Cruise & Maritime Enters The Australian Market

by Kevin Griffin for cybercruises.com

Astor

Last Wednesday, Premicon AG, owners of the 600-berth 20,606-ton Astor, announced that she would be chartered to UK-based Cruise & Maritime Voyages for three winter seasons, starting in 2013-14.

She will continue to operate for Bremen-based TransOcean Cruises in the summer time. Astor will become Cruise & Maritime’s third ship, being added to the 848-berth Marco Polo and 650-berth Discovery, which has only just joined the fleet from Voyages of Discovery.

Cruise & Maritime plan to operate Astor in the Australian summer market, filling the void left by the demise of Classic International Cruises at the end of 2012.
It will offer a series of Australian cruises, including cruises from Fremantle, a Round Australia cruise and some Asian cruises in the winter of 2014.

Marco Polo in Rio de Janeiro

Over the past several years, Classic International had been offering southbound passages from Europe to Australia in late autumn and northbound passages back from Australia to the UK each spring, first in the 430-berth Funchal, and more recently in the 556-berth Athena.

The 1987-built Astor will make an ideal modern replacement for those ships. She will depart from Europe on November 5 via South Africa, to arrive in Fremantle on December 11, while the northbound voyage to Europe will depart on April 1, also by way of South Africa. As well as adding a needed service to the South African market, this will avoid any possible contact with pirates off Somalia.

Astor was built for the South Africa run in 1987 but when she was delivered went into destination and adventure cruising.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages have some experience of the Australian trade as its two main directors, Richard Bastow and Chris Coates, spent a good part of their early careers with CTC Cruises, who used to operate ex-UK by summer and from Australia in the winter. Cruise & Maritime had also tried to arrange a last-minute charter of Delphin from Passat Kreutzfahrten to Classic International’s Australian arm to replace Athena, but by then, Passat was unwilling to give up its own winter programme so the charter did not go ahead. Cruise & Maritime has opened a new branch office in Sydney. It also opened a North America office in Fort Lauderdale in 2011.

LiveJournal Tags: Astor,Athena,Funcha,Delphin

Old Time Service with Modern Technology

Image via Wikipedia

The Cruise People, Ltd. now has a wonderful research tool.  Whether you are thinking about cruising for the first time or you are an experienced cruiser, we can help you find that perfect cruise.  Fun, sun, beaches, adventure, culture or sights – there is a cruise here for you.

We have over 20,000 ocean and river cruises to show you including detailed itineraries, port descriptions and useful information about your cruise ship.

You can use the Quick Search to start or choose one of the offers or other links on this page.

LiveJournal Tags: cruise research,research ships,search itineraries,search ships,search ports

Crystal’s Ultimate VIP Fireworks Blowout to Ring in New Year’s 2013 In Sydney

Next Year’s Private, All-Inclusive Party Valued at More Than $1300/person

On the eve of New Year’s Eve, travellers are reminded it’s not too early to start planning next year’s holiday, perhaps with  a private floating party in Sydney Harbour welcoming in New Year’s 2013.  The over-the-top celebration offers exclusive front-row "seats" to the world’s biggest New Year’s fireworks, gratis for guests of all ages on Crystal Symphony‘s culinary-themed holiday cruise through New Zealand/Australia beginning December 20, 2012.

The fete unfolds aboard two luxury catamarans, sailing past Sydney’s crowd-lined shores in the exclusive, select-vessel Harbour of Light Parade flotilla.  Crystal has special-arranged final VIP stationing under Sydney Harbour Bridge, inside the off-limits Harbour Exclusion Zone, for the preeminent fireworks vantage point.  The intimate post-dinner soiree includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, premium open bar, music, dancing, midnight champagne countdown, Crystal’s renowned six-star service, and spectacular city views, with guests among the globe’s first ringing in 2013.

"This promises to be our most opulent New Year’s Eve in years," says Crystal’s Senior Vice President Operations, Thomas Mazloum.  "The night is not only an incredible backdrop for once-in-a-lifetime memories, the entire cruise is a tremendous value, considering the party, other holiday festivities, and all Wine and Food Festival events are complimentary."

The festive itinerary includes grand holiday decor, gourmet Christmas dinner, Chanukah traditions, and other seasonal delights during overnights in Auckland, Melbourne, and Sydney (two nights), plus calls in Tauranga, Napier,Christchurch/Lyttleton, and Dunedin, NZ.  Numerous experts–including guest chefs, mixologist, oenologist, oceanographer, conservation biologist, CBS News correspondent, and South African Ambassador—are also scheduled to host enlightening destination-related presentations.

Until December 31, 2011, "Book Now" cruise-only fares for the 16-day voyage start at $8,205/person, including fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, plus pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.  If flying from one of 24 North American cities, "Book Now" rates that include airfare and airport transfers start at $9,705/person.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travellers for two decades, including Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s recent Readers’ Choice award for "Best Cruise Line" for the 18th consecutive year.

For more information/Crystal reservations, contact The Cruise People, Ltd. – John Lang at 800.961.5536 extension 21 or jlang@thecruisepeople.ca

del.icio.us Tags: New Years luxury cruise

Longer Passenger Freighter Voyages

Pacific Express 3 Service – Complete, round voyage is approximately 77 days. From New York to Tanger Med (Morocco), Suez Canal passage, Jebel Ali (UAE), Singapore, Hong Kong, Chiwan (China), Xiamen (China), Shanghai, Pusan (South Korea), Houston, Mobile, Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, and back to New York. Priced from EURO 100 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Pad Service – Complete, round voyage is approximately 84 days. From New York to Savannah, Kingston (Jamaica – no embarkation or disembarkation), Punta Manzanillo (Panama), Papeete, Lautoka (Fiji), Noumea (New Caledonia), Sydney (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Napier (New Zealand), Tauranga (New Zealand), Punta Manzanillo, Kingston, Savannah, Philadelphia, Tilbury (England), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Dunkerque (France), and back to New York. Priced from EURO 110 – 120 per day.

MEX Service – Complete, round voyage is approximately 77 days. From Valencia (Spain) to Barcelona (Spain), Fos Sur Mer (France), Genoa, (Italy), Malta, Damietta (Egypt), Khor Al Fakkan (UAE), Port Kelang (Lalaysia), Nansha (China), Xiamen (China), Kwangyang (South Korea), Busan (South Korea), Shanghai, Ningbo (China), Xiamen, Nansha, Chiwan (China), Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), Port Kelang, Beirut (Lebanon), Malta and back to Valencia. Priced from EURO 100 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Indamex Service – Complete, round voyage is approximately 56 days. From New York to Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, Port Said (Egypt), *Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), *Port Qasim (Pakistan), *Nhava Sheva (India), *Mundra (India), Damiette (Egypt) and back to New York. Note – no embarkation or disembarkation in starred ports (*). Priced from EURO 100 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

French Asia Line – CMA – Complete, round voyage is approximately 70 days. From Zeebrugge (Belgium) to Port Kelang (Malaysia), Singapore, Ningbo (China), Shanghai, Yantian (China), Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), Port Kelang, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Rotterdam and back to Zeebrugge. Priced from EURO 100 – 105 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Columbus Loop – Complete, round voyage is approximately 105 days. From Vancouver to Yokohama (Japan), Shanghai, Ningbo (China), Hong Kong, Yantian (China), Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), Suez Canal passage, New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Suez Canal transit, Tanjung Pelepas, Hong Kong, Yantian, Shanghai, Pusan (South Korea), Seattle and back to Vancouver. Priced from EURO 80 – 90 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Voyage 6-10 – Complete, round voyage is approximately 70 days. Philadelphia, Savannah, Panama Canal transit, Balboa, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Timaru, Port Chalmers, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland, Panama Canal transit, Manzanillo, Cartagena, Philadelphia. Priced at approx. EURO 101 per day.

MS MSC UGANDA (Laeisz) – Complete, round voyage is approximately 56 days from the USA east coast to the east coast of South America. From Charleston to Norfolk, New York, Baltimore, Savannah, Freeport, Caucedo, Santos, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio Grande, Sao Francisco, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Suape, Caucedo, Freeport and back to Charleston. Priced from EURO 80 – 85 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Voyage 6-05 – Europe from the west coast – Complete, round voyage is approximately 70 days. From Vancouver to Oakland, Long Beach, Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Quetzal, Panama Canal transit, Cartagena, Tanger Med, Rotterdam, Tilbury, Hamburg, Le Havre, Cartagena, Panama Canal transit, Puerto Quetzal, Lazaro Cardenas, Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and back to Vancouver. Priced at approx. EURO 100 per day.

Voyage 1525 – Far East from both coasts – Complete, round voyage is approximately 104 days. From Halifax to New York, Savannah, Kingston (Jamaica), Panama Canal transit, Los Angeles, Oakland, Shekou (China), Hong Kong, Ningbo (China), Shanghai, Balboa (Panama), Panama Canal transit, Kingston, Savannah, New York, Halifax, Tarragona (Spain) Haifa (Israel), Leghorn (Italy), Genoa (Italy), Tarragona, and back to Halifax. Priced from EURO 90 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

Voyage 1190 – New York to West Coast of South America. Complete, round voyage is approximately 42 days. From New York to Baltimore, Charleston, Port Everglades, Cartagena, Manzanillo (Panama), Panama Canal transit, Guayaquil (Equador), Callao (Peru), San Antonio (Chile), San Vincente (Chile), San Antonio, Callao, Guayaquil, Panama Canal transit, Cartagena, Port Everglades, and back to New York. Priced from EURO 93 – 106 per day plus port taxes/fees.

MSC LAUSANNE NSB. Complete, round voyage is approximately 63 days. From Vancouver to Seattle, Oakland, Long Beach, Balboa, Panama Canal transit, Cristobal, Gioia Tauro, Naples, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Valencia, Cristobal, Panama Canal transit, Balboa, Long Beach, Oakland, and back to Vancouver. Priced from EURO 90 – 110 per day plus port taxes/fees.

These voyages may also be available as shorter segments subject to availability and cabotage restrictions. Round voyages may be available from most of the listed ports. For more information and to request space, contact:
The Cruise People, Ltd.
416-900-0889        1-800-961-5536        freighters@rogers.com        facsimile – 1-888-759-2990

Some World Cruises For 2013 and 2014

by Kevin Griffin of our London office writing for cybercruises.com

The upmarket lines have recently announced their intentions for 2013 World Cruises and it may be worth a look at some of their itineraries.While Crystal Cruises will dispense with its world cruise in Crystal Serenity in 2013, it will instead substitute a 74-night circumnavigation of South America, departing Miami on January 16, 2013, but the world cruise will be reinstated in 2014. Seabourn and Silversea, meanwhile, will still be offering 2013 world cruises in Seabourn Quest and Silver Whisper.

Crystal Serenity will now proceed on an 89-night world cruise in 2014, departing Los Angeles on January 18 and finishing in Southampton on April 18. Major ports include Yokohama, Hong Kong, Singapore and Cape Town, with two or three night stays at each of these, as well as two nights at Ho Chi Minh City. As well, there will be overnight stays at each of Honolulu, Osaka, Shanghai, Hanoi and Bangkok.

Under Crystal Cruises’ new all-inclusive plan the line will also be offering free flights, fine wines, premium spirits, alternative dining at Silk Road, the Sushi Bar and Prego, as well as prepaid gratuities. And champagne will be served free with lunch on boarding days. This rather modified world cruise will visit 32 ports in 19 countries and include 17 overnight port stays, giving the opportunity for more detailed exploration, instead of rushing on. The 1,070-guest Crystal Serenity achieved 1717 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships.

Seabourn, meanwhile, is offering a 116-night voyage in Seabourn Quest from Fort Lauderdale to Venice, departing on January 6, 2013. Ports of call will include three Caribbean islands, the Panama Canal, nine South Pacific islands, half a dozen calls in Australia and its islands, four calls in Indonesia, Hong Kong, two calls in Vietnam, one in Cambodia, two in Thailand, two in India, ten in the Middle East including Ashdod and Haifa, two calls in Turkey, plus Corfu and Dubrovnik before reaching Venice.

Full cruise amenities include round trip Club Class flights, or air credit, pre-cruise Gala Bon Voyage event and overnight stay in Fort Lauderdale, drinks on board, prepaid gratuities and shipboard credits. On Seabourn, all dining venues are also complimentary. And with just 450 guests, the ship offers a more intimate experience.  Seabourn Quest was awarded 1787 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

Silversea’s offer is a 115-day world cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale on board Silver Whisper, departing January 5, 2013. This cruise will cross the Equator four times, visit New Zealand and Australia and offering overnight stays in Tahiti, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, Cochin, Cape Town and Walvis Bay, but no two- or three-night stays like Crystal. This cruise will visit 52 ports in 28 countries and includes nine overnight stays.

Full world cruise guests will receive a complimentary Bon Voyage Gala and overnight stay at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles and fares will include free flights and transfers, or air credits, all-inclusive on-board package, prepaid gratuities and shipboard credits. The 388-guest Silver Whisper scored 1753 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

On the other hand, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager is offering a “build your own” world cruise this year with a marathon 210-night voyage leaving Bareclona next Monday and working her way out to Auckland and back as far as Copenhagen on June 25. While this is not a world cruise, twenty-three different sectors are available The 708-guest Seven Seas Voyager scored 1654 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

To be fair, Steven Stern, in his Stern’s Guide to the Cruise Vacation, gives all four of these ships a full Six-Stars-Plus rating. For the best advice and fares on any of these ships contact The Cruise People, Ltd.  at 1-800-961-5536 or email cruise@thecruisepeople.ca

Holland America Line’s 2013 Grand Voyages to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries

Image via Wikipedia

Holland America Line’s flagship Amsterdam and the smaller, Prinsendam, each will sail two Grand Voyages in 2013. In total, the four extensive itineraries feature 322 cruising days, visiting more than 120 ports of call in 65 countries.

Amsterdam will sail a 115-day Grand World Voyage in January and a 75-day Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage in the autumn. Prinsendam departs on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in January, immediately followed by a 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage.

"We’ve designed Holland America Line’s 2013 Grand Voyages itineraries to feature some of the most sought-after sights and experiences in the world," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Even the most experienced traveller will be inspired and impressed by our carefully crafted selection of port calls, maiden visits and extended stays."

Grand World Voyage
Departing Jan. 5, 2013, and sailing roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Amsterdam will ring in the New Year with her eighth Grand World Voyage and marking 55 years since the line began world cruising.  The 115-day journey is every traveller’s dream and features eight overnight calls, visits to some of the world’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two inaugural ports of call — Makassar, Indonesia, and Penneshaw, Australia.  Shorter segments ranging from 24 to 51 days also are available.

During the Grand World Voyage, Amsterdam will call at Cartagena, Colombia, before a daylight transit of the Panama Canal. The ship continues westbound where passengers will experience calls at Bora Bora and Papeete, Tahiti, home to the famous Vaipahi Garden, rugged mountains, lush rain forests and deserted beaches.

After exploring New Zealand, Australia and Asia, Amsterdam heads west through the Indian Ocean, taking a southerly route to the continent of Africa for a journey around the Cape of Good Hope. An African exploration presents the opportunity for guests to take an overland safari and go in search of the "big five" or learn about the legendary Zulu tribe and gain a true sense of modern-day Africa.

Amsterdam continues her voyage across the Atlantic to South America and the Caribbean before returning to Ft. Lauderdale.

Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage
Designed to explore the most remote corners of the world in elegance and style, Prinsendam returns to South America, Antarctica and the Amazon on a 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage that sails roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, also departing Jan. 5. The itinerary offers in-depth exploration with overnight calls at Callao (Lima), Peru; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, Brazil. Be reminded though that guests are not landed in Antarctica (ed).

The South America circumnavigation includes seven full days of cruising the Amazon River down to Manaus, the furthest navigable point for cruise ships, and a daylight passage through the Panama Canal. Adventure seekers won’t want to miss the three days of scenic cruising in Antarctica where the pristine beauty and diverse sea life are showcased during the continent’s austral summer (again, no landings).

For those with less time, 32- or 36-day segments to or from Buenos Aires are available.

Grand Mediterranean Voyage
Following her Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage, Prinsendam will return to Fort Lauderdale March 14 and embark on a 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage. This roundtrip sailing takes guests on a journey across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Prinsendam calls at several "boutique" ports in the region that are not accessible to larger vessels, including Agadir, Morocco; Marmaris, Turkey; and Korcula, Croatia.

Passengers will have an opportunity to visit attractions such as the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch and the Olympic Stadium at Piraeus (Athens), Greece, and explore the Hassan II Mosque in the economical capital of Morocco, Casablanca. Travellers can explore this area in greater depth when Prinsendam docks overnight at seven ports of call: Istanbul, Turkey; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Sorrento and Venice, Italy; Funchal, Madeira; and Barcelona, Spain.

Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage
Amsterdam closes out the year with a new 75-day Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage sailing from Vancouver, B.C. or Los Angeles, Calif., to Los Angeles, Calif., departing Sept. 20/23. The itinerary features a more in-depth exploration of Micronesia,China, Japan, the Philippines and French Polynesian islands, as well as inaugural calls to Majuro, Marshall Islands, and Pohnpei, Micronesia. The cruise also offers extensive time in port, allowing guests to visit historical landmarks and experience local culture.

Following calls throughout Asia and Indonesia, the itinerary circles back through the South Pacific to the tropical island jewels of Fiji, Bora Bora and Moorea before arriving in Los Angeles. During the voyage the ship overnights in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; Kobe (Osaka), Japan; and Singapore.

Cruise fares are per person, $US,double occupancy. Rates start at $19,999 for Amsterdam‘s 115-day Grand World Voyage departing Jan. 5; $12,999 for Prinsendam‘s 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage departing Jan. 5; $11,499 for Prinsendam‘s 64-day Grand Mediterranean Voyage departing March 14, and $10,999 for Amsterdam‘s 75-day Grand Pacific & Far East Voyage departing Sept. 20. Segments are also available ranging from 24- to 51-day sailings.

Book Early for Best Value
Reservations are now open for all four Holland America Line 2013 Grand Voyages. Book the Grand Pacific & Far East Voyage by November 30, 2012, and the Grand World, Grand Mediterranean and Grand South America & Antarctica Voyages by May 31, 2012 to take advantage of early booking amenities.

For more information, consult The Cruise People, Ltd. at 800.961.5536 – specialists in World Cruises since 1972

Carnival Hikes Gratuities by 15% – And Tips Down Under

by Kevin Griffin of our London office

Carnival will be raising its recommended gratuities level by 15%, from $10 per person per day to $11.50. Seeing that Royal Caribbean recommends $11.65 and Norwegian Cruise Line $12, and Carnival has not changed its recommended tipping for a decade, this should be hardly be a surprise.

But apparently readers of Cruise Critic and certain other UK sites think otherwise, with comments ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime. Can you imagine?

There was even one post that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in the UK was trying to stop (some) British passengers from handing out empty brown envelopes on the last night of the cruise. Fred. Olsen still gives these out to passengers expecting them to tip.

What is funnier however (and leaving empty envelopes is not funny) is the timing of this announcement. Earlier this year, Down Under, Carnival announced that after its Carnival Spirit reached Sydney in October the policy would be “tipping not required.”

This almost makes it appear that Carnival is upping gratuities in the rest of the world just in order to pay the tips of those curmudgeonly Aussies!

To show that not all cruise lines are alike, however, Celebrity ceo Dan Hanrahan recently found himself denying that he had ever said “we’ll teach the Australians how to tip.”

While Carnival is “Aussifying” Carnival Spirit it is clear that Celebrity will still expect them to tip when they leave their own Celebrity Century from next March.

2012 Promotions – Update Toronto (YYZ)

October 23, 2011

HAWAII/TAHITI

Ocean Princess – January 7 – Hawaii/Tahiti 11 Day – "$$ Off Launch Fares"
From: $1,610 Inside Standard – $1,800 Outside Standard
Other dates*: February 7
RDD

Ocean Princess – January 7 – Hawaii/Tahiti 11 Day – "Balcony for the Outside Price!"
From: $1,706 Inside Standard – $2,196 Outside Standard
RDB

Ocean Princess – January 7 – Hawaii/Tahiti 11 Day – "Guaranteed"
From: $1,800 Outside Standard
Other dates*: February 7 & 18
RGC

Ocean Princess – February 18 – Hawaii/Tahiti 11 Day – "Free Upgrade!"
From: $1,996 Inside Standard – $2,396 Outside Standard
Other dates*: January 7; February 7
RDA

*Calculation is the same, but fares may be higher and ship may be different. All fares are non-air unless otherwise stated. All promotions are capacity controlled and based on space availability. Fares quoted in Canadian dollars.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Expands

by Kevin Griffin of The Cruise People writing for cybercruises.com

Last week it was announced that Paul Gauguin Cruises would double its fleet, and increase its berth capacity by a little over a quarter, by purchasing Compagnie du Ponant’s Le Levant. To be renamed Moana, the 90-berth ship will introduce new itineraries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Latin America. While the 332-berth Paul Gauguin will remain in Tahiti, the Moana will widen the company’s cruise offerings.

Le Levant was built in 1999 and has cruised in many areas. Including the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Arctic, the Great Lakes, the Caribbean and the Amazon, among others. She will undergo a major refit in November 2012 and enter service for Paul Gauguin Cruises in December.

Seattle-based Paul Gauguin Cruises is part of Pacific Beachcomber, which also owns Intercontinental hotels on Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora and Maitai resorts on Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Huahine, and is opening The Brando, a new resort on Tetiaroa.

LiveJournal Tags: Paul Gauguin,Moana

Princess Cruises Announces Special Speakers to Appear During World Cruise

Princess Cruises passengers will be joined by a variety of special guests aboard Pacific Princess during its 107-day World Cruise departing January 13, 2012. Whether they want to hear about the golden age of Hollywood, get the scoop on modern-day filmmaking, or find out what it’s really like in outer space, world cruise travellers can get first-hand stories throughout the sailing.

Among the celebrated speakers scheduled to appear onboard are screen idol Tab Hunter; "Leave it to Beaver" star Jerry Mathers; "The Love Boat’s" Gavin MacLeod; legendary Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump; Suzanne Lloyd, granddaughter of silent film star Harold Lloyd; Oscar-nominated Filmmaker Leslie Iwerks and Space Shuttle Astronaut Robert C. Springer. In addition, a variety of expert lecturers will join the cruise to inform passengers on topics such as World War II history and computer forensics.

The special guest appearances are part of an enrichment programme designed especially for the Ft. Lauderdale to Venice cruise, which will visit 38 destinations in 28 countries, with calls on six continents as it sails through Latin America, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East and Egypt, finally ending in the Mediterranean.

Special guests scheduled to appear aboard Pacific Princess include:

Rolly Crump — Disney Imagineer (January 13-28: Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego)
One of the original Disney Imagineers, Crump joined Disney in 1952, first in animation, contributing to legendary films such as "Lady and the Tramp," but soon moved to the new group of designers who were creating Disneyland’s groundbreaking latest attractions. Crump worked alongside Walt Disney himself to create the Haunted Mansion, Enchanted Tiki Room and other attractions, and later designed projects for Disney’s EPCOT Center. Crump will talk about Walt Disney the man and the early days of designing iconic Disneyland rides.

Gavin MacLeod — TV and Film Actor (January 28-February 10: San Diego to Pago Pago)
Perhaps best known as "Captain Merrill Stubing" from the long-running television show The Love Boat, MacLeod also earned acclaim for his role in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, as well as numerous film roles. A long-time fan of cruising, MacLeod has served as an ambassador for Princess Cruises since 1986. He will present a selection of his favourite episodes from these classic series for passengers, and will reminisce about his career and famous co-stars.

Colonel Robert C. Springer — Space Shuttle Astronaut (February 10-18: Pago Pago to Auckland)
A two-time space shuttle astronaut, Springer has spent more than 237 hours in space. After joining NASA in 1981, Springer served as a mission specialist on shuttle flights in 1989 and 1990. Now retired from NASA and the U.S. Marine Corps, Springer currently works for The Boeing Company as director of quality systems, Integrated Defense Systems. Springer will talk about the shuttle programme, his adventures in space, and the future of NASA.

Jerry Mathers — Former Child Star (February 18-26: Auckland to Sydney) Although best known for his role as "Beaver" Cleaver in the television sitcom series Leave It to Beaver, Mathers also had roles in films such as Hitchcock’s "The Trouble with Harry" and "The Seven Little Foys" with Bob Hope. More recently, he made his Broadway debut with a starring role in the Tony Award winning play "Hairspray." Mathers will screen favourite episodes from his TV series, plus several of his films, and will talk about working with legends such as Alfred Hitchcock, Bob Hope and Shirley MacLaine.

Suzanne Lloyd — Granddaughter of Harold Lloyd (March 12-20: Tokyo to Hong Kong)
The granddaughter of one of Hollywood’s founding fathers and silent film legend Harold Lloyd, Suzanne Lloyd will screen a mini film festival of her grandfather’s silent comedy classics and talk about growing up on her grandfather’s legendary Bel Air estate: Green Acres.

Leslie Iwerks — Oscar Nominated Filmmaker (March 29-April 12: Singapore to Dubai)
A noted documentary filmmaker, Iwerks is also the daughter and granddaughter of Disney legends. Her first feature documentary, "The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story," chronicled the life of her grandfather, Ub Iwerks, the animator who designed Mickey Mouse. Her 2006 Academy Award-nominated film, "Recycled Life," documents the lives of Guatemalans who live and work on a landfill. In addition, her 2007 film, "The Pixar Story," was nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Onboard, Iwerks will introduce a showing of "Recycled Life," and discuss her work with George Lucas’ special effects company, and the computer animation work of Pixar Entertainment.

Tab Hunter — Actor, Screen Idol (April 12-30: Dubai to Venice)
A screen idol from Hollywood’s golden age, Tab Hunter starred in more than 50 major films, including the Academy Award-nominated "Damn Yankees." Hunter also reached the top of the music charts with the hit song Young Love, and starred in his own television series. In the 1980s and ’90s, Hunter starred in several John Waters films as well as the comedy Western "Lust in the Dust." The ship will screen several of Hunter’s films, and he will talk about his career, his famous co-stars, and his autobiography.

In addition, World Cruise passengers will also have the benefit of a variety of expert lecturers who will share their knowledge on diverse topics, including:

Concorde Pilot – A former British Airways Concorde pilot will speak about the glamour and technology of the Concorde. (January 13-28: Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego)

World War II Historian – Bruce Petty, the author of several books about World War II in the Pacific, will talk about topics such as Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Iwo Jima, and aircraft carriers in the Pacific. (January 28-February 18: San Diego to Auckland)

South Pacific Naturalist — Ann Burgess, an expert on the natural history of the South Pacific region, will talk about a variety of related topics including Polynesian explorers and indigenous wildlife in the area. She will also host animal spotting sessions on the top deck to help passengers catch a glimpse of sea life such as dolphins and whales. (February 18-March 12: Auckland to Tokyo)

Ambassador/Diplomat – Douglas Hartwick, a former ambassador to Laos and State Department diplomat, will talk about the life of a diplomat living abroad. (March 12-29: Tokyo to Singapore)

Computer Forensics Expert – Mark Harrington, computer forensic company executive, will lecture on how computer footprints can find terrorists and criminals. (March 20-29: Hong Kong to Singapore)

Astronomer – An astronomer will join the ship to teach passengers about the night sky, the solar system and the latest space exploration from NASA, plus will host stargazing sessions on deck. (March 29-April12: Singapore to Dubai)

United Nations Official – John Renninger, a UN official and adjunct professor at NYU, will talk about the UN’s peacekeeping role and Middle East topics. (April 12-30: Dubai to Venice)

"World cruise passengers will not only get to experience amazingly diverse parts of the globe, they’ll also have access to a wide range of knowledgeable special lecturers," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "Our goal is to enrich and entertain passengers throughout their entire time onboard with us."

All special guests and expert lecturers are currently scheduled to appear, but modifications may be made subject to changes in speaker availability.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through The Cruise People, Ltd. at 1-800-961-5536.

LiveJournal Tags: Disney,Rolly Crump,Gavin MacLeod,The Love Boat,Mary Tyler Moore Show,Rober C. Springer,Jerry Mathers,Leave It to Beaver,The Trouble with Harry,The Seven Little Foys,Harold Lloyd,leslie Iwerks,Tab Hunter,Bruce Petty,Ann Burgess,Douglas Hartwick,John Renninger