Crystal Serenity Renovations During May 2011 Dry Dock

Cruise ship dry dock renovations have always fascinated me. Can you imagine making major improvements to a ship under tight time restrictions? It's astounding what these craftsmen and engineers can do.

This May, more than 400 technicians from around the world will converge at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. Their one and only goal is to work around the clock for 14 days on Crystal Cruises' Serenity.

Crystal is spending $25-million to redesign 531 deluxe staterooms, penthouses, and penthouse suites; the shops; and pool deck.

Let's delve a bit deeper into the upgrades. Stateroom changes include floor-to-ceiling tufted headboards, bedside cabinets, wallpaper, sofas, curtains, pillows, carpet, and lighting. I love the new electronic "do not disturb" and doorbell system.

The shops, Facets jewelry store and Apropos boutique, will get a facelift and will now offer Christian Dior cosmetic/skincare area.

The pool deck will get a similar treatment as Crystal Symphony's recent upgrade.

All corridors will be updated with new carpeting, artwork, and lighting. Likewise, new lighting will be installed in the Crystal Dining Room and all stateroom verandahs will get new furniture.

There's a lot to look forward to when it comes to these upgrades. I'm looking forward to seeing photos of the ship once the dry dock upgrades are completed on May 22.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Crystal Cruises at 1-(888) 799-4625.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises

10 Days Left to Book Asia Aboard Seabourn Pride with Comp Biz Airfare

Lots of news over at Yachts of Seabourn these days. The Odyssey made her debut this past June, Sojourn sets sail this summer, and Seabourn Quest is being built in the here and now. Additionally, the Spirit and Pride recently came out of a multimillion dollar refurb. (Legend will be similarly updated in Fall 2010.)

Fans of the Pride will want to make plans to visit her sometime in 2010 as she adopts a year-round cruise schedule in Asia. Pride will call upon ports in Vietnam, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Japan. If you book by February 15, you'll receive complimentary roundtrip business class airfare from 27 North American gateways to eight 12-day voyages in Asia from June 3 through August 22, 2010.

All-inclusive fares for the 12-day voyages start from $7,980 per person based on double occupancy, and include round trip business class air, airport transfers, and deluxe hotel accommodation where flight schedules require it. The complimentary business-class air offer is subject to space availability. Certain restrictions apply.

The August 10, 2010 itinerary is especially enticing:

Kobe, Japan
Kagoshima, Japan
Nagasaki, Japan
Busan, South Korea
Jeju, South Korea
Mokpo, South Korea
Qingdao, China
Jiangyin (Wuxi), China
Shanghai, China

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact the Yachts of Seabourn at 1-(800) 929-9391.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of the Yachts of Seabourn

Regent Navigator Cancels Sailings Due to Change in Dry-Dock

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has canceled a series of sailings during the holiday season this fall due to a change in its dry-dock schedule.

Here's a brief message sent to travel agents earlier in the week:

Dear Travel Partner:

As you may know, Regent Seven Seas Cruises had scheduled the Seven Seas Navigator for her regularly scheduled dry-dock this coming January in Charleston, South Carolina. We have just been informed by the shipyard that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the scheduled dry-dock cannot be accommodated as planned.

We have therefore made the decision to accelerate the dry-docking of the vessel to take place between November 15 and December 15, 2009 in Bremerhaven, Germany at the Lloyd Werft shipyard where the planned work will be completed. The ship will operate its published schedule through November 8.

Regent is working to reschedule vacations and make refunds as necessary. Official offers have include a $500 credit per person for any itinerary in 2010 or an identical Navigator itinerary at no extra charge during the month of February. Regent has said that they will refund your other out-of-pocket expenses, such as nonrefundable airfare that you booked on your own. Your travel agent will negotiate this situation on your behalf and Regent hopes to provide a scenario that makes every traveler happy.

Have you been affected by this change in the Navigator's schedule? Let us know. Have you been "made whole" and are you pleased or displeased with the way Regent handled this schedule change?

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Introducing American Safari's Newest Yacht

Cruising Hawaii has always been a bit problematic, especially for travelers seeking a unique experience aboard a luxury ship. Previously, if you wanted to cruise the Hawaiian Islands you were locked into an inter-island itinerary from Norwegian Cruise Lines or a longer journey on another cruise line embarking from a west coast city such as San Diego or Los Angeles. Starting this December, you’ll have a new option: the 145-foot, 36-guest Safari Explorer.

This yacht is American Safari Cruises’ first entry into the South Pacific market and it also marks the first mainstream luxury option for cruising the “Aloha State.” The Safari Explorer and its all-American crew will visit Molokai, Lanai, Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island, and several snorkel/dive sites.

The ship will be christened in Seattle on May 23. She’ll then sail Alaskan waters this summer before relocating for the seven-day inter-island Hawaiian cruises and charters that will be offered from mid-December through early May.

If you’ve sailed with SeaDream or Windstar and prefer intimate vessels and attentive service, you’ll appreciate American Safari. If you prefer your cruise ship to have a formal dress code, Broadway-style shows, and a casino, this option is not for you.

Instead, the American Safari experience is all about the destination and active exploration of secluded coves and bays, quaint harbors, and tiny villages. Each itinerary, on the waters less traveled, focuses on hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. Due to the yacht’s size, it can sail where other boats can’t—offering unique experiences not to be duplicated on any cruise ship currently sailing the Hawaiian Islands. Two certified naturalists sail on each voyage and immerse guests in an engaging tour of the indigenous flora and fauna.

Yet, you won’t have to give up comfort for close encounters with nature. The Safari Explorer features elegant balcony suites; master bedrooms and Jacuzzi tubs; a wine library for tastings; and a spa offering complimentary massages from a licensed masseuse, sauna, yoga classes, exercise equipment, and an on-deck hot tub. Attentive service is the order of the day, with a guest-to-crew ratio of 2 to 1.

American Safari Cruises has three other yachts that carry between 12 and 22 guests in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Pacific Northwest, and the Columbia and Snake rivers.

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

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises

Silver Cloud & Wind to Undergo Serious Refurb

Miami Beach played host to the annual Seatrade Cruising Shipping Convention this past week and several luxury lines, including Silversea Cruises, made statements to the press. Company execs unveiled plans for a massive dry-dock refurbishment of both the Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. The goal is to bring the interiors stylistically in line with the new 540-passenger Silver Spirit, scheduled for delivery in December 2009. The Silver Wind will spend November 2008 in dry dock, while the Silver Cloud will be retrofitted in May 2009.

Suites are in for many upgrades, including new bathrooms, carpets, flat-screen TVs, and more. According to Silversea, “Verandas will also be spruced up.” It will be interesting to learn what that exactly means.

Additional enhancements will include a new ocean-view spa and fitness center on Deck 9, a new Observation Lounge, eight new large suites on Decks 7 and 8, reduction of Vista Suites on Deck 4, and a new guest elevator connecting Decks 8 and 9.

“These will be the most comprehensive construction and refurbishment initiatives ever undertaken for Silver Cloud and Silver Wind,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s president and CEO. “The projects underscore our firm commitment to keep Silversea at the forefront of ultra-luxury cruising.”

This is a smart move since many of Silversea’s competitors are expecting delivery of new ships during the next few years. It’s wonderful to see Silversea reacting to the feedback of their passengers and customizing ships to meet the needs of all luxury cruise enthusiasts.

Don’t forget that Silversea also recently added the expedition ship Prince Albert II to its fold, so the company’s itineraries now encompass all seven continents.

Photo courtesy of Silversea.

Wind Star Upgrades Completed

Over the past year or so, Windstar Cruises has spent several million dollars upgrading each of its ships with what it calls "Degrees of Difference" enhancements. This cruise line is one of my favorites and the enhancements to the Wind Surf blew me away when I sailed with Windstar last March.

Now, it's the Wind Star's turn to shine. The 148-guest, four-masted msy Wind Star is the last ship to receive this special treatment. Upgrades include remodeled bathrooms in all staterooms, an expanded beauty salon, and a refurbished lounge.

In your stateroom, you'll immediately recognize the changes to the bathroom that now includes new fixtures, glass shelving, new cabinets, granite countertops, porcelain sinks, and a magnifying mirror. The teak floors were kept and refinished. Full length mirrors and slippers are also a new addition to the staterooms.

In the Lounge, the bar was relocated to a central and visible location near the back of the room and refreshed with reupholstered furniture, new carpet, ceiling, lighting, and wall coverings.

The Salon moved from deck one to deck three by the Lounge providing a more serene spa experience with space for relaxation. Expanding into the area vacated by the bar, salon space doubles with a new waiting area, two separate massage rooms, an area for facials and hair/nail treatments, and pedicure chair. The number of massage appointments available for guests has doubled and new spa treatments have been added including La Therapie Hydralift Facial, Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage, and Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction Program. The expanded spa menu turns the former salon into a complete spa facility.

Other additions in guest areas include new tables and chairs in the Veranda, a new couch and ceiling in the Lobby and upgrades to public bathrooms. In the Pool Bar, a new bottle display area, new lighting, and wall and ceiling coverings update the look. Upgrades were also completed for the technical operations of the ship.

The Wind Star will sail roundtrip from Costa Rica January through March 2008 with a limited amount of Panama Canal cruises in the spring and winter, returning to the Greek Isles from May to October and offering a few Mediterranean itineraries in late spring and late fall.

The 312-guest Wind Surf completed Degrees of Difference upgrades in December 2006 and the 148-guest msy Wind Spirit completed upgrades in April 2007.

Windstar's 12/8 Wind Spirit Cruise Canceled

Due to a cracked propeller on the Wind Spirit, Windstar Cruises has canceled its December 8 sailing out of St. Thomas. The repair requires dry docking and the ship is expected to be back in service for the December 15 sailing.

Windstar offered passengers a 100% refund, reimbursement of transportation-related expenses, and a 50% onboard credit for a future cruise.

Nov. 17 Cross on SeaDream I Cancelled

Last week while sailing near Tangiers, SeaDream I damaged one of its stabilizers. In order to make the necessary repairs before its scheduled cross from Lisbon to San Juan, the November 17 itinerary was cancelled. While SeaDream Yacht Club originally hoped to simply delay departure until November 21, poor weather conditions prevented SeaDream I from immediately entering dry dock.

Cruise line executives from Miami flew to Lisbon to assist passengers who, while disappointed, were pleased with SeaDream's assistance with hotel arrangements in Lisbon and transportation home or to San Juan where they would have docked on November 28. A charter scheduled for the 28th was also cancelled.

SeaDream representatives were confident that the December 9th sailing would embark from San Juan as scheduled. Here's to hoping that the repairs are made swiftly and SeaDream I makes its way safely from Europe to the Caribbean.

I hope all of the "crossers" were able to enjoy their holiday, even without a SeaDream cruise, and with any luck they'll be yachting on an alternative itinerary soon.

Multi-Million Dollar Makeovers for Seabourn Sisters

Seabourn announced today that its three yachts—Seabourn Pride, Spirit, and Legend—are undergoing multi-million dollar renovations during drydock maintenance periods scheduled between September of 2007 and April of 2008. The renovations, which are the most extensive since balconies were added to 36 of each ship's suites five years ago, include major overhauls of two of the intimate ships' popular open-air alternative dining venues, to increase seating capacities and enhance the options for guests to enjoy evening entertainment "Under the Stars."

"As we prepare for the launch of Seabourn Odyssey, we are also investing in the future of our existing fleet," said Pamela C. Conover, Seabourn's president and CEO. "These enhancements will ensure that our award-winning Seabourn Pride, Spirit, and Legend will continue to attract and satisfy the most discerning travelers," she continued.

The ships' indoor/outdoor Veranda Café, located all the way aft overlooking the wake when the ship is underway, is converted each evening into Restaurant 2, serving innovative tasting menus and themed dinners in a casual setting. The renovation will enlarge the outdoor section, increasing the venue's seating capacity and adding a graceful new awning for enhanced weather protection.

The Sky Bar, overlooking the sun deck and whirlpool spas, is a popular gathering spot both day and night, where Sky Grill dinners are occasionally served. During the renovation, twin staircases leading from the deck below are being replaced with a single stairway, allowing an increase in the deck space adjacent to the Sky Bar. Existing fixed cocktail-sized tables are being replaced with more versatile furniture, some of which can be removed to clear the deck space for occasional on-deck entertainment and dancing.

Further features of the renovations include an upgrade of the bedding in all guest suites, new carpets in many public areas, upgrades to the treatment rooms in The Spa at Seabourn, and new furniture in the card rooms and Internet centers.

Seabourn Pride just completed the process in Germany. Seabourn Spirit's turn will be at Singapore in January, 2008, and Seabourn Legend's at Lisbon in April, 2008.

One change will be immediately visible as guests arrive to embark. The ships' livery is being updated, with the decorative line along the shear of the hull being changed from dark blue to black, and the distinctive shield emblem on the ships' stacks highlighted in gold rather than blue.

For information, contact your travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, or visit Seabourn's website at www.seabourn.com.

More Details on Seabourn's New Ships!

Seabourn fans have been anxiously awaiting news about the line's forthcoming ships. Today the company announced that the first steel plates for the first yacht were cut on May 9. According to a press release, more than 8,500 tons of steel will eventually be cut and welded to form the hull and superstructure of the line's $250 million flagship, which is scheduled to enter service in mid-June 2009.

The yet-to-be-named vessel is being designed by the architecture firm of Yran & Storbraaten of Norway and constructed in Italy by T. Mariotti S.p.A. The ship's designers have mirrored the distinctive silhouette of the existing Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend while adding additional facilities and amenities. Indeed, past guests will appreciate a familiar scheme to the general layout of public rooms and accommodations.

"We've been careful to incorporate Seabourn's signature features while designing the next generation of ultra luxury ship to satisfy the desires of a new generation of luxury travelers," said Pamela C. Conover, the line's president and CEO.

Seabourn's new yacht will offer more dining options, more types of suites, more verandas, more entertainment venues and enhanced spa and recreational facilities. Although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, the new vessel will carry just over twice as many guests (450 passengers), boasting among the highest space-per-guest ratio (71.1) in the cruise industry.

13 Categories of Suites
In response to feedback from past passengers, the new ship will offer a range of luxury accommodations. Seven of its 11 passenger decks will feature 225 ocean-view suites, measuring from 277 to over 1,300 square feet. Approximately 90 percent of the suites will include private verandas providing from 68 to 344 square feet of outdoor living space. Decks 9 and 10 are home to 22 penthouses with 450-square-foot interiors and verandas measuring nearly 100 square feet.

The most expansive guest quarters on board will be five Owners Suites that measure over 700 square feet (including veranda) and four, two-bedroom Grand Suites providing over 1,300 square feet of private living space. All suites will feature granite bathrooms, with separate tub and shower, twin sinks and a stunning glass vanity.

Four Dining Venues
The Restaurant—the ship's gourmet, open-seating dining room, where guests savor multi-course dinner menus designed by acclaimed celebrity chef Charlie Palmer; Veranda Café—a stylish, yet casual restaurant serving regional specialties, with both indoor and outdoor seating; Restaurant 2—an elegant and intimate specialty restaurant featuring innovative tasting menus; and Patio Grill—where guests can enjoy pizza and grilled items, poolside. In addition to a 24-hour, in-suite service menu, during dinner hours guests can order from The Restaurant menu, dining course-by-course if they wish.

Six Open Bars
Anticipating the desires of sophisticated travelers, the newest addition to the Seabourn fleet will offer a selection of lounges and bars to satisfy a myriad of moods and entertainment styles. With an open-bar policy that ensures fine wines, champagnes and spirits flow freely, choices will include:

Grand Salon—the main showroom and home to Seabourn's dance band, features a unique living room-like foyer furnished with inviting booths and arm chairs, in addition to tiered banquettes that surround the dance floor.
The Club—with both indoor and outdoor seating, is where a pianist, duo or trio will perform a variety of musical genres throughout the evening.
Sky Bar—this popular icon of the existing Seabourn yachts overlooks the ship's central, outdoor living space: Poolside Patio.
Patio Bar—in the evenings, guests can enjoy live, alfresco entertainment, weather permitting.
Coffee Bar—situated portside at Seabourn Square, traditional Italian espresso, cappuccino and café latte are complimented by champagne, wine and spirits.

With a dramatic square bar as its focal point, the ship's forward-facing observation lounge is located atop the navigational bridge and boasts panoramic views; high-powered, motion-dampened spotting scopes and binoculars-behind-the-bar for use by patrons.

Other Facilities & Amenities
Seabourn Square - the heart of the ship and home to the pursers and tour desks, Internet center, library and three duty-free retail shops.

The Marina—a beloved icon of the current Seabourn fleet, a fold-down teak platform provides a staging area for guests to enjoy complimentary water sports including waterskiing from the ship's own speed boat, banana boat rides, paddleboats and kayaks.

Sun Terraces—Stepped terraces, on Deck 11, at the ship's highest and furthest-forward point, are home to another intriguing amenity. There, protected by a glass windbreak, guests will find a terraced enclave furnished with large sun-beds.

Spa at Seabourn—With a thallasso whirlpool as its focal point, the spa will feature his and hers Finnish saunas, a selection of aromatic steam rooms, separate gym and aerobics areas and two outdoor decks, for exclusive use by spa guests.

Swimming pools and whirlpools—Guests can choose from swimming pools on Decks 8 and 5, plus a total of seven whirlpools.

SeaDream I Emerges from Dry Dock

SeaDream I just emerged from two weeks in dry dock in Barcelona, Spain. She underwent regularly scheduled maintenance, plus:

• New carpeting in public rooms, corridors and staircases
• New carpeting in staterooms as needed
• New upholstering of furniture in public rooms, including in the Main Salon and Dining Salon
• New upholstering in staterooms, with new color schemes
• New teak decking as needed, including around the swimming pool and forward on the Bridge Deck.
• Complete upgrading of tenders
• Upgrades to its sound systems in the Main Salon, Pool Bar area, Piano Bar and top of the Yacht Bar areas
• Upgrades to the ship's satellite system—receiver, decoder, stereo and mono audio matrix and TV antenna

SeaDream II underwent similar dry docking last October.

Windstar's Wind Surf "Degrees of Difference"

If you've sailed aboard Windstar's Wind Surf and found you loved it but wished you could have booked a larger stateroom – ideal for entertaining – your wish has been granted. The ship spent five weeks undergoing several million-dollars worth of renovations and upgrades to accomplish the companies "Degrees of Difference" agenda.

What's new? Two 500-square-feet Bridge Suites, aptly located (where else?) on the bridge deck. The layout consists of a living and dining area, separate bedroom with walk-in closet and a marble bathroom decked out with a whirlpool tub and separate shower. Upgraded services – like an unpacking service, laundry and pressing, evening appetizers, complimentary bottled water, chilled champagne upon arrival, and additional L'Occitane bath supplies – are included. Bridge Suite guests also snag an invitation to dine with the Captain.

Even if you don't book a Bridge Suite on the Wind Surf, you'll benefit from the recent work: all staterooms and bathrooms have been refurbished. You'll find new fixtures, granite countertops, porcelain sinks, glass shelves, a magnifying mirror, Egyptian cotton towels and L'Occitane bath goodies.

The library is another major area of the ship that was overhauled in a major fashion. It's been replaced with the Yacht Club, the hub for socializing with other guests. It's got a comfortable coffeehouse vibe and offers plenty of seating, an espresso bar, eight computers with Internet access (you can also use your own laptop via wireless access). There's a large flatscreen TV, plus a library outfitted with the latest books, CDs and DVDs... all available for checkout.

Restaurants also got a bit of a facelift. The Bistro has been renamed Degrees. It's menu rotates between a steak house and cuisine from Northern Italy, France and Indonesia. The Veranda, were you'll head for breakfast and lunch, has benefited from a new awning, allowing for additional covered seating.

Two other points of interest: Balinese sun beds are to be installed on the Star deck and cooling mist sprays will be added to both pool areas. Can't wait!

Crystal Syphony's $23 Million Dry Dock Refurb

Ah, to be a fly on the wall aboard Crystal Cruises Symphony during her nine-day, $23 million dry dock refurbishment at BAE Systems Norfolk Shop Repair on the Elizabeth River in Virginia!

In less than two weeks, a team of 1,295 people (750 contractors and 545 Crystal crew from 40 different countries) will renovate 411 staterooms, create an entirely new nightclub and casino, redesign the shopping boutiques, update the Bistro Cafe, and install new computers and wireless Internet access in the ship's Computer University@Sea. It's a whopper of a job, and that's not even taking into account all of the technical tweaks being made to the ship's hull, rudders and propellers.

These upgrades are part of Crystal's long-term plan to keep the Symphony an exciting and relevant option for cruisers. Remember, the line spent nearly $35 million refurbishing the Symphony over the past few years. Now add another $23 million and you've got one stunning ship!

The last round of upgrades two years ago included the creation of a Feng Shui-styled spa, the Vintage Room, an expansion of the ship's Computer University@Sea, redesign of the specialty restaurants and a complete refurbishment of all penthouse staterooms and suites.

Symphony's November 2006 dry dock tackles the following improvements:

• Refurbishment of 411 staterooms with new Murano glass bedside lamps, Rubelli fabrics, leather headboards, LED reading lights, new 20-inch flat-screen TVs, and newly designed bathrooms with contemporary oval glass sinks and granite countertops. It takes workers about two days to reinvigorate each stateroom and every day the crew should complete about 40 cabins.

• Complete overhaul and redesign of the Tiffany Deck (deck 6), the main entertainment area on the Symphony. You'll find new color schemes and lighting that will help guests shift moods as the day moves to night.

The Tiffany Deck includes...

• the new Starlite Club with an open environment, Swarovski crystal-studded walls and panoramic sea views.

• the new black and silver motif Crystal Casino with black jack, roulette, baccarat, Texas Hold-em and slots.

• Luxe, a sophisticated nightclub with polished aluminum Phillipe Stark bar stools and glass Bizzaza mosaics.

• new boutiques and shops.

• the recreated Bistro Cafe with new decorative tiles, wall finishings and upholstery in warm earth tones.

• new computers and wireless Internet service in Symphony's Computer University@Sea.


Crystal Cruises vice president of marine operations, Knut Aune, oversaw the complex dry dock operations. "The whole thing here is planning, planning, planning," Aune told The Virginian-Pilot. "To prepare for this has been months." And, indeed, Crystal Cruises jump-started the Symphony's makeover on October 20 when contracted workers boarded the ship in New York to begin work on stateroom upgrades on Deck 7. The Symphony's New England cruise for that week was purposely undersold so work could begin without impacting guests in a negative way.

Waiting in Virginia were 140 shipping containers packed with the materials for the changeover, including lamps and mirrors, carpet, and more.

It's truly amazing what will be accomplished aboard the Symphony in a mere nine days! I look forward to sailing her soon to see the improvements in person!

Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises