Video: Orca Whales Race Alaska's Inside Passage

Movie: Orca Whales Race Alaska's Inside Passage, originally uploaded by Luxury Cruise Bible.

When people ask me why I love cruising Alaska, I always tell them the same thing: it's one of the most beautiful places in the world and if you love animals, you'll have the opportunity to view bears, whales, eagles, sea lions, seals, and so much more.

I taped this video clip last summer while sailing aboard the Safari Spirit 12-passenger yacht with American Safari Cruises. We were on the yacht's skiff and were somewhere on the Chatham Strait between Red Bluff Bay and Baranof Island.

The orcas were fascinating! It was amazing to get this close to a pod. We were traveling really fast so the footage is a bit jumpy. It was tough to watch the whales and keep the camcorder focused at the same time! This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime travel moments.

See my complete Inside Passage cruise review or visit American Safari Cruises' website to learn more about their Alaskan yacht cruises.

Video courtesy of Andrea M. Rotondo

James Taylor to Perform Aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2

In my younger years, I was a music journalist and wrote for many publications including the venerable Musician magazine, Billboard, Mix, Pro Sound News, and others. During that time, I spent my days (and nights) interviewing high-profile musicians in the rock and pop categories. It was my job and I never got flustered meeting these talented individuals—except once. That was the day I met James Taylor. I had loved his music for years—"You've Got a Friend," "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," "Carolina in My Mind"—and had seen him in concert a handful of times. He always made singing look so effortless; I suppose it is for him.

Sony was opening a recording studio in Manhattan and I was invited to the party. So was JT. He blew into the room and a friend introduced us. I just looked into his eyes and completely blanked out! That's the first and last time that ever happened to me and I still smile when I think about it.

To be honest, it's been many years since I last saw James Taylor in concert but a recent announcement from Cunard may change that. Mr. Taylor will be the featured artist aboard the Queen Mary 2 on her June 19 eastbound transatlantic crossing. The musician plans to perform in the ship's Royal Court Theatre twice during the six-day voyage.

What brought these concerts about? According to Taylor, "I've always wanted to take an ocean liner back to Europe. It's such a civilized way to go, and the Queen Mary 2 is the last word in first-class travel. It was a dream to use the passage to transport and rehearse our summer tour: band, crew and family; kit and caboodle. I'm looking forward to the pair of concerts at the end of the trip and, hallelujah, no jet lag."

At rates starting at just $925 per person, this is a tempting summertime getaway.

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

Photo courtesy of Cunard.

Silversea Seeks Price Break on 2nd Ship

John McLaughlin of Lloyd's List reported a very interesting story today regarding Silversea and its intention to exercise an option on a second ship build from Fincantieri.

In an effort to put a stop to rumors that Silversea wouldn't go through with the second ship build—the first being the 540-passenger Silver Spirit that was recently floated at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard—company CEO Amerigo Perasso talked with McLaughlin.

Perasso said, in part, "We are still interested, because ours is a long-term view. We have to look beyond the second half of this year and the first half of 2010. Hopefully, in the second half of 2010, we will begin to see signs of recovery."

The Silversea exec went on to say that he doesn't expect to take delivery of a second vessel for several years after the launch of the Silver Spirit, whose inaugural voyage starts on December 23, 2009. He also hinted that the cruise line may renegotiate the deal with shipbuilder Fincantieri due to falling commodity prices (i.e., a reduction in steel prices).

In the here and now, the line is well positioned to take advantage of fuel savings in the face of the weak global economy. The company is also making concerted efforts to meet and exceed the expectations of its guests. If Silversea can continue to do that, the line will be ready for whatever the future may bring.

For more information about Silversea, visit their website or talk with your travel agent.

Special thanks to reporter John McLaughlin for developing this story, which is available by subscription only at Lloyd's List.