Family cruise on the Caribbean Princess visited Bermuda and Caribbean ports in nine days

    (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   Princess Cruises has an ideal summer itinerary combining visits to several "tropical" islands on an impressive ship with a convenient close-to-home port.

   While considering options for an early June cruise, we also wanted several leisurely days at sea and to visit some far-away "exotic" locales.

   Adam Fox, three, held by mom Lisa, gives a "high five" to Capt. Marco Fortezze as the ship clears the Verrazano Bridge heading out to sea from New York. (Jim Fox photo)

   So, we didn't hesitate in booking passage on the Caribbean Princess, sailing nine days round-trip from New York City to Bermuda and to the Caribbean ports of San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos.

   This was designed to introduce our son, Jeff, daughter-in-law Lisa and grandson Adam, three, to big-ship cruising.

Silversea publishes 2012 voyages brochure

(News Release)

Offers convenient access to new video, 'The World of Silversea'

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- May 5, 2011) Silversea has unveiled its new full-color, 200-page 2012 Voyages brochure. The visually captivating picture-book details over 200 itineraries exploring seven continents, over 100 countries, and more than 450 destinations.

Silver Wind in the Mediterranean

Plus, for the first time, the brochure features a Microsoft Tag 2D bar code on its back cover that enables smartphone users to view The World of Silversea, the company's exciting new video that invites travelers to step aboard and experience the award-winning luxury and pampering ambiance of Silversea.

"We're delighted to be able to offer travelers an engaging interactive experience by incorporating the latest mobile tagging technology in our new brochure," said Linda Schultes, Silversea's vice president of worldwide marketing. "Not only will you be able to read about the unique rewards of an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise vacation, but by accessing our new video from your mobile phone, you'll get to see the experience come to life."

Royal Caribbean offers Kung Fu Panda fans a chance to win a cruise with Poo as part of the DreamWorks experience

(News Release)

Pandamonium Drives Kung Fu Fever at Sea All Summer

MIAMI – May 9, 2011 – Kung Fu Panda fans can join Po aboard a Royal Caribbean International ship this summer during “Pandamonium” at sea and have the opportunity to experience DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: DWA) highly anticipated 3-D feature film, “Kung Fu Panda 2.” Starting today, the cruise line offers Kung Fu Panda fans a chance to win a Caribbean cruise for four, up to seven nights, in the Summer Pandamonium Sweepstakes at www.KungFuPanda.com. The Grand Prize winner will join Po and enjoy the DreamWorks Experience aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas or Liberty of the Seas, four of the world’s most innovative cruise ships.

Disney Cruise Line's inaugural sailing to Alaska

In a photo taken May 5, 2011, the Disney Wonder cruise ship sails past glaciers at the Tracy Arm Fjord as part of its first-ever Alaskan voyage.  This summer marks the first season for Disney Cruise Line in Alaska.  Nestled between 3,000-foot high granite walls, the narrow, twisting slice of ocean called Tracy Arm Fjord weaves through the Tongass National Forest for roughly 35 miles. During the seven-night Alaskan summer itinerary, the Disney Wonder visits Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Tracy Arm Fjord.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

(News Release)

Disney Cruise Line unveils new itineraries and ports for 2012 – Disney ships bound for New York, Galveston and Seattle

(News Release)

CELEBRATION, Fla. (April 6, 2011) – For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to guests around the country.  Additionally, the cruise line will offer more choices than ever before with several new itineraries planned.

Puffins, guillemots and razor bills -- just a few of the dozens of bird species on Hurtigruten's "Birds of the Nordic Coast" theme cruise

(News Release)

New York, NY, April 2011 – A birder’s paradise, a rare opportunity, a fantastic spectacle – all appropriate phrases to describe the west coast of Norway during the spring movement of millions of birds.  Coming on the heels of “Lundkommardagen” (Puffins Day), when a black cloud of puffins descend on their Spring breeding grounds on Lovund, Hurtigruten’s “Birds of the Nordic Coast” sailing is a true ornithological event, departing Kirkenes on May 20, 2011, and heading south to Bergen.  A “Bird Watching Safari” in the North Cape, learning to photograph birds near Tromsø, a “Sea Eagle Safari” near Svolvœr, and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago, home to 228 species of birds, are just some of the possible highlights on the voyage.  The six-day route follows the traditional fjord-indented Norwegian Coastal Voyage, stopping at 34 ports along the way.  Prices range from $1,683 to $4,417 per person, double.