Lindblad Adds Undersea Divers to Alaska Itineraries

Lindblad Expeditions came up with an incredibly cool addition to its 2012 Alaska voyages—an "Undersea Specialist."


Each Lindblad ship already carries three naturalists, an expedition leader, and a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor. The Undersea Specialist will join this team to provide an additional facet to cruises in Alaska.


What will this specialist actually do on each cruise? He or she will dive 40 to 80 feet below the surface to take high-definition photos of what lies beneath the ship. The images and video will be showcased during presentations throughout the cruise.


According to Lindblad, images will range from "...the tiniest organisms on the sea floor to giant octopi, to hulking sea lions to the whales that passengers see majestically breaching the surface." This is a very cool development! I'm just glad no one's asking me to dive the chilly Alaskan waters!


Lindblad will offer 8-night (Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness) and 12-night (Alaska, British Columbia, and San Juan Islands) voyages from May–September 2012 aboard the 62-passenger ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion.


Book Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness by March 31, 2012 and you'll receive free roundtrip air between Seattle and Alaska on select May and June departures. Rates for this itinerary start at $5,990 per person based on double occupancy for a Category 1 cabin, and $7,690 for the Alaska, British Columbia, and San Juan Islands cruise.


Lindblad's been sailing Alaskan waters for 30 years, so they really know what they're doing in this region. I love the addition of the Undersea Specialist to its itineraries and hope to explore with the company soon.


For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Lindblad at 1-(800)-EXPEDITION.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for Luxury Cruise Bible

Six Best Summertime Cruises Beyond the Mediterranean

(I hope you all enjoyed the Fourth of July holiday! I spent the long weekend going through my photos from our recent Windstar Wind Surf Rome to Nice cruise. Look for my complete review later this week.)

This time of year, just about everyone who's anyone takes a Mediterranean cruise and with good reason. The ports in the Med are some of the most fascinating. There's history and fine architecture, modern art and fashion, and excellent cuisine! There are so many other itineraries to consider though! Here's a list of my six favorite summertime cruises that go beyond the Mediterranean.

10 Days Discovering Norway's Fjords
Azamara Club Cruises  | Azamara Journey
While the Mediterranean is gorgeous all year round, the high temperatures in the summer really do me in. Cruising the Norwegian Fjords is the perfect antidote to the hot and crowded ports of the Med. Azamara offers a knock-out roundtrip itinerary out of Copenhagen, Denmark that roams Norway from Bergen, Olden, and Geiranger to Molde, Alesund, Flam, and Stavanger. You'll be on the trail of Vikings as you're treated to snow-covered mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and charming, little villages.

10-Night Arctic Circle Exploration
Silversea  |  Silver Explorer
If the Norwegian Fjords intrigue you but you'd like something a bit more exotic, consider Silversea's Arctic Circle voyages. You'll travel aboard Silver Explorer, one of the most beautiful and well-appointed expedition ships at sea. Voyage highlights include the spectacle of massive glaciers and icebergs while on the lookout for whales, polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, bearded seal, and puffins.

Intimate Yacht Adventure from Amsterdam to Bordeaux
SeaDream Yacht Club  |  SeaDream I
SeaDream's a winner in terms of service (top notch and friendly without being over the top or intrusive) and cuisine (hands-down the best meals we've ever enjoyed at sea). This itinerary swings from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to several French ports, including Caen/Normandy, St. Malo, Belle Ile, La Rochelle, and Bordeaux. There'll be plenty to keep you busy on this cruise—there's so much history at these ports. But when you want to take a break, head to the top deck, order a drink, and repose on the comfy Balinese beds.

Alaska's Inside Passage with an Overnight Inside Glacier Bay National Park
American Safari Cruises  |  Safari Spirit
One of our favorite cruises of all time was our week aboard American Safari Cruises' Safari Spirit 8-passenger yacht. We hiked, dipped in warm springs, got within mere feet of whales and brown bear from the ship's skiff. Not only that but we met several couples with whom we've remained friends and travel buddies ever since. We love American Safari and their approach to Alaska's Inside Passage is tough to beat. It's you and a few other like-minded travelers aboard intimate ships that are crewed by Americans. The onboard naturalists know their stuff and you'll make plans to visit Alaska again before you've even disembarked the yacht.

A Fortnight in Paradise: South Pacific Style
Paul Gauguin Cruises  |  m/s Paul Gauguin
Okay, I have to admit that there's no bad time to visit French Polynesia, but summertime is especially beautiful. The seas are calm, the palm trees sway gently in the breeze, and the climate is temperate. I'd opt for the two-week itinerary that calls upon the Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Society Islands. The highlight of the trip is the beach party at Motu Mahana—Paul Gauguin Cruises' private island off Taha'a.

Wild Australia—Kimberely Region
Orion Expeditions  |  Orion
Exploring Australia's wild and remote Kimberely Coast with Orion Expeditions is on our to-do list. I've been told that this cruise, aboard Australian-based expedition ship Orion, is like nothing else. Orion's team of expedition leaders will introduce you to inspiring sights like waterfalls, deep river gorges, indigenous rock art, and sandstone cliffs. Embark from Broome in Western Australia and end your adventure in Darwin, Northern Territory.

What's your idea of a perfect summertime cruise? Let me know!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for Luxury Cruise Bible

Party Post: Comment to Win!

* * * Tonight is Luxury Cruise Bible's first Twitter and blog party. Our special guest is American Safari Cruises. We're chatting live right now—Tuesday, March 22 between 7–8 pm EST—on Twitter and will give away six Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster and one Barnes & Noble Nook ereader. You can participate without joining Twitter. Read this previous blog post for full party details.  Check out these tips for attending Twitter parties. * * *

Questions of the Evening—Answer to Win a Prize

Q1: Would you pick a Hawaiian Island cruise or an itinerary that focuses on Mexico's Sea of Cortez? Why?

Q2: Which Hawaiian Island—Maui, Big Island, Molokai, Molokini, Lanai—would you most like to visit and why?

Q3. Which type of shore excursions do you prefer: beach day/snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, or a cultural event?

Q4: Have you ever sailed on a small ship with just 40 passengers, like Safari Explorer? What do you love about small ships?

Q5: What worries you about small ship sailing?

Q6: Despite all the airport hassles, possible weather delays, and expense, why do you still love to travel?

Answer each of these questions by commenting on this post on March 22nd between 7 and 8 pm EST for your chance to win a Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebook or a Barnes & Noble Nook ereader. (You must include your email address when commenting. Your address won't be published but I'll need it to contact you if you win a prize.)

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Get to Know American Safari Cruises

Safari Explorer's nimble design allows the yacht to explore the intimate shorelines of the Hawaiian Islands. Learn more about American Safari Cruises' new Hawaiian Island itineraries.

Safari Explorer bar - wine, beer, and spirits are included in the cruise fare.

Head to the Wine Library aboard Safari Explorer to purchase ultra-premium wines (free pours available elsewhere on the ship).

Meals are prepared by executive chef Craig White and are served in the main dining room (open seating).

Admiral cabins feature king or twin beds, windowed door or view window, TV/DVD, and a bathroom with both a Jacuzzi and shower.

The bathrooms aboard Safari Explorer are spacious and well designed. Some have whirlpool tubs.

For those interested in Mexico Sea of Cortes sailings, here's American Safari's 22-guest Safari Quest.

I love the 12-passenger Safari Spirit. It's so intimate! We sailed aboard the Safari Spirit in Alaska's Inside Passage.

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Read More About American Safari Cruises

Travel writer Janet Groene reports on American Safari's Safari Quest and its Sea of Cortez itineraries for Grandparents.com.

World traveler Lisa Sonne discusses her time sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard American Safari's Safari Spirit for Yachting Magazine.

Here’s what travel writers Bill Hirsch and Yvette Cardoza had to say about their trip with American Safari in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.

It’s a fluke—and that’s a good thing. Ludmilla Alexander’s take on American Safari from the Sunday Oregonian.

Frommers gives its highest ranking (3 stars) to American Safari Cruises.

Get CruiseCritic.com’s take on American Safari here—all the member reviews are 5 stars or higher!

About.com’s Linda Garrison reviews American Safari's Safari Quest in the Sea of Cortez.

In case you missed it: here’s a terrific Islands Magazine article by Yvonne Horne about Mexico’s Galapagos (Sea of Cortez).

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American Safari Videos

Captain Dan Blanchard introduces you to American Safari Cruises with this video.

Want to swim with sea lions? You can with American Safari! Check out this video.

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The first Luxury Cruise Bible Twitter party is going on now (March 22, 2011 from 7–8 pm EST). Please join us if you're online now!

We're giving away six Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster and a Barnes & Noble Wi-Fi-enabled Nook ereader! (Prizes can only be shipped to addresses in the United States or Canada.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos courtesy of American Safari Cruises

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We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Reminder: American Safari Cruises Twitter Party Today at 7pm EST

Don't forget about today's Twitter/blog party with special guest American Safari Cruises!

REGISTER NOW to win one of six Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster or a Barnes & Noble Wi-Fi-enabled Nook ereader! (Prizes can only be shipped to addresses in the United States or Canada.)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
7 pm Eastern Time
(6 Central | 5 Mountain | 4 Pacific)

We're looking forward to chatting with all of you and giving away some very cool prizes. You'll learn about American Safari Cruises and its yacht vacations in Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska.

Read more about this event and register to win prizes! 

Click here for Twitter party instructions and tips.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Twitter Party Tips: How to Attend the Luxury Cruise Bible Chat on 3/22 @ 7pm EST. Win Prizes!

Are you planning on attending the Luxury Cruise Bible Twitter party with special guest American Safari Cruises on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7pm EST (4pm Pacific)? I hope so!

Twitter parties are a lot of fun but they can move FAST. Here are the three ways in which I suggest you virtually "attend" the party.

Attend Via TweetGrid.com—

Recommended Method

1. Make sure you have your Twitter.com login credentials handy. If you don't already have a Twitter account, sign up for one now.

 

2. Go to TweetGrid.com and click on the "Party" button (circled in red above).

3. Fill out the requested information as follows:

Party Hashtag: #LCB #AMSAFARI

Party Host(s): @luxcruisebible, @americansafari

(be sure to include the comma separating the two Twitter handles above)

Your username: [ fill in your Twitter handle here ]

4. Then click "Join the Party!"

5. Okay, you should now see the TweetGrid panel from which you'll attend the party. All party messages will scroll on the far left panel. Messages from the party hosts — @luxcruisebible and @americansafari — will scroll down the middle panel, and your own messages will scroll down the far right column.

IMPORTANT: Check to be sure that there is a # sign in front of the #AMSAFARI hashtags on the right and left of the screen. (See red arrows. Click on the above image for a larger view.) If the # sign is missing, insert it manually.

You'll now be able to follow the party messages easily.

6. When you wish to tweet, type your message into the white text box at the top of the page (see red arrows above). TweetGrid will automatically append the hashtags #LCB #AMSAFARI to all of your tweets so you don't have to.

Remember, in order to be eligible to win the door prizes you must append #LCB #AMSAFARI to all of your tweets.

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Attend Via Twitter

1. Go to Twitter.com a few minutes before the party begins at 7pm EST (4pm Pacific).

2. Log in to your Twitter account, or register for an account if you don't already have one. (See the sign in panel above, circled in red.)

3. Type the party's hashtags — #LCB #AMSAFARI — into the search box at the top of the page (circled in read in the above image, click for larger image).

4. Once you've entered the hashtags and have hit "return," click where it says "Save this search" (see the red arrow).

5. Go back to the Twitter home page and click where it says "Searches" (circled in red above). You'll see the #LCB #AMSAFARI search that you saved. This will make it easier for you to quickly refresh messages during the party.

6. This is how your screen should look if you're using Twitter to attend the party. All messages with the hashtags #LCB and #AMSAFARI should show up in your message window.

7. To respond to a tweet or send a tweet, type in the "What's happening?" box... just be sure to append #LCB #AMSAFARI to all your tweets so they appear in the party stream! You're only eligible to win a door prize if you append those hashtags!

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Attend the Party Via This Blog

For Those Who Don't Tweet

For those of you who don't "tweet," you can still take part in the Luxury Cruise Bible / American Safari Cruises party. Just return to the Luxury Cruise Bible blog at 7pm EST (4pm Pacific) on Tuesday, March 22nd, and read the blog post devoted to the party.

You won't have access to the real-time Twitter messages, but you'll see information about American Safari Cruises, their new Hawaiian Islands itinerary, photos and videos, and links to articles about small ship cruising.

Answer the posted questions via the "Comment" button for your chance to win a Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader or one of six Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster.

If you have any questions about the Twitter party, let me know.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Register for Online Cruise Party & Win!

This year Luxury Cruise Bible is hosting a series of online parties with our favorite cruise lines. The parties will be held right here on this blog and at Twitter.

American Safari Cruises is co-hosting our first party on...

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
7 pm Eastern Time
(6 Central | 5 Mountain | 4 Pacific)

We're looking forward to chatting with all of you and giving away some very cool prizes. You'll learn about American Safari Cruises and its yacht vacations in Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska.

Prizes!

Participants may win one of six Frommers Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster or a Barnes & Noble Wi-Fi-enabled Nook ereader! (Prizes can only be shipped to addresses in the United States or Canada.)

There are two ways to "attend" the party: on Twitter and right here at this blog.

Option 1: Attend the Party on Twitter.com
March 22, 2011 at 7 pm EST

This party will primarily take place on Twitter, but we're adding a blog portion for all of you who'd prefer not to join a social networking site.

If you do belong to Twitter, I strongly encourage you to attend the party in real-time. It's going to be a lot of fun!

Here's what you need to do:

1. RSVP for the party by commenting on this blog post. You must RSVP if you want to be eligible to win a prize!
   
   
2. Go to Twitter.com on Tuesday, March 22 at 7 pm EST and log in. (If you don't already have an account, click on the "Sign Up" button and register.
   
   
3. Make sure you follow @LuxCruiseBible and @AmericanSafari.
   
   
4. Click on this link to bring you to the party's homepage. (You'll want to follow all messages with the tags #LCB and #AMSAFARI.)
   
   
5. The party will begin promptly at 7:00 pm EST on Tuesday, March 22nd. Watch for the six questions of the evening.
   
   
6. Tweet your answer to each question and include the tags #LCB and #AMSAFARI for a chance to win a cool prize. (Your tweet would look like this: "This is the first Twitter party I've ever attended. #LCB #AMSAFARI")
   
   
7. Remember to append the tags #LCB #AMSAFARI to all tweets you send during the party. Tweets without those tags are NOT eligible to win a prize! (The tags allow us to see everyone who's "attending" the party on Twitter.)
   

Option 2: Attend the Party at the Luxury Cruise Bible Blog
March 22, 2011 at 7 pm EST

Have no fear! You don't need to join Twitter to take part in our party. I'll also be posting to this blog during the party. You'll miss all the person-to-person discussion between party-goers, but you will still have access to all of the questions of the evening along with links to photos, videos, and American Safari cruise-related stories.

Here's what you need to do:

1. RSVP for the party by commenting on this blog post. You must RSVP if you want to be eligible to win a prize!
   
   
2. Watch for the six questions of the evening by returning to the Luxury Cruise Bible blog at 7 pm EST on Tuesday, March 22, 2011.
   
   
3. Comment on the party post on March 22nd between 7–8 pm EST with your answer to the six questions of the day for a chance to win a cool prize. (You need to sign in with your email address. It will not be posted online but will be available to me when I need to contact you if you win.)

Mark Your Calendar & Attend the Party!

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 22 at 7 pm EST (6pm Central, 5pm Mountain, 4pm Pacific). This party is going to be a lot of fun and if you've ever wondered what an American Safari yacht vacation is like, we'll answer all your questions. Join us!

You can find more Twitter party tips here.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises
Prize guidebooks courtesy of Frommers. You may purchase a copy of Jeanette Foster's Frommers Hawaii 2011 here.
Nook prize courtesy of LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Bear Sightings with American Safari Cruises in Alaska

Cruise International, a UK-based travel magazine, recently gave me the opportunity to relive a fantastic experience with American Safari Cruises in Alaska.

Check out my story at the Cruise International blog if you’ve ever hoped to catch a glimpse of a mother bear and her cubs in their natural habitat.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo ©Leonard Hospidor

Video Introduction to American Safari Cruises

On this beautiful Saturday, I want to share with you a video that introduces American Safari Cruises. This is a family-owned company with three yachts sailing itineraries in Alaska's Inside Passage, Hawaii, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and along the Columbia and Snake rivers.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari directly at 1-(888) 862-8881. And, be sure to follow American Safari Cruises on Twitter.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Author Terry Breen to Spend Summer 2011 in Alaska Aboard Oceania's Regatta

Here's some interesting news... Author/lecturer Terry Breen—long a favorite guest speaker on Regent Seven Seas cruise ships—will spend the 2011 Alaska season aboard Oceania Cruises' 684-passenger Regatta.

Terry is the author of The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide to Alaska's Inside Passage and The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide to Exploring Antarctica.

This is the first summer Regatta will spend exploring Alaska's Inside Passage and Terry will bring her 19 years of expedition experience to her series of enrichment lectures.

Oceania is offering ten itineraries from May 12–August 26, 2011. Routes include...

May 12 & August 26, 2011: San Francisco • Victoria, Canada • Sitka, Alaska • Cruising Hubbard Glacier • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Cruising Tracy Arm Fjord • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • Cruising the Inside Passage • Vancouver, Canada • Astoria, Oregon • San Francisco

May 26, 2011: San Francisco • Astoria, Oregon • Wrangell, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Cruising Hubbard Glacier • Sitka, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • Cruising the Inside Passage • Victoria, Canada • Vancouver, Canada

June 7, 2011: Vancouver, Canada • Cruising the Inside Passage • Sitka, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Cruising Hubbard Glacier • Kodiak, Alaska • Wrangell, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • Cruising the Inside Passage • Vancouver, Canada

June 17, 2011: Vancouver, Canada • Cruising the Inside Passage • Ketchikan, Alaska • Wrangell, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Sitka, Alaska • Cruising Hubbard Glacier • Cruising the Glaciers of College Fjord • Seward, Alaska • Homer, Alaska • Anchorage, Alaska

June 29 & July 11, 2011: Anchorage, Alaska • Homer, Alaska • Seward, Alaska • Cruising the Glaciers of College Fjord • Cruising Hubbard Glacier • Juneau, Alaska • Haines, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Sitka, Alaska • Wrangell, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • Cruising the Inside Passage • Vancouver, Canada

July 23, 2011: Anchorage, Alaska • Homer, Alaska • Seward, Alaska • Cruising the Glaciers of College Fjord • Cruising Hubbard Glacier • Juneau, Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Sitka, Alaska • Wrangell, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • Cruising the Inside Passage • Vancouver, Canada

August 4, 2011: Vancouver, Canada • Cruising the Inside Passage • Ketchikan, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Cruising Hubbard Glacier • Kodiak, Alaska • Cruising the Gulf of Alaska • Sitka, Alaska • Wrangell, Alaska • Cruising the Inside Passage • Vancouver, Canada

August 14, 2011: Vancouver, Canada • Cruising the Inside Passage • Ketchikan, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Cruising Hubbard Glacier • Juneau, Alaska • Sitka, Alaska •Prince Rupert, Canada • Cruising the Pacific Coast • Victoria, Canada • Astoria, Oregon • San Francisco

For more information about Oceania Regatta's Alaska sailings, talk with your travel agent or contact Oceania Cruises at 1-(800)531-5619.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

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We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Two More Cruise Lines Join Twitter: American Safari Cruises and InnerSea Discoveries

Here's a quick tip for those of you on Twitter. American Safari Cruises and InnerSea Discoveries are both now tweeting! Follow @AmericanSafari and @InnerSeaD.

American Safari Cruises is a small ship yacht line sailing itineraries in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The line's three yachts include the 12-passenger Safari Spirit, the 22-passenger Safari Quest, and the 40-passenger Safari Explorer.

Beginning in October 2011, American Safari's Safari Explorer will offer 7- and 10-night inter-island cruises of Hawaii.

InnerSea Discoveries, operated by the principles of American Safari Cruises, dubs itself the "un-cruise adventure company." It operates two 49-passenger ships: the Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Adventurer. Both ships offer action-packed itineraries along Alaska's Inside Passage.

For more information about these cruise lines, talk with your travel agent or contact the cruise line's directly.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises

Cruise West World Cruise Cancelled Mid-Cruise

Bad news for Cruise West passengers aboard its world cruise dubbed the Voyage of the Great Explorers. The company is evidently restructuring. Here's the official news release:

Cruise West Continues Restructuring Efforts

SEATTLE, WA (September 8, 2010) – Cruise West, a global leader in small-ship explorations, today announced that they continue to work towards a restructuring of the company and its operations. The first move in this restructuring is the termination of the Spirit of Oceanus’ Voyage of the Great Explorers. Additional assets may be sold and other steps are being pursued towards a restructure. As part of this process, Cruise West has suspended accepting any new bookings.

The Spirit of Oceanus voyage ended at its scheduled port of disembarkation so as to minimize any negative impact to our guests. Cruise West plans to continue to operate its US flag ships and itineraries through October, 2010; Spirit of Endeavour will sail from Seattle on the British Columbia Cruise and the Spirit of ’98 from Portland, OR along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Cruise West will also complete cruises or land tours already underway in Alaska.

For those booked Spirit of Oceanus guests who may be affected by this news and who have not yet travelled, we recommend that you take the following steps:

1. If third-party travel insurance was obtained, a claim should be placed immediately with the insurer.
   
   
2. If payment was made by credit card, a claim should be placed immediately with the card issuer.
   
   
3. If the payment was made by cash or check, and you have no travel insurance, please send an email to info@cruisewest.com.

Cruise West executives will not respond to media inquiries or accept interviews at this time.

About Cruise West: Cruise West believes that small is beautiful. Small-ship explorations allow up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines. For nearly 64 years, Cruise West has provided authentic travel experiences.

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—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Trusted Adventures Consortium Presents Extraordinary Active Vacations

If active travel is your thing, it's time to get acquainted with Trusted Adventures. This alliance, headed up by executive director Brad Moss, is made up of like-minded travel providers that focus on cruise and yacht vacations, eco trips, biking and hiking getaways, rafting adventures, and more.

Read about the group and explore each member's website. I guarantee they'll be a few trips you bookmark for future reference.

American Safari Cruises—focus is on active and luxurious yacht cruises in Alaska, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and Hawaii.

Austin-Lehman Adventures—specializes in adult and family vacations around the world, including Yellowstone, Bryce/Zion, Grand Canyon, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies, the Galapagos, South Africa, and several western European countries.

Ciclismo Classico—offers expertly designed biking expeditions in many locations, including Croatia, Norway, Italy, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Great Alaska—this is the place to find sport fishing and wildlife adventure trips to Alas.ka, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

InnerSea Discoveries—this is the sister company to American Safari Cruises (mentioned above); InnerSea offers active cruise adventures at a more affordable price in Alaska.

Myths & Mountains—unusual excursions to Asia (Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Tibet), Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, and Peru).

ROW Adventures—from Idaho rafting adventures to the Galapagos Islands and everything in between...ROW offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing, fly fishing, barge and yacht cruising, biking and hiking trips, and much more.

The Wayfarers—unique walking tours in the British Isles, South Africa, New Zealand, India, and Alaska.

Western River Expeditions—looking for a rafting adventure? Western River Expeditions offers trips in the Grand Canyon, Utah, and Idaho.

Wildland Adventures—Wildland has a varied list of itineraries that feature the best of wildlife viewing and active pursuits in the United States, Africa, Central and South America, the Antarctica, and the Far East.

For more information about these travel companies, visit their websites, call your travel agent, or do some research at Trusted Adventures.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Anchorage, Alaska Travel Tips at FamilyVacationCritic.com

Mt. McKinley in Alaska's Denali National Park & Reserve

If you're traveling to Alaska this summer with your kids or grandchildren, don't miss my Anchorage, Alaska, destination profile at FamilyVacationCritic.com.

The extensive article gives an overview of one of my favorite cities in the West and offers tips on family-friendly lodging, activities, and restaurants. Check it out!

If you haven't yet booked your 2010 Alaska cruise, there's still time to do so.

My Favorite Cruise Lines Sailing Alaska in 2010

American Safari Cruises—The best small ship (yacht) experience in Alaska—hands down!

Silversea—Italian hospitality aboard Silver Shadow, a mid-size vessel accommodating 382 guests.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises—Excellent luxury service is the hallmark of the 490-passenger Navigator.

Celebrity Cruises—Summer 2010 finds three Celebrity ships in Alaska: Infinity, Mercury, and Millennium.

Holland America—HAL has been a leader in Alaska cruise/land tours for years. The line sails eight ships in Alaska this summer: Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam VI, Ryndam, Statendam, Volendam, Zaandam, and Zuiderdam.

Which cruise line are you sailing in Alaska this summer? Let me know!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

New Alaskan Wilderness Adventures for Summer 2011 from InnerSea Discoveries

Does this sound like you?

• I dream of cruising Southeast Alaska, but I cringe at the thought of sailing aboard a huge cruise ship that can't get up close to the wildlife.
  
  
• I'd consider doing Alaska on my own, but I have no idea where to seek out the best spots to view whales, sea lions, seals, bears, and other animals.
  
  
• I prefer to travel with small groups of like-minded individuals.
  
  
• I want to be pampered on my Alaska cruise, but I could care less about formal night and the casino.
  
  
• I want to actually experience Alaska. I plan to hike, kayak, fish, swim, snorkel, and maybe even camp onshore.
  
  
• I'm an adventure seeker!

If that's you, visit InnerSea Discoveries' website and book an Alaska wilderness adventure. This cruise line is a new venture from the American Safari Cruises team and it focuses less on luxury and more on active, small-group adventures.

Choose from two small expedition ships: the 170-foot, 49-guest Wilderness Discoverer and the 157-foot, 49-foot Wilderness Adventurer. While the ships are small, the list of activities is long. Passengers can challenge themselves physically or simply relax. Options include hiking, paddle boarding, beachcombing, shore boat excursions, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, whale and bird watching, glacier viewing, yoga sessions, fishing, and more. There are even cave exploration excursions and overnight camping options on shore.

There are two seven-night itineraries available from Ketchikan to Juneau. One direction explores the western region and the reverse itinerary explores the eastern region. There's no duplication on the two itineraries, so you can create a 14-night round-trip back-to-back.

InnerSea Discoveries calls their trips the "un-cruise" and they are ideally suited for anyone who eschews traditional big ship cruising. Seven-night expeditions start at $1,795 per person, double occupancy.

The inaugural season of InnerSea Discoveries begins May 21, 2011 and lasts through September 3, 2011. Learn more from your travel agent or contact InnerSea Discoveries at 1-(877) 901-1009.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of InnerSea Discoveries

InnerSea Discoveries to Launch Experiential Adventures in Alaska's Inside Passage

When I first sailed with American Safari Cruises, I returned from Alaska's Inside Passage and just raved about the experience. It was everything we love about cruising rolled up into one tremendously fun week: an intimate yacht (we sailed aboard the 105-foot Safari Spirit with just three other couples), wildlife viewing, excellent service, and fine cuisine.

We spent tons of time in the skiff and got incredibly close to humpback whales, orca whales, sea lions, and more. We even hugged the shore and viewed a moma bear with her three cubs. We could hear them chewing grass! It was awesome!

I consider American Safari Cruises to be a luxury experience because of the intimate yachts; crew-to-guest ratio; the caliber of the service; topnotch food, wine, and spirits; and access to wildlife that cruisers on the big ships just won't ever get close to. All-inclusive cruise fares start at $4,895 per person.

Those fares are too steep for some cruisers though, so the parent company of American Safari decided to purchase two larger ships where they could offer the same excellent naturalists and personal service, but offer a lower price point. The new initiative is called InnerSea Discoveries and is also meant for travelers who wish to actively engage their surroundings—both physically and emotionally.

The two ships—the 157-foot, 66-guest Wilderness Adventurer and the 170-foot, 80-guest Wilderness Discovery The vessels were purchased earlier this year and are being completely renovated now. The per person price point will start between $2,500 and $3,000 for one-week itineraries between Ketchikan and Juneau (two-week voyages will also be available). Fares include all meals, equipment for adventure activities, expert guides, port charges, taxes, and transfers.

These voyages will be ultra-experiential and activities include stand-up paddle boarding, wilderness hiking, snorkeling, inflatable boat and kayak excursions among icebergs and along shorelines, beachcombing, and whale watching. Optional add-ons include spelunking, river rafting, and jet boat excursions; fishing with expert guides on a fully outfitted boat; and overnight backpacking and kayaking. Professional naturalists will provide lectures on the surrounding environment, and yoga and massages will be offered; both boats have on-deck hot tubs and saunas with a view.

“We think of it as an ‘un-cruise’ because there are none of the hassles of traditional cruising,” says CEO and principal Capt. Dan Blanchard. “No crowds, long lines, herd mentalities, bus trips, and tourist-clogged port calls. Instead we’re offering exhilarating activities in the wildlife-rich waters of Southeast Alaska, plus creature comforts aboard the boat.”

Wilderness Adventurer and Wilderness Discoverer will begin sailing Alaska's Inside Passage in May 2011.

The parent company will continue to operate American Safari Cruises three-vessel yacht itineraries in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Columbia and Snake rivers, and the Pacific Northwest. Inter-island Hawaii yacht cruising debuts in 2011.

For information, talk with your travel agent or call InnerSea Discoveries at 1-(877) 901-1009 or sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of InnerSea Discoveries

Dispatch from Donna: The Alaskan Outposts of Sitka, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor

This is travel writer Donna Hull's second installment of "Dispatches from Donna," a weekly update during her 52-day voyage aboard Regent's Seven Seas Mariner.

Greetings from Regent Seven Seas Mariner. As my husband, Alan, and I complete our second week on this journey from Vancouver to Singapore; the splendid state of Alaska continues to enthrall us with majestic but rugged beauty.

If scenery could be called charming, that’s how I would describe Sitka. Small islands are sprinkled around Sitka Sound, many of them populated with log homes, which can be rented through the U.S. Forest Service… if you’re patient enough to withstand the five-year waiting list.

After tendering to shore, passengers disperse to a variety of cruise excursions, including whale watching or dry-suit snorkeling. But, the Russian-influenced town, and surrounding area, is easy to explore on your own.

Alan and I take advantage of the sunny weather by walking through the commercial district before continuing out of town to Sitka Historical National Park, where a series of paths lead to 18 Tlingit and Hiada totem poles. From there, it’s a short walk over a salmon-filled river and through the woods to the Raptor Center. The facility rehabilitates injured bald eagles and other wild birds for release back into the Alaskan wilderness.

The next day, when Mariner arrives in Hubbard Glacier, she is the only ship to enjoy the sunny scene in Desolation Bay. Passengers crowd into the Observation Lounge for the early morning view of the glacier as well as the St. Elias and Fairweather mountain ranges that loom in the background. As Captain Felice Patruno pirouettes the ship in continuous circles, the glacier calves sending a spray of water into the air, thrilling the lucky photographers who have captured the scene.

Rain pours in Seward as some passengers depart while a new group boards joining us on the journey across the Bering Sea. Since no excursions are offered, we use the time to take care of laundry and other business. A couple of hearty guests rent cars, braving the bad weather, to view the surrounding countryside.

Our Alaska exploration continues when Mariner stops at Kodiak Island, home of Kodiak bears, fish canneries, and WWII history. With stormy seas the previous night, our arrival in Kodiak has been questionable. But, Captain Patruno prevails, giving us the opportunity for a two-mile hike in Abercrombie State Park, where dramatic coastal scenes compete with abandoned bunkers and other artifacts remaining from WWII.


After a day sailing through the Aleutian Islands, we reach the end of our Alaskan ports: Dutch Harbor. The Japanese bombed this secluded outpost during WWII. Stark, tree-less mountains ring the harbor where commercial fishing is now king. Passengers are treated to school bus rides through the small enclave for glimpses of life at what seems like the edge of the world.



When we leave the calm waters of Dutch Harbor, Mariner sets sail across the Bering Sea, known for its storminess. Next stop? Siberia.

—Donna Hull for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

All photos © Alan Hull and Donna Hull.

Follow Donna on Twitter, visit her blog, and return here next week for the next "Dispatch from Donna" as she travels for 52 days aboard Regent's Seven Seas Mariner from Vancouver to Singapore.

Dispatch from Donna: Alaska's Majestic Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Juneau & Skagway

Greetings from Regent Seven Seas Mariner. As Andrea has previously told you, I’m Donna Hull, travel writer and publisher of My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel. My husband, Alan, and I are on a 53-day cruise (counting crossing the International Date Line) that will take us from Vancouver to Singapore, with stops in Alaska, Russia, Japan, S. Korea, Hong Kong, China, Viet Nam, Thailand, and Singapore. Along the way, I’ll be gathering port information, as well as impressions about shipboard life, to share with you.

First up? Marvelous, majestic, massive, mind boggling Alaska. Even though I’m well traveled and have seen my share of beautiful sights, I wasn’t prepared for this state’s scenic beauty. On our first morning, Alan and I enjoyed breakfast on the back deck at La Veranda while forested views of the Inside Passage passed before us. Since then, it’s been hard to peel our eyes away from the natural beauty that is constantly parading by, just off the cabin balcony.

Alaska's Gorgeous Inside Passage

In our first port, Ketchikan, the misty, gray morning taught us our first Alaskan lesson—be prepared for changeable weather. And, don’t expect an excursion to be canceled because of rain, which isn’t surprising, considering the 162 inches of precipitation that Ketchikan receives annually.

Since ships dock right in town, shopaholics have no problem walking to the colorful clapboard buildings housing galleries and jewelry stores. Cruise excursions range from bear-watching safaris to zip line adventure to a touristy lumberjack show. Our choice? A floatplane tour of Misty Fjords National Monument. The plane detoured around low-lying clouds, then up one of the monument’s many fjords before briefly landing so that we could experience the quiet solitude of Alaskan wilderness.

As the ship progressed towards Juneau, we were treated to an early morning sail up Tracy Arm, one of Alaska’s ruggedly beautiful fjords. The Observation Lounge was filled to capacity as lecturer, Terry Breen, provided commentary. Good weather allowed the Captain to take Mariner 18 miles up the narrow fjord for spectacular views.

By the time we reached an afternoon docking in the former gold rush town of Juneau, the weather turned foul. Alaska taught us a second lesson—flexibility. Waiting under a covered awning in the port, we were advised that the Helicopter Glacier Walkabout had been cancelled. But, the helicopter flight to Mendenhall Glacier was still available. After boarding a bus, we reached the heliport, donned glacier boots and life vests before learning that it was unsafe to fly.

But, we were rewarded the next day in Skagway. As many passengers stepped aboard the White Pass Railway for the mountain ride to White Pass and back, Alan and I boarded a speedcat. The one-hour covered boat ride to Glacier Point provided views of mountains with hanging glaciers and waterfalls plunging into the water while sea gulls fished for breakfast.

After a school bus ride through the temperate rainforest, the group arrived at a staging area, where we were equipped with rubber boots, waterproof overalls, and jackets. From there, it was a short walk through the forest to the river where we boarded canoes for a journey to the foot of Davidson Glacier. After the group paddled for a while, our guide turned on the motor to the canoe as we passed back and forth through the choppy water in front of the glacier, the wind whipping around us. The wild, exhilarating experience provided one of the most outstanding cruise excursions that Alan and I have ever taken.

That afternoon, Terry Breen offered commentary as Mariner sailed through Taiya Inlet, a deep-water fjord where the mountains plunge straight down into the sea. With a comfortable seat in the Observation Lounge, champagne glass in hand, we watched as majestic mountains slipped by giving us another scenic sail-away.

Stay tuned for next week’s installment when I’ll tell you about our remaining Alaskan ports: Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Seward, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor.

—Donna Hull for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

All photos © Alan Hull and Donna Hull.

Follow Donna on Twitter, visit her blog, and return here next week for the next "Dispatch from Donna" as she travels for 53 days aboard Regent's Seven Seas Mariner from Vancouver to Singapore.