Cruise
Free business class, anniversary savings with Regent
With 2012 marking the line's 20th anniversary, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has added increased value on 36 Mediterranean voyages, offered from April through October. Depending on the cruise, travellers can enjoy bonus savings of up to $8,000 per suite when booked by March 31. As part of the limited time offer, guests in Penthouse and higher suites receive free upgrades to Business Class on transatlantic flights. Guests in deluxe suites can upgrade to Business Class for $999 each way. Travellers can choose from seven-, 10- and 14-night itineraries aboard the 700-guest, all-balcony, all-suite...
Crystal expands ‘voluntourism’ program
After a successful inaugural year of voluntourism around the world, Crystal Cruises is extending its "You Care, We Care"program with new hands-on opportunities throughout 2012. This year, every Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony voyage offers one complimentary shore excursion in which both guests and crew can give back to a local community-in-need, with Crystal handling all the logistics. Of the more than 45 socially responsible excursions completed last year, several philanthropic destinations are back on the 2012 calendar, accompanied by new international additions such as: Cambodia:...
Costa Concordia runs aground, at least six dead
Costa Cruises' Costa Concordia ran aground off the Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, late Friday night leaving at least six dead. Two French passengers, a Peruvian crew member and two others died, and another 30 people were injured, two seriously. Divers are continuing to search the ship, which is lying on its side. As of this morning (Jan. 15), it's reported that 17 people are still unaccounted for. The ships' Italian captain has been arrested for suspected manslaughter and abandoning his ship. Costa Cruises' president Gianni Onorato has said the main task now is to assist survivors and help...
Sunwing expands Mediterranean cruise options
Sunwing is expanding its cruise offerings with new Mediterranean sailings departing from Barcelona, Spain this summer aboard Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. A Western Mediterranean itinerary is available aboard the Norwegian Epic, NCL's newest cruise ship, with seven-night cruises departing Sundays from June 17 to Sept. 2. Itineraries include the following ports of call in Spain, Italy and France: Barcelona, Naples, Rome, Florence, Nice and Provence. Cruise packages include roundtrip flights from Toronto as well as transfers to and from the Barcelona airport to the cruise pier. Sunwing...
Crystal expands Asian specialty cuisine
Crystal Cruises is bringing "Chinese comfort food"to the Crystal Serenity. Debuting as a casual dinner option in the ship's Tastes café, the menu of traditional, "down home"Chinese food, such as steamed dumplings, noodles, soups, fried rice and vegetables, is a more relaxed, regional dining experience to complement Crystal's upscale Nobu specialty restaurant. Under the direction of Malaysian chef Jennifer Pei Vun Lee, the program debuts this month on Crystal Serenity's 2012 World Cruise. Among the dim sum-like delicacies that will be available are Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shiaomai;...
Silversea debuts 19 new overland tours
For the cultural traveller who strives to achieve intimacy with far-off places, Silversea Cruises has added 19 new mid-voyage land adventures. In total, the company will offer more than 50 specially tailored overland excursions this year. Unlike a partial-day shore tour, these single- or multiple-day inland adventures offer travellers more time to enjoy an interactive and immersive experience with the people, history, wildlife and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call. "These extended off-ship programs are life-enriching opportunities that enable our guests to spend more...
InnerSea adds third ship in Alaska
Building on a sold-out 2011 inaugural season in Alaska, InnerSea Discoveries has diversified its cruising options in Alaska for this year with the addition of the 76-guest Wilderness Explorer sailing a new Northern Passages and Glacier Bay itinerary between Juneau and Sitka, Alaska. The ship joins the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer together sailing 10 itineraries in Alaska ranging from seven- to 21-nights. Guided by nature and wildlife, InnerSea Discoveries' itineraries are flexible and designed to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and adventure...
New Silversea program puts the focus on slow food
Silversea Cruises has introduced a new "Slow Food Adventure in Tuscany"land option that will debut this year on three Mediterranean voyages. In collaboration with Slow Food Italy, Silversea has designed an exclusive three-night program that will highlight the culinary and cultural traditions of Tuscany and introduce participants to local wine producers and products that adhere to the Slow Food philosophy of preserving biodiversity and gastronomic traditions. The program will be conducted with one or more members of Silversea's own culinary team on hand to provide participants with expert...