Carnival Cruises New Carnival Breeze Boasts More Than 180 Shore Excursions in Europe

Carnival Cruise Line's New Carnival Breeze

For the Carnival Breeze’s inaugural season in Europe, Carnival Cruise Lines has assembled a diverse array of shore excursions with more than 180 different choices, including several “select experiences” that allow guests to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in a more personalized setting. 

            Carnival Breeze’s inaugural European season kicked off June 3 and runs through October 25, 2012, providing guests with myriad opportunities to experience and explore stunning and beautiful ports in Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, France, Spain, and Monte Carlo. 

           The wide-ranging excursions provide Carnival Breeze guests with a seemingly endless variety of unforgettable landside experiences, from guided tours of famous museums and centuries-old architectural marvels to touring the lush European countryside and savoring local cuisine and wine. Guests can also enjoy more active pursuits such as exploring dormant volcanoes, cycling or kayaking along a beautiful coastline.

            Here’s a sampling of some of the many exciting tours available:

• Three Island Yacht Cruise (Dubrovnik, Croatia) -- Island hopping has never been so much fun! On this five-hour excursion, guests can explore the stunning Elaphati Islands – Lokrum, Kolocep, and Lopud – while sipping chilled wine aboard a luxury yacht. The islands have a rich history – legend has it that Richard the Lion Heart was cast ashore here in 1192 after surviving a shipwreck while returning from the Crusades. The day begins with a visit to Lokrum Island, where guests can tour a 12^th century monastery built by Benedictine monks, while Kolocep, the smallest of the Elaphiti islands, is distinguished by 15^th century mansions, vineyards and olive groves. Concluding the tour is a stop at Lopud where guests can swim, stroll along the promenade, or savor local Croatian delicacies.

 

• Essence of Tuscany (Livorno, Italy) -  Guests can create their own “Under the Tuscan Sun” experience visiting the magnificent town of San Gimignano, the stunning backdrop for the popular book and movie about the fabled city which is distinguished by the "Manhattan of Tuscany," a skyline dotted with towers dating back to the 11^th to 13^th  centuries.  After enjoying a traditional Italian meal in a nearby farmhouse, guests explore Siena, amazingly rich in masterpieces of art and nestled atop three hills with ancient structures such as the Torre del Mangia bell tower rising more than 300 feet high and Duomo of Siena and the Battistero, both adorned with a variety of frescoes, sculptures and painting masterpieces created by some of the country’s most famous artists.

 

• Mt. Etna at 2,900 Feet (Messina, Italy) - On this seven-and-a-half-hour excursion, guests are taken to Europe's largest active volcano where they can tour Mt. Etna's famous Silvestri Crater located 2,000 feet above sea level.  From there, guests board a six-person cable car for the journey down into the crater before embarking on a 4 x 4 Mercedes ride to reach the ultimate peak at an awe-inspiring 2,900 feet above sea level.  Following an exhilarating off-road adventure, guests are taken on a guided tour where they are provided a detailed overview of Mt. Etna’s history followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

 

• Secrets of Naples (Naples, Italy) – During this five-hour journey,  guests can stroll along the narrow streets of the Spacca-Napoli quarter, full of life with boutiques specializing in antiques and books, tiny grocery stores and fruit stands.  The day continues with a visit to San Domenico Square and its namesake church, and an exploration of the underground caves of Naples, home to the ancient Roman Aqueducts.  No visit to Naples is complete without a sampling of the city’s famous pizza and guests will learn how to prepare the delicious pies using traditional wood-burning ovens.

           

• Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s & Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) -- The amazing Vatican Gardens and the beauty of Rome are on full display during this private 10-hour tour, which also includes a typical Italian lunch.  After arriving in breathtaking St. Peter’s Square, guests enter Vatican City through the gate of St. Uffizio Square where they enjoy panoramic views of its magnificent gardens and enchanting fountains before touring St. Peter’s Basilica. The day concludes with a tour of Roman highlights such as the Spanish Steps, Navona Square, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.

             These fascinating excursions – and dozens of others – are available in conjunction with Carnival Breeze’s inaugural European cruise season which kicked off with a special 12-day voyage that departed Venice on June 3, arriving in Barcelona June 15, 2012.  Ports of call on this one-time voyage include Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens, Greece; Izmir, Turkey; Messina (Sicily), Olbia (Sardinia),  Rome (Civitavecchia), and Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy; Monaco, Monte Carlo; and Marseilles, France.

            Carnival Breeze then begins a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, one of Europe’s most stunning and historic cities. The program runs from June 15 through Oct. 25, 2012 (with the exception of the Aug. 26, 2012, voyage which sails from Venice).  The 12-day Mediterranean cruises include stops at Marseilles or Monaco; Livorno; Naples or Salerno, Italy; Dubrovnik; Venice; Civitavecchia (Rome), and Messina (the June 15 and Sept. 7 departures add a stop in Palma de Mallorca, Spain; while the Aug. 14 and 26 voyages also visit Olbia, Italy). Select voyages also overnight in Venice or Civitavecchia (Rome).  

            When they’re not exploring all the awe-inspiring wonders of the Mediterranean, guests can enjoy the Carnival Breeze’s wide range of on-board innovations, which include the line’s first Thrill Theater, an immersive multi-dimensional special effects experience that makes viewers feel as if they’re part of the movie, along with popular features such as WaterWorks, with fun water slides and attractions, and SportSquare, an expansive top-deck recreation area with a ropes course, mini-golf, an outdoor fitness area and more.  

            Exclusive to Carnival Breeze is Bonsai Sushi, the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant, and Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ, an open-air dining venue featuring a variety of grilled barbecue favorites and traditional sides. Guests can also visit Guy’s Burger Joint, developed in tandem with Food Network personality Guy Fieri, or enjoy poolside libations at the RedFrog Rum Bar or BlueIguana Tequila Bar or Caribbean-inspired drinks and snacks at the RedFrog Pub.  

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Celebrity Cruises Offers Behind the Scenes Tours

Consistently striving to provide its guests with unmatchable vacation experiences, Celebrity Cruises is now offering guests an inside look into the fascinating world of cruise ship operations. A new addition to the unique and robust Celebrity Life onboard activities program, “Celebrity Inside Access” takes guests on a once-in-a-lifetime journey behind the scenes of Celebrity’s renowned fleet, inviting them to discover the intricate details and functions behind modern luxury at sea.

Celebrity’s Inside Access program invites guests to join two intimate and exclusive activities, the “See How It’s Done Tour” and the “Bridge Sail Away Experience.”

Designed to provide a thorough and rich three-hour experience, the See How It’s Done Tour guides an intimate group of guests through several otherwise non-public areas of the ship, including the bridge, mooring deck, crew gym, theater, engine control room, prep rooms and the main dining room galley. At each area of the tour, guests have the opportunity to interact with expert members of the Celebrity crew. Each tour is followed by a savory wine-paired lunch hosted by an officer in the main dining room.

The Bridge Sail Away Experience presents the opportunity for vacationers to join the navigational team on the bridge as the ship sails away from port. Beginning 30 minutes before and concluding 30 minutes after departing, guests are given a tour and an overview of the bridge conducted by a senior Celebrity bridge officer. Guests also have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the ship’s captain.

“Celebrity has dedicated itself to providing guests with the finest in culinary experiences, award-winning service and engaging onboard activities,” said Simon Weir, Director of Hotel Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “Now, with the addition of Celebrity Inside Access, vacationers can also satisfy their curiosity and gain rare, behind-the-scenes insight into a Celebrity ship’s inner workings.”

The Celebrity Inside Access program is offered on all ships and available for purchase onboard.

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Royal Caribbean Offers Behind The Scenes Tour for a Fee

August 2011 - Below deck, backstage and behind certain doors, the sophisticated operations of a Royal Caribbean International ship has always piqued guests’ curiosity. To help demystify the hard work put forth by the cruise line’s dedicated staff and crew and the spaces they work in, Royal Caribbean International today announced the launch of the All Access Tour. Guests now have the option to visit behind-the-scenes operations spaces and meet key shipboard staff members on an escorted tour during their Royal Caribbean vacation. The All Access Tour will offer guests insight into the inner workings of some of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships and be available fleetwide aboard each ship’s first July 2011 sailing.

“The All Access Tour offers guests the opportunity to learn about what it takes onboard to deliver the world’s most contemporary vacation, also known as the Royal Advantage,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Our guests have always inquired into what happens behind the scenes and below deck. We are glad to offer these really special guest tours into areas that are normally not accessible, escorted by staff members who explain the complex workings of running of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships.”

The All Access Tour escorts guests into a variety of ‘back-of-house’ areas, including a visit to the bridge, galley, backstage of the main theater, engine control room and other behind-the-scenes operations areas that collectively create the best vacation experience and value for guests. At least one All Access Tour will be offered on itineraries shorter than seven nights, and two tours offered aboard a seven-night or longer itinerary with additional tours added, based on demand. The experience lasts up to 3.5 hours and is $150 per guest and can be purchased onboard with the Concierge, Crown & Anchor Society Loyalty Ambassador, or at Guest Relations.

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Luxury Operator Crystal Cruises Offers Private Shore Excursions

Do you love to see legendary sites, but dislike group tours? Renowned for unique and creative land tours that complement its ultra-luxury cruise experience, Crystal Cruises is introducing a private shore excursion alternative for individualistic adventurers. Crystal’s new “Private Adventure Option” enables guests to take already-organized group excursions – in a more intimate fashion.

Beginning this August/September, parties of two, four or six can opt for a personal guide and private vehicle to tour Ephesus, Pompeii or the city of Barcelona, for example – on a shore-side itinerary already carefully crafted by Crystal’s Land Programs team and its worldwide tour operators.

Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Thomas Mazloum, was inspired to create the program by his own Crystal cruise vacation. “While I heard how much guests appreciated the ‘creative content’ of our Crystal Adventures, some said they would love to take the same tour by themselves to make it even more personal,” says Mazloum. “At Crystal, we are committed to giving our guests choices. Being able to really personalize your experience is the hallmark of a perfect luxury vacation.”

For several years, Crystal has offered guests a “Crystal Private Adventure” program, which offers the opportunity to design customized land itineraries for individuals, their families and friends. The new “Private Adventure Option” is similar, but follows established excursions in a private way. If guests prefer to modify their “Private Adventure Option” or expand the group, the trip would then become a custom “Crystal Private Adventure.”

Launching August 14 and September 13 on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, respectively, the “Private Adventure Option” can be pre-reserved at least one week prior to embarkation by emailing crystaladventures@crystalcruises.com. Prices will be at least 25% more than group tour fares, but vary depending on excursion length, vehicle size, guide costs and sites visited.

This fall/winter, Crystal ships cruise the Mediterranean, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, and Hawaii. Crystal’s huge Fall Fare Sale offers savings up to $8,000/couple.

Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences is a cornerstone of its Crystal Adventures program, helping earn the line top ratings for two decades.

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Luxury Operator Crystal Cruises Offers Overnight Stays in New York During New England Canada Cruise

A new overnight stay in New York and a maiden visit to Portland, Maine are among the highlights of Crystal Cruises’ New England & Canada series in fall 2010. Four 11-day cruises aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony will sail between New York and Montréal beginning September 19, each with two overnight calls and nearly 100 Crystal Adventures ashore to showcase the region’s natural beauty and rich history.

Departing September 19, September 30, October 11 and October 22, all voyages feature overnight stays in Montréal and either Boston or New York, plus visits to Newport, Rhode Island; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Québec City, Québec and either Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine.

The itineraries allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the destinations, each with its own distinct charm. Whether the dramatic cliffs and lavish estates in Bar Harbor and Newport, the cobbled streets and French shops within Québec City and the spectacular waterfalls just outside city limits, or Portland’s art district, known as the city’s secret treasure, the region boasts limitless character and history to explore.

“Crystal Symphony’s New England and Canada itineraries offer an ideal combination of quaint provincial communities and exciting urban attractions, rich maritime history and striking scenery during the fall – the region’s most beautiful time of the year,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “The ease of travel, Crystal’s award-winning resort experience and our exceptional value for 2010 is resonating with veteran and new-to-Crystal travelers.”

Per person, Two-for-One (double occupancy) promotional fares start at $4,275, with $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits, and complimentary air transportation from many North American gateways.

Crystal Cruises has earned the hospitality industry’s most coveted awards, including being voted World’s Best Large Cruise Line by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Best Large-Ship Cruise Line by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history. Additionally, the latter publication’s readers voted Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony the ‘Best Medium-Sized Ships in the World’ in its February 2010 issue.

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Princess Cruises Adds 20 New Alaskan Shore Excursions

(February 9, 2010) – This year Princess Cruises offers passengers some fresh ways to experience Alaska up close and personal with a variety of new shore excursions for the summer. Among the 20 new options is a unique opportunity to join a scientific expedition while in Juneau to help study climate change and wildlife behavior patterns.

Passengers can also get closer to the dramatic glaciers of Tracy Arm, pilot their own zodiac on a tour of Ketchikan or enjoy the opportunity for animal encounters at a film trainer’s wildlife park. These new options join Princess’ extensive shore excursion program, which currently offers 215 different Alaska tour options for passengers starting in May.

“Alaska offers so many thrilling experiences for visitors – there’s beautiful scenery nearly everywhere you turn, great opportunities to encounter wildlife, an intriguing Native culture, and of course the towering glaciers,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “These new excursions showcase some of the many wonders available throughout this amazing state, and offer visitors a number of ways to get a very personal Alaska vacation.”

New tours available to Alaska passengers this summer include:

Whales & Glaciers Citizen Science Adventure (Juneau) – This unique tour will give participants a taste of what it’s like to be a research scientist in the wilds of the Last Frontier. Passengers join a science-based excursion giving them the opportunity to participate in a GPS time-lapse photo project at the Mendenhall Glacier that documents the effects of climate change on the Juneau Icefield. Citizen scientists can also collect water samples, net plankton and record humpback whale and other marine wildlife behavior. This observational data will improve scientists’ understanding of the many variables that affect Alaska’s marine ecosystem. In addition, passengers will enjoy a whale-watching cruise, with guaranteed whale sightings.

Back Country Zodiac Expedition (Ketchikan) – Passengers can be their own captain for the day as they skipper their custom-built motorized inflatable along the coastline of Revillagigado Island for a unique Alaska adventure. Participants will follow their guide on a journey that explores Native culture with a view of Saxman Native Village, and a search for wildlife such as bears, eagles, whales, seals and more. The group guide will explain the area's history, geology, culture and ecology.

Alaska Wildlife Park (Princess Exclusive – Skagway) – Visitors can meet many types of animals at the Kroschel Films Wildlife Park Center. The park is run by trainer Steve Kroschel who has a lifetime of experience working with wild animals for movies such as "Never Cry Wolf" and the PBS "Wild America" series. His center provides a home for numerous orphaned wild animals including wolves, Arctic fox, lynx, porcupine, pine marten, mink, reindeer and wolverines. Guests will enjoy hands-on, face-to-face encounters and intimate close-up photography of many of these animals as they learn about the behavior of these intriguing creatures and gain an understanding of the time and trust required to train them.

Whales, Bears & Glaciers Adventure (Princess Exclusive – Juneau) – This excursion offers an opportunity to experience the perfect Alaska trifecta: whale watching, bear viewing and a scenic flight over the glaciers of the Juneau Icefield. Visitors will see two of Alaska’s most impressive creatures with a whale watching cruise that guarantees sightings, plus a bear search at a salmon-bearing stream. The tour caps off with a flight over the Juneau Icefield and the Mendenhall Glacier on the way back to town.

Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer (Juneau) – Sapphire Princess passengers have a new way to get a close-up look at the glaciers of Tracy Arm as they cruise aboard a luxurious, high-speed catamaran for an in-depth exploration of the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The adventure begins just before Sapphire Princess reaches the entry to Tracy Arm, as participants board their catamaran directly from the ship. After viewing glaciers from a much closer vantage point than is possible from a cruise ship, they will travel to Juneau to rejoin Sapphire Princess.

Adventure Park & Zip Lines (Skagway) – Thrill-seeking passengers can walk along raised balance beams, cross suspension bridges and fly through the air on a series of zip lines with this adventurous excursion. The exciting course will keep passengers challenged and exhilarated as they soar through the air on a series of six zip lines through the lush Alaska canopy.

Juneau Jeep Adventure (Princess Exclusive) – Visitors can experience Juneau's most scenic and historic locales in the rugged comfort of a Jeep Wrangler for a small group adventure. A diver/guide will take each group on a tour through Juneau, to a scenic view of Mendenhall Glacier and other local sites, ending with a stop at the award-winning Alaskan Brewing Company for a final taste of Juneau.

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Salmon Bake Combo (Princess Exclusive – Juneau) – This unique tour combination gives passengers a stunning aerial view of the famed Mendenhall Glacier plus the chance to feast on wild Alaska salmon. Participants will enjoy a glacier landing where they can explore the glacier’s surface and learn how glaciers form, flow and shape the landscape. Once they’ve worked up an appetite, visitors join the salmon bake festivities for an all-you-can-eat meal.

Historical Ketchikan Walking Tour (Princess Exclusive) – Visitors can gain a unique understanding of Ketchikan and its Tlingit culture on this guided walking tour of Alaska's "First City." Led by a former city mayor of Tlingit descent, the tour offers personal knowledge of the many changes Ketchikan has experienced over the years. Visitors will also learn the significance of totem poles within Native culture, see the former red light district, and visit a salmon ladder to see the incredible journey salmon endure as they return to their spawning ground.

Bear Country & Wildlife Expedition (Ketchikan) – Passengers can view black bears in their natural habitat on a wildlife experience just a short drive from downtown Ketchikan. Participants will enjoy a nature walk on their way to a stream where more than 100,000 Pacific salmon return each year to spawn. Large concentrations of bears and other wildlife gather to feed on the huge runs of salmon. In addition to the bears, bald eagles wait for scraps, while mink, marten and wolf frequent the area, and seals can usually be seen feeding on the bountiful fish harvest.

Behind the Scenes at Butchart Gardens (Victoria) – One of Victoria’s premiere attractions, Butchart Gardens is a beautiful place to explore independently. However, with this tour, guests have the unusual opportunity to go beyond the usual self-guided visit, and enjoy an exclusive in-depth guided tour behind the scenes. Visitors will learn the history of the gardens and explore the Mediterranean Garden and botanist’s greenhouse, plus see a demonstration by the gardens’ ceramics master as he displays his skills in flower-pot making.

All Alaska shore excursions are currently available for pre-reservation. Passengers who are already booked on an Alaska cruise can reserve their tours by logging on to the Cruise Personalizer on princess.com, to ensure they get the excursions of their choice. As many tours fill up quickly, passengers are encouraged to make selections as early as possible.

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Luxury Operator Crystal Cruises Offers Unique Shore Excursions

February 10, 2010 – This spring through fall in Europe, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is rolling out nearly 800 boutique shore excursions, dozens of which are brand new.

From soaring above Stockholm in a hot air balloon to scuba diving off the coast of Turkey, distinctive Crystal Adventures augment Crystal’s 32 destination-rich itineraries exploring the Mediterranean, Baltic and Black Seas, North Cape, Canary Islands, Middle East and British Isles.

* *NEW* Navigate the corniches of the French Riviera in a private Maserati, Lamborghini or Ferrari (Cannes)
* *NEW* From a private box, sample Scotch whiskeys and view the pageantry of the Military Tattoo (Edinburgh)
* *NEW* Take an exclusive palace cooking lesson with an Italian Countess (Venice)
* Thrill to a high-speed sailing adventure in a state-of-the-art professional ocean racer (from Berlin)
* Enjoy a rugged bicycle and 4x4 exploration of the lava fields and Mt. Etna (from Taormina)

“Each year we strive to offer meaningful experiences ashore that satisfy our guests’ appetite for diverse adventures,” says John Stoll, Crystal Cruises’ director, land programs. “The breadth of options guests have in each destination is truly staggering – whether one is seeking cultural enrichment or more active pursuits.”

From April through November 2010, the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity offer seven- to 15-day itineraries departing from Athens, Greece; Copenhagen, Denmark; Istanbul, Turkey; London, England; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Rome, Italy; Stockholm, Sweden; Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal and Venice, Italy.

Two-for-one double occupancy fares in Europe begin at $3,680 per person. Also included are up to $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits, and complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – even Business Class air for Penthouse guests.

Discerning travelers voted Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony the top two highest rated large ships in the world, as featured in the February 2010 issue of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, among many other distinguished honors.

Princess Offers Family Alaska Excursions

(October 9, 2009) – With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and plethora of active adventure opportunities, Alaska offers the perfect family vacation. To make it easier for families to plan a trip to the 49th state, Princess Cruises has added a fun new cruisetour option designed especially with family groups in mind.

The 12-night cruisetour offers the best of Alaska by land and sea and includes a variety of special features not usually included in a cruisetour package. Families will have the opportunity to travel on a jetboat, pan for gold, take an interactive tour of Denali National Park, and experience what Alaska is like in the winter when it’s many degrees below zero.

The cruisetour (number: FUN) is offered at a 25 percent discount for all berths, so all members of the family are included in the special pricing.

“This is really the ultimate family vacation,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “Alaska is a wonderful travel destination with kids, so we wanted to make it easy and affordable to plan the perfect Alaska experience for everyone in the family.”

The Family Fun cruisetour includes a seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise plus a five-night land tour featuring one night at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, two nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and two nights at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. At sea, families can also take advantage of Princess’ many onboard programs especially for children, including a special Junior Ranger program in Glacier Bay National Park.

In addition, the following special extras are included in the tour:

Daily Breakfast – Everyone in the family can start their morning off with the most important meal of the day.

Direct-to-the-Wilderness Rail Service with Lunch – Princess’ acclaimed Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service gets families to their wilderness lodge faster, and includes lunch aboard the train.

Three Rivers Jetboat Tour (Mt. McKinley) – An exhilarating alternative to taking a motorcoach to Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, this tour travels from Talkeetna to the lodge by jetboat, with stops along the river to view historic encampments and learn about the native wildlife.

Arctic Blast (Denali) – Family members can experience winter in Alaska – in the summertime. This special chamber is chilled to wintertime temperatures, so visitors can find out what happens to hot water when it is thrown in the air and whether soap bubbles can survive the cold.

Music of Denali Dinner Theater (Denali) – This rollicking musical comedy tells the legend of the first expedition to the summit of Mt. McKinley, accompanied by a hearty, family-style meal featuring smokehouse ribs and Alaska salmon.

Experience Alaska with Alaska Geographic Tour (Denali) – A more intimate tour of Denali National Park, this special experience includes a variety of interactive experiences, including an enhanced view of the Denali ecosystem and current research taking place. The narrated bus tour takes guests 15 miles into the park to a beautiful river valley where they embark on a short walk to the historic Savage River Camp, where they can participate in a number of hands-on experiences.

Denali Sourdough Expedition Breakfast (Denali) – While fueling up for the day with a family-style, Alaskan roadhouse-style breakfast, guests experience an unforgettable journey up Denali through breathtaking images in Laurent Dick's Climb Denali. Participants have the opportunity to meet this real mountain climber and ask questions about mountain climbing.

Riverboat Cruise and El Dorado Goldmine Tour (Fairbanks) – Families can enjoy traveling on an authentic sternwheeler for a fully-narrated cruise along the Chena River and try their hands at gold panning at the El Dorado Gold Mine, where they will learn about Alaska's gold mining history.

Fares for the Alaska Family Cruisetour (#FUN) start at $1,743 per person for the first and second berths, and $1,191 per person for the third and fourth berth passengers.

Princess offers a variety of land/sea Alaska experience with itineraries ranging from three to eight nights. All cruisetour options feature at least two nights in the Denali National Park area, stays in Princess’ own riverside wilderness lodges, and a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing with Glacier Bay National Park.

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Silerseas Enhanced 2010 Shore Excursions

October 15, 2009) The world offers such an abundance of intriguing cultures, landscapes and experiences that Silversea has designed nearly 40 extended mid-cruise excursions for its voyages in 2010. Unlike a partial-day shore tour, these single- or multiple-day inland adventures offer travelers a more leisurely, in-depth and personal encounter with the local people, history, wildlife and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call.

"For our guests, travel is about collecting authentic experiences and making a personal connection with the people and places they visit," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's director of land programs. "Our mid-voyage programs are carefully designed to take guests further into a specific region, giving them plenty of time to fully immerse themselves in its scenery, activities and cultural heritage. And I'm especially pleased to advise that these programs can now be booked well in advance of sailing through our reservations department."

Following is a small sampling of the mid-cruise adventures offered in 2010:

** NEW FOR 2010: "Borneo Great Apes Adventure" -- Visit the magnificent Temple of Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then travel to the jungles of Borneo to observe orangutans in their natural habitat. Included is a two-night stay at the Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge, the perfect retreat for nature and animal lovers. This three-night package, priced at $3,199 per guest, is offered on Silver Whisper's January 18 sailing (#4002) from Sydney to Singapore. Guests depart from Semarang and rejoin the ship in Singapore.

** "Expedition Antarctica" -- For most globe trekkers, this is the ultimate destination. Fly by chartered aircraft to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsula and discover the many natural wonders of the world's last pristine wilderness. Memorable sightings might include penguins, seals and whales. This 13-hour adventure, priced at $4,999, is offered from Punta Arenas, Chile on Silver Cloud voyages of January 5 and 20 (#1001 and 1002); Silver Shadow voyages of November 17, December 3 and 19 (#4033, 4034 and 4035); and Silver Spirit's February 20 sailing (#5005).

** NEW FOR 2010: "Camp Jabulani" -- Indulge your senses in this tailor-made adventure trip to Camp Jabulani, set within the Kapama Private Game Reserve of Kruger National Park. Highlights include a ride through the bush atop an elephant's back and an open-vehicle game drive through prime big-game territory that supports elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra and other species. This two-night package, priced at $2,999, is offered on Silver Wind's voyages of January 3, 13 and 23 and February 2 (#2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004). Guests depart from Richards Bay and rejoin the ship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

** NEW FOR 2010: "Kakadu National Park & the Magic of Uluru" -- Embrace the spectacular beauty of Australia's Northern Territory. Visit Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the Top End, Alice Springs in the heart of Australia's Red Center, Ayers Rock and the wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This four-night package, priced at $5,199, is offered on Silver Shadow's December 6 sailing (#3034) from Singapore to Sydney. Guests depart from Darwin and rejoin the ship in Cairns.

** NEW FOR 2010: "Historic Ouro Preto & Futuristic Brasilia" -- Witness a land of interesting architectural contrasts as you journey from historic Ouro Preto to Brasilia, the futuristic capital of Brazil -- both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cobbled streets of Ouro Preto are lined with museums, baroque churches and an 18th-century opera house, while Brasilia's outstanding modernist buildings include the Planalto Palace, Supreme Court, National Congress and Itamaraty Palace. This three-night package, priced at $2,999, is offered on Silver Whisper's October 24 sailing (#4031) from Barbados to Rio de Janeiro. Guests depart from Salvador and rejoin the ship in Rio de Janeiro.

** "Galapagos Adventure" -- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos offer the rare chance to see blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and sea lions living without fear of humans in an unsullied laboratory of evolution. This three-night package, priced at $3,999, is offered on Silver Spirit's March 8 sailing (#5006) from Santiago to Acapulco. Guests depart from Callao, Peru and rejoin the ship in Manta, Ecuador.

** NEW FOR 2010: "Cordoba & Andalusian Discoveries" -- Enjoy a panoramic drive through Seville to discover the many attractions of this city founded by ancient Iberians, then travel to the Moorish metropolis of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its ancient alleys, impressive squares and La Mezquita, its renowned cathedral-mosque. This one-night adventure, priced at $999, is offered on Silver Wind voyages of March 11 and August 1 (#2007 and 2025); Silver Spirit voyages of September 25 and October 16 (#5032 and 5035); and Silver Cloud's May 28 sailing (#1016). Guests will depart and rejoin the ship in two different ports, Cadiz and Malaga, as determined by the voyage itinerary.

The prices listed above are per person, based on double occupancy. The optional mid-voyage land programs feature deluxe accommodations (if overnight stays are required), all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals.

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.

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NOTE: For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.
For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.