This year, late summer,  we are planning a River Cruise  on AMA Waterways…………..and they just announced a new ship -

AMAWATERWAYS’  La Marguerite  (92 guest ship) will sail through Vietnam and Cambodia again this year, and  according to  AMAWATERWAYS this ship is almost completely sold out.  Thus, AMA WATERWAYS has unveiled plans to build an additional ship to sail through Vietnam and Cambodia, to launch the summer of 2011.

The new 124-guest ship, (not  named yet), will measure 295 feet in length (60 feet longer than La Marguerite). Standard cabins will be 226 square feet, the 10 junior suites will be 290 square feet and two suites will be 452 square feet each.

The new ship’s Mekong itinerary will include stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,  Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Cambodia.

Consumers have shown great interest in River cruising through the charming little villages in this region, says AMAWATERWAYS President, Rudi Schreiner.

“The Mekong is a magnificent river, ideal for river cruising for a number of reasons,” notes Schreiner.  “The first advantage of the Mekong is its size.  The river is huge, in most places almost a mile wide, so it has a whole lot of potential.  The scenery is incredible, with many small villages, islands and temples.  The other remarkable thing about the Mekong is that it includes three major cities.  You have Ho Chi Minch City or Saigon, the metropolis of Vietnam; Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, located on the river front with beautiful cafes and restaurants.  And, then you have the fascinating town of Siem Reap, with the temples of Angkor.  It’s the perfect backdrop for river cruising,” adds Schreiner.

Today Cunard announced the return of its popular Literature and Liners series. This program allows guests sailing on certain Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossings the opportunity to interact with some great best-selling authors.

John Berendt

Of the list just announced, I have heard two of these authors speak — John Berendt and Bill Bryson — and they were sensational. Both of them were keynote speakers at the national convention of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) in which I have long been an active member. So I know that being on board a ship with them for several days offers some great chances for interaction.

Here are more details:

Scheduled to sail as part of this year’s programme are Kate Atkinson, John Berendt, Bill Bryson and Joanne Harris. Guests can look forward to engaging Q&A discussions, lectures, book signings and readings with select titles to be featured in the Cunard Book Club

Kate Atkinson: Novelist Atkinson, known for her award-winning Case Histories and Behind the Scenes at the Museum, is scheduled to sail on the 15 April eastbound Crossing. Atkinson, who was born in York, England, recently released When Will There Be Good News? – a follow-up to the “Jackson Brodie” character from Case Histories.

John Berendt: Berendt is an American-born author known for writing the best-selling non-fiction book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in 1995. Prior to writing the overnight success story, Berendt wrote for Esquire and New York magazines. He is also the author of The City of Falling Angels. Berendt will be sailing on the 7 June eastbound Crossing.

Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson: Best-selling American author Bryson is scheduled for the 1 October westbound Crossing. He is well known for his humorous books on travel, including A Walk in the Woods and The Lost Continent. Bryson also has penned a number of other bestsellers on the subject, as well as those on the English language and scientific subjects. In addition to being an author, Bryson also spent many years writing for The Times and The Independent while living in England.

Joanne Harris: The British writer is best known for her acclaimed novel, Chocolat, which was made into an Oscar®-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. She is also the author of The Evil Seed, Sleep, Pale Sister and seven other novels, most recently The Lollipop Shoes and Runemarks. Harris’ other works include Jigs & Reels, a collection of short stories, and two cookbooks. Her books are now published in more than 40 countries. She will be joining the 1 October westbound Crossing, as well as the 12 October eastbound Crossing.

In 2010, Cunard offers guests more choices of Transatlantic Crossings between April and November, sailing six- and seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, as well as new extended seven-, eight- and nine-day Crossings to Cherbourg, France and Hamburg, Germany.

Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Transatlantic Crossing offers guests a myriad of opportunities for intellectual interaction, leisurely pursuits, health and wellness activities, and gourmet dining. Unique Cunard amenities found aboard Queen Mary 2 include the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodation, the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.

For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, consult your travel professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

The Yachts of Seabourn has announced a compelling reason for luxury cruise aficionados to book 2010 voyages aboard the company’s fleet of five award-winning, all-suite vessels before the end of April – two-for-one, cruise-only savings on over 80 voyages in Europe and Asia, plus substantially reduced round trip add-on airfares from $499 for economy class and only $1,999 for business class, from 40 North American gateways.

Seabourn Pride

“These cruise savings alone represent a great value for a great experience,” noted Seabourn president and CEO Pamela Conover. “But when you add in these remarkably low fares for a round-trip, business-class flight to Europe or Asia, you will get an award-winning, ultra-luxury cruise package at a truly exceptional price.”

The cruises depart from May to November, 2010, and range from seven to 15 days in length. In the Mediterranean, travelers can choose voyages aboard the intimate, 208-guest Seabourn Spirit in the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coasts, or Legend in the French and Italian Rivieras.

Also in the Mediterranean, the acclaimed 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey, hailed as “a game-changer” in luxury cruising when it was launched last summer, will sail the Greek Isles, Turkey, and the Black Sea. In June, brand-new sister-yacht Seabourn Sojourn will begin its maiden season in Northern Europe, cruising Scandinavia, Russia, Scotland and Norway.

In Asia, Seabourn Pride offers voyages visiting Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and China, including pre- and post-cruise extensions to Beijing on some departures.

All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from $3,550 per person, based on double occupancy of an ocean view suite. To qualify for this promotion, cruises must be booked by April 30, 2010. Airfares include transfers between the piers and airports.

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

Our sample itinerary should therefore be considered as a guide only, as it is heavily dependent on both weather and ice condition.

Day 1 Welcome to Helsinki, the cozy Finnish Capital.
Following your arrival in Helsinki and subsequent transfer to your hotel, you will be greeted by our representative in the lobby of your hotel.

Day 2 Helsinki-Murmansk flight and embarkation.
Following a short tour of Helsinki, you will board a chartered plane for the short two hour flight to Murmansk. There, you will board “50 Years of Victory”, one of the most powerful icebreakers in the world, after which time you will depart Murmansk and start your journey north via Kola Bay.

Day 3 The Barents Sea.
While continuing your journey north across the Barents Sea, you will be introduced to the safety instructions which have been put in place to ensure your complete protection
- while aboard the “50 years of Victory”,
- during our expedition in the higher arctic altitudes.

You will likewise have the opportunity to become familiar with the ship and learn all about its unique icebreaking capabilities and how ice fields are negotiated. One of the highlights of this day will be a tour of the engine room- amazing! All this and more are on the day’s agenda!

Day 4-6 Voyage to the North Pole.
As exciting as reaching the North Pole will be, the three days voyage there will leave you feeling no less so. Adrenaline and awe await you as you go up on deck and witness first-hand the sheer power of our ship as it battles its way through the mighty ice fields that separate you from your arrival at the top of the world. No less inspiring will be the views and panoramas of the astonishing arctic landscape.

Off-deck adventure also awaits you on your way north. Time, weather and/or ice conditions permitting, you will experience breathtaking helicopter rides over the icebreaker as it plows its way through the ice. For those wishing to take some time away from their new-found sea legs, a walk on the ice pack will do the trick.

Day 7 The North Pole.
Seven is more than just a lucky number; it’s the day we expect to reach the North Pole. With heart-pounding anticipation, the “Victory” will be slowly maneuvered into position at exactly 90? N. Welcome to the Geographical North Pole.

But this is only the start of your adventure. Disembarking from the ship, you will experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of standing on the top of the world. To celebrate this victory, you will join hands with the other passengers while everyone literally walks around the world during our special International Round Dance.

Topping off the day will be our North Pole barbecue and, for the more daring and adventurous, a plunge into the Arctic Ocean.

Day 8-11 The Islands and Archipelagos of the Russian Arctic.
During the many years that we have been operating in the Russian Arctic, we have gained a truly unique experience exploring the many arctic lands in this region, one of the most remote in the world. It is truly our pleasure to share it and our love for these vast lands with you.

Given favorable weather and ice conditions, exploration of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago is in the offering.

The Franz Josef Land Archipelago can be described as,

- consisting of about 190 islands most of which are reminiscent of moon craters thus accounting for its more common name the ‘Moon Archipelago’,
- home to polar bears, walruses and many species of arctic birds,
- the location of Champ Island with its mysterious round boulders found no where else on earth,
- a unique and possibly never-to-be-had-again opportunity to explore this vast landscape and photograph its natural beauty

Day 12-14 Barents Sea Revisited.
During the three day journey back to Murmansk, you will have ample opportunity to relive your arctic adventure sharing your favorite memories of all that has befallen you while on this voyage. And if you didn’t do so before, then take some time out to really enjoy the facilities and amenities that have been provided for your onboard comfort- a game of volleyball, a visit to the gym, a dip in the pool and a sauna followed by a massage. Or simply relax in the ship’s lounge, bar or library.

After disembarking in Murmansk, you will be returned to Helsinki where you will spend a last evening in the Finnish capital.

Day 15 Farewell to Helsinki.
Following breakfast, you will depart for the airport and your journey home. Mission accomplished!

In partnership with Expedition Cruises, we are offering an extraordinary journey to the North Pole on the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker “50 Years of Victory.” The 50 Years of Victory is the world’s most powerful and sophisticated expedition vessel.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be on top of the world? Polar bears, arctic foxes, walruses and seals and snow owls are only a few of the species native to this wild, untamed land. A land so varied that it can be covered by ice so white it looks blue or with a carpet of mosses and lichens the colors of which would stir the imagination of even the most seasoned of artists. An expedition voyage to the Arctic or beyond is a sense-arousing, heart-opening experience that touches the very soul of all who have ever ventured into this unique domain where beauty, silence, and awe all intermingle to create an image so intense it brands itself into the mind forever.

For those looking for extraordinary adventure, exploration and a bird’s eye view of the Arctic, the 15-day Expedition Cruise to the North Pole is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Crown Cruise Collection and CruiseCompete, in partnership with Expedition Cruises, are offering an extraordinary journey to the North Pole on the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker “50 Years of Victory.” The 50 Years of Victory is the world’s most powerful and sophisticated expedition vessel.

The adventure begins July 23, 2010, and ends Aug. 06, 2010. If that’s too soon for your planning purposes, there will be another opportunity in 2011.

Travelers will depart Helsinki by charter flight to Murmansk, then voyage on the Barents Sea to the North Pole and the islands and archipelagos of the Russian Arctic aboard the icebreaker 50 Years of Victory, with power, state-of-the-art technology and comfort all rolled into one.

Itinerary:

Day 1               Welcome to Helsinki, the cozy Finnish capital

Day 2               Helsinki-Murmansk flight and ship embarkation

Day 3               The Barents Sea

Days 4 -6         Voyage to the North Pole

Day 7               The North Pole

Days 8-11        The Islands and Archipelagos of the Russian Arctic

Days 12-14      Barents Sea revisited

Day 15                         Farewell to Helsinki

Since its first North Pole icebreaker cruise in 2001, Expedition Cruises has been leading expeditions into the Russian Arctic on its chartered icebreakers and expedition cruise ships. Today, Expedition Cruises are the market leader in Arctic-bound adventure tourism. Expedition Cruises is justifiably proud of their reputation as having assisted to open up Russia’s magnificent and awe-inspiring Arctic territories, much of which are still virgin and unexplored.

Travel broadens the mind and widens our horizons or so the old cliché goes. Yet, despite the triteness of this expression, Expedition Cruises firmly believe that there is no better way to see the world and experience all that it has to offer than by taking an expedition cruise. Nowhere on Mother Earth can the excitement of a new experience be any greater than by taking a voyage into the Arctic or even beyond, by braving the polar ice cap to reach the North Pole.

Expedition Package Includes:

• 2 nights in a 4- to 5-star hotel in Helsinki, breakfast included (one night before the cruise and one night after)
• Voyage aboard the ship as described in the itinerary
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopters (as included in planned group excursions)
• Program of lectures and informal talks by experienced Expedition team and guest lecturers
• Four meals a day (including afternoon fresh bakery items daily) and tea / coffee station and drinking water dispenser round the clock
• Special expedition parka
• Waterproof boots for the duration of the cruise
• In-cabin: bathrobe and hairdryer
• Informative pre-departure materials and expedition log with picture album on DVD
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• Personalized medical insurance covering such events as evacuation and repatriation
• Letter of invitation. This document should be presented to the Russian Consulate in your area in order to obtain a Russian Visa (required for the trip). Please contact the Russian Consulate to learn more about the procedure for obtaining a Russian Visa. Do not hesitate to contact Crown Cruise Collection or Expedition Cruises if any questions appear. Let us know if you have any difficulties in the visa processing.

Not included:

• Travel expenses to and from Helsinki
• Airfares Helsinki–Murmansk–Helsinki (US$1,350 per person) – Free if expedition is booked by February 28, 2010.
• Passport and visa expenses
• State arrival and departure taxes (if levied)
• Meals ashore and supplements in respect of single hotel accommodation (if required)
• Luggage and cancellation insurance (strongly recommended and host can suggest a reliable provider of such insurance)
• Excess luggage charges on international and local flights
• Telecommunication services, laundry, bar and beverage charges aboard the vessel.
• Tips for stewards and other service personal aboard (at your discretion)

COST: Prices begin at US$19,200 per person (double occupancy) for the cruise, plus US$1,350 for charter air between Helsinki and Murmansk. Right now the $1,350 per person charter air free if cruise is booked by February 28, 2010.

Please consider this an invitation to join the folks behind CruiseCompete in the North Pole. We have put together an extraordinary cruise expedition for your perusal.

Let us know if you are interested in joining us in New York City for a presentation on this exciting journey from the key management team of Expedition Cruises. Just send me an email at HShane@CruiseCompete.com

To discuss this extraordinary opportunity, feel free to email Heidi, Editor-At-Large of AllThingsCruise, at HShane@CruiseCompete.com or call Ross Spalding, President of Crown Cruise Collection, at +1 (877) 222-8404 or +1 (609) 945-9803.

Princess Cruises is still the premier cruise line in Alaska, at least as far as large ships are concerned. They have been there a very long time, own their own lodges and run great pre and post cruisetours.

They also run excellent shore excursions and this year they are offering 20 new ones…so if you have been to Alaska before, you are going to have many new ways to see that beautiful part of our country.

Among the 20 new options is a unique opportunity to join a scientific expedition while in Juneau to help study climate change and wildlife behavior patterns.

Passengers can also get closer to the dramatic glaciers of Tracy Arm, pilot their own zodiac on a tour of Ketchikan or enjoy the opportunity for animal encounters at a film trainer’s wildlife park. These new options join Princess’ extensive shore excursion program, which currently offers 215 different Alaska tour options for passengers starting in May.

“Alaska offers so many thrilling experiences for visitors – there’s beautiful scenery nearly everywhere you turn, great opportunities to encounter wildlife, an intriguing Native culture, and of course the towering glaciers,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “These new excursions showcase some of the many wonders available throughout this amazing state, and offer visitors a number of ways to get a very personal Alaska vacation.”

New tours available to Alaska passengers this summer include:

Whales & Glaciers Citizen Science Adventure (Juneau) – This unique tour will give participants a taste of what it’s like to be a research scientist in the wilds of the Last Frontier. Passengers join a science-based excursion giving them the opportunity to participate in a GPS time-lapse photo project at the Mendenhall Glacier that documents the effects of climate change on the Juneau Icefield. Citizen scientists can also collect water samples, net plankton and record humpback whale and other marine wildlife behavior. This observational data will improve scientists’ understanding of the many variables that affect Alaska’s marine ecosystem. In addition, passengers will enjoy a whale-watching cruise, with guaranteed whale sightings. Read the rest of this entry »

This year Princess Cruises offers passengers some fresh ways to experience Alaska up close and personal with a variety of new shore excursions for the summer. Among the 20 new options is a unique opportunity to join a scientific expedition while in Juneau to help study climate change and wildlife behavior patterns.

Passengers can also get closer to the dramatic glaciers of Tracy Arm, pilot their own zodiac on a tour of Ketchikan or enjoy the opportunity for animal encounters at a film trainer’s wildlife park. These new options join Princess’ extensive shore excursion program, which currently offers 215 different Alaska tour options for passengers starting in May.

“Alaska offers so many thrilling experiences for visitors – there’s beautiful scenery nearly everywhere you turn, great opportunities to encounter wildlife, an intriguing Native culture, and of course the towering glaciers,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “These new excursions showcase some of the many wonders available throughout this amazing state, and offer visitors a number of ways to get a very personal Alaska vacation.”

New tours available to Alaska passengers this summer include:

Whales & Glaciers Citizen Science Adventure (Juneau) – This unique tour will give participants a taste of what it’s like to be a research scientist in the wilds of the Last Frontier. Passengers join a science-based excursion giving them the opportunity to participate in a GPS time-lapse photo project at the Mendenhall Glacier that documents the effects of climate change on the Juneau Icefield. Citizen scientists can also collect water samples, net plankton and record humpback whale and other marine wildlife behavior. This observational data will improve scientists’ understanding of the many variables that affect Alaska’s marine ecosystem. In addition, passengers will enjoy a whale-watching cruise, with guaranteed whale sightings.

Back Country Zodiac Expedition (Ketchikan) – Passengers can be their own captain for the day as they skipper their custom-built motorized inflatable along the coastline of Revillagigado Island for a unique Alaska adventure. Participants will follow their guide on a journey that explores Native culture with a view of Saxman Native Village, and a search for wildlife such as bears, eagles, whales, seals and more. The group guide will explain the area’s history, geology, culture and ecology.

Alaska Wildlife Park (Princess Exclusive – Skagway) – Visitors can meet many types of animals at the Kroschel Films Wildlife Park Center. The park is run by trainer Steve Kroschel who has a lifetime of experience working with wild animals for movies such as “Never Cry Wolf” and the PBS “Wild America” series. His center provides a home for numerous orphaned wild animals including wolves, Arctic fox, lynx, porcupine, pine marten, mink, reindeer and wolverines. Guests will enjoy hands-on, face-to-face encounters and intimate close-up photography of many of these animals as they learn about the behavior of these intriguing creatures and gain an understanding of the time and trust required to train them.

Whales, Bears & Glaciers Adventure (Princess Exclusive – Juneau) – This excursion offers an opportunity to experience the perfect Alaska trifecta: whale watching, bear viewing and a scenic flight over the glaciers of the Juneau Icefield. Visitors will see two of Alaska’s most impressive creatures with a whale watching cruise that guarantees sightings, plus a bear search at a salmon-bearing stream. The tour caps off with a flight over the Juneau Icefield and the Mendenhall Glacier on the way back to town.

Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer (Juneau) – Sapphire Princess passengers have a new way to get a close-up look at the glaciers of Tracy Arm as they cruise aboard a luxurious, high-speed catamaran for an in-depth exploration of the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The adventure begins just before Sapphire Princess reaches the entry to Tracy Arm, as participants board their catamaran directly from the ship. After viewing glaciers from a much closer vantage point than is possible from a cruise ship, they will travel to Juneau to rejoin Sapphire Princess.

Adventure Park & Zip Lines (Skagway) – Thrill-seeking passengers can walk along raised balance beams, cross suspension bridges and fly through the air on a series of zip lines with this adventurous excursion. The exciting course will keep passengers challenged and exhilarated as they soar through the air on a series of six zip lines through the lush Alaska canopy.

Juneau Jeep Adventure (Princess Exclusive) – Visitors can experience Juneau’s most scenic and historic locales in the rugged comfort of a Jeep Wrangler for a small group adventure. A diver/guide will take each group on a tour through Juneau, to a scenic view of Mendenhall Glacier and other local sites, ending with a stop at the award-winning Alaskan Brewing Company for a final taste of Juneau.

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Salmon Bake Combo (Princess Exclusive – Juneau) – This unique tour combination gives passengers a stunning aerial view of the famed Mendenhall Glacier plus the chance to feast on wild Alaska salmon. Participants will enjoy a glacier landing where they can explore the glacier’s surface and learn how glaciers form, flow and shape the landscape. Once they’ve worked up an appetite, visitors join the salmon bake festivities for an all-you-can-eat meal.

Historical Ketchikan Walking Tour (Princess Exclusive) – Visitors can gain a unique understanding of Ketchikan and its Tlingit culture on this guided walking tour of Alaska’s “First City.” Led by a former city mayor of Tlingit descent, the tour offers personal knowledge of the many changes Ketchikan has experienced over the years. Visitors will also learn the significance of totem poles within Native culture, see the former red light district, and visit a salmon ladder to see the incredible journey salmon endure as they return to their spawning ground.

Bear Country & Wildlife Expedition (Ketchikan) – Passengers can view black bears in their natural habitat on a wildlife experience just a short drive from downtown Ketchikan. Participants will enjoy a nature walk on their way to a stream where more than 100,000 Pacific salmon return each year to spawn. Large concentrations of bears and other wildlife gather to feed on the huge runs of salmon. In addition to the bears, bald eagles wait for scraps, while mink, marten and wolf frequent the area, and seals can usually be seen feeding on the bountiful fish harvest.

Behind the Scenes at Butchart Gardens (Victoria) – One of Victoria’s premiere attractions, Butchart Gardens is a beautiful place to explore independently. However, with this tour, guests have the unusual opportunity to go beyond the usual self-guided visit, and enjoy an exclusive in-depth guided tour behind the scenes. Visitors will learn the history of the gardens and explore the Mediterranean Garden and botanist’s greenhouse, plus see a demonstration by the gardens’ ceramics master as he displays his skills in flower-pot making.

All Alaska shore excursions are currently available for pre-reservation. Passengers who are already booked on an Alaska cruise can reserve their tours by logging on to the Cruise Personalizer on princess.com, to ensure they get the excursions of their choice. As many tours fill up quickly, passengers are encouraged to make selections as early as possible.

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.

Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and most innovative ship to date, returned from her first successful sea trials on Sunday, February 14, 2010, after four days of sailing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. During the sea trials, 300 technicians and engineers from STX FRANCE SA, along with 30 Norwegian Cruise Line representatives, checked more than 60 different aspects of the ship’s performance by running trials of the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion, amongst others.

“During her first time ever at sea, Norwegian Epic performed above expectations with excellent marine behavior,” said Roberto Martinoli, Norwegian’s president and COO, who was on-board during the sea trials. “All tests were conducted with positive results. She is a beautiful ship with outstanding performance. Now that sea trials are completed, we can concentrate on finishing the ship and showing her to the world in June.”

A second round of sea trials is scheduled for mid-April in order to finalize all tests, including final speed measurement. The 153,000-gross ton, 4,200-passenger ship – the largest ship ever built in Saint-Nazaire – is scheduled for delivery on June 15, 2010.

Photos from the sea trials along with new construction photos can be seen on Norwegian’s Facebook page at www.ncl.com/facebook.

Following her seven-day transatlantic crossing from Southhampton to New York on June 24, 2010 and inaugural activities in New York and Miami, Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami from July 10, 2010 through April 30, 2011. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 2011 cruise season from May-October will have Norwegian Epic sailing a series of seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. When she returns to Miami on November 5, 2011, she will sail a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through April 7, 2012.

To book one of these itineraries or for more information on Norwegian Epic, call Norwegian at 866-234-7350, visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

We have seen a major surge in requests for River cruises.

Why?  We asked some cruise specialists and these are the reasons they offered.

River cruises offer many amenities as their open sea counterparts, with a few extra special additions.

Immerse yourself in culture:  Activities on river cruise ships typically reflect the cruising region’s interests; also expect to see cuisine, entertainment, and music that mirror the local traditions.  Lines also may feature lecturers that speak to the history and customs of the area.  Lines like AMAWATERWAYS offer signature lectures to expand your knowledge.

Up close and personal views:  Experience Paris via the Seine, or Budapest via the Danube…both rivers wind their way through the heart these cities.  At night, from the river, these cities are magnificent; lights emphasize the beauty of structures like the Budapest’s Chain Bridge and Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral.

River Cruise Lines like AMAWATERWAYS are all-inclusive and include all meals plus items such as Champagne with breakfast and free flowing wine and soft drinks at dinner, destination tours in every port, nightly entertainment, bicycles to explore charming towns, internet access in your stateroom and Wi-Fi connections in the lounges plus Hollywood feature films, classic films and destination movies shown in your cabin.

Have your cake (and cuisine, and wine), and eat it too:  Dining on a river cruise line such as AMAWATERWAYS is superb; fine local wines are selected and paired with the daily cuisine.  If the onboard experience isn’t enough, hop off the river cruise ship in port and visit some of the offerings in the cities along the way.   River cruising line AMAWATERWAYS offers a river cruise through Provence, a chance for wine lovers and connoisseurs to enjoy the vineyards and tastings made famous by this area.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their sea-faring equivalents.  This translates into a cozier experience; you’ll become acquainted with your sailing companions over more intimate activities and dinners, and you’ll get to know the staff (and vice versa) much more quickly than on a large vessel.

Experience Adventure:  River cruise ships move at a relaxed pace.  Shore excursions bring out the adventurer in everyone.  See the Egyptian Sphinx, visit the Great Wall of China, or fly to the Gobi desert…the options are endless.

Exquisite river ships, such as the AMAWATERWAYS ms Amadante include spacious staterooms with hotel-style beds, fine linens and marble-appointed bathrooms with spa-quality toiletries. And many other features such as in-room hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes individually controlled air-conditioning and ample closet space.  And what better way to enjoy the ride than to let in the fresh air from your French balcony?

Avoid seasickness:  River cruisers report that the ride on these ships is exceedingly smooth; even for those who suffer on board the sea-faring ships seem to have little or no trouble on the river cruises.  Maybe it’s the oh-so-slow movement of the boat; most move about 10 miles an hour.

River cruise ships are spacious, comfortable and have wonderful amenities within walking distance.  Taking a river cruise means that you avoid all the highway congestion.

Voyages of Discovery will embark on its first-ever circumnavigation of South America next January, with cruises and cruise combinations from ten to 77 nights. Early-booking savings up to 32% are available, along with free and reduced air add-ons from the line’s 26 North American gateway cities.

The South American deployment continues the line’s expansion of winter itineraries following six seasons in Antarctica. Currently, the 650-passenger Discovery is sailing in India, Asia and Africa.

Mark Flager, vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services, said the South American itineraries were suggested by past passengers and travel agents. “Our guests and agents have told us they’re quite keen not only on the great cities of South America, but also on the Amazon River, Falkland Islands, Chilean Fjords and the Galapagos Islands,” Flager said.

The 77-night Grand South America Discovery cruise sails roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Jan. 3. Fares for the cruise begin at $12,429 per-person, double occupancy, and include free air add-ons from Voyages of Discovery’s Eastern air gateways.

Individual cruises include Belize to Bridgetown (Dec. 23, 11 nights, from $2,949 per-person, double); Bridgetown to Montego Bay (Dec. 1, 13 nights, from $2,819); Bridgetown to Buenos Aires (Jan. 3, 30 nights, from $4,739); Buenos Aires to Valparaiso (Jan 29, 24 nights, from $4,299); and Valparaiso to Bridgetown (Feb. 16, 36 nights, from $6,019).

The season begins with a 20-night “Discovery of the New World” transatlantic crossing from Malaga to Barbados, sailing Nov. 18, with calls at Cadiz, Antigua and St. Kitts, and a three-night post-cruise hotel stay in Bridgetown. Fares start at $2,779 per person, double.

The Winter 2010/11 season also features a selection of pre-, post- and mid-cruise overland tours, including a three-night excursion to the Iguassu Falls from Buenos Aires ($1,255 per person) and a two-night mid-cruise excursion visiting Machu Picchu from Callao ($1,315 per person).

Guests also can experience a day trip to the Galapagos Islands from Manta, Ecuador, or a three- or four-night cruise around the islands on the 100-passenger Galapagos Explorer II. The day trip to the Galapagos is $809 per person and the three-night cruise starts at $2,639 per person for a Classic Suite.

Special rates for single travellers are also available. Discovery Club members enjoy an additional 5% savings.

The Winter 2010/11 cruise catalog will be available in late February. Guests and travel agents are able to view these cruises now by visiting the website for itineraries and pricing. Voyages of Discovery’s website features videos of each itinerary. Winter 2010-11 programs will be available shortly at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.

For reservations contact your travel professional or Voyages of Discovery at 866-623-2689.