You Don't Have to Be a Millionaire to Cruise Like One

You might not have won the Mega Millions lottery on Friday night, but there's no reason you can't cruise like a millionaire. There are some compelling luxury cruises aboard intimate vessels that will make you think you've struck it rich and boarded your very own vessel. Check out these options aboard intimate ships and yachts.

Top Luxury Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises – Fiji Eastbound Itinerary

November 20, 2012

The South Pacific bewitched me when I first visited the Society Islands aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. For my next outing aboard this ship, I'd pick the 12-night Fiji Eastbound itinerary. Embarking from Lautoka, Fiji, the ship calls upon Suva, Viti Levu and Savusavu, Vanua Levu in Fiji before setting a course for Vava'u, Tonga; Aitutaki in the Cook Islands and finally Bora Bora, Taha'a, and Moorea. You'll disembark in Papeete, Tahiti. For more information, contact Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Four Seasons Explorer – Maldives Circuit Cruise

Many departure dates throughout the year.
Four Seasons dubs this Maldivian yacht voyage as the "ultimate marine odyssey" and I can see why. Each day promises amazing dive spots and unexplored reefs of the Baa, Raa, Ari, and North Male atolls. This seven-night adventure is a must-do for all divers since the yacht's onboard marine biologist will guide you on sunrise, daytime, and night dives—each and every day. If you're like me and don't dive, you'll still love this cruise for its visits to secluded beaches. Four Seasons Explorer offers 10 cabins and one suite with a crew of 25. Begin your journey at Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa and the circuit cruise will take you sail to Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and back. (Three- and four-night cruises are also on offer.) For more information, contact Four Seasons.

AMAWaterways — Stars of Africa

June 18, July 16, September 3, October 29, December 3, 2012
This summer AMAWaterways launches three itineraries in southern Africa: the 16-day Stars of Africa, the 16-day African Sunsets, and a 19-day Golden Trails of Africa. Each itinerary includes several days aboard the Zambezi Queen, a luxury riverboat that cruises the Chobe River. Personally, I'd select the Stars of Africa itinerary, which includes three nights in Cape Town, three nights on safari in Kruger National Park at either Makalali Game Lodge or Kapama River Lodge, one night in Johannesburg, four nights aboard the Zambezi Queen, and two spectacular nights at famed Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. For more information, contact AMAWaterways.

American Safari Cruises — Hawaiian Seascapes

April 9, 17, 25; May 3; November 3, 10, 17, 24; December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2012
I love American Safari Cruises, part of InnerSea Discoveries, because the line of yachts offer truly unstructured exploration of Hawaii, Alaska's Inside Passage, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the Columbia & Snake Rivers, and Washington State and British Columbia. The 36-passenger Safari Explorer sails the Hawaiian Islands between October and May each year and calls upon Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and the Big Island. On this seven-night excursion you'll swim and fish off the back deck of the boat, go hiking on land, snorkel and kayak, and take the skiff out for exploratory adventures. You can also arrange for golf outings on the islands and diving excursions. For more information, contact InnerSea Discoveries.

Anantara Cruises — Ayutthaya Thousand Golden Temples Tour

Many departure dates throughout the year.
Here's one on my bucket list: a few days aboard one of Anantara Cruises' restored 100-year-old teak rice barges. The two-cabin Anantara Dream and four-cabin Anantara Song cruise Thailand's Chao Phraya River. Embarking in Bangkok, you'll spend three days enjoying river life; visiting the temples, villages, and museums in the vicinity; and enjoying English afternoon tea and gourmet meals. A personal guide will make sure you see the best of Thailand. For more information, contact Anantara Cruises.

Orion Expedition Cruises — Borneo, Borobudur & Beyond

October 22, 2012 and September 29, 2013

I can't think of a better "starter" cruise for someone who's never been to Indonesia before. This expedition launches in Bali and you'll want to stay a few days on-island pre-cruise. (I vote for a few days at any of the Aman Resorts.) You'll then sail to Semarang for excursions to the city of Jogjakarta for Javanese history and culture and Borobudur, a 9th century Buddhist monument in Central Java. On day five of this ten-night cruise, you'll spend an amazing day at the Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan. It's here that you'll make a trek into the protected rain forest to see orangutans in their natural habitat. Next, you'll spend two days in Pare Pare, Sulawesi for an overnight trip to Tana Toraja. You'll disembark in Bali. Head home via Hong Kong or Singpore for a taste of modern Asian cities. For more information, contact Orion Expedition Cruises.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for Luxury Cruise Bible

Photos © Leonard Hospidor

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

American Safari Cruises Gears Up for Unstructured Yacht Itineraries in Hawaii

The inaugural season for American Safari Cruises in the Hawaiian Islands begins on October 26, 2011. To celebrate, this small-ship luxury line is offering excellent fares and a $300 per couple value-added travel credit ($150 for solo travelers). This credit will be given on any new booking made between June 1 and July 29, 2011 for travel between October 26, 2011 and May 3, 2012.

American Safari Cruises' 36-guest Safari Explorer is the only small-group expedition yacht offering overnight cruises in the Hawaiian Islands. Guests sail one way—on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands—on an active luxury adventure between Maui and the Big Island that includes exclusive visits to Molokai, Lanai, and Molokini.

These unstructured itineraries—like those the cruise line offers in Alaska's Inside Passage and Mexico's Sea of Cortes—allow plenty of time for wildlife sightings, active adventures (like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking), and cultural experiences.

ASC offers an inclusive experience, including transfers between the airport and yacht; taxes and port fees; entry fees to parks and preserves; onboard gourmet meals, premium wine, beer, and spirits; onboard naturalists; shore excursions; and "from the yacht" activities (like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling).

There are two itineraries to choose from: the 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes and the 10-night Hawaii's Traditional Shores. 

American Safari Cruises Hawaiian Island Highlights

• humpback whale watching
• night snorkeling at Molokini
• interact with Big Island Pacific Mantra rays
• guided hikes along Molokai's famed Kalaupapa Trail
• exploration via kayak, sailboat, paddle board, snorkel, bicycle, and skiff
• complimentary onboard massage
• opportunities for golf on Lanai, Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island
• hands-on cultural experiences in Molokai's Halawa Valley

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at 1-(888) 862-8881.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos courtesy of American Safari Cruises

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.

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

The Best of 2011: A Luxury Cruise for Each Month of Next Year

With 2011 just a month away, many of us are reviewing our upcoming cruise plans for next year. If I could wrangle an unlimited amount of vacation time—or could figure out how to bring our two Bearded Collies with us on these adventures!—the 12 cruises I'd take are listed below.

They range from island strongholds like the Maldives, Hawaii, Galapagos, and French Polynesia to Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, Norway, South Africa, and Alaska.

Which are your must-cruise itineraries for 2011?

12 Fantastic Luxury Cruises for 2011

JANUARY 29, 2011
Paul Gauguin Cruises (m/s Paul Gauguin)
11-Night Cook Islands & Society Islands
Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti
Day 2 Huahine
Day 3 at sea
Day 4 Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Day 5 Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Day 6 at sea
Day 7 Bora Bora
Day 8 Bora Bora
Day 9 Taha'a (Motu Mahana)
Day 10 Moorea
Day 11 Moorea / Papeete, Tahiti
Day 12 Papeete, Tahiti

Why this cruise? We sailed with Paul Gauguin Cruises last May and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places on earth and Paul Gauguin Cruises has the expertise to show you the hidden gems. We sailed a seven-night itinerary last time around and it wasn't long enough. Next time, I'll go for the eleven-night Cook and Society Islands combo cruise.


FEBRUARY 7, 2011
Four Seasons (Four Seasons Explorer)
7-Night Maldivian Circuit Cruise
This cruise begins on North Male Atoll, Maldives at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and sails to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru on Baa Atoll.

Why this cruise? The Maldives, gorgeous coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, are on my bucket list. The Four Seasons has two exquisite properties in the archipelago as well as a luxury yacht, the Four Seasons Explorer.


MARCH 2, 2011
Silversea (Silver Wind)
10-Night Cape Town, South Africa Round-Trip
Day 1 Cape Town, South Africa
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 East London, South Africa
Day 4 at sea
Day 5 Maputo, Mozambique
Day 6 Richards Bay, South Africa
Day 7 Richards Bay, South Africa
Day 8 Durban, South Africa
Day 9 Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Day 10 Mossel Bay, South Africa
Day 11 Cape Town, South Africa

Why this cruise? We love the crew aboard Silversea ships. The butlers, stewards, bartenders, and waitstaff always strike the right balance of attentive yet friendly service. Likewise, the passenger mix makes it easy to find like-minded dinner companions. Finally, this is a fantastic itinerary for anyone who loves South Africa. These are fantastic ports with no shortage of excellent shore excursions on offer.


APRIL 30, 2011
Cunard (Queen Elizabeth)
5-Night Getaway Voyage
Day 1 Southampton, UK
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 3 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 4 Zeebrugge, Belgium
Day 5 Le Havre, France
Day 6 Southampton, UK

Why this cruise? This is Cunard's newest ocean liner and, to be honest, we've never sailed with this line. It may turn out to be too formal for our liking, but I think every cruise fanatic should sail with Cunard at least once. This five-night itinerary hits some fun ports like Amsterdam, Netherlands and Zeebrugge, Belgium.


MAY 9, 2011
Crystal Cruises (Crystal Symphony)
12-Night Northern Lights
Day 1 San Francisco
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 Victoria, British Columbia
Day 4 Victoria, British Columbia
Day 5 at sea
Day 6 Sitka, Alaska
Day 7 Juneau, Alaska
Day 8 Skagway, Alaska
Day 9 at sea
Day 10 Ketchikan, Alaska
Day 11 at sea
Day 12 at sea
Day 13 San Francisco

Why this cruise? Alaska is one of our favorite cruise destinations and it's nice to see these ports without sacrificing luxury. Crystal Cruises offers up some of the best dining at sea and that's another thing that makes this itinerary so appealing.


JUNE 18, 2011
Azamara Club Cruises (Azamara Journey)
7-Night Spain and Portugal Cruise
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain
Day 2 Ibiza, Spain
Day 3 Ibiza, Spain
Day 4 Granada (Motril), Spain
Day 5 Gibraltar, UK
Day 6 Seville (Cadiz), Spain
Day 7 Lisbon, Portugal
Day 8 Lisbon, Portugal

Why this cruise? Plain and simple: it's the chance to sail the Strait of Gibraltar.


JULY 29, 2011
Oceania Cruises (Marina)
12-Night Treasures of the Continent
Day 1 London (Dover), UK
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 3 Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium
Day 4 Paris (Honfleur), France
Day 5 St. Peter Ports (Guernsey), UK
Day 6 Saint-Malo, France
Day 7 Pont-Aven (Concarneau), France
Day 8 Bordeaux (Le Verdon), France
Day 9 Bordeaux (Le Verdon), France
Day 10 Biarritz (Saint-Jean-de-Luz), France
Day 11 Santander, Spain
Day 12 at sea
Day 13 London (Dover), UK

Why this cruise? Oceania Marina makes its debut in January 2011 and the ship will still have that new ship feel for this summertime cruise. The itinerary is spectacular with stops in Saint-Mao and Bordeaux, France.


AUGUST 14, 2011
Yachts of Seabourn (Seabourn Sojourn)
9-Night Norwegian Fjords
Day 1 Copenhagen, Denmark
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 Flaam, Norway
Day 4 Aalesund, Norway
Day 5 Olden, Norway
Day 6 Bergen, Norway
Day 7 Stavanger, Norway
Day 8 Oslo, Norway
Day 9 at sea
Day 10 Copenhagen, Denmark

Why this cruise? You've got a trifecta with this one: a terrific Norwegian itinerary, the beautiful Seabourn Sojourn mega-yacht, and an end-of-the-summer embarkation date.


SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
SeaDream Yacht Club (SeaDream II)
7-Night Venice, Italy to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 1 Venice, Italy
Day 2 Rab, Croatia
Day 3 Split and Hvar, Croatia
Day 4 Hvar, Croatia
Day 5 Korcula, Croatia
Day 6 Kotor, Montenegro
Day 7 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 8 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Why this cruise? SeaDream is one of our favorite cruise lines (best gourmet cuisine at sea and super-friendly crew) and we've been wanting to get back to Croatia since we visited Hvar last summer.


OCTOBER 10, 2011
Orion Expeditions (Orion II)
7-Night Gulf of Siam Explorer
Day 1 Singapore
Day 2 Tioman Island, Malaysia
Day 3 Kuala Terrangganu, Malaysia
Day 4 At sea
Day 5 Ko Samui, Thailand
Day 6 Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
Day 7 Ko Kut, Thailand
Day 8 Bangkok

Why this cruise? Orion II is new to the line's fleet and recently underwent a major refurbishment. This expedition line combines attentive service with offbeat ports of call. We love Southeast Asia and I can't imagine more compelling destinations than those in Malaysia and Thailand that are visited during Orion's "Gulf of Siam Explorer" cruise.


NOVEMBER 14, 2011
American Safari Cruises (Safari Explorer)
7-Night Hawaiian Seascapes
Day 1 Lahaina, Maui
Day 2 Molokai
Day 3 Molokai
Day 4 Lanai
Day 5 Molokini
Day 6 Ka Lae, Big Island
Day 7 Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Day 8 Kona, Big Island

Why this cruise? American Safari Cruises is an American company with an all-American crew. This small business has always impressed us and I'd sail anywhere with this outfit.


DECEMBER 2, 2011
Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic Endeavour)
10-Night Galapagos Islands
Day 1 Guayaquil, Ecuador
Day 2 Guayaquil / Galapagos / Baltra
Day 3 Floreana
Day 4 Isabela / Fernandina
Day 5 Santa Cruz
Day 6 Santa Cruz
Day 7 Bartolome / Santiago
Day 8 Espanola
Day 9 Baltra / Guayaquil
Day 10 Guayaquil

Why this cruise? Are you on Lindblad's mailing list? If not, get on it. The cruise catalogs are packed with photos of up-close and personal animal encounters in the Galapagos. I listened in on a recent Lindblad webinar and I hope we can make time for a trip to the Galapagos Islands soon.

Comment on this post and let us know where you're cruising in 2011.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos © Leonard Hospidor

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

Three Best Small Ship Cruise Values of 2010

I spend a lot of time reading cruise line brochures, talking with travelers and travel agents, and comparing fares. I spend even more time actually on the road, traveling as much as I can and cruising as often as possible. For these reasons, many people ask me what I consider to be the best value in luxury cruising today.

That's a loaded question because one must make a few basic assumptions about the term "value". When I think of value, I consider the size of the ship, its itinerary, service (both shore side and onboard), the design and condition of the ship, and food and wine.

Since I tend to gravitate to smaller ships, I thought I'd share with you today my three top picks for best small ship cruise values of 2010.

American Safari Cruises
Alaska's Inside Passage • Columbia & Snake Rivers • Hawaii • Mexico's Sea of Cortez • Pacific Northwest/Canada

If you haven't sailed with American Safari Cruises, you are missing out. I love this line for many reasons. The first and foremost being the people behind the cruise line. Dan Blanchard, a captain himself, is CEO of this luxury line. Executive VP of sales and marketing, Tim Jacox, is another pivotal person behind the scenes. The yacht crews are standouts in an industry where it's unusual to find Americans working aboard cruise ships. American Safari bucks this trend and employs Americans who have a passion for both sailing and nature.

The family atmosphere onboard each yacht is probably what brings guests back again and again. The crew puts travelers at ease immediately and that's perhaps why long-lasting friendships are forged between both guests and the crew during each and every itinerary.

These yachts are small—12-passenger Safari Spirit, 22-passenger Safari Quest, and 40-passenger Safari Explorer—and you will feel as if the ship is truly yours. Your every need is catered to and desires are fulfilled almost before you even know you wanted something.

One of the most compelling aspects of American Safari Cruises is the places the cruise line will take you. Forget about queuing up to tender to shore to fight for a spot on a tour bus. With American Safari, you'll just hop into the yacht's skiff to explore glaciers in Alaska, interact with pods of dolphins in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, or visit sea turtles in Hawaii.

Onboard naturalists share their depth of knowledge and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the region you're yachting. On a recent cruise along Alaska's Inside Passage, we saw brown bears (mothers, cubs, and juveniles), orca and humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, eagles, and so much more... and these animals were just a few feet away! No need for binoculars when you're getting this close to the wildlife!

American Safari facilitates extraordinary wildlife experiences and that's why I feel any of these itineraries are excellent values. You can book a stateroom or charter the entire yacht with your friends and family.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at 1-(888) 862-8881.


Paul Gauguin Cruises
French Polynesia

Take my advice and book passage aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia this year. Why? Cruise fares are at a low as the ship's new owner, Paul Gauguin Cruises, reaches out to travelers to get the message out that the popular 332-passenger Paul Gauguin is better than ever—even if it is under new management.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is a Pacific Beachcomber company (an entity with 25 years of experience in French Polynesia's luxury hospitality market). Pacific Beachcomber owns six properties managed by InterContinental Hotel Group (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora) and Maitai Hotels (Bora Bora). Additionally, the company is building "The Brando," a luxury eco-resort located on Tetiaroa, the late Marlon Brando's remote private island.

I just got back from the Paul Gauguin and am already dreaming of returning to the Society Islands. Book a cruise before June 30, 2010 and you'll lock in on a cruise fare that's 45% off the standard rate. Two-for-one or free airfare from Los Angeles to Papeete (depending on the cabin category you book) may also be included. Per diem rates are as low as $325.

The upcoming 14-night President's Cruise is a particularly good value. It embarks Papeete, Tahiti on November 6, 2010 and will call upon ports in the Society and Cook Islands, Tonga, and New Zealand. Paul Gauguin Cruises president Richard Bailey will be on board and plenty of special events are planned. Excellent deals are available for this cruise.

French Polynesia is one of Earth's most beautiful outposts and the history of the region is fascinating. Paul Gauguin Cruises hosts expert archaeologists and marine biologists onboard who give educational and entertaining lectures and take guests on excursions to hike, watch dolphins, and go diving. The cruise line has deep knowledge of these islands and presents the best options to guests. Polynesia is known to be an expensive destination, which is why an all-inclusive Paul Gauguin Cruises itinerary is the ideal way to explore the islands.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Paul Gauguin Cruises at 1-(800) 848-6172.


SeaDream Yacht Club
Caribbean • Mediterranean • Northern Europe

SeaDream Yacht Club is where European chic meets exemplary yet relaxed service. The company tag line proudly proclaims that "It's Yachting, Not Cruising" and there is definitely a difference. There are two 112-passenger yachts in the SeaDream fleet. From the moment you board either ship, you feel like a rock star since every single officer and crew member knows your name. The crew understands how to pamper guests without fussing over them.

The public areas of the yacht are incredibly comfortable and that encourages mingling between travelers. We especially love sunbathing on the Balinese Dream Beds on Deck 6 and nursing a cocktail at the Top of the Yacht bar.

Itineraries blend old favorites with off-the-beaten-path ports of call and shore excursions are not your same-old same-old. (See my extensive SeaDream II Caribbean cruise review to hear about some excursions, including a visit to the Bioluminescence Bay on Vieques.)

The hallmarks of SeaDream are personalized service, beautiful and well-maintained yachts, and innovative itineraries. In 2011, the line is extending its itineraries throughout Northern Europe. There are some especially enticing Norwegian fjords voyages.

Since these ships are relatively small, I encourage you to book your 2010 and 2011 voyages as soon as possible. These new itineraries are proving to be very popular and many dates are already sold out.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact SeaDream Yacht Club at 1-(800) 707-4911.


So there you have it. My three picks for best small ship values are American Safari Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and SeaDream Yacht Club. What small ships do you favor? I'd love to get your feedback.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor