Here is a very interesting cruise for history buffs… the Great American Steamboat Company has scheduled their newly-refurbished American Queen steamboat for a 12-night voyage that begins on Aug. 9, 2012, with 2 days of steamboatingand ports of call to include: New Orleans, LA, Vicksburg, MS, Helena, AK, Memphis, TN, Ashport Landing, TN, Paducah, KY, Savannah, TN, Decatur, AL and Chattanooga, TN.

What’s significant about this voyage is that it will be a PBS American Experience cruise, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, and will premiere the highly-anticipated PBS documentary “This Republic of Suffering.”

“This Republic of Suffering,” is the latest production by American Experience; those participating in the cruise will have a sneak peek at the final product weeks ahead of its national debut on PBS stations across the country. The documentary is based This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War, a book by historian and Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust.

The content of the documentary examines how the previously unmatched death toll of the Civil War changed American cultural attitudes and federal government policies regarding soldiers.

Join Emmy Award-winning writer, director and filmmaker Ric Burns and acclaimed executive producer of American Experience Mark Samels as they premier and discussing the upcoming PBS production with passengers aboard.

Other esteemed guests for this unique American Experience voyage include…

Also appearing…

• Brian Still Wills, historian
• James I. “Bud” Robertson, Jr., historian
• Barry Meadows, tribute artist: General Ulysses S. Grant
• Al Stone, tribute artist: General Robert E. Lee
• Cathy Barton & Dave Para, Civil War era musicians
• Bobby Horton, Civil War historian & musician

Find out more about the Great American Steamboat Company and its ship, the American Queen.

My friend Rick Hazan with Dream Maker Vacations is presenting a wonderful offer for those of you looking for a European river cruise this summer, and I just had to pass along this information… Warm Regards, Heidi

My name is Rick Hazan and, like you, I am a cruising enthusiast. I’ve been on countless cruises, experiencing exotic and beautiful ports and countries like Madagascar, Mumbai, New Zealand and Chile.

I’d like to share with you my latest passion in cruising ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­– river cruising. If like me, you have cruised long enough to remember when a “large ship” was 1,000 people, that ships were more inclusive without all the extras, and the crew actually knew your name, you will love river cruising.

Warm regards,

Rick

Richard Hazan
President
Dream Maker Vacations
3125 Old McHenry
Long Grove, IL 60047
Phone: +1 (847) 550-9191
Fax:  847-660-6311
rickhazan@dmvacation.com
www.dmvacation.com

p.s. We have an unbelievable offer for you.

First, I personally like to know about pricing, so here’s a tip:  If you book the river cruises outlined below by April 13, 2012, in addition to our already amazing price you can save up to an additional $150 per person by using the Danube-apr-blast discount code when you book with us.

The credits break down as follows: $50 for Window, $100 for mid-deck French Balcony, and $150 for top-deck French Balcony. There are limited cabins of 10-15 on each departure date.

Now a little about this adventure…………..Having taken four European river cruises (with my fifth later this year) it is easy to see why this type of travel is now in high demand, despite the higher initial price point. And here’s the good news – you’ll find that our pricing is affordable.

Traditionally, there have been two methods to tour Europe. You could either live out of a suitcase, traveling from hotel to hotel, or take an ocean cruise. Unfortunately, neither of them was a great option. Packing and unpacking as you moved was tiring and time consuming, and ocean cruises also posed a problem: the ships must dock at ports far away from many of the great cities of Europe like Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Strasbourg.

River cruising solves all that, as most of Europe’s historic cities are located right along the rivers. You unpack only once for seven nights of scenic cruising right on the rivers along these picturesque cities, towns and villages, while enjoying good food and wine and luxurious accommodations.

River cruising is like the cruising of a forgotten era, with intimate ships of only 150 passengers or so. When you consider that many amenities are included with your river cruise, such as wine with dinner and many of your sightseeing tours it is a wonderful value. It is one of the greatest ways to travel and experience the best of Europe, and no affordable with prices from $1,999 for an outside cabin.

Right now Dream Maker Vacations has an amazing deal on a five-star Danube River Cruise that starts on three different peak season dates – September 10, 2012, September 17, 2012, and October 1, 2012. We also have a Five Star Rhine River Cruise that embarks on three different peak dates as well – August 1, 2012, August 29, 2012, and October 10, 2012. This peak time of year is rarely discounted (at least on the newer ships), so these five star cruises are a real find.

We are able to offer you 30-40% off the current going river cruise market rate on the modern Amadeus Diamond and the Amadeus Princess ships.

For voyages on the Danube, you have the choice of three peak season sailings. You can select from the above departure dates cruising between Budapest and Nuremberg with the option to visit Prague. Plus, if you book by April 13, 2012, you will save between $50 and $150 per person by using the Danube-apr-blast discount code when you book with us. Your price includes an outside cabin, seven tours and all meals, including wine with dinner. The prices start at $1,999 for an outside cabin. For more information and photos visit our website at www.dmvacation.com or by e-mailing info@dmvacation.com.

For the Rhine River Cruise, you also have the choice of three peak season voyages (listed above) that sail between Amsterdam and Basel (Switzerland), which is just a few hours from Paris. The same great savings are available for the Rhine; simply book by April 10, 2012, and you will save between $50-150 per person. Price includes seven tours and all meals, and starts at $1,999 for an outside cabin. For more information, go to our website at www.dmvacation.com or email info@dmvacation.com.

River cruising has become the hottest sector in the market and I’d like to share some answers to common questions about this way of seeing the world. Click on any underlined link to read more detailed information.

Q. When is the most popular time to go on a river cruise in Europe?

A. The last two weeks of May or the month of September have the overall best weather and are therefore the most in demand.

Q. What are the main differences between an ocean cruise and a river cruise?

A. River cruising is not like an ocean cruise, it is more like a traveling on a sailing boutique hotel that moves gently down the river. Some distinctions are: fewer people (generally about 150), docking right in town, not in some far away port, frequent overnight stays in a port, included tours, and calm waters. At the same time, river cruises generally do not have onboard casinos or a dizzying array of live acts on board. Read nine reasons to take a river cruise over an ocean cruise.

Q. What is the service like?

A. Fewer people mean more attentive service and a more personal relationship with the staff. On the quality lines you will find the service levels to be quite high.

Q.   What is the food like on board?

A. The food is comparable to the quality of many ocean cruise lines, but generally with less selection. However, most river cruise lines are able to handle special food requests and have a few standard ‘always available’ items.

Q.   Are there assigned seating and times?

A. Most ships have open seating, allowing you to select the people you would like to dine with at each meal. Breakfast and lunch have opening and closing times, while dinner has one seating time and you are asked to arrive close to the opening time.

Q. What are the cabins like?

A. Very much like the ones you find on an ocean liner. They are approximately the same size and always have full facilities. Most have satellite TV (as you are never away from shore it works nearly all the time), safes, desks and similar storage. Beds generally can be configured to be one king or two twin beds.

Q.   Why do river cruises seem to cost so much more than ocean cruises?

A. The river cruise overall is an excellent value, and is actually much more inclusive than ocean liners, which over the years have made many services and amenities a pay-as-you-go proposition. River cruises generally only have 150 passengers on board, and do not get the savings from volume – having 3,000 to 5,000 passengers like larger ships. Also, they do not have large shopping malls, art auctions or other high-priced offerings that generate revenue from the passengers on board. Keep in mind that river cruises do not operate year round. So, the overall expense may initially seem to be more, but then consider that river cruises only offer outside cabins, include many tours, and include wine with dinner, and you can start to see the value.

Q. Is English spoken on board?

A. For the lines that we suggest, English is the common language spoken on board and there is also an English-speaking Cruise Director.

Q. Is there any tendering?

A. You do not tender, which saves you time. Additionally, because you are on a river you will always be in sight of land and you will always dock in port. Most of the ports are right in the heart of the city.

Q.   Is there a doctor onboard?

A. No, but as the ship always sails close to shore, so in the event of an emergency, medical service can be requested promptly.

Q. What are services are found on board?

A. Many of the modern vessels have internet available, laundry service, fitness rooms and are non-smoking inside.

Q. What is the dress code?

A. During the daytime casual attire is the norm. Shorts are acceptable during the day. At dinner it is casual dress with a collared shirt (e.g., polo) and pants. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes as some of your tours are sure to include walking.

Q.   Are sightseeing tours expensive?

A. Many tours are already included in the price that you pay for the cruise. On some routes there are a few options, but at prices you would generally expect.

Oceania has been very busy as of late.  They recently premiered their new vessel, the Marina, to rave reviews.  Friends who’ve been onboard tell me this is one of the most beautiful ships they’ve ever seen, rivaling the top ultra luxury ships at a more affordable cruising price.

Now, it seems, Oceania has turned its attention to its itineraries, and following a one year absence, Oceania Cruises will return to Alaska in 2013.  The line will run cruises from May through mid-August 2013 with a choice of 7 itineraries.

Gateway to Alaska – (Departing 5/9/13) Nine days-  San Francisco to Vancouver, visiting Astoria, Oregon, Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Fjords and Frontiers – (Departing 5/19/13) Seven days.  Roundtrip from Vancouver, ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Wrangell.

Majesty of Alaska – (Departing 5/26/13). 10 days. Vancouver to Seattle (a maiden port for Oceania Cruises), calling at Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah and Ketchikan.

Alaskan Wonders – (Departing 6/5, 6/12, 6/29, and 7/6/13) Seven days. Seattle to Vancouver, with visits to Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Alaskan Wilderness – (Departing 6/19 and 7/13/13) 10 days roundtrip from Seattle. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah, Sitka and Victoria, BC.

Glacial Passage – (Departing 7/23, 7/30, 8/6/13) Seven days. Seattle to Vancouver, calling at Sitka, Wrangell and Ketchikan.

Alaskan Grandeur – (Departing 8/13/13) 10 days. Vancouver to San Francisco, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Victoria, BC and Astoria, Oregon. Departure: Aug 13.

Look for special savings on these itineraries, Oceania will be offering two-for-one cruise fares, free air and savings of up to $3,500 per stateroom, Oceania Cruises is offering two-for-one savings on its new. The Unlimited Passport Collection package promotion, which has a value of up to $999, will also be available for guests who book an Alaska cruise by June 30, 2012.

Lovers of MSC Cruises are abuzz with excitement: in May 2012, their latest ship, the MSC Divina joins the fleet.  As part of the Fantasia class, this ship will be the largest in the fleet (139,400 tons) and feature design enhancements such as increased capacity (with 3502 guests), an Infinity Garden Pool and beach zone.

The ship will also feature a new fresh water production system that takes 40% less power, making it a greener alternative to previous versions.

The MSC Divina will, however, stay true to its sister ships’ MSC Yacht Club feature, which showcases 69 suites in a “ship-within-a-ship” concept.   Guests of the MSC Yacht Club enjoy personal butlers, complimentary wines and spirits, and the MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive lounges and pool area. This ultra-exclusive area includes several private venues, including Le Muse panoramic restaurant and the Top Sail Lounge.

All MSC Divina guests will enjoy three restaurants and a Tex-Mex “alternative dining restaurant”, and the Acqua Park.  The ship will also feature the MSC Aurea Spa with Balinese-inspired treatments, children’s and teen areas, interactive 4-D Cinema, and entertainment in the 1,603-seat Pantheon Theatre.

The ship will be christened May 26 in Marseille, France,  then embark on a 6-night cruise to Venice, calling at Civitavecchia, Messina, Valetta and Dubrovnik.

Once the maiden voyage has been completed, the ship will make voyages of 7-night Eastern Mediterranean roundtrip itineraries from Venice and Bari, calling in Katakalon, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik, through October 2012.

Image courtesy of Cunard

Transatlantic travel should be a majestic experience, one that evokes the pleasures of a golden era.  This is perhaps bestcaptured by Cunard, a name that has long been synonymous with luxury cruising.   Over time, they have refurbished and updated their ships while still holding true to the traditional values that have made them so popular.

Now, they’ve added a program sure to have  guests singing their praises: the Cunard Wedding Programme.  For the first time in the Line’s 172-year history, beginning in April 2012, guests will be able to celebrate an unforgettable wedding day at sea!

Please read on for a quick Q&A regarding this impressive addition to the line’s amenities:

Is a wedding program offered on Cunard?

Yes! Beginning in April 2012, guests can celebrate an extraordinary wedding at sea, aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. They are available on Cunard’s worldwide voyages lasting seven nights or more.

Who performs the weddings on Cunard?

Ceremonies are conducted by the Captain.

Where do the Cunard weddings take place?

Various venues are available aboard each ship depending on the size of the wedding party, from elegant lounges to award-winning restaurants, including The Verandah on Queen Elizabeth and Todd English on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

Where are Cunard receptions held?

Venues vary according to wedding party size (see above).

How many guests can be accommodated at a Cunard wedding?

Weddings are performed at sea; attendees must be Cunard guests- please speak with a coordinator about wedding size.

What time of day are Cunard weddings performed?

At either 11:00 a.m. or 3:30 p.m., and the ceremonies will take place on days at sea.

Cunard Wedding Package information:

Cunard has created a Wedding Package – with a tempting array of optional extras – to meet all requirements.  The main package includes the ceremony conducted by the Captain, traditional wedding music, a White Star Bellman escorting the bride, floral arrangements, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and, of course, the wedding cake as well as priority check-in and luggage delivery.

A never-to-be-forgotten day is available for $2,500 plus a marriage license fee of $575.  An array of Cunard’s “Finishing Touches” are also available for purchase and include items such as a Bride and Groom’s Champagne and Caviar Breakfast in Bed, or a three-tiered fruit cake.  In addition, wedding gifts of fine wines, champagne and spa treatments can be purchased in advance and arranged for on board.

What’s included in the Wedding Package:

• Priority luggage delivery
• Press service for bridal outfits
• Priority embarkation (and disembarkation) for the bridal couple
• Services of a wedding coordinator on board
• Two fresh floral arrangements for the ceremonial room
• Bridal bouquet and bridegroom’s boutonniere, with a choice of roses,   lilies or exotic flowers
• One-tier wedding cake
• Traditional wedding music
• Elegant wedding ceremony venue
• White Star Bellman to escort the bride to the ceremonial room
• Ceremony at sea conducted by the Captain
• Commemorative wedding certificate
• Commemorative printed wedding menu
• Bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne
• Bride & Groom Breakfast in Bed
• Wedding invitations and Thank You cards for voyage guests

Cunard Wedding Receptions:

Weddings can be tailored with Cunard’s “Finishing Touches” to reflect individual requests and preferences, from an accompaniment by the ship’s own harpist, to a beautiful ice sculpture.  Under the guidance of Cunard’s global culinary ambassador, Chef Patron Jean-Marie Zimmermann, the ships’ world-class culinary teams will prepare wedding canapés, a delicious wedding lunch or an exquisite wedding dinner.

Find out more about Cunard here.

The Paul Gauguin courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

News from Paul Gauguin- guests aboard the line’s lovely ship will now find themselves on a  thoroughly updated and redecorated  vessel,  allowing  them to enjoy even more luxury and comfort!

Paul Gauguin Cruises has proudly revealed the completion of a $7 million renovation, which took place during the ship’s 10-night crossing from Tahiti to Brisbane, Australia, as well as during the 11-night dry dock that followed.

Extensive improvements were made to both the interiors and exteriors of The Gauguin, and include new flooring and carpeting, stylish furniture, new window treatments and decorative wall panels, and new signage.  All suites and staterooms now have teak railings on the balconies and new bathroom flooring.

The ship’s restaurants also boast changes- La Veranda, the has a redesigned entrance, refinished indoor and outdoor furniture, and solar shades throughout. Le Grill features new decorative partitions, as well as a new buffet area and  lighting. L’Etoile also showcases a redesigned entrance and  new video equipment for conferences.

Promenade Deck 5 now has a built-in banquette and expanded Le Casino, and Deck 6 now has an integrated display case for books and art. La Palette has incorporated an ornamental stone band across the bar, and a new lighting system and outdoor furniture. Le Grand Salon and La Palette now have refurbished dance floors for hours of dancing entertaiment.

Here’s a great deal that I just have to pass along… Cunard Line is launching a limited-time offer, (4 days only) beginning this Friday, February 10 and continuing through Monday 13, February 2012.

During this window, new bookings for all three of Cunard’s ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria- will have the opportunity to choose a stateroom with a balcony for the price of an inside room.  The upgrade is available on selected departures sailing from Southampton between April and September 2012.

Find out more about Cunard here.

This was such an excellent review of Aegean Odyssey I had to share…I have yet to take this cruise but as I think you will see from Tony Leighton’s article and beautiful photos I might not be able to resist.

Sailing To Byzantium From Istanbul to Vienna on the Aegean Odyssey (PDF)

Foodies will be delighted to hear that world-renown Japanese chef plans to give cooking instructions, personally prepare dishes, take pictures with guests, and sign autographs during a 12-day western European/Mediterranean voyage departing May 24.

Oceania reports that the chef will provide the following opportunities for guests on that cruise:

• Nightly appearances and guest mingling in Silk Road and the Sushi Bar
• Special add-on “Omakase” dinner, with sake and sake champagne pairings chosen by Sake Master Fumio Hazu, the man behind Nobu’s exclusive “living” Hokosetsu sake, plus explanations of each course by both.
• Intimate hands-on cooking class in Crystal’s kitchen for 10-12 guests
• Cooking demonstration for all guests
• Autograph signings of “NOBU’S Vegetarian Cookbook” and “NOBU the Cookbook”
• Photo opportunities
• Sake tasting with Japanese hors d’oeuvres, hosted by Mr. Hazu

Chef Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion has been served on board the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity since 2003 and 2008, respectively.  His role with Crystal is to personally train all chefs, design all menus, and make ship visits for ongoing improvement of the program.

In addition to Chef Matsuhisa, Chef Heinz Beck (of Rome’s three Michelin Star La Pergola), Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, and Master Sommelier Bob Bath are also scheduled to host tastings and demonstrations during the May 24 “Wine and Food”-themed cruise.  A seven-course “Ultimate Vintage Room Dinner” prepared by Beck and Bath will feature impossible-to-purchase fine wines for approximately $1,000/person.

The “Bordeaux and Beyond” sailing departs from London/Dover for Bordeaux/Bassens (overnight), Lisbon, Gibraltar, Monte Carlo (overnight), Florence/Livorno, Porto Venere, and Rome/Civitavecchia.