New Brochure Oceania Cruises

2008 European Collection  Call for your copy.

New Brochure Pearl Seas

Defing Luxury Adventure  mall Ship Cruising Done Perfectly  2008-2009  Canadian Maitimes – Eastern Canada – Central America – Caribbean – Panama Canal

Contact The Cruise People, Ltd. for your copy.

QUEEN VICTORIA Sea Trials

 

Queen Victoria has successfully completed her sea trials.  She is seen here being put through her paces in her first photograph at sea.

Sea trials are undertaken to ensure that ships operate safely and efficiently and as such, the performance is tested in order to identify and correct any equipment issues before the vessel enters service.

The various trials test the maximum speed achievable and manoeuverability to evaluate the ship’s capabilities, putting stress on the major engine components to ensure they work under the most extreme conditions.

“Queen Victoria has successfully completed her first venture out to sea and now, back at the yard, her magnificent public spaces, luxurious suites and staterooms are coming to life with the addition of intriguing art work, elegant features and classical furnishings,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.

Queen Victoria is scheduled to arrive in Southampton for the first time on Friday, December 7, this year, where she will be christened by Her Royal Highness, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at a regal ceremony on Monday, December 10, which will also be attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

WORLD DISCOVERER to Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises’ parent company, Silversea Cruises Group Ltd.,  has purchased the expedition ship World Discoverer.  The company took delivery of the vessel in Singapore on September 17.  The ship will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment before she begins service in spring 2008.

“We’re very excited about this acquisition, as it means we’ll be able to further tap that segment of the luxury travel market that is adventure driven,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea’s chairman.  “We have been looking into this segment for quite some time.  When we were informed about the opportunity to buy World Discoverer, we took immediate action in a matter of days.  We believe that exploration cruises can combine extremely well with an utterly exclusive product.  With the addition of World Discoverer, our current fleet increases to five ships and to six in 2009, offering a more-expansive cruise schedule that encompasses all seven continents.”

Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president, added, “We will be unveiling more details about World Discoverer, including the new name, in the next few weeks, when all the elements of the project will be finalized.  However, at this time, I can advise that the refurbishment will extend to virtually every area of the ship.  Although we will maintain much of the vessel’s current configuration, which features all ocean-view accommodations, we will dramatically enhance and redesign a number of public spaces, as well as some of the accommodations, and even some aspects of the ship’s external appearance.  This will bring World Discoverer in line with our usual high standards, but with some modifications to better adapt the ship for the special needs of expedition cruises.”

Mr. Perasso further elaborated, “The mix of innovative land programmes, top-quality lecturers, enrichment programmes and exotic destinations will enable us to offer a very special experience that will appeal to the most discerning world travellers.  It just made good sense to grow our company with the addition of a vessel purpose-built for in-depth exploration and adventure in places far off the beaten path.  World Discoverer is well suited to become the “best in class” for this type of operation.”

After the planned refurbishment, World Discoverer will accommodate around 140 passengers (reduced from current 175) in ocean-view staterooms, including Owner’s Suites, Grand Suites, and 12 yet-unnamed suites that will be similar to the line’s popular Silver Suites — offering an intimate club-like ambiance that will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea’s award-winning luxury standards.

Travellers will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining room, a specialty restaurant, library (with desktop computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna and whirlpools.  The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line’s other ships.

World Discoverer will be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling those with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas.  Cellular phone service will also allow passengers to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from land.  The vessel will also feature flat screen TVs in all suites and cabins.  In the ship’s lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display live lectures hosted by visiting destination experts.

The ship will maintain the line’s reputation for intimate yet spacious ships.  And the vessel’s crew complement of 106 will continue to ensure the highest level of service with a crew-to-passenger ratio that will equal or exceed that of Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, thus being among the highest in this niche market.

The 6,072-ton vessel also boasts a strengthened hull with the highest Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation (1A), appropriate for navigating waters, without an escort, in some of the world’s most remote regions, including Antarctica.

Earlier this year the company finalized plans to purchase one 36,000-GRT, 540-passenger. ultra-luxury vessel from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2009.  The line has also signed an option for a sister ship with the same shipbuilder.
(2007).

For more information or a brochure on Silversea Cruises, please contact The Cruise People, Ltd. on 1-800-268-6523.

Caribbean Adventures and Transatlantic Crossings in RMS QUEEN MARY 2

For those who wish to sail without a travelling companion, or prefer to have a cabin to themselves, this is an ideal opportunity to experience the  amenities and service of RMS Queen Mary 2 with Cunard’s Single-Occupancy Special — inside fares from $US1,399*, plus Balcony fares starting from $US1,999*.

Choose a 10-day Caribbean voyage and tour the islands of the Eastern Caribbean such as Barbados, where you can explore a tropical sugarcane plantation. Take 13 days and sail all the way to Cristóbal, Panama, where you can visit Gatun Lake, the entry to the Panama Canal, and see the amazing Gatun Locks in operation.

Select a 6-day Transatlantic Crossing and revel in the classic traditions of sailing with RMS Queen Mary 2. Share conversation with new friends while sipping Champagne from Waterford Crystal flutes in the Veuve Clicquot® Champagne Bar, or attend a lecture by a leading speaker in a Cunard Insights™ presentation. Indulge in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, or listen to live jazz in the Chart Room — there are so many delightful diversions onboard this magnificent ocean liner.

CONNOISSEUR’S CARIBBEAN: 10 DAYS
Ports include: New York, Tortola, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, New York

January 13, 2008
January 23, 2008
February 29, 2008
Standard Inside
(Cat. D8)
From
Premium Balcony
(obstructed)
(Cat. B6)
From
$1,999*     $2,499*

PANAMA & THE CARIBBEAN: 13 DAYS
Ports include: New York, Limón, Cristóbal, Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, New York

February 2, 2008
March 24, 2008
Standard Inside
(Cat. D8)
From
Premium Balcony
(obstructed)
(Cat. B6)
From
$2,799*     $3,499*

TRANSATLANTIC: 6 DAYS
Ports include: New York, Southampton

April 16, 2008 (E)
April 28, 2008 (E)
May 4, 2008 (W)
May 10, 2008 (E)
Standard Inside
(Cat. D8)
From
Premium Balcony
(obstructed)
(Cat. B6)
From
$1,399*     $1,999*
Fares based on 4/16/2008 sailing.

*     Fares are per person, non-air, based on exclusive occupancy. Fares may remain at a discounted level after this promotion. Government fees and taxes of up to $76.41 are additional and may be higher for Canadian residents. This offer is based on availability, is capacity controlled and may not be combinable with any other promotion, savings programme or public, group or past guest discount, including shipboard credits. Offer is not transferable and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. Ask about Cunard’s applicable air add-on programme. See the applicable 2007-2008 Cunard brochure or Cunard.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to  booking. Certain restrictions apply. Please reference promotion code RDS.

Seabourn Renovations

The three Seabourn vessels, Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, are undergoing multi-million dollar renovations during drydock maintenance periods scheduled between September of 2007 and April of 2008. The renovations, which are the most extensive since balconies were added to 36 of each ship’s suites five years ago, include major overhauls of two of the ships’  open-air alternative dining venues, to increase seating capacities and enhance the options for passengers to enjoy evening entertainment “Under the Stars.”

“As we prepare for the launch of Seabourn Odyssey, we are also investing in the future of our existing fleet,” said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn’s president and CEO. “These enhancements will ensure that our award-winning Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend will continue to attract and satisfy the most discerning travellers,” she continued.

The ships’ indoor/outdoor Veranda Cafe, located all the way aft  is converted each evening into Restaurant 2, serving innovative tasting menus and themed dinners in a casual setting. The renovation will enlarge the outdoor section, increasing the venue’s seating capacity and adding a graceful new awning for enhanced weather protection and a dramatic touch of style.

The Sky Bar, overlooking the sun deck and whirlpool spas, is a popular gathering spot both day and night, where Sky Grill dinners are occasionally served. During the renovation, twin staircases leading from the deck below are being replaced with a single stairway, allowing an increase in the deck space adjacent to the Sky Bar. Existing fixed cocktail-sized tables are being replaced with more versatile furniture, some of which can be removed to clear the deck space for occasional on-deck entertainment and dancing.

Further features of the renovations include an upgrade of the bedding in all  suites, new carpets in many public areas, upgrades to the treatment rooms in The Spa at Seabourn, and new furniture in the card rooms and internet centres.

Seabourn Pride just completed the process in Germany. Seabourn Spirit‘s turn will be at Singapore in January, 2008 and Seabourn Legend‘s at Lisbon in April, 2008.

One change will be immediately visible as passengerrs arrive to embark. The ships’ livery is being updated, with the decorative line along the shear of the hull being changed from dark blue to black, and the distinctive shield emblem on the ships’ funnels highlighted in gold rather than blue.

Seabourn’s highly inclusive onboard experience provides an array of thoughtful enhancements to shipboard and shoreside services called Signature Delights that add luxury and value for travellers aboard the three 208-passenger Yachts of Seabourn. Signature Delights include complimentary service of spirits and wines including French champagne throughout every cruise; award-winning cuisine designed by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer and served in the ships’ open-seating Restaurants; free Massage Moments for those on deck; indulgent Pure Pampering therapeutic bathing selections from Molton Brown and an Exclusively Seabourn complimentary shore experience on every cruise.

Travellers can experience these Signature Delights on cruises of seven to 28 days or more in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, India and Arabia. Cruise itineraries explore landmark ports and lesser-known gems where larger ships cannot go.

Golf Cruise in SINFONIA in October

This October one can join an exclusive 7-night golf clinic as you cruise the western Mediterranean in MSC Sinfonia with Chuck Cook, director of the renowned Chuck Cook Golf Academy in Texas and one of the top 10 golf instructors of the world.

Chuck Cook and his assistant, American coach Andrea Ferlito, will be on board to enhance your golfing experience.

During the cruise there will be lessons for all levels- from accomplished golfers, to those with a passion for technical precision as well as those looking to learn the secrets of the sport. Chuck Cook will give seminars on the theory of golf and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes and tips gleamed from his years of experience coaching some of the best professionals in the field.

This cruise will depart Genoa Oct. 22, calling into Monte Carlo, Spanish Valencia, Valletta in splendid Malta, Tunis with its ancient ruins at Carthage, and then Civitavecchia.

The golf programme includes seminars, evening tournaments and individual coaching plus lessons for various levels. Three packages are available:

Basic: for those looking for instruction at a rudimentary technical and practical level, with professionals on hand to assist all the way.

Advanced: for those who can play and are looking to improve their swing and technical knowledge.

Chuck Cook Golf Academy: reserved for players with a handicap. There will be two groups: the first for those with a handicap 0-18, the second for handicaps from 19-36. Every group will be coached in rotation by Chuck Cook and his pool of experts to provide direction for the approaches, the putts and getting out of a bunker – fundamentals needed to obtain excellent results on the green.

On the sixth day, at Civitavecchia, the grand finale will take place for the Golf Punk Trophy Cup. A tournament for all participants will take place at the Querce di Sutri course.

This cruise is the perfect location for a golf clinic, offering a golf cage with double carpeting, putting green, golf simulators and Mini Golf, all locatedi n MSC Sinfonia’s Schubert Deck. On board, passengers can enjoy a high level of comfort in any one of the 800 cabins, plus the excellent service of qualified staff. There are many facilities including 4 adult and children’s pools, 4 restaurants, a cigar room, theatre, mini-club, disco and an elegant Spa Beauty Centre, plus a sauna, gym and relaxation room.

MSC Cruises’ “Best Fare, Best Room” rates begin at $995 for an interior stateroom and $1,195 for an oceanview stateroom. All prices are USD, cruise only, per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

Special golf packages (per person) include the Chuck Cook Golf Academy, $1,020; Advanced Golf, $780; Basic Golf, $650; participation in the final match, $390 all US$(and $180 for additional person).

For more about MSC Cruises and the special golf cruise, contact Michael Abel, The Cruise People, Ltd.’s golf specialists on 1-800-268-6523.

New Booklet

“NCL’s Suites and Villas – Experience the Luxury”

New Brocure from Star Clippers

Call 1-800-268-6523 to obtain your copy – “Star Clippers  Fall 2007   Spring 2009″

QUEEN VICTORIA’s Christening

 

Cunard Line has announced that Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, will attend a ceremony in Southampton on December 10, 2007, to mark the introduction of Cunard’s new 90,000-ton liner Queen Victoria. At this ceremony, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will christen the ship.

This naming will be a milestone in both Cunard and British maritime history, and will be a major event of worldwide interest, with over 2,000 VIP guests from around the globe in attendance at the ceremony.

“This will be an historic occasion. We are most honoured that Their Royal Highnesses have accepted our invitation and that Her Royal Highness will name our newest Cunarder,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “Every one of our Cunard Queens has been named by a member of the Royal Family and we are therefore delighted that Queen Victoria will follow in that tradition. In addition, this particular ceremony will mark the beginning of a new era, as it will be the first time in our 168-year history that we will have three Cunard Queens in service at the same time,” added Ms Marlow.

Queen Victoria will not only be a classic Cunard ocean liner, offering Cunard heritage and traditions, but will also be the second largest Cunarder the company has ever built. She will be in Southampton for four days, during which time over 7,000 guests from around the world will visit the ship. She will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday December 11, 2007.