HAL Sends Flagship ms Rotterdam to Alaska in 2010

Yipes,  cruise lines are already promoting Alaska voyages and we’re not even into the new year.  I’ve done about a dozen cruises to our last frontier and recommend it to everyone. And I do mean “all.”

The first time we sailed to Alaska, my husband Richard and I and a good friend (who had his own cabin) it was during what I refer to as my “bimbo with brains” day, today I might say my Sarah Palin time, although I don’t think I was ever that…… (you fill in the blank). The ship was nice but old and none of the bells and whistles of today’s vessels. In fact we only had port holes, today I won’t board a ship unless I have a guaranteed balcony.

Anyhow, I just partied on for 10 days oblivious to the fantastic scenery, flora, fauna, elk, tundra or basically anything off the ship. In fact Richard and our friend Bob got off the ship to explore the ports while I got massages and worked out. Then a little older and wiser I sailed again, this time on the maiden voyage of the super luxe Crystal Harmony and while the ship was first in class at the time and one of the most amazing luxury liners to ever sail the seas, I was able to concentrate on the scenery and shore excursions. Okay it wasn’t easy leaving the spa or hot tub.

Anyhow I discovered Alaska in all it’s glory and it is God’s country, pristine, amazingly beautiful. While it’s impossible to fill you in on all the ships heading north to Alaska next year, Holland American just announced that it’s flagship ms Rotterdam–complete with staterooms that sport balconies or what the company calls “lanais” will be making 18 cruises to the area from Seattle starting May 15-September 11. The voyages highlight the inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay –North America’s largest tidewater glacier. According to a recent press release: Under Holland America’s $525-million Signature of Excellence program, the Rotterdam gains 39 new lanai staterooms, created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. The ship also adds 23 new spa staterooms, featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities, on its Verandah Deck. All staterooms and bathrooms will receive complete new décor and furnishings. Public areas will host the Retreat, a resort pool feature; the Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub; and Mix, a new concept with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, will also be added to the ship. Cruise-only fares start at US $649, per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise on the Rotterdam. 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. # # # our last frontier and recommend it to everyone. And I do mean “all.” The first time we sailed from Vancouver to Alaska, my husband Richard and I and a good friend (who had his own  cabin) it was during what I refer to as my “bimbo with brains” day, today I might say my Sarah Palin time, although I don’t think I was ever that…… (you fill in the blank). The ship was nice but old and none of the bells and whistles of today’s vessels. In fact we only had port holes, today I won’t board a ship unless I have a guaranteed balcony. Anyhow, I just partied on for 10 days oblivious to the fantastic scenery, flora, fauna, elk, tundra or basically anything off the ship. In fact Richard and our friend Bob got off the ship to explore the ports while I got massages and worked out. Then a little older and wiser I sailed again, this time on the maiden voyage of the super luxe Crystal Harmony and while the ship was first in class at the time and one of the most amazing luxury liners to ever sail the seas, I was able to concentrate on the scenery and shore excursions. Okay it wasn’t easy leaving the spa or hot tub. Anyhow I discovered Alaska in all it’s glory and it is God’s country, pristine, amazingly beautiful. While it’s impossible to fill you in on all the ships heading north to Alaska next year, Holland American just announced that it’s flagship ms Rotterdam–complete with staterooms that sport balconies or what the company calls “lanais” will be making 18 cruises to the area from Seattle starting May 15-September 11. The voyages highlight the inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay –North America’s largest tidewater glacier. According to a recent press release: Under Holland America’s $525-million Signature of Excellence program, the Rotterdam gains 39 new lanai staterooms, created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. The ship also adds 23 new spa staterooms, featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities, on its Verandah Deck. All staterooms and bathrooms will receive complete new décor and furnishings. Public areas will host the Retreat, a resort pool feature; the Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub; and Mix, a new concept with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, will also be added to the ship. Cruise-only fares start at US $649, per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise on the Rotterdam. 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com

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Silverseas New Spirit On Schedule for December 23 Debut

Photos compliments of Silversea Cruises

It’s so exciting, a brand new member of the tiny Silversea Cruises fleet is about to set sail and I can’t wait. I love this cruise line, it’s simply one of the best afloat with seamless service, scrumptious cuisine, upscale, but not stuff ambiance, all-inclusive rates and suite-size staterooms that engulf you in the lap of luxury.
The 540-passenger Silver Spirit makes her bow on a “Holiday Spirit” voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon. .
The new vessels will feature two new dining options for a total of six venues in addition to in-suite service, which includes dinner served course by course.
What Makes Her Special let me count the ways:
* Exceptional attention to details. * Open seating  dining. *Artfully prepared meals made from the finest quality fresh ingredients by master chefs with a taste for innovation. *Complimentary wines, spirits and sodas and the comfort of an extensive stock of additional rare vintages, the perfect complement to the meal is always at hand.
* THE RESTAURANT Situated midship on Deck 4, dishing out sumptuous culinary fare in an atmosphere of elegance. It is elegant but not at all stuffy – the perfect stage for a dining experience guests want to savor. Open most of the day, The Restaurant serves open-seating breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features contemporary international cuisine, complemented by La Collection du Monde, signature dishes created by Relais & Châteaux in partnership with Silversea’s own master chefs.
*LA TERRAZZA The far aft location of La Terrazza on Deck 7 allows for 180-degree views of the horizon. It is open for casual, buffet-style breakfast and lunch with indoor/outdoor seating available. For dinner, La Terrazza offers an authentic a la carte experience with only the finest elements of Italian cooking, melding together fresh and flavorful ingredients — in the finest Slow Food tradition. Reservations are required for dinner.
* LE CHAMPAGNE for savoring outstanding champagnes and wines paired to perfection with regional fares in the intimate atmosphere of Le Champagne, situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4. This innovative Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux features some of the world’s rarest vintages, carefully chosen to highlight a most memorable and exclusive culinary experience. There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.
*SEISHIN new to the fleet, the dining venue takes its name from the Japanese word for “spirit,” this intimate restaurant specializing in Asian fusion cuisine is situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4. Seishin features a large, round chef’s table as its centerpiece. Guests at surrounding tables can watch the chef at work sculpting fresh sushi and sashimi. The varied menu ranges from exquisite bento (boxed meal) lunches and a la carte specialties of seafood salad, lobster and Kobe beef to a nine-course degustation dinner. There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.
* STARS SUPPER CLUB also new, the Art Deco-inspired decor of this dining venue elegantly recalls the supper clubs of the 1930s. Located just forward of La Terrazza on Deck 7, Stars Supper Club offers a modern twist with trendsetting menus showcasing regional and seasonal delicacies to be enjoyed in a succession of small courses. Guests can arrive early for cocktails and stay late as the mood is transformed by live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment. Reservations are required for dinner.
*POOL GRILL On Deck 9 adjacent to the pool area is the Pool Grill. In addition to a medley of salads, sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs offered for lunch in a casual outdoor setting, the Pool Grill on Silver Spirit will introduce a wellness breakfast designed to complement morning poolside fitness classes. Here guests can start the day energized with a menu of light and delicious fares — from nutrition-packed fresh fruit smoothies and organic cereals to egg-white omelettes and spinach and artichoke frittatas. Also set to debut at the Pool Grill is a unique cooking concept for dinner that lets guests cook healthy fare on their own heated volcanic rock plate.
SUPER SPA  where I’ve had some of the best treatments on land or sea (on her sister ships of course, obviously I haven’t yet done the Spirit, but hope to.

*24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING Complimentary 24-hour room service is available on all Silversea voyages.  Let me tell  you, my husband and I enjoyed this amenity many times of her sister ships and it’s simply divine. We always began with champagne on the veranda (there’s complimentary bottles in the mini fridge) and then maybe a first course out there and then move into the suite and watch a movie while finishing the meal. (Videos are free of charge). You get to order straight from the  Restaurant menu and  are served in courses ona beautifully set table of  fine china, linens and accessories as enjoyed in The Restaurant.

A  luxury cruise trendsetter Silversea raised the bar when they entered service and began spoiling passengers such as we with unheard of exemplory service, cuisine and amenities. 
Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper — and launching in December, Silver Spirit — all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.
In addition to the large, inviting pool, passengers can get all the exerc ise needed to work off the mega calories in the fine fitness room or in special workout classes led by some of the best trainers around.  I am a spa snob, spa expert and can unabashedly aver that I’ve taken some of the best Pilates Classes, aerobics and Yoga sessions on Silversea ships (and I go regularly to the Golden Door, the top spa in the world). Also, there is no nickle and diming on this line like runs rampant on many other ships.

Yes it cost more but it’s well worth the all-inclusive fare that includes gratuities, hard and soft drinks, and much more. For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com

Posted by Patti Pietschmann at 1:22 PM 0 comments Links to this post

Concierge Services and Great Deals Offered by Silversea

My favorite cruise company, Silversea is

continuing to offer unprecedented savings on a bunch of interesting voyages this year. If you haven’t sampled the fare yet now is the time to book your journey. Silversea is simply one of the top three cruise lines afloat (tied with Seabourn).  Silversea ships debateably rival  Crystal Cruises– although not  everybody, some seafarers prefer larger ships like Crystal operates to the smaller vessels of Silversea.  And I do admit Crystal is pretty spiffy but alas it doesn’t feature the all-inclusive pricing of Silversea which means lots of extra out of pocket. But if you prefer bigger, glitzier ships with Vegas like casinos, Crystal’s your bag.

So here’s the deal: Silverseas is offering  50% savings on 39 worldwide voyages offering 50% savings in all suite categories. Plus, an array of Silver Sailing voyages offer additional perks such as free or reduced air programs … and $1,000 Onboard Spending Credits.

  An innovator in true upscale cruising, Silverseas offers  large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper — and launching in December, Silver Spirit — all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.  www.silversea.com

Visiting the best beaches in the world is just one of the perks of cruising….. 

New Concierge Service

Silversea’s new concierge service lets passengers design their own unique experiences ashore with the introduction of its new “Silver Shore Concierge” service.

Passengers or travel agent can  call the dedicated toll-free phone line, 1-800-968-9518, or email concierge@silversea.com, to request assistance in making personalized, private onshore arrangements.  The Silver Shore Concierge desk can be reached from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (East Coast time, U.S.), Monday through Friday.

“The new Silver Shore Concierge desk has been created to provide our guests with one-to-one consultations and creative assistance,” said Darius Mehta, Silversea’s director of land programs.  ”Our team of destination experts are happy to set up arrangements to meet a guest’s specific requirements, tailored to their personal interests, or help guests design their own one-of-a-kind onshore experience.”

The Silver Shore Concierge arrangements could include not only sightseeing but also sporting activities, and securing behind-the-scenes or after-hours access to exclusive designer shops, museums, cathedrals and more.  Other possibilities might include a champagne picnic and hot air balloon ride over Tuscany, access to a designer’s atelier in Venice, or a journey through Juneau’s glacier-carved fjords by private catamaran.

Additionally, guests can call upon the Silver Shore Concierge to plan pre- and post-cruise land adventures that include accommodations at some of the world’s best hotels, flights, ground transportation, and guided tours of historical sites and other attractions.

To take advantage of the new service, Silversea guests will need to have a deposited or fully-paid booking.  Payment for confirmed arrangements is made in advance of sailing and includes a service fee.  

The Silver Shore Concierge is also offered aboard ship, where the shore concierge manager and team, together with the destination specialist, are available to assist guests with suggestions, planning and coordination of all their independent touring needs.

The Concierge service is the centerpiece of an array of new Silver Shore tour and hotel offerings designed to make the destination experience more personal and authentic, including:

** Silver Shore Privato — lets guests experience the destination at their own pace on full or half-day excursions by private car or van service that can be reserved on board or in advance of sailing via Silversea.com/MyVoyage.  

** Silver Shore Expedition — adventurous and educational tours for the active explorer.

** Silver Shore Collection — unique and exclusive in-depth explorations of local history and culture.

** Silver Shore Excursions — intimate and rewarding small-group touring.

** Silver Shore Land Adventures — multi-day excursions that head inland to explore the region in depth.  Offered before, after or during select voyages, they include accommodations, porterage, all transfers, sightseeing and some meals.

** Silver Shore Simply Hotel — single-night programs that feature a 4.5- or 5-star hotel stay before or after the cruise at such properties as the InterContinental Athenaeum in Athens, the Park Tower in Buenos Aires or Rome’s Bernini Bristol.  These flexible overnight stays offer guests the option to add transfers, additional nights or upgrades, if desired.

** Silver Shore Grande Hotel — two-night programs that enable guests to extend their vacation at Claridge’s in London, the Peninsula in Bangkok and other landmark hotel or boutique properties across the globe.  Full breakfast and private transfer between the pier and hotel are included.

All Silver Shore tours are available for guests to pre-book online as early as 120 days prior to sailing.  Silver Shore Land Adventures and hotel options can be booked as add-ons to the cruise vacation through Silversea reservations.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper — and launching in December, Silver Spirit — all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.