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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Queen Victoria's World Cruise

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

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

Happy cruising, guys!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo of Bora Bora is courtesy of Regent Seven Seas.