Published on: March 31, 2009
Silversea Cruises is offering new destination enrichment programs with small group and private explorations ashore. “To complement the launch of our new ‘Silver Shore Concierge’ service in July, we have developed several new destination enrichment programs for Europe and the Mediterranean this year,” said Darius Mehta, Silversea’s director of land programs. “Among the new options, and branded under the ‘Silver Shore Collection’ label, are enticing excursions with a wine, culinary or cultural focus, as well as special tours offering the exclusive use of transportation and flexible itineraries to suit a couple or a group of friends wanting a more intimate and personalized experience ashore.” Silversea offers a number of optional shore tours that feature the private use of air- and watercraft. Among the options is a private yacht expedition from Mykonos, a private helicopter above the Holy Land, or a chartered boat to Positano and Capri.

In addition, other new “Silver Shore Collection” tours offer in-depth explorations of local history and culture, such as a drive through the Tuscan countryside to the 11th-century Castagneto Carducci Castle for a tour and a wine-tasting, lunch at Baronscourt, the private home of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn in Northern Ireland, a drive in a Ferrari sports car from Rome, and a private cooking lesson in Istanbul.

Published on: March 31, 2009
Crystal Cruises announced the lineup for its 13th annual Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery to take place on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity this year. In all, seven culinary themed itineraries between May and December will feature top chefs, wine experts and mixologists in cooking demonstrations, hands-on classes, tasting sessions and special menus. The lineup includes Andre Rochat, the Michelin Star-awarded owner of Alizé in Las Vegas; Cesare Casella, Michelin Star-awarded chef and creator and dean of the Italian Culinary Academy in New York; Timothy Hollingsworth, sous chef at The French Laundry; Odd Ivar Solvold, Bocuse d’Or winner and owner of Solvold and Smak in Norway; Oyvind Naesheim, executive chef of Nobu Hong Kong; Claude Troisgros; Azmin Ghaherman, owner/chef at Sapphire restaurant in Southern California; Giuliano Hazan, Italian cookbook author and instructor; Carmelo Chiaramonte, owner of Il Cuciniere in Catania, Italy; Robert Wemischner, a pioneer in culinary fusion techniques; Jon Ashton, food correspondent for “The Daily Buzz” and chef for “Relish” magazine; and Nancy Harmon Jenkins, an expert in Mediterranean cuisine and cookbook author.

Sommeliers and wine experts will include Dr. Josef Schuller, chairman and director of the Masters of Wine; Kevin Zraly, James Beard award winner and founder of the Windows on the World Wine School; James Cluer, the third Canadian Master of Wine and one of only 265 worldwide; David Glancy, department chairman of the Certified Sommelier Program at the Professional Culinary Institute of the Silicon Valley; David Gordon, wine director of Tribeca Grill, Nobu and Next Door Nobu; Jim Barrett, owner of Chateau Montelena in the Napa Valley; Kris Margerum, wine director for Auberge Resorts; and Leslie Sbrocco, wine expert and author. Cocktail gurus will include Dale DeGroff, often referred to as the King of Cocktails; Tony Abou-Ganim, mixologist and mastermind behind Crystal’s cocktail program and menus; Bridget Albert, director of the Academy of Spirits and Fine Service of Illinois; and Ryan Magarian owner of Liquid Relations and developer of Aviation Gin.

Crystal’s 2009 wine and food cruises are scheduled for May 1, Singapore to Dubai; June 7, Rome to London; July 16, Barcelona to Venice; July 25, Stockholm to Copenhagen; Aug. 9, Athens to Barcelona; Nov. 10, New York to Miami; and Nov. 22, Miami to Manaus. Most wine and food voyages offer an “All Inclusive-As You Wish” $1,000 per person spending credit. Additionally, Crystal’s Family Memories Program offers one free berth for every 10 full-fare berth, plus other perks, and the Crystal Assurance Plan offers reduced deposits and cancellation periods, as well as the assurance that guests will be protected at the reduced fare if a stateroom category is later reduced.

Hello Debbie,

I am coming back to you with an answer to your questions you posed during the Regent Executive webinar:

Q: Do you see the current problem with the Voyager and the nets on the current voyage as a very short-term problem, and how is it being handled?

Below is what I received from Regent on this:

As you are probably aware, the Seven Seas Voyager is experiencing problems with one of its propulsion pods. After leaving Singapore, one of the pods shut down. Upon arrival in Phuket, divers inspected the pod and discovered that substantial lengths of heavy fishing line were tangled in the propeller and on the shaft where the propeller connects to the electric motor.

They removed as much of the line as possible and the ship proceeded to Cochin at reduced speed and consequently arrived in Cochin 24 hours later than scheduled. Engineers from the manufacturer of the pods joined the ship in Cochin as planned to further inspect the propulsion pod and attempt to repair and re-start it. As the pod requires more work than originally anticipated, repairs will need to be completed in Dubai.

As the ship can only operate at limited speed and it is imperative that we arrive in Dubai on or ahead of schedule, the ship will now proceed directly to Dubai where we expect her to arrive on the evening of the 30th or the morning of the 31st.

Additional technicians will join the ship in Dubai and work on repairing the pod so we may operate the April 1st voyage as scheduled.

We are working up a compensation package for all guests who are currently onboard and will announce it shortly.

Please let me know if you have any other questions that I can help you with.

Regards

Sinéad

Sinéad O'Connell

Key Account Manager, Industry Relations

N E W S

Cunard Line Unveils Queen Elizabeth

With the Debut of its Third New Ocean Liner in Six Years, One of the Oldest Names In Ocean Travel will Operate the Industry’s Youngest Fleet

Bookings Open for Sale on April 2

17 March 2009 – Today, Cunard Line revealed itinerary and design plans for its newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, which is scheduled to enter service on 12 October 2010, giving one of the oldest names in shipping the strength of operating the youngest fleet in the industry. Queen Elizabeth will be the third new ocean liner to be introduced by Cunard in six years and the second largest Cunard ship ever built.

Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and their predecessors. She will also debut some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality, plus all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect.

Likewise, Cunard’s renowned White Star Service will be ever-present, ensuring that travellers who seek a return to tradition will enjoy proper, authentic experiences that reflect the line’s 170-year heritage of formality and civility at sea.

In announcing the first details of the new ship, Cunard President Carol Marlow said “Cunard holds the distinction of sailing the most famous ocean liners in the world and I’m delighted to announce this magnificent addition to our fleet, which marks the return to our operation of three Queens simultaneously. For more than 70 years there has been an ‘Elizabeth’ in the fleet and this beautiful modern-day celebration of our past ‘Elizabeths’ will ensure this proud tradition continues far into this century. Sir Samuel Cunard would be rightly proud.”

A Nod to Cunard’s History and Heritage

Queen Elizabeth is named after Cunard’s first Queen Elizabeth, the famed Cunard ship which was launched in 1938 as the world’s largest liner. The new ship will reference her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist.

From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship’s adherence to liner decor, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, intricately detailed interiors replete with rich wood panelling, mosaics, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel. And in addition to the extensive Cunard entertainment programmes onboard, Queen Elizabeth will offer some unique strands inspired by the era of the first Queen Elizabeth, including country house parties, lively piano evenings and a variety of dancing from that time – including the jitterbug and jive - all within the setting of this 21st century ship.

As a successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect this great liner via artwork and memorabilia and will have its very own ‘Yacht Club,’ named after the lively aft lounge on QE2. Offering guests 270 degree views and the perfect setting for activities and gatherings during the day, it will also double as a dramatic evening venue for cocktails and dancing.

Similarly, through photography, memorabilia and exhibits, the ship will recognize the historic links Cunard has enjoyed with Royalty over the years.

The ship’s distinctive public spaces include:

Queens Room - a new take on the traditional Cunard ballroom, with artwork depicting views from royal palaces, and photography of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family, along with its 1000 square foot dance floor for Grand Balls and Tea Dances at sea.

Garden Lounge - with its magnificent vaulted glass ceiling creating a conservatory feel inspired by the glass houses of Kew Gardens, beneath where guests will enjoy Supper Clubs, and mix dining with dancing under the stars.

Games Deck - Named after the same deck on the original Queen Elizabeth, the Games Deck will offer paddle tennis, croquet and traditional British bowls. (Interestingly, the ship’s home port of Southampton is home to the oldest surviving bowls green in the world, first used in 1299.)

Midships Bar - will pay homage to her namesake liner, the first Queen Elizabeth, with memorabilia displayed from that era.

The ship’s dining venues include:

Queens Grill and Princess Grill - The ship will also feature the line’s celebrated five-star Grills accommodation and dining, with its al fresco dining option on a private deck terrace - first introduced on Queen Victoria - beautiful restaurants, Grills Lounge and sunbathing deck.

The popular Britannia Club, having first debuted aboard Queen Mary 2, features a private dining room with single seating dining for those guests in the top Balcony staterooms.

Britannia Restaurant - Art Deco decorative flourishes create a dramatic backdrop for this two-tiered dining room featuring a sweeping staircase ideal for making a grand entrance.

Queen Elizabeth’s Maiden Voyage Season

Queen Elizabeth’s maiden 2010 season will consist of six voyages, calling on 32 distinct ports in 18 countries. Her Maiden Voyage will depart from Cunard’s homeport of Southampton on 12 October 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles. The 13-night voyage will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal). Fares start from $2,995 per person.

The ship will then embark on five celebratory inaugural voyages:

Mediterranean Premiere – A 14-day voyage departing Southampton on 25 October 2010 with maiden calls to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Cartagena and Gibraltar. Fares start from $2,795 per person.

Aegean Introduction – An 18-day voyage departing Southampton on 8 November 2010 calling on Malaga (for Granada), Malta (Valletta), Venice, Dubrovnik, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens (Piraeus) and Alicante. Fares from $3,295 per person.

Gallic Debut – A five-day voyage departing Southampton on 26 November 2010 with maiden calls to Rotterdam (for Amsterdam), Brussels/Bruges (for Zeebrugge) and Cherbourg. Fares start from $1,195 per person.

Iberian Discovery – A 13-day voyage departing Southampton on 1 December 2010 with calls to Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira. Fares start from $2,395 per person.

Festive Debut – A 22-day holiday voyage departing Southampton on 14 December 2010 with calls in the Caribbean, including Madeira (Funchal), Tortola, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada). Fares start from $4,795 per person.

Reservations for Queen Elizabeth’s maiden voyages and inaugural season will be open for booking on April 2. For more information and to book a voyage, consult Cunard Commodore Debbie at 281-351-9150 or debbieh@tropictravelonline.com or call 800-5Cunard.

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- March 18, 2009) Luxury travel innovator Silversea Cruises is raising the bar in personalized service with plans to feature butlers for all guest accommodations aboard its award-winning fleet. The enhanced service will be phased in gradually over the coming months.

The line's newest all-suite ship, Silver Spirit, will feature butler service in all accommodations when launched in December.

"By expanding the butler service, we're essentially elevating the qualifications and caliber of our hospitality staff to ensure we continue to deliver a guest experience of unsurpassed quality," said Christian Sauleau, executive vice president of fleet operations for Silversea. "Our butlers come to us from some of the world's finest hotels and grandest homes, already highly trained in the art of recognizing guest preferences and anticipating their needs, ever attentive yet in the most unobtrusive manner."

Sauleau added, "Each butler, assisted by a suite attendant, is empowered to troubleshoot problems and provide special service touches, if desired by the guest -- for example unpacking and packing clothing, facilitating a dry cleaning request or preparing a scented Jacuzzi bath -- ultimately creating a suite environment where one can relax and feel totally cared for."

As the complimentary butler service rolls out to all accommodations, it will join an already expansive array of all-inclusive amenities available to Silversea guests, including a premium assortment of wines, champagne and spirits served throughout the ship, all gratuities, and on select sailings, the Silversea Experience®, an exclusive shoreside event. All accommodations are ocean-view (most are suites) and feature Pommery Champagne upon arrival; fresh fruit and flower arrangements; selection of European bath amenities; fine bed linens; premium mattresses; choice of pillow; plush robes and slippers; personalized stationery; 24-hour room service; in-suite beverage cabinet stocked daily on request with guest's selection of wines, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks; and twice daily suite service with turndown nightly.

Currently, complimentary butler service is available in the top-category accommodations -- Royal, Grand and Owner's Suites. In the coming months, it will be rolled out to Silver and Medallion Suites as follows:

-- May 7: Silver Wind
-- May 17: Prince Albert II
-- May 19: Silver Whisper
-- May 30: Silver Cloud
-- June 7: Silver Shadow

Butler service will then be extended to all accommodations on all ships as follows:

-- September 21: Prince Albert II
-- October 9: Silver Cloud
-- October 24: Silver Whisper
-- November 9: Silver Wind
-- December 2: Silver Shadow

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper -- and launching in December, Silver Spirit -- all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI). International awards include "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007) ; "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2009); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Spain's Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2009); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2008).