Recently in Cruise Events Category

Celebrity Cruises is toasting guests on every sailing with a seasonal expansion of the brand's new Celebrity Life "Savor" series of onboard food and beverage programming. From now through December 15, guests on every Celebrity ship can enjoy the line's Wine Harvest Celebration, a "full-bodied" program celebrating the global harvest of the grape through rich wine appreciation courses and tastings, aromatic food and wine pairings, "smoky" silent auctions, and "crisp" presentations by noted authorities on select sailings.

"Celebrity continues to offer one of the broadest and best wine selections in the industry, inspired by the high percentage of our guests who are wine enthusiasts," said Celebrity's Vice President of Culinary Operations, Chef Jacques Van Staden, who shaped the Savor series of Celebrity Life. "Our Wine Harvest Celebration presents a series of activities celebrating the Fall harvest and our guests' passion for wine."

Among the highlights of Celebrity's Wine Harvest Celebration will be an industry-first unveiling of Beaujolais Nouveau simultaneously across the fleet on November 19. Hosted by a guest speaker and one of Celebrity's own certified cellarmasters, the event will offer guests the opportunity to sip the eagerly-anticipated light wine from oak casks and commemorative bottles, while enjoying live music and dancing, canapes, a cheese carving station and a roast carving station.

Guests with a passion for cool music and rich chocolate are likely to be "seduced" by Celebrity's "Jazz, Port and Chocolate Tasting Seduction," with a complimentary glass of port wine and a deluxe chocolate buffet and fountain, all set against a backdrop of light jazz music.

At the "Grand Cru Dinner," following a sparkling wine reception, Celebrity's cellarmaster, guest speaker and chef will prepare a top-tier dinner comprised of food and wine reflective of the region in which each ship is sailing. Up to 40 guests can participate in each distinctive dinner in Celebrity's intimate specialty restaurants.

Through "Sabering at Sea," guests will observe the delicate, age-old art of sabering - uncorking a bottle with saber or knife - while participating in tastings and discussion of sparkling wines including Champagne, Cremants, Spumantes and California Methode Traditional wines.

Throughout the course of the celebration, a "Celebrity Wine Harvest Exposition" will be open to all guests on embarkation day. Hosted by Celebrity's certified cellarmasters and a variety of noted wine authorities from around the world, the event features a complimentary glass of house wine, canapes and hors d'oeuvres, and an overview of the varied wine experiences and packages available for guests, paired with the opportunity to make reservations for limited-capacity events.

Additionally, among the wine-focused experiences offered year-round through the Celebrity Life "Savor" series are:

• "Wine Appreciation 101" presents tastings of six different varietals and wine appreciation tips offered by Celebrity's certified cellarmasters.
• "The Art of Food and Wine Pairing" explores how certain flavor components, such as acids in food, can impact the flavor of wines.
• "Celebrity's World Wine Tasting and Silent Auction" allows guests to taste wines from each of the regions represented in Celebrity's global wine program, including Africa, France, Germany/Austria, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and South America. The tastings are paired with canapes, fruits and cheeses, and highlighted by a silent auction of premium wines packaged at special prices.
• "The Riedel Comparative Wine and Crystal Workshop" is a one-hour seminar Celebrity has offered since becoming the first cruise line endorsed by Riedel to offer it in 2007. Participants learn and experience how dramatically the shape of a wine glass can affect the outcome of flavors on the palate, and hear the interesting tale of how the Riedel family has influenced the crystal industry.
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SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

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, offers a special 8-day cruise from Rome, Italy to Nice, France aboard the elegant, 312-guest Wind Surf departing May 9, 2010. The sailing features the glamorous Cannes Film Festival and the thrilling Monaco Grand Prix race.

Guests will overnight in Cannes, France during the star-studded Cannes Film Festival and spend three nights in Monaco during the prestigious Formula One Grand Prix race. Other ports visited include Bastia, France and San Remo, Italy. Cruise rates begin at $2,999 per person, double occupancy.

Guests who wish to attend the Grand Prix may purchase the Monaco 68th Grand Prix Package Tour which begins on Friday, May 14 and ends on Sunday, May 16, 2010. The package includes a private transfer to the luxurious L'Hermitage for an exclusive cocktail party overlooking Monaco's Marina and Royal Palace with open bar, original Monegasque canapes and live music. A lavish dinner with wine pairings and live music follows. Guests also receive entrance to the renowned Grand Casino and an exclusive gift package of binoculars, official 68e Grand Prix de Monaco program, official club ticket holder, souvenir hat and jacket.

On Saturday, guests tender to the pier in Monaco to take their seats in Tribune K reserved section of the Formula One Grand Prix time trials. That evening, an exclusive private cocktail reception will be held followed by a private Grand Prix dinner on board Wind Surf.

Sunday morning guests enjoy a private Grand Prix brunch on board the ship followed by a thrilling day of viewing the final Grand Prix race from the same track-side reserved seats. Box lunches will also be available. Rates for the limited 3-day shore excursion package is $2,700 per person and must be pre-booked at www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar recently announced the latest phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative featuring added amenities and enhancements to its luxurious ships in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions. With this latest initiative, Windstar continues to raise the bar, delivering a vacation experience that is "180 Degrees from Ordinary."

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

Through Cunard's partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, film industry veterans to be featured as Cunard Insights speakers

As part of Cunard's partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, the iconic ocean liner company will be pleased to welcome acclaimed filmmakers Griffin Dunne and Gary Winick on the 11 November Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York aboard Queen Mary 2. This year, Cunard was recognized as the Official Cruise Line of the Tribeca Film Festival, of which both film industry insiders have been active participants for a number of years. With this upcoming sailing, they join a distinguished list of luminaries and tastemakers that have sailed a legendary voyage with Cunard, operator of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World.

During the Crossing, Dunne and Winick will . . . To view this release in its entirety, please click here.

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.

Cunard also can be found on:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/cunard

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CunardLine

Blog: http://www.WeAreCunard.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/wearecunard

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cunard

SOURCE Cunard

When Royal Caribbean International officially names Oasis of the Seas - the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship - on Nov. 30, 2009 from Port Everglades Cruise Terminal in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the renowned cruise line will be doing more than making wishes come true for vacationers, it will be granting wishes for children across the country through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Royal Caribbean will be hosting an inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas and has donated 100 percent of the sales from 1,000 of the ship's staterooms for this once-in-a-lifetime event to the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the event begin at $750 per person. Guests who purchase one of the staterooms and wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line's private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package).

Wish kids and their families will participate in the onboard festivities during the celebration on Nov. 30, including the official naming ceremony of Oasis of the Seas, and will enjoy the ship's world-class entertainment amenities during the spectacular inaugural event. Onboard amenities for guests' enjoyment will include two rock-climbing walls, two FlowRider surf simulators, four unique types of pools in the Pool and Sports Zone, spa treatments at the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, and an acrobatic diving show in the AquaTheater. Additionally, guests will enjoy a special dinner featured in the Opus Dining Room after which they can catch side-splitting comics in Comedy Live, relax in one of the ships many lounges, or join in world-class gaming in the Casino Royale.

The Make-A-Wish celebration-fundraiser is part of Royal Caribbean's ongoing support of the organization. Since 2000, the cruise line has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise to destinations around the world and has contributed more than $2.8 million in in-kind services and $372,000 in discount savings through its Wishes at Sea program. Through employee and guest fundraising efforts, Royal Caribbean has also raised more than $480,000 and 460,000 frequent flier miles, used to secure airline tickets for children's wish travel and help the Make-A-Wish Foundation conserve critical financial resources.

"The generosity of sponsors like Royal Caribbean has greatly enhanced our ability to grant life-affirming, world-class wishes and is critical to the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring hope, strength and joy into the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions," said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. "We hope that people across the nation will support the Foundation by joining us for this special inaugural cruise celebration and fundraising effort, enabling us to bring smiles to the faces of even more children - children who are waiting for wishes."

Anyone interested in attending the Nov. 30( )festivities and/or booking the exclusively discounted four-night cruise to Labadee departing Dec. 1 should contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com, Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

When she launches in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

Crystal Cruises announces an inspired collection of 2010 Experiences of Discovery theme cruises designed to enrich more than two dozen Crystal cruises with a special-interest focus. Special classes, events and, in most cases, shoreside options will augment voyages throughout the Middle East, Australia/New Zealand, Europe and beyond.

A new Science & Technology focus joins Crystal classic favorites including Crystal's Wine & Food Festival (set for seven cruises, with two back-to-back options); Mind, Body & Spirit; Jazz; Golf; Film & Theater Festival; and Big Band. Additionally, Crystal's annual President's Cruise adds special programming and events in celebration of the line's 20th anniversary of luxury cruising.

"The 2010 Experiences of Discovery offer guests more in-depth exploration of an array of topics that suit most any interest," said Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.

In focus for 2010 are:

*NEW* Science & Technology - Guest expert lecturers focus on the world's latest scientific developments on a winter Caribbean itinerary.

Emerging Artists - Tomorrow's stars shine today through Crystal's exclusive partnership with The Music Center Los Angeles, showcasing the brightest talent on two European cruises.

Wine & Food Festival - World-renowned culinary experts share techniques and specialties on Australia/New Zealand, Mediterranean and Mexican Riviera voyages.

Mind, Body & Spirit - Wellness experts focus on yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and general fitness on Asia/Indian Ocean, Mexican Riviera and Transatlantic voyages.

Golf - PGA pros offer onboard and shoreside tips and play at exclusive courses in New England/Canada.

Fashion & Style - Personal style consultations with designers and stylists, fashion shows, films and lectures showcase European fashion.

Film & Theater Festival - Guest film experts salute film and theater on a Pacific Ocean crossing.

Jazz - Live performances and discussions about musical legends jazz up South America and Mexican Riviera itineraries.

Big Band - Swing to live daily performances, music lecturers, and extra dance hosts on an Atlantic Ocean crossing.

President's Cruise - Crystal's President Gregg Michel hosts Special Crystal 20th Anniversary events on board and ashore on a Red Sea journey.

Experiences of Discovery programs complement Crystal's exclusive ongoing Creative Learning Institute, which presents language classes through Berlitz, keyboard instruction through Yamaha, and stimulating guest lecturers from the Crystal Visions Lecture Program.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is expanding its innovative Computer University@Sea programming with the brand new Windows 7((R)) operating system, and more options for guests earning college credit during the World Cruise.

This fall, the line will offer classes based on Microsoft's Windows 7((R)), exclusively available on both ships - a month before the operating system will be available to the public. Additionally, guests aboard Crystal Serenity's 2010 World Cruise will be able to earn three transferable college credits for various computer courses, and can learn using two different operating systems, Microsoft and Apple.

The Windows 7((R) )classes will be taught by Crystal's Computer University@Sea instructors, and cover basic computing and valuable tips for mastering the operating system and maximizing ease and efficiency. The collegiate courses aboard the World Cruise, taught by an instructor from Del Mar College, include:

• Components of the System Unit
• Computer Storage Devices
• Database Management
• Privacy and Ethics
  

"Our guests expect sophisticated enrichment that includes progressive programming and the latest equipment," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's senior vice president, hotel operations. "We continue to strive to offer the very highest level of curriculum, as well as options to suit virtually any interest."

Every Crystal Cruise offers complimentary instruction on the Windows 7((R)) operating system, e-mail, website design, digital video editing, digital camera orientation, Photoshop, and even surfing the Web. Other topics include Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, greeting and business card design, and various financial research tools and spreadsheet preparation. Private instruction is also available. There is a nominal fee for those wishing to earn collegiate credit.

Renowned for its onboard enrichment, Crystal also offers varied, comprehensive programming on every worldwide itinerary, including keyboard classes through Yamaha and language classes through Berlitz. World Cruise segments feature expanded options, with additional lectures and classes.

The epic 108-day 2010 World Cruise departs Miami on January 11, and visits such exotic destinations as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Iran, among more than 40 ports in 37 countries. For terms and conditions and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Source: Crystal Cruises

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.

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

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

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.

"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

Guests Have the Opportunity to Sail with Experts in the Culinary Arts, Wine, Photography and Writing.

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, announces its 2010 Signature Collection Host Series which offers guests the unique opportunity to cruise with distinguished experts in the culinary arts, wine, photography and writing.

Hosts in 2010 include: top chocolate artisan Fran Bigelow of Fran's Chocolates; renowned winemakers Jay Schuppert of Cuvaison Estate Wines and Eric Dunham of Dunham Cellars; San Francisco area restaurateur, author, national radio and television personality, Narsai David; photographer Roger Paperno and author Joe Wolff of the popular travel books "Cafe Life"; acclaimed restaurateurs Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry of Seattle's Volterra Restaurant; and Chef Keith Luce of celebrated Northwest restaurant The Herbfarm.

Jay Schuppert - President of Cuvaison Estate Wines

Schuppert, president of Cuvaison Estate Wines, hosts Wind Surf's Lisbon to Barcelona sailing which departs April 4, 2010, and visits the ports of Tangier, Morocco; Malaga, Spain; Alicante, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Valencia, Spain. Cuvaison's winery is situated on the historic Silverado Train in Northern Napa Valley and is known for its award-wining wines. Prior to Cuvaison, Schuppert was with Kendall Jackson, San Francisco-based Southern Wine and Spirits Distributors and was Executive Chef of the Crystal Palace Restaurant in Aspen, Colo. Today, Schuppert leads the premium winery to record profits and global presence. Cuvaison wines are distributed throughout the United States, in 40 international markets, first class airlines and top-rated cruise lines. Schuppert will lecture on wine and conduct wine tastings during the voyage. Cruise fares start from $2,399 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Cuvaison Estate Wines, visit www.cuvaison.com.

Narsai David - San Francisco Restaurateur, Television and Radio Personality

Culinary expert David hosts Wind Star's Barcelona to Rome sailing departing May 1, 2010. Ports of call include Mahon, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Alghero, Italy; Porto-Vecchio, France; and Portoferraio, Italy. One of California's leading gourmets, David is a national television and radio personality, as well as Macy's Culinary Expert and shares the simple pleasures of cooking, food and wine through education. David launched Narsai's Restaurant, Market and Catering businesses which quickly became a culinary mecca for traveling gourmets. He hosted the nationally syndicated PBS television series "Over Easy" and was a food columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. David now broadcasts his secrets of gourmet cooking as the Food and Wine Editor at San Francisco's KCBS radio and oversees the management and new product development of his line of specialty food products. David will entertain guests with a lecture and cooking demonstration on his culinary arts. Cruise fares from $2,399 per person, double occupancy. For more on David, visit www.narsai.com.

Fran Bigelow - Founder and Owner of Fran's Chocolates

Bigelow will host Wind Surf's Rome to Venice sailing departing May 2, 2010, visiting Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Bigelow is considered one of the best chocolatiers in the country and has been credited for sparking the artisan chocolate renaissance in America. Fran's Chocolates offers a selection of luxurious chocolate confections and signature truffles created with the finest, all-natural, local and organic ingredients handmade daily in small batches with refined techniques. Bigelow's cookbook "Pure Chocolate" won a "Best Chocolate Cookbook in the United States" award from Gourmand World Cookbook Awards and was a James Beard Foundation Cookbook Award finalist. Further accolades include "Ten Best Cookbooks of 2004" by Food & Wine magazine and the "Best Dessert Cookbook" by People magazine. Bigelow will discuss how she creates extraordinary chocolates and will conduct chocolate tastings. Cruise fares from $2,599 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Fran's Chocolates, visit www.franschocolates.com.

Keith Luce - Executive Chef of The Herbfarm

Executive Chef Luce of The Herbfarm, the Pacific Northwest's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant, will host Wind Surf's Rome to Venice sailing departing June 6, 2010. Ports of call include Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Luce trained at the New York's Rainbow Room, Le Cirque and La Cote Basque as well as top Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Italy. He also served as Sous Chef in the White House during Clinton's first administration and Opening Chef of Spruce in Chicago. Luce went on to work as Executive Chef at Five Diamond Relais & Chateaux Little Nell in Aspen and later opened San Francisco's acclaimed Merenda. His accolades include America's "Top 10 Chefs" from Food & Wine magazine and "Rising Star Chef of the Year" by the James Beard Foundation. Luce will speak on culinary techniques and provide cooking demonstrations. Cruise fares start from $2,749 per person, double occupancy. For more information on The Herbfarm, visit www.theherbfarm.com.

Eric Dunham - Winemaker for Dunham Cellars

Winemaker Dunham of Dunham Cellars will host Wind Surf's Rome to Venice sailing departing July 25, 2010. Ports of call include Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Dunham trained in all phases of winemaking through an internship with Hogue Cellars and served as assistant winemaker at the prestigious L'Ecole No. 41 winery under the tutelage of Marty Clubb. Dunham handcrafted small lots of premium Cabernet Sauvignon under the Dunham Cellars name achieving prestigious awards including a Gold Medal and a 93 rating at the World Wine Championship. In the Spring of 1999, Dunham and his family opened the winery in a converted WWII airplane hanger at Walla Walla's Regional Airport. Dunham Cellars was "2008 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year" and their wines have received accolades from The Wall Street Journal, Wine Enthusiast and Food & Wine magazine. Dunham will discuss the wine making process and conduct wine tastings. Cruise fares from $2,749 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Dunham Cellars, visit www.dunhamcellars.com.

Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry - Owners of Volterra Restaurant

Chef Curtiss and Quisenberry will host Wind Surf's September 5, 2010, Rome to Venice sailing which visits Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Curtiss was formally trained in classic French cuisine and taught at the Sofitel French Culinary school. He led the helm at Miami's Le Cafe Royale before becoming Executive Chef of Cafe des Artes on Ocean Drive. Curtiss' Northwest culinary adventure began in 1992 holding Executive Chef positions at Al Boccalino, Assaggio, Prego Ristorante as well as Chef Partner at II Fornaio. He and wife, Quisenberry, own Volterra, named after the Tuscan hilltop where the couple married. The restaurant features seasonal Tuscan specialties showcasing Curtiss' innovative style including all natural, organic meats and poultry as well as house made pastas. Volterra has received international acclaim and numerous awards including Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence," and Zagat's "America's Top Restaurants." Guests will discover Tuscan cooking with Curtiss and Quisenberry. Cruise fares from $2,749 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Volterra, visit www.volterrarestaurant.com.

Photographer Roger Paperno and Author Joe Wolff of the Cafe Life Book Series

Photographer Roger Paperno and author Joe Wolff host Wind Surf's October 17, 2010, Venice to Venice sailing which visits ports of Rovinj, Croatia; Opatija, Croatia; Trogir, Croatia; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. The duo produced the popular travel series "Cafe Life Rome", "Cafe Life Florence" and "Cafe Life Venice." The books profile family-owned cafes and bars in Italy featuring photos, interviews and history. In addition to the book series, Paperno has done photography for numerous clients including The Gap, Banana Republic and Saturn Cars. Over the last 25 years, Wolff has written advertising and marketing pieces for a variety of businesses. Paperno and Wolff will share their experiences about working on the book as well as traveling, photography and writing. Cruise rates start from $2,599 per person, double occupancy. For more information on Paperno and Wolff, visit www.rogerpaperno.com and www.joe-wolff.com.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

Former Yankees, Mets Featured on Select 2009-2010 Caribbean Cruise Itineraries.

New York baseball fans looking to stretch the baseball season into the winter months can enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean with some of their favorite former New York Yankees and New York Mets players on select sailings of MSC Cruises' MSC Poesia.

In addition to visiting some of the Caribbean's most beautiful locations, each "Baseball Greats" cruise includes free interactive guest/player activities, including a player-hosted trivia game in which guests can test their baseball knowledge, question-and-answer sessions with the players, a guest pitching contest and a lively story-telling session in which the players share candid revelations about some of the "characters" of the game. Baseball players will also host pitching, hitting, fielding and base running clinics.

New York fan favorites Frank Howard, Stan Bahnsen, Hector Lopez, Ken Griffey, Sr., Jeff Torborg and Ed Kranepool are in the lineup of baseball greats scheduled to sail Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale this winter:

• Nov. 20, 2009: Frank "Hondo" Howard (who coached for both the Yankees and the Mets) and Bahnsen will be joined by Hall-of-Famer Bob Feller, Toronto Blue Jays Manager Cito Gaston and Bill Russell on the 10-night "Dazzling Dutch Caribbean and the Panama" itinerary.
• Jan. 16, 2010: Hector Lopez (who played on five Yankees championship teams and is now a minor league instructor with the Bombers), Jeff Torborg (who coached with the Yankees and managed the Mets), former Yankees slugger Ken Griffey, Sr., and Cookie Rojas (who coached for the Mets and is now an announcer for the Florida Marlins) will join Bahnsen on the 7-night "Island Treasures & Ancient Temples" itinerary.
• Feb. 6: Bahnsen will be joined by fellow former Yankees Rudy May, and former Mets Jim Fregosi (who was traded to the Mets for Nolan Ryan) and Ed Kranepool, as well as Tony Oliva on the 7-night "Island Treasures & Ancient Temples" itinerary.
• March 6, 2010: Bahnsen will be joined by Amos Otis, Rennie Stennet and two additional players (to be named) on the 7-night "Eastern Caribbean Enchantment" cruise.
• April 3, 2010: Bahnsen, Tony Taylor, Randy Hundley and two additional players will be on the 7-night "Eastern Caribbean Dream" cruise.

Caribbean cruise-only rates begin at $549 per person, double occupancy (government fees/taxes 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

Prestige Yacht Charters, a premier luxury-yacht charter company serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, today announced Mother's Day cruises departing from the Yonkers Municipal Pier on May 10, 2009.

Guests will board the luxury yacht "Atlantica" for a trip down the Hudson to see the New York City skyline. The brunch cruise will start boarding at 10:30 AM for a trip from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM to the Statue of Liberty and back. The dinner cruise will start boarding at 4:30 PM for the same journey from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Both cruises will include elegant buffet dining, a live DJ, dancing and a cash bar.

David Hackert, President of Prestige Yacht Charters, said, "What better way to honor your Mom than to treat her to the aura of a luxury yacht with all the amenities and pampering typically reserved for the rich and famous. It will make a Mother's Day she'll always remember and at an affordable price to boot!"

The cruises are priced at $50 per person for brunch and $85 for dinner. Kids under 12 cost $30 and $50 respectively. The cuisine includes preparations from an acclaimed gourmet chef for both events. The brunch menu offers seasonal fruits and croissants, followed by a carving station with turkey and ham in a variety of sauces, chicken/apple sausages, hickory smoked bacon and fruit blintzes.

The Mother's Day dinner cruise offers similar five-star cuisine. Hors d'oeuvres are passed butler style followed by sesame crusted chicken with Asian ponzu, crab cakes with smoked jalapeno and lime aioli, and mozzarella and roasted pepper skewers with balsamic glaze. Entrees, served buffet style, include a widely acclaimed specialty, grilled marinated flank steak, as well as whole roasted turkey breast with country gravy and cranberry relish. Assorted cakes and Italian cookies conclude the repast.

Prestige offers safeguards in case of inclement weather. The Atlantica is climate-controlled with enclosed decks, and the route traverses calm waters.

SOURCE Prestige Yacht Charters