May 12, 2004 -- In addition to today's regular bi-weekly list of the best bargains, we've come up with a more detailed description of some particularly intriguing cruises -- hitting such spots as Antarctica, Polynesia, Southeast Asia and the Ukraine. We also report on Silverseas' extension of its discount offers, bringing these pricey outings within reach for some of our readers.
Good Deal on Ice
The January 15 and 26 sailings of Radisson Seven Seas' Explorer II from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica, the Falklands and South Shetland Islands, includes roundtrip airfare and up to $1,000 per person bonus savings for bookings made by August 15, 2004. These expeditions also include all Zodiac explorations from the ship and a complimentary hotel night in Santiago or Buenos Aires. For guests who book by August 15, prices start from $7,295 and include complimentary roundtrip economy airfare from 86 North American gateways, one complimentary night in Santiago at the Radisson Plaza Hotel (Jan. 15 sailing), or in Buenos Aires at the Emperador Hotel (Jan. 26 sailing), related charter flights to/from Ushuaia, all transfers, all shipboard gratuities, select wines and liquors, all Zodiac excursions, a free parka and backpack, plus boots for use during expeditions. Geez, don't pass this up! (Radisson Seven Seas, 800/285-1835; www.rssc.com)
Tahitian Temptation
Radisson Seven Seas' oh-so-wonderful 320-guest Paul Gauguin does 7-night French Polynesia cruises year-round, and on 8 cruises this summer, guests get free roundtrip economy airfare from 86 North American gateways; business class upgrades from Los Angeles are available for only $1,895. This deal applies to the June 5, 12, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 31, and August 7 cruises.
Viking Delight
To mark the new partnership between Viking River Cruises and Pacific Delight Tours, the companies have announced a series of 11 nine- to 16-day European, Russian and Ukrainian river cruise itineraries, offered at prices ranging from $1,559 to $3,859 per person, double, and a bonus of a $150 per person credit toward any future multi-city Pacific Delight land-based vacation package to be used by March 31, 2006. Viking's rates include roundtrip trans-Atlantic air from New York, Newark and Boston through December 25 (add-on rates from 24 other U.S. gateways start at $100); outside cabins; all meals aboard ship including a cocktail reception, welcome dinner and Captain's dinner; daily shore excursions led by local English-speaking guides; onboard cultural program featuring folkloric entertainment and lectures; transfers, port charges and baggage handling; and a Pacific Delight Tours carry-on bag. (Viking River Cruise: 877/66VIKING; www.vikingrivercruises.com and Pacific Delight Tours; 800/221-7179; www.pacificdelighttours.com)
Silversea Extends Silver Sailings Discounts
Ultra-luxe line Silversea (877/215-9986; www.silversea.com) has announced that it's extending its Silver Sailings program to select late-2004 cruises, allowing passengers savings of up to 50% of brochure rates for European, Alaskan, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, and Asian cruises, including:
-
Silver Whisper's "Passage to Antiquity" 7-night cruise from Rome to Venice, calling in Sorrento (Italy), Taormina (Sicily), and Dubrovnik and Pula (Croatia), July 28-August 4, 2004 (Voyage 4422). This is a Wine Series cruise hosted by California's Heitz Wine Cellars. Silver Sailing fares start at $3,127 per person.
-
Silver Shadow's "Alaska Reflections" 7-night cruise from Seattle to Vancouver, visiting Skagway, Haines, Juneau, and Wrangell, September 1-8, 2004 (Voyage 3422). A Wine Series cruise hosted by California's Duckhorn and Spottswoode. Silver Sailing fares start at $2,457 per person.
-
Silver Wind's "Legendary Empires" 9-night cruise from Venice to Athens, calling in Split and Dubrovnik (Croatia), Kotor (Yugoslavia), and Corfu, Itea, and Katakolon (Greece), September 2-11, 2004 (Voyage 2424). Silver Sailing fares start at $3,210 per person.
-
Silver Shadow's "The Magic of Mexico" 11-night cruise from San Francisco to Puerto Caldera (Costa Rica), calling in Santa Barbara (California), Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco (Mexico), and Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), September 26-October 7, 2004 (Voyage 3426). This is a Relais & Châteaux Culinary Cruise hosted by guest chef Fernando Lagunas Gonzales, Las Mañanitas, Cuernavaca, Mexico. Silver Sailing fares start at $2,560 per person.
-
Silver Shadow's "Gems of the Caribbean" 6-night cruise roundtrip from Barbados, visiting Fort de France (Martinique), Roseau (Dominica), Castries (St. Lucia), and Bequia (The Grenadines), November 8-14, 2004 (Voyage 3431). Silver Sailing fares start at $1,548 per person.
-
Silver Whisper's "Caribbean Celebrations" 9-day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Colon (Panama), calling in Georgetown (Grand Cayman), Port Antonio (Jamaica), Oranjestad (Aruba), Santa Marta and Cartagena (Colombia) and Panama's San Blas Islands, November 20-29, 2004 (Voyage 4434). A Relais & Châteaux Culinary Cruise hosted by guest chef Christopher Freeman, Topper's at The Wauwinet, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Silver Sailing fares start at $2,273 per person.
-
Silver Whisper's "Tropical Tradewinds" 7-night cruise roundtrip from Aruba, calling in Castries (St. Lucia), Bridgetown (Barbados), St. Georges (Grenada), Los Roques (Venezuela), and Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles), December 6-13, 2004 (Voyage 4436). Silver Sailing fares start at $1,748 per person.
- Silver Cloud's "Indochine Sojourn" 13-night cruise roundtrip from Singapore, calling in Bangkok (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), December 9-22, 2004 (Voyage 1438). Silver Sailing fares start at $4,048 per person.
Additionally, in honor of Silversea's 10th anniversary, couples celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this year will receive a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne and a $250-per-suite shipboard credit on any 2004 voyage booked by July 31.
