Crystal Calls Upon Cheese Sommeliers

Here's something of note: Crystal Cruises has announced that in addition to its certified Court of Master wine sommeliers, new "cheese sommeliers" will join the crew for all 2008 voyages.

The certification of these culinary professionals is actually pretty serious business. Master Sommelier Robert Bath, one of only 124 people in the world to hold this title, is overseeing the certification of Crystal's wine sommeliers. Bath was the creative force behind the acclaimed wine program at the lauded French Laundry.

Cheese Sommeliers will be certified by Professor Gerhard Ebner of the International Cheese Academy at the Hotel and Tourism School in Bad Gleichenberg, Austria.

Certification for Crystal's cheese and wine sommeliers takes more than 60 hours of schooling and five-and-a-half hours of testing.

From Le Riopelle de l'Isle, a rare triple cream cheese from Isle-aux-Grues (Goose Island) in Québec, to the mildly spicy Saint Albray from the French Pyrenees, the cheese sommeliers will be expanding Crystal's selection of regional and artisanal cheeses, and can offer insights on sampling suggestions; the harmony with wines and spirits; and information on the history, manufacturing, and fine distinctions of each cheese. And don't forget that Crystal ships maintain a 25,000-bottle wine cellar with more than 350 labels.

It will be interesting to see what new additions are made to Crystal's culinary offerings in 2008 and beyond. For more information, visit Crystal Cruises' website.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises.

New Ports of Call for SeaDream's 2009 Caribbean Season

SeaDream Yacht Club has announced its Caribbean itineraries for 2009 (January through April). They've done a great job spicing things up! I was just lamenting to someone the other day that all of my favorite luxury cruise lines are doing the same-old same old in the Caribbean. With SeaDream's new itineraries, there are quite a few that will lure even die-hard Caribbean cruisers who feel as if they've seen every bay and cove there is to discover.

In January 2009, SeaDream I alternates between 5- and 9-day voyages between San Juan and Puerto Rico. Some of the more interesting ports of call include:

Gustavia, St. Barthelemy
Virgin Gorda, BVI
Honeymoon Beach, Water Island
Anegada, BVI
Saba, Netherlands Antilles
Peter Island, BVI
Culebrita, Puerto Rico
Esperanza, Vieques
Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

During the same time period, SeaDream II is plying the waters around San Juan with 7-day cruises.

In February 2009, SeaDream extends its reach to Dominica, St. Lucia (Rodney Bay and Castries), Montserrat, and Antigua. There's an especially intriguing 4-day Valentine's Day sailing that whisks travelers from San Juan to Culebrita, Puerto Rico; Esperanza, Vieques, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Honeymoon Beach, Water Island; Jost van Dyke, BVI; and back to San Juan.

SeaDream continues to explore St. Lucia in March, with calls on Soufrier Bay and Marigot Bay. The Grenadines are also added to the mix (Tobago Cays, Bequia, and Mayreau).

With temperatures rising in April, SeaDream's yachts focus on Samana, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas (Port Lucaya, Egg Island, and Nassau), Turks & Caicos (Cockburn Town), and Florida (Miami and Key West).

It's nice to see this change-up when it comes to Caribbean cruising. I'll be looking forward to a getaway in 2009! For more information, visit SeaDream's recently redesigned website.

Photo courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club.

Seabourn Ups the Ante & Orders Third Luxe Vessel

The U.S. economy may be sagging but it hasn't hurt the luxury markets any. In fact, high-end travel companies are aggressively investing in the future. Just look toward The Yachts of Seabourn. We've all heard about the Seabourn Odyssey that will sail the seven seas starting in 2009. The company also has a second ship on orer with Italian shipbuilder T. Mariotti S.p.A.

Now, a year after announcing the two new ship builds, Seabourn surprises us all by ordering a third sister ship for delivery in the summer of 2011. The decision was made after such strong advance bookings for Seabourn Odyssey.

For those who can't wait until 2011, you can still book a voyage during Seabourn Odyssey's maiden season. The yet-to-be-named second ship in the series is scheduled to enter service in the summer of 2010.

All three 32,000-GRT ships will accommodate 450 guests in 225 suites, 90 percent of which will offer private verandas. The design specifications call for hulls 650 feet long, with a beam of 84 feet and a draft of 21 feet. The ships will be powered by diesel-generated electricity and operate with twin screw propellers, with a service speed of 19 knots. They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability and two stabilizers. In addition, these "green ships" will employ advanced wastewater treatment technology.

To learn more about Seabourn Odyssey, or any other Seabourn ship, visit the cruise line's website.

Illustration courtesy of The Yachts of Seabourn.