Luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea has announced Silver Galapagos as the name for its second small-sized expedition ship, which is currently sailing as the Galapagos Explorer II.   The new name signals the company’s intent to maintain a consistent level of elegance throughout its fleet, and will take effect after the all-suite, 100-guest vessel undergoes a major refurbishment in September 2013. In a related move, the hull of the Galapagos Explorer II has already been painted the same dark blue as Silver Explorer, the company’s other expedition ship.

Silver Galapagos will be the only luxury expedition ship offering socially and environmentally responsible ecotourism to the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important distinction enables Silversea to broaden its portfolio of expedition cruises tailored to tap into the rising interest in green tourism.

Silversea has also revealed that it will start selling its 2013 Galápagos program in mid-November of this year, offering two exciting new 7-day itineraries that will begin operating in late September 2013 as follows:

• Sailing Saturday to Saturday roundtrip from Baltra Island, Silver Galapagos will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including  Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz.

• Sailing Saturday to Saturday roundtrip from Baltra Island, this itinerary encompasses the northeast, central and southeast islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española, and Plazas Sur.

The 2013 Galápagos schedule offers adventurous travelers the life-enriching chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. On complimentary expeditions ashore guided by an experienced expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea’s guests may experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife that includes sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, colorful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin’s famous finches.

The program also offers opportunities to swim and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

In true Silversea Expeditions style, the guests of Silver Galapagos will enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea that includes spacious, ocean-view accommodations, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, the personalized service of a butler, and a generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet, and all gratuities.

Reported by © www.expertcruiser.com - Your online consumer guide for cruise travel and information.

It’s a blissful thought: sailing off into the sunset on a cruise vacation. Cruising can be an exciting and affordable vacation option. Of course, it’s important to find the right cruise at the right price for your getaway. After all, there are more than 160 ships in the fleets of the 24 major cruise lines and thousands of itineraries worldwide.

Here’s what to consider when selecting your cruise.

Style of ship and cruise line

Cruise lines have their own distinct personalities and ships that reflect them. The size of a ship really does matter. Large ship cruise lines Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International provide a party atmosphere with glitz and high energy. Small ship operators like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn focus on quiet luxury and a more refined experience.

To make sure a line’s usual clientele and ship size is a good match for you, check over the line’s brochures and site. It also doesn’t hurt to visit the bustling online message boards at Cruise Critic and Cruisemates – member postings can offer valuable insight regarding a particular ship and cruise line.

Where to go

Cruise ships can take you almost anywhere on the planet, from the Caribbean or Europe to Asia or Antarctica, so explore a range of possibilities before settling on a preferred route. When you’ve found a trip you love, go over the schedule carefully. If traveling internationally make sure you have valid passports, visas, and any required immunizations.

If you need to fly to your cruise port make sure you allow enough time to get to the ship. Ideally you should try to get to the port at least a day in advance; this added buffer allows you to start off your hard-earned cruise vacation with less stress.

When to go

The holidays, spring break and summer are high season and that usually means higher prices. The shoulder seasons of mid-fall and early spring offer great cruise deals, and may be even more appealing than high season. An Alaska, European or Caribbean cruise in May or September, when the kids are in school, translates into fewer people in port.

Just before and after shoulder season, cruise lines move their ships from one home port to another in a strategic fleet movement that’s called “repositioning.” Of course, those ships don’t move around empty; instead, what you get is a “repositioning cruise” (or “repo cruise”) — a unique, one-way itinerary that is available only once a year. Repositioning cruises are often highly discounted meaning they are a great value.

Lastly, some of the cheapest cruises come during the Caribbean’s hurricane season, particularly in September and October. The price can come at a cost though — your itinerary may be changed and your cruise could be shortened or prolonged.

Pick a stateroom

Consider your itinerary when reserving a stateroom. If you can afford to splurge, a balcony stateroom provides you a private space to relax and get away from the crowded decks. Still, not all cruises are ideal for balconies. A trans-Atlantic crossing doesn’t make a lot of sense for a balcony since the ship is at sea for days and the weather is often cold or too windy to enjoy the space. On the other hand, the appeal of a balcony on an Alaska, Caribbean, European or South American cruise offers amazing scenery that should not be missed. Smaller inside staterooms are adequate for budget-minded cruisers who seem more likely to spend most of their time utilizing the ship’s public spaces.

A great cabin can make or break your cruise. If you’re on a romantic getaway don’t assume you’ll get a bed for two. Check with the cruise line to make sure you reserve a stateroom that offers a queen or king bed option, not fixed twins or pull-down pullman beds.

Lastly, study the ship’s deck plan. Passengers with disabilities might want to book near elevators. Watch out for staterooms with obstructed views – usually the lifeboat deck and those with close proximity to noisy areas like lounges, discos, theaters, pool areas, room service and steward service areas. Staterooms midship on lower decks are best for those prone to seasickness.

Getting the best price

Cruise lines offer travelers a host of discounts, so consider every source when looking for a deal. Check out your credit card as many offer discounts or points towards cruises. Look at all the clubs you belong to, from AAA, airline frequent flier programs and college alumni associations, to union memberships — see if they offer any deals or special rates for members. Also, if you’ve previously cruised with a cruise line you may be in for a repeat cruiser discount.

The majority of cruises are booked by travel agents. Big online agencies like Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz along with large cruise-only agencies offer competitive prices on a number of cruises. Still, many cruisers prefer to use a local travel agent, but make sure you shop around. Visit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) at Cruising.org and search by ZIP code. When you talk to an agent, ask about last minute specials and if they are holding any group space on various cruises. But keep in mind for popular itineraries the best prices are often booked months in advance.

Lastly, watch your spending once onboard. Cruise lines do not make the bulk of their profits from the actual cruise fare – they make it from onboard spending options like bar tabs, spa services, shore excursions, and boutique purchases.

Don’t be vexed when choosing a cruise vacation. If you do a little research on options and pricing you can board the ship without a care in the world. And that’s the only way to cruise.

Reported by © www.expertcruiser.com - Your online consumer guide for cruise travel and information.

Bon voyage!

On Thursday, after a 16-day voyage from Copenhagen to London, Silversea Cruises’ ultra-luxury Silver Cloud proudly sailed under London’s Tower Bridge where the 2012 Olympic Rings are prominently displayed. The ship is tied up alongside the HMS Belfast. Silver Cloud departs this evening for a 9-day sold out voyage from London to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Reported by © www.expertcruiser.com - Your online consumer guide for cruise travel and information.

Silversea Cruises said the Silver Shadow “was involved in a minor incident on March 16, 2012, at around 4:20 GMT as it was approaching the pilot station in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. There was contact between Silver Shadow and a local commercial vessel. Silver Shadow incurred limited minor dents and guests’ safety was never compromised. The ship was fully operational and continued on its course to Ha Long Bay, where all shore tours operated normally.”

CNN has an iReport from Silver Shadow passenger Andrew Lock who noted the collision left a hole in the container ship. He added that passengers headed to their muster stations, but the captain soon announced that the ship was not in danger.

Silversea said it will carry out a full investigation into the incident.

Stay tuned for more information…

Reported by Anita Dunham-Potter (editor@www.expertcruiser.com)

© www.expertcruiser.com - Your online consumer guide for cruise travel and information.

When only the best will do along comes a travel package that leaves no luxury stone unturned. An amazing 124-day luxury cruise trip has been unveiled by Six Star Cruises, which includes helicopter pick up from the guests’ home in the UK, and a flight in a private Boeing jet to Los Angeles. Once airborne guests will nibble on Beluga Caviar at $5800 per kilogram, sip on the rare Da Hong Pao tea, which costs over $3000 per kilogram and is harvested from 1000-year-old plants, have a personal chef prepare an 10-course meal that will be washed down with copious amounts of Dom Perignon.

After the flight, guests will be whisked away in a Rolls Royce Phantom for a 4-night pre-cruise stay and gala at the Peninsula Hotel. After visiting Hollywood guests will then take their chauffeured Rolls Royce to the ultra-luxury ship, Silver Whisper. Onboard the lucky guests will stay in the ship’s best accommodations, the Royal Suite where they will travel for 115 nights and visit 28 countries. At the end of the cruise in Miami guests will hop on another Rolls Royce for a 4-night stay at a private 6-bedroom villa with pools and, of course, a butler.

This 124-day luxury jaunt will set the jet-set travelers back a whopping $1.5 million per couple – or approximately $11,740 per day. This amount sets a new world record for the Most Expensive Cruise, according to World Records Academy.

Silversea Cruises

Reported by Anita Dunham-Potter (editor@www.expertcruiser.com)

© www.expertcruiser.com - Your online consumer guide for cruise travel and information.

Silversea Cruises has created a new “Slow Food Adventure in Tuscany” land option that will debut on three Mediterranean voyages in 2012.

In collaboration with Slow Food Italy, the ultra-luxury cruise company has designed an exclusive three-night program that will highlight the culinary and cultural traditions of Tuscany and introduce participants to local wine producers and products that adhere to the Slow Food philosophy of preserving biodiversity and gastronomic traditions.

The program will be conducted with one or more members of Silversea’s own culinary team on hand to provide participants with expert guidance and exclusive access to local producers committed to responsible and sustainable food production, as recommended by Slow Food. Participants might visit a dairy farm or stroll through olive groves and vineyards to learn the secrets of traditional food production. Guided by Silversea’s culinary team, guests will gain a greater understanding of the region’s wines as well as the ingredients carefully selected for the dishes served in , Silversea’s Italian speciality restaurant — the only restaurant at sea that partners with Slow Food Italy to showcase products reflecting the standards of Slow Food.

“This is a new concept, and probably the first in the industry, where the ship’s culinary team accompanies and interacts with guests on a pre- or post-cruise land program,” said Darius Mehta, Silversea’s vice president of air and land programs. “It’s an excellent opportunity for foodies and travelers alike to discover the beauty, food, tradition and culture of Tuscany, while also gaining greater insight into the principles of the Slow Food movement.”

From Rome, travelers will enjoy a scenic drive into the heart of the Brunello region of Tuscany, leading to the vineyard estate of Castello Banfi, producer of some of the region’s best-known wines, including several selected for La Banca del Vino, the Slow Food-inspired wine bank of the University of Gastronomy in Pollenzo (Bra), Italy. The program includes three nights at Il Borgo, Castello Banfi’s elegant hotel nestled amid the vineyards and olive groves of Montalcino. Highlights include a cooking class, where participants will learn to prepare typical Tuscan specialties with the help of Silversea’s own culinary team and the estate’s professional staff; an in-depth tour of the Castello Banfi winery; and a full-day tour of Slow Food-recommended vineyards, olive groves, farms or other traditional food-producing operations in and around Bolgheri, escorted by Silversea’s culinary team, giving participants insider access to producers whose operations normally are not open to the public.

This three-night sojourn, priced from $3,599 per guest (based on double occupancy), is offered as a pre-cruise option on Silver Wind’s April 30 voyage (#2212), Rome to Venice, and Silver Spirit’s October 22 sailing (#5233) from Rome to Barcelona. It’s also available as a post-cruise option on Silver Wind’s April 17 voyage (#2210), Barcelona to Rome.

In addition to accommodations at Il Borgo for three nights, the price includes all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Visit www.silversea.com for complete details.