JOURNEYS | SUMMER 200928

CRUISE NEWS

by Marissa Candela

6545_Journeys Q309 US 17-32:Summer 2009 6/11/09 11:39 AM Page 28

JOURNEYS | SUMMER 2009 29

Because people are diverse, today’s cruises cater tofolks of every age group, interest and taste. If there’sa hobby and/or activity out there, there’s likely an

itinerary, ship style and theme tomatch. Virtually everyoneand anyone can find the right voyage to suit, whetherit’s a solo, couples, immediate family or extended familyjourney, no matter how different your needs may be. Readon to explore some top cruise lines’ offerings…

For the Epic AdventurerFor an adventure of a lifetime chooseHurtigruten, offering modern luxury vesselsto breathtaking destinations. More of avoyage than a traditional cruise, it is devoid ofdiscos, cabaret evenings,deck games and aerobicclasses. Rather, the main attraction is theunparalleled beauty of the coastal scenery,some of the most dramatic and stunning in theworld, all of which can be enjoyed at aleisurely pace.

Full of exploration, knowledge andeducation, expert guides host informallectures to compliment shore visits.You cantravel above the Arctic Circle in Norway, goto the last wilderness of Europe, witness the

world’s most active glaciers in Greenland, sailacross the Drake Passage to the AntarcticPeninsula, or venture to some of Europe’smost dramatic destinations. Theme cruisesinclude Deep Sea Fishing, Killer Whale Safari,and “Hunting the Light” in NorthernScandinavia (which has more Northern lightthan anywhere in the world).

Celebrity Xpedition also offersadventurous destinations on smaller-sizedships, such as the Galapagos Islands andMacchu Picchu. More of a traditionalcruise, these vessels are filled with “bigship” touches, such as a spa, nightlyentertainment, onboard activities, kidsprograms and more.

* Do you enjoy nature and adventure?

* Need a varied, intimate cruise experience?

*Want to escape for an extended period of time?

* Seek family fun for everyone?

*Wish to be serviced and pampered from head to toe?

*Well, have we got the cruise for you!

6545_Journeys Q309 US 17-32:Summer 2009 6/11/09 11:40 AM Page 29

JOURNEYS | SUMMER 200930

Rollin’ on a River CruiseWant to see it all in a relaxed, intimate setting?A river cruise offers a historic and tranquilbackdrop on elegant floating hotels completewith excellent service and gourmet cuisine.This wonderful mode of discovery offers easy-going comfort and convenience because youunpack just once.

Uncover treasures such as charmingsquares, magnificent cathedrals, and bustlingmarketplaces just a stroll away from the vessel.There is no waiting in long lines to get on oroff the ship, and there are always amazingthings to see — scenic vineyards, historiccastles, or countless UNESCOWorld HeritageSites — even from the comfort of yourship/stateroom via panoramic views.

Viking River Cruises, Uniworld BoutiqueRiver Cruises and Avalon Waterways offerriver cruises to Europe, Russia and China andmore (see Romantic Rendezvous section for adetailed description of a Uniworld BoutiqueRiver Cruises) via famous waterways. Gaininsight on the places visited from expert tour

guides who provide background, context anda regional perspective. Enjoy deep culturalenrichment with demonstrations, workshopsand performances that supplement on-shoreexploration. Themed river cruises andcruisetours heighten in-depth experienceseven further.

Time and Money to SpendIf you’re a seasoned traveler who appreciateswhat a large cruise vacation has to offer, butare looking for something a little different,

intimate and special, turn to alonger premium cruise offering adistinctive combination of impeccableservice, exceptional cuisine and off-the-beaten-path destinations withimmersive excursions.

A step above, cruises offeredby Oceania Cruises and AzamaraCruises sail less than 700 guests toexotic destinations, and featurecomprehensive spa services,enrichment programs, high tea,art auctions, fitness programs,boutiques, board games andcasinos, lounges with nightlyheadliner entertainment, winetastings, specialty bars and somuch more. Transoceanic andgrand voyages, ranging from 2weeks to one month, are offeredon these lines covering many countriesand continents, so you can see andexperience it all.

For the Family SetA big ship cruise vacation givesfamilies a chance to spend time

together and enjoy even more activities thanthose offered by your average land resort!Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean,NorwegianCruise Line and Princess Cruises provideendless fun right in the middle of the ocean,along with an array of itineraries and ports ofcall. Consider a no-fly cruise, eliminatingmuch of the travel hassle when traveling witha large group.

Once onboard, kids big and small canenjoy a range of activities, such as water slides,kiddie/teen pools/hot tubs, amusement parkstyle rides and games, specialty arcades, artsand crafts, kids’ theater, movies, teen clubs,and even some family-friendly competitionthrough fun onboard activities like rockclimbing, ice skating, karaoke, talent showsand more. Parents can rest easy while theiroffspring are engaged in various kids and teen-only specialty programs and lounges, givingthem ample opportunity to visit the spa, relaxby the pool, work out, golf, go wine tasting,visit the casino, enjoy fine dining, dance in thenightclub, and so on…

CRUISE NEWS

6545_Journeys Q309 US 17-32:Summer 2009 6/11/09 11:40 AM Page 30

These cool, hip ships also offer flexibledining times and menus geared towardchildren. Plus, a huge variety of shore and landexcursions to match any taste or activity levelare also available. Suitable for the entire group,families can sightsee, snorkel, explore ancientruins or investigate a city museum — there isan excursion for everyone!

Opulence at its FinestFor the ultimate extravagance at sea, considera luxury cruise. With guest numbers notexceeding 300, off-the-beaten-path destinations,highly personalized service, award-winning

wines and cuisine, elegant European décor,luxurious staterooms that are far beyondexpectation, convenient embarkation anddisembarkation, and pampering beyondcompare, a luxury cruise will surpass yourmost lavish vacation dreams.

Silversea Cruises offers such opulentjourneys, with voyages ranging from to six to92 days.While at sea, enjoy the pool, hot tubor massage at the spa, or perhaps attend aregionally specific lecture from a noted expertor guest chef. At night, casino gaming andstellar entertainment, ranging from energeticproduction shows to classical music concerts,

further complement yourcultural experience. Each evening,dance to a range of live musicalstyles for every taste.

Since one of the mostimportant parts of a cruise isthe food, the cruise line’s 5-starcuisine and signature dishes areexclusively created for Silverseain partnership with Relais &Châteaux – Relais Gourmands,excellent in presentation andbeyond taste expectation.

Set sail to some serious fun today. Which cruise will you choose?

JOURNEYS | SUMMER 2009 31

To find the right cruise for you,whether it’s a solo, couples,immediate or extended familyjourney, see the list below andthen call your travel agent for

more details.

Epic AdventurerHurtigruten

Celebrity Xpeditions

Intimate River CruisingViking River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River CruisesAvalon Waterways

Longer ItinerariesOceania CruisesAzamara Cruises

Family FriendlyRoyal Caribbean International

Princess CruisesNorwegian Cruise Line

LuxurySilversea Cruises

6545_Journeys Q309 US 17-32:Summer 2009 6/11/09 11:41 AM Page 31