Fabulous Luxury Offers

I've been saying that this year is the time to try out Luxury cruising, and the below offers certainly support that. Many cruisers have the perception that "luxury" brands are too expensive, but when all the inclusions, such as alcohol, gratuities, bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees and the like are factored in, there's often not as much difference as you might expect. And this year, they are especially kind to the budget.

First up is my favorite ship in the world, the Paul Gauguin sailing in French Polynesia (Tahiti). Book by September 30, and enjoy 2-for-1 cruise fares and free or 2-for-1 airfare! The opportunity to cruise the South Pacific aboard the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin has never been better!

Featuring the vibrant culture and natural wonders of Tahiti, the Society Islands and Tuamotus, this multi-award-winning ship will embark on just sixteen 7-night sailings and just six 10-night voyages in 2010, on dream itineraries designed to bring you closer than ever before to some of the world's most exotic locales - and at a value unheard of for such paradise:

• 2-for-1 Savings on January - March 2010 sailings when booked by September 30, 2009
• 2-for-1 roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles — an additional value of up to $1,250 per couple — when booked by September 30, 2009
• Early Booking Savings of up to 45% on April - June 2010 sailings

7-night sailings highlighting Tahiti and the Society Islands start from $2,748 per person, including 2-for-1 roundtrip Air savings between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti when booked by September 30, 2009, while the 10-night itineraries highlight the Tuamotus and Society Islands and start from $3,648, including Free Roundtrip Air between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti when booked by September 30, 2009.

This ship is the perfect fit for French Polynesia. From their private motu (island) where you can be served lunch and an "adult beverage" while luxuriating in a lounger in the warm, clear lagoon waters, to snorkeling or diving with brightly-colored tropical fish, exploring the beauty and culture of these magnificent islands, or simply reveling in the hospitality of these charming people, this is an unforgettable cruise...at unheard-of prices!

French Polynesia not piquing your interest? Then check out the 1-week sale from the Yachts of Seabourn! Ultra-luxurious yacht-style cruising can be yours at extremely attractive fares if your book this week.

Book one of the below cruises aboard The Yachts of Seabourn with extraordinary savings of up to 65%. You will sail aboard an intimate yacht and enjoy all-suite accommodations, personalized service and an atmosphere of sophisticated ease. With special fares from just $1,349, don't miss this exceptional value. It's the perfect opportunity for you to experience the winner of the World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line. But hurry, the sale begins today, Monday, July 13 and lasts just one week.

• Caribbean Getaway • Seabourn Spirit
  DEC 16, 2009 • 5 days Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $1,349
• Atlantic Sunsets • Seabourn Spirit
  NOV 15, 2009 • 12 days Lisbon, Portugal to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $2,765
• Belize, Panama & Costa Rica • Seabourn Legend
  NOV 23, 2009 • 14 days Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
  Special Fares from $3,599
• Caribbean Tapestry • Seabourn Odyssey
  NOV 28, 2009 • 12 days Round-trip Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $3,999
• Costa Rica, Panama & Belize • Seabourn Legend
  DEC 7, 2009 • 14 days Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $3,599
• Asian Capitals & Vietnam • Seabourn Pride
  FEB 13 or MAR 13, 2010 • 14 days Singapore to Hong Kong, China
  Special Fares from $4,999
• Asian Capitals & Vietnam II • Seabourn Pride
  FEB 27, 2010 • 14 days Hong Kong, China to Singapore
  Special Fares from $5,249
• Caribbean Gems • Seabourn Legend
  MAR 20, 2010 • 5 days Round-trip Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
  Special Fares from $1,499
• Caribbean Gems • Seabourn Legend
  MAR 25, 2010 • 7 days Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $1,999

If you've longed to check out a luxury line, this is the time! Whether you choose the Paul Gauguin, or luxuriate on Seabourn, you will have an amazing, pampering experience at sea.

Regent to Offer Free Shore Excursions and More!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a relaxed but elegant luxury line, has just announced a new promotion for new bookings through March 31: Free Excursions during select 2009 cruises! This is part of their new “ultra-inclusive” cruise pricing initiative. For a limited time, guests on select 2009 voyages can choose from a selection of complimentary shore excursions, a value of up to several hundred dollars per guest.

Simply book by March 31, 2009 and they will include unlimited access to complimentary, award-winning shore excursions during your voyage. This is in addition to the all-inclusive cruise experience (which is already one of the best true luxury deals around, as they include alcohol at lunch and dinner, a free bar set up in cabin, soft drinks and bottled water, and gratuities in the regular fare).

This offer is in addition and combinable with the current 2-for-1 and free air offers!

“We are delighted to be able to offer our valued guests even greater value with a Regent experience that now encompasses both the ship and the destination,” said Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “At a time when travelers are seeking greater value and unique vacation opportunities, we offer a spectacular array of voyages that offer more value and more luxury than ever before.”

With offers of free airfare, cruise fares that begin at $3,995 and free unlimited shore excursions, the company expects that these voyages will be in great demand. On each of the select cruises, guests can participate in at least one complimentary shore excursion in each port where excursions are offered. These excursions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. Guests with deposited reservations can pre-request their excursions online starting 120 days in advance of their sailing date. In addition to the free excursions, there will be a number of Regent Choice excursions that will require payment of a supplement.

In addition, for first-time Regent cruisers, there is a $500/cabin onboard credit! Though in all honesty, I can't imagine having a $500 shipboard bill when excursions are free!

The applicable sailings are:

Alaska on the Seven Seas Mariner: June 3, June 10, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, August 26, September 2. Complimentary tours include a native canoe adventure or an adventure hike to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau; a zipline tour or a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railroad in Skagway; a sea otter and wildlife quest in Sitka.

Europe and the Baltic on the Seven Seas Voyager: June 26, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28, September 25. Complimentary shore excursions in the Baltic include an evening at the ballet, a visit to Hermitage museum, or a tour of Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia; a walking tour and concert or a countryside fishing and lunch tour in Tallinn, Estonia; and a city tour by sea and visit to Fortress Island, or a sailing tour in Helsinki, Finland.

Mediterranean (and Caribbean) on the Seven Seas Navigator: July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, September 4, September 11, September 28, October 16, October 30, November 8, December 18. Among the complimentary excursions are a visit to Pompeii or a Riviera tour from Sorrento, Italy; a tour of Ephesus from Kusadasi, Turkey; a tour of Sicily; a tour of ancient Rome from Civitavecchia, Italy; a tour of Mayan ruins and river cruise in Belize; a visit to Q’eqchi indigenous river community in Guatemala; and a stingray sandbar swim in Grand Cayman.

Asia Pacific on the Seven Seas Mariner: September 16, October 1, October 17, November 1, November 18, December 2. Shore excursion options include a tour of the Peace Park in Nagasaki, Japan; a full-day tour to Hanoi from Hong Gai, Vietnam; a kangaroo and koala tour in Melbourne, Australia; a Maori cultural experience in Wellington, New Zealand.

Tropics on the Seven Seas Navigator: December 18 where you can experience an off-road adventure in Bora Bora.

Alas, my favorite ship in the world, Paul Gauguin, is not included in this offer, but there are other offers which apply to her as well.

If you're interested in learning more about any of these sailings, feel free to email at amber@cruiseresource.com!