One of my favorite small ship cruises lines is American Safari Cruises. These ships are really small, 10-20 passengers, and they offer a wonderful experience.

Thirteen years ago my husband Chet and I sailed on the Safari Quest during its first season. The story that I wrote about that trip appeared in newspapers all over America. It was so much fun…tucking into small bays all around Alaska. There were only 16 of us on that trip.

Kate Winslet and daughter

Chet’s brother Carl and his wife Vicki sailed with us and they liked it so much they returned two more times, bringing more friends with them.

It is nice to know, these many years later, that the company has managed to survive and branch out. It has offered its small ship cruises in Los Cabos and in 2011 is introducing an Hawaii program.

A press release arrived today telling us that young actresses Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson and their extended families have twice chartered the ship. The fact that these women allow their quotes to be in a press release speaks very highly of the company. Obviously, they would not have their names attached to anything but a superior vacation experience.

Here’s what they said:

“Our success has a lot to do with the degree of satisfaction of our guests,” said Tim Jacox, executive VP of sales and marketing. “They often rate us above expectation in all areas, and that’s especially true of two recent charters by two well-known actresses – Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson – and their children and extended families.”

The 10-person, multi-generational one-week charter in Alaska was aboard American Safari’s 105-foot, 12-guest luxury yacht Safari Spirit. The cruise roundtrip from Juneau spent two full days in Glacier Bay National Park to hike, explore glaciers, follow wildlife and learn from the onboard naturalist. An all-American crew of six ensured that guests saw the real Alaska close up in kayaks, motorized skiffs and from the comfort of the yacht.

In a letter to the crew, Winslet described the trip as one to be treasured, remembered and never forgotten. “We have been utterly overwhelmed by this wonderful experience,” she wrote. “Thank you for introducing us to an unbelievable new world. Every second of this trip has been mind-blowing. It far exceeded my expectations and every little detail was thought-out and wonderful. This is the kind of holiday that leaves a foot-print on your soul.”

Thompson called the yacht “bliss, utterly gorgeous and so comfortable.” She remarked on the crew’s enthusiasm and the harmony they created. “ ‘Thank you’ is inadequate,” she said, “and our gratitude is boundless, like the beauty of this trip.”

True testimonial comes in the form of traveling again with the same company. Such is the case with these two busy actresses as they were able to fit a second cruise on the same yacht within seven months of the first – this time to Mexico’s Sea of Cortés. Praise was equal to the first adventure with hopes of cruising again.

Here are the details:

American Safari Cruises offers luxury in the pursuit of adventure. The company’s three yachts have high-end amenities including on-deck hot tubs, private bathrooms with heated floors, staterooms with Tempur-pedic mattresses, a 2-to-1 guest-crew ratio, and complimentary bar with premium liquors, fine wines and microbrews. Two of the yachts have saunas and one offers complimentary massages from an onboard massage therapist.

The company has five itineraries: Alaska’s Inside Passage, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Columbia and Snake rivers, Washington wine country, and the islands and fjords of the Pacific Northwest. Inter-island Hawaii explorations begin October 26, 2011, with visits to tradition-steeped islands such as Molokai and Lanai for an authentic step back in time. Eight-day, seven-night or 11-day, 10-night active adventures are slated for the 36-guest Safari Explorer through May 11, 2012.

The newly formed sister brand of American Safari Cruises, InnerSea Discoveries, has just started accepting bookings, especially group and charter business, for small-ship experiential adventures slated for Alaska’s Inside Passage from May to September 2011.

American Safari Cruises pioneered yacht cruises in Alaska’s Inside Passage 13 years ago. Information: sales@americansafaricruises.com or (888) 862-8881; sales@innerseadiscoveries.com or (877) 901-1009. Their website is www.americansafaricruises.com.

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Princess Cruises is introducing a completely re-designed, new generation air program giving passengers easy and full control of their flights and the ability to seamlessly coordinate them with their cruise itinerary.

For the first time, Princess passengers will have access to real-time pricing and flight availability, immediate flight confirmation, competitive airfares, and something no major online air booking website offers – next port protection in the event of flight delays.

The innovative Princess eZAir program provides passengers and their travel agents the ease of a single booking source for both air and cruise reservations, with all transactions conveniently accessed online.

Travelers using Princess eZAir can choose air carriers and flights, as well as select their preferred cabin level and seating, all with no extra customization fee. They can also order special meals, request a wheelchair and apply their frequent flyer number. And unlike air purchased through other online air booking websites, the line will assist Princess eZAir passengers with re-routing to the next port of call should they experience a flight delay that causes them to miss the ship’s departure.

“We’ve modernized our air program to give our passengers full control of their flight arrangements,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Until now, passengers paid a set price for air and were given their flight details closer to sailing. Now they can plan their entire vacation as they wish, with real-time access to flights – and competitive airfares – that are compatible with their cruise and other travel plans.”

With Princess eZAir, cruise passengers can choose from two different air options – flexible and restricted – depending on the certainty of their travel plans. The flexible plan allows passengers to cancel or modify their reservation without charge, while the restricted option offers the benefit of a typically less expensive fare for those travelers who are comfortable with cancellation and change restrictions. Passengers can view both fare options side by side, so they can make the best choice for their vacation schedule.

Flexible Air Option – Passengers choosing the flexible air option will have the benefit of a fully refundable air ticket that can be changed without charge, giving them full freedom with their travel plans. Tickets are refundable up to 45 days before the flight.

Restricted Air Option – Passengers also have a choice of a typically lower-priced restricted option which is not refundable, and is subject to change fees. In addition, restricted air tickets must be paid for at the time of booking air to lock in the schedule and lower rate.

With Princess eZAir, flights can be purchased from approximately 330 days to four days before cruise departure. The new program will be in effect for virtually all Princess voyages sailing after September 1, 2010. Passengers with existing air bookings will automatically be transferred to the flexible pricing option.

Princess air flights can be booked through a professional travel agent or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.

European Waterways are pleased to announce that La Bella Vita, a luxury 20-passenger hotel barge, is joining their fleet this year to offer a very special cruise along some of Italy’s most charming waterways between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua.

After she has been refitted to very exacting standards, La Bella Vita will embark on her inaugural voyage on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010.

The special cruise route gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy the diverse landscapes and nature en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife; from the charming Venetian port of Chioggia via the River Po and Bianca Canal to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city of Mantua.

Cruise Highlights:

• Guided tour of historic Venice – hidden gardens, Pavilion of the Gondolas

• Tour of the colourful port of Chioggia and its famous red fish market

• Private wine tastings at renowned local producers

• Tour of ancient Adria, including the opera house and cathedral

• Visits to the Ducal Palace in Mantua and Estense Castle in Ferrara

Like all the hotel barges in the European Waterways fleet, La Bella Vita is fully crewed with a captain, gourmet chef, hostesses and a tour guide.

Every 6 night/7 day cruise aboard La Bella Vita includes comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned cabins, gourmet meals, open bar, fine wines, daily escorted excursions, entrance fees, local transfers and the use of barge facilities such as bicycles to explore the towpaths and a large sundeck to laze on.

Prices for a six-night cruise are from £2,190 per person for individual bookings and from £35,800 for a full boat charter.

For more details and prices call  European Waterways are pleased to announce that La Bella Vita, a luxury 20-passenger hotel barge, is joining their fleet this year to offer a very special cruise along some of Italy’s most charming waterways between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua. After she has been refitted to very exacting standards, La Bella Vita will embark on her inaugural voyage on Sunday, 5th September 2010.

The special cruise route gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy the diverse landscapes and nature en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife; from the charming Venetian port of Chioggia via the River Po and Bianca Canal to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city of Mantua.

Cruise Highlights:
• Guided tour of historic Venice – hidden gardens, Pavilion of the Gondolas
• Tour of the colourful port of Chioggia and its famous red fish market
• Private wine tastings at renowned local producers
• Tour of ancient Adria, including the opera house and cathedral
• Visits to the Ducal Palace in Mantua and Estense Castle in Ferrara

Like all the hotel barges in the European Waterways fleet, La Bella Vita is fully crewed with a captain, gourmet chef, hostesses and a tour guide.

Every 6 night/7 day cruise aboard La Bella Vita includes comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite cabins, gourmet meals, open bar, fine wines, daily escorted excursions, entrance fees, local transfers and the use of barge facilities such as bicycles to explore the towpaths and a large sundeck to laze on.

Prices for a six-night cruise are from $3,790 per person for individual bookings (however, there are discounts on the website) and from $14,000 for a full boat charter.

For more details and prices, contact your travel agent or call (800) 394-8630 or visit www.gobarging.com. There are a number of significant discounts for the 2010 season posted on the website.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon today announced the dates and itineraries for the two 2011 “Nickelodeon All Access Cruises.”

These special Nickelodeon-themed cruises will give guests exclusive access to a fun-filled, seven-day itinerary of Nickelodeon-themed entertainment all day, every day on board Norwegian Jewel from New York on February 20, 2011, and on the cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Epic, from Barcelona on July 24, 2011.

“‘Nickelodeon All Access Cruises’ only on Norwegian Cruise Line will provide families with the ultimate vacation experience at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “These immersive cruises offer the freedom and flexibility that Freestyle Cruising provides with the ability for families to get up close and personal with Nickelodeon.”

“We are very excited to offer families unique and exclusive Nickelodeon entertainment programs on two world-class vessels, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Epic,” said Howard Smith, executive vice president, Nickelodeon Recreation.

The inaugural “Nickelodeon All Access Cruise” on board Norwegian Jewel sets sail on February 20, 2011, with a round-trip seven-day itinerary from New York sailing to Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island. Norwegian Epic’s “Nickelodeon All Access Cruise” departs on July 24, 2011, from Barcelona on a seven-day Western Mediterranean cruise to Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

Cruises are priced from $1,349 per person, based on double occupancy, and go on sale Wednesday, April 28 to past Norwegian guests (Latitudes members) and May 1 to the general public. Travel partners and guests should call 866-234-5610 to book one of these immersive cruises.

These two specialty cruises will include access to exclusive meet and greets with Nickelodeon stars; screenings of never-before-seen episodes of hit Nick shows; interactive game shows for the entire family; Nick-themed Sailaway; Club Nick parties; and the opportunity for every family to get slimed.

To learn more about “Nickelodeon All Access Cruises” or “Nickelodeon at Sea” year-round programming, visit www.ncl.com/nickelodeon.

New cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse has cancelled the first leg of her launch celebrations – scheduled to begin on April 22 – in order to assist U.K. travelers whose return from their Easter break has been halted due to the impact of ash clouds from the eruption of the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano in Iceland.  Celebrity Cruises is working with U.K. tour operators to collect these stranded vacationers affected by the airport closures and subsequent flight cancellations that have affected travellers in Northern Europe.

Celebrity Eclipse will arrive in Southampton as scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, and will depart that evening to Bilbao, Spain, where she is scheduled to arrive in the early hours of Thursday, April 22.  Stranded travelers will join the ship throughout Thursday morning.  The ship will return to Southampton, arriving late Friday evening. This sailing will replace the activities planned during the two-night, round-trip launch celebration cruise from Southampton.

On her new operation, Celebrity Eclipse will collect the delayed vacationers – some delayed by up to seven days – who were on package holidays with major U.K. tour operators.  Over 2,000 travellers are currently expected to join Celebrity Eclipse in Bilbao.

“The events affecting air travel are completely unprecedented, and it is in times like these that the global travel industry needs to pull together,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman of Celebrity Cruises and chairman and CEO of its parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  “Collecting stranded British and Irish vacationers is a fitting first mission for new ship Celebrity Eclipse – what better way for a ship dedicated to the U.K. to mark her arrival?”

“We hope that guests initially invited to join the launch celebrations on April 22 will understand the change of plan, and we look forward to welcoming as many of them as possible to the naming ceremony on April 24 instead.”

Celebrity Cruises is working with major U.K. tour operators to try to assist with their challenge to repatriate as many of their customers as possible.  Plans for Celebrity Eclipse remain fluid as the situation regarding reopening air space continues to change. Celebrity Cruises will continue to make updates as circumstances evolve.

The naming celebrations for Celebrity Eclipse are planned to go ahead unchanged, and she will be named by Hampshire yachtswoman and breast cancer survivor Emma Pontin late afternoon on Saturday, April 24.

Celebrity Cruises is working to accommodate guests who were originally scheduled to join the two-night launch celebration sailing on April 22 so they may now attend the two-night naming celebration cruise on April 24 April.  Celebrity Cruises will contact all affected guests directly.

Over the last couple of days the extraordinary closure of the U.K., Irish and northern European airports affected around 6 percent of guests trying to join a Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International or Azamara Club Cruises vessel globally. This includes both those trying to complete return travel at the end of a cruise, or journeys to a ship to embark on a cruise.

Guests booked on a fly/cruise package directly with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International or Azamara Club Cruises, who were unable to join their sailing, are being offered alternative travel arrangements to join the ship mid-cruise, if possible.  If this cannot be achieved, guests are being offered a full refund of their cruise fare in the form of a future cruise credit or an alternative fly/cruise.  Fly/cruise guests who booked with a tour operator, and not directly with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., should contact their booking partner.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will work with cruise-only guests who have not booked as part of a package to file a claim with their travel insurance and contact the airline they booked with directly.  Whenever possible, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is making every effort to assist cruise-only guests with the information and services they require.

Additional assistance to affected guests include offering day-room hotel accommodation, assistance booking hotel accommodation, and dedicated help desks in hotels and airports in impacted destinations.

No ring, no worries! Now there’s good news for single travelers – Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest rated and longest continually-sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, is waiving single supplement fees for seven spring sailings, making it more affordable than ever to sail solo.

“Single” has never been a popular term, especially when referring to “single supplement” fees on cruises, forcing those who prefer single staterooms to pay significantly more for their vacations than travelers sharing a double room or cabin. Move over, Cupid — by waiving single supplements on select sailings to the exotic South Pacific this season, Paul Gauguin Cruises is saving guests thousands.

Now singles can enjoy the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia: explore coral reefs; hike rainforest trails; visit marae (ancient Polynesian temples); get lost in a great book on Paul Gauguin’s private island, Motu Mahana; indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment; or savor a split of something sparkling on their private balcony aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. Who says two is better than one?

Reservations must be made by April 30 on one of the sailings below. Contact your travel professional, call 1-800-848-6172 or visit www.pgcruises.com.

Sail Dates

Apr. 6, 2010: Cook & Society Islands – 11 nights

Apr. 17, 2010: Society Islands – 7 nights

Apr. 24, 2010: Society Islands – 7 nights

May 8, 2010: Fiji Westbound Itinerary – 13 nights

May 22, 2010: Fiji Eastbound Itinerary – 15 nights

June 12, 2010: Society Islands – 7 nights

June 19, 2010: Society Islands – 7 nights

*Applies to Stateroom Categories B-F

For those wanting to experience France in a  luxurious yet affordable manner, Sceptre Tours is offering a Burgundy & Provence/Paris to Nice river cruise and land package that is an elegant and leisurely way to experience the country from about $300 per day including most meals and sightseeing.

Travelers will see France at its scenic best on this charming getaway. Guided sightseeing acquaints participants with vibrant Paris and jet-set Nice, the “Queen of the Riviera.” And then it’s time to board a deluxe 7-night cruise along the Saône and Rhône Rivers via Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Scenery ship which takes them into the heart of this beautiful country.

Participants enjoy an outside stateroom with hotel style beds as they cruise on the world’s youngest river cruising fleet with sleek, contemporary ship design and state-of-the-art technology. Their cruise includes orientation walks in Mâcon and Tournon; a Burgundy wine tasting in medieval Beaune; and sightseeing with local luides in Avignon, Arles, and Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital.

The Burgundy & Provence/Paris to Nice river cruise and land package includes:

Two nights accommodations in Paris at Le Meridien Montparnesse including a buffet breakfast

One night accommodation in Nice at the Boscolo Plaza including a buffet breakfast

Seven nights deluxe river cruise on Avalon Scenery in an outside stateroom

All transfers

23 Meals (10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)

Complimentary champagne with breakfast

Unlimited wine and beer with dinners while on board the ship

Evening Entertainment

Shore excursions per itinerary

Services of a cruise director throughout

Guaranteed Departures

While travelers are on board the river cruise, they will enjoy superb dining with all meals on board, including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, Captain’s dinner, one sitting with open seating arrangements; and quality wines from France’s most famous wine regions with every dinner on board. Note: October 31 departure is an exclusive Wine Cruise which includes special lectures and tastings at no additional cost. The December 5 departure include special Christmastime features. Travelers will sightsee via a private deluxe motorcoach with air-conditioning while on shore excursions.

This package is priced from $3,019 per person double depending upon specific date of travel. Airfare is not included. Port charges of $98 are additional.

To visit the Sceptre Tours website, please visit www.sceptretours.com or call 800-221-0924.

Princess Cruises will launch its largest Canada & New England program ever in 2011, with a 30 percent increase in capacity over the previous season.  These summer cruises will sail between the line’s Caribbean sailings from New York, offering a selection of summer destinations from the “Big Apple.”

Sailings open for booking May 6, 2010. Sailings depart on May 8, May 26, June 4, July 1, July 10, and July 28.  The ship will also feature one seven-day sailing from San Juan to New York with calls in St. Thomas, Antigua and Bermuda, departing on May 1.

Fares for seven-day Canada & New England sailings begin at $799 per person, and nine-day Caribbean sailings begin at $999 per person.

The expanded Canada & New England season begins May 17 and introduces a new nine-day itinerary that adds calls in Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) plus features many favorite ports in the region.  Caribbean Princess will offer four sailings on this roundtrip New York route between departures on its nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary, giving passengers the choice of sailing north or south (or both) for their summer vacation.

In autumn, the Canada & New England program continues with 14 sailings on two different itineraries – weeklong roundtrips from New York on Caribbean Princess and the classic 10-day route between New York and Quebec City aboard Crown Princess.  In addition, Crown Princess will offer a 12-day Canada and Colonial America sailing.

These sailings also feature opportunities to visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unique places that represent the planet’s cultural and natural heritage.  In Canada, travelers can visit the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (from Halifax), and Crown Princess passengers can explore the historic old city of Quebec.  In Bermuda, the historic town of St. George is designated a UNESCO site.

The 2011 Canada & New England and Summer Caribbean program includes:

Canada & New England – During the summer months, Caribbean Princess will feature four sailings of a new roundtrip New York itinerary with calls at Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport.  Sailings depart May 17, June 13, June 22 and July 19.  In August, the ship resumes its popular seven-day sailings featuring Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Boston and Newport, with eleven departures between August 6 and October 15.

Classic Canada & New England – Crown Princess sails on three Classic Canada & New England 10-day cruises between New York and Quebec City, featuring calls in Newport, Boston, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and an overnight in Quebec.  Crown Princess departs on these sailings between September 14 and October 4.  The ship also offers one 12-day Canada & Colonial America sailing from Quebec City to Ft. Lauderdale on October 14, also featuring an overnight in Quebec and calls along the Eastern seaboard in Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, New York and Charleston.

Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean – Caribbean Princess will also offer six sailings to the crystal waters of the Caribbean with a nine-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from New York that includes calls at Bermuda (West End), San Juan, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk.

Windstar Cruises offers guests the opportunity to learn about Tuscan cooking from Volterra’s Chef Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry on Wind Surf’s September 5, 2010, Rome to Venice voyage.

Windstar’s Signature Collection Host Series features distinguished guests throughout the 2010 season, including Curtiss and Quisenberry. The duo will discuss Tuscan cooking during a lecture and question and answer session and also conduct a cooking demonstration. When the ship is in Kotor, Montenegro, Curtiss and Quisenberry will host a market tour.

Curtiss was formally trained in classic French cuisine and taught at the Sofitel French Culinary School. He led the helm at Miami’s Le Café Royale before becoming Executive Chef of Café des Artes on Ocean Drive. Curtiss’ Northwest culinary adventure began in 1992 holding Executive Chef positions at Al Boccalino, Assaggio, Prego Ristorante as well as Chef Partner at II Fornaio. He and wife, Quisenberry, own Volterra which is located in Seattle and named after the Tuscan hilltop where the couple married.

The restaurant features seasonal Tuscan specialties showcasing Curtiss’ innovative style including all natural, organic meats and poultry as well as house made pastas. Curtiss has been named “One of America’s Most Innovative Chefs,” by Wine Spectator and Volterra has received international acclaim and numerous awards. Bon Appétit calls Volterra “the city’s toughest reservation.”

Wind Surf’s 7-day Rome to Venice sailing departs September 5, 2010, and visits Capri, Italy; Taormina, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Hvar, Croatia. Cruise fares start at $2,749 per person, based on double occupancy.

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts, carrying just 148 to 312 guests. For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

Princess Cruises has launched a new “World of Savings” promotion that offers customers significant discounts on select 2010 voyages to many of the line’s worldwide destinations, including cruises to Asia & Africa, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii & the South Pacific and the Panama Canal.

The promotion runs through May 31 and features savings of up to $1,000 per couple off Launch Fares.

Examples of World of Savings starting fares include:

Asia & Africa – 15 days from $1,599 per person

Canada & New England – seven days from $549 per person

Caribbean – seven days from $499 per person

Europe – seven days from $1,099 per person

Hawaii & South Pacific – 10 days from $1,099 per person

Panama Canal – 10 days from $899 per person

The World of Savings promotion is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Additional information about the promotion is available at http://www.princess.com/worldofsavings.page

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.