Hurtigruten has announced pricing specials on its Spring and Summer line-up of Exploration Cruises – cruises designed to take in some of the world’s most remote destinations. All offer savings of 25% on the price of suites aboard the world’s newest and most deluxe expedition ship, the MS Fram, and free air from New York’s JFK or Newark’s Liberty Int’l Airport, if booked by April 31, 2010.

And to make it even more of a deal, Hurtigruten is allowing the discount to be combined with a two other offers: “10% Repeater Discount” – for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years; and “AARP” – members receive a $50 shipboard credit; as do “AAA” members. Add-on airfares from dozens of North American gateways range from $100 to $600.

Included cruises are three “Greenland” September departures – discounted rates for suites are $5,649 to $9,314 per person, double; the 11-day, May 29 “Climate Pilgrimage” sailing to Northern Norway and the Arctic island of Spitsbergen — $5,108 to $7,137 for suites (other cabin grades on this cruise enjoy a 15% reduction – no free air – $4,100 to $5,263); and a new European cruise — “Baltic Adventure” — a fascinating 11-day, roundtrip journey that takes in major sites in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Poland – suite fares are $4,325 to $5,522.

While guests see the effects of ‘global warming’ firsthand in Greenland, from both the deck of the luxury expedition ship and on shore, experts in numerous disciplines, including geology, weather, marine life, environment, history and culture, fill in the gaps of their understanding of this ice-encrusted ancient land. Passengers take in sights and scenery little changed in 5,000 years while moving from village to village, as well as spend time ashore, meeting and sharing time with the local population. Scenic highlights include Eqip Sermia Glacier, a huge wall of ice that calves directly into the sea; towering icebergs in Disko Bay and at the mouth of Jakobshavn Ice Fjord, a World Heritage Site; and Jakobshavn Glacier, the world’s most active glacier. Guided walking tours take in Inuit villages and towns, with tongue-twisting names – Qeqertarsuaq, Ukkusissat, Itelleq and Ilulissat – and illustrate how the friendly local populations flourish in one of the harshest climates on Earth.

Guests on Hurtigruten’s “Climate Pilgrimage” visit research stations, track wildlife, participate in field studies and meet with some of the field’s top climate research scientists during visits in Northern Norway and the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. The warming of the Arctic now allows vessels to cross the 80th parallel – something not possible less than 20 years ago. Walruses, whales and polar bears rule this region and the MS Fram will treat guests to a close look at the marginal ice-zone and its large yearly variations.

“Baltic Adventure” showcases the variety, beauty and fairy-tale quality of the Baltic Sea. The 11-day adventure begins and ends in Norway’s Oslo, exploring the city and visiting the museum that houses the original Fram – the only wooden-hulled ship to explore both poles, more than 100 years ago. Highlights include Sweden’s Stockholm, known as the “Venice of the North”; Finland’s Helsinki, boasting a lively marketplace, rich cultural life and architectural gems; St. Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, home to the famed Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum; Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn, a World Heritage Site due in large part to its 13th-century Toompea Castle and Kadriorg Palace; and Poland’s port city of Gdynia, a sister site of the 1970 rebellion, and now an important center of commerce.

The 12,700-ton, eight-deck MS Fram, makes significant use of Greenland’s culture as inspiration for design while incorporating a striking Scandinavian feel. Suites include seating areas, some with two rooms, TV, mini-bar and queen-size beds. The ship boasts an Internet café, a large glass-enclosed observation salon offering panoramic views, restaurant with ocean views, wellness center with saunas, work-out room and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools; a friendly and well-informed crew is ready to offer assistance and suggestions when asked.

All sailings include cabin category selected, three meals daily aboard ship, services of naturalist guides, specified land excursions and PolarCirkel excursions, ship transfers, government fees, cruise taxes and port charges. Airline fuel surcharges, air taxes and ticketing fees are additional.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten’s visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: (800) 323-7436; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day

Star Clippers announced today that is dropping calls in Antigua in the wake of last week’s murder of one of its passengers on the island.

The sailing ship line says it will substitute the Caribbean island of Nevis on upcoming itineraries of the 227-passenger Royal Clipper. The ship normally calls in Antigua every two weeks.

“Star Clippers has called at Antigua for many years without incident, and with its long sailing and yacht history, the island has always been a popular destination with our guests,” Star Clippers CEO Mikael Krafft said in a statement. “We are taking this decision after much deliberation, and we will continue to monitor the security situation in Antigua and evaluate our options for next winter season regarding returning to the island.”

As most of you know, I was on the sailing when Nina was murdered. I have been following the case very closely and unfortunately no one has been arrested yet. I believe Star Clippers is making a smart decision.

My Exclusive Journeys, the new tour operator that prides itself on a very high level of customer service, is offering a variety of journeys featuring small ship cruises in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru, with pre/post extensions in various cities.  The ships, which range from seven to 64 cabins, also vary in accommodation and amenity levels. Some are small and casual, just right for a family charter, while others are larger and much more luxurious—one even has a helicopter on board.

In Argentina and Chile, the 5-deck, 64-cabin twin ships Mare and Via Australis, which were purposely built for cruises to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, sail from Ushuaia around Cape Horn to Punta Arenas on 3-night voyages.  On the Beyond the End of the World journey, they are combined with Buenos Aires, Santiago and the Santa Cruz Wine Region (from $2,529).  Longer journeys from Buenos Aires to Santiago and vice versa include Bariloche or Iguazu Falls (from $3,933).

In Brazil, the 4-deck, 15-cabin riverboat Premium has spacious cabins and public spaces, but is shallow enough to navigate remote tributaries.  It makes 2-, 3- and 5-night cruises on the Amazon from Manaus, including Rio and Salvador de Bahia (from $2,941).  The larger, very upscale Gran Amazon (which has two pools, a fitness room and Internet access) cruises along the Negro and Solimoes rivers, as well as the Amazon.

Nomads of the Seas’ Atmosphere carries 28 passengers on 7-night “Posh Patagonia” cruises deep into the wilds of Chilean Patagonia in great luxury, complete with spa, thalassotherapy pools, a gourmet restaurant and—yes—a helicopter (from $10,928).

There’s a huge choice of small motor yachts, catamarans and expedition vessels plying Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands.  The star of the show, however, is the stylish and elegant motor sailer, Alta, which makes 7-night voyages through the Galapagos, often under sail.  They can be combined with a pre/post extension to Quito (from $6,995).

And finally, in Peru, cruising the northern Amazon from Iquitos, there are two beautiful cruise ships that look rather like large houseboats.  The M/V Aqua, custom-designed in 2007 to the highest standards, has 12 cabins with panoramic windows, excellent Peruvian cuisine and all the comforts of home.  The M/V Delfin, a 19^th-century-style Amazon riverboat, has seven cabins with private bath and air conditioning.  Both offer 3-, 4- and 7-night cruises plus visits to Cuzco and Machu Picchu (from $4,822).

All prices quoted are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and do not include flights, departure taxes, hotel taxes, Galapagos Park fees or gratuities.  Cruise only rates are available upon request.  For additional information, visit www.myexclusivejourneys.com or call 1-888-334-6905.

Star Clippers will drop Antigua as a port of call on five remaining Royal Clipper itineraries through April 10, after a passenger was attacked and killed there on Jan. 19.

The line will substitute Nevis for the scheduled stop at Antigua.

“Star Clippers has called at Antigua for many years without incident, and with its long sailing and yacht history, the island has always been a popular destination with our guests,” Star Clippers CEO Mikael Krafft said in a statement.

“We are taking this decision after much deliberation, and we will continue to monitor the security situation in Antigua and evaluate our options for next winter season regarding returning to the island.”

I personally know someone in Haiti who needs help.

Danita manages an orphanage, school and church plus feeds many others who are in need in Haiti. It’s called Danita’s Children, Hope for Haiti Children’s Center. Many of my friends have visited Danita’s orphanage in Haiti to help with construction, cleaning, cooking, sewing, taking generators and much more from the USA.

I would like to share her story with you. Danita was a model who felt there was a higher purpose for her in this life. She had spent some time in Haiti and, during one of her trips as she dined at a restaurant, her heart was breaking as she watched children rummage through the restaurant garbage for scraps of food. One little boy in particular seemed to make eye contact with her. As she watched him, a man came upon him and began beating him with a whip. She pushed the rather large man away and then began her mission in Haiti.

About Danita………………….and her orphanage. Although the Children’s Center is ok from the earthquake, they plan to take in some of the children who have lost parents in this catastrophe. Her full story is here:  http://www.danitaschildren.org/

Facebook is here. They only have about 800 fans. Perhaps in the next month or so this email will generate thousands for them:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33191921362&ref=search&sid=713189845.3640803289..1&v=info

Here are ways to give to the people in Haiti who really need our help. CruiseCompete is beginning this assistance with a donation of $1,000 to be sent today.

https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/DanitasChildrenHopeforH/OnlineDonation.html

If you find this meaningful, it would be nice for you to send to some of your friends and ask them to help also.

Thank you for your consideration and warmest regards,

Heidi Allison

Publisher, AllThingsCruise

Discover Scandinavia, Russia and the Baltic this summer and in addition to  all-inclusive amenities, for a limited time enjoy

2-for-1 Fares on Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines.  Also included are airfare and unlimited complimentary shore excursions, plus savings of up to $1,000 per person.

All Scandinavian and Russian itineraries also feature special business class air upgrades, ensuring you arrive rested and relaxed.

It’s all yours to discover aboard the 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager. This offer expires March 21, 2010. For more information, contact your travel agent or go to www.rssc.com. You can get great prices through www.cruisecompete.com.

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced a new partnership with Nickelodeon in which select Norwegian ships will feature Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming all year long.

Beginning in April on Norwegian Jewel and this summer on Norwegian Epic, Nickelodeon and Norwegian experiences for the entire family will include: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more. The three-year partnership also includes select specialty Nickelodeon-themed cruises each year, featuring Nickelodeon TV stars, show premieres and continuous themed-entertainment on the ship.

“Nickelodeon is an incredible family brand that is well-known to kids and parents of all ages,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “Combining its worldwide appeal with our signature Freestyle Cruising will create the ultimate experience at sea for families. For any family considering a cruise vacation, there is no better value and experience than Nickelodeon at Sea on Norwegian Cruise Line.”

“At a time when families are seeking special travel experiences, we see an opportunity to build on the success of our previous Nickelodeon cruises to create a unique family cruise vacation experience with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Howard Smith, executive vice president, Nickelodeon Recreation. “By partnering with Norwegian, we are now able to offer families Nickelodeon entertainment and programming at sea all year long.”

Nickelodeon at Sea will launch on Norwegian Jewel when the ship begins sailing from New York in late April, and on Norwegian’s latest addition to its fleet, Norwegian Epic, when she launches in July. Each cruise will feature live Nickelodeon-themed interactive shows, including: SlimeTime LIVE! with Nick’s signature slime; Nick Live! Poolside entertainment; character breakfasts and meet and greets; Nick-themed dance parties; and more. Nickelodeon-themed elements will also be incorporated into Norwegian’s Kids’ Crew program.

In addition to the year-round programming on Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Epic, special Nickelodeon-themed cruises will be offered annually where families can immerse themselves in everything Nickelodeon all day, every day. These unique cruises will include: special appearances by the Network’s live talent; show premieres; more live game shows; even more opportunities to visit with kids’ favorite Nick characters; and much more. The first of the Nickelodeon-themed specialty cruises is scheduled on Norwegian Jewel later this year. More details and an on sale date will be released soon.

To book a cruise on Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Epic or any of Norwegian’s ships, go to www.ncl.com, call 800-327-7030 or contact a travel professional. You will find your best rates through www.cruisecompete.com.

For a vacation that offers the opportunity to engage with a new culture, see new sights everyday and experience all of the comfort and ease of a “floating hotel” more travelers are turning to river cruising. With the cruising industry’s busiest booking period quickly approaching at the start of the New Year, Viking River Cruises is pleased to announce its suite of upcoming discounts for cruises and cruisetours in Europe, Russia, Egypt and China and highlight the positive booking trends, new itineraries and announce once-in-a-lifetime destination happenings coinciding with Viking’s 2010 season.

Viking River Cruises is currently offering the  following promotions, applicable for travel to some of its most popular itineraries and the world’s “hottest” destinations:

v Europe – 2-FOR-1 cruising plus $300 off international air per couple and complimentary wine with dinner. Offer code is “05P” and must be booked and paid in full by March 1, 2010.

v Russia & Ukraine — 2-FOR-1 cruising plus $400 off international air per couple and complimentary wine for all onboard dinners. Offer code is “08P” and must be booked and paid in full by March 1, 2010.

v China – 2-FOR-1 cruisetours, complimentary wine with onboard dinners, plus special international air offers:  2-FOR-1 international air for those booking stateroom categories B or higher on the Imperial Jewels of China and Roof of the World itineraries.  All other stateroom categories on the Imperial Jewels of China and Roof of the World itineraries and all stateroom categories on the Yangtze Explorer and China’s Cultural Delights itineraries receive international airfare at $300 off per couple.  Offer code is “06P” and must be booked and paid in full by March 1, 2010.

v Egypt – 2-FOR-1 cruising plus $300 off international air per couple and complimentary wine with all on-board dinners. Offer code is “05P” and must be booked and paid in full by March 1, 2010.

Completely new for 2010 Danube Waltz is an 8-day,  itinerary sailing through four of Europe’s most enchanting countries—Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia—along the storied Danube River, which includes a tour of the 900-year-old baroque Benedictine abbey at Melk and an all-day excursion to the scenic city of Salzburg.

Itineraries that were launched late in the 2009 season that will continue into 2010 include:

v  Nile Explorer, a  nine-day itinerary that showcases the highlights of Cairo and features a five-day Aswan-to-Luxor cruise rich with tours and experiences that bring Egypt’s ancient world to life for passengers

v  Rhine Serenade, an eight-day cruise passing through Switzerland, Germany, France and The Netherlands, which includes tours of many of the landmarks along this  legendary river such as medieval castles, Cologne’s inspiring Dom, and the windmills and waterworks of Holland

v   Vineyards & Vistas, an eight-day cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers features hillside castles and the sites, and gustatory delights of German wine country.

v  Lastly, Imperial Danube will take guests on and eight-day voyage along the Danube visiting Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.  Offering a more Eastern European flair than the Danube Waltz itinerary, this is a round-trip journey from Passau including excursions to unique Hungary’s largest Cathedral in the city of Esztergom and the tiny town of Visegrád, a former royal retreat, home to no less than three castles.

On Viking’s Eastern European Odyssey itinerary two new lectures on the Balkan conflict from the standpoint of two Serbian and Croatian lecturers as a component to the line’s 2010 Culture Curriculum^SM, its onboard, multi-media lectureship program offering a rich line-up of topics such as the Dutch Masters, the importance of China’s dynasties while sailing down the Yangtze, or a practical lesson on key words and phrases in the local language of the country or region travelers are in.

Offer restrictions apply for all Spring Sale promotions. Call 1?877?66VIKING for details.

Star Clippers announced that its tall ship in Asia will relocate to the Caribbean for the 2010 winter season due to increased piracy in the Far East.

Following its summer sailings in the Eastern Mediterranean, Star Clipper will reposition to St. Maarten in November for seven-night roundtrip cruises. The company has deployed a ship to the Far East during the winter for more than a decade. The Far East itineraries, featuring Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, have been well received, but owner Mikael Krafft said geopolitical conditions, not related directly to the destinations themselves, dictated this decision.

“Ensuring the safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority, and that is what we have considered in taking this difficult decision,” Krafft said. “Due to the rise of piracy in the Strait of Malacca, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and the increasing boldness of the pirates, we believe it is not prudent to transit those areas between our cruising grounds in the Mediterranean and the Far East. The future stability of the region is too unpredictable at this time. It is our sincere hope that the piracy situation can be alleviated, and when that happens, we plan to return to Thailand and Malaysia.”

Next winter, the Star Clipper instead will sail alternating Caribbean itineraries from St. Maarten to ports where large cruise ships typically don’t call. The Leeward Islands itinerary will call at Nevis, Dominica, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, Antigua and St. Barts. The Treasure Islands route will call at Anguilla, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, Tortola, Jost van Dyke, St. Kitts and St. Barts.

“This region of the Caribbean has proven very successful with our guests in the past, providing an interesting mix of the colonial heritage of the British, French and Dutch,” Krafft said. “And St. Maarten has excellent airlift from both the United States and our markets in Europe. Plus, having two ships in the Caribbean provides an opportunity for Royal Clipper and Star Clipper to easily rendezvous off Dominica for tall-ship racing, which is an amazing thrill and was always much appreciated by our guests.”

The Star Clipper will sail two Panama Canal cruises in early 2011 season. “Star Clippers’ Panama Canal cruises have always been very popular, with the spring 2010 Star Flyer sailing selling out in record time,” Krafft said. Prices will be published and reservations will open for the next winter Caribbean season later this month. For more information, call 800-442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com.

Norwegian Star is sailing next month to its ultimate port of call — the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

After a four-night repositioning cruise from Los Angeles, the Star will be berthed in Vancouver where it will become a four-star hotel throughout the Games.

Newwest Special Projects, an Edmonton-based company, has partnered with Norwegian Cruise Lines to dock the deluxe cruise ship at Vancouver Wharves near the Lions Gate Bridge. That’s just 10 minutes from downtown and across from Stanley Park with a stunning view of the Coastal Mountains and the city.

Businessperson Dennis Laliberte helped to boost the options for accommodation at the Games by chartering the ship that becomes a 1,119-room floating hotel handling 2,240 guests.

Calling it the “largest hotel” in Vancouver during the Games, Laliberte said the ship will offer many of the usual enticements enjoyed while at sea. Read the rest of this entry »