CRYSTAL CRUISES TO LAUNCH EVENING BISTRO

With almost a dozen dining choices on each ship, Crystal Cruises’ most popular daytime gathering spot, The Bistro, is expanding to evening hours.  Reflecting the space’s European-style sidewalk café ambiance, the complimentary menu will offer “small bites,” desserts, and “midnight” snacks, along with premium wines and flavored coffees.  The new nightly café debuts in April on Crystal Symphony and June on Crystal Serenity, shortly after the ships go all-inclusive.

The Bistro has long been a meeting place for cruisers due to its central location and quick, easy access to continental breakfast, fresh fruits, afternoon snacks, and wide selection of teas and coffee drinks, from morning to late afternoon.  Signature Guy Buffet china and Six-Star service remains at night, but gastronomic offerings greatly expand:

· 6-8 pm: Charcuterie of cured meats, prosciuttos, and pâtés, plus international cheeses paired with premium wines and champagne.

· 8-11 pm: Artisanal cheeses, with complementary accompaniments such as truffle honey and fig chutney, plus an assortment of fresh fruits and desserts, including a chocolate fountain and petit fours handmade by onboard pastry chefs, with fine wines, digestifs, and hot drinks.

· 11 pm-12 am: Late-night munchies such as mini-sandwiches, freshly-baked pizzas, quiche, tandoori chicken, and trendy beef “sliders.”

“In traditional Crystal luxury fashion, our evening Bistro brings aboard the elegance and international panache of a European café experience—a central place to meet, people-watch, and enjoy a glass of wine or espresso and a snack,” says Vice President Food and Beverage Operations Toni Neumeister.  “In addition, this expansion really enhances the culinary and social options for guests who spend a full day sightseeing and/or like to mix up their evening dining.”

Casual dining on deck is also offered most evenings with a new Chinese “Comfort Food” menu augmenting choices on Crystal Serenity.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation.  The ultra-luxury line’s extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio’s specialty restaurants; and, starting this spring, all-inclusive premium spirits, fine wines, and champagnes throughout the ship.

 

Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure

EXPERIENCE CLASSICAL MUSIC STARS ONBOARD MS EUROPA’S MUSIC VOYAGES IN 2012

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to Offer Guests Established Talent and Young Stars During the Ocean Sun and Stella Maris Classical Music Festivals at Sea 

The highest ranked cruise ship in the world, according to the 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships[1] Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS EUROPA is offering guests two world-class music festivals in 2012. The “Ocean Sun Festival,” the only classical music festival on the High Seas, will feature internationally acclaimed classical music stars performing on board, as well as exclusive concerts at historical sites ashore. Additionally, the “Stella Maris“ International Vocal Competition will bring together up-and-coming young singers from the most renowned opera houses in the world to perform and compete on board a Middle East and Africa itinerary. These two music cruises are the highlights of a total of nine music cruises aboard the EUROPA in 2012.

Now in its sixth year, the “Ocean Sun Festival” has been compared to the prestigious Festival del Sole in Napa Valley, California and the Tuscan Sun Festival in Italy. For an added dimension to this musical experience, international music critics will offer lectures along the route. On board, “Ocean Sun Festival” guests will experience the breathtaking violinist Janine Jansen, the aspiring pianist Igor Levit and renowned soprano vocalist Marlis Petersen. This musical voyage continues ashore with the soloists joining the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Bergen, Norway. While the classical music concerts are the highlights of this itinerary, the EUROPA will glide through the picturesque Norway fjords, with stops in the charming and multifaceted cities of Bergen and Oslo. This 12-day itinerary from August 12-24, 2012, starts at $6,670 per person/based on double occupancy for a suite.

In cooperation with the prestigious international opera houses, the EUROPA will also be hosting their fourth annual classical music competition at sea, “Stella Maris.”
Under the direction of Canadian tenor Michael Schade, a jury of famous personalities in the classical music field will judge the top talent represented by international opera houses. The distinguishing feature of “Stella Maris” is that the audience determines the winner of the cash prize worth €15,000. This prize, generous compared to others in the world of classical music, is provided by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The jury will decide on the recipients of the additional prizes, which include: a guest engagement at an international opera house, a concert, and a test recording with Deutsche Grammophon. The competition will occur on board an 18-day Middle Eastern and Africa cruise through the Indian Ocean from November 7-25, 2012, making stops in Dubai, Oman, the Seychelles and Madagascar this November. The itinerary starts at $9,150 per person/based on double occupancy for a suite.

For information on these itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com or call one of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ sales agencies below.

 Disclosure

Travel the World at Exceptional Values.

www.seabourn.com
Request a Brochure

Sail with Seabourn and experience the world-class service that guests have come to expect from the World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line.

Spacious, all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean
views – many with verandas

Open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured
at lunch and dinner

All dining venues are complimentary – dine where, when
and with whom you wish

Complimentary welcome champagne and in-suite bar
stocked with your preferences

Tipping is neither required nor expected – service simply to
delight you

Save up to 50%. Fares from $2,199.*

 

Call Seabourn at 1.877.303.9419
or contact your travel professional.

Mediterranean

Sail along the countless islands and inlets of the Mediterranean.

Fares from $2,199.*

Copyright 2011 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved

Disclosure

World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line

 

Seabourn’s 2012 Europe cruise season. Seabourn’s award-winning fleet of six intimate, all-suite ships will offer an unprecedented array of voyages in Europe during 2012. From Norway’s North Cape to the czarist palaces of the Black Sea coast,

Seabourn ships will explore 165 different destinations among Europe’s landmark cities, historic sites and natural splendors on cruises of seven to 19 days.

On a Seabourn voyage, you’ll discover hidden gems most travelers only dream about. Seabourn Quest will cruise the whole expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, sailing from Venice, Athens, Istanbul and Rome. On Seabourn Legend, you’ll set sail on the exotic French and Italian Rivieras, exploring the glimmering ports of the Western Mediterranean. And should you dream of a summer getaway at the top of the world, Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Sojourn will sail through majestic Scandinavia and the Baltic – to include a breathtaking trip alongside towering Norwegian Fjords.

Disclosure

Copyright 2011 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved

Seabourn Cruises Offer Elegance and Value

Save up to 65%. Fares from $3,999.*

Discover the mystery and wonder of the Far East, South Pacific or South and Central Americas aboard a Seabourn cruise – the best way to explore these spectacular destinations. Cross Old World trade routes on the Indian Ocean on your way to exotic ports like Mangalore and Bali. Swim over coral reefs off the coast of Fiji. Or walk through the colorful fruit market in Belize City. No matter which voyage you choose, you’re guaranteed an exceptional value aboard the World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line.** Just book by March 31 and save up to 65%.
Call Seabourn at 1.877.303.9419 or contact your travel professional.

Request a brochure
 

Disclosure

Copyright 2011 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved

CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS UNVEILS NEW SHIP

Adventure cruise specialist Cruceros Australis announces the unveiling of its new ship, the Stella Australis. Set to launch in December 2010, the Stella was commissioned in celebration of Cruceros Australis’ 20^th anniversary.

The Stella will have a capacity of 210 passengers luxuriating in 100 cabins, each 177 square feet. Guests can choose between cabins with a large double bed or two twin beds. For those seeking roomier accommodations and larger beds, superior cabins are available. Cabin highlights include picture windows, independent climate controls, private bathrooms and a satellite phone.

Travelers will enjoy five decks featuring three lounges, an exercise room and a dining room, as well as a spacious deck allowing for unobstructed views of the spectacular scenery.

The Patagonia Deck, the first deck, includes a galley and the Patagonia Dining Room, which has a number of tables that can accommodate groups of four, six and eight people.

The Magallanes Deck, the second deck, includes a reception area and a gift shop where guests can purchase a variety of equipment for expeditions. The cabins on this deck feature large picture windows that are more than three feet wide and four feet tall.

The Tierra del Fuego Deck, third deck, includes the Yamana Lounge that will have a bar and a game room. The cabins on this deck feature slightly larger picture windows that are nearly five feet wide and five feet tall.

The Cabo de Hornos Deck, fourth deck, includes the Sky Lounge. The cabins on this deck feature even larger picture windows that are more than five feet wide and nearly six feet tall.

The Darwin Deck, fifth deck, includes the Darwin Lounge, bar and fully-equipped gym. The gym has glass panels so that guests can enjoy incredible views while working up a sweat. The three lounges- the Sky Lounge, the Darwin Lounge and the Yamana Lounge- are equipped with modern audiovisual equipment for educational presentations throughout the voyage.

CELEBRATE SUMMER ON STATUE CRUISES’ SUNSET COCKTAIL CRUISE

CELEBRATE SUMMER ON STATUE CRUISES’ SUNSET COCKTAIL CRUISE

Guests can savor the long, bright evenings of summer on New York Harbor, when Statue Cruises launches its summer Sunset Cocktail Cruises.

The excursions set out each Thursday evening from June 3-August 26, 2010. Guests are treated to a complimentary glass of wine and assorted cheeses aboard the 125-foot John James Audubon, with additional food and beverages available for purchase. Other highlights include background music, fresh breezes and spectacular views of the sun setting behind the Statue of Liberty.

The Sunset Cocktail Cruise takes place on New York Harbor each Thursday from June 3-August 26, 2010. Guests board at 6:15 p.m. at Liberty Landing Marina or at 6:45 p.m. at Battery Park; cruising follows from 7-9 p.m.

Tickets cost $36 per adult, (ages 21 and over are welcome). Guest parking at Liberty Landing Marina is $7 per vehicle. For more details, or to order tickets, visit http://www.statuecruises.com or call 877-523-9849.

###

Statue Cruises is the concessioner authorized by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, to serve the public at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. Over 3.5 million annual visitors from around the world visit these two icons of freedom and hope. In addition to providing daily ferry service, Statue Cruises also operates special event cruises, private charters and the narrated Liberty Harbor Cruise – a 75-minute tour of the New York Harbor. For more information visit: www.statuecruises.com/pressroom.

CRUISECOMPETE ENRICHES OFFERINGS WITH UNIQUE CRUISES TO CLASSICAL CIVILIZATIONS

Cruise travelers with affinities for history and antiquities, art, archaeology and adventure travel can now opt for unique cultural destination experiences through CruiseCompete.com’s addition of Voyages to Antiquity cruises.

CruiseCompete.com, where travel agents compete to offer consumers the best deals on cruises, caters to savvy vacation travelers and is pleased to announce this additional offering.

Voyages to Antiquity, the new cruise line introduced by Orient Lines’ founder Gerry Herrod, provides innovative destination experiences at incomparable value. The inaugural season begins May 2010 and features itineraries focused entirely on the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas, as well as North Africa and the Red Sea.