Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, has begun a “80 Degrees of Sunshine; 180 Degrees from Ordinary” sale on 2010 Caribbean sailings. Guests will receive incredible savings on select 7-day Caribbean voyages which start at $1,799 per person, based on double occupancy.

The 148-guest Wind Spirit debuts a new 7-day St. Martin roundtrip itinerary offering guests pristine beaches, lively island culture and lush tropics. The new itinerary also allows for additional daytime sailing. Port of calls include St. Kitts, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and St. Barts. Selected Wind Spirit sailings on sale are: January 16; January 23; January 30; and February 6, 2010.

The 312-guest Wind Surf offers 7-day roundtrip sailings from Bridgetown, Barbados calling on a variety of vibrant ports on northbound and southbound itineraries. Wind Surf’s northbound itinerary includes St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and St. Lucia. The southbound itinerary includes Bequia, Dominica, St. Lucia, Mayreau, Grenada and Tobago. Selected Wind Surf sailings on sale are: January 31; February 7; February 14; and March 14, 2010.

The “80 Degrees of Sunshine; 180 Degrees from Ordinary” sale is not combinable with any other promotions/programs. Taxes additional. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at the discretion of Windstar. Offer valid on new bookings only through Nov. 11, 2009.

A leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for more than 20 years, Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line’s luxurious accommodations, alternative dining venues, diversity of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program and deluxe spa facilities.

Windstar has been recognized by notable names in the travel world. Celebrated Living, American Airlines’ prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises “Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line” on their 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Windstar received a “Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line” award in the U.K.’s Condé Nast Traveller’s 2009 Readers’ Travel Awards and was listed in their “Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer.” Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s 2009 Best Awards,” and was lauded among “The World’s Best Small Ships” by Condé Nast Traveler.

As Microsoft Corp. rolls out Windows 7 worldwide, Holland America Line joins in the fun with a month-long series of festive High Seas Launch Parties of its own across its entire fleet. Holland America Line’s parties – the only cruise industry events scheduled – celebrate Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, which powers the line’s series of complimentary onboard Digital Workshops.

“Holland America Line is excited to be a part of this far-reaching global launch with on board parties in Europe, Asia, South America, Central America, North America and while crossing the Atlantic,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Our guests are already experiencing the benefits of Win7 which powers the Digital Workshops offered as part of our enrichment program.”

Classes and launch parties are led by the workshop “techsperts,” or instructors, who are Microsoft-trained and are officially approved Windows 7 launch hosts. All ships have Party Packs from Microsoft and will be giving away Windows 7 theme posters, luggage tags and special discounts and offers in addition to Holland America Line prizes.

Workshops are complimentary and limited to 15 participants per session so that instructors can provide personalized assistance. In addition, instructors maintain “techspert time,” where guests can get their individual questions answered and work on personal program-related projects. Each ship has a dedicated space for the classes, complete with computers, printers and other necessary equipment.

For more information on Digital Workshops powered by Windows or Holland America Line, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Are you thinking about taking a cruise vacation to get away from all the snow, but you’re just not sure if it will be the right vacation for you and your family? With new ships and record occupancy rates, cruise travel is more popular than ever. Not surprisingly, cruises have become the fastest-growing segment of the travel market during the past five years.

This can make it difficult for you to find the right ship at the right price. To sway those still blowing in the (cold February) wind, it is time to dispel a number of popular myths about travel on the high seas:

Myth No. 1: You have to fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale to get on a cruise ship.

Reality: Cruises depart from most major cities; New England in particular has a vast number of cruise line voyages departing from Boston New London, Portland as well as nearby New York City or Philadelphia, all within a reasonable drive from here with no added air fare or airport security hassles.

Lines to consider are Carnival Cruise Lines, Clipper, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America Line, Norwegian, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Silversea. Most offer voyages to exotic from Boston to Bermuda, the Caribbean, New England / Canada, and Transatlantic voyagers which connect in Europe to other types of cruises including a World Cruise leave right out of your own backyard.

Myth No. 2: People only take cruises when the weather turns cold.

Reality: Cruise travel is a year-round pastime. Sure, it is a great way to beat the cold, but families also take cruises during the summer months when children are out of school. It also offers a good way to get away from the cape during our crowded tourist season. Cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas run year-round. The Alaska cruising season runs May through September; Europe between April and November; Bermuda, April through October; and Panama Canal, between September and April.

Myth No. 3: Cruises are too long.

Reality: Cruise lengths actually vary significantly to meet personal tastes. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, during 2004 itineraries of 1-5 days accounted for 31% of the cruise market; itineraries of 6-8 days made up 57%of the market; and 9-17 day sailings accounted for 11%. Less than 1% of all cruises booked lasted longer.

Myth No. 4: There’s nothing for men to do on a cruise.

Reality: Cruise ships are floating resorts, with plenty of fun for men as well as women. The flurry of activities on board a cruise ship is amazing and most men will be dazzled with too many entertainment choices. Typical activities include shore excursions, water sports, pool activities, fitness centers, live entertainment, casinos, bingo, dance lessons, talent contests, karaoke, wine tasting, rock wall climbing, spas, movies and much more. Most days are spent in exotic ports with plenty to see and do. Golfers can play challenging, top-ranked island courses (extra fees may apply); gourmets love the dining; explorers find adventure in every port.

Myth No. 5: Kids are bored on a cruise.

Reality: All of the major cruise lines offer organized programs and camps for children and they usually have a blast. They can participate all day or only in specific activities. This provides for both fun family time and a chance for parents to relax on their own. Daycare and babysitting services also are available, usually at no charge.

Myth No. 6: There are no medical personnel on board a cruise ship.

Reality: Virtually every cruise ship has a fully equipped medical facility and staff on board to handle almost any emergency. The cruise lines also have precautions in place if a person has to be evacuated to a hospital on land (be sure to purchase trip insurance, most cover these types of medical emergencies). Prescription medication should be kept close at hand in a purse or carry-on, rather than in checked luggage. It also is a good idea to carry a written list of medications with dosages in case they are lost.

Myth No. 7: Cruise ships spend all their time at sea.

Reality: Cruise vacationers actually have the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time on land. Virtually every cruise features multiple ports of call, giving travelers a chance to visit beautiful, secluded beaches, vibrant cities and popular tourist sites, as well as enjoy breathtaking scenery. Every port offers a unique experience. Ships usually arrive in port early in the morning, allowing plenty of time for shopping, dining, visiting historical sites and exploring the area. Planned excursions, arranged by the ship’s staff or local sightseeing companies, also are available for an extra cost.

Myth No. 8: Everyone gains weight on a cruise.

Reality: While cruises are known for having plenty of food available, cruise lines are very aware of the healthy-eating lifestyles of a growing number of cruisers. Every meal offers healthy choices as part of their already extensive food selections prepared under the direction of some of the greatest chefs in the world. Plus, there are plenty of activities on board and off to help people burn away any extra calories during their vacations.

Myth No. 9: A cruise ship cabin is claustrophobic.

Reality: An inside economy cabin does tend to be small and by definition lacks a window but, in actuality, people spend very little time in their cabin except to sleep. An outside cabin (ocean view) has a window or porthole, while a balcony (veranda) cabin has a glass door leading to a balcony usually equipped with a small table and chairs. Most ships feature larger suites for those who truly need more space.

A seven night cruise costs about 35% less than seven nights at a comparable resort.

Myth No. 10: Some people become seasick on cruises.

Reality: Even if you suffer from motion sickness during car rides or on airplanes, it is still unlikely you will become seasick on a cruise ship. Due to their immense size and stabilizers that all ships are equipped with, you probably will not notice any motion at all. Some parts of the ocean, however, are rougher than others. If you do get seasick, medications are available on board to get you back on your feet quickly.

Myth No. 11: You lose touch with the world on a cruise.

Reality: While some people relish the thought of getting away from it all, the cruise industry realizes many folks like to stay in touch. Many of the newer ships have business centers with fax capabilities and Internet access. Cruise ships also publish a daily newsletter with major news, sports scores and stock quotes. Most cabins have televisions and telephones enabling you to call someone on shore through the ship’s radio operator while at sea. Calls can be made from most ports too. Cell phones, however, will not work at sea.

Myth No. 12: Cruises are expensive.

Reality: A cruise is actually one of the best travel values out there. Where else could you find a shine, new and classy resort, on the ocean, with all meals and entertainment included for the price? Children’s programs also are generally included at no extra charge.

Airfare and transfers may also be available for an additional fee, but usually at group rates arranged by the cruise line.

A seven night cruise costs about 35% less than seven nights at a comparable resort.

The Yachts of Seabourn has announced a special one-month “Bon Voyage” promotion featuring free roundtrip airfare from 28 North American gateways to 20 different seven-day Mediterranean voyages aboard its award-winning Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Odyssey. To qualify, bookings must be made between November 2-30, 2009.

The fares include either economy or business class air, depending on the category of ocean-view suite booked. On Seabourn Spirit and Legend, bookings in categories A-B3 include economy class air, and bookings in Classic or Owners Suite categories earn business class. On Seabourn Odyssey, bookings in category A – V6 include economy class air, while categories PH through GR earn business class air. Transfers between the airport and the pier are also included.

The voyages, which depart between May and June of 2010, sail from Istanbul, Rome, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Venice and Athens, and explore the Riviera and Western Mediterranean, the Adriatic and Dalmatian coast and the Greek Isles and Turkish region in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fares start from just $3,799 per person, based on double occupancy of a 277-square foot ocean-view suite, and also include complimentary open bars, award-winning dining and personalized service on board.

The 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey, which launched in June of 2009, has been hailed as “a game-changer” for luxury cruising, while the 208-guest Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend have won Best-Small-Ship honors from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and the luxury travel advisors of the Virtuoso Travel Network.

For more information, contact a professional travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com .

MSC Cruises is once again offering sweet savings of up to 60 percent on balcony suites on select Europe 2010 sailings of MSC Lirica, MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia.

“Suite Deal” rates start at $1,299 per person and must be booked by January 31, 2010. The offer is available on select 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries of MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia and on select 7-night Eastern Mediterranean sailings of MSC Armonia.

Guests will also receive a $100 per person shipboard credit (maximum $200 per cabin).

Each Category 11 suite boasts a balcony, spacious seating area with sofa bed, king-sized bed, and bathroom with tub.

Government fees and taxes are additional. The offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or contact your travel agent. For a great deal, go to www.cruisecompete.com.

Many folks know that I love small ships. And one I have always been fascinated by is the Aranui. For years the Aranui has been making 13-night round-trip voyages from Papeete, Tahiti, to the Marquesas and Tuamou Islands. Its primary function is as a cargo ship carrying essential items to those who live on those remote islands.

However, the Aranui has always carried passengers as well and if you are one of those who likes the offbeat and unusual, then this trip might be for you. It is possibly the most unusual voyage that a passenger-carrying cargo ship of this generation makes.

Since 1984, the previous two Aranuis have been taking passengers on this journey to these enchanting Polynesian islands which are accessible by few other means. These are the same islands that inspired Paul Gaughuin, Herman Melville, Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson and Thor Heyerdahl, among others, in the past.

The new 386-foot Aranui 3 has replaced the Aranui II, carrying up to 200 passengers per trip. All passenger cabins are outside with private facilities. 63 cabins are standard Category A cabins with twin lower beds. The Suites and Deluxe A cabins have a queen-sized bed, small refrigerator, and bathtub. Additionally, most of the suites have a private balcony. There are also two dormitory-style areas that are co-ed. Both rooms are inside, and outside each room are public bathrooms.

The name “Aranui” means “the great highway” in Maori. The passenger areas include comfortable air-conditioned cabins, dining room, two lounges, library, outdoor swimming pool, covered outdoor bar and grill area, and spacious outdoor deck with chairs. Washing and drying machines are available on board. The Aranui is registered in France and is owned and operated by Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime.

Unlike most passenger-carrying freighter routes of today, this unusual itinerary has only two days at sea. Also, with the exception of a few sightseeing options, the majority of the shore excursion activities are provided to passengers at no additional charge.

Some folks do not like these cruises because there is no glitz nor glamor. The food is not gourmet. The shore excursions can be a bit rugged. But I just returned from similarly “no frills” trip to the Galapagos Islands and loved every minute of it.

Technically, the Aranui 3 is considered to be a freighter and thus it is primarily booked by companies that specialize in freighter travel. In the US and Canada, those companies would be the TravLtips Cruise and Freighter Travel Association (www.travltips.com), (800) 872-8584 and Freighter World Cruises (www.freighterworld.com), (800) 531-7774.

Photos reprinted from Romar Traveler

As part of Cunard’s partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, the iconic ocean liner company will be pleased to welcome acclaimed filmmakers Griffin Dunne and Gary Winick on the 11 November Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York aboard Queen Mary 2.

Griffin Dunne

This year, Cunard was recognized as the Official Cruise Line of the Tribeca Film Festival, of which both film industry insiders have been active participants for a number of years. With this upcoming sailing, they join a distinguished list of luminaries and tastemakers that have sailed a legendary voyage with Cunard.

During the Crossing, Dunne and Winick will participate in Cunard Insights, the line’s award-wining onboard enrichment programme, and will screen one of each of their films: Dunne will discuss “Practical Magic,” starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock; Winick will screen his feature film, “13 Going on 30,” starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo.

In addition, they will engage in a panel conversation with the ship’s entertainment director where they will share stories about their multi-faceted careers and the many roles they play in the entertainment industry – from director and producer to writer and actor. All programmes will be held in Queen Mary 2’s spectacular 450-seat, stadium-style theatre, Illuminations, which is also the only planetarium at sea.

“Cunard has a long history of hosting those on and behind the silver screen, and we are pleased to welcome these fêted filmmakers aboard Queen Mary 2 as part of this tradition,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We seek to entertain and educate our guests with our Insights programme, so to hear both gentlemen share stories from their longstanding and varied film careers will no doubt be a treat for our guests.” Read the rest of this entry »

2010 might be the year to visit Europe with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises limited-time Free Air offer.

Travelers fly for free from New York to Europe, with all airline fuel surcharges, and government taxes and fees included. Uniworld’s Free Air offer is available on a variety of 2010 Europe River Cruises including: Grand European Discovery (Basel to Vienna), Eastern Europe Explorer (Vienna to Bucharest), Grand European Explorer (Basel to Bucharest), Paris and the Heart of Europe (Paris to Vienna), and Paris and Grand European Waterways (Paris to Bucharest). These river cruises range from 16 to 32 days, and showcase many of Europe’s grand cities-Paris, Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest-to name only few, along with some of Europe’s quaintest towns and villages.

To take advantage of Uniworld’s limited-time Free Air offer, simply pay in full at time of booking by October 31, 2009. In addition, combine this with Uniworld’s Early Booking Discount to save up to an additional $600 per couple.

Uniworld features intimate, elegant, boutique hotel-style cruise ships with an average capacity of 134 guests.

A Uniworld river cruise includes: luxuriously appointed riverview staterooms; all meals onboard with complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks served with dinner; shore excursions hosted by English-speaking local guides; services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager; and all transfers on arrival and departure days.

For more information, contact your travel agent.

This question came in today from Tonya Clark:

“I’m looking for advice on how to get the best deal on cruises when you don’t have a cruisemate to share occupancy, paying double doesn’t seem right. Any suggestions?”

For years, cruising’s odious single supplements have been a problem for single cruisers but I suspect things are a bit better right now with many cruise lines practically giving their cabins away. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Look for cruise lines that offer single cabins. In the US-Caribbean market, these are almost non-existent but in Europe there are still some lines that have single occupancy cabins.

2. Search for “no single supplement” special deals. I am seeing more and more of these offers. Hook up with a good travel agent and let he or she know that you are serious about cruising if they can find a good deal for you. But be sure to be loyal and book through that person and refer them to others. A good travel agent is a treasure. Read the rest of this entry »

Voyages of Discovery announces exceptional savings for its Africa & the Red Sea, March 27, 2010 21-night cruise – guests can take advantage of a $4,156 per person rate along with $495 to $795 air add-ons from Voyages of Discovery gateways.

The Africa & Red Sea 21-night itinerary on the 650-passenger mv Discovery begins with a three-night Kenyan safari before boarding the ship in Mombasa, Kenya. Guests fly into Nairobi for one-night and transfer to Amboseli National Park for an afternoon game drive and overnight. The following day guests transfer to Tsavo National Park for another afternoon game drive and overnight. The third day they are transferred to Mombasa for an overnight on board the ship.

mv Discovery sails from Mombasa to the breathtaking beaches of Praslin and Mahe (overnight) in the Seychelles. Aden, and Hodeidah, Yemen; and Safaga (Luxor) (overnight), Egypt round out the restful and exciting itinerary. From Safaga guests fly to London for a two-night hotel stay before returning to North America. Visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com website to view a short video of this specific itinerary. Read the rest of this entry »