This week Celebrity Constellation debuted with features from the Solstice class.  Carnival went a different route with their newest ship – and didn’t lift the name from another ship (or line!)

Silversea’s Prince Albert II got held up in Portsmouth due to overloading and the former Majestic America Line paddlewheeler Mississippi Queen has been sold.

Norwegian Epic and Seabourn Sojourn both had their godmother’s revealed.

There was a lot coming out of Royal Caribbean this week with Oasis of The Seas reveals, announcements about new features coming to Freedom of The Seas and Independence of the Seas, the end of Park West auctions onboard Royal Caribbean ships, and some comments from Adam Goldstein regarding Royal’s shift from Miami to Port Everglades.

At 36,000 tons, and accommodating just 540 guests, this intimate ship has the largest suites in the Silversea fleet — with 95% featuring a private veranda — and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea today.  The onboard décor lends a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambiance to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring over 8,300 square feet (770 square metres), a resort-style pool, four whirlpools, and a choice of six dining venues including Seishin, showcasing Asian-fusion cuisine, and the innovative Stars Supper Club, offering trendsetting menus and all-night entertainment.

Azamara, who really needed a direction gets a new name and a new attitude.  Maybe this one will work?

Costa’s newest completes technical trials, and the Seabourn triplets are getting renovations.

A new villainous show is coming to Disney and so are some family friendly shore excursions.

Princess looses a ship when Royal Princess heads to P&O while Silversea takes delivery of their newest  Silver Spirit.

Oceania’s massive owner’s suites on Marina will showcase Ralph Lauren.

Carnival Dream isn’t compatible with a pier in San Juan.

A few of Holland America’s ships are getting some really cool tech…

We got a request to talk about a few other things from our Westerdam trip and there’s some new video’s up for you to check out as well!

Guests entering The Spa will discover a welcoming retreat from the pressures of today’s hectic lifestyle.  At 8,300 square feet (770 square metres), The Spa will be the largest in the Silversea fleet, featuring a beauty salon, fitness centre, nine spa treatment rooms, two sauna rooms and two steam rooms.  Of special note is the debut of the ceramic-tiled Thermal Suite, an exclusive spa area furnished with heated lounge chairs.  With its connecting private Hammam (Turkish bath) Chamber, it serves as the setting for the Private Hammam Experience, one of several new treatments to be rolled out aboard Silver Spirit.  In addition, an outdoor relaxation area will be open to all guests at no charge and will offer bar service so guests can enjoy a complimentary fruit smoothie, champagne or cocktail while soaking in its expansive whirlpool.

New Medi-Spa Programme Among the new spa treatments and services that will be introduced aboard Silver Spirit is a selection of physician-administered facial treatments using such popular wrinkle-reducing agents as BOTOX® Cosmetic and the dermal fillers Restylane® and Perlane®.  Guests can consult with the medi-spa physician on board to determine a personalised treatment plan.  Medi-spa treatments are the perfect complement to traditional spa therapies, offering guests the added benefit of returning home looking as refreshed as they feel.

New Oriental Medicine Programme **Acupuncture Therapy — Experienced and fully accredited acupuncturists will offer programmes designed to aid weight loss, relieve stress, manage pain and benefit many other physical and psychological conditions.  Acupuncture is recommended as an integrative therapy that can assist the healing process when combined with traditional medication and resources.

**Chinese Herbal Medicine Programme — Almost all acupuncture programmes utilise Chinese herbs.  These herbs are termed “whole food” as they consist of dried bark, leaves and flowers of specific plant life that aid the body in its self-healing process.  Under the brand name Jou, the Chinese herbs featured at The Spa are harvested in China and meet strict manufacturing standards.

Other spa highlights include the following ALL NEW treatments:

Private Hammam Experience One of the most innovative treatment additions is the Private Hammam Experience, where guests can indulge with an ancient Arabian body scrub ritual performed by a therapist in their private Hammam Chamber.  The Hammam Experience offers a greater exfoliation, because the intense heat of the Thermal Suite will have softened and opened the pores, allowing for enhanced nourishment of dry skin and optimum absorption of oils.  The Hammam Experience can be enjoyed as an individual treatment or as a prelude to a massage.

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Scrub Bar Experience This fun and unique Scrub Bar Experience is a new spa feature that enables guests to choose their own exfoliating blend of scrub ingredients before they begin the DIY process with just a few easy steps that can soothe sore muscles, slough away dead skin, and reveal a smoother, more polished glow.

Silversea Facial Debuting aboard Silver Spirit, this signature Silversea Facial is designed to nourish, soothe and revitalise all skin types with its indulgent alchemy of expert touch, medicinal plants, rose quartz and a pure silver leaf mask.

Bamboo Massage The Spa aboard Silver Spirit also has the pleasure of introducing the Bamboo Massage, a warm, soothing massage that will awaken the senses.  Imagine bamboo shoots of various sizes soaked in essential oil rolling, sliding and massaging the body’s muscles.  Customised to each guest’s preference, the therapist will use deep tissue techniques or gentle strokes to relieve tension and soothe muscles.

Thai Herbal Poultice Massage This energising, rhythmic massage utilises scented herbal poultices that are heated and applied to the body at pressure points to relax the muscles and release tension.  The spa therapist then follows with an array of Eastern and Western massage techniques and acupressure movements combined with essential oils to create a wonderfully relaxing experience.

The Happy Couple The Spa offers a relaxing and enjoyable opportunity for couples to reconnect in a stress-free environment.  Whether it’s a couples massage or customised package for two, The Spa can cater to all couples who need an escape.  For a more romantic retreat, couples services can be enhanced with a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

All organised group fitness classes and seminars are complimentary.  Personalised, one-on-one training programmes, salon services, spa therapies, including medi-spa and Oriental Medicine programmes, are offered at an additional charge.

Celebrity will start rolling out open seating dining options, and a master is named for Queen Elizabeth. QM2 delivers a precious masterpiece, and Princess is using shore power in Vancouver.  Canyon Ranch spas are coming to all of Regent Seven Seas ships,  and Carnival Dream is getting lasers.

We’ve found out about the dining options coming to Silver Spirit and Holland America will be sending a ship to Hawai’i next year.

Construction of Silver Spirit is progressing according to schedule at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.  The 540-guest ship successfully completed a preliminary set of sea trials on Sunday and has repositioned to Trieste for a week in dry dock before undertaking a more rigorous set of sea trials starting on 5 September.

As the structural elements of Silver Spirit take shape, the plans and details for an expansive array of dining options are also emerging.

A MENU OF CULINARY ARTISTRY

In the exclusive world of small-ship cruising, Silversea’s newest ship raises the bar in fine dining experiences, offering an unmatched variety of creative culinary options designed to suit the most discerning palates.  Guests will enjoy the uncommon luxury of open seating – dining when, where, and with whom they wish.  Woven through this experience will be the promise of subtle service and an unspoken anticipation of the guest’s needs.  The meal itself will be artfully prepared from the finest quality fresh ingredients by master chefs with a taste for innovation.  With the convenience of complimentary wines, spirits and sodas and the comfort of an extensive stock of additional rare vintages, the perfect complement to the meal is always at hand.

THE RESTAURANT

Situated midship on Deck 4, The Restaurant features sumptuous culinary fare in an atmosphere of elegance.  It is elegant but not at all stuffy – the perfect stage for a dining experience guests want to savour.  Open most of the day, The Restaurant serves open-seating breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The menu features contemporary international cuisine, complemented by La Collection du Monde, signature dishes created by Relais & Châteaux in partnership with Silversea’s own master chefs.

LA TERRAZZA

The far aft location of La Terrazza on Deck 7 allows for 180-degree views of the horizon.  It is open for casual, buffet-style breakfast and lunch with indoor/outdoor seating available.  For dinner, La Terrazza offers an authentic a la carte experience with only the finest elements of Italian cooking, melding together fresh and flavourful ingredients — in the finest Slow Food tradition.  Reservations are required for dinner.

LE CHAMPAGNE

Savour the delights of outstanding champagnes and wines paired to perfection with regional fares in the intimate atmosphere of Le Champagne, situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4.  This innovative Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux features some of the world’s rarest vintages, carefully chosen to highlight a most memorable and exclusive culinary experience.  There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.

SEISHIN

** NEW DINING VENUE:  Taking its name from the Japanese word for “spirit,” this intimate restaurant specialising in Asian fusion cuisine is situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4.  Seishin features a large, round chef’s table as its centrepiece.  Guests at surrounding tables can watch the chef at work sculpting fresh sushi and sashimi.  The varied menu ranges from exquisite bento (boxed meal) lunches and a la carte specialities of seafood salad, lobster and Kobe beef to a nine-course degustation dinner.  There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.

STARS SUPPER CLUB

** NEW DINING VENUE:  The warm and inviting Art Deco-inspired decor of this dining venue elegantly recalls the supper clubs of the 1930s.  Located just forward of La Terrazza on Deck 7, Stars Supper Club offers a modern twist with trendsetting menus showcasing regional and seasonal delicacies to be enjoyed in a succession of small courses.  Guests can arrive early for cocktails and stay late as the mood is transformed by live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment.  Reservations are required for dinner.

POOL GRILL

On Deck 9 adjacent to the pool area is the Pool Grill.  In addition to a medley of salads, sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs offered for lunch in a casual outdoor setting, the Pool Grill on Silver Spirit will introduce a wellness breakfast designed to complement morning poolside fitness classes.  Here guests can start the day energised with a menu of light and delicious fares — from nutrition-packed fresh fruit smoothies and organic cereals to egg-white omelettes and spinach and artichoke frittatas.  Also set to debut at the Pool Grill is a unique cooking concept for dinner that lets guests cook healthy fare on their own heated volcanic rock plate.

24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING

Complimentary 24-hour room service is available on all Silversea voyages.   Selections from The Restaurant menu are served course by course during regular dining hours, utilising the same fine china, linens and accessories as enjoyed in The Restaurant.

On each wine-themed cruise, discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling great vintages and learning about the tradition and art of winemaking in special tastings and lectures conducted by wine professionals, vineyard owners, winemakers and other epicurean specialists from renowned establishments, including California’s Justin and Wente wineries, Italy’s Castello Banfi and Chile’s Santa Alicia Winery, to name a few.   On many voyages, guests will also have the chance to explore some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions on guided shore excursions.

Of special note is the participation of Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the Italian fashion visionary.  Renowned for their signature handbags and footwear, the Ferragamo family also owns Il Borro, an acclaimed wine-producing estate in Tuscany.  Ferragamo is slated to host Silver Wind’s July 6 wine-themed sailing from Lisbon to Monte Carlo.

You’ll find the exact itineraries when you click on “more” below.

Listed below are the 2009 Wine Series cruises (rates are per person, double occupancy and do not include port charges):

Alaska & Pacific Coast

– Silver Shadow departs July 20 on a 12-day, roundtrip voyage (#3917) from San Francisco with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Wrangell and Victoria.  WINE SERIES HOSTS:  Eric and Arel Wente, owners of California’s Wente Vineyards.  Silver Sailing fares start at $6,646.

– Silver Shadow departs August 25 on a 9-day, roundtrip voyage (#3921) from Vancouver with calls in Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Wrangell and Victoria.  WINE SERIES HOST:  Master Sommelier Joe Spellman of California’s Justin Vineyards and Winery.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $5,775.

Mediterranean

– Silver Wind departs May 28 on a 9-day voyage (#2917) from Monte Carlo to Athens with calls in Livorno, Sorrento, Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Bodrum.  WINE SERIES HOST:  Stanislas Marchal, public relations representative for Vranken-Pommery Monopole.   Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,305.

– Silver Whisper departs July 4 on a 7-day voyage (#4918) from Venice to Athens with calls in Split, Kotor, Corfu and Itea.  WINE SERIES HOST:  Georges Muller of Riedel Crystal (the wine glass company), expert on pairing wines with stemware.  Silver Sailing fares start at $4,896.

– Silver Wind departs July 6 on a 12-day voyage (#2921) from Lisbon to Monte Carlo with calls in Cadiz, Malaga, Ibiza, Barcelona (overnight), Cannes, Menton, Livorno and Corsica.  WINE SERIES HOST:  Salvatore Ferragamo, owner and managing director of Il Borro estate, Tuscany, Italy.  Silver Sailing fares start at $5,797.

– Silver Wind departs August 14 on a 7-day voyage (#2925) from Venice to Athens with calls in Hvar, Sibenik, Dubrovnik and Santorini.  WINE SERIES HOST:  Philip di Belardino, Castello Banfi Vineyard Estate & Winery, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy.  Early Booking Incentive fares start at $6,115.

Northern Europe & The Baltic

– Silver Cloud departs June 25 on a 9-day, roundtrip voyage (#1914) from Stockholm with calls in Helsinki, St. Petersburg (3 days, 2 nights), Tallinn and Gdansk.  WINE SERIES HOST:  Gary Eberle, owner of California’s Eberle Winery (will co-host with a European winery, exploring Old and New World wines). Silver Sailing fares start at $6,646.

– Silver Cloud departs August 26 on a 10-day, roundtrip voyage (#1921) from London with calls in Edinburgh (overnight), Invergordon, Oban, Dublin, Cork and Fowey.  WINE SERIES HOST:  Gordon Bell, brand ambassador and master of Scotch whisky. Silver Sailing fares start at $7,486.

South America

– Silver Cloud departs January 4 on a 16-day voyage (#1901) from Santiago to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas (overnight), Falkland Islands, Puerto Madryn, Punta del Este and Montevideo.  WINE SERIES HOST: Daniel Soto, Santa Alicia Winery, Santiago, Chile.  Voyage co-hosted by GUEST CHEF Luis Gonzalez Morales, chef/owner of El Remezon restaurant in Punta Arenas, Chile, specializing in traditional Patagonian cuisine.  Silver Sailing fares start at $8,606.

– Silver Cloud departs February 5 on a 16-day voyage (#1903) from Santiago to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas (overnight), Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Montevideo.  WINE SERIES HOSTS: Silvina Barros of Trivento Winery and Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina; Fernando Mediano of Emiliana Vineyards, Casablanca Valley, Chile; and Jofre Duran of Concha y Toro Vineyards, Maipo Valley, Chile. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $10,450.

Transoceanic

– Silver Cloud departs April 15 on a 15-day voyage (#1910) from Barbados to London with calls in St. Lucia, Antigua, La Horta, Ponta Delgada, Falmouth and Cherbourg.  WINE SERIES HOST: Trevor Burnett, brand ambassador for Grey Goose Vodka. Voyage co-hosted by GUEST CHEF of the Viking Cooking School.  Silver Sailing fares start at $5,337.

Undertaken over the past month during a dry dock at the San Giorgio shipyard in Genoa, Italy, the comprehensive refurbishment of Silver Wind sets a visionary course for the future with a refreshed décor embodying a sophisticated contemporary style that is warm and inviting with touches of natural cherry wood, russet and golden tones.

A centerpiece of the project was the addition of an Observation Lounge (seating 60 guests), Spa, Beauty Salon and Fitness Center on the forward section of Deck 9, altering the ship’s exterior appearance with floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the new space.  A new two-floor, glass-enclosed elevator was also installed connecting Decks 8 and 9.

We have more details about the renovations when you click on “more” below

SUITE ENHANCEMENTS

Accommodating 298 guests, Silver Wind’s 149 ocean-view suites range in size from 240 to 1,314 square feet (22 – 122 square meters), with eighty percent now featuring a private veranda.  Suite modifications include the following:

• Four of the always-in-demand Silver Suites added on Deck 8.
• One Owner’s Suite with a connecting second-bedroom suite added on Deck 7.
• One Medallion Suite added on Deck 7.
• One Vista Suite added on Deck 7.
• Fixed queen beds in larger suites have been replaced with convertible twin-to-queen beds.
• Custom-built TV cabinets added to all Vista and Veranda Suites.
• New flat screen TVs.
• New sofa, armchair, desk, vanity, night tables and headboard.
• New carpets, drapes and bed coverings.
• Updated bathroom fixtures and bathtubs, including new marble countertops, walls and flooring.

THE SPA

The new Spa, which encompasses the Beauty Salon and Fitness Center, occupies over 650 additional square feet (60 square meters) following the renovation.  The expanded Spa features an inviting reception area, four massage rooms, one body treatment room, one dry sauna and one steam sauna.  The new Fitness Center includes a body-building room and separate aerobics room, both offering spectacular panoramic ocean views.

Other ship enhancements include new upholstery, curtains, wall treatments, carpets and/or flooring in the restaurants, public lounges, lobbies, stairs and corridors.

The first guests to experience the Silver Wind enhancements are sailing on a December 2, Las Palmas-to-Cape Town cruise, an exotic 18-day voyage calling in the Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Banjul, Bom Bom Island and Walvis Bay.

First off QM2 gets some much needed connectivity enhancements, Disney is bringing 3D movies to their ships.  Oasis of The Seas was floated out but the Prince Albert II will be getting some revised itineraries.

Seabourn’s next ship will be known as Seabourn Sojurn, and QE2 reaches the end of her career with her arrival in Dubai.

Celebrity announces that they’ll bring back Bermuda sailings begining in 2010 which is also the same year that Celebrity Eclipse will make her home in Southampton.

If our sailing on Celebrity Solstice was any indication Celebrity Eclipse will be a great ship.  There was a lot we liked about Solstice (like the Lawn Club and Hot Glass Show) and a bit we weren’t impressed with (the closets).

Video from the ship is coming soon, but pictures are already online over on Flickr.

Guests listened attentively to heartfelt speeches and then raised their glasses in a toast when the red and white ribbon (representing the heraldic colors of the Grimaldi family) was cut by HSH Prince Albert II, marking the launch of a new era in expedition cruising — one that will offer authentic and respectful adventures from a base of easy-going luxury.

Fresh from a multimillion dollar renovation, the Prince Albert II boasts the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship.  An unmatched selection of 20 premium suites has been created especially for the discriminating traveler with 350 to 675 square feet of luxurious living space, double private French balconies or large private verandas, and additional elite amenities including butler service.  All 66 ocean-view accommodations are tastefully appointed and have private marble bathrooms with bathtubs.

The Prince Albert II welcomes her first guests on June 12 as she sets sail from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 22 days focusing on polar adventures.  Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages.

We get started with several NCL stories: Norwegian Majesty is getting a new itinerary, Freestyle 2.0 launches March 30, and we’ve got a few hints as to what’s in store for NCL’s F3 ships.

The US Coast Guard was searching for a woman that reportedly jumped from the Costa Mediterranea last Monday.

Royal Caribbean will be refunding fuel surcharges for many guests as part of a settlement they reached with the Florida Attorney General – and Carnival may do the same soon.  Regent is announcing a fuel surcharge as well.

Crystal’s introducing some super deluxe excursions.

Caribbean Princess is heading back to New York for the summer of 2009.

Silversea has announced the name for their newest ship and also that Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will be getting extensive refurbishments.

Plans for both ships call for major suite upgrades, including new bathrooms, carpets, flat screen TVs and other appointments.  Verandas will also be spruced up.  And virtually all public spaces and corridors will see substantial enhancements of furnishings and carpets.

Most dramatic of the upgrades, however, will be the addition of a new ocean-view spa and fitness center on Deck 9, a new Observation Lounge, eight new large suites on Decks 7 and 8, reduction of Vista Suites on Deck 4, and a new guest elevator connecting Decks 8 and 9.

“These will be the most comprehensive construction and refurbishment initiatives ever undertaken for Silver Cloud and Silver Wind,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s president and CEO.  “The projects underscore our firm commitment to keep Silversea at the forefront of ultra-luxury cruising.”

With a total of 270 all ocean-view suites, the new ship will maintain the line’s reputation for intimate yet spacious ships and will increase the number of accommodations in the most popular suite categories.  Silver Spirit will feature more of the quick-to-sell-out Silver Suites, with a total of 26, and more Veranda Suites, 222.  There will also be six Grand Suites and two Owner’s Suites.  All but 12 suites will have verandas.

When the newest addition to Silversea’s fleet sets sail, the ship’s privileged complement of guests will not only experience the line’s hallmark easy-going luxury, warm Italian hospitality, highly personalized service and all-inclusive amenities, but also a few innovations that will raise the bar in luxury travel.  Plans call for an exciting new supper club, offering sumptuous gourmet cuisine served in an intimate, club-like ambiance, and a new Asian restaurant.

The new ship will also feature those dining venues that have become favorites of Silversea guests, such as The Restaurant, the elegant main dining room; The Wine Restaurant, where the menu celebrates the most rarefied vintages; and the Pool Grille, offering casual poolside dining.

SPACIOUS NEW SPA

The new Spa at Silversea, which premiered aboard Silver Shadow’s World Cruise last year, will be rolled out aboard the new vessel in grand style with dramatically more space available to incorporate new design elements.  Guests will enjoy an aesthetically pleasing sanctuary where they can relax, de-stress and detox with an expanded menu of treatment options.

And Silver Spirit will feature many of the same public lounges found on the line’s existing ships, including an Observation Lounge, Vista Lounge (similar to Panorama Lounge on current fleet), Show Lounge, Humidor and Pool Bar, plus a new Lobby Bar styled along the lines of a European hotel, featuring Italian coffees complemented by champagne, wine and spirits — all served at no charge.

Silversea has announced that they are naming their newest ship HSH Prince Albert II.

Norwegian Jade will be deployed in Europe until at least 2010 – which means that Pride of Hawai’i will not be returning until at least after 2010.

Oceania has started releasing the details of the new Oceania Class.

Princess is sending 6 ships to Europe in 2009, and Regent has announced their 2009 Antarctic  itineraries.

Finally Hawai’i is considering sulfur emissions limits for Kaua’i.

The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the planet’s oceans, wildlife and indigenous cultures.  The Principality of Monaco, aside from being the world’s capital of wealth and luxury — and home to Silversea’s global headquarters — has long been recognized as a leader in marine environment research.  Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored the Arctic’s Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the last century, and founded the world renowned Oceanographic Institute.  In 2006, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the North Pole, in an effort to add to the scientific body of work started by his ancestor — and to draw attention to the effects of global warming on the Arctic regions.  As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.

When Silversea’s adventure ship sets sail on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, it will herald the beginning of a new mode in exploration cruising — where a luxurious ambiance is just as important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will deliver.

The Lloyd’s Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy.  To ensure the ship will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea’s award-winning luxury standards, the refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.

The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow guests to enjoy up-close exploration and access to some of the world’s most remote landscapes.

We have the details on HSH Prince Albert II’s itineraries when you click on “more” below.

EXPLORING THE EARTH:  TOP TO BOTTOM

Silversea’s expedition ship will set sail June 12 from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 21 days focusing on polar adventures.  Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages.  From mid-August to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), Falklands and South Georgia Island.  Pricing starts at $3,867, per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea’s signature all-inclusive amenities.

After the ship’s refit, the ice-class vessel will carry just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas.  With staterooms and suites ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet, it will provide some of the largest accommodations of any expedition ship. 18 suites will each feature more than 400 square feet of luxury.

Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining room, library (with computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness center, full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools.  The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line’s other ships.

The HSH Prince Albert II will also be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas.  Cellular phone service will also allow guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from land.  All suites and staterooms will feature flat screen monitors offering interactive TV and video options.  In the ship’s lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display live lectures hosted by the ship’s world-class expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting destination experts.

Guests aboard Silversea’s HSH Prince Albert II will be inspired by the varied and constantly adapted itineraries that will make the most of the natural opportunities created by the landscapes around them.  There is so much to explore that they can sail for up to 48 days on back-to-back voyages without repeating a Zodiac landing site.  This is not soft adventure; this is full scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.

Reservations are set to go on sale starting Friday, February 29, 2008.

Recognizing the destination’s special allure, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is offering guests aboard Silver Shadow’s World Cruise 2008 a collection of optional overland adventures carefully tailored to showcase China’s rich history and fascinating culture, while offering a glimpse of new attractions like Beijing’s stunning new National Stadium and the iridescent National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, both specially constructed for the Summer Olympics.

The programs are available on Silver Shadow’s 21-day “Ode to a Peaceful Sea” segment (#3804), departing February 8, 2008 from Honolulu to Hong Kong, and “Harmonies of Legend and Legacy,” a 14-day journey (#3805) from Hong Kong to Singapore that departs on March 1, 2008. 

You’ll find the highlights when you click on “more” or call us at 888-286-9827 to book onboard.

“ODE TO A PEACEFUL SEA” SEGMENT

** Wonders of Beijing and the Great Wall:   This four-day, three-night program departs February 28 from Keelung, Taiwan, to explore the many traditional must-see landmarks found in Beijing’s exciting metropolis including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.  Participants also get a sneak preview of the 2008 Olympics with a photo stop near fascinating new structures like the National Stadium and National Aquatics Center.  Package includes three nights at the award-winning China World Hotel, a Shangri-La property located in the heart of Beijing.  Guests rejoin Silver Shadow in Hong Kong.  Package price is $2,495 per guest, double occupancy.

“HARMONIES OF LEGEND AND LEGACY” SEGMENT

** Splendors of Beijingand Shanghai:   Enjoy a comprehensive exploration of Beijing’s Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Temple of Heaven.  See the famed Great Wall of China and Summer Palace.  Glimpse intriguing new Olympics-inspired architecture like the new National Stadium and National Aquatics Center.  In Shanghai, visit the Jin Mao Building, walk along the Bund, experience the peaceful Yu Garden and tour the Shanghai Museum. This five-day program includes three nights at Beijing’s China World Hotel and one night at the Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai.  Guests depart from Hong Kong on March 2 and rejoin Silver Shadow in Ho Chi Minh City.)  Package price is $3,295 per guest, double occupancy.

** The Xi’anWarriors and BeijingTreasures:   Spend a day exploring the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi’an.  Discovered in 1974, the 2000-year-old army of terracotta warriors is an amazing sight, not to be missed. Enjoy a dynamic dinner show with performances of traditional music and dance.  In Beijing, discover its most famous attractions:  the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, The Great Wall and the Summer Palace.  Preview the Summer Olympics with a photo stop near the main Olympic Green, home of the new National Stadium and National Aquatics center.  This five-day package includes two nights at the Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel in Xi’an and two nights at Beijing’s China World Hotel.  Guests depart from Hong Kong on March 2 and rejoin Silver Shadow in Ho Chi Minh City.  Package price is $3,985 per guest, double occupancy.

Silversea land programs feature deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals.  (Specified hotels may be substituted with similar properties, based on availability.)

Additional overland packages are available for World Cruise 2008 guests, including multiple-day adventures through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Egypt and Jordan. 

Departing January 16, 2008 from Fort Lauderdale, Silver Shadow’s World Cruise 2008, appropriately themed “The Rhythms of the World,” will host no more than 382 privileged and pampered guests on a wondrous odyssey, encircling the world and embracing the cultures of more than 25 countries and over 50 different destinations.  Fares for the full 110-day voyage start at $62,400 per person, based on double occupancy.

The program offers golf enthusiasts the chance to perfect their swing on 35 of the most beautiful and challenging courses in 16 countries and island destinations throughout the South Pacific, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Mexico.

The Silver Links voyages offer optional golfing excursions in multiple ports arranged and escorted by the ship’s golf professional.   From the breathtaking Pacific scenery of the Kauri Cliffs Golf Club in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, to the narrow fairways and mountain terrain of the elegant Monte Carlo Golf Club, to the rolling topography and saltwater canals of the Club de Golf Marina Ixtapa in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, guests will have a chance to perfect their game at some of the world’s most challenging and revered championship courses.

The escorted, optional golfing excursions vary in price from course to course and include transfers to and from the select golf courses, pull or power-drive carts (where available), green and any applicable caddy fees.   Should guests choose to leave their clubs at home, the finest Nike Golf clubs and golf essentials are available for rental or purchase.   Golf clubs can be rented for as little as $45 per day with multiple-day and equipment packages available.

Golfers have the option to further hone their skills aboard ship with sophisticated split-screen swing analysis utilizing the most advanced V1 digital coaching system, the same software selected by PGA.com as their preferred instructional technology.  The cost for private swing analysis starts at just $30.

Click on “more” for additional details or call us at 888-286-9827 to book on board.

On each of these exciting voyages rich in golf destinations, guests will also have the opportunity to advance their game aboard ship with the help of a certified PGA-classed golf professional, who is available to organize personalized instruction, specialty group clinics, demonstrations and even putting contests.  While some group activities are complimentary, there is a fee for private lessons.

Guests aboard Silver Links voyages will also enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations, most with private veranda, award-winning gourmet cuisine, personalized service, warm Italian hospitality, and Silversea’s unmatched selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities.

Following is a sampling of the Silver Links voyages and golf courses:

– Silver Shadow departs May 16, 2008 on a 15-day Panama Canal crossing (#3811) from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles with optional golf excursions to La Iguana at Los Suenos (Puntarenas); Tres Vidas Golf Club (Acapulco); and El Tigre Golf Club (Puerto Vallarta).   Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $4,917 per person.

– Silver Whisper departs July 19, 2008 on a 7-day Mediterranean sailing (#4822) from Rome to Monte Carlo with optional golf excursions to Golf Park Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca); PGA at Catalunya Golf Club (Barcelona); Servannes Golf Club (Sete); and Sainte Maxime Golf Club (St. Tropez).   Advance Payment Bonus cruise fares start at $5,196 per person.

– Silver Whisper departs August 16, 2008 on a 7-day Mediterranean cruise (#4826) from Barcelona to Rome with optional golf excursions to Cannes Mougins Golf Club (Menton); Cosmopolitan Golf Club (Livorno); and the Monte Carlo Golf Club.   Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $4,546 per person.

– Silver Shadow departs September 17, 2008 on an 11-day Mexican Riviera voyage (#3823) from Los Angeles to Costa Rica with optional golf excursions to Cabo del Sol Desert Course (Cabo San Lucas); El Tigre Golf Club (Puerto Vallarta); Club de Golf Marina Ixtapa (Zihuatanejo); and Tres Vidas Golf Club (Acapulco).   Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $3,957 per person.

– Silver Shadow departs December 3, 2008 on a 9-day Caribbean sailing (#3829) from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados with optional golf excursions to Antigua’s Cedar Valley Golf Club,  the St. Lucia Golf & Country Club, and Sandy Lane Country Club in Barbados.  Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $3,237 per person.

– Silver Whisper departs December 20, 2008 on a 15-day South Pacific voyage (#4839) from Sydney to Auckland with optional golf excursions to the Royal Melbourne Golf Club; Royal Hobart Golf Club; St. Clair Golf Club (Dunedin); Clearwater Golf Club (Christchurch); Paraparaumu Golf Club (Wellington); Cape Kidnappers Golf Club (Napier); Kauri Cliffs Golf Club (Bay of Islands); and the Tauranga Golf Club.   Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $9,036 per person.

Crystal is speeding up internet access onboard, and Princess is adding some Hawai’ian cultural programs to their Hawai’i sailings.

Silversea has snatched up the expedition ship World Discoverer, meanwhile Disney has announced how they will be celebrating the upcoming holidays onboard their ships.

MSC has revised it’s smoking policy, and Carnival is re-affirming their commitment to New Orleans departures.

Don’t forget, US passport regulations get a little tighter today too!

We talk a bit about insurance, however we don’t did too deep – this is insurance after all and not the most exciting of topics.

With us heading out of town this week, there’s no Deal of The Week. But as always when we had out of town, one of our colleagues we be keeping an eye on our phones while we are gone.

Finally a piece from The Arrogant Worm’s Ballad of Dan closes out the show this week. Listen and you’ll know why!

After the planned refurbishment, World Discoverer will accommodate around 140 guests (reduced from current 175) in ocean-view staterooms, including Owner’s Suites, Grand Suites, and 12 yet-unnamed suites that will be similar to the line’s popular Silver Suites — offering an intimate club-like ambiance that will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea’s award-winning luxury standards.

Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining room, a specialty restaurant, library (with desktop computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness center, sauna and whirlpools. The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line’s other ships.

World Discoverer will be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas. Cellular phone service will also allow guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from land. The vessel will also feature flat screen TVs in all suites and staterooms. In the ship’s lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display live lectures hosted by visiting destination experts.

The ship will maintain the line’s reputation for intimate yet spacious ships. And the vessel’s crew complement of 106 will continue to ensure the highest level of service with a crew-to-guest ratio that will equal or exceed that of Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, thus being among the highest in this niche market.

The 6,072-ton vessel also boasts a strengthened hull with the highest Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation (1A), appropriate for navigating waters, without an escort, in some of the world’s most remote regions, including Antarctica.

Earlier this year the company finalized plans to purchase one 36,000-GRT, 540-guest, ultra-luxury vessel from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2009. The line has also signed an option for a sister ship with the same shipbuilder.

Developed through the company’s unique partnership with Viking Range Corporation, whose ultra-premium appliances grace the luxury kitchens of those who truly enjoy the finer things in life, the Viking Cooking School on each Silversea ship features a custom-designed demonstration culinary theater equipped with state-of-the-art induction stove, sophisticated convection-microwave oven and Viking professional-caliber cookware, cutlery and countertop appliances — plus a large rear projection screen so guests can easily view different cooking techniques and utensils.

A cornerstone of the alliance between the two luxury brands is the exclusive Viking Cooking School culinary curriculum presented to Silversea guests on select voyages hosted by Viking chefs.  The curriculum for each cruise is carefully designed to echo the cultural flavor of the ship’s itinerary.  Highlights include cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; a “Lunch and Learn” event giving groups of 12-16 guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and a “Market to the Plate” experience (offered on certain voyages when the itinerary permits) that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class.

All Viking instructors are accomplished chefs and culinary industry leaders who bring many years of expertise and knowledge to the classroom.  When Viking chefs are not on board, the culinary theaters serve as venues for the international guest chefs of Relais & Chateaux to show off their extraordinary talents on select Culinary Arts cruises.  On all other voyages, Silversea’s own master chefs take the stage to host cooking demonstrations and dynamic competitions.

Learn to cook on some of the highest end equipment out there on Silversea Cruises.  Call us at 888-286-9827 to book your cabin onboard.

The week didn’t start out too well for Carnival Cruise Lines, with two passengers jumping over the side of their ships in different incidents. Both appear to have been deliberate – not accidental, however one was definitely alcohol related. On a plus side, Carnival will offer their first ever South America cruises in 2009 onboard the Carnival Splendor. It’s only 3 itineraries but we could see the line expanding the program if it proves popular.

Crystal announces their entire line up of 2008 theme cruises, and it’s a pretty extensive one. Click here for all the details. Meanwhile, Silversea has released the details on the exclusive events and tours that will be part of their 2008 World Cruise.

We have early word that Holland America Line is rolling out a new flexible dining option called As You Wish Dining, watch for the official announcement soon, and we also have information about Princess’ 2008/09 Tahiti and Hawai’i itineraries.

Repairs have FINALLY been completed on Empress of The North and she is re-entering service, while Celebrity’s Millenium struggles with a damaged propeller.

We’ve also got a great story about P&O Cruises and their planned celebration of the release of the latest Harry Potter book onboard Oriana and Aurora.

Did you know we have a special club just for frequent cruisers? Members of our Admiral’s Club get some fantastic benefits including a great quarterly newsletter. Want to join? For a limited time all you need to do is contact us and we’ll sign you up – FREE! Members learned about some of the tips that we talked about during this episode and much much more in their latest Admiral’s Club newsletter.

We didn’t mention it on the show – but if you have a chance head over to the Podcast Awards site.  We’d really appreciate it if you nominated us for best travel related podcast…

Aptly titled “The Rhythms of the World,” this extraordinary 110-day cruise will visit more than 25 countries and 50 distinctive ports of call on a journey through the Panama Canal and along the Mexican Riviera, following a route of enchantment through tropical Hawaiian hideaways, bustling Far East ports, and the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

To offer guests aboard this far-reaching voyage an opportunity to gain a closer look at the regions they travel, Silversea is hosting three complimentary events for guests sailing the full 110-day itinerary.  These exclusive, custom-designed events will include a sumptuous gourmet feast and musical performance on the grounds of Honolulu’s historic Iolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States; a three-day, two-night overland event from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia to discover Angkor’s mystical temple complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and in Barcelona, an evening savoring an elegant multi-course dinner, fine wines and the excitement of flamenco music and dance.

Silversea will also offer complementary excursions to guests who sail on the full World Cruise as well, click on “more” below for information about them.  Call us at 888-286-9827 to book your World Cruise cabin

A special highlight for all guests on World Cruise 2008 will be a collection of eight complimentary shore excursions, as follows:

On the Banks of the Panama Canal:  On the shores of Gatun Lake on the Panama Canal transit, guests will have a chance to go ashore and visit the historic Gatun Yacht Club, relax with a cool beverage, enjoy folkloric dances and songs, or take a nature walk to discover exotic birds and flowers in the surrounding rainforest.

Hilo’s Aloha Spirit:  An exploration of Hilo’s scenic, historic and cultural attractions, including breathtaking Akaka Falls, Hawaii’s tallest waterfall.

Okinawa’s Ryukyu Heritage:  Offers an in-depth look at Okinawan culture and major historical attractions highlighted by a visit to Shuri Castle, once the residence of the Ryukyu royal family and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Saigon Highlights:  This introduction to the vibrant lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh City starts with a visit to the History Museum, housing artifacts from the Bronze Age, and concludes with a tour of the colorful Jade Emperor Pagoda.

The Cultures of Cochin:  Once a major spice trading center, Cochin offers a rich blend of cultures and architectural styles to explore, including a 16th century synagogue, the European-built St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century.

The Frankincense Trail:  On the outskirts of Salalah, Oman, guests journey from Mughsail Beach to the Jubriah Plain to see roaming camels, unspoiled beaches, bustling souqs, and striking mountain views.

Panoramic Naples:  This guided exploration of the city’s important historical and cultural venues, such as Castle Nuovo, Piazza Plebiscito and San Martino Hill, site of Castle Martino, offers participants a spectacular view of the Bay of Naples.

The Green Island:  From Ponta Delgada in the Azores, guests on this tour will discover quaint villages, magnificent calderas, botanical gardens and a working pineapple plantation.

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES

The following complimentary amenities will also be available to guests who book the full 110-day cruise:  one-night, pre-cruise hotel accommodations on the eve of departure and Bon Voyage Event at Palm Beach’s venerable Breakers resort; private-car transfer and baggage handling between local South Florida airports, hotel and/or ship; a $2,000 per suite onboard spending credit (based on double occupancy); special commemorative gifts and a gala farewell event.  Fares for World Cruise 2008 start at $58,210 per person, based on double occupancy.

Princess continues to announce that more ships are headed to Alaska in 2008.  Of the most interest is their decision to send Tahitian Princess to Alaska in 2008 where she will offer 14 day sailings from Vancouver.

Carnival will be “renaming” some of their ship-  The Fantasy class ships will get the word Carnival in front of their name– woo hoo…

Celebrity has decided to split off the ships that were to sail under the Celebrity Expeditions banner into an entirely new cruise line.  Azamara Cruises is the name of the line, and the ships that will sail under the Azamara banner are the Azamara Journey and the Azamara Quest.  Celebrity plans to position Azamara as a luxury line offering 5 star amenities and service to their passengers.

MSC is offering a unique land and sea package, and Carnival is opening up bookings onboard Carnival Splendor for 2008.

Crystal is hosting The Ultimate Vintage Room dinner.  As promised here is the link to the details, Silversea has completed 100% shipboard WiFi coverage on their ships.

Majestic America Line  is seeking permission from Congress to continue operating Delta Queen after 2008 when her SOLAS waiver expires.

The Port of Miami has named a builder and operator for their proposed tunnel – but they still haven’t figured out how to pay for it!

Finally, Fall Fiber Frenzy has been canceled, however SeaSocks 2008 onboard Dawn Princess is now open for booking!  Full details are here.

As always you can find this week’s show in iTunes, or you can either download it or play it right in your browser window by clicking on one of the links below.

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises announced it has expanded wireless Internet access to 100% coverage throughout its four ships, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas.

Through Silversea’s global satellite system, guests have access to over 270 daily newspapers from a host of U.S. and international cities, offered at a nominal fee, and BBC, CNN, Fox News and ESPN (sports news and entertainment) are on the roster of complimentary in-suite TV channels available to keep guests up to speed with developments around the world and at home.

Each Silversea ship also features Internet centers with state-of-the-art desktop computers and 17-inch flat screen monitors.  Pricing for Internet use on the ship’s computers is the same as for using personal laptops and includes a variety of convenient rate plans. 

Expanded wireless Internet access is the latest in a number of enhancements the line is introducing to ensure its guests continue to enjoy a luxury travel experience of unsurpassed quality.  In January, Silver Shadow was outfitted with new Sealy Posturepedic Plush EuroTop mattresses in all its standard suites.  Also, the top suites — Owner’s, Grand, Royal and Rossellini — now feature Stearns & Foster Plush ultra-luxury beds that provide 10% more sleep surface than a conventional mattress.  The new bedding is being installed aboard Silver Whisper this month and will debut aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Wind later in the year.  New flat screen TVs are also planned for all suites and will be installed aboard Silver Whisper in November, Silver Shadow in January, and the rest of the fleet in the following months.

“Silver Shadow’s first World Cruise is sailing to rave reviews from our guests,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.  “A lot of the credit for the excellent feedback we’re getting has to go to our onboard programming.  For this very special voyage, we pulled out all the stops, lining up an impressive roster of celebrity speakers and exclusive events, and we intend to create the same enriching experience for our World Cruise guests next year.”

Added Morris, “Celebrity film critic Rex Reed’s “Silver Screen Cinema” program has been so well received that we’ve already invited him back for next year’s voyage, plus we’ll be bringing on many new personalities and programs to entertain, engage, and tap into the sophisticated tastes, pursuits and interests of our typical World Cruise guest.”

Click below for some of the details on next year’s world cruise, or call us at 888-286-9827 to book onboard.

Following below are the luxury lifestyle partnerships the company has already lined up for World Cruise 2008:

–  Iconic fashion house Ferragamo and Men’s Vogue magazine are teaming up to offer a “Tuscan Style” experience aboard the April 10 “Classic Compositions” segment, sailing nine days from Athens to Barcelona with calls in Sicily, Naples, Rome, Portofino, Livorno and Monte Carlo.  From Livorno, guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to go inside the Ferragamo family’s legendary fashion house, take a guided tour of the renowned Ferragamo Museum and shop in their only boutique in the world offering custom-made replicas of famed shoes worn by Hollywood legends.  Guests will also be treated to award-winning wines from the family’s own Il Borro vineyards with lunch at one of their luxurious Florentine hotels.  The Tuscan Style enrichment program also includes exclusive Men’s Vogue onboard events.

– Renowned television personality and Bon Appétit executive chef Cat Cora is slated to host a culinary program on the March 26 “Melodies from an Ancient Sea” segment, sailing 15 days  from Mumbai to Athens with visits to some of the world’s most exotic destinations in Oman, Egypt and Jordan.  Chef Cora will present Greek-inspired specialties — prepared with her trademark brand of fresh inventiveness and style — as guests traverse the history-rich waters of the Aegean.

– Celebrity film critic Rex Reed will host his popular Silver Screen Cinema program for the second consecutive year, an event developed in partnership with Travel + Leisure.  A renowned author, actor, talk show host, and film historian, Reed’s name is synonymous with Hollywood.  His film reviews have appeared in nationally syndicated columns for decades, making him one of the most prolific movie critics in the U.S.  Guests aboard this year’s World Cruise enjoyed an insider’s view of Hollywood with Reed and dancer/actress Marge Champion, a star of film and television.  Their lively interview and intimate coffee-and-conversation session proved an instant hit with Silver Shadow’s guests and offered fascinating glimpses into the lives and careers of these distinguished film professionals.  For World Cruise 2008, Reed will again share anecdotes and insights as he hosts screenings of cinematic classics aboard a segment to be determined in the coming weeks.

Departing January 16, 2008 from Fort Lauderdale, Silver Shadow’s World Cruise 2008, appropriately themed “The Rhythms of the World,” will host no more than 382 privileged and pampered guests on a wondrous odyssey, encircling the world and embracing the cultures of more than 25 countries and over 50 different destinations.  Fares for the full 110-day voyage start at $58,210 per person, based on double occupancy.

On each of these voyages rich in golf destinations, guests will also have the opportunity to improve their game aboard ship with the help of the line’s onboard PGA-classed golf professional, who will organize complimentary lessons, contests and clinics.

In addition, the Silver Links voyages offer optional golfing excursions arranged and escorted by the ship’s golf pro.   From the gently rolling fairways at the elegant Fairmont Pierre Marques Golf Club on Acapulco’s Revocadero Beach, to the hairpin turns and swirling mountain winds of Montego Bay’s White Witch Golf Club, to the ancient dunes and pine groves at Zeebrugge’s Royal Zoute Golf Club, guests will have a chance to perfect their game at some of the world’s most challenging and revered courses.

The escorted, optional golfing excursions vary in price from course to course and include all transfers to and from the select golf courses, pull or power-drive carts, green and any applicable caddy fees.   Should guests choose to leave their clubs at home, the finest Nike clubs, shoes and golf essentials are available for rental, demo or purchase.   Golf clubs can be rented for as little as $45.

Golfers have the option to further improve their game aboard ship with private swing analysis utilizing the most advanced V1 digital coaching system, the same system selected by PGA.com as their preferred instructional technology.  The cost for private swing analysis is $30.

We have a sampling of the golf excursions available when you click on “more” or call us at 888-286-9827 for additional information.

Guests aboard Silver Links voyages will also enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations, most with private veranda, award-winning gourmet cuisine, personalized service, warm Italian hospitality, and Silversea’s unmatched selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities.

Following is a sampling of the Silver Links voyages and golf courses:

– Silver Whisper departs August 17, 2007 on a 7-day “Arts & Antiquity” voyage (4729) from Rome to Monte Carlo with optional golf excursions to Cosmopolitan Country Club (Livorno); Cannes Mougins Golf Club (Cannes); Servannes Golf Club (Sete); and Club de Golf Son Parc (Mahon, Minorca).   Early Booking Incentive cruise fares start at $5,350 per person.

– Silver Whisper departs August 24, 2007 on a 7-day “Mediterranean Medley” voyage (4730) from Monte Carlo to Barcelona with optional golf excursions to Sainte Maxime Golf Club (St. Tropez); Le Frégate Golf Club (Marseille); and Son Vida Club de Golf (Palma de Mallorca).   Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $4,406 per person.

– Silver Shadow departs September 23, 2007 on a 9-day “Atlantic Isles Accents” voyage (3725) from Lisbon to Las Palmas with optional golf excursions to Marbella Golf Course (Malaga); Sherry Golf Jerez (Cadiz); Royal Golf Anfa-Mohammedia (Casablanca); Palheiro Golf Club (Funchal); and Real Club de Golf Las Palmas (Canary Islands).   Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $4,437 per person.

– Silver Shadow departs October 26, 2007 on a 10-day “Caribbean Kaleidoscope” voyage (3728) from Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale with optional golf excursions to Wyndham el Conquistador Golf & Resort (San Juan, Puerto Rico); Teeth of the Dog Golf Club (La Romana, Dominican Republic); White Witch Golf Club (Montego Bay, Jamaica); Links at SafeHaven Golf Club (Grand Cayman); and Key West Golf Club (Key West, Florida).   Early Booking Incentive cruise fares start at $4,945 per person.

– Silver Shadow departs November 23, 2007 on a 15-day “Panama Canal Passage” (3731) from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego with optional golf excursions to Mexico’s Fairmont Pierre Marques Golf Club (Acapulco); El Tigre Golf Club (Puerto Vallarta); Tangolunda Golf Club (Huatulco); and Costa Rica’s Los Sueños Marriott Golf Resort.   Early Booking Incentive cruise fares start at $6,965 per person.

– Silver Shadow departs December 8, 2007 on a 15-day “Pacific Interlude” voyage (3732) from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale with optional golf excursions to Mexico’s Cabo del Sol Desert Course (Cabo San Lucas); El Cid Golf & Country Club (Mazatlan); Fairmont Pierre Marques Golf Club (Acapulco); and Costa Rica’s Los Sueños Marriott Golf Resort.   Early Booking Incentive cruise fares start at $6,556 per person.

Recently unveiled aboard Silver Shadow’s World Cruise, The Spa displays a stylish and welcoming ambience with a refurbished décor of new artwork and contemporary furnishings set in an elegant color palette of pure white and silver with subtle hints of color dispersed throughout the facility.  The new spa concept will be implemented aboard Silver Wind in July, and will be expanded to the line’s other two ships, Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper, in the following months.

 Click “more” to earn about what Silversea is now offering their passengers.  Call us at 888-286-9827 for more information about Silversea Cruises or to book onboard.

In conjunction with the new spa concept, Silver Shadow now offers a cutting-edge body age assessment technology that tests body fat, cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility to see how the guest’s body age compares with his or her actual chronological age.  Based on the results, The Spa’s personal trainers can design an accurate lifestyle program for the guest and recommend an onboard fitness regimen complemented by delicious gourmet dining options developed specifically for the Wellness Program.

Among the enhanced spa treatments and services is a new selection of specialized Wellness Ceremonies designed to address specific concerns such as aging skin, cellulite, arthritis, poor circulation, sore muscles and more, while other ceremonies are ideal for those who just want to escape into a relaxing sanctuary.

With spa industry research indicating steady growth in the appeal of spa therapies for men, The Spa has incorporated specialty grooming services, including facials and barbering services.  For the man who wants more, The Spa at Silversea also offers a new ceremony that involves a half day of pampering for the face and body.

Plus, couples can now enjoy a ceremony designed exclusively for them.  Highlights include an in-suite massage and calming bathing ritual of choice.

ELEMIS

Whether guests are looking to relax, detox or rejuvenate, The Spa’s beauty and massage therapists are professionally trained in the very latest techniques and offer a myriad of treatments and services to address each guest’s personal needs.  Highlighting many of the treatments are Elemis aromatherapy products, featuring essential oils and plant extracts of unsurpassed therapeutic value.  And Silver Shadow is the first cruise ship to offer the acclaimed Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial.  Independently tested and shown to offer substantial results, this anti-aging, face and eye treatment is reported to firm, rejuvenate and plump up the skin, while reducing dark circles from around the eye contour — after just one treatment.

The Spa at Silversea also features dry and steam saunas, a beauty and hair salon, and a sizable fitness center and aerobics studio equipped with circuit weights, state-of-the-art treadmills, cardiovascular training equipment, stair climbers, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, fit balls, step blocks and yoga mats.

WELLNESS PROGRAM

This comprehensive fitness regimen, which includes popular workout programs such as aerobics (including aqua and step), Pilates, circuit training, and yoga, is perfectly paired with a daily collection of light and low-carb menu selections designed by Silversea’s master chefs.

A typical day might include a sunrise Chi walk and yoga class followed by a late-morning seminar on nutrition, exploring the pros and cons of popular diets.  The afternoon might offer a seminar on healthy backs and abs, followed by a workout with circuit weights. Guests could wind down their day with exercises to stretch and relax their bodies, under the careful guidance of their professional fitness instructor.  And what better way to reward oneself for such good behavior then by indulging in an exotic coconut rub and body wrap, or a soothing scalp and face massage, or maybe even a relaxing Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage?  These are just some of the many therapeutic options available to create a complete wellness lifestyle for Silversea guests.

The new spa is operated by Steiner Leisure Limited, a leading provider of spa services.

All organized group fitness classes and seminars are complimentary.  Personalized, one-on-one training programs and spa therapies are offered at an additional charge.

First up this week was a review of the stories that made it up on to the site.

We had new build announcements from Oceania and Silversea, as well as a make over for Oceania’s Regatta.  Wind Spirit begins her Degrees of Difference retrofit this week as well.

Carnival will debut new Europe excursions as part of Carnival Freedom’s European season, while Crystal adds hotels to their 2007 European Crystal Adventures Hotel Program.  Disney has revamped their sail away party and the Disney Dreams stage show.

Cunard announced the 2008 itineraries for Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Queen Victoria, MSC announced that a Panamax ship is headed to the Caribbean in 2008, and Celebrity announced the details for the 2008 Europe season for their ships as well as Celebrity Expeditions.   Meanwhile Caribbean Princess will head to New York for Princess’ 2008 summer Caribbean season.

This week’s Deal of the Week is an eye opening deal from Norwegian Cruise Lines, you’ll find it here.

As always you can find the show in iTunes and you can either download it or play it right in your browser window by clicking below.

Meanwhile Oceania is expected to announce a multi-ship deal with Fincantieri tomorrow.