WE’RE BACK!!!! It’s been a few weeks but we’re back from our Eastbound Trans-Atlantic on Queen Mary 2. We had a terrific time and as we always seem to do when we return from a trip we have a long show for you this week.
As much as we talked about the trip, I still think we missed a lot and if we get the chance we’ll probably also add a write up on the trip to the site. Even though we’ve been on board Queen Mary 2 for a Trans-Atlantic sailing before this was a very different experience.
We also have A LOT of pictures from this trip that we are sorting through, we hope to have them organized and over in the photo gallery soon. We’ll make a post as soon as those pictures are online.
From wine-country cuisine to the re-invented wholesome fare of early American taverns to Southern-influenced prime seafood, Holland America Line will open its on-board kitchens to over 70 guest chefs from around the country throughout its 2008 cruise season. Guests can sample the culinary creations of such noted and soon to be noticed chefs as Cornelius Gallagher, former chef at Oceana (NY) and currently with Sonnier and Castle private events; Pichet Ong, chef at P*ong Restaurant; Bobby Stucky, master sommelier at Frasca Food and Wine; Eric Lee, executive chef at Simi Winery; Tenney Flynn, executive chef at GW Fins; Joël Antunes, chef of Joël Restaurant; Max McCalman, Artisinal Cheese; Susan Goss, owner and chef of the West Town Tavern in Chicago and dozens more. Augmenting the chefs will be a score of cookbook authors as well as wine and spirits experts including Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of the “Ultimate” cookbook series, and master mixologists Christy Pope and Chad Solomon.
Holland America Line launched its innovative culinary program in 2005 with the installation of state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Centers aboard each of its 13 premium cruise ships offering culinary demonstrations, tastings and hands-on cooking classes aboard every sailing. The line then took the concept further by partnering with Food & Wine magazine to provide guests on select Holland America Line cruises an opportunity to experience demonstrations and seminars conducted by culinary experts covered in the magazine such as 1999 “Best New Chef” winner in Denver, Colorado. Another rising star is Christopher Lee, executive chef of
In addition to partnering with Food & Wine to secure top experts, Holland America Line showcases its own culinary stars during each of more than 500 annual cruises with demonstrations, tastings and hands-on cooking classes given by the ships’ executive chefs and culinary staff. Plus, with the release of the premium line’s new cookbook, A Taste of Excellence, guests can learn preparation techniques for some of
A state-of-the-art “show kitchen at sea,” the Culinary Arts Centers resemble the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity chefs on television cooking programs. Each facility features a theater-style venue, with two large video screens to display overhead and close-up video views of food preparation, and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from the masters. Culinary demonstrations also are filmed and aired on in-stateroom televisions. Holland America Line invested more than $13 million to create and install the
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a promotion throughout the month of November that allows active and retired military personnel to book up to three “Fun Ship” staterooms for themselves and their friends and family members at special discounted rates, starting at low as $189 per person. Reservations must be made between Nov. 1-30, 2007, to qualify for this promotion, which is available in conjunction with a wide range of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” departures through Dec. 31, 2008.
Rates start at $189 per person for three-day cruises from Miami, Fla., and four-day cruises from Long Beach, Calif.; $249 per person for five-day cruises from Mobile, Ala., and Jacksonville, Fla.; $279 per person for four and five day cruises from San Diego, Calif.; and $399 per person for seven-day cruises from Miami.
“Veteran’s Day is a time that our country honors the sacrifice and service of our military personnel and Carnival is doing its part by providing exceptionally attractive rates to our men and women in uniform,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president sales and guest services.
The promotion is valid for individual bookings only, capacity controlled and not applicable with any other discount offer. Fare code CPM1 must be requested during the reservations process and military personnel must provide proof of service. Certain other restrictions apply. Call us at 888-286-9827 for more information.
Azamara Cruises is on a quest to conquer the deluxe cruise market. The new cruise brand today officially adds the 694-guest Azamara Quest to its fleet, as the ship sets sail on the first of its two special two-night cruises from Miami, followed by a series of exotic Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries.
Azamara Cruises, unveiled in May 2007, was designed to fill a niche: a cruise product presenting a more intimate, exclusive onboard experience, while allowing access to the less-traveled ports of call experienced travelers want to visit.
While steeping guests in the history and culture of remote destinations larger ships can’t reach, Azamara Cruises offers guests a more exclusive experience. Like its sister ship, Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest offers butler service in every stateroom and suite; concierge-style amenities, including fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit and Elemis toiletries; complimentary use of Frette cotton robes, two complimentary pairs of slippers; plasma TVs, and plush European bedding.
Azamara Quest arrived in Miami on October 19 following a nearly $20-million makeover, including the conversion of 48 staterooms into 32 suites; opening up the “Looking Glass Lounge” at the pinnacle of the forward end of the ship to offer 180-degree views, a new stone dance floor and new bandstand; a complete refurbishment of the dining areas to create two new specialty restaurants; an expansion of the spa area to include an aesthetics suite; a new Sunset Bar on the aft deck; a new art collection; the new Mosaic Café and Club Luxe; entirely new carpets and flooring throughout; new exterior decking; new paint schemes; new walls, and entirely new “soft goods,” ranging from plush European bedding to cushions, drapes and table linens.
Want to learn about what you can expect on an Azamara Cruise? Click on “more” to find out and call us at 888-286-9827 to book onboard.
The Yachts of Seabourn is pleased to announce that the world’s most luxurious cruise vessel, Seabourn Odyssey, will launch her inaugural year itinerary in Venice on June 24, 2009 and, beginning today, guests previously on a waiting list may select their choices of departures and luxury suites. As of November 5, 2007, bookings will be available to the general public. Starting in the grand cities and romantic isles of the Mediterranean and ending in the jewel-like bays of the Caribbean, Seabourn Odyssey’s debut season will provide the sumptuous opulence and unparalleled service – from scented Pure Pampering® baths drawn by the stewardess to a lavish Caviar in the Surf® beach party- that earned Seabourn the No.1 cruise line rating by Travel + Leisure readers.
In addition to the inaugural year sailings, Seabourn Odyssey will embark on The Yachts of Seabourn’s first-ever World Cruise in January, 2010. Visiting exotic ports-of-call from Bora Bora to Bali, Sydney to Saigon and Hong Kong to Istanbul, and touching five continents, the 108-day voyage will offer guests opportunities to experience bespoke excursions at each destination, while traveling in the pampered, casually elegant style that is Seabourn’s signature.
Like Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, Seabourn Odyssey’s intimate scale allows travelers the opportunity to explore secluded harbors and hidden coves such as the Thai island of Ko Kood and the charming village of Deshaise on Guadeloupe. Although Seabourn Odyssey is larger than her sisters, she will carry a maximum of only 450 guests – boasting one of the highest space ratios in the industry and maintaining a highly personalized standard of service with nearly one staff member per guest. Ninety percent of the 225 luxurious suites boast private verandas, and all have ocean views.
They feature full granite and marble baths with separate tub and shower and Molton Brown well-being products, a complimentary in-suite bar stocked to the guests’ requests, flat screen televisions, and a writing desk with personalized stationery – thoughtful details that make guests feel at home. One exceptional feature of Seabourn Odyssey will be Seabourn Square, an innovative “concierge lounge” that invites guests to access every service they might require in a relaxed, club-like ambience designed to encourage sociability. The area includes a library, upscale shops, an outdoor terrace and a coffee bar, and is staffed by concierges prepared to respond to any request, from in-port shopping tips to creating an ultimate shore excursion. Occupying the aft section of two decks, the Spa at Seabourn will be the largest on any luxury ship, and offer full services in a dramatic, expansive setting. A two-deck-high waterfall and appealing indoor/outdoor treatment rooms combine with a thalassotherapy pool and complete salon facilities to pamper guests.
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