~ SEA VIEWS ~
The Newsletter for Cruise Travelers
March 31, 2002
Welcome aboard Cruise Diva's SEA VIEWS newsletter and thank you for subscribing. SEA VIEWS is a twice-monthly email publication containing the latest news afloat and the cruise travel information you want.
So many cruises, so little time...
At Seatrade 2002, Cruise Diva went in search of "Luxury"... How does a luxury cruise differ from others? Aren't all cruises considered luxury travel?
As discussed during the "State of the Industry" Debate, it was clear that even leading cruise line executives differ in their opinionsand definitionsof luxury. Upscale passengers demand a tailored, individual experience, one that includes individual treatment. It's all about service, service, and more service.
Find out if it's time for you to move up to Cruising in the Lap of LUXURY.
Oops... BUSTED!
The traveling public has been outraged over the lack of "profiling" during security screening at America's airports. Heck, they even frisk 80-plus little-old-ladies! What a waste of time and resources. Turns out it wasn't a bad move in Miami. An airport official told me they busted a sweet little granny type not long ago. In smuggling terms, she was a "mule" and security nabbed her with a huge cache of drugs. Nice going, Miami Vice!
Boat Drinks
Ever wonder who created the Piña Colada? I did, so I went to the sourcethe Caribe Hilton in San Juan. Mix 'em up at home for yourself and your friends. Try a Piña ColadaThe Tropical Taste of Puerto Rico.
Cruise News Briefs
Celebrity Cruises' Galaxy set out on its inaugural sailing from the Port of Baltimore on March 25th. As the first guests embarked, they were joined by Celebrity executives, local officials, and others for a special ceremony onboard the ship. This statement, issued following the event, caused some confusion: "Celebrity's Galaxy is the first of nearly 40 cruise ships to call on the Port of Baltimore during the 2002 cruise season." Don't call your travel agent to find out the names of 40 different ships sailing from Baltimorethere are only a few (Galaxy, Horizon, and Carnival Legend) and the rest are port calls.
The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences has granted Seabourn Cruise Line its prestigious International Five Star Diamond Award for the eighth consecutive year. The award honors recipients for "outstanding commitment to excellence and service within the hospitality industry."
Passengers will have twice as many opportunities to enjoy some of Europe's most romantic ports as Princess Cruises deploys two of its largest ships on its famed Grand Mediterranean itinerary in 2003. Not only will Golden Princess return for a third European season, but she will be joined by her sister ship, Grand Princess, which pioneered these immensely popular sailings.
After a two-month trial period, Carnival Cruise Lines announced that the individual reservations department will be permanently staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "When we first announced our new reservations hours two months ago, we anticipated there would be enough demand to warrant keeping our call centers open 24 hours a day. Our instincts proved correct and we are very pleased to provide travel agents with this convenient, 'round-the-clock access," said Adolfo Perez, Carnival's VP of reservations sales.
North to Alaska... New for the 2002 Alaska cruise season is a two-night pre- or post-cruise package offered by Carnival Cruise Lines that combines an exciting taste of the "real Alaska" with two of the state's most elegant resorts. For the first time in four years, this June, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is offering a five-night, fully escorted optional Alaska land program to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park, one of America's last unspoiled wilderness areas.
Royal Caribbean International is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to upgrade and enhance offerings on all ships for guests with special needs. The project, which will be completed over the next three years, will further enhance accessibility onboard for passengers with disabilities.
For details of these stories, new itinerary announcements, and more, check the Cruise News
Who's cruising? Check the latest New Cruise Reviews!
- Disney Wonder - Scott Abrahams shares the Second Roger Ebert & Richard Roeper "Film Festival at Sea"
Cruise Diva's Book Selection for March
Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul:
Stories of Adventure, Inspiration & Insight to Celebrate the Spirit of Travel by Jack Canfield (Editor), Mark Victor Hansen, Steve Zikman
Cruise Diva's comments: These are uplifting stories to satisfy the wanderlust of the armchair traveler. Look for the essay by Jim West, author of my February book and audio selections, The Essential Little Cruise Book and Cruise Control: Secrets for a Perfect Cruise.
Elsewhere on the Internet:
Fine Travel - Articles from professional writers that cover POSH travel at resorts, cruises, charters, special hotels, and fine restaurants world-wide.
SEA VIEWS is brought to you by...
Southeast Aviation - Your first-class ticket to see one of the world's most majestic and untamed landscapes. This is the Alaska you have read about, heard about and talked about, but it is an Alaska you have never seen; an Alaska above it all, an Alaska that is just over the next peak, around the next forest and across the next ancient fjord.
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