MSC Cruises To Homeport Ship In Miami For 2013 Winter Cruises

MSC Cruises announced today that PortMiami will be its exclusive homeport for its Caribbean sailings as of fall 2013 pending approval by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners later this month.

MSC is the fastest growing cruise line operating a fleet of eleven cruise ships with its newest ship, the MSC Divina, scheduled to launch May 2012 featuring its ship-within-a-ship concept - the MSC Yacht Club.

Beginning in fall 2013, MSC Cruises, which now homeports out of Port Everglades, will join the PortMiami cruise line-up. The initial term of the agreement is for three years.

“We are very excited to join the impressive roster of cruise lines operating out of Port Miami and look forward to sharing MSC Cruises’ unique style of Mediterranean elegance, international cuisine and white-gloved service with more and more guests,” said Richard E. Sasso, President and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez applauded the new business agreement and extended a warm welcome to Miami’s new upscale Mediterranean cruise brand.

“MSC brings another prestigious cruise brand to PortMiami’s distinctive line-up of ships,” Gimenez said. “We are eager to welcome MSC to our Port.”

PortMiami Director Bill Johnson said the new MSC service will strengthen Miami’s offerings of luxury cruise brands. PortMiami, known worldwide as the Cruise Capital of the World, handled more than four million passengers in fiscal year 2011, more than any other cruise port in the world.

“For cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and beyond, PortMiami is the port of choice for cruise vacationers--with itineraries to meet every budget and taste,” Johnson said. “MSC is a great addition to our line-up.”

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, who chairs the committee that oversees the Port, joined County Commission Chairman Joe A. Martinez in welcoming the international company to Miami-Dade County.

“We are grateful for MSC’s commitment to Miami-Dade County and we look forward to rolling out the red carpet for MSC vessels and passengers,” Commissioner Sosa said.

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Crystal Cruises Expands Asian Speciality Cuisine

In accordance with Crystal Cruises’ tradition of bringing high-quality, authentic international experiences to its guests in unique ways, the luxe line announces the addition of “Chinese comfort food” to its Crystal Serenity cruise ship. Debuting as a casual dinner option in the ship’s Tastes café, the menu of traditional, “down home” Chinese food, such as steamed dumplings, noodles, soups, fried rice and vegetables, is a more relaxed, regional dining experience to complement Crystal’s upscale Nobu specialty restaurant. Under the direction of Malaysian chef Jennifer Pei Vun Lee, the program debuts on Crystal Serenity’s 2012 World Cruise in January.

In development for more than a year and a half, Crystal’s food & beverage team visited dumpling and noodle restaurants throughout Asia, researched head chefs, planned challenging sourcing of ingredients, and investigated the necessary equipment for the highest quality execution of the cuisine.

“Those with sophisticated palettes enjoy exploring specialties from other parts of the world, including the ‘comfort food’ of international destinations,” says Crystal Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations Toni Neumeister. “This simple, but exciting, menu provides something for everyone when, and if, they want to take a break from dinnertime ‘fine dining’ during their cruise. Luxury these days isn’t always about lavish; it’s more about authenticity, which this delivers.”

Among the dim sum-like delicacies are:

• · Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shiaomai
• · Steamed Mushroom Vegetarian Dumpling
• · Singapore-style Stir-Fried Noodles

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity’s extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include the ultra-luxury line’s 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; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea or in specialty restaurants Prego or Nobu Matsuhisa’s Silk Road and Sushi Bar.

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Silversea Cruises Offers Wine Series Enrichment Program on Select Voyages

Silversea Cruises has tapped renowned wine experts Lyn Farmer and Richard Nurick to host a Wine Series enrichment program on six voyages this year.

Farmer is a widely published wine and food writer and senior editor of The Wine News magazine, and has been honored with the James Beard Foundation Award for best writing on wine and spirits. He has judged international wine competitions and led tastings and tours to food and wine regions throughout the world.

Richard Nurick, a retired London wine merchant, is a distinguished wine judge and lecturer who has taught wine appreciation courses at Newbury and Henley colleges in the U.K. He is currently a full judge with the International Wine Challenge, a prestigious global competition open to all wines sold in Britain.

"Our Wine Series voyages are a great way for guests to broaden their understanding and appreciation for fine wines," said Steve Tucker, Silversea's vice president of field sales for North America. "We're delighted to have such acclaimed wine lecturers as Lyn Farmer and Richard Nurick on hand this year to conduct the wine presentations on these special voyages."

On each wine-themed cruise, discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling great vintages and learning about the tradition and art of winemaking in special tastings and lectures. Depending on the itinerary, guests may also have the chance to explore some of the world's most celebrated wine regions on optional guided shore excursions.

The following Wine Series voyages will be hosted by Lyn Farmer:

Voyage 3203: Silver Shadow departs Auckland February 4 on a 19-day sailing to Fremantle (Perth) with calls in Napier, Wellington, Picton, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, and Albany. Silver Savings fares start at $10,599.

Voyage 4210: Silver Whisper departs Monte Carlo May 1 on a 12-day sailing to Southampton with calls in Palma de Mallorca, Cadiz, Portimao, La Coruña, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Le Verdon. Silver Savings fares start at $6,099.

Voyage 1220: Silver Cloud departs London August 13 on a 14-day sailing to Monte Carlo with calls in Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Lisbon, Cadiz, Malaga and Sete. Silver Savings fares start at $8,099.

Voyage 1232: Silver Cloud departs Buenos Aires December 22 on a 16-day sailing to Valparaiso (Santiago) with calls in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Stanley (Falkland Islands), Punta Arenas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt. Silver Savings fares start at $9,999.

And Richard Nurick will host the following:

Voyage 4220A: Silver Whisper departs Southampton July 26 on a 9-day sailing to Lisbon with calls in Bordeaux, St. Jean de Luz, Bilbao, Gijon, La Coruña and Vigo. Silver Savings fares start at $6,299.

Voyage 4220B: Silver Whisper departs Lisbon August 4 on a 9-day sailing to Southampton with calls in Oporto (Leixoes), Bilbao, Bordeaux, Saint-Malo and Honfleur. Silver Savings fares start at $6,299.

Fares listed above are per person, based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite. Silver Savings is a capacity-controlled program and subject to availability.

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Holland America Expands 2012 New England Canada Season.

Canada and New England itineraries are known for their historic seaports, stunning scenery and culinary delights, and in 2012 Holland America Line will offer 27 cruises on three ships — ms Maasdam, ms Eurodam and ms Veendam — to ports along the eastern coast of North America.

Scheduled May through October, the itineraries range from seven to 15 days and also visit the region during the height of the fall foliage display as summer turns to autumn and leaves change to vibrant hues of red, orange and gold. Veendam repositions to the region in 2012, increasing Holland America Line’s capacity and making it possible for more travelers to experience one of nature’s most impressive showings.

“Our Canada/New England itineraries are always popular, and by adding Veendam to the area during the fall foliage season more travelers are able to see this beautiful region during this special time of year,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Maasdam is there throughout the summer as well, making it the perfect cruise for friends, couples, solo travelers and families looking to explore an interesting travel destination that’s close to home.”

Maasdam begins the season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Montréal, Québec, Canada. During the voyage, guests will visit Charleston, S.C.; Newport, R.I.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Gaspé and Sept-Îles, Saguenay; and Québec City, Québec, before arriving at Montréal. Highlights include an overnight call at Québec City, Holland America Line’s highest rated port of call, and the premium line’s only call at Sept-Îles this season.

From May 12 through the Sept. 29 departure, Maasdam offers 15 seven-day sailings between Montréal and Boston, with calls at Québec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor. The itineraries feature scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River and make an ideal option for families looking to take a summer cruise without traveling abroad.

Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing Oct. 6 from Montréal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Québec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Gaspé, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Port Canaveral, Florida.

During the height of the 2012 fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises in September and October between New York and Québec City. The ship will call at Newport, Rhode Island; Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and Saguenay. The itinerary also features an overnight call at Québec City and scenic cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

On Oct. 14 Eurodam will depart on a 13-day cruise from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale. The cruise begins with an overnight aboard ship in Québec City and then sails for Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Gloucester (Boston) and Newport.

Veendam begins its Canada/New England season with a 13-day cruise from New York to Montréal Sept. 2. The ship will call at Gloucester, Bar Harbor, St. John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Gaspé, Saguenay and Québec City along the way. Guests on this itinerary will enjoy an overnight call at Québec City before arriving at Montréal.

In September and October, Veendam will sail five seven-day itineraries between Montréal and Boston. Ports of call include Québec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor, with scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River.

Engaging Experiences On Board and On Shore

Guests can maximize their experience in Canada/New England with optional shore excursions, from history and culture to wilderness and cuisine. While onboard, guests can enjoy enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Arts Center, pampering at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon or learning the latest online techniques in the Digital Workshop powered by Windows.

For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, guests can combine two seven-day sailings for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to hunt for antiques, explore charming fishing towns, learn about local history and sample the region’s fresh seafood. Fares on 14-day Collectors Cruises reflect up to 10 percent savings.

Fares for Maasdam’s Canada and New England cruises begin at $749; Eurodam’s cruise fares begin at $1,499 and Veendam’s fares start from $1,349. Guests looking for a family-friendly vacation can book a seven-day cruise date with reduced third and fourth fares. All fares are per person, double occupancy.

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Crystal Cruises New Fast Track Embarkation Brings Guest Onboard Sooner

Crystal Cruises, known for its ultra-hands-on service, announces a first-of-its kind check-in process that eases embarkation procedures for all guests. Effective today in every Crystal embarkation port, “Crystal Fast-Track Check-In” eliminates 100% of ship check-in procedures in port terminal waiting areas, transitioning guests from dock security to the Six-Star comfort of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity lounges.

By utilizing a new barcode on each guest cruise ticket, a new ticket scanning system and the consistency of Crystal’s own onboard crew, the cruise line is accelerating the check-in required on the first day of sailing. As is customary, in each embarkation port, porters load guests’ luggage onto the ship, and guests observe required local security procedures as they enter port terminals. However, instead of processing documentation in the terminal, guests are whisked through and ushered on board to complete registration and receive their room keys/boarding cards with photo identification.

“Travelers want to start their vacations as soon as possible,” says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal’s senior vice president, operations. “By enhancing the ease, comfort and speed of embarkation day logistics, our guests get instant access to the ship and can enjoy the luxury of the Crystal Experience all the sooner.”

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Luxury Operator Azamara Club Cruises Offers Airfare Discounts and Upgrades on Select Cruises.

Recently recognized as having the best itineraries by Conde Nast Traveler, Azamara Club Cruises is inviting up-market travelers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and tastes of Europe in 2012 with airfare credits of up to $2,000 per stateroom. Along with additional savings on cruise fares and shore excursions, plus included gratuities, guests will enjoy Azamara’s authentic hospitality on an immersive European adventure aboard the cruise lines two intimate ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.

“This is the year for up-market travelers to rediscover Europe aboard a destination-immersive Azamara voyage,” said Edie Bornstein, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Azamara Club Cruises. “Many of Azamara’s Europe voyages coincide with the continent’s most popular cultural celebrations, such as the Monaco Grand Prix and various European Jazz Festivals, and offer more overnight and late-night stays in port so guest can join in the festivities. Not only do we present extraordinary value to guests, but pay commission to our valued travel agent partners for many things, such as hotel, shore excursions and cruise tour bookings for their clients.”

Azamara Club Cruises recognizes the great value travel agents add to guests’ overall experience and offers agents in the fifty states and Canada up to 15 percent commission on cruise bookings and cruise tours, 10 percent commission on hotel stays, and ground transfers, as well as five percent on CruiseCare insurance when purchased through the cruise line. New for 2012, travel agents also can earn an additional commission of $25 per booking when purchasing air transportation for their clients through ChoiceAir, Azamara’s proprietary air booking system

For new individual bookings made with deposit through March 31, 2012, aboard Azamara Europe voyages in 2012, travelers can enjoy $500 ChoiceAir credit per guest, up to two guests, when booking an Oceanview-, Veranda-, or Club Ocean Suite- category stateroom; and $1,000 per guest, up to two guests, in a Club Continent and Club World Owner Suites. Furthermore, travelers receive double ChoiceAir credits on Azamara Quest’s April 4 voyage from Nice, France.

Year-round, travelers can take advantage of up to 50 percent savings off brochure rates and delve into the destinations that larger ships cannot reach with half off Land Discoveries (shore excursions) purchased online. More information about Azamara’s 2012 booking bonus can be found at http://www.AzamaraClubCruises.com/promotions/2012-pricing-program.

Guests aboard Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest also enjoy more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary red and white boutique wines to accompany lunch and dinner; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle bus to city centers in ports, where available.

ChoiceAir is Azamara’s proprietary air-booking system, offering guests access to highly competitive airfares, more flight options and full control and visibility of their air arrangements. Guests enjoy exceptional, dedicated service that includes day-of-travel support to help them get to their voyage, even if they encounter flight delays or cancellations requiring a last-minute change or diversion to the next port of call. ChoiceAir is available through a travel agent, directly from Azamara Club Cruises, and online at www.AzamaraClubCruises.com/ChoiceAir.

Azamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for up-market travelers who want to not only see the places and cultures they visit, but to live them. Azamara’s two intimate, 694-guest ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with a combination of 347 suites and staterooms, offer a European-boutique hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, and wellness and vitality programs, all while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships cannot reach.

Azamara Club Cruises sails European destinations, including the Baltic and Scandinavia, British Isles, Western Europe, French and Italian Rivieras, Greek Isles, Croatia, Holy Land and Black Sea, as well as Asia, South America and lesser-traveled islands of the West Indies, with more overnight and late-night stays in every region. Travelers also can choose even more immersive experiences with Azamara cruisetours in eight of the world’s most exciting destinations, including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Jordan and Israel, India, and China.

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MSC Cruise Offering Discount on Cruises Until 3/31/2012

Guests on select MSC Cruises’ sailings can enjoy the ever-changing vistas with a free upgrade from an interior to a balcony stateroom.

With the “Move Up in the World” promotion offering during the cruise industry’s traditional “Wave Season,” rates on select 7-night Caribbean cruises start at $629 and rates on select 7-night European cruises start at $669. Guests can also upgrade from an interior to a balcony stateroom on all Fantasia- and Musica-class ships and from interior to oceanview on Lirica-class and MSC Opera. All rates are cruise-only, per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

Bookings must be made by March 31, 2012 to qualify for this promotion.

Here is a sampling of 7-night “Move Up in the World” itineraries:

Caribbean:

• “Western Caribbean Wonders” on MSC Poesia from Fort Lauderdale Jan. 19; Feb. 2, 16; March 2, 16, 30, 2013; calling at Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Roatan Island, Honduras; and Montego Bay, Jamaica; starting at $649

• Eastern Caribbean sailings on MSC Poesia departing Fort Lauderdale Jan. 6; Feb. 9, 23, 2013; calling at St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Nassau, Bahamas, starting at $649
  

Mediterranean:

• “Divine Mediterranean” of the new MSC Divina from Venice, calling at Bari, Italy; Katakolon (Olympia), Greece; Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia; June-September; starting at $919

• “Mediterranean Fantasy” on MSC Fantasia from Barcelona, calling at Marseilles, France; Genoa, Naples and Palermo, Italy; and La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; March-October; starting at $769

• “Greek Islands in the Sun” on MSC Musica from Venice, calling at Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus (Athens) and Corfu, Greece; and Dubrovnik, Croatia; April-November; starting at $769

Northern Europe:

• “Route of Vikings” on MSC Poesia from Copenhagen; calling at Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Hellesylt/Geiranger, Norway; and Hamburg, Germany; May-August; starting at $1,119

• “Baltic Castles and Russian Palaces” on MSC Magnifica from Copenhagen, calling at Hamburg, Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Tallin, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Copenhagen, Denmark; June-September; starting at $1,169.

Be certain to ask for promo: Wave Season.

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Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery Offer World Politics Theme Cruises.

Following the motion picture launch of “The Iron Lady” – based on the true story of Margaret Thatcher – Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery are providing their passengers with the chance to join a political debate at sea. Both small ship lines, known for their enrichment cruises and signature Guest Speaker series, will showcase experts on board offering real insight into the world of politics.

Sail with Swan Hellenic aboard the 350-guest Minerva on the “Venice and the Adriatic” cruise and gain first-hand perspectives from former Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Lord Douglas Hurd, who served in many different roles within the UK and Northern Island Government. Lord Hurd is most famous for serving both Margaret Thatcher and John Major as Foreign Secretary between 1989-95. The 15-day cruise departs on August 15, 2012 from Valletta (Malta) to Dubrovnik (Croatia), overnight; Korcula (Croatia), overnight; Split (Croatia), Trieste (Italy), Venice (Italy), Pula (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro); Sarande (Albania), overnight; Itea, Delphi (Greece), a Corinth Canal transit, and Piraeus (Greece), 2 overnights. Fares start from $2,999 per person (cruise only) including shore excursions, gratuities, port taxes, and renowned guest speaker program.

Join Voyages of Discovery aboard the 650-guest Discovery on the “Nordic & White Sea Adventure” cruise to hear Sir Anthony Brenton’s interesting political views. Sir Anthony worked for over 30 years for the British Foreign Office dealing with energy issues and taking charge of preparation for the ‘Earth Summit’ in 1992. This 19-night voyage on July 25, 2012, round-trip from London (Harwich), calls at Bergen and Bødo (Norway); Murmansk, Solovetsky Islands (overnight) and Archangel (Russia); Kirkenes, Hammerfest, Trondheim, Orsta, and Floro (Norway). This unique itinerary, featuring the spectacular and rarely-visited Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea, is selling quickly with remaining availability starting from $4,999 per person (cruise only) in ocean view stateroom accommodations, including distinguished guest lecture program, and all meals and entertainment.

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Cunard Line Announces Feel Famous Sale on Cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Legendary Trans-Atlantic Crossings

Those looking to experience a Cunard luxury cruise vacation exploring the historic wonders of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe’s uniquely dramatic landscapes, or the timeless adventure of the line’s signature trans-Atlantic cruise can now enjoy significant savings on select cruises with the 2012 Feel Famous Sale. With savings of up to $1,600 on balcony staterooms, experiencing these sought-after itineraries in distinctive Cunard style is even more accessible than ever.

Guests can save up to:

• $1,600 per balcony stateroom on Northern Europe cruises of 14 days or longer aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

• $1,100 per balcony stateroom aboard select 7-day trans-Atlantic Crossings aboard Queen Mary 2

• $1,000 per balcony stateroom on Northern Europe cruises shorter than 14 days aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

• $800 per balcony stateroom on 12-day Mediterranean cruises aboard Queen Elizabeth

The Mediterranean is a world of contrasts, beauty, culture and enduring fascination and its alluring destinations each hold unique appeal. From Kusadasi, for example, guests can explore inspiring Ephesus, with its ancient walls, bustling markets and the ageless temple of Artemis. Rhodes combines beautiful beaches and spectacular vistas, Santorini is the quintessential Greek isle, and Venice perhaps best captures Italy’s romantic splendour where music, art, its famed canals and exquisite cuisine captivate all who visit.

The awe-inspiring beauty of Scandinavia is highlighted by stunning fjords, plunging waterfalls and twisting mountains. Scenic Norway offers some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes and the natural beauty of Stavanger features charming interlaced bridges and perfectly-preserved 18th century homes.

Cunard’s most iconic itinerary, the trans-Atlantic Crossing, is like no other ocean-going cruise - steeped in heritage, elegance and grandeur, and offering the luxury of time with seven to nine days at sea. On a Crossing, guests enjoy a myriad of interests from traditional, white-gloved afternoon tea, workshops with members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, daily planetarium shows, the largest library at sea and the first shipboard Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

All cruise prices are per person, and the sale runs through 29 February 2012.

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Great American Steamboat Company Announces Three Epic Civil War Voyages for 2012

The Great American Steamboat Company announces three Epic Civil War voyages for the 2012 inaugural season of the Steamboat American Queen. The eight to 10-night “Themeboating Adventures” onboard the most opulent steamboat ever built will bring the history books to life. Highlights will include visits to legendary battlefields and onboard entertainment including actors, impersonators, leading lecturers, balladeers and reenactments to increase understanding of this pivotal moment in U.S. history.

The three departures are designed to explore the footprints of the blue and gray traveling between New Orleans, La.; Vicksburg, Miss.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Louisville, Ky. History aficionados and novices alike can choose from three inaugural itineraries starting at $2,295 per guest based on double occupancy, which includes a pre- or post-cruise luxury hotel stay, all bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at dinner and complimentary shore adventures in each port of call.

• American Experience and Artful Travelers present the Epic Civil War Journey - August 10-20, 2012: 10-night voyage between New Orleans, La.; Vicksburg, Miss.; and Chattanooga, Tenn. Ports include Helena, Miss.; Memphis, Tenn.; Paducah, Ky.; Savannah, Tenn.(Shiloh National Military Park); and Decatur, Ala.

• Epic Civil War – August 20-30, 2012: 10-night voyage between Chattanooga, Tenn. and Vicksburg, Miss. Ports include Decatur, Ala.; Florence, Ala.; Savannah, Tenn. (Shiloh National Military Park); Paducah, Ky.; Ashport Landing, Tenn.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Vicksburg, Miss.

• Civil War – August 30-September 7, 2012: Eight-night voyage between Vicksburg, Miss. and Louisville, Ky. Ports include Helena, Ark.; Memphis, Ten.; Henderson, Ky.; and Louisville, Ky.

“We are thrilled to offer the ultimate historical experience during our Civil War cruises onboard the American Queen,” explains Christopher Kyte, president of the Great American Steamboat Company. “Our guests will discover so much of this country’s rich history told by leading academics and passionate storytellers.”

Among the world-renowned experts, academics and actor highlights are:

American Experience and Artful Travelers present the Epic Civil War Journey August 10-20, 2012

• Ric Burns : Writer, director and producer Ric Burns began his career collaborating on the celebrated PBS series The Civil War, (1990), which he produced with his brother Ken, and wrote with Geoffrey C. Ward. Burns is also co-author of the companion book to The Civil War. Burns was educated at Columbia University and Cambridge University.

• Mark Samels: Mark Samels is the award-winning executive producer of American Experience, PBS’s flagship history series. In September, PBS debuts “This Republic of Suffering”, produced by American Experience. The 90-minute documentary, based on the best-selling book “This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War” by Drew Gilpin Faust, examines how the unprecedented death toll of the Civil War challenged American cultural attitudes about death and changed federal government policies regarding soldiers.

Epic Civil War

August 20-30, 2012

• A Wilson Greene: A 16-year historian and manager with the National Park Service including posts of Fredericksburg, Petersburg and founding member of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites (Civil War Trust).

• James I. “Bud” Robertson, Jr.: One of the most distinguished names in Civil War history, Dr. Robertson was executive director of the U.S. Civil War Centennial Commission and worked with Presidents Truman, Kennedy and Johnson in marketing the war’s 100th anniversary.

• Barry Meadows: Meadow has been portraying General Ulysses S. Grant in living history events for 11 years and has appeared on the History Channel.

• Al Stone: Al Stone’s representation of General Robert E. Lee has appeared on the Discovery Channel, History Channel and other networks.

Civil War

August 30-September 7, 2012

• Hon. Frank J. Williams: The founding chairman of the Lincoln Forum and retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, Williams has been a leader in the Lincoln community for over 30 years.

• Harold Holzer: Vice Chairman of the Lincoln Forum and co-chairman of the U.S. Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, Holzer has co-authored and edited 23 books on the Lincoln era.
  

For additional information and reservations, kindly contact the Great American Steamboat Company.

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