Norwegian Cruise Line

I took my first cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line when they introduced Freestyle cruising.  I sailed from New York City to the Bahamas and back.  From check in, to finding our way around on board, to booking dinner reservations.  I found everything was well laid out & easy to find.  We loved the entertainment from swimming to bowling to enjoying great shows & movies, the unlimited variety of meals & the great services of our cabin steward.  I really thought it was value for money considering everything was included expect alcohol, internet & a well deserved tip for our friendly cabin steward.  

Freestyle Cruising® is all about flexibility and freedom. Freedom from stress. Freedom from schedules. Freedom to create your own vacation. On an NCL cruise, you can eat where you want, when you want, with whom you want. And with up to 13 different restaurants and dining rooms on board, you can certainly eat whatever you want. You can also dress the way you want and, at the end of your cruise, get off the ship whenever and however work best for you.

Because NCL has the youngest fleet on the planet, you also know you’re getting the coolest, hippest, most innovative vacation on water. There are activities galore both on board and on shore. And, with the widest array of accommodations, you’re sure to find the perfect combination of staterooms no matter how many people are cruising with you. On NCL, you’re always free to whatever.

These Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian) “Special Deals of The Week” are available on select departures and do not include government taxes and fees.  Book with Norwegian reservations at (866) 234-0292 or online. You can choose your deck & cabin so do explore your ship of choice to discover your cosy cabin. Callers should mention the booking code. This week’s specials are:

FEATURED PROMOTIONS:

Ø  Alaska Sales Event: Guests who book a cruise to Alaska, today and tomorrow, February 19, can receive $100 to spend on board, free balcony upgrades, up to $500 in Air Credits, an e-coupon booklet worth over $300 in savings. Those who book a Cruise Tour will receive an additional $100 on board credit.

Ø  Upgrade Wave -  FREE balcony upgrades, reduced deposits and e-coupons worth over $300 in on board savings, through February 28, 2013.

Ø  Norwegian Sun Alaska sailings: 50% off kids ages 17 and under sailing as third through eighth guest. Military rates, exclusive Latitudes Member offers and Resident Rates are also available.

Ø  Europe: 50% off kids 17 and under sailing as third through eighth guest, book before February 28, 2013.

Ø  Airfare Credits: Receive up to $1,000 in airfare credits on select Europe, Alaska, Transatlantic and Bermuda sailings.

FEATURED SAILINGS:

Ø  Norwegian Sun – $829 Best Available Inside/person: April 17, 2013;  11-night Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami, Florida with ports of call including Cartagena, Colombia; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Ø  Norwegian Breakaway - $999 Best Available Inside/person: May 12, 2013; 7-night Bermuda cruise from New York calling in Kings Wharf.

Ø  Norwegian Epic – $499 Best Available Inside/person: April 20, 2013; 11-day Transatlantic cruise from Miami, Florida to Barcelona, Spain.

Ø  Norwegian Jewel - $349 Best Available Inside/person: May 8, 2013; 7-night Pacific Coastal Repositioning cruise from Los Angeles with ports of call including San Francisco; Astoria; Victoria, British Columbia; Nanaimo; and Vancouver, Canada.

Ø  Norwegian Getaway - $1,099 Best Available Inside/person: February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2014; 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami, Florida with ports of call including Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas.

ADDITIONAL HOT DEALS:

Alaska

Ø  Norwegian Pearl – $549 Best Available Inside/person: May 12, 19, 26, 2013;  7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver or Seattle

Ø  Norwegian Sun – $629 Best Available Inside/person: June 3, 10, 17, 24, 2013;  7-night Alaska cruise roundtrip from Whittier

Bahamas & Florida

Ø  Norwegian Sky - $229 Best Available Inside/person: March 15, 22, 29, 2013; 3-night Bahamas cruise roundtrip from Miami

Ø  Norwegian Jewel - $599 Best Available Inside/person: April 7, 14, 2013; 7-night Bahamas & Florida cruise roundtrip from New York

Canada & New England

Ø  Norwegian Dawn - $639 Best Available Inside/person: September 13, 2013;  7-night Canada & New England cruise roundtrip from Boston

Ø  Norwegian Gem - $449 Best Available Inside/person: September 28, 2013;  7-night Canada & New England cruise roundtrip from New York

Caribbean

Ø  Norwegian Epic - $569 Best Available Inside/person: February 23; March 2, 30, 2013;  7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Miami

Ø  Norwegian Pearl: $599 Best Available Inside/person: March 17, 2013;  7-night Western Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Miami

Ø  Norwegian Sun: $799 Best Available Inside/person: March 20, 31, 2013;  10 or 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Miami

Europe

Ø  Norwegian Spirit - $1,069 Best Available Inside/person; May 23; August 27, 2013; 12-night Grand Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona

Ø  Norwegian Epic - $899 Best Available Inside/person; July 3, 10, 17; August 7, 14, 21, 2013; 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia)

Ø  Norwegian Star - $1,349 Best Available Inside/person; July 18, 27; August 14, 2013; 9-night Baltic Capitals cruise from Copenhagen

Ø  Norwegian Jade – $899 Best Available Inside/person: August 24, 2013; 7-night Adriatic, Greece & Turkey cruise roundtrip from Venice

Ø  Norwegian Jade - $929 Best Available Inside/person: August 31, 2013; 7-night Greek Isles cruise roundtrip from Venice

Hawaii

Ø  Pride of America - $1,299 Best Available Inside/person; May 25; June 1; August 24, 31; November 23; December 7, 2013; 7-night Hawaii inter-island cruise from Honolulu

The deals are available on select departures and do not include government taxes and fees.  They can be booked by contacting Norwegian reservations at (866) 234-0292.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is expanding its opportunities for family-friendly summer travel with new “Kids Sail Free” offers in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. On four June and July voyages, junior cruisers age 17 and under can travel for free when sharing a third berth stateroom with two adults. 

This is the first time ever the popular program has been offered in the Baltic, with three Crystal Serenity sailings of 10 days each on June 25, July 20 and 30, through Stockholm (overnight), Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (two overnights); Helsinki, Finland; Berlin/Warnemünde, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

A seven-day sailing through the Mediterranean departs July 6 on Crystal Symphony, visiting Istanbul and Kuşadasi, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; and Sicily/Taormina, Sorrento, and Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy.

“With attractive savings for bringing the kids along, combined with incredible opportunities to see and learn about Europe’s history firsthand, these cruises offer not only great value, but also invaluable experiences in terms of family bonding, world education, and memories” explains Jack Anderson, Crystal’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing.

Crystal Cruises’ dedicated on-board kids and teens spaces is a rarity among luxury cruise lines.  During summers and holidays, junior activities directors host complimentary supervised activities on board, ranging from behind-the scenes tours to cooking classes and scavenger hunts.  The Crystal Visions Enrichment Program also offers entertaining education, including Magic Castle at Sea shows and classes, iPad Digital Filmmaking classes in association with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and presentations from expert speakers.  Every cruise also has babysitting services, “finicky eater” foods, movies, library books, family-friendly excursions, and more available.

All-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the four luxury European cruises start at $2,495/person if booked by December 28.  The Crystal Family Memories program also offers additional free berths and perks for groups of six or more.

With sophisticated tours worldwide, enriching learning opportunities, international gourmet cuisine, complimentary voluntourism excursions, and a host of other activities for all ages, the Crystal experience gives families exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime access to creating intimate bonds, gleaning a global education, and building lifelong memories while sailing in elegance, making Crystal Cruises the leader in family-friendly luxury cruising.

For more information please Crystal reservations 888-799-4625 or visit online.

Hay House Cruises

Miracles Happen Alaskan Cruise with Dr. Brian Weiss 
The Transformational Healing Power of Past Life Memories 

Date: July 28 - August 4, 2013 
Sponsored by: Hay House and Ron Oyer’s Life Journeys / Worldview Travel 
Format: Cruise
Location: Holland America ms. Oosterdam, Alaskan Cruise

Learn How to Release All Your Anxieties and Fears By Unlocking the Doors to Your Past


Dr. Brian Weiss astonished the world of psychiatry with the theories of past-life regression therapy detailed in his best-selling book, Many Lives, Many Masters. Brian is the nation’s foremost expert in this field. This highly experiential intensive workshop explores the latest in hypnotic regression therapy. When we discuss what happens before we are born and after we die—and our possible future lives—we awaken from the constrictions of our past conditioning to release anxieties and fears. 

In a series of large and small group past life regression exercises, healing visualizations and right brain training, this exciting experiential workshop takes you on an incredible psychospiritual journey as you explore the limitless boundaries of the mind and soul. 

During the 12 hours, you will have an opportunity to: 
• Discover extraordinary details about your past
• Release old phobias and fears from prior lifetimes
• Practice revolutionary healing visualizations and meditations
• Harness the power of love and understanding to transform your life
• Understand about your soul mates and soul companions
• Discover new tools for developing your intuition and psychic abilities

Ports of Call & Cruising Highlights
Seattle, Washington – The Emerald City of the Pacific Northwest, this city’s stately skyline sparkles against a backdrop of inland seas and snowcapped mountains. Shop glittering downtown, the bustling Farmers’ Market, historic Pioneer Square, or see it all from the top of the Space Needle. 

Scenic Cruising Tracy Arm, Alaska – This narrow, 26-mile-long fjord is another of Alaska’s most dramatic glacier settings. The lush rain forest recedes to reveal a stunning canyon of bare rock. The panorama of 7,000-foot mountain peaks and nearly vertical rock cliffs is astounding. Waterfalls appear at every turn. Icebergs make their way to the sea in all sorts of wondrous shapes. And tucked away at the end of this remarkable waterway are two very active reminders of the Ice Age - the twin Sawyer Glaciers, calving icebergs into the jade-colored inland sea. Kittiwakes, mountain goats and seals are a common sight. Whales and bears may even make an appearance in this magical place.

Juneau, Alaska – When a drifter named Joe Juneau picked up the first Alaska gold nugget out of Gold Creek in 1880, he could hardly imagine that his name would be affixed to a state capital. Fronting on the blue waters of the Gastineau Channel and surrounded by the stunning backdrop of Mt. Juneau and the Tongass National Forest wilderness, its visual drama never fails to stir visitors. Visit the stately Governor’s Mansion, saunter through the swinging doors of the Red Dog Saloon, or sightsee the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, just outside town. 

Sitka, Alaska – For 100 years, this charming port city reigned as the capital of Russian America. Today the influence of the Czars is still very present in the majestic St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Sheldon Jackson Museum, housing prized Russian and Indian artifacts.Ketchikan, Alaska – This waterfront town built on trestles, docks and pilings looks like it has been plucked from a storybook about frontier life. Explore historic Creek Street, now a covey of contemporary art galleries and quaint boutiques. Meet the spirits of the raven, whale and eagle as you view the largest collection of totems in the world at Totem Bight Park. 

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada – Victoria is known as “The City of Gardens” and is the most English city outside of England, featuring a beautiful harbor, historic museums, and the world-famous Butchart Gardens. The city’s British colonial heritage is still very much in evidence, but contemporary Victoria has a distinctly Pacific Northwest flavor. Victoria’s unique character is deeply rooted in its 150-year history — a history full of colorful people and fascinating tales. 

Join Brian Weiss as he opens unexpected doors into the astonishing realm of past-life regression, while he guides participants through the process, step by step!

Additional online Information and Cruise Registration available at www.LifeJourneys.net 

Cunard Cruise

If the Norwegian Fjords or the ancient ruins of Seville call to your sense of adventure, then The Cunard Sale may offer the perfect opportunity to book your luxury cruise vacation. Starting 22 October, this week-long sale will offer a Reduced Deposit, On Board Credit of up to $300 per stateroom, and Complimentary Balcony Upgrades on 30 select voyages, including Cunard’s signature Transatlantic Crossings aboard flagship Queen Mary 2.

The Cunard Sale voyages aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth include:

* Iberian Highlights, 19 April 2013 - 12 days aboard Queen Elizabeth; Balcony fares from $2,599
* St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer, 1 May 2013 - 14 days aboard Queen Elizabeth; Balcony fares from $3,599
* Transatlantic Crossing (Westbound), 26 April 2013 - 7 days aboard Queen Mary 2; Balcony fares from $1,345
* Fjords & Waterfalls, 19 May 2013 - 7 days aboard Queen Elizabeth; Balcony fares from $1,799
* Mediterranean Delights, 7 July 2013 - 13 days aboard Queen Victoria; Balcony fares from $3,499

All fares and promotions are per person, based on double occupancy.

The Cunard Sale runs through 29 October.

Guests sailing a luxury cruise vacation aboard Cunard Line delight in the experience of the voyage itself, not just the destination. By day, guests enjoy voluminous libraries, world class spas, white-gloved afternoon tea service and engaging award-winning Cunard Insights guest enrichment programmes; and by night are entertained by Royal Nights themed balls, West End-style productions and Veuve Clicquot champagne cocktails.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, or to book a voyage, consult your Travel Agent, call Cunard toll-free 1-800-728-6273 or go to www.cunard.com.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Classic Antarctica cruise

As many travelers know, every experience yields a lifetime of stories and after founding Abercrombie & Kent 50 years ago, Geoffrey Kent has plenty to share. Kent is marking this milestone by traveling back to the white continent after 20 years, on Abercrombie & Kent’s Classic Antarctica cruise and therefore visiting all seven continents during the Anniversary year. He will join A&K guests on board ‘Le Boreal’ November 27 – December 10, 2012 to commemorate a special time for the company and engage with the most integral part of A&K – the guests!

“With a trip to Australia already on my docket, this journey will find me reaching all seven continents in A&K’s anniversary year — and I could not think of a more fitting way to celebrate,” explains Kent. “It’s a unique opportunity for me to spend time getting to know our guests — people with a passion for exploration who have made our success possible.” “I first travelled to Antarctica in 1992 and it’s been calling to me ever since,” says Kent. “Last time I travelled on one of the first expedition ships.  I’m looking forward to returning on ‘Le Boreal,’ which brings an extraordinary level of luxury and style to the ends of the earth.”

Kent is eager to create new memories with A&K passengers on ‘Le Boreal’ and will be hosting a cocktail reception for guests to celebrate, where he will share stories about exploring some of the world’s most remote and challenging destinations over the past 50 years.  Born in Kenya, he joined his parents in founding Abercrombie & Kent as a luxury safari outfitter with the philosophy of “shoot with a camera not with a gun.”  With the innate skill of a consummate businessman and the relentless curiosity of a born explorer, Kent created a company that enables travelers to literally discover the world around them - and to do it in a uniquely stylish manner. To this day, he continues to travel the world in search of the kinds of adventures that will surprise and thrill his guests.

Classic Antarctica with Special Guest Geoffrey Kent November 27-December 10, 2012
A quintessential two-week voyage scheduled during the early Austral Summer, the ideal time of year to see Antarctica at its most pristine – with dramatic sunrises and sunsets, massive glaciers and the ice pack beginning to break up.  This is the most active time of year in penguin rookeries, with nest building in full swing and early chicks hatching.

•   Cruise in style and comfort on board MV ‘Le Boreal,’ the only all-balcony vessel in Antarctica when chartered by A&K
•   Sail with A&K’s pioneering founder, chairman and CEO Geoffrey Kent — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
•   Discover some of the world’s rarest wildlife and terrain on shore excursions with expert naturalist guides
•   Gain a deeper understanding of the region with enriching lectures by award-winning experts, some of the most seasoned researchers working in Antarctica
•   Professional photographer and coach Richard Harker shares practical tips on how to capture the beauty of the dramatic scenery and extraordinary wildlife.
•   Fourteen days from $10,995 per person, double occupancy

Hands-On Exploration with the Finest Guides
Shore excursions in Antarctica are designed to educate and inspire, with a carefully-selected team of leading naturalists, geologists, historians, marine biologists, ornithologists and photographers — experts who give enriching lectures and provide hands-on guidance both on board and on shore, ranging from the practical (how to master your digital camera) to the personal (a first-hand account of overwintering on a remote sub-Antarctic island).  With an average of 15 years’ experience navigating the Southern Ocean, each A&K Zodiac driver is a certified field naturalist who provides knowledgeable commentary on the twice-daily excursions that take guests into the heart of this once-in-a-lifetime destination. With a guide-to-passenger ratio of 1:12, guests can expect personalized attention.

Adventuring in Comfort
The elegant guest quarters aboard MV ‘Le Boreal’ are among the most spacious and comfortable on any Antarctic cruise. Private balconies allow guests to appreciate the wildlife and midnight sun at any hour.  A technologically-advanced stabilizing system minimizes the effect of rough seas.

Abercrombie & Kent’s journeys are the most-inclusive way to experience Antarctica, include pre- and post-cruise lodging and sightseeing in Santiago, charter flights to and from Ushuaia, on-board lectures, twice-daily shore excursions, boot rental, most drinks, and staff and crew gratuities.
To book a journey to Antarctica with Geoffrey Kent, please visit online or call 800 554 7094 to speak to an Antarctic specialist.