Jetsettersblog

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ new ship, River Saigon, is now operating on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Uniworld offers the 14-night “Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River” cruise and tour, which begins with two nights at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The River Saigon offers 30 river-view staterooms for a maximum of 60 guests per sailing.

The itinerary includes Hanoi, Vietnam, and Cambodia’s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, gateway to the legendary UNESCO Angkor Wat temples. The 13 included excursions are led by local experts, who guide groups of no more than 20 people. Excursions include viewing stone carvers at work and visits to local schools to learn about ancient customs such as Apsara dancing.

“The success of this program has been overwhelming, and we are so proud to be able to bring people to these amazing countries,” said Uniworld President Guy Young. “Because of the demand for travelers to want to experience these regions, we are going to launch another new ship, the River Orchid, in 2013.”

The 14-night cruise-tour operates includes a seven-night cruise between Kampong Cham in Cambodia and My Tho in Vietnam. For the land portion, guests spend seven nights in five-star hotels, including buffet breakfast, service charges, and porterage. Uniworld’s guests also receive private check-in with welcome drinks and in-room flowers and fruit platter. At the Victoria Angkor Hotel & Spa, each guest receives a monogrammed bathrobe to keep.

National Geographic Channel (NGC) will premiere a documentary on the Costa Concordia disaster at 7 p.m. ET/PT Feb. 12. The story is told primarily by those who experienced it and will air again at 10 p.m. ET/PT Feb. 13. The one-hour show, titled “Italian Cruise Ship Disaster: The Untold Stories,” weaves together in-depth stories from passengers and staff on board as well as Coast Guard rescuers with home video and graphics to reconstruct the sinking of the ship near the island of Giglio in Italy.

The documentary features Americans Sameer and Divya Sharma from Massachusetts, who were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary, and 18-year-old Amanda Warrick, another Massachusetts resident, who had never been to Europe and was traveling with her older brothers.

“At first there was a tilt and a shake of the ship, that’s when tables and glasses started crashing,” Warrick says. “I was kind of in shock, I remember immediately standing up and looking at my brothers. I was just kind of speechless and silent.”

The show outlines the chaos of the day, including the passengers’ calls to the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard’s calls to the ship, the ship’s response that there was a blackout but that it was under control, and the continued announcements that everything was fine. Nearly one hour after the impact, the captain calls an emergency on board.

On A Spring Break Family Vacation

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Take your family to experience the rich culture of the Andes in Ecuador and the natural history of the Galapagos on this incredible family “Islands And Inca Ruins” spring break adventure by Thomson Family Adventures. The journey begins in the rolling highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes with visits to local villages and artisans, optional horseback riding, rock climbing at Cojitambo Mountain, a hike through Aguarongo Forest, and more.

The journey continues west into the Pacific for a four-night cruise through the Galapagos Islands, one of the planet’s most fascinating ecosystems. Highlights of this portion of the trip include two shore expeditions per day, wildlife viewing, tours led by professional naturalist guides, accommodation aboard the 293 foot Galapagos Explorer II, and much more.Each day we disembark on a different island to explore, swim and view the almost tame wildlife.

Optional extensions to Peru are available. Prices start at $4540. Dates available Feb-December.

Spring break departures are available in March and April.

www.familyadventures.com

The Great American Steamboat Company will operate three Civil War voyages during the inaugural season of the American Queen. The eight- and 10-night theme cruises will include visits to battlefields and on-board entertainment including actors, impersonators, lecturers, balladeers and reenactments.

Fares start at $2,295 per guest, double occupancy, which includes a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay, bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at dinner and complimentary shore adventures in each port of call.

The Aug. 10 to 20 voyage sails from New Orleans and visits Vicksburg and Helena, Miss.; Chattanooga, Memphis and Savannah (for Shiloh National Military Park), Tenn.; Paducah, Ky.; and Decatur, Ala.

The Aug. 20 to 30 voyage between Chattanooga and Vicksburg visits Decatur and Florence, Ala.; Savannah for Shiloh National Military Park; Paducah; and Ashport Landing and Memphis, Tenn.

The Aug. 30 to Sept. 7 voyage between Vicksburg and Louisville, Ky., visits Helena, Ark.; Memphis; and Henderson, and Louisville, Ky.

The Aug. 10 voyage, presented by American Experience and Artful Travelers, will feature Ric Burns, who co-produced the PBS series “The Civil War” in 1990, and Mark Samels, executive producer of “American Experience” on PBS.

The Aug. 20 cruise will feature historian A. Wilson Greene, manager with the National Park Service and founding member of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites; James I. “Bud” Robertson Jr., executive director of the U.S. Civil War Centennial Commission; Barry Meadows, who portrays Gen. Ulysses S. Grant; and Al Stone, who portrays Gen. Robert E. Lee.

The Aug. 30 cruise will feature the Hon. Frank J. Williams, founding chairman of the Lincoln Forum and retired chief justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, and Harold Holzer, vice chairman of the Lincoln Forum and co-chairman of the U.S. Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

France Cruises is offering complimentary pre- and post-cruise land tours when customers purchase a cruise and two-night stay in a hotel of their choice. Available for any departure day, the full-day tours showcase the region’s highlights.

France Cruises’ “Hotel & Tour” offer includes 29 excursions in eight cities. Among them are 11th century medieval castles in Carcassonne, a wine-making lesson in Bordeaux and dining at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Additionally, guests can choose their hotel, or select from the cruise company’s sample list of recommendations, which range from traditional boutique hotels to deluxe chateaux and historic country inns.

The promotion is valid for new bookings only, and is subject to availability. A two-night minimum stay in the hotel is required for full-day excursions; however, a one-night stay may allow for a half-day excursion if available.

Brochure For 2012
Titan Travel (0800 988 5867, www.titantravel.co.uk/elegantrivercruises ) has unveiled the third edition of its 2012 programme of award-winning river cruises for independent travellers with four new combination cruises and a savings of up to £1000 per person for bookings made by 29th February 2012.

The programme is operated in partnership with Uniworld (the market-leading river cruise company) and offers a world class collection of upmarket cruise options on Uniworld’s fleet of floating boutique-style hotels to some of the grandest and most scenic waterways of Europe, Russia, Egypt and Indochina.

In addition to the new itineraries the brochure also highlights an expanded choice of shore excursions in significant ports of call, plus the opportunity for passengers to ‘Go Active’ or take a ‘Gentle Walking Tour’ and discover their various destinations on foot or by bike.

As might be expected from an Elegant River Cruise, every itinerary features fabulously well-appointed river cruisers, offering comfortable staterooms, sumptuous cuisine and first-class entertainment. Along with a full programme of shore excursions and the services of knowledgeable, English-speaking guides, every passenger receives the VIP Home Departure Service, a door-to-door transfer service that takes them from their own home to join the start of their holiday wherever they live in the UK, including Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. In addition, early-booking discounts are available on every single cruise, providing even better value for money for those customers reserving their holidays in good time.

The brochure features a total of 26 luxurious river cruise as well as five Festive Christmas river cruise itineraries to see the Christmas markets at places along the Rhine, Danube and in Paris. Prices start from £1,799pp (including a saving of £200pp if booked before 29 February 2012) for an 8-day Danube Festive markets cruise from Budapest to Passau on three departures in November and December 2012.

The four new combination cruises provide a brand new opportunity to link itineraries for the ultimate river cruise holiday crossing the entire continent of Europe from Paris and Amsterdam to Vienna and Bucharest or even on to Istanbul. There are epic voyages of up to 32-days in duration and spectacular savings for early bookers with up to £1000 per person off the 18-day ‘Paris to the Heart of Europe’ cruise when booked by 29th February 2012. Starting with three-days sightseeing in Paris before setting sail along four of Europe’s most beautiful rivers – the Moselle, Rhine, Main and Danube the cruise takes in the scenery and experiences the celebrated food and wine of each region. There’s even the chance to take a horse drawn ride through the Bavarian Forest. The tour costs £3,579 per person (including the £1000pp saving when booked by 29 February 2012) and comprises flights, 3 nights hotel accommodation in Paris and 14 nights full board cruise accommodation on the River Princess plus shore excursions, transfers and the VIP Home Departure Service for a smooth journey to and from the airport.

Alternatively, following in the footsteps of the great European travellers such as Patrick Leigh Fermor, who took his epic journey in 1933-34 from the Hook of Holland, as he called it, to what he insisted on calling Constantinople (Istanbul). A similar ‘Grand European River Voyage’ takes travellers on a remarkable 27-day journey from Amsterdam to Istanbul travelling through 10 countries and seven capitals and countless treasures in between. From colourful Amsterdam to exotic Istanbul the journey takes in UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Bamberg and the Wachau Valley and the crooked streets of Miltenberg, with the opportunity to sail through the famous Iron Gates, the gorge that forms the natural border between Romania and Serbia on the Danube River. The cruise costs from £6,099 per person (which includes a £500pp saving for bookings before 29 February 2012) with 5 departures between May and October 2012. Cost includes, flights, accommodation, transfers, excursions and the VIP Home Departure Service.

Further afield there’s a £1000pp saving on the new ‘Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong’ cruise for departures on 5th September and 8th December 2012. The 17-day cruise follows the Mekong, Indochina’s longest river along its navigable lower reaches between Thailand and Laos and on downstream through Cambodia and Vietnam, taking in each of these countries’ most distinctive attractions, starting with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels (the famous underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War) and a chance to meet a wartime veteran. Other memories of a turbulent past can be found in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, where the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum commemorates the terrible atrocities that took place under the violent reign of the Khmer Rouge regime. On a lighter note, other highlights of the 17-day itinerary include visits to peaceful Buddhist monasteries, floating markets and ancient temple complexes, with the undisputed high point being a tour of Angkor Wat, the mysterious, jungle-shrouded temples that are today protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Departures are available from September 2012 through to March 2013 on Uniworld’s new River Saigon with prices from £4,139 pp (which includes a £1000 pp saving when booked by 29th February 2012).

For details or to book call Titan Travel on 0800 988 5867 or visit www.titantravel.co.uk/elegantrivercruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering a free Valentine’s Day gift package for guests from Jan. 30 through Feb. 18. Guests booking any seven-night sailing will receive the gift package of Leonidas chocolates, flower turndown service, and a $100-per-person credit at the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm, compliments of Paul Gauguin Cruises (a $230 value). As with all 2012 sailings, guests also receive 50 percent off standard cruise fares and free airfare from Los Angeles.

Paul Gauguin Cruises also offers a gift registry, where guests celebrating their honeymoon, anniversary or other milestone event can choose a wish list of gifts, ranging from shore excursions to dining and spa options.

Couples planning a special celebration for Valentine’s Day should jump onboard the Restaurant Ship Hispaniola for a romantic lunch or dinner.

The ship, which is permanently moored on Victoria Embankment in London, is the ideal venue for enjoying some excellent cuisine in a unique setting, on the 14th of February 2012.

Boasting fabulous views of the Thames, from St. Paul’s to the Houses of Parliament, the R.S. Hispaniola offers a romantic haven amongst the city bustle.

The R.S. Hispaniola is offering a special Valentine’s three course lunch, which is £27.50 per person and offers an affordable way to celebrate the special day. Diners can enjoy some enticing cuisine as well as some great views.

A three course Valentine’s dinner is also available, offering some delicious food, which can be enjoyed whilst surrounded by the stunning illuminations of London’s famous landmarks. Diners will also be entertained by the resident pianist, Norman Treiger, who will be playing an appropriate selection of tunes. The dinner is £48 per person.

There is also an elegant cocktail bar on the main deck, where guests can enjoy either an aperitif before their meal or digestif afterwards.

The location of the R.S. Hispaniola is ideal for couples who are planning a romantic stroll along the River Thames or a trip to the theatre before or after their meal.

For bookings call 020 7839 3011 or email info@hispaniola.co.uk . For further information visit the website.

Crystal Cruises is inviting its guests to share an essay about their experiences on the luxury line for a chance to win a free cruise for two worth up to $15,000. The “Crystal Love Stories” essay contest calls for 100- to 500-word personal stories about cherished Crystal experiences. Examples of potential topics include a romantic memory with a loved one, a Crystal Adventure ashore, a learning experience, cuisine, the spa or entertainment.

Entrants have two months to submit their story, after which submissions will be available for Facebook users to read and vote upon for two weeks. The two top vote-getters will be guaranteed a spot in the “Final Five.”

A panel of Crystal-selected judges will select the remaining three finalists and the grand prize winner.

The submission period is 9 a.m. PT Feb. 14 to midnight PT April 16.

The voting period for Facebook users is April 16 to 30. The Crystal judging period is May 1 to 7.

Five finalists and the grand prize winner will be announced at 12:01 p.m. PT May 7.

In addition to the cruise for the grand prize winner, all five finalists will receive a $500 shipboard credit.

In June, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will operate its first itinerary through the Sea of Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East, on the Hanseatic. The bilingual cruise will depart Otaru, Japan, on June 13 and concluding in Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka, on June 30. The 17-day expedition voyage will sail through the Sea of Okhotsk and its many islands, as well as to Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. The cruise is priced from $10,832 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin.