Global Culinary Ambassador and Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmermann Showcases Culinary Expertise

Cunard Line's Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmermann hosted the esteemed James Beard Foundation aboard the line's flagship Queen Mary 2 when it docked today in Brooklyn, New York. The exclusive "foodie" event included a cocktail reception in the ship's nautically themed Chart Room and a four-course lunch in the grand, two-storey Britannia Restaurant - specially prepared by Chef Zimmermann himself. Pictured with him is Susan Ungaro, President of The James Beard Foundation.

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Chef Zimmermann joins the prestigious list of culinary superstars such as Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Nobu Matsuhisa and Jacques Pepin, who have delighted the palates of members of the James Beard Foundation, one of America's most well known culinary arts organizations.

Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who seek a civilized adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(TM), gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922. Queen Elizabeth joins the fleet in October 2010.

Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

SOURCE Cunard Line

July 30, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)
Guests can combine the 14-day Holiday cruise departing Los Angeles, Dec. 23, 2009, with Jan. 6, 2010, Grand World Voyage. Select segment itineraries include special cruise-and-air fares.

Holland America Line's flagship ms Amsterdam will usher in 2010 with a 128-day round-trip Los Angeles, Grand Holiday-and-World Voyage featuring 13 overnight calls -- the most ever offered by the line. Forty-five ports of call showcase some of the world's most remote and exotic regions including South America, Africa, India the Far East and scenic cruising in Antarctica.

An optional 14-day holiday cruise, when combined with the 114-day Grand World Voyage, creates the 128-day roundtrip sailing from Los Angeles, departing Dec. 23, 2009. The voyage begins with calls in Mexico and Central America, including a transit of the Panama Canal.

"Guests on Grand World Voyages seek an immersive experience, and the 2010 itinerary creates an enriching voyage," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "By adding the 14-day holiday roundtrip Los Angeles sailing to the Grand World Voyage, guests can enjoy a relaxing holiday and festive start of their Grand World Voyage."

Guests wishing to sail after the holidays can embark Jan. 6, 2010, at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on a 114-day World Voyage. Amsterdam will sail the Panama Canal for a daylight transit of the man-made wonder before beginning its southbound exploration of Central and South America. Three overnight stays enable guests to explore Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama; Callao (Lima), Peru, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Other southbound calls include Manta, Ecuador; Callao Peru; Arica, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Isla Robinson Crusoe and Puerto Montt, Chile.

As Amsterdam approaches the tip of South America, guests will enjoy scenic cruising past Darwin Channel, Chilean Fjords, Amalia Glacier, Canal Sarmiento and Strait of Magellan before calling at Punta Arenas, Chile. More scenic cruising follows of Cockburn and Beagle channels, a series of glaciers and Ushuaia, Argentina, before the actual rounding of Cape Horn.

The itinerary then takes a turn toward the ultimate southern destination -- Antarctica, which includes the Wilhelm Archipelago, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Sound. After the three-day Antarctic experience, Amsterdam sails to Stanley, Falkland Islands; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay, where it departs on the trans-Atlantic leg of the cruise.

Amsterdam crosses to Africa to call at Walvis Bay and Luderitz, Namibia, before heading to South Africa for an overnight at Cape Town and calls at Port Elizabeth and Durban.

Upon reaching the Indian Ocean, guests will overnight at Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles, then head to India for overnights in Mumbai and Marmagoa before setting off to Port Kelang, Malaysia.

Next, an intense exploration of the Far East begins, including overnight calls in Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Hong Kong; Xingang (Beijing), China; and Kobe (Osaka) and Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan. Additional calls include Sihanoukville (Kampong Som), Cambodia; Phu My (Ho Chi Min City) and Halong Bay, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; Cheju City, South Korea; and Kagoshima and Hakodate, Japan. Before heading back to North America, guests will experience Petropavlovsk, Russian Federation, and gain a day when they cross the International Date Line.

Guests then have the option of disembarking in Vancouver, B.C., April 25, or Seattle, Wash., April 26, or continuing on to Los Angeles.

The Grand World Voyage features three special celebrity-guest speakers -- former television news anchor Sam Donaldson (March 28 through April 1), biographer Kitty Kelley (Jan. 28 through Feb. 7) and Grammy Award-winning musician Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida (Jan. 6 through 11).

Reservations are now open for all four 2010 Holland America Line Grand Voyages, with a variety of early-booking bonus amenities offered to full-cruise guests. Depending upon the category booked, guests who book by Sept. 30, 2009, may enjoy shipboard credits up to $1,000 per person, an exclusive shore event, liquor service, complimentary luggage delivery service to and from gateways, pre-paid service charges and welcome-aboard champagne. Cruise fares begin at $17,999 per person for the full 128-day Grand World Voyage.

New holiday segments of Grand World Voyage, a 47-day Los Angeles to Buenos Aires and a 61-day Los Angeles to Cape Town, also are available for booking and include airfare from select West Coast gateways and select East Coast and Central cities for $200 more. The special cruise-and-air fares for the 47-day segment begin at $7,299 and for the 61-day segment at $9,299.

For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line's Grand Voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

July 28, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, is recognized as one of the "Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines" in the 14th annual "World's Best Awards" voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

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"Windstar is thrilled to be recognized again by the discerning, sophisticated readers of Travel + Leisure," said Diane Moore, President, Windstar Cruises. "This honor acknowledges our pledge of creating unforgettable experiences onboard our beautiful ships that continue to exceed guest expectations."

Windstar's commitment to providing guests with the most casually elegant, enriching and luxurious cruise vacation has consistently placed Windstar on the prestigious Travel + Leisure "World's Best" list year after year.

The readers of Travel + Leisure rated contenders in the small-ship cruise category on a variety of criteria including service, itineraries and destinations, food, cabins, activities, and value. The survey was developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure in association with Harris Interactive. Readers were invited to complete the survey from January 15 through March 29, 2009, with each respondent permitted to complete it only once. A list of winners in every category can be found on the magazine's website www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. Winners will also be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands July 24, 2009.

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for more than 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line's luxurious accommodations, alternative dining venues, diversity of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program and deluxe spa facilities. Windstar recently released its 2010 and Winter 2011 Sailing Atlas with new itineraries, additional sought-after ports and a captivating Signature Collection Host Series.

In addition to Travel + Leisure, Windstar has been recognized by other notable names in the travel and lifestyle world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Windstar was awarded "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2008 Readers' Travel Awards. Windstar received the highest score of any cruise line in the poll and was also only one of three cruise lines in Conde Nast Traveller's list of the "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in 2008's 10th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar also was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler and was selected as one of Modern Bride's "Favorite Cruise Lines for Honeymooners".

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

July 23, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)
Italian Entertainers, Activities and Dancing on April 10, 2010 Cruise

Experience a piece of Italy with a celebration at sea onboard MSC Poesia's April 10, 2010 7-night "Festa Italiana" cruise. The sailing features opera singers and contemporary Italian vocal artists as well as the diverse ports in the Western Caribbean.

Dance the night away or sit back and enjoy performances by bands playing Italian and Italian-American favorites throughout the cruise. Participate in Venetian-mask making, a pizza-throwing contest, and tarantella dancing -- a southern Italian folk dance for couples that is among the most recognized of traditional Italian music.

Taste the delicious Mediterranean dishes and learn the secrets to preparing them during cooking demonstrations by top Italian chefs. Other opportunities available to guests include lectures on Italian art and architecture, Italian automobiles, or Italian fashion and design.

The "Island Treasures and Ancient Temples" itinerary for this unique "Festa Italiana" theme cruise sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at ports in Key West, Florida; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Nassau, Bahamas. Cruise-only rates including the "Festa Italiana" performances and festivities begin at $549 per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional. As on all MSC Cruises' sailings, kids ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

SOURCE MSC Cruises

July 21, 2009 / category: Cruise Events / link / comments (0)

Crystal Cruises is celebrating the world of film aboard Crystal Serenity, arriving in Venice just in time for guests to enjoy the glamorous buzz surrounding the 66th annual Venice Film Festival, beginning September 2. Acclaimed film critic Rex Reed and Academy Award-winning film and theatre legend Rita Moreno will entertain guests with inside stories and experiences from their respective careers, aboard the 12-day August 21 "Red Carpet Riviera" voyage from Barcelona to Venice.

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"Many of our guests are sophisticated film and theatre patrons who relish the opportunity to hear insights and entertaining commentary from two of the industry's most talented veterans," says Kristin Turner, manager of entertainment. "The Mediterranean itinerary is ideal for the theme, as so many celebrated films have been set in these picturesque destinations."

Rex Reed has long been known for his sharp reviews of everything from film to music and art, which currently appear weekly in the New York Observer. He has served on the juries of the Venice, Montreal and Berlin Film Festivals, and has even appeared in films with the likes of Mae West and Laurence Olivier. He'll regale guests with experiences like these in his lecture, "Legends I Have Known."

Rita Moreno's film career began at age 14, when she began lending her voice to Spanish-language versions of American films. Since then, she's appeared in more than 100 movies, and is one of a select few performers to have won an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award. In her presentation, "The Lively Arts," Ms. Moreno will trace film, theatre and television from the early days to today, adding anecdotes along the way.

In addition to leading these interactive sessions with guests, Reed and Moreno will give a pre-film Q&A session. Movie trivia, plus numerous classic films will also be featured in Crystal Serenity's Hollywood Theatre and in staterooms, including West Side Story, Summertime and Room With a View.

The voyage visits Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Livorno, Rome/Civitavecchia, Sicily/Taormina, Dubrovnik and Venice. Europe Celebration Savings fares start at $5,305 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' spending credit.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

July 20, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)
As part of the continuing Signature of Excellence enhancement program, Holland America Line has announced the addition of 22 new staterooms to ms Prinsendam, the Elegant Explorer, in early 2010. The drydock will occur in Freeport, Bahamas, from January 4 through 13, 2010.

"Prinsendam continues to be a ship with one of our most loyal followings," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "The new staterooms will mostly be verandah cabins. This will also allow us to create some other very special additions."

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With the addition of staterooms aft, the pool deck will expand with more space and many more deck chairs for guests to enjoy. A new sea-view bar will be created to enhance the ambiance further.

Sixteen of the new staterooms will be deluxe verandahs and two will be slightly smaller verandahs. Four will be standard inside staterooms. As customary with all Prinsendam staterooms, appointments will feature elegant bathrooms and recently redesigned closet space. Amenities feature Mariner Dream Beds, 250-count linens, Elemis spa bathroom amenities, large vanity mirror, stainless steel fruit basket, flat panel television and DVD player, quality shower head, and more. Guest capacity of the Elegant Explorer will increase from 793 to 837.

New staterooms will be fully finished while under way and ready to book for the 54-day Quest of the Argonauts voyage, sailing March 24 roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to the Mediterranean, Black Sea and back. The ship sails a leisurely eastbound course across the Atlantic for an extensive Mediterranean exploration with calls at ports in more than 10 countries, including Morocco, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Russia, Georgia, Greece and Turkey. The cruise includes overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal and Istanbul, Turkey, as well as late-night departures in Athens and Santorini, Greece, and Lisbon, Portugal. Prinsendam will visit Bermuda and New York City before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Other standard maintenance and technical service will take place along with upgrading laundry and galley equipment.

Signature of Excellence Defines the HAL Experience

Prinsendam's enhancements are part of the comprehensive Signature of Excellence upgrade program now totaling more than $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities are inherent in every aspect of the Holland America Line premium cruise experience.

Source: Holland America Line

July 15, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)
With summer in full swing and consumers carefully weighing possible vacation options, Royal Caribbean International is not just asking travelers "Why Not?" - they are showing them. Beginning July 13, 2009, the innovative cruise line will film and debut an unprecedented series of television spots starring real guests enjoying a variety of "Why Not" experiences onboard Liberty of the Seas during a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise.

Dubbed "Postcards from the Nation of Why Not," this series of "ship to air" commercials will air in select markets during the week of July 13, and nationally begin the week of July 20. From July 13-17, consumers also can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/contest to watch the new daily commercial spot and enter a daily drawing to win a cruise, and pursue their very own "Why Not" moments on a Royal Caribbean vacation. "Postcards from the Nation of Why Not" also can be viewed at Royal Caribbean's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean.

"There really is nobody that can better express the 'Why Not' philosophy of a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation than a guest who is experiencing it at that very moment," said Betsy O'Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "The content of these TV spots is real and genuine, and not only illustrates the many types of people and activities that can be found throughout The Nation of Why Not, but also showcases the great value of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise."

The "Postcards from the Nation of Why Not" commercials will mark the first time television viewers on land can experience an actual cruise while it is happening. On the July 11-18 cruise, a production crew will shoot, edit, deliver and air these commercials while the ship is still at sea. Using Royal Caribbean's "Why Not?" brand messaging as the premise, the commercials will feature a variety of guests either stepping out of their normal comfort zone to try something new for the first time or reporting the "News of the Day," recapping events and "Why Not?" moments that happened on Liberty of the Seas that day. Spots will be aired within 24 hours of being filmed, giving guests the extraordinary opportunity to star in their very own commercial and showcase their vacation to friends and family before they even step foot back on land.

The Nation of Why Not is Royal Caribbean's current marketing campaign, which highlights the cruise line's spirit of providing experiences undreamed of on other vacations and delivering innovative activities that challenge guests' imagination. As part of the Nation of Why Not, guests (also known as citizens) have access to do, learn and enjoy activities that are not readily accessible in day-to-day life or found in one land-based vacation destination.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

July 13, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)

Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, announced that it will take over its shipboard management starting this September, ending its management agreement with V. Ships Leisure.

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Windstar will take complete control of managing its shipboard deck, engine, and hotel operations, as well as shore-based management functions such as port operations, technical and hotel purchasing, compliance, and human resources. New positions have been created at Windstar's headquarters in Seattle to manage the new responsibilities.

"V. Ships Leisure did a tremendous job managing our beautiful sailing vessels over the past two-and-a-half years," said Captain Nico Corbijn, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Cruises. "However, we are in a position now to control all ship operations which will allow us the opportunity to directly enhance our award-wining product and luxurious guest experience through implementation of new services and by evolving existing features which reflect Windstar's vision of '180 Degrees from Ordinary.' We look forward to working closely with V.Ships to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible and we thank them for their service."

Corbijn will lead shipboard management along with Nick Burger and Huib van Leeuwen. Burger, Vice President of Marine Hotel Operations, will oversee hotel operations and hotel purchasing. Van Leeuwen, Vice President of Marine Operations, will be responsible for all technical, deck and engine operations.

Windstar has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was recently awarded "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2008 Readers' Travel Awards. Windstar received the highest score of any cruise line in the poll and was also only one of three cruise lines in Conde Nast Traveller's list of the "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in the 2008 10th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's World's 2008 Best Awards and was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler.

Source: Windstar Cruises

July 9, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)

Crystal Cruise's youngest luxury travelers have more options this summer. Given the surge of multi-generational travel, Crystal is expanding the hours and programming of its Junior Activities Programs. From designing their own "Sistine Chapels" while cruising Italy, to photo sessions in traditional Russian costumes en route to St. Petersburg, kids on board the award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony this summer will enjoy creative, sophisticated programming that highlights the ships' destinations.

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Crystal's purpose-built Fantasia and Waves children's and teens' facilities - rare in luxury cruising - have long featured numerous organized events and top video games and toys. Up to 10 Junior Activities Directors on each sailing supervise the programming during summer months and holidays. Expanded junior programming includes:

Longer Hours - With Crystal's port-intensive itineraries, the Junior Activities program now features even more organized games and events on port days, in addition to sea days and evenings packed with fun and educational choices.

Destination-related Enrichment - As with Crystal's Crystal Visions Enrichment Program lectures and exclusive Creative Learning Institute, children's activities include options relevant to the voyage. On a cruise visiting Monaco, kids can learn key French phrases from the Berlitz language instructor. On a Baltic cruise, scavenger hunts promote fun facts about Stockholm. Kids also create memory books with maps and photos of the countries they visit as a souvenir of their travels. For teens, there are destination-themed dance parties hosted by a special guest DJ.

"We have so many 'behind-the-scenes' events in out of the way locations that junior cruisers are kept occupied and supervised away from Crystal's mainstream adult activities," says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. "In their own private sessions, kids can experience some of the expert lecturers and music, language and dance classes on board that help the destinations come alive for adult guests."

Kids' menus, complimentary ice cream bars and babysitting services are available.

With Crystal's Celebration Savings Fares, summer European cruises start at $3,240 per person, double occupancy, plus "All Inclusive - As You Wish" spending credits of $500-$1,000 per person. Crystal's Family Memories offers groups one free berth for every 10 full-fare guests, plus other perks.

Source: Crystal Cruises

July 7, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)

With unprecedented savings, including 2-for-1 cruise fares and free airfare, the opportunity to experience the South Pacific on this luxury small ship cruise line has never been better.

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, today announced that it has a limited number of openings in an alluring collection of 7- and 10- night itineraries aboard the luxurious m/s Paul Gauguin throughout 2010, including some featuring 2-for-1 limited-time savings. Featuring the vibrant culture and natural wonders of Tahiti, the Society Islands and Tuamotus, the multi-award-winning ship will embark on just 22 of these ever-popular dream vacation itineraries in 2010, designed to bring guests closer than ever before to some of the world's most exotic locales - and at a value unheard of for such paradise.

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"The 7- and 10-night itineraries truly capture the magical essence of the South Pacific's most perfect gems, so it's not so surprising they are among Paul Gauguin's most popular voyages," said David A. Giersdorf, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises. "With only sixteen 7-night sailings and just six 10-night voyages in 2010, these experiences are very limited, and we encourage our guests to take advantage of the astonishing offers currently available. As with any Paul Gauguin cruise, unforgettable memories are always a promise."

These select 7- or 10-night itineraries will delight guests to strikingly beautiful locales, including:

Tahiti & Society Islands

As French Polynesia's westernmost archipelago, the Society Islands are home to well-known favorites Tahiti, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Moorea. Believed to have been named by Captain James Cook in honor of the Royal Society, these volcanic islands have enticed artists and mutineers alike for centuries, and continue to allow an escape to their awe-inspiringly verdant peaks, crystalline waters and pristine beaches.

Here, guests can explore the region's natural accessories with an extraordinary array of activities, from dolphin-watching at Moorea to snorkeling off Bora Bora to an unforgettable day on the cruise line's own private islet off Taha'a, Motu Mahana. Raiatea, known as the "Sacred Island," will charm guests with historical anecdotes, as it was the first island settled by Polynesians and the starting point of the great migrations to the Polynesian Triangle, known in legends as Hawaiki. The beauty and history of these coveted islands is matched only by the warmth of the Polynesian hospitality that awaits.

Seven-night cruises 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. On these voyages, guests will enjoy Paul Gauguin's exclusive Motu Mahana private retreat and use of the private beach in Bora Bora. Also, overnight calls at Moorea and Bora Bora allow for extended activity options.

The Tuamotus

The largest chain of coral atolls in the world, the Tuamotus boast some of the most renowned snorkeling and diving on earth. As the m/s Paul Gauguin makes anchor at Rangiroa, rated as one of the world's top diving locales, this sheltered lagoon's dolphins, rays and colorful tropical fish will mesmerize adventurers at heart.

Ten-night cruises highlighting the Tuamotus and Society Islands start from $3,648, including Free Roundtrip Air between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti when booked by September 30, 2009 and featuring the Society Islands ports of the 7-night itinerary plus a call at the lush and tranquil Huahine. Also among the highlights are overnight calls in Rangiroa, Bora Bora and Moorea, as well as use of the private retreat on Motu Mahana and private beach at Bora Bora.

An Exclusive Cruise with the President

Also among the 10-night itineraries is the special President's Cruise, embarking to Tuamotus and Society Islands on January 6, 2010. With President and CEO David A. Giersdorf onboard, this voyage marks not only the year's first cruise, but also the m/s Paul Gauguin's first sailing under the Paul Gauguin Cruises flag. Beginning with a welcome cocktail party hosted by the Captain and Mr. Giersdorf, the cruise will be accented by a ceremonial flag changing, special Polynesian-themed events complete with local dancers and dignitaries, a premium wine-tasting night and a sunset cocktail party to toast the first members of the Paul Gauguin Society.

This exclusive itinerary starts at $3,648 per person, including Free Roundtrip Air between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti when booked by September 30, 2009.

A Unique Experience, Every Time

Regardless of which departure guests choose, they are always promised an extraordinary experience - both onboard and off. Each voyage is highlighted by unparalleled, five-star service, with the freedom to discover the wonders of each destination without limitation. From an extensive selection of optional shore excursions to flexible hotel options, Paul Gauguin Cruises allows guests to tailor their vacation to satisfy their own desires. Paul Gauguin's Hotel and Air/Sea programs only further enhance the ease of personalizing and extending the guest travel experience as they forge unforgettable memories.

Adding to the unique experience that comes aboard a Paul Gauguin Cruise, the Honeymoons and Vow Renewals programs allow guests to commemorate new beginnings and unique celebrations - whether whisking away on a honeymoon, toasting a milestone or simply planning a romantic escape for two, the enchanting Tahitian backdrop will only accent this experience unlike any other.

Aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin

Having recently enjoyed a multi-million dollar enhancement, the intimate, Polynesian-themed m/s Paul Gauguin features world-class cruise ship appointments, including private balconies in nearly 70 percent of suites and staterooms and an expanded al fresco dining experience. The spacious and elegantly adorned staterooms feature deluxe European linens, feather-down duvets, robes and cotton slippers as well as other amenities found only in the most luxurious of travel destinations.

When not relishing the lavish comforts of their individual staterooms, guests can pamper themselves in the onboard spa, enjoy the multiple dining venues, lounges, entertainment, casino, Internet area and Fitness Center, or lose themselves in an unforgettable adventure at the newly-enhanced retractable watersports marina. Here, explorers-at-heart can choose from complimentary windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing or optional scuba diving - and because of its size, the m/s Paul Gauguin brings the mystic beauty of the crystalline South Pacific waters closer to her guests than most any other cruise ship.

Early Booking Ensures the Greatest Savings and Best Ever Value Pricing

Due to limited departures and capacity, guests planning a vacation with Paul Gauguin Cruises are encouraged to book early and take advantage of several opportunities to save, including 2-for-1 cruise fares on 2010 sailings from January through March when booked by September 30, 2009. Also, when booked by September 30, 2009 and depending on the length of the cruise, guests can enjoy either free or 2-for-1 roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Tahiti. All Promotional Savings are capacity-controlled, and subject to availability at time of booking.

Additionally, recognizing the value of experienced and loyal travelers, Paul Gauguin Cruises welcomes all past guests of an elite collection of luxury small ship cruise lines into the m/s Paul Gauguin Society. Any past guest of Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club or Windstar Cruises will receive an additional 5 percent savings on any m/s Paul Gauguin cruise fare.

Source: Paul Gauguin Cruises

July 2, 2009 / category: Luxury Cruises / link / comments (0)
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