Save with RiverBarge packages in the U.S

This summer, clients can enjoy more than backyard barbeques and dips in the neighbors’ pool by rediscovering our great nation’s inland waterways. RiverBarge Excursions, operating the only floating hotel barge in the U.S., celebrates “10 Years of Sharing America’s Stories” this year with an eight-day excursion and special pricing for guests.

Passengers can receive a reduced single occupancy supplement from 25 percent to 50 percent, as well as all-inclusive pricing in one of the 98 staterooms (all meals, soft drinks, scheduled shore activities, onboard entertainment, port charges and taxes; Also, you may want your clients to note that no tipping is allowed.)

$50 Barge Bucks, an onboard credit that may be used for alcohol and gift shop purchases, will be awarded to guests booking and depositing $500 per stateroom.

As for the journey, the R/B River Explorer will take clients on an eight-day excursion, beginning Aug. 21, 2008. The all-inclusive package, called America’s Junction, ranges from $2,479 for the Royal Deck to $2,659 for the Platinum Deck (the Platinum Deck staterooms feature a small balcony). Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.

The package includes an overnight stay in Louisville, Ky., in addition to visits at Henderson and Paducah, Ky. Additionally, guests will barge on the Ohio River and the Mississippi River through five historic locks. While traveling on the Upper Mississippi River, they will pay visits to Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Chester, Ill. before ending the adventure with an overnight stay in St. Louis on Aug. 28.

800-640-4899

Seabourn remains committed to small ship experience

Yachts of Seabourn have three 32,000 gross ton newbuildings on order that are three times the size of the existing ship of the company and with 450 beds, carry twice as many passengers. However, Pamela Conover, president ceo of the Carnival Corp & PLC subsidiary, says the company remains committed to small ship experience. “I think there is a line between a small-ship and a large-ship experience. We choose not to cross that line, because we are committed to providing the sort of individualized experience that is the reason Seabourn guests choose to travel with us. We are building for a particular sort of very discerning traveler who understands the equation between intimacy and luxury,” she said. The new ships, Seabourn Odyssey and her un-named sisters-to-be, will provide among the highest ratios of space per guest in the industry, and they will take advantage of that space to lay on amenities such as an expansive 11,500-square foot indoor/outdoor spa, spread over two decks, that will be the largest on any luxury ship. Ninety percent of the ship’s guest accommodations will have private verandas, and the ships will feature four alternative dining venues, again unheard of for ships of this size, Seabourn said.

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Out of Business

It likely will come as no big surprise to Cruise Critic's savvy readers that Windjammer is out of business -- the company has not been sailing since last year -- but the news is now official. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates Sellers of Travel in Florida, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises is no longer licensed to sell travel in the state of Florida -- effectively putting the kibosh on rumored plans of a renaissance.



Windjammer has made no announcement that it has ceased operations, but the company will be breaking the law if it sells any cruises from its Florida headquarters. Although the CEO of the company promised faithful fans that Windjammer's ships would be operating again sometime in April 2008, no cruises are sailing and the company's offices are dark.



Windjammer experienced financial difficulties throughout much of last year. Vendors, port facilities and even crewmembers did not receive payment; ships were stranded; and a slew of canceled voyages in the fall of 2007 left many would-be passengers searching for refunds. The company's CEO made promises and the Web site cheerfully promoted future voyages, but no Windjammer ship has sailed in months. Cruise line executives did try to renew the license to sell travel last fall but because of the line's financial difficulties, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services insisted that the line put up a $50,000 bond. The company either could not or would not do so, and subsequently lost its license.



Although the Windjammer Web site is still up, the "Plan My Cruise" page is completely blank and none of the phone numbers work. The "Destinations" page lists departures through May 3, but it no longer seems possible to book a voyage.



If you are trying to get a refund for a Windjammer cruise that did not sail, a December press release on its Web site instructs you to fax requests to 305-531-1805. However, that number may or may not be operational. Complaints can be sent to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, but it's unlikely the government agency can get anyone's money back. If you need written proof for your credit card or travel insurance company that Windjammer is no longer licensed to sell travel in Florida, you may contact the government agency at 850-922-2966.

Elegant Cruises Waives Single Supplements

Guests Delve Deeper Into Alaska Wilderness with Cruisetour Extensions

Antarctica Free air, optional land programs, early booking savings

MS Bremen to Debut This Summer

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' four-star expedition ship, the MS Bremen, will make its Newfoundland premiere voyage with nine ports June 3-14. Discounted by almost 30 percent, the Canadian itinerary starts at $3,800 per person, double occupancy, for an outside cabin. Airfare is not included and the cruise will begin and end in Halifax/Nova Scotia with highlights including the Cabot Strait, Bakers Brook Falls Path, Gros Morne National Park, Cape St. Mary and more.

American safari cruises offers new family accommodations

With the increasing popularity of multi-generational family cruising, American Safari Cruises has incorporated triple accommodations in the redesign of its luxury yacht, the Safari Explorer. Set to debut in May with voyages in Alaska, the multimillion dollar renovation of the 36-guest ship will provide more comfortable and convenient accommodations for large family groups.

Of the 145-foot Safari Explorer’s 18 staterooms, four will have a convertible couch-bed, two will be top-deck Commodore suites with a separate bedroom, and two will be oversized Admiral staterooms on the main deck. American Safari recommends these redesigned rooms to couples traveling with a teenager or elderly parent.

With American Safari Cruises, triple accommodations for the four staterooms are priced at 15% less than a regular per person, double-occupancy fare. Per person triple fares for the Commodore suites begin at $6,595 for Alaska and $6,295 for Hawaii. Per person triple fares for the Admiral staterooms begin at $5,495 for Alaska and $5,195 for Hawaii.

The Safari Explorer includes an on-deck hot tub, fitness area, complimentary massages, sauna and yoga classes, a wine library for special tastings, two certified naturalists, a two-to-one guest ratio and more. All private transfers and from-yacht activities, such as kayaking and boat exploration, are included.

The Safari Explorer will begin inter-island Hawaiian cruising in December.

Cruise for Free as a Group Leader: The Best Kept Secret in Travel!

Where can I get more information or a quote for an Alaska Group Cruise? Call Alaska Cruise Travel Advisors today: 800.365.1445 for more information and a detailed quote, or simply fill out our Group Request Form: Click Here

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