Windstar to Sail the Canary Islands in November 2009

There is one silver lining to our current economic crisis: Cruise lines are starting to think more creatively and are offering deep discounts (Oceania Cruises), complimentary shore excursions (Regent Seven Seas), and new itineraries to entice all of us to book another vacation...soon.

Windstar Cruises just announced two new seven-night Canary Islands voyages that are sure to pique some interest with fans of the line who were getting bored with the repeating itineraries in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and the Mediterranean.

Ten years ago, Windstar offered a similar adventure in this region. On November 14, 2009, and again on November 21,2009, Windstar's 148-passenger Wind Spirit motor-sail-yacht will call upon the following ports:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• At Sea
• Casablanca, Morocco
• At Sea
• Agadir, Morocco
• Lanzarote, Spain
• Las Palmas, Spain
• Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain

Double occupancy per person cruise fares start at $1,999.

These two voyages are expected to sell out so call your travel agent or Windstar (1-800-258-7245) for more information or to book a cruise.

Casablanca's Mosque Hassan II is pictured above. Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.

Unique Sea of Cortez Photography Cruise

With winter officially here and snow covering much of the United States, you may now be searching for a sun-filled vacation to get you through the duration. If you're also a photography buff who enjoys the warm, brilliant waters of Mexico's Sea of Cortez, consider the March 8, 2009 cruise aboard American Safari Cruises' 22-passenger Safari Quest.

This seven-night voyage through the "Aquarium of the World" travels between La Paz and Loreto. In the company of an onboard naturalist, you'll enjoying skiffing and kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, hiking and beach combing.

Reknown photographers Ellen and Hank Barone will also be on hand to help you get the best shots of whales, dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and all other manner of wildlife. Ellen and Hank will be at your elbow for one-on-one instruction as you frame the perfect photo. They'll also present a few informal demos and workshops.

In a recent conversation with Ellen Barone, she stressed that passengers need not be photography experts to enjoy this specially themed cruise. She maintains that amazing photos can be taken by both point-and-shoots as well as expensive professional SLR cameras.

Here's the gear that Ellen travels with:

• Two Canon digital SLR camera bodies: the 5D and 50D
• Lenses: Canon EF 16 - 35mm f/2.8L, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L, and Sigma 18 - 200 f/3.5-6.3
• Canon 430 EXII flash
• Canon 1.4xII tele-extender
• Compact Flash cards
• Extra USB and Firewire cords
• A Joby gorillapod
• Extra batteries and chargers
• Power and adapter cords
• Visible Dust sensor cleaner
• Portable hard drives
• Micro fiber lens clothes
• 15-inch MacBook Pro for downloading and simple editing
• Lowe Pro Dry Pack

Ellen has written and photographed for many magazines, including National Geographic Adventure, Outside, Condé Nast Traveler, Islands, The Los Angeles Times Sunday Travel Section, and Spa.

All-inclusive cruise fares for this itinerary begin at $5,495 per person. For more information, talk with your travel agent or call American Safari Cruises at (888) 862-8881.

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises.

Windstar Rescues Catamaran Off Guadeloupe

Windstar to the rescue! According to Vanessa Bloy, a spokesperson for the cruise line, Windstar's Wind Surf assisted in a rescue at sea on the evening of December 23, 2008 in the Caribbean Sea.

A catamaran called Sofrane was experiencing engine problems off the north coast of Guadeloupe in 16-foot seas with winds at 40 knots. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre asked the Wind Surf to help and the ship did so by acting as a windbreak for the catamaran. The Sofrane and its one passenger waited in the calm water created by the Wind Surf for over two hours until a French rescue boat arrived on the scene. The Wind Surf then continued on to St. Martin.

For more information on Windstar Cruises, talk with your travel agent or visit Windstar's website.