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Seabourn Odyssey at Anchor in Fiscardo, Greece - Photo of the Week

2009-11-25T04:36:53Z

Isn't this a beautiful setting for a beautiful cruise ship? The Seabourn Odyssey is anchored at Fiscardo on the island of Cephalonia in Greece.

Seabourn Odyssey at Fiscardo (c) Linda Garrison

Seabourn Odyssey at Anchor in Fiscardo, Greece - Photo of the Week originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 04:36:53.

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Costa Cruises' "Moonlight Amore" Sale on Black Friday, November 27

2009-11-24T17:02:54Z

Costa Cruises has announced a big "Moonlight Amore" sale to coincide with the Black Friday sales at all the retail stores. The sale features fares for select 7-night Caribbean cruises from just $199 per person when booking this Friday, November 27, 2009 via the following routes:

Between the hours of 4-6 a.m. EST on costacruises.com.
Via costacruises.com or (800) GO-COSTA between 6 a.m.-10 a.m.

Availability is limited so travelers are encouraged to book early! The $199 per person lead rate is for inside cabins, $299 per person for ocean view and $399 per person for veranda. Amazing deals all around!

Image Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises' "Moonlight Amore" Sale on Black Friday, November 27 originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 17:02:54.

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Silversea's 2011 Worldwide Cruise Schedule Opens for Sale Today

2009-11-23T12:51:39Z

Silversea Cruises has announced that all voyages for 2011 are now open for sale and complete day-by-day itineraries are available at www.silversea.com.

In the next few weeks, reservations will also open for the expedition ship Prince Albert II.

In 2011, the company's quintet of elegant all-suite ships, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and the new Silver Spirit, will offer 170 diverse itineraries, visiting over 335 ports in more than 100 countries and island destinations.

From the pristine wilderness of Alaska and the amazing pyramids of Egypt to the ancient castles of Dublin and the sleek yachts of Monte Carlo, Silversea will present a diverse collection of the world's most sought-after destinations. Highlights include Silver Spirit's 119-day Inaugural World Cruise and seven new Silversea destinations: Brindisi, Italy; San Sebastian on the Canary Island of La Gomera; Ballycastle, Northern Ireland; St. Helier on the British Isle of Jersey; Matarani, Peru; Cooktown in Queensland, Australia; and South Australia's Port Lincoln.

Carnival Dream - Newest "Fun" Ship in the Carnival Fleet

2009-11-22T23:18:21Z

The Carnival Dream was launched in fall 2009, and I had the opportunity to attend the naming ceremony and to take a two-day "cruise to nowhere" on the ship.

My first impressions of Carnival's newest and largest ship are excellent. The ship is beautiful, and its exciting new features, cabin categories, and dining options are sure to be a hit with those who love large ships and a fun-packed holiday.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival CEO, has said that Carnival's goal is to sell fun vacations and create memorable experiences at a great value. The company has certainly exceeded their own expectations with the Carnival Dream.

Carnival Dream Photo Galleries

Carnival Dream Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Dream - Newest "Fun" Ship in the Carnival Fleet originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 23:18:21.

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Royal Caribbean International Appoints Seven Godmothers for Oasis of the Seas

2009-11-19T06:50:01Z

When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Monday, November 30, 2009,

the cruise line will put a new twist on one of maritime's longest standing traditions. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one special person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven extraordinary godmothers to represent the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas. Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike. The godmothers include:

Trulli of Alberobello, Italy - Photo of the Week

2009-11-18T05:27:33Z

Trulli are limestone dwellings found in Alberobello and the southern region of Puglia. They are remarkable examples of drywall (mortarless) construction, a prehistoric building technique. Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More Information on Alberobello and Trulli from the About.com Guide to Italy Travel

Alberobello (c) Linda Garrison

Trulli of Alberobello, Italy - Photo of the Week originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 05:27:33.

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Holland America Line's 2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries

2009-11-17T06:34:43Z

Holland America Line's ms Amsterdam and ms Prinsendam, will each sail two spectacular Grand Voyages in 2011.

When combined, the four extensive itineraries feature a total of 308 cruising days, 121 ports of call and 65 countries.

Built for world cruising, Amsterdam will sail a 110-day Grand World Voyage in January and a 70-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage in the fall. Simultaneously, ms Prinsendam will sail a 66-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage followed by a 62-day Grand Africa & Mediterranean Voyage.
Holland America Line's 2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries

Holland America ms Prinsendam (c) Linda Garrison

Holland America Line's 2011 Grand Voyages Set to Explore Seven Continents, 65 Countries originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 06:34:43.

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Carnival Dream Is Officially Named in New York

2009-11-13T07:39:38Z

It was a "fun" night in New York City as Carnival Cruise Line launched its 22nd and newest ship the Carnival Dream.

Although the Carnival Dream has been sailing in Europe since September, she only arrived in North America yesterday morning, and Carnival had the traditional naming ceremony on the ship while she was docked at pier 88 of the Manhattan Passenger Terminal.

The 130,000-ton Carnival Dream is a new class of ship for Carnival and is the largest ship in the fleet, carrying 3,646 passengers. I was in New York for the naming party yesterday and will be staying onboard for a short weekend cruise to nowhere. I'll have photos and more on the ship posted on the site early next week. Now, back to the party.

Jet Boat Ride in Hells Canyon of the Snake River - Cruise West Shore Excursion

2009-11-12T05:02:46Z

While on our Columbia and Snake River cruise on the Cruise West Spirit of Discovery, we were treated to a full-day jet boat ride excursion in Hells Canyon of the Snake River.

It was great fun to ride the snaking river almost 90 miles upstream through the steep canyon with the cliffs towering over our boats.

We stopped for a break at Cache Creek and for lunch at Kirby Lodge before heading back downstream to Clarkston. The ride downstream went much faster, and those in the back of the boat got wet! Good thing they were forewarned by our pilot. It was a fun day on the river for all.

Photos of Jet Boat Ride in Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon of the Snake River (c) Linda Garrison

Jet Boat Ride in Hells Canyon of the Snake River - Cruise West Shore Excursion originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 05:02:46.

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Variety Cruises -- Tales of the Adriatic -- Free Pre- or Post-Cruise Extensions

2009-11-11T14:08:02Z

Variety Cruises will debut its new Tales of the Adriatic cruise in summer 2010 with an extra flourish - a free pre- or post-cruise land program in Venice or Split.

This includes two complimentary nights in a four-star hotel and a half-day sightseeing tour, valid for select sailings June-August 2010. Transitioning to the sea, travelers spend seven nights exploring the hidden gems of Venice and Croatia along the Adriatic Coast.

Variety Cruises' Tales of the Adriatic departs from Venice, Italy and Split, Croatia on the refurbished Pegasus mega yacht.

The Tales of the Adriatic special takes place in Venice or Split with a free two-night stay in a renowned four-star hotel (post-cruise stay in Venice) and half-day sightseeing tour of the local landscape. The offer is available for sailings June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20. Valid for all category cabins. Must be booked and paid for by February 1, 2010. Variety Cruises' specials are based on double occupancy, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any existing offer.

For more information, please visit www.varietycruises.com, or call 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) and 1-800-319-7776 (US).

Venice, Italy (c) Linda Garrison

Variety Cruises -- Tales of the Adriatic -- Free Pre- or Post-Cruise Extensions originally appeared on About.com Cruises on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 14:08:02.

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