Small Cruise Ships

Singles save on Elegant’s Cruise Trips

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 03:25:00 +0000

Single passengers sailing on Elegant Cruises’ small cruise ship, the 105 passenger Andrea, will not be assessed a single supplement on three European cruises in July and August. The Andrea offers a personalized cruise trip to scenic island and coastal areas the large cruise lines cannot visit.

The 13-night voyage to the Baltic Capitals, departing July 1 from St Petersburg includes three days to explore the art, history and beauty of St. Petersburg before sailing to Helsinki, with stops in Tallin, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; Visby, Gotland, Sweden; Gdansk, Poland; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Stockholm, Sweden; and Mariehamn, Aland Island.

The return voyage, departing from Helsinki on July 13, explores the Gulf of Bothnia -- “Land of the Midnight Sun” -- with stops at historic Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the remote Finnish islands of Jurmo, Uto, Aland and Kokar. A highlight of this voyage is a visit above the Arctic Circle to a nomadic Sami (Laplander) tribe. This cruise trip includes stops in Stockholm, Tallinn and 2 days in St. Petersburg before returning to Helsinki.

On August 22, the Andrea will depart from Barcelona for a scenic 11-night cruise trip to Sete and Marseille, France; Portofino and Capri, Italy; Bastia, Corsica; Syracuse, Sicily; Gallipoli; Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia before arriving in Venice.

Tauck Christens new Ship for European River Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:10:00 +0000

On April 3, Tauck World Discovery officially launched its newest 118-guest European river cruises ship, the Swiss Sapphire, at a ceremony in Antwerp, Belgium.

The Swiss Sapphire will alternate with its sister ship, Swiss Emerald, on six different European river cruise itineraries, including The Blue Danube for 13 days, the Black Sea to Budapest for12 days, the Rhine & Moselle for 13 days, Prague to the Black Sea (combining the Blue Danube and the Black Sea to Budapest itineraries) for 20 days, and the Grand European Cruise, a 24 day cruise adventure along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers through nine European countries with 2-nights in Bucharest.

In addition to plasma TVs, mini-bars and individual air-conditioning in all cabins and suites, the 361-foot, four-deck Swiss Sapphire features a Jacuzzi on its top deck, a steam room, Lido bar, lounge, restaurant, fitness center and massage room.

Explore historic villages along Europe’s famed waterways and enjoy the sites from the top deck as the ship glides past ancient castles, medieval cathedrals and intriguing countryside. With shore excursions, informative lectures on history and the regions, wine served with dinner, all gratuities, meals ashore and the services of three Tauck directors and one Cruise Director included, Tauck’s European river cruises provide a floating luxury hotel through which to relax and enjoy Europe.

Small cruise ships feature biblical scholar

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:35:00 +0000

For a culturally enriching experience on small cruise ships, consider Elegant Cruises’ "Monasteries of the Lonely Desert" itinerary departing on December 18, 2008 and January 1, 2009.

Dr. William Dever, a Near Eastern biblical scholar, will be the guest lecturer on these voyages into the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba. His field of expertise is the historic development of the religions originating in the region.

The 62-passenger ship M/S Monet will depart from Cairo and cruise through the Gulf of Suez to the Red Sea.

Highlights of the cruise tour include:

an overnight hotel stay near Luxor and Valley of the Kings;
an excursion to St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site;
2-nights land accommodation in the ancient city of Petra.

Early booking savings of $300 per person are in effect until May 31st.

Historic small ships cruise through the Göta Canal

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:30:00 +0000

Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage) is offering unique four- and six-day small ship adventures along Sweden’s spectacular Göta Canal from late May through mid-September.

The cruises focus on the history of the canal (the 175th anniversary celebrations are scheduled for next year) and the culture and attractions of the surrounding cities and towns. The 190 km long Göta Canal includes 58 locks reaching a total elevation of 92 meters above sea level.

The vintage small ships, the M/S Diana, M/S Juno and M/S Wilhelm Tham, were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and refurbished in 2003-2004 to include modern comforts while maintaining the ambience of their original period. They have no more than 29 cozy, small cabins, most of which have bunk beds, washbasins and shared toilets and showers.

Each cruise includes daily buffet breakfasts, with fixed-menu two-course lunches and three-course dinners. Swedish, English and German are spoken onboard. The ships have a dining room, lounge, library and small kiosk. There are no televisions or radios to disrupt the relaxing voyage.

The four- and six-day cruises travel from Stockholm to Göteborg, Sweden’s largest port. Along the way, guests are able to explore the villages and historical sites by foot or by bicycle. Key sites include:

The Trollhätte Canal Museum with detailed descriptions of historic and modern canal lock construction;

The Royal Hunting Museum in Älgens Berg with a special display on the region’s noblest animal, the moose;

A collection of castles: Läckö's 13th-century castle, rebuilt in the Baroque-style in the 17th century; the ruins of 13th century Stegeborg castle, with unique Viking pole barriers; and the Vadstena Cloister with King Gustav Vasa's 1540s Gripsholm Castle.

During July and August, the M/S Diana will also sail two-day, one-night cruises between Motala and Söderköping.

Luxury Small Ships Schedule Speakers

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:05:00 +0000

The top-rated luxury small cruise ships of SeaDream Yacht Club will feature guest speakers on their westbound transatlantic voyages in November 2008. The itineraries will include speakers on world affairs, astronomy, maritime history and people profiling/character analysis.

With a crew of 95 and only 55 couples, SeaDream offers award-winning personal service and 5-star cuisine. Each all-inclusive yacht voyage includes all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar with select premium liquors, use of water toys and gratuities. Evening activities include a piano bar, movies under the stars and quiet conversations or strolls around the decks.

After cruising through the Mediterranean during the summer, SeaDream I will depart on November 1 from Tenerife to Antigua on an 11-day trans-Atlantic crossing. Guest speakers include Bruce Gronich, a professor at University of Texas who has taught physical science and astronomy and Alice Weiser, a former consultant to US government agencies, who is an expert on people profiling and character analysis. Cruise fare pricing begins at $3,099 per person based on double occupancy.

SeaDream II departs from Tenerife on November 13 for an 11-day crossing to Miami. Speakers on this cruise include Irving R. Levine, a NBC News correspondent and Anthony Nicholas, an authority on maritime history. Cruise fares begin at $2,999 per person based on double occupancy. Taxes, fees and air transportation are additional.

Victoria Cruises Upgrades Yangtze River Cruise Ships

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:43:00 +0000

Six of Victoria Cruises’ small cruise ships on China's Yangtze River will be part of a multi-million-dollar refurbishment for the 2008 season. The ships will receive extensive interior upgrades including new carpets and curtains, new paneled ceilings in the public areas, re-designed lobbies, and, on some ships, a separate private dining room for a la carte dining. Additionally, the Deluxe and Shangri-La Suites will be upgraded.

All ships in the fleet except the Victoria Prince, refurbished in 2004, will be upgraded through this project.

For the 2008 season, these small cruise ships will sail 3, 4 and 7 night itineraries along the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges. Six and 8-night cruises continue into the Eastern Yangtze region from Chongqing to Shanghai and reverse. All cruises sail through the locks adjacent to the Three Gorges Dam and include a land-based sightseeing tour to the dam.

A relaxing cruise on the Yangtze River is the ideal addition to a land tour of China for a comprehensive experience of this historic and scenic country.

Romantic tall ship offers free flights to Tahiti

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:41:00 +0000

Fly free from Los Angeles to Papeete on select sailings of the Star Flyer, one of the best small cruise ships, on romantic 7, 10 or 11-night cruises. View the lush islands of French Polynesia from a unique vantage point – in the crow’s nest or indulge in a choice of water sports activites – swim, windsurf, water-ski, sail a Sunfish or explore the pristine coast in a Zodiac.

With no more than 170 guests, you’re free to set your own pace aboard the ship.

The honeymoon-perfect itineraries sail to the Society Islands including Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora with Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay, Moorea on the 7-night cruises. The 10 and 11-night itineraries sail to the Society Islands and the remote Tuamotu Atolls, home of Polynesian cultural traditions. The Flyer will come ashore at Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine and Moorea.

Small Cruise Ship Debuts in Alaska

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:39:00 +0000

A new entry in luxury small cruise ships, American Safari Cruises’ Safari Explorer will debut on May 30 with an 8-day, 7-night Alaska itinerary roundtrip from Juneau for the summer. Including at least one full day in Glacier Bay National Park with a National Park Service Ranger, the ship will visit Icy Strait, Sitkoh Bay, Frederick Sound, Tongass National Forest for a an on-the-ground adventure on the trails, the tiny village of Elfin Cove, the Norwegian fishing port of Petersburg, Admiralty Island National Monument, Ford’s Terror and Endicott Arm.

The 36-guest luxury yacht carries double sea kayaks and motorized shore boats for close-up exploration of the Alaska wilderness with an emphasis on the wildlife – seals, humpback whales breaching in the waters, brown and grizzly bears ambling along the shorelines, giant moose browsing in the shrubbery, mountain goats high on the cliffs - and glaciers.

In addition to two large suites with Jacuzzi tubs and balconies, the Safari Explorer offers staterooms with double and triple accommodations. A range of spa services with a licensed masseuse for complimentary massages, yoga classes, a dedicated fitness area, on-deck hot tub and sauna is included.

All American Safari small ship cruises include on-board naturalists, complementary wine and premium liquor, gourmet dining and shore excursions.

Small Cruise Ships – Nassau Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:33:00 +0000

Imperial Majesty’s classic, vintage small cruise ship, the Regal Empress, is featuring special summer savings on short getaways to Nassau. Board the ship in the early afternoon and enjoy a buffet lunch by the pool. In the evening after dinner, watch a gala show, try your hand at the casino or relax in the lounge. The next morning, after the ship docks in Nassau at 9:00 am, transfer to a choice of resorts – including the Comfort Suites, with access to all Atlantis’ facilities – for a 2-night stay.

Board the ship in Nassau and enjoy dinner and a show before returning to Ft. Lauderdale the next morning. With prices starting as low as $239 per person (plus taxes and port fees), this short getaway on a small cruise ship is ideal for both couples and families.

Orion Expands Itineraries for 2009-2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Orion Expedition Cruises, ranked the #2 expedition ship in Berlitz’s 2008 Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, announced three new itineraries for its 2009-2010 Voyages of Discovery. In September and October 2009, Orion will embark on the Spice Islands, Gulf of Siam and Vietnam Explorer expeditions to Asia for 9, 10 and 11 nights.

In late October 2009, the 10 night Forgotten Islands expedition between Bali and Cairns will stop at Komodo Island, home of the Komodo Dragons, the world's largest living lizards; Maluku, Melanesia; Yamdena Island, Indonesia; and Thursday Island, site of the most northerly town in Australia, in the Torres Strait.

The Norfolk and Melanesian Islands Discovery voyage, for 19 nights, will explore the South Pacific between Auckland, New Zealand and Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, with a 2 day stop at historic Norfolk Island, in February 2009.

For those wishing to concentrate on bird and marine life, the Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure expeditions will explore the wilderness of World Heritage Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland and Snares Islands and the spectacular New Zealand fjords.

Orion provides luxurious surroundings, good food, and a highly personalized experience for no more than 106 guests on each of its small cruise ship expeditions.

Early Booking Savings on Mediterranean Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:44:00 +0000

Visit 3 continents and 5 countries on 7-night cruises in the Mediterranean aboard a classic small cruise ship. Travel from Piraeus (Greece) to Cairo (Port Said), Jerusalem (Ashdod), Cyprus, Turkey, Santorini and Mykonos in the comfort of Monarch Cruises’ recently refurbished M/V Blue Monarch.

With only 242 staterooms, the ship offers spacious accommodations with private bath and shower, two pools, a casino, fitness center – even a children’s center. Experience fine dining and nightly entertainment with personal service from the multi-lingual staff.

Save 30% by combining this cruise with the May 9 sailing of the Golden Fleece itinerary through the Aegean Sea to Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes and Heraklion, Crete plus an overnight in Istanbul.

Up Close and Personal on Small Cruise Ships in Alaska

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:44:00 +0000

Save up to $350 per person on Cruise West’s up close and personal small cruise ships in Alaska by booking and paying in full before March 31. Learn about the unique flora and fauna in the region with daily discussions led by an on-board naturalist, National Park Ranger and/or native cultural interpreter.

For the best savings, choose from:

Gold Rush Inside Passage – 11 days / 10 nights; follow the route, from Seattle to Juneau, of the original Klondike Gold Rushers of 1898.

Glacier Bay Highlights – round-trip from Juneau, either 5 day/ 4 night or 4 day/ 3 night explorations of Glacier Bay, a 3.3 million acre World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.

Alaska’s Whales and Wilderness – 9 day/ 8 night discovery of the Inside Passage with a full day in Glacier Bay, round-trip from Juneau.

Alaska’s Inside Passage – 9 days/ 8 nights from Ketchikan to Juneau including Misty Fiords National Monument and Metlakatla on Annette Island.

Luxury European River Cruises - Special Spring Offer

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 03:50:00 +0000

Glide along the Danube River on board Deilmann’s 5 star deluxe MV Mozart on a luxury European river cruise. Special savings is on offer for 7-nights on the April 6 and 27 departures and for 10-nights on the May 4 departure – 50% discount on published prices, a 2 for 1 savings.

Departing from Munich, the MV Mozart stops in Vienna and Budapest in addition to picturesque towns and villages along the banks of the Danube. Relax in the luxury of this luxurious ship while passing by famed Gothic cathedrals and medieval villages. Enjoy six meals daily, guided excursions at every port, evening entertainment and nightly dancing or quiet conversation in the lounge.

Romance on a tall ship

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanne) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:35:00 +0000

Star Clippers announced last minute savings of up to 35% on three sailings -- May 17, May 31 and June 14 -- departing from Rome on the luxurious Royal Clipper. Sail to Ponza, Sorrento, Capri, and along the Amalfi Coast before arriving in Taormina and the Aeolian Islands. Explore the less-traveled ports and sunny beaches in the Mediterranean on a romantic tall ship.