Windstar Wind Surf Mediterranean cruise review

CruiseCritic has a new review of Windstar's Wind Surf. Because of its five masts of sails, Windstar's Wind Surf is one of the world's most distinctive cruise ships. While the sails perform something of a cosmetic function (though they do supplement the propulsion provided by four engines), they help to establish a casual, free-spirited yacht-like atmosphere.

Otherwise, on our autumn cruise in the Mediterranean, we found that the 14,745-ton, 308-passenger Wind Surf -- very much considered a small ship these days -- offered a hybrid cruise experience. Part upscale yacht, part mega-liner, Wind Surf offers a wonderfully casual ambiance (few structured activities and all-time open seating dining) -- and yet big ship aficionados will feel at home with its art auction, casino, sprawling spa and crew talent show.

In fact, at times, the small- vs. big-ship experience felt a bit schizophrenic. In the former category, the service was personable and often phenomenal. The low key "events" -- fabulous lunch and dinner buffets -- helped create an easy-going camaraderie among passengers, many of whom were Windstar repeaters. Because of the ship's size, we were able to visit less-trafficked ports -- and calls to places like Croatia's Hvar and Greece's Cephalonia were absolute trip highlights. And Wind Surf's water sports platform was fabulous.

Carnival Corporation rides high

Carnival Corporation & plc reported record net income of $345 million, or $0.42 diluted EPS, on revenues of $2.40 billion for its first quarter ended February 28, 2005. Net income for the first quarter of 2004 was $203 million, or $0.25 diluted EPS, on revenues of $1.98 billion.

The 21 percent increase in revenues in the 2005 first quarter was driven by a 15 percent increase in capacity and a continuation of the improvement in revenue yields (revenue per available lower berth day) that began in early 2004. Net revenue yields for the first quarter of 2005 increased 7.2 percent compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher cruise ticket prices and onboard revenues and, to a lesser extent, higher occupancy and the weak U.S. dollar relative to the euro and sterling.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of 12 cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Swan Hellenic, and P&O Cruises Australia.

Together, these brands operate 78 ships totaling more than 134,000 lower berths with 12 new ships scheduled for delivery between July 2005 and April 2009. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Seabourn cruise spas rank highest

The Spa at Seabourn, a full-service spa and well-being franchise located only aboard the three all-suite Yachts of Seabourn, was awarded the highest score for a shipboard spa in the 2005 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Poll.

The poll results, published in the magazine's April issue, reveal that voters cited the line's menu of European- and Asian-based treatments, as well as exceptional staff, service and accommodations, for raising the Seabourn spa experience above the line's competition.

2005 Mediterranean cruises

The USAToday has a short summary of all the cruise lines' offerings in Europe this year.

Deals on Silversea Mediterranean cruises

Silversea is offering some deep discounts on cruises. Whether you holiday among the most desirable ports of the Mediterranean or choose a voyage relaxing on the islands of the Caribbean - you'll experience Silversea's world-awarded warm Italian touch with savings of 50%. All-inclusive fares always include: a spacious ocean-view suite - most with private veranda, 24-hour room service, complimentary fine wines and spirits poured throughout the ship, world-class cuisine, open-seating dining, all gratuities and more.

Example adventures:

• May 5, 7 days, Barcelona to Lisbon, voyage 1511, 50% savings, $2,448
• July 11, 7 days, Palma de Mallorca to Monte Carlo, voyage 2517, 50% savings, $2,648
• Oct 17, 14 days, Lisbon to Barbados, voyage 1531, 50% savings, $3,298

The voyages listed above are but a small sample of the 2005 worldwide itineraries now being offered as part of the Silver Sailings program. For a complete list of all 60 voyages, visit www.silversea.com and click on "Enticing Offers".

MSC Musica to debut in 2006

MSC Cruises has unveiled details of its first megaship, the 2,550-passenger MSC Musica . Currently under construction in France and slated to debut in spring 2006, Musica will serve as the line's new flagship, with nearly 1,300 passenger cabins (85% of them outsides) and more than 242,000 square feet of public space. Sixty-five percent of all staterooms will have balconies.

Among the highlights of the new vessel will be a three-deck waterfall in the central foyer; a three-deck main theater; a variety of restaurants, including a sushi bar and a panoramic "garden" restaurant with columns and frescoed ceilings; a 13,000-square-foot spa; an 8,000-square-foot casino; and a number of themed bars, including a wine-tasting bar, piano bar, a "well-being" bar in the spa, and so-called "Cozy Bar" (for a cappuccino or after-dinner aperitif).

The Mediterranean is more than just a destination for MSC Cruises, it's their home. That's why they know its ports of call and both the well-known and their secret attractions. Their itineraries will transport you to the hidden corners of history, culture and nature in the land of Roman baths, crumbling ruins, Napolean's birthplace and sun-baked villages that are all part of the vastly diverse Mediterranean seaside.

Crystal Cruises Mediterranean Adventures

Explore ancient civilizations in Cappadocia and Ephesus on an overland excursion from Istanbul; soar above the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains from Venice. This summer, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises debuts its most extensive collection of extreme Crystal Adventures shore excursions ever offered in Europe, appealing to travelers seeking exclusive adventure and privileged experiences.

During Crystal's 2005 Mediterranean season, additional Crystal Adventures include:

• Exclusive tours of the stunning Amalfi Coast -- by helicopter or private motor launch -- highlighted by lunch on the Isle of Capri (from Sorrento);
• An intimate tour of Italy's Veneto Valley for exclusive wine tastings and meals at the captivating Villa Monteleone and Villa Spinosa (from Venice).

From April to October, the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will offer 28 cruises through the Baltic (fares starting at $3,995), the Mediterranean (fares starting at $1,795), the British Isles (fares starting at $4,295), the North Cape (fares starting at $4,495) and the Black Sea (fares starting at $4,915). Port intensive itineraries of 7- to 12-days are enriched by the luxury line's most extensive collection of Crystal Adventures shore excursions, offering everything from intimate tours of renowned wineries, museums and cathedrals to active adventures including hiking, diving and kayaking.

"Whether soaring high in a fighter jet, a helicopter or a hot air balloon, or diving the ancient Roman underwater ruins of Baia, our extreme excursions allow guests to view the fascinating architectural and geological wonders of Europe from a remarkable perspective available only to a privileged few," says John Stoll, Crystal's director of land programs. "For the true adventurer, access to exclusive experiences doesn't come with a price tag. We've crafted this special collection of Crystal Adventures to satisfy their hunger for extreme adventure and intimate experiences."

With a minimum price of $500 to explore the underwater ancient Roman ruins of Baia to a maximum of $13,500 for a flight aboard a Russian MiG (rates are per person), participation in these Crystal Adventures is extremely limited and most must be pre-reserved.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard the luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choice, and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.

The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity are among the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising in the luxury market. Their unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations. The Six-Star rated liners feature grand lounges, a lavish spa outfitted in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, extensive exercise facilities, complimentary golf, yoga and Pilates instruction, Asian and Italian specialty restaurants, the only Caesars Palace at Sea casino afloat, and the popular Computer University, offering 24-hour e-mail and internet access, as well as hands-on instruction, expansive decks, two pools, award-winning cuisine and entertainment, and exquisitely appointed staterooms, more than half of which offer private verandahs.

The luxury liners have consistently earned the travel industry's most distinguished hospitality awards and guidebook ratings, including the best large-ship line award in the most recent readers' surveys conducted by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines.

Oceania Cruises Mediterranean deals

Experience a magical August and September with Oceania Cruises, as they visit the Mediterranean's most alluring and exotic ports. For a limited time, receive special air promotions when you book an amazing suite or stateroom by March 31, 2005. Free or low-cost flights to your cruise ... quite a good deal.

Gourmet Cruise with Jacques Pepin

This August, travelers with refined palates can enjoy a 14-day Mediterranean cruise with widely acclaimed chef and cooking-show host Jacques Pepin. Author of 20 cookbooks and chef to three heads of state, Pepin will design menus by night and participate in culinary demonstrations and discussions during the day.

The voyage aboard the 684-passenger Oceania Cruises Insignia begins Aug. 25 in Lisbon and ends in Venice.

Star Clippers cruise deals

With fares starting at just $1,425, it doesn't pay to stay home. See the Greek Isles and Turkey aboard Star Clippers' beautiful 170-passenger Star Flyer , a four-masted clipper ship oozing with charm. Discounts from Star Clippers apply to a handful of 7-night cruises between June and early September, either round-trip from Pireaus/Athens or between Pireaus/Athens and Istanbul.

Silversea's Grand Mediterranean Cruise

Silversea Cruises has announced a nine-country, 37-city, 49-day grand tour cruise in the Mediterranean. The Grand Mediterranean Cruise departs June 19 from Venice aboard the 296-passenger Silver Wind and visits ports in Italy, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Tunisia, France, Spain, Monaco, and Turkey before finishing up a month and a half later in Istanbul.

Prospective passengers can book the entire 49-day cruise (for a $25,044 starting price) or book any of five segments. Guests on the full voyage receive several savings incentives, plus a $1,000 per-suite onboard credit. Complimentary business class air upgrades are also available with the purchase of Silversea's optional air and hotel program. Along the way, guests will be treated to several complimentary shoreside events, including a classical concert at the ancient site of Ephesus, Turkey, and enjoy onboard enrichment lectures from chef Rick Tramonto of Chicago's Tru Restaurant, who will host cooking demonstrations and a gala gourmet dinner, and Philip Di Belardino of Castello Banfi Vineyard & Winery, who will guide guests through wine tastings and share insights into the art of fine winemaking.

Mediterranean cruises can be a life raft for the sinking dollar

The dollar is sinking like the Titanic. Faced with high prices in the Mediterranean, American travelers might cast about for an economic lifeboat. But as the dollar dips, the cost of food, lodging and transportation keeps rising.

To the rescue comes Cruise Lines International Association, which recommends taking a cruise so that you can use your ship not only as your lodging, but also as transportation between the continent's major cities.

Cruise from Greece to Portugal

Some gals from Goshen have formed their own tour group. They made a 12-day cruise out of a portion of a repositioning cruise on Holland America. The ship was headed from Greece to FortLauderdale, but the ladies only stayed on as far as Portugal. It was booked as a 12-day cruise, but you could get on and off as you wanted, paying only for that segment. Susan and her husband, Sam, spent an extra day at the onset in Athens and at the end in Lisbon. One member needed to return a little earlier, so she flew home from Florence.

Sounds like a smart group.

Mediterranean cruise deal

The Washington Post notes that Seabourn has a "second-week-free" deal on four Mediterranean sailings from Monte Carlo. The 14-day cruises, departing July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 4 and Oct. 2, start at $5,996 per person double. Taxes are $32 extra.

Cruise ship review: Costa Atlantica

Costa Cruises has 10 ships in the Mediterranean, and Atlantica is the most modern. A new review at CruiseCritic covers dining (underwhelming), public rooms, cabins (bright and spacious), entertainment (every lounge has a stage and large dance floor), fitness, family (an extensive kids program), fellow passengers, and the dress code. This is a truly comprehensive and generally positive review of the ship.

Mediterranean photos by Fibonacci

A small collection of photos of antiquities from Greece, Rome and Turkey. By Fibonacci at pbase.com. Fine, expressive photography.

Featured Mediterranean cruise: Yachtsman's Riviera

On April 24, 2005, the Seabourn Legend sails from Barcelona, Spain, on a 7-night "Yachtsman's Riviera" cruise of the French coastline. At 8 am the next morning you'll arrive in Palamos, Spain. Below the dramatic rugged headlands you'll find beaches rimmed by pine woodlands. Palamos is the southernmost of a series of tiny harbors along Catalunya's northern coast. It sits on a high rock over the harbor. The next day brings you to Port Vendres in the Roussillon, one of France's most beautiful regions along the Mediterranean coast. Visit the 13th-century castle, old town and beach, inspiration to artists like Picasso.

Day 4 is Marseille, with the picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago. Then on to Sanary-Sur-Mer ... a pretty town along the Provencal coast with a charming seafront ambience and interesting streets to wander. Day 6's port is Porquerolles Island in the Provence region of France. Three superb beaches offer gently sloping sand and exceptionally clear water. Admire the majestic landscape from the lighthouse with a 360 view of the island and the sea.

Day 7 brings you to St. Tropez. No introduction is needed for the best known and most fashionable resort on the Riviera. Immerse yourself in the splendid scenery of the Cote d'Azur with an excursion to the hilltop villages of Gassin and Il Ramatuelle. The embodiment of French Riviera chic. Your dream cruise ends at Monte Carlo, Monaco, on the morning of day 8. The world's most famous casino, nightlife, first-class dining and shopping, make it one of the world's most glamorous destinations.

Onboard the Legend you'll enjoy the Seabourn Cruise luxuries on a relatively small "yacht" size ship. No crowds here to ruin your vacation.

Croatia: a star is born

Croatia has entered the Mediterranean big league, but how can you get the best from the "New Riviera"? David Wickers shows the way in a free guide from the Times:

These days, it’s not hard to find a contented Croat. While many popular Mediterranean destinations grapple with a downturn, last summer was a bonanza in the Balkans, with UK visitors up by 40% on 2003. This year’s prospects look perky, too: 15 tour operators are featuring Croatia for the first time, and those that dipped their toe in the Med’s clearest water in 2004 are now diving headlong into other parts of the country — and splashing cash about wherever they go.

Since much of Croatia is a long narrow strip of coast, it’s an obvious candidate for the classic sunny summer holiday. Having emerged from the bust-up of old Yugoslavia with the lion’s share of the shore, it offers almost 1,000 miles of seaside, reaching all the way from the Slovenian border to the Montenegrin one. And should you run out of mainland, there are still 1,185 islands to play on — many of them as easy to reach as the Isle of Wight from Hants.