SeaDream Yacht Club to offer “Raw Food” menu option

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Deluxe Voyages

SeaDream Yacht Club introduces the first of its kind at sea, a “Raw Food” menu option. A once-radical form of vegetarianism called the “raw foods” or “living foods” movement is creeping into mainstream. Aboard the luxurious twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, gourmet raw food is now offered in addition to the regular menu.

“Raw” refers to a style of preparation in which all ingredients are raw, organic and vegan (no fish, meat, eggs or dairy), and nothing is heated above 118°F in order to retain all the healthy micro nutrients. SeaDream’s Norwegian owners, Linn andAtle Brynestadwere excited by the health benefits they personally experienced while eating “raw”. After an extended stay at the Hippocrates Health Institute inWest Palm Beach,Florida, the Brynestads asked the Executive Chef, Renate Waller to bring her talents to SeaDream’s galley. Renate, a “Raw Food Chef” worked with SeaDream’s Corporate Chef, Sudesh Kishore to create a special, optional menu of delicious, gourmet raw food dishes. “Switching to a high percentage of raw, living plant based foods, enables people to reclaim feeling great and being well” says Hippocrates Chef, Renate.

The Hippocrates Health Institute was created over five decades ago. Over the years, it has developed the Life Transformation Program into the definitive blueprint for transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. The Institute helps people radically change their health by teaching them how to trade nutrient-deficient, “dead” foods to a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based proteins. The Hippocrates plan, replete with fresh sprout and vegetable juices, wheatgrass, colorful salads, nuts, seeds, and fruit, supplies the oxygen, enzymes, alkalinity, and bioelectrical charges vital to cellular and general health.

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Crystal New Fast-Track Embarkation Brings Guests on Board Sooner

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Deluxe Voyages

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.

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Distinguished Wine Experts to Host Silversea’s ‘Wine Series’ Enrichment Program

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Deluxe Voyages

Silversea Cruises Wine Enrichment ProgramSilversea Cruises has tapped renowned wine experts Lyn Farmer and Richard Nurick to host a Wine Seriesenrichment 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 in the US 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 UK. He is currently a full judge with the International Wine Challenge, a prestigious global competition open to all wines sold in Britain.

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 wine-making 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 4 February on a 19-day sailing to Fremantle (Perth) with calls in Napier, Wellington, Picton, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, and Albany. 

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

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

Voyage 1232: Silver Cloud departs Buenos Aires 22 December 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. 

And Richard Nurick will host the following:

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

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

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Crystal Expands Asian Specialty Cuisine

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Deluxe Voyages

Crystal Cruises expands Asian CuisineIn 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.

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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Crystal Symphony To Receive Posh Redesign During 2012 Dry Dock

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Deluxe Voyages

Several of Crystal Cruises’ signature spaces aboard Crystal Symphony will be remodeled during a major $15 million dry dock scheduled for June 2012.  In just 15 days at Germany’s Blohm + Voss shipyard, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is redesigning the ship’s Avenue Saloon, Palm Court lounge, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, and Fantasia and Waves “junior cruisers” areas in ways that are stylishly modern, yet in keeping with each space’s spirited atmosphere beloved by guests.  In the past two years, Crystal Cruises has invested more than $50 million in its vessels, generating praise – and even industry awards – for their great style.

“Our guests expect the finest of luxury in every element of a Crystal cruise.  They have a keen appreciation for design and expect the very best in furnishings, finishes and fine appointments,” says President Gregg Michel. “By the completion of this project, within the past five years we will have redesigned every room aboard Crystal Symphony – with great attention to rich, chic details.”

Avenue Saloon

For this popular piano bar’s makeover, Crystal is bringing back the designer who created the room’s trademark intimate, “clubby” look: Kirk Nix, with LA’s KNA Design.  The piano, shutters, and warm, jazz-era atmosphere remain, but a room reconfiguration adds more seating, including antique-style, brass-tack couches and large, red wall sofa.  Rich burgundies, golds, caramels, moss greens, and creams weave through the swivel, embossed-leaf barstools, hand-tufted carpets, plush pillows, textured wall upholstery, and artwork.  Wood flooring, bar front and back, stone and wood bartop, edge-lit glass shelves, and pop-up ceiling finalize the new touches.

Palm Court

KNA is also revamping the ship’s signature panoramic lounge for high tea, dancing, cocktail parties, and casual drinks with a view.  A sleek, contemporary transformation brings the outside in, taking advantage of sweeping ocean views, while keeping emblematic room elements like palms and wicker.  In addition to a new entrance, the bar and dance areas expand with added seating and a larger, spiral-design dance floor with overhead ceiling feature.  Conversation tables; laser-cut marble flooring and carpet; lit, alabaster urns; and a studded nail and leather wall design offset the chartreuse, aqua, grey, and ivory color spectrum that plays throughout the all-new sofas and chairs.

Galaxy Lounge

Inspired by the glamorous theaters of yesteryear, Crystal is planning a grand redesign of its main theatre for live performances, Broadway-style musical productions, and lavish entertainment experiences. The elegant redo features namesake-reflective motifs, such as starburst lighting and carpeting and lit crystal-speckled wall panels that hint of the night sky.  Formal purple drapes, “old gold” walls and a subtle diamond design in upholstery, fabric wallcovering, and glass doors suggest the richness of royalty.  New, mohair chairs and sofas, cocktail tables, and ambient lighting underneath banquettes enhance the sophisticated supper club ambience.  A new, limestone floor entrance is flanked by LCD screens announcing upcoming shows and attractions.  Additional touches by London’s SMC Design include artwork niches with abstract figurative sculpture and lively lilac, pink, and crimson shades befitting of a dramatic stage.

Hollywood Theatre

London-based Adfecto’s redo of the ship’s movie theater is a visual throwback to the classic Hollywood film era, with all comfort and technical advantages of contemporary cinemas.  Plush leather armchairs with individual pull-out tables and an earth tone color palette of aubergine, ebony, cinnamon, ash grey, and ivory set the backdrop; circular-patterned carpeting, sconces lining the walls, and a new entrance reflect art deco elements.  Technical updates include boosted surround sound audio processing and an enhanced lecture and presentation control system for enrichment speaker sessions.

Bridge Lounge

The ship’s space for cards, games, and presentations receives a refined rejuvenation via all new furniture, including game tables and chairs; lighting, including striking chandelier, sconces, and recessed fixtures; floor-to-ceiling window treatments; wallcoverings and ceiling feature; presentation tools, including podium, white board, storage, video and sound system; and silver, blue, and sage color scheme, all courtesy of KNA Design.

Fantasia and Waves

A new layout for both Fantasia kids play area and Waves teen video arcade creates separate areas for crafts, relaxation, screenings (two TVs), teens, and computer usage (teens and kids separate).  Designer Adfecto has also chosen fun, asymmetrical furniture, FatboyTM bean bags, and vibrant colors like crimson, sapphire, and various shades of green.  New interactive white board, board games, video game stations, and video project system further refresh junior activities options.

Other ship enhancements include new electronic, “do not disturb” doorbells in all staterooms (as installed on Crystal Serenity last May) and environmentally-efficient lighting installations for all electric upgrades/changes.  All remodeling, as well as bi-annual maintenance and cleaning, will take place while dry docked at Hamburg’s Blohm + Voss shipyard from June 1 to 16.

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New Yoga and Pilates Reformer Classes Stretch Crystal Cruises’ 2012 Wellness Options

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Deluxe Voyages

Yoga and Pilates Reformer Classes on Crystal Cruises 2012New Year’s resolution to get in shape?  Crystal Cruises is combining fitness with world exploration on more than a dozen 2012 international cruises offering expanded Pilates and yoga programs, including Pilates Reformer, starting in January. Dedicated instructors from such high-profile institutions as Equinox gym, LA’s Jonathan Club, and NY’s Yale Club will teach complimentary classes on both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, on nine sailings each throughout the year.

Crystal Serenity’s group Pilates program utilizes new Pilates Reformer equipment, while Crystal Symphony offers classic floor training utilizing mats, exercise balls, rollers, and other core-strengthening accessories.  Men- and couples-only yoga instruction provides new approaches to more traditional Yoga practices also offered.  Travelers can attend several classes per day during their cruise, or arrange private one-on-one sessions of either interest.

“Whether it’s achieving results without pain, creating a balanced mind and body, or providing detailed attention to each individual’s needs, our certified instructors all have motivational philosophies that align with Crystal’s approach to creating luxurious, customized and multi-faceted vacation experiences,” says Entertainment Manager Chris Corrigall.

The 18 sailings with enhanced fitness instruction include:

World Cruise/Australia, Asia, Trans-Pacific:

  • Yoga and Pilates — Jan 18, Feb 7 and 26, Mar 13 and 31

Caribbean, Central and South America:

  • Yoga — Feb 6 and 20, Mar 3
  • Pilates — Jan 27

Panama Canal:

  • Yoga – Apr 21
  • Pilates – Oct 31

Trans-Atlantic:

  • Pilates — Mar 19, May 8, Sept 15, Dec 9

Trans-Pacific:

  • Yoga – Nov 25, Dec 8

Every Crystal cruise offers a host of complimentary classes such as stretch, spinning, abs, circuit training/boot camp, and more.  Crystal’s fitness center, the only Feng Shui spa and gym at sea, offers state-of-the-art Kinesis strength training equipment, LifeFitness® treadmills with individual flat-screen TVs, cross trainers, recumbent and upright life cycles and steppers, free weights, and other strength-training equipment.  Golf instruction, tennis, Nordic Pole Walking, WALKVEST® Training, personal trainers, and a bevy of dietary choices also give guests extensive opportunities to maintain or enrich their health and fitness regimes while away from home.

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Travel Weekly Readers Name Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 “Best Luxury Cruise Ship” for Eighth Straight Year

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Deluxe Voyages

Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2, renowned for her signature trans-Atlantic Cruise, has been named “Best Luxury Cruise Ship” for the eighth consecutive year by the readers of Travel Weekly, the national publication of the travel industry. The award signifies the ocean liner’s dominance in providing the ultimate luxury cruise for which Cunard is known. Bestowed at the magazine’s ninth annual Readers Choice Awards gala event, held on 15 December 2011 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, the awards are presented annually to industry suppliers who set the highest standard for product and service during the past year.

Britania GrillRecently,  Queen Mary 2 completed a significant 14-day refurbishment of all 1,310 staterooms, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, the Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites and Restaurants, the Commodore Club, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, Sir Samuel’s Bar and Lounge, and the children’s Play Zone. The Golden Lion Pub also received a complete redesign, including upgraded flat screen televisions.

In 2012, Queen Mary 2 will depart on her fifth World Voyage, continuing the Line’s rich tradition of offering legendary and exotic itineraries. Queen Mary 2 will sail round-trip from Southampton on a unique 108-day cruise which will include a maiden call to the spectacular sand dunes in Namibia’s Swakopmund before a two-night stay in Cape Town. She will then resume her iconic trans-Atlantic Crossings, sailing 20 of these legendary voyages in 2012, including six nine-day extended trans-Atlantic cruises between New York and Hamburg.

Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built and offers many distinctive features which reveal why she deserves to be called the “Best Luxury Cruise Ship.” Along with Cunard’s impeccable White Star Service, guests revel in the luxury of time as they enjoy the countless unique amenities on board – including the largest library at sea, the only planetarium at sea, the first Todd English Restaurant at sea, and the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard a ship, as well as the largest ballroom at sea where guests get decked out for glamorous evenings at Royal Nights Themed Balls. In addition, renowned guests and speakers provide intellectually rewarding lectures as part of the award-winning Cunard Insights enrichment program, from NASA astronaut Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman to former CNN correspondent and novelist Kitty Pilgrim.

Intimate luxury on a grand scale is the experience that awaits in the famed Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites, where guests are pampered with the finest service and amenities, priority embarkation, a dedicated concierge, and exquisite cuisine in exclusive and elegantly appointed single-seating dining rooms.

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Viking River Cruises Expands Into Oceangoing Luxury Cruises

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Deluxe Voyages

Viking River Cruises, a veteran river cruise operator, expands into oceangoing luxury cruises with its newly created brand: Viking Ocean Cruises.

STX France says it’s received an order from Viking Ocean Cruises, a new affiliate of Viking River Cruises, to build two 888-passenger oceangoing ships. The 444-cabin ships will have a length of 230m and a width of 26.5m, with the same number of crew members as cabins. The ships, which will sail primarily on the Mediterranean and be targeted mainly at Viking’s American, British and Australian customers.

The two vessels are slated for delivery in spring 2014 and spring 2015. Apparently, an option for a third ship is pending. However, the deal is still subject to financing.

Construction on the first vessel is reported to begin in fall 2012.

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises, was a key figure at Royal Viking Line in the early 1980s.

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Crystal Serenity Rescues Capsized Rowers

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Deluxe Voyages

Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity rescued two rowers this morning who had capsized their small boat 480 miles west of the Canary Islands overnight.  23 year-old Tom Fancett from the U.K. and Tom Sauer from the Netherlands, who were competing with 16 other boats in the 2011 Atlantic Challenge Race to row across the Atlantic, spent 10 hours in a tiny life raft after a large wave sunk their boat.  The ultra-luxury cruise ship was 120 nautical miles north of the rowers, on her own Transatlantic cruise en route to St. Maarten, when it received the rescue assist call from the Falmouth Coast Guard.  Crystal Serenity picked up the men at 6:00 a.m. this morning.

Captain Økland sailed full speed to the stranded boaters, through worsening weather and very small crafts of other contest participants.  With lookouts posted throughout the night, Crystal Serenity located the boaters’ flare five hours later.  Captain Økland carefully maneuvered close to the raft, and the shipwrecked persons were rescued directly onto Crystal Serenity.

Upon checkup in the ship’s medical center, both survivors appear to be healthy.  Crystal Serenity expects to arrive on schedule in St. Maarten on Sunday.

“Both individuals are in good spirits and, of course, very happy to be alive,” says Crystal’s President Gregg Michel.  “We are so proud of the quick reaction and skilled seamanship of our crew that enabled them to save these brave men.  While these young men hoped to cross the Atlantic in a most basic fashion, they are certainly experiencing the crossing in the most luxurious environment – an ironic, and heartwarming, turn of events.”

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Queen Mary 2 Refit Completed

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Deluxe Voyages

Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 has returned to her homeport of Southampton after a major refurbishment that will prepare her to welcome guests for a luxury cruise vacation on her upcoming Transatlantic Crossings, Europe and World Voyages.

The refurbishment took place at the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, from 24 November to 6 December, with work undertaken in all staterooms and suites, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, the Queens Grill and Princess Grill Restaurants, the Commodore Club, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, Sir Samuel’s Bar and Lounge and the children’s Play Zone. The popular Golden Lion Pub also was completely redesigned. Tillberg Design Company who were involved in Queen Mary 2’s original concept, were engaged by Cunard to develop the new designs.

“Queen Mary 2 is an iconic leader in the world of luxury ocean travel and consistently receives high ratings by guests and the cruise industry. A ship that still turns heads everywhere she goes, she is unquestionably the pride of our fleet,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We are committed to maintaining that impeccable reputation, and this significant refurbishment is an important investment on behalf of our guests.”

Queen ElizabethA special new portrait of Her Majesty The Queen was unveiled today in in honour of her role in launching Queen Mary 2 in 2004. The commissioned oil painting – which will be displayed in the Grand Lobby – depicts The Queen during her final visit to Queen Elizabeth 2 in Southampton on 2 June 2008, and was painted by Gail Graham, an art director of The European magazine. This will be the second portrait of Her Majesty on board a Cunard ship. A specially-commissioned portrait of Her Majesty also hangs in the Grand Lobby of the Line’s newest ship, Queen Elizabeth, which she also launched in October 2010.

“Her Majesty has named four Cunard ships: Caronia (1947), Queen Elizabeth 2 (1967), Queen Mary 2 (2004) and Queen Elizabeth (2010),” said Shanks. “We had a magnificent Cunard-commissioned portrait of her by Sir Oswald Birley which originally hung on Caronia and then aboard QE2, and we have the celebrated official portrait of Her Majesty on board Queen Elizabeth which was painted last year by Isabel Peachey. So, it is with great pleasure that we extend this tradition to our flagship, Queen Mary 2, today.”

“Not only is it a honour to receive a commission for a painting of The Queen, it is a particular honour to receive one for a portrait which will hang in such a significant location aboard Queen Mary 2. Most of my portraits are in private hands, so it is gratifying that this will be seen by so many,” said artist Gail Graham.

Queen Mary 2’s 14-day refit required a team of thousands of workers replacing the equivalent of almost ten football fields of carpet and manufacturing about 18 miles of fabric into over 6,000 individual items.

Specific details of her refurbishments include:
* Staterooms – All 1,310 staterooms and suites aboard Queen Mary 2 received a fresh look with new carpeting, curtains, bedspreads and some received new furniture. The revised design is in keeping with current concepts, but with an enhanced sense of comfort, as can be experienced in luxury hotels around the world.
Golen Lion Pub* Golden Lion Pub – With its increasingly popular traditional British pub lunch menus, busy bar, exciting sports events and nightly music offerings, the Pub has benefitted from a complete refurbishment and redesign to enhance its endearing appeal. The new design retains the British pub atmosphere with warm colours and plush seating in keeping with the same venues aboard sister ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Upgraded plasma television screens also have been installed.
* Canyon Ranch SpaClub – An extensive refurbishment of the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea included reconditioning the teak surrounds of the hydrotherapy pool and adjacent wet areas and a general upgrade of all the facilities. In addition, new exercise machines in the fitness centre and new and improved features in the Beauty Salon have been installed.
* Queens Grill and Princess Grill Restaurants – A new, lighter carpet design for both of Queen Mary 2’s exclusive Grill restaurants will enhance the existing ambience as guests get decked out to experience the finest dining at sea.
* Commodore Club – One of the most popular public rooms on board, this lounge overlooking the ship’s bow has been refreshed with a new carpet design and additions to the white leather furnishings of chairs, sofas and bar stools.
Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bar* Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar – This venue featuring the exquisite Veuve Clicquot brand of champagne has a new carpet and new soft furnishings.
* Sir Samuel’s – This busy venue, which features specialty coffees during the day and an impressive menu of wines at night, received new carpeting and furniture coverings.
* The Play Zone – These facilities for younger guests underwent a complete refurbishment, including new soft play areas, plus upgrades including the very latest in electronic gaming technology and entertainment.

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