Author: admin

Seabourn has opened for sale voyages scheduled during fall, winter and spring 2022-2023 to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Asia and the Pacific and Indian Oceans. A range of itineraries is offered throughout each region during voyages of seven to 35 days. Key highlights include Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Ovation sailing to the Caribbean, Seabourn Encore traveling into Southeast Asia from the Mediterranean and Middle East, Seabourn Quest transiting the Panama Canal to explore the western coasts of Central America, and Seabourn Odyssey visiting Australia, New Zealand, and countries throughout the Pacific Rim.

“Our guests have asked us to release Seabourn itineraries earlier and earlier to plan future travel,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. “We are excited to have our 2022 and 2023 cruise offerings for guests to book and experience ‘the Seabourn Difference’ from the Caribbean to the Panama Canal and Australia to Asia. Every year brings new routes and destinations for our guests to experience the exclusive travel opportunities that we offer.”

Seabourn’s seasonal itineraries are designed to appeal to travelers of every kind, with a variety of onshore outings available to experience at every port. True maiden ports on the schedule include Port Royal, Jamaica, and Tioman Island, Malaysia, while those the line hasn’t visited in at least five years include Hillsborough, Carriacou, Grenada; San Juan de Sur, Nicaragua; Quepos, Costa Rica; Baubau, Butung, Indonesia; and Tsuruga, Toyama, Sakata, Ishinomaki, Hitachinaka, and Miyako, Japan.

Travelers looking for outdoor adventures will also find the Ventures by Seabourn optional for-charge expedition-style excursion program in select destinations, including Australia and New Zealand voyages. Seabourn voyages on sale for fall, winter, and spring 2022-2023 include:

Caribbean: For the first time, Seabourn Ovation will cruise the Caribbean from December 2022 to April 2023 with three seven-day sailings round trip to Barbados, as well as 10 seven-day voyages between Barbados and St. Maarten. The ship will offer a 10-day Antillean Holiday cruise starting Dec. 17, 2022, and visiting the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and more, followed by an 11-day Caribbean New Year voyage starting Dec. 27 and featuring Martinique, Antigua, Barbuda and more. The ship’s Caribbean season will wrap up in April with an eight-day Atlantic Sunrises cruise between Barbados & Miami.

Following a 12-day Autumn Atlantic Sojourn crossing the ocean from Lisbon to Miami, Seabourn Sojourn will sail the Caribbean from November 2022 to January 2023, offering three 11-day Gems of the Leeward Islands voyages and one 16-day Holiday Caribbean Sojourn, all heading round trip out of Miami to visit island destinations such as San Juan, St. Barts, the hidden harbors of Guadeloupe and Jost Van Dyke, and more.

Immersive experiences scheduled include the line’s Caviar in the Surf with uniformed crew plunging into the crystal-blue Caribbean Sea to offer iced champagne and caviar served via surfboard bar, as well as fun-filled Marina Day, with complimentary watersports from a beach or the retractable Marina platform on the stern of each ship.

Panama Canal: Seabourn Quest will explore the Panama Canal, sailing four 14-day Panama Canal Quest voyages between Miami and Fuerte Amador (Panama City) during November and December 2022. Beyond its remarkable transit of twisting waterways that were carved through jungle wilderness, the voyages will offer guests opportunities to discover remnants of ancient Mayan civilizations, cultures that outlived their colonial beginnings in Mexico and Costa Rica, and tropical destinations in Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and more.

Australia & New Zealand: Seabourn Odyssey will sail the coasts of Australia and New Zealand during peak whale-watching season from December 2022 to March 2023, with five 16-day voyages between Sydney and Auckland taking in Fjordland National Park, Kalkoura on New Zealand’s South Island, and more. There will also be a single 14-day New Zealand Yacht Harbors voyage focused on great yacht harbors like Timaru, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and New Plymouth, and a 16-day Queensland Coast & Orchard Isles voyage that will head toward Indonesia.

Travelers will have the option of keeping their adventure going with a pre- or post-cruise Seabourn Journey to The Red Center & Great Barrier Reef, with exploration of Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct and Botanical Garden, as well as a private tour of the Sydney Opera House; a flight to Australia’s Red Center region to tour the 500-million-year-old red rock domes of Kata Tjuta and The Olgas; a cruise on the Daintree River and guided forest walk to the Botanical Ark in UNESCO World Heritage Daintree National Park; and a full day of snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef from a luxury catamaran.

Asia: Following its season in Australia and New Zealand, Seabourn Odyssey will spend spring 2023 in Asia, sailing through Indonesia and the Philippines, and along the coasts of China, Japan and Taiwan with voyages ranging from 14 to 35 days. The 14-day Gems of Indonesia & South China Sea from Bali to Hong Kong will provide an in-depth exploration of Indonesia and Philippines, while the 14-day China & Gems of Japan from Hong Kong to Kobe will feature an overnight in Shanghai, calls in Japan and Taiwan, and a highlight visit to Okinawa, known as “the Japanese Hawaii.”

The 14-day Island Jewels of Japan will circumnavigate the country, traveling from Kobe to Yokohama with featured destinations including “Japan’s Venice” Ishinomaki, where tens of thousands of Jewish refugees fled during World War II. And don’t miss The Kuroshio Route, Seabourn Odyssey’s 21-day cruise from Yokohama to Vancouver with an overnight in Petropavlovsk in Russia before crossing the north Pacific to Alaska.

Seabourn Encore will explore a different side of Asia, spending December 2022 to April 2023 traveling from Athens to Hong Kong. Offerings en route will include a 17-day Holy Land & Arabian Gems cruise from Athens to Dubai with highlight stops including Petra, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Muscat; and a 16-day Pearls of Arabia & India, from Dubai to Singapore, including an overnight stay in Mumbai. The ship will then offer the line’s 14-day Vietnam, Thailand & Cambodia voyages between Singapore and Hong Kong, which will alternate with a 16-day voyage visiting the Philippines, China and Malaysia.

These popular sailings feature visits to Halong Bay in Vietnam and overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Manila, and Bangkok, as well as optional overland tours from Sihanoukville to Ho Chi Minh City, and to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument by land area. Seabourn Encore will finish up in Asia with a 19-day Jewels of India & Arabia cruise between Singapore and Dubai, and a 17-day Arabia, Egypt & the Holy Land cruise back to Athens.

Guests can take advantage of promotions to receive additional savings, including the line’s “Early Bonus Savings” offering guests who book select 2022-2023 sailings and pay in full by June 30, 2021 an additional 10 percent savings off the base cruise fare. Early bonus savings can also be combined with other promotions, such as Seabourn Club Savings, which provides an extra 5 percent savings to Seabourn Club members on select voyages.

Celebrating 90 years on April 20, The Dorchester, Dorchester Collection’s flagship hotel now has a new rooftop dining experience and other new feature, The Mayfair grand-dame opened her doors on April 20, 1931, and instantly became a favorite destination for royals, celebrities, writers, artists, leading politicians and the jet-set.

The Dorchester is a timeless legend and in its 90 years, has played host to countless all-night soirees for the London elite and counted some of the world’s most celebrated names as guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, John Lennon, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, General Dwight David Eisenhower and many more.

The Dorchester is a treasure trove of historic and glamourous happenings. It is where Prince Philip had his stag night. It served as home base for General Eisenhower while he planned the Normandy Invasion during World War II. The storied walls served as inspiration for film director Alfred Hitchcock. And it was the site of the Foyles Literary Luncheons in which 2,000 aristocrats, poets, and authors met monthly in The Dorchester’s banquet room.

The Dorchester has always had a clientele of luminaries. If the walls could talk, they’d have endless anecdotes of elegant society balls, insights into conversations between the world’s most powerful leaders, and a look into the literary genius of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and more. The Dorchester has come to define its Mayfair destination and that legacy lives on today.

The Dorchester is celebrating this banner anniversary with its first-ever rooftop bar and restaurant concept. With views over Hyde Park and East London, The Dorchester Rooftop will showcase a series of culinary pop-ups overseen by Executive Chef Mario Perera. Throughout the spring and summer, guests can expect seasonal and fresh menus in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere that plays homage to the hotel’s history of being a London hotspot and one of the world’s most iconic hotels. In addition to this new rooftop offering, The Dorchester has opened two other alfresco dining options—The Spring Garden and The Dorchester Terrace. What better place raise to reminisce on the hotel’s glamorous past, toast to the future, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon, than alfresco at The Dorchester?

The Dorchester Rooftop: London’s newest rooftop dining experience is unlike anything else in Mayfair. Views over the charming winding streets, lush treetops of Hyde Park, and out to East London are showstopping. At the helm is Executive Chef Mario Perera, who will create a series of culinary pop-ups inspired by local British flavors and bounty. With rotating seasonal menus, live music daily and expertly crafted cocktails, The Dorchester Rooftop is the perfect evening or weekend spot to reunite with friends, cheers to London lockdown being lifted, and enjoy a truly magical setting.

The Dorchester Terrace & Garden: Located on the hotel’s famous forecourt and on the steps of Mayfair, The Dorchester Terrace & Garden is offers light bites and experimental cocktails before guests head up to the rooftop. Here they can expect an all-new cocktail menu crafted by leading bartender and mixologist legend Giuliano Morandin, who is celebrating 40 years of being part of The Dorchester family.  Highlights include Negronis, spritzes, and light Italian bites.

The Spring Garden: Nestled underneath The Dorchester’s plane tree, The Spring Garden has two private garden globes with views of the cobblestone Mayfair streets and The Dorchester’s grand entrance. Each globe seats five guests and is the perfect place for friends looking for a celebratory lunch or dinner experience. In partnership with Veuve Cliquot, Perera has curated a three-course spring inspired menu featuring Cornish seafood, Wye valley asparagus with truffle duck egg, West Country lamb, among other modern-British dishes.

eading river cruise line AmaWaterways said its 2023 Europe river cruise itineraries are now open for individual and group bookings, a full seven months in advance of previous years. A record level of bookings in March further confirms the extremely strong pent-up demand for intimate river cruise vacations leading AmaWaterways to offer guests earlier than usual access to new itineraries ranging from five to 46 nights. Guests interested in locking in the best balcony staterooms and suites by June 30, 2021, will receive 5 percent cruise savings on 2023 Europe sailings.

“Reservations for our 2022 season are the strongest we have ever seen. We have already received such incredible group and charter interest for our 2023 itineraries that we decided to move ahead quickly and open up these cruises for individual bookings,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “I am excited about our new classical music cruises, five-night Danube itineraries and Seven River Journeys, which have just been announced. Each offers an innovative twist on traditional river cruising with unique and inspiring experiences sure to please new and returning guests.”

New itineraries for 2023 include a series of five-night Majestic Capitals of the Danube cruises visiting Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna with optional new land packages in Kraków, Poland or Salzburg, Austria and seven-night Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube cruises between Budapest and Vienna with concert experiences added to the program of included excursions.

AmaWaterways also announced two epic Seven River Journeys through 14 countries for spring and summer 2023. Following overwhelming pre-launch demand, the Summer Edition has very limited availability, but the Spring Edition, sailing from April 20 to June 4, 2023, which concludes with two weeks on the luxurious AmaMagna, is now open for reservations.

In addition to these immersive new experiences, guests have a variety of other ways to delve into Europe’s rich history, wonderful wines and remarkable architecture while being pampered by spacious staterooms and attentive onboard service. There are 10 different itineraries exploring the iconic cities and charming villages along the Rhine, Moselle and Main rivers in addition to the Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain itineraries, through the landscapes of Portugal.

With five ships in France, each with a different itinerary, AmaWaterways gives guests the opportunity to combine cruises and explore the four culinary corners of the country cruising through the Bordeaux, Normandy, Burgundy and Provence regions. With the rising trend of longer vacations and slower travel, guests can customize their travels by combining multiple itineraries and save 10 percent on the second or third river cruise or add on a land package pre- or post-cruise to extend their European journey. Newly introduced pre-and post-cruise land packages available to book for 2023 include a three-night St. Malo package with the Impressions of the Seine & Paris itinerary and a three-night Geneva, Switzerland, and three-night French Riviera (Nice and Monaco) with the Essence of Burgundy & Provence itinerary.

Known for its variety of included excursions, personalized onboard service and high-end dining options, AmaWaterways is positioning its 2023 sailings as unforgettable journeys for returning guests and many new-to-river cruisers. Whether guests are looking for a short break to soak in the festive holiday season or an extended journey of discovery to celebrate a milestone event, AmaWaterways has the right trip in 2023.

“I am very optimistic on the future of river cruising and as a pioneer in this sector, we are always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our guests while working closely with the local communities to offer unique experiences that AmaWaterways is known for,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Whether looking for a traditional seven-night sailing, a shorter five-night itinerary or an immersive journey spanning multiple rivers and discovering lesser-known destinations, our 2023 offerings meet the needs of every type of traveler.”

Travelers with pent-up wanderlust who are eager to plan their future vacation can secure their preferred itinerary and stateroom while taking advantage of AmaWaterways’ Early Booking Reward. Guests who reserve their 2023 Europe cruise by June 30, 2021, will receive 5 percent cruise savings on balcony staterooms and suites.

Deluxe Cruises
Specializing in Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Regent Cruises, Cunard Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruise, Seadream Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Cruise
Select By Date, By Destination, World Cruises or Search
Free On-Board Credits to Use!
Seven-Day-A-Week Personal Attention
1-800-845-1717 or 1-702-586-6878
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Important Travel Updates and News
Super fast lower price quotes – Email or Phone call.
Do not option ANYWHERE ELSE before you CONTACT US.
ALWAYS Less Than Buying Direct!
CLICK TO REQUEST DEALS for 2021-2022-2023-2024

World cruises as well as grand voyages of 35 to 80 days are a hot trend right now, thanks to pent-up consumer demand for 2022 and 2023 voyages. That’s according to Annie Scrivanich, senior vice president, Cruise Specialists, speaking to reporters during Internova Group‘s annual media briefing on Tuesday.

Cruise Specialists’ market niche is those long voyages. Since its 1987 founding, the cruise seller has arranged world cruises for more than 10,000 guests.

Longer Voyages Are Selling Fast 

“This is the first year in our history that we’ve had two years of world cruise departures to sell,” Scrivanich said. “Two cruise lines sold out on their opening day for their 2023 programs and a third sold out last week. So, already one-third of the 2023 world cruise departures are sold out.”

Scrivanich pointed out that on those sold-out programs, fares typically began at $50,000 per person. “Demand is strong and it continues to grow and we are pleased at our booking pace.”

She also said that her advisors have two full years of worldwide departures to sell into for 2022 and 2023, in addition to the limited 2024 sailings being released now. “So, there’s plenty of opportunity for us,” believes Scrivanich.

Not surprisingly, Cruise Specialists is seeing tremendous pent-up demand in the cruise segment, as consumers are interested to get out and see the world again. Plus, cancellations in 2020 and 2021 have resulted in future credit credits (FCCs), which have a limited time usage. “There are thousands that have yet to be booked,” she pointed out.

Consumers Are Buying Up 

Another hot trend? “Consumers are buying up, and they’re moving their travel budgets forward,” said Scrivanich. They’re selecting nicer, more pricier cabins, such as veranda stateroom or suite. She also says that in many cases, they’re also selecting a longer voyage or a one-off itinerary: “On many ships, those are already sold out.”

Scrivanich noted, “Our segment of the market is pretty much retired people, and for most of those individuals, discretionary income is still holding up strong.”

In addition, she is seeing an uptick in multigenerational travel. “Families, in terms of a nuclear group, are a little tired of possibly being together but they’re very excited about seeing their extended family,” she said. So, many families are making plans as the world comes out of the pandemic to vacation together.

Price Integrity Is Holding 

Cruise Specialists says price integrity is holding as it sees the cruise lines adding value versus reducing their fares. “They’re enhancing the guest experience by including amenities, such as beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, gratuities, potentially cabin upgrades, shipboard credits and, in some cases, tours. Plus, the booking agent has the opportunity to further enhance the offer with their own programs,” Scrivanich mentioned.

In addition, Cruise Specialists and advisors that belong to Travel Leaders Network are offering their clients additional amenities on thousands of sailings and also, she added, “the opportunity to sail with a host on more than 3,500 voyages.”

Scrivanich said her group has seen an uptick on those hosted voyages. “They’re gaining a lot of momentum,” she said, as they give the consumer a little extra level of assurance in terms of being able to travel with someone. “So, that if something does happen and they need additional assistance, that they will be taken care of.” Plus, hosted voyages also come with other amenities.

Strong Booking Trends 

Other strong booking trends for Cruise Specialists and members of the Travel Leaders Network are as follows, said Scrivanich:

• “The number-one focus and our greatest results have been the world cruises and grand or longer voyages…then European travel, with ocean cruises being first followed by river, then the Caribbean, then the U.S.A. being rivers and coastal cruises.”
• In ocean cruising, “the strongest market segments are premium cruise lines, then upper premium and then luxury.”
• “Looking at the river segment, Europe is going to be the strongest, followed by exotic voyages—that would be Egypt, Vietnam, possibly India—and then the U.S.A.”

Seeking Reputable Advisors

In terms of booking methods, Cruise Specialists is seeing consumers reaching out and searching for reputable travel advisors. “They want reassurance they are making the right travel decision,” said Scrivanich. “They want guidance and support before, during and after their cruise vacation.”

Part of that is that they want a clear understanding of travel protocols, travel insurance, the actual arrangements onboard ship, and auxiliary components all taken care of in a seamless transaction. “That means everything from air travel to hotels and shore tours.”

“As a travel agent, we take the work out of travel so our clients can focus on the destination and fun,” said Scrivanich, adding that her groups’ advisors also focus on the best possible value—maximizing how the client’s time and money is spent.

The Path Forward

So, looking at the path moving forward, “the CDC guidelines right now are in flux,” she noted. “We’re waiting for the details from both the CDC and individual cruise line initiatives. We will then be able to work with our clients to ensure they are properly prepared and comfortable to travel.”

Scrivanich emphasized: “It will be a definite evolution in how we go.”  Keeping in close touch with cruise line partners to communicate to clients what’s happening is important; they will need to know everything, from vaccine requirements (if any), testing requirements and onboard protocols.

She added that her group’s recommendations to share with consumers includes planning and booking early. “We are in a situation where there is high demand and low availability, so it’s going to become even more so constrained.”

Working with a travel advisor can provide that additional level of assurance and comfort that consumers need at any point in time in travel, she said, also putting in a strong endorsement for the purchase of travel insurance. “At Cruise Specialists, we’re very optimistic about our business and our future, and also in terms of what our guests’ cruise experiences will be,” Scrivanich said.

In his latest book, famed photographer McCurry chronicles more than forty years of work around the globe, from Macedonia and Myanmar to Tibet and Togo, with Cuba and Ethiopia and sundry locales filling its 208 pages. Among 102 enthralling images, eighteen of them were shot while McCurry was on board Silversea Cruises vessels, with destinations that included India, Vietnam, Mexico, Madagascar, Benin and Antarctica.

Oceania today announced that its 2022-2023 Tropics and Exotics Collection of voyages is available to preview ahead of being open for sale on March 3.

“Both loyal past guests and first-time guests alike have shown an almost unquenchable thirst for worldwide travel with our 2022 itineraries and our recently launched 2023 world cruise and we are certain they will be delighted with this latest collection of memorable, exotic experiences,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises, of the 127 new cruises.

By the Numbers:

• 127 itineraries to choose from ranging from 7 to 77 days
• 272 ports of call and 284 overnight or multi-day stays
• Total of 62 extended explorations of 15 to 77 days
• Antarctica – four voyages aboard Marina that include scenic cruising in Antarctica
• Caribbean – a diverse calendar of offerings with a great array of voyage lengths (from 7 to 77 days), a wide array of longer voyages with 12 cruises that are 15 days or more in length, and new embarkation ports beyond Miami in Bridgetown, Barbados; Panama City, Panama; and Oranjestad, Aruba
• 22 voyages aboard Regatta and Nautica spanning the entirety of Asia and Africa ranging from 10 to 40 days
• Three trans-Tasman Australia/New Zealand voyages aboard Regatta and six voyages that explore the South Pacific, Polynesia, and Hawaii
• The Marina offers three forays into the mighty Amazon
• The Nautica continues popular voyages to Africa, India, and the Arabian Peninsula
• 35-day Christmas and New Year’s circumnavigation of Australia
• Three springtime immersions into Japan, sailing roundtrip from Tokyo
• The diversity of enriching destination experiences with the company’s Go Local Tours, exclusive culinary-focused excursions, and overland-tours.

Crystal Cruises has updated its health and safety protocols that require all guests to be fully inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their Crystal cruise.

Guests will need to provide proof of vaccination before embarkation and must have received both doses of the vaccine if recommended by the manufacturer by that timeline.

The vaccine requirement augments the company’s comprehensive Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, including negative Covid-19 tests for both guests and crew, temperature checks at the terminal prior to boarding, a nimble mask policy, social distancing guidelines, enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures, reduced capacity and more.

“The vaccine requirement is simply the best way to ensure the safest possible Crystal Experience for all on board,” said Crystal Interim President and CEO Jack Anderson, adding that the company’s guests and travel partners agree.

According to a recent Cruise Critic survey of cruisers, more than 80 percent of respondents would cruise if a vaccine were required.

Crystal has voluntarily paused operations through May 2021 for its River fleet; into June for its Ocean ships; through August 1 for Crystal Esprit and through August for Crystal Endeavor, allowing most travelers sufficient time to get fully vaccinated before Crystal’s resumption of sailing.

In addition to providing verified documentation of their COVID-19 vaccine at the time of boarding, guests will complete an online form acknowledging the requirement before their cruise tickets will be issued.

Crystal’s crew, who hail from dozens of countries around the world, will be expected to be vaccinated as well when the company resumes sailing, however, this may not be a viable option for all crew members given their age and/or the availability of vaccines in their home countries.

As part of the company’s Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, crew members will be tested for Covid-19 prior to leaving their home location to join the ship and must receive a negative result. They will also take a Covid-19 test at embarkation; quarantine for seven days upon arrival; be tested again at the end of that seven-day period and must receive a negative result before beginning their duties.

According to Jack Anderson, when vaccines are widely available, they will be a requirement of employment for crew which must be completed at least 14 days prior to service.

The spa will house an aroma steam room, dry sauna, relaxation lounge and outdoor relaxation areas. A variety of cleansing rituals will be inspired by the sea. Treatments including aromatherapy and exfoliation will be customizable and tailored to fit the individual patron. Besides facials and massages, manicures, pedicures and salon/barber services will be available.

Multi-day packages

In addition, travelers can purchase a Three-Day Discovery Program, a Five-Day Journey Immersion Program or a Six-Day Journey Immersion Program. These packages include an initial consultation promising a personalized and holistic experience.

Evrima will also offer a gym with Technogym Personal Line equipment, and a wellness coach and group exercise classes will be available, along with a range of educational enrichment seminars.

Exclusivity and attention

‘We are committed to delivering truly unique treatments, tailored to each individual, and the exclusivity and attention to detail that are hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton standards of hospitality will allow us to do so in a world-class setting,’ said Daniel Golby, general manager at ESPA International.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, one of the finest luxury cruise lines in the world, has launched an Unrivalled Space at Sea sweepstakes for its United States-based Travel Agent partners to win a free cruise.

“Our Unrivaled Space at Sea campaign reinforces all of our known and loved brand differentiators, such as personalized service, exquisite cuisine, immersive exploration and onboard experiences, highlighting how they are all enhanced through the abundance of personal space found on board The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.