One of the small ships of Princess Cruises, the 710-passenger Royal Princess, will depart the line’s fleet in spring 2011, transferring to sister company P&O Cruises in the U.K. The ship will be renamed Adonia.

As a result, five sailings in April and May will be cancelled, and in place of these a 26-day South Pacific and Andes Explorer cruise will be offered prior to the transfer.

The ship’s 2010 cruise program includes sailings to the Amazon, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii and French Polynesia.

With the transfer of Royal Princess there will be one less Princess ship in Alaska for the 2011 season, though full details are not yet available. During summer 2010, the ship will sail on 14-day roundtrip “Connoisseur” cruises from Seattle to Alaska.

The following 2011 sailings are being cancelled:

· April 6, 2011 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia

· April 16, 2011 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia

· April 26, 2011 12-day Hawaii & Tahiti

· May 8, 2011 10-day Hawaiian Islands

· May 18, 2011 1-day coastal

The new 26-day cruise that replaces these sailings will depart April 6, 2011 and travel between Papeete, Tahiti and Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call will include Bora Bora, Moorea, Pitcairn Island (for scenic cruising), Easter Island, Pisco (San Martin), Lima (Callao for Machu Picchu overland excursion), Quito (Manta), Panama Canal Transit, San Blas, and Limón. Fares begin at $4,145 per person, double occupancy.

The ship will then go into a drydock in the Bahamas to change its livery prior to joining the P&O Cruises fleet in May 2011.

Royal Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2007, having originally been built in 2001.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Viking River Cruises is reminding guests that its current 2010 Early Booking Discount expires on Dec. 18.

The offer, which includes 2-for-1 cruise pricing plus up to 2-for-1 roundtrip international air plus complimentary wine with dinner, has been quite popular. Therefore,  there is limited availability on select itineraries, departure dates and stateroom categories.

“Now, more than ever, people are seeking solid value for their travel dollars,” said Richard Marnell, Viking’s senior vice president of marketing. “So this year, we were more determined than ever to make Viking River Cruises the obvious choice for sophisticated travelers. ”

For 2010, Viking is offering a selection of itineraries in Europe, ranging from 8 to 15 days in length, or travelers can choose an itinerary in Ukraine, Russia, China or Egypt. Plus, the company’s Explore More™ Pre- and Post- land extensions present the opportunity for guests to extend their trip.

Details about all itineraries and extensions, as well as up-to-the-minute date and pricing information, are available on the company’s website, www.vikingrivercruises.com. To book, go to www.cruisecompete.com or contact your travel agent.

On Saturday, the Big Apple welcomes back Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest Freestyle Cruising ship, as she returns for the winter cruise season, sailing seven-day Bahamas & Florida and 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruises direct from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in the heart of New York City.

Beginning Saturday, Dec. 12, the 2,380-passenger Norwegian Gem will set sail on the first of 10 seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises with stops in Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida; Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island) and Nassau, Bahamas. The cruises are from $649 per person and sail on December 19, and 26, 2009; February 13, 20, and 27; March 6, 13, 20, and 27 and April 3, 2010.

The ship will also sail a 10-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary on January 3 and 24; and February 3, 2010 with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

These Eastern Caribbean cruises are from $699 per person.

Norwegian Gem also offers two one-night cruises, great for those who want a quick getaway or want to sample Norwegian’s signature Freestyle Cruising, on January 2 and 23 from $159 per person.

Norwegian Gem features 13 dining options including guest favorites such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, and Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, Le Bistro; 13 bars and lounges; a bowling alley; rock climbing wall; a two-story Wii wall; two swimming pools including one kid’s pool and six hot tubs; a complimentary kid’s club and teen lounge; a casino; a full-service spa with 18 treatment rooms and indoor thalassotherapy pool; and fitness center.

Norwegian Gem offers an extensive choice of staterooms. Guests can cruise in style in one of two impressive Garden Villas, each spanning approximately 5,000 square feet. These  offer a spacious living room, dining room and three separate bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Garden Villa guests also enjoy their own private sun beds, hot tub and steam room in their private garden, plus butler and concierge service.

Norwegian Gem also features the Courtyard Villa suite complex with private courtyard complete with lap pool, hot tub, male and female steam rooms and a small fitness area. These 10 villas also share a private sundeck with sun beds and hammocks. Positioned high atop the vessel, the villas tout sweeping views of the ocean and an impressive assortment of amenities typically found at five-star land-based resorts.

High above everything else are two Deluxe Owner’s Suites offering a master bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and dining/living area, together with a large balcony accessible through the bedroom and dining/living area.

For families of all sizes, Norwegian Gem offers a large number of staterooms (including suites and mini-suites) that can interconnect to create a two-, three-, four- or five-bedroom area.

In 2010, Norwegian Gem will spend her summer in Europe sailing from Venice, for the first time in the company’s history, embarking on a series of seven-day Greek Isles and seven-day Adriatic, Greece & Turkey cruises.

For more information or to book a sailing on Norwegian Gem, call Norwegian at (866) 234-7350, visit www.ncl.com or call a travel professional.

In 2011, for the very first time, Silversea’s new Silver Spirit will embark on a full World Cruise traversing both hemispheres.

This grandest of voyages, appropriately themed “Spirit of Discovery,” begins in Los Angeles on January 19, when Silver Spirit is set to welcome no more than 540 privileged guests for a 119-day odyssey exploring 60 destinations in 25 countries — with 11 overnight port visits — before concluding in Southampton on May 19. Along the journey, Silver Spirit will take in the tranquillity of French Polynesia, Australia’s untamed landscapes, the unique customs and cultures of Asia, ancient Egyptian wonders and timeless Mediterranean hideaways spanning from Italy and Monaco to Spain and Portugal.

To offer guests aboard this far-reaching voyage an opportunity to gain a closer look at the regions they visit, Silversea is hosting four complimentary World Cruise Events for guests sailing the full 119-day itinerary. These exclusive, custom-designed events include the chance to explore the history and sample some of Australia’s premier wines at the original Penfolds winery, Magill Estate, and the National Wine Center in Adelaide; savor a Thai-themed gala dinner, staying overnight in the private Krungthep Wing of the five-star Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok; experience the exuberance of a traditional souk in Dubai, enjoying a festive dinner set amid the dunes of the Arabian desert as the sun sets; and attend a private opening of Barcelona’s renowned Picasso Museum, with plenty of time to explore its treasures at a leisurely pace, without the usual crowds.

“A Silversea World Cruise is truly the ultimate travel experience,” said Kenneth Watson, Silversea’s chief operating officer. “Not only will our guests have the chance to visit incredible destinations and explore fascinating cultures, but aboard our new Silver Spirit they’ll also enjoy an unmatched level of pampering and personalized service set in a stunning 1930s Art Deco-inspired environment.”

Guests aboard Inaugural World Cruise 2011 will enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations, sumptuous gourmet cuisine served in six dining venues, the personalized service of a butler assigned to every suite, and Silversea’s generous 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.

In addition to the four complimentary World Cruise Events ashore and a 5% Extended Voyage Savings, the following complimentary amenities will also be available to guests who book the full 119-day cruise: an overnight stay on January 19 on board Silver Spirit, including a Bon Voyage Gala cocktail reception and dinner; eight Silversea Experiences ashore (one per voyage segment); baggage handling service between guest’s home and ship in Los Angeles and Southampton; a $2,000 Onboard Spending Credit (per double-occupancy suite); roundtrip Business Class Air and private car transfers (airport/ship/airport); and special commemorative gift. Fares start at $61,924 per person, based on double occupancy.

Guests may also travel on shorter segments, enjoying the following benefits:

Sail 58 – 117 days:

– 5% Extended Voyage Savings

– $1,000 Onboard Spending Credit (per double-occupancy suite)

– Silversea Experiences ashore (one per voyage segment)

Sail 45 – 57 days:

– 5% Extended Voyage Savings

– $500 Onboard Spending Credit (per double-occupancy suite)

– Silversea Experiences ashore (one per voyage segment)

Sail 30 – 44 days:

– 5% Extended Voyage Savings

– $250 Onboard Spending Credit (per double-occupancy suite)

– Silversea Experiences ashore (one per voyage segment)

For more information and complete details, visit the Silversea World Cruise 2011 micro website at www.silversea.com.

If you are going to be in Sydney, Australia, over the holidays then you are not going to want to miss this fabulous fun on Boxing Day.

You can bring your own delicious picnic lunch and have front row seats to all the action of the 2009 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Saturday. Dec. 26 on one of Captain Cook Cruises Race Picnic Cruises.

The Race Picnic Cruises are being held on Captain Cook III, Captain Cook II and the Executive Rockets and passengers will be able to follow the start of the race and watch as the Rolex fleet set sail out to Sydney heads while enjoying their own picnic lunch.

Passengers onboard the Captain Cook III and Captain Cook II receive one complimentary beer, wine or soft drink, live commentary and free tea and coffee. All additional beverages will be available for purchase onboard (no byo).

Passengers on the Executive Rockets can bring their own beverages as well as their picnic lunch.

The Captain Cook III and Captain Cook II Race Picnic cruises depart from No 6 Jetty Circular Quay at 10.30 a.m. and return at 2 p.m. The Executive Rockets depart from Pier 26, Aquarium Wharf Darling Harbour at 11.45 a.m. and return at 1.45 p.m.

Adult prices for both cruises are $79 with a special child price of $59 available on Captain Cook III and Captain Cook II.

For reservations and enquiries please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free on 1800 804 843, Int +61-2-9206 1111 or email sydney@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au.

As part of  ongoing  enhancements, Holland America Line will install five Microsoft® Surface® units in Mix, its newest lounge venue with three specialty bars – Martinis, Champagne, and Spirits & Ales.  Already in full operation on ms Veendam, Mix and Surface units will be completed on ms Rotterdam by mid-December, followed by three additional ships.

An exciting new entertainment space, Mix is a destination lounge where guests can meet and mingle throughout the day and night.  Mix is an open and inviting space anchored by a pianist providing entertainment for the three distinctly themed specialty bars.

In Mix, while sipping their favorite drink, guests can interact with the Microsoft Surface touch-screen technology to listen to music and play checkers and chess, air hockey, Tetris, cards and the Touch Sports games of football, basketball and skee-ball.  Holland America Line became the first cruise line to offer Microsoft Surface when it furnished Mix with five units aboard ms Veendam in March of this year.  Mix and Microsoft Surface will be featured on five Holland America Line ships:  ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam and ms Maasdam.

Microsoft Surface is an innovative computing platform that responds to touch, natural hand gestures and real-world objects placed on the display, providing effortless interaction with information and digital content in a simple and intuitive way. With a large, 360-degree, horizontal user interface, Microsoft Surface offers a unique gathering place where multiple users can collaboratively and simultaneously interact with content and each other.

Mix and Mingle at Mix

Microsoft Surface is showcased in the new Mix entertainment space that combines three specialty theme bars in one central area.  Champagne features 20 different champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world and events such as champagne breakfast and pre-dinner champagne hour with caviar canapés.  Martinis serves up 19 Grey Goose martinis elegantly offered in individual shakers as well as a full range of cocktails.  Spirits & Ales will feature an international selection of beers and premium whiskeys and brandies while broadcasting premium sports programming.

HAL will add Mix and five Microsoft Surface units to ms Rotterdam in December 2009, ms Ryndam in February 2010, ms Statendam in April 2010 and ms Maasdam in April 2011.  Veendam is complete.

Holland America Line’s other recent enhancements incl also iude a new resort pool concept, innovative lanai staterooms, new entertainment and enrichment options, complimentary Italian Canaletto restaurant and all new stateroom décor. The premium cruise line’s commitment to enhancing its fleet now exceeds $525 million.

For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call  (877) SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

The Equinox cruise is over but the memories still linger.

Well, the last memory wasn’t the best, as debarkation did not go very well. Of course, it was the first time that this ship had visited Ft. Lauderdale but I do believe that the Solstice has been here already so there shouldn’t have been any surprises.

Dolly and Mike Biennas

The first problem was that the original gangplanks were too steep…so, with about 200 people jammed into the lower level, they decided to stop letting people off and fix the gangway. That meant we all stood there, packed like sardines, for about 20 minutes while this was accomplished. (I think they should have cleared the area and then made the fix.)

Then once we did get off, our luggage was not there and did not arrive for another hour. To be sure, we slipped off early so maybe we could have been waiting in a comfy chair somewhere rather than in the terminal…but I would estimate that at least 2/3 of the people on board got off an hour late. For some who had to make flights it could have been tricky. Considering we were at the pier at 4 a.m., why couldn’t they get that luggage off way earlier? One of the mysteries, I guess.

Ron and Doreen Ronholm

But glitches are to be expected. To be sure, most of this cruise was flawless so we have nothing but praise for how well the cruise was run.

I wanted to mention a few more people that we sailed with on this cruise, specifically our lovely tablemates Mike and Dolly Biennas from Melbourne Beach, Fla., Sally Scott from Tucson, Ariz., and Doreen and Ron Ronholm from Del Mar, Calif. They were great dinner companions.

Someone I met while still in the hotel in Rome and ran into often during the cruise was MaryAnn Gamrot and her husband Ron. MaryAnn is a part-time travel agent so she and I were often comparing notes.

My husband Chet and Sally Scott

Before I wrap us this commentary on the Equinox cruise, I wanted to compliment Celebrity on its Captain’s Club program for frequent cruisers. They upgraded the program a few weeks ago and it is now superior. The benefits they give their Elite cruisers (10 cruise points or more) are fabulous and creative…and they were challenged because there were over 600 Elite cruisers on this transatlantic sailing! (Most cruises they have 40-60 aboard.)

MaryAnn and Ron Gamrot

The highlights of what Elite cruisers get on cruises of 12 days or more: Each afternoon a two-hour cocktail party with free drinks and appetizers (think how much that can save you on a 14-day cruise); each morning a private “coffee break” from 8-10 p.m. where they have continental breakfast and such luxuries as fresh-squeezed orange juice, mimosas and cappuccinos; 90 minutes of free internet time; complimentary dry cleaning of one item; complimentary pressing of two items; complimentary laundry of up to 30 items; a free bingo bonus card, matching coupons for the casino and more.

If you want to know more, go to www.celebritycruises.com/captainsclub.

Windstar Cruises offers guests a unique opportunity to travel with Jay Schuppert, president of Cuvaison Estate Wines, on a Mediterranean sailing aboard Wind Surf departing April 4, 2010, from Lisbon, Portugal.

Windstar’s Signature Collection Host Series features distinguished guests and lecturers throughout the 2010 season, including Schuppert who will host a wine lecture and wine tastings. Prior to Cuvaison, Schuppert was with Kendall Jackson, San Francisco-based Southern Wine and Spirits Distributors and was Executive Chef of the Crystal Palace Restaurant in Aspen, Colo. Today, Schuppert leads the premium winery to record profits and global presence. Schuppert will lecture on the wine-making process and conduct wine tastings during the sailing.

Cuvaison’s winery is situated on the historic Silverado Trail in Northern Napa Valley and is known for its award-wining wines. Since 1969, Cuvaison Estate Wines has been hand-crafting classic and elegant Napa Valley wines. Cuvaison’s estate grown wines capture the uniqueness of their Carneros and Mount Veeder estate vineyards and reflect the finest attributes of each vintage. For more information on Cuvaison Estate Wines, visit www.cuvaison.com.

Wind Surf’s 7-day Lisbon to Barcelona itinerary includes ports in Tangier, Morocco; Málaga, Spain; Alicante, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Valencia, Spain. Cruise rates start at $2,399 per person, based on double occupancy.

Wind Surf accommodates 312 guests and offers deluxe, oceanview staterooms that include beds with luxury linens and mattresses, flat-screen TV and DVD player, Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods, waffle-weave robes with slippers and sumptuous L’Occitane products. Suites also include an extra bath, TV and sitting area. Bridge Suites give guests the additional luxury of a spacious private living room and relaxing whirlpool spa. Culinary wonders abound in Wind Surf’s The Restaurant, Degrees, Le Marché and Candles. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate Windstar’s complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking from the ship’s water sports platform.

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