Now this is one cruise I'd love to take!
Video courtesy of Four Seasons
We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.
Learn more about our clean water project.
Showing posts with label Video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Video. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Four Seasons Explorer in the Maldives
Have you traveled to the Maldives? That's one place that's still on my must-visit list. There are two Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives—Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru—and they also offer cruises aboard their yacht, the Four Seasons Explorer.
Video courtesy of Four Seasons
Video courtesy of Four Seasons
Friday, January 7, 2011
Video Introduction to American Safari Cruises
On this beautiful Saturday, I want to share with you a video that introduces American Safari Cruises. This is a family-owned company with three yachts sailing itineraries in Alaska's Inside Passage, Hawaii, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and along the Columbia and Snake rivers.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari directly at 1-(888) 862-8881. And, be sure to follow American Safari Cruises on Twitter.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari directly at 1-(888) 862-8881. And, be sure to follow American Safari Cruises on Twitter.
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.
Learn more about our clean water project.
Monday, April 26, 2010
3 Things I Didn't Know About Silversea's Silver Spirit
Guess what? We've just booked passage on the June 5th sailing of Silversea's new Silver Spirit from Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece. This is a ship we've been itching to try, but the itineraries just weren't meshing with our schedules. But, when we saw a small window in which we'd be available, we investigated the options and Silver Spirit's itinerary fit the bill nicely.That being said, I now need to learn everything I can about the ship—quickly! I'm just scratching the surface, but here are some things I've discovered that surprised me:
3 Things I Didn't Know About Silver Spirit
- Silversea Loves Fine Chocolate as Much as I Do!
Finally, a luxury cruise line that leaves artisan chocolates on your pillow during evening turn-down service. I love chocolate far more than I should (I know, it's an addiction that I really should seek help to overcome) and Silver Spirit will cater to my sweet tooth. They purvey handmade chocolates from Pierre Marcolini of Brussels. These treats will eventually make their way to Silversea's other ships during select itineraries this summer in Europe. - Silver Spirit's Been on TV
Plum TV reporter Alex Miranda filmed a short segment aboard Silver Spirit. Check out this Silver Spirit clip, which includes an interview with Silversea's VP of Sales, Stephen Tucker. - How the In-Room Mirror TVs Work
I knew that this ship had installed unique mirrors that double as a TV. What I didn't know is how they work. Check out this video for the details.
I'm excited to learn more about this beautiful new ship and I'm curious to match up what I've heard and read with my own personal experience. Just 39 days until we board Silver Spirit!—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Photo courtesy of Silversea
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Video: Celebrity Cruises Floats Out Celebrity Eclipse
Last summer we sailed aboard Celebrity Equinox, the second in Celebrity Cruises' $3.7 billion Solstice Class fleet. Last Thursday the cruise line floated out the next ship in the series: Celebrity Eclipse.
Take a look at this video from Celebrity Cruises and learn a bit more about this terrific new ship that starts sailing this April:
Celebrity Eclipse will sail round-trip itineraries out of Southampton, England between April and the end of October, when she'll cross the Atlantic and begin her winter season in the Caribbean.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Celebrity Cruises.
Take a look at this video from Celebrity Cruises and learn a bit more about this terrific new ship that starts sailing this April:
Celebrity Eclipse will sail round-trip itineraries out of Southampton, England between April and the end of October, when she'll cross the Atlantic and begin her winter season in the Caribbean.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Celebrity Cruises.
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Countdown to French Polynesia Vacation with Paul Gauguin Cruises
There's no better cure for the winter blues than planning a luxury cruise vacation to some exotic destination like French Polynesia. For that very reason, I'm so thankful that I've got an upcoming voyage aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin from Paul Gauguin Cruises.
March is the probably my least favorite month. It's the busiest time of year for my work (writing and editing for book publishers, magazines, and websites) and it's generally when I reach the end of my rope regarding winter weather. I just want the snow to melt and the days to get longer and sunnier!
In the meantime, plans for my South Pacific cruise will just have to sustain me. Last week I attended a webinar hosted by Paul Gauguin Cruises. My husband and I fired up the computer and took notes as the PGC team spent an hour explaining just what was in store for travelers cruising with them.
After the webinar I downloaded the shore excursions for our seven-night itinerary and now it's time to make some tough choices. On Moorea, for example, do we want to book the "Capture Moorea Photo Adventure" tour hosted by photographer Renaud Fayada or the "Dolphin Watching Expedition" with local biologist Michael Poole? Maybe we can do both since we'll anchor off Moorea for two days. These are good decisions to have to make.
Our cruise is still two months away but the webinar has inspired me to get organized and research the cruise and the islands we'll be visiting. To that end, here are a few videos I found on YouTube. If you're planning to visit French Polynesia, these may be of interest to you as well. Enjoy!
March is the probably my least favorite month. It's the busiest time of year for my work (writing and editing for book publishers, magazines, and websites) and it's generally when I reach the end of my rope regarding winter weather. I just want the snow to melt and the days to get longer and sunnier!
In the meantime, plans for my South Pacific cruise will just have to sustain me. Last week I attended a webinar hosted by Paul Gauguin Cruises. My husband and I fired up the computer and took notes as the PGC team spent an hour explaining just what was in store for travelers cruising with them.
After the webinar I downloaded the shore excursions for our seven-night itinerary and now it's time to make some tough choices. On Moorea, for example, do we want to book the "Capture Moorea Photo Adventure" tour hosted by photographer Renaud Fayada or the "Dolphin Watching Expedition" with local biologist Michael Poole? Maybe we can do both since we'll anchor off Moorea for two days. These are good decisions to have to make.
Our cruise is still two months away but the webinar has inspired me to get organized and research the cruise and the islands we'll be visiting. To that end, here are a few videos I found on YouTube. If you're planning to visit French Polynesia, these may be of interest to you as well. Enjoy!
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Paul Gauguin Cruises Video
Diving in Tahiti Video
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Video: This Looks Magical—Festa del Redentore in Venice with Crystal Cruises
Got any plans for the third weekend of July 2010? If not, join Crystal Cruises in Venice, Italy, as Crystal Serenity experiences one of Italy's most entrancing festivals, the Festa del Redentore.
This annual celebration dates back to 1577 when the city was finally rid of a plague that killed many of its citizens. The festival also marked groundbreaking of Palladio's "Redentore" (Redeemer) Church on the Island of the Giudecca. (The church was also built to commemorate the end of the plague.)
Over the years, the festival grew from one of religious significance to one that also now includes a more secular celebration in the way of a 30-minute fireworks extravaganza. Today, thousands of visitors flock to Venice for this festival. Small boats, often decorated with balloons, head to St. Mark's Bay and the Giudecca Canal in anticipation of the fireworks show that begins at 11:30 pm.
This summer, Crystal Serenity will have the best seat in the house for this amazing spectacle as she overnights in Venice. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception, local entertainment, a sumptuous Venetian dinner, and views of the fireworks from the open deck.
“Venice is one of the most magical cities in the world; to be there during this festival adds yet another layer to the authentic experience that our guests seek and expect with a Crystal vacation,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the celebration and to offer our guests more time to immerse themselves in the culture.”
This cruise begins on July 7, 2010 in Athens, Greece and visits Santorini, Crete, and Patmos Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Kotor, Montenegro; Split, Croatia; and Venice, Italy.
Two-for one cruise fares start at $6,465 per person, double occupancy. Complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways, including Business Class air for Penthouse guests, plus a $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive–As You Wish’ shipboard credit are included.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact your travel agent, call 1-(888) 799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
This annual celebration dates back to 1577 when the city was finally rid of a plague that killed many of its citizens. The festival also marked groundbreaking of Palladio's "Redentore" (Redeemer) Church on the Island of the Giudecca. (The church was also built to commemorate the end of the plague.)
Over the years, the festival grew from one of religious significance to one that also now includes a more secular celebration in the way of a 30-minute fireworks extravaganza. Today, thousands of visitors flock to Venice for this festival. Small boats, often decorated with balloons, head to St. Mark's Bay and the Giudecca Canal in anticipation of the fireworks show that begins at 11:30 pm.
This summer, Crystal Serenity will have the best seat in the house for this amazing spectacle as she overnights in Venice. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception, local entertainment, a sumptuous Venetian dinner, and views of the fireworks from the open deck.
“Venice is one of the most magical cities in the world; to be there during this festival adds yet another layer to the authentic experience that our guests seek and expect with a Crystal vacation,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the celebration and to offer our guests more time to immerse themselves in the culture.”
This cruise begins on July 7, 2010 in Athens, Greece and visits Santorini, Crete, and Patmos Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Kotor, Montenegro; Split, Croatia; and Venice, Italy.
Two-for one cruise fares start at $6,465 per person, double occupancy. Complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways, including Business Class air for Penthouse guests, plus a $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive–As You Wish’ shipboard credit are included.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact your travel agent, call 1-(888) 799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Video courtesy of YouTube user Leifleo35121
Monday, November 23, 2009
Video: Man Overboard from Silversea Silver Shadow Rescued
On Sunday morning, around 3 am, a passenger aboard the Silversea Silver Shadow went overboard. How or why he went overboard is still a mystery, but many media outlets including Cruise Critic and the Miami Herald are reporting that the passenger, 62-year-old Ronald Shulman, was rescued about 20 miles east of Miami by a Coast Guard helicopter at 7:45 am on Sunday. Miraculously, Mr. Shulman did not suffer any major injuries during the ordeal.
It's been reported that Shulman was traveling alone on this Caribbean voyage, so we don't yet know how Silversea knew he went overboard It appears that perhaps another passenger must have seen or heard something and wasted no time alerting the crew. In fact, it's the crew that actually spotted Mr. Shulman in the ocean and threw him a life ring to keep him afloat until the Coast Guard was able to assist.
The entire crew of Silver Shadow proved their meddle on Sunday. Silver Shadow arrived late at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and turned the ship around for her next itinerary.
Read more about this story...
Cruise Critic news story
Cruise Critic Silversea message board thread
Palm Beach Post news story #1
Miami Herald news story #1
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Video: Four Seasons Explorer Catamaran Sails the Maldives
This past September, the 128-foot Four Seasons Explorer 11-cabin, three-deck catamaran was refurbished for three-, four-, and seven-night excursions around the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. While the vessel usually draws those interested in diving and snorkeling, even those who aren't natural water babies enjoy seeing the Maldives from this intimate ship that caters to just 22 passengers.Accommodations are what you'd expect at any land-based Four Season resort and feature 10 staterooms and one Explorer Suite. The suite includes a king bed, a daybed, an indoor dining area, couch, writing desk, bar, DVD/CD player, telephone, and in-cabin safe. The bathroom features a full bath tub, and separate shower. Regular staterooms can be outfitted with either a king bed or two twins. Staterooms also feature a sofa, desk, DVD/CD player, bar, phone, and safe. These bathrooms have a tub/shower combo.
The catamaran promotes a casual atmosphere and shorts and sundresses are acceptable attire, even during dinner. The casual vibe doesn't skimp on service though...the entire boat is air-conditioned and you'll find an onboard masseuse and a PADI dive center with Nitrox. Laundry service is also available.
As of the first of October 2009, Four Seasons Explorer began weekly itineraries. The first part explores the northern atolls of Baa and Raa and includes a stopover at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. The second part of the cruise expolores the southern regions, which may include Rasdhoo, North Ari, South and North Male atolls.
During the cruise, you'll enjoy water activities like diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing, and fishing. Other activities include visits to local villages and other island excursions.
Four Seasons Explorer video footage:
Four Seasons Explorer sails until December 20, 2009 and then she goes into dry-dock. She'll be back on the water as of June 8, 2010.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa or Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Video: Paul Gauguin Cruises Takes Over the PG in 2010
As most luxury cruise fans know, Regent Seven Seas will no longer manage the beautiful m/s Paul Gauguin as of early January 2010. Instead, the ship's owner—Paul Gauguin Cruises—will handle everything from sales and marketing to reservations to onboard management.
My wonderful travel agent, Ngaire Keene of Brown & Keene Travel, just sent me a new Paul Gauguin Cruises brochure and the itineraries look spectacular. I'm looking forward to sailing the PG soon.
But, for now, I'll have to live vicariously through this video showing off French Polynesia and the Paul Gauguin:
My wonderful travel agent, Ngaire Keene of Brown & Keene Travel, just sent me a new Paul Gauguin Cruises brochure and the itineraries look spectacular. I'm looking forward to sailing the PG soon.
But, for now, I'll have to live vicariously through this video showing off French Polynesia and the Paul Gauguin:
For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Paul Gauguin Cruises at 1-(800) 848-6172.
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Video: Happy 4th of July! Plus Fireworks & Cunard's QE2
Happy Fourth of July!
I hope you and your family are enjoying this wonderful long weekend! Celebrating the 4th is always bittersweet for me. My grandfather, an Italian immigrant who—at the age of 14—sailed to the United States to find a better life, always loved this holiday. He's been gone several decades now, but I still miss him very much...especially this time of year.
One of his favorite pastimes on the 4th was enjoying fireworks displays so, in his honor, here's a video of a fantastic fireworks extravaganza shot by Rob Lightbody of Glasgow, Scotland.
In this segment, he captured Cunard's QE2 and her final departure from the River Clyde on October 5, 2008. Fifteen-minutes of fireworks sparkled above one of the best-loved ocean liners of all time.
Cunard's new luxury ocean liner, the Queen Elizabeth, will set sail on her maiden voyage to the Canary Islands from Southampton, England on October 12, 2010.
Have a festive and safe Fourth of July!
I hope you and your family are enjoying this wonderful long weekend! Celebrating the 4th is always bittersweet for me. My grandfather, an Italian immigrant who—at the age of 14—sailed to the United States to find a better life, always loved this holiday. He's been gone several decades now, but I still miss him very much...especially this time of year.
One of his favorite pastimes on the 4th was enjoying fireworks displays so, in his honor, here's a video of a fantastic fireworks extravaganza shot by Rob Lightbody of Glasgow, Scotland.
In this segment, he captured Cunard's QE2 and her final departure from the River Clyde on October 5, 2008. Fifteen-minutes of fireworks sparkled above one of the best-loved ocean liners of all time.
Cunard's new luxury ocean liner, the Queen Elizabeth, will set sail on her maiden voyage to the Canary Islands from Southampton, England on October 12, 2010.
Have a festive and safe Fourth of July!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Video: Introducing New Luxury Cruise Ship, Seabourn Odyssey
Today's the day! The Yachts of Seabourn's newest luxury cruise ship, Seabourn Odyssey, will set sail from Venice, Italy on her maiden voyage. Good luck to Seabourn on this very special day and I wish each Odyssey "godparent" safe travels!
Those of us not sailing on the maiden voyage will just have to be content with the first photographs and videos coming from the ship.
Here are two terrific videos taken by journalists Fran Golden and Anita Dunham-Potter.
Those of us not sailing on the maiden voyage will just have to be content with the first photographs and videos coming from the ship.
Here are two terrific videos taken by journalists Fran Golden and Anita Dunham-Potter.
Video Courtesy of Fran Golden of GetawayWithFran.com
Video Courtesy of Anita Dunham-Potter of ExpertCruiser.com
Visit and bookmark Luxury Cruise Bible's complete Seabourn Odyssey press coverage index, including tweets, blogs, articles, and photo galleries devoted to the newest luxury cruise ship to make its debut in six years. The index will be updated frequently.
Video Courtesy of Anita Dunham-Potter of ExpertCruiser.com
Visit and bookmark Luxury Cruise Bible's complete Seabourn Odyssey press coverage index, including tweets, blogs, articles, and photo galleries devoted to the newest luxury cruise ship to make its debut in six years. The index will be updated frequently.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Video: Checking In to Sheraton Maui Today
Well, we've got our bags packed. Our puppy sitters have arrived and our car service to JFK should be here in a moment. This morning we're heading for Maui, Hawaii. I'm on assignment updating Thomas Cook's Travellers Hawaii and HotSpots Hawaii guidebooks for the European market. I'll also be writing a few articles for some of my regular magazine and website clients. I'll post more about that after our trip.
We've booked award seats on American Airlines and the flights are packed. Let's hope for clear, safe skies and an uneventful trip to Hawaii!
Upon landing this evening we'll grab a rental car and make our way to Lahaina and the Sheraton Maui Resort on Kaanapali Beach.
We won't arrive to the hotel until late this evening, but I hope to post then. Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter this week as I'll be tweeting throughout our Hawaiian trip.
We've booked award seats on American Airlines and the flights are packed. Let's hope for clear, safe skies and an uneventful trip to Hawaii!
Upon landing this evening we'll grab a rental car and make our way to Lahaina and the Sheraton Maui Resort on Kaanapali Beach.
Click below to watch a video about the Sheraton Maui.
We won't arrive to the hotel until late this evening, but I hope to post then. Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter this week as I'll be tweeting throughout our Hawaiian trip.
—Andrea M. Rotondo
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Saturday, May 2, 2009
Video: Active Cruises for Nature Lovers
When I think back on my favorite vacations, most tend to be the ones that focused on viewing animals or enjoying the great outdoors. Yet, if you know me, you know I'm a "princess" type that—when traveling—requires fairly spacious accommodations and excellent meals that end with a slice of chocolate cake.
It's lucky for me then that so many luxury cruise lines offer adventures that get up-close to wild animals—safely and comfortably.
Here are some videos that show off just a few luxury cruise options with a focus on nature:
If any of these cruises piqued your interest, talk with your travel agent or call the cruise line. Do not be afraid to go out there and experience nature and far-flung destinations. You will not be disappointed!
It's lucky for me then that so many luxury cruise lines offer adventures that get up-close to wild animals—safely and comfortably.
Here are some videos that show off just a few luxury cruise options with a focus on nature:
Lindblad Expeditions with National Geographic
Sailing Alaska, Antarctica, Artic, Baja California, Egypt's Nile River, Europe, Galapagos, and the Mediterranean
Sailing Alaska, Antarctica, Artic, Baja California, Egypt's Nile River, Europe, Galapagos, and the Mediterranean
Orion Expedition Cruises
Sailing Antarctica, Australia's Kimberley Region, Melanesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Southeast Asia
Sailing Antarctica, Australia's Kimberley Region, Melanesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Southeast Asia
If any of these cruises piqued your interest, talk with your travel agent or call the cruise line. Do not be afraid to go out there and experience nature and far-flung destinations. You will not be disappointed!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Video: Orion Expedition Cruises
Orion Expedition Cruises is a line we don't hear too much about in North America, but they've got some of the most enticing itineraries in the southern hemisphere.
The cruise line, headed up by founder and managing director Sarina Bratton, operates one expedition ship: the 106-passenger MV Orion. The ship was built to be both rugged and environmentally friendly. She's equally at home sailing Antarctica or Papua New Guinea. Despite the far-flung locales she sails, Orion is also a luxury vessel serviced by 75 well-trained crew members.
Orion's dance card looks like this:
February and March Sailing Melanesia and Norfolk Island
Nine- and 10-night voyages available calling upon the Melanesian Islands that stretch between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Ports of call include Auckland, Te Raawhiti Inlet, and Russell, New Zealand; Norfolk Island, Australia; Isle of Pines, New Caledonia; Anatom, Tanna Island, Port Vila, Malekula, and Espiritu Santo, Vanatu; Santa Ana Island and Marovo Lagoo, Solomon Islands, Ngella, Florida Islands; and Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Wonderful itineraries for those interested in World War II or volcanoes.
March and April Sailing Papua New Guinea
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more unique cruise. You'll have 11 nights to explore Rabaul, Sepik River, Madang (for Goroka), Tami Islands, Tufi Harbour, Fergusson Island, Samarai and Kwato Islands, Milne Bay, and Cairns, Australia.
May to August Sailing The Kimberley Region of Western Australia
This 10-night cruise embarks Darwin and ends in Broome with the following ports in between: King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, Bigge Island, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Montgomery Reef/Raft Point, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfals, and Cape Leveque and the Lacepedes.
September and October Sailing Southeast Asia
As far as Southeast Asia cruises go, this one would be hard to beat. The Orion embarks from Singapore and calls on Tioman Island and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia; Ko Samui and Ko Kood, Thailand; Kampo, Cambodia (for Angor Wat); and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
December Sailing New Zealand and Sub-Antarctic Islands
There are two 13-night Sub-Antarctic itineraries: one is a roundtrip out of Hobart (Tasmania), Australia and the other is out of Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand. You may visit Macquarie Island, Australia and, in New Zealand, Campbell Island, Auckland Islands, Snares Island, Fjordland, Mileford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and Stewart Island.
December and January Sailing the Antarctic Continent
There are two outstanding Antarctic offerings from Orion. One is an 18-night adventure that starts in Bluff, New Zealand and ends in Hobart, Tasmania. In between you'll sail New Zealand's Snares and Auckland Islands; Australia's Macquarie Island; and the Commonwealth Bay Region. The 20-night itinerary also calls upon the Ross Sea Region and Campbell Island, New Zealand.
For more information about Orion Expedition Cruises, talk with your travel agent.
Check out this promotional video from Orion Expedition Cruises:
The cruise line, headed up by founder and managing director Sarina Bratton, operates one expedition ship: the 106-passenger MV Orion. The ship was built to be both rugged and environmentally friendly. She's equally at home sailing Antarctica or Papua New Guinea. Despite the far-flung locales she sails, Orion is also a luxury vessel serviced by 75 well-trained crew members.
Orion's dance card looks like this:
February and March Sailing Melanesia and Norfolk Island
Nine- and 10-night voyages available calling upon the Melanesian Islands that stretch between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Ports of call include Auckland, Te Raawhiti Inlet, and Russell, New Zealand; Norfolk Island, Australia; Isle of Pines, New Caledonia; Anatom, Tanna Island, Port Vila, Malekula, and Espiritu Santo, Vanatu; Santa Ana Island and Marovo Lagoo, Solomon Islands, Ngella, Florida Islands; and Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Wonderful itineraries for those interested in World War II or volcanoes.
March and April Sailing Papua New Guinea
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more unique cruise. You'll have 11 nights to explore Rabaul, Sepik River, Madang (for Goroka), Tami Islands, Tufi Harbour, Fergusson Island, Samarai and Kwato Islands, Milne Bay, and Cairns, Australia.
May to August Sailing The Kimberley Region of Western Australia
This 10-night cruise embarks Darwin and ends in Broome with the following ports in between: King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, Bigge Island, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Montgomery Reef/Raft Point, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfals, and Cape Leveque and the Lacepedes.
September and October Sailing Southeast Asia
As far as Southeast Asia cruises go, this one would be hard to beat. The Orion embarks from Singapore and calls on Tioman Island and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia; Ko Samui and Ko Kood, Thailand; Kampo, Cambodia (for Angor Wat); and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
December Sailing New Zealand and Sub-Antarctic Islands
There are two 13-night Sub-Antarctic itineraries: one is a roundtrip out of Hobart (Tasmania), Australia and the other is out of Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand. You may visit Macquarie Island, Australia and, in New Zealand, Campbell Island, Auckland Islands, Snares Island, Fjordland, Mileford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and Stewart Island.
December and January Sailing the Antarctic Continent
There are two outstanding Antarctic offerings from Orion. One is an 18-night adventure that starts in Bluff, New Zealand and ends in Hobart, Tasmania. In between you'll sail New Zealand's Snares and Auckland Islands; Australia's Macquarie Island; and the Commonwealth Bay Region. The 20-night itinerary also calls upon the Ross Sea Region and Campbell Island, New Zealand.
For more information about Orion Expedition Cruises, talk with your travel agent.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Video: Nomade Yachting Bora Bora
The American market hasn't heard much about Nomade Yachting Bora Bora (formerly Bora Bora Cruises) but if you plan to cruise French Polynesia anytime soon, these luxury yachts are worth considering.
Check out this four-minute video depicting Polynesian elegance at its best.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Nomade Yachting's website.
Interested in luxury cruise news and unbiased reviews? Visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.
Check out this four-minute video depicting Polynesian elegance at its best.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Nomade Yachting's website.
Interested in luxury cruise news and unbiased reviews? Visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Video: Cruise Critic's Carolyn Spencer Brown Talks Biz with Peter Greenberg
Last night many cruise fans and business executives alike tuned to CNBC to watch Peter Greenberg's documentary, Cruise Inc: Big Money on the High Seas.
The show brought to light just how mass market cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, make money.
How they part a consumer from his money wasn't so surprising:
CNBC has created a website for the documentary and I encourage you to check out the extra information that's posted. It's all quite interesting.
Also, don't miss the video interview Peter Greenberg conducted with Cruise Critic editor-in-chief Carolyn Spencer Brown. She shares her concerns about any cruise line that offers cut-rate cruise fares and then piggybacks other offers of shipboard credit on top. Those offers do cause some head scratching. With pricing so low, can these lines reach their profit margins?
Watch this video here.
While this documentary is very interesting, it doesn't shed light on the business model used by the all-inclusive luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas or Silversea. While I'm sure an emphasis is still placed on shipboard charges (spa, shore excursions, laundry, gift shop purchases, etc.), it's probable that the luxe lines carefully watch their costs when it comes to food provisions and wine/alcohol supplies.
It's been a challenge for all cruise lines to fill their staterooms lately and I do wonder about the future when all of these new ships enter service. Will there be too much capacity to fill? Time will tell.
For more luxury cruise news and unbiased luxury cruise reviews, please visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.
The show brought to light just how mass market cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, make money.
How they part a consumer from his money wasn't so surprising:
- onboard liquor sales
- specialty restaurant fees
- shore excursions
- gift shop purchases
- spa treatments
- etc.
CNBC has created a website for the documentary and I encourage you to check out the extra information that's posted. It's all quite interesting.
Also, don't miss the video interview Peter Greenberg conducted with Cruise Critic editor-in-chief Carolyn Spencer Brown. She shares her concerns about any cruise line that offers cut-rate cruise fares and then piggybacks other offers of shipboard credit on top. Those offers do cause some head scratching. With pricing so low, can these lines reach their profit margins?
Watch this video here.
While this documentary is very interesting, it doesn't shed light on the business model used by the all-inclusive luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas or Silversea. While I'm sure an emphasis is still placed on shipboard charges (spa, shore excursions, laundry, gift shop purchases, etc.), it's probable that the luxe lines carefully watch their costs when it comes to food provisions and wine/alcohol supplies.
It's been a challenge for all cruise lines to fill their staterooms lately and I do wonder about the future when all of these new ships enter service. Will there be too much capacity to fill? Time will tell.
For more luxury cruise news and unbiased luxury cruise reviews, please visit LuxuryCruiseBible.com.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Video: Cunard QM2 Balmoral & Windsor Penthouses
Check out this wonderful video tour of the Balmoral and Windsor Penthouses aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2.
For more information about suite accommodations aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2, talk with your travel agent or visit Cunard's website.
For more information about suite accommodations aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2, talk with your travel agent or visit Cunard's website.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Video: Orca Whales Race Alaska's Inside Passage
Movie: Orca Whales Race Alaska's Inside Passage, originally uploaded by Luxury Cruise Bible.
When people ask me why I love cruising Alaska, I always tell them the same thing: it's one of the most beautiful places in the world and if you love animals, you'll have the opportunity to view bears, whales, eagles, sea lions, seals, and so much more.
I taped this video clip last summer while sailing aboard the Safari Spirit 12-passenger yacht with American Safari Cruises. We were on the yacht's skiff and were somewhere on the Chatham Strait between Red Bluff Bay and Baranof Island.
The orcas were fascinating! It was amazing to get this close to a pod. We were traveling really fast so the footage is a bit jumpy. It was tough to watch the whales and keep the camcorder focused at the same time! This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime travel moments.
See my complete Inside Passage cruise review or visit American Safari Cruises' website to learn more about their Alaskan yacht cruises.
Video courtesy of Andrea M. Rotondo
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