Battle for luxe cruiser heats up as Crystal goes 'all-inclusive'

Battle for luxe cruiser heats up as Crystal goes 'all-inclusive' - USATODAY.com: "The battle for the luxury cruiser is heating up today as Crystal Cruises announces plans to go more all-inclusive by early next year.

The luxury line says that, effective in spring 2012, it no longer will charge extra for fine wines and premium spirits on its two ships, the 922-passenger Crystal Symphony and 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity."

Viking River Cruises to offer largest suites in Europe

Viking River Cruises to offer largest suites in Europe - USATODAY.com: "Viking River Cruises' next generation of vessels in Europe will boast the largest suites ever for a river ship in the region as well as other new features the line says will revolutionize the industry."

Details of the new vessels, dubbed Longships by the line, will be announced today and include top suites that measure 445 square feet and feature a separate living room, bedroom, bathroom and private wrap-around balcony.

The vessels also will feature all-weather indoor/outdoor terraces at their fronts -- a new concept for river cruises in Europe. The terraces will have retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Also innovative will be al fresco dining areas with grills on the upper deck, adjacent to the lounge.

Cruises: The best of Alaska’s shore excursions

Cruises: The best of Alaska’s shore excursions - Travel - MiamiHerald.com

KETCHIKAN, AK -- Like a lot of other summer travelers looking for the iconic Alaska adventure, I’ve already booked my cruise to the Last Frontier. I’ve got my cabin and I’m ready to roll. But that’s not like me. I usually let the weeks slide by, hoping to score a last-minute deal on a cheap inside cabin on one of the 20-odd mega-ships sailing Alaska’s icy waters.

Not this year, though. With travelers watching their wallets and hundreds of cabins up for grabs, I made my move early, nailing one of Princess Cruises’ seven-day, one-way cruises for $649 per person. I could have bought a roundtrip Royal Caribbean cruise for $589 but I want to stay on in Alaska before flying home. As long as my stateroom boasts the bare minimum — a bed, a desk and a bathroom — I’m happy. If this cruise is like others I’ve taken, I won’t be there much, except to shower and sleep.

Russia's Far East? Yep, you can cruise there too

Tired of the same-old cruise ports in the Caribbean and Europe? Here's something different: A voyage to Russia's Far East.

Orion Expedition Cruises has announced plans for two new expedition sailings in the region to kick off on June 18 and June 28 on its newest ship, the 100-passenger Orion II.

The 10-night "Natural Treasures of the Russian Far East" voyages will begin and end in Sapporo and Petropavlovsk, Russia (which both have international flight access) and follow a string of 32 volcanoes that stretch across the Bering Sea, known as the Northern Ring of Fire.

Orion says passengers will have the chance to a climb a caldera wall to a hydrothermal field with hot springs and sulphur crystals, and visit local markets in seaside villages, among other outings. Native wildlife also will be a top draw, including arctic foxes, whales, seals and some of the world's largest eagles, the line says. The Orion II carries a fleet of small Zodiac boats to take passengers into locations larger ships cannot access to watch wildlife.

The region's attractions include the rugged Kamchatka Peninsula and the sparsely-populated Kuril Islands, and Petropavlovsk is home to picturesque Russian Orthodox churches and one of Russia's few remaining statues of Lenin.

Founded in 2004, Orion is an Australia-based expedition cruise company that offers adventure-focused trips to Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, Borneo and other off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth to offer epic voyage to New Zealand

Cunard Line's 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth in Port of Southampton on Oct. 8, 2010

Want to visit New Zealand from the USA without getting on an airplane? You'll want to take a look at the latest offering from Cunard.

The historic line on Monday announced its newest ship, the 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth, would sail an epic, 36-day voyage from Los Angeles to New Zealand and back in early 2013.

Details of the sailing, including fares, have yet to be posted online, and the voyage won't go on sale until early April, but Cunard says the trip will include the ship's maiden calls in Hilo, Hawaii; Bora Bora, French Polynesia; and Christchurch, New Zealand.

Cunard says customers will be able to book one-way legs of the voyage. The outbound leg of the trip, from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand, will be 15 days long. The return leg to Los Angeles is 21 days.

The new itinerary was unveiled as Cunard announced its fleet-wide schedule for late 2012 and early 2013. Among notable changes from previous years: The Queen Elizabeth will take the place of the Queen Victoria in sailing fall voyages in the Mediterranean in 2012.

March Mexican Riviera Cruises

14 days Miami to Los Angeles  

Starting At: $ 4490.00
Ship: Crystal Symphony

Grand Cayman boasts endless beaches that are encircled by coral reefs teeming with an abundance of marine life. On shore, affluent colonial neighborhoods dominate the West Bay area, while the East End affords natural attractions such as spectacular blowholes and fragrant botanical gardens. In Cabo San Lucas, mile upon mile of golden sandy coves dot the shoreline while marlin and sailfish frolic in the waters offshore. Laze on a deserted beach, explore the undersea world or discover bustling shops and markets. 

Treasures of Mexico

Starting At: $ 3580.00

Ship: Crystal Symphony

Follow the sun along the stunning Baja peninsula to discover posh seaside resort towns, verdant jungles and a watersports wonderland.

Noteworthy

The 10-day Treasures of Mexico V1207 cruise (from L.A. to L.A.) on March 31st is NOW ON SALE! Will you be looking for a perfect and convenient getaway after weathering the weather of these chilling winter months? Look no further...

We’re offering you the luxury of Crystal from just $1,995 - that’s less than $200 a day to enjoy highly personalized service, beautifully designed spaces and exceptional World’s Best quality - not to mention numerous varied choices in dining, entertainment and enrichment. Won’t you treat yourself to a Crystal vacation this year? Stay on board, or venture ashore to experience the colorful culture of the Mexican Riviera and we think you’ll agree... with Crystal Cruises you’ve made a perfect choice.

In addition to incredible cruise fare savings, you’ll also enjoy $1,000 per couple “All-Inclusive. As You Wish. 

” spending credits to use any way you wish. Indulge in a pampering massage at the Crystal Spa, celebrate your savings with fine vintages from our extensive wine cellar, join an exciting Crystal Adventure shore excursion, and so much more.


Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to sail aboard the cruise line voted World’s Best for a record-breaking 17 years.

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Wyllys Professional Travel
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