came out of a multimillion dollar refurb. (Legend will be similarly updated in Fall 2010.)

Fans of the Pride will want to make plans to visit her sometime in 2010 as she adopts a year-round cruise schedule in Asia. Pride will call upon ports in Vietnam, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Japan. If you book by February 15, you'll receive complimentary roundtrip business class airfare from 27 North American gateways to eight 12-day voyages in Asia from June 3 through August 22, 2010.

All-inclusive fares for the 12-day voyages start from $7,980 per person based on double occupancy, and include round trip business class air, airport transfers, and deluxe hotel accommodation where flight schedules require it. The complimentary business-class air offer is subject to space availability. Certain restrictions apply.

The August 10, 2010 itinerary is especially enticing:

Kobe, Japan
Kagoshima, Japan
Nagasaki, Japan
Busan, South Korea
Jeju, South Korea
Mokpo, South Korea
Qingdao, China
Jiangyin (Wuxi), China
Shanghai, China

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

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of the Yachts of Seabourn

Mitavali Temple

Around Gwalior there are plenty of places of historical importance. One among them is Mitavali located at a distance of 40 kms from Gwalior. As it is 15 kms from Padavali, we reached this place after covering Padavali. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

The temple is situated on a small Hill with a small village at the foot of the hill. One has to climb approximately 150 to 200 uneven steps. The steps to the temples were carved out of the hill.

The design of this Shiva temple is incredible and unique. This is a 500 year old temple but very little is known about this temple.

The temple architecture is totally different from any other temple in India. The temple is circular shape with no overhead tower. In fact the it is believed that the design of Indian Parliament is based on this temple.

From here we moved back to Gwalior to cover other local sights.

Distance: Mitavali ---> Gwalior 40 kms

Food & Wine Themed Med Cruise Aboard Seabourn Odyssey

Many travel agents, like Eric Goldring of Goldring Travel, are fans of the Yachts of Seabourn. Mr. Goldring has been hosting an annual food and wine cruise aboard Seabourn vessels for several years.

Seabourn Odyssey is the host vessel in 2010 and there are still three staterooms available for this group Mediterranean cruise that embarks Piraeus (Athens), Greece on Saturday, November 13.

Guests enjoy three complimentary experiences:

• Goldring Travel's Exclusive Complimentary Food & Wine Event
• Shopping with the Seabourn Chef
  
• Unannounced experiences and benefits
  

Here's the full itinerary:

November 13: Piraeus (Athens), Greece
November 14: Patmos, Greece
November 15: Heraklion, Crete, Greece
November 16: Pylos, Greece
November 17: Cruising the Ionian Sea
November 18: Catania, Sicily, Italy
November 19: Valletta, Malta
November 20: Trapani, Sicily, Italy
November 21: Naples, Italy
November 22: disembark in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Goldring Travel is offering this cruise for less than $3,750 per person, including all fees and taxes. There are just three staterooms available.

For more information, contact Eric Goldring of Goldring Travel at (877) 2GO-LUXURY.

Video: This Looks Magical—Festa del Redentore in Venice with Crystal Cruises

Got any plans for the third weekend of July 2010? If not, join Crystal Cruises in Venice, Italy, as Crystal Serenity experiences one of Italy's most entrancing festivals, the Festa del Redentore.

This annual celebration dates back to 1577 when the city was finally rid of a plague that killed many of its citizens. The festival also marked groundbreaking of Palladio's "Redentore" (Redeemer) Church on the Island of the Giudecca. (The church was also built to commemorate the end of the plague.)

Over the years, the festival grew from one of religious significance to one that also now includes a more secular celebration in the way of a 30-minute fireworks extravaganza. Today, thousands of visitors flock to Venice for this festival. Small boats, often decorated with balloons, head to St. Mark's Bay and the Giudecca Canal in anticipation of the fireworks show that begins at 11:30 pm.

This summer, Crystal Serenity will have the best seat in the house for this amazing spectacle as she overnights in Venice. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception, local entertainment, a sumptuous Venetian dinner, and views of the fireworks from the open deck.

“Venice is one of the most magical cities in the world; to be there during this festival adds yet another layer to the authentic experience that our guests seek and expect with a Crystal vacation,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the celebration and to offer our guests more time to immerse themselves in the culture.”

This cruise begins on July 7, 2010 in Athens, Greece and visits Santorini, Crete, and Patmos Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Kotor, Montenegro; Split, Croatia; and Venice, Italy.

Two-for one cruise fares start at $6,465 per person, double occupancy. Complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways, including Business Class air for Penthouse guests, plus a $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive–As You Wish’ shipboard credit are included.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact your travel agent, call 1-(888) 799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Video courtesy of YouTube user Leifleo35121

My Personal Cruise Rating System: 10 Areas to Judge

Rating cruise ships is tough to do because the reader always wants a comparison to a ship they are familiar with. However, very few travelers have sailed on every ship at sea so there's often no way to offer apple-to-apple comparisons.

I've been lucky enough to sail with many cruise lines, including American Safari Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, NCLA (Hawaii with an American crew), NCL, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, Windstar Cruises, and the Yachts of Seabourn.

Even with all those sailings under my belt though, it's still not easy to draft a comprehensive review that explains just why I loved one experience and not another. So, while I was thinking about that, I drafted a list of general things I prefer when cruising. Sharing this list may give you the baseline from which I judge all the voyages I discuss here at Luxury Cruise Bible.

My Personal Cruise Rating System: 10 Areas to Judge

1. Ship Size & Design
   I intrinsically prefer small ships (under 200 passengers) but I have enjoyed the experience aboard much larger vessels. In those cases, ship design is very important.
   
   
2. Uncompromising Service
   In my opinion, excellent service should never be effusive or overwrought. I embrace friendly and consistent attention from the crew.
   
   
3. Relaxed Atmosphere / No Formal Nights
   Some cruisers will totally disagree with me on this one: I don't care for formal nights so I give higher marks to ships with a more relaxed dress code. Country club casual works for me.
   
   
4. Cuisine
   Inventive menus and variety are very important to me. Catering to special diets (gluten-free, sugar-free, etc.) also means a lot. There should be plenty of salads available at lunch, desserts must be exquisite, and the cheese board selection should be enticing.
   
   
5. Provisions
   A chef can only do so much with the provisions he or she receives. I place special emphasis on the quality of provisions (food and wine) a ship receives.
   
   
6. Open Seating
   Open seating gets the nod because I like the freedom of deciding when I dine and with whom.
   
   
7. Passenger Demographics
   I love meeting people from all over the world so I appreciate a ship that caters to foreign travelers.
   
   
8. Unusual Shore Excursions
   Exciting and educational shore excursions can set a cruise line apart from its competitors. Lines offering interesting and unusual land components get a high five.
   
   
9. Internet Access
   In this day and age, there is no reason for poor and/or expensive Internet service aboard a cruise ship (especially if the vessel is new).
   
   
10. Cruise Fare
    "Would I pay more for the next cruise on this ship than I did this time around?" It's a question I ask every time I disembark a ship and the answer cuts through all of the above points. Will I put my money where my mouth is?

How do you judge a cruise vacation? I'd love to hear what's important to you when it comes to luxury cruising.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com