Allure of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
Allure of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

As winter begins to wind down, many people are looking forward to their upcoming 2011 vacation and enjoying a luxury cruise is tops on many traveler’s lists.

Frommer’s has long been recognized as the premier, market leader in travel guides and a definitive expert in cruises ship tours.

Frommer’s has just announced their Best Cruise Ships of 2011 list.

Available on frommers.com, you can view the travel company’s annual Best Cruise Ships list that has carefully been researched and compiled by Frommer’s resident cruise experts, Matt Hannafin and Heidi Sarna.

The Best Cruise Ships of 2011 list highlights the best-reviewed vessels in Frommer’s new, 7th edition of Frommer’s Cruises & Ports of Call.

The guide provides details of 20 cruise ships that represent nine design classes. In addition, Frommer’s offers reviews on 19 other cruise ships in eight classes recognized as “notable.”

The most notable cruise to appear on this year’s list is the luxury Allure of the Seasby Royal Caribbean. The luxurious Allure of the Seas debuted just two months ago.

The Frommer’s judges praised the 225,282-ton, 5,400-passenger vessel and her older twin sister, Oasis of the Seas, for “letting light and air into the center of the ships” via a radical new superstructure design.

The judges also singled out Allure for being “undoubtedly the best entertainment ship at sea, with truly exceptional programming for both adults and kids.”

Also making the list of 2011′s best cruise ships were:
* Celebrity’s Solstice Class: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Eclipse
* Seabourn’s Odyssey Class: Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn
* Silversea’s Silver Spirit, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper
* Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel Class: Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl, and Norwegian Gem
* Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria
* Celebrity’s Millennium-class: Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Summit

Eight other luxury cruise ships were recognized as “notable” including:
* SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream I and SeaDream II
* Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic
* Princess’s Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, and Ruby Princess
* Windstar’s Wind Surf
* Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas
* Star Clippers’ Royal Clipper
* Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony
* Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager

Doge’s Palace and Campanile, Venice – Smithsonian Journeys

The name Smithsonian is widely known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is the core of Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences.

Smithsonian Journeys has just announced its exciting line of all-inclusive, value cruises to the Mediterranean for 2012, which include international airfare.

If you have always wanted to explore the world, look into the awesome travel itineraries from Smithsonian Journeys. Their tours bring both culture and local sightseeing together in a seamless manner.

Smithsonian Journeys

Offering more than 40 years of dedicated to wonderful travel experiences worldwide, Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s own travel program.

Now you can enjoy three amazing all-inclusive cruise cruise package deals to the beautiful Mediterranean.

If you act fast, Smithsonian Journeys also offer these all-inclusive cruises with international airfare, in addition to special stateroom savings and for solo travelers, no single supplement.

These exciting and luxurious Mediterranean cruise deals are scheduled for both spring and summer 2011.

Pricing for these three new 2011 cruise deals begin at $3,195 and include international airfare, shore excursions in each port, lecture program by onboard experts, gratuities to shipboard staff and more.

For passengers who can book their cruise by March 31, you will enjoy special stateroom savings up to $1,500, based on double occupancy.

The three Mediterranean cruise packages will take place aboard the luxury 350-guest, mid-size ship – Aegean Odyssey. Cruise details are below:

“The Wonders of Turkey and the Greek Isles” (June 23-July 6) and “The Glories of Greece and Turkey” (July 1-14) feature similar itineraries.
Included excursions showcase significant cultural sites, such as palaces and sacred sites of the Greek islands (Crete, Delos, Mykonos and Samos), the ancient cities of Ephesus and Aprodisias in Turkey and World Heritage sites in Athens and Istanbul. Both cruises feature a three-night hotel stay in Istanbul and a two-night hotel stay in Athens, with excursions and leisure time in both cities. Prices for these all-inclusive Mediterranean cruises start at $3,195 if booked by March 31 and include international airfare.

“Splendors of Italy and the Dalmatian Coast” (May 31-June 15) begins with a two-night stay in Rome.
Travelers will then board the 350-guest Aegean Odyssey, cruise to Corsica and Sardinia and spend three days in Sicily. Following a day on the island nation of Malta, travelers will sail to the Dalmatian Coast for three days in Croatia, with two days exploring Dubrovnik and another day in Split. The cruise concludes with a two-night hotel stay in Venice, with a private evening visit to St. Mark’s Basilica among other excursions. Prices start at $3,750 if booked by March 31 and include international airfare.

Aegean Odyssey has two restaurants and dining at an outdoor terrace, three lounges, three bars, lecture theater, well-stocked library, Internet center, outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, spa (with saunas, massage and beauty-treatment rooms) and hairdressers/beauty center. Telephone, fax and e-mail access are available via satellite.

If you have ever wanted to travel around the world in style in your own private jet, be sure to check out another fabulous tour offered by Smithsonian Journeys. This luxury tour is named, “Around the World by Private Jet.”

For more information, please call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit the Smithsonian Journeys website at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org

and Voyages Cruise by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Have you ever dreamed of taking an around the world cruise? We want to share an incredible luxury cruise opportunity with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

In case you are not aware of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the luxury cruise company was just voted “Best Cruise Line for Seeing the World” By Cruise Critic in November.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also received a recent accomplishment of “the cruise company offering the highest level of satisfaction to clients” in the 2010 Travel Agents’ Choice Awards and the “Most group-friendly cruise line” by Group Leisure magazine.

Around the World cruise – Black Watch departs Southampton, January 11, 2011 and sails for 106 nights. This is an opportunity to spend relaxing days at sea and explore exotic destinations not on the charts of an ordinary cruising holiday. Cruisers will be able to visit Africa and Europe on the same day with calls to Ceuta and Gibraltar, enjoy overnight stays in Mumbai, Singapore and Hong Kong, cruise the Great Barrier Reef and spend three days in Sydney. Enrichment programs available include bridge, performing arts, South America wine and comedy.

Promotion includes: Ocean view cabins starting at $19,585, $240 flight credit and onboard spending per person, based on the cabin chosen: $310 for outside cabins (F,E,D,L,K,MO), $540 for superior outside cabins (C,B,A,BC,J) and $775 for suites (JS,DS,BS,SS,MS,PS,JB,OW).

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and USA reseller and booking agent, Borton Overseas, has launched a new promotion for the 2012 Grand Voyages; the promotion includes a $240 flight credit and onboard spending credit – per person.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also offers shorter sectors, 6 for the World Cruise and 9 for Around South America. All sectors are included in the promotion for the $240 flight credit; selected sectors have an onboard spending credit.

Cruises must be booked by July 15, 2011 and a copy of the flight invoice or tickets must be received by Borton Overseas to receive the flight credit and onboard spend.

To book a cruise or request additional information, please contact Borton Overseas at 1-800-843-0602, info@bortonoverseas.com or www.bortonoverseas.com/cruises

UTOPIA

Do you have a passion for luxury travel? Do you aspire to live in a luxurious home? Well now you can combine them both in the ultimate “world home.”

The incredible UTOPIA ship is truly the most elegant residential ocean liner in the world.

Purchase one of UTOPIA’s luxury residences and sail the world in your new home, while visiting the most amazing places on earth.

Enjoy your home aboard this stunning luxury liner that offers 199 residents, while also providing their families and guests the opportunity to explore the world in the comfort of their own home.

Measuring a staggering 981 feet long (299 meters) UTOPIA will feature a luxury hotel, retail boutiques, a casino, 500 seat theater, fine dining restaurants, medical facilities with helipad, luxurious spa, gymnasium, a retractable marina, cigar lounge, 6,000 sq ft golf center, and more …. in addition to the most advanced technologies available today.

The luxury residences range in size from 1,453 square feet (135 meters) to a whopping 6,123 square feet (569 meters). You can choose from 2, 3 and 4 bedroom configurations. All homes also come fully furnished.

Prices for the elegant residences begin at $3.9 million (US).

Two premium membership opportunities are available – The Residents’ Club and The Golf Club.

Residents’ Club members have access to concierge, restaurant, lounge and swimming pool. Enjoy dining on UTOPIA’s spacious terrace offering unbelievable ocean and city views.

As a member of the Golf Club, live out your golfer’s dream and enjoy playing on the world’s best golf courses.

Although the living accommodations are sensational, combining the ability to travel to vibrant ports and personally adventure around the world is what makes UTOPIA a dream come true.

The UTOPIA will travel the globe, visiting the world’s greatest cities. While navigating the seas, UTOPIA will dock and offer passengers the chance to experience world famous cultural and sporting events such as the The Olympics, Tour de France, Cannes Film Festival, Mardi Gras, Monte Carlo Grand Prix, Rio de Janeiro Carnaval, Melbourne Cup, Venice Carnevale, America’s Cup, Running of the Bulls, in addition to other amazing events.

There is no doubt that once launched, UTOPIA will be the most luxurious ship in the world. Due to that fact, it is drawing extreme interest and commitments from the world’s most richest people.

For example, singer and gospel Hall of Fame Inductee Pat Boone recently purchased one of UTOPIA’s residences.

It’s a once in lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself and see the world in the most unique way …. from your home.

To learn more about UTOPIA and owning a piece of history, please visit: http://www.utopiaresidences.com

Windstar Cruises

Operating a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that carries between 148 to 312 guests, Windstar Cruises has just been awarded the title of “Top Luxury Cruise” by Islands magazine.

Windstar Cruises is known as a luxury sailing yacht provider, pampering their customers without pretense, in addition to the company’s ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations.

Windstar Cruises was recognized by Islands magazine for their luxury Wind Surf yacht, Rome to Rome itinerary.

The Life of Luxury can make your dream vacation come true. Whether a tropical beach getaway or a luxury cruise, our travel specialists can assist and book your travel itinerary. Enjoy a VIP experience and make it a vacation that will provide lasting memories. Come back to read our luxury blog for all the latest news.

Queen Elizabeth -Cunard

Cunard’s new Queen Elizabeth liner was officially named in a luxurious ceremony at the vessel’s home port of Southampton, England.

It was a bright, sunny day and her Majesty christened the new £360 million Queen Elizabeth, with a bottle of Rothschilds’ Cunard Graves 2009.

There were notable guests in attendance, including: Lord (John) Prescott, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Jimmy Savile, Alan Whicker, Judith Chalmers, Alan Tichmarsh, and Simon Weston.

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus supplied beautiful music and the Massed Bands of the Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards also entertained the ceremony gathering.

Queen Elizabeth has long been associated with the luxury Cunard fleet of ships. Her Majesty previously launched theQueen Elizabeth 2 in 1967, followed by the Queen Mary 2 in 2004.

The new Queen Elizabeth luxury liner is a 92,000-ton ship and will be Cunard’s second biggest ship behind the QM2.

Queen Elizabeth -Cunard (Grand Lobby)

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship is bring back pure luxury to the high seas, featuring high ceilings, wood panelling, mosaics, art deco flourishes, chandeliers and fine marble.

The ship has a capacity of 2,000 passengers, and will enjoy many luxurious amenities including waltzing in multiple ballrooms, catching Shakespeare plays in the ship’s theatre.

If you feel lucky, take your chances by gambling in the casino, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea and listening to the soothing sounds of a string quartet.

For more information on Cunard’s new Queen Elizabeth, visit http://www.cunard.com/Ships/Queen-Elizabeth/

For a luxury cruise ship experience, a trip on the MS Europa by Hapag-Lloyd may be just the choice.

The Europa is possibly the cruise line industry’s most intriguing and upscale cruise ship. But it also may be one you have never heard of.

Hapag-Lloyd is a well known German shipping company giant. It operates four ships within its leisure-cruise division. The luxury Europa is their premier ship.

The Europa has the distinction of being the only cruise ship in the world that’s been rated five star-plus by the cruise industry gospel, the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships. The mighty Europa held that elite crown for the past eight years.

The Europa is a 28,437-ton, 408-passenger elegant ship, with vaulted ceilings in public areas that offer a formal, country house ambiance, plus one of the industry’s highest passenger-to-space ratios. Because of this, you never feel crowded on-board.

The ship was first launched in 1999. One primary difference is the Europa is surprisingly small compared to the mega-ships being built today. It offers a crew of 280 to cater to the needs of up to 400 passengers. This is the highest staff/passenger ratio of any cruise ship sailing today. These numbers make top-notch service possible.

“Smaller ships are especially good for seasoned travelers,” says cruise expert Douglas Ward, author of the Berlitz guide. “Big cruise ships don’t have the finesse of the smaller ships.”

Europa’s all-outside, almost all-balcony accommodations are plush and spacious. Each room on the ship is designated as a suite. About eighty percent have balconies. The room’s walk-in closets have plenty of storage space. Bathrooms come with a tub and separate shower that are very roomy. The sitting area consists of a mini-bar and desk, with a keyboard for accessing a free e-mail account.

The Europa’s itineraries offer a sophisticated sightseer’s dream. One will rarely do the exact same activity even though it travels all around the world each year.

The MS Europa is definitely a luxury cruise ship experience that is geared toward sea travel offering an international outlook, particularly for English-speaking travelers. The ship’s entire crew is fluent in English.

The primary reason you may never have heard of the the Europa is that Hapag-Lloyd hasn’t marketed its ships in the North American market.

The dining experience on the Europa is a dream for your taste buds. The serving menu consists of a wide range of cuisines. The ship offers about 8,000 food items, compared to around 3,000 on most cruises. Alos included in its arsenal is approximately 17,000 bottles of wine that covers vintages from all the world’s top wine-producing areas.

A formal night on the Europa starts by enjoying a cocktail in the two-story atrium. Here you can relax and enjoy a classical pianist perform music on a Steinway piano. Then passengers sit down to a five-course gourmet dinner that is unforgettable.

The cruise line industry keeps rolling out mega luxury ships to meet the ever demanding tastes of high end travelers. More choices in food, activities, itineraries and luxury are some of the trends shaping the cruise industry for 2008. But the biggest unknown is what will happen with cruise prices.

The Cruise Lines International Association estimates that 12.6 million people cruised in 2007, a 4.6 percent increase over 2006. CLIA believes demand will hold, with a projected 12.8 million passengers for 2008 despite the weakening economy. A recent CLIA survey of 500 travel agents found 90 percent expect 2008 cruise sales to be as good or better than 2007.

But consumers with flexible vacation plans may be in for some deals. “The more uncertainty there is in the marketplace, the more deals there will be later in the year,” said Heidi Allison Shane, spokeswoman for CruiseCompete.com. “When the cruise lines go out with high prices and they don’t sell out, the bigger the discounts later on.” The softest markets, she predicted, will be in mega-ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of CruiseCritic.com, also expects “more competitive prices for sure, because the economy is shaky, but where you’ll find the real deals are on the older ships in cruise line fleets, not the newer and bigger models. Per diems on vessels like Cunard’s Queen Victoria, Holland America’s Eurodam and Celebrity’s Solstice will be pricey and demand is strong because all three are new designs.”

LUXURY: More cruise lines are offering larger and more luxurious accommodations with private elevators, private courtyards and suites located near spas. Spa suite guests typically get priority or upgraded access to spa services.

Even the mass-market cruise line Carnival is getting into the luxury act with Carnival Splendor, launching later this year with 68 spa suites that feature access by private elevator to a 21,000-square-foot spa. Another new ship, MSC Cruises’ MSC Fantasia, will also feature 68 suites accessed by private elevators.

Norwegian Gem, which launched in 2007, not only has one of the most decorative exteriors of any ship at sea – a colorful jewel design on a white background – but it has large one- and two-bedroom suites in its Courtyard Villa. The shared private courtyard has a private lap pool, hot tub, steam rooms and fitness area.

In May, Celebrity Cruises launched a new luxury line, Azamara, with two midsize ships – Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Both ships carry 694 guests and offer Sky Suites with in-suite spa services. Most itineraries are 12-18 nights with less well-known ports of call like Cartagena, Colombia, and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. In the summer, both ships go to Europe. Azamara Quest will later sail in Asia.

Article written by Beth J. Harpaz  – AP Travel Editor

Looking for the ultimate luxury cruise to Alaska? Well this summer, Silversea’s all-suite, 382-guest Silver Shadow will be the only ultra-luxury cruise ship exploring scenic Alaska. Boasting a crew-to-guest ratio of only 1 to 1.29, and a space ratio of 74.0 (or 7,400 cubic feet of space per guest), the Silver Shadow will offer a high level of personalized service and spaciousness that is unsurpassed. And at just 28,258 gross tons, this hallmark of luxury will be served up in a most intimate, club-like environment not available on other, larger ships.

From the majesty of snow-capped glaciers and misty fjords to the awesome beauty of a rain forest, Silversea reveals the natural wonders of Alaska and the Pacific Coast on ten distinctive itineraries of nine to 12 days. Several sailings will feature convenient round-trip departures from Vancouver, with open-jaw voyages also available from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seward.

“Designed to provide a truly exceptional travel experience, our Silver Shadow is the perfect option for the discerning world traveler who wants to be pampered in luxury and comfort while exploring Alaska’s spectacular scenery,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “There are a number of mainstream mega-ships calling in Alaska this summer, but only Silversea offers an exclusive alternative for the sophisticated traveler seeking an award-winning, all-inclusive and intimate shipboard experience.”

Added Morris, “With one voyage already sold out, and others about to, space is filling up quickly — so now’s the time to book.”

In addition to savings of up to 40%, Silver Shadow guests will enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations (most with private veranda), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, personalized service, warm Italian hospitality, and Silversea’s generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities. Plus, complimentary Butler Service is provided in the Grand, Royal, Rossellini and Owner’s Suites.

ENRICHMENT HIGHLIGHTS

The Alaska voyages will showcase a diverse enrichment program of noted scholars, writers, and other experts selected from a variety of fields to share their passion, knowledge and insider views for the entertainment and edification of Silversea’s guests. A small sampling includes:

– For the nature lover, marine biologist John Palmisano (Ph.D.) will host the May 31 Los Angeles-to-Vancouver “Inside Passage” voyage, offering insights on the oceans and diversity of marine life. Silver Sailing fares for this 12-day voyage (3812) start at $5,596 per person (30% savings).

– For the gourmet, on June 21, Silver Shadow’s Vancouver-to-San Francisco cruise welcomes Relais & Châteaux chef Anne Desjardins from the award-winning restaurant and inn L’Eau à la Bouche (Ste-Adèle, Québec) and wine expert John Shafer of Shafer Vineyards and Winery (Napa Valley, California). Early Booking Incentive fares for this 10-day voyage (3814) start at $5,690 per person (15% savings).

– For the nature lover, Sabin Robbins, published author, former zoo society director and writer-editor at the National Geographic Society, will host Silver Shadow’s September 5 “Inside Passage” cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Robbins’ field research includes East Africa, Galapagos Islands, Amazon River and the whale nurseries of the Pacific. Silver Sailing fares for this 12-day voyage (3822) start at $4,797 per person (40% savings).

IN-DEPTH EXPLORATIONS ASHORE

Silversea guests can extend their Alaska voyage with optional pre- and post-cruise land programs featuring deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Prices start from $1,395 per guest.

Highlights include:

– From Vancouver, “The Majestic Canadian Rockies” four- or five-night program explores the breathtaking peaks and valleys of the Canadian Rockies from the comfort of your railcar. Enjoy two nights in Banff and visit the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies” — Lake Louise, set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day journey by rail through the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, past the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Canyon to Kamloops for an overnight stay. Continue your rail adventure past the Cascades, lush Fraser River Valley and Hell’s Gate, then on to Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean.

– From Seward, the three-night “Denali– Nature at Her Grandest” program features a journey to Denali by luxury rail, crossing the magnificent vista of Hurricane Gulch. Denali National Park, one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries, offers the chance to spot grizzly bears, caribou, moose and wolves. The park rests under the shadow of spectacular Mount McKinley, North America’s highest mountain.

– Also from Seward, the six-night “Land of the Midnight Sun” offers the ultimate Alaskan experience, combining the grandeur of Denali National Park with a journey of over 300 miles above the Arctic Circle to Barrow, the largest Inuit settlement in Alaska. Here in the land of the midnight sun, stand on the northernmost tip of the continent, encounter the unique traditional lifestyle of native Alaskans and explore the white wilderness of the tundra. The program includes a scenic riverboat adventure from Fairbanks.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  More more info, click here