Some 60% of cruises are in the Caribbean and I’m certain the Mexican Riviera is a close second.   But after they take their first seagoing vacation in one of these two areas cruisers ask their agent for recommendation of new areas of the world to explore by ship.   My five favorite cruising regions are best visited by ship or boat because you’ll see much more than you would by taking a land tour.    And, my picks for the best ships in the region that deliver the best exploration of the region.

1.  Alaska.   Combine the most spectacular scenery on earth with wondrous sights not found anywhere else and you’ll get a glimpse of what awaits on an Alaska cruise.  From calving glaciers to soaring eagles, whales breaking the surface, bears fishing for salmon and moose grazing on shore the experience of Alaska will remain with you always.  You’ll fly to either Seattle or Vancouver to begin what is, for many, the voyage of a lifetime.   Favorite cruise line: CruiseWest, which operates a fleet of small ships carrying fewer than 100 people.   The smaller the ship, the closer you’ll get to the spectacular flora and fauna.

2. Hawaii. What I discovered on a one-week cruise, sailing round-trip from Honolulu, was a tropical paradise with more natural beauty and diversity than I’d ever dreamed. Each port was distinctive, and my shore-side activities ranged from going to the top of the world’s largest volcano to a high-speed zodiac ride along Kauai’s Napali coast, with hundreds of dolphins leaping around us as we navigated into caves and marveled at the sheer cliffs that line this part of the island.  Norwegian Cruise Line sails year-round on seven-night Hawaii cruises from Honolulu.    Favorite Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of Aloha, the only ship sailing on seven night itineraries round-trip from Honolulu.

3. The Panama Canal. The “path between the seas” is considered to be one of the greatest engineering projects ever undertaken. It is awesome to stand on deck as your cruise ship is raised and lowered in locks on the nine-hour journey between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as you inch through the Panamanian jungle. The 48-mile canal, which opened in 1914, accommodates 40 ships per day ranging from private yachts to large container ships.  While the full canal voyage between the Caribbean and Mexico is 14 days, you can also opt for a ten- or 11-night cruise sailing round-trip from Florida on Princess and Royal Caribbean.   Favorite Ship: On a ten-day itinerary,  Princess Cruises‘ sister ships Coral and Island Princess.  Carrying 1970 passengers,  the ships are mid-sized and very spacious inside.

4. The Greek Islands/Turkey. Spectacular beauty and world-famous antiquities abound on a one-week cruise to Greece and Turkey. From Kusadasi, Turkey, it’s a short ride to the 2,000-year old city of Ephesus, where a two-story ancient library lies at the end of the main thoroughfare, still marked with chariot tracks. In Delos, a short hop from Mykonos, you’ll walk among the 7^th century BC ruins of what was once the capital of the ancient world. Santorini is my pick for the most spectacular Greek island. You’ll sail into the bay — a huge volcanic crater — then ascend 900 feet to the winding streets of Thira, a tiny terraced town overlooking the Capri-blue Mediterranean.   Favorite Cruise Lines:  Oceania Cruises, with 640 passenger ships, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers.   Size does matter in Europe because you don’t want to disembark in port with thousands of other passengers.

5. The Baltic. Every port in this varied region called the Baltic is loaded with history, culture and tradition. From the opulent palaces of the tsars in St. Petersburg to Stockholm’s breathtaking harbor and historic walking area and Copenhagen’s spectacular Tivoli Gardens, few cruising regions offer such diverse treasures. Best of all, most ships dock right in the center of town, allowing you to hop off and explore on your own. A beloved port is Stockholm, built on 14 islands with charming meandering streets lined with stores selling glass.  Favorite Cruise Lines: Oceania Cruises, Holland America.  Pick the smallest ship possible that gives you multiple days in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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But no other segment of the industry seems to present more confusion about the choices of ships. While the five luxury cruise companies listed below all excel in high levels of food and service, large comfortable cabins and exotic itineraries, there are still enough significant differences in style, size and ports to warrant some further study.

If you’re new to luxury cruising, don’t be confused by the cruise lines calling all cabins “suites.” Technically, true suites have two separate rooms and are very rare in the cruise industry. Staterooms “suites” are simply larger balcony cabins. They are measured in square feet and I suggest that you use this as your standard when comparing cabins from one category to another and one vessel to another.

Since I think you need a very experienced travel agent to make sure your voyage is flawless, I recommend finding a top agent through Virtuoso and America’s Vacation Center, both with years of experience in booking luxury cruises.  Herein lies my take on the subtle- and not-so-subtle differences I’ve found when good fortune had me sailing with the luxury cruise lines.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal’s two 960-passenger ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity,are — aside from the mammoth QM 2 – the largest luxury vessels afloat. While there are lovely alternative restaurants (with a small surcharge), this is a two-seating ship with assigned dining, a negative for many luxury cruisers. And pricing for these ships is far from all-inclusive, since the fare does not include gratuities or complimentary wine with any meals.  This is the dressiest cruise experience I’ve ever taken, with black tie and gowns the norm on formal nights; in fact, if you don’t want to conform to the suggested dress policy I suggest that you skip this ship.

Still, Crystal Cruises outshines the other players with on-board lectures, lessons and seminars. After dinner, the action continues with lavish Las Vegas-style reviews and the largest, busiest casinos in the luxury segment. You’ll find more days at sea and fewer ports of call on Crystal’s itineraries, a plus or minus depending on your preferences. The most popular accommodations are the Penthouse Suites, which all have butlers. Crystal is the only cruise company that gives solo cruisers a break: The single supplement is only 25 percent above the per person, double occupancy rate.

Fellow passengers:Crystal’s 65+ passengers love the full-day lineup of speakers, lecturers and lessons; at night, this is a glitzy bunch that stays up late frequenting the casino and shows. Bring gowns and tuxes for these elegant voyages. That’s why Crystal is my pick for solo cruisers – on board activities enable you to meet many new friends.

The Bottom Line:The cruise fare does not include alcohol, wine, gratuities or any special shore excursions. And pre-dinner caviar and champagne is extra as well. However, singles get the biggest break in the cruise industry with single supplements of 125%. Reality rates are closer to $300 per person, double occupancy during the 2009 recession.

Crystal Cruises’ biggest plus: It’s my pick for the warmest, most professional staff and crew, with the most consistently high levels of service. The food is also superb. The shore excursions are very pricey, but they are among the best offered by any cruise line in terms of diversity, attention to detail and comfort. Crystal offers more days at sea with non-stop lessons, guest lecturers and activities. The only cruise line offering low-cost single supplements.

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CUNARD LINE

While Cunard says it no longer operates three-class ships, it really does. If you purchase  Queen’s Grill accommodations aboard Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, your cruise experience will be very luxurious indeed. Of course the staterooms in the top category are much bigger and you also have a terrific concierge lounge/service that is a big plus when making reservations or booking a taxi to meet you at the pier. But the big difference is dining in the single-seating restaurants created exclusively for passengers booking Queen’s Grill suites.    While I think the restaurant resembles a airport business class lounge on QM 2, it is are stunning aboard Queen Victoria.

In addition to more real estate, Queen’s Grill passengers have butlers who will pack and unpack your bags; a bottle of French champagne and early embarkation.   The single, open seating Queen’s Grill restaurant is a true gourmet experience and you may order whatever you please.

While Princess Grill suites also share the concierge lounge and have a separate dining room, I’m not including them in the luxury category.  When I sailed the food and service in Princess Grill was mediocre, perhaps because it does not have its own kitchen as the Queen’s Grill does.  In addition, you get a larger cabin but little else.

Important caveat: I only recommend Queen Mary 2 on transatlantic crossings or World Cruises.  Because she is one of the largest vessels afloat QM 2 can’t dock in most of the world’s ports requiring passengers to transfer between the ship and the port via large tenders (boats).  This is a very time consuming procedure that cuts down on the shore-side experience.

Fellow Passengers:Cunard markets Queen Victoria to English and other European cruisers.   Aside from her annual world cruise, the ship sticks to Mediterranean itineraries. My pick for one of the grandest, most elegant ship experience is taking Queen Mary 2 transatlantic between New York and Cherbourg. On crossings, you’ll find more sophisticated travelers and a mix of Europeans and Americans in a wide range of ages, 40+, and even families with young children.

Exclusive Features I Love: Queen Mary 2 boasts the largest library at sea, top-flight lecturers, ballroom dancing to a live 17-piece band and even a planetarium.

The Bottom Line: Not factoring in discounts, Queen’s Grill staterooms start around $560 per person, per day on six day transatlantic crossings.  The fare does not include gratuities or any alcohol consumed aboard ship.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This cruise line’s three modern luxury ships include the 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator; and the 700-passenger sister ships Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager. They attract a well-heeled but less pretentious traveler. Single, open seating dining translates into a more leisurely atmosphere. The larger Mariner and Voyager each boast a choice of four restaurants, including Compass Rose, another restaurant serving food prepared by chefs from Le Cordon Blue school of Paris and, new this year, all ships will boast steak houses. At night, everyone seems to disappear after dinner and head for a cozy lounge or their cabins, where videos and complimentary CDs are popular. Unlike Crystal, fares include gratuities, all beverages, including spirits in your stateroom when you arrive. One superb service offered by Regent is a “Travel Concierge” who can arrange independent sightseeing, entrance to closed art exhibits and anything your heart desires. This is the only cruise line using a top-flight company, Carita of Paris, to operate the ship’s spa.

With seven-night Europe itineraries, Regent is attracting a younger affluent crowd to luxury cruising. These are port-intensive itineraries and passengers are early to rise and early to bed. If you’re new to luxury cruising and don’t want to haul a mountain of gowns and shoes on your cruise, this may be your cup of tea.

Fellow Passengers: Couples in their 40s and 50s are more prevalent on Regent Seven Seas (formerly Radisson Seven Seas) Europe cruises than on the other luxury vessels. On itineraries over seven days, passengers are normally 65+.

The bottom line: Upon arrival, you’ll find your favorite spirits already stocked in the cabin. Fares, which start around $400 per person, per day, include wine with lunch and dinner, plus gratuities.

Exclusive Features I Love:Regent Seven Seas Cruises biggest plus: the new “travel concierge” aboard each ship, who will book any shore activity you like or book individual sightseeing excursions, making it easy to tour with private car and driver and visit attractions most tourists miss. This cruise line also offers the best spas afloat, operated by the famous Carita of Paris, as well as Cordon Bleu dining and a choice of four restaurants. Regent recently launched an innovative “Circles of Interest” program on Europe itineraries featuring three special topics per voyage, such as art and design, architecture and cuisine, so passengers can delve more deeply into their specific interests. Each “Circle of Interest” theme includes lectures aboard the ship and excursions ashore led by the expert in that field. Not only is your experience ashore enhanced but passengers and lecturers in each small group bond more closely.

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YACHTS OF SEABOURN

The line’s three tiny ships — Seabourn Pride, Legend and Spirit- are 208-passenger, yacht-like vessels offering the best itineraries afloat, navigating into fabulous tiny ports larger vessels could never visit. Built in the late l980s, these ships lack balconies, but some cabins have “French windows” that allow the sounds of the sea to enter your stateroom. Entertainment and nightlife are limited, but you’ll dine on some of the best cuisine at sea, served by an impeccable crew, many of whom have been with the company for years. Service is a critical aspect of luxury cruising, and some of the best is found on Seabourn, which has the largest number of staff per passengers. By the end of a cruise everyone will have been invited to dine with senior officers and often the ship’s Captain. On Seabourn, everyone gets dressed to the nines a few nights during each cruise. However, a day at sea may seem endless if you’re active or restless since there is little to do and very limited public space. One Seabourn executive described the main on-board activity as “conversation.”

NEW VESSEL TO ENTER FLEET:Seabourn is introducing a brand new ship June 24, 2009, the 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey. She will be loaded with large staterooms, 90% with private verandahs and there will be four restaurants to choose from.

Fellow Passengers: Sophisticated, dressy and primarily 60+.

The Bottom Line:Fare includes all alcoholic beverages and gratuities. Fares run as high as $800 per person, per day outside recessions. At present, Seabourn is offering discounts of 50%+

Seabourn’s biggest plus:The best itineraries on earth, very personal service and haute cuisine. In major shopping ports, Seabourn offers the services of a personal shopper with car and driver. And you’ll find one exclusive shore excursion on each cruise — like caviar and champagne served by waiters as you lull in a secluded Caribbean cove.

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Silversea Cruises

The 296-passenger Silver Cloud and Silver Wind or the slightly larger Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (382 passengers) cater to a dressy and very chic international crowd of “been there, done that” travelers.

Silversea gets my vote for the most beautiful ships in the luxury category, and offers my favorite suites in the cruise industry, the Silver Suites, found aboard both sizes of ships. These are beautiful vessels with more than enough public rooms, plus a good spa and fitness center, to keep passengers busy during days at sea. There is one main dining room plus the ship’s cafeteria, which is set up for theme alternative dining at night. This cruise line has one big problem, inconsistency. I have experienced inconsistency in food and service on Silversea – one voyage was as close to perfection as it gets, but a year later I found spotty service and so-so cuisine, and this was on the same ship! Still, it’s safe to say you’ll find glamour, good service and beautiful, spacious ships with all the creature comforts one expects today. A new, comprehensive “Wellness Program” helps you create a fitness regimen and dine on low-fat, low-carb gourmet cuisine.

Fellow Passengers: Wealthy passengers from many countries, the majority in the 65+ age group, although I’ve seen families during summer months and holidays. You’ll frequently find a mix of American and European passengers who enjoy getting very dressy at night.

The Bottom Line:Practically everything is included in the cruise price, like mixed drinks, wine and gratuities. Per person, per diem fares can be as high as $800 per person, per day but during the 2009 recession you’ll find very steep discounts.

Silversea’s Biggest Plus: Beautiful ships and lovely cabins, top flight itineraries and gracious service.

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While the behemoths make the news — “bigger is better!” — small cruise ships carrying 200 and fewer passengers deserve special praise. They are perfect for those seeking an up-close look at nature, the most exotic itineraries, unspoiled ports where the big ships can’t visit and greater camaraderie with other passengers and crew. Aboard these ships you frequently find guest lecturers and very knowledgeable staff offering indepth information about the unique flora, fauna and marine life outside the ship. As an executive at Cruise West, a company synonymous with small ship cruising in Alaska, said: “Our ice sculptures are outside”!

If Alaska beckons and your heart is set on an upclose experience with mother nature, your odds increase dramatically when cruising aboard a small vessel.

The Small Ship Experience:

The major on-board activity aboard a small ship is conversation. The only time I really get to know fellow passengers is aboard small ships because, with single open seating dining and typically one lounge, there are none of the diversions one finds aboard a conventional cruise ship. Packing is easy since standard attire is LL Bean or Lands End.

But the main reason for taking a small ship is discovering the few remaining places on earth untouched by tourism; many of them are only accessible by small ship. For example, interested in visiting Greenland? Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage) visits the island plus both the North and South Poles. Cruise West will take you to the Bearing Straight as well as small villages dotting Alaska’s coastlines. Whale watching in the Sea of Cortez aboard a Lindblad ship is an upclose experience, especially when viewed from a Zodiac.

Top Small Ship Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines. Cruising regions include historic New England, the Hudson River, Antebellum South, Chesapeake Bay, great rivers of Florida and the coast of Maine. The America-flagged fleet includes four vessels, the American Star, Eagle, Glory and Spirit, all carrying fewer than 200 passengers. Aboard each cruise are “enlighteners” — naturalists, historians and other experts — who also lead shore excursions. Most cabins have private balconies with television, several lounges and an all-American crew.

American Safari Cruises. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a private yacht, this cruise line may be for you. The 12-passenger Safari Spirit and Safari Escape cruise in Alaska from May to September then reposition to Mexico’s Sea of Cortes. Or, opt for the 22-passenger Safari Quest or 36-passenger Safari Explorer which also sail in Alaskan waters and make fall wine cruises. These are luxury yachts with naturalists onboard, kayaks and water sports equipment.

Celebrity Xpedition. The mainstream cruise company Celebrity Cruises operates one tiny vessel, the 90-passenger Celebrity Xpedition, on year-round Galapagos itineraries. Devoted to exploring the Galapagos’ unique flora and fauna, passengers hop on and off the vessel into zodiacs for excursions ashore lead by naturalists.

Cruise West. Founder Chuck West began offering Alaska cruises in 1946 and the company has grown steadily ever since. While best known for its Alaska itineraries, today Cruise West also offers small ship cruises in the California wine country, Japan, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, the South Pacific, China and Viet Nam. The company’s Galapagos ship, the Isabella II, is the most luxurious vessel in the region. The all-American crew is energetic and knowledgeable, the cruising style casual and personal. The largest vessel in the fleet of nine ships carries only 138 passengers. The cruise line has top notch expedition leaders who lecture aboard ship and lead shore excursions.

Lindblad Expeditions. Lars-Eric Lindblad set out with his first expedition in the late 1950’s and his son Sven-Olaf Lindblad runs the operations today. Lindblad and the National Geographic Society partnered to create some of the best, most exotic cruises on earth lead by top professionals. Cruising regions cover the entire globe, from Alaska to Antarctica, Europe, the Nile River, Central America and South America. Ships include the 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer and Endeavour, Sea Bird and Sea Lion, Polaris, National Geographic Islander, Sea Voyager, the elegant tall ships Sea Cloud II and Panorama, the River Cloud, Triton (a Nile river boat) and Lord of the Glens for visiting Scotland’s locks.

Hurtigruten. Formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyages, this cruise line has grown from Norwegian coastal ferries to hearty expedition cruises in Spitsbergen, Greenland and Antarctica plus a world cruise with stops in exotic ports of call, including Antarctica. There are nine ships in Hurtigruten’s fleet, all modern and comfortable, with lounges, cafes and a restaurant. Theme cruises include a killer whale safari, opera, folklore and culinary cruises, and stays at the Alta Igloo Hotel made completely of ice.

SeaDream Yacht Club  Now we’re getting into my idea of the ultimate fantasy cruise.   The two small cruise ships — Seadream 1 and 11 – carry 56 couples and 95 crew, visit the most exclusive ports on earth, boast incredible cuisine and pampering.   But unlike the other luxury cruise ships (Silversea, Regent, Seabourn) passengers don dressy casual clothes and eschew floor shows and casinos.   In the winter, the two yachts sail in the British Virgin Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Windward and Leeward Islands and then head for the Mediterranean and a season in the Aegean and Adriatic Sea.   In a previous life, the ships were SeaGoddess vessels, considered the ultimate luxury cruising experience. 

Quark Expeditions. The ultimate in adventure cruising, Quark’s ex-Soviet ice breakers plow deep into the Arctic Circle and Antarctica for those who want to venture where no one else can go. The company also offers soft adventure cruising aboard the Clipper Adventurer, a small ship with more creature comforts.

While I love small ships they’re not for everyone. Can you imagine yourself aboard one of these hearty expedition vessels?

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Last November, the Canadian expedition vessel Explorer sank after running into submerged ice.  Some 154 passengers and 54 crew abandoned ship and were rescued by another vessel, the Nordkapp, sailing nearby.  At that time cruise industry executives questioned the wisdom of passenger ships sailing in the region as did environmentalists, although there there seems to be few, if any, changes in the region.

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From January through April, 2010, RCI’s Brilliance of the Seas will home port in Dubai and make seven night round-trip voyages to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman with port stops in Oman’s capital of Muscat, and maiden ports of call at Mina Sulman, Bahrain; and Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. And, included in the price of a cruise is a pre- and post-cruise stay in Dubai.

Two 14-day repositioning cruises include the January 4, 2010 sailing from Barcelona visiting Aqaba, Jordan and three Egyptian ports: Alexandria, Safaga, and Sharm El Sheikh. The April 19 return voyage will call at Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria and Muscat.

Reservations for bookings open Nov. 3, 2008. 

Now this is exciting news, at least for this cruiser!

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While Royal Caribbean has relied on European cruisers to bolster its bottom line during tough economic times, this recession is world-wide.  Brilliance of the Seas was originally built for year-round Caribbean cruising but the poor economy and an over-capacity of ships coupled with poor air service has made this region less attractive for cruise lines.

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Long popular with cruisers seeking more in-depth itineraries aboard a small ship with single, open seating and guest lecturers, Orient Lines has announced that 2009 itineraries range from 11 to 37 days in duration are priced from $2,399 per person, double occupancy, including free air from selected North American gateway cities.

2009 Itineraries

Highlights for 2009 include cruise-tours which begin or end with an included hotel stay in Berlin, plus calls at the lesser-known ports of Szczecin, Poland; Villagarcia and Bilbao, Spain; Bordeaux and Hornfleur, France; Murmansk, Russia; Sarande, Albania; and Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, England. New itineraries will include overnight stays on board ship in selected ports. With two full days, passengers have time to see the pyramids from Port Said, shop for bargains in Istanbul and Lisbon, explore the classical treasures of Rome and Athens, or visit St. Petersburg and Copenhagen.

In the fall, Marco Polo II will be deployed to South America and Antarctica.

Marco Polo II

Orient Lines was founded in 1992 and offered cruises to exotic locals for over a decade with the Marco Polo until the ship was sold last March. The company was purchased in June, 2008 by Wayne and Judy Heller who acquired a new flagship, Marco Polo II

Built in 1969 as the 24,981- ton Maxim Gorkiy, the ship has been refurbished and will receive further enhancements before her re-christening as the Marco Polo II in April, 2009.  With a total passenger capacity of 788 passengers, the ship has an ice-class hull for polar cruising and staff comprised of European officers, American and British social staff and Filipino hotel staff. 

Enrichment lecturers and gentlemen social hosts are also on board to enhance each voyage. The ship will offer single seating dining in the main dining room as well as a French and Italian brasserie.

Of the 325 staterooms, 65% are outside and 35% inside (22 suites; 188 oceanview and 155 inside cabins).  All accommodations have two lower beds; mini bar; satellite TV; safes; hairdryers and private bathrooms.  Some 158 staterooms are triples and four cabins hold four passengers. Suites also feature sitting areas, twin sinks, bidets and terry cloth bathrobes.

Passenger facilities include swimming pools (one indoor, one outdoor); a cabaret; cinema; gym; piano bar; self-service laundry; massage therapists and yoga plus enrichment lectures. 

To make a reservation on Orient Lines’ new Marco Polo II see a travel professional or call toll-free 800-333-7300. For more information visit the Orient Lines’ web site.

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*** High seas won’t cause a cruise ship to flounder but they can cause make passengers and crew passengers and crew mighty uncomfortable.  Last week, P&O Cruises Australia’s resident ship, the 47,000-ton Pacific Sun, hit a storm resulting in high winds and swells which caused the ship to roll sharply during a cruise from Auckland, New Zealand.  According to the New Zealand Herald, 57 passengers were injured and required medical attention.  While the ship did not sustain major damage, it stayed in Auckland overnight this weekend after boarding another 1732 passengers because weather conditions were too bad for the ship to leave on its next cruise.

*** While they probably won’t cause a Tahitian traffic jam, two more cruise lines have announced lengthy cruising seasons in this South Pacific paradise.  Silversea Cruises’ new Prince Albert II will sail in French Polynesia from March to October, 2009 and Star Clippers, which operates a fleet of tall ships, has announced year round Star Flyer  cruises from Papeete, Tahiti.   Cruise lines presently operating lengthy or year-round Tahiti cruises include Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Paul Gaugain), Princess Cruises’ Tahitian and Pacific Princess and Bora Bora Cruises’ two 60-passenger vessels.

Silversea’s 132-passenger Paul Albert II, the newest addition to the fleet, is a former expedition vessel upgraded to offer a luxury cruise experience.  Fares include tips, all beverages, stocked in-suite beverages and zodidac landings.  In addition to Tahiti cruises, the ship visits the Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesas and and the Austral Islands.  Eleven-day voyages begin at $3,897 per person, double occupancy.

Star Clippers is offering free round-trip air travel from Los Angeles to Tahiti on a wide selection of 2008/09 departures for those who book before Nov. 30, 2008.  Seven night cruises start at $2,045 and 10-night voyages begin at $3,175 per person, double occupancy. 

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Carnival Launches New Program for 12- to 14-year old teens. Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a new on-board program called “Circle C” aimed specifically at the 12- to 14-year-old age group, with expansive new clubs, a full schedule of activities and trained staff. The new facilities will include a private club and dance floor plus a full schedule of activities, which include everything from sports such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong and various water games to late-night movies and “swimming under the stars” pool parties. In addition, special kids rates are available on Caribbean, Mexico and Bahamas sailings. For reservations and additional information contact your travel agent or visit carnival.com/family.

Crystal Cruises Adds Aerial Excursions in Italy. Crystal Adventures in Italy, a collection of innovative shore excursions, will include helicopter excursions, which range from $1,995 to $3,268, include adventure options that fly over the Amalfi Coast, Mt. Etna, the Dolomites and myriad portions of the Italian countryside. Aerial views of Mt. Etna, Venice and the Amalfi coast, including Mt. Vesuvius, are among the helicopter tours. For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website, Crystal Cruises.

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My worst cruise experience was in China, a ten day Yangtze River cruise aboard a Victoria Cruises boat.   When I visited in 1999 Victoria Cruises was purported to be the best river boat company in China whereas today Viking River Cruises’ Yangtze sailings are a much better alternative.   

While the boat was built in 1994, it was more like a tin can than a river boat.  The floors bucked and doors sometimes stuck.  In fact, a colleague in the cabin next door got locked in his cabin in the middle of the night and spent hours banging his fist on the door.  The ship’s staff called the police who met the ship at the next port and cross examined him.

Additional glitches:  only one staff/crew member on the boat spoke English.  A colleague tried to call me from another cabin and someone from the purser’s office ran to the cabin to say I had a call from the United States!  Come quickly! So I ran and almost tripped on the buckled floor only to learn it was a friend two cabins away attempting to call me. 

The itinerary was dreadful.  We stopped in small towns along the way and were taken to “historic” sites.  Well, there are very few real historic sites in China because Madam Mao destroyed them all during the cultural revolution.  We visited sites that may or may not resembled the original temple or building.

The food aboard the boat was inedible and I thanked God I’d brought turkey jerky, a jar of peanut butter and Power Bars, or I would have starved to death.

This isn’t the cruise line’s fault, but the pollution was so bad I never saw the sun once, just a pervasive white haze.  It turns out that coal-burning factories dot both sides of the river, spewing carbons into the air.  I had a metallic taste in my mouth for the entire visit.  In fact many, many visitors return home with bronchial conditions that sometimes lasts for months.

When you can’t eat OR breathe, it’s a good indication the trip is a real bust!

Have you had a bad cruise or vacation experience?

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