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.

Read on

Star Clippers Tight-lipped on Newbuild

After announcing plans last September to build the largest and most expensive sailing vessel ever, Star Clippers is still in discussions with various shipyards and “working on purchasing agreements” for its fourth yet-to-be-named ship, said Mark Carlson, director of marketing, on Thursday. “I haven’t heard much on anything at all as of late; it’s all very hush hush,” Carlson said. However, he did reveal that the five-masted vessel will be 7,400 tons, 518 feet in length, have a beam of 61 feet, and a 20-foot draft. The ship will also have an “Ice-Class C” hull, extra- heavy anchor gear, a davit-dampening system, and specially modified tenders – allowing her to sail virtually anywhere in the world. Currently, Star Clippers operates three sailing ships in the Caribbean, Far East, Mediterranean and Tahiti.

Pearl Seas Setback

Pearl Seas Cruises is delayed yet again. And as for when the company’s first ship – which still has yet to be named – will sail is anyone’s guess.

The line’s “target date” is slated to be the beginning of the first quarter of 2009, according to a company source. However, its reservations department said that the first available booking for the company is July 18 – one year after originally planned. “The cruises aren’t sold; we just aren’t taking reservations because we don’t have the availability right now,” an agent explained.

Pearl Seas – an offshore affiliate of American Cruise Lines, Inc. – originally announced plans in late 2006 to build two new 210-passenger ships at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax. The first ship was scheduled to begin cruise service in July 2008 – and the second, June 2009. However, in April, the date for the first ship was pushed back to November. There was no word on the status of the second ship at press time. Jack Berglund, vice president of marketing and sales at the Halifax shipyard refused to comment on either of the ships. “I can’t answer any questions about the Pearl Seas, and I can’t be any clearer than that,” he said.

Avalon Waterways Invests in More River Cruise Growth

Avalon Waterways is investing millions of dollars in the fast-growing river cruise segment. The company inked a five-ship deal with the Den Breejen Shipyard in Holland. The Avalon Scenery, launched in April, was the first ship delivered as part of this deal, with four sister vessels scheduled for christenings in the next two years: The Avalon Affinity and Avalon Creativity in 2009 and two more ships in 2010. With these deliveries, Avalon will boast 10 luxury vessels in Europe, averaging two years in age. "In five short years Avalon has established itself as a major European river cruise operator," said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "Our ships are more modern in design, showcasing contemporary appointments and state-of-the art technology. They also house the largest staterooms available. Except for our junior suites, all staterooms measure 172 square feet, and 90 percent boast floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors."

Other amenities and features on Avalon's new ships include flat-screen televisions, large closets, beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen, Egyptian cotton linens, mini-bars, safes, laundry and ironing services, a fully equipped fitness room, library, hair salon and gift shop, as well as a club lounge and large Jacuzzi pool on the Sky Deck. "Avalon serves passengers unlimited complimentary local wine with all onboard dinners and features regional entertainment, as well as provides the most impressive land programs available, coupled with a ‘best-in-class' English-speaking staff that caters to our clients' desires," said Steve Born, vice president of marketing and customer care for the Globus family of brands. "It's no wonder nearly 100 percent of our cruisers say that we've met or exceeded their expectations on trip."

Avalon also has focused its efforts on a wide range of cruise itineraries in Europe, Egypt, China and the Galápagos, including themed offerings such as music-inspired getaways, holiday vacations and a Food & Wine cruise series, created with Burt Wolf. "The investments we've made in Avalon -- from ships and itineraries to staff support -- are delivering great returns, not only in customer satisfaction but also in sales," Clark said. "Our 2008 bookings are up 20 percent over 2007 and 2009 numbers are looking even better, already up 30 percent, year over year." Earlier this month, Avalon unveiled website enhancements, including a virtual tour of the Avalon Scenery to showcase the "Avalon Difference," as well as new print advertising. Those booking a cruise between now and Aug. 31 can receive $400 off the air-inclusive price or $225 off the cruise-only price of a 2009 Globus or Avalon Waterways cruise. For more information, call RiverDiscounts.com 800-640-4899

Uniworld Increases Company-Owned Fleet To Ten With Launch Of The Majestic River Beatrice

Scenic Tours’ Sapphire to Make July 4 Debut

Scenic Tours' new riverboat Scenic Sapphire is set to welcome passengers onboard on July 4. The sold-out 2008 itineraries sail on the Rhine and Danube rivers, between Amsterdam and Budapest on the initial 15-day "Jewels of Europe" cruise. More than 80 percent of cabins have private balconies measuring over 25 square feet. The superior Danube Deck also features services of a butler, who can be summoned at the touch of a button. Scenic's fares are all-inclusive with guided shore tours, gourmet meals, wine with dinner, airport transfers and all gratuities. Each day of the two-week trip offers Scenic FreeChoice, which allows passengers to select their sightseeing option. Since launching in 1987, Australia-based Scenic Tours entered the European river cruising market in 2005 and has invested $100 million to introduce a fleet of new ships in 2008. For more information, RiverDiscounts.com 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

RiverDiscounts.com

800-640-4899

Ships of the future unveiled

luxury Chinese junk cruise vessel under construction

DANUBE: NEW SHIPS IN 2008

Danube Tourist Commission

2008-05-19 14:06:43

This season will see six new ships sail the Danube: Amacello, Amadante, Scenic Safir, and Scenic Emerald (Rivertech), Premicon Queen (Premicon), and Swiss Safir (Scylla Tours). Three other ships will travel the river under new names: the Da Vinci, Isabella and TUI Maxima.