Fabulous Luxury Offers

I've been saying that this year is the time to try out Luxury cruising, and the below offers certainly support that. Many cruisers have the perception that "luxury" brands are too expensive, but when all the inclusions, such as alcohol, gratuities, bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees and the like are factored in, there's often not as much difference as you might expect. And this year, they are especially kind to the budget.

First up is my favorite ship in the world, the Paul Gauguin sailing in French Polynesia (Tahiti). Book by September 30, and enjoy 2-for-1 cruise fares and free or 2-for-1 airfare! The opportunity to cruise the South Pacific aboard the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin has never been better!

Featuring the vibrant culture and natural wonders of Tahiti, the Society Islands and Tuamotus, this multi-award-winning ship will embark on just sixteen 7-night sailings and just six 10-night voyages in 2010, on dream itineraries designed to bring you closer than ever before to some of the world's most exotic locales - and at a value unheard of for such paradise:

• 2-for-1 Savings on January - March 2010 sailings when booked by September 30, 2009
• 2-for-1 roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles — an additional value of up to $1,250 per couple — when booked by September 30, 2009
• Early Booking Savings of up to 45% on April - June 2010 sailings

7-night sailings highlighting Tahiti and the Society Islands start from $2,748 per person, including 2-for-1 roundtrip Air savings between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti when booked by September 30, 2009, while the 10-night itineraries highlight the Tuamotus and Society Islands and start from $3,648, including Free Roundtrip Air between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti when booked by September 30, 2009.

This ship is the perfect fit for French Polynesia. From their private motu (island) where you can be served lunch and an "adult beverage" while luxuriating in a lounger in the warm, clear lagoon waters, to snorkeling or diving with brightly-colored tropical fish, exploring the beauty and culture of these magnificent islands, or simply reveling in the hospitality of these charming people, this is an unforgettable cruise...at unheard-of prices!

French Polynesia not piquing your interest? Then check out the 1-week sale from the Yachts of Seabourn! Ultra-luxurious yacht-style cruising can be yours at extremely attractive fares if your book this week.

Book one of the below cruises aboard The Yachts of Seabourn with extraordinary savings of up to 65%. You will sail aboard an intimate yacht and enjoy all-suite accommodations, personalized service and an atmosphere of sophisticated ease. With special fares from just $1,349, don't miss this exceptional value. It's the perfect opportunity for you to experience the winner of the World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line. But hurry, the sale begins today, Monday, July 13 and lasts just one week.

• Caribbean Getaway • Seabourn Spirit
  DEC 16, 2009 • 5 days Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $1,349
• Atlantic Sunsets • Seabourn Spirit
  NOV 15, 2009 • 12 days Lisbon, Portugal to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $2,765
• Belize, Panama & Costa Rica • Seabourn Legend
  NOV 23, 2009 • 14 days Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
  Special Fares from $3,599
• Caribbean Tapestry • Seabourn Odyssey
  NOV 28, 2009 • 12 days Round-trip Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $3,999
• Costa Rica, Panama & Belize • Seabourn Legend
  DEC 7, 2009 • 14 days Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $3,599
• Asian Capitals & Vietnam • Seabourn Pride
  FEB 13 or MAR 13, 2010 • 14 days Singapore to Hong Kong, China
  Special Fares from $4,999
• Asian Capitals & Vietnam II • Seabourn Pride
  FEB 27, 2010 • 14 days Hong Kong, China to Singapore
  Special Fares from $5,249
• Caribbean Gems • Seabourn Legend
  MAR 20, 2010 • 5 days Round-trip Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
  Special Fares from $1,499
• Caribbean Gems • Seabourn Legend
  MAR 25, 2010 • 7 days Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Special Fares from $1,999

If you've longed to check out a luxury line, this is the time! Whether you choose the Paul Gauguin, or luxuriate on Seabourn, you will have an amazing, pampering experience at sea.

EXCLUSIVE Savings on Regent Paul Gauguin!

Our family of companies has been given an EXCLUSIVE pricing opportunity for the Regent Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia this summer. These prices aren't available from anywhere but from one of our group of companies.

The Paul Gauguin is simply an amazing ship. Intimate, personal, inclusive, perfectly suited for one of the most beautiful places in the world. Tahiti and French Polynesia are spectacular, and the Paul Gauguin is the best way to experience it. From the Gauguin gallery onboard (with, ironically, more originals than the Gauguin Museum near Papeete), to the lovely Gauguines, the social hostesses onboard who are all natives of Polynesia and serve not just as your social hostesses but also as cultural ambassadors, this is a sublime experience.

Of course, since it's Regent, the cruise is all-inclusive, from bottled water, tips, to alcohol with lunch and dinner along with 2 bottles of your choice in your cabin, this is truly an all-inclusive cruise. The quality of the dining onboard is extraordinary, and the service levels what you'd expect on a true luxury cruise.

The sailings we have with these special offers are:

June 6, 2009, 7-night sailing round-trip Papeete - Category D Balcony - $2,995/person, Category E Oceanview - $2,340/person, Category F Porthole - $2,195/person. Government fees and taxes are $210 additional. Third passenger is FREE on this sailing (fees/taxes are additional).

May 15 & July 29, 2009, 10-night sailing round-trip Papeete - Category D Balcony - $3,640/person, Category E Oceanview - $2,795/person, Category F Porthole - $2,595/person. Government fees and taxes are $300 additional. Third passenger is FREE on this sailing (fees/taxes are additional).

As a Tahiti Tiare specialist, I'm happy to assist you with pre- or post-cruise extensions in the islands as well.

If you have dreamed of French Polynesia, promised yourself (or your loved one) that you will go "someday", or if the idea of sitting in a lounge in crystal clear water with a waiter bringing you drinks right to your chair sounds heavenly, then this is your opportunity. Call me at 303-690-8937, toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123) or email me at amber@cruiseresource.com to book your escape to paradise now!

Regent To No Longer Operate Paul Gauguin

In news which will sadden lovers of the Paul Gauguin (and those who have dreamed of sailing on her in Tahiti and French Polynesia), it is expected that Grand Circle (the owner of the Paul Gauguin) and Regent Seven Seas will announce this week that Regent will no longer operate the Paul Gauguin after the 2009 sailing season currently available for sale.

It is unknown what Grand Circle has in mind for the ship at this time, so keep watching here for updates once that announcement is made.

If you've been planning on sailing the Paul Gauguin, which I personally believe is the perfect ship for French Polynesia, it's time to stop procrastinating! Take advantage of this advance information and book your 2008 or 2009 sailing NOW! As a Certified Tiare Specialist, I can help you in all aspects of your dream cruise and vacation in French Polynesia.

More Luxury in Tahiti

Just as Princess is wrapping up its final season of the Tahitian Princess in French Polynesia/Tahiti, yet another luxury line is announcing plans to sail there. Joining the Regent Paul Gauguin and Star Clippers Star Flyer will be the Silversea HSH Prince Albert II.

As we discussed a few days ago, the HSH Prince Albert II is the new luxury expedition ship for Silversea which is currently undergoing extensive renovation to turn it into a ship worthy of the Silversea name.

I've been asked several times when Princess will be going back to French Polynesia, or if another line will go there instead. Frankly, the French Polynesian government would much prefer to have lines such as Silversea, Star Clippers and Regent there. Princess was there mostly because they agreed to the government's terms in order to purchase the former Renaissance ship, which they then renamed Tahitian Princess. They had a good run there for several years, but were running into issues on airlift capacity and pricing, many times with the air cost being very close to the cruise price, not something generally experienced by typical Princess passengers. I'd be surprised if French Polynesia will be anything more than a stop or two on longer itineraries for lines such as Princess, Celebrity and Holland America for the foreseeable future.

I'm sorry to see a mid-level line leaving this market simply because French Polynesia is one of my favorite place on earth. It doesn't suffer the tourist overload that Hawaii's development over the years has created, maintaining much more of its pristine beauty and low impact tourism. The water there is so incredibly beautiful, and with the lagoons surrounding these ancient islands, it's accessible for a variety of activities, from snorkeling, swimming, great beach days, magnificent sightseeing on the mountains, and of course my passion scuba diving. It's the most romantic place I've ever been.

Obviously, this is not a budget destination. But for a trip which is truly extraordinary for the senses, it's absolutely worth it. Have a special anniversary coming up? Second (or first) honeymoon? A "I've dreamed about it" trip? Contact me for more information. I am a Tahiti Tiare Specialist, so can help you with all your arrangements and match you up with an idyllic trip to this tropical paradise. Believe me, you'll fall in love with it too.

Regent Continues Paul Gauguin Management!

For all of us who love the Paul Gauguin comes the exciting news that Regent has extended its management contact of this wonderful ship through January, 2010. Since the Paul Gauguin was sold to PGSL a couple years ago, it's been an ongoing question as to how long RSSC would continue to manage her, and in fact how long she would stay in French Polynesia. With this announcement, we can breathe easily for at least two more years.

French Polynesia (Tahiti) is one of the most beautiful places in the world to cruise. For anyone looking for what I believe to be the ultimate South Pacific experience, I'd highly recommend sailing this ship while you can.