HAL's ms Rotterdam to sail Alaska summer 2010

photos courtesy Holland America

To see more articles by Patti Pietschmann click here http://bit.ly/2P9nFf

In the meantime here's my latest savvy seafarer post:

Holland American Announces First Time Alaska Cruises on ms Rotterdam

Okay it's a little soon to be thinking about an Alaska cruise, but just in case you plan ahead you might want to consider checking out our last frontier aboard the spiffy ms Rotterdam, which HAL is deploying to the icy waters this summer for the first time.

Cruising to and around Alaska is like visiting God's country, it's simply undescribable. I didn't always feel that way actually.

The first time we sailed from Vancouver to Alaska, my husband Richard and I and a good friend (who had his ow
n cabin) it was during what I refer to as my "bimbo with brains" day, today I might say my Sarah Palin time, although I don't think I was ever that...... (you fill in the blank). The ship was nice but old and none of the bells and whistles of today's vessels. In fact we only had port holes, today I won't board a ship unless I have a guaranteed balcony. Anyhow, I just partied on for 10 days oblivious to the fantastic scenery, flora, fauna, elk, tundra or basically anything off the ship. In fact Richard and our friend Bob got off the ship to explore the ports while I got massages and worked out.

Then a little older and wiser I sailed again, this time on the maiden voyage of the super luxe Crystal Harmony and while the ship was first in class at the time and one of the most amazing luxury liners to ever sail the seas, I was able to concentrate on the scenery and shore excursions. Okay it wasn't easy leaving the spa or hot tub. Anyhow I discovered Alaska in all it's glory and it is God's country, pristine, amazingly beautiful.
While it's impossible to fill you in on all the ships heading north to Alaska next year, Holland American just announced that it's flagship ms Rotterdam--complete with staterooms that sport balconies or what the company calls "lanais" will be making 18 cruises to the area from Seattle starting May 15-September 11.
The voyages highlight the inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay --North America's largest tidewater glacier.
According to a recent press release: Under Holland America’s $525-million Signature of Excellence program, the Rotterdam gains 39 new lanai staterooms, created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. The ship also adds 23 new spa staterooms, featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities, on its Verandah Deck. All staterooms and bathrooms will receive complete new décor and furnishings. Public areas will host the Retreat, a resort pool feature; the Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub; and Mix, a new concept with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, will also be added to the ship.
Cruise-only fares start at US $649, per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise on the Rotterdam. 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.

Silversea Cruises' Spirit to Make Her Bow December 23

Photos compliments of Silversea Cruises

It's so exciting, a brand new member of the tiny Silversea Cruises fleet is about to set sail and I can't wait. I love this cruise line, it's simply one of the best afloat with seamless service, scrumptious cuisine, upscale, but not stuff ambiance, all-inclusive rates and suite-size staterooms that engulf you in the lap of luxury.

The 540-passenger Silver Spirit makes her bow on a "Holiday Spirit" voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon. .

The new vessels will feature two new dining options for a total of six venues in addition to in-suite service, which includes dinner served course by course.

What Makes Her Special let me count the ways:

* Exceptional attention to details. * Open n seating – dining. *Artfully prepared meals made from the finest quality fresh ingredients by master chefs with a taste for innovation. *Complimentary wines, spirits and sodas and the comfort of an extensive stock of additional rare vintages, the perfect complement to the meal is always at hand.

* THE RESTAURANT Situated midship on Deck 4, dishing out sumptuous culinary fare in an atmosphere of elegance. It is elegant but not at all stuffy – the perfect stage for a dining experience guests want to savor. Open most of the day, The Restaurant serves open-seating breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features contemporary international cuisine, complemented by La Collection du Monde, signature dishes created by Relais & Châteaux in partnership with Silversea’s own master chefs.

*LA TERRAZZA The far aft location of La Terrazza on Deck 7 allows for 180-degree views of the horizon. It is open for casual, buffet-style breakfast and lunch with indoor/outdoor seating available. For dinner, La Terrazza offers an authentic a la carte experience with only the finest elements of Italian cooking, melding together fresh and flavorful ingredients -- in the finest Slow Food tradition. Reservations are required for dinner.

* LE CHAMPAGNE for savoring outstanding champagnes and wines paired to perfection with regional fares in the intimate atmosphere of Le Champagne, situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4. This innovative Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux features some of the world's rarest vintages, carefully chosen to highlight a most memorable and exclusive culinary experience. There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.

*SEISHIN new to the fleet, the dining venue takes its name from the Japanese word for "spirit," this intimate restaurant specializing in Asian fusion cuisine is situated aft of The Restaurant on Deck 4. Seishin features a large, round chef's table as its centerpiece. Guests at surrounding tables can watch the chef at work sculpting fresh sushi and sashimi. The varied menu ranges from exquisite bento (boxed meal) lunches and a la carte specialties of seafood salad, lobster and Kobe beef to a nine-course degustation dinner. There is a fee to dine and reservations may be made on board.

* STARS SUPPER CLUB also new, the Art Deco-inspired decor of this dining venue elegantly recalls the supper clubs of the 1930s. Located just forward of La Terrazza on Deck 7, Stars Supper Club offers a modern twist with trendsetting menus showcasing regional and seasonal delicacies to be enjoyed in a succession of small courses. Guests can arrive early for cocktails and stay late as the mood is transformed by live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment. Reservations are required for dinner.

*POOL GRILL On Deck 9 adjacent to the pool area is the Pool Grill. In addition to a medley of salads, sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs offered for lunch in a casual outdoor setting, the Pool Grill on Silver Spirit will introduce a wellness breakfast designed to complement morning poolside fitness classes. Here guests can start the day energized with a menu of light and delicious fares -- from nutrition-packed fresh fruit smoothies and organic cereals to egg-white omelettes and spinach and artichoke frittatas. Also set to debut at the Pool Grill is a unique cooking concept for dinner that lets guests cook healthy fare on their own heated volcanic rock plate.

*24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING Complimentary 24-hour room service is available on all Silversea voyages. Selections from The Restaurant menu are served course by course during regular dining hours, utilizing the same fine china, linens and accessories as enjoyed in The Restaurant. 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.
For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel agent. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (877) 215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com.

The Savvyseafarer's Tips for Prudent Packing

The Savvyseafarer’s Tips on Prudent Packing, Shore Excursions and Seasickness

There once was a not-so-savvy seafarer, a self-professed "fashion
plate" who didn't feel right unless she took two steamer trunks
crammed with enough outfits to clothe a small nation on every
cruise. This, she finally learned, was not a good idea.

Besides ticking off her male traveling companion, who continually carped about how he would be the lifting and stowing my bags from car or cab through airport terminals and beyond, she actually realized she only wore half of what she packed.

Today, the savvier seafarer has a new set of rules, some of it due to those security regulations at airports
I will only pack what fits neatly in one suitcase, especially if I am flying to the port of embarkation and want to carry my bag on the plane and not pay additional fees to check my bags.

Packing Nitty Gritty
With a little ingenuity, women's cruise wardrobes can be a
breeze to assemble. Dress as you would for a fine shoreside
restaurant or tropical resort. Be as snazzy as you feel on
formal nights in long gowns or cocktail dresses; take a few
pretty gauzy or silk numbers for informal wear and pantsuits,
resort chic dresses or slacks and pretty tops for casual
evenings.
To lighten your load go with lots of silk and mixed and matched
tops and bottoms. During the day, especially in tropical areas,
you will probably spend a lot of time sunning and lounging by the
pool and will virtually live in your bathing suit. While short
shorts are taboo in most dining rooms they are acceptable wear
for daytime deck buffets or in the more casual eateries found on
most megaliners as well as such small luxury liners as Seabourn's
fleet, Radisson's ships and the Wind Star armada. For walking
around port or daytime indoor activities you'll want slacks, nice
shorts, jeans, T-shirts, cotton or silk blouses and good walking
shoes. If you're into fitness, be sure to pack workout wear to
use in the gym.

The male wardrobe:
The biggest obstacle for “him” is formal night. Tuxedos take up a lot of room and require extra accessories. Alas many ships have done away with this requirement but veteran seafarers often prefer to keep the trend. While
Some ships actually rent out tuxedos, check with the line before you pack f this interests you.
Most evenings men can get away with a sports jacket and
appropriate shirts, tie and shoes for informal nights and pants
and nice shirts for casual nights. Daytime wear is a snap, a
bathing suit for sun/pool time, shorts or jeans, tank tops, T-
shirts etc. for strolling into port, and workout wear.

Most upscale ships (Celebrity, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea,
Wind Star, Radisson Regent Seven Seas, etc) provide robes for use while
on board as well unlimited toiletries such as shampoo, condi¬tioner, body creams, shower gels and even toothbrushes and razors--sometimes
on request.

Additional personal items you might want to consider include a
portable radio/cd player, digital camera, MP3 player, IPods the usual techno tools, prescriptions (pack in carry on always)sunscreen if sailing in
sunny climes.

Travel Book Designed for Disabled Seafarers

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons (www.emerginghorizons.com) and the author of several best-selling books for disabled travelers. Her newest title, the third edition of Barrier Free Travel; A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers (www.BarrierFreeTravel.net) features detailed information about the logistics of planning accessible travel by plane, train, bus and ship; and includes information about 45 local tour operators that provide wheelchair-accessible shore excursions. It's available at bookstores, through the publisher (800-532-8663) or on-line at www.BarrierFreeTravel.net.

Here's an excerpt from her informative book:
Cruising is a very popular vacation choice for people who use a wheelchair or a scooter, and even for folks who just don't get around like they used to. In fact, according to a 2002 Harris Interactive poll, 12 percent of disabled adults had taken a cruise in the previous five years, compared to 8 percent of the able-bodied population. And with the aging of the Baby Boomers, those numbers have greatly increased.

And although most cruise lines have done a great job in making their shipboard facilities wheelchair-accessible, the same can't be said of their shore excursions. The plain and simple truth is; most shore excursions are just not doable for fulltime wheelchair-users, or for anyone who cannot walk up the bus steps and stow their assistive device below. This is especially true outside of the US, where lift-equipped transportation may be in short supply.

The good news is, there is change on the horizon. In fact, three cruise lines -- Royal Caribbean International (RCI), Celebrity Cruise Lines and Holland America Lines (HAL) -- now offer a limited number of wheelchair-accessible shore excursions at some of their European ports.

The RCI and Celebrity accessible offerings include some of their "Easy" city tours, which are conducted in ramped or lift-equipped vehicles. These are not private tours, but because of the vehicles used, the groups are smaller than those on the standard bus tours.

The fully accessible "Easy" tours (appropriate for fulltime wheelchair-users) include Easy Tenerife, Easy Lanzarote, Easy La Palma, Easy Athens, Easy Malaga, Easy Barcelona, Easy Palma, Easy Istanbul and Easy Ephesus. These tours are available on a first-come basis and they can only be purchased on board at the shore excursion desk.

Holland America Line (HAL) also offers a few fully accessible shore excursions in select ports. They are called Signature Tours and they include a van plus a guide for the day. Only a few of these tours are available with a ramped of lift-equipped van, so contact the Shore Excursion Manager to see if they are available in your ports. I’ve had good reports from readers who have taken these tours in Tallinn and Helsinki. Currently HAL is looking to expand their offerings, but growth is slow due to the limited availability of accessible vehicles in many ports.

Although these tours are limited in number, and subject to availability, it's a great start. In the future, I hope other cruise lines will follow suit; but for now if you want to be assured of a truly accessible shore excursion, you need to do your own research and book the tour directly with the local operator. But remember to plan ahead and book early, because right now these tours are few and far between; and with the cruise lines now also booking them, it pays to be the first one in line.

Dream Cruises

A Cruise to Remember in The Grand Suite Life on Silversea Cruises" Silver Whisper



I squealed with glee as the steward let us into our Grand suite—a 1,434 square foot concert of marble and mahogany mini mansion—which would be our floating home onboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper for 33 glorious days on a voyage from Los Angeles to Sydney. I’d been in shipboard suites before, but this went outside the box. The bedroom was huge with an exquisite vanity and a king size bed covered in fine linen with Piumi Salpi down pillows and comforters. I couldn’t get over all the storage space, and the walk-in closet large enough for two steamer trunks and more. The Italian marble bathroom dazzled with a Jacuzzi tub, twin sinks, and separate shower. Lavish soaps, shampoos, conditioners and toiletries lined the glass shelves. Thick Frette terry robes hang on the door.

The living room was so inviting we eased into a nightly routine sprawled out on the comfy sofa or recliner room watching movies on the Flat screen plasma television, or listening to CDs playing on the Bang & Olufsen or Nakamichi entertainment center. While we love the dining venues on the ship, the suite proved so comfortable that we opted to for room service about half the nights of the cruise. The waiters set our mahogany dining table elegantly with candles, Christofle silverware and Bernardeau Limoges china. We dined on truffles from Rome, foie gras from France, Italian-style pasta, filet mignon, and luscious desserts like Viennese tortes.

A beautiful wood bar, stocked with Schott-Zwiesel crystal, and complimentary beverages (Philipponnat Royale Reserve champagne, wines, liquor and soft drinks) proved perfect for entertaining new friends we made during the voyage. Our steward always ensured sure we had plenty of hors d’oeuvres for our soirees.

The suite sports a large private teak balcony where we ate breakfast by day and sat sipping champagne at night.

We did manage to wrest ourselves from our suite to work out in the nicely equipped gym, take free Pilates and exercise classes, and swim in the 30 feet by 12 feet lap pool. We also got out to explore the ports of call.

Sidebar
The company that redefined old-world elegance to contemporary cruising when its first two ships debuted in 1994, Silversea’s four stylishly refined luxury liners: the 16,800 ton, 296-passenger Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, and the 28,000, 388-passenger Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow—are compact enough for intimacy yet large enough for comfort. Each provides ample space, and 75 to 80% stateroom balconies, single, open-seating dining in The Restaurant with its dramatic glasswork art, black cherry wood chairs where leisurely multi-course meals are served by a tuxedo-clad wait staff.

The cruise line’s obsession to details is displayed by free flowing French champagne, afternoon canapés and Godiva chocolates delivered to your suite, leather ticket cases, inviting public rooms and amenities such as the outstanding Mandara Spa.

For additional information call: 800-722-9055, fax in the U.S. to 954-522-4499, or visit the website at: www.silverseacruises.com

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The Savvyseafarer's dream cruise aboard Silversea's Silver Whisper

The Grand Suite Life on Silversea
By Patti Pietschmann


I squealed with glee as the steward let us into our Grand suite—a 1,434 square foot concert of marble and mahogany mini mansion—which would be our floating home onboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper for 33 glorious days on a voyage from Los Angeles to Sydney. I’d been in shipboard suites before, but this went outside the box. The bedroom was huge with an exquisite vanity and a king size bed covered in fine linen with Piumi Salpi down pillows and comforters. I couldn’t get over all the storage space, and the walk-in closet large enough for two steamer trunks and more. The Italian marble bathroom dazzled with a Jacuzzi tub, twin sinks, and separate shower. Lavish soaps, shampoos, conditioners and toiletries lined the glass shelves. Thick Frette terry robes hang on the door.

The living room was so inviting we eased into a nightly routine sprawled out on the comfy sofa or recliner room watching movies on the Flat screen plasma television, or listening to CDs playing on the Bang & Olufsen or Nakamichi entertainment center. While we love the dining venues on the ship, the suite proved so comfortable that we opted to for room service about half the nights of the cruise. The waiters set our mahogany dining table elegantly with candles, Christofle silverware and Bernardeau Limoges china. We dined on truffles from Rome, foie gras from France, Italian-style pasta, filet mignon, and luscious desserts like Viennese tortes.

A beautiful wood bar, stocked with Schott-Zwiesel crystal, and complimentary beverages (Philipponnat Royale Reserve champagne, wines, liquor and soft drinks) proved perfect for entertaining new friends we made during the voyage. Our steward always ensured sure we had plenty of hors d’oeuvres for our soirees.

The suite sports a large private teak balcony where we ate breakfast by day and sat sipping champagne at night.

We did manage to wrest ourselves from our suite to work out in the nicely equipped gym, take free Pilates and exercise classes, and swim in the 30 feet by 12 feet lap pool. We also got out to explore the ports of call.

Sidebar
The company that redefined old-world elegance to contemporary cruising when its first two ships debuted in 1994, Silversea’s four stylishly refined luxury liners: the 16,800 ton, 296-passenger Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, and the 28,000, 388-passenger Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow—are compact enough for intimacy yet large enough for comfort. Each provides ample space, and 75 to 80% stateroom balconies, single, open-seating dining in The Restaurant with its dramatic glasswork art, black cherry wood chairs where leisurely multi-course meals are served by a tuxedo-clad wait staff.

The cruise line’s obsession to details is displayed by free flowing French champagne, afternoon canapés and Godiva chocolates delivered to your suite, leather ticket cases, inviting public rooms and amenities such as the outstanding Mandara Spa.

For additional information call: 800-722-9055, fax in the U.S. to 954-522-4499, or visit the website at: www.silverseacruises.com

Princess Goes to the Movies

Princess Cruises Teams with Film Critic/historian Leonard Maltin

The innovative cruise line no offers passengers membership in the Leonard Maltin Movie Club on board all its ship which allows them to rap with fellow film buffs on selected motion pictures while they cruise.

Princess plans to showcase a new film chosen by Mr. Maltin each month. Princess's unique Movies Under the Stars, an open-air venue with free popcorn and great sound, makes for a very pleasurable viewing experience, especially in balmy climes. The new program gives pax a chance to discuss the film and perhaps become critics.

Each cabin also features popular and classic films on the new Leonard Maltin Movie Channel available in staterooms.

The new partnership celebrates the fifth anniversary of Movies Under the Stars, which first debuted on Caribbean Princess. The giant Times Square-style movie screens are now available on eight ships, and will be added to most other ships in the Princess fleet by 2011.

“For many people in this country, there’s no more recognizable movie expert than Leonard Maltin,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Given the popularity of Movies Under the Stars, we know our passengers love watching films, so it’s a great opportunity to enhance the experience by featuring Mr. Maltin’s expertise with this new movie club and dedicated movie channel.”

The Leonard Maltin Movie Club invites passengers to view a specially selected film on Movies Under the Stars or in the Princess Theater. Each month, a new movie will be featured, with a special video introduction from Mr. Maltin. Soon, films will be announced on http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?515440x631379x-139310 prior to the sailing, so passengers will know what Movie Club selection will be presented on their cruise. Upcoming films include titles such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Slumdog Millionaire” and “The Wrestler.”

Later, the cruise staff will host a gathering for passengers featuring a group discussion of the film, guided by questions and trivia from Mr. Maltin. The one-hour club meeting is open to all passengers.

For passengers who want to further enjoy films in their stateroom, the Leonard Maltin Movie Channel on the ship’s television system will feature a selection of contemporary, classic and animated movies specially selected by Mr. Maltin.

As part of this new relationship with Princess, Leonard Maltin himself will be traveling aboard a Princess ship to share his movie insights with passengers in a series of onboard presentations, and to host the Movie Club. Mr. Maltin’s sailing will be announced at a later date.

Leonard Maltin is one of the country's most recognized and respected film critics and historians. He may be best known as the resident film buff on the popular syndicated program “Entertainment Tonight,” where he has appeared since 1982. However, long before he became a familiar face on television, his annual paperback “Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide” established his reputation; he was 18 when the first edition was published. He has also published numerous other books and articles, and teaches at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. In addition, Mr. Maltin has created television specials and DVDs on film topics, currently hosts the weekly program “Secret’s Out” on ReelzChannel, and introduces movies on DirecTV.

Movies Under the Stars poolside screens have been a signature feature on Princess ships since first debuting on Caribbean Princess in 2004. They are now featured on Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess, Golden Princess and Sea Princess. The giant LED screens are more than 300 square feet in size with 69,000-watt sound systems and sufficient lighting power to be seen clearly at mid-day and heard even while the ship is moving at full speed – offering cruise passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater. Other special programs presented on the giant screens include sporting events such as the Super Bowl, the college football Bowl Championship Series, video game contests with Nintendo’s Wii, a variety of concert events with artists such as Christina Aguilera and Matchbox Twenty, and even midnight showings of cult films such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?515440x631379x-139310.

Princess can also be found on:
Facebook: http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?515440x631378x-655604
Twitter: http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?515440x631377x-25081
Flickr: http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?515440x631376x-541376