~ SEA VIEWS ~
The Newsletter for Cruise Travelers
June 25, 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...
Discover the magic of Sussurro...
The Silver Whisper Cruise Diary An "Adriatic Interlude"
I've just returned from Genoa, and would like to invite you to sail with me on a virtual cruise on board Silversea Cruises' newest vesselSILVER WHISPER.
Her name evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, so what better city to begin our journey on SILVER WHISPER than Istanbul? Our port calls were combined with days at sea to give us a pleasing mix of experiences and the time to rest up between them. (PhotoSilver Whisper docked in Venice)
Ultra luxuriouswith her sleek Italian decor and attentive servicethe atmosphere on board SILVER WHISPER can only be compared to that of a private manor. Perhaps a villa on the Riviera or a summer home in the Hamptons. Join Cruise Diva in a Silver Suite for a Cruise Diary experience unlike any other.
MS PrinsendamHolland America Line's Elegant Explorer
Her arrival June 1st in New York was punctuated by the retired New York City fireboat John J. Harvey. Photos & Details
To meet her and provide a walk-through was Joyce Rachelson. Join Joyce for a Prinsendam Preview.
Prinsendam's inaugural season commences with a trans-Atlantic crossing June 3, followed by cruises in northern Europe, west and east Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia/New Zealand, which range in length from 10 to 22 days.
Cruise Facts Cruise Care in the ship's Sick Bay. You hope you won't need it, but it's comforting to know you can depend on it... if only for a bandage.
It's the Cruise Season for ALASKA! Still in a quandary over what to pack and what to see? Look no further. Cruise Diva has you covered. Also check out Cruise Diva's Cool Cruise Destinations for what you need to know before you go and information on Alaska Ports of Call. For a different type of Cool Cruising, join cruise expert Mary Ann Rizzo and sail the fjords of Norway & The North Cape.
Cruise Diva in the News From the Chicago Sun Times' Sunday Travel Section, read A Cruise Diva's Muststhe "secret little comforts" chosen to make your cruise the best it can be.
Celebrity Cruises Enhances CAPTAIN'S CLUB If you are already a member, your new credentials should have arrived in the mail. Take a peek at the new memberships levels and Member Benefits.
Cruise News Briefs
It was smooth sailing as Royal Caribbean welcomed publication of a report by the UK Competition Commission into its proposed merger with P&O Princess Cruises, and the announcement by the UK Competition Minister that she has accepted its findings that the merger would not be against the public interest. Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean, said: "Naturally we are delighted with this decision. It means that our agreed merger has now cleared all regulatory hurdles in Europe."
P&O chief executive Peter Ratcliffe and the president of the government of French Polynesia Gaston Flosse announced on Monday, June 17th 2002, in Paris, that P&O will offer cruises in Tahiti during five years starting next September. Beginning in September, P&O will operate the two former Renaissance cruise ships, R3 and R4, which have been stranded in the Papeete harbor since September 26th 2001.
Windstar Cruises just announced free airfare to Tahiti from 31 cities nationwide when sailing on any one of 24 cruises beginning July 5 through December 13, 2002.
News from the cruise lines means more opportunities for passengers to discover the Spirit of Aloha! More Princess passengers than ever can now discover the beauty and exotic appeal of the Aloha State as the company premieres its first series of regular round-trip Hawaiian cruises in 2003-04 aboard Regal Princess, featuring a 15-day itinerary from Los Angeles. While continuing its perennially popular, 15-day sailings, Holland America Line is adding new 16-day Circle Hawaii cruises in 2003, which feature the less-touristed island of Molokai. The company offers a total of seven Hawaii cruises in 2003, all sailing roundtrip from San Diego aboard the 1,266-passenger ms Statendam.
Island Cruises, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean and First Choice Holidays of the UK, has altered its fall and winter deployment strategy of its one vessel, Island Escape. The ship's fall and winter itineraries that had included two Trans-Canal sailings and a series of three- and four-night Baja Mexico sailings round-trip from Los Angeles targeting Americans will now consist of three- and four-day or longer South American cruises targeting Brazilians.
Cunard Line has signed on celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality Todd English to create a featured restaurant on board its new $800 million flagship Queen Mary 2, which will debut in January 2004.
The United States Coast Guard has recognized Celebrity Cruises for its superior environmental operations by awarding the cruise line its 2002 William M. Benkert Award For Environmental Excellence.
Royal Princess sails to new waters for Princess Cruises in December 2003, as the line unveils its first Antarctic itinerary. The cruise is part of Royal Princess' extensive Exotics program for 2003-04, featuring South America and Africa.
For a limited time only, Costa is offering Second Passenger Flies FREE on Selected Costa Cruises. Passengers booking a Costa air inclusive cruise package by June 30, 2002 on selected CostaAtlantica and CostaVictoria Fall sailings will receive FREE air for the second passenger in the stateroom. For reservations see a Travel Agent or call 1-800-GO-COSTA and request fare code A2.
Snorkel the pristine reef of Ningaloo, explore the eerie limestone caves of Marakoopa, journey through the wildlife and rugged scenery of Patagonia, discover the Maoi of Rapa Nui, or trek the unspoiled frontier land of Kakadu. The intrigue and adventure of these and other secrets of the Southern Hemisphere are revealed in more than 100 optional shore excursions and overnight expeditions offered during Crystal Cruises' 2003 World Cruise aboard Crystal Symphony. Crystal Cruises has also published its 2003 Cruise Atlas unveiling a polished and glowing new look that defines the essence of the award-winning luxury cruise line. Adding another feather to their cap, Travel + Leisure's readers rated Crystal number one at sea in the magazine's sixth annual service poll.
America's oldest cruise line, Delta Queen Steamboat Company is officially back in business with the sailing of the Mississippi Queen on June 19, its first official cruise with Delaware North Companies as the owners.
With a high-tech game room, expansive indoor and outdoor play areas, a corkscrew water slide, and dining options that include special children's menus and 24-hour pizza and ice cream, kids of all ages are sure to have a blast aboard Carnival Legend, Carnival Cruise Lines' newest "Fun Ship" set to debut Aug. 24, 2002.
Seabourn Cruise Line has published an array of Grand Voyages for the Blue Water Sailor, comprised of two or more shorter cruise itineraries combined for extended journeys of 18 to 72 days aboard its all-suite Yachts of Seabourn throughout 2003. In addition to generous Grand Voyage Savings of 40 to 50 percent off published fares, guests sailing on these longer cruises will also enjoy multiple complimentary Exclusively Seabourn shoreside experiences in several ports of call.
Amtrak, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Holland America Line announced a special partnership that combines the pleasure of rail travel with the excitement of a cruise. Through this "Rail & Cruise" program, Amtrak is pleased to offer guests discounts of up to 25 percent when traveling by rail to and from a cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines or Holland America Line.
Details of these stories and more in CRUISE NEWS
Who's cruising? Check the latest New Cruise Reviews!
JOIN US... there's still time! An Enchanted Group Cruise - It isn't too late! Get your tiaras and tuxedoes ready... join your Cruise Critic Host on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas as our floating castle sets sail on Sunday, October 13, 2002.
Cruise Diva's June Book Selection
Caribbean Ports of Call Western Region
by Kay Showker
Cruise Diva's comments:
Enjoy the splendor of the Western Caribbean with advice from an expert
Elsewhere on the Internet:
Get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more until July 15th from Magellan's
Use coupon code: CJ50
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