Silversea’s Prince Albert II

This small cruise line has brought a new level of luxury to adventure cruises, so travelers can get close to nature without sacrificing any creature comforts.

Just when I thought I had this cruising thing all figured out, along comes Prince Albert II, the luxury-injected expedition ship launched this summer by Silversea Cruises.

I'm no stranger to Silversea; sailings aboard the line's traditional ships are among my most memorable holidays at sea. Until Prince Albert II, however, I'd completely missed the boat when it came to cruising's expedition segment.

Christened by namesake Prince Albert on June 12 in Monaco, Prince Albert II is a Lloyd's Register 1A ice-rated vessel. Originally known as World Discoverer II, the ship got a multimillion-dollar renovation that included refurbishment of its exterior, technological enhancements, and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces. This 6,072-ton vessel carries just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view cabins from 180 to 600 square feet; it sails to destinations ranging from world capitals to remote islands around the globe.

Except for that ice-rating thing, Prince Albert II didn't sound too different from the Silversea I know and love: A small, intimate ship carrying affluent guests in tasteful luxury, with no pesky bar bill, restaurant surcharges or gratuities awaiting them at journey's end.

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Orion Expedition Cruises Cultural Expedition

This exclusive Orion cultural expedition provides rare access to remote Arnhem Land indigenous art communities, with plenty of time ashore to meet and talk with many artists, view and purchase original artworks and visit important galleries. Orion's expedition team and specialist guest lecturers enhance the experience with comprehensive briefings and workshops. Departing Thursday Island in Torres Strait on 25th April this 7 night voyage concludes in Darwin on 2nd May, 2009. Spectacularly located at the northern tip of Australia, Thursday Island is the perfect location to commence this fascinating expedition. A visit to the Gab Titui Cultural Centre reveals exquisite Torres Strait art that reflects the many unique cultures and traditions of the island communities and the islander's bond to sea and land. Orion then explores the remote coastal regions of Arnhem Land, stopping at some of the most important indigenous art centres, many with limited access due to their isolation and the need for permits to enter indigenous reserves. Travelling the coast on Orion is the perfect way to visit these significant art communities. This voyage will appeal to those interested in indigenous art from both aesthetic and investment aspects as well. Colin and Elizabeth Laverty – whose lifetime of collecting Australian contemporary art has culminated in one of the world's most important collections of Aboriginal art – will join the voyage to share their thoughts on the importance of Australian indigenous art; while Howard Morphy, Director of the Research School of Humanities at the Australian National University and extensive author on Australian Aboriginal art will also offer insight to provide a better understanding of indigenous art in Australia. They will be joined by Hetti Perkins, a member of the Eastern Arrernte and Kalkadoon Aboriginal communities. Currently Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the Art Gallery of NSW Hetti has worked with indigenous visual art for over twenty years.

AMA Waterways Christens Amacello, Amadante in Germany

AMA Waterways christened it two newest river ships, the Amacello and the Amadante, in the medieval town of Regensburg, Germany. More than 80 percent of the ships' staterooms feature French balconies. All of them feature plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; in-room "infotainment systems" with complimentary Internet access; marble-appointed bathrooms, spa-quality bath amenities; terry robes; and slippers. Each vessel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a complimentary specialty coffee and tea station. Gourmet meals in the restaurant are accompanied by complimentary local wines. Each ship also features a fitness center, a beauty salon, a whirlpool, a walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. Next year, AMA will debut the Amadolce and the Amalyra; and two additional ships will join the fleet in 2010. More Information RiverDiscounts 800-640-4899

Tauck Reveals Riverboat Name, Announces 2009 Dates

Tauck World Discovery has revealed that its newest riverboat, currently under construction and scheduled to debut in April 2009, will be called the MS Swiss Jewel. The Swiss Jewel will be Tauck's third all-new riverboat launched in a three-year span, joining its sister-ships the MS Swiss Sapphire (launched April, 2008) and the MS Swiss Emerald (launched April, 2006).

"We're very excited to be boosting our European river cruising capacity once again," said Dan Mahar, Tauck's CEO.

River cruising has been the fastest growing segment of Tauck's business for the past several years - it's 2008 departures were more than 70% sold-out by late last fall. The construction of the Swiss Jewel will help satisfy the high demand for Tauck's river cruises. The company is also increasing its river cruise departures by 25% for 2009.

The new Swiss Jewel will alternate with Tauck's other vessels on five of the company's seven river cruise itineraries next year.

For more information and savings on all Tauck River Cruises

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River & Small Ship Cruising News 2008-03-28 18:18:47

Pearl Seas Cruises' new ship met water for the first time at the Irving Shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is the first of several ships the company plans to build for world service. The ship will carry no more than 214 guests and feature 108 suites, all with private balconies. The suites will range in size from 320 to 640 square feet. The ship will be outfitted with Rolls Royce active wing stabilizers, which the company says will create the optimum ship -- small enough to sail to places inaccessible to larger cruise ships while also providing a smooth, comfortable ride in the deep ocean. The 2009-10 schedule is detailed on the company's website and showcases 29 itineraries that will visit more than 100 ports throughout Eastern Canada, New England, Canadian Maritimes, Caribbean, Central America, Panama Canal, and the Great Lakes. The ship will feature a spa, elevators to all six decks, and Internet access throughout the ship. 800-640-4899

Balconies on River Cruises

An Australian cruise operator is making waves on the Rhine and the Danube, writes Mike Heard.

APT World Discoveries has criticised the advent of full-size balcony areas on some European river ships, saying they make cabins less comfortable and don't get much use anyway.

The criticism is seen to be aimed at fierce rival Scenic Tours, which has been heavily promoting new-design balcony cabins on the so-called spaceships it will operate on the Rhine, Danube and other European rivers next year.

The balcony areas are big enough for a table and two chairs. Vessels of most other river-cruise companies, including APT, have only french doors opening on to a railing.

Scenic's advertising invites Australians to experience Europe river cruising in a "whole new way" by seeing Europe from a private balcony. APT says other river cruise operators have rejected the private balcony concept "because of the adverse impact on the comfort inside the cabins caused by narrowing the interiors and the limited time passengers spend on balconies".

APT says balconies are fine for ocean cruising, where passengers are at sea for several days at a time. But river cruising offers sightseeing on both sides of a vessel, so passengers using private balconies are going to see only half of the action.

The company has just announced plans to build two more 150-passenger vessels in partnership with European operator Amadeus Waterways, giving it a fleet of eight by 2010.

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