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Cruise News Round-Up: Ten Pithy Items to Keep you Informed

Matt Hannafin reports on the sale of Delta Queen; jazz-, gay-, culinary- and spa-themed cruises; plus itineraries to the Mediterranean, Israel, Mexico, Northern Europe, the South Pacific and more.

Ambassadors International to Buy Delta Queen Steamboat Company

Fresh on the heels of their January purchase of American West Steamboat Company, meetings, incentive travel, and event-management company Ambassadors International, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Delta Queen Steamboat Company (tel. 800/543-1949; www.deltaqueen.com) from current owner Delaware North Companies.

Delaware North only acquired the Delta Queen in 2002, but took a hit in late 2005 when Hurricane Katrina forced cancellation of several months of scheduled cruises. All three of the company's riverboats typically sail the Mississippi River system, often from New Orleans.

The transaction is still awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation and other parties, but is expected to close by the end of April. At this writing, it was unclear what changes might be in store at Delta Queen or American West, though history and strong name recognition make it likely that Delta Queen will retain its identity. The line's published schedules for 2006 and 2007 will remain unchanged.

"I Am Sophia Loren, and I Would Like to Thank You for Choosing MSC Cruises..."

No surprise here: After christening MSC Lirica and MSC Opera in 2003 and 2004, legendary actress Sophia Loren has signed on to be the public face of MSC Cruises USA (tel. 800/666-9333; www.msccruises.com) and the embodiment of its new slogan, "Beautiful, Passionate, Italian."

Loren, who won an Academy Award in 1962 for her performance in Vittorio De Sica's Two Women, is also set to christen MSC's first megaship, Musica, at a June 29 ceremony in Venice.

Residents of south Florida and the New York metropolitan area can expect to start seeing Loren soon on MSC billboards and print ads. However, they will not be seeing the ships that had been promised for those markets in 2007:

"Our original plans to bring the MSC Musica to Florida in the fall of 2006 and MSC Lirica to New York by spring 2007 will be delayed," said MSC Cruises' US president and CEO Richard E. Sasso. Instead, MSC will add additional 11-night Caribbean cruises from Florida and keep MSC Musica in Europe for winter 2007.

Cruises previously scheduled from New York in 2007 will be postponed. MSC has advised Bermuda that it will not be operating Lirica there in 2007 but will "continue to discuss opportunities for 2008."

So, for 2007, MSC's western deployment will look much as it did for winter 2006, with sister-ships Lirica and Opera sailing primarily 11-night Caribbean cruises. MSC Opera departs Italy December 2, 2006, on a 17-night transatlantic sailing to Fort Lauderdale, where she will sail two 7-night holiday cruises before beginning a series of 11-night "Deep Caribbean and Panama" itineraries through early May 2007. Lirica will maintain her previously scheduled sailing calendar, departing Italy on October 29 and arriving in Fort Lauderdale November 15. She'll sail "Deep Caribbean and Panama" itineraries through late April 2007.

QM2 in 2006: Modern Dance, Fine Living, and 2,620 Homosexuals

Sure, QM2 (Cunard; tel. 800/728-6273; www.cunard.com) might just sail back and forth and back and forth between Southampton and New York for a good chunk of the year, but is that any reason to think its crossings are boring? Not so. As evidence . . .

  • On October 24's eastbound crossing, Departures magazine presents "Modern Dance on the High Seas," featuring Janet Eilber, chief choreographer of the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company. This voyage-long program offers a series of interactive events commemorating the work and legacy of dance pioneer Martha Graham. Highlights include five lectures by Eilber, solo and duet performances, a Q&A session, and daily dance classes led by members of the company.
  • On November 5's eastbound crossing, Gourmet magazine and Architectural Digest team up to present "Fine Living on the High Seas," offering insight into the art of fine living. Speakers will be Dave Lieberman, host of the Food Network's Good Deal with Dave Lieberman and author of Dave's Dinners: A Fresh Approach to Home Cooked Meals, and Jamie Drake, interior designer and author of Jamie Drake's New American Glamour. Lieberman will offer three cooking demonstrations in the ship's Chef's Galley, while Drake will give three lectures discussing his approach to design.
  • May 29, 2007's eastbound crossing will be a full-ship charter by gay and lesbian travel specialist RSVP Vacations (www.rsvpvacations.com), with entertainment, parties, activities, and speakers specifically tailored to the LGBT community. This will be QM2's first-ever gay and lesbian charter.

In 2006, Queen Mary 2 will cross the Atlantic 20 times, both on its normal 6-night east- and westbound crossings between Southampton and New York and on five special trips: four 8-night crossings to/from Hamburg and one 7-night voyage from Southampton to Ft. Lauderdale. Beginning April 15, the ship's U.S. homeport will shift from the historic West Side piers in Manhattan to the new Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, currently in the last stages of construction in the borough's creakily gentrifying Red Hook neighborhood. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other city dignitaries will attend the welcome ceremony for the ship, which departs later that day for the beginning of her 2006 transatlantic season.

Freedom of the Seas in 2006: Barry Manilow, the Today Show, and 3,634 Homosexuals

On May 12, the world's biggest cruise ship, the 160,000-ton, 3,634-passenger Freedom of the Seas, will be christened at Royal Caribbean's (tel. 800/327-6700; www.royalcaribbean.com) Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey. On hand will be NBC's Today show -- which will broadcast live from the vessel -- and singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, who will perform on board as the kickoff to Today's regular summer concert series.

And, in the continuing "everything you can do I can do bigger" battle between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corp. (whose Cunard-brand QM2 was the world's biggest passenger ship 'til Freedom came along), it's been announced that gay and lesbian travel company Atlantis Events (tel. 800-628-5268; www.atlantisevents.com) has chartered Freedom for an all-gay Caribbean cruise in January 2007.

"Atlantis is very proud to be able to partner with Royal Caribbean to bring the excitement of the largest ship in the world to our gay and lesbian guests," said Atlantis CEO Rich Campbell. "We'll be able to create a spectacular experience for them that fully utilizes this fantastic ship with our signature entertainment and parties."

The 7-night Atlantis sailing will be the first charter cruise on the vessel, departing Miami on January 28, 2007, and visiting San Juan, St. Maarten, and the private island of Labadee. Staterooms start at $1,049 per person, double occupancy.

Regent News: Paul Gauguin Refurbished, Baltic Cruises Offer Enrichment

With its new "R" name in place, Regent Seven Seas Cruises (tel. 800/285-1835; www.theregentexperience.com -- or just www.rssc.com), formerly Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, is getting about its business, refurbishing its Tahiti-based ship and expanding its customizable enrichment program in Europe.

Down Tahiti-ways, the 19,200-ton Paul Gauguin has been sailing for Regent since 1997 as part of a long-term charter, offering 7-night luxury cruises that sail from Papeete year-round and visit Raiatea (the cultural heart of Polynesia), Tahaa (for a call at the ship's private islet of Motu Mahana), Bora Bora (the model for James Michener's "Bali Hai"), and Moorea (the inspiration for Herman Melville's novel Omoo). In January, the vessel went into drydock in Brisbane, Australia, for a $6 million refurbishment, emerging with a new piano bar, new casino, new seating and carpeting throughout public areas, and five additional staterooms with aft-facing private balconies, bringing her total passenger count to 330 total.

In addition to her normal 7-night itineraries, Paul Gauguin will also be offering several longer voyages in 2006: two 14-night sailings to the Marquesas islands; one 14-night Cook and Society Islands, Australs, and Tuamotus voyage; three 11-night Society Islands, Tuamotus, and Marquesas cruises; three 10-night Society Islands and Tuamotus cruises; and two 9-night Society Islands Holiday voyages, which include calls at Huahine.

Due to high fuel prices in French Polynesia, all Paul Gauguin cruises now carry a $12 per person, per day fuel surcharge, an increase from the $5 per person per day charge announced in October 2005.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Regent has just announced themes for its new Circle of Interest program, which offers guests on select cruises the ability to book ship-and-shore packages themed on specific interests, such as art, nature, antiques, and archaeology. The program features onboard lectures and workshops, plus specially created excursions and events led by guest experts. In the Baltic this summer, eight of the line's 7-night Baltic voyages aboard the Seven Seas Voyager will offer this expanded enrichment program, with three options:

  • Active Exploration and Wellness Package: Tours include "Visby by Bicycle," a 9-mile ride with views of the medieval Swedish town and cathedral; "Finnish Forest Hike and Canoeing Adventure," a climb through a natural park and a canoe trip through valleys forged in the Ice Age; and "Walking Tour: Experience Daily Life in St. Petersburg," exploring the city's rich history. Onboard, guests get Pilates, yoga, and stretching classes; personal fitness assessment and training session; a half-hour in-suite massage; a "Secrets of Healthy Cooking" class; and a private dinner and reception. Rate: $395 per person.
  • "Art, Design, and Museums" Package: Participants get a private tour and ballet performance in the Winter Palace's intimate theater (plus a cocktail reception and dessert at the Aquarel restaurant), and a walking tour and concert in Tallinn, Estonia, visiting the Baroque Toompea Castle, the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the partly ruined Dominican Monastery for a concert of medieval music. Onboard activities include lectures on Baltic art and culture and a private reception and dinner. Rate: $350 per person.
  • Jazz in the Baltics: Onboard, jazz "Circle" enthusiasts can attend lectures and master classes led by a guest jazz ensemble, in addition to a private group reception and dinner. Ashore in St. Petersburg, a jam session will pit a local jazz band against the ship's guest musicians. During "Jazz at the Kloosti Ait in Tallinn," jazz artists will play at the cozy Estonian café. Onboard activities include lectures, open rehearsals, and master classes, plus a private reception and dinner hosted by jazz musicians. Rate: $160 per person.

The eight Baltic sailings will depart on Saturdays. Rates start from $5,276, including a choice of round-trip economy class air from 86 North American gateways, $499 business-class upgrade when an economy class air add-on is purchased (round-trip business class airfares starting at $1,828), or $1,000 off the cruise fare.

Crystal Offers "Private Adventures" Concierge Service

Joining the trend of making luxury cruises customizable, Crystal Cruises (tel. 888/799-4625; www.crystalcruises.com) is now offering guests the ability to create their own shore excursions via a team of travel planners accessible online or by fax or phone. Guests may either request specific activities (sites, restaurants, transportation options, etc.) or work with the team to find activities and destinations tailored to their interests. The service is offered only to guests already booked on a Crystal cruise and costs $100, plus the cost of activities planned. More information can be accessed online at Crystalcruises.com (click on "Crystal Private Adventures" under the Crystal Adventures/shore excursion tab) or by phone at 866/446-6625.

Princess Offers Pre-Booking of Alaska Lodge Excursions . . .

Passengers booked on Alaska cruisetours with Princess Cruises (tel. 800/774-6237; www.princess.com) can now prebook optional land tours offered by Princess's five wilderness lodges -- a valuable tool if you have your heart set on an excursion with limited capacity.

Passengers booked on cruisetours will receive personalized tour reservation forms with their pre-cruise documents, which will indicate the closing date for tour reservations. These order forms can be mailed or faxed to Princess Tours, and tour purchases can be refunded up to 14 days prior to the cruisetour departure date. Princess offers a total of 92 different tours from its lodges.

. . . And Announces Inaugural Seasons for Emerald Princess and Royal Princess

The 113,000-ton, 3,110-passenger Emerald Princess, currently under construction at Italy's Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, will be the first Princess vessel to sail her debut from Rome, departing on her maiden voyage on April 11, 2007.

A sister-ship to Caribbean Princess, Emerald will begin her cruising life with a 12-night Greek Isles itinerary visiting Naples/Capri (Italy), Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Piraeus/Athens, Katakolon/Olympia, and Corfu (Greece), Kusadasi/Ephesus (Turkey), and Dubrovnik (Croatia) before debarking passengers in Venice. The ship will thereafter sail a series of Greek Isles and Grand Mediterranean cruises before crossing the Atlantic to Ft. Lauderdale in October.

The 680-passenger Royal Princess, a former Renaissance Cruises vessel recently purchased by Princess from Britain's Swan Hellenic line, will also sail Europe during her 2007 debut season, with five new 12-night itineraries including Princess's first to Israel in more than five years:

  • Connoisseur's Mediterranean: Sailing between Barcelona and Athens, with calls at St. Tropez, Portofino, Rome, Sorrento/Capri, Malta, Santorini, the new port of Canakkale (for Troy), and Istanbul.¿Departures April 26, May 8 and 20, July 19 and 31, and August 12 and 24.
  • Holy Land: Sailings between Athens and Rome, with calls as Patmos, Santorini, Kusadasi, Haifa (for Galilee/Nazareth), Ashdod (for Jerusalem), Port Said (for Cairo/Giza), Alexandria, and Sorrento/Capri. Departures June 1, September 5, October 23, and (on a modified Athens/Venice itinerary) November 4.
  • Mediterranean Collection: Sailing between Rome and Venice, with calls at Portofino, Monte Carlo, Ajaccio (Corsica), Sorrento/Capri, Messina (Sicily), Valletta (Malta), Corfu, and the new ports of Kotor (Montenegro), Split (Croatia), and Ravenna. Departures June 13 and 25, September 17 and 29, and November 16.
  • Crimean & Aegean Coasts: Sailing from Rome to Athens, with port calls in Sorrento/Capri, Santorini, Volos (for Meteora), Varna (Bulgaria), Odessa and Yalta (Ukraine), and Istanbul, departing on July 7.
  • Mediterranean Mosaic: Sailing round-trip from Rome, with calls at Cagliari (Sardinia), Malaga (for Granada), Gibraltar, Casablanca (for Marrakech), La Goullete (for Tunis/Carthage), Valletta, Messina, and Sorrento/Capri, with one departure on October 11.

Holland America Line Introduces "Master Chef's" Dinner

What's going on with Holland America? (tel. 877/724-5425; www.hollandamerica.com) Know for years as "your grandmother's cruise line," the old Dutch brand is suddenly acting and dressing funny . . .

New on their list of experiences is a special "Signature Master Chef's Dinner," which is more circus than strict gourmet, with dancing waiters, a "napkin ballet," and flying pepper grinders. Guests are greeted by more than 75 service staff, including dining room stewards, cruise activities staff, and the ship's singers and dancers, all dressed in chef's whites, and each guest is given a toque (chef's hat) to wear for the meal. The menu is in the shape of kitchen utensils, the dinners rolls are in the toques, and the musicians on hand for background music play food-shaped instruments: drums shaped like cakes sitting on bread-stick stands, a banana saxophone, and a pear-shaped bass. The meal is choreographed to music throughout, leading up to a dessert complete with waiters spinning dinner plates in the air and forming into a kick-line.

The Signature Master Chef's Dinner will be featured in HAL's two-tiered main dining rooms once per cruise by fall 2006. The event has debuted on the ms Volendam and will be rolled out on the ms Amsterdam in May. By early July, the dinner theater show will be on the ms Rotterdam, ms Zaandam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam, and ms Veendam. The show debuts on the ms Prinsendam in late July and will be on board the Vista-class ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam, and ms Zuiderdam in the fall.

Cozumel Day Passes Offer Beach Resort Privileges for Cruise Passengers

For cruise passengers interested in spending a day at the beach, resort-style (with all the amenities), a new day-pass program in Cozumel gets you private beaches, fitness centers, watersports equipment, tennis courts, pools and Jacuzzis, kids' club facilities, and more. Resorts currently participating include:

  • El Cid La Ceiba Beach (tel. 800/435-3240; www.elcid.com): El Cid offers hotel day passes for $68 per person, good between 11am and 6pm. Guests have access to private beaches, complimentary meals and drinks at restaurants on property, free use of snorkel equipment, kayaking, and use of the hotel's swimming pools, sauna room, fitness center, tennis courts, and kids' club. Less than five minutes by taxi from downtown San Miguel, El Cid is an excellent location for snorkel and shore diving and has a 5-star PADI dive shop on property. Offer valid March 15 to December 24, 2006. Gratuity and taxes are included.
  • Hotel Cozumel & Resort (tel. 877/454-4355; www.hotelcozumel.com.mx): Hotel Cozumel offers hotel day passes for $40 per adult and $20 per child (ages 12 and under), covering private beach access, free use of snorkel gear and other water sports equipment, and entry to fitness center and kid's club facilities. The resort is minutes from downtown San Miguel, the Hotel Cozumel features the largest pool on the island and is only ten minutes by boat from Cozumel's main dive sites. Offer valid through December 26, 2006. Gratuity and taxes included.
  • Melia Cozumel Golf & Beach Resort (tel. 888/341-5993; www.meliacozumel.solmelia.com): Melia Cozumel offers day passes for $45 per person, covering private beach access, swimming pools, fitness center, tennis courts, and kids' facilities, plus complimentary meals and beverages at the hotel's restaurants and bars, use of all non-motorized water sports equipment (including snorkel gear), and participation in hotel activities programs. Located ten minutes north of downtown. Offer valid through December 23, 2006.¿
  • Park Royal Cozumel(tel. 011-52-987-872-0700; www.parkroyalhotels.com.mx): Park Royal offers day passes for $70 adults, $35 kids (ages 4-12), good between 8am and 11pm and covering private beach access, complimentary meals and drinks at the hotel's restaurants and bars, sports and activities program, access to swimming pools, Jacuzzi with ocean view, and kids' club facility with children's pool and water slide. The Park Royal is located close to downtown San Miguel, its private beach located right in front of Paradise Reef. Offer valid July 1 through December 20, 2006.

Travelers can purchase day passes directly from participating hotels.

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