Carnival, the world’s largest cruise line, will operate all 21 of its “Fun Ships” on holiday cruises this year, offering a variety of three- to eight-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico departing from eleven North American homeports.
The ships’ atrium and promenade areas are adorned with colorful Christmas trees, garland, wreaths and mistletoe, along with signage proclaiming traditional holiday greetings.
As Crystal Cruises puts the final touches on its 11th Annual Wine & Food Festival, the award-winning luxury line is serving up the hot new details of its celebrity guest roster for the first half of 2007.
In addition to celebrated chefs like Neal Fraser of California’s Grace, Craig Higgins of Botswana’s Mombo Camp Resort and the world-renowned and highly influential winemaker Christian Moueix, the festival features James Beard Award winners like A Voce’s Andrew Carmellini and the legendary André Soltner, along with culinary-themed shoreside excursions.
Costa Cruises will open its South American season with the departures of the Costa Romantica (November 21) and the Costa Fortuna (November 30). These cruise liners will depart from Savona port and their destinations are Argentina and Brazil.
The Costa Romantica will operate its second season departing from the Buenos Aires port and it will provide nine itineraries, with stopovers in Uruguay and Brazil. It will also provide a 14-day cruise to Patagonia.
Holland America Line has decided on a name for its first Signature-class vessel: the Eurodam. The 2,044-passenger ship, the largest to be constructed by the line, is to be delivered in summer 2008.
The 86,000-ton Eurodam will be built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard with an estimated all-in cost of $450 million. HAL has a second Signature-class ship on option with Fincantieri, with delivery scheduled for spring 2010.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Thursday he will meet with evangelicals in Dominica seeking restrictions on gay cruises, which have drawn some protests elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Dominica has no restrictions on the tours, but Skerrit told The Associated Press that he will meet soon with the Evangelical Association to outline the government’s position on gay cruises stopping in the island.
There’s probably no better time than Christmas to enjoy the gifts of the earth. On the Galapagos Islands, where the idea of evolution dawned on Charles Darwin, travelers will find a veritable Santa’s bag of diverse terrain, pristine waters and brightly colored wildlife.
Getting up close and personal with these fearless and remarkable creatures is a priceless experience, and aboard International Expeditions’ M/V Evolution, passengers will enjoy a voyage such as Darwin himself could envy.