Compagnie du Ponant is highly recognized as a leading luxury yacht cruise provider. In 2010, Compagnie du Ponant introduced the yacht Le Boréal and in 2011 L’Austral was launched.

Similar to the elegant contours as her two sister ships, Le Soléal follows in their luxury ship footsteps, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to enhance guest comfort, top service, highly-regarded food and a private yacht feel – the embodiment of Compagnie du Ponant’s ‘Yacht cruises’ concept.

Scheduled to launch in July, 2013 – Le Soléal yacht will feature five-star accommodations in each of the luxury boat’s 132 staterooms and suites. The cruise yacht’s sophisticated design will allow its passengers access to the most outstanding sites around the globe, where larger ships can’t even get close.

For her inaugural season Le Soléal will be taking guests to a new and exciting, but rarely visited destination: the Arctic.

From the legendary North West Passage (which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans) to the Bering Strait, from ice floe to tundra, these unusual itineraries will offer the chance to discover hidden gems way beyond the Arctic Circle. Le Soléal’s 264 guests will be able to follow the paths of the great explorers, take in Inuit villages and view extraordinary wildlife, including polar bears, brown bears, wolves, puffins, walrus and beluga whales. Excursions in zodiacs, hiking and helicopter tours will also be available for the most adventurous guests.

Le Soléal by Compagnie du Ponant offers a leisurely cruise that combines intimacy, authenticity and elegance, as only the French know how. The company offers luxury cruises to the six continents including Africa, America, Antarctica, Asia, Europe and Australia/Oceania.

Included in the new all-inclusive pricing of sailings are all meals,, open bar, stocked mini-bar, a welcome-aboard cocktail party, 24-hour room service, all entertainment as indicated within the itinerary, gratuities, and port charges and fees. Air, optional excursions and transfers are additional.

For cruise reservations and additional information about Compagnie du Ponant, please visit: http://en.ponant.com

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

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