Seriously, 60% Off Silversea 2010 Sailings Plus Free Air

Silversea is making it really tough to resist booking a 2010 cruise. Yesterday they announced 60% savings on most 2010 fares and, if you book by December 31, the cruise line will also throw in complimentary economy air.

Dubbed the Silver Savings program, Silversea is promising the best discounts to those who book early. The 60% savings applies to the Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit. The line's expedition ship, Prince Albert II, is offering 50% savings on various savings.

Silver Savings replaces the early booking and advance payment programs. Venetian Society Savings (for past guest), Extended Voyage Savings (combining two or more consecutive voyages), and Solo Travelers fare will continue to be offered next year.

This new program also includes free roundtrip economy air from 22 gateways and ground transfers from the airport to the pier and back.

Sample 60% Off Cruise Fares

AFRICA: Silver Wind's January 23, 10-day cruise (#2003) sailing roundtrip from Cape Town with calls in East London, Maputo, Richard's Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Mossel Bay. Silver Savings fares start at $4,238 per person, including roundtrip air.

CARIBBEAN: Silver Shadow's March 30, 7-day cruise (#3007) sailing roundtrip from Barbados with calls in St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Bart's, Tortola and Bequia. Silver Savings fares start at $2,758 per person, including roundtrip air.

FAR EAST: Silver Whisper's February 5, 9-day cruise (#4003) from Singapore to Hong Kong with calls in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hue/Danang (port of Chan May), Ha Long Bay and Haiphong. Silver Savings fares start at $4,918 per person, including roundtrip air.

MEDITERRANEAN: Silver Spirit's May 29, 7-day cruise (#5015) from Rome to Venice with calls in Sorrento, Sicily, Kotor and Dubrovnik. Silver Savings fares start at $4,358 per person, including roundtrip air.

SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud's February 4, 8-day cruise (#1003) from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro with calls in Punta del Este, Itajai, Sao Paulo (port of Santos) and Parati. Silver Savings fares start at $4,238 per person, including roundtrip air.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or call Silversea at 1-(877) 215-9986.

Photo courtesy of Silversea

Azamara Cruises Names Larry Pimentel President & CEO

If you've ever cruised with SeaDream Yacht Club, the name Larry Pimentel will certainly mean something to you. He was previously president, CEO, and co-owner of the two-yacht line.

Last year he left SeaDream and many wondered what his next challenge would be. (Mr. Pimentel has held many high-level jobs in the travel industry during the last 25 years, including president and CEO of Cunard and Seabourn.)

On July 6, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. revealed that Pimentel has been hired as president and CEO of Azamara Cruises. He will lead the cruise line's continued growth in the "deluxe" market and will report directly to Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of RCCL.

"It is time for Azamara to stand on its own, after a successful two years of operation," said Fain. "The onboard experience and brand recognition of Azamara is due to the leadership, dedication, and commitment of Dan Hanrahan and his Celebrity Cruises team."

Mr. Hanrahan had this to add:

"I'm very proud of my management team here in Miami and onboard our ships, and thank them for their accomplishments in successfully launching and developing Azamara Cruises. I welcome Larry to the company and look forward to partnering with him to build on the success this brand has already achieved, and to capitalize on its great promise."

Azamara operates two deluxe 694-passenger cruise ships: Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Itineraries include Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe. The line most directly competes with Oceania Cruises.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or Azamara Cruises at 1-(877) 999-9553.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Azamara Cruises

Silversea Silver Shadow Alaska Cruise Review

In anticipation for tomorrow's episode of "Cruises We Love" featuring Silversea (check local listings for the Travel Channel), here's a link to a cruise review of the Silver Shadow's Alaskan itinerary. Author Kelly Shannon is the Tampa Travel Examiner for Examiner.com.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Silversea