2005 December | The Mail Buoy

Embattled Reporter to Lecture on Silversea Cruises

Now that she's been released from jail and her job as a reporter for The New York Times, Judith Miller is now onboard Silversea's Silver Wind on it's voyage from Ushuala , Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile. But this isn't a pleasure cruise for Ms. Miller, she's taking part in the cruise line's Written Word onboard enrichment program according to the journal Editor and Publisher. During the voyage Ms. Miller is expected to give lectures on a federal shield law to protect journalists and she will also talk about US involvement in the Middle East. Future sailings where passengers will be able to participate in the Written Word program include the January 5 departure of the Silver Whisper which will feature Ambassador Richard Gardner. In addition the February 28 sailing of the Silver Wind will feature biographer Nicholas Gage. For more information on Silversea's Writen Word program or any of the available Silversea's itineraries please contact us at www.mycruiseplanner.net

Posted in Silversea Cruises — by Michael on 12/14/05 (0) Comments

More Cruise Ship’s for The Carnival Family Both the Miami Herald and Business Week are reporting that Carnival Cruise Lines has signed a $2 billion deal with Italy's Fincantieri for 4 new ships. These four additional ships bring the total number of new ships that will be entering Carnival's fleet between 2006 and 2010 to 16. By 2010 Carnival will have 95 ships as part of it's fleet which includes the ships of Cunard, Princess, Holland America, and Costa, as well as those of Carnival Cruise Lines. The ships ordered as part of this deal are: A $450 million 2,044 passenger ship for Holland America Cruise Lines that is to enter service in the summer of 2008. Expected to weigh in at 86,000 tons, this new ship will be the largest in Holland America's fleet. Princess Cruises will get a $570 million 3,100 passenger ship also expected to enter service in the fall of 2008. Carnival Cruise Lines will be taking delivery of a massive 560 million euro ship. This massive 130,000 ton ship will be the largest ship in service for Carnival Cruise Lines. The 3,608 passenger ship is expected to begin sailing in the fall of 2009. Costa Crociere will be getting a 485 million euro 3,004 passenger ship. Weighing in at 112,000 tons, this shp is expected to enter service in the summer of 2009. But the deal doesn't end there. Carnival also has the option to purchase two additional ships as well, one would go to Holland America and the other to Carnival Cruise Lines.

Posted in Carnival Cruise Lines — by Michael on 12/14/05 (0) Comments

More Changes to US Passport Requirements The following information comes from the US State Department. The US Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 mandated that by 2008 travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and Central and South America have a passport in order to enter the United States. The requirement applies to all travelers including US citizens. This requirement is to be implemented in stages with the first stage beginning December 31, 2005, however this stage has been pushed back and the first stage will begin on December 31, 2006. Beginning on December 31, 2006 passengers traveling to the US, or from the US by plane or by sea to the following countries will be required to have a valid passport: Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. On December 31, 2007 the requirement will also include all land border crossings as well. US Passports are obtained through the US State Department, for applications and more information visit travel.state.gov In other passport news, the New Orleans Passport Agency is closed until further notice due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. If your passport application was affected by the closure of the New Orleans office, you should have received a letter providing you with further instructions. If you applied for a passport before August 25 at a Passport Acceptance Facility in the New Orleans, New York or Los Angeles and have not either received your passport or a letter with further instructions, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 to receive information about your application.

Posted in Travel Advisories — by Michael on 12/11/05 (0) Comments

The Holidays— As Only Disney Does Them… Disney Cruise Line that is!

If you've been to any of the Disney resorts over the holidays then you know that they are a big deal at the house the mouse built. Well according to magicalmountain.net the holiday magic isn't just at the parks... As with every Disney Cruise, the experience begins at their Port Canaveral cruise terminal. For many cruise lines, the departure terminal is merely someplace that the line holds you until they're ready for your to board. Often these terminals are really nothing more than (badly) converted dockside warehouses. Disney on the other hand designed and built their own private terminal, it's a building that from the minute you pull up to it is intended to get you excited about your upcoming voyage. On many ships, your experience really doesn't begin until you start up the gangway and board, on Disney the experience begins the moment you step into their terminal. Guest's (on Disney you're never a passenger or a customer, always a guest) will find the Disney terminal decorated for the season as will even be greated by Disney characters dressed up for the holidays. Once onboard the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder guests will discover all sorts of holiday surprises. Some of the things planned for holiday voyagers include a tree lighting ceremony in the 3 story

atrium complete with falling snow! A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy who will have surprises for all of the good little girls and boys, international caroling by crew members from around the world, Mrs Claus reading T'was The Night Before Christmas, traditional feasts in the three dining rooms, and multi-faith and inter-denominational holiday services. Of course there will also be a ship wide party to celebrate the New Year. Even Disney's private island Castaway Cay in the Bahamas will be a snowy winter wonderland for the holidays. Disney's magic will not only cause it to snow in the atriums of their ships, but also on the sandy beaches of Castaway Cay, which will make it very inviting for Mr and Mrs Snowman (with shell noses and comfy tropical shirts) who will be greeting the guests on the island. Even the tram which transports guests around the island will be sporting a reindeer look right down to a set of antlers and a tail! But there's more fun on the beach where familys can learn about sandscuplting and kids can make candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles... While Disney Cruise Line is one of the most family friendly of any of the major cruise lines, guests young and old will find plenty to do and will be amazed by a classy and enjoyable cruising experience like only Disney can provide. For more information on Disney's holiday sailings, or any of Disney's wide variety of vacation options please visit us at www.mycruiseplanner.net

Posted in Disney Cruise Line — by Michael on 12/09/05 (0) Comments

Special Limited Time 2 For 1 Offer to the Baltic

2-FOR-1* Savings!

For "One Week Only" Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is offering 2-for-1 savings on the Seven Seas Navigator July 8, 2006 Copenhagen - Stockholm, seven night Baltic voyage. The offer is valid for bookings made December 7 thru December 16, 2005. You can browse through the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. You can even fly to Moscow if you wish. And at the end of the day, return to the warm hospitality and supreme luxury that await aboard the six-star Seven Seas Navigator. With ocean-view suites, 90% with private balconies, the Navigator is uniquely designed to embrace the beauty of the Baltic. You can enjoy breakfast en suite and al fresco as they soak in the splendor of these historic shores. And with our "One Week Only" 2-for-1 savings it is simply hard to resist! So, hurry time is of the essence... Contact Patricia or Michael at 888-286-9827 now to take advantage of this limited time offer.