Now celebrating 20 years as a luxury innovator, Regent Seven Seas Cruises introduces a new Voyage Collection features cruises to the world’s most exotic destinations, including Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and the Americas on the all-suite Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator.
 
The 234-page Voyage Collection provides information on each cruise, highlighting the number of free unlimited shore excursions offered on each sailing, a hallmark of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ luxury offerings. In a dedicated section, guests can read descriptions of a selection of complimentary tours, ranging from cycling through the Konvale Valley in Croatia and wine tasting in the south of France to a jeep ride through the Tijuca Forest in Brazil and riding an elephant in Phuket.
 
The brochure’s sleek design is complemented by new interior photographs of the recently renovated Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager. Emerging from drydock in 2011, both all-balcony, all-suite vessels showcase elegantly refurbished suites and public areas, from new ultra-plush carpeting throughout the ship to suite updates, including new wallpaper, fabrics, curtains, décor and art.
 
Introducing Sette Mari at La Veranda
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ new Voyage Collection also introduces Sette Mari at La Veranda – a new intimate Italian dining experience. Beginning in June 2012, each evening, the popular daytime buffet venue La Veranda will transform into Sette Mari, where guests will choose from an extensive menu of authentic antipasti and Italian specialty items paired with distinctive fine wines, all cooked a la minute and served by a dedicated wait staff.
 
“This highly visual, elegantly designed new brochure provides our guests and travel partners with accessibility to a wide-range of itineraries and offerings all over the globe,” states Kari Tarnowski, the line’s senior vice president of marketing. “The concise new layout prominently highlights Regent Seven Seas’ distinctive all-inclusive offerings.”
 
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is widely recognized as the world’s most inclusive ultra-luxury cruise line with airfare, all-suite accommodations, award-winning cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, live entertainment, shore excursions, gratuities and taxes, and a pre-cruise hotel stay included in cruise fares.

Check out The Cruise Web’s Regent Seven Seas Cruises Special Offers.

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A 10-member cast of singers and dancers will perform music from many of Webber’s best-known shows, including CATS, The Phantom of the Opera and its sequel Love Never Dies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Riviera will feature three additional production shows: Up in Flames, showcasing the music of Elton John and Billy Joel; The Dawning of Aquarius, a 60s revue; and Rock On, a love story with a rock-and-roll vibe. Royal Theater Productions, founded by Jean Ann Ryan, is an award-winning entertainment group that has produced high-quality musical revues for many of the world’s finest cruise ships and resorts.

Oceania Cruises’ new Riviera will feature suites over 2,000+ square feet and the largest veranda staterooms at sea. Top suites exude a residential esthetic with furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home and designs by Dakota Jackson of New York and S.B. Long Interiors of Greenwich, CT. The ship will also feature a Lalique-designed grand lobby, 10 dining venues and numerous bars and lounges. Facilities will include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and innovative Bon Appétit Culinary Center.

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Royal Caribbean International announced the cruise line’s top travel agent partners of 2011 in the United States and Canada. Royal Caribbean’s 2011 Mid-Atlantic Region Travel Partner of the Year is The Cruise Web:

“Royal Caribbean International is delighted to recognize our top performing travel agency partners for 2011,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president of Sales, Trade Support and Services, Royal Caribbean International. “Each recipient represents a distinctive business model and has significantly contributed to the overall success of Royal Caribbean throughout the past calendar year. We sincerely appreciate all of our travel agent partners and continue to be committed to supporting the travel agent community and helping them sell cruises and grow their business.”

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for nine consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruises had an excellent year in 2011, earning among other accolades, the number one spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards for the World’s Best River Cruise Line. This is the first time Condé Nast Traveler has had a separate river cruise category, and Uniworld is honored to be their readers’ top choice with a score of 90.3. Uniworld was also included in Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2011 Gold List as one of the “World’s Top Cruise Lines.”

Earlier in the year, seven of Uniworld’s luxury boutique river cruise ships were listed in Condé Nast Traveler‘s Readers’ Choice Survey for Best River Cruise Ships, with River Beatrice and River Duchess landing first and second place. Using a scale of 100, River Beatrice scored particularly high marks in the areas of Crew/Service (96.7), Itineraries (96.7), Food and Dining (96.7), and Shore Excursions (96.7). The Uniworld ships named in the top 20 were River Beatrice (1), River Duchess (2) River Countess (5), River Queen (6), River Baroness (8), River Royale (12), and River Princess (19).

The newest jewel in Uniworld’s elite boutique fleet, the luxurious Super Ship (S.S.) Antoinette, is already garnering great praise by being included in a list of the Most Luxurious Cruise Cabins by Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of Cruise Critic and contributor to Condé Nast Traveler. “Whether you’re talking about its lavish public rooms, its airy spa, its cinema, or its staterooms,” writes Brown, “S.S. Antoinette is not only the most gorgeous riverboat afloat, it’s also quite possibly the most beautiful ship anywhere.”

S.S. Antoinette was also just named the world’s “Best New River Ship” in Cruise Critic’s Fourth Annual Editor’s Picks Awards. Further, Condé Nast Traveler listed the S.S. Antoinette’s “Castles along the Rhine,” in the top eleven “Dream Itineraries for 2012,” and is the only river cruise itinerary listed in the best of the best in the cruise industry.

“We are extraordinarily proud and honored to be so highly recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and for the S.S. Antoinette to be so well received in her inaugural year,” said Guy Young, president of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “We constantly strive to give our guests the best possible vacation experience on all of our ships, and it is gratifying to know that our standards of excellence have been recognized by our guests and the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.”

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. Uniworld was voted the“#1 River Cruise Line in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships, along with five other highly ranked ships in the top 20. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

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When most people hear “cruisetour,” the first places they think of are Alaska and Europe. And it’s no surprise that cruisetours here are very popular because Alaska and Europe are beautiful places to visit. However, there are other destinations that deserve the same attention: South America, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/New Zealand or even Canada and historic America. Historic America? Yep, you can see Washington DC, Gettysburg PA, Philadelphia, and New York City coupled with a Canada and New England cruise. Land and sea at a great value, the best of both worlds! Does that sound like fun to you?

If Canada and historic America are not your speed, then how about a cruise to South America with a tour to Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls? You can cruise Cape Horn – which some say is just as beautiful as Alaska – with its glaciers and fjords full of wildlife, like penguins and whales. Some tours even allow guests to take a peek at Antarctica while they’re down there. This is very limited stuff and it goes very fast, so book early!!!

Another destination worth considering is Asia. If you add a land tour to your Asian cruise you will likely get some extended time in Beijing, allowing for tours to the city’s Imperial Gardens and the Great Wall of China. Cruisetours also allow vacationers to see the collection of Terra Cotta warriors of the Qin Dynasty in Xian. Maybe get further inland and add a river cruise along the Yangtze. It’s up to you.

We cannot forget to mention Australia and New Zealand. These are two places I have at the top of my wish list! Cruisetours include day trips to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock in central Australia. Guests can also discover the Aboriginal culture in Australia’s Uluru National Park. Australian cruisetours typically base in Sydney and take flights or motor coach for the shorter distances.

There are many details to cruisetours and specific travel plans should really be worked out with a cruise consultant, but I hope I drew some attention in other directions so you can keep your options open and maybe even find a way to visit a place you didn’t think was possible with a cruise.

Kris Spealman
Senior Cruise Consultant
The Cruise Web, Inc.
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Alaska is the largest state in the United States, over twice the size of Texas.  Yet the majority of cruises to Alaska only visit the lower sixth of the state, including the major cities along the Inside Passage.  To truly experience Alaska, you need to head inland, into the wilderness and away from the coast.  The best way to do this is through an Alaska Cruisetour.

I recently visited Alaska on a Royal Caribbean 11-night Alaska Cruisetour starting from Fairbanks, Alaska aboard the beautiful Radiance of the Seas.  Our flight landed in Fairbanks late in the evening and despite the late hour, the sun was shining bright.  After our transfer to the Pike’s River Lodge, we enjoyed a late dinner on the outside deck overlooking a river, while the sun remained high in the sky.  Visiting Alaska makes you appreciate the black-out curtains, provided in our private cabin at the lodge.

The first morning, we headed down the Nenana River on a stern wheeled paddle boat named Discovery I.  While cruising the river, we learned about the history of Fairbanks, the Iditarod, and the Athabascan Indians.  We enjoyed a dog sled demonstration at Trail Breaker Kennels by David Monson, the husband of the late Susan Butcher.  Susan Butcher was a four time Iditarod Champion whose family continues to breed and train racing huskies at their homestead along the river.  We then continued our journey at the Athabascan Indian Village, an outdoor museum dedicated to teaching visitors about the Athabascan Indian culture and survival in the Alaskan wilderness. Next, we headed to Glitter Gulch, the little town at the entrance to Denali National Park.

The next morning we embarked on the Tundra Wilderness Tour of Denali National Park.  The tour took us 60 miles into Denali, past the end of the paved road.  During our tour we were amazed by the site of Mt. McKinley, including her peak which is not visible 70% of the time. As we continued through the park on our National Park Service bus, we saw moose, wolf cubs, Dall sheep, eagles, a lynx, and caribou.  Though we missed seeing the grizzly bears, the afternoon tour did see one.  That evening, we took the optional “flightseeing” tour to Mt. McKinley and experienced amazing views of the mountain at sunset.

After an amazing day in Denali, we headed to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Along the way, we stopped to see a section of the Alaska Pipeline and learn about the importance of the oil industry to the state.  We spent the afternoon walking along the Cook Inlet taking in the sights of Anchorage. Early the next morning, we boarded Royal Caribbean’s glass-domed railcar for the scenic trip to Seward.  While we enjoyed our breakfast on the lower level, we passed by waterfalls and glaciers. We were relaxing in luxury on the upper level when we saw black bears along the edge of a glacial icefield. Upon arrival in Seward, we visited the Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about puffins, whales, seals, otters, and the other marine wildlife that we may see on our cruise aboard the Radiance of the Seas.

During our cruise, we explored Hubbard Glacier and visited the towns of Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway.  These are the ports of call visited on many of the 7-night Alaska cruises, but the true Alaska experience was during the additional 4-nights that we spent in the heart of Alaska.  An Alaska Cruisetour is the absolute best way to experience all that Alaska has to offer.

Jennifer Crivelli
Senior Cruise Consultant
The Cruise Web, Inc.
1-800-377-9383 ext. 234
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Mention “paradise” and most people will conjure up images of pristine beaches and lush, tropical islands. Princess Cruises passengers can make paradise a reality with 10 itinerary choices to the breathtaking islands of Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific between fall 2012 and spring 2013.

New next season, Princess will offer more Hawaii cruises than ever before, with four ships sailing roundtrip to the islands from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. In addition, the renovated Grand Princess will make her debut voyages to Hawaii as part of her first West Coast season.

In total, eight Princess ships will sail on 56 voyages throughout the Pacific, including favorite itineraries such as the 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia route that sails roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti to some of the most gorgeous islands of French Polynesia. An 11-day Hawaii & Tahiti itinerary offers the best of both the Hawaiian Islands, as well as the highlights of French Polynesia. And the cruise line’s 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti and Samoa itinerary that debuted last season returns with two sailings roundtrip from Los Angeles to American Samoa, taking in Hawaii and Tahiti along the way.

“The storied and romantic South Pacific just might capture the imagination of travelers more than most destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We’ve been traveling to the South Pacific for more than 30 years and these idyllic islands never cease to deliver a breathtaking and relaxing vacation to our passengers.”

Princess’ 2012-2013 cruises to Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific include:
Tahiti & Polynesia — This classic Princess itinerary sails roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti for 10 days among the islands of Polynesia, with two overnight visits. Ocean Princess starts with an overnight in the Tahitian capital and then calls on Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (Two-day Experience includes two full days and an overnight), and Moorea. Sailings depart on December 18, 2012; January 19 and 29, and February 8, 2013.

Hawaii & Tahiti — Travelers can enjoy the intimacy of a small cruise ship on a voyage that features both the Polynesian paradises of Hawaii and French Polynesia. These 11-day sailings between Papeete and Honolulu on Ocean Princess include calls at Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Maui, and Kauai. Sailings depart December 28, 2012; January 8, February 18, and March 1, 2013.

Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa — This 28-day itinerary aboard Sapphire Princess and Star Princess offers an unusual roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles, to three island groups in one convenient roundtrip sailing. The ship calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Pago Pago, Apia, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete (overnight). Two sailings depart on October 20, 2012 and March 26, 2013.

South Pacific & New Zealand Cruises — Sailing between Sydney and Papeete, Ocean Princess offers a 16-day voyage including Tauranga, Auckland, Tonga, Apia, Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The ship departs on December 3, 2012 and March 12, 2013.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific — Sea Princess sails across the Pacific between San Francisco and Sydney on a 27-day voyage to Honolulu, Kauai, Papeete, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park scenic cruising. The sailing departs on September 20, 2012.

Hawaiian Islands from Los Angeles — Golden Princess, Sapphire Princess and Star Princess will sail from Los Angeles on a 14-day roundtrip voyage to the “Land of Aloha” with calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui, plus Ensenada, Mexico. The ships will sail on 24 voyages between September 26, 2012 and April 24, 2013.

Hawaiian Islands from San Francisco – Star Princess and Grand Princess will offer 15-day itinerary round-trip voyages from San Francisco, with calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai and Maui, plus Ensenada. The ships will offer seven departures between October 6, 2012 and April 25, 2013.

Aussie Experience Voyages
Sailings aboard Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess head to the islands from Sydney or Brisbane and feature onboard amenities tailored to appeal to Australian tastes.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific — Sea Princess will sail on a 35-day roundtrip voyage from Sydney, with calls at Nuku’Alofa (Tonga), Apia, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Hilo, Kona, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Suva (Fiji) and Nouméa (New Caledonia). The ship sets sail on April 15, 2013.

Fijian Jewels — Sun Princess sails roundtrip from Brisbane on an 11-day journey to Nouméa and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia; two Fiji ports, Suva, and Port Denarau; and Vila (Vanuatu). The ship sails on November 7, 2012 and January 13, February 7, and March 18, 2013.

Fiji & South Pacific — A popular roundtrip sailing from Sydney featuring 14 days with calls at Lifou, Vila, Port Denarau, Suva, Savu Savu, Dravuni Island and Nouméa. Available on Dawn Princess, Sea Princess and Sun Princess, sailings depart August 29, October 10 and December 29, 2012; January 25 and April 12, 2013.

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The Cruise Web would like to recognize three more Cruise Consultants who were awarded Senior Status at the end of 2011 in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the company. Cruise Consultants Ken Cho, Michael Sober and Kris Spealman each earned their Senior Cruise Consultant status for their continued performance with The Cruise Web.

Ken, Michael and Kris join an ever-growing team of Senior Cruise Consultants at The Cruise Web, whose continued excellence and expert consultation epitomize the core strength of The Cruise Web and the dedication it has to its customers and the cruise industry.

The Cruise Web congratulates its newest Senior Cruise Consultants and looks forward to their continued success.

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