cruises

Luxury Cruising Fueled by Baby Boomers

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

It seems that baby boomers are loving luxury cruises, and as a result the luxury cruise lines are not only managing to hold their own amidst this country's economic difficulties but are actually doing so well they're looking to expand and grow. They're buying new ships, remodeling existing ships, adding new gourmet foods to the menus, adding new ports to the itinerary ... all with the intent focus on attracting the affluent baby boomer group that is currently spending their money on the less premium cruises like Princess and Celebrity. The "in" cruises now are most likely through Regent or the soon-to-be fleet leader, Silversea.

They say once you go luxury cruising, you never go back!

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Tags: baby boomer, baby boomers, BabyBoomer, BabyBoomers, cruise, cruises, luxury cruises, LuxuryCruises

What is the Future of Cruise Ships for 2008?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

What is the future of cruise travel in 2008? A recent AP article sums up some of the trends and predictions regarding the cruise industry for 2008. Cruising has steadily grown over the past few years and cruising has evolved. Now finding cruise ships with rock-climbing walls, bowling alleys and even mechanical waves for surfing is commonplace. Joining these activities will be a chance to play on a lawn while onboard. In December 2008, Celebrity Cruises will launch Celebrity Solstice which will have a half-acre lawn of real growing grass on the top deck.

More ships are also offering shore trips that range from simple sightseeing to more adventurous excursions such as bike tours. Entertainment and education have also improved on ships. Princess ships will host a film premiere the week of February 11, showing "Bonneville," starring Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Joan Allen before the movie is in theaters on February 29. Wine tastings and cooking classes are also common on cruises now as are far more sophisticated spa services than were available even just a couple of years ago.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association an estimated 12.6 million people cruised in 2007 and they predict 12.8 million passengers for 2008. The weakening economy is a concern and so there may be some deals to be had, especially for those who are willing to jump in at the last minute or cruise on one of the older ships in a cruise line. Of course that takes some of the fun out of it. Another more serious concern that really takes the fun out of it is the green factor. A recent post on our sister site Green Daily asks whether or not cruise ships are "floating eco-bombs?" Some companies are making moves to offset the toll on the environment but the green quotient of your desired cruise is yet another actor to consider when planning your dream vacation.

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Tags: cruises, cruising, tourism, vacatiion

The Most Expensive Megayachts

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

If having a yacht of your own doesn't work for you then chartering one is the next best thing (or maybe it's better? None of the hassles of ownership!) there are lots of choices out there. What amenities are important to you? Where do you want to go? The options are endless, and if money is no object then the luxuries can be too. Ever had the chance to experience any of these megayachts? They're some of the most expensive out there available for charter, and I think they all sound awesome:

The Christina O $422,000/wk
The O'Mega $446,080/wk
The Alysia $912,079/wk
The Turama $868,644/wk
The Leander $571,200/wk
The Lubecker Flender 40 $868,644/wk
The Princess Mariana $824,840/wk
The Rm Elegant $618,800/wk
The Indian Empress $700,000/wk

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Tags: charter, chartering, cruise, cruises, journeys, megayacht, megayachts, most expensive, MostExpensive, travel, water, yacht, yachting, yachts

River Cities Condos

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Yachts & Sailing

I've seen cruise ships on the ocean offering condos before (a trend that seems to have begun with Residensea) but this is the first time I have seen condo boats for river cruising. River Cities Condos is selling floating condos that will travel through the intracoastal waterways of the U.S. Amenities include a grocery store, restaurants, concierge service, a rooftop lounge, theaters, activity rooms, a library, hot tubs and pools, fitness equipment, walking tracks, a rooftop chipping course and even fishing. The condos range from studios to two bedrooms and cost between $161,000 and $499,000. Shared expenses for the staff of 30 range from $6,700 to $23,100.

[via Twin Cities]

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Tags: condominiums, condos, cruises, cruising, river cities condos, RiverCitiesCondos

Jewelry Designer Creates Luxury Cruise Souvenirs

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Those traveling on Crystal Cruises will soon to be able to pick up dazzling new souvenirs. National Jeweler reports that jewelry designer Rhonda Faber Green has designed a collection for sale on the company's two ships, the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity. The jewelry is done in 18K yellow, white or rose gold with diamonds. Many of the pieces use the Crystal Cruises symbol, the seahorse. The new collection will be on board later this month in the Facets gift shops.

This isn't Green's first partnership with a vacation destination. She has also worked with the Wynn Resorts to create a Wynn-exclusive line that features white, yellow, pink and black diamonds in the card suits including spades, hearts and diamonds.

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Tags: cruises, crystal cruises, diamonds, gold, jewelry, rhonda faber green, RhondaFaberGreen

The World's Most Expensive Cruises

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

People who have money and taste are ever looking for different and more exotic ways to relax and entertain themselves, and the world of cruises is no exception. Trips to the Caribbean and the Bahamas are all but mainstream, so luxury cruises are moving towards smaller more personal ships and less common locations. And the world's most expensive luxury cruises are no exception, with popular locations ranging from the Baltic to Africa to Antarctica, and prices soaring upwards of $2,000 per person per day in some cases. Money like that will get you the best rooms, interesting adventure options (like kayaking in the Antarctic), upscale shore excursions with exclusive perks and privileges, and of course travel at the peak of the sometimes short seasons. Where do you want to go? I don't think I could decide!

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Tags: boat, cruise, cruises, expensive, journey, journeys, most expensive, MostExpensive, ship, top 10, top ten, Top10, TopTen, travel, travels, water, world's most expensive, World'sMostExpensive

Costa Cruises Launch Ship In Real Life And Second Life

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas, Yachts & Sailing

This may be a first, a luxury ship that launched both in real life and simultaneously in Second Life. The Costa Serena, from Costa Crociere will depart from Venice to Greece, Turkey and Croatia in summer 2007 and from Savona to Canary Islands in winter 2007/2008 .The new ship was christened in Marseilles on May 19 and a virtual cruise ship and cruise terminal were also launched in Second Life.

The new ship is 290 meters long and has accommodation for up to 3780 guests in 1500 cabins. Like other Costa cruise ships this one features the Samsara spa and Samsara spa suites. The ship also has four swimming pools including one with a giant movie screen. The ship has a Greek and Roman mythology theme with 5990 art works including many original pieces. Costa Serena has already embarked on its maiden cruise from Venice to Turkey and Greece. Fares start at $1099.

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Tags: costa cruises, costa serena, CostaSerena, cruise ships, cruises, european cruise, travel, vacation

Pets Cruise with You on the Queen Mary 2

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Pets

Now going on a luxury cruise doesn't mean getting sad puppy eyes as you book a boarding house for your favorite pet -- the Atlantic cruise liner Queen Mary 2 gives you the option of bringing them along! The amenities of their "Pets on Deck" program include fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down, a variety of bedding and blanket options, and even a little coat with the QM2 logo. All pet guests also receive a complimentary gift pack with a mix of essentials and fun stuff, such as a food dish with scoop, a name tag, a frisbee, and a complimentary portrait with their owners.

As a dog owner I think it's great when vacations are pet-friendly, but in this case I can't help but wonder: do people's pets ever get seasick? That would not be pleasant!

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Tags: atlantic, boat, cat, cats, cruise, cruises, dog, dogs, Mary, pet, pets, Queen, Queen Mary, Queen Mary 2, QueenMary, QueenMary2, ship, vacation, vacations

Costa Cruises To Launch Floating Destination Spa

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas, Yachts & Sailing, Luxury Cars & Autos

The Costa Concordia, the latest ship from Costa Cruises, will offer a unique feature, the biggest health spa at sea. The new ship, which will be launched in July is like a floating destination spa with over 20,000 square feet of space over two decks. The spa , known as Samsara, will have a gymnasium and a spa pool that will give massages using air jets and hot ionized seawater. The spa will offer Ayurvedic treatments, fitness and meditation classes, a tea ceremony, mudwraps and personalized wellness evaluations. Like a true destination spa, guests can stay there, Samara will have 67 cabins and suites with an Oriental theme. And just in case you aren't into the spa experience the ship also has another unique feature, Formula 1 race car simulators.The ship's first voyage leaves from Italy on July 14.

[via tvnz.co.nz]

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Tags: ayurvedic, costa cruises, cruise, cruises, destination spa, italy, mediterranean, resort, samsara, spa, vacation, wellness

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