SEADREAM’S CARIBBEAN : Intimate, Elegant Casual, Active, Extraordinary

Windstar Introduces Luggage Delivery Service 
  
Windstar Cruises now offers Monogram Luggage Service, which allows passengers to travel luggage-free to the ship. "Our guests today are busy people who want to relax and enjoy their cruise vacation," said Diane Moore, Windstar's vice president of marketing and sales. "Our new luggage service is one more way we can help make their entire trip enjoyable. It's a better use of the guests' time, and there's no need to stand in long lines to check luggage." Guests may opt to have their bags picked up at their door and delivered to their stateroom on the ship, wherever it may be. Luggage is picked up at home-no boxing or extra packaging is required -- and shipped via an air valet service. At the end of the cruise, luggage may be shipped back home. Windstar has chosen the luggage express service offered by Universal Express, a courier company based in Boca Raton, Fla. Charges are assessed by weight, destination, and type of service. For example, it will cost $257 to ship a 45-pound suitcase from Florida to Barbados. All bags are insured up to $1,000 at no extra cost with options to insure up to $10,000.

Jonathan Shackleton aboard Quark Expeditions Ocean Nova.
Quark Expeditions February 22 to March 13, 2009 Antarctic Quest departure of Ocean Nova to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) will have Antarctic historian Jonathan Shackleton aboard. He comes by his penchant for Antarctica naturally, as he is the cousin of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Jonathan will deliver presentations about his cousin's leadership qualities. A maximum of 68 travelers can participate in this very special expedition that examines how and why Ernest Shackleton was a successful leader.

HURTIGRUTEN adds unique program to five Antarctica Cruises 

New York, NY, November 2008 -- Passengers wishing to learn more about capturing the memories of their once-in-a-lifetime Hurtigruten Antarctica Exploration Cruises will now be assisted by award-winning photographers and videographers. Hurtigruten has signed on with Australian-based Theme Media to provide these professionals, who will offer lectures and guidance on how to photograph these unique environments and develop CD/DVD Travel Journals to document their vacation. Five sailings will offer this no-cost added bonus -- Nov. 26, Dec. 4 and 12, 2008, and Feb. 2 and 22, 2009; all of the sailings save Feb. 2 are 13-day adventures aboard the world's newest and most deluxe expedition ship, MS Fram. The Feb. 2 sailing, also aboard the MS Fram, is a new 17-day itinerary and heads off to the rarely-visited Marguerite Bay, home to the only known breed of emperor penguins on the west side of Antarctica.

Passengers will receive a free CD containing the professional photographers/videographers images, maps, logbook, crew names and other important facts about their particular cruise.

Award-winning photographer Camille Seaman, aboard for the first three sailings, concentrates her work on the fragile environment of the polar regions. Her photos have been exhibited at the National Academy of Sciences and the Peabody Essex Museum, among others, and have been published in most top magazines and newspapers. She also teaches workshops on photography and self-publishing. Fulbright scholar and filmmaker Tori Hogan comes aboard for the February 4, 2009 sailing, offering her 60-country experience on photographing and filming in connection with international aid organizations. Tori is also the CEO of an innovative start-up social enterprise she co-founded named "Beyond Good Intentions." Sandra Walser, aboard for the Feb. 22 voyage, is a freelance photographer and journalist specializing in the polar regions. Her photographic work, appearing in print and online media throughout the world, was born of a passion she discovered while in kindergarten in Switzerland.

Both Antarctica itineraries are roundtrip from Buenos Aires and offer either five or nine days in Antarctica after embarking in Ushuaia for the crossing of the Drake Passage. These unique voyages explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth, replete with gleaming icebergs, blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the ships, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands. Weather permitting, landings are made at numerous locations including Half Moon and Deception Islands, Ukrainian Vernadsky and Polish Arctowski Bases, Almirante Brown, Port Lockroy, Neko Harbor, Petermann Island, and on the 17-day voyage, several bases in Marguerite Bay.

The MS Fram accommodates 318 guests in suites and staterooms and features a restaurant, two bars, panoramic lounges library, and Internet café and conference rooms. A new program aimed at the suites includes two optional excursions for free, beverages, a bottle of champagne on arrival and other amenities.

FINAL Passport Rule Issued for Land and Sea Borders (March 27, 2008

The Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and can be considered FINAL when helping you  ensure that you have the proper identification when traveling.

Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:

U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.

*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State

All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.

The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today.

We continue to encourage travelers to obtain passports to allow the broadest travel opportunities. Visit www.travel.state.gov to obtain information on how to apply at more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States.

 Climate Change Challenge Mt. Kilimanjaro Mission (October 11 - 20, 2007)

Climate change is already having an impact on habitats critical to the survival of wildlife in places around the globe. It is estimated that by the year 2020, there will be no glaciers left on Mount Kilimanjaro. An icon that has come to symbolize Africa's beauty could soon be a thing of the past.

As part of the Climate Change Challenge, Abercrombie & Kent is organizing a mission trip to Mount Kilimanjaro. Richard Wiese, the youngest president in Explorers Club history, will lead the Kilimanjaro climb (October 11 - 20, 2007) to document the effects of climate change. Join this mission and make a direct contribution to the fight against global warming, supplying weather researchers on Kilimanjaro with vital equipment and helping their efforts to monitor climate change.

Space is limited to 12 participants. Make your reservation-and donate a minimum of $1,000 to Friends of Conservation to support the Climate Change Challenge-for your chance to join this historic mission.

Converse privately with scientists and climate researchers on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Toast your success at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with champagne.

Join an optional post-climb Masai Mara extension.
Your $1,000 donation to support the Climate Change Challenge is 100% tax deductible for U.S. taxpayers.

This program travels the scenic Machame Route, with some wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities along the first days' paths. Then it's up across the Shira Plateau through the Grand Baranco Canyon and on to the top. You are expected to reach Stella Point at dawn, with a chance to continue around Kibo's rim to the summit, Uhuru Peak.

Fit to trek. The Machame Route is a strenuous but not technical climb, and no mountain-climbing experience is necessary. But there's no avoiding the steep ascents and high altitudes that make robust physical fitness (and a minimum age of 16 years) a prerequisite for this trip. You'll want to consult your physician before undertaking this unforgettable adventure. Our Kilimanjaro excursions have a summit rate of 95%, but weather and other factors occasionally impact the success of an expedition.

Safety. A&K carries oxygen bottles, portable altitude chambers (Gamov bag), first aid kits and multiple communications equipment on every single climb.

Guides. All of A&K's guides are trained in wilderness first aid, mountain craft, natural history and ecological awareness.

Equipment. Our climbs are equipped with the finest climbing and camping apparatus, safety equipment and communications network on Mount Kilimanjaro. Comfortable and private igloo-shaped tents allow our travellers to bypass the very rustic mountain huts where most trekkers spend their nights.

Acclimatization. While most trekkers spend a total of five days on the mountain, we schedule seven days (six nights) to allow more time for altitude acclimatization, giving A&K a successful summit rate of 95 percent.

Inclusions: All Kilimanjaro national park and rescue fees, All guides (NOLS qualified) and porters, Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport and to/from Kilimanjaro National Park trailheads, All food on the mountain with services of dedicated A&K cook, Meals to be specially prepared for CCC participants, Bottled water on the mountain, Champagne on the summit, All safety equipment (including portable altitude chamber), All camping equipment, All communication techniques (radio, satellite phones, cell phones), Handling of two bags per person, Two nights (full board) and day rooms at Mountain Village Lodge, Richard Wiese and a journalist from Robb Report, Membership to the Flying Doctors, Africa's only aeromedical emergency service

Exclusions: International air fares, Items of a personal nature, Gratuities to the guides and porters, Travel insurance, Excess baggage fees, Departure taxes and any other applicable airport taxes, Game drives, meals or sightseeing not included in the itinerary, Any optional activities, Visa for Tanzania, Personal health insurance

The A&K Advantage

Peace of mind with A&K-owned and operated mountain-climbing office in Arusha providing 24/7 support

Abercrombie & Kent, the only international tour operator with its own dedicated Mount Kilimanjaro climbing operation, strictly following international climbing standards

Small group size of only 12 fellow travellers to ensure personalized service

Acclimatization hike in Arusha National Park before attempting to conquer Africa's highest mountain

Best-equipped camps with oxygen bottles and portable altitude chambers available to provide maximum safety

Your guide, Explorer Richard Wiese

In early 2002, Richard Wiese became the youngest president in the 100-year history of the Explorer's Club, a multidisciplinary professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research and scientific exploration. Richard Wiese is also an Explorer in residence for the American Museum of Natural History.

During the past four years he has worked in the Yucatan jungle of Mexico putting satellite collars on jaguars; climbed and sampled the most geologically unique volcano in the world, Tanzania's Oldonyo Lengai; and joined two expeditions to Antarctica to core glaciers for the purpose of climatology studies. He was a member of the 2004 Yeronisos Island Expedition, an archaeological dig in Cyprus and in 2005 led an expedition to bio-prospect for extremophiles (organisms that live under extreme environmental conditions) and new life forms in Mount Kilimanjaro's crater, resulting in the discovery of 29 new life forms. Recently he trekked down the deepest canyon in the world, Cotahuasi in Peru, and was involved in the first microbial survey of Central Park in New York City.

 

CRYSTAL CRUISES
The lineup of maiden calls aboard Crystal Cruises’ ships includes Mexico’s Puerto Maya, gateway to ancient cities boasting impressive temples and fascinating archeological sites; and Chile’s Coquimbo, which serves as a launching point for trips to the resort town of La Serena and the Elqui Valley, a spot famous for clear atmospheric conditions and Tololo Observatory. 
CUNARD LINE
Cunard Line's Queen Victoria, set to be unveiled in December of 2007, sails a maiden "Christmas Markets" voyage on December 11 that includes a Christmas market in each port. Calls include Rotterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo, Hamburg and Zeebrugge. On December 21, Queen Victoria sails on a "Canary Islands Festive Celebration" to the Canary Islands, Portugal's Madeira and ports along the Iberian Peninsula.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
A rich palate of 22 diverse itineraries distinguishes Holland America Line’s Caribbean season, with several sailings featuring Grand Turk, where swimming, snorkeling and a large swimming pool and lounge are close to the terminal. Nearly half the line’s Caribbean cruises are 10 days or longer, providing more time to experience the culture and natural beauty of destinations.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Collectively, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ four ships call on 21 new ports on four continents. The roster includes the medieval town of Kotor in Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage site; and Chile’s Paso Quesahuen, where catamaran excursions to Laguna San Rafael are available for a bird’s-eye-view of stunning icebergs calving from the massive San Valentin Glacier. 
SEABOURN CRUISE LINE
For 2007, Seabourn Cruise Line’s yachts visit Monopoli, the gateway to the southern Italian region of Puglia, where a tenth of the wine consumed in Europe is produced. Also on tap are maiden calls to the isles and medieval towns along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the French island of Belle Ile en Mer off Brittany’s coast.
SEADREAM YACHT CLUB
SeaDream Yacht Club’s 2007 schedule features more beaches, overnights and late-evening stays in such Caribbean ports as Anegada, Barbuda, Vieques and Culebrita; the Greek islands of Paxoi, Paros, Molyvos, Syros, Kos and Ithaki; and Port Camargue, France. New winter South America itineraries visit hidden coves in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, as well their energetic and cosmopolitan cities.
SILVERSEA CRUISES
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Shadow makes an inaugural call at Easter Island on its first-ever World Cruise. The island, 2,000 miles west of Chile in the Pacific Ocean, is renowned for the large, enigmatic maoi statues that soar above its landscape. Carved from hardened volcanic ash, the statues have amazed and puzzled explorers and archaeologists for centuries.
WINDSTAR CRUISES
Windstar Cruises’ Wind Surf breaks new ground in 2007 with maiden calls along the coast of Spain. Among many other destinations, the ship sails to Valencia, whose beaches lie in the heart of the city; Almeria, where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed; and Palamos, located at the foot of coastal mountains in the heart of the Costa Brava.

Facts About Cruise Ship Safety and Security

The highest priority of the cruise industry is the safety and security of its passengers and crew. With more than 12 million vacationers cruising each year, the cruise lines take every appropriate measure to ensure that their guests have a safe and enjoyable vacation.

While people are far safer on board a cruise ship than in virtually any community in the United States, on rare occasions, incidents may happen. On March 27, CLIA will testify before Congress on the outstanding safety and security record of the cruise industry. With heightened media coverage on cruise ship safety and security, we wanted to provide you with information so that if you do hear concerns regarding safety and security from your customers, you can answer them confidently.

Cruising remains one of the safest vacations available, with an outstanding record of safety and security. In fact, when compared with the FBI's land-based crime statistics in the United States, cruise passengers are much safer on board a cruise ship than ashore.

While instances of crime on board cruise ships are rare, it is important that whenever traveling to be observant of one's possessions and surroundings at all times. Cruise passengers are reminded of this, as they are in any hotel, by safety information, daily bulletins, port visit briefings and the provision of a room safe or safety deposit box. In the event of an incident, the cruise industry takes all allegations and incidents very seriously, reports them to the proper authorities and fully cooperates in any investigation. In many instances, cruise lines do not publicly disclose detailed information to comply with directions from law enforcement and out of respect for privacy.

• Cruise ships are comparable to secure buildings with 24-hour security. Every person on board a cruise ship, from the captain to the cleaning staff and all guests, are placed on official manifests. When sailing to or from U.S. ports, these manifests are provided to U.S. federal law enforcement officials prior to the ship's departure.
• Guests should be very comfortable with the security measures they see during their cruise vacation. These include the screening of 100 percent of all luggage, carry-on's and provisions coming onto our ships. Screening is done with X-ray machines, metal detectors and human and detector dog searches.
• Passengers and crew may embark or disembark only after passing through security. Once a ship is underway, access is strictly limited to documented employees and fare-paying passengers.
• Each passenger is issued an identification card which contains their digital photo and personal identification information on a magnetic strip that he or she must present when entering or leaving the ship. This technology allows the ship to know which guests and crew members are on board and which are not.
• Each cruise ship has a dedicated security officer and staff whose sole function is the security of its passengers and crew. Typically, security staff personnel have former law enforcement or military background and are trained according to international security regulations.
• Foreign crew members on CLIA ships are required to obtain a visa issued by the U.S. State Department for entry into the United States. This visa requires the completion of a background check. In addition, cruise ship employees are pre-screened by recruiting agencies.
• Cruise lines operate within a legal framework under which international, federal and state authorities investigate crimes on board cruise ships. Unlike most instances of shore side crime, the FBI has the authority to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes in international waters involving Americans.
• The U.S. Coast Guard has jurisdiction for inspection and enforcement of international safety and security standards for all ships calling at U.S. ports. In a 1995 study, the U.S. Coast Guard determined that cruising was one of the safest modes of transportation available.

Cruising is among the most popular vacation options in large part because of its excellent safety record and the high level of quality service cruise ships provide. The industry will continue to do its part to maintain a safe, secure and healthy shipboard environment.

 

 

Popular and Emerging Cruise Destinations

Cruise lines continue to chart new waters in 2007, transporting travelers to an ever-increasing array of destinations that ensure itineraries are perpetually reborn. The lineup of new destinations offered by members of CLIA yet again spans the globe, with new ports being added in perennial cruising grounds like the Caribbean, in addition to Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the South Pacific.

“CLIA cruise lines are absolutely committed to discovering emerging destinations each year to ensure that itineraries quench the wanderlust of travelers,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, the leading marketing organization for 21 leading cruise lines and 16,500 North American travel agencies. “They also ensure that their ships continually exceed expectations of first-time cruisers and those dedicated travelers returning year after year.”

In 2007, many CLIA cruise lines are adding ports in one of the Mediterranean’s hottest new summer resort destinations, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Travelers will find many itineraries that include Split, Kotor, Zadar, Korcula and Rovinj. In Italy, cruisers can explore new ports in the southern Italian region of Puglia, plus exciting new destinations in Turkey, Greece and Spain.

CLIA member lines are also delving deeper into the Southern Caribbean, enabling guests to explore such lesser-known island gems as St. Kitts, Virgin Gorda, Bequia, St. Barts and Tobago. And in Mexico, increasing numbers of cruise lines are visiting Puerto Maya, an alluring new port, where travelers can delve into the mysteries of ancient Maya culture.

South America’s Pacific Coast is also flourishing with cruise lines breaking new ground for 2007. Itineraries venture to Chile’s Puerto Chacabuco, defined by sculptured icebergs and soaring Andean peaks, and Valdivia, whose fascinating history is equally influenced by the Mapuche culture and German colonization.

Elsewhere around the world, CLIA lines will visit the United Arab Emirates’ ultra-modern Dubai, with its superb shopping, fine dining, flawless beaches and ancient Bedouin culture; Yasawa, Fiji, where the movie Blue Lagoon was filmed; Morocco’s Casablanca, memorialized by the film of the same name; and Easter Island, located between French Polynesia and Tahiti, and considered the world’s most remote inhabited island.

Here are some highlights of emerging and exotic ports visited by CLIA-member cruise lines: