OceaniaCruises

Readers' Choice Award Nominees for Best in Winter Travel

Best Caribbean Cruises
Each of finalists for the Readers' Choice for the Best Caribbean Cruse offers the ultimate in luxury. One features a ship that cost $800 million to build, measures 1,132 feet in length and is outfitted with the latest and most modern amenities, including a pool with a retractable dome. Another offers all-suite, all-balcony ships and the must inclusive ultra-luxury experience with everything included in the fare, including air, gratuities and unlimited shore excursions. The third nominee is perfect for anyone seeking an exclusive experience on a smaller ship while the fourth nominee bills itself as the world's best upper premium cruise line. Finally, there's a nominee known for the feng shui-inspired elegance of its ships as well as the rich cultural activities for its passengers.

Crystal Cruises
Cunard Cruise Lines
Oceania
Regent
Silversea

Best City Hotels
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best City Hotel include one considered to be the most glamorous in all of London that has been the destination of choice by Kings and Queens alike, not to mention a smattering of Hollywood stars. Another, designed by world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei, rises high above Manhattan offering stunning views. The third nominee is a historic hotel that is only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Another nominee, also in Paris, is a breathtakingly beautiful property that was originally a palace commissioned by Louis XV. The final nominee is a tranquil, lush getaway amid gorgeous manicured gardens in Venice, accessible only by boat.

Claridge's, London
Four Seasons, New York
Four Seasons George V, Paris
Hotel Cipriani
Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

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Oceania Cruises: Elegant, Glamorous and Spacious

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Founded in 2002, Oceania Cruises, the world's only upper premium cruise line, is a nominee for a Reader's Choice Award for Best Caribbean Cruise.

The company's three 684-guest ships – Regatta, Insignia and Nautica – convey guests to 300 different ports of call as part of 34 different itineraries around the world. Next year, the 1,258-guest Marina will join Oceania's fleet, complete with ten on-board dining venues, including six restaurants. All of Oceania's vessels offers arts and crafts classes, as well as lectures given before reaching port of call about its local culture and history.

The Regatta , which is the flagship of the Oceania Cruises fleet, handles the company's Caribbean traffic. Built in 1998, the ship's decks are resplendent in the finest teak, custom stone and tile work while her lounges, suites and staterooms boast luxurious, neo-classical furnishings. The Regatta offers every luxury one might expect with four unique, open seating restaurants, eight lounges and bars, a world class fitness center and spa, a casino and 342 suites and staterooms, nearly 70% of which have private verandas. The ship's staff of 400 pampers up to 684 guests on every voyage; itineraries range from 10-24 days. The Regatta's Caribbean Pearls' itinerary includes stops in bustling St. John's, scenic Tortola, and the posh port of Gustavia in St. Bart.

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub on board Oceania's ships offer a full range of spa treatments from body wraps and acupuncture to ayuryeda, massage and skin care.

The 12-day version of Oceania's "Caribbean Pearls" cruise runs just shy of $3,000 for an ocean view room; suites can be had for just north of $6,000. As an added bonus, airfare is included in both fares for early bookers.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

Gallery: More from Oceania Cruises

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Jacques Pepin To Have New Cruise Ship Restaurant

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Yachts & Sailing

One of the heroes of my chef-adoring youth, Master Chef Jacques Pepin will open his first restaurant at sea, Jacques, on board Oceania Cruises' new 1,258-guest Marina, scheduled to launch in late 2010. Pepin's new restaurant is inspired by bistros in his home town of Lyon, France. The restaurant will be outfitted with custom Jacques Pepin signature china, antique flatware and Lalique glassware. An art collection comprised of some of Pepin's favorite personal pieces and original works Pepin created especially for Marina will decorate the room. Highlights of the menu are to include an appetizer of homemade Pumpkin Soup a l'Anglaise served in a pumpkin shell, fresh Mussels Mariniere, freshly roasted free range chicken, duck, lamb and other specialty cuts of fine meat. Nine classic French desserts and a cheese tray with 12 AOC French cheeses will round out the experience.

The new Marina cruise ship will have 10 dining venues total. There will be six open-seating, gourmet restaurants including Jacques and Red Ginger. Guest accommodations are comprised of 629 staterooms and suites, 96 percent of which have private verandas. The ship includes bars and lounges, a CanyonRanch SpaClub, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.

Pepin isn't the only chef on the high seas. You can enjoy restaurants from Wolfgang Puck and Nobu Matsuhisa on Crystal Cruises. Todd English offers his ample Mediterranean-style portions on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. Marco Pierre White has created The White Room on P & O Cruises Ventura ship. Chef Charlie Palmer works with Seabourn cruises and Italian chef Aldo Zilli's fare can be found on Thomson Cruises.

[via USA Today Cruise Log]