AMAWaterway’s AMAbella will be joining the AMA fleet in May 2010. This river cruising line has chartered this newest addition to the Australian market for 2010, providing accommodations to 148 passengers. The cabins will be a spacious 170-square feet, and most (80%) will offer a French balcony to enjoy the passing scenery. AMAWaterways also boasts an impressive new Infotainment System:

“Today’s travelers expect a full array of Internet and entertainment options and do not want to pay extra for them. Our new, enhanced complimentary Infotainment System is the best offering in cruising today and adds value to the guest’s experience on AMAWATERWAYS. Exciting no-charge features such as the latest hit movies and high-speed Internet access in each stateroom, plus Wi-Fi throughout all areas of the ship continue to set AMAWATERWAYS apart as the true innovator in the world of river cruising,” said AMAWATERWAYS President, Rudi Schreiner.

Avalon Waterways is premiering two ships in 2010, the Avalon Felicity (March 2010) and the Avalon Luminary (August 2010). Both ships will cruise the European river market, and hold 138 passengers. The ships will feature Wi-Fi hotspots, onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music. Most staterooms will have floor-to-ceiling sliding doors onto the French balconies, flat screen TV’s and private bathrooms with showers.

River cruises offer many amenities as their open sea counterparts, with a few extra special additions. Read on for 10 great reasons to take a river cruise this summer:

1. 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. River cruise lines often offer signature lectures to expand your knowledge.

2. Get an insider’s view: 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.

3. River cruise lines 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.

4. Have your cake (and cuisine, and wine), and eat it too: Dining on a river cruise line 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Exquisite river ships 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?

8. 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.

9. Unpack Bags Once: On a river cruise you only have to unpack your bags once. What could be better? Every day a different port is visited and the comfort of your ship and stateroom make traveling a treat.

10. 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.

With all these benefits, a river cruise is sounding better than ever! For more information on how to book a cruise on one of these outstanding new vessels, please visit CruiseCompete.com.

Crystal Cruises has outdone the excursion image and is offering Cosmonaut Training on five of its Baltic voyages. You’ll fly from St. Petersburg to Star City, in the secluded forests outside Moscow. Then the adventure(s) begin.

Not interested in weighing nothing? They’ll put you on a centrifuge so you can experience the G-forces of a rocket blast.

My personal advice is to eat nothing that day. Or else you might lose a few pounds in this adventure also.

But wait there’s more! The Final Challenge! You’ll go into Hydrospace. Translated, you’ll be submerged in 54,000 square feet of water. I have no idea how deep that is, but you’ll be wearing an authentic space suit,

and must install a space antenna on a replica of the International Space Station.

Better have fun as this one costs $32,995. Lord knows what they’ll charge you if you don’t get the antenna on correctly.

Cosmonaut programs start at $4359 and include round trip air from St. Petersburg to Moscow, overnight hotel accommodations, and a full-day Moscow city tour, including Red Square and the Kremlin.

An amazing chance to have something to talk about that very few people have ever done, except of course, the Russian Cosmonauts.

By Avid Cruiser Contributing Editor Susan J. Young, who operates the web site Southern Cruising (full credits and more about Susan at the bottom of this story)

After visiting Fincantieri Sestri Ponente yard in Genoa, Italy, I’ve changed my perspective about what to expect on Oceania Cruises’ new, 66,000-ton Marina. Frankly, I assumed the new design would simply replicate a pampering boutique hotel feel; that’s certainly trendy these days.

But not so, as I learned and as Oceania executives say. On Marina, they’re seeking to re-create the aura of a luxurious private estate.

Suites boast small pampering touches, like well-positioned reading lights and self-closing drawers, yet also have as bigger perks – including a media room in the Owners Suites and an exercise room within the Oceania Suites.

At Fincantieri Sestri Ponente in Genoa: Leading journalists on a tour of Oceania Marina is Frank del Rio, at right, chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, Oceania’s parent.

The overall goal is to assure guests feel they’re at home on their private estate. Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent of Oceania Cruises, says the line is aiming for a “residential feel” to the onboard product. Brand-wise, the best word to describe Oceania’s onboard product is “taste,” he says.

We have no doubt that will be the case. But since Marina doesn’t set sail on its inaugural voyage until January 2011, the ship is essentially bare steel at this point. It’s currently undergoing interior outfitting with public spaces, accommodations, design elements and décor being added. But here’s a sneak peak at the Penthouse Suites (from model staterooms at the shipyard) and information about some of the other spaces for suite dreams onboard.

Penthouse Suites (124 accommodations total)

Tranquility Prestige Queen bed in the Penthouse Suites. I sat down and even reclined on it briefly. The bedding was very comfortable. The duo of chairs at the foot of the bed are a nice touch.

Located on Deck 7, 9, 10 and 11, Penthouse suites encompass 420 square feet of space. The bedroom area has a queen bed that can be converted to twins. We loved the “two-sided” duo of chairs and a small table at the foot of the bed. I found the configuration helpful for both relaxing and working on my laptop.

Not on Oceania Marina but at Hotel Bentley in Genoa, where Oceania executives and press stay when in town. Leaves little doubt as to the source of inspiration for Marina’s configuration.

The bed as well those foot-of-the-bed chairs/table face a wall occupied by a dark brown toned armoire and dressing table area.

A curtain separates the bedroom area from the living room area. A nice touch: the additional window next to the sofa.

Wall appointments include a dressing table mirror as well as a flat-screen television. A curtain separates this bedroom area from the living room area.

The living room area for Penthouse suites consists of a couch, table that can double as a dining table and two plush chairs (according to the 3-D mockup the line uses on its Web site – but only one chair was present in the mock-up we toured).

Del Rio pointed out that the line also added a second small window next to the couch. It provides additional natural light and creates a more open feel to the suite.

Penthouse Suite Desk, separate from dressing table.

In addition, the living area features a desk, desk chair and refrigerated mini-bar. Sliding glass balcony doors lead to a private veranda. Most balcony floors including those for suites on Marina are teak.

The walk-in closet is adequate with plenty of hanging space, plus a dark brown chest of drawers, a safe, and rack for hanging items but not ties (see Ralph Grizzle’s Q&A with Frank del Rio about the casual atmosphere of the ship).

Partial View of the granite and marble bath

Comprised of granite and marble the Penthouse Suite bathroom has one vanity with sink (as shown at left*). This bathroom also boasts a full-sized soaking tub, and a separate shower with a rainforest showerhead.

Colors in the Penthouse suite? We found them soft and cool in shades of light blue, gold and tan/brown.

You won’t find bold, in-your-face bright colors as seen on some cruise ships. Bright colors, at times, can hide dirt. Del Rio wants guests on Marina to feel they’re in a private home and to know immediately their suite’s carpets are clean and fresh.

Oceania Suites

Twelve Oceania suites of more than 1,000 square feet await guests; they’re offered both forward and aft on Decks 11 and 12. Each will offer a living room and dining room, walk-in closet, expansive private veranda and separate bedroom area with a king-sized Prestige Tranquility bed.

The suite also includes a Master Bath with all the bells and whistles, plus a second, guest bathroom. Those booked in this suite will enjoy both a private whirlpool overlooking the sea and a whirlpool tub in the master bath.

Perhaps most innovative is a state-of-the-art media center, which will include a 50-inch flat-screen television. “It will have everything you’d have in a home theater,” Del Rio says.

While the mock-up on the Web site shows a couch facing the screen, Oceania’s President Bob Binder talked of soft reclining chairs for viewing, so the interior appointments for this suite apparently are still under discussion.

Vista Suites

Marina’s eight 1,200-to-1,500 square-foot Vista Suites overlook the bow and feature wraparound teak balconies. Guests might watch movies on a 42-inch LCD flat-screen television, enhanced by Bose surround sound. The bedroom, with a king-sized bed, also offers as second LCD flat-screen television.

Owner’s Suites

There are three 2,000-square-foot Owner’s suites, the first accommodations at sea totally furnished with the furniture, fabrics, lighting and bedding of the Ralph Lauren Home collection.

Three opulent, elegant 2,000-square-foot Owner’s suites are located aft on Decks 8, 9 and 10; they span the entire “beam” or width of the ship.

Designed by New York-based Tocar Interior Design, these will be the first accommodations at sea totally furnished with the furniture, fabrics, lighting and bedding of the Ralph Lauren Home collection.

Entering the suite’s ivory marble foyer and music room, guests will discover walls of inset Georgian wood paneling finished in an ivory gloss.

On either side, art niche are framed with polished stone; mirrors reflect the statues. Black and camel mosaic tile insets are surrounded by plush black carpeting trimmed with a polished nickel metal edge.

Design features include a mahogany gloss bar with three ivory leather and chrome stools; armchairs covered in faux crocodile and brown-and-white faux zebra skins; and an ivory brocade and black satin chaise. The focal point, though, will undoubtedly be the ebony baby grand piano.

Beyond the foyer/music room, this suite boasts a large living room and private dining area. The suite also includes a marble-and-granite-clad bathroom; walk-in closet; spacious bedroom with a king-sized Prestige Tranquility Bed; a private fitness room; and a second bathroom for guests.

Three LCD flat-screen televisions and a Bose sound system are provided as well as two laptops with wireless access.

Bob Binder, Oceania’s president and CEO, sat next to me at dinner in Genoa last week, and talked about what type of exercise equipment was being considered. Fitness equipment has to be the latest and greatest but it also must be easily operable so guests don’t hurt themselves.

This is a private exercise facility within the guest’s own quarters so no trainer will be present most of the time. At present, the line is still evaluating what equipment to utilize.

In terms of the Ralph Lauren design detail for the suite (beyond the foyer/music room described above), the detailed design press release is so trendy it lost me in translation at times.

Let’s just say it’s clear this category of top-end suite will be opulent and elegant.

Suite Perks

All suites feature 24-hour butler service, plus many other perks. Those include

• exclusive access to an executive lounge staffed by a concierge;
• the Prestige Tranquility bed with 1,000-thread-count linens;
• private veranda;
• welcome bottle of champagne;
• refrigerated mini-bar with free and unlimited soft drinks and bottled water replenished daily;
• full-sized bathtub in Penthouse suites;
• whirlpool tubs in Owner’s, Vista and Oceania Suites;
• priority check-in and early embarkation;
• priority luggage delivery;
• and priority restaurant reservations in Toscana, Polo Grill, Jacques and Red Ginger.

In addition, suite guests also receive:

• complimentary use of laptop computer with Internet access (extra charges for usage may apply);
• complimentary 24-hour room service;
• Bvlgari toiletries in Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites;
• L’Occitane toiletries in Penthouse suites;
• thick cotton robes, slippers and a cashmere lap blanket for use while onboard;
• LCD flat screen television (s);
• Grohe hand-held shower heads;
• security safe;
• handheld hair dryers;
• direct dial satellite phone and cellular service;
• and 110/220 volt outlets.

Owner’s, Vista and Oceania Suites also have a CD/DVD player with an extensive media library.

Other Accommodations

In addition to its selection of pampering suites, Marina will field 200 Concierge staterooms, 244 Veranda staterooms, 20 Oceanview staterooms and 18 Inside staterooms.

In Veranda staterooms, additional space has been added between the bed and closet in response to guest feedback. And, the cabin is 282 square feet, one third larger than balcony cabins on the line’s other ships.

Crew Accommodations

Crew quarters are designed for privacy, with private baths and private storage facilities.

An international crew of 800 serves guests onboard Marina. A happy crew leads to better service for guests, so Del Rio says the line has taken great care to utilize crew feedback and ideas for design of crew cabins.

During our time at the shipyard, we got a sneek peak at a mock-up of one crew cabin!

Each crew cabin has a private bathroom. Crew members also have a private closet for storing their personal belongings and clothing.

Florida-based Susan J. Young is a contributing editor for Avid Cruiser. A 20-year travel and cruise industry veteran, she’s the editor and publisher of SouthernCruising.com, a robust consumer Web site covering cruising from ports within the southern United States.

Young also serves as senior contributing editor-tours and cruises for a major U.S. travel trade publication. A member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she’s sailed on 70+ cruises within the past decade.

This article is reprinted with permission from SouthernCruising.com, which retains all rights to this story.

We’ve had several reports from readers since who noticed no foul smell, but today, Bob K. commented that his family did indeed notice an unpleasant odor. You can read all comments, including Bob K’s, on the Carnival Dream page.

I’ve done hours of exhaustive research on the subject, and am happy to provide some information on what these shiny new ships will be showcasing.

And now…I’m ready for a vacation…which ship shall I choose?

The newest ships on the water:

SilverSea’s Silver Spirit, the new flagship of the fleet, welcomed guests for its maiden voyage on December 23, 2009.  This ship accommodates just 540 guests, and has the largest suites (95% of which feature private verandas) in the Silversea fleet. The sophisticated traveler will appreciate the Art Deco feel of the ship, along with an enormous indoor/outdoor spa, resort-style pool and hot tubs.  Foodies will rave over the 6 separate dining venues that feature the renowned Silversea cuisine.  A bonus for those who love to nosh around the clock: the Star Supper Club, which features chic food choices and all-night entertainment.

Costa’s Costa Deliziosa, which launched February 5^th, 2010 boasts some exciting new entertainment innovations: a spectacular 4D cinema (with an 800-guest capacity!), 18-hole golf simulator, Grand Prix race car driving simulator, roller skating track and the “PlayStation World” area , which is dedicated exclusively to PS-3 video games.   Onboard activities, however, aren’t the only impressive thing about this 2,260 (double occupancy) passenger ship; it also showcases spectacular design elements which prominently feature marble, granite and Murano glass.  And those who love to be pampered will take pleasure in the Samsara Spa, which features Ayurvedic treatments, a “wellness restaurant” and a plethora of other services, including Thalassotherapy and Turkish Baths.

MCS’s Magnifica launched its inaugural cruise March 7, 2010.  This 2,518 passenger ship carries a crew of over 1,000, allowing for the kind of service makes it a cruiser’s dream.  This particular perk is reflected prominently in the MSC AUREA SPA, where expert Balinese personnel offer traditional Balinese massages and beauty treatments.  The ship features tennis courts, basketball, mini-golf and a jogging track, and guests have a choice of three swimming pools, including one with an inspired ‘Magrodome’ retractable roof.

On the horizon:

P&O Cruises Azura, scheduled to sail for the first time on April 12, 2010, is the first of the fleet to feature single staterooms.  Another choice for the 3100 passengers: a Spa Stateroom, where guests are treated to priority service at The Retreat, and a luxurious collection of spa treatments, events and gifts.   Promising a wide appeal, the fabulous Aqua Deck presents the Children’s Clubs aft, the Oasis Spa and Gym fore and Azura’s open air cinema SeaScreen in the middle.  Throw in the The Glass House, a wine connoisseurs dream, and venue for tasting vintages selected by expert Olly Smith, and you have a winning combination on this luxurious cruise ship.

Celebrity’s Celebrity Eclipse, launching April 29, 2010 features a freshly cut lawn on the uppermost deck in an area called The Lawn Club. The lawn club invites casual outdoor activities, and promises to let you feel the grass between your toes.  Numbering no less than 9, the bars, lounges and clubs prove there’s no limit on evening activities for adults; but the kids are taken care of too, in the ship’s Celebrity X-Club Youth Programs. And young and old alike aboard this 2850-passenger ship will love the dazzling Hot Glass Show, where professional glassblowers produce spectacular pieces of art in an interactive environment.

Seabourn’s Sojourn, launching June 6, 2010 is a luxury masterpiece, carrying 450 passengers and a 6-star rating that promises all-suite accommodations to rival the finest hotels.  The ocean view suites measure 295 to 1,682 square feet, and travelers can expect walk in closets, granite bathrooms and flat screen televisions.  Most (90%) will also feature private verandas. The ship will offer 24-hour room service, as well as luxury amenities such as treatments at The Spa at Seabourn, which covers two decks. There is also a fully-equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art cardio, strength and weight training equipment, and passengers will have the option of working with a personal trainer.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic, slated to sail June 24, 2010, will carry 4200 passengers and has an innovative specialty feature: cabins called the Studios are specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler.  These 100 square-foot cabins will have exclusive access to the Studio Lounge – a private, two-story lounge where solo cruisers can relax with a cup of coffee in the morning, or a drink in the evening.  The ship will also include Norwegian’s first-ever water park, with three multi-story waterslides, two main pools, five hot tubs and large sun decks for soaking up the rays.  Sip drinks in the unique ice bar, enjoy a stogie in the Humidor Cigar Lounge, or place your bets in the elegant full-action casino.

Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam’s inaugural cruise is scheduled to launch July 4, 2010. This 2,106-passenger ship, actually named the Nieuw Amsterdam IV, continues the glamour and history of its namesake predecessors with luxury appointments and spacious staterooms.  The ground-breaking Culinary Arts Center is presented by Food & Wine Magazine; culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes in onboard show kitchens.  And to experience the finer things in life, guests can enjoy their own private sanctuary; the Retreat cabanas are the definitive place to relax while surrounded by health-conscious refreshments and sumptuous amenities.

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth has her maiden voyage scheduled for October 12, 2010.  This 2092-passenger ship recalls the luxury and glamour of old with gleaming marble surfaces, polished woods, and plush fabrics.  The art deco flavor period flourishes and traditions abound; there are rounds of croquet on the Games Deck, afternoon tea is served by white-gloved waiters, and guests enjoy elegant dancing in the splendid double-heighted Queen’s Room ballroom.  The staterooms, too, are fabulously luxurious, with 71% having balconies, Guests staying in the highest category of suites will welcome the services of a butler, plus priority embarkation and disembarkation.

SeaCloud’s Sea Cloud Hussar, set for an inaugural cruise on November 4, 2010, is currently the largest full-rigged, three-mast tall ship designed to carry passengers.  The 138-passenger ship will cruise to destinations in the Arabian.  All cabins are ocean view and feature complimentary bathrobes, slippers, hair dryers, and have TV’s and e-mail access.  Take in superb views while relaxing in the open-air Jacuzzi on the Sun Deck, or enjoy the gym or spa to recharge your mind, body and soul.

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, set to launch December 5, 2010 offers something for everyone.  This ship 5,400-passenger ship provides outstanding amenities for youth, including the Adventure Ocean Theater and Science Lab, teen areas and a nursery service for the tiniest cruisers.  In addition, there’s the H2O Zone aqua park and full-size carousel on board!  The ship is also home to adult pursuits, offering a full service spa, an adults-only solarium, casinos and nightclubs.  Guests can also enjoy the state of the art fitness center, which includes cardio and resistance machines and Pilates, kickboxing, yoga and spinning classes.  The ship’s distinctive two-story Loft Suites are equipped with televisions, up-and-downstairs bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Disney’s Disney Dream sets sail January 26, 2011 and will accommodate 4,000 passengers.  This new ship is roughly 40% larger than its and two decks taller than Disney’s current ships the Magic and the Wonder; expect big things to come from this larger package!  Disney, always known for its family-friendly amenities, has stepped it up on this ship; look for a combination waterslide/rollercoaster (the Aquaduck) as well live musical shows, youth clubs and Goofy’s Sport Deck, which boasts a miniature golf course, virtual sports simulators and a basketball/volleyball court.  And in their spare time (Will there be any?) adults can enjoy 11 cafes, nightclubs and bars, the Quiet Cove (adults only) pool, and the full service spa and fitness center.  And here’s a neat new industry trick; on the Dream, inside cabins will have an outside view- each will have a porthole-shaped monitor which receives footage from cameras mounted outside the ship!

It’s no surprise that these new ships have everything the consumer can imagine to offer; the cruise industry is constantly upping their game, providing more and more to the passengers lucky enough to board. 

I’ve provided information about the launch dates of these ships for good reason- an inaugural cruise is truly something special.  Look for an upcoming story on why these cruises are such a unique and fabulous experience!

For more information on how to book a cruise on one of these outstanding new vessels, please visit CruiseCompete.com.

See you onboard!

DETROIT (Feb. 17, 2010) – For those looking for adventure, exploration and a bird’s eye view of the Top of the World, a 15-day Expedition Cruise to the North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker “50 Years of Victory” is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 50 Years of Victory is the world’s most powerful and sophisticated expedition vessel.

AllThingsCruise, in partnership with Expedition Cruises, is offering an extraordinary journey to the North Pole on the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker “50 Years of Victory.” The Arctic adventure runs between July 23 and Aug. 06, 2010.

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 this nuclear-powered icebreaker with power, state-of-the-art technology and comfort all rolled into one.

“This North Pole Expedition Cruise is the ultimate travel experience,” said Heidi Allison-Shane, Publisher & Executive Editor of AllThingsCruise. Guests will be part of a memorable and incredible journey to the top of the world – the North Pole. 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.

What’s it like 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.

The expedition includes two nights in a top Helsinki hotel before and after the cruise, group transfers between hotel and ship, an incredible voyage to the North Pole, all planned shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopters, and lectures and informal talks by experienced Expedition team and guest lecturers. A Russian Visa is required for this trip.

For more information and complete details about the North Pole Expedition Cruise on the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker “50 Years of Victory,” please visit AllThingsCruise.com

FDR, of course, is the out-spoken Chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. I say outspoken because FDR, with all respect, has no filter. He says what’s on his mind, and most times that’s refreshing and insightful, as you’ll read in the Q&A below.

He has made a fortune, rising from the ashes of Renaissance Cruises, which, in failing financial health, ceased operations on September 25, 2001. Like the mythical Phoenix, FDR flapped his expansive wings (with two former Renaissance vessels tucked underneath) and launched the upper-premium brand Oceania Cruises in 2002. It was pure genius.

FDR and company had found an untapped niche tucked between the premium brands and the luxury brands. Oceania’s positioning of upper premium not only had marketing cachet, but also appealed to a whole lot of people, which is why eight years later, Oceania’s three vessels still have a huge and loyal following, and why the company is building not one, but two, new ships.

The reason I want to be FDR is not because he’s rich (though I wouldn’t mind having a bulging wallet) but because of his passion and commitment. FDR knows what his brand stands for, and equally important, what it does not. I only wish I had such clarity of focus.

Thinking about it, it’s probably a good thing I do not inhabit FDR’s persona, because let’s be frank (ha!), I would have done something really dumb, like positioning the company as ”lower luxury” instead of “upper premium.” And that would have never worked. Or would it? Let’s leave that for contemplation and go have a chat with the chief.

Q & A With Oceania’s Frank Del Rio

During a walkthrough of Oceania Marina, under construction in Genoa, Italy, Frank Del Rio, Chairman & CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, talked with the Avid Cruiser about the new ship, the Oceania brand and the line’s upper-premium positioning.

Ralph Grizzle: With Marina, you’re nearly doubling the capacity of your existing ships. What impact will that have on the guest experience?

Frank del Rio: There is an 80 percent increase in passenger capacity on Marina, but a 120 percent increase in the size of the ship, so the size makes for a more comfortable ship. The guest-to-space ratio is much higher on Marina than on our existing vessels.

[Editor's note: Oceania's newest ship will have similar capacity to Holland America Line "S Class" vessels, such as Maasdam, but Marina will have 25 percent more space.]

Also, we will have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than we have on our existing ships [800 crew to 1,258 guests]. We’re elevating the Oceania experience by improving everything that we can — entertainment, the number of restaurant offerings, the guest-to-space ratio and so forth.

Q.How involved are you in Marina’s design?

FDR: Short of having a hammer in my hand, I am involved. It’s Bob [Binder, Oceania's president] and me. He’s been alongside every step of the way. We happen to have common tastes, so it’s not often that he wants green and I want blue. You can see our fingerprint in every room on the ship.

Q. Marina is the first ship to feature suites appoint with furniture and fabrics from Ralph Lauren’s Home Collection. How did that relationship come about?

FDR: We wanted a signature stateroom, and we thought about which American designer best represented what the Oceania brand stands for —casual, timeless elegance. Ralph Lauren was it.

Q. You pointed out in one of the walk-in closets there was no tie rack. Why not?

FDR: There’s no tie rack purposely. We make it a point that we offer a country club casual ambience where tuxedoes and suits are never required. I would be going against my own brand identity if I told you to bring a tie. I don’t want you to bring a tie. You’re on vacation. I want you to relax. I want you to be casual and comfortable.

Q. As we were looking at the space where the Terrace Cafe will be, you told me that one of your pet peeves is standing in line. How have you handled that on Marina?

FDR: We’ve eliminated it on all of our ships. If there is a line, we’ve failed miserably.

Q. The ship designers joke that you’re not building a ship, but a floating galley. How do you respond to that?

FDR: For fine cuisine you need three ingredients: a good chef, good natural products and a good galley, and you can see we’ve done that by creating a very large, well-built galley.

Q. Other cruise lines are sourcing passengers from Europe, but not Oceania. It seems to be a very American product. Why?

FDR: It’s not that we’re an American cruise line; it’s that there is so much demand for our product on our own shores. And it’s so efficient to source from the United States that up to now we have not needed to do a whole lot of sourcing offshore. However, about 15 percent of Oceania’s business comes from outside the U.S. and Canada, with Australia and New Zealand being our number-one, non-North American market.

Q. One reporter said that the closest competitor that comes to mind for this size ship (1,258 passengers) and quality of product offered is Crystal. How do you respond to that?

FDR: We don’t target Crystal. We don’t target their product. We don’t target their guests. In reality, we don’t target any other cruise line. We are what we are. I believe the majority of our new customers that will come to Marina will not come from Crystal. They’ll come from Holland America, they’ll come from Celebrity, they’ll come from Princess. If you take the upper suites on board Princess, Celebrity, Holland America and Cunard, just the upper suites, do you know what percentage of those customers I need to fill Marina? 1.2 percent. So why bother targeting Crystal? 1.2 percent of the upper suites [on the premium lines] fills Marina.

Q. Tell me about some of the enrichment programs on Marina.

FDR: We’ll have the Bon Appetit Culinary Center, created in conjunction with Bon Appetit magazine. Unlike many cruise lines that have some sort of cooking demonstration, which is a look-but-don’t-touch experience, this is a hands-on cooking school. People will pay similar to what they would pay for a shore excursions to attend classes that are taught by top chefs who we’ll bring on board as guest chefs.

You’ll go ashore to a market, bring back fresh vegetables and meats and fish, and the chefs actually teach you how to cook. There’ll be 24 individual work stations with your own cook tops, your own ovens, your own pots and pans and knives to slice and dice, and you’ll actually learn to cook. You can take one course, or you can take a series of courses throughout the voyage, so that by the end of your voyage, you are a seasoned chef or at least you’ve learned how to boil water.

Across the hall from the Culinary Center is the Artist’s Loft. The idea is that we will always have a resident artist on board. On one cruise there could be a resident oil painter who will teach you to paint with oil. On the next cruise there could be someone who teaches you how to do sculpture or some kind of crafts.

Oceania has longer itineraries than most cruise lines, and people want to make sure they have plenty to do. We think the idea of the Culinary Center and the Artist’s loft resonates with our customers, who are into enriching themselves. They’re way past accumulating things. They’re into experiencing things. They want to learn.

Q. So Marina will not be offering a seven-day itinerary?

FDR: The shortest itinerary Marina will offer is 10 days. Her sweet spot is 10 to 14 days. Why would you want to leave the ship after seven days?

Q. What was the response on the opening sales day for Marina?

FDR: In the first 24 hours, all of the owner’s suites, all the vistas, all the oceania suites, all the penthouses went. In one day, 53 percent of the inventory sold [Marina's inaugural season is sold out.]

Q. Will Marina offer open-seating dining?

FDR: Yes. Even if everybody decides to come to dinner at the same time we can handle it. The maximum guest count is 1,258. We have 1,577 seats in all of our dining rooms. The idea is that no dining room will ever fill crowded, the waiters won’t be rushed. Now obviously, not everybody can dine in Polo at the same time, because there are only 134 seats. But there will always be a seat for you at one of our restaurants at any time.

Q. When did the idea come about to build Marina?

FDR: During the inaugural of Nautica, November of 2005. It was obvious by that time. Oceania had three ships, the demand for the product was overwhelming, and there were no more R ships to be had. To grow the business, I had to order another ship. So we were planning everything — the design, the architects, the shipyard — and when we became associated with Apollo, we had the financial wherewithal to actually pull the trigger. Within 60 days of closing our transaction with Apollo, we placed the order.

Q. What was the first design element that went down on paper?

FDR: If you really drill down, the first thing we thought of in building the ship was the cabins. And the one thing in the cabins that we designed first, that we said everything had to be designed around, was the bathrooms.

The building of Marina has always been a collaboration between Bob [Binder] and I and Robin [Lindsay] and Franco [Semeraro, senior vice president hotel operations]. We’re very close. We’re not just colleagues, we’re friends. We sat around the campfire, and we asked when we build our next ship, what do you want? Everybody had a list. Maybe we’re boring, but we don’t have many disagreements. We all know what we want. We know what the brand stands for and what it doesn’t. One of the things I think we do well is that we know what we are and what we’re not. We don’t try to be everything to all. You can’t please everybody all the time.

Q. What does Oceania stand for?

FDR: We are primarily a destination-oriented, foody-lover’s cruise line, and if you can stay within those parameters and execute flawlessly, we think the market is huge.

Everyone, from crib to coffin, pedals a bike in Amsterdam.

Cruising to or from Amsterdam? Why not do what the Dutch do and straddle a saddle? Hop on a bike and pedal your way through Amsterdam and the beautiful countryside.

Everyone, from crib to coffin, pedals a bike in Amsterdam. The entire country of the Netherlands is mostly flat and ideal for cycling, but the best part is that cyclists pedal along roads either with no cars at all (with tiny traffic lights for bikes) — or with drivers who actually pay attention to cyclists.

That is why Dutch cyclists are 30 times less likely to be killed than their stateside counterparts, according to Bicycling magazine. And that is why for tourists, cycling is a match made, well, in the Netherlands.

You can pedal in the city center, of course, but the real pleasure comes in getting out in the countryside. During my visit to Amsterdam, the rental agency, Mac Bike, recommended a route called “The Great Waterland Bicycle Tour.”

I followed the route, well described on the map, through Amsterdam, riding past charming canals, beautiful architecture, past pedestrians (and nearly over one or two who stepped in front of the bike) and alongside other cyclists and eventually found my way to the train station and the ferry across to Waterland, north of Amsterdam.

Join other cyclists on the free ferry toward Waterland.

The ferries are free and transit every five minutes or so. A ramp lowers and you push your bike on.

In fact, I don’t think there is any public facility that hasn’t been set up for bikes. Even outdoor stairways, have a steel gutter to accommodate the bike’s wheels.

The ferry transit is only a couple of minutes, and I stood there among a throng of other cyclists waiting to reach the other side.

Once on the other side, I and the others pedaled off. After about an hour of pedaling past attractive countryside, I stopped for lunch in a beautiful seaside village, where I dined on a plate of mussels, french fries, salad, bread, applesauce and cole slaw.

It’s hard to imagine a better meal or a more deserved one — after cycling.

Fortified, I pedaled again. I rode along a dyke through Uitdam and to the charming village of Marken, where the fishermen’s houses were built on poles.

Precious cargo!

The town is a tourist attraction, where all the homes are painted a dark green with red tile roofs.

During my ride, I learned at least two things about cycling in the Netherlands. The first was how to carry three ice cream cones on a bike. I saw a girl doing just that.

To carry three, she turned one cone upside down on top of the other so that she had only to contend with two cones in one hand. Smart.

I also learned how to carry twins. I saw a woman riding a bike with the front end having two wheels and a cart in between. Up front were the twin girls. I learned that this is quite common in the Netherlands.

I continued to ride to Monnickendam, a charming village, then to Zuiderwoude, where I could see the “Welcome to the town limits” and “You Are Leaving the town limits” signs as I pedaled in. There was a wonderful teahouse there.

In the countryside, take a break at the teahouse in Zuiderwoude.

I rode along the Amstel, past barges and boats to the small village of Ouderkerk ann de Amstel, older than Amsterdam. I stopped there to have an apple shortcake from a century-old bakery and a Witte beer at a restaurant dating back to 1624.

Older than Amsterdam, Ouderkerk ann de Amstel makes for a good stop to have a beer.

I picked my way back to the ferry. The complete circuit took more than six hours and was so enjoyable. I hope to do it again one day.

Everyone cycles in Amsterdam. I was told the SH on the bike pictured indicated that someone with a hearing handicap was the owner.

Queen Mary 2 in Sydney, Australia

The largest ship ever to visit Australia, Queen Mary 2 will call at eight Australian ports during her time Down Under including Sydney, Fremantle, Adelaide and the Whitsundays, as well as maiden visits to Cairns (Yorkey’s Knob), Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane. Her circumnavigation will also include a call at Bali.

Passengers will be able to choose from three circumnavigation options – a 22-night voyage departing Sydney on 14 February 2012, a 20-night voyage departing Fremantle on 8 February 2012 and a 21-night voyage departing Adelaide on 11 February 2012.

In all, Queen Mary 2 will spend 28 nights in Australian waters, as she sails from Cape Town to Sydney via Fremantle and Adelaide, and then circumnavigates the country. As a result, Fremantle, Adelaide and Sydney will each enjoy two visits from the liner during her Australian season.

The Australian deployment will mark the longest period of time that Queen Mary 2 has been based in one country outside of her northern hemisphere home ports of Southampton and New York.

Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line, said “Cunard has strong and proud links with Australia, going back many years.”

“Recognising the enduring appeal and increased demand from Australians for the unique Cunard Line experience, we are delighted to offer this series of legendary voyages for our flagship Queen Mary 2 in Australia in 2012,” he said.

The Royal Circumnavigation of Australia will go on sale this spring as part of the announcement of the 2012 World Voyage programme.

For more information about Queen Mary 2 and to book a voyage, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com. For best prices, go to www.cruisecompete.com.

Sonesta Cruise Collection

1-800-SONESTA

http://www.sonesta.com/Nilecruises/

About Sonesta Cruise Collection:

Sail the majestic Nile between Luxor and Aswan in the comfort and modern luxury of one of Sonesta’s 5-star cruise ships. Enjoy upscale hospitality as you watch 5,000 years of history unfold before you on an unforgettable journey through ancient Egypt. Sonesta recently launched an elegant new small cruise vessel – the Sonesta Dahabeya - bringing the fleet to 6. The Sonesta Amirat Dahabeya offers 8 cabins and suites and joins the Sonesta Star Goddess which offers all-suite accommodations; the Sonesta St. George I offers 5-star service and accommodations, the newly renovated Sonesta Nile Goddess, Moon Goddess, and Sun Goddess.

Sonesta Cruise Collection Destinations:

• Nile River

Sonesta Cruise Collection Ships:

• Sonesta Moon Goddess , 53 passengers
• Sonesta Nile Goddess , 53 passengers
• Sonesta Star Goddess, 33 passengers
•  Sonesta Sun Goddess, 62 passengers
•  Sonesta St. George I, 57 passengers
• Sonesta Amirat Dahabeya, 8 passengers

More Information: 

Sonesta offers 3, 4 and 7 night cruises.  Daily guided excursions from the ships visit the historic sites of mysterious, ancient Egypt including the Temple of Philae, Komombo, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak and Luxor temples. In Aswan guests may also enjoy a traditional felucca journey around Kitchener’s Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.