~ SEA VIEWS ~
The Newsletter for Cruise Travelers
May 12, 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.
Happy Mother's Day!
It's a day when I think of my mom, the original Cruise Diva. Take a peek at November 29, 1980 and my mother's first cruise on the SONG OF NORWAY. Cruise On, Mom is my Mother's Day tribute to the lady who passed along her cruise genes to me.
So many cruises, so little time...
The WIND SURF Andalusia Cruise - Lisbon to Barcelona
Cruise Diva's CRUISE DIARY - Follow our progress April 28 through May 5, 2002 as we explored Andalusia, sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona on Windstar's incredible 5-masted WIND SURF.
With Internet access from the WIND SURF, I added reports from sea as our cruise unfolded from Lisbon, to Portimao, Portugal; Tangier, Morocco; Marbella, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona, Spain.
Windstar Cruises' slogan is 180° Degrees from Ordinary® and I fully appreciate the meaning now. Never have I returned from a cruise vacation feeling so pampered and rested. I got about 90° from ordinary and I'm ready to raise the sails again and complete the transformation.
Next Month - Join me on board SILVER WHISPER and follow the CRUISE DIARY from Istanbul to Genoa!
(In order to bring Cruise Diary reports to you, issues of SEA VIEWS are presently somewhat off-schedule. I apologize for any inconvenience. The next two approximate publication dates will be May 31 and June 25.)
Cruise Diva's FOCUS is on Beautiful Bermuda - The inevitable first question everyone asks is about the beaches, "Is the sand really pink?" Yes, it is--and the water is crystal clear.
Cruise Trivia - What do you call the pointy end of a ship? How about the round end? Do you "debark" or "disembark" your vessel? The answers are all here in CruiseDiva.com's Nautical Terms.
Silversea Cruises Introduces Extraordinary "Sail" Days
Based on valuable feedback received from the travel agency community, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has introduced a first-ever attractive and simplified limited-time booking promotion that allows guests to save up to 50% off the cruise-only fare of Vista and Veranda Suites. The program is designed to encourage greater numbers of guests to enjoy Silversea's award-winning cruise experience. "This Simplicity Pricing program provides the perfect opportunity for guests to treat themselves to the cruise of a lifetime," said Albert Peter, Silversea's Chief Executive Officer.
Silversea believes consumers are anxious to get back to traveling, and special incentives, promotions, and deals have become commonplace in today's new travel environment. Silversea's new Simplicity Pricing program is being responsive to the changing demands of the marketplace, but at the same time making it easier for travelers to see the value of a Silversea vacation when compared to other luxury cruise options. The special promotion began May 6, 2002 and is offered through year-end, subject to availability. This extraordinary savings program for Silversea is valid for new reservations on most 2002 voyages and is not applicable to land, hotel and air programs. Under the Simplicity Pricing program, Silversea has set a pre-assigned, easy-to-understand, savings amount to particular voyages sailing between June 29 through December 22, 2002.
Westward Ho! Disney Magic Embarks on New Itinerary
On May 11, 2002 a colorful embarkation celebration sent Disney Magic off to new Western Caribbean waters from Disney's Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal. Since Disney Cruise Line first called Port Canaveral home in July 1998, the Central Florida port has become one of the busiest in the world. Due in part to its proximity to the Walt Disney World Resort and Central Florida attractions, Port Canaveral has become increasingly popular for families interested in cruising.
With the new 7-night western Caribbean sailings, Disney now offers five different cruise itineraries across its 2-ship fleet, plus one seamless 7-night land/sea package that combines Walt Disney World Resort fun with the enchantment of a Disney Cruise Line voyage.
Western Caribbean passengers will enjoy KEY WEST, where the ship remains docked right at Mallory Square through sunset year-round; GRAND CAYMAN, where four tenders and organized queues make tendering from the south pier a seamless experience; COZUMEL; and CASTAWAY CAY, Disney's private Bahamian island, plus two days at sea. The new itinerary alternates weekly with its present 7-night eastern Caribbean itinerary that calls on St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Line specifically designed its ships with areas and activities that meet the unique vacation needs of every member of the family. All 7-night Disney Magic cruise vacations feature magical entertainment, age-specific programming, unique dining experiences and excellent guest service.
Cruise News Briefs
- Great legends of the world and legendary figures inspire Carnival Legend's interiors
- Carnival to reposition Elation to Galveston, Carnival Pride to Port of Long Beach/Los Angeles in fall 2003
- Celebrity Cruises' Constellation to sail May 12; delivery was delayed and she returned to the French shipyard for repairs following her sea trials
- Windstar's Tahiti cruises offer Polynesian cultural enrichment
- Holland America Line will offer a special cruise fare of 67% off, starting at $799 per person, for a Canada/New England 7-day premium cruise from New York on May 17, sailing aboard the 1,380-passenger ms Rotterdam. The special fare represents a savings of $1,661 per person if booked in the minimum category.
- Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled itinerary highlights for 2003/2004 and their expanded commitment to the Seattle cruise market, with two ships homeporting there in 2003.
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Oprah calls her cruise on Seabourn the "Most Fun Ever"!
- Holland America Line announced that the 3rd Vista-class ship will be named MS Westerdam.
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Disney Cruise Line's millionth guest has set sail "On the Mouse" fleet.
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Cruise Line Iinternational Association reports that the number of children cruising has reached a record high with children and families sharing in the cruise experience.
For details of these stories, new itinerary announcements, and more, check the Cruise News Index
Who's cruising? Check the latest New Cruise Reviews!
- Norwegian Star -- ALOHA! Sail along to Hawaii with Red Stripe & Einstein
- Carnival Ecstasy - Come along with 1st time cruiser LVANGEL113@aol.com
- Carnival Pride - Explore the Western Caribbean with Kathy Bradley
- Costa Atlantica - Vincent & Mary Finelli share another great cruise experience "Cruising Italian Style"
- European Stars -- Suzy recounts a disappointing maiden voyage of Festival Cruises/First European's newest ship; not really satisfying for American passengers
JOIN US... we've got some Royal Caribbean coming!
An Enchanted Group Cruise - Great fun, REDUCED fares. Book by May 13th!!! Get your tiaras and tuxedoes ready! Join your Cruise Critic Host and Cruise Diva on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas as our floating castle sets sail on Sunday, October 13, 2002.
Cruise Diva's May Book Selection
Death by Chocolate:
What You Must Know Before Taking a Cruise
by Ross Klein
Cruise Diva's comments:
Not a guidebook, but a unique look at cruising by a cruise fanatic.
Elsewhere on the Internet:
Cruising Your Way -- Susan Breslow Sardone, About.com guide to Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways takes a look at "Why Choose a Cruise?" and offers some options.
SEA VIEWS is brought to you by...
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