Archive for the ‘Norwegian Coastal Voyages’ Category

Just A Few Of The Many Activities On Hurtigruten’s "Hunting The Light" Voyages

Northern Europe, Norwegian Coastal Voyages | Posted by cruisepeople
Aug 18 2010
Aurora borealis in Alaska

Image via Wikipedia

 

Hurtigruten is always looking to intrigue its passengers, offering unique opportunities to explore remote regions and learn about different cultures — and the west coast of Norway in the winter offers another wonderful opportunity. From November 15 through March 15, Hurtigruten takes passengers on "Hunting the Light" voyages – an exploration that offers dog sledding, the nightly viewing possibility of the spectacular Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights), overnights at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, swims in the Barents Sea, incredible vistas, wonderful meals of local fare, and numerous presentations on the history and cultures of Norway.

Spending time in the Arctic Circle is a relatively rare and special event and Hurtigruten celebrates with a polar baptism – an ice cube ‘shower’ hosted by King Neptune himself. Guests voluntarily line up (few sit it out) and await their light, but cold, dousing; all guests receive an Arctic Circle Certificate announcing their accomplishment.

Other presentations and activities on board and ashore are unique and special: imagine eating freshly made fish cakes while learning about the 1890 "Battle of Trollfjord;" listening to the captain’s description about life along the Norway coast; understanding the science behind the Aurora Borealis; learning how to make bends and hitches; and gaining insight into native Sámi culture — all while watching the magical polar light colours of gold, pink and blue reflect off the snow-laden coast and being on the lookout for the Aurora Borealis display. Added treats during the holiday season include visiting Christmas markets and seeing the twinkling decorations light up the shore line.

Excursions, both included and optional are equally as intriguing. Passengers can enjoy a Viking feast with a Viking Chieftain in Lofotr, experience dog sledding on the frozen landscape, visit the world’s northernmost town, Hammerfest – the first town in Northern Europe to get electric street lights (1891), strike out for the North Cape and its incredible view near the top of the world, ride snowmobiles on a winter safari, visit and/or stay overnight at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, take the Arctic Ocean plunge, or take in a midnight concert in Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral.

The six-day southbound, seven-day northbound and 12-day round-trip make 34 ports of call along Norway’s stunningly scenic, fjord-filled west coast. The fjords have had awards and honours bestowed on them over the years, most recently by National Geographic Traveler which named it the world’s most celebrated and iconic travel destinations.

Regular fares range from US$1,019 to $6,622 per person, double. Two special promotions are being offered on bookings made by Sept. 30, 2010: "Buy Six, Get Five Free" offers a 12-day round-trip itinerary between Oct. 5 and Dec. 31 for the price of the six-day trip, amounting to a 30% cabin discount on 22 selected sailings; "2011 Early Booking" reduces prices by 20% on most ships for sailings in 2011. Further savings of 10% are offered to passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from The Cruise People, Ltd. 1-800-961-5536.

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Companions Go at Half Price on Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Northern Europe, Norwegian Coastal Voyages | Posted by cruisepeople
Jun 23 2010

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The North Cape beckons, the oft-lauded fjords await, the midnight sun lights the way around the clock, and Hurtigruten makes it easier to take in all these Norway treats (and many more) this summer with a 50% off the companion fare special running through Sept. 13, 2010. Passengers, able to choose from more than 100 departures of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage six-, seven- or 12-day sailings, take in Norway’s spectacular fjord-filled, 1,250-mile west coast between the charming Hanseatic port of Bergen and Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. Booking deadline is August 31; combinable offers include AARP on board cabin credit of up to $100 and 10% savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years.
National Geographic Traveler magazine has placed the Norwegian fjords, a highlight of Hurtigruten’s Coastal Voyage, at the top of its list of the world’s most celebrated and iconic travel destinations – based on its survey done with the National Geographic Center for Sustainable destinations. Besides seeing many of these celebrated fjords, Hurtigruten passengers get to visit an eclectic array of ports (34 in all), including Trondheim, one of the country’s oldest cities and a thriving university town; Tromso, Europe’s largest town above the Arctic circle; the Lofoten archipelago, with peaked mountains and villages filled with rust-red fishermen’s cabins; and Alesund, destroyed by fire in 1904 and completely rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style.
Shore excursions range from touring to active explorations: the North Cape, sitting 1,000 feet above the churning Barents Sea and offering a top-of-the-world vista; a riverboat safari in Kirkenes; a visit to the UNESCO islands of Vega, where eider ducks are kept as pets; taking in the beauty of the Geirangerfjord, also a UNESCO site; a RIB safari to Saltstraumen to witness the world’s most powerful tidal current; an exploration of Lapland; and a Lofotr Viking Feast with traditional foods, singing and dancing; to name a few. Excursions can be booked before departure – 5% discount when pre-booking three or more (six or more on 12-day sailings).
Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from  The Cruise People 1.800.961.5536.

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The Expedition "Space Ship" – Le Boréal & L’Austral – American Small Ship Operators

Antarctica, Canadian Cruises, Expedition Cruises, Great Lakes, News, Northern Europe, Norwegian Coastal Voyages | Posted by cruisepeople
May 03 2010

by Mark Tre’ – "The Cruise Examiner"

Just before the Canadian company, Gap Adventures’ new Expedition began her European season to-day, The Cruise Examiner had a look at her in Portsmouth, from where she is leaving for Oban. Meanwhile, this Thursday sees the introduction of Compagnie du Ponant’s Le Boréal and two American small ship operators, one of which is about to take on a new name, search out new itineraries.

STORY OF THE WEEK
The Expedition – "Space Ship" of Expedition Ships
Last Friday in Portsmouth, Gap Adventures invited tour operators and agents from both the UK and Continent to tour its ship and sample a typical dinner – at lunch time! In addition to an excellent meal, visitors were treated to a thorough examination of the new ship, freshly arrived and receiving a new coat of red paint after her first successful Antarctic season.

Being a former Baltic ferry, Expedition is graced with very light and bright public areas. The forward lounge and lecture room and the ship’s restaurant above it both offer views forward and to both sides of the ship. The lounge is equipped with tub chairs and banquettes at the sides, all fastened to the deck to ensure that they don’t become projectiles during the sometimes rough crossing of the Drake Passage between Tierra de Fuego and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Likewise, the dining room has some good-looking furniture and all the chairs are fastened to the deck. Off each side forward there are also wings that offer a slightly more private area with several tables on each side. This dining room is unique as it is the only one The Cruise Examiner has ever seen, other than on some night ferries, that is mounted up forward on the top of the ship below the bridge. Further aft on the same deck as the dining room is the Polar Bear Bar, a convivial social space that also offers views on three sides at the aft end of the ship.

At 6,336 gross tons and carrying 116 in lower berths (the ship’s eight triple cabins give her 124 berths), she offers a passenger space ratio of 54 tons per guest. With crowded ships scoring as low as 20, roomy ships above 40 and luxury ships about 60, this is a very good indication of just how roomy this new expedition ship is. Also in this league is  Akademik Ioffe at 59 (6,450 tons, 109 passengers) but  Expedition well exceeds Lindblad’s National Geographic Explorer at 44 (6,471 tons, 148 passengers).

Although only four years newer than Explorer, which Lars-Erik Lindblad first introduced in 1969, Expedition, which was built as a sturdy ice-strengthened ferry in 1972, has already proven to be a worthy successor to this little ship, which was lost in the Antarctic in November 2007. Explorer, which was at the end owned by Gap, has actually been replaced by two ships if one considers National Geographic Explorer, a former Hurtigruten ship, has also taken the original ship’s name.

THIS WEEK IN CRUISING
Le Boréal Introduced as L’Austral is Launched
Two weeks ago, Compagnie du Ponant launched its latest ship L’Austral, the second of two super luxury cruise ships the French owner has ordered from Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, due to enter service in 2011. Meanwhile, the first, Le Boréal, makes her maiden voyage this week, sailing from Marseilles on Thursday.

In terms of size and sophisticated décor both ships resemble large mega yachts. They will both fly the French flag and measure 10,700 gross tons on dimensions of 466 feet in length and 59 feet in beam. Some 260 guests will be accommodated in 132 cabins and suites, all with a sea view, and of which 94% have a private veranda. After her first season in the Mediterranean, Le Boréal will head to the Antarctic, where she will be chartered to US operator Abercrombie & Kent for the winter season. There she will succeed Minerva, which they had been operating as Explorer II, and the original Explorer, which it had sold to Gap Adventures.

Compagnie du Ponant, whose head office is in Marseilles, is the only French-flag cruise line to operate a fleet of deep sea ships, the others being one-ship operations. Its current fleet of three ships (Le Ponant, Le Levant and Le Diamant) will soon rise to five, serving a super-luxury customer target.
Founded in 1988, Compagnie du Ponant is a member of CMA CGM Group, the world’s third largest container line, which itself carries passengers on many of its ships serving Australasia, the Americas and Asia. Its French West Indies line offers weekly service between France and Martinique and Guadeloupe with twelve-passenger ships while it also offers frequent service to China with the largest passenger-carrying container ships in the world, accommodating up to ten passengers each.

American Small Ship Operators Explore New Routes
Founded in the 1960s by Luther Blount, the American Canadian Caribbean Line is not only introducing new itineraries but is also about to take on a new name. From the originators of the first New England to Saguenay River itineraries via the Erie Canal in the 1960s, 2010 see the introduction of a brand new itinerary between New York and Toronto.

Taking 9 nights in each direction, Grande Mariner will depart New York’s Chelsea Piers on August 14 and proceed by way of the Hudson River, Erie Canal, St Lawrence Seaway and Lake Ontario to Toronto, with calls at Troy, Little Falls, Oswego and Ogdensburg in New York and at Kingston, Port Weller (for Niagara Falls), Hamilton and Toronto in Ontario. The reverse itinerary leaves Toronto on August 25.
Further, ACCL is looking into cruises in Ontario’s Georgian Bay, once such a popular haunt for Great Lakes cruise ships that the last of the Great Lakes operators was actually called the Georgian Bay Line. Soon to be announced as well will be a name change for the company, which in honour of its founder, is apparently about to become known as Blount Small Ship Adventures.

Meanwhile, on the west coast, Cruise West, long famous for its Alaska trade, has introduced several new itineraries in recent years, in the Antarctic and the Galapagos, and on the Danube River, by chartering dedicated vessels from other operators, as well as sending its own Spirit of Oceanus on a new 335-day globe-circling world cruise, which it has recently announced that it would repeat for 2011.

These efforts have been successful that the small ship operator is now polling its customers for indications of interest for new itineraries involving the Mississippi River, the St Lawrence Seaway between Montreal and Toronto and the Hudson River. No details have been announced but itineraries are apparently being developed for 2011.

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Small Ship Cruising

Alaska Cruises, Antarctica, Canadian Cruises, Canadian Sailing Expeditions, Caribbean, East Coast Cruises, European River, Expedition Cruises, Great Lakes, Majestic America Line, Northern Europe, Norwegian Coastal Voyages, SeaDream Yacht Club, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea, St. Lawrence, Windstar, World | Posted by cruisepeople
May 13 2008

From CLIA 

At first glance, American Eagle, River Queen and Seabourn Spirit might seem to have little in common. The first carries barely 60 travellers on informal journeys through the Chesapeake Bay, the Antebellum South and other destinations on the East Coast.  River Queen travels  Rhine and Moselle rivers of Europe.  Seabourn Spirit and her sister sail the world, accommodating just over 200 passengers.

But, in fact, these ships, while representing very different varieties of small ship cruising, have important things in common, qualities that distinguish this cruise segment from all other types of travel. And, they are just three of many small ships belonging to member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Together, almost 50 small ships belonging to CLIA offer the opportunity to explore the world from a uniquely personal perspective. From Antarctica to the Arctic, the Caribbean to Canada, Mexico to the Mediterranean, they travel the great rivers of Europe and North America, sail along Norwegian fjords and other scenic coasts, cross oceans, explore the globe’s most remote destinations, and even embark on world cruises. Their size enables a small group of travellers to go where no other cruise ships go – to the inland capitals of Europe and Asia, tiny islands in the tropics, undiscovered ports in the Middle East, remote coves and bays in Alaska, America’s Intra-Coastal Waterway, the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers and much more. The combination of out-of-the-way destinations and relatively small passenger load means that the lucky few onboard experience the world as though it was theirs alone to discover.

Whether the shipboard experience emphasizes sheer elegance and luxury while visiting some of the world’s most glamorous yachting destinations, or a more informal yet equally delightful and comfortable lifestyle for journeying through nature’s most extreme environments, all small ships have other qualities in common. They enable guests to socialize easily and share experiences with new-found friends who share their interests and tastes. They provide a true and very satisfying sense of having a home away from home, feeling cared for by staff the passengers come to know and enjoy.

Small ships virtually eliminate the hassles of travel. Getting on and off the vessel is effortless, with docking in the very centre of the action of each destination or port, and sightseeing is crowdless, often in places where there are few other visitors.

Here is a sampling of small ship cruise opportunities:

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES’ four ships – American Star, American Spirit, American Glory and American Eagle – carry no more than 100 passengers and offer comfortable accommodations, a friendly informal ambiance and such amenities as onboard naturalist and historians, enrichment activities and entertainment, dining that features regional dishes and complimentary cocktails in the evening. Itineraries encompass the length of the US East Coast, including the Rivers of Florida, the Antebellum South, the Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage, the Chesapeake Bay, the Hudson River, Maine and New England Islands.

HURTIGRUTEN, formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage, continues to offer a variety of cruises along the 1,250-mile coast of Norway with its majestic fjords on numerous small ships as well as journeys on the Gota Canal between Stockholm and Gothenburg on three Art Nouveau vintage ships. But among the most popular offerings are voyages to Antarctica, a North to South world cruise, and Greenland Exploration cruises featuring the 310-berth MS Fram, launched in 2007 and built specifically for adventure. As they visit such remote destinations at the southern tip of the world as Marguerite Bay, Whaler’s Bay, Cuverville Island and others, passengers discover that the only ones wearing tuxedoes are the penguins.

MAJESTIC AMERICA LINE offers voyages from Alaska to the Mississippi River. The intimate, 112-stateroom Empress of the North is small enough to explore the wilderness and waterways of Alaska’s Inland Passage. The 142-passenger Queen of the West and the 75-stateroom Columbia Queen were built to cruise the rivers of the Northwest, including the Columbia and the Snake. On the mighty Mississippi, the historic, 176-passenger Delta Queen, in her last season of operation, is the last operational steam-powered sternwheeler reminiscent of those piloted by Mark Twain,  while the 436-guest American Queen is the world’s largest river cruise ship. In addition to capturing a romantic and unique era in American history, both glamorous ships are fully modernized for to-day’s travellers. Mississippi Queen is currently out of service.  Majestic America Line is currently up for sale.

PEARL SEAS CRUISES’ first ship, as yet unnamed, will begin service in 2009 offering 214 passengers accommodations with private balconies equipped with flat screen TV/DVD systems, a well-stocked library, six lounges, a sports and exercise deck and multiple observation areas. The ship will sail on seven- to 11-night itineraries in the Caribbean during the winter months and a variety of voyages in North America during the spring, summer and fall. These include trips through the Canadian Maritimes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and Thousand Islands, a circumnavigation of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Great Lakes. Under construction in Halifax, NS, her completion has been delayed.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE also offers the very highest levels of luxury on its three 208-guest yachts, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend. In 2009, they will be joined by the somewhat larger, all-new Seabourn Odyssey. With staff members almost outnumbering guests, Seabourn passengers are treated to gourmet cuisine created by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, a casino and spa, all-suite accommodations, complimentary wines, spirits and champagne and such signature experiences as “Caviar in the Surf.” In addition to the world cruises and transatlantic crossings, Seabourn voyages take in the entire world from Asia to Europe to the Americas and Caribbean.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB offers a true luxury yachting experience in two 110-passenger ships, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Facilities and amenities include fine dining with complimentary red and white wine, a casino, library, a piano bar and Top of the Yacht bar, a Main Salon and a water sports marina offering a full range of equipment for enjoyment right off the ship. From May through October, the ships offer seven-night itineraries to classical yachting ports in the French and Italian Riviera, Costa del Sol, the Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, and the Adriatic and Black Seas. In the winter, SeaDream visits some of the most exclusive islands in the Caribbean, including St. Barts, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and the Grenadines.

SILVERSEA CRUISES’ new Prince Albert II is an adventure ship carrying no more than 132 passengers on luxurious expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica and many points in between. During her inaugural 2008 season she will feature special Sea of Cortez expeditions in September, complete with eight Zodiac boats for up close viewing of birds, dolphins, whales and sea lions. The company’s other four larger ships also fit the small ship category, with Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper carrying no more than 382 passengers and Silver Cloud and Silver Wind accommodating only 296. Offering worldwide itineraries, the vessels feature ocean-view suite accommodations, complimentary shoreside experiences, entertainment and onboard enrichment, complimentary beverages and in-suite beverage cabinets and other amenities for an ultra-luxury experience.

UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES is the leading operator of river cruises in Europe, offering intimacy and personalized service on a variety of ships that typically carry no more than 134 guests. Combining old world elegance with modern amenities, the vessels feature expansive views of passing countryside, libraries, a lounge with full-service bar, boutiques, a beauty salon and 24-hour coffee bar. Operating for more than 30 years, Uniworld offers itineraries on 12 rivers in 20 countries across four continents, including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China. Among the most popular European itineraries are Castles Along the Rhine, Danube Discovery, Enchanting Danube, European Jewels, Eastern Europe Explorer and Tulips & Windmills. One 17-day voyage features the Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul.

WINDSTAR CRUISES operates three sailing yachts – Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf – known for offering a pampered luxury lifestyle and the ability to visit the hidden harbours and secluded coves of some of the world’s most sought after destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the ships visit 50 countries, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar appeals to contemporary travelers with a casual onboard ambiance, alternative dining venues, a diversity of shore excursions, deluxe spa facilities and a complimentary water sports program. Popular with honeymooners because of the ships’ innate romantic elegance, Windstar also offers voyages through the Greek Islands and in-depth explorations of Costa Rica.

 

Other companies offering popular small ship programmes are St. Lawrence Cruise Lines with sailings in Canadian Empress to and from Kingston, Ont. to Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa; and Canadian Sailings Expeditions with its 245 foot sailing vessel Caledonia in the Caribbean, Maritime Canada and Quebec.

 

Brochures, unbiased information and reservations for all these cruises is available from The Cruise People, Ltd.

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Close to the Coast: Seeing Norway’s Scenic Attractions by Ship

Northern Europe, Norwegian Coastal Voyages, Ship Reviews | Posted by cruisepeople
Apr 10 2008

logohurt

Copyright – Gordon Turner

It was a spring afternoon and, unexpectedly, the sun shone in Bergen, Norway’s rainiest city,

Not that it mattered much to me that day, because I was about to leave in a few hours and would be gone for 12 days.

I was waiting to board the ship Midnatsol on a journey that is advertised as “The world’s most beautiful voyage.” At Kirkenes, a town near the Russian border, the vessel would turn around and begin the southbound segment. This would be my sixteenth trip, so why, I asked myself, do I keep returning? I had two compelling reasons—most ships in the fleet provide comfort bordering on luxury, and the ships sail through superb scenery to historic cities, flourishing towns and unassuming villages.

Make no mistake, Midnatsol is not a conventional cruise ship. If you are hoping for a flashy casino, a silk-and-sequins floorshow or a lavish midnight buffet, you have stumbled aboard the wrong vessel. That said, Midnatsol and eight of her newer fleetmates are far from being no-frills transportation, with their attractive lounges and dining rooms and well-furnished cabins. All sail on an identical itinerary and were built with a threefold purpose: to take visitors on a scenically striking journey, to carry local residents from one port to another, and to pick up and deliver cargo en route. The ships carry everything from tires to tombstones, from beer to booster seats.

A bit of background is in order here. The coastal voyage, or hurtigruten (“express route”), to use its Norwegian name, has drawn overseas travellers from the time it was established in 1893. It continues to do so to this day. For most of the nineteenth century, the remote towns and villages of northern Norway were isolated from each other as well as from the more populated regions to the south. Roads were nearly non-existent; railways had not arrived. Ships were the sole means of transportation to the larger centres of the south, but they ran only intermittently in summer, and hardly at all in winter. Narrow channels between the mainland and the scattered islands were poorly marked; ships frequently ran aground. Residents of this far-flung and lightly populated area demanded better connections with the rest of the country; they wanted a regular steamship route, with fixed arrival and departure times at each port. Into the breach stepped Captain Richard With, who established a one-ship service between Trondheim and Hammerfest. Nowadays, on a much-expanded itinerary, one ship leaves Bergen every night of the year. And overseas visitors keep on coming.

We sailed out of Bergen at 8 PM. It was still light outside, and by the time we reached the far northern waters of Norway, we would have more than 20 hours of daylight. But that was still several days away. First I had to unpack. My compact yet comfortable cabin had no television, personal safe or mini-fridge. What it did have were two lower berths, a dressing table and chair, a clothes closet, and a tiny bathroom with an unexpected treat—a heated deck.

The 680-passenger Midnatsol’s handsome dining room has picture windows on three sides. Hint: try to reserve a window table; remember, you came to Norway to enjoy its scenery. The dinner menu is table d’hôte, but the three-course meal that first night and throughout the voyage was pleasing to the eye and tasty to the palate. This being Norway, fish formed the backbone, so to speak, of many main courses. Breakfast was spread out over two-and-half hours, 7:30 to 10, buffet style. Lunch, too, was self-service. Midnatsol provided a wide choice of hot and cold dishes; if the sea air had sharpened your appetite you could always go back for more. The three main meals were included in the fare. If I wanted morning coffee or maybe a mid-afternoon snack, I could buy them in the cafeteria. By Canadian standards, Norway is a fairly expensive country; however, the coastal express ships may be one of the least costly ways to see it without resorting to backpacking, hitchhiking or youth hostels.

Our first port of call was Floro, where we docked at 2:15 on Monday morning. That, at least, is what I think happened. I was fast asleep and did not actually see or hear anything. But not to worry. Whatever Floro’s attractions were, I could discover them on the southbound half of the voyage. In 12 days Midnatsol would make 66 stops, calling at 33 cities, towns and villages northbound and the same 33 southbound. If the northbound stop occurred during the night, the southbound stop would likely be in daylight hours. While Floro passed unnoticed by sleeping passengers, later that day everyone was wide awake for the ship’s daylight side trip into the spectacular Geirangerfjord. Cameras worked overtime as the fjord’s steep cliffs, perpendicular waterfalls, and miniature mountain meadows filled the viewfinders. The Geirangerfjord detour takes place only on the northbound leg of the voyage, and only between mid-April and mid-September.

Coastal-voyage ships spend six days above the Arctic Circle, but in Norway, “north of the Arctic Circle” does not mean ice-infested seas with polar bears leaping nimbly from floe to floe. Waters of the Gulf Stream warm the coast, and keep the ports ice free year long. Neither does “north of the Arctic Circle” automatically mean tumultuous seas. Midnatsol sailed mostly in confined waters, with land visible on one or both sides.

Each day our ship made three to seven stops, which lasted from ten minutes to four hours. Ports ranged in size from Trondheim, population 150,000, to villages of only a few hundred inhabitants. Our ship had a fairly rigid timetable, but passengers could disembark at every port. Twice I left the ship, took an overland tour through areas of scenic or historic interest, and re-embarked at a later town. If the ship were in port long enough— about four hours each in Trondheim, Tromso and Honningsvag northbound—local tours could be booked. I tried a few: Trondheim tour—good; Tromso—mediocre, mostly because the guide (“Ms. Motormouth,” according to one passenger) talked incessantly; North Cape—very good.

Just before the voyage ended, I took an informal poll among my table companions. Which was the most attractive port? Several named Svolvaer, a fishing town in the Lofoten Islands, with codfish-drying racks along one side of the harbour entrance, and a dramatic mountain backdrop that almost overwhelmed the town itself.

I disembarked in Bergen with the intention of making the voyage again. The slogan writer that tagged the journey as “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage” certainly makes a compelling case. It is not compulsory to book a round trip. Some people take the northbound segment, while others book the southbound one. If you asked me to decide between them, I would vote for northbound. In my opinion, it edges out southbound by a narrow margin because it calls at some of the more interesting ports in daylight hours.

I spent two days in Oslo and two in Bergen, both attractive cities in their own right. To get from Oslo to Bergen, I went by rail, a 300-mile seven-hour journey, with the train climbing from sea level at Oslo to 4,000 feet at Finse, then descending another 4,000 feet to reach sea level at Bergen. And the scenery was absolutely splendid.

The specifics:

The vessels fall into four groups: two small ships from 1956 and 1964, one from the 1980s, six from the mid-1990s, and three, including Midnatsol, that entered service in 2002-03. The 1990s ships are larger, about 11,000 tons, while the three newest run to 16,000 tons. All except those from 1956 and 1964 have cabins for the physically handicapped, elevators and laundry rooms. Dress code is casual. Tipping is not essential.

Rates for the coastal voyage are complicated. Prices vary according to the time of year, and there are different rates for about 15 cabin categories. Travel agencies that specialize in either Norway or unusual voyages are more likely to understand the intricacies of booking than general travel agents. I booked through The Cruise People (tel: 1 800 268 6523), website: www.thecruisepeople.ca.

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February Special Offers

Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, MSC, Majestic America Line, Norwegian Coastal Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea, Windstar | Posted by cruisepeople
Feb 08 2008

The first few months of the year are typically known as the peak booking period of cruise holidays, cruisers have the opportunity to reap considerable benefits offered by cruise lines. For the month of February, many member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) are offering special rates, onboard credits, deposit waivers or other incentives designed to stimulate record cruise sales for 2008.

This year’s Wave Season offers a range from savings of more than 50 percent of cruise prices to onboard credits worth hundreds of dollars, stateroom upgrades and other perks. Here’s a sampling of offers (unless otherwise noted, offers extend through February 29).

* Azamara Cruises: Onboard credits valued at $300 to $800 on any 2008 Europe sailings booked at an ocean view or higher category of stateroom.
* Carnival Cruise Lines: Special rates of $249 to $339 per person on select departure dates for three- to five-day voyages in Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration, both with new Serenity adults-only decks and Carnival Waterworks aqua parks.
* Celebrity Cruises: Onboard credits of $50 to $200 per stateroom, based on the length of voyage, on cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe.
* Costa Cruises: Savings of as much as 60 percent on 423 sailings throughout the world in honour of the line’s Diamond Anniversary.
* Crystal Cruises: Ten percent savings on new bookings of all verandah and non-verandah staterooms; five percent savings for penthouse accommodations. The savings apply to virtually all  Crystal Serenity’s Mediterranean cruises this summer. This offer has been extended to bookings made through March 31.
* Cunard Line: Onboard credits of up to $300, plus a waiver of deposits for second guests on select RMS Queen Mary 2 sailings and Queen Victoria inaugural European voyages.
* Holland America Line: Savings of up to $450 off brochure rates plus upgrades for as little as $100 depending on sailing. The View and Verandah promotion applies to the company’s eight ships offering select 2008 Alaska departures.
* Hurtigruten: Savings of up to $3,600 per person on the company’s Expedition cruise to Antarctica, a 22-day voyage that also features the Falkland Islands, plus savings of up to $500 per person on cruise-only fares for Norwegian Coastal Voyage.
* Majestic America Line: Complimentary stateroom upgrades and free airfare on select departures of American Queen (March sailings) and Queen of the West. The offer is good for bookings by February 28; Early Advantage Savings are available for bookings by February 22.
* MSC Cruises: “Senior Saver” offers on Caribbean sailings and Senior Saver rates beginning at $599 per person on European itineraries, a 50 percent savings. At least one person in the stateroom must be 50; children 17 and under sail free.
* Norwegian Cruise Line: Weekly special offers, including on-board credits and stateroom upgrades for select destinations, are offered as part of NCL’s “Freestyle Resolution Sales Event” and can be found at www.ncl.com. The promotion also includes the chance to win a free cruise.
* Princess Cruises: A special “Alaska Wilderness Sale” features savings of $200 per couple plus a $200 onboard credit on Princess cruise tours, with rates starting at $1,399 for an 11-day sailing. The offer is available on many Alaska sailings.
* Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Shipboard credits of up to $500 per suite in addition to normal published offers for new guests of Regent. The offer applies to sailings in Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska and Tahiti.
* Royal Caribbean International: Onboard credits of up to $200 per stateroom on select Alaska sailings/tours for 2008.
* Seabourn Cruise Line:  Seabourn Cruise Line is offering 2-for-1 business class airfare from 38 North American gateways, plus savings of up to 40% for cruises of nine to 15 days in Europe aboard its Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend.
* Silversea Cruises: Forty percent savings on cruise-only fares for a wide variety of voyages worldwide is part of the line’s “Silver Sailings” programme. For last minute shoppers, this includes the 14-day Silver Cloud cruise from Mahe to Dubai, departing February 23.
* Windstar Cruises: Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf will all feature special rates and savings on cruises in the Caribbean, Europe and throughout the Mediterranean.

For more information contact The Cruise People, Ltd. on 1-800-268-6523.

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World Cruise Summary

Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Norwegian Coastal Voyages, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, World | Posted by cruisepeople
Aug 14 2007

Courtesy of CLIA
The history of civilization is the story of exploration   extraordinary journeys into the unknown, lasting months if not years. Each had its own purpose   conquest, treasure, knowledge   and each ended with fabulous stories of new worlds for a fascinated public back home. Luckily, today s explorers and adventurers do not have to suffer the hardships endured by the Vikings, Columbus, Captain Cook or Darwin; they have a much more comfortable, even luxurious way to roam the globe: the world cruise.

Seven members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) cater to that growing population of travelers struck with extreme wanderlust, those adventurous vacationers determined to explore every continent and exotic new destination and eager to bring their own fabulous stories home again. As reflected in their innovative and ambitious itineraries, all six companies, some with more than 50 years experience circling the globe in style, report that demand for world cruises is greater than ever before.

From west to east, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, world cruises represent the perfect opportunity, for those who have the time, to visit destinations well out of the mainstream, such as Myanmar (formerly Burma), Oman, Vietnam, Iwo Jima and new ports of call in Africa and the Pacific. They also visit many of the world s major cultural and historical sites and capital cities in Asia, Europe and the Americas. World cruises, lasting approximately 100 days or more, typically follow good weather, ensuring that passengers, wherever they are in the world, can do their exploring in comfort. Most travel westward, departing in January, but there are exceptions, notably a rare opportunity to sail north to south, from one pole to the other.

CLIA member ships offering world cruises range in size, carrying as few as 400 or over 1,000 passengers. In 2008 they include the newest ocean liner in service as well as several of the highest rated and most popular luxury vessels. All have been designed to navigate with ease the open oceans they will travel through. Although cruise segments of a few weeks or more are always offered   enabling passengers to fly to embarkation points around the world   cruise lines report that traditionally more than half the passengers sign up for the entire voyage.

Here is a summary of CLIA member world cruises for 2008, and one which departs in September, 2007:

CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal Serenity, voted  World s Best Cruise Ship  in 2006 by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, will depart Los Angeles on January 19 for a 108-day odyssey through Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, India, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Overnight stays will be offered in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, India, Egypt and Monaco. Visiting 45 ports in 22 countries, it will be Crystal s 13th annual world cruise.

CUNARD LINE
Two of Cunard Line s three  queens  will offer world cruises in 2008, continuing a tradition of global voyages that the company began in 1922. On January 13, Cunard s newest ship, Queen Victoria, and the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2, beginning her last year of venerable service to the company, will sail from New York to Fort Lauderdale where they will then part ways. Queen Victoria will continue on a 105-day Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise, visiting 36 cities in 23 countries, and Queen Elizabeth 2 will make her 90-day South America, Pacific and Far East Odyssey, visiting 17 countries.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first world cruise, Holland America in 2008 will offer four  Grand Voyages  on two ships. ms Amsterdam sails westward from Fort Lauderdale on January 4 for a 114-day world cruise visiting 40 ports in 26 countries on six continents. ms Prinsendam will make a 68-day cruise to South America and the Antarctic starting January 3, followed by a 73-day journey to the exotic ports of Africa, for a combined 141-day world cruise. And, departing September 19, ms Amsterdam will explore Asia and Australia on a 65-day voyage to 20 ports in 13 countries.

NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE
MS Fram, Norwegian Coastal Voyage s newest ship, will make the first  longitudinal  world cruise this fall when it sets sail from Reykjavik, Iceland on September 18, 2007 for a 67-day trip from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Visiting 44 ports in 17 countries on four continents, the voyage will include stops in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the eastern US, the western Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the west coast of South America and the fjords of Chile and the land of penguins – Antarctica. For those unable to plan for 2007, a similar world cruise is anticipated for the same time in 2008.

PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess returns to world cruising in 2008 with a 102-day adventure aboard the Pacific Princess. Departing on January 10 from Fort Lauderdale, the 670-passenger ships first round the world voyage will take in 42 destinations in South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe before concluding in Southampton, England. Individual highlights include visits to the Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat and the Pyramids of Egypt. Then, in 2009, Princess plans to offer two world cruises   107-day voyages from Fort Lauderdale on the Tahitian Princess and the Royal Princess.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
San Francisco is the port of embarkation on January 6 for Seven Seas Voyager s 115-night world cruise to the Pacific, Asia, India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, North Africa, Bermuda and Florida. Featuring 11 overnight stays for in-depth exploration   in Tahiti, Sydney, Osaka, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Mumbai and Dubai   the voyage to 51 ports in 26 countries is also highlighted by visits to New Zealand, Singapore, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman and the Red Sea.

SILVERSEA CRUISES
Departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 16, Silver Shadow will sail on a  Rhythms of the World  cruise, covering 25 countries and over 50 ports in 110-days. After sailing through the Panama Canal, the ship will journey through Hawaii and the South Pacific, including Iwo Jima and Guam, much of Asia, including Vietnam, Egypt and the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Highlights of the voyage include high profile partnerships and special events with such brands as Ferragamo and Men s Vogue as well as celebrity chef Cat Cora and film critic Rex Reed.

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U.S. and Norwegian Cruise Lines Exercise Together

News, Norwegian Coastal Voyages | Posted by cruisepeople
Aug 07 2007

 

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Norwegian Cruise Line, in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Virgin Islands Government, is co-sponsoring a large scale mass rescue exercise in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Thursday, August 9, 2007.  NCL volunteered to be the lead cruise line in this exercise to assist the Coast Guard in its continuing emergency preparedness efforts. The exercise involves numerous federal, industry and U.S. Virgin Islands agencies and has been in the planning stages for more than one year.

Emergency responders will react to a simulated scenario whereby a cruise ship evacuates all her passengers to Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, after running aground off the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico. Select members of NCL’s incident response team in Miami will contribute to the field exercise. NCL, in keeping with its commitment to safety and the protection of the environment, has invited the National Transportation Safety Board to observe the actions of NCL’s incident response team in Miami.

“The safety and well being of our passengers and crew is our number one priority. Taking the lead in volunteering and participating in this exercise with the Coast Guard and the U.S. Virgin Islands, will provide us with invaluable learning,” said Bill Hamlin, NCL’s executive vice president of fleet operations. “We are looking forward to a successful exercise that will result in outcomes that benefit not only the parties involved, but also the entire cruise industry.”

“When a community is faced with a mass rescue emergency, whether it is caused by a natural disaster or an accident involving a passenger plane or vessel; locating, rescuing, keeping track of, and caring for rescued persons can become overwhelming very quickly.   Fire, police, rescue and medical services, as well as private sector responders, must come together quickly and operate under one well-coordinated organization to save lives.  This exercise will help prepare us to do just that,” said Capt. Raymond Perry, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan Deputy Commander.

Federal and Virgin Islands emergency response agencies, and  industry stakeholders participating also include the Cruise Line International Association, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Human and Health Services, U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Transportation Safety Administration, American Red Cross, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, Virgin Islands Emergency Medical Services, Virgin Islands Office of Homeland Security, Virgin Islands Law Enforcement, Saint Thomas Police Department. Virgin Islands Fire Service, the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital, and the Virgin Islands Taxi Alliance.

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Autumn Positioning Voyages

Atlantic Crossing, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, MSC, Norwegian Coastal Voyages, Orient Cruise Lines, Positioning Voyages, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, SeaDream Yacht Club, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea | Posted by cruisepeople
Aug 02 2007

Once upon a time, an ocean voyage was “the only way to cross.” To-day, with other much quicker options for travel available, more and more travellers are nevertheless choosing the unique pleasures of an ocean crossing or leisurely one-way voyage from continent to continent by cruise ship instead.

This year, no fewer than 15 of CLIA’s 24 member lines will offer autumn transatlantic or Pacific ocean voyages on more than 50 ships ranging in size from intimately small to extra-large. Combining leisurely, pampered days at sea, the itineraries range from two days to more than two weeks and feature ports of call in Europe and the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Asia, the islands of the Pacific, in some cases even Iceland, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. While most conclude in U.S. or Caribbean ports, others find their way to South America, even Japan and China. Whatever the itinerary, they all recall a bygone elegant era of ocean liner travel and offer all the amenities and shipboard activities, including enrichment programmes and top-quality entertainment, found on shorter voyages.

For the most part, these voyages are “repositioning” cruises, as cruise companies move their fleets from summer seasons in Europe, Alaska and Canada to winter seasons in the Caribbean, Mexico and elsewhere. These unique voyages typically represent a terrific cruise value. The significant increase in the number of ships being moved around reflects the continued “globalization” of cruising, with travellers constantly seeking new experiences throughout the world and lines responding with new itineraries outside the ever-popular destinations closer to home.

Following is a summary of CLIA member lines’ autumnl repositioning cruises:

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Passengers are welcomed aboard Carnival Freedom on October 28 for two days in Rome before sailing through the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic Ocean to Miami. After Rome, the 14-day voyage includes a visit to Livorno for travellers to explore Tuscany, Pisa, Lucca or Florence, and then, after a “Fun Day” at sea, a stop in Malaga, Spain, another day at sea, and a call on Funchal, in Madeira, before seven more “Fun Days” at sea and arrival in Miami. Carnival winds up its Alaska summer season by repositioning Carnival Spirit to the Hawaiian Islands. Departing from Vancouver on September 19, the 12-day crossing includes five “Fun Days” at sea and visits to Kona, Kauai, Hilo and Maui before arriving in Honolulu.

CELEBRITY CRUISES
Constellation will cross the Atlantic on a 12-night voyage departing England for Cape Liberty on September 15. Millennium crosses from Barcelona December 2 on a 14-night crossing to Fort Lauderdale; Century makes a 17-night crossing from Barcelona to Miami on December 3, and Galaxy travels from Barcelona to San Juan departing December 8, with stops in North Africa, the Canary Islands, Barbados, Antiqua, and St. Maarten. Celebrity’s Summit departs from Vancouver on September 14 on a 14-night “Ultimate Alaska” cruise to San Diego. Stops include the Ketchikan, Skagway, the Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Victoria, Astoria, San Francisco and Catalina Island.

COSTA CRUISES
Five ships head west this autumn after a European summer, all departing from Savona, Italy. Costa Fortuna sails to the Dominican Republic on a 15-night journey departing November 2; Costa Victoria stops in Spain, Portugal and Cape Verde during a 18-night crossing to Brazil departing on November 25; Costa Magica includes Spain, Great Britain and Cape Verde in an 18-night sailing to Brazil starting on November 26; Costa Mediterranea leaves November 29 for a 16-night crossing to the Bahamas that features Spain, Morocco, Barbados and Antigua; and Costa Classica’s 17-night voyage to Brazil leaving December 3 includes stops in Spain and Portugal.

CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal Symphony features a film and theater festival during its 14-day “Viking Passage” transatlantic crossing fromEngland to New York. Departing August 31, the cruise features stops in Dublin and Belfast, Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Nuuk, Greenland and Halifax, Nova Scotia. On November 9, Crystal Serenity leaves from Lisbon on a 10-day crossing that features Ponta Delgada in The Azores and Bermuda as well as “Big Band” music before arriving in Miami.

CUNARD LINE
Cunard Line has been offering transatlantic ocean liner service longer than any other existing cruise line – since the 1840’s to be precise – and to-day is the only company to feature regularly scheduled crossings. Cunard’s newest “queen,” RMS Queen Mary 2, sails between Southampton and New York on six- and seven-day cruises, occasionally making an eight-day voyage between Hamburg and New York, with a stop in Southampton as well. Devotees of transatlantic cruises might also keep an eye out for Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 which occasionally “crosses the pond” as well.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE
One of the newest entries in the repositioning/transatlantic market, Disney Cruise Line will bring Disney Magic home to Port Canaveral on August 18 after a summer of offering European cruises. Departing from Barcelona, the ship will call on Gibraltar and Cadiz in Spain before heading west for a stop in the Canary Islands. Before arriving in Florida after six days at sea, Magic will spend a day on Disney’s own island, Castaway Cay.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Another of the cruise industry’s most venerable transatlantic companies, Holland America Line brings four ships home from Europe this fall with 15- to 21-day cruises. ms Veendam departs Copenhagen on August 22 for New York; ms Westerdam leaves from Rome on October 5 for Fort Lauderdale; ms Rotterdam sails from Lisbon for Rio de Janeiro on November 1; and ms Prinsendam journeys from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Fort Lauderdale on November 3. At the end of its Alaska season, Holland America moves five ships – Zaandam, Volendam, Zuiderdam, Oosterdam and Ryndam – south along the Pacific Coast, offering three- to five day trips departing from Vancouver between September 26 and October 7.

MSC CRUISES MSC
offers four fall transatlantic repositioning cruises this year. On November 5, MSC Opera departs from Italy on an 18-day crossing to Tunisia, Spain and Brazil. MSC Lirica leaves Italy November 17 for Spain, Morocco, Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, Puerto Rico and Florida. MSC Sinfonia’s November 19 crossing from Italy to Argentina features France, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and the Canary Islands. And MSC Armonia offers an 18-day crossing departing December 1 that includes Croatia, Tunisia, Spain and Morocco before arriving in Brazil.

NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE
MS Fram, NCV’s newest and most luxurious ship, will make one of the longest repositioning voyages in the industry, from Iceland to the Antarctic. The ship departs September 18 from Reykjavik and will spend 67days visiting 44 ports in 17 countries on four continents before arriving in Ushuaia, Argentina on November 23. Among the highlights: Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, the eastern U.S., the western Caribbean, Panama Canal, the west coast of South America, the fjords of Chile and the waters of the South Pole.

ORIENT LINES
Orient Lines’ Marco Polo returns to the Americas in grand style, with a 39-day “CruiseTour” departing November 5 that begins in Rome and concludes in Buenos Aires. Also sold in 31-day and 36-day segments, the voyage encompasses much of the Mediterranean Riviera, Palma de Majorca, Barcelona and Malaga, Spain; Casablanca and Agadir in Morocco; the Canary Islands; the Cape Verde islands; Rio de Janeiro and three other ports in Brazil (Fortaleza, Salvador de Bahia and Itajai), and Punta del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay.

PRINCESS CRUISES
Emerald Princess sails on a 17-day, 8-port cruise departing from Venice on October 8 to Fort Lauderdale. Sea Princess leaves London on October 13 for a 14-day crossing to Barbados. Royal Princess sets off from Rome November 28 for Fort Lauderdale on a 24-day cruise and Star Princess offers a 17-day, 9-port sailing between Rome and Fort Lauderdale embarking December 3. On the West Coast, Princess offers a series of two- to six-day “Coastal Sampler” voyages in Diamond Princess, Island Princess, Golden Princess and Coral Princess from Vancouver to San Francisco or Los Angeles between September 15 and September 24. Pacific Princess will make a nine-day cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu, departing September 12, and Sapphire Princess sails from Anchorage on September 15, arriving in Beijing 15 days later.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Roaming the world is Regent Seven Seas’ specialty and, after a summer season in Alaska, the company’s Seven Seas Mariner heads west across the North Pacific. Departing from Seward on September 12, the ship’s 13-night itinerary includes Kodiak, the Kamchatka Peninsula, Hakodate, Sendai and Yokohama before ending the cruise in Osaka. The voyage also features six glorious days at sea.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Jewel of the Seas leaves Southampton October 30 on a 12-night trip to Fort Lauderdale. Brilliance of the Seas sails December 2 for Miami from Barcelona. Splendour of the Seas heads southwest from Lisbon on December 4, arriving in Santos, Brazil 14-nights later. Voyager of the Seas heads west from Barcelona on December 8 on a 15-night voyage to Galveston. Heading south from Alaska in September are Radiance of The Seas, on a 14-night cruise departing from Vancouver September 14 to Los Angeles;  Vision of The Seas – nine nights from Vancouver to Los Angeles departing September 21; and Serenade of The Seas, sailing from Vancouver on September 22 on a 13-night voyage to San Diego.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE
As part of their year-long global wanderings, two Seabourn vessels cross the Atlantic this fall enroute to winter cruising grounds. On September 18, Seabourn Pride departs from Dover, England for an 11-day sailing to Gloucester, Massachusetts. In addition to being at sea for seven days, the ship makes calls on St. John’s, Newfoundland; Halifax, Nova Scotia and Bar Harbor, Maine. On November 7, Seabourn Legend sets sail from Lisbon, Portugal on a 14-day crossing to Fort Lauderdale. Madeira and the Canary Islands are visited before nine days at sea.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB
SeaDream puts the emphasis on “ocean crossing” on two fall repositioning itineraries this year. SeaDream II leaves from the Canary Islands on November 3 on a 12-day sailing to Miami with ten days on the Atlantic. On November 17, SeaDream I sets sail from Lisbon enroute to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Other than a call in Madeira, this 11-day voyage features nine days at sea.

SILVERSEA CRUISES
On October 2, Silver Shadow slips out of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands for a 15-day transatlantic repositioning to Bridgetown, Barbados. In addition to eight full days at sea, the itinerary includes two other ports in the Canaries – Tenerife and Arrecife – as well as Dakar, Senegal; Porto Grande in the Cape Verde Islands and the Caribbean islands of Grenada and Bequia. Travellers wishing a little longer voyage are able to join the ship in Lisbon on September 23 for the nine-day crossing to the Canary Islands, with stops in Spain, Morocco and Madeira on the way.

The Cruise People, Ltd. on 1-800-268-6523 has information on all these sailings.

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Expedition Voyages

Antarctica, Expedition Cruises, New Brochure, Norwegian Coastal Voyages | Posted by cruisepeople
Jun 25 2007

Greenland  The Arctic  Antarctica  May 2007 – February 2008  Norwegian Coastal Voyage

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