Regent Reduces Single Supplement!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has today announced a program of reduced single supplements on many of their 2010 sailings! Offering supplements of 30-50% on selected sailings on both the Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, this represents an exceptional value for solos looking for a relaxed experience on a true luxury line.

Regent offers all-inclusive pricing, encompassing gratuities, wine and alcohol with lunch and dinner along with a bar set up of your choice in your suite, bottled water and soda, and for 2010, also includes free air and unlimited excursions of your choice!

I've long held that luxury lines many times are the most solo-friendly, and Regent (along with Crystal) are working hard this year to prove me correct! If you're looking to move up into luxury cruising, call me toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123) or email me at amber@cruiseresource.com for a personal consultation and quote. Remember, I hold the exclusive Luxury Cruise Specialist designation from CLIA, so I can help you navigate the choices between lines.

Crystal Cruises Offers 2 for 1 Fares and More for all 2009/2010 Sailings!

While cruise fares are beginning to rebound, and as my clients can certainly attest, certain itineraries are getting hard to book, the luxury lines are extending out their unprecedented offers and lower fares for 2009 and 2010 sailings. Crystal is the most recent line to announce a significant savings program.

The main component of the savings is 2 for 1 pricing on all categories for all sailings in 2010! That's huge, but it's not all. In addition, they are offering:

• Up to $2,000 per couple in “All-Inclusive. As You Wish.” Spending Credits Receive up to $1,000 per person to spend any way you wish. Click here for details
• Free Air Fly free in Business or Economy Class on most 2010 voyages. Click here for details
• Price Guarantee Book early and pay the lowest applicable cruise fare - guaranteed! Click here for details

There are also other special offers which can often be combined with the above. These are:

• Birthday Bonus - Sail on your birthday and save 50% off a future cruise. Click here for details
• 20th Anniversary Celebrations – Enjoy onboard celebrations, commemorative merchandise and more on our special reunion cruises
• 20th Anniversary Commemorative Cruises – Celebrate 20 years of the World's Best with special events on our anniversary, July 20th, aboard voyages 0216 and 0317.
• Crystal Society 20th Anniversary Reunion Cruises – Enjoy special guests, events and receptions exclusively for Crystal Society members. Voyages 0210 and 0226.
• President’s Cruise 20th Anniversary Celebration – Join Crystal Cruises' President Gregg L. Michel aboard voyage 0210 for special guests, events and receptions.
• Up to $10,000 World Cruise “As You Wish” CruiseBank Spending Credits – Receive up to $5,000 per person to spend any way you wish. Click here for details
• Share the Experience – Earn $100 shipboard credit for each new-to-Crystal guest you sail with. Click here for details
• Crystal Family Memories – Sail with six or more family and friends and enjoy free third berths (17 years and under), pre-paid gratuities, shipboard spending credits and more. Sail with ten or more and receive a free berth! Click here for details
• Crystal Society Benefits Program – Shipboard credits, upgrades, free cruises and more for past guests. Click here for details

Crystal is a true luxury line, perfect for those who like the traditional style of cruising pared with exceptional service and amenities. While even with these offers it may be slightly more initial investment than a mainstream cruise line, the benefits are extensive, and the bottom line price, of the fare and onboard costs combined, is often very similar to what you'd experience on a premium line.

Is it time you started looking at luxury lines? Take advantage of the extraordinary savings you can experience now on Crystal or other lines and see what you may have been missing! Luxury cruising IS worth it and an amazing value, especially now. Call or email me to explore your options.

It's an Egyptian Thing

I've not been highlighting the many, many river cruises which have special offers recently (if I did, I could fill this blog with nothing but), but rest assured if you are interested in river cruising, you won't find a better time to book!

However, one came across my email this morning which I had to pass on as it's a terrific deal, but it's also during a period when many of you have time off from work.

It's a 13-night Uniworld Egyptian land package and Nile cruise, departing December 25. You'll start with a 7-night cruise that takes you along the riverbanks of the Nile. Travel in style on board the new, ultra-luxurious, all-suite River Tosca. From the impressive temple complex of Karnak to the temple of Hatshepsut and the fabled Valley of the Kings, you will be amazed every step of the way. With professional guides sharing insight into the places you will be visiting, you will have the most well-rounded travel experience possible.

You’ll also spend a total of four nights in Cairo, where you’ll be taken to the famous Egyptian Museum to see the treasures recovered from the tomb of King Tut. You’ll journey to see the mighty Pyramids of Giza and the very face of ancient Egypt, the Sphinx. Get ready to gaze in awe at these extraordinary creations that define Egypt—a land of complexity, marvels, and mythology.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Most people are attracted to this tour by the prospect of eight days onboard a luxury Nile River cruise ship, with ever-changing scenery and frequent stops at ancient monuments. It also suits those with an interest in ancient history and those who wish to experience Egypt in a relaxed and refined way.

The deal? FREE round-trip air from New York! That's a savings of approximately $2,100/person.

The offer is available only for this week, September 2-9. If you've dreamed of visiting Egypt, December is the perfect time, and this is a great opportunity. River cruises are a wonderful way to travel, with all excursions included, all-inclusive on the ship, your flights, transfers, hotel and other arrangements part of the package price.

Sound interesting? Call or email for more details! This could be the perfect way to spend the holiday break!

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.

Azamara's Flying You to Europe

Starting today, if you're into the Suite Life on Azamara Cruises, there are a slew of sailings this summer and fall offering free air for Penthouse Suite and Royal Suite passengers.

Not looking for a suite? They also have some pretty sweet reduced air prices for other categories, too. There is flat rate reduced air starting today for the July 12, September 27, October 25 and November 8 Journey, and for the October 7, 17, 31 and November 14 Quest from ATL; BOS; BWI; CLT; DEN; DFW; DTW; EWR; IAD; IAH; JFK; LAS; LAX; MCO; MIA; MSY; ORD; PDX; PHL; PHX; RDU; SAN; SEA; SFO; TPA; YUL; YVR; YYZ.

Azamara is a Deluxe line, offering a small-ship experience with unique itineraries in the Baltic and Mediterranean this summer and fall. I will be returning to the Quest this August myself, and am a big personal fan of this line. Want more information on the line itself, or any of these offers? Just give me a call!

Regent to Offer Free Shore Excursions and More!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a relaxed but elegant luxury line, has just announced a new promotion for new bookings through March 31: Free Excursions during select 2009 cruises! This is part of their new “ultra-inclusive” cruise pricing initiative. For a limited time, guests on select 2009 voyages can choose from a selection of complimentary shore excursions, a value of up to several hundred dollars per guest.

Simply book by March 31, 2009 and they will include unlimited access to complimentary, award-winning shore excursions during your voyage. This is in addition to the all-inclusive cruise experience (which is already one of the best true luxury deals around, as they include alcohol at lunch and dinner, a free bar set up in cabin, soft drinks and bottled water, and gratuities in the regular fare).

This offer is in addition and combinable with the current 2-for-1 and free air offers!

“We are delighted to be able to offer our valued guests even greater value with a Regent experience that now encompasses both the ship and the destination,” said Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “At a time when travelers are seeking greater value and unique vacation opportunities, we offer a spectacular array of voyages that offer more value and more luxury than ever before.”

With offers of free airfare, cruise fares that begin at $3,995 and free unlimited shore excursions, the company expects that these voyages will be in great demand. On each of the select cruises, guests can participate in at least one complimentary shore excursion in each port where excursions are offered. These excursions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. Guests with deposited reservations can pre-request their excursions online starting 120 days in advance of their sailing date. In addition to the free excursions, there will be a number of Regent Choice excursions that will require payment of a supplement.

In addition, for first-time Regent cruisers, there is a $500/cabin onboard credit! Though in all honesty, I can't imagine having a $500 shipboard bill when excursions are free!

The applicable sailings are:

Alaska on the Seven Seas Mariner: June 3, June 10, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, August 26, September 2. Complimentary tours include a native canoe adventure or an adventure hike to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau; a zipline tour or a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railroad in Skagway; a sea otter and wildlife quest in Sitka.

Europe and the Baltic on the Seven Seas Voyager: June 26, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28, September 25. Complimentary shore excursions in the Baltic include an evening at the ballet, a visit to Hermitage museum, or a tour of Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia; a walking tour and concert or a countryside fishing and lunch tour in Tallinn, Estonia; and a city tour by sea and visit to Fortress Island, or a sailing tour in Helsinki, Finland.

Mediterranean (and Caribbean) on the Seven Seas Navigator: July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, September 4, September 11, September 28, October 16, October 30, November 8, December 18. Among the complimentary excursions are a visit to Pompeii or a Riviera tour from Sorrento, Italy; a tour of Ephesus from Kusadasi, Turkey; a tour of Sicily; a tour of ancient Rome from Civitavecchia, Italy; a tour of Mayan ruins and river cruise in Belize; a visit to Q’eqchi indigenous river community in Guatemala; and a stingray sandbar swim in Grand Cayman.

Asia Pacific on the Seven Seas Mariner: September 16, October 1, October 17, November 1, November 18, December 2. Shore excursion options include a tour of the Peace Park in Nagasaki, Japan; a full-day tour to Hanoi from Hong Gai, Vietnam; a kangaroo and koala tour in Melbourne, Australia; a Maori cultural experience in Wellington, New Zealand.

Tropics on the Seven Seas Navigator: December 18 where you can experience an off-road adventure in Bora Bora.

Alas, my favorite ship in the world, Paul Gauguin, is not included in this offer, but there are other offers which apply to her as well.

If you're interested in learning more about any of these sailings, feel free to email at amber@cruiseresource.com!